New TV Season

It's Wed.. night and I'd been looking forward to 2 new sit-coms that I'd read about
and seen previews on. One is everything it's tauted to be and more..the other leaves
a lot to be desired.
"Modern Family" is the single funniest show I've ever seen! Honestly. A few regular
big laughs (I require at least 3 a half hour to score it A)and one hysterical fall out of bed gag that is brilliant and A-plus.

The show is about an extended family, one gay couple, one older man with a younger
wife and one typical over extended yuppie parented, kid over programmed group.
Great writing, terrific performances among them Ed ONeill from Married with Children,
and a few hitherto unknown guys playing the gay couple who are really terrific.
One of the creators is Chris Lloyd from a lot of great other shows and Steve Levitan
who has good credits also. They really deliver. Watch it. You'll thank me.

The other show...created by Bill Lawrence who did Scrubs, one of my favorites,
doesn't score with 'Cougar Town.'

Being a 'cougar,' a woman who dates younger men, is something I am not uh...unfamiliar with. The show could have been good if it had been less "on the nose." That is, every sort of stereotypical negative concept of such a woman is hit over the head in the character of Courtney Cox. It is kind of embarrassing. She is so overloaded with shtick and bad habits that I really feel for her.

The other characters are a little bit better conceived, but the sex jokes are too much and too horny. Does the word 'desperate' sound familiar? I might give it one more time just because it is a show that I should have written and would have liked to sellif I were still in the biz...and I'm a glutton for punishment.

I watched five minutes of 'Eastwick' from the movie Witches Of...and so far...ick!
It has a Desperate Housewives voice-over and reaches for humor...and doesnt get it.
If it gets better I'll let you know next time. But hearing words "yeast infection" lets me know that I shouldn't hold out a lot of hope. Yuck AND ick!

"Dancing with the Stars" is a huge yawn this season and as for Tom Delay otherwise
known as The Hammer or the Exterminator in Congress...where's a good rodent killer
when you need him? The answer...dancing!

I'm encouraged...

I now read both the obituaries and the wedding announcements on Sunday. (Actually to be
clear, I read the obits every day, but that's another column.)
In today's wedding pages, among the usual couples and the gay couples, there was a new addition. An old couple!
She is 75 and he is 77.
Her photo was alone, none of him. But I won't read into that. She is smiling like the cat who ate the canary. And I don't blame her one bit. You go girl!
Among all the 30 somethings and twenty kids...too young I'm afraid to really know who they are let alone who they should marry, there are rarely people over 50 getting married.
Since, as I say frequently I am "between 50 and death" that always depresses me.
I love reading the stories of how they met and sometimes broke up and got back together again. How they conducted long distance relationships. But in the end, they knew they
had met "the one." How their parents actually introduced them. Well, that's one I
don't identify with...at this point. Although my mother could be up in Heaven looking around for me.
So now, this older couple, without much detail, but hey...they do wind up together. I just wish there had been some tips included...like how in the hell did they meet? Where? Were they fixed up?
But I wish them all the best! I have a lot riding on this one...mostly hope for myself!
Yet, I'd rather meet "HIM" now...while we can still move around more easily!Get busy, Mother!

thank u laura bush

I always liked Laura Bush. We may have been in different political parties,
but she was a lovely, classy First Lady. And once again, she has done the
right thing.
She came out today in favor of President Obama's speech to school children.
Well...duh! How sad it is that she had to do so.
What is wrong with people these days? If the President can't make a speech
to kids about staying in school, why even have a President?
If we have so little respect for the office, why not just run amock...with hate
speech and talk radio running things and telling us what to think.
Is the Right so hysterical that we cant even have a tradition...which is what
it is for the President to talk to kids...continue because they are so afraid of
him?
It gives credence to the thought that because he is Black, maybe they can't
accept him in the office.
Newt...never one of my favorites...has come out against the hysteria and
recommended the speech.
We should be up in arms over this attempt at delegitimizing Barack Obama.
Enough is enough! Elections have meaning or they don't. Which is it?

Ted Kennedy

I have two photos of myself and Teddy Kennedy displayed in my house. One is the usual, standing next to him at a fundraiser, and the other is different. I'm laughing and so is he and I have my hand on his chest. I don't remember why or what we were saying but it is a great picture.
I really didn't know him, but just had met him briefly. But I feel so sad this weekend, watching
the days of mourning.
I've learned so much about him as a man. I had no idea of his kindness, his perpetual caring for others, his ability to make everyone a friend.
So much had been written about his larger than life, often troubling aspects. But they pale in
comparison to the successes of his life, his ability to live and enjoy life, even with tremendous tragedy.
I remember being in college when JFK was killed, and where I was when I heard. I remember
my then husband waking me at night to tell me Bobby had been shot, and sleepily saying "no, that happened in 1963." The cliche "end of an era" fits here more than most.
I also think how fortunate they were, this huge family to have each other. As an only child, I can
only envy their experiences shared in good times and bad.
As political foes remembered their friendship with him, I wonder why cant every politician behave as he did. Fight hard for what they believe and then be a human, decent person afterward.
It makes me sick the way politics is conducted these days. Indeed the end of an era.

me on the radio with 2boomerbabes

I'll attach the link...i start at the 33 minute mark...http://www.2boomerbabes.com/
Since I think of myself as the REAL boomerbabe,I was suprised to meet this great team
of gals at the Bookfair.
They asked me to guest on their very successful show and we agreed not to sue each
other for the name!

HEY! STOP YELLING!!!

Whoops...caps in emails are the equivalent of yelling, I'm told. So I'll stop
if they will. They, being TV talk shows,pitchmen and disruptive "constituents"
attending town meetings.
I got the to the point where everytime Billy What's His Name started pitching
whatever product at a decibel level enough to bring down a building, I would
turn off the sound. Now I know you aren't supposed to talk badly about the
dead, but when he passed away, the first thing I did was call a friend and say
now we can watch commercials again!
But he wasn't alone. The group gaggle of Sunday morning talk shows had
long been yelling at each other, just as the extreme pundits of both parties
would talk over each other...same result...a headache!
But now these "voters" are storming the townmeetings where believe it
or not, our Representatives of government are attempting to explain
complicated issues and yes...hear our response. This is wrong because
these (usually) rightwing verbal terrorists are making communication
impossible and it's pissing me off!
There are memos which have put out talking, or should I say "YELLING"
points, and this is not what democracy is supposed to be about.
So...stop the yelling! Start the listening!YOU HEAR ME?

The Bachelorette

Ok, first I can't believe I'm watching the damn show again, in the first place.
Second I can't believe I'm making comments on it.
Actually I'm too lazy to go through the sign up on the ABC TV Message
Board and I have to vent somewhere.
So...here we go!
This show stinks! For those of who you who have a life...the girl who is
the Bachelorette is a nice girl with a nice body, not that pretty...and
clearly a little insecure.
I mention that because she requires that each of the guy's fall in love
with her and tell her numerous times!And we have to hear about it
over and over and she and the guys have to articulate the same
bull ten times an hour! Boring!
At the end, she lets the really cool guy go and picks another one...
a guy who is handsome and really crazy about her.
Plus the poor guy had to undergo the incredible indignity of
not being able to "perform" on their first "sleepover!"Aand
all of America knowing it! But the second time he could...thank god.
But...he is an "8"...and the other guy was a "10!"
She however is an "8" as well and like feels comfortable with like.
She mentioned numerous times that the first guy had always been the
"dumper" not the "dumpee"...and she obviously was scared to pick him.
This particular season, has been filled with 'dramatic' surprises etc etc .
and clearly is fixed. Drawn out for ratings and our emotional rollercoaster
ride is now over.
I dont want to hear the word "journey" and people spilling their feelings
to total strangers ever again!
I hope I never watch this show again. But...I can't promise.

Michael Jackson Memorial

Of course I watched it, along with zillions of others around the world and I'm so happy
to report that it was a beautiful,tasteful and appropriate event.
In spite of the insanity of the press coverage, the family pulled off a classy affair and
it was very sad to see the beautiful children mourning. It was interesting for me to
see the family...all those brothers united in uniform and feeling and the closeness which
makes me realize it's no fun being an only child, inspite of the fractious moments a
large family goes through.
Brooke Shields was especially meaningful in humanizing Michael...as they were two
little kids thrust into the spotlight. And she remains one of the most gorgeous women.
The songs, the film clips, the speeches..except for Al Sharpton, but what else is new...
all were lovely memories and uplifting.
Good job Jackson Family. Goodbye Michael.

Gov. Palin

Newsflash: I just saw Sarah Palin morph into Irwin Corey! Remember him? the old
guy who talks double talk? Huh? What?
I think she just resigned because..? something about fish floating.
She totally rambled and was incredibly wierd. But then I always
thought she was a joke.
Maybe now she'll just go away. But on the other hand, as a Democrat...

On Michael Jackson

ENOUGH ALREADY!!!
What is wrong with us that we have given his passing
more press than JFK's?
Great performer, possible pedophile, definitely disturbed...ok. I got it.
Stop printing, broadcasting, talking about him.
There is a very difficult world out there and it has kept going and
we should be paying more attention!
Enough!

Memo to S. Carolina Governor

SHUT UP!!!

Do Cry For Me, Argentina!

I just watched the most bizarre performance and I mean peformance by the Gov.
of S. Carolina admitting that instead of hiking he was "f---ing!"
Huh? Wierd.
I am not suprised by infidelity. I am not surprised by politicians admitting
to it, but what was that?
This guy was obviously having a meltdown, starting with not taking the money
due his state from the Federal Govt.
And then, he makes up a cockamamie...excuse the expression...story about
going to the Appalachian's to clear his head when he went to Argentina to clear
his pipes.
All the tearing up and the quoting Godliness was such a case in hypocrisy and I
would have respected him more..well, not really, but I would have been happier
seeing a statement read by him that stated the facts, a resignation from office and
back to the family to work things out however they chose to.
What was this mea culpa camera show? As we used to say in high school...
TMI!! TOO MUCH INFORMATION. I DONT WANT THE GORY DETAILS.
I think we've all become too much involved with each other's lives on TV.
Get off the stage Gov. And Jon and Kate too! As for Perez Hilton...well...
he deserved a sock in the eye. A bully got bullied.
Let's pay attention to worthwhile things for a while, shall we?

D-I-V-O-R-C-E

I know it's only a reality show...but the impending divorce of Kate and Jon.. (of
Jon and Kate Plus 8)really saddens me. It's amazing how attached one gets to
"characters" in a TV show. I think it was the kids that got to me. I'd grown to adore
this family and though Kate was always a nag, she is inherently smart and a
good mother and I think very honest in assessment of what went wrong and
her mea culpa. Jon, is ...sadly...like a lot of guys, not a good communicator and
makes it hard to see what he is feeling. I think he was just too immature to
have all this fame and responsibility. But I know they love the kids and frankly the
money they earned from the show will give them a good future...if not as happy
a one as they had hoped. It feels like it happened to someone I know! Faux
intimacy perhaps, but maybe not.

Ok, I'll admit it...

Though it's really so unimportant it barely matters, I will
always acknowledge an error when I make one!
A few posts ago I ragged on "I''m a Celebrity, get me out of Here!"
It is a fairly inane reality show which strands C listers in the
jungle.
Well, I've been sick a few days and though I have great books
to read, I've taken the easy way out and just zoned out on TV.
This show is on every night..that's another discussion as to why...
but I've watched a little more and now that the obnoxious
couple (you know who and like Valdermort I will not speak their
evil names to give them life)...now that they are gone, the
remaining players are bonding as they go through these really
awful adventures replete with bugs and other creatures.
And what I do like...a saving grace...is how they bond!
They are really opening up to each other and developing
real feelings...I know it sounds impossible, but think of yourself
in camp.
Or if you've traveled on a group tour, by the end you are weeping
and swearing to be best friends forever. Sometimes you even
follow up and become so.
Relationships are the most important things in life and I like
seeing them develop and maybe it's because I value my own
friends so much, or because I was an only child, that it's
cool to see others engaged with each other.
Or maybe I'm just sick of being sick and need a drink!
Or a hug!!!

brief dating hint

If you are on an Internet dating site and you are a guy...do not pick a
name that ends in "ster"...like "robster", "rickster"...you get the idea.
One has to imagine you calling yourself in the third person "The
Old Tedster"...no!
Do not go there.
Promise me.

No...get ME out of there!!

There is a reality or should I say "fakeality" show on TV tonight called
"I'm a Celebrity, get me out of here." I am going to perform magic
and review the show without seeing it!
I cannot watch this drivel. I, who watch everything reality from
Jon and Kate to The Dog...and vote on most shows where our vote
makes a difference...I will not and cannot watch that show.
Even I have my limits! And besides, The Bachelorette is on at the
same time.
The premise is they leave D list celebs or celeb-think- they-ares in some
South American jungle and watch them fall apart.
The long haired awful singer kid from Idol, the old former Supermodel
who is virtually make of plastic now, and the obnoxious couple of
some other quasi-reality who have really gotten on people's nerves are
among the cast.
And...wait for it...you will not believe it, or maybe you will, the wife of the
indicted Governor from a Mid West State...(I'm not giving these people
any name recognition as my own little rebellion) ...she who is known
for having a foul mouth and putting up with his hair...is taking his
place since the Court wouldn't allow him to go.
Please people...do not watch this junk. Perhaps the jungle will
take it's justice and give them all diseases which are not easily
gotten over.
The "hook" this year is that the watching public can "vote them plagues"
of various sorts, but even that is not intruiging enough to me.
And as for the Governor's wife stooping to doing this garbage,
well if you are still married to him, your judgement is highly
suspect anyway, isn't it?
The only saving grace and I mean the only...is that Paris Hilton
is not among 'em.
I guess we can be thankful for small favors.

Bye bye Jay...

To continue the comments on the inconsequential news of the day...did anyone else
cringe at the final Jay Leno Tonight Show with guest, new host, Conan O' boy- is -he- not- funny?
I happen to really like Jay and felt he was so uncomfortable about having to give up
his seat before he was ready!
And Conan, who has never made me laugh, was rather arrogant about claiming it.
They did the obligatory praise of each other but neither was sincere and if Conan
shakes his unruly red mop one more time in that tic of his, well...I dont' plan on watching
him anyway. A lucky guy...to say the least.
Jay will do just fine in the earlier slot and Jimmy Kimmel is funnier than all of them.

Jon &Kate plus 8 and me

The newest tabloid story bombarding us is the marriage of the couple on
the reality show," Jon and Kate Plus 8." They have a set of lovely girl twins
and then had sextuplets...three of each gender.
I had not watched the show or known anything about them until
the rumors of infidelity etc. came on everywhere it seemed.
So on Saturday, after I did my sun on the terrace and my walk
around the resevoir, I collapsed into bed and turned on what
turned out to be a marathon of the series documenting this
incredible family. I was addicted, although it doesn't take much.
What a great show! What an adorable well behaved family. And they
dont even have full time help. Just some volunteer friends.
It is amazing to watch the constant motion and noise of eight kids
and also to see each of their little personalities growing.
They are quite a handful of course. But Kate and Jon have
it down to a science.
So I got this megadose of them and now I see how the dynamic
of their marriage deconstructed.
She nags him. All the time. She treats him as one of the kids.
He sort of stoicly takes it, but perhaps this is why he strayed....
if he did actually stray.
He's a good father and pitches in as well as having a full time job.
She has got to lighten up on him!
I want this family to stay together. I want this
marriage to work.
So Kate, you are a fabulous mother and someone I'd like to
be friends with...good sense of humor, smart and organized.
But you have got to start cutting Jon some slack!
You have an extraordinarily hectic life and it would take its
toll on any marriage, but honey...you are making it really
tough.
Monday is the premier of the new season in which they promise
to deal with the reality of the relationship. Even if it means
stopping the series to get your marriage back...do it.
This family must be saved!

NOT ME!!

There was a letter in the NY Post on Tuesday castigating Farah Fawcett for her documentary.
It was signed, Susan M. Silver! That's not me!! I am Susan A.,..but I don't use my
middle name.
Some wierd guy called me this morning to tell me he "agreed with me."
I told him I am totally one hundred per cent opposite in my opinion..(read
blog of last week.)
I wish I could write the Post to tell them to say it's another Susan Silver...
but..I'm sure they don't care.
Thank god she didn't write about loving Dick Cheney or being for torture!

We wuz robbed...twice!!

Ok, in the big picture it' s not important...at all! But we were robbed
twice last week.
By "we," I mean sicko TV watchers like me who vote for reality shows!
Adam was the person who should have won American Idol...come on!
He is a true superstar. Whether he didn't get it because he is gay or
too goth, I don't know. But this kid Kris, is a nice, average singer.
No star. No Idol.
And as for Shawn the little Olympian who won Dancing with the Stars...
no! Yes she did a nice job, yes she's an American Hero, but
as for a dancer, she can't hold a candle or a leg for that matter to
Giles who performed almost as a professional, and a real star, or Melissa
who was the epitome of an elegant dancer.
So, are they rigged? Or are most people who vote dumb...or judging
on things other than what matters?
I don't know, but it's enough to make me turn the TV off and start
reading all those books I have. Hmm...maybe it was a good thing
after all.