Pony Talk

Temporarily Closed

2009-02-24T03:11:14Z

Thanks to the unveiling of my new physics blog, Esoterica, this blog is temporarily closed. If you like reading about stuff like diffusion and quantum mechanics, try this link:

http://literati-cognoscenti.blogspot.com/

I plan to reopen sometime in the future, but not for a while. Esoterica could be my link to skipping 10th grade science, after all! So, auf wiedersen. It's been fun. :)

A "Latter" from Barrister Szela (This is NOT a Scam!)

2009-01-15T03:56:26Z

NOTE-Do NOT send money. This is a gag letter, made to make fun of scammers. The link is actually for a funny website that pokes fun at 419 scammers.

GREETINGS *name omitted*

THIS IS NOT A SCAM.

I AM BARRISTER JESSE SZELA OF SZELA & MBABJE ENTERPRIZES, A SOUTH AFRICAN COMPANY WITH BASE IN LAGOS NIGERIA. WE HAVE CLINET RYNELLE OJAKU WITH MONEY LOCATED IN MATALIC BOX IN LONDON WE ARE TRYING TO RETREVE IT. PLEASE SEND US $50 DOLLARS US IN PROCESSING FEES TO HELP THE CLEINT RETRIEVE HER BOX. THERE ARE 100,000,000 MILLION IN CHEKS THERE AND WE ARE WILLING TO GIVE YOU A CUT OF ABOT 15%. THIS IS NOT A SCAM.

YOUR DERECTIONS ARE LOCATED AT THIS SITES. YOUR FIRST STEP IS TO READ AND ENJOY THE EMAILS FROM STUPID IDIONT SCAMMERS LIKE ME WHO HAVE NOTHIN BETTER TO DO THAN CONTACT INOCNET PEOPLE AND SOLICIT THEM FOR MONEY. LUKILY THERE ARE SCAMBATERS LIKE MR "SHIVER METIMBERS" WHO PROVIDE HALARIUS RESPONSES AND BATEUS ON TO TAECH US A LESSON.

http://www.419eater.com/

YOU WILL FIND ALL CONTACT INFO ON THIS SITES. PLESE DO NOT HESITAT TO SEND THE MONEYS. WE NEED THEM FOR RETREVAL OF THE MATALIC BOX. IF YOU NEED PROOF, WE WILL SEND SPACEMEN TO YOU PRONTO. THIS IS NOT A SCAM.

SINCERELY,

BARRISTER JESSE SZELA

SZELA & MBABJE ENTERPRISES

PS-NO THIS IS NOT *name omitted*. SHE HAS AGRED TO ASSIST US IN THE TRANSACTION AND PROVIDE USAGE OF HER AOL ACCONT FOR US IN THIS ONEST TRANSACTION. THIS IS NOT A SCAM.

WHAT ARE YOU WATING FOR READ THE EMAILS ALREADY. SCAMERS REALLY ARE STUPD ARNT THEY? THESE AR REALLY FUNNY.

THIS IS NOT A SCAM.

PPS-Do NOT send money. This is a gag letter, made to make fun of scammers. The link is actually for a funny website that pokes fun at 419 scammers.

In Memoriam-December's Picture

2008-12-31T00:46:04Z

My picture this month is not of a pony, but in memory of some very special birds. The cygnets you see here are the offspring of our swan friends. Unfortunately, they were sold this month, just like their older siblings last year.

In memory of the children of Sarah-Ann and Diablo:

Remember the '80s? I Don't!

2008-12-28T03:17:52Z

What's to remember about the 1980s? Aside from all those crazy fads, I was just going through my DVDs and realized how many cool and cute '80s shows there were. I may as well list a few of them, as well as my favorite characters, in no particular order:

*MY LITTLE PONY (Wind Whistler)
*Care Bears (Bright Heart Raccoon)
*Thundercats (Hmm...A tie between Panthro and Cheetara)
*He-Man (Teela)
*She-Ra (She-Ra and Madame Razz!)
*Rainbow Bright (don't have one yet)
*Silverhawks (Steelheart)
*COPS (don't have one yet)
*Garfield and Friends (Garfield!)
*Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Donatello)
*Ghostbusters (I can't remember which one I liked! Oh well.)
*Teddy Ruxpin (Teddy and Gimmick)
*The Galaxy Rangers (Doc Hartford, but the Cybersteeds were really cool!!!)
*Alvin and the Chipmunks (Simon and Jeanette. Yay, Chipmunk nerds!)
*Inspector Gadget (The Inspector and Penny)
*Chip 'n Dale's Rescue Rangers (Monterey Jack and Gadget; two different sides of me)
*Voltron (Keith and the princess tie)
*Smurfs (Papa Smurf)

I'll see if I can remember a few later. This is definitely the period of classic animation!

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-26T19:32:14Z

Hey, everybody! I'm back, and proud to brag about my new ponies: Merriweather, Tumbletop, Silly Lilly, Fluffaluff, and Green Apple. I hope everyone got a decent haul this X-mas.

Sadly, I didn't get any new computer software or updates for my system. :( Not even a game. But I did get books! :D I was lucky enough to receive one by the great Jean Rabe, as well as a long novel by Amy Thomson that really has me intrigued. All in all, I got about 5 pounds of chocolate-enough to last me until the new year. I'm especially excited by my DK (I like anything DK) New York guide.

Since I'm such a swan fan, my mom gave me a beautiful glass figurine of two swans! Yay! It's so beautiful.

My dad game me an eco-friendly water bottle, a singing dog, and a box of cashews. The same every year. But hey, where's my protractor? I didn't get one this time!

Happy holidays! Do you like my Starsong? She's part of a series of graphics.

Core 7 or Communism?

2008-12-12T23:23:09Z

Why the Core 7 is Actually Communism

As you probably know, I am a freshman in high school. As you also probably know, I have an overactive imagination. The combination of the two often lead to some really weird postulations on my part. Well, we happen to be reading Animal Farm in English (which I read by myself in 6^th grade, by the way, but there was no Core 7 at the time), and I re-watched the Meet the Ponies segments on that “new” DVD I got with my Rainbow Dash the other day. I noticed some oblique key points alike in Meet the Ponies and Animal Farm that are clear indicators of Communism:

1. The Core 7 now own everything in town. Sweetie Belle has appropriated the Sweet Shoppe from Sweetberry (whose impact in the later G3 movies was becoming noticeably less noticeable, so she had it coming XD), Cheerilee owns that weird perfume-shaped parlor, and Rainbow Dash has taken over that fashion boutique (I don’t know of one in the shows, but it traditionally belongs to Sew-and-So in the books). Perhaps the Core 7 (the government) found it the right time for a coup-de-etat and took over the buildings. Or maybe the owners couldn’t pay the C7 (government) enough rent and were run out of town.

2. Pinkie Pie is in charge of everything. Everybody in Meet the Ponies runs to her for advice, and although she never ever participates in any events, she is ALWAYS a judge, along with whichever pony is organizing the party. She always manages to be there and give more than her share of advice (or orders?) whenever anyone is puzzled over a remedial problem such as organizing paper plates. This is reminiscent of the pigs from Animal Farm. They practically ran everything and decided what the others should do, but never actually did any work. Pinkie Pie doesn’t bear all that much resemblance to Napoleon, the main villain, but instead just to the pigs in general.

3. The castle is left abandoned, much like a symbol of bygone royalty. The dictator (Pinkie Pie) runs everything from her house. The idealistic Wysteria, who could be compared to Animal Farm’s Snowball, is forced from a princess position to just a background character in the Rainbow Dash episode. She is not seen again. Perhaps she wasn’t a cooperative part of the obedient mass, and was forcefully removed or driven out. She could also be seen as Farmer Jones, as she is eventually driven out, and also was Ponyville’s first leader, although she wasn’t cruel or abusive.

4. Starsong, Rainbow Dash, Cheerilee, Sweetie Belle, and especially Scootaloo are akin to Napoleon’s sidekick Squealer. They do whatever Pinkie says, spewing phrases such as “Pinkie’s right”. Hey, you left out the always! Anyway, they are the only ones to ever participate or win in any events. No clear cut winner can be picked in the events, as it would break apart the fragile union (Soviet Union?). The Core 7 cannot think or function without Pinkie Pie. They are essentially her victims as well, being reduced to a mindless, controlled state.

5. The other ponies are the masses of animals. They cannot talk, attend parties only for filler, live poor and lowly existences, and so forth. They will most likely be killed if they break this code. Pinkie Pie’s influence is so noticeable that they do not even respond in the Starsong episode, when everybody is told to get onstage. Only the 4 other earth ponies in the audience join Pinkie and Starsong. They do whatever Pinkie says because she is the only leader they know and are desperate to survive.

6. Everyone has to like cake, wear pink, party endlessly, etc. Pinkie Pie has used propaganda to trick them into this slothy lifestyle. Those that do not agree are executed. Note that Minty only makes one brief background appearance. After Minty helped Pinkie rise to fame, Pinkie used her as a scapegoat and dumped her for Scootaloo. Scootaloo is, in a way, the scapegoat. Pinkie consults her with her problems, and the two are often seen together. That way, if the empire crumbles, Pinkie Pie can blame it all on Scootaloo and make a quick getaway.

7. Since Pinkie Pie has so many clones in RL, where are they? They are hidden away in a closet somewhere, ready to invade once filming is done. Pinkie, like most dictators, didn’t tell her followers about the invasion plans. She plans to use the clones to conquer the innocent little girls out there, just as the revolution between capitalism and communism is supposed to go down.

Core 7, or Communism? It’s up to you.

Pony Madness #1

2008-12-09T02:15:40Z

Thought I'd post this before I forget/Christmas is over. Please tell me what you think. I know it's not the best, but I am not a pro at MS Paint.

Have a good one, from all the nut(s) at Pony Talk!

Writer's Block: Physical Education

2008-12-03T05:30:44Z

Call it gym, P.E., recess, or pure hell, most people have participated in a class at school that focused on games and athletics. What sport or game did you hate the most when you were a kid? What sport or game was your favorite?

View 502 Answers

I am one of the geekiest computer nerds in my school. I do NOT do P.E. Well, I do do it, but badly, and usually with major injuries. I remember hiding behind the bleachers to avoid playing before.

I am still in school, and am going to be facing off with my P.E. teacher at the start of 3rd quarter. Yay me. Most certainly, pure hell would be the most applicable term.

To get where I'm coming from, picture a grossly overweight (or out of shape, the two tend to be interchangeable with me) teen girl. Now picture that girl with scoliosis, asthma, computer withdrawl, and an extreme fear of flying circular trajectory missiles. Now picture that same girl running in a race, being chased by said softballs. Pure hell. The one class I could never pass.

As to what sport was my favorite-ever heard of speed typing? XD

Critic's Corner: Finally, Something Positive!

2008-12-03T04:38:38Z

Sooo...new McMeal Ponies! Yay! Satinslipper at the MLPTP posted these the other day. Since I couldn't get a better, non prototype picture, I'm going to have to go on what I see. Except for the uni and peg, they're using the old poses from 2005 rather than Ponyville ponies like last year.

The theme is party this year, what else? To match, these new Core 7 cuties feature wild designs on their heads and rumps. The bag features Pinkie Pie prominantly.

Pinkie Pie-the Queen first! Pinkie already saw a release with the very first set of McD's ponies, although in a different pose that's not used here. Pinkie's designs look halfway interesting, and I suppose that she actually looks pretty, although I'm saying it pretty grudgingly. Pinkie appears to have single-colored hair, although C7 versions have stripes of pink.

Rainbow Dash-shockingly, both RD and Toola appear to have multicolored manes, although it seems pretty unlikely that they'll actually have them. Rainbow Dash looks quite pretty, with graceful designs curling down her leg and on her face. Like the rest of her set, her tail will be painted a uniform color (in this case, I believe purple). Of the set, I think Rainbow Dash is my favorite. What a lovely shade of blue! :D

Scootaloo-instead of giving Scootaloo striped hair like they did with other ponies, she appears to have an all-pink mane and purple tail. Although the real Scooty has purple first, so it would seem more logical to give her a purple mane and pink tail. But when has Hasbro listened to reason? XD Looks kinda wonky to me, though. Scootaloo's leg seems to stretch back farther than the Serendipity mold's did, though. Maybe it was altered?

Starsong-Lots of ado about Starsong, who was an immediate hit with collectors because of her rearing pose. Starsong's designs are less obvious to me in the picture, so I don't have much to say on them. I'm disappointed that her wings won't be tinted, though. She also appears to have single-colored hair instead of tri-colored.

Sweetie Belle-Sweetie Belle's legs look very similar to Cheerilee's pose, although her off hind is not back as far as it should be. Sweetie's designs are bold and brash, and instead of designs on her forehead, her horn will be painted pink, which I must admit kind of irks me. :$ Sweetie Belle's hair will also be single-colored.

Cheerilee-when I first looked at Cheerilee, I nearly mistook her for Flower Garland. The fuscia should come last, not first! But FG herself was always colored wrong in books and stuff...oh well. Her tail would probably look better in light pink, and her symbols look totally different here! I like them! Her hair appears to be multi-toned.

Toola-Roola-my second favorite. Toola was lucky enough to receive multicolored hair from Hasbro, a blessing in disguise. Not sure if she'll actually have it, though. Got to admit, her tail looks strange in all blue! Toola-Roola has very graceful designs running down her leg and on her head. I love her forehead designs!

Minty-needing a set of 8, not 7, Hasbro immediately turned to their back-up pony. Minty completes this set quite well. She, like Pinkie, appeared in a different pose in the 2005 McD ponies (as a matter of fact, in Pinkie's inverse!). Minty's designs stick out on her body (not sure if that's a good or bad thing yet), and although she appears to have multi-toned hair in the proto, I don't think she did in the photo I saw.

Overall, I like this set. I don't think I'll be getting them, but I do like them. They're by far some of the best things to come out of 2008. Maybe if they're being marketed to McDonald's, there still is some hope for the MLP line...

Critic's Corner: The Most Wrong Thing Since Core 7

2008-12-03T03:55:36Z

Maw! Come quick! The larvae are hatching! XD

No, seriously, they are. As if the new newborn line (which took over from the super-cute So Soft Baby line, which included such adorable babies as Rose Blossom and Petal Dove) couldn't get any scarier, we find this on eBay:

Thumbs up to missvelika at the MLPTP for the discovery! I've been needing to go all-out. Once again, I don't know who the seller is, but judging by Starsong's box, possibly a Canadian or European. Then again, Scootaloo has an American box, so I would guess Canada as being a safe bet.

Now, to get on to the bashing.

The name Newborn Cuties is very misleading on SOOOO many levels! First of all, yes, they are newborns. That part is true. But the cute part is where I have a bit of a weasel word issue [Encarta ® World English Computer Dictionary]:

cute [kyoot]
(comparative cut·er, superlative cut·est)
adj
1. attractive in childlike way: endearingly attractive in the way that some children and young animals are
2. physically attractive: young and physically attractive
3. pleasing: smaller than the usual size but nicely arranged or appointed
i.e. an apartment with a cute little kitchen
4. shrewd: sharply intelligent or wily

As you can tell by my computer's dictionary's definition, none of the four given meanings apply. I would definitely label these girls "Newborn Fruities" (fruity akin to foolish) as in a foolish mistake on Hasbro's part.

Misty at the TP perfectly stated my next point.

"Awww those are cute! But it seems like they are too big... if they were the right size in proportion to the adult ponies I'd buy them, but what would I do with giant babies around that aren't big enough to be plush but are too big to have pony mommies? XD"

These babies are WAY too big to be the daughters of any ponies. They are about the size of a regular pony, and I assume that no pony can give birth to a baby this big. They aren't big, soft plushes, either. So, one can postulate that they must be some new breed of giant mutant or something, right?

Then again, Core 7 babies. We've already gotten an eyeful of a crawling Scootaloo, although Starsong remains to be seen as a regular-sized newborn (gosh, what a stretch to use that term). We've seen Rainbow Dash, Cheerilee, Sweetie Belle, and several Pinkie Pies (of course), as well as non-7ers Rarity and Sky Wishes. But actually doing a spin-off of Core 7 babies? WHY? OH, THE HUMANITY!!! SPARE MEEE!!!

Sure, Thanksgiving came and passed. Thankfully, we did not get a Pinkie Pie this time around. Oh, I suspect she's lurking around somewhere in the shadows, waiting her turn to be cloned once the baby shrinking ray is perfected. But obviously, this new procedure must be riskier or we'd have seen her by now.

The accessories are obviously something out of a parent's mind. Scootaloo's hat is sickeningly appalling, to the point it may almost be cute. I guess Starsong's hat comes somewhere close to that as well. The toys are rather strange and not my thing. The newborns look demonic, and although their mouths are open, they lack a bottle to put the aforesaid pursed lips to good use. And yes, they are wearing diapers. I hope their gimmick is not potty training, because it morbidly seems that way somehow.

Hasbro must be stopped. They can't keep doing this to such a well-decorated children's line! It's wrong! It's a sin! But yet, they keep churning them out, so someone must be buying them. Is it desperate mothers, searching for a decent toy in these economically troubling times? Is it deprived collectors, so happy to see baby anything that they'll buy whatever comes their way? Is it scientists, looking for cheap, nonliving guinea pigs in the age of animal rights activists? Or can it be...YOU?!

It better not be. It certainly isn't me *hides box behind back*. No, I'm just curious. What do Clonie Starsong's wings look like, anyway? I'll return it, I promise. But they're taking over, I tell you!!!

Critic's Corner: New Phonyvilles

2008-12-03T03:25:17Z

Cross-posted from the MLPTP. Since we did outlines in World Studies, I thought I'd give a pony outline a try. After all, I bet I can do better than the B+ I got! >:(

Photographs provided by missvelika from an eBay auction (I don't have the seller's name. Sorry!)

God-Awful New Ponyvilles: Serve Snacks with Sweetie Belle; Get Pinkie Pie Ready for Bed

I. Tacky Set Design
     a. More weird Ponyvilles, which are becoming the line's focus.
     b. More stupid, easily lost accessories.
     c. More Core 7 reissues.
          i. Most children and collectors alike like collecting different characters and forming a herd. It's harder to make a herd of Pinkie Pies than it is a group of regular ponies.
     d. Awful, unappealing clothes and redundant themes.

II. Poor Choice in Characters
     a. More reissues.
     b. More Core 7 characters.
     c. Another weird Pinkie Pie.
          i. Nobody likes seeing another Pinkie Pie.

III. Akin to Barbie
     a. I hate Barbie.
     b. I hate Barbie.
     c. MLP is becoming more like Barbie; stereotypical characters, predictability and rote, and unbelieveable amounts of gimmicks on the same 7 characters.
     d. Did I say I hate Barbie?
     e. The line is focusing more and more on Pinkie Pie.
          i. Pinkie Pie is the perfect epitome of a little girl. She would easily be the rosy-cheeked, blonde/blue eyed, innocent, friendly, frilly-dress-wearing, popular, perfectly stereotypical little girl. Pinkie Pie is very much like Barbie, in that she is "perfect", overreleased, and focused on way too much.
     f. Pinkie Pie has no educational value. Even Barbie had a school set, I think.

IV. Ponyvilles Are Creepy
     a. They are easily lost.
     b. Their hair is impossible to comb.
     c. They bear more than a passing resemblance to LPS, which is doing suspiciously well...
     d. They don't have the same charm as a regular-sized pony.

V. PONIES SHOULDN'T STAND UP!!!
     a. They are ponies, not Barbie dolls!

I have done Mrs. Johnson proud.

Overall, both sets are utterly disturbing. I'm going to have to do a diss-all post sometime for Critic's Corner putting down the '08 and '09 lines.

When Barack Obama said there was going to be change in 2008, I'm sure he didn't mean this... XD

ETA: OMG! I just learned of the existance of 2 more sets-1 with Rainbow Dash and 1 with Starsong. God bless the MLP Arena! Now I have 2 more things to gripe about. Yup, twice as scary as before.

Snuzzle!

2008-12-01T02:16:54Z

A big official welcome to the newest pony in my herd, Snuzzle! The 2007 version with bright pink hair, she is a silvery beauty who I found by chance at a distant thrift store for only $0.29! I came across her by chance while looking for a bicycle (which I didn't get, BTW :( ) She was laying on the floor, and I nearly stepped on her. XD

Dear Hasbro:Critic's Corner's Most Drastic Step

2008-11-29T04:44:06Z

Dear Hasbro,

It has come to the attention of many collectors that you plan to continue the garbage known collectively as the "Core 7" until the end of the line. I, and many adult and child collectors likewise, believe that you are unnecessarily throwing away a booming multimillions brand name for the sake of economic spending and an imitation of Mattel's Barbie's success. Although you are smart to stick with the times in this way, your latest business decisions have been appalling.

Exhibit 1a. KNOCKING THE NUMBER OF POSES DOWN TO 1:

You are limiting the ponies' expressiveness, thus reducing imaginitive productivity and child demand.

Exhibit 1b. CHEAP PONY WEAR

Cheap pony wear, like the brushes before them, will overflow little kids' toy bins. Mine are already full of plastic refuse from your "Dress-Up Wear Line".

Exhibit 1c. ONLY REISSUING CHARACTERS

Little girls and collectors alike will be bored with the same 50 reissues. Although some reissues occasionally are okay to help children obtain main characters, obsessive reissuing is a sign of desperation and lack of ideas at the coffee table.

Exhibit 1d. PONYVILLE

With Ponyville (or "chibis" in the collecting world), you are merely reissuing miniature reissues of characters already established. These ponies have no hair that can be combed. They can be lost easily and swallowed by younger siblings and pets, and their accessories are as poorly designed as they are. They are an obvious imitation of another Hasbro brand, Littlest Pet Shop. While designed to appeal to older audiences that normal ponies, I see very little indication myself that the indicated plan is working.

Thus, it has come to my attention that you, Sirs and Madams, must be idiots like so many others in these current times. My Little Pony is about collecting as many as you can and letting your imaginations rule. By focusing on these bland, unimaginitive characters, you are inhibiting young children and driving away possible fanatics. You could be losing thousands as we speak!

Each Core 7 pony is extremely unimaginitive. Are there only seven personality types in the world? Consider the children who pick up their new ponies and ask, "WHY?". Children of different ethnicities, who are not well-represented in the pony world. Children who do not fit into any of those seven slots. What about children who could relate to Kimono? Where can they possibly turn without a real role model among this set of brainless Barbie dolls? Kimono and others celebrated a variety that you no longer hold today.

No mother in her right mind would buy the same pony twice for a different accessory. MLPs are herds. You must have as many individual characters as you can. With only 1 pose, little creativity is induced. Little girls will soon move on to Bratz or Barbie if they can no longer enjoy their seven ponies.

Barbies only need a few characters because each Barbie usually looks drastically different with her new suit and hairstyle. Ponies lack this chameleon ability. It will always be Pinkie Pie, no matter what frilly outfit you plunk on her.

Which brings us to the root of the problem:

Exhibit 2a: PINKIE PIE

As in every major doll line, there must be a main character that is focused on more than the others. A main character (usually a blonde {or in this case, pink} haired, blue eyed beauty that is the epitome of the perfect girl in the modern media's eyes). Pinkie Pie is such a "perfect" character. My Little Pony has fallen down into this increasingly prevalent pattern by focusing on such a stereotypically girly character. Few people in real life could possibly relate to Pinkie, at least in my part of existance.

The others of the Core 7 are discussed in detail in a less formal, earlier post, which can be found here:

http://jupicorn.livejournal.com/1576.html

And so, Hasbro, I hope you are reading this overly abrasive diction with an open mind. Please note, A 14-YEAR OLD GIRL WROTE THIS BY HERSELF. I speak for the thousands in the collection community, and the millions of little girls in this world who own and love a pony. It is either the fate of My Little Pony to again go down in disgrace, or be saved by a light in the darkness.

Sincerely,

Rebecca (Last name omitted for privacy), "Jupicorn"

Critic's Corner-Send in Your Ideas!!!

2008-11-29T00:38:56Z

Critic's Corner is back-and in full swing! Unfortunately, we need 3 things: a good writer, more readers, and ideas! Hopefully, the first two will work out with time. But with so much to write about, I don't know where to start!

If there's anything about MLP that you'd like me to comment on, be sure to mention it to me! TV episodes, pony sets, and so forth, I'll be happy to diss it as long as I know the back story on it. XD

Here's looking at you, my 3 readers! (including my 8-year-old sister)

Dress-Up Sets of DOOM!!!: Return of Critic's Corner

2008-11-28T21:02:53Z

I'm bored, and I decided I might as well rate some stuff. So:

MY LITTLE PONY DRESS-UP SETS: TWO TIMES THE CHEAPNESS

PINKIE PIE'S PARTY

What can I say? I wasn't surprised that the three pink ponies got sets before everyone else. Favoritism? Anyway, after taking a gander at this set, I couldn't help laughing. What a chiche`d version of a birthday party! Frilly dresses, dunce cap hats, big pink cake, and so forth. Hasbro went all-out for the Queen of Pink. And of course, a party. Everything must be a party this year!!!

For those of you who want to have a good laugh, I have included images fresh from Hasbro's site:

GO TO SCHOOL WITH CHEERILEE

Excellent concept. Bad interpretation!!! This scary outfit features Beatles-style bangs, frumpy uniforms, and a klutzy-looking desk with tons of pink! If I had my way, I would rate it 0 for those creepy bangs. But I'll have to give it points. At least it's not a party.

My bangs and headband don't really look like that, do they? :O

ART TIME WITH TOOLA-ROOLA

God-awful drawings and a splotchily-delivered design. No real artist could be proud of such tripe! This set accenturates stereotypical artists with a beret and paintbrush, raggy clothes, and weird drawings of what I believe to be Pinkie Pie. However, the colors on the outfit aren't that bad. The respective sets go quite well together, especially the contrasting colors. But on a pink pony, I don't know.

DANCE TIME WITH RAINBOW DASH

Finally, a non-pink pony gets a set. This time, it's Pinkie's second-in-command, Rainbow Dash. Dance time? For Rainbow Dash? Since when? Rainbow Dash is not a pony I associate with dancing. As for the outfit: more God-awful curly bangs, ruffly overkill, weird glasses, and a vanity that makes Rainbow Dash akin to Madame Pompadour. Ugh. There's something overly French about this set. Don't ask me what it is!

SWEETIE BELLE'S NIGHT TIME PARTY

Since I've always had a soft spot for unicorns, I probably won't bash this set too hard. Then again...

One of the better sets. "Plush animal" isn't too cute, PJs are rather odd, and obviously not too much was put into accessories. The eye mask is especially strange. Weird boombox makes a return. But the pizza definitely earns 1,000 bonus points!!! At least this one has some degree of good taste.

RIDE 'N GO SCOOTALOO

The people at the Arena believe this is either a Target or International exclusive judging by the packaging. I couldn't find a picture on the site, so I had to use the one at the Arena. But hey, either way we Americans win! I won't have to worry about running into this monstrosity, but I feel for my family in Germany...

This set is uber-strange. Clownish tricycle, awful skirts and pants, and just overall dorky. I wonder whose good idea this was?

As of November 2008, I am not aware of the existance of a Starsong set. Those annoying wings may have something to do with it. I will gladly update this post if and inevitably when one is produced.

OVERALL

Rather a disappointment, this line showcases MLP's new dependence on gaudy plastic outfits. I didn't really like any of these sets in the least. I also was not too fond of the "cardboard clone" that was placed in each box to model the secondary outfit. Is that what you'd call a "clothes horse"? XD

Pinkie Pie~4
Cheerilee~3
Toola-Roola~4
Rainbow Dash~3
Sweetie Belle~5
Scootaloo~2

Overall~3.5 Major disappointment.

Welcome, Baby Sky Wishes!

2008-11-24T02:42:50Z

Yesterday, my lovely little sister (who was richly rewarded by a white flocked horse of her choice) found a Play 'n Carry Sky Wishes at Goodwill. She nicely conceded her to me, so we *finally* have a new member in our pony family! Yes, I know I said that squirrel newborns were ugly, but I'm full of crud, y'know? She's really grown on me since then.

Sky Wishes is a pony that's always evaded me, so I'm glad to have A version of her now...

Something REALLY Stupid!

2008-11-11T23:04:02Z

Since the ponies have been up to nothing new, I shall be featuring Something Stupid in their place today. Today's Something Stupid is really dumb!!! Dumber than the name implies, as a matter of fact. The other day, I measured my frizz...um...hair. I'm really proud of my not-so-lovely locks. I've never been to a salon, never had them styled, never even dyed them. *gasp in horror, pretty girls!* But it also looks like we forgot to cut them the last few times...

OMGMYHAIRIS2.5FEETLONG!!! ITTOUCHESTHECHAIRWHENISITDOWN!!!

My mother is trailing me with sheep shearers, I can sense it...

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Something even more stupid? Try stupid times 1 CENTILLION!!! Guess who didn't study for her SS test today? I had to place all of the countries in Europe (as well as surrounding seas and landmarks) in the correct location on the map. Here's the amazing part-I had 5 minutes to study the map. I panicked. The kid next to me was boasting on his 3 hours of study the previous night.

If you don't know me, I have a sort of "camera" memory. I pulled out the map, and using the key, wrote all the names on the map, then studied them. I even tried to memorize the seas and those tricky Eastern European countries I never seem to get quite right...sometimes I have the hardest time telling Slovakia from Slovenia, Macedonia from Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the Sea of Azov from another country (it's a B 'n W map, if you can't tell).

Don't ask me how I was able to pull it off in 5 minutes. Maybe my memory is better than I thought...

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Trekkie...Ponies?

2008-11-10T22:56:29Z

I always knew that the little ponies were a bit "spaced out". Now, something that has never happened before to my knowledge: TREKKIE PONIES!!!

FYI, I am a trekkie. A girl trekkie. Yes, they're not supposed to exist, but they're out there, and they're watching you... XD Not really. But if they happened to hold a rally somewhere in the state, I'd be there! I'm only telling you this to give you the impression that I'm crazy enough to let my ponies watch Star Trek. Now my Starsong seems to be on the brink of impersonating Captain Kirk...

I need to make them little matching costumes. Can you imagine how low I can sink? Now imagine me sinking about 2 1/2 times lower, and then you're nearly there.

I have quite the imagination, don't I?

Dear Dr. Strangecase #2

2008-11-08T00:05:07Z

Dr. Ima Strangecase is our resident MD/psychiatrist. She takes all pony-related problems and answers them in her absentminded, zany way! Please note-take her advice with a grain of salt. I am not responsible for anything she advises, good or bad.

Dear Dr. Strangecase,

I injured my leg last week. I was running against my friend in a race and fell into a gopher hole. My leg is really sore and pinker than normal. I tried to get it bandaged, but my fuzz is in the way. What can I do about it?

Buttons from Ohio

Dear Buttons,

First, let me tell you what wonderful movies you have! I loved you in Crunch the Rockdog. Your character was so ******!!! And you have such a Type A charisma about you. I will gladly give you some advice, but I will give you good advice only if you send me your signature for my TV celebrity autograph book.

*It sounds like you have a sprained ankle. First, maybe try shaving? Then, I would advise you to bandage it. Then stay off it for a while, and maybe cool it on the racing. You know, you're lucky. In my day, your racing career was over if something like that happened to you. You were as good as glue! *giggles*

PS-avoid those gopher holes!!!*

Note from co-worker Dr. Nevra Thunkit-

Be sure to stay off the leg and keep ice on it. Once the swelling gets down, maybe try to exercise slowly on it. Do a bit more each day. It should heal right up in a few weeks.

By Common Sense

2008-11-07T23:50:54Z

MLPs-your own Core 7. Who would you have picked? By myself, there are many ponies who I would put in the Core 7. By Hasbro's promotions, I would say:

*Pinkie Pie (forgive me, but even in a different Core 7, she would be the star!)
*Rainbow Dash
*Sunny Daze
*Wysteria
*Minty
*Star Catcher
*Rarity

Or, last year's favorite friends. Before Toola-Roola, Cheerilee, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Starsong came along, I would've said these other 5 would have been our Core 7. But then, I've been wrong before.

Minty's absence from the Core 7 is still a shock, though.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T00:00:02Z

So, what in the world did the ponies do for Halloween? Lily Lightly dressed up as a princess. Desert Rose dressed up as a princess. The other girls dressed up as princesses, except for Rarity, who had the scariest costume: herself.

OMG!

Seriously, Happy Halloween, folks. And if you see any of my ponies, please ask them to stop eating my candy!!! XD

As for me, I went as a devil, but that is a whole 'nother story...

Dumb Scientific Analysis #2: The Effect of Horrible Old Movies on Ponies

2008-10-24T00:47:27Z

Yes! It's the last day of the quarter! I'm already 1/4th of the way through the school year! Hard to believe it. High school passes so quickly. I got all my work caught up, and am basically sitting around my computer wondering what to write about. I think Plan 9 From Outer Space may be contributing to my flatheadedness. :P

After showing Plan 9 to some of my ponies, the immediate effect was obvious. After a few minutes, Cheerilee's eyes glazed over and she became unresponsive. Triple Treat looked ill. Twinkle Bloom's eye appeared to be twitching. And Rainbow Dash had fainted dead away. I guess some drivel is so bad even the little ponies couldn't take it!

So, Plan 9 From Outer Space does retain its title as "worst movie ever"-for now. I bet I'll find one just as bad eventually. I doubt it will have the same effect as it did today, though. A sicker-looking group of ponies I've never seen. Poor Cheerilee still hasn't shown any signs of life.

I think the effect of watching all these movies has had the same effect on me by now. And to add to it all, Mom wants to watch it with me later. I don't think my head can take it any more!!!

Not Just Your Ordinary Trumpet

2008-10-21T03:25:07Z

http://www.trombamarina.com/tm.htm WOW. Believe it or not, this is a real instrument. I noticed the tromba on my cousin Thomas's organ, and got curious. When I searched it up, I found this...

There now is an official Tromba Marina. She is my Clarion's younger sister. Guess which instrument she plays? I'm unsure of her purpose; she may just help Clarion with the picture of the month or maybe have her own function eventually. For reference, you may call her Tromba or Marina. I usually refer to her as "Marina".

Ju's Picture of the Month: October 2008

2008-10-19T02:40:01Z

Sorry for the crummy quality; it wouldn't let me upload a PNG. >_<

TIME FOR THE PHOTO OF THE MONTH! This month features Butter Pop with Caramel Crunch. These two beauties, while about 20 years apart in age, are finding common ground as they share a bowl of buttery popcorn together.

I really need to make a picture of Clarion. She's the pony who will "herald" POTM each month.

ETA-Meet Clarion!

Critic's Corner's Scented Ponies: An Overview

2008-10-19T00:20:16Z

So, scented ponies. They're just normal ponies. So, WHY AM I SO ADDICTED TO THEM??? I can't stop looking at them for some reason. They're probably so addictive because they're my first complete set. :) My sister is also just 2 away from completing them. So, they're a really pretty set, I know. My opinions:

*Butter Pop-this girl doesn't get enough love. In my herd, Butter Pop is a popcorn-loving movie goer. She is the queen of opinions. She smells like sweet caramel popcorn. :) Obviously, she and my Caramel Crunch hit it right off. This pink pony was my first scentie; she was the only one neither of us had planned to buy and she showed up first, of course! My sister and I fought over her. In the end, I won. A year later, though, I bought her one of her own. They're both very happy with us.

*Pretty Pop-Pretty Pop is delicate and beautiful. She's a real bubblegum queen. She's also only the second yellow pony I ever purchased by my free will (the first was Star Surprise and the last was the Royal Bouquet re-issue). While I've never been to crazy for yellow ponies, this one is just gorgeous. She smells like bubblegum (or scented Play-Doh, whichever is better for you). :D

*Party Cake-until the advent of Soda Float, Party Cake had the honorable honor of having my favorite scent. She smells like fragrant vanilla cake. Her bright hair colors have been used many times on pink and white ponies, but this is the first time I've seen them together on a blue one. Classically, she's a loud party girl. What else would you expect from a pony named Party Cake?

*Strawberry Surprise-this pony was one I had skipped and let my sister buy. However, when I collected everyone else, I had decided to buy one else. Unfortunately, it was a year later and they were all gone. It took a trip to Europe and a very generous aunt to finally find one of my own. She was my set completer, and I never realized how pretty she was! This gentle, fine white pony smells like juicy red strawberries.

*Soda Float-always bubbly and silly, this pink pony has her head in the clouds! She's got my favorite scent of all. I love her spicy root beer smell. It smells very realistic. I bet that's what an A & W smells like. I've always wanted to go there. Say it with me: smell, smell, smell, smell, SMELL!!! Soda Float is the best companion with a tall, frosty glass of soda pop. *drools and swigs her Pepsi*

*Paradise Island-also very underrated, Paradise Island has a more-than-passing resemblance to Sunny Daze. With her white body and similar hair colors, I usually pass her off as a distant family member. In my herd, she's a surfer girl, finishing every pony's name with the annoying "dude" or "dudette". Although I generally dislike coconuts and was sorely disappointed when I found out she smelled like them over pineapple ("ananas" for you Germans), Paradise Island does not disappoint when it comes to smells.

*Chocolate Chipper-the creative chef stereotype, Chocolate Chipper sometimes lets her imagination run away with her when it comes to cooking. A spur-of-the-moment purchase, this purple pony grew on me after I bought her. Personally, I dislike her faux-chocolatey scent, but the pony herself makes up for it tenfold. Such a personality she has! Although she tries to make each dish look perfect, they mostly taste less-than-so. Poor CC needs to learn to distinguish quality from quantity. XD But hey, at least she can cook, unlike the author of this post.

So, here's my comments on this set. Enjoy. Hopefully I'll post something new when I'm feeling better.