The RACE Issue!!! Should we approach it with kid gloves?!? Or with a HAMMER!!!

Thanks to Reverend Jeremiah Wright's recent publicity blitz, we've been slapped in the face with the "Race Issue", haven't we? And it has caused Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to pretty much disown any relationship he ever had with Reverend Wright. Wright officiated at Obama's wedding and he baptized Obama's children, but most recently, Wright pretty much threw Obama under the bus when he publicly acknowledged what appears to be (at the very least) an admiration of some kind for Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. Wright also stated something along the lines of Obama's criticism of Wright having been more to do with "politics" than the "truth".

Yesterday, Obama let it be known in plain English that it's apparent Wright doesn't know Obama as well as he thinks he does and that Obama most definitely didn't know Wright as well as he thought he did! And he made it clear that these things Wright has been saying the last few days are not things that Obama believes or believes in. AT ALL!!!

But what about the "Race Issue" in general? Talk show hosts like "Little Lord Fauntleroy", otherwise known as Sean Hannity, more often than not sound like someone who should be fitted for a robe and hood because of his total ignorance of the subject.

A big reason people like Hannity are clueless when it comes to something like this is because they were never required to or never chose to do something he's happy to let everyone or any one else do. And that's in the area of public service. Like joining the military for a couple of years.

Ya know, when we had a military draft, a lot of people were required to wear the uniform for at least two years and during those two years, they were forced to live with people the likes of which many of them had never even spoken to. Black people, for instance. And whether they intended to or not, before these people left the military, they had gotten a little bit of insight into how some other folks feel and think about things. Priceless insight!

If we're going to risk bankrupting this country for a questionable war, by having a draft, the presidential administration advocating a war effort will learn immediately about how most of the rest of America feels about a possible war. But what's even cooler than that is the fact that a lot of young people who are drafted, get to learn (for at least two years) how people of different colors act and think about things.

Someone much smarter than me once said (in essence) that our military became an equal opportunity opportunity a lot faster than darn near anything in the civilian sector. And yes, because we're all human, not everyone who walked into the military a bigot, walked out of the military not being a bigot. But what they did walk out of the military as, (in spite of previous prejudices) was a little more understanding of people who look a little different than they do.

Personally, I'm glad the "Race Issue" IS an issue. And yes, I'd like to see us REINSTATE THE MILITARY DRAFT and if a war is considered to be "in our best interests", I'd like to see TAXES RAISED so that we the people who thought this was a good idea PAY FOR THE WAR as opposed to making OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN pay for it!!!

THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net. I write back to everyone.

HOW 'BOUT DEM GAS PRICES!!!

Gas prices!!! Ugh and Yuck!!! President Bush's solution? To bitch and moan about Congress not considering legislation that would allow drilling for oil in Alaska and or legislation that would allow more nuclear facilities to be built.

Short Commentary: I used to be against lifting the regulations against drilling for oil in places that we haven't been allowed to drill in America. I've changed my mind. And I'm all for the exploration of the nuclear solution.

But here's what bugs me about President Bush. He hasn't publicly suggested that we do what all of us can do! And that's to make the effort to CUT BACK on the amount of times we use our vehicles. I mean, how tough would it be for President Bush to go on camera and say something like, "Look at me, America! Times are tough! We're gonna do our best to get you out of this mess, but until we do, here's what YOU can do! Make an honest effort to cut back on the amount of gas you use by fifteen percent. You'll save energy, but above all, you'll save money. Money that can be used for food or other necessities. I know you can do it! Thank you and God Bless America!"

I mean, isn't that something we should expect from the President of the United States during times like this? Or have we reached such a "low expectations" point regarding this president we would be surprised if he did tell us something like I just suggested?

Does President Bush not do this because he's stupid? No, I don't think he's stupid. I think President Bush is what he's always been. In touch with the "haves" and totally out of touch when it comes to everyone else.

CRAIG FERGUSON HAD THE LINE OF THE NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS' DINNER!!!

Actually, President Bush had a couple of pretty good lines, too. This is a yearly event and it's packed with a lot of famous people, both in and out of politics. Referring to people who weren't there, President Bush said, "Senator McCain's not here. He probably wanted to distance himself from me a little bit. You know, he's not alone. Jenna's moving out too." President Bush also said, "Hillary Clinton couldn't get in because of sniper fire and Senator Obama's at church."

CBS' "Late Late Show" host, Craig Ferguson made cracks about what President Bush might do after he leaves office and then Ferguson talked about Vice President Dick Cheney when he said,
"Vice President Cheney is already moving out of his residence. It takes longer than you think to pack up an entire dungeon."

THE FINAL FIVE ON AMERICAN IDOL!!!

Last night, it was Neil Diamond night on American Idol. Each of the five finalists sang two Neil Diamond songs, but before they sang on stage, they listened (or not) to suggestions from Neil Diamond. Tonight, Neil Diamond will sing while the "Final Five" will wonder if they'll be part of the "Final Four".

What you're about to read are short notes I wrote about the "Final Five", the songs they sang and who I think might be eliminated tonight.

Each singer sang one song and then returned to sing another song. The judges said nothing until all five singers had sung their first songs and all five singers were critiqued at once. That didn't work out too well, so when the singers sang their second songs, the judges critiqued them as they usually do which is one at a time.

1: Jason sang, "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "September Morning". I thought that "Blue Jeans" was so-so and I thought his version of "September Morning" was awful.

2: Older David sang, "I'm Alive" and "All I Really Need is You". His version of "I'm Alive" was, to me, very Neil Diamond-esque and I liked it. Older David's version of "I'm Alive" was okay, but I didn't like it as much as the judges did.

3: Brooke...Ah, sensitive, constantly on the verge of imploding, Brooke. Brooke sang, "I'm a Believer" and "I Am, I Said". I thought that "I'm a Believer" was so-so-okay, but I thought her version of "I Am, I Said", was nice.

4: Young David sang, "Sweet Caroline" and "Comin' to America". His version of "Sweet Caroline" didn't work for me, but his version of "Comin' to America" DID work! Big time!

5: Syesha sang, "Hello Again" and "Thank the Lord for the Nighttime". She should have reversed them. I thought her version of "Hello Again" was the best version of a Neil Diamond song in round one. Her version of "Thank the Lord for the Nighttime" was only so-so and was big time noticeable because it was the last song we heard. When it was Simon's turn to critique Syesha's version of that song, he told her, "I think you're in trouble!"

Who do I think will be eliminated tonight? First of all, I've never been right, but here goes. Jason and Brooke are (to me) very lucky to still be in this competition. I hope that Simon is wrong about Syesha. My pick to be eliminated is Jason.

THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net. I write back to everyone.

THE NEXT BLOG?

Unless something unforseen comes up, a week from today. And you know that at least one of the subjects will be something that makes me say, "Whaaaat?!?"

It was the hands down BEST American Idol show of the YEAR!!!

Since writing my last blog, I spent several days near the Mexican border in the San Diego area while playing a border agent who isn't too fond of illegal immigrants. I admit it. It was a role that was not difficult for me find the motivation to play, despite the physicality involved in a fight scene that was shot over and over and over again. Because that's the way things are done when you film something. Each actor has to have their closeups, the production company needs wide shots and what are known as "for safety" shots. And then are additional shots done when the exact moves aren't made or when there's a problem with lighting or when there's a problem with the camera itself.

Like someone much smarter than me once said, "If it was easy, ANYONE could do it!!!"

Oh...How did the fight scene end? When the illegal immigrant I had in custody referred to my wife as a whore, I went nuts and beat him to death with what is known as a Mag Light.

The reason my character went nuts is because his wife was killed by an illegal immigrant.

I bring all this up to tell you I'm in more of an entertainment mood today so I'm not figuring to write much (if anything) about politics.

BRAVO TO THE FINAL 6 ON AMERICAN IDOL!!!

For different reasons, I liked 'em all on American Idol last night!

The final 6 were told to select songs written by Andrew Lloyd Webber who was also their music mentor this week.

And what a mentor he was. In fact, I think Andrew Lloyd Webber was the best music mentor that American Idol has EVER had!

What you're about to read are short notes I wrote about all of last night's singers, the songs they sang and who I think might be eliminated tonight.

1: Syesha began the show by singing, "One Rock 'n Roll Too Many". But before she sang, Andrew Lloyd Webber made the prediction (in essence) that we might well see something special. That's a heck of a build-up and one couldn't help but wonder how Syesha would respond to that. Well, I've often mentioned my "tingle test" and Syesha more than passed that test! I mean, Syesha not only looked smokin' hot, she sang smokin' hot! I LOVED it and I think Syesha's singing and performing set the tone for what I truly believe was the best American Idol show ever.

2: Jason sang, "Memory". I thought he came across as a bit "breathy" and I hope you know what I mean by that. I liked what he did, but I didn't think it was great.

3: Brooke sang, "You Must Love Me". And she gave us a high tension moment when about 5 seconds into the song, she stopped and asked the band to begin again. She later said she did that because she temporarily forgot the words. I thought her recovery was terrific and that she ended up singing well. The judges disagreed with me, but I think the judges were wrong. I'm not suggesting she sang as well as Syesha last night, but neither did anyone else.

4: Young David sang, "Think Of Me". I thought it was very nice.

5: Carly sang, "Superstar". Before she sang, we heard her admit that she had chosen a different song, but that Andrew Lloyd Webber had talked her out of it. And what a good decision THAT was! I mean, Carly came out and flat "Rocked the House!" During her whole song, I was tapping my foot so hard I wondered if I might be in danger of injuring myself. It was my second favorite performance of the night.

6: Older David sang, "Music Of The Night" and he showed me range I didn't know he had. I thought it was very good and a nice way to end the evening with me feeling that I liked all of the singers.

But somebody will be picked to leave American Idol tonight.

I don't think any of 'em deserve expulsion tonight, but I'll tell you which 2 of the terrific 6 might be the bottom 2 tonight. Jason and Brooke with Brooke maybe being the expelled one because she's escaped that fate on a couple of other nights that she probably should have been expelled. Kind of like what happened to Kristy last week.

FOUR FILMS WORTH CHECKING OUT!!!

Before running off to play that border agent I wrote about, I saw four films I'd like to recommend. And I'll begin with a film that's been barbecued by the critics.

"88 Minutes", starring Al Pacino. I disagree with the critics. Does this film have a lot of "holes" in it. Sure it does. But if it's overall entertaining, aren't we supposed to have the capability to overlook plot "holes"? I was very entertained by this film.

Keanu Reeves is one of these guys who seems to get criticized for a film he's thinking about doing, but he continues to make films and for the most part he does good work in them. Like in the film, "Street Kings". Like with the new Pacino film, there are a lot of other good actors in "Street Kings" and I was very entertained by this film!

"21" is a gambling film that stars Kevin Spacey, the beautiful Kate Bosworth, Laurence Fishburne and some other fine actors. One criticism I've heard is that the film is "predictable". Perhaps, but I'm a gambler and I liked the film a lot!

And here's the film that surprised me. "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". I thought this film might be for people who are a lot younger than I am and was very prepared to NOT like this film. At ALL!!!

Is there anyone hotter than producer Judd Apatow now? He put together a starring cast of Jason Segal, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis and Russell Brand. Four people who you can't help but care about. A LOT! I was totally into what is a love story and I was able to relate to everything we see on the screen. Bravo, Bravo, Bravo!!!

THE TELEVISION SHOW, "BOSTON LEGAL"!!!

We are hearing that "Boston Legal" might not return next season. If so, that's going to be a damn shame.

Like most fans of the show, I love the Shore/Crane relationship that's played by James Spader and William Shatner. And I really love the different storylines they tackle.

Did you see last night's show? I was about the Spader character presenting a case to the U.S. Supreme Court. And while doing so, he brought up a lot of cases we're all familiar with and blasted the Supreme Court for some decisions they made. Probably not recommended for a real lawyer, but it certainly made for compelling television. If you saw the show, you saw James Spader deliver a ton of dialogue without stopping. That's stuff he has to memorize, folks. But yes, he does that in many of the "Boston Legal" episodes, but last night's episode was an off the charts exception. And brilliantly done.

We have plenty of fake Rolex's on television. "Boston Legal" is the real deal and if it's given the hook, television figures to replace it with something that will help the continuation of the dumbing down of us all.

THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net. I write back to everyone.

THE NEXT BLOG?

Unless something unforseen comes up, a week from today. And you know that at least one of the subjects will be something that makes me say, "Whaaaat?!?"

If you think this country will experience a great loss when Dick Cheney is no longer running things, CONDI just might be the perfect replacement!!!

You've heard the rumors, right? That John McCain might select Condoleeza Rice to be his running mate? One assumes that McCain would give that idea some very serious thought if Barack Obama ends up being victorious over Hillary Clinton.

And let's stop and think about something for a minute.

In alphabetical order...CLINTON, McCAIN, OBAMA!!!

Is this the BEST we can do?!?

One of THOSE three will be the person we hope will turn around the mess of all messes created by the worst presidential administration in our lifetime(s)? And maybe the worst of ALL time(s)?

Anyway, for those of you who haven't figured out all the snake oil you've been sold for the (almost) last 8 years and you believe all this Iraq war baloney espoused by "patriots" like Limbaugh and Hannity, etc., who want everyone else to put on military uniforms, I'd like to call your attention to a little piece of video.

It's easy to locate. If I can find it, anyone can find it. All you have to do is click on http://condimustgo.com/?utm_source=rgemail

SPEAKING OF IRAQ, TWO QUESTIONS FOR GENERAL PETRAEUS:

Long time contributor Elvis (his real name) sent me a couple of questions that a Fred Reed would (if he could) like to ask General David Petraeus.

1: "General, five years ago the Commander in Chief said that combat operations in Iraq had ended. Since this isn't true, the Commander in Chief was either lying, delusional, or simply a fool. Which do you believe to be the case?"

2: "Some of your critics, sir---misinformed, I am sure---say that you send kids from small Southern towns to die while you work on your Power Point presentations. To put this foul canard to rest, would you tell us how much time you have spent in combat as compared to a rifleman on his fifth tour?"

AS LONG AS WE'RE ASKING QUESTIONS, HOW ABOUT ALL THOSE JOBS THAT ARE BEING LOST ON A DAILY BASIS HERE?!?

Hopefully, this little thing called "Looking for Work" that was sent to me by the fine stage and film actor, Edwin Craig will lighten the mood for everyone. Or not.

Here goes...

A Japanese doctor said, "Medicine in my country is so advanced that we can take a kidney out of one person, put it in another, and have him looking for work in six weeks."

A German doctor said, "That's nothing. We can take a lung out of one person, put it in another, and have him looking for work in four weeks."

A British doctor said, "In my country, medicine is so advanced that we can take half of a liver out of one person, put it in another, and have them both looking for work in two weeks."

A Texas doctor, not to be outdone, said, "You guys are way behind. We took a man with no brains out of Texas, put him in the White House, and now half the country is looking for work."

THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net. I write back to everyone.

AMERICAN IDOL AND THE FINAL SEVEN!!!

All the songs sung on American Idol last night were Mariah Carey songs because Mariah Carey was the "mentor" for A.I.'s Final Seven. Before A.I. is down to a Final Six, Carey will sing a song tonight, a song that figures to be from her new C.D.

What you're about to read are short notes I wrote about all of last night's singers, the songs they sang and who I think deserves to be eliminated tonight. And I couldn't have been MORE wrong about who got eliminated LAST week!!! MICHAEL?!? ELIMINATED?!?

Will we be surprised TONIGHT?!?

1: Young David started with, "When You Believe". I thought it was so-so, but the judges loved what he did.

Now before I go any further, I want to write what I wrote when all seven had finished last night.
"I didn't think ANY of the seven were good."

That doesn't mean I thought they were all bad, but at this point, I expect to be dazzled by somebody. Anybody!!!

But the judges were dazzled a few times. I guess it's just me.

2: Carly sang, "Without you". I liked the beginning, but this was (to me) another not quite performance for a woman who appears to have a lot of talent, but has been walking a tightrope lately. I would not be surprised if this very talented singer got eliminated tonight.

3: Syesha sang, "Vanishing". Syesha is gorgeous, but I didn't think the song worked for her and that might result in her "Vanishing" from American Idol after tonight.

4: Brooke sang, "Hero". I didn't like it, the judges appeared to be luke warm and Brooke is also a "hot seat" candidate.

5: Kristy sang, "Forever". I thought it was so-so.

6: Older David sang, "Always Be My Baby". I'm obviously in the minority. I don't get this guy! At all! But the judges LOVED what he did! Was that because of the three performances that preceded him? Hmmm!!!

7: Jason sang, "I don't want to Cry". Well, I did when I heard it, but the judges loved it.

And here's something else. Paula Abdul. I know that she's been a part of this monster show since the beginning and I know the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" has merit, but she is so reminding me of the horse with the broken leg. And the humane thing we do to that horse.

Before this season began, there were rumors about Britney Spears being considered as a replacement for Paula Abdul. Think about it. If that move were to be made, it would be to replace a known A.I. trainwreck, with the tabloids' most famous (for now) trainwreck. Who knows? It might even be helpful for Britney. And she might even be good. Is there anyone out there who thinks Paula Abdul is good on American Idol?

Who do I think will be eliminated tonight?

Any of the women could go! ANY of them! I think the weakest was Brooke (again), but I'm guessing it might be Carly.

THE NEXT BLOG?

If we're done with the pilot I'm about to begin shooting on, I'll write the next one a week from today. And you know that at least one of the subjects will be something that makes me say, "Whaaaat?!?"

THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net. I write back to everyone.

AMERICA is going BROKE, but IRAQ now has a SURPLUS?!?

Just when you think the most incompetent presidential administration any American now living has ever witnessed, and in fact, has exceeded all of our negative expectations of them/him, along comes some new information.

One of the many, many falsehoods (lies) we were told about regarding the "good" that would result in our invasion of Iraq, was how what we were doing would result in lower oil prices for all Americans. Not to mention the new democracy in Iraq, the killing of all the evil doers, killing that would result in Americans being safe from terrorism, "don't worry, be happy!", yada, yada, yada.

And once again, I find myself saying, "What a load of horse manure!!!"

And now people are talking about Condi possibly being John, "I never met a war I didn't like" McCain's Vice Presidential running mate?!? The SAME Condi who might possibly go down in history as our worst National Security Advisor EVER?!?

I mean, do these people EVER cease to amaze us?

Here's a news flash, folks. While we have stupidly sat idly by while watching Americans get killed and seriously injured in Iraq, the Iraqis are nowhere near any kind of democracy envisioned by this "out of touch with the real world" president of ours and even General Petraeus can't say, when he's under oath, that America is any safer because of what we've done and continue to do in Iraq!

And here's the irony of ALL ironies...While we have spent billions on top of billions of American dollars in this "fool's enterprise", by the time we stop counting, three TRILLION dollars might be spent by us while oil prices continue to go way UP for Americans! BUT, because of oil revenues in IRAQ, revenues that were supposedly going to pay for part of this war but AREN'T, Iraq is now looking at a budget SURPLUS for Iraq, while America, because of all the money we've spent BEING in Iraq are very much in danger of facing what happened to this country in 1929 unless we can keep BORROWING money from CHINA!!!

Look, it's hard for me to keep up with this stuff, too. And like most of you, I'd rather be watching American Idol than worrying about what should be "government stuff", but gang, according to our Constitution, this government works for us!!!

Look around!!! Are you happy about the oil prices? The food prices? Health care? Your wages? Your job? And that's if you even have a job? And how about crowded conditions that aren't at all helped by the millions and millions of ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS!!!

You want to watch us possibly turn into a 3rd world country? Just let these millions and millions of illegal immigrants continue to have children that we can't afford to educate, feed or provide health care for.

If this government of ours, a government that is supposed to be working for US, was "on top of things", they'd be doing something about all of these problems! In the illegal immigrant issue, courageous government people who are working for us would be doing their darndest to get rid of this idiotic rule, law or whatever the hell it is that mandates children born here who's parents are here illegally are automatic legal citizens of the United States! In fact, THOSE CHILDREN SHOULD BE AS ILLEGAL AS THEIR ILLEGAL PARENTS ARE!!!

But because we have a government that ISN'T working for us, there ain't but one thing we can do. And SHOULD do!!! Which is to make it our business to vote every one of these sorry sons (and daughters) of bitches OUT of office and if necessary, start the hell over.

I mean, I hear all this crap about somebody running for something who "doesn't have experience" and that's supposed to be something we should be worried about.

Gang, here's what I'M worried about!!! All these EXPERIENCED people we NOW have who are making decisions and the sorry state we now find ourselves IN!

A famous sports guy once said, "Statistics are for losers!!!"

While agreeing with that, here's what I'M saying; Experience has caused us to BE losers! I'm more than willing to take my chances on people who have NEW ideas!!!

AND SPEAKING OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS:

Those of us who live in the Los Angeles area are never surprised at leniency given illegal immigrants and to the employers who hire them. We are also (no longer) surprised at the attitudes of many illegals which is (in essence) a demand that we (legal citizens) adapt to their way of doing things as opposed to them (ILLEGAL citizens who claim they want to be legal) adapting to OUR way of doing things.

Anyway, there's been some recent noise here about a woman named Maria "Chata" Leon who has lived here illegally for 23 years. During that time, she has had three drug related convictions, no jail time, has never been deported and HAS GIVEN BIRTH TO THIRTEEN CHILDREN!!!

See what I mean about how our experienced government leaders are handling things?

And then there's what's happening in San Francisco. Mayor Gavin Newsom is publicly encouraging illegal immigrants to take advantage of city services with no fear of consequence for the fact that they are criminals.

And let me stop right there. If you're doing something illegal, that still makes you a criminal, doesn't it?

Mayor Newsom, a guy who has interesting moral standards (to say the least) is also a guy who is thinking about running for governor in 2010. Newsom's a popular mayor and he might even have some fresh ideas for this state if he decides to run for governor. I'm one of these people who thinks it's "private business" if you cheat on your wife or if you get involved with your best friend's wife, but his "Law, what law?" position regarding illegal immigrants would make me do my darndest to make sure he doesn't become our next governor.

THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net.
I write back to everyone.

AMERICAN IDOL AND THE FINAL EIGHT!!!

All the songs sung on American Idol last night were "inspirational songs". And after the first two singers sang, this thought occurred to me; "One of these people will have to be ELIMINATED!!!" And the reason that thought occurred to me is because at this point, all of these singers are pretty darn good or at least as good as each other. We won't find out who will be eliminated tonight, because the big "Idol Gives Back" show will be on. The eliminated person will be announced during a special "American Idol" on Thursday (tomorrow).

What you're about to read are short notes I wrote about all of last night's singers, the songs they sang and who I think deserves to be eliminated tomorrow.

1: Michael sang, "Dream On". I thought it was a powerful performance and he figures to be one of the final seven.

2: Syesha sang, "I Believe". Looks wise, Syesha is a bonafide babe and she's also (as the weeks go on) becoming a better and better singer. The last two weeks, she's chosen to sing two "classic" songs that are easy to criticize, but she has held her own both times. I think she's in the top seven.

3: Jason sang, "Somewhere over the Rainbow" while playing a ukulele. Gutsy move, the judges loved it, I thought it was "okay". He figures to be in the top seven.

4: Kristy sang, "Anyway". I thought she had a light beginning, but a strong finish. The judges liked it, I like Kristy.

5: Older David sang, "Innocent". He ended his song with a pandering move when he showed the palm of hand with the words, "Give back" written on it. I would have appreciated that move more if his song had been good, but it wasn't. Older David is a definite elimination candidate.

6: Carly sang, "Show Must Go On". I've said it before and I'll say it again. Carly, talent wise, might be the hands down best singer of all, but she's been making lousy song choices lately. When she was finished, here's what I wrote; "I dunno WHAT I thought of that!" The judges didn't like it and Simon said, "I think you might be in a little trouble now." And I agree.

7: Young David sang, "Angels" while playing the piano. There were a couple of glitches, but overall, it was very nice. He's easily in the top seven.

8: Brooke sang, "You've got a Friend". What people didn't see last Wednesday after Brooke found out she was in the "bottom three" was what could best be described as a "panic attack". I thought she looked (mostly) uncomfortable during her song, the judges thought her performance was so-so, Ryan pointed out she was shaking while standing there with him and here's what I wrote when Ryan said that (and she agreed); "She's READY to go!!!"

Older David should go, Carly could go, but I think Brooke will go!

THE NEXT BLOG?

Unless something comes up, I'll write the next one a week from today. And you know that at least one of the subjects will be something that makes me say, "Whaaaat?!?"

THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net.
I write back to everyone.

Sometimes it's dry, sometimes it rains. RAIN is BETTER!!!

What the headline in this blog refers to is something that we all experience in our careers and life in general.

I'm sure you've all heard the expression, "When it rains, it pours."

When someone says that, it usually has a negative connotation to it. As in, "Woe is me, how much WORSE can it BE?!?"

When we do go through one of those periods, as a rule, we find out that things can get worse very easily.

Back to the headline...

Whenever we say something like, "It's dry, man! Things are DRY!!", we're referring to our careers or maybe even our personal lives. But when either situation changes, you might find yourself in the position of possibly having too much of a good thing.

We should all have that problem, right?

I bring this up for a personal reason. My acting career has been slow lately. Dry, actually.

But yesterday, that changed. I've been asked to star in a pilot for television as a guy who's not too fond of illegal immigrants. "Typecasting", perhaps? (Couldn't resist) No, my character's problem has to do with an illegal immigrant who killed my character's wife. The "hero" of this piece is played by the actor who plays my son. Both of us are very flawed human beings. I'll let you know if this gets picked up which would mean it would become a series on television. My four previous leading roles in pilots resulted in those pilots not being picked up. But I'm constantly reminded that George Clooney had more than ten pilots that weren't picked up before he hit it big. And just as I was getting ready to do some serious studying for this role, I've been asked to go to an office tomorrow and read for another lead role in a feature film. A different kind of complex character who happens to be the "head techie" of a big research center and he's also secretly in love with the owner of the research center.

I have my first rehearsal for the pilot tomorrow evening and the audition for the film, tomorrow afternoon. A whole lot of studying.

Sometimes it's dry, sometimes it rains. Yes, rain is better.

That also means this blog will be a little shorter than usual so I can devote more time to my studying.

BAD, BAD DAY FOR CBS!!!

No matter where you are in the United States, if there are CBS radio and or television stations where you are, some of your favorite people were fired yesterday and the announcement of those firings were made public today. Yes, yesterday was April Fool's day, but what happened wasn't funny for anyone!

Here in Los Angeles, we say goodbye to two long time television news anchors. Ann Martin and Harold Greene. As the days go on, we'll learn about more of our favorites who got (or will get)pink slipped.

SHORT COMMENTARY:

I spent a lot of years in television newsrooms and radio studios in this city and it breaks my heart to see what's happening at stations that have been horribly mismanaged because of what is known as "consolidation". "Consolidation" allowed people who know NOTHING about radio and television stations to run them into the ground!

I take it back. There are THREE things these carpetbaggers know about radio and television stations. How to RAPE them, DOWNSIZE them and then SELL them. I'm referring to the owners who made managers be in charge of MULTIPLE stations when it's hard enough to (effectively) manage ONE!!!

You wanna know what the reason was for the massive amount of commercials that were played on your favorite radio and television station? Oh...You don't HAVE a favorite radio and television station anymore? Okay, but when you DID have one? All those commercials were related to greed. It had nothing to do with maintaining an audience because the idiots who own and in some cases manage these stations were convinced you'd NEVER leave!

And why are so many of your favorite radio and television personalities not ON that radio or television station you used to watch or listen to? For quite a while, a number of your favorites have stayed longer than they would have because they agreed to accept (in some cases) multiple pay cuts. But even after bending over, (time and time again) some of your favorites were still (in the eyes of the bean counters) MAKING TOO MUCH MONEY!!!

Someone much smarter than me once said, "You've gotta spend money to make money!" And when you're in business, you've got to RESPECT your customer(s). You DON'T take them for
GRANTED!!! Unless...Because of things pushed by the Clinton and Bush administrations the fat cats are allowed to do whatever the hell they want to. Customers and this country, be damned!

No, a possible depression isn't the fault of new radio and television station destroying owners, but it's one of the reasons we've been in a recession for several months and are in big danger of getting to the dreaded "D" word until we get rid of the leaders we now have and hope to god that we elect someone who will indeed give us "CHANGE!!!"

THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net
I write back to everyone.

HOW ABOUT THAT BATTLE OF NUMBER ONE'S?!?

Are you ready for the big college basketball games this coming Saturday and next Monday?
Number one UCLA against number one Memphis and number one North Carolina against number one Kansas. The winners of those two games will play for the championship of college basketball next Monday. I'm rooting for UCLA, but I think that North Carolina will win the title.

AND SPEAKING OF WINNERS...

All the songs sung on American Idol last night were songs made famous by Dolly Parton who also acted as mentor to the 9 remaining A.I. contestants. What you're about to read are short notes I wrote about all of last night's singers, the songs they sang and who I think deserves to be eliminated tonight.

Last night's show began with Vanilla Deluxe Host Ryan Seacrest doing a dumb April Fool's joke. Do what you do best, Ryan! Make money and HOST!!!

1: Brooke sang, "Jolene". I thought Brooke started strong, was weak in the middle and so-so at the end. But when Paula Abdul finished HER "critique", I found myself shaking my head and writing these words; "What does Paula ADD to the show?" And the answer is, "NOTHING!!!"
And Paula Abdul was LIKE that ALL NIGHT LONG!!!

Here's an idea. How about instead of eliminating one of the 9 remaining A.I. contestants tonight, the producers of A.I. eliminate PAULA tonight!

2: Older David sang, "Little Sparrow". I thought it was a bad choice and it didn't work. The judges all disagreed with me.

3: Ramiele sang, "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind". I thought it was so-so.

4: Jason sang, "Travelin' Through". I didn't like it.

5: Carly sang, "Here You Come Again". Carly is this year's enigma. She has (arguably) the best singing voice of all the singers, but I thought the song she chose resulted in a so-so performance. After she finished, Simon suggested a change of wardrobe. I'd suggest a change in her decision making regarding the songs she chooses.

6: Young David sang, "Smokey Mountain Memories". I thought his performance was very nice!

7: Kristy sang, "Coat of many Colors". I thought it was good and she passed my "Tingle test" again. Simon didn't like it and Kristy made a sarcastic (with a smile) remark to Simon about still loving him. Yo, Kristy! Nobody loves you like I do, but you gotta put a sock in it, baby. Take the hit and git. You dig?

8: Syesha sang, "I Will Always Love You". This is a great song that Syesha did a great job with, but only at the beginning. The rest of it wasn't bad, but her beginning was very powerful.

9: Michael sang, "It's All Wrong, But It's Alright". All three judges loved it. I thought it was awful.

Overall, I thought last night's singing was at best, so-so. And that means I wouldn't be surprised if just about any of the contestants got eliminated tonight. Here's who I think shouldn't be eliminated. Young David, Syesha, Carly, and Kristy.

Because only one will be eliminated, I will pick someone that the judges loved last night. They loved Older David and Michael. I thought they were the two worst. I believe that Michael is one of these guys who's going to be tough to get rid of because viewers like him. So my choice for elimination tonight is Older David. The loudest sigh of relief you'll hear if he isn't eliminated will come from Jason.

THE NEXT BLOG?

Unless something comes up, a week from today, I'll write the next one. And you know that at least one of the subjects will be something that makes me say, "Whaaaat?!?"

THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net
I write back to everyone.