Brian Beam's Blog, page 12
March 8, 2013
Friday Preview Week Two: Chapter One of The Forgotten King
This week I'm posting the first chapter of my upcoming The Forgotten King: Book Two Of Korin's Journal. Either click the link below or read it straight from the embed. Enjoy!
http://www.scribd.com/doc/129234125/TFK-Chap-1
http://www.scribd.com/doc/129234125/TFK-Chap-1
March 3, 2013
Sunday Reviews - The Dimension Researcher
Sunday Reviews Week 4
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The Dimension Researcher: The Second Internet Cafe Part 1
The Dimension Researcher by Chris James is an exciting, creative journey through a future in which the technology exists to travel through time, albeit by visiting different dimensions. The way that the subject is approached in this book is incredibly unique and the story draws you in and doesn't let go.
Lucas Hunter has just become The Second Internet Cafe's newest Dimension Researcher, a group of people who are sent to other dimensions to gather information about them. The dimensions they visit are alternate versions of history, created when events occurred differently that in what is called, Reality One. What if WWII had a different victor? What if John Lennon hadn't been assassinated? What if a baby born stillborn lived and grew to become a famous artist? In The Dimension Resarcher, these alternative realities exist.
However, during Lucas' first "jump", he notices a strange man with technology far removed from the time period Lucas is sent to. When that same person pops up on his next mission, Lucas realizes he is being followed and that there is a plot in motion that could destroy The Second Internet Cafe, if not his entire reality.
Chris James has a way with words that makes his characters and his world real. That, and his impressive knowledge of history and science(quantum physics and the such), solidifies the plausibility of the premise and completely suspends any sense of disbelief. Chris James has obviously thought every aspect of this premise through, and his thorough realization of this world truly shows. The story moves at a brisk pace, pulling you through no matter what else you should be doing, and doesn't let up until you turn that last page. Though the book has a very satisfying conclusion, it is left open enough to make you yearn for further adventures with Lucas' and the Second Internet Cafe. At least being titled The Second Internet Cafe Part One ensures that Chris James has plans to grace us with more wonderful stories in this alternative future.
I really love some of the unique concepts Chris James puts forth in this book such as how histories, works of art, and music can be brought back and become popular items among the populace of Reality One. The idea that one event from one dimension can diverge into countless other dimensions which in turn can branch into countless more after that, etc. is interesting.
There are a few moments, though rare, that a couple pages will drag with technical terms and scientific explanations that will go right over the average reader's head, but it also helps to keep things real. You may find yourself skimming over these parts or jumping onto Google to learn more.
I have to say that I could see this as a wonderful idea for a movie, the characters brimming with personality and the story full of action and intrigue. This is not only one of the best independently published books I've read, but one of the best sci-fi/thrillers as well.
The second title in The Second Internet Cafe series, The Cascade Annihilator has also recently been released. Though I haven't had the chance to get to it just yet, I look forward to the further adventures of Lucas Hunter. Do yourself a favor and check out The Dimension Researcher.
5/5
The Dimension Researcher is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.
Learn more about Chris James here.
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The Dimension Researcher: The Second Internet Cafe Part 1
The Dimension Researcher by Chris James is an exciting, creative journey through a future in which the technology exists to travel through time, albeit by visiting different dimensions. The way that the subject is approached in this book is incredibly unique and the story draws you in and doesn't let go.
Lucas Hunter has just become The Second Internet Cafe's newest Dimension Researcher, a group of people who are sent to other dimensions to gather information about them. The dimensions they visit are alternate versions of history, created when events occurred differently that in what is called, Reality One. What if WWII had a different victor? What if John Lennon hadn't been assassinated? What if a baby born stillborn lived and grew to become a famous artist? In The Dimension Resarcher, these alternative realities exist.
However, during Lucas' first "jump", he notices a strange man with technology far removed from the time period Lucas is sent to. When that same person pops up on his next mission, Lucas realizes he is being followed and that there is a plot in motion that could destroy The Second Internet Cafe, if not his entire reality.
Chris James has a way with words that makes his characters and his world real. That, and his impressive knowledge of history and science(quantum physics and the such), solidifies the plausibility of the premise and completely suspends any sense of disbelief. Chris James has obviously thought every aspect of this premise through, and his thorough realization of this world truly shows. The story moves at a brisk pace, pulling you through no matter what else you should be doing, and doesn't let up until you turn that last page. Though the book has a very satisfying conclusion, it is left open enough to make you yearn for further adventures with Lucas' and the Second Internet Cafe. At least being titled The Second Internet Cafe Part One ensures that Chris James has plans to grace us with more wonderful stories in this alternative future.
I really love some of the unique concepts Chris James puts forth in this book such as how histories, works of art, and music can be brought back and become popular items among the populace of Reality One. The idea that one event from one dimension can diverge into countless other dimensions which in turn can branch into countless more after that, etc. is interesting.
There are a few moments, though rare, that a couple pages will drag with technical terms and scientific explanations that will go right over the average reader's head, but it also helps to keep things real. You may find yourself skimming over these parts or jumping onto Google to learn more.
I have to say that I could see this as a wonderful idea for a movie, the characters brimming with personality and the story full of action and intrigue. This is not only one of the best independently published books I've read, but one of the best sci-fi/thrillers as well.
The second title in The Second Internet Cafe series, The Cascade Annihilator has also recently been released. Though I haven't had the chance to get to it just yet, I look forward to the further adventures of Lucas Hunter. Do yourself a favor and check out The Dimension Researcher.
5/5The Dimension Researcher is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.
Learn more about Chris James here.
March 1, 2013
Friday Preview Week One: Chapter One of The Dragon Gem 2nd ed.
Every Friday, starting today, I will alternate posting chapters from the upcoming 2nd edition of The Dragon Gem and The Forgotten King until The Forgotten King's May 10th release. This means the first five chapters of each will eventually be posted.
The Forgotten King is still on track for May 10th, but the 2nd edition of The Dragon Gem is looking like it may be delayed. I would like to get it out as close to The Forgotten King's release as possible. As I have mentioned before, if you purchased The Dragon Gem on Amazon, I will have it made available as an update, not a separate release. At the latest, it will be out this summer. On a positive note, the new cover art for it is turning out to be amazing. I can't wait to share it when it is completed.
So, for this first Friday, I'm posting the first chapter of the 2nd edition of The Dragon Gem. For those who have read The Dragon Gem, you'll get an idea of about what level of changes have been made. For those of you who haven't, I hope you enjoy this tiny preview. You can either click on the link below or read the embedded file, whichever works better for you. Enjoy!
Brian Beam
The Dragon Gem: Book One Of Korin's Journal(2nd ed.) - Chapter One
TDG Chap 1 by bambeam
The Forgotten King is still on track for May 10th, but the 2nd edition of The Dragon Gem is looking like it may be delayed. I would like to get it out as close to The Forgotten King's release as possible. As I have mentioned before, if you purchased The Dragon Gem on Amazon, I will have it made available as an update, not a separate release. At the latest, it will be out this summer. On a positive note, the new cover art for it is turning out to be amazing. I can't wait to share it when it is completed.
So, for this first Friday, I'm posting the first chapter of the 2nd edition of The Dragon Gem. For those who have read The Dragon Gem, you'll get an idea of about what level of changes have been made. For those of you who haven't, I hope you enjoy this tiny preview. You can either click on the link below or read the embedded file, whichever works better for you. Enjoy!
Brian Beam
The Dragon Gem: Book One Of Korin's Journal(2nd ed.) - Chapter One
TDG Chap 1 by bambeam
February 24, 2013
Sunday Reviews - Forging of a Knight
Sunday Reviews Week 3
Forging of a Knight
I thoroughly enjoyed Hugo Negron's Forging of a Knight, though it did take me a little bit of time to truly get into the story.
The story follows Qualton, a man wishing to follow in the footsteps of his father as a heroic knight. His father fell in the war against Those That Stand in Shadow, leaving Qualton with only his magic sword and his legacy. On the path to knighthood, Qualton meets up with a half-orc named Glaive(the interactions between the two are brilliantly crafted throughout the book) and faces unimaginable dangers and terrors in his quest for knighthood.
I had some trouble getting into the prologue at first. It initially suffers from the weight of too much detail, the characters described down to their exact personality traits in a matter of paragraphs. It didn't take long for the action to pick up, though, and pull me into the story. After the prologue, Negron does away with the excessive, tightly packed detail, the story moving at a brisk pace from the first page of chapter one until the end.
You can tell that a lot of thought and effort went into developing Forging of a Knight's world. The lands, and the creatures that inhabit them, are full of life, bringing a sense of realism to Negron's fantasy world. Qualton and Glaive are incredibly well developed, and I love how the their association causes both characters to grow throughout the story.
If you are a fan of swords and sorcery fantasy, somewhat in the vein of Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms, this is definitely worth checking out whether you're a young adult, or even an adult like me.
5/5Forging of a Knight is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.Find out more about Hugo Negron at:FacebookGoodreads
Forging of a Knight
I thoroughly enjoyed Hugo Negron's Forging of a Knight, though it did take me a little bit of time to truly get into the story.
The story follows Qualton, a man wishing to follow in the footsteps of his father as a heroic knight. His father fell in the war against Those That Stand in Shadow, leaving Qualton with only his magic sword and his legacy. On the path to knighthood, Qualton meets up with a half-orc named Glaive(the interactions between the two are brilliantly crafted throughout the book) and faces unimaginable dangers and terrors in his quest for knighthood.
I had some trouble getting into the prologue at first. It initially suffers from the weight of too much detail, the characters described down to their exact personality traits in a matter of paragraphs. It didn't take long for the action to pick up, though, and pull me into the story. After the prologue, Negron does away with the excessive, tightly packed detail, the story moving at a brisk pace from the first page of chapter one until the end.
You can tell that a lot of thought and effort went into developing Forging of a Knight's world. The lands, and the creatures that inhabit them, are full of life, bringing a sense of realism to Negron's fantasy world. Qualton and Glaive are incredibly well developed, and I love how the their association causes both characters to grow throughout the story.
If you are a fan of swords and sorcery fantasy, somewhat in the vein of Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms, this is definitely worth checking out whether you're a young adult, or even an adult like me.
5/5Forging of a Knight is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.Find out more about Hugo Negron at:FacebookGoodreads
February 21, 2013
Influences and Bittersweet Endings
Last night I had the pleasure of meeting my favorite fantasy author, as well as one of my biggest influences, Brandon Sanderson. It's always a wonderful feeling to meet someone who has influenced something that you are passionate about and to be able to let them know how much their work has meant to you.
For any who don't know about Sanderson, I can't recommend his work enough. He is fairly well known for his creative worlds and magic systems. His Mistborn trilogy is my favorite collective fantasy work of all time. If you enjoy fantasy and haven't read Mistborn: The Final Empire, I suggest remedying that situation as soon as possible. If you'd like some pointless trivia, Sanderson was also college roommates with Jeopardy super-champion Ken Jennings.
The biggest thing he has been known for over the past five years is taking over The Wheel of Time series after Robert Jordan's unfortunate and untimely death in 2007. As you may know, The Wheel of Time is a massive fantasy series started in 1990. Up until Jordan's death, there were 11 books, millions of words, and hundreds of characters. Brandon Sanderson was approached by Jordan's widow to finish the Wheel of Time series, using pieces already written by Jordan and his massive amounts of notes.
Sanderson, like many younger fantasy writers today, was massively influenced by Jordan's WOT series and jumped at the chance to help finish a series that had helped inspire him to become a writer in the first place. He has since written the final three books of the series.
There aren't many writers who could have pulled off the feat of taking the reins of such a huge story with its dozens upon dozens of intertwining plots and characters. There also aren't many writers who would have had the guts to undertake such a project. Jordan's WOT has a huge following of dedicated fans who had amazingly high expectations for the series' conclusion. Though I have not finished the final book just yet, I can say that Sanderson has handily met those expectations. He finished this series not only as a skilled author, but as a dedicated fan himself.
Anyway, I mention this because I met Brandon on his book signing tour for The Memory of Light, the 14th and final book in the WOT series. If you like fantasy and need a new book(aside from The Forgotten King coming May 10, 2013 ;) ), give his work a try. You won't be disappointed.
Anyway, here's pictures of me with two of my biggest writing influences. The first is me with Brandon last night. The second is my wife and me with the late Robert Jordan during his Knife of Dreams book tour back in 2005.
I made sure to pick up a second paperback copy of Mistborn: The Final Empire as well to A)Help support the local bookstore the signing was at and B)To have it personalized for my 2 yr. old in the hopes that maybe in 10-12 years I'll get him into Brandon Sanderson's work too. For now, my son will be more entertained by the other book I bought for him there: Mr. Duck Means Business :).
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Brian Beam
For any who don't know about Sanderson, I can't recommend his work enough. He is fairly well known for his creative worlds and magic systems. His Mistborn trilogy is my favorite collective fantasy work of all time. If you enjoy fantasy and haven't read Mistborn: The Final Empire, I suggest remedying that situation as soon as possible. If you'd like some pointless trivia, Sanderson was also college roommates with Jeopardy super-champion Ken Jennings.
The biggest thing he has been known for over the past five years is taking over The Wheel of Time series after Robert Jordan's unfortunate and untimely death in 2007. As you may know, The Wheel of Time is a massive fantasy series started in 1990. Up until Jordan's death, there were 11 books, millions of words, and hundreds of characters. Brandon Sanderson was approached by Jordan's widow to finish the Wheel of Time series, using pieces already written by Jordan and his massive amounts of notes.
Sanderson, like many younger fantasy writers today, was massively influenced by Jordan's WOT series and jumped at the chance to help finish a series that had helped inspire him to become a writer in the first place. He has since written the final three books of the series.
There aren't many writers who could have pulled off the feat of taking the reins of such a huge story with its dozens upon dozens of intertwining plots and characters. There also aren't many writers who would have had the guts to undertake such a project. Jordan's WOT has a huge following of dedicated fans who had amazingly high expectations for the series' conclusion. Though I have not finished the final book just yet, I can say that Sanderson has handily met those expectations. He finished this series not only as a skilled author, but as a dedicated fan himself.
Anyway, I mention this because I met Brandon on his book signing tour for The Memory of Light, the 14th and final book in the WOT series. If you like fantasy and need a new book(aside from The Forgotten King coming May 10, 2013 ;) ), give his work a try. You won't be disappointed.
Anyway, here's pictures of me with two of my biggest writing influences. The first is me with Brandon last night. The second is my wife and me with the late Robert Jordan during his Knife of Dreams book tour back in 2005.
I made sure to pick up a second paperback copy of Mistborn: The Final Empire as well to A)Help support the local bookstore the signing was at and B)To have it personalized for my 2 yr. old in the hopes that maybe in 10-12 years I'll get him into Brandon Sanderson's work too. For now, my son will be more entertained by the other book I bought for him there: Mr. Duck Means Business :).
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Brian Beam
February 16, 2013
Sunday Reviews - Shaman: Book One/Book Two
Sunday Reviews Week 2
Shaman is an incredible urban fantasy from S.W. Sondheimer. This may be her debut novel, but you'd never guess it from the quality the story and style of her writing. The story mainly follows Misha Devlin as he comes into his own with his Shaman powers and the struggles and sacrifices he faces in order to save his friend, Harker, from a vicious blood curse. And of course, there's some demons to deal with(literal and figurative) and the presence of Lucifer(as a good guy, no less!)
Each character in Shaman is brimming with personality and charm. Sondheimer has a way with dialogue that helps make the characters real, pulling you head first into their world. Honestly, few writers I can think of pull this off as well. There is just an organic feel to the characters, their dialogue, and their world. I can only imagine how much time the author must have spent fleshing out Shaman's story.
If you're looking for a great urban fantasy, or heck, a great story in general, definitely check this one out. There's a little bit of something for everyone in Shaman(action, romance, magic, good vs. evil, etc). Shaman is not an easy book to put down and I'm anxiously awaiting a sequel(I know, the first one just came out, but it's that good). Well done Mrs. Sondheimer!
5/5
Shaman: Book One and Shaman: Book Two are available on Amazon and Smashwords.
Find out more about S.W. Sondheimer at:http://swsondheimer.wordpress.com/http://www.facebook.com http://www.amazon.com
Shaman is an incredible urban fantasy from S.W. Sondheimer. This may be her debut novel, but you'd never guess it from the quality the story and style of her writing. The story mainly follows Misha Devlin as he comes into his own with his Shaman powers and the struggles and sacrifices he faces in order to save his friend, Harker, from a vicious blood curse. And of course, there's some demons to deal with(literal and figurative) and the presence of Lucifer(as a good guy, no less!)
Each character in Shaman is brimming with personality and charm. Sondheimer has a way with dialogue that helps make the characters real, pulling you head first into their world. Honestly, few writers I can think of pull this off as well. There is just an organic feel to the characters, their dialogue, and their world. I can only imagine how much time the author must have spent fleshing out Shaman's story.
If you're looking for a great urban fantasy, or heck, a great story in general, definitely check this one out. There's a little bit of something for everyone in Shaman(action, romance, magic, good vs. evil, etc). Shaman is not an easy book to put down and I'm anxiously awaiting a sequel(I know, the first one just came out, but it's that good). Well done Mrs. Sondheimer!
5/5Shaman: Book One and Shaman: Book Two are available on Amazon and Smashwords.
Find out more about S.W. Sondheimer at:http://swsondheimer.wordpress.com/http://www.facebook.com http://www.amazon.com
February 10, 2013
Sunday Reviews - INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders
I'm going to try to start posting a book review every Sunday of both indie and mainstream books. Maybe you'll find some great new books and authors to check out!
INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders
Inzared, Queen of the Elephant Riders is a wonderful debut release from L. Leander. The story follows Bertha Maude Anderson, a girl who grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina in the 1800s. She is unsure of her place in the world, feeling she wants more than her small town home in Appalachia. When a gypsy circus comes through her town, she falls in love with the lifestyle the gypsy troupe leads--as well as being intrigued by a young man named Paytre and his elephant, Cecil--and finds herself convinced to leave her home and family behind to join The Romanoff Brothers Circus as Inzared, Queen of the Elephant Riders. The story is told from Inzared's point of view as she assimilates into they gypsy culture, finds love, uncovers a mystery that threatens the circus and the well being of its performers and animals, and settles into her namesake as Queen of the Elephant Riders.
L.Leander has done an excellent job of accurately capturing the time period and the gypsy culture and you are truly pulled into the world of a travelling gypsy circus in the 1800s. The characters are very likable and realistic with dialogue that feels natural and fits the characters well. You really get to know the characters and connect with them. The story has a little bit of everything you could want in a book: romance, mystery, suspense, adventure, tragedy, and comedy. This is truly a book that can be enjoyed by just about anyone, no matter your typical genre preference.
This is L.Leander's debut novel, but from the quality of the writing, you would never guess it. Inzared is wonderfully written, plotted, and edited. Once I had started it, it was a challenge just to put it down. If this is only the beginning of what she has to offer, I can't wait to see what's next!
You can get INZARED on Kindle through Amazon here.
Find out more about L.Leander at:
https://www.facebook.com/lleanderbooks
https://lleander11.wordpress.com/
INZARED, Queen of the Elephant RidersInzared, Queen of the Elephant Riders is a wonderful debut release from L. Leander. The story follows Bertha Maude Anderson, a girl who grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina in the 1800s. She is unsure of her place in the world, feeling she wants more than her small town home in Appalachia. When a gypsy circus comes through her town, she falls in love with the lifestyle the gypsy troupe leads--as well as being intrigued by a young man named Paytre and his elephant, Cecil--and finds herself convinced to leave her home and family behind to join The Romanoff Brothers Circus as Inzared, Queen of the Elephant Riders. The story is told from Inzared's point of view as she assimilates into they gypsy culture, finds love, uncovers a mystery that threatens the circus and the well being of its performers and animals, and settles into her namesake as Queen of the Elephant Riders.
L.Leander has done an excellent job of accurately capturing the time period and the gypsy culture and you are truly pulled into the world of a travelling gypsy circus in the 1800s. The characters are very likable and realistic with dialogue that feels natural and fits the characters well. You really get to know the characters and connect with them. The story has a little bit of everything you could want in a book: romance, mystery, suspense, adventure, tragedy, and comedy. This is truly a book that can be enjoyed by just about anyone, no matter your typical genre preference.
This is L.Leander's debut novel, but from the quality of the writing, you would never guess it. Inzared is wonderfully written, plotted, and edited. Once I had started it, it was a challenge just to put it down. If this is only the beginning of what she has to offer, I can't wait to see what's next!
You can get INZARED on Kindle through Amazon here.
Find out more about L.Leander at:
https://www.facebook.com/lleanderbooks
https://lleander11.wordpress.com/
February 8, 2013
The Forgotten King Book Trailer and IU Flash Fiction Anthology
First, I know that The Forgotten King is still a few months from release, but I wanted to go ahead and share the book trailer. Thanks again to Pluto Revolts for allowing me to use one of their songs (DeMonstra/Collisions Reprise) for the trailer.
Secondly, two flash fiction pieces I wrote for the Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Contests in 2012 are featured in the Indies Unlimited:2012 Flash Fiction Anthology available for Kindle for $.99 on Amazon! Each of the 56 pieces are 250 words or less and tell a story based on photography prompts. There are some truly talented authors in the anthology, so give it a look!
The trailer and Indies Unlimited: 2012 Flash Fiction Anthology cover are posted below.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Brian Beam
Secondly, two flash fiction pieces I wrote for the Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Contests in 2012 are featured in the Indies Unlimited:2012 Flash Fiction Anthology available for Kindle for $.99 on Amazon! Each of the 56 pieces are 250 words or less and tell a story based on photography prompts. There are some truly talented authors in the anthology, so give it a look!
The trailer and Indies Unlimited: 2012 Flash Fiction Anthology cover are posted below.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Brian Beam
January 27, 2013
The Forgotten King Release Date
The official release date for The Forgotten King has been set:
May 10, 2013.
Yes, it's a little later than planned, but the extra time will be put into making sure it's the best I can make it. I anticipate having the 2nd ed. of The Dragon Gem ready by then as well. I'll have the progress on both updated on here frequently.
Starting March 1, 2013, I will post chapters from both, alternating between the two each Friday until the May 10 release. That means that by the release date, I'll have the first 5 chapters of both posted. The trailer for The Forgotten King is about done, and I'll have it posted here soon as well. I also hope to post a giveaway before the release date for physical copies of both books.
To any anticipating The Forgotten King, sorry that the wait will be a little longer, but I'll do my best to make it worth it. May 10 is set in stone for The Forgotten King, though, so no more delays(barring some kind of ridiculous disaster).
Have a great week, everyone!
Brian Beam
May 10, 2013.
Yes, it's a little later than planned, but the extra time will be put into making sure it's the best I can make it. I anticipate having the 2nd ed. of The Dragon Gem ready by then as well. I'll have the progress on both updated on here frequently.
Starting March 1, 2013, I will post chapters from both, alternating between the two each Friday until the May 10 release. That means that by the release date, I'll have the first 5 chapters of both posted. The trailer for The Forgotten King is about done, and I'll have it posted here soon as well. I also hope to post a giveaway before the release date for physical copies of both books.
To any anticipating The Forgotten King, sorry that the wait will be a little longer, but I'll do my best to make it worth it. May 10 is set in stone for The Forgotten King, though, so no more delays(barring some kind of ridiculous disaster).
Have a great week, everyone!
Brian Beam
January 10, 2013
Influences and Red Ink
Here's a couple pics I'd posted to Facebook. The first represents two major events for me. First, it represents the conclusion to a series I've been reading for about a decade and a half: The Wheel of Time. Second, it represents that I'm going to meet not only my favorite author, but one of my biggest influences in writing: Brandon Sanderson.
The second is just a random page I was editing earlier tonight. There's a lot of red on it...
Editing is going fairly well. If I can keep up my current pace, a dual release(The Dragon Gem 2nd ed. and The Forgotten King) in April may be doable. Well, back to it!
Brian Beam
The second is just a random page I was editing earlier tonight. There's a lot of red on it...
Editing is going fairly well. If I can keep up my current pace, a dual release(The Dragon Gem 2nd ed. and The Forgotten King) in April may be doable. Well, back to it!
Brian Beam
