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From the time he was an undergrad on Cullen Boulevard, Robert Flores wanted to work at ESPN.
It wasn't that long ago, but things were different then. ESPN was well-known but not quite the sports media juggernaut that it is today. The Houston Cougars were playing home games at the Astrodome. They were breaking records with their high-powered offense and were nationally-ranked.
While he was balancing classes with a part-time gig in the sports department at KHOU Channel 11, it was a distant dream for Flores.
Now, he's living it. The class of 1992 UH alum is an anchor for the largest sports media network in the world, headquartered in Bristol, Conn.
"Sometimes, it's like the This is SportsCenter commercials," said Flores, who is in town today to attend a UH Alumni Association poker tournament. "You'll be in the cafeteria and say 'Oh hey, there's Cris Carter or Chris Mullin or there's another Hall of Famer.'
"In some ways it's like that and in some ways it's like going to a friend's house when you're sitting and watching games with friends. But I'll say this: all the time, it's a serious news operation. But it's great."
Flores, 41, is Houston born and bred, a graduate of Dobie High School before he attended UH, where he earned his degree in radio/television. After his time at Channel 11, where he said he learned valuable lessons off camera from developing contacts and relationships, writing scripts and putting together show rundowns, Flores got his first on-air gig in Monroe, La. Waco came next for Flores, then in 2000, he was hired by KEYE in Austin and was ready to make it his permanent home with his family.
But he was abruptly fired in 2004 for uttering an expletive on a taped segment that wasn't meant to air, but somehow did. The station also fired the tape operator and the technical director resigned and a floored Flores was left wondering what to do next. He was out of work for the next six months and he was looking into taking classes to become an insurance salesman before ESPN dialed him up.
Flores' agent, who also had clients at ESPN, had sent Flores' resume tape to the network and they showed an interest. Just days before Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005, Flores got a call from his agent to inform him that ESPN had offered him a job and just like that, his life changed.
"It wasn't DEFCON 1, but it was close," Flores said of the circumstances before ESPN called. "(ESPN) was a saving grace for me. For them to take a chance on me considering what happened, I'm just thankful that they saw something in my work that led them to give me an opportunity and I'll always be thankful for that."
Currently, Flores is a SportsCenter anchor. In his time on the Bristol campus, Flores has also served as an anchor for ESPNNEWS and Friday Night Fights.
"I've been here a little over six years and there are still times when I'll be on the set or in the newsroom and I'll think 'I cannot believe that I'm here.' "
Flores was kind enough to take a lot of time to chat about myriad topics with me, including UH-related topics. Here's some material from our Q&A.
Q: What was it like being a student at UH when you were there?
A: I was there from '89-'92. That was the end of Andre (Ware's) career there and his Heisman Trophy season. That was exciting to be part of the campus around the time. Then David Klingler took over…those were some heady times for the program. A lot of excitement going to the old Astrodome and watching that offense with coach (Jack) Pardee and (John) Jenkins a little bit later. It was definitely exciting to be part of that. I'm always a little disappointed that they were never quite able to get over that hump nationally. There were definitely good times. Andre, who's one of our analysts now, we'll see each other and chat on the Bristol campus about those days and stuff like that. Hopefully with coach (Kevin) Sumlin and some of the guys they have in place now, maybe the best is still yet to come."
Q: What first triggered your interest and passion in this profession?
A: My earliest recollection of TV news and sports was when I was 6-7 years old, waiting to stay up and watch Bob Allen and the sports on Channel 13. I just enjoyed it. I was always a huge sports fan. I was always wanting to know more about the players, and the teams and the stats. I was definitely a stats geek, even as a little kid. I wasn't that great of an athlete but I enjoyed playing. It was just something I always followed. My dad was a big sports fan so that was something that we enjoyed – watching games on TV or going to Astros games like a lot of the kids. I've always enjoyed sports and am thankful everyday that I get to be around it as my job.
Q: What's it like working at ESPN, especially when something breaks and you're having to go on the air live with not a ton of preparation?
A: For a lot of the anchors there, our time on the set is a lot longer than just one hour. Many of the SportsCenter shifts are now three-hour blocks. For instance, there are times where I'll be anchoring one of the morning shows which is a three-hour block. And when you get breaking news, more often than not, you'll be thankful because it makes that time on the set go quicker. When you have information coming at you and the story is rapidly changing minute-by-minute or hour-by-hour, it makes the day go quicker. Sure there are challenges but we have the best research department. First, I'd never worked at a place that had a research department. The men and women in that department do their best to make you look good and sound smart. Even if it's breaking news, not only do you have whatever knowledge in your head about a particular subject but the people behind the scenes are constantly feeding you new information and keeping you up to date in what's going on and in that way it's one big team effort.
Q: Obviously you have a lot to prepare for and keep track of in the role of an anchor, so given that, how much are you able to keep up with what's happening with the Cougars?
A: I do my best to read the Chronicle online and check out the athletic Web site and coach Sumlin and I have exchanged texts every now and then and he has been nice enough to return my texts and e-mails. And Case Keenum was on the Bristol campus (last) summer. So I follow him on Twitter so I get a chance to see what's going on and I keep up with it as much as possible. I know last season was tough for the football team but I'm glad that Case is back and I'm thrilled that coach Sumlin is also staying for this season and I really think this is going to be a bounce back season. I'm excited. I'm already ready for the season opener.
Q: What are your thoughts on the direction of UH athletics?
A: I think that obviously this is a challenging time for all athletics departments. There's so much change in terms of conference alignment and revenue streams and it's a lot different now than it was when I was in school there back in the '90s. When I was in school we were still a part of the Southwest Conference. Those days are long gone. I think that the University of Houston, while we still have some work to do, I think that we're on the brink of something special. Obviously, the work that I'm talking about, it's well documented: facilities, finding new ways to fund those facilities and obviously it's not easy — especially during these economic times. But the University of Houston has so much to offer, not only in terms of athletics but educationally. And being in the city of Houston, a major media market, that's an advantage that we should find a way to exploit. I think we're on the brink of something special. Hopefully we can take those last couple of steps to get over the hump and I still think the University of Houston can be a major player when it comes to collegiate athletics.
Q: What are your thoughts on conference realignment and UH's chances of being included in a BCS conference in the future?
A: Obviously, I'm biased. But if I'm a major conference, why would you not want to take the University of Houston? Obviously, ESPN is a major partner with the BCS. So much of collegiate athletics is about TV and TV exposure and TV money — why would you not want a school that's in one of the major media markets in the United States? Like I said, obviously, I'm biased, but I think the University of Houston has a great things to offer. The city of Houston is great, the state of Texas is great. So I think the University of Houston should be in a BCS conference. I would love to see it.
You can follow Robert Flores on twitter at @RoFloESPN


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Aggreko appoints new CFO
Aggreko is pleased to announce the appointment of Heath Drewett as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Heath is an experienced finance professional, working in the engineering, leisure, transportation and industrial sectors.
Chris Weston, Chief Executive Officer, said:
"On behalf of the Board and the Company, I am delighted to welcome Heath to Aggreko. Heath is an experienced CFO and proven leader and I look forward to working with him as we continue to position Aggreko for the future."
- Press team Contact Us
- Contact Us on Social Media Tweet us at Aggreko_

subset: commoncrawl


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I don't know about you, but this very public debacle between Leno, Conan, (Jimmy Fallon is in there somewhere) and NBC is fascinating - not just to the public, but those of us on the management side who go through similar personnel moves and strategizing on a regular basis.
The surprise to me is just how out in the open it all is. In most cases, management strives to have all the pieces in place before anything leaks to the public. That's not always easy, because when you're dealing with multiple personalities in different slots, major league egos, agents, and the Internet, it takes a great deal of finesse to pull it all off.
The last word that comes to mind for this Conan situation is finesse.
Did NBC really think they could simply solve their prime time problem with Leno by simply floating their intention to the public - and hoping that Conan would simply OK the deal to move back to midnight?
And in another move that signifies how Conan may have won the sympathy of the American consumer - whether they have been enjoying The Tonight Show or not - here's a portion of his statement that explains why from both an artistic and from a business standpoint, moving his show later is just a bad idea:
So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn't matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.
There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.
So, among other things, talent has the upper hand in this mess. And the company ends up looking dumb, shortsighted, and unwilling to give Conan enough time to establish his vision of The Tonight Show. And Leno, after years of success, comes off looking like a failure.
Anybody who has managed or programmed radio stations for just a few years has run into similar dilemmas. How much time do you give a show? How can you coach talent in an effective manner to get a better result? And in how many cases is the answer simply that it's going to take more time?
We aren't inside the NBC conference room, and I have been in enough of these situations to know that outsiders are often clueless about what really is being discussed and considered. It usually comes down to whether the right decision is made about cutting bait, or whether the wrong call is made that simply fails to give talent enough of an opportunity to find its voice and, in the process, win over the audience.
This Conan situation has become very bush league, and now involves too many of the key stakeholders - the network, the talent, the affiliates, advertisers, the other media, the blogosphere and, of course, the audience. The damage is widespread.
It also speaks to the power of the personality in determining futures. In radio, it's a fine line. In this economy, companies are coming back to talent looking for a cheaper deal. And in more and more of these situations, jocks and teams are either deciding to walk (Dave, Shelley, & Chainsaw), are simply not being renewed (Jonathan Brandmeier, Steve Dahl), or are ending up re-energizing their careers on a new platform (Adam Carolla).
It is interesting that for industries that continue to emphasize the importance of "content" as personified by talent, there is an incredible amount of indecision and odd shifting around happening for everyone to see.
In the old days, companies could get away with these types of NBC moves, and consumers were reduced to letter writing campaigns, most of which went nowhere.
The Internet changed the game, and moved the discussion to the citizenry. And as many radio general managers have seen over the past year, that tends to have a life of its own.
In Conan's case, his fans have their own dedicated Facebook page where they can support his efforts, bitch and moan, and organize their disdain for NBC.
Despite its best efforts, this mess is cascading well beyond the control of NBC's moguls, and into the hands of the audience, advertisers, affiliates and all other quarters the company was hoping to avoid. There are lessons here for any media outlet that depends on personality.
The Conan story is indeed a cautionary tale of how not to manage great talent in this new decade.


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Here's a large collection of pics from the Double Hero Festival, an event I know nothing about, but looks cool. Featured here are costumes and props from both Super Sentai and Kamen Rider. Let's take a look:
First up, we have Super Sentai stuff.
And next, we have some Kamen Rider exhibit pics.
And that's the end of the pics from this event for now, if anything else pops up, I'll be sure to let you know!
-M.C., the Quantum Twin


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Tom Hanks is a man that I'd want to be friends with. He's so genuine, appreciates his fans and their humor, and well come on -- he's Woody from Toy Story! The lovable actor gave an amazing speech at Michael Clarke Duncan's memorial service on Monday, surrounded by other big names including Jay Leno, Holly Robinson Peete, Loretta Devine, Stevie Wonder, and of course -- Duncan's other friends and family.
Hanks, who co-starred with Duncan in The Green Mile, told of a time that Duncan decided he wanted to be in a gang. When he came home donning the gang's signature "symbol," his mom casually hit him over the head with a frying pan, then made him go back and "un-join."
I can't even imagine! Alone, that story sounds hilarious, but watching Hanks tell it and laugh with tears in his eyes, well, it brought me to tears, too.
This is a must-see. Watch Hanks' touching (and hilarious!) tribute to Duncan, here:
Seriously, how fantastic was that? His impression of Duncan at times is just so spot on. It brings me straight back to his John Coffey, The Green Mile days. And his tears at the end! You can tell that Hanks really valued his friendship with the late actor.
This is totally what memorial services should be like, always. Remembering the good things about a person. Sure, sadness, well, that comes naturally. It's OK to cry. But watching Hanks commemorate Duncan by sharing a funny story he told him once, it really does warm my heart.
What did you think of Hanks' funny story at Michael Clarke Duncan's memorial service?
Image via CNN/YouTube


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Prediction: New Devices will Surface from Microsoft for Windows 8 Blue summer 2013
This is entirely based on thought, guesswork, what's really needed, what's possible, and wishful thinking at worst. It is not based on any communication or disclosure from Microsoft (directly or indirectly).
Microsoft – note the short branding style.
Update: The Build 2013 conference has been announced for June 26th, 27th & 28th. This is around the time that the Surface devices were announced last year. A big negative comment around Build 2011 was that there wasn't a lot of developer information prior to Build 2011. Leaked builds aside, an early conference this year could help appease developers ahead of the Windows Blue release. However, a criticism for the Surface announcement in 2012 was that there were no pre-order date given. A much earlier conference this year may not provide for any new device pre-order announcements if we are looking at an autumn timeframe for new device availability, unless Microsoft has been very busy at work and such devices are coming sooner that we think – an end-of-August date (6 months after the Surface Pro) would tick all the right boxes for back-to-school and stay out of the way of the next Xbox release.
Update: Speculation is moving towards reality – Paul Thurrott of Winsupersite claims that Microsoft will ship an 8" device in 2013. So read 8" instead of 7" below, providing almost 200DPI if the resolution is 1366×768.
Update June 3 2013: Microsoft is having a crazy sell-off of Surface RT and Surface Pro at the Microsoft TechEd North America conference. This signals new devices around the corner!
Queue wavy dream sequence to summer announcements…
Surface Mini – $299
Windows 8 is now available on the the 7" Surface Mini (for $300), which includes Office 2014 RT store apps for Word, Excel, PowerPoint & OneNote (with no business license), limited or NO desktop, and is compatible with the new Surface Dock (Pro) (see below). It features a low-power I3 equivalent, 2GB RAM and 32GB SSD. Battery time is 8+ hours.
Update June 3 2013: Dell is selling Windows RT devices for $299. An Intel Baytrail-based Surface Mini later this year, seems very likely now.
Surface Mini Pro – $399
Also in the mini series is the 7" Surface Mini Pro (for $400), which includes Windows Pro, Office 2014 RT Pro (which add a store version of Outlook with an Office business license), a desktop with app compat, domain join, management group policy with system center/InTune, and docks fantastically using the Surface Dock (Pro) with no DPI issues. It features a low-power I5 equivalent, not ARM, 4GB RAM and 64GB SSD. Battery time is 6+ hours. There are WAN model options for $50 more.
Mini users can upgrade their OS to Windows Pro for $150 (but of course don't get the physical RAM or SSD upgrade).
Both devices come with 2xUSB 3.0, 1xDP (plus DP-HDMI adapter), pen digitizer, WiFi, Bluetooth 4, GPS, Compass, Accelerometer, Gyro, NFC. They are compatible with existing Surface power supplies and DisplayPort accessories, but not keyboards. Buyers are encouraged to buy other Microsoft Bluetooth keyboards.
Surface Dock – $49
There's also the Surface Stand Charger for $50 which is a wireless charger for the Mini Series, with magnetic power-in connector and a bluetooth receiver with 1 DisplayPort out connector.
Surface Dock Pro – $99
The Surface Dock Pro ($100) features a 3-port USB 3.0 hub, the previously mythical DisplayPort MST hub with 3 ports and 1 DP-HDMI adapter, 1000-baseT Ethernet, and magnetic power-in connector. The Mini series connects to the dock in portrait or landscape using one of the two strategically placed USB 3.0 ports also providing wireless charging.
Surface Xbox Mini – $299
The Surface Xbox Mini is a 7" game/companion device at $300 – essentially a Surface Mini with no Office (though available as apps to buy in the store for $100) but increased GPU power. The battery lasts for 4+ hours of game play.
Windows RT –> Windows Phone
The Surface with Windows RT (aka Surface RT) is discontinued. Windows on ARM is now solely the foundation for new WP8 Blue devices which are becoming more like Windows RT, and are compatible with the Surface Dock (Pro) for desktop docking, video display and charging!!! Your desktop is now in your pocket allowing you to dock and use Windows RT on external monitors.
Windows now successfully covers tablets that become your desktop with Surface Mini Pro and phones that become your desktop with Windows Phone.
Surface Screen Adapter – $49
Turn any HDMI or VGA display into a single wireless screen for your Windows 8 tablet or phone (!) device with Bluetooth 3.0+HS or higher.
Update June 3 2013: Microsoft has announced Miracast support in Windows 8.1. This means future Windows 8.1 devices will make use of these kind of screen adapters, which are in fact already available!
Surface Pro 2 – $799
Windows 8 is also available on the Surface Pro 2 (which now starts $799 with 8GB RAM), featuring the lower power Intel chipset with battery life lasting 6+ hours, and is compatible with the Surface Dock Pro, but not for wireless charging. It adds in all missing sensors.
Update June 3 2013: Intel Haswell chips are out of the gate. I expect we'll see the announcement of a Surface device using Haswell at Build on June 26th – perhaps even an available device.
Surface Lap Cover – $149
The Lap Cover is also available for both the Surface Pro & the Surface Pro 2 which is similar to the Type Cover, but providing a locking angle for the screen without the stand and includes a battery which (when combined with the system battery) provides 8+ hours of use for the Pro, and 10+ hours with the Pro 2.
For $600 CxO and IWs are snapping up Surface Mini Pros with WAN, a Dock and a keyboard. Some are saving $200 off the device with a new mobile provider 3-year plan.
The $300 Surface Mini and Surface Xbox Mini become the fastest selling tablets ever during Dec 2013, with families buying multiple units from back to school to xmas.
Then, there's the 'Xbox 720'…
Dell TP713 Wireless Touchpad First Impressions
Let's take a quick look at the TP713 I recently bought and just plugged in. Is it for you?
Choosing from the Spectrum of Windows 8 Hardware
How do you choose from the spectrum of Windows 8 hardware? I'll take you through some of the things I considered to help you along the journey.
Windows 8 Developer Training in Montreal at a Great Price
Microsoft has made bold moves on the software and hardware front for consumers with the launch of Windows 8 and Windows RT, introducing the new WinRT application development platform for building Windows Store Apps. WinRT brings a new style of touch-first user experience, a sand-boxed application runtime with contract-based inter-app communication, a mobile-optimized execution lifecycle and rich notification support. Would you like a jump-start on building your new Windows Store app for Windows 8?
For just $299 on Wed Dec 12th, you get a full day of developer training including in-depth explanation, demonstration, code sample walkthroughs and end-to-end application building. Most training companies charge $400+ a day. And yes, I'm doing the training .
While you're looking at it, you may also want to consider the main 2-day DevTeach conference on Monday Dec 10th.
See you there!
Windows Azure – a Cost-Effective Platform for ISVs
- Use of a Windows Azure application server instance is now just USD$15 a month.
- A SQL database starts at just $5 a month.
- Data transfer is $0.12 per GB (inbound is free)
- There's a free trial offer with lots built-in, and other discount packages available.
This is now at a price-point that is very competitive with discount hosting providers, but even better when you consider the Platform as a Service capabilities, SLA and scalability offered when you start putting things together…
Navigating Windows 8 Beta with only Touch, Mouse or Keyboard
Since the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Summit and the release of Windows 8 beta, I've been making serious use of my Windows Build conference tablet in different situations. Sometimes (due to chosen hardware, dead mouse batteries, etc.) I didn't have input access via touch, keyboard or mouse. It's even possible to find oneself having only one more of access. This can make getting around Windows more interesting, but Microsoft has made practically every navigation action available through all input modes. I've created a list of how to do major Windows 8 navigation using each of these input modes…


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Ah, I love this dress so much! The ruffled sleeves and the wrap over style is my go-to, even though it's taken me forever to find it. I initially spotted in for a family wedding we have in February but decided it would be perfect for a winter party instead, what with the long sleeves but a bit of leg too. It's a lovely heavy expensive feeling fabric and silky too so I thought it would be great for an evening abroad, like our month long holiday to Thailand in April, eek! Although for Thailand it would probably too warm, as April is the hottest time of year.
The Roof Box company Christmas do took place last night and it's fair to say it got a little messy. We had so much fun and I ate too much I was almost sick. I also had work today but I don't feel too bad, so fingers crossed it doesn't kick in later today... We have another 'proper' works do on Friday at the local golf course and I'm hoping that one will be a little more tame than this one but knowing this lot probably not! At the moment I'm lying on the bed watching the rain drizzle down my windows so I'm sensing a pretty lazy day is on the cards, although I might venture out for a Christmas tree, then again I also might not. The Netflix film Mowgli has just been released too so I'm itching to watch that this weekend - it looks incredible! Anyway, thought I'd come say hi and update you with a few pictures. Speak soon, L.


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Last week I wrote about "difference makers." These persons take on the challenge that is life and the challenges of life in a way that makes a significant difference on a select few or on the multitudes. There is something about how these special contributors share their words and deeds that leaves an impression on others about the meaning, the message, the motions, and the methods of living life well.
The ultimate example of a difference maker is Jesus of Nazareth who is called the Christ (Messiah) according to the biblical Scriptures and His followers over the generations since His historical time on this earth. This Jesus lived in such a way that He has influenced multitudes with His meaning, His message, His motions, and His methods. The mysterious and majestic gift of the Gospel (good news) of salvation for the person that places their faith (trust) in Him changes everything (an authentic biblical faith* does that sort of thing).
*Authentic biblical faith is a trust that Jesus is really all the He says He is, that Jesus did all that He said He did, and that Jesus will do all that He says He will do. Such faith leads us to follow all that Jesus calls us to follow (obedience).
Today, I would like to invite you to join me as we examine again the Scriptures and see why we should trust this Jesus. Hopefully, by taking seriously the words of the Bible we will be able to also behold the incredible love that is found and rooted in Christ.
When we hear people speak about the Bible and about Jesus, the familiar phrase "Jesus Loves You" often comes to light. This phrase can be found on the lips of believers and delivered by the proclamation of pastors, but it is also found printed on t-shirts, displayed on billboards, written in paper tracts, and graffiti-ed on walls. These are simple words but powerful words with profound implications.
But what does it mean when you hear someone say, "Jesus loves you"? For those of us who are Christians, what does it mean when we utter these words? Are we sharing it in a pointless and uncaring manner or are wanting to truly shed light on the profound meaning behind the words. When disciples of Jesus are learning about what it means to have life in Christ, knowing the love of God is an indispensable and incomparable treasure.
Before we move forward on this topic… I hope to assure you of some things related to these words: Jesus loves you.
- When someone says "Jesus Loves You" …this is absolutely true.
- When someone trusts that Jesus loves them …this truth changes everything.
- When someone speaks of the love of Jesus …they speak of the never-changing yet ever changing love of God Himself.
The love of Jesus Christ is mysterious, meaningful, majestic, and mighty as it reveals…
- His Power
- His Promise
- His Provision
- His Power
The love of Jesus Christ is mysterious, meaningful, majestic, and mighty as it also reveals and transforms…
- Our Purchase
- Our Position
- Our Pursuit
- Our Practices
It is this mysterious, meaningful, majestic, and mighty love of Christ that causes Paul to express His prayer to God for the church.
The topics discussed are taken from the sermons during the Worship Gathering at Eastgate Baptist.
To listen to this sermon or other past messages…please go to this link.


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Today's area college football games
TCU at Texas Tech
When/where: 3:45 p.m.; Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock.
Records: TCU 3-0; Texas Tech 3-0.
TV/radio: Fox; 1180 AM.
Notable: A Tech victory would avenge an 82-27 loss at Fort Worth last year. It also would match all of the Red Raiders' victories last year and likely earn Tech a Top 25 ranking for the first time since 2013. The Horned Frogs, behind Heisman Trophy candidate Trevone Boykin at quarterback, look to extend their win streak to 12 games.
Grambling St. vs. Prairie View
When/where: 4 p.m.; Cotton Bowl, Dallas.
Radio: 91.3 FM.
Records: Grambling State 1-2, 1-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference; Prairie View A&M 2-1, 2-0 SWAC.
Notable: Panthers quarterback Trey Green has passed for 801 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Texas Southern at Jackson St.
When/where: 6 p.m.; Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, Miss.
Radio: 90.9 FM.
Records: TSU 2-1, 1-1 SWAC: Jackson State 0-3, 0-1.
Notable: Running back Darrell Robinson scored two touchdowns in the third quarter of TSU's 24-20 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff last week.
Houston Baptist at Sam Houston
When/where: 6:30 p.m.; Bowers Stadium, Huntsville.
TV: Fox College Sports Central.
Records: HBU 1-2, 0-1 Southland; Sam Houston State 0-2, 0-1.
Notable: The Bearkats are looking to bounce back after losing to Lamar 49-46 in their Southland opener at home.


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Do you offer individual items like dissection kits for a biology course or an extra reading or math workbook?
Yes, individual curriculum is available for virtually every topic/subject - from simple supplementary materials to CD-ROM's - to video courses - to complete full-year course materials - to a one semester or summer school course. Also, lab materials for many of our courses in the sciences are available. A biology kit including dissecting tools, a frog, a fish, worms, etc. as well as a large selection of labs, kits, and assorted peripheral materials are readily available to assist your student in his/her science studies. Click on 'Shop' above.
Do I have to return the books when we are finished?
No, the items included in your customized curriculum package are yours to keep. Many of our students prefer workbooks that can be written in; therefore, once used, serve no further purpose.
Do you offer a 'correspondence' school type curriculum where you grade my student's work?
No. You are provided with answer keys or teacher's manuals. You, the teacher/parent, do the grading and checking of your student's school work.
I desperately need a 'cover' or 'umbrella' school to ease the record keeping burden, the State Dept. of Education evaluation, and to allow for a diploma for my student. Where can I go for this?
Right here! In association with Pinnacle School Inc., an accredited, legitimate private school, listed with the Department of Education, we are able to offer students a diploma program. Yes! A real diploma from a real private school. Not a distance learning or home school diploma. A diploma from a school that is able to offer scholarship assistance as well as accept SAT and ACT college test scores. Pinnacle School is accredited and listed as a legitimate NCAA listed high school, thereby assuring credit acceptance by your choice of college or university. Inexpensive, third party record keeping and assistance. Visit Pinnacle School
My student is very high tech. What about computer courses?
We have them! Digital - On-Line - CD or DVD - Interactive - Whatever you're seeking we can utilize electronic coursework into any package.From Mathematics —to language arts —to writing courses—to computer programming Just visit our E-store for a wide selection.
Do you offer Secular and Christian curriculum. If you do, can we mix the two types?
Sure thing! For a great selection of both Christian and Secular home school materials, just visit our E-store
School starts August 20th and I need my interview and materials right away!
Remember, in most states, you set your school start date...you do not have to begin home schooling the same time frame that public and private schools begin! You must teach the required days or hours for your State (typically 180 days) - but may begin and end when you desire.
What about the Laws in my State?
Visit HSLDA for the most current and up-to-date information regarding your state and homeschooling laws.
What if I'm not satisfied with the materials you send us?
We're not happy until your student is happy. We allow for a ten (10) day return period. Unhappy? Call for a return authorization #. Pack the items carefully, mark the return authorization # on the outside of the package and ship it back to us within ten (10) calendar days. No problem! A complete refund with the exception of the shipping charges will be either credited or forwarded to you depending on your method of payment. We do, however, ask that instead of you, the teacher, deciding whether the materials are satisfactory, please allow your student to evaluate the materials. Our choices are based on years of experience and feedback from thousands of students. What works well for your student may not be what you expected. Also - and this is unique in the homeschool market -
Core Curriculum of America has a policy wherein a single course may be exchanged for another course within 30 days as long as the course materials are in new and unmarked condition. That means that if one of our credentialed advisors made an error in selecting what he/she believes to be the best course for your son or daughter, we'll send you a new course. Now that's homeschooling made easy!
Do your courses include tests?
Most of our courses do not include tests. Because of the prominence of test anxiety and the fact that most students view TEST as a bad, "four-letter-word", we are not proponents of tests. Our experience, and, more importantly, our families experiences, have shown that for most students a test is not a true indication of a student's abilities. We suggest that our families use the 'unit reviews' or 'chapter reviews' etc. as found within a course or text as a test and grade it accordingly.
Do you include teacher's manuals or answer keys?
Yes, either teacher's manuals or answer keys are included FREE. These are included beginning with third (3) grade curriculum packages. K-3 elementary level packages do not include keys or manuals. K-3 teacher's manuals are available as an option only.
Back In Session...
education choices abound!
A semester has passed and the school year only has a few more months but - still, more than ever - parents are considering homeschooling. Homeschool families have increased by 7% each of the last couple years according to a recent study. Parents are rethinking their education options.
With the advent of Common Core Standards (of which we are NOT a proponent), even more of an increase is on the horizon. Nearly 2 out of every 3 families we speak to mention that they do NOT want Common Core materials - and of course we oblige. Many parents are seeing the results of public school education and the effect that issues surrounding public schools have on their child; Bullying, Lack of care for "my child", IEPs not being followed or put into place, political correctness (or incorrectness) rising costs to families, violence on campus, Common Core issues, and more.
One family called us telling us that they had to pay for their student's textbooks because their school district didn't have the funding necessary. A bill for nearly $900.00 was handed them for books. For a third of that cost we assembled a customized curriculum package.For these reasons and more, like simply TAKING CONTROL of their children's future - families are considering the obvious alternative... a new endeavor into homeschooling. Here you are visiting Core Curriculum of America - Where you'll find both VALUE AND QUALITY in secular (non-religious) home school curriculum - thank you.
The majority of new homeschoolers think that the school year for their home school program should coincide with the exact start and finish dates for their local school district. That's not the case! As long as you meet your State requirements (typically 180 days of schooling) for a given calendar period you can begin and end your school year whenever you wish. With that understanding there's no need to feel rushed - relax - take a deep breath, sit back & evaluate your situation. No stress! Just call us and we'll assist you in assembling your secular (not bible-based - the same kind of materials found in public schools but adapted for use in the home) curriculum needs - when YOU are ready.
Curriculum that is easy to use for both the student and parent yet academically stimulating? No problem! Secular materials containing great educational content and topics for excelling at home? No problem! Is your child one who requires a little help because they may be having some difficulty mastering a specific topic or subject? No problem! Whatever the situation kindly consider Core Curriculum of America or our associate company: Homeschool Supercenter for all your homeschool product needs.
We'll gladly assist you with wading through all the information out there and help you make informed decisions regarding your child and his/her education. It may be that there are problems with your local public school - Or perhaps your son/daughter is not getting the education you desire for him/her - Why not consider homeschooling materials from Core Curriculum of America? - What a concept! Core Curriculum's here to help you!
Home Schooling Made Easy!


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This page enables you to register your company, academic institution, organization or yourself for consideration to become a MVIC Associate Member. Associate Membership is by invitation only determined by each Working Group leads that will review all applications and extend participation invitations based upon the information provided and its alignment with Working Groups' goals and objectives, its activities and project portfolio.
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Please confirm you've correctly entered a 'Reply-to' e-mail address because that will be the only registration acknowledgement medium. The timing of extending Associate Membership invitations will be independent of the date of registration on the website and will be primarily based on the current and near-term planned activities of the Working Group. Please register only once, as duplicate submissions will not enhance your chance of receiving an Associate Member invitation. If you have additional questions, please contact: email@example.com


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Every time I go into the mission field, whether it's to Mexico, Honduras, Argentina, Africa… I leave a piece of my heart there when I leave. And I bring a piece of them home with me. Like these fellas in the picture above—Pedro and Andres. Pedro & Andres are the pastors in charge of our denomination's churches in the Dominican Republic. And God sent me to them two years in a row, to lead a medical team in several of their churches. Pedro is the one that named me La Princesa Misionera—The Missionary Princess. He's truly a brother of my heart!
Missionarying can be tough business. There are many long days with little food and water, no indoor plumbing, no air conditioning (do you see my red face in the picture above?) and sometimes, very little appreciation. (Who can find me in the picture below? I'm there and I'm blonde. I'm not giving any more hints.)
We go places like this, where they barely have four walls and a roof…
And we hang out with critters like this little guy, who was camping out under one of my pharmacy trunks. At the end of the day when I started repacking my trunk, we met and I screamed so loudly that about 15 men came running to save me from whoever was attacking me. They laughed when they saw HIM…
And so, by the end of our time there, our host missionaries always take pity on us and slice a bit of time out of our schedule for a little field trip to Boca Chica. (I'm in the back row, on the left. Yeah, the short blue-clad lady next to the REALLY tall guy. I knew that nobody really needed to see me in a bathing suit, so I got in the back…)
But my FAVORITE little get away is our one "night out." Our host missionaries have a favorite little restaurant in Santo Domingo. It's a steakhouse that was built in an American-Western-style. The staff wears cowboy hats and there are saguaro cacti lurking about. And I WISH I could've found you a picture of the inside, but the only picture I could find was this one picture of our host missionaries on the wagon out front…
And so, one balmy Dominican evening, we went out for Steak in Santo Domingo. This was NOT the year that I had the youth team. This particular year, I had an all-adult team and we couldn't wait to sink our teeth into some lovely steaks and drink cold sodas. And to our surprise, when we arrived, they had a live musician scheduled.
The wait staff brought our drinks and our bread as the musician took the stage about fifteen feet in front of our table. He was a gringo—a white guy—but he had long, brown hair and was singing in Spanish (no surprise there). But after a couple of songs, he shocked us by singing—in English—John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads."
We were thrilled to hear familiar songs—in our own language! As our host missionaries shrank back against the windows (probably pretending they didn't know us), we eight Americans sang along at the tops of our lungs! We were laughing and singing as the other patrons clapped. Seeing that he had a captive audience, the guitarist launched into a whole smorgasbord of great American classics. Our rowdy table sang along with every note as we hopped from Van Morrison's "Brown-Eyed Girl" to James Taylor's "Sweet Baby James" and everything in between.
Finally, the singer stood and said, "I can see I have some home folks in the crowd tonight, enjoying the music. Where are you guys from?"
As if we had rehearsed it, we yelled in unison, "NORTH CAROLINA! WOOOO!"
The crowd and the wait staff cheered us and we just laughed and laughed. We couldn't wait to see what he was going to sing next and he didn't make us wait in suspense for long.
"North Carolina?! Wow! You guys have come a long way, so I want to dedicate this next song to you—MARGARITAVILLE!"
And we—a group of medical missionaries from North Carolina—laughing until we were nearly sick, sang along with every word of the Jimmy Buffett anthem. (Okay, maybe we did omit ONE word toward the end…)
After that song and one more, the musician took a well-deserved break, and came down to meet us. Turns out that he was from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Several years ago, he just got bored of the cold and the snow and decided to take his guitar and head south. I did point out to him the irony that he had dedicated a drinking song to a group of missionaries. He didn't seem to think it was that funny, but we sure did…
And that was the night that I was a Missionary in Margaritaville!


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Posted by Ryan J. Suto on July 14, 2017 in Blog
Early in July Representative Trent Franks of Arizona offered a troubling amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. That amendment was entitled "Strategic assessments of the use of violent or unorthodox Islamic religious doctrine to support extremist or terrorist messaging and justification."
The amendment sought to empower the Secretary of Defense to create two assessments of "the use of violent or unorthodox Islamic religious doctrine," one by "relevant" government employees and the other by 'non-governmental experts from academia, industry, or other entities with appropriate background and expertise.' The findings of those two reports were expected to be presented to the Congressional Committees on Armed Services, Foreign Relations, Homeland Security and Intelligence.
The short amendment stated no reason as to how the Defense Department has the qualifications or purview to identify "Islamic religious doctrines, concepts, or schools of thought" used by extremists, nor the ability to discern who are the "thought leaders or proponents" of these alleged branches of Islam. There is further opacity as to what actions the Trump Administration would have taken with the resulting findings. What is clear, however, is inclusion in these assessments would have further stigmatized American Muslims without due process or any clear procedure to object to how the government characterized their most personal religious convictions.
Indeed, the American principle of the separation of religion and governance rests on the truism that governments possess neither the ability nor authority to define, restrict or prefer specific religious doctrines. Importantly, the language of the amendment does not limit the scope of the studies, allowing for the "strategic assessments" to investigate Muslims both at home and abroad, raising troubling First Amendment implications.
Moreover, the conducting of these "strategic assessments" by the Defense Department regarding Islamic groups and leaders, as well as the intended referrals to intelligence- and military-related Congressional committees, continues to frame Islam and all Muslims as only terrorists, potential terrorists, or allies to expose fellow Muslims as future terrorists. The amendment spills no ink acknowledging the 1.6 billion Muslims, both in the U.S. and abroad, who have no greater relationship with terrorism than the adherents of other belief systems.
In Congress, Rep. Franks defended his amendment, stating, "Right now, there is a certain spectrum within the Islamist world that is at the root of the ideological impulse for terrorism." In opposition, Rep. Keith Ellison stated on Twitter, "The amendment would have "abridged the free exercise" of an entire religion." From the House floor, Rep. Ellison went on to note that the government can and should instead study terrorism and what motivates people to commit terrorism.
Today, the Franks amendment was ultimately rejected by a 208-217 vote (R 208-27, D 0-190). Notably, if only five more Republicans supported the amendment, or if only five Democrats did so, the Franks Amendment would have been enacted with the rest of the bill, which passed the House the same day.
The pernicious designs of the Franks Amendment, and the uncomfortably close vote which almost enacted it, should remind all Americans how precious our freedoms are, and how vigilant we must remain to protect them.


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Still Crocheting
Crochet has been happening, wedged between little girl crafts and quilting. This is the sample for a Tunisian class I'm teaching on July 27.
Love, love, love these strawberries. They are a bit tricky to do with two colors, but well worth the effort.
I thought the basketweave would look great as a scarf, so I made this using just one color for the 'strawberries'.
Not as much visual impact,
but I like the look, and it will be easier to teach any beginners who take for the class.


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This is by far not a big website for music reviewing, but i do love the submissions i do get of music i otherwise would not find. Have recieved a couple of submissions by Caius and the tracks are usually lowkey mellowed out tracks with a great vocal.
At this time Caius is hitting great numbers on his tracks and has reached 1 million plays on his tracks, which is just amazing to say the least. His previous tracks here on the site are "Without You" and "Things Gonna Be Okay"
The latest track is similar to the other great works of his and is called "All of My Loving" and is perfect for a sunny laidback day by the pool, guaranteed it won't disappoint!
I am going on vacation soon and i for sure am bringing some Caius with me.
Follow him here:
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Joe has been lacking in the area of baked desserts. Let's face it, most baked goods that consist mainly of flour just don't taste the same when they're transformed in to their gluten-free counterparts. So let's go the cobbler route. With this gluten-free recipe, you'll be hard-pressed to tell if it contains gluten or not!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2-3 cups frozen peaches or other fruit (mixed berries is good too), thawed
(I used a bag of frozen peaches and added a handful of fresh blueberries)
1/3 cup sugar
1 stick butter, melted
Dry Baking Mix...
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
For GLUTEN-FREE: omit the above dry ingredients and use Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Baking Mix, or mix your own:
2/3 cup rice flour--finely ground
1/4 cup potato starch flour
2 TBSP tapioca starch
1/2 tsp. xanthan gum
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup additional sugar
1 cup milk (for lactose-free, use Lactaid milk)
1 TBSP lemon juice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Measure milk and add lemon juice, set aside for 10 minutes (can use buttermilk without the lemon juice instead, but it's got lactose).
In medium bowl, stir in 1/3 cup sugar to the thawed fruit, set aside.
Pour melted butter in 8 x 8-inch baking dish. Or, do what I do and melt the butter right in the glass dish by zapping it in the microwave.
Put baking mix ingredients and 1 cup sugar into a medium bowl and mix.
Add milk mixture, stir briefly just to incorporate all ingredients.
Pour batter on top of the melted butter in the baking dish.
NOTE: If you'd like a wonderfully buttery crust, do NOT stir! If you want more of a cakey batter, feel free to stir the butter into the batter at this point, but I may frown at you if I catch you!
Evenly pour the fruit mixture over the batter. Again, do not stir. The fruit will find its own home of choice within the batter. It's best not to mess with Mother Nature, you know! Here's what mine looked like before I sprinkled it with the spices.
I know, I don't currently have my 8 x 8-inch baking dish--it was broken. So, I had to modify the recipe accordingly. But please, go along with me here!
Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg on top.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until crust is browned and a toothpick comes out clean.
When it was done baking, all the fruit was hiding underneath the pretty golden crust!
If you're feeling a little spunky, you can also add 1 tsp. grated lemon peel to the batter. Or if you want to mix things up a bit more, add 1 tsp. almond extract to the fruit...or batter! Live it up and change it up as the spirit moves you!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Fruit Cobbler (gluten free)
Labels: desserts/sweets, gluten free
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This 35-mm cube is one of Polaroid's new action sports cameras set for summer release. The portable camera comes in pink, blue, and black, with all designs featuring Polaroid's retro rainbow stripe. More than a pretty piece, the five-megapixel camera has a 120-degree wide-angle lens that shoots HD video in 1280 x 720px and 640 x 580px, a microphone, an LED light, and a micro SD slot that holds up to 32GB. It is also waterproof up to 2 meters (6.6 feet), allowing users to play in the shallows. A versatile and relatively affordable design, Polaroid's little cube promises to roll with one's imagination, going (almost) anywhere an action camera can go.
Via [The Verge]


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2020 ITA Competitions Repertoire
Click the link above to view the repertoire for the 2020 competitions cycle.
General Information
Three finalists, selected from a preliminary recorded round, will be chosen by international judging panels in 12 different competition categories—Fontana, Johnson, Smith, Marsteller, Wiehe, Gagliardi, ITA Alto, Roberts, Yaxley, Van Haney, Kleinhammer and Quartet. Those applicants selected as finalists will be invited to perform in a live final round at the International Trombone Festival, July 2-5, 2020 in Osaka, Japan. All finalists will receive a full tuition waiver to attend the 2020 ITF; housing, food and travel expenses will NOT be covered by the International Trombone Association or the International Trombone Festival.
A winner and one runner-up will be selected from submitted recordings in the Emory Remington and Kai Winding trombone ensemble categories. Each winning ensemble will receive a featured performance at the International Trombone Festival, July 2-5, 2020 in Osaka, Japan. Its members and teacher/conductor will receive a full tuition waiver to attend the ITF; housing, food and travel expenses will NOT be covered by the International Trombone Association or the International Trombone Festival.
Winners of the Remington and Winding Competitions will be obligated to perform at the 2020 International Trombone Festival. Winners in other categories may be asked to participate in a clinic or solo performance at the 2020 ITF.
***Recording Format***
Be sure to carefully read the recording guidelines and plan for the correct recording format. Video entries are now required for most categories. Van Haney, Kleinhammer, Remington, and Winding competitions will remain as audio-only submissions.
Submission Instructions
Applications to the 2020 ITA Solo and Ensemble Competitions will open October 10, 2019 and close at the end of the day on December 10, 2019. All applications will be submitted online at: https://app.getacceptd.com/ita
Please plan to begin your application well before the due date in case you encounter any problems with submitting the online application; the deadline will not be extended if you encounter problems submitting your application in the last moments before the deadline. Payment must be made to Acceptd via credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and JCB are accepted.)
Recording Guidelines
The 2020 Recording Guidelines must be strictly observed to avoid disqualification.
General Requirements (applicable to all competition categories):
- Failure to strictly adhere to the General Requirements, Recording Guidelines, or Competition Rules will result in immediate disqualification. In the event of a disqualification, the application fee will not be refunded.
- Each competition participant (except piano accompanists or rhythm section players) must be an ITA member in good standing BEFORE beginning the competition registration process. Free promotional/trial memberships do not meet this requirement. (You will need to enter either your ITA website username, used to log in to the members only area of trombone.net, OR your ITA member number.)
- Entries will be submitted by online application and digital audio or video file upload, depending on the competition. The format for the submission will be specified in the rules for each competition. Specific submission instructions may be found under "Submission Instructions." When recording, applicants must strictly follow the "Recording Guidelines."
- Each competition category has its own set of specific rules and repertoire requirements. These must be strictly followed in addition to the General Requirements and Recording Guidelines.
- Registration will open on October 10, 2019 and close on December 10, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST).
- A non-refundable application fee of $57 ($30 ITA fee + $27 Acceptd fee) is required for each solo entry—Fontana, Johnson, Smith, Marsteller, Wiehe, Gagliardi, ITA Alto, Roberts, Kleinhammer and Van Haney. A non-refundable $102 application fee ($75 ITA fee + $27 Acceptd fee) is required for each ensemble entry—Quartet, Winding and Remington.
- Age requirements must be met as of December 31, 2019. Proof of age (for example, photocopy of driver's license, passport, visa or birth certificate) must be included (PDF or JPEG file format.)
- Applicants should strictly follow the Recording Guidelines document. Absolutely no editing of any kind is permitted within a solo piece. Editing is defined as any alteration to the recorded performance from the first to the last note. (It is permitted to trim the beginning or end of each file, i.e. before the music begins or after it concludes.) Individual movements or excerpts may be recorded separately only where specifically allowed in the competition rules.
- Applicants are not allowed to post pictures, video, or audio from the recording sessions online or to social media until after finalists have been formally announced by the International Trombone Association.
- Attendance at the 2020 International Trombone Festival in Osaka, Japan is required of all finalists. Finalists and winning ensemble members are required to confirm their participation at the 2020 ITF by March 15, 2020 in order to guarantee their finalist position. Alternates or runners-up may be invited to replace any finalist who fails to confirm by March 15, 2020.
- All finalists will be required to perform in the final round with the accompanist or rhythm section provided by the ITA.
- All finalists will be allotted equal rehearsal time with the provided accompanist on the day before the competition.
Frequent Reasons for Disqualification
- Failure to remove all identifying information from audio file names or metadata.
- Failure to record with prescribed accompaniment.
- Failure to provide an unedited recording.
- Failure to record prescribed repertoire according to stipulated rules.
- Failure to avoid all spoken dialogue.
- Failure to submit required proof of age.
- Failure to meet specified age requirements.
- Failure to meet ITA membership requirements.
- Posting of pictures, video, or audio from the recording sessions online or to social media before the preliminary round results have been announced.
Questions regarding the ITA Solo and Ensemble Competitions may be directed to Donny Pinson, ITA Competitions Coordinator at: email@example.com.
Make sure to like ITA's Facebook page to receive the latest competition news directly in your news feed.


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Aaron Meshon
A graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design, Aaron Meshon now lives and works in New York City. His work has been seen throughout the world in hundreds of publications as well as on products such as lunch boxes, t-shirts, puzzles,stationary, and magnets. Aaron's work has been recognized in a number of illustration annuals and juried awards including; Graphics, Society of Illustrators, RSVP, 3x3, AltPick, and American Illustration 23, 24, and 25. Someday, Aaron would like to sell his products from a mobile sweet potato truck in urban Japan.


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Summer has finally come! Or almost, depending on the exact place you are, but still the weather is warm enough to start talking about going to the beach. Just imagine, lying on the beach sunbathing and swimming in the nice cool sea waters. It is like paradise! And have you been thinking where to go to this summer and what to wear?
And not only what to wear on everyday basis, but what to wear at the beach. If not, then you be inspired by some of this season's swimsuit trends. After all, we still need to be wearing some of the finest pieces of clothing at the beach – one never knows who you might meet there. So, put on your favorite type of swimsuit and let's go to the beach!
#1 Floral prints
One of the top swimsuit trends this summer is the floral print. It does nor matter whether you prefer more colorful types of swimsuits, or you want to stick to the more simple ones, like while swimsuit with blue flowers, you can wear it all and be as fashionable as possible.
This year not only swimsuit trends love flowers, but also dresses and accessories. So, if this is a type of print which matches your personal style, then do not hesitate to wear it this summer season. If not, you can check some of the other trends.
#2 Geometrical figures
If you do not want to wear some one-color swimsuit, you can try a more colorful one with geometrical shapes. For example, you could try a stripy swimsuit, because it will elongate your body and it will also make you look slimmer, if, of course, the stripes are vertical and not horizontal.
If you are not into stripes, you can try some other geometrical figures. They are very playful and they also attract attention. So, if you do not want to blend with the rest of the crowd at the beach, try some geometrical swimsuit design.
#3 Swimsuit with a matching scarf
If you want to be super fashionable at the beach and to protect your head and hair from the devastating effects of the sun, then this swimsuit trend is for you – swimsuit with a matching scarf. You can use the scarf as a head wrap if you want to protect your head and hair, but if not, you can also use it to hide your booty or hips if you feel uncomfortable showing them.
The scarf could be with the same print, or you can use a scarf that is in a color contrasting to the one in which your swimsuit is. The only thing that you need to be careful about is choosing one piece swimsuit. It will be a perfect match of the swimsuit.
#4 No-strap swimsuits
If your bust is not too big, you can take advantage of this swimsuit trend. No-strap swimsuit are one of the biggest trend this season. However, if your bust is too big, you will not only feel uncomfortable wearing such kind of swimsuit, but the top part of the swimsuit, no matter whether it is a one-piece or two-piece, may accidentally fall down and your upper area to be exposed to the rest of the people at the beach. So, you need to have this in mind when you are choosing a swimsuit for the summer.
#5 Retro chic
Remember the pin-up girls and their extremely sexy swimsuits? Well, if you still have not tried this kind of swimsuit, this year you could do it, because retro swimsuits are still in business. One of the most popular retro swimsuits are the ones which consist of two pieces – the bottom one is a high-waist one, leaving small piece of flesh between the top and the bottom parts. It is sexy, fashionable, and it hides any extra skin one may have on her belly. It is a perfect kind of design for women who feel uncomfortable about some parts of their bodies, where they gain most weight.
#6 Simple colors
If you are not a fan of the wild prints and vivid colors, then you may like this trend. Swimsuits in earth colors, like nude, beige, brown, white, or light blue are some of the colors what you may choose for your swimsuit this season.
They may seem simple at first, but once you have some suntan, you will see how good these colors will look on your skin, especially the lighter ones, like white. They will make your tan stand out even more. You can also choose one or two piece swimsuit in these colors, they will both be in fashion this season.


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Ever heard of NANOWRIMO? I know what you're thinking. "Sounds like something you could catch by drinking the water in some third world country." Actually, NANOWRIMO is short for National Novel Writing Month. Every November, many thousands of authors attempt what seems to be impossible: writing a 50,000 word novel from scratch in a month. Why? Well, why do people climb Everest or run 26 mile races? To see if they can.
I'm part of a small group here in Texas that will be attempting the impossible. We meet in person once a month and also have online chat sessions every day where people can discuss plots, characters, etc. with other members to get prepared for Nov 1. In the days leading up to NANOWRIMO, I will be discussing how some of the ideas, hurdles, plot points, character arcs, etc. for my novel have changed due to simply spending some time working on them and how they have changed based on the group's input. Hopefully, if you also have a novel in you and you want to be a fellow Nanowrimo-er, this information might help you out as well.
If you are throwing around the idea of doing NANOWRIMO, and 50,000 words seems to daunting, it's basically 6 pages a day. If you've got everything in place, like the outline, character back stories, etc, then the writing should flow pretty well. Like your local Boy Scouts say, be prepared. Indeed for NANOWRIMO, it's all about the preparation. I hope you will join us for the month of madness in November!
Mark Fadden is a freelance writer and author whose latest, award-winning suspense thriller, The Brink, is now available as an eBook for Amazon.com Kindle and Barnes & Noble nook for only $2.99!
"The Brink is a hell of a read." – Bestselling author Sandra Brown
"Mark Fadden is a masterful storyteller." – Writer's Digest
"Mark Fadden is the next Dan Brown." – Triple C Ranch Book Club, Southlake, Texas
Check out The Brink and Mark's other books at http://www.markfadden.com
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Mark Fadden, nanowrimo, national novel writing month, The Brink | Leave a comment »


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Rome became the fulcrum of Western spiritual life in the 4th century. The grandeur of church rituals is reminiscent of the glory days of Julius Caesar. Roman senators became bishops, scholars became monks and philosophers became theologians. The pope or high priest adopted the title held by the emperor, "Pontifex Maximus". Look for this word in the Latin inscriptions throughout Rome.
It's probably one of the best destinations in the world at Christmastime.
Every year in St. Peter Square, just in front of the Basilica and beside the obelisk, there is a beautiful Christmas tree. On December 7th, the huge traditional Tree and the Nativity Scene are lit up.
Usually there is a midnight mass on Christmas Eve at the churches in Rome but the largest mass is held inside St. Peter's Basilica, and shown on screens outside to a large crowd that's assembled on St Peter's Square.
You can also return to St. Peter's on Christmas day at noon when the Pope gives his Christmas Day Urbi et Orbi speech and blesses the crowd. He only does this on Christmas and Easter. The Pope shares his blessing from the balcony above the square.
On December 8th, you'll be able to enjoy Rome's Christmas market stalls where you can pick up beautiful gifts.
There's also usually a skating rink set up near Castel Sant Angelo. There will be huge Christmas trees at the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps and at the Vatican, to name a few. Rome's most famous shopping location – Via dei Condotti is particularly beautiful at this time of year, too. The whole city is very atmospheric.
The re-birth of Rome can be traced to April 18, 1506 when Pope Julius II (Giuliano Della Rovere) laid the cornerstone for the new Basilica of Saint Peter to be built over the old Basilica of St. Peter. Bramante was commissioned by Pope Julius II to renovate St. Peter's Basilica, originally built by Constantine between 324-329.
In the Clementine Chapel in the Vatican Grottos under the Basilica, you can see the precious chest protecting the sepulcher of St. Peter. Behind the altar, protected by a gilded bronze grid, lie the remains of the "Memoria Petri". This monument was built by C0nstantine to protect the mortal remains of Peter. This is the epi-center of the Apostolic Roots of the Catholic Church. The grottos contain the tombs of many popes.
This is the holy site where the Apostle Peter, the "Prince of the Apostles" was crucified upside down, martyred and buried. A "Scavi Tour" of the Vatican Necropolis is available with advanced reservations (at least 90 days before your departure). All requests must be made in writing to the excavations office: email@example.com. The crypt is located under the Papal Altar. For over 1900 years, pilgrims from all over the world have come to this location to venerate the remains of Saint Peter. The Scavi Tour ends at the Clementine Chapel in the grottos near the tomb of Pope John Paul II.
The Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums are located a short distance from the Basilica. Magnificent works of art are housed in the Vatican City that became sovereign in 1929. It is the world's smallest country. It occupies 109 acres and it is ruled by the pope.
My favorite time to visit the Vatican is during Christmas. The square in front of the Basilica is lavishly decorated for Christmas with a giant tree and a presepe. The square is equpped with large video screens so that during the holiday festivities, everyone gets a bird's eye view of the holy events. Every year a different part of Italy or a different European country donates a spuce tree to the Vatican. The tree is decorated with 3000 ornaments and 1500 lights. Watch the tree lighting: http://www.romereports.com/palio/Vatican-lights-up-Christmas-tree-english-3257.html
The glorious tree is a symbol of life and hope. It signifies the birth of Christ. Listen to Mahalia Jackson sing "Silent Night" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dsnkuuehmU&feature=fvw. The magnificent tree creates quite a spectacle in St. Peter's Square. The generous donation of the tree is considered a great honor. This year the majestic 110 foot, 94 year old tree was donated by Luson in Trentino-Alto Adige. In addition, the Vatican erects a huge "Il Presepio" nativity scene in the square. It is generally unveiled on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, the Pope celebrates midnight mass at the Basilica. At noon on Christmas day, the Pope delivers his Christmas message and gives his blessing from the window of his apartment overlooking the square to the crowds gathered at the Vatican.
St. Peter's Basilica is the most famous Catholic Church in the World with a staircase of over 500 steps that leads to the summit of the dome. The Treasury of Saint Peter's houses a collection of precious relics.
On New Year's Day there is a parade in the Vatican City. For the Epiphany, hundreds of people in medieval costumes walk along the wide avenue leading up to the Vatican called the "Street of Reconciliation" bearing symbolic gifts for the pope. The Pope says morning mass to commemorate the visit of the Wise Men bearing gifts for the Christ child.
As the hub of the papacy, Rome had tremendous power and wealth. Artists and architects flocked to Rome to work for the popes. In a lunette over the central opening into the portico of the Basilica is Giotto's mosaic "Navicella della Chiesa" from 1298. This restored mosaic shows Jesus walking on the waters of the Sea of Tiberias with his right hand extended toward Peter. He is inviting Peter to come with him. Peter is overcome by fear and is beginning to sink. Jesus saves him and says" "How little faith you have! Why did you falter?" This symbolic representation is inspired by the words of Christ, comparing the church to a ship that is constantly battered by storms. Saint Peter's ship will never sink because it can always rely on the help of its founder.
In the middle of the 17th century, the papacy commissioned Gian Lorenzo Berninito work his distinctive artistic magic on Rome. The world's greatest Baroque scultptor lavished his creative genius on the ancient city. In 1665, Bernini completed the splendid "Throne of Saint Peter in Glory" at the far end of the nave beneath the glistennig "Dove" stained-glass window in the space behind the altar. The throne depicts the power of the pontiff and is surrounded by the statues of the founding fathers of the church.
Bernini's flamboyant baroque genius is apparent in other Vatican monuments. Admire his opulent bronze Baldacchino and tabernacle at the papal altar. The bronze for Bernini's canopy was taken from the Pantheon. His incredible monument to Pope Alexander VIIis one of my favorite sculptures and memorializes the life of the pope with elaborate marble allegorical figures. Bernini also designed the Piazza outside the church. The colonnade surrounding the square was designed by Bernini between 1656 and 1666. The configuration represents two outstretched arms welcoming faithful pilgrims to the Basilica. There are 140 statues of saints watching over the Basilica above the colonade.
Michelangelo Buonarotti designed the dome in 1546. It is almost as wide as Hadrian's dome on the Pantheon. Michelangelo's magnificent "Pieta" is housed in St. Peter's Basilica. It was sculpted halfway through the last millennium when he was 25 years old. It has been protected by glass since it suffered glass a devastating attack of vandalism in 1972. A madman struck the face with a hammer and also knocked off the Madonna's left arm.
In 1473, Sixtus IV commissioned Giovannni De Dolci to build a chapel for Papal ceremonies. This Sistine Chapel is located in the Vatican Museum a few blocks away from St. Peter's. It houses Michelangelo's brilliant masterpieces. His monumental frescoes are a magnificent sight to behold and are considered the greatest masterpiece in the history of art. The barrel vaulted ceiling has a scene that represents Adam and Eve's Original Sin and Expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The "Last Judgment" is located on the wall behind the main altar and was completed in 1541. Christ, the supreme judge, welcomes the blessed and banishes the damned. St. Peter holds the key that Christ gave him when he appointed him the head of the Church.
Happy Holidays from www.vino-con-vista.com


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Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire is the Hottest Shot of the Summer
If that video right there is any indication, the brand new Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire is a force for taste buds to reckon with. And guess what, Nashville You get to be one of the first to sample this fine specimen, which adds a hint of red-hot cinnamon to all the whiskey goodness of the classic. Heed that video's advice, go find yourself some Fire, and get acquainted before the rest of the country claims they tried it first.


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As a boutique store with custom design items our inventory will fluctuate. We strive to keep items in inventory, yet deal with the reality that on occasion custom, handmade items do have to be brought in from the designer. After you purchase the item (and number of them) you want, we will notify you by phone or email if your item is backordered, and how long it will take to ship out to you—from 4-5 weeks. Thank you and enjoy.
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Avoid direct sunlight or high temperatures.
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Designer: Makiko Yoshida, Japan
Brand: Plus D (Tasu D)
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*sizes are an approximation
Lead shipping time from San Francisco: 1-3 days
Lead shipping time from Designer: 4 weeks


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Archive for the 'Dallas Texas Pain Doctor' Category
The 5 things you should know about chronic pain from BecomePainFree.com
Only sufferers of chronic pain know the implications of pain in every aspect of life. Family members and friends of someone with chronic pain may sympathize to some extent, but it's difficult to truly understand how chronic pain affects someone. If you have a friend or family member suffering from chronic pain — whether caused by an accident or injury, or another health condition such asfibromyalgia — use these tips to understanding chronic pain to help you be most supportive to your loved one.
1.Don't pass chronic pain off as "all in your head." People who suffer from chronic pain are rarely fabricating or exaggerating their symptoms. Conditions causing chronic pain can make an individual truly miserable. Many cases of chronic pain are difficult to diagnose, and thus management and treatment is far more challenging than in cases of acute pain, where the source of pain is easily diagnosed.
2.Chronic pain is different from acute pain. Acute pain lasts for a brief period of time, perhaps following an injury or accident. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is persistent and can even be permanent. We have all felt acute pain at some point in time, but only those with chronic pain know what it is to be in pain constantly.
3.Chronic pain may be caused by or the cause of other health conditions. Difficulty sleeping and depression are two conditions that often plague sufferers of chronic pain. Chronic pain can create a vicious cycle for the sufferer, for example: chronic pain leads to sleep disturbances, whereas lack of sleep can exacerbate chronic pain. The same is true of depression; it can be caused by or the cause of some chronic pain symptoms.
4.Every person's pain is different. We all experience and express pain differently. Some people may be more tolerant of pain in specific parts of the body, while other people may express discomfort with pain in the same area or caused by the same condition.
5.Chronic pain is emotionally exhausting. Imagine that you are in pain or don't feel good for months or years on end, with no relief. Constant pain wears on the emotions and can lead to depression and anger. Treatment for chronic pain often means treating each symptom and effect of that pain, including mental health issues such as depression.
Chronic pain is a lonely condition. If someone you know or love is suffering from chronic pain, don't try to compare their pain to your own experiences, or assume their pain is all made up. Rather, offer your care and support. Be willing to listen when they need to talk and supportive throughout treatment programs.
Call Us: (214) 396-3647 | (888) 373-3720 Fax #: (888 )238-9155 | E-mail Us
You May Get relief from chronic pain by walking
If you are suffering from chronic pain from fibromyalgia or another medical condition, you know the frustration that comes with the attempts to control pain. While medication and therapies are a key factor in pain management, exercise can also work to relieve pain and improve quality of life. Inactivity can lead to more pain – the more you move, the less you will feel your pain.
If you are suffering from chronic pain, begin introducing regular walking workouts into your daily routine. Walking is the most basic form of aerobic exercise. There are several benefits of aerobic exercise, including: building stamina, boosting energy and reducing stiffness and pain. Specific health benefits of walking for exercise include:
- Strengthening muscles – By strengthening the muscles in the feet, legs, hips and torso, you will increase stability of the spine. Spinal stability may reduce symptoms of chronic back pain.
- Improves flexibility and range of motion – With improved range of motion, you will be less susceptible to injury due to stiffness or awkward movements.
- Strengthening joints – A low-impact workout such as walking improves strength and flexibility of the joints, as well as muscles and tendons surrounding the joints.
Research has shown that low-impact aerobic exercise is most effective for improving chronic pain symptoms. It provides a means of relaxation for both the body and mind. Exercise in short intervals has been shown to be most successful in relieving chronic pain. For example, rather than going for one 30-minute walk each day, take three short, 10-minute walks instead.
In a study of 52 sedentary patients with chronic lower back pain, Dr. Michal Katz-Leurer and colleague Ilana Shnayderman found that a simple daily walking routine can improve chronic lower back pain symptoms. Katz-Leurer, from Tel Aviv University's Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, and Shnayderman, a graduate student at the Department of Physical Therapy and a practicing physiotherapist at Maccabi Health Care, published their findings in the journal Clinical Rehabilitation.
If you suffer from chronic pain, make a point to exercise daily. By exercising, you will help prevent muscle atrophy and decrease joint pain. Start with a simple 30-minutes of exercise each day, gradually increasing if you are able.
Consult with your physician before beginning any exercise routine.
Call Us: (214) 396-3647 | (888) 373-3720 Fax #: (888 )238-9155 | E-mail Us http://www.becomepainfree.com
Herniated Disk in the Lower Back
Sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disk, a herniated disk most often occurs in your lower back. It is one of the most common causes of low back pain, as well as leg pain (sciatica).
Between 60% and 80% of people will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. A high percentage of people will have low back and leg pain caused by a herniated disk.
Although a herniated disk can sometimes be very painful, most people feel much better with just a few weeks or months of nonsurgical treatment.
Your spine is made up of 24 bones, called vertebrae, that are stacked on top of one another. These bones connect to create a canal that protects the spinal cord.
Five vertebrae make up the lower back. This area is called your lumbar spine.
Other parts of your spine include:
Spinal cord and nerves. These "electrical cables" travel through the spinal canal carrying messages between your brain and muscles.
Intervertebral disks. In between your vertebrae are flexible intervertebral disks. They act as shock absorbers when your walk or run.
Intervertebral disks are flat and round, and about a half inch thick. They are made up of two components:
- Annulus fibrosus. This is the tough, flexible outer ring of the disk.
- Nucleus pulposus. This is the soft, jelly-like center of the disk
Call Us: (214) 396-3647 | (888) 373-3720 Fax #: (888 )238-9155 | E-mail Us
Dallas Spine Pain Center, Spine Pain Help Dallas, Dallas Spine Pain Doctors
If you are looking for a specialist in spine surgery, Dallas may be your next destination. BecomePainFree.com's Dallas office provides:
- A free MRI or CT scan evaluation by medical staff
- Partner physicians board-certified in interventional pain management
- Free educational back pain seminars
- One of the top surgical facilities in the country
Free MRI or CT scan evaluation. Have you tried conservative therapies for your chronic back pain, and wonder if a medical procedure is the next best step? Allow our staff to evaluate your medical case. Our physicians will provide the most conservative recommendation deemed appropriate for your special case.
Free medical referral service. If you choose, your assigned patient coordinator will handle the logistics for any medical procedure recommended by one of our physicians.
Board-certified physicians. Our Dallas-based specialists collectively provide expertise in neurosurgery and interventional pain management, and provide a range of procedures, from epidural steroid injections to spinal fusion. They are unique providers of the BecomePainFree.com procedure.
Free back pain seminar. BecomePainFree.com's Dallas office provides regular educational seminars so chronic pain sufferers can learn about the BecomePainFree.com procedure and talk directly to someone who can answer all of their questions.
Surgical facility. Victory Medical Center in Plano, TX is one of the newest surgical facilities in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Located in the center of the United States, the Dallas laser spine center also provides a convenient option for chronic back pain sufferers across the country – just a short plane-ride away. BecomePainFree.com's Dallas office has partnered with the Hyatt Place, for traveling patients.
The BecomePainFree.com headquarters is also in Dallas TX. So when you visit, make sure to say hello to the patient coordinator and insurance teams, who strive to help patients like you find a solution for their pain.
13601 Preston Road, Suite E575
Dallas, TX 75240
Call Us: (214) 396-3647 | (888) 373-3720 Fax #: (888 )238-9155 | E-mail Us
About us: BecomePainFree.com provides patient advocacy for spine pain sufferers. Patient care may be described as a table with patients on one side looking for a solution, and physicians on the other side providing a service; since BecomePainFree.com does not practice medicine, it is uniquely positioned on the patient's side of the table, providing a compass to navigate the often confusing world of spine surgery and interventional pain management.
Spine Surgeon Dallas, Mayo Clinic Trained Spine Surgeon, Back Doctor, Spine Pain Doctor
Become Pain Free | Pain Specialist in Texas
Pain Prevention
Become Pain Free | Pain Specialist in Texas
Once you encounter back or neck pain, you are four times as likely to experience it again. This is why prevention is essential to your long-term recovery.
One of the best ways to avoid back pain is by exercising and stretching. Low-impact aerobics, such as walking or swimming, is an ideal way to prevent or treat back pain. Stop if the exercise becomes painful, and always remember to stretch. Stretching is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. You can even do it in front of the television.
Below are some more specific ways to prevent back or neck injuries:
The spine likes movement. Anything that puts the spine in a static position creates stress, which can cause back and neck pain. Every hour, stand, walk around, bend, arch backward gently, and twist. Doing so at regular intervals will lengthen the amount of time you can sit comfortably. Also, get an ergonomically-designed chair or an orthopedic insert to support your spine, especially if your job involves long periods of sitting. Or roll up a towel, and place it behind your low back.
Prolonged standing can also strain the back. If you have to stand for long periods of time, prop one foot on a small stool or telephone book to reduce stress in the low back. Alternate with the other foot. Every half hour, bend over and touch your toes, with your knees slightly bent, or do some of the stretching exercises shown in the Seton Spine and Scoliosis website. They will help loosen your muscles, ligaments and joints.
While traveling on a plane, it helps to raise your feet on a briefcase or a bag underneath the seat in front of you. Ask for a pillow to place behind your low back to improve lumbar support. It is important to get up frequently and walk to the bathroom and back, whenever possible. Avoid hour-long periods in your seat.
Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which arches your back and puts pressure on your spine. Instead, lie on your back with a small pillow tucked under your knees. This position unloads the spine. An alternate position is to lie on your side with a pillow between your knees. If you like sleeping on your stomach, place a soft, flat pillow under your stomach to eliminate some of the arch that can stress your back.
Mattress considerations
It is important to sleep on a mattress with optimal back support, whether it is a conventional mattress or a waterbed. Older waterbeds were mushy and provided little support. However, now there are waterbeds that allow you to adjust their firmness. A good mattress should relate to your body shape. Generally, go with what feels comfortable to you.
Pain is a signal from the body to the brain that something is wrong. Either the back is too weak, too inflexible, or the wrong body mechanics were used to perform a task.
Become Pain Free | Pain Specialist in Texas
Call Us: (214) 396-3647 | (888) 373-3720 Fax #: (888 )238-9155 | E-mail Us


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Confocal immunofluorescent analysis of MCF7 cells, untreated (left) or treated with Ionomycin (1 μM, 1 hr; right), using NFAT1 (D43B1) XP® Rabbit mAb #5861 (green). Actin filaments were labeled with DyLight™ 554 Phalloidin #13054 (red). Blue pseudocolor = DRAQ5® #4084 (fluorescent DNA dye).
Structure of Ionomycin
Product Information
Ionomycin, calcium salt is supplied as 2.5 mg powder. Store at or below -20ºC. Before use, dissolve powder in 1.1 ml DMSO to make a 3 mM ionomycin stock solution. For working concentrations of 1 μM-3 μM, dilute DMSO stock 1:3000 to 1:1000. Treat cells with the desired concentration for intended time.
Store lyophilized or in solution at -20ºC, desiccated. Protect from light. In lyophilized form, the chemical is stable for 24 months. Once in solution, use within 3 months to prevent loss of potency. Aliquot to avoid multiple freeze/thaw cycles.
Molecular Weight:
747.1 g/mol
C41H70O9 • Ca2+
Ionomycin is a potent and selective calcium ionophore agent (1,2). The molecule acts as a motile Ca2+ carrier and enhances Ca2+ influx by direct stimulation of store-regulated cation entry across biological membranes (3). At the micromolar level, ionomycin can activate Ca2+/Calmodulin dependent kinase and phosphatase to stimulate gene expression (4). In human T cells, ionomycin induces hydrolysis of phosphoinositides and activates PKC to mediate T cell activation (5). Ionomycin treatment of human B cells induces the activation of calcium-dependent endonuclease and results in apoptosis (6). Ionomycin treatment of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) induces rapid dephosphorylation of eNOS at Thr495 and mediates eNOS activation (7).
Cell Signaling Technology is a trademark of Cell Signaling Technology, Inc.
|Product #
|2.5 mg
|$ 228


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Affiliation Requests [CLOSED]
#41 Drakon
Posted 07 April 2011 - 09:42 AM
Our server has put all the sites on hold "until further notice" due to technical problems. We'll rebuild and survive, but right now, we don't even have a site to affiliate with. I'm sure you don't want to be affiliated with a broken link. I apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your time.
#42 Silver Falcon
Posted 11 April 2011 - 07:07 PM
URL: http://www.aztersil.com/index.php
Genre: Fantasy
RP skill: All but beginner
Description: This site offers a well thought out and developed setting for the members to enjoy. As a world we are very open and free about what members are allowed to do with their characters. We are something of a writer's community, with all of us collaborating with the others on stories, plot ideas for our threads, and always attempting to better our writing skills.
Staff is very friendly and helpful. There is usually at least one of us online or in the chatroom, ready to answer questions or help get you started. You'll never have to worry about Aztersil going anywhere, as the site owner has kept it going since December 13th 2006 when we first opened. Though Aztersil has gone through several developmental stages, you can bet we are finally set in and writing up a storm!

Posted 04 May 2011 - 10:48 AM
Drakon, I'm sorry to hear about Shayz'renth. Good luck finding a new host.
#44 Acheron
Posted 14 July 2011 - 09:20 PM
URL: http://z9.invisionfr...dex.php?act=idx
Genre: Fantasy School
RP skill: Intermediate
Description: Well-known in the magic community, Atlantis Academy is the most prestigious academy for young men and women seeking to harness their full magical potential. It is a magical university for and only the most talented students from all around the world are invited to attend.
At Atlantis, everything is designed to teach talented students to discover and reach their full potential and to become more than they ever believed they could be.

Posted 16 July 2011 - 01:29 PM
#46 Shadow Fleet
Posted 11 August 2011 - 05:30 PM
URL: http://www.shadowfle...;sa=in;idaff=11
Genre: Star Trek RPG
RP skill: PG-13
Shadow Fleet is a play by forum role-playing game set in the late-24th century after The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager and we are currently looking for players to join our ever expanding and dedicated role-playing community! We welcome anyone who has an interest in Star Trek or role-playing in general to come along and create a character that you can grow and develop over time.
Additional comments:
We hope you will accept our affiliation request even though we do have a scrolling affiliates bar on our forum home page. There is a separate "affiliates" section which is static, not scrolling, so I'm hoping you will consider this acceptable? I have included the a link to our forum (URL) which allows us to count the incoming clicks from your site, which I hope you will use should you decide to affiliate with us.
Thanks in advance!
Shadow Fleet Admin
Posted 12 August 2011 - 12:21 PM
#48 Shadow Fleet
Posted 17 August 2011 - 02:33 PM
Xanth, on 12 August 2011 - 12:21 PM, said:
Yeah, here's a selection of buttons for you:
Choose whichever you think would look the best on your site, but we would appreciate it if you could only use the following link to our site as it allows us to track incoming hits:
Thank you!
#49 SG- Frontline
Posted 27 August 2011 - 10:21 AM
URL: http://www.sg-frontl.../SMF/index.php?
Genre: Sci-Fi
RP skill: PG-13
Description: An Alternate Universe Stargate RP.

Posted 27 August 2011 - 02:40 PM
#51 The Maker
Posted 26 October 2011 - 03:19 PM
URL: http://z13.invisionf...edas/index.php?
Genre: Dark fantasy, Dragon Age
RP skill: We welcome everyone! We have players who are ESL and advanced, professional writers.
Description: CoT is a dark fantasy setting based on the world of Dragon Age. The mage - templar war has been raging for 10 years, the last three years providing Thedas with an uneasy ceasefire. The board is set 10 years after the events of DA2 and although we are based on the canon setting we do not play canon characters and are creating our own world plots and characters.

Posted 26 October 2011 - 08:57 PM
#53 Lando
Posted 21 November 2011 - 11:24 PM
Site name: Myth VI - Touchfire
URL: http://mythvi.com
Genre: Fantasy Wolf
RP skill: Everyone welcome
Description: Welcome to Touchfire, a gorgeous newly-discovered archipelago on the edge of Liberwave Ocean. Here in Touchfire the elemental wolves fly, swim, fight and unite among wilderness, magic, and the occult remnants of ancient civilisation...
Button: http://i3.photobucke...fire_button.png
Posted 21 November 2011 - 11:56 PM
#55 morgan
Posted 18 January 2012 - 07:52 PM
URL: http://imaginer-rpg.proboards.com
Genre: Fantasy
RP skill: Everyone is welcome
Description: The town of Alamira is connected to a vast landscape called the Dream World, a place with a rare resource called Dream Dust that Alamira uses to function and survive. The Dream World bestows any one of three skills to whosoever wanders within it, and Alamira's Base of Operations hires such gifted people to go to the Dream World and attain as much Dust as possible. Become an Imaginer, a Navigator, a Fighter, or the feral Nightmare class, and traverse the Dreamscape!
Buttons: Pick your favorite:

Note: Your banner is in the Static Position at the bottom of our forum.
Posted 19 January 2012 - 05:37 PM
#57 Verridith
Posted 21 January 2012 - 09:37 AM
Site name: By Tooth And Claw Dragons
URL: http://z13.invisionf...om/btacdragons/ <-- forum, http://btacdragons.info.tm <-- website
Genre: original fantasy
RP skill: advanced
Description: Original-fantasy role-play set in a series of Realms, or different dimensions, and a very unique way of role-playing. Nearing the nine year mark, and always happy to greet new members.
#58 Harper
Posted 21 January 2012 - 12:08 PM
URL: http://aerth.sinful-ties.net/index.php
Genre: Medieval Fantasy
RP skill: Beginner to Advanced. All skills welcome.
Description: An Original Medieval Fantasy role play

Have added you to our static area as per your rules :-)
Posted 21 January 2012 - 02:46 PM
#60 The Maker
Posted 29 January 2012 - 01:12 PM


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I don't tend to talk politics on this blog, mostly because it is meant to focus on writing, the creative process and what is happening in the life of Mel. But the ramifications of what has happened in the American election has forced me to reassess my position on this and how I plan to combat misogyny, homophobia and xenophobia. In Canada we've had the dial move in the opposite direction, (thank goodness) but there are still some politicians, particularly on the right, who want to bring these ideologies north. And I am like, NO!
My response is the only thing I know how to do:
For the past year or so, my current WIP explores the second wave women's movement, issues of consent, and the decision to rise up, stand for something. That's all I will say about it for now as I don't want to spoil the fun, but in the fog of yesterday writing this story was the only thing I found that made me feel like I had some control. And from what I've been seeing on my social media feeds, many artists are turning to their creative self for solace, to create stories and art that will nurture and speak to a possible, more hopeful, future.
Consider this Toni Morrison quote I saw in my feed yesterday:
"In times of dread, an artist must never choose to stay silent."
This connects to my "Writer's Manifesto" that I wrote at a VCFA workshop last year, particularly #1.
With MAUD slowly coming in the world, about an ambitious young woman who wants to be educated and pursue her dreams of publications, a young woman who has to choose between love and her craft, I hope that it contributes to this conversation.
I invite you to find your creative muse.
Ask yourself:
What can you create today that will help fuel this movement of artistic expression to bring light to the world?
How can you tell stories of those in history who have been silenced, who are no longer here to tell it themselves?
What is the story you need to tell where you felt like you were silenced?
How can you support those who want their stories heard?
Whose story do you need to tell?
Maybe…it is your own…