"Your brother never told you about Knight Rider??!!!"

Sad but true.

As much as I love my brother Scott for exposing me to such classics as Dallas, Dukes of Hazzard, A-Team, Little House, Spider-Man and Incredible Hulk.  I never got to see Knight Rider when it first aired, well I couldn't because I was born in 83' but I'm talking about the re-runs when they aired.  Sure, I saw clips, bits and pieces, knew of the theme, knew a little about Michael Knight and KITT but as to the acutal plot, I was like a blonde (no offense to my blonde friends) completely and utterly oblivious.

In the past, I had seen Chad aka Jedi Knight Rider, drive his replica KITT to events and admired KITT from afar but still I was too dumb at times to ask about it.  Before the Hockey Game, my friend Chris and I sat on the tailgate of my truck talking about the duel and sure enough Chad drives in with his KITT which gets me grinning every time I see him.   We sat around and talked waiting for the others so we could go in and on Chad's phone he has both the KITT and KARR sound files and being at the time, I didn't know much about Knight Rider, I didn't know who KARR was.  I think I must have looked like a fool because I was interested but I didn't want to show that I was interested in learning about Knight Rider and about other things that day  (refer to Blog 19 err yeah) .

So after the Hockey Game, they talked a little Knight Rider and I was still a little lost but I hung on every word.  I should have  just stood up and said I never saw an episode but I kept it hidden; I bet I must have looked funny trying to listen to what the guys were geek speaking about Knight Rider.  Still, my curiosity had been aroused about the show so I started to look at clips on YouTube   Mostly of the theme and some of the action scenes which made my curiosity grow even more.  I had even considered downloading the episodes onto Itunes so that way Scott and I could watch them on our respective computers when I got home.

Finally, after talking to Chad the other night as to where I could catch episodes I finally saw the original 82' pilot and instantly fell in love.  I don't think I could accurately say I understand why guys like the show other than the car and the plot.  I like it for the plot and its ingenious storyline which I know with today's sex crazed, reality based TV shows wouldn't fly (Just look at the 2008 series, which the die hard KR fans have told me to avoid like the plague, as well as Team Knight Rider).   I liked it so much that I downloaded the pilot from Itunes as well as the theme.  As a result of work, I am only about six episodes in on Hulu including the pilot and almost to the one I want to see the first KITT vs. KARR episode, it should be a good show and Chad and I have been talking on and off about the episodes and he's been nice enough and patient enough to answer my questions.  Thanks Chad!!! :)

I like the show, I'm glad I'm able to appreciate it now considering that as an adult you can understand hidden messages within tv shows.  I am liking the characters including Devon (who reminds me of Old Ben from Star Wars), Michael (who reminds me of a mix between Anakin and young Obi-Wan),  Bonnie (who reminds me a little of Han Solo) and KITT who I haven't found a way or character to compare him to.   Right now, I wouldn't mind doing a Bonnie cosplay, I have the wig for it too but no jumpsuit.  However, I'm going to hold off till I see the series in it's entirety but I really really am liking the show.

Till next time,

Jane

Epicness in a Hockey Game

Phew!!

Spring Break has finally hit and I'm able to take a break from work and actually post something.  No I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth.  I've been so busy with work that it's been difficult to find time to actually post and update this blog.

The last time I updated, I told you about the Hockey Game that was coming up to feature 20 Star Wars characters and R2-KT.  Well the hockey game has come and gone and it was an Epic Night for all of us involved.  First, we had the 501st table set up with RL gear and 501st gear, as well as KT's notebook.  I love that little droid and what she stands for because I remember back in the day trooping to help save Katie's life and how the Garrison supported and rallied behind Albin during his most difficult time.  In addition, the Legion went all out to help him so really anytime KT is with us, it reminds me of our mission and her mission.

The big highlight was the duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin, which I spent all but three minutes rehearsing my part which is the fall and staying still for two minutes on the ice.  Chad, aka Obi-Wan or as I call him the Jedi Knight Rider, said that I was fretting for three weeks and worried myself to death.  Guilty!!! I did because my knees are not the greatest and my neck was still bothering me from the crap I endured last year at the end of school. However, in the final rehearsal I did a pretty good fall and not only that I kept watching Chad and Cory practice their routine from the floor.  I did it so that way they could watch their boundaries and from the rehearsals I knew that the duel was going to be epic.

So we went up top after the rehearsals to the control box where they play all the music and special effects and they had the Scene already wired to play simultaneously at the beginning as Cory and I did the abridged choke scene followed by Chad coming onto the ice.  During this time, my stomach was doing knots because I didn't know how I would do the drop especially with that bad left knee.  Also, they had the epic music for when Vader would go on the ice and drop the puck and to introduce the players.  All of it was St. Patty's theme and all of it was Star Wars themed.

We then went downstairs, suited up and came up top to greet the fans who were coming in to see the game. The temperature was warm outside so a few of us went outside to wander since Vader, Chewie and KT were getting all the love. My best friends Susan and Kim were dressed as a Jedi and Aalya Secura, we had Mandos, Stormtroopers, Tuskens, Scout Troopers and a few other characters there.


 Out of the Episode III crew I went out first and yes I didn't get much recognition which I knew, but it felt good to be outside and in the fresh air among the patrons.  Steve, who is a friend of mine from the 105th was also outside in my guard and he taunted me a bit which was funny.  Chad and Cory eventually followed and so they got a lot of pictures outside.

Five minutes before the game, two groups of characters split up and went either down on the ice or up top into the stands.  We saw the puck drop by Vader, the characters welcoming the FireAntz on the ice and then the start of the game.  During the first intermission, was the duel and yes I was nervous about making my cues but once I was "choked" by Anakin things went smoothly and the duel looked great.  Kudos to both Chad and Cory for a great duel with only 7 hours of training.  Below is the master video put together by Chad of three different videos from the duel and the other characters in action.

Afterwards, we went back up to the stands and did a dance off with a section.  We also went back down to the ice and walked it with the kids before we took our group pictures downstairs.   After the game, the majority of us went to Red Robin and ate dinner outside.  I also got measured for Luke in the parking lot at night, under the lamp.  That's a story that I'll save for another time but overall, it was a great event.

The highlight of the night other than the duel was the winner of the Jersey Raffle.  He was a MAW child who had beaten his illness and won it.  I tell you it really made the night knowing that he won the jersey.

Again till next time!!

-Jane

Updates, Crossplay, and Hockey Fun

I know I haven't been posting much lately in here.  I blame work and grad school for that but no harm in letting the world know yes, I am alive.  As for the geekdoms, I've been so busy that I haven't had time to enjoy some of my favorite shows including Being Human and Supernatural but hopefully I will be able to catch up soon. So no spoilers!!!

I have some good news on the Rebel Legion front, it's official after 10 years of being a member in the 501st, I have joined the Rebel Legion as my Mustafar Padme has been approved.  In addition, I have decided well more like convinced by certain friends *coughs* Thomas Gardner *coughs*  Kimberly Willis *coughs* and a few others (I really do love you guys!!  :) ) to work on and complete my Luke, Return of the Jedi costume.  So Monday, after going to two Doctor's appointments and running around getting supplies for my classroom I met Kimberly at JoAnn's and we had a field day getting fabric for Luke.  Not only that, by some chance I had forgotten she was doing a Mara Jade costume so now Luke and Mara will have an appearance at Animazement provided I don't have too much to do that weekend for work (*knock on wood*).  Also, Kim is going to rock as Mara and though my inner fangirl is jealous that Mara married Luke in the books and EU,  I guess I'll live with it.

So in what little spare time I have, I am listening to my Star Wars music, reading Tempest in the Legacy of the Force Series.  I'm actually enjoying the series and I'm liking the transition from Jacen being a Jedi to following in Anakin's footsteps becoming a Sith but for different reasons.   

Speaking of Anakin.  We will be having a big big and I mean huge, gigantic, enormous event this Saturday in Fayetteville.  Over 20 Star Wars characters will be appearing and in costume to take part in the FireAntz game and support MAW (Make a Wish).  Not only that, during the first intermission we'll have Anakin vs. Obi-Wan on the ice and yes, I will be playing Padme' for that one.  I will begin practicing the fall tomorrow night just going with the clip that we've gotten.  I'm looking forward to it because Chad (Obi-Wan) and Cory (Anakin) have been working hard since StellarCon on perfecting the duel and though it's only going to be a quarter of the one between Hayden and Ewan I'm looking forward to seeing the videos on Youtube once they are edited together.

So yay!! Also, here's a shout out to my best friend Susan, who celebrated her birthday this past week and will be attending the game as her Jedi.  I will be bringing her birthday present to the game and I can't wait to participate since we will be auctioning off a signed Hockey Jersey for the FireAntz and the proceeds will be going to MAW.  Did I mention that R2-KT will be there?  Yep.  She'll be making the journey from SC to NC first participating in the St. Patty's Day parade in Charlotte then coming to Fayetteville.  This will be an epic night for all of us!!

-Jane

Scatterbrained

Well this has been a very hectic week for me so I'm only managing to get one entry done.  First and foremost, I'm not worried about the views of this blog online.  I'm at 760-some odd views and that's ok I'm not one to whine and complain saying that "Oh my blog is bad because I got a few hundred views."  I'm not worried about this and as I stated way back at the beginning this blog is for fun and fun alone.  If it takes off great, if not no big deal.

Yesterday, I drove up to Greensboro to go to StellarCon for a few reasons.  One it's a con.  Two, we need to practice for the upcoming duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan at the FireAntz game on the 16th, and Three I needed to fix Padme's wig for said game.  I've been to StellarCon in the past and in the past it was a good little con but it has gone down significantly down hill.  I'm not sure if it's the way that it's organized or just the lack of programming but it really has gone downhill and I'm not sure if it's a Con that can be saved.  Maybe if the people from ConCarolians helped organized it it could be a bit better.  However, I will say that it was nice to see my friends again, Janine "Spendlove" Garner,  Chris Burnside, Cheralyn Lambeth, Allegra "Chainmail Chick" Torres,  Jada Diaz, Rob Readling and others.

I will say the only interesting thing that happened during the con was watching Chris train Chad and Cory for the duel that is coming up in a few weeks.  Granted, I arrived a little late but once I arrived they were out there dueling or being taught moves by Chris and they did extremely well.   I then went to lunch with Chad and Cory and we joked around which was good because I have a feeling I would've been bored out of my skull had I not gone with them.   Once we got back from lunch we sat around for an hour waiting for Chris to come out of a panel so that way they could practice dueling for another hour or two.  Again, they are looking promising and I can't wait for the duel in a few weeks.

****

I will admit that I have been scattered brain the past few days overrun with things from work and just in the geekdom in general.  Granted, I haven't been to a con in a few weeks and I haven't been out trooping save for Raleighwood but there are some things that have been bothering me.  For example, someone pointed out that the guard fabric is supposed to be satin for the under robe lining.  Every guard that has gotten into the 501st knows full well that it's velvet, it's burgundy velvet for the lining based off of what we wear for our under tunics and obi sashes.  It just irks me when people ask me for help because I have the costume, granted someone made it for me, but I know what people need to get approved in the 501st with this costume.  Even though I've been quasi-burned I will still offer my help if it's asked for.  If not I won't worry about it.

I'm also having some issues with Padme and it's good on one hand and bad on the other I keep losing the weight from my surgery so I have to get the gauntlets resewn every two weeks .  I also need adjustments made to the back belt because I've lost two inches off my back and the belt isn't sitting right.  I'm still mixed about submitting to the Rebel Legion but I have friends that want me to submit so I will in the end.

I'm still moving forward with plans for Luke and Jean but I'm waiting on taxes to get back so that way I can go up to Raleigh and get the fabric for him.  Maybe when we go to Michigan this summer I might take Luke with me to get pictures in the woods where we used to roam when we went on camping trips.

Again, I'm scattered brained right now but at least I have an entry up.

Till next time---

Jane