50 States: West Virginia

At the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, Virginia was a state that included present-day Virginia and West Virginia. From the earliest days of statehood, there was a rift between those who lived in eastern Virginia and those who lived in western Virginia. Those in the east had the money and held the power. They were wealthy landowners who controlled the vote. Those who lived in the west did not own land and, therefore, were not allowed to vote, until the law was changed in 1850. When Virginia decided to secede from the Union in 1861, many who lived in western Virginia talked about forming their own state government which would, then, be loyal to the Union. On June 20, 1863, this new state—West Virginia—was granted statehood. It is our 35th state.

West Virginia (WV) covers more than 24,000 square miles, making it the 41st biggest state. The capital and largest city is Charleston. People who live in WV are referred to as West Virginians. It is estimated that there were more than 1.8 million West Virginians in 2013. Some famous people born here include:

Pearl S. Buck...author

Stonewall Jackson...Civil War general

William Hatfield...Family leader (Hatfield and McCoys)

Chuck Yeager...World War II pilot

Mary Lou Retton...Olympic gold medalist

Joseph E. Johnston...Civil War general

Brad Paisley...singer

Some of the state symbols include:

Bird...Cardinal

Animal...Black bear

Fish...Brook trout

Butterfly...Monarch butterfly

Flower...Rhododendron

Tree...Sugar maple

Fruit...Golden delicious apple

The state motto is "Montani simper liberi," which means "Mountaineers are always free." The word "mountaineer" actually has its origin in Cymbeline, one of Shakespeare's plays. Its original connotation was derogatory, but it has come to be defined generally as a person who lives in a mountainous region. West Virginia is certainly a mountainous region, and its nickname—The Mountain State—is well deserved.

The official flag of WV was adopted in 1929. The rhododendron surrounds the state seal which depicts a farmer and a miner on opposite sides of a rock with the date of statehood carved into it. There are also two rifles and a liberty cap. The motto is written on the lower ribbon.

What is there to do in West Virginia? Plenty, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast. One extremely popular area for rock climbing is Seneca Rocks. This is a sheer rock face located on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest in the eastern portion of the state. While in the area, visit Seneca Caverns.

Blackwater Falls State Park is located in Davis, WV. This is where my husband and I spent our honeymoon. Despite the fact that there had not been much rain and the falls did not have a lot of water pouring over them, the area was simply beautiful.

Some other quaint spots on our trip included the smallest post office in the lower 48 and the smallest church, which wasn't much bigger than the mailing office you see below.

Consider visiting the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park or Harpers Ferry National Historical Park where John Brown made a stand against slavery. The New River Gorge Bridge is the longest arch bridge in the western hemisphere and was chosen to be displayed on the West Virginia commemorative quarter. A visitors' center allows you to stand at the top of the gorge and take photographs of the bridge.

You can tour the old West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville. Across the street is the largest Indian burial ground in the world and a museum which houses many artifacts from WV history.

Many beautiful state parks and lakes are located in West Virginia, each with a plethora of activities to enjoy. There are also ski resorts for outdoor fun in the winter. One activity my family enjoyed every year while we lived in Pennsylvania was visiting Oglebay in Wheeling for the Festival of Lights.

Now, test your knowledge and see what you have learned with these West Virginia learning games.

The following items are available on www.christianbook.com.

West Virginia My First Book, Grades K-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International An "early bird" intro to basic state facts. Covers state basics such as state nickname, seal, song, bird, motto, flag, regions, industries, neighbors, and weather, plus an intro to state history, people, and more. Includes drawing, mazes, matching, coloring, and more! Reproducible. Available for all 50 states. Grades K-5; ages 5-10.

It Happened in West Virginia By Rick Steelhammer / Globe Pequot

West Virginia Poster/Map By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Brighten up your schoolroom with this large poster of West Virginia! With rivers, lakes, and large cities labeled, there are also notes on where the state's natural resources are, where tourism spots are located, and pictures around the bottom. A box with famous people from West Virginia is included, as well as a small map of counties, a timeline, geo-trivia, and state information. Measures approximately 2'10" x 1'10". Glossy.

The Landmark History of the American People, Volume 1: From Plymouth to the West By Daniel J. Boorstin & Ruth F. Boorstin / Avyx Inc Originally published as The Landmark History of the American People from Plymouth to Appomattox, which came out in 22 chapters from 1968-1987, this edition features new text alongside updated and revised text and new, colorful illustrations, timelines, and maps. The first in a 2-volume series, this book covers the plantations and earliest settlements from Massachusetts to Virginia, the path towards the Revolutionary War, immigration and new states post-Revolution, and Westward Expansion. Engaging, lively chapters are filled with the dramatic true stories of history, giving students a unique perspective into the lives of people who lived long ago, yet continue to impact the character of our nation. Image-rich chapters feature numerous art reproductions, annotated maps, and helpful graphics. Readers will gain an understanding of the trajectories of historical events and the people who influenced the course of history through this unique history text. 169 pages, indexed, softcover. Grades 6 & up.

John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry By Coughlan Publishing Grab your Manga-and-comic obsessed children's attention with this graphic-novel approach to American history! Focusing on the story of John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, this novel breaks down his life in classic "comic book" style. Glossary, index, bibliography, and internet resources included. Ages 8-12, 32 pages, softcover.

The Good Earth Trilogy: The Good Earth, Sons, and A House Divided - eBook By Pearl S. Buck / Open Road Media

Good Earth, Novel Units Teacher's Guide, Grades 9-12 By Buck / ECS Learning Systems, Inc. This Novel Units teacher's guide is designed to accompany the (not-included) novel "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck, as well as the sold-separately The Good Earth Novel Units Student Packet. Including a number of teacher's helps, exercises, discussion questions, assessment tools, graphic organizers, writing and art ideas, critical thinking challenges, extension activities, glossary, and more, this book is a convenient guide to facilitating discussion. Background information includes a summary, information about the author, and ideas for initiating activity; the discussion questions follow the chapters in the book. Page numbers are included, which reference the edition quoted in the front cover. [Washington Square Press, a division of Simon & Schuster Inc. Copyright 1994.] Please note that the student packet includes the answers to the student book, not this teacher's edition. Paperback. Grades 9-12.

Pearl Buck in China: Journey to the Good Earth By Hilary Spurling / Simon & Schuster The daughter of missionaries and raised in China, Pearl Buck went on to write The Good Earth, for which she won the Pulitzer Prize. She was also awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1938. This biography by Hilary Spurling offers a richly detailed portrait of a woman ahead of her time in women's rights and humanitarian efforts in China.

Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson Story DVD By Ken Carpenter / Franklin Springs Family Media He's known for his military might and his Christian character. Through High Definition videography and expert narrative, Still Standing traces the life of Stonewall Jackson, from his orphaned childhood, to the Sunday School class he taught for African Americans, to the pivotal role he played as a General in the Civil War. Still Standing is punctuated by narrative from noted historians James I. "Bud" Robertson Jr., Dr. George Grant, William Potter, Virginia Military Institute Col. Keith Gibson; and Francis Lightburn Cressman—great-granddaughter of Civil War Union General Joseph Lightburn—among others. The film features striking new footage from Jackson's boyhood home near Weston, West Virginia; various locations in Lexington, Virginia, and other Civil War locales. 48 minutes on DVD with bonus features.

Such Troops at These: The Genius and Leadership of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson By Bevin Alexander / Berkley Caliber Hardcover

Thomas Stonewall Jackson: Confederate General By Coughlan Publishing Learn about Stonewall Jackson's life and legacy with this Signature Lives biography. Clear, informative text coupled with historic illustrations and photographs bring added depth, while historical context allows students to look at the era. 112 pages, paperback. Timeline, index, glossary, and "life at a glance" page included.

Stonewall Jackson, Sower Series By Mott Media, LLC Stonewall Jackson was loved in the South and admired in the North. He was called a great general, a noble Christian, and a pure man by a Northern newspaper at the time of his death. He was fearless in battle and well-respected. Read of his childhood, his hard work at West Point, and his faith that shaped him into the man he became. For ages 9 to 13.

Stonewall By John J. Dwyer / B&H Books Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson. The name is most often followed by the phrase "American Civil War hero." This historical novel takes you beyond that limited scope to reveal the full character of this extraordinary man. Meet Stonewall the lonely orphan, the mocked military cadet, and the devout Christian. His rise from personal tragedy to legendary glory will inspire you to stand strong in your pursuits. 512 pages, softcover from B&H.

Collection Five: Mary Anna Jackson & Susannah Spurgeon By Emily Rose & Breezy Brookshire / Noble Rose Press Encourage a love of history in your daughters with Daughters of His Story Paper Dolls! Emphasizing historical women who serve as examples of femininity and strong biblical character, the featured women sacrificed much for the sake of the Lord, their husbands, and families. Printed on high-quality glossy paper, cutting out the dolls and clothes is required. Printed in the United States. Daughters of His Story Paper Dolls: Collection Five features two women of the Victorian Era, one from America and one from England: Mary Anna Jackson, wife of "Stonewall" Jackson, and Susannah Spurgeon, wife of Charles Spurgeon. This book includes: Two 8" (9" including stands) paper dolls: Mary Anna Jackson and Susannah Spurgeon Two short biographical sketches Three dresses each Two timeline figures A pocket (to attach to the inside of the keepsake folder)

The Feud: The Hatfields and McCoys By Dean King / Little, Brown & Company In the mid-nineteenth century, the Hatfields and the McCoys lived in relative harmony in the Appalachian Mountains as they married, worked, and traded among each other. What happened that caused a rift so powerful that centuries later Americans still know of them? This meticulously researched work looks at the killing, kidnapping, and torture that grew out of animosity sparked by the division of the Civil War. The Feud moves readers beyond the legend and into the lives and times of these two families. 430 pages, hardcover, indexed.

Micro Business for Teens Review

My 14-year-old son is always looking for ways to earn money. Since I don't have a lot of money to be paying him for extra jobs around the house, he is often left wanting, unless his grandmother can hire him to do some yard work. Micro Business for Teens seemed like a godsend. I was sure this would help him find his niche and begin making some money. As part of this curriculum, we received three books: Starting a Micro Business, Running a Micro Business, and Micro Business for Teens Workbook. As soon as we received these physical products in the mail, he got started. They are geared towards young people, ages 10 through 18, and they are written specifically for them. They are not, as Carol Topp puts it, books about running a lemonade stand, nor are they books written for adults with a few words changed to make them sound as though they are written for young people.

Starting a Micro Business begins by explaining what a micro business is, getting an idea of a good micro business, and how to choose the right product or service and transitions into writing a business plan and financing the business. Extra information is given for particular types of businesses like babysitting and food preparation. Carol Topp also has a chapter on finding encouragement and motivation to keep up with the business.

At the outset of Starting a Micro Business, my son was encouraged by the stories of teens with successful businesses which are interspersed throughout the book. Of course, he got very excited when he read about the boy who was offered $300,000 for his website after it had been existence for two years. As he began to think of an idea for his businesses, he quickly became discouraged. He became aware of the fact that there aren't a whole lot of things he likes to do besides play video games. One of his dreams has been to become a YouTube personality by uploading videos of himself playing Minecraft. I think he realized, though, that that is not entirely realistic and, while there are some extremely famous YouTubers out there, he does not have anything to talk about that would draw people. Since his interests are limited and he is not sure what he is capable of, he read through all of the ideas presented by Carol. He decided that he could bring himself to provide a doggy-doo cleanup service, "Doggy Don't Doo." Now, for my son to choose something like this, it means he has gone beyond his own comfort zone. He has stretched himself. He realized that he might have to buckle down and work to start earning some money. We talked about the fact that he might learn of more abilities that he possesses or things he likes if he would spend less time on the computer. Of course, he could find a way to incorporate the computer into a micro business, but he tends to fear the learning curve (I think).

We had a lot of discussions about what he would charge for his service, and he spent a good deal of time learning about licenses, permits, and sales tax. While my son did not actually start his business yet, he learned from Running a Micro Business how to serve customers well, keep good records, and keeping up with the bookkeeping to make the end-of-the-year reports and taxes easier to file. The organizational aspect of running a business might trip my son up. He is not a very organized person. I think he gets that from his mom. :(  These books, however, provide the resources and the information needed to do the job well. I appreciated the chapter on bookkeeping. It made me think about my own freelance editing job and what records I should be keeping and taxes I should be filing.

As my son thinks more about the business he is choosing to embark upon and how he will go about advertising, I am sure he will go back to these books for advice and encouragement. When I asked him what he liked best about the books, he stated, "They were very detailed and gave guides to multiple different possibilities." He disliked the fact that they gave more information about certain types of jobs than others. He felt that there were some items within the books that were repetitive.

All three books are available in paperback and e-book form. Starting a Micro Business and Running a Micro Business both retail for $9.95 as a paperback and $4.95 as an e-book. The Micro Business for Teens Workbook is $14.95 as a paperback and $9.95 as an e-book.




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Is Prayer Really Necessary? (Part One)

There is a question that often repeats in my head: Why should I pray if God knows what I am thinking anyway?

I have heard others ask: Should I pray constantly about the same thing or just pray once and leave it to God?

Let's sort through this, from the beginning. First of all, prayer is simply talking to God. This may cause us to ask "Why should I want to talk to God?" 

Some possible answers might be:

-to thank Him

-to ask for stuff

-to ask Him to forgive us for something

-to get to know Him better

If we think of our relationship with God in terms of a friendship we might have or a dating or marriage relationship, we can shed some light on our relationship with God. When you are friends with someone, how do you get to know them better? Do you ignore them or learn as much as you can about them? Do you talk to them or allow yourself to be distracted by other things on a regular basis? I'm sure you said you have to talk to someone to get to know them.

Why don't we take this approach with God? I often find myself being distracted by my computer, my phone, work, etc., and don't talk to God very much. Am I getting to know Him better? No, not really. Thankfully, one really big difference between God and a human friend is that God will always be there. When we ignore our human friends, they will eventually find other friends. A person can only stand to be ignored for so long. God, however, loves us and is extremely patient. I became a Christian when I was five years old. For a few years, I "acted" like a Christian. When I turned 11, though, I just wanted to be popular. I tried to do things that I thought would make me popular. They didn't, but they did serve to pull me away from God. I didn't recommit my life to Christ until I was nearly 20 years old. During those nine years, I did whatever I wanted to do. I turned my back on God. There were times when I felt convicted by the way I was living, but I ignored God. He, however, was always there. When I "came to my senses" at the end of my second year of college, I was overwhelmed by God's love. He waited.

Be careful you don't view God as being co-dependent, though. Does He need me? No, but He does love me and wants to have a relationship with me. It is not God's will that any of us should perish (Matthew 18:14).

Think again about your friendship/relationship. If you ask that person constantly to do something for you or to give you something, how well would you get to know them? How long do you suppose you would be friends? Probably not very long, right? Now, think about God. If we only talk to Him when we want something, will we ever see Him as anything but either a benevolent granter of wishes (if you get what you ask for) or a cruel and heartless overlord (if you don't get what you ask for)?

Did you know that God always answers our prayers? He does. If you are a parent, think about when your kids ask for something. If you aren't a parent but had a parent, think about when you asked for something. Do you/did your parents always say yes? I hope not. Children who grow up getting everything they ask for don't often make for very well-adjusted adults, but that's a topic for another post. Sometimes we say no, and sometimes we say yes. We also don't answer right away or tell our kids that we need some time to think about it. In other words, we say "wait." Why do people often say that God must not be listening or that God didn't answer a prayer when we don't get what we ask for. Why do we assume that what we want is the best thing? Read Proverbs 19:21 (NIV):

Many are the plans in a person's heart;

but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Is it unrealistic to think that the creator of the universe knows what is best? Of course not. It makes sense that He is able to see how the tapestry is woven and how one wrong thread will change the picture or how the removal of a thread will leave a gaping hole. Think about George Bailey from It's a Wonderful Life. He didn't want to live, but he was able to see what life for so many would have been like if he had never been born. God knows that our hearts will ache when our loved ones pass away, those same loved ones we prayed earnestly for God to heal, but He also knows that that event is a part of the tapestry. It will shape us. It will shape the lives of those around us. My grandmother died almost 20 years ago from lymphoma. During her illness and chemo treatments, she had such joy, and she shared her love of God with anyone who came in contact with her. At her funeral, there were people even my grandfather had never seen before. He remarked that he had no idea she had touched so many people's lives. While we still miss her terribly, we can see that God had a plan for her illness and ultimately her death. Many came to believe in Him through her testimony, even my grandfather.

This leads me to the question: Should I pray constantly about the same thing or just pray once and leave it to God?

In an effort to answer this, I will see what the Scriptures say, in "Is Prayer Really Necessary? (Part Two)."

50 States: Washington

Washington

Washington State (WA) is located in the northwestern corner of the United States, just south of Canada. This state, named after our first President, became our 42nd state on November 11, 1889. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the region had been claimed by Spain, Russia, and the British before becoming the Oregon Territory under the control of the United States. In 1853, Congress created the Washington Territory.

The capital of Washington is Olympia, and the largest city is Seattle. Seattle is where Starbucks began. Washington is the 18th biggest state, encompassing 71,303 square miles. As of 2013, there were nearly 7 million people living there, making it the 13th most populous state. People who live in WA are referred to as Washingtonians. Some famous people born there include:

Burl Ives...singer

Alex Haley...author

James Caviezel...actor

Bob Barker...game show host

Glenn Beck...radio and television host

Bing Crosby...singer, actor

Bill Gates...Microsoft co-founder

Apolo Ohno...olympic gold medalist

Adam West...actor

Washington's nickname is "The Evergreen State," and the motto is "Al-ki." It is a Chinook word which means "by and by" or "hope for the future." Other state symbols include:

Bird...Goldfinch

Insect...Green darner dragonfly

Fish...Steelhead trout

Flower...Coast rhododendron

Tree...Western hemlock

Fruit...apple

Vegetable...Walla Walla sweet onion

Fossil...Columbian mammoth

The official flag of Washington was adopted in 1923. The state seal on the flag contains a picture of President Washington.

The coastline of Washington provides for a booming economy. The fishing industry is one of the best in the country with catches of Chinook salmon, pink salmon, clams, cod, halibut, oysters, shrimp, steelhead, tuna, and others. Washington also produces more apples than any other state. It is the second top producer of potatoes. It is also the leading producer of asparagus, hops, mint, cherries, and pears. In terms of manufacturing, Washington is a leader in producing aircraft and ships, as well as in the computer industry.

There are quite a few things to do in Washington. Here is a sampling:

Museum of Flight in Seattle

Tillicum Village in Seattle

Pioneer Farm Museum in Eatonville

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville

Vintage Motorcycle Museum in Chehalis

Mt. St. Helens Institute in Amboy

Pomeroy Living History Farm in Yacolt

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad in Elbe

Mt. Rainier National Park

Space Needle in Seattle

Olympic National Park in Port Angeles

Pike Place Market to visit the first Starbucks

Columbia River Gorge

Puget Sound Islands

One of the most well-known facts about Washington is the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980. Combined with an earthquake, this eruption flattened hundreds of square miles of forest. Do some research on Mt. St. Helens. See what the area looks like now, 34 years later.

Play some learning games and test your knowledge.

The following items are for sale christianbook.com. If you purchase through my blog, I will receive a commission as I am an affiliate.

Washington By Jonathan Brown & Catherine Gardner(Editor) / Gareth Stevens Publishing

Washington Symbols Project Book, Grades 3-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Symbol projects include creating a model of the state bird, creating a fishbowl with the state fish using jello and gummy fish, and more! Grades K-8; ages 5-15.

Washington State History Lapbook Journal - PDF Download [Download] By Cyndi Kinney & Judy Trout / Knowledge Box Central Get to know Washington with Knowledge Box Central's Washington State History Lapbook Journal! This Lapbook Journal PDF download is designed for students in grades 6-12 and includes both a study guide as well as lapbook and journal pages in a single PDF file. The included state-specific study guide provides background material, historical notes, and other factual information; students will explore state symbols, songs, landmarks, famous people, geographical regions, timelines of historical events, and more. Parents should note that this study guide is identical to the study guide in the sold-separately lapbooks (which are designed for children in Grades K-8) so that parents can cover the information once with students of all ages. Six lapbook booklets, journal pages, and blank report pages are provided in one PDF file. The journal section provides room for students to document what he or she has learned during the study; students can choose to create several booklets in the lapbook section to help improve retention of the information. Students will complete booklets and journal pages with information on the state's populations and borders, state symbols, elected officials, natural wonders or state monuments, and more. This lapbook resource is in downloadable PDF format. All elements are in a single PDF.

Let's Discover Washington CD-ROM, Grades 2-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Discover the important events and places in Washington history alongside a couple of alien visitors! Let's Discover Washington covers state symbols, landmarks, geography, interesting places, state facts, and more in this fun CD-ROM. Perfect for reinforcing state studies, this software includes activities and a quiz. Grades 2-8. System Requirements: Macintosh: PowerPC Mac running Mac OS 8.1 up to 10.4 Tiger. This software is a "Classic" Mac Application and is not compatible with any Intel Based Macs or Macs running 10.5 Leopard or later. 24 MB Ram 2x CD-ROM Drive Windows: All Systems of Windows OS Pentium processor or newer 24 MB RAM Windows-compatible sound card and 2x CD-ROM Drive

Maps of the United States: A Reproducible Workbook and Curriculum Guide By Emerald Books Designed for students of a variety of ages, abilities, and learning styles, this unique collection of reproducible hand-drawn maps, worksheets, and activities brings a wealth of learning opportunities to your classroom or homeschool. Through hands-on mapping projects and other creative activities, students explore the fifty states of the Union and learn about Washington, D.C., U.S. territories, and the United States as a whole. Paperback, 128 pages.

U.S. Outline Maps & State Studies By Randy L. Womack / Golden Education Center This book was written as a complete resource for you to use by itself and /or along with your regular history, social studies and /or geography programs. This is an excellent book for introducing children to the different states. It is also helpful to encourage them to continue learning more about each individual state and this great country. Each state has a page of statistics and outline map. There are two pages of questions at the beginning of the book. One of these pages can be used with each of the states and the information given in this book. The other page, Additional Activities, has research oriented activities which require other resources. Information and maps of the United States and Washington, D.C. are also included, making this one of the most complete, easy-to-use resources about the U.S. available. Softcover, 108 pages. Grades 4 to adult.

Physical Geography: Volcanoes Of The United States DVD By TMW Media Group Discover the wonders of our earth with the Physical Geography DVD Series. The United States is fortunate to have active and dormant volcanoes in many of her western states. This DVD visits some of the most prominent volcanoes in America including: Craters of the Moon in Idaho, Mount Lassen in California, and Mount St. Helen's in Washington. Subjects covered include: where volcanic activity has taken place in the U.S.; how volcanoes are classified; the difference between a shield volcano and a composite volcano; why and where volcanoes occur along the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire"; lava tubes, lava fields, and volcanic caves; visualization of volcanic terms such as lava, lava bombs, ash, pyroclastic flows, and pumice. Grades 9-12. 24 minutes on DVD.

Explore Mount St. Helens with Noah Justice: Episode 5 Study Study Guide, Awesome Science Series By Master Books This study guide accompanies the sold-separately Awesome Science Episode 5: Explore Mt. St. Helens DVD. A variety of follow-up activities to the DVD are provided, including word-bank sentence-completions, discussion questions, bonus activities, true/false, and other exercises. Some brief content reminders are also included. 40 pages, magazine style binding.

Volcano: Eruption & Healing of Mt St Helens By National Geographic School Publishing

Priceless Memories By Bob Barker with Digby Diehl / Center Street As host of Truth or Consequences and The Price Is Right, Barker has been welcomed into viewers' living rooms for over 50 years. In this fascinating account, he shares stories about being raised on a Native American reservation, training as a fighter pilot, marrying his high school sweetheart, fighting for animal rights, and more. 256 pages, softcover from Center Street.

The Passion of Christ, Definitive Edition, Blu-ray By 20th Century Fox Experience one of the cinema's most intensely powerful movies, The Passion of the Christ, now on Blu-ray hi-def. Featuring stunning cinematography and an inspired performance by Jim Caviezel, The Passion of the Christ is a triumphant and uncompromising film-making achievement. Rated R. Approx. 126 minutes. Disc One: Blu-ray* High-Definition Disc Two Versions of the Film: The Original Theatrical Version and a Version Edited for Graphic Depictions Enhanced Viewing Mode with Biblical Notes Audio Commentaries with Mel Gibson, Filmmakers and Theologians  And More! Disc Two: Standard Definition Disc Making of the Passion of the Christ Exclusive Documentary The Legacy: A Historical & Cultural Retrospective of the Crucifixion Historical Photo Gallery Deleted Scenes And More! Specifications: Aramaic/Hebrew/Latin Audio Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Thai Subtitles Widescreen Commentary for the Visually Impaired *Blu-ray discs can't be played on standard DVD equipment. A Blu-ray player is needed.

The Word of Promise MP3 NKJV New Testament By Thomas Nelson The Word of Promise New Testament Audio Bible uses Dramatic Audio Theater to deliver the entire New Testament in a new and exciting way, complete with music and sound effects. Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ) leads this star-studded cast in a compelling presentation of the New King James Version New Testament. This multi-voiced audio drama is directed by actor, writer, producer, and president of the award-winning Cerny/American Creative Studios, JoBe Cerny. It features an original music score written by award-winning Italian composer, Stefano Mainetti and state-of-the-art sound effects. 25 Hours on 3 MP3-CDs. Special Features and Cast List: Jim Caviezel as Jesun Terence Stamp as the voice of God Micheal York as the Narrator Academy Award winner Richard Dreyfuss as Moses Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei as Mary Magdalene Golden Globe winner Stacy Keach as Paul Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Lou Gossett, Jr. as John Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Mary, Mother of Jesus Golden Globe and Tony Award nominee Lou Diamond Phillips as Mark Luke Perry As Judas and Steven John Heard as Matthew Chris McDonald as Luke John Schneider as James Ernie Hudson as Peter Stefano Mainetti as Composer & Orchestral Contributions by Dove Award winners Michael W. Smith and Rebecca St. James are also featured Co-produced by Jim Caviezel and New York Times best-selling author and broadcast journalist, Raymond Arroyo Directed by actor, writer, producer, and president of the award-winning Cerny/American Creative Studios, JoBe Cerny Bonus DVD showing scenes from the actors' recording sessions

Lighthouses of Washington By Bruce Roberts & Ray Jones / Globe Pequot A winning combination of practical travel information, stunning color photographs, and rich maritime history makes Lighthouses of Washington your essential guide to maritime beacons in the Evergreen State. From Cape Disappointment Light on the Columbia River to Admiralty Head Light in Puget Sound, the twenty-five lights included here are presented in geographic order, making it easy for you to move from your armchair to the drivers seat and back again. Take this handy little guide with you on your travels, and keep it as a picture-perfect souvenir of your trip to coastal Washington. Inside you will find a detailed description of each lighthouse complete travel information, including driving directions and GPS coordinates; fascinating historical facts; quick summaries of key information such as date established, height of tower, and type of lens; more than fifty beautiful full-color photographs; a glossary of terms; helpful icons indicating historic interest, scenic quality, accessibility, and amenities descriptions; and photographs of lost lighthouses.

Roots Unabridged 3 CDs Mp3 Audiobook on CD By Alex Haley / BBC Audiobooks America

White Christmas Anniversary Edition, 2-DVDs By Word Entertainment Inc White Christmas is a treasury of Irving Berlin classics, among them "Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep," "Sisters," "Mandy," and the beloved holiday song "White Christmas." In this incredible 2-disc Anniversary Edition, you will find the timeless musical, plus new special features that include backstage stories, a look at the actors, and more! Two talented song-and-dance men (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) team up after the war to become one of the hottest acts in show business. One winter, they join forces with a sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen) and trek to Vermont for a white Christmas. Of course, there's the requisite fun with the ladies, but the real adventure starts when Crosby & Kaye discover that the inn is run by their old army general who's now in financial trouble. And the result is the stuff dreams are made of. 2 DVDs. Widescreen. Approx. 120 minutes.

Who Is Bill Gates? By Patricia Brennan Demuth, Ted Hammond & Nancy Harrison / Grosset & Dunlap Did you know that Bill Gates went to Harvard but dropped out? Or that he was from Seattle? Or that he has given billions of dollars to charities? Learn all about the life and works of Bill Gates with this biography written just for kids! Featuring black-and-white illustrations and short chapters, kids will discover more about the cofounder of Microsoft.