Word: californianism
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...Hollywood comes down with a long siege of the cutes, languishing in the Brigadoon innocence of its cheerful folkways. And The Doctor, after a good hour or so, goes all dithery -- devoutly Californian -- as Hurt discovers the meaning of life by dancing in the desert with a terminally ill patient (Elizabeth Perkins). He resolves to support another patient's rightful claim in a malpractice suit. This redemptive ploy, also used in Regarding Henry, must be Hollywood's new prescription for wellness: to atone for one's success...
...Spirit of St. Louis, is a newer icon of American ingenuity: Stumpjumper, the first mountain bike. A crossbreed of rugged utility and European racing technology, the Stumpjumper scurried where 10-speeds would have crumpled: down mountain slopes, across fields and over city curbs. The chunky two-wheeler, manufactured by Californian Michael Sinyard in 1981, has helped transform the % U.S. bicycle industry from a sleepy business to a $3.5 billion family-sport industry as millions of Americans mount up. Sinyard's goal: "Durability and comfort, a bike that is easy to ride...
Birkenstocks were introduced to the U.S. after Californian Margot Fraser discovered them during a trip to her native Germany in 1966. Undaunted by U.S. shoe-store owners who told her no woman would wear such homely shoes, she persisted by selling them mostly through health-food stores. Before long, they became an essential part of the hip uniform of the '70s. But unlike some other foot-friendly footwear of that era (remember Earth shoes?), they never really went away. Birkenstock kept its loyal following and diversified by bringing out men's and children's models...
...That is a ceremonial lie. The choice of a vice- presidential running mate is a purely political calculation aimed at winning the November election. A presidential candidate looks for a complementary running mate, someone to shore up a weak side -- to lend geographical or ideological balance, for example. Conservative Californian Ronald Reagan picked Connecticut-Texas moderate George Bush. It may be a matter of ages, aesthetics, chemistry and coloring, as well as political alliances. Elder, moderate, military statesman Dwight Eisenhower chose younger, nastier, darker, feistier conservative Richard Nixon. At some time down the line, national tickets will be balanced...
Thinly disguised as an advertising man named Daniel Miller, Brooks departs this earth as a result of a rather silly car crash and finds himself in a limbo called Judgment City. It is a not-too-bright Southern Californian's idea of paradise -- all high-rises, malls and programmed politeness, but with no smog. Best of all, you can eat all you want of healthless foods and not gain an ounce...