During our courtship, the current Mrs. Porter often noted for me that her choice in men ran to the cerebral...
No sucker for good looks or a glib line she, I was reminded again and again: she appreciated a man with a strong intellect. Notwithstanding her passing references in unguarded moments to hunks like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and their ilk, she pressed this point - that what really excited her was a scholarly man. Her ideal swain: Ted Koppel.
Koppel: Cerebral |
Koppel: Shana Keppola (That hair!) |
Now, in the spring of 2000 I was working closely on an internet (bubble) news venture with Tara Sonenshine, who'd been Koppel's longtime producer at ABC News. Through Tara, I learned Ted was a neighbor in Potomac, MD - but due to good breeding, I'd never have dreamed of trading on our friendship for a cheap 'hit job.'
Koppel: Dapper |
She closed the gap to six feet and cried out (I liberally paraphrase): "Mr. Koppel, Mr. Koppel! Ohyouaresuchagreatjournalist!! Ooh,oh! And I always say that if I had to be stuck on a desert island with only one person and it couldn't be my husband, I'd pick you, you, YOU!"
Koppel: Pincer move |
The picture of grace, Ted cheerily responded, "I'm sure you'll have a wonderful evening - Shabbat shalom!" as he wheeled on his heels to briskly charge away down the nearest aisle before giving any chance for reply.
I helped my wife to catch her breath and make it to the car. We carried our groceries home, and enjoyed a lovely evening.
Bedtime Hypnotist Koppel |
But at 11:30:05 that night, did I catch her standing a-twinkle at the window, looking at the moon....
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