I, like the majority of North Americans with televisions, watched the Academy Awards on Sunday night. There had been some hints in the red carpet coverage that Neil Patrick Harris might be doing something during the opening, and I was excited to see him. The NPH came out in a sparkly, pin striped tux jacket, with dancing girls, on a Follies-like stage, and began to sing. Within about ten seconds, however, the smile was wiped from my face.