Should have stayed in China!

Well, the world seems to be imploding whether it's our bank accounts or our
politics.
I should have stayed in China. The hard thing is that a trip like this is so
spectacular and then it's just a memory.
I went through all of my photos and put them into the computer but can't
figure how to get them out...to print and to share!
But a few more thoughts about my trip...it's so nice to have Dear Readers
who are interested!
Beijing was very cool. The first day I was there was before my tour so I
had some ideas from a friend back in the States.
She gave me a name of a reliable driver and we went to the art area...
old factories that have been turned into spectacular art galleries and
some avant garde designers.
I got a very neat grey velour T Shirt with a red stencil of Mao.
Just have to figure out where to wear it. I guess a Sarah Palin speech
won't be the place! ( Mean little thing, isn't she!)
The art in China is very hot now selling for huge figures. Much of it
was very interesting.
Then, being a fan of miniatures, I wento the Beijing Planning Museum
where they have a huge miniature (contradiction I know) of the entire
city.
It was fascinating. And some of the workers were fixing the tiny
buildings and adding new ones...as there is constant building.
Then the group arrived and we had an introductory cocktail party.
Many of the people seemed older than I had expected but I always
find some that I can bond with and there were quite a few.
Then the trip began with Tiannamen Square which is really hard
to grasp until you see it in person. Huge obviously...and very
filled with people. Lots of tourists but mostly Chinese who are visiting
as well.
The Forbidden City is gigantic...amazing. And very lovely.
The Summer Palace is beautiful. Everything has history and
so much importance to the culture.
The places were crowded but not unbareably so.
The Great Wall! wow...I took the "easier" route which was about a
forty minute climb with rest blocks...and lots of pushing people.
They are not into waiting patiently.
The folks that took the harder climb said it was tiring but worth it.
I skipped the Opera as I don't like Opera here and there it was
kind of screamy...from all reports.
The Hilton Hotel was lovely and I had a really good massage in the
room the first night. Excellent idea!
Since the Olympics, many signs were in English too so you could
sort of find your way around, though I didn't stray too far away on
my own.
Next report...Xian...to see the Terra Cota Warriors.

china chatter

Well, just got back from great great trip! It so exceeded my expectations!
The people are so sweet and eager to give good service. the country is magnificent
both in history and progress.
In a mere 17 years they have built so many sky scrapers the national bird is
said to be "the crane."..the building kind.
The scope of the Great Wall and the Forbidden City and everything is so
vast it takes your breath away.
The example of the Olympics shows that they are the unstoppable. amazing to hear
about their lives from the Guides and how in a mere 38 years they have
entered the present and really are the future.
Will try and get some photos up when i can figure out how to do it!!

I"m baaaaaccckkkk

Back from glorious trip to China. will tell all when i next wake up...

I'm off...

Hey kids...am off to China! Not sure why but it seemed like a good idea.
Am traveling with my Northwestern Alumni Assoc. though I don't know
anyone.
Back in Oct. I hope!!

back to fair and unbalanced!

Now that I gave Sarah Palin her due...see other columns...I have to say that
I find it outrageous that they are not letting her do any of the press interviews
that other candidates have to do. What are they afraid of? They owe it to
the American voter to be able to have the info to vet her ourselves.

told u so!

See, Sarah was amazing. Told you. the greatest praise I can give is I wish she were
a Democrat because she is a reallly good communicator.
BUT..and here's one of many buts...I dont understand why we want someone
in the two highest offices to be 'JUST LIKE US."
I want someone MUCH MUCH MORE THAN I AM. More accomplished,
more knowledgable, a real intellect and superior to me...in every way because
the decisions they will be making are many times more complex than any
I've made in my own life.
So...yes she made a great first impression and a speech. Now let's see
what she knows about the world and if she can extrapolate from her narrow
world experiences and politically rigid viewpoint.

i prophesie...is that a word?

For all those pundits who are bloviating about how important Sarah Palin's
speech is tonight and creating drama...the woman was a TV sports anchor!
She knows how to be on TV. They know how to write a speech. Of course
she will nail it/hit it out of the park and all other cliches.

It's what happens afterwards...on the road, in the debate she might even
do well as Biden's hands will be tied re sexism.
It's now up to the Press to ask her tough questions and see what she
knows and doesn't know.

Fair and Balanced...me!

As Dear Readers know, I was extremely upset about the Sara Palin pick. One can
respond snarkily, mocking the hair and the hunting habits,(as one did) or say it's
got to be a Tina Fey movie called "Moosestew Machinations" but then what?

This is a serious thing. Perhaps the most serious in our lifetime. So, I decided
to try and understand it from the other perspective, that of my Republican
Friends. Yes, I have them! Quite a few, thank you!
And I'd had fights with some of them re my great support for Obama. Not on
an ideological basis...there's no point in fighting about that...we believe
what we believe and we rarely change that. But on an EXPERIENCE arguement...they
had their points. And I had my answers to them. I then decided as the old maxim..better not to discuss politics or religion.

Now, turnabout was fair play. Experience question? 19 months as a Governor?
I'm sorry, PTA does not count! It doesnt. Not on the world stage. Surely they
will acknowledge that at least.

My friends are very smart...well most of them. I needed to have this VP thing explained
in a way that would frankly, keep me from being scared to death!

And so I asked them to give me their answers on these questions:
1.Is Sara Palin, in your honest view, ready to be Leader of the Free World?
2. Are you still voting McCain?
3. Who was your first VP pick?

And finally...anything else you want to add re picking a woman being important.

I got detailed interesting answers from the men explaining their views.
The women said pointedly just "I'm for her!"

First off, they are not scared that she is too inexperienced, or has a narrow
background. They pointed to prior Presidents and world leaders who
grew into the job. ( I still don't want that...again!)

They pointed out that most Governors do not have a lot of international
experience. (But some of them have and Alaska is such that
I think she is operating a budget on a small town size stage.)

They equated the "Obama had no experience" argument again . ( But now I counter
that he has been voted on by 18 million people and vetted over 18 months. Sara won
by 6oo plus votes and we have less than 3 months to know her and everything about her!)

Second, most of them would have chosen Mitt Romney, who I would have
been happy with...though I remain a dedicated Dem. ( I am not totally
partisan!) So I don't understand why they are not deeply disappointed. Or are
they just not saying. If Obama had picked a total unknown, I'd be pissed.

In other words...they all, except one person, did NOT find this choice scary or bizarre
or crazy. (Conclusion: I cannot discuss this with my friends anymore...she said
jokingly serious.) It is clear that people have VERY DIFFERENT opinions and
that I guess is why we have a country torn in half.

As to the issue of a woman...there were, in my view, other women who had
more experience like Kay Bailey Hutchinson, with whom I may not agree, but
I certainly find credible and experienced. But I would have not thought that a
business person like a Meg Whitman had the scope of knowledge either!

John McCain is 72. One third of American VP's have becoming Presidents
by virtue of death or other removals...impeachment. THINK ABOUT IT!
She has a 33% chance to become the President of the United States.

Finally, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT GENDER IN POLITICS MATTERS. Sorry, feminists.
I just want the best person and when it was Margaret Thatcher, or Golda Meir,
cool. Sara is neither. I just saw the Republican Gov. of Hawaii on TV. Seemed
like a nice lady.What was wrong with her? Whoops...I said I'd put a hold on snarky.

Now, yesterday I saw the interview Gov. Palin did with Maria Bartiromo on the money channel.
She is smart, articulate in a very direct Francis McDormand, Fargo, kind of dialect and she
rapidly gives a good arguement about energy vis a vis drilling and swears she is also
very into protecting the environment. I have read both support and criticism of her
on this and don't know the truth. But I liked her! I think she would have made a
really good Secretary of Energy,gotten some time in the big time and thensomeday could have run for President.

To sum up:

1. This was not a crazy choice...it was a very smart, totally Machiavellian one.
McCain wants to win. He has been saying he chooses "county over politics." Not on this one.
John McCain realized that the experience issue was not working and that
"Change" was the word. 80% of Americans want that.So this reinforced that.
And he got rid of Bush/Cheney in one fell swoop. He threw the baby (convention) out
with the water ( Gustav.) The Maverick is back....for better or worse.

2. It remains scary because he did it so quickly, having met her ONCE. He said
he likes "to act faster than anyone else and will live with the consequences."
I don't feel good about living with them. What other quick shoot from the hip
choices will be made.

3. While I try and judge things objectively, my values and positions on choice,
guns, and other issues do get in the way and she represents the opposite of
everything I believe in. And it's been reported that she was not McCain's first choice
either!This makes me feel that the extreme right right on the Rep. side
is controlling the party. I don't want the extreme left left side of the Dems doing
that either.

I WANT THE CENTER. I think America wants the Center. I hope it does.

4.The fact that she is a woman cuts both ways...both bad for Dems. This will make it a
lot harder for Biden to debate her because the sexist attacks will be used against
any thing he does...if he's too soft, he's patronizing,if he's too tough, he's beating up on her.
So they successfully used the feminist inroads Hillary paved to their advantage,
to get her voters. I hope she comes out to debunk that and fast!

One of my smart Democrat friends reassured my panic by saying that so far Obama
has been thoughtful, careful, successful in every step of the campaign and we
should give him credit that he will find the right way to deal with this. That
makes me feel a little better. Only a little.

What I still don't really understand is how people can look at something and see

it so differently!? But the good news is that we can still be friends.

I hope!! But just in case, NO MORE POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS!

furthermore

some of my emailers were upset with me re my remark aboutSara's Hair and eskimos...a little
left over from my cant help it i'm a comedy writer bg...but in all seriousness I am
more upset about the lack of experience on a national stage and not having been tested as
Barack has been through the primary...for those who decried lack of experience on his
part...which just does not hold now, does it!
I find it very very cynical and insulting that McCain, whom I admired and was indeed
someone who sometimes reached across party lines would do this to the nation!
come on kids..
get serious. Poor Kay Bailey Hutchinson, a qualified woman, was at a loss for words
to defend it.
I realize politics can be a touchy subject and I've had some strong reactions from
my Rep. friends about Obama...but this choice was too scary for me to keep silent.

But seriously folks

Any respect I had for McCain is now gone! Does he really think that women are going
to vote for ANY woman, just to vote for a woman?Come on! And the comedy writer
in me wants to know...What's with the hair? She'll have to go to Shear Genius and get
a cut that brings her into the 21rst Century before the Convention. Geesh!But hey,she
WAS mayor of 8,000 eskimos..not that there's anything wrong with eskimos!

to all my republican friends...

McCain has chosen his VP. And I say..."huh?"

med report

Hey...cant type too much..hand still in temp cast. operation pain in the u know what!
and the wrist.
thank god for the olympics...yay! and what a stunning opening ceremony!
Now watching the Dems as there's not much else I can do..like putting on my bra!
thanks for all the good wishes...you are great,my readers!!!!

ouch!

About to have an operation on my wrist...some wierd degenerative tendon thing...anyway
thank god for the olympics...will have something to do while recuping. no typing for
a while! bye for now.

one last adventure in Aspen

SS does not stand for Secret Service.. not while I'm around!
This could maybe get me arrested, but what the heck!
The King of Jordan and his gorgeous wife were at the Aspen Institute and after the speech
they went back to the hotel which is across from where I stay.
How did I know this? Because forty million guards and cars were lined up outside.
So, since I had not gotten to ask him the question I wanted to at the speech, I
thought I'd go into the Hotel and ask him there. Well, you know I am rather
adventurous..ok ok pushy.
I go into the Lobby and see about 10 guards standing around so I know that he
must be in the Lobby...right? And sure enough there he was, a short King, but
still a King, sitting on the terrace talking to some people.
The guards were a mix of Jordanian and American Secret Service...I know these
things.
About two or three other people were watching the King and the guards just
looked at us once, and then didn't bother us again.
I waited a while and finally the guards started forming a line so I knew he
was coming out.
I stood there at the door of the lobby and he and the family walked by and
the Queen smiled at me and said "hi" and I said "hi." And the King walked by
and sort of smiled...and I decided not to ask him my question...but he was only
two feet at most from me! And, if I were some kind of terrorist or nut job..well..
let's just say he's lucky I'm not and I wasn't!
So I guess tall blonde's are not on anyone's profiling list. That seems rather
dangerous to me! But let's not tell anyone as I don't want them tracking me down.

me on a segway...maybe

hi from aspen

Gee guys...you are persistent! but i love the interest! No no no..the guy I'm going to be fixed up with is in NY...so it'll happen...i hope...when i go back.
Other news...injured my wrist and have a photo of me in a temp cast...if i can figure out how to print it in here i will...have to maybe have an operation as it's an old injury...reinjured.

Went the the gym to see the very cute guy i had the crush on last year...not so cute this year..thank god!

still loving it here...wish i could stay longer...have to figure out a job or something...money being what it takes!

ok, things are picking up

went to a fab dinner party the other night. great , interesting people and terrific conversation which i love! plus one couple has a guy to fix me up with! let's keep our fingers crossed.
And, that final at Wimbelton was amazing!!!

reporting from aspen

Well i guess it's a function of how bored I am that I have time to blog!! Actually I am having a good time but it's not up to the standard of the past few years.
It is an Ideas Festival which brings smart interesting people from all over the world to talk about various topics ...politics, health, climate, education.
I"ve been here for 7 summers and I think they may have finally run out of new people..however there have beensome highlights and I'll tell u.
Tom Friedman...always brilliant about how we are running out of time for climate and energy problems. Dean Kamin, the brilliant genius who invented the Segway and other medical devices who is single handedly making science and technology cool again. David Brooks the conservative columnist who is now doing a book on the brain and really interesting stuff. And Damian Wetzel (sp?) the guy who just retired from the NY Ballet..led us in an actual dance class...all the years i danced did not help. That was coool!!!
But many of the topics are not my thing and some of the political reporters who shall be nameless were same ol same ol. We'll see if things improve.
As to Men, adequate or not...nada! not even last years physical trainer/weight lifter who was soooo cute as some may remember.
Watched fireworks in my robe at the hotel pool...alone, sigh, but very fun. Love fireworks and could use some if you know what I mean!!

bye

off to Aspen for a few weeks...

me on growing bolder radio

below is the link to my favorite radio show..growingbolder...with two great hosts who are my pals! enjoy and go into the site you will like it boomers!http://growingbolder.com/articles/Entertainment/Writing/Susan-Silver-153020.html

me drunk...

well, i was on The Today Show on Friday but not in NY. A crane fell and they had the nerve to bump our spot for serious news!

this should be it! I hope.. . there's a commercial and then a minute before i come on...and it's not that exciting but here tis...

.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24889410#24889410

Larry, you made my day!

I was headed down to a wedding shower of a daughter of my friend, and there were no cabs in sight. So I hopped on a bus to go across town. I wasn't sure where I was headed, not being good with directions, and I asked thebus driver about the next leg of my trip. He told me and then I headed back to my seat where I promptly sneezed, twice.
A young guy, long haired, mustacheod and about thirty, sitting across from me with a guitar in its case said "Allergies, huh?"
I said, "Guess so."
We then discussed pollen and where I could get a cab to downtown and I thanked him andgot off the bus.
He got off after me and flagged down the cab for me and opened the door.
He then said " You are a lovely lady, how about going for a cup of tea sometime."
I laughed and said "I don't think so..I'm much older."
He said "I'm older than I look."
I said, "So am I!!"
He then told me his name and shrugged, "how about it, are you sure?" and the cab driver, a female, and I both smiled as we drove off .
Larry, you made my day! Thanks!

From Hubris to Humiliation in 24 hours

Well, thank goodness for a sense of humor, right? After all isn't comedy defined as Pain plus Time?
So, last night I spoke at a gathering of Dutch Baby Boomers here in NY. I was, if not the entertainment, the Speaker of the dinner program supposedly telling them of Boomer life in New York. When I got done with my amusing little speech, she said modestly, I asked for questions. There were none!
I told them I was available for private questions during dinner and one woman asked me to come to her table.
They looked a little embarrassed, but finally one of the women spoke up.
She said they wanted to know how come I was speaking for Baby Boomers when I was ...what? 45?
Well, Dear Readers, I am not 45...not even close and because I was so flattered and full of champagne and myself...I actually told them my real age. They were aghast and said that was impossible and then one of the men went around the table telling everyone's age...and it was usually 4-6 years older than mine. Needless to say, I was aghast now. They looked, shall we say kindly...older!
So I felt very happy and went home with renewed reason to stay on my diet!
Beware cockiness, folks. You are setting yourself up for a fall!
Today, I was feeling so young that I signed up for a tennis boot camp kind of thing Sunday night.
I had played a lot in California when I lived there and was about a "B"...in those days we rated alphabetically not like now, numerically. But though I haven't played regularly for years, and I had a tennis elbow which laid me off a year or so ago...I had recently taken some lessons and done pretty well. So
I decided I was a 3.5 which I thought was equivalent to a B. You see it coming...don't you?

Flush with pride and a nice check from the speaker's gig, I even took a towncar down to the courts.
I got there early and saw some guys killing the ball and some women being hit in various body parts. Oh oh.
I asked what level they were and they turned out to be 2.5-3. Double oh oh.
I finally saw my group...and there was a guy who looked to hit the ball like Roger Federer and a little girl/woman I guess who could have killed me.
I said to the Teacher, I think perhaps this is not my level. I explained my various injuries, but said maybe I could try the 2.5-3 group next time as I thought I could do as well as one of the women who was hit in the stomach and walked it off.
The Teacher suggested that I perhaps take a lesson with the "advanced beginners"...to which I said, Well, since I've been playing for 30 years I didn't really think I was a beginner, though out of practice.
Then he said, are you in good shape?
(I thought my legs looked really good in my little dress.) But he clearly meant endurance as he said, You can see this is rather difficult and "WE DON'T WANT YOU TO GET HURT. MOST OF THE PLAYERS ARE IN THEIR
20's and 30's!"
Okay. Now remember, just because I look like I'm in my 40's, or at least some Dutch think so...I am not!
I packed up my stuff and left.
And I took a bus home to punish myself for the sin of Pride and then, half way, got off and walked home to see how my endurance was.
I got home puffing only a little.But at least I did NOT eat the chocolate I wanted to.

me on Bill Bennett's show

http://growingbolder.com/articles/uncategorized/Funniest-TV-Shows-Ever-138275.html

here's the link, thanks to my buddies at Growingbolder...am guesting there in June by the way!

cool!

Wow, I had a ball today on Conservative Icon Bill Bennett's radio show! thanks to Bill and Seth, his producer we laughed a lot talking about comedy and they had their callers phone in on what were their favorite shows.
Lots of oldies but goodies like Steve Allen, Ernie Kovacs, Sid Caesar...all genius's in my book and a few that I had to say were a "surprise." Like Gomer Pyle, but hey...it's all personal taste.
What makes us laugh is very subjective and my only criteria for good comedy is exactly that...do I laugh?
If I get more than three laughs a half hour in a sit-com then it's great! Very few...but Sasha Baron Cohen (AKA
Ali G) is one of the best. And Everybody Loves Raymond was a true winner.
So today boys and girls we learned that politics can make strange bedfellows as I was in bed and in my jammies for Bill Bennett's show as it was 8 a.m. and...zzzzzz sounds of me going back to sleep after a fun morning.

me on the web

It's me me me...after all it is my blog. anyway, have linked the web interview I did a few months ago...hope you enjoy...and at the end you can "vote" how much we enjoy...so of course it will be many stars...won't it. luv, ss
http://www.firstwivesworld.com/resource/debbie-does-divorce/debbie-nigro/finding-mr-adequate

Bless me!!

I just saw the Pope!! I'm excited. He is staying around the corner and though they kept us a block away he drove by in the Popemobile and I actually saw him. Yes, I waved. And then, the Popemobile came around the block in front of my building and was loaded onto a truck. so I took my picture with it! Very cool for a Jewish girl!!

pandering pronunciation lesson

I try not to be political in the blog but this one is too hard to pass up.
If any of you suffered through the Compassion Forum about religion in Politics tonight, you might not have noticed but Hillary in her attempt to woo Jewish voters was talking about all her " rabbi friends" who sent her quotes from the Bible for the holiday of "pure-am."
However, it's pronounced "(Poor-im) as in Purim!" Oy vey is all I can say!

kvetch kvetch kvetch

Well, I just spent what seemed like hours on the phone with one of those impossible travel sites where once you make your reservation it takes forever and infinite patience in case, god forbid, you have to make a change or question something. You go through the intermidable voice message list, get a real person from India who insists on calling you by your first name and then is unable to figure out how to get you to the Supervisor without putting you on hold for minutes or cutting you off! I HATE THIS!! This time I hung up and they actually called me back, which was nice except it accomplished nothing because the new and cheaper price that was available was NOT for me since it was more than 24 hours from my initial purchase.
I know I know...too much information. But I liked it so much better in the old days when there were just people on the phone who seemed to actually know what they were doing.

me on the today show again...

here's my clip on the Today Show...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23809817#23809817

enjoy and if not...don't tell me!!

Shpritzer

Ok, I may as well weigh in on Governor Elliot Spitzer as much as everyone else is. First of all, I don't see why prostitution is illegal between adults! Second of all, perhaps he and his wife had some kind of arrangement.
But mostly what a putz! How dumb can you be when you are a former Attorney General about the financial transactions.
However it does smell a little political doesn't it? The Feds investigating a bank transaction that then led them to a prostitution ring...so they were on his case originally? Well, this country is so provincial when it comes to these matters. The President of France had another family! I do think however that when men in the public, ie. pols do fool around they have got to do it with an equal. You know the old rule...don't fool around with anyone who has LESS to lose than you!

money can't buy you....

So today they released the Forbes list of the richest people in the world. And of course I scrolled through looking for my Mr. Adequate Plus!!! Yikes! These guys (mostly guys) have money
but money cant buy them looks!
Ok, ok, that is so superficial on my part. But if you are a Billionaire, can't you find a better way to dye your hair than magenta? or corn yellow? And speaking of yellow, guys...get those teeth bleached!
I'm sure there are some lovely, philanthropic great human beings, and most of them are married anyway. The cute ones are 23 and no, I'm not that much of a "cougar." (Though I play one on the radio.)
For real, my little radio show called The Cougar Hour, which is ten minutes, is now being tested on a
station in Sacramento. I'll keep you posted on its progress.
The purpose is to make the term "cougar"...ie. older women who date younger men, less tacky and more
acceptable. We have our needs too, kids! From Mary Tyler Moore to Demi Moore, women are marrying younger guys..in the previously mentioned, 15-20 years younger! It might not work for everyone but it's
an option.
What do you think?

here I am on the Today Show...

Just click on the link below.
there might be a little commercial for perfectmatch first but i'm coming...! ha!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23145793#23145793

Back from Florida

Well, it's fun in the sun! Really! Nothing better than driving with the top down..of the car that is. I went to visit a friend who has a place in Singer Island, near Palm Beach. I hit some golf balls, badly, hit some tennis balls, well...and got some sun and lovely walks on the beach. There is something to that Ion theory. The water sure calms me down. Some shopping does too!
And then came back on a nearly empty plane which was the best. Sleeping on one row all to myself. Life is good. (Oh, no men, but what else is new.)

Goodbye to a great "broad"

Suzanne Pleshette passed away today. I knew her from the old Bob Newhart Show. I was one of the writers. She was really great. A "Broad" in the best sense of the word. Funny, warm, real as they come. A little potty mouth and risque and terrific. I used to tease her by saying "a Pleshette was a small Plesh."
Don't smoke, kids...really. Don't!

Guilty pleasure...?

There is nothing as delicious as playing hooky! And the best thing to do is sneak off to an afternoon movie
alone!
Although, in my case, I am not working or in school so I am not playing hooky from anything.
However, today I went to see There Will Be Blood.
And there was.
Yikes!
At first I thought what a marvelous spectacle. What majesty in the scenery and the sound and
of course Daniel Day Lewis is quite an actor. His fingers act! His eyes, his smile very powerful.
Then, I hate to say it, but in an effort to be an epic, the movie gets ponderous, slow and very
very long. Not to mention self indulgent.
As to the end...well, one doesn't need to feel satisfied by an ending in a movie perhaps, but this
was rather stunted. It felt too abrupt, and not worth waiting for so I guess "unsatisfying."
But you decide for yourselves and let me know, won't you? I came home and had a drink!
And I don't even drink.

how sad

I never write about the ridiculous Hollywood wrecks...these kids who had too much and have too little brains or parental control. The Lindseys, the Nicoles, et all. As for Paris...she deserves anything that occurs to her. She is beneath contempt and her parents...well...enough said.
But during Xmas I was at a party with a relative of Britney Spears. I pulled her aside and said that I really felt she was in some danger and that they should not ever leave her alone. I said that those surrounding her might not have her best interests at heart and I was worried she would come to a very sad end.
The relative assured me they were on top of things.
Then later that night I read she had had a meltdown with a camera, and now this horrible image of her being taken to the hospital in restraints.
The poor girl looked dazed and confused as the horde of vultures surrounded her stretcher, cameras flashing.
How much more are they going to be allowed to do to drive this kid to her demise? Why are we who watch and buy the magazines (I do not by the way) contributing to the death of a young woman.
Isn't it time to stop. Didn't we learn anything after Diana's death?

Great vacation!

Well, Dear Readers, finally no complaints from me!I had the best vacation in California. I was in LA for five days at a girlfriend's house and then two days at the beach with another one. I have nice friends. Then we went to Palm Springs to the Marriott Resort at Palm Desert. It was really amazing...a huge place with lots of lakes and swans and ducks. Many pools, great food at the restaurants and of course lots of lovely sun which I love.
In LA I did a lot of lunches and dinners with friends, five pounds worth! I'm dieting now.
Some fun parties and lots of star spottings. Dr. Phil was at a party and I told him a few things I'd wanted to get off my chest. Barry Bonds was there as well, not looking too worried. Also Joe Pesci, the anesthesiologist from Nip Tuck, Tony from Days of Our Lives, and a ton of over bleached, over botoxed, over busted blonds who were everywhere.
All in all a terrific time. Let's hope the New Year is the best for all of us!

Lala land again

Going to LA and Palm Springs for the Holidays...hope to get some sun and a new man wouldn't be bad! Have a happy new year and all good things. ss

boo hoo

It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to, cry if I want to, cry if I...oh wait a minute that was "it's my party." well..then forget it, I'll go out and celebrate.

a tip

One of my favorite blogger buddies tells me there is a site that allows one to vent on consumer complaints called Consumerist.com. Oh goodie...other kvetchers! thanks, anne.

P.S. I love Kinko's

So, inspite of the nasty comment a not so Dear Reader posted, the folks at Kinko's clearly did not agree with him! In fact they were so happy I let them know of the problem (below) that they sent me huge box of the paper I'd wanted. A veritable lifetime supply!
Seriously, the excellent customer service response has made a convert and fan of me. Why I might even buy the stock. So again...squeaky wheelers...when things are not up to par, complain in a nice way and you might even improve things for others!
Now as far as anonymous blog posters...well, that's another story.

Squeaky Wheel stuff

Ok, those Dear Readers who know me, know when I get bad service from someone or a store, I don't just accept it! Uh uh. I kvetch, complain and often go right to the top! Like this morning.
I went to the neighborhood Kinko's which I hate because they are always too crowded, unhelpful, and rude. Well this time there were 10 people in line for one cashier!
All I needed was some paper and I was not going to stand in line for the questions about copying, returns, etc.
The paper was sitting right there! So I went to the Fed Ex counter and pointed to it and asked if I could buy it there. The guy, who had ignored me for a while, said "no." Why not?" You have to stand in line," he replied.
I do not do lines.
I went to another guy and asked for the Manager. He kind of ignored me and then when I asked again, he came over. Yes, he was the manager! Huh? Result of that conversation was " you have to stand in the line."
No, why don't you just open a new register? Can't do that. A woman in the line said, "it's always like this. I called the corporate office once and complained."
I stalked out.
I went home and spent about twenty minutes on the Internet finding out who the President of Kinko's is...it's a division of Fed Ex. I called the corporate office, got his assistant and told her my complaint. She was very nice, which made me feel better already and asked if they could call me back with a follow up. Sure..
and lo and behold an hour later the District Manager called and I went through the whole story and he acknowledged they were so busy there (good for them, bad for me) and he would look into the attitude problem, see about adding some registers and send me some free paper. Steve and I are on a first name basis now.
Moral of the story...good customer relations should be rewarded with shopping there and...yes, the squeaky wheel does get the oil...or the paper, as the case may be.

happy turkey

I have been a bad blogger...but keep waiting for the good news to tell you. It's going to be soon, i promise! Have a great day and be thankful for good health and friends. luv ss

happy halloween

I lvoe this Holiday...my little precious guys are going out as Baseball players and I am staying in as a wicked witch! luv to all the ghosts and goblins...

HOW DO YOU SAY OY VEY IN SPANISH?

Well kids, I'm back. With a fever and not the best of memories. Sorry to say, I am too old and almost too rich to do a tour. Too much bus time, a terrible tour leader which can make or break it. The group was fine, made some good friends as I always do. But would only go back to Spain if I were going to Marbella for a week in the sun at some fab club and then on to Barcelona. I took off from the tour there and did my own thing and called some people who knew people and that was great.
One funny thing...well more than one, but this one I"l tell you. Finally at a good restaurant with two couples we saw this stunning couple with a child. And we all said, wow..these are the first really gorgeous Spaniards we saw.
Then the next day I went to a fancy hotel on the beach and they were there...they are from Sweden!And they told me they thought I was one of the better looking 'Spaniards' they had seen. haha
All in all, good to get away but getting up for forced marches at 6:30 is not my idea of a vacation.

You have to see it!!!

Before I left for Spain I saw THE BEST MOVIE EVER!!! It's got an unfortunately dull title " Across the Universe."
It's based on Beatles music, directed by the genius, Julie Taymor. It's a combination of Hair, and the Movin On Broadway musical and an original vision of the sixties and many of our childhoods.
The most glorious photography, brilliant concept and to hear the Beatles songs in new context, sung by new voices is amazing. And it shows how extraordinary their talents were as writers.
Think I loved it? And my cousin in the Mid West who has opposite taste from me loved it. Everyone must see it!!!That's an order and my gift to you.

Spain...

Off to Spain. I always liked the dark, Latin types. Let's see what happens! will let you know...bye for now.
I'd say it in Spanish, but don't know a word. Well, 'Hasta La Vista' comes to mind...but....

ok, now something lighter

Well, clearly, you all dont want to comment on serious issues!! Ah my Dear Readers...here's something amusing.
The newspaper had an article about a Sudanese man who had "been forced to marry a goat after he was caught having sex with it."
And he had to pay a dowry!
No wonder women can't find enough guys.

Iran, cont.

Well, I just listened to the speech referred to below and all my worst fears came true.
The President of Columbia Univ. Lee Bollinger introduced the Dictator with a very strong and hostile speech. I was almost taken aback myself. It showed his courage but strangely seemed "rude and inhospitable" which is what the Dictator said later. How wierd was that?! That the truth and calling him what he was seemed like an insult. It shows how smart the guy was to come for this PR trip...it all worked to his favor.
His own speech was a rambling lofty treatise on science and the supposed search for truth. And of course then he wove in his lies.
But the questions and his avoidance yet seeming to answer was responded to by applause in the audience.
He was not a screaming lunatic which would be possibly the ONLY way it could have been detrimental to his cause. He appeared to be a reasoning intelligent man who positioned himself as an academic too and thus bonded with the kids.
If one did not know the facts, he even might come off as correct in his goals.
Then a Professor from Iran who is on the faculty was interviewed and he said it would take him a week to to undo the damage and the lies. Therein lies the danger of allowing him to come and talk. Sad and misguided under the guise of free speech.
And so it goes as it always has and we pay the price later...particularly when an unpopular war here is so mismanaged and gives him all the ammunition he needed.

Columbia...NOT "the gem of the ocean"

The invitation from Columbia University to the President of Iran is so objectionable on many fronts.
If Hitler were touring the US would they have invited him?
I realize that students (of which I was once a typical one) are by nature liberal, learning, open. And that leads them sometimes to make the wrong choices. Exposure to dictators is not a requirement to expanding their minds.
Any questions they might ask will not be answered with truth, but insane rhetoric...so what is the point?
(How's that for a parlay...from the Emmy's to Hitler...well you can't say I'm limited in interests!)

Great show!!

Wow! Tonight the Emmy Show was (actually it's still on) IS amazing! Funny, good writing, great music with The Jersey Boys honoring The Sopranos, Tony Bennett and Christine Aguilara doing a duet. Terrific hosting by Ryan Seacrest and a lot of red dresses. Red must be the color this year. Fox put it on and it is very hip.

Ok...it's later and now I'm pissed! James Gandalfini didn't win for his last year on The Sopranos! He was robbed. This is wrong. And if not him, then it should have been Hugh Laurie for House. (But it's still a good show.)

Still later. Ok, at least the show Sopranos won as best drama which it is and will forever be.
The taping of this Emmy Show was "in the round" which was a first and I think made it very fun and family like...if you are in the biz. I really think this was the best Emmy Show I can remember.
Let's see what the critics think...but trust me on this one. Night...

It's not television...

HBO's slogan has always been "it's not tv it's HBO."
Well, now they should change it to "It's not TV it's porn!" As Linda Stassi so articulately wrote in today's NY Post, the new HBO "breakout" show entitled Tell Me You Love Me is not loveable, or even likeable, but it is hard porn..not even soft! (You'll excuse the expression.)
This hour drama about sex and marriage is disgusting and boring...a hard combo to accomplish.
Actual handjobs, intercourse and suggested oral sex with really unlikeable characters.
I'm not a prude but I wrote HBO complaining. The Sopranos will be missed!

doo do doo do

Okay, this is wierd! I was sitting in a dentist office and a woman in the office waiting, came up to me and said "I'm a pyschic and I think you need a reading. I never do this but here is my card."
So, I immediately called one of my friends in LA who lives for this stuff and has about six of them on call and told her about it. She wanted to call her and so I let her do it as the experiment.
She said she'd gotten a lot right, her parents names etc. and other stuff no one could know, so I decided to go for it. I called and made an appointment and the pyschic asked my birthdate, city of birth, maiden name and made an appointment for next week. I called my friend and told her that it's obvious to me she is going to GOOGLE ME AND FIND OUT ALL ABOUT ME! She had our birthdate and city so she could get our parents names. But I decided to go through with it anyway.
Then today the psychic called and told me " I was going through your information and it seems you are not receptive to it, so I'm not going to take your money. I'll return your check."
I was in shock..and said I am and have had a lot of readings except one who cheated and I found out. But if she didn't want to, ok.
Then I thought, oh my god, she saw something awful and didnt want to tell me. Or she "vibed" that I said she'd google us, in which case she is amazing!!
Anyway, my friend and I talked about it and we decided I had to call her back and see what she saw.
I did and she said no, there was nothing bad, in fact I had an amazing aura and she couldn't see much to tell me. And she thought perhaps she was "meant to read my friend who had a lot to find out."
So...she changed her excuse. This is either total b.s. or she is amazing. My friend told her brother to call and have a reading...so I hope that will give us more info. This a first. Turned down by a psychic! Wierd!

It could happen...

In between watching amazing tennis this weekend, I looked at the NY Times marriage announcements as I always do.
There were two stories that were particularly hope inspiring for those of us still looking.
The first was about a couple who met when the bride emailed a complaint to a business and got a refund which was too much and emailed it back. The customer service guy was impressed and then emailed her and it turned into a relationship and now a marriage. Isn't that a great one? Honesty pays.
The second was a real "meant to be." A couple who knew each other at camp when kids, ran into each other as adults. He asked her out, she wasn't interested and already dating someone. They broke up and she went on a dating web site and this same guy who now didn't remember her, caught her eye this time. They are married. This couple was meant to be in the stars!
Now...as we say, it should only happen to us...or at least me!!

fugedaboudit!

It appears the new neighbor has a girlfriend. The end of the story. Knew it was too good to be true!

special delivery

I always say that I'll never meet a guy unless he rings my doorbell...that's how "lazy" I am about looking. Well, kids...guess what!?
Today I saw movers coming in next door and I knew the condo owner next to me had rented out to a "single man."
What a man! Tall, handsome, in the right age bracket...does it matter that there were two "young" women helping him move in. Let's pray they are the decorators.
I went in, introduced myself, even though I had no makeup on...foolish...and he was very nice.
Then I ran back home, set my hair, combed it out,put on some blush and some shorts and went back with a few mouse traps...well it's a welcome present.
Stay tuned!

Hampton Holiday

So, all in all I had a great five days. My friends, Lil and Lennie are wonderful and have a beautiful home. Their little grandchild, Lilly was there and it was fun playing with her. Very sweet little girl with a constant smile and no tears! yay!
We ate ourselves silly at a few good restaurants, sushi in Sag Harbor, seafood at Pacific, and yes I gained five pounds. But the rhubarb pie was worth every bite.
I did a lot of walking and worked out in their gym, they have everything at that house except an extra guy.
As to the guy thing...you will love this. I'd been fixed up with a guy a month or so ago and he had called me several times. Nice enough, smart, though not attracted to him physically. But I decided I'd call him as he was in the Hamptons and see if we hit it off while hitting tennis balls. He was happy to hear from me, we made a date for Monday as I was booked up all weekend and...he never showed! Never called. And the kicker is I didn't care that much in the first place, but what about manners? Huh?
I did hit myself on the nose with my tennis racquet as I was having a lesson. Am waiting to see if it's broken or merely bruised. How's that for news?

off to the Hamptons...

I'm off to the Hamptons for the first time this year...had to get out of the city! I hope to have a great time and will certainly let you know! bye for now...

Viva what?

Ok, now I'm losing it! One of the best Elvis songs ever was Viva Las Vegas, not that I'm prejudiced or anything because I...yes, I was in the movie, Dear Readers! I was an extra in movies while in college and I was a show girl clearly seen if you know who I am, in a pivotal scene between E and Ann Margret!
And now, the horror of it...they are using the song for, get ready...Viagra!
I swear!
I just heard this commercial with very nice looking guys playing their instruments, you should excuse the expression and then singing...'Viva..Viagra!' Stop it! Let's all complain, shall we!I'll never be able to enjoy that song again.

dogdays of summer

Dear Readers, it's too hot to think. But I have actually been doing a little business and hope to have some good news about future stuff coming end of this month! I wish things were more exciting social wise but alas...no Mr. Adequate's or even less than. What the heck is going on? Men come out of the woodwork please.

Bill and Me

By the magic of the Internet, I am on it! Bill Clinton comes to Aspen every year...no, not to see me. And this year I asked him a question and the whole thing is available for your viewing. The link is http://www.time.com/time/clintonstengel/
And if you don't want to watch the whole thing, move the little timer on the left of the Big Screen...to 1:03...I ask my question near the end.

lordy it's hot!

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am melting! I cannot, repeat, cannot deal with this heat. I have turned in a veg and will remain so until the next rain. Sorry, not more exciting, but...

The big wedding

So one of my best friends got married this weekend. He was 51 and it was the first one! They had been on and off for 13 years and it was such a relief for us all! I just want them to have babies already!
He said something really great at the ceremony...that it was probably best they had waited this long...to do it right. And I believe that. If you are meant to be with someone, it'll be. No matter how long it takes.
The wedding was like a great fun party. I haven't been to one in a while.
Next time...me? It could happen!! Let's put that out into the Universe...shall we?!

I'm backkk....

Well, Dear Readers, unfortunately I am back from Aspen. I say "unfortunately" because I was having such a great time, I didn't want to come home. But I did...first of all, my good friend is getting married. He has been a bachelor for 51 years!!! Hope springs eternal. And second, I always believe you should leave when you are still having fun. And boy did I!! No, no...nothing naughty, alas...but soooooo close!
I thought I'd start this yet again "new" phase with a new photo...taken on the set of a new web cast I did...to be coming up soon and then I'll tell you all about it. The photog, Frank Sicilano (gee I wonder if he's Italian) took a whole lot of shots and I'm trying them out. Tell me what you think. First...a little leg....

I am 35!!

Okay, it's official. When asked how old I am, I lie, when asked how old I FEEL...I say 35. But now others have stated that so it's official.
I'm in Aspen, having a ball and doing things like long walks, interesting lectures and a rock concert! Feeling very young, I was dancing to the music of an old buddy Chris Isaak, when four young..and I mean teenager type guys were talking behind me.
Well, you Dear Readers know how I hate loud talking (like on cell phones) at inappropriate moments, so I nicely asked them to keep it down.
We got to talking and it turned out they were all in their early twenties and very adorable.
They actually asked me to go for drinks with them, and I told them that was very sweet, except I could be their grandmother! True...but let's not go into details.
They were shocked...or pretended to be...and insisted I was not old enough to be their mother.
How old am I...I asked, hopefully.
35, they replied!!! Yeah, right! And they refused to believe I wasn't.
I love Aspen!!!

Still in Aspen

Well, this is definitely the place for me! I love it here..the mountains, the clean air, the people. I had a ball at the Aspen Institute and as usual met some very brilliant and interesting people. Now am just hanging out, going to music, dance and seeing friends.
I never ever ever go out every night and day in NY....here it seems like there is always something great to do and people are extremely friendly and invite you to do things.
I met the most gorgeous guy...wait, don't get too excited. He is in his 40's and a physical therapist and I went for a treatment to him. Suffice to say I am going for another...yes he cured me already of all the aches and pains but a follow up couldn't hurt!

Perchance to dream

DearReaders, I am in Aspen and have had a major epiphany that I must share with you as I always do!
In between lectures on the brain, Shakespeare,and politics, I am meeting wonderful people, most of them couples and I think that is responsible for the dream I had last night!
I was an "extra" in the movies...which by the way I was in college at UCLA and that was my start in show biz. But more importantly, I think it was a symbol of how I am feeling...the 'extra' one in a threesome!
Now don't get me wrong, it's not sexual ...but I am feeling much more strongly than usual a very distinct urge to merge! But with a partner of my own. Maybe it's the beauty of Aspen, the clean air, the romantic walks, the fun to be had and discussions to share.
And then, even wierder, I continued the dream and into it walked my ex-husband and it was very..hot! I do not want to remarry him, but he sure represented happiness for a while and safety.
Sigh...without going to psychological on you, it is obvious that it is time to meet someone and get it over already!
The good news is that some of the couples are going to be on the lookout for that more than adequate guy and who knows..maybe they will find him and send him.
Otherwise things are great...and I'll tell you the more substantive stuff later.

Goodbye Joel

My very dear friend, the film critic, Joel Siegel passed away today. As I write this blog I remember how he had recently sent me his new film blog for my "opinion" as I was a blogger. As if he needed my advice!
Joel and I went to UCLA together and had resumed our friendship when I moved to NY in 1989.
In between his marriages of which there were a few...he'd take me out to movies and theater and we were very good if platonic friends. He would invite me to his country home and we shared a lot of laughs and then great sadness when he found out he had cancer.
Over the years he waged a valiant battle against the disease, mostly for his darling little boy Dylan.
He had waited a long time to be a dad and he was a great one.
I had just called his voice machine at Good Morning America because I hadn't heard from him when I emailed as we used to do, nor had he returned a few calls and the last time I saw him about ten days ago, he was very weak.
Then I found out he was in the hospital and passed away.
I have many memories of Joel, but that is not enough to keep me from feeling very sad and I know I will miss him forever.
Value your friends. Tell them you love them.

bye for now

Dear Readers, am off to Aspen for a few weeks, and probably won't be blogging. But look for it in last week of July plus some fun stuff I've been doing! luv, ss

Kill the Cougar please

It is hard enough being over 40 and dating, now they want to call us "cougars?" I think not!
There is a new "reality" show on TV which puts a naive 30 year old (gorgeous by the way) tennis player into the "dating ring" with five women in their 40's...called Cougars. They were very attractive and sexy, thank god.
But he almost had a heart attack. Then upon reflection and a little nooky it seems, he changed his mind and decided age was not everything.
Then...drum roll please...they released 5 twenty something broads into the mix. The fact that they were rather dumb and bimbo like, no matter. He lit up and the cougars went into deep depression.
I shouldn't watch, but like an accident, I am drawn to it. We'll see what happens.
But please forget the animal names unless you call the 20 year olds "tadpoles!"

Yuchh!!

Maybe I'm getting old..well, yes, I am actually. But I don't think my sensibilities have changed. I still love to laugh. I was a comedy writer. I do know what's funny. And the new hit film "Knocked Up" is not!!
Rather it is first...disgusting, nauseating, insulting, sophmoric, then funny, sometimes.
I guess I don't get it. Nor did my friend who went with me to see it with all the great expectations we had from the reviews.
I loved Judd Apatow's TV series that didn't make it, Freaks and Geeks. It was sweet and silly and real.
This may be the way really immature guys talk and act, repleat with vomiting, vagina jokes, and the F word every two seconds...but I don't want to have to see it and hear it for two hours.
The lead guy, the lovable shlub has some great comic abilities and is likeable, but the plot makes no sense at all and could have with a few little details. Like this gorgeous lead girl isn't dating, or hasn't had sex in ages...anything to set up her going to bed with this slob the first night she meets him.
And no, strangers are not allowed to go into the gynecologists office to watch the exam. Really, they're not.
But why go on...trust me it is really gross. And if you like that go, if not...don't bother!

The Princes

I was never a big fan of Princess Diana. But one thing seems certain, she was a wonderful mother. The NBC interview of the two Princes, William and Harry was fascinating. These two gorgeous, charming, lovely boys who clearly loved their mother have turned out pretty great!
Well spoken, of course, drop dead gorgeous, and with delightful senses of humor, I fell in love with them both.
William is quieter, more introspective. Harry has a puckish look and obviously loves to have fun.
Incredible lives they lead and what their futures hold! She would have been proud.

A Mighty Heart

I saw a preview of the new Angelina Jolie movie about the brutal murder of the Jewish journalist, Danny Pearl by jihadists. It was wonderful. She is wonderful.
The director, Michael Winterbottom, who comes from the documentary world has made a drama that feels so real you believe it's a documentary...but far from dry.
The visuals of Pakistan, the teeming, filthy,desperate place. The editing..crisp and filled with the unbearable tension of the days passing without knowing if he was alive or dead. The performances of many of the actors whom I hadn't seen before were controlled yet agonizing.
This isn't a feel good summer movie, but rather about the triumph of spirit in the worst of times...so maybe you'll feel ok anyway! Go...see it! It's important in the world we live in.

oh noyou didn't

When I was a child, I saw a TV show called The Lady and the Tiger. For those of you who do not know the myth, there is a line up of doors...one having the safety of the Lady, the other the danger of the Tiger. The end is ambiguous about which door the person chooses.
This traumatized me! I do not like ambiguity.
The Sopranos, which I loved, loved, loved, ended with the same ambiguity...does Tony live or die. They set it up beautifully, the tension was palpable. But the end was a cop out to me.
I am going to pretend to myself that he lived.
There were lots of laughs though and the cat spooking Paulie was wonderful.
I would like to think they left it this way so maybe they could come back with a sequel. That would be great!

Stress- Yes!!

Oy! Today I went for my first stress test and by the time I got there, boy was I stressed. If that sounds like a comedy routine..it was. The traffic was so awful that I had to jump out of the cab 14 blocks away from the hospital and run to get to the appointment. I don't know what was going on in NY today!? What a mess.
And, as I ran, thinking...hmmm is this the stress before the stress test, I tripped!
So to stop myself from falling, I jerked my back and hip into a pretzel and limped the rest of the way.
The stress test was fine, they told me I had the heart of a 40year old...I'd like the rest of him.
But getting home..no buses, no cabs, more traffic!
I limped part of the way and then got a bus that was again stuck in traffic.
I took a pill and am lying on ice packs.
Living in New York can definitely be stressful, but a car with a chauffeur would help! Accepting all offers.

DO NOT FLY NORTHWEST AIRLINES!!!

I went to Minneapolis to visit my precious little nephews and my jewelry was STOLEN from my checked bag on Northwest airlines!! I know I know, don't check important things, but it was costume jewelry from Paris that I loved though not the real deal and I wasn't thinking I guess.
Who the hell steals people's jewelry when going through their bags? Workers at Northwest Airlines I guess! Let's put them back into bankruptcy for good this time! I am pissed!
And as for getting a human on the phone, forget it. You have to go BACK to the airline at the airport! Yeah sure!

Achew!

I think we should all wear masks on airplanes anyway. I thought this before the lethal TB guy was outed. I never return home from a trip without some kind of cold. I'll do it if you will. I just dont want to look like I'm crazy. Being crazy is one thing, looking like it...well....

Must See TV

Everyone has to watch the HBO movie, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. It was devestating. The book which I regret to say I never had read is about the Sioux people and the treatment by the American government, the horrific history.
I won't go into the political issues which some have said parallel today, but just as a former TV writer want to commend this beautifully done picture.
There was some quibble that the TV movie added a true character, an Indian boy taken by a Senator and educated and used as a symbol of assimilation, though he wasn't at this particular battle in truth. It worked as a story telling device, personalizing the tragedy.
The great Indian Chief Sitting Bull became a a court jester/clown touring with Wild Bill Cody, how tragic.
The coda is that the final "apology" by the Supreme Court for stealing their lands was never resolved as they still refuse to accept the monetary settlement and renounce their claims.
When I was a little girl in Wisconsin, there were Indians up North of the State and I always had an affinity to them. There is a picture of me around four or five years old standing next to an Indian in full dress who was I suppose the Mascot of a resort. I look a little afraid but I'd like to think in awe of him, and even then perhaps knew of the dignity of these people.
Watch it and weep.

drink up!

Last night I had dinner at Cipriani, the famous NY restaurant that had just reopened after a long renovation. It was like a party with lots of table hopping and noise. The group next to us was a family celebrating something. There was a piece of cake for the handsome 40ish guy who was with his wife, parents and someone who turned out to be his sister.
Then we found out what they were celebrating! They had just sold their company Vitaminwater to Coke. I read in the paper today it was a 4 billion deal and they own 70%. The least they could have done was pick up everyone's check!
But seriously, it just shows you that entrepeneurs can still make it today. He put a vitamin C into his water after working out and got the idea!The sister told me she had sold the stuff from her car for years.
Good for them! But a little champagne all around would have been nice too.

The bachelor is NO gentleman

Last night's finale of The Bachelor on ABC proved what I'd suspected all along. This guy who is a navy doctor and sold as the "Officer and the Gentleman" was far from it. Every week I watched him woo the lambs at the slaughter. Usually, for those of you who do not watch the show, it is a difficult line the guy has to walk, keeping 15 girls interested until he whittles it down to the final two. But there is some sense of honesty in that the guy does not tell women he "loves them" when you know he is going to dump all but the one who is left at the final rose ceremony.
This time, there were several instances when he made it seem absolutely definite that he was going to choose one or the other only to drop them. Consequently the shock and awe that hit them was huge!
And, when he got to the end, the poor girl who lost out was so right for him, his parents even saw it and the grandmother told her she was going to back her...and what did he do? Pick the other girl, who was lovely and classy as he kept saying...so I guess the gal with the tatoos wasn't.
This guy, who appeared constantly without his shirt so his 6 pack was in our faces, agonized to us, teared up as he broke heart after heart. What a phoney. I think the loser was the winner in this case.

No more classes...

An article yesterday in the paper told of the disappointment of single women who take classes to meet men. The golf lessons, the wine tasting...all sounded like a great place to me, but in truth they were filled with...you guessed it...other women! The thought was that guys don't take lessons because ( just like refusing to ask for directions,) they think they already know! They also gave a stat that indicated in New York there are about a million more women than men over forty. If these young gals are having so much trouble, imagine what it's like for those of us of a certain age! Sigh. Well at least I don't have to go to that woodworking class now.

Me on the radio...again

I am becoming a regular (guest that is) on my favorite boomer radio show Growing Bolder. Listen at this link. http://www.growingbolder.com/AudioList.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=15500&CLIP_ID=64274&START_CLIP=1
The two hosts, Mark and Bill are such great guys...much more than adequate! It is a website that features all the aspects of great ageing! I come on about 2 minutes in...

So, it's not just me!

Today in the NY Post there was a really alarming article about dating in various cities in the US. Not one seemed to be good! And these were women in their 30's talking. If it's no good for them, imagine what those of us who are of a "certain" age are facing? What is wrong? Where are all the good men? Hmmm? Let me know, please. And we'll all move there!

The search continues

All of my Dear Readers from the last two years of the column know that I have been looking for the new husband without much success. I decided to call it Mr. Adequate because The Prince does not exist and yet, truth be told, I want someone more than adequate..."no perfect" exists, I know, I know.
But I can't even meet anyone to rate! I went to two fancy parties this week, and while it was great to wear my long gowns and good jewelry, it would have been nice to at least see a prospect or two. Nada!
And when one very bright married seat mate said to me, "I can't believe you can't find anyone, " I asked him point blank: Who do you know? And he couldn't think of anyone. So you see....the search goes on. Sigh. But I did have a good time at the parties and that counts for something. Doesn't it?

In the interest of fairness...

I watched the Republican debate and I have only one thing to say...MITT ROMNEY IS THE MOST GORGEOUS MAN I'VE EVER SEEN. That's it. Nothing political.

Where's the beef?

Ok, now I've seen it all. I got a catalogue from a company I will not mention because I don't want to plug them now...even though I've liked their stuff in the past. But on the cover...warning...you may get sick to your stomach...was a photo of Donald Trump and a huge slab of beef! Or is that redundant?
Anyway, he now has put his name on steaks! I'm not kidding. They are called "the world's greatest steaks" no less.
Please let it stop...this endless self promoting and self aggrandizement. I have indigestion just thinking about it!

To sleep, perchance...

All of my Dear Readers from the newyorksocialdiary.com know that I used to spend a lot of time in bed! No no...just sleeping, unfortunately. Then, a miracle happened! A new doctor suggested I go for a sleep evaluation, where they attach the little electrodes to your head and watch you sleep. A friend of mine had done it and said it was actually "interesting."
So I did it...and they found that I actually was not getting ANY restorative sleep at all. I was jumping around...well kind of restless everywhere syndrome...and they suggested I go on a med, not unlike the ubiquitous restless leg syndrome commercials on TV say...and miracle of miracles!
I am reborn! No kidding...I now jump out of bed at 8:45...I know I know you who get up at 7 are thinking "what?" But for me that is incredible..and I do not even go back to sleep as I was wont to. I now have energy and am in a much better mood...thank god for that. So if you think you might have a sleep disorder...go find out. Trust me, it's wonderful to realize you are not getting too old to get around, just were tired!

It's debatable

I don't know how many people watched the first Democratic Party debate tonight, but I found it both fascinating and reassuring. There are more than one or two candidates who showed their smarts and capabilities. I won't say who I'm for...but in looking at some instant internet polling, I found these results:
Biden and Richardson made great impressions...not being in the top tier, they are not as well known. Barack did very well and demonstrated he belongs. Hillary was trying hard to keep her voice mellow. No comment.
But more importantly, I hope people listen to all the debates. It's only our lives at stake. Repubs next time.

Yes!

Well, tonight Heather Mills was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars. Not important in the big scheme of things but I'm happy nonetheless. She is really tough to take. So full of herself it's scary and though she showed that people with disabilities can accomplish things, which is great, she is not the role model she wants us to think she is! We know the truth, don't we, Beatles Fans...even those who liked George the best, such as moi.

i have to say it

I know I'm usually amusing and dealing with fun things...but I have to say this and then it will be over. This horrible Virginia Tech incident should be proof positive that the "gun control" methods we have are not working. What is wrong with the powers that be that are so cowed by the gun lobby...which by the way is small in number...and 60plus% of Americans want better control! Come on Dems...get some guts and work to save more innocents. As to those dimwits who have said "well if all the students had had their own guns it wouldnt have happened." Are you out of your minds? Do you want to live in the OK Corral?

lala land

My week in LA was really good. I always complain about the vapidness of the place, but let me tell you a little sun, a convertible, the beach and good tennis make up for a lot! All in all I had a great trip this time.
Star sightings: went to lunch at the Grill which is a Bev Hills hot spot and saw a really big blond in a small tight dress, muscular thighs...and cheekbones that could cut you. Nicolette Sheridan of Desperate Housewives.
Went to visit a soap opera...don't ask. I had this crush on a young stud who reminded me of my grade school boyfriend and a good friend of mine knew the exec producer and took me to meet him. Very sweet, but sometimes it's better to leave fantasies as fantasies.
Had two business meetings with exciting projects possible...let's keep our fingers crossed Dear Readers.
And...ran into an old date who is actually single and we set up something for New York. Fingers really crossed this time.
P.S. I went back to newyorksocialdiary.com and did a guest diary column about the trip...hint: Lucy and Ethel take a bath. You will laugh! That's an order.

Finally...

With all the truly terrible things happening in the world, sad and devestating, perhaps a little lightness is not only ok, but necessary. Tonight was the night...for Sanjaya to go! American Idol watchers, and like me..voters for Blake, Chris, Jordan... finally got rid of this poor kid. I must say he had tremendous poise to put up with the abuse of Simon who really was a little too mean to the guy. And he still gets to tour and has become a teen age idol ala Michael Jackson, without the kiddie trouble, I hope! All distraction, and we need it.

What happens in Vegas...

...gets told to you, Dear Readers! I had a great time in Vegas! The clock seems to stand still and day blends into night. Three days there and it feels like you've been away for a month!
I had to get up at 6 a.m. to make my plane so that whole first day I was cranky...that plus the bags delayed, missing connecting with my friend whose plane was an hour late...and the fact that the room was not ready at the Wynn Hotel for THREE COUNT 'EM THREE HOURS for check-in. I was not a happy camper.
But the second day I awoke deciding to try "The Secret"...which is to say envision happy times and abundance and I did receive! Won hugely...well for me, $100 on a three dollar investment in the slots...got 'ungettable' tickets for Josh Groban on his one night there...and great seats too...and in general having a fab day.
The weather, food, and shopping were all good.
And I even won again at the slots at the airport. So...I went on to LA $5 richer than when I arrived. Hey...
it's all in how you look at it. That's my new secret.

I'm not making it up...

Those of you who used to read my column, The Search For Mr. Adequate, know that I have always maintained it's much easier for a guy to find a girl than the reverse. It's a numbers game and age plays a factor. To prove my point, herewith two items from the news. That's the real news, not the Comedy Central version.
1. A man in Saudi Arabia has just taken a second wife, not a rare thing there, right? Except that he is 110years old! And the new wife is...are you ready... 30! The 85 year old first wife was too tired to have sex with him.
2. The world's tallest man who is 7'9" married a woman half his age who is 5'6". I do not even want to have a picture in my mind of them having sex. But hey...good for him. He seems like a nice guy.
ANY MAN CAN GET A WOMAN...ANY MAN. I rest my case.
And I rest it as I go to Las Vegas to see if the odds are any better...and then on to old stomping grounds of LA and will report in when I get back. Keep your fingers crossed for my luck. A huge slot machine payoff would be nice...and yes, Mr. More than Adequate would be even nicer.

joel siegel says...

"Yes, funny. I think I laughed harder than Talladega Nights. John Heder at his Napoleon Dynamite best and Will Farrell just dynamite. The comic premise is as old as comedy writing: get people who hate each other and force them to live together. What is so smart about Blades of Glory is what they come up with to make Heder and Farrell interact. They're banned from competing in men's singles BUT there is no rule to keep two men from competing in pairs skating.
And, yes, Susan laughs very loudly at movies (which troubles me at serious critics' screenings -- we don't want the other critics to know if a movie is funny or not; we're a bit competitive that way) and this time it was OK because it was a wide-open screening, lots of civilians, and I don't think I've heard her laugh harder than she did at the Iron Lotus routine. By the way did you know the Hollywood gossip on Farrell is that......he's the nicest guy in the world? And I am much older than Susan. Who was born on February 29th."

heads up...

One of the perks I have with being friends (since college, even though I'm somehow much much younger) with a famous film critic, is going to screenings. Therefore, I was able to tip the Dear Readers off to Borat, which you know is my favorite comedy of all time. Second in laughs, at least, was Talladega Nights, which proved to me that I have the sense of humor of a pre pubescent boy! But Will Ferrell makes me laugh, what can I do?
My friend the ABC Good Morning America critic, Joel Siegel, took me to all of these and now, the other night we saw the new Will movie...Blades of Glory. It spoofs figure skating and is kind of a combo of Zoolander meets Talladega.
I laughed a lot...but not as much as the other two films. Every famous real figure skater was doing a cameo and the only easy joke missing was the famous Nancy Kerrigan/Tonya Harding moment.."Why? Why?"
But I do recommend it and...as a bonus, Joel will give you his opinion on this very blog!

up and at 'em

Well, you Dear Readers from the old days (The Search For Mr. Adequate) know that I like to stay in bed. Well, it's not as exciting as it sounds...anyway, when invited to get out, I do. And my new best friend Chuck Nyren who is a specialist in advertising to Baby Boomers (his blog is therefore called: http://advertisingtobabyboomers.blogspot.com) called me and invited me to a magazine conference sponsored by a European Publisher with lots of mags called "Plus." Now that could mean for chubettes, but it doesn't.
It is for Boomers, mainly from the Netherlands but in Spain, Brussels, France too. So I dragged myself out of bed, got dressed in an appropriately business like pants outfit but with four inch heels...don't ask, and I went into the world of business around 49th and Broadway. No no no..not that kind of business.
Anyway, it was very interesting and I was presented in Chuck's presentation, I didn't get up early enough to hear it, but they heard about me. I guess I was representative of Boomer aged gals who should be listened to, but often are not in this age of ageism. I agree. Everyone should listen to me. And pay me!
They were a very nice bunch and we had lunch (oh that rhymes) at the famous Oyster Bar in Grand Central. Leave it to foreigners and my friend Chuck from Seattle to take me to a landmark in NY.
A lot of interesting aspects of marketing to Boomers were discussed and the bottom line is that we in America are actually behind the curve in selling to this huge age group and, also, revere anything to do with age a lot less. They seem to take care of their elders a lot better. We are a young and still brash place folks, let's get with it!

When he's sixty four...

Now that Paul McCartney has reached his song's age, he has to be really pisssed off that SHE who shall be nameless is trying to remake her image by Dancing with the Stars! The nerve of her. I think we should call ABC and say 'put her in a yellow submarine.'' Help!' Etc. Etc. etc...all Beatle's songtitles that pertain.

Tonight everyone will watch to see if her leg falls off as she so coyly hinted in trying to stir up sympathy. Not from me lady...off with her head, I say.

me on the radio

If you read the prior blog you'll get an idea of what I'm doing and I promised I'd link the radio show if it turned out! Well, it did...kind of. But you'll tell me, won't you? I'm going to give you an address in a link (I actually figured how to do it!) and if you want to hear me, go into the first segment and move the little timer on the left of the "radio" to:
15 minutes 20 seconds into the show, where I begin.
Then I"m in all three segments and now I want my own show!!
http://www.worldtalkradio.com/archives.asp?sid=228