“The Weekly Economist II” Provides a Much-Needed Antidote to Bad Thinking on the Economy

 Ray Keating’s Second Book in Series Offers More Quick Reads on Topics and Questions Related to Economics and Business

Ray Keating, editor and publisher of DisneyBizJournal.com and a leading economist on small business and entrepreneurship, has written a new book titled The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. This is the second book in an ongoing series, with the first being The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist.

 

When listening to talking heads or politicians, people are legitimately bewildered about how the economy actually works and how to think about critical issues. The Weekly Economist and now The Weekly Economist II offer quick reads on topics essential to thinking clearly on economics and business, and for assessing the often wild assertions heard from politicians on such matters.

 

Ray Keating notes, “There’s a great deal of misguided and misleading talk about the economy, business, and public policies. Applying sound economic thinking to such matters is critical for our country and the world. With the second book in The Weekly Economist series, I’m hoping that people will take at least a few minutes each week to read these short essays, and by doing so, become a light for clear-eyed thinking of matters critical to economic growth and our quality of life.”

 

The Weekly Economist and now The Weekly Economist II hold appeal for a general readership looking to become more informed citizens. And they’re ideal for the classroom, boardroom and workplace.

 

Praise for The Weekly Economist II…

 

"An accessible, wide-ranging compendium. Keating remains remarkably impartial here, offering fair critiques and reasonable assessments of economic decisions, theories, and policies across time. This is an impressive second installment of the author's economics essays, avoiding repetition from the first collection, and offering cogent advice that feels more timely than ever."  - Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★

 

Praise for The Weekly Economist…

 

“Reading Mr. Keating's new book is worth more than a degree in economics from most universities. Sensible and accessible, The Weekly Economist is a veritable catechism of how to think economically.” - Fr. Robert Sirico, author of The Economics of the Parables and President Emeritus of the Acton Institute

“If you want a quick and accurate insight into the major topics in economics, and if you have little or no background in economics, Ray Keating's The Weekly Economist is the book for you. Turn to any page and you'll find tight clear reasoning that will help you understand the complicated economic reality around you.” - David R. Henderson, editor, The Concise Encyclopedia of Economics
  

“For those who are curious about economics but who may not be interested in tackling a dry 300-page economics textbook, Ray Keating provides a brilliant alternative - a weekly breakdown of 52 economic concepts everyone should be familiar with. Although designed to give one easily digestible theme a week, many readers will undoubtedly want to binge-read to see which topics are their favorites. Great information for those new to economics or as a weekly refresher.” - Bryan Riley, Director, National Taxpayers Union Free Trade Initiative

“a lively primer” - Gene Veith, Cranach: The Blog of Veith, and author of God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life

 

“An accessible and comprehensive guide to concepts that regularly baffle the average person. This book runs the gamut when it comes to economic issues, and will invariably help readers think more critically about the financial machinery that runs the world. Keating makes a subject as potentially dry as economics into something dynamic and interesting. A natural storyteller, he carefully dissects an intimidating sphere of modern existence into a book that nearly anyone could learn from and enjoy.” - Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★

Paperbacks and Kindle editions of The Weekly Economist and The Weekly Economist II are available at Amazon.com, and signed books at www.RayKeatingOnline.com. 

 

Review copies, and author interviews and appearances are available upon request. 

 

Additional praise for Ray Keating’s work…

 

“Keating is at his best when tackling the issue that introduced him to the world of conservative thought: the benefits of the free market.”  - Kirkus Reviews

 

“Keating is no sour-puss conservative... Keating’s pro-growth agenda of dramatic supply-side tax and regulatory cuts, school choice, and much smaller government stands as New York’s only chance at rebirth.”  - Steve Forbes

 

Ray Keating's “take on the economy is unabashedly supply-side, offering a clear understanding that risk taking and entrepreneurship are the engines of economic growth.” - Jack Kemp

 

“A common-sense explanation of why politicians and bureaucrats shouldn't throw sand in the gears of global trade.” - Dan Mitchell, Chairman, Center for Freedom and Prosperity, about Free Trade Rocks! by Ray Keating

 

Contact: Ray Keating

E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/freeenterpriseeconomics

Twitter: @FreeEnterprise7

RayKeatingOnline.com

Happy Mother's Day from DisneyBizJournal.com!

 

Pre-Order New Book by DisneyBizJournal's Ray Keating

 Pre-Order “Under the Golden Dome: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel” by Ray Keating Now!

Kindle editions at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ3KLSCP

Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/underthegoldendome

 

Pastor Stephen Grant and his wife, economist Jennifer Grant, are invited to a conference at the University of Notre Dame. While they look forward to speaking at the same gathering, unexpected dangers materialize, fueled by distorted, political impulses among some in the Church. 

 

• Kirkus Reviews says Ray Keating’s books are “exhilarating."

 

• Lutheran Book Review calls Keating “the master of the theological thriller.”

 

• “I am a Catholic priest and have thoroughly enjoyed each of these books. Edge-of-your seat excitement and very spiritually uplifting.” - Father Mike Coleman

 

This is the 17^th book in the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries series, so make sure you’re caught up!

Quick Insights from Disney Leaders & Characters

 Have you checked out the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating Podcast? Each week we turn to a particular person, character or theme in the Disney universe, and see what insights and/or fun we can garner from a quote on each weekday. 

Those featured include…

Walt Disney 

Stan Lee

Roy O. Disney

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Michael Eisner

Buzz Lightyear

Woody

Bob Iger

Captain America

Phineas and Ferb

Jon Favreau

George Lucas

Spider-Man

Edna Mode

Yoda

The Mandalorian

Nick Fury

Mary Poppins

Peter Pan

Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers & Mysteries in Order – by DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating!

 While you don’t have to read the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries by Ray Keating in order, there is a plus to doing so. Therefore, here is the reading order of the books so far – with more to come! Enjoy! By the way, Paperback and Kindle editions are at Amazon.com, and signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com.

1) Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Warrior Monk revolves around a former CIA assassin, Stephen Grant, who has lived a far different, relatively quiet life as a parish pastor in recent years. However, a shooting at his church, a historic papal proposal, and threats to the pope's life mean that Grant's former and current lives collide. Grant must tap the varied skills learned as a government agent, a theologian and a pastor not only to protect the pope, but also to feel his way through a minefield of personal challenges. The second edition of Warrior Monk includes a new Introduction by Ray Keating, as well as a new Epilogue that points to an upcoming Pastor Stephen Grant novel.

 

2) Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Do God, politics and money mix? In Root of All Evil?, the combination can turn out quite deadly. Keating introduced readers to Stephen Grant, a former CIA operative and current parish pastor, in the fun and highly praised Warrior Monk. Now, Grant is back in Root of All Evil? It’s a breathtaking thriller involving drug traffickers, politicians, the CIA and FBI, a shadowy foreign regime, the Church, and money. Charity, envy and greed are on display. Throughout, action runs high.

 

3) An Advent for Religious Liberty: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Advent and Christmas approach. It’s supposed to be a special season for Christians. But it’s different this time in New York City. Religious liberty is under assault. The Catholic Church has been called a “hate group.” And it’s the newly elected mayor of New York City who has set off this religious and political firestorm. Some people react with prayer – others with violence and murder. Stephen Grant, former CIA operative turned pastor, faces deadly challenges during what becomes known as “An Advent for Religious Liberty.” Grant works with the cardinal who leads the Archdiocese of New York, the FBI, current friends, and former CIA colleagues to fight for religious liberty, and against dangers both spiritual and physical.

 

4) The River: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Some refer to Las Vegas as Sin City. But the sins being committed in The River are not what one might typically expect. Rather, it’s about murder. Stephen Grant once used lethal skills for the Navy SEALs and the CIA. Now, years later, he’s a pastor. How does this man of action and faith react when his wife is kidnapped, a deep mystery must be untangled, and both allies and suspects from his CIA days arrive on the scene? How far can Grant go – or will he go – to save the woman he loves? Will he seek justice or revenge, and can he tell the difference any longer? 

 

5) Murderer’s Row: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

How do rescuing a Christian family from the clutches of Islamic terrorists, minor league baseball in New York, a string of grisly murders, sordid politics, and a pastor, who once was a Navy SEAL and CIA operative, tie together? Murderer’s Row is the fifth Pastor Stephen Grant novel, and Keating serves up fascinating characters, gripping adventure, and a tangled murder mystery, along with faith, politics, humor, and, yes, baseball.

 

6) Wine Into Water: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Blood, wine, sin, justice and forgiveness… Who knew the wine business could be so sordid and violent? That’s what happens when it's infiltrated by counterfeiters.  A pastor, once a Navy SEAL and CIA operative, is pulled into action to help unravel a mystery involving fake wine, murder and revenge. Stephen Grant is called to take on evil, while staying rooted in his life as a pastor.

 

7) Lionhearts: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

War has arrived on American soil, with Islamic terrorists using new tactics. Few are safe, including Christians, politicians, and the media. Pastor Stephen Grant taps into his past with the Navy SEALS and the CIA to help wage a war of flesh and blood, ideas, history, and beliefs. This is about defending both the U.S. and Christianity.

 

8) Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Could President Ronald Reagan’s influence reach into the former “evil empire”? The media refers to a businessman on the rise as “Russia’s Reagan.” Unfortunately, others seek a return to the old ways, longing for Russia’s former “greatness.” The dispute becomes deadly. Conflict stretches from the Reagan Presidential Library in California to the White House to a Russian Orthodox monastery to the Kremlin. Stephen Grant, pastor at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church on Long Island, a former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative, stands at the center of the tumult.

 

9) Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating

 

As a onetime Navy SEAL, a former CIA operative and a pastor, many people call Stephen Grant a hero. At various times defending the Christian Church and the United States over the years, he has journeyed across the nation and around the world. But now Grant finds himself in an entirely unfamiliar setting – a comic book, science fiction and fantasy convention. But he still joins forces with a unique set of heroes in an attempt to foil a villainous plot against one of the all-time great comic book writers and artists.

 

10) Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating

 

Beach volleyball is about fun, sun and sand. But when a big-time tournament arrives on a pier in New York City, danger and international intrigue are added to the mix. Stephen Grant, a former Navy SEAL, onetime CIA operative, and current pastor, is on the scene with his wife, friends and former CIA colleagues. While battles on the volleyball court play out, deadly struggles between good and evil are engaged on and off the sand. 

 

11) Deep Rough: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

One man faces challenges as a pastor in China. His son has become a breakout phenom in the world of professional golf. The Chinese government is displeased with both, and their lives are in danger. Stephen Grant – a onetime Navy SEAL, former CIA operative and current pastor – has a history with the communist Chinese, while also claiming a pretty solid golf game. His unique experience and skills unexpectedly put him alongside old friends; at some of golf’s biggest tournaments as a caddy and bodyguard; and in the middle of an international struggle over Christian persecution, a mission of revenge, and a battle between good and evil.

 

12) The Traitor: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

Stephen Grant – former Navy SEAL, onetime CIA operative and current pastor – looks forward to a time of prayer and reflection during a retreat at a monastery in Europe. But when he stumbles upon an infamous CIA traitor in a small village, Grant’s plans change dramatically. While a debate rages over government secrets and the intelligence community, a deadly race for survival is underway. From a pro-democracy demonstration in Hong Kong to the CIA’s headquarters in Langley to a monastery in France, the action and intrigue never let up.

 

13) Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating

 

More than 500 years ago, two men – Jan Hus and Martin Luther – tried to bring about change in the Catholic Church. They suffered, with one burned at the stake. Could a modern-day pope transform these reformers from heretics to heroes in the eyes of the Catholic Church? Shadowy figures inside and outside the Vatican oppose Pope Paul VII’s efforts, and stand willing to do anything to stop him. For help, the pope turns to Stephen Grant, a Lutheran pastor, former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative.

 

14) Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating

 

Torn from pages of his own journal, Pastor Stephen Grant tells about threats, murder and puzzling people from his past. It’s a compelling mystery involving action, unexpected turns, lost innocence, sought-after perspective, and twisted revenge. This is the first Pastor Stephen Grant story told from Grant’s own viewpoint, unfolding each day in the pages of his journal.

 

 

15) What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story by Ray Keating

 

From the pages of his own journal, Pastor Stephen Grant tells a riveting mystery involving deception, betrayal, sacrifice and friendship, along with plenty of action and questions about what we truly can know about others. Grant takes us on a personal journey across decades and around the world, from Long Island to Vietnam. This is the second Pastor Stephen Grant story told from Grant’s own viewpoint, unfolding each day in the pages of his journal.

 

Paperback and Kindle editions are at Amazon.com, and signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com.

 

Pre-Order New Novel from DisneyBizJournal's Ray Keating

DisneyBizJournal's Ray Keating is the author of fifteen Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the first novel in a new series is on the way!

 

First, consider starting or catching up on Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. 

Stephen Grant, pastor at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church on Long Island, former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative, came on the thriller/mystery scene in Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. During 15 books in the series so far, readers come to see that Grant didn’t fully leave his old life behind. He often must wrestle with how his current work as a pastor intersects with his former life with the CIA. With a wide-ranging group of recurring characters – from his days with the Agency to his parish work – the reader is treated to action, suspense, humor, various relationships, faith, love, adventure, mystery, and opportunities for reflection and discussion.

 

About Keating and his Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, Kirkus Reviews simply says “exhilarating.” Lutheran Book Review says, “I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me.” The retired host of KFUO radio’s BookTalk declares, “Ray Keating is a great novelist.” David Keene of The Washington Times calls these novels “great reads.”  And another reviewer observes, “How I'd love to see Pastor Grant on Netflix!” 

 

In an article titled “If James Bond Became a Pastor” covering Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries series, author and columnist Gene Veith noted, “Mr. Keating knows how to tell an exciting story. And these books, like the James Bond novels, are ridiculously entertaining.”

 

By the way, signed books are at www.RayKeatingOnline.com. 

 

Second, please consider pre-ordering Ray’s new novel – CATHEDRAL: AN ALLIANCE OF SAINT MICHAEL NOVEL.

Yes, CATHEDRAL is Ray Keating’s sixteenth work of fiction, and the first in the Alliance of Saint Michael series. 

 

The Alliance of Saint Michael brings together men and women with varied backgrounds and talents to work covertly against the two most significant threats to Christianity and civilization at the dawn of the 1930s - communism and fascism.

 

In Moscow, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is going to be obliterated to make way for the Palace of the Soviets. The Alliance of St. Michael readies itself for its first mission – find and salvage a rare item of great significance from the cathedral before the building is lost.

By the way, signed books are at www.RayKeatingOnline.com.

DisneyBizJournal's Ray Keating Talks About His New Book - PAST LIVES

 

Top 10 Reasons To Be Fascinated by the Disney Business – Podcast Edition!

 by Ray Keating

Commentary/Podcast

DisneyBizJournal.com

February 18, 2021

 

Everyone loves a Top 10 list, right? I know I do. Therefore, I have served up my Top 10 reasons to be fascinated by the business of the Walt Disney Company.

In this podcast edition of an earlier column, I touch on what sucked me in about Walt Disney, the company he started and built, and select aspects of Disney that have touched my life in various ways. 

 

In the end, this Top 10 gets at the whys for starting up DisneyBizJournal.com website. 

 

Or, to put it another way: What does Ray love about Disney?

 

Tune in here, or by clicking the above picture. Enjoy!

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the  Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Keating’s new book Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13th thriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  from Amazon or signed books  at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. 

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

Get Caught Up on the Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers/Mysteries from DisneyBizJournal's Ray Keating

 

Are you caught up on all of the Pastor Stephen Grant adventures written by DisneyBizJournal's own Ray Keating? Paperbacks and Kindle editions at Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1S5R26 and signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

First Review of New Book - PAST LIVES - from DisneyBizJournal's Ray Keating

 

Grab the latest thriller/mystery from Ray Keating, who is the editor, publisher and columnist at DisneyBizJournal.com. 

 

Pre-Order PAST LIVES: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT SHORT STORY for the Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RWLBJ6F. From the pages of his journal, Grant tells of threats, murder and puzzling people from his past. Signed paperbacks at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/pastlives

 

Talking DisneyBizJournal.com and Cutting the Price on "The Disney Planner 2020"

Ray Keating talks about DisneyBizJournal.com, as well as his book The Disney Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution. 

Check out www.DisneyBizJournal.com, and The Disney Planner 2020 at Amazon.com via https://www.amazon.com/dp/1698855494 or signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/todolistsolutionplanners. The price has been cut from $27.99 to $17.99.

Kindle Sale on Ray Keating's Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers and Mysteries Extended - Only $2.99 Each!

You need something to read, and the sale on the Kindle edition of each Pastor Stephen Grant thriller and mystery by DisneyBizJournal's own Ray Keating has been extended. Get each one for only $2.99. Go to Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N6DN3RF

Huey Lewis and the News Storms Back with “Weather”

by Ray Keating

Review

DisneyBizJournal.com

February 14, 2020

Huey Lewis has some history with Disney. For example, Huey Lewis was in the Hollywood Pictures (a Disney entity) movie “Duets.” Also, Huey Lewis and the News music has been heard in assorted Disney vehicles, such as in “Oliver and Company” (1988) and in DTV (combining current music in the 1980s with Disney animation clips) music videos. So, here’s my review of the new album “Weather” from Huey Lewis and the News (first appeared at KeatingFiles.com).

When it comes to favorite singers or musical groups that return with new music after a lengthy break, fan anticipation usually runs high, but then the results often turn out disappointing. Either the new music just seems not to measure up, or comes across as stale. 

There have been exceptions, however, including from my top two bands.

The biggest surprise for me was the Beach Boys’ That’s Why God Made the Radio album in 2012. The Boys showed that they could still harmonize some fun, beachy tunes in a collection that came a staggering 50 years after their first album.

Number two for me had been Plan B from Huey Lewis and the News in 2001. It came a decade after their previous collection of original works. And yes, after Sports and Fore!, I say Plan B is their next best album. If you haven’t listened, trust me and enjoy it.

But now Huey Lewis and the News has done it again, and this time it’s even more impressive given that 19 years have passed since Plan B. The new album – Weather – was released on February 14^th, Valentine’s Day. And it ranks as one of the top efforts from Huey Lewis and the News.

The new 7-song album serves up Huey Lewis and the News still at the top of their game, with their combination of pop rock and blues rock that keeps the foot tapping and the listener singing along, featuring bright brass, strong guitars, and of course, great harmonica moments and Huey’s distinctive voice.

Among the stand outs on Weather is “Her Love Is Killin’ Me,” which is a driving, good-time song. And by the way, the video is great fun. “While We’re Young” offers reflections on enjoying life no matter how much time has passed, without any trace of melancholy. “Remind Me Why I Love You Again” plays with a couple who disagrees on just about everything, but somehow they’re still in love (or are they?). For some longing and blues, give “Hurry Back Baby” a listen. And “Pretty Girls Everywhere” ranks as an upbeat salute to ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll.

The significance of Weather, of course, is ramped up given the news about Huey Lewis suffering hearing loss to the point where he cannot sing. He has been diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease, but has some hope that one day, thanks to various treatments and healing, he might get back into the studio. But until then, as noted in a Hollywood Reporter interview, Lewis will find other ways to entertain fans, including working on a musical featuring the band’s music and perhaps doing some acting.

The Hollywood Reporter also noted Lewis’s reflections on music crossing genres, demographics and ages:

Lewis said he felt [that] was missing from the modern day industry. “Today, society is much more integrated, but music is segregated — it's weird,” he said. “You can listen to one kind of music all day long; you can listen to one kind of politics all day long — that's just not healthy. And what was nice about Top 40 radio was it was an editing process where we all tried to have a hit. If you heard a Huey Lewis and the News song on KFRC, the next song might be a Garth Brooks song or a Commodores song or an AC/DC song. … It was an editing process that was, I think, kind of good, in retrospect. You can't have a hit like that today. They just don't exist.”

Well, if any group can offer some of that today, arguably it would be Huey Lewis and the News. Indeed, Huey and his bandmates have served up some wonderful new music in Weather that warrants broad appreciation.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of The Disney Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution and the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

New Edition of "Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel" Just Published!

This Thriller/Mystery from Award-Winning Novelist Ray Keating Arrives with a New Author Introduction

Long Island, NY – Ray Keating (editor and publisher of DisneyBizJournal.com) has just published a second edition of ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL. The new edition of this gripping political thriller not only features an outstanding new cover, courtesy of Tyrel Bramwell, but a new Author Introduction.

Stephen Grant, pastor at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church on Long Island, former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative, came on the thriller/mystery scene in WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL(a second edition of Warrior Monk arrived early last year with a new Epilogue, new Introduction and an exciting cover). The tale continues to develop in page-turning fashion in ROOT OF ALL EVIL?

In ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, Keating asks: Do God, politics and money mix? As the reader comes to realize, the combination can turn out quite deadly. This breathtaking thriller features drug traffickers, politicians, the CIA and FBI, a shadowy foreign regime, the Church, and money. Charity, envy and greed are on display, with the action running high. 

In this second edition of ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, Ray Keating has written an Author Introduction focused on some of the challenges of penning a political thriller, including maintaining an edge-of-your-seat feel while not annoying the reader with the petty real world of politics. Keating also talks about how some key characters fit into ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, as well as how his own experiences fed the story.

Keating has penned 12 Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and received widespread praise. For example, the Lutheran Book Review has declared, “I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me.” 

The publication of a new second edition of ROOT OF ALL EVIL? is part of a yearlong celebration throughout 2020 marking 10 years of Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. 

Paperbacks and Kindle editions of ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL are available at Amazon.com, and signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com.

Indeed, all of Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries are available at Amazon.com and at RayKeatingOnline.com – THE TRAITOR (2019), DEEP ROUGH (2019),SHIFTING SANDS(2018), HEROES AND VILLAINS(2018), REAGAN COUNTRY(2018), LIONHEARTS(2017), WINE INTO WATER(2016), MURDERER’S ROW(2015), THE RIVER(2014), AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY(2012),ROOT OF ALL EVIL?(Second Edition 2020 – originally published2012), andWARRIOR MONK (Second Edition 2019 – originally published 2010) 

Review copies, and author interviews and appearances are available upon request. 

“Celebrating Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers & Mysteries for 10 Years – 2010 to 2020 – and Beyond!”

Contact: Ray Keating

Phone: 631-909-1122

E-mail: raykeating@keatingreports.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PastorStephenGrantNovels

Twitter: @KeatingNovels

Website: PastorStephenGrant.com

Blog: www.pastorstephengrant.blogspot.com

DisneyBizJournal.com on the Oscars

by Ray Keating

Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

February 9, 2020

The Oscars air tonight on ABC, and Disney has an impressive 23 nominations. Here are a few items from DisneyBizJournal to read and get you in the right frame of mind...

• “Will Fox Finally Bring Disney a Best Picture Oscar?” by Ray Keating– DisneyBizJournal.com– It’s surprising given its many successes over 90-plus years, but Disney has never won a Best Picture Oscar. In fact, it’s even more striking that coming into the 2020 Academy Awards ceremony, Disney previously had only five films nominated for Best Picture. Read at  

https://disneybizjournal.blogspot.com/2020/02/will-fox-finally-bring-disney-best.html

• “Animated Disney at the Oscars: The List of Winners and More” by Ray Keating – DisneyBizJournal.com – The first animated movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards was Disney’s 1991 Beauty and the Beast. A decade later came the Best Animated Feature Oscar, and domination by Disney. Read at  

https://disneybizjournal.blogspot.com/2020/02/animated-disney-at-oscars-list-of.html

• “Disney’s All-Time Oscar Count Heading Into the 92^ndAcademy Awards” by Ray Keating – DisneyBizJournal.com – Heading into Sunday night’s Oscars, Disney already has a staggering number of Oscar wins under its belt. Read at  

https://disneybizjournal.blogspot.com/2020/02/disneys-all-time-oscar-count-heading.html

• “Joker” vs. “Avengers: Endgame” by Ray Keating– DisneyBizJournal.com– “Joker” is the Oscars’ kind of superhero movie. How so? Well, it’s not really a superhero film. Meanwhile, “Avengers: Endgame” gets ignored. Read at 

https://disneybizjournal.blogspot.com/2020/01/joker-vs-avengers-endgame.html

• “Disney Cashes in on Fox Acquisition at Oscars” by Ray Keating - DisneyBizJournal.com –The Walt Disney Company’s Fox acquisition paid off quite nicely in terms of Oscar nominations. Get the rundown. Read at  

https://disneybizjournal.blogspot.com/2020/01/disney-cashes-in-on-fox-acquisition-at.html

• “Will the Oscars Finally Recognize Superhero Films? The Lord of the Rings Example” by Ray Keating – DisneyBizJournal.com – Can Avengers: Endgame lay waste to Hollywood’s Oscar bias against superheroes? The recent announcement regarding telecast dates of the Oscars got me thinking about whether or not Avengers: Endgame might finally have the power to break through the Academy’s opposition to superheroes. If there’s hope on this front, it can be found in The Lord of the Rings movies. Read at  

https://disneybizjournal.blogspot.com/2019/06/will-oscars-finally-recognize-superhero.html

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of The Disney Planner 2020: The TO DO List Solution and the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.