Actors

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MSN about the actor, his legacy, and his life. As an avid film fan I have long loved the work of Newman, but did not know very much about his charitable giving. I read an article yesterday from Tim Stevens entitled "Joe Biden Ticks Me Off." In the article Stevens relates how little Obama and Biden have given to charity in recent years when compared to the giving of John McCain. But as generous as McCain and the Clinton’s have been to charities over the years, Newman proved to be one of the great American philanthropists.  All of the proceeds from Newman’s Own dressings go to charities, which have totaled more than $175 Million since company began in 1982. Newman had also started a camp in Connecticut for kids with cancer.

So how much did Biden give to charity recently? How about $995 in 2007, which was one of his most charitable years and $120 in 1999. You check out some other figures on giving here.

With corporations extolling their charitable interests more and more what role do you think the charity of our politicians will make in the coming years?

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Michael Clayton, Sunshine, and Rendition.  Two politicos and a sci-fi.  Not bad for a day’s work.  I am really stoked about the awards show this weekend.  Print out your ballot and tell me how many you picked right next week. 

     Michael Clayton is the story of an in-house fixer for a law firm in New York.  He is the guy that cleans up the mess.  Think of the "The Wolf" in Pulp Fiction, but without murder.  Tilda Swinton plays another litigator who decided to do a little cleaning of her own.  This is such a powerful film.  Anyone who is a fan of Grisham films will enjoy this one.  Sydney Pollack, who plays George Clooney’s boss, directed The Firm with Tom Cruise and is no stranger to this blend of film.  This film does make you think about the lengths men will go to to secure their future. 

     Sunshine is the sci-fi film with lots of big name actors in it.  I actually don’t remember it being out in theaters, but I don’t think there is a huge audience for this kind of sci-fi film.  There were some excellent lighting shots throughout the films.  Here is something I didn’t expect to come away from the film with, "Don’t get sidetracked.  Stick to the task at hand."  I have a real propensity to start new things before I have finished others.  This means that I work under the gun on some things when I don’t have to.  This film was directed by Danny Boyle, who also directed Trainspotting, 28 Days Later (have I mentioned that I like zombie movies), and The Beach. 

     Sydnie is fixing dinner and we are about to put Rendition in.  What are you watching this weekend?

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High Fidelity with John Cusack was on E!.  John is a prolific actor.  I ran over to www.imdb.com and found that he has 8 movies in the works and has appeared in over 59 movies since 1983.  I really like Grosse Pointe Blank.  I have noticed that he really enjoys playing a professional killer.  I love the way he acts extremely rationale during his gun fights in Grosse Point Blank.  When I see him I am reminded of first Baptist Collegiate Minister, Minnie Pack.  I am not sure why.  We only talked about this movie once 8 years ago.  He plays characters that I would really love to be.  I have read several books by Nick Hornby who wrote High Fidelity.  Interesting fact #1, Nick Hornby wrote the movie I am watching and Nicholas Sparks wrote a book that I finished last week and both of them have a child with autism.  Interesting fact #2, in High Fidelity Jack Black tells John Cusack he is wearing a "Cosby" sweater and later in the movie he hooks up with Lisa Bonet of Cosby fame.

      So what are you watching?  Who is one of your favorite actors or actresses?  Who do you like more Nick Hornby or Nicholas Sparks?