Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year and Song of the Week - "Raise Your Glass" by P!nk

Happy New Year to one and all!  I've still got several hours of 2010 left where I live, but I know many parts of the world are already meeting 2011 and the rest of us aren't too far behind.  2010 was an amazing year for me, made so by all of you who have been kind enough to pick up my books.  Thank you so very much!  I hope to keep going just as strong into 2011, if not even stronger! 

I've never been much of one for making New Year resolutions.  I try to work on improving myself and setting goals throughout the year, but I do have one goal already in mind.  Last year, I had wanted to see two novels published, and I was fortunate enough to have that happen with NO FEAR and KEYS TO LOVE, and then right at the tail end of the year, I got the bonus of seeing my novella, FINDING A DREAM, released.  Let's see if I can beat that in 2011.  I'm setting a goal now for three novels, my vampires, another rocker story, and...well, I haven't figured out what number three will be, but I'll think of something! 

To all of you who made my 2010 so special, I thank you, and I send to you all the best wishes for 2011.  Let it be filled with good health, happiness, many smiles, and much laughter.

And now, on to the Song of the Week with P!nk's "Raise Your Glass."  For all of you raising your glasses tonight to welcome in the New Year, please be safe.  I'll be raising mine in gratitude to everyone who has given me such an amazing year!  Granted, it'll be filled with Sprite since I'm such a lightweight, but it'll still be raised ;-)

As always, here's my quick don't sue me message, I don't own the copyrights to this song, video, imagery, or anything therein.  Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

New Release...FINDING A DREAM

I'm absolutely ecstatic to announce, my newest work, a novella titled FINDING A DREAM, has just gone live on MLR Press's website!  All my works are very special to me, and this one is no different, though it does carry a little uniqueness to it.  This is the story where my editor, Kris Jacen, and I are donating all our royalties from it to The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that works to provide life-saving and life-affirming resources to LGBTQ youth.  It's YOU, those who purchase this story, who are providing the funds for the donation to happen, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

At the moment, it's only available at MLR Press, but in a couple weeks, it'll be branching out to all major ebook vendors.  It's already available in several formats at MLR to fit just about any eReader.  To purchase it at MLR Press, please CLICK HERE.

And for those who'd like to see them, here's the cover and blurb.

Blurb:
Bullied and harassed at school for his sexuality, Dillon Davis can’t see his life getting any better, but he can see it getting worse.  Depressed, wounded in spirit and body, he’s nearing a point of hopelessness, until he sees a picture of his favorite stage actor, Brandon Alexander, with his partner, Shunichi Miyamoto.  At learning Shunichi runs a karate dojo, a spark of hope comes to Dillon of learning to defend himself, and most of all, meeting Brandon.

Brandon Alexander is filled with compassion for Dillon the moment he meets him.  He knows all too well what it’s like to be scorned for being gay.  He and Shunichi want nothing more than to help him, but when Dillon never returns to the dojo, they fear what’s happened to him.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Weekly Inspiration - James Ratliff

Well, Christmas is over, so the holidays hunks are tucked away until next year.  But never fear, now I'm getting back to our regularly scheduled program with the Weekly Inspiration, and for this week, I present American model, James Ratliff.  As usual, I couldn't find a website just for him, but Ohlala Magazine has more pics of him to view for those who are interested.










Friday, December 24, 2010

Song of the Week - "The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

This week's Song spot goes to one of my favorite artists, Josh Groban, in wishing all of you Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.  This past year has been one filled with many gifts for me, given by so many special people, including all of you have taken your time to read my books.  I can never express my thanks enough, but from me to you, please accept my sincere gratitude for all the support and kindness you've given me.  Here's wishing you and yours a holiday filled with love, laughter, and friendship, and all the best blessings into the New Year.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Weekly Inspiration - Holiday Edition Part 3

Since it's Christmas week, I thought I'd put up one final round of holiday pics.  Hey, these kind of pics only get busted out once a year, so we have to take advantage of them ;-) 

Here's wishing all a beautiful holiday!


Model, Edilson Nascimento
  


Saturday, December 18, 2010

Song of the Week - "Mr. Heatmiser" by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Normally I try to get the Song of the Week up on Fridays, but yesterday was a busy, busy day and I didn't get to post it.  Apologies!  But in keeping with the spirit of the holidays, I thought I'd put up a song from one of my all time favorite Christmas cartoons, The Year Without a Santa Claus.  This version is a remake by the always cool contemporary swing revival band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.  I'll have to post something else from them in the future :-)  The video is set to scenes from the original cartoon, and you know I have to say it, it's not mine, I have no ownership to it, the song, or images.  If you'd like to learn more about Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, here's the link to their official website: http://www.bbvd.com/

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

HUGE Giveaway at Jessewave

I wanted to pass this along for everyone.  Over on the m/m review site, Jessewave, a huge giveaway is being organized.  Authors from all around are donating ebook copies of their books to readers for the holidays.  I'll be donating a pdf for each of the Conquest books, CONQUEST, NO FEAR, and KEYS TO LOVE, along with a pdf of FINDING A DREAM when it's released.  If there is one of my books you haven't gotten a chance to buy yet, here's your chance to win a copy!  But even more than my titles, there are books being offered by some of the finest and most talented authors in the genre, and they're definitely worth entering the contest for.

Here's the link for everyone who would like more details on the Santa Authors Giveaway: http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/?p=37517

Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Weekly Inspiration - Holiday Edition Part 2

Since I'm still in a festive mood, I thought I'd do a second round of holiday inspiration :-)  I wasn't able to track down any of the models' names in these pics, but the first two are ads for DMK underwear.  And you know, looking at all these pics has really made me think, next year I have got to set time aside to write a holiday themed story!  

Hope everyone is having a beautiful and safe holiday season!





Saturday, December 11, 2010

Gay Day at author Ethan Day's Yahoo Group!

This Sunday, December 12th, is Gay Day at author Ethan Day's Yahoo Group!  Here's the flyer talking about all the amazing giveaways that will be going on and a few of the talented authors who will be stopping by to chat.  I'll be hanging out there for a while, posting excerpts of my work, including a sneak peek at my upcoming novella, FINDING A DREAM, which I'll be giving away a copy of!  Or at least, I will be after it's released :-)

All are welcomed to stop by, so feel free to come hang out with your favorite authors, read some great excerpts of their latest and greatest, and maybe even win something!




Sunday, December 12, is Gay Day at my Yahoo Group.  Gay Day is the one day a month when the best authors in GLBT Romance stop by to post excerpts of their new and upcoming releases.



The following authors will be generously offering giveaways you can enter to win:

SLOAN PARKER - BREATHE
SJ FROST – FINDING A DREAM
ANDREW GREY – A TASTE OF LOVE
AKM MILES – SOMETHING FOR SANTA
ZA MAXFIELD –I HEARD HIM EXCLAIM
J.P. BOWIE – A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS (2 Copies!)
ALLY BLUE – OLEANDER HOUSE & SHENANDOAH
JAMBREA JO JONES – STEAMY REUNION or WISHING ON A STAR
WILLA OKATI – TOMCAT JONES or BUDDY HOLIDAY or KARMA CHAMELEON
TRINA LANE – CAPTURING PERFECTION or MASTER ME ANTHOOLOGY (MF BDSM)
LEX VALENTINE – HONORABLE SILENCE ANTHOLOGY
SIMONE ANDERSON – KNIGHT OF PLEASURE
DEVON RHODES – MAKING HIS LIST
ALIX BEKINS – RELATIONSHIPS 201
ETHAN DAY – LIFE IN FUSION
CLARE LONDON –POP UPS


The amazing Authors below will be popping in and out to chat & post excerpts from their latest books:


ZA MAXFIELD – VIGIL
ETHAN DAY – SNO HO
SLOAN PARKER - MORE
SJ FROST – KEYS TO LOVE
CLARE LONDON – 72 HOURS
AKM MILES – COLD WINTERS
DEVON RHODES – PRIDE & JOEYLEX VALENTINE – SUNSTROKED
JP BOWIE – SENSE & SENSUALITY
ANDREW GREY – CORE TRAINING
SIMONE ANDERSON – FINDING LOVE
JAIME SAMMS –THIRD TIME’S A CHARM
ALIX BEKINS – AN ACADEMIC DILEMMAG.H. WORTH – GRANITE: A ROCKY START
ALLY BLUE – WHAT HIDES INSIDE & TWILIGHT


The day will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST in the Ethan Day Yahoo Group where we’ll be posting excerpts, running contests for free books, and chatting about all the new and upcoming releases from your favorite authors.

I hope everyone will stop by to catch up with your favorite authors and join in all the fun!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Song of the Week - "Firework" by Katy Perry

And Song of the Week goes to...Katy Perry with "Firework!"  If you listen to Top 40 stations, and they're anything like the ones I listen to, then you hear Katy Perry roughly every half hour.  But it's not her fault she's slightly overplayed, and I certainly won't hold it against her.  In fact, I'll add to it!  I really do enjoy her music, but of all her songs, this one is my favorite.  The message she's working to get across in it is what I love most about it, but the song overall is so strong with her vocals and the beat. 

If you'd like to learn some more about Katy Perry, here's the link to her official website: http://www.katyperry.com/.  And now, I hope everyone enjoys this video and song, that I have no ownership rights to whatsoever :-)

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Special Announcement

Some of y'all might remember awhile back I did a post titled, "What Has S.J. Been Up To?", where I talked about my current writing projects.  I mentioned in that post I was working on a novella with Brandon and Shunichi from the Conquest Series, and something special might be getting done with my royalties from it, but I didn't want to say what until everything was finalized.  Well, now everything is, and I can let you all in on it.

The story is titled, FINDING A DREAM, and it's going to be published by MLR Press in ebook form.  It's roughly around 80 pages, and while we don't have a solid release date for it yet, we're hoping to get it out before the end of the year or just into the beginning of the New Year.  Timeline wise, the story takes place directly after KEYS TO LOVE, though I think it can be read without having read KEYS prior.

But what's going to make this story a little extra special is I'll be donating all of my royalties from it to The Trevor Project.  And to top it off, my editor, Kris Jacen, is putting her royalties in with mine.  How awesome of an editor do I have to do this with me?  And how incredible of a publisher do I have in MLR Press to help me make this happen?  Both absolutely amaze me.  I'm so thrilled and touched with how everyone came together to support me in doing this. 

The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization that works for suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth.  As they say on their website:

"The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including our nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone."

Too many precious lives have been lost because of bullying and intolerance.  With the royalties from this story going to The Trevor Project, we hope to help those in need and to raise awareness for acceptance of all individuals who share this world. 

Monday, December 6, 2010

Weekly Inspiration - Holiday Edition

Tis the season, and I thought I put up some holiday inspiration for everyone.  What better way to get into that holiday mood? 

Here's wishing everyone a beautiful, safe, and special holiday season!



model, Edilson Nascimento


model, James Ellis




Friday, December 3, 2010

Song of the Week - "Maybe" by Sick Puppies

Australian rockers, Sick Puppies, get the Song of the Week spot with their song "Maybe".  It has all the things I like in a rock song, good vocals, strong guitar, great beat.  It's off their Tri-Polar album released in 2009, and is available for download on iTunes.  For more info on the band, here's their official website: http://www.sickpuppies.net/  Enjoy!


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

World AIDS Day

Today, December 1st, is World AIDS Day.  It's a day to remember and honor all the beautiful lives lost, to cherish those who continue to live and fight for every day, to keep pushing for a cure.  It's a day for all the world to come together in care and compassion to raise awareness.  Please, on this day, take a moment to send kind thoughts out to all who have been affected.  You don't have to know anyone directly, just let your thoughts go out to the world at large for everyone to share.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Weekly Inspiration - Travis Fimmel

Australian native, model, and actor, Travis Fimmel goes up for this week's inspiration.  The pic of him with short hair is the more recent in this little collection, and at first it seemed like blasphemy to the hair gods that all those long locks had been cut off, but you know, I think he looks just as great with it short.  It's like dual inspiration.  And the pic of him lying with the skateboard reminds me of a short story I wrote a while back about a skaterboy I never published.  Looking at that image, I just might have to open up that story, dust it off, and see what I think of it now ;-)

I really couldn't find anything that seemed like an official website, Facebook, or Twitter.  There is this site: http://www.travisfimmel.com/, but it only has one page and his bio.  Still, if you want to learn more about him, you might want to check it out.  Enjoy!





Monday, November 29, 2010

Pornography: A Thriller - More Info

Since I wrote my post about the movie I watched a few days ago, Pornography: A Thriller, I've had a few people interested in learning more about where they can rent or buy it.  Not everyone has access to Netflix, and I wasn't sure where to direct folks.  Fortunetly, the writer and director of the movie, David Kittredge, was kind enough to gather that info for me.  Here's a big thank you to him for taking the time to help me out with that!  And now, I'm going to pass the info on to you all.

Places to purchase the movie:
Here's the movie's official website: http://pornographyathriller.com/ and if you click under "See The Film" there are many links for places to purchase it, including Wolfe Video, TLA Video, and Amazon.

Places to rent the movie:
You all know I got it through Netflix, but it's also available on iTunes and Amazon Video On Demand.  And can I say I can't believe I never knew you could rent movies through Amazon until now?  Really, I think I need to get bigger windows put on the rock I live under. 

The DVD version includes many extras, and Mr. Kittredge said if watched in 5.1, it's makes for a really creepy experience.  It's quite possible I would've run out of the room if it had gotten any more creepy, but then like I said in my first post, I'm easily freaked out, and I know the braver souls out there will probably appreciate that little piece of info regarding the sound. 

Hope everyone finds this info helpful :-D

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Pornography: A Thriller

When will I learn?  Seriously, at my age and knowing myself as well as I do, you'd think I wouldn't watch movies alone that have a chance of creeping me out.  And yet, I still do.  So I got this movie from Netflix called Pornography: A Thriller, written and directed by David Kittredge, and watched it last night.  It's about a gay porn star who years after having gone missing, a writer tries to find out what happened to him, followed by another porn star/script writer doing the same.

The movie has a paranormal vibe going on, which I'm good with since I like ghost stories and such.  And sure, I get jumpy watching horror movies, but most of the time, it's the good, fun kind of scared where you laugh about it.  But, in movies and books where it's a human(s) doing things to other people, that's when I get really creeped out.  Maybe because it makes it seem all the more possible it could happen in real life, and therefore, all the more disturbing. 

This movie was a blend of those two worlds, paranormal and psychological thriller, and both combine to create a very dark story.  I mean, really seriously dark and disturbing.  At least I thought it was, but I can be a bit on the sensitive side.  It's the writer in me ;-)  The movie is broken up into three parts, and the first two thirds of the movie were super intense.  When the story shifts in the last third, I thought it didn't feel as strong, but it was still on the edge-of-your-seat watching.  I also wanted to see more resolution on a few things at the end, but that didn't really take away from the story.

If you're looking to watch something that's a little different than the rest, has good acting, a healthy dose of sex, and that might give you the creepies, if not all out disturb you, this could be the movie for you.  In case anyone would like to see some more on it, including screenshots, CLICK HERE for its page on IMDB.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Song of the Week - "Flower" live by GACKT

This has been a week with many different degrees of craziness, and so I feel the need to fall on one of my favorite artists for Song of the Week, GACKT.  Besides, I've owed him the spot from back when he was my Weekly Inspiration ;-)  But you know, when my life gets crazy, nothing helps me keep my mood balanced like music.  If I listen to the right song by the right artist, it's as if everything starts to harmonize for me internally. 

This song, "Flower", has become one of my favorites by GACKT.  It's available on iTunes, along with a lot more of his material, and here's his official website: http://gackt.com/us/.  And I can't forget the don't sue me message, I don't own this video, song, imagery, or GACKT...sadly.  Enjoy, everyone!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Weekly Inspiration - Hugh Jackman

For this week's inspiration, I'm putting up Hugh Jackman, because...well, because he's Hugh Jackman!  Really don't need any more reason than that.  Whether on stage or on the big screen, I'm sure most folks are familiar with his work in one way or another.  And if not, by all means, go rent one of his movies!  He's always good to watch ;-)






Friday, November 19, 2010

Song of the Week - "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay

Coldplay gets Song of the Week with their "Viva La Vida."  I've seriously had this song in my head since Tuesday.  It keeps tiptoeing into my mind and I don't realize it's there until I catch myself humming it.  I'm not complaining, though, because I love this song.  Really, really love it.  The strings, the bells, the drums, the vocals, the whole song is all kinds of awesome.  In my humble opinion, at least.

It appears on Coldplay's 2008 album, Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends, sometimes just listed as Viva La Vida.  To hear more by them or see what the band's up to, click HERE for their official website.   And look, I'm actually remembering to say this is not my video and have no ownership to it or the music in any way, shape, or form.  Now, I'll let you all listen, and then maybe I won't be alone in having it on constant replay in my head ;-) 

Thursday, November 18, 2010

What has S.J. been up to?

It hit me last night that for all the posts I've put up since launching this blog, I haven't really given an update about what I'm working on.  I get bad author points for that!  Sorry!  So, let me try and catch everyone up with what's been going on in my little writing world :-)

For the past couple weeks I've been working on a novella, tentatively titled FINDING A DREAM, and just last night, my awesome editor sent the first round of edits on it back to me.  I'm really excited about this story because if things go the way I'm hoping, something special might be getting done with my royalties for it, along with my editor's.  I'm going to hold off on saying what until things are finalized, but I will say the story involves a couple characters from the Conquest series, Brandon Alexander and Shunichi Miyamoto. 

And my upcoming m/m vampire erotic romance novel, NATURAL INSTINCTS, is also finished and will be going into edits in the next few weeks.  We're thinking maybe a January-ish release for its release, but please don't hold me to that.  The holidays could slow me down with working on edits when I get them, but I'll definitely try my best to get them done as fast as I can!

Let's see, what else...  Oh yeah, more rockers.  Those who have read NO FEAR and KEYS TO LOVE might remember the band Black Heart Down.  I have a rough draft finished for their story, centered around two band members in particular.  It's another novel length work, and its tentative title is BLACK HEART DOWN, because you know, I'm creative like that ;-)  But BHD it slated for after the vampires, so probably looking at the first quarter of 2011 for those boys to take the stage.

Well, I think that's about it for all the immediate projects I've got in the works.  Here's hoping they all sound good and readable to everyone!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Weekly Inspiration - Ryan Barry

For inspiration this week, I present Ryan Barry.  He's an American model who along with having won the Armani Exchange Model Search a while back, has also been photographed by amazing fashion photographer, Adam Bouska, one of the co-founders for the NOH8 campaign.  If you want to see some really beautiful, sexy, and powerful images, check out Adam Bouska's website.  One of these days, I should do a Weekly Inspiration post on his work in general, but for this week, we'll just go with Ryan Barry and these shots done by Mr. Bouska.  I couldn't track down a website specifically for Ryan, but if you want to see more of him than I'm offering here, a good ol' Google search should do the trick and there are more images on Adam Bouska's site :-)




Saturday, November 13, 2010

Vote for a story

Ever since the release of KEYS TO LOVE, I've had many people ask about Conquest's drummer, Brad Delfini.  There have been a lot of questions about his sexuality and if he'll get a story of his own.  I've "talked" to Brad, I know things about him and where his heart lies, but even though I know all Brad's secrets, I'm curious to see readers' opinions.  Hence, I've started a poll!  If you look to the right, scroll down below my cover pics and archive, you'll find it.  Feel free to cast your vote for Brad, whether you'd like a story about him, what your guess is about his sexuality, or if the man should just be left alone.  Still can't promise a story about him, but I thought this would be a fun way to tally everyone's feelings about him.

**Amendment to the voting.  Sadly, the poll won't let me add in the new option of Brad being bi now that some votes have been cast, so if there are any folks who would like to vote for m/m/f, "Yes!  He needs a good MAN and WOMAN in his life," you can cast your vote in comment section of this post.  Thanks so much, everyone!**

Friday, November 12, 2010

Song of the Week - "King of Anything" by Sara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles with "King of Anything" gets Song of the Week this time around.  It seems like I've been hearing this song a lot lately, and every time I hear it, I love it!  I've heard some of Sara Bareilles's other music and have always thought she has a great voice and sound.  Hope everyone enjoys this song by her!  And to learn more about her, here's her official website:  http://www.sarabmusic.com/us/home 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Weekly Inspiration - Jared Koronkiewicz

Alrighty, for this week's inspiration, I'm giving model, Jared Koronkiewicz.  Long hair or short, take your pick for him to be your inspiration in any way you want.  He's been on the modeling scene for a while, and has worked with some of the top designers.  And no, sorry, I couldn't find a website for him, a Facebook, or Twitter.  If he has any of those, they're too difficult for my meager tech skills to find.  But, do a search for him and you'll get articles about him and plenty more pics.  Enjoy!






Friday, November 5, 2010

Song of the Week - "Animal" by Neon Trees

Whew!  What a week this has been!  It feels like I've been on the move nonstop, but I can hardly remember what I've done.  This whole week in my travels around town, I kept hearing "Animal" by Neon Trees on the radio.  I first heard it a few weeks ago and thought is was pretty catchy, but this week, it seemed no matter what radio station I turned on, I'd hear it at least twice a day.  I haven't heard any of their other material yet, but if what I read about them on Wikipedia is accurate, this is the first single off their first full-length album, Habits, which just came out this year.  With how hooky the chorus is for this song and with how its been chasing me all week, I thought I'd make it my Song of the Week.  Now, I just have to find a few minutes to check out the rest of their material!


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Weekly Inspiration - Sweet Moments

Being an author of erotic romance, with romance the heavy focus of my stories, means trying to capture those beautiful, tender moments between two people as they grow in their affection and love for each other.  For inspiration this week, I thought I'd put up a few pics that I think capture these moments.  Those times of gentle embraces, soft caresses, comfort, and connection.




Friday, October 29, 2010

Song of the Week - "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett

In celebration of Halloween this weekend, I just had to put up "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett for the Song of the Week.  You just can't have Halloween without listening to this song at least once.  And I saw this video YouTube and thought it was really cute :-)

Here's wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween weekend!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

CONQUEST is an EPIC Awards finalist!!

Last night, I received an email that still has me spinning, bouncing, and happy dancing.  My m/m rock star novel, CONQUEST, is a finalist for the 2011 EPIC ebook Awards Competition™!  The Eppies are one of the largest and most prestigious awards a book in ebook format can receive.  To final is an honor beyond honor.  I keep going back to the email, thinking I must have dreamed it, but every time the email is still there and the words are still the same, CONQUEST is a finalist.  Ecstatic doesn't even begin to cover how excited I am about this!  Winners will be announced in March 2011 at a ceremony in Williamsburg, Virginia.


But you know, Conquest didn't get to this point alone.  It's all thanks to the support of my readers, the hours of hard work from my editor, my publisher's faith in me, and the judges who took their time to read it.  And of course, I can't let my main character, Jesse Alexander, get away without a thank you.  It's his story after all, and I'm grateful to have been able to tell it.  Thank you, so very much, to everyone who has helped me achieve this honor!


Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Weekly Inspiration - Edilson Nascimento

Last week was a crazy one and I missed posting any inspiration!  Sorry!  So I'm going to try and make up for it by presenting Brazilian model, Edilson Nascimento.  If the words "Brazilian" and "model" side by side aren't inspiration enough, just take a look at him and he's sure to get your imagination going.  I couldn't track down a website for him, but he's ALL over the Internet.  Just do a Google search on his name and you'll get page after page featuring him, and pics galore with him showing a lot more than what I've posted here.  So, here's hoping he makes up for my incompetence in missing last week's inspiration ;-)