tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77357553974101770132024-03-13T00:20:54.417-04:00The Herscher ProjectCaution: This blog may contain various and sundry amounts of wit, wisdom, and/or whimsy from the Co-owners, Administrators, and Moderators of the Herscher Project. As such, no guarantees of logic, sensibility, or sanity in our discussions are stated or implied.Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-13316270469825358642020-04-14T14:29:00.000-04:002020-04-14T14:34:08.489-04:00Like Jo Walton, I love this not-so-great novel.<u>Friday</u> by Robert A Heinlein
<blockquote>What’s good about it now? The whole 'passing' bit. The cloning, the attitudes to cloning, the worry about jobs. The economy. It has an interesting future world, with lots of colonized planets, but most of the action taking place on Earth—that’s surprisingly unusual. There’s a Balkanized US and a very Balkanized world come to that, but with huge multinational corporations who have assassination 'wars' and civil wars. There’s a proto-net, with search paths, that doesn’t have any junk in it—that’s always the failure mode of imagining the net. It was easy enough to figure out you could sit at home and connect to the Library of Congress, but harder to imagine Wikipedia editing wars and all the baroque weirdness that is the web. Friday’s point of view works for me as someone with severely shaken confidence, and as always with Heinlein it’s immersive. Reading this now I can feel myself sinking right in to Friday without any problem. There’s a complex multi-adult family, not unusual in late Heinlein, but this one disintegrates in a messy divorce, which is unusual and well done as well. And it’s a fun read, even if it’s ultimately unsatisfying.
What’s wrong with it is that it doesn’t have a plot. --Jo Walton</blockquote>
https://www.tor.com/2009/06/14/the-worst-book-i-love-robert-heinleins-friday/Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-23182814945772156582020-01-31T03:31:00.000-05:002020-01-31T03:40:13.172-05:00Diving back in?When I began to consider once more immersing myself in writing, I had to ask myself, "Diving back in? Do you still remember how to swim?"
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It caused me to reflect some on where I am in the journey to become a writer. It occurs to me that it's a tricky thing to define if one's goal has little to do with being published. I write for the sheer fun of crafting a tale, sharing it with those few who might enjoy reading it, and inspiring others to pick up a pen, dust off a vintage typewriter, or sit at a computer keyboard. Yet, I've written nothing much of consequence for several years. Do I really feel I have a firm grip on what "being a writer" really is? According to Patricia C. Wrede, according to the first few pages of her book "Wrede on Writing," the answer would be a resounding NO.
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In spite of that discouraging news, I still feel I need to dive back into writing in the only manner I feel works: writing when it suits me for the pure enjoyment of writing -- if publication at some point in the future makes sense, then I'll decide then to swim in that other direction.
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Meanwhile, I'll absorb as much wisdom as I can from Patricia Wrede's book and do my best to put her advice to practical use. After reading posts in her blog for years and finding them filled with insight and practicality, I'm certain she can help me paddle around here in the shallow end of the pool.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIbicJRuJx0/XjPlwYMBatI/AAAAAAAAA9k/iYi1DcEkYqMdg4N2QaUtqrxn_0yoWCvwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Wrede%2BOn%2BWriting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIbicJRuJx0/XjPlwYMBatI/AAAAAAAAA9k/iYi1DcEkYqMdg4N2QaUtqrxn_0yoWCvwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Wrede%2BOn%2BWriting.jpg" width="198" height="320" data-original-width="390" data-original-height="630" /></a></div>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-70014558276855838802017-05-31T00:00:00.000-04:002017-05-31T00:00:26.787-04:00Project 63 announced at tHP<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
Once
upon a time, a long time ago, in a time almost forgotten, a small group
of writers and artists gathered. This most unlikely band gathered not
in a location but, rather, in spirit and common need, linked by the
æther of modern technology. They met to sacrifice all for their love of
creativity . . .<br />
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Once again, time has come for a GATHERING.<br />
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It is time for EDITION 63 of the Herscher Project.<br />
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<b>The Herscher Project – Edition 63</b><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">RITUAL SACRIFICE</span></b><br /><b>What cost? What gain?<br />Deadline: July 31st, 2017</b><br />_________________________________________________</div>
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<br />“Everyone hates the weather, but nobody wants to sacrifice a virgin to change it.“</div>
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<br /><b>In Project#63 we ask you to create poems, short stories, or artwork based on the concept and practice of ritual sacrifice, human or otherwise. </b>As with most prior editions, no genre requirement is placed on your work for this edition. Share with us the power, the emotion, and the importance or insignificance of ritual sacrifice. Is there a worthy reason for sacrifice? Is there benefit gained from such a ritual? Are there consequences for failing to offer a sacrifice?</div>
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<br />If you can’t write, then draw. If you can’t draw, then write. If you are uninspired, then please take time to offer your comments and constructive criticisms of the work of others. </div>
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As always, the theme and spirit of this edition must be apparent in your story, poem, or artwork, regardless of your chosen genre or medium. Email your Ritual Sacrifice piece to mobius1974@gmail.com.</div>
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<br />Remember to have FUN while stretching your creative muscles.</div>
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<br />tHP Project 63 is brought to you by<br />Jim Bowers, Chuck Gregory, Steve Doyle, Angela Perry & Anna Mortensen </div>
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Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-57945740163455984342012-08-17T06:41:00.002-04:002019-06-10T01:03:34.671-04:00Jim Bowers interviewed on The New American Dream Radio ShowJim Bowers was interviewed by Chuck Gregory on The New American Dream Radio Show on Thursday, August 16, 2012.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1oV9czOh08/UC4fn9AbG_I/AAAAAAAAAJY/J47tXEV7EeE/s1600/aug16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1oV9czOh08/UC4fn9AbG_I/AAAAAAAAAJY/J47tXEV7EeE/s400/aug16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The other guest, Michael Annis, has been called 'the most dangerous poet on the planet' and he read an excerpt from “Through the Slits of Orlando’s Eyelids,” part of this stunning publication at issue:<br />
<a href="http://issuu.com/howlingdogpress/docs/omega7fromhivethismind">issuu.com/howlingdogpress/docs/omega7fromhivethismind</a>.<br />
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Jim and Chuck talked about the Herscher Project and discussed books, including a current favorite of Jim's<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/030795563X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=030795563X&linkCode=as2&tag=cwse-20">Full Body Burden: Growing Up in the Nuclear Shadow of Rocky Flats</a><img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cwse-20&l=as2&o=1&a=030795563X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">.<br />
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Read/listen to the show here:<br />
http://theshow.newamericandream.info/general/august-16-2012-with-michael-annis-and-jim-bowers/<br />
or here<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-new-american-dream-radio-show/2012/08/16/the-new-american-dream-radio-show">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-new-american-dream-radio-show/2012/08/16/the-new-american-dream-radio-show</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12668307286476446511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-50246477351746234802012-02-27T03:50:00.001-05:002012-02-27T11:27:14.750-05:00The Bishop of Rwanda: Finding Forgiveness Amidst a Pile of Bones<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236802.The_Bishop_of_Rwanda" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Bishop of Rwanda" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172986922m/236802.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236802.The_Bishop_of_Rwanda">The Bishop of Rwanda: Finding Forgiveness Amidst a Pile of Bones </a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/138519.John_Rucyahana">John Rucyahana</a> with <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4810018.James_Riordan">James Riordan</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/93212320">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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First and foremost, <strong>The Bishop of Rwanda</strong> is a book about truth. It was written from the heart and soul of one who has witnessed mankind's most deplorable depravity and cruelty. Throughout the book one finds example after example of the brutal inhumanity of the Rwandan genocide of the mid-1990s. These are ugly, dark-souled truths. These are acts so sadistic and disturbing that one's heart and mind are challenged to accept them as truths. Yet, truths they are, and the evidence speaks for itself. Genocide is ugly and unspeakable. It is a truth that no one wishes to accept or acknowledge, but if Rwanda and the nations of the world are to move forward, the first thing that we must do is leave the relative safety of denial. We must accept the truth, and then we must do what is right.<br />
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Within the pages of this book, John Rucyahana and James Riordan show that truth is beautiful and uplifting. Even though this book is an indictment of the numerous failures of governments and individuals, it is also a gentle plea for forgiveness that drowns out any shouted demand for retribution. This book is an invitation for Tutsis and Hutus to find reconciliation without revenge. <strong>The Bishop of Rwanda</strong> is a chronicle of the long and arduous road to forgiveness upon which all Rwandans must travel: a road that must be taken, and a road that cannot be traveled alone. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.”<br />
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The survivors and the perpetrators of the genocide have been deeply affected by the horrors of those days of tumult, torture, rape, and mass murder. Because of the genocide, the perpetrators and their misguided followers must find the strength to admit their sin and ask for forgiveness. Because of the genocide, the survivors must gather the will and courage to forgive those who committed these unthinkable crimes against their neighbors. <em>For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.</em> (Matthew 6:14-16, NIV)<br />
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Tyler Edwards, author of <em>Zombie Church: Breathing Life Back Into the Body of Christ</em>, reminds us, “The truth is, the Devil's job is easy.” One need only to look at what happened in Rwanda to know this is the case. Genocides have occurred far too often throughout history, and until the world comes to recognize the signs of this evil and resolves to prevent it, there will be more genocides. The Tutsis and Hutus of John Rucyahana's homeland have suffered through the anguish of genocide. Today, through understanding, forgiveness, cooperation, and faith, Rwanda stands facing a new dawn. True peace and prosperity have become very real possibilities as a direct result of repentance, forgiveness, and faith following the genocide in Rwanda. John Rucyahana's message of peace and forgiveness serves as a guiding light for not only Rwandans, but for all of mankind. <em>Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.</em> (Luke 6:37, NIV)<br />
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Finally, <strong>The Bishop of Rwanda</strong> is a testimony of hope and transformation. As Rwandan survivors of genocide learn to forgive those who committed these acts, the nation itself is transforming, a phoenix rising from the ashes of its own immolation. The hope for a true transformation in Rwanda is, perhaps, best summed up in the Bible: ”<em>Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.</em>” (Romans 12:2, NIV)<br />
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Some books offer profound wisdom. Some books leave a lasting impression. Some books guide mankind onto the right path. <strong>The Bishop of Rwanda</strong> does all three.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/114358-james?shelf=read-and-reviewed">View all my reviews</a>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-57322263978547962762012-02-22T21:11:00.001-05:002019-06-10T01:09:46.630-04:00Project 62 announced at tHP<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #e6e6e6;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 44pt;"><b>In Black & White</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e6e6e6; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>What hath Harris Burdick w</b></span></i></span></span><span style="color: #e6e6e6; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>rought?</b></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e6e6e6; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Deadline: April 30</b><sup><b>th</b></sup><b>, 2012</b></span></span></div>
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_KPcLu8ZroU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #e6e6e6;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">_________________________________________________</span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e6e6e6; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wikipedia states: </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">“</span></i><b><i>The Mysteries of Harris Burdick</i></b><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> is a 1984 picture book by the American author Chris Van Allsburg consisting of a series of unrelated, highly detailed images in the author's distinctive style. Each image is accompanied by a title and a single line of text, which compel readers to create their own stories.</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e6e6e6; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>A fictional editor's note tells of an encounter with an author and illustrator named Harris Burdick, who provided the images and captions as samples, each from a different picture book he had written. He left with a promise to deliver the complete manuscripts if the editor chose to buy the books. Burdick was never seen again, and the samples are all that remain of his supposed books. Readers are challenged to imagine their own stories based on the images in the book.”</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e6e6e6; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b>In Project#62 we ask you to create stories, poems, or artwork based on those Harris Burdick images and captions.</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Share with us the dreams inspired by any of those fourteen Harris Burdick illustrations. If you can’t write, then draw. If you can’t draw, then write. If you are uninspired, then please take time to offer your comments and constructive criticisms of the work of others.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e6e6e6; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Have FUN with Project 62.<br />Bring the black & white to <i>life</i></b>!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e6e6e6; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e6e6e6;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As always, the theme and spirit of this edition must be apparent in your story, poem, or artwork, regardless of your chosen genre or medium. Email your </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #e6e6e6;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">In Black & White</span></span></b><span style="color: #e6e6e6;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> piece to </span></span></span><b><span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="mailto:herscherproject@gmail.com"><span style="color: #e6e6e6;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">herscherproject@gmail.com</span></span></a></u></span></b><span style="color: #e6e6e6;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e6e6e6; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Jim, Sabrina, Jamie, & Marijke</b></i></span></span></div>
Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-32226647186570339552012-02-21T15:32:00.000-05:002012-02-21T15:32:36.527-05:00Marine Recruits Arrive at MCRD<div style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;">I remember going through <i><b>this</b></i>...</span></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YnKPpNArrdg?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-50543412459043273422012-02-16T19:54:00.002-05:002012-02-21T15:41:09.466-05:00Where the Wild Walkens Are<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KKNaYlzssbc?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Is it just me, or would </b></span><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Maurice Sendak's classic children's book be better with more cowbell?</b></span></span></span>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-44358019384877091912012-02-08T23:54:00.002-05:002012-02-08T23:56:52.519-05:00Project 61 announced at tHP<div style="color: #6fa8dc; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Old English Text MT,cursive;"><b>Spin Me A Tale</b></span></span></div><h4 class="western" style="color: #9fc5e8; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.01in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Old English Text MT,cursive;">Put a new spin on an old favorite!</span></span></h4><h4 class="western" style="color: #9fc5e8; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.01in;"></h4><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> </div><h4 class="western" style="color: orange; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Old English Text MT,cursive;"><b>Deadline: March 31</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><sup><span style="font-family: Old English Text MT,cursive;"><b>st</b></span></sup></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Old English Text MT,cursive;"><b>, 2012</b></span></span></h4><div style="color: #9fc5e8; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>___________________</b></span></div><div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: orange; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Once upon a time...</b><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> [</span></span><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">events occur</span></i></span><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">] </span></span><b style="color: orange; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...and they all lived happily ever after.</b><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Or do they? Here's your chance to rebuild one of those time-honored fairy tales or fables—make it right, or make it </span></span></span><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">so very, very</span></i></span><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> wrong!. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> For a brief time, allow your artwork or writing to transform you into a modern-day</span> </span></span><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Æ</span></span><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">sop, Mother Goose, or</span> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">brother Grimm...</span><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"> </span></span></span><b style="color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">In Project#61 we ask you to create images, poems, or stories which put a new spin on one of those beloved childhood fables, nursery rhymes, or fairy tales.</span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: orange; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Share with us something that is both timeworn <i><b>and</b></i> original. If you can’t write, then draw. If you can’t draw, then write. If you are uninspired, then please take time to offer your comments and constructive criticisms of the work of others.</span></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div align="CENTER" style="color: #9fc5e8; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><i>Remember to have FUN with Project 61 </i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><i>even if there </i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><i><u>isn't</u></i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><i> a </i></span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Old English Text MT,cursive;"><span style="font-style: normal;">happily ever after</span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">...</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As always, the theme and spirit of this edition must be apparent in your story, poem, or artwork, regardless of your chosen genre or medium. Email your</span> </span></span><b style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-family: Old English Text MT,cursive;">Spin Me A Tale</span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> piece to</span> </span></span><b style="color: #9fc5e8;"><u><a href="mailto:herscherproject@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">herscherproject@gmail.com</span></a></u></b><span style="color: orange; font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-8913898993154100202012-02-01T14:18:00.002-05:002012-02-02T09:25:05.692-05:00Premonitions - Closing the Doors<span style="color: white;">After pausing an entire month beyond the window for submissions (while wondering if my suspicions were correct), I'm now forced to admit that the climate isn't getting any warmer on the anthology front.<br />
<br />
Due to a tremendous lack of interest -- both within tHP and outside our walls -- it appears that the planned <b><i>Premonitions</i></b> anthology will also be going the way of <b><i>Paying the Boatman</i></b>.<br />
<br />
It saddens me to consider the apathy that surrounded this anthology, and I can only hope that... someday... eventually... we will <i>get it right</i> with one of our efforts to publish an anthology that features the writings of tHP's members.</span>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-41495453408068972052012-01-22T23:57:00.000-05:002012-01-22T23:57:58.870-05:00The Book of Paradox<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1839159.The_Book_of_Paradox_The_Book_of_Paradox" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Book of Paradox The Book of Paradox " border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1189421584m/1839159.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1839159.The_Book_of_Paradox_The_Book_of_Paradox">The Book of Paradox The Book of Paradox</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13023.Louise_Cooper">Louise Cooper</a><br />
<br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/21514710">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Some books, though the details of which are hazy in my memory, remain notable simply because I remember that I enjoyed reading them at the time. Louise Cooper's <strong>The Book of Paradox</strong> is one such novel. Perhaps, someday, I will read it again to see if it has managed to weather the test of time. <em>Luckily, I shall not have to <strong>hunt</strong> for a copy.</em> I have kept the copy I read over a quarter-century ago <em>because</em> I enjoyed it so much "back in the day".<br />
<br />
Maybe 2012 will be a year for revisiting selected old favorites.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/114358-james?shelf=read-and-reviewed">View all my reviews</a>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-14789596969107609682012-01-15T21:10:00.001-05:002012-02-21T15:42:25.032-05:00How Irish Dance Got Started...<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/m0rrLdWLu_0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-49838834109868718452012-01-12T05:53:00.002-05:002012-02-23T16:38:19.414-05:00The Joy of BooksIf you love books, you'll love this video...<br />
<iframe width="420" height="240" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SKVcQnyEIT8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-6747150104245443832012-01-04T11:41:00.002-05:002012-01-15T21:13:43.011-05:00The Bishop of Rwanda<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236802.The_Bishop_of_Rwanda" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Bishop of Rwanda" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172986922m/236802.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236802.The_Bishop_of_Rwanda">The Bishop of Rwanda</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/138519.John_Rucyahana">John Rucyahana</a> and <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4810018.James_Riordan">James Riordan</a><br />
<br />
<br />
This is a short clip recorded at <b>Olivet Nazarene University</b> showing author <b>James Riordan</b> speaking of some of the events and tragedies detailed in his book, <b>The Bishop of Rwanda</b>. This is one book I have been meaning to pick up for some time, now, and I keep thinking that I should have upgraded this from "intention" to "New Year's Resolution" as we enter 2012.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IQY8p8FF3Ps" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-29309151877485106922011-12-29T21:58:00.000-05:002011-12-29T21:58:03.835-05:00Not Only The Dark<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13336232-not-only-the-dark" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Not Only the Dark: 160 Poems on the Theme of Survival" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51An1M14jIL._SX106_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13336232-not-only-the-dark">Not Only the Dark: 160 Poems on the Theme of Survival</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2622252.Jo_Field">Jo Field</a><br />
<br />
I'm going to go out on a limb just a bit here and recommend this collection of poetry without having read it. Two factors are contributing to my decision: <br />
(1) <a href="http://wordaid.blogspot.com/p/publications.html">WordAid</a> says, "<i>Not Only The Dark</i> is our latest anthology of poetry, 160 poems on the theme of survival <b>in aid of Shelterbox</b>...This new and vibrant anthology explores the theme of survival, with poems about war, weather, growing ill and growing old as well as about cities and landscapes, art and music, trees and turtles and the many things that add richness to our lives."<br />
(2) <i>Not Only The Dark</i> includes a poem written by Herscher Project co-owner, Jamie A. Hughes.<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to finding a spot for <i>Not Only The Dark</i> on my shelf of most treasured books.Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-42526535828082282932011-12-28T20:42:00.000-05:002011-12-28T20:42:10.316-05:00Profit and LossSome disturbing madness was reported in <a href="http://www.linenpressbooks.com/blog/amazons-profits-are-small-publishers-losses/788/">Amazon’s Profits are Small Publishers’ Losses</a>, a blogpost by the U.K.'s <b>Linen Press</b>. I'm a few month's behind with this, but rather doubt matters have improved any in today's economy. Apparently, economic sanity is no better in the publishing industry than in any other.<br />
<br />
<i>[Thanks go to author Chris A Jackson for bringing this one to my attention.]</i>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-21462484425729321192011-12-27T14:09:00.000-05:002012-01-04T11:48:38.841-05:00The Blue Angels - Live Cockpit Footage<object width="560" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nM_ZB7jqxz8&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nM_ZB7jqxz8&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="560" height="360"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Blue Angels cockpit footage taken over the Severn River, U.S. Naval Academy, and Andrews Air Force Base (Maryland). In case some don't know this, the Blue Angels always include a U.S. Marine pilot in their precision flight team.Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-16343658937311425062011-12-24T10:16:00.000-05:002011-12-24T10:16:21.431-05:00A few things not to do...In a December 14th blogpost, "<a href="http://pcwrede.com/blog/a-few-things-not-to-do/">A few things not to do</a>", Patricia C Wrede offers some very helpful advice regarding <b>the business end</b> of being an author, including sage thoughts on how to approach the author/reviewer relationship. <br />
<br />
I'm amazed at the wealth of information she offers -- all good, sensible, experience-proven wisdom -- and all available <i>free of cost</i> in her blog. <br />
<br />
Thanks, Patricia!Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-8073180794978766562011-12-10T12:46:00.000-05:002011-12-10T12:46:25.041-05:00Mr. Miyagi still needs a loving home...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rxooYfTxG4/TuOYUlo4-aI/AAAAAAAAABs/zjwOx4kF-OY/s1600/S101_2250-Mr_Miyagi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rxooYfTxG4/TuOYUlo4-aI/AAAAAAAAABs/zjwOx4kF-OY/s320/S101_2250-Mr_Miyagi.jpg" /></a></div><b>Mr. Miyagi, a miniature dachshund </b>(male, Black & Tan with Silver Dapple, born on September 18th)<b> is still hoping to adopt a human before Christmas. $500 USD includes health guarantee and Limited AKC Registration (for pets). Full AKC registration (for breeding/showing) available for additional fee. Mr. Miyagi is wormed and up to date on his puppy shots. If interested, contact PendragonDoxies@gmail.com for additional details.</b>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-27860797043484077482011-11-17T16:20:00.000-05:002011-11-17T16:20:43.383-05:00Life Cycle of a Book<b>Publishing Trendsetter</b> shares the <a href="http://publishingtrendsetter.com/life-cycle-book/#.Tr59HKtuXVU.facebook"><b><u>Life Cycle of a Book</u></b></a>.<br />
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Most of you who visit this blog already know this, but in case anyone is wondering, it really ISN'T as simple as: "<i>You write a novel, send it to a publisher, and then it shows up on the shelves of Barnes & Noble</i>".Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-87052370302501230282011-11-17T08:54:00.000-05:002011-11-17T08:54:15.277-05:00Rabbletown: Life in these United Christian States of Holy AmericaFellow Herscher Project member <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4818967.Matthew_S_Williams">Matthew Williams</a> shares his thoughts about Randy Attwood's near-future dystopian novel <b>Rabbletown: Life in these United Christian States of Holy America</b>. Read what Matthew has to say <a href="http://storiesbywilliams.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/rabbletown-life-in-these-united-christian-states-of-holy-america-by-randy-attwood/"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12167360-rabbletown" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Rabbletown: Life in these United Christian States of Holy America" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418Ia9ViuxL._SX106_.jpg" /></a>"<i>The year is 2084. The place is Topeka, Kansas. The Church of the Evangels run the country through the Pastor President, pastor governors and pastor legislators. They rule with a Bible in each fist. This future history presents a view of what life would be like under the control of right wing evangelical Christians. Work on the new state cathedral in Topeka provides the economic stimulus for that region. When religion rules, society enters a new dark ages, but still operating are the computer-based social networking systems the Church of the Evangels use to spy on its members. Abortion is just outlawed, pregnancy is mandated. And if you don't fit into the society of the Church of the Evangels, you try to make a life in Rabbletown. And then the son of a mason reminds everyone what redemption is all about.</i>" -- goodreads.com<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12167360-rabbletown">Rabbletown: Life in these United Christian States of Holy America</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5076066.Randy_Attwood">Randy Attwood</a>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-41606962515870592472011-11-10T02:27:00.002-05:002011-11-10T02:51:38.481-05:00The Few. The Proud. The Unforgettable.<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2030495.The_Greatest_U_S_Marine_Corps_Stories_Ever_Told" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Greatest U.S. Marine Corps Stories Ever Told: Unforgettable Stories of Courage, Honor, and Sacrifice" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266477063m/2030495.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2030495.The_Greatest_U_S_Marine_Corps_Stories_Ever_Told">The Greatest U.S. Marine Corps Stories Ever Told: Unforgettable Stories of Courage, Honor, and Sacrifice</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/923578.Iain_C_Martin">Iain C. Martin</a><br />
<br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/90887348">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Let me first say that I am proud to have served our nation as a U.S. Marine, and that upon finding the familiar lyrics of <em>The Marines' Hymn</em> following the title page, I thought this <em>could</em> be a great book. Then I began having concerns that it actually <em>would</em> be a great book; I began wondering how I'd be able to avoid sounding hopelessly biased while providing an honest review of <strong>The Greatest U.S. Marine Corps Stories Ever Told</strong>. After reading and savoring it, and with the “birthday” of the Corps (Nov 10) fast approaching, I decided I <em>should</em> share my thoughts—because it <em>is</em> a great book.<br />
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This anthology's subtitle claims it contains “unforgettable stories of courage, honor, and sacrifice,” and Martin has certainly delivered. Marine Corps history is filled with countless moments that have defined the USMC as an elite fighting force, and the endurance, resiliency, valor, honor, and courage of the Corps bursts forth from this book's pages. The editor guides his readers on a tour of major and minor conflicts. We are made witnesses of unyielding Marine heroism from the Barbary Coast, to the Mexican War, and the American Civil War. We are offered a ringside seat as Marines battle through two World Wars. We are invited to accompany them to the frozen mountains of Korea, to the jungles of Vietnam, and to the sands of Iraq.<br />
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In this collection spanning some 230 years of USMC history, editor Iain C. Martin shares twenty-three accounts of the Corps as seen through the eyes of Marines, war correspondents, and historians. The book includes an introduction by retired USMC Colonel Joseph H. Alexander (senior historian on the exhibit design team for the National Museum of the Marine Corps) and features selections written by such notables as Stephen Crane, Ernie Pyle, and Medal of Honor recipient, Joe Foss.<br />
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This compilation is an ambitious attempt to capture Marine <em>esprit de corps</em> between the covers of a book. As one might imagine, Martin is no better suited to the task of defining that elusive Marine spirit than anyone prior, though not for a lack of effort. On page 174 of Martin's book, we learn that beloved WW2 correspondent, Ernie Pyle, once wrote, “Before I came into the field, several Marine officers asked me to try to sense just what the Marine spirit is, what is its source, and what keeps it alive.” Yet, after spending time with the 7th Marines on Okinawa, even Pyle was forced to admit, “I never did find out what perpetuated it.”<br />
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In his firsthand account, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8123400.With_the_Old_Breed_At_Peleliu_and_Okinawa">With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa</a>, Eugene B. Sledge offered these thoughts on what it means to be a Marine: “War is brutish, inglorious, and a terrible waste... The only redeeming factors were my comrades' incredible bravery and their devotion to each other. Marine Corps training taught us to kill efficiently and to try to survive. But it also taught us loyalty to each other — and love. That <em>espirit de corps</em> sustained us.” The ephemeral but ever-present essence of <em>Marine</em>ness defies classification, categorization, and even reason. Any Marine will agree that <em>esprit de corps</em> cannot be precisely defined, but by gathering and presenting these brief glimpses of USMC history, Martin has nearly done so.<br />
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Much of the Marine Corps' colorful history is steeped in heroics, time-honored tradition, and unswerving devotion to duty—-so much so that, at times, the stories of the Corps take on legendary proportions and the Marines in them seem larger than life. In the selections that comprise <strong>The Greatest U.S. Marine Corps Stories Ever Told</strong>, editor Iain C. Martin has gathered battlefield epics and personal insights from all periods of the USMC's history, presenting them with care, skill, and, I believe, pride. These <em>are</em> “unforgettable stories of courage, honor, and sacrifice,” true stories that bridge the gap that so often separates history and legend.<br />
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<b>Happy birthday, Marines, and <em>Semper Fidelis</em>!</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/114358-james?shelf=read-and-reviewed">View all my reviews</a>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-59449193397258046942011-10-21T23:04:00.000-04:002011-10-21T23:04:55.199-04:00The ORIGINAL Dungeons & Dragons<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2126232.Dungeons_Dragons" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Dungeons & Dragons: Rules for Fantastic Medieval Wargames Campaigns Playable with Paper and Pencil and Miniature Figures" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1319078287m/2126232.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2126232.Dungeons_Dragons">Dungeons & Dragons: Rules for Fantastic Medieval Wargames Campaigns Playable with Paper and Pencil and Miniature Figures</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38822.Gary_Gygax">Gary Gygax</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/225442035">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Well, this is simply the "granddaddy of all fantasy role-playing games" -- accept no substitutes. I remember my fascination and the wonder of discovery back in the mid-1970s when I was first introduced to <em>Dungeons & Dragons</em> (a name not preceded by "Basic" or "Advanced", or followed by an edition number). I can easily admit that my early fascination with this game system has not been matched by any game since. Our group met for adventuring sessions (some of those lasting for hours and hours), and that there were only three character classes and no magic-user spells above 5th level didn't concern us at all. Then the D&D Supplements showed up. More monsters, more weapons, more treasure, more character classes, more, more, more (...and we all demanded "more, more, more" until TSR was short of breath just trying to keep up with our appetite).<br />
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Despite all the "bad press" D&D got from the uninformed and misinformed (mostly concerned Christians), the game survived -- <em>and thrived</em>. What was most often misunderstood was that D&D was <em>only a game</em>, not a religion that was proposing to open a gateway to Hell. What the uninformed and misinformed failed to understand was that it wasn't the game itself that was evil -- no more evil than any other stack of paper with printed words. No, the dangers were in how each individual dungeon master (aka "DM") chose to conduct his gaming campaigns and scenarios. What were the lessons taught by these DMs? What were the values and morals that players were learning from the game?<br />
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As with so many things in our world, condemnation often comes from those who do not comprehend, those who refuse to do an unbiased study before declaring a game or a movie or a book unfit.<br />
<br />
For myself and each member of our small gaming group from long ago, I'm sure the original <em>Dungeons & Dragons</em> game system remains a fond and unequaled memory...<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/114358-james?shelf=read-and-reviewed">View all my reviews</a>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-38862453227912312942011-10-08T09:38:00.002-04:002011-10-08T09:51:23.043-04:00Writer Beware! & The Agenda of "The Write Agenda"A war is being waged, but you won't see it on the six o'clock news.<br />
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If you've never heard of <a href="http://www.writerbeware.com/">Writer Beware!</a>, the <b>SFWA</b> site offers a <a href="http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/">great introduction</a>.<br />
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"<b>Some of you may be aware that for the past few months, a group calling itself The Write Agenda has been attempting to wage a disinformation campaign against <a href="http://www.writerbeware.com/">Writer Beware!</a> and other anti-scam activists...</b>" <i>[source: Robin Hobbs' blogpost, <a href="http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2011/10/agenda-of-write-agenda.html">The Agenda of "The Write Agenda"</a>.]</i><br />
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Read a little more about Writer Beware! <a href="http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2011/09/writers-beware.html">here</a> in a blogpost by Jessica Faust of Bookends.Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7735755397410177013.post-6099915526653216562011-10-07T11:47:00.005-04:002011-10-08T13:42:40.506-04:00Zombie Church: Breathing Life Back into the Body of Christ<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11980345-zombie-church" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Zombie Church: Breathing Life Back into the Body of Christ" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1314736736m/11980345.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11980345-zombie-church">Zombie Church: Breathing Life Back into the Body of Christ</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5164464.Tyler_Edwards">Tyler Edwards</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/203661755">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Don't be a zombie, church! We've all seen them—those churches filled with mindless, murmuring zombies. But wait! Not only have we <i>seen</i> them, but chances are most of us <i>are</i> or <i>have been</i> apathetic, uninspired, uninvolved, uncommitted churchgoers... the living dead. In <b>Zombie Church: Breathing Life Back into the Body of Christ</b>, Tyler Edwards shows how those countless B-grade zombie flicks mirror the symptoms of the silent, creeping spiritual sickness that infects churches throughout America.<br />
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I'm not a fan of vampires, werewolves, or zombies. I admit that this book falls well outside the boundaries of what I normally read. But, I' m fairly confident the author's zombie parallel falls well outside the boundaries of what pastors and church leaders normally write. This fresh perspective and Edwards' spot-on analysis of <i>what ails the church</i> provides for a reading experience that is enjoyable, inspiring, and thought-provoking. With arguments based in logic, observation, and scripture, the author offers his comparisons, and it is inevitable that we, as readers, find ourselves identifying with the examples set forth. As the author leads us through his book, pointing out these zombie-like behaviors and challenging us to open our eyes, it is only natural for our personal thoughts to surface—thoughts which begin in the early chapters with, “<i>Oh, I've seen that guy</i>,” or “<i>Yeah, they never do anything at the church</i>,”—and, as we read on, thoughts which become, “<i>Oh, that's me</i>,” or “<i>I need to make a commitment</i>.”<br />
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I've read many books that were better written, but I've seen precious few that contain such a profoundly important message. While many Christian writings become structured, academic diatribes with the aim of "guilting us" into being good Christians, the author's style here remains casual, contemporary, and accessible—it offers us hope that we can be good Christians—a stylistic choice that serves well in this case. That said, if you are only interested in style, grammar, punctuation, and the like, then <b>Zombie Church</b> is probably not the book for you. However, for myself and the rest of humanity, <b>Zombie Church</b> is a fascinating and eye-opening study of the spiritual disease afflicting our church today. Thankfully, the author is not content with diagnosis, though, as he offers the cure.<br />
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In <b>Zombie Church</b>, Tyler Edwards outlines what our church is and reminds us what it <i>should</i> be. He explains that many of us have become spiritual zombies, and he gives us the tools needed to recognize and correct our zombie behaviors. He also helps us onto the path toward enriching our hearts, minds, and souls through a relationship with Jesus Christ—which, in turn, is the antidote that can and will restore life and health to our church.<br />
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If, after reading <b>Zombie Church</b>, you don't wonder if you're a zombie yourself then perhaps you're no longer one of the living dead, but are truly dead. Read <b>Zombie Church</b> and don't be a zombie, church!<br />
<hr/><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/114358-james?shelf=read-and-reviewed">View all my reviews</a><br />
<i>[Note: I received my copy of <b>Zombie Church</b> from Litfuse in exchange for being part of their blog tour. The tour schedule, purchase link, author bio, and giveaway info below are from Litfuse, as well.]</i><br />
<hr/><b>Blog Tour Schedule: <a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13424384" >http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13424384</a></b><br />
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<i>To purchase the book on Amazon</i>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0825424593/refas_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0825424593&adid=1XBB9CNE5N30WACVQ3DX">Zombie Church</a><br />
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<b><i>About the author of Zombie Church</i>:</b> Tyler Edwards is the lead pastor at Cornerstone Christian Church in Joplin, Missouri, where he works to help people learn how to live like Jesus, love like Jesus, and look like Jesus—so they carry out the mission of Jesus to the world. He graduated from Ozark Christian College with bachelor’s degrees in both Biblical Literature and Christian Ministry. He has written articles for Lookout Magazine, spoken at various campus ministry events in Missouri, and served overseas in Mbale, Uganda. Tyler loves cheesy horror films. He is particularly fond of movies like <i>Dawn of the Dead</i>, <i>The Signal</i>, and <i>28 Days Later</i>, where zombies run wild and threaten to infect an entire town.<br />
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<b>Giveaway:</b> The publisher is giving away a $50 gift card for Amazon to one person through this blog tour.<br />
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<b>To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using @litfuse) about Zombie Church or share about it on Facebook!</b> If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use @litfuse. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (info@litfusegroup.com). Easy. <br />
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Not sure what to tweet/post? Here's an idea:<br />
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<b>TWEET THIS</b>: Zombie Church by Tyler Edwards - a fair-minded & tenderhearted critique of the church http://ow.ly/6Nv05 @litfuse RT for $50 to @amazon<br />
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<b>FACEBOOK THIS</b>: Don’t miss Edwards - a fair-minded and tenderhearted critique of the church. http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13424384 Written for the discouraged, disenfranchised, and anyone unsatisfied with their same-old church routine, Zombie Church challenges readers to turn away from hollow religious practices, which characterize “zombie Christianity,” and turn toward a radical relationship with Jesus. Share this for a chance at $50 to Amazon.com.Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18165942026833813183noreply@blogger.com1