Description: The unsteady peace between the Kingdom of Equestria and the eastern Duchy of Anhalter has finally broken as Duchess Amalia von Anhalter refuses to continue trade of a valuable resource to her neighboring lands, stating Princess Celestia to be unfair in her dealings and declaring Equestria as her enemy.  Reluctantly, the monarch of Equestria answers the challenge and sends her nation into battle. 

Follow from the perspectives of both Starfire, grandfather of Spitfire, and inaugural captain of the Wonderbolts of Equestria; and Baron von Himmel, captain of Sons of Sleipnir, Valkyrie Wing. 

It's been awhile since we had our last papercraft piece!  I've got some nice ones tonight for those of you constructing all of Equestria out of paper.  Just one template this time around, but maybe the pics here will inspire you to make some patterns of your own. 

We've been wondering, we've been waiting, and now the big convention out west has at last announced their first VA!  A one-time sorrowful serpent is making his way through the Pacific to say hello.  And rumor has it, this is just the opening of the floodgates.  How wonderful!  August is going to be an exciting month indeed.  Here, let me not waste your time, and give you the official word from the convention:

Everfree Northwest is proud to present our first featured guest from the Friendship is Magic voice cast: Lee Tockar!  Lee plays the eager, but naive young unicorn, Snips, who's rarely seen without his equally dim (though no less lovable) companion, Snails.  However, among fans Lee's most iconic role is undoubtedly as the Sorrowful Sea Serpent from the series premiere, dubbed "Stephen Magnet" by the fan community. 

Lee is certainly no stranger to lending his voice to your favorite characters.  You may remember him from the English dubs of such popular anime as Dragonball Z and Deathnote, or from his roles on Ed, Edd, n Eddy and Beastwars.  Lee is also the 2008 recipient of the Electronic Animation Award for Best Male Voice-Over Artist. 

We're tremendously excited to welcome Mr. Tockar to our guest lineup.  More information on this talented individual can be found here: http://www.leetockar.com/

Don't think that's all we have hidden up here in the northwest.  There will be more announcements for you in the coming DAYS, so stay tuned! 

There have been a few rumblings around the internet that the Brony Thank You Fund is a scam; that they never actually intend to fund the commercial and are going to make off with the money.  EQD has personally contacted The Hub, and a spokesperson for The Hub confirmed that the network has been contacted by this group about the possible purchase of commercial time. 

So if you were looking for proof, there it is!  That aside, I have a few updates for you about the Fund itself written by the founder himself, which you can find after the break in full. 

Description: One week after the Changeling invasion of Canterlot, Twilight is taking a much needed vacation when she is met by none other than The Doctor, back from a lengthy trip to Equestria's past.  Unfortunately for them a dark force has secretly taken control the Canterlot News Agency and is using its influence to spread paranoia and fear to the capital city.  Now it's up to Spike, Twilight Sparkle, and The Doctor to find out who or what is behind this attack and stop them before it's too late! 

We have a mix of stuff this time around.  First off is a new original from General Mumble dedicated to Rainbow Dash Bot, followed by a remix of smile, piano and cello style, and finishing off with an instrumental Luna track.  Find them all below! 

Once in a long while, there arises a need for an instrument so powerful that all else pales in comparison.  Something so terrifying that no one dares speak its name.  Things like the waffle marker, or the advent of microwavable bacon.  All game-changers in their own right.  Today I present to you the next iteration on this train of innovations: something that will change the rules forever. 

It also makes a pretty beam. 

Check out the latest episode of Equestrian Innovations just beyond the break. 

Bad news guys!  It looks like Rainbow Dash won't be making it for season three.  Food Connoisseur Anthony Bourdain of Travel Channel's "No Reservations" apparently got a hold of some grade a pony meat, and rainbow hairs were found in the kitchen.  Poor girl... The Hub has sent out an invitation to Chrysalis though, so at least she will be there in spirit.  And considering how full of herself Dash is, the queen of the changelings should be the perfect fit! 

It looks like My Little Pony has an annual book, and the 2013 one is listed for pre-order on the UK Version of Amazon, with an August release date.  It is unknown at this point if it will be g4 focused, but considering they haven't released one in 3 years, I'm going to go ahead and assume it is.  Looking at the list on amazon, they don't seem to be the most popular things in the old gen fandom.  Hopefully they do something cool for us new folks to get us into it!  Find the Derpy on every page maybe?!  The Great and Powerful pop up book?  Who knows! 

The "Get Lego to join the herd" movement is in full swing.  With just 3500 votes left to go before they officially review them, the poster of the article has added some neat new design ideas for them to ponder in the coming weeks. 

If you want to support the project, head on over to their hub page and toss your vote into the mix!  I really want to give Twilight Sparkle Rainbow Dash's mane and Vinyl Scratch's tail, so get on it! 

Description: She has always been so stunning, my dear Fleur.  Her quiet, polite demeanor and loyal attributes have made her my best yet.  Her appearance has always managed to get some jealous stallions to double-take our arrival in the streets... Oh, age has not been kind to me, and I dread to think of when it will hit her. 

Description: What's it like to live in Canterlot, home of the princesses, assorted renowned celebrities and sophisticated ponies? 
Well, it all comes down to who you are, really - and if you happen to be a fairly ordinary earth pony, you can get on with life quite easily with few distractions. 
But what happens when life plays you an interesting hand, and suddenly you're thrown into the spotlight? 
This is a tale of the everyday, and how it can turn from ordinary to extraordinary with a twist of chance. 
This is a tale of friends, of laughter, of love and of life. 
This is a tale of who we are, and how we got here. 
This... is Sketchy Salad Symphony.