Wanted secular miracle worker Jewelry Portal BR

Wanted secular miracle worker

THE COUNTRY THAT became a world power with Horatio Alger in its collective book bag has evolved into a nation seeking secular miracle workers. While laughing at the implicit (and occasionally explicit) lures in advertisements, the general public nonetheless seems to find the promise of youth, beauty, sex, privilege, and prestige that are claimed to accompany many consumer goods to be an irresistible siren song.

The same public that mocks traditional women's magazines--with their cover promises of a beach-ready body in four weeks or less aside a close-up photograph of a decadent dessert--now has begun feeding upon the television version of this myth.

One of the more popular versions of the secular miracle worker is featured on the shows "Nanny 911" and "Supernanny." In each episode, a trained British nanny descends into a hellish family situation and, in a week or so, drives off into the sunset, leaving a well-functioning, affectionate family in her wake.(Continue Reading)

'Silver' is perfect for 'Rings'
A week ago, I wrapped up my annual reading of J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings." I love those books. I've loved them ever since I first read them in elementary school. Each time, the world o(Continue Reading)

Embracing new technology
MOST OF THE AMAZING pieces of technology of the last several decades have had Achilles' heels. We all are more or less dependent on computers, but along ...(Continue Reading)

Floyd's theme rings true over the decades
Pink Floyd "Wish You Were Here" (1975) Most teenage classic-rock fans will identify Pink Floyd's 1973 masterpiece "Dark Side of the Moon" as the band's signature album, which is at least par(Continue Reading)

Gore TV: Al Gore … is on to something? Yep
ONE month ago, when I was still in my thirties, a kind friend said to me in a voice both convincing and cheerful, "Hey! So you're turning forty!(Continue Reading)

Pop Music in British Cinema
POP MUSIC IN BRITISH CINEMA By K. J. Donnelly. London: British Film Institute, 2001. 274 pp. $22.50 paper. In the 2002 release About a Boy, the character Will, played by Hugh Grant, blares U2's(Continue Reading)