"Eddie, You're A Born Loser"

George C. Scott may have been right about Eddie Felson, but that didn't apply to the actor playing Felson.  Paul Newman has passed away after battling cancer at the age of 83.  Just a couple of weeks ago I saw, for the first time in about 15 years, his memorable tour de force as Fast Eddie Felson in The Hustler, with Jackie Gleason playing Minnesota Fats.  If you haven't seen this superb film noir, do yourself a favor and cue it up on Netflix.

Brilliant performance.  For me it's a tough call between Newman and Clint Eastwood as my favorite actors.  Newman's filmography includes The Verdict, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, Cool Hand Luke, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, The Long, Hot Summer, Slap Shot.  He did the voice over for the Hudson Hawk in Disney Pixar's Cars.  While not every Newman film was a great film, every Newman part was made his own; you'd be hard pressed to imagine any other actor playing the part.

"Newman's Own" brands has a tribute page up to their founder, noting that all profits for the company are donated to charity.

Paul occasionally referred to Newman's Own as the "joke that got out of control" and would express astonishment at its success. Despite this humorous approach, Paul was committed to the company's business and to providing top-notch quality – he brought all-natural food products to a wide audience long before it was fashionable. And he was one of the greatest recyclers, giving back to charity all the money he earned from the sale of Newman's Own products.

That's charity unlike what Sen. Joe Biden envisions - higher taxes coercing the money to be funneled through government filters.

I haven't decided yet which of his films I'll watch tonight.  But I'll watch one.  Bet on it.