Happy Birthday Mr. Whedon..Take some Action!

This day marks the birth of the biggest damn hero of all, Joss Whedon. Last night I saw Serenity in a room with a bunch of browncoats. Twas shiny. Today, I ask all of you to do something...anything...that is good for the world. Right a letter or email for Equality Now. See what's shaking at Amnesty International. Donate money for the Make-a-Wish charity over at Slayathon (and tell them i sent you!). Just do something....and honor the man that has gifted us with so much exciting and imaginative entertainment!

Serenity Now Equality Now Screenings this Week!

Don't forget to get your tickets for the upcoming screenings of Serenity in honor of Joss Whedon's birthday and his favorite charity Equality Now! I have got mine and will be at the Portage Theatre Chicago screening on friday in my blue sun shirt and Jayne hat yall!


Fans Organize 'Global Sci-Fi Charity Event Of The Year'

Fans of the science fiction movie 'Serenity' will be holding screenings in 51 cities in nine countries to raise money and awareness for Equality Now, an international women's rights advocacy group. In its second year, Can't Stop The Serenity looks to raise over $100,000 in donations for the charity.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) May 7, 2007 -- For the second year, screenings of the science fiction film 'Serenity' will be held around the world in late June to raise money and awareness for an international women's rights advocacy group. The unprecedented effort marks the culmination of a year's work by fans to bring a writer's vision of equality to a mass audience.

Can't Stop The Serenity [CSTS was conceived as a tribute to writer-director Joss Whedon on his birthday, June 23, by holding screenings of his 2005 film 'Serenity' wherever supporters were able to organize events. Proceeds from the events are donated to Equality Now, a charitable organization that Whedon's mother, Lee Stearns, helped launch. In 2006, there were events in 47 cities worldwide, raising over $65,000 for Equality Now.

By their very nature, science fiction fans want to improve their world
Fans of 'Serenity,' and its television predecessor "Firefly," are fervent in their support of Whedon's works. That fervor helps drive the CSTS events forward.

"By their very nature, science fiction fans want to improve their world," said Devin Pike, global organizer of the 2007 CSTS events. "Whether it's Roddenberry's utopian view of eliminating poverty and prejudice in the next two centuries, or Whedon's saga of rebels rising up against tyranny, sci-fi fans are naturally compelled to try and make the world around them a better place. The Can't Stop The Serenity events allow that passion and drive to work towards bringing the issue of gender equality to the foreground."

Events are scheduled in fifty-one (51) cities in nine countries, meeting the first stated goal of the organization to hold screenings in over fifty cities. A full list of cities holding screening events can be found at CantStopTheSerenity.com. CSTS organizers have also stated a goal of raising over $100,000 USD for Equality Now with the 2007 events.

Founded in 1992, Equality Now aims to address the gender disparity in the human rights movement, which had grown to dismiss issues such as domestic violence, rape, female genital mutilation, and sex trafficking as "cultural" or "private." Whedon has been honored by Equality Now for his work on "strong female characters" in television and film.

While the CSTS effort is coordinated on a global scale, organizers in individual cities have been hard at work to make their events a unique, show-stopping experience for attendees:



In Portland, the birthplace of the CSTS screenings, ten percent of the proceeds will go to the Women's Film Initiative (a project of Film Action Oregon)
The events in North Carolina (Raleigh and Charlotte) will have production-used props and costumes from "Firefly" and 'Serenity' on display
Frequent Whedon collaborator Jane Espenson will appear at a question-and-answer session preceding the Dallas/Fort Worth screening

"One of the wonderful things about the CSTS screenings is the flexibility organizers have in planning their events. They range from intimate gatherings to full-blown shindigs. The fan community in each participating city should give organizers medals for their creativity on a less-than-shoestring budget," Pike said.

To assist in making the events appeal to a broad audience, organizers turned to companies -- Universal Home Entertainment, Dark Horse Comics, Quantum Mechanix, and BenBella Books, among others -- to donate goods and services to be used as giveaways. The prizes made available to organizers as door prizes range from hand-knitted hats to a cabin for two on "The Browncoat Cruise," a 'Serenity'-themed cruise event held in December.

In addition, members of the online community MySpace, who are "friends" of the CSTS organization, are getting exclusive access to an auction of prints by artist Jo Chen in late May. Proceeds from the auctioned prints, which are signed by Chen, Joss Whedon, and actress Jewel Staite, will go to Equality Now.

"Being involved with Can't Stop The Serenity is amazing," Pike said. "It's easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day details of planning the events, but when I step back and look at the scale of what we've accomplished in the last two years, it's phenomenal. I'm proud of the work we've done so far, and look forward to the future."

Episode #019 Killer in Me and Long Way Home Buffy Comic Roundup

Special guests Gwen and Casey chat with me about season seven's "Killer in Me" episode and issues 1-4 of Buffy Season 8 "The Long Way Home". We also chat about the future for the Buffy and Angel comics and about our love of the whedonverse in general.

Last Chance to Save Veronica Mars!

Head over to this link for a few more last minute ideas to save our plucky Private Jane, Veronica! The Jericho fans managed to save their show...why can't we do the same! So send some emails and make a few phone calls....

Come see/listen to a radio play written by your truly!

Hey...so I write plays sometimes in my copius spare time. My super hero radio play, Stella Stargirl Episode 6: Boy Meets Stargirl is being staged this friday night at my theatre company Strawdog in Chicago at 3829 N Broadways near Wrigley Field. Our latest installment of the Strawdog Radio Theatre begins at 8p and tickets are a cheap $15 (i might be able to get you in cheaper...there are 2-4-1 student tickets and I have some 2-4-1's myself)...then stick around and enjoy our bar and watch the Starwdog Hit Factory Presents featuring my play and two other fabulous entries starting at 10:30 p. Good times will be had by all. I will be drunk in the corner.

www.strawdog.org
-Aly

Undead America Needs You!

You know you wanna write for me. Seriously....I need some help. If you have an article in mind...let me know. I have many segments to chose from...pick one and shoot me something.

And here's an assignment: For an upcoming podcast, I want to feature non-buffy believers...specifically the spouses, family members, and friends of you die-hard buffy geeks out there. I would love to hear their responses to your rapid Whedon Geekdom. They can call my hotline, send me an email, or record an mp3 and mail it to me. It will be cool...everyone is doing it.

Segments to write:

-Music and the buffyverse
-Designer importer fragrances..If you like Buffy, you'll love.....
-Where are the Now?
-Essays
-Toy and Collectible Reviews
-News hounds...you could gather up interesting news bits for me
-Podcast Monsters
-Gaming and the Whedonverse...do you play the RPG and have a great story line or character you would like to share? What's your favorite CCG character deck?
-Forum Roundups-what's happening on whedon discussion boards
-Book and Comic reviews...

the list goes on. I am also trying to set up live interview capabilities...so I might be needing some of you to join me as a guest on the show. Or if say, your Christian Kane and like wanna chat or make out or something..give me a call...PLEASE!

okay..that's enough begging.

Episode #018 Not Dead Yet, Der Kindestod, Forgotten Memories Interview, S8, & More

Hey I am not dead.

Buffy Between the Lines Audio Drama Teaser


News from the Whedonverse:
www.whedonesque.com
www.saveveronicamars.tv
Support local awesome book stores like Women and Children First
Preorder Serenity (Collector's Edition)
Preorder How I Met Your Mother - Season 1

Genuine Molded Plastic:
Inara Strikes Statue
Ask DST update
Review of Watcher's Book Action Figure Set


Comics:
Synopsis and Review of Buffy Season 8 #3 Long Way Home Part III

Essay:
Der Kindestod and Folklore by Prof Elizabeth

DIY Whedon:
Interview w/ Forgotten Memories creator Emma Paige Langley Part I

Rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated...

A new episode is coming...I swear. I am nearly done. I was in orlando on vaction and things got a little crazy. But one's a coming folks...

Part III Long Way Home-not spoilery

Its out...I read it. Review is coming soon and I am hoping to bang out the next podcast by monday yall. Please let me know what you think. You can post here or call my snazzy voicemail thang.

When you read the issue...watch out for some fun self references. One of the slayers is reading an issue of Fray in one scene. And I believe Joss is drawn into Buffy's dream sequence. And I also think that little critter on the floor of the dream cavern is a gamorrean guard from Return of the Jedi...which is hilarious but also proves YET AGAIN what a ridiculous nerd-tard that I am.

Whedon-speak word of the day: Barflex -an involuntary vomit reflex which occurs when a dirty old man calls you affectionate nicknames such as pet or love.

Veronica's still alive and kicking...

Watch the interview with VM creator Rob Thomas who dishes some positive news. There's still hope folks.... SO please watch May 1st for the triumphant return of our plucky private jane.

Also watch Supernatural...the second half of the season has been super awesome. Let's pray they bring it back.

Episode #017 Sexy and Seventeen Anya Vengeance Spectacular

In this episode: News, Mr Gordo, Mr Pointy & Anya toys, Goodbye to You, Anya Bunny Fear Challenge, Selfless, Harry Dresden Files, and Buffy Season Eight #1 Long Way Home Part II.

more detailed notes to come shortly...or when i feel like it....which could be never...

Supernatural and Veronica Mars

Last night's Supernatural, "Hollywood Babylon", has to be my favorite episode of this show yet. Not only was the story great, but I love it when Dean has a good time....and he seemed to be in hog heaven in this episode. It was filled with great in-jokes about the film/tv industry as well as the horror genre. My two favorite bits were Sam complaining that the LA weather was more like Canada (which of course...it was Canada since they film there) and all the stuff about craft services. We had so much fun watching this episode that we immediately began to re-watch it. You can check out episodes here. And drop the cw a line letting them know how much you love the show. I will cry if they cancel it.
Buy the Supernatural: The Official Companion Season 1

And also on the bubble is my beloved Veronica Mars. Our favorite spicy tiny private jane returns with new episodes on May 1st. Once again, watch and let the powers that be know that you love characters like Veronica and the Winchesters! I know I do. Watch Veronica Episodes here...
Buy Neptune Noir: Unauthorized Investigations into Veronica Mars (Smart Pop series)

What's on my tivo?

The Mayor (that's Brian for you uninformed...my boyfriend is the Mayor of Drunktown...) and I watch tv. Sometimes we watch a lot of tv. But we stick to what's on the dvr list most of the time. We recently added two new shows to the rotation: Planet Earth and Deadliest Catch. I haven't watched Planet Earth yet but I have heard its brilliant...but damn if Deadliest Catch isn't the most addictive thing in the world. This is high drama people...and not a wimpy "how can I pole dance in this pink thong" pussycat girl reality television...this is danger...people die on this show. For real. We love it. I think Captain Phil is Brian's hero. You should love it too. In general, I rail against reality television...but my exception is the Discovery Channel. I love Mythbusters and have been known to spend a good chunk of a sunday watching Dirty Jobs or Shark Week. Hell, I will even watch Future Weapons if the mood strikes me.

Buy the Deadliest Catch - Season 1 (5 Disc Set)

Brian watches The Riche$ (which I like but have not been watching regularly), 30 Rock, Sopranos, and Boston Legal religiously. We both love crime shows: Bones, Numbers, CSI Vegas, Law & Order: SVU and Criminal Intent made the tivo list. Then we both feel the love for Veronica Mars, My Name is Earl, Office, Supernatural, Dresden Files, and Heroes. Then I have my geek shows: Smallville, Stargate, and Stargate Atlantis. We love Battlestar but we fell behind and are desperately waiting for the the season three dvds and dodging spoilers left and right.

So I think that's it...lots of tv...sweet sweet tv.

Undead America has Voicemail!

Give me a call...everyone's doing it. Its the coolest.

206-339-2445

And episode 17 should be going live either tonight or tomorrow...sorry for the wait!

Potential for sweet Buffy dolls

So some of you may know that not only am I a rabid collector of Buffy figures...but I also collect fancy fashion dolls mostly by Robert Tonner (and a few from asian companies). Tonner just came out with some fabulous DC dolls and also the upcoming Marvel Spiderman etc. They are fabulous and make Sideshow toys look like ugly dimestore toys. In this interview, Robert Tonner expresses an interest in getting the Buffy license...i nearly lost my mind for joy. So check out the interview and then check out the fabulous dolls at his website. Then consider shooting them an email on their "contact us" page and letting the company know that you would be interested in a high quality buffy doll line. Really, I swear you would not be dissppointed!

Totally Non-Buffy Related: The Landlord...

This was hilarious! If there's one thing I love more than Buffy...its cursing, drunk toddlers!

Goodbye to you...Music and Buffy

Buy The Spirit Room By Michelle Branch
So I am buying lunch in the Dominick's this morning and I spontaneously begin to get goosebumps then nearly break down in tears. And while it might be pms...I quickly realized that it was the Michelle Branch song, "Goodbye to You" playing over the speakers that caused the sudden emotional ridiculousness. That song is forever tied to one of the most memorable final scenes of Buffy in one of its best episodes ever, Tabula Rasa. Whenever I hear that song, I immediately see a broken, crying Willow curled up on the floor while Tara is moving out. I see Dawn's anger at what she sees as another grownup abandoning her and Tara's heartbreaking decision to walk away from someone she loves dearly but who has also betrayed and violated her in the worst way possible. And then we find Buffy at the Bronze. Willow's failed attempt to 'fix' Buffy's depression with magicks has only made things worse. The spell made her forget all of her pain temporarily only to have every hateful element of her life come crushing back: the death of Joyce, dying, and then being ripped from Heaven being the most painful. The Buffy we see in that moment is a shell of her former self. When Spike attempts to comfort her, she turns away in disgust. Then when we cut back to the Bronze we see Buffy and Spike locked in a kiss. But its hardly a kiss of passion...its more of emptiness. When everything hurts so bad that the only way to keep from screaming is to grab onto someone so tightly. Spike was Buffy's lifeline at that moment and their first kiss kept her from sinking into complete darkness. Its such a powerful montage of scenes and the beautiful lyrics singing were the final touch.

Of all the things I've believed in
I just want to get it over with
Tears form behind my eyes
But I do not cry
Counting the days that pass me by

I've been searching deep down in my soul
Words that I'm hearing are starting to get old
It feels like I'm starting all over again
The last three years were just pretend
And I said,

Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
The one thing that I tried to hold on to

I still get lost in your eyes
And it seems that I can't live a day without you
Closing my eyes and you chase my thoughts away
To a place where I am blinded by the light
But it's not right

And it hurts to want everything and nothing at the same time
I want what's yours and I want what's mine
I want you
But I'm not giving in this time

And when the stars fall
I will lie awake
You're my shooting star

New episode coming shortly kids...

Buffy Season 8 #2...Long Way Home Part II

Oh..I was very VERY excited to read this. Those who have heard my fond desires for a BANDER-ship know how very excited I was. I actually squealed for joy in the Chipotle during a busy lunch period...then I laughed so hard that people stared at me while I read the Lando clothing analysis by Andrew...so soo good. I am even warming up to Dawn. (Though the unschooled anthropologist in me wondered where/what exactly a giant-size Dawn did for the loo? Yes I know...very gross...but you know you wondered too!)

Okay...full review with girly squealing et al coming up in the next podcast...which I hope to record this weekend. So send me your thoughts on issue #2!

Episode #016 Sit and Spin Spike, Mr Pointy, & Veronica Mars

In this episode: News from the Whedon Verse, Toys and Comics updates, Designer Imposter with Veronica Mars, Podcast Monster with the Judge, Spike Season 2 Part II Character Review, Listener Feedback, DIY Whedon on Customs, Go Ask Malice Book Review on pgs 51-100, and more!


News:

Made the switch to mp3...hope this is easier for everyone!

Browncoat Cruise Updates!

Runaways Saga Comic

IDW Angel Season 6 Comic

Designer Imposter: Veronica Mars!
Save Veronica Mars campaign www.saveveronicamars.tv
http://www.marsinvestigations.net/index.php
http://www.neptunepirateradio.com/
http://veronicamars.podomatic.com/
http://www.cwtv.com/shows/veronica-mars
Buy Veronica Mars - The Complete First Two Seasons on DVD
Buy Veronica Mars Sountrack
Buy Neptune Noir: Unauthorized Investigations into Veronica Mars (Smart Pop series)


Spike Fanfiction


Spike Season II Character Review Part II- Sit and Spin
www.atpobtvs.com
http://www.slayageonline.com/essays/slayage4/boyette.htm

Go Ask Malice Review of pgs 51-100


Podcast Monster: Judge

DIY Whedon: Customs!

Custom search on ebay
Custom Forums
BTVSFIGS Forum Customs
TV I Like Custom Forum
Slay Alive Custom Forum
Fwooshnet Custom Forum


Request for Anyankus and Anya Bunny Fear Fan fiction Challenge!

Send me your thoughts about Selfless!

Week in Whedon Returns!

Huzzah.....rejoice. Please checkout this awesome whedon-verse podcast! http://weekinwhedon.org/