The war trundles on. Did I say war? That should be invasion, right? Even a couple of journos are using the term lately.
Nothing to add, really, except—if you haven’t already seen it (it’s being linked to a lot), go here to read a blog by an Iraqi, right on the spot in Baghdad, seeing some of this stuff first-hand. Some people have doubted its veracity, but I’m willing to take it at face value. Anyway…
Don’t mention the war! I did once, but I think I got away with it.
I stayed up watching the Oscars last night. Hell, my sleeping patterns are screwed anyway (see time for this entry). Of course, it was a load of rubbish—business as usual, then. Even so, their giving an award to Roman Polanski was surprising and rather pleasing. Rather less pleasing was all the kudos given to Chicago, which strikes me as a frankly tacky pile of bilge. But what do I know.
A true Oscars staple, the parade of ridiculous, ill-fitting dresses, was much in evidence… only Julie Andrews made any notable attempt to not be part of this undignified display, and she looked very classy with it.
Michael Moore’s speech was predictable but entertaining. I’m glad he didn’t just get booed.
Sundry comments: Something is wrong with Harrison Ford’s face—bad botox? Steve Martin died more often than he deserved, but he was nonetheless spectacularly unfunny at times. Peter O’Toole seemed moderately sober; he’s still a class act. Kirk Douglas is another class act, but seeing him these days makes me v. sad. Denzel Washington is omnipotent. Colin Farrell is boring. Ben Affleck’s hair really does look fake in a certain light. Geena Davis looked just plain dumb.
Peter wasn’t pissed?
I was rather concerned that the inestimable Gregory Peck wasn’t in the former Oscar winners segment (he won best actor for the brilliant To Kill a Mockingbird, 1962). There have been refuted rumours about his health. He’s awfully old now, but I hope he’s okay. He’s right up there on my actors list.
I’m not sure why such an essentially shallow and pointless spectacle manages to hold my interest, really. It somehow combines everything that is great and everything that is incredibly horrible about showbiz, effortlessly. But, you know, some people can’t help looking at road accidents. Maybe the psychology is alike.
Our house sale situation remains in a state of uncertainty; moreover, there are almost no suitable places for sale in the area at present. This might drag on even longer than the wretched war! I desperately hope not…