* A recent front page tease in the Tampa Bay Times noted that “Ashton Carter, 60, is President Barack Obama’s sixth Pentagon chief. He is approved by a vote of 93-5.”
That was a reminder of how challenging a coherent foreign policy has been for this administration–six secretaries of defense in a six-year period. But, oops. Under Obama, there have actually been four–not six–SODs: Robert Gates, Leon Panetta, Chuck Hagel and now Carter. Of all papers to be careless with fact-checking, how ironic it’s the Times.
* Speaking of the Times, Steve Pearsall’s review of “Fifty Shades of Grey” was a journalistic frolic and a teasing read. Spank you very much.
* That was a cheap shot that Gasparilla took from the O’Reilly Factor last week. In the on-the-street interviews segment called “Watters World,” producer-interviewer Jesse Watters asks questions to elicit embarrassing reminders that we have a lot of clueless, ill-informed people in this country. Indeed, we get that, but it shouldn’t require going to a place where a bunch of inebriated, partying millennials are being asked to identify (former Taliban captive Bowe) Bergdahl and Gitmo (Guantanamo).
Frankly, Jay Leno’s “Jaywalking” around Hollywood intersections and asking current-events questions was more entertaining–and more to the point that there are major informational deficits beyond pop-culture. Plus, sober ignorance is valid.
* This happens too often. President Barack Obama, in the name of going to alternative media to connect with constituencies, belittles his office. We’ve seen him on Comedy Central, The View and YouTube with GloZell Green. Now where?
How about a video posted on BuzzFeed’s Facebook page that shows the president making silly faces and using a selfie stick to capture them? The video had two ostensible aims: showing the president in a more casual light and reminding viewers to sign up for health insurance. Too bad the aims were not: combating the image of an Amateur Hour Administration and not talking down to a constituency in need.
* “SNL 40” was a big ratings success. Two take-aways: Dan Aykroyd was the most talented, versatile cast member in some of the most memorable skits. John Belushi was the most overrated cast member in some of the least entertaining, although well-referenced (“Samurai”) skits.
* Norman Lear’s book, “Even This I Get To Experience,” revealed that Mickey Rooney was originally under consideration for the role of Archie Bunker in “All in the Family.” Mickey Rooney over Carroll O’Connor? Did no one see Rooney in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s?”