This Week in America is about issues that matter to you. This Week in America is informative, educational and entertaining. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Ric Bratton.
What does it take to be remembered as “notable”?In the Bible, tucked away in Second Book of Kings, there's a brief story about a woman who wasn't royalty… wasn't Jewish… and wasn't connected to any famous lineage. Yet her courage and faith made history.Author Don Anderson joins us to talk about A Notable Woman, his powerful reimagining of that mysterious figure. Through the character of Marta, we witness a young girl forced into marriage who grows into a bold, fearless woman whose life is forever changed after an encounter with the prophet Elisha.Drawing from his time stationed in the Middle East during Desert Storm, Anderson brings cultural authenticity and vivid historical detail to every page. Critics praise the novel's emotional depth, historical accuracy, and powerful portrayal of resilience in the face of injustice.It's a story of resilience, heartbreak, quiet strength — and the kind of faith that refuses to give up.You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation about one of Scripture's most compelling — and overlooked — heroes.https://www.amazon.com/Notable-Woman-Don-Anderson/dp/1969422181/ref=monarch_sidesheet_titlehttps://donanddeno.comhttps://olympusstoryhouse.comhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/22626daosh.mp3 In the Bible, tucked away in Second Book of Kings, there's a brief story about a woman who wasn't royalty… wasn't Jewish… and wasn't connected to any famous lineage. Yet her courage and faith made history.Author Don Anderson joins us to talk about A Notable Woman, his powerful reimagining of that mysterious figure. Through the character of Marta, we witness a young girl forced into marriage who grows into a bold, fearless woman whose life is forever changed after an encounter with the prophet Elisha.Drawing from his time stationed in the Middle East during Desert Storm, Anderson brings cultural authenticity and vivid historical detail to every page. Critics praise the novel's emotional depth, historical accuracy, and powerful portrayal of resilience in the face of injustice.It's a story of resilience, heartbreak, quiet strength — and the kind of faith that refuses to give up.You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation about one of Scripture's most compelling — and overlooked — heroes.https://www.amazon.com/Notable-Woman-Don-Anderson/dp/1969422181/ref=monarch_sidesheet_titlehttps://donanddeno.comhttps://olympusstoryhouse.comhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/22626daosh.mp3
What happens when a lifelong scientist lets his imagination run wild?In this fascinating conversation, Joseph Ingerson Mahar discusses What If…? — a thrilling collection of short stories that blend horror, humor, and sharp reflections on human nature. After a 42-year career as an entomologist, Peace Corps volunteer, and Integrated Pest Management expert, Mahar turned his scientific curiosity into unforgettable fiction.Written during long drives between farms, these stories twist reality, blur the line between the eerie and the absurd, and explore the strange corners of the human experience. Some tales will chill you. Others will make you laugh out loud. A few may leave you quietly unsettled long after the final page.Perfect for fans of: Neil Gaiman Ray Bradbury Stephen King Thought-provoking horror anthologies Dark comedy with a philosophical edge From eerie twists to clever observations about life's unpredictability, What If…? invites readers to ask one simple question:What if the world isn't quite what you think it is?If you enjoy imaginative storytelling that challenges perception while entertaining you at every turn, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.AMAZONhttps://www.ecpublishingllc.comhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/22626jimec.mp3
Has the Catholic Church changed since Vatican II? And if the Church is indefectible, how do we explain today's crisis in Catholicism?In this compelling episode, we welcome Griff Ruby, author of The Resurrection of the Roman Catholic Church: A Guide to the Traditional Catholic Community. Griff offers a deep and structured examination of the post–Vatican II era, the rise of the Traditional Catholic movement, and the theological questions surrounding sedevacantism.For nearly 2,000 years, the Roman Catholic Church maintained doctrinal continuity rooted in Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium. Yet many faithful Catholics believe that the Second Vatican Council marked a turning point — one that led to confusion, fragmentation, and a loss of identity within modern Catholicism.In this episode, we explore: The historical and theological impact of Vatican II What “Traditional Catholicism” really means The divisions within the traditional movement The sedevacantist position explained Whether the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church can still be visibly identified today Griff Ruby brings decades of research in Church history, ecclesiology, and Catholic doctrine to this important conversation. A convert who discovered the Faith without a religious upbringing, he approaches the crisis in the Church not with bitterness, but with careful logic and a search for unity grounded in tradition.If you're interested in Catholic theology, Church history, Vatican II, traditional Latin Mass communities, or the future of Catholicism, this episode offers thoughtful analysis and a hopeful perspective.https://www.amazon.com/Resurrection-Roman-Catholic-Church-Traditional/dp/0595250181https://mrubipetrus.com/https://thinksparkllc.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/22626tspark.mp3
Are patterns of three woven into the fabric of the universe?Donna Russo believes they are — and in this fascinating conversation, she shares how she discovered “the mark of the Trinity” throughout Scripture and throughout the world around us.In her book Threes, Threes, and More Threes!, Donna explores the biblical presence of three — from Genesis to Revelation — and extends that pattern into creation itself: time (past, present, future), space (height, depth, width), and matter (solid, liquid, gas). She argues that God's fingerprints are visible everywhere if we're willing to look.A lifelong learner and devoted Bible reader since 1996, Donna was inspired to write this book after listening to the radio program Thru the Bible, which walks listeners through Scripture chapter by chapter.In this episode, we discuss:• The Trinity as a recurring biblical pattern• Why the number three appears so consistently in Scripture• How patterns in nature reflect spiritual truth• Faith, structure, and the design of the universe• What readers discover when they start looking for “threes”Whether you're a Bible scholar, a curious skeptic, or someone who loves discovering patterns in life, this episode offers a thoughtful and engaging exploration of faith and design.AMAZONhttps://www.threesbook.com/https://www.urlinkpublishing.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/21926drusso.mp3
What does it truly mean to be “a man after God's own heart”?In David: Man After God's Own Heart, Louis McCall reimagines the life of Israel's most famous king through the reflective voice of an aging David. From shepherd boy to giant-slayer… from hunted fugitive to empire-building king… from worshiper to flawed father — this powerful narrative explores the faith, failures, victories, and heartbreak that shaped one of the Bible's most compelling figures.David's journey includes: His anointing by the prophet Samuel The defeat of Goliath Thirteen years fleeing King Saul The deep bond with Jonathan Civil war and the uniting of Israel Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem Family betrayal and rebellion Preparing Solomon to inherit the throne Beyond the biblical drama, author Louis McCall brings a lifetime of global experience to the story. A former U.S. diplomat with a 36-year career in the State Department — serving in over 60 countries — McCall has lived his faith in both academia and international diplomacy. Now, as an author, he shares a deeply personal and spiritually rich portrayal of David's life and legacy.This conversation explores leadership, faith under pressure, moral failure, redemption, and what it means to finish well.AMAZONhttps://louismccallinternational.com/https://www.kingpagespress.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/21826kpp1.mp3
Is reality spontaneous… or purposeful?In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Lindsey K. Ham Sr., author of The Reality of Everything, to explore one of life's biggest questions: Why are we here?Drawing from his extraordinary life experience as a scientist, psychologist, U.S. Army combat veteran officer, former police officer, educator, and artist, Ham challenges readers to rethink what they believe about science, matter, consciousness, and God. He argues that every “tiny bit of the tiniest bits” of matter functions with purpose — and that purpose itself points to a Creator.Rather than asking readers to blindly accept his conclusions, Ham encourages critical thinking. Question it. Test it. Even attempt to disprove it. His goal is transformation — whether through learning something new or confirming what you already sensed to be true.This episode explores: Is spontaneous existence even possible? Does science reveal intentional design? Why do humans instinctively ask “Why?” How awareness shapes our understanding of reality Can faith and science coexist? The Reality of Everything invites readers into a contemplative space where science, philosophy, and spiritual awareness intersect.If you've ever wrestled with the meaning of existence, this conversation is for you.AMAZONhttps://www.ecpublishingllc.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/21926lkhs.p3
Raising Vibrantly Healthy Children & Families: 12 Simple Tips that WORK! with Susan Smith Jones, PhDFor a woman with three of America's most ordinary names, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, has made extraordinary contributions in the fields of holistic health, anti-aging, optimum nutrition and balanced living. For starters, she taught students, staff and faculty at UCLA how to be healthy and fit for 30 years! Susan is the founder and president of Health Unlimited, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm dedicated to optimal wellness and human potential. She travels worldwide as a frequent media show guest and healthy living consultant. She is the author of many celebrated books, including her latest 4 books that cover in detail our topic today. First, for children, her new celebrated novelette, an inspiring, value-driven and beautifully illustrated novelette — JOY & THE BUTTERFLY: The Magical Garden, which goes well with her other bestselling and award-winning children's 2-in-1 nutrition book VEGETABLE SOUP/THE FRUIT BOWL. And then for adults, there's her dynamic duo with UPLIFTED and A HUG IN A MUG.Raising healthy children can be a very daunting and challenging task in this day and age with so many activities, poor food choices, sitting too long in front of the computer, smart phone and other screens, peer pressure from friends and much more. Our guest today, holistic health and lifestyle expert, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, has worked with parents and children for decades worldwide and will offer her best tips on how to raise healthy children – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. These tips will also apply in your life, too, whether you have children or not. So, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nannies, caretakers, neighbors, and anyone of any age who wants to experience vibrant health on all levels, keep a pen and paper handy because you'll want to take notes.As Susan teaches in JOY & THE BUTTERFLY and UPLIFTED, when children experience a parent who reacts with kindness and prioritizes healthy living, they learn to act the same way — thereby altering generational patterns for a kinder, healthier future. A more compassionate and robust world starts with kind, healthy kids.SusanSmithJones.comX@SusanSmithJoneshttps://www.instagram.com/susansmithjonesphdhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/ssj142.mp3
“Eugene Onegin" shaped Russian literature the way Shakespeare shaped English drama—and now it's being reimagined in a whole new way.Alexander Pushkin (1799–1837) is Russia's most beloved poet, and Eugene Onegin —his “novel in verse”—is considered the most influential work in Russian literature. In this episode, we welcome back acclaimed poet, translator , scholar and celebrated author Martin Bidney, who has created something utterly unprecedented: a verse interview book with his internationally acclaimed "ALEXANDER PUSHKIN'S VERSE NOVEL "EUGENE ONEGIN": A Form-True Dialogic Verse Translation with Lyrical Replies and Supplements".For every 14-line stanza Pushkin wrote, Bidney responds with a Pushkin-style reply poem, turning the translation into a living dialogue—two verse novels in conversation across centuries. The result is not just a translation, but a collaboration with genius.Bidney, Professor Emeritus of English and Comparative Literature at Binghamton University, has spent decades crafting poetic dialogues with literary giants. His work is praised by leading scholars, as a groundbreaking application of the “dialogic” approach to literature. His wide ranging fascination with revelatory writing stems from "patterns of epiphany where martin pioneered a method of analysis he has since applied to over 20 authors In the first 23 years of his "rewirement" he has published 61 books of original and translated poetry, often including both in what he calls "verse translation interviews" with poets he has read in Polish, Russian, German, and French.Join us for a deep and delightful conversation about poetry, translation, literary history, and what happens when a translator becomes a collaborator. we welcome back to Martin Bidney.AMAZONhttps://www.martinbidney.org/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/21226mbsl.mp3
What if the smallest things on earth carried the biggest messages from God? "God's Amazing Creation: The Story of Seeds" by Lindy KerrWhat makes a seed sprout? How do seeds travel across the earth? What protects them in drought?In this inspiring episode, Ric Bratton welcomes author and rancher Lindy Kerr, whose book God's Amazing Creation: The Story of Seeds blends simple science with deep faith to reveal the wonder of God's design. Drawing from her life on a New Mexico ranch and her years teaching science, Lindy shows how even the smallest seed reflects the power, wisdom, and love of the Creator.This uplifting conversation explores:
What was it really like to serve in the Peace Corps during its earliest days?In this episode, Gary R. Lindberg author of " The Vegetable Grows and the Lion Roars: My Peace Corps Service" shares extraordinary stories from his time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Ivory Coast during the 1960s — a bold era shaped by President John F. Kennedy's vision of global service. From building school gardens and working in remote villages to breaking down in the middle of nowhere, encountering camels, and traveling to legendary places like Timbuktu, Gary's journey is one of courage, curiosity, and cultural discovery.We explore: Life as an early Peace Corps Volunteer Daily village life in West Africa Adventures, challenges, and unexpected lessons How service shaped his life and career Gary Lindberg, a UC Berkeley graduate during the Free Speech Movement and a longtime human resources professional, reflects on how his Peace Corps experience influenced his worldview and lifelong path.This is a heartfelt, eye-opening conversation about service, adventure, and the power of stepping into the unknown.http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/2526kpp2.mp3 AMAZONhttps://garyrlindberg.com/https://www.kingpagespress.com/
What if humanity's greatest strength — rational thought — is also the source of our deepest disconnection?In his book "How The Rational Mind Repressed The Emotional Mind Into Submission Once We Got The Spoken Word", engineer, philosopher, and systems thinker Chet Shupe explores how emotional intelligence once guided human life — and how the rise of language, laws, and rational systems slowly displaced that ancient wisdom. Drawing on evolutionary insight, psychology, spirituality, and cultural reflection, Shupe challenges the assumption that reason alone should govern human behavior.We discuss: How emotional intelligence shaped early human connection The hidden cost of civilization and social systems The origins of shame, disconnection, and spiritual mistrust What it means to rediscover emotional wisdom in the modern world Shupe's work invites us to question long-held beliefs about progress, morality, and belonging — not with easy answers, but with deep reflection and human compassion.This is a powerful conversation for anyone who feels something essential has been lost — and is searching for what it truly means to be human.AMAZONhttps://www.spiritualfreedompress.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/kccs.mp3
Can religious topics be entertaining? Barry Leonardini thinks so — and his bold, satirical novel Jesus and Peter: a Different View of Christ and His Catholic Church proves it.In this fascinating conversation, Leonardini challenges traditional Christian narratives by reimagining Jesus and the apostle Peter through a lens of humanity, ambition, politics, and power. Was Jesus exactly as depicted in the Bible? How much of his story was shaped by Peter? And how did Rome transform a humble message of charity into a global religious institution?We explore: The humanity, vulnerability, and strategy behind Jesus' message Peter's rise to Rome and the political shaping of Christianity How religion, power, and storytelling intertwine Why Jerusalem produced both Jesus and Muhammad How faith evolved from personal charity to organized empire Barry Leonardini, a former floor trader on the Pacific Stock Exchange and longtime radio guest, brings sharp wit, historical imagination, and fearless commentary to one of history's most powerful stories.Whether you're religious, skeptical, curious, or just love bold conversations, this episode will challenge what you think you know — and keep you entertained.http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/2526bbkpp1.mp3 AMAZONhttps://freshcleanday.blogspot.comhttps://www.kingpagespress.com/
REJUVENATE & SHINE: 10 Simple, Surefire Tips for Invigorating Body, Mind & Spirit (Using an Acronym for the Word REJUVENATE for Whole-Body Wellness) with Susan Smith Jones, PhDFor a woman with three of America's most ordinary names, Dr. Susan Smith Jones has certainly made extraordinary contributions in the fields of holistic health, anti-aging, optimum nutrition and balanced living. For starters, she taught students, staff and faculty at UCLA how to be healthy and fit for 30 years! Susan travels internationally as a frequent radio and TV talk show guest and motivational speaker; she's also the author of many books, including UPLIFTED, A HUG IN A MUG and — just released this week and already a much-celebrated GOLD MEDAL Award-Winning book for children of all ages and also young-at-heart adults — JOY & THE BUTTERFLY: The Magical Garden.Whether it's a new year, new season or new month, anytime is a good time to make better choices about improving your health. One of the best ways to bring wellness into your world is to decrease the level of stress you experience on a daily basis and rejuvenate your body and life. Sounds like a daunting task, but really, it's very simple with these 10 surefire tips Susan will discuss with us today. With her practical suggestions, you can rejuvenate your body from head to toe, inside out. In other words, whole-body, high-level wellness is now within your reach. Get out your pen and paper because you'll want to take lots of notes during our discussion.Are you ready to REJUVENATE?SusanSmithJones.com
How to Succeed as an Inventor: What Does an Inventor Do? Our guest is Bob Labbe, an Engineer, Author and Inventor Meet Bob, a guy who has a pet peeve with drink coasters, and justifiably thinks you should too! Drink coasters are meant to protect any surface from the water rings produced by cold beverages - but they aren't user-friendly.One day before a nice dinner out at a restaurant, Bob was enjoying an ice cold drink with his family. He was dressed to the nines and decided to use a leather coaster for his drink. After about 10 minutes, he grabbed his beverage only to have the coaster stick to the bottom of his glass, spilling the condensation all over his tie, shirt, and slacks.His silk tie was forever stained, and so a new product was born. As a problem-solver, he got right to the drawing board.He used his engineering knowledge to sketch The Ultimate Drink Coaster - one that protects surfaces from drink condensation AND prevents that condensation from spilling on the user.His Captures all the condensation from your drink.Controls where the condensation goes.Conveys the condensation into the coaster, away from your drink container.Contains the condensation, preventing spillage. is the first on the market to do both, utilizing the capillary effect of water and a small basin to collect the run off.https://ultimatecoasterco.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/5825ucc.mp3
Adélaïde: Painter of the Revolution by Janell StrubeIn a world where women are seen but rarely heard, Adélaïde Labille-Guiard refuses to be silenced.The daughter of Parisian shopkeepers, Adélaïde dreams not of marriage or titles but of earning a place among the masters of French art. With Queen Marie Antoinette on the throne and a spirit of change in the air, anything seems possible. But as revolution brews and powerful forces conspire to deny her success, Adélaïde faces an impossible choice: protect her life or fight for a legacy that will outlast her.Inspired by the true story of one of the first women admitted to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, Adélaïde: Painter of the Revolution is a sweeping, evocative portrait of ambition, courage, and resilience in the face of history's fiercest storm.Janell Strube makes a mean barbecue sauce. She's also a world traveler, a baker, and a bicyclist. But when she writes, her identity as an adoptee often steers her attention to topics of alienation, erased history, and displacement. In 2024, a personal essay of hers was published in the anthology Adoption and Suicidality. Her work has also appeared in Shaking the Tree: brazen. short. memoir and A Year in Ink. Her short memoir, "Taking my Blonde Daughter to a Black Lives Matter Rally," was selected for the 2020 San Diego Memoir Showcase, an annual live storytelling event.While much of her writing is personal, she enjoys the freedom that comes with crafting fiction. Her desire to learn about forgotten female artists who shaped the French revolutionary period motivated her to write Adélaïde: Painter of the Revolution.When not crunching numbers as a tax executive for a hotel chain, she can be found hanging out with Shiloh the Wheaten and plotting her second book.https://www.amazon.com/Ad%C3%A9la%C3%AFde-Painter-Revolution-Janell-Strube-ebook/dp/B0FSNZ4Y49https://janellstrube.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/12226js.mp3
The Secret Language of Seashells (And What It Says About You) - "Ocean Oracle: What Seashells Reveal About Our True Nature" by Michelle HansonOcean Oracle was created by a woman who undeniably has discovered her life's mission, so it is not surprising that Michelle is the name with which this author entered our Universe. Her innate sensitivity and the significant knowledge she has acquired from her lifelong study of her seashell partners make her uniquely qualified to be known as the “shell with the voice,” serving as their ambassador to the rest of the world. With her one-of-a-kind creation-and the help of the oceanic realm-Shelley has revolutionized the lives of everyone with whom she has come into contact. She has also designed a special online shell-reading certification program for those interested in learning the valuable lessons of the seashell kingdom, becoming versed in their language and sharing their wisdom with others.Everyone remembers spending a day at the beach as a child collecting seashells, but what if those seashells were more than just pretty objects? What if those shells could actually tell you something about your hidden thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes? Ocean Oracle: What Seashells Reveal about Our True Nature is the bridge to learning this secret language. Simply put, seashells function as tools that enable us to speak with our subconscious, allowing the inner self to communicate the information it considers most valuable for our growth. By listening to the shells with the guidance of Ocean Oracle, you can tap into your own innate wisdom and joy.https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Oracle-Seashells-Reveal-Nature/dp/158270113X https://oceanoracle.com/https://authorsperspectivepress.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/111325mhapp.mp3 Ocean Wisdom: Lessons from the Seashell Kingdom by Michelle HansonOcean Wisdom teaches you about the mysteries of the ocean and unlocks the mysteries of self through the study of seashells. Just like the animals that inhabit and create them and the many people that study them, each shell is unique and offers powerful and eye-opening insights into the world around us. The Ocean Wisdom books cover a variety of master teachings on such subjects as survival, victimization, feeling special, feeling flawed, pride, destiny, struggle, faith, sacrifice, and judgment, all through the study and examination of the ocean's most extraordinary organisms. They devote a great deal of attention to the topic of love. Seashell Divination uses seashells as a psychological tool to explore the mysteries of self and the world around us. Through the awareness gained, you can reshape your future.https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Wisdom-Lessons-Seashell-Kingdom/dp/0979504104
The Day The Grid Failed- "The Chinese Conspiracy" by John Mariotti "Not since The Manchurian Candidate have I read such a compelling thriller about global conspiracy. But Mariotti goes much further, linking his masterfully fast-paced narrative to the clear and present danger of total cyberwar. This novel is a call to action that our society must answer now."--Richard S. Levick, President and CEO, Levick' Strategic Communications, author of The Communicators: Leadership in the Age of Crisis."The Chinese Conspiracy has the intrigue of John Grisham, the spice of Mickey Spillane and the technical aspects of Tom Clancy." --Tom Quinn"A fascinating book that gives the reader a glimpse into warfare of the future. The outcome of future wars will be determined far in advance of the actual conflict. This is but a preview of things to come."--Paul Broadbent, Former Sr. CIA/Defense Intelligence Program Manager"America is at war and the latest front is the war on cyber terrorism....U.S. computer networks are under constant cyber attacks, by direct assaults by remote sites, by probes by hackers and criminal networks, and by espionage from foreign countries."---Jon Stout, CEO, Aspiration Software LLC"This chilling new novel links the world's increasing dependency on the internet to vulnerabilities that can be exploited for evil."---Calvin Myer, Co-founder Worldwide Ltd."This is fascinating and concerning story - nation-state terrorists using known technologies as "Weapons of Mass Disruption." I'm concerned that it is actually possible, and hope it can be prevented."--Ed Straw, Vice Admiral, USN Retired"If you can read only one exciting novel this year, this is the one to read. It is so realistically possible it's scary."---Bo Dietl, Retired NYPD Homicide Detective, & One Tough CopJohn Mariotti is an award-winning business author and an internationally recognized executive consultant and keynote speaker. He has written hundreds of articles and columns, and 12 nonfiction books. He started his career in the telecommunications industry and was deeply involved in government affairs during parts of his career. He lives in the Columbus Ohio area.AMAZONhttps://www.thechineseconspiracy.net/https://bookstolifemarketing.com/
Was Shakespeare Bisexual? The Truth Hidden in 154 Sonnets - "Shakespair: Sonnet Replies to the 154 Sonnets of William Shakespeare" by Martin BidneyIn Shakespeare's 1609 book of 154 sonnets (14-liners), you'll notice the welcoming, inclusive, bisexual sensibility of thepoems' narrator. He gets involved in three love triangles: first a woman and two men, next again a woman and two men, and finally a triangle of three men. The book's 39 opening sonnets are love poems to his boyfriend. In poem 40 a woman appears, and when the Shakespeare narrator falls in love with her, he immediately learns that the boyfriend has been romancing her for several years already! The book, viewed as a whole, resembles a TV series filled with dramatic episodes. The narrator's bipolar mood-switches are themselves psychologically fascinating. A beloved, male or female, can suddenly turn into a frenemy. The emotional range is vast, the implications unending. My contribution? I write an original sonnet reply to every one the Bard offers. He becomes my sociable companion, teacher, mentor, also a joke-telling pal, suffering victim, and rapid imaginer it's exciting to be friends with. There's no book you can read that has more vital and empathetic LGBTQ+ interests and observations. I'm inexpressibly grateful for the chanceto dialogue with "Will" (that's what he calls himself) in his favorite verse form.Martin Bidney, Professor Emeritus of English and Comparative Literature at Binghamton University in upstate New York,taught there for 35 years, publishing Blake and Goethe and Patterns of Epiphany. In the first 23 years of his "rewirement" he has published 61 books of original and translated poetry, often including both in what he calls "verse translation interviews" with poets he has read in Polish, Russian, German, and French.https://www.amazon.com/Shakespair-Replies-Sonnets-William-Shakespeare/dp/B0958VKSZ4https://www.martinbidney.org/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/11526mb.mp3
The Day My Brother Died : A 9 Year-Olds' Perspective - "When I was 9 Years Old: A Love Story"By Mary Anne Gribbon-BeckmanWhen Mary Anne Gribbon-Beckman was nine years old, her seven-year-old brother, Dan, was hit by a car and killed. From that point on, every instance in her life, every moment shared with her father, every conversation with her mother had been shaped by the tragedy—every single one.When I Was 9 Years Old is framed by a gentle look back at family life in the 1950s through the 1970s. It is Gribbon-Beckman's hope that readers will understand how deeply children pay attention, and how they are affected by what happens around and to them.On November 5th, it will be sixty years since Gribbon-Beckman last saw her brother. She had thought of him every day since she was nine years old.About the AuthorMary Anne Gribbon-Beckman originally wrote this book in 2010, and the events of her life occurred exactly as she states in the book: she is the only one who remembers—everything. She has worked full time since the day after she graduated from high school. It is the only thing she does well.Gribbon-Beckman has been married to her husband, Walt, for forty-four years. Their son, Matthew, is thirty-one.https://www.maryannebeckman.com/https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/products/when-i-was-9-years-old?_pos=1&_sid=df630187c&_ss=rhttps://www.kingpagespress.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/11526tba1.mp3
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