Month: January 2018

Wine pairing dinner at Krause’s Café

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Krause’s Café is hosting a wine pairing dinner on Monday January 29, 2018. Photo: The Prisoner Wine Company, used with permission.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is teaming up with California-based The Prisoner Wine Company to host a special wine paired dinner on Monday January 29 at 6:30p.m. The vino-centric event will highlight various dishes created by Chef “Boomer” Acuna which will be paired with specialty wine from The Prisoner Wine Company. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2018)

The dinner will consist of a prix fixe four-course menu featuring German and South Texas inspired dishes. Menu items will include Braised Beef Cheek Ravioli, Smoked Beef Carpaccio, Whole Roasted Beef Loin and more. Each dish will be paired with a complimentary wine such as Cuttings Cabernet, Saldo Zinfandel, and The Prisoner Red Blend. Tickets are $70 per seat and do not include tax and gratuity. They can be reserved online or by calling Krause’s Café at (830) 625-2807.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant that opened in 1938 and ran successfully until 1995. Recently it reopened and while keeping true to the original traditions it now has a ‘biergarten,’ live music and more. The menu reflects its German heritage and South Texas flavors while offering over 70 beers that include local, regional and international options as well as cocktails and wines on tap.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten
148 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Book review: ‘If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?’ by Alan Alda

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‘If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?’ is the best selling book by Alan Alda about the importance of communication.

Most people know Alan Alda from the classic television series M*A*S*H, but he is also a writer and director. He hosted the award-winning series Scientific American Frontiers for eleven years and founded the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University. His previous books include “Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: And Other Things I’ve Learned” and “Things I Overheard While Talking To Myself.” “If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?: My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating” is his most recent release. In it, he tells the story of his quest to learn to communicate better and to teach others to do the same and how to develop empathy.

The central theme in “If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?” is communication and the author gives readers creative ways they can improve their skills. It is divided into two parts: 1. Relating Is Everything with chapters like The Mirror Exercise, Listening from the Boardroom to the Bedroom and Training Doctors to Have More Empathy and 2. Getting Better at Reading Others with chapters like Working Along on Building Empathy, Dark Empathy and Reading the Mind of the Reader. He uses examples from his own life to demonstrate the importance of being able to communicate with each other and what happens when wires get crossed. His aim is to teach people to develop their empathy skills because this is where cooperation and understanding is born. This can be done by looking for clues in another’s face and learning to read the other person.

In simple terms and easy to understand language, Alan Alda has written an excellent guide for anyone who wants to improve their interpersonal skills. His personal anecdotes are entertaining and informative. A standout chapter is Working Alone on Building Empathy where he discusses meditation and bonding to start improving oneself. Overall, it is an interesting take on the importance of communication skills that is as useful in today’s atmosphere as it ever was. It is a highly recommended read, especially for those on a journey of self-discovery and improvement.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this article are solely the author’s.

2018 – 2019 Season at The Public Theater of San Antonio

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The 2018- 2019 season at The Public Theater of San Antonio. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.

The Public Theater of San Antonio recently announced the 2018-2019 during their Season Announcement Party. Guests such as Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Laura Garza from Teatro Audaz made the official announcements during an evening of camaraderie and support for the arts.

The Russell Hill Rogers Theater
September 14 – October 14
Disney’s ‘Newsies’ – This musical is based on the 1992 movie which was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City.
 
November 23 – December 23
‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ – Back for a third year, this show is a re-telling of the real life temporary cease-fire that took place at the Western Front at Christmas Eve during World War I. The Marcsmen, the men’s a cappella chorus, will once again participate.
 
January 25 – February 17
‘Rent’ – Loosely based on Puccini’s La Bohème, it tells the story of a group of young artists struggling to survive in New York City’s East Village under the shadow of AIDS.
 
May 17-June 9, 2019
‘Once’ – Based on the 2007 movie of the same name, this musical is the story of two musicians who meet and fall in love. It includes the Academy Award-winning song “Falling Slowly.’
 
July 12-Aug. 11, 2019
‘Matilda: The Musical’ – Based on the novel of the same name, ‘Matilda’ is the musical about a precocious young girl with telekinetic ability who overcomes her own obstacles and helps her teacher reclaim her life.

The Cellar Theater
October 19 – November 18
‘Fun Home’ – This musical is based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir about her own sexuality, her relationship with her gay father and her attempts to get to know him.
 
December 28 – January 20
‘An Infinite Ache’– David Schulner’s one-act play about love, time, and the infinite directions in which two lives can travel.
 
March 1 – 17
‘Daddy Long Legs’ – Based on the novel of the same name, this is the story of a young orphan and her mysterious benefactor who agrees to send her to college under the condition that she sends him a letter once a month.
 
April 19 – May 12
‘Freud’s Last Session’ – Mark St. Germain’s play about a conversation between Dr. Sigmund Freud and writer C.S. Lewis as they address the greatest questions of all time.
 
June 14 -30
‘Sink, Florida, Sink’ – A Fresh Ink Theater Program world premiere about the remaining residents of a small beach town in Florida as they struggle to keep their town afloat after a series of hurricanes.
 
July 12 – August 11
‘Real Women Have Curves’ – Presented by Teatro Audaz, this story is set in a sewing factory in East Los Angeles where the women workers talk about issues such as gender politics and the Latina immigrant experience.

The Playhouse San Antonio rebrands as The Public Theater of San Antonio

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The Playhouse San Antonio has rebranded to become The Public Theater of San Antonio. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.

At last night’s 2018-2019 Season Announcement Party, CEO and Artistic Director George Green announced the rebranding of The Playhouse San Antonio. Effective immediately, it is now officially named The Public Theater of San Antonio. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)

The Public Theater is San Antonio’s largest, most productive professional live theater organization and only Equity Theater. Established in 1912 as the San Antonio Dramatic Club and incorporated on April 6, 1927 as the San Antonio Little Theatre, it is the most historic theater in South Texas. Previously known as The San Pedro Playhouse (1997) and The Playhouse San Antonio (2012), its most recent brand, The Public Theater of San Antonio, was unveiled as an effort to align the organization’s new professional vision to the needs of the region. For over a century, The Public Theater has evolved to serve its community as a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Located in one of the oldest parks in the United States, San Pedro Springs Park, the 350 seat Russell Hill Rogers Auditorium is home to larger musicals while the more intimate 60 seat Cellar Theater hosts a myriad of classic and contemporary plays.  Annually, an average of two hundred professionally paid performers and technicians participate in productions. Nearly 80% of the performers and creative team members are locals and its core audience come from Bexar County and the city of San Antonio.

The Public Theater’s mission is to produce live professional theater that inspires, educates and connects communities. The organization’s objective is to produce high quality theatrical productions year-round in multiple venues while contributing to its and the city’s annual financial and cultural growth. The goal is to maintain and improve upon its perception as San Antonio’s flagship theater while creating a stronger collaborative and supportive culture.

Book review: ‘Grief Cottage’ by Gail Godwin

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‘Grief Cottage’ is Gail Godwin’s novel about a young boy sent to live with his great aunt on a South Carolina island.

Gail Godwin is a novelist and short story writer whose body of work includes 14 novels, two short story collections, three non-fiction books and ten musical works. A three-time National Book Award finalist, she has written more than a dozen critically-acclaimed books including the novels “Flora,” “Father Melancholy’s Daughter” and “Evensong.” Her most recent novel is “Grief Cottage,” a book about a young boy who goes to live with his great aunt when his mother is killed in an automobile accident.

The main character in “Grief Cottage” is Marcus, an eleven-year-old boy who is sent to live on a small South Carolina island with his great aunt Charlotte. Charlotte is a woman of few words and a reclusive painter with a haunted past. Since she spends most of her time in her studio painting and dealing with her own demons, Marcus is often by himself. As he explores the island, he becomes intrigued with the dilapidated empty cottage the locals call ‘Grief Cottage;’ named so because a boy and his parents disappeared from it during a hurricane fifty years earlier. Their bodies were never found and it has been empty since. He visits the cottage daily, each time getting closer even after the missing boy’s ghost appears to him. By getting to know his story, Marcus learns more about himself, his family and the memories that haunt people’s lives.

The story is told through Marcus’ point of view which gives readers an insight into his young life. He is wise beyond his years and that gives him an edge as he deals with the loss of his mother and his great-aunt’s tumultuous life. Ironically, he is often Charlotte’s caregiver when life beats her down. The book is mostly character driven and the narrative prose makes it an outstanding piece of modern literature. The author expertly balances the ghost story with Marcus’ personal growth. It is recommended for fans of coming of age literature and ghost stories.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this article are solely the author’s.

Book review: ‘The Trial of Prisoner 043’ by Terry Jastrow

prisoner43Terry Jastrow worked in sports television for years producing and directing telecasts and that work earned him seven Emmy Awards. As an actor, he worked in theatre, film and television and in 2015 he wrote, produced and directed the feature film The Squeeze. His first novel “The Trial of Prisoner 043” is a political and courtroom drama that poses the question: what would happen if George W Bush were prosecuted for war crimes?

“The Trial of Prisoner 043” starts off with Chapter One, The Abduction, set in St Andrew’s, Scotland as former president of the United States George W Bush is playing golf. He is abducted by a team of paramilitary commandoes and transported to the International Criminal Court in The Hague to stand trial for war crimes relating to the Iraq War. The ICC prosecutes individuals for the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes and since it has spent a year collecting evidence, it is time for Bush to be indicted as the one person most responsible for the war.

Even though the United States is one of the few western nations that do not participate in this court, the case moves forward, and it is presented to a panel of the judges with no jury. The rest of the book consists of the replaying of all the evidence for and against the Iraq War and the author uses real quotes from some of those involved in the war effort, including the head of the UN Iraq weapons inspection team, Laura Bush, George W Bush and Condoleezza Rice. In the end, he is released into US custody with the understanding that he will stand trial in the United States within twelve months for the same crime.

Even though this is a work of fiction it is based on true events. While the easy abduction of a former president may be hard to believe, it is not the most important part of the story. It is easy to read and understand and readers who are not into political drama should not be afraid to give this one a try. The courtroom drama more than makes up for any misgivings about politics, making it a suspenseful page-turner. One of the most interesting points the author poses is whether ISIS is a direct result of the American invasion of Iraq because the Iraqi Army was disbanded by the United States after the war. No matter which side of the political spectrum, the reader will appreciate the immense research Mr. Jastrow did for this novel. As proof, he cites his sources in the Author’s Notes. The subject is not overwhelming, so this book is recommended for anyone who appreciates a good courtroom drama based on modern day politics.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this article are solely the author’s.

 

Student Art Exhibition at Popmarte

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Bonus Round, a student led art exhibition, will be at Popmarte at the Pearl through Sunday January 14. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Popmarte, a rotating, multi-brand pop-up retail store, joined Pearl for the holidays and is now extending the stay for an art exhibition named Bonus Round. An eager group of young art students from Texas State University are teaming up with Popmarte at Pearl to utilize the unique retail space as a showcase of their handmade art. Gabi Martinez, a ceramic artist from Texas State University leads the project. This pop-up gallery of handmade art aims to transcend the white box theory as it champions a street-smart aesthetic. Bonus Round is an industrial experience where a merging of disciplines allows the makers to redefine function with intent to create quality handmade art. All art will be available for purchase. It premiered on Tuesday January 2 and will be open until Sunday January 14. Hours are Monday: closed, Tuesday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Popmarte, 2017)

Pearl
302 Pearl Parkway Suite 110
San Antonio, TX 78215

Book review: ‘Fitter Faster’ by Robert J Davis

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‘Fitter Faster’ is the new exercise reference guide by health journalist Robert J Davis

Robert J Davis, Ph. D is an award-winning health journalist whose work has appeared on CNN, PBS, WebMD, and The Wall Street Journal. He has a master’s degree in public health from Emory and a PhD in health policy from Brandeis University. His past books include “Coffee is Good for You” and “The Healthy Skeptic.” “Fitter Faster: The Smart Way to Get in Shape in Just Minutes a Day” is his most recent release written with Brad Kolowich, Jr, a certified personal trainer. A science-backed guide, it gives readers information on living a healthy lifestyle.

“Fitter Faster” is divided into four parts: Part I, ‘Get Ready’ focuses on the benefits of exercise, Part II, ‘Get Smart,’ gives readers a rundown on aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching, Part III, ‘Get More Out of Exercise,’ discusses what kinds of food to eat to complement workouts and how to prevent exercise-related pain and Part IV, ‘Get Going,’ provides detailed workout plans with descriptions and photos of each exercise. Throughout the chapters, there are also sections titled ‘Fitness Journey’ which highlight real stories of real people who have improved their lives through exercise.

This reference guide gives well-balanced information for anyone looking to get healthy for the new year. From stretching and workout routines to proper equipment, dietary supplement and post-workout protein shakes, each part stands on its own. Standouts include Chapter 8 ‘Eat and Run’ which has useful information about what to eat to improver performance and Chapter 10, ‘The Workouts.’ After reading it, it is easy to go back and re-read whatever information needs refreshing. The language is down to earth and easy to understand without any unnecessary medical jargon. It is recommended for anyone who needs a fitness guide book that is easy to understand and does not fat shame.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this article are solely the author’s.