Brilliance Audio, BBC, Unicorns and Felicia Day

You know what’s surprising? If you google “Unicorns and Felicia Day” you don’t get any direct hits.

I find myself oddly proud to be the first.

With less than a week to go, Worldbuilders is still going strong. We’ve raised more than 92,000 dollars for Heifer International so far, and I’m hoping we can break 100,000 by the end of the week.

So remember, if you donate on our team page before Dec 13th, Worldbuilders will match 50% of your donation. Plus you have the chance to win all sorts of cool swag like this:

Y’all know about The Guild, right? If you’re geeky enough to have discovered our fundraiser, I kinda already assume you know about the Guild.

But even if you do know about The Guild, you might not have heard about this yet, as it’s pretty new:

  • A copy of The Guild comic written by Felicia Day and illustrated by Jim Rugg.

Over the years I’ve come to think of The Onion’s A.V. Club as the gold-standard of reviews. This isn’t just because they gave my book one of the best reviews ever. It’s because if the reviewers in the A.V. Club think something is crap, they aren’t afraid to say so, at great length, and with many scathing words.

So read the following blurb with that in mind.

“Seamlessly integrates with the web series’ mixture of discomfort humor and deep understanding of-and wry sympathy for-gaming nerddom.” -The Onion’s A.V. Club

  • Five copies of the full-cast BBC radio dramatization The Adventures of Sexton Blake.

I’ve gushed about this on a previous blog. And after buying at least a dozen copies to give away as gifts I couldn’t help myself from picking up another five just to donate to Worldbuilders.

I do this in order to share the joy with as many people as possible. If you’ve ever read a Sherlock Holmes story you’ll laugh your ass of at this BBC production of the Adventures of Sexton Blake.

Anyone who’s been reading my blog for any amount of time knows how I feel about Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog. Let’s just take that as read, shall we?

I’ve picked up five copies just for Worldbuilders this year because if you haven’t watched it, you really need to. And if you have watched it, but haven’t caught the musical commentary on the DVD then you’re really missing out.

Next we’ve got some lovely audiobooks from Brilliance audio.

  • A copy of the unabridged audio book of Wizard’s First Rule by Terry Goodkind. Read by Sam Tsoutsouvas.

While I never made it to the end of Goodkind’s series, I do have a certain fondness for this first book. I read it in 1998, back when I was having a bit of a creative slump. Reading this book for the first time jazzed me back up a little and got me back into working on The Name of the Wind.

“Wonderfully creative, seamless, and stirring.” – Kirkus Review

Whenever I read Catherynne Valente’s stuff, I’m made uncomfortably aware of the fact that she’s probably way smarter than me.

That said, she writes a hell of a book, and I was proud to discover she was one of the other authors who was writing for Scalzi’s Unicorn Pegasus Kitten chapbook.

While I haven’t listened to the audio version of Palimpsest, I have read it. Valente has a gorgeous use of language and she’s created a completely unique world. Plus the book is kinda sexy. Plus it has an awesome cover. Plus extra points for use of the word “palimpsest.”

“Overflowing with poetic images and epic repetition, Valente’s story washes us to an unexpected shore. –Regina Schroeder for Booklist.

First off, this is written by Bill Willingham. So you know you’re in for a good time.

Second off, this is actually a Fables novel. So you know you’re getting to explore a well-developed world with a cool mythic underpinning.

Lastly, this book is read by Wil Wheaton.

So there you go. Even before you consider the fact that this is in a neat collector’s tin, you’ve already got a trifecta of cool.

  • An unabridged set of Vol 1 and 2 of The Baroque Cycle: Quicksilver and King of the Vagabonds by Neal Stephenson. Read by Simon Prebble.

“BBC announcer/Shakespearean actor Prebble’s performance is wonderfully nuanced. His authoritative narration, combined with his chameleon-like facility for character and accent, is nothing short of enchanting… The experience of listening to this audiobook is something rare, as it’s a literary tale that brings history, science and philosophy to life in a heartily entertaining fashion.” – Publishers Weekly (starred review)

  • A copy of the unabridged audio book of Songs of the Dying Earth: Stories in Honor of Jack Vance edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois. Read by Arthur Morly. Stories by Neil Gaiman, Robert Silverberg, Kage Baker and many more.

“The 23 stories not only capture the unique feel of Vance’s dying universe but stand individually as one of the strongest gatherings of writers to pay homage to one of their own. This is highly recommended.” – Library Journal (starred review)

  • A copy of the unabridged audio book of Wolfsbane and Mistletoe: Hair Raising Holiday Tales edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner. Read by MacLeod Andrews and Tanya Eby. Stories by Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Carrie Vaughn, and more.

“Fresh, interesting tales…[that] star some of the more famous series characters like Sookie Stackhouse.” – Alternative Worlds

“A captivating collection…offers up the Christmas spirit in a wonderfully wicked way.” – Darque Reviews

  • A copy of the unabridged audio book of Many Bloody Returns edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner. Read by Luke Daniels and Teri Clark Linden. Stories by Charlaine Harris, Jim Butcher, Kelley Armstrong and more.

“Thoroughly enjoyable…a toothsome collection of birthday treats you will not want to miss.” – Monsters and Critics

“Toothsome” is a word you don’t hear enough anymore. I’m going to make a point of using it today…

  • A copy of the unabridged audio book of Death’s Excellent Vacation edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner. Read by Christopher Lane and Amanda Ronconi. Stories by Charlaine Harris, Katie MacAlister, Jeaniene Frost and more.

“Harris and Kelner’s third short-story anthology sends paranormals on vacation… Sarah Smith, Daniel Stashower, L.A. Banks, Lilith Saintcrow, and Sharan Newman also contribute quality work, and readers will find this collection a great sampler for discovering authors they’ll want to follow.” – Publisher’s Weekly

  • A copy of the unabridged audio book of Intrigues: Book Two of the Collegium Chronicles by Mercedes Lackey. Read by Nick Podehl.

“Lackey makes a real page-turner out of Mags’ and the collegia’s development… this book’s outstanding characters, especially Mags, will greatly please Valdemar fans.” – Booklist

  • Two copies of the unabridged audio book of The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, read by Nick Podehl. Signed by the author.

I had to get a special pen to sign these. I actually left the house. I don’t like to do that very often, so you better appreciate it.

  • A copy of The Last Unicorn DVD. Signed by author Peter S. Beagle.

This movie was made back when an author could actually be directly involved in creating a movie. Since Peter was actually had a hand in this project, it’s surprisingly true to the novel. Both in the tone of the story and the text of the dialogue itself.

This is a really great movie. It was animated by Rankin/Bass, the same folks that did the original animated Hobbit movie. It’s got a great score, and is very faithful to the spirit of the original novel. It’s sweet, mythic, tender, and frightening in places, just like any good old fashioned fairy tale is supposed to be.

*     *     *

Lastly Conlan Press has donated a couple unique items that I can’t help but auction off.

What we have here are original film cells from The Last Unicorn movie. Each of them in a clear protective envelope signed by Peter S. Beagle himself.

If you want more details about the cells, or if you want to order a specific set of cells as, you can check out Peter S. Beagle’s newsletter over here.

  • The Last Unicorn 35mm Vintage Film Cells. Signed by Peter S. Beagle.

This is what Beagle’s signature looks like on the protective envelope.

When I think of all the magician characters I’ve read over the years, only a few really stand out. Gandalf is the first of these, of course. But after that comes Merlin, Pug, and Schmendrick.

To see more pictures or to bid on this Vintage Film Cell featuring Schmendrick the magician you can follow this link.

This cell shows a classic Rankin/Bass landscape with the unicorn on the hillside at night.

To see more pictures or to bid on this Vintage Film Cell from the Last Unicorn, you can follow this link.

And here we have a cell with a close-up of the unicorn herself.

To see more pictures or bid on this Vintage Film Cell from the Last Unicorn, you can follow this link.

*     *     *

Remember folks, for every 10 dollars you donate to Heifer International, you get a chance to win these cool audiobooks and hundreds of others like them.

In addition to that, Worldbuilders is matching 50% of all donations made on our Team Heifer page before Dec 13th.

For more details about Worldbuilders, the auctions we’re running, and the other donated books, you can head over HERE.

This entry was posted in Dr. Horrible, Felicia Day, Worldbuilders 2010By Pat34 Responses

34 Comments

  1. malical
    Posted December 8, 2010 at 12:47 PM | Permalink

    There is so much good stuff to win, it is hard to decide where I would be happiest. I guess I should be happy if I win anything and not be unhappy that I can’t get everything.

  2. midnitesmask
    Posted December 8, 2010 at 1:01 PM | Permalink

    my five year old daughter has been watching the last unicorn since she was three, she would agree with you that it is a great movie, she also dearly loves coraline, lol, guess i cant go wrong as long as she likes gaiman and beagle right?

  3. JoeLlama
    Posted December 8, 2010 at 1:10 PM | Permalink

    I thought I was done entering, but I have to add a couple more chances now. Also, Commentary!: The Musical from Dr. Horrible is a thing of absolute beauty. I’m going to play it right now because it has been too long. Ninja Ropes!!!

    • Posted December 8, 2010 at 1:18 PM | Permalink

      Heh. I can’t dare listen to it right now or it will get stuck in my head and I won’t be able to get anything done today.

  4. Master Freespirit
    Posted December 8, 2010 at 1:19 PM | Permalink

    I was trading books with someone once. I gave him your book and he gave me “Wizard’s First Rule”. Great minds think alike apparently.

    And…. OMG, “The Last Unicorn”. I think I need new panties.

    • nimorphi
      Posted December 9, 2010 at 6:37 PM | Permalink

      Wizard’s first rule is really good, to bad the series takes a nose dive soon after.

  5. Mickey
    Posted December 8, 2010 at 1:47 PM | Permalink

    As a result of an absurd amount of ( really good ) wine and an extremely rash oath I have now have a duty to point out that Mr Goodkind is a plagiarist whenever I see his works. I’m not saying he stole everything he has written, he just lifted whole chunks out of WOT and snippets of Krynn and Midkemia show up really often.

    I apologise to any of his fans I am going to offend with this post, but an oath is, well, an oath.

    • Peter the Turtle
      Posted December 8, 2010 at 6:55 PM | Permalink

      FYI I’m pretty sure that this comment falls under the legal definition of slander.

      • Markyys
        Posted December 11, 2010 at 11:44 AM | Permalink

        Actually, that would be libel.

  6. Cecilyk
    Posted December 8, 2010 at 1:55 PM | Permalink

    Nothing is working for me over at the Heifer website. :( When I click ‘Give to this team’ I get a ‘Cannot display this webpage’. When I click ‘Join this team’ and fill out the form, it doesn’t save. When I try to get them to email me my username and password (because I’ve signed up before and get all their mailings) it just refreshes the page and I get nothing.

    Anyone else having trouble, or am I missing something?

    • Posted December 8, 2010 at 3:12 PM | Permalink

      I’m actually having a little trouble right now too. I don’t think it’s you…

      • Master Freespirit
        Posted December 8, 2010 at 3:34 PM | Permalink

        Any amount I put in for donation is considered an invalid amount.

        • Posted December 8, 2010 at 3:45 PM | Permalink

          Same here. I just sent Heifer an e-mail, asking about it…

          Actually, the Credit Card donation button seems to work just fine….

          • kendergirl
            Posted December 8, 2010 at 4:05 PM | Permalink

            My husband and I had problems when selecting paypal as the payment method but as Pat pointed out, the credit card part worked fine.

            Pat here: I’m interjecting this into your comment because I can’t reply as we’re already nested five layers deep.

            The paypal issue should be resolved. I just got off the phone with them. We should be good to go…

  7. thechessqueen
    Posted December 8, 2010 at 4:18 PM | Permalink

    I am still confused on one point of donating. If we “join the team” and donate to our page which is part of the team does that still count towards the lottery or do we have to donate directly without joining the team?

    • Posted December 8, 2010 at 4:20 PM | Permalink

      Either way works. It’s probably simpler if you just donate without joining the team.

    • Widow Of Sirius
      Posted December 8, 2010 at 7:22 PM | Permalink

      If you do it as “Join the Team” you either need to donate RIGHT THEN, or make sure to go back to “your” page by clicking on your name in the massive list o’ names on the time (ctrl+F is your friend) and click on “Give Today.”

      When I did it the first time, it didn’t go through properly, but a quick phone call (to a real person, mind you!) fixed everything too, and they are SUPER pleasant there.

  8. Cecilyk
    Posted December 8, 2010 at 4:37 PM | Permalink

    Hi there, it’s me again. :) I just went through the whole credit card process and when I clicked submit, it just bounced me back to the payment options page. I’ve checked my account and nothing’s been charged…I’ll wait and see if a charge goes through, but it looks like there’s no way for some of us to donate at the moment. Alas!!

    • Posted December 8, 2010 at 5:18 PM | Permalink

      I did a test donation at 4:00 and it worked just fine….

  9. Cristina Vieira
    Posted December 8, 2010 at 5:06 PM | Permalink

    Nowadays some credit cards and PayPal don’t work because of the Wikileaks stuff.

  10. Widow Of Sirius
    Posted December 8, 2010 at 7:24 PM | Permalink

    I feel awesome because this isn’t even the first time that you posted things on here that I happily already own. I listened to the audio book version on NOTW when I made the mistake of loaning my copy to someone and she didn’t return it for over 2 years, and I bought Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog as my first ever blu ray!

    This just gets more exciting every day :D

  11. Mossy Toes
    Posted December 8, 2010 at 11:17 PM | Permalink

    Ooooh, Songs of the Dying Earth. Sure, audio format–but still, one of those things I’ve been trying to get my hands on for quite some time now!

  12. pangalactic
    Posted December 9, 2010 at 7:48 AM | Permalink

    Hi Pat,

    Apologies if this has been asked before, but I couldn’t find an answer. I just donated via the Team Heifer page but didn’t join the team. Will I still be entered into the lottery? If not then I guess I’ll just have to donate again *shrug*

    Thanks,

    -Chris

    • pangalactic
      Posted December 9, 2010 at 7:49 AM | Permalink

      Ignore this. I just scrolled up and saw it’s already been answered :-)

  13. Shane
    Posted December 9, 2010 at 8:43 AM | Permalink

    I’m really hoping to win the Kate Elliott stuff to give to a friend who’s a massive KE fan but with a chance to win twice, I’d love to luck out and get The Guild package signed by the charming and beautiful Flecia Day.

    Shane in Virginia Beach

  14. ccomer38
    Posted December 9, 2010 at 11:16 AM | Permalink

    So I just wanted to tell you that I’ve been trying to resist donating.. Cuz i really dont have the much money (I’m in college…) and then my phone got stolen on Friday and i was like well thats it.. i definitely cannot donate..

    yeah i couldn’t resist…
    I’m using my crappy phone from like 3 or 4 years ago now.. at least I feel good that its going to a good cause and not because i’m selfish and am hoping to win some really sweet stuff…..

  15. duke7883
    Posted December 9, 2010 at 2:18 PM | Permalink

    Am I supposed to click your name and donate or just donate to the worldbuilders team?

    • duke7883
      Posted December 9, 2010 at 2:19 PM | Permalink

      nevermind, I winged it.

  16. justajenjen
    Posted December 9, 2010 at 3:51 PM | Permalink

    I hope that worked. I joined the team and gave to the team, but it’s not showing up. Hopefully, it will soon.

    I really wish I could give more, but it’s been a bad couple of weeks around here. My dad had a stroke on Thanksgiving and now that my parents have no income at all, my siblings and I are doing what we can to make sure they don’t get kicked out of their home for Christmas. Helping out with this, though, makes me happy. Knowing that someone out there is going to have their life changed for the better makes me feel hopeful that our own family situation will be resolved soon in a positive way. Every little bit makes a difference, I know, and I’m a big believer in kharma.

  17. kdculb
    Posted December 9, 2010 at 7:54 PM | Permalink

    I see that Pat edited his post on the odds of winning a prize, so I tought I would revisit it because one or two people might be interested. The formula used in the original post was not really correct and was only an approximation as it assumes the winning tickets will be placed back in the hopper. If you read some of Pat’s earlier posts we know this is not true – to the math.

    As of earlier today there was $98,500 donated or 9850 lottery chances. Guessing there are 500 prizes (estimated from Pat’s earlier comments) we need to know three things:
    1.# of ways to pick zero of your tickets
    2.# of ways to pick 500 winners from the tickets you don’t have
    3.# of ways to pick 500 winners from the 9850 tickets
    1 and 2 give the number of ways that you have zero winning tickets and 3 gives you the number of ways the drawing could go.

    If you donated $20 (flock of ducks) the chances of not winning is
    C(2,0)*C(9848,500)/C(9850,500)=90.10% so you have an 9.90% chance of winning at least one prize.

    If you up your donation to a Gardener’s Gift Basket $170 you chances go up to:
    zero prizes=C(17,0)*C(9833,500)/C(9850,500)=41.22%
    exactly one prize=C(17,1)*C(9833,499)/C(9850,500)=37.53%
    exactly two prizes=C(17,2)*C(9833,498)/C(9850,500)=16.05%
    exactly three prizes=C(17,3)*C(9833,497)/C(9850,500)=4.28%
    exactly four prizes=C(17,4)*C(9833,496)/C(9850,500)=0.80%
    therfore your chances of winning
    at least one prize is 58.78%
    one or two prizes is 53.58%
    at least two prizes is 21.28%
    three or more prizes is 5.20%

    As you donate more your chances go up, as more prizes are added your chances go up and as everybody else donates more your chances go down.

    Give till it hurts and feed the world.

    • blf
      Posted December 10, 2010 at 6:25 AM | Permalink

      Thank goodness you posted, kdculb. It’s tipped the scales and I feel I can donate with a clear conscience now. (Plus, since I sit right next to you in real life at our place of employment, I don’t have to hurt my brain any further trying to understand the math. :) )

  18. laurafromNY
    Posted December 10, 2010 at 8:57 AM | Permalink

    wah…such awesome prizes…you should really do the poor man’s raffle again for those on a budget T_T …or maybe there is one already? (sorry, haven’t been keeping up…)

  19. vintner_jasun
    Posted December 12, 2010 at 9:24 PM | Permalink

    I GOT SCHMENDRICK!!!

    Sorry- had to share my joy among those who might appreciate.

  20. Jonas
    Posted December 13, 2010 at 7:20 AM | Permalink

    Hi folks,
    I hope someone can answer me. In the FAQ it is said, that donating by paypal does not work. But when I go to the Heifer-page and donate to the Team, there is a paypal button. I was curious and clicked it. And I could donate with paypal. At at least the money is gone from my account. I hope that it goes where it belongs.
    Is the information in the FAQ outdated? Or is there a problem if you donate by paypal?

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