JW Marriott now has pet retreat packages. Photo: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Are you traveling to the San Antonio area with your pet companion? The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa now has Pet Retreat Packages to make dogs feel as welcome as humans guests. Read below for more information.
Dogs deserve a change of scenery and a bit of pampering just like their humans. The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is offering a luxury pup experience that is sure to “bow WOW” your canine companion and provide families with the ability to have their dog join them on vacation. (JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, 2023)
The resort’s Pet Retreat Package offers accommodations in uniquely decorated standard guest rooms with walk out patios providing easy access to the property’s lush lawns. The rooms are thoughtfully arranged for canine convenience and comfort and include a cozy dog bed, water and food bowls, and a blanket, all of which are permanent to the guest room. A take-home welcome amenity will be waiting for the guest of honor that includes a chew toy, dog treats, and a fashionable bandana to make the pup’s vacation extra memorable. After each canine stay, the guest room is professionally cleaned.
“We believe dogs are important members of every family and are excited to welcome these special guests through our new Luxury Pet Retreat Package,” says Brian Morris, Director of Sales & Marketing. “We look forward to providing the whole family with a comfortable and memorable stay in the Texas Hill Country.”
The Pet Retreat Package is available to book on the resort’s website using the booking code, U8D. A $200 nonrefundable pet cleaning fee is required, and package rates are based on availability.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is not a pet-friendly resort, but now offer a Pet Retreat Package exclusively available for canine guests. All service animals are always welcome. Pets are not permitted inside the public hotel spaces, dining outlets, event lawns or the River Bluff Water Experience. Pets are only allowed on immediate walk-out patio lawns and on resort walking trails.
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is superbly situated on 600 pristine acres of rolling hills and tree-lined vistas, and an adjacent 100-acre bird sanctuary, offering grand views of the wide-open Texas Hill Country. There are various walking and running trails throughout the resort’s property, perfect for dogs who need a little extra exercise or for their humans who want to enjoy the native landscapes and wildlife of the region.
This iconic lone star retreat offers endless options of entertainment for guests of all ages, including the canine species, making it a vacation standout. The luxurious, award-winning JW Marriott San Antonio features 1,002 newly refreshed guest rooms, nine-acre River Bluff Water Experience, a world class spa, TPC San Antonio’stwo 18-hole PGA TOUR golf courses, eight dining options, hiking and biking trails, sports court, Topgolf Swing Suite, daily summer recreational activities, and 265,000 square feet of meeting and event space, making it one of the largest JW Marriott resorts in the world.
Through the new Pet Retreat Package, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa now provides a luxurious getaway for families traveling to the Texas Hill Country with their dog.
‘Shadowland’ will be released September 5, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
P.L. Hampton, an emerging dark fiction author, draws readers into a world of ancient artifacts, family, and the hidden shadows of the past. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Hampton is a college professor and is pursuing his JD. He balances his academic pursuits with his passion for writing. Hampton spent nearly twelve years working in the finance industry, gaining experiences that shaped his rich, layered narratives. He resides in San Diego with his wife, Tonya, where he explores the fascinating intersection of history and horror. Prepare to delve into the realms of terror and intrigue in the genre-blending book “Shadowland,” P.L. Hampton’s upcoming new book. This thought-provoking page turner is set to release on September 5, 2023, from Running Wild’s RIZE press. It is available for pre-order in e-book and paperback formats from RIZE publishing on Amazon. (Black Château, 2023)
“Shadowland” – When Aaron Langford receives a Yoruba Divination Board as a housewarming gift, he does not realize that it will open the door to a supernatural realm, one that takes both his children, sending Aaron on a journey to find them in the Shadowland. Hampton blends historical facts and fiction, inviting readers to ponder the origins of the Yoruba Divination Board, also known as a Talking Board, while immersing them in the Langford family’s journey.
Having himself acquired such an artifact—and raised by a mother who sees spirits—Hampton delivers an authentic experience. “My novel not only incorporates African and Black themes into the story but also brings the dynamics of family and love. In the end, ‘Shadowland’ is about a father’s love for his children and his family,” says Hampton.
In “Shadowland,” Hampton explores the rich past and present tapestry of African American culture, merging it with the macabre and the uncanny, all while paying homage to the resilience and depth of a society steeped in history.
The JL Bar Concert series continues this October with Randall King. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa.
Coming up at the JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa this fall is a concert featuring Randall King on October 14, 2023. Garth Brooks expressed that Randall King “is what country music is all about.” This West Texas Plains native has been deemed the country artist to watch as he surpassed 120+ million career streams. King is taking Texas by storm in October after an extensive number of performances in places like Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, and the UK. This JL Bar concert is currently his only West Texas scheduled event. Opening the night will be second-generation musician, Tyler Booth, who has performed with legendary country music stars such as Brooks & Dunn and Dwight Yoakam. This lineup will bring a concert like you have never seen before. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2023)
Purchase your tickets now, for this exclusive pure Texas event. The venue doors and bar will open at 6p.m., the opening act will begin at 6:45p.m., and the headliner will take the stage at 8:30p.m. General admission tickets for on property guests are $35 while off property tickets are $45.
There is no need to drive hit the road after the concert. Not to mention, for astronomy buffs, the first of two solar eclipses is set to take place: The Ring of Fire – where the moon crosses in front of the sun during the daytime, casting a shadow that will turn light into darkness, for several minutes. Reserve a weekend staycation to unplug, relax, unwind, and recharge on this eventful fall weekend.
Make sure to browse through the extensive list of indoor and outdoor activities to plan an enhanced, customized experience during your stay. Use the BOOK NOWbutton to be directed to the online reservation system or you can contact Guest Service Team for an added personal touch: call (855) 414-3337 or email Guest Services.
‘Adventures with Cali and Odin’ is the new faith based children’s book by Freddy Jaramillo. Photo: Freddy Jaramillo, used with permission.
If you are looking for a faith based children’s book, this new release might interest you. “Adventures with Cali and Odin” is a new children’s book by Freddy Jaramillo and is based on the experiences of the author’s own children who happen to have excellent imaginations. It is a quick read, the illustrations are beautiful and it is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Freddy Jaramillo and his family reside in Central Florida. “Adventures with Cali and Odin” is a genuine Christian faith based children’s book that helps children make good choices. It also encourages parents to read and introduce the good news of Jesus Christ through His salvation by believing in God’s mercy and grace. (Freddy Jaramillo, 2023)
“Adventures with Cali and Odin” is a faith-based children’s book where kids can relate to fun imaginations by role-playing with their own mommies and daddies at home. This book also teaches children about making good or bad choices as well as learning what forgiveness means. This book encourages children to ask questions about the Bible and for parents to teach their kids about Jesus and salvation.
Night of the Caregiver will be released August 15, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
ITN Studios has obtained the North American rights to the horror film Night of the Caregiver, directed by Joe Cornet and produced by Alexander Nevsky from a script by Craig Hamann. Stuart Alson negotiated the deal on behalf of ITN Studios along with BD Films Paul Hertzberg on behalf of the filmmakers. (October Coast, 2023)
Starring Eileen Dietz (The Exorcist), Natalie Denise Sperl (Mank), Eric Roberts (Dark Knight), and Cornet, it will get a theatrical and Video On Demand release on August 15 before rolling on digital and DVD platforms this fall.
The plot: Hospice nurse Julia Rowe is hired to be caregiver for Lillian Gresham, who lives in an isolated house in a remote area. Although she is terminally ill, the elderly Lillian is a cordial and sweet lady. However, as the night goes on, Julia suspects something demonic is also dwelling in the house causing she and Lillian to be in grave danger.
Alexander Nevsky produced the movie via his company Hollywood Storm. Joe Cornet, Eric Brenner, and Douglas “Fini” Finical served as executive producers. Sean Murray wrote the music.
“It is my pleasure to announce the release of my new horror film Night of the Caregiver, through ITN Distribution. I believe audiences will be thrilled by the film’s strange and bizarre story, think THE EXORCIST combined with the terrifying elements of a Dario Argento film!” – Joe Cornet.
Eileen Dietz in Night of the Caregiver. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The Magik Theatre announces their season shows for 2023-2024. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.
One of the most powerful things about childhood is imagination. It is a time when we believe in fairy tales, wish upon stars, and that no dream is too big or too far out of reach. Magik Theatre’s 2023-24 season reminds us that within every dream lies hope through classic tales and new adventures that keep the magic of dreams alive. (Magik Theatre, 2023)
“All of our main characters this season are dreamers in one way or another. We want our audience to see that if you can dream it, you can do it.” – Artistic Director Anthony Runfola says.
As always, the theatre brings the magic to life for ALL children with Sensory-Friendly, Pay What You Wish, and American Sign Language Interpreted performances for each production. These measures are in place to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where children can develop a life-long love of theatre and believe in the wonder of Magik.
Magik announces the introduction of the Magik Circle which includes exclusive perks for season subscribers to include discounts on camps, academies, additional single tickets, and merchandise. Season ticket holders will also have access to sneak peek performances, special VIP invitations and other surprises throughout the season.
MAGIK THEATRE PRESENTS: 2023-2024 SEASON (Performance times vary. Programs and dates are subject to change.)
CARMELA FULL OF WISHES – October 14 – October 22, 2023 Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios from the book by Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Christian Robinson Recommended for ages 5+
If you have ever blown on a dandelion and sent your wishes into the wind, then you will relate to the story of Carmela, a young girl who believes that those wishes do come true. This touching tale takes place on Carmela’s birthday and follows her as she tags along with her big brother on family errands. Along the way, she discovers a dandelion and makes several wishes, including one special wish for her father to return home. But when an accident crushes her dandelion before she can make her biggest wish, Carmela has to put her faith in something bigger than wishes, luck, or magic—the power of hope. “Carmela Full of Wishes” is a touching play based on the acclaimed book by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson, celebrating family, dreamers, and the unexpected magic of hope.
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT – November 18 – December 24, 2023 By Margery Williams Adapted by Michelle Hoppe-Long Recommended for ages 5+
There is no better time than the holidays to believe in a little magic. This is why Magik Theatre is bringing back “The Velveteen Rabbit,” a timeless classic that captures everything we love about the holiday season. This heartwarming play is based on a beloved children’s story and follows the journey of a shy toy rabbit made from velveteen who longs to become real. Through his adventures with the Boy, the Velveteen Rabbit learns about love, friendship, and the true meaning of being real. The play is set in a cozy and enchanting world and is full of touching moments that will leave audiences feeling inspired and uplifted.
DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS – February 10 – March 17, 2024 Based on the book “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems Published by Hyperion Books for Children Script by Mo Willems and Tom Warburton Lyrics by Mo Willems Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma Dramaturgy by Megan Alrutz Recommended for ages 4+
A tenacious bird who will not take no for an answer is at the heart of the rollicking, hilarious production, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical.” Based on the popular book by Mo Willems, the story follows a determined pigeon who dreams of driving a bus, but the audience must convince him that it is not the best idea…but maybe there is something he can do. With catchy songs, colorful characters, and a heartwarming message about responsibility, this production promises to be a joyous experience that will keep your wings flappin’! Don’t miss your chance to join the fun when it pulls into the theatre in 2024.
THE BFG (BIG FRIENDLY GIANT) – May 4 – June 2, 2024 Adapted for the stage by David Wood From the book by Roald Dahl Recommended for ages 6+
Contrary to some famous fairy tales, not all giants are ogres. In other words, never judge a book by its cover. That is an overarching theme in “The BFG” (Big Friendly Giant), one of Roald Dahl’s most endearing classics. This stage production brings the 24-feet-tall Big Friendly Giant and a little orphan named Sophie to life as they team up to save the children of England from the child-eating giants Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater, Bonecruncher, Meatdripper, Childchewer, and Gizzardgulper. In Dahl’s uniquely creative combination of fantasy meets reality, the duo receives help from the Queen of England and the Heads of the Army and Airforce, who provide modern-day helicopters to aid in the mission. Along the way, Sophie finds a friend she can count on and the BFG finds a friend who accepts him for who he is.
The BFG promises to deliver a captivating mix of thrilling adventures, playful wordplay, and even some explosive whizzpopping moments guaranteed to make you smile.
2023-2024 TICKET OPTIONS Season subscriptions and Flex Passes are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale September 8, 2023.
SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING Four Show Subscription $66 per person (Savings of 34% off single ticket prices) Three Show Subscription $54 per person (Savings of 28% off single ticket prices)
Magik’s new season brings exciting new benefits! Introducing Magik Circle which includes exclusive perks for season subscribers such as discounts on additional single tickets, merchandise and camps and academies. Season ticket holders will also have access to sneak peek performances, special VIP invitations and other surprises throughout the season. No fees to exchange unexpired tickets to another date.
A Flex Pass is a package of 10 or 20 tickets that can be used for any production at Magik Theatre. Flex passes can be used any way patrons wish throughout the season. Use them one or two at a time, or all together. No fees to exchange unexpired tickets to another date. Applicable to public performances only.
SINGLE TICKETS ● $25 for adults ● $20 for children (ages 3-17), Military, Seniors, Educators & Students ● Children under 2 years old are free.
Purchase season subscriptions, flex passes and single tickets online, via phone (210) 227-2751, and in person at Magik Theatre’s Box Office (420 S Alamo, 78205). Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9a.m. – 5p.m.
If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries, contact the Magik Theatre.
‘Tools to Stop Overthinking: A Teen Guide to Relief From Anxiety and Stress in an Age of Overwhelm’ is the new book by Jennifer Costanza. Photo: Jennifer Costanza, used with permission.
Today’s new book release is “Tools to Stop Overthinking: A Teen Guide to Relief From Anxiety and Stress in an Age of Overwhelm” by Jennifer Costanza. The main topic is overthinking and how it is a natural part of life, similar to stress, and that it is not the enemy, but rather, it only becomes a problem when it gets out of control. From the Introduction: “…overthinking isn’t a life sentence of stress and confusion. Managed correctly, it can become a powerful tool for creativity and problem-solving.” According to the author, overthinking can impact everything from productivity to emotional health. This book will help readers recognize and deal with overthinking fatigue and learn self care practices, time management skills, how to maintain a healthy balance between work and rest, how to overcome procrastination, how to build their own support network, and other life coping skills. It is aimed at teenagers and speaks directly to them, instead of giving parents or guardians advice on how to help their teens. While not a quick fix, it is a useful guide that anyone at any age can use. Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
With a background in biopsychology, Jennifer Costanza is a licensed Psychotherapist who is a leader in her field of treating trauma and anxiety disorders at all ages. Utilizing her experience in science and expertise in mental health, her new book “Tools to Stop Overthinking: A Teen Guide to Relief From Anxiety and Stress in an Age of Overwhelm” is a comprehensive guide that will not only empower you to stop overthinking but will provide you with crucial teenage life skills that will make you a happier youth. Are you ready to learn how? (Jennifer Costanza, 2023)
“Tools to Stop Overthinking: A Teen Guide to Relief From Anxiety and Stress in an Age of Overwhelm”– Are you a teenager struggling with a restless mind? Does your overthinking affect your confidence, make it difficult for you to make decisions, and cause you to be unproductive? If you have been looking for a teen book that will empower you to transform your mindset, reduce negative thoughts, and grow confident in your ability to live a more constructive lifestyle, then keep reading, you have found the perfect book.
Studies show that seven in ten teenagers struggle with overthinking. This means they excessively worry about the future, are anxious, and have uncontrollable thoughts that leave them mentally and emotionally drained. Does this feel like you?
Inside Tools to Stop Overthinking, you will discover:
– A detailed introduction into overthinking including how it affects teens, the underlying causes, and the impact it has on your overall well-being – Practical steps to unearth your personal strengths and qualities, challenge limiting beliefs, and calm your mind with mindfulness – How to shift your perspective on overthinking, become more mindful, and cultivate positive thinking and gratitude – A step-by-step guide to creating your personalized self-care plan, channeling overthinking in valuable ways, and identifying and achieving your goals in the most innovative way possible – Strategies you can start implementing right now to boost your confidence, build healthy relationships, and achieve a healthy life balance
After reading this book, you will never have to worry again about restless thoughts, being unable to express your needs, or not prioritizing your needs. You are about to live your dream life. You will be happy, fulfilled, and in control of the life you always wanted. Are you ready to explore the ultimate guide to eliminating overwhelm and living a meaningful life? Then read “Tools to Stop Overthinking” now.
Lonesome Ace Stringband’s upcoming Try To Make It Fly follows the trio’s legendary live show energy into a new era of Americana-leaning lyricism. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Lonesome Ace Stringband brings grit, skill, and abandon to Americana music, bridging old-time, bluegrass and folk traditions into a seamless hybrid of original material that is at once fresh and timeless. Instrumentation alone sets this Toronto-based trio’s sound apart: consisting simply of fiddle (John Showman), clawhammer banjo (Chris Coole), and upright bass (Max Heineman). Call Lonesome Ace Stringband whatever genre you want – they are just unorthodox enough to be brilliant. The spine-tingling harmonies and interchanging lead vocals only bring more magic to the equation. They have become festival favorites at Rockygrass, Celtic Connections, Winnipeg Folk Festival, MerleFest, and regularly tour the USA, UK, Germany and, of course, Canada. With more than a decade of group music-making under their belts, they are releasing their fifth album, a feisty and mighty collection of all-original material titled Try To Make It Fly on October 13, 2023. (IV-PR, 2023)
The release of their brand new album Try To Make It Fly marks not only their reinvigorated, live-on-stage sound but also a venture into more Americana-leaning songwriting. “We have a unique take on all of the traditional material we do and wanted to keep pushing our sound to new places,” says Showman—not unlike the paths taken by legendary predecessors like John Hartford or The Band. While Lonesome Ace Stringband’s finely tuned musicianship and command of the old-time and bluegrass music catalog has garnered new listeners and premier festival slots, the trio finds comfort in reaching out to a new, song-hungry audience. “It felt like a place where we could be ourselves as writers and craft music that would fit the genre regardless of what we found ourselves writing about lyrically.” Add that to the trio’s already dynamic concoction of fiddle, banjo, and bass, and the results reveal a bright future for the ever-evolving Lonesome Ace Stringband.
Folk Radio UK premiered the album-opening track, Sweeter Sound, which features the band’s inspired, layered harmonies. The song opens with Showman’s somber fiddle pull before Coole joins in on banjo, igniting the rollicking journey to “make a sweeter sound.” According to Malone, “The opening line of the chorus, ‘Try to make it better than the way we found,’ is something of a mantra for the band. Perseverance and belief in what you love to do and trying despite evidence of success is the essence of its message.”
Fans can stream or purchase Sweeter Sound, check out Lonesome Ace Stringband’s previously-released, BBQ-flavored single Smoke on the Shoulder music video and pre-order or pre-saveTry To MakeIt Fly ahead of its October release.
Try To Make It Fly track list: Sweeter Sound Praying For Rain You’ll Be There First Frost/Blue Grouse Midnight Band Come With Me Tonight Simply Going Sideways Crossing The Junction/Deer River Smoke On The Shoulder The Echo Country Mile Lonesome Ace Number 1
Catch Lonesome Ace Stringband on tour: August 26 – Sorrento, BC – Nimble Fingers Bluegrass & Old Time Workshop and Festival September 2 – Pilesgrove, NJ – Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival September 15-16 – Flagstaff, AZ – Pickin’ In The Pines Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Festival September 19 – Nashville, TN – AMERICANAFEST October 18 – Cambridge, MA – Club Passim October 19 – Exeter, NH – The Wood Barn October 20 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Caffe Lena October 21 – Brownfield, ME – Stone Mountain Arts Center October 22 – Greenfield, MA – Hawks & Reed October 23 – New York, NY – City Vineyard at Pier 26 October 25 – Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java October 26 – Oberlin, OH – Music at Riverdog October 28 – Manitowoc, WI – Sabbatical Brewing Co. October 29 – Holland, MI – Park Theatre October 30 – Ann Arbour, MI – The Ark November 1 – Toronto, ON – The Tranzac Club November 22 – Edmonton, AB – Northern Bluegrass Circle Music Society November 23 – Saskatoon, SK – The Bassment November 24 – Red Deer, AB – The Velvet Olive November 25 – Calgary, AB – Foothills Bluegrass Circle Music Society November 27 – Missoula, MT – Longstaff House November 29 – Sisters, OR – The Belfry December 1 – Portland, OR – McMenamins White Eagle Saloon & Hotel December 2 – Seattle, WA – Ballard Homestead December 3 – Victoria, BC – Victoria Event Centre December 4 – Vancouver, BC – The Anza Club December 5 – Oliver, BC – The Oliver Theatre
‘Hospital’ by Han Song, translated by Michael Berry. Photo: Amazon
Han Song is a journalist with Xinhua News Agency and one of China’s leading science fiction writers. A native of Chongqing, Han earned an MA in journalism from Wuhan University. He began writing in 1982 and has published numerous volumes of fiction and essays. His novels include “The Red Sea,” “Red Star over America,” the Rails trilogy (“Subway,” “High-Speed Rail,” and “Orbits”), and the Hospital trilogy (“Hospital,” “Exorcism,” and “Dead Souls”), which has been described as a new landmark in dystopian fiction. “Hospital” is a twisted, experimental narrative of one man’s mysterious illness and his journey through a dystopian hospital system. It is translated to English by Michael Berry.
Michael Berryis Professor of Contemporary Chinese Cultural Studies and Director of the Center for Chinese Studies at UCLA at UCLA. He is the author of “Speaking in Images: Interviews with Contemporary Chinese Filmmakers” and “A History of Pain: Trauma in Modern Chinese Literature and Film,” among other books. He is a two time NEA Translation Fellow (2008, 2021) and has received Honorable Mentions for the MLA Louis Roth Translation Prize and the Patrick D. Hanan Book Prize.
“Hospital” – It begins in the Prologue – Red Cross On Mars where the destination of the SS Mahamayuri is Mars but inevitably ends in disaster. It has nothing to do with the rest of the book, which is divided into 3 main parts: Illness, Treatment, and Postscript: Surgery. Illness is where Yang Wei’s story gets underway. He is traveling to C City for work but aside from the usual business trip, he mainly expects a break from his daily routine and a pleasant stay at a nice hotel. When he checks into his hotel room, that is where his problems begin. A complimentary bottle of mineral water from the hotel minibar results in sudden and debilitating stomach pain, followed by unconsciousness. When he wakes three days later, things do not improve; they only get worse. With no explanation, the hotel forcibly sends him to a hospital for examination. There, he receives no diagnosis, no discharge date, just a diligent guide to the labyrinthine medical system he is now circulating through. Armed with nothing but his own confusion, Yang Wei travels deeper into the inner workings of the hospital and the secrets it is hiding from the patients. As he seeks escape and answers, his mysterious illness takes him on a quest through a corrupt system and his own troubled mind.
This novel is described as dystopian, a “twisted and dreamlike tale of a man’s journey,” and indeed, reading through it, it definitely feels dreamlike and unstructured. It has elements of science fiction, suspense, social satire, experimental fiction, and commentaries on the Chinese social structure. It is narrated in the first person point of view but does not have much of a plot; it is mainly Yang Wei’s hospital experience in the ‘Age of Medicine.’ What begins as a normal hospital admittance warps into philosophical musings: “the pain reminded me that I was still alive” which leads to his spiritual enlightenment. Halfway through it, he feels like he has no control over what happens to him in the hospital, which could be considered a metaphor for life itself. The writing style is at times descriptive “Her blood flowed over my chest and dripped down over my stomach, which added some cozy warmth and colorful excitement to my pain,” but sometimes tends to drone on just like the philosophical musings. Even though Yang meets several people throughout his journey, they are in his life briefly and have little character development, unlike Yang himself. This review is for the English translation, so some cultural aspects might be overlooked or misinterpreted. Overall, “Hospital” is a long and dark novel with hints of satire, allegory, and social commentaries and is recommended for readers who appreciate dystopian fiction and dark humor.
“The bench was littered with a dense mass of patients huddled together like flies, their moans converging into a constant buzz-like drone as if they were all trying to tell me, Thank goodness you made it here to the hospital in time.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Carriqui in San Antonio just launched a new lunch menu. Photo: Carriqui, used with permission.
Potluck Hospitality and Carriqui are announcing some exciting new updates at the restaurant where South Texas flavor meets fire. Beloved mariachi group, Mariachi Las Coronelas, will have a residency at the restaurant every Sunday throughout August. In addition to the music residency, Carriqui will launch a lunch menu starting Tuesday, August 8, 2023. The midday menu will feature some familiar favorites like the smoked pecan mole enchiladas, in addition to all the new dishes guests have been requesting, like the new La Fortaleza Burger. (Potluck Hospitality/Carriqui, 2023)
“We are so excited about these new additions at Carriqui. Las Coronelas is a wonderfully talented group of performers and we love the energy they bring to the space when they play at the restaurant.” – Potluck Hospitality CEO Elizabeth Fauerso.
Mariachi Las Coronelas will perform August 13, August 20, and August 27 from 11a.m. to 2p.m. during ‘Smokehouse Sundays’ at Carriqui. Mariachi Las Coronelas is composed of all female performers and directed by founder Vanessa Del Fierro. Some performances of note for the mariachi include From Dusk Till Dawn the Series, Machete, Netflix’s Seis Manos, The Jimmy Kimmel Show with Bill Murray, Will Ferrel’s Funny or Die Music/Comedy Showcase, and SXSW to name a few.
Las Coronelas will only perform at Carriqui on Sundays, but Carriqui’s lunch menu will be available every day. In keeping with Carriqui’s affinity for Texas-style meats drawing flavor from fire in its smokehouse, the restaurant’s lunch menu will feature items like the new Texas Brisket Pastrami on Rye, served with grain mustard and homemade seasoned chips, and the Pecan Mole Enchiladas, served with Carriqui’s signature smoked achiote chicken, toasted sesame seeds, onion, queso fresco, and rice and beans. Carriqui will also introduce the much anticipated La Fortaleza Burger, as a permanent feature on the lunch menu, made with beef from La Fortaleza and served with cheddar cheese, house pickles, new homemade seasoned chips, and salad. Other favorites that are now available on the lunch menu include the Blackened Fish Tacos, Brisket Tacos, and more.
“The team’s fired up about introducing a dedicated lunch menu at Carriqui. We’ve been listening to our guests’ feedback, and testing recipes as lunch specials and on Smokehouse Sundays – adding the lunch menu is part of our continuous evolution of the restaurant.” – Chef Jaime Gonzalez, General Manager at Carriqui.
During lunch, guests can also enjoy all of Carriqui’s popular margaritas, which are always a featured special and available for half-off all day during Tequila Tuesdays at the restaurant. New cocktails are also arriving, just in time for this Texas heat – try the new Smoked Pineapple Mojito, Sandía Daiquiri, and Santa Fresca perfect for cooling off on Carriqui’s patio while listening to Mariachi Las Coronelas who will be performing every Sunday during Carriqui’s Smokehouse Sundays.
Founded in 2022, Potluck Hospitality conceives, operates, manages, and partners on culinary and experiential brands in San Antonio, TX. Potluck’s team is made up of chefs, designers, strategists in culture-crafting, brand, and finance that all share a love of food and gathering. Potluck Hospitality’s name pays tribute to memorable experiences with great food, great music, and great company–where everyone has something to contribute. Being together, sharing meals, and communally experiencing music is elemental to what it means to be human.
Las Coronelas will have an August residency at Carriqui. Photo: Carriqui, used with permission.
SA Examiner 