JOSS WHEDON PRESENTS 'DR. HORRIBLE'S SING-ALONG BLOG' — I can't believe I almost forgot to post about this before (in fact, almost forgot to check it out myself). Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, a direct-to-the-web musical from Joss Whedon, premiered this week. Shot over six days on a shoestring budget, specifically to be "aired" on the internet, the musical comedy stars Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, and Felicia Day (Vi from iBuffy Season Seven). Dr. Horrible began streaming online on July 15th with the debut of Act I; Act II debuted on the 17th, and the final act debuts tomorrow, the 19th. All three acts will remain available through July 20th. After that, you can buy it from iTunes, and later they'll be releasing a DVD full of extras. So quick, run over to DrHorrible.com!

LOOKING FOR A WEB HOST? — I have 5 4 limited-time invitation codes for Dreamhost web hosting. Of course, you don't need an invitation code to sign up with them; these codes just get you some special deals:

  * Four (4) times the normal disk space and bandwidth!
  * $150 off if you choose the five-year plan
  * $200 off if you choose the ten-year plan

Contact me if you'd like one (one per person).

MICHELLE TRACHTENBERG IN 'THE CIRCUIT' — You can catch Michelle Trachtenberg on TV this weekend in The Circuit, an "adrenaline-charged family drama" in which an estranged father (Billy Campbell) and daughter (Trachtenberg) compete on the stock-car race track. Her star is on the rise, while his once-legendary career is on the decline. Premieres Sunday, June 8th, 8 p.m. (7 Central) on ABC Family. (My local listings also show it re-airing immediately after at 10 p.m., and Saturday the 14th at 5 p.m. If you miss it, set a TiVo wishlist; maybe they'll air it again.)

DONATION DRIVE — This one actually isn't for hosting bills - those are happily paid up for the moment. This is actually a sad call for help to get my brakes fixed and pay some about-to-be-late bills (electric and car insurance). The Husband (a graduate student) and I (currently unemployed and having little luck becoming employed) are even poorer than usual, hence the cry for help. I know, the site still hasn't been updated, despite all of my best intentions, but if you still refer to and enjoy the existing content, and/or the holidays have you feeling generous, then whatever spare change or dollars you wouldn't mind parting with would be most appreciated. The best way to donate is via PayPal - click here. To donate via the Amazon Honor System, click here. (Note that Amazon takes a 15% cut, whereas PayPal takes only 3%.) You can also send a money order, check, or cash — please contact me for the mailing address to use! (Even if you've mailed something before - I've moved, hence the non-job-having.)

Full details about donation methods can always be found here.

MICHELLE TRACHTENBERG IN 'BLACK CHRISTMAS' — Michelle Trachtenberg's latest movie, Black Christmas, is out now on DVD. Michelle co-stars as one of the sorority girls who are terrorized and murdered, one by one, by a relentless killer. Check out a trailer here, or order the DVD from Amazon.com here. While you're waiting for the DVD to arrive, enter this contest to win a 2-night stay and dinner for 2 aboard the Queen Mary, and 2 tickets for the paranormal tour. You can invite me to be your guest if you win!

BUFFY SEASON 8 COMIC BOOK — This isn't new news, but for those who haven't heard: There will be a Buffy Season Eight — in the form of a comic. Joss Whedon himself will be writing the new adventures for Dark Horse Comics; the first issue is due in March and is available for pre-order now at Things From Another World. The story:

Since the destruction of the Hellmouth, the Slayers — newly legion — have gotten organized and are kicking some serious undead butt. But not everything's fun and firearms, as an old enemy reappears and Dawn experiences some serious growing pains.