"American Idol" finished their season with a BANG!!! Is Rush Limbaugh's future that of a bed pan salesman? And the failure of Bush's tax cuts!

I am beginning this blog almost an hour and a half after "American Idol" presented their season finale. I've been on the phone talking with friends of mine about that show. "Spectacular" doesn't begin to describe it.

I don't think I've ever begun a blog with a story having to do with "entertainment", but I'm making an exception here. Fear not, loyal readers. We're gonna have plenty of political stuff that you're used to reading about.

The 10th season of "American Idol" ended tonight. Before this season began, a lot of people thought this would be the final season for "American Idol" because of the loss of Simon Cowell and an audience that was shrinking.

It was Cowell's idea to leave because of a new show that he'll be putting on Fox. Upon reflection, it appears that Cowell's departure was good for "American Idol" because in fact, after the first few weeks, he wasn't missed at all. I was very much in favor of getting Jennifer Lopez on board before she was hired, but quite frankly, I didn't think Steven Tyler would be a "fit" for this show at all. And I was dead wrong. These two new judges along with what was arguably the best group of singers "Idol" has ever had, led this season's American Idol to be the best season in the show's history. And tonight's season finale put a capper on this great season. The final two contestants were 16-year old Lauren Alaina who had the privilege of singing on stage with Carrie Underwood tonight and 17-year old Scotty McCreery, who had the privilege of singing on stage with Tim McGraw. Scotty McCreery ended up being the guy who got the most votes, so he's the new "American Idol", but you had to love the respect and good feelings both of those contestants had for each other and you can't help but believe that those two will be friends forever. If not (possibly) lovers sometime in the future.

Also on stage tonight were a parade of some of the biggest and well known singers in the world. And they all turned in terrific performances. But it was the last performer who "stole the show". Steven Tyler, who began his performance by playing a piano and then while standing, hit high notes that people were shocked that a person in their 60's could do what he did. But do it he did and somewhere, people are still cheering his performance. I mean, you talk about "Rockin' the HOUSE!" Bravo, Steven Tyler and all the other performers on what was truly a magical night.

We'll have more "entertainment" stuff at the end of this blog, but now,
THE SERIOUS STUFF:

A lot of things to cover and picking what should be first is next to impossible, sooo....In no particular order, here goes...

"The Rapture": Harold Camping, the 89-year old religious zealot who started all this, now says the earth will be obliterated on October 21. Why didn't this happen on May 21, the day he said it would happen? The righteous preacher says he got the math screwed up. He also says that 200 million Christians will be taken to Heaven before this catastrophe strikes our planet on October 21. Short Commentary: And we thought the religious whack jobs were mostly in Muslim countries?!?

But the "Rapture" might have affected three radio whack jobs who preach "Us against them" fear nonsense.

I'm referring (specifically) to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark (or is it Marc?) Levin. New radio ratings show that Rush has lost 33% of his audience while Hannity and Levin have lost 28% of their audiences. These are numbers that to me, have been slow in coming. The "Angry White Guy" act is an act that got "old" quite some time ago, but ratings services have been historically slow to pick up on what is happening whether it's higher or lower ratings. The key things for advertisers, unless they're supportive of the "fear mongering" act, is if the host they're supporting is able to "sell" their products. Some experts seem to feel that Rush's best product to sell would be/is, bed pans.

Over the top tax breaks for oil companies:

Polls show that the vast majority of Americans think that outrageous tax breaks given to oil companies should end because of the obscene amount of money they make from Americans who don't get kissed by these oil companies, but they (we) most definitely get screwed by these oil companies. When this was recently brought up by the Senate, bought and paid for U.S. Senators said, in essence, "Let's let our oil company 'friends' KEEP all their tax breaks because they will continue to fill OUR pockets while continuing to EMPTY the sucker citizen's pockets!"

And those "sucker citizens" are? That would be you and me, folks.

SPEAKING OF TAX BREAKS:

The Bush tax cuts for the rich? We are told over and over again by people who should know better that these tax cuts are important for us because those Bush tax cuts for the rich will benefit all of us.

REALLY?!?

Let's examine that argument for a second. If the Bush tax cuts for the rich are so beneficial for the rest of us, why did our country collapse during the Bush Administration?

I know that Bush tax cuts for the rich believers don't want to hear this, but as the late sportscaster Jim Healy used to say, "I don't make 'em up, pally!"

But President Obama is money-stupid, too:

As those of us who pay attention know, the idea of "economic stimulus package" money began with the Bush folks just before he left office. These "economic stimulus packages" continued with the Obama administration. Again....For those of you who are paying attention, we have now learned that a whole lot of "stimulus money" was given to thousands of government contractors and nonprofit organizations. It turns out that way too many of these outfits owed millions in back taxes. One example is an engineering firm that got a $100,000 stimulus contract, but it's recently been learned that the firm owed $6 million in taxes.

Yo, President Obama! You gotta get your act together regarding this "stimulus money". There is absolutely no excuse for this!

One more money item:

We're giving more billion dollar handouts to Egypt? I don't know about you, but hearing this makes me want to PUKE!!!

We're giving billions upon billions to foreign countries (while we're going broke) because of the excuse, "It's in our best interests"?!?

Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit!!!

I've said it before and I'll say it again....Until we get OUR house in order, we absolutely HAVE to stop giving away money or anything else to ANYONE else until we get AMERICA "fixed"!!!

Sarah Palin:

In a recent conversation with Greta Van Susterin on Fox, Sarah Palin said (Sarah speaks only to Fox people), that she has "Fire in my belly for 2012", but is wary of "scrutiny". And that "scrutiny" would be what, "Mama Grizzly"? Like maybe why you really quit your job as Governor of Alaska? Meanwhile, we learn that Ms. Palin might have purchased a new home in Arizona where she might decide to launch a campaign to become a U.S. Senator from that state. But we're also hearing that a new film about her that was produced and directed by a fan of hers may soon be released for the purpose of showing (in essence) why she is presidential material.

Sarah Palin, a presidential candidate? God, I hope so, because she would be great blog material.

Oh...Did you hear about the huge story about Fox News that was printed in the latest New York Magazine? Most of the story was about Roger Ailes, the long time big boss of Fox News and a guy who fancies himself as being a Republican "King Maker". The magazine states that while he was a big admirer of Sarah Palin when he hired her, after seeing her "in action", he now thinks "she's an idiot". A spokesman for Fox News says Ailes didn't say that. Overall, this New York Magazine (long) story is a story very much worth reading. I mean, Fox News likes to say, "Fair and balanced". Well, this story about Fox News IS "fair and balanced". In fact, it's so "fair and balanced", the only thing Fox News is challenging is Ailes' statement (or not) regarding Palin (in his view) as being "an idiot".

And speaking of things idiotic:

Are haters of Obama still referring to him fist bumping people as being a "terrorist fist bump"? I bring this up because that characterization is mentioned in the New York Magazine story about Fox News. I would think that the only people who could possibly think that would be Rush Limbaugh's bed pan people, but in case there are others, "fist bumps" are given to each other by all American people of all ages and races. I say this because I see it being done all the time.

I will lead into our "entertainment stuff" with this final observation about President Obama. Do you remember what one of his campaign promises was, a campaign promise that was recently accomplished? It was, dear reader, the promise to get Osama bin Laden. And if I recall correctly, I don't think he said anything about Osama bin Laden having to end up being alive.

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

At the beginning of this blog, I wrote about American Idol's great season finale. Other season finale's that I liked a lot include the "Glee" finale, the "Chicago Code" season and (sadly for me) series finale, the "House" season finale which also featured the last time we will see Lisa Edelstein on "House". She played the role of House's boss for all seven years of the show and why she's leaving, isn't clear. Do you remember the first time you saw this fine actress? I do. When she was playing a hooker that Rob Lowe's character on "The West Wing" liked.

I enjoyed the final episode of "Law & Order-Los Angeles" and I also enjoyed the season finale of "Law & Order-Special Victims Unit". We knew ahead of time that this would be the final episode of "Law & Order-LA", but we did NOT know ahead of time, that the season finale of "Law & Order-SVU" would be Christopher Meloni's final appearance on that show. He, along with Mariska Hargitay have been the two main characters since that show came on the air. There have been no reasons given for Meloni's departure.

I would also like to tell you about a couple of films I saw recently...

The 1992 film, "Jennifer Eight" which is currently running on the TMC circuit. This is a terrific high stakes drama that stars Andy Garcia, Uma Thurman, John Malkovich, Kathy Baker and an outstanding supporting cast. I saw it in '92, I'm glad I saw it again and if you get a chance to see it on TMC, I highly recommend it.

The other film I saw is a new film that is currently on the HBO circuit. "Cinema Verite", a docudrama about the first reality show that was ever aired. It stars Diane Lane, Tim Robbins and James Gandolfini in a film I was actually reluctant to watch. For some reason, I thought I wouldn't like it. Boy, was I wrong. I believe that Lane, Robbins and Gandolfini should all get Emmy nominations and quite frankly, I think all three should be Emmy winners for their performances in this made for television film. Check it out!

Couple of final thoughts:

Memorial Day is Monday, May 30. Please pause and think good thoughts for our veterans.

This coming Friday, I plan to make another appearance with CRN owner Mike Horn and CRN program director Paul Stern for another no holds barred and fun radio experience. There will be lots of laughs along with an occasional serious subject on what to me is the fastest hour on radio. 4-5 pm, here in Los Angeles, 6-7 pm Central and 7-8 pm Eastern. The show will be repeated throughout the weekend. If you'd like to listen (and we hope you do), click onto www.CRNTalk.com

And our heartfelt thanks to legendary radio writer, Claude Hall who gave us a nice "shout-out" in his must read Sunday column that can be found at Radio Daily News. For many years, Claude Hall was Billboard Magazine's radio writer and everyone in radio used to read that column.

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I will write back to you ASAP. Please don't write to the blog, because there's no way for me to know your email address which means I wouldn't be able to respond to you. All "Anonymous" emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG? Hopefully, next Wednesday night, June 1. If there's an unavoidable delay, I'll write a short blog on or about June 1 explaining what's happening.

Meanwhile, I hope that all of you have a great rest of the week and a terrific weekend.
I am beginning this blog almost an hour and a half after "American Idol" presented their season finale. I've been on the phone talking with friends of mine about that show. "Spectacular" doesn't begin to describe it.

I don't think I've ever begun a blog with a story having to do with "entertainment", but I'm making an exception here. Fear not, loyal readers. We're gonna have plenty of political stuff that you're used to reading about.

The 10th season of "American Idol" ended tonight. Before this season began, a lot of people thought this would be the final season for "American Idol" because of the loss of Simon Cowell and an audience that was shrinking.

It was Cowell's idea to leave because of a new show that he'll be putting on Fox. Upon reflection, it appears that Cowell's departure was good for "American Idol" because in fact, after the first few weeks, he wasn't missed at all. I was very much in favor of getting Jennifer Lopez on board before she was hired, but quite frankly, I didn't think Steven Tyler would be a "fit" for this show at all. And I was dead wrong. These two new judges along with what was arguably the best group of singers "Idol" has ever had, led this season's American Idol to be the best season in the show's history. And tonight's season finale put a capper on this great season. The final two contestants were 16-year old Lauren Alaina who had the privilege of singing on stage with Carrie Underwood tonight and 17-year old Scotty McCreery, who had the privilege of singing on stage with Tim McGraw. Scotty McCreery ended up being the guy who got the most votes, so he's the new "American Idol", but you had to love the respect and good feelings both of those contestants had for each other and you can't help but believe that those two will be friends forever. If not (possibly) lovers sometime in the future.

Also on stage tonight were a parade of some of the biggest and well known singers in the world. And they all turned in terrific performances. But it was the last performer who "stole the show". Steven Tyler, who began his performance by playing a piano and then while standing, hit high notes that people were shocked that a person in their 60's could do what he did. But do it he did and somewhere, people are still cheering his performance. I mean, you talk about "Rockin' the HOUSE!" Bravo, Steven Tyler and all the other performers on what was truly a magical night.

We'll have more "entertainment" stuff at the end of this blog, but now,
THE SERIOUS STUFF:

A lot of things to cover and picking what should be first is next to impossible, sooo....In no particular order, here goes...

"The Rapture": Harold Camping, the 89-year old religious zealot who started all this, now says the earth will be obliterated on October 21. Why didn't this happen on May 21, the day he said it would happen? The righteous preacher says he got the math screwed up. He also says that 200 million Christians will be taken to Heaven before this catastrophe strikes our planet on October 21. Short Commentary: And we thought the religious whack jobs were mostly in Muslim countries?!?

But the "Rapture" might have affected three radio whack jobs who preach "Us against them" fear nonsense.

I'm referring (specifically) to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark (or is it Marc?) Levin. New radio ratings show that Rush has lost 33% of his audience while Hannity and Levin have lost 28% of their audiences. These are numbers that to me, have been slow in coming. The "Angry White Guy" act is an act that got "old" quite some time ago, but ratings services have been historically slow to pick up on what is happening whether it's higher or lower ratings. The key things for advertisers, unless they're supportive of the "fear mongering" act, is if the host they're supporting is able to "sell" their products. Some experts seem to feel that Rush's best product to sell would be/is, bed pans.

Over the top tax breaks for oil companies:

Polls show that the vast majority of Americans think that outrageous tax breaks given to oil companies should end because of the obscene amount of money they make from Americans who don't get kissed by these oil companies, but they (we) most definitely get screwed by these oil companies. When this was recently brought up by the Senate, bought and paid for U.S. Senators said, in essence, "Let's let our oil company 'friends' KEEP all their tax breaks because they will continue to fill OUR pockets while continuing to EMPTY the sucker citizen's pockets!"

And those "sucker citizens" are? That would be you and me, folks.

SPEAKING OF TAX BREAKS:

The Bush tax cuts for the rich? We are told over and over again by people who should know better that these tax cuts are important for us because those Bush tax cuts for the rich will benefit all of us.

REALLY?!?

Let's examine that argument for a second. If the Bush tax cuts for the rich are so beneficial for the rest of us, why did our country collapse during the Bush Administration?

I know that Bush tax cuts for the rich believers don't want to hear this, but as the late sportscaster Jim Healy used to say, "I don't make 'em up, pally!"

But President Obama is money-stupid, too:

As those of us who pay attention know, the idea of "economic stimulus package" money began with the Bush folks just before he left office. These "economic stimulus packages" continued with the Obama administration. Again....For those of you who are paying attention, we have now learned that a whole lot of "stimulus money" was given to thousands of government contractors and nonprofit organizations. It turns out that way too many of these outfits owed millions in back taxes. One example is an engineering firm that got a $100,000 stimulus contract, but it's recently been learned that the firm owed $6 million in taxes.

Yo, President Obama! You gotta get your act together regarding this "stimulus money". There is absolutely no excuse for this!

One more money item:

We're giving more billion dollar handouts to Egypt? I don't know about you, but hearing this makes me want to PUKE!!!

We're giving billions upon billions to foreign countries (while we're going broke) because of the excuse, "It's in our best interests"?!?

Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit!!!

I've said it before and I'll say it again....Until we get OUR house in order, we absolutely HAVE to stop giving away money or anything else to ANYONE else until we get AMERICA "fixed"!!!

Sarah Palin:

In a recent conversation with Greta Van Susterin on Fox, Sarah Palin said (Sarah speaks only to Fox people), that she has "Fire in my belly for 2012", but is wary of "scrutiny". And that "scrutiny" would be what, "Mama Grizzly"? Like maybe why you really quit your job as Governor of Alaska? Meanwhile, we learn that Ms. Palin might have purchased a new home in Arizona where she might decide to launch a campaign to become a U.S. Senator from that state. But we're also hearing that a new film about her that was produced and directed by a fan of hers may soon be released for the purpose of showing (in essence) why she is presidential material.

Sarah Palin, a presidential candidate? God, I hope so, because she would be great blog material.

Oh...Did you hear about the huge story about Fox News that was printed in the latest New York Magazine? Most of the story was about Roger Ailes, the long time big boss of Fox News and a guy who fancies himself as being a Republican "King Maker". The magazine states that while he was a big admirer of Sarah Palin when he hired her, after seeing her "in action", he now thinks "she's an idiot". A spokesman for Fox News says Ailes didn't say that. Overall, this New York Magazine (long) story is a story very much worth reading. I mean, Fox News likes to say, "Fair and balanced". Well, this story about Fox News IS "fair and balanced". In fact, it's so "fair and balanced", the only thing Fox News is challenging is Ailes' statement (or not) regarding Palin (in his view) as being "an idiot".

And speaking of things idiotic:

Are haters of Obama still referring to him fist bumping people as being a "terrorist fist bump"? I bring this up because that characterization is mentioned in the New York Magazine story about Fox News. I would think that the only people who could possibly think that would be Rush Limbaugh's bed pan people, but in case there are others, "fist bumps" are given to each other by all American people of all ages and races. I say this because I see it being done all the time.

I will lead into our "entertainment stuff" with this final observation about President Obama. Do you remember what one of his campaign promises was, a campaign promise that was recently accomplished? It was, dear reader, the promise to get Osama bin Laden. And if I recall correctly, I don't think he said anything about Osama bin Laden having to end up being alive.

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

At the beginning of this blog, I wrote about American Idol's great season finale. Other season finale's that I liked a lot include the "Glee" finale, the "Chicago Code" season and (sadly for me) series finale, the "House" season finale which also featured the last time we will see Lisa Edelstein on "House". She played the role of House's boss for all seven years of the show and why she's leaving, isn't clear. Do you remember the first time you saw this fine actress? I do. When she was playing a hooker that Rob Lowe's character on "The West Wing" liked.

I enjoyed the final episode of "Law & Order-Los Angeles" and I also enjoyed the season finale of "Law & Order-Special Victims Unit". We knew ahead of time that this would be the final episode of "Law & Order-LA", but we did NOT know ahead of time, that the season finale of "Law & Order-SVU" would be Christopher Meloni's final appearance on that show. He, along with Mariska Hargitay have been the two main characters since that show came on the air. There have been no reasons given for Meloni's departure.

I would also like to tell you about a couple of films I saw recently...

The 1992 film, "Jennifer Eight" which is currently running on the TMC circuit. This is a terrific high stakes drama that stars Andy Garcia, Uma Thurman, John Malkovich, Kathy Baker and an outstanding supporting cast. I saw it in '92, I'm glad I saw it again and if you get a chance to see it on TMC, I highly recommend it.

The other film I saw is a new film that is currently on the HBO circuit. "Cinema Verite", a docudrama about the first reality show that was ever aired. It stars Diane Lane, Tim Robbins and James Gandolfini in a film I was actually reluctant to watch. For some reason, I thought I wouldn't like it. Boy, was I wrong. I believe that Lane, Robbins and Gandolfini should all get Emmy nominations and quite frankly, I think all three should be Emmy winners for their performances in this made for television film. Check it out!

Couple of final thoughts:

Memorial Day is Monday, May 30. Please pause and think good thoughts for our veterans.

This coming Friday, I plan to make another appearance with CRN owner Mike Horn and CRN program director Paul Stern for another no holds barred and fun radio experience. There will be lots of laughs along with an occasional serious subject on what to me is the fastest hour on radio. 4-5 pm, here in Los Angeles, 6-7 pm Central and 7-8 pm Eastern. The show will be repeated throughout the weekend. If you'd like to listen (and we hope you do), click onto www.CRNTalk.com

And our heartfelt thanks to legendary radio writer, Claude Hall who gave us a nice "shout-out" in his must read Sunday column that can be found at Radio Daily News. For many years, Claude Hall was Billboard Magazine's radio writer and everyone in radio used to read that column.

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I will write back to you ASAP. Please don't write to the blog, because there's no way for me to know your email address which means I wouldn't be able to respond to you. All "Anonymous" emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG? Hopefully, next Wednesday night, June 1. If there's an unavoidable delay, I'll write a short blog on or about June 1 explaining what's happening.

Meanwhile, I hope that all of you have a great rest of the week and a terrific weekend.

I am beginning this blog almost an hour and a half after "American Idol" presented their season finale. I've been on the phone talking with friends of mine about that show. "Spectacular" doesn't begin to describe it.

I don't think I've ever begun a blog with a story having to do with "entertainment", but I'm making an exception here. Fear not, loyal readers. We're gonna have plenty of political stuff that you're used to reading about.

The 10th season of "American Idol" ended tonight. Before this season began, a lot of people thought this would be the final season for "American Idol" because of the loss of Simon Cowell and an audience that was shrinking.

It was Cowell's idea to leave because of a new show that he'll be putting on Fox. Upon reflection, it appears that Cowell's departure was good for "American Idol" because in fact, after the first few weeks, he wasn't missed at all. I was very much in favor of getting Jennifer Lopez on board before she was hired, but quite frankly, I didn't think Steven Tyler would be a "fit" for this show at all. And I was dead wrong. These two new judges along with what was arguably the best group of singers "Idol" has ever had, led this season's American Idol to be the best season in the show's history. And tonight's season finale put a capper on this great season. The final two contestants were 16-year old Lauren Alaina who had the privilege of singing on stage with Carrie Underwood tonight and 17-year old Scotty McCreery, who had the privilege of singing on stage with Tim McGraw. Scotty McCreery ended up being the guy who got the most votes, so he's the new "American Idol", but you had to love the respect and good feelings both of those contestants had for each other and you can't help but believe that those two will be friends forever. If not (possibly) lovers sometime in the future.

Also on stage tonight were a parade of some of the biggest and well known singers in the world. And they all turned in terrific performances. But it was the last performer who "stole the show". Steven Tyler, who began his performance by playing a piano and then while standing, hit high notes that people were shocked that a person in their 60's could do what he did. But do it he did and somewhere, people are still cheering his performance. I mean, you talk about "Rockin' the HOUSE!" Bravo, Steven Tyler and all the other performers on what was truly a magical night.

We'll have more "entertainment" stuff at the end of this blog, but now,
THE SERIOUS STUFF:

A lot of things to cover and picking what should be first is next to impossible, sooo....In no particular order, here goes...

"The Rapture": Harold Camping, the 89-year old religious zealot who started all this, now says the earth will be obliterated on October 21. Why didn't this happen on May 21, the day he said it would happen? The righteous preacher says he got the math screwed up. He also says that 200 million Christians will be taken to Heaven before this catastrophe strikes our planet on October 21. Short Commentary: And we thought the religious whack jobs were mostly in Muslim countries?!?

But the "Rapture" might have affected three radio whack jobs who preach "Us against them" fear nonsense.

I'm referring (specifically) to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark (or is it Marc?) Levin. New radio ratings show that Rush has lost 33% of his audience while Hannity and Levin have lost 28% of their audiences. These are numbers that to me, have been slow in coming. The "Angry White Guy" act is an act that got "old" quite some time ago, but ratings services have been historically slow to pick up on what is happening whether it's higher or lower ratings. The key things for advertisers, unless they're supportive of the "fear mongering" act, is if the host they're supporting is able to "sell" their products. Some experts seem to feel that Rush's best product to sell would be/is, bed pans.

Over the top tax breaks for oil companies:

Polls show that the vast majority of Americans think that outrageous tax breaks given to oil companies should end because of the obscene amount of money they make from Americans who don't get kissed by these oil companies, but they (we) most definitely get screwed by these oil companies. When this was recently brought up by the Senate, bought and paid for U.S. Senators said, in essence, "Let's let our oil company 'friends' KEEP all their tax breaks because they will continue to fill OUR pockets while continuing to EMPTY the sucker citizen's pockets!"

And those "sucker citizens" are? That would be you and me, folks.

SPEAKING OF TAX BREAKS:

The Bush tax cuts for the rich? We are told over and over again by people who should know better that these tax cuts are important for us because those Bush tax cuts for the rich will benefit all of us.

REALLY?!?

Let's examine that argument for a second. If the Bush tax cuts for the rich are so beneficial for the rest of us, why did our country collapse during the Bush Administration?

I know that Bush tax cuts for the rich believers don't want to hear this, but as the late sportscaster Jim Healy used to say, "I don't make 'em up, pally!"

But President Obama is money-stupid, too:

As those of us who pay attention know, the idea of "economic stimulus package" money began with the Bush folks just before he left office. These "economic stimulus packages" continued with the Obama administration. Again....For those of you who are paying attention, we have now learned that a whole lot of "stimulus money" was given to thousands of government contractors and nonprofit organizations. It turns out that way too many of these outfits owed millions in back taxes. One example is an engineering firm that got a $100,000 stimulus contract, but it's recently been learned that the firm owed $6 million in taxes.

Yo, President Obama! You gotta get your act together regarding this "stimulus money". There is absolutely no excuse for this!

One more money item:

We're giving more billion dollar handouts to Egypt? I don't know about you, but hearing this makes me want to PUKE!!!

We're giving billions upon billions to foreign countries (while we're going broke) because of the excuse, "It's in our best interests"?!?

Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit!!!

I've said it before and I'll say it again....Until we get OUR house in order, we absolutely HAVE to stop giving away money or anything else to ANYONE else until we get AMERICA "fixed"!!!

Sarah Palin:

In a recent conversation with Greta Van Susterin on Fox, Sarah Palin said (Sarah speaks only to Fox people), that she has "Fire in my belly for 2012", but is wary of "scrutiny". And that "scrutiny" would be what, "Mama Grizzly"? Like maybe why you really quit your job as Governor of Alaska? Meanwhile, we learn that Ms. Palin might have purchased a new home in Arizona where she might decide to launch a campaign to become a U.S. Senator from that state. But we're also hearing that a new film about her that was produced and directed by a fan of hers may soon be released for the purpose of showing (in essence) why she is presidential material.

Sarah Palin, a presidential candidate? God, I hope so, because she would be great blog material.

Oh...Did you hear about the huge story about Fox News that was printed in the latest New York Magazine? Most of the story was about Roger Ailes, the long time big boss of Fox News and a guy who fancies himself as being a Republican "King Maker". The magazine states that while he was a big admirer of Sarah Palin when he hired her, after seeing her "in action", he now thinks "she's an idiot". A spokesman for Fox News says Ailes didn't say that. Overall, this New York Magazine (long) story is a story very much worth reading. I mean, Fox News likes to say, "Fair and balanced". Well, this story about Fox News IS "fair and balanced". In fact, it's so "fair and balanced", the only thing Fox News is challenging is Ailes' statement (or not) regarding Palin (in his view) as being "an idiot".

And speaking of things idiotic:

Are haters of Obama still referring to him fist bumping people as being a "terrorist fist bump"? I bring this up because that characterization is mentioned in the New York Magazine story about Fox News. I would think that the only people who could possibly think that would be Rush Limbaugh's bed pan people, but in case there are others, "fist bumps" are given to each other by all American people of all ages and races. I say this because I see it being done all the time.

I will lead into our "entertainment stuff" with this final observation about President Obama. Do you remember what one of his campaign promises was, a campaign promise that was recently accomplished? It was, dear reader, the promise to get Osama bin Laden. And if I recall correctly, I don't think he said anything about Osama bin Laden having to end up being alive.

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

At the beginning of this blog, I wrote about American Idol's great season finale. Other season finale's that I liked a lot include the "Glee" finale, the "Chicago Code" season and (sadly for me) series finale, the "House" season finale which also featured the last time we will see Lisa Edelstein on "House". She played the role of House's boss for all seven years of the show and why she's leaving, isn't clear. Do you remember the first time you saw this fine actress? I do. When she was playing a hooker that Rob Lowe's character on "The West Wing" liked.

I enjoyed the final episode of "Law & Order-Los Angeles" and I also enjoyed the season finale of "Law & Order-Special Victims Unit". We knew ahead of time that this would be the final episode of "Law & Order-LA", but we did NOT know ahead of time, that the season finale of "Law & Order-SVU" would be Christopher Meloni's final appearance on that show. He, along with Mariska Hargitay have been the two main characters since that show came on the air. There have been no reasons given for Meloni's departure.

I would also like to tell you about a couple of films I saw recently...

The 1992 film, "Jennifer Eight" which is currently running on the TMC circuit. This is a terrific high stakes drama that stars Andy Garcia, Uma Thurman, John Malkovich, Kathy Baker and an outstanding supporting cast. I saw it in '92, I'm glad I saw it again and if you get a chance to see it on TMC, I highly recommend it.

The other film I saw is a new film that is currently on the HBO circuit. "Cinema Verite", a docudrama about the first reality show that was ever aired. It stars Diane Lane, Tim Robbins and James Gandolfini in a film I was actually reluctant to watch. For some reason, I thought I wouldn't like it. Boy, was I wrong. I believe that Lane, Robbins and Gandolfini should all get Emmy nominations and quite frankly, I think all three should be Emmy winners for their performances in this made for television film. Check it out!

Couple of final thoughts:

Memorial Day is Monday, May 30. Please pause and think good thoughts for our veterans.

This coming Friday, I plan to make another appearance with CRN owner Mike Horn and CRN program director Paul Stern for another no holds barred and fun radio experience. There will be lots of laughs along with an occasional serious subject on what to me is the fastest hour on radio. 4-5 pm, here in Los Angeles, 6-7 pm Central and 7-8 pm Eastern. The show will be repeated throughout the weekend. If you'd like to listen (and we hope you do), click onto www.CRNTalk.com

And our heartfelt thanks to legendary radio writer, Claude Hall who gave us a nice "shout-out" in his must read Sunday column that can be found at Radio Daily News. For many years, Claude Hall was Billboard Magazine's radio writer and everyone in radio used to read that column.

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I will write back to you ASAP. Please don't write to the blog, because there's no way for me to know your email address which means I wouldn't be able to respond to you. All "Anonymous" emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG? Hopefully, next Wednesday night, June 1. If there's an unavoidable delay, I'll write a short blog on or about June 1 explaining what's happening.

Meanwhile, I hope that all of you have a great rest of the week and a terrific weekend.
I am beginning this blog almost an hour and a half after "American Idol" presented their season finale. I've been on the phone talking with friends of mine about that show. "Spectacular" doesn't begin to describe it.

I don't think I've ever begun a blog with a story having to do with "entertainment", but I'm making an exception here. Fear not, loyal readers. We're gonna have plenty of political stuff that you're used to reading about.

The 10th season of "American Idol" ended tonight. Before this season began, a lot of people thought this would be the final season for "American Idol" because of the loss of Simon Cowell and an audience that was shrinking.

It was Cowell's idea to leave because of a new show that he'll be putting on Fox. Upon reflection, it appears that Cowell's departure was good for "American Idol" because in fact, after the first few weeks, he wasn't missed at all. I was very much in favor of getting Jennifer Lopez on board before she was hired, but quite frankly, I didn't think Steven Tyler would be a "fit" for this show at all. And I was dead wrong. These two new judges along with what was arguably the best group of singers "Idol" has ever had, led this season's American Idol to be the best season in the show's history. And tonight's season finale put a capper on this great season. The final two contestants were 16-year old Lauren Alaina who had the privilege of singing on stage with Carrie Underwood tonight and 17-year old Scotty McCreery, who had the privilege of singing on stage with Tim McGraw. Scotty McCreery ended up being the guy who got the most votes, so he's the new "American Idol", but you had to love the respect and good feelings both of those contestants had for each other and you can't help but believe that those two will be friends forever. If not (possibly) lovers sometime in the future.

Also on stage tonight were a parade of some of the biggest and well known singers in the world. And they all turned in terrific performances. But it was the last performer who "stole the show". Steven Tyler, who began his performance by playing a piano and then while standing, hit high notes that people were shocked that a person in their 60's could do what he did. But do it he did and somewhere, people are still cheering his performance. I mean, you talk about "Rockin' the HOUSE!" Bravo, Steven Tyler and all the other performers on what was truly a magical night.

We'll have more "entertainment" stuff at the end of this blog, but now,
THE SERIOUS STUFF:

A lot of things to cover and picking what should be first is next to impossible, sooo....In no particular order, here goes...

"The Rapture": Harold Camping, the 89-year old religious zealot who started all this, now says the earth will be obliterated on October 21. Why didn't this happen on May 21, the day he said it would happen? The righteous preacher says he got the math screwed up. He also says that 200 million Christians will be taken to Heaven before this catastrophe strikes our planet on October 21. Short Commentary: And we thought the religious whack jobs were mostly in Muslim countries?!?

But the "Rapture" might have affected three radio whack jobs who preach "Us against them" fear nonsense.

I'm referring (specifically) to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark (or is it Marc?) Levin. New radio ratings show that Rush has lost 33% of his audience while Hannity and Levin have lost 28% of their audiences. These are numbers that to me, have been slow in coming. The "Angry White Guy" act is an act that got "old" quite some time ago, but ratings services have been historically slow to pick up on what is happening whether it's higher or lower ratings. The key things for advertisers, unless they're supportive of the "fear mongering" act, is if the host they're supporting is able to "sell" their products. Some experts seem to feel that Rush's best product to sell would be/is, bed pans.

Over the top tax breaks for oil companies:

Polls show that the vast majority of Americans think that outrageous tax breaks given to oil companies should end because of the obscene amount of money they make from Americans who don't get kissed by these oil companies, but they (we) most definitely get screwed by these oil companies. When this was recently brought up by the Senate, bought and paid for U.S. Senators said, in essence, "Let's let our oil company 'friends' KEEP all their tax breaks because they will continue to fill OUR pockets while continuing to EMPTY the sucker citizen's pockets!"

And those "sucker citizens" are? That would be you and me, folks.

SPEAKING OF TAX BREAKS:

The Bush tax cuts for the rich? We are told over and over again by people who should know better that these tax cuts are important for us because those Bush tax cuts for the rich will benefit all of us.

REALLY?!?

Let's examine that argument for a second. If the Bush tax cuts for the rich are so beneficial for the rest of us, why did our country collapse during the Bush Administration?

I know that Bush tax cuts for the rich believers don't want to hear this, but as the late sportscaster Jim Healy used to say, "I don't make 'em up, pally!"

But President Obama is money-stupid, too:

As those of us who pay attention know, the idea of "economic stimulus package" money began with the Bush folks just before he left office. These "economic stimulus packages" continued with the Obama administration. Again....For those of you who are paying attention, we have now learned that a whole lot of "stimulus money" was given to thousands of government contractors and nonprofit organizations. It turns out that way too many of these outfits owed millions in back taxes. One example is an engineering firm that got a $100,000 stimulus contract, but it's recently been learned that the firm owed $6 million in taxes.

Yo, President Obama! You gotta get your act together regarding this "stimulus money". There is absolutely no excuse for this!

One more money item:

We're giving more billion dollar handouts to Egypt? I don't know about you, but hearing this makes me want to PUKE!!!

We're giving billions upon billions to foreign countries (while we're going broke) because of the excuse, "It's in our best interests"?!?

Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit!!!

I've said it before and I'll say it again....Until we get OUR house in order, we absolutely HAVE to stop giving away money or anything else to ANYONE else until we get AMERICA "fixed"!!!

Sarah Palin:

In a recent conversation with Greta Van Susterin on Fox, Sarah Palin said (Sarah speaks only to Fox people), that she has "Fire in my belly for 2012", but is wary of "scrutiny". And that "scrutiny" would be what, "Mama Grizzly"? Like maybe why you really quit your job as Governor of Alaska? Meanwhile, we learn that Ms. Palin might have purchased a new home in Arizona where she might decide to launch a campaign to become a U.S. Senator from that state. But we're also hearing that a new film about her that was produced and directed by a fan of hers may soon be released for the purpose of showing (in essence) why she is presidential material.

Sarah Palin, a presidential candidate? God, I hope so, because she would be great blog material.

Oh...Did you hear about the huge story about Fox News that was printed in the latest New York Magazine? Most of the story was about Roger Ailes, the long time big boss of Fox News and a guy who fancies himself as being a Republican "King Maker". The magazine states that while he was a big admirer of Sarah Palin when he hired her, after seeing her "in action", he now thinks "she's an idiot". A spokesman for Fox News says Ailes didn't say that. Overall, this New York Magazine (long) story is a story very much worth reading. I mean, Fox News likes to say, "Fair and balanced". Well, this story about Fox News IS "fair and balanced". In fact, it's so "fair and balanced", the only thing Fox News is challenging is Ailes' statement (or not) regarding Palin (in his view) as being "an idiot".

And speaking of things idiotic:

Are haters of Obama still referring to him fist bumping people as being a "terrorist fist bump"? I bring this up because that characterization is mentioned in the New York Magazine story about Fox News. I would think that the only people who could possibly think that would be Rush Limbaugh's bed pan people, but in case there are others, "fist bumps" are given to each other by all American people of all ages and races. I say this because I see it being done all the time.

I will lead into our "entertainment stuff" with this final observation about President Obama. Do you remember what one of his campaign promises was, a campaign promise that was recently accomplished? It was, dear reader, the promise to get Osama bin Laden. And if I recall correctly, I don't think he said anything about Osama bin Laden having to end up being alive.

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

At the beginning of this blog, I wrote about American Idol's great season finale. Other season finale's that I liked a lot include the "Glee" finale, the "Chicago Code" season and (sadly for me) series finale, the "House" season finale which also featured the last time we will see Lisa Edelstein on "House". She played the role of House's boss for all seven years of the show and why she's leaving, isn't clear. Do you remember the first time you saw this fine actress? I do. When she was playing a hooker that Rob Lowe's character on "The West Wing" liked.

I enjoyed the final episode of "Law & Order-Los Angeles" and I also enjoyed the season finale of "Law & Order-Special Victims Unit". We knew ahead of time that this would be the final episode of "Law & Order-LA", but we did NOT know ahead of time, that the season finale of "Law & Order-SVU" would be Christopher Meloni's final appearance on that show. He, along with Mariska Hargitay have been the two main characters since that show came on the air. There have been no reasons given for Meloni's departure.

I would also like to tell you about a couple of films I saw recently...

The 1992 film, "Jennifer Eight" which is currently running on the TMC circuit. This is a terrific high stakes drama that stars Andy Garcia, Uma Thurman, John Malkovich, Kathy Baker and an outstanding supporting cast. I saw it in '92, I'm glad I saw it again and if you get a chance to see it on TMC, I highly recommend it.

The other film I saw is a new film that is currently on the HBO circuit. "Cinema Verite", a docudrama about the first reality show that was ever aired. It stars Diane Lane, Tim Robbins and James Gandolfini in a film I was actually reluctant to watch. For some reason, I thought I wouldn't like it. Boy, was I wrong. I believe that Lane, Robbins and Gandolfini should all get Emmy nominations and quite frankly, I think all three should be Emmy winners for their performances in this made for television film. Check it out!

Couple of final thoughts:

Memorial Day is Monday, May 30. Please pause and think good thoughts for our veterans.

This coming Friday, I plan to make another appearance with CRN owner Mike Horn and CRN program director Paul Stern for another no holds barred and fun radio experience. There will be lots of laughs along with an occasional serious subject on what to me is the fastest hour on radio. 4-5 pm, here in Los Angeles, 6-7 pm Central and 7-8 pm Eastern. The show will be repeated throughout the weekend. If you'd like to listen (and we hope you do), click onto www.CRNTalk.com

And our heartfelt thanks to legendary radio writer, Claude Hall who gave us a nice "shout-out" in his must read Sunday column that can be found at Radio Daily News. For many years, Claude Hall was Billboard Magazine's radio writer and everyone in radio used to read that column.

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I will write back to you ASAP. Please don't write to the blog, because there's no way for me to know your email address which means I wouldn't be able to respond to you. All "Anonymous" emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG? Hopefully, next Wednesday night, June 1. If there's an unavoidable delay, I'll write a short blog on or about June 1 explaining what's happening.

Meanwhile, I hope that all of you have a great rest of the week and a terrific weekend.
I am beginning this blog almost an hour and a half after "American Idol" presented their season finale. I've been on the phone talking with friends of mine about that show. "Spectacular" doesn't begin to describe it.

I don't think I've ever begun a blog with a story having to do with "entertainment", but I'm making an exception here. Fear not, loyal readers. We're gonna have plenty of political stuff that you're used to reading about.

The 10th season of "American Idol" ended tonight. Before this season began, a lot of people thought this would be the final season for "American Idol" because of the loss of Simon Cowell and an audience that was shrinking.

It was Cowell's idea to leave because of a new show that he'll be putting on Fox. Upon reflection, it appears that Cowell's departure was good for "American Idol" because in fact, after the first few weeks, he wasn't missed at all. I was very much in favor of getting Jennifer Lopez on board before she was hired, but quite frankly, I didn't think Steven Tyler would be a "fit" for this show at all. And I was dead wrong. These two new judges along with what was arguably the best group of singers "Idol" has ever had, led this season's American Idol to be the best season in the show's history. And tonight's season finale put a capper on this great season. The final two contestants were 16-year old Lauren Alaina who had the privilege of singing on stage with Carrie Underwood tonight and 17-year old Scotty McCreery, who had the privilege of singing on stage with Tim McGraw. Scotty McCreery ended up being the guy who got the most votes, so he's the new "American Idol", but you had to love the respect and good feelings both of those contestants had for each other and you can't help but believe that those two will be friends forever. If not (possibly) lovers sometime in the future.

Also on stage tonight were a parade of some of the biggest and well known singers in the world. And they all turned in terrific performances. But it was the last performer who "stole the show". Steven Tyler, who began his performance by playing a piano and then while standing, hit high notes that people were shocked that a person in their 60's could do what he did. But do it he did and somewhere, people are still cheering his performance. I mean, you talk about "Rockin' the HOUSE!" Bravo, Steven Tyler and all the other performers on what was truly a magical night.

We'll have more "entertainment" stuff at the end of this blog, but now,
THE SERIOUS STUFF:

A lot of things to cover and picking what should be first is next to impossible, sooo....In no particular order, here goes...

"The Rapture": Harold Camping, the 89-year old religious zealot who started all this, now says the earth will be obliterated on October 21. Why didn't this happen on May 21, the day he said it would happen? The righteous preacher says he got the math screwed up. He also says that 200 million Christians will be taken to Heaven before this catastrophe strikes our planet on October 21. Short Commentary: And we thought the religious whack jobs were mostly in Muslim countries?!?

But the "Rapture" might have affected three radio whack jobs who preach "Us against them" fear nonsense.

I'm referring (specifically) to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark (or is it Marc?) Levin. New radio ratings show that Rush has lost 33% of his audience while Hannity and Levin have lost 28% of their audiences. These are numbers that to me, have been slow in coming. The "Angry White Guy" act is an act that got "old" quite some time ago, but ratings services have been historically slow to pick up on what is happening whether it's higher or lower ratings. The key things for advertisers, unless they're supportive of the "fear mongering" act, is if the host they're supporting is able to "sell" their products. Some experts seem to feel that Rush's best product to sell would be/is, bed pans.

Over the top tax breaks for oil companies:

Polls show that the vast majority of Americans think that outrageous tax breaks given to oil companies should end because of the obscene amount of money they make from Americans who don't get kissed by these oil companies, but they (we) most definitely get screwed by these oil companies. When this was recently brought up by the Senate, bought and paid for U.S. Senators said, in essence, "Let's let our oil company 'friends' KEEP all their tax breaks because they will continue to fill OUR pockets while continuing to EMPTY the sucker citizen's pockets!"

And those "sucker citizens" are? That would be you and me, folks.

SPEAKING OF TAX BREAKS:

The Bush tax cuts for the rich? We are told over and over again by people who should know better that these tax cuts are important for us because those Bush tax cuts for the rich will benefit all of us.

REALLY?!?

Let's examine that argument for a second. If the Bush tax cuts for the rich are so beneficial for the rest of us, why did our country collapse during the Bush Administration?

I know that Bush tax cuts for the rich believers don't want to hear this, but as the late sportscaster Jim Healy used to say, "I don't make 'em up, pally!"

But President Obama is money-stupid, too:

As those of us who pay attention know, the idea of "economic stimulus package" money began with the Bush folks just before he left office. These "economic stimulus packages" continued with the Obama administration. Again....For those of you who are paying attention, we have now learned that a whole lot of "stimulus money" was given to thousands of government contractors and nonprofit organizations. It turns out that way too many of these outfits owed millions in back taxes. One example is an engineering firm that got a $100,000 stimulus contract, but it's recently been learned that the firm owed $6 million in taxes.

Yo, President Obama! You gotta get your act together regarding this "stimulus money". There is absolutely no excuse for this!

One more money item:

We're giving more billion dollar handouts to Egypt? I don't know about you, but hearing this makes me want to PUKE!!!

We're giving billions upon billions to foreign countries (while we're going broke) because of the excuse, "It's in our best interests"?!?

Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit!!!

I've said it before and I'll say it again....Until we get OUR house in order, we absolutely HAVE to stop giving away money or anything else to ANYONE else until we get AMERICA "fixed"!!!

Sarah Palin:

In a recent conversation with Greta Van Susterin on Fox, Sarah Palin said (Sarah speaks only to Fox people), that she has "Fire in my belly for 2012", but is wary of "scrutiny". And that "scrutiny" would be what, "Mama Grizzly"? Like maybe why you really quit your job as Governor of Alaska? Meanwhile, we learn that Ms. Palin might have purchased a new home in Arizona where she might decide to launch a campaign to become a U.S. Senator from that state. But we're also hearing that a new film about her that was produced and directed by a fan of hers may soon be released for the purpose of showing (in essence) why she is presidential material.

Sarah Palin, a presidential candidate? God, I hope so, because she would be great blog material.

Oh...Did you hear about the huge story about Fox News that was printed in the latest New York Magazine? Most of the story was about Roger Ailes, the long time big boss of Fox News and a guy who fancies himself as being a Republican "King Maker". The magazine states that while he was a big admirer of Sarah Palin when he hired her, after seeing her "in action", he now thinks "she's an idiot". A spokesman for Fox News says Ailes didn't say that. Overall, this New York Magazine (long) story is a story very much worth reading. I mean, Fox News likes to say, "Fair and balanced". Well, this story about Fox News IS "fair and balanced". In fact, it's so "fair and balanced", the only thing Fox News is challenging is Ailes' statement (or not) regarding Palin (in his view) as being "an idiot".

And speaking of things idiotic:

Are haters of Obama still referring to him fist bumping people as being a "terrorist fist bump"? I bring this up because that characterization is mentioned in the New York Magazine story about Fox News. I would think that the only people who could possibly think that would be Rush Limbaugh's bed pan people, but in case there are others, "fist bumps" are given to each other by all American people of all ages and races. I say this because I see it being done all the time.

I will lead into our "entertainment stuff" with this final observation about President Obama. Do you remember what one of his campaign promises was, a campaign promise that was recently accomplished? It was, dear reader, the promise to get Osama bin Laden. And if I recall correctly, I don't think he said anything about Osama bin Laden having to end up being alive.

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

At the beginning of this blog, I wrote about American Idol's great season finale. Other season finale's that I liked a lot include the "Glee" finale, the "Chicago Code" season and (sadly for me) series finale, the "House" season finale which also featured the last time we will see Lisa Edelstein on "House". She played the role of House's boss for all seven years of the show and why she's leaving, isn't clear. Do you remember the first time you saw this fine actress? I do. When she was playing a hooker that Rob Lowe's character on "The West Wing" liked.

I enjoyed the final episode of "Law & Order-Los Angeles" and I also enjoyed the season finale of "Law & Order-Special Victims Unit". We knew ahead of time that this would be the final episode of "Law & Order-LA", but we did NOT know ahead of time, that the season finale of "Law & Order-SVU" would be Christopher Meloni's final appearance on that show. He, along with Mariska Hargitay have been the two main characters since that show came on the air. There have been no reasons given for Meloni's departure.

I would also like to tell you about a couple of films I saw recently...

The 1992 film, "Jennifer Eight" which is currently running on the TMC circuit. This is a terrific high stakes drama that stars Andy Garcia, Uma Thurman, John Malkovich, Kathy Baker and an outstanding supporting cast. I saw it in '92, I'm glad I saw it again and if you get a chance to see it on TMC, I highly recommend it.

The other film I saw is a new film that is currently on the HBO circuit. "Cinema Verite", a docudrama about the first reality show that was ever aired. It stars Diane Lane, Tim Robbins and James Gandolfini in a film I was actually reluctant to watch. For some reason, I thought I wouldn't like it. Boy, was I wrong. I believe that Lane, Robbins and Gandolfini should all get Emmy nominations and quite frankly, I think all three should be Emmy winners for their performances in this made for television film. Check it out!

Couple of final thoughts:

Memorial Day is Monday, May 30. Please pause and think good thoughts for our veterans.

This coming Friday, I plan to make another appearance with CRN owner Mike Horn and CRN program director Paul Stern for another no holds barred and fun radio experience. There will be lots of laughs along with an occasional serious subject on what to me is the fastest hour on radio. 4-5 pm, here in Los Angeles, 6-7 pm Central and 7-8 pm Eastern. The show will be repeated throughout the weekend. If you'd like to listen (and we hope you do), click onto www.CRNTalk.com

And our heartfelt thanks to legendary radio writer, Claude Hall who gave us a nice "shout-out" in his must read Sunday column that can be found at Radio Daily News. For many years, Claude Hall was Billboard Magazine's radio writer and everyone in radio used to read that column.

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I will write back to you ASAP. Please don't write to the blog, because there's no way for me to know your email address which means I wouldn't be able to respond to you. All "Anonymous" emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG? Hopefully, next Wednesday night, June 1. If there's an unavoidable delay, I'll write a short blog on or about June 1 explaining what's happening.

Meanwhile, I hope that all of you have a great rest of the week and a terrific weekend.
I am beginning this blog almost an hour and a half after "American Idol" presented their season finale. I've been on the phone talking with friends of mine about that show. "Spectacular" doesn't begin to describe it.

I don't think I've ever begun a blog with a story having to do with "entertainment", but I'm making an exception here. Fear not, loyal readers. We're gonna have plenty of political stuff that you're used to reading about.

The 10th season of "American Idol" ended tonight. Before this season began, a lot of people thought this would be the final season for "American Idol" because of the loss of Simon Cowell and an audience that was shrinking.

It was Cowell's idea to leave because of a new show that he'll be putting on Fox. Upon reflection, it appears that Cowell's departure was good for "American Idol" because in fact, after the first few weeks, he wasn't missed at all. I was very much in favor of getting Jennifer Lopez on board before she was hired, but quite frankly, I didn't think Steven Tyler would be a "fit" for this show at all. And I was dead wrong. These two new judges along with what was arguably the best group of singers "Idol" has ever had, led this season's American Idol to be the best season in the show's history. And tonight's season finale put a capper on this great season. The final two contestants were 16-year old Lauren Alaina who had the privilege of singing on stage with Carrie Underwood tonight and 17-year old Scotty McCreery, who had the privilege of singing on stage with Tim McGraw. Scotty McCreery ended up being the guy who got the most votes, so he's the new "American Idol", but you had to love the respect and good feelings both of those contestants had for each other and you can't help but believe that those two will be friends forever. If not (possibly) lovers sometime in the future.

Also on stage tonight were a parade of some of the biggest and well known singers in the world. And they all turned in terrific performances. But it was the last performer who "stole the show". Steven Tyler, who began his performance by playing a piano and then while standing, hit high notes that people were shocked that a person in their 60's could do what he did. But do it he did and somewhere, people are still cheering his performance. I mean, you talk about "Rockin' the HOUSE!" Bravo, Steven Tyler and all the other performers on what was truly a magical night.

We'll have more "entertainment" stuff at the end of this blog, but now,
THE SERIOUS STUFF:

A lot of things to cover and picking what should be first is next to impossible, sooo....In no particular order, here goes...

"The Rapture": Harold Camping, the 89-year old religious zealot who started all this, now says the earth will be obliterated on October 21. Why didn't this happen on May 21, the day he said it would happen? The righteous preacher says he got the math screwed up. He also says that 200 million Christians will be taken to Heaven before this catastrophe strikes our planet on October 21. Short Commentary: And we thought the religious whack jobs were mostly in Muslim countries?!?

But the "Rapture" might have affected three radio whack jobs who preach "Us against them" fear nonsense.

I'm referring (specifically) to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark (or is it Marc?) Levin. New radio ratings show that Rush has lost 33% of his audience while Hannity and Levin have lost 28% of their audiences. These are numbers that to me, have been slow in coming. The "Angry White Guy" act is an act that got "old" quite some time ago, but ratings services have been historically slow to pick up on what is happening whether it's higher or lower ratings. The key things for advertisers, unless they're supportive of the "fear mongering" act, is if the host they're supporting is able to "sell" their products. Some experts seem to feel that Rush's best product to sell would be/is, bed pans.

Over the top tax breaks for oil companies:

Polls show that the vast majority of Americans think that outrageous tax breaks given to oil companies should end because of the obscene amount of money they make from Americans who don't get kissed by these oil companies, but they (we) most definitely get screwed by these oil companies. When this was recently brought up by the Senate, bought and paid for U.S. Senators said, in essence, "Let's let our oil company 'friends' KEEP all their tax breaks because they will continue to fill OUR pockets while continuing to EMPTY the sucker citizen's pockets!"

And those "sucker citizens" are? That would be you and me, folks.

SPEAKING OF TAX BREAKS:

The Bush tax cuts for the rich? We are told over and over again by people who should know better that these tax cuts are important for us because those Bush tax cuts for the rich will benefit all of us.

REALLY?!?

Let's examine that argument for a second. If the Bush tax cuts for the rich are so beneficial for the rest of us, why did our country collapse during the Bush Administration?

I know that Bush tax cuts for the rich believers don't want to hear this, but as the late sportscaster Jim Healy used to say, "I don't make 'em up, pally!"

But President Obama is money-stupid, too:

As those of us who pay attention know, the idea of "economic stimulus package" money began with the Bush folks just before he left office. These "economic stimulus packages" continued with the Obama administration. Again....For those of you who are paying attention, we have now learned that a whole lot of "stimulus money" was given to thousands of government contractors and nonprofit organizations. It turns out that way too many of these outfits owed millions in back taxes. One example is an engineering firm that got a $100,000 stimulus contract, but it's recently been learned that the firm owed $6 million in taxes.

Yo, President Obama! You gotta get your act together regarding this "stimulus money". There is absolutely no excuse for this!

One more money item:

We're giving more billion dollar handouts to Egypt? I don't know about you, but hearing this makes me want to PUKE!!!

We're giving billions upon billions to foreign countries (while we're going broke) because of the excuse, "It's in our best interests"?!?

Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit!!!

I've said it before and I'll say it again....Until we get OUR house in order, we absolutely HAVE to stop giving away money or anything else to ANYONE else until we get AMERICA "fixed"!!!

Sarah Palin:

In a recent conversation with Greta Van Susterin on Fox, Sarah Palin said (Sarah speaks only to Fox people), that she has "Fire in my belly for 2012", but is wary of "scrutiny". And that "scrutiny" would be what, "Mama Grizzly"? Like maybe why you really quit your job as Governor of Alaska? Meanwhile, we learn that Ms. Palin might have purchased a new home in Arizona where she might decide to launch a campaign to become a U.S. Senator from that state. But we're also hearing that a new film about her that was produced and directed by a fan of hers may soon be released for the purpose of showing (in essence) why she is presidential material.

Sarah Palin, a presidential candidate? God, I hope so, because she would be great blog material.

Oh...Did you hear about the huge story about Fox News that was printed in the latest New York Magazine? Most of the story was about Roger Ailes, the long time big boss of Fox News and a guy who fancies himself as being a Republican "King Maker". The magazine states that while he was a big admirer of Sarah Palin when he hired her, after seeing her "in action", he now thinks "she's an idiot". A spokesman for Fox News says Ailes didn't say that. Overall, this New York Magazine (long) story is a story very much worth reading. I mean, Fox News likes to say, "Fair and balanced". Well, this story about Fox News IS "fair and balanced". In fact, it's so "fair and balanced", the only thing Fox News is challenging is Ailes' statement (or not) regarding Palin (in his view) as being "an idiot".

And speaking of things idiotic:

Are haters of Obama still referring to him fist bumping people as being a "terrorist fist bump"? I bring this up because that characterization is mentioned in the New York Magazine story about Fox News. I would think that the only people who could possibly think that would be Rush Limbaugh's bed pan people, but in case there are others, "fist bumps" are given to each other by all American people of all ages and races. I say this because I see it being done all the time.

I will lead into our "entertainment stuff" with this final observation about President Obama. Do you remember what one of his campaign promises was, a campaign promise that was recently accomplished? It was, dear reader, the promise to get Osama bin Laden. And if I recall correctly, I don't think he said anything about Osama bin Laden having to end up being alive.

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

At the beginning of this blog, I wrote about American Idol's great season finale. Other season finale's that I liked a lot include the "Glee" finale, the "Chicago Code" season and (sadly for me) series finale, the "House" season finale which also featured the last time we will see Lisa Edelstein on "House". She played the role of House's boss for all seven years of the show and why she's leaving, isn't clear. Do you remember the first time you saw this fine actress? I do. When she was playing a hooker that Rob Lowe's character on "The West Wing" liked.

I enjoyed the final episode of "Law & Order-Los Angeles" and I also enjoyed the season finale of "Law & Order-Special Victims Unit". We knew ahead of time that this would be the final episode of "Law & Order-LA", but we did NOT know ahead of time, that the season finale of "Law & Order-SVU" would be Christopher Meloni's final appearance on that show. He, along with Mariska Hargitay have been the two main characters since that show came on the air. There have been no reasons given for Meloni's departure.

I would also like to tell you about a couple of films I saw recently...

The 1992 film, "Jennifer Eight" which is currently running on the TMC circuit. This is a terrific high stakes drama that stars Andy Garcia, Uma Thurman, John Malkovich, Kathy Baker and an outstanding supporting cast. I saw it in '92, I'm glad I saw it again and if you get a chance to see it on TMC, I highly recommend it.

The other film I saw is a new film that is currently on the HBO circuit. "Cinema Verite", a docudrama about the first reality show that was ever aired. It stars Diane Lane, Tim Robbins and James Gandolfini in a film I was actually reluctant to watch. For some reason, I thought I wouldn't like it. Boy, was I wrong. I believe that Lane, Robbins and Gandolfini should all get Emmy nominations and quite frankly, I think all three should be Emmy winners for their performances in this made for television film. Check it out!

Couple of final thoughts:

Memorial Day is Monday, May 30. Please pause and think good thoughts for our veterans.

This coming Friday, I plan to make another appearance with CRN owner Mike Horn and CRN program director Paul Stern for another no holds barred and fun radio experience. There will be lots of laughs along with an occasional serious subject on what to me is the fastest hour on radio. 4-5 pm, here in Los Angeles, 6-7 pm Central and 7-8 pm Eastern. The show will be repeated throughout the weekend. If you'd like to listen (and we hope you do), click onto www.CRNTalk.com

And our heartfelt thanks to legendary radio writer, Claude Hall who gave us a nice "shout-out" in his must read Sunday column that can be found at Radio Daily News. For many years, Claude Hall was Billboard Magazine's radio writer and everyone in radio used to read that column.

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I will write back to you ASAP. Please don't write to the blog, because there's no way for me to know your email address which means I wouldn't be able to respond to you. All "Anonymous" emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG? Hopefully, next Wednesday night, June 1. If there's an unavoidable delay, I'll write a short blog on or about June 1 explaining what's happening.

Meanwhile, I hope that all of you have a great rest of the week and a terrific weekend.

Pakistan, NAFTA, Illegal Immigrants! If you've read what the Los Angeles Times' views are and you're like me, you think they're FULL OF SHIT!!!

I mention the Los Angeles Times because this is where I live. I could also include the New York Times and other publications who support these same views that aggravate the hell out of me.

Illegal Immigrants: The constant lie that we hear about how these lawbreakers are more of a "positive" than a "negative" makes me want to puke.

Yes, there are a few exceptions. Very few. But the inconvenient truth is that these people have deliberately broken the law to be here and by definition, that makes them criminals. And yes, some of them appear to be nice criminals, but they are criminals, nonetheless. And the Obama administration, much to the chagrin of illegal immigrant "supporters", have arrested and deported more of these people than any adminstration we can think of.

In a recent editorial, the Los Angeles Times seemed to be wringing their hands in frustration while expressing surprise that President Obama has been responsible for trying to be sure the law gets enforced as often as possible.

And are you as sick as I am when you hear there is no (or very limited) financial cost to American taxpayers because of these illegal immigrants? Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit!!! The free medical care they get. The trouble they cause when they use stolen Social Security numbers. The free schooling for their children. The thumbing of their nose so many of them do when it comes to speaking English!!!

And all of these things are especially noticed by most of us during these terrible economic times, times that are made tougher because of the extra weight caused by these illegals. Illegals that a lot of corporations like because they can hire them "off the books" and pay them a hell of a lot less than legal American workers would be paid. And one can't help but wonder how many of these people are hired by the Los Angeles Times and other employers who agree with the Los Angeles Times.

One major exception that I would wholeheartedly support:

Any illegal immigrant who has been "living in the shadows", but has taken the time to learn how to speak English and is old enough to join one of our military services, is a person who should be given a "citizenship opportunity". After two or more years of military service, I would not only support them being given American citizenship, I would be willing to show up at their swearing in ceremony.

NAFTA: In a recent editorial, the Los Angeles Times expressed their surprise over the fact that President Obama is still saying (in essence) what he said when he was a "candidate" which is that he is not a fan of NAFTA. Before Obama won the election, other candidates expressed the same view about NAFTA. Candidates like Hillary Clinton, who's husband, President Clinton, got NAFTA passed. The L.A. Times wrote (again) about how beneficial NAFTA is for Americans and the "Global Economy". Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit. Maybe it's beneficial to some foreign countries, but beneficial for American workers?!? Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit and I was screaming about this on a radio show night after night after night along with a bunch of truckers just before President Clinton saddled us with this idiocy.

Pakistan: In a May 7 editorial in the Los Angeles Times, they made the case for why we need to continue our relationship with Pakistan which includes giving them multibillions of dollars for aid, weapons and whatever their dishonest leaders want to keep for themselves.

Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit.

What's particularly frustrating to me about this Pakistan business is that I, on radio shows and in this blog, have been saying (screaming) for more than seven years that Pakistan was/is a "phony ally". And during this time, I paid a "career price" for these views. I even went so far as to script a conversation that I thought the Bush and then the Obama administrations should have with Pakistan leaders about how "serious" we are/were about "getting" Osama bin Laden and in this scripted conversation, it would be pointed out to Pakistani leaders that "We could do this the easy way or the hard way." All my previous blogs are available for viewing.

Two presidents couldn't figure this out but a dumb guy like me.....???

The Los Angeles Times and others are making the case that we really need to continue to have some kind of relationship with Pakistan. And to that, I say, "WHY?!?"

I did not agree with Donald Trump and his birth certificate business and or his college grades business, but I DO agree with Trump when he says (in essence) that if any country wants our help militarily, they should have to pay us serious money for that help.

WHAT AMERICA NEEDS TO DO..... IS HELP AMERICANS!!! ANY MONEY THAT WE MIGHT NORMALLY BE GIVING TO OTHER COUNTRIES SHOULD ONLY BE GIVEN TO AMERICANS AND FOR THINGS THAT WILL HELP AMERICANS!!!

Think about it. What the hell is Pakistan or any other country going to do if we decide to spend all of our money on US....Us AMERICANS!!! Some OTHER countries' problems?!? Get back to us when we've solved OUR PROBLEMS!!!

And speaking of "problems".....How many of us are wondering why Oil companies get these wonderful and off the charts tax breaks from us, but in return for these wonderful things we do for them, why are they allowed to pay us back by sticking budget busting gas prices up our asses?!? In a commentary written by legendary radio columnist Claude Hall in Sunday's Radio Daily News, Hall is suggesting that we "Nationalize" the oil companies if they don't stop (literally) "screwing us". And ya know what? I'm thinking that might be a hell of a good idea.

And as long as we're talking about American companies who are screwing us while they laugh all the way to the bank, would someone please tell me how private health insurance companies are beneficial to us?

Thoughts and or comments? Write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I'll respond to you ASAP.


ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

The drama associated with "Two And A Half Men" ended (temporarily) when it was announced that Ashton Kutcher has been hired to replace Charlie Sheen. The guy they really wanted was Hugh Grant, but they couldn't afford him. Kutcher is an interesting choice and he's not the type of guy who figures to be any kind of trouble maker.

High drama on "American Idol" when James Durbin was eliminated. The three remaining contestants are Scotty McCreery, Haley Reinhart and Lauren Alaina, the singer who should have been eliminated.

Speaking of television shows.....I think that adjustments made on "Law & Order-Los Angeles" are adjustments that have made this show a terrific show. As is (in my view), "Law & Order-SVU". The season finale of that show will be this coming Wednesday night.

The season finale of what I think is television's BEST SHOW , "The Good Wife", will be shown this coming Tuesday night.

Sadly, the show I used to think was television's best show has been cancelled. "Brothers & Sisters" blew it when they decided they no longer needed Rob Lowe as a main character and that's when that show began heading straight to the toilet.

A couple of nights ago, I saw a film on STARZ that was released last year. "The Runaways", starring Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning and Michael Shannon. This was a story based on singer Joan Jett and her all woman rock band. I found the film to be riveting and I liked it a lot.

Thoughts and or comments? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible. Don't write to the blog because there's no way I can know your email address which means there's no way for me to respond to you. All "anonymous" emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG? As most of you know, we had some problems getting this blog written because of problems in the blog-o-sphere, so let's just assume the next blog will be written on or about next Sunday night.

Meanwhile, I hope that all of you have a great week!

The Birth Certificate, Osama bin Laden, Donald Trump, Sarah Palin, Katie Couric and the REAL reason I stopped writing almost two months ago!!!

Okay...I stopped writing because...?

In my last blog, I mentioned that I would be on blog hiatus for a while because of a film I was going to be working on. A film I was very much looking forward to participating in. I was to play the role of a "silver tongued devil" who happened to be an ex-Texas Ranger, so he was a guy who was easy to trust. Bad mistake if you were one of those who really needed to trust this guy. For you see, this "silver tongued devil" was in fact, close to being the devil himself because this guy had figured out a way to make a lot of money by killing a lot of people who did trust him. Yes, gang, this is a horror film and needless to say, the character I was scheduled to play ends up (supposedly) getting killed near the end of the film. I say "supposedly" because if the film turns out to be a box office winner, the character I was scheduled to play would appear in a sequel. You know, like that character "Jason".

Right after we began pre-production, I got hit with a "medical surprise". Multiple kidney stones that needed to be removed. Kidney stones that required three procedures to remove. The producers of the film waited 4 weeks for me, but after that they had to move on. It was a decision that while disappointing, was a decision I understood totally.

Gang, if you've ever had to have kidney stones removed, you know about the pain that is associated with these surgeries. I didn't know about it, but I sure know about it NOW! And I wouldn't wish this on anyone. For close to a week, I've been recovering and am now free of medicinal drugs that kept me pretty much in a zombie-like state so that the pain would be manageable. The drugs also kept me from having any kind of appetite which resulted in my losing some weight which actually was a "good thing".

Now that my head is "clear", I can't help but be energized by what's been going on with President Obama and the desire to comment about some of this stuff is irresistible.

Osama bin Laden:

For those who have forgotten, the reason we were given by the Bush administration to go to Afghanistan was to get Osama bin Laden, dead or alive.

During many rants on more than one radio station and in/on this blog, I said (sometimes yelled) over and over again (for more than 7 years) that Pakistan was a "phony ally" and I even scripted a private conversation I thought that President Bush and (later) that President Obama should have with the Pakistan person who was in charge of that country. It was a conversation designed to privately convince Pakistan's leader that we (Americans) are/were serious as a heart attack about getting this no good butcher of Americans and that we Americans were prepared to do this the "easy way" or the "hard way". You can find exactly what I wrote by going through my past blogs.

As we now know, the plan approved by President Obama was not shared with any Pakistan leader and Osama bin Laden is now dead. Do I care that Osama bin Laden was killed even though he was apparently unarmed? Absolutely not. None of those passengers on the 9/11 planes or people in those towers were armed. Osama bin Laden didn't care about that and I don't care about how HE got killed. What I DO care about is that this took TOO DAMN LONG TO GET DONE!!!

And I blame both the Bush and Obama administrations for being off the charts incompetent for allowing us to get and stay involved in idiotic quagmires in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Not to mention the most recent "adventure" in Libya.

YO, PRESIDENT OBAMA!!! He's DEAD!!! The bogey-man is DEAD!!!

Now get us the hell OUT of Iraq and Afghanistan! NOW!!! Besides killing a bunch of the Afghans and Iraqis and watching countless numbers of American troops die or return to America minus a hand, both hands, an arm, both arms, a leg, both legs or ALL of those terrible things!!! And FOR WHAT?!? Not to mention the trillions of dollars these stupid wars have cost America, an America that is dangerously close to going broke. And don't you just love what these idiot so-called "conservative" types who say that the solution to our economic ills is to lower taxes, make life miserable for seniors by eliminating most of their "safety net" despite the fact that they willingly paid into the Social Security systems while they were working and absolutely NOTHING is said about reducing an off the charts bloated defense budget?!?

Donald Trump:

By the time the dust had settled, Donald Trump, at best, ended up looking like racist with all of his nonsense about President Obama quite possibly not being "eligible" to be a legal President of the United States because we hadn't seen a long form birth certificate.

Okay, we've seen that long form now and then Trump publicly wondered about President Obama's college grades.

Give it up, Donald! And if you've been paying attention, it appears that he has finally "gotten the message".

BUUUUT.... If you listened to some other things that Donald Trump said....Things that I happen to AGREE with....

Like? His idea about insisting that any country wanting military assistance from us would be given a bill for our services, if he, Trump, was President of the United States. If Trump was President of the United States, any money that we spend would be money that would stay in America. If Trump was President of the United States, he would order massive drilling of oil in America, a tactic that would bring the price of gasoline way down here in America.

Now if you're a REAL conservative, you get behind ideas like those ideas. For you see, a "real conservative" wants what's best for Americans. No, not illegal Americans. Real Americans. And if a painful answer to our economic problems is to have to raise taxes until we get squared away again, a "real conservative" gets behind a solution that in the final analysis is best for America.

If Donald Trump can come up with ideas that make a whole lot of sense for the condition our (America's) condition is in, certainly some other bright minds can come up with ideas that haven't (in the past) been unquestionably proven to be "Voodoo Economics".

Back to the "Birth Certificate" idiocy for minute:

Do you realize who two of the major-major players who started and kept the "Obama Birth Certificate" thing alive were? Orly Taitz is one of 'em. And we're supposed to believe her because she's a Soviet-born dentist and a former real estate agent?!? The other one? An American First Southern Baptist minister named Wiley Drake. A "Christian minister" who once called on his parishioners to "Pray for Obama's death"?!? And a whole bunch of Americans believed this nonsense espoused by two knuckleheads like these two shit-disturbers?!?

Man, oh man, oh man. Another example of how gullible so many of us have the capability of being. And is this where I say, "And may God have mercy on us all!!!"?

Thoughts and or comments? Write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I will respond to you ASAP.


ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

Katie Couric and Sarah Palin have been known to be "entertainers", right? As you have probably heard, Katie Couric will soon be leaving her job at CBS and we are told that she will begin a new talk show, two Septembers from now on ABC. Right after Couric's announcement about leaving CBS was made and before this ABC thing was mentioned, Sarah Palin was asked for a comment and "Mama-Grizzly", in a short comment made it clear she was still mad about those newspaper and magazine questions that Couric asked her. When I read that, I smiled. Those of us who care, saw the unedited interview, Governor Palin. The questions were off the chart simple. What magazines do you read? What newspapers do you read? I mean, mama-grizzly, all you had to say was the name of some Alaska newpaper or newspapers and an Alaska magazine or magazines. For crying out loud, you were the Governor of Alaska! Simple answers like the ones I just now described would have been very acceptable answers. But you froze, mama grizzly.

Television Shows:

To me, the hands down best show on television is still, "The Good Wife". I mean, that show is soooo good!!! Tuesday nights on CBS.

I'd like to call your attention to two new shows that began while I was undergoing surgeries. "Game of Thrones" on HBO and "Camelot" on Starz. Both of these shows are very well written and you can see them pretty much any evening of the week.

"American Idol". To me, this has been their best season ever!

"The Voice". A new show on NBC. The first show got very good ratings, so I decided to watch the second show. The judges and host are very charismatic but when I saw that one of the contestants was a contestant who couldn't cut it on "American Idol", I lost interest.

"Glee". Big hit for Fox. And Gwyneth Paltrow certainly helped the show with her terrific guest star performances. But this is a show that features a good number of attractive actresses who are very good singers as well as being whacha call, hot! And yeah, I have a favorite. Diana Agron.

Thoughts and or comments? Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I will respond to you as quickly as possible. Please don't write to the blog because there's no way for me to know your email address which means I won't be able to respond to you. All "Anonymous" emails are ignored.

The NEXT blog? Hopefully, a week from now.

I'VE MISSED YOU, GANG! I HOPE THAT YOU AND YOURS HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE WEEK AND WEEKEND!!!