Bite-size Scripture verses, devotionals and books for mobile devices like MP3 players and cell phones are helping to provide spiritual refreshment for time-pressed Americans-a trend recently spotlighted in the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times.

"In this environment, we felt it was critical to put the company in the best position for the long term," CBD President Ray Hendrickson said. "It is very difficult to part with CBD staff members, but we are offering a generous severance package that takes into consideration each employee's length of service.

Other leading nominees named Friday for gospel music's best in 2008 were Natalie Grant, newcomer Francesca Battistelli and Casting Crowns with five nods each. Four nominations each went to Brandon Heath, Mary Mary, Laura Story and Michael W. Smith.

Find out more about these and this week's other exclusive online postings at our Web site, www.christianretailing.com.

Featuring John O'Hurley (Seinfeld, Dancing With the Stars) as Sir Sinclair M. Skeeto, Skeeter and the Mystery of the Lost Mosquito Treasure: It's About Being Unique teaches a lesson based on Psalm 139:13-14 about each person designed especially by God.

Former American Idol contestant Mandisa admits to still watching the show religiously, but has a notable distraction during the current series--the forthcoming release of her third album.

The 32-year-old California native--whose acclaimed 2007 debut, True Beauty, scanned more than 150,000 units--sees Freedom (Sparrow Records) hit stores March 24 addressing various issues, notably addiction.

Security camera footage shows two youths attacking the storefront of the Soz Kitapevi bookshop Feb. 12, kicking and smashing glass in both the window and the door. During the first attack on Feb. 7, the glass of the front door was smashed and the security camera mangled.