The Screen Actors Guild gong-fest was awarded a waiver, but the Golden Globes and Oscars will have to go on without WGA members writing the gags and gimmicks. Hey, on second thought...is that such a bad thing? I want the strike resolved as quickly as possible, but if they don't come to some sort of agreement in time for the big black-tie nights, their non-participation might finally create a remedy for those overlong, unfunny broadcasts. Can Jon Stewart be entertaining enough without a script to keep things moving in between award presentations? Maybe so.

Of course, a big concern for movie fans is the presence of the nominees. Many stars have flatly refused to participate in the festivities if the strike is still raging. It could be pretty lonely out there on the red carpet which makes me ponder, "What if they threw an Awards gala and no one showed up!?" That would be a ratings disaster and further contribute to the huge financial loss the industry's already enduring. Those of us behind the velvet ropes might be stuck having to interview each other. "Nelson, who are you wearing?" "Why, Ryder's Tuxedo Rental!"

Sooner or later, TV & Film production will resume, whether an agreement is struck or not. My concern with case-by-case waivers is that production will be conducted in fits and jerks, creating an entirely new protocol. Or worse, it could all turn into a non-union, disorganized circus.

The Hollywood Foreign Press, the organization behind the Globes, issued a statement saying, "The Golden Globe Awards, which has a long and friendly relationship with the Writers Guild of America, is obviously disappointed that the WGA denied its request for a waiver." But the show will go on. As will the late night talk shows with Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien. Is the WGA's tactic to hold out backfiring? The rank and file membership is anxious to get this overwith and Santa couldn't bring Tinseltown a better present this Christmas. No chimney required.