Pop Culture

Is being nice overrated?Are we really just selfish, base animals crawling across Earth in a meaningless existence?Would reading less and watching more television be good for you?Is House a master of Eastern philosophy or just plain rude?Dr. Gregory House is arguably the most complex and challenging antihero in the history of television, but is there more to this self-important genius than gray matter and ego? This book takes a deeper look at House to reveal the philosophical underpinnings of this popular medical drama and its cane-waving curmudgeon's most outrageous behavior. What emerges is a remarkable character who is part Sherlock Holmes, part Socratic philosopher, part Nietzschean superman, part Taoist rhetorician, and not at all as screwed up as you might think. With everything from Aristotle to Zen, House and Philosophy takes an engaging look at everyone's favorite misanthropic genius and his team at Princeton-Plainsboro Hospital.

A lighthearted meditation on the philosophical quandaries of the hit television show "The Big Bang Theory"Ever wonder what Aristotle might say about the life Sheldon Cooper leads? Why Thomas Hobbes would applaud the roommate agreement? Who Immanuel Kant would treat with "haughty derision" for weaving "un-unravelable webs?" And--most importantly--whether Wil Wheaton "is" truly evil? Of course you have. Bazinga!This book mines the deep thinking of some of history's most potent philosophical minds to explore your most pressing questions about "The Big Bang Theory" and its nerdy genius characters. You might find other philosophy books on science and cosmology, but only this one refers to Darth Vader Force-chokes, cloning Leonard Nimoy, and oompa-loompa-like engineers. Fo-shizzle.Gives you irresistibly geek-worthy insights on your favorite "Big Bang Theory" characters, story lines, and ideasExamines important themes involving ethics and virtue, science, semiotics, religion, and the human conditionBrings the thinking of some of the world's greatest philosophers to bear on "The Big Bang Theory," from Aristotle and Plato to Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Simone de Beauvoir, and moreEssential reading for every "Big Bang Theory" fan, this book explores whether comic-book-wielding geeks can lead the good life, and whether they can know enough science to "tear the mask off nature and stare at the face of God."

MANOLOGY could be a good read for women who want to learn unconventional and no-nonsense advice about building a healthy, long-lasting romance with a man. The book provides insights from both married and single fathers, Rev Run and Tyrese Gibson, respectively, and offers practical tips for managing relationships through humor and straight-talk. Anyone seeking to understand and handle the man in their life would benefit from reading this book.

Recommendation: "Killing Monsters" is an insightful and thought-provoking book that explores the positive aspects of violent and fantastical entertainment for children. Through true stories and expert research, Gerard Jones argues that these types of media can help children develop emotionally and build stronger selves. It is a must-read for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the intersection of pop culture and child psychology.

Children choose their heroes more carefully than we think. From Pokémon to the rapper Eminem, pop-culture icons are not simply commercial pied pipers who practice mass hypnosis on our youth. Indeed, argues the author of this lively and persuasive paean to the power of popular culture, even trashy or violent entertainment gives children something they need, something that can help both boys and girls develop in a healthy way. Drawing on a wealth of true stories, many gleaned from the fascinating workshops he conducts, and basing his claims on extensive research, including interviews with psychologists and educators, Gerard Jones explains why validating our children's fantasies teaches them to trust their own emotions and build stronger selves.