Archive for the ‘Buying’ Category

The Inara Shuttle ornament from Dark Horse is seriously cool and great for your desk, shelf or Christmas tree, but if you really want an authentic model there's only one place to go (besides Joss' house): The Prop Store of London.

This is a model of Inara's (Morena Baccarin) shuttle from the 2005 science fiction movie Serenity. [...] This model has been scratch built from resin and styrene, and crafted with incredible detail: painted silver with small, colored accents; doors, windows, and valves etched into the model; and the words "Firefly Class Shuttle" written on the side. There were three of these shuttle models created for the production, but this one was not used. The model measures about 19" x 8.5" (48cm x 21.5cm) and is in excellent condition. This item is presented in a custom-fabricated acrylic display case, with a laser-cut mat featuring the film title and movie images.

Granted, it is a bit more expensive than the ornament — by about $4,470 — but it's a beautiful piece of the show and I hope if you buy it, you'll let me look at it and sigh wistfully.

OK, these are just cool.

I was wandering around the Showtime store — just yesterday I broke down and ordered my first premium cable channel, Showtime, because I don't watch a lot of TV but 3 of my favorite shows are there and the DVDs were getting expensive — and because Bon Jovi's documentary "When We Were Beautiful" is airing there first on Oct. 24 and Teres has been hinting strongly, and by hinting I mean the sort of gentle encouragement that would be prohibited by the Geneva Conventions — and I checked out the Dexter section. Lots of shirts, DVDs, expensive Decter-themed jewelry, the strangely popular bobble heads… and these.

A set of four coasters, complete with blood drops, stored in Dexter's iconic slide tray. Tell me the thought of serving drinks on top of a serial killer's souvenir blood doesn't cheer you right up!

They ain't cheap — $44.99 — but they are seriously cool. They're also evidence, so watch it.

I posted a review of Jeff Lindsey's latest Dexter book "Dexter by Design" and the new Dexter iPhone game here, by the way.

So, the camera I've been using for the last few years is the Canon PowerShot A630. And day in, day out it's a pretty decent camera. Sharp pics, nice range of options, 4x zoom, 10 megapixels, handles my average photographing needs. But there are two situations where it's not really up to snuff: low light, and anything requiring a fast shutter speed. It's just not a quick camera.

And two places where I take a lot of pictures are at concerts (low light, lotsa movement) and conventions (low light, lotsa movement), so I'd like to get another camera that's suited for those sorts of situations since I love going to cons and I know Teres will be making plans for the upcoming Bon Jovi tour. However, there are some restrictions.

- It's got to be in my price range, which means under $150 at the most and at that I'll be selling some stuff on eBay first. (Although if an expensive camera is otherwise perfect, I can always look for a used one.)
- It needs to perform well in low-light, fast-moving situations. Sharp zooms would be nice.
- It needs to be fixed-lens, since most big concert venues frown (and may confiscate) pro-looking cameras or cameras with detachable lenses.
- The faster the shutter response time from the second I push the button, the better.

However, this camera doesn't have to be good at anything else. My Canon works very well for most things I use it for. I just need something for specific conditions where my current camera is weak. So basically I need a cheap pocket camera that takes amazing concert photos. How tough could that be?

Ideally the new camera would also use AA batteries and SD cards to match my current one, but that's optional. I want a concert camera.

Any suggestions?

On sale at eBay, 7 of these limited-edition Dollhouse etchings engraved on aluminum.

Made exclusively for San Diego Comic Con 2009 and Limited to 250 pieces.
Don't fall asleep and miss out on your only chance to own this very unique piece of art.

This is not a poster, it is a shiny engraved piece of aluminum.
Photos do not truly convey this stunning piece of art.  Details follow:

Eliza Dushku as Echo. Eliza Dushku as Caroline. Eliza Dusku as…
Coated Aluminum Etching
Artwork size: 12"x24"
Image(s) are mounted on black foam core and ready for framing.

$50 each, plus shipping. There's a video on the page to give you a better idea of what the engraving looks like. Click here to check it out.

The official, licensed, Museums Replicas versions of River's axe and a Reaver sword were certainly impressive, reasonably accurate, and came with a cool wall plaque, but they weren't exactly cheap. And the actual props from the Prop Store of London were even more expensive.  What's the economically disadvantaged fan to do?

Never fear! Bud K is selling the "Serenity Axe" and "Serenity Fantasy Sword" for just $27.99 each! OK, they're not exactly like the movie versions — slightly different shapes to the blades — but they're not bad and definitely closer to my personal price range. And I like how the description tells you that "Dedicated fans and hardcore followers of cult sci-fi hits will instantly recognize this replica weapon" without actually mentioning River or Reavers.

The axe measures measures 27" overall and features an "authentically detailed" stainless steel 19 1/2" axe blade and wood handle. The sword is 16" overall with a stainless steel 11" blade and wood handle. Both come with nylon sheaths.  Great for your wall or your cosplaying, easy on the wallet.

He's made prints, he's made canvas versions, he's made a book, and he's made T-shirts (including a new muscle-tee Kaylee one). What else can Jason Palmer do with his amazing amazing character portraits?

He can make them bigger.

These are the big ones! Jumbo banner prints, measuring 24"x70". Perfect for taking up a wall or hanging on your door. Done on our Giclee printer with archival inks, on beautiful and durable Luster art paper.

Get the crews of Firefly and Battlestar Galactica, or go for individual crewmembers to fit your fancy. Available for a limited time.

And more stuff's coming; new shirt designs for Jayne, Kaylee, Serenity herself, and BabyTees. You can find out more by signing up for his newsletter.

Kids Need to Read is auctioning off a rare set of Dr. Horrible figures. Only four sets exist, owned by Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, artist Jenny Wolf, and maybe you!

The figures are autographed by the artist and the Captain Hammer figure is autographed by Nathan.

You need these. Actually, wait, I need these. I changed my mind. Don't go bid.

Kids Need to Read is a 501(c)(3) organization that assists in making make books available to under funded schools and libraries to give all children the opportunity to enjoy the world of books and inspire imagination.  KTNR was founded by author PJ Haarsma and Nathan Fillion.  You can read more on their website.

New from AbbyShot Clothiers, makers of the Browncoat, officially licensed Doctor Who wear: the Tenth Doctor's coat, and a Martha Jones Jacket!

Based on David Tennant’s costume, this designer-quality coat is bound to be your favorite everyday garment! This replica trenchcoat, officially licensed by the BBC, features high-quality wool blend fabric, full lining (color matched to the costume coat), double-breasted buttoning, detailed stitching on the back, and outside welt pockets with flaps.

Available in Men’s sizes SM-XL, this coat will make the centerpiece of any Doctor Who fan’s collection. Feel like the last of the Time Lords!

Slip into her sporty leather jacket, based on the Doctor’s companion from the ever-popular Series 3, as played by Freema Agyeman!

This replica garment, officially licensed by the BBC, features: 100% leather, full lining, two-way zipper and detailed stitching. Available in Ladies’ Sizes: S-XXL, this jacket will make a great addition to any Doctor Who fan’s collection!

Pre-order from TFAW and save 20% on the price, and if that's not logical I dunno what is.

New at the Prop Store of London, the Operative's outfit.

A costume worn by The Operative in the sci-fi adventure Serenity. This excellent costume was worn by The Operative (Chiwetel Ejiofor) in scenes near the end of the film on Mr Universe’s planet where he tries to stop Mal broadcasting the message. It consists of a pair of black trousers, a black top, chest armour which is made from rubber sprayed a dark bronze colour, a thick leather belt and gauntlets, which are also the same colour as the chest armour, a pair of black boots (size 9) and a leather sheath that is strapped on to his back and has the handle of his sword sticking out of the top. The sword handle has been glued into the sheath and so can’t be removed, it is made from hard rubber and some of the silver paint has flaked off in places.

I'm almost certain I've listed this before, but this set is listed as having been worn by the actor onscreen, which makes this a bigger deal. Buy it and use it to freak out Nathan Fillion at the next con!

Remember in Serenity when it spiralled down through the massive air battle, whoosh! and dodged all the other ships, zing bwow! and then got hit with the EMT thingies zap! and Wash barely managed to control it well enough to slide it into a big hanger where it got all bashed up, smash crunch!?

This is one of the things in the hanger that it hit.

This is a hanger vehicle miniature model from the 2005 sci-fi adventure movie Serenity. When the crew is being chased by Reavers they must crash land or “glide” the ship into the hanger after they were hit by enemy fire. The Firefly ship lands in the hanger knocking out scaffolding and comes to a screeching halt next to this all terrain vehicle. The miniature is 9” long made of plastic model with 5 wheels and bound together with screws. This miniature vehicle is in good condition.