Next up on the Oscar trail today was "The Blind Side". A little late to this party, as this came out exactly three months ago today. Of course, I had prior knowledge of this story, as I read the book by Michael Lewis. It is the incredible story of Michael Oher, who rose from the depths of poverty in Memphis, and now plays offensive line for the Baltimore Ravens. No need to go into the plot, because if you know that story, well, there's your movie.

The cast is headed by Sandra Bullock. Tim McGraw and Kathy Bates chip in, but it's mainly a Bullock-driven movie. Now, I've been there with Bullock from the start. Way back in the "Love Potion No. 9" and "Wrestling Ernest Hemingway" days and on to "Speed". Everyone knows she has a flair for the comedic roles. She's done OK with some dramatic roles, but her career has been kinda spotty when she goes that route. "The Lake House" and "Premonition" are some recent duds that come to mind. But she made sort of a comeback with a comedy, "The Proposal", which came out last summer and now has all the Oscar buzz attached to "The Blind Side", her first Oscar nomination.

And, quite frankly, I don't get. Now, I haven't seen all the other nominees yet, but really, this isn't a role that Oscar typically loves. I mean, this is no "My Left Foot". It's basically Bullock as a blonde, adopting a Southern accent. Oh, she's tough as nails, gets to wear flattering outfits, and so on, but she doesn't really overcome anything. There really is no emotional comeback for her character.

Her most emotional scene is when Michael decides he "needs a proper hug" when he goes off to college and although she appears to have shed a few tears in the car, they do have a long embrace when she gets out. And this scene is at the end. Other than that, she gets her way at every turn. Now, I'm not saying Bullock isn't good in this role. She is. Probably her best role yet. Remember, Oscars are a time for payback as much as they are for celebrating the movies. But this certainly doesn't fit the bill as to what I think Oscar sees as an award winner.

Now, if she made "My Left Breast", maybe. But we'll see in a couple of weeks.

Meal of Links

Conor Friedersdorf does a great job (again) in compiling his own list of the Best Journalism of 2009. And speaking of Michael Lewis (I inhale everything he writes), he gets three mentions. His superb stories for Vanity Fair on Iceland and AIG. Yes, even the one for Slate on Shane Battier. I urge everyone to read at least a few of Conor's mentions.

Devo does a turn at the Olympics on Monday. And Mark Mothersbaugh is talking to everyone about it. New outfits and energy domes, too.

It is the second picture that confuses me.

Checking in with Ana Marie Cox. Next up for her: Washington correspondent for GQ.

Yeah, he's a kissing expert. And what is with the kiss of the Trobriand Islands? Pull twigs out of hair. OK. Bite lower lip. Now we're talkin'. Pull partner's hair. Hey, now. Nibble off their eyelash. WTF?

Exercise Yard

Was at the CSU game tonight against Toledo. Toledo? This was part of the annual BracketBusters day and somehow CSU drew Toledo, a team with only three wins! Not sure how that happened.

But it was a good tonic for the Vikings. After a tight first half, CSU wins, 87-63. Hard to lose when you shoot 74% in the second half.

Visitor

48 Down: Washington Nationals manager Manny ____ (4 letters) Answer: Acta (Hey. Wait a minute. Isn't he...)