[FOsen]

Melissa has WON the Washington Post Style Invitational contest to design the recyclable shopping bags to be received by runners-up in future contests with THIS fabulous design. I predict this item will quickly sell out - get them now!

[Roger Slater]

This link might be easier.

Melissa is becoming quite a star at the Washington Post Style Invitational, and Frank and I also appear there from time to time. I've plugged the contest here before, but for some reason not many people have taken the bait. They only have verse contests every month or two, but the non-verse weekly contests are the kind of thing that I would expect many Sphericals to enjoy.

Melissa has only been at it three months or so and has already taken the top prize three times, a feat I have not achieved (although I've been a runner up several times). The bag she "wrote" will be designed by the famed New Yorker cover artist, Bob Staake (who also does lots of other art stuff, like children's books).

[Melissa Balmain]

FYI, Roger is being unduly modest when he says he appears in the Post "from time to time." He wins at least an honorable mention (and often more) practically every week. So if you're looking for a real WaPo star, there he is. ... At any rate, many thanks for the shout-outs--and yes: these contests are a lot of fun! I hope we can start a stampede of Spherian entries.

[FOsen]

The WaPo contest is quite a lively subculture, with its own website and group of fanatics. Robert came close to breaking the record for most appearances in his first year of participation - plus, as he's demonstrated, he can actually navigate their website. At any rate, the new Melissa Balmain-designed bag will quickly replace the Birkin as must-have fashion item - I plan to win one, it'll be perfect for toting everyone else's books around West Chester.

[Roger Slater]

Thanks, Frank.

To clarify, I didn't come close to breaking a record -- though I did come close to being the top scoring rookie for the particular year in which I first appeared (the year ending in March 2012). I'm guessing that Melissa will be a contender for Rookie of the Year ending March 2013.