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The article discusses the final season of the television program "Mad Men" starring Jon Hamm and John Slattery which is scheduled to begin airing on April 13, 2014, focusing on analyses of the 1960s-set program and the mafia-themed cable television program "The Sopranos" which aired its final episode in 2007. The wardrobe and set designs on "Mad Men" are examined, along with show creator Matthew Weiner and various television props. The relationship between television and culture is assessed.

The article discusses Mitch Hurwitz, the creator of the comedy television program "Arrested Development," focusing on Hurwitz's scripting of a 15-episode season of the show which will be available on the Netflix streaming video network on May 26, 2013. Cast members Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, and Tony Hale are mentioned, along with several guest stars including actor Ben Stiller. It states that the show originally premiered on the Fox television network in 2003. Netflix's business strategy is also examined.

A preview is presented of the fourth season of the television program "Breaking Bad," produced and created by Vince Gilligan and featuring Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn.

The article presents several calendars of events discussing entertainment offerings for the Fall of 2010, including motion pictures, books and music releases.

A calendar of 2010 summer media events is presented which includes the music album release of "Bionic," by Christina Aguilera on June 4, 2010, the World Cup soccer championship in South Africa from June 11, 2010 through July 11, 2010, and the U.S. film release of "Toy Story 3" on June 18, 2010.

The article discusses the impact the television series "Lost" has had on television viewers and the television industry in the U.S. "Lost" first aired in September 2004 and many in the television industry were uncertain that it would be successful due to its complicated plot which contained aspects of adventure, science fiction, philosophy and mythology. The series, produced by Carlton Cuse, became one of the most popular shows on television and the series finale is scheduled for May 23, 2010. INSET: Previously on Lost....

The article presents obituaries for several notable people including comedian George Carlin, actor Paul Newman, and dancer Cyd Charisse.

This article discusses radio disc jockey Don Imus, the racial slur that offended a Rutgers University women's basketball team, and the media rules regulating what can be said on the air. The author purports that we live in a culture where racially and sexually edgy material is often considered brilliant comment, even art.

The article presents obituaries for several notable people including pope, Pope John Paul II, Saudi Arabian King, King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz al Saud, and the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, William Rehnquist.

The article presents information on the record home prices in the U.S. real estate industry as a result of economic boom. The boom has categorized the society as owners and renters. The median U.S. home price jumped in April 2005 to $206,000, with a 15% increase over 2004 and 55% increase over the past five years.

The article presents obituaries for several notable people including film actor Marion Brando, singer Ray Charles and television presenter Alistair Cooke.

Mentions meetings between several people that influenced social and political history. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow; Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers; Eva Duarte and Juan Perón; Fidel Castro and Che Guevara; Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad; Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay; John Lennon and Paul McCartney; Richard Nixon and Mao Zedong; Bill Gates and Paul Allen; Others.

Presents a look back at popular culture in the year 2002. Impact of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on popular culture; Comments on music releases from Bruce Springsteen and Eminem; View that crime was big news and how that was reflected on the all-news channels and in drama offerings on television networks; Celebrity scandals including Winona Ryder and Martha Stewart; Popularity of MTV's 'The Osbournes'; Recap of movies, television, music, books and theatre.

Offers a preview of the fall 2002 season of the HBO television drama 'The Sopranos.' Background on its previous seasons; Overview of the first four episodes of the 2002 fall season; High ratings of the program, which is about New Jersey mobsters; Criticism of its violence; Comments of its creator David Chase; Relevance of the program to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; Outlook for continuing the show. INSET: USUAL SUSPECTS.

Focuses on an apparent decline in protest or rebel music in the popular music industry. Success of various rebel music stars, such as Femi Kuti of Nigeria and Tarika of Madagascar; African-American musicians who sing a form of protest music, including Black Star, which is composed of rappers Talib Kweli and Mos Def; Lyrical content of songs by singer Ani DiFranco.

Focuses on the commercialism accompanying the change from the year 1999 to 2000. Media and business hype surrounding the millennium; Effect of the year 2000 (Y2K) computing crisis on the millennial spirit; A global partygoer's guide; Why people are opting for a simple New Year's Eve. INSET: The Y2K Bug: Do We Still Have to Worry?, by Chris Taylor.

The article focuses on the television program "Enlightened," starring Laura Dern and Mike White. Topics include Dern's receipt of a Golden Globe for her role on the show, the reaction to the show's controversial characters, and why the show does not fit into the traditional categories of comedy or drama. Information is provided on the portrayal of corporate whistleblowing, how the writers determine Dern's character's motivation, and the performances of other characters played by Luke Wilson and Dianne Ladd. INSET: Hannah and Her Siblings.

An article is presented that reports on actor and comedian Louis C.K., born Louis Szekely, and his television comedy "Louie." The article describes the show, which airs on the FX network, and Louis' roles as its star, executive producer, director, writer, and editor. The article discusses his work in stand-up comedy, his television appearances, and his self-deprecating humor. Information is provided on how Louis depicts himself as a divorced father of two daughters on "Louie," as well as the show's continuity and format.

The article discusses the reemergence of the television sitcom genre. The author notes that after the television show "Seinfeld" went off the air in 1998 it was replaced by reality shows and drama series, both of which incorporated some of the elements of sitcom humor. The author discusses some current popular sitcoms such as "The Office" and "How I Met Your Mother" and describes how they have successfully blended some of the stylistic elements of reality television into the traditional sitcom.

This article examines the collision of feminism and success as portrayed on two television shows, "Lipstick Jungle," and "Cashmere Mafia." Both shows feature very powerful women who are extremely successful at what they do. The author suggests that the shows blend the women's personal lives with their careers and delves into the issue of whether women who act the same way as men in the same positions get treated the same way.

The article focuses on the portrayal of cable television's 2007 heroines which is one that allows the women to be as good or as bad as the men portrayed. The article points to actresses' performances in shows such as "The Sopranos," "The Closer," and "Prime Suspect" as examples of women who were free to be as tough or as sexy as they wanted to be.

This article presents the trend in animated motion pictures of updating children's stories to contemporary culture and values. The author describes how the Walt Disney company was formerly accused of sanitizing the more grim fairy tales, but now movies like "Shrek" satirize fables and puts a modern spin on characters. Examples are given of remixed stories like "Wicked" and upcoming films with empowered princesses plus social groups helping the hero or heroine accomplish their dreams.

The article highlights that the television shows in the U.S. that best define straight relationships have gay writers. The television series "Sex and the City" which has established the standard for frank talk about women and love, was created by gay writers Darren Star and Michael Patrick King. According to Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, co-creators of television show "Will & Grace," truth and lies are unavoidable themes in the lives of gays.

The article focuses on the success of the newspaper "USA Today." Karen Jurgensen, editor of the newspaper, instituted an "accuracy program" as soon as she joined it in 1999. She aimed to raise the profile of the U.S.'s largest paper, which has never called attention to itself in proportion to its size. The newspaper is not in an urban hot spot and its comparatively quiet newsroom culture does not make for juicy media gossip.

Focuses on the trade-offs for women of having children early in life. Financial cost as the largest tradeoff of motherhood, including the difficulty of saving for college and retirement; Impact on the marriage relationship; Issue of isolation and condescension facing so-called nonworking moms in a career-woman's world; Mention of various mothers and their feelings about having children early.

Examines how the United States is attempting to wage a propaganda war in the Arab world. Significance of the videotape made by Osama bin Laden; View that this is also a media war; Why the U.S. message is not reaching Arabs; Role of the broadcasting station Voice of America; Attitude of many Westernized Arabs; How the satellite station al-Jazeera is influencing Arab public opinion; Roles of U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Offers observations on the inadequacy of popular culture in the United States to address the impact of terrorist attacks against the United States. Belief that some entertainment is inappropriate following this type of tragedy; Direct response to the attacks by various entertainers, including singer Michael Jackson and performers who donated time to a telethon; Changes to scheduled programs which resulted from material which is similar to the attack; Possibility that these changes may be neither permanent nor appropriate.

Discusses the business of rock music in spring 2001. Cyclical nature of rock music; Mention of Weezer, Tool, and Staind, which are displacing teen pop musicians on the 'Billboard' charts; Details of songs from Staind's 'Break the Cycle' album; Outlook for the rock-star myth.

Focuses on the reality-based television programs, 'Survivor' and 'Survivor: The Australian Outback,' which were produced by Mark Burnett. Appeal of the shows to television audiences; Profile of the Australian program's contestants.

Reports on political advertisements in the final stages before the 2000 United States elections. Thoughts on negative campaigns; Celebrities that have recorded advertisements for presidential candidates Al Gore and George W. Bush; Plans for the final stretch.

Focuses on Stan Lee, former writer and editor for Marvel Comics. His business, Stan Lee Media, crafting his first new characters in 25 years; The comic `webisode' series, `The 7th Portal,' debuting on February 29, 2000 at www.stanlee.net; Strategy for marketing online comics.

The author discusses the financing of the film "Veronica Mars" through a crowd funding initiative on the website of the crowd funding company Kickstarter Inc., focusing on the implications of the initiative for the motion picture industry and fans of the original "Veronica Mars" television show. Topics include the program creator Rob Thomas and a revival of the television program "Arrested Development."

The article discusses reality television programs focused on hunting, collecting, and reusing junk including "Pawn Stars," "American Pickers," and "Storage Wars." The article notes the high ratings such shows have brought in, comparing these shows to long-running PBS series "Antiques Roadshow" as they give history lessons about the items along with price quotes. The article connects these shows to those about hoarding or home foreclosures and ruminates that these types of shows are a product of the difficult economic times of the late 2000s and early 2010s.

The article discusses the death of terrorist Osama bin Laden as a dramatic aspect of the decade following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, noting parallels between it and the television program "24." The author reports that bin Laden's death fit a scenario of retribution that could have been part of a season-ending script for the television program.

The article discusses media personality Oprah Winfrey and the launch of her cable-television Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) on January 1, 2011. The credo of the OWN network is said to follow that of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" that involves self-actualization and behaving at one's best based on the study of role models. Television shows to be broadcast on OWN are introduced including "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," "Master Class," and "Ask Oprah's All-Stars," the latter 2 of which will be hosted by Winfrey.

This article discusses economic conditions in the state of Michigan resulting from the decline of the automobile industry. The effect of prolonged unemployment issues on the psychology of Michigan residents is considered as one social consequence of the declining prominence of U.S. automobile manufacturers. The relationship between cars and social life in Michigan is also considered.

The article focuses on ways the web site YouTube.com has revolutionized the media. The article discusses the combination of the prevalence of camera phones and ease of Internet distribution with creating a sort of global telepathy allowing people to communicate quickly and easily, across the globe. The article describes the vastly different ways that YouTube has been used, from political videos to footage from soldiers in Iraq.

The article comments on celebrities involved in charity work. Actor and humanitarian Angelina Jolie, is excited about actor Brad Pitt deciding to adopt her two children. 2005 will go down as the year of charity with celebrities working for both tsunami and Hurricane Katrina aid. Performers Bono and Bob Geldof organized live concerts with the help of screenwriter Richard Curtis for African debt relief. Celebrities to do charity because of guilt, faith, personal suffering, and public relations.

The article discusses the implications of terrorist Osama Bin Laden's threats on the U.S. Politics and security. By the means of a videotape the terrorist warned, that the country's behavior towards the Muslim world might lead to more attacks on it. The tape released just before the 2004 Presidential elections of the country indicates towards the challenges which the new President of the country is likely to face.

The article presents information on the resignation of some leading editors of the newspaper "The New York Times" due to their involvement in plagiarism scandals. Howell Raines, the executive editor of the newspaper under whose leadership the magazine "Times" won seven Pulitzer Prizes in 2002 and Gerald Boyd, the managing editor of the News, resigned recently after the disclosure of their involvement in a scandal that began with the disclosures that a reporter had plagiarized a string of stories.

The article presents information about propaganda tactics of Iraqi Minister of Information Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf. Al-Sahhaf appeared daily before mediapersons in Baghdad, Iraq, and denied presence of Americans in Baghdad. The author discusses al-Sahhaf's popularity in Iraq. He says that immediately before the fall of Baghdad, al-Sahhaf disappeared.

The article focuses on different projection of war by media on the two sides. Each camp is seeing the same war differently. Arabs and Muslims outside the Middle East were distrustful of Western media for its one-sided coverage, and therefore have arranged for homegrown television networks which reflects their perspectives. However, New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ market system have expelled al-Jazeera reporters for broadcasting grisly pictures and aggressive coverage.

Focuses on the television coverage of Gulf War II, the United States invasion of Iraq in March 2003. Discussion of the costly loss of advertising because of the war; Mention of correspondents sent to the region for several networks; Benefits of the embedding program created by the U.S. military allowing journalists to ride along with units; Use of military men as news analysts.

Looks back at movies in the year 2002. 'Italian for Beginners'; 'Russian Ark'; How Eddie Murphy's and Robin Williams' films flopped at the box office; 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'; 'Bowling for Columbine' from Michael Moore; Tom Hanks in 'Road to Perdition'; Jack Nicholson in 'About Schmidt.'

Looks at the popularity of superheroes among Americans. Why they attract fans; The creation of Superman in 1938; The introduction of superheroes by Marvel Comics; Their psychology and conflict; The likeability of Spider-Man; View that pop culture changes superheroes to fit the times.

Profiles artist Catherine Wagner, who photographs subjects through an electron microscope and magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) machines in order to explore science and art. Mention of her exhibition 'Cross Sections'; Idea that she takes typical still life images and turns them inside out.

Reports on the fire fighters of Engine 54/Ladder 4 in New York City's Hell's Kitchen who were lost as a result of terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The tributes and expressions of public support; The men who responded to the first report and did not come back; Ordeal of the fire fighters left behind, who worked long shifts amid the wreckage; Comments of fire fighters and local residents.

Discusses how product placement in television programs is taking in-show advertising to a new level of sophistication and stealth. Products that are becoming part of a show; How placements, sold by networks as packages with traditional commercials, offer a new cash stream amid bottom-line pressures; Ability of virtual placement to alter past producers' creative work; Criticism of product placement by Jeff Chester of the Center for Digital Democracy.

Profiles actor Tom Hanks on the set of his motion picture 'Cast Away.' Work with director Robert Zemeckis of 'Forest Gump' and 'Contact'; Physical transformations that Hanks undergwent for the role; Biographical information.

Focuses on editor Dave Eggers and his career in publishing in the United States. Description of the literary journal `McSweeney's'; His memoir `A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.'