The Oscars are like dividend statements from Bernie Madoff. You know they’re coming, you expect the worst, but you open the envelopes anyway, with your fingers crossed, hoping this year will be better. It never is, but despite rock-bottom ratings, and dwindling interest in too many nominees nobody...

“The building is—what’s the word I’m looking for? Infectious. I refer to it sometimes as Gilligan’s Island. Remember that show? Gilligan’s Island?� Jon Herbitter asked this Monday from the offices of Mann Realty, where he’s president. “You don’t get out.� In 2007, his boss, Mau...