"For Your Consideration" is also a movie released in 2006. It's the story behind a 1940's film, "Home For Purim." Three of the principal actors learn their performances are generating award buzz. Like "Best In Show" "Waiting For Guffman" and "A Mighty Wind," Christopher Guest and company offer up a very funny and entertaining satire.
Last night I watched the Oscar's, sort of. Wanda says she has better things to do with her time, like sticking toothpicks under her toe nails. We have one television and I didn't want her to spend three plus hours hiding in the back of the house. I recorded the show and I'm glad I did.
From an article in the L.A. Times.
"The broadcast has drawn more than 40 million viewers only once in the last five years, and the median age of the television audience has soared from 39 to nearly 53 years old in barely two decades. But even if MacFarlane draws some younger viewers, will they stay tuned in through a celebration of James Bond and a salute to movie musicals?"
Oscar time next year I'll be 65 so I'm pretty sure the producers and the sponsors won't care that I'll never watch again, live or otherwise. I don't want to bore you, like I was last night, so I'll only list a few reasons.
The witty and funny banter between the host and one audience member isn't witty and isn't funny. Last night rather than Jack Nicholson it was George Clooney. The witty and funny banter between presenters isn't either. Every year one of the least known winners makes the longest thank you speech. Truly not interested in hearing about Mr. Finkelstein the contractor who built the second bathroom in the mans house. I cringe at many of the speeches.
I thought the "saw your boobs" number was moronic. I couldn't decipher the 50 Years of Bond montage. Was it cryptic because he was a spy? With all that great footage to use, I saw Halle Berry in a swim suit. And I guess I'm missing something? Shirley Bassey looked great for 84 but, "Goldfinger?"
I think it's time to rethink this presentation. I'm not going to stop watching it because I'm old, but because it's not very good. The comedy isn't working, maybe they should try it straight? There is so much talent in Hollywood, what a shame it's not evident on this special night.
I remember when a package of cigarettes cost thirty two cents. You put thirty five in and three cents came back taped to the package. Public vending machines sold cigarettes, candy, and soda. You could stand on a scale and for five cents get your weight and a monthly horoscope.
I suppose ladies had female things in their bathrooms. Men's room machines sold condoms and combs. I was always puzzled about the combs. Was nice neat hair a prerequisite for sex?
Years ago vending machines were simple and they dispensed practical goods. Yes, condoms are practical. You put in a few coins, pulled a lever or turned a handle and received your goods. Today there are vending machines you need to hug, or yell at, or dance in front of. Today, vending machines stock a variety of specialty items.
1. The big soiree is tonight and you're out of caviar. Moscow and L.A. have vending machines that stock the salty little fish eggs. Crackers, you'll need to run to the store.
2. You have discriminating taste and need a sugar fix. Sprinkles, a Los Angeles bakery has an ATM-like cupcake machine that operates 24/7. Or, you can simply go to the nearest 7-11 and buy some Ho-Ho's. A side note, Rebecca told me about this machine a few years ago.
3. Little Caesars has $5 pizza always hot and always ready. Domino's promises delivery within thirty minutes. These options won't work for you? Coming soon, pizza in a machine. Let's Pizza vending machines will tun out a 10.5 inch pie with your choice of four different toppings. A spokesperson for the company emphasizes the sanitary infrared ovens in which the pizza is made "without being touched by any hands and in a human-free environment." The pizza suggested retail price is $5.95 and they throw in the box, free. The question isn't what came first the pizza or the box, but which tastes better?
4. When a cupcake isn't enough. Berdoll Pecan Farms in Cedar Creek, Texas bakes fresh pecan pies daily. To keep up with demand the company has a pie vending machine on the porch of the shop that operates around the clock. I don't know, the shop is open 24/7 but they have a vending machine? Maybe it's a Texas thing? A drive through I could understand.
5. Now this one is just too weird. In Singapore many 7-11 stores have machines that dish out mashed potatoes, gravy is optional. Yummy, yummy, yummy.....nothing like a nice hot cup of mashed spuds.
6. Can't get to the local supermarket? The "Smart Butcher" in Alabama sells steaks and chops for an affordable price. You don't need to take a number, just get on line in front of the "raw meat" vending machine. Shoot, bring the BBQ along and have a cook out right there.
7. This one is very, very wrong. Live lobster vending machines. They did OK in Florida but busted in New England. What kind of a person decides they need a lobster last minute?
8. Ditto the Shanghai hairy crab. This should have made my ten things not to eat list. The thought of eating anything named 'hairy' make me queasy but from a vending machine as well? No thanks.
9. And for the vegetarian: Vending machines in Japan sell lettuce. The machines are set-up with grow lights. They have several options for amount and type of lettuce.
10. WeGoBabbies machines sell the usual baby essentials like pacifiers and diapers but some also have baby food and formula. "If you leave home without the baby, you're in trouble...if you leave without the food, we can help.
Those Japanese lettuce machines might be a good investment. It won't be long before we see medicinal pot, pipes and rolling paper.
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