There was no show on this week. None until April 5th. So I'll take the opportunity to share a few of my thoughts on the Academy Awards.

Tom Hanks is in the midst of a role so he arrived unshaven. But what was Val Kilmer's excuse for showing up unkempt? Would it have killed him to use a comb?

Dame Judi Dench won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth. In her acceptance speech, she should have shouted, "I'm the queen of the world!" But she merely thanked John Madden. She must really like his analysis of the NFL for Fox.

Roberto Begnini sounded just like Father Guido Sarducci. I was expecting him to end his speech with, "Arrivederci America."

The show was a record four hours and seven minutes. If they want to cut down the running time, don't have the performers sing the Best Song nominees. They don't show the entire movies nominated for Best Picture, do they?

And besides, the song that gets the most radio play usually wins, so we've all heard it incessantly already. Remember "My Heart Will Go On?"

And who actually ever heard the song from the "Horse Whisperer?" Only the people who went to see the movie. Both of them.

The nominated costumes that Whoopi wore actually looked better than her regular clothes.

I would not have applauded for Kazan.

Now I have some Place related news.

Wanda of E!Online says that efforts to lure former cast members back for the finale have been fruitless. Marcia Cross has turned them down flat.

The New York Post reported that Heather was offered megabucks to move to "90210."

Her spokespeople denied it the next day.

John Haymes Newton told Soap Opera Digest that he'll probably hitchhike across the country once the show is over. In other words, he's got no job offers.

James Darren talked about his character, Tony Marlin, set to debut April 12. He makes a play for Eve but ends up with Lexi.

And finally from SOD is an article about art imitating life for Rena Sofer.

Read 'em all at http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/4616/.

'Til next week...