Mitt Romney needs to get out of London before he says something that's REALLY stupid!!! Katie Couric has invited Sarah Palin to be on her new talk show this fall...The Batman film killer!!! The TRUTH about "debt ceiling" numbers!!! Because of the constant "insult" campaigning, might both conventions decide to REVOLT?!? Is Michele Bachmann Glenn Beck's PUPPET?!? Annnd...National radio ratings for Rush, Hannity and Levin are spiraling DOWNWARD!!!

Hi everybody!   Because of a last minute business meeting I have to attend tonight, this week's blog will be posted/published a little earlier than it usually is.   This won't have any effect on subscribers, because you/them always get this delivered to you between 3 and 5 Friday morning (tomorrow), Pacific Time.

Speaking of business stuff....Some of you know that I was one of the actors on a Direct TV commercial that was going to be shown nationally.   If you've seen these commercials, you know that the dialogue is done by an off-stage announcer.   And I think you'll agree that the producers of these commercials have made some very clever commercials.   The commercial that I was a part of didn't begin to be shown until a few days ago.   I was called by a friend of mine to tell me that he had seen it on the Jimmy Kimmel show and this past Sunday, I saw it on the "Political Animals" show that aired on the USA network.   If you see this commercial and you wonder which one of the actors is me, look for the guy wearing the "loud robe".

Okay....ENOUGH about ME!!!   LET'S GET BUSY!!!

Headline #1:   Mitt Romney needs to get out of London before he says something that's REALLY stupid!!!

He's amazing isn't he?   Too scared to show his tax stuff, changes his mind whenever the wind is blowing in a different direction, can't keep his story straight about when he really left the Bain folks and I could go on and on, but before getting into his back to back embarrassments in London, I want to mention something else;   Am I the only one who has noticed that our two presidential candidates are spending millions on top of millions that is expected to add up to more than a BILLION DOLLARS spent by both of these guys before it's time for us to vote?   And am I also the only one who has noticed that neither one of these candidates has told us how HE plans to turn our economy around so we can stop acting like we're scared to death, which most of us ARE?   In fact, neither one of these guys has been specific-specific about anything in the way of how to make America better again.    All either one of these "candidates" have been saying specifically is nothing but what kind of "bad guy" the OTHER "candidate" is.

And we learn from this, WHAT?   Who the better insulter is?   And on election day, we vote for the guy who came across as being meaner than the other guy?

Because I know I'm NOT the only one who has noticed this, I'll tell you what I think could end up happening when we get to Headline #5.

Back to Romney's two days in London.   In addition to having taken the position of "ducking and running" from a statement made by one of his "advisors", a statement that had to do with "Anglo Saxon Heritage" which everyone agrees was stupid.   Unless of course, he (Romney) believes that way which he is saying, he does not.   Romney's next move was to answer questions asked by British reporters while refusing to answer questions asked by American reporters.   On the next day, Romney said something about London and the Olympics that came across as being "insulting" and after recognizing which way the wind was blowing, Romney did a complete "180" while praising London's handling of the Olympics.

Headline #2:   Katie Couric wants Sarah Palin on her new show this fall!!!

Palin has not (yet) responded with a "yes" or a "no".

If Palin says, "Yes!", I would definitely watch the show.   And I think that you probably would as well.   And if Sarah told Katie that she would require big money TO come on the show, I think it's money that Katie shouldn't hesitate to pay.   Yes, I know that Sarah has a contract with the Fox News folks and she would have to get permission, but I kind of think Fox would be okay with this. 

Headline #3:   The Batman film killer!!!

As everyone knows by now, the name of the (alleged?) killer is James Holmes.  Look, I know that we live under the banner of "Innocent until proven guilty", but...   He might be able to get a verdict of "Not guilty by reason of insanity", but come on.   He shot those people.   12 dead and more than 50 wounded.

There isn't a whole lot positive about anything that happened during that midnight screening except for some very brave people who gave their lives so that others would live.   A couple of those guys were military guys and I can't help but wonder if a Medal of Honor could be awarded and given to immediate family members of those brave soldiers.

James Holmes?    What I'm about to say right now is something that will probably bother a few folks, but I'm being very sincere when I say that all the money that will be spent on this guy while he's in court, in jail, maybe in a hospital, etc., etc. is money that could be saved.  And here's how;  If while he was being transported to jail, hospital or courthouse, I would have no problem with people looking the other way while James Holmes died because of an "unfortunate accident".

Headline #4:   The truth about "debt ceiling" numbers!!!

You know what the "debt ceiling" is, right?    That's the thing that got America a "down-grade" that caused a lot of hand wringing and blaming of Obama.

I think that until this "down-grade" thing happened, most folks never paid attention to our "debt ceiling".   Instead of a long history lesson about this, I'm going to give you some examples about our "debt ceiling" that go back 50-years and my thanks to economy expert David Lazarus for these numbers.

Since March of 1962, our "debt ceiling" has been raised 76 times.   This is verified by the Congressional Research Service.   Our "debt ceiling" has been raised 11 times since 2001.   No one (unless they're running for office) argues about "blame".   Not paying for wars, pet projects that didn't work out, etc. on top of etc.   But until recently, pretty much no one complained about the "debt ceiling".   What you're about to read is not a lot of information that might be hard to understand.  By you or by me.  
So....Keepin' it simple, here come the indisputable facts:

According to FactCheck.org, our national debt rose 190% under Ronald Reagan, 52% under George H.W. Bush, 37% under Bill Clinton and 86% under George W. Bush.   Barack Obama?    Under his first 3 years, our national debt rose 45%.    What does all this prove?   The complaining about our debt ceiling has to do with "who's in charge".

Headline #5:   Might both political conventions decide to REVOLT because of the constant "insult campaigning"?!?

This is an extension of what we covered in "Headline #1".

It would be "high drama" of the very first order if what I'm about to suggest were to happen, buuuuut....If our two "candidates" don't start talking about "issues" and stop spending so much time insulting each other, I wouldn't be surprised if Party (Democrat and Republican) leaders revolted.   

Meaning what???

Glad you asked.   Meaning that party leaders will have had enough and they end up voting for and declaring a DIFFERENT "candidate" or "candi-DATES!!!

Impossible, you say?   Perhaps, but it's been my experience that political leaders will not tolerate politicians who haven't presented a "vision" that they worked hard on selling to the American people.

Just sayin' and speculatin'.

Headline #6:   National Radio ratings for Rush, Hannity and Levin are spiraling downward!!!

This won't matter if you're a listener of these shows, but trust me when I tell you that it DOES matter to the "bean counters".

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

Mariah Carey has been hired to be a new "American Idol" judge.   And the "A.I." folks are apparently trying to get Country Music superstar, Brad Paisley to be an "A.I." judge.   Short commentary:   THAT...would be one hell of a great hire!!!

Except for baseball games, I didn't watch much television this past week, but what I did see was (in my view) a terrific episode of "True Blood", the best episode so far (especially the final 15-minutes) of "The News Room" and if you haven't been watching "Political Animals" on USA which stars Sigourney Weaver and Carla Gugino along with some great supporting players, you are missing out on a very entertaining show.   Weaver is playing a Hillary Clinton kind of character and she plans to run for the office of President of the United States.   Only two more episodes of "Dallas".   I loved last night's episode.

I saw one film this past week.   A morning showing of "The Dark Knight Rises".    Uh, huh.   While everyone else was glued to their television sets because of that killer, I was hoping that no "copy-cat" would show up at the cineplex I was at.   And before I go any further, big time props to Christian Bale for showing up at the hospital in Colorado where many of those living victims were.

For those of you who don't know, Christian Bale is the guy who plays "Batman".

This is a long film, but I thought it was an entertaining film.   As a rule, films like this don't get Academy Award consideration for actors, but if consideration were to be given, I would suggest four possibilities;   Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Anne Hathaway.   In fact, I thought Anne Hathaway was the best part of "The Dark Knight Rises".

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS?   Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I will respond to you, ASAP.   Don't write to the blog because I won't be able to know what your email address is which means I wouldn't be able to respond to you.   As long time readers know, I respond to everyone except people who identify themselves as "Anonymous".   Those emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG?   Barring unforseen circumstances, late next Thursday night, August 2 or very early Friday morning, August 3.

Meanwhile, I hope that all of you have a very pleasant weekend and remember,

AMERICA FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



   
              

Rush Limbaugh whines about "The News Room" and then makes up stuff!!! Is Michele Bachmann trying to get the lead role in the sequel to "Dumb & Dumber"??? Former Republican President asks, "Who the hell is Grover Norquist?" Does Mitt Romney believe he doesn't need to do what his dad did or what every other presidential candidate has done??? And actor/funny guy, Fred Willard learned the hard way that it's not a good idea to be holding it in your hand when the cops show up!!!

Hi everybody!   After beginning this blog between 3 and 4 in the afternoon the last few weeks, because of some "problems", this blog didn't get started until a little after 6, Pacific time.   That won't effect you subscribers, because this new blog won't (as usual) be in your email until sometime between 3 and 5 tomorrow (Friday) morning, Pacific time.

And by the way, if you'd like to subscribe instead of looking for the new blog at different times of the day or night, it's free and here's how simple becoming a subscriber is;   Use the subscription form, just below my 'About Me' Profile to the right of this column.   Enter your email address in the box provided and click on 'Subscribe'.   Then, click on the confirmation link that will arrive in your email and you're "good to go".    Every time there is a new blog, it will automatically be delivered to you via email between 3 and 5 in the morning, Pacific time.    This blog will always be free and you will NEVER get ads, spam or anything else except the blog itself.   We've been doing this for more than 6-years and we'd be delighted to have you as "part of our family".    A lot of opinions in this blog and if I write something that you feel you want to talk to me about, you will learn that I respond to everyone unless you send me an email in which you hide by declaring yourself, "Anonymous".    Those emails are ignored, but every other email gets a response from me via email and sometimes on the phone.    And yes, sometimes a reader gets me to change my mind about something I wrote.

Okay....Let's GET BUSY!!!

Headline #1:   Rush Limbaugh whines about "The News Room" and then makes up stuff!!!

Look, I know Rush has had a very successful career and I would normally give a guy like him "slack" about the two things I mention here if he hadn't developed most of his success by being mean to people of color and to women.

Oh, you didn't KNOW that?!?   Sorry to pop your "bubble".

The television show, "The News Room" shows a new episode every Sunday night on HBO.   On this past Sunday's show, a tape of Rush was shown of him telling lies about the cost of a trip that President Obama had taken a year or two ago.   It wasn't taken out of context by being edited.   It was just good ol' Rush telling fibs about our president.   Big fibs.

And this past Monday morning on his show, Rush mentioned what had been shown of him on "The News Room" the night before and he then gave a pathetic defense for himself while trying to convince his listeners that there were other shows everyone should be watching on Sunday nights instead of THAT show!    Yep, truth is bitch, Rush.

But on the next day, Rush tried to top himself when he took a shot at the new "Batman" film that will be in your favorite multiplex tomorrow, (Friday, July 20).   He was claiming that the villain in the new "Batman" is named "Bane" because the filmmakers want people to associate that "villain" with Mitt Romney.   Interesting theory if it was true.   But here's the real truth.   The villain named "Bane" was in "Batman comics" in the year 1993.   The villain named "Bane" was in a "Batman" film in 1997.   Mitt Romney was associated with "Bain" in 1998.

Two "Rush bubbles" popped on two straight days.   THIS WEEK!!!   I don't think you nice "believers" of Rush are aware of how often he says these kinds of untruthful things.

Headline #2:   Is Michele Bachmann trying to get the lead role in the sequel to "Dumb & Dumber"???

In the last couple of days she's been making some outrageous charges against some of our citizens.   So outrageous that top tier Republicans are "calling" Bachmann on her idiotic statements and a guy who worked for her when she was a presidential candidate is on the record with an observation about Bachmann. "She tends to play with the facts!"

Short commentary:   What you just now read was the understatement of the year.

Headline #3:   Former Republican President asks, "Who the hell is Grover Norquist?"

That "former Republican president" was George W. Bush's father.   A guy who was a bona fide war hero, among other things.   He was also a 2-term vice president, a 1-term president and he also ran the CIA for a while.

When a guy who has credentials like the guy who is referred to by some as "Poppy Bush" speaks, I tend to listen.   Grover Norquist is a "wannabe player" who's never been elected to anything but who has somehow gotten a bunch of politicians (mostly Republican) to buy into and to sign Norquist's pledge which in essence is, "no raising of taxes for anything".   Nice idea, but it doesn't allow for "changing conditions", something that a number of Republican politicians are now stating and who no longer want anything to do with Norquist.

Headline #4:   Does Mitt Romney believe he doesn't need to do what his dad did or what every other presidential candidate has done?

Sure seems like it, doesn't it?    What I and a lot of his Republican friends don't understand is why Romney doesn't seem to realize the longer he delays the disclosure of his tax situation, the more guilty he appears to be.

Guilty of WHAT?!?   Absolutely no idea or if indeed he's guilty of anything!    Perception is the issue, Mr. Romney.   And if you don't understand that, you don't deserve the opportunity to be our next President of the United States.

Just sayin'.

Headline #5:   Actor/funny guy Fred Willard learned the hard way that it's not a good idea to be holding it in your hand when the cops show up! 

Gang, if you don't know what I'm referring to, you will know when you read the newspapers tomorrow or watch the news on television tonight.   My only comment on what happened is that anyone who is a "public figure" who shows up where he showed up is an idiot.

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

As if the previous story wasn't entertaining enough?

Are you old enough to remember listening to songs sung by Lloyd Price?   Let me refresh your memory.  "Stagger Lee", "Personality", "Lawdy Miss Clawdy".   And a bunch of other songs we all danced to.

I mention this because Lloyd has a new album that will be on sale Monday, July 30.   His new album is titled, "I'm Feeling Good".   It's an album of eleven songs and I listened to all of them this afternoon.   What Lloyd Price is singing now is nothing like the songs he sang during his "Stagger Lee" days, but I'm (also) not dancing that much anymore.   Here's my take on what he has on his new album.   This is an album/CD that I will have in my car and I know that this music will offset any stress I might be feeling.   And I also know that no matter how long my trip might be, I will be listening Lloyd Price's "I'm Feeling Good" over and over again.   The cost of this album will be $12.99 and worth every penny.   For more information about how to purchase this album, I suggest you visit http://www.lawdymissclawdy.com/    Hall of Fame music guy Don Graham alerted me to this and was kind enough to send me the album.   And by the way, I'd love it if any of you readers who decide to buy this album will tell me what YOU think of it.

Emmy nominations were announced today.   I'm going to make only a few observations.   The show "The Good Wife" was not nominated and I think that the voters were wrong.   The good news is that "Mrs. Good Wife" was nominated.   I was happy to see that Kathy Bates and Jean Smart were recognized for their great work on "Harry's Law" and the recognition given to "Homeland" which is arguably (along with "The Good Wife") one of the two best shows on television.

And yeah, if you're a regular reader of this blog, you know I must be happy with the recognition given to 4 cast members of "Hatfields & McCoys" and I was especially pleased with the nominations of Julianne Moore (who played Sarah Palin), Ed Harris (who played John McCain) and Woody Harrelson in the television film, "Game Change".

Big time congrats to all the nominees and condolences to those "who got robbed".

Television shows I saw this week include what I thought was the best episode (so far) of "True Blood" and the hands down best episode (so for) of "The News Room".   That show has a lot of fine actors, but right now, the work I'm enjoying the most is the work being done by Sam Waterston.

Later tonight I plan to see a rerun of the first episode of "Political Animals", starring Sigourney Weaver.

I saw one film this past week.   "The Amazing Spider-Man".   I didn't know if I would like this film, but I knew I would like Andrew Garfield's performance.  Garfield played the role of Spider Man.   I know that Garfield was impressive in the film, "The Social Network", but he got my attention in a small film he starred in before that.   "Never Let Me Go".   I loved that film, and I thought the film along with Garfield deserved Academy Award consideration.   Didn't happen but right now Garfield's laughing all the way to the bank.   The film figures to make close to (if not more than) a billion bucks world-wide and Garfield will be starring in the next Spider-Man film which figures to be shown in the Spring of 2014.   Other cast members are also deserving of mention;   Martin Sheen (I don't think he's ever done a bad performance), Sally Field (same deal as Sheen), Rhys Ifans who played the role of "The Lizard", Denis Leary played the role of a police captain and the father of the Spider-Man's love interest, Emma Stone.    And speaking of HER....I've had this many years major crush (from a distance) on the very beautiful and terrific actor, Diane Lane.    You're still beautiful and a great actor Diane, but I've now become an Emma Stone guy.

Gang, I loved the film.

And speaking of big films, tomorrow morning at 6:40 I will be attending a private screening of the new "Batman" film.   My thanks to my good friend and long time Entertainment Tonight producer-director, Kevin Gershan for making this happen.

I'll close with a "Thank you" shout-out to former big time radio guy, Roger Carroll, Hall of Fame music guy, Don Graham, former big time radio guy and current big time radio column guy, Jack Roberts, current big time and legendary radio writer, "The Dean", Claude Hall and current big time Los Angeles writer and positive supporter of all things radio, L.A. style, Don Barrett.

You guys know what I'm thanking you for, but I won't go public with what I'm referring to unless there turns out to be a reason to do that.   But again, big time thanks!

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS?   Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I will respond to you, ASAP.   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.   As you long time readers know, I respond by email or phone to everyone unless you send me an email declaring yourself as "Anonymous".   Those emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG?   Barring unforseen circumstances, next Thursday night, July 26 (late) or very early Friday morning, July 27.

Meanwhile, I hope that all of you have a very nice weekend and don't forget,
AMERICA FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

                   

What Is Romney Hiding?!? Penn State Findings Put Paterno In Bad Light!!! From The Beginning Of His Term, GOP Leaders Have Seen To It That Obama Has Gotten Cooperation From No One!!! The Tom Cruise People Are Threatening To Sue The National Enquirer!!! R.I.P., Ernest Borgnine!!!

Hi everybody!   Mitt Romney showed us something on Wednesday, July 11, didn't he?   He gave a speech at the NAACP Convention and proved that he's an equal opportunity deliverer of "specifics".   Except for saying he plans to get "Obamacare" repealed, he was specific about nothing.  

I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait for the three debates Romney will have with Obama.   If there is a good host at these debates, I'm inclined to think that both of these guys will have to be specific about something!   WON'T they?!?

Meanwhile, all either of these guys seem to be doing is begging for money.   And as of now, Romney appears to be the better beggar.   Heck, as much as Romney worships money, what we're seeing shouldn't be surprising at all.

Let's go to the headlines!

Headline #1:   What is Romney hiding???

Romney says he's hiding nothing, so I guess for openers we're now aware of something he seems to have forgotten, perhaps?   S.E.C. filings show he was CEO of Bain 3 years longer than he has claimed.  

I know.   We ALL forget stuff.   But forgetting what you were doing for THREE YEARS?!?   And I don't know about you, but when he says there's "nothing hidden" in his tax returns, I guess we should just understand that Romney is forgetful at times, huh?    No presidential candidate in our history has ever had Swiss bank accounts or has ever invested his money in other foreign countries.   No presidential candidate except Mitt Romney.

What I'm about to write, I've written before, but I'm writing it again to make a point.

I'm a lifetime Republican who voted for Obama.   It was the first time I've ever voted for a Democrat.   I voted for him because of the disaster George W. Bush was and the loose-cannon aspect of what Sarah Palin represented.

I know Obama was handed a "bad deck" when he won the election, but I have been disappointed in things he could have done that he didn't seem to even try to do.   Putting health care before jobs was to me, a terrible miscalculation.

There were two Republicans that I might have voted for this coming November, but Mitt Romney wasn't/isn't one of them.   I watched every second of the Republican debates and I heard Romney say (several times) about how much he had enjoyed firing American workers and his constant references to how much money he's made.   What's particularly interesting to me is the fact that he stays away from the fact that he's a Mormon, but he does let us know what he really worships;   MONEY!!!

And he does this (loud and clear) while most of America is HURTING for money.   Oh, yeah.   Mitt Romney cares about You?   Me?   Sure!   If we have money to give him.       

Hey, Mitt Romney might end up winning the upcoming election.   And if that happens, may God (please) have mercy on all of us.

Headline #2:   Penn State findings put Joe Paterno in a bad light!

What we're learning is that one of best college football coaches in our history turns out to have been a guy who didn't have the courage to put a stop to multiple assaults of young men by another highly regarded Penn State coach.   There is no way to sugar-coat this.   The guy who was known as "Joe Pa" turns out to have been gutless when "doing the right thing" was called for.

Headline #3:   From the beginning of his term, GOP leaders have seen to it that Obama has gotten cooperation from no one!

Led by Kentucky Cracker Mitch, the mission was stated loud and clear almost immediately.    Obama could be no more than a 1-term president and it was up to Kentucky Cracker Mitch and his boys to see to it that this mission was/is successful.

And maybe it WILL be!

Headline #4:   The Tom Cruise people are threatening to SUE "The National Enquirer"!!!

Basically, this has to do with allegations made by "The Enquirer" that's in your supermarket right now.   Allegations about "torturous" living conditions for Cruise's daughter, etc.

"The Enquirer" has been right about a lot of other big stories (O.J., Edwards, etc., etc.,  but I think they might want to re-think this story of theirs and give the "apology" that is being sought.    Buuuut....If "The Enquirer" decides to be hard-headed, I'm sure we'll all be "reading".

Headline #5:   R.I.P., Ernest Borgnine!

And this headline takes us to,

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

Wow!   What a life this guy had.   95 years young when he died a few days ago.

I met Ernie in 1981.   In addition to my Monday-Friday shows on KMPC here in Los Angeles, I also did a Saturday morning show.   I had seen the film "Escape from New York" the previous evening and I was talking about (among other things) Ernie's fine performance as a cabbie in this film.   This prompted a woman who knew Ernie to call KMPC and we had a nice on-air conversation about Ernie and that particular film.   She asked if I knew Mr. Borgnine, I told her I didn't, she asked if I would like to meet him and I said, "You betcha!".

That led to me meeting one of the hands down nicest people on the planet and I also ended up having a business relationship with his beautiful wife, Tova who was selling "high-end" cosmetics that I ended up using religiously when I switched to television for ten years.

Ernie Borgnine had a great film and television career and never once did I see or hear about him "putting on airs".    Just as "down to earth" as you can possibly be.   If there really is an afterlife, Ernie Borgnine went right through the gates and has livened things up a little bit.

R.I.P., my friend.   You were the "real deal".

Television shows and new films:

A lot of speculation about possible new judges for "American Idol".   Today, Steven Tyler announced that he's leaving "Idol" to concentrate more on performing with "Aerosmith".   J-Lo?   No one knows what she's going to do.  The "American Idol" producers want her to return, but as of now, she's thinking about it.   Have you heard the rumor about Charlie Sheen possibly being a new judge for "Idol"?    Do you think that would be a good idea?

I thought this past Sunday's episodes of HBO's "True Blood" and "The News Room" were first rate.   And how about Jane Fonda's performance as the owner of "The News Room".   I thought the back and forth between Fonda and Sam Waterston was an "acting clinic".   Jane Fonda is 74.   And I think everyone would like to look that good at that age.   Shoot, I'd like to look that good NOW!

Another great episode of "Dallas".    This show gets better and better every week.

By the way, I know there are a lot of other television shows that are good that I don't write about.   I wish I had the time to see ALL the shows, but sadly, I don't.

Have you seen Oliver Stone's new film, "Savages"?   I saw it a couple of days ago.   Overall, I thought the film was entertaining.   As far as the acting goes, I thought that Benicio Del Toro was the highlight of this film, but other performances by Salma Hayek and John Travolta were also good.  

Blake Lively?   First of all, she showed up on the night they started filming.   I think she was hired that afternoon.    Jennifer Lawrence had been hired to do what became Lively's role, but Lawrence had to leave "Savages" because of another film she (Lawrence) was signed up to star in.   I think it was the new "Hunger" film.

The "last minute" aspect of this might have affected Lively's performance because I thought she was just so-so in this film.   Like they say in the biz;   "The show must go on!"

Have you seen the film, "Ted".   Nothing but nothing affected THIS film.   This film was poppin' from jump street and I enjoyed it big time.   Lot's of laughs along with some crucial emotional moments.

This crazy movie was about a toy teddy bear who talks like a regular (but profane) human being.

Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Seth Mac Farlane along with some terrific supporting players keep things at a very fast pace, a pace that includes a lot of humor (laughing) and in a few cases, the wiping of tears.   I LOVED "Ted"!!!

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS?   Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I will respond to you ASAP.   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.   As long time readers know, I respond to everyone unless you identify yourself as "Anonymous".   Those emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG?   Barring unforseen circumstances, late Thursday night, July 19 or very early Friday morning, July 20.

Meanwhile, I hope that all of you have a good Friday and a very pleasant weekend.

Don't forget...AMERICA FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!     

   



      

Chief Justice "Save" Of AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Is Still Being Griped About!!! Romney Flips & Flop Regarding "ACA" Forcing A Penalty Or A Tax!!! Romney's Foreign Investments Are Being Investigated!!! Will Condi Be Romney's First Choice As Running Mate? When Will Romney Or Obama Get Specific About What They Plan To Do If They're Elected? October? December? EVER?!?

Hi everybody!   And am I the only one who thinks that a holiday in the middle of the week is weird?   4th of July yesterday!   Fireworks shows last night!   And you had to go back to work TODAY?!?   Bummer, huh?    On the other hand, you're lucky you DO have a place to go to work TO!!!   Right?

I have begun writing this blog early on Thursday afternoon, July 5.   Subscribers won't get this blog until early tomorrow morning.   If I didn't mention something important that happened sometime this afternoon or tonight, you now know why.

I'm also kind of thinking this will probably end up being a shorter blog than usual.

Hello new subscribers!   Hello long time subscribers!   Hello casual readers!   And LET'S GET BUSY!!!

Headline #1:   Chief Justice "save" of Affordable Care Act is still being griped about.

Rush Limbaugh let it be known how HE felt about Justice Roberts.   As did Mark Levin, a guy who's so-called "Constitution expertise" took a big hit.   There were other gripers as well.   But in the last few days, most tempers have cooled and those who are smart have taken the "time for different strategies" position.

Headline #2:   Romney flips & flops regarding A.C.A. forcing a "penalty" or a "tax"?!?

Typical Mitt Romney.   His own website agrees with what Justice Roberts said and a few days later, Romney decides to disagree with his website.   I'm assuming that his website has been changed, but one never knows with Romney.

Headline #3:   Romney's foreign investments are being investigated!

And he still hasn't disclosed (shown) his 2011 tax returns.    A lot of talk about him outsourcing thousands upon thousands of jobs to China.   There's a famous comic strip that's having a "field day" with that allegation all of this week.    We know that Romney seemed to enjoy firing a lot of American workers when he was working for the Bain folks.   Heck, he said during the Republican debates that he "enjoyed firing people".   I admit that I don't know if Romney outsourced American jobs to China.   But I DO know that he was ruthless when it came to firing American workers.

Headline #4:   Will Condi be Romney's first choice as a running mate?

If so, I won't be surprised.   I made mention of her several weeks ago.   In the last day or so, Romney's wife has mentioned that a woman may well be Romney's running mate.   Assuming that the women wouldn't be "Quitter Sarah" or "Crazy Michele", "Very Smart Condi" would be a good choice for Romney.

Headline #5:   When will Romney OR Obama get specific about what they plan to do if they're elected?   October?   December?   EVER?!?

I mention October because they will be participating in three debates that month.   I mention December because that will be AFTER one of them has been elected.   I ask about EVER?!?  Because.....Welllll....

Just askin', just sayin' while kinda knowin'....

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

The first two stories are not, in my view, entertaining at all, but they do involve a guy who died and was very entertaining and our biggest film star who is hoping to be able to see his young daughter again.

Andy Griffith.   He died a few days ago.   He was 86 and he's already been buried.

This guy redefined the words, "One of a kind".    Actor, comedian, singer, super nice guy, etc., etc.   In 1957, he was sensational in the film, "A Face in the Crowd".   That film is being shown on TCM tonight.   And I wouldn't be surprised if it's shown several times in the next few weeks. 

For who knows what (real) reason, Griffith was never the lead actor in any other film.

Before he did that film, he made a lot of noise with some comedic stuff he wrote that was put on records.   The most famous thing he ever did was a piece called, "What it was, Was Football".   I heard it when I was a child and I laughed my bottom off.   For the first time in a long time, I heard it (again) yesterday.   It's still funny.

Most people remember Andy Griffith because of two television shows he starred in that are still being shown (as reruns) on a lot of different TV channels.  Those two shows were called "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Matlock".   The shows were "simple", but never boring.   In fact, because the shows were sooo "simple", he was very seldom thought of when it came time to nominate actors for "awards".   I mean, if what you're doing is this "simple stuff", why should we consider you for awards?

Oh ye of little faith.   As the sometimes actor that I'VE been for quite a few years, I know that when an actor makes something look "simple", you're watching one hell of a TALENTED actor.

And that's what Andy Griffith was.   R.I.P., Mr. Griffith.   You were indeed, "One of a Kind"!!!

Tom Cruise:   I'm not exaggerating when I say that Tom Cruise is the biggest film star in the world.   Does that he mean he's our best actor?   No it doesn't.  But he is (despite "Rock of Ages") the actor who makes the most money.

As any parent can tell you, all the money in the world means nothing if a child of yours is being kept from you.

Tom Cruise's wife (Katie Holmes) filed for divorce a few days ago.   Among other things, she wants to have sole custody of their 6-year old daughter, Suri.

The tabloids and TV shows that specialize in "gossip" are very busy right now.  And what most of the "chatter" is about has to do with Scientology, the religion that Tom Cruise is a big supporter of.   It is believed that Katie Holmes wants nothing more to do with Scientology and most definitely doesn't want her daughter to be associated with Scientology.

Because of Tom Cruise's association with this religion, a lot of actors have looked into it because of Cruise's success as an actor.   Some have stayed with it while others, seeing stuff that they thought was weird, "Got the hell out of Dodge", if you will.   That was what the very fine actor Josh Brolin did and so did I.

Is Scientology a dangerous or evil religion like some are saying?   I have no idea, but I do think it's (for lack of a better phrase) "A little (if not a lot) weird".   "Dangerous" or "Evil" doesn't make sense to me because I can't imagine Tom Cruise tolerating anything like that, but....

Look, people get divorced all the time.   Stuff like that is never pleasant, but for Tom Cruise's sake, I certainly hope he doesn't end up not being allowed to have a relationship with his daughter.

FUN ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

Because of all the years I spent in radio, a number of people have asked why I don't write more about radio than I do.

For openers, radio is nowhere near as much fun as it used to be, but a few days ago I got tipped off to a new radio format that is in the works and after reading the "tip" I was given, I couldn't help but wonder if I was being "punked" or if this "tip" was a late "April Fool's" joke.

I am told that two big time L.A. radio broadcasters (Dick Whittington & Chuck Southcott) are putting together a network level music show that will/would be called, "The Bobbies".    The music they'll play will only be songs sung by singers named "Bobby".   Darin, Vee, Goulet, Vinton, Mitchum (yes, the late actor, Robert), etc., etc.   I am told that Whittington & Southcott will front and back announce in unison.

I have also been asked, "What do you think?"

Good question.

TV SHOWS AND ONE NEW FILM:

"True Blood" has been renewed for a 6th season, "The News Room" has been renewed for a 2nd season and "Dallas" has been renewed for a 2nd season.

I saw all three shows this week and loved 'em.   By the way, did you know that Dan Rather is doing weekly reviews for "The News Room"?

"Magic Mike" is a new film that's being shown everywhere.   It stars Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey, Max Pettyfer, Cody Horn and some very entertaining supporting actors.

"Magic Mike" is not what one would refer to as a "great film", but "Magic Mike" is damn sure a very ENTERTAINING film!   If you want to be "entertained", I highly recommend this film.

Before the next blog, I hope to have seen the new "Spider-Man" film, "Ted" and Oliver Stone's, "Savages".

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS?   Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I will respond to you ASAP.   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.   As long time readers know, I respond to everyone unless you send me an email that declares yourself as being "Anonymous".    Those emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG?   Barring unforseen circumstances, next Thursday night, July 12 or very early Friday morning, July13.

Meanwhile, I hope your ears have recovered from last night's 4th of July explosions and that you and yours have a very pleasant weekend.   And please don't forget our slogan:   AMERICA FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!