Gone Blogging

I'm being featured today over at APOOO Bookclub's All About Romance blog. Click on over and read a character sketch introducing Emily Yancy, the heroine of my upcoming women's fiction, A New Kind of Bliss. Yasmin has been talking with other authors this month as well, so check it out!

So far I've only had an email from one prize winner of Oscar trivia about where to send their prize. I get to the post office once a week, folks, and that day is Saturday. If you're one of the top five winners, don't forget to email me with your information!

I know this is only Thursday, but I've got a busy weekend ahead, so I'm going to wish all of you a fun and productive weekend. See you Monday!

Hmm . . . .

Y'all have probably seen Phylicia Rashad in those weight loss commercials for a diet service. I hear that celebrities can get pretty sweet deals for this, with personal weight loss coaches to make sure the weight comes off. Let's face it, there's no better endorsement than to see a rapidly shrinking famous person every few weeks (and by the same token, it would be awful for the sponsor if the person wasn't successful). Not only do they get to lose weight, they're getting paid to do it.

Which makes the curious part of my nature wonder just how these things are set up. Does the celebrity contact the company and offer their services? Or does the company have staff who scout award shows or watch television, looking out for celebrities who have visibly gained weight (like Candice Bergen) and go to them with an offer, a sort of a Fat Lookout Squad? And, if so, has anyone refused?

I seem to remember Whoopi Goldberg doing commercials for one of these services a few years back, which is why I was so surprised to see at the Oscars that she'd gained the weight back (and then some). I guess you only get one shot at the big bucks to go on a public diet.

Kind of makes me wish I were famous. I could stand to have someone breathing down my neck making sure I lose at least X pounds per week to drop these 30 pounds!

Thoughts on the Oscars

Absolutely no surprises, which for me made it rather dull. If I'd entered an Oscar prediction contest, I would have gotten every question right.

Hugh Jackman made a charming host, but that "The Musical Is Back" Production number was awful. Maybe if they'd left that out, the second half wouldn't have felt so rushed. Those presenters acted like they had to go pee as soon as they read off the names and announced the winners.

I doubt that Jennifer Anniston really could have seen Brad and Angelina sitting in the front row under those bright lights of the stage, but it did seem like she was avoiding looking to her right, where they were sitting. But the camerapeople had no problem with cutting to close-ups of Brad's face, did they? Three times during her presentation.

Is it me, or does Steve Martin never seem to age?

I liked the idea of having five past acting winners salute the five nominees. They all came off looking like winners in a time when the expression, "It's honor enough to be nominated," has become cliché.

Those kids from Slumdog Millionaire were adorable, but they must have been bored stiff, sitting through a show that ran longer than three hours. I'll bet they'd rather have been at Disneyland.

I hope that Freida Pinto, Slumdog's leading lady, has a mainstream career. What a beautifiul young lady.

Meryl Streep, who will be 60 years old this year, looks fabulous. So does Eva Marie Saint, who is over 80.

No one looked really bad, fashion-wise, aside from Mickey Rourke (which I'm surprised no one) other than Sophia Loren. That dress was awful. She's always been a big woman, both in height and in figure, and that poufy dress with its overabundance of material made her look like a runaway fabric rack. What surprised me was that no one mentioned that on the Monday morning shows, other than Barbara Walters, who very gingerly said she was "a little disappointed" in Ms. Loren's choice of such an overpowering dress before hastening to add how good Sophia looks in her senior years. Meanwhile, poor Sarah Jessica Parker was being raked over the coals for that bridal look that made her look like an overage Barbie doll (for a hilarious description of Ms. Parker's ensemble and other amusing comments, visit Donna D's blog). Could it be that Ms. Loren's iconic status shields her from criticism? Such things do happen, and in fields other than movies. I've seen one writer praised by a reviewer who gushed that her book was wonderful, casually mentioning that the author will ask readers to suspend belief and assuring that this was fine, then the very same reviewer blasting another writer's novel for being "unrealistic." Personally, I don't see the difference, and I'm convinced it has to do with the first writer being well known (and possibly personally known to the reviewer) and the second not so much. But I digress.

If anybody knows what Ben Stiller's fake beard was all about, please tell me. I didn't get it.

Where were those camerapeople during the In Memoriam segment? I couldn't see half the people's clips/photos or their names because the camera was pulled so far back. If they could zoom in on Brad Pitt every ten seconds during Jennifer Aniston's presentation, they should have been able to focus on the departed for two minutes.

Finally, I wasn't aware that Whoopi Goldberg had gained so much weight recently. Which brings me to me next blog posting.

You'll have to tune in tomorrow to see what that's about. I've already said enough today.

Oscar Trivia 2009 - The End

Without further ado:

1) Angels With Dirty Faces (1938). The classic about two boyhood friends, one of who becomes a priest and the other a crook.

2) The Grapes of Wrath (1940). Beautifully done, and I still think Henry Fonda should have won the Oscar. But Jimmy Stewart walked off with it for a decent but hardly spectacular performance in The Philadelphia Story because he'd gotten robbed the prior year. Poor Hank had to wait another 42 years, when he was on his deathbed.

3) Witness (1985). This story has been told before (Angel and the Badman, 1947) and since (The Outsider, 2002). But it's timeless.

4) The Shawshank Redemption (1994). A beautifully told ode to strength of the human spirit.

5) The Best Years of Our Lives (1946). A personal favorite of mine, for my own parents were one of those thousands of couples who married when the World War II was over and my dad came home from Europe. Here's the scene where the line is spoken, beautifully photographed, and the score is one of my favorites as well.



All four of you who answered got all of the movie titles correct. As for the bonus question, you guys really kept me hopping with your guesses about what the quotes all had in common. Kia guessed said that all the directors received Oscar nods for the films. I had to research this, and for a minute it looked like this was a correct guess . . . until I got to The Shawshank Redemption. Although the film itself was nominated for Best Picture, the Academy must have felt it directed itself . . . no nomination for the director. The men who called the shots on the other four movies were all honored with nominations, and two of them won (John Ford for The Grapes of Wrath and William Wyler for The Best Years of Our Lives). But while it was a good guess, it was not correct.

Ladysilver guessed that the quotes all came from books that had been adapted into film. Of course, this would be true of The Grapes of Wrath, and Shawshank was a novelette. Donna mentions in her resposne that Witness was a book, something I hadn't known. I began my research with Angels with Dirty Faces, because I didn't recall that being a book. Imbd.com gives credit for screenwriting and for the story (meaning the plot idea which then goes to a screenwriter, not a novel; I think they call it "a treatment," but I'm not absolutely sure. So that answer is ruled out as well, but it's also a four out of five (The Best Years of Our Lives gives credit to a novelist and a screenwriter.)

The answer (which Cassandra and Donna got): They are all the final lines spoken in of the respective movies.

So, here's where it ends:

1st place: Cassandra, who had 132 points and earned another 70 = 202

2nd place: Kia, who had 123 points and earned 50 = 173

3rd place: Ladysilver, who had 90 points and earned 50 = 140

4th place: Donna, who had 59 points and earned 70 = 129

5th place: Patricia = 42

Cassandra wins an ARC of A New Kind of Bliss.
Kia wins a $10 gift certificate to either Barnes & Noble or Borders.
Ladysilver wins an autographed copy of the mass market edition of The People Next Door.
Donna and Patricia each win a gift "soundtrack" CD that I often give to people who purchase books at booksignings, and a laminated two-sided bookmark.

I need to hear from everybody, addresses for all, name to put in the book if that's what you won, which store certificate you prefer if that's what you won. Keep in mind that while I have my author copies of The People Next Door, I have yet to receive my ARCs (I'm getting a real paltry number this time around; they apparently had less of them printed because I was so late with the manuscript, although I'm not quite sure of the connection between the two.) E-mail me at bettye (at symbol) bettyegriffin.com.

Thank you all for playing along at what I think will probably be an annual tradition, provided I still have published novels to award as prizes and provided I don't run out of quotes (had quite a few from this year that I didn't use, so I don't think this is going to happen; not so sure about the first possibility, but I will be around with a new book next year at least!).

Donna, I hope your child feels better. Kia, Ladysilver and Cassandra, I hope you'll continue to drop in here at the blog every now and then.

Thanks again! I'll be back tomorrow with a regular post.

Oscar Trivia 2009 #11

It's the last one, folks! I'd like to thank y'all for hanging in and playing along these last three weeks.

And now, for the answers to Thursday's lightning round:

1) Jackie Brown (1997). This was said by Samuel L. Jackson, who I used to think of as the hardest working man in show business because he appeared in so many movies, and in large roles. And yes, Patricia, you are so right; I can just picture him saying that!

2) Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (1962). Rivals Bette Davis and Joan Crawford co-starred for the first and only time. I never understood why they felt they were in competition; while Joan Crawford was more than adequate, I always felt Bette Davis was the superior actress. As at least three of you stated, Bette Davis' daughter Barbara Merrill (who later wrote a book about Mom the same way Joan Crawford's daughter wrote about her) played the small role of the neighbor's daughter.

3) Here's the video:



James Cagney shocked audiences in 1931 when he struck his wife in the face with that grapefruit. The movie, incidentally, is The Public Enemy. (The next shocking moment probably came in 1947 when Richard Widmark pushed the woman in the wheelchair down a flight of stairs in Kiss of Death.)

4) This is the only quote I've used throughout that no one got the answer to. This was from Saratoga Trunk (1945) and starred Ingrid Bergman and Gary Cooper. It's not shown that often, and I think the plot had something to do with both stars being grifters out to rook the rich folks visiting Saratoga Springs, New York, in the 19th century, then hooking up to work together. Audiences were not crazy about Ingrid Bergman's character, who was of mixed race, being romanced by Gary Cooper, which should surprise no one. The title refers not to Ingrid Bergman's luggage, but to a railroad.

The other movie these two co-starred in was For Whom the Bell Tolls. I believe it might have been Gary Cooper who said that he and Ingrid were "very close" (insert your own meaning to that) during filming, but after the film wrapped he couldn't get her on the phone. At any rate, the only man she had more onscreen chemistry with than Coop was Cary Grant, at least in my opinion. Ever see Notorious?

5) Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), said by Cary Grant. This was his least favorite of his films, and he did overact, but it was still a funny movie. He was supposed to re-shoot some of his scenes to tone down the mugging, but WWII broke out (the movie was actually filmed several years before its release and held until the Broadway show upon which it was based concluded its run) and Frank Capra, the director, got involved in the war effort and couldn't get to it.

The latest scores:

Cassandra - 132 (she got all questions and bonuses correct except #4, and on that one she made a damn good guess)

Kia - 123 (she missed #4 and also missed out on 2 bonus points for not mentioning James Cagney in her answer to #3)

Ladysilver - 90 (like Cassandra, she got everything except #4)

Donna - 59 (unchanged)

Patricia - 42

Here's the final round. I'm just looking for movie titles only. Ten points for each correct answer. Keep in mind that all these quotes have something in common (can't even give you a hint on this one or else I'd give it away). If you can say what it is you'll get 20 bonus points.

1) “It's true, boys. Every word of it. He died like they said. All right, fellas. Let's go and say a prayer for a boy who couldn't run as fast as I could.”

2) "We're the people that live. They can't wipe us out. They can't lick us. And we'll go on forever, Pa . . . 'cause we're the people.”

3) “You be careful out among them English.”

4) "I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.”

5) “You know what it'll be, don't you, Peggy? It may take us years to get anywhere. We'll have no money, no decent place to live. We'll have to work, get kicked around . . .”

6) What is the common thread for all these quotes? (20 points)

Remember, movie titles only; don't bother with who said it or any of that other stuff. Don't forget to say what you think these quotes all have in common!

Answers and winners will be announced Monday night after I'm home from work (which will be very late, since I'm usually up past midnight Central Time).

Enjoy the Oscar telecast if you watch it tomorrow night. If we lived in the same area I'd invite all of y'all over to watch the awards (but then again, I might not even watch it myself!)

Good luck!

Oscar Trivia 2009 #10

And then there were two (questions, that is). Actually, both today and on Saturday I'm doing lightning rounds, since you'll have part of the weekend to answer the questions.

But first, to the answers to Tuesday's questions.

"O'Lan, you are the earth," was said in The Good Earth (1937). Luise Rainer, like Yul Brynner an actor of European descent who looked vaguely Asian, played O-Lan.

The quote about Caterina being such a gloomy Gertie came from Marty (1955). Marty was played by Ernest Borgnine.

I was surprised that anyone got the second quote, which was a toughie. (Donna made a great stab at it.) The connection, as both Kia and Cassandra guessed, is that Luise Rainier and Ernest Borgnine are the surviving Best Actor and Best Actress winners with the performances dating back the farthest. By coincidence, both of them celebrated birthdays in January. Luise Rainer is now 99 years old; Ernest Borgnine (you might have seen him presenting an award at the Golden Globes) is now 92. One of you forgot to include the Best Actor/Actress category in your answer, but I think it would be nitpicking to not give credit for what was a very difficult question (although I do believe a couple of supporting actor winners are alive and older than Ernest - Karl Malden and Eli Wallach come to mind).

I'd like to say hi to Kwana and thank her for commenting. Next year consider joining us!

The latest scores of the top 5:

Cassandra - 102

Kia - 95

LadySilver - 60

Donna - 59

Patricia - 28 (she hasn't played lately, but she'll still get a special gift if she remains in the top 5)

Get ready for today's quotes. Will Cassandra retain her lead? Will Donna surpass LadySilver? Your answers to these quotes will determine where everyone stands going into the last question:

1) "My ass may be dumb, but I ain't no dumbass."

Name the movie for 5 points. Two bonus points if you can name the actor who made this matter-of-fact assessment.

2) "You wouldn't be able to do these awful things to me if I weren't still in this chair."

Name the movie for 5 points. Two bonus points if you can name the two co-stars. Three bonus points if you can correctly state which of the co-stars' daughter had a small part in the movie.

Hint: This movie had a theme song that was eerily (did I spell that right?) similar to that of the above-mentioned Marty.

3) Husband: "Ain't you got a drink in the house?"

Wife: "Well, not before breakfast, dear."

Husband: "I didn't ask you for any lip. I asked you if you had a drink."

Wife: "I know Tom, but I, I wish that..."

Husband: "There you go with that wishin' stuff again. I wish you was a wishing well. So that I could tie a bucket to ya and sink ya."

Wife: "Well, maybe you've found someone you like better."

I'm sure you're thinking this exchange is kind of blah, and you're right. It's what happened next that has become a cinematic legend. Five points if you can correctly describe the husband's reaction to his wife's comment, and 2 bonus points if you can name the actor who played the husband.

4) Man: “You’re very beautiful.” Woman [smiling broadly]: “Yes, isn’t it lucky?”

I think this one's a real toughie. Not a well known scene, but a charming one, thanks to the leading lady. Five points for the name of the movie. Two bonus points if you can name the male and female leads, who had great chemistry. A bonus 5 points if you can name what the title refers to.

I'll give y'all a hint: This actor and actress made a movie together a few years before this one, for which the actress' hair had to be dyed blonde and cut short. For the film referenced above her hair was dyed black and she wore dark makeup to play a woman of mixed race. She looked absolutely stunning both ways. Curiously, only the earlier film was shot in color.

5) "Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops!”

Five points for the name of the movie. One bonus point for the name of the star (who said the line above).

Answers are due by noon-ish (Eastern Time) on Saturday. There is a possibility that I might be late posting them that day, because I have something to do Saturday morning. If this happens you will have extra time.

Oscar Trivia 2009 #9

I'm posting a little earlier than usual today. Still feeling bad about publishing the last answer too early and having to disqualify that question.

Today's quotes is a two-fer, from two different movies. I personally think they're toughies, but you guys have been getting everything else, so here goes!

1) "O-Lan, you are the earth."

Name the movie for 5 points. Name the actress who played O-Lan for 5 bonus points.

2) "Caterina, Caterina . . . where you go, rain go. One-a day you gonna smile and we're gonna have a big holiday."

And no, I'm not making fun of Italian-Americans. I merely copied the dialect in which the line was spoken, which might (or might not) help you identify it. Name the movie for 5 points. Name the actor who played the title role for 5 bonus points.

There is a connection between these two actors related to the Oscars. Ten bonus points if you can tell me what it is. There's a possible 30 points for all the right answers.

The answers to be published on Thursday, noon-ish Central Time. No matter how early Cassandra responds, I promise not to publish her answer until after I post the answers. The time that will show the post was made might appear as though she answered after the deadline, but I assure you she did not.

Good luck!