Bruno Somerset
Living in Just South of Nowhere, TX
Total page views: 302,989
Published Content: 335
Fans: 25
On AC since: 01.21.07
Bio:
I am a novelist & freelance writer living in Texas. I write mainly on political and religious issues, with the occasional sports, cultural event and humor piece thrown in to keep things interesting.
I am a novelist & freelance writer living in Texas. I write mainly on political and religious issues, with the occasional sports, cultural event and humor piece thrown in to keep things interesting.
Education/Experience:
Bachelors Degree in Theology
Bachelors Degree in Theology
Motto:
Better to die standing than to live on your knees.
Better to die standing than to live on your knees.
Affiliations:
Showing Results 1 - 200 of 335
Upholding the ban on gays serving openly in the military has caused grief for the Obama administration, but it was the right decision. The issue is not as much a question of morality as supporters of the ban think, nor one of rights as opponents believe.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/18/2009 | Read more »
The Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex will host a wide variety of activities for adults and kids of all ages this July 4th. Here are just a few of the more notable celebrations and festivities.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/4/2009 | Read more »
It's time for my Third Annual Summer Reading List. As before, I have included fourteen books, one for each week between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Some are new, some are older, and a few are ones you should have read in college but didn't.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/2/2009 | Read more »
Nothing is more disheartening for a book collector than discovering a perfect copy of a coveted volume only to find that it is a book club edition. Fortunately, it is not difficult to recognize a book club edition if you know what to look for.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/27/2009 | Read more »
Just as the real meaning of Christmas goes beyond presents and mistletoe, Memorial Day is far more than an excuse to grill burgers and drink beer.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/25/2009 | Read more »
With all due respect to Bram Stoker and Stephenie Meyer, it is clear that Dracula and Edward are nowhere near the baddest vampires out there. That title belongs to Facebook, the social networking site that is the worst time-sucking vampire ever.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/6/2009 | Read more »
There has never been a more unlikely title for bestselling novel than The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. However, the runaway hit has captivated readers around the globe in spite of the tongue-twister title.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/24/2009 | Read more »
What seems to be lost in the condemnation of Texas Governor Rick Perry's comments about secession is the possibility that secession may not be such a bad idea, and not just for Texas.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/22/2009 | Read more »
This year's theme for National Library Week is "Worlds connect @ your library." Actress and author Jamie Lee Curtis will serve as the Honorary Chair of National Library Week April 12- 18, 2009.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/14/2009 | Read more »
Make no mistake; the government doesn't want you to stop smoking.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/27/2009 | Read more »
Starting April 1st, the third annual Script Frenzy will give would-be screenwriters the jump-start they need to make the dream of writing a screenplay a reality.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/26/2009 | Read more »
Of all of the various types of writing, poetry is by far the most difficult from which to make a living full-time.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/26/2009 | Read more »
It is very rare for a novel to be critically acclaimed, an international bestseller and a cult classic. Carlos Ruiz Zafon accomplished this literary hat trick with his novel "The Shadow of the Wind."
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/17/2009 | Read more »
Here are a few suggestions for filling out your NCAA Tournament brackets.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/17/2009 | Read more »
The English translation of Carlos Ruiz Zafon's "The Angel's Game" will be released in the US on June 16, 2009; advanced reading copies have been sent to reviewers around the country. Without a doubt, it was worth the five-year wait.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/13/2009 | Read more »
We should have flown to Memphis and rented a car, but Zeke, for all his world traveling, hated to fly, so we drove the seven hours to Bartlett, Tennessee. We were just east of Greenville, Texas when he brought up what had been troubling me as well.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/6/2009 | Read more »
As the US economy continues to spiral downward, there is one business that is improving even as others close their doors: the public library. Yet in spite of increased usage nationwide, libraries across the country are cutting both jobs and hours.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/2/2009 | Read more »
In a move that is bound to please both opponents and even some long-time supporters, evangelical leader and Focus on the Family founder James Dobson has announced that he is stepping down as the ministry's board chairman.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/28/2009 | Read more »
In the current sorry state of the American economy, it has become fashionable to blame everyone from Wall Street traders to rich bankers. However, most people refuse to place any responsibility where it truly belongs: with every one of us.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/27/2009 | Read more »
There are many different genres within the mystery novel category, and one that deserves attention (and is a natural favorite of book lovers) is the bibliomystery.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/25/2009 | Read more »
The NFL legacy of the 2000s New England Patriots is much more impressive than that of the 1990s Dallas Cowboys. In many ways the two teams were very similar, but there are some key factors that make New England's run more remarkable.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/20/2009 | Read more »
Scientists and animal lovers in the United Kingdom are trumpeting the reintroduction of several beaver families into the wild after a nearly 500-year absence from Great Britain.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 11/25/2008 | Read more »
A story on ABC News affiliate WFAA in Dallas reports that earlier this month Baptist pastor Dr. Thomas White gave a sermon in which he said the use of birth control pills is "the murder of a life."
By Bruno Somerset | Published 10/23/2008 | Read more »
We've all thought for years now that George W. Bush was an underachieving C-student at best and a moron at worst. But the truth has finally come out: he's actually an evil genius, and with the proposed $700 billion Wall Street bailout he's outdone even himself.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/30/2008 | Read more »
A well-written book with a compelling story will always keep you turning the pages, but only a select few will keep you up late reading them. The following novels definitely won't put you to sleep.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/24/2008 | Read more »
Girolamo Savonarola was an Italian priest, political and religious reformer best known for starting the Bonfire of the Vanities in Florence in 1497.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/24/2008 | Read more »
The Battle of Nashville is one of the least known of the Civil War, but the it was pivotal in several ways and deserves to be acknowledged as one of the critical moments in the latter part of the war.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/24/2008 | Read more »
John Calvin was one of the pillars of the Protestant Reformation, and his teachings on Predestination are known today as the Five Points of Calvinism and often remembered by the acronym TULIP.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/24/2008 | Read more »
Although it receives little press coverage, book censorship of all kinds, including book burning, continues today. In fact, there have been reports that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin attempted to ban books from the public library when she was mayor of Wasilla, Alaska.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/18/2008 | Read more »
Many of us have, at some point, encountered a rough stretch when it comes to our job history. This can result in thinking that you can't put together a solid resume, which is definitely not the case.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/17/2008 | Read more »
In years past, Presidential debates have had a significant impact on the outcome of the election, but this is not the case today.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/17/2008 | Read more »
Just for fun, here's a quiz: what do unicorns, your soul mate, and unity all have in common? Answer: none of them exist, and you should really be past believing in them by now.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/15/2008 | Read more »
Michael Servetus (1511 - 1553) was a Spanish theologian during the Protestant Reformation whose heretical views ultimately cost him his life.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/13/2008 | Read more »
After a layoff the first goal (or hope, at least) is finding a new position at the same salary level, or higher, that you had at your previous job.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/13/2008 | Read more »
With the economy sliding into recession and eight straight months of job losses, most people wouldn't even consider leaving their current job right now. But there are good reasons for a job change even in hard economic times.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/7/2008 | Read more »
In Texas autumn doesn't officially begin until the first day of the State Fair, and this year the State Fair of Texas runs from September 26th through October 19th.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/6/2008 | Read more »
The choice of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate did something that had become virtually unthinkable: it both united the base of the Republican Party for this election and gave them hope for the future.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/6/2008 | Read more »
Whether people should be allowed to smoke in public places is no longer a matter up for debate, as most cities have passed laws banning smoking except in a very few public places.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/6/2008 | Read more »
McCain made one of his now-typical outside-the-box moves in picking Sarah Palin, and in the process solidified the Republican base in a way no other candidate would have. If Ronald Reagan were alive today, he'd be Sarah Palin.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/29/2008 | Read more »
The Bible as a science textbook? That's a leap even a limber Pentecostal wouldn't make.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/28/2008 | Read more »
The next two nights of the 2008 Democratic Convention will see the curtain drawn on an unlikely political semi-dynasty, as both Hillary and Bill Clinton enjoy what will likely be their last time in the national spotlight.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/26/2008 | Read more »
Now that Barack Obama has officially selected Joe Biden to be his running mate, John McCain's choice for VP on the Republican side should be obvious, even to McCain.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/23/2008 | Read more »
For all the talk about change and Washington insiders and the status quo, Obama essentially picked the Democratic version of John McCain as his running mate.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/23/2008 | Read more »
By 1980, the dreaded singer-songwriter era of John Denver, Seals and Crofts, and Bread had come to an end. And rock and roll, having been kept alive by acts like Springsteen, the Sex Pistols, and Van Halen, was pissed off and ready for a comeback.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/22/2008 | Read more »
As I watched the "history-making" summit at Saddleback Church where Obama and McCain fielded innocuous questions from Saddleback pastor Rick Warren, all I could hear in my head was Strother Martin in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: "Morons. I've got morons on my team."
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/19/2008 | Read more »
Receiving your annual performance review can be a nerve-wracking time even in the best of circumstances. Receiving an unfair review can be devastating, and may not even be the worst part.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/17/2008 | Read more »
I was channel surfing the other night and came across the original Ocean's Eleven on one of the classic movie stations. For those who have seen both the original Ocean's Eleven and the 2001 remake of the same name comparisons are inevitable.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/17/2008 | Read more »
Too often, the business meetings we have are absolutely unnecessary. However, there are a few ways to make meetings productive rather than yet another drain on your time.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/17/2008 | Read more »
At the end of the season every year I'm so frustrated that I swear I'll never play again (except after the 2004 season when I actually won my league). But this year will be different. No, really it will
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/17/2008 | Read more »
Labor Day Weekend in the last hurrah of summer, and there's no better place to spend it than at the beach. For a great family getaway this Labor Day head south on I-45 to Galveston, Texas. Here are a few of the events and activities you'll find this Labor Day.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/17/2008 | Read more »
The traditional religions of China are evident in the architecture, art, and many other aspects of Chinese life, in spite of Communist rule.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/17/2008 | Read more »
Here's a question that would get a lot of different answers depending on who you ask: would Jesus drink a beer on the beach? Your answer probably depends a lot on what your view of Jesus is, as well as what you consider the "Christian" thing to do in this situation.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/13/2008 | Read more »
Texans are particularly proud of the flag of the Lone Star State, as well as the fact that we are the only state to have had six different national flags throughout our history.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/13/2008 | Read more »
Many people believe there is no difference between being fired and being laid off, but this is most definitely not the case. If you are fired from a position (as opposed to being laid off), you are generally not entitled to a severance package.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/13/2008 | Read more »
Everyone is interested in celebrities to some degree, whether they like to admit it or not. Recently, though, more and more people have reached the point of being completely sick of celebrity news.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/8/2008 | Read more »
Sunday morning church services have long been called the most segregated hour in America, and a report today on CNN.com seems to indicate that we prefer it that way. I don't agree with that, and I certainly don't believe we choose a church based on its racial makeup.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/4/2008 | Read more »
In John 14:6 Jesus makes the best known of seven "I am" statements in which He clearly claims to be not only the way to God but God Himself.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 8/3/2008 | Read more »
It's a sad day when a candidate for President of the United States has to rip off an idea from an unknown writer, but John McCain appeared to do just that today. And it's not the first time.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/30/2008 | Read more »
Colin Powell's legacy as Secretary of State will be that of an honorable man who entered an arena that does not prize honorable men.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/28/2008 | Read more »
The best-selling book of all time is also the least-read book in America today.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/28/2008 | Read more »
If someone from another planet were to visit America today, and stand in front of any magazine rack , they could come to only one conclusion: that Miley Cyrus and Barack Obama are the two most important people in the country.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/27/2008 | Read more »
There are other possible questions, but the exact questions asked in an exit interview don't always matter. Whether they are general or specific, you will usually get one of three types of answers, often depending on the attitude of the employee when they leave the company.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/26/2008 | Read more »
Insomnia affects untold numbers of people every night, at least in part because we have so much going on during any given day that we simply cannot quiet our minds enough at night to sleep. The question is whether this lack of sleep hurts or actually helps creativity.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/25/2008 | Read more »
With gasoline and food prices soaring, parents are scrambling to find activities for their kids and themselves that will be fun yet inexpensive. One destination that fits the bill is such a constant presence in our lives that we often overlook it: the public library.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/22/2008 | Read more »
While there are many relocation services available to people who move to a new town, from information on schools to restaurants to health clubs, there is not much information on where to look for a church. Here are some suggestions that may help in your search.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/21/2008 | Read more »
What happens if Barack Obama loses the presidential election in November? I know that the very idea is as ridiculous as thinking that the New England Patriots could lose the Super Bowl after 19 straight victories, but what if? Exactly what would such a scenario mean?
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/20/2008 | Read more »
In some ways, choosing between a small church and a mega-church requires the same analysis of advantages and disadvantages that one would apply to the question of whether to live in a small town or a large city.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/18/2008 | Read more »
The Council of Trent was an Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church convened as a response to the Protestant Reformation. Nearly 500 years later, the decrees of the Council of Trent inform and impact the practices of Catholics and their interaction with Protestants.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/17/2008 | Read more »
As Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's 2007-2008 world tour comes to a close, this seems like a good time to look back over Bruce's 35-year career and pick my Top 5 Springsteen albums.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/16/2008 | Read more »
Except in the most extreme situations, it is always best to give two weeks' notice when leaving a job. It is a well-established procedure that ultimately benefits both employer and employee, and veering from this standard can cause you many problems down the line.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/13/2008 | Read more »
With all of the new books coming out this summer, it may seem odd that I'm reviewing one that was released more than 50 years ago. But Elisabeth Elliot's "Through Gates of Splendor" is one of those books that each generation should know about, and that everyone should read.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/8/2008 | Read more »
I recently read a poll question that asked if Democrats could be Christian (or if Christians could be Democrats, I forget the exact wording). The question seemed patently absurd to me at first, but after some thought became more understandable for a number of reasons.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/7/2008 | Read more »
As he moves out of the primary phase of his campaign for President and into the general election contest, Barack Obama is softening his rhetoric of the past year in an effort to appeal more to the center of the American political spectrum.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/4/2008 | Read more »
The real cause of the spike in oil prices actually lies at the heart of an American institution: NASCAR.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/2/2008 | Read more »
The word "missionary" causes many to picture men in white pith helmets in a pot of boiling water surrounded by cannibals. While there are still thousands of full-time missionaries living overseas, the last 20 years has the emergence of a different model: short-term missions.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/2/2008 | Read more »
No matter where you live in Texas, this Fourth of July will feature family-friendly events and awesome fireworks. In big cities and small towns, folks will turn out to celebrate Independence Day Texas-style, and here are a few of the highlights.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 7/1/2008 | Read more »
John McCain met today with evangelist Billy Graham and his son Franklin. For many past Republican candidates the visit with Billy Graham was largely a symbolic one, but for McCain this is not the case.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/29/2008 | Read more »
Summer is in full swing all across the nation, which means fireworks, outdoor grilling and, of course, ice cream. For those living in or traveling to New England this summer, RoadfoodDigest.com has just released its list of the top ice cream establishments in New England.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/28/2008 | Read more »
In "The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop," San Francisco author Lewis Buzbee does something few writers would be able to: he makes the history of the book and the bookstore something you just can't put down.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/26/2008 | Read more »
At first glance, the idea that you could be depressed after completing a novel seems a little strange, but it's true nonetheless.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/26/2008 | Read more »
At 12:15 a.m. today, both George W. Bush and Dick Cheney submitted their resignations to Chief Justice John Roberts. By the line of succession, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi immediately became President. "Ya'll can go to hell," Bush said. "I'm going back to Texas."
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/25/2008 | Read more »
Sometimes the best summer attractions are right in your own backyard. In the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, one great local destination that is often overlooked is the nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/25/2008 | Read more »
A recent story in the UK Telegraph News generated a considerable amount of attention with a headline that read "Christianity Could Die Out Within a Century." Is the outlook really that bleak?
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/25/2008 | Read more »
Yesterday the Associated Press reported the beginning of a war of words between Barack Obama and Evangelical leader James Dobson. Today, Obama responded to Dobson's comments. In a nutshell, his response was "I know you are but what am I?"
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/24/2008 | Read more »
Barack Obama and James Dobson find themselves at cross-purposes over Obama's outreach to Evangelical voters. Dobson has accused Obama of "distorting the Bible and pushing a fruitcake interpretation of the Constitution." As hard as it is for me to say, I agree with Dobson.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/23/2008 | Read more »
Rising gasoline and food prices are taking a toll on charitable giving; forty six percent of the Christian adults surveyed said that they have reduced their giving to charity.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/23/2008 | Read more »
As the economy gets tighter and more companies downsize their workforce, many workers will be faced with filing for unemployment insurance. . Here are some of the basics regarding unemployment benefits.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/22/2008 | Read more »
At their annual meeting on June 10th, delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention elected Dr. Johnny Hunt of First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia as their new President. Hunt's election comes at a critical juncture for Southern Baptists.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/21/2008 | Read more »
Last year I released my NFL predictions in early July, beating SI's Dr. Z to the punch. Apparently Dr. Z was not pleased; he put out his Super Bowl XLIII winner today, picking the Vikings to win it all. Silly Z. The best team in the league this year is the Cowboys.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/20/2008 | Read more »
Great quotes, whether from leaders, entertainers or anyone else, can amuse us or inspire us; the very best often manage to both at the same time. Here are a few quotes that have caught my attention over the years.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/20/2008 | Read more »
As the world focuses on the continuing standoff between Iran and the West over Iran's possible development of nuclear weapons, an attack going on inside the country is essentially being ignored.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/19/2008 | Read more »
Just as the real meaning of Christmas is more than presents and mistletoe, the 4th of July is more than an excuse to grill burgers. The 4th is also about patriotism, a celebration of the sacrifices made since the founding of our nation to give us the freedoms we enjoy today.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/16/2008 | Read more »
With Independence Day 2008 kicking off a 3-day weekend, there are more family-friendly events this July 4th than ever before, and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex will host a variety of activities. Here are just a few of the more notable celebrations and festivities.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/4/2008 | Read more »
The Great Commission is one of the clearest passages in the entire Bible, and yet is also one of the least obeyed.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 6/3/2008 | Read more »
Always remember that the only purpose of a resume is to get you an interview. Since resumes have a standard format that most people follow, making one stand out is no easy task.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/31/2008 | Read more »
For an election season that started with such promise, there sure are a lot of folks unhappy with whom the likely nominees will be. So how about a third alternative: an independent ticket of Hillary Clinton and Ron Paul.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/30/2008 | Read more »
The smoke and mirrors that has been the Obama campaign is finally starting to unravel, and despite early enthusiasm generated by his stirring speeches, it seems unlikely that he can defeat John McCain in the general election in November.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/30/2008 | Read more »
It's time for my Second Annual Summer Reading List that anyone can stick to. As before, I have included fourteen books, one for each week between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Some are recent, some are old, and some you should have read in college but didn't.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/29/2008 | Read more »
The hard reality is that neither Obama nor McCain are going to ride in on a white horse and "fix" America; no other candidate could either. The problem isn't with our leadership, as poor as our leadership has been for decades. The problem is with us.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/28/2008 | Read more »
There are three preachers I think everyone should take the time to hear, and all have messages available for listening on their church or ministry website.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/26/2008 | Read more »
In Texas, Vacation Bible School is as much of a summer tradition as Fourth of July fireworks and Labor Day cookouts. This year a number of local churches in the Dallas - Fort Worth area will be holding VBS activities with different themes during the months of June and July.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/26/2008 | Read more »
It's become clear over the past several months that Barack Obama has a Messiah complex. But it's one thing to think you're the Second Coming of Christ. It's another to go so far as to turn your wife loose as your very own John the Baptist.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/25/2008 | Read more »
There are a wide variety of family-friendly Memorial Day weekend events in Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex this year. Here are some of the more notable celebrations and festivities.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/14/2008 | Read more »
In 1992, the document "Evangelicals and Catholics Together" claimed there were no longer disagreements between the two groups on the essential points of doctrine. Today, both the Pope and a leading voice in the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. seem to disagree.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/8/2008 | Read more »
As hard as it may be to believe, George W. Bush could still have a significant impact on the 2008 election.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 5/5/2008 | Read more »
Everyone seems to have an argument for how these super delegates should vote, and I am no exception. My reasoning, unlike many of those clamoring over this issue, deals only with the facts. I believe that all of the super delegates must line up behind Hillary Clinton.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/25/2008 | Read more »
The 2008 Mayfest will be held in Fort Worth's Trinity Park May 1st through 4th. The event has been a Fort Worth tradition since 1973, making it the North Texas city's oldest community festival.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/25/2008 | Read more »
A year ago the idea of choosing a new President seemed simple. There appeared to be good candidates on both sides, and certainly any of them would be better than George W. Bush, right? Time has shown we may have gotten a little ahead of ourselves.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/25/2008 | Read more »
My favorite NBA Playoff moment of all time was Earvin "Magic" Johnson's performance in the sixth game of the 1980 NBA Finals, between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/24/2008 | Read more »
As technology, and particularly Internet access, has improved, the concept of distance education vs. attending college on campus has changed dramatically as well.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/23/2008 | Read more »
Globalization is a very popular buzzword today, especially on the campaign trail. However, I would like to move beyond the political rhetoric and look at what globalization really means, both good and bad.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/22/2008 | Read more »
I don't think that Oprah Winfrey is a cult leader, unless you're talking about the cult of personality. But I do think, from a Christian perspective, that she fits the definition of a false teacher.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/22/2008 | Read more »
Great Italian restaurants are, like great art, in the eye of the beholder. But there are a few common ingredients that go into making a great Italian restaurant.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/22/2008 | Read more »
I recently read about a move to put warning labels for parents on books that would let them know that the content may be inappropriate for their children. The very idea is one of the most optimistic I've read in a while, if only because it assumes that kids are reading.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/20/2008 | Read more »
Getting fired is always a traumatic experience because it brings anxiety and uncertainty into your life. However, it can also be an opportunity for change and growth if you are willing to make the most of the opportunity.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/19/2008 | Read more »
The issue of whether it's important for your employees to like you is one all managers struggle with at some point. We all have a natural desire to have people like us, but there are times when that desire comes into direct conflict with our ability to get the job done.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/19/2008 | Read more »
It goes against the very idea of what ministers should be, but the fact is that a great many of them are extremely territorial. In many ways church leaders are competing for congregants in the same way that Fortune 500 CEOs compete for customers and market share.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/19/2008 | Read more »
While the world remains focused on the Chinese crackdown in Tibet, Christians there are being singled out as well. In what it calls an effort to curb possible dissent at the Olympic games this summer, the Chinese government is intensifying its persecution of Christians.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/19/2008 | Read more »
All in all, I'd rather have Obama endorsing Bruce for President. Since that's not going to happen I'd be content to see Springsteen spend more time working on a new album and less time as yet another apologist for this discredited "visionary."
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/17/2008 | Read more »
Barack Obama's comments about the "bitter" Pennsylvanians weren't just a poor choice of words. We're finally starting to see what Obama really thinks about the American people.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/12/2008 | Read more »
There are numerous books and classes on evangelism today, each with its own specific method. In this article I would like to look at an example of Jesus telling someone the Good News about himself, as recorded in John's Gospel.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 4/5/2008 | Read more »
Now that we have the Internet, iPods, and YouTube, some may think that storytelling is completely dead. Well, there are some folks that beg to differ. Starting April 10th the Tejas Storytelling Association will host the 2008 Texas Storytelling Festival.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/30/2008 | Read more »
There is a solution being offered by numerous people, including at least one Democratic lawmaker, to the bloodbath going on between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and its name is Al Gore.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/26/2008 | Read more »
Last month I wrote an article on how guys can survive Valentine's Day. It generated some questions about suggestions for surviving beyond Valentine's. Here are a few tips.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/24/2008 | Read more »
So far, 2008 has not gone he way the leaders of the Democratic Party envisioned. The party now seems on the verge of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/22/2008 | Read more »
It's Good Friday, and people around the country are gearing up for Easter weekend activities. It's always a fun time, especially for the kids: coloring eggs, hunting for eggs, and a lunch/dinner rivaled only by Thanksgiving and Christmas. But Easter is much more than that.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/21/2008 | Read more »
No matter who wins the tight contest between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, one thing is now certain: for the first time since 1960 someone will be moving directly from the Senate to the Presidency.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/19/2008 | Read more »
Lost in the controversy surrounding statements by Barack Obama's former pastor Jeremiah Write is the fact that Christianity is the real loser in this whole ordeal.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/18/2008 | Read more »
Choosing the right Bible for you is no longer a simple task, but it can be made easier with a little work before you buy.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/17/2008 | Read more »
There are a number of contenders who, while they won't admit it, want the VP slot on the Republican ticket. Each has positives and negatives, but I think it will become clear quickly that there is really only one smart choice: Mike Huckabee.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/11/2008 | Read more »
Quoting movies is an American pastime. The following 10 movie quotes have stayed with me, for very different reasons, since the first time I heard them.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/8/2008 | Read more »
Spring Break is more than just a time for rowdy college students to invade every square inch of beach in North America. It's also a time for family vacations, and if you're looking for both beaches and non-oceanic activities for the family you should consider Galveston.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 3/4/2008 | Read more »
If you find yourself in Galveston, Texas this spring or summer and get tired of hanging out on the beach, you might want to consider a journey into the past. "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" is continuing its acclaimed tour at Moody Gardens in Galveston.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/29/2008 | Read more »
Many have compared Barack Obama to Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. The difference is that those two great men spoke eloquently and then went out and put their words into action. Barack Obama seems to only have the words.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/28/2008 | Read more »
Picking NCAA teams for your March Madness Tournament pool is both an art and a science. The art aspect is not unlike throwing darts at a board; no matter how good you are one always seems to slip out of your hand.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/27/2008 | Read more »
Regardless of what's happened in other recent contests and what an army of political analysts say, one or both of the front-runners will be unpleasantly surprised by results of the Texas Primaries on March 4th.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/23/2008 | Read more »
Although they've been around for nearly 20 years and have had at least one #1 hit, the Gin Blossoms are still not that well known except for one or two songs. That's a shame, because this band from Tempe has put out some great music. Here are my Top 10 Gin Blossoms songs.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/22/2008 | Read more »
Following a recent change in ownership, the Fort Worth Star Telegram has dropped the Volunteer Needs column from its print edition. This column was crucial in matching volunteers with the non-profit agencies that need their help.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/22/2008 | Read more »
It is critical that when the primary dust settles and the Presidential nominees are officially chosen that we not revert to what has happened in the past, namely low voter turnout in the November general election.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/19/2008 | Read more »
It is hard to believe that the first president of the twentieth century served more than 100 years ago. On this President's Day I would like to recall the men who served during the last century.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/18/2008 | Read more »
People love conspiracy theories. My favorite goes beyond being a mere theory; the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy have grown into their own industry.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/18/2008 | Read more »
Many pundits have predicted that evangelical Christians will abandon the Republicans this year, most likely by simply not voting. I say there is no way that will happen.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/17/2008 | Read more »
Recently I came across an interesting online debate about church size. The question was whether churches with very small congregations should disband, and whether mega-churches were better. Here are my thoughts.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/16/2008 | Read more »
We have all seen the magnificent paintings and sculptures of Biblical themes that were created during the Renaissance. Now you can see an exhibition of the earliest examples Christian art at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, TX.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/15/2008 | Read more »
It's been said that Barack Obama inspires people in a way not seen JFK. But the whole "inspiration" aspect worries me. Giving people hope is great, but can a man with only four years' experience in the Senate actually deliver on all the changes he speaks so eloquently about?
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/13/2008 | Read more »
Dr. James Dobson, arguably the most powerful evangelical leader in America, is planning to endorse Mike Huckabee for the Republican nomination for President. Along with Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter, Dobson forms the unholy trinity of famous radical neo-conservatives.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/8/2008 | Read more »
Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and it's a good bet that most guys have done nothing to prepare. But we've reached the point that February 14th can no longer be ignored, and a great many men need help making sure the day isn't a total disaster.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/7/2008 | Read more »
When it comes to betting on horses, everyone seems to have a system they swear by. For me, it's not that quite detailed or scientific a process.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/6/2008 | Read more »
There has been some discussion in the press lately about whether U.S. military officers and enlisted personnel should be allowed to appear in uniform supporting political candidates. The question is important and my answer may surprise some of you.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/5/2008 | Read more »
Super Tuesday is supposed to be the day that clears up the race for the nominations for President. Don't count on it.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/4/2008 | Read more »
Is there still a "black vote" in the same sense that it has existed in the past? While race may have played a part in the South Carolina primary, mainly because of the way both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton targeted their message, I believe on the whole the answer is no.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/4/2008 | Read more »
The Republican Party has gone insane. At least the far-right, ultra-conservative wing of the party has. Ann Coulter, the poster girl for extremism within the conservative wing of the Republican Party, said yesterday she would vote for Hillary Clinton rather than John McCain.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Beginning April 1st, the second annual Script Frenzy will give would-be screenwriters the jump-start they need to make the dream of writing a screenplay a reality.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
The list of rock stars we have lost in the past half-century could fill an entire book. Rather than the usual roster of names with lurid detail about how they died, I want to list several deceased artists that had an impact on me in some way.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/30/2008 | Read more »
Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy today announced his endorsement of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama for President. How much will it help Obama's battle for the nomination?
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/28/2008 | Read more »
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Even Dickens saw the need for balance when looking at the world, even when dealing with something as devastating as the French Revolution. We seem to have lost that ability today.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/25/2008 | Read more »
I personally find the opposition to showing identification as a requirement for voting to be one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. For our democracy to work, elections must be fair and open.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/25/2008 | Read more »
Keeping in mind the current labor laws, here are a few suggestions from an ex-soldier on how to "gently" motivate your employees.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/24/2008 | Read more »
The five books I think everyone should read cover a broad spectrum, from fiction to history to religion.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
There is always speculation about a head coach's future following a loss in the NFL playoffs, and this year is no exception. Two of the most discussed names are Wade Phillips, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, and Mike Holmgren, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/14/2008 | Read more »
Several factors go into the making of a great buddy film, and gender is not as critical as it might seem. Here is my list of the top five buddy films.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/14/2008 | Read more »
For over 100 years, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has entertained families throughout the Southwest, and this year it runs from January 11th through February 3rd.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/13/2008 | Read more »
In spite of finishing a distant third in New Hampshire, John Edwards has vowed that he is in the race for the Democratic nomination for the long haul. The reality is that if he does not win in South Carolina on January 26th his race for the White House is over.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/12/2008 | Read more »
I live in Texas, and since our primaries are held the first week of March, since at least 1984 the nominee in both parties has already been decided by the time we vote. That may change this year. Here's how I hope the upcoming primaries will turn out.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/10/2008 | Read more »
The political spin masters would have us believe that, after what happened in Iowa, Hillary Clinton is all but finished, and John McCain has a real chance to win the nomination. None of this is true, as the New Hampshire primaries will prove.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/5/2008 | Read more »
Any discussion of the "best" Super Bowls is in reality a debate over a particular fan's favorite game, regardless of how competitive the final score. Most will tend to see a game in which their home team played as one of the best, and this list is no exception.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/5/2008 | Read more »
Before training camp I wrote an article that laid out my predictions for the 2007 season, including the playoffs. I will now look back on my predictions. I will gloat about what I got right, make excuses for what I got wrong, and then pick my playoff winners.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 1/5/2008 | Read more »
A recent study showed that an alarming number of California students couldn't find the Pacific Ocean on a map, so is it any wonder that people don't know or care what's happening in Budapest or Bangkok? Maybe we've all become too insulated in our iPod and Blackberry worlds.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 12/26/2007 | Read more »
It can be difficult finding things for the whole family to do on New Year's Eve, especially since most activities revolve around bars and nightclubs. Here are some family-friendly options for people living in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 12/25/2007 | Read more »
Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul appeared on Meet the Press this morning, giving many Americans their first extended exposure to him and what America would look like under a Ron Paul presidency.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 12/23/2007 | Read more »
There have been numerous calls for more citizen involvement in the political process, and I have found just the way to achieve that goal: we need to make the Presidential election more like the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 12/22/2007 | Read more »
When first starting out as a book collector, one of the biggest questions you will likely have is about what makes a book valuable. There are several variables to consider regarding a book's value, and each is important.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 12/22/2007 | Read more »
Everyone knows about the Bible Belt, but a recent story on CNN.com has brought to light a new religious landmark in America: The Holy Highway.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 12/20/2007 | Read more »
This past Sunday, Texas Congressman and Presidential candidate Ron Paul raised $6.2 million dollars through the Internet, a one-day fundraising record for either party. This financial bonanza pushed Paul's fundraising total for the final quarter of the year past $18 million.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 12/18/2007 | Read more »
Apparently, imitation is also the most politically expedient form of flattery. Unable to stomach their leading choices for the 2008 Presidential nomination, Republicans have decided to turn to a former Governor from Arkansas.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 12/14/2007 | Read more »
The Iowa Caucus is now set for Jan. 3, 2008, with the New Hampshire Primary following a few days later on January 8th. I will now release my picks for the winners and losers of both races for both parties.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 11/30/2007 | Read more »
Books make a great Christmas gift: they're portable, don't require 4 AA batteries, and you don't have to stay up all night putting them together. For the book collector on your list the choice of gifts is equally wide-open, but you'll need to work a little harder.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 11/29/2007 | Read more »
The Religious Right has splintered on the issue of which candidate to support in the 2008 Republican primaries because for the first time since 2000 there is no one candidate that supports all of the things that matter to them.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 11/29/2007 | Read more »
I have found myself thinking a lot lately about what I would do if I were ever to become President of the United States. It seemed like an impossible dream, until the election of George W. Bush. Then I realized that it was true that anyone could be elected President.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 11/25/2007 | Read more »
Amazon's long-awaited entry into the electronic book reader has finally arrived. The company announced the release of the Amazon Kindle which will face off against Sony's Reader in the thus-far unsuccessful attempt to move the reading public away from printed books.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 11/19/2007 | Read more »
Today most people know what Che Guevara looks like, even if they can't put a name with the face. A photograph of Guevara has become one of the iconic images of our time. Yet an image once carried by social revolutionaries now adorns T-shirts, mugs, and consumer goods.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 11/16/2007 | Read more »
The Booksmith, an independent bookstore located in the San Francisco's famed Haight Ashbury neighborhood, announced recently that the changeover to their new ownership is complete.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 11/7/2007 | Read more »
In keeping with the Halloween spirit (no pun intended), I have compiled a listing of my favorite vampires. We have an ongoing fascination with these kings and queens of the undead, and some portrayals have been quite remarkable.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 10/26/2007 | Read more »
Last month Hauntworld Magazine released their annual list of the top 13 professional haunted attractions nationwide. As the self-proclaimed leading trade publication of the scaring industry, ignore Hauntworld's recommendations at your own peril.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 10/26/2007 | Read more »
I sat in the front pew of the Good Shepherd Methodist Church, waiting to give my first sermon since being thrown out of the Baptist church.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 10/24/2007 | Read more »
Well before she announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President, Hillary Clinton was the best-known candidate from either party. Now it is apparent that she is also the best candidate.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 10/18/2007 | Read more »
As Halloween approaches, you don't have to settle for the same old cheesy haunted house. For a truly high-tech fright experience, travel to Sinking Spring, PA, home of Shocktoberfest, Pennsylvania's Premier Haunted Theme Park.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 10/10/2007 | Read more »
Bono, lead singer of U2 and global debt-relief activist, and the advocacy organization he co-founded to fight poverty and disease in Africa were presented with the National Constitution Center's 2007 Liberty Medal last weekend.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 10/1/2007 | Read more »
Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards is running a distant third for the Democratic nomination behind Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. However, he has a foreign policy agenda that is unique among all of the other candidates and should be considered.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/29/2007 | Read more »
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport has announced that KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will begin daily wide-body service from Dallas-Fort Worth to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of the world's top international connecting hubs, beginning March 30, 2008.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/28/2007 | Read more »
RMS Titanic, Inc. has entered into an agreement to present Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The Exhibition will open on October 6th for a limited engagement.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/28/2007 | Read more »
Interviewing for a job is stressful. Here are some mistakes that can doom your chances of landing the job you want.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/27/2007 | Read more »
With the release of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's new CD Magic only five days away, this is a good time to take a look back and give my completely subjective Springsteen Top 15. I know that normally lists like this are Top 10s, but this is Bruce after all.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/27/2007 | Read more »
All writers know that trying to get published is no fun. The difficulty in getting published is one reason writers choose the self-publishing route. Here is a comparison of the major Print on Demand options.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/26/2007 | Read more »
In just under 16 months, George W. Bush's final term as President will come to an end. . But this also means that W. will be unemployed, and that's just not good for the economy. Here are some possible jobs he might land after January 20, 2009.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/25/2007 | Read more »
With Halloween approaching, stores are filling up with costumes, candy, and all manner of ghoulish items. But in Savannah, Georgia, it's Halloween every night, because Savannah is not only one of the most interesting cities in America, it's also the most haunted.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/25/2007 | Read more »
In just under five weeks the insanity will begin again. Tens of thousands of would-be novelists will take up the challenge of National Novel Writing Month in the attempt to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/24/2007 | Read more »
This week is Educator Savings Week at Borders Bookstores. Borders will honor teachers with special savings and events from Sept. 26 through Oct. 2 at all Borders, Borders Express and Waldenbooks stores across the country.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/24/2007 | Read more »
This year's State Fair of Texas runs from September 28th through October 21st and promises to provide the larger-than-life experience that Texans have come to expect since the Fair began in 1886.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/19/2007 | Read more »
There are those who love to read books, and then there are those who love to read and love books. Here are three books that every book lover will want on their shelf.
By Bruno Somerset | Published 9/17/2007 | Read more »
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