BLOG, or DIE. Author Bio
Saturday, 13 June 2009
Praise for receiving praise

Yesterday I received a wonderful email from Gary Thomas, one of my favorite Christian authors, in regards to my Civil War devotional “The Southern Cross.” This book seems to have touched a lot of people as I get more feedback on this particular work than any other title I’ve published. Gary is not only a gifted author who has found a way to write spiritually influenced books that help married couples and parents, he is also a nationally recognized speaker. His books, DVDs and curriculum are used by churches all across America. Gary is also a Civil War buff and at one time, he edited the Manassas RT’s newsletter. We had exchanged books a few months ago and it is a real honor to have him comment on my work.

Michael, I am now 3/4 of the way through TSC and enjoying it very much. Some of those stories will play really well in future sermons! I was familiar with several of the stories, but they're so good it was nice to be reminded of them again. And then you pulled in many less familiar ones as well. The Whitman quote really hit me; for some reason, it just never dawned on me that the injured could lie there for days, not just overnight. The Lee quote about feeling responsible for his students was so inspiring, as Lee always is. With my son going to Notre Dame, it was fun to read about one of the school's early presidents; never made that connection before. I LOVED the nurse's quote you came up with: "I have never worked so hard in all my life and I would rather do that than anything else in the world." The Confederate Prayer is amazing, and before your book, I never made the connection that Stonewall's bravery was tied so closely to his belief in providence. Lots of great stuff there.

Thank you Gary. Your validation is a blessing indeed.

Visit Gary Thomas’ website and get your own copy of TSC


Posted by ny5/pinstripepress at 4:10 PM EDT
Updated: Saturday, 13 June 2009 4:14 PM EDT
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Thursday, 11 June 2009
Short Flic

 
The Naked Historian: Behind the Scenes
 
This video explains my procedure for researching and transcribing source materials. It was filmed in response to viewers who are interested in my latest book for THP's American Chronicles Series. 

Posted by ny5/pinstripepress at 11:53 PM EDT
Updated: Thursday, 11 June 2009 11:53 PM EDT
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Lights. Camera. History.

This afternoon I met with an associate of mine to discuss our upcoming TV spots for Stafford County public programming. Without giving away all the details, I was informed that we have been able to acquire a large collection of digital stock video footage from a generous donor that will be spliced together with the ‘live’ segments that we plan to shoot on site. In addition to ‘official’ tourism spots, we are also going to be producing some hi-end episodes of “The Naked Historian,” which is being expanded beyond the borders of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania to include Stafford County. This project will be fully underway by July. Before then, I’ll continue to shoot my own versions of TNH to entertain the masses. This weekend I’ll be out at Chancellorsville Battlefield shooting a special two-part episode. Stay tuned as I will be posting the videos here. This project is in addition to the documentary that I am helping to produce with a movie company out of GA. We begin shooting this summer with a full crew and local experts.


Posted by ny5/pinstripepress at 4:26 PM EDT
Updated: Thursday, 11 June 2009 5:03 PM EDT
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Tuesday, 9 June 2009
Archaeological Resources Protection Act ?

Me: ...I am researching Confederate encampments in Spotsylvania County and the surrounding region. My friends at the National Park Service suggested that I query you in regards to obtaining copies of any information about registered sites, in the Spotsylvania/Fredericksburg region that were designated as Confedederate camps. It is my hope we can use this data to put together a general map of possible locations…

VA Dept. of Historical Resources: ...Thank you for your interest in Virginia's historic resources. Unfortunately, detailed information related to archaeological sites is protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (1979). This information is only available to professional archaeologists or cultural resource management professionals...

Anyone out there a professional archaeologist or cultural resource management professional - whatever that means?


Posted by ny5/pinstripepress at 10:04 AM EDT
Updated: Tuesday, 9 June 2009 10:48 AM EDT
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Sunday, 7 June 2009
Sharing Spotsylvania

UPDATE 6/8: Today I had the privilege of assisting with a tour for Congressman Rob Wittman on behalf of the National Civil War Life Foundation. Our host group consisted of Terry Thomann, Director of the Civil War Life Soldier’s Museum; Col. Horace McCaskill, Chairman of the National Civil War Life Foundation (w/ me as Vice Chair); Bill Vakos III, President of W.J. Vakos Management Company; Jerry Logan of the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors; Rachel DeLooze, the Tourism Coordinator for Spotsylvania County; and two members of Congressman Wittman’s staff.

After a special tour of the current museum location and collection, a brief presentation was given on the NCWLF’s vision to construct an all-inclusive Civil War Museum that intentionally caters to no niches. We then drove out to the site location at the Courthouse Village development near the Spotsy Court House. The congressman was impressed with a coalition of preservationists and developers coming together to create a mutually beneficial community plan. He also applauded our museum’s dedication to showcasing personal stories that visitors can actually relate to instead of the same-old historical exhibits and interpretations.

All in all I believe it was a very successful day and we look forward to the Congressman Wittman’s assistance with obtaining the necessary grant proposals. (Due to press release issues I am only able to post photos that I took on my blog. I’m not in them.)

Terry Thomann gives Congressman Wittman a tour of the current museum.
 

Bill Vakos III outlines the Courthouse Village plan on site.

 

The NCWLF presents Congressman Wittman with
a wet-plate photograph taken at Massaponax Church.


Posted by ny5/pinstripepress at 11:29 PM EDT
Updated: Monday, 8 June 2009 11:44 PM EDT
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