I'm closing the book poll at 5PM Pacific Time. Once again, the top five goes in the basket, and the leftover funds go to First Book. Thus far, we have a little over $200 in, and I expect another $30 by way of mail.

If these books are as inexpensive as the last batch, we should anticipate a $200 donation to First Book. I will take care of the cost of shipping, and the basket as my contribution. Some folks are sending me handmade items. I need to receive these items by October 7th. I will keep donations open until September 29th. This is so that I can complete the spreadsheet, and design a card. Again, anyone who would like to help me with some creative input on the card is most welcome. Marti's card was a stortrooper Marti holding a sprog.

Here's the top ten. Please remember that we're only putting in the top five.

Where the Sidewalk Ends (5%)

Grimm’s Fairy Tales (4%)

Bridge to Terabithia (4%)

Curious George (4%)

Make Way for Ducklings (4%)

Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (3%)

Light in the Attic (2%)

Pat the Bunny (2%)

Snowy Day, A (2%)

Hop on Pop (2%)

Someone has suggested we buy a goat, or at least a share of a goat.

I am not opposed to buying a $10 share of a goat. That's fine. But if you want to buy a whole fucking goat, I need every person who has sent a donation thus far to email me by 6PM Pacific Time to tell me that they are okay having their donation pay for a goat.

Edited to add the goat link: [link]

If I do not have that consensus by then, I'm buying the books, and any sour grapes over said goat donation can gather up the funds for the goat themselves.

FYI, there's a new thread under Site Tools:

When come back bring tape

It does happen to everyone. No, really. No need to be self-conscious.

Let us help you out. Missed an ep of something, Jossverse or otherwise? Ask here for help -- don't forget to include contact information, and come back and mention when you're no longer in need.

Natter will be summarily deleted.

I purchased the books at a cost of $59.10.

Where the Sidewalk Ends (5%)

Grimm’s Fairy Tales (4%)

Make Way for Ducklings (4%)

Bridge to Terabithia (4%)

Curious George (3%)

We also got The Snowy Day at a cost of $6.99. Anyone with an issue with this can take it up with ita.

Three of the books were hardcovers, which is why they were expensive. I printed out a copy of the receipt, and will scan it and email it to anyone who wishes a copy.

This leaves us with a current donation of $125.54 for First Book, and $18.82 worth of goat.

This does not include donations en route via the US Postal Service.

From here on in, please specify which charity you want your contribution to benefit. If you have made no specification, I am sending it to First Book.

The books will arrive in 7-9 days.

Thank you to everyone who is donating to and supporting this project.

Any Margaret Cho fans?

You can now preorder a special edition of the Notorious D.V.D. ---------------------------------------------------------------------

The "Notorious C.H.O." DVD and VHS will be in stores on November 19th. The DVD is packed with lots of special features. There's a "behind the scenes" featurette, some outtakes from the interview with Margaret's parents, and a searingly funny commentary track by Margaret's mother and some of Mommy's friends.

If you preorder the DVD from the Shop at www.margaretcho.com by October 10th, you will receive a special edition, signed and numbered by Margaret. (They won't be shipped to you until November 18th, plenty of time for the Holidays.) We're really excited about the DVD, and we just know you'll want to add it to your collection.

More, including the new tour schedule, coming soon...

Mid-Ohio-Con

I found a flyer for this "Comic Book and Pop Culture Party" at my local comic shop today. It's being held in Columbus, OH Nov 30 & Dec 1, 2002. Guests include Mark Lutz, Andy Hallet and James C. Leary. Andy is hosting a karaoke party that Saturday night! More info at:

midohiocon.com

I recived a non-Buffista request to help purchase the goat. I explained that this was a Buffista project, and that one would have to atleast driveby to say, "Yo, I wanna help buy a goat."

I'm not advertising elsewhere, as I think this is a project that celebrates the birth of the Phoenix as much as the birth of the Jossling. I dunno. I'm just a little kid, damnit! I can't make these sorts of decisions!

Edited to add tonight's totals:

$135.54 to First Book $32.78 for a goat

You're doing great!

Quick change on my poetry reading this Sunday. I'm now reading at 1:30 p.m. Grrr. Argh.

hmmm...

Some people are making a big deal about how Buffy's ratings were "off by a whopping 37%" from last year.

Buffy's normal-sized premiere garnered a 3.9 rating compared to last year's whopping 6.2 for her ressurrection.

But last year *was a media event* you can't compare them. more money was thrown at announcing the switch, the death of Buffy and advertisement to let people know that Buffy had switched networks.

So How does it compare to other season premieres?

In reverse Chronology:
Lessons: 3.9
Bargaining 6.2 (disputed. site below says it averaged 4.3)
Buffy Vs Dracula had a 3.9 rating
Freshman got a higher 4.4 rating.
Anne had a 4.7
When She Was Bad had a 2.9!
Welcome To The Hellmouth had a 3.4

About middle of the pack, if you discount the over hyped S6 premiere.

So, The Buffy ratings are back to "normal"

Ratings are from:

[link]

Deleted, posted response in wrong thread. Sorry.