Attention Buffista parents - yet another massive toy recall:

Millions of Chinese-made toys have been pulled from shelves in North America and Australia after scientists found they contain a chemical that converts into a powerful date rape drug when ingested. Two children in the United States and three in Australia were hospitalized after swallowing the beads.

In the United States, the toy goes by the name Aqua Dots, a highly popular holiday toy distributed by Toronto-based Spin Master Toys. They are called Bindeez in Australia, where they were named toy of the year at an industry function earlier this year.

Scientists say a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolizes into the so-called date rape drug gamma hydroxy butyrate. When eaten, the compound - made from common and easily available ingredients - can induce unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death.

Allyson has made a proposal that we, as a board, support [link] in support of the WGA strike. You can read that proposal here:

Allyson "Bureaucracy 4: Like Job. No, really, just like Job" Nov 9, 2007 11:22:49 am PST

We are currently discussing whether or not this needs to go to a vote in Bureaucracy.

Dana has suggested a compromise here: Dana "Bureaucracy 4: Like Job. No, really, just like Job" Nov 9, 2007 11:37:17 am PST

Aurelia has suggested another here: aurelia "Bureaucracy 4: Like Job. No, really, just like Job" Nov 9, 2007 11:52:22 am PST

Several others have suggested just putting it to a regular vote. Jon B. "Bureaucracy 4: Like Job. No, really, just like Job" Nov 9, 2007 12:04:30 pm PST

Please visit Bureaucracy if you have an opinion.

F2F Jumpstart...

So I just watched Jessica's "Fucking Great" vid from the SF F2F the year before last and got all nostalgic. Since there aren't any current mini-F2Fs being discussed in thread, just thought I'd throw out a lure to see if anyone's ready to get back into planning mode for the annual F2F...if we want to have one in the Midwest this spring, we need to figure out the details soon to get a good deal on the hotel/Prom. We need to be booked before the New Year if at all possible.

Let the pimping resume?

I will be in SF this coming weekend. Saturday looks to be completely booked with a day trip, but I will be free all day Sunday. I am very open to plans of various sorts.

We're having a chat at Drollerie Press. It's ostensibly about our new releases, but we just like to hang out in the chat room and have fun.

eta: Chat is over and Theo, Scrappy, Zenkitty, and Anne all won something, only now I can't find e-mail addresses. E-mail me please?

A new lesson is up at Gothic Charm School! Of Treating People Civilly, of Labels, and of White Foundation.

All the Buffista Secret Santa notices have now been sent out. If you didn't get one, or if there are any other problems, email me.

I have an unopened box containing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (thank you amazon for taking so long) that I'd be happy to send to anyone for cost of shipping.

Profile addy good

eta: book claimed!

I have $700 even in the WGA strikers goodie bags fund.

Polgara and I are going to deliver on Friday morning.

Jesse is delivering to WGA East New Yorkers, I'm sending her a check from the fund for handwarmers and such.

Leftover funds are likely going to be donated to a fund dedicated to helping out crew folk who have lost their jobs due to the strike.

I'm taking donations until Thursday, noon, at my paypal: Allyson000@aol.com

Hear Ye Hear Ye

Voting is now open for the following proposal:

Add an icon to our header, replacing the random quote generator, supporting the WGA Strike.

The discussion for this proposal starts here.

Voting closes Friday, November 16, at Noon (PDT).

VOTE NOW

questions should be posted in Bureaucracy)