THE SEARCH FOR MR. ADEQUATE
Part 64

By Susan Silver

Okay, let’s cut to the chase asap. Yes, the second younger guy … let’s call him CB for “cute banker” did call again and we went spur of the moment to the MOMA exhibit of Edvard Munsch.

It was extremely interesting and the painter, who I had only known from The Scream, had a huge output of work and a very interesting, if tortured, life.

Playing hooky on a weekday and going to the museum was fun. (Playing hooky for my date, to me every day is hooky.) It was very crowded, it seemed with tourists, but it was nice to see so many people taking advantage of one of the great institutions of the city.

And, hey girls … this seems to be a good pickup place! I say this as two women tried to hit on my date when I was looking at another picture down the way. I said he was cute, didn’t I?

Also, a very attractive zillionaire, recently split from wife … no not the short guy, was there as well. He had a date, though he did smile at me. The bad news is she was about 30 years his junior and dressed well … how do we say this without being totally insulting. Like a $1,000 hooker! I think that does it, don’t you?

I also saw a fabulous movie. This whole week I was muey stressed as there is a huge contretemps in my condo regarding Board elections. And it is extremely angst ridden, political, gossipy and annoying. So I needed a break and LL, my friend who always goes to stuff, was happy to join me.

Now I know this seems weird, but I have become a real lover of the Chinese martial arts kind of films.  Well, I say this, having only seen two. You know, where they fly around and fight and flowers float in the background.

The first one I saw was Crouching Tiger and this new one, which opened recently is called The Promise. The visuals are exquisite, the music lovely, and the story had a moral which we found profound. Actually, for me it was also applicable for my recent dilemma in the condo … really. Or so it seemed.

It was about loyalty, betrayal, coveting and mostly standing up for your own integrity, regardless of the results. I just wonder why American filmmakers can’t get these gorgeous images. For two hours, we totally escaped our worries which is what makes entertainment so valuable in our lives.      

Then Stan and I went to see a most interesting play. The Lieutenant of Inishmore got a rave review from the New York Times, though it did mention the brutality and blood. But even having read that, I was not prepared.

And Stan, being a squeamish type, started hyperventilating and I thought we’d have to leave. But I kept telling him “it’s only a play” and finally he calmed down. Though at one point, in his wriggling around he crossed a leg, which I guess for a guy can be hazardous, and was wincing in pain and mouthing the words “ I broke my balls.” We had a laughing fit then and for a moment I thought I’d have to leave before I was thrown out.

Well, to be honest, the first fifteen minutes we looked at each other and said, we have to get out of here. But we were thrilled that we didn’t. It is quite clever and well written and intense. The acting is fabulous, and the cast was really impressive as the Irish brogue is not an easy one.

But, it is gory, folks. Fake blood, but blood nonetheless. It made some very eloquent points about the pointlessness of violence. I don’t know if I can recommend it to everyone, but those of you who love good theater and are not easily nauseated … go for it! Just don’t cross your legs, guys.

Tripping the light fantastic … not

The aforementioned LL and I finished our little ballroom dancing course. 

After watching Dancing with the Stars, we thought it would be fun. Unfortunately the other people in the class were … oh here we go again, not wanting to insult anyone … uh … oh hell, there is no way I cannot insult on this. They were weird! Especially the guys who were by and large, dorky.

Well, how else can you describe an Ichabod Crane kind of guy with a sticky toupee which comes unstuck and shifts?

Yes, I know I will get more angry emails.

Anyway, as I think I said before, I am a really good dancer as long as I dance alone! Alas, I cannot follow, which a friend of mine tries to say might be my problem in a relationship. Hmmmm. To which I respond, now that I have danced and followed … all I need is a really good leader who is strong and guides me. So there.

The classes were taught by a tough little Russian, as many of the dance teachers are, and it was fun once we got into it. You rotate partners and there are always more women than men. LL and I had laughs even though we, too, were going to leave early on but stuck it out and learned again that trying new stuff can always be fun if you are open to it. I would like to take a new course, if we can find more interesting people. Any suggestions?

LL and I also went to a lovely charity lunch. The Pajama Program which I have told you about, supplies pj’s and books to foster kids and it is truly a marvelous cause. They honored Patti La Belle as “mother of the year” and there were a lot of tears as we watched the film of the kids, many of whom are very young. They are so thrilled to have something of their own, new pj’s that have not been passed down from others. We also read to them every other week which is a truly rewarding experience.

I do not go to a lot of charity lunches, but as one of the speakers said, this was a really heartwarming one and not about being “seen” but doing good.

The Final Four

No, not the basketball one. This week Wednesday, two of the best reality shows had narrowed it down to four.

America’s Top Model, which was conceived by Tyra Banks, has always been fun to watch. Gangly girls, who at first do not remotely look like they could be models, are taught, groomed, worked to refinement and not always the best one has won. But it’s addictive.

The three remaining girls are a very eclectic mix. My favorite is a tall blond named Joanie, who has a lovely face and sweet manner. The second best is a stunning black girl named Dannielle, who has a cute space in her front teeth, but is constantly dogged about her Southern accent being a detriment.

They should give her speech lessons and leave her alone! The third, is a rough and tough cookie named Jade. She has exquisite cheekbones and photographs like a dream, but has a mean and off putting personality.

Then on American Idol! Well, my nerves! On Tuesday night, the four remaining contestants went to Graceland and it was Elvis songs. First of all, word to Priscilla Presley … stop! Stop doing whatever you are doing to your face. It’s grotesque. I remember you as a beautiful young girl who met and then married Elvis. Now you look like Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch in Wizard of Oz.) Yikes!

As to the singers … I voted this week 20 times for my guy Elliot. I voted 26 times for him last week. It’s sick I know but he is a great singer, though not a real looker and though they are restyling him well, he still has to get to the dentist. But he had such a rough childhood, and fought deafness and sings like an angel and I love his personality. Very sweet kid.

And Taylor … the weird prematurely grey Joe Cocker move-a-like did fabulously with the Elvis material. I’d say he has a good shot at winning, which is wild considering at first no one … especially Simon thought he had a prayer.

Chris, the rocker who is a real pro and could front any band now, and Katherine, a real beauty with a great voice were in the bottom two, deservedly. Chris didn’t cut it this week, and has a sort of dull personality and Kat was not good and forgot her words.

Simon, who is always right on, predicted she would go and was in shock, as everyone including Chris was … as he got the boot. But not to worry. He will get a job immediately and sell records. Major rock star to be.

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