The Science of TV's the Big Bang Theory

The Science of TV's the Big Bang Theory PDF

Author: Dave Zobel

Publisher: ECW Press

Published: 2015-06-01

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 1770907076

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Reveals the hard facts behind the laughter on TV's most popular sitcom The highest-rated scripted show on TV, The Big Bang Theory often features Sheldon, Howard, Leonard, and Raj wisecracking about scientific principles as if Penny and the rest of us should know exactly what they're talking about. The Science of TV's The Big Bang Theory lets all of us in on the punchline by breaking down the show's scientific conversations. From an explanation of why Sheldon would think 73 is the best number, to an experiment involving the physical stature of Wolowitz women, to an argument refuting Sheldon's assertion that engineers are the Oompa-Loompas of science, author Dave Zobel maintains a humorous and informative approach and gives readers enough knowledge to make them welcome on Sheldon's couch.

Soap, Science, and Flat-Screen TVs

Soap, Science, and Flat-Screen TVs PDF

Author: David Dunmur

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2014-05-29

Total Pages: 368

ISBN-13: 0191004308

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The terms 'liquid crystal' or 'liquid crystal display' (LCD) are recognized in the context of flat-screen televisions, but the properties and history of liquid crystals are little known. This book tells the story of liquid crystals, from their controversial discovery at the end of the nineteenth century, to their eventual acceptance as another state of matter to rank alongside gases, liquids, and solids. As their story unfolds, the scientists involved and their works are put into illuminating broader socio-political contexts. In recent years, liquid crystals have had a major impact on the display industry, culminating in the now widely available flat-screen televisions. This development is described in detail over three chapters, and the basic science behind it is explained in simple terms accessible to a general reader. New applications of liquid crystals in materials, biosystems, medicine, and technology are also explained. The authors' approach to the subject defines a new genre of popular science books. The historical background to the scientific discoveries is given in detail, and the personal communications between the scientists involved are explored. The book tells the story of liquid crystals, but it also shows that scientific discovery and exploitation relies on human interactions, and the social and political environments in which they operate.

Unraveling the Mysteries of The Big Bang Theory (Updated Edition)

Unraveling the Mysteries of The Big Bang Theory (Updated Edition) PDF

Author: George Beahm

Publisher: BenBella Books, Inc.

Published: 2014-11-25

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 1941631142

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REVISED, UPDATED, AND EXPANDED! The Big Bang Theory – CBS's surprise hit sitcom – was recently renewed through 2017 after pulling in 19 million weekly viewers in its most recent season. Any fan who tunes in week to week wasn't surprised. The quirky show does what so few shows manage to do: straddle the fence between cult hit and mega-popular award-winner. Now, in Unraveling the Mysteries of The Big Bang Theory, longtime sf fan and author George Beahm has put together a guide with photographs for all fans of the show – mainstream tv viewers, sf and comics fans, and science enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a Penny or a Sheldon, whether you've just tuned in or been watching all along, this companion book will help you appreciate The Big Bang Theory to the fullest. Unraveling the Mysteries of The Big Bang Theory offers a full, comprehensive look at the series: from an analysis of the awful original pilot (that viewers may never get to see) to a tour of the real Cal Tech (which serves as one of the show's main settings), from a fandom terminology guide to enlightening analyses of the endearingly original main characters, all the show's quirkiest and most appealing elements are put under the microscope. This updated edition includes a focus on the show's female characters in addition to bringing the content up to date through the show's seventh season.

The Big Bang Never Happened

The Big Bang Never Happened PDF

Author: Eric Lerner

Publisher: Vintage

Published: 2010-12-15

Total Pages: 497

ISBN-13: 030777354X

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A mesmerizing challenge to orthodox cosmology with powerful implications not only for cosmology itself but also for our notions of time, God, and human nature -- with a new Preface addressing the latest developments in the field. Far-ranging and provocative, The Big Bang Never Happened is more than a critique of one of the primary theories of astronomy -- that the universe appeared out of nothingness in a single cataclysmic explosion ten to twenty billion years ago. Drawing on new discoveries in particle physics and thermodynamics as well as on readings in history and philosophy, Eric J. Lerner confronts the values behind the Big Bang theory: the belief that mathematical formulae are superior to empirical observation; that the universe is finite and decaying; and that it could only come into being through some outside force. With inspiring boldness and scientific rigor, he offers a brilliantly orchestrated argument that generates explosive intellectual debate.

The Sexy Science of The Big Bang Theory

The Sexy Science of The Big Bang Theory PDF

Author: Nadine Farghaly

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2015-05-22

Total Pages: 203

ISBN-13: 0786476419

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The Big Bang Theory's mix of humor, nerdy protagonists, sexy female leads and quirky characters have made the series one of CBS's most successful shows and have brought it international acclaim. Like Friends before it, The Big Bang Theory is touted as the show for the new millennium, bringing together aspects of classic humor applied to modern predicaments, usually sexual in nature. This collection of new essays explores sexual themes in The Big Bang Theory, interpreted through various critical lenses. Focusing on gender issues, the contributors explore how the series deals with sexuality and the ideals of masculinity, femininity and heterosexuality.

International Handbook on Ecotourism

International Handbook on Ecotourism PDF

Author: Roy Ballantyne

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2013-01-01

Total Pages: 521

ISBN-13: 0857939971

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Roy and Jan have assembled a timely snapshot of our current understanding of ecotourism, both as a concept worthy of scientific inquiry and as an increasingly significant segment of global commerce and industry. A terrific piece of work! Sam Ham, University of Idaho, US In the 30 or so year since it became established in the tourism literature and in tourism practice, ecotourism has attracted as many proponents as opponents. This Handbook now brings together some of the leading scholars worldwide in this field, to explore the current position of this form of tourism. In doing so, it offers serious critiques, it explores meanings and paradoxes, it offers best practices and it looks to the future. It is the Handbook for one of tourisms fastest growing and controversial sectors. David Airey, University of Surrey, UK This is a most welcome and needed book. With a very strong editorial team and contributing authors, the Handbook covers all the key issues of ecotourism. It cuts through the confusion surrounding the much-misunderstood concept of ecotourism, clearly dealing with definitions, concepts and research issues. The Handbook is particularly welcome for its focus on the visitor experience, a strength of the editors, and for clearly linking the theory of ecotourism with practice in the field. Christopher Cooper, Oxford Brookes University, UK This Handbook brings together contributions from over forty international experts in the field of ecotourism. It provides a critical review and discussion of current issues and concepts it challenges readers to consider the boundaries of what ecotourism is, and could be. The Handbook provides practical information regarding the business of ecotourism; insights into ecotourist behaviour and visitor experiences; and reflections on the practice of ecotourism in a range of different contexts. The Handbook is designed to be a valuable reference book for tourism scholars and researchers.

Cultures of Energy

Cultures of Energy PDF

Author: Sarah Strauss

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-06-16

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 1315430835

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This path-breaking volume explores cultures of energy, the underlying but under-appreciated dimensions of both crisis and innovation in resource use around the globe. Theoretical chapters situate pressing energy issues in larger conceptual frames, and ethnographic case studies reveal energy as it is imagined, used, and contested in a variety of cultural contexts. Contributors address issues including the connection between resource flows and social relationships in energy systems; cultural transformation and notions of progress and collapse; the blurring of technology and magic; social tensions that accompany energy contraction; and sociocultural changes required in affluent societies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Each of five thematic sections concludes with an integrative and provocative conversation among the authors. The volume is an ideal tool for teaching unique, contemporary, and comparative perspectives on social theories of science and technology in undergraduate and graduate courses.