Biography

This is a must-read book. Learn about the history of a Latino tournament that reunited the community through the game of basketball every year. The richness of the Latino flavor doesn’t get any better.

In 1986, Victor Alvarado founded the Oregon Latino Basketball Tournament in Woodburn, Oregon. After the fifth year, the tournament paused for five years. Anthony Veliz revived this mega event and continued what Victor had started. The tournament continued for ten more years under Anthony’s leadership, then Rolando Ramirez stepped up as the director for the next thirteen years. The challenges and successes are incredible. This annual event must continue for the younger generations.

The tournament started with ten teams, then grew to thirty-six teams! Latinos and Latinas were motivated to play their best to showcase their talents. Many went on to play college basketball, and some even professionally. Inspiring Latino stories and more are inside. The resiliency is extraordinary.

The festivities, authentic Mexican food, and exciting games were so inspiring that this became like a family reunion every year in March. Relationships were built and memories were developed to where they had become life-long lasting.

Hughes: Lion of American Catholicism traces key events in the Episcopal career of John J. Hughes, New York’s fourth diocesan Bishop and first Archbishop. From the very beginning of his clerical career, Hughes was recognized as the premier defender of American Catholicism, and vigorously fought the agents of bigotry and prejudice both orally and in the written word. From his fearless defense of the Roman Catholic Faith against the Reverend Doctor John Breckinridge, to his diplomatic mission on behalf of the Union during the American Civil War, John Hughes always held the mantle of his Church high, ready to demonstrate its worthiness to assume a place at the table of the American dream. During an epoch of intense anti-Catholic and anti-Irish feeling, Hughes accomplished much for his Church through the building of a strong Catholic community, especially with outreach to the massive number of immigrants fleeing the devastating effects of the potato famine in Ireland. His contribution in the development of a strong network of religious, charitable, educational and social institutions would have a profoundly lasting effect not only in nineteenth century America, but for decades beyond.

This book contains stories of a few veterans who served honorable in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, and a special tribute to those who paid the ultimate price to preserve and protect the freedom most Americans take much too lightly. It also contains a stern warning to every true American who believes in the principles on which this country was founded.

The freedom and biblical morality on which democracy thrives, and that which we love more than life, in very subtle ways, is slowly but surely being taken from us, not by a foreign power but by our very own power-hungry government.

This book features Grayson “The Professor” Boucher - a short skinny boy from Keizer, Oregon. He became an overnight sensation signing a contract with the And 1 Mixtape Tour. He now plays professionally for Ball Up Streetball based in Los Angeles, CA and tours worldwide. How about Noah Torres from Moses Lake, Washington? This young man dealt with twelve fractures in his skull along with more medical issues. Noah is a miracle kid who God kept alive for a reason. Also, Brooke Chuhlantseff from Salem, Oregon, who as a freshman in high school captured a district championship title in the 1500 meter run - she has a strong vision of the Olympic Trials. All eight stories in this book are unique and will leave you inspired.

By: Richard Daniel McCann

Bishop John J. Hughes, His Church and the Coming of Age of New York’s Catholic Irish traces key events in the transformation of the Catholic Church in New York and nationally as the result of the aggressive leadership of New York’s fourth diocesan Bishop and first Archbishop, John J. Hughes. Hughes accomplished much for the Church through the building of a strong Catholic community spurred in large part from the massive number of Catholic Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine in Ireland. Though never far from controversy, Hughes, through emphasis on education and the establishment of a strong network of religious, charitable and social institutions, started his people and church on the road to political power and influence in 19th century America and beyond.

This book is intended to give an overview of Joan of Arc’s heroic life, her bogus trial and conviction that caused her to be burnt to death at the stake for heresy in 1431. It examines her posthumous vindication in 1456, and her eventual canonization in 1920. At that time, Pope Benedict XV declared Joan of Arc to be a Saint and Virgin of the Church, but the title of Martyr was denied. While researching the life of St. Joan, the author discovered a sermon preached in 1965 by John Cardinal Wright in France. He said that he believed “. . . Joan of Arc died a martyr in the full theological sense of that glorious title. . .” His words inspired the author to focus on why this omission occurred, the reason why it happened, and a new argument to demonstrate the truth of her actual martyrdom.

Exploits of a Real ATF Agent is a compilation of stories told to the author by his father Charles E. Campbell who served as a Government Agent for over thirty years. He retired on June 30, 1954, and has the distinction of being awarded the Albert Gallatin Award for his outstanding service as both a Prohibition Agent and an ATF Agent. The recognition is rarely given and is a true indication of his meritorious service as a Treasury Agent.

Although many of the stories are true, the author has taken the liberty of embellishing a few stories to make this a more interesting book to read. These few stories could have happened in other regions of the country and with other Agents.

This book has been written as a tribute to the life and legacy of our late mother. She was the mother of seventeen children. She was also a devout woman of God, prophetess and teacher. I’ve highlighted moments that speaks to the fact that she was, indeed, a legend in her own time.

Drugs, alcohol, regardless of the strong hold, you don’t have to live in bondage. Jesus died, went into the grave, took the keys (power) from satan, and gave it to the believer. Those who died waiting for the Promise (Jesus), He brought out of the grave with Him. To confirm this miraculous, momentous event, they were seen by witnesses walking the streets before they ascended with Him. So you see, you don’t have to drown in your Red Seas of life; this power is available to us. We can be set free! Matthew 27:52

Harness racing has been and still is a sport that draws in famous people like celebrities and athletes. George Forman, for instance, has owned more than twenty horses since 1991.

Owners and trainers play an important role in the harness business, but it is the drivers who are the real stars. They possess not only courage, but have to make quick and precise decisions that develop into wins and losses. The trainers turn out the horses, but the drivers are the ones who sit behind those horses and transfer that training into big money.

This is the story of driver Ray Smith, well known and respected on the race circuit. Ray’s career in harness racing ended in a terrible accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He endured a seven-year recovery and eventually got feeling back and was able to walk again. Follow Ray’s story that takes us behind the scenes of the race industry and exposes the life of a driver. It is as dangerous as it is exhilarating, and yet young men and women have been drawn to it for decades.

Gladys Quarre Knapp was a woman ahead of her time as one of the most radiant, successful, behind the scenes Hollywood and political women of the 20th Century. Her unique opportunity and perspective on making the best out of life’s offerings prompted her son to document their tales, adventures, and travels from San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, and Santa Barbara. With one of her well-known remarks, she would say, “It’s not important who you know, what is important is who knows you.”

One of the first women bridging the gap between emerging Hollywood and Broadway luminaries and California’s founding families. A woman ahead of her time, facing challenges with grace, humor, élan, and never afraid to say what was on her mind. With her beauty, personality, and enchanting wit, she very well could have been the inspiration for the character Auntie Mame.