Its groundbreaking stylistic and thematic devices, boldness and wit earned it an intensely devoted fan base-and as it approached its zenith, attention from media watchdog groups and the Federal Communications Commission. The grim and provocative evolution of the show over its final two seasons polarized its audience, while also breaking new ground for critical and philosophical analysis. The thirteen essays in this collection, divided into the perspectives of feminist, cultural, auteur and fan studies, explore the popular series' conclusion, providing a multifaceted examination of Buffy's most controversial two seasons.

    Its problems are inherent in the technology itself and are so dangerous -- to personal health and sanity, to the environment, and to democratic processes -- that TV ought to be eliminated forever.Weaving personal experiences through meticulous research, the author ranges widely over aspects of television that have rarely been examined and never before joined together, allowing an entirely new, frightening image to emerge. The idea that all technologies are "neutral," benign instruments that can be used well or badly, is thrown open to profound doubt. Speaking of TV reform is, in the words of the author, "as absurd as speaking of the reform of a technology such as guns."

    Living with Art helps students develop an appreciation of art by offering a clear and comprehensive introduction to the visual arts from several perspectives: themes and purposes of art; the vocabulary of art; individual art media (painting, drawing, camera arts, sculpture, architecture, etc.); and the history of art. The book is rich with illustrations drawn from a wide range of artistic cultures and time periods.

    There genies, wicked villains, sand sprites, spells and dungeons will test all of her powers - including the ones she still doesn't know she has.

    This title enables students to grasp key sociological concepts and learn the useful lesson that there is much that goes on in the social world that escapes the sociologically untrained eye.

    Join Tara Ariano and Sarah D. Bunting as they journey through the top 100 episodes of the series, covering everything from episode rankings to season overviews, character spotlights, and listicles. You’ll rediscover what you’ve forgotten and perhaps learn what you never knew. A Very Special 90210 Book is the perfect keepsake for every former teen fan (we know you’re out there) who wants to relive the good ol’ days at West Beverly.

    A comprehensive introduction to the history of typography, typographic detailing in practice, and font generation for print and the web, this book covers type in the past and the present--and speculates on the future. Basic principles are explained with detailed presentations, illustrations, case studies, and examples from leading design studios around the world.

    The writer has a fertile imagination and an attractive narrative style.' '...one of the best reads I have had this year. Gripped by the grizzled Irish detective.....plenty of twists and turns Bravo!' '...I thoroughly enjoyed Black December - it's a very good "who done it" - and so often!' '...Top drawer crime fiction...' --Amazon  Scott Hunter is a CWA shortlisted author.

    She's hot off the heels of a successful book release, and Hank's found his retirement groove on the saddle of a Harley Davidson motorcycle. But some things in Agatha's past refuse to stay there. She'd become a recluse for a reason, and the man who almost killed her is out of prison and looking for revenge. It's time for Agatha to put the past behind her once and for all, and she knows there's no one better than to help her succeed than Hank. But at what cost? Book 6 - Malice In Wonderland What could go wrong when Agatha Harley and her best friend Heather Cartwright decide to attend a billion-dollar bash in the ritziest part of Dallas, Texas? A Dallas oil tycoon who makes JR Ewing look like a boy scout, seems to still burn a flame for his fifth ex-wife. Unfortunately, his Independence Day mega-celebration ends with fireworks and his murder. Heather goes from belle of the ball to cell block inmate before the last sparkler burns.It's up to Agatha and Hank to prove Heather's innocence. Well, if you know anything about Heather, you know she's anything but innocent. But, did she kill the cowboy billionaire? Book 7 - Tequila Mockingbird What is Agatha Harley to do when a decades old secret about an unsolved murder is revealed to her? When the source is her dear, elderly neighbor who suffers with memory lapses, Agatha finds herself back at odds with her closest friends.Hank Davidson and Sheriff Reggie Coil are skeptical because the case had previously been investigated. Agatha's faith in her friend pushes her towards the truth. Even if she has to go it alone this time. Hank, a champion of justice joins her, and together they reopen old wounds that appease some while hurting others. But, is there reason or even need to dig into a cold case that might not have even been a case to start with. Book 8 - Gone With The Sin Let sleeping dogs lie. If only that were the case throughout Bell County, Texas, things would've returned to the serenity that once defined it. A quiet, and peaceful place was what Hank Davidson wanted as his retirement home. After a high-risk, violent career as an FBI-trained serial killer detective, crime was the last thing Hank wanted. He also had no intention to fall in love, but crime also played a part in that, or at least solving crime did. Bell County's numerous historic cemeteries were once revered for honoring the heroic sacrifices of its citizens and soldiers. The recent rash of grave robbing has led Agatha Harley to suspect something more sinister is afoot. She must convince a very skeptical Sheriff Reggie Coil that it's more than high school vandals. Enlisting the help of her partner in crime-solving and love, Hank Davidson, would give her the leverage to dig deeper into the series of casket breeches, and help convince Coil that his precious Bell County was once again under attack by the same criminals that brought she and Hank together. Is it a sinister plot or vandals? Agatha and Hank are back on the case.

    Gordon Ramsay - super-fit chef, marathon runner and high-energy television presenter - is a great advertisement for eating well & staying in the peak of good health. In this book, Gordon presents over 125 dishes using fresh, vital ingredients cooked in the most healthy way.

    A superbly enjoyable pastiche of old Hollywood musicals and Broadway shows, it finds an all-singing, all-dancing demon descending on Sunnydale intent on making the town's inhabitants free their innermost secrets through song. As a pivotal episode it proves a turning point for many of the characters, and as a unique piece of TV it's quite clearly unrivalled. There isn't a bad song among them and it's hard not to turn demon-green with envy that show creator Joss Whedon, who wrote and directed this episode, can be so sickeningly talented. It doesn't matter that some of the cast are less then blessed vocally, but stand-out performances from James Marsters (Spike) and Amber Benson (Tara) help carry along the weaker voices. This book is fan's dream with a detailed behind-the-scenes look at how the episode came about, the complete script, photographs and even the music sheets should you wish to try the songs from the comfort of your Steinway. This is a worthy and essential companion to perhaps Buffy's finest hour (and eight minutes) yet. --Jonathan Weir

    The result is Pole to Pole, Palin's account of his extraordinary journey between July and December 1991, passing through 17 countries from Greenland and the former Soviet Union in the north to Kenya, South Africa and Chile in the south. From the frozen wastes of both poles, to the scorching heat of Africa, Pole to Pole is a travelogue of bizarre extremes. Palin revels in the surrealism of it all as he travels through a range of vastly different European and African communities undergoing massive social and political upheavals in the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Palin's shrewd observations are as ever interspersed with his eye for the weird and the comical, as he meets Santa Claus and Lenin, goes shopping for camels in Omdurman, and makes a final hectic dash to the South Pole via Chile. It's all quite exhausting! --Jerry Brotton

    Bad television--predictable, commercial, exploitative--simply yields to the forces. Good television, like the character of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, fights them. Fighting the Forces explores the struggle to create meaning in an impressive example of popular culture, the television series phenomenon Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In the essays collected here, contributors examine the series using a variety of techniques and viewpoints. They analyze the social and cultural issues implicit in the series and place it in its literary context, not only by examining its literary influences (from German liebestod to Huckleberry Finn) but also by exploring the series' purposeful literary allusions. Furthermore, the book explores the extratextual, such as fanfiction and online discussion groups. The book is additionally supplemented by an online journal Slayage (www.slayage.tv), created by the book editors in acknowledgement of the ongoing nature of television art. Rhonda V. Wilcox and David Lavery have written and edited several books and articles exploring the social, literary, and artistic merit of quality television. In addition to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, their work has covered a variety of programs including Twin Peaks, Northern Exposure, The X-Files, and The Sopranos.

    Years later and all grown up, Hannah, with her steady job and happy marriage, seems to have fallen on her feet. The same can't be said for Julie, however. First pregnant at fifteen, and now with three children from three different men and living with a serious drug addiction, she needs help. It's up to Hannah to step in, but in doing so she discovers, in the most devastating way, that her own life might not be so perfect after all...

    A gorgeous stranger with mesmerizing eyes. This is a recipe for disaster.I was recruited for a very important mission.After nine months of intense training, I am committed to the cause.I have a crucial role in saving the world.However, relocating to the middle of nowhere was not supposed to be part of the plan.Of course, Iceland is gorgeous.But it’s also dangerous—just like my current situation.Things have gone from bad to worse so fast that I don’t know if I’ll ever recover.Will I ever be safe again?Nicoy did save my life once.He’s irresistible with that perfect body, rustic good looks, and smoldering eyes.Can I truly trust him, though?This mission is unraveling fast and I have to make a decision.I just hope it’s the right one…Author’s note: Explicit love scenes, naughty language, and lots of sexy shifters. Intended for 18+ audiences.