Word: contrivedness
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The one subject in which conversation is blunt and unambiguous is sex. On their first date, Jack and Wally kiss briefly, then she suddenly blurts out, "Would you like to have sex?" They proceed to debate the possibility with all the emotional involvement of a discussion of tax policy on...
In 1789 the Founders contrived a deliberately cumbersome political system (elected representatives, separated powers, bicameral legislature, indirect election of the President) to make sure that popular passions were filtered before they could explode into national action. Over the next two centuries, party and press evolved as additional filters between rulers...
The entryway system has its ups and downs. The rooms are more likely to be private and quiet, a boon if you're into a sedentary lifestyle. On the other hand, casual dropin visits to anyone above the third floor are bound to seem a little contrived. Some find the...
The stage adapters and actor Patrick Cassidy keep the character endearingly ordinary -- a bit silly, a bit rash, bright but not brilliant, decent but not saintly. He is a hero anyone can emulate. The children, talented and engaging, have the same down-home appeal, in contrast to the adult villagers...
For the Bush team, the televised scenes of looters running from stores, their arms laden, demonic grins on their faces, are film from heaven. Never in the past have the Republicans had available such a record -- but they are past masters at exploiting the revulsion such travesties spark. The G.O.P...