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08:46 am
2/26/07

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writergrl
Dear Oscars,

I hate to say it. But I'm out.

Yep. Last night, I officially hit my limit with the Academy Awards. Yes, Ellen was cute and all, and I liked the opening with all the nominees. But remember when they used to do the Best Supporting actor and actress right away, or at least early on, so that you got to see a couple of the big awards before you had to muddle through all the other ones? Yeah. They don't do that anymore. I swear, they did Best Supporting Actor after one hour; actress, after two. In the meantime, the drone of award after award that frankly, was just not that exciting. And then they do the last four, boom boom boom, in the final ten minutes or so. What's up with that? Do they think that by cramming all the bigger awards at the very end, they'll ensure that people will watch the entire broadcast?

Well, in this age of Tivo and DVRs, I hate to say it, but...no. At least, I didn't. I watched for about two hours, fast forwarding when I could, then went to bed, got up this morning, and watched the last stretch. I'm thrilled for Martin Scorcese and the Departed (which is number one in my Netflix queue right now) but otherwise, I was underwhelmed. And kind of annoyed, if I'm to be totally honest. It's like on Idol, when they drag out the final results show, taking two hours to do something that could be accomplished in thirty minutes, and even that would be padded. Do the Oscars REALLY want to be compared to Idol? I don't think so. All I know is that the ratings have been slipping for years now: if this year was an improvement, I'll be shocked. Shocked.

*reads over entry so far*

Man, that was a bit of a rant, wasn't it? You'd think a three day weekend would make me more easygoing. Huh.

Truthfully, it was a good weekend, very slow and lazy, just what I needed. Saturday, I went to see Notes on a Scandal, which was good but very creepy. Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench were fab---of course---but they changed the story from the book, which was VERY good, to make it a little more heavyhanded. Still, I am long overdue for movies, and the popcorn was delicious. Then, yesterday, I watched the new documentary about the Dixie Chicks, Shut up and Sing, which I HIGHLY recommend, if you're a fan or not. Very compelling: one of the best docs I've seen in a awhile. Today, I may just play hooky and watch For Your Consideration. Step back, I am on a roll!

Maybe this is what I need to be remember: that no matter what, I'll always love movies, and everything about the movie experience, even if I'm over the Oscars. But that's just one night. For the other 364, there's time to just see movies, and I want to do more of it in the year to come. I'm off to a good start, at least. We'll see how it goes.

have a good day, everyone!
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On February 26th, 2007 01:49 pm (UTC), [info]adancehalldrug commented:
i thought for your consideration was fabulous. i love christopher guest movies.
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On February 26th, 2007 01:56 pm (UTC), [info]mandikins49 commented:
I watched and loved the whole broadcast.

But then again, it's a really important tradition with me.

Go Scorsese!

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On February 26th, 2007 02:11 pm (UTC), [info]bookcollector replied:
I agree!
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On February 26th, 2007 02:19 pm (UTC), [info]cherrychick069 commented:
i enjoyed the oscars last night. but that could be because i think Leonadro Dicaprio is the most gorgeous man alive. but I did like the opening...Ellen was funny.
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On February 26th, 2007 02:43 pm (UTC), [info]jscarlettlg commented:
My biggest complaint was the montages. Too many, too long. Otherwise, I liked it better than past years. I loved the way they did the best costume nominations, like renderings come to life. The people behind the screen that formed all those shapes were awesome--the penguins were the favorite at the Oscar party I was at.

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On February 26th, 2007 02:51 pm (UTC), [info]sammydasoda commented:
My God, you sure do complain a lot. My mornings are filled with constant criticism. Are you ever satisfied?

I'm surprised you watch American Idol. It's such a braindead show that needs no thought whatsoever. I'd think that someone as genius as you would realize that maybe investing four hours of your life into watching one show isn't exactly the best idea. Yet like a sheep, you continue to watch. And then tell me how horrible it is the next day.

And as of now I'll be unsubscribing from this blog. Adios.

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On February 26th, 2007 03:33 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) replied:
Whoa, take a pill
I would think that if someones personal musings and thought processes bugged you that much, that you definitely should stop reading their blog. You complained about Sarah's level of complaining, so therefore are guilty of the same thing-human emotion. We real fans will continue to read for the sheer entertainment and enjoyment of knowing what a truly great author thinks about the serious and the mundane things in life. Keep it up Sarah!
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On February 26th, 2007 05:21 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) replied:
Seeing how this comment was rife with bitter, judgemental complaints I would think negativity would be right up your ally. The more tactful approach is to Just. Stop. Reading. I don't really get the need to write that you're going to stop reading the blog anymore with a "I'm taking my ball and going home!" declaration. Clearly, you're having a bad morning but writing really nasty stuff to the person you term a "genius" with the sole intent of hurting her feelings is really unnecessary. Trying to make other people miserable is not going to make you feel better.
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On February 26th, 2007 06:04 pm (UTC), [info]jeffdaniels replied:
I'm going to try to take the positive road right now and say...

at least the person had the gusto to post under their actual account instead of anonymously?

Eek!

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On February 27th, 2007 06:25 am (UTC), (Anonymous) replied:
RE: Take a Pill
Sorry, I wrote that one early this morning and I don't have a LiveJournal account yet, so when I comment it's anonymous. So here you go:

Signed:
Huge fan Hollie

Thanks

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On February 26th, 2007 02:52 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) commented:
Wow.
Even when your completely annoyed you can still write. I can't do that. Not fair.
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On February 26th, 2007 03:26 pm (UTC), [info]theatercab commented:
I actually really loved the Oscars. Ellen is just too cute for words. And all my "I want them to win but there's not shot in hell" people actually WON (except for my biggest hope: Kate Winslet). I was so happy!

And, contrary to what the above poster said, you really don't complain too much. You crack me up.

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On February 26th, 2007 03:46 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) commented:
Au contraire...
I thought last night's broadcast was the most entertaining in years. Yes, the more technical awards are less exciting because we don't really know the recipients... and yes, the montages were plentiful... yes, there is always the "special" Oscar awards that take forever... but all of this is par for the course in regards to the Oscars. Happens every year and should... I thought the rest of the "entertainment" aspects of the show (dancers, sound/motion, Will F./Jack B./John C. R., other Ellen stuff...) were original and pretty great.

If anything, I wasn't crazy about the films up for best picture... but that is hardly the broadcast's fault.

Just my opinion.

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On February 26th, 2007 04:11 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) commented:
The show was 45 minutes over!
No one can blame you for your strong words. What's amazing is that even with all the extra time they use, they STILL cut off speeches in a way that makes everyone cringe with embarrassment.
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On February 26th, 2007 04:58 pm (UTC), [info]opheliandreams commented:
i watched the opening number and then turned it off. i figured i hadn't seen any of the nomeniees (except for Happy Feet which even though it was an oscar winner, i wasn't that impressed), and i didn't really care about any of them. maybe when i see more than one movie a year, i will care about more, but these past few years haven't been impressed. i am all for taping (yes, i live in the dark ages of vcrs) and fastforwarding them. a 4 hour awards show can then take 30 minutes. much better
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On February 26th, 2007 06:12 pm (UTC), [info]writing_away commented:
OHMYGOD it was just too freaking long. And what I REALLY should have been doing was my Holocaust speech for Thursday - instead of snuggling in my boyfriend's bed and watching four hours of pointless, stupid awards. I've only occasionally stayed up late enough for the actual actor and actress awards (i.e. the year of Berry and Brody - but I think I had a snow day the following Monday so I could stay up). But when you have a 9 AM the next morning, getting some shut eye is a good plan.

Anyway, other than length, the only thing that REALLY annoyed me was the whole Inconvenient Truth thing. 'Listen' definitely deserved to win best song - but didn't because it wasn't from a liberal documentary featuring Al Gore. It was so blatantly biased toward him in the documentary category it was disgusting. They practically said he was getting it when he and Leo came out to discuss how the show had gone Green.

I love my wilderness - I'm all for the saving of the peaceful places I love to visit - but Jesus, this is not a politically affiliated program. There is no need to shove it down our throats.

okay, hahaha, sorry. rant fin.

Excellent post as always!

<3

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On February 26th, 2007 07:37 pm (UTC), [info]frenchmoodle replied:
I'm really into the environment, but I thought Hollywood's adoration for Al Gore was balancing on the point of cheesy. I know Jerry Seinfeld has supported his campaign, but even he looked like he was about to roll his eyes.
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On February 26th, 2007 06:13 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) commented:
i think the only good things about last nights oscars were ellen of course, the dancers who formed movie pictures, and jack black and the gang skit. other then that it was a bore. was it me or were the nomination introductions longer then usual?
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On February 26th, 2007 07:41 pm (UTC), [info]clayrulzz commented:
Wow..
Well, I taped the Oscars- mainly just to see Ellen in action, who I love- she's so funny, without being dirty.. and basically, she's just hilarious. And I can fast foreward through the stuff I don't want to see :)

Just a question- I'm writing an undergrad English essay about the censoring of books in schools; specifically books that deal with "controversial issues" such as growing up, etc. I think the censoring of books is absurd- would you mind sharing a few of your thoughts? thanks.

~Elizabeth

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On February 26th, 2007 07:44 pm (UTC), [info]lilrongal replied:
Re: Wow..
Elizabeth, a dear author friend of mine just released a novel on this topic called How To Get Suspended and Influence People. It's available in libraries—you will want to check it out. It's funny and it deals with censorship and growing up, just the things you're writing about. The author's name is Adam Selzer, and you can also find his book at amazon.com.

Good luck on your paper! :)

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On February 26th, 2007 07:41 pm (UTC), [info]rhea123 commented:
I never watch the Academy Awards.
;)
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On February 26th, 2007 07:42 pm (UTC), [info]lilrongal commented:
Sarah, it's YOUR blog, talk about whatever you want, regardless of what commentors may say. Personally, I loved reading the rant. I like knowing that things annoy you, or that you freak out the night before your book is going to release even though you're a NYT Bestselling author. I like knowing that you worry about what you're going to serve at a Superbowl party. You're one of my favorite authors, and I have a tendency to put authors on pedestals. This blog makes you more approachable and more real. I'd be wary if you were posting about how life is roses and sunshine every day. If someone can't accept all the aspects you choose to show in your blog, then good riddance to him or her.

Not that I'm saying you've let that person get to you or anything like that. Just wanted to sneak in my 2 cents.

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On February 26th, 2007 08:07 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) commented:
I just flipped from the Oscars to Family Guy.
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On February 26th, 2007 08:25 pm (UTC), [info]_strawy commented:
Grey's Anatomy
*shocked* I can't believe you didn't mention Grey's Anatomy! I waited all weekend to see what you would say, haha. I think it came back pretty good after dragging the storyline out over three weeks.

I won't spoil it for people who haven't seen it yet... but I want to. =)

Mary

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On February 26th, 2007 08:45 pm (UTC), [info]lotr_freak16 commented:
I hate to say it, but they do have the big awards at the end trying to get people to stay up for like what three hours just to see those. But now with the internet, people can just go online first thing in the morning and get a list of all the winners. I love the internet! :)
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On February 26th, 2007 09:29 pm (UTC), [info]o_nevermind commented:
they also needed a fact checker. it was quite sad.
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On February 26th, 2007 09:59 pm (UTC), [info]silverpistola commented:
Notes on a Scandal
I am SO GLAD I'm not the only one who was freaked out by Notes on a Scandal. My friend dragged me to watch it and that's the last time I trust her about films.

The bit with the arm stroking *shudders*, EW!

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On February 26th, 2007 11:50 pm (UTC), [info]luvable2491 commented:
I completely understand that there is a lot that goes into making a movie, but quite frankly, I don't really care and just want to see who wins for best actress/actor and best picture. Last night was annoyingly dragged out and it didn't even start at 8 like it was supposed to!!!!
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On February 27th, 2007 12:17 am (UTC), (Anonymous) commented:
what'd you think about the oc?
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On February 27th, 2007 02:57 am (UTC), [info]peaceandlove_x3 commented:
documentaries
If you're into documentaries, I highly suggest "God Grew Tired of Us." It's about the Lost Boys of Sudan and the voyage of some of them to America. I'm from around Pittsburgh, so it was especially neat that they showed the ones who came here and went to Syracuse the most. It was only playing in one theater anywhere near me, in Pittsburgh, but Nicole Kidman was the narrator, so I'd imagine it will eventually be released. Also, unlike Blood Diamond or Hotel Rwanda, the movie is more uplifting and inspiring. I've been thinking of pursuing a career in international relations, and this has almost ensured me that's what I want to do. In any case, if you get the chance, definitely see it! It's seriously life-changing!
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On February 27th, 2007 03:14 am (UTC), [info]snozzie commented:
Oscars
Look on the bright side: you made it farther than I ever did! I'm 22 and I haven't watched the Oscars all the way through. Last night a friend called me at 10 and asked if I was watching. I forgot it was even on, even though I did want to see Ellen hosting.
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On February 27th, 2007 04:14 am (UTC), (Anonymous) commented:
special site Sarah will love!
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/25/fashion/25stars.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=style

See the article in the NYT!

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