So I've been a little lazy here...
2/13/2004 2:47 PM
My friend, Rob, noticed that since my "weight loss" annoucement that the first thing I "lost" was my abilty to post here. So here a few bits and pieces for your bemusement. Pieces I started but sat in my "drafts" awaiting finishing that will never happen.

First the diet update...None...I'm still the fat bastard I have always been since age 26. Poverty sucked but it kept my gut in check.

Weight: Still 233. I haven't exercised a lick. You can send all mocking emails to the Radworld central office.

So in no paticular order here are some of the bits that got started but didn't keep their gas...

The farthest point from Hollywood

I bemoan Hollywood...I look at it contemptously. In a moments notice I could give 5 things I hate about it without taking a breath. But in showing my true whore like nature...I would forsake all of this if it embraced me. My sarcasm is pure envy drive. I would love write and make better movies then the tripe I see rolled out on a weekly basis. But I also know the siren call of Hollywood...how fantastic writers are ground down. I know my weak will and my passive aggressive nature would only serve as an appetizer to them. But really none of us is any better...we clamor for smart films...unique storylines...but what was the number one move this weekend. The Kutcher debacle "Butterfly Effect". I roll my eyes and sigh. How is he rich and famous and yet I languish? I have watched hollywood for a long time...I read the rags and keep in touch with the "scene". To a horrible point....I can tell you the films of Micheal Bay in order of production costs ratioed to profits. But I have never balanced my check book or be able to tell you with any preciseness on what my nephews birthdays are. So with that...I give you my "Oscar" nomination preciptation jubilation...

Best Picture...This year I think all nominees are worthy contenders for this prize. Even "Lost In Translation"...All of America and Hollywood are giving this movie one giant tongue kiss. I saw it I thought it was unique and a little bold but thats about it. Its beautifully shot but in all honesty I could care less about either characters. Neither of them come to any catharsis or turned out any better for meeting each other. I heard raves about what a wonderful exploration of a platonic relationship it was. Its not platonic...not really because Bill Murrays character is constantly longing for her and more importantly coveting her youth. And Scarlett Johanssens character would much rather sit around a hotel room in one of the biggest cities in the world and be bored until the dim light of Bill Murrays character comes into her life. I know plently of people will poo poo me for this but I didn't get it...I don't think I ever will. I like for my films to means something. Without meaning its just light through celluloid. And the envelope please...I announce the winner to be and should be..."Lord of the Rings"...Look we all know he's getting the oscar for all 3 movies. These movies are the closet thing we've seen to an epic in a very long time. Jackson did it all...he made it appeal to the masses, kept pretty much to the book and the respect of millions of fans of the book. 3 movies all over 2 1/2 hours long that you barely notice. "Master and commander" doesn't stand a chance because its Crowe in another historical drama...Oscar is saying "seen it" whule giving the dismissive hand wave. "Mystic River" was a great movie...I can't deny it but really look at every thing involved how could it not have been? Eastwood directing...a deft acting ensemble. LOTR was more of an accomlisment in my mind.

Best Director...Jackson see above. And he did it all while wearing shorts.

Best Actor. Let me say this....I think Best Actor should go to whoever plays a character the best or does the most with a role. Now it seems to be some politcal recognition tool to recognize people for their acheivements not for a role. Murray will win because the academy loves it and they can accept Murrays contribution to film in this serious role. If there was any justice he should have won for his performanace in Ed Wood. Speaking of Ed Wood...Depp SHOULD be the winner. He took a very vague character idea that Disney gave him and made it into a real performance and I think comedy is far harder to pull of then drama. Oh yeah and the typical bullpen of Homer run hitters were also nominated.