Day: February 25, 2021

Upcoming book release: ‘418: I Am a Teapot’ by Edgar Scott

‘418: I Am a Teapot’ by Edgar Scott will be out on Kindle on March 23, 2021. Photo: google

Edgar Scott is an economist-turned-computer scientist. For over 20 years, Edgar served as a Senior Database Administrator and Development Operations Team Manager in financial, crypto-currency, and medical industries, as well as with several start-ups. His experience has taught him that people’s limited beliefs often keep them prisoners in a life they do not want to live. This theme resonates in his forthcoming dystopian novel, “418: I Am a Teapot” which will be out on Kindle on Tuesday March 23, 2021. (Black Château, 2021)

A must-read novel for our times in the spirit of Aldous Huxley and George Orwell, “418: I Am a Teapot” illuminates the downsides of a society featuring the immersive Internet. We are challenged to evaluate new technology, use our human spirt to avoid the negative aspects, and maintain our power to decide our own destiny, while we still have can. This is a near-future dystopian science fiction novel that explores a world where, whether by choice, birth, or punishment, people relinquish the rights to their physical body. Their brains exist in a constantly-connected virtual interface, where they enjoy a fantasy world of endless indulgences. However, while their minds are distracted and entertained, their bodies do the filthy, dangerous, or boring work that the rest of humanity does not want to do. This growing class of workers are cheap, flexible, and replaceable. Collectively referred to as staff, this new, virtually unpaid labor force are stripped of their identities as they become unaware of the reality of their life circumstances.

Life would have gone as planned for our protagonist, known only by his manager as the number 418: work until his body breaks down, retire, take a few opiates and drift off into oblivion. That is, until 418 suffers a supposedly impossible accident in a self-driving car. Through a quirk of bureaucratic fate, the order is given for him to be repaired instead of written off and retired. The extent of his injuries leads to a prolonged rehabilitation and causes the automatic termination of his online accounts. A personal crisis ensues, as his wife and family believe he has died. 418 then embarks on a dangerous quest to uncover his world from the inside out. To resolve their situations, both 418 and his manager must work together to rediscover their humanity as their journey through this dark, unsettling world.

“418: I Am a Teapot” throws a spotlight on the pressing matters of economic inequality, human rights, freedom, and gender identity. It shows how our actions and beliefs not only shape our lives but, more broadly, society. 418’s journey is one of enlightenment and introspection as he struggles with his desire to join a society that oppresses him and manipulates the working class. A rallying cry against the status quo, “418: I Am a Teapot” will make you look afresh at the current world.

“True slavery is passively accepting the roles that have been presented to us by the events and actors in our lives. This book should make one see that our beliefs hold us back, but also feel hopeful that the human spirit can overcome.” – Edgar Scott

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‘418: I Am a Teapot’ release

Taco Cabana introduces limited-time shrimp options

Taco Cabana introduces new Shrimp Yucatan quesadilla and taco. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching this week, Taco Cabana is introducing Shrimp Yucatan for the Lenten season at all Texas Taco Cabana locations. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Enjoy Taco Cabana’s new Shrimp Yucatan in a quesadilla or a taco. The quesadilla is filled with delicious shrimp marinated in achiote sauce then grilled with pico de gallo, smothered in melted jack and cheddar cheeses and served with a side of sour cream, shredded lettuce and returning favorite, pineapple salsa. The new Shrimp Yucatan taco, made with the same delicious shrimp, is topped with pickled onions, and shredded lettuce and served with a side of pineapple salsa as well. Both savory shrimp items provide a flavorful, tempting choice for all Taco Cabana guests.

Craving an original TC classic? Taco Cabana delivers with a flaky and shareable favorite – TC Flautas! Guests can order the crispy chicken-filled flautas in a three- or six-pack with a choice of queso, guacamole or sour cream for dipping. Taco Cabana’s flautas are perfect to share or enjoy individually and can also be purchased as a combo or plate.

Taco Cabana is sweetening any meal with the introduction of its new Pecan Sandies. The crispy, sugar-coated treat is available in a pack of five.

All menu items can be ordered via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are open for onsite dining.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, and delivery. As of January 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 144 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service, and catering.

Spring Break at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

Spring Break at the Briscoe includes Briscoe’s Lil Partners Saddlebags. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

This spring gather the family and head West with the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Lil Partners Saddlebags. A fun way to learn about the West, each Lil Partners Saddlebag tells the tale of the West from multiple perspectives and includes six activities for children and families to enjoy. Packed in the Saddlebag is a museum pass admitting two adults to the Briscoe. Children under 12 always receive free admission, making the Saddlebags the perfect way for your family to head West this spring. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)

Briscoe is extending its monthly “Locals Days” programming to include March 11-14, in addition to its regular monthly third Sunday, March 21. To thank the San Antonio community for its support, “Locals Day” at the Briscoe greets locals with 50% off general admission. As always, children 12 and under receive free admission, as do active duty members of the military, making the Briscoe a terrific spot for local families to enjoy during spring break.

Lil Partners Saddlebags activities include crafting Puebloan-inspired pottery, making a roaming bison torn paper collage, creating Papel Picado, fashioning your own cowboy boot and paper cowboys, as well as western coloring sheets. All the supplies and directions are included along with the museum pass for two, as well as a special one-time 15% discount on children’s items in the Briscoe’s Museum Store so Lil Partners can head home with more western fun to enjoy. Lil Partner Saddlebags are $20 for Briscoe members and $25 for future members. The admission for two alone is a $24 value, making the kits a terrific spring break deal. To pick up a kit, Lil Partners and their families can visit the Museum Store in person or online or call 210.299.4499 to arrange for a curbside pickup. Saddlebags are available through March 31 and can be shipped for an additional fee.

A must see for all ages – and the perfect place to sit and enjoy your Saddlebag crafts – is McNutt Sculpture Garden, the Briscoe’s lush public outdoor space featuring a beautiful courtyard surrounded by bronze sculptures that depict iconic figures of the American West. The sculpture garden offers the perfect respite during any River Walk visit, with tables, chairs, and benches to rest and enjoy the view.

Due to COVID restrictions, the Briscoe’s Lil Partners program also offers story times online to introduce little ones to the excitement and adventure of the American West. Museum visitors may enjoy self-guided tours, watch short videos and learn more about the artists behind the works through the Briscoe’s app, available on Google Play and in the Apple Store. Lil Partner activities for children are also available on the app, as well as the museum’s website through the museum’s “Beyond the Briscoe” program. The entire family can enjoy a museum scavenger hunt that explores the museum, play musical match-up or musical bingo, bringing the museum’s extensive collection to life for all ages.

Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online. The museum is operating at reduced capacity with health and safety protocols that require both staff and guests to wear masks as well as visitor temperature checks upon entry.

Preserving and presenting the art, history, and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building.