Pumpkins and Jack o'Lanterns

It's that time of year when leaves on the trees change into vibrant colors of gold red and purple. There's a chhill in the air, frost on the ground, and plenty of pumpkins for sale. Heck, who doesn't buy a decorative pumpkin for Halloween or enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie? I'd thought I'd share some pumpkin fast facts with you and share the story of "Stingy" Jack - Jack o' the lantern.

Have a fun Halloween!

PS... you can find me on The Romance Studio Spookaplooza this weekend at:http://theromancestudio.com/party/index.php Join me for some fun and great posts!





PSS... you can also find on the Long & Short Halloween Party on the Goddess Fish Blog.

** Where did the word pumpkin come from? The Greeks called it pepon, then the French began calling it pompon. The English switched it up and began using pumpion. When Americans got the word they began using pumpkin.

** Pumpkins are planted in early July to be ready in October.




**In 1981, Howard Dill of Nova Scotia grew a pumpkin close to 500 pounds. He patiented the seeds from the pumpkin calling them "Dill's Atlantic Giant Seeds."

** To date, the biggest pumpkin weighted in last October at 1,810. The owner was Chris Stevens.

**Ireland's only pumpkin festival isheld in Virgina, County Cavan.

JACK O'LANTERN

So why do we carve scary faces into pumpkins for Halloween? Can you believe this tradition originates in Ireland and they used turnips until they discovered Pumpkins?

Here's the skinny on Jack:



Stingy Jack asked the Devil to have a drink with him. Stingy, though, asked the Devil to change into a coin so he could pay for the bar tab. The Devil did so. Jack kept the coin - next to a cross of course so the devil couldn't change back.

The Devil was peeved. He promised Jack he'd leave him alone for a year if Jack allowed him to turn back. Oh, and if Jack died, the Devil wouldn't claim his soul either.

A year later, Jack tricked the Devil into climbing a tree for a piece of fruit. Then he carved a cross into the tree so they Devil couldn't come down until the Devil promisd not to bother him for 10 years. The Devil agreed.

Then Jack died.

He was such a "punk," God wouldn't let him into Heaven. Jack turned to the Devil. The Devil, "Hey, I promised not to claim your soul." Then he gave Jack a burning coal and set him off into the dark night. Jack put his burning coal into a carved out turnip. He's been roaming the world since. The Irish called him Jack o' the Lantern. Peeps started carvin out their own turnips and subsquently pumpkins, to keep Stingy Jack away from their house.

A Look at Pan Am - the tv show & airline

I love to fly. My first flight was in July 1986 from Boston to Atlanta, GA on my way to Ft. McClellan, AL for my Basic and AIT Military training for the US Army.

What did I love about it? The whole ambience: being in the clouds and looking down at the ground, marveling at nature from the air. I was excited to go to another state because I loved learning about the differences. I still love learning and traveling. In fact, I had signed up to go to a travel school in Florida before deciding the Army was for me.

Since 1986, the aviation industry has taken its lumps, but if it wasn't for Pan Am Airways and its ground setting accomplishments, aviation might have taken a different turn, especially in America.

When I heard there was going to be a TV drama called "Pan Am" it stirred my restless soul – that part which loved traveling to new places, and learning about different cultures. I had to watch and see what the show was about. Quite honestly, I hadn't been this excited about a TV show in a long time.

Pan Am, the TV series, appears to be in a good hands with Jack Orman (writer, ER) and Thomas Schlame (writer, The West Wing). The episodes I've seen strike a nice balance between drama and depicting a historical way of life. The show captures the excitement of early air travel, mystery, danger, and romance. What resonates with me, as a viewer, is how the stewardesses (the 1960's term for flight attendant) embody that sense of adventure that I had when I joined the Army in 1986. The stewardesses are smart women with strengths and weaknesses I can identify with. These women looked 1960's conversations in the face and side stepped them. In fact to be a Pan Am stewardess you had to speak a second language and have medical/nursing training.

I enjoy all the characters on the show, but the one that I like the most is Colette Valois, played by Karine Vanasse. Colette is French, speaks French and German, and grew up in Nazi occupied France. Colette speaks to my French roots, proud, yet vulnerable, sweet, yet tough when the occasion requires, and achingly human when she enters into an affair with a married man. Colette breaks off the affair, but there's no mistaking her wounded heart.

Colete Valois


Another character on the show, Kate, is recruited by the CIA to be a courier. I found this interesting considering the Cold War was a deep freeze and the East and West were always spying on each other.

Kate's sister, Laura is on the show. Laura is drop dead gorgeous, but what really appeals to me is that she's a runaway bride. She didn't want to be married, pregnant and a dutiful wife at her age. She wanted to go out and do something for her so she finally made a choice and ran out on her wedding. It took a lot of courage to do that.

Maggie is played by Christina Ricci. She's a fun loving character who has a penchant to get into trouble. She's always pushing the boundaries of the time.

For those who watch, do you have a favorite character? Why or why not?

Enjoy these "Pan Am" facts:

For the TV series, Sony licensed the rights to the Pan Am name and logo from a New Hampshire railroad company who had acquired the rights/brand in 1998.

Pan Am was established in 1927 with a focus on air travel routes to Key West, Havana, and the Panama Canal.

Juan Trippe became Pan Am's first CEO. His guidance led the airway in several innovations.

In the early days of aviation, Pan Am pilots were trained in long distance flight, over water navigation, aircraft repair, and maritime tides. Flight crews learned celestial navigation in bad weather. They used dead reckoning and timed turns in fog.



In 1936, the fare from Oakland Alameda to Manila (and Hong Kong) was $1,710 round trip (approx 26,300 in 2010 currency) and took 4-5 days.

Pan Am named the aircraft clippers, after the 19th Century clipper ships which could travel long distances.

In the 1940's Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry, was a Clipper pilot.

Pan Am was the first to order the Boeing 747 in 1966.

Pan Am had an option to purchase the Concorde, but did not.

Pan Am built PANAMAC, a large computer in 1964 to help book flights.

Pan Am reached its peak in the early 1970's.

From 1950-90, Pan Am operated flights from West Germany to West Berlin.

Pan Am's cabin staff were multilingual, college graduates with nursing training.

In the early 1980's, a series of bad economic decisions along with poor security measures led to the airline's downfall.

Pan Am fled for bankruptcy in Jan 1991.

Enjoy this trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HspOM_QWUqc&feature=related

Welcome Author Amber Leigh Williams & Auburn to the Football Blog Tour Stop!

STEPH: What's your favorite team? Why?

AMBER: I was raised in a family of Auburn fans. I’m a proud SEC lady - I love when our conference does well in the BCS, even more when it’s my team! My father went to Auburn and so did my sister and several aunts and uncles. I even went so far as to convert my DH into an AU fan within months of first meeting him. It’s one of my proudest achievements, lol

STEPH: Who’s you're favorite player playing now?

AMBER: It’s a new year and a lot of players graduated and went on to the pros last year. And since we’ve only placed three games so far this year, I’m still learning. I do like Philip Lutzenkirchen, the tightend. He’s a pretty solid player. Plus, he has his own touchdown dance. It’s called the Lutzie!

STEPH: Who's your favorite all time player?

AMBER: That would be Heisman trophy winner Bo Jackson. An awesome football player and a really great man. He played for Auburn in the ‘80’s, of course, but there are still college football Saturdays where he is on Pat Dye Field supporting the current players and coaches.



STEPH: Have you been to a game? What's it like?

AMBER: I’ve been fortunate enough to go to games every season since I was a little girl. My husband and I try to go to at least one. Game-day experience in Auburn is unbelievable. A lot of stadium environments can be really harsh and intimidating. While Jordan-Hare Stadium might be intimidating, it’s a remarkably positive environment and fans are very respectful toward visiting fans. I believe the positive energy of Auburn is why so many games sellout each year.

STEPH: Do you have a football jersey? Which Number?

AMBER: I do! It’s a bit old and worn, but it’s sentimental. It’s the number 14, which was how old I was when I received it as a gift from my parents :)

STEPH: What's your favorite football food?

AMBER: Tailgating food is the best! Just the smell of game day cookouts makes me smile. Usually we attend the big SEC games closer to the end of the season – versus Arkansas, LSU, Georgia, Alabama, etc. That point of the year on the Plains, nighttime can be brrrr. My uncle makes the best Sante Fe chili, however, that not only tastes good but warms you right through the bones.

STEPH: Who's your team's "evil" nemesis?

AMBER: The Iron Bowl – Auburn vs. Alabama – is the fiercest rivalry in the South and maybe even the country, mostly because they are both Alabama teams and the state doesn’t have a pro team to divide loyalties. On a personal note, I feel like that events of the past year might have hopefully somewhat cooled the worst of the tension between rivaling fans from both teams because of the April tornadoes in Tuscaloosa (home of the University of Alabama) and after the celebratory oaks were poisoned on Toomer’s Corner in Auburn last November. I love a good rivalry in college football, but it’s nice to see fans from opposing teams ban together in times of need.



Blurb from Forever Amore….
Was their love destined to last forever …
Engaged in a brutal dogfight, dashing American Lieutenant Charles Tyler crashes his broken plane into the Italian countryside. He prays for divine intervention—and is certain he’s found an angel from the very moment he looks up at Lucille Renaldi’s lovely face. Yet how can he be with her when his sense of duty tells him to stay away?
… or become another casualty of war?
Lucille’s attraction to the American is forbidden, her obligation to her family’s safety overwhelming. At great peril the Renaldis carry Charles from the crash site and disguise him as just another worker in their vineyard. Hidden there inside the ugliness of World War II is the beauty of a growing love, and a danger that could end their lives any day—when all they want is … forever.
*Praise:

“A dynamic war-time romance novel…. Features everything from dogfights to intimacy, love to desperation…. I must give this a best book, as the rating sheet goes no higher. Mark this a must-read. Williams has brought the romantic back to romance!”
—Long & Short Reviews

"A beautiful love story woven with suspense to make you race through the pages!"
—Lisa Britton Jacoby, The Baker City Herald

“This is a wonderfully written story of a forbidden love during wartime. The author has brought the era to life and filled it with some memorable characters. Lucille’s trials and tribulations and her love for Charles will keep the reader riveted from the first page to the last one."
—Coffee Time Romance

Forever Amore is available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and BooksaMillion.
Buy now for Kindleand Nook!

Book Trailer:
http://youtu.be/QAxUFOxvEAo

Visit Amber at:
http://www.amberleighwilliams.com

Welcome Isis Rushdan and the Eagles to the Football Blog Tour!

ISIS: Thank you, Steph for having me on. This is such a great idea and I’m pleased to participate.

STEPH: Who is your favorite team? Why?

ISIS: The Philadelphia Eagles. I’ll be honest, I didn’t grow up watching football and until I met my husband I didn’t have a love for the game. However, his passion and enthusiasm about the sport and his team was contagious. After watching a few games with him Sundays while dating, I actually started to pay attention to what made the team so amazing in my opinion. For starters, they are the perennial underdogs with heart. They are the only team in their division that hasn’t won multiple Super Bowls, but they are the only team, other than the Patriots, that have displayed consistency in playoff appearances in the last decade. At this point, the Eagles are in my blood and I find I’m affected by every decision the front office and coaches make.

STEPH: Who is your favorite player "playing" now?

ISIS: Brian Dawkins exudes the passion of the game with his constant ability to make a play when the defense needs it most. Although he spent the last two years playing for the Denver Broncos, he will always be known as the heart and soul of the Philly Eagles.




STEPH: Who is your favorite all time player?

ISIS: Unfortunately, I’m somewhat limited in this area because I’ve only watched the sport for the last ten years. So, I’m going to have to say Brian Westbrook. He is a slightly undersized running back with the versatility to placed anywhere on the field and never failed to capture my heart. His ability to slip through cracks in the defense and charge to the end zone was one of the reasons why I loved watching the game. He proved to the naysayers that despite his size with enough determination and drive he could accomplish greatness.


STEPH: Have you ever been to a game?

ISIS: Yes, I’ve been to three games. Two in Philly (club seats which rocked) and one in Tampa.

STEPH: What's it like?

ISIS: Amazing! The energy and the excitement seeps into every pore. Honestly, there’s never a dull moment. If we could afford it, we’d have season passes.

STEPH: What's your favorite football food?

ISIS: Crab fries ☺.

STEPH: Do you have a jersey? What number?

ISIS: Of course. 93. Jevon Kearse, “The Freak”.

STEPH: What's your team’s "evil" nemesis?

ISIS: Although the hate for the Giants and Redskins is high, it pales in comparison to the venom we have for the Dallas Cowboys. Before I really got into watching football, I had an innate dislike for the cocky team that always rubs me the wrong way. I guess I was always meant to be an Eagles fan. Thanks again for inviting me. It’s been fun!

Isis Rushdan is a native New Yorker, but has been globe-trotting since the age of 12. Wanderlust and her insatiable curiosity keep her on the move, where she seeks out great food and exceptional wine. Although she is a Major in the Air Force reserves, writing is her true calling. Her debut novel, a paranormal romance, KINDRED OF THE FALLEN, is currently on submission. To learn more about Isis, swing by her website http://isisrushdan.com/.

News From the Writing World - A Look at the Amazon Fire

The Kindle Fire will be released on 15 NOV 2011 and is Amazon's answer to the tablet. It's biggest competitor is the Ipad.

What makes the Kindle Fire appealing is its $199.00 price tag. That sure beats the mininum $499.00 Ipad price. So how does it compare as a tablet?

The Fire will have 7" screen. (The Ipad has a 9" screen.) The smaller screen is one of the reasons the price is lower. The Fire's screen will be touch sensitive and have color. Overall, the Fire will be lighter and smaller than the Ipad.

**The Fire won't have a camera.

**The Fire is Wi-Fi Only.

**The Fire has 8 hours battery life.

**The Fire has 8 G's of storage.

**The Fire won't have a microphone.

**The Fire will have availiability to music, movies, tv shows, and apps through Amazon Prime (Amazon's verison of ITunes.)

If you don't want all the bells and whistles of an Ipad, the Fire is a reasonably priced alternative. While I prefer 3G, the Fire has enough "pros" (vs cons) for me to deal with Wi-Fi. Quite honestly, I don't need a camera or microphone and a 7" screen is fine for me. I'm looking forward to it's release. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Fire.

So, who's interested in buying the Amazon Fire? Why or Why Not?

Welcome Kitty Taylor & The Broncos to the Football Blog Tour Stop!

STEPH: Who is your favorite team?

KITTY: Denver Broncos because they're local and I liked their coach, Mike Shanahan (he's not there any more).

STEPH: What's your favorite College team?

KITTY: Air Force Academy, since I was active duty Air Force for 25 years.

STEPH: Who is your favorite Broncos player?

KITTY: I'm not sure who my favorite player is now. With two new coaches in the past three years, the Broncos' roster has undergone constant changes. The season is just starting.

STEPH: Who is your favorite all time player?

KITTY: My all time favorite player is Shanon Sharpe. Not only was he s a great player, his comments after every game always gave me a grin. Maybe that's why he ended up as part of the team on THE NFL Today on CBS.

STEPH: Have you been to a game?

KITTY: Over the years I've been to several games, but since we have our new stadium, I must prefer to stay at home and watch on TV.

STEPH: Do you own a jersey?

KITTY: I have a Broncos sweat shirt, but no jersey.

STEPH: Who is the Broncos "evil" nemesis?

KITTY: The Oakland Raiders are our arch rivals. For the Air Force Academy, it's Navy. We're always competing for the Commander & Chief's trophy.

STEPH: Thanks for popping in today, Kitty!
Smiles
Steph

Welcome Joanna Aislinn & The Packers to the Football Blog Tour Stop!

JOANNA: Hi Steph. What a fun and original idea! Thanks so much for having me. Had you offered this opportunity a year ago, I would have let it go wayside. (Those who know me know I’m a BIG Rafa Nadal—oops! I mean tennis ☺—fan.) I’m newly ‘into’ football; started following and understanding a bit more after my sons signed up for two seasons of rec league play. My younger guy watches a lot of television related to the game so I’ve learned a lot and can get really excited during games. I mean, I watch the game during the Super Bowl.

On to your questions:

STEPH: So, Who is your favorite football team?

JOANNA: As a kid, I liked the Miami Dolphins b/c my brother did. These days, I follow the Giants (have to know what the home team is doing); I keep up with the Colts (my son’s favorite team) and the Cowboys (my brother’s choice). But: I now call myself an Aaron Rodgers (oops! I mean, Green Bay Packers) fan!


STEPH: Who is your favorite player playing now?



JOANNA: Cool, calm, collected Aaron Rodgers—and he’s got that green-eyed, dark-haired thing going on (like the hubby’s—before hubby went all salt-and-pepper on me ☺).

STEPH: Who is your favorite all time player?

JOANNA: Don’t have one. But I happen to have been quite charmed by the likes of Jason Taylor and Warren Sapp during their stints on Dancing with the Stars. And I admire Doug Flutie’s advocating for children with autism.

STEPH: Who is your team's "evil" nemesis?

JOANNA: Will have to get back to that one. Haven’t been following long enough yet!

STEPH: Have you been to a game?

JOANNA: Only the kids’ games. What’s it like? I bite my nails hoping no one gets hurt.

STEPH: Do you have a jersey?

JOANNA: No jersey, but I did buy a Giants winter jacket last November. They started losing that following Sunday.

STEPH: What's your favorite football food?

JOANNA: Nachos? (Hint of lime, cheese, sour cream, salsa—mild; guacamole)

My debut novel: A sweet romance/first love story entitled No Matter Why is available from The Wild Rose Press.



Here’s what it’s about: Trust and stability became empty words the day motherless, sixteen-year-old Carrie Norwell came home to find her brothers murdered. Within moments, her father arrived and his heart gave out at the scene. Five years later, is it any wonder the walls with which she’s barricaded her heart are virtually impenetrable to anyone looking to get close and offer what she wants more than anything? The security only a loving family can give? Or someone with whom to build her own?

Billy Jay Eldridge wants to offer exactly that to the right girl. Operating on a heart and spirit rivaled only by his looks, he’s two years out of college and where he thought he wanted to be, managing a store at the assistant level and on his way up the chain of command. He toys daily however, with the idea of a major career move that promises to make nobler use of his God-given talents. Neither did he think he’d blur the fine line between supervisor and peer to the young ladies in his charge—that is, until shy, quiet Carrie joins his crew. Intrigued and charmed by the girl’s haunted eyes and withdrawn ways he sets out to know her better, clueless that his life’s calling will be the biggest setback to getting her to accept from him what she wants and needs most.

This is what friends and fans thought of No Matter Why! (Scroll down past the first review on the page please.)

Steph, thanks again for inviting me to your virtual ‘tailgate party’! Best of luck with all your writing endeavors! Hope to see you at my blog soon!

Speaking of visits, I love virtual company. If you liked what you read today, please do drop by my website and blog!

Take care everyone--Joanna

Welcome Shelley Munro & the sport of Rugby to the Football Blog Tour Stop!

A palpable excitement fills the air in New Zealand at present. People are huddled around the telly, making the journey to Party Central, and those lucky enough to have tickets are rocking up to stadiums around the country.

Rugby fever has struck New Zealand!

It’s Rugby World Cup year, and teams from around the world are competing for the Webb Ellis cup plus bragging honors.

The All Blacks, the New Zealand team is currently ranked the number one team in the world, yet we haven’t won the cup since 1987, the first year the tournament was played. The pressure is on our boys to do well since they’re on home territory.

Pool play, which has been taking place during September, is almost finished, and it’s time for the serious part of the tournament to take place. The All Blacks are playing well, but we had terrible news overnight. One of our key players is injured and out for the rest of the tournament. I must say…I’m feeling a little nervous about our chances of pulling off a win without one of my favorite players, Dan Carter.

So why am I such a rugby fan?

Rugby is our main winter sport. It’s a team sport with each team consisting of fifteen players. From a young age, I loved to kick around a rugby ball. At that time, women didn’t play rugby, so my love of the game focused on watching rather than participating. It’s a fast, skilful game. Players need to work together to get past the opposition team. Oh, and it’s no hardship watching fit, muscular men run around in tight shorts and a rugby shirt. I like the team aspect, the skill required and all the technical, behind-the-scenes coaching stuff fascinates me.

And who is my favorite player?
That’s a hard one because this years All Black’s team is full of very talented players—a combination of younger players and more experienced ones. Let’s just say I like the All Blacks, full stop.
Mention the subject of rugby in New Zealand, and you’re likely to get wide-ranging reactions. Some people live and breathe the sport and go into mourning when our national team loses a match. Others just can’t understand our nation’s obsession with a game where grown men chase around an odd-shaped ball.
I bet you can guess which side I fall on. I make an excellent armchair coach and referee. Just ask my husband.

For those of you who are interested in rugby and the world cup check out the official RWC website http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/index.html or the All Black’s site http://www.allblacks.com

If you have an iPad or iTouch you can download the free RWC 2011 application to follow latest world cup news, videos and player news. There’s also a fan zone.

To finish my post, I thought I’d introduce you to the world of rugby through a video. The New Zealand All Blacks do a traditional Maori war dance called the haka at the start of each match. This clip shows parts of the haka plus actual game footage. There are two additional clips of the haka and some rugby facts at my website http://www.shelleymunro.com/for-readers/behind-the-scenes-rugbys-the-game/


Playing to Win


Blurb:

Professional rugby player Lane Gerrard is used to women throwing themselves at him, but a scurrilous tabloid article naming him as father of a child sends his temper soaring. The woman he confronts doesn't fit the blackmailer profile. Kate Alexander is attractive with an enchanting innocence, enticing. A total stranger. Her feistiness draws his unwilling admiration, but the child…he is the image of Lane.

Kate can't deny her son's similarity to the sexy man at her door but no way will she hand him over without a fight. Kate doesn't possess money but she can shower her son with love. With public speculation rife, Kate reluctantly works with Lane to discover the truth. They grow closer as distrust slowly turns to mutual fascination, but the tabloid articles bring out a stalker. Mild pranks escalate into danger, and suddenly Lane realizes Kate is a woman he could love. With Kate and her son, he could have a family. Now, with his heart on the line, this is one game he's playing to win.

This is a sensual romance rather than an erotic one. Currently on sale at the new low price of $0.99 at Ellora’s Cave http://www.jasminejade.com/p-4293-playing-to-win.aspx
Playing to Win is also available at All Romance ebooks and Amazon Kindle

Shelley Munro lives in New Zealand and writes hot and spicy romances for Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing. She has written several romances featuring rugby. Playing to Win and Issy’s Infatuation are both m/f romances while Wanna Do Bad Things With You and Best Man are m/m romances. You can visit Shelley and learn more about her books at http://www.shelleymunro.com

The Father of Steampunk - HG Wells

HG Wells

Herbert George Wells (HG Wells) was born 21 September 1866 and became famous for writing science fiction – science fiction that a 100 years later have come true. He had a vision, a real vision, and it came across in his writing.

Wells also tackled other genres in his day – contemporary fiction, politics and social commentary. Often, Wells is referred to as one of the fathers of science fiction, but it could be argued he is also one of the founding fathers of steampunk.

What's steampunk? Start with Queen Victoria (1837-1901) add a dash of setting of your choice, pepper in some funky gadgets like datamancers, transmogrifiers, and whuzzies, throw in a pinch of soot, and top it off with a handful of coal. Don't forget your goggles – you've got steampunk.

Wells grew up in Kent, but a broken leg left him bedridden when he was 8, so he turned to books and writing to get him through, cultivating his creative imagination.

His parents' marriage was rocky, but he managed to get a scholarship. Wells admitted growing up very hungry and pictures of him as youth show him very thin.

He earned a B.S. in Zoology in 1890. Though he was married, twice, Wells had several affairs and several children by his mistresses.


Interestingly, his first non-fiction bestseller talked about what life would be like in the year 2000. What did he get right? Trains and cars would help people move out of the city to suburbs, morals in women and men would decline, and a there would be a European Union. What did he miss? No successful aircraft until 1950; and submarines wouldn't work. These thoughts were published in 1901 under the mouthful: "Anticipations of the Reactions of Mechanical and Scientific Progress upon Human Life and Thought."

SCIENTIFIC ROMANCE?

Interestingly, at the time they were written, Wells' early novels were referred to as scientific romances. What were some of these novels?

The Time Machine
The Island of Doctor Moreau
The Invisible Man
The War of the Worlds
Just to name a few…

Surprisingly, or perhaps not so much, he was a socialist. Knowing that he'd grown up poor and hungry, maybe he thought the government could have helped him out more.

THE WAR OF THE WORLDS

Wells died in August 1946, 79 years old, so he was alive during Orsen Welles infamous broadcast of "The War of The Worlds." At the time of the broadcast, Wells was surprised by the widespread panic it caused.

WHY STEAMPUNK?

I remember watching Gene Rodenberry say that Star Trek, with its futuristic setting, allowed him to make commentary on his life and times in such a way that people would actually have to stop and reflect.

I think the same could be said for HG Wells. His science fiction settings allowed us to see futuristic/speculative worlds, and in fact, many of his writings voice social commentary. The Time Machine, for example, has the traveler visiting the Morlocks and the Eloi. (The haves and haves not)

Steampunk demands the same creativity and imagination that Wells displayed in his writing, and he was writing during the time frame a steampunk novel should take place. He was a steampunk contemporary.

Perhaps what's earned him the "father of steampunk" is the depth of his writing, his vision, and his ability to be prolific. It is, however, a title I feel he's earned in light of his life, how he lived, and how his writing has inspired others.

Before I go, let me share one of my favorite HG Wells quotes: If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.

Smiles
Steph

Welcome Jenna McClure & The Georgia Bulldogs to the Football Blog Tour Stop!

I'd like to welcome author Jeanna McClure to the Football Tour Blog Stop today. Take it away, Jeanna!

STEPH: Who's your favorite football team? How long have you been a fan?

JENNA: My favorite team is the University of Georgia Bulldogs. I've been a fan since I attended college there, oh, some years ago.

STEPH: Who's your favorite player "playing" right now? Why?



JENNA: My favorite player is Knowshon Moreno. He is a Georgia Bulldog, but he plays for the Denver Broncos. He is an explosive and dynamic player who turns good plays into great ones. He is so fun and amazing to watch. (I've attached a picture of him in action from his UGA days.)

STEPH: Who's your favorite all time football player?

JENNA: I'd have to say Hines Ward, another former Bulldog playing in the NFL. He is a genuinely nice guy and one of the best receivers to ever play the game. He always has a smile on his face, so it seems he really loves playing football for the sheer fun of it.

STEPH: Who's the Bulldog's "evil" nemsis?

JENNA: Ah, this has to be the Florida Gators. Really, any team that wears orange, but especially Florida.

STEPH: Ever been to a football game? What's it like?

JENNA: I went to most of the games as a student, and some in my post-collegiate life. The latest one was last fall up in Boulder when we unfortunately lost to CU. The Redcoat Band and the cheerleaders all stopped by our tail-gating party to share in the UGA game-day fun, and remind us of what it used to be like as a student. College games are very high energy, fun and a blast from the past. Of course, they are so much more fun when we win!

STEPH: Do you own a jersey?

JENNA: My dog wears a UGA collar, I have a Hines Ward Steeler's jersey, and about 20 UGA shirts, several hats and jewelry, but no jersey. I'll have to remedy that this year!

STEPH: What's your favorite food to eat during the game?

JENNA: Cheese fries with ranch dipping sauce, hands down. I used to chase that with some serious Diet Coke, but now it's either tea or beer.

Jeanna's book is Animal Attraction. Here is the blurb:


Environmental consultant Emmalyn Ashmore is outraged when she discovers the last minute replacement for the guest speaker at her annual conference is none other than Adam McLean, a cattle rancher, whose lifestyle represents everything she stands against.

Adam McLean has never met a more contrary woman. From the moment Emmalyn opens her mouth, he knows she's exactly the type of woman he doesn't need in his life—ever.

As the sparks fly, Emma realizes there's more at stake than conserving the environment. She has to figure out how to conserve her heart, before she loses it forever.

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