The Gospel Of John, Chapter 17

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This Easter season, I am presenting the Gospel of John. John tells the story of resurrection better than the others, and so it is logical to present his version of Christ as the focus is on the miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

So, without further ado, the Gospel of John: Chapter 17.

I appreciate your coming to visit. I truly do. I ask but small favors:

First, pray for me. I am always in need of prayer.

Second, your purchase of my audio books help to keep me in licorice and pretzels.

NAVIGATING ADVERSITY is available now!

You’ve all heard me babble (or write) about my teaching/mentoring gig in First Responder wellness. Well, this is the audio book for the course, and I narrate it!  Great gift for the stressed people you know. It’s aimed at First Responders, but works for nurses, teachers, and people under stress of any kind. 

Wellness has been defined in broad strokes for centuries – until now. This book clarifies a holistic perspective of what it means to be healthy while revealing common roadblocks to resilience and the resources needed to resist each one. Using personal stories and a diverse array of peer-reviewed behavioral, psychological, and organizational research, the authors present an evidence-based model for building physical, psychological, cognitive, emotional, financial, spiritual, social, and professional capital. This tactical approach to self-care is a lifelong resource that first responders can call upon so that when critical incidents occur, they are prepared to navigate adversity.

 

THE SQUARE PEGS is a story of eccentrics in American History. It’s a delightful read and I know you’ll enjoy these stories of largely unknown, but influential, weirdos. (I started seeing them crop up in popular culture items after reading the book!)

Irving Wallace herein presents the stories of “some Americans who dared to be different” – crackpots, perhaps, all of them, but also exceedingly diverting people to meet, know, and watch as they pursue their peculiar activities. This picturesque and wacky crew is brilliantly dealt with in these nine chapters:

  1. In Defense of the Square Peg
    Wherein we meet Wilbur Glenn Voliva, who believed the Earth was flat, and we learn the need for encouraging individualism and nonconformity.
  2. The King of 36th Street
    Wherein we meet Baron James A. Harden-Hickey, American ruler of Trinidad, who became an authority on the art of suicide.
  3. The Man Who Was Phileas Fogg
    Wherein we meet George Francis Train, millionaire member of the Commune, who was the first man to travel around the world in 80 days.
  4. The Free Lover Who Ran for President
    Wherein we meet Victoria Woodhull, stockbroker, spiritualist, and prostitute, who competed with Ulysses S. Grant for tenancy of the White House.
  5. The Forty-Niner Who Abolished Congress
    Wherein we meet Joshua Norton, self-appointed Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, who issued orders to Abraham Lincoln.
  6. The Lady Who Moved Shakespeare’s Bones
    Wherein we meet Delia Bacon, schoolteacher frustrated in love, who became the implacable enemy of the Bard of Avon.
  7. The Explorer of the Hollow Earth
    Wherein we meet John Cleves Symmes, hero of the War of 1812, who planned an expedition into the interior world through holes in the North and South poles.
  8. The Editor Who Was a Common Scold
    Wherein we meet Anne Royall, widow and author, who interviewed a chief executive while he was in the nude.
  9. The First in the East
    Wherein we meet Timothy Dexter, merchant prince and foe of grammar, who sent coals to Newcastle and published a book without punctuation.

 

The Gospel Of John, Chapter 16

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This Easter season, I am presenting the Gospel of John. John tells the story of resurrection better than the others, and so it is logical to present his version of Christ as the focus is on the miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

So, without further ado, the Gospel of John: Chapter 16.

 

I appreciate your coming to visit. I truly do. I ask but small favors:

First, keep me in your prayers.

Second, buy some audio books from me!

 

POOPIE SUITS & COWBOY BOOTS is my foray into the biographical world. I worked on this one all summer, and it was a joy to read. 

Poopie Suits  Cowboy Boots: Tales of a Submarine Officer During the Height of the Cold War, now in its fifth edition since 2017, has earned a popular place in modern submarine literature for its engaging style and pacing. Set in the throes of the Cold War during the Nixon administration, the story follows the journey of Frank Hood through training and eventual deployment as a junior officer aboard a fast-attack submarine (USS Seahorse [SSN-669]) based out of Charleston, South Carolina.

The final product is our best effort yet in telling Frank’s compelling coming-of-age story during the contentious 1960s. While biographical in form, Frank’s story serves as a scaffolding of sorts to allow detailed side explorations of the basics of US submarine history; fundamental submarine systems such as sonar, propulsion, diving, weapons, and periscope functions; the intense training and repetition required to gain qualification in submarines; and the colorful traditions of the US Navy.

The book is replete with dozens of funny stories as well. It’s an enjoyable story that not only informs the reader of all things submarine-related, but also includes a number of cultural references that made life during that turbulent period both difficult and memorable.

 

 

DiMercurio has returned!  After a decade of silence, he’s back with DARK TRANSIT.

Lieutenant Anthony Pacino reports aboard the “project boat” USS Vermont two years after having survived the catastrophic sinking of the Piranha. Pacino quickly learns that Vermont’s missions are all ultra-secret with the boat reporting only to the sub force commander, the national security advisor, and the president: Vermont does the dirty deeds that need doing in deadly silence and obscurity.

After Vermont misses the mark on an easy mission, there are questions asked about her ability to conduct the next mission, one that is vital to the security of the United States and the future of the submarine force. Vermont is tasked with stealing a revolutionary submarine that the Russians are testing with an Iranian crew because it’s too risky to use Russian sailors. It’s a high-stakes gamble for all involved, with the losers vanishing if things go wrong, the winners validating a world-changing technology.

Pacino is part of the mission to steal the submarine, but the toughest obstacle is a wolf-pack of Russians coming to the defense of the Iranian submarine. Getting it back to the United States for evaluation becomes secondary to surviving an exchange of missiles and torpedoes in an underwater battle that threatens to let the final genie out of the bottle.

“DiMercurio has used the last decade to refine his writing and produce the best naval thriller in decades. I couldn’t put it down.” (Joseph Courtemanche, author of Assault on Saint Agnes)

Publishers Weekly also loves it and gave it a starred review: that’s a big deal.

 

The Gospel Of John, Chapter 15

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This Easter season, I am presenting the Gospel of John. John tells the story of resurrection better than the others, and so it is logical to present his version of Christ as the focus is on the miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

So, without further ado, the Gospel of John: Chapter 15.

I appreciate your coming to visit. I truly do. I ask but small favors:

First, pray for me. I am always in need of prayer.

Second, a purchase of an audio book from my list helps fund these endeavors. 

 

WHAT IS KOSHER? by Rabbi Juan Bejarano-Gutierrez 

The term “kashrut” refers to the Jewish religious dietary laws derived from the Torah. The term “kashrut” is derived from the Hebrew word “kasher” meaning “fit” or “acceptable”. From the word “kasher”, we derive the word “kosher” in its anglicized form. But before we discuss what kosher is, let’s discuss some ideas as to “why” kosher exists.

Why, after all, would a religious faith be concerned about what people eat? This audiobook answers these questions and provides the student or curious individual with the basics of what kosher is and why it is observed by religious Jews around the world.

 

RACE: A NOVEL by Nicole Petrino-Salter was released April 4th. 

Race is a window into death and life investigated by a detective who has his own choice to make between heaven and hell.  

Roman Diego, a thoroughbred assistant trainer, is found dead in his tack room at the Rainier Meadows Racetrack. Is the confused, barely covered young woman who had awakened next to the dead man a killer?  

As Detective David James investigates the death of Roman Diego, a syringe containing a mystery liquid is discovered. The mystery deepens as the list of suspects gets longer. Who would want to kill Roman Diego, one of the “good guys”?  

In this raw, romantic, and redemptive novel, David James searches for a common denominator between the suspects and the victim as the motive becomes harder to ignore.  

 

The Gospel Of John, Chapter 14

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This Easter season, I am presenting the Gospel of John. John tells the story of resurrection better than the others, and so it is logical to present his version of Christ as the focus is on the miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

So, without further ado, the Gospel of John: Chapter 14.

I appreciate your coming to visit. I truly do. I ask but small favors:

First, pray for me. I am always in need of prayer.

Second? Please buy an audio book or two to keep me in licorice.

 

SPIRITUAL SURVIVAL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT by Cary A. Friedman

Spiritual Survival for Law Enforcement provides a solid, substantive foundation for nourishing the soul of the cop and replenishing his or her reservoir of idealism and spirituality. Jam-packed with exercises, tools, and insights, this is your one-stop practical guide to restoring inner peace and clarity. This book will show you how to:

  • Become emotionally and spiritually resilient
  • Understand what you truly need to heal your inner wounds
  • Find new meaning in the career
  • Rekindle your warrior spirit
  • Replace anger with peace, resentment with satisfaction

A “must-have” for all new and seasoned law enforcement officers!

 

 

 

KEEPING IT ALL TOGETHER: BUILDING RESILIENCE AT HOME WHILE SERVING THE COMMUNITY  by Dr. Renee Thornton & Rodger Ruge

Public safety professionals rely heavily on the love and safety found within in their homes. Theirs is an emotionally taxing job, requiring a great deal of support and encouragement from the ones who love them most. Their wellness has always been a priority, but what about their loved ones? They need just as much care and consideration as the first responders in their lives…maybe more. Using personal stories and a diverse array of peer-reviewed behavioral, psychological, and organizational research, the authors present an evidence-based model for building physical, psychological, cognitive, emotional, financial, spiritual, social, and professional capital. This same whole-life approach to wellness is also used in the first responders’ edition of Navigating Adversity. Now their loved ones can learn to master the tools proven to build resilience on the home front, while helping our public safety professionals serve the community.

 

The Gospel Of John, Chapter 13

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This Easter season, I am presenting the Gospel of John. John tells the story of resurrection better than the others, and so it is logical to present his version of Christ as the focus is on the miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

So, without further ado, the Gospel of John: Chapter 13.

I appreciate your coming to visit. I truly do. I ask but small favors:

First, pray for me. I am always in need of prayer.

Second, I moonlight as a retired guy, but would like to have you buy some of my audio books so I can take my family out to dinner.

 

SUB TALES: STORIES THAT SELDOM SURFACE by Charles Hood and Frank Hood

Packed with 40 gripping stories from the annals of US submarine history, Sub Tales attempts to convey some of the drama, adventure, and humor that has typified service aboard the submarines of the US Navy over the past 100+ years. Included in this edition is a new completely new story about polar bear sightings by submarines, and a new description of an unlikely rescue at sea by the Seadragon! The 40 stories are accompanied by a bonus section that includes seven “submarine lists” that will be certain to entertain the reader. Stories vary in length from short to medium to long. You decide the reading order.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOST BITS by Kerry Nietz

The last thing K-404 remembers is a happy home with the human child Ele, whose care is his primary purpose. So, when he wakes up in a landfill of tossed-away technology, his only thought is to reunite with his family.

This world is not his own, though. It’s a wasteland of desolate buildings, flying metal disks, and monstrosities that keep themselves active by stealing another bot’s power.

How did the world get this way?

And why was he discarded?

Hampered by imperfect memory, an obsolete body, and limited battery life, 404 sets out to find his home. Joined by other castaways, he faces off against scavengers and monsters, only to encounter greater threats.

Pursued, outsmarted, and manipulated on every side, 404 teeters on the brink of annihilation. His only chance of survival? Those bits of himself—the connections—he hasn’t lost.