Season 1, Episode 25 on YouTube - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

By Kate, Editor in Chief

Season 1, Episode 25, "Party of One", written by Meghan McCarthy, is up on YouTube thanks to pensivepony.



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Have you checked out our MLP:FiM Episode Guide? It lists every episode, with links to episode descriptions and YouTube videos. You can access the MLP:FiM Episode Guide (and other useful pages) from the black navigation bar at the top of the page.

Pony Customizer Directory

By Kate, Editor in Chief

Image originally from MyLittlePony.com (no longer available on site)

Tiegrsi at the MLPTP has put together a Customizer Directory thread. Pony customizers can advertise their services (e.g. "Re-hairing, deflocking, symbol restoration"), so collectors can easily find someone to help them with their pony needs.

Explanation of Sapphire Shores Blank Flank

By Kate, Editor in Chief

Screenshot of Season 1, Episode 19 "A Dog and Pony Show"

Did you wonder why Sapphire Shores (from Season 1, Episode 19 "A Dog and Pony Show") lacked a cutie mark? Lauren Faust admitted it was just an oversight on her deviantArt page on April 25, 2011.

"~DerpyWhooves
I don't know if this has been asked before or if you can answer or if you don't want to define but...

Why is Sapphire Shores a blank flank? Was it an error? Was it a nod to Knight Shade? (Though she's a girl she kinda reminds me of him in looks)

*fyre-flye [Lauren Faust]
Just a mistake. Oops."

How to Spell the Name of Twilight Sparkle's Owl Assistant

By Kate, Editor in Chief

Screenshot of Season 1, Episode 24 "Owl's Well That Ends Well"

Lauren Faust clarified the correct spelling for Twilight Sparkle's owl assistant from Season 1, Episode 24, "Owl's Well that Ends Well", on her deviantArt page on April 25, 2011.

"~SharpEdgeSoda
Spell the name of Twilight's owl, please.

*fyre-flye [Lauren Faust]
Owlowiscious. Although it probably should have been Owloysius."

Fun at the Fair Set Has Apple Bloom, Not Scootaloo

By Kate, Editor in Chief

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In February we first spotted the Fun at the Fair Playset. The prototype had an interesting error: the packaging declared "Fun at the Fair with Apple Bloom & Sweetie Belle", but Scootaloo could be seen inside the package. StrawberryReef at the MLPTP has now spotted a corrected package with Apple Bloom inside. No word yet on when or if the Scootaloo prototype will be available.

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Have you checked out our G4 Checklist? It's every Friendship of Magic pony and merchandise item we've posted about, with links to the original article. You can access the G4 Checklist (and other useful pages) from the black navigation bar at the top of the page.

G4s Come to UK Early

By Kate, Editor in Chief

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Just a couple weeks ago I posted that G4s weren't expected in the UK until September 2011. While that may still be the case for most stores, Toy Planet in Derby has apparently jumped the gun. fiwen30 at the MLP Arena found them in store, and they're also available online.

G4 Rainbow Dash Halloween Costume

By Kate, Editor in Chief

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A Rainbow Dash Halloween costume in the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic style is already available from Mr. Costumes.

Thanks to steves_minty at the MLP Arena for posting about this item.

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Have you checked out our G4 Checklist? It's every Friendship of Magic pony and merchandise item we've posted about, with links to the original article. You can access the G4 Checklist (and other useful pages) from the black navigation bar at the top of the page.

My Little Pony Fathead Wall Graphics

By Kate, Editor in Chief

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Fathead, purveyor of officially licensed giant vinyl wall graphics, has added My Little Pony to their product line. There is a collection with the six main ponies plus Spike and Princess Celestia for $99.99, or you can just get a larger Twilight Sparkle and Spike for $89.99.

(My husband has long been trying to convince me to allow him to get a San Francisco 49ers Fathead. I just might go for it provided Steve Young can be displayed riding Twilight Sparkle :-D  ).

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Have you checked out our G4 Checklist? It's every Friendship of Magic pony and merchandise item we've posted about, with links to the original article. You can access the G4 Checklist (and other useful pages) from the black navigation bar at the top of the page.

Discover the Difference Game

By Kate, Editor in Chief

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Hubworld has a new My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Game - Discover the Difference.

"Spike the Dragon has the burps! Now Twilight Sparkle's lessons of friendship to Princess Celestia are full of small differences. Help Twilight and Spike fix each message -- find the differences between the two lesson pictures. Princess Celestia is waiting!"

(Via Equestria Daily).

Aussie Toys R Us My Little Pony Playdate Event

By Kate, Editor in Chief

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Australian Toys R Us Stores are hosting a My Little Pony Playdate event on May 7, 2011. Visit toysrus.com.au/my-little-pony/ for more information.

(Via Equestria Daily).

Summer-Sunshine-Colour-Swap and Newbie-Summer-Rainbow-Swap

By Kate, Editor in Chief

Image via MyLittlePony.com coloring books (no longer available on site)

A pair of color swaps are open for sign-ups at the MLP Arena: Summer-Sunshine-Colour-Swap and Newbie-Summer-Rainbow-Swap.

"The Summer-Sunshine-Colour-Swap [and the Newbie-Summer-Rainbow-Swap] is a wantlist Swap and your box must include at least one pony from your partners wantlist as long as it is in the price minimum.

Colour-Swap means that all your ponies on your wantlist must have body or haircolour in one of your prefered colours.

...

I allowed to choose 3 colours on your wantlist as maximum!

It's a summer-swap and we all should add at least one summery item/extra to our boxes."

Deadline for sign-ups is May 2, 2011. For more information visit the threads linked above.

Week In Review: April 17-23, 2011

By Kate, Editor in Chief

Australian Jewellrybox - Image Source

Here are the highlights from the week of April 17-23, 2011.

Top Stories:

• Season 1, Episode 23 and Season 1, Episode 24 on YouTube - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
  
• G1 Twilight Inspired Twilight Sparkle's Mom
  
• Hubworld Hub Club Beta
• Friendship is Magic Building Concept Art
  
• Pinkie Pie Not Related to Mr. and Mrs. Cake
  
• Every My Little Pony Episode Ever List
  

New Ponies and Merchandise:

• Aussie MLP Jewellrybox
  

Ponies for Charity:

• Started: Original MLP:FIM Concept Art Online Charity Auction
  

New Events:

• Essex UK Ponymeet - May 21-22, 2011
  
• Denver Brony Meet at Nan Desu Kan Anime Convention - the convention is September 9-11, 2011
  

New Contests:

• Greek Nickelodeon Princess Celestia Giveaway - enter here by April 30, 2011
  
• Equestria Chronicles MMO Contest - enter here by around May 19, 2011
  
• Summer Sun Celebration Art Contest - enter by June 20, 2011

Check out the Calendar for more upcoming events, and ongoing contests and swap signups.

Happy Easter!

By Kate, Editor in Chief

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Happy Easter from My Little Pony News!

Season 1, Episode 24 on YouTube - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Season 1, Episode 24, "Owl's Well That Ends Well", written by Cindy Morrow, is up on YouTube thanks to pensivepony.

Every My Little Pony Episode Ever List

By Kate, Editor in Chief

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Mirelmture has posted a list of "Every My Little Pony Episode Ever" on the MLPTP and MLP Arena. The list includes the G1 movies, My Little Pony and Friends, My Little Pony Tales, all the G3/G3.5 movies and shorts, and Friendship is Magic.

Summer Sun Celebration Art Contest

By Kate, Editor in Chief

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Plaster The Returner is hosting a huge My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Art Contest, with cash prizes. From Equestria Daily:

"The full prize categories and listings can be found up in the image [above]. He would like me to let everyone know that there will be no specific theme for the contest. If you need ideas, just watch the show!"

For more information, visit Plaster's Deviant Art Account. Deadline for entries is June 20, 2011 at 11:00pm CST.

Site Highlight: Fillydelphia.com, Roleplaying Site for Friendship is Magic

By @tchaimadeus, Guest Reporter (via Twitter)

Role Playing Ponies should check out. http://www.fillydelphia.com/ :D

[Thanks to @tchaimadeus for this guest post. If you would like to submit an article for consideration, Contact MLPNews. Or, drop me a tweet @myponynews.]

MLP:FiM Marathon on the Hub Easter Sunday

By Kate, Editor in Chief

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A My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic marathon is scheduled for Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, 11:00am-1:00pm ET, on The Hub.

Equestria Chronicles MMO Contest

By Kate, Editor in Chief

Equestria Chronicles, a My Little Pony themed MMO currently in development, is hosting a contest:

"Hi, I’m the founder of a little mmo game called Equestria Chronicles online and I’d like to announce that we’re staring a contest to replace the intro movie for the game, by law we’re obliged to keep the “Powered by unreal technology” intro movie but it doesn’t mean we can’t replace it with something more pony themed and there’s where you come in; your mission is to conceptualize edit or create a new intro movie for the game, only two things are required: ponies and the epic games logo, you can do whatever you want from there.

The winner will be chosen by the community and the price would not only be seeing your movie every time the game starts up but also 3 months of you being able to play as the mane cast pony or your choice (Mane cast is npc)".

Deadline for entry is in 1 month, roughly May 19, 2011. The beta for the game is scheduled to be released in 2 months. For more information, visit the Ponychan thread.

(Via Equestria Daily).

Pinkie Pie Not Related to Mr. and Mrs. Cake

By Kate, Editor in Chief

Screenshot of Mr. and Mrs. Cake with Pinkie Pie from Season 1, Episode 4, "Applebuck Season"

Lauren Faust gave a little insight into the relationship between Pinkie Pie and Mr. and Mrs. Cake on her deviantArt page. Here are comments from April 19-20, 2011:

"~firefliesinthewind
I'm curious- In what way is Pinkie Pie related to Mr. and Mrs. Cake?

*fyre-flye [Lauren Faust]
They are not related. Pinkie was always their best customer, and always hanging around anyway so they let her rent the loft upstairs. I think they probably pay her partially in sweets. They love her like a daughter, though."

Aussie MLP Jewellrybox Tip-off :D

By Atateatarin, Guest Reporter

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know of this item!

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It's being produced by Hunter Leisure, an Australian carnival toy/showbag/bits and pieces manufacturer and supplier. [http://www.hunterleisure.com.au]. It appears to only be announced at the moment but it's exciting to see some G4 merch designated for Australia!

Additionally, I spotted Fashion Style Rarity and Applejack in an Aussie department store (Big W) about three weeks ago for $19.84 each, which seems to imply that the G4 ponies are starting to trickle in a little early :D Near as I can tell this isn't true for every store in the chain so it's possibly just some early shipments, but it's getting exciting to finally see toys here :D

[Thanks to Atateatarin, our Guest Reporter. If you would like to submit an article for consideration, please Contact MLPNews).

Greek Nickelodeon Princess Celestia Giveaway

By Kate, Editor in Chief

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Nickelodeon in Greece is giving away 10 Princess Celestia toys. Enter here (I assume it's only open to Greek ponyfans). Deadline for entry is April 30, 2011. Thanks to gazzy90 at the MLP Arena for posting about this giveaway.

Friendship is Magic Building Concept Art

By Kate, Editor in Chief

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Equestria Daily posted these drawings, which are supposedly the original concept art for the background buildings in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. They were previously posted on ponibooru and /co/, but it is not officially confirmed that they are genuine. Still, they're beautiful drawings. If you can confirm that these are in fact production art, or if not, give the name of the actual artist, please comment below.

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Essex UK Ponymeet May 21-22, 2011

Image originally via MyLittlePony.com coloring books (no longer available on site)

Jemofirongate at the MLP Arena is hosting a Springtime Pony Teaparty Ponymeet, in Harlow, Essex (UK), May 21-22 2011, 11am Sat - 11am Sun. For more information, visit the MLP Arena thread.

Hubworld Club Hub Beta

Hubworld.com is finally rolling out the beta for membership to Hub Club. (I totally thought it was going to come out with The Hub's launch, back in October 2010, but they're only finally getting around to it now). It appears to have first been open for registration on Saturday, April 16, 2011, but has had temporary closures over the past few days.  Equestria Daily reported that the beta includes achievements and friends lists.

Started: Original MLP:FIM Concept Art Online Charity Auction

Edited April 21, 2011 to add: All four auctions are now up on eBay.

Original Applejack Concept Art by Lauren Faust

The auctions have begun for Lauren Faust's original MLP:FIM concept art. Derpy Hooves was listed on eBay yesterday, September 18, 2011, at 9:00pm PST. The auction started at $75, and as I'm writing, the current bid is $1,875.

The remaining three auctions will begin in the next few days. From Metacritter:

"Each has a has a $75 starting bid and runs 7 days. The auctions end one day apart, so if you miss on one you'll have a shot at the next.

...

Pegasus Pinkie Pie starts 9/19 at 9pm PST.

Applejack starts 9/20 at 9pm PST.

Twilight Sparkle starts 9/21 at 9pm PST."

Scans of the art have been posted on Lauren Faust's deviantArt page.

These auctions continue the Q POP 'Help Japan' fundraiser. 100% of proceeds will be donated to Give2Asia - "In response to the massive disaster in Japan beginning in March 2011, Give2Asia is working with local NGOs on the ground in Japan to support short-term and long-term recovery efforts."

Denver Brony Meet at Nan Desu Kan Anime Convention

Image originally via MyLittlePony.com coloring books (no longer available on site)

A Brony Meet is scheduled for the Nan Desu Kan Anime Convention, September 9-11, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. For more information visit Equestria Daily.

G1 Twilight Inspired Twilight Sparkle's Mom

Image via LadyMoondancer at the MLP Arena

Twilight Sparkle's Mom in MLP:FiM Season 1, Episode 23, "The Cutie Mark Chronicles," may have been inspired by G1 Twilight. From the comments on Lauren Faust's deviantArt page:

"~vivalacony
I know this is a bit of a silly question, but is Twilight Sparkle's mother, as shown in the latest episode of FiM, Twilight from the first generation?

*fyre-flye [Lauren Faust]
I remember thinking that would be a good idea, but I can't remember if I actually gave the direction, if our awesome art director and color stylists had the same idea, or if it was all a coincidence. Either way, I think the nod to the previous generation is appropriate, don't you?"

Week In Review: April 10-16, 2011

Hub Puzzle - Photo by Elisto at the MLP Arena

Here are the highlights from the week of April 10-16, 2011

Top Stories:

• Season 1, Episode 26 Description - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
  
• New Content for MyLittlePony.com

New Ponies and Merchandise:

• Apparent UK Release date for G4s in September
  
• Hub Puzzle with Rainbow Dash
  
• Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash Backpack

New Events:

• Bronies Meetups - NYC and Portland
  

New Contests:

• Artist Needed for 2011 MLP Fair
  
• Twilight Sparkle Twinkling Balloon Giveaway - enter at My Little Review Corner & Kidsumers by April 29, 2011
  

New Swaps:

• The MLPTP's Great Birthday Swap - June Signups Open - Sign-up here by May 5, 2011
  

Check out the Calendar for more upcoming events, and ongoing contests and swap signups.

Season 1, Episode 23 on YouTube - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Season 1, Episode 23, "The Cutie Mark Chronicles", written by M.A, Larson, is up on YouTube thanks to pensivepony.

Twilight Sparkle Twinkling Balloon Giveaway from My Little Review Corner & Kidsumers

My Little Review Corner and Kidsumers are teaming up to give away a Twilight Sparkle Twinkling Balloon Playset. You can enter at both sites: Sail through the clouds with My Little Pony and Twinkling Fun! My Little Pony Review and Giveaway.

"*Contest closes at 10:00 pm EST on Friday, April 29th, 2011. Open to residents of US & Canada (excluding Quebec), 18+ years of age.*

The winner (one winner) will be randomly drawn from the entries placed [on My Little Review Corner] and on the Kidsumers website. The winner will be contacted with the email left in the post and will have 2 days to respond. The winner be posted on this site."

Artist Needed for 2011 MLP Fair

2010 MLP Fair Pony - Image Source

The 2011 MLP Fair is seeking a pony artist.

"The MLP Fair is in need of digital art of this year's exclusive pony for use on this year's T-shirt, brochures and other printed materials for the event.

We thought we had an artist lined up, but it fell through.

Here's your chance to help the MLP Fair, even if you can't attend. I will provide Hasbro G3 pony templates to be used, so you don't have to worry about drawing the pony itself. In order to be considered, you will need to draw the design of either the 2009 or 2010 Fair Exclusive Pony so we can get an idea of your finished product.

We have received a photo of this year's exclusive pony and she is awesome! However, we have been asked to keep her a secret until the event so we can't release her photo online! We will however, send her photo to the selected artist so they can turn her into digital art!

The selected artist will receive a MIB 2011 Fair Pony and an official Fair T-shirt in appreciation!"

For more information, visit the MLP Arena thread.

Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash Backpack

Photo by IIya at the MLP Arena

Another backpack from the Toyfair has made it to Walmart. This is a regular sized teal backpack featuring Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash.  (A toddler sized Pinkie Pie backpack was found at a Walmart in March 2011).

Bronies Meetups - NYC and Portland

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Bronies Meetups pages have been created at meetup.com for NYC and Portland. A Seattle-Tacoma page is also coming soon. Check out the meetup pages for upcoming Brony events.

The MLPTP's Great Birthday Swap - June Signups Open

Image via My Little Pony: Party Time Coloring Book

June sign-ups are open for The MLPTP's Great Birthday Swap. Deadline is May 5, 2011. For more information, visit the MLPTP thread.

Hub Puzzle with Rainbow Dash

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Elisto at the MLP Arena found a Hub puzzle at a thrift store. The 300 piece puzzle has Rainbow Dash on it. It may have been a promotional item, since it has the Hub launch date of 10.10.10 on it.

Does anyone know any more about this unusual puzzle?

Brony Meetup at LA Comic Book and SciFi Convention

Image originally from MyLittlePony.com coloring pages (no longer available on site)

A Brony Meetup is being planned for the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention, on April 17, 2011. For more information visit ponychan.net.

Apparent UK Release date for G4s in September

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Here's a brief from MLPNews reader Marianne:

"The Apparent release date For The G4s In The UK is, unfortunely, September."

This information appears to have come via Hasbro in response to telephone and e-mail enquiries; Archer06 also shared the information on the MLPTP.

A press release from December 2010 had the agreement for the UK television release of the series slated for Summer 2011. It is unclear whether the show will begin to air in September 2011 as well, or if the toy release will be after the TV release.

New Content for MyLittlePony.com

Here's a sneak peek at new content for MyLittlePony.com.

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"We’ve been getting some great feedback from moms and girls about ways to make the MY LITTLE PONY experience even better. So, to help parents participate in the MY LITTLE PONY experience, we have created a series of co-viewing tips, playdate activity ideas, kid-friendly printables, and conversation starters that reinforce the MY LITTLE PONY message of friendship.

Soon, we’ll be rolling out a whole new section filled with play ideas, games, printable activities, video sneak peaks and more!"

G4 Flower Custom Swap at the MLP Arena

Image originally from MyLittlePony.com (no longer available on site)

Sign-ups are open for a G4 Flower Custom Swap at the MLP Arena.

"The main objective of this swap is to create a custom Generation 4 (Friendship is Magic) custom pony using one of the five flowers your secret partner selects.

Anything goes, from Amaryllis to Zinnia, so long as it has a visible flower. Plants like Holly and Apple trees are also acceptable, so long as they're in the flowering stage, not the fruit-bearing stage."

Deadline for sign-ups is April 16, 2011. For more information, visit the MLP Arena thread.

Playsaver Coupon: $5 Princess Celestia or Twinkling Balloon

Princess Celestia - Image Source

Playsaver.com has a new printable coupon for $5 off Princess Celestia or Twilight Sparkle's Twinkling Balloon.

Season 1, Episode 26 Description - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

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An episode description has finally been posted for MLP:FiM Season 1, Episode 26, "The Best Night Ever".

"The ponies' expectations for the Grand Galloping Gala may be too high."

This is the last episode of Season 1, and will air on May 6, 2011.

Week In Review: April 3-9, 2011

2012 Calendar - Image Source

Here are the highlights from the week of April 3-9, 2011

Top Stories:

• Season 1, Episode 25 Description and Episode 26 Title - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
  
• Young Pony Coloring Pages
  
• Commercial for Twilight's Balloon and Applejack's Barn
  
• "The Cutie Cliffhanger... the Quest for the Cutie Mark"
  
• Notes From Lauren Faust's deviantArt Page Comments
  
• "The Best Night Ever" is Grand Galloping Gala Episode
  
• Season 1, Episode 22 on YouTube - MLP:FiM
  

New Ponies and Merchandise:

• 2012 My Little Pony Calendar
  
• Pinkie Pie Packaging Error
  
• More G4 Cake Decorations
  
• My Little Pony Storybook App
  

Ponies for Charity:

• Donate to the MLP Arena in April and Get a Custom Pony Photo from tuneful87
  

New Events:

• Otakon Brony Meetup - Otakon is July 29-31, 2011
  

New Contests:

• UK PonyCon Mascot Design Contest 2011 - enter here by May 1, 2011

Check out the Calendar for more upcoming events, and ongoing contests and swap signups.

Season 1, Episode 22 on YouTube - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Season 1, Episode 22, "A Bird in the Hoof", written by Charlotte Fullerton, is up on YouTube thanks to pensivepony.

My Little Pony Storybook App

Screenshot of MLP:FiM Episode 1

A My Little Pony interactive storybook app is coming in May 2011:

"Hasbro and Ruckus Mobile Media have announced a strategic licensing agreement to jointly develop original mobile interactive storybook apps based on Hasbro brands. Starting with three titles to be released in May—based on Tonka Chuck and Friends, My Little Pony and Transformers Prime—the deal covers all digital platforms in the English language worldwide. The storybooks will include interactive elements such as activities, coloring, and recording functions."

Otakon Brony Meetup

Image originally from MyLittlePony.com coloring pages (no longer available on site)

A Brony Meetup is being planned for Otakon, a convention celebrating "all anime, manga, and all facets of Asian pop culture!" Otakon takes place from July 29-31, 2011, at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD. For more information, visit ponychan.net.

Donate to the MLP Arena in April and Get a Custom Pony Photo from tuneful87

tuneful87 has a special offer for those who donate to the MLP Arena in April 2011:

"For everyone who makes a donation in April, I'll take a custom photo for them. All they have to do is give me a list of their favorite ponies and I'll see what I can come up with."

Here are a few examples of custom pony photos: Tunie's Pony Photography.

From the MLP Arena donation page:

"We are a non-profit, fan based, forum website, completely supported by you, the members. Chief and BridgetsMum kept this site going the first year and half out of pocket but since this site has grown so much that's impossible for us to continue. About every 4 to 6 months we have donation drives but donations, of course, are welcome anytime."

Site Highlight: MLP:FiM IMDb Page

Have you seen the IMDb page for My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic lately? I hadn't clicked over in a while, and was pleased to see a fairly complete cast list (including a few I hadn't seen before, like Lee Tockar as Snips), and a plethora of animators and other crew listed. If you're interested in the people behind the show, definitely check it out.

"The Best Night Ever" is Grand Galloping Gala Episode

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The title of Season 1, Episode 26 of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, "The Best Night Ever," was released last week, but does not yet have an episode description. Lauren Faust has confirmed, via comments on her deviantArt page (via Equestria Daily), that the episode will be about The Grand Galloping Gala. The Grand Galloping Gala was referenced in episode 3, "The Ticket Master", and episode 14, "Suited for Success".

Notes From Lauren Faust's deviantArt Page Comments

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Occasionally I've posted notes from Lauren Faust's deviantArt page. However, I must admit I've been a bit inconsistent in keeping up with the comments there. So here's me catching up on what I've missed from the 300 or so pages of comments.

On serial plots:

"*fyre-flye Oct 16, 2010
Networks do not tend to like serialized stories because they do not get good ratings in repeats. So an over-arching plot, unfortunately, was out of the question."

On the influence of Lord of the Rings:

"*fyre-flye Nov 22, 2010
...In fact, Canterlot, a big citadel built into the side of a mountain, was inspired by Gondor. I call it "Gondor for Girls.""

On Bridle Gossip:

"~Exclusive-Cheese Dec 10, 2010
Wait, so ponies are racist?

*fyre-flye Dec 10, 2010
Speciesist.

*fyre-flye Dec 10, 2010
I'm joking btw. They can be overly fearful just as any one can. That was, like, the whole lesson of the episode.

*fyre-flye Dec 10, 2010
Although watching the behavior of 6 ponies and jumping to the conclusion that ALL ponies are like that is stereotyping, isn't it.

tsk tsk tsk"

On Fillydelphia:

"~3and20characters Dec 18, 2010
Hey, Ms. Faust, this might seem like the weirdest thing but I really loved the Fillydelphia pun in the last episode, because I live in Philadelphia. It was funny to imagine a pony version of it for a while.

*fyre-flye Dec 18, 2010
Hee hee--- thanks. Most of my family is from Philly!

It was my original name for Ponyville, but my bosses preferred I use the established name."

On background music:

"~DizzyPacce Dec 18, 2010
This latest episode had some REALLY AMAZING background music, but it begs a question!

Do you lot use a music synthesizer program or do you have an actual orchestra?

Just curious. Anyway, keep up the good work!

*fyre-flye Dec 18, 2010
Thanks!

No one uses real orchestration in children's television. It cost's ten times as much and takes 3 times as long. Probably more on both counts."

On inspiration and cutie marks:

"*fyre-flye Dec 20, 2010
Big Mac's size and hairy feet were directly inspired by the Big Brother Ponies (or as I call them, the Village Ponies.) And the baby ponies were inspired by the original baby MLP, Ember, who had no symbol on her butt. As a kid, I just assumed that meant they got them when they were older. I don't know if that was the the original toy developers' intent, but that's what I took from it when I was 8."

On geography:

"*fyre-flye Feb 18, 2011
I know it's been touched on, but not completely defined. I think Everfree is West of Ponyville. AJ's farm is South West and Fluttershy's cottage and meadow North of her farm, right on the edge of the Everfree Forest (ironically.) I couldn't say where Whitetail Wood is, to be honest, and Canterlot is Noth East."

Sweetie Belle's singing voice:

"*fyre-flye Feb 26, 2011
Michele Creber (Apple Bloom's voice) sings for Sweetie Belle. She blew me away when she auditioned!!"

On Rarity and Sweetie Belle:

"*fyre-flye Feb 26, 2011
Oh, and Rarity's old/mature enough to live on her own. Sweetie Belle just visits."

On Earth Ponies:

"*fyre-flye Mar 3, 2011
While not magical like the other pony types, Earth Ponies do have a connection to the land that other types do not. In Equestria, growing food and tending animals (Fluttershy's talent with animals is unusual for a pegasus, I always imagined she feels more at home on the ground than in the sky) is just as necessary, as managing weather and magic. Perhaps more important, don't you think? They are ponies, not people, so perhaps appreciating each other as equals is not so difficult for them."

On genetics:

"~IcyAshford Mar 18, 2011
Hi Ms Faust, I'm a fan from the other side of the Pacific Ocean. My boyfriend and I just love watching your series together.

Here's a question I've been thinking for some time since I read that pegasus unicorn ponies are very rare. So I can't help but wonder about pony genetics.

If Celestia & Luna are pegasus unicorns, can I assume one parent was a pegasus and another was a unicorn? If so, are the pegasus and unicorn genes are both dominant genes while the earth pony genes are recessive?

I mean, I know if a pegasus male and a pegasus female mated, the offspring would most likely be a pegasus.

What if a pegasus male mated with an earth female? Would half the offspring be pegasi and the other half be regular earth ponies? However, if I assume that the pegasus gene is dominant, all the offspring would pegasus ponies.

Sorry for the long comment. The scientist in me has been activated for a while ever since I saw the show.

*fyre-flye Mar 19, 2011
I don't usually dwell too much on those types of issues--- I find if you apply too much logic to things, you can miss out on a lot of fun ideas. Because we have the element of magic in the show, I like to think that all sorts of brological and scientific things are sort of muddled up by it in a way that's accepted and/or understood by ponies, but undefinable for us.

It's like the Force, it a weird sort of way---- I liked it when it was mysterious and undefinable. When they put midichlorians into the mix, the Force was totally ruined for me. I want to know the Force is strong in someone because a powerful Jedi told me, not because of a blood test!!! No fun!"

On Luna:

"*fyre-flye Mar 20, 2011
...Luna is not yet full grown, and some sort of evil magic turned her into Night Mare Moon. When she grows to an adult, her real form will not look so much like NMM."

On Over a Barrel:

"*Czarine-the-Restless Mar 25, 2011
A lot of people on discussion forums and IRC channels are annoyed or even offended by the Native American stereotype in the latest episode, calling it racist and what not... Is there anything you'd like to tell these people to change their minds or at least make them feel better about it?

I myself am convinced this episode was great, but some people just can't let this go for some reason...

*fyre-flye Mar 25, 2011
We worked with an official Native Consultant on this episode and did revisions according to all his notes."

On Celestia's Nephew:

"~DiddyJakal Mar 30, 2011
You know, I was checking out FiM the other day when I heard about Princess Celestia having a nephew named Prince Astron? Since when did Princess Luna have a son? Did the father commit suicide or something? I would love to know.

*fyre-flye 6 days ago
He's the great great great great great great great great great great great (and probably even more greats) nephew on Celestia's and Luna's mother's side, about 52 times removed, roughly speaking. I would have preferred to call him a Duke, but someone in the approval process thought kids wouldn't know what a Duke is. Luna and Celestia have no siblings and no children. Also that's a fan name, he has no official name on the show."

There was also a comment that Applejack raises pigs for truffles. Or, in other words, not for meat, as ponies seem to be vegetarians (mmm, daffodil and daisy sandwiches). (Let's assume Pinkie Pie only likes tofu hot dogs). Unfortunately I lost the page, and thus the exact quote. If anyone knows the exact quote, or where in the 300 plus pages of comments I read this, please let me know.

UK PonyCon Mascot Design Contest 2011

The 2011 UK Ponycon is having a Mascot Design Contest.

"In celebration of this year's 'Happy Go Lucky' THEME the PonyCon team would love you to help us create a very special, one of a kind pony that will feature on our website, poster and merchandise!"

The mascot should be designed on one of the pony linearts provided by the Ponycon. Deadline for entries is May 1, 2011. For more information, including how to enter, visit the UK Ponycon Website.