Winter Fireflies

Winter is knocking on my door. My prediction of the first snow of the year was only off by two days. I really don't like winter, but it's much nicer to spend it in this area than where I used to live, in New England. On the plus side, it gives me an excuse to wear my Jayne hat.

Speaking of Firefly, there's been a huge growth in fans lately, which of course, translates to more websites and cool Firefly and Serenity things that can be found online. Oh, and Serenity also WON A HUGO AWARD on Saturday, August 26 at LA Con IV, the 64th World Science Fiction Convention. Here's the video of Morena Baccarin accepting the award, reading Joss Whedon's acceptance speech (PG -13 if you are worried about swear words).

Well, I had intended to embed THAT video into this post, but since that feature was disabled by the owner of the clip, I'm going to have to give you this one instead. Also because Nathan Fillion just asked me to 'please put this on the internet'. It's Joss Whedon and about half the Serenity cast at a stop on the Wizard World tour.



WOW- is this ever cool! Create your own Serenity ship from paper! The instructions are in Portuguese (I think), but the diagrams are good enough to figure out what you should be doing with all those pieces. You'll need a color printer, sharp scissors, glue and lots and lots of free time.

If you happen to be a PodCast junkie, you'll love The Signal and FireFlyTalk, two podcasts devoted to news of the 'verse. On both sites, you can click to listen now or dowload them for later.

If you'd rather listen to music, try some Filk. Oh, you thought that particular brand of songwriting was native only to the SCA? The Bedlam Bards, normally known for their Renaissance Fair performances are Browncoats!! They've written a filk of "Hero of Canton" and called it "The Creator of Firefly - the man they call Joss!" clicking this link opens an mp3 postcard, where you can get a FREE download of the song!

And FireFly Filk is a site with lyrics to many, many more great songs, but you'll have to do your own singin'.

I haven't figured out how to do a link into Second Life yet, but there's a a bunch of new Firefly/Serenity things going on in that virtual universe as well. Why, just the other day, I was able to walk through TWO different full size Serenity ships. You can now buy avatars that look like any of the cast, and there's a group of people trying to create a whole 'verse themed SIM.

All I can say is, you KNOW you've achieved cult status when people create a cookbook based on your story. Big Damn Chefs is about to publish The International Browncoat Charity Cookbook. Their collection of recipes submitted by fans from all over the world is huge. MMMM.... Livin' Legend Eggs, Special Hell Chili, Fruity Oaty Bars.... I'm gettin' hungry...

Firefly/Serenity Fan Films

I put my Jayne hat on the other day just because I missed the show so much. Clearly, I was craving something new to fill the Firefly/Serenity void.

Hmm...not much news lately, since Sci-Fi picked up the show...but wait, there's always Fan Films!

Done The Impossible - A Fan's tale of Firefly and Serenity looks promising. They've even prominently displayed 'the Jayne Hat' in their packaging! You can buy the DVD from their site or download it free and legally HERE.

Since posting a couple of my own films on YouTube.com, I've become aware of several THOUSAND other good films there. But, since I can't post multiple videos at once, you'll just have to click the links to watch these films.

Tour Serenity 1 - a handheld camera is walked through the set. Pretty cool, but no sound. Tour Serenity 2 has lots of lights and controls on the bridge!

Lego Serenity Trailer - LEGOS! Enough said.

Crossed anachronisms

Earlier this evening I went to Unser Hafen Baronial Yule, a small and cozy event that the Queen herself attended. The food was great, court was punctuated by fabulous musical interludes and a Darbukan Dame getting Stagged.

Then, I received a present that I had asked for. Deadwood season one and two. I was instantly stretched between the medieval and the old west. I wanted to leave and go home and watch them immediately. But I wanted to stay and dance, eat and see great friends. I chose to stay and watch them tomorrow. But it was a close struggle.

The event wound down, and we adjourned to a local residence for the obligatory post revel. But I had planned ahead and brought a swimsuit for the hot tub. Ahhh, modern technology. As we were socializing and the tub was getting ready, a bunch of us ended up discussing Firefly and Serenity gossip and opinions.

One was that Shepherd Book's story was told in Serenity: He used to be an assassin as well. Ok, I can go with that. Another was that Alan Tudyk asked to be killed off in Serenity because he has cancer in real life? I was concerned enough about this one to look it up online, but I can find no evidence to support this one.

Another rumor is that a local SCA'er has apparently found documentation for the Jayne Hat, which would mean it is period and I can wear mine at events. How's that for crossover? Now I completely feel like I'm living in the wrong time.

As I basked in the 103 degree water, I saw a shooting star, and wondered if 500 years from now, someone will be reenacting us...and will it take place aboard ships like Serenity?

Firefly Costumes

As if I didn't already have enough things on my list of cool things I'l never be able to afford...here's a site created by the costume designer of Firefly.

Ladies, check out Inara's dresses. Holy beadwork! And the real browncoat that Mal wore! These are all going up for auction starting December 1st.

Why, oh why, am I not filthy rich? Oh, well. At least I still have my Jayne Hat...

Geekier than thou!

Well, here's a lovely shot (courtesy of Russ) of Matt, myself and Jen in our hats. Looks pretty cunning, don't you think?

This is from the pre-party private premiere of Serenity the other night. Wow, say that three times fast.

You know what I hadn't thought of? In the SCA, my name is Jinan. For those who have never heard it spoken, it is pronounced jih-NAYN. Coincidence that it sounds like Jayne?

I'm thinking there might be a filk in my future, to the tune of "Hero of Canton"...hey, Russ, wanna help me out with this? Immortalize me in song? Embarrass me in public? Just make sure you mention my 'special powers'.

I don't think I can sleep!!

I'm so excited! In a mere 26 hours, I'll be comfortably seated in the Louisville Colony 12 Theater, watching the midnight premiere of Serenity. I've got a posse of friends showing up, two of which are joining me in the "Cunning Hat Club", and we're all going to get geek-a-licious! Want your VERY OWN Jayne hat? Well, Paxknits can make you one. But not by tomorrow.

Anyway, help support this movie! Everyone reading this should go see it too. Read Radhole's Firefly review to get you in the mood.

Many, many friends are also making the journey from near and far to attend this private screening. I suspect I won't be the only one dressed up. I will be posting photos as soon as I get this darn memory card reader figured out. Gorram technology.

For your enjoyment, and because I just know that this will be neccessary for tomorrow night, here's some lyrics from "Jaynestown". So when do we get to go to the crappy town where I'm a hero?

Jayne...

The man they call Jayne...

He robbed from the rich and he gave to the poor
Stood up to the Man and he gave him what for
Our love for him now ain't hard to explain
The Hero of Canton, the man they call Jayne

Now Jayne saw the Mudders' backs breaking
He saw the Mudders lament
And he saw the magistrate taking
Every dollar and leaving five cents

So he said, "You can't do that to my people"
He said "You can't crush 'em under your heel"
Jayne strapped on his hat
And in five seconds flat
Stole everything Boss Higgins had to steal

He robbed from the rich and he gave to the poor
Stood up to the Man and he gave him what for
Our love for him now ain't hard to explain
The Hero of Canton, the man they call Jayne

Now here is what separates heroes
From common folk like you and I
The man they call Jayne
He turned 'round his plane
And let that money hit the sky

He dropped it onto our houses
He dropped it into our yards
And the man call Jayne
He turned 'round his plane
And headed out for the stars

He robbed from the rich and he gave to the poor
Stood up to the Man and he gave him what for
Our love for him now ain't hard to explain
The Hero of Canton, the man they call Jayne!

Desperately Seeking Cunning Hat...

So I'm going to a Serenity premiere that a friend has arranged with a local theater. I'm sure we'll camp out hours before the show starts at midnight, just to entertain ourselves with witty lines from Firefly. Yeah, I'm a geek. So sue me.

Since the votes for what costume I should wear are leaning towards "mercenary" I've decided that I need a cunning hat like Jayne Cobb.

I've found a local knitter who will hopefully be able to get me this awesome fashion statement in time. My Blue Sun shirt is on the way, and I've even visited the dollar store for a fine plastic machine gun. Yes, I will name her VERA. But I will not try and trade her for some prairie harpy.

I don't think I'll be shaving my head for effect, though. Or growing a goatee. But I will learn some Mandarin Chinese...