MANWITHPEZ

Because for the last three days, I've gotten a collective 4 hours of sleep. I haven't slept, and you know what that means...Stream of consciousness begins now! Fucking Boba Fett...and all the rest of Ragnos's sith disciples. WHY CAN'T I KILL YOU!!! Will the US Air Force kindly give up the money it owes me for signing on for another four years? Please? My home internet connection has been down for 8 days. I called on day 1, and they said they would send a new modem over in three days. Now, they're sending someone over to look at it. Bout bleedin' time. And, again, it did go down right after I played my first session of City of Heroes, so, double burn there... I have a new fanfic idea...but its a monster...Shadow War started small and grew inescapably huge. But, because I could control it, I could see the end. Somnabulism(working title) is big to start out with, and I don't want to start something I can't finish. "And so it is...Just like you said it would be. Life goes easy on me...Most, of the time." Yeah, it can be said that I like me some Damien Rice. Even if Renee Zellweger dumped him for Kenny Chesney. I have a beer bottle coozie that says "Age and Treachery Will Always Win Over Youth and Skill". Would that it were true. Or I could be treacherous. One of the two. I feel like someone took me out back and beat the shit out of me with a bat wrapped in a towel so it wouldn't leave marks. Even my eyeballs hurt. In retrospect, watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show this weekend was probably a bad idea. I have a bad habit of walking around quoting the last good movie I've just seen. Also, referring to my wife as a "Fucking' virgin" during the viewing...also ill advised. I'm currently finishing reading a book called "The Kidnapping of Aaron Greene". It has been such a good book. It takes place in Atlanta, and its one of the few books set in the south that doesn't have a drooling hillbilly in overalls character somewhere. I find that refreshing. Plus, great start, and great plot...I found it for four books hardcover, and believe me, its worth it. The last time I went to see Ep3ROTS, there wasn't a Serenity trailer. Now, I realize that they only showed it at digital theaters, and I believe this is a mistake on Universal's part. Get it out there, and let the people see. There's only so much us Browncoats can do to get asses in the seats. Its your movie, after all... I've found that while working out, it may be dangerous to listen to "Spybreak" by The Propellarheads. Before you know it, your tearing ass, and hurting yourself. Tone it down, damn it! I guess I'll be back later...I've got no where else to go!!!

UNCHARTEDOUTLAW

Couldn't decide exactly what I wanted to talk about, so y'all get a double blog from me! First, my wife's landed a job for next year teaching 2nd grade. So she took a tour of the classrooms recently and met many teachers and some of the kids. She recounted to me this one girl who was always kind of off in her own world, making pencils talk to each other, and so forth. But she always got her work done and did very well on it. Okay, cool...wound up forgetting about it for a week or so. Last night we're just turning in for the night and she says "You know that girl I told you about? Off in her own world? I finally remembered who she reminds me of...River!" LOL Apparently this girl looks a lot like Summer Glau right down to the fact she was even wearing boots on the day my wife met her! And this is a first grader, folks! Too cool. I warned my wife that if anyone at her work came in wearing blue gloves to just run! --- My thoughts on Weezer have always gone back and forth. Sometimes I dig 'em, sometimes I can't stand 'em. "The Sweater Song", "Hash Pipe", "Beverly Hills" I like. "Buddy Holly" I freakin' can't stand. Always have to change the station when it comes on! Anyway...I'm watchin' the video for "Beverly Hills" and I gotta say they have some real cute fans! There's that one girl with the red skirt and blue shirt next to the drums. Then there's also that gal in a yellow top and pig tails who looks remarkably like Molly Shannon (is it Molly? Weezer fans help me out)! Compare them to the Bunnies and there's no contest...the bunnies look all vapid with bloated lips and other things! Let's hear it for all the nerd girls and weird girls (yes, even our own!) out there! Y'all rock! -Taylor

MANWITHPEZ

What's that? A potentially new set of blog categories? The mind rejects what it cannot comprehend!!! "You know what I think my favorite quote from The Simpsons is? That one where Bart has a crush on Lovejoy's daughter and he's trying to get away from her and he says "But her hair smells just like Froot-Loops" and Lisa says "Yeah? I eat Froot-Loops for breakfast" I love that one." "I thought your favorite was when Barney was eating a severed human arm and walks off saying "I'm not a zombie, but hey, when in Rome" Conversation between me and my wife. "I've got too much flavor on my fingers. Look at all the flavor, Daddy." My daughter after eating Cheetos...in the car no less. "Do you know where the thing about "What's-His-Nuts" is?" "Who's "What's-His-Nuts"?" Conversation between me and my boss. "Joss Whedon is my master now." "No he's not. That's unacceptable." Conversation between me and a Star Wars obssesed Staff Sergeant. "Will you get me up?" "Not if you're going to keep talking about it. You're making me self-conscious." "What the hell are you talking about? Will you wake me up at 6:30 tomorrow?" "Oh...OH! Yes. I though you meant...Never mind." Conversation before "Happy Event" in bed between me and my wife. Hey! I liked these! Maybe I'll do some more later, as it is, I've hit my two a day quota!

BREDASONG

hey everyone I just wanted to get some feedback about this suggestion I sent to the Dragon*con people. they may already have something like this planned but I thought it would be a good idea to mention it anyway. If you think it is a good idea perhaps others could also drop them a line. We're Browncoats and we know there is power in numbers. [i]hi, I don't know if this is the proper place to send in suggestions so I am hoping that who ever receives this will be able to forward it to the correct party. I see that a good chunk of the Firefly cast will be appearing this year and I am very excited. I was able recently to see a prescreening of Serenity the Firefly movie and I have a lot of questions that I would like to ask both the stars and the creator. But I fear that this will cause some trouble as the movie will not be released until later in September and many people will want to avoid such spoilers. So my suggestion is to have at least one panel discussion set aside as specifically for those who have already seen the movie and those who don't mind being spoiled. It would also be good to let folks know that there will be such a thing at the regular panels so that they will be more conscientious of what they say around those who have not yet had a chance to see the film.[/i]

KELLAINA

... was the Serenity trailer that played before it!!! What? Did you think I was going to say Paris Hilton's death? :wink: I went to a second-run theatre last night with a few (unconverted) friends/acquaintances. The lights dimmed a bit and the trailers start and the image on screen looked... familiar. It took my brain a second to realize that it was Serenity (the ship) and another few seconds to realize that it was the trailer (at which point I half-gasped/half-squealed before clapping my hand over my mouth). My friend next to me gave me this slightly alarmed glance before I told her what it was, and then she turned and told everyone else. Sadly they didn't seem too interested :disappointed:. But my reaction may have confused them a bit. The friend-sitting-next-to-me's reaction was 'hey isn't he the guy from the X-files' (upon seeing Adam) and 'is that Laurence Fishburne's wife?' (after seeing Gina). Strangely enough, she didn't notice 'the guy who played Caleb on Buffy.' (a big Buffy fan who has so far resisted all offers to watch Firefly). I'm really not sure how the trailer will do attracting non-fans, but then, I was a bit too shocked to see it on the big screen to really look at anyone else's reaction. (Big screen definitely better than little computer screen!) I think I'm rambling a bit. I'm just so excited that I got to see the trailer in a theatre!! House of Wax wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. A cliched horror film (everyone knows you don't go in the weird stranger's house!) but still entertaining. However, my judgement may have been impaired. I was on a trailer high after all! :biggrin: :biggrin: I know that no one is excited about the trailer anymore, 'cause of all of the advanced screenings, but for some of us seeing the trailer is probably as exciting as it's going to get until September - so I'll be as giddy as I wanna be! :biggrin: If anything, I now really want to see a preview simply for the experience of seeing the film with other fans - and not being the only one in the theatre grinning like an idiot!

REGINAROADIE

Hey all. This is my first time blogging, so bear with me if I don't have it down to an exact science. Since KaySky wants to know what I've been doing, and in an attempt to do something different this summer, I've decided to do a monthly blog, just to say what I've been up to the past month. I hope at least one person out there actually gives a shit as to what I have to say and finds what I describe as mildly amusing. Summer for me begins April 27th. That was my last day of finals, and it was for the class I paid the least amount of attention in (Intro to Art). Going in, I'm a bit nervous since I tanked the mid-term and only did any serious studying at the last minute. I get some help from this chick Korinn who's also in my Sociology class, although it doesn't really add up to much. I do the test, and amazingly enough, my head doesn't explode and the universe doesn't come crashing down. I'm not totally free from the clutches of niversity though. On Tuesday, May 3rd, I have to do an interview with three of my film profs to see if I can be accepted into the BFA, so that I can get a Film and Video PRODUCTION degree, as opposed to a STUDIES degree. So the next few days is just me killing time before the interview. Here's what happens. I go to Purolator to send off my DV cam to JVC in Toronto. I run a small videography business (mostly weddings), and my first video of the wedding season is on May 22nd. For the last two months, something's been wrong with my camera. It can film perfectly, but when I hook it up through the firewire port and into my computer, the computer won't register it and digitize the film I've shot. I try a number of things, but as it turns out, the problem is with the camera. Luckily, the thing is still under warranty, so I send it to the JVC people to fix it and send it back by the 20th, in time for the wedding. I book an appointment for a haircut, but end up getting sidetracked by the student film fest they have each year. I pop into the uni in hopes to finding out when it is, but as it turns out, it's just started a half hour ago. I end up bailing on the haircut and sitting down to watch the different student flicks, while plugging the meter during intermission. Some of them are amateur, while a few of them are really good. I end up chatting with a buddy of mine, Daniel, who last semester actually did a documentary on me, which I found strange since I think I'm the most boring person I know. And despite a few things that makes me self-conscience, it's actually a really good small doc on me. Anyhow, the flick on me isn't shown, but nevertheless, Daniel actually wins a runner up prize for it, and I get a little mini-Polaroid camera out of the deal. That night, Matt (my older brother) and I go check out THE HITCHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY. We both love the flick, which captures the spirit of Doug Adam's book perfectly. During the whole whale scene, I was laughing so hard, tears were streaming down my face. I can't even remember the last time that happened. We didn't see the SERENITY trailer attached to it, although it gave me an idea for a one off fic. What do you guys think of this? Kaylee is off at a spare parts warehouse, picking up parts for the engine and the ship, and who's there to help her out than Marvin the Paranoid Android? I just think it would be funny to see the most cheerful sci-fi character having a discussion with the most depressed sci-fi character ever? She's be all happy and bubbly, and he'd be all "Life. Don't talk to me about life." When it comes to the Rainbow (second run theatre), I plan on seeing it again. And I'll remember to bring my towel with me.

REGINAROADIE

The next day, I just bum around, not doing much. I work a little more on YOU CAN'T GO HOME AGAIN (I've hit a serious bit of writer's block as of late, and with juggling a full time job and the videography business, I'm usually drained by the end of the day. I only have three paragraphs written for Chapter 4), and go for a walk. It's early evening, and I decide on a whim to go to the Cineplex Odeon at the Southland Mall. I decide to see THE UPSIDE OF ANGER for a third time (it's my first favorite movie of 2005 and one of the best) and I decide to kill time by movie hopping. I go to SIN CITY, but it hasn't started yet. I decide to go, but as I'm standing in front of the entrace for it, this guy walks past me. It's only for a brief moment, but the face registers with me. I then quickly realize who it might be, but I'm still not sure. I go back onto the theatre and find the guy. I get his attention, and I ask him if he's Don McKellar. He says yes, I say he's bullshitting me, he says it really is him, and I go "Holy Shit". This is my first ever real celebrity encounter. For those of you who don't know, Don McKellar is one of the bigger figures in Canadian cinema right now. He's an actor, writer and director. Some of the more notable films on his resume include 32 SHORT FILMS ABOUT GLENN GOULD, THE RED VIOLIN, EXOTICA, WAYDOWNTOWN, RUB AND TUG, he's dabbled in television acting in TRUDEAU and was in Regina at the time filming THE TOMMY DOUGLAS STORY. But he's also the mastermind behind the cult tv show TWICH CITY and the real gem in his resume, the Canadian sci-fi/black comedy LAST NIGHT. This is one flick that all of you guys have to find. It has a pre-SIDEWAYS Sandra Oh in it, a pre-GO Sarah Polley, Canadian icon Callum Keith Rennie, as well as a cool cameo by David Cronenberg. And it's about all these people in Toronto as they wait for the end of the world to happen at midnight. Anyways, I chat with him before and during the previews. He's a really cool guy and takes my card graciously. I leave as his movies about to start. I go to the ticket place and find out that his movie gets out before mine. I decide to leave early during UPSIDE so that I can catch him as he's leaving the theatre. I flag him down and I ask that if he's not too busy at the moment, if I could just talk with him about being a filmmaker. He's OK with it and for half an hour, we just talk. I end up doing the majority of the talking, telling him about my ideas for different movies, the videography business, trying to get a job as a grip in the city but only ending up with regular labor jobs. But he does get some words in. He talked about the origin for LAST NIGHT, how he got started, his influences, the various directors he's met (he told me that Quentin Tarantino is exactly like me, which I took as a huge compliment) and some other stuff I can't remember. I tell him about the Cronenberg class I'm taking next semester and he was amused. I asked him what it was like working with Cronenberg the director and Cronenberg the actor. Cronenberg the actor is totally serious and focused and determined. But Cronenberg the director is very loose and funny and energetic. I end up walking with him to the restaurant where he's meeting with some people and chat with him about living on the praries. I ask if theres any way I can keep in contact with him and he tells me about his website for Rhombus Media, his production company. I havn't e-mailed him yet, but one day I will, just to see if he remembers me. I walk home, thinking this is going to be the beginning of a great summer.

REGINAROADIE

Sunday and Monday go by without any real event, which then morphs into Tuesday and the day of the interview. I'ma bit nervous, because this is the second time I've done this. I did this interview last year, but because my grades wern't good enough, I was two away from being accepted. So this whole last year has been me boosting my marks so that I can re-apply and be accepted. I go in, and two of the three profs are ones I'm familiar with. One is Charlie Fox, the prof I had been meeting with about the interview and digging up my old portfolio for re-admittance. The other is Dr. Phillippe Mather, who was the prof for both my Film Theory and Aesthetics, and my Contemporary Film classes. The third guy is someone I havn't had yet, but who will be teaching one of my classes next semester. I know the three questions they'll be asking, and I answer them to the best of my abilities. I tell them that the reason I want to be in the film program is that this is who I am. I show them all my extra-curicular film work, with The Wedding Shooter being my ace up my sleeve, and that I've been improving my marks in order to be accepted. I end by telling them that asking me why I want to be a filmmaker is like asking Mozart why he wants to be a composer. This is who I am. I can't imagine doing anything otherwise. When they ask me what kinds of movies or directors I like, I tell them that for films, I've been finding that the domestic dramas (THE UPSIDE OF ANGER, GARDEN STATE, AMERICAN BEAUTY, CLERKS) are the ind of movies I love because they bring me a spiritual clarity and an understanding about the world and life more than any other genre. And I name drop Werner Herzog as a recent favorite, because he's a Quixote-like filmmaker. Someone who shoots for the stars while others are content to hover. As for one project in my portfolio that I think is the strongest, I tell them the slide narrative one is my best, since it was something spontaneous and came out of two failed projects and ended up being the rabbit out of the hat. I end by showing them the last few minutes of my first wedding video, which is one of the best edited things I've done and thanking them for letting me do this. After some DR. WHO on CBC, we pack up and Matt and I head home.

REGINAROADIE

The next day, I begin my first job for the summer. Between May 4th and May 19, I drive half an hour there and back every weekday to Cranfields. It's this farm near Limerick, (one of the small towns in the Mossbank area, Mossbank being my hometown), and they build grain bins there. For the first three days, I'm working with this one dude, Nathan, a rocker from Crane Valley, as we build the top cone of the bins. Every day, I end up washing my hands with gasoline to get the silicone off my fingers. The next Monday I get back, I'm being replaced by the boss's son's fiancee (I stick my card in her windshield wiper as I leave that day), and I'm moved to the shop. For the next two weeks, I buff (off the rust and dirt on the cones and the skids) grind (off the metal bumps left over from the welders, as well as the edges on some supports to make them smooth) and wipe (a flammable solution onto the metal that's like a primer for when they paint them that night) the steel hopper bottoms of the bins. Heavy metal blares in my ears as sparks fly around me as I'm reminded of shop class. Everything goes fine, and I'd still be there if I didn't have an interview in the city on the 14th with Sarcan (recycling plant) and ended up with a job there. It's a small pay cut, but it keeps me here in the city, which is what I've always wanted. I do my last week at Cranfield's quietly, although on my last day, I nearly set myself on fire. During the Victoria Day long weekend, my friend doesn't show up, I get some DVD's and I check out REVENGE OF THE SITH. Kick-ass, like all six STAR WAR films and am eager to see it again. I get the camera back from JVC. They say that nothing's wrong with it. I hook it up and it's still not working. I end up burning up my first ever summer paycheck (which is supposed to go to my tuition) and end up buying a brand new camera just so that I can take the footage I shot with the old one and digitize it with the new. I plan on returning the new camera to Future Shop before the 14 day return policy is up. My first wedding of the summer is one fiasco after another. First I end up running across the street to Shopper's Drug Mart to get some film cassettes before the ceremony starts. Then during the ceremony, I end up not getting one of the most crucial shots of the ceremony (the bridal party walking in) and suffering the embarassment of having to do a re-shoot, something I've never done before. And to make matters worse, my August bride, who recommended me to the May bride to begin with, is there as well, watching me at work. Amazingly enough, I end up getting everything else right, and after putting it off for a week, I edit the whole thing on Sunday (this Sunday) and it ended up turning out really well. My business partner saw the video before I digitized it and she said that this is one of my best videos so far (which is high praise from her). After discovering a new brand of DVD's don't work and scrambling to get my hands on some DVD's of my old brand, Memorex, I end up giving them the first cut of the film. On the whole, they're happy with it, although they would've liked that moment in it that I missed, (I'dve like that too). They just wanted me to change the grooms name from Chris to Kris, and to have some more shots of their kid, London in it. I go back, change the name, add another montage at the end, and tonight I finally handed in the final product and got my last check from them (with a $50 pay cut from them.) No time to worry about that, since I have another wedding to do this weekend. On the 24th, I started my second and more permanent job in the city at Sarcan. It's the easiest job in the world. All I do really is take bags and pallets of recyclable material (plastic, aluminum, glass) off of some trucks and dump them into a hopper on a conveyor belt. It's like working at the seed cleaning plant, really. As to other miscellaneous stuff, I got a letter from the film board, saying that I have been accepted into the BFA program. This is both good and bad ne

MANWITHPEZ

Yes, I have five brothers. No sisters. Five...count them all, I just know you won't. But, four of them are half brothers, produced by my family splitting and building new annexes. One, the one just younger than me (I'm the oldest) has been a thorn in my side for more years than I care to count...okay, its 29, the math isn't hard on that one. He got his growth spurts the same time as me, so it wasn't long before he was just as big as I was, and he terrorized me without end. He used to beat the living shit out of me on a daily basis. I love that bastard. He is the one that taught me to tie my shoes. When I was 17, he taught me to shave. I got more driving lessons from him than I did my parents. He was allowed to do what he wanted with almost no supervision. He would come traipsing home at six in the morning on the weekend more like than not, and this was when he was fifteen. When I was 17, I came home an hour late, and found my mother on the phone with the police! He now has three children. They are all lovely, but his firstborn was a girl! I loved it. My parent's couldn't bring themselves to do it, so I placed the curse on him. "I hope she acts exactly the way that you acted." It appears to be working. She's six, you can tell she's going to be a beautiful woman, and just as mischievious as the day is long. She does what she wants, and when he gets on to her, she almost always manages to make him feel guilty. So, to my brother...My revenge is now enacted upon you with my niece. May your sleepless nights rival our mother's!

MANWITHPEZ

As I've said many times over the last ten days, my internet at home is shot. We just had the Sprint guy over today...(Self involved old bastard, if I do say so...and whattya know, I did!) And he sat on my phone for the better part of 45 minutes. Snatches of conversation containing the word PING became almost unbearable to hear. Turns out, Sprint switched us to a new system but didn't bother to tell anyone. My internet is still out, as it looks like the modem may not be able to handle it. So, now they're going to send a PC guy out to look at it, but refused to give me a date or time. The whole time this is going on with the repairman, my wife is muttering about not paying for service she's not recieving. Hey, I'm with her in that regard, but bitching at this guy ain't going to solve anything. So, now she's mad at me. Another unfortunate side effect to this, is that my wife and I have found each other harder to ignore. Sad, ain't it? But, we have settled into a pattern where we try not to annoy each other too much, and the lack of the internet isn't helping. Also, if our cable should happen to shit the bed, we may have to get lawyers on the phone. I was looking forward to playing City of Heroes again too, Damnit!

STEVETHEPIRATE

[i] To the tune of "Ghost Riders" [/i] A chicken farmer went out one dark and dreary day. He rested by the coop as he went along his way. When all at once a rotten egg hit him in the eye. It was the sight he dreaded: Ghost Chickens in the Sky!   [i] (Chorus) [/i] Bok, Bok, Bok, Bok. Bok, Bok, Bok, Bok. Ghost Chickens in the Sky!   The farmer had raised chickens since he was 24, Workin’ for the Colonel for 30 years or more, Killing all those chickens and sending them to fry. Now they want revenge ... Ghost Chickens in the sky.   [i] (Chorus) [/i]   Their feet were black and shiny. Their eyes were burning red. They had no meat or feathers. These chickens all were dead. They picked the farmer up and he died by the claw. They cooked him extra crispy, and ate him with cole slaw.   [i] (Chorus) [/i] Ghost ... Chickens ... iiiiiiiinnn ... the Sky! ------------- [b] Happy Friday! [/b]

MAVOURNEEN

I have received many emails inquiring about Delia since I first posted my "Delia Cycle" on another website. I am not Delia. She and I share many qualities...but I didn't write her as a model of me. Delia is a combination of the best qualities of the women of Firefly. She's got Zoe's strength, Inara's feminine wiles, and Kaylee's warmth. My fiction is not "Mary Sue" fan fiction...but people are wondering. Thanks, Maura

JAA

Yeah, III is a good flick. Does it have it's problems? Oh yes. But there are some redeeming aspects. The CGI is brilliant. The climactic sequences are good, with surprisingly nice dialogue/acting from Ewan McGregor and Christensen, even though it is Lucas-esque. As for my problems. I have a few problems with the movie, like that the pacing is awful in a good part of the movie, and that some scenes are lame. It's way too ambitious compared to what it achieved. But it did achieve something which can be seen as good. Also, having Obi-Wan shout "You were the Chosen One!" at a burnt lump, was so obviously not the right choice. Finally, the point becomes that if I liked this flick, how much am I going to love Serenity?

LUVFIREFLY

Just wanted to say Hello! Has anyone heard of a site called Zazzle or Cafepress cause a friend was on it and found Serenity and Firefly stuff.

EBONEZER

Last night was so freakishly awsome. There was this thing at school, the award cerimonies for the Theater Club. (I'm just gonna stick to calling Ice Cream Guy Fucktard sence it's what we're all familiar with...) That was fun, a lot of tears towards the end because all the seniors are leaving and such (I didn't cry, I don't cry much at all...Fucktard is really bothered by this for some reason...). Anyways, afterwards a whole bunch of us drove a few blocks to a golf course and went out and laid down on the fairway and looked at the stars. I was sitting on this bag thing and fucktard goes, "You wanna go for a walk?" So we leave everybody else and walk out, just us. Then fireworks started going off, literaly. I guess for graduation someone had gotten ahold of some fireworks and were shooting them off from the street or something. It was so cool, because it was just us out there, and it was like the fireworks were for us. We sat down and he goes, "This is straight out of a movie." And it really was like a moment pulled straight out of a cheezy romance movie. Which was really cool, in its own way. So basicly we just laid there and stared at the stars untill I had to go home (goddamn early curfew...). It was just really, really cool.

LUVFIREFLY

Hi! I went to Zazzle and I tried making myself a shirt to wear when I got to see the movie I dont plan on selling it I do plan on buying it for myself. My question is, if I wanted to put a picture of the Serenity Movie Logo on it will Zazzle send it to me as a shirt that way?

THEGREYJEDI

I have a new cat! Kitten, really. I think he's 10 weeks old. Tiny little critter he is. He's a dark grey tabby tux cat. His name is Dior Thingol, which means Dark Grey Coat in Sindarin Elvish. We call him DT for short. Bailey, of course, immediately wanted to play, only the tiny guy wasn't too keen on the prospect. Ebony is, as to be expected, wholly unimpressed at the prospect of another cat in the house, especially one so young. But he's a cute little thing. I'll have to find my digital camera, snap a few shots of him when I can.

TETHYS

Ok, so I’ve never done a blog before, per se. Not normally one to share what I think or feel very much, it tends to bite me in the nether regions something fierce, shall we say. I have toyed with the idea for a bit, so I’ve decided to give it a go (at least it will give me something to do during work hours (lol) A quick introduction might be warranted, so as to give this some semblance of logic. First off, I am typing this in Word, so I have no idea how this is going to turn out… The common joke would be: I was born when Carter was president, and I’ve been recovering ever since. (Weak joke there, but hey.) I grew up as lower-middle class, as it were; never really hurting for anything, but not enjoying the frills that other kids of that time enjoyed, shiny bikes, Nintendo’s, etc etc. My parents had divorced when I was two, and my mother remarried when I was four, my real-dad the same year I believe. This part of my life is rather gray. Not for the reasons that most would think (I am cursed with total recall, and near photographic memory), it was rather that my feelings on such things hadn’t quite formed into what they are now. I do distinctly recall that I had little tolerance for this new bloke that ran the show, and missed sitting in my mom’s lap watching scary movies (poltergeist especially) late at night. Think I wanted that back until maybe 8 years had passed. Being a rather “simple” man, not stupid mind you, but just simple, having a son with a next-gen computer for a brain is rather intimidating, I would say. Many, many times would I be harassed for using “Big Words: to confound him (like say…pelvis), or discussing certain bits of science or math. Like ideas about how things worked, and what could I actually figure out (a habit that I still enjoy to some extent). Made things a bit rough, so needless to say, I was relatively grounded until my height and weight caught up with me and I had a more “manly frame” (Being short and rather skinny most of my life). Still a bit lean of build, but the height became 6’ at some point. So, growing up, I learned how to conceal a lot of what I truly thought or knew (know when to hold them, know when to fold them…it’s the walking away that’s difficult at times o:O). Needless to say, that provided NO shortage of difficulties in the cutthroat world of the American school system. Outsider, reject, weirdo, freak, nerd, geek…. you name it, I’ve been called it. A few friends here and there ; no popularity for me, just the kind of friends that you give you a wistful longing for later in life. My recompense was that I had the brains in my little finger what most of the harassers had in their entire body, which with my sarcasm, left me in trouble more times than not. Bullies typically don’t like to be reminded that they are rude, boorish, stupid, or otherwise lacking in certain…features, shall we say? Which, of course combined with Sunday morning Kung Fu matinee on TV left me with a fascination for all things martial (most martial arts, swordplay, etc). The last bully that attempted to establish his superiority got jump kicked…lol. Oh…and try being confined to a pair of glasses on top of all that (20-15 vision does NOT make one popular!) Unsurprisingly, most of this left me with, or as a result of (Which came first, the chicken or the egg) a healthy does of AHDH (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, for those that don’t know), a highly INACCURATE term. A pet peeve of mine is what it actually is, how it is explained to people that don’t know what it is, and the millions of claims to have it. As a kid, it was very rare for a diagnosis of ADHD, let alone so many people walking around saying they have it to get some sympathy, or an excuse to drug up their kids (my cousin for instance was on Ritalin for years, but shares not a one of the symptoms of ADD or ADHD). So, let’s break it down: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Submitted for your approval as it were…there’s no such thing as a Deficit with it, more like a

SERENITYSGIRL

I would like to request a beta reader for help with my fan fiction. If interested you can email email me at danielletgastin@aol.com

SERENITYSGIRL

Hello. I have aol and yahoo messenger if anyone ever wants to say hi. yahoo I'd: serenitysgirl31 aol I'd: danielletgastin

MANWITHPEZ

I'm afraid that's what we're looking at here. Now, I'm not so conceited that I think anyone's waiting with bated breath about my comings and goings on this site, but...well, someone got pregnant. You see, I work in a maintenance squadron. I'm coded for working aircraft fuel systems. Its what I'm supposed to do. Instead, for the past year and a half, I've been working in an office. Mostly, because I'm so much better at that than working on aircraft. They're taking my job away, and giving it to another troop that just got knocked up, and thus can't fulfill her duties. Am I bitter about this...yes and no. If I had known that they would take the job away so quickly, I would have never taken it. I've lost three months valuable training time I could have been using get acquainted with the planes I'm supposed to be working on. Also, a lot of people from my shop have been somewhat pissed that I got this job. I guess they wanted it or something. They are looking forward to my return to the shop just so they can make my life harder,...not that going back to the shop would be easy in the first place. So, you won't be seeing a lot of me anymore. Not nearly as much as you have been. And, that makes me sad. And angry. I mean, I am in the military, sworn to follow the orders of those appointed above me. Its just that those appointed above me are asshole, more like than not. It also hurts my feelings a bit that no one thinks highly enough of my work to let me stay in this position. There are other places they could put this lady...places not here. But, it is the easiest solution. So, my bags are packed. I have to say that its been fun, doing the everyday thing, but I reiterate, I won't be around much. Sorry.

MANWITHPEZ

Hey, I'm not going to be around much,...doesn't mean I'm going to be gone forever. Here's a Surreality blog with a little twist...these are things I do to make other people's day more surreal: Blowing down the highway at top speed is great. Until you come to a stoplight...then look over at the person next to you , who is staring because you have the Back to the Future theme blaring out your window. I lent out the first disc of my Firefly set to someone over the weekend. I showed up promptly this morning to collect it. He handed it over, and I was certain he would either ask for the next one, or tell me not to bother. He said "I went to the store and bought the set. I watched them all this weekend...I've been waiting for you to come get this so we could talk about it." I said "Sure, I'll let you borrow the next one...wait...what?" Yeah, that was me running out to the car to get my pants this morning. Yes, those were my underwear. What, you've never seen Horton Hears a Who boxers before? My boss tells me he's replacing me with a pregnant woman...My response? "What are you gonna do when someone else turns up pregnant?" His answer "No one else is pregnant." I turned and left the room. I enter my Mutant Blaster character Mainliner in every City of Heroes costume contest just so he'll lose. He's just wearing jeans and a black t shirt and gloves. And glasses. I think the glasses are what makes him lose all the time. My neighbors watched me mow the yard the other day. I don't pick up things before I mow, because I'm tired of doing it. My yard gets used as a throughfare, and people think its just one big garbage bin. So, I mow over it. There are a great many mulched candy wrappers blowing around this base now. I squealed like a little girl when I got Tivo today. I actually squealed.

MANWITHPEZ

That's right. Apparently, my boss told my shop to be expecting me next week. So, I'm here for now. I'll be training my replacement (How to fit twenty minutes worth of information into three days? Hmmmm...) To be honest with everyone, I can't be that bitter about all this...It was probably coming anyways. My bosses have not been happy with my work, but also have not provided any information on how I could be doing better. That's the Air Force for you...You suck, but I'm not gonna tell you why. So, after next week, I have to catch up on three months of aircraft training. I don't think they told my old boss that I was coming back. He seems to be pleasant around me, and that can only mean he doesn't know. He was very public about his dislike of me while I was there, and more so after I left. My wife suggested involving other authorities about it, but that would be taking things rather too far, I think. I had my first team play on City of Heroes last night...I've never been killed so many times, so quickly. Think I may just have to be a lone wolf. I can't stop thinking that I've let FFF.net down in some way now that I can't frequent it as much as I used to. I love this site, dearly, and I admire many of people who post here. You couldn't ask for a nicer, more intelligent group of people. Well, you could ask, but what are you gonna get? Another day older, and deeper in debt, that's what! Oh wait...that's 16 tons, ain't it?

MANWITHPEZ

Yeah...I do it a lot...Just open my mouth and say (or type) the wrong thing... "The next one of you slanty eyed fuckers that calls me Goat-Eye is gonna get a face full of angry American!" On the streets of Seoul, Korea (Hey, they were being racists...why couldn't I?) "So, how pregnant is that heiffer?" "She's not pregnant!" Conversation between me and my wife, concerning a friend of hers. "You know, our son kinda looked like Lon Chaney in The Phantom of the Opera when he was first born." Yeah...this went over well with my wife. "And, when you get done with those things, come see me...we have a lot more to do." (Bowing) "Yes, my liege." Not the right thing to do to a Tech Sergeant that's already mad at you. "Your brother slept with my sister!" "Good for him. If you want to get back at him, I'll be over there." She huffed and walked off. Apparently my brother made quite a name for himself after I left town. "Your little brother slept with my girlfriend!" "Sucks to be you. You might want to go talk to that girl over there." Again, the same thing, only, I almost got my ass handed to me for this. "So, what should I do? Kill myself?" "I don't care what you do, but don't kill yourself. Wait til I get back in town if you're going to do that." This conversation took place roughly ten minutes after I found out my ex-wife was sleeping around. I had evidence. When I got back to town, it was to find that my house was ABSOLUTELY empty, save for my clothes. "Why does everyone have to say that they're Irish." "I AM half-Irish! Oh, shut up and have a scone or something." The group I went to Seoul with ended up talking to a group of teachers from the UK and other parts of the world. The English and Australian women were mean as hell. The Irish woman was very nice, though.

WERZBOWSKI

My lovely wife, Skissable to those who have met her here, just returned from her latest ultrasound appointment. The baby is doing excellently, having all fingers & toes, a strong heart beat, and as the ultrasound technician said... a you know what "standing proudly forth". His first name will be Connor, and his middle will be Lee to commemorate my father. I'm fairly excited right now. - 'Ski

THEWANDERINGBARD

Hey saw some rumors floating around about a possible June 25th screenings. Any of these true or does anyone know if it is true when the tickets would go on sale, I got a small band of Browncoats that I converted here and would love to go. Thanks folks.

CALLMESERENITY

I am SO tired today. I feel like a zombie that got hit by a bus. I usually have trouble sleeping. I have to take various herbs that help me sleep since those over the counter sleep aids tend to make me groggy all day long. I've had insomnia since college, it comes and goes, I never know when it'll strike. Last night I was so tired from weeks of not getting enough sleep, so I went to bed a bit early. I was very excited at the prospect of getting more than 8hrs. But I woke up around 2:30am to a HUGE thunderstorm. It was raining so hard it sounded like machine guns were being fired at my house. There may have been hail, I'm not sure. My cat spends his nights on our screened in porch. He wants to be wild so that's as close as he gets. But he is terrified of thunder, so I had to get up and let him in. He was in near hysterics. He had to curl up in bed with me for awhile until he calmed down and then he ran around the house crying whenever it thundered (for such a large cat, he's really quite a baby.) I just couldn't fall asleep after that. My mind was racing with so many different thoughts: what do I need to do tomorrow, what should I wear, what should I pack for lunch, what is the answer to life, the universe and everything (oh, wait, I know that one.) I could not turn my brain off. I was so exhausted I wanted to cry. I did eventually fall asleep, and I slept for a couple of hours before my cat woke me up again, this time because the storm was over and he wanted back outside (the beast!). I let myself sleep in an extra half hour and gave up my morning walk, but all I really did was lie in bed with my eyes closed, pleading with sleep to give me just 10 minutes of it's time. What I hate most about having insomnia is that it is so hard to be productive during the day. I become sleep obsessed; it's all I can think about. I have so many things I want to do, but I just can't drudge up the energy to do them. I don't give 100% at work, I let things slide at home. I'm grouchy all the time (and I hate being grouchy) and my mind wanders... Anybody out there one of those sleep doctors who wants to do a study on me and fix me? I would not be opposed to that.

ZOOT

Now I’m not the most technical of people and I don’t tend to pay much attention to special effects, so bear with me here. I finally got my FF DVD back from the person who has been hogging it and only allowing me disc 2 and I watched the pilot for the first time in months last night. The following sequence of thoughts ran through my brain pretty early on: Eyes: “Ohh I LOVE that shot when the Dortmunder is reflected on Mal’s space helmet visor! Its so cool… *thinks* they must have had to fiddle around with the camera a lot to get that exact reflection in his visor!” Brain: “You stupid son of a bitch! There is no spaceship to get a reflection of – they wouldn’t have needed to do special angles with the cameras, you berk (my brain can be very harsh!) – its all special effects, blue screen, computers and the like.” Eyes: “Ohmigosh! Well, that’s even WAY cooler then!” Now I appreciate everyone NORMAL must have realised this a long time ago, but me? Well, my jaw is still slack some 12 hours later as I continue to be utterly astounded at the superbness (which isn’t even a word –such is my incredulity) of the Firefly effects! Anyone like to try and explain to me now how they do it???? Remember that I’ll need it in Captain-Dummy-Talk…..

EMMA

Well, I am finally so fed up I am resorting to telling the world. I have had enough of sitting on my arse all day staring at the computer screen trying to find inspiration. I am fed of being by myself for 11 hours a day with no hope of reprieve. I want civilisation - I live in the 4th biggest city in the country and the museums, galleries and shops (not even the supermarkets) open on Sunday. I am lonely, all my friends live in other countries and as the only one on my course I have no sodding company except when my lovely fella comes home. I have no money - not a cent or a penny. Literally none, anything I eat, drink or buy is with the fellas money - so obviously I buy nothing and can't even go to the shop to get bread when we run out, unless of course fella is home. You know what is really pissing me off, not seeing Serenity and living in the backwater known as Europe so having no chance until October by which time I am sure spoilers will eat me. (Not sure that is technically possible though) I could go on but I fear your intestines would climb up themselves and strangle you. Bye then

GLOWYRM

ok, so i been a bit of a naughty girl and havent been here much, what can i say other than 'ummm im sorry?' i have just been made aware of the fact my significant other has not yet viewed the wonder that is firefly, and since nobody can tell me an australian release date for serentiy, i guess i had better get out there and see if i cant find me the dvd's. lets face it folks, Tassie isnt the metropolis of the australian sci-fi/fantasy scene (although we are used in some movies) so if anyone has a copy or three spare, let me know so i can beg, plead, grovel and even do your dishes in the hope that i may purchase said items. and for the love of firefly... ..............................................................................................................................................................stay shiny!

MAVOURNEEN

I've just posted the most recent fic...Desperate Times ( Delia Cycle #6). Please feel free to leave your ratings and feedback! Since posting my personal email address, I've gotten several great waves on the Delia Cycle. I'm so glad you all love it as much as I do. It's so nice to know that my fic is understood and welcomed. Who knows...maybe Joss is out there reading them! I thought it would be easier to post this in a blog rather than respond to the emails individually. I apologize for the blanket explanation! My fanfic started out as a mere writing exercize. I write non-fiction...magazine articles mainly, on spec. Over a year ago I encountered massive writer's block. I found an exercize meant for non-fiction writers. You take characters from a TV show or film that you enjoy and write an episode for that show. Being a huge Firefly fan, I tried it...an "Saving Graces" was born. The more I wrote, the more I got into it. I've had these stories on my hard drive for a long time. I've tweaked them, over and over, until they were woven together with some very tight thread. Recently, I began a new series on Zoe's life right before she joined the Independents. I felt the need to repost my previous writing. I'd been to fireflyfan.net many times previously but had never registered. Now, you are seeming my work, most of you for the first time. I've written a lot. 958 KB worth. My stories are long, almost novellas. I don't like to write in small chapters. Hence, the delay in my next installment in the Delia Cycle. One word of note. "Mary Sue" fiction this ain't. Delia and I are night and day different, and I didn't model her on myself. Nor would I presume to insert myself into the 'Verse. I started this from three words : "Everyone Needs Someone." Zoe has Wash. Kaylee has Simon. Book has God. Who does Mal have? Not Inara. Who does Jayne have? Hence the creation of Europa. At a certain point in my writing, I started crying. I realized Delia had to go. She couldn't exist in the pre-existing canon of Firefly forever. She fit...but only so much. It has been incredibly gratifying to receive the response you guys have had to my writings. Thanks to you all, especially Ambobell and Nutluck for leaving great feedback for all to see. To those of you who have taken the time to privately email me with your praise ( and critique! ) I thank you as well. I'll keep writing if you keep reading. On a more personal note...I will answer a few questions I've received. 1. I live outside of Washington, DC in the Maryland suburbs. 2. I am married. My husband and I were separated for a while last summer, but we have since reconciled. 3. The tattoo is on the small of my back. 4. While I personally find Adam Baldwin attractive, I wouldn't kick Nathan out of bed for eating crackers...unless he f'ed better on the floor! Thanks again, all. Maura

GERTY

I said that I wouldn't get involved in fandom again, that I would be forever a lurker, but the fact that I've been refreshing Fandango for over an hour says that I did get involved again. *le sigh* I held out though. The Firefly panels at Dragon*Con got me, but I didn't get the DVD set until Christmas. After that it was all down hill. I'm hooked. Now where are my gorram tickets.

KIZZIECSTARS

yes, i do happen to know that i have been a sixth year for two days now, but just got timetables out today so its finaly sinking in that AAAHHHH, we're now the big scary ppl. Now all i need to complete it is a HUMUNGOUS big shiny firefly poster to cover at least part of the scabby walls of the goldfish bowl. by the way, if any one thinks i'm sounding more insane than usual, the gf bowl is the unofficial name for the sixth year study area, so dont get all, "ok, you're tweaked" on me. And i get lotsa free periods! yay, can look up firefly on school computers and perhaps even get the serenity trailer to play because the firewall, or perhaps just the crankiness of this one makes it freeze when i try to play it. mean. wow, i was a little bit excited there...

MAI

Wow. Just realized I've been hanging out here for exactly one year. What did I do with my time before I found all you crazy people? (You know who you are).

EMMA

Thanks for your comments - they are very helpful and lovely Cozen, this is just for you. I have a couple of days respite from hell because my bloke is taking me somewhere for my 30th birthday which is tomorrow. I have just been given a birthday card with a train ticket and instructions about meeting at the airport - madness! Hopefully, it will give me some energy and a break so when monotony returns on Monday it will be more bearable. Thanks everyone

MANWITHPEZ

My wife in I got in a quasi-heated conversation about my tickets to the BDM advance screening. She said "Are we meeting someone there?" I said "Yes, a woman called CallMeSerenity. I said I'd get a ticket for her." She humphs and looks away disgustedly. So, I have to ask: "What? What are you mad about?" "What am I mad about? You're talking to women on the INTERNET and not telling me about it, and you're giving tickets to them." "First off, I am not giving anyone anything. I am selling her a ticket at face value. Second, I hardly ever talk to her, we just talked today so we could coordinate and try to get tickets. That's all." "Is Weird Girl going to be there?" "I sincerely doubt it. She lives elsewhere. And what does that matter?" "I just don't like it. Are we making a profit off the extra tickets?" "NO! I would never do that! There are scalpers charging at least 50$ a ticket on the internet. I'm not that guy!" "But, we could make some money." "No. Doesn't the fact that people are price gouging advance screening tickets to a movie they know people are desperate to see bother you?" She sits in contemplative silence for a moment. I know that the next few moments are crucial, or I could end up having a very bad night. "Yes, it bothers me. You're right. Its not right that people are doing that." She said, grudgingly. You see, my wife loves money, but she loves what's right too. She knows I'm right about this. And, as for the other thing. When my internet came back up, my AIM signed on automatically. Of course there were a few Browncoat names on there...Lochravin was one...ThatWeirdGirl was another. Now, no matter how I try to explain it, she just won't understand that I'm not trying to "get with" ThatWeirdGirl. She's just a friend. To my wife, ThatWeirdGirl is someone that I met on the internet talking about Firefly (My wife likes Firefly, but only likes...She has a different view of fandom. She doesn't obssess or tlk endlessly about it.) something I dearly love, and to my wife's view, Weirdess must be someone I have more in common with than her. I think its a strange way of looking at things. I like ThatWeirdGirl...she's one of the nicest, strangest, and well, best people I've ever met on the internet, but she is a friend. I know she sees things the same way. And, the both of us are in committed relationships with people that we truly care about. Also, for some reason I have to explain to my wife that I'm pretty sure she's the only one on the face of the earth that finds me attractive. There have been times when I've gone to the bar, come home, and had to answer this question "Were there girls there?" Well, of course there were. But to them, I'm that lump on the barstool. I take a passive stance in the bar...I won't harass you, you certainly won't talk to me, so I'll sit here and get drunk, and never the twains shall meet. My wife. I love her dearly, and with all my heart. She's the mother of my children, and my partner...I'll say it again...partner. As I go through life, she's the one next to me, making me feel better about what's bad, sharing what's good, and constantly providing challenges that make life interesting. And, when she isn't sharing the good, she's making the good herself. And, lastly on the CMS thing. I said "Yes, we'll be meeting her at the theater...We will. You'll be standing right next to me...You jealous shit!" Hey, can't let her have the upper hand forever, can I?

GUNRUNNER

I know a few if no many of us have dreamed about Firefly but last night I dreamed about a firefly SNL/MadTV skit! Most of it was from a 3rd person perspective but I interacted with Jayne (actually HER name was Bob or something) near the end. Since it was a skit of the show everyone was played by someone else and were almost caricatures of there characters. It started off that the crew was hanging around and Simon started feeling ill, Kaylee lays him down on the couch and covers him up, Book sits on the edge of the couch with his bible saying a prayer and I see Kaylee has a hand under the cover and Book stops talking and looks up, he says “That better not be what I think that is Simon.” Book gets up and runs out of the room, everyone starts laughing Simon is of course embarrassed. The ship starts to land on a planet and the owner of the planet tells the crew that no pets are allowed off ship and Kaylee wanted to bring a dog with them. (Don’t ask me how the dog got aboard). She brings in the dog dressed in old cloths and a hat saying no one will notice, Mal just walks away. There are some very weird things that happen here I won’t try to explain. But at one point Wash was a cartoon of some sort... They land and we (I’ve somehow joined the crew) start loading cargo, I decide to play a joke on Jayne (The female Jayne AKA Bob) and Mal, I see “Bob” flirting with Kaylee (damn this is a good dream, oh and did I mention "Bob" is frikken HOT), I won’t mention some of the stuff I see cuz its really dirty (Like I said good dream). I eventual get “Bob” away from Kaylee and have her grab a wheelbarrow and a shovel and head in to the woods. She starts getting curious about why we are out here, and I pretend to take a swing at her with a shovel, she gets very pissed (obviously thinking I’m going to kill her and burry her in the woods) I just start laughing and say we got to dig a big hole and get Mal out here and do the same thing. We head back and meet up with Mal and then I wake up…

SIGMANUNKI

As some may know I've have completed the requirements for a 3-yr degree but was waiting till I knew what was going on next academic year till I made a decision on what to do. Well, we finally got confirmation on where we'll be. So, I talked to the faculty members about the possibility of supervising me on an honours project (independent study can be done by distance and I'm won't be that far away) and one said yes. I didn't even have to try to convince him. I just sent an email (he's currently out of the country) explaining my idea and his answer was just yes. I even had another prof. tell me that it was a good idea. So, thinking everything is in order (I have a member of the honours commitee saying it's a good idea and a willing supervisor) I'm thinking that all is well and good with the world... until today. My dad called me; got a letter from my University (it's been 3 years or so and I've still to change the address)... a rejection letter for my honours project. I'm in my final year of study, I've been admitted to the honours program and I've been denied entry into a required course?!?!? What the hell? To add insult to injury, in the letter there was a suggestion that I ask my former potential supervisor to do a reading course on one of the topics I was interested in. The problem with this is that there has to be an existing course to do that. And all my ideas for projects don't have courses; they're not taught at the undergraduate level (like most honours projects). Let me tell you, this isn't over. Also, given that I'm a senior student, I cannot transfer to the other university; I had to apply for a letter of permission to get equivalent classes transfered back. I find out about that next week. Quite frankly, my hopes aren't exactly high. We'll see.

CHANNAIN

The "What Westerns do you like" question has been asked again. It's an old topic, but I like that it keeps coming around on the threads. It gets people to thinking about the olden days and bringing the names of good old unappreciated western classics to light. [QUOTE]Originally posted by BrownCoat1: [B]I lean more toward the classical westerns like [i]Stagecoach, The Searchers, Fort Apache, Rio Bravo, and The Undefeated[/i]. [/B][/QUOTE]I just saw "The Last Command" and discovered an actor named Sterling Hayden this morning. I wouldn't say it will be a favorite, but it got me curious about the actor. While I was watching it, though, I also discovered that I have a new way of watching westerns... I'm finding lately that there isn't a western made that couldn't be improved with a space ship or touches of technology in the Firefly 70/30* format. Take [i]Rio Bravo[/i], for instance. It is probably my all-time favorite because it shows several different facets of quiet strength, and because the first time I watched it all the way through was with my Dad who also loved it. I used it in a Typography project and re-did the movie poster. This was before my Firefly obsession fully kicked in. But what if ... ... Pat Wheeler's wagon train had instead been a cargo ship. ... When Nathan Burdett came into town, he did it on a hover skiff. ... What if the hotel had various holographic amenities in the dining room and an automated bartender that had a tendency to break down and that's why Feathers got hired. Although I would hate to lose Carlos and Consuelo, what if the comedy relief owners and operators of the hotel were fiesty Chinese instead of high-strung Mexican? Leaving out the robot bartender... does that sound like a Firefly episode to you? *70/30 - 70% real, 30% fantasy

CALLMESERENITY

I had to get up early today to help put a roof on a house with a group of people from my church. Correction: a group of [i]men [/i]. So I met up with them at this dirty spoon they like to meet at for breakfast. I can't stand this place, personally. I don't like those big, greasy, fatty, bacon, eggs and grits style breakfasts, but these men LOVE it. One guy ordered pancakes, and they were as big as the plate. HUGE. Anyway, we get to the house we're working on and get set up. I'm the only woman and there are about 8 men. Most of them go to my church, and I have a very good rapport with them. Now, I think it's important to point out at this point that I've been working with groups like Habitat for Humanity for about 12 years. I know a few things about how to build a house, and I've put on more roofs than I can remember. If someone told me to take a group of people that have never shingled a roof before and teach them how, I'm pretty sure I could do it. So it's not like I'm some blonde getting in the way, not knowing which end of the hammer to hold. I know what I'm doing. But right from the beginning, these men-all of them-start hen-pecking at me. Nagging. You didn't pop the chalk line hard enough. You popped it too hard. The nail needs to be a little more to the right. The left. Up. Down. Put these shingles over there. Don't step there. Watch that wire. Watch that wire. Watch that wire. Don't step on the cord. Move the tape measure over here. Over there. No, don't use that, use this! Be careful! Watch that wire! Now, I can handle constructive criticism, I have no problems learning from people who know more than I do. But 8 men, all telling me what do do at once! They were driving me crazy! I finally told them that I already had a mother, and she wasn't here. They got the hint, we got to work and got the roof done. And we had a pretty good time doing it. I go to leave and have to do a turn around in the yard we were parked in. I pull forward and manage to hit a hole in the ground I couldn't see because it was covered, like the rest of the yard, by tall grass. I back up out of the hole and hear this awful tearing sound. I park my car and jump out, thinking I've killed my car. Turns out there was a small cypress stump in the hole and it got caught under my bumper and when I backed up, my bumper tried to stay with the stump. I have a plastic bumper and all it did was pull the side loose and pull one of the wires out of the little running light. Not a big deal, but of course I was upset. Well, the one guy that had been aggravating me most that day (partly because he reminds me of my best friend's husband, whom I despise, and partly because I couldn't tell if he was flirting with me or just being really obnoxious-I hope it was the latter) pulled out this little toolbox from the trunk of his car, soldered the wire back into the light thingy (socket? I dunno, he fixed it) with this little portable solder (who carries those around?!?) and got my bumper put back on. It took him all of 20 minutes. And when I thanked him, he just shrugged and said "It's what I do. I fix things." So, what's the moral to my little tale? I have no idea.

KIZZIECSTARS

i drove a car for the first time ever today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yay!!!!!!!! go me!!!!!!

SIMONWHO

So my brother came round last week. This is blogworthy because he lives in Australia and returned for a wedding in Cyprus, taking an extra week off to see his family. Being terribly British, we were all very stiff upper lip about it, even though some of us hadn't seen him for nearly three years. But it was nice to catch up with him. He's getting married this October in Australia and we're all going to be there for that. He also persuaded us to go to a Japanese restaurant for a farewell meal where they cook the food in front of you. It was good but £75 ($150) a head good? I don't think so. I'm something of a cook myself and you can get an awful lot of good ingredients for that sort of money plus have enough left over for a vintage bottle of scotch and champagne. Mind you, I can't claim massive fiscal responsibility myself. This weekend saw my latest acquisition; a PSP. It was just sitting there, so tempting and being sold for less than the UK RRP when it is released here in three months time. So I buckled and acquired and now I play Wipeout Pure in my bed. It's the simple things in life.

THATWEIRDGIRL

I’m cutting back. I can't go cold turkey. I've tried. It doesn't work. It’s quite plain, even if I refuse to admit it, that I spend too much time here. I have more friends here then in real life. Some of you can probably relate to being the weird nerdy person people tend to make fun of or shy away from in every day life. That’s me. I’m not just a fun loving weird girl. I’m also the girl that has been ridiculed by the masses her entire life. I found FFF and thought of it as a kind of Sanctuary. I was a Runner. I can’t run anymore. Jake is a little upset. All the AIM buddies. The constant emails about the treehouse. Especially after finding out that I have spent enough time here to warrant an accusing glare from someone’s wife. Heh. So. I will be here, just not as much. And no more flirting. Even if I think of it as harmless, it isn’t. I’ll see ya around the treehouse or the tag. :kiss:

COSMICFUGITIVE

.

DIZ

I actually had someone contact me and ask when "Out of the Blue" would be done. :) Knock me over with a feather, why doncha? Didn't think anyone noticed my fanfic. I have been working on it, but after the screenings, I took a break and retooled it a bit. I would say I am about 1/2 way done, but I am writing faster than before. Since I tend to change things up a bit as I write, I don't want to post any part of it until it's done. I made that mistake before, and I felt hemmed in by what I posted before... so, hopefully, within the next couple of weeks, I will start posting more chapters. Once I start posting, though, it will go fast, because I won't post until I have finished writing it. Still having a lot of fun with it, more fun than I have had writing in a long time. Also, ran into my old prom date, and he's still cute! (Just had to add that, I'm sort of giddy about it. :biggrin:)

STARRBABY

If you've read any of my logs, you'll know that Clyde (a dog)has been a thron in my side for a while now. You can read his story in one of my many ranting logs. The main problem with him is that I've grown fond of him, and I care that he goes to a good home. Anyway, we took him to meet someone who was interested in him tonight, and they loved him. It was a young early 20s couple. The man faought a rolled and tumbed with Clyde while tha lady cuddled him and let him kiss her face. They're moving into a pet friendly home next month, and they said they want him then. Let's hope thay follow though, becasue this was just the home I wanted for the little stinker. :biggrin:

JOURNEY

the person you just addicted to Firefly calls you Saffron. Admittedly, it was in the heat of battle, a battle of wits, but still...! And admittedly, we had been stuck in the same bathroom for 2 hours, but still...! Now I know I can be a pain in the peegoo; it happens to be my speciallty. My father has done his best to instill in me the secret to having fun (knowing when to stop), but you can't stamp out genetics. I guess I can only hope that what brought this on was Mal's comment "You are a tweaked one" and nothing else. And in other news, I was also compared to Jessie from Toy Story 2, Pippy Longstocking, and Doris from Finding Nemo. All in one day! The voices have sure been busy.

CHANNAIN

[quote]Originally posted by shambleau: [b]I hate to be a wet blanket, but we're talking 7:00 on a Friday, folks. Part of what killed Firefly was being on at 8:00 on a Friday. This time slot is either only marginally better or maybe even worse. It's also ghettoized, since non-sci-fi fans don't watch. And Sci-Fi doesn't get huge amounts of viewers in any case. We're talking UPN viewing numbers here, not ABC. I don't doubt that we'll add fans, don't get me wrong. I just think there won't be that many. Any increase helps, though, of course, and I'll eat crow happily if the show does get major Nielson ratings. So, for me, it's a help, but won't fundamentally affect Serenity's chances of major success. Here's hoping I'm wrong.[/quote][/b] Actually, most of what killed Firefly was gorram fox's short-sightedness with regard to their commitment to their sports contracts and pitiful scheduling practices (someone said something about a monkey?). Same thing that killed "Space: Above and Beyond," among others that never got a chance to get a second breath. They don't earn the title "serial killer of quality programming" for nothing. Now, look at my tag line - see what it says? In all actuality, the BDM shouldn't exist, and this cancelled series should be airing on Sci-Fi at 1:00AM on a Sunday. At least with it taking over Andromeda's time slot, there's some hope that sci-fi fans will get a chance to see what all the fuss is about. Non-sci-fi fans won't go anywhere near this series anyway. They so much as see the words "science" and "fiction" put together and they run off screaming some nonsense about the sky falling--rather the way some Christians do when they hear the word "Wicca." I'm more interested in grabbing the Star Wars audience - those poor souls whose culture is being hit by the fact that the film portion of their lives is pretty much done unless Lucas decides to be benevolent and license the rights over to somebody else. And the Star Trek audience, whose culture was heniously betrayed with format manipulation and sub-standard writing. This is also a chance for us to point some sci-fi minded friends in the direction of the series. Chances are, if you're like me, your hook-line-and-sinker copy of the DVDs is already loaned out someplace, half of your personal copy is out someplace else (I never let more than two discs out of my house at once), and you've got a couple other people asking, "would I like it?" when you rave on about it. Now, at least, you can let them know they can catch it on Fridays. Even if it means letting their digital recording system capture it for another opportunity, it's a start. So enough with the "Eyore" aspect, [i]dong ma[/i]? As far as I'm concerned, that cup is still half full!

SIGMANUNKI

So, I got my letter of permission to all the classes that I wanted. Quite frankly, the way things have been going, this surprised me. At least I'll get something done next academic year. The other current hurdle is talking to the department chair about the unfairness of being denied an honours project. But the chair seems to be dodging me. Rather unprofessional, IMO. So, the chair get [b]one[/b] more email requesting a meeting. If he doesn't reply by Fri, that afternoon I speak with the Dean. I've grown tired of with this university's games.

TOMINATOR

Finally, I am offically a brown coat - albeit a greenie. The pre-screening was AWESOME and I shall see it again! Morena Baccarin was awesome as well, what a real pleasure! Ruttin' awesome, puts it best...

ICARUS

This may be VERY off topic, but I'm in the mood for talking about this... I spent about 2 hours online finding out what people's favorite songs are, namely RPG ones, themes and such. I still love the oriental-western blend of Firefly, but many other songs out there capture my interest. You guys have any great songs that should be mentioned? Last two blogs no one replied to, so I'm hoping this one will get more attention... Oh well I'll pop in if enough people talk about it, maybe mentioning my favorites. Toodles!

KRYSTOPHER

Hey y'all! Well I'm extremely hyper (still) because last night I got to see Batman Begins. The reason why I'm so ecstatic is not because of the movie (though it wasn't that bad) but because of the fact that I [i]finally[/i] got to see the [u][b]Serenity[/b][/u] trailer. I was so stoked, my friend that I was insane. And you know I feel really good. Like I said in my last post I converted my (now ex) boyfriend and his brother. I also converted his mother and today when I got my fourth DVD back from her I informed her about the movie. She wasn't aware so that was a good moment for me, letting another Browncoat fan know that it actually is going to happen. Anyway, just wanted to let y'all know I'm still alive ;) Catch y'all later.

STEVETHEPIRATE

Let's put aside all the speculation about Serenity's potential for an earlier release than Sept. 30. Regardless of the date, I think I can exhale now. My local theater has the Serenity logo on its website. For those of you wondering why this might be a big deal, try to remember that I live in a small town in western Kentucky. While the nearest theater is only 15 minutes away, it's in a town that wouldn't be half as big as it is if it weren't for the college it houses (Murray State University, Murray KY, for those interested). Murray's got a great little theater, but the "little" part had me a bit worried about whether they'd get Serenity. Of course, the town I work in (Paducah, 40 minutes from home) has a large Cinemark theater which will likely get it, but the seats are uncomfortable, the trailers take half an hour, they've got those crappy Coke and Fanta commercials, etc. In other words, I've been hoping Murray would get it. If you're REALLY bored (or sincrely that interested), go to www.moviesinmurray.com and scroll to the bottom. Be warned, it's a REALLY bad website, but it at least gives you a peek into what my neck of the woods looks like. As of now, it's the only movie on the site that is advertised with a poster/logo. It's also got a countdown. Holy crap. That just flew by me. They've got a rutting running countdown to Serenity on the site! Makes me think there's more Browncoats around here than I've been able to discover ... SHOW YOURSELVES!

SIGMANUNKI

So, I tried to talk to someone yesterday but no-one was there. Thus I sent an email to my former potential supervisor soliciting advice. I haven't got a reply from him yet, but the department chair got back to me. I think that my supervisor might have had something to do with that (he was the previous chair). So, I have a meeting tommorow morning. Although I have presidence on my side, the illogic of the whole situation makes me not willing to hold my breath on the matter. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

SERENITYSGIRL

The State of OHIO? Did you know there is an ALLIANCE Ohio, and a CANTON Ohio? I knew the Canton one cause I book reservations for Marriott there all the time. But an Alliance Ohio I never knew! I just thought I'd mention.

SERENITYLIVES

Hello, I discovered this place a few months ago while searching for websites about Firefly and Serenity and when I found this site I didnt join at first I wanted to see what it was about before I did. I decided to join today. Also, I noticed as I lurked I noticed there must be a dozen or more people here who use Serenity as some part of there handle. I hope you dont mind If I add Serenity to my handle name as well. Well...See ya in the verse!

UNCHARTEDOUTLAW

Wow, nearly 2.5 weeks since my last blog? I love the end of the school year. But here it is. Last day. Kids are gone and I'm just cleanin' up the room. But I have noticed something. Something a bit strange, IMHO. Perhaps it's a side-effect of working in a small town with a Wal-Mart (despite it still being part of Silicon Gulch). But I was over at said Wal-Mart a couple days ago and saw Father's Day shirts that read "Redneck Dad". And I thought...what the heck? Is being a redneck becoming fashionable? I mean, they were right next to the [u]King of the Hill[/u] -themed shirts! And have you noticed how everything now is becoming connected to NASCAR? KFC is doing lots of NASCAR promos! I think Pizza Hut just started one (maybe it's Dominos). Hell, even Herbie's new movie has him in NASCAR! Yeah, like a VW bug from the 60s would pass NASCAR inspections...and besides, VWs are a trillion times cooler than NASCAR! And please, most NASCAR races are just one giant left-hand turn. Where's the skill in that? Give me Formula One or Rallye racing anyday! Even the school I teach in sees redneck references amogst the kids. There's a large asian population here and the few white kids seriously come across very redneck...it's like they're embracing it or something! *sigh* -Taylor

SIGMANUNKI

So, I just got back from my meeting with the department chair. All 45 min worth. Since I received a letter summing up some "justifications" for there rejection, I came prepared. Something that I think he wasn't expecting ;) I did start off that I did respect him, etc (which is actually true), but that I would be blunt. Unfortunatly, it would be necessary. ie There's no easy way to present my arguments in a meaningful way if I am to be totally polite or have to dance around. The meaning would be lost in the dance. He mentioned that I had a relatively lower GPA than the other students that applied and a lot of students applied so the department didn't have the resources to supervise them all. I pointed out that although my CGPA is ~3.6 and I know one other student has a CGPA ~4 or so, but that is a moot point. The only thing that matters is what the GPA is in the [i]math[/i] courses. My math GPA is the same ~3.6+/- (I'm rather consistent) while the mentioned student above has a math GPA about the same as mine. So, he isn't really more qualified than I am according to the entrance requirements. I also pointed out that the department resource problem is exactly that, a department resource problem. This should have no impact on students that fulfill the requirements. The department has to work that out for themselves. But, since he made such a big deal about it, I asked (also out of curiosity) how many students applied for the honours project. [b]5![/b] [b]Five[/b] people applied. So, I asked how many people got the honours project. [b]4![/b] [b]Four[/b] people got it. I was the only one denied. So, I mentioned that I didn't find [i]5[/i] such a large number. He said, well this department isn't very big. I pointed out that in a conversation with my wife, while she was in her studies in Germany, there were profs. there that had 5 students under them. One prof, 5 students. Also, these were no undergrad. honours projects: they were [i]Masters[/i] theses. He mentioned that the first year that the honours program was offered, only 1 student took it. And in the next 2 years only 2 took it (this degree has only been offered for 3 years). So, the 5 people applying for the honours project this year was unusually high. I mentioned the fact that when this department was considering offering a honours degree that they must have had to consider the possibility that people would want to take it. So again, the resource problem is there own. I also had to point out the fact that the degree has not been offered long enough for the word unusual or usual to be used to describe the number of people applying to take this class (as a statistician he couldn't deny this fact). It was interesting to see the struggle on his face as his administrative mind stuggled with his Statistics mind. I as well pointed out that to get into grad. studies, people pretty much [i]need[/i] an honours degree now as the bulk of Universities require it. He mentioned that he didn't really think that it would be such a requirement as when he graduated he only had a 3 yr degree and he got into grad. studies (with a qualifying year). I had to point out that that was some time ago (read: a few decades) and that things have changed somewhat since then. Competition for grad. school can be somewhat fierce. I ran into this type of lack of knowledge in the physics department as well. I think that it's a side effect of attending a undergraduate only university. He tried to point out that there is as well the plain 4 yr degree that I'd qualify for as well. I pointed out that it is [i]unfair[/i] to deny a student a degree that they qualify for because of just one course: because the department lacks the resources to offer a degree that they supposedly offer. I also mentioned that the fact of my life (I don't know where I'll be after April: perhaps not even in the country), it is paramount that I get this course this year. Especially since, by all accounts, this should be my last un

MANWITHPEZ

Hey you two. I thought I would pass along my email address so's that you could get ahold of me and we could hammer out some details. Its not hard to remember: manwithpez@yahoo.com So drop me a line and we'll detail it out. Word!

MANWITHPEZ

So, what to do, what to do. My sister in law is visiting. She's 13. Canton has already told me that he won't be coming, and so, I posited to my wife, who told me that she wasn't going to go on Thursday. Apparently, when me and my wife went out (for the first time since sister has been here), she called her mother like three or four times, complaining that there was nothing to do, and she was bored and homesick. I understand all of that...that's fine with me, but it has upset my wife a great deal. And so, rather than leave sister alone, she's staying. Now,...I have put forward that we could find a babysitter, and all of us could go to the movie, now that that ticket is freed up. But, I'm a little more than a little perturbed about it after thinking on it for a while. Why should I have to give up a ticket because her sister is bored...and God knows she's not going to "get it" as she's never seen Firefly a day in her life. And, more than likely, doesn't want to. It irks me a bit. "I'm bored...I'm homesick...gimme a ticket." Yeah, I know, I'm oversimplifying. Post before last on here for me wasn't about informing anyone that my wife was mad, or that she was jealous of anyone, etc. The conversation between us that I posted struck me as funny. I know I have a strange sense of humor. She's just...suspicious, or rather, cautious, I guess you'd say. I have given her reason to be so in the past, and I can't blame her for being that way now, but, I also have no idea how to change her mind. I don't know how to let her know that I'm not out searching for the next girl, and the one after that. Saying it don't work...I may be reduced to a childrens book with colorful illustrations. I stay away from this site more and more because I have to now. My last intention on this earth was finding a way to force someone else off.

ICARUS

Yo! Hey, I was wondering, you know how other fans make Firefly songs based off of other songs (Twelve Days of Firefly)? Well, I was wondering if anyone has thought to make a song about Jayne being a mercenary to "The House of the Rising Sun" theme? Just a thought, hope this one gets more feedback than the last few I've done. ...

ICARUS

Now this is really creepifying, I guess... I was listening to Echos before typing my other blog, and i distinclty heard what sounded like River's theme on the piano... A lot of remix artists go on that radio show, but this was unexpected. If I find out more, I'll let you know. ...

LHOWARD

The very first episode of "The Signal", a podcast show centered around the science fiction show "Firefly" is now available. Features include: "What is Firefly?" by Jill Arroway, and "Can't Stop the Signal: How Serenity Cultivates Fandom" by Carolyn Parkinson, and the music of the Jiangyin village dance. The show is presented by Les Howard, and edited by Jill Arroway with features presented by J. D. Ravatt and additional voices by Rich Adams, Carolyn Parkinson and Jill Arroway. Jeremy N and Les Howard provide technical know-how and Jeremy is also responsible for news-gathering. Brad Leclerc is nowhere to be seen.

SONG

I suspect that most folks on this site have been absorbed in things Firefly since the show aired in 2002. I'm a bit of a latecomer, myself. And through no one's fault but my own. My husband was a Firefly devotee while it was running, and I believe I never sat down with him for more than 15 minutes of it at the time. Well, I had my reasons: our son wasn't quite a year old, and my TV time was limited. And of course the show was gone in the blink of an eye, leaving me no chance to catch up with off-season re-runs. I rented all four discs of the Firefly DVD set from Netflix (love that company!) -- and have seen the complete series over the past month or so. And the stories and characters and ... the _culture_ of Firefly have completely gotten under my skin. There is no one episode that "clicked" me into fandom, and no one character who alone seized my interest. Yet I found myself frankly reluctant to return the last DVD to Netflix today, and I'm wondering how long I can stand not owning the set (and I simply never buy DVDs). So here are a newbie's fleeting, new-love impressions of this phenomenon... I'm so drawn to the marginality of Serenity. There's this aesthetic of everything being secondhand, jury-rigged, under the radar/table, catch-as-catch-can, and yet despite this it is a world solidly created and well-loved and imbued with the full range of human meaning. I love that this future universe is no Star-Trek-style utopic Earth-centered melodrama. Social class distinctions are real. Oppressions are real. Cultures are different, in ways far deeper than usually portrayed in other shows by a little alien latex work. I love the characters' mysteries and tantalizing hints at hidden truths. I am a real sucker for the whole tortured-soul soft-hearted decent-man petty-criminal package that is Malcolm Reynolds. I am drawn to the Tams' brother-sister relationship -- so refreshing to see a sibling bond taken seriously, as something deserving of real personal sacrifice, real loyalty. I love the atypical marriage of Zoe and Wash, how secure they each are with their own and each other's strengths and weaknesses. More I could say, but I'll close here for the night. I'm beyond thrilled to have blindly lucked into tickets for the Charlotte sneak preview this Thursday night! Can't wait to meet some of you there.

DECKROID

Hey all. I just wanted to announce my daughter's arrival. She weighed in at 7lbs 5 oz. and is cute as her mom. I am a father. A dad. A daddy. I am still in shock.

INDIGO

Huzzah! Yesterday was Summer Solstice (broiling hot here too, and a pretty full moon), and today marks the 100 days till Serenity point! (Which is big for those of us who h'ain't seen a screening yet.) So, as I spend my morning washing and detailing my ship... uh, car (lovely little Robin Artemis she is)... I'm running pretty much nothing but Firefly lines in my head, especially Kaylee's. Can't help it :biggrin: Tonight, hmm, think we'll have strawberry smoothies and watch Firefly. Anybody else feel like doing something special?

SERENITYSGIRL

I just re joined Livejournal, feel free to add me or just say hello. My live journal address is

SIGMANUNKI

Just place my order for my first Mac; a Mac mini. Soon I will rejoice and know the stunning beauty that is RISC architecture and MacOS X. For now I wait... hopefully not too long. :biggrin:

BASSGRAVI

Okiedokie, don't know what all I get to write about or what makes for a good blog, especially here among browncoats, but I'm willing to give it a shot... I was lucky enough to have gone to see the screening today (June 23)...there aren't any spoilers in this if you're reading and wondering about that... I had a pretty good time, and even got invited to a shindig. We did quite a bit of singin', a lot of mingling, taking pictures and sittin' in line, and even wound up goin to get dinner and eating while we waited for the theater nazis to let us in. (No offense to the theater naz...uh..employees...really!) We had one Wash, one Mal, one Zoe, two or three Jaynes, three Kaylees (myself included), no books to speak of, one possible River and one possible Inara...truth was we got all the people in costume to get up front to sing and those two didn't come (or maybe they did and I just wasn't payin' attention....*rubs nonexistant beard in comtemplation*) so I'm givin' them a maybe. Besides...if the girl I though could've been River was goin' for River, she should've had a bigger dress. :wink: Anyhoo... not much else to say...ain't it a sad way to end, sounding like I'm in the middle, but meh... All I have to say is...had a great time.

AURAPTOR

Hi, my name is Joss Whedon. Before we begin the special screening, I have a little story I want to tell you. It's about a TV show called Firefly. Firefly went on the air a few years ago and was instantly hailed by critics as one of the most canceled shows of the year. It was ignored and abandoned and the story should end there, but it doesn't, because the people who made the show and the people who saw the show (which is...roughly...the same number of people) fell in love with it a little bit...too much to let it go, too much to lay down arms when the battle looked pretty much lost. In Hollywood, people like that are called 'unrealistic' ... 'quixotic' ... 'obsessive'. In my world, they're called 'Browncoats'. Whether you've watched the show, or saw the DVD's, or whether you've never set foot in the Firefly universe before tonight, the fact that you're here means that you are part of something...something that is a little bit remarkable. This movie should not exist. Failed TV shows don't get made into major motion pictures unless the creator, the cast, and the fans believe beyond reason. It's what I've felt. It's what I've seen...in the DVD sales, the booths at the cons run by fans, the websites, the fundraisers... all the work the fans have done to help make this movie. It is, in an unprecedented sense, your movie...which means, if it sucks, it's your fault. You let us down, but let's not dwell on your failures because the work is not done. I have to finish making it. Obviously not quite the final cut and you will notice some placeholders in music and effects, but we're very close. Once we are finished, we have to get people to see it. Now, obviously the studio is going to do their thing. There will be ads and trailers and all that joy, but this movie doesn't have stars and it doesn't have a giant mega-budget or even a simple salable premise. What it has is us, the people who believed unreasonably. If this movie matters to you, let somebody know. Let everybody know. Make yourselves heard. If you don't like the movie, this is a time for quiet, silent contemplation. But, when the unfinished credits roll, if you still call yourself a Browncoat, remember the millions of people who don't...who might. I want us to do this together. The cast is going to be appearing wherever they can. I'm going to be blogging and stumping and whatever I can think of. We've got Can'tStopTheSignal.com up and running...I'm fairly certain. We're all doing everything we can to make this the event that it should be. Just remember, they tried to kill us...they did kill us...and here we are. We have done the impossible, and that makes us mighty. Thank you for helping to get this movie as far as it has gotten. Welcome to Serenity.

SUMMERHAWK

i saw the movie. wholly helck batkids. i feel like such a sub to Joss' dom. *sluuuurp!* i have pneumonia, bronchitis and a double ear infection. that did not squelch my adoration. swear to dog that i will be at the next screening. met some nice pipples last night...Ari and Will and Brian and Moon and Angela and Cat. Hopefully I'll get to see y'all soon again :-)

LISSA

wow. i went to an oasis concert at the tweeter center (boston, sort of) last night. WOW. that was SO FREAKING AWESOME! they are my favorite band by far, and now i love them even more. they are SO AMAAAZING (:wink: ath) live. i knew they were gonna be great, i have a couple dvds of concerts and bootlegs etc., but still. WOW. such a party, too! i was jumping all over the place, and i ended up moving a row back to see over people's heads and then i climbed up on a seat to get even higher. it was crazy. sooooo many people, the place was packed (except for right around me, i guess i was surrounded by jet fans who left early lol). huuuge place, so many people! and everyone had their lighters out for champagne supernova, it was so sweet. every song was amazing. i can't even describe it. liam wore cargo shorts and a bucket hat...lol. what a weirdo. i love him. noel wore a tshirt and looked damn fine. he sang "little by little" and it was CRAZY good. his voice is amazing...i swear he sounds even better live than recorded. "don't look back in anger" was the last song (besides the awesome "my generation" cover) and it was sooo sweet...i was high up on the seat and could see over the whole crowd and it was wild...everyone was just so happy and singing along because that song is just...wonderful. i was yelling for noel all night, and at one point i yelled "i f**king love you noel!" and made the people behind me crack up lol. and then during "my generation" me and them and my friend chelsea got into a back-and-forth screaming match. so fun! lol, i'm honestly amazed that i can speak right now, what with singing along with every song and screaming like a freak the whole night. *is happy*

SHEWHOHATHAPEN

Hmmm, never used this before. Well, anyway, I just posted a bunch of fic to the Blue Sun Room, all of it rather...really old, because I'm lazy and let stuff pile up before I actually bother to see to it. There's actual relatively new fic to be posted soon, but I'm staggering it so as not to be completely annoying. So, sorry for the spam, there.

GERTY

I joined the Southeastern Browncoats today. As I slowly crawl back into fandom, I can now proudly call myself a browncoat. Oh Reanna (b/c I know you're on here somewhere), remember the good old days? :)

BASSGRAVI

Okiedokie, so this is non-Firefly/Serenity-ish so if that's all your here for, this is your last chance to run away. :smile: So...if anyone read my short and confusing bio maybe I mentioned music. I'm pretty sure I did. Here's the fun part. (For me, anyway.) Next fall I will be teaching, which is exiting since I still have about three and a half years to go before I manage the whole degree thing. (Damn paperwork...people wanting me to be educated to teach their kids...what's up with that...lol) So...there's my exiting thing for the day....I will be getting paid, too. I get to teach the kiddies beginning music and if I do well enough I'll get to leave college with three or more years of teaching experience to go with my Music Ed. degree. W007! END FUN. Have a nice day. :biggrin:

SHEPHERDQ

I decided I wanted to redo the ID cards and now have a second set I am staring at to decide if I like. To be made on hard plastic like a proper ID. Got the site fixed under new address, much easier to get around than the frames, but harder for me to add pics and such but all the fan sites have the pics covered already. Already booking vacation to I can be off work for sept 30.. :biggrin:

WERZBOWSKI

So I saw George A. Romero's Land of the Dead twice this weekend... don't ask. Anyway, the first time we're sitting there waiting for the coming attractions to kick in and I lean over to my buddy & say: "This is a Universal flick. Wouldn't it be great if they showed the Serenity trailer before it." He goes: "Yah, you think they will?" At this point the lights dim and the coming attractions preamble comes up... then the screen goes blank for what seems a little too long. BOOM... Serenity entering atmo. The theatre goes silent except for people whispering excitedly: "It's Serenity!" I had chills. It's one thing to dload a trailer from a website, or talk about it with other Browncoats. But I saw it on the big screen. In a theatre full of people. With my own eyes. I guess I still had little doubts buried in the back of my brain that it was all a hoax. I found myself thinking... "Go-se, it's really real", and letting go a breath I didn't know I was holding. They even tried to scare me the second time... saving it till the last trailer instead of the first. But it was there. And the interesting thing... no date. I so can't wait now. I couldn't wait before, but now I can't wait even more. - 'Ski

MANWITHPEZ

At Home: wifewithpez: What a bunch of geeks! manwithpez: (ala Stewie: Who the hell do you think you are?) You do know you're married to one of 'em, right? At Work: Stickboy: You're going to Charlotte to see a movie? You do know that there's movie theaters right here, right? manwithpez: (And yet, you are not considered to be strange for driving hours to see the Nas-Car...a bunch of vehicles driving in a circle. Now that's entertainment!) Yes, I know that. In Charlotte: CMS: You must be Pez, right? manwithpez: (What? I have to be the only adult male who carries around a Pez dispenser? Maybe I'm just a huge Incredibles fan...Ever think of that?) Yes, I am. (Actually, she called my bluff...I pulled this dispenser out to be recognized...whattya know...it worked! Thank you Mr. Incredible!) Again, In Charlotte: wifewithpez: Who's that? And why are you pointing at him? manwithpez: (Holy SHIT! That's Exec. Producer and former Mutant Enemy President Chris Buchanan!!! And he's here!!! He right there...Chris Buchanan...Chris B. Right over there!!! Look! Come on manwithpez...say something...anything!!! Yell his name...Yell your name...SAY ANYTHING!!!) "....." Chris Buchanan: Hello, I'm Chris Buchanan. manwithpez: He's the producer!!! Chris Buchanan: I'm the Executive Producer of Serenity. manwithpez: (That's right...) At Home on the Phone: Nonevilstepmother: How did you get in to see that movie already...It doesn't come out until September. manwithpez: (I never told her that...Well, I did...months ago. Holy crap...she actually does listen to me. Who knew?) I got lucky. After The Tanning Bed: wifewithpez: So, how did it go? manwithpez: (MY ASS IS ON FIRE!!! GOD WON'T SOMEONE HELP ME!!!) Fine.

BLUEBOMBER

I've never, never ever in my life written a blog. I don't often read them, either, since the few I have seen were basically long, whiny rants. I'm in a weird frame of mind right now, though; hence why I'm writing this now. I wonder how many people will respond...? I'm still working on the next installment of "Point of No Return." When I began the story I had all manner of free time, and then just like *that* I'm busier than a hooker on "2-for-1 Night." The focus of the story has shifted from Kai to Mal to Inara, a fact I was not aware of when I wrote the stories. So, the later eps have a distinctly different tone from the earlier ones. I'm trying to figure out how to bring the focus back to Kai and his relationships with Mal and River, so that challenge, coupled with all the "real world" crap I have to do, will likely delay the next installations by a couple of weeks. Not to worry, though; the story will wrap up pretty soon. Actually, that's not true. There's another chapter, tentatively titled "Heart and Soul," that's in the works. It'll follow Inara's adventures after leaving Serenity and reveal some new things about Shepherd Book. The wheels are still turning on that one, though. Anyway, look for it around August. I thought of doing a "backstory" fic chronicling Simon's ordeal with breaking River out of the Academy, but I'll wait till after the BDM is released to see what details are released on that whole storyline. I swear, if I devoted half the time I spent working on fanfic to working on my own writing, I'd be a rich man by now. That's it. Not bad for my first blog, but longer than I originally anticipated....I may put up another one; depends on the response I get to this one. Later! DJ

STARRBABY

Okay, I have a serious question, and I want honest answers. I do not want all you wonderful people to tell me what you think I want to hear. I went to the doctor for my usual checkup. I am now measuing at about 40 weeks. (I'm very pregnant for anyone who hasn't read any of my other whiny blogs) Anyway, since I'm having multiples, I'm larger than normal. I'm really only at 27 weeks, and I'm only goign to get bigger, heavier, and more uncomfortable. If I were carrying a singleton. measuring at 40 weeks would mean I could deliver at any time, however I still have a couple of months to go. Anyway, when I offhandedly complained about walking the length of parkinglots in the 100F degree summer heat, my doc gave me a prescription for a temporary tag to use disabled parking. Should I be thrilled, go redeem my prescription for a tag, and enjoy the awsome parking? Should I tough it out and walk the length of the parking lots and count my blessings that I am not, infact, disabled? Would I be taking an unfair advantage? I ask, because browncoats have seemed to be the most ethical and smart people in the verse. What are your ideas?

SONG

Yup, it didn't take long. In my last blog, I was wondering how long I could stand not owning the series on DVD. I had the Thursday night screening to look forward to until, well, Thursday night. By Friday afternoon, I had the DVDs in my hot little hands. And I am ashamed to confess that I did not order from Amazon through the link on 3f.net. I'm sorry, but I just couldn't wait that long. I bought them at the local Barnes and Noble. I really don't act this way in real life. I rarely make impulse purchases. I _never_ buy DVDs for myself. Why should I, when we pay every month for a Netflix membership? When "Reduce the clutter, Travel light" is my general mantra in life? When my unwritten dissertation makes me feel guilty about watching movies the first time, let alone multiple viewings? But, as my 15yo and I have taken to saying, this doesn't mean I'm obsessed like SOME people. Oh, and the evening after I bought the DVDs, I had my first Firefly viewing party. But that doesn't mean I'm obsessed. I mean, not like SOME people. Really.

SONG

OK, I feel the need to balance last blog's guilty giggles with some grander thoughts. I've been thinking about the whole premise of the Firefly solar system, with the 500-years-from-now timeline and all those terraformed planets and moons. How's this for a grand thought: 500 years? Emigration from a dying Earth-that-was, colonizing the first planet, establishing the melting-pot civilization, accumulating adequate wealth and resources to terraform another planet, and then actually transforming its entire atmosphere, ecology, etc? Times how many planets and moons? In 500 lousy years? Nah, I don't think so. Maybe 5000 years. Here's my other grand thought: Terraforming a lifeless rock into even a harsh but survivable environment has gotta be incredibly expensive, requiring an enormous upfront investment before anything remotely profitable could be undertaken there. It would have to be undertaken by a large government or huge corporation. Whoever paid for it, they wouldn't be likely to then walk away and leave it open for whatever roughneck pioneers feel like establishing a stake. Yet by all appearances, this is precisely what we find on all the border worlds where Firefly does its petty-crime jobs. How does someone like Patience get her grubby little hands on an entire newly-terraformed world? Economically speaking, it is not making sense to me. Suggestions welcome.

UNCHARTEDOUTLAW

Hey all, Just a quick shameless plug this time around. Go to

ROMANCHASE

So, am I to understand that I have blog privilages? Can I write about anything? Or do they have to be about Firefly? If I'm doing something wrong, someone please let me know.. because I plan on using this to blow of some serious steam. I've started other blogs in other services, and they just didn't work out. Okay... biggest stress in my life... puppy beagle. Why? Well, because it's a puppy beagle. I may be setting myself up to be a real jerk to you guys, but I don't like the puppy, and I don't want it. I'm not a dog person by any means, and this puppy has disrupted my life. 'Why did you get the puppy' you ask? Well, my fiance really wanted the puppy, and I thought it would be fun to have... until this one word called 'housebreaking' came to my vocabulary. It's been almost 3 weeks now, and I'm not sure if I've made any real progress. I keep sayng 'I' because my fiance works 12 hour shifts (she's a nurse) and ...as it turns out, I'm STUCK with taking care of this dog... and I know NOTHING about training dogs. Early last week I broke down. Puppy was wreaking havoc, and I couldn't take it. I called Fiance at work, and she calmed me down, and said that it can ONLY get better from here. Since then... it's been up and down. Puppy Kindergarten didn't really work. I know I'm doing something wrong in raising her. In any case, new classes are starting, so we'll see how these go. Whew... blew off a lot of steam there. Thanks for listening.

CASUALTY

These days I seem to be finding more and more examples of life being circular. Situations and people are connected to other people and things in ways that astound me. As I wrote my last blog I thought that finishing University meant that particular chapter in my life had been closed. How wrong I was. I'm back in Canterbury looking for a job (which by the way is harder that I had ever imagined). I've been asked to work in Freshers week and I now know I'll be living here for at least a year. It looks like they wont be able to get rid of me that easily. I'm also preparing for my birthday on Friday, when I turn the big 2-1! Yes finally. I am incredably excited, I'm going to see War of the Worlds, I can't wait. I love birthdays, be it mine or someone elses I'm not fussed, thay just make me happy. I like giving gifts just as much, if not more so, than recieving them. I'm having a BBQ so wish me sunshine. I got my degree result a few weeks ago and I got a 2/2! Yay. My graduation is on the 12th of July and I wonder if the ceremony is as boring as I keep being told it is. I don't mind I just want to wear my cap and gown. After that I'm off to Spain for 10 days so I guess I wont be around these parts much. I just thought I'd say hi to all the new people who've found their way to this fantastic site and hello again to everyone else. Manwithpez how's the job coming along? Zol, Fray101, Psychicriver when's the next UK meetup? I'll be showing up here every now and then, don't forget me! Take care Alison x-x-x-x

DUCESTECUM

Hi Browncoats. If this has already been posted, Sorry! Just wanted to let you know I was reading the July 4, 2005 Globe (has JFK, Jr. on the front) and I can't pass by any news about him. Anyway, I digress, I am flipping through the mag and there is a pic of Mal and Inara and a blurb about we Browncoats and the forthcoming film. I'm excited! Happy days are coming. :biggrin:

CONNORFLYNN

I have another birthday in 2 days. I'm turning 34. It's kind of refreshing LOL..I thought I was already 34, my wife had to remind me..Foggenheimers setting in already me thinks. I find myself looking back on what I've experienced over the years. I've had my ups and downs. Little bumps in the road always seem to pop up without any warning hehe. I seem to keep carrying on, but never seem to find enough time to enjoy it. Ya know what I mean? I spend 2300 hours a year at work, away from home in an office or in the field. Thats almost half my waking life LOL. My wife is going to school to change careers completely and I'm still trying to find that elusive feeling of Job satisfaction and perhaps life satisfaction. Is it possible to find life satisfaction before you're too old to enjoy it? Do you have to be wheeled into a nursing home to wile away your last days and reminisce on what was, before you become aware of how much you enjoyed living? I have a few friends that are in Iraq and abroad. 1 that nearly died and 1 that was a near miss while over there. It really rang home how finite life is. How easy it is to take it for granted. How easy it is to squander it. I've made a promise to myself that I won't wait for life to pass me by completely without at least taking a moment now and then to enjoy it. Hopefully, if there is a God or higher power out there, they will allow me enough time on this fair earth to absorb as much as I can :biggrin: So I seek the country setting again this weekend. The brief moments of heat lightning. The glow of Fireflys as they flit about granting me a little bit of Serenity. Perhaps I will even partake of some Mudder's Milk (or fine wine..whichever is easier to obtain :wink: ) To all my Browncoat friends: Enjoy tonight. Enjoy the Holiday that is coming for those of us in the US. Enjoy the tranquility wherever you can find it. I came across this neat little song by Alan Jackson. It was fitting I felt : Enjoy [b][u]Remember When[/b][/u] Remember when I was young and so were you And time stood still and love was all we knew You were the first, so was I We made love and then you cried Remember when Remember when we vowed the vows and walked the walk Gave our hearts, made the start, and it was hard We lived and learned, life threw curves There was joy, there was hurt Remember when Remember when old ones died and new were born And life was changed, disassembled, rearranged We came together, fell apart And broke each other's hearts Remember when Remember when the sound of little feet was the music We danced to week to week Brought back the love, we found trust Vowed we'd never give it up Remember when Remember when thirty something seemed so old Now lookin' back, it's just a steppin' stone To where we are, where we've been Said we'd do it all again Remember when Remember when we said when we turned gray When the children grow up and move away We won't be sad, we'll be glad For all the life we've had And we'll remember when Peace! Connor

UNDERTHEDARK

Posted my two extant fanfic stories today... hope to get started on a sequel to one of them pretty soon. Not sure which one quite yet. Maybe I'll just bounce back and forth between the two :biggrin: