Word: cynic
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...captivatingly human as Sganarelle. John McMartin plays this role to droll perfection, both physically and psychologically. His face and his body operate on alternating currents as he is by turns appalled, amazed and fascinated by Don Juan's behavior. As the Don, Paul Hecht is the compleat cynic and as seductive as the hell he courts...
...cynic must allow no one to exceed him; parity begins at home. That home can be designed by one of the world's great architects-Marcel Breuer. At 70, Breuer is not anxious to design houses. He will take on a dwelling, says his office, "if it allows him to explore new ideas." Such exploration would necessarily include "a nice site and a client who is not only nice but who will also allow construction without an economic struggle." Breuer's value is universally acknowledged. His price: 15% of the building's cost, the standard commission charged...
Half a loaf is better than none. And a long loaf-say about three months' worth-is best of all. For the cynic who has always envied Paul Gauguin, the Kungsholm departs Jan. 12 for a 94-day voyage to the South Pacific, calling at such Conradic ports as the Marquesas, Moorea and Tahiti. Average fare: about $6,500. For those who prefer the fictional accomplishments of Phileas Fogg (after all, Gauguin died broke), the Gripsholm will allow passengers to go round the world in 86 days, with stops at India, Ceylon and Singapore...
...itch to travel can be summarily scratched, the hunger for acquisition is not so easily appeased. No need to parody the King Ranch; the cynic can start small. A shrewd shopper may buy an entire ten-acre island in Deerskin Lake, Wis., for $115,000. For a bit more, the Bahamas' entire Whale Cay, complete with mansion and matching village can be acquired: 650 acres, 20 minutes by plane from downtown Nassau, seven white-sand beaches, and all priced to sell at $3,500,000. Is the purchaser partial to antiques? He can live in one (when...
...common disease of the cynic is Vicarious Vertigo-the dizzying belief that he can be someone else. Very well, then, let him be, say, Andre Watts or Artur Rubinstein. Every pianist is familiar with the tale of the Texan who asked an old man, "How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" and received the reply, "Practice! Practice!" Alas, repetition cannot guarantee a recital. But $2,000 can. For that amount, the cynic may rent the entire Carnegie Hall, with Steinway, to play Chopsticks all evening. After all, who's listening? The cynic can be Arthur Fiedler...