Oscar is The Award, Stevie G is the Grouch

My employer, MultiTech Systems, sent me to Boston for database system administration training. Progress Software wrote the database, and provided the training. Once again, though, Boston's roads hurt me, and the interchange from I-95 to I-93 was painful. Good thing I already had coffee. I thank the people at Progress for giving me a shortcut I could use the rest of the week that sped me along.

The class was thorough, and I was tired after the first day. I decided to stay at the hotel for the evening: dinner at the hotel restaurant, then back to the room to watch the Academy Awards.

Dinner was good, not excellent, but I could not eat the salad at all.

Before I went back to the room, I stopped by the bar. Despite having to explain how to make what I wanted, I paid $4.50 for the drink, then played a little pinball.

The machine in the bar was Dr. Dude, an older machine, but still a good ride. Any time I can find one quarter=one credit, I like to play, but this pin was a challenge. It kicked my ass all week long. After swearing, coaxing, nudging, pleading, flexing, and using any other means I could think to affect the game, I finished my drink and retired to my room.

The Academy Awards

I must admit that I love to watch the Oscars. My mother got me hooked as a kid, and I love movies, so it presents a visual feast and a bottling of the Hollywood year that I cannot resist. This year was a little different, since I had no real favorites in any category.

Last year, I was glad to see Kevin Spacey win for "The Usual Suspects" and very upset to see Elisabeth Shue passed over for Best Actress. Especially when her counterpart, Nicolas Cage, won Best Actor.

I like Nicolas Cage, but I think playing a drunk provides a crutch for an actor. In the same manner, Geoffrey Rush received the Oscar this year for stuttering, walking around naked, and affecting a sort of mental deficiency. Ralph Fiennes, on the other hand, conveyed his emotions with his eyes, body language, and subtle intonations of voice in "The English Patient". It was at least equal to the performance he gave in "Schindler's List", and as different from that part as the Van Doren role from "Quiz Show". He acted in those movies, and he acted in "The English Patient". Unfortunately, he didn't stutter, limp, or slur.

Sorry about that, Ray. Next year play a cripple.

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Last Updated: 7 April 1997
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