My Two Cents #2

Canceling the Oscars

Okay, so it's been awhile since my last "My Two Cents" and I'm sure you've all been wondering what's on my mind lately.

Well, one thing is the current Writers' Guild of America strike, but that's not what this edition of "My Two Cents" is about. (I will certainly comment on this in length in a future edition of this blog report.)

I recently renewed a lapsed subscription to Entertainment Weekly (mostly because Premiere Magazine ceased publishing a print version), and last week's issue had this on the cover, "Will the Oscars Happen?" The article goes on to discuss the possibilities of the Oscars going the way of the Golden Globes: canceling the telecast and simply having a press conference.

Well, I honestly couldn't care less. I think all awards shows are a bit ridiculous in all the pomp and circumstance that comes with them. Some actresses look wonderful and their beautiful gowns, some actresses look terrible in their hideous gowns. The entertainment channels broadcast live outside on the red carpet for hours on end prior to the events, fans are falling all over themselves to try to touch a celebrity or get an autograph.

Then there's the telecast. The host usually tells some really good jokes; if it is a good host that is, like Billy Crystal or John Stewart, but the actors who get up there to present awards seem awkward and often have little chemistry with one another. For me, that is about as painful to watch as a "Saw" movie.

The only thing that really interests me about the awards shows is who wins. And normally I simply look that up on the internet the next day. Why do I need to sit in front of the television for three or more hours, subject myself to the unwitty banter of the presenters (I am definitely on the side of the writers in this strike, but the writers for most awards shows don't really write good stuff for the presenters), watch the nominees in the audience act surprised when they win, and then go up on stage and thank everyone under the sun and moon for winning.

And yes, not having the awards shows takes away the spotlight from those artists who deserve the recognition and their moment in the spotlight; however, in much of what I've read about the writers' strike, the actors are truly supportive as a group. So I don't give this argument much weight.

I'd rather just not do it, so good riddance awards shows. I didn't miss the Golden Globes telecast, and I won't miss the Oscars should it not happen. Just let me know who won and I'll be fine.

However, I must admit that on occasion awards shows do provide some great moments.

Cuba Gooding Jr. at the Oscars


Jim Carrey at the MTV Movie Awards
(granted, this isn't from one of the traditional awards shows, but it's a great acceptance speech)

Jamie Foxx at the Oscars


There are probably a couple hand-fuls of other great moments, for the most part I believe most awards shows are truly forgettable.

Oscars, I will not miss you...

Here it goes again...

Folks, it's that time of year again. Well, it's just the second time, but it will be a recurring event for the rest of my life.

One month from tomorrow will be the two-year anniversary of my dad's heart surgery. Those of you who know me well know what happened not long after that.

As the days get closer to that date, I am increasingly down. The funk has arrived (and it's not the good kind as produced by George Clinton, Prince and many others). And if it is half as bad as last year, it will be bad.

So, what does that mean for you folks who read this blog? Well, a couple things really. It could possibly mean less correspondence from me. I know what you're all thinking, "But Brad, you rarely write anyway..." I know, and I apologize for that and promise it will get better. Much better as the year goes on. But for now, deeper into my shell I will probably go. But there is a good thing that will probably come out of this. I will probably tell some great stories about my dad. I have to. You may not want to read them, but if you are a new friend of mine (and I think I've made some great ones this past year, and connected with some old ones who I hadn't heard from in a while) you can read them and learn more about my best friend. I probably will post some photos, too. You know, to help tell the story.

If you are anxious to go ahead and learn a little about him, check out this blog entry.

Anyway, that's what's coming up. I'll also try post more about what I had intended with this blog, to write about things that no one would really care about but interest me.

Don't You Think....

it is really difficult to get much work done when your office chair hurts your back?

The chair in my office is killing my back. I have to stand up once an hour or so and walk around just to stretch it back out.

I've been here less than two months. Is that long enough to ask for a new chair???