That's Some Bad Hat, Harry (Humor Hotel Column)

First, a little housekeeping... Apparently If You Were Here is in the running for the Goodreads Choice Awards 2011 in the humor category against powerhouses like Tina Fey and Chelsea Handler. I'm delighted to be recognized among such authors, especially Laurie Notaro, whose new book is her best yet. Regardless, I'd like to win, particularly if there's a trophy involved. Goodread members can go here to vote. If you're not a Goodread member, you can sign up for a free membership which is actually very cool way to discover new books and discuss old favorites. That being said, here's this month's Humor Hotel column... * * * I don't see many scary movies, largely because I don't like to be scared, particularly when the privilege runs about eleven dollars. And that's before popcorn, parking, Junior Mints, and bucket of soda that, ounce for ounce, cost more than a gallon of gas. I'm more of an "Isn't Sandra Bullock sassy?" filmgoer, with an occasional side of "Will Smith saves the world from aliens (again!) while tossing out one-liners sure to become part of the cultural zeitgeist." ("Welcome to earth!") But in light of everything terrifying happening in the world that Will Smith has so bravely served - suicide bombers, Solyndra, drum circles, debates, etc. - suddenly the idea of voluntarily viewing an old school horror movie doesn't seem so daunting. As I thumb through the pay-per-view guide, I brief my husband Fletch on contenders. "Let's see… ooh, The Omen from 1976…...