This Week in America with Ric Bratton

A New Land: Book 1 by Areulia DavisA New Land Book 1 is about a family, Post Slavery. This family becomes a part of The African American Great Migration to the mid-west. John David's family's dream is to move to Chicago, but the pressures of being a Share Cropper places stumbling blocks in the way forcing the family to slip away in the middle of the night. This story includes paranormal and murder, but most of all the spirit of a family trying to escape the face of the south.  Areulia Davis is a former Chicago Public School Teacher. After teaching for 31 years and surviving, she retires in 2012. Pursuing her passion for African American History and Chicago History. Areulia decided to write and publish 2 books with a third one to be released the spring of 2025. Areulia also serves as an Educational Leader for the neighborhood where she grew up in North Lawndale. Mrs. Davis currently lives in North Lawndale with her husband Tyler.https://davisareulia.com/https://www.amazon.com/New-Land-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07JPBLSBQ?ref_=ast_author_dp   https://www.amazon.com/New-Land-Book-Two-Davids-ebook/dp/B08WFC7Y9B?ref_=ast_author_mpb   https://www.litprime.com/  http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/12325aslp.mp3

1/23/25 • 43:12

Revolutionary War and the American Trailblazers: Quest of a Patriotic American Family by John D. HouckIn this fictional account of the Revolutionary Conflict between the British and the American New Republic and the expansion toward the West, the author includes, in italics, the factual accounts of events during the conflict. The result is a novel that will stimulate a desire for readers to research and learn more about this wonderful country and its new Republic form of government. All the governments in the past have failed because the people were ignorant of the importance of a free people not controlled by any one person or group. An educated society will stop evil people from trying to take control of the population. God bless America!John D. Houck has a PhD in Education, an MSM in Business Management, and a BS in Economics and History. He’s an author, college professor, and economist.https://www.amazon.com/Revolutionary-War-American-Trailblazers-Patriotic/dp/1977260799/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ICUM1ZZGYZ6A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vspKCu9h_1xdLbLd8KtsOg.F2rxJP5_yxf6eohVAXMZbn0veNzOX2VhvUsZVHlayYk&dib_tag=se&keywords=Revolutionary+War+and+the+American+Trailblazers+Quest+of+a+Patriotic+American+Family&qid=1737206007&sprefix=%2Caps%2C261&sr=8-1http://www.KingPagesPress.com    http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/12325jhkpp1.mp3 

1/23/25 • 27:30

2025-6seg3 Weekend of February 1

1/23/25 • 05:55

2025-6seg2 Weekend of February 1

1/23/25 • 18:34

2025-6seg1 Weekend of February 1

1/23/25 • 29:30

2025-6 Weekend of February 1

1/23/25 • 29:30

2025-5seg3 Weekend of January 25

1/17/25 • 07:55

2025-5seg2 Weekend of January 25

1/17/25 • 16:35

2025-5seg1 Weekend of January 25

1/17/25 • 29:30

2025-5 Weekend of January 25

1/17/25 • 29:30

Aging Sucks: Unless You Cross the Bridge by Dr. Barbara G. MelamedDr. Barbara Melamed is 80 years of age and marveling at getting smarter and happier every day. Her book Aging Sucks…Unless you Cross the BRIDGE is her fourth major book. It invites you the readers to do self-care for yourselves, your parents, other relatives and tells their children how to preserve their Legacies. Dr. Barbara Melamed is a Clinical Affiliate Professor at the University of Hawaii's Department of Psychology. She has also held professional positions at numerous universities including, University of Florida, Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry and Tubingen University. She served as Dean at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Numerous international conferences have extended invitations to her. She is also on the Editorial Boards of journals including the Australasia Medical Journal, The International Journal of Legal and Ethical Issues and the International Journal of Human Resilience and Mental Health.A noted therapist and researcher with decades of experience in clinical and health psychology.  In the area of Again, Dr. Melamed was awarded the Biogenesis Health Cluster Award for her research and studies in aging by the Gerontological Society of America.Dr. Melamed is the author of POW: Peace Over War: Using Mediation and Conflict Resolution to Reconcile International and Local Disputes.  A compelling exploration of how mediation can address and resolve some of the world's most challenging conflicts based on her own activism in the Gandhi International Institute of Peace and Mediators Beyond Borders.https://www.peaceendswar.com/https://drmelamed.net/https://www.peaceendswar.com/single-projectwww.amazon.com    http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/121924dbmamg.mp3    

1/16/25 • 29:08

ABCD is for Down: No Limit Noah by Cindy LasiABCD is for Down is an inspiring, joyful childrens book featuring a cool cartoon character that just so happens to have been born with Down Syndrome.  The hero of this alphabet story book is called No Limit Noah.  NLN was written in the spirit of inclusion and integration.  This book was written for all children, sharing positive messages through the fun imaginative antics of NLN.ABCD is for Down, through its fun, bright, colourful pages teaches the meaning of acceptance  and inclusion, regardless of differences or disabilities.  This heartfelt book reflects the pure positive spirit of NLN.  It is the author’s desire to bring joy and inspiration to parents, families, caregivers, and all children living with challenges today.  No Limit Noah brings fun and adventure to life!  Showing that when you live with kindness and joy in your heart… there really are no limits!Cindy Lasi is a first-time author, former nurse, and spent nearly 10 years as a manager for a global not for profit organization.  Advocacy for those who may not have the means to speak up for themselves has always been important to her.  Cindy grew up in a town of 32,000 residents in the Southern most part of Ontario Canada.  Living in such a small uneventful area sparked Cindy’s imagination which would allow her to dream big and begin a life of service.  This passion and compassion for people lead her to careers that allowed her the opportunity to use her natural gifts and talents in service to others.  Cindy is a faithful Christian who believes we can all offer big or small gifts of kindness and compassion. And that a loving heart can inspire and empower those who may not know how to advocate for themselves.https://www.amazon.com/ABCD-Down-Cindy-Lasi/dp/B0DNVNJRDW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OE9J090J50O&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.thRVMTlrU-hIoYQnphFdvQ.v0w-LxL8icmC4LX2IPtmGjzSVUHA9Wa4NkTTHck65ag&dib_tag=se&keywords=ABCD+is+for+Down&qid=1733876526&s=books&sprefix=abcd+is+for+down%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C277&sr=1-1https://nolimitnoahbooks.com/  https://gothambooksinc.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/11625gb1.mp3  

1/16/25 • 34:12

 Sleepless in America with Susan Smith Jones, PhDOver the past 40 years, Americans have cut their snooze time by one to two hours a night. We now sleep less than people in any other industrialized country. Chronic sleeping problems afflict as many as 70 million Americans, costing the nation billions in medical expenses, accidents and lost productivity, according to studies. Last year, doctors wrote a record 43 million prescriptions for sleeping pills. What’s going on? How does this deprivation affect our bodies? Our guest today, holistic health and lifestyle expert Susan Smith Jones, PhD is back with us again for her best tips on how you can sleep like a baby and why it’s so important. I guarantee no one will fall asleep during this program when listening to Susan.For a woman with three of America’s most ordinary names, Susan Smith Jones, PhD, has made extraordinary contributions in the fields of holistic health, anti-aging, optimum nutrition and balanced living. For starters, she taught students, staff and faculty at UCLA how to be healthy and fit for 30 years! Susan is the founder and president of Health Unlimited, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm dedicated to optimal wellness and human potential. She travels the world as a frequent media show guest and healthy living consultant. Susan is also the author of many books, including her latest two celebrated companion books UPLIFTED: 12 Minutes to More Joy, Faith, Peace, Kindness & Vitality and A HUG IN A MUG: Revitalize with Fruits, Veggies, Juices, Soups, Spices, Teas & Healthy Living Extras.www.SusanSmithJones.comX @SusanSmthJoneshttps://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/ssj133.mp3   

1/15/25 • 43:55

2025-4seg 3 Weekend of January 18

1/10/25 • 06:35

2025-4seg 2 Weekend of January 18

1/10/25 • 17:55

2025-4seg 1 Weekend of January 18

1/10/25 • 29:30

2025-4 Weekend of January 18

1/10/25 • 29:30

A Bartender's Holiday by Carole Love ForbesA New York bartender with a boring life is suddenly swept into an intense romance with a young woman engaged in an international crime ring. They seek FBI help but end up captives to a sinister ring leader and fall victim to his demented exploits. His motive and its consequences are very unsettling.Carole Forbes has been publishing since 2011 with a range of genres from children's books to historic fiction to science fiction to self help to her biography and now to mysteries. She started writing at the suggestion of her stage friends, after many years of acting and singing.https://www.amazon.com/Bartenders-Holiday-Forbes-Carol-Love/dp/1684863945/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1680277275&refinements=p_27:Carol+Love+Forbes&s=books&sr=1-2&text=Carol+Love+Forbeshttps://www.urlinkpublishing.com/product-page/a-bartender-s-holidayhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/12524clfgl.mp3 

1/9/25 • 23:17

On Becoming a F*cking Man by Michael J. UlrichOn Becoming a F*cking Man is spiritual book for men who do not go to church on Sunday but believe there is a God, but they do not give God much emphasis in their lives. This book discusses problems men have and gives them a spiritual perspective to deal with it. It does not use the terms "God," "Jesus Christ," or "Holy Spirit." It only uses "Higher Power." There is no discussion of religious principles or beliefs.If a man has an active spiritual life he will forgive, love his fellow man, be a sensitive man, stand up for what is right, and be at peace with himself. Join Michael J. Ulrich on this journey and find the peace within yourself.About the AuthorMichael is a senior citizen, husband and father.  He's also a pretty spiritual guy.Michael J. Ulrich was born on June 13, 1949, and grew up in Western Washington. He graduated high school in 1967. Although a cradle Catholic and practicing Catholic, Michael's religion has nothing to do with what he teaches you.Michael has been married twice and has two children. His late wife, Cynthia, died unexpectedly on 12/3/19.https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-F-cking-Man/dp/B0CMRW2WHPhttps://onbecomingafuckingman.com/https://gothambooksinc.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/1925gb2.mp3   All the best, Ric

1/9/25 • 25:36

The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man by Dan HuddlestonFor most of my life, I have been infected by wanderlust. When I see an airplane flying overhead or a ship on the horizon, I can’t help but ask myself, “I wonder where they are going?”Life, as it has evolved, has led me on a journey that is beyond my imagination. I participated in one of the most polarizing events in U.S. history, the Vietnam war. I also was a participant in, quite possibly, the most important event in U.S. labor history, the 1981 air traffic controllers’ strike.The second of those events led me to an amazing adventure. I lived outside of the United States for nine years. I have crossed the Pacific Ocean 11 times. I have crossed the Indian Ocean seven times. I have crossed the Atlantic Ocean more times than I can count. I have been on six of the seven continents and visited more than 90 countries. Along the way, a brilliant and beautiful young woman decided to become my partner and accompany me on that journey.This is the story of that adventure.Dan Huddleston began as a boy with no confidence and no prospects, who grew up to play the ultimate confidence game, Chicago Air Traffic Control. Then came an adventure where he spanned the globe with a brilliant and beautiful woman at his side.https://www.amazon.com/Extraordinary-Life-Ordinary-Man-ebook/dp/B0BGSWSJR4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1L0Q1LXX69RQS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nx2SbbUsQNWa2ZGQCrxNeShDwhodfDB7AW52URIiMFYoJ8vCetLZ_DHSRzj8HALRA83ZjAF9iRSYrQDg3T1s1fmclQIrJUTClywNIK3AowpiYifNyoR-USG8Jm-XLEHnTFKpLVC_1ikTKEryCsSR2_zWEgpmzSHH7WiyFnpa9Lzj4h1A1jEQLKrEZuNr401Z3d_2-UFnTkwNaUeeKOJZ2YEN8EarrrjiVQ7PoJ5RiWg.xI2gSYwtfuQ1s5hJ5ZugKeCVhv8clAYEDA38z2kc_Xs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Dan+Huddleston&qid=1736257660&sprefix=the+extraordinary+life+of+an+ordinary+man%2Caps%2C320&sr=8-1http://www.KingPagesPress.com    http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/1925kpp1.mp3 

1/9/25 • 25:34

2025-3seg3 Weekend of January 11

1/3/25 • 08:05

2025-3seg2 Weekend of January 11

1/3/25 • 16:25

2025-3seg1 Weekend of January 11

1/3/25 • 29:30

2025-3 Weekend of January 11

1/3/25 • 29:30

The Power of Love by Floyd OliverWe all have a destiny waiting to be fulfilled and Rafe Hawkins, a young Brooklyn boy, is about to embark on a world-changing journey to find his, with an unexpected ending.After his mom drops off six-year-old Rafe at Greer School, a community for children, he realizes he has been abandoned and his only mission becomes finding his way back home. Rafe attempts to adjust to this new life, only finding it impossible, with a certain counselor who is determined to stand in his way of freedom.Join Rafe on his journey in Prisoner in Paradise and discover how he rises above despite the obstacles he has to conquer.https://www.amazon.com/Power-Love-Floyd-R-Oliver/dp/B0DMS88CG3/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3EaY2cz7kftNHOaFTGKqdA.bhtlHF5dH48kX_ZodlaaY7qr7ofzAematatEwh5hDho&qid=1734353337&sr=8-1http://broodmaresinc.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/121924kpp2.mp3    http://www.KingPagesPress.com

12/19/24 • 24:57

Fully Human/Fully Alive: Fourth Edition BA by Lyle SimpsonFully Human / Fully Alive is written to help the 70% of all Americans Living today who are stuck on Maslow’s social level of living, not realizing that there are three levels above them that would greatly enhance their lives. The book will help them build bridges over or detours around their own barriers that preclude them from fully living their own lives. The book provides paths around your barriers without destroying your current beliefs. They simply no longer control you. Those who read this book with an open mind can find their own path to become one of the one percent of people living today who live a fulfilled experience and are truly Fully Alive.Lyle L. Simpson was president of the American Humanist Association from 1980-1984, AHA legal counsel for thirty-five years is the founder and current chairman of the Humanist Foundation.https://www.booksacademy.org/books/fully-human-fully-alive-fourth-edition-ba/https://www.lylesimpson.com/https://www.booksacademy.org/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/121924lsba.mp3 

12/19/24 • 26:53

The Wound Closest to the Sun Novel by Karl Berger The novel plays out in three historic frames: 1919 Bavaria, Germany; Second World War France; France in 1960.We meet the main character, Yann, in 1960. He is a semi-retired French journalist, professor, and Camus scholar who is plagued by a lifetime of regrets. He finds hope in an unforeseen friendship with Klaus, the only son of Karl, a German soldier who saved Yann's life in 1919. Klaus is a depressed young man burdened by history and challenged by the stories that he encourages Yann to revisit and to share.These fateful events took place during World War II when Yann again met Karl and also Madeleine, a French engineer and Resistance fighter who attempts to recruit Yann to join the Resistance. Yann's hesitation eventually leads to Madeleine's death, and this will haunt Yann ever after.Karl's first novel, Clipperton, was published in 2006 by the now-defunct Harbor House Books of Augusta, Georgia. Over the years, Karl's short stories have been published by local and regional journals such as The Loyalhanna Review. Karl was born in Munich and immigrated to the United States in 1970. This novel was influenced by his upbringing after World War II and the disastrous role his native country played in the 20th century. Karl has been working all his life as a general pediatrician.https://www.amazon.com/Wound-Closest-Sun-Novel/dp/177883549X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bXQJN2FDBVsFniX7bO6m2Q.TjvxGU0weBEf7GdwpEWEFkxAlEsoX2NoZDKmXFB1X-k&qid=1734352433&sr=8-1http://www.KingPagesPress.com  http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/121924kpp1.mp3    

12/19/24 • 24:00

Daniel: Being Number 3, Book 8 by Peter PactorNumber one is God. Number 2 is everyone else. Number 3 is you.Daniel said, "How about a prayer first?"Jerry got up, grabbed a blanket, sat down on the couch, and invited me to sit next to him. When prayer was over, I said to him, "Jerry, the thing that is causing you so many problems right now is that you're trying to be number one instead of number three. You want to be noticed, and behaving as you are now doing will get you noticed, but it won't be the attention you want. You want to be noticed with love, and you can only achieve your goal by being number three. It's the law of retaliation. The more love you can share with others, the more you'll receive, and in the end, you will receive much more than you have given.""Really?"I laughed. "Really. In basketball you don't even realize how generous you are; you are totally unselfish. You will pass up an open shot to give your teammates an opportunity from a better position. You don't even think about it; you just do it. Your teammates love and respect you for your thoughtfulness. You are the best shooter on the floor, and they will turn to you when the game is close, but you allow them-no you help them- to become a part of the glory. And even if a player misses an easy layup, you always go over and give him words of encouragement. You are number three on the court, and as a result you're number one in their hearts."Peter Pactor is an award-winning author. Before becoming an author he was a teacher for fifty years and a storyteller for thirty years. Daniel: Being Number 3 is the eighth book in his Daniel series.https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Being-Number-Peter-Pactor/dp/1039157432/ref=monarch_sidesheet_titlehttps://www.peterpactor.net/https://www.ecpublishingllc.com/http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/121924ppec.mp3  

12/19/24 • 27:30

MAD DRUGGIST by Frank HozeskaOnce upon a time, there was a very kind, loving, generous, and caring man who did good works. Unfortunitely, the ungodly hypocrites in authority did not like his radical ways of counseling and made it very difficult for him to hold on to livelihood. All he wanted in this unprecedented, unheard of, crazy cruel spiritual journey is for someone to give him a break! The tumultuous pharmacy career finally catches up with louie, and no one is willing to give him another chance or a break. Louie ends up a washed-up pharmacist, and he’s ready to give up his fight, until something crazy happens in the final round.I grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin, and I have a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and took prepharmacy courses at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. I also have a bachelor’s degree in health education (K-12) from the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse, I also played major varsity basketball at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. After working in Wisconsin for five years, I decided to move to California for some adventure and some fun in the sun. As a hobby, I took up acting lessons and was cast in the play Italian American Reconcilation as the main character, Huey Maximilian Bonfigliano. I also did the open mike night comedy showcase in Hollywood and Los Angelesand I tried my hand in writing screenplays. It’s a good thing I kept my day jobsince none of the other hobbies panned out.https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mad-druggist-frank-hozeska/1127031483 http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/121824fhamg.mp3   

12/18/24 • 28:21

2025-1seg3 Weekend of January 4

12/13/24 • 05:45