I'm going to the Chicago area for a business/work visit -- out to St. Charles and Geneva -- today through Tuesday night. I'll be free on Monday night (10/4) if any Chicago-areans would be interested in meeting me for dinner or just hanging out. Unfortunately, I won't have a car, and all I know about the geographical area is that it's about an hour's limo drive from O'Hare, so I don't know if it's laughably impractical, especially on this short notice. My board email address here will get to me.

Hey y'all -- if you're interested in supporting the Kerry campaign non-financially, check this out: They are doing distributed phone banking. You can go to their website and get a script + five people to call in a swing state. You're inviting people who already signed up on the Kerry webpage to do door-to-door canvassing, not cold-calling. It doesn't take much of your time (if you don't want it to), and really helps get the word out. And if you have phone anxiety, it could be good practice for you! ;)

[link]

Discussion on my proposal to start new TV threads is now open in Lightbulbs, starting here:

ita "Voting Discussion: We're Screwing In Light Bulbs AIFG!" Oct 4, 2004 2:23:30 pm PDT

I would love to have more feedback before the final ballot goes up.

An aquaintance of mine wrote Joss Whedon the following email:

Dear Joss,

We’re writing to confirm a possible Apocalypse. End-of-the-world stuff. Because that’s what we might very well be facing if George Bush and his administration are re-appointed (or elected this time) to rule this country. It would make Maggie Walsh look sane in comparison.

As you have taught us through Buffy, Angel, and Firefly, the only way to beat back the darkness is for everyone to become as much of a hero as their talents allow, and to work together so we are all stronger.

Therefore, we are asking you to use your talent, and the respect your talent has engendered, to talk to gatherings of Buffy/Angel/Firefly fans (and potential fans) nationwide about why you are supporting John Kerry for president. We would love it if you could spare 15 to 30 minutes on a conference call to give voters your view on this election, and possibly answer some pre-screened questions from listeners.

You would be a huge draw for these parties, and all proceeds will be used in the Kerry/Edwards election effort. In order to get the money to them as quickly as possible, we’re hoping to hold these parties soon, tentatively on Oct. 10, and we are coordinating the event with the Kerry campaign. Possible title: SlayerFest 2004: Buffy Fans for John Kerry.

If you are open to this possibility, please get back to us as soon as possible with your availability. We are all very much hoping to work with you on this crucial cause.

Janet Kaul

Joss wrote back and loved the idea. There is current planning for a Los Angeles party on October 18th at the home of my co-worker in Pasadena (Janet is her friend - I have only met Janet through email). There is a party in Saratoga the same day.

Anyone who is interested in attending the LA or Saratoga party or even hosting one elsewhere, please email me and let me know and I'll get you in contact with Janet.

Attention Buffistas!

Proposal: A boardwide Vice-Presidential Debate drinking game/post-and-watch.

The place: Natter

The time: 9 - 10:30 EDT (Latecomers welcome. Join us!)

The game: Every time Edwards says "Halliburton" and every time Cheney says some variation of the word "terror", we drink. Those Buffistae who do not imbibe the alcoholic-type beverages should substitute some other random semi-destructive or loud activity, such as screaming out "Boo-ya!" or "Ascend already!"

The reason: Given the fact we did a debate post-n-watch last week, I figured it was likely we'd do it again. Besides, we gotta survive this post-Buffyverse, pre-election time somehow. Also? I've had a really long day. Comic relief is necessary.

I am KristinT, and I approve this message.

bayarea buffistas I can't find the address to our list so ...

Party! Party! Party!

Potluck Party at Matt and Beth’s new home…

Where?

email me

Why? Matt’s natal day OR Welcome to our house OR C’mon, do we really need a reason for a party??

When? October 9th

What Time? 3:30ish. We know you can’t all make it that early, but some of you will want to arrive before dark so you can admire the backyard(s).

What can we bring?

Your wonderful self. Selfs. Selves. Yes, this.

General merriment and good humor, the latter of which is not congruent with “ice cream truck”

A dish to share (food and/or drink)

OPTIONAL: A chair (we have a few)

a piece of wood for the fire (note we didn’t say “log” – we’ve seen what’s gone into the fireplace at other parties!)

maybe a guitar or other acoustic instrument.

MERRIMENT IS MANDATORY. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please let us know if you can come

Pssst! LA Izzardistes!

New Eddie live dates!

Wednesday the 20th and Thursday the 21st of October
The Comedy Store, 8433 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles CA
The show will be in The Main Room, is for people 21 & over and there is a 2 drink minimum.

Tickets go on sale this Saturday (October 9).

Buy your tickets by ringing the Comedy Store's box office: 323 656 6225 or visit www.thecomedystore.com for more details.

I think this is likely to be overlooked, and will be disasterous in the long run:

The Republicans and specifically John Warner are going to try to ban offshore wind electricity; there is a good chance they will ram it through as early as today.

http://www.alternate-energy.net/releases04-2.html

Wind energy is the one renewable form of electricity competitive with fossil fuels in price which we have plenty of. But of wind resources close to where electicity is consumed, the majority are offshore.

The link gives you more info, and some people to phone/e-mail

Thanks

Gar

If anyone's free tongiht, would love to see them:

The Jacob Knight Awards will be presented on Saturday, October 9th. A reception will take place at the Worcester Artists Group (WAG, 38 Harlow Street, off Lincoln, Worcester) from 6 to 9 p.m. This is a chance to view the work of the visual artists and hear the words of the three poets who won this year's contest. Come out and support this year's winners - Asylum poets Sou MacMillan, Lea Deschenes and Victor Infante.

Unclear whether we're reading or not, or if we are, for how long. Still, should be a good evening.

HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

New Show Threads Poll

This is a non-binding poll to gauge interest on new threads dedicated to specific TV shows.

Please vote for one to three choices. The results will be used to decide if we should have a formal vote to establish any new threads.

The choices are as follows:

• 24
• Alias
• The Amazing Race
• The Daily Show
• Dead Like Me
• Gilmore Girls
• Jack & Bobby
• Joan of Arcadia
• Lost
• The OC
• Survivor
• Veronica Mars
• Other (fill in the blank)

The ballot box will be open until 5pm PDT, Thursday, October 14.

Questions, etc., should be directed to Bureaucracy.

VOTE NOW