Fans who have recently started following Nathan Fillion on Twitter will see myriad references to "FTB" or "Feed the Birds" and "BSTL" which stands for "Bam, Said the Lady". But at this point there are very few explanations of what these phrases mean, or where they originated.
Canadian-born actor Nathan Fillion has been an actor since 1993, with roles in everything from Saving Private Ryan to Waitress. He is perhaps best known among fans for his roles in Joss Whedon's works: the television series Firefly, and its follow-up feature film Serenity, tv show Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Fillion played the "preacher" in the final season)and as Captian Hammer in the online film Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.
Currently, Fillion plays writer Richard Castle on the ABC show Castle, starting it's second season this fall.
"Bam!" said the lady.
In fact, " 'Bam!' said the lady." looks to be a line from the actor's voiceover role as Seargent Buck on the Halo3 ODST video game (release date September 22, 2009). In his interview with MSNBC.com, Fillion mentions that the Sgt has been thrust into a combat situation with a former love interest. Speculation is that "the lady" in question is that former flame.
In terms of lingo and use, BSTL is an emphatic way to close a statement or conversation, such as "So there!", and it denotes finality and completion. It has also been described as a "there you go."
For the curious, according to a Suite 101 sneak preview, "ODST" stands for "Orbital Drop Shock Troopers".
Feed the Birds
On August 2, 2009 Fillion tweeted the definition and explanation of FTB as "the new high-five". It is a new way to congratulate or give props to someone deserving.
To do a "feed the birds" hand gesture, two parties join their thumbs and fingertips together to form a "bird head" shape out of their hands. Then they put their fingertips together to "feed" one another (see photo). According to Fillion in subsequent tweets, the person deserving the accolades is the bottom or "fed" bird, while others are "feeders" with their hands on top.
Tweeting, Twitter and Tweeps
Those fans interested in following Nathan Fillion on Twitter can do so at @nathanfillion.
Also recommended is the twitter username @writeRCastle for the character Richard Castle's tweets. An entire "episode" was tweeted in the off season between filming for the show to pique fans interest over the summer.
For more information about Twitter and "tweeting", you may be interested in one of the following links:
- Article about following celebrities on Twitter
- Article offers Basic Twitter Tutorial
Alicia King - Alicia King has been writing for Suite 101 since June of 2007. For over a year, she was the Featured Writer for the Suite section about ...
