Month: April 2023

No more boring dinners: learn how to whip up amazing meals with ease

Photo: Elina Sazonova, used with permission.

Cooking is more than a necessity – it is an art form. No matter your level of experience or proficiency in the kitchen, creating delicious dishes with fresh ingredients can be rewarding. Nevertheless, when we do not have the time to be inventive, cooking can occasionally feel like a job. However, there are a few easy hacks and suggestions that will make your culinary journey joyful. Here are a few quick and simple methods to spice up your meals without spending all day in the kitchen.

1. Excite Your Dining Routine with Easy Cooking Techniques –
One of the best ways to break away from dinnertime monotony is to explore various cooking methods. There are so many exciting methods you can try, such as grilling, stir-frying, roasting or slow cooking your meals for added flavor and excitement. Each technique adds something special to your food and helps you achieve flavors you would not be able to achieve otherwise. Plus, these dishes do not require much time or effort from you. Do not be afraid to experiment with seasonings and marinades; herbs, spices, vinegars, oils – even fresh garlic or ginger can add an extra dimension. These ingredients are versatile and affordable so why not give them a try?

2. 5 Ingredients for Delicious Dishes –
An easy way to switch up your meal routine is by working with five simple ingredients. This method works on weeknights when you do not have time to shop for many items. Start by choosing a protein like chicken, beef or fish then add two vegetables and one starch. Finally, pick an herb or spice as a flavor enhancer. Now you have everything necessary for creating an irresistible dinner. If you are feeling adventurous, experiment with different combinations and make each dish unique in its own way.

3. Create Flavor Combinations That Wow –
If you want to wow your guests or family members with your cooking, try creating unique flavor combinations. This could include pairing unusual ingredients like smoked salmon and beets, or sweet and savory pairings like balsamic glazed pork chops with peaches and mint. A perfect example would be quinoa salad topped off with grilled vegetables and feta cheese; not only will these dishes wow guests (or family members), but they are also incredibly healthy dishes.

4. Use Spices and Herbs to Enhance Flavors –
Spices and herbs are your secret weapon for creating flavorful dishes, helping you add depth and complexity while saving time in the kitchen. If you do not know where to start, try exploring regional cuisines such as Italian with this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, Mexican or Indian and see which combinations of spices they use in their dishes; this will inspire creativity with flavors. Popular herbs like oregano, rosemary, parsley and thyme can be used in various dishes from grilled meats to homemade spaghetti sauce recipes – they are almost endless possibilities when creating new dishes.

5. Learn How to Cook Healthier Meals Quickly and Easily –
Eating healthily does not have to take hours of preparation. There are plenty of delicious, nutritious dishes you can whip up in no time. For instance, try this easy salmon and asparagus dish with lemon garlic sauce; its combination of lean protein and vibrant veggies will surely please everyone. Or for something heartier and comforting, try this vegetarian chili recipe packed with flavor and nutrition for added goodness.

Do not get bored at dinner time again with these tips. No matter your culinary skill level or experience level, creating delicious dishes that are both healthy and flavorful is easy with just some experimentation. All it takes is some trial-and-error with different techniques and ingredients; soon enough you will be whipping up mouthwatering meals everyone will love. So do not be shy – unleash your inner chef today and see what delicious dishes you can create.

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New book release: ‘Black Sheep: Moment of Truth’ by Mike Black

‘Black Sheep: Moment of Truth’ is the new book by Mike Black. Photo: Mike Black, used with permission.

Mike Black is an author whose new book “Black Sheep: Moment of Truth” is out now. (Mike Black, 2023)

“Black Sheep: Moment of Truth” –
Step into Truth

“Accepting Truth isn’t always easy, but it’s always necessary. Without hardship, without going through the Trials and Tribulations, strength cannot be gained. No matter how hard and hopeless you feel at times, endure a little longer and keep fighting on. Nothing great comes from taking the easy way out. Nothing permanent that is.”

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Seeing the Invisible:
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

“God never promised an easy life on earth, but he did promise the temporary battle would be worth it in the end.”

Author Mike Black. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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New album release: Get Behind The Wheel – Eilen Jewell

Get Behind The Wheel will be out May 5, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

An Idaho native, Eilen Jewell built her career the old-fashioned way, touring relentlessly with the kind of undeniable live show that converts the uninitiated into instant fans. Over the course of nine albums, she has crisscrossed the globe countless times and shared bills with the likes of Lucinda Williams, Loretta Lynn, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson, George Jones, and Emmylou Harris. Hailed by American Songwriter as “one of America’s most intriguing, creative, and idiosyncratic voices,” Eilen Jewell rises from the ashes on her captivating new album, Get Behind The Wheel, picking up the pieces of her shattered world and finding new purpose and meaning after watching her marriage, her band, and what felt like her entire career fall apart in a series of spectacular, heartbreaking implosions. The collection pushes the acclaimed singer and songwriter’s trademark blend of vintage roots-noir into more psychedelic territory, with spacious, cinematic arrangements complementing her revelatory explorations of grief, loss, resilience, and redemption. (Eilen Jewell, 2023)

With Get Behind The Wheel, her ninth studio album—out on May 5 via Signature Sounds—Jewell plants herself firmly in the driver’s seat as she picks up the pieces and finds new purpose and meaning in the process. Jewell shared the first song from Get Behind The Wheel, the twisting and turning “Crooked River.” Fans can stream or purchase “Crooked River” and pre-order or pre-save Get Behind The Wheel ahead of its May 5 release. The single has already been garnering attention from the likes of The Bluegrass Situation and NPR, who wrote, “Eilen Jewell strikes a balance between heartache and triumph.”

Get Behind The Wheel track list:
Alive
Crooked River
Lethal Love
Come Home Soon
Winnemucca
Could You Would You
Breakaway
You Were A Friend Of Mine
Outsiders
Silver Wheels And Wings
The Bitter End

Catch Eilen Jewell on tour:
April 14 – Winnemucca, NV – The Martin Hotel
April 15 – Fallon, NV – Churchill Arts Council
May 6 – Ybor City, FL – WMNF Tropical Heatwave 2023
May 9 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
May 10 – Nashville, TN – City Winery
May 11 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
May 12 – Asheville, NC – The Grey Eagle
May 13 – Greer, SC – Albino Skunk Music Festival 2023
May 14 – Charleston, WV – Mountain Stage
June 24 – Greenfield, MA – Green River Festival 2023
June 25 – Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House
June 27 – New York, NY – City Winery NYC
June 28 – Old Saybrook, CT – The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
June 29 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
June 30 – Fall River, MA – Narrows Center for the Arts
July 1 – Red Hook, NY – Hardeman Orchards
July 2 – Portland, ME – One Longfellow Square
July 5 – Woodbridge, NJ – Woodbridge Wednesdays
July 6 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live
July 7 – Frenchtown, NJ – ArtYard
July 8 – Homer, NY – Center for the Arts of Homer
July 9 – Buffalo, NY – Sportsmens Tavern
September 7 – Berwyn, IL – Fitzgerald’s

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Get Behind The Wheel release date

Schoolhouse Rock Live rolls into Magik Theatre

Schoolhouse Rock Live opens at the Magik Theatre this weekend. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Tour the solar system with Interplanet Janet. Go shopping for adverbs at the Lolly family store. Take a ride on the Conjunction Junction railroad or hang out with Bill on Capitol Hill to learn about lawmaking. Yes, the gang is all here when Schoolhouse Rock Live! comes to the Magik Theatre from April 15-June 4. The musical shorts, which began airing on ABC in 1973, taught Generation X a wide range of educational facts through skits and catchy tunes but most of all, it eventually taught nostalgia. An entire generation tuned in at the same time every Saturday morning for that brief bit of airtime that was designed just for them. Perfect for the entire family, this retro revue introduces a new audience to the songs and characters that made Saturday mornings great for over a decade. (Magik Theatre, 2023)

From 1973-1985, children of all ages tuned into ABC on Saturday mornings for the Emmy-award-winning Schoolhouse Rock, a series of short, animated videos that combined education with entertainment. The concept was simple: take subjects like grammar, math, science, and history and make them infinitely more interesting to children by setting them to music. Originally developed by David McCall to help his son who was struggling with multiplication tables, Schoolhouse Rock has stood the test of time and is now enjoying a new iteration via musical theatre.

Directed by Anthony Runfola, Schoolhouse Rock Live! follows Tom, a teacher anxious about his first day of school. To calm his nerves, Tom turns on the television, where his favorite show, Schoolhouse Rock, suddenly comes to life right before his eyes. Through their catchy songs and creative imagery, the Schoolhouse Rock gang reminds Tom that learning can be fun while exploring themes including self-confidence, problem-solving, and overcoming fears.

The original ABC series was produced by George Newall and Tom Yohe and featured songs written and performed by Bob Dorough. It has been adapted and produced for the stage by Theatre BAM and presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Based on McCall’s original concept, it features music and lyrics by Dorough, Newall, and Yohe, along with Lynn Ahrens, Dave Frishberg, and Kathy Mandry. The cast of five features Ian Eller performing in the lead role of Tom. Alyssa Dossett accompanies him as Dori, Rosa Gardner as Dina, Alaia Adriana as Shulie, and Digger Howard as George with stage management by Alyssa Snow. Together they are the Magik formula for this celebration of learning through the power of music and theatre. This production marks the return of School House Rock Live to Magik Theatre from its original debut in 2018. Patrons can expect to see the same iconic shorts with exciting new elements to engage, educate and entertain while having tons of fun.

Throughout the week, Magik Theatre offers the opportunity for schools to come to the theatre on a field trip. Rather than simply a “snippet” of a show, Magik Theatre field trip performances are the same as public performances. These productions offer as many as 70,000 children per season the opportunity to see a live performance that they might not be able to experience otherwise. It is part of the company’s commitment to inclusivity in the arts. Additionally, a Schoolhouse Rock Live study guide will be available on the website to educators with ideas for bringing the experience into the classroom in fun, engaging ways.

Magik Theatre is committed to making theatre accessible to everyone. “We are here to make theatre accessible to every family and remove any existing barrier,” says Magik Theatre CEO Frank Villani. In keeping with that commitment, the 2023 season boasts some upgrades to include the special performances below.

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance | Saturday, May 6, 2p.m. – Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.

Sensory-Friendly Performance | Wednesday, May 24, 10:30a.m. – Sensory-friendly performances create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. Modifying certain production elements to accommodate these individuals allows families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities to enjoy an authentic performance experience together.

Pay What You Wish Performances | Saturday, May 13, 2p.m. and Saturday, June 3, 2p.m. – Magik’s way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.

Flex Passes and Single Tickets are available online by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9a.m.- 5p.m., Monday through Friday. If a child under two uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available to parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries, contact information.

Flex Passes are on sale now, $170 – 10 Flex Pass Tickets ($17 per ticket – A savings of 32% off single ticket prices) and $300 – 20 Flex Pass Tickets ($15 per ticket – A savings of 40% off single ticket prices)

Single Tickets are $18.50 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, and Educators. Adult tickets are $22.50, and children under two are free.

A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to use the power of theatre to create Magikal storytelling for children that Activates imagination, Grows young minds, and Inspires creativity and a love of learning that is the Key to a more literate future for our community.

Book review: ‘Gray’ by Conor Noll

‘Gray: Assorted Poems’ by Conor Noll. Photo: Amazon

Conor Noll is a poet with a lifetime love of the written word and has spent most of it reading and writing. He has had his share of hardships including serving in the military, being a shut-in, and serving time in prison. “Gray” is his first published book of poems with plans for more to come. He currently lives in his Pennsylvania hometown. (Conor Noll, 2023)

“Gray” – This book is a short collection of original poems; a worthy assortment of thoughts and feelings put into words and onto paper. There are topics of love, loss, fond feelings of comfortable places, and also of sadness. Enjoy the poems within.

Poetry can have different meanings for different people. Some enjoy expressing their thoughts while for others, it can be therapeutic. In “Gray,” Conor Noll expresses all types of emotions, from hopelessness to friendship and love. The topics range from the drudgery of daily life to the majesty of the night sky, including the stars and planets. This may be a small book, but it serves as a reminder of the universality of the human condition; that if you are feeling down, you are not the only one and there is always hope right around the corner. Most, if not all the poems are relatable, like Unease, for those of us who have battled with anxiety and The Magical Brew, a humorous ode to coffee and its many benefits. Running reminds us that though it may be hard, sometimes you have to move on from what is familiar. So if you are looking for honest, heart felt poetry to remind you of your humanity, give this one a try. It is an easy read without complicated language and can be read in one sitting, which makes it the perfect book to take to the beach this summer.

“Yet it’s the bad that make,
The good all the better,
I will not be fake,
I refused to be fettered,
And I’ll give as much as I can take.” – To Be Human

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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New book release: ‘Airbnb 99 Essential Message Templates’ by Message Magic

‘Airbnb 99 Essential Message Templates’ is a resource guide for readers in the Airbnb business. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Are you an Airbnb host who wants to offer exceptional guest experiences and stand out among millions of listings on the platform? If so, “Airbnb 99+ Essential Message Templates” by Message Magic is the solution. (Message Magic, 2023)

Not only will you receive comprehensive guidance and practical advice for improving your communication skills and enhancing the guest experience, but you will also receive an exclusive offer included in the book. This offer is a $50 coupon to optimize your Airbnb listing with AirbnbSEO.com. This valuable bonus will help you further enhance your Airbnb presence and attract more bookings, making it an even more valuable investment for any serious host.

Our pre-written message templates allow you to save time and effort while ensuring consistency, professionalism, accuracy, and personalization for your guests. You can even use them for direct bookings via personal websites and social networks.

Effective communication is crucial for building trust, clarifying expectations, handling issues, and earning positive reviews. With “Airbnb 99+ Essential Message Templates,” you can provide your guests with a memorable and hassle-free experience while maximizing your profits. Our customizable message templates have been proven to increase bookings, boost guest satisfaction, handle any complaints professionally, and help you stand out from the competition.

Do not let your listing get lost in the sea of Airbnb properties. Take your communication with guests to the next level with our book and reap numerous benefits, including streamlining your messaging process, and ensuring consistency, professionalism, accuracy, and personalization. Increase your bookings, boost guest satisfaction, handle any complaints professionally, and stand out from the competition.

Order now and experience the results for yourself!

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New memoir: ‘Iowa Trouble’ by Tyler Granger

‘Iowa Trouble’ is a politics centered memoir by Tyler Granger, a lifetime Iowan who was heavily involved in the area’s politics. Photo: Tyler Granger, used with permission.

Tyler Granger is a lifelong Iowan who wanted to share his life’s journey and began writing his memoir in 2020 for his infant daughter so she would have a book about her father and her family’s history. He shares his journey in this memoir, which includes stories ranging from football to Warped Tour to working for the Obama campaign. He has a degree in political science from Northwestern College and has worked on a variety of political campaigns and non-profits across Iowa. “Iowa Trouble” is a memoir of political violence across Iowa mixed with a variety of horror stories from punk sub-culture to Iowa gangsters to the politics of the Iowa Caucus. (Tyler Granger, 2023)

“Iowa Trouble” – while it is not for everyone, it includes something for everyone. It is a coming of age/gangster novel/political thriller/horror memoir with the target audience being punks and political junkies.

* Disclaimer: This self-published memoir includes stories of murder, rape, drugs and alcohol, political corruption, and other violent crimes that could be potentially emotionally distressing for some readers.

Author Tyler Granger. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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Book of the week: ‘How To Employ Your Own Boss: The Ultimate Guide on How To Move From Being An Employee To Employer’ by Samuel Shy

‘How To Employ Your Own Boss: The Ultimate Guide on How To Move From Being An Employee To Employer’ is Samuel Shy’s book about entrepreneurship. Photo: Amazon

From time to time, everyone at one point or another has fantasized about being their own boss. Regardless of what type of job you have, if you work for someone else, it can be exhausting and soul crushing because jobs most require getting up early, long commutes to work, and working at least eight hours a day, which means being cooped up in an office all day and missing out on life’s important events and spending time with loved ones; not to mention stressful office politics and overly critical managers who often demean more than praise employees. When it comes down to it, do you really know what it means to be your own boss? In his new book “How To Employ Your Own Boss: The Ultimate Guide on How To Move From Being An Employee To Employer,”  Samuel Shy writes about this important topic that is frequently in every worker’s mind after a long stressful day at work. (Samuel Shy, 2023)

“How To Employ Your Own Boss: The Ultimate Guide on How To Move From Being An Employee To Employer” – is available only as an e-book and is only 62 pages long but it features the basic concepts you should know when considering being self-employed. This includes the definition of an employee, the types of employees, and most importantly, what is self employment. He lists the advantages, disadvantages, and examples of self employment and how to move from being an employee to being self employed. Once you decide that this is the right move for you, he also explains how to start and run your own business along with the advantages and disadvantages of being your own boss which serves as a reality check. He also includes the characteristics that define someone who can be their own boss: could this be you? Are you ready to take the plunge?

This guide dealing with entrepreneurship, business, and economics is available through Lulu.

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Taco Cabana menu news

Taco Cabana’s Double and Triple Crunch Pizzas. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching April 12, 2023, Taco Cabana invites guests to enjoy the a la carte Carne Asada Street Tacos three-pack for $6.29 and the a la carte Carne Asada Cabana Bowl for $8.49. Perfectly complementing the returning Carne Asada menu offerings, guests can also enjoy a variety of delicious TC culinary favorites under $5, with many under $3. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

TC’s new Carne Asada options can also be enjoyed as a three-pack of street tacos plate for $8.49 or a combo featuring chips and queso and a 20 oz. beverage for $10.19. The Carne Asada Cabana Bowl is crafted with rice, refried beans, seasoned carne asada, lettuce, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, and topped with pico de gallo and sour cream; available for just $8.49.

TC is also expanding its recently released Favorites Under $5 menu to now include many Favorites Under $3. Guests can choose from culinary favorites like a flavor-packed Black Bean Taco, small or large Sopapillas, a small order of Chips & Queso, a classic Bean & Cheese Taco, and more. 

Guests can pair any of the new dishes and existing favorites with the dangerously delicious Chocolate Chimis, TC’s newest dessert. Visitors with a sweet tooth can enjoy two chocolate chimichangas filled with warm, gooey chocolate cream cheese and fried to perfection for just $2.99. The tasty new addition is available alongside another guest-favorite, the Oreo® Churros.

New Carne Asada items and Taco Cabana’s Favorites Under $5 menu offerings, including the new Favorites Under $3, are available at all participating Texas Taco Cabana locations and can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App.

Following the successful launch of the Double Crunch Pizza (DCP) in December 2022, Taco Cabana has announced the addition of two all-new DCP extensions arriving just in time for the Cinco de Mayo holiday. Available starting May 5, 2023, TC dares guests to taste the inferno with the all-new Ghost Pepper Ground Beef Double Crunch Pizza and go big with the Triple Crunch Ground Beef Pizza. Continuing the brand’s tradition of culinary innovation, these two items will be available at all Texas Taco Cabana locations while supplies last. 

One of TC’s most successful product launches ever, more than 400,000 Double Crunch Pizzas have been sold statewide within the first three months of the item’s release. This success encouraged TC’s culinary team to explore new and innovative flavors like the fiery Ghost Pepper Ground Beef Double Crunch Pizza available for $5.99 and DCP extensions like the exciting, larger Triple Crunch Ground Beef Pizza available for $7.99. 

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Taco Cabana will also offer a limited-time bundle featuring any Double Crunch Pizza and any of TC’s twelve margarita flavors for just $6.99, available from May 4, 2023 to May 7, 2023 while supplies last; the bundle offer excludes the new Ghost Pepper Ground Beef DCP. This flavor-filled combination is a perfect complement to Cinco de Mayo weekend and is not to be missed.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of April 6, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas. 

 

Book review: ‘The Vanished’ by Simon Rosser

‘The Vanished’ is the latest book in the Robert Spires series by Simon Rosser. Photo: Amazon

“The Vanished” may be book 9 of the Robert Spires series but it is an excellent read as a stand alone novel. It begins with Vanessa and Stefan hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains as what begins as a hiking adventure ends with Stefan’s disappearance. This event is just the latest in similar disappearances that have been occurring in the area so the UK’s Global Environmental Command, GLENCOM for short, dispatches Robert and Agent Belinda Caruso to investigate since it is thought that they might have some environmental connections. Along with the disappearances, for decades now, there have been cases of  cattle and other livestock mutilations in neighboring farms that look as if they were done by scalpel or laser technology. No tracks or other evidence as to who might be responsible for the unexplained deaths has ever been found but there might be reason to believe that there might be an extraterrestrial link since there have also been instances of unusual lights in the night sky. Robert Spire and Agent Belinda Caruso team up with Spire’s old friend, ex-U.S. Marine Travis Dexter and the deeper they dig, the clearer it becomes that the U.S Military might be involved.

While the topics of farm animal mutilations, missing hikers, and mysterious lights in the sky are common occurrences in the real world, the author brilliantly combines them to create an intriguing yet unnerving science fiction adventure. Far from giving clear explanations for them, he does give a possible, though chilling, reason for the disappearances that could very well happen and leaves the way open for expanding on this story, including which mysterious government agency may be involved. It also serves as a warning to humanity without coming off as preachy or condescending. The characters are believable and relatable, but giving the assassins for hire brothers the stereotypical ‘Deliverance-like’ characteristics makes them seem cartoonish at most. The language is easy to follow and understand and makes the story flow naturally. Overall, it is a must-read and thrilling science fiction novel and is recommended for readers who enjoy science fiction, UFO/alien stories and appreciate speculative fiction.

Rating: 4 out of 5.