Tome - Please send some of that torrential rain to California!  The last we had was in April or May, and was nothing but a "trace".  The drought goes on, in spite of El Nino! 

I haven't seen any of the TV shows you mentioned, however, I do remember watching "The Firm" and "No Way Out", many long years ago.  Both good movies, and worth seeing again.  I missed all the July 4th hoop-la, on TV last night. Daughter #2 was here for dinner and lots of talk, so I didn't do any TV watching at all.  Hubby saw some of the show from DC, but only toward the end.  My favorite 4th of July movie, Yankee Doodle Dandy, was on TCM last night, but I recorded it in advance, so will watch it today.  An iconic classic movie, with James Cagney, doing his fabulous dance routine to that All American song - "Yankee Doodle Dandy"!

Sunday I watched another movie on Turner, that I really enjoyed . . . Anchors Aweigh, starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra.  It's the film that is well known for the charming sequence showing Kelly, dancing with the cartoon mouse. (I think it was "Jerry", from the Tom and Jerry Cartoons?)  Anyway, it was fascinating to watch the dance, remembering that this was 1945, long before computers.  Now they do such computer animation all the time, but back then, the mouse had to be drawn by hand, (every move), and somehow filmed into the dance with Kelly.  Very innovative and flawlessly done.   

Well, we hadn't had any "real rain" in over a week, only trace, which only made it more humid and didn't water any grass or flowers.  We are due for upper 90's all week long, with only minimal chance of rain near the end of the week, but not likely for our specific area.  It is so bloomin' hot!  You walk out the front door, and it feels like something hit you on the head.  I should be used to Texas July's but now in my older age, it just doesn't sit well with me.  When I was a kid, you could play out in this heat all day, and never even notice. 

When we lived in Maryland we saw Yankee Doodle Dandy in a local playhouse (like a  theater in the round).  The lead playing Cagney's part was terrific.  When he did that dance against the barrel, it was amazing.  It was on our side so I got a really good view.  That tour group was professional and I enjoyed it so much.  I've seen the movie many times and never tire of seeing it.

We watched A Capitol Fourth as usual and then turned to the New York Macy's program which was also good.  They had the Singing Sargeants and the show was very patriotic.

Tome - I'm thinking about you this morning, and mourning the tragic events that occurred in Dallas, last night.  So much sadness and turmoil there, and in other parts of our country as well.  I hope you check in, and let us know that everyone in your family is safe. 

Thank you, Marilyne, and we are all safe.  We would not have even thought that something like this would happen here, especially in the context of a peaceful protest, but those things do tend to bring out a few of the nutcases.  They would have done it anyway, but when so many Police were in one spot, they took advantage of that opportunity.  I daresay, it might happen in one of the cities where other police shootings occurred, but I certainly hope not.  There is an all-faith prayer service being held in Thanksgiving Square in downtown Dallas as I speak.  Very moving, and I would hope it touches the hearts of any who might hold grievances against Police or members of other races.  Everyone please say a prayer for peace and understanding.

I would have thought of it happening more in Houston.  Family use to live Dallas and I loved it there. Now this was in the 80s. Now Houston. I don't really care for there.  They keep on me to move which I said maybe I would do after retirement.  Doubt it now.  I would have moved to Dallas willingly.  But can see that place is changing also.  Don't know where I would like to move now.  Just stay Illinois I guess. I do love it here.

Tome - The tragedy in Dallas, makes me wonder what our world will be like in ten or twenty years?  I won't be here to see it, but I worry for our children and grands.  Is there any hope for peace in the future?  I don't think so . . . just too much fear and hate and mistrust.  How can it ever be resolved?  Well, for now, things seem to have calmed down . . . until the next domestic or terrorist attack.  Just a new way of life now I guess?

Marilyne, "This too will pass".  We forget sometimes our history.  It was much, much worse in the 60s and 70s with the awful riots, etc.  If you remember, there were even police marksmen stationed on various rooftops in some of our big cities, especially in D.C.  Let's just hope and pray we don't go back to that.

I agree....
The 60's and 70's were terrible
years.   With our young people  (my age) getting
drafted and being sent to Viet Nam...  With two
Kennedy's being assassinated,  as well as Martin
Luther King.     

I never thought that we would get over those
years... But we did get through it and now my
kids and grand kids have no idea how terribly
wrong things can go sometimes.


I am watching on TV  "Dave" ... a movie
with Kevin Kline and Sigorney Weaver...
One of my favorites that I have to watch
every time it comes on!!!   

I can't even count the number of times
that I have watched it.   And I still
love it. 

Have a good weekend,  everyone!

Sandy

TCM showed the 1958 movie "The Long Hot Summer" with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.  Nice way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Callie - I love that movie, The Long Hot Summer.  Missed it this time around, but I'll catch it the next time it plays on TCM.  Paul Newman, was at his peak of charm and "handsomeness"!  

Sandy and FlaJean - Oh yes, I remember the 60's and 70's well. How could we, who were there, ever forget the shock and anguish of those years? Things were wild and crazy here in California too. I don't recall marksmen with guns anywhere in the state, but maybe I've forgotten?  At UC Berkeley and of course in San Francisco, there was a protest of some kind going on all the time.  I had bumper stickers on my car that read - "War is Not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things", and "Make Love, Not War!"

Funny though, how the passing of time can soften your memories.  Now when I think of those two decades, it's like the lyrics to that Barbra Streisand song:  "Misty, water colored memories, of The Way We Were".

"Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it."  Unfortunately, I have lived long enough to see the terrible times repeated often.  Each generation believes their "terrible" time is the worst of all.

I watched a second episode of "River" last night but, Marilyne, I don't think I'll watch any more.  I know you liked it but it just doesn't seem to be for me.  I also watched the last episode of this season of "Outlander" and liked it a lot.  But, I know that others here might not like it nearly as much.  We all have different tastes.  Next Wed. is the first episode of the 6th season of "Suits" on USA channel.  I am looking forward to that.  When I started watching that show I wasn't sure I would like it but I got hooked.   

Phyllis - I think I'm going to like Suits, and plan on starting Season 1, ASAP.  I'm so tired of the endless TV series that feature detectives, psychopaths, murders, spies, chases, violence, et al. I'm looking for a good story, that has none of these elements. 

My favorite show of all time is Mad Men, for that very reason.  Anyone of you out there who wants to see a quality drama, about life in the 1960's, "MM" is the show for you.  (All seasons now playing on Netflix.) You will love the characters, both the men and the women.  Because we were around during those turbulent times, we can relate to the events, as they unfold during that decade of change.   

Thanks for reminding me about "Mad Men", Marilyne.  I'll start it tomorrow.  I think it is rather similar to "Suits" except it is set in Advertising rather than the Legal profession.  Sounds so good.

I watched Mad Men. for about 3 seasons and then I thought it got Repetitious. I didn't know who was sleeping with who. it was all drinking and so I never did watch the Last of the series.

Did it come out that Don was not who he was supposed to be? Had taken another soldiers  ID.

Tonight we will finish watching the first season of Bosch, on Amazon.  That's the series adapted from the books by Michael Connelly.  AJ likes it a lot, but as I mentioned before, I'm getting burnt out on cops and violence and psycho killers.  I'm happy to see this season end, and don't know if I'll be up for Season II.  We will start watching Suits, on Tuesday night. Looking forward to it! 

We started watching the Olympic trials last night on NBC, and stayed with it until 11:00 O'clock. The Track and Field was coming from Oregon, but the Women's Gymnastics were happening right here in my home turf - San Jose.  This was the first I've seen of this year's gymnastics team, and I must say, that they are better than ever!  It will be a tough competition with lots of exciting drama when they get to Rio.  

I watched the Women's Gymnastics finals.  Didn't see all of it, I was over on PBS watching "Endeavor", season finale.  Our team is fantastic, and what's so great, the ones who didn't make the cut are so young, and so talented, that the 2020 Olympics should find them on the team. 

Phyl - I hope you give Mad Men a chance.  Once you get to know all the different characters, you will get caught up in their 1960's lives.  My favorite from the beginning, was Peggy, but once I got to know the personalities of all the characters, I liked each and every one.   

We haven't started watching Suits yet. One more left to see in the first season of Bosch, which we will probably watch tonight.  I'm not sure if I want to follow through with more of Bosch, but AJ likes the show and wants to move right into Season #2.  It's a little too violent and depressing for me, what with serial killers, missing children, etc. Not my favorite genre of TV show.   

I was going through the Game Of Thrones withdrawal symptoms on Sunday and checked out what replaced it. It's an 8-week crime series entitled The Night Of. I almost turned it off, but stuck with it and now I am hooked. It was fascinating to observe the dehumanizing and humiliating process that suspects endure when brought to the police headquarters. Like you, Marilyne I tire of these shows of violence and bloodshed  and I'm hoping we've seen all of it in the first episode and the story will focus on the apprehension of the perpetrator.

I started with episode one of Suits last night. Credibility is a bit of an issue here with the acceptance of person who has not graduated from a law school becoming  an associate in a major law firm.  But I will stick with it for a few episodes.  The main problem when it comes to  viewing network shows, as this one is, is that they compare  badly with the Netflix, HBO productions which are not bound by the same restrictions: language, graphic violence, sexuality etc as are network productions.  Whether this is good or bad I guess is a personal assessment, but it unquestionably is evident in the finished product.

It's fine with me that there are still some boundaries left, Don, though not many, IMO, even on network TV.  Yes, you must suspend a lot of belief with Suits but it still is entertaining, if you do not expect reality.  But, then, is Game of Thrones any more logical or real than any of the modern shows?  It is fantasy, isn't it, and that is what I expect when I watch those kinds of TV shows.  I think we might find reality pretty uninteresting.  After all, reality is what we live everyday and I'm afraid my reality is pretty dull.

Phyll - after reading Don's post regarding some differences in Network TV and the many cable channels, I wanted to say yet another word in favor of Mad Men.  (Yes, I am slightly prejudiced when it comes to that show!)   Being as it originally played on AMC, there were no four letter words, or graphic sex.  Plenty of bedroom scenes, but nothing that was revealing.  I hadn't really noticed the lack of four letter words when I first viewed the series, and I think the reason is that in the decade in which the show takes place - 1960 to 1970, people didn't use the vulgar language that they use today. The habit of constantly using, or hearing, the "F" word, hadn't started yet . . . and of course it was totally unacceptable in mixed company! 

Helloooo out there!   Not much TV or movie viewing to talk about in recent weeks, unless you count the news channels, with the constant barrage of violence and sadness. It's hard to find a show that I want to sit and concentrate on, so I've mostly been watching the mindless house hunting and remodeling shows on HGTV.  They've all become very predictable, (the remodeling ones), but there are a few where I like the people/couple involved in the make-over, so I watch anyway.  AJ has been zoning out on baseball, or American Pickers.  He also likes the car programs on Velocity. 

I think AJ and my hubby would make great friends.  They could sit and watch "PIckers"; Velocity (Mecum and Barrett-Jackson auctions), which we watched shows with "redeeming social value"- - LOL.

Tome - occasionally I'll sit down and watch Chasing Classic Cars, with the soft spoken, white haired Wayne, doing the bidding and buying!  I do like him . . . probably because he has an autistic adult daughter who is sometimes on the show with him.  She reminds me of my granddaughter.

We lost another Great man yesterday. 81 not that old anymore but he had lots of problems health wise. I remember Throat Cancer and Colon . Just say here was Stroke .
Birth:    Nov. 13, 1934
Bronx
Bronx County
New York, USA
Death:    Jul. 19, 2016
Burbank
Los Angeles County
California, USA

American Producer, Director, Writer and Actor. Marshall was responsible for creating such iconic television sitcoms such as 'Happy Days', 'Laverne and Shirley', 'The Odd Couple' and 'Mork and Mindy'. Born Garry Kent Maschiarelli, he graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and began his career as a joke writer for comedians including Joey Bishop, then worked on the writing staff of 'The Tonight Show With Jack Paar'. In 1970, he created a television adaptation of Neil Simon's play 'The Odd Couple' for ABC. The successful sitcom drew several Emmy nominations over the course of its five seasons. Television hits followed soon after. 'Happy Days' became the number one rated television show during the late 1970s. After 'Happy Days' Marshall created spin-off shows 'Laverne & Shirley' starring his sister Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams, and 'Mork & Mindy', which jump started Robin Williams' career. Marshall would go on to direct several blockbuster films, including 'Beaches' (1988), 'Pretty Woman' (1990) and 'The Princess Diaries' (2001). Marshall died from complications of pneumonia following a stroke. (bio by: Louis M.)

Burial:
Unknown

Thank you JeanneP, for the interesting obituary on Garry Marshall.  He wrote and produced many favorite old TV shows of the past. His sister, Penny Marshall, was in quite a few of his shows.  I remember that my youngest daughter loved Laverne and Shirley.  She had two pet hamsters at the time, that she named Lenny and Squiggy.

I finely watch the 6 hour 1st series of " Grace and Frankie" I liked it. Will wait now for the Library to get Series 2.. I don't use the Demand and things on TV.

It`s always a bit of a surprise when I see a character that I have become almost attached to in one series suddenly appear in another series in a completely different kind of role.

Ygrette, from the Game Of Thrones showed up as a police detective in Luther and Lady Edith from Downton Abbey appeared in the role of a recklessly irresponsible university student in Marcella. Until you get used to seeing them in these new parts it`s hard to separate them from the old ones.
Both those series are on Netflix and are excellent programmes, but also very intense.

Don - I'm glad you mentioned Marcella.  I was scrolling through Netflix last night, and considered giving it a look-see, but decided to try something else instead.  I hadn't heard about it, but just now read some reviews, and it sounds good! (Besides, "Lady Edith" was one of my favorite characters on  Downton Abbey!)  

Yes, it is fun to spot a familiar face on a TV show, and then it finally dawns on you as to who it is, or who it was, on another show.  The character named Tormund, on Game of Thrones, is "starring" in a commercial that I've seen a number of times. Now can't remember what it's for?  He's the Wildling, with the red hair and bushy red beard. 

Also, Emilia Clarke, "Mother of Dragons", is the star of a very popular movie, called Me Before You. I have read that the actor who plays Littlefinger, does a lot of Books On Tape, readings or narrations.  I'll bet he's really good, with that soft persuasive voice of his! LOL