G.R.i.D. (Get Rich in Dallas)

Of all places, I just found out from The Gold Rush Cafe that Erykah Badu is making a stop tonight at Bill’s Records over in the South Side. It’s her CD release party and you’re invited. She’s scheduled for midnight but I might suggest getting there a bit early. She’s kind of a big deal you know.

UPDATE (from Bill’s Site)

Myspace presents Universal recording artist Erykah Badu www.baduworld.com at Bill’s Records for an Old School Record Release and Album Signing Party on Mon., Feb. 25th, at midnight! Bring a print out of your profile on Myspace with Erykah in your top 8!

Get there early! Tickets to her upcoming jam session will be given to the first 100 people compliments of Myspace. And, copies of The Last Record Store, a documentary about Bill’s Records, will be given away to the first 50 people!

I thought about the live blogging thing but I just didn’t feel up to it. Instead I was partaking in some delicious food and drink and decided to just give it up at the end.

So, I’ll do my best to recall using other live blogs as my guides to memory.

• Jennifer Garner was ravishing.
• Jon Stewart is a brilliant choice for host.
• Steve Carrell = swoooooooon
• Why all the TV actresses giving awards? - Katherine Heigl, Keri Russell, Jessica Alba. Is this their bridge into final movie stardom?
• Amy Ryan is the new Renee Zellewegger.
• Jennifer Hudson’s 15 minutes is officially over.
• Yay Javier Bardem.

• Best quote from PopWatch - “Annie: Here we go: Supporting Actress. Ruby Dee is slackjawed by her own performance.”
• Yes! I sorta kinda picked Tilda Swinton to win for Best Supporting Actress. She ruled over the other nominees save for maybe Amy Ryan.
• Re the TV actresses - forgot to include Miley Cyrus. And why was she there?
• Sweetest moment #1 - Marion Cotillard winning best actress. I called it!! Well, sort of…I said either her or Julie Christie but was pulling for Cotillard. Genuinely happy and too shocked to have a coherent speech. Which was kind of cute.

• When Falling Slowly was performed, I thought it might win with that ovation.
• Finally, an honorary Oscar speech that was humble and worthwhile. Go Robert Boyle.
• John Travolta continues to be awesome and somehow not a weird Scientologist.
• Annnnd Falling Slowly wins. Good for them.
• Sweetest moment #2 - Jon Stewart giving cut-off song winner Marketa Irglova her time to speak with one of the more killer speeches of the night. “The fact that we’re standing here tonight, the fact that we’re able to hold this, it’s just proof that no matter how far out your dreams are, it’s possible,” Irglova said during take two. “And, you know, fair play to those who dare to dream, and don’t give up. This song was written from the perspective of hope, and hope, at the end of the day, connects us all, no matter how different we are.” (from Yahoo News)
• Dead people montage - didn’t Brad Renfro die this past year? Annnnnd where was he?
• Tom Hanks = swooooooon
• OK, no surprise Diablo Cody wins for best original screenplay for Juno. Now we’re done with you. Funny how she snatched away the envelope from Harrison Ford. Uhh, Diablo…this is now YOUR 15 minutes. Most people try to make it to 20. You’re starting off badly. And that dress didn’t help.
• Didn’t Day-Lewis used to be kinda hot? Should have gone to Depp at least. And then Clooney. Day-Lewis makes me feel icky.
• Day-Lewis speech - “My deepest thanks to the academy for whacking me with the handsomest bludgeon in town.” Ummmm…what?
• Best director and picture go to No Country. Surprise surprise.
• Sweetest moment #3 - No Country producer Scott Rudin thanks his husband. awww.

Best dressed - Helen Mirren
Worst - Diablo Cody

And that’s it for Oscar this year.