CSTS 2012 PLANNING HAS BEGUN!

This year's Global Team has begun planning early - and so have we.  (Look for an announcement on the date coming in the next few weeks!)


The contest for the artwork to represent CSTS 2012 is now open for voting. Voting is open to anyone who is a member of the CSTS forums - you don't have to be an organiser or even on the committee; you just have to register.  When you're voting, please keep in mind what the artwork will look like on a t-shirt (would you want to wear it?); whether you think it will catch the eye of people who may not know about CSTS and make them curious enough to explore further; and how well local event information will fit on the poster without losing the essence of the poster.Contest ends at 11:59 pm PST, on November 1st.  You can only vote once so think about it and then vote before the deadline and we will have lovely shiny t-shirts to order early next year!

In the meantime, while you're waiting for further news, check out more webseries:  the very funny Husbands, by Whedon writer Jane Espenson ("Shindig") and Brad Bell/Cheeks about two men who wake up married in Las Vegas after celebrating the Marriage Equality bill.  (Obviously set slightly in the future.) It is a very romantic - and funny - love story in 11 episodes, at least for season one. It's not graphic and there is no nudity but there are some displays of affection, of course, as there would be in any true romance.

For action fantasy, try Dragon Age: Redemption, written and starring Felicia Day (Buffy, Dr. Horrible,The Guild).  It has just launched (second episode was posted this week).  If you are a gamer, the game is out now, also 'starring' Felicia Day.

MIND MY BRAINS, DARLING!

The other local webseries we screened at this year's CSTS Vancouver was Mind My Brains, Darling!  The season finale episode is now online at http://mindmybrains.com. Check it out now and spread the word.

Equality Now Contest

What does gender equality mean to you? In an ideal world, what would you expect to see? Put together a PSA for EN's 20th Anniversary and it could be posted on their website.

STANDARD ACTION WEBSERIES

If you were at CSTS Vanvouver this year, you saw some episodes of this local webseries.  If you weren't, you can catch up here.  Episode 12 is up - the first half of the season finale.  If you would like to see more episodes, you can support the team - which includes our own Assistant Organiser, Vanessa/cymerin as Associate Producer and several other titles as well!  Go here to see the great gifts they are giving to donors.

Joss Whedon Panel at Comic-Con 2011

For those of you who weren't able to see Joss live at Comic-Con, here is the video of his panel.  It's Joss at his best: funny, serious, and answering questions - most of which were thoughtful.  When he is asked about strong women characters, I'm afraid my friends and I (sitting in the front row) laughed very loudly and it was one of my friends who yelled out "YouTube", which Joss then carried on with.

Less than 5 Hours to Bid!

Less than five hours left to bid on the Once More With Feeling songbook, signed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, on eBay. Remember, all the money is going to our two beneficiaries, Equality Now and BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre Foundation.  Only a few more dollars and we can reach our goal of $5,000 raised this year!

Message from Jewel Staite

Besides saying hello to everyone at CSTS Vancouver (via e-mail) and wishing us well, Jewel asked if we would pass on information about a friend's fundraiser.  We did at the event, but we're adding it here for those people who are interested.

In her own words:

"My friend Ryan Purcell, who was one of the camera operators on Stargate: Atlantis, is throwing a benefit on September 24th at the Sutton Place Hotel in Vancouver to raise money for research to help his son, who's sick with a very rare degenerative disorder called Hunter Syndrome.  If you could, it would be so fabulous to give the benefit a shout-out by mentioning its website, http://www.onceuponacure.com.  Several actors from Stargate, Smallville, Sanctuary and Supernatural are going to be there, as well as a few local weel-known actors from Vancouver.  There's going to be an auction held there as well with various prizes like lunch with me and Paul McGillion, lunch and  a set visit with Amanda Tapping, etc.  It's a great cause, and I'd love to help Ryan and his wife Deb sell more tickets!"

Since Jewel is always helping us out with CSTS Vancouver, it would be great if people could help out with her friend's fundraiser.  The link is on the side bar as well.

Don't forget to check out Jewel's food blog.  Just don't do it if you're already hungry!  There's a link to Happy Opu (under Jewel Staite's Food Blog) on the right.

SPECIAL eBAY AUCTION ITEM!

As if we didn't have enough shiny items at our silent auction last weekend, we received a donation that we thought was worthy of putting on eBay.  Today's the day.  For one week only, you can bid on Buffy the Vampire Slayer's "Once More With Feeling" songbook, signed by Buffy herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar!  One of our CSTS volunteers has donated this unused book which he had signed when Sarah was in Vancouver filming the movie Possession, which was released in 2009.

The proceeds of this sale will go in to our CSTS Vancouver totals for Equality Now and BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre Foundation, so click the link above and bid high and bid often!

CSTS LA with Joss Whedon

 For those of you who didn't get to see Joss Whedon et al live on Saturday night, I've posted the video on the right.  The Q & A at the end is very good. Don't miss the mini-speech by The One True b!X, founder of Can't Stop The Serenity, as he gives some examples of what Equality Now does with our donations.

CSTS events are fun and entertaining and we get to see old friends and meet new ones, but we cannot forget the reason we do this is to help stop or prevent some of the atrocities happening to women and girls around the world.  With your donations, Equality Now is making a difference.  So from those of us who spend hours, days and months working to make each of these world-wide events a success, thank you for coming out each year, choosing to spend your time and your money for such a worthwhile cause.  Of course it doesn't hurt that we get to see our Big Damn Movie and have some fun in the process.  Nobody said raising money had to be depressing!

If at any time you feel you have a little extra you want to donate, feel free to use the 'donate' button on the top right of the blog.  All monies go towards EN and BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre Foundation.

We will have an exciting announcement shortly about one more item that has been donated.  Stay tuned!

THANK YOU!!

CSTS Vancouver 2011 was a success, thanks to a large number of people who volunteered, donated, bid and came to the event.  More will be forthcoming when I have further access to a computer!

It's Almost Here!

We've almost made it to the big day.  Online ticket sales are now closed but there will be tickets available at the door tomorrow, so come down and check us out.

Thank you to all who have bought tickets and are coming to support Equality Now and BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre Foundation.  If you can't attend but would still like to support these two worthwhile charities, the 'donate' button is still up on the right hand side of the page.

Stay tuned for an announcement at the event, which will be posted here, regarding one special item to go in an online auction!

See you tomorrow!  Don't forget: all auction items and other donation opportunities are cash only.

Online Trivia Quiz - Quote #10

Here's the final quote - and it's an easy one to end with.  I hope everyone has enjoyed playing along.  Remember to e-mail the answers (person speaking and the episode) to all 10 questions by midnight (Pacific time) tonight to: cstsvancouver@gmail.com.  The winner will be drawn/announced Saturday morning during introductory remarks.

"I don't think of myself as a lion."

Good luck.   And just because it's my favourite quote - here's one from the movie:
"Love. You can learn all the math in the 'verse... but you take a boat in the air that you don't love... she'll shake you off just as sure as the turn of the worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she ought to fall down... tells you she's hurting before she keens. Makes her a home. "

Schedule, Notes and a Couple of Special Items!

One of our special auction items is currently somewhere in the Canadian postal system.  I had asked Jody Houser, who does a couple of online comics, Brick Girl and Cupcake Pow! if we could have a signed print of one of the panels of Cupcake Pow! that would have a lot of significance to Firefly fans - of which Jody herself is one.  She agreed, even though she had never done it before, and in the process, the CA Browncoats, who are hosting Joss et al in LA on Saturday night, also requested one.  However, Jody assured me that the print we are getting is No 1 of 2. :)  There will be a colour copy of it at the auction and we will mail the original to the winning bidder when it finally arrives.  Check out Cupcake Pow! and see if you can guess which panel it is.

In addition to the draw for the winner of the quotation contest in the introductory remarks Saturday morning, we also have an e-mail message from Jewel Staite to read.  We are so proud to have her as a supporter of our event.

    CSTS VANCOUVER 2011 -  SCHEDULE
    Saturday, June 25th
10:30    Doors open / special video presentation
11:00   Welcome/Online Contest winner drawn
            Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog sing-along
11:50   Evil Laugh Contest
12:10   Mind My Brains, Darling episodes 1 & 2
12:30   Break
12:45   Costume Contest Parade & Prizes
1:10     Standard Action webseries episodes
2:00     Firefly Trivia Bingo
3:00     Silent Auction ends; doors close
            Introductions to movie
3:30     SERENITY
5:30     Door prizes drawn
            Auction winners announced
            Closing remarks


IMPORTANT NOTES

If you are picking up your PayPal tickets at “Will Call”, please bring a copy of your PayPal printout/receipt.

There are a limited number of grab bags available for a minimum $5 donation. Bingo cards are $1.00 each and will be two lines in any direction.  Get your cards early as last year they were all snapped up within the first hour!  There are also door prizes which will be drawn after the movie.

Beverages in containers with lids are allowed in the Auditorium, all other food and drink must be consumed outside the room. This year we are offering some food by donation, wraps courtesy of John at La Fontana Caffe & friends and Firefly-inspired goodies courtesy of C&C Cakery available in the Lounge on the other side of the Lower Lobby. You are also welcome to bring your own food or to go to one of the many food places near Cornwall & Cypress.

For anyone wishing to stay after the day’s main festivities are over, we have the Lounge booked until 9 pm and you’re welcome to bring in food, get together and order in or just hang out with your fellow Browncoats and wind down for the day.

Please note that pay parking is in effect at the Space Centre/Museum lot at a rate of $2 per hour; $10 flat rate until 6 pm and $5 flat rate from 6 pm until 6 am.  EasyPark does patrol rather vigorously, especially just after 6 pm, so please make sure you have paid and have the ticket visible! There is little to no on-street parking in the area except for residents.

FINAL REMINDER THAT ALL MONETARY TRANSACTIONS ARE CASH ONLY, SO BRING PLENTY OF IT!

A couple more auction items to whet your appetite for Saturday - auotgraphed pictures of Mark Sheppard (Badger) and Jewel Staite (Kaylee), donated by RiverSue and Doug.

Online Trivia Quiz - Quote #9

Only two more quotes to go!  Today's quote:


"Look at the fluffy one."

I'm sure you all got that!

Just a reminder for those people who've asked - tickets will be available at La Fontana until Noon on Friday and online with PayPal until 6 pm.  After that, any remaining tickets will be available at the door - cash only on Saturday for the auction items as well.  And you'll want to make sure you have plenty because you haven't seen even half of the shiny items we have for auction!  We also have some great door prizes and contest prizes - and $5 grab bags.  Plus have you seen the pictures C&C Cakery has been posting on Twitter of some of the goodies they're making for Saturday - also by donation?  It will be worth coming just to taste one or two of those!

Elves & Druids & Zombies, Oh, My!

You know you're going to see Serenity this Saturday (if you have your ticket!) since the event is called Can't Stop The Serenity.  Maybe you know that you can sing-along to Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Joss Whedon's Internet sensation.  But are you prepared for zombies and other magical creatures scampering - or slouching - across the screen in front of you?  Well, we're giving you fair warning. You can expect all manner of fantastic - and fantastical - creatures to entertain you.

We'll be showing the world screening premiere of Episodes 1 and 2 of the new webseries, Mind My Brains, Darling, locally made by our own Browncoats, Higlet Films. Episode 1 is live as of Monday but you'll be the first to see Episode 2! Watch teasers and learn more about the series at their website.

Standard Action, another locally made series, is full of adventure and humour, following a rag-tag band of magical creatures as they quest and quarrel their way across the land.  CSTS Vancouver is pleased to present these original webseries to a new audience.

Members of both series will be appearing at a panel at Geek Girl Con in Seattle in October, so you can catch them there talking about the ins and outs of producing your own webseries.  In the meantime, enjoy them on the big screen at CSTS Vancouver on Saturday and meet members of both casts.

Online Trivia Quiz - Quote #8

Ready for Quote #8? 

"You got the right same as anyone to live and try to kill people."

Remember: speaker and episode for all 10 quotes to be e-mailed to cstsvancouver@gmail.comby midnight June 23rd.  Winner will be announced at CSTS Vancouver on Saturday morning.

One Week Today - CSTS Vancouver 2011. Do You Have Your Ticket Yet?

Are you missing the high of the Canucks run to the Stanley Cup? Feeling a bit let down due to the aftermath? Why not come to CSTS Vancouver on Saturday, June 25th? It's a fun day and we raise money for two good charities: Equality Now and BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre Foundation.  Even if you aren't a Browncoat, you're sure to find something you like at our silent auction.  How about this - a Star Trek clock radio, donated by William.

Or how about a souvenir from "V"?  Maybe the parking name plate for one or both of our BDHs who also were in that series.  Yes, the genuine article, donated by a local Browncoat & sci-fi geek who bought them -and some other shiny items - at the prop sale.

If you prefer the Doctor, we have something for you, too.  In addition to the knitted Red Dalek seen in a previous post, we have an Adipose, crocheted by Myntkat.

You can read more about the Adipose - and other Dr. Who creatures - in The Time Traveller's Almanac, donated by Colleen.

Stay tuned for more great Firefly/Serenity items, including autographed ones!  Don't forget that the Silent Auction, grab bags, bingo cards or anything else to be purchase are cash only.

Online Trivia Quiz - Quote #7

How are you doing so far? Finding the answers easy? Well, this one is - short and sweet today.

"Mercy is the mark of a great man."

You've got it already, don't you?  I thought so. Well, it still counts. :)

Crafty & Creative Geeks Abound!

Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind item that shows off your favourite fandom?  Then be sure to come to CSTS Vancouver 2011 and bid on some of the wonderful auction items we have.  The cross-stitch Big Damn Heroes made by Amber from Cthulhu Crochet and Cousins were such a hit last year that she has come up with new ones this year.  There are two framed pieces, plus some smaller ones - and a Jayne bookmark that will go with the Jayne's hat from Serena's Everything Jayne's Hat Emporium.  In addition, Lisa-Marie has incorporated Amber's BDH designs onto a beautiful bag.

If you're a fan of Blue Sun products, take a look at this beautiful pillow made by Katherine Wrigley.

Perhaps you're a Dr. Who fan.  Katherine has also made a Red Dalek.

Keep checking for more auction items and don't forget to buy your tickets so you can bid on them.  Only eight days left!

Online Trivia Quiz - Quote # 6

We're halfway through our quote contest, how are you doing so far?  Last quote will be June 22nd, then e-mail CSTSVancouver [at] gmail [dot] com with your answers by midnight June 23rd.

Today's quote:  The important thing is the spices.

Remember to give the speaker and the episode when you send your entry in on June 23rd!  Good luck!

Costume Contest Details

Which Firefly/Serenity character do you see yourself as?  Mal? Inara? River? Kaylee? Shepherd Book?  Maybe you like to wear Hawaiian shirts and play with dinosaurs. Maybe you like to wear a 'cunning' hat and carry a gun named Vera.  Perhaps a very proper doctor is more your style.  Or do you look good in a 'slinky' dress?  Whatever your preference, why not attend this year's CSTS Vancouver in costume?  There are two categories: any character from Firefly or Serenity (is a lovebot your style?) or a character from any of Whedon's other shows: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog or Dollhouse.

If you want to be judged in the costume contest, we ask that you arrive at the Space Centre between 10:15 and 10:30 and proceed to the Ray Whittick Lounge.  (There will be signs.)  Once there you will pose for the judges and our official photographer.  All contestants will then do a parade onto the stage just after 1 pm where the prizes will be awarded.

Let your imagination run wild - but not too wild.  Remember this is a family event, so no Echo as a dominatrix, please. :)

Online Trivia Quiz - Quote #5

Do you have the speaker and episode for Quotes 1 - 4?  Are you ready for #5?

"When this is over, I'll be able to help you; I'll be able to make your nightmares go away."

Online Trivia Quiz - Quote #4

Time for Quote #4.  Don't forget to keep track of your answers in order and then e-mail all 10 of them to CSTSVancouver@gmail.com by midnight, June 23rd.

"I like to meet new people; they've all got stories."

Can't Stop The Serenity 2010 Vancouver

Here's a sample of last year's CSTS Vancouver event, thanks to WorldofHiglet and her husband.

Guild Fans Alert!

Are you a fan of Felicia Day's webseries, The Guild? Then do we have auction items for you.

First up: Season 3 DVDs, signed by all of the cast and donated by AlanD.  We also have all their signatures on The Guild #1 comic, as well as a cast picture.  Felicia and Amy (Tink) both signed the Season 4 DVDs, and Amy and the artist both autographed a large poster of the cover of the The Guild's Tink comic.  In addition, we have The Guild TPB.  Any one of these could be yours if you bring enough cashy money to bid high.

 Stay tuned for more exciting silent auction items.

Online Trivia Quiz - Quote #3

Who do you think said this - and in what episode?


"There's times I don't think you take me seriously."

Online Trivia Quiz - Quote #2

Are you ready for the second quote?

"Looked bigger when I couldn't see him."

Remember:  who said it and what episode of Firefly was it in.  When you have all 10 answers, e-mail them to CSTS Vancouver and we'll draw a winner on June 25th during the introductions.

Good luck!

A Delicious New Donor

We are pleased to announce that we have a new donor on board! C&C Cakery in Burnaby will be making special Firefly-inspired baked goods that can be purchased at CSTS Vancouver for a donation.  They will also be donating a gift certificate to the auction.  I don't know about you, but just looking at those pictures of Kaylee's Cupcakes makes my mouth water.  Can you imagine the looks on your fellow Browncoats' faces when you treat them to such a delectable confection with the gift certificate you purchased at our silent auction?  Of course, you could keep them all for yourself, but Browncoats are so good at sharing.  Aren't they?

The Kaylee Cupcake - ain't it purty?

Online Trivia Quiz

So who here is a Firefly fan?  Have you watched so many times you know all the words - or think you do? Then here's a contest for you!

Every couple of days until just before CSTS, I will post a quotation on the blog.  Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to name the person speaking and the episode.  There will be 10 questions, so not all the episodes will be represented.  After the last question, e-mail your 10 answers to CSTSVancouver@gmail.com by midnight (Pacific time) June 23rd.  If there are multiple correct answers, one name will be drawn at CSTS and a shiny prize will be awarded.  You do not have to be present to win, but you will get your prize more quickly.

Let's start out with an easy one, shall we?

"When you can't run, you crawl. And when you can't crawl, when you can't do that..."

Remember, name the character and episode and only send the answers at the end of the contest.

Why "Can't Stop The Serenity"?

Four years ago, a young woman named Du'a Khalil Aswad was stoned to death in northern Iraq for the sin of falling in love with a young man of a different religion. There are conflicting stories about why she was actually stoned - whether she had converted for her boyfriend, was thinking of converting or just seen talking to him in the street.  Whatever the reason, while she was being stoned, many people of her village stood around and watched, some taking pictures and videos on their cell phones and posting them on the Internet.

At the time the story made headlines around the world, Joss Whedon wrote a post on Whedonesque about it that had little of his trademark humour in it, just heartfelt questions about why this was happening and some suggestions to counter it.  Out of that came a website and a book, Nothing But Red.  Can't Stop The Serenity was gearing up for its second year of global fundraising events and Joss's post about Du'a Khalil Aswad served to strengthen our efforts to raise money for Equality Now, Joss's favourite charity and one that works to end violence and discrimination against women and girls throughout the world.

CSTS is now celebrating its sixth anniversary and the fact that the worldwide events have raised over half a million dollars for Equality Now and various local charities.  This year one of the moderators of Whedonesque, Damon Schmidt aka zeitgeist, wrote an eloquent reminder that what happened to Du'a Khalil was not, unfortunately, an isolated incident.

So each year we get together with other Joss Whedon fans to watch his movie, Serenity; to sing along to Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog; to dress up as our favourite Whedon characters; to win prizes and buy swag; and to have fun.  And have fun we do! But let's not forget the reason we do this: to help those women and girls who are less fortunate than we are and who may not be able to help themselves.

In Vancouver, 80% of the net proceeds from our CSTS event go to Equality Now, with the other 20% to BC Women's Hospital & Health Care Foundation, which helps to give children a good start in life and to do the best to keep women of this province healthy.  So far, in five years, we have raised over $15,000 and we hope this year is the best one yet.

Remember when you buy your ticket, or grab bag, or bingo card, or bid on one of the exciting items in our Silent Auction, that you are helping to improve the lives of women around the world as well as those right here at home.

So do you have your costume ready? Have you rewatched Firefly so you can answer all the trivia questions? Have you stashed away a bit of extra cash to bid on that special item that you just must have? Have you practised your evil laugh?  Is your singing voice ready?  Then make sure you buy your tickets early and bring your friends because raising money for such a good cause has never been more fun.

Keep checking the blog for some of the shiny items we will have in the auction and details of the day and we'll see you on June 25th at 11 am!

Donations Have Begun for our Silent Auction

Thanks to everyone who ordered t-shirts and/or hoodies.  They will be available to be picked up at the Will Call table on the day of our event.

Tickets are now available for sale from John at La Fontana Caffee (where the Geeks hang out), north-east corner of Boundary and Hastings in Burnaby.  Cash only please.

We are pleased to announce a new cross-stitch item by Amber for this year's Silent Auction.  Last year's were hits at the auction.  This year she's only doing one, so it's even more exclusive, but it's a great one, so get there early, bid often and bring lots of cashy money, as that's all we take.

Shiny, isn't it?  It could be yours on June 25th!

T-shirts & Tickets Available Now!

Tickets for CSTS Vancouver on June 25th are available now through the PayPal link on the right hand side and in person from the organiser.  Unfortunately, Happy Bats is no longer in business so can't sell tickets for us.  We will miss them as they were a great supporter of CSTS Vancouver from day one.  Keep checking here and on Twitter for other places to buy tickets.

T-shirts are now on sale - for a very limited time. Payment must be made either through the blog or with cash in person by noon on Saturday, May 7th.  This year's logo, designed by the organiser of CSTS Toronto, is beautiful and will be displayed on Men's/Unisex, Women's Baby Doll and Women's V-Neck t-shirts as well as pullover hoodies.

Order now as this will be your only chance to get an official CSTS 2011 shirt or hoodie - or both!

CSTS Vancouver 2011 is Saturday, June 25th!!

We are officially registered as a CSTS participant and can now leap ahead with our planning!  CSTS Vancouver 2011 will be held at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver,  BC, on June 25th from 11 am to 6 pm, with the doors opening at 10:30.  The day will include a sing-along to Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, a costume contest, an Evil Laugh contest, Whedon trivia bingo, episodes from some locally produced web series, a silent auction and - oh yes, the Big Damn Movie, Serenity!

Tickets will be on sale soon.  Keep checking this page for a look at this year's art contest winner - another Canadian, organiser of the Toronto 2011 CSTS - for news on ordering t-shirts and for a look at some of the items we have for the silent auction and prizes.

If you would like to be involved in this year's event, as a donor, sponsor or volunteer, you can contact us by e-mail at CSTSVancouver@gmail.com.  We are especially interested in unique items - well-crafted geeky things always go well.  Take a look through the archives to see what kind of objects we have had in the past.

FINAL TOTALS FOR 2010

We had our best year ever in 2010, raising a total of $4,436.56, which meant $3,550 (rounded up) to Equality Now and $900 (also rounded up) to BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre Foundation.  We received lovely thank you notes from both.

Before we get to CSTS 2011 (planning has already started!), I would like to thank all of our generous sponsors, especially The Comic Shop, Happy Bats Cinema and Serena's Everything Jayne's Hat Emporium for donating each of our five years.  We hope those relationships will continue in the coming years.  Please continue to support our sponsors as they support us.  I'd also like to thank all the volunteers on the organising committee, those who helped out throughout the day, those who contributed prizes or items for the silent auction.  This fundraising event could not continue without you and would not have been possible in the first place without the support of Serena Reynolds, Organiser of the BC Browncoats.

Coming soon: Date and time for CSTS Vancouver 2011, the winning artwork and more.  If you would like to be involved in any way, please e-mail us at CSTSVancouver@gmail.com.  (Hope you like the new look.)