Michael Ventura

Presents 'Confessions of an Eternal Romantic,' by Michael Ventura.
Presents the author's journey to Las Vegas to contemplate the word 'soul.' Views on Las Vegas; Reason why the author says that Las Vegas is the American soul; Views regarding the soul books from the damned box; Different views regarding soul.
Reports that a consortium is constructing a replica ot the ocean liner featured in the motion picture 'Titanic.' Information on the opening of the film; Details on the characters of the film; Factors attributed to the success of 'Titanic'; Whether one can find love on a sinking ship.
Describes the author's observations during a visit to Las Vegas, Nevada, in which he analyzes the psychology of gambling. How Las Vegas reveals how Americans view money; How our puritanical impulses collide with our conquistador fantasies; The psychological cost we pay for the dominance of money in our society; How the American Dream has come to mean an ideal of prosperity, not of liberty; Casino culture.

Why are TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, La Femme Nikita, and Xena: Warrior Princess so popular, especially among teens? 

On a planet that is itself alive, safety is an illusion; psychology offers no solace in dealing with larger-than-human events.

Discusses several taboos in society. How the hardest taboos be the
ones that fester in our intimacies; How the word 'taboo' became known;
How man justifies wrong doings or taboos. INSET: In search of the last
taboo.