Better Late Than Never

Thinking of a subject matter for the blog this week has been difficult. At the beginning of the week, I think I was actually depressed. Between the never-ending job search and Buddy's departure, I was feeling numb and lack luster. But life goes on and so do I.

The OSCAR GOES TO.............

........WHO CARES.

Once upon a time, the Oscars were the Superbowl of movies. From all the articles I have been reading, not too many people care about the Oscar show or their picks for the best. Many are predicting the lowest Oscar audience in many, many years. Everyone has their perspective on why the Oscar audience is dwindling. Of course, here are my views.

During my childhood, Oscar night was a big night in our house. The Oscar show was held on a Monday night in late March. We lived with my grandmother, Blanche. She was a night owl. Blanche never ever missed the Johnny Carson Show. So, we could stay up with Blanche and enjoy the Oscars with her. In the old days, there was spontaneity to the show. It was live and anything could happen. Most of you are too young to remember the "Streaker" who interupted David Niven in 1974. That would never ever happen today with security and tape delays.

As audience numbers started to dwindle, Oscar moved the show to the great month of February. (That February is such a popular month.) This move was to better compete with the Golden Globes held in January. Hence, the theme, better late than never (never being March).

A party is only as good as its host. Every year Oscar keeps trying out a new host. Personally, I don't care how much it costs, get Billy Crystal back. Believe me, it will be worth it. Even Billy has his price.

How about the movie choices? This year, I actually saw most of the films nominated. But most of America has not. Point in case, in January 2009 movie revenue was at an all time high. Yes, during tough times, Americans turn to movies for enjoyment. For two weeks straight in January, the number one movie was "Paul Blart - Mall Cop." Guess, since most of us can not afford to go to the mall, we can live vicariously through Paul Blart. I am may be wrong but I don't remember noticing the movie, "The Wrestler" even playing in my outer suburban area.

For me personally, the most important reason to watch the Oscars is the fashion. Thanks to E!, on Monday night, I can watch one of my favorite shows, "Fashion Police" without suffering through the bad jokes and lame acceptance speeches.

Good luck to the nominees and the show. The Oscars is a great tradition and institution. Hopefully, it can rejuvenate itself for the future. This year on Sunday evening, I will be glued to my TV to watch "Confessions of a Teen Idol." It's the season finale. Now that, I don't want to miss.

MOM