This Week in America with Ric Bratton

Kobo by Richard AllenKobo, a 14-year old boy, is the pampered pet of two grobs on the planet Pavin near the center of the Milky Way galaxy whose ancestors were brought to Pavin millennia before and domesticated as pets. Kobo, like other humans on Pavin, is raised largely in isolation from other humans and therefore without language or culture. Soon his grobs acquire a companion for Kobo, a 15-year old girl named Ra. The pair have two babies, both of whom are sold as toddlers to other grobs. When the second is sold, Kobo attacks the male grob with a knife, and he and Ra are separately transported to the planet Loma in the Pavin system where humans work as slaves in the mines. The story follows Kobo and Ra as they learn to communicate, work in the mines and discover a community of humans in hiding from the grobs.About the Author:Richard Allen is a lawyer who lives with his wife and their yellow and chocolate Labrador retrievers in Crested Butte, Colorado. A long-time fan, and former teacher, of science and speculative fiction, his love of pets led him to wonder what humans would be like in similar circumstances and to write this book. Allen's other interests include the law–he has argued ten cases in the Supreme Court and taught courses on the Constitution, the Supreme Court and criminal justice–as well as history, playing the guitar and harmonica while his dogs howls along. chess and most other games and outdoor sports of all kinds. This is his first published novel.AMAZONKOBO'S CHILDRENhttps://www.richardallenauthor.com/https://www.kingpagespress.com/

The Crying Window: Memoir of a Female Scientist Looking for Truth by Helene Z. Hill, PhDHow does a debutante become a scientist? And what happens when she uncovers the dark underbelly of academic research?In The Crying Window, renowned radiation biologist and professor emerita Dr. Helene Z. Hill shares her extraordinary, decades-spanning journey where she went from cocktail dresses and finishing schools to Harvard labs and whistleblower lawsuits. With unflinching candor, she recounts navigating a male-dominated field, raising four children, surviving institutional betrayal, and speaking out against scientific fraud when few dared to listen.This memoir is a firsthand account of the persistent sexism and systemic failures women in science continue to face. It’s also a reflection on integrity; what it costs, and why it matters.For readers of Lab Girl, Hidden Figures, and The Woman Who Smashed Codes, this is an essential story of courage, intellect, and the lifelong pursuit of truth. Whether you’re a scientist, academic, or anyone who’s ever felt dismissed for speaking up, Dr. Hill’s story will resonate deeply.A searing personal narrative and a timely exposé, The Crying Window calls us to rethink how science is done and who gets to do it.Dr. Helene Z. Hill received a Ph.D. in biology from Brandeis University in 1964. She was a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard and the University of Colorado Medical Schools, and she rose through the ranks from assistant to full professor at the Medical Schools of the University of Colorado Washington University in St. Louis Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia and the New Jersey Medical School, in Newark, New Jersey. Dr. Hill retired in December 2016 and is Professor Emerita at Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey.Dr. Hill has co-authored more than eighty scientific publications, was awarded the Smith College Medal in 1997. Dr. Hill has written Hidden Data: The Blind Eye of Science (2016), and co-wrote with Amy Yarzinske, Cover-Up: Collusion in the Halls of Academia (Amazon, 2021).AMAZONhttps://www.hzhill.nethttps://prominentbooksedge.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/10225hzh.mp3   

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The Marriage Handbook: How to Navigate the Seven C's of Marriage by Elder Timothy L. JohnsonGeared towards both newlyweds and couples who may have unintentionally grown distant over time, The Marriage Handbook: How to Navigate the Seven C’s of Marriage is an invaluable resource. It extends a helping hand to those who, regardless of age, years spent together, or prior experiences, haven't had the opportunity for counselling or mentoring in their marriage. The insights and tools provided in this handbook are designed to bridge the gap and offer practical solutions for couples seeking to strengthen their bond. Whether you're embarking on the early stages of your journey or rekindling the flame in a seasoned relationship, this handbook delivers tailored tools for fostering collaboration, communication, commitment, compromise, cooperation, consideration, and concession.Guided by divine inspiration and shaped by more than 45 years of marriage, I set out to create a resource that began as a lifeline for my own relationship and grew into a beacon for others. What started as private notes and personal exercises became The Marriage Handbook—a transformative guide for couples navigating the joys and challenges of lifelong partnership.As an Elder within the body of Christ, I have long embraced the call to uphold high standards and model the principles I teach. That calling deepened my conviction to share practical wisdom, honest insights, and faith-anchored encouragement with couples at every stage—whether they’re preparing to say “I do” or celebrating their golden anniversary.Through The Marriage Handbook, my goal is to offer more than advice: it’s a roadmap toward stronger connection, greater resilience, and a richer quality of life for both partners. Wherever you are on your marital journey, this book invites you to embrace proven principles and step into a more fulfilling, enduring bond.AMAZONwww.KingPagesPress.comhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/10925kpp3.mp3   

The Blockchain Syndicate: A Contemporary Thriller by Robbie BachSet amid the turbulence of today’s headlines, this gripping techno thriller—the second in Bach’s series to feature Tamika Smith—pulses with high-stakes intrigue and razor-edged political drama.Senator Tamika Smith’s new year begins in shambles. First she receives an email threatening to expose her past—a threat from someone she knows is dead. Then her boyfriend, Johnny Humboldt, is kidnapped in broad daylight after his daughter is wounded in a California school shooting. Someone is desperate to take Tamika down and damage the country she loves. The attacks are professional, the delivery is flawless, and the message unmistakable: America is broken, and someone is determined to fix it their way.Standing in the eye of the storm, Tamika must navigate a political landscape riddled with betrayal, misinformation, and moral decay to rescue Johnny and uncover the group behind the web of conspiracy. As the country spirals toward financial Armageddon and democracy itself begins to unravel, Tamika must decide what she is willing to sacrifice to save her family and pull the nation back from the brink. With its sharp blend of shadowy villains and morally torn heroes, The Blockchain Syndicate dares you to question everything—right up to the final, breathless moment.Robbie Bach joined Microsoft in 1988. Over the next twenty-two years, he worked in various marketing, general management, and business leadership roles, including supporting the successful launch and expansion of Microsoft Office. As Chief Xbox Officer, he led the creation and development of the Xbox business, including the launch of the Xbox and the highly popular successor product, Xbox 360. He retired from Microsoft as the president of the Entertainment and Devices Division in 2010.In his new role as a civic engineer, Robbie works with corporate, philanthropic, and civic organizations who are driving positive change in our communities. He guest lectures extensively at a variety of colleges and universities and speaks to corporate, civic, and trade association audiences across the country. In 2015, he published his first book, Xbox Revisited: A Game Plan for Corporate and Civic Renewal. His debut novel featuring Tamika Smith, The Wilkes Insurrection, was published in 2021. to 2011. He is the previous chairman and current board member at the Bipartisan Policy Center. He serves on the national board of governors for Boys and Girls Clubs of America and was the chairman of that board from 2009AMAZONhttps://theblockchainsyndicate.com/www.RobbieBach.com    http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/10925rbtr.mp3    The Wilkes Insurrection: A Contemporary Thriller by Robbie BachAMAZON

The Mentor’s Gift: One of America's Foremost Arts Leaders Draws Lessons from Her Storied CareerBy Anne C. EwersThe Mentor’s Gift is the first professional memoir to explore the concept of mentorship through lived experience. Written by one of America’s most respected arts leaders, the book distills lessons learned over more than 40 years of being  mentored by CEOs, psychologists, artists, legal and financial professionals—even a “corporate shaman.”Both a personal journey and practical guide, the book offers essential advice for professionals at any stage on how to: Choose the right mentor Make the most of the mentoring relationship Sustain long-term mentorships In the final section, Ewers reflects on her 25 years as a mentor to professionals in the arts, business, law, media, and tech. She also addresses the key question: How do I choose a mentee?Told through engaging, memoir-style stories—many as dramatic as the operas she once directed—Ewers recounts a career marked by artistic innovation, international travel, and leadership under pressure. She reveals how mentorship shaped her approach to guiding major arts organizations through financial crises, bankruptcies, mergers, political minefields, and competing stakeholder demands—all while advancing the role of the performing arts in promoting justice.About the AuthorAnne C. Ewers is a nationally recognized arts executive and opera stage director whose 44-year career was influenced by 31 mentors across disciplines from corporate leadership to psychology. In 2007, Ewers became President & CEO of the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. In her first year, she retired a $30 million construction debt, increased the endowment from $40 million to $72 million, and launched the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. Under her leadership, the Kimmel Center grew into the second-largest performing arts center in the U.S.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ewers spearheaded a landmark merger between the Kimmel Center and the Philadelphia Orchestra—unanimously approved in 2021. This historic union created an organization with a $100 million annual budget and a $350 million endowment. Ewers retired following the merger and now serves on the board and executive committees.Prior to this, she led Utah Symphony & Opera, doubling its endowment and turning a significant deficit into a surplus. She founded the Deer Valley Music Festival and took the symphony on a major European tour.Ewers holds degrees in Theatre and Music from Fontbonne University and a Master of Music in Opera Production from the University of Texas at Austin. In 2019, Drexel University awarded her an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.AMAZONwww.KingPagesPress.comhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/10925kpp2.mp3   

Piper's Journey Home: The True Story of a Rescue Puppy (The Adventures of Piper) by Dave Osborn"Piper's Journey Home: The True Story of a Rescue Puppy" is a heartwarming children’s tale that chronicles the remarkable journey of Piper, a stray dog found near the Mexican border in South Texas. Sick, hungry, and searching for love, Piper's life transforms when she is taken in by a caring family. This touching true story, told from Piper’s perspective, follows her recovery and her adjustment to life as a cherished family pet. Along the way, Piper learns to trust, love, and become the loyal companion she was meant to be. This book also serves as a helpful guide for families considering adopting a dog, offering valuable insights into the joys and challenges of rescue. Piper’s story will inspire and touch the hearts of children and adults alike.Dave Osborn is a retired technology chief executive officer turned author, whose passion for writing and love for dogs have coalesced into The Adventures of Piper series of three books. Book 1, Piper's Journey Home, is Piper’s heartfelt account of her rescue and adoption, and Book 2, Piper Learns to Serve, Piper tells of her training and transformation into a therapy dog. In the soon-to-be-released Book 3, Piper on the Job, Piper will recount her therapy visits to schools and healthcare facilities. Drawing on his diverse business and technology background, Dave brings a unique perspective to his storytelling, blending educational content with heartwarming narratives.Dave aims to inspire a new generation of responsible pet owners through his writing and promote the invaluable work of animal rescue organizations and therapy animal programs nationwide. A proud Texas board member of the American Dog Society, Dave is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and the transformative power of rescue dog adoption. His Piper series books entertain young readers and educate them about the challenges and rewards of caring for rescued animals.Dave is also the author of Taking Charge!, a business leadership book drawing on his 52½ years in telecommunications and his tenure as CEO of a leading broadband company in South Texas.His first fiction novel, Signals of Deception, was just published in May 2025. It is a geopolitical thriller introducing Scott Douglass, a CIA Special Agent who will appear in subsequent novels.Dave's interests extend beyond writing and animal welfare. An accomplished musician, he plays piano, guitar, bass, and five-string banjo, with a particular fondness for bluegrass music. His love for outdoor activities is evident in his pursuits of South Texas bird hunting, bay fishing, and sailing, for which he holds both U.S. and International certifications.Academically, Dave holds a Bachelor of Science from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Business Administration from Texas Christian University. This solid educational foundation, combined with his executive experience, informs his writing approach and commitment to producing quality, informative literature.Dave resides in Harlingen, Texas, with his wife, Marilyn, and their beloved rescue dog, Piper. They are history buffs who enjoy traveling and learning about other countries and their cultures. They are also proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to two grandsons in the greater Houston area.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRJS31P8https://daveosbornbooks.com/https://christianworksmedia.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/10925cwm.mp3   

Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit: LIFE IS LIKE A FOUNTAIN - IT HAS ITS UPS (Opportunities and Successes) AND DOWNS (Disappointments and Failures) by Dr. S.K. GruninIn Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit - Book 1: "Life Isn't Always What It Seems," we are introduced to the main character Ivy Sue Klutz (Little MisFit - LMF) - as she narrates her first memory at the age of three and ties it in to Lesson 1, Life Isn't Always What It Seems. The book continues using humorous tales about Lesson 1 through her fourth year of primary school where we leave her. Book 2 picks up with LMF starting her next year of school at the age of ten and learning through humor the next Life Lesson that "Life Isn't Always Fair."In Book 3, Ivy Sue Klutz (Little MisFit - LMF) begins her most challenging years of her life - ages 11-15 or Middle School into High School. Where we last saw Little Misfit, she was fishing with her family the weekend before she started 6 th grade. She was about to turn 11 years old. She was having the time of her life. In Book 3, she learns another important Life Lesson: Life Is Like a Fountain- It Has Its Ups (opportunities/successes) and Downs (disappointments/failures). Through these humorous tales we see just how LMF learns to handle both "Ups" and Downs" in her life. This book shows "betweeners' - ages 11-12 and young teens ages 13-15, how LMF began to prepare for the most challenging times of her young life. In this book we see how Little MisFit copes with the limited means of her family while she attended middle and high schools. Furthermore, we she that she was not allowed to take certain classes (woodshop) or have opportunities to play sports in school or attend events that she was invited to. Yet, LMF overcomes those and other challenges - changes in body and bullying, and learns to find, value and celebrate the Ups - opportunities and successes. AMAZONhttps://skg-creations.com/https://www.youtube.com/@susangrunin3536http://www.KingPagesPress.com   http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/10925kpp1.mp3   

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