Culture

Got Kids? Take Notes!

The new parenting book Got kids? Take notes! written by Norma Smoker and Rachel Smoker-Cox was launched May 7, 2013. Got kids? Take notes! represents a compilation of Smoker’s experiences and knowledge gained while hosting a radio show, where she interviewed best-selling authors, doctors, psychologists, and internationally-known Fortune 500 speakers. It also draws on Smoker’s extensive work with family outreach organizations and, most importantly, raising her two daughters. Each vignette brings warm, interesting insights to parents facing the challenges of raising children at different stages. Comments like “You are not simply raising children; you are bringing them up to become […]

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2014 Sochi Winter Olympics Preview

On February 6, 2014, the XXII Olympic Winter Games will kick off in Sochi, Russia, marking the first time since 1980’s Moscow Summer Olympics that Russia will host the Games. Located in Russia’s third-largest region, Krasnodar, Sochi boasts a population of 400,000 strong. In 2006, this coastal city in southwestern Russia was first nominated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for consideration as an Olympic venue and squeezed through the second round of voting to win the bid on July 4, 2007 against Salzburg, Austria, and Pyeongchang, South Korea. Event locations The different events will be broken up into a […]

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Searching for Deeper Faith

In 2010, pastor and award winning author Jim Belcher took his family to Europe for one year, seeking rest and renewal for himself and a deeper faith for his family. Through travel and the study of more than a dozen heroes of the faith, he wanted to introduce his four children to a consequential faith, one that would stay with them when they went off to college and sustain them for a lifetime. What they would discover on this adventure would change their lives forever. What lead you go to Europe for an entire year? That’s a pretty drastic move. […]

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Musical Segregation

Just like there are so many different denominations in the Christian faith, there are also seemingly many denominations of music. You may have heard or even used the term “secular music” yourself. Rest assured, you are not alone as it is a common term among the brethren, that is, people of the Christian faith. What sets it apart Mainstream Christian music may share a secular style of groove and musical swag, but if you listen closely there is a running theme of godly lyrics that typically drive home a gospel message. Sometimes the message is aggressive and sometimes not, but […]

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Xtreme Christian Music Conference

The Xtreme Christian Music Conference, coming to the BB&T Center in Sunrise on Saturday, January 18 and Sunday January 19, is bringing some of the top names in Christian music right here to South Florida for a two day event you don’t want to miss. With an artist lineup including Hillsong UNITED, Switchfoot, Kutless, the hosting talents of comedian Michael Jr., and a presentation by Pastor Troy Gramling of Potential Church, the Xtreme Christian Music Conference promises to be a powerful weekend of music, ministry and fellowship for all who attend. The event organizers share “the purpose of this event […]

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A Few of My Favorite Sings

Music has the ability to strike a chord — no pun intended — in every human. It is unique in that there is a groove for every walk of life. We might, and usually do, differ in our likes and dislikes, but the one genre that seems to melt our hearts towards one another is the music of Christmas. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s safe to say we are all getting ready to jingle our music bells to the tunes of the season. So, who is your favorite artist? What is that one CD that instantly ushers into your […]

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History of the Heisman Trophy

Prestige. Competitiveness. Athleticism. These words come to mind when one thinks of the most esteemed award in American collegiate athletics, the Heisman Memorial Trophy. A common goal of every college football player is to enter the fraternity of players who have hoisted this momentous award. History The award made its debut in 1935 inside Manhattan’s Downtown Athletic Club (DAC), which was located near what was the future site of the World Trade Center. University of Chicago running back Jay Berwanger was the first recipient of the simply named DAC Trophy, and was selected with the first overall pick in the […]

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2013 – 2014 NBA Season Preview

Just five months ago, the Miami Heat pulled off arguably the greatest NBA Finals comeback in NBA history in game six against the San Antonio Spurs. After their game seven victory, the Miami Heat stood victorious over the basketball world. But now every team is undefeated once again and championship aspirations have returned, even more so to the most talented teams across the league.  The 2013-2014 NBA season is here and the excitement is at a fever pitch with new developing storylines. Can Derrick Rose’s return help the Bulls regain their “elite” status? Are the revamped Brooklyn Nets a true […]

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Good Reads

Whether you’re relaxing beneath the swaying leaves of a palm tree or waiting for time to pass at the doctor’s office, everyone needs a good book on hand. Reading not only entertains the mind, but grows and enlightens it as well. A good book allows for one to see new perspectives as the reader enters into a world created by its author. Utilize your free time productively and pick up one (or more!) of these must-read new releases and best sellers to engage in, be encouraged by and learn from! One Light Still Shines, Marie Monville This book is a […]

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Brown Bag It!: Healthy DIY Lunch Ideas

Time is of the essence when you are busy taking care of a million and one things. We often let our health fall to the wayside as we scramble to get things done by eating junk food or skipping meals altogether. Here are some healthy and quick ideas to avoid the stomach grumblings. Serve each with a side of fresh fruit such as apples, oranges or pears depending on the seasonality in your area. Tuscan Tuna Wrap Time: 10 minutes Yield: 2 wraps 3 ounces Light Tuna, drained 1/2 Lemon, juiced 1/2 cup Fresh Corn Kernels 1 tablespoon Olive Oil […]

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