"A radical approach to children's TV. . . . Seiter argues cogently that watching Saturday cartoons isn't a passive activity but a tool by which even the very young decode and learn about their culture, and develop creative imagination as well. Bolstered by social, political, developmental, and media research, Seiter ties middle-class aversion to children's TV and mass-market toys to an association with the 'uncontrollable consumerism'--and hence supposed moral failure--of working class members, women, and 'increasingly, children.' . . . Positive guidance for parents uncertain of the role of TV and TV toys in their children's lives."--Kirkus Reviews "Sold Separately is about television and toys, and the various roles that they play in the lives of children and parents. In particular, Seiter examines toy advertising, both in print media and on television; TV commercials; toy-based video for girls, with an in-depth look at "My Little Pony"; action TV for boys, using "Slimer and the Real Ghostbusters" as her case study; and the stores where toys are sold, both Toys "R" Us and the more upscale shops . . . contains many provocative observations."--Women's Review of Books "Ellen Seiter has a holiday message for yuppie parents who feel guilty shopping at Toys "R" Us. The mass-produced toys that dominate the chain's shelves need not be the enemy of every right-thinking parent. "Ghostbuster" figurines and "My Little Pony" can share the toy chest with those sensible wooden blocks."--Chronicle of Higher Education "Emphasizing problems of socioeconomic class, gender, and race stereotyping, this study acknowledges the usual parental complaints about toys like Barbie and G.I. Joe, but insists that they do play an important role in children's culture, especially for working class families. A thought-provoking analysis."--Wilson Library Journal "In this thought provoking study, Seiter reasonably urges parents and others to put aside their own tastes and to understand that children's consumer culture promotes solidarity and sociability among youngsters."--Publishers Weekly "An important book for those desiring an overview of the toy industry's impact on consumer culture . . . it] presents a fair and well-balanced view of the industry."--Kathleen M. Carson, associate editor, Playthings "A refreshing, thoughtful, and insightful investigation of an enormously important subject--consumer culture for kids. . . . I can't recommend it highly enough."--Janice Radway, Duke University, author of Reading the Romance

Highlights the trailers, merchandising and cultural conversations that shape our experiences of film and television It is virtually impossible to watch a movie or TV show without preconceived notions because of the hype that precedes them, while a host of media extensions guarantees them a life long past their air dates. An onslaught of information from print media, trailers, internet discussion, merchandising, podcasts, and guerilla marketing, we generally know something about upcoming movies and TV shows well before they are even released or aired. The extras, or “paratexts,” that surround viewing experiences are far from peripheral, shaping our understanding of them and informing our decisions about what to watch or not watch and even how to watch before we even sit down for a show. Show Sold Separately gives critical attention to this ubiquitous but often overlooked phenomenon, examining paratexts like DVD bonus materials for The Lord of the Rings, spoilers for Lost, the opening credits of The Simpsons, Star Wars actions figures, press reviews for Friday Night Lights, the framing of Batman Begins, the videogame of The Thing, and the trailers for The Sweet Hereafter. Plucking these extra materials from the wings and giving them the spotlight they deserve, Jonathan Gray examines the world of film and television that exists before and after the show.

“Readers looking for a light beach read will enjoy the engaging writing and compelling plot.”—Library Journal “A great romp of a read”—Candace Bushnell, New York Times bestselling author of SEX AND THE CITY Bright lights, big trouble… Dana Barry has nothing against rules. She just knows they’re meant to be bent. So it’s no wonder the single, twentysomething, aspiring actress loses her day job. Now her life is a mess… until she hears the Shopping Channel is auditioning. Relying on her knack for knowing what makes people tick, she lands a gig on air. But before she can say office politics, Dana is caught in the biggest drama of her life. The star host—a diva who terrorized the entire staff—is found dead. Dana knows the prime suspect is innocent. The heat is on, and Dana thinks she’s ready for it…until she tangles with the tall, dark and smoldering detective in charge. It’s more fuel than she needs right now as she’s trying to launch her career. But Dana’s never been afraid to take chances…even when a single spark could ignite everything.

"New York Times"-bestselling author McCray takes her acclaimed Night Tracker series one chilling step forward--where the undead roam the streets of New York City. Original.

A darkly funny and messy love story about the struggle to live happily ever after after the after, by the New York Times bestselling author of Good Grief. Elinor Mackey has always done the right thing-college, law school, career, marriage-but now everything's gone wrong. In her late thirties, Elinor has discovered that she can't have children; all the doctors can tell her is that it's because of her age. She withdraws from her podiatrist husband, Ted, into an interior world of heartbreak. Her closest companion? The tree in her backyard. But since everything in her life is going from bad to worse, soon, despite the best efforts of the tree doctor, her tree must be cut down. Ted Mackey has always done the right thing, too. He started going to the gym and lost weight, got on track, got in The Zone. But when he uncharacteristically has an affair with his personal trainer ? who has an odd-ball son who latches on to Ted like a barnacle -- he has to figure out how to make everything right (even if he's not sure what right even means anymore). In a complicated dance of partners, lovers and admirers, Happiness Sold Seperately delightfully shows that sometimes love with the wrong person is sometimes right.

This book is both a testament to the triumph of the spirit and roadmap for success. What does it take to achieve a real breakthrough in your life, be happy, and win the "battle of your mind?" What are the mysterious forces that conspire to cripple us emotionally, psychologically, and socially? Even more importantly, how do we permanently overcome them and confidently, boldly, and joyfully reclaim our lives? You are about to find out. This is the story of George "GK" Koufalis, a boy who lost his innocence early on and grew up with the constant companionship of painful hardships and suffering, yet never gave up on his quest for something better. Despite all the odds stacked against him early on, he learned to fight for his happiness and succeed against the mental demons that plagued him. GK used the bricks of failure, struggle, and pain to build a solid foundation for the successful, fulfilling and inspired life he enjoys today. Today, that boy educates, instructs and inspires others on how they can improve their lives by following a simple success system he developed to overcome the adversities in his own life. Success leaves clues, and this book is filled with them. GK's 21-Day Blueprint will empower you for a more positive and powerful you. This unique system will reprogram your philosophy to drive new actions and deliver desired results. This autobiography is complemented by workshop based exercises to aid in your personal journey and discovery. Ultimately, it will not only show you that optimism and love can conquer all, but it will also prove it! When applied, GK's super-simple, practical and positive action steps will help you improve your course in life from where you are to where you want to be. And what is positive besides the rose-tinted glasses many of us would assume, it is the accurate response to any situation. As we all know, it's not what happens to us that is the major factor for our results; it's how we respond to what happens. If you ever needed a simple road map to your better life, here it is.

Shake off the Chains of Your Past and Step into Your Divine Destiny Do you feel called to something greater? It's time to answer that call. The desire you have for something more isn't just a dream. The fact is that God didn't design you to settle for less in your life. You were created for greatness, and that infinite potential is inside you right now. Whether you long to find the career that makes your spirit sing, lose the physical weight that's slowing you down, connect more deeply with God, or create better relationships, you have the power to do it all. This revolutionary resource gives you simple, powerful steps to begin your process of transformation and become the highest version of yourself. Breakthrough Sold Separately provides a blueprint to: - Lose the victim story and take 100% responsibility for your life. - Feel the emotions you've tried so hard to suppress and come out better on the other side. - Renew your mind and choose the principles you want to live by. - Set clear boundaries with your time and space to get the life and relationships you desire. Stop dreaming of the life you wish you could live. Start aligning with your purpose and live up to your divine potential right now.