The Oscars

OK, for the first time in probably 20 years I watched the Oscars. I got free beef stroganoff so it wasn’t a bad trade.

Who knew Hugh Jackman was that talented? I certainly didn’t. I was, however, disappointed that at no point adamantine claws didn’t just shoot out of his tux.

The people who made Slumdog Millionaire were so enthusiastic and happy and it was very fun to hear their speeches. Good for them.

I thought Kate Winslet’s speech was great as well, because again you had someone who appreciated the honor.

I enjoyed the commentary about the actors instead of the film clips for the best performers.

It’s too bad the jokes are so stilted, though, and the only performer that I thought was really funny was Steve Martin. Tina Fey did OK opposite him, but the timing of everyone else was just wretched.

In fact, the funniest line from the night was the Japanese guy who won some tech category saying: “Domo arigato Mr. Roboto.”

Still, it was an enjoyable time because of the excitement of so many recipients.

Unfortunately a person had to bring it down, and that person was Sean Penn. He and I are actually on the same side of the gay marriage issue. Legally, I think gay marriage being illegal is unconstitutional based on the 14th Amendment. Ethically, I think that being faithful and honest in the relationship is far more important than the genders involved. It’s not like heterosexual couples have all that great a track record staying together right now, as my divorce among millions proves.

But Sean Penn’s a jerk. First of all, I have always hated it when actors use the Oscars as a forum for their political views. Second, he could quite easily have stated his position in a positive manner: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to portray a famous gay leader who did so much for his community. I hope that my portrayal can help more people support gay rights issues like gay marriage.” Instead, he gave an ad hominem attack on those against gay marriage. This doesn’t help. I can definitely say that if you argue with me about my position, and you lay out coherent reasons, I can indeed be convinced. You tell me that I’m going to be ashamed and that my grandchildren will be ashamed of me I’m going to tell you to go to hell.

So, even though I agree with him on this one issue, Sean Penn, please shut up. Your speech left a bad taste after what had been a joyful and happy evening.

My Turn

-Describe me in one word- just one single word. Positive or negative.

-Leave your word in a comment, before looking at what words others have used.

-Copy and paste the meme to your journal to find out how people describe you when limited to one word.

Super Bowl

Well, the dishes are in the dishwasher washing, the trash is in the bag, and on Tuesday my trash men are going to grumble about how many bags I put out at the curb.

My 4th Super Bowl party at my house was another success. People ate wayyyy too much (including me) and yet there are more leftovers than I could eat. I sent one set of lasagna home with a friend, and foisted a bunch of junk food on one of my friend’s students.

And yet, I’m a wee bit grumpy. This is two Super Bowls in the last three years that have included the Steelers, which in and of itself is not an issue. What is an issue is that this is two Super Bowls in the last three years where the Steelers won and were egregiously assisted by questionable refereeing decisions. Any of three clearly illegal blocks on the interception return prior to the half should have been called. One that really irritated me was the face mask called on the Cardinals defensive back when the Steelers receiver was doing the same thing at the same time… especially since the NFL made this a priority to call because they didn’t like the way Cowboys RB Marion Barber was running.

Sigh…. I hate it when the referees influence a game, and they essentially owned the third quarter. I have to compliment the Cardinals for their resiliency and their mental toughness when it seemed like every time they made a good play, the referees called a penalty.

Sadly, this would have been a great game, but for the referees. I don’t know that the Cardinals would have won if the referees hadn’t helped the Steelers, only that it’s a shame that they were so prominent in a game that had a chance to be a classic, and now will just go down as a good Super Bowl, just as the Steelers-Seahawks game is essentially forgotten.

Nevertheless, it was a great party. I have tons of jelly beans (black licorice and yellow banana and red cherry and white coconut) to take to Estrella. Before Estrella, I don’t have to cook given that I have lasagna, and olives, and cheese, and…

Anyone want to help me eat leftovers? 😉