This Week in America with Ric Bratton

2025-41seg3 Weekend of October 4

2025-41seg2 Weekend of October 4

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2025-41 Weekend of October 4

Story of a Marriage: 50 Years of Christmas Love Letters by Jim McCormick This story of a marriage is not fiction—it is beautifully real. For their very first Christmas together, Jim took pen in hand and poured out his deepest feelings of love to his new wife, Marilyn. She wept as she read his words and made him promise to write such a love letter every Christmas for the rest of their lives. And he did. For fifty years, through all the seasons of a marriage both tender and turbulent, Jim kept his promise. Philosophical, poetic, and deeply insightful, these private letters reflect the joys and struggles that every marriage faces. Year after year, they became a powerful chronicle of a committed, sometimes challenged, but always enduring love—a rare and moving documentation of a lifelong relationship. After Marilyn’s passing, just months after their fiftieth anniversary, Jim discovered all the precious letters he had written to her. His final letter, composed in grief the Christmas after her death, is an exquisite blend of sorrow and hope—heartbreaking yet profoundly uplifting. An inspiration to young lovers and to partners weathering life’s storms, this collection is a testament to the enduring power of love Jim McCormick is a retired lawyer who served as a judge in Michigan for most of his career. After several trips to the Middle East and extensive research, he published Jerusalem and the Holy Land: The First Ecumenical Pilgrim's Guide. He has also written a number of short stories, many inspired by his own life experiences. He and his beloved wife, Marilyn—a high school English teacher—raised three wonderful children together. https://www.amazon.com/Story-Marriage-Years-Christmas-Letters/dp/B0FH416SP2/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title https://jimmccormick-author.com/ https://www.primixpublishing.com/ http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/92525jmlp.mp3

Dangers of Islam: What Every Muslim and Christian Should Know of Islam by Constantine I. Nightingdale WHY SHOULD I READ THIS BOOK? THIS BOOK WILL HELP YOU DRAW THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN ISLAM, CULTS, AND CHRISTIANITY - Chapter 9 of the Quran labels all those who do not believe in Islam as infidels. - On September 11, 2001, there was an attack on the U.S. by Islamic group Al Quaeda. - Taliban and Al Quaeda are responsible for 74% of all terrorist-related deaths worldwide. - Studies show that 80% of terrorist victims are Muslims. - Are Islamic extremists (Taliban, ISIS, and Al Quaeda) killing their own? - What country is Persia today? Iran. - Sharia Law works differently in each Arab city or country-no consistency! - True or False: When martyred for Islamic faith, you will have seventy-five virgins waiting in Heaven. - The origins of several cults may be traced back to Iraq, the original Babylon. Also included: - The biblical study tools - The seven year tribulation - The second coming of Christ - The Millennial Reign of Christ My name is Constantine I. Nightingdale. I am the "Endtime" Apostle to the world from Hawaii. My biography is not important. But I praise and glorify the One who sent me-Jesus Christ AMAZON https://www.armyofthelord5dr.org/ https://www.urlinkpublishing.com/ http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/91825cnurl.mp3

A Grade School Boy Takes on Bullying - "MARNA: Book" 1 by Jason Hauger The End of Summer has arrived. David, a lonely hearted Elementary kid is looking for a good friend. Standing up to a bully, David unknowingly discovers a beautiful magical girl. Her name is Marna and she has butterfly wings. Marna trusts David to keep her magic secret from humans. Marna and David soar through the air as they go on adventures. David hopes Marna is here to stay, or will she return to the magic? One day Marna gets discovered and the Head Doctor won’t let her go. David must help save Marna and set her free. Can David overcome old rivals? In the end, will Marna stay or David be able to let her go? As a boy in the 1st Grade, we had a creative writing assignment. I first wrote Marna then, but she didn't have a name yet. It was about a boy name Jay who discovers a magical girl with butterfly wings as they fly around together. By the time I finished reading my story to the class, half the girls had drawn pictures of the magic girl. I wish I saved those pictures. As an adult, decades later, I was on a dive trip to Bonaire. It was the first time I used my Passport. I was with my wife and her parents. The resort had Monarch Butterflies flying about freely. This is where I got my new inspiration and started writing Marna right then and there. You can say, "Bonaire is the birthplace of Marna." Then I read it to my best friend's step daughter, she was 12 at the time. If you guessed already, she loved it. Then I self the book for a couple years. Then one day my father-in-law, Jim Swanson, became ill all of a sudden. When we visited him at the hospital, we got the devastating news. He was dying of a very painful cancer. It was in his liver and bones. As we stayed by his bedside, I began writing the sequel to Marna, as a way to cope with the stress. Sadly, Jim died before I can even finish the first act. As I progressed the sequel, I read it piece by piece to my test reader. She loved the sequel's first act. Then tragedy struck as her mom became diagnosed with breast cancer. I felt I needed to finish my sequel no matter what. My best friend is more like my brother, so in my heart I adopted his step daughter as my unofficial niece. This made me feel kin to the uncle who wrote "Alice in Wonderland" for his niece. If things turned for the worst, I hope my words might sooth her pain. I finish my book before the year ended, and finished reading it to her. She loved it so much she said, "This needs to be a movie!" I realized, since I finished the sequel, I needed to copyright the first book. After copyrighting, less than two weeks later, I get a call from Dorrance Publishing. I saw it as a sign, this was meant to be. I signed the deal, and have been working hard to promote my book, so my stories can bring happiness to more kids like her, plus I want to finish the project before my niece grows up. AMAZON https://mainspringbooks.com/ http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/91825msb.mp3

The Grandparenting Journey: Leading the Way by Mary Ellen Davis The book is as short manual that discusses the challenges and rewards of raising grandchildren. It describes the multitude of questions, doubts, desires, and sometimes about the ability to provide proper care and nurturing. It also discusses the need to be directly involved in grandchildren's daily life activities--personal, social-emotional, and educational growth and development--as well as the need to work closely with medical professionals and educators to be able to make informed decisions about health and educational issues at home and at school. The book reminds grandparents of the need to keep themselves healthy by seeking and following through on periodic medical visits, getting needed rest and planning/taking personal time for themselves. A part of the "Journey" is continued parenting. Mary Ellen Davis, inspired by her mentors in the California Association for Counseling and Development, began publishing articles and books on family, counseling, and education. With a passion for making a positive impact, she hopes The Grandparenting Journey will provide guidance and encouragement to grandparents everywhere. AMAZON https://maryellendavisbooks.com https://gothambooksinc.com http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/91825goth.mp3

What's it really like to live with a disability? - "Persistence: Living an Authentic Life with a Disability" by Linda Dezenski How do you navigate a world that wasn't built with you in mind? What's it really like to live with a disability? Linda Dezenski pulls no punches in this raw and revealing memoir. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Linda takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of life with a body that doesn't always cooperate and a society that often misunderstands. But Persistence isn't just about struggles -it's a story of triumph. With humor and heart, Linda shares her lightbulb moment: disability doesn't define her, it's just part of the package. Join Linda as she learns to embrace her whole self and discovers her mission to help others do the same. Whether you have a disability or not, this book will change how you see the world and yourself. Linda Dezenski works for a city agency that provides services to people with Intellectual disabilities. She is passionate about civil rights for people with disabilities, particularly those pertaining to independent living. Linda earned two master's degrees from Bryn Mawr College's Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. She was born with cerebral palsy. Linda has authored children's books and continues to educate and support those living with disabilities and their loved ones. https://www.amazon.com/Persistence-Living-Authentic-Life-Disability/dp/B0FMJ5QML2/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title https://lindadezenski.com/ http://www.ecpublishingllc.com http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/91825ldec.mp3

A Fresh Approach to Immigration Reform -"Trump, Tamales and the American Family" by Margaret Donnelly Margaret Donnelly, emeritus attorney at law of Texas, certified in immigration and nationality law, proposes in her fifth book, Trump, Tamales and the American Family, that it's time to smash our culture of fear and follow the example of our World War II Greatest Generation, who built economies, exporting peace and prosperity throughout the world. Donnelly also suggests that we should invest in our American family--a family tree with roots and branches that stretch from the top of North America to the bottom of South America. It's time to join each other in a metaphorical kitchen, sharing resources and labor to produce a sacred meal, tamales, together, just as extended families of the Americas have been doing for ten thousand years. President Donald J. Trump--the Great Negotiator--is invited to this dinner table to remind him that he can help us move beyond a border wall toward a great transformation of the Americas. Margaret Donnelly is the author of "Bolívar’s Heart", "The Path of Lord Jaguar", "The Spirits of Venezuela" and "The Song of the Goldencocks", which received Honorable Mention at the 2007 International Latino Book Awards in New York. The author received her doctor of jurisprudence and her bachelor of arts in Latin American studies from the University of Texas at Austin. In recognition for her community work, she was awarded the Presidential Community Service medal by the League of United Latin American Citizens of the United States (LULAC) in 2006. Born in Venezuela, she moved to the United States with her family at age 15. She now resides in Dallas, Texas, where she divides her time between her immigration law practice and writing. https://www.amazon.com/Tamales-American-Family-Margaret-Donnelly/dp/1977220746/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title https://www.margaretadonnelly.com/ www.ecpublishingllc.com http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/91825mdec.mp3

2025-40seg3 Weekend of 9-27

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The Sleep-Anxiety Connection: A Practical Guide to Better Rest & Well-Being with Susan Smith Jones, PhD Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in the United States, UK and beyond, and insufficient sleep is known to have sweeping negative implications for overall health. As a result, understanding and addressing the links between anxiety and sleep can be fundamental to physical and emotional wellness Our guest today, holistic health, sleep, and lifestyle expert, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, is back with us again for her best tips on this sleep—anxiety connection, how you can sleep like a baby and why it’s so important. I guarantee no one will fall asleep during this program when listening to Susan. Welcome back. For 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 the world as a frequent media show guest and healthy living consultant. Susan is also the author of many books, including her latest three celebrated trilogy of books UPLIFTED: 12 Minutes to More Joy, Faith, Peace, Kindness & Vitality, A HUG IN A MUG and her new faith-based holistic health and lifestyle book… WIRED FOR HIGH-LEVEL WELLNESS. SusanSmithJones.com ⭐️ 𝕏 @ SusanSmithJones http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/ssj138.mp3

2025-39seg3 Weekend of 9-20

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The Ultimate Quest by Dr. Antonio Mataban The Ultimate Quest by Dr. Antonio Mataban is an epic historical fiction that spans five generations, beginning at the tail end of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. Dr. Mataban's narrative sweeps through time, immersing readers in the lives of characters whose personal journeys intertwine with the shifting tides of history, offering a rich tapestry of culture, struggle, and triumph. Set against the backdrop of a nation in transition, the novel masterfully captures the intricacies of Filipino identity, societal change, and the impact of historical events. From the waning days of Spanish rule to the complex, post-colonial era, Dr. Mataban deftly explores the personal and political conflicts that shaped the Philippines' evolution. His portrayal of the era is vivid, grounding the characters' experiences in real historical events, yet the author also crafts a compelling fictional narrative that keeps readers invested in the human side of history. The book's structure, spanning five generations, provides a panoramic view of the impact of time on individuals and families. Each character is deeply developed, their lives shaped not only by their personal desires but also by the political and social forces at play. This generational scope allows Dr. Mataban to explore the long-term effects of colonialism, revolution, and independence, showing how history is passed down through families and how the scars of the past continue to influence the future. For fans of historical fiction that goes beyond the surface to explore the personal consequences of history, The Ultimate Quest is a remarkable journey. It's a tale that will resonate with anyone interested in the complexities of Filipino history and the ways in which the past continues to inform the present. Dr. Mataban's novel is a beautifully crafted, emotionally charged exploration of heritage, resilience, and the ultimate quest for freedom and self-determination. Dr. Antonio AB Mataban, was Philippine born and had witnessed the events of World War II as he grew up in the farming area. After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, he briefly practiced in the Island before migrating to the United States for further training in Urology. He soon practiced his art in Long Island, New York and after four years joined the Air Force from which he retired after 21 years, a colonel, as Urologist and Flight Surgeon. He further served our veterans for another 14 years before retiring with his family in California with his wife, Lourdes-Patria, of 63 years. Their three boys were all veterans and have independent professional responsibilities. One grand child is a pianist and is serving as a Musical Director in the suburbs of Long Island New York. AMAZON www.KingPagesPress.com http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/82825kpp2.mp3