| Critics peek inside Oscar
If the past few years (or the past few decades) are any indication, trying to predict who will get a nod is like trying to predict Kevin Federline's musical career.So this year, Fresno Bee movie critics Donald Munro and Rick Bentley are taking a different approach. Their lists are the actors and films that they would honor if they were selecting those to get the Oscar nods. Here's how they would hand out the 2008 Academy Award nominations.Donald Munro's picksBest picture"Hairspray": The feel-good movie of the year, perfectly pitched and so giddy in its forward momentum and cheery social message that you'll be dancing out of the theater."No Country for Old Men": It captures the Wild West tinge of underlying violence that boosted the United States in its early days and to an extent still forms the framework of our society: a country of wide-open spaces, boundless opportunities and a chilling tendency toward taking what you can get."Once": A perfect little musical love story about a struggling Irish songwriter, this low-budget charmer has the best soundtrack of the year."Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street": This pared-down version of the Broadway musical is so bloody economical that the film achieves an amazing double whammy: It gives you the chills and makes you sing at the same time."Into the Wild": Sean Penn's adaptation of the Jon Krakauer book about a young man (Emile Hirsch) who naively challenges the Alaska wilderness is a taut, superbly told and ferociously filmed adventure.Best actorJohnny Depp, "Sweeney Todd": He's a cut above, no doubt about it.Chris Cooper, "Breach": A clenched and compelling performance as a traitorous FBI officer who shrouds much of himself -- motivations, back story, moral center -- and yet keeps offering intimate glimpses.Don Cheadle, "Talk to Me": An endearing and moving performance from an actor who captures the charisma of a born entertainer.Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood": Among the most chilling personifications of evil ever portrayed on the big screen.
In Memoriam: Those We Lost in 2006
Gerald R. Ford,, 93 -- Thirty-eighth president of the United States, who ascended to the presidency in the wake of Richard Nixon's resignation. He was the only president never to be elected to national office. His pardon of Nixon helped heal the nation after the divisiveness of Watergate. "My fellow Americans: our long national nightmare is over." Saddam Hussein, 69 -- Former Iraqi dictator; deposed by the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, Hussein was put on trial for his crimes, convicted and executed. James Brown, 73 -- Musician and entertainer whose legendary talent and innovative hits earned him the nickname, "Godfather of Soul." Dec. 24, 2006 Joseph Barbera, 95 -- Cartoonist who collaborated with William Hanna to produce some of TV's most memorable animated characters.
Prison worker took drugs into jail
She was stopped and searched on October 23, 2006, when a sniffer dog showed an interest in the bag she was carrying. Heroin and cannabis with an estimated value of £21,000 was found inside a coffee jar. The court was told that rumours about Powell’s relationship with an inmate were circulating in the prison. She said she took the drugs into the jail because she had received a letter threatening exposure. Simon Drew, for the defence, said that Powell was full of remorse and shame for "this single incident". .
Perseverance paid off for 8 inductees
There will be a common theme tonight when the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame welcomes eight new members. Perseverance. Hockey's Mike Bossy and Cassie Campbell, football's Doug Flutie, wrestler Daniel Igali, Olympic cross-country skier Beckie Scott, baseball's Larry Walker and sports pioneers Sam Jacks and Robert Steadward all overcame obstacles and doubters to reach the pinnacle of their sports or to make sports more accessible to others. .
Mail | What readers are saying
The worst thing the Mariners could do besides trading Ichiro is trade Adam Jones. He has the opportunity to become a phenom, a present-day Ken Griffey ("Keeping Jones is Mariners' best move — for now and future," The Seattle Times, Jan. 17). This young kid has the potential to have Hall of Fame numbers. At just 22 and starting for an American League contender, this kid is soon to be the face of the Seattle Mariners. Trading him for a pitcher that half of the Seattle area has never heard of is absurd. Jones still has at least 12 good years in him, and he is not even close to hitting his prime. The Mariners are infamous for signing big names, and those same big names becoming duds in the Seattle uniform. We have a good thing in Adam Jones. Don't blow it! — Tony Reavis, Covington Ramirez no answer Well, the Mariners should finally be set for 2008.
The Buzz: (Foot) long story
In what can only be described as a tale of heroes and villains, one current and two former Florida football players were arrested after causing a disturbance at a campus sandwich shop. One of the accused is now a professional runner and tried to flee on foot but was apprehended (maybe he was wearing Crocs). According to the Gainesville police report, an employee asked the trio to pay for a bag of snacks, and they responded by throwing items at the worker. Talk about not responding well when the chips are down. Tuning in The Patriots-Ravens telecast last Monday pulled in an audience of 17.5 million, the largest ever for a cable program, topping the 17.2 million who watched "High School Musical 2" in August. Perhaps the Ravens should view the Disney drama - they might learn something about harmony.
Watford accept King bid
WATFORD have accepted a £5m bid from Fulham for Marlon King. Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson saw his £5m cash offer for the 11-goal striker accepted this afternoon and King will have a medical at Craven Cottage before signing a lucrative three-year deal. King is likely to make his debut against Arsenal, his boyhood club, on Saturday. Collins John, who rejected a move to Watford this time last season, will join on loan with a view to making the move permanent in the summer. For the full story, see tomorrow's Watford Observer. To give your ratings on Aidy Boothroyd's signings since he became Hornets manager click here. .
|
