brianblackberry

I thought about this and realized it could easily be chalked up to kids being stupid and not really thinking the plans and certainly not the potential consequences if something went horrible wrong, through. This is what I believe happened here, kids so sure their goofy little plan will work just as designed, they didn't really conceive how potentially awful it was and how likely it was to occur and in this case they were just very lucky no one was in front of the float, or down in the river bank (although I was pretty sure that pig got squashed before it popped up again).

This is the official thread for information and chatting about the fourth episode of season 3 - "One Bad Apple"! So come join the conversation! The thread will open up five minutes before the episode airs (8:55am Central/9:55am Eastern). Remember though, there are spoilers in the comments section so read at your own risk if you haven't seen the episode! This is the cutest thing ever!

I thought I was the only one who was annoyed by that "secret compartment", it felt so forced and had absolutely no place in the story.

RANDOMNOSCITY12 is added. Also for peeps, Mine Little Pony is out for 1.4.4

MisterDunn is added to the server. I couldn't figure out why breeding wasn't working, at least in any enclosed place. Tried it on an unmodified server and breeding works fine, so it must be an error with the bukkit. There is no command to turn breeding on or off, at least among the normal server commands, nor is there a limit that I am aware of. Maybe there is a special bukkit command; I'll have to ask Starburst when I can.

Back, it will likely take all week to catch up though but I am back.

So you can banish particular monsters now? Or are all monsters gone?

Out of town starting today until Monday the 19th, so I will not be on the site much at all. Will attempt to pop on when/if I can to handle gallery duties and maybe write an RP, but no guarantees. Someone else will have to set up the official episode thread for this weekend, sorry about that.

Carrot Fields leaned over to pick up a jug of cool water, chuckling merrily at Applejack's annecdote about her brother. That chuckle cut short just a little as she asked Purple for similar embarassing stories, fumbling and almost dropping the jug. There were too many embarrassing stories, and his sister seemed to revel in telling such tales. At least she wasn't aware of those embarrassing situations when he was a wee foal and his older sister used to dress him up, ugh. Fortunately, Purple Haze's food always had a way of diverting attention. Even just the smell of her delicious carrot chimichangas was enough for Carrot Fields to forget about the idea of embarrassing stories or about the grape wrestling challenge, at least for a little while. As much as he wanted to dig in, Carrot instead nibbled on a piece of bread covered in zap apple jam as he waited for their guests to get first dibs, curious how they would enjoy this latest dish. Carrot knew the dish would be spicy but not terribly so as long as one didn't the chimichangas down too quickly, Applebloom appeared to have eaten her's too fast though, because she was clearly overcome. [colour=#ff8c00]"Ach! That's tae quick! Ye need tae nip small bites an' let th' flavor sink in, sae th' spices enhance, and nae kick yer tail!"[/colour] He smiled softly to Applejack's remark, but then both she and Big Mac got tears in their eeyes as they ate them, too. Had purple messed up the spices? It seemed almost unthinkable. He took a cautious bite, tasting it. Aye, a bit of a tingle, just enough to make it interesting. Nothing at all like the veggie carrot chili that Sheriff Nantes kept feeding them every time they visited, and certainly not contest spicy! He took a few more larger bites ... Aye, it was fine. He didn't want to embarass his guests, though. [colour=#ff8c00] "Ach, aye! Aye, try some of th' bread, it's thick an' soft an' delicious!"[/colour] he said awkwardly, backing Purple up with a big, awkward smile.

Here she was, the Great and Powerful Trixie, stuck with this rag-tag group of misifts, lead by Pathfinder - that strange, foal-minded pegasus who lived her life based on a fictional book. Trixie couldn't believe that somepony like this ever succeeded at much of anything save costuming at foal's birthday parties, but Whooves seemed to account at least a modicum of truth to her ramblings. Maybe it took some strange, eccentric mindset to do this - after all, Whooves, too, was constantly telling unbelievable stories and babbling incoherently. But then, she'd already lived through some unbelievable stories with him ... Trixie only agreed to go along with this after Whooves had asked her if she could *please* keep an eye on Pathfinder, and not let her get her hooves on the Orb by herself. While Trixie didn't like the idea of being some kind of errand mare or foal-sitter, she agreed - of course, if this also gave her the chance to learn the orb's secrets for herself ... She was, after all, the greatest, most spectacular, and most beloved magician ever! The Doctor was being a bit vague about what the Orb actually did, which seemed his modus operandi, but he also claimed his predecessor had put in the castle "long ago" and had been a little more specific with some information as to how Trixie could retrieve it. If it was only that easy. Things got complicated when Pathfinder would "recruit" every nearby vagabond pony she ran into in the forest and bring them along, despite Trixie's most logical and well-meaning protests. Even ... HER. That lavender unicorn, that upstaging mare, that ... that ... Twilight! What was she doing here?! No doubt to get the orb for herself, steal all of Trixie's well-earned accolades once more. Well this time it would be different, no made up stories about Ursa Whatevers - this time the Great and Powerful Trixie had very true stories, and was quite prepared! Well ... mostly prepared. And so here they stood before this door, and Trixie managed to pick up just enough out of the constant stream of noise from Pathfinder's mouth - that Trixie had almost managed to complete tune out - to realize that she wanted help. Of course! Trixie just sighed and rolled her eyes, if she didn't no doubt that lavender usurper would! [colour=#6699cc]"Stand aside, my humble compatriots, and watch in awe!!" [/colour] Trixie stood up on her hind legs so that her cape could better billow in the wind for dramatic effect. The world was a stage, after all! The Doctor at least understood that. Her horn glowed a beautiful lavender and, throwing away her distractions, gathered her will. The wind gathered up around her, swirled around her, flaring her came in a most magnificent fashion. She packed the air together above her head, gathering it up, and then gestured dramatically towards the door, along with a few brilliant explosions of rainbow colored sparks for effect. The old doors crashed open with a loud bang. [colour=#6699cc]"Nothing to fear with the Great and Powerful Tri-"[/colour] Trixie's eyes opened wide in mid-sentence at a glint of light in the darkness, and then a triggered spear flying from that doorway, right towards her.

[colour=#CC99CC]Flitter[/colour] Flitter smiled at Dash’s awkward attempt to downplay the relationship she had with Soarin’; it wasn’t often the rainbow maned pegasus was flustered, usually Flitter always saw her confidently showing off. Surely she was only this ruffled was because there was something going on; maybe they weren’t dating, but she really wanted to! Flitter draped herself across Cloudchaser’s back, looking at the pair. So what if he was a Wonderbolt and could date anypony? Sure, he was uber-cool, but Dash was really cool, too! Besides, Cloudchaser was really cool and the like, and she gave Flitter a chance, and look how that worked out! [colour=#cc99cc]“Well, it couldn’t hurt to go on a date, riiiight? I mean, you two can even have this one as an informal date and talk about lightning and moves and all that cool stuff! If you want, Cloudchaser and I can go over to the bar there and give you guys some room, or we could stay, or whatever you want!”[/colour] Flitter gave a huge smile; it was such a good idea, wasn’t it? But what was really niggling at her curiosity, now that Dash and Soarin’ were settled, was for some more detail on Cloudchaser’s awesome stories! She always thrilled to hear her love’s stories, and even if Cloudchaser took a few too many risks, it always worked out somehow, just making her seem all the cooler! Flitter wrapped her hooves around Cloudchaser’s neck and shoulders from behind and snuggled her, [colour=#cc99cc]“of course it wasn’t lame, but you know how much I love hearing the details! Sooooo… How did you get here? Did you spend all of your time fighting huge storm clouds? How about lightening?”[/colour] [colour=#CC6699]Martini Paradise[/colour] Martini Paradise smiled to Acclaim, then glanced back to the Wonderbolts. [colour=#cc6699]“I wasn’t honestly expecting any, let alone two, but I guess the weather bureau called out every pegasus they could. If you want any more slices, we have them! Though if I know pegasus ponies after a storm, we’ll run out fast enough!” [/colour] Martini pushed Misty’s purse back towards her, smiling brightly. [colour=#cc6699]“Wow, you look exhausted. Don’t worry, that kind white unicorn over there already paid for the first round of food and drinks, though if you want to spend the night in one of the back rooms, you’ll need to pay for that I'm afraid.”[/colour] The barmare floated over the pitcher of ice water and poured another tall glass - it was obvious this Wonderbolt was almost dehydrated,[colour=#cc6699] “And I’d love to hear awesome stories! Hearing stories from all corners of Equestria’s one of the best parts of my job. Oh! I’m Martini Paradise, it’s nice to meet you!”[/colour]

Well, saw the episode with the local bronie group; used to be there were some 8 or 9 of us for these events, now there are more than 20! I liked the episode, it was good, not great, but good. I felt the premiere for season one and two were stronger but this one did have something the others did not: It strongly hinted this was the beginning of a much larger story arc. Some fascinating realizations: Dark Magic - Ponies, well at least unicorns and alicorns, can use "dark magic" that is appears to be fundamentally negative and based on negative emotions. This all appears to fit right in with the magic lore of the pony universe with the Elements of Harmony, the Crystal Heart fueled by love and hope and so forth. Sombra may have once been a regular unicorn that became corrupted, then consumed by the dark magics he wished to understand and later control. It also opens the question of temptation by others to use such magic arts; now Twilight has touched the dark magic and used it, will she be tempted by it? Or affect her in some other way? King Sombra - As the antagonist for the story, he was a profound disappointment, but I don't think he really was the antagonist, it wasn't about him at all, he was merely a plot device. The story was about Twilight and her moving to the next stage of her studies and whatever grander plans Celestia and Luna have; no doubt to protect Equestria in the long term from whatever great dangers still lurk. The story definitely left the feeling there is something much bigger going on and that Celestia is thinking "big picture". That all being said I wish he was utilized a little better. It would have been far more interesting if we discovered Sombra was simply a pawn for a much stronger evil; perhaps even set up to fail to move forward that great evil's plans against Equestria and ponykind. Just a thought. Crystal Ponies - Clearly we now have a fourth pony type. Cadance is their princess (her cutie mark was the Crystal Heart), but other than their design and shine, I am not sure what makes them different. What I mean by that is each of the three types of ponies are special beyond their physical differences: Unicorns for spell-casting and associated tasks that require fine magic, pegasai to control the weather and the magic of flight, earth who have a magic connection to all life that makes them best for growing food and caring for animals. What about crystal ponies? Well, they could be connected more to the earth itself then others, they may also/or be the fine artists of ponykind (and by art I mean in the broadest terms: literature, artwork, music, poetry, etc.) It also seems apparent their "shine" changes if they are in the crystal kingdom or not. Full shine within the kingdom, that "somber" more normal look outside the kingdom. Just my take. What do you all think?

This is the official thread for information and chatting about the first two episodes of Season Three- "The Crystal Empire"! So come join the conversation! The thread will open up five minutes before the episode airs (8:55am Central/9:55am Eastern). Remember though, there are spoilers in the comments section so read at your own risk if you haven't seen the episode! Rarity is excited for Season Three, are you?

Please bare with us, we are waiting for the updated bukkit to be released so we can bring the server up to version 1.4.2.

Trixie was delighted to see one of the more amusing sights she had ever seen as she watched the Doctor get slapped! Trixie couldn't help but giggle and snort outloud; it wasn't that she disliked the Doctor, but she simply *loved* seeing him at a loss for words. And the slapping was just plain hilarious. What was perhaps just as pleasing was that Lyra wanted to stay! Lyra was both helpful and mostly harmless, and having some eye candy along might make the journey more pleasant. [colour=#6699cc]"It seems to the Great and Powerful Trixie that our adorable companion during our heroic defeat of the clockwork monsters wishes to adventure with us further! Why would you believe she wished to leave us?"[/colour] The answer wasn't nearly as important as the joy of putting him on the spot and seeing how he attempted to talk his way out of this without sounding like a complete and babbling idiot.

Trixie just looked at the strange pegasus mare, aghast as she rambled on and on almost incoherently. She thought Trixie may have been a Changling? Preposterous! More likely she just wanted to get close to the most stunning pony around here. [colour=#6699cc]She expects us to believe all these tall tales? What kind of pony makes up - [/colour] Trixie's thought process came to a screeching halt with mention of the Ursa Major. That brought back a flood of memories, along with feelings of shame, humiliation, and homelessness. Trixie's patience had run out,[colour=#6699cc] "I don't know who you think you are, but do you really expect The Great and Powerful Trixie to believe these preposterous fibs? Ursa Major indeed! Do you think the Great and Powerful Trixie and her humble companion are ignorant rubes?"[/colour] If it wasn't for the Doctor's grumbling that seemed to confirm at least some of it, Trixie would have assumed the pegasus was just some crazy hermit making up stories. Wait, what if this weirdo wanted in on the grimoire promised to Trixie?! Was this oddball of a pegasus a friend of Doctor Whooves? Though it would make sense that the were - they shared enough in common: Adventures, eccentric, annoying ... [colour=#6699cc] maybe they were once a couple?[/colour] That though made Trixie smirk. That had to be it! She had to find out more! Maybe this odd Pathfinder could be useful after all. [colour=#6699cc]"So, did you two used to "adventure" together? Annnnd ... What is this about a staff?"[/colour]

It didn’t take long for Haywire to admit to being the cause of the fire - not that this surprised Cheerilee at all. What was Cheerilee going to do with her? She could make Haywire wait in a corner while the juice was being made, but that would be a lost educational moment. [colour=#800080] “Well, Haywire, I am glad you came forward, but what were you thinking?! Fireworks? You know fireworks are never allowed at school or field trips. And this is exactly why. You were told this would happen, and you ignored me."[/colour] Cheerilee put her forehoof to her face and just sighed for a moment; it didn’t do either of them good to get upset. Cheerilee would have liked to require Haywire to help with the farm, but it was so far away from her home. [colour=#800080]“Since all Apple family farms are related, I think you’ll have to spend a couple weekends working at Sweet Apple Acres to pay off the tree you damaged; don’t you think that would be fair?” [/colour]Rhetorical question, of course, but it seemed like a good way to teach responsibility;[colour=#800080] “We will also have to have a little teacher-guardian meeting with your sister. And ... I want you to write a paper on all the ways that fireworks can destroy property and hurt other ponies.”[/colour] Hoping that would help Haywire to think a little about the things she was constantly doing, Cheerilee turned back to the rest of the class. She wasn't surprised that one of the students had already decided where he wanted to help out, as Remington flew to the vat where the acceptable apples would be crushed. She hoped the other students would choose soon as well - she'd prefer to let them pick their own spots than have to assign them. [colour=#800080] “Alrighty, class, we need some of you for sorting the good from the bad, some to run the treadmill and a few more of you to crush and press the apples in the vat, who wants to do what, now?"[/colour]

[colour=#800080]Cheerilee[/colour] Cheerilee ran into the main room of the barn with a look of concerned panic on her face; she couldn’t tell at first which foal had the cider or had too much but she did spot Scootaloo holding a cup. [colour=#800080] “Scootaloo, no!”[/colour] Cheerilee ran up to the little orange pegasus and swiped the cider mug from her little hooves, holding it in both of her’s with a momentarily look of panic that quickly dissolved into an embarrassed, awkward smile. [colour=#800080]“I mean, uhh, this cider is bad! I mean, it’s bad for foals, its adult cider, sorry about that, heh.”[/colour] Cheerilee put the mug calmly on the floor and before looking back at the no doubt confused filly. [colour=#800080] “It isn’t anything you did wrong, Scootaloo, we just gave you all the wrong cider. It just has an extra kick that is just too strong for little ponies like yourself, you understand, right?” [/colour]Cheerilee just hoped the orange filly accepted that although she, like many of the students, often protested about being treated like “little foals”. Cheerilee looked about to see if any other foals was drinking a cup, hoping that it wasn’t too late for any of them, then she heard it, an enormous burp. It was Applebloom who wobbled around on all four of her hooves in a haphazard, uncoordinated way. Cheerilee facehoofed, she was inebriated! She ran up to the tipsy filly and held her to balance her as she looked into Abby's eyes to see how bloodshot there were; it wasn’t too bad, but still…[colour=#800080] “how many mugs of cider did you have, Abby?!”[/colour]

Braeburn walked up to the waiting Big Mac and smiled, [colour=#daa520]“say, Cuz’, after you and cousin Pink Lady do a round of competitive buckin’, perhaps Ah kin have a go! Of course, we’ll have to wager somethin’, otherwise it wouldn’t be as interestin’, but what?”[/colour] Braeburn pretended to ponder what to wager on as he rubbed his chin with his forehoof before holding his forehoof high as if he suddenly had an epiphany. [colour=#daa520] “Say! If Ah win, cousin Mac, y’all have t’tell Bumpkin and Ah all about this schoolteacher y’all been seein’”[/colour] It seemed like a fair bet - if Big Mac had a Apple pride, he would accept, and Braeburn was confident he could win through his better experience over his cousin’s strength. Braeburn’s attention was drawn to Sugar Apple’s flashy entrance - only an Apple would want to make such a grand entrance to a family event, and the pegasus mare didn’t disappoint whooping and hollering on her way down. Braeburn loved to see those relations of the pegasus and unicorn variety – they brought new ideas and viewpoints to the family. Braeburn gave a friendly wave and holler, [colour=#daa520]“howdy thar, cousin Sugar Apple![/colour]” He’d never actually met her before, only heard of her, but it seemed like the neighborly thing to do to take that first step.

Not all that excited about it yet, although through $employer I have installed it on two machines already (32 bit and 64 bit home edition), and the installation went smoothly although I am not fond of the lack of customization in comparison to previous installations.* I have an MSDN key for the Enterprise edition so will be installing and trying that next.** For me personally I see no advantage over Windows 7; some above enjoy the customization and ease of us for Metro, but I don't even use the pinning of applications to the taskbar in 7 that often (heck I still assemble everything into nice sub-folders in Quick Launch, a holdover from XP).*** *There is no Windows 8 home edition name, its just Windows 8, I just call it that to separate it from Pro, Enterprise, and RT. **No need to spend for Enterprise unless you are a developer that also needs domain networking and in that case the $employer will likely buy it. *** I appreciate Windows 8 attempt to make everything sleeker and more accessible, but I am fine with tried and true over having to get the latest shiney even if it is full of features and runs well.