-
Alan Abelson, RIP
May 10, 2013 | 20 comments
-
South Carolina on My Mind
April 30, 2013 | 31 comments
-
Dream Sequences
April 26, 2013 | 62 comments
-
Just Like a Woman
April 25, 2013 | 35 comments
-
Missing So Many
April 19, 2013 | 41 comments
Ben Stein's Diary
A Recession-Free Friday
New York — a perfect sight for Clear Eyes.
Friday
Here I am in
New York City. I have just finished doing the second day of a
two-day shoot for Clear Eyes. The first day, yesterday, was at a
mammoth sand pit on Long Island. It was very hot and dusty but we
all had fun. Then I had dinner with a friend at a super-fancy
French restaurant called Adour. It is in a hotel called the St.
Regis. Going into its small but lovely marble lobby brought me back
to when I was at Columbia many years ago. My old Dad — then far
younger than I am now — would come up for meetings of the
Committee for Economic Development. Usually he would stay at the
St. Regis. I would meet him in the lobby, very often with Salvador
Dali sitting nearby on a bench.
We would have a drink in the King Cole Bar, then much, much larger than it is now, and then we would go for a walk. Let’s see. That would have been about forty-six years ago, so I was about 19 and my father was about 48 or 49. And to think, I thought he was old!
The only bad time I had on those trips down from Morningside Heights was when my father told me my dog had been run over. That was my sweet dog, Missy. Dogs ran loose in those days, and some bastard ran her over. I was sad then and I am still sad when I think about it now.
I never even contemplated that my father would grow old and die or that I would grow old and fat and weak. My father seemed invincible and immortal and so did I. Did I ever really give much thought to helping him with the trials of his life? Probably not. I am ashamed. I did later, but not when I was young. Well, this is life. How well I recall walking back to the IRT at Columbus Circle, taking it to 116th Street, and then going over to blessed Alpha Delta Phi and shooting pool. I loved the Alpha Delta Phi beyond what you can imagine. That reminds me — I have to send them a contribution for rebuilding the frat house.
Well, anyway. If your father is still living, cherish him.
If not, pray for him and his soul.
The meal at Adour was too exotic for me, but the room was great and service phenomenal. It was expensive but so is everything in New York.
By the way, there are scant signs of economic distress around here. It’s August and the restaurants and shops are packed to the gills. The streets are packed with girls in very short shorts and skirts and dresses. Sex sells.
I finished my dinner, walked around the lobby, felt sad, and left.
Today, we filmed at Floyd Bennett airfield in Brooklyn. It is famous for something but I don’t know what. Maybe Amelia Earhart took off from here. Maybe not.
It was a short, pleasant day of work. On the way home to my hotel, the Essex House, I stopped to visit my sister in Brooklyn Heights. She had just gotten in late the night before from a long trip to California and looked tired at first but soon warmed up and looked like her usual lively self. I don’t spend enough time with my sister. She is almost the only woman on the planet whom I do not support and who loves me anyway. It might be that she is the only woman on the planet who loves me without being paid by me.
Sad.
After visiting my sister, I rested for a while, then I went to Milos, a superb Greek seafood restaurant. The food was spectacularly good. Not just good, but spectacular. The only fly in the ointment was a drunk, stoned young woman who came in and started screaming to her companions in unprintable terms. She ruined the whole experience for everyone around her, including me and my dining companion. Still, the food was great and if I can, I will go back. I would say that Milos and Remi (a great Italian place one block from Milos in midtown) are my favorite New York restaurants. My sister told me about both of them. She actually told me about Hill’s Resort, my very favorite place on the planet, in Luby Bay, Priest Lake, Idaho.
When we left Milos, the streets were still jammed with diners and revelers. We all know there is a recession, but it ain’t here.
And by the way, a little question: there is a Starbucks on virtually every block in midtown. Almost all of the help are foreign and speak very little English. Why can’t English-speaking Americans take those jobs? Or are the wages too low for Americans to accept, or what? In Idaho, those Starbucks jobs are considered plums. Here in Manhattan, only non-English speaking need apply. Why is that? Well, anyway, maybe my sample is too small.
I am tired now. I have to go to sleep, but, gosh, it feels good to be in front of the camera, and gosh, it was great to see my sister, and gosh, did the St. Regis bring back some memories. Autres temps, autres moeurs.
One more thing. There is about to be war in the Middle East. Israel must attack Iran to save its life. But Israel will be crucified for defending itself. It could have been prevented by Bush 43 or Obama. Now, it’s too late.
About the Author
Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He writes “Ben Stein’s Diary” for every issue of The American Spectator.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (48) | Leave a comment
More Articles by Ben Stein
More Articles From Ben Stein's Diary
http://spectator.org/archives/2010/08/23/a-recession-free-friday
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Stephen M. Kessler| 8.23.10 @ 6:22AM
Mr. Stein...
You are a very intriguing figure... Smart beyond words on economics, as much so on geopolitics, and with a humor that I so appreciate.
Keep speaking forever... Just makes my days...
Tomas| 8.23.10 @ 12:43PM
Yes, Ben. Your little essays are a wonderful sanctuary. When I read your words, I see your face in my mind and hear that charming voice. A balm to the soul.
BTW. I applied for a Starbucks job (I'm Caucasian). Didn't get hired. Oh well. As you say, Starbucks is considered a plum job here in America. And full benies at 20hrs? Come on! No-brainer!
I got turned down. Won't work Sunday mornings because of Church., and that's the newbie shift.
Bless you, Ben. You are a dear friend.
-
Mare| 8.23.10 @ 1:47PM
Makes my days too...please write more!
Tom Elkins| 9.13.10 @ 6:38PM
Ben,
Please do not ever die, and if you do, please make sure you can e-mail from above.
I enjoy the human spilling out of you as you communicate with us - the regular people of America.
Thank you for your contributions to society.
Tom
DonDuke | 8.23.10 @ 7:56AM
I too have wonderful memories associated with Manhattan and commiserate with your thoughts. Thanks for a great essay. BTW- I think it was Bush that had the last, best chance to stop Iran although he was pretty occupied with Iraq.
DonDuke| 8.23.10 @ 10:42AM
DON'T ANYONE CLICK ON EITHER OF THESE LINKS...........................
Gretchen| 8.23.10 @ 2:17PM
WHAT LINKS?
Louis Jenkins| 8.23.10 @ 8:49AM
There you have it. The Iranians are running amuck firing off nuclear tipped missiles left and right, particularly at Israel. Not quiet yet, but they will be. It cannot be termed which US president had a chance to stop the carnage, but someone should have. Just as Pakistan could have been stopped, but they're in a quagmire for the time being. Meanwhile Israel will be forced to do something I'd rather not think of, so for now, let's party at the Alpha Sigma Phi, the St. Regis, or the Remis. No recession, not worry about war, or the fact that Iran will soon have the bomb.
Sandy jc| 8.23.10 @ 10:02AM
Mr Stein,
Just saw Expelled for the first time last night. Excellent movie, thank you for making it. Hope you make more like it.
Cheri| 8.23.10 @ 2:04PM
We saw Expelled at the theater when it came out. I was so disappointed to see so few people in the theater (and it was a Saturday too). That figures. No explosions, car chases or shootings to bring people in. Just the truth, and who wants to hear that?
Donald| 8.26.10 @ 3:38PM
I too saw Expelled, in Wisconsin of all places. The theater was packed with 30-50 year old males only one female, my daughter, at the end there was a standing ovation.
Bill| 8.23.10 @ 10:15AM
Wrong Way Corrigan took off on his famous flight from Floyd Bennett Field.
NavyBrat | 8.23.10 @ 10:47AM
Mr. Stein,
Next time you're in New York, might I suggest Eric Ripert's Le Bernardain? Its one of the BEST seafood restaurants in the country, run by one of the best chefs in the world.
james wilson| 8.23.10 @ 11:36AM
I suspect Israel does indeed have something up its sleeve, and that it is quite unforeseen.
Nothing would surprise me more than for Israel to do what is now commonly expected of it.
Vern Crisler| 8.23.10 @ 11:57AM
Mr. Stein misunderstands recession. A recession is not about all the people who are working and all the businesses that are thriving. A recession is about the invisible people, those who can't afford to go out and shop and partake of the fun. A recession is about all the people who wanted to start a business but couldn't.
Mr. Stein, who knows a thing or two about economics, should remember that economics is about the unseen things, not about the surface things.
pespada| 8.23.10 @ 4:12PM
I think Ben knows that--that's why he is saying what he is saying. Appearances are truly deceiving.
Bruce Berger| 8.23.10 @ 12:01PM
The real tragedy of the Iraq war (IMO) is that Bush had no political capital left to deal with Iran. The mullahs in Iran knew that Bush had no ability to rally Congress to be tough on them, so they went full speed ahead. Now we have a President who doesn't seem to be the least bit inclined to do anything about Iran. Israel will have to do this herself. Things could get real ugly over there.
Larry (Another Old Texan)| 8.26.10 @ 1:48PM
You are right - Israel will have to act alone. Sadly, obama doesn't appear interested in supporting them... so they will act alone, with limited arms, Israel will need to be resupplied by the US... But it doesn't appear obama is willing. he keeps saying he is a Christian but his actions say the opposite. His actions so far show support for the muslims.
Ken (Old Texican)| 8.23.10 @ 12:27PM
Mr. Stein,
I was fascinated with your final...seemingly "non-sequitor (sic?) paragraph.....
""One more thing. There is about to be war in the Middle East. Israel must attack Iran to save its life. But Israel will be crucified for defending itself. It could have been prevented by Bush 43 or Obama. Now, it's too late.""
I hope you will read my forthcoming novel, "The Nays of Texas".
We will not crucify Israel down here in Texas. We wills stand with them.
Just call us "OPEC Jr."
Fairbanks99| 8.23.10 @ 3:12PM
Ken, when are you publishing and where can I get the book when it come out?
Cabby - AZ| 8.23.10 @ 1:33PM
Mr. Stein, I've never been to NY and know relatively little about it. Your lifestyle is quite unlike mine; but, you know, I just love reading pages from your diary, because you are so unfeigned and so real!
You take me to places and situations I've never been, and make it very enjoyable! Thanks, and keep writing......for homebodies like I.
R Martin| 8.23.10 @ 1:35PM
..."or that I would grow old and fat and weak."
Ben, none of us can avoid growing old, but we don't have to be fat and weak. Your pieces are usually an enjoyable read, but they often dwell, somewhat morbidly, on eating, sleeping, rest and leisure. If you don't want to be fat and weak, put your body to work and lighten-up on the tucker.
One good way for a person your age to exercise is to join a rowing club. Rowing is a low impact sport, it strenghtens important muscles and it is a social experience which takes your mind off the work. Plus it's fun and competition adds enjoyment as you build skills. Once you get into it, you'll want to lift weights, do some pushups, and you'll soon stop talking about how tired you are on this site. Do it.
Tom Beebe| 8.23.10 @ 1:42PM
recessions, which your fellow economists insist are upon us are caused by (Choose best one):
1. Paper vs, gold backing for the currency
2,. Inadequate personal saving for these "rainy days"
3. Loss of confidence due to widespread corruption
4. Tax structure which inhibits investment
5. Even those economists don't have a clue
Tom Elkins| 9.13.10 @ 6:43PM
Any more of us "regular" Americans feel that after 4 trillion, our every day lives are still on the downhill?
Butch Jocson| 8.23.10 @ 1:50PM
Thanks Ben! It's all true about our Dad's! I feel sad now too!
JOAN IN SANDPOINT| 8.23.10 @ 1:51PM
From your adoring comments I'm sure you feel the love AND SUPPORT from all the women in your life. Though not financial...the best kind!
Wes Davis| 8.23.10 @ 1:53PM
Hey, I like you and you don't pay me.
I call my dad every Sunday at 6:00 am. He's up and getting ready for church. Probably my favorite time of the week.
As always, good job.
Wes
Michael DiFede| 8.23.10 @ 1:58PM
Mr. Stein: I am and have been an admirer of yours for years. Your beautiful tribute to your Dad after his pasing was one of the most moving I have ever read. I also like your column in the Soectator. My ideal airline flight would be in a middle seat between you and Mark Steyn...;-)
P.S. Floyd Bennett Field was indeed the place of famous flights by Earhart and Howard Hughes. Floyd Bennett was the first person to fly over the North Pole. It was also NYC's first municipal airport. And I grew up about 5 minutes away in Flatlands, Brooklyn.
As for growing old....as they say, it sure beats dying young!
HR Lincoln| 8.23.10 @ 2:06PM
Always enjoy your comments, Ben. And good to here the recession isn't everywhere.
Here in Michigan, it is beyond dreary. A number of modern office buildings nearby me have 15% occupancy. MOST strip malls are barely occupied; some brand new ones, completed within the last few years, have never had a tenant. Homes are selling at 1980's prices, you read that right. I get no sense here that the economy has bottomed. Scores of small businesses, many of which have been around for generations, are closing their doors. There is no longer such a thing as a crowded bar or restaurant.
Public sector employees, while working harder than they used to to make up for those that have been laid off, are doing best, in relative terms; their dollars go farther, and they're buying homes in ritzy neighborhoods that were originally built for execs.
In the midst of this, there's a growing demand my units of local governments and the teacher's union to hold a state consitutional convention, with the objective being all about tax increases which are currently restrained by our constitution, ex., allowing for a graduated income tax and removing caps on property taxes. God help us.
Angee Woodman| 8.25.10 @ 2:49AM
I am from Michigan too..You are exactly right my bro Amen
Tom | 8.23.10 @ 3:10PM
Always been a fan, Ben, but you have to be kidding me! Shades of Marie Antoinette! If you can't notice the recession, you aint looking. Try asking how crowded the restaurants are on week nights. Good restaurants have been closing right and left in Manhattan. When even the fudged numbers put out by the Obama administration show 9.5% unemployment, you come off as grossly disconnected when you drop into a couple of fancy Manhattan restaurants and say that you can't see a recession here. I suggest you visit again next year, after the Democrats let the Bush tax cuts expire. Then you can write that from within the gilded porticoes of the St Regis you can't see any sign of a depression.
Still a fan, but look a little closer.
Pecky Cox | 8.23.10 @ 3:49PM
Going to Hill's Resort for a shake later in the day.. will toast to you.
You know.. "taking that small minute"
Forrest Schuck | 8.23.10 @ 4:03PM
Have Martinis with my Dad every Monday night. He's 83. We both cherish every moment....your comments are most appreciated.
Michele San Pietro| 8.23.10 @ 5:31PM
Recession is only what Obama's senseless speeches cause to your ears.
Byron| 8.23.10 @ 6:11PM
I've been reading your column for over 20 years. You have been a good friend. God Bless you Ben.
jgreene| 8.23.10 @ 8:40PM
Mr. Stein,
I am your age and I always enjoy your thoughts expressed in writing. You always make me smile and at the same moment tears well up in my eyes because you draw out both wonderful and sad emotions that we experience in life.
One of the commenters above expressed it very well "...it's better to grow old than die young...". Have fun, be grateful and remember all those wonderful people in your life who made it possible to be here today.
I was fortunate to be able to locate 4 of my Air Force buddies in the last couple of years and we met with our wives for a few days recently outside of Washington, DC. We came from FL, TN, OH, NJ and CT.
We may be older and our parts don't work as they once did...but we are the same guys who flew together 43 years ago - same personalities, sense of humor and general demeanor we had as young men. We and our wives had a marvelous time. These guys and their families are now part of our extended family. Somehow they always were.
With all its vicissitudes and difficulties at times, life is good. Enjoy yours, Ben. God Bless you.
Occam's Tool| 8.23.10 @ 9:13PM
Ben, you had lovely comments regarding your sister, but they should not have been phrased so as to insult your wife. Dumb, old bean.
"She is almost the only woman on the planet whom I do not support and who loves me anyway. It might be that she is the only woman on the planet who loves me without being paid by me."
Angee Woodman| 8.25.10 @ 2:52AM
his wifee was a huge entertainment lawyer..Shes retired not unemployed..Im sure that wasnt what he meant
sparkleplenty27| 8.24.10 @ 1:42AM
It's been quite a long time (Reagan?) since the US got tough about anything with anyone. We were overcome with terminal PC about then and since, its become a cancer that eats at the fiber of our nation. We are now regarded as fools, bowing and scraping, allowing ourselves to be snookered, and maintaining a stiff upper lip that ever so PC (silent). If we don't get tough, talk truth, hurt some feelings and get REAL, real soon, we will all be serfs to some group of evil power-mongers. We are walking on Lake Erie and it is April with very thin ice.
Nicole | 8.24.10 @ 8:50PM
Thank you so very much for your poignant essay. It seems as if many of us are in the same type of mood. I dropped my one and only child off at college this weekend. It felt as if I were throwing her to the wolves. This world is no longer the world that I grew up in. Everything is fast, complicated and frightening. It makes you wish for the people, places and things of your childhood. However, for the first time in my life, this melancholy mood cannot be disippated with the hopes and dreams of a better tomorrow. These thoughts sadden me. I pray for America. I pray for Israel. I pray for the future.
joseph sasoon| 8.25.10 @ 12:34PM
israel must defend itself.a low chance of an iranian attack is too high for israel to contemplate.
John Rich | 8.26.10 @ 3:39PM
Ben, next time you're in 10019 and need some Greek food, just go around the corner to Molyvos, on 7th Avenue at 56th.
Milos is good but way overpriced, even by New York standards.
Beverly Miller| 8.26.10 @ 9:07PM
Mr. Stein, thank you very much for your insightful commentary on any topic. I think you are intelligent, generous, sensitive and most importantly, extraordinarily wise. I stand and applaud you!
Otis R. Needleman| 8.27.10 @ 10:42PM
I don't believe we're in a recession; we're sliding into a depression. Things are NOT getting better, and I expect no improvements for years. I must agree that Israel will soon do something against Iran. They always do when the existential threat is strong enough. Since the Obama regime has pretty much thrown Israel under the bus, the Israelis have little reason not to do whatever they need to do.