sorry

Dear Readers, I've failed you. I've been remiss in the blogging department. And I will try and get better. As I'm also rethinking my entire Internet "oeuvre," stay tuned, won't you? In the meantime, I am still doing the column every Friday on Newyorksocialdiary.com...The Search for Mr. Adequate. So hope to see you there. Thanks, ss

boo hoo

I am devestated. Pluto is no longer a planet. The nerve! It's awful. Now I suppose they will make violet a non color. "ROYGBIV" remember?

wow! You've got to read it!

The New York Times Magazine has the most brilliant and clear analysis of the Lebanese situation that I have ever read. It's written by Michael Young, August 13 issue. I had never understand the myriad intricacies of this poor place before. You've got to read it! Sadly, it does not end well, but I at least know why.

I'm mad as hell!

I don't know about you guys, but this new terrorism plot discovered in London has made me really angry. Our lives will never be the same because these madmen are controlling everything by their actions and their threats! My little nephews and all the children of tomorrow face this as a constant in their lives. Now perhaps people will understand why Israel has to illiminate all Hezbollah. The odds of them doing it and of us eliminating everyone who hates us are...yeah...slim and none. But it makes me feel better to try. I don't give a damn about the "root causes" and the "disrespect" they feel which entitles them to plot and kill innocent people. So if depression is 'anger turned inwards'...I won't be depressed anymore!!

mel gibson

Mel, I am Jewish. I do not want your apology. I just want you to go away. Your antics over the years have always been a trifle scary, a little sad, and now have gone over the line. Your fanaticism (ie. starting your own church) should have been the final tip off. I don't know what the original problem was...one can only assume it comes from having a Holocaust denier for a father...or maybe being short...or some other deep dark personal sexual secret that requires you to self destruct in guilt...but I don't want to spend any more time hearing about it. Bye bye Mel...bye bye.

I am alive!

So sorry for not writing the past few weeks...but I've been in Aspen enjoying it so much I couldn't stop! The intellectual atmosphere, the music , the dance...I will be publishing the daily diary in my column on Newyorksocialdiary.com starting next Friday. But now it's time to go home...catch you in New York. SS

Good news!!

Well, after the Fourth of July I was feeling a bit sad about the state of things here and then I found hope! I'm at The Aspen Institute for the Ideas Festival and one of the speakers was Supreme Court Justice Breyer. His talk was a marvelous experience,filled with humor, wit, awareness and intelligence. Afterwards, I got to talk to him and told him that he renewed my hope in that I realized that the Justices (well, some of them) are really aware of us...what we are feeling and thinking. They are not in some Ivory Tower, and with justices like him, we are in good hands!

It's all about ME!

Today's New York Sun has a really nice profile of me. It's called The Lunch Profile and I gave an interview to Pranay Gupte who writes the column. The photo on the net page is good but the original in the printed paper makes me look like a pregnant orange! There goes my social life!

feed her!

The vicious and obviously starving Ann Colter has done it again. Her remarks about the wives of victims of 9/11 are so out of bounds it is shocking...even for her. And then, her response to the response about her remarks..."well they were campaiging for John Kerry?" Since when is expressing a political opinion not allowed and then a reason for slander? Feed her already and maybe she will go away.

spelink bee

i just watched the national spelling bee. wow..these kids are good! hard not to notice the preponderence of Indian/Pakistani kids. The education ethic is strong in some cultures...wish it were in ours!

kudos to oprah

oprah really did a great thing this week. she sponsored an essay contest for high schoolers to read elie wiesel's "night" and then write about its relevance today. It was thrilling to see these bright kids who won...the top 50 out of 50,000! And the ripple effect of their lives on future generations will be wonderful.

silly... but

Ok i know it's silly in the big picture, but those of us who watch American Idol know what I'm talking about. Please people..vote for Taylor not Kathrine! He is a true original and a refereshingly gracious young guy as witnessed by his reaction to his home town visit. She is a spoiled brat and a spotty singer...sometimes great, sometimes terrible. It's up to you..and me. Now that elliot is gone I will switch my numerous votes. Try redial.
And the secret is to vote five minutes before the end when they tell you to. It works.

whew

I don't know about you but I am sick of bad news, whether it's international or national. I just want to hear one good thing! Maybe my favorite, Elliot, will win on American Idol. Or maybe politicians will all just go home and stay there.

I'm shocked

I just am amazed that the recent lobby flap included hookers! I'm just shocked I tell you shocked!NOT!

yup

Just as I said last week, it looks like the idea of a third party in politics is catching on. A poll reported by CNN said 45% of Americans would like to see a third party created. All we need now is the right candidate and we can do it, people!! Any suggestions?

gas attack

I just love that our Congresspeople of both parties are tripping over themselves to fix the gas gouging situation. Too little too late. But the truth is that the oilmen in the Administration got way too greedy. Let's remember this is in November please.

who?

The unfortunate incident of the protester actually getting into the press group at the White House makes one wonder about security doesn't it? President Hu of China and our Prez could have been in danger it seems. Or do conspiracy theorists have it right that it was "allowed?" I honestly don't know the answer.

third party

This week's New York Magazine had articles about the possibility of a third political party. Though Ross Perot was the wrong messenger he did well, the point being that many people would support the right one. I, unfortunately, cannot think of anyone who would fit the bill however. Let's hope he/she emerges...and soon!

fool me once...etc.

Tonight on the news it said that Michael Brown ex FEMA fuckup is being considered to be a "consultant" to a Parish in Louisiana which had been destroyed in Katrina. He would be working on reconstruction. People....!!!!!

old news is good news

Today I discovered a wonderful way to stop being depressed after reading the newspaper. Lately the news is so awful that I sometimes don't read the paper in the morning...lest it ruin my day. I do read it at night as I am a bit of a political junkie. But the other day I put the paper away and found it two days later. I couldn't throw it away in case I'd miss something of value, but somehow it didn't have the impact it would have on the day "of." Now so much else has happened that the old bad news seems almost...well if not good news, at least able to be handled. Wierd, huh? Try it and tell me if you agree.

we all feel so safe

Today, a Deputy Director of Homeland Security was arrested for soliciting sex from a fourteen year old girl he "met" on the Internet. When others heard about it, they were quoted as saying he was "such a nice guy" and a "devoted Uncle." I'll bet! He used a photo of himself with his badge as a "way to impress the girl." Right...no adult would be impressed with that as a credential. Yuck.

swell!

No one wants to run FEMA! They cannot find anyone willing to take the job and the reasons they all gave were that the Administration is not "serious" or committed to making it work! The poor guy, like in musical chairs,who was last heading it temporarily is going to be stuck. That bodes well doesn't it? As I said after Katrina...we're on our own folks!Swell!

is it just me?

does anyone else out there find it a bit disturbing that the released hostage Jill Carroll still extols her captors after her release. They did kill her interpreter and while she may be suffering from Stockholm syndrome, I have a feeling that the pov she had before (very pro) still exists but there must be a distinction between the people of Iraq and the fanatics who captured her. Or is it just me?

looking for an answer

So, the word dejour is "dystopian" as in society. I am reading it everywhere now. I get that it has a negative connotation and even looked it up for specifics. But the dictionary says "faulty placement of an organ or part." So what is the colloquial meaning? And why do you think it's so popular now. I'd ask William Safire but I'd rather hear from you smart readers.

Save Katie!!

I know there are a lot of emergencies around the world, but we must save Katie asap. Of course you know which Katie..she is about to give birth to the little Cruiser. Her shower was held at the Scientology Headquarters...that fun place. And signs urging complete quiet were seen being brought into the house for the "quiet birth" which is a Scientology method. Space ships may be landing to take the baby...save Katie!!

Charlie Rose Knows

Last night Charlie Rose on public tv had a very distinguished panel discussing Iraq at the 3rd anniversary. It was across the political landscape but the consensus (ok minus one) was that this war is a total disaster and there is no reasonable way out. The tragedy is that we need to be there for tens of years and of course we do not intend to do that nor should we risk our soldiers for that period of time. What a mismanaged, misguided venture. And yet this Administration refuses to acknowledge the truth while appointing a 'commission' to help them out of it. There is no way out of it, folks. No honorable way.

come on democrats

It's time for the Democrats to start playing hard ball. The facts on the mismanagement of the war are legion. The polls are finally showing the American people are getting it. Now let's deal with all the other needed social programs that are being dismantled, money that's being wasted, or otherwise scammed and turn up the volume! Or else you don't deserve to be elected either.

D.C.

I just got back from a three day conference in Washington D.C. I had forgotten what a beautiful and exciting city it was. Now if we could just get rid of the politicians!!!

Justice is Blond

Ok, now we have reached the apex of insanity. The Supreme Court, yes that one, has taken the time to hear the inheritance case of blond Playboy Bunny and former stripper/newly trim(spa) "actress"' Anna Nicole Smith. One wishes to have been able to look into the eyes of the male justices and the mind of the lone female, Justice Ginsburg. It's as if Mad Magazine were a newsmag now. Oh it's good to laugh.

ok i will

So today being "fat tuesday" I guess I can eat all I want.I feel for the people of New Orleans...and have mixed feelings about celebrating Mardi Gras. I guess they must keep on keeping on,and yet I think the money could be spent on more important things...like homes. Perhaps the added attention will get things done and the added revenue will help. what do you think?

woody was right

Ok, just like Woody Allen said in an old movie...everything we thought was good for us is bad and vice versa. Now they are saying arthritis meds don't work, low fat isn't necessarily a good thing, coffee is good...chocolate too. What are we supposed to believe? But I am really happy to find out about the chocolate.

we are falling down the rabbit hole

Like Alice In Wonderland, the government is getting "curiouser and curiouser." The port situation would be fodder for jokes if it weren't so serious. Not only did 43 not know, but now he insists on it? And the fact that the big money is connected back to the shadowy Carlyle group...however u spell it is even curiouser...but not really, then, is it?Business as usual. I am going to bed.Wake me when it's over...hoping that's not a bad choice of words.

katrina...still

Kudos to Anderson Cooper of CNN for continuing to show us the lack of progress in helping those devestated by Hurricane Katrina. How can this government dare to ask for millions of dollars to "promote democracy in Iran" when 45,000 homes have disappeared in St. Bernard Parish...Louisiana. And nothing has been done to clear the refuse of people's homes and lives. We must all call the White House and complain! Of course now that Oprah has done a show there, perhaps the pols will be scared enough to do something.

you should read....

Dear Readers, not to get too too intellectual on ya, but there is a piece in the NY Times Mag of this Sunday that is must reading. Francis Fukuyama (it's worth it just to contemplate the life experience with that name) writes on why neo-conservatism has failed. It is the most cogent argument I 've seen on the topic of Iraq et al. And regardless of your politics, it makes brilliant sense!

wha???

I see that over $300,000,000 has been wasted by FEMA on trailers that are sitting in Arkansas and of no use to anyone in the Katrina debacle. Is there no end to the malfeasance? I watched Brown and Chertoff "acknowledge" their mistakes. Hey, that's not enough, boys. How about fines and firing all around!? Since it's my money and yours Dear Readers, we have to demand consequences for this total incompetence.

Duck!!

I cannot stop laughing at the quail shooting incident by our Vice President. The jokes on the talk shows tonight will be amazing I'm sure. It's a good thing the old VP Dan Quayle was not on the spot or he would be dead!! I am home in snowy NY and I love it. Am going to make snow angels...later....

help!!

Hi guys...am trapped by the snow. Iam in palm beach...that'll show me! of course can't get back to ny, would much rather be playing in the snow. I was born in Wisconsin after all. Later...

hey boomers!!!

Attention to all of you...I know this is a rough year when the bad birthday (60) comes to some of us. But I have the antidote. Get the new CD of 'Jersey Boys' (the story of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons.) I went to the show in preview and loved it, but to have the hits that we can still remember the words to...at least I can...in your home, is priceless. Sherry, Can't Take my Eyes off You, My Eyes Adore You....need I go on? Give yourself a real treat and I defy you to be able to stay seated. I am now dancing with the door. Enjoy.

Ah show biz...

Today I had a visit from the exterminator. Yes the mice are back. Those of you who read newyorksocialdiary.com and my column,The Search for Mr. A, know that so far the score was mice O- Susan 6, and last night I saw another candidate. But when the exterminator came over this a.m. he was too busy looking at the pics on the walls of my former show biz life to do any work. He wanted to discuss Laugh In and other stuff and I just wanted glue traps. Just like the old joke about the guy who cleans up the elephant poop in the circus....and if you don't know it, ask someone. I am going to bed as I was up all night with the light on looking for the tiny creature.

The Adequacy Scale

For those of you who have been reading the column in newyorksocialdiary.com, you know I have been searching for guys who could be measured by their 'Adequacy.' Well, this scale can apply to lots of things. The ratings are the following in order of ascendance: the lowest, less than adequate, adequate, more than adequate, the one! Needless to say we are still looking for "the one" and we would compromise (not settle, never settle) for someone "more than adequate." And you?

Mr. Adequate!

Well, I found Mr. Adequate...unfortunately he is our President. And his speech was just that...Adequate. And the unknown Democrat responder was, in my humble opinion, more than Adequate. He had a choir boy's face, a missionary background, and hit all the right notes with tough talk in a friendly manner. On my Adequacy scale, the top is "The One"...and though he isn't ...he did a heck of a lot better than the Pres.

courageous women

Women of the Storm,a group of women from New Orleans have come to D.C. to "invite" Congress to visit the devestation. I still cannot believe that what I witnessed after Katrina was happening in this country, and not some third world neglected population. These women don't want us to forget them and I am sad to say that I think we have. Shouldn't we all be calling our Congresspeople telling them it is unacceptable that the richest nation has abandoned a region of our own?

We're on our own!

In the scale of Adequacy, it has now been proven, the government doesn't even rate. The newest information on Katrina shows the response of FEMA was so lacking, it did not even accept or use the help that other agencies could provide. There is no one out there, folks. We are on our own.

From 'Freying pan' to fire

As everyone on the planet knows by now, Oprah really gave it to James Frey on her show yesterday. She acknowledged that she had made a mistake by initally backing his deception. She was, as one of her guests called her, a real "mensch." And another guest also brought up a point that was worrying me as well as the original problem. She had chosen Elie Wiesel's "Night" as her next memoir for the Book Club and I had deep concerns that the fallout would link the question of truth in memoir to the subject of the Holocaust, which certainly does not need any new doubters! Or perhaps that she had chosen it as her own "redemption."But she cleared that up as well, saying it had been chosen way before this contretemps. And that too is good. But now I must get to the "mega" concern that I have about the whole issue of why we need "mothers" or Queens or any kind of celebrities to tell us what to read or wear or think about anything! In the case of Oprah, she is intent upon doing good, but maybe we could learn not to follow 'celebrity' quite as much. So don't listen to me, who the hell am I to tell you what to do!

I give up...or in

Dear Readers, this is one of those days where it's just too much effort to get out of bed. I don't know about you but the state of the world has just gotten to me. The news, the lack of leadership, the lies. I think I'll just get into bed with a good book...(fiction!)...and some chocolate. Later...

Frey him!!

I may as well put in my two cents on the James Frey book controversy. When I first read about the book, it did not interest me at all. And when Oprah started raving I wondered what intrigued her about a memoir of degredation,addiction, and pain. I still was not interested, even with redemption. In fact I remember feeling slightly "guilty" that I did not want to suffer along with the author. Bottom line...if someone has been through a hell somewhat of their own making, is it naive to believe it would be a totally honest account? Or even that their memory would be coherent? What does bother me is finding out that publishers do not check the veracity of memoirs.

No hope!

I read that Rachel Hunter, beautiful model who had been married to Rod Stewart, was quoted as saying she can't find a guy.OH OH! She is 35, hot as they come and certainly out there socializing. I remember when I'd read a few years ago that my idol Brigette Bardot had said the same thing. Of course she is in her seventies. Now I am really depressed.

Had my Phil!

No. this is not a typo, but rather a reference to the ubiquitous Dr. Phil, former protege of Oprah. He is a talk show host, ok, he is an author, ok, has products, less ok...and now I see is hawking a Singles Internet site. I used to like him. He was kind of no nonsense and interesting. But somehow I can't trust a shrink who would be appearing as the center square of Hollywood Squares if asked. Oprah is creating Frankensteins! She may be interested in the Color Purple,, but Phil is becoming too interested in 'green.'Well, there goes my shot on Oprah.

Please Mr.Postman

Today I got two frightening things in the mail. Unsolicited! The first an offer from a bookclub for LARGE SIZE PRINT. Are they infering that I need it?! And second, another offer for a book of 1950 Cook Book memories..."the memories you grew up with." Am I on some aging quickly list I don't know about?

boomers hit sixty!!

So this is the year that Baby Boomers hit sixty. While some of us are not thrilled to see that number coming, we are still sexy though single. There are some methods of solving the "problem" such as Internet dating, singles venues etc. but none of those are really what work for me. What my column has been about is the Search for a mate who is Adequate using all the methods above plus. So far, nothing. How about you?

The topics of interest on the blog are relationships, dating at a "certain age," baby boomers and sex, and the rating scale of Adequacy. What is settling and what is just wise compromise. To be discussed.

First Greetings

Hi everyone. This is the first blog entry of The Search For Mr.Adequate. It has been a column running on newyorksocialdiary.com on Friday and now will be here everyday. I encourage all my old Dear Readers to comment and you new Readers (who are not yet Dear to me) to read the columns and catch up with us.