THIS BLOG IS NOW THREE MONTHS OLD!

Sometime in March, my good friend (Entertainment Tonight's) Kevin Gershan talked me into writing a blog. He showed me how to set it up and he wrote the bio that you see. Kevin Gershan used to be the producer for the late Hall of Fame broadcaster Robert W. Morgan. The first blog was written on the 28th of March. A few weeks ago, Jon Badeaux asked me to broadcast this blog on his three internet stations. Badeaux used to work with legendary broadcaster "The Real Don Steele". Having the advantage of this much talent at my disposal has made this blog a continuing one day at a time labor of love that's been a lot of fun. Comments from you readers and listeners have been interesting, helpful, most encouraging and much appreciated.

AND NOW WE BEGIN MONTH FOUR:

Headlines all across America pretty much say the same thing.

"THE IMMIGRATION BILL IS DEAD!"

There are a number of things in play that politicians and social reformers of different stripes just don't seem to get! This so called "melting pot" that we pride ourselves in being a part of, is dangerously close to melting into a "3rd world" situation featuring an insistence on the allowance of multiple languages and lawlessness.

Citizens who are now (as the Peter Finch character in "Network" would say) "Mad as hell and not going to take it anymore!" are letting people know that we want English spoken here, we want the immigration laws we now have enforced and just because you want to come here, doesn't mean we should allow you to come here. Legal citizens with their eyes wide open see that we're simply too crowded now. Traffic is an absolute mess and if lawmakers want some new laws about immigration on the books, how about a law that says children born to people who are here illegally are just as illegal as their parents are. A law that says because you're illegal, entitles you to nothing in the way of social services. Too harsh? How about the other side of that coin? Should we legal citizens have to put up with having to wade through different languages and watch while illegals take advantage of free services not available to most legal Americans? And for those who say all of these illegals should be made legal because it will make us a better country? If that's true, why aren't they in their country of origin making that country a better country?

Now that this latest immigration bill is dead, what do we do now? How about this? How about sending some agents into a couple very big American companies who hire, enable and take advantage of illegals so that they don't have to pay legal Americans a decent wage. Then those agents should walk straight to the offices of the CEO's and take those CEO's out of their buildings while wearing handcuffs. And then prosecute those CEO's to the full extent of the law.

AND WHILE WE CHEW ON THAT...

The Paris and Larry show was watched by a lot of people on CNN Wednesday night. It beat all the other night time talk shows.

Speaking of ratings...Ratings for "The View" have gone down since Rosie left the show. Producers say they're looking for two new hosts. Whoopi Goldberg seems to have the inside track on one of those jobs. Will Paris Hilton be the other new host?

Michael Moore will be on CNN with Larry King tonight. Moore will be talking about his new film, "Sicko", a film about health insurance. Health insurance is a very serious problem in this country. Way too many Americans can't afford health insurance. Reader/listener LB writes, "Ha! Health insurance. You have to be kidding me. Screwed we are! 50 million, of those able to be counted, Americans without health insurance. The U.S. is ranked 37th in the world when it comes to health care. There is one thing we are ranking number 1 in. And that's being screwed more times than Ms. Hilton."

Okay...a little sarcastic. But another example of citizens taking the position that they're mad as hell and not gonna take it anymore.

A FILM THAT CAME OUT IN 2005 THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:

I saw a film on HBO last night that I want to call your attention to. "Rumor Has It". It stars Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner, Shirley MacLaine, Mark Ruffalo, Richard Jenkins, Mena Suvari and is/was directed by Rob Reiner. This film has a "The Graduate" connection that you'll understand when you see this film. First of all, I loved the Shirley MacLaine character in "Rumor Has It". Jennifer Aniston, in her search for the truth, was adorable. Mark Ruffalo, playing the confused boyfriend was perfect in his role. Richard Jenkins is always good and Kevin Costner plays smooth, like butter. I laughed, I felt the emotional moments and I liked "Rumor Has It".

Sometime this weekend, I hope to see the new "Die Hard" film with Bruce Willis.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Don't forget! You can HEAR this blog! The links to the three stations broadcasting today's blog can be found at the bottom of my links section which is to the right of what you're reading now. It's the last three links.

If you read this before pictures have been added, come back! Pictures will be up soon. A new blog is written every morning, Monday through Friday and is posted between 7 and 7:15, Pacific Time. Sometimes earlier. Questions and comments can be sent to scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I do write back.

MONDAY: We'll talk about those gambing agreements Governor Terminator made with the Indians...A great letter about the incompetence that is George W. Bush...and more entertainment news.

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A TERRIFIC WEEKEND!

WHAT ABOUT THE SEX TAPE?!? OR POSSIBLE EMPLOYMENT ON "THE VIEW"?!?

Did you watch the Paris Hilton/Larry King show last night? Am I the only one who thought that the hour seemed like it was longer than that? I thought there was one great question that Larry King asked and one great question that he didn't ask.

That's one of those good news, bad news things, so we'll go to the good news first.

Paris Hilton seemed to make a point about having either found religion while she was in jail or that she's a religious person who had more time to read the Bible while she was in jail. We all saw her taking a Bible with her when she was either on her way to jail or on her way to court. When King asked Paris Hilton, "What's your favorite Bible passage?" and she was stumped, well, because she was speechless, nothing I could write or say would add anything to that.

And now the bad news about the question that wasn't asked.

Pop quiz: When I ask you to tell me the first thing you think of when I say the words, "Paris Hilton", your response is...? Okay, let me rephrase that question. What's the first thing most people would think of? The sex tape? Larry King didn't ask one question about that sex tape. Folks, it can be argued that without that sex tape she might not be anywhere near as famous as she is now. At the very least, wouldn't it have been interesting to know what she thinks about the aftermath of all of that? And by the way, did she make any money from the sales of that tape? And if not, why not?

The National Enquirer's Mike Walker is reporting that "Barbara Walters is dead serious about Paris Hilton replacing Rosie O'Donnell as permanent co-host on 'The View'" and that Paris' mom Kathy ironed out the deal while Paris was in jail. Wouldn't it have been interesting to hear Paris' response to a question about that? Wouldn't questions about the sex tape and possible employment on "The View" have been better than having Paris read notes about what she wrote while she was in jail? I mean, how much of a waste of television time was that?

If we learned anything last night it was pretty much this; She is still in denial about having broken any laws regarding the suspended license thing...Claustrophobia seems to have been the disease that caused Sheriff Baca to order her release after three days...Her ADD "disease" seems to be a disease of convenience...And that after all she's gone through, the one thing she'd like to change is her voice. Because it gets high when she's nervous or shy.

AND NOW A LITTLE NEWS WE WERE IGNORING LAST NIGHT:

While the Paris/Larry lovefest was going on, there was news most of us weren't aware of. Like this report from the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Armed Services Committee (boy, what a mouthful that is) Anyway, all the members signed this report that said, after spending (at least) 19 billion dollars to train and equip about 347,000 Iraqi security forces, the Pentagon doesn't know how many of them are actually doing any security or fighting work...Or...whether their weapons have been stolen or are being used against the people who paid for them...Us, as in the gullible good ol' USA who bought into this mission...I could go on and on, but I'll ask this question again; Why are we in Iraq?!?

NEW DRIVING LAWS:

'Tis the season for some new driving laws to take place and I can't think of a new driving law that's scarier than the one told to me by St. Louis reader-listener Elvis who informs me about a new Virginia law, effective July 1st, that will involve a fine of $3,550 for speeding! There's a little more to the law than that, but the point is, if you're driving in Virginia, know what the speed limit is and drive 5 miles per hour under it.

HEALTH INSURANCE:

A new report says almost 44 million Americans didn't have health insurance in 2006. We have to do something about that, folks! I'm going print a letter from a reader about this tomorrow.

FINAL EPISODE OF "STUDIO 60" TONIGHT:

At ten tonight, NBC's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" will air their final episode. NBC has treated this show's final episodes like they (NBC) can hardly wait for this show to end. I know this because NBC hasn't shown previews for upcoming shows, a move that is the ultimate way of saying, "Would you please just leave now?!?"

EDITOR'S NOTE: Don't forget! You can HEAR this blog! The links to the three stations broadcasting today's blog can be fund at the bottom of my links section which is to the right of what you're reading now. It's the last three links.

If you read this before pictures have been added, come back! Pictures will be up soon. A new blog is written every morning, Monday through Friday and is posted between 7 and 7:15, Pacific Time. Sometimes earlier. Questions and comments can be sent to scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I do write back.

TOMORROW: The never ending problem of traffic... Gambling agreements that Governor Terminator has signed with Indian tribes that figure to bite us in the butt big time long after Governor Terminator is gone... And of course we'll have more celebrity news.

THE ME, ME, ME AIRHEAD AND THE KING WHO ISN'T!

That should be quite a television experience for and on CNN tonight. They're expected to get terrific ratings on a show that used to be hosted by a "King", but is now hanging on (ratings wise) by an enabler who never met a guest who deserves the "tough question".

It's the perfect match. Paris Hilton and Larry King. Two people who are totally unaware of what is happening around them. Hilton has neighbors who can't stand the attention she has brought to their neighborhood and if the truth be known, she probably doesn't care. And King, apparently clueless to the fact that his softball interviewing style is so out of fashion, that when CNN executives figure out how to do it gracefully, King will be gone.

But it'll be a big night for them tonight! In an editorial today, the Los Angeles Daily News is predicting numbers that will probably rival "American Idol".

I don't know about you, but I'm one of these people who thinks about what I'll have on my tombstone after I die. The possible inscriptions change, but the two that are at the top of my list now, remind me of what we'll see on CNN tonight.

"When all was said and done, what it was, was conversation." OR..."By the time I figured it out, it was too late."

An invitation to remember both of those possible tombstone inscriptions when you watch Paris and Larry on CNN tonight.

AND THEN THERE'S SOMEONE WHO HAS REAL TALENT:

Lindsay Lohan. A 20-year old tabloid attracting party girl. Better looking than Paris. More talented than Paris. And (arguably) in her personal life, every bit as screwed up as Paris. For her twenty first birthday, Lindsay Lohan has been planning a big birthday celebration in Las Vegas. Lohan's birthday is next Monday, July 2nd. That celebration has been cancelled. Lindsay Lohan has decided to take an "extended care" option at the rehabilitation center she's living at. Short Commentary: There's no guarantee this will work for Lindsay, but here's a guarantee you can take to the bank. If you don't try to change, you allow yourself to get closer and closer to becoming a statistic. Many people Lindsay Lohan's age would say, "But it's my 21st birthday! I have to be in Vegas for my party! Instead, what Lindsay Lohan seems to be saying is, "I think I'd like to try being alive for my 22nd birthday party!"

AND THEN THERE'S TOM SIZEMORE:

Tom Sizemore is a 45-year old actor who has appeared in major films like "Saving Private Ryan" and "Black Hawk Down". Sizemore has also appeared on a lot of police booking sheets. For drug abuse. His apparent drug of choice has been what most folks refer to as "meth". I'm told that this is a terribly addictive drug. Sizemore's latest sentence figures to result in jail time of four and a half months or so. After he gets out, he could be looking at six years or so if he's convicted of using drugs again.

Is jail the right way to treat drug abusers? If you're selling drugs to kids, I have no problem with a draconian kind of sentence for those worthless pieces of humanity, but a drug user? Yeah, if you drive while you're high and you have an accident that involves injuries, you're not gonna get any sympathy and you don't deserve any. But if you're unfortunate enough to be grabbed by the throat by meth or anything else that you can't shake, why aren't you ordered to go to a hospital of some kind? Jail for drug users? What idiot thinks that is a good idea. And why am I suddenly thinking about people in the White House?

THE NEW BRUCE WILLIS FILM:

Bruce Willis' new "Die Hard" film opens today in some theatres. Friday, it will open in a lot of theatres. If you see it today, I'd love to know what you thought about it. scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I might see it Friday, but tonight, I'm gonna watch Paris and Larry on CNN and two new episodes of "Hidden Palms" on CW.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Don't forget! You can HEAR this blog! The links to the three stations broadcasting today's blog can be found at the bottom of my links section which is to the right of what you're reading now. It's the last three links.

If you read this before pictures have been added, come back! Pictures will be up soon. A new blog is written every morning, Monday through Friday and is posted between 7 and 7:15, Pacific Time. Sometimes earlier. Questions and comments can be sent to scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I do write back.

TOMORROW: I'll do something I planned to do today. Talk about the health insurance problem that has resulted in a frightening number of Americans who don't have health insurance. Also...The latest on the illegal immigration bill and my thoughts about the Paris and Larry show.

PARIS HILTON IS OUT OF JAIL!

At 12:15 this morning, Paris Hilton was released from jail. She didn't say anything to the many photographers, but she did one of the four things we know she knows how to do. Smile. The others are; go to parties, obey laws that are convenient for her to obey and cry for her mother.

Paris Hilton has managed to live her life of leisure very publicly. So publicly, that recently, a lot of people, like NBC's Matt Lauer have wondered why we care or feel we should care about her. I mean, we're talking about someone who's pretty much a spoiled brat who's been enabled by (among others) her mother, which is where that crying to her mother when she was hauled back to jail comes from.

Here's why I think people have cared about Paris Hilton. Because she seemed to be bulletproof.

Who among us wouldn't like to do whatever we wanted to do, whenever we wanted to do it, consequences be damned.

Life allows a little of that, but if you overplay your hand, it catches up to you.

And when it catches up to you, you gotta "take the hit". You swaggered before you had to experience a "reality check", so when that happens, continue to swagger, but do it respectfully. Accept your punishment and come back out a little wiser, but with your swagger intact.

When Paris Hilton cried for her mother, that was an understandable action for most folks. But when your bulletproof image is at stake and image is the only thing you have, crying for mom can be lethal.

This might be wishful thinking on my part, but I believe that unless Paris Hilton does something really dramatic to turn her life around, the Paris Hilton thing is over. I mean, she better put on one hell of a performance when she's on with Larry King tomorrow night.

FRED THOMPSON AND HIS INTERESTING ENDORSERS:

Unannounced Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson continues to climb in the polls and if his ex-wife and former girlfriends are a good barometer, Mr. Thompson (if he runs) might be some kind of catnip vote getter as far as women voters are concerned.

Examples: Thompson's 26-year marriage to Sarah Knestrick ended in 1984. She plans to campaign for him. Country singer Lorrie Morgan dated Thompson for quite a while and she told London's Sunday Times, "I think he has a great chance of capturing the women's vote. He's majestic. He's a soft, safe place to be and that could be Fred's ticket. Women love a soft place to lay and a strong pair of hands to hold us."

Short Commentary: Whoa! Attention every guy who's reading this! Do any of you have ex-flames who say stuff like Lorrie Morgan said about her ex-Fred?!?

There's more. Another old girlfriend is Republican fund-raiser Georgette Mosbacher who said Thompson would defeat Hillary Clinton because of his appeal to "traditional women who will like the Southern gentleman in him."

In 2002, Thompson married Jeri Kehn, who is 24 years younger than he is. Shoot, that'll help with the men's vote, won't it?

OTHER CELEBRITY NEWS:

Rosie O'Donnell says she's had her meeting with "Price Is Right" producers and that she won't be the new host of that show.

80+ years old Hugh Hefner has approved a movie that will be made about his life. Brett Ratner is on board to direct. Question: Who the heck will play Hugh Hefner? One assumes that he would have choices based on vanity, but Hef is not a particularly handsome man. If you were casting the part, who would you recommend for the role of Hugh Hefner? Please tell me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net Who would be my choice? I don't have a clue.

THREE TELEVISION SHOWS:

Yesterday, I saw the 3rd episode of "John from Cincinnati", the 2nd episode of "Meadowlands" and the 2nd episode of the new season of "Entourage".

I thought (and wrote) that the first episode of "John from Cincinnati" was well acted stupidity. I thought the second episode was well acted, but a little weird. The 3rd episode? I'm totally confused. Is the "John" character some kind of alien from outer space? What's up with this miracle bird that seems to have healing powers? Why does series creator David Milch have actors doing dialogue that reminds us of "Deadwood"? I have more questions, but I'll watch episode 4 and hope I get some answers. Know this; "John from Cincinnati" is either brilliant or the dumbest thing that's ever been on television.

"Meadowlands'" second episode was creepy. I will watch the 3rd episode, but if it doesn't lighten up the "creepy" aspect, I might switch to that show about Army wives that's making a lot of noise.

The new season's 2nd episode of "Entourage" was fun to watch television. I mean, don't they load that show up with just some of the most likeable bunch of characters you're ever gonna watch?

KOBE BRYANT'S POWER PLAY:

Are the Lakers going to get Kevin Garnett? If so, that will be because of Kobe poppin' off about wanting "out of here". Wouldn't it be something if the Lakers do get Garnett and Kobe says he still wants to be traded?

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you read this before pictures have been added, come back! Pictures will be up soon. A new blog is written every morning, Monday through Friday and is posted between 7 and 7:15, Pacific Time. Sometimes earlier. Questions and comments can be sent to scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I do write back.

TOMORROW: New traffic laws for us to consider on the 1st of July, the health insurance problem that has resulted in a frightening number of Americans who don't have health insurance and some more celebrity news.

MAYBE WE SHOULD OUTSOURCE THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROBLEM TO B OF A!

President Bush is a big supporter of the immigration bill that may or may not pass in the Senate. The bill that would pretty much guarantee citizenship for 12 million or more people who are already here illegally which would then encourage even more illegals to arrive. Illegals who will take advantage of social services made readily available to them. And while they're at it, give birth to more babies who automatically are legal because of the way our laws are written.

President Bush is also a big supporter of the private sector solving problems as opposed to the government. I bring this up because of something I experienced Friday night. I was out walking when I approached a Bank of America in my neighborhood. Three people were getting ready to go to sleep on the lawn in front of the B of A. Whenever I've seen people who looked like they might be down and out veterans, I'm a soft touch. I tried to say something to them, but it became apparent they couldn't speak English. Too bad. I was good for an easy 20 dollar bill. But then I realized where they were. On the lawn of a Bank of America, a company that makes it easy for illegal immigrants by giving them credit cards and other services that help these illegals to appear to be legal. In other words, another way to game the system. Our system!

And that got me to thinking about President Bush and his belief in the private sector. Why not let B of A and other businesses who enable illegals, step up and pay the costs associated with the care and maintenance of illegal immigrants?

Mr. President, you want to make life easier for people who are here illegally and you believe in the private sector? I believe I have the perfect solution for you and you don't even have to thank me.

SPEAKING OF PROBLEMS:

Traffic! I don't care where you're living. Traffic jams are a way of life. Here in the Los Angeles area, traffic jams are an around the clock nightmare. In Saturday's Los Angeles Times there was a story that was headlined, "Robotic cars could take pressure off nation's highways".

In essence, the Stanford University Racing Team has developed a vehicle that if proven to be successful and affordable, would result in all of us (someday) driving cars in massive traffic jams while reading the newspaper, working on our computers or even snoozing. In other words, this robotic vehicle would be a big time stress reliever. When might vehicles like this be ready for public use? That's the big unknown, but keep your eye on upcoming stories about something called the 2007 Urban Challenge in November. This will be a 60-mile test of city driving. Intersections, rights-of-way, stop signs, lane changes and the big variable: traffic. All eyes will be on a driverless Volkswagen Passat named Junior. If this vehicle is successful, that means no fender benders or accidents of any kind while getting from point A to point Z. A number of years ago, there was a hit song titled, "If I Can Dream". That's what they're doing at Stanford University and we're hoping that this dream comes true!

PARIS HILTON:

Sometime tomorrow, Paris Hilton is scheduled to be released from jail. Wednesday night, she is scheduled to be on CNN for one hour with Larry King. King is no better than a third choice because the Hilton people appear to have overplayed their hand when after supposedly having a money making interview with Barbara Walters set up at ABC, they tried to turn this into a bidding war. After telling ABC that NBC had offered a lot more, ABC didn't try to top NBC's offer. When NBC realized how foolish they were looking, they dropped their offer. That prompted the Hilton's to go back to ABC, but ABC said, "See ya!" and that's how CNN and Larry King got the Paris Hilton interview. But what exactly have they gotten?!? An hour with a 26-year old fairly attractive ex-con whose most famous accomplishment is a starring role in a home made sex movie? And this is worth an hour on CNN?!?

A MOVIE WITH SOME REAL ACTORS:

A 2006 movie called "The Sentinel" was shown Saturday night on HBO and is now on the HBO schedule for the next couple of weeks. It's a political thriller that stars Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Kim Basinger, Eva Longoria and in a role that had me wishing for more, the very beautiful and talented, Gloria Reuben.

The Michael Douglas character plays a Secret Service agent who's having an affair with the First Lady and he gets set up as the fall guy in an assassination plot on the president.

If you like good popcorn movies, you're gonna love "The Sentinel" 'cause this is a thriller that is filled with thrills!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Don't forget! You can HEAR this blog! The links to the three stations broadcasting today's blog can be found at the bottom of my links section which is to the right of what you're reading now. It's the last three links.

If you read this before pictures have been added, come back! Pictures will be up soon. A new blog is written every morning, Monday through Friday and is posted between 7 and 7:15, Pacific Time. Sometimes earlier. Questions and comments can be sent to scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I do write back.

TOMORROW: Thoughts about the 3rd episode of "John from Cincinnati", the 2nd episode of "Meadowlands", the new movie about Hugh Hefner and why tourists aren't coming to the U.S. like they used to.

BECAUSE OF MORE U.S. DEATHS IN IRAQ, AN OLD QUOTE FROM AN OLD WARRIOR COMES TO MIND!

More roadside bombs have killed more U.S. troops in Iraq which calls even more attention to the lack of Pentagon attentiveness regarding urgent pleas from U.S. Marine commanders for better protected vehicles. Pleas that were disgracefully ignored or put in some sort of procrastination type file until more than 2 years had passed and Senator Joe Biden got on the case. It figures to be quite a while before these life saving vehicles are produced and an even longer period of time before all of the requested life saving vehicles are delivered to our troops, many of whom continue to die while traveling in roadside bomb attracting death traps. How did this happen? Chalk it up to more incompetent "planning" by this bumbling fumbling administration who talk a good "support the troops" game, but when it comes to actually supporting the troops? Well, what do you expect from an administration featuring guys who artfully ducked and dodged during their younger years when the possibility of being a soldier was a time for multiple deferments or parental influence.

Why are we even IN Iraq?!?

In addition to having our attention directed to more deaths in Iraq, a place we long ago figured out isn't a place where Osama bin Laden will be found, a lot of us are asking a very simple question; Why are we there? For the oil? Shoot, these bumblers and fumblers the administration sent to take care of that seem to be sitting idly by while professional smugglers pick their pockets and the oil goes to...Well, no one seems to know where it's going to. Are we there because the citizens of Iraq love us and can hardly wait for our way of life to start being their way of life? Well, if there was ever a possibility of the answer to that question being, "Yes!", a little problem has developed. The thousands on top of thousands of Iraqi citizens who have inconveniently been killed while we're supposedly "liberating" them.

Do we remember what country was pretty much the only country who supported our invasion of Iraq? England. Led by chief President Bush lapdog, Tony Blair.

History lesson. Almost 90 years ago, an occupation of Iraq began. A British occupation. The leader of that occupation installed the first Hashemite King. That's a religious leader of some kind. Anyway, after the Brits were seemingly trying to do something comparable to what we apparently are trying to do, the leader of the British occupation said, "I am deeply concerned about Iraq. There is scarcely a single newspaper which is not consistently hostile to our remaining in this country. At present we are paying eight million a year for the privilege of living on an ungrateful volcano!" This was 1922 and the man who said those words and who had led the occupation of Iraq for the Brits was Winston Churchill. Eight million pounds in 1922 translates to who knows how much money now. And does anybody really know how much money we're spending for this Iraq business?

Someone much smarter than me once said something about history repeating itself and as we get closer and closer to the 4th of July, I pose a simple question to ponder. Why are we in Iraq?

WE GET LETTERS:

My commentary about the "what might have been" aspect regarding the NBC television show, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" generated a few responses including this note from reader/listener, JB who wrote, "Studio 60" was as bright and brilliant as a new penny! What a shame. The funny thing is, if you watch the first few episodes of any of the 'classic' shows in reruns, you can see how truly awful they were before they found their voice. But, I think I'm one of the 16 people that thought 'cop rock' was freaking brilliant too!

Cheap mindless reality shows, reruns and game shows that go nowhere is our future. Why? Because people eat what is put before them. I say, push away from the table now before all we are being served is garbage."

Thanks for your thoughts, LB. LB also asked me to check out "The Riches" because of the performances of Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver.

LB, I was also a fan of "Cop Rock". For those of you who never saw it, it was a Stephen Bochco show about cops, who while solving crimes would suddenly start singing. I'm tempted to defend what I just wrote, but I'll just let that line sit there.

Back to "Studio 60". I watched last night's episode. The very first scene set the stage. When that scene ended and they went to commercials before the rest of the show began, I had one of those "fasten your seatbelts" feelings. And in my mind, I was right. Last night's "Studio 60" was as good as any show I've ever seen on television and better than most of any shows I've ever seen on television. "Studio 60's" final show will air next Thursday.

GET WELL SOON, JIMMY KIMMEL!

No new Jimmy Kimmel shows on ABC for a few days because of an emergency appendectomy on Wednesday night. Kimmel's publicist released an e-mail saying the surgery was a success and Jimmy's looking forward to getting back to work. Full disclosure: I've had the privilege of appearing on Kimmel's show quite a few times doing both on-camera and voiceover bits. And I'm hoping to someday do a little something on his girlfriend's show. That would be Sarah Silverman.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Don't forget! You can HEAR this blog! The links to the three stations broadcasting today's blog can be found at the bottom of my links section which is to the right of what you're reading now. It's the last three links.

If you read this before pictures have been added, come back! Pictures will be up soon. A new blog is written every morning, Monday through Friday and is posted between 7 and 7:15, Pacific Time. Sometimes earlier. Questions and comments can be sent to scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I do write back.

MONDAY: A big day for Paris Hilton!

I HOPE THAT ALL OF YOU HAVE A TERRIFIC WEEKEND!!!

ARE YOU FEELING WARMER TODAY?

Today is the first day of summer. The 4th of July is just around the corner. Visions of outdoor barbecues, bikinis and beach activity are dancing in our heads. Or is that just my head?

AND THEN THERE ARE VISIONS OF "WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN?"

Like the before the season anticipation of NBC's new show, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip".

This had "can't miss" written all over it.

This was an Aaron Sorkin show. The guy who invented "The West Wing". During "West Wing's" glory years, it was appointment television. "Studio 60" would be appointment television as well. Or that's what we thought.

So what happened?

"Studio 60" was a behind the scenes show about a late night comedy show that featured a terrific cast of actors. Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford played the guys who pretty much ran things. Perry's on again, off again girlfriend, was played by the very delightful Sarah Paulson and in later episodes, Whitford's girlfriend was played by the very adorable Amanda Peet. The actors who played supporting roles on "Studio 60" are actors who could easily headline their own shows.

The first show's ratings were good. The second show's ratings dropped off a bit. After the third show, what appeared to be a campaign reared its ugly head. A campaign (seemingly) led by people who had experienced success as writers in previous comedy shows. And their main gripe was? The show wasn't funny.

To me, this was a show attempting to show us the behind the scenes stuff that goes on before, during and after the show goes off the air.

If the argument was that the show was "too hip for the room", I would have understood that argument. But, "not funny" sounded like sour grapes from people who seemed to be saying, "You should have hired me!"

I didn't watch "Studio 60" because I hoped to watch something comparable to "Saturday Night Live". Shoot, I haven't watched that show in years. I tuned in to watch a story!

And I was very much in the minority.

"Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" was put on a very long hiatus by NBC and it finally returned a few weeks ago, but it was moved from Mondays to Thursdays. I saw every episode before the hiatus and I've seen every episode since. Tonight's show will be "Studio 60's" next to last show. I think that the story line leading up to tonight's show has been first rate television. It involves a brother of one of the cast members who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Iraq and it involves the Amanda Peet character possibly dying after giving birth. Will there be a rescue of the brother? Will Jordan (Amanda Peet) die? A death that could result in Danny (Bradley Whitford) not being able to claim the child as his own?

And after next Thursday's show, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" will be over. For good.

And the "what might have been" aspect, will linger.

THREE MORE SHOWBIZ ITEMS:

Bob Barker is now saying that he isn't endorsing Rosie O'Donnell to be the new host of "The Price Is Right". He just likes her and thinks she would do a good job if she was hired. Rosie has apparently had her meeting with "Price" producers, because on Rosie.com she said (something like), I don't think they liked me or want me.

Casting for new characters on "Shark" is continuing. As we told you more than a month ago, "Shark" producers and CBS were worried that James Woods was going to leave the show because of all the hours it required, so in order to get Woods to stay, they're doing everything they can to lighten his work load.

Did you watch "The O.C" when it was on the air? Do you remember who Kelly Rowan was? She played Kirsten, the wife of the Peter Gallagher character. Kelly Rowan is about to be married for the first time. To a guy named David Thomson who is the richest person in Canada.

PRESIDENT BUSH PAYS HOMAGE TO HIS FRINGE SUPPORTERS AGAIN:

Most of America is in favor of embryonic stem cell research, including Nancy Reagan, who believes this kind of research could have helped her husband. I'm also in favor of it. But President Bush listens to loud religious folks who tell him this research is akin to abortion. President Bush vetoed federally funded research yesterday. We supporters of that research are hoping for a miracle override.

Speaking of President Bush... In the new Newsweek's "Conventional Wisdom Watch", an observation was made about President Bush. "Good news: He's amazingly popular and mobbed by well-wishers. Bad news: Applies only to Albania."

EDITOR'S NOTE: Don't forget! You can HEAR this blog. The links to the three stations broadcasting today's blog can be found at the bottom of my links section which is to the right of what you're reading now. It's the last three links.

If you read this before pictures have been added, come back! Pictures will be up soon. A new blog is written every morning, Monday through Friday and is posted between 7 and 7:15, Pacific Time (sometimes earlier). Questions and or comments can be sent to scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I do write back.

TOMORROW: You'll be as surprised as I am!

ARE ROSIE AND IMUS GOING TO DO A NEWS SHOW ON FOX?!?

Wow! Talk about the odd couple! Rosie O'Donnell and Don Imus? Doing a political/news show? Together?!?

Would you watch? I'll bet you would the first day! I know I would!

The National Enquirer's Mike Walker says that Fox suits sent Rosie on a corporate jet to New Mexico for a meet and greet with Imus and these two "opposites" hit it off. Now (according to Walker) Fox bosses are trying to put a package together that would satisfy Rosie and Imus.

Rosie O'Donnell has something else she's chasing. "The Price Is Right". If she hasn't had the meeting already, sometime this week she will have a meeting with "Price" producers about possibly becoming the new host of "The Price Is Right". We've been led to believe that the finalists for this job are the E! Network's Todd Newton, "Entertainment Tonight's" Mark Steines, George Hamilton and John O'Hurley. My personal choice of those four is Hamilton, but the fact that "Price" bosses are talking to Rosie means this job is very much open. Do you know who would get Bob Barker's vote? Rosie.

Sudden thought: Rosie and Imus on "The Price Is Right"? The mind can only imagine the size of that potential train wreck. But ya know what? Imagining potential disaster is what would cause a lot of viewers to tune in to Rosie and Imus on Fox if that deal ever gets made.

ATTENTION BEAUTIFUL REDHEADS:

Confession. Some of the absolute best times of my life have been with green-eyed redheads. There's just something...

Okay, back to reality, Scott.

If you're a red-haired knockout between 5'6 and 5'11 and between 18 and 35, Howie Mandel's "Deal or No Deal" is casting for new briefcase models this week. If you're very attractive but not a redhead? "Deal or No Deal" might make you a deal, but they're particularly short on redheads. Good luck!

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN FRED THOMPSON BECOMES A CANDIDATE?

Have you heard about the new Republican presidential contenders poll that came out yesterday? Fred Thompson is now the leader by 28 percent to 27 percent over Rudy Giuliani. I mean, Fred Thompson has yet to announce that he is a candidate! What will happen to Thompson's poll numbers then? Of course there'll be this little matter of him having to answer questions in debates, etc., but any candidate who underestimates Fred Thompson is an idiot.

WE GET LETTERS:

First of all, there's nothing new on the Senate's proposed immigration bill, but folks are still debating the issue. I mean, passionately debating the issue. The 1907 Teddy Roosevelt speech about immigrants that was sent to us by former CNN anchor Patrick Emory resulted in several emails sent here saying (in essence) that it's too bad someone like Teddy isn't running things now!

And more mail about Barry Bonds. Like the one from Kansas City reader/listener, Jon Badeaux who writes, "The reason people cheered for Sammy Sosa and Mark McGuire to break the all-time home run record is because they were real people who didn't take themselves too seriously. In St. Louis, you might find yourself sitting in church next to McGuire. Or buying soft pretzels or fried pickles. He was a stand-up citizen in St. Louis. I understand that Sammy Sosa was equally loved in Chicago.

I've never read a love story about Barry Bonds. The real cheering will probably come long after Bonds breaks the record...when someone else breaks his!"

Thanks for your thoughts, Jon. Interesting letter. Fried pickles? Man, I'm from St. Louis. Somebody forgot to tell me about that delicacy. Short Commentary: Jon, I agree with you about McGuire. I know Mark. I've never met Sammy, but he's now hitting a lot of home runs for Texas. I agree with the thought that the big cheering will take place when someone breaks what will undoubtedly be Bonds' record. And that person (unless he has a major injury) will probably be the player known as "A-Rod".

TELEVISION TIP:

Have you checked out the new CW show called "Hidden Palms"? It stars Gail O'Grady, Sharon Lawrence and a bunch of very attractive young people. It's being referred to as Palm Springs' answer to "The O.C.". I've seen the first three episodes. Nothing overly serious about this show. A lot of pretty people doing things we like to watch and I'm hooked. Episodes 4 and 5 will be on tonight between 8 and 10, Pacific and Eastern times.

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you read this before pictures have been added, come back! Pictures will be up soon. A new blog is written every morning, Monday through Friday and is posted between 7 and 7:15 (sometimes earlier). Questions and or comments can be sent to scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I do write back. Don't forget! Monday through Friday you can HEAR this blog. The links to the three stations broadcasting today's blog can be found at the bottom of my links section which is to the right of what you're reading now. It's the last three links.

TOMORROW: Maybe the J. Edgar Hoover story I keep saying I'm going to do. I know I'm going to do a "what might have been" story about "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and anything else that jumps out at me.

THE SECOND EPISODE OF "JOHN FROM CINCINNATI" WAS BETTER, BUT THIS IS MOSTLY ABOUT THOUGHTS FROM SOME READERS!

After seeing the first episode of HBO's "John from Cincinnati", I wrote (in this blog) that I thought it was "well acted stupidity". I saw the second episode yesterday. The acting is still very good, but this second episode, instead of seeming to be stupid (to me), was whacha call, weird. And at times, funny. The funniest scene took place in a public restroom after this weird John from Cincinnati character either did or didn't take a big dump. I know. If you didn't see what I'm talking about, I'm coming across as weird. The episode will be shown a lot the rest of this week. When you see it, you'll know what I mean. But what was weird on top of weird was how this episode ended when a kiss from what I think was a parrot seemed to magically bring a young surfer out of a coma. What the hell is going on here? Birds who can heal along with the title character of the show who may not have the ability to conduct normal bathroom business? And why am I still watching this foolishness? Ya know what? I can hardly wait for next Sunday's episode.

I also watched the debut of "Meadowlands", a new Sunday night show on Showtime. It stars David Morrissey who was recently seen making love to Sharon Stone in "Basic Instinct 2" and this is another weird show. The Morrissey character and his family have been put into the Witness Protection Program and they've been put into a place called "Meadowlands". A community that is inhabited exclusively by other people who are in the Witness Protection Program. The first episode showed a little weirdness, but the weird possibilities are endless and I think Sunday nights have gotten big time interesting for television viewers.

A READER'S THOUGHTS ABOUT BARRY BONDS:

"LB", a reader or listener from St. Louis wrote a note wondering about the "drama" I referred to in yesterday's musings, but then he or she took off on the Barry Bonds item I brought up.

"It seems Barry may be here in St. Louis when he breaks the record playing the Cardinals. People are laying bets if it will be standing room only. Will the crowd cheer or jeer? Is he coming by the record honestly? Will he be rewarded in spite of his suspected abuse of maybe legal, maybe not, drugs? Is it right? Is it wrong? I'm taking the position less traveled and most forgotten. The third position. I don't care. They can't make me care either. What I find odd, and filled with irony is, in my opinion I don't think even Bonds cares and I don't think anyone can make him care either."

Wow! Interesting stuff, LB and thanks for sharing. Short Commentary: Ya know what, I don't care either. Not really. I tend to root for people who show charming attributes of some kind, even if said attributes are shown in spite of themselves. I've yet to see anything charming about Bonds and when he breaks the record, I'll read about it. And forget about it.

OBSERVATIONS FROM A CITIZEN FOLLOWED BY A MEMORABLE QUOTE:

Robert W. Dean is a Georgia State employee and here's what he said to the New York Times about the illegal immigration debate; "It really upsets me to find out that my government says, 'Yes, we can secure the border, we can detain illegal aliens, we can take all sorts of actions to enforce the law, but we will do so only if congress provides legal status to those who are here illegally.'"

And while we chew on that, I submit for your perusal a quote that was sent to me by former CNN News anchor, Patrick Emory. A quote about immigrants from Theodore Roosevelt in 1907.

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room but for one flag, the American flag...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

AND ON A LIGHTER NOTE:

Long time film, television and stage actor Edwin Craig sent me a cute story about two senior citizens.

A elderly Florida couple go to a sex therapist's office. The doctor says, "What can I do for you?" The man says, "Will you watch us have sexual intercourse? The doctor raises his eyebrows, but because he's amazed that such an elderly couple is asking for sexual advice, he agrees.

When the couple finishes, the doctor says, "There's absolutely nothing wrong with the way you have intercourse." He thanks them and charges them $50.

The next week, the couple returns and asks the sex therapist to watch again. This happens several weeks in a row.

Finally, after 5 or 6 weeks of this routine, the doctor says, "I'm sorry, but I have to ask. Just what are you trying to find out?"

The old man says, "We're not trying to find out anything. She's married and we can't go to her house. I'm married and we can't go to my house. The Holiday Inn charges $98, the Hilton charges $139. We do it here for $50, and I get $43 back from Medicare."

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you read this before pictures have been added, come back! Pictures will be up soon. A new blog is written every morning, Monday through Friday and is posted between 7 and 7:15 (sometimes earlier). Questions and or comments can be sent to scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I do write back. Don't forget! Monday through Friday you can HEAR this blog. The links to the three stations broadcasting today's blog can be found at the bottom of my links section which is to the right of what you're reading now. It's the last three links.

TOMORROW: Hopefully, the J. Edgar Hoover story I'd like to tell you along with some more entertainment news and anything else that jumps out at me.

DRAMA, DRAMA EVERYWHERE!

We all believe that we have plenty of drama in our lives, right? Just the everyday thing of trying to survive, is all the drama most of us can handle. If anything else gets added, a lot of us get like our tea kettle that starts whistling because the water's boiling.

Other people's drama can be a relief and is good escapism and you've come to the right place if escapism is what you're seeking today.

I mean, just in the last couple of days we've had a load of drama we could talk about. How about yesterday's U.S Open? America's golf championship had different leaders and different contenders all day long before Argentina's Angel Cabrera ended up outlasting the number 3 player in the world, Jim Furyk and the number 1 player in the world, Tiger Woods by one shot.

Here in Los Angeles, the Kobe Bryant drama continues with the reported story about Bryant and Lakers' owner Jerry Buss having a secret meeting in Spain with Kobe telling Buss he wants to be traded. Kobe has publicly changed his mind so much you can't help but wonder if he's about to run for high office and use Mitt Romney as his role model.

Plenty of political drama. The Senate immigration bill might be back in business and John McCain's support of this bill makes him look like his presidential aspirations are over.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had a high drama moment a couple of days ago while speaking to a group of Hispanic journalists. He told them the best way for Hispanic students to improve their academic performance would be to turn off the Spanish television set and learn English. The silence in the room was deafening, but outside the room it was not, as Pilar Marrero, political editor of La Opinion said that many Hispanics don't have time to learn English because "they're too busy working." Short Commentary: Let me see if I have this straight. You're in America. You're demanding citizenship to be an American. A lot of you are here illegally while making these demands. And you're too busy to learn English?!?

More drama involving presidential candidates. Senator Joe Biden is beginning to get another look by some people who are still very much undecided. His recent demand that this adminstration do something about providing life saving vehicles for the troops has gotten the attention of people who really do "support the troops".

Anybody care about the drama that is Barry Bonds? He hit his 748th homer yesterday. He needs only 7 more to tie the all time record.

FILM AND TELEVISION DRAMA:

Two television shows making their new season debuts on TNT tonight have gotten terrific reviews. The 3rd season of "The Closer", starring Kyra Sedgwick will be on at 9 tonight. And the 1st season of "Heartland", starring Treat Williams and Kari Matchett will be on at 10.

Two films that came out last year are currently running on cable. "Invincible" is on Starz and it's the true story of a Philadelphia bartender named Vince Papale who showed up for an open audition to possibly make the squad of the Philadelphia Eagles' football team. This was a then highly ridiculed idea that was the brainchild of Dick Vermiel who was the Eagles' new head coach. Against unbelievable odds, Papale made the team and played for three years. Mark Wahlberg plays Papale, Greg Kinnear plays Vermiel, the always good and good to look at Elizabeth Banks plays Papale's girlfriend and Paige Turco plays Vermiel's wife. A big time dramatic feel good movie and I loved it.

The film "10th and Wolf" is currently running on TMC and will be on (again) tonight. This film got mostly lousy reviews, but I liked it. It's based on a true story about mafia activity in Philadelphia and features a large cast of name actors that includes, Val Kilmer, Dennis Hopper, Brian Dennehy, Giovanni Ribisi, James Marsden, Lesley Ann Warren and the very beautiful Piper Perabo.

Literature Drama:

Jackie Collins' new book, which will be her 25th book, will be released two Tuesdays from now. It's called, "Drop Dead Beautiful" and a movie about this book is already being developed. This is another story about Lucky Santangelo which features Lucky's daughter, Max. When Parade Magazine's James Brady asked Collins who would play Max, Collins said her first choice is Lindsay Lohan, a decision that would automatically add drama to that production.

THE DRAMA THAT IS PARIS HILTON:

We end with some humor involving the never ending drama that is Paris Hilton. A few days ago while doing his Los Angeles morning radio show on Movin 93-FM, Hall of Fame broadcaster Rick Dees reported that when Hilton underwent her cavity search, what was removed was Sheriff Baca's watch.

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you read this before pictures have been added, come back! Pictures will be up soon. A new blog is written every morning, Monday through Friday and is posted between 7 and 7:15 Pacific time (sometimes earlier). Questions and or comments can be sent to scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I do write back. Don't forget! Monday through Friday you can HEAR this blog. The links to the three stations broadcasting today's blog can be found at the bottom of my links section which is to the right of what you're reading now. It's the last three links.

TOMORROW: The J. Edgar Hoover story we were going to do today, reviews of the latest "John From Cincinnati" and the new Showtime show, "Meadowlands".

Support the TROOPS? Yo, President Bush and cronies! When are YOU going to support the troops?!?

Because of his lousy poll numbers, President Bush and his flock of sheep don't do this as much as they used to, but darn near every time somebody criticized one of the many mistakes this administration has made, the critic was made to shut up when he or she was accused of "not supporting the troops" or "being unpatriotic" and, "By the way, don't you understand? We're doing what we're doing because of 9/11!" Well that duck don't float and it hasn't been floating for quite some time.

Do you know what's causing 70 to 80 percent of the American combat deaths in Iraq? Improvised explosive devices. You've probably heard them referred to as I.E.D.'s. And most of those deaths occur in the military's standard Humvees. The I.E.D.'s blast through the underbelly of the Humvees that most of our troops travel in. According to the New York Times, newly disclosed documents show that more than two years ago, Marine commanders submitted an urgent request for more than 1100 vehicles that are able to deflect blasts from below which means they'd save American lives! For what is said are reasons that have yet to be satisfactorily explained, officials who are believed to have been Pentagon officials sat on the request, and when they finally did order some of these life saving vehicles, they only ordered a few!

The New York Times is led to believe that one of the reasons officials didn't want to invest billions of dollars in these life saving vehicles is because these vehicles might have little use after Iraq. There seems to also have been a concern that a large scale purchase of these life saving vehicles might threaten future weapons programs.

My first reaction is confusion. I don't know if I should laugh or cry.

This seems pretty simple to me. For at least more than two years, our troops have requested life saving vehicles to replace the death traps they've been forced to travel in. And the money hasn't been spent because some officials thought it might screw up a money request for some other military operation? Or another group of officials were wondering about the usefulness these vehicles might have after Iraq?

See, this is what we're dealing with folks! A phony wannabe cowboy led us into Iraq where Osama bin Laden wasn't...He sent in a little over 100,000 troops when he should have sent in at least 400,000...President Bush and his staff had no clue as to the type of enemy they'd be fighting...They didn't have proper bulletproof vests for most of the troops...This vehicle thing we've been telling you about...Proper health care for wounded troops...In short, absolute incompetence from A to Z and why we as a nation continue to put up with this is something I don't understand at all.

Regarding the life saving vehicles that officials have objected to ordering because of cost and later use concerns? Here's a news flash for you incompetent hacks. Doing whatever is necessary to save American lives should have nothing to do with cost! And as far as worrying about possible use for these vehicles after Iraq? YO! Iraq is where our troops are now! Take care of the now, Bush administration! Everything else is conversation.

Post Script: Thanks to Senator Joe Biden and some other critics, Pentagon leaders have put in a rush order to buy more than 7,000 of these life saving vehicles by early next year. A request for a total of 21,000 of these life saving vehicles has been made, and new Defense Secretary Robert Gates has ordered the production of "many of these vehicles and get them into the field as fast as possible." How many? Well, he didn't say, did he. One would be a start, Mr. Secretary.

ISAIAH WASHINGTON AND T.R. KNIGHT:

If those two names sound familiar to you, you're probably a fan of "Grey's Anatomy". And that means you probably know that a few months ago, Washington directed a gay slur at Knight and that resulted in Knight "outing" himself maybe a little earlier than he had planned to. A few days ago it was announced that Washington won't be coming back to "Grey's Anatomy", but that Knight will come back and he's also getting a nice raise. Entertainment Weekly had a recent conversation with Isaiah Washington because they wanted to know how Washington was feeling, who from the show had contacted him, etc. When EW asked Washington, "Would you consider you and T.R. Knight to be on good terms?", Washington said, "I don't know. You have to ask T.R. that." But a few minutes later, Washington decided to show the EW reporter a very recent text message he had gotten from Knight. A message that said, "HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA! Hear about my raise? And next season, George is banging Cristina!" Short Commentary: MEEEOWWW!!!

"BOSTON LEGAL" HAS DONE SOME HOUSECLEANING:

James Spader, William Shatner and Candice Bergen will be back next season, but every other series regular has received a "Thanks for the memories" message. Two new series regulars will be John Larroquette as a senior partner and Christian Clemenson, the actor who has often played Jerry on the show. He's the weird guy who (among other things) has both hands held flat on his thighs a lot.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A new blog is written every morning, Monday through Friday and is posted between 7 and 7:15 Pacific time (sometimes earlier). If you read this before pictures have been added, come back! Pictures will be up soon! Questions and or comments can be sent to scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I do write back. Don't forget, Monday through Friday you can HEAR this blog. For times and link info, scroll down my Thursday, June 7 blog and you'll see all the information you need.

MONDAY: A story about how a number of people doing White House work can be compared to the way J. Edgar Hoover used to work, annnd opinions about some TV shows and films.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND HAVE A NICE WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE:

BECAUSE OF A LAST MINUTE FILM JOB, I WON'T BE ABLE TO WRITE A BLOG TODAY.

My next blog (tomorrow) will have another story about this fumbling, bumbling Bush Administration and the way they "protect and support the troops"! Also...More on the Isaiah Washington/T.R. Knight "Grey's Anatomy" problem, cast changes on "Boston Legal" annnd my thoughts about a "feel good" movie you might have missed in August of 2006.

Meanwhile, feel free to check out previous blogs I've written. They're all here! Just like yesterday's blog which begins below!

FRED THOMPSON TELLS JAY LENO, "THE ANSWER IS YES!"

Like Governor Arnold before him, Fred Thompson appeared with Jay Leno last night, so naturally, this unannounced candidate was asked by Leno if he'd like to become president. Thompson said, "I've never craved the job of president, but I want to do some things that only a president can do. So, the answer is yes." Thompson said he wasn't going to make an official announcement while on Leno's couch, but he let everyone know how to click on the Web site for his political committee. But like he said, "The answer is yes!" and his poll numbers continue to rise, with or without an official announcement.

MORE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION NEWS:

A new poll is out suggesting that most Americans favor the Senate's proposed bill that would allow illegal immigrants to become legal if they paid a fine, learn English and a couple of other things. As everyone knows, a poll can get the answers you want when you pose questions in a way...You know what I mean.

Here's the problem I have with this kind of thinking. Who enforces the new laws if this bill is passed? We have laws on the books now that aren't being enforced. There's a story out today about a lawsuit won by illegal immigrants in a village 23 miles north of New York City, because police officers had the audacity to ask if these people were here legally. The fact than none of them spoke English was a clue, a clue that proved the police officers were right, but a judge ruled the illegal immigrants' right to equal protection had been violated. And my question is this; If police are prohibited from trying to enforce any law, I don't care what the law is, where does that kind of arbitrary thinking stop?!?

Publications like the Los Angeles Times here don't help when they refer (in editorials) "To the know-nothing fringe" as being responsible for objecting to a bill that would give amnesty to (at least) 12 million illegals. Which, unless enforcement of laws are allowed to be carried out, will lead to millions more illegals coming here. Even us "know-nothing's" know that!!!

SPEAKING OF THINGS CONTENTIOUS:

Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather says the reason CBS' News with Katie Couric is getting such lousy ratings is because CBS had made the mistake of "dumbing it down and tarting it up in hopes of attracting a younger audience." CBS boss Leslie Moonves shot back at Rather by accusing Rather's remarks as being "sexist". Moonves probably also didn't like Rather saying that Moonves knows a lot about entertainment but he doesn't know anything about news.

MORE PARIS NEWS, BECAUSE I KNOW YOU WANT IT:

If Paris Hilton is going to continue to entertain us after she gets out of jail, she'll have to find a new agent. The agency she had, Endeavor, in Beverly Hills, announced yesterday that Hilton's been fired. Meanwhile, outraged relatives of prisoners they wanted to visit were big time steamed at Paris Hilton's mom and dad who were allowed to go straight to the front of the line while others had to wait many hours. It does make you wonder about the possibility of campaign contributions, doesn't it?

THINGS ARE PLANNING TO HEAT UP ON "SHARK":

Producers of the CBS hit show "Shark" announced yesterday that they're looking for an attractive woman to play James Woods' ex-wife who will move back from New York to explore the possibility of new "sparks" between the two while she also tries to be more involved with daughter Julie who's played by Danielle Panabaker. Jeri Ryan will also be a "sparks" provider with Woods' character next season which makes one wonder if an idea from "Grey's Anatomy" has been stolen by the "Shark" folks.

THE VICE PRESIDENT AND THE GAY ISSUE:

Vice President Dick Cheney has been one of these hard-line guys when it comes to gays in the military and gays in general. The gays in the military thing has cost this country more Arabic speaking translators than we now have, but that's a story for another time. Vice President Cheney's problem with gay rights in general is interesting because his gay daughter recently gave Vice President Cheney a new grandchild. Isn't it time for a reporter to ask the Vice President (because of who he is) if his previously announced views about gays has changed?

EDITOR'S NOTE: A new blog is written every morning, Monday through Friday and is posted between 7 and 7:15 (sometimes earlier). If you read this before pictures have been added, come back! Pictures will be up soon! Questions and or comments can be sent to scottstjames@sbcglobal.net I do write back. Don't forget, Monday through Friday you can now HEAR this blog. For times and link information, scroll down to last Thursday's blog and you'll have all the info you need.

TOMORROW: SEE THE "EDITOR'S NOTE" AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE!

"JOHN FROM CINCINNATI" IS WELL ACTED STUPIDITY!

Because of the way "The Sopranos" ended Sunday night, I didn't watch the new show that followed it on HBO. But I did tape "John From Cincinnati" and I watched it yesterday afternoon. "John From Cincinnati" is a show created by David Milch, the same guy who created "Deadwood" and the same guy "NYPD Blue's" Andy Sipowicz was patterned after.

In other words, it's safe to say that David Milch knows a part of all of us that's rarely explored on a big stage. The odd, profane and just plain "different" part of all of us.

After seeing the first episode of "John From Cincinnati", I'll give David Milch the fact that he's being true to himself.