Good Story Podcast is Finalist in 2013 About.Com Awards

Now this is fun! And exciting!

A Good Story is Hard to Find podcast is a finalist in the 2013 About.com Catholicism Awards.

And I like their description:

Rather than create a podcast about Catholic books and movies, Julie Davis and Scott D. Danielson discuss classic books and movies "as Catholics."

They get us! They really get us! (Ok, no more channeling Sally Fields...)

I saw we are in there with Fr. Barron, Pray-As-You-Go (a regular listen of min) and other big podcasts I admire. What honorable company Scott and I have risen to!

We haven't a chance, but we're the only one of our sort. Mostly. iPadre being a different sort of conversation. (That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!)

Perhaps we'll get some folks dropping by to try us out though, which would be the best! We can always do with new book-and-movie lovin' pals.

Check it out, and be sure to look at the other categories too. The blogs, books, and suchlike that I recognize are top-notch. Which means I'm definitely going to be checking out the ones I don't know.

And vote ... of course ... definitely vote.

I don't want to have to bring the Hypno-Toad out for this one. But you know. I'll do what I have to.

2011 Cannonball Catholic Blog Awards - nominations open

It's time again for my favorite blog awards, the kind that don't take themselves too seriously but yet provide me with many wonderful new blogs to read.

It's a Blog Award for all us under appreciated types, and you are strictly forbidden from nominating anyone that has written a book... and that Peters guy. And fanciful cooking bird watching priests. And anybody else who has a blog better than me. So good luck with that.

So just when I thought that I had a chance of being nominated for something, she had to throw in that book thing. Ah well ... does it help if it is a very small, under-appreciated book?

I love the categories ... some are the usual, but some ... well, it's in the way it's said. As a sampling below shows.

More Catholic Than The Pope

Best Blog By A Heretic

Best Bat Shit Crazy

Best Popery of Potpourri

Snarkiest Catholic Blog

Most Hifreakinlarious

I will be dropping in there soon to nominate my own under-appreciated favorites. Go thou and do likewise!

About.com's 2011 Readers' Choice Awards: Time to Vote for Catholic Sites

Though there is precious little representation of anyone except the usual biggies. I was quite surprised at the lack of creativity in most of the nominations. Even some of the usual biggies aren't there like Amy Welborn or Mark Shea. However, as The Crescat points out, there is the occasional wild card in the running.

You can begin voting here and the bottom of each page has a prompt that takes you through all the Catholic categories.

I, personally, am looking forward to The Crescat's 2011 Cannonball Awards. That's where all the interesting folks come into their own. She sez details will be up on March 1.

About.com's 2011 Readers' Choice Awards: Nominations Open in Catholic Categories

I saw this at The Curt Jester's place last week and lifted it to share.

About.com’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards will showcase the best products, features and services in multiple categories, from technology to hobbies to parenting to religion. Nominations are now open, and will be accepted from 12:00 A.M. EST on January 13, 2011, until 11:59 P.M. EST on February 4, 2011.

On the About.com Catholicism GuideSite, we are accepting nominations in the ten categories listed below. Nominations can be entered in each of the categories using a single nomination form, though you can feel free to leave some of the fields blank; you are not required to make a nomination in every category. If you want to make more than one nomination in a particular category, simply fill the nomination form out twice.

Feel free to nominate yourself or your product for any of the appropriate awards, and spread the news to your friends. Finalists are chosen based on popularity, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements listed in each category.

Up to five finalists in each category will be announced on February 11, and voting will run from February 11 through March 8. (To be notified automatically when voting opens, simply sign up for the About.com Catholicism Newsletter). The winners will be announced on March 15.

Awards are for [Best Catholic ...] blog, podcast, site, Facebook page, Twitter user, iPad App, iPhone App, Newspaper, Magazine, etc.

2009 Catholic Media Awards

I see that voting has begun. Both Happy Catholic and Forgotten Classics (where we are reading Uncle Tom's Cabin) have been nominated in several categories ... and I deeply thank those who honored me by doing so. I think that the wild card category of People's Choice definitely works for Forgotten Classics, especially in the Catholic context.

You have to register in order to vote, may vote only once, and voting goes through June.

They previously had mentioned having a two-part voting process this time to allow discovery of new blogs and then to whittle down the voluminous nominations before final votes. This is how many of the blogging awards are set up. However, the FAQ doesn’t mention that for these awards. Pity. They used to be a lot more fun in the good ol' days of five (or so) nominees per category. Ah well, times change ...

At any rate, you certainly can find a lot of interesting looking blogs by looking through the nominations. So go take a look and, of course, vote if the urge comes over you.

Just in case we don't get it ...

... The Crescat mentions that this is the last day to vote in the Cannonball Awards and then goes on ...

It's the anti-award, absolutely not to be taken seriously... at least not as seriously as those other "real awards". Why people get all worked over blogger awards always baffled me... maybe it's because I never have a shot in hell in winning a coveted "real award". I digress. You know the type of blog I am referring too, the one where the administrator is pimping their readers for votes... every. single. day. in every. single. post. ...

It's a celebration of great blogs written by regular people. It's a poke at ourselves and own desperate need for affirmation and recognition. It's a chance to discover a new blog or two. It's a chance to not take ourselves so seriously and just have a good laugh.

Who could find fault with those intentions?

Not me!

Though we all know that I love nothing more than a good blogger's race to the finish line. Check out the awards and vote today for your favorite blog. I have been remembering to drop by maybe twice a week and have been getting a great deal of enjoyment from the updates and "fruits."

Good Thing I Love Lemonade!

I am honored to have been given the Lemonade Stand Award by two different people ... Michael and Deacon Greg. It is given to "a blogger who demonstrates great attitude and gratitude."

I am not worthy. But I know five others who are. How handy as the rules state that I now have to pass on this prestigious award to five other lucky bloggers.

My award winners are, in no particular order ... are you ready? ... :

1. Jen at Conversion Diary
2. Sarah at Just another day of Catholic pondering
3. March Hare at The Mad Tea Party
4. Melanie at The Wine Dark Sea
5. Will Duquette at A View from the Foothills
   

Not One, Not Two, But Three Catholic Awards Underway

The Curt Jester points out that in addition to our previously mentioned Cannonball Awards and Catholic New Media Awards ... there is a third set of awards out there ...

Another set of awards also in its 2nd year is the Eastern Christian New Media Awards. Too often the Eastern rites of the Church are forgotten. They are currently taking nominations and voting will start in June.

I'm looking forward to exploring these blogs and podcasts.

Award-ish Things

Catholic New Media - Nominations
As I mentioned before, the Catholic New Media Awards are accepting nominations. I finally got done making mine ... it really gets tough respecting nominating only one person per category. Great idea but winnowing down the many wonderful blogs and podcasts is not easy.

By the way, be sure to check out their FAQ with any questions. I'm just trying to save you from looking as stupid as I did after I emailed asking, "What the heck is a People's Choice Award?" Only to find out that it was the first question in their FAQ. Although, not one to throw out the baby with the bath water, I am pleased to see that my guess was right. They could also have called it the "Wild Card" award.

2009 Cannonball Awards - Polls Open
I see that while my back was turned (and while I was knitting furiously ... yes, furiously ... on that Baby Bobbi bear this weekend) the polls opened for the 2009 Cannonball Awards. Voting is open through May 23 so you have a nice long time to check out all the entries in the categories. Vote (and view nominations) by clicking on the categories in the sidebar.

If you're at a loss as to who to select in the Spiritual Treat category, you certainly may feel free to click on Happy Catholic. Likewise, may I recommend in the Best Blog by a Heretic, voting for my pal Good News Film Reviews. Heck, follow the link and go read his review of The Wrestler. Rose already told me all about it but after reading his review I may go ahead and watch it anyway. Yes. He's that good.

Well, That Was a Surprise!

Nominations are closed over at The Crescat's 2009 Cannonball Awards.

No, that isn't the surprise.

The surprise was seeing that Happy Catholic has been nominated in the Best Spiritual Treat category.

Thank you, mysterious nominator. You made my day!

Also, I nominated one of the nicest and best heretical bloggers I know in the (natch) Best Blog by a Heretic category ... Good News Film Reviews. His post on this nomination is hilarious and the badge is to die for (but not before we pull you away from The Dark Side, Scott!).

2009 Cannonball Awards

Loved these last year and they're back!

... consider this the blog awards for us "minor" bloggers... a blog award not dominated by the usual suspects. The results from last year's awards brought those quieter less visited blogs some much needed attention... even the little guy deserves some recognition. Having lost my fair share of Blog Awards... Ok, all of them, I did what any other sore loser would do; create my own!

A few of my favorite categories ...

BEST BLOG BY A RELIGIOUS WHOSE NOT FR.Z

BEST CATHOLIC POLITICAL BLOG THAT IS NOT THE AMERICAN PAPIST

BEST BLOG BY A HERETIC

BEST POTPOURRI OF POPERY

Now go read all the categories and make a few nominations in the comments box ... I've got most of mine picked out but am still filling in a few blanks.

I Didn't Want It to Come to This, But You Give Me No Choice ...

As my brother put it, the Religious blog weblog award category is like watching Tiger Woods. One person is solidly in front and the rest fight it out for second.

I see that Father Dwight is getting worried ... let's take it to him (isn't that the good ol' Catholic fightin' spirit I've always heard of?)

I am a fairly peaceful person though and I really don't want to fight it out. I will simply turn to that which has stood us in good stead before.

Hypnotoad!

Listen carefully and go vote for Happy Catholic in the 2009 Weblog Awards.

You may then turn off your computer ... you will remember nothing of this later ...

UPDATE
Don't forget to vote for The Anchoress who used to be way ahead but now has fallen behind thanks to some folks who just can't relax and have fun but have to make everything into a left versus right contest. *sigh*

As The Anchoress said on Friday, "I’m being told that some “lefty” sites are trying to co-ordinate to defeat me ... That always cracks me up; it’s so schoolyard. No matter what I still get my nifty “finalist” button, and I much prefer looking at the “awards” as good-natured fun, and not some absurd cut-throat matter."

I applaud her good nature but will keep voting anyway ... vote for her here.

Ok, I know it's wrong to pray for votes ...

Source

... so I'll just politely remind everyone that Happy Catholic has now edged further into third place ... and Father Longenecker is only (ha ... only!) two hundred votes ahead.

Ok, never mind. Miracles happen ... though admittedly usually not for that sort of thing.

Look, don't make me break out the secret weapon. Let's make this easy.

You can vote daily in the Weblog Awards ... let's get out there and kiss the egg!

(Kiss the egg you ask? What's up with that?
For the pop-culturally deficient, here's the scoop.)

I Confess That I'm Really Enjoying ...

Source

... the horse race taking place for second place in the Best Religious Blogs award. (Is it very wrong that every time I think of Father Z and his award domination, I inevitably am drawn to think of World War Z? Maybe it's just the letter "Z" ... yeah, that's it. Not the hopelessness of trying to overcome that lead ...)

Anyway, Happy Catholic has slightly edged into third place. Let's go for second! C'mon, y'all. I have faith (well, duh!). We can do it!

Don't forget that you can vote in the Weblog Awards every day. C'mon people, kiss the egg!

(Kiss the egg you ask? What's up with that? For the pop-culturally deficient, here's the scoop.)

4th Place? Really? Did You Know I Have the Space Pope's Encorsement?

Futurama: Space Pope

I didn't want to have to pull out the big guns ... but, there you go. Also His Crocodylus insisted and who am I to argue?

(Also, I've gotta thank The Anchoress for her real life endorsement ... I'm blushing ... well, not so much that I'm not telling you about it but ... anyway, thanks Anchoress!)

Don't forget that you can vote in the Weblog Awards every day. C'mon people, kiss the egg!

(Kiss the egg you ask? What's up with that? For the pop-culturally deficient, here's the scoop.)

"Laura, I got your email and of course will vote for Happy Catholic. Best regards, B16"

"Now go thou and do likewise!"

When Laura in our office sends out "go vote" emails for the Weblog Awards, she leaves no stone unturned.

Not that she really meant to email the Pope, but I do appreciate her extreme efforts on my behalf. Also, I find it interesting that she's got him on any email list of contacts at all. What the heck does she write to him about?

Hmmm ... the mind boggles.

Anyway ... if B16 can pop by the Weblog Awards, then you should make that little effort also.

Thanks to Irma for catching that one in her email. I am dying laughing here ... meanwhile there is some poor Vatican secretary sayin', "What are those crazy Americans doing now?"

The Polls are Open. C'mon ... Kiss the Egg!

I've been checking out the other Religious Blog Finalists.

It's official.

Happy Catholic is the Jamaican bobsled team in this race.
The mere fact that I slipped in is a miracle.

But that doesn't mean we can't give the Swiss a run for their money.
We'll give it all we've got.
So, c'mon ... kiss the egg!

(And if you don't know what that means
then hie thee to a rental store and catch up on Cool Runnings)

Let's get the vote out.

Remember our motto: vote early and often!
Especially since I see that Father Z's fanatical ... um ... fans are already flooding the polls.



Voting runs from Monday, Jan. 5, through Mon, Jan. 12.
You can vote once each day, until the voting ends, in any of the categories of your choice.

Well, I'll Be Gobsmacked*! Happy Catholic is a 2008 Weblog Awards Finalist!

Seriously! Go see!

I'm ... stunned. Also, of course, over the moon. (Just to keep the British slang trend going ... consistency, always consistency!)

I see that I am in exalted company ... Conversion Diary, Standing on My Head, and What Does the Prayer Really Say are the excellent Catholic blogs I know from that list. I am looking forward to exploring the others when the links are up.

As well, I saw The Anchoress's name float by under Best Individual Blogger. And well deserved, too!

Voting is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2009. Rest assured I will keep you informed.

I am sure that I am going to have to pull out the "kiss the egg" campaign for this one ... this little bobsled don't stand a chance. Also, I realize that for a lot of people that is the best part of any awards competition around here!

(And if you don't know what that means
then hie thee to a rental store and catch up on Cool Runnings)

* Much thanks to Brandywine Books for reminding me of the fantastic word gobsmacked. The term "gobsmacked" is a British one, referring to the experience of being so surprised by the unexpected that you feel as if you've been slapped in the face.

Accepting Nominations - Catholic New Media and Innovation Awards

Who is the best in Catholic New Media? Where are the innovators in Catholic evangelization? I want the world to know. So this year I am rolling out the first annual Catholic New Media and Innovation Awards. The purpose is to find and highlight the best in Catholic New Media and acknowledge those using innovate ways to evangelize the faith.

This is something I have wanted to do for some time now. It is my hope that this informal award will bring attention to those working tirelessly and unselfishly to promote the good works of the Catholic Church and share the gifts of our faith.

Here are the rules:

1. Open Nominations
2. There are no specific categories. I prefer to keep the nomination field broad and defined only to new media and innovation. It will be fun to see what suggestions people send to us.
3. Jury Panel = me. The awards are subjective but based on my experience, expertise and input from those who are kind enough to send me their thoughts.
4. Winning entries will be posted on this blog and will receive a glowing email with congratulations from yours truly. Wow!

OK, so there's no red carpet, banquet, or celebrities fawning over the winners. Just me and my platform to share the good works of generous people. I'll probably announce the winners on a Catholic radio program or perhaps EWTN or Catholic TV if they'll have me. First things first. Send me your nominations. I promise to thoroughly review them and announce the winners in early January.

I set up a special email account for nominations and related correspondence. Please send you suggestions and comments to: awards (at) lovetobecatholic (dot)com

Looking forward to hearing from you.

I got this via email, but you can check it out here also. This will be interesting.

scribble ... scribble ...

Deacon Greg has surprised and honored me with the Superior Scribbler's Award (which saves me the trouble of tapping him for it!). He says, "One of the prettiest and pithiest and most engaging blogs around..." Oh you flatterer! And, of course, I love it!

I see that I am in very high level company ... which just makes this little baby even more precious.

Now, for my pick of five, which several of DG's choices took off my list ... so many excellent writers, so few slots. Ok, here goes ...

1. Conversion Diary: Musings of a Former Atheist
   Because of her recent religious journey and her continuing contemplation of the changes that her new-found Catholic faith has made in her life overall, Jen is one of the most compelling, honest, and thought provoking bloggers out there. She's a darned fine writer and I never miss one of her posts.
   
   
2. Practicing Catholic
   I met Heather when she bravely showed up for the Roe v. Wade pro-life march last year on the strength of responding to a post I wrote. What a pleasure it was to share that new experience with her and feel that I had come out of it with a new friend as a bonus. Then I read her blog and found her to be a thoughtful writer who is not afraid to bare her soul when necessary. Another one I never miss.
   
   
3. The Silver Key
   Brian Murphy discusses books, movies, and much more. I'll just say it like this. The guy reviewed an audiobook of Beowulf in such a way that I now can't wait to get my hands on one. Beowulf! I ask you! So, yes, he's a compelling writer who opens your eyes to hitherto unknown realms.
   
   
4. Good News Film Reviews
   I know that I must sound like a broken record sending you to Scott's reviews but, seriously, people! He can deliver an entire review in one pithy sentence as witness this for Encounters at the End of the World.
   
   If you're really into listening to the unintentionally laughable musings of a wealthy, over-hyped German over mostly boring footage of his trip to Antarctica, you're in luck.
   
   When that's just the beginning, then you know you're on to a good deal.
   
   
5. The Mad Tea Party
   March Hare has the knack of reviewing movies and books both intelligently and with an eye to Catholic sensibilities. She doesn't strain at a gnat while being faithful (which is a big plus to me). Even more important, she isn't afraid to speak up for something she sees has value even when the majority rule, whether secular or Catholic, might be bashing it as a knee-jerk reaction to "what everyone knows." In short, she has a brain and isn't afraid to use it.
   

Ok, now the mandatory posting of the rules:

• Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
• Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
• Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to this post, which explains The Award.
• Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List (scroll down). That way, we’ll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!
• Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.