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See, it's things like this that make MLP:FiM so very incredible! There's something awesome from every episode. I just can't wait to see what Season 2 inspires.

This is awesome. I've lost count of how many times I've listened to it. I love everything about this show! The production crew is awesome! In an interview with Daniel Ingram recently he said he wasn't responsible for Equestria girls, but that is in fact Pinkie's singing VA. So not only does the production crew love us, but the Hub, too! That settles it. I am definitely getting cable in time for Season 2 just to support the Hub.

And one more for now: WIPvpsHYRSg This one seriously needs more love.

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xSHVbbcFNcE I wasn't sure about Hey Ocean's work at first, but the more I listen to it the more I love it. Ashleigh Ball has a simply amazing voice. I know I really love a band when I consider buying an album or two. And start requesting their stuff on local radio stations.

Awesome! I'll definitely listen in. I know the The Fan is trying to get interviews with more of the voice talent from MLP:FiM as well.

Regarding Celestia banishing Nightmare Moon to the moon for 1,000 years, recall that Luna was transformed into a Nightmare Moon, a wicked mare of darkness. In this instance, wicked means "evil or morally bad in principle or practice". When one intends to make the night last "forever", this meant extremely bad things for all living things in Equestria. Everything would slowly freeze solid as the air turned far, far colder than any winter ever experienced. Plants also need sunlight to live. Without sunlight, they would die. And eventually so too would all living things, whether by extreme cold or starvation. Not only did Luna refuse to listen to reason, but her bitterness transformed her into Nightmare Moon. She made a vow to shroud the land in eternal night. When one considers that the lives of every living thing was hanging in the balance, Celestia was acted in the best interests of everyone. She took the one route that would remove everyone from danger and give her sister a very serious punishment for her actions. From the legend in the opening scene in the show, the banishment was intended to last forever, but I'm guessing Celestia and her scholars noticed signs that the spell was weakening as time went on. Hence that is why Twilight is able to find so much information written about it. I'm guessing the magic surrounding the Elements of Harmony is powerful but seldom used, which is why the information the books do provide seem to be rather incomplete. It would not surprise me at all to find that Celestia knew Nightmare Moon's return was imminent. I think from the moment Twilight got her cutie mark Celestia knew that the purple unicorn would be the one to defeat Nightmare Moon. I think Celestia knew she herself would become banished once Nightmare Moon returned. Interestingly, Celestia only suggested making some friends once Twilight mentioned it. I think Celestia really does trust Twilight completely. There may be some things in Twilight's development that we haven't seen, but I think Celestia knew Twilight would eventually uncover her own destiny. She empowers her student to make her own choices. I think of Celestia not as mean, but playful. She reminds me a bit like Dumbledore in that way. I've also had a friend who was also my manager in a past job. Wise, capable, trusted and loved by many but had a playful streak a mile long. We get the impression that Twilight has spent much of her life nose-deep in many, many books. While I'm sure Celestia appreciates the incredible knowledge Twilight has picked up, she knew some things could only be learned by experiencing them. I think Twilight worries too much about what the princess thinks about her friends. I suspect that princess knows a lot more about her friends than she lets on. (Come to think of it, she probably knows quite a bit more about everything than she lets on.) I have to give Celestia credit here. When one is over a thousand years old and still brilliantly sharp, I'm quite certain one picks up on many, many nuances and lessons in life. I suppose what I'm saying is that one can be told a fire is hot all day long and in so many ways, but one never truly learns what that means until one gets burned. I'm certain the princess is deliberately putting Twilight in certain situations, with complete trust that the unicorn and friends will be able to handle them. I know this, because my manager would put me in situations I didn't think I was ready for. Of course, I passed with flying colors every time. He believed in me far more than I believed in myself, and I needed that! I totally see that going on with Twilight. The princess also did say that she would have told Fluttershy and friends that her pet was a phoenix had they only asked. It's never a good idea to take something from another without asking for permission first, anyway. I simply think Celestia is not nearly the stuffy aristocrat everypony in Equestria seems to think she is.

Right??? Exactly! I just tell people to shut up (please, if you don't mind) and watch the show! At worst, I've heard people grudgingly admit that it's good, and funny. At best, we get a brand new brony! On PonyChan, I can't tell you how many people have watched the show with the intent to hate it, and they can't. They just can't. Not only can they not hate it, but they fall in love with the show and become bronies themselves.

My wife and I will spend our Fridays watching cartoons we haven't seen before, so we have some way to full the pony void! My wife hasn't seen Season 4 of The Venture Bros., and neither of us have seen much of Drawn Together! We'll watch a new episode every Friday, and that should take us pretty far out. As far as how I'll spend the rest of my time, I'm planning on drawing and getting some other projects done. I also would like to post some pony comics as well.

Online petitions have a history of not working at all. It's probably way more effective to write directly to Hasbro Customer Service and show interest in a MLP:FIM Blu-Ray when it becomes available. I've already written Hasbro declaring my interest!

Since it's been confirmed Luna is coming back, and there seems to be an episode centered around her I can't wait! I wonder what her personality will be like. =) I know one of the animators or layout artists hinted that some characters will return, and we'll some new ones, too. I can't wait! Normally I'd never wish to skip summer and go straight to fall, but for ponies I'd make an exception. >.>

I'm not trying to corner anyone--I apologize if I came off that way. I guess I keep posting news because I'm looking for some reason to look forward to Season 2. I mean, I'll admit it. When I first heard the news that Lauren Faust was no longer working on MLP:FIM, I cried. I did. I felt greatly shocked and saddened by the news. I love this show so freaking much. I can't remember the last time I felt so strongly about a cartoon. I was looking forward to Season 2 like everyone else--and upon hearing the news about Ms. Faust, I felt sick. I was horrified at the prospect of the thing I love so much being taken away from me. I kept posting news and bits of info here and there to try to not only help convince myself but my fellow bronies as well that Season 2 was not going to horribly suck. To put things in perspective, I am a terrible worry-wort. I've gotten much better in recent years, but I tend to obsess about the worst possible outcomes. An effective way I deal with that is to actually research a given situation and prove to myself with hard evidence that I am needlessly worrying. I hate that I worry so much. I guess I've also given in to panic and worrying in the past, I and always seem to suffer more if I let that take over my life. It's only a matter of time before anxiety overwhelms me and I start shutting down completely. So yeah. I post this for my own benefit, really, and anyone else whose worry is just eating away at them. So that's why I post all this articles and info. All four sources I've found--including Lauren--so far seem to corroborate season 2 being very good.

Oh! More good news!! I found this article on Equestria Daily! A layout artist for MLP:FIM had some encouraging things to say regarding Lauren Faust. Here's a quote: I feel more reassured than ever about Season 2. I dare not let my expectations get too high, though! I think it's actually better to go into Season 2 with low expectations, because that way it is hard to be terribly disappointed. And if the episodes do exceed one's low expectations then that is hardly a bad thing. (I suspect no matter what is said, going into Season 2 with low expectations will not be a problem for some bronies.) You know, hope for the best but expect the worst. I'd rather look at Season 2 like a mystery, like a gift-wrapped box. I have no idea what is inside! It could be a horribly tacky gift, or it could be an amazing treasure. I'd much rather be surprised, so I'm trying not to expect anything at all.

There was an interesting update on Faust's journal: Lauren Faust was involved with Season 2. She already helped with story concepts and scripts, which I'd argue are some of the most important parts of the show! All the scripts and stories are done now, as of writing of her journal. Lauren Faust's hand was NOT completely absent this season; rather, all the work she can do is now complete. All the stories for the upcoming season are finished, and all that's left to do is animation and post-production. The only thing that's changing is that Lauren Faust is leaving. Everyone else is staying, and they know what's up. Like I was saying, though, fear and worry will not change anything. We also cannot assume anything about Season 2. Also, Lauren Faust did not make these cartoons all by herself. Assuming they will now be crap is extremely insulting and unfair to everyone else who is working on it right now. The show already has had many Executive Producers. From IMDB: Chris Bartleman .... executive producer (21 episodes, 2010-2011) Steve Davis .... executive producer (21 episodes, 2010-2011) Lauren Faust .... executive producer (21 episodes, 2010-2011) Kirsten Newlands .... executive producer (21 episodes, 2010-2011) Blair Peters .... executive producer (21 episodes, 2010-2011) Beth Stevenson .... executive producer (21 episodes, 2010-2011) Sarah Wall .... producer (21 episodes, 2010-2011) Top Draw animation had already made many episodes in Season 1. They are definitely not a "new animation studio". They've done work for MLP:FIM before. I believe one out of every three episodes in Season 1 was animated by Top Draw. Also, the Supervising Director, Jayson Thiessen, was there for the entirety of Season 1, and he'll be there for Season 2 as well! If you look for my post on page 2, you'll see that he and the production crew want to do well by Lauren Faust. They seem like they very much want to keep close to Lauren's vision. I'll repost what he said in Twitter here anyway: Mr. Thiessen has also visited PonyChan back in March (confirmed) and he seemed extremely grateful for the fans' support! You can check out the archived post here or visit the Equestria Daily article, which might be easier to read through. Furthermore, there was a journal posted by Kreoss, an animator on the show: Everything together seems to point in a very good direction. I have a lot of faith in the production crew! I think once Season 2 starts, we'll all look back at how silly we're being.

None of us wants to see something we love get taken away from us. I think there is reason for legitimate concern. However, needless worry and fear will not accomplish anything. The only thing we can do is wait till Season 2 starts, and judge after a few episodes. If they are indeed awesome, then great! We'll all feel terribly silly for worrying. If Season 2 is not awesome, what would worrying and fear accomplish? There is nothing any of us can do about it. Decisions have been made, stories written, voices recorded, many episodes storyboarded, and episodes are currently being animated. I wouldn't be surprised if some episodes are already in post production (musical scoring and mixing, etc.). The production crew is already hard at work and everyone is doing their best right now. Fear and worry will not change the outcome. You will only degrade your own mental health about something you have no control over, and little to nothing to gain for it. I personally am glad we are still getting a Season 2 at all! Besides, Lauren Faust did help on consulting on the stories several weeks ago, according to her updated DA journal. I'd also like to point out that the Transformers fandom has been "RUINED FOREVER" no less than twelve times. Huh. You'd think after it had been "ruined forever" once that would be the permanent end to it all. Yet, it persists. Interesting, yes? http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/Ruined_FOREVER

Thank you for posting this. If no one else posted it, I was going to. Worry and fear will not accomplish anything. Jayson Thiessen came to visit PonyChan (confirmed) a few months ago, and he seemed genuinely excited about all the positive feedback the fandom generated about the show. He loved how supportive the fans were. He answered a few questions, and he was fairly gushing before he had to leave! I got a ton of good vibes off of him..I really think he believes in what Lauren was doing. I have faith in him and the production team. I really am excited about Season 2. I think he's not kidding about how it will be awesome.

There is also some very encourage news from Jayson Thiesson's Twitter, who is Supervising Director of the show: http://twitter.com/#!/goldenrusset

I am absolutely certain that the "epic song" that Daniel Ingram had hinted about will be in episode 26. He wasn't talking about Winter Wrap-up (since the interview was in March, and Winter Wrap-Up had already aired back in December.) We're talking a 20-person choir and all the main characters getting a solo part. I can't wait for a Luna episode. I'm very curious as to what her personality will be! Faust had hinted that there will be a "Big Bad" next season that all six will have to work together to defeat.

Oh, and just because love her performance here is Ashleigh Ball singing the American and Canadian National Anthems. She's got such an amazing voice! =) z0p643twyY8

Oh! Tabitha St. Germain also voices Luna! Heehee! I'd probably be the same way. Tara is awesome. =)

I love this episode. I don't have too much to add to what everyone else is saying, but I love Pinkie Pie! It was hilarious when she started cracking up. I tell ya, I can't tell you how many times I've actually laughed out loud at this episode. This must be posted, now:

You are both silly and I love you. Just sayin'. (That really did make me laugh out loud, I'll have you know. XD)

I said I agreed, because I won't lie--I have a ton of art picking on Luna. (Nothing abusive, mind you--there are some awful pieces of artwork that way.) That said, I love Luna to bits! She is such a pretty pony. I can't wait for her in Season 2.

For those who haven't checked out the auctions, here are what the total selling prices are so far: Derpy Hooves: $2,051.00 Pinkie Pie: $2,425.00 Applejack: $ 820.00 Twilight Sparkle: $ 860.00 Huh, I thought Applejack and Twilight Sparkle would have been higher. To be fair, I had hoped there would be more episodes focused on Applejack this season, and I know there are a lot of Twilight fans out there. I can't help but wonder if this thread on PonyChan had anything to do with people's lack of interest: http://www.ponychan.net/chan/pony/res/12714.html Basically, a fan, LadyDraconic, had created a comfort thread because they wouldn't be winning Pinkie Pie, and how Pinkie has helped them love themselves again. Lauren Faust catches wind of the thread and invites LD to chat privately. The details of the conversation are never released. Everyone else assumed that Mrs. Faust was going to give LD a free sketch, even though Mrs. Faust never said she was going to do that, nor has anything actually ever been concerned. Also, it could have been resolved any number of ways without resorting to any sort of sketch. I mean, I can see LD just being elated that Mrs. Faust wanted to talk to them! I know I'd be terribly excited about that. I personally think that alone is excellent consolation for not winning Pinkie Pie. I think people got too attached to the idea that "LadyDraconic might get a free sketch" and completely failed to consider other possibilities. Like maybe Mrs. Faust was delighted to hear about the positive effects ponies have on people, and just wanted to give LD a little pep-talk personally. Basically, I wonder if some of the potential bidders out there are assuming the potentially wrong thing and not bidding because of this.

I thought this a solid mid-tier episode. It was average..nothing great! I wouldn't use this episode to hook anyone onto the show. It did still make me smile and I got a few chuckles out of it. I didn't expect to see Spike interacting with an adult dragon at the end of the episode. Considering I've seen a few pieces of fan art about it, it was interesting to see how that went down. I guess adult dragons are just generally cranky. I suppose I thought enough of the episode to buy a high-res version on iTunes. It wasn't the most awesome, but I still want to support the show any way I can.