Bruno Somerset
I am a novelist & freelance writer living in Texas. I write mainly on arts and entertainment, politics and religion, with the occasional sports and humor piece thrown in to keep things interesting.
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- 1/21/2007
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Bachelors Degree in Theology
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Choosing a Church: Part 3Choosing a church can be more difficult than it seems. Here are some suggestions to make the search easier.
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Choosing a Church: Part 2Choosing a church is not a simple as it may seem. The second in a series.
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Choosing a Church: Part 1Choosing the right church is more difficult than it might seem.
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Joel Osteen -- Meet JobProsperity gospel preacher Joel Osteen can learn a few things from a man who knew a thing or two about losing prosperity...and still praising God.
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Jesus and a Baseball CapIt has often been said by evangelicals that one of the failings of the Catholic Church is that they rely so heavily on tradition instead of on the Bible. I recently saw a video that reminded me that evangelicals are just as guilty of this.
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Libraries MatterWith all the recent talk about the viability of public libraries in the digital age, I find myself looking back at my own experience with public libraries and forward to the future I believe they are still a key part of.
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Book Review: The Tiger's WifeThe Tiger's Wife is an amazing debut novel by a young writer with a limitless future.
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A Winter Reading ListMost of the United States continues to be rocked by harsh winter weather, which makes it the perfect time to stay inside with a good book. Here are a few suggestions to carry you through the spring thaw.
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Book Review: The Winter GhostsAuthor Kate Mosse is well-known for her best-selling novels Labyrinth and Sepulchre. Next week marks the release of her latest novel, The Winter Ghosts, but it is unlikely to add to the acclaim she has received for her previous works.
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Book Review: Heart-Shaped BoxLong before anyone knew he was the son of horror legend Stephen King, Joe Hill's outstanding debut novel "Heart-Shaped Box" made it clear that a major new voice had arrived on the literary scene.
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Book Review: Captain AlatristeIf you thought the swashbuckling novel died with Alexandre Dumas, think again.
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"The Godfather" is a True Holiday ClassicSomehow, when talking about the best Christmas movies, one always gets left out: "The Godfather."
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The Joy of RereadingBe sure to take the time to go back and read the books you loved again. They'll wait for you and welcome you home every time.
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Book Review: The Thirteenth TaleThe Thirteenth Tale is is one of those novels that literally has everything you could want jammed into its 416 pages, and yet it all works.
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Why Indie Bookstores MatterThere are many reasons why we still (and always will) need independent bookstores, but it really boils down to two basic factors: economic and social.
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Holiday Gift Ideas for Book CollectorsAs everyone knows, books make a great Christmas gift: they're portable, don't require 12 AAA batteries, and you don't have to stay up all night putting them together.
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Oprah's Great ExpectationsIt was the best of times, it was the worst of times...and for the millions of readers who religiously follow Oprah Winfrey's book club recommendations, this week is the scariest of times.
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Book Review: The HistorianW. Somerset Maugham opened his classic novel The Razor's Edge with the line "I have never begun a novel with more misgiving," and that sentiment certainly applied to me as I began reading Elizabeth's Kostova's novel "The Historian."
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Some Thoughts on Audio BooksIt may come as a surprise to those who know my disdain (or more honestly, hatred) for e-books and e-reading devices that I actually like audio books.
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Printed Books Are Not DeadIn spite of dire predictions, printed books are here to stay.
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Movie Review: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance KidAlthough the Western has fallen on hard times in the last 20 years, one of the greatest films of all time (Western or otherwise) comes from this genre: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
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Book Review: The HelpKathryn Stockett's debut novel The Help was the surprise bestseller of 2009, and it remains so popular that over a year later the hardback version remains on the New York Times Bestseller List.
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Book Review: HornsWith a debut novel as outstanding as Heart Shaped Box, author Joe Hill set the bar very high for himself. His second novel, Horns, Shows that he was no one-hit wonder.
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4th of July 2010 Fireworks in Dallas/Fort WorthHere are some of the more notable celebrations for the 4th of July 2010 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
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Book Review: The Prince of MistNearly a decade before he burst on the international scene with the mega-bestseller The Shadow of the Wind, author Carlos Ruiz Zafon released his first book, a Young Adult novel titled The Prince of Mist.
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Great Books for Your 2010 Summer Reading ListIt's time for my Fourth Annual Summer Reading List, one that anyone can stick to. As before, I have included fourteen books, one for each week between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
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Book Review: Time was Soft ThereJeremy Mercer's memoir Time Was Soft There: A Paris Sojourn at Shakespeare & Co. is a book that in many ways defies classification. It is a memoir, and it is a snapshot of the famous Paris bookstore But this engaging book is much more than that.
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The Farmville PhenomenonIt has been many generations since America was a primarily rural nation, and the nostalgia that has grown up around those days is the only explanation for the phenomenon that has swept the Facebook world: Farmville.
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Book Review: The Bookman's WakeTake a detective turned book dealer, a rare volume of Poe's The Raven, and a young woman with the improbable name of Eleanor Rigby, and you have John Dunning's second Cliff Janeway mystery, The Bookman's Wake.
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Book Review: People of the Book by Geraldine BrooksGeraldine Brooks may be best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "March", but her follow-up effort, The People of the Book may be even better.
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Book Review: The Cellist of SarajevoCanadian author Steven Galloway's novel The Cellist of Sarajevo packs a lot of emotion into its slim 256 pages as we follow the sometimes-intertwined stories of four characters trapped during the devastating Siege of Sarajevo in the mid-1990s.
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A Review of The Razor's EdgeThe Razor's Edge is not simply W. Somerset Maugham's finest novel; it is easily one of the best novels of all time.
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A Review of the Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe"The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane" by Katherine Howe was one of the surprise best-sellers of the past few years, made all the more so because of the strange title.
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February is National Library Lovers' MonthFebruary is Library Lovers' Month, a month-long celebration of public, school, and private libraries of every kind.
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Moses was Not Charlton HestonBecause of the 1956 film The Ten Commandments, for several generations now when people think of Moses, the face they see is Charlton Heston's. But the real Moses was no Hollywood he-man. He was a man with flaws and faults just like us.
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We All Fall Down: A Look at the Apostle PeterThe apostle Peter is a virtual case study in both what to do and what not to do in both ministry and life. He is emblematic of how we all fall down; the difference between him and many of us is that Peter always got back up.
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Bible ReadingAlthough the Bible is still the best-selling book in the world, it is also one of the least-read. I think the reason many either don't read it or read it very little is that they have no real plan for getting the most out of their Bible reading time.
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Book Review: 84 Charing Cross RoadThis year marks the 40th anniversary of the publication of what may be the most unlikely New York Times bestseller ever: Helene Hanff's 84 Charing Cross Road.
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Thank You, Robert B. ParkerIn a blow to readers everywhere, Robert B. Parker, author of the Spenser detective novels, died on Monday in Cambridge at the age of 77.
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Book Collecting: Signed First EditionsFor book collectors, a volume signed by the author is often the most treasured part of their collection. Because of this, collecting signed first editions has become a specialty within the book collecting community which has exploded in recent years.
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Why Amazon's Kindle Will Not Replace BooksBut does the spike in Kindle e-reader sales mean, as has long been predicted, the demise of the printed book? In a word: no.
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Christian Radio Venturing into Dangerous WatersChristian radio is drifting more and more into the political arena, and with a message that would make Rush Limbaugh look almost liberal.
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Top Ten Bruce Springsteen Songs by DecadeAs Bruce Springsteen enters into his fifth decade of recording, compiling a simple Top Ten list for him is virtually impossible. Given the sheer number of songs he has released, perhaps a better approach is to break it out by decade. -
The Original Ghost HuntersAll trends go in cycles, by which I mean everything eventually comes back in fashion. One of the things that's back in fashion now, at least on numerous television shows, is the hunt for ghosts, demons, and paranormal activity of all kinds.
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A Visitor's Guide to the 2009 State Fair of TexasThe 2009 State Fair of Texas will be packed with enough rides, games, food, football, and livestock to keep people of all ages and interests entertained. Here is a list of some of the highlights. -
Support Banned Books Week Sep. 26 - Oct. 3, 2009The 28th Annual Banned Books Week will be held September 26th through October 3rd and will involve special events and displays at libraries and bookstores across the nation.
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Revised NIV Bible May Simply Be About MoneyHas the English language really changed so much in 25 years that the NIV needs to be completely revised, or is this simply a way for the publisher to increase profits?
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Who is Jesus?Depending on who you listen to, Jesus was a wise teacher, or a political revolutionary, or a social reformer. Countless so-called scholars have opinions about who Jesus is. The only thing it seems He's not allowed to be is God.
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Jonah: More Than Just a Whale of a TaleThe Book of Jonah is one of the most misunderstood in the entire Bible. The ultimate theme of the Book of Jonah has nothing to do with whales; it is a story of God's merciful compassion for all people, not just the Israelites.
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Larry McMurtry's Book TownSmall-town West Texas is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking about books, and even less so when thinking about a Mecca of books. But thanks to native son Larry McMurtry, that's exactly what Archer City, Texas has become.
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A Review of John Dunning's "Booked to Die"Every so often a book catches readers by surprise; even more rarely that book becomes part of the very world it seeks to chronicle. Both were the case with John Dunning's Booked to Die, the first in the remarkable Cliff Janeway "Bookman" series.
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A Review of the Coffeehouse Mystery Series by Cleo CoyleIf there are two things Americans can't live without, it's coffee and murder mysteries. This combination is one of several things that make the Coffeehouse Mystery series by Cleo Coyle so enjoyable.
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A Review of the Haunted Bookshop Series by Alice KimberlyFor those who like a good mystery series, the list of choices can be daunting. One of the best of the last few years is the Haunted Bookshop series by author Alice Kimberly.
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The Magic Behind Harry PotterAlbus Dumbledore may be the greatest wizard of all time, but when it comes to weaving a magical tale, he doesn't come close to his creator.
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Obama to Enter Race for World EmperorThe White House announced today that President Obama will be resigning from office effective January 1, 2010 to focus on his campaign for the newly created post of World Emperor.
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2009 National Football League PredictionsIt should once again be a crazy year in the NFL. Here are my predictions for the 2009 NFL season.
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Why People Love Harry PotterThe Harry Potter books and films have been an international phenomenon. But why do we, both children and adults love Harry Potter?
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A Guide to Local Friends of the Library Book SalesOne of the best deals for a book lover in a tough economy is the annual book sale held by the Friends of the Library. At these sales you can find books at prices even lower than at the average garage sale.
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Drive-Thru ReligionA wave of emotion came over me as I sat alone in the empty church, listening to fat raindrops strike in heavy thuds against the darkened stained glass windows.
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Why J.K. Rowling Deserves More RespectFor someone who has sold more than 400 million books in over 30 languages, J.K. Rowling has not received nearly the amount of acclaim she deserves.
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Parallels Between Harry Potter and the BibleGiven that the Bible is part of the founding literature of Western Civilization, it is not difficult to find similarities between it and a large number of works of fiction, both classic and modern; this is true even of the Harry Potter series.
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Comparing the Harry Potter Books with the FilmsNormally, the question of whether a book or its film version is better can be easily answered, because very seldom are great books turned into equally great movies. In the case of the Harry Potter books and movies, the answer is not so simple.
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Her Last LetterHe had not been expecting a letter. In fact, it had been years since he had seen a letter; everyone he knew sent e-mail or text messages now. For a moment he simply stared at the envelope as if he had discovered an ancient Sanskrit tablet.
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Why Evangelicals Are Wrong to Hate Harry PotterThe objection to books on religious grounds has existed for as long as writing has existed. In the US, most of the outcry now comes from evangelical Christians, and the Harry Potter series has been a favorite target for more than a decade.
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The Best Harry Potter Fan WebsitesGiven the timing of the release of the Harry Potter books and films, it should come as no surprise that the first truly worldwide mega-hit of the Internet age would give rise to numerous fan-run websites. Here are the best of the lot.
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Most Overlooked Characters in the Harry Potter FilmsWhen considering characters in the Harry Potter films, it is easy to focus on the main trio of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. However, it is easy to overlook other great and unique characters that deserved more of our attention.
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Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: How the Frenzy Over the Film Helps Boost ReadingThe newest Harry Potter film may be the best in the series so far; it certainly has brought attention back to the books once more.
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"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Should Not Be OverturnedUpholding the ban on gays serving openly in the military has caused grief for the Obama administration, but it was the right decision. The issue is not as much a question of morality as supporters of the ban think, nor one of rights as opponents believe.
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July 4th Events in Dallas/Fort WorthThe Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex will host a wide variety of activities for adults and kids of all ages this July 4th. Here are just a few of the more notable celebrations and festivities.
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Great Books for Your Summer Reading ListIt's time for my Third Annual Summer Reading List. As before, I have included fourteen books, one for each week between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Some are new, some are older, and a few are ones you should have read in college but didn't.
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How to Recognize a Book Club EditionNothing is more disheartening for a book collector than discovering a perfect copy of a coveted volume only to find that it is a book club edition. Fortunately, it is not difficult to recognize a book club edition if you know what to look for.
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Things We Should All Do This Memorial DayJust as the real meaning of Christmas goes beyond presents and mistletoe, Memorial Day is far more than an excuse to grill burgers and drink beer.
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Facebook is a Time VampireWith all due respect to Bram Stoker and Stephenie Meyer, it is clear that Dracula and Edward are nowhere near the baddest vampires out there. That title belongs to Facebook, the social networking site that is the worst time-sucking vampire ever.
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Book Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie SocietyThere has never been a more unlikely title for bestselling novel than The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. However, the runaway hit has captivated readers around the globe in spite of the tongue-twister title. -
Secession Isn't a Bad ThingWhat seems to be lost in the condemnation of Texas Governor Rick Perry's comments about secession is the possibility that secession may not be such a bad idea, and not just for Texas.
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Celebrate National Library Week April 12-18This year's theme for National Library Week is "Worlds connect @ your library." Actress and author Jamie Lee Curtis will serve as the Honorary Chair of National Library Week April 12- 18, 2009. -
The Government Doesn't Want You to Stop SmokingMake no mistake; the government doesn't want you to stop smoking.
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Third Annual Script Frenzy Competition Starts April 1Starting April 1st, the third annual Script Frenzy will give would-be screenwriters the jump-start they need to make the dream of writing a screenplay a reality.
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Can You Make a Living as a Poet?Of all of the various types of writing, poetry is by far the most difficult from which to make a living full-time.
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Book Review: "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz ZafonIt is very rare for a novel to be critically acclaimed, an international bestseller and a cult classic. Carlos Ruiz Zafon accomplished this literary hat trick with his novel "The Shadow of the Wind." -
Making Your NCAA Tournament Bracket PicksHere are a few suggestions for filling out your NCAA Tournament brackets. -
Book Review: "The Angel's Game" by Carlos Ruiz ZafonThe English translation of Carlos Ruiz Zafon's "The Angel's Game" will be released in the US on June 16, 2009; advanced reading copies have been sent to reviewers around the country. Without a doubt, it was worth the five-year wait.
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Novel Excerpt: God, Guns and the Perfect Chicken-Fried SteakWe should have flown to Memphis and rented a car, but Zeke, for all his world traveling, hated to fly, so we drove the seven hours to Bartlett, Tennessee. We were just east of Greenville, Texas when he brought up what had been troubling me as well.
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Libraries Facing Cuts and Closures Even as Usage IncreasesAs the US economy continues to spiral downward, there is one business that is improving even as others close their doors: the public library. Yet in spite of increased usage nationwide, libraries across the country are cutting both jobs and hours.
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James Dobson Steps Down from Focus on the FamilyIn a move that is bound to please both opponents and even some long-time supporters, evangelical leader and Focus on the Family founder James Dobson has announced that he is stepping down as the ministry's board chairman.
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We Can Only Blame Ourselves for the Economic ChaosIn the current sorry state of the American economy, it has become fashionable to blame everyone from Wall Street traders to rich bankers. However, most people refuse to place any responsibility where it truly belongs: with every one of us.
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Book Genres: The BiblioMysteryThere are many different genres within the mystery novel category, and one that deserves attention (and is a natural favorite of book lovers) is the bibliomystery.
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Most Impressive Super Bowl Runs: Cowboys or Patriots?The NFL legacy of the 2000s New England Patriots is much more impressive than that of the 1990s Dallas Cowboys. In many ways the two teams were very similar, but there are some key factors that make New England's run more remarkable. -
The Return of the British BeaverScientists and animal lovers in the United Kingdom are trumpeting the reintroduction of several beaver families into the wild after a nearly 500-year absence from Great Britain.
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Southern Baptist Pastor Claims Birth Control is MurderA story on ABC News affiliate WFAA in Dallas reports that earlier this month Baptist pastor Dr. Thomas White gave a sermon in which he said the use of birth control pills is "the murder of a life." -
Bush's Swan Song: Cripple Successor with Wall Street BailoutWe've all thought for years now that George W. Bush was an underachieving C-student at best and a moron at worst. But the truth has finally come out: he's actually an evil genius, and with the proposed $700 billion Wall Street bailout he's outdone even himself.
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Books that Won't Put You to SleepA well-written book with a compelling story will always keep you turning the pages, but only a select few will keep you up late reading them. The following novels definitely won't put you to sleep.
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Girolamo Savonarola and the Bonfire of the VanitiesGirolamo Savonarola was an Italian priest, political and religious reformer best known for starting the Bonfire of the Vanities in Florence in 1497. -
Civil War: The Battle of NashvilleThe Battle of Nashville is one of the least known of the Civil War, but the it was pivotal in several ways and deserves to be acknowledged as one of the critical moments in the latter part of the war. -
TULIP: The Key Teaching of John CalvinJohn Calvin was one of the pillars of the Protestant Reformation, and his teachings on Predestination are known today as the Five Points of Calvinism and often remembered by the acronym TULIP.
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Celebrate Banned Books Week Sep. 27 - Oct. 4, 2008Although it receives little press coverage, book censorship of all kinds, including book burning, continues today. In fact, there have been reports that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin attempted to ban books from the public library when she was mayor of Wasilla, Alaska.
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Writing a Resume when Your Past Performance SucksMany of us have, at some point, encountered a rough stretch when it comes to our job history. This can result in thinking that you can't put together a solid resume, which is definitely not the case. -
Presidential Debates Used to Matter, but Not AnymoreIn years past, Presidential debates have had a significant impact on the outcome of the election, but this is not the case today. -
John Calvin and the Execution of Michael ServetusMichael Servetus (1511 - 1553) was a Spanish theologian during the Protestant Reformation whose heretical views ultimately cost him his life.
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Should You Settle for a Smaller Paycheck After a Layoff?After a layoff the first goal (or hope, at least) is finding a new position at the same salary level, or higher, that you had at your previous job.
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Good Reasons for Leaving Your JobWith the economy sliding into recession and eight straight months of job losses, most people wouldn't even consider leaving their current job right now. But there are good reasons for a job change even in hard economic times. -
A Guide to the 2008 State Fair of TexasIn Texas autumn doesn't officially begin until the first day of the State Fair, and this year the State Fair of Texas runs from September 26th through October 19th.
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How Sarah Palin Saved the Republican PartyThe choice of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate did something that had become virtually unthinkable: it both united the base of the Republican Party for this election and gave them hope for the future.
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Smoking in PublicWhether people should be allowed to smoke in public places is no longer a matter up for debate, as most cities have passed laws banning smoking except in a very few public places.
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McCain's Masterstroke: Sarah Palin as Running MateMcCain made one of his now-typical outside-the-box moves in picking Sarah Palin, and in the process solidified the Republican base in a way no other candidate would have. If Ronald Reagan were alive today, he'd be Sarah Palin.
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The Bible as Science Textbook?The Bible as a science textbook? That's a leap even a limber Pentecostal wouldn't make.
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Democratic Convention Marks the End of the Clinton MythThe next two nights of the 2008 Democratic Convention will see the curtain drawn on an unlikely political semi-dynasty, as both Hillary and Bill Clinton enjoy what will likely be their last time in the national spotlight.
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Obama Picking Biden Makes McCain's VP Choice ClearNow that Barack Obama has officially selected Joe Biden to be his running mate, John McCain's choice for VP on the Republican side should be obvious, even to McCain.
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Reflections on Rock in the '80sBy 1980, the dreaded singer-songwriter era of John Denver, Seals and Crofts, and Bread had come to an end. And rock and roll, having been kept alive by acts like Springsteen, the Sex Pistols, and Van Halen, was pissed off and ready for a comeback.
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Obama and McCain: The Two Luckiest Morons in AmericaAs I watched the "history-making" summit at Saddleback Church where Obama and McCain fielded innocuous questions from Saddleback pastor Rick Warren, all I could hear in my head was Strother Martin in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: "Morons. I've got morons on my team."
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What to Do About an Unfair Performance ReviewReceiving your annual performance review can be a nerve-wracking time even in the best of circumstances. Receiving an unfair review can be devastating, and may not even be the worst part.
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Ocean's Eleven: The Original or the Remake?I was channel surfing the other night and came across the original Ocean's Eleven on one of the classic movie stations. For those who have seen both the original Ocean's Eleven and the 2001 remake of the same name comparisons are inevitable.
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Reflections on My 2008 Fantasy Football DraftAt the end of the season every year I'm so frustrated that I swear I'll never play again (except after the 2004 season when I actually won my league). But this year will be different. No, really it will
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Labor Day 2008 in Galveston, TexasLabor Day Weekend in the last hurrah of summer, and there's no better place to spend it than at the beach. For a great family getaway this Labor Day head south on I-45 to Galveston, Texas. Here are a few of the events and activities you'll find this Labor Day.
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Traditional Chinese ReligionsThe traditional religions of China are evident in the architecture, art, and many other aspects of Chinese life, in spite of Communist rule.
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Would Jesus Drink a Beer on the Beach?Here's a question that would get a lot of different answers depending on who you ask: would Jesus drink a beer on the beach? Your answer probably depends a lot on what your view of Jesus is, as well as what you consider the "Christian" thing to do in this situation.
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The Flags of TexasTexans are particularly proud of the flag of the Lone Star State, as well as the fact that we are the only state to have had six different national flags throughout our history.
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Can You Receive Severance Pay After Being Fired?Many people believe there is no difference between being fired and being laid off, but this is most definitely not the case. If you are fired from a position (as opposed to being laid off), you are generally not entitled to a severance package.
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Sick of CelebritiesEveryone is interested in celebrities to some degree, whether they like to admit it or not. Recently, though, more and more people have reached the point of being completely sick of celebrity news.
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The Most Segregated Hour in AmericaSunday morning church services have long been called the most segregated hour in America, and a report today on CNN.com seems to indicate that we prefer it that way. I don't agree with that, and I certainly don't believe we choose a church based on its racial makeup.
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Bible Study: John 14:6In John 14:6 Jesus makes the best known of seven "I am" statements in which He clearly claims to be not only the way to God but God Himself.
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John McCain is Stealing My StuffIt's a sad day when a candidate for President of the United States has to rip off an idea from an unknown writer, but John McCain appeared to do just that today. And it's not the first time.
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The Legacy of Colin PowellColin Powell's legacy as Secretary of State will be that of an honorable man who entered an arena that does not prize honorable men.
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The Least-Read Book in AmericaThe best-selling book of all time is also the least-read book in America today.
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Miley Cyrus Vs. Barack ObamaIf someone from another planet were to visit America today, and stand in front of any magazine rack , they could come to only one conclusion: that Miley Cyrus and Barack Obama are the two most important people in the country.
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How Useful is an Exit Interview?There are other possible questions, but the exact questions asked in an exit interview don't always matter. Whether they are general or specific, you will usually get one of three types of answers, often depending on the attitude of the employee when they leave the company.
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Can Insomnia Help Creativity?Insomnia affects untold numbers of people every night, at least in part because we have so much going on during any given day that we simply cannot quiet our minds enough at night to sleep. The question is whether this lack of sleep hurts or actually helps creativity.
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Need a Cheap Getaway? Try Your Public LibraryWith gasoline and food prices soaring, parents are scrambling to find activities for their kids and themselves that will be fun yet inexpensive. One destination that fits the bill is such a constant presence in our lives that we often overlook it: the public library.
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Finding the Right Church After Moving to a New CityWhile there are many relocation services available to people who move to a new town, from information on schools to restaurants to health clubs, there is not much information on where to look for a church. Here are some suggestions that may help in your search.
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What If Obama Loses?What happens if Barack Obama loses the presidential election in November? I know that the very idea is as ridiculous as thinking that the New England Patriots could lose the Super Bowl after 19 straight victories, but what if? Exactly what would such a scenario mean?
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Choosing Between a Small Church and a Mega-ChurchIn some ways, choosing between a small church and a mega-church requires the same analysis of advantages and disadvantages that one would apply to the question of whether to live in a small town or a large city.
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Response to the Reformation: The Council of TrentThe Council of Trent was an Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church convened as a response to the Protestant Reformation. Nearly 500 years later, the decrees of the Council of Trent inform and impact the practices of Catholics and their interaction with Protestants.
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The Top 5 Bruce Springsteen AlbumsAs Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's 2007-2008 world tour comes to a close, this seems like a good time to look back over Bruce's 35-year career and pick my Top 5 Springsteen albums.
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Why You Should Give Two Weeks' Notice when Leaving a JobExcept in the most extreme situations, it is always best to give two weeks' notice when leaving a job. It is a well-established procedure that ultimately benefits both employer and employee, and veering from this standard can cause you many problems down the line.
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"Through Gates of Splendor:" A Book with a Lesson for TodayWith all of the new books coming out this summer, it may seem odd that I'm reviewing one that was released more than 50 years ago. But Elisabeth Elliot's "Through Gates of Splendor" is one of those books that each generation should know about, and that everyone should read.
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Christian Democrat is Not an OxymoronI recently read a poll question that asked if Democrats could be Christian (or if Christians could be Democrats, I forget the exact wording). The question seemed patently absurd to me at first, but after some thought became more understandable for a number of reasons.
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The Real Reason for High Oil PricesThe real cause of the spike in oil prices actually lies at the heart of an American institution: NASCAR.
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A Guide to Short-Term Mission TripsThe word "missionary" causes many to picture men in white pith helmets in a pot of boiling water surrounded by cannibals. While there are still thousands of full-time missionaries living overseas, the last 20 years has the emergence of a different model: short-term missions.
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Fourth of July Celebrations and Fireworks in TexasNo matter where you live in Texas, this Fourth of July will feature family-friendly events and awesome fireworks. In big cities and small towns, folks will turn out to celebrate Independence Day Texas-style, and here are a few of the highlights.
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John McCain Pays Visit to Billy GrahamJohn McCain met today with evangelist Billy Graham and his son Franklin. For many past Republican candidates the visit with Billy Graham was largely a symbolic one, but for McCain this is not the case.
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Food Website Says Maine Has Best Ice Cream in New EnglandSummer is in full swing all across the nation, which means fireworks, outdoor grilling and, of course, ice cream. For those living in or traveling to New England this summer, RoadfoodDigest.com has just released its list of the top ice cream establishments in New England.
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Book Review: Lewis Buzbee's "The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop"In "The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop," San Francisco author Lewis Buzbee does something few writers would be able to: he makes the history of the book and the bookstore something you just can't put down.
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The Post Novel Writing BluesAt first glance, the idea that you could be depressed after completing a novel seems a little strange, but it's true nonetheless.
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Bush and Cheney Resign, Pelosi Now President; Dems in ChaosAt 12:15 a.m. today, both George W. Bush and Dick Cheney submitted their resignations to Chief Justice John Roberts. By the line of succession, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi immediately became President. "Ya'll can go to hell," Bush said. "I'm going back to Texas."
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A Great Summer Destination: The Fort Worth ZooSometimes the best summer attractions are right in your own backyard. In the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, one great local destination that is often overlooked is the nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo.
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The End of Christianity in the U.K.?A recent story in the UK Telegraph News generated a considerable amount of attention with a headline that read "Christianity Could Die Out Within a Century." Is the outlook really that bleak?
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The Dobson - Obama Feud: Barack Responds!Yesterday the Associated Press reported the beginning of a war of words between Barack Obama and Evangelical leader James Dobson. Today, Obama responded to Dobson's comments. In a nutshell, his response was "I know you are but what am I?"
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Barack Obama and James Dobson Square OffBarack Obama and James Dobson find themselves at cross-purposes over Obama's outreach to Evangelical voters. Dobson has accused Obama of "distorting the Bible and pushing a fruitcake interpretation of the Constitution." As hard as it is for me to say, I agree with Dobson.
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Economy Forces Drop in Charitable Giving Among ChristiansRising gasoline and food prices are taking a toll on charitable giving; forty six percent of the Christian adults surveyed said that they have reduced their giving to charity.
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Qualifying for Unemployment InsuranceAs the economy gets tighter and more companies downsize their workforce, many workers will be faced with filing for unemployment insurance. . Here are some of the basics regarding unemployment benefits.
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Johnny Hunt Elected Southern Baptist Convention PresidentAt their annual meeting on June 10th, delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention elected Dr. Johnny Hunt of First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia as their new President. Hunt's election comes at a critical juncture for Southern Baptists.
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2008 National Football League PredictionsLast year I released my NFL predictions in early July, beating SI's Dr. Z to the punch. Apparently Dr. Z was not pleased; he put out his Super Bowl XLIII winner today, picking the Vikings to win it all. Silly Z. The best team in the league this year is the Cowboys.
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Memorable Quotes from Great LeadersGreat quotes, whether from leaders, entertainers or anyone else, can amuse us or inspire us; the very best often manage to both at the same time. Here are a few quotes that have caught my attention over the years.
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Iran Steps Up Persecution of ChristiansAs the world focuses on the continuing standoff between Iran and the West over Iran's possible development of nuclear weapons, an attack going on inside the country is essentially being ignored.
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Patriotic Fourth of July ActivitiesJust as the real meaning of Christmas is more than presents and mistletoe, the 4th of July is more than an excuse to grill burgers. The 4th is also about patriotism, a celebration of the sacrifices made since the founding of our nation to give us the freedoms we enjoy today.
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4th of July Events in Dallas/Fort WorthWith Independence Day 2008 kicking off a 3-day weekend, there are more family-friendly events this July 4th than ever before, and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex will host a variety of activities. Here are just a few of the more notable celebrations and festivities.
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What is the Great Commission?The Great Commission is one of the clearest passages in the entire Bible, and yet is also one of the least obeyed.
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How to Make Your Resume Stand OutAlways remember that the only purpose of a resume is to get you an interview. Since resumes have a standard format that most people follow, making one stand out is no easy task.
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Why Not a Hillary Clinton - Ron Paul Ticket?For an election season that started with such promise, there sure are a lot of folks unhappy with whom the likely nominees will be. So how about a third alternative: an independent ticket of Hillary Clinton and Ron Paul.
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Barack Obama's Chances Against John McCainThe smoke and mirrors that has been the Obama campaign is finally starting to unravel, and despite early enthusiasm generated by his stirring speeches, it seems unlikely that he can defeat John McCain in the general election in November.
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A Summer Reading List for Book LoversIt's time for my Second Annual Summer Reading List that anyone can stick to. As before, I have included fourteen books, one for each week between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Some are recent, some are old, and some you should have read in college but didn't.
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Why a New President Isn't EnoughThe hard reality is that neither Obama nor McCain are going to ride in on a white horse and "fix" America; no other candidate could either. The problem isn't with our leadership, as poor as our leadership has been for decades. The problem is with us.
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Three Preachers You Should HearThere are three preachers I think everyone should take the time to hear, and all have messages available for listening on their church or ministry website.
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Vacation Bible School 2008 in Dallas - Fort WorthIn Texas, Vacation Bible School is as much of a summer tradition as Fourth of July fireworks and Labor Day cookouts. This year a number of local churches in the Dallas - Fort Worth area will be holding VBS activities with different themes during the months of June and July.
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Michelle Obama: Prophet of DoomIt's become clear over the past several months that Barack Obama has a Messiah complex. But it's one thing to think you're the Second Coming of Christ. It's another to go so far as to turn your wife loose as your very own John the Baptist.
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Great Memorial Day Weekend Events in Dallas/Fort WorthThere are a wide variety of family-friendly Memorial Day weekend events in Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex this year. Here are some of the more notable celebrations and festivities.
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Evangelicals and Catholics: What's the Difference?In 1992, the document "Evangelicals and Catholics Together" claimed there were no longer disagreements between the two groups on the essential points of doctrine. Today, both the Pope and a leading voice in the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. seem to disagree.
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George W. Bush Can Still Impact the 2008 ElectionAs hard as it may be to believe, George W. Bush could still have a significant impact on the 2008 election.
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Why the Super Delegates Should Choose Hillary ClintonEveryone seems to have an argument for how these super delegates should vote, and I am no exception. My reasoning, unlike many of those clamoring over this issue, deals only with the facts. I believe that all of the super delegates must line up behind Hillary Clinton.
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36th Annual Mayfest in Fort Worth May 1 - 4The 2008 Mayfest will be held in Fort Worth's Trinity Park May 1st through 4th. The event has been a Fort Worth tradition since 1973, making it the North Texas city's oldest community festival.
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Can I Pick None of the Above?A year ago the idea of choosing a new President seemed simple. There appeared to be good candidates on both sides, and certainly any of them would be better than George W. Bush, right? Time has shown we may have gotten a little ahead of ourselves.
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My Favorite NBA Playoff Moment of All TimeMy favorite NBA Playoff moment of all time was Earvin "Magic" Johnson's performance in the sixth game of the 1980 NBA Finals, between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers.
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Distance Education is a Viable Alternative for Working AdultsAs technology, and particularly Internet access, has improved, the concept of distance education vs. attending college on campus has changed dramatically as well.
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Globalization: Good, Bad, or Somewhere in Between?Globalization is a very popular buzzword today, especially on the campaign trail. However, I would like to move beyond the political rhetoric and look at what globalization really means, both good and bad.
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Oprah May Not Be a Cult Leader, But..I don't think that Oprah Winfrey is a cult leader, unless you're talking about the cult of personality. But I do think, from a Christian perspective, that she fits the definition of a false teacher.
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What Makes a Great Italian Restaurant?Great Italian restaurants are, like great art, in the eye of the beholder. But there are a few common ingredients that go into making a great Italian restaurant.
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Parental Advisory Rating System for Books is a Bad IdeaI recently read about a move to put warning labels for parents on books that would let them know that the content may be inappropriate for their children. The very idea is one of the most optimistic I've read in a while, if only because it assumes that kids are reading.
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How to Make the Most Out of Being FiredGetting fired is always a traumatic experience because it brings anxiety and uncertainty into your life. However, it can also be an opportunity for change and growth if you are willing to make the most of the opportunity.
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Your Employees Don't Have to like YouThe issue of whether it's important for your employees to like you is one all managers struggle with at some point. We all have a natural desire to have people like us, but there are times when that desire comes into direct conflict with our ability to get the job done.
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Competition Among the ClergyIt goes against the very idea of what ministers should be, but the fact is that a great many of them are extremely territorial. In many ways church leaders are competing for congregants in the same way that Fortune 500 CEOs compete for customers and market share.
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China Intensifies Persecution of Christians Ahead of OlympicsWhile the world remains focused on the Chinese crackdown in Tibet, Christians there are being singled out as well. In what it calls an effort to curb possible dissent at the Olympic games this summer, the Chinese government is intensifying its persecution of Christians.
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What Barack Obama Really Thinks About UsBarack Obama's comments about the "bitter" Pennsylvanians weren't just a poor choice of words. We're finally starting to see what Obama really thinks about the American people.
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The Harvest: A Study of John Chapter 4There are numerous books and classes on evangelism today, each with its own specific method. In this article I would like to look at an example of Jesus telling someone the Good News about himself, as recorded in John's Gospel.
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The 2008 Texas Storytelling Festival Starts April 10Now that we have the Internet, iPods, and YouTube, some may think that storytelling is completely dead. Well, there are some folks that beg to differ. Starting April 10th the Tejas Storytelling Association will host the 2008 Texas Storytelling Festival.
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Al Gore Saved the Planet, but Can He Save the Party?There is a solution being offered by numerous people, including at least one Democratic lawmaker, to the bloodbath going on between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and its name is Al Gore.
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Relationship Survival Tips for GuysLast month I wrote an article on how guys can survive Valentine's Day. It generated some questions about suggestions for surviving beyond Valentine's. Here are a few tips.
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Are the Democrats Their Own Worst Enemy?So far, 2008 has not gone he way the leaders of the Democratic Party envisioned. The party now seems on the verge of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
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Easter: More Than Egg Hunts, Bunnies, and a Nice Glazed HamIt's Good Friday, and people around the country are gearing up for Easter weekend activities. It's always a fun time, especially for the kids: coloring eggs, hunting for eggs, and a lunch/dinner rivaled only by Thanksgiving and Christmas. But Easter is much more than that.
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From Senator to President: A Unique PhenomenonNo matter who wins the tight contest between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, one thing is now certain: for the first time since 1960 someone will be moving directly from the Senate to the Presidency.
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The Barack Obama and Jeremiah Wright Controversy: Christianity is the Real LoserLost in the controversy surrounding statements by Barack Obama's former pastor Jeremiah Write is the fact that Christianity is the real loser in this whole ordeal.
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Choosing the Right BibleChoosing the right Bible for you is no longer a simple task, but it can be made easier with a little work before you buy.
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The Best Choice for Vice President on the Republican TicketThere are a number of contenders who, while they won't admit it, want the VP slot on the Republican ticket. Each has positives and negatives, but I think it will become clear quickly that there is really only one smart choice: Mike Huckabee.
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Movie Quotes that Have Stayed with MeQuoting movies is an American pastime. The following 10 movie quotes have stayed with me, for very different reasons, since the first time I heard them.
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Spring Break in Galveston, Texas: A Family Friendly GuideSpring Break is more than just a time for rowdy college students to invade every square inch of beach in North America. It's also a time for family vacations, and if you're looking for both beaches and non-oceanic activities for the family you should consider Galveston.
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Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas Now Hosting "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition"If you find yourself in Galveston, Texas this spring or summer and get tired of hanging out on the beach, you might want to consider a journey into the past. "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" is continuing its acclaimed tour at Moody Gardens in Galveston.
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Barack Obama and the Cult of PersonalityMany have compared Barack Obama to Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. The difference is that those two great men spoke eloquently and then went out and put their words into action. Barack Obama seems to only have the words.
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Tips for Filling Out Your NCAA Tournament BracketPicking NCAA teams for your March Madness Tournament pool is both an art and a science. The art aspect is not unlike throwing darts at a board; no matter how good you are one always seems to slip out of your hand.
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Predictions for the Texas Primary ResultsRegardless of what's happened in other recent contests and what an army of political analysts say, one or both of the front-runners will be unpleasantly surprised by results of the Texas Primaries on March 4th.
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The Top 10 Gin Blossoms SongsAlthough they've been around for nearly 20 years and have had at least one #1 hit, the Gin Blossoms are still not that well known except for one or two songs. That's a shame, because this band from Tempe has put out some great music. Here are my Top 10 Gin Blossoms songs.
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Fort Worth Star Telegram Cancels Volunteer Needs ColumnFollowing a recent change in ownership, the Fort Worth Star Telegram has dropped the Volunteer Needs column from its print edition. This column was crucial in matching volunteers with the non-profit agencies that need their help.