From Nova, a special episode on Mars. From Plenty, here are 10 global-warming policy recommendations for the Obama administration. An interview with Eric Wilson, author of Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy. Black philosopher, White academy: A review of The Career of William Fontaine by Bruce Kuklick. When Dockets imitate drama: Literature and drama have provided plenty of models for the sort of outlandish scheme that the embattled trader Bernard L. Madoff allegedly conceived. A review of Law and the Media: The Future of an Uneasy Relationship by Lieve Gies. Lives of the Saints: An article on doing relief work in dangerous places. Gorillas in their midst: Is it possible to protect Rwanda’s mountain gorillas while also helping some of its poorest citizens? Clive Crook on constraints on Obama’s soft power. The Competence Dodge: The experience and competence of Obama's economic team are not substitutes for true progressivism. Getting rich quick — and having much more money than you ever need — will look as pointless as taking bodybuilding too seriously. The Year of the Nerd: Screw the jocks and prom queens — in 2008, geeks took control of entertainment, pro sports, even the White House. Tears, tantrums and murder: Far from being a cold and rational exercise, maths can provoke the full range of human emotions.