Rhetoric in Popular Culture Review

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(More customer reviews)Barry Brummett's "Rhetoric in Popular Culture" seeks to bring the traditions of rhetorical criticism and critical studies together. Brummett applies the growing and cutting-edge methods of critical studies to the study of rhetoric, because he sees critical studies AS rhetorical criticism. This is a premise with which I whole-heartedly agree, which is not surprising given my interest in rhetoric and social theory. Part I consists of four chapters dealing with theoretical and methodological concerns. The extended case study is on the film version of "The Wizard of Oz," in which Brummett looks at how five critical methods (Marxist, feminist/psychoanalytic, dramatistic/narrative, media-centered, and culture-centered) would render different interpretations of Dorothy's trip over the rainbow. Part II provides three critical studies: "Paradoxes of Personalization: Race Relations in Milwaukee," "Twin Peeks: Using Theory in Two Analyses of Visual Pleasures" (by Brummett and Margaret Carlisle Duncan) and "Afrocentrism and 'DO THE RIGHT THING'" (by Detine L. Bowers).
Fortunately in this Postmodern world history is dead and most students are not aware of the rhetorical tradition that would disdain critical studies, not to mention popular culture. Consequently, Brummett does not have to convince students of the rightness of his cause, they are simply going to want to understand what he is talking about. Part I of this book is the stronger section, because Brummett's strength is in laying out his approach. Chapter 3, in which he looks at the key notion of "text," is the best one in the book. How you feel about Part II will come down to how relevant the specific case studies are to your students. Certainly "Do the Right Thing," despite its cultural importance once upon a time, would be considered "dated" by most students, although we might think it has again become relevant because of recent events. But Part I is basically two-thirds of the book, so I do not really think that this becomes a major consideration in deciding whether or not to use this book in class. Ultimately, the key consideration is going to be the sort of assignments you have the cherubs do off of the theories laid out in Part I. Brummet's point is that students should be empowered to "find the rhetoric in rap music, the motivations in heavy metal, and the arguments in argyle socks." That pretty much covers it all.

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Rhetoric in Popular Culture, Third Edition provides students with a solid background in the central issues in interpreting pop culture. Author Barry Brummett helps readers use techniques of rhetorical criticism to analyze texts from popular culture including print ads, music videos, TV advertisements, Internet user groups, movies, and television shows. Part I covers rhetoric as a concept, the history of rhetoric, and a method for doing rhetorical criticism. Part II includes critical essays and case studies that show students how the critical methods discussed in Part I can be used to study the rhetoric of extended texts.

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Wrestling and Masculinity: Nurturing a Culture of Bullies in the United States Review

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(More customer reviews)Incredibly intelligent, well written book. A must have for any class discussing media theories and the ilk.

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Professional wrestling revels in its exaggeration of masculinity. This hyper-masculinity is evident in the physical appearance of wrestlers, the sexuality-charged and violent moves used in and out of the ring, the role assigned to women and the extensive use of weapons such as chains, barbed wire and steel folding chairs. This study explores the link between watching televised wrestling matches and increases in verbal aggression, rebellion and propensity toward violence and retaliation. Wrestling is placed within the larger context of popular culture and other hyper-masculine entertainment. The book begins with a brief history of professional wrestling, a summary of the criticisms of the sport, and a discussion of the author's research methods. One chapter discusses how gender socialization plays a part in the effects of wrestling on its viewers, arguing that wrestling goes beyond the image of physically violent acts to models of interpersonal behavior. The expansion of wrestling into storylines outside the ring includes problem situations involving class, race, homophobia and nationality, to which violence is often presented as a solution. The book concludes with an investigation of the attractiveness of wrestling and its ability to lure fans back year after year.

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Psychology Review

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(More customer reviews)I approached the book with scepticism but to my surprise and to the credit of the author and the profession of psychology, they don't proclaim to know it all. The limits of science and psychology are acknowledged and talked about which I think was well needed, like the rest of us they are only human too. You can see that a lot of time and energy has gone in to making this book what it is. Psychology and all the terminology that goes with it make it appear to the laymen as being quite arcane and only for academics and those interested in university courses. This book brings it all out and explains it in a way that not only makes the subject matter interesting but easier to grasp than if presented in a book of lesser quality. The content matter helps you to see the human condition from a logical and thoroughly researched angle and is certainly of college quality as that is what the book was originally intended for.
If you are considering studying psychology or would just like to know what it is all about then certainly buy this book the content is comprehensive with information and chapters to do with learning, sensation, the developing person, states of consciousness, emotion, memory, personality, psychological disorders and many more with too much to detail here.

The sections of the text that explain the scientific method are interesting and could be applied to most areas of life. As I learnt we tend to make errors of judgments all of the time in relation to other countries, cultures, people, and just about everything else. That is one of this books best points and also one of it's main themes and that is that it's all about thinking smarter, thinking outside the box, avoiding assumptions and the overuse of heuristics, examining matters in a more methodical and careful way and developing the ability to see events and issues from another perspective and more objectively. In short and as is stated in the book "Don't believe everything you think".
To gain a good understanding of the concepts presented in the book requires concentration and quite a lot of time spent reading because the text is so comprehensive.
Just a few snippets of the information that I found interesting were;
1. Psychology had its roots in philosophy
2. Everything psychological is biological, we are a mind embodied.
3. Sleep deprivation and how our sleep debt can accumulate for up to two weeks.
4. The differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
5. Theory X vs. Theory Y workplace managers.
6. Howard Gardner's theory that intelligence is divided into 8 categories words, music, numbers, space, self, people, body/movement, nature.
7. Self reliant individualism vs. socially connected collectivism with the pros and cons of both.
8. Operant conditioning and classical conditioning and how cognition plays it's part.
9. The different parenting styles such as Authoritative, Authoritarian, and just plain old destructive indifference.
10. The fundamental attribution error (This is one that everyone should know)
Because this book is 700+ pages, interesting illustrations and photographs add to the overall quality of the book and assist the reader to understand the text, though the web site that accompanies the book helps you to reinforce what you have already read and learnt. The Psychsim 5 online tutorials were I thought very good with animations, flash cards, and various other online activities that all combine to make for some very interesting, interactive learning.
The bottom line: The book presents you with a foison of facts and an extraordinary amount of knowledge that you can use in your every day life as-well to understand yourself and others better or prepare and use for a university course, it also goes a long way to blowing popular and often wrong and ill informed bubble gum psychology out of the water. Psychology with this book is fun and you will get a lot out of it, well worth the money even with the US dollar converted to Australian.
Here's a thought, it wouldn't hurt to see some of this material about psychology taught in schools and the workplace to up people's emotional intelligence, and more to the point why is it not common practice already?


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This new edition continues the story of psychology with added research and enhanced content from the most dynamic areas of the field—cognition, gender and diversity studies, neuroscience and more, while at the same time using the most effective teaching approaches and learning tools.

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The Great Book of Philadelphia Sports Lists Review

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(More customer reviews)I like what Glenn wrote. I can tell what Graham contributes as he is full of himself. Without Graham I would rate the book higher. Sorry Glen.

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Let the debating begin! Philadelphia is one of the top sports towns in America. Its fans are commonly considered to be the most passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated sports enthusiasts in the country. WIP-AM radio's Glen Macnow and Big Daddy Graham engage in this phenomenon with a compilation of sports lists sure to stir up dialogue within the already buzzing Philadelphia sports community and beyond. Who were the ugliest mugs to ever play in Philadelphia? What Philly athletes gave the best performance in film or TV? What are the top area sports bars? Who are the most overrated and underrated players in Philadelphia history? What Philadelphia mortals had "touched-by-God" moments during the game? Who is the most hated rival to Philly teams? Who made the greatest sports exit? Who are the most beautiful women associated with Philly sports? Plus, dozens of lists from Philly legends like Joe Frazier, Ed Snyder, Harry Kalas, Bobby Clarke, Bernard Hopkins, and many more!

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The Complete Walt Disney World 2011 Review

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(More customer reviews)"Twice the size of Manhattan, the 47-square-mile Walt Disney World is the No. 1 vacation destination on the planet. It includes four theme parks, two water parks, a sports complex, a shopping and entertainment district and 19 resort hotels. A visit here is not just an escape from day-to-day doldrums, it's a reawakening of that free-spirited, good-natured soul who lives deep inside you--the one your spouse married, the one you want your children to emulate. No other man-made vacation land so embraces creativity, optimism or a sense of wonder about the world." - From The Complete Walt Disney World 2010
Our first and only visit to Walt Disney World was in 2006, and oh, how I wish I had Julie and Mike Neal's annual guide for that trip! The good news, however, is that since 2007, the Neal's have published their fantastic annual guide not only for those who've never been to WDW and need to know what to expect, but also for those who want to revisit the wonders of the WDW.
A colorful smorgasbord of 550 color photographs, insider information, fun facts, event overviews, show snapshots, ride debuts/retirements, restaurants, hidden Mickeys, parades and so much more, The Complete Walt Disney World 2010 is the only guidebook to the parks and surrounding area you really *need* to have in your possession (although you may *want* more).
Right of the bat, the Neals tells us everything that's new at Walt Disney World, which is especially helpful for those who've been to the parks before. For example, Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from Disney's The Princess and the Frog make their debut in the Magic Kingdom, as does Barack Obama in the all-new Hall of Presidents (he even has a speaking part!).
In addition to the gorgeous photos and fascinating facts, The Complete Walt Disney World 2010 includes:
*A quick, accessible overview on how to plan your trip
*Comprehensive information on Magic Your Way ticketing and Disney Dining Plan, including prices for various time frames
*The five biggest mistakes WDW newbies make (and how to avoid them)
*31 practical ways to save money (including free stuff at the parks, discounts and where to get coupons and saving codes)
*Navigating the parks with special circumstances (e.g. disabilities and children)
*Hour-by-Hour wait times for every ride and event
*Park Resources and prices (e.g. parking, lockers, ATM locations, etc.)
*Attractions at-a-glance including symbols for price range, fun factor, ride description, average wait time, length of ride/event, character meet-and-greets, etc., as well as mini-reviews (the Neals aren't afraid to say when something is cheesy, irritating or undesirable--but not in a mean-spirited way like in another WDW guide).
*Colorful, easy-to-read maps for each park
*Hundreds of Fun Finds, Fun Facts and Hidden Mickeys (for example, The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios fills 95,000 square feet with more than 60 Audio-Animatronic characters. The James Cagney robot wears one of the star's actual tuxedos, donated by his family.)
*Complete list of characters and where they'll be for photo ops and autographs
*Planned days in half-hour increments for those who want an organized day planner
*Fastpass information and return times
*In-depth overviews for each park (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), as well as Downtown Disney and other recreational areas
*Restaurant descriptions, recommended fare, pricing and advice (for example, find out which restaurants are kid-friendly, which are noisy, which are pricey, etc.)
*Accommodations, including hotel descriptions, location, and pricing
*Special and seasonal events
*WDW telephone directory
At 352-pages, The Complete Walt Disney World 2010 is the finest guidebook to the parks and surrounding areas (I've bought all the popular ones, including the ones published by Disney). I have every edition of The Complete Walt Disney World 2010 (since 2007) and this outstanding guide by the Neals just gets better and better every year. After all, they've visited WDW over 1,000 times and go there at least once a week--experts, indeed!
So if you're wanting to visit Walt Disney World for the very first time (just you wait--it's an indescribable experience) and you're not sure which book will be the most helpful, accessible and informative, look no further: you want The Complete Walt Disney World 2010. It's not only good for those who want (nay, need!) the inside scoop on the parks, but also entertaining for the whole family with its eye-popping color photos, insider information, behind the scenes peeks and intriguing facts.
Highly recommended!
-- Janet Boyer, author of Back in Time Tarot

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Over 500 color photographs highlight this beautiful yet remarkably thorough guide, a straightforward, fun-to-read, show-and-tell extravaganza that rates and reviews nearly 700 attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels and offers hundreds of helpful tips.Theme parks are the heart of the book. Each ride and show is showcased on its own page or pages, with an insightful description, frank review, specs such as hour-by-hour wait times and often quirky bonuses such as Fun Finds and Hidden Mickeys.A fantastic planning toolThose who love to plan a vacation will delight in the guidebook's obsessive attention to detail. Comprehensive hotel reviews spotlight discount rates, room quality and decor (with photos!) and fun swimming pool features. An Activities chapter uncovers unique experiences outside the parks, whether expensive or free. New for 2011, a Walt Disney World A-Z section is an exhaustive Disney planning encyclopedia. Telephone and Internet directories hold hundreds of useful listings. Smartly organized with color-coded chapters, the book makes it easy to find what you need.A family favoriteMoms will love the book's thoughtful focus on children. Included are creative ways to involve kids in planning a Disney vacation, Fear Factors for every ride and show, and many Family Matters theme-park tips. A Character Guide reveals where to meet Mickey Mouse and 80 other Disney stars. Young families in particular will find the book helpful, as the abundance of photos give children a way to read it with their parents.Award-winning adviceThe only independent Disney guide ever honored by the Walt Disney Company, The Complete Walt Disney World is the winner of Disney's iParenting Media Award for Outstanding Family Product. Altogether the book has won 15 national and international book awards.From the back cover:Don't miss out on top experiences thanks to a colorful Best Bets showcase.Fully enjoy rides and shows thanks to in-depth theme-park chapters.Avoid long lines with Fastpass tips and hour-by-hour attraction wait times.See the rides and shows before you leave home, thanks to 530 color photos.Add variety to your trip with activities like fishing, golf and surfing.Ensure quality family time thanks to child-focused activities and advice.Book the right hotel with reviews that include photos, swimming pool features and discount rates.Be armed with resources on everything from face painting and tea parties to park tickets and dining plans.

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When Saturday Comes: The Half Decent Football Book (When Saturday Comes Magazine) Review

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(More customer reviews)An encyclopedia of British football compiled by the staff of When Saturday Comes, one of the best-written and engaging soccer periodicals on the market. If you're not interested in every club in the United Kingdom, or if you feel no affinity to British culture, this book is not for you. But if you enjoy the writing of Nick Hornby or Ian Plenderleith, this is a great A to Z guide of British football (current only through the 2005-06 season, the year the work was published).

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The best chants, the funniest nicknames, the greatest headlines and enough little-known facts to keep the average football supporter entertained and entertaining for several seasons. This is the story of the greatest game on earth, from abandoned matches' to Yeovil Town', via celebrity fans, mascots, punditry and superstitions, written from the fan's point of view and with a separate entry for every club in the English and Scottish leagues. Who cares why, if Torquay United's strikers had been more prolific in the 1950s, England may never have won the World Cup; or where football hooliganism actually began; or who the hell Captain Henry Blythe Thornhill Wakelam is? We do. Because as every true student of the game knows: it's important.

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Being Spherical: Reshaping Our Lives and Our World for the 21st Century Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great book! When I first ran into an actual instantiation of the sphere I was dubious and decided to do some more research. Then I stumbled across Phil Lawson's book, "Being Spherical". That's when I realized that the sphere I was looking at was a way of graphically representing a model that connects the dots (data points) of some identified space to define that space. The more dots you connect, the greater knowledge you have about the space. The more dots you connect between or across spaces (or between those arbitrary boundaries we place on things to make them easier to understand), the more you know.
The book "blew my mind" when I realized that we are surrounded by dots (data points) that impart new knowledge and ways of looking at the Universe when they are connected as a Spherical model. I now walk around seeing the world around me as a model waiting to be created, data points waiting to be modeled, problems to be solved as we understand the problem space. The actual idea behind Spherical thinking is simple; however, the impact is profound.
The book itself is also truly a "fun read" for folks who are interested in "The Medici Effect". Phil Lawson touches on a number of diverse areas to draw surprising conclusions about how to define and understand the world around us.
I'm into "systems" and systems theory... and now find myself looking at the night sky seeing points waiting to be connected instead of stars. I'm not sure if I'll ever see the night sky the same... as I used to.


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In this concise, illustrated work exploring the dynamics of living in the 21st century, Phil Lawson and Robert L. Lindstrom show us how we individually and collectively shape the future - a future no longer dominated by traditional hierarchies and concentrated power centers. The authors explain why, in this dawning era of interconnection and interdependency, we require a dramatic transformation in the way we see, think and act. Using mythological imagery in the form of The Sphere and an innovative and adaptive vocabulary, they introduce us to concepts and processes for reshaping our lives, our organizations and our world for the better. In addition, they introduce the Spherical Modeling Tool (SMT), a practical hands-on awareness application. BEING SPHERICAL GUIDES US AS WE LEARN TO: * Prepare for a future we cannot even vaguely predict. * Raise our children well in a climate of moral uncertainty.* Create viable organizations in an era of extreme complexity. * Come to the aid of an abused and ailing planet. AS WE LEARN TO SEE THE SPHERE WE: * Understand why we do what we do and what to do differently. * Discover creative solutions to longstanding problems. * Connect and reconnect within ourselves and with others. * Ready ourselves of quantum leaps in inspiration and awareness. THE GREATER OUR SPHERICAL INTEGRITY THE BETTER WE: * Flex with internal and external pressures. * Adapt to disorienting and accelerating change. * Respond to unpredictable and uncontrollable conditions. * Roll through hard times and bounce forward from adversity. Excerpted from Being Spherical: Reshaping Our Lives and Our World for the 21st Century by Phil Lawson, Robert L. Lindstrom. Copyright 2004. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

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