But lest cloaks and daggers become this year's hot red carpet couture, here are the details about the show that — whether by design, or loose lips — have come to light over the past week:SONG-AND-DANCE (JACK)MAN: "Hugh (Jackman, the host) is going to come out and say a few things, but he's not going to do a 10-minute monologue ... He's going to be doing a lot of musical stuff, so that will have a different feel to it." — Vilanch, in an interview with The Associated Press.NEED A MONTAGE: The original song nominees will be presented together in a medley-style performance, rather than sprinkled throughout the show and played in their entirety. — Nominee Peter Gabriel, who announced in a video blog on his Web site that he was declining to perform "Down To Earth" from "WALL-E" to protest the one-minute limit for his part. I'M WITH THE BAND!: The band will be onstage for at least part of the show, rather than in the orchestra pit. A circular ministage juts into the audience. The set is surrounded by a glittering circle of white lights and crystals, and is flanked by enormous chandeliers. — Seen in renderings released by the firm of architect and first-time Oscars set designer David Rockwell.NIGHTCLUB JITTERS: "The look of the theater is very different. It's more like the nightclub of your dreams. It's very intimate. ... It's got to be a lot closer." — Jackman, in an AP interview.NEVERENDING STORY: "The show's got a narrative line this year, so all the awards are grouped around that. The sequence in which they're given is dictated by this narrative." — Vilanch. MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE: Five LED flat-screens will move in and out of the set to help carry out the show's "narrative." The entire sets will change and evolve, "powered by a visual narrative that will unfold through 12 transforming sets throughout the night." — The Rockwell renderings.PRESENTING ... PRESENTERS! "There are different people doing groups of awards instead of a different set for each one." And at least some of the presenters who'd been lined up have backed out, emboldened by the anonymity they were afforded by the producers. — Vilanch, who didn't name names.MUSIC, MAKES THE PEOPLE, COME TOGETHER: The original-song medley will have a vibrant, world-music theme driven by nominee "Slumdog Millionaire," and includes a drum line made up of Indian, African, Japanese and Chinese percussionists. The "giant extravaganza" also has a full orchestra and choir. — DJ Ravi Drums, the leader of the drum line for the number.Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
Quote from: George on February 21, 2009, 11:02:04 AMA Very Happy 40th Birthday to DR Matthew!!Thanks DR George LOL. And to all the other wishes. So far, 40 is the same as 39!
A Very Happy 40th Birthday to DR Matthew!!
Okay, don't make me get out the bitch-slap machine.
I had to go to the tax office today - was i excused?
