MaryAnn Bernal's Blog, page 385
August 19, 2013
The Battle of Knockdoe poem, found in the pocket of a slain soldier
19th of August 1504 - The Battle of Knockdoe
Loud blares the trumpet, the field is set. Loud blares the trumpet, the foe men are met. Steep slopes the hill, at Knockdoe in the West. There stood in Battle, the South at its best. Hi Manny O'Kelly, with the Burkes is at War, and Clanrickard has gathered his friends from afar. Kildare he advances like the fox that doth stalk, O'Kelly sweeps down with the speed of a hawk. Loud sounds the trumpet, the sunset is fair. Hi Manny triumphant. The Earl of Kildare.
(Local folklore has it that the above poem was found in the pocket of a slain soldier.)
Loud blares the trumpet, the field is set. Loud blares the trumpet, the foe men are met. Steep slopes the hill, at Knockdoe in the West. There stood in Battle, the South at its best. Hi Manny O'Kelly, with the Burkes is at War, and Clanrickard has gathered his friends from afar. Kildare he advances like the fox that doth stalk, O'Kelly sweeps down with the speed of a hawk. Loud sounds the trumpet, the sunset is fair. Hi Manny triumphant. The Earl of Kildare.
(Local folklore has it that the above poem was found in the pocket of a slain soldier.)
History Trivia - Spartan soldiers made an heroic last stand against the Persians at the pass at Thermopylae
August 19
480 BC Spartan soldiers made an heroic last stand against the Persians at the pass at Thermopylae.
43 BC Octavian, later known as Augustus, compelled the Roman Senate to elect him Consul.
312 Roman emperor Constantine the Great supposedly saw a vision of a cross and the words, "In this sign conquer," which caused him to eventually embrace Christianity.
1274 Edward I was crowned King of England.
1493 Maximilian succeeded his father, Frederick III, as Holy Roman Emperor.
1561 An 18-year-old Mary, Queen of Scots, returned to Scotland after spending 13 years in France.
480 BC Spartan soldiers made an heroic last stand against the Persians at the pass at Thermopylae.
43 BC Octavian, later known as Augustus, compelled the Roman Senate to elect him Consul.
312 Roman emperor Constantine the Great supposedly saw a vision of a cross and the words, "In this sign conquer," which caused him to eventually embrace Christianity.
1274 Edward I was crowned King of England.
1493 Maximilian succeeded his father, Frederick III, as Holy Roman Emperor.
1561 An 18-year-old Mary, Queen of Scots, returned to Scotland after spending 13 years in France.
The Phil Naessens Show 8-19-2013 Who Will Win the 2013 AL and NL MVP Award?
http://phillipnaessens.wordpress.com/2013/08/19/the-phil-naessens-show-8-19-2013-who-will-win-the-2013-al-and-nl-mvp-award/
Who will be the American and National League MVP’s for 2013? Plus a division by division analysis, news and a whole lot more….please join host Phil Naessens and special guest SB Nation MLB Managing Editor Steven Goldman on today’s show!
Who will be the American and National League MVP’s for 2013? Plus a division by division analysis, news and a whole lot more….please join host Phil Naessens and special guest SB Nation MLB Managing Editor Steven Goldman on today’s show!
August 18, 2013
Blogger and Novelist Bill Jones, Jr. spotlights The Briton and the Dane: Concordia by Mary Ann Bernal - check out the excerpt
This Blog Intentionally BlankThe books are where the Juice is.
Meet Special Guest Author: Mary Ann Bernal with “The Briton and the Dane: Concordia”Posted on 18 August 2013 by Bill Jones, Jr. — 1 Comment ↓ This week I am restarting a series I had a couple of years ago, when I began featuring Indie authors. We start off the series with novelist and friend, Mary Ann Bernal. Instead of an interview, however, we thought the best way to introduce you to Mary Ann is through her work.
With that in mind, let’s whet your appetite a bit with the trailer for her latest work, The Briton and the Dane: Concordia .
Ready to buy it now and begin reading? Just click on the cover art and be taken to Amazon.com. You can buy the paperback version for $8.99 or the Kindle version for a mere $0.99.
Click to buy the book on Amazon.com!What? Need more? Hmm, tough crowd. Okay, well how about an excerpt? Here’s Chapter Three for your enjoyment.
The Briton and the Dane: ConcordiaChapter ThreeThe court school was a bustle of activity as teachers prepared the day’s lesson. The three-story building contained classrooms on the first two floors, but the prized library occupied the entire third level where learned scribes copied selected passages from literary works for use during class. Students who sought to master a difficult subject would be tutored privately before lessons began while the remaining aspiring scholars shared the morning meal in the nearby kitchens.
Concordia’s mind was elsewhere as she helped herself to a bowl of porridge before sitting at the end of the long table. She smiled at the young men when they acknowledged her presence, but her thoughts were chaotic as she satisfied her hunger. She stared through the open window as translucent sunbeams caressed the dew-soaked grass, and she was genuinely startled when Brother Frederic joined her. She paid no heed to the curious stares of her fellow students while she quietly conversed with her favorite teacher.
“We need privacy,” Brother Frederic whispered, annoyed by the men’s probing glances. “Come with me.”
Concordia felt the color rising as her face turned crimson when she and Brother Frederic suddenly arose from the table and left the room. She could hear the whispers when she stepped into the dusty courtyard, but she stifled her laughter, knowing that this unprecedented event only added to her mystique. Since she was the only young woman attending the court school at this time, she maintained a brotherly-type friendship with the young men, taking care not to encourage their unsolicited advances.
“I fear I have aroused their curiosity, but I had little choice,” Brother Frederic apologized.
“Do not worry, they will soon forget our meeting…but I am pleased you sought me before setting out for Exeter…and if I may be so bold…I seek a favor…if you are willing.”
“If it is within my power, you know well my answer.”
“I have written my Uncle Sidonius whose villa is not far from the abbey,” Concordia said softly as she retrieved a sealed parchment from her pouch. “If you would personally deliver this, then I need not trouble the king’s messenger.”
“Is that all?” Brother Frederic grinned conspiratorially. “Dare I venture a guess?”
“Do not tease me so! But I do confess you know me well.”
“Ah, you would have your uncle champion your cause. Am I right?”
Concordia nodded excitedly.
“Perhaps I might also be of assistance, if the Bishop grants my request.”
“I do not understand. Of what do you speak?”
“It has always been my desire to visit the Holy Land. If I am permitted this pilgrimage, then we might travel together…I would see you safely delivered to Athens before proceeding onto Jerusalem.”
“The Greek students will return to their homeland soon…we could travel on their ship!”
“We both must have permission, my child,” Brother Frederic reminded her. “I will await your uncle’s reply before returning…but without your father’s consent…”
“Leave my father to me,” Concordia interrupted as she embraced the Benedictine monk warmly. “Godspeed.”
Concordia waited in the early morning heat until Brother Frederic was lost to her view before returning to the court school. She did not want to be instructed this day, she wanted to get a message to her father and beg the queen’s help, she wanted to make preparations for her journey, and she needed to find Emidus who was noticeably absent when the study of mathematics began.
The morning seemed endless as Concordia sat through her assigned classes, her waning interest quite noticeable by the time the bells called the faithful to Sext. She grabbed her books, running out the door and into the busy street before the final rhythmic chime. She hurried towards Emidus’ quarters while praying silently that he had not taken to his bed.
“Emidus!” Concordia screamed as she pushed open the door to his chambers and ran into the empty room.
“My lady?” A serving woman asked.
“Have you seen my brother?”
“He was with Prince Edward at the morning meal, but he has yet to return to his quarters. Is something wrong?”
“It is nothing…I had forgotten about his meeting…I did not mean to disturb you.”
The serving woman smiled, returning to her chores while Concordia went back to her nearby chambers. She opened the door slowly so as not to startle any servants that might be cleaning her quarters, and breathed a sigh of relief when she found the rooms empty. She poured herself a cup of watered-down wine and sipped her drink slowly as she walked towards the window. She glanced at the Keep, searching for the familiar figure that would never return as she grasped the delicate beads of her treasured necklace between her fingers. She watched the soldiers patrolling the wall-walk and smiled silently when she noticed the embarrassed look of a young maiden when the boy she apparently fancied stole a kiss.
“I wonder if Thayer is promised,” Concordia mumbled to herself as the enamored couple disappeared from her view, yet sighing wistfully when she heard the knock on the door.
“Enter!”
Emidus opened the door slowly, glancing about the room before entering. He noticed his sister’s pensive look while helping himself to some wine. He drained the cup in one swallow, filled it again and emptied it quickly. He sat the goblet down and joined his sister at the window, remaining silent as he gazed upon her face, and waited patiently for her to speak.
“You were sorely missed this morning…I thought you had taken ill.”
“I did not mean to upset you…the hour was late when I spoke with Prince Edward…but you are right, I should have told you.”
“Why were you summoned?”
“You are speaking to Prince Edward’s personal advisor,” Emidus beamed.
“Father will be proud as I am proud!” Concordia said excitedly as she embraced her brother. “And Uncle Sidonius…we must send word!”
“So we shall, but I fear your travel plans have been thwarted.”
“How so?”
“I cannot accompany you on your journey.”
“Not to worry, dear brother…I have since learned that Brother Frederic is planning a pilgrimage to the Holy Land…he will travel with me and see to my safe deliverance! And he will visit with Uncle Sidonius who must surely sanction my journey.”
“Have you sent word to father?”
“No, but the letter is written. If you write of your appointment, then the messages can be sent together, and I do believe father’s messenger has yet to return to Wareham.”
“I will see to it,” Emidus grinned. “Ah, I almost forgot…King Alfred has received word from Brantson…he is personally escorting two captured Norsemen to Winchester…he should arrive within a fortnight. Would you be pleased to see him?”
“How could you ask such a question? Brantson is my dearest friend…and I must confess that I have written him, seeking his counsel when he next meets with the king.”
“Intriguing as always, dear sister…would you speak of your lost love or convince him to champion your cause?”
“You are most wicked!” Concordia laughed. “I would seek his protection on the voyage, if the king agrees to my request.”
“Watch your words or all will be lost.”
“I do not understand.”
“Concordia, I have seen how Brantson looks at you…I do believe you hold his heart, but…”
“You are mistaken…we do have a special bond…that is true…but we are as brother and sister, that is all.”
“Nevertheless, tread carefully. Brantson is also like a brother and I would not have you encourage his advances if your heart lies elsewhere.”
“Emidus! You do me a grave injustice. I would take the veil rather than cause Brantson pain…I cannot bear the thought!”
“Would you consider becoming his wife? Brantson is a suitable match and father would be very pleased.”
“Now look what you have done! How can I face Brantson knowing that he pines for me…you have ruined everything!”
“You are behaving like a coddled child!” Emidus told her firmly. “Surely you know that you cannot remain a maid forever. Why not be wed to a man who truly loves you? You already love him as a friend…the marriage could work.”
“Leave me…I beg you,” Concordia said through misty eyes. “I have much to think about.”
“I am sorry you are troubled, but you must know the truth little sister…and you must know that I cannot protect you forever.”
Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.
Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers.
Mary Ann is a New York “expat,” and currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.
You can purchase her latest work here: Amazon US or Amazon UK.
Meet Special Guest Author: Mary Ann Bernal with “The Briton and the Dane: Concordia”Posted on 18 August 2013 by Bill Jones, Jr. — 1 Comment ↓ This week I am restarting a series I had a couple of years ago, when I began featuring Indie authors. We start off the series with novelist and friend, Mary Ann Bernal. Instead of an interview, however, we thought the best way to introduce you to Mary Ann is through her work.
With that in mind, let’s whet your appetite a bit with the trailer for her latest work, The Briton and the Dane: Concordia .
Ready to buy it now and begin reading? Just click on the cover art and be taken to Amazon.com. You can buy the paperback version for $8.99 or the Kindle version for a mere $0.99.
Click to buy the book on Amazon.com!What? Need more? Hmm, tough crowd. Okay, well how about an excerpt? Here’s Chapter Three for your enjoyment.The Briton and the Dane: ConcordiaChapter ThreeThe court school was a bustle of activity as teachers prepared the day’s lesson. The three-story building contained classrooms on the first two floors, but the prized library occupied the entire third level where learned scribes copied selected passages from literary works for use during class. Students who sought to master a difficult subject would be tutored privately before lessons began while the remaining aspiring scholars shared the morning meal in the nearby kitchens.
Concordia’s mind was elsewhere as she helped herself to a bowl of porridge before sitting at the end of the long table. She smiled at the young men when they acknowledged her presence, but her thoughts were chaotic as she satisfied her hunger. She stared through the open window as translucent sunbeams caressed the dew-soaked grass, and she was genuinely startled when Brother Frederic joined her. She paid no heed to the curious stares of her fellow students while she quietly conversed with her favorite teacher.
“We need privacy,” Brother Frederic whispered, annoyed by the men’s probing glances. “Come with me.”
Concordia felt the color rising as her face turned crimson when she and Brother Frederic suddenly arose from the table and left the room. She could hear the whispers when she stepped into the dusty courtyard, but she stifled her laughter, knowing that this unprecedented event only added to her mystique. Since she was the only young woman attending the court school at this time, she maintained a brotherly-type friendship with the young men, taking care not to encourage their unsolicited advances.
“I fear I have aroused their curiosity, but I had little choice,” Brother Frederic apologized.
“Do not worry, they will soon forget our meeting…but I am pleased you sought me before setting out for Exeter…and if I may be so bold…I seek a favor…if you are willing.”
“If it is within my power, you know well my answer.”
“I have written my Uncle Sidonius whose villa is not far from the abbey,” Concordia said softly as she retrieved a sealed parchment from her pouch. “If you would personally deliver this, then I need not trouble the king’s messenger.”
“Is that all?” Brother Frederic grinned conspiratorially. “Dare I venture a guess?”
“Do not tease me so! But I do confess you know me well.”
“Ah, you would have your uncle champion your cause. Am I right?”
Concordia nodded excitedly.
“Perhaps I might also be of assistance, if the Bishop grants my request.”
“I do not understand. Of what do you speak?”
“It has always been my desire to visit the Holy Land. If I am permitted this pilgrimage, then we might travel together…I would see you safely delivered to Athens before proceeding onto Jerusalem.”
“The Greek students will return to their homeland soon…we could travel on their ship!”
“We both must have permission, my child,” Brother Frederic reminded her. “I will await your uncle’s reply before returning…but without your father’s consent…”
“Leave my father to me,” Concordia interrupted as she embraced the Benedictine monk warmly. “Godspeed.”
Concordia waited in the early morning heat until Brother Frederic was lost to her view before returning to the court school. She did not want to be instructed this day, she wanted to get a message to her father and beg the queen’s help, she wanted to make preparations for her journey, and she needed to find Emidus who was noticeably absent when the study of mathematics began.
The morning seemed endless as Concordia sat through her assigned classes, her waning interest quite noticeable by the time the bells called the faithful to Sext. She grabbed her books, running out the door and into the busy street before the final rhythmic chime. She hurried towards Emidus’ quarters while praying silently that he had not taken to his bed.
“Emidus!” Concordia screamed as she pushed open the door to his chambers and ran into the empty room.
“My lady?” A serving woman asked.
“Have you seen my brother?”
“He was with Prince Edward at the morning meal, but he has yet to return to his quarters. Is something wrong?”
“It is nothing…I had forgotten about his meeting…I did not mean to disturb you.”
The serving woman smiled, returning to her chores while Concordia went back to her nearby chambers. She opened the door slowly so as not to startle any servants that might be cleaning her quarters, and breathed a sigh of relief when she found the rooms empty. She poured herself a cup of watered-down wine and sipped her drink slowly as she walked towards the window. She glanced at the Keep, searching for the familiar figure that would never return as she grasped the delicate beads of her treasured necklace between her fingers. She watched the soldiers patrolling the wall-walk and smiled silently when she noticed the embarrassed look of a young maiden when the boy she apparently fancied stole a kiss.
“I wonder if Thayer is promised,” Concordia mumbled to herself as the enamored couple disappeared from her view, yet sighing wistfully when she heard the knock on the door.
“Enter!”
Emidus opened the door slowly, glancing about the room before entering. He noticed his sister’s pensive look while helping himself to some wine. He drained the cup in one swallow, filled it again and emptied it quickly. He sat the goblet down and joined his sister at the window, remaining silent as he gazed upon her face, and waited patiently for her to speak.
“You were sorely missed this morning…I thought you had taken ill.”
“I did not mean to upset you…the hour was late when I spoke with Prince Edward…but you are right, I should have told you.”
“Why were you summoned?”
“You are speaking to Prince Edward’s personal advisor,” Emidus beamed.
“Father will be proud as I am proud!” Concordia said excitedly as she embraced her brother. “And Uncle Sidonius…we must send word!”
“So we shall, but I fear your travel plans have been thwarted.”
“How so?”
“I cannot accompany you on your journey.”
“Not to worry, dear brother…I have since learned that Brother Frederic is planning a pilgrimage to the Holy Land…he will travel with me and see to my safe deliverance! And he will visit with Uncle Sidonius who must surely sanction my journey.”
“Have you sent word to father?”
“No, but the letter is written. If you write of your appointment, then the messages can be sent together, and I do believe father’s messenger has yet to return to Wareham.”
“I will see to it,” Emidus grinned. “Ah, I almost forgot…King Alfred has received word from Brantson…he is personally escorting two captured Norsemen to Winchester…he should arrive within a fortnight. Would you be pleased to see him?”
“How could you ask such a question? Brantson is my dearest friend…and I must confess that I have written him, seeking his counsel when he next meets with the king.”
“Intriguing as always, dear sister…would you speak of your lost love or convince him to champion your cause?”
“You are most wicked!” Concordia laughed. “I would seek his protection on the voyage, if the king agrees to my request.”
“Watch your words or all will be lost.”
“I do not understand.”
“Concordia, I have seen how Brantson looks at you…I do believe you hold his heart, but…”
“You are mistaken…we do have a special bond…that is true…but we are as brother and sister, that is all.”
“Nevertheless, tread carefully. Brantson is also like a brother and I would not have you encourage his advances if your heart lies elsewhere.”
“Emidus! You do me a grave injustice. I would take the veil rather than cause Brantson pain…I cannot bear the thought!”
“Would you consider becoming his wife? Brantson is a suitable match and father would be very pleased.”
“Now look what you have done! How can I face Brantson knowing that he pines for me…you have ruined everything!”
“You are behaving like a coddled child!” Emidus told her firmly. “Surely you know that you cannot remain a maid forever. Why not be wed to a man who truly loves you? You already love him as a friend…the marriage could work.”
“Leave me…I beg you,” Concordia said through misty eyes. “I have much to think about.”
“I am sorry you are troubled, but you must know the truth little sister…and you must know that I cannot protect you forever.”
Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.
Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers.
Mary Ann is a New York “expat,” and currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.
You can purchase her latest work here: Amazon US or Amazon UK.
History Trivia - King Alarik I, King of the Visigoths, occupies and plunders Rome,
August 18
293 BC The oldest known Roman temple to Venus was founded, starting the institution of Vinalia Rustica (festival sacred to Jupiter).
328 Saint Helena, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, died at age 82.
410 King Alarik I, King of the Visigoths, occupied and plundered Rome, which marked a decisive event in the decline of the Roman Empire.
1201 The city of Riga(Baltics) was founded, and became a thriving center of Viking trade.
1
227 Genghis Khan, the great Mongol conqueror, died at age 60.
1572 The future Huguenot King Henry IV of Navarre was married to Marguerite de Valois, in a supposed attempt to reconcile Protestants and Catholics.
293 BC The oldest known Roman temple to Venus was founded, starting the institution of Vinalia Rustica (festival sacred to Jupiter).
328 Saint Helena, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, died at age 82.
410 King Alarik I, King of the Visigoths, occupied and plundered Rome, which marked a decisive event in the decline of the Roman Empire.
1201 The city of Riga(Baltics) was founded, and became a thriving center of Viking trade.
1
227 Genghis Khan, the great Mongol conqueror, died at age 60. 
1572 The future Huguenot King Henry IV of Navarre was married to Marguerite de Valois, in a supposed attempt to reconcile Protestants and Catholics.
August 17, 2013
History Trivia - Byzantine army destroyed at Trajan's Gate
August 17
682 Pope Leo II began his reign; he was known as an eloquent preacher who was interested in music, and was noted for his charity to the poor.
986 A Byzantine army was destroyed in the pass of Trajan's Gate by the Bulgarians under the Comitopuli Samuel and Aron. The Byzantine emperor Basil II narrowly escaped. The Battle of the Gates of Trajan only postponed the fall of Bulgaria, which occurred in 1018.
1498 -Cardinal Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI and Vannozza dei Cattanei, renounced his vows and office so that he might marry a French princess.
1510 Edmund Dudley was executed for treason under Henry VIII. While waiting for his execution he wrote The Tree of Commonwealth, a treatise in support of absolute monarchy; Dudley hoped to gain the favor of Henry VIII, but there is no evidence that Henry ever saw the document.
682 Pope Leo II began his reign; he was known as an eloquent preacher who was interested in music, and was noted for his charity to the poor.
986 A Byzantine army was destroyed in the pass of Trajan's Gate by the Bulgarians under the Comitopuli Samuel and Aron. The Byzantine emperor Basil II narrowly escaped. The Battle of the Gates of Trajan only postponed the fall of Bulgaria, which occurred in 1018.
1498 -Cardinal Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI and Vannozza dei Cattanei, renounced his vows and office so that he might marry a French princess.
1510 Edmund Dudley was executed for treason under Henry VIII. While waiting for his execution he wrote The Tree of Commonwealth, a treatise in support of absolute monarchy; Dudley hoped to gain the favor of Henry VIII, but there is no evidence that Henry ever saw the document.
August 16, 2013
The Wizard of Notts Recommends - Walsall v Notts County Saturday August 17, 2013
http://www.walsall.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchprere.asp?a=328825
The Wizard of Notts says:
Notts County bid to get their season underway after two defeats, when they travel to the West Midlands town of Walsall. The hosts have made a great start to the season and with Notts lacking confidence and key players, nothing but a home win is expected by Nottingham analysts.
For those of you who enjoy a wager as a side to accompany their football dish, a hefty home win is recommended to pay those pressing expenses. To thicken the icing on the cake, double Walsall (Home) with Soft Falling Rain in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury tomorrow. http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/288253Walsall v Notts County preview Last Updated: August 16, 2013 3:34pm
Manny Smith: Back in contentionTeam news for Saturday's League One clash between Walsall and Notts County at Bescot Stadium.Boss Dean Smith is expected to name an unchanged line-up for the Saddlers' home clash this weekend.
Smith has kept faith with the same XI for Walsall's 100% start to the season, which has produced League One victories over Tranmere and Oldham as well as a Capital One Cup triumph at Port Vale.
On-loan Chelsea striker Milan Lalkovic is expected to return unscathed from international duty with Slovakia's Under-21 squad.
Defender Andy Taylor (ankle) remains the only absentee.
Defender Manny Smith returns to the Magpies squad for their trip to the Banks's Stadium.
Smith, a Saddler prior to his move to the Magpies last summer, missed the 4-2 home defeat to Peterborough through suspension but is expected to slot straight back in at centre-half alongside captain Dean Leacock.
Boss Chris Kiwomya is considering other changes in order to kick-start his side's Sky Bet League One campaign following back-to-back losses. Winger David Bell could make his debut if he is fit, while the likes of Francois Zoko and Andy Haworth have not yet started a game.
Enoch Showunmi is fit after a back problem forced the big striker off against Posh last weekend.
The Wizard of Notts says:
Notts County bid to get their season underway after two defeats, when they travel to the West Midlands town of Walsall. The hosts have made a great start to the season and with Notts lacking confidence and key players, nothing but a home win is expected by Nottingham analysts.
For those of you who enjoy a wager as a side to accompany their football dish, a hefty home win is recommended to pay those pressing expenses. To thicken the icing on the cake, double Walsall (Home) with Soft Falling Rain in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury tomorrow. http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/288253Walsall v Notts County preview Last Updated: August 16, 2013 3:34pm
Manny Smith: Back in contentionTeam news for Saturday's League One clash between Walsall and Notts County at Bescot Stadium.Boss Dean Smith is expected to name an unchanged line-up for the Saddlers' home clash this weekend.Smith has kept faith with the same XI for Walsall's 100% start to the season, which has produced League One victories over Tranmere and Oldham as well as a Capital One Cup triumph at Port Vale.
On-loan Chelsea striker Milan Lalkovic is expected to return unscathed from international duty with Slovakia's Under-21 squad.
Defender Andy Taylor (ankle) remains the only absentee.
Defender Manny Smith returns to the Magpies squad for their trip to the Banks's Stadium.
Smith, a Saddler prior to his move to the Magpies last summer, missed the 4-2 home defeat to Peterborough through suspension but is expected to slot straight back in at centre-half alongside captain Dean Leacock.
Boss Chris Kiwomya is considering other changes in order to kick-start his side's Sky Bet League One campaign following back-to-back losses. Winger David Bell could make his debut if he is fit, while the likes of Francois Zoko and Andy Haworth have not yet started a game.
Enoch Showunmi is fit after a back problem forced the big striker off against Posh last weekend.
BOOK LAUNCH - Hard as Roxx by Bill Jones, Jr
Roxx is Here! 16 August 2013 by Bill Jones, Jr.
http://hardasroxx.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/roxx-is-here/
I am pleased to announce that Hard as Roxx is now available on Amazon.com!
It’s 2 weeks early, in part due to Amazon’s greatly improving their process, and part due to my own obsession with seeing it published. I will be rolling out some promotions in the coming weeks and months, but wanted to give my blog followers the 1st crack at getting to know Roxx.
For those with more luck than money, I will be staging a few giveaways in the coming weeks, here, and on Goodreads. Stay tuned. In the meantime, for those who have a few bucks, a weekend free, and the desire to spend quality time with a couple of kickass women, I hope you check out the links below, and give Hard as Roxx a read.
For those of you with delicate dispositions, Roxx does include Sci-Fi violence, adult language, and non-explicit sexuality. Oh, and Roxx is bisexual, so if girl-on-girl romance offends you … you’re so in the wrong place.
Here’s the blurb, in case you haven’t read it. The links to the books follow. Just click on the pretty picture
For Kindle Edition, Click Here!
For Paperback Edition, Click Here!
http://hardasroxx.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/roxx-is-here/
I am pleased to announce that Hard as Roxx is now available on Amazon.com!
It’s 2 weeks early, in part due to Amazon’s greatly improving their process, and part due to my own obsession with seeing it published. I will be rolling out some promotions in the coming weeks and months, but wanted to give my blog followers the 1st crack at getting to know Roxx.
For those with more luck than money, I will be staging a few giveaways in the coming weeks, here, and on Goodreads. Stay tuned. In the meantime, for those who have a few bucks, a weekend free, and the desire to spend quality time with a couple of kickass women, I hope you check out the links below, and give Hard as Roxx a read.
For those of you with delicate dispositions, Roxx does include Sci-Fi violence, adult language, and non-explicit sexuality. Oh, and Roxx is bisexual, so if girl-on-girl romance offends you … you’re so in the wrong place.
Here’s the blurb, in case you haven’t read it. The links to the books follow. Just click on the pretty picture
In a world that is a distorted hybrid of rigid control and absolute lawlessness, Roxanne Grail broke a cardinal rule: she got pregnant, for the second time. Now, she and her two daughters need to make it across the Sahara to the frozen European north, and freedom. There are just two problems: one, she doesn’t have a way to get there, and two, the One Child Law doesn’t have a statute of limitations. The penalty for a second birth is death – to the mother and to the child.
And her youngest daughter’s father? Well, he just happens to be a war hero and emerging leader of a shaky burgeoning democracy. An illegal child – especially the result of a rape – wouldn’t be good for his career. He means to see that no one ever finds out.
Meet Roxx, a 6’3″ martial arts instructor with a penchant for twentieth-century tech, including her 1940 Indian motorcycle. The Law says she must surrender her child, or die. Roxx never studied law. So, it is Roxx, her two daughters, and new partner, Trint, against the world.
Those odds suit Roxx just fine.
For Kindle Edition, Click Here!
For Paperback Edition, Click Here!This Week in Tennis 8-16-2013 Sloane Stephens Disses Her Fans
http://thisweekintennispodcast.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/this-week-in-tennis-8-16-2013-sloane-stephens-disses-her-fans/
Sloane Stephens disses her fans and 2013 Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli retires plus retractable roofs and much more.You don’t want to miss this weeks show. Host Phil Naessens is joined by Craig Doyle
Sloane Stephens disses her fans and 2013 Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli retires plus retractable roofs and much more.You don’t want to miss this weeks show. Host Phil Naessens is joined by Craig Doyle
School of the Ages: Simon Myth (School of the Ages Series) by Matt Posner - Virtual Book Signing Event
http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/Schooloftheages
A Sample of Simon Myth
This is from Chapter Thirteen. Mr. Tinker (Goldberry's father) is a guest teacher.
“You’re to learn advanced concealment,” said Mr. Tinker. “Should have been taught to you second year, but..." He paused. He knew a criticism would not be well-received. “Well, then. Advanced concealment differs from our general concealment magic mainly in its force. Advanced concealment hides you from the notice of even fellow magicians unless they are searching for concealed individuals or are extremely alert by nature. There is only one student present in this building who I expect to become able to hide from me or the Dean, and no one has ever been able to evade the attention of Maestro Morgan. As for Rabbi Horn, he has a set of magic cuff links.”
I assumed Mr. Tinker meant Rocco when he named the superior student. Rocco was and always had been expert in going unnoticed, and had developed a spell for total invisibility, although it had an unacceptable side effect.
“A simple tactic was used in my day to intensify focus on concealment as required. To become and stay concealed under the conditions created by the tactic, you will in some way, particular to you, break through to a deeper level of presence of mind. I need a volunteer.”
Rocco raised his hand.
“Good. Leave your hand up. Spread your fingers wide.” Mr. Tinker seized the upraised right hand. “Between each finger is a web of skin of varying size. Grasp the web between ring and index finger, so.” He clamped his fierce fingers in that spot on Rocco’s hand. “Now pull vigorously.”
Rocco winced, yelped, then settled into the pain.
“Now, turn on power of concealment,” said Mr. Tinker.
“I can’t hide while you’re holding onto me,” Rocco protested.
“Make me forget that I am holding onto you.”
“Can I make you let go of me first?”
“That’s not the goal.”
Rocco gritted his teeth. “Maybe I need to practice first.”
Mr. Tinker lifted his hand still higher. “When Cornelius Archer did this to me, I lost feeling in my hand for a month. I’m being gentle, boy. Turn on power of concealment.” He then began to tell us a story about breaking a man’s kneecap on the rugby field and then throwing the man’s sister into the River Mersey after the game. “Proved to me that cows don’t float.”
Then he went to the front of the room and discussed a spell to make mold grow in a butter dish. Then he rubbed his hands together. “Turn it off!” he announced.
“Turn what off?” asked Rocco, who was standing next to him at the podium.
I hadn’t seen him follow Mr. Tinker to the front of the room. My classmates conferred and we concluded no one had noticed when Rocco became concealed, nor had we seen him during the off-color rugby story.
Rocco returned to his seat and was rubbing the sore spot where Mr. Tinker had been pinching him.
“You have one week to master this,” Mr. Tinker declared. “Practice with your partners. When the class assembles next Tuesday, enter concealed. I’ll have a guest in the room. Anyone who is spotted by my guest will get six hours of scrubbing the floor of Conjuration Room C without knee pads. Go away and practice. Rocco.”
“Yes, boss?”
“If Goldberry can’t do this in three days, I’ll go and tell the cabala school seniors you’re a Palestinian.”
“You sodding well will not,” said Goldberry.
“It’s okay,” Rocco said. “We got it covered.”
It was true that Goldberry and I weren’t getting along well, but we could still work together on school work. What did he mean, assigning Rocco to work with her instead of me? I stayed after class to confront Mr. Tinker.
“Goldberry doesn’t need Rocco’s help,” I told him. “I’ll do it with her. Don’t you think I can learn to do this?”
“Of course you can.”
“Then why did you assign Rocco to help her? Am I not good enough for her all of a sudden?”
Mr. Tinker turned his back to me.
“Don’t play games with me,” I said.
That was a mistake.
He came around suddenly. “Or what, boy? Or you’ll thrash me? Or go whining to the Dean that I hurt your feelings? Or curse me into the shape of a hobby-horse? Just what will you do?”
If you liked this, please go and buy all my novels. I guarantee they are all full of adventure, romance, tragedy, and beauty.
http://www.amazon.com/School-Ages-Simon-Series-ebook/dp/B00E1MXJRO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1376658655&sr=1-1
A Sample of Simon Myth
This is from Chapter Thirteen. Mr. Tinker (Goldberry's father) is a guest teacher.“You’re to learn advanced concealment,” said Mr. Tinker. “Should have been taught to you second year, but..." He paused. He knew a criticism would not be well-received. “Well, then. Advanced concealment differs from our general concealment magic mainly in its force. Advanced concealment hides you from the notice of even fellow magicians unless they are searching for concealed individuals or are extremely alert by nature. There is only one student present in this building who I expect to become able to hide from me or the Dean, and no one has ever been able to evade the attention of Maestro Morgan. As for Rabbi Horn, he has a set of magic cuff links.”
I assumed Mr. Tinker meant Rocco when he named the superior student. Rocco was and always had been expert in going unnoticed, and had developed a spell for total invisibility, although it had an unacceptable side effect.
“A simple tactic was used in my day to intensify focus on concealment as required. To become and stay concealed under the conditions created by the tactic, you will in some way, particular to you, break through to a deeper level of presence of mind. I need a volunteer.”
Rocco raised his hand.
“Good. Leave your hand up. Spread your fingers wide.” Mr. Tinker seized the upraised right hand. “Between each finger is a web of skin of varying size. Grasp the web between ring and index finger, so.” He clamped his fierce fingers in that spot on Rocco’s hand. “Now pull vigorously.”
Rocco winced, yelped, then settled into the pain.
“Now, turn on power of concealment,” said Mr. Tinker.
“I can’t hide while you’re holding onto me,” Rocco protested.
“Make me forget that I am holding onto you.”
“Can I make you let go of me first?”
“That’s not the goal.”
Rocco gritted his teeth. “Maybe I need to practice first.”
Mr. Tinker lifted his hand still higher. “When Cornelius Archer did this to me, I lost feeling in my hand for a month. I’m being gentle, boy. Turn on power of concealment.” He then began to tell us a story about breaking a man’s kneecap on the rugby field and then throwing the man’s sister into the River Mersey after the game. “Proved to me that cows don’t float.”
Then he went to the front of the room and discussed a spell to make mold grow in a butter dish. Then he rubbed his hands together. “Turn it off!” he announced.
“Turn what off?” asked Rocco, who was standing next to him at the podium.
I hadn’t seen him follow Mr. Tinker to the front of the room. My classmates conferred and we concluded no one had noticed when Rocco became concealed, nor had we seen him during the off-color rugby story.
Rocco returned to his seat and was rubbing the sore spot where Mr. Tinker had been pinching him.
“You have one week to master this,” Mr. Tinker declared. “Practice with your partners. When the class assembles next Tuesday, enter concealed. I’ll have a guest in the room. Anyone who is spotted by my guest will get six hours of scrubbing the floor of Conjuration Room C without knee pads. Go away and practice. Rocco.”
“Yes, boss?”
“If Goldberry can’t do this in three days, I’ll go and tell the cabala school seniors you’re a Palestinian.”
“You sodding well will not,” said Goldberry.
“It’s okay,” Rocco said. “We got it covered.”
It was true that Goldberry and I weren’t getting along well, but we could still work together on school work. What did he mean, assigning Rocco to work with her instead of me? I stayed after class to confront Mr. Tinker.
“Goldberry doesn’t need Rocco’s help,” I told him. “I’ll do it with her. Don’t you think I can learn to do this?”
“Of course you can.”
“Then why did you assign Rocco to help her? Am I not good enough for her all of a sudden?”
Mr. Tinker turned his back to me.
“Don’t play games with me,” I said.
That was a mistake.
He came around suddenly. “Or what, boy? Or you’ll thrash me? Or go whining to the Dean that I hurt your feelings? Or curse me into the shape of a hobby-horse? Just what will you do?”
If you liked this, please go and buy all my novels. I guarantee they are all full of adventure, romance, tragedy, and beauty.
http://www.amazon.com/School-Ages-Simon-Series-ebook/dp/B00E1MXJRO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1376658655&sr=1-1
