Chance Raspberry's Newsletter: 2010

NOV-DEC, 2010 (ISSUE #7)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Wow...this may be the first Newsletter I've sent on time...ever!! ;) Season's Greetings, my friends! Normally, as I'm sure you've noticed, I send these out during the month following the date of the newsletter (the May issue launches in June, Sept in Oct, etc.) However, with so much happening these past few months, and even more on the way, I decided to get this one out a little early. And thank goodness, because now I have the distinct pleasure of wishing you and all your loved ones a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a blessed New Year in 2011 (before these things actually happen.) El Oh El! This feels so good your ol' pal Raspberry may just turn over a new leaf this year. And while we're on this joyous kick, thank you all so much for reading my newsletter and writing me back. Knowing you enjoy these updates really means a lot to me, guys. Thank you very much and God bless you and yours in 2011!

A BRIEF HISTORY

For those of you just joining us, I began the Chance Raspberry Newsletter in January of 2010 as a fun, simple way of keeping my friends and family up to date on my life. Like many of you, a lot of my loved ones live (or have moved) far away, and with the internet providing such a great resource for free audio-visual mulitmedia distribution, an online newsletter seemed like the way to go. Boy was it ever! Thanks to all of you, after just one year in existence, the CR Mailing List has grown to almost 800 subscribers, including industry proffesionals in art, music, and film, company executives from Los Angeles to Tokyo, and sheer lovers of the craft like you and me!! The newsletter has also expanded its range from updates about yours truly to the promotion of other artists, current and upcoming events, news, and more!!!

That said, the Chance Raspberry Newsletter is here for YOU! If you or anyone you know would like to:

* Be featured as an "Artist Of The Month"
* Promote yourself, your company, or your work
* Spread the word to your target audience
* License Chance Raspberry content for personal use

Simply e-mail me here: ChanceRaspberry@hotmail.com

Your requests will be immediately addressed and a personal reply is GUARANTEED!

NOVEMBER Accomplishments:

CHECK OUT THE DEBUT SINGLE, "IN YOU!"

So here's the deal: Due to recent circumstances, it is no longer possible for all JF band members to participate in the production of our newest LP. Therefore, out of respect to the one and only Jacuzzi Fiend, the upcoming full-length, "Old Souls...Young Hearts" will now be exclusively released by Chance Raspberry. We apologize for the confusion and greatly appreciate your understanding and support. This unanimous decision was a difficult one to come to, and if we could have it any other way, we would. That said, we are all very excited about the new CD! This album represents the pinnacle of Jacuzzi Fiend's classic chemistry. We, the band's original composers, have joined forces from across the coast to bring you what we feel is our most epic and diverse release yet! The album's debut single, In You, is now available on iTunes, Amazon, and many other distributors. Updates on production progress, news, merch, and more will be posted @ JacuzziFiend.com. Stick around!

DECEMBER Accomplishments:

PURCHASE YOUR COPY TODAY!

Uh oh! Could it be some sick, depraved lunatic actually took the time to dig up and restore this old thing?!? Hmmmm...could be! That's right amigos, I'm pleased to announce that Jacuzzi Fiend's very first recording of all time is now available ONLY @ JacuzziFiend.com (now universally enhanced by Google Translate.) "Good Enough" is the original EP we released back in high school (1997) on audio cassette...remember those?? This debut CD version of the demo has not only been digitally remastered, but also contains the brand new single, In You, from the upcoming full-length release, "Old Souls...Young Hearts". Just click the above banner to purchase your copy today from Jacuzzi Fiend's online store! For more band info, including how you can win a FREE, signed copy of OSYH, please visit our website or check out the official Jacuzzi Fiend MySpace page! See you there!!

"GOOD ENOUGH" Re-Issue (2010)
Jacuzzi Fiend

1. Intro
2. Anthem
3. Nanny
4. Apathy
5. Witchcraft (Sinatra Cover)
6. Firecrotch
7. Magically Delicious
8. One Day At A Time (Demo Version)
9. In You (Single Version)

"Artist Of The Month"
(Dudes & Dudettes I Know That Maybe You Should, Too!)

ENTER THE WORLD OF TRACI HINES!

Man, I'm feeling proactive -- we just keep broadening horizons here @ the CR Newsletter! That said, I am very pleased to introduce this issue's "Artist Of The Month", Ms. Traci Hines. Traci is a singer, actress, and model based out of Orange County, and our first non-animator to be featured as AOTM! My first impression of her talents came from a vast series of vlogs, tutorials, and music videos on YouTube (click the above banner to visit her official channel now!) From performing classic Disney tunes as the characters that sang them, to her debut, original single Fantasy (now available on iTunes and Amazon), Traci is a wonderful example of independent success. In addition to these noteworthy accomplishments, she also models for everyone's guilty pleasure, Hot Topic (you know you're down) and dabbles in voice acting, photo shoots, and live performance! Check out any of the major Cons and you just might find her rocking you with one of her many costume designs. And of course, you can always "friend" or chat her up on Facebook and MySpace. The purity, playfulness, and imagination Traci brings to her work is matched only by her level of commitment and quality. She is truly a blessed woman of many talents and I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say thank you, Traci, for being a part of the CR Newsletter. But hey, please don't take my word for it...CHECK OUT Traci Hines today and become a part of her world!!!

AND NOW FOR THE (BIG) NEWS...

LEARN MORE ABOUT TAA ONLINE!
It's finally happening, amigos...the world-famous Animation Academy is taking to the web!!! No longer will geography, time constraints, or even your busy schedule keep you from exploring the animation education you've always wanted!! The school's founder and lead instructor, Charles Zembillas, has set March 2011 as the official launch date for web classes, and will be kicking off The Academy's online program with its fundamental staples, Character Design I & II. Visual Development and Photoshop are among the many classes to come (click the above banner for all future updates), AND I am pleased to announce that I have accepted Charles' invitation to teach at least one online course myself. Stay tooned for the official list of classes, instructors, tutorials, and more...and as always, KEEP CREATING!

CHECK OUT RYAN'S NEW BOOKS!
A LOOK BACK (2010)...

* 2010 "Artists Of The Month": Ryan Khatam (Feb), Ian Miller (Mar), Takena Nagao (Apr), Izzy Izzguard (May-Aug), Benny Whaler (Sept-Oct), Traci Hines (Nov-Dec)
* Personal Projects: The AnimAttic (NEW Art out now), Bearman (1998), Clownsyndrome (1999), DragonForce Lead Singer Audition, the launching of CR.com & JF.com
* Freelance Jobs: Simpsonizing the Eckert Family, Hustler Casino Storyboard, Music Video Storyboards, Character Designs for The Write Guys (COMING 2011)
* And Leave Us Not Forget: The Great Hiatus (May 2009 - Aug 2010), Matt Ferrante (1956 - 2010), Sue Ferrante (1928 - 2010), Ayden Taylor Ferrante (Born June 26th, 2010)

AND THAT'S A YEAR!!!

Time sure does fly, eh guys? If there's one thing I've learned during the past year, it's make the most of RIGHT NOW...well, that and save your money!! ;D Thank you all so much for hanging this long, your love, feedback, and support. I know 2010 was a rough year for some of us, but I hope it was banner enough, and that the next 365 days are even better! I've got lots of exciting stuff planned for 2011, which will all be featured right here!! Until then, here's wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Take care, God bless, and I'll see you next year!!!

From The Heart,

Raz

SPACE ME

BOOK ME

TWEET ME

NOTE: If you or your company are interested in a limited license for use of this artwork or its respective intellectual properties, please feel free to contact me directly by responding to this e-mail. I will be happy to discuss such a purchase. Thank you.

POWERED BY: CHANCERASPBERRY.COM

Dedicated In Loving Memory to my Grandmother, Sue Ferrante (Nov 29, 1928 - Dec 1, 2010)
All Content Copyright ©2010-2011 Chance Raspberry. All Rights Reserved.

SEPT-OCT, 2010 (ISSUE #6)

CHANCERASPBERRY.COM
HAPPY HALLOWEEN/AUTUMN!!!

Hey now, better late than never! It's official...Sweater Weather is here once again!! That's right fiends, with the exception of a few warn November mornings and December nights, we've got a nice, welcome season of COOL to look forward to...any day now....right?! ;D Speaking of cool stuff to look forward to, there's LOTS comin' atcha from the CR Newsletter for the remainder of 2010!

To kick this issue off right, I would like to once again thank you all for your prayers and thoughts regarding my grandmother, Sue Ferrante. She has been struggling with a brain tumor and needs as much support as she can get. That said, she has been fighting like the warrior she is and the doctors have told us that not only has she gained some much needed weight back, but her tumor has shrunk to half the size! Please keep those prayers coming for Sue, the fam, the doctors, and others involved. After all, we can all benefit from a friendly chat with the Big Guy Upstairs. Thanks a million, everyone! My prayers are with you, too.

SEPTEMBER Accomplishments:

CHECK OUT THE NEW SINGLE!
It's ALIVE!! LIIIIVVVEE!!! In You, the debut single from Jacuzzi Fiend's new album is finally here! Check it out now on our official website or MySpace and be the first to witness a comeback 10 years in the making. Above is the official cover art for both the U.S. and Japanese Special Editions of the full-length release, "Old Souls...Young Hearts". Each version of the album will contain exclusive bonus tracks, and will be available for sale in both digital and hard copy form. Stay tuned to JacuzziFiend.com (now universally enhanced by GoogleTranslate) for track listings, release dates, and info on how you can win a free, signed copy of the new CD!

OCTOBER Accomplishments:

JACUZZI FIEND'S 2nd RADIO BROADCAST!
Back to The Grind! Thanks to Chris Mac-B., Jacuzzi Fiend return to the ever-popular PunkRadioCast series. Our previously unreleased track, Looking Glass made its worldwide debut on Episode #87. Click the banner to download the entire broadcast for FREE!!

"Artist Of The Month"
(Dudes I Know That Maybe You Should, Too!)

ENTER THE WORLD OF BENNY WHALER!
It is, indeed, a pleasure to have this issue's Artist Of The Month on board. Meet Mr. Benny Whaler! Benny is a 25-year-old independent cartoonist living in L.A. His creative arsenal includes animation, comic strips, and character designs. He's also got lots of fun ideas and an eye for weird, unique humor. I first met Benny at a CSUN panel hosted by FOX at their Hollywood studio. Upon reviewing his portfolio, and later his website, I realized I was dealing with a pro. "I got into animation by making short, animated GIFs of stick figure deaths back when I was 13," recalls Whaler. "In high school, I took some animation classes and after graduating, decided to go the animation route in college, focusing mostly on traditional 2D stuff." Benny's key influences include John Kricfalusi, Tony Millionaire, and Matt Groening, and he is currently working towards turning his passion for character design and story into a career. I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say it won't be long now, amigo! Good luck in all you do, keep up the great work, and thanks so much for sharing your art with us here at the CR Newsletter!

* If you or someone you know would like to be featured as an Artist Of The Month, just reply to this e-mail with your requests.

AND THAT'S A WRAP!!!

As always, thanks so much for reading this far, guys. ;D Creating these newsletters really brings me a lot of joy, and I hope you get as much out of them as I do! If you or anyone you know would like to be added to my official mailing list, just send your requests to CHANCERASPBERRY@HOTMAIL.COM! Thank you and please help spread the word. More fun projects and news are on the way, including Jacuzzi Fiend's debut music video, the Little Billy teaser, Bearman, and more!! Till next time, take care and don't forget to...

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON
...I'm everywhere!

SPACE ME

BOOK ME

TWEET ME
GOD BLESS,

Chance Raspberry =)

NOTE: If you or your company are interested in a limited license for use of this artwork or its respective intellectual properties, please feel free to contact me directly by responding to this e-mail. I will be happy to discuss such a purchase. Thank you.

POWERED BY: CHANCERASPBERRY.COM
All Content Copyright ©2010 Chance Raspberry. All Rights Reserved.

MAY-AUG, 2010 (ISSUE #5)

CHANCERASPBERRY.COM
BACK FROM THE...DORMANT!

Wow, 4 months sure went by in a hurry. FOUR MONTHS, MAN!! Not sure whether to laugh or cry. ;D What's up, friends?! Welcome back to the one and only Chance Raspberry Newsletter. Fortunately, a lot of cool stuff transpired from May to August of this year, and is finally being debuted right here and now. During said duration, I decided to take a short break from animation -- a hiatus within a hiatus, if you will. As a result, my most recent endeavors ended up focusing entirely on MUSIC (hence the Special Edition title!) Turns out my old band from high school still has a few tricks up their sleeve (and a few brand new fans??) CRAZY! But hang on, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start at the beginning.

Before we dive into this cavalcade of creation, I would first like to sincerely thank ALL of you for your prayers and thoughts during my uncle Matt's struggle with lung cancer. Matt Ferrante passed away in late June of 2010, but thanks to the good Lord, his doctors and nurses, and all of your thoughts and prayers, Matt was able to spend even more time with his family and friends. I can't tell you how much your love and support have meant to my family and I, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please keep the prayer coming -- my grandmother, Sue, is now struggling with cancer as well. You can make a difference! Please pray. =)

MAY Accomplishments:

JACUZZIFIEND.COM
PHASE 1: RESURRECTION

To those of you who remember these rambunctious, young tikes...WE'RE BAAAACCK!!! To everyone else, you may be asking yourself, "What is a...Jacuzzi....Fiend?" Back in 2004/05, I randomly created a MySpace page for my high school band, Jacuzzi Fiend (1998-2000.) Years went by and our collective group of friends, fans, and networks grew at a minimal to average rate...until this year! Then one morning, early Summer 2010, I opened an e-mail from someone in Canada requesting to purchase all of our releases. Naturally, I filled his order with a smile and was about to file the event under "Fluke" when I received another order just a few days later. The requests kept coming from all over the globe! Japan, Brazil, The UK, Spain, Italy, Greece, and so on.

Soon, I was made aware that this sudden spike in activity was due to a popular online forum called SkatePunkers (special thanks to Khet!) Turns out a couple of their moderators had stumbled upon the JF MySpace and liked what they heard. A few threads later, Jacuzzi Fiend had begun building a whole new fan base (and we didn't even know it!!) Since then, a rebirth of melodically epic proportions has swiftly begun to unfold. Amongst other things, the band is currently producing a brand new, full-length album (our first release in 10 years.) The cover art, track list, and release date are all on the way, along with our 2010 single, "In You." Read on to learn more about the Jacuzzi Fiend comeback, or click the above banner to download FREE MP3s, get the latest news, and hop on the bandwagon!!!

JF @ FAST CIRCLE RECORDS

PHASE 2: INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION

As the name Jacuzzi Fiend spread online, some very helpful, new friends began suggesting ways for us to make connections and "move on up." Among these was Japan's very own Fast Circle Records. A few e-mails and a shipment or two later, Fast Circle became Jacuzzi Fiend's #1 supporter! They now carry and distribute all the JF/CR releases locally, and their official website features our new promo EP, "Extreme Skatepunk...With A Twist!" Many sincere and special thanks to Noji and the gang @ Fast Circle Records for helping us out and giving our music a shot!

JUNE Accomplishments:

JF @ DYING SCENE NEWS

PHASE 3: MAKING THE NEWS

Once we had established connections overseas, my first priority was to hit the tabloid! That's where DyingScene.com came in. It is a popular news site for all things Punk Rock (and despite its name, they sure have one hell of a pulse!!) A very special thanks from all the JF boys to Marc R. of DyingScene and SkatePunkers for being our biggest insight and connection thus far -- we wouldn't be here without you, amigo! Click above to check out what The Scene says about The Fiend.

JULY Accomplisments:

JACUZZI FIEND: ON THE AIR!!!

"The Grind's" Official Website

PunkRadioCast.com's Official Website

PHASE 4: SEIZING THE AIR

Our biggest break yet can be downloaded for free by clicking the above banner. Thanks to Chris Mac-B of PunkRadioCast.com's, "The Grind", Jacuzzi Fiend made their worldwide debut on Episode 81: "Back From The Dead" edition of the popular online series! You're the man, Chris!! Check out any of the links above for some excellent rock 'n' roll!!!

AUGUST Accomplishments:

JF @ HIGH SPEED FLOWER RECORDS
PHASE 5: SWEEPING THE NATION

It would seem the rumors we've heard about our brand of music being big in Japan are not merely rumors at all. Thanks to Ku-ge of the ever-growing High Speed Flower Records, we have received even more Japanese exposure! As a result, the new JF album will include 2 Bonus Tracks for Japan (in addition to the 10 brand new songs released world-wide!!) For those who wish to purchase the album directly from us, we will be selling both editions along with other classic and all new Jacuzzi Fiend merch. Stay tuned!!!

"Artist Of The Month"

(Dudes I Know That Maybe You Should, Too!)

ENTER THE WORLD OF IZZY IZZGUARD!

In keeping with the tradition of myself and this newsletter, I had to throw in at least one animation-related feature. And what a great feature it turned out to be! The skills of Ms. Izzy Izzguard, fellow artist and friend, were brought to my attention by Charles Zembillas, at a routine Character Design class hosted by The Animation Academy. Izzy's ability to draw in that endearing Bluth/Disney style was what first caught my attention, but her level of solid talent and strict adherence to the traditional fundamentals of drawing are what kept me intrigued! It is for this reason her work embodies volume, depth, and most importantly, LIFE. Her art is some of the most imaginative I've seen in quite some time. Izzy is a young adult/student now living in Los Angeles, and has been drawing since age 3 (to all you up-and-comers out there, remember her story when you feel discouraged -- it takes years to get there but look at her now!) Her key influences include Don Bluth, Charles Zembillas, John K., Chuck Jones, and Chris Sanders, as well as many cartoons from the 80s and early 90s. Izzy's goal since age 8 has been to become a professional in the animation industry, and from the looks of things, she is well on her way! Thank you so much for sharing your work and story with us, Iz, and for being a part of the CR Newsletter!! Keep up the great work -- I'm sure I speak for all our readers when I say I can't wait to see more!!!

AND NOW FOR THE NEWS:

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS - Contact Patrice: (818) 812-0202
- Piano, Voice, Language: Italian, German, French Spanish, Latin
- Baroque, Romantic, Opera, Classic, & Modern
- Vocal Coaching, Music, Theatre, Gospel, & Art-song
- STUDENTS: Nail your final exams and auditions!!
- Win roles and competitions with ease!

AND THAT'S A WRAP!!!

As always, thanks for reading, everyone!! Stay tooned for updates on Jacuzzi Fiend, Little Billy, CR merch, and MORE!!! If you or anyone you know would like to be added to my official mailing list, just write to CHANCERASPBERRY@HOTMAIL.COM with your requests! Thanks and please help spread the word. =)

GOD BLESS,
Chance Raspberry

SPACE ME

BOOK ME

APRIL, 2010 (ISSUE #4)

CHANCERASPBERRY.COM

WELL...BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!!

Lol, sorry for the delay everyone! April was a month of new "adventures" for your ol' buddy, Raz, and as such, it took me till now to get its newsletter off the ground. I'm working hard as we speak to make up for lost time, plus there's a lot of NEW stuff in the works, so hopefully May will allow me to catch up! Before we jump into April, though, here's a quick update on our hero, Matt Ferrante:

CLICK HERE FOR LUNG CANCER TREATMENT INFORMATION
After another serious episode, Matt was recently hospitalized for several days and despite the doctors' expectations, he has made an impressive recovery. Praise God! Thank you all so much for your prayers, calls, and best wishes!! They have truly made an undeniable difference throughout the entirety of this situation. Please keep 'em coming!!! Matt is fighting hard, but dealing with a whole lot right now, as is his family, and they can really use all of our prayer and support (myself included.) Thank you all!

APRIL Accomplishments:

THE ALL-NEW "CHANCERASPBERRY.COM" - PAYPAL STORE #1

Many of you have asked me how to purchase my products online. Unfortunately, there was never a fast, easy way to do so...UNTIL NOW!!! Introducing the ALL-NEW ChanceRaspberry.com, the official online headquarters for all things Chance Raspberry!! In addition to my Animation, Comics, Music, Blog, and Career Portfolio, this new homepage is fully equipped with not one, but TWO PayPal Stores! Now, any and all of my original collector's Mugs, Prints, CDs, and other merchandise can be purchased and shipped directly to you (anywhere in the world) with just a few clicks.

As if all this weren't enough, ALL my upcoming projects and creative endeavors will be added to this one site -- no longer will anyone have to keep track of "all the junk that crazy kid is up to!" ;D So please, drop by, explore, enjoy some cool, RARE tunes...and HAVE FUN!!

THE ALL-NEW "JACUZZIFIEND.COM" - PAYPAL STORE #2

One of the newest additions to ChanceRaspberry.com is the official Jacuzzi Fiend homepage! In addition to being the second of the new PayPal stores, this site contains any and everything you want to know about my Skatepunk band from HIGH SCHOOL!! That's right, friends -- BUY the CDs, listen to the music, and if you're at all curious about what I was up to before all this animation stuff got going, definitely drop by and check this page out!!! If the answer you're looking for isn't there, a LINK to it is. ;)

At this very moment, I am in the process of writing a BRAND NEW Jacuzzi Fiend album (our first release in 10 years!) "In You", our first of two new singles, is nearing the final stages of production and will soon be available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and other major distributors!! Swing by, have a listen, and ENJOY!!!

"Artist Of The Month"
(Dudes I Know That Maybe You Should, Too!)

ENTER THE WORLD OF TAKENA NAGAO!

Believe it or not, April's Artist of the Month is actually a college student!! That's right -- all you up-and-comers out there, listen up cause THIS is your competition! This stop-motion mastermind goes by the name of Takena Nagao. He is 23 years old and based out of Japan. Here is what the animator had to say about himself and his work: "I began making clay animations in high school. I'm a huge fan of horror movies and metal music. My works are often renowned for violence and gore! Enjoy!" Once again, I present you with an epitome of graphic, HORROR animation that is definitely not for the squeamish! Still, Nagao's sheer quality and attention to detail is guaranteed to blow your mind (it did mine!!) In all seriousness, these shorts would make an excellent series. Thanks so much for joining us here on the Chance Raspberry Newsletter, Takena! Help Takena out by watching, rating, and subscribing to his channel!! Thanks and ENJOY!!!

CHECK OUT TAKENA'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE
http://www.eonet.ne.jp/~y-nagao/home.htm
AND NOW FOR THE NEWS:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT DON BLUTH @ AN NIGHT!!!

HOLY JEEPERS, animation fans -- it's TRUE!! This month (MAY 25th) for ONE NIGHT ONLY at Animation Nation's official meeting, join animation legend, DON BLUTH, for an intimate evening of close, personal conversation, history, Q&A, animation, artwork, wisdom, and MORE! Meet the pioneer that brought us so many of our childhood favorites, including The Secret of NIMH, An American Tail, All Dogs Go To Heaven, The Land Before Time, Rock-A-Doodle, Anastasia, and the notorious Space Ace and Dragon's Lair video games. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity...you KNOW you wanna go! ;D Hope to see you all there!!

ANIMATION NATION NIGHT
(Last TUESDAY of every month)
7 - 11 PM

Located at:

The Burbank Hall of Realtors
2006 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506

AND THAT'S A WRAP!!!

As always, thanks for reading and checking out the newsletter, everyone!! If you or anyone you know would like to be added to my official mailing list, just write to CHANCERASPBERRY@HOTMAIL.COM with your requests! Thanks and please help spread the word. =)

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NOV-DEC, 2010 (ISSUE #7)

SEPT-OCT, 2010 (ISSUE #6)

MAY-AUG, 2010 (ISSUE #5)

APRIL, 2010 (ISSUE #4)

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