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Last night, I had to catch up on a few priority items. First up, Super Bowl commercials. That's right--I didn't watch the actual game. Call me unAmerican, but after years of growing up with the TV commandeered every Saturday and Sunday by my dad and brothers, I hate the sound of sports coming through the television. My sister and I were made to postpone our chores while games were on: couldn't vacuum--the males wouldn't be able to hear the game; couldn't leave--we weren't done with our chores.

In any case, if commercials could be anthologized like short stories, the Super Bowl would hold the cream of the crop. I still love that Willie Nelson/H&R Block commercial from a few years ago.

When I was younger, this sprightly guy on TV had an exercise show. He was so funny and energetic, I wished he could be my uncle. You know who I'm talking about--the always effervescent Mr. Richard Simmons! Bridgestone's "Headlights" commercial featuring Richard Simmons is my pick for Best SB commercial 2008. It's so funny how we come upon him already doing his jumping jacks. The driver, instead of braking as he did for the deer and Alice Cooper, speeds up for Richard; the car's headlights affect a fierce mad face as the car guns down toward Richard. Even after the car squeals away, Richard is still cheering us on with his mantra: I believe in you!

I give Bridgestone's "Squirrel" and Budweiser's "Rocky" second and third place.

Good thing the commercial writers got their work done before the strike; the best part of the Super Bowl wouldn't have happened this year!

I gave my first presentation on SPITFIRE on Monday and couldn't have asked for a more pleasant and receptive audience.  Clinton Community College hosts a teachers' historical workshop about Benedict Arnold in the Champlain Valley.   Facilitators Tom Mandeville and John Mockry do a fantastic job sharing knowledge about Lake Champlain history and leading field trips around the region. 



I was the after-lunch speaker on Monday.   They had lasagna, and I worried about this, but only one person dozed off a little, and I think I woke him up with my bo'sun's whistle. (It's used to issue orders during battle...or to get attention during a presentation as the need arises...)

I presented my PowerPoint about the Battle of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain, the real 12-year-old boy who fought in that battle, and how I researched his life and life on board an 18th century gunboat to write SPITFIRE.   I also gave teachers a sneak peak at my school presentation, showing some of the artifact replicas, articles of clothing, and other 18th century treats I'll be sharing with students this fall.



I gave my first reading from SPITFIRE to people who don't live with me, and that was a terrific feeling.  The teachers were kind enough to laugh in all the right places, had nice things to say about my research and writing, and clapped when I was done.



It was a wonderful afternoon, and it was great to spend time with people who love Lake Champlain and its history as much as I do.

I'm giving my first presentation for SPITFIRE tomorrow! 

The book won't be out for almost two months, but this week's historical workshop at Clinton Community College focuses on Benedict Arnold in the Champlain Valley, so it's a perfect opportunity to share SPITFIRE and the story behind it with a great group of area teachers.

I'll be presenting a PowerPoint on the Battle of Valcour Island and the real 12-year-old who fought in it, sharing some artifacts to give teachers a taste of my program for schools, and... sharing my new book trailer for SPITFIRE!




Have I mentioned how much I love iMovie?