Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Introducing the Reagan Comic Book



The latest edition to Blue Water Comic's Political Power series hits the stands at the end of this month. Recently, I sat down with Reagan Comic author Don Smith to get his take on America's 40th president as a man, leader, husband, father and architect of the collapse of the "Evil Empire".

Click over to Parcbench for the full interview, but here's an excerpt:

“Was the Soviet Union an ‘Evil Empire?’ Was President Ronald Reagan at the right place and right time when it collapsed? Or was he one of the shrewdest occupants of the White House? Find out how this Mid-Western-turned-actor-turned-President went from B-movies to orchestrating the total collapse of the Soviet Union.”

Such were the questions comic book writer Don Smith sought to answer in his brief re-telling of the story of the man countless Americans remember with utmost pride, respect and admiration.

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Don about his latest effort, his foray into comic-book writing from newspaper journalism, and any future Blue Water projects he’s collaborating on.

In the interest of Full Disclosure, I also had the opportunity to read and review the Reagan comic back in October, per Smith’s request:

“In his own inimitable mixture of wit, creativity and humor, Don Smith pens a striking comic book biography of the man I consider to be America’s greatest modern President,” said author Daria DiGiovanni.

“Both those old enough to remember Ronald Reagan and those for whom he’s simply a chapter in a history textbook will delight in Smith’s vivid recollection of out 40th President’s remarkable life and impressive eight-year tenure. Thank you Don, for introducing him in such a brilliant way to a new generation of Americans, and for reminding the rest of us about Reagan’s patriotism, courage and integrity,” she noted.

Note: Don provided the first professional review for my book, Water Signs for Temerity Magazine back in May, 2009.


Delray Beach Library Eleventh Annual Author's Showcase


How exciting to be chosen to participate in this event this year! On January 10, 2010, I will be one of several authors speaking at the Delray Beach Library Eleventh Annual Author's Showcase. Later today, I will be interviewed by a local Boca Raton reporter - also a native Philadelphian - which should be a lot of fun.

If you live in South Florida, I hope you can join us on January 10. In the meantime, you can find Water Signs on Amazon.com and my website. Within the next few months, I plan to launch a site for my forthcoming sequel, Sea To Shining Sea. If I can keep myself on a disciplined track, the new book will be available by late-spring/early-summer.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

A Christmas Gift for the GOP

The vile, anti- American health care bill that recently garnered 60 Democratic votes in the Senate, may in fact turn out to be quite a Christmas gift to the GOP. Maybe, that is, and I do mean maybe. Why do I say, maybe? Because a gift is only valuable to the receiver if he or she chooses to accept it. Are you listening Mr. Steele, because Santa has just come down your chimney. If you heed this advice, you will not only save your party but save your country.

What is the ghost of Christmas future telling you, Mr. Steele? The ghost is telling you to nationalize the congressional elections of 2010 and make the center piece of your campaign the reversal of this abomination. If you do so, you will not only gain majority status for the Republican Party you will do no less than save the nation. This is a purely Democratic bill without a single Republican vote. It will be easy to attack given its complete lack of bipartisanship, and the illegal backroom deals employed to buy the votes of key senators. There are no excuses now Mr. Steele. Expose the perpetrators, name names, go after the dinosaur media. On this Christmas 2009, now is the time for bold action. On the other hand, your failure to act boldly will result in the complete diminishment of your party and doom for America.

Merry Christmas

During this Christmas season of profound hope, peace, and joy we wish all of you, and most especially the heroes of our great American military, a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year. May all of our troops return home safely to their families some day soon.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Broward Tea Party Thank You Vigil for the Troops

The longest running Tea Party in the USA organized a thank you vigil for the US Military tonight at the corner of US 1 and Oakland Park Blvd. What a pleasure it was to stand with like-minded Americans in support of our troops and their families. We cannot thank them enough for all they do! May God bless our men and women in uniform this Christmas Season and throughout the year. We love you and support you always!

For more photos, click here.

UPDATE: My friend Donna Dunn took this wonderful video. Enjoy and God bless America and our Troops!

Sea To Shining Sea


I've been hard at work on the sequel to my debut novel, Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal, which is available on my website in PDF and paperback, and on Amazon.com in Kindle and paperback. Hey, if you're looking for a Christmas gift that doesn't require a trip to the mall, check it out!

For those who've read Water Signs, Sea To Shining Sea picks up six months later in the lives of newly married couple, Ken and Madeline. Unlike my first effort, this second novel will take more of a political turn, reflecting current events and culture through the trials and tribulations of my main characters:

After sixteen tumultuous years, destined lovers Ken and Madeline Lockheart finally have it all—a blissful marriage, a beautiful home, two healthy children, fulfilling work and a renewed sense of faith and patriotism. But during one significant business trip abroad, the couple will personally discover just how treacherous and absurd the world has become.

When a joyous event becomes a source of contention with the “medical experts”, and an important telecomm deal implodes thanks to government-imposed political correctness, Ken transitions from successful sales executive to determined candidate for office. And while he’s always enjoyed a good reputation and the respect of his community, he’s in for a rude awakening as Sunshine State politics quickly turns friends into enemies.

Having landed her man at last, Madeline valiantly endeavors to create close bonds with his offspring, in spite of their mother’s endless attempts to discredit her. In the wake of unexpected and simultaneously uplifting and tragic news, she’s forced to summon the same strength and courage that has always guided her in the past.

Spurred on by steadfast faith in God, genuine love of country and unwavering fidelity to each other, Ken and Madeline will ultimately come to understand the broader significance of their star-crossed union and the esoteric value of their journey to shining sea.

UPDATE: Somehow I'd forgotten to post a link to photos from my book signing at Saquella Cafe last month in Boca Raton. A big thank you to Avi, the owner and to Facebook friend Denise Righetti for setting it up.


A US Navy Vet's Response to a Seriously Misguided Journalist


Here's an excerpt from my latest Parcbench piece, inspired by a friend:

In yet another example of a liberal journalist bemoaning the concept of American pride and exceptionalism, Nick Fierro of the Chicago Tribune offers this response to the question, “What sports tradition would you like to see eliminated?”:

The national anthem should be eliminated from all but the most important sporting events in this country, such as Super Bowls, World Series and Ultimate Fighting title bouts.

Just kidding on the last one, but you should get the idea by now that having to stand for this song at every event and every level of sport from T-ball to the pros has become just a little ridiculous.

At one time, such as when this tradition began during World War II, it might have been a good idea to promote patriotism. Now, all it promotes is … nothing. It has become a mindless exercise.

Mindless exercise? Perhaps for people with no understanding of history and no concept of the miraculous circumstances surrounding the birth of a country founded by ordinary, courageous men who took on the world’s greatest power and risked certain death because of an unwavering commitment to freedom.

At great personal peril, our Founding Fathers forged ahead, spurred on by their deep conviction for Judeo-Christian principles and the right of individuals to control their own destiny. Pardon my patriotism, but I am proud to celebrate and acknowledge the fact that — well over 200 years later — I am a benefactor of their passion, determination and willingness to die for the cause of liberty. Singing the national anthem at a sporting event is a privilege, not some meaningless act “promoting nothing”.

To read the whole thing, click here.


Introducing "The Liberty Belle Hour with Daria"


Beginning on January 7, 2010 I will be hosting an internet television program called The Liberty Belle Hour with Daria on wafs.tv every Thursday night at 7 p.m:

Pursuing happiness with passion and patriotism

Join conservative writer, blogger, activist and author of the book Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal, Daria DiGiovanni for a high-energy hour of passionate debate, insightful analysis and fascinating conversation on everything from pop culture to politics. Every Thursday night at 7 p.m., Daria will apply her unique blend of humor, intelligence and eloquence to the relevant topics of the day, as well as feature exciting and interesting guests from a variety of backgrounds including small business owners, singers, health professionals and authors. Freedom rings every Thursday night at 7 p.m. on wafs.tv with The Liberty Belle Hour.

Special thanks to my friend and WAFS founder, John Sottilare, for extending the opportunity. My show will debut just ahead of host Paul Harvey's excellent broadcast, Let's Get Loud, on which I've been a frequent guest along with my Conservative Republican Forum co-host, Steve Rosenblum.

My first guest on The Liberty Belle Hour will be multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress and patriot, Ava Aston, who will share her experiences of being a passionate conservative in an industry dominated by lefties. A recent guest on CRF, Ava's debut CD Gone is available at her website, as is her latest single, the patriotic anthem, We The People.