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What amnesiacs tell us about memory: Q&A with Brenda Milner
Rackeb Tesfaye
Per Henning/NTNU/Flickr
is a science writer and is currently completing a masters in psychiatry at McGill University. She co-produces the Broad Science podcast and is the former editor of the McGill Daily. She lives in Montreal, Canada.
Henry Molaison, aged 27, had surgery to alleviate his severe epileptic seizures in 1953. During the operation, part of the temporal lobe on both sides of his brain was removed, suctioning out most of his hippocampus, a seahorse-shaped structure now known to play a crucial role in forming memories. The operation cured his epilepsy, but caused anterograde amnesia, impairing his ability to form long-term memories.
The neuropsychologist Brenda Milner, credited by many for creating the field of cognitive neuroscience, was the first researcher to conduct rigorous testing on Molaison, famously called HM in popular literature and medical texts. Her groundbreaking observations of HM and others revolutionised memory research and our understanding of memory networks. At the age of 97, Milner continues to work as a professor in neurology and neurosurgery at McGill University's Montreal Neurological Institute. Here, she retraces her early work on memory and its implications.
What was your first encounter with memory impairment?
It was not with HM actually. It was at the Montreal Neurological Institute working with the director Wilder Penfield, studying his patients. We had these two young epileptic patients in rapid succession: PB, an electrical engineer in 1951, followed by FC, a glove cutter. They both had a left temporal removal to cure their seizures.
Before my time, surgeons had been very conservative. They had just been making removals from the lateral temporal lobe and not daring to go further, but patients continued to have seizures. Surgeons were learning that if you wanted to cure the seizures you had to be prepared to take out brain structures such as the amygdala and maybe some of the hippocampus, which they regarded superstitiously as it was a beautiful-looking structure. Penfield was removing quite a bit of the hippocampus, and it was of interest what the effects of these operations would be, so I was studying the patients.
What did you observe?
After the left temporal removal, FC and PB had severe memory impairment. It really stopped the surgeons in their tracks, because it's much better to have epilepsy than to lose your memory in terms of the social disadvantage.
After PB died, the autopsy confirmed that there was also damage on the opposite [non-operated] side from the procedure, as we had speculated. This makes sense because you don't get major memory impairment with just unilateral [one-sided] removals. So PB had damage on both hemispheres and atrophy of the right hippocampus. But we didn't have an MRI [magnetic resonance imaging scan] in those days, we just had plain film and the EEG [electroencephalograms, which measure brain waves]. With that kind of imaging, we couldn't see how much structural damage there was on both sides.
Why were these two patients so important?
Because these things had not been reported at the time. Patients with memory impairments had been seen by neurologists for years, but that's what happens when you get old, a lot of people have problems with their memory, there's nothing new about that. I'm 97 and I can tell you, you're not quite what you were when you were 30! But what was new was that these were relatively young people, very bright people, normal in almost all other ways. PB was a professional engineer; he was a very intelligent man. After the operation, he didn't remember what he had for breakfast, he couldn't work! FC was much luckier; he came from a family of glove cutters; I didn't know that was a thing! He and his father went to work together, which was wonderful for this young man in his 20s who lost his memory, because he didn't lose his skill of cutting gloves. But he wouldn't remember events from day to day, so that was quite fortunate, that he didn't lose his motor skill.
How did you come to work with HM?
After we found FC and PB, we reported them and our speculations in Chicago at the 1954 American Neurological Association meeting. Of course, surgeons were very contentious of the results, but if you get a bad result you're supposed to report it, not suppress it! Anyways, William Beecher Scoville, a neurosurgeon from Hartford, was attending the meeting. Afterwards, he called up Penfield and said he would like to invite me down to study his patients, on whom he had been doing his bilateral procedure [operating on both temporal lobes] for epilepsy and had noticed similar memory impairments. Penfield sat me down and said: 'Would you like to go?' and I said: 'You bet I'd like to go.' And that was the beginning of me going down to see Scoville's patients. I couldn't do a lot with most of them, because they were schizophrenic, but HM was different. He was not schizophrenic, he just had epilepsy. I went down to Hartford by night train with portable testing equipment. I just had three days with HM.
What was it like working with HM?
It was exciting! He was very polite, so he always said good morning if you passed him in the waiting room, but he hadn't any clue who you were. The first time I saw this, I was giving him a few tests. I gave him something to remember: I said that I'd be back in a few minutes to check his memory. Then, I literally had a cup of coffee and I went back and he didn't know anything about anything! It was very impressive memory impairment.
Was there something HM could remember?
His motor skill learning was not affected. One of the portable learning tasks from the McGill psychology department I took on the train with me was this mirror-drawing task. After three days of practise, HM was able to perfectly trace this image of a double-bordered star. He could see the star only reflected though a mirror, that's what made it difficult. But he had no awareness that he had practised the task before. He showed a typical learning curve. I was quite astonished, this was very exciting and important.
What did your patients teach you about memory?
That memory is multifaceted and that there are multiple memory systems, not just one. The fact that motor skill learning was not affected means that it's not part of this memory system, rather it's dependent on another system in the brain.
How else has our concept of memory changed from the time you first entered the field to today?
Before, people thought of memory as a very reproductive thing. Like when you learn something by heart, you learn it perfectly. But Frederic Bartlett, who was the head of the psychology department at Cambridge when I was student in 1937, was emphasising the fact that memory was constructive rather than reproductive. Two or three people experiencing the same social event are going to have different recollections because their previous experiences are different.
What is your strongest memory about your memory research?
I suppose it was Penfield's patient PB. We were not expecting to encounter this sort of memory deficit. After his left temporal removal, he looked at us and said, slightly aggressively (and I don't blame him): 'What have you people done to my memory?' It was a complaint. He knew something was wrong. It was quite shocking, I will never forget it!
Neurodiversity Neuroscience Cognition and intelligence


Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Rutherford County Injury Lawyers The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.
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Call us at 615-867-9900 or toll-free at 866.812.8787 or fill out this form. We will meet with you for free and without obligation. Whether you come to our Murfreesboro office or we come to you, we will be happy to sit down with you, discuss your case and advise you of your legal rights and options.
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Book Reviews for Friends
Sometimes friends read my books and give me a great review. I sometimes wonder if they are giving a biased review because they know me, or if they really think I'm that good.
Many friends will ask me to reciprocate, and I do, but sometimes I just can't give them as good a review as they gave me. I feel horrible about it, but I believe I must be honest. Am I being too tough a critic? Should I be nicer? I feel like if I'm not honest then I lose my credibility as an author.
I have suffered a lot of angst over reviews I give friends. Should I just decline the offer to read their books for review? I have read many books by friends who are wonderful authors, and I love to tell them so.
What to do? What to do? Do other authors feel this way?
Thank you for listening to me, and I hope I get some great comments to help me. I am really in distress.
Sandra K. Marshall
http://www.eirelander-publishing.com
http://www.sandramarshallblog.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98
Posted by Sandy at 12:01 AM 9 comments:
Labels: authors, books, friends, Reviews
Interview of Author Tori Scott
Today I'm pleased to present an interview of romance author Tori Scott.
Latest Book: Chemical Attraction
Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B008Y25QIW
Tori Scott has been seriously writing with an eye toward publication for 12 years, though she's been spinning tales and writing poetry since elementary school. She is a former Golden Heart finalist in the prestigious RWA writing contest, a winner in several regional contests, a finalist in the International Digital Awards, and a semi-finalist in the Best Indie Books of 2012. She lists several publications among her accomplishments, including a featured Christmas story in Woman's World magazine.
Q: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
A: I love all of my characters. My favorite across all my books, though, is probably Jake Reilly of Blue Moon over Texas. Jake suffers from a condition common to a lot of men…the inability to voice those all important three little words. Though he feels deeply, voicing those feelings is another story. I tend to fall in love with all of my heroes, but Jake is a little more special than the rest.
Q: If one of your books became a movie, which celebrity would you like to star as one of your heroines? Tell us about your heroine.
A: I would love to see a movie made of Lone Star Justice with Drew Barrymore playing the part of the heroine, Maddie Cooper. Maddie is strong and independent, yet vulnerable when it comes to her daughter, Brandy. Maddie left her small town as a pregnant teenager, returning years later as a judge. But in spite of her success, she once again feels like the daughter of a killer as soon as she drives across the county line.
Q: If one of your books became a movie, which celebrity would you like to star as one of your heroes? Tell us about your hero.
A: Again, for Lone Star Justice, I would love to see Ashton Kutcher play the role of the hero, Rand McCade. Rand is the sheriff of Greendale Texas and he takes his job seriously. He cares about the people who depend on him and is determined to keep them safe. But sometimes circumstances get between what he wants and what he gets.
Q: What's your strongest point as a writer?
A: My readers seem to think characterization and dialogue are my strongest points. For me, I just try to write characters with real life issues and real life responses to their problems. A lot of the dialogue comes as I'm laying down to sleep. It just starts running through my head and I have to get up and go back to the computer to get it all down. Most nights I finally get to sleep around 4 or 5a.m.
Q: What genre would you like to try writing in but haven't yet done so? Why?
A: I'm hoping to someday write a thriller. I have some suspense in several of my romances, and a romantic suspense, but I love reading Allison Brennan, Lisa Gardner, Lisa Jackson. I haven't tried it yet because I haven't come up with an idea that hasn't been done. Or at least I haven't come up with a new twist on an idea.
Q: Facebook, MySpace, Blogs, Chats, or Twitter. Which do you like best and why?
A: Facebook. I gave up on MySpace, I never remember to blog, chats take up a lot of time and require a lot of focus, and Twitter is only good for sound bites. I love Facebook because I can really connect with my readers, reconnect with old friends, and keep up with my kids who are spread out across the country.
When I remember to blog, you can find me at http://toriscott.blogspot.com or, on the second Wednesday of every month, at http://authorsofmainstreet.wordpress.com/.
On Twitter, I'm @ToriScott.
On Facebook, you can find my fan page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tori-Scott/242425259118042.
My Amazon author page is www.amazon.com/author/toriscott.
A hot and sexy office romance with a twist!
When Keara Dane succeeds in developing a love potion that actually works, she finds herself in a world of trouble. From her sexy boss who'd ordered her to drop the project, to the geeky lab assistant who embarrasses himself over her, to getting kidnapped for the formula, Keara's world is turned upside down and inside out. In the process, she learns that maybe, just maybe, dreams do come true.
Riley Vaughn knew Keara had completed the formula against his orders when she spills some on herself and he's overcome with lust like he's never known before. Once the effect wears off, he's going to give Keara a piece of his mind. Until then, he's going to give her a weekend of passion like nothing she's ever experienced.
Riley's gaze locked on the droplets of liquid glistening against Keara's tanned skin. Funny, he'd never noticed what beautiful hands she had. Strong, sexy hands that could take his length and stroke it perfectly.
His gaze moved to her face. Her eyes were wide with horror. She almost looked afraid of him. But she had no need to be. He loved her. He'd do anything for her. Didn't she know that?
Before she could react, he took the bottle from her and moved it to the lab table, out of reach. He eyed the desk behind her, gauging its worth as a make-shift bed.
He needed her, right now. He didn't care who might walk in. If he couldn't sink himself into her, he'd go mad. With a shaky hand, he cupped her cheek and lowered his mouth to hers.
She moved her hands to his chest.
"Yes, that's right. Help me out of these clothes."
But instead of unbuttoning his shirt, she shoved him away. "No. You don't know what you're doing."
"Yes, I do," he insisted as he moved closer and reached for the bottom of her shirt. "I'm trying to get us both naked." He needed to see her naked. Now. He'd go mad if he had to wait another moment to feel her breasts in his hands.
"There's something I need to tell you, Riley."
"Later." He lifted the hem of her shirt.
Keara slapped at his hands and retreated behind the desk. "You don't want to do that. Not really."
"Oh, yes, I do. Really."
"What about Mallory?"
Riley rounded the side of the desk. "What about her? I'm not in love with her. She's just convenient. For a few baubles a month, I have a ready date and an occasional sex partner."
Keara had suspected as much for a long time, but there was no way Riley would have admitted it if he hadn't been mentally impaired by the love potion. If he remembered this conversation once the effects of the love potion wore off, he'd fire her for sure.
Just as he would when he figured out she'd kept working on it against his orders.
"Come on, Keara. Quit playing games. We've been hot for each other for years. It's time to admit it and get on with the next step." Riley pulled his tie loose as he dogged her steps around the desk. Now he was unbuttoning his cuffs.
Keara's heart rate sped up as he moved his long, elegant fingers to his collar. He was going to strip, right here in the laboratory, and there was nothing she could do to stop him.
Eyeing Riley warily as he moved steadily in her direction, she backed toward the door. She had to protect his reputation and her invention. Knowing she was defeated, she turned the lock and flipped a switch on the wall that would light up the "no admittance " sign on the outside of the lab. Looked like her fantasies were about to come true.
Riley's hand slid up the wall beside her head and he leaned forward, his eyes lit with passion. This was what she'd always hoped for, so why did it feel so wrong? Riley was hot for her, had eyes only for her, and she wanted to slip under his arm and run away.
"What's wrong, Keara? Am I moving too fast? Or not fast enough?"
Keara grabbed the life preserver he'd tossed her. "Too fast. Way too fast. You're in a committed relationship, and I'm not the kind to move on another woman's territory." There, that sounded convincing. Right?
Riley chuckled and nuzzled her neck. "The only thing committed in that relationship is my credit card." His lips traveled to her ear and his tongue began to trace the outer edge, sending a shiver through her.
She slipped under his arm and escaped the drugging effect of his closeness. "If you're serious about this, then first you have to go break things off with Mallory. I'm not going to be the other woman." That should give her a few days to find an antidote, because she was pretty sure he wasn't going to give up his blonde beauty that easily.
Without saying a word, Riley crossed the room and picked up the telephone. Keara's jaw dropped as she listened to his side of the conversation and realized that, just like that, Riley was a free man. Now what was she supposed to do?
From the look on his face, she had a pretty good idea Riley knew exactly what she was supposed to do.
He crooked his finger in her direction. "Come here."
Anything else you'd like to add?
Just that I love the holidays, and I'm celebrating this year by releasing a Christmas novella called The Christmas Wish (based on my Woman's World short story) and the third Lone Star Cowboys book titled The Bluest Eyes in Texas. They should both be out by mid-December.
Thanks for having me here! I'd love to hear from readers on Twitter or Facebook.
Final Push for The Nanowrimo by Janice Seagraves
Final Push for the Nanowrimo
by Janice Seagraves
With only a few days left of the Nanowrimo, it's time for the final push. Unless you already finished, most will want to put their writing into high gear and pull all-nighters to make up the word count.
Here's some tips from me. These techniques can also work for you if you're trying to finish a manuscript:
Give yourself permission to write a sloppy first draft: we're writing for speed here. Write sloppy and forget grammar until December first.
Time yourself: You can set a clock for twenty minutes and write as fast as you can until the alarm goes off.
Write a hundred words at a time: I've done this quite a bit and it works well. When the clock is ticking down to midnight and you want to get your words in as fast as possible. Leave the Nanowrimo website open and keep yourself logged in. Then write a hundred words at a time and post it. Seeing the numbers go up helps to keep you encouraged to write more.
Introduce a monster, a murderer or a natural disaster. Nothing makes the word count add up than danger.
Change genres: If you're working on suspense change it to romance. If you're writing romance add some horror elements, or mystery, or paranormal. How about werewolves in space or a vampire? I've seen it done.
Take a page from the Soap Operas: Add a missing or unknown twin, or a secret baby, or have one of the characters get shot. Hey, it worked well for Larry Hagman's (J.R. Ewing) career.
Take a chance and go for it!
Janice Seagraves's website: http://janiceseagraves.org/
Janice Seagraves's blog: http://ladyjanice.blogspot.com/
Posted by Janice Seagraves at 2:34 AM 13 comments:
Labels: Janice Seagraves, Nanowrimo, winning, writing advice, Writing Inspirations, writing life
Welcome Cherry Adair, NYT Best-Selling Author!
Interview with Adele Dubois
--Contest Alert!--
Cherry Adair is giving away a FREE copy of one of her ebooks! Winner's Choice of her new romantic suspense novel ICE COLD or a title from her back list. Leave a comment and be automatically entered to win. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to win a title by one of the industry's top romance authors! Winner will be announced in the comments section on Thursday, November 29.
Don't forget to check her author page at http://www.romancebooks4us.com for more information about Cherry and her books!
Q: What would you most like readers to know about your books?
A: I can summarize what I write quickly – Running-chasing-shooting-wild monkey sex- running-chasing-happy ending . . . Repeat.
Q: What was your first break in publishing?
A: After writing 17 full manuscripts, and having many near misses- I sold THE MERCENARY on my own in 1995. Five years later my career really started with my first single title KISS & TELL.
Q: Tell us about your writing process. When do you do your best writing, and where?
A: I write best at my desk, in my office. I loathe first drafts (and that's an understatement!) So the first draft goes at a snail's pace. But once I start layering I can't be pulled away from my keyboard, and I tend to write around the clock, only sleeping when I can't keep my nose from falling onto my keyboard. When at that stage of the book I'm giddy with excitement, and it takes wild horses to drag me out of my office.
Q: Which character from your books is your favorite?
A: My favorite character is always the one I just finished writing. I fall madly in love with my hero – until the next one comes along.
Q: Tell us a secret about yourself that you haven't shared with other readers.
A: I wish I had secrets – unfortunately, I'm an Aries, and tend to tell anyone everything. lol.
Q: Is there something you want to write about that you haven't yet?
A: My interests are really diverse, there's always something that strikes my fancy, but so far (fortunately) I've always been able to integrate my current passion into which ever book I'm currently writing.
Q: What do you do to relax? Any favorite hobbies or pastimes?
A: My first love, of course, is reading. Anything and everything I can get my hands on. One of the drawbacks of being a writer is not being able to read as much as I'd like to. I would love to tell you that I sky dive naked, or SCUBA dive with Great Whites, or that I'm a barefoot triathlete – but alas, that would all require sweating and far more exertion than I'm willing to expend! Lol.
I adore writing athletic, gung-ho characters, but none of them are the real me. Give me a tall, iced Snapple, a fabulous book, or a great movie and I'm a happy camper.
Oh! I am a killer – of snails in my garden. But that's it in the excitement department I'm afraid. All my activities are vicarious and saved to put on the page.
I'm thrilled to be back in my counterterrorist T-FLAC world after several years' absence. Don't get me wrong, I adore the underwater adventures in my Cutter Cay series, and following the numbers to risk and danger in my Lodestone books is a blast, but T-FLAC operatives are near and dear to my heart, and always will be.
Terrorist Force Logistical Assault Command was conceived on a very long, very smoky return flight from Italy many years ago. Eight T-FLAC, and six T-FLAC/Psi books, and two new series later, I'm back in the world of terrorists and hot sexy espionage. I had SO much fun writing this book, it was like being back with old (incredibly sexy lol) friends.
If you haven't read any of my books – let me sum them up quickly for you. Running-chasing-shooting-wild monkey sex-action-adventure. A little over the top-a lot sexy.
Ice Cold is no exception. You'll find some familiar faces in this adventure, as cyber-geek Honey Winston and seasoned operative Rafael Navarro confront an ice cold tango determined to bring T-FLAC to its knees.
Here's a little taste to whet your appetite. . .
T-FLAC operative Rafael Navarro will never allow another woman to suffer the consequences of his dangerous life. But in a world where a terrorist can do more damage with a keyboard than a bomb, he needs the expert help of a cyber-geek. And fast.
Fellow operative, and cybercrimes specialist Honey Winston prefers computers to people. But when a serial bomber threatens the world's financial infrastructure, she's forced to work closely with Navarro, whose notorious skill in the bedroom is as legendary as his dexterity defusing bombs.
Honey and Rafael must fight sparks hot enough to melt their resolve, and push beyond fear itself, as they join forces in a bid to race the clock before a sinister and lethal bomber proves just how much they both have to lose.
T-FLAC is back, and the timer is counting down in the most pulse-pounding explosive op yet—
Her assailant came out of the darkness hard and fast. T-FLAC operative Honey Winston hadn't heard a damn thing. She let out a hiss of indignation as the man got his shoulder into her belly and tackled her full force before she even realized she wasn't alone with the corpse. The Mag light went flying one way, her Sig. the other. The light winked out.
Darkness.
Damn it to hell.
Twisting to counter the attack, her booted foot slipped on slick, bloody flagstone. Off balance she hit the unyielding floor with a thump. The intruder straddled her, pinning her in place.
Honey shot out both hands, grabbed her attacker's muscled forearms and tried to wrestle him off her hips. Son of a bitch was immovable. She bucked, trying to wedge a leg between their bodies for leverage. No go.
She didn't need the smell of death, just feet away, to remind her this guy meant business. She'd barely discovered Jack's body before the killer returned. Why had he come back? Do to her what he'd done to her boss. A gruesome, violent stabbing that spoke volumes of vengeance, not to mention sloppy workmanship.
If she shifted a few feet she could – maybe- reach out and grab the Ka-Bar sticking out of Jack's chest. Maybe. But the body was six or seven feet away to her left, and right now- out of reach.
The guy was heavier and a lot stronger than she was, to level the playing field, she had to get a weapon. Surging her hips upward, she managed to shift his weight to her chest. Hard to drag in a decent breath with him compressing her lungs, but it gave Honey the mobility to jackknife her legs up and twist her ankles around his neck.
Slamming her feet, crossed at the ankles, into his face elicited a low grunt, but she didn't hear the crunch of bone she'd hoped to at least break is nose. If she could get the right leverage, and the right angle, she could stab him in the chest with her five inch heel. Using every bit of strength in her legs, torqueing her body, Honey tried to roll him over so she could have the upper hand, if not the upper foot.
Son of a bitch didn't budge.
She tightened her ankles around his neck, using the strength of her thigh muscles to maintain the hold as she tried to pull him off backwards. Her lethal heels were tantalizing inches from his throat, but crossed, she didn't have the power to twist her feet for the right angle to be useful. She'd been trained to kill an opponent this way, but this guy knew the same tricks. That told her a lot. His hand shot out, fingers closing around her windpipe. Pain exploded in her throat and silver stars swam in her vision.
Ignoring the pain and the ability to drag in a much needed breath, Honey dug her short nails into his inner wrist, using her free hand to grab his thumb. Twisting it gave her a few seconds to drag in a breath.
His elbows pressed down on her forearms, forcing her hands harmlessly away and bringing back the sparkling Galaxy of stars.
He was strong, dangerously strong. Even with her ankles wrapped around his throat he managed to stagger upright and lurch to his feet. She swung-head down- between his spread legs, then dropped and rolled before he could grab her again.
Using the momentum, she shot to her feet and rammed her elbow into his jaw. Heard his teeth snap. He countered by twisting her arm over her head, his fingers manacling her wrist as he jerked her body up with him.
Honey kneed him in the balls. Or almost kneed him in the balls, her knee slammed into his upper thigh.
"Coño!" In a lightning fast move he grabbed her knee and flipped her back to the floor. From the time he'd entered the dark house to the moment he had her pinned- for the second damned time- to the floor was mere moments.
She was good, damn good. He was marginally better. Pissed her off. She dismissed the bone-jarring, silver star inducing slam to the unyielding floor and fought gravity to regain her footing. Tricky in stiletto-heeled boots. She was like a damned turtle on its back, with him crouched over her, restricting her movement.
Something hard pressed into her left butt cheek. Could it be. . .? Like the fabled Princess and the Pea, she'd landed on her gun. Now we're talking!
Standing over her, he twisted her arm until she hissed in a breath of pain. Then, still crouched beside her, he jammed a weapon against her throat. "Up. Slow and easy," he said. "Hands on your head," his voice came velvety soft and lethal in the darkness.
It occurred to Honey that the garbage detail would be there any minute in response to her call. But unless she got the upper hand right now, by the time they arrived there might be two bodies to clean up.She never asked, or waited for, help. Tonight would not be an exception.
"No more fun and games." Strong fingers manacled her upper arm and he hauled her to her feet like a bag of horse feed. "Up."
Honey's cheeks burned with anger and- hell yes- embarrassment. She was a trained operative, for god's sake, yet he'd managed to get the drop on her. Several times. "Don't hurt me," she pleaded, pitching her voice higher and thinner so she sounded frail and girlie. His hesitation was slight. Most men didn't like hurting woman. It was yet another tool in her skillset. The son of a bitch underestimated her, and she used his hesitation to her advantage.
By the time she was vertical Honey had her weapon digging into the underside of his chin.
Standoff.
"Wanna see who can pull their trigger faster?" she asked coolly, not flinching as the muzzle of his weapon dug into the flesh beneath her ear. He shifted, and like Siamese twins they moved together, neither letting up on the pressure of muzzle to carotid. He had the advantage of height and weight, but she was a lot more determined to stay alive.
The manacle of his fingers on her arm suddenly withdrew, but before she could act on it, the overhead chandelier blazed to brilliant life.
Honey blinked up at him. Although they'd never met, she instantly knew who he was.
The Spanish Stallion. "Navarro."
He looked like he owned the damned planet as he glanced from her face, to Jack's corpse, then returned to her. A shudder of awareness shimmied through her body.
She disliked Rafael Navarro on sight.
For a moment she remained where she was, muzzle pressed to his jaw. Then dropped her hand as he did the same.
They stared at each other, their breathing slightly elevated by the exertion. His black eyes ate the light, and were completely unreadable.
His lean face was tanned, indicating he'd just returned from sunnier climes. The three inch scar, running from the corner of his left eye and slashed across his cheek, didn't distract from his rugged good looks, in fact, Honey was sure, the scars only enhanced his sex appeal. He looked like what he was. A warrior. Nose aristocratic, dark eyes deeply set. Glossy, almost stick-straight, black hair brushed his broad shoulders. He wore dark-washed jeans and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up his muscled forearms. He was all about dark and foreboding and looked as though he'd never smiled in his life.
He was a hotshot. A breaker of rules. A maverick.
She was methodical, by the book, and liked order. And men who bothered to shave. At least at the start of an op.
"Winston?" The Spanish in his voice was there only because she expected it. His black eyes flickered again from her to Jack's body sprawled nearby in a pool of congealed blood.
Thirty-seven knife wounds, and only the last the killing blow, made for a great deal of blood. A male of Jack's size would have approximately ten to twelve pints of blood in his body. It looked like ten gallons of blood on the floor. She looked away. And damn it, the only other place to look was at Navarro.
Honey took a step back mirroring his movements as they both holstered their weapons and paused to assess the other. Tucking a probably imaginary, stray strand of pale blonde hair back into her elegant ponytail, she was annoyed to find her heart beating a little fast as his obsidian gaze skimmed over her. "Obviously I didn't kill him," she told him coolly. "Given the eight inch disparity in our heights I would've had to use a stepstool."
"I'm sure there's one around," he said dryly. "Question is; who did?"
Since it was clearly a rhetorical question, Honey didn't bother responding. She'd track down Jack's killer personally. She had some free time due. . .None of Rafael Navarro business. "We all have enemies." Not Mr. Stallion. He was admired and fawned on and fated and treated like the prodigal son when he deigned to come into HQ. Herself excluded, everyone wanted to team up with Navarro.
"Enemies don't stroll into our homes twenty minutes from T-FLAC HQ and stab us multiple times. Unless you didn't share something in the dossier?"
Honey's dislike of the man went down two more notches.
She supposed some women would think his height and broad shoulders attractive. Certainly the clerical staff at HQ gave him second and tenth looks on the rare occasions that he came to Montana. Ha! He'd eat them for breakfast then spit their hearts out between his strong white teeth.
Navarro had a reputation that had nothing to do with his- admittedly sterling- rep as a bomb disposal expert. No matter how hard Honey tried not to listen to gossip and the oos and ahhs of it all, it was hard to miss hearing what a great kisser/lover/stallion the Spaniard was.
Catherine Seymour, her mentor and trainer, had once confided in Honey that Navarro had made her come just by kissing her.
Honey gave a mental snort. As if. Narrow-eyed Navarro was observing the body, giving Honey a moment to look at him. The bump on the bridge of his otherwise straight nose indicated it had been broken a time or two. The razor-thin, three-inch-long scar, starting at the outer corner of his left eye, and slightly indenting his cheekbone gleamed white in the bright light.
"Sloppy. Rushed. Personal." Honey observed out loud. "House is empty." She avoided looking too long at Jack's body. Her supervisor lay dead on the slate entry hall floor at her booted feet, perforated by dozens of knife wounds. Overkill. The Ka-Bar, eight inches of carbon steel still embedded in heart. "I did a thorough sweep."
"How long have you been here?"
The left sleeve of his white shirt had come unrolled. Honey itched to tidy him up. Not that she wanted to touch him. She most certainly did not. She liked order. He was anything but. She shoved her fingertips into the front pockets of her tailored black wool pants. "Seven minutes. I was taking him to the airport to meet you. He was dead when I arrived."
"Yeah. I see that. Did you call it in? Yeah. I'm sure you did." Navarro cocked a brow giving her time to jump in and let him know if she'd had time to do so.
"Yes, I-" Honey swallowed hard, the only indication that she was in any way moved by the violent death of the man she'd work with for five years. She'd seen plenty of dead people. Plenty of bloody, gory deaths. She'd caused some of those deaths herself in the line of duty. She'd never been affected this deeply. Not that Rafael Navarro would get even a hint how deeply she was affected now. She did her job, didn't fraternize with anyone she worked with, and minded her own business.
"Recognize the weapon?"
"I gave him that knife for his birthday last year- " Too personal. None of his business. "What are you doing here?"
"Control notified me that Jack's wife called in to say he had the flu and couldn't meet me."
"He's divorced."
"Yeah," he agreed dryly. "I know. It sent up a red flag. That's why I'm here. What do we know?"
"I counted thirty seven stab wounds but I'm sure there're more," she told him. "The one to the heart killed him. The others were for show. The alarms were disabled." He'd known the killer and opened the front door to him. He'd been expecting her. . .
Grabbing a slouchy black leather tote from a nearby table, she removed hand sanitizer and wipes and proceeded to methodically clean the blood from her hands. The adrenaline rush was starting to fade and Honey was annoyed to find her hands shaking. She didn't want Navarro knowing how freaked out she was over Jack's violent death.
She turned to find him watching her. Before she thought it through in her usual methodical way, Honey reached up and grabbed the front of his shirt, tugging him down to eye level. His eyes were almost black, even illuminated by the overhead chandelier.
"Kiss me," she demanded twisting her fingers into the soft cotton to yank him closer. He angled his head, and obediently pressed his mouth to hers. His lips were firm and cool. He tasted of something dark and unknown.
She did not climax.
ISBN# 9781937774516
New York Times bestselling author Cherry Adair has carved a niche for herself with her sexy, sassy, fast-paced, action adventure novels which have appeared on numerous bestsellers lists, won dozens of awards and garnered praise from reviewers and fans alike. She hates first drafts, has a passion for mentoring unpublished writers, loves Facebook, is crazy about Pinterest and loves to hear from readers.
Find Cherry Adair on her website: http://www.cherryadair.com
On Social Networking Sites:
http://www.facebook.com/CherryAdairAuthor
https://twitter.com/CherryAdair
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Posted by Adele Dubois at 12:02 AM 111 comments:
Food for Your Thoughts
How about a little mustard with your red herring? Not interested in playing around with your food? Have no fear, as long as you don't swallow it—because it really doesn't exist or, at least, it doesn't matter, You see, for us mystery writers, or in my case, one who pens them in an on-again off-again fashion, red herrings are wild goose chases that are staged in our mysteries, diversions intended to draw the reader's attention from the real problem or matter at hand. These red herrings can be in the form of people, incidents or other clues you think are linked to solving the mystery, when in fact, they have no real significance. The trick is mixing the false clues with the real ones.
Hitchcock was famous for using red herrings, especially a special one, a plot device knowm as the MacGuffin or McGuffin. A McGuffin something that drives the whole plot, or at least how you get into the story but is really irrelevant to the outcome. For instance, in Psycho, Janet Lee runs away with a suitcase of money, and you think the whole story will center around why she would sacrifice all for it and how she'll get caught. In fact, you get into a half hour of the movie before, horrors, she's murdered. Now what? So much for the money. It is never mentioned again. Her real purpose in the movie is to introduce the twisted horrors occurring at the motel and in the house beyond.
In my mysteries, I like to send the reader down multiple paths with regard to the person responsible for the murders and reason(s) behind them. Sometimes, even the obvious reason isn't the reason at all. The mystery may not even be the most important thing in the story. For instance, in Coming to Climax, there are murders occurring and all seems to point to the hero being a target. There are akso multiple subplots happening all at once. But the real theme of the book is love lost and found again through insurmountable odds. In my latest novella, A Murder in Every Port, the murders are a backdrop to a much more important theme, is Roxie's love invincible, or can a five-day cruise change the course of her future?
Next time you read a mystery, see if you can find all the red herrings the writer uses and can you tell who done it way before the end?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bobbye Terry also writes as Daryn Cross when she pens fantasies--but under her real name she writes mysteries and romances. Her latest, The Shadow Knows, is in the Briny Bay Mystery Series. The fourth in the series, A Murder in Every Port, debuts in February.
Posted by Bobbye Terry at 12:00 AM 1 comment:
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE BOND?
This is the fiftieth anniversary of the first James Bond movie. There's been a lot written about which Bond actor is the best one and which film is the best. I thought I'd weigh in with my own favorite Bond. Before I reveal him, let's talk the Bond franchise.
The twenty-third Bond film, "Skyfall," has just been released and it's already the best-reviewed of all the Bond movies. Some critics believe Daniel Craig is the best Bond ever. I tend to disagree. Maybe that's because I hated, hated, "Quantum of Solace" so much that it soured me on Craig as Bond.
However, I've recently seen "Skyfall," and liked it. It's entertaining, bloody, violent, with touches of humor. I didn't love it, but I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one. I like Craig better in this one than in the two other Bond films he did. But he's not my favorite.
I've seen all the movies. When the first one, "Doctor No," was released in 1962, it was amazing. We were still a sexually repressed society, so seeing Ursula Andress emerging from the ocean in that bikini was shocking and naughty. So was her name, Honey Ryder. The coolest moment in that film was when Bond was asked his name for the first time and he said, "Bond. James Bond."
Who could forget the gold-plated body in "Goldfinger?" Or Oddjob's hat?
We all know Sean Connery was the original Bond. He made five films before George Lazenby played Bond in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." That didn't work out too well, and Connery was back in 1971's "Diamonds Are Forever."
Roger Moore took over in 1973 with "Live and Let Die." Paul McCartney's theme song for that film is, in the opinion of many, the best theme song ever. I agree. But Adele's title song in "Skyfall" is a close second.
Moore made Bond films over the next twelve years, with Connery coming back for his last stint in 1983's "Never Say Never Again." The last of Moore's films was 1985's "A View To a Kill." I remember not liking that one much.
Timothy Dalton starred in two movies and that was the end of him. Pierce Brosnan became Bond with 1995's "Goldeneye." He starred in four movies before Craig took over in 2006's "Casino Royale."
There you have it: a short Bond history. Just as each of our romance heroes puts his own stamp on our books, each one of these actors brought his own brand to the Bond part. Connery was sexy and suave and very sure of himself. Moore played it tongue-in-cheek, winking at the audience and letting us in on the joke. Apparently Lazenby and Dalton didn't bring much because they're just blips on the Bond screen. Brosnan was more modern and likeable, not quite as suave as Connery or as amused by it all as Moore. Craig is very dark and serious.
So, who's my favorite? It's Roger Moore. I love the humor he brings to the franchise. Who doesn't love a guy with a sense of humor? I think Moore as Bond is sexy, daring, and lots of fun. He's a hero I'd like to spend time with.
Who is your favorite Bond and why?
Labels: Cara Marsi, Daniel Craig, Dr. No, Goldfinger, James Bond, Pierce Brosnan, Quantum of Solace, Roger Moore, Sean Connery, Skyfall
Guest Blog: Katalina Leon: Why Are Women Readers Interested in M/M Romance?
I have to confess that if someone had told me fifteen to twenty years ago that books would go digital, vampires would remain top sellers and women would fall madly in love with male gay romance, I would have said I think you're mistaken.
I like being surprised and those three trends have genuinely surprised me, especially the warm embrace women readers have given to male gay/ bi-sexual romance or M/M. The popularity of M/M continues to soar with new devotees joining the ranks everyday.
Who knew that would happen and why did it happen?
I'm going to throw out a few of my thoughts and opinions about the current popularity of M/M romance and I BEG YOU TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS WITH THE REST OF US IN THE COMMENTS
First, let's state the obvious women are not the only ones reading M/M. Gay and Bi-sexual men love it too and I strongly suspect a lot of straight men sneak a peek, just because it's nasty hot willy-spanking stuff.
Because M/M sexuality tends to be frank and to the point. There's lust, tenderness and romance but it's male-centric. For the most part it is free of the overwrought tropes used in old style romance novels, which for many readers translates into variety. An M/M storyline can break free of a predictable path and take the reader somewhere else.
Second: M/M romance is inherently Heroic(pun fully intended!) The lovers involved usually take great risks by simply daring to approach a desired partner. Threat of punishment, rejection or exposure is often present. That amount of sexual tension delivers the emotional drama we romance readers crave! When love is declared taboo, risks are taken, forbidden realms explored and hearts are put in harm's way—you get great story telling that not only turns readers on, it may also leave them weeping in sympathy.
Third: We learn about our hidden selves by looking beyond ourselves. Compassion is a beautiful teacher. M/M romance acts as a mirror to the slippery forbidden realms of female sexuality. M/M often reflects a raw sexuality and makes no apology for pursuing partners who are prized purely because they thrill the heart or deliver immense physical pleasure. Female fans of M/M love seeing male characters brought to their knees, made vulnerable and their loving sides exposed. It's a paradox but it's often true that we never see ourselves more clearly than when we are looking at someone else and feeling compassion for them.
Forth: From a female POV men are often the mysterious other country. A million bad jokes have been made about the differences between Venus and Mars but deep down I think most women remain curious about what male sexuality would look like, if women weren't looking. M/M romance opens that door and allows women a peek into a forbidden world that in the end may look strangely familiar. Love is love and after all is said and done, male or female, it's still a human heart.
What do you think of M/M romance? Are you a reader, an author or even a critic of M/M, please share your opinion. I love getting comments and I will try to respond to any or all of them with a detailed answer.
Claimed By Dragons
Bag Of Tricks Book 2
Amber Skyze and Katalina Leon
Genre: Erotic-romance, paranormal, dragon-shifters, ménage polyamory.
Publisher: Loose Id Publishing
Cover Artist: Valerie Tibbs
In an odd Wiccan shop in Salem, Jael pulls an unusual stone from a witch's wish bag. Little does she know her wildest dreams of adventure and a torrid affair with two gorgeous co-workers are about to come true—in spades.
Jael's dreamy boss, Roarke offers her the assignment of a lifetime: a photo safari to Mount Kilimanjaro. The African scenery is stunning but the unexpected arrival of her two office crushes, Roarke and Kypton ignites her passion. Just as the trio is getting steamy at a beautiful waterfall, danger intervenes forcing the men to reveal their secret. They're dragons. And now, to save her life, they have no choice but to abduct a startled Jael to their mountain lair on Kilimanjaro.
In the dragons' love nest, Jael learns the truth about their origins and explores all the erotic possibilities two eager lovers can offer. Love awakens, but the guys are being stalked by a covert group of dragon hunters and withholding a life or death secret that will push Jael's courageous heart and commitment to the limits.
Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices, menage (m/m/f).
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/F9iN7Ajq4o4">http://youtu.be/F9iN7Ajq4o4
About the Authors:
BIO: Katalina Leon
I'm an artist, an author, mother and wife. I write for Loose Id Publishing and Ellora's Cave. I try to bring a touch of the mystical and a big sense of adventure to everything I write because I believe there's a bold, kick-ass heroine inside all of us who wants to take a wild ride with a strong worthy hero.
Night Owl Reviews Author page
Seven Sexy Scribes blog http://sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com/?zx=9dc4c582426b5efe
Katalina's blog http://katalinaleon111.blogspot.com
Ellora's Cave http://www.jasminejade.com/m-569-katalina-leon.aspx
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katalina.leon.142
BIO: Amber Skyze
From a very young age, Amber Skyze began making up stories–the only child syndrome. Telling tall tales to all her friends she never dreamed of putting words on paper. In fact if anyone asked her if she would write when she grew up, she'd have laughed.
It wasn't until raising children and reading all those romances that she decided–hey, I can write these. HA! Easier said than done.
When not crafting hot, steamy tales, this New York transplant now resides in Rhode Island with her husband, four children (who force her to work a day job), and three dogs.
She currently writes for Ellora's Cave, Loose Id and is self-published.
http://www.amberskyze.com/
http://amberskyze.blogspot.com
Posted by Marianne Stephens at 12:01 AM 257 comments:
Invitation to the ultimate girls night out
What happens when seven crazy authors, good friends, get together for a girls only weekend with chocolate wine and whipped cream vodka? You get the Sassy Seven Authors, a bunch of new series, and the idea for the Naughty Sleepover, a weekend that's the ultimate girls night out. In our latest series The Naughty Sleepover, all the stories are based at The Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, where our Naughty Sleepover is being held in February 2013. And all begin in the historic bar where Teddy Roosevelt met with his Rough Riders.
So first about the event. The weekend begins with a Decadent Chocolate Hour (sponsored by Decadent Publishing, of course!) that actually runs all evening and proceeds next day through a discussion with a Dom, a "special toys" party and male dancers in the evening. (Think Chippendales.) Plus we have two very special hunks who will be your hosts for the weekend.
All in good fun and a chance to go wild in a friendly environment. Check it out at www.sassyseven.com/naughty-sleepover. We even have a payment plan for registration so your budget is safe. Hope to see all of you there.
And now for the stories.
Sugar Girl by Nicole Austin
A guy walks into a bar... And finds the girl he shouldn't have left behind. Their differences kept Candy and Jeremiah apart until finally, the road lead them back where they belong. But in the harsh light of the morning after can she really hold on to a shooting star?
Say Yes by Regina Carlysle
All work and no play is no way to live and J.D. Stone aims to change that after a chance meeting at the Menger Hotel. When the lonely rancher meets sassy photographer, Melissa Bell, the sparks fly and passions burn hot enough to incinerate them both.
Spank 'Em Cowboy by Samantha Cayto
Tara hopes to survive her sister's wedding without a wardrobe malfunction. Rob spots the voluptuous filly and cuts her from the herd. And when she craves someone to take the reins, he knows he's the right man to saddle her up for the ride of her life.
More Than You Know by Cerise DeLand
One redhead. One bartender. Lots of laughter. A desire so tender that the sheets they burn up together could set the hotel on fire. But can he intrigue a woman who's older? What if he never lets her out of bed? Will she still want him tomorrow?
Overnight Sensation by Desiree Holt
Pulled together in a crowd by an instant attraction, Abbie and Sam are powerless against the incendiary combustion that consumes them and turn a chance meeting into an overnight sensation
Blame it on Texas by Allie Standifer
Everything's supposed to be bigger and better in Texas, right? Sexy plus size model Serena Morgan isn't convinced until Texas country star Kale Winters takes her in a night of passion. Come morning will Kale convince Serena he's the real deal or Blame it on Texas?
When a Lady Meets a King by Brenna Zinn
Lady Pembrook went to great lengths, traveling thousands of miles and assuming a false identity to satisfy her fantasy of a one-night stand with a real Texas cowboy. But when a mysterious stranger in dark sunglasses threatens to expose her scandalous behavior, a handsome King comes to the rescue.
Posted by Desiree Holt at 10:40 AM 2 comments:
What Am I Thankful For?
As one might expect, I'm grateful for many things about my successful writing career. I've come a long way since I first started a few years ago and my countless loyal fans are the reason I continue to put out love stories dear to my heart, whether historical or contemporary.
However, this year I'd have to say I'm thankful for something completely different, though relative to the publishing industry and the precious written word that keeps it running. I hope you'll continue to read on, as this post is not about me. Some of you, may even find it helpful, if not encouraging.
For many years, my daughter has struggled to read at her reading level and we couldn't figure out why. In the years past, we have performed every test imaginable: ADD, a learning disability, eye strengthening therapy, tutoring, you name it. All of these examinations always came up short on an answer -- some even a misdiagnosis. From the time she was in first grade, reading had become a utter chore and a bitter task in which she no longer held much enjoyment. As an author, an avid reader, and a mother, it broke my heart to watch her struggle because she's always had a love for books.
Fast forward seven unfruitful years...she is now in eighth grade and, although she finds a series of books she likes to read every now and again (like The English Roses by Madonna, books by Bill Wallace and Mary Downing Hahn, and How I Survived Middle School), she still doesn't read at her grade level.
Finally, her grammar teacher, God bless him, came to me with concerns about her reading/writing skills (or lack there of) and educated me on the possibility of dyslexia. He put me in touch with someone who could test her and gave me the date of an upcoming seminar the school was hosting. Feeling overwhelmed, I actually cried in his office that day. I couldn't help feel like I'd failed her as a mother because we weren't able to get her the help she needed at an earlier age.
After our conversation, I went home an emotional wreck and did some research on the topic. In visiting several reputable sites about the specialized learning disability, I then realized all the signs were there but I was totally ignorant to the glaring clues. On a lighter note, I also found that NY Times Best Selling Author, Debbie Macomber lives with dyslexia, along with many other famous people. It truly was an eye-opening and awe-inspiring moment to know my daughter was not alone and that many successful people had achieved their dreams despite this hurtle. I finally felt as if there was hope for my daughter too.
Immediately, we had her tested and recently received the diagnosis of dyslexia. While I was still consumed with mixed emotions, I was also relieved to finally have an answer to all her questions of "Why can't I read?" or "What is wrong with me?" and the gut-wrenching question "Why can my little sister read faster than me?"
To my surprise, my daughter took this news in stride and has since made it her personal goal to read ABOVE her grade level. She has worked harder than I've seen her and in a matter of a few weeks (along with a new reading program at her school), she's gone from reading 66 words per minute to 150, while still comprehending the material. It's the most amazing thing to see her proud of her accomplishments and to know she will do great things in her life because of it.
This is exactly what I am thankful for this holiday season:
There are still dedicated teachers out there who care enough about their students and take the time to provide them with the extra help they need.
There are many role models who've openly come forward and shared their personal experiences and struggles with dyslexia so the children (and adults) struggling to read are not frustrated or ashamed by the challenges they face with the written word.
And most importantly, that my daughter didn't let this get her down or use it as an excuse not to chase her dreams. She's taken this "obstacle" and used it as her fuel to succeed. She no longer feels "stupid" or "incompetent" when she's doing her homework. And she has this tremendous desire to overcome this challenge and prove to those around her that it's only just another mountain to climb.
If you, or anyone you know is struggling to read and write, or has been diagnosed with dyslexia, here are a few online resources with loads of information, direction, and answers about the language-based learning disability.
The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
National Center for Learning Disabilities
and for those in the Cincinnati area:
International Dyslexia Association: Ohio Valley Branch
Just to make you go "Hmmm..." here is a list of other famous people who have dyslexia that you might not have known:
Greg Louganis
Kiera Knightley
I want to thank you for reading this post in its entirety. If anything, it's been therapy for me to get it off my chest and to hopefully help someone else who might be going through the same.
Thanks for giving me the chance to express myself and for lending the proverbial shoulder for me to lean on as I begin this unknown journey with my daughter.
Have a very blessed and memorable Thanksgiving!
Renee Vincent
(Historical & Contemporary Adult Romance)
From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you'll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.
Visit my website at http://www.reneevincent.com/
Gracie Lee Rose
(Lighthearted, Fancy-free Women's Fiction)
For those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories that your mother, sister, friends, and daughters can enjoy.
Visit my website at http://www.gracieleerose.com/
Posted by Renee Vincent at 12:01 AM 26 comments:
Labels: Debbie Macomber, Dyslexia, Renee Vincent, Thanksgiving, The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
Guest Blog: Emma Paul: Writing in Color...
Writing in color is exactly what I strive for when I sit down to work on another story.
Did you ever hear someone say, "Wow, that story just jumped off the page!"
No? Well okay neither have I. Although I have heard stories described as "vivid", "imaginative" or "colorful".
What exactly makes a story 1. Vivid, 2. Imaginative and 3. Colorful.
Well, I honestly do not claim to be an expert on the formula that puts these three components into writing, but I have been told that I create some pretty vivid, imaginative, colorful stories.
I think that makes me a bit qualified to let you know how I Write in Color…
Definition of Vivid: producing a strong or clear impression on the senses sharp, intense ; specifically producing distinct mental images < a vivid description.
Basically, that means we need to make the story "Jump off the page", heh…
One thing I've learned, is that action really does speak louder then words.
How does this work in a story?
For me I find that writing an action before dialogue, creates an "impression" or image of the scene unfolding. Something that I feel Dialogue tags just don't do. Also it eliminates the need for the "as" sentence to put the scene in motion.
For example, read this dialogue scene:
The shop's door was left unlocked, yet Amy knew she locked it the last night after her shift. Walking to the phone, she noticed the register drawer opened and the candy display scattered all over the floor.
"Hello Mr. Parker, it's Amy, I think someone broke into the store last night!" She said frantically as her eyes darted around finally seeing the evidence of a robbery.
Okay so this scene, written like this, does tell us quite a bit of what is going on. We know Amy works at the story. She was the last to leave. Mr Parker is her Boss. And there is evidence of a burglar. It tells us all this but does it really paint a "vivid" picture of what the author is trying to show?
I certainly don't think so. Let's try this:
The shop's door was left unlocked, yet Amy knew she locked it last night after her shift. Walking to the phone, she noticed the register drawer opened and the candy display scattered all over the floor. Her eyes darted around the store. Knots twisted in her gut, when she saw shattered glass mixed with gooey puddles of spoiled all over the tiled floor. Digging her phone from her purse, she shakily dialed her bosses number.
Hello, Mr. Parker, it's Amy I think someone broke into the shop last night!"
Notice by adding a few descriptions and reactive motion to Amy's character, now makes the scene visual. It paints a better picture of how Amy reacts both physically and emotionally. The scene now gives a "vivid" picture of what Amy is experiencing as she experiences it.
Definition of Imagination: the faculty of producing ideal creations consistent with reality, as in literature, as distinct from the power of creating illustrative or decorative imagery.
Okay without being too complicated, bringing imagination into a story, is introducing an unexpected element into the scenes. Setting the scene so, our characters must use their wits to navigate through the plot.
For example, we already know that Amy works in a store of some kind and she has just walked into a mess supposedly because of a robbery.
Let's add a little imagination and see how Amy reacts.
Hanging up the phone, Amy senses that someone is watching her. She quickly grabs the bat hidden under the counter underneath the register. Her heart hammers inside her chest. Slowly she approaches Mr. Parker's office at the rear of the store. With a white-knuckle grip on the bat, she slowly elbows the door open and charges in, her weapon raised above her head, ready to clobber the unsuspecting thief. Just before she nails the first blow, Amy comes to a screeching halt and freezes to her spot, shocked and confused.
See how I wrote the scene, to suggest that the burglar was still in the store. We can both feel and see how Amy reacts to this unforeseen problem. Then at the end, I toss in a strange twist.
Finally we come to "Colorful":
I don't think I need to give definition of what colorful means in literature. Making our writing colorful is part personality, part imagination, and part voice. Every thing I write has a lot of my personality woven into through my narratives, scenery, and of course dialogues between my characters. I've learned form reading my favorite authors that the more we connect with our readers on a cognitive level, the more appealing our stories will be to them. Creating characters and situations that people can see themselves in, and relate to gives readers a chance to live vicariously through our words as writers.
When I can do this for my readers, then I have done my job as a writer. Plus there is no bigger compliment then someone living vicariously through your characters.
Emma Paul lives in her own little fantasy world…well at least when she is creating the fantastical tales that seem to manifest every second of every day within the confines of her mind.
She is happily married with children, and loves writing and sharing her imagination with anyone willing to read or listen to her stories. Her hope is to bring happy feelings into peoples lives by giving them a way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Her wild, imaginative, and sexy tales will take you away to far off places where anything is possible and romance is hot.
Rumored to be a demon, Damien has been cursed by another demon to remain behind the walls of Darkhaven castle for eternity, unless he can say the True name of the demon that cursed him. Unfortunately, part of the curse is that he is unable to speak the name let alone remember it. At first Damien reject's the Millers request. Then he catches a glimpse of Elise and is intrigued. He summons her to him and gives her the power to complete all the tasks Duke DeMumart sets for her. But there is a price to pay...
Publisher: Sizzler Editions, Genre: Paranormal/fantasy erotic romance
Sizzler Editions
Fictionwise

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Cardio Exercises
Mental Strength
5 Reasons to Buy The January Issue of Men's Health
Welcome to The World's Fittest App
How to Build Bigger Shoulders
The 23 Best Foods to Build Muscle
The Best Exercise You're Not Doing
Devil's Advocate: Mobility Training Is a Waste of Effort
Flexibility alone is an arbitrary goal. To lift your game in the gym, you need to add weight
By Ted Lane
Peter Muller
Mobility is a trend, not a science. The hashtag may have been used on Instagram 1.7 million times, alongside images of people in pigeon poses and loaded Jefferson curls, but the term "mobility" conventionally has a far simpler definition: ambulation, or moving. Its use in reference to muscle flexibility is a new thing – and just because it's trending, it doesn't make it right.
Too much flexibility can be a hindrance
When you're training to become a better athlete, the laws of specificity reign supreme. What I mean is that doing any activity most directly benefits your ability to do that particular activity, but this has diminishing returns when applied to anything else. If your goal is to master a successful snatch, you need a certain openness in your upper body to achieve that position. But being flexible enough to lick your own elbow won't translate to an increased capacity to catch a weight overhead.
Rolling around on padded gym floors in search of elusive stretchiness is never the best way to improve mobility. If you want an increased range of motion (ROM) in the long term, you need to add resistance. Loading an exercise is not just about building muscle: it means stressing the tissues until they're forced to adapt, be that by increasing bulk or elasticity. So, a weighted split squat is a more direct way to increase hip flexibility than any variety of hip flexor stretches.
Stretching pre-workout will increase your ROM, but it's short-lived. According to research in Clinical Biomechanics, a static stretching programme has no lasting effect on muscle structure. Stretch under a load, however (warming up for back squats with paused goblet squats, for example), and you'll increase your range for good. Eventually, you'll be able to do any exercise to the correct ROM with no warm-up stretching at all.
13 Ways to Beat Muscle Soreness
Too much flexibility can even be a hindrance. If you're comfortable in a range of motion without weights (when you're in a deep squat, say) and try to replicate that position with a barbell on your back, you will cause exactly the kind of stress that can result in an injury . You may have been trying to bulletproof yourself against strains, but hypermobility can make you more susceptible instead.
I've seen athletes who could do the splits but couldn't squat below parallel with an unloaded barbell on their back. That's not because they lacked the mobility – it's because they lacked the strength. Let's not make a false dichotomy. Performance is a combination. The most effective way to boost both is to use an empty bar. Many erroneously assume that this is a sign of weakness. Those using bands to open up their joints may look cooler, but don't be fooled. Check your ego at the door and do reps using just the bar. Those 20kg are far better at creating the stretch you need to develop a ROM that works for you.
If you're at the gym just for double taps, stick to the stretching. But if you want to progress and save yourself hours of pointlessly trying to touch your nose to your knee, reassess your strategies. My advice: head straight for the weights.
Energy Drain
Stretching before a workout can hinder your performance, as muscles have less power when relaxed than when tense (Medical Science in Sports and Exercise).
Just a Feeling
According to American Physical Therapy Association, static stretching may make you feel more flexible, but it makes no significant difference to your muscle structure.
Worst Defence
The stretching protocols used in several studies did not meaningfully reduce the risk of lower-extremity injury (Journal of Athletic Training).
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Men's Health, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network Men's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
©2020 Hearst UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ. Registered in England 112955. All rights reserved.


The world of social media has completely changed the way we engage with others and deliver our message. In addition to changing the way business takes place on the internet, it has also changed the way brands and experts expand their reach and become authorities within their space.
With social media, anyone can deliver a message online, build a following and even create a seven figure business empire in the process.
All of this and more in the latest episode of Rise of the Entrepreneur with Michael Stelzner.
Michael Stelzner is the founder of Social Media Examiner.
Social Media Examiner was created back in 2009 and today has well over 300,000 email subscribers and is one of the most heavily trafficked and authoritative sites focused on social media. With millions of visitors to their site monthly and contributions from online marketing and branding experts, the blog has branched off into it's own podcast and annual conference event called Social Media Marketing World.
I can't thank you enough for listening in to the seventy-first episode of the Rise of the Entrepreneur. The podcast is currently available through iTunes (usually ranked in Top 50 in BUSINESS) and has already been downloaded in over 100+ different countries!


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Home > News > Butler Snow Adds 2 Attorneys to Ridgeland Office
Butler Snow Adds 2 Attorneys to Ridgeland Office
Timothy W. Lindsay , Robin Banck Taylor
Butler Snow is pleased to announce that Timothy W. Lindsay and Robin Banck Taylor and have joined the firm's Ridgeland office. Lindsay and Taylor will practice with the firm's labor and employment group.
"We are excited to have Tim and Robin join our firm in our growing Ridgeland office," Donald Clark, Jr. said, chairman of Butler Snow. "The depth of experience they bring in labor and employment will be an asset to our firm and to our clients."
Butler Snow represents private and public sector employers throughout the United States in every aspect of the employment relationship. At the core of the firm's employment practice is a philosophy that preventative advice and action are the most efficient means for resolving and preventing workplace disputes. Butler Snow excels in providing counseling, training, litigation defense, traditional labor relations representation and immigration services for employers.
Lindsay has practiced exclusively in the field of labor and employment law on behalf of management since 1987. He has been retained by clients to serve in a number of capacities including consultation for day-to-day personnel issues, supervisor training, handbook drafting and review, EEO audits, wage and hour investigations, union campaigns and negotiation of collective bargaining agreements. In addition to defending civil actions in court, Lindsay frequently represents management's interests before various state and federal administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
Lindsay has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as Jackson's employment law – management lawyer on the year, by Super Lawyers® for employment and labor, by Chambers USA, by the Mississippi Business Journal as a Top 10 Leaders in Law and by Martindale-Hubbell® with an AV-Preeminent Peer Review rating. He is a member of the American, Madison County and Capital Area Bar Associations, The Mississippi Bar and the Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association. He received his bachelor's degree and his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi. Taylor focuses her practice on defending employers and management in employment-related disputes, including disputes involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful discharge, failure to accommodate, FMLA interference, non-competition, and non- solicitation covenants, trade secret, and other related state and common-law claims.
In addition to her active litigation practice, she also regularly counsels employers on day-to-day personnel issues including hiring, compensation, discipline, termination, covenants not to compete, protections of confidential information and trade secrets. Taylor has been recognized by Best Lawyers® and by Chambers USA®.
Taylor is a member of the American, Madison County and Capital Area Bar Associations, The Mississippi Bar and the Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association. She received her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Belhaven College and her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Tulane Law School.
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Like an increasing number of parents these days, Harriet Shugarman, mother of two, often worries not only about how climate change will affect us today but also how it will affect future generations. While Shugarman, a Canadian native residing in New York, worked as a policy analyst with the International Monetary Fund for the United Nations, she says did not hear a widespread call for climate action until 2006, when former U.S. Vice President Al Gore released his film, An Inconvenient Truth. Then in 2007, shortly after watching the film, she attended a Climate Reality Leadership Corps training session.
She is now one of the 10,812 trained climate leaders working to raise awareness of global warming in their communities through the Climate Reality Project, a nonprofit organization founded by Gore to help communities around the country foster conversations around similar topics to those raised in his film. More than a decade after its establishment, the organization has trained thousands of individuals and has expanded its presence to 135 countries.
During the first weekend of March, the Colorado Convention Center was filled with hundreds of diverse individuals attending the 34th Climate Reality Leadership Corps training, the first training following the Sundance premier of Gore's An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power. After the 2006 film ignited a conversation around climate change in the popular media, An Inconvenient Sequel focuses on the worldwide efforts to tackle this issue. Many of the topics in the movie were elaborated upon in the training, such as the 2016 Paris Agreement and the importance of investing in renewable energy.
Shugarman, like many climate reality leaders, uses the Climate Reality Project and training as reliable resources for facts about climate change and possible solutions. Her experience led her to start Climate Mama, an online community of parents with advice and tips on how to talk to children about global warming. Parents who choose to become part of the Climate Mama community receive newsletters with the latest information on environmental policies and occurrences. They also have the opportunity to connect, organize marches and reach out to their representatives about the degrading planet.
"I would never have felt empowered to establish Climate Mama had it not been for my training with the Climate Reality Project," Shugarman says.
The Climate Reality Project is composed of hundreds of distinct experts ranging from educators to scientists. Trained leaders organize community meetings, develop campaigns to support legislation that recognizes the urgency of climate change, build public support to address climate change, go to town halls, call representatives and form organizations targeting specific communities, like Climate Mama does.
The recent training in Denver primarily focused on the rising temperatures in the West, with a focus on public lands, water resource management and changing winters. It addressed the variable precipitation patterns that have led to flooding in Colorado and presented the personal narratives of first responders whose lives are at greater risk from the increase in forest fires and floods.
With a decrease in snowfall costing ski resorts and companies approximately $1 billion in potential revenue, a big focus at the conference centered on the Climate Reality Project's I AM PRO SNOW program. I AM PRO SNOW is a grassroots initiative partnering with athletes and major industries to fight against warming winters. Its outreach aims to encourage communities worldwide to adopt practices that work toward being run by 100 percent renewable energy.
Another program branching from the Climate Reality Project is the 100% Committed campaign. During the training, Park City, Moab, Ski Butlers and Colorado State University all made the pledge to transition to 100 percent renewable energy before 2030. Cities, companies and colleges interested in making the transition can contact the Climate Reality Project for resources and step-by-step procedures on how to do so.
Ken Berlin, president and CEO of the Climate Reality Project, also spent time at the recent training addressing concerns fueled by the new Trump administration. Berlin broke down climate policies and described which actions the president can and can not take — all with a big emphasis on the importance of the people's voice.
While 71 percent of people think climate change will affect future generations, only 40 percent think it is going to affect them. Climate leaders are asked to bring a sense of urgency regarding climate change to their communities through presentations and daily conversations.
After the 34th training in Denver, the number of Climate Reality Leaders grew to 11,700. The training highly emphasized the importance of individual action and congratulated attendees for taking the first step toward helping address climate change in their communities. Leaders were encouraged to personalize their presentations and projects however they see fit, like what Shugarman has done with Climate Mama.


Carbon All Mountain With Maximum Fun Guarantee.
We did not make it easy for our engineers - but for you! The frame of the Whaka Carbon ES weighs under 2000 grams but is a heavy-weight in ripping trails. Backed-up by the Fox Float chassis and Shimano's legendary - complete! - Deore XT group, high-quality DT-Swiss wheels and grippy Fat Albert tires. With this full-carbon rocket you will have the most fun on both sides of the mountain - bet'cha!
In breve: La nuova STEVENS Whaka Carbon ES convince sia in salita che discesa.


An essential reference for historic miniature costuming. The classic booklet series of miniature patterns by Susan Sirkis contains detailed patterns and instructions for making authentic period costumes in miniature.
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Yochanon Klein
Rabbi Yochanon Klein has been performing circumcisions for over 10 years. He trained under Rabbi Yankel Schechter, a world renowned mohel in in Israel. He received additional training from his father, Rabbi Moshe Klein, who has shared with his son, the knowledge and expertise that he himself acquired while performing thousands of circumcisions in over 42 years. Rabbi Klein has performed hundreds of Brissim all over South Florida and beyond and would be glad to serve as the mohel for your son.
What Happens at a Bris?
The Bris milah is a religious ceremony within Judaism which welcomes infant Jewish boys into a covenant between God and the Children of Israel through ritual circumcision performed by a mohel ("circumciser"). The word Bris means "covenant" and the word Milah means "circumcision". This happens on the eighth day of the child's life in the presence of family and friends, and is followed by a festive meal.
Who can be a Mohel?
ANSWER: The Mohel who performs the ritual circumcision is a person who has received specialized training in the medical and ritual aspects of the Bris. The moment of the Bris has a great spiritual effect upon the child and therefore Jewish law specifies that one should choose a Mohel who is noted not only for his technical skills but also for his level of piety.
It's simpler than you think. Follow these detailed pointers and enjoy peace of mind knowing you haven't missed an important guideline for the sensitive care necessary as your baby heals.
Home About the Mohel About the Bris FAQs After Care Contact Us
(c) NeedaMohel.com 2011 - Web Design by Braintoaster Interactive


German Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Fahrenholtz has sought a 'peaceful and fair' resolution of the ongoing labour conflict.
"I'm in favour of a peaceful and fair resolution of this labour conflict," he tweeted urging the factory owners to give fair wages.
Germany, an European country, is currently the second biggest apparel export destination for Bangladesh after the United States.
"Police shouldn't suppress striking garment workers," Fahrenholtz wrote in another message.
"It's up to the factory owners to negotiate. Give fair wages and safe working conditions. Establish an accident insurance. Don't hide behind the government," it reads.
At least 35 people were injured in clashes between garment workers and police in different areas of Savar, Gazipur and the capital on Thursday. The unruly workers started staging demonstrations for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday in Ashulia of Savar, Bhogra Bypass and Mogorkhal area in Gazipur and Mirpur area, demanding cancellation of the 'discriminatory' wage board announced by the government for them.


Childhood ambition? I have always loved being in the field, and my job as Director of the Silchester Field School at the University of Reading has allowed me to combine this passion with a desire to teach the few things I know, and the chance to develop my managerial and organisational skills in ways I never dreamed possible….
Trowelblazing As a woman in fieldwork I have always taken the attitude that there is nothing I cannot do. My early days in commercial archaeology toughened me up quickly – leading an archaeological watching brief on the site of a multi-million pound multi-storey car-park on a cold December morning in the middle of York, surrounded by a team of hardened contractors intent on getting their job done – was a baptism of fire indeed. Women in site supervisory positions were a rarity in the 1990's when I was leading teams…..there were women running the finds hut, the environmental aspects, the drawing office ….but outside in the crisp York air I was in a male dominated environment. I have always fought against any kind of 'gender divide' on my project teams – but that division does still cast a shadow. Sadly it is a self-perpetuating stereotype….trench work is often seen as 'physical,' mattock-wielding, trowel twirling work, whereas finds are all about housekeeping 'pretty things'….still. 18 years of running the Silchester Field School gave me the opportunity to challenge these preconceptions and actually do something about them. And now that I have just finished running the biggest, boldest, brightest excavation on and in British soil (no bias showing here) – I am pleased to say I feel the scales tipping. In the final Silchester season 58% of participants were women, the majority of my Silchester Supervisors have been women, and the Department has an excellent track record of our female graduates working in commercial archaeology. It's a good feeling.
Team Tactics Running the Silchester Field School has never been hard for me. Yes of course it is challenging in terms of sheer numbers of hours in the field, and on some of those days when nothing goes right…..the portaloo emptying lorry is stuck in the mud, half the students have a crippling summer cold, the site wifi has dissipated, a dozen tents have blown over, the pump for draining the water from a well under excavation has choked and stopped, 125 unbooked in visitors have arrived for a tour, I can't find my coffee mug and context 14725 is not where I would like it to be stratigraphically…..But I instinctively know how to make it all work…..it is simply about the teams and the working environment you create. And the rest just follows. The archaeology may be a repetitive mix of wafer thin gravel layers – but it is still possible to teach and learn, to inspire and aspire.
Opportunity Knocks I love digging, I love excavations – wherever and whatever they may be – and my desire to communicate this passion can verge on the intimidating! I believe that attending an excavation is a life-altering experience – and everyone should try it at least once. My goal is to demonstrate that regardless of age, gender, skill, ability, aptitude, there are many many different experiences and opportunities an excavation can offer – something for everyone. Never think 'I can't' – always think 'how can I'.
Some of our other trowelblazers!
More to come from Amanda next week in Part 2!
A bit about today's blogger: Amanda Clarke is a field archaeologist appointed by Reading University to help train its students in all aspects of field archaeology. She is Site Director for the Department of Archaeologys training excavation at the Roman town of Silchester, and for fieldwork in Pompeii, Italy. When not in the field she is involved in the post-excavation work for these projects. She has spent many years in the field, on sites all over the world including Norway, Beirut, Jamaica, Belize and the northern and western isles of Scotland. She has worked most recently for York Archaeological Trust on many of their large urban sites, as well as directing two seasons of work on the early Christian site of Whithorn in Galloway. She also works as a Teaching Fellow for the Department of Archaeology at Boston University on the student training excavations in Belize, Central America.
Think Athena SWAN is only for women? Think again.
Welcome to the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science's blog – SAGE(S) Advice – see what we did there? It's a space for members of our School to share and discuss with you our experiences and ideas about fieldwork, gender and careers.
We're a School within the Faculty of Science at the University of Reading. In November 2011, we won our Athena SWAN Bronze Award (hurrah!) and this blog forms an important part of our aspiration to create a culture of equality and inclusivity for our staff, students and everyone we work with. We want to engage in a dialogue online and in-person about the fieldwork that is so central to the academic disciplines in our School and to many of the career paths our students pursue. So whilst the title of our blog involved some creative thinking, it is a serious endeavour to widen the discussion and applicability of the Athena SWAN charter. It's not only for women. It's a charter for everyone.
So what is Athena SWAN?
The Athena SWAN charter was launched in 2005 "to advance the representation of women in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics". There are now 114 Athena SWAN members. This is pretty remarkable but there is much work still to be done.
In our School, the Athena SWAN charter and our work on gender and fieldwork is embedded across the many committees and student programmes in operation. We do this not just for women within our School and beyond, but also to enhance the working culture for all of our staff and students.
Fieldwork in Sydney, Australia. Follow @DrHG on Twitter.
I'm Dr Hilary Geoghegan and I am Lecturer in Human Geography at the University of Reading. I research 'enthusiasm' – specifically the emotional affiliations and attachments we feel towards the material world around us and how this influences our actions, passions and performances in the world. I lead on our School Athena SWAN activities and it is my pleasure to work with colleagues on this blog but also our wider gender and fieldwork initiatives on which there will be more in due course. I've always loved geography as a subject, particularly the opportunity to visit different places (even if they are very local!) and talk to people about how they experience the world. My most recent bit of fieldwork was in Australia, but I'll save that for a future blogpost!


Infatuation called about an amazing event they had cookin' in LA to launch the new Microsoft Surface Go and we immediately answered – apron in hand.
The Infatuation team collaborated with the amazing chefs from Felix Los Angeles and Howlin' Rays to curate a menu for media, influencers and actors. The result: an epic 6 course meal.
Many mahalos to Rais Case who came in and made some epic custom swag while Drawing Booth drew portraits of the guests using the Microsoft Surface Go and Mamas-Medicine Cocktails for the libations.
New York, New York you never cease to amaze! I had the pleasure of working along side some amazing individuals to put together three exciting activations for New Balance at the New York Marathon.
At Mile 16 we cheered on runners with a drum line from the Brooklyn United Music & Arts program to keep participants motivated with foam sneaker "hands" and posters!
We also put together a Run Hub. This was a base for runners to purchase official New Balance x New York Marathon merchandise, get their bibs, and hear panelists speak complete with fully custom lockers for runners to store their gear. Lastly, a station where friends and family could create custom posters to encourage the runner.
Finally, the medal wall at the Runners Pavilion in Central Park. A photo moment created for 65k runners to pose in front of.
Have a look at the video to see the whole event in action!
New Balance Marathon Week from Crush & Lovely on Vimeo.
When two powerhouses in the surf industry come together to create art you pay attention. Mark Cunningham and Scott Richards created a show centered around the Ocean for the Salty Surf Artifacts gallery opening at Pacific City in Huntington Beach. On hand were industry insiders, surfers, beach lovers and art enthusiasts who celebrated the surf flags by Scott and the found ocean objects art by Mark.
The event curated by our friends over at FUNSTRS and supported by Jose Cuervo, Vissla, Surfing Heritage Cultural Center and Mucho Aloha was a great success. Thanks to the great artists and to Pacific City for hosting this amazing event.
The creative brief was clear, introduce ReachNow, BMW and Mini Coopers ride sharing service, to the masses at Seattle's Upstream Music Festival. ReachNow, a fairly new service located in Seattle, NYC and LA wanted to showcase the brands features, their fleet of cars and their fun side for a three day activation outside of the stadium.
We created two sides to the booth, The WORK HARD side being the educational/techy side where attendees could sign up to be a ReachNow member, charge their phone and learn more about the brand. And then the ADVENTURE HARD side which boasted a photobooth taken in the trunk of the mini-cooper, Carpool Karaoke from artists performing at the Upstream Music Festival and a VIP lounge.
Attendees had a great time and loved the vibe!
Have you ever walked into a space and have just been WOWED by its beauty and vastness? Well, when walking into AT&T Stadium Home of the Dallas Cowboy for an event that we produced we had to pinch ourselves a little that we got to create something really fun in such an iconic place.
Our client wanted their logo to be front a center when guests entered the field so we delivered. Creative a larger than life logo on the field was no small feat but we think we scored the winning touchdown with this execution.
Before we invited guests to stand on the logo for an aerial photo we had the amazing Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders perform a custom-to-client dance and welcomed the local highschool marching band to bring people onto the field.
The night culminated in dancing and field goal kick on the field. Lets just say the 1200 guests felt like winners at the Superbowl!