Maybe Friendship Really Is Magic

Back in January, I wrote a post about My Little Pony spurred on by my daughter getting one of the happy meal toys based on the new version of that cartoon from my childhood. I was pretty disappointed with the new look of the updated ponies and had concluded that we would be sticking with the old school version of the cartoons when and if I let my daughter watch any MLP down the road. At the time, I saw that there had been a few straight-to-DVD movies released aroundabouts 2006 and they looked thoroughly meh, so I really didn't think they were worth my time and attention. What I had neglected to notice was that the toy that spurred my thoughts on the topic (and my daughter's toothpaste design) was actually brought in by a new new MLP show, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, created by a completely different team (as far as I can tell) than the 2006 movies. Had I noticed this at the time I probably still wouldn't have cared, I'll admit. My mind was pretty made up.

But then I was talking to my husband sometime in the last few months and we somehow got onto the topic of MLP (I have no idea how), and he asked if I had been watching the new version. I told him no, of course not. He said he had actually heard really good things about it, and that it was the people behind Powerpuff Girls who had made this new version. Now, I love PPG, and my husband knows it. I kind of feel like that is exactly the kind of cartoon I want my little girl to grow up watching, because while yeah, there's an element of the girly to it, it also has a huge element of kick-butt and independent thinking involved. As well as just being completely entertaining. My husband implored me to give the new MLP a try. That's right, my husband asked me to watch My Little Pony. I told him sure, I'd check it out at some point, and the matter didn't really come up again.

A little time goes by...and all of a sudden, I can't get away from the new ponies. Apparently there's this whole concept of "bronies" that has sprung up around Friendship is Magic. A combination of "bro" and "ponies" it refers to the fact that a ton of teenage and up guys (and gals) have totally gotten hooked on the show. Artist Lar DeSouza (who draws for two of my favorites, Looking for Group and Least I Could Do) is among their ranks, and in June finally gave in and started sketching his own ponies in homage. He drew himself as a pony, and then the Looking For Group character Richard as one as well (Richard's battle cry is "For Pony!" so this seemed especially appropriate). He spread his pony love by drawing fellow comic artist Joel Watson, of Hijinks Ensue, as a pony also. The last straw came about two weeks ago when Katie Cook, the genius behind Gronk, mentioned that she, too, has become totally enamored of Friendship is Magic and drew a Gronk pony, which was just the cutest thing ever. There's even a site on the CHEEZburger network called My Little Brony. It is LOLcats with ponies, y'all. These are two of my favorites that I've seen:

I finally caved and started watching the show. I set it to record in my DVR and my daughter and I have been catching up on the first season ever since. It is actually kind of spectacular. Suddenly the extra stylized look and big eyes of the new ponies are forgivable, because they make sense in the context of the show, which is drawn in a very anime-inspired style. The pony Pinkie Pie, with the balloons on her butt? Yeah, she's kind of one of my favorites now. Lauren Faust, who served as a writer and director for Powerpuff Girls, created Friendship is Magic, serving as a writer and producer on the first season, and set to continue as a writer for the upcoming second season. The PPG influence is definitely there for those who are looking for it, but I feel like it also manages to capture a lot of the spirit and charm of the original series, which was an extremely pleasant surprise for me. There's even a dragon, yay!

The basic premise of the show, from what I can gather, is that Twilight Sparkle, a student of pony royalty Princess Celestia, has been kind of isolated and had her nose stuck in her books for most of her life. So Princess Celestia decides to expand her pupil's education by sending Twilight Sparkle and her assistant Spike (the dragon) down to Ponyville to continue her studies but also to get out and meet other ponies and make friends. Each episode Twilight Sparkle learns some lesson of how friendship works and she sends a report back to Princess Celestia with what she's learned (the moral of the story, so to speak). It's a cutesy concept, sure, but it works to show that people ponies are not perfect and give and take is part of the normal course of things. Other than the bit at the end, the show doesn't try to cram the "lesson" down the viewer's throat, and the writers do a good job of just making it become apparent throughout the episode.

I like that there are different kinds of ponies as well--pegasus ponies, regular ponies, and unicorns (who have magic). It's fun to watch how the ponies manipulate their environment given that their hooves don't give them the best grasp of things and they lack opposable thumbs. That is a neat level of detail, and the fact that the show runners are paying attention to that kind of thing impresses me, I'll admit. Also, instead of saying "everyone" and "nobody" and the like, they all say "everypony" or "nopony." I have decided to find this cute rather than be annoyed by it.

In one of those weird convergences, we started watching the show right before my daughter's birthday, and even though I hadn't mentioned it to anyone, she got two different MLP toys for her birthday. I was very pleased to see that the actual toys are not so skinny as the happy meal toys were (even though the happy meal toys do seem to be more on par with how the ponies on the show look).

Sweetie Belle doll, Baby Girl loves giving her her bottle.

Twilight Sparkle balloon playset. 

A better look at Twilight Sparkle, not an anorexic pony, yay!

Spike the dragon.

Compare the happy meal version with the toy.

Happy Meal Twilight Sparkle.

Granted, I am not giving all updates of shows from my childhood a reprieve (I still refuse to budge on the Strawberry Shortcake nonsense), and I still would really rather people just came up with their own new thing. But I have to say, after giving the new My Little Pony a chance, I am definitely on board. It is fun to be able to watch it with my daughter and know that we are both enjoying it, even it if is on completely different levels. And I'll admit it, the thought of my daughter having her own set of ponies to play with as she grows up makes me a little warm and fuzzy inside. I've already hunted down the basic pony toys of the main six characters. I will likely be getting her at least a few of those for Christmas.

Still, I did go ahead and order the original movie. It doesn't hurt to make sure she knows where this is coming from, right? We watched it last night, and I can admit that, as much as I love the old-school version, as much as I will always love it, the new one is actually probably better. I think the storytelling on the modern version is a lot tighter and the production values, as you might expect with over twenty-five years of advancement, are much better. It is a kids show, sure, but it doesn't feel quite as slapped together as the fare from my day. I thought that Spike the baby dragon was a holdover from the original, and was glad to see I was right. In fact, he is the only character with the same name and appearance (if updated) from back in the day. Clearly Lauren Faust digs dragons. I can get behind that. I did enjoy picking out which old-school ponies had inspired the newer characters too.

And my daughter still totally dug it. That made me happy, oh yes it did.

Today's Word is Enthusiasm

Well, I am officially on vacation.  So far, so good. 

Last night's show was completely awesome.  I didn't realize that it was actually a fundraiser to benefit the Make A Wish Foundation.  That totally made up for all of the sorority girls.  Actually, they weren't that bad, I just get grumpy looking at all of those mini-skirts and high-heels.  For some reason they make me unaccountably angry.  But, um, that's probably a foray into my psyche best left unexplored, I am sure. 

ANYWAY.  The show.  Yes.  It was spectacular.  And I don't say that just because my husband was playing bass for two of the three bands.  Calhoun was in fine form.  It's been a while since I've seen them, and I had forgotten how much I truly miss going to see live shows.  That used to be such a big part of my life before I became a hermit.  Also, I really need to get an iPod adapter for my car so I can listen to my ridiculously huge library of music more.  As I was enjoying my absolute favorite Calhoun song, Dead Days, it struck me that it would be absolutely perfect for one of the end of episode music montages on Stargate Universe.  So would Welcome Mat, for that matter.  The music montages have been one of the more controversial changes to the the Stargate format ushered in by SGU, but I could totally be on board with either of those songs putting in an appearance.  They fit the mood of the show, I think, and I could see either of them being appropriate to wrap up any number of things that could happen on the Destiny.  (Fun fact:  Calhoun did actually have a song appear on a season two episode of Chuck.  It was The Earth Has Lost Its Hold.)

The Frontier Brothers were also pretty spectacular.  I only remember seeing them once before, and I had completely forgotten how freaking enthusiastic they are.  Folks, have you ever seen a performer live that, however talented, just didn't suck you in because he or she seemed completely bored with what was happening?  Okay, this was the exact opposite of that.  It is so clear that these guys are having an absolute ball up there on stage.  They were just so stoked to be playing for us, and that in turn made their already pretty awesome songs about a hundred times better.  They are relocating from Austin to New York early next year, these guys are dedicated to doing the rock star thing (which is another important trait for any aspiring artist).  So if you are in Texas, you really should catch them while they're still here, and if you're out east, well, you've got a real treat headed your way.  My only disappointment in their set was that they didn't play The Robot Song.  But my husband informs me that has long since been retired.  I guess that's okay though, because all of the songs they did play were pretty awesome-sauce.

As it is Friday, don't forget to check out the new Gronk.  I'm not gonna lie to you, folks.  If you are a cat owner, and sometimes wonder why, today's strip explains exactly what's going on there.  Go.  Enjoy.  Give Katie Cook lots of love because she is awesome.

On a slightly more serious note, speaking of girls in the realm of Star Wars, this mom's blog made it's way around the interwebs yesterday.   It seems her daughter, in the first grade, recently was bullied by some boys in her class for carrying a a Star Wars water bottle to school, because Star Wars is "for boys."  Well, we all know that's nonsense, of course.  Thankfully, there is a happy update to the blog.  The female Star Wars fans have been commenting on the blog in droves in support of the little girl, Katie, and telling her that she is not alone and to be proud of who she is.  Her mom has been sharing the comments with her and they have been a big boost to her self-esteem and to her Star Wars pride.  If you've got a few minutes, and you're a female Star Wars fan, can I ask that you go leave a supportive comment for Katie?  As a girl who has always leaned toward the tomboy side of the spectrum, I feel for this little girl.  If we can help her be proud of who she is just by sharing our love of Star Wars with her, then I am all for that. 

In another serious topic, Brit Mandelo over on Tor.com shared a link to Hal Duncan's It Gets Better Video, which takes a more realistic approach at trying to reach LGBT teens who are feeling isolated, and in all probability, angry, about the treatment they receive simply for being who they are.  Be warned, the language is pretty strong, but it's worth a watch, check it out here.  The circumstances that led to the creation of the It Gets Better Project sadden and anger me greatly.  But the fact that it does exist now is a good, good thing. 

Now, back to happier thoughts.  My husband and I are off to see the new Harry Potter movie in a couple of hours.  I can't wait!  Hopefully I'll have a review up for you on Monday.  Now, go forth and have a fantabulous weekend!

I'll take it, 'cuz it feels like a win. 

Now Leia Can Kick Your Butt and Look Awesome While Doing It! Also, Authors That Don't Suck Speak Out Against Those Who Kind of Do.

Yup, just another Friday here in Coriland.  First things first, as it is Friday, you should go check out this week's installment of Gronk, the cutest webcomic about a monster that's ever been made. This week, Gronk shows us how the Patronus charm SFX from the Harry Potter films were done.

Click Here For Awesomeness!

And speaking of Katie Cook, did you know that she has a shirt design up on Her Universe?  Her what-now, you say?  Ah, let me enlighten you, then!  Ashley Eckstein, who voices Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars The Clone Wars, has recently started a line of Star Wars clothing (and some other forthcoming merchandise) specifically designed for WOMEN (and girls).  When I say designed for females, I mean not only designs that should appeal more to females, but also clothing that is actually made to fit the female body, as opposed to your basic run of the mill unisex t-shirt.

I have to admit, when I first heard about this, I kind of didn't see the point.  I have been just getting my Star Wars apparel from the guys' section since I started displaying my love of the fandom.  Though I should point out I've always been something of a tomboy, especially in my fashion sense.  T-shirts and jeans are my staple wardrobe.  But the more I think about it, and the more I see what Ashley is doing, and more importantly, planning to do, the more excited I am getting about this.  I think my two favorites are the one with the basic logo and the Ahsoka Chibi tee.

Seriously, how cute is this shirt?

Admittedly, there have been some snags in getting the line up and running.  Some people have argued that the selection isn't what they were looking for and isn't large enough, and that the prices are a bit too high.  It's running at about $30 for a t-shirt (plus shipping) right now.  While I see these points, they are all kind of part and parcel of this being a small company.  I am planning to buy at least one shirt as soon as I can fit it in my budget.  While I can understand why a lot of people don't want to pay that much for a t-shirt, I don't mind if a) the quality of the shirt is really high (which these are, from everything I have heard), and b) it is a design that is perfect for me that I can't find anywhere else.  I don't see how this is any worse than someone paying $400 for a pair of shoes they're only going to wear a few times, honestly.  Especially since these shirts will probably get worn way more often.  It's just a matter of if it is worth it for you or not, I suppose. 

I will point out, as others have, that the best way to get this company to the point where they can start offering more designs and lower prices is to go and buy something from them if you see something you like--or get someone who loves you to buy it for you if you can't afford it (Christmas is coming up, you know).

Club Jade did a lovely article explaining how awesome the existence of Her Universe truly is.  The author's main point is that, you know what, it's been thirty years since Star Wars happened, and this is the first line devoted entirely to women, who, believe it or not, do make up a large part of the Star Wars fan base.  The comments on the article consist of one of the most reasonable forum conversations I have ever seen online, especially in relation to Star Wars, even when people are pointing out their issues with the line.  Yesterday, Ashley posted a blog up on the Her Universe site addressing most of the issues that were brought up by the Club Jade article, and what she plans to do about it.  This folks, is exactly the reason why I am going to do my part to support this company.  I hope you will consider doing so as well.

I managed to finish the scarf for Flick Filosopher yesterday!  I am pretty happy with the hat/scarf set, although I think the next time I make one, I am going to tweak my pattern for the scarf a little bit.  I felt like it ended up being a shade too wide, and while the ridged effect on the ends looks okay, I am not sure it is what I really wanted for this pattern.  Other than that though I am very satisfied with the project.  Now, if only Flick Filosopher lies it as well!

Filosophy Tam by Cori 2010.

Filosophy Scarf by Cori 2010.

The set together.

The pattern for the hat was Angora Tam by Lion Brand.  I improvised  the scarf to mirror the pattern in the hat.  If you'd like to see the pattern for that written out, it is on my Ravelry page (my user name is AtlantisDragonGrl).  I used one skein of Red Heart Super Saver yarn in Aruba Sea for both items.

I want to close out the week by taking a few moments to talk about my experience so far with National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo).  I have to say, my secret hope of hopes with the project (as it is for almost every participant, I am sure), is to write something that I can maybe, eventually, get published.  I say eventually because I realize that what I am writing right now is, at best, a first (very rough) draft.  Whatever I come up with this month will be a beginning, a place to start.  At the very least, I hope that by participating in NaNoWriMo this year (and probably in the years to come), I will learn something about how I personally operate as a writer, and I will get in some good practice writing so that when I finally start working on the project that is my baby (or realize that what I think is my baby in fact isn't and find something new to nurture), I will be able to do it the right way.  And folks, this is exactly what NaNoWriMo is all about.  It's not for every writer, certainly, but for some of us, it can be the kick in the pants we need.

Regardless of whether or not I ever get a single page published, if no one else ever reads anything I write, getting it down on the page (or screen, as the case may be), is the truly important part.  I am a writer, and because of this project, I am actually writing.  For me, that is the most amazing thing in the world right now.  For the last couple of years I have barely written anything, and have been in a total creative slump.  I was still coming up with ideas, but lacked the motivation to put any of them on the page.  And now, I am 20,000+ words in on my very first actual novel.  That's something incredible, and no one can take that away from me.

I can't imagine why anyone, especially a professional writer, would want to disparage NaNoWriMo for giving people like me those feelings, but that is exactly what a lot of people are doing this month.  It is a very sad realization that since the first, many known authors and writers, when approached about NaNoWriMo have dismissed it as a pointless waste of time, or worse, gone on the record insulting it and the people who participate.  BUT, just to prove that we are not alone, the professional authors and writers who aren't dismissive jerks have started going on the defensive for NaNoWriMo, and I am happy to say that quite a few of them are people who I read, admire, or follow online.

Mary Robinette Kowal points out that her recently released novel Shades of Milk and Honey started out as a NaNoWriMo novel.  John Scalzi, spurred by her blog on the subject, posted his own entry in support of NaNoWriMo as well, and calls out the writers who are trash-talking the event to boot.  There have been a few more posts that I've stumbled across, but those two yesterday just really struck a chord with me.  Some authors have even been helping out us crazy participants by serving as a cheering section, writing pep-talk letters to be sent out to us.  Mercedes Lackey's was my favorite so far, mostly because she suggested for anyone who is having a hard time getting past the world-building aspect and just writing to maybe start out by writing some fan fiction.  It makes me happy whenever any published writer speaks out in support of fan fiction.  Sure, people have gone some weird and disturbing places with it, and sure, a lot of it is terrible.  But on the other hand, a lot of published writers started out in that forum (Naomi Novik, for one), and quite a few still dabble in it for fun.  To me it has always seemed to be the perfect forum to practice and hone my writing style.  I have to say, participating in NaNoWriMo has given me the urge to dive back into it.  And if I can find a way to do that without giving my soul back to Wraithbait, then you can believe that I will give it a go.  Once I get through November, that is.

Word Count Update:  22,073 out of 50,000

Distraction By Animals

So, I know I promised you a book review, and I am working on that, but it is not looking like it will happen today.  You may be asking why, and lucky for you, I will tell you.  Because today I went to the zoo.  A friend of mine that just recently moved out of state is back in town for the weekend with her son and so we decided to get together this morning and go to the Fort Worth Zoo.  Oh it was glorious.  I love the zoo.  I love zoos period.  My favorite place on the entire planet is the St. Louis Zoo.  Which is awesome.  And free.  But I digress.  I offer up for you some of the highlights of the trip, in photo form.  Enjoy.

Baby Girl finds the Wooden Fence Exhibit fascinating.

A kangaroo that is actually out and about (usually they are all hanging out along the very back wall of their exhibit).

Lions in all of their majesty.

Baby Girl watches the penguins swim around.

The white tiger strikes a pose.

A goat plotting his escape from the petting zoo.

I don't think I'd be half so set on never leaving Fort Worth if I didn't love the zoo here so much.  A good zoo is an important thing. 

It's not all just cute animals and babies though folks, I also have a few links for you to fun things I found this week. 

Here's a nifty article about ten television series you should watch on DVD now that they've ended their run and have been released in full.  I find it very interesting that out of the shows on this list that I haven't seen, only one of them isn't on my list of series I'd like to watch someday (or already in my Netflix queue). 

And Jo Walton over at Tor.com has a nifty theory on what sometimes happens to books you love when you don't reread them for a while.  Jo Walton has a few books out, one series of which has been described as Jane Austen with dragons, which I totally want to read.  I love her articles on Tor, so I can't wait to actually read one of her actual stories, her writing style just makes me happy. 

And lastly, I will close up by taking the opportunity to tell you about a wonderful little webcomic called Gronk.  This is an absolutely adorable story about a monster who decides she doesn't want to be a monster and so heads off for our part of town.  She is found by a human who takes her in and it follows this new family as they try to adjust to each other.  It's drawn by Katie Cook who has a wonderful artistic style and who is clearly all kinds of awesome, because not only has she done licensed work for Marvel and DC, but she's also done licensed Star Wars art as well.  I mean, come on.  Anyhoo, check it out if you get a chance.  It's only been going for a few months and is just a once a week update, so there's not too much to catch up on, but what is there is pure win.  Today's strip is an excellent example.

And on that note, fair readers, I bid you adieu.  There's some darkspawn in the Deep Roads just begging to have me destroy them.