For everyone who leaves a comment, you’ll be entered to WIN a Hardcover copy of Shauna Niequist’s book, Bittersweet, as well as a Hardcover copy of Donald Miller’s book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

We’ll leave the contest open until Monday, November 29th, 2010 at 12:00pm (noon) PST. We’ll choose a winner at random and send an email notification. If you have questions, please contact us by clicking here or read our Terms of Use by clicking here.

With Christian radio and fans going starry-eyed over Chris August, the positive buzz keeps coming in.

“This is a new artist with intense staying power. Someday we’ll all be saying ‘remember when?’” -Sarah Taylor, KCMS

“Chris August has the amazing ability to write songs that not only do you hum along to but impacts you in a deep and meaningful way. Starry Night has connected with our audience in this way from the very beginning.” -Ben Milton, WGTS

“Starry Night has been one of those special songs that come along seemingly out of nowhere and connect deeply with our target audience, the song has tested awesome from the first test and continues to do so.” -Kris Love, WYLV and WDLF

“There are so many singer/songwriter out there…. here comes one that can finally deliver.” -Corey Mann, LESEA Broadcasting

Currently, August is playing shows all across the country in support of the new album and is gearing up to join multi-platinum group Point Of Grace on their upcoming 2010 “Home For The Holidays” Christmas tour and then will join the highly anticipated Winter Jam 2011 Tour.

While he may be considered a “new” artist, Fervent Records’ newly signed singer-songwriter Chris August is anything but a rookie in the music industry. The self-taught pianist, guitarist, and producer previously toured as the keyboard player and opening act for pop sensation Ashlee Simpson and worked with Ryan Cabrera, Brian McKnight and Jessica Simpson before shifting his focus to his solo career. Chris, a native of Dallas, Texas, put his refined skill set to work when he co-produced his debut record with acclaimed producer Ed Cash. While he is not one to shy away from writing about his faith, Chris isn’t afraid to embrace relationships and heartache in his songwriting. Chris cites influences such as Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, and Gavin DeGraw who all contributed to the polished pop/rock sound that is sure to resonate with all who listen.

For additional information, please log on to: www.chrisaugustmusic.com, www.myspace.com/chrisaugustmusic or www.twitter.com/ChrisAugust.

Permission to Speak Freely is the unique project which brings to light the original intent a sanctuary as a place of help and healing.

Told with disarming transparency, Anne shares what led to her own addictions and the ensuing lifestyle that left her wounded and withdrawn, but ultimately rescued and redeemed. She includes dramatic stories of others who also learned to abandon their fear, pride, and masks; to identify their hurts; and to find the courage to speak freely.

Their confessions, submitted as mixed media pieces, photography, and sketches, were collected from people across the world, and are included throughout the book.

Find out more about the book by clicking here.

ENTER TO WIN

We’ve made it easy to be entered to win 1 of 5 copies of Anne Jackson’s book, Permission to Speak Freely. All you need to do is follow the steps below and you’ll be entered to win!

Step 1) Leave a comment telling us your favorite, most-recent book that we all should be reading. Make sure to leave a comment anytime before Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 11am PST. Any entries submitted after 11am PST on the 1st will automatically be eliminated from the drawing.

Step 2) Wait until Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 12pm PST (noon) and we’ll draw 5 names from the hat and contact you via email (if you’re the winner, of course).

That’s it. Good luck!

Note: If you have any questions regarding our terms of use, please click here or contact us.

ALSO (for all the locals)

We have a pair (2) of general admission tickets to see Anne Jackson on the Permission to Speak Freely tour coming to Salem, Oregon on Tuesday, November 9th at West Salem Foursquare Church. If you are local (or if you want to drive and come to the event at your own expense) please include with your comment below that you are local and you’ll be entered to win the set of tickets as well. For those who do not mention that you are local (or want the tickets), you will not be entered to win the set of tickets.

If you have any questions, please contact us here.

Last year Avatar dominated the charts. This year, there have been a ton of remakes, loads of sequels, and some outright lame movies. So we’re really wanting to know, what your favorite movie was?

Inception?
Iron Man 2?
The A-Team?
Toy Story 3?
The Last Airbender?
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse?

Leave a comment below. We’re hungry for your thoughts…

In their post they argued these three reasons:

It creates a more attractive worklpace to potential, and younger, employees who see social media as a staple of work life.

It improves productivity with those employees who were allowed to take breaks to surf the internet for fun.

It creates a more engaged workforce by allowing employees to use social media to connect with colleagues, which in turn improves communication and speeds up decision making processes.

But just as the many bloggers, employees, and businesses who argue the validity of using social media during work hours, there are many more who think that employers should ban social media sites in the workplace as they are potential time wasters.

There’s a debate going on about the effect of social media on worker productivity. Some say it steals too much time from the job at hand during work hours. Others say the quick mental break helps workers refocus so they get on with their tasks.

But what do you say?

Do you log in to Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn at work? Does it lower productivity or does it help you get through the day? Where do you stand on the issue? How about your employer? Come on, you can tell us.