Morning Buzz: Thursday 1.22.09

• Oscar nominations will be announced starting at 5:30 a.m. at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Oscar.com
• Cleaner air over the past two decades has added nearly five months to average life expectancy in the U.S., according to a study by researchers from Brigham Young and the Harvard School of Public Health. BBC, LAT
• Caregivers at the Motion Picture Country Home will demonstrate at 3 p.m. to demand the hospital and nursing care facility in Woodland Hills stay open. Deadline Hollywood Daily
  Related: Katzenberg explains situation and Allan Mayer dropped as PR rep
• Two supergraphics came down off L.A. office buildings after tenants objected to the loss of sunlight, views and "professional reputation," but the operator who uses State of Liberty images to gain a foothold for his signs is standing firm. LAT, LAT
• The citywide Planning Commission takes up the new draft sign ordinance, with critical comments coming from, among others, former commission chair Jane Usher. Curbed LA
• Channel 7 refused to run a pro-gay ad spot during inauguration festivities coverage. LAist
• Mayor Villaraigosa should debate the no-names running against him "because we voters deserve it. Because it looks cocky and arrogant for Villaraigosa not to," says Patt Morrison. LAT Op-Ed
• There's some controversy over Marina Del Rey teenager Zac Sunderland's bid to sail around the world while blogging about it. The Argonaut
• The L.A. Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel will unveil the orchestra's new season at 1:30 p.m. and live-stream the proceedings for the first time. LA Phil
• The L.A. Press Club is holding a panel tonight called Covering Obama: Challenges Facing a Battered Local Media. LAPC
• The Westside Urban Forum hosts the mayors of Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and Culver City on Friday at 7 a.m. at the Regency Club in Westwood. WUF

LA Observed posts from Wednesday | Mark Lacter