Check Out: The Big Bang Theory

Physicists Leonard and Sheldon understand everything from the inescapable gravitational pull of a black hole to the intricate structure of the atom. But take those atoms and assemble them into a woman, and their comprehension comes to a grinding halt. And when Penny, a women with all those atoms in all the right places, moves in across the hall, Leonard and Sheldon's universe beings to expand in ways they never could have imagined.



After stumbling upon an episode of this hilarious sitcom, I was hooked. The main characters all have their own unique quirks. Sheldon perfectly understands physics but can't understand social interactions. Leonard craves Penny's love and attention but can't seem to put away his love for comic books and video games. Howard considers himself a "ladies' man" even though he still lives with his mother. And Raj can't speak to women unless he's drunk. Combine this band of geeks with a loving yet ditsy girl named Penny, and hilarity ensues.

Also, it doesn't hurt that the theme song was written and performed by The Barenaked Ladies (a personal favourite of mine).



The Big Bang Theory is currently on their third season. It airs Mondays at 9:30pm on CBS. Here's a sneak peek of the first episode of Season 1. Go ahead, click it; you won't regret it!

(* cross posted from the collective blog Collision)

Book Review: Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

Title: Impulse
Author: Ellen Hopkins
# of Pages: 688
Published: May 2008
Genre: Teen
Rating: 4/5

Summary:

Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act -- suicide.

Vanessa is beautiful and smart, but her secrets keep her answering the call of the blade.

Tony, after suffering a painful childhood, can only find peace through pills.

And Conner, outwardly, has the perfect life. But dig a little deeper and find a boy who is in constant battle with his parents, his life, himself.

In one instant each of these young people decided enough was enough. They grabbed the blade, the bottle, the gun -- and tried to end it all. Now they have a second chance, and just maybe, with each others help, they can find their way to a better life -- but only if they're strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place.

Review:

I had heard of Ellen Hopkins' novels, and I was intrigued that her novels were written in verse. One of my roommates bought me this novel as a Christmas gift, and I was excited to give Hopkins a chance. At first, I found it difficult to read a novel written entirely in verse. However, after reading a few poems in, I understood that the story was clear. I had expected the story to be difficult to understand because it was written in verse but I was surprised to find dialogue and action clearly written.

I was very intrigued with the idea of three teenagers in a rehabilitation center, and so the story really appealed to me. The story slowly reveals the reasons behind the suicide attempts of Vanessa, Tony and Conner; problems with drugs, cutting and abuse. Once I began, I could barely stop reading; I was so eager to read and find out just what happened to each of them.

The stories of hardship did not disappoint; although the ending did surprise me. I don't want to ruin anything, but I did not expect such an ending and I was taken aback.

I would definitely recommend this novel and encourage people to try and look past the interesting style of writing and find the great story within.

(* cross posted from the collective blog Collision)

Book Review: Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Title: Along for the Ride
Author: Sarah Dessen
# of Pages: 384
Published: June 16, 2009
Genre: Teen
Rating: 3/5

Summary:

It has been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parentsa divorceaor since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life sheas been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

Review:

When I hear Sarah Dessen had a new book coming out, I was excited. I'd read the majority of her other novels,and I always enjoyed her work. This novel was no different; the story was heartwarming and I felt for Auden, Eli and Heidi (Auden's step-mother). Auden and Eli's late night quests reminded me of my nocturnal habits and I couldn't help but agree with Auden's realization that "the night changed things, widening out the scope. What we said to each other, the things we did, they all took on a bigger meaning in the dark. Like time was sped up and slowed down, all at once,".

Although this novel appealed to my fantasies of late-night adventures and spending a summer in a small town or village, I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed with Dessen. Her novels are all similar and I had hoped that she would depart a little more from her norm and explore her talents further. Even so, I would recommend this novel to any Dessen fan or anyone who enjoys a good teen novel.

(* cross posted from the collective blog Collision)

Check Out: Dexter

Since the summer of 2008, I have been hooked on Showtime's Original Series, Dexter. I'm a big fan of this series, just as I know my fellow blogger, Michelle, is. Dexter Morgan is a 30-something blood splatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department, with a beautiful girlfriend and a love for steak...oh, and he's also a serial killer.



This series is excellent. Michael C. Hall, who plays Dexter Morgan, is a fantastic actor who really brings the character to life. All of the supporting characters, such as Julie Benz, who plays the girlfriend, Rita, and Jennifer Carpenter, who plays Dexter's sister, Debra Morgan, are perfect. Not only is the acting fantastic, but the storylines so well-written and they really make you think what's wrong and what's right in our world.

Showtime is currently airing episodes for Season 4, the latest episode being episode 7 (out of 12). Although the show is well-into it's fourth season, it's worth spending the time to catch up. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys suspense, thrill, dark humour, and has the stomach for a little gore.

Just for a little tease, here is the opening credits. Can you already tell something is wrong with Dexter?


And to incite you even more to share in my obsession, here is the promo for the first season.

The Summer Sisters Strike a Pose

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I own all of the seasons, and I've watched every episode about 5 times. While looking around for photos of the cast, I came across some stunning photographs of the Summer sisters, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg and I thought I would share them here.

Sarah Michelle Gellar
Photography by James White






Maxim Magazine cover


Michelle Trachtenberg
Mean Magazine photoshoot






(* cross posted from the collective blog Collision)