Movers and Shakers Blog

BlogTalkRadio features Secret Promise

2012-02-10T07:47:00.002-06:00

Patsy Dawson will interview me today, February 10, 2012, to discuss abuse within a family situation as it applies to my new historical novel, Secret Promise. Patsy, a well-known author, speaker, and funny person, has a popular BlogTalkRadio show, Embarrass the Alligator, in which she discusses sex from a Biblical perspective, abuse in a marriage, success in a marriage relationship, and divorce when it becomes an inevitable option. She is an authority on The Song of Solomon. The one-hour show will start at 2:30 p.m. Feel free to call in and talk with us. (Go to blogtalkradio.com for instructions.) Also the show will be archived.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bonnie-kaye/2012/02/10/embarrass-the-alligator-by-patsy-rae-dawson#.TzQKMNOLaQY.facebook

Let's Write Weekend

2012-01-14T23:01:00.007-06:00

The Frontiers in Writing 2012 conference is scheduled June 29-30, 2012, at Amarillo College Washington Street Campus, Amarillo, Texas. Let's Write Weekend, the title of the conference, states the theme.

Jodi Thomas will keynote the Friday evening dinner. This New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist has 35 books and is also a 5 time RITA award winner, the coveted recognition from the Romance Writer's of America which earned her a place in their Hall of Fame. Thomas currently serves as Writer-In-Residence at the West Texas A & M University campus. Jodi inspires and encourages writers to have courage and "put feet to your dreams". She'll be signing books on Thursday evening, June 28 at Barnes and Noble from 7:30 to 9:00 PM to kick off our Weekend of Writing!

John Erickson will keynote our Saturday afternoon closing session. Best known as the author of Hank the Cowdog series of books, audio-books, and stage plays, his stories have won multiple awards. While working as a ranch cowboy in Oklahoma and Texas, he wrote novels, short stories, articles, plays, essays, and book reviews. Also the author of WRITING CRAFT, Mr. Erickson will speak to FiW attendees about his writing process.

Hilary Sares will be our opening session keynote Friday morning. Formerly an acquiring editor at a New York publishing house for thirteen lucky years, she is now a ghostwriter, with a unique publishing perspective from both sides of the desk.

Harvey Stanbrough, Arizona author, poet, and writing instructor will be our Friday lunch Keynote in addition to conducting workshops on both days covering dialogue, flash fiction, and poetry. Harvey will be conducting a bonus session on Sunday, Essentials of Digital Publishing, 9:30 AM, Ambassador Hotel Classroom Complex.

Candace Havens, a bestselling author of six novels with Berkley and leading entertainment journalist, will be our Saturday lunch Keynote. Ms. Havens is currently writing for the Blaze line of Harlequin, and also runs online writing workshops and teaches a comprehensive writing class. She'll be conducting workshops on both days.

Jeff C. Campbell, former criminal investigator now author developed two new booklets as background information to the Sand Creek Massacre studies, compiling rolls of both regiments for use by researchers, genealogists and students of Colorado History. Jeff will speak on the perfect crime, real police procedure for writers, and chasing leads for your nonfiction research.

Mary Lou Cheatham writes devotionals, Southern cookbooks, and inspirational historical romance. The Covington Chronicles is a series about a Mississippi town in the early 1900's. She divides her time between north Louisiana and the Texas Panhandle. She will present, “Reject Rejection,” a discussion about alternate ways to publish.

Jim Gleason, Community Relations Manager at Barnes and Noble will introduce PubIt! and answer all of your questions about the book bizz.

Craig and Nancy Keel will conduct a special orientation session for 1st-time FiW attendees. They'll explain what to expect and answer all of your concerns, so you can walk into the meeting on Friday feeling confident and prepared to begin your writing journey.

Phyliss Miranda is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author of six anthologies who still believes in the code of the west. She will talk about characterization.

Chris Stewart, Attorney, proclaims himself to be a 'copyright geek' who really enjoys working with creative and talented authors. He'll be doing two sessions on Friday covering copyright law and publishing law.

Joe Douglas Trent, song writer and award-winning author saw his debut novel published in 2011. He lives, works and writes from Lubbock, Texas.

Speakers: Jodi Thomas, John Erickson, Hilary Sares, Harvey Stanbrough, Candace Havens , Jeff C. Campbell, Mary Lou Cheatham, Jim Gleason, Craig and Nancy Keel Phyliss Miranda, Chris Stewart, Joe Douglas Trent

The Collapse of Distinction

2012-01-14T10:02:00.003-06:00

The Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain is an excellent book for business owners and managers, as well as all marketers.

McKain provides a wealth of valuable information essential to business decision-makers in nearly any organization, irrespective of size or field. He asks businesses respond to the question, "Can your customers tell the difference between you and your competition?" This is essential to stand out and move up while your competition fails. If the answer is "No," "I have no idea," or "Unfortunately, yes," then you must adapt to survive. In the current environment of global competition coupled with the ferocity of modern business in most areas, consumer perception of "sameness" can be fatal to a business. With competition and globalization only increasing, McKain warns that "distinction" is increasingly essential for virtually evey business.

How this "collapse of distinction" came about is a pattern McKain so ably analyzes. He points out that the classical "meet and beat the competition" approach to business has resulted in compelling "sameness." Businesses too often look at the competition and determine to "meet" them and "do them one better." This results in an endless process of each business in a sector meeting the competition and "doing them one better." Too often the result is trying to "out-McDonalds" McDonalds--a fatal exercise. He presents this and other examples of "meeting and beating" the competition.

McKain points out that the essential mind-set for a business to take is to establish a distinct position in the marketplace that is clearly definable and clearly presented to the consumer. This position is also one that is sustainable and that the business pursues relentlessly.

But can a business be continually creative and innovative about a common product or service? He points out that the business should design and emphasize the "Ultimate Customer Experience (UCE)." He recommends this process. First, ask this question: "What would happen if everything went exactly right?" Next, if at all possible and to the extent possible, involve your clients in the process of creating the UCE. Ask them "If you could describe the ultimate experience of doing business with an organization like ours, what would that be?" The additional steps, as well as these, are best discussed with the company's "story." The key point is, that almost any organization, product, service, and even individual can "stand out"--be distinct or unique--if there is at least one of the four cornerstones--preferably all--in place. These are product, service, approach, and experience.

He discusses such businesses as McDonalds, Starbucks, Enterprise Rent A Car, and others to illustrate how they have established distinction or uniqueness in their respective marketplaces.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The Collapse of Distinction is an essential book for any marketer's, business owner's, or business manager's library, not only for the information McKain provides, but for the essential attitude and direction it gives a person in any of those critical positions in business.

Thomas Nelson has taken its own position of distinction in the publishing industry by introducing its "Nelsonfree" products. Those who purchase this, or any of its other books in the series, can go to www.thomasnelson.com/nelsonfree, provide a name, e-mail address, and an ISBN number, and download free content that includes the ebook and an audio version of the bound book. In other words, if you buy the book, you get the book's content in all popular forms. What a unique position of distinction in the publishing industry.

We plan to lose ten pounds -- each.

2011-08-29T21:46:00.009-05:00

My daughter Christie and I have decided to try to lose a little more weight. Someone told us we couldn’t; so we decided we’d show her we could. We can lose it and keep it off. We’ve already proved we could.

We are not having a contest. Here is our game plan: Christie wants to lose ten pounds and keep it off, and so do I.

We are not going on a diet. Christie has had excellent results with a number of diet programs. She has gradually lost weight and kept it off. I don’t do well with diet plans. If I am told not to eat a certain food or more than a given amount, I eat more than ever. Instead, if I concentrate on eating plenty of the right foods, I lose weight.

We always exercise, but now that we are trying to lose ten pounds we are exercising even more. We go to the gym, we lift weights(Christie – a huge amount, me – a tiny bit), Christie rides her bicycle, I ride my tricycle, we work, we walk, and Christie runs. I stretch most days because I had both knees replaced at once a year ago. Stretching exercises are essential.

Some of the time we are together and some of the time we’re in different states. It doesn’t matter. We can still correspond with each other and report our results.

We need two things from our friends: encouragement and suggestions.

Christie:
I have lost weight over the past few years and kept it off. It is time to lose the rest! I want a permanent change.

Mary:
A month from now, I plan to go to the fiftieth year reunion of the 1961 class of Taylorsville High School, Taylorsville, Mississippi. In 1961 I was thin, even though I thought I was fat. In 2011 nobody thinks I’m thin. It would be nice to lose a little more weight before then. During the last year I have lost 29 pounds and kept them off, well almost. Now it’s time to lose the two pounds I’ve gained back and ten more.

Willie Crawford Interviews Patsy Rae Dawson

2011-06-09T15:51:00.005-05:00

Willie Crawford interviews Patsy Rae Dawson on Block Talk Radio.

I loved this interview so much between two dear intelligent and highly successful friends of mine that I had to dial up and join in. Here is some valuable information helpful for promoting whatever you need to promote. Marketers and writers need to relish every word of innovative ideas included.

Listen to internet radio with Willie Crawford on Blog Talk Radio

Disaster Relief Team Update

2011-06-05T14:23:00.004-05:00

The following is the final letter Paul Elliott has sent to his friends about the tornado disasters in north Alabama and the flood disasters in south Louisiana.

Dear Friends,

This is the final Disaster Relief Team Update for the time being.

Our team was officially dismissed from responsibility in south Louisiana late last week. By the grace of God the flood waters from the Mississippi River were not as bad as had been anticipated, so they didn't need us.

However, as you are likely aware, the victims will have to wait many days or weeks before they can get back into their houses and businesses to begin repairs. This is a double devastation since the area was hard-hit by the Gulf oil spill one year ago.

Continue pray for all the disaster victims of the nation and of Japan that the Lord can turn what is a human disaster into a great spiritual victory!

I personally thank all of you for your prayers! For those of you who have donated money, may our Lord bless you for that service to Him, as well.

Please pray that the Lord deal mercifully with our nation and others as we enter the hurricane season.

Thank you all, again!

In His Service,
Paul

Links to previous letters:
First Letter
Second Letter
Third Letter

Gone but Never to Be Forgotten

2011-06-05T10:10:00.002-05:00

Posting on the Internet can be dangerous. How many times have you heard that platitude? Let me tell you a danger not usually considered. Suppose you have something you really treasure and you put it on the Internet. A strong possibility exists that it will disappear.

In 2009 I posted this quote from a biography of J. B. Coats:

J.B. Coats was born on April 6, 1901, in Summerland, Mississippi. He attended the schools of his area and was both a student and lover of music all his life...His formal education was continued with study at Mississippi Southern College and Louisiana State University. He also studied music with Julius Rishing, J.E. and Alvis O. Thomas and T.B. Mosley. When just a lad about fourteen, he began teaching music classes and conducting evangelistic singing. Mr. Coats was a teacher in public schools most of his life...He was the composer of many loved gospel songs with "Where Could I Go" haveing been printed and sung most widely. Others of his outstanding songs are "A Wonderful Place", "My Soul Shall Live On", "I'm Winging My Way Back Home", and "Tomorrow May Mean Goodbye". Many of his songs have been recorded by leading quartets and singers...Mr. Coats was associated with Stamps-Baxter Music Company and a lifetime staff writer for them...He joined the Baptist Church and served more than thirty years as a Deacon before answering the call to the ministry. He died on December 15, 1961.

*****
Now I can't find it. Chances are if it were in some old dusty book in a library I wouldn't find it there either. I'm glad I quoted this information so readers can enjoy learning a few facts about this great man.

J. B. Coats is a Jones County, Mississippi, native and composer of the famous gospel song, "Where Could I Go But to the Lord?" He will be honored Saturday, September 10, 2011, at a Gospel Singing at West Laurel Baptist Church, 1400 West 5th Street, Laurel, Mississippi.

More about J. B. Coats

More about J. B. Coats Day

Disaster Relief Effort: Northeast Alabama, Part 3, and South Louisiana, Part 1

2011-05-17T17:02:00.023-05:00

The following is another letter Paul Elliott has sent to his friends. He worked with relief groups in north Alabama after the tornadoes Soon he will travel to south Louisiana to help the flood victims.

Dear Friends,

(If you missed either of the first two posts, my friend, Mary Cheatham, has graciously posted them on one of her blogs. You can find them here:

1. http://moversandshakersblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/letter-from-north-alabama.html
2.http://moversandshakersblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/update-from-northeast-alabama-disaster.html)

May 8, Sunday, was a day of rest. The assessments were ahead of the chain saw teams, so we got to rest and enjoy Mother's Day. I returned to worship at the Bethel Baptist Church in the small community where I began the assessment process my first day out. They are recovering nicely and have been helping their affected members put their lives back together. The Alabama people are very hard working and very considerate of one another giving anything they have to those in need.

May 9 through 11, Monday through Wednesday, we were sent to specific addresses which had been called in by homeowners or disaster workers in other fields, such as chaplains or police. The pace was slower, but some of these addresses were difficult to find even with my Garmin GPS. I ran through 3 more helpers--5 total. I guess I was too hard on them. hahaha

Actually, the last 3 were chaplains. They could minister to the emotional and spiritual needs of the families while I assessed and wrote up the damage. It was an excellent arrangement.

I returned to Ruston, LA, my home base for disaster relief on Thursday, May 12, for more training on Saturday, May 14. I trained on the Shower and Laundry units. Now that I know how to shower and wash my clothes, maybe I'll go through fewer helpers. hahaha.

Actually at our Alabama Headquarters in Geraldine First Baptist Church, we had wonderful showers--good and hot. Great at the end of the day.--and a washer and dryer. They fed us wonderfully 3 times a day. The food and the desserts were sumptuous! Southern women do know how to cook!

The Alabama unit is now closed down and all of us have staggered back to LA to regroup for south LA. The whole LA group reported that 5 people accepted Christ's shed blood as the payment for their sins! It was all worth it!

I have been assigned to the Shower and Laundry units and we have been told we will be assigned to Jeanerette, LA, south of Lafayette and west of Baton Rouge, the capital, deep in Cajun country. Yummm! I'll have to slip off and find some boiled crawfish! Whoopee!

However, the flooding waters of the Mississippi River have been rising more slowly than predicted--praise be to the Lord--so they have delayed our departure from Ruston. We had thought we would be leaving Sunday afternoon or Monday morning. It now appears we will not leave before tomorrow morning, Wednesday.

It would be such a great blessing if the flooding were so much less that we won't even be needed!

Above all, pray for the dear people of the Mississippi River area in all the states affected who have lost everything but their lives. Many have no insurance and have lost not only their homes and everything in them but their livelihoods, too.

This is a creeping disaster versus a sudden one such as the tornadoes, but the devastation will be worse.

In His Service,
Paul

P. S. Again, let me emphasize, that this is NOT a solicitation of funds. But more people have asked how they may help, so I'm giving some places where tax-deductible donations can be given.

Christi Bates of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Disaster Relief efforts sent this --

Paul,
A fund has been set up for Disaster Relief regarding the AL tornadoes.
You can make a check payable to the LA Baptist Convention (memo DR Efforts).

Mail the check to:
LA Baptist Convention
Attn: Disaster Relief
PO BOX 311
Alexandria,LA 71309

Or you may contribute online with a credit card at
www.lbc.org
Thank you,
Christi Bates

Update From the Northeast Alabama Disaster Relief Effort -- Part 2

2011-05-11T15:58:00.000-05:00

(Continued -- if you missed Part 1, go to Mary Cheatham's blog: Movers and Shakers Blog

May 2 through 5, Monday through Thursday -- My partners (there were several--guess they couldn't stand my company. Maybe I should ) and I continued canvassing the disaster areas by going up and down every street looking for families we could help. Our team leaders, the "white hats," determined which areas each Assessor Team should canvass. We averaged about 6-8 jobs per day to hand off to our chain saw and roofing teams.

Most of the people we stopped to see if we could help, had a story to tell about their experiences during the storm. There were many miracles of survival and untouched property. Of course, the one who suffered injury were mostly still in the hospitals in the areas.

A particularly encouraging story is that of Mountain View Baptist Church in the Sylvania, AL, area. It was devastated (see the attached pictures), but they held services outside--there was no "inside"--Sunday, May 1.

Since some of the addresses no longer had houses on, my Garmin GPS unit was a very faithful ally.

There has been some looting, but it has been minimal in this area of AL. The 3rd photo reveals the very effective solution the Alabama boys in this area have!

More later.

In His Service,
Paul

P. S. This is NOT a solicitation of funds. A number of people have asked how they may help, so I'm giving some places where tax-deductible donations can be given.

Christi Bates of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Disaster Relief efforts sent this --

Paul,
A fund has been set up for Disaster Relief regarding the AL tornadoes.
You can make a check payable to the LA Baptist Convention (memo DR Efforts).

Mail the check to:
LA Baptist Convention
Attn: Disaster Relief
PO BOX 311
Alexandria,LA 71309

Or you may contribute online with a credit card at
www.lbc.org
Thank you,
Christi Bates

The American Red Cross -- http://www.redcross.org/

Letter from North Alabama

2011-05-10T23:26:00.003-05:00

Paul Elliott, a friend of mine, has been helping victims of the tornadoes in Alabama since April 29. Today he sent this letter to some of his friends. It is so interesting that I asked him if I could share it.

Dear Friends,

I have been blessed by your prayers and messages of encouragement. Here is a rough chronology of the last 2 weeks.

April 27, Wednesday -- Many tornadoes (eF3 to eF5) struck northeast AL (along with several other states) causing massive damage and the loss of over 250 people in AL alone.

April 29, Friday -- The Louisiana Baptist Convention's Disaster Relief teams were activated. I belong to the Rolling Hills Ministries team and am trained as an "Assessor." The assessors go out and assess the damaged homes looking for the things our teams can help. I was tasked to look for downed trees that needed removal from houses, driveways, etc., and roofs that needed tarp patching to prevent further rain damage to the contents.

We also hand out water, ice, MREs (meals ready to eat)--self-heating balanced diets that have a very long shelf-life, gasoline for electricity generators and tarps for homeowners to apply themselves, though our crews will apply them with strips of wood tacking them down. These temporary repairs will last about 3 months until proper roof repair can be done.

April 30, Saturday -- I drove from Shiner, TX, to Geraldine, AL, where the 1st Baptist Church has housed and fed us. For the last 15 miles there was no electricity. There was no light anywhere. It was as dark as the inside of a cat!

I am so thankful for my new Garmin GPS. If I hadn't had it, I don't think I would have found my way.

May 1, Sunday -- I was matched with a partner and we were given areas of the devastation to canvass by going up and down every street. We would stop at the houses where it seemed our teams could help and get the homeowners' permission to remove trees, patch roofs, etc., and move on to the next home or street. At the end of the day, we would turn in our site assessments to be handed out to the work teams for the next day.

My partner and I were assigned to some of the most ravaged areas, not because there was much of anything we could do for them, but to determine the fringes of the damage where we could help the homeowners.

In an area in the little town of Sylvania, AL, a tornado devastated a zone about a mile wide and about 3-4 miles long. It flattened every house leaving only the concrete slab. Cars and trucks were carried hundreds of yards. The occasional tree trunk left standing had had its limbs stripped off and its bark stripped off like it had been sand blasted by flying debris. The trunks stood stark white like sentinels reminding us all of the terrible force of the winds. Even the grass was plucked out of the ground! There was nothing green left.

Very sadly a number of people lost their lives on this hill that afternoon.

It was sad, indeed, to see families walking through the rubble in the fields searching for their important personal effects. It was particularly saddening to see children's toys sprinkled in the piles of debris.

More later.

In His Service,
Paul

Tricia Goyer will sign Beside Still Waters May 14, 2011, in Shreveport, LA.

2011-04-21T11:42:00.010-05:00

Author, Speaker & Teen/Family Life Expert Tricia Goyer will sign Beside Still Waters May 14, 2011, at LifeWay Christian Store in Shreveport, LA. LifeWay is located in the University Place Shopping Center near Super Target, between Dress Barn and T.J. Maxx. (Phone number: 318.797.7685)

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
Click here to see a beautiful video about the new book.
This is what Beside Still Waters is about:

Raised among the Amish of Indiana, 18-year-old Marianna Sommer plans to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and set up life in the only community she has ever known. But when her older brother chooses the world’s path following his rumschpringe, and a younger sibling begins showing interest in Englisch ways, Marianna’s parents move the family to Montana.

Although she is also in her rumschpringe years and not obligated to move, Marianna makes the journey to dutifully help her mother who is expecting another child. Surprisingly, from strangers on the cross-country train ride to the less rigid stance of the new Montana community, many Englisch influences awaken within Marianna—and even her father—the desire to pursue a deeper kind of joy and love for God.

After an accident, Marianna tells her friend Ben a defining story about the Sommer family, and his response further illumines the active relationship God seeks with His followers. In due time, she learns the move from Indiana was not about losing anything, but finding out who God really is. Despite all the shake-ups, Marianna feels a sweet peace, like still waters, in her soul.

Fun Facts about Applebee's

2010-02-22T23:23:00.002-06:00

1. Applebee's belongs to IHOP.

"On July 16, 2007, IHOP Corp. announced that it agreed to buy Applebee's International for about $2.1 billion. Applebee's shareholders would receive $25.50 in cash per share, representing a 4.6% premium to the closing price on July 13, 2007. IHOP, which franchises nearly all of its restaurants, said it hoped to employ that strategy with Applebee's." (Source: Wikipedia)

2. Applebee's fed more than a million soldiers free on Veteren's Day.

"More than 1,000,000 members of the military spent Veterans Day at their neighborhood Applebee's Grill & Bar yesterday, enjoying friends, family -- and a free entrée." (Source: Applebees.com)

3. Applebee's declared March 20 as Sweater Day.

"To celebrate what would have been the 80th birthday of Fred Rogers, better known as TV's "Mister Rogers," friends of Mr. Rogers, including David Newell (a.k.a. Mr. McFeely), have declared...Thursday [March20,2009] "Sweater Day." Applebee's is joining in by asking all its guests and associates to wear a cardigan sweater Thursday to work, school or play." (Source: Applebees.com)

A Man of His Word

2009-12-22T22:31:00.001-06:00

In just a few short months, Moriah Miller's perfect life unravels. Newly wed and newly pregnant, Moriah is abandoned by her husband, Levi. He's left her, his family, and their faith without a backward glance. The community, stunned, rushes to the young woman's aid.

But there is someone who feels more than just sympathy for Moriah. Gabriel Miller--Levi's twin--longs for an intimate commitment that might someday bind them to one another. Convinced of the impossibility of his dream, Gabriel settles for a mere friendship with the woman he loves.

Moriah bravely goes on with her life, adjusting to her new role in their tight knit Amish community and preparing for the birth of her child. She is unaware that her brief marriage--once idealized as the happiest time in her life--may have been merely a shadow of the kind of love God has created her for. A love that can mend the soul, renew her heart, and give her a future filled with hope...if only she'll let it. -- Quoted from Amazon.com

Award-winning Christian novelist reviews DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

2009-02-13T14:43:00.003-06:00

Ann Tatlock is a novelist, and a co-director, along with Yvonne Lehman, of the Honored Authors of the Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival. Her books have received numerous awards, including the Christy Award and the Silver Angel Award from Excellence in Media. Most recently, her novel, “Things We Once Held Dear,” was named one of Library Journals Best Books of 2006. Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, NC.

Here is her review of DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

If the question were actually asked of us "Do You Know How God Loves You?" I'm afraid most of us would have to say "I haven't got a clue!" It's easy to go through our normal daily routine without giving a thought to God's love. This book can help change that. Mary Cheatham has written a lovely devotional book that takes the reader deep into the heart of Scripture where, day by day, she examines the many facets of God's love for his people. I can't imagine anyone reading this without being informed, enriched and encouraged. I know I was!

Author Ernest Johnson features DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU? on his blog.

2009-02-11T14:37:00.006-06:00

Author Ernest Johnson says:

"I am a writer/author/screenwriter. I've been writing since the mid 1980's This blog is about my books that have been published as well as other quality authors."

Here is part of his article about Do You Know How God Loves You?

Do You Know How God Loves You? Once you realize that God has designed you for His pleasure and for you to enjoy living in the light of His love, you can enjoy all your life every day. Nothing else matters as much as God’s love for you.

To read more go here.

Christian humorist, actor, speaker Tim Steed likes DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

2009-02-11T14:28:00.003-06:00

Tim Steed's comments about Do You Know How God Loves You?

"...Wow. Nice job....Simple to read...but yet deep in spiritual insight....a healthy dose of teaching and encouragement. Kind of right to the point....no messing around.....bottom line type thoughts...(which is helpful with our busy schedules).but yet with that encouragement/hope that could only come from God coming into play. Sweet.
Didn't know the story behind "All is Well With My Soul".....that song just rips at me....
Also liked the devotion about laughter...but, I would :-)
The different names of God....nice...I usually don't spend too much time on that....but, that was a great refresher...
I use a devotion in addition to my Bible study...And I would have to say, yours is right up there with Oswald.
Like your stuff..."
--Tim Steed,
Author of My Vow of Silence: The Roughest 3 Minutes of My Life
Christian humorist, actor, speaker (Tim's book is available at Amazon.com.)

Music Educator Michael Freund Endorses DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

2009-02-09T11:05:00.002-06:00

“I have known Mary Cheatham and her late husband, Bobby, for almost forty years. She never ceases to amaze me with her writing skills. She has a knack of putting pen to paper, and helping others through words. Allow God to speak to you as you use the devotional book "Do You Know How Much God Loves You?”
—Michael Freund,
Junior High Band Director
Conroe, TX

Author Carolyn A. Forchè Recommends Do You Know How God Loves You?

2009-02-06T11:02:00.005-06:00

“Well known for her bestseller cookbooks, Mary Cheatham has prepared a spiritual soup du jour to feed our hungry souls. With daily servings of divinely inspired fresh entrees to move us to come and dine with the Savior, she keeps us coming to her table where the feast of the Lord is spread on each page. There, we find our cravings for times alone with Jesus satisfied for every situation.”

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8)
—Carolyn A. Forchè,
Author of Colors Come from God Just Like Me
Best-selling International Author, Writing Coach, Houston, TX

Craig Stephans Reviews DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

2009-02-05T14:44:00.002-06:00

"Mary Cheatham has penned a series of devotions that combine a childlike yet substantive faith with keen theological insights conveyed in simple, heartfelt language. Do You Know How God Loves You? speaks to readers on several different levels: cognitively, spiritually and emotionally.

As you read and meditate on the devotions, I believe you will become better acquainted with Scripture, reality, the Lord and yourself. You will also gain a picture of the author who has opened her own life to readers. Mary Cheatham's influence is felt in the tone of devotionals that can range from inspiring, compassionate, supportive and encouraging to challenging, confrontational, and stern. In other words, there is a tone to the devotionals that is not unlike the tone we find in the gospels.

So if you want a devotional that makes its reading worth the time and effort, don't pass on Do You Know How God Loves You?"

Craig Stephans
--author of Shakespeare on Spirituality: Life-Changing Wisdom from Shakespeare's Plays
Seminarian, Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.

Noted Author Betty Dravis Likes DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

2009-02-04T22:21:00.003-06:00

"Now that author Mary Lou Cheatham has added an inspirational book to her roster of popular cookbooks, I think of her as a cross between famous culinary experts and cookbook authors Betty Crocker and Rachel Ray, and best-selling Christian author and evangelist Joyce Meyer. "Do You Know How God Loves You" is a marvelous collection of inspiring daily devotionals to guide you through your stressful days and bring you closer to God." - Betty Dravis, author, journalist and mother

"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

Linda Jo Joseph endorses DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

2009-02-04T11:24:00.002-06:00

"The promises and truths from God’s Word are timeless. I have enjoyed reading Mary Cheatham’s devotional, Do You Know How God Loves You?

It has been inspirational and encouraging to be reminded how much indeed God does love me...even in the tough times. My favorite devotional of all time is the classic by Oswald Chambers. However it is sometimes a bit difficult to understand the author’s commentary. What I love about Mary’s devotional is her ability to provide down-to-earth comments and stories that lend understanding to complex truths."
—Linda Jo Joseph,
Marketer, Entrepreneur,
Danbury, CT

Shellie Tomlinson recommends DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

2009-02-03T19:04:00.006-06:00

“It’s not just the sound Biblical basis of Do You Know How Much God Loves You? that endears Mary Lou’s latest work to me, nor the true-life examples of other people walking out their faith.

It’s not even her helpful suggestions on growing closer to God, although Mary Lou’s work is and does all these things.

My overriding appreciation for Mary’s writing stems from the genuineness of her faith and her love for our God. Thanks, Mary Lou! He is worthy...”
—Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Author, Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On, What
Southern Mamas Tell Their Daughters That the Rest of Y’all Should Know Too, Lake Providence, LA

Trish Hurkes Is Enjoying DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

2009-02-03T13:47:00.002-06:00

“How lovely this book is! Practical, easy reading, and thought provoking. A search within yourself and where you are in your relationship with the Lord.

I love all the scripture references,I love how you are incorporating personal stories you have experienced, and I love the songs that you have here and there. Nothing speaks to the soul like the re-assurances of ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and ‘Just As I Am’...beloved songs and hymns that almost everyone will know by heart.

This devotional will be a treasure to those who receive it. There are blessings to be received by those who will read it daily...”

—Trisha Hurkes, Medical Clinic Administrator, Junction City, AR

Patrick Raley endorses DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

2009-02-02T23:51:00.002-06:00

Patrick Raley is an exciting Southern author, who writes mysteries with a Louisiana flavor. Here is what he said about Do You Know How God Loves You?

"I am enjoying the inspirational devotionals. I really do need to read God’s word because in the end it is the most important. Your outline makes it easy to put in some time everyday and feel successful by doing it. And I think you relate to everyone pretty well myself."

Patrick Raley, Louisiana
--Author
Precedent of Justice
A Killer Diary
--Educator

2009-02-02T15:44:00.004-06:00

Charles Thornton works with Texas Baptists to establish and promote apartment life ministry. He says there are "30 million people living in apartments and only five percent of these people attending a local church." He has "proven strategies for reaching one of the most unreached segments of our society -- apartment residents."

Here he is with Mary Lou Cheatham at the Louisiana Evangelism Conference with his copy of

DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

2009-02-01T09:58:00.001-06:00

Herb Reavis, Senior Pastor, North Jacksonville Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida, delivered two powerful messages to the Louisiana Evangelism Conference. He spoke stirring words of encouragement and admonition to all who attended the conference. Here he is holding his copy of DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU? with Mary Lou Cheatham.

Here is a quote from the North Jacksonville Baptist Church website:

First and foremost is every person's relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said "ye must be born again". This means every individual must come to a repentant decision to call upon the name of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. May we encourage you to settle this eternal matter before taking another step in life? God loves you, He made a way for you to know Him personally and be secure in your eternal destination. Please take time to read "Salvation Plain and Simple" to discover what the Bible teaches about a person coming to know Christ.

The Potter and the Clay

2009-01-31T16:57:00.004-06:00

The prophet Jeremiah went down to the potter's house to seek a sermon because God sent him. What he saw has influenced men and women seeking to understand their relationship with God through the centuries.

The little video The Potter and the Clay tells the story with pictures.

2009-01-31T15:55:00.001-06:00

Fred Lowery, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Bossier City, Louisiana, is shown here with Mary Lou Cheatham and his copy of DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

He says that the church has turned inward, but it is time to turn outward

2009-01-31T13:42:00.005-06:00

Ray Jones, Director of Community Bible Church Worship Ministry, brought his Praise Team from San Antonio, Texas, to lead the worship at the Louisiana Evangelism Conference 2009 in Ruston, Louisiana. Words cannot adequately describe the experience of worshiping with the leadership of Ray and his group. It was energetic, contemporary, Latin, soulful, reverent, lively, professional, artistic, intricate. Words simply cannot descibe . . . . What really mattered was that Ray Jones led the congregation to participate with him in a spiritual experience of making a joyful noise to the Lord.

Here is Ray Jones holding his copy of DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU? with author Mary Lou Cheatham.

2009-01-31T09:01:00.004-06:00

Wayne Hunt, Senior Pastor, Coteau Baptist Church, Houma, Louisiana, is leading his growing congregation to join God in His work in the world. The Coteau church has been aggressive in its ministry to hurricane victims."Whatever the question, Jesus is the answer," he said in the Baptist Messenger.

Here he is with Mary Lou Cheatham and his copy of DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

Evangelism Conference

2009-01-30T15:00:00.002-06:00

Temple Baptist Church of Ruston, Louisiana hosted the Evangelism Conference 2009. Rick Byargeon, Senior Pastor, is shown with his copy of DO YOU KNOW GOD LOVES YOU? and Mary Lou Cheatham, author.

The theme of the conference was "The Power of One."
The Louisiana evangelism/church growth team, includes of Wayne Jenkins, Evangelism/Church Growth Director; Keith Manuel, Associate Director; Sean Keith, Sunday School/Discipleship Strategist; Jeff Ingram, Adult Ministry Strategist; and Kevin Boles, Youth Ministry Strategist.

2009-01-30T14:21:00.005-06:00

Jay Strack, President and Founder, Student Leadership University, and well-known evangelist, is implementing his God-inspired vision for winning the hearts of young people for the Lord. He delivered a stirring and challenging sermon at the end of the Louisiana Evangelsim Conference.

Here he is with Mary Lou Cheatham and his copy of DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

2009-01-30T11:34:00.005-06:00

Wilton Wall, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Simsboro, Louisiana, is shown here with Mary Lou Cheatham, who attends FBC of Simsboro. They are holding DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU?

Dr. Wall is a lively example of "The Power of One" -- the theme of the Louisiana Evangelism Conference. He has led mission groups to locations in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Romania. He is preparing to take groups to Italy and Africa. He guides those who go on mission trips to use a one-to-one witnessing approach on the mission trips.

UFO in Stephenville

2008-01-15T09:32:00.000-06:00

Stephenville, Texas, is in the news because dozens of the residents of the town and the surrounding area saw a UFO January 8, 2008. UFO observers have announced that they will descend upon the town Saturday, January 19, 2008.

Federal officials say there's a logical explanation, but so far we have not heard it! Those who saw it say that it was not an airplane. They say it was large, quiet, fast, and low to the ground. The lights did not look like the lights on an airplane. It could not have been a meteor because it was bouncing around.

Feeding the Hungry

2008-01-01T17:03:00.000-06:00

Christmas in Amarillo, Texas, I saw a young man ringing a bell beside a Salvation Army kettle.

I asked him, “Don't you get tired of hearing that bell?”

“No. What bothers me,” he said with a chuckle, “is not hearing it when I stop at night.”

I thought, “How sad it would be if that kettle bell stopped ringing!” I hope it never stops as long as there are hungry, thirsty people with nowhere to stay. People down on their luck. . . .

In my little corner of the world in my little yard, toward the end of the winter I can plant more collards in the collard patch. I know people who would be glad to receive a mess of fresh collard greens. People no longer able to plant and grow something fresh in their gardens.. . .

Recently I learned about a helpful ministry that is helping people in my own town in Louisiana, as well as people throughout the United States: Angel Food Ministries. To locate this service, go to www.AngelFoodMinistries.com or call 1-877-FOOD-MINISTRY (1-877-366-3646). Once a month the sponsoring churches distribute huge boxes of high quality food for low prices.

Another ministry I heard about this year is Heifer International. Someone donated a goat on the behalf of some family members. What a wonderful Christmas present! Heifer International helps “struggling people from around the world become self-reliant for food and income.” It is a nonprofit organization that has been working to end hunger since 1944. The organization has helped 8.5 million families in more than 125 countries by donating animals. Each recipient who accepts the gift of an animal promises to give an animal to another family in need. Heifer International donates cows, beehives, chickens, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, llamas, goats, donkeys, ducks, pigs, geese, camels, oxen, and water buffalo. For more information, go to www.heifer.org or call 1-800-422-0474.

“I was hungry and you gave me food . . . .” Matthew 25:35

UFO

2007-12-08T22:21:00.000-06:00

Finally, I am old enough that I can tell about my encounter with an unidentified flying object without worrying about what other people think.

It happened back in the early 1960’s . . . 1962 or 1963. The memory of it is vivid and unchanged.

My husband, Bobby (who died almost six years ago) and I had spent the weekend with his parents at Madison, Mississippi. We often left Madison at 5 a.m. and arrived at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg by 8 a.m. for class. We drove along from Madison through Jackson and then took southbound Mississippi Highway 49 to Hattiesburg.

I still remember everything about that morning. Bobby was driving. As we were riding along through Jackson on the edge of the city, we were discussing our weekend and the approaching week. The morning was clear and cool.

“Look,” I said. We saw it at the same time. I must tell you that I did not believe in UFO’s and considered it a waste of time to read about such foolishness! There it was though. Neither of us had a preconceived notion of what a UFO should look like.

A huge silent sphere sprung along in smooth graceful motion in front of us. It was just above us as it traveled down the highway. There was not another car on the road that morning. The sphere had the color and brilliance of fire. The orange, yellow, and red surface seemed to be constantly changing like a flame but not going out of the sphere.

I compared the size of the object with the large office buildings to our right. This UFO was taller than any of these two blocks away, and the circumference was bigger than the coliseum we were passing.

As the silent pulsating fire-like ball loomed in front of us, we could not find words to say. My husband kept driving.

We were not frightened. Instead we were intrigued. As I hear reports on unidentified flying objects, I realize that many people have seen objects similar to this one. I reiterate: I had at that time read no reports of similar objects. As a young married college student, I spent all my time studying and trying to be a good wife.

Now, after hearing and reading more about unidentified flying objects and after living under the shelter of God’s protection in all aspects of my life, I have learned to trust God wherever I may go and in whatever circumstances I encounter. No force, no matter how sinister, can overcome the angels who are watching over me.

Back to the UFO we saw: a friend caught a ride back to school with us that morning. We picked him up at Florence, Mississippi, which is 13 miles southeast of Jackson. Usually when we would see him, we would be talkative. That morning we said nothing.

He said, “What’s happening? Is something wrong?”

Both of us simply pointed upward. The object had traveled down the highway with us and in front of us. If we slowed down, it slowed. If we sped up, it sped up. When we stopped to get our friend it moved higher, but it remained significantly visible.

The friend looked up and saw it. He simply said, “Oh!”

We rode along in silence. Although the UFO stayed in front of us, it moved higher and higher. Finally it moved farther ahead. When we reached the town of Mount Olive, Mississippi, it flew eastward and disappeared.

We tried to tell some of our friends at the University of Southern Mississippi about it. “On the way down here from Jackson, we saw a UFO this morning.”

“Weather balloons,” they said. We gave up and didn’t mention it at school again because we did not enjoy being the objects of humor.

Two weeks later we went to visit my parents south of Taylorsville, Mississippi. Their farm was east of Mount Olive. I started telling my father, who was always up early taking care of the animals on the farm and doing his chores. He interrupted me and described a similar object he saw on that same Monday morning.

AXIS

2007-10-13T23:45:00.001-05:00

Northeast of Dallas, there is a lively new church started mostly by young people. Its name is Axis, and it meets Saturday nights in the building of Murphy Road Baptist Church. The address is 411 South Murphy Road, Murphy, TX 75094. If you are a young adult or teenager and if you are looking for a sparkling new group with which to worship and if you live in the Dallas area, visit them. They will welcome you!

The Roman Road

2007-10-07T23:57:00.000-05:00

A Journey through Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Destination: Salvaton

Need for Salvation: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23

Wages of Sin and the Gift of God: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

The Death of Chirst for Us: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Confession and Believing: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10

Calling upon the Name of the Lord: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

Republican Presidential Candidates

2007-02-10T22:46:00.000-06:00

"The current Vice President of the United States, Dick Cheney, announced in 2001 that he would never run for president, a statement he re-iterated in 2004. While appearing on Fox News Sunday, Cheney stated: "I will say just as hard as I possibly know how to say... If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve." [1] The 2008 race, therefore, will likely be a non-incumbent or "open seat" election in which neither the sitting President nor the sitting Vice President will be a candidate.
"Assuming that Cheney doesn't change his mind, the 2008 race will be the first time since 1928 (80 years) that neither the sitting president nor the sitting vice president will enter a state caucus or primary and run for president. This was almost (but not quite) the case in the Presidential contest in 1952. In the general election that year, the race was between Republican candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower and Democratic candidate Adlai Stevenson; earlier that year, sitting President Harry S Truman had entered the New Hampshire primary in an attempt to seek re-election. He lost to Tennessee Senator Estes Kefauver and abandoned his campaign. Also in 1952, Vice President Alben Barkley sought but failed to win the Democratic nomination."

Quoted from Wikipedia.

Go here for the entire story:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election%2C_2008

Australia's Prime Minister Slams Barack Obama

2007-02-10T22:31:00.000-06:00

"SYDNEY, Australia: Australia's conservative prime minister slammed U.S. presidential hopeful Barack Obama on Sunday over the candidate's opposition to the Iraq war, saying it encourages terrorists and threatens to destabilize the Middle East.

"The first-term U.S. senator announced Saturday that he will run for the White House in 2008, saying the country's first priority should be to end the war in Iraq.

"Obama has also introduced a bill to prevent U.S. President George W. Bush from increasing American troop levels in Iraq, and to remove U.S. combat forces from the country by March 31, 2008. However, the legislation has virtually no chance of becoming law while Bush is president.Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who will face his own re-election bid later this year, said Obama's policy would spell disaster for the Middle East."

Quoted from TIMES SELECT. Go here for the whole story:

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/11/asia/AS-GEN-Australia-US-Iraq.php

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EntrepreneurDays.com is a business conference offering entrepreneurial education and home business opportunities for families.

2006-05-02T10:12:00.000-05:00

EntrepreneurDays.com is a business conference offering entrepreneurial education and home business opportunities for families.: "Are You Looking for the Right Education
So You and Your Teens
Can Learn About Home Business?
Then This Weekend Conference
Is Exactly What You Are Looking For!"

Rhea Perry

Hell Hath No Fury Like a Consumer Chipped Off

2006-04-27T17:02:00.000-05:00

Talk about moving and shaking in Fort Worth, TX, take a look at this.

I've certainly felt like doing the same thing dealing with that "Self Serve" checkout.

Hell Hath No Fury Like a Consumer Chipped Off

Bush Visits Ailing President Ford

2006-04-24T21:27:00.000-05:00

Here is a bridging of 30 years of the US Presidency.

Bush Visits Ailing President Ford

Mike Wallace Headed to NBC?

2006-04-23T21:29:00.000-05:00

It seems like a side-out-and-rotate for the major TV syndicates. CBS loses Mike Wallace NBC and NBC loses Katie Couric to CBS. The more things change the more they stay the same.

Mike Wallace Headed to NBC?

Family, Heroes, Knights Bid MoH Recipient Farewell

2006-04-18T22:34:00.000-05:00

Here is a real hero and a man to whom to point as an example of a patriot in these times of wavering commitments!

Would that we had more men like retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. "Mike" Novosel!

Family, Heroes, Knights Bid Medal of Honor Recipient Farewell

Cohen takes fall - Turin 2006 Winter Olympics - Yahoo! Sports

2006-02-24T12:21:00.000-06:00

Cohen takes fall - Turin 2006 Winter Olympics - Yahoo! Sports: "TURIN, Italy � She squeezed her coach's hands and then skated off toward the biggest four minutes of her life. And right then you could see it.
The smile never lies with Sasha Cohen. She is no robot skater. She is all or nothing, wearing her heart on her sequins, and this time it looked forced, this time it looked fearful. And that really was all it took to finish her.
Sasha Cohen fell twice in the first minute of her free skate here Thursday and wound up falling to a silver medal, behind Japan's brilliant Shizuka Arakawa. The only surprise was that Cohen wound up so high.
There is no more pressure-packed moment in athletic competition than the ladies' free skate at the Olympics. "

2006-01-26T10:13:00.000-06:00

I told you it would happen! The nation has developed a new taste for food that is more adequately seasoned.

Here is the new Chipotle Mexican Grill. Check out the news.

Tony Robbins Says This Man Can Make Any Business An Extra $10,000 To $10,000,000 Or More.

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Law Firm Locks Down E-Mail Storage

2006-01-23T14:30:00.000-06:00

You knew it would hapen sooner or later: the overwhelming mass of email and the archiving of same.

Law Firm Locks Down E-Mail Storage

2006-01-23T09:55:00.000-06:00

Hurry and get your BlackBerry before the judge re-imposes a ban on the U.S. sales of them!

Check this out.

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The Feds Go Fishing, but Google Ain't Biting

2006-01-21T23:54:00.000-06:00

The Feds Go Fishing, but Google Ain't Biting

We should all hope Google will hold out and prevail. We have entirely too much government and too intrusive a government.

Zea Restaurants Launches New 'Apology' Campaign

2005-11-19T19:35:00.000-06:00

Zea Restaurants Launches New 'Apology' Campaign

MOBILE, Ala., Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- New Orleans-based Zea Restaurants is
launching a new advertising campaign in response to complaints by chain
restaurant heavyweights Ruby Tuesday Inc. and T.G.I. Friday's Inc., after the
two threatened legal action.
The campaign breaks this week.
The two restaurant giants filed "cease and desist" letters in late
November in response to an advertising campaign created by Sullivan-St.Clair
Marketing/Public Relations for Zea. The campaign, which began in September,
included radio, print and outdoor ads that position Zea as an alternative to
the mega-chains.
"It's a classic David and Goliath story," said agency president Rich
Sullivan Jr. "Zea's advertising budget is miniscule compared to Ruby's or
Friday's, and we had to do something that would get people's attention while
letting them know what to expect in a dining experience at Zea."
Greg Reggio, co-owner of Zea agreed. "This was a fun, attention-getting
campaign. What has happened is you've got two 800-pound gorillas who have just
walked into the room and effectively said, 'Stop talking about us.'"
The original campaign targeted consumers familiar with chain restaurants
and used a humorous approach to inform them that Zea offers a different
caliber experience -- not super sampler platters, oversized margaritas or
menus as big as a truckers' atlas. In one radio spot, an announcer says,
"Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday," playing off the lyrics of the Rolling Stones' classic
ballad, "Ruby Tuesday." Another spot includes the line, "Thank God it's not
Friday's." The spots go on to explain that Zea offers appetizers and salads,
daily specials cooked over a wood-fired rotisserie and a full wine list. The
campaign's tagline is "Live to eat. Eat at Zea."
To say the campaign has worked is an understatement. According to Reggio,
Zea's sales are up 25 percent since the commercials began. And the competition
took notice. Lawyers for Maryville, Tenn.-based Ruby Tuesday Inc. sent a cease
and desist letter to Zea, which was followed within a few days by a similar
letter from T.G.I. Friday's Inc.'s in house counsel. Friday's is owned by
Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, a subsidiary of Carlson Companies, which
reported sales of $6.8 billion in 2003.
"Here's Ruby Tuesday, which operates more than 700 restaurants across the
U.S., and Friday's, with nearly 750 restaurants worldwide, complaining that
Zea, with its four restaurants in Louisiana and Alabama, is a threat," said
Sullivan. "Gee, I guess we owe them an apology."
The apology is very much a public one. The agency decided to turn the
apology into its newest campaign for Zea, in which Zea promises not to use the
names Ruby Tuesday and T.G.I. Friday's in its advertising. The ads go on to
say that, to show that there are no hard feelings, "the day between Monday and
Wednesday will now be called Takakatobyday and the day between Thursday and
Saturday will be called Faddidle-doodleday." The ads also invite Ruby Tuesday
and Friday's (whose names are beeped out in a radio spot) to use Zea's name in
all of their advertising.
Zea has also launched a Web site, http://www.welovelawyers.com , in
response to the threatened legal action.
According to Sullivan, the threat of legal action has only served to bring
more attention to his client. "The funny thing is, the initial campaign was
due to end this month," he said.
Zea has locations in New Orleans and Lafayette, La., and Mobile, Ala. New
locations are slated for Pensacola, Fla., and Albuquerque, N.M.
Sullivan-St.Clair Marketing/Public Relations provides full-service
marketing, advertising and public relations for clients throughout the United
States. Founded in 1977, the agency is a member of the American Association of
Advertising Agencies.

SOURCE Sullivan-St.Clair Marketing/Public Relations
Web Site: http://www.sullivanstclair.com
http://www.welovelawyers.com

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Alligator Hunting, Jackson, MS

2005-10-20T15:41:00.000-05:00

Mississippi's first day of gator hunting

Friday night saw the opening of Mississippi's first ever day of alligator hunting season. Only 50 hunting permits were issued and hunting was limited to a northern section of the Ross Barnett Reservoir. The night's biggest catch was an 11 foot gator weighing in at 331 pounds. And for that I can only say "thank you".

From Shane and Anita's Home Page

Chief Justice Rehnquist Dies at His Home

2005-09-04T09:29:00.000-05:00

BREITBART.COM - Just The News: "By GINA HOLLAND
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON

Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist died Saturday evening of cancer, ending a remarkable 33-year tenure on the Supreme Court and creating a rare second vacancy on the nation's highest court.
Rehnquist, 80, was surrounded by his three children when he died at his home in suburban Arlington.
'The Chief Justice battled thyroid cancer since being diagnosed last October and continued to perform his duties on the court until a precipitous decline in his health the last couple of days,' said court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg.
Rehnquist was appointed to the Supreme Court as an associate justice in 1971 by President Nixon and took his seat on Jan. 7, 1972. He was elevated to chief justice by President Reagan in 1986.
His death ends a career during which Rehnquist oversaw the court's conservative shift, presided over an impeachment trial and helped decide a presidential election.
The death leaves President Bush with his second court opening within four months and sets up what's expected to be an even more bruising Senate confirmation battle than that of John Roberts. "

BBC - BBC THREE - Top 50 Cultural Movers and Shakers

2005-08-03T13:18:00.000-05:00

BBC - BBC THREE - Top 50 Cultural Movers and Shakers

Who are the leaders of British culture today?

Sports News Nerd - And boom goes the dynamite ebaumsworld.com

2005-07-13T22:57:00.000-05:00

Sports News Nerd - And boom goes the dynamite ebaumsworld.com

Caffeine and Irony: Boom goes the Dynamite

2005-07-13T22:55:00.000-05:00

Caffeine and Irony: Boom goes the Dynamite

Sir Isaac Newton's remarkable life

2005-06-28T09:57:00.000-05:00

Sir Isaac Newton, active in the 17th century shaped mathematics, applied physics, and astronomy in critical ways.

Learn more of him and his remarkable life.
Newton's life

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