Mostly entertainment related stuff in THIS blog!!!

Hi Gang!   I'm beginning this blog at 11:30 Thursday evening, Pacific Time.   I'm all fired up because of a great time I had at a private screening of the film, "Argo" which will open nationwide on the 12th of October.   As you long time readers know, a lot of political stuff is written here.   But because the down the stretch SERIOUS political stuff begins next Wednesday when we'll be able to watch the first presidential debate, I'm going to write mostly about entertainment related stuff in THIS blog.   Next week and up until the presidential election, we'll have a lot of thoughts about the two candidates.

And I think that compared to most of our previous blogs, this blog will be shorter than usual

After the film "Argo" ended, I had the pleasure of hearing what it was like working for Ben Affleck who directed the film, stories about things that took place during the shooting of the film and it was obvious that Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston and John Goodman enjoyed the experiences they had with Affleck.   Annnnd it was made very clear by Affleck that he enjoyed having those fine actors IN this film.

I've known John Goodman for a long time and what was extra special fun for me was to have a chance to talk to John for the first time in almost ten years.

The film?   "Argo" is based on a true story involving the rescue of 6 Americans during what was referred to as "The Iran Crisis".   Jimmy Carter was our president then.

How the truth of this rescue was accomplished is something that was not known until President Clinton let the real truth be revealed.

Okay....I sit down to watch a film that I think might not surprise me or entertain me because I think I know everything that happened.

And boy, was I wrong.

Gang, "Argo" is a first rate thriller that has a number of very funny moments.   And that's a combination that's hard to put together properly.

Ben Affleck and his crue HAVE put it together properly and once the "word of mouth" kicks in, I think this film is going to be a big hit.

Possible awards?   Maybe a nomination for "Best Picture", maybe a "Best Supporting Actor" nomination for Bryan Cranston, maybe a "Best Actor" nomination for Ben Affleck.

Yes, "Argo" is that good.

Other films I saw since our last blog...

"The Master".   Outstanding acting.   The film?   Strange.

"Trouble with the Curve".   This is more that just a baseball film.   There were several things that I didn't expect, Clint Eastwood was good ol'  "Cranky Clint", Amy Adams was adorable and John Goodman's performance as Clint's best friend is deserving of Supporting Actor consideration.

"House At The End of the Street" stars Jennifer Lawrence, Elisabeth Shue and Max Thieriot.   Ms. Lawrence has become a very much in demand actress and my first thought was, "Why the heck was she starring in a horror film?" and that's why I decided to check it out.   Now I know.   It's NOT just a horror film.   After a couple of twists and turns, it gets there but overall this film was (to me) a pleasant surprise.

"Liberal Arts".   I thought "The Master" was strange.   But my one word observation about "Liberal Arts"?   Charming.

Josh Radnor wrote the screenplay, directed the film and starred in the film.   Richard Jenkins was as good as he always is, Allison Janney showed us a side of her I had never seen, Zac Efron was terrific as the "positive guy" and Elizabeth Olsen, in my view, flat out steals this film.   I mean she comes across as adorable with a capital "A".   She's also very "easy on the eyes".

The Allison Janney side I had never seen before?   Playing the role of a "ball breaker".

The film itself.   I highly recommend it.

The Emmy Awards:

I was very happy "Homeland" and "Game Change" were winners.   I was also happy that Kevin Costner, Tom Berenger, Claire Danes, Julianne Moore and Damian Lewis were winners.

Other TV Stuff:

"Homeland", "Dexter", "The Good Wife" and "Revenge" will be showing new episodes soon.   As far as the new shows I've had time to see, I like "The Mob Doctor", Monday nights on Fox and "Revolution", Monday nights on NBC.

If you saw this week's episode of "Parenthood", you saw that Ray Romano continues to be a big asset and the character Max delivering the "line of the season" (so far) when the episode ended with his line.   If you missed it, check it out on "On Demand".

"Boss" continues to be Friday night must see TV for me.

Andy Williams:

As you probably know, he passed away earlier this week.   He was 84.

I knew Andy.   He was a guest several times on a radio show I was doing in St. Louis in the early 70's.   He was a big time singer and a big time hound dog man when I knew him.   He hit on a girl I was living with a couple of times.   I don't know about the rest of you, but when I think about Andy Williams I don't think about his hound dogging or all the records he sold.   Here's a test.   "It's the most wonderful time of....."

Is that song what you remember most when you think of Andy Williams?  

R.I.P. Andy.   You had a wonderful career and for the most part, a wonderful life.

Two Other Quick Items:

Yay!   The REAL referees have returned to the NFL!!!

And in case you hadn't heard, Mitt Romney has admitted that taxes have NOT BEEN RAISED by President Obama.

Next Wednesday, October 3, we'll be able to watch the first presidential debate.   I can hardly wait.

The election date?   Tuesday, November 6!!!  

Time flies!

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS?   Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I'll 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 won't be able to respond to you.   As long time readers know, I respond to everyone unless it's someone who refers to him or herself as "Anonymous".   Those emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG?   Barring unforseen circumstances, next Thursday night, October 4 or early Friday morning, October 5.

Meanwhile, I sincerely hope you and yours have a very pleasant weekend and don't forget...AMERICA FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ANOTHER PROBABLE 1-DAY DELAY!!!

Hi Gang!

A couple of hours from the time I'm writing this, I'll be hanging out with Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin and John Goodman at a private screening for the film, "Argo" which will open nationwide, October 12.   Affleck directed the film and he also stars in it.

I tell you this because I think this week's blog will be a day late unless I get home late tonight all loaded up with adrenalin and decide to write a blog that wouldn't be completed until very early tomorrow (Friday) morning.

If that happens, subscribers will probably get the blog when they usually get it.

Tonight or tomorrow, some of the subjects that will be covered are, in no particular order.....

The screening and whether or not these big movie stars were fun to be around...

Mitt Romney's admission that taxes HAVE NOT been raised under the Obama administration...

The return of the REAL NFL referees...

Andy Williams...

Four films that I saw this past week besides the "Argo" film...

A lot of new TV shows and shows that aren't new are filling our television screens, but one wonders how good the ratings will be for next Wednesday's (October 3rd) first presidential debate.

And will the moderators insist on having their questions answered by Obama and Romney or...???

The above subjects and more when the blog is written and published.

Thanks much for your patience.

Most sincerely,

Scott "The Jammer with the Hammer" St. James

Mitt Romney's 47% Speech!!! Randy Newman's new song is, "I'm Dreaming of a White President!!!" When it comes to all things POLITICAL, is religion the SOLUTION or the PROBLEM?!? I HAVE the film, "Innocence of Muslims"!!! Why U.S. troops and Generals are reluctant to have Afghan troops NEXT to them!!!

Hi everybody!!!   Have the above headlines gotten your attention?   I hope your answer is "Yes!" and we'll get to those headlines after I give you a little "happy" news.

Don Barrett is the publisher and owner of LARadio.com here in Los Angeles.   Don Barrett is also a friend of mine.   His daily column is written and published 5-days a week.   Except for THIS week!

It seems that this friendly workaholic met a beautiful woman in Santa Barbara some months ago who (for lack of a better term) "knocked his socks off" and he's been smiling ever since.   Her name is Cherie.   Don's last column was written on Tuesday.   His next column will be written next Monday.  

WHY?!?   Welllll....They're getting married this weekend.   They thought about having one of those Las Vegas "Elvis preachers" do the officiating, but instead have decided to get married walking distance from the Pacific Ocean.   There will be a celebration Saturday afternoon and a good number of their friends and relatives have been invited.   I'm one of them and so is Jack Roberts, the owner-publisher of a daily column called "Hollywood Hills".   Jack Roberts brought up an interesting problem in his column when he wrote about what kind of gift(s) people would be bringing.   Because of our lousy economy, Jack thought there might be a lot of people who would be going to 99-cents stores.   As the new bride and groom will find out, I did my gift shopping at a place that most people don't know about;   A 69-cents store.

Yes, when I made that decision I was thinking what you're thinking.   And I'm always willing to be in the proper spirit of things for my friends.

Unfortunately, because of a personal situation that I have to take care of, I won't be at Don and Cherie's celebration.   But if the post office doesn't let me down, their gift will arrive by Saturday.   So, from a distance I say to them, "CONGRATULATIONS!!!" and I'm sorry I won't be there.

Ready for the "headline" stuff?

O-Kay!!!   Let's get busy!!!

Headline #1:   Mitt Romney and his 47% speech!

You've all heard about this.    Mitt, Mitt, Mitt!   It's 2012!   Just about everyone walks around with small camera like things that also record anything that's spoken.    Mitt, I didn't think you were ready to be president now or ever BEFORE this recklessness on your part.    You continue to open your mouth while making room for one of your feet and your supporters have to be wondering what on earth you might say during your three debates with Obama!?!    The first debate will be Wednesday, October 3 and the election is Tuesday, November 6.

Headline #2:   Randy Newman's new song is, "I'm Dreaming of a White President!"

If you don't know who Randy Newman is, here's a brief description;   He's a long time musician who has gotten (I think) more than 20 Oscar nominations for his songs and I think he's won at least one Oscar.   Yes, his song is "tongue in cheek" but I think his song will strike a chord with more people than you might imagine.

Headline #3:   When it comes to all things political, is religion the solution or the problem?

I am going to answer this with a short sentence that I was sent by my long time acting agent, Sid Levin.   For the record, Sid is a Romney supporter.   Sid couldn't help but think about the 4 Americans who were killed in Libya and all the other bad stuff that happened there.   Here's Sid's sentence:   "It seems to me that religion (and I mean ALL types of religion) causes more killing and violence than anything else in this world."

Something to think about, huh?   Thanks, Sid.

Headline #4:   The film, "Innocence of Muslims".

This is the film that supposedly caused the riots in Libya.   My thanks to former CNN news star anchor, Patrick Emory for sending me this film.   Full disclosure:   Patrick Emory is a long time friend of mine who had a wonderful career as a news anchor in places like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Los Angeles annnd CNN.

I watched the whole film.   And here's the first thought I had.   I've been in a number of films that never saw the light of day.   The excuse given was always about running out of money, technical problems, etc., etc.   That might have been true once.   Maybe twice.   The other times?   The films were butt ugly awful.

Now that I have seen "Innocence of Muslims", I feel better.   Because THIS film is the worst film I've EVER seen!   And compared to the stinkers I'VE been in, I now feel a LOT better.

Yo radical Libyans!!!   You got your panties in a bunch over THIS?!?    If so, you people are more backwards than I thought you were.

Gang, I honestly don't think the film caused the riots.   I think that what happened had something to do with 9/11.

Just speculating.

Headline #5:   Why U.S. troops and Generals are reluctant to have Afghan troops next to them!

I'm sure you've heard about the recent killing of American troops by Afghan soldiers who were supposedly friendly Afghan soldiers.

Another example of what the heck are we even there for?!?   We got Osama bin Laden!   What else are we supposedly trying to accomplish?

America First, gang.   Let's get the hell out of there.   Send all of our troops home and let's spend our money on and in AMERICA!   It's long past time for us to be the world's policeman and or the world's free kitchen.

To hell with these ingrates.   Let's take care of AMERICAN citizens!!!

Just sayin'.

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

I had the pleasure of seeing THREE new films this past week.   All three fall under the category of "independent films".  

Absolutely LOVED the new Richard Gere film, "Arbitrage".   It's been in what is called "limited release" and did very well money-wise.   Beginning tomorrow, I'm sure this film will be in a lot of cineplexes.

The other two indie films I saw were "Compliance" and "Little Birds".

"Compliance" is based on a true story and it is "heavy" on top of "heavy".   Here's how "heavy" it was to me.   I got so mad at what was happening to a young woman in this film, I wanted to reach through the screen and put a big "hurt" on the bad guy.   A good number of people walked out of the theatre, but the film (also in "limited release") has done good business.   This is a very good film that these film folks made, but it ain't for everyone.

"Little Birds", another indie is also based on a true story.   It isn't as "heavy" as "Compliance", but it does have "heavy" moments.   Again...Not for everyone.

Tomorrow, the new Clint Eastwood film will open and everyone's wondering if what he did at the Republican convention will hurt ticket sales.

One other film I saw was on STARZ last night.   A 2011 film, "A Dangerous Method" that starred Keira Knightley, Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender and some good supporting players.   This film is another film that's based on a true story about people who were in the psychiatric field.   Viggo Mortensen plays the role of Sigmund Freud.   And am I the only one who thinks that Keira Knightley is one of the world's most underrated actresses?   Gang, this film, "A Dangerous Method", will keep you glued to your screen.

TV shows?   "Boss" continues to click on STARZ every Friday night..."Parenthood" came up with a new (potential) tragedy for one of the main players...Ratings for the "X-Factor" are improving..."American Idol" has two new judges...And "Boardwalk Empire" began their new season with a very good show.

Brief Sports Stuff:

Critical baseball games are being played.   A lot of teams have a chance to get into the playoffs....Tough night for Peyton Manning in Denver's game against Atlanta....And VERY tough nights and days for NFL players who are having to put up with amateur officials instead of the professional officials...And it looks like UCLA has a good football team for the first time in quite a while.

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS?   Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I'll 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 won't be able to respond to you.   I respond to everyone unless you use the name, "Anonymous".    Those emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG?   Barring unforseen circumstances, next Thursday night, September 27 or very early Friday morning, September 28.

Two Wednesdays from now, we'll see the first presidential debate.   The election is seven Tuesdays from now.    Time flies.

I hope that all of you have a very pleasant weekend and let's tell the politicians that we want, AMERICA FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!     

  





     















    

Mitt Romney continues to open his MOUTH and insert his FOOT!!! Glenn Beck is back on television!!! Sarah Palin talks about COURAGE but what about HER COURAGE?!? October 3rd can't get here fast enough!!! TIME TO TAKE THE GLOVES OFF!!!

Hi Gang!   Yes, we got some reaction to our last blog which was posted Friday, September 7th.   A blog that resulted in us getting some new subscribers.

I haven't said anything about our subscription procedure for a while, so here's all you need to know and do...

First of all, a subscription to this blog is FREE!   Just use the subscription form, below my 'About Me' Profile to the right of this column.   Just 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 are good to go.  Every time there is a new blog, it will automatically be delivered to you via email.   No ads, no spam, no cost.   EVER!!!   The blog will always arrive in your email between 3 and 5 in morning, Pacific Time,  after the blog has been posted.   In other words, this blog I'm writing right now figures to be posted sometime this evening which is September 13.   If you're a subscriber, this blog will arrive in your email, between 3 and 5 tomorrow morning, Pacific Time.

I hope the instructions I've written make sense to you and in advance I have two words to say to you;   "WELCOME ABOARD!!!".

Okay...Let's get BUSY!!!

Headline #1:   Mitt Romney continues to open his MOUTH and insert his FOOT!!!

And it isn't just this Libyan business.   He knows next to nothing about foreign affairs and it is becoming clearer and clearer to me that once he decided he wanted to really be a presidential candidate, he should have taken the time to learn some things.   Sarah Palin didn't take the time and look at what THAT accomplished!   The end of John McCain's presidential hopes.

I bring this up because of the bird's eye view I had while watching what a "pro" did while he was the Republican nominee for the first time.   Just prior to the election, he held a press conference at the airport here in Los Angeles.   That would be 1980, his name was Ronald Reagan and I had been invited to be backstage with him BEFORE the press conference.   I got that invitation because he had agreed to participate in a 7-hour radio tribute about Gene Autry that I would eventually produce and narrate.   When I arrived backstage, the first thing I saw was all of these big walls that were covered with huge maps and Ronald Reagan "going to school" so he wouldn't embarrass himself once the questions started being asked.

As we all learned, he was a damn good student.   What we learned about Sarah Palin was (in essence) that she "didn't want to be bothered" and what we're learning about Mitt Romney appears to be pretty much the same.

Headline #2:   Glenn Beck is back on television!!!

Here's what's interesting about Glenn Beck.   After getting a huge break by being hired by Fox News and becoming a star, he blew it to such an extent that he was canned by Fox News because of ratings that had gone in the toilet and the thought (by the Fox folks) "He was becoming increasingly extreme in his view-point."    Let me tell you something.   When you get canned for being too extreme on FOX, you've accomplished something that most people didn't think was possible.

In my view, Glenn Beck is a whack-job who's very similar to the fictional character known as "Lonesome Rhodes".   Buuuut....There are a few people who like to watch his zaniness and conspiracy theories, so satellite broadcaster, Dish Network decided to hired him.    How long will this relationshop last?   I don't think anyone thinks they know the answer to THAT question.

Headline #3:   Sarah Palin talks about courage, but what about HER courage?!?

You've probably heard about Palin's public crack about (in her view) President Obama needing to "grow a pair" regarding this Libya business.

In other words, she was challenging Obama's "courage".

By now, we all know she didn't (as usual) know what she was talking about, but most of us have gotten used to that.

Buuuut....As long as you want to talk about "courage", Ms. Palin, let's talk a little about YOUR courage.   You are hands down America's number one "quitter".   You were elected to a 4-year term as Governor of Alaska.   But halfway through your term, you quit.    Was something about to become public if you DIDN'T quit?   And if so, where was YOUR courage.   And by the way, did you ever take the time to think of a "do-over" answer for the question you were asked about "what you read"?

Just askin'.

Headline #4:   October 3rd can't get here fast enough!!!

In case you didn't know, Wednesday, October 3rd will be the date that we'll all be able to watch the first of three debates between President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney.

I've said it before and I'll say it again.....In my heart of hearts, I believe that the candidate who will have appeared to be the best debater will be the candidate who will be elected to be our next president. 

Do I think I know WHO that will be?    No I don't and here's why;   Neither one of these guys has said a damn thing about the issues that the vast majority of us are concerned about EXCEPT.... Once in a while, for a few seconds, when they're catching their breath after spending a bunch of time saying what a bad guy the other guy is.

And let us all hope that the moderators of these debates hold the candidates' feet to the fire by making them answer the questions that are asked as opposed to letting either candidate "change the subject".

Just wishin'.   And hopin'.

Headline #5:   Time to take the gloves off!!!

If you have read headlines #1, 2, 3, and 4, you know that my gloves were already off!!!

A Couple of Sports items:

How about that performance provided by Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning in last Sunday night's game against Pittsburgh's Steelers?!?    If he does nothing else this season (which is highly unlikely), he has the "Comeback Player of the Year" award pretty much wrapped up.   This coming Monday night, you'll be able to watch Manning and his Broncos play at Atlanta.   Both teams are 1-0.

And how about this Major League baseball business?   A lot of teams have a chance to end up in the playoffs.   Here in the Los Angeles area, we're rooting for the Dodgers and Angels.   If the playoffs began today, neither team would be playing.

Speaking of the Dodgers....I was the first person to bring this up, more and more people are talking about it and with the new big boss of the Dodgers in town for a few days, there's a lot of speculation about manager Don Mattingly's FUTURE with the Dodgers if they FAIL to make the playoffs.

I'll be surprised if Mattingly's still the manager if the Dodgers don't make the playoffs.

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

Some new TV shows featured their first episode earlier this week.   I saw a couple of them and here are my brief thoughts....

"Go On", starring Matthew Perry and an interesting supporting cast and "The New Normal" which to me wasn't all that good except for the performance turned in by Ellen Barkin.   Tuesday nights on NBC.

"Parenthood" displayed their first episode of their 4th season.   It comes on right after "The New Normal".  

I have LOVED "Parenthood" from the first episode to their last episode.   They added a big time "heavy hitter" when they added Ray Romano to the cast this season.   I had the pleasure of seeing how Mr. Romano works when I spent a week as a "Guest Star" on an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond".

Tuesday night's episode was good in a lot of ways, but not so good in other ways.   I think they tried to cram too much stuff into the show, I could see where edits were probably made (a significant number of them) and here's hoping that next week's episode allows these fine actors to breathe a little.

I watched Simon Cowell's "The X Factor" with new judges Demi Lovato and Britney Spears last night (Wednesday).    These two new judges are big time eye-candy and sharp as nails.   The ratings were a little disappointing but I think that before this season ends, Simon Cowell will have another hit on his hands.

I didn't see any films this past week, but I most definitely plan to see two films that will open in theatres tomorrow.

"The Master" starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams.   An argument can be made that Mr. Hoffman is our best male actor but Joaquin Phoenix is certainly no slouch and neither (for that matter) is the very fine actress Amy Adams.   A lot of Oscar buzz about this film.

The other film I'll be seeing is "Arbitrage" starring Richard Gere.   He plays the role of a Bernie Madoff kind of guy but who's much more interesting.   Richard Gere has been the star of many films in which other actresses and actors have gotten Oscars.   A lot of people think that Gere figures to (at least) get an Oscar nomination for "Arbitrage".   And maybe.....His first Oscar.

Two Fridays from now, I'll be in line to see, "Trouble with the Curve" starring Clint (chair-man) Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake and John Goodman.   If you've seen the previews, you're probably thinking what I'm thinking which is.....I GOTTA see THIS movie!!!

THOUGHTS AND OR COMMENTS?   Please write to me at scottstjames@sbcglobal.net and I'll 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 won't be able to respond to you.   I respond to everyone ASAP except for those who identify themselves as "Anonymous".   Those emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG?   Barring unforseen circumstances, next Thursday night, September 20 or early Friday morning, September 21.

Meanwhile, I hope that all of you have a very pleasant weekend and while casting an eye towards Libya, please keep in mind, "AMERICA FIRST!!!!!"

   

      

How I Would Choose To Handle The Fort Hood Assassin!!! The "God" Controversy!!! The Republican Convention!!! The Democrat Convention!!! Why Paul Ryan and Michele Bachmann have so much In Common!!! The Obama Documentary!!! Megyn Kelly and Fox News!!! A Way To Lose Serious Weight that WON'T COST YOU A DIME!!! A 50% Pay Cut for JAY LENO!!!

Hi Gang!   As you can see, there are 9 headlines that are posted above.    I have NEVER written NINE headlines and quite frankly there were three or four more that I seriously considered.

Thanks again for your patience regarding the fact that this blog is a day later than it usually is.

With that in mind, LET'S GET BUSY!!!

Headline #1:   How I would choose to "handle" the Fort Hood assassin!!!

I'm referring (of course) to Army Major Nidal Hasan, a guy who killed 13 American soldiers and injured more than 30 others.   Plenty of eye witnesses and he's willing to plead guilty.   But there's been no trial (yet) because he's insisting on wearing a beard because of religious reasons.   The Army has rules about NO beards, but Major Hasan and his lawyers are fighting the Army's rules with various appeals.

What immediately comes to MY mind is Major Hasan's "religion argument".

What part of ANY religion believes in WHAT HE DID!!!!

Did that ever cross his mind before he GOT religion regarding his BEARD?!?

As of now, the Army is standing firm and if all the appeals end up being rejected, the Army is planning to have Major Hasan wheeled to a barber with five military officers who will keep Major Hasan in his barber chair while the barber uses an electric razor to cut off his beard.   After that, there would be a trial.

Look, I know we're a law abiding country and even a psychotic jerk like Major Hasan gets the "benefit of doubt" thanks to our court system.

Buuuut....Here's where I go "Rogue", if allowed to.

There's no doubt in anyone's mind that Major Hasan murdered 13 American soldiers while trying very hard to murder AT LEAST more than THIRTY MORE American soldiers!

My solution, if allowed, would go like this:  

Let him keep his beard.

Find every relative of every American soldier who was killed or injured by Major Hasan.

Prepare Major Hasan, with his beard, to face a firing squad that would include any of the victims' relatives who wanted to participate along with some military sharp-shooters in case none of the relatives were able to shoot straight.

I'm all for Law and Order, but in this case, what I'm proposing, is to me, uncomplicated Law and Order with no chance of it ever being discovered that this piece of human garbage was really "innocent".   Therefore, I believe that Major Hasan should be dealt with without mercy except for being allowed to keep his beard.

Headline #2:   The "God" controversy!

You've probably heard about the griping associated with someone who kept the word "God" out of some written material for the Democrat Convention.   It was immediately put into the literature the next day.

We have freedom of religion, right?    Do we understand that some people don't believe in a God?   I don't know why "God" wasn't included in the literature that I think had to do with a "policy statement".   It was probably an oversight, but if it wasn't???   What if it was meant as an "inclusion" thing.  

Just askin'.

Headline #3:   The Democrat Convention!

I didn't watch all of it, but when I DID watch, I saw politicians do what politicians usually do.   Which is a tendency to "exaggerate" a little.   And in some cases, a lot.

Yes, that was true with the Democrat Convention, too.

I thought Mitt Romney's speech was pretty good.   I still think he's a con-man, but his speech was better than I thought it would be.

Paul Ryan?   More on him when we bring up Headline #5.

Clint Eastwood.   Wow!   Big time actor, big time director, big time period.

After his conversation with "The Chair", a lot of people were saying that Clint was guilty of doing "improv" and he was embarrassing.

I've had a week to think about this and I respectfully disagree with a couple of things that were said about Mr. Eastwood.

First of all, that wasn't "improv" he was doing.   I've done a lot of "improv" and I'm pretty good.   "Improv" is done with another actor who can really talk back to you.    Something a "chair" can't do.

Mr. Eastwood has finally spoken about what happened that night.   He says he told Romney officials to not try to look at his script because he didn't have one and he (in essence) never knows what he's going to say until he gets on the stage.    That's called, ad-libbing, folks.   Something I've also done a lot of.   Mr. Eastwood says he got the idea of what he might want to talk about when he saw a chair that Romney officials thought that Mr. Eastwood might like to sit on.

Well, as we all know, he never sat.   And with what he said in the conversation with a Carmel reporter today or yesterday, one could assume that Mr. Eastwood was saying "Sit on THIS!" when he told the reporter, "President Obama is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people!"

Dirty Harry, direct and to the point.   HIS point!    "Do ya feel lucky, punk!"

Headline #4:  The Democrat Convention!

Bill Clinton "Rocked the house", Joe Biden was good, Barack Obama was, to me, so-so.

One thing that jumped out at me was that the Democrats, in their convention, talked about our troops.   A lot!   

The Republicans, in their convention?   Regarding our troops, the "Silence was Deafening".   Just like it was when a gay American combat soldier spoke from Afghanistan during the Republican debates and he was booed by a lot of people in the audience.   Not one of the Republican candidates defended our soldier who happens to be gay but he's fighting for US!   AMERICA!   And the Republicans at a high level STILL aren't talking about our troops.

Perception, folks.   And this (me) ex-soldier, picks up on their silence, loud and clear!

I've said it before and I'll say it again....

I believe that the winner of our upcoming presidential election will be the candidate who comes across best in the three presidential debates.   The first debate will be held October 3rd.

The vice presidential debate?   There's only one and to me, Joe Biden will win that debate easily.    Buuuut....it won't matter if Mitt Romney comes across better than Barack Obama does.

Headline #5:   Why Paul Ryan and Michele Bachmann have so much in common!

If you've been paying attention, you know the answer.   Mr. Ryan and Mrs. Bachmann have both been Congress people for a lot of years.   And neither one of them is good at telling the truth.

The Fox News folks LOVE Mr. Ryan, but they were the first to point out many lies that Ryan told when he delivered his speech at the Republican Convention.   And when you end up lying about a MARATHON he ran, you have to know that this is a guy who will lie about ANYTHING!   A MARATHON?!?   How sick is THAT?!?

Oh...The wives of the presidential candidates?    I thought they were both terrific.

Headline #6:   The Obama Documentary!

I'm sure you've heard about this documentary film that's now in a lot places that show films.   The title of this film is, "2016: Obama's America".

I saw the film last week.   It is very well produced and nothing about it is boring which is not the case with most documentary films.   The film is filled with opinions and because I write a lot of opinions in this blog, I'm not going to comment on the opinions expressed in the film.

You watch, you listen, you nod your head or you shake your head.

Same deal when you read some of the stuff I write.   But in my case, you can contact me and tell me what YOUR opinion is.

Headline #7:   Megyn Kelly and Fox News!

During the last two weeks when I've watched some of the convention stuff, the channel I was watching was the Fox News channel.   The hosts I saw most of the time were two people.   A pleasant and very smart question asker who, for the life of me, I can't think of his name.   And the reason for that is his co-host.
The very photogenic Megyn Kelly.   Older than she looks, smart as smart can be, a smile that melts you, a body to die for and a friendly assassin if you lie to her.

Yes, I have become big fans of those two Fox News reporters.

Headline #8:   A way to lose serious weight that won't cost you a dime!

I am a guy who does a 3-5 miles walk 7-days a week, rain or shine.   A few months ago I realized I had gained some weight.   The temperatures during that time were in the mid 90's and higher.   Instead of just wearing shorts and a short sleeved shirt, I added a jacket and zipped it up to my neck.

I have a lot of slacks (pants) in my closet.   A few weeks ago, I realized I couldn't wear any of them without embarrassing myself because I was in serious danger of them falling off of me.

Yes, wearing a zipped up jacket in heavy heat is not something that's comfortable.   Buuuuut....If you want to lose weight without having to spend money or starve yourself, do what I did.   If something like that can work for me, it sure as heck can work for you.

Just sayin'.

Headline #9:   A 50% pay cut for Jay Leno!

When I first read this, my first thought was that this only happens to radio performers (which I have been) or television anchors which I also have been.

No, this is something that as a rule is not talked about publicly.   And I know a lot of people in that position.   The Jay Leno situation has been told by a high level NBC guy with a big title.

Gang, with this economy the way it is, no one but no one is immune from being told (in essence) that beginning today you're going to be making a lot less money.

And this isn't something that's new.   This kind of thing has been going on for more years than a lot of people are aware of because when it happens to YOU, you assume it's ONLY happening to you and you keep your mouth shut.   I think that's a good idea anyway, but yes, you're not alone.

Sports Stuff:

If you care about the NFL, you know that the Cowboys beat the Giants in the NFL's season opener this past Wednesday night.   All the other NFL teams will play this Sunday and Monday.  

Big NFL news...I'm sure you NFL fans have heard about the so-called "bounty-hunter" business that got 4 New Orleans Saints players suspended for a bunch of games and it was the same deal for 3 New Orleans Saints coaches.   Today, it was announced that an arbitration panel overturned some suspensions and all four of the players will be able to play in the Saints-Redskins game that will be shown on Fox this Sunday.   The three coaches?   Still suspended.

The baseball season is winding down.   Almost time for the playoffs.   Teams like the Baltimore team, the Washington team, the Pittsburgh team, the Oakland team and the Cincinnati team are teams that weren't expected to be in the playoffs, but every one of those teams has a legitimate shot at getting there.
Here in the Los Angeles area, we're rooting for the Dodgers and Angels.   Both teams are going to have win most of their remaining games to get into the playoffs.

ENTERTAINMENT STUFF:

That great television show, "The Good Wife" will begin their 4th season soon with a bunch of new "name" actors.   Like the great Brian Dennehy and the very beautiful and sexy Christina Ricci among others.

Some other shows like "Parenthood" a show I LOVE will be beginning their new seasons next week.   And I'm sure some of your faves will begin their new seasons as well.

I didn't see any new films this past week except the Obama film, but I did see three films on cable that you can watch "On Demand".

"American History X", a 1998 film on the Encore circuit.   It stars Edward Norton who I think won an Oscar for his performance and all of the other actors in this film were good as well.    A very serious film that included this line;   "Has anything you've done made your life better?!?"  

"The People vs Larry Flynt", a 1996 film on the Encore circuit.   Woody Harrelson played Flynt and he was nominated for an Oscar.   And boy, did he deserve it.   Terrific performance.   Courtney Love also did a good job in that film.

"Hoodlum", a 1997 film on the Encore circuit.   It stars Laurence Fishburne, Tim Roth, Vanessa Williams, Andy Garcia, Chi McBride, William Atherton and some other terrific supporting players.   All three of the films are probably not for everyone, but they're all very good films.

Some upcoming awards are coming up soon and because one of the awards will be given to a friend of mine, I'm going to give him a "shout-out".

These awards are like honorary Oscars and they'll be presented a couple of months before the Oscar show.   

Congratulations to Hal Needham.   A legendary stunt performer who participated in more than 300 films and who also ended up directing a bunch of films.   While doing his stunt stuff, he broke many bones in his body, but he kept coming back for more.   For a while, he was Burt Reynolds' room-mate and I heard some great stories from Hal about THOSE days.

Hal Needham.   A genuine "tough guy" who no one disputes was "The Real Deal".

Big time congratulations, my friend.

And a big time BOOOOO to the Academy for not giving an award to Doris Day.   I mean, if anyone deserves one of these honorary awards, it certainly should be Doris Day.   I'll never forget a radio interview I did with her a number of years ago.   She came across as fun loving young girl you wanted to give a hug to.   That's also how she came across in so many films she was the star of.

Boo, Academy.   BIG BOO!!!

QUESTIONS 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 won't be able to respond to you.    I respond to everyone except those who choose to identify themselves as "Anonymous".   Those emails are ignored.

THE NEXT BLOG?   Barring unforseen circumstances, next Thursday night, September 13 or very early Friday morning, September 14.

I hope that all of you have a very pleasant weekend and don't forget...

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





  









  

A "heads-up" regarding this week's blog!!!

Hi Gang!!!

There's going to be a 1-day delay for this week's blog.

WHY?!?   Tonight is the last night of the Democrat Convention and I don't want to be writing about what was said (tonight) next week as opposed to this week which is what I'm going to end up doing regarding last week's Republican Convention.   Frankly, this is what I should have done LAST week.

What does this mean to you who are subscribers?    Tomorrow, (Friday) you will receive this message between 3 and 5AM, Pacific Time.   You will receive what is written tomorrow, Saturday morning between 3 and 5AM.  

I hope what I just now wrote makes sense.

Those who surf the net and or people I personally send the link to, are people who will be able to read this right after I finish this "heads-up" note.

In addition to comments about what Governor Romney, Congressman Ryan and Clint Eastwood said last week and what President Obama, Vice President Biden and President Clinton said this week are described in the 7 paragraphs below.

One of the topics will be lies that were told.   Not all of them, just the ones that were stupid lies.   Lies that Fox News called a guy out on.   A guy that Fox News happens to love.   But not as much now as they did before he publicly "went stupid".

The "God" controversy!

Something stupid said by former GOP Chairman, Haley Barbour.

A second thought about Clint Eastwood's performance.

My thoughts about the documentary, "2016: Obama's America".

A new way I've discovered to lose some serious weight.   A way that costs you no money.

Entertainment Stuff about three films I saw on cable, big time actors who have been added to the 4th season of "The Good Wife", an honorary Oscar that will be presented to a friend of mine and my outrage directed at the Oscar folks for not including Doris Day.

Those topics and anything else that gets our attention by tomorrow, Friday, September 7th.

Thanks very much for your patience.

Most sincerely,

Scott "The Jammer with the Hammer" St. James