Trish Stevens Ascot Media Group Post Office Box 2394 Friendswood, TX 77549 281.333.3507 Phone 832.569.5539 Fax [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com
(This press release may be reprinted in part or entirety)
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Work And Wealth In Scripture: The Great Moral Issue Of Our Time Framed By Our Country’s Sacred Heritage
Tuscaloosa, AL – Like the Biblical prophets of old, Bernie Sanders just wouldn’t go away. In spite of overwhelming odds against his presidential bid, he still continued to draw huge crowds with his message that “the issue of wealth and income inequality is the great moral issue of our time.” Larry Clayton, author of Work and Wealth in Scripture: How to Grow, Prosper and Work as a Christian (Wipf & Stock, 2015), agrees.
“The nature of work and wealth is one of the core issues of this 2016 presidential election,” Clayton says. “If we get it wrong, we could be turning away from the traditions and culture that make this country exceptional.” The largest issues facing presidential candidates today are not going to be solved by charges and countercharges and simple-minded appeals to the people in typical populist styles, but by applying the truth in Scripture to the challenges facing America today.
Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Alabama, Clayton has published numerous, award-winning scholarly works. His first inspirational book, Cleared for Landing (ExLibris, 2008) is a primer for Christians, focusing on the practice of faith. “I’m a pilot and to be a good and safe pilot one needs to practice and grow all the time, just like in your Christian walk,” he says.
“I have searched for answers in many places, from the most scholarly Christian writers like St. Augustine, to small, rural Pentecostal churches across the Americas,” he continues. “I have worshiped in many of the world’s great cathedrals, and I have seen the work of the Holy Spirit spilling out across believers united not by creeds and rituals, but moved by the power of the Spirit.
“I have written this Christian primer for those who want to grow in their faith. Join me on this walk for it is not only the road to salvation, but also an exhilarating one that will renew and revitalize you as a Christian.”
Clayton also writes a weekly column for the Tuscaloosa News. He graduated from Duke University in 1964, subsequently earning a master’s degree and a doctorate in Latin American history from Tulane University. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1964-1966. While on the faculty at the University of Alabama from 1972-2013, Clayton directed the Latin American Studies Program and was Chair of the Department of History.
For more information, please visit Clayton’s blog at: www.laclayton.com.
Work and Wealth in Scripture: How to Grow, Prosper and Work as a Christian Wipf & Stock, 2015 Available online everywhere and at the publisher’s website: http://wipfandstock.com/work-and-wealth-in-scripture.html ISBN-13: 9781620322567
Cleared for Landing: On Living a Christian Life Xlibris Available online everywhere and at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cleared-Landing-Living-Christian-Life/dp/1425719597 ISBN-13: 9781425719593
Russell Tate Ascot Media Group Post Office Box 2394 Friendswood, TX 77549 281.333.3507 Phone 832.569.5539 Fax [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com
(This press release may be reprinted in part or entirety) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hal Moore: A Soldier Once…And Always; The Story Of One Of America’s Greatest Heroes
Houston, TX — This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Ia Drang and the start of the Vietnam War. Hal Moore captured our attention when his exploits in the Ia Drang battle were recounted in his memoir We Were Soldiers Once…and Young, and commanded our respect in the memorable Mel Gibson movie, “We Were Soldiers.” Now, his life is covered in full by celebrated author Mike Guardia in Hal Moore: A Soldier Once…and Always (Casemate Publishers).
Drastically outnumbered and nearly overrun, Hal Moore led his men to a surprising victory that claimed the lives of more than 1,200 enemy soldiers. The Battle of Ia Drang pioneered the use of “air mobile infantry”—delivering troops into battle via helicopter—which became a staple of U.S. operations for the remainder of the war.
One of the greatest battlefield commanders of the 20th century, little has been known about Hal Moore’s life and career beyond the Ia Drang battle…until now. In this book, readers will learn of his service in Occupied Japan, his life-and-death struggles in the hilltop battles of the Korean War, and how he helped rebuild the post-Vietnam Army.
Following his tour in Vietnam, he assumed command of the 7th Infantry Division, forward-stationed in South Korea, and in 1971 he took command of the Army Training Center at Fort Ord, California. In this capacity, he oversaw the US Army’s transition from a conscript-based to an all-volunteer force. He retired as a Lieutenant General in 1977.
At this writing, Hal Moore is 93 years-old and living quietly in Auburn, Alabama. He graciously allowed the author to conduct several interviews and granted full access to his collection of letters, documents, and never-before-published photographs.
Mike Guardia is a Captain in the US Army Reserve. He served six years on active duty as an Armor Officer. He holds a BA and MA in American History from the University of Houston. As an author, his previous works include Shadow Commander and American Guerrilla. He currently lives and works in Houston, TX. A portion of the book’s proceeds will go to benefit the USO.
For more, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Hal-Moore-The-Biography-1406627382912279/timeline/
Hal Moore: A Soldier Once…and Always Casemate Publishers Available at: http://www.casematepublishers.com/index.php/hal-moore-hb.html#.ViUu-h2zZ9A and at Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and Amazon.com Available in all major digital tablet platforms $32.95 Hardcover ISBN-13: 978-1612002071
Justin Stevens Ascot Media Group Post Office Box 2394 Friendswood, TX 77549 281.333.3507 Phone 832-569-5539 Fax [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com
(This press release may be reprinted in part or entirety) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Marijuana Project: A Story Of Medicine And Morality – A Security Expert’s Journey Through The Ethical Weeds
New York, NY – The inspiration for Brian Laslow’s fiction-based-on-fact story, The Marijuana Project (SDS Publishing), came from his own turbulent experiences while working with a brand new medical marijuana production facility in the northeast, and a successful 25-year career as an expert in the field of security.
Sam Burnett, a savvy security expert, is hiding in the catwalk of a medical marijuana production facility he has been hired to protect, caught in a surveillance plan he never thought he’d face. In fact, Sam doesn’t even approve of marijuana and wonders why he’s still working there.
He is not alone with this conflict. The FDA still lists marijuana in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the DEA’s most restrictive level. They cite marijuana’s high potential for abuse, that it’s not accepted medical use for treatment, and lacks proper safety measures under medical supervision.
This position is at odds with many groups advocating for its legalization, both for medical purposes and recreational use.
Since 2900 B.C., when the Chinese referred to cannabis as a medicine possessing both yin and yang, the pros and cons of medical marijuana have stymied private citizens as well as state and federal agencies. With 23 states legalizing at least limited use of medical marijuana, the controversy continues over its status as a gateway drug, posing ethical dilemmas for doctors, government officials and security professionals who must protect it from a variety of internal and external threats.
This is how Brian Laslow entered the picture in 2001 as the owner of a security consulting firm specializing in risk assessment, system design, and project management services for electronic security and operational security management. Inspired by his findings inside the medical marijuana industry, Brian wrote The Marijuana Project, a fiction-based-on-fact account of his tempestuous experience while working with the new production facility in the northeast.
The story follows Sam Burnett, a conservative and highly principled family man who constantly travels the country as a greatly sought after security expert. While looking to spend more time at home with his children, he is approached by a consortium looking to open a medical marijuana production facility nearby. Sam accepts their offer, and over the next two years, while designing, implementing and operating their entire security program, he finds himself facing one moral conflict after another.
Does Sam favor using medical marijuana to relieve a variety of physical symptoms, easing anxiety and providing pleasure? Or does he see it as an invitation to more serious drug use, mental instability and irresponsible, even dangerous, behavior?
You could call it a security expert’s journey through the ethical weeds.
At first, Sam realizes that whether he approves of it or not, medical marijuana needs to be protected from ending up in the wrong hands and that taking the job means he can be home much more than before. But even what Sam learns about medical marijuana–that it can help people suffering from a variety of ailments–is at odds with his religious upbringing and his own conservative views about drug use, legal or otherwise.
When his son’s best friend is killed in a car accident caused by a driver under the influence of medical marijuana, Sam reaches his breaking point. He ends up taking matters into his own hands, which leads to a potentially dangerous confrontation with his employers and a group of unknown provocateurs.
In the end, he must decide if he can personally continue to participate in the protection and perpetuation of this industry.
Sam Burnett’s dilemma is indicative of the decision that millions of people in America are currently struggling to make. His story will resonate with all those struggling to make sense of this changing landscape in our society.
About the Author
Brian Laslow (a pen name for obvious reasons) has over 25 years of experience in the security field. He started his career as the owner of a security installation company serving residential and commercial clients. Since 2001, he has been an independent security consultant providing risk assessment, system design, project management, and ongoing security management services for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and government clients. This expert speaker in the field of security has extensive experience with building security programs from the ground up.
Brian wrote a successful book on security consulting and speaks frequently on topics relating to physical security, risk assessment, system design, and publishing for consultants. He holds multiple certifications from the security and consulting fields.
The Marijuana Project is fiction-based-on-fact from Laslow’s findings in the medical marijuana industry and as a highly respected security expert, both of which lend realism to an already gripping plot. For more information, please visit the website at: www.themarijuanaproject.org. The Marijuana Project By Brian Laslow Published by SDS Publishing Publication Date: November 25, 2015 Price: $19.99; 240 pages, paperback ISBN-13: 978-1518805479 ISBN-10: 1518805477
Monica Foster Ascot Media Group, Inc. Post Office Box 133032 The Woodlands, TX 77393 281.324.2180 – Office 713.446.8815 – Cell 281.333.3507 – Main [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com
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In the Line of Fire: Here’s How To Stop Violence At Every Turn
Louisville, KY – Living in a peaceful world, free from hatred, bigotry, bullying and violence may seem like an impossible journey. Violence surrounds us and overwhelmingly dominates our lives through crime-based TV shows, video games, and social media – not to mention our daily news feeds which include hate crimes, bullying, school shootings and domestic violence. According to Jan Arnow, author of In the Line of Fire: Raising Kids in a Violent World, none of these examples of violence stands alone – they are all connected along a continuum of violence. In this accessible book, Arnow makes the connections that have been widely ignored. She says, we can stop the violence, and she shows us how to collectively achieve this with more than 400 actionable tips.
The statistics reveal a shocking truth. Every day in the United States:
Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to be an abuser as an adult Seven children or teenagers are killed by firearms 187 children are arrested for violent crimes 1,837 children are identified as abused or neglected, and 2,857 high school students drop out.
“As a result of receiving poor social mentorship and not knowing how to resolve conflicts, there are more than 61,000 youth residing in juvenile detention centers or correctional facilities throughout the US,” says Arnow. “Abusive behaviors often initiate at home, and children who are abused become the abusers.”
No stranger to violence herself, Arnow knows personally the horrors of growing up in an abusive household. For the first time, she reveals the driving force that landed her on her lifelong path to create peace for future generations. This heavily researched book provides a balance of case studies, true stories and actionable tips, and is a perfect resource for parents, teachers, counselors, law enforcement and clergymen.
About the Author Jan Arnow is the founder and executive director of Innovations in Peacemaking International, and is an internationally recognized lecturer and authority on multicultural education, violence abatement, prejudice reduction, creativity, and leadership. She is a highly respected and award-winning author of nine books and scores of articles for a variety of national magazines. She is currently working on a teacher’s and community guide to In the Line of Fire: Raising Kids in a Violent World, and a new peace curriculum for schools, houses of worship, and neighborhood centers. She also travels to carry her violence abatement strategies to communities throughout the world.
For more information, please visit http://www.butlerbooks.com/inthelineoffire.html.
In the Line of Fire: Raising Kids in a Violent World By Jan Arnow Publisher: Butler Books ISBN 978-1-935497-96-7 Available online: http://www.butlerbooks.com/inthelineoffire.html
Kimberly McCall Ascot Media Group Post Office Box 133032 The Woodlands, TX 77393 281.333.3507 office [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com
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New Breakthroughs In The Drive For Peace In The Middle East: Changing Public Opinion Through Interfaith Unification
Houston, TX – Frank Romano, PhD, doesn’t merely talk about the possibility of sustainable peace in the Middle East, he champions programs through interfaith unification and has seen first-hand the results of these efforts. Even though he has found himself in dangerous situations, he has spent decades of his life working towards peace in the Middle East and his efforts are documented in Love and Terror in the Middle East (4th edition)
“There is definitely something positive happening right now in the US,” says Dr. Romano. “We’re realizing a favorable evolution in US public opinion. Americans are better informed and I believe this will lead to the American people demanding a louder voice on issues where the Middle East peace is concerned.”
Frank Romano’s story began decades ago with a move from California to France to study philosophy. He later ventured to Morocco on his way to the Middle East, where he was to participate in the interfaith peace movement. In his quest for the universal religion, which at first he thought might be Islam (meaning “peace”), he soon realized that the Islamic sect he met had little to do with peace and more to do with radicalism. After daring to ask questions relating to Islam and women, he was wrongly accused by Muslim extremists of being a Zionist spy and was imprisoned. This ultimately led to a spiritual awakening and, eventually, to his escape.
While Dr. Romano is due to return to his interfaith activities in the Middle East, he wants to be a part of what is certain to be more involvement by the American public relating to Middle East issues. His hope is to create a positive impact on American thinking which seems to be more open to interfaith peace activities.
Dr. Frank Romano is a lawyer, author, speaker and professor of law, literature, history and philosophy of law, and continues to be an advocate for peace in the Middle East.
For more information on Dr. Romano’s book or his ongoing drive for peace, please visit: http://www.frankromano-loveandterror4.com (book) http://www.frankromano363.blogspot.com/ (blog) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQ-TYRDIVI (Interview)
Available at Amazon.com and major online outlets Love and Terror in the Middle East, 4th edition By Frank Romano AB Film Publishing ISBN-13: 978-0989706865
Peter J. Ryder Ascot Media Group Post Office Box 133032 The Woodlands, TX 77393 Office: (281) 333-3507 [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com
Young Author Pays Tribute To A True American Hero In Hal Moore: A Soldier Once…and Always
El Paso, TX – Receiving a prestigious award is always a reason to be proud, but to receive the Gold Medal Book Award from the Military Writers Society of America at age 30 when you have only been writing for six years is extraordinary! Mike Guardia earned this award for his latest book, Hal Moore: A Soldier Once…and Always – a fully illustrated biography of one of our nation’s most respected combat leaders of the 20th century.
Guardia does a superb job of capturing the life and career of this remarkable man who truly was “the real deal!” The exploits of Hal Moore captured the world’s attention in his memoir, We Were Soldiers Once…and Young, and Mel Gibson brought him to life in the box office smash hit, ‘We Were Soldiers.’
With this year marking the 50th anniversary of the Battle of la Drang, the first full-blown battle to take place between U.S. soldiers and the North Vietnamese, we are reminded of the extraordinary combat skills of a man who, while ridiculously outnumbered and nearly overrun, lead his men to victory. It comes as no surprise that this gracious and humble man would astound the world with a compelling display of forgiveness when he returned to Vietnam years later and openly embraced his one-time enemy counterpart.
Until recently, little was known about this American icon beyond the la Drang battle. Mike Guardia impressively changed that in his latest book, Hal Moore: A Soldier Once…and Always. Readers learn of Moore’s heroic battles in the Korean War, his valued service in Occupied Japan, and even his efforts to help rebuild the post-Vietnam Army. Through Guardia’s eloquent words, readers gain insight into not only the heroic deeds of one of the greatest battlefield commanders of our time, but the workings of a man, without bravado or ego, who got the job done with the safety of his men uppermost in his mind.
Today, at age 93, Hal Moore lives a quiet life in Auburn, Alabama. He graciously allowed the author several interviews and granted him full access to his collection of letters, documents, and never-before-published photographs.
Mike Guardia is a Captain in the United States Army Reserve. He served six years on active duty in a variety of leadership and staff positions. He holds a BA and MA in American History from the University of Houston. As an author, his previous works include Shadow Commander and American Guerrilla. He currently lives in Texas. Mike donates a portion of the book sales to one of his favorite charities – the USO.
For more, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hal-Moore-A-Soldier-Once-and-Always/1406627382912279
Hal Moore: A Soldier Once…and Always Casemate Publishers Available at http://www.casematepublishing.com/title.php?isbn=9781612002071 and at Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and Amazon.com Available in all major digital tablet platforms $32.95 Hardcover ISBN-13: 978-1612002071
Tracy Pearson Ascot Media Group, Inc. Post Office Box 133032 The Woodlands, TX 77393 Office: (281) 333-3507 [email protected] www.ascotmedia.com
Hump Pilot – Paying Homage to the Little Known Heroes of WWII
Vienna VA – The Hump, as the WWII airlift over the Himalayas was called, was a peril-fraught yet vital mission for which many pilots lost their lives. In Hump Pilot (The History Publishing Company), Nedda R. Thomas gives an authentic first-hand account of a brave man’s war story, and provides a piece of history not often portrayed in books.
“My father was a modest man and rarely spoke of his wartime service,” says the author. “When I persuaded him to share his experiences, I was able to see a different dimension of him, not as a father but as an American hero.”
Hump pilots suffered horrifying mortality rates, and though little remembered today, their sacrifices still speak volumes. Thomas adds, “Their mission over the tallest mountains on earth is largely forgotten even by military readers. Yet the Hump is the missing link to the entire pursuit of World War II in Asia. These pilots were critical to Nationalist China and to every Allied ground and flying unit there, and they put their lives on the line with every takeoff.”
In a well-researched, well-paced, compelling account, Ned Thomas’ character emerges – that of a true gentleman. As a young pilot he had dashing good looks, good humor, and a humbling quality. His story is one of courage and fortitude. Along with other men in the Hump, his mission saved lives and honored his country. Through his daughter’s writing, readers climb on-board a historical roller coaster, as a piece of nearly-lost history comes back to life.
About the author Nedda Thomas has published numerous articles about creative and significant figures. She also writes poetry, and has worked as a magazine editor. Growing up in a military/diplomatic family, she lived in the U.S., France, and the Far East. She holds a master’s degree in human development, and attended seminary. Family memories help nurture her passion for history; she speaks French and English, and lectures on several different topics.
For more information, please visit www.humppilot.com.
Hump Pilot: Defying Death Flying the Himalayas During World War II By Nedda R. Thomas The History Publishing Company ISBN 978-1940773094 Available in fine bookstores and online: http://ow.ly/KdNsA.
