"The folks who are putting on this year’s Browncoat Ball in San Francisco are hoping to get about 20 – 30 more people signed up for the ball, and are making a limited number of discount tickets available on eBay, at roughly 20% below the normal price. The discount tickets are $125 for the full weekend (that includes two dances and two dinners, folks!), $80 for the Saturday ticket (which includes the boat tour and the ball), and $60 for the Saturday night ball tickets. You can find them here.

"They’ve also announced that there will be an on-site masseuse as well as a hair/makeup artist at the hotel. Their services are not included in the ticket price, and they can each accommodate only a limited number of clients, but if you’re looking to truly pamper yourself before the ball, they’ve got you covered.

"So, if you haven’t ordered tickets yet, do it now, ’cause the ball’s almost here!"

This year the Browncoat Ball, a shindig based on, well, "Shindig," is being hosted by the San Francisco Browncoats so you know it's going to be great. Dinner parries, tours of the Bay, even a visit to Chinatown is in store for you. September 22-24, and you can head here for details.

But even if you can't make it, you can still support it and pick up some sweet merchandise at the same time. The official design for the Ball is by Adam of Black Market Beagles, and that's all I needed to hear. Check it out, on posters, T-shirts, bags, and more.