tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58149877640381575692024-02-20T13:30:12.726-05:00the manakalita manifestolearning to liveChristian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-73785550384141003652011-03-29T01:24:00.093-04:002011-04-18T19:13:31.605-04:00The Final Manifesto (take 2)<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">[EDIT: This posted in a somewhat different form back at the beginning of 2011. A lot happened prior to the New Year and I forgot to finish it properly, I have now rectified that in time for the one year anniversary of my last (proper) post!] </span></b><br />
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So ends the Manakalita Manifesto (version 4.0). I'm back for one more run around the blog, and then moving onto purpler pastures.<br />
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I stopped posting last spring to take off some of the unnecessary anxiety I was feeling for not posting to begin with. And by and large it's worked, I moved on to a few others things that were impending, most prominent among them getting married to my wife Catherine last May:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/TD03SdfXknI/AAAAAAAAAac/-6TAend7MRI/s1600/kiss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/TD03SdfXknI/AAAAAAAAAac/-6TAend7MRI/s320/kiss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Picture © 2010 Dana Strickland</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Whoo-hoo!</b></i></span></div><br />
I think this is my favorite picture, though:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/TD05QQRK0II/AAAAAAAAAak/CNYe8Sf1LAo/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/TD05QQRK0II/AAAAAAAAAak/CNYe8Sf1LAo/s320/cupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Picture © Dana Strickland</span></div><br />
Sadly, I only got one of those cupcakes (a most excellent lemon one made by our friend Lauren) as we were bouncing around after the ceremony from guest to guest the rest of the night. A bunch were left over, but we forgot to pack any for our honeymoon. Sigh.<br />
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When we returned, I was supposed to get to the business of finishing up the final three scripts for the Critical Millennium series I started for my former creative/business partner Drew Gaska and our (well, his now) company BLAM! Ventures. Yes, these are the three scripts I was supposed to have <a href="http://manakalita.blogspot.com/2009/11/nano-no-more-and-interesting-couple-of.html">finished at the end of 2009</a>. Obviously life happened in full force, and continues to, as I only finished one of them. Treatments for the other two are pending, where Drew will finish the scripting duties and a magnificent series will be produced for 2012. Really.<br />
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Anyway, the first series, <b>Critical Millennium: Dark Frontier</b>, was released last summer to rave reviews. If you haven't read it yet, go buy it. Issues one through three are out in stores and online, and the fourth one is on the horizon (with the hardcover collection out in time for your next gift goiving holiday, to be sure). Here's the first cover for Dark Frontier, with art by the very talented Dan Dussault:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/TD03SJXUZDI/AAAAAAAAAaY/Fv278PHjGbc/s1600/Critical-Millennium-001-Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/TD03SJXUZDI/AAAAAAAAAaY/Fv278PHjGbc/s320/Critical-Millennium-001-Cover.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Critical Millennium and all associated titles ™ and</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">© 2010 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Andrew E. C. Gaska and BLAM! Ventures, LLC</span></div><br />
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In addition to taking time away from the blog, I've also backed off from writing for the most part (the above script aside). I moved onto expanding my horizons, dabbling in welding and researching a bunch of other fields I want to try my hand at.<br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;">The welding spark (yes, yes--pun) was our honeymoon, where we went up to Massachusetts to an art and craft program called <a href="http://www.snowfarm.org/">Snow Farm</a> and took a sculptural welding class together. I've wanted to work with metal for a long time, and this was a nice little taste of what could be. So the decision was made to educate myself so more and see what else it could be. I have more to learn in the future beyond my brief forays last year, but I look forward to the possibilities. Meantime, here's a couple of things we put together:</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/TD03SVY_38I/AAAAAAAAAag/_I82HcmEEqw/s1600/owl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/TD03SVY_38I/AAAAAAAAAag/_I82HcmEEqw/s320/owl.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/TD03SP7kJLI/AAAAAAAAAaU/vUC4mbp_M9c/s1600/american+radiator.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/TD03SP7kJLI/AAAAAAAAAaU/vUC4mbp_M9c/s320/american+radiator.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pictures © 2010 Christian and Catherine Berntsen</span><b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-weight: normal;">The owl got auctioned off, but we kept the American Radiator sculpture and a couple of others, all of which happily reside in our garden.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: normal;">Along with Day Job and assorted reading, catching up on four seasons of Lost, a couple of Doctor Who and the like, that's been most of my past year. What holds for the future, you ask? That's the question.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: normal;">I'm just about done with my fiction writing sabbatical of sorts, and I intend to get back to blogging. Just not here.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: normal;">The Manakalita Manifesto no longer reflects where I'm at. Truth be told I never really had a clear direction for what this blog was about. Some vague thoughts, a few stabs at coherence, but it never really jelled for me. As I'm wont to do, I'm starting fresh. But this time I'm not doing it alone.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: normal;">I originally planned to invite you to <b>Cool Beans and Such</b>. It was to be a blog about my life (because all blogs are pretty much self serving that way) and the things that fascinate me. I will still do that, but in recent weeks something exciting has come together with a couple of friends and the promise of that collaboration is too good to pass up.</b><br />
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So, along with my fiends <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://strangecoach.blogspot.com/">Paul Wargelin</a> <span style="color: black;">and </span><a href="http://landsbergstudios.moonfruit.com/">Bryan Landsberg</a><span style="color: black;">, we are launching</span> <a href="http://scribblershall.blogspot.com/"><b>Scribblers Hall</b></a></span>, a blog of art and fiction and the collision of the two (and more).<br />
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We'll be premiering the blog on April 15th--normally tax day--but the IRS was kind enough to move that to the following Monday because they obviously sensed we needed that day to go live <b style="color: #674ea7;">[EDIT 04/18/11: Yeah, didn't happen, some time in May I imagine. Sorry, kids]</b> . I haven't been excited about writing and creating this way in a very long time, and it is a welcome feeling.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: normal;">The Manifesto will remain online for as long as I see value in that, but I'm moving on from here. The internet is ripe for the picking, and the world past my computer screen is just begging to be explored.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: normal;">Life is waiting.</b></div>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-76405107918424333622010-03-29T00:05:00.002-04:002010-03-29T09:58:47.676-04:00Not "Goodbye," just a "See ya later."Things have been anxious for me lately, hence the lack of posting (and I had done fairly good in 2009). Part of it is my upcoming wedding (the planning of which is in relatively high gear now and going well), part of it is Day Job (nothing worrisome like losing it, just change in the system) and other things of a more personal nature.<br />
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Rather than fret over not posting, I have decided to sign off for a bit in an effort to ease my mind over things that shouldn't cause me anxiety anyway. A sabbatical of sorts.<br />
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This is, of course, after I do a little makeover on the blog (nifty new banner, slightly easier to read postings, etc). I've got good timing that way.<br />
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25x52 will move to its own blog as planned, I've been playing with that layout as well. I have fallen behind on my donations, but plans are afoot to make that up and post them retroactively. I also plan to have a little addition content on that project as well. With luck, that will roll out at some point in April, and I'll make one more post here announcing it before shutting up for good until at least Autumn.<br />
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In the meantime, I'll continue to learn to live, taking a cue from here:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S7AmlIxSFfI/AAAAAAAAAYs/-t2AGPTjXdY/s1600-h/IMG_5738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S7AmlIxSFfI/AAAAAAAAAYs/-t2AGPTjXdY/s400/IMG_5738.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image © 2010 Christian Berntsen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Right now, though, I'm going to go watch an episode of Doctor Who and go to bed.Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-5030106888858321402010-03-13T00:17:00.002-05:002010-03-29T00:08:11.340-04:00Don't smoke, kids. Or maybe smoke, if you're on a break an in a gold metallic suit. Or somthing...<div style="font-family: inherit;">Hmmm, haven't blogged in over a month. Time to rectify that.</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">And how do we do that? By showing the hypocrisy that is apparently thriving in Star Wars--and it's not George Lucas tellikng us he never promised a third trilogy. Rather, it's via the <i>seemingly</i> innocent C-3PO:</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">From Suvudu, here's a PSA they posted for their <a href="http://www.suvudu.com/2010/03/top-ten-most-awkward-strange-and-hilarious-psas-featuring-super-heroes-sci-fi-and-fantasy-characters.html">"Top Ten Most Awkward, Strange and Hilarious PSAs Featuring Super Heroes, Sci-Fi and Fantasy Characters"</a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><object height="265" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YWQgktBR6-w&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YWQgktBR6-w&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">Awkward? Yeah, but even more so when you see this...</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S5seaiBlSxI/AAAAAAAAAXE/XW-RQylOpVs/s1600-h/3PO+SMOKING.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S5seaiBlSxI/AAAAAAAAAXE/XW-RQylOpVs/s400/3PO+SMOKING.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(The folks at io9 dug up <a href="http://io9.com/5483386/looking-at-stars-wars-candid-shots-is-like-looking-at-your-old-prom-photos/gallery/">this bit of evidence</a>.) </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;">What kind of game are you playing, Goldenrod? </div>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-8636331200743655582010-02-07T19:31:00.004-05:002010-03-29T00:13:24.619-04:00Life sucks less because you can make Lemonade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lemonademovie.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S25MKEbDlCI/AAAAAAAAAVM/ZOcGnEUVqWI/s320/LemonadeLogo.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I watched a documentary the other night that wound up having a profound affect on me, it was called <i>Lemonade</i>. The film was about, well, I'll just rip the short version from the site:</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><blockquote style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">What do people who were once paid to be creative for a living do when they’re laid off? They get creative with their own lives. Lemonade is an inspirational film about 16 advertising professionals who lost their jobs and found their calling, encouraging people to listen to that little voice inside their head that asks, “What if?”</span></blockquote><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">You may not be an advertising professional or work in a creative field; and hell, you may not even be on the verge of or even close to losing your job, but it certainly gives you something to think about. With my creative life in flux as it has been the last year or so, and with my leaving BLAM! Ventures--the publishing company I co-founded--last fall, I found the stories of the sixteen people involved at turns moving, enlightening and familiar.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lemonade</i> creator Erik Proulx is one of those sixteen, he founded the blog <a href="http://www.pleasefeedtheanimals.com/">Please Feed The Animals</a> to help other advertising professionals transition to new lives. In creating <i>Lemonade</i>, he sought to give hope to those in a position he'd been in three times himself, on the receiving end of a pink slip.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">From coffee roasting to painting to gender transitioning, the breadth of change these people have gone through is simply amazing, and demonstrates that the world doesn't end when you lose a job. In fact, it can be the beginning you never knew you needed. Here is the trailer: </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie"
value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YpkvBtda3vY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed
src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YpkvBtda3vY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"
type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always"
allowfullscreen="true" width="340"
height="285"></embed></object> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the best, and most often quoted lines in the film comes from Lisa Hickey, who said:</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><blockquote style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“Don’t be the person looking for a job. Be the person doing something interesting.” </i></span></blockquote><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can watch the full video <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/120840/lemonade">here on Hulu</a>. If you've ever thought about what you'd do if you lost your job, or even if you've thought about ditching your job and following your dreams, the 35 minutes is well worth your time.</span></div>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-44296181748935904752010-02-06T21:39:00.001-05:002010-02-07T01:20:18.920-05:0025x52: An Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://25x52.blogspot.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S24iJLSfyPI/AAAAAAAAAVE/W0zOc8wdusA/s200/25x52Header.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I missed yesterday's posting, but that's OK (really, it is), because I am in the process of moving 25x52 to its own blog!</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">After giving it some thought, I felt that what I'm trying to do with 25x52 would be better served in a place dedicated to the idea, rather than thrown in among a mix of other thoughts. I will, of course, cross-post here when I make a new donation, but the details and links will all be on the new blog. The added bonus is I will be able to expand what I cover in relation to my donations and elaborate thoughts on giving and community service in general. And where will that blog be located, you ask? Why, right here:</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://25x52.blogspot.com/"><b>http://25x52.blogspot.com</b></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The link will remain private until I post next week's donation on February 12th (and I'll remind you in those handy cross-posts I mentioned a moment ago) as I'm still figuring out the layout. I found a nice template at <a href="http://www.deluxetemplates.net/">Deluxe Templates</a>, which is the first time I've not used a standard Blogger template, and will serve me until such a time as I learn to create one myself, or find a benefactor who would be willing to help fund that particular part of the project.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I will also be changing a couple of things. Actually, those changes have begun already in how I format the posts, and it may continue to evolve over time. For one, I've discontinued posting receipts with my personal info redacted. I have the first few up and I think that's enough. I initially put them up there to both act as proof of what I was doing and be another spur to call others to action by demonstrating the end result, and that it is not that hard to do this if you have the means. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also think all the links I placed were too much, so there will only be one on the image I post at the top of the post--which will go to the home page--and one directly to a place on the site where you can donate (if there is such a page, otherwise I will indicate how best to make your donation below the link).</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As indicated, I will also be expanding some of the coverage for 25x52, this may include interviews, impact stories and whatever else I can think of. It is my hope the blog will grow over time, and that you will watch and hopefully participate as it does.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I will be making this week's donation during the weekend, but will post it on the new blog next week. Until then, have a great day.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-47316480786287138652010-01-29T20:15:00.008-05:002010-02-08T16:30:47.707-05:0025x52: Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.adventuresinscifipublishing.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/Sze0rA4S6pI/AAAAAAAAASs/xS8KuY2aSAY/s320/AISFP.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>Bringing you the authors of science fiction and fantasy. </b></i></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- from the <i><b>AISFP</b></i> main page</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Why I chose <i>Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing</i>:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A little over a year ago I discovered <i>Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing</i> via Lou Anders, editorial Director of Pyr Books. Lou or one of his authors was being interviewed and I decided to tune in. At that point, while podcasts were something I had known about for years, they were something I had never really listened to. After listening to that show, and browsing through some of the archives (along with the recent discovery of another fine podcast, <i>If You're Just joining Us</i>, at about the same time), I became a big fan of the format and of <i>AISFP</i> in particular.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Creator and host Shaun Farrell, along with his charming co-conspirator Sam Wynns, bring humor, love of subject and a truckload of invaluable information every time a new show hits the internet. There is a good-natured chemistry to the hosts, evident in their banter and obvious enjoyment of each others company. An aspiring writer himself, Shaun proves he is also an adept interviewer who honestly enjoys what he does and relishes the chance to learn something new during the time spent interviewing authors. Sam brings her lifelong passion for reading and all things science fiction and fantasy to the show, along with her quick wit and her other passion: teasing Shaun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And while Shaun and Sam have a good time together, the real heart of <i>AISFP</i> are the interviews. Each episode brings such luminaries as Michael Moorcock, Robert J. Sawyer, Neil Gaiman and Larry Niven. Newer writers such as Tobias S. Buckell, Mary Anne Mohanraj and Thom Lloyd are also featured, as well as publishers, editors, retailers. And while the focus is on publishing, there are the occasional jaunts into other media with interview subjects such as musician Bear McCreary (<i>Battlestar Galactica</i>) and TV writer/producer Joseph Mallozzi (<i>Stargate: Atlantis</i>). Hey, I was even interviewed (briefly) for a project I'm involved in this past fall, which was very exciting for me. So, all in all a well rounded, well produced, and very fun program (my minor participation notwithstanding).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the reasons I began <i><b>25x52</b></i> was not only to give to charities who needed help, but also to support worthy personal and artistic endeavors that entertain and enrich our lives. <i>AISFP</i> fits that bill for me and many others. I have been given hours of enjoyment, and learned more about writing in the past year than I have since, well, probably the rest of my adult life. The show had a rough 2009, with Shaun Farrell moving and changing careers, and episodes more sporadic than in previous years. But friends have stepped into to help, and Shaun remains committed. So do I. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you will join us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.adventuresinscifipublishing.com/">Donate to Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(The donation button is on the left side of the main page)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-15613707955361937032010-01-26T13:37:00.005-05:002010-03-29T00:14:06.332-04:00Tuesday's Ripe PearsHaven't posted much of late aside from my 25x52 project. A short one with some old news to rectify that.<br />
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Recent movies I've seen: <i><b>Up in the Air</b></i> and <i><b>The Book of Eli</b></i>.<br />
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Verdict: I enjoyed both, but <b><i>Up in the Air</i></b> was the better of the two. Both are worth a watch if either appeals to you, though.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S1_Hnmqst5I/AAAAAAAAAUY/bkS-Ow_d524/s1600-h/slipper_room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S1_Hnmqst5I/AAAAAAAAAUY/bkS-Ow_d524/s400/slipper_room.jpg" width="400" /></a>The sooper secret show I mentioned a while back, well it wasn't that secret, but it was apparently not well publicized and most people seemed to have had to win a contest to get into. And who did Catherine and I see? Well, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/evelynevelyn">Evelyn Evelyn</a> of course. They were performing in a small showcase at the Slipper Room in Manhattan. It was ostensibly their first public performance, but I am skeptical of this. You can search them on YouTube and find a couple of clips. Supposedly they don't like being photographed or filmed (so alas, being the obedient boy that I am, I acquiesced to their demands of no pictures so all I have to show you is the awning above the Slipper Room's side entrance), but you can see some early footage which I'm not quite certain they are aware of. The twins (for that's what they are, Siamese twins) are a bit sheltered. They didn't speak outside of whispers between each other, or to the host Sxip Shirey, but sang in clear and beautiful voices while looking frightened and lovely and not quite strange but mysterious (yes, mysterious).<br />
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The odd thing about it all was even though they don't like pictures, a camera crew was there shooting a documentary on them. Sure, they only shot them from behind, but still.... Catherine and I were briefly interviewed, don't know if we'll make the cut. I'll let you know if we do. (That's funny, too, since we don't like pictures much either, or at least I don't).<br />
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Neil Gaiman was in attendance as well, as the twins were the discovery of his fiancee Amanda Palmer and her friend (and my favorite musician) Jason Webley. We actually didn't participate in the contest to get a spot in the audience (which was to draw Siamese animals, or some such thing), I think we got the invite because of the series of flash stories I wrote recently based on Jason's song titles. But whatever the reason, we had a wondrous time, and were back home at a reasonable hour because the show was at 3pm.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S1_JhHo4eCI/AAAAAAAAAUg/_CX-6of9Neg/s1600-h/Evelyn+Evelyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S1_JhHo4eCI/AAAAAAAAAUg/_CX-6of9Neg/s200/Evelyn+Evelyn.jpg" width="200" /></a>You should follow the link to their <a href="http://www.myspace.com/evelynevelyn">MySpace</a> page and listen to their songs, they are quite catchy. An album will be available in March, and if you get a chance, see them in action, they'll be touring this spring.<br />
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And that's all I have for you this evening. Good night.Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-47208930447352365272010-01-22T20:15:00.001-05:002010-01-26T21:23:36.803-05:0025x52: United Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://national.unitedway.org/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/Sze09Oj4HgI/AAAAAAAAAS0/KVw0UzvEyDU/s320/united+way+logo.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>From the United Way info page:</b><br />
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<blockquote><i>“United Way is a worldwide network in 45 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all, by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas.”</i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Organization Homepage:</b><br />
</div><a href="http://national.unitedway.org/">http://national.unitedway.org/</a><br />
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<b>Why I chose the United Way:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The United Way helps provide people with the opportunity to live better lives. Through their three building blocks of Education, Income and Health they offer support and challenge everyone to do their part in making sure we are all afforded the chance to make it.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the best parts of the United Way is that it is a community based organization, with each of the nearly 1300 chapters across the country tackling the issues of its local neighborhoods. By establishing partnerships with local schools, businesses, governments, etc. they are able to serve the needs of the citizenry and bring the community together.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the national level, the United Way has created partnerships with organizations such as the NFL, which gave them a visible presence in your living room during games--promoting the work they do with the players who come aboard to support them. The organization is also a part of the current efforts to raise funds and bring aid to those affected by the recent quakes in Haiti, which is just one more reason to support them.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Plus, my future sister-in-law works for them, and for me that right there was as good a reason as any to donate (she's good people).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://give.liveunited.org/page/contribute/contribution3%20">Click here to donate to the United Way</a></b></span><br />
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</div>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-16096516193062241932010-01-15T20:15:00.002-05:002010-01-15T20:15:00.394-05:0025x52: American Red Cross<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/Sze0EyEMdQI/AAAAAAAAASc/80Hq1_GU49g/s1600-h/red+cross+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/Sze0EyEMdQI/AAAAAAAAASc/80Hq1_GU49g/s320/red+cross+logo.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the American Red Cross’ Info Page:</span></b><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><br />
</div><blockquote><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering.”</span></i></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Organization Homepage: </span></b><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><a href="http://www.redcross.org/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.redcross.org/</span></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why I Chose the American Red Cross:</span></b><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">The American Red Cross is well established and well regarded, offering a host of services to help those is need. I had already picked the Red Cross for week three when the earthquake hit Haiti the other day, so when I went to make my donation yesterday and the option to direct my contribution to relief efforts there came up, that is of course where my money went.</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Normally I would only focus on the organization I’m giving to this week, but the situation in Haiti warrants further exploration, and the Red Cross isn’t the only organization out there marshaling its resources. If you plan to give elsewhere, make sure you aren’t being scammed by checking out the organizations credentials first. If you aren’t sure, ask a friend for a recommendation, or head over to <a href="http://charitynavigator.org/">Charity Navigator</a>, an organization that tracks and vettes charitable organizations, they currently have a list of groups providing aid to those affected by the current crisis in Haiti.</span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Donation Page:</span></b><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><a href="http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=91fe1a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The American Red Cross' "Giving and Getting Involved" page </span></a><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><br style="font-family: inherit;" /><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Donation Receipt:</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S0_6f_axomI/AAAAAAAAAT0/L_omCqgRNXk/s1600-h/RedCross_011410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S0_6f_axomI/AAAAAAAAAT0/L_omCqgRNXk/s320/RedCross_011410.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-68027993278264625022010-01-14T00:42:00.003-05:002010-01-22T01:13:17.675-05:00The 42 Challenge Review......will start <strike>next</strike> Thursday, January <strike>21st</strike> 28th. <span style="color: #990000;">[Because I can't get my act together, so I'll have two reviews then] </span><br />
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While I have finished the first book I was planning to review (Mary Robinette Kowal's debut story collection <i>Scenting the Dark and Other Stories</i>), my unexpected trip into New York City on Tuesday sort of knocked me for a loop, shifted my plans and further exacerbated my already wonky sleeping schedule. The concert we saw (that sooper-secret show I mentioned before, which may not have been as sooper secret as I assumed, more on that later) was well worth it, but trips into NYC always leave me tired and usually with headache, this one being no exception.<br />
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Rather than throw something together and possibly give a less than well thought out review, I've decided to hold off another week and get my balance back. In addition to <i>Scenting the Dark</i> I've already got a bunch of stuff lined up to absorb and review from various media (books, TV shows, music), and look forward to sharing them with you.<br />
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Don't be disappointed, the world isn't going to end because of this. I've delayed that, too.Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-55682192755291106952010-01-12T13:37:00.017-05:002010-01-12T13:37:00.516-05:00Tuesday’s Unique Music<span style="font-family: inherit;">The week got off to an interesting start, as two music related events greeted me on Monday morning.</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first, which I don’t think I can really talk about (I’ll have to confirm with the person who made the offer), prompts me to visit New York City today with Catherine for a secret concert—which I should be attending shortly after this posts (the wonders of scheduled blogging, you know). I’ll let you know how it went later, and reveal the deal if it’s not a <em>sooper</em>-secret event and I’m allowed to tell you all. I know for sure I won’t have pictures to offer, as they have asked attendees to refrain form taking any. Bummer, but I only have my iPhone camera which isn’t all that great anyway for high quality pictures.</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S0uK8zEu1cI/AAAAAAAAATs/8wZ6uPW5k4w/s1600-h/johnanealio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S0uK8zEu1cI/AAAAAAAAATs/8wZ6uPW5k4w/s320/johnanealio.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The other bit of news is that </span><a href="http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2010/01/winners-john-anealios-scifi-songs-cd/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Sfsignal+%28SFSignal%29&utm_content=Google+Reader"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I won a contest</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. SF Signal, a great news site for all things SF/F related, ran a contest to giveaway three copies of John Anealio’s <em>SciFi Songs</em> CD. <em>SciFi Songs</em> is a collection of Anealio’s science fiction inspired music, among my favorites’ is “George R. R. Martin is Not Your Bitch” which if you don’t know who he is and why he’s not your bitch, is probably not all that amusing (I won’t go into the long backstory here, but it involves </span><a href="http://grrm.livejournal.com/74995.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mr.</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://grrm.livejournal.com/75053.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Martin</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2009/05/entitlement-issues.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Neil Gaiman</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and a bunch of angry fans). Sadly, that one is not on the album, but other cool cuts are. You can check out some of his songs on </span><a href="http://scifisongs.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">his site</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. I’ll most likely have a review for the 42 Challenge after I receive it, it should be fun. </span><br />
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</div>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-58280093177716205832010-01-10T02:56:00.006-05:002010-01-10T03:03:46.290-05:00The 42 Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S0mHS420mBI/AAAAAAAAATk/Kp8VkXgebDA/s1600-h/42+Challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S0mHS420mBI/AAAAAAAAATk/Kp8VkXgebDA/s200/42+Challenge.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Back on my New Year's Day post I named two projects I was going to be undertaking this year (two of several, but what those others are among the unnamed will have to wait for now, they're not ready to play with you, Internet Peoples). The first was my 25x52 giving project, which has now has two weeks worth of goodness under its belt and is rolling along nicely. The second, also numerically inclined, is the 42 Challenge.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">While 25x52 was my creation, the <a href="http://42sciencefictionchallenge.blogspot.com/">42 Challenge</a> was born of and is curated by Becky of <a href="http://blbooks.blogspot.com/">Becky's Book Reviews</a> (and a few other blogs; aside from leaving a comment on her blog announcing my participation, I haven't really made her acquaintance yet, but I will remedy that soon enough). I had heard of it last year and thought it was a neat idea, but didn't give any more thought to it until I saw a link to it again at the end of the year (or two weeks ago, take your pick), when I read her call for 2010 participants. I have been wanting to put up reviews here for a while (along with interviews, so far only one in that category, but hopefully more this year), and this seemed like a nice way to do it and hopefully get a little more traffic the Manifesto's way.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">What is the 42 Challenge? Well, the short of it, borrowed from the Challenge's blog, is to...</span><br />
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</div><blockquote style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Review 42 sci-fi related items: short stories, novellas, novels, radio show episodes, television show episodes, movies, graphic novels, comic books, audio books, essays about science fiction, biographies about sci-fi authors, etc. Adapted or abridged works are okay as well.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Keen, no?</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Originally, my first entry was going to be a review of Avatar, but everyone's mother has already done one, and I have ever-growing mixed feelings about it to posit any kind of decent review. Instead, I just received a long-anticipated short story collection from Subterranean Press that I'm almost through and can't wait to tell the world about.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Starting next week the 42 Challenge reviews will post on Thursday afternoons, weekly, until I hit the magic number--and maybe beyond if I'm inclined. I'll keep my requisite running list as per the challenge rules on the sidebar somewhere with linked entries to each of the reviews (that'll go up when the first review does).</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Until then...<br />
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</div>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-23777329395041227792010-01-08T20:15:00.005-05:002010-01-08T20:15:00.226-05:0025x52: WFUV<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/Szeo4abMQkI/AAAAAAAAASM/fvoUjA14cbQ/s1600-h/wfuv_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/Szeo4abMQkI/AAAAAAAAASM/fvoUjA14cbQ/s200/wfuv_logo.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>From the WFUV’s Info Page:</b><br />
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<blockquote>“WFUV is a non-commercial, listener-supported public radio station, licensed to Fordham University for 60 years. Serving nearly 350,000 listeners each week in the New York area and thousands more worldwide on the web, and a leader in contemporary music radio, WFUV offers an eclectic mix of rock, singer-songwriters, blues, world and other music, plus headlines from National Public Radio, local news and sports and Metro Traffic.”<br />
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</div><b>Organization Homepage:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.wfuv.org/">http://www.wfuv.org/</a><br />
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<b>Why I Chose WFUV:</b><br />
To be honest, my betrothed is the real fan here. This is her station when she’s on the road with the radio on. Like the their info page says it’s an eclectic mix of music and programming and one worthy of continuing. <br />
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This is actually my second donation to the station. Last year my 23 year old car finally crapped out beyond the point where it was worth fixing (I had only had it for a couple of those 23 years). Rather than just junk it, Catherine suggested I donate it to WFUV, which I did. The process went smoothly except for the tow truck driver getting caught in traffic on the way to our house from NYC so he was a little later than anticipated. I don’t recall how much they got for the car, but I don’t think it wasn’t enough to qualify me for a tax deduction (and even if it was, I’m bad at that kind of thing, so I doubt I would have).<br />
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<b>Donation Page:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.wfuv.org/contribute/">http://www.wfuv.org/contribute/</a><br />
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<b>My Donation Receipt:</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S0YtvOxvhII/AAAAAAAAATc/c2UQQ-9I_Jc/s1600-h/WFUV+Receipt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S0YtvOxvhII/AAAAAAAAATc/c2UQQ-9I_Jc/s320/WFUV+Receipt.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-33890857204823985032010-01-03T20:20:00.000-05:002010-01-03T20:20:48.685-05:00Tales of Pending Rejection: Nasty in the Cupboard online<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://everydayweirdness.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/S0FB6q_W5YI/AAAAAAAAATU/0LT5TsReBs0/s320/EDW_logo.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
My story <i>Nasty in the Cupboard</i> is now online at Everyday Weirdness. Go <a href="http://everydayweirdness.com/e/20100103/">read it</a>, it's cool. And so is the site--read that, too.Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-58879429429754181012010-01-01T20:15:00.018-05:002010-03-11T23:04:43.438-05:0025x52: The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cbldf.com/default.asp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/SzeonR1GkkI/AAAAAAAAASE/dneIpPBZ42I/s320/cbldf_button.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b></b></div><b>From The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s Info Page:</b><br />
<blockquote><i>“The CBLDF exists to fight censorship and defend the first amendment rights of comic book professionals throughout the United States.” </i><br />
<br />
<i>“The CBLDF's guiding principle is that comics should be accorded the same constitutional rights as literature, film, or any other form of expression.” </i></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Organization Homepage:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.cbldf.com/default.asp">http://www.cbldf.com/default.asp</a></div><b><br />
Why I Chose The CBLDF:</b><br />
I’ve been a comic book fan since my early teens. I love the medium and have even produced a few myself. One of the things that constantly comes up in the world of comic books are freedom of speech issues. Like any other form of entertainment, artists are going to come out with things that may offend, and like those others forms of entertainment, they have the right to do so. To take that right away from one group, means that yours could be snatched from you in the future. There's more to it than that, of course, but I don’t want that to happen for the above or any other reason, and that’s why I’ve made this my first 25x52 donation.<br />
<br />
<b>Donation Page Direct Link:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.cbldf.com/Donations_s/2.htm">http://www.cbldf.com/Donations_s/2.htm</a><br />
<br />
<b>My Donation Receipt:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/Sz5nY-VhBaI/AAAAAAAAATM/VN_nw-LDj38/s1600-h/CBLDF_010110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/Sz5nY-VhBaI/AAAAAAAAATM/VN_nw-LDj38/s400/CBLDF_010110.jpg" /></a>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-48063110038184393872010-01-01T19:00:00.003-05:002010-01-01T21:31:39.554-05:0025x52, a new directionFor several years now I have told myself that “this year” I’m going to set aside a few bucks each week and buy a toy. And while I've been known to still occasionally buy toys for myself, these toys were intended for tots. Or rather, Toys for Tots. I would see the signs around my neighborhood during the holidays and think it would be great to be able to come in and put 52 toys into the donation box. Ideally, 52 more kids would have some fun because of me than would have before. It would be great for them, and probably better for me.<br />
<br />
Years have passed by, and I haven’t done it once. Fed up with myself, and seeing more and more great things I could be helping out--even in a small way--all through-out the year, I decided to take a different approach this year. Instead of remembering to buy a new toy every week to save for one grand gesture at the end of the year, why not give something each week to someone or some organization who needs it right then.<br />
<br />
This, 25x52 was born. It's my small way of helping out. Not just charities, but across a broader spectrum. There are many worthy people and organizations out there, and not all are providing obvious services such as helping the needy. Some are providing enlightenment through art. Others are offering advise on getting through life without charging for it, because they want to use their life experiences to improve and empower others.<br />
<br />
<br />
With this in mind, my goal with 25x52 is to help support charitable organizations, public service programs, arts programs and, on occasion, individual artists. And rather than doing it anonymously, I'm documenting it here on the Manifesto, in the hope that others may be moved to help out one or more of what I believe are worthy recipients.<br />
<br />
I'm excited by this, and look forward to sharing this journey. You will see my first 25x52 donation posted tonight, with a new one every Friday through 2010. See you then.<br />
<br />
- ChristianChristian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-33546417063042735212010-01-01T17:30:00.001-05:002010-01-01T17:30:00.115-05:00New Years Eve FeastWe stayed home, which is more of a tradition in my family than going out is, and had a grand feast:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/Sz5ikNItjdI/AAAAAAAAAS8/Imch-TptBIw/s1600-h/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/Sz5ikNItjdI/AAAAAAAAAS8/Imch-TptBIw/s320/photo.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got take out from <a href="http://www.curryclubli.com/The_Curry_Club/Welcome.html">The Curry Club</a>, an awesome Indian restaurant here on Long Island (should you ever find yourself in the wilds of Suffolk County, and you happen to like Indian food, check it out). Vindalu Chicken, Lamb Boti, Korma Chicken, Vegatable Samosa, Mango Lassi and more. We were stuffed, and had leftovers enough for lunch today, even though it may not have looked much like it:<br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/Sz5inbKJ5XI/AAAAAAAAATE/TMD2a9ZiI04/s1600-h/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/Sz5inbKJ5XI/AAAAAAAAATE/TMD2a9ZiI04/s320/photo+2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
The evening was topped off with Mimosas (though not being a drinker, I just had the OJ) and New Year's wishes all around.Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-30634813379937717212010-01-01T17:00:00.003-05:002010-06-13T23:07:39.659-04:002010, the year of giving...Happy New Year to all!<br />
<br />
So, you've all had about 16 hours at this point to break your resolutions--16 hours in my time zone at least, some of you have had over a day.<br />
<br />
As for the passing year, it was more rough than smooth. Some people had a very good year, though, which is promising for the rest of us. It means that even in tough times good things happen. 2009 was an up and down year for me personally. I got engaged, left the publishing company I co-founded, was lucky enough to have my Day Job at the end while others there were not so fortunate, and watched loved ones lose theirs.<br />
<br />
Once again I have high hopes for the New Year. 2010 promises new challenges and the next phase in an exciting adventure I started three years ago when I met my beloved. Our wedding is this May, the 15th to be exact. It's going to be an awesome event which I'm sure I'll share here.<br />
<br />
Along with my wedding, my departure from BLAM! Ventures enables me to re-prioritize my writing life, my creative life really. I'm not going to go into all that right now, rather I'll follow <a href="http://sivers.org/zipit">Derek Sivers advise</a> on handling that.<br />
<br />
I will let you in on two things I'm doing, though:<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://42sciencefictionchallenge.blogspot.com/2009/12/want-to-42-again.html">The 42 Challenge</a></b>. This is something I discovered only yesterday, but it coincided with something I've been wanting to do for a while now, and just haven't had the time to do. So I've signed myself up for it and should have something posted in the next couple of weeks towards this.<br />
<br />
<b>25x52</b>. This one is personal, of my own creation, and why I've christened this the year of giving. It's about giving back--which in many respects has been a lacking quality in my life--and a reassessment of where I'm at. I'll have more on this in another post to follow tonight, along with my first donation of the year (which I just made a little while ago).<br />
<br />
With that, I will wish you all a Happy New Year once more, and I look forward to taking on 2010!Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-40239472899996809492009-12-31T23:50:00.000-05:002009-12-31T23:50:00.222-05:00Days With YouThis is the video for the song for one of the titles I used for the Tales from the Tomato Patch stories I wrote (one of the ones way back over the summer, not the more recent ones). Anyway, it's a fitting way to end the current year (Plus, Catherine and I are in it a couple of times--we were at the show it was filmed at--in the background, mostly shadowed, in the second half of the video. If you spot us, leave the time marks in the comments.)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Cg9uVRfnxGI&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Cg9uVRfnxGI&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br />
</div>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-28979648778717715962009-12-31T11:00:00.002-05:002009-12-31T11:00:05.048-05:00Tales From the Tomato Patch #11We made it! The final story in the <i>Tales From the Tomato Patch</i> series. I had a lot of fun writing these (even though I didn't get a 1,111 word story in the mix like I had planned), and I hope you've had fun reading them. I'm also glad I got to finish them before the year let out. I had a lot of plans this year, and many of them didn't come to fruition, but more on that in my New Year's post tomorrow.<br />
<br />
As for the <i>Tales</i>, well, I may well write more of them as Jason releases more albums. So this may not be the final tomato, er, word. <br />
<br />
That's the future, for now here's story number eleven, enjoy:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>“Almost Time” </b><br />
<br />
<b>I looked for you. There was only the bottle of coins.</b><br />
</blockquote><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
Story title from the Jason Webley Quartet’s album </i>The Cost of Living<i>, 2007</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" style="border-width: 0pt;" /></a><br />
Tales From the Tomato Patch #11: The Cost of Living by <a href="http://manakalita.blogspot.com/2009/12/tales-from-tomato-patch-11.html" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Christian Berntsen</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License</a>.</i></span>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-12945393817273109652009-12-30T23:00:00.001-05:002009-12-30T23:00:00.658-05:00Tales From the Tomato Patch #10Story number ten:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>“There Is No Number 11”<br />
<br />
“…stop all this ridiculous talk about an exit 11, there is no number eleven,” the woman sounded exasperated. “It’s not on the map.” They passed exit 13.<br />
<br />
The man drove on in silence for several moments. Exit 12 came and went. Clouds gathered overhead, fog rolled in, making it twilight at 2 pm.<br />
<br />
“That’s what he told me.”<br />
<br />
“Well, he’s an idiot,” she replied. <br />
<br />
After a mile he shouted, “Explain that!” Exit 11 loomed in the glow of the headlights.<br />
<br />
“I don’t understand. It’s not on the map…”<br />
<br />
Before she could protest, he turned toward it.<br />
<br />
“What if he’s wrong?” She said. <br />
<br />
“What if he’s right?” He answered, as they disappeared.<br />
</b><br />
</blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
Story title from Jason Webley’s and Andru Bemis’ collaborative album </i>How Big is Tacoma<i>, 2006</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" style="border-width: 0pt;" /></a><br />
Tales From the Tomato Patch #10: How Big is Tacoma by <a href="http://manakalita.blogspot.com/2009/12/tales-from-tomato-patch-10.html" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Christian Berntsen</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License</a>.</i></span>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-8030788650863712152009-12-29T11:00:00.001-05:002009-12-29T11:00:05.852-05:00Tales From the Tomato Patch #9Story number nine:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>“Goodnight Evelyn” </b><br />
<br />
<b>She was beautiful in her bed, still in the moonlight like a porcelain doll or a statue, with the sheet tucked beneath her chin.</b><br />
<br />
<b>He had traveled through time, space and the myriad dimensions to find her. An entire species of sentient avians was lost in his search, a planet cracked and spread like dust in the cosmos. One dimension was swallowed up by a demon with six heads and eleventy million eyes as payment for her location.</b><br />
<br />
<b>It was all so he could see her again.</b><br />
<br />
<b>And here she lay, breath shallow, eyes restless under their lids, he had only this to say:</b><br />
<br />
<b>“Goodnight, Evelyn,” he whispered. “Daddy loves you.”</b><br />
</blockquote><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Story title from the Evelyn Evelyn album produced by Jason Webley and Amanda Palmer: </i>Elephant Elephant<i>, 2007</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" style="border-width: 0pt;" /></a><br />
Tales From the Tomato Patch #9: Goodnight Evelyn by <a href="http://manakalita.blogspot.com/2009/12/tales-from-tomato-patch-9.html" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Christian Berntsen</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License</a>.</i></span>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-77642053808182394192009-12-28T11:00:00.001-05:002009-12-28T11:00:02.620-05:00Tales From the Tomato Patch #8Story number eight:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>“August Closing His Mouth After a Long Summer’s Yawn”<br />
<br />
Yuri walked unnoticed among people. This would seem surprising given that he was a large man who sweated profusely even in the cool night air, a handkerchief always dabbing at his forehead. <br />
<br />
Yuri was used to the lack of attention, as if he were a tree or a bench or an ill dog in the street, they grazed his body as they passed but didn’t look. He felt the press and sting of their presence. <br />
<br />
Yuri rarely had fun, only sometimes in the early morning hours before the world woke up. In quiet moments while the birds flew and the sun rose. Then the air was warm and dry and breathable. <br />
</b><br />
</blockquote><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Story title from Jason Webley’s album </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Viaje</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">, 1998</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" style="border-width: 0pt;" /></a><br />
Tales From the Tomato Patch #8: August Closing His Mouth After a Long Summer’s Yawn by <a href="http://manakalita.blogspot.com/2009/12/tales-from-tomato-patch-8.html" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Christian Berntsen</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License</a>.</span></i>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-40240151235325950682009-12-27T23:00:00.001-05:002009-12-27T23:00:01.735-05:00Tales From the Tomato Patch #7Story number seven:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>“Quite Contrary” </b><br />
<br />
<b>The ladybird alighted on the branch above the spider’s web, her hindwings folding under their red and black shard. She stared at her fellow predator, asleep in the center, surrounded by the mummified corpses of recent meals.<br />
<br />
She sighed.<br />
<br />
“Why are you sad, little ladybird?” The spider asked, waking up.<br />
<br />
“I wish,” the ladybird replied, “that I could make such an elegant home as you to trap my prey.”<br />
<br />
“Ah,” the spider said, his eight eyes shone. “But I can share mine with you, and a meal as well.”<br />
<br />
“Really?” The ladybird rushed onto the strands with joy.<br />
<br />
It wasn’t until her second leg stuck she realized what the spider meant.</b><br />
</blockquote><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Story title from Jason Webley’s album </i>Counterpoint, <i>2002</i><br />
</span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" style="border-width: 0pt;" /></a><br />
Tales From the Tomato Patch #7: Quite Contrary by <a href="http://manakalita.blogspot.com/2009/12/tales-from-tomato-patch-7.html" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Christian Berntsen</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License</a>.</span></i>Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5814987764038157569.post-10706394083213736632009-12-26T23:29:00.003-05:002009-12-26T23:37:56.424-05:00Tales of Pending Rejection: Time TravelingHey Gang,<br />
<br />
Forgot to update this with all of the holiday madness, but I had another acceptance recently. There's a cool little e-zine out there called 50 to 1, they publish 50 word stories and first lines (ostensibly of longer works, basically what they want is something intriguing that makes you wonder what the story is).<br />
<br />
I submitted two 50 word stories and two first lines, and they accepted one of the first lines! Whoop!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1261887649435" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span id="goog_1261887649428"></span><span id="goog_1261887649429"></span></a><a href="http://50-to-1.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LnCk9KpV_rI/SzbiGqwICSI/AAAAAAAAAR8/vZd8NsbIJNM/s400/50to1.png" /></a><br />
</div><br />
You can find my entry to the most recent issue <a href="http://50-to-1.blogspot.com/2009/12/1st-line-by-christian-berntsen.html">here</a>, but check out the other pieces, it's cool what you can do with only a few words.Christian Berntsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227734448741386088noreply@blogger.com0