Category: Articles

The Big Bang Theory and Co-Workers (and lasers)

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This past season of the Big Bang Theory we saw a lot more of the boys at work at CalTech. Their office life is something that I envy! Imagine being surrounded by cool lasers and a cafeteria that lets you take as many napkins as you want. My last office job was full of geeks much like CalTech, but it seemed to have a higher ratio of females than CalTech.

One of the things I love about the Big Bang Theory is a lot of the relationships between the characters are centered around hanging out and eating. It’s no different at their work where a lot of pivotal discussions and introduction of new character/plots happen in the cafeteria. A lot of my co-worker bonding time has been around food as well (shared lunches, free lunch Friday, etc). There’s something universal about sharing a meal together.

Of course, I’ve never spent overnight sleeping at my office like Sheldon did when he refused to learn how to drive. But in a lot of other ways my office experiences were similar to the ones you see on The Big Bang Theory… except for the laser part.

How about you? Do you and your co-workers bond over lunch? Do you get to work with lasers (okay, I’m super jealous of the laser bit, I admit)?

Buy The Big Bang Theory Season 4 on DVD/BluRay! http://bit.ly/nAnZ5T

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Big Bang Theory Season 4 on DVD.

Top 5 Favorite characters On Gossip Girl

Heidi 2 Comments

I am a geek, but I am also a girl. I enjoy my geeky shows like Smallville, Buffy, and Star Wars, but I also enjoy a good teen drama, like The OC, Dawson’s Creek, and Gossip Girl. The characters on Gossip Girl are loved and hated, sometimes all in one episode.

Here are my top 5 favorite characters on Gossip Girl.

5. Eric van der Woodsen: Eric is the voice of reason many times on the show. He doesn’t agree with the fight for social power that Jenny and Blair undertake, though he gets caught up in it more times than he’d like. Eric isn’t one of the major players on the show, but he is one of the more true to life characters.

4. Gossip Girl: This never seen on the show character makes the list because we wouldn’t have the show without her. She has eyes everywhere and a must read blog. Voiced by Kristen Bell, Gossip Girl makes and breaks relationships, loves a good scandal, and outs anyone she can. Maybe one day we’ll find out her true identity.

3. Serena van der Woodsen: Serena is the good girl of the Upper East Side, well most of the time. Serena used to be a wild child, but she has reformed. When Serena does go a little crazy, it’s usually because of something to do with her best friend, Blair. Serena has been in an on-again-off-again relationship with Dan Humphrey for years, and sometimes with Nate Archibald in between. I like Serena best when she’s not with a guy, but trying some self discovery. Of course this usually leads to her hooking up with a guy!

2. Blair Waldorf: While Serena is usually thinking of things in the minute, Blair is always thinking about her future. While in high school, she made sure she was Queen Bee, top of the social ladder. She is always aware of what will help her reach her social potential, which is very important on the Upper East Side. This also applies to who Blair dates. She has been in love with Chuck for years, but might now be marrying a prince. Blair usually gets what she wants through questionable (or downright nefarious) means, which makes rooting for her a very strange experience as a viewer.

1. Chuck Bass: I hated Chuck in early season 1 of Gossip Girl. He was so slimy and basically evil. He is still both of those things, but he’s one of the bad boys you just love. I think it happened when he fell in love with Blair, that’s when Chuck became a person. Chuck has had some very bad things happen to him, so he’s a sympathetic character when he’s not being a jerk. Chuck can make anything happen. He has money, power, and influence. If it weren’t for his love of Blair Waldorf, he’d probably be the most powerful business man in New York. Blair is his weakness, and quite the distraction. Also, just to show my girly side, Chuck gets the number one spot because when he utters the line, “I’m Chuck Bass,” it’s just so hot!

Honorable Mention: Georgina Sparks must be included in this list somewhere, but not being a main character, I couldn’t put her in the top 5. When Georgina shows up, portrayed by Michelle Trachtenburg, you know that trouble is coming and mayhem will ensue.

Catch up on Gossip Girl S1 and click here to buy the entire series of Gossip Girl Books at DeepDiscount.com.
Gossip Girl: The Complete First Season [5 Discs]Gossip Girl

Vampire Diaries Season 2 DVD Review – Special Features

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Special Features are something that makes or break any DVD set, especially for TV. The special features included add to the overall valube of a show that you may be able to get cheaper digitally. Recently I’ve been kind of disappointed by the lack of great features on DVDs that I’ve bought. Thankfully, The Vampire Diaries Season 2 DVDs have some really great features and is well worth buying the set for.

My favorite is “Her Own Worst Enemy…” which goes into explaining how they do split screen scenes (when one actor plays two characters in the same shot). Especially in Season 2 where in one episode Nina Dobrev has to play 12 pages of script Katherine and Elena just talking to each other. For Buffy fans it’s kind of like Dopplegangland when Aly had to play four different characters.

There’s also an amazingly fun “The Perfect Love Triangle…” that explains all of the romances on the show (with a fun little ‘family tree’ style chart) with actor/crew interviews explaining them. Then they try and explain Elena’s family tree. It’s freaking hilarious.

There’s also a bunch of small features on the werewolves and their mythology, a fantastic gag reel, deleted/unaired scenes, and a commentary on the pivotal episode “Masquerade.”

Check the fun features out for yourself and order your copy of The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season on DVD/Blu-Ray here today: http://bit.ly/mkiZtx!

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season on DVD/Blu-Ray.

Photo: Quantrell D. Colbert/The CW

CBS Launches Fall Preview iPad App

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[Press Release] September 1, 2011: CBS, America’s most watched network, has launched a free CBS Fall Preview iPad app, the first-of-its-kind, which gives iPad users a unique look at the Network’s new fall drama series UNFORGETTABLE, PERSON OF INTEREST and A GIFTED MAN, as well as its new comedy series 2 BROKE GIRLS and HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN.

This CBS Fall Preview app is now available here from the App Store or at http://www.itunes.com/appstore.

The CBS Fall Preview app’s unique iPad experience includes the following features:

● In-depth Previews: Includes special previews and behind-the-scenes videos of the new CBS line-up, as well as exclusive photo galleries of the shows’ casts.

● Unique, Integrated Video Elements: On the home screen, NCIS’s Pauley Perrette introduces each new show, while offering fun anecdotes about the cast, characters and storylines.

● An “Unforgettable” Memory Challenge: Gives users a fun way to test out their memory while interacting with the new series. Users also have the chance to win a new 50-inch plasma TV.

● Social Media Integration: Social media posts from the official Twitter accounts for all CBS shows are integrated directly into the app.

● CBS Fall Schedule: Gives users a look at the complete lineup on CBS this season. Calendar integration enables users to easily add the Network’s premiere and regular episode dates to their iPad calendar and share the information with friends online.

Fans without iPads can visit CBS.com for exclusive content, including videos, games, blogs and contests, for all of CBS’s new and returning series.

Theo Teaches Systematic Theology in Cartoon Form

Tabz 1 Comment

I grew up with Christian cartoons, from Superbook to Hanna-Barbera’s Greatest Adventure Stories from the Bible and, as I hit high school Veggie Tales. So when I was asked to review Theo I was very intrigued. The idea of teaching systematic theology with fun cartoons is very appealing because, as School House Rock can tell you, animated featurettes can sometimes teach more lasting lessons than a room full of teachers.

Theo is a very cute premise, a nice old English man who lives in a cozy cottage in the Cotswolds with two mice named — of course — Luther and Belfry. Luther and Belfry are my favorite part of the movies. Their antics add the fun part of the videos. The two episodes I watched had them acting silly, but it actually fit with the lesson for each video.

I also enjoyed the illustrated shorts (like the story of Abraham done in pop-up graphic style) and I think that it’s a resource that works really well for adults as well as kids because of the pacing and storytelling. I can see it easily setting up a message or used in a worship service. It also would be helpful in Sunday School or homeschooling settings if supplemental materials are used (discussion especially).

The theology itself and the message is sound. For those who really want to teach the fundamentals of the Christian faith, this is a great series. Again, the lessons are simple enough for children to understand, but are also ideas that work well for adults. In one episode Theo explains how the word “sin” really means “missing the mark” and that it’s an archery term. He illustrates the fact by firing a bow and arrow.

As enjoyable as the videos are there are a couple drawbacks. The series is geared towards urban kids or younger children who probably would get bored with the didactic style of the videos. There’s not enough story here to keep people engaged (though, the videos are short 5-7 minutes). I’m not entirely comfortable with the idea that theology can only be taught by older, Caucasian Englishmen. I would have liked to have seen something more universal (or at least a larger, diverse human population).

If you’d like to find out more about Theo, which is also available on iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch check it out at:  www.theopresents.com

You can also check out the first episode for free and download it at their website.

 

I was given a review copy of Theo for the purpose of reviewing on this site. The free copy does not in any way change my opinions of the product and I strive to always give honest and reliable reviews.

Video + Review: Millie and the Lost Key

Tabz 1 Comment


I love ebooks for the iPad. I think they’re getting cleverer and cleverer. So I was delighted when I was able to review “Millie and the Lost Key” (the second book about the dog adventurer Millie). While I don’t have kids of my own I have a ton of kids who use my iPad on a regular basis. It’s been the best tool in combatting “long, boring adult things.” Just a couple weeks ago it was a long lunch. There’s also been long graduations, long meetings, and long bus rides. Kids love the iPad because of the tactile experience and, because of this, “Millie and the Lost Key” is an experience kids won’t soon forget.

The Interface
Millie and the Lost Key is fairly intuitive to use, though I’m glad they had the small startup instructions on how to turn pages. A lot of the pages look like their “real life” counterparts (such as pop up books) so knowing what to do on the screen is easy. The kids I’ve seen use it didn’t struggle at all. The only part I struggled with was knowing when to “scratch off” versus click on something, but soon got the hang of it.

Experience
The strength of this app is that there’s always a surprise on the next page and you can’t really tell what might come next. Where a lot of ebooks fail, Millie and the Lost Key succeeds in giving you enough variety in things to do that you’re not bored and give up halfway through. There’s things to push, pull, scratch, click and more. Plus a variety of small mini-games that help the story along.

The Story
If you’ve bought enough ebook apps you know that often an ebook is either 1) a great story or 2) a great experience, but very seldom does an ebook app give you both. I have several amazing kids books on my iPad that just make boring apps. There’s nothing visually striking about them and there’s little to click on, move or push around the screen. Thankfully Millie and the Lost Key is not only an exciting app to play with it’s also an adorably cute story.

The Price
For the amount of fun this app is, I think it’s one of the most reasonably priced kids ebooks out there. The added value is that it’s got a nice replay incentive if you’ve missed all of the hidden stickers or just want to retry to beat your score on some of the mini-games.

Bottom Line
I say buy it, it’s a fun app and is great for the kids in your life who are going to be borrowing your iPad. Plus, you can get the first book “Meet Millie” for free! Click here to find “Millie and the Lost Key” on iTunes: http://bit.ly/qm4ofG

Review of Star Wars vs. Star Trek by Matt Forbeck

Tabz 1 Comment

It’s safe to say that I’m an uber geek girl. I cut my teeth on Star Trek and met Riker at my first Star Trek convention when I was like 8 years old. My dad watched the original Star Trek (ST:TOS as it’s referred to by fans) when it first aired, but he also watched the Star Wars movies as they were released. Geekdom, it runs in my blood.

So when I got the chance to read and review Matt Forbeck’s “Star Wars vs. Star Trek” I jumped at it. Long has there been a stalemate in which future franchise reigns supreme. Is it Star Trek with it’s “wagon train to the stars,” optimistic vibe of explorers and tusslers or Star Wars, with it’s small flame of hope against an oppressive regime? Both are near to my heart, so I read the book with gusto.

If you’re looking for a very serious, in-depth look at the cultural, political, social implications of two fictional world mega-franchises — this is not the book for you. And kudos to Matt for not making it another academic discussion. Instead Matt pits similar characters against each other based on their roles in a head to head combat that’s heavily influenced by both stories. My favorite parts are the show downs themselves that are written in semi-fictional prose (want to see Obi Wan and Picard battle? It’s here). Long time fans of both series will enjoy the depth of information and the (sometimes surprising) mashups. At the end of each meeting there’s a decision – who wins? Sometimes clear, sometimes a draw, the characters themselves will determine the winning franchise at the end.

Great fun to read and it often had me giggling like crazy. I highly recommend Star Wars vs. Star Trek to any uber geeky fan who just needs to know who wins.

Buy it now on Amazon:  http://t.co/8ZLyWRF

Celebrating Supernatural S2 on Blu-ray: Monster Hunting

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I’m super excited that Supernatural Season 2 is coming out on Blu-ray. It’s actually the first season of the show I watched and so it holds a special place in my heart. The special features look great (like the Devil’s Roadmap that Eric talks about in the YouTube clip above). Having just completed a rewatch through all the seasons of Supernatural (in a week I think), I jumped at the chance to write about the new Blu-ray release.

The nostalgic thing for Supernatural fans going back and rewatching Season 2 is that the episodes are more monster hunt focused rather than the big huge season arcs that, while fun, can be a bit draining. One of my favorite parts of Season 2 is the variety of monsters the boys must hunt. From vampires to killer clowns (okay, it really was a rakshasa), the season has some traditional baddies and some interesting second-stringers.

One of my favorite monsters that the brothers hunted was “The Trickster” (aka Loki), who appears in the episode “Tall Tales.” Subsequent episodes with the Trickster are always funny, kind of heart-breaking and just plain great television. Other than killing his victims, it seems appropriate that he makes jerks pay for their behavior.

Of course, watching the Winchesters fight monsters every day makes you wonder how you’d handle a situation with a monster yourself. Would you take up arms, illegally dig up graves, salt and torch bones? I don’t think I could. Mostly my strategy would be run away and find someone who could. Of course, running straight for the Winchester boys wouldn’t be a bad thing.. would it? I’ll leave the slaying to the professionals.

Order your copy of Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray here today: http://bit.ly/k3Lbpz!

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray.

IVPDA Opens a New Vintage Poster Web Show. Relive the History of Music through Posters!

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(Press Release) When we look back at history, one of the things that define an era is its music. Parlor music of the gilded age, the honky-tonk sound of the jazz age and the strident sounds of early rock make it easy for the listener to be transported to a time period of history. Music leaves an indelible mark and its legacy remains intact through the vintage posters which advertised them. For music lovers, history buffs and poster aficionados The International Vintage Poster Dealers Association (IVPDA) proudly presents it new vintage poster web show, “Vintage Music Posters: Opera to Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

“Vintage music posters are hard to find and highly sought after by collectors. These posters, which were once free, can be very valuable today. A good example is Milton Glaser’s Bob Dylan poster from 1966 fetched over $2,000 recently.” says Mireille Romand president of the IVPDA. “IVPDA members are pleased to share vintage music posters of this caliber through this exhibit.”

All of the original vintage posters offered through the exhibit have been handpicked by the world’s most trusted poster dealers. The exhibit presents a lineage of music and the eras it shaped through the past century and beyond. Included in the IVPDA’s exhibit are posters for dramatic Operas, such as Massenet from the 1880’s and 1890’s and light operas such as Franz Lehar from the 1920’s and 1930’s. Jazz age posters such as those featuring Josephine Baker are featured along with posters from the 1950’s which conjure up memories of the swinging sounds of the time. The unbridled excitement of the 1960’s is captured through a selection of rock posters which conclude the exhibit.

“Vintage Music Posters: Opera to Rock ‘n’ Roll.” is part of a series of ongoing online exhibitions offered by the IVPDA. Collectors can buy with confidence as all posters sold by IVPDA members are guaranteed to be original vintage posters. Please visit the IVPDA website at www.ivpda.com to explore the online exhibit, find a poster dealer or learn more about original vintage posters.

The International Vintage Poster Dealers Association (IVPDA) is a non-profit organization comprised of the world’s most knowledgeable vintage poster dealers. Founded in 1996, the IVPDA provides strict guidelines to promote ethical and fair business practices throughout the vintage poster industry. Dealers displaying the IVPDA logo have passed a series of stringent membership requirements.