Madam Paleta Tequila ships to select states across the United States. Photo: Madam Paleta Tequila, used with permission.
Gift-giving during the holiday season is a cherished tradition that promotes warmth and connection. It’s more than exchanging items; it’s about expressing care, appreciation, and thoughtfulness. The act of selecting or creating a gift often reflects the giver’s understanding of the recipient’s preferences, creating a meaningful bond. While the holiday season can be bustling with commercialism, the true essence lies in the joy of giving and receiving. Whether it’s a handcrafted token or a well-chosen item, gifts serve as a tangible reminder of our relationships and the shared moments we celebrate together. With the holidays season just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about gift giving ideas.
Today’s highlight is on the new Madam Paleta Tequila, a female-founded, award-winning tequila brand, rooted in Mexican authenticity that offers additive-free premium blanco flavor-infused tequilas. Crafted with 100% blue agave from Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico, it ensures a smooth finish without the dreaded “tequila face.” (Madam Paleta Tequila, 2024)
Madam Paleta is the perfect choice for holiday gatherings and gifting to the tequila aficionado in your life. Why should Madam Paleta be a part of this year’s holiday gifting lists? What sets Madam Paleta apart from other tequilas?
Authentic Flavors:
Madam Paleta Tequila offers 3 authentic flavors inspired by the Mexican Paleta (popsicle) culture. There are no fake flavors, syrups or sugar-based enhancements – what you see is what you get, making it perfect for sipping, shooting, or mixing.
Grapefruit embodies a distinctive blanco tequila infused with natural grapefruit flavors and subtle notes of tart sweetness.
Pineapple offers a refreshing and crisp taste full of flavor, reminiscent of a tropical getaway in every sip.
Tamarind presents the distinct taste of tangy tamarind with an extra layer of boldness and authenticity.
Key Awards:
Madam Paleta Tequila has already received industry recognition with prestigious awards, including the recent 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold victory and “Best in Class” finalist nomination for Tamarind – the first flavor-infused tequila with this distinction.
Madam Paleta also won gold medals for Grapefruit and Pineapple in the 2023 Pr%F Awards and gold medals for Tamarind and Grapefruit in the 2023 John Barleycorn Awards.
Artwork Collaboration:
The brand’s striking artwork and bottle design are equally intentional. Madam Paleta uses its bottle as a canvas, partnering with local artists for each production batch, showcasing bold, vibrant, and lively artwork as an opportunity to celebrate visionary women. The next artist they are partnering with for the new production batch is San Antonio, TX based Hispanic artist Alyssa Raymond.
Madam Paleta Tequila is available for purchase online with delivery available across the nation to select states. In-store purchases can be made at select retailers across Texas.
‘The Art of the Turnaround’ is the new business strategy guide by Mike Dunlop. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Business books offer invaluable insights into the strategies, principles, and practices that drive successful enterprises. They cover a wide range of topics, from leadership and management to marketing and finance. By studying these books, entrepreneurs and professionals can learn from the experiences of industry leaders, gain practical advice, and understand emerging trends. Titles like “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries and “Good to Great” by Jim Collins provide actionable frameworks for achieving business excellence. Whether you’re starting a new venture or seeking to enhance an established organization, business books serve as a vital resource for growth and innovation. Today’s new book is “The Art of the Turnaround” by Mike Dunlop.
Mike Dunlop has helped restore 34 companies in various stages of financial demise back to profitability. He has worked in the aerospace sector for over four decades and has built a number of aerospace component manufacturing companies, both in Europe and the United States. The largest company he founded, QPM Aerospace, grew to $30 million in sales in the first ten years. Dunlop designed and founded Net-Inspect, the most widely used aerospace quality-management system in the world. He holds four US Patents and has been passionate about airplanes since his first flight on a Vickers Viscount in 1955 at the age of seven. Dunlop is an experienced public speaker and offers his wisdom and stories on his weekly podcast, also entitled The Art of the Turnaround. In his new book “The Art of the Turnaround: A Comprehensive 10-Step Guide,” he shares his experiences helping businesses go from financial straits to profitability. (Shark Party Media, 2024)
“The Art of the Turnaround” – Mike Dunlop shares his proven 10-step method for turning around companies in deep financial distress, which he has used to restore some 34 companies to financial health and profitability. Infused with Dunlop’s down-to-earth humor and deep understanding of how people in companies actually work, especially at a time of crisis. It offers CEOs of troubled companies and leaders who are buying distressed companies a practical way to avoid financial ruin. Dunlop also offers hope that, after the challenging task of turning a money-losing company into a profitable one, life for the CEO as well as those who stay in the company will be enjoyable again.
All proceeds from the sale of “The Art of the Turnaround” and associated speaking engagements will be donated to Eastside Academy and Jubilee Reach.
Author Mike Dunlop. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘Ruby & Onyx’ is a coming of age fantasy novel by Summer Grace.
Summer Grace is a debut author, with “Ruby & Onyx” as the first part of a series. Summer is passionate about writing stories that inspire as much as they entertain, and she hopes that this book will inspire more women to believe in themselves and embrace their inner strength. (Amazon, 2024)
“Ruby & Onyx”– Trapped in the remote village of Carcera, Radya dreams of an impossible life: a life outside of the magical barrier, a life of love and adventure, and a life free from the menacing red eyes haunting her nightmares. Those delusions are just dreams, until those red eyes turn corporeal and reveal a fate foretold from ages past. Forced to reckon with an arranged marriage to the Prince of Mendacia, who irritates her as often as he quickens her pulse, Radya must navigate an unfamiliar world of magic, lies, and deception. The closer she gets to the truth, the more people get hurt. Each revelation comes at cost, threatening to ignite a war between Kingdoms and lovers. Will Radya choose this new life, despite the profound repercussions? Or will she follow her dreams, which connect her to yet another life unknown?
Review: The story begins with Radya noticing a strange man on the other side of the barrier that surrounds the small village where she grew up. She knows he shouldn’t be there and he’s asking too many questions and without any warning, he rushes the barrier, only to be reduced to ashes. This experience haunts here and one day, out of nowhere, she is whisked away to a castle in a faraway land and given an ultimatum. Within 30 days, she must decide if she wants to go through with an arranged marriage or risk war among the neighboring kingdoms. The people she thought she knew turn against her and she can’t trust what she sees and hears. Regardless of what she chooses, her life will never be the same.
“Ruby & Onyx” is a captivating contemporary romance that examines the complexities of love and identity. The prose is both haunting and lyrical, immersing readers in the characters’ emotional landscapes: “Despite how annoying he is, I can’t help but notice his beauty. But even the scales of a snake’s skin can be alluring.” Radya’s journey of self-discovery and healing is portrayed with depth and nuance, while the rich character development and vivid descriptions of the setting enhance the overall reading experience. The author skillfully balances moments of intense drama with lighter, more intimate scenes, ensuring a well-rounded narrative that resonates on multiple levels. Despite being brief, the romantic scenes are intense without being graphic or vulgar.
Overall, “Ruby & Onyx” is a beautifully crafted tale that explores themes of love, loss, and self- discovery. Whether you’re drawn to stories of strong-willed heroines or tales of love set against a backdrop of danger and intrigue, this book will not disappoint. It’s a must-read for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is romantically fulfilling.
“Before I can run, before I can stop what’s about to happen, our hands meet. The second they do, an explosion of sound and color booms around us, and the room melts into a blur like watercolors washing away.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Megan Fox stars as a domestic AI in the new sci-fi thriller Subservience. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Science fiction thrillers featuring Artificial Intelligence explore the complex interplay between humanity and technology. These stories often explore the ethical dilemmas and existential threats posed by AI, portraying scenarios where advanced machines either aid or challenge human endeavors. Characters might confront conscious robots with their own agendas, struggle with the consequences of AI surpassing human control, or navigate dystopian futures shaped by intelligent systems. Through suspenseful plots and speculative technologies, these stories reflect our anxieties about the future, highlighting themes of autonomy, identity, and the potential consequences of our technological ambitions. They provoke thought about how AI might redefine our world.
So if you’re a fan of sci-fi movies about AI gone awry, check out this new one that will be available on digital this month. It stars Megan Fox as a domestic AI that gains awareness and turns deadly.
London, UK: Vertigo Releasing has announced that their sci-fi thriller, Subservience, will be released on digital formats on September 13, 2024. (Strike Media, 2024)
Digital Release dates: EST September 13, TVOD September 20 Distributed By: Vertigo Releasing
Subservience: A struggling father, played by Michele Morrone (The Next 365 Days) buys a domestic AI (Megan Fox – Transformers) to help run the household. But the situation soon turns deadly when the lifelike robot develops an obsessive attachment to her new owner. Driven by a twisted sense of loyalty, she becomes determined to eliminate what she perceives as the true threat to his happiness: his family.
Director: S.K. Dale (Till Death) from a screenplay by Will Honley and April Maguire Cast: Megan Fox, Michele Morrone, Madeline Zima Run Time: 1h 35m Rated R for sexual content/nudity, language, and some violence and brief drug material.
Megan Fox in Subservience. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Marty Roppelt was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and enjoys writing in the paranormal and horror genre. He has written a series of short Christmas stories to raise money for St. Herman’s House, a homeless shelter in Cleveland. In his first novel “Mortal Foe,” a picture is worth a thousand words, but what if that image can only be seen through the lens of one special camera? (Amazon, 2024)
“Mortal Foe”– Buddy Cullen dreams of his grandfather’s death just before it happened. After his death, he inherits his grandfather’s antique camera which captures an image that haunts him and seeks his death. Can Buddy survive the curse that he sarcastically dubs “Popcorn”—a curse that no one wants to believe exists and stalks the city of Cleveland, beginning with its baseball team—a mortal foe?
Review: The story is set in Cleveland, Ohio and begins with Buddy Cullen, a journalism professor, waking up from a nightmare about his grandfather Jimmy Cullen. In it, he sees his grandfather, who’s a photographer, and within the nightmare, he has an out of body experience and becomes Jimmy and experiences his last night alive. Buddy and his girlfriend Kelly attend Jimmy’s wake at O’Leary’s, his father’s Irish pub. There, he takes a picture of Jimmy’s friends with his old camera. This picture, and others that Jimmy took throughout his life, will haunt Buddy and he believes they are linked to the curse of the Cleveland Indians. Together with RJ, his best friend, and Erika, RJ’s sister, they investigate these pictures which inevitably opens hell on earth for Buddy and will endanger his loved ones in ways he never saw coming.
“Mortal Foe” is a gripping thriller that deals with the complexities of family and the human condition. Roppelt masterfully creates a narrative filled with suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. The characters are well developed and their relationship with each other moves the story along at a steady pace. Buddy is a flawed but compelling character, struggling with his own moral dilemmas while chasing down a formidable antagonist. From the beginning, with Buddy awakening from a nightmare: “Don’t show the darkness any fear,” readers are immerse in his world, where menacing shadows lurk everywhere.
There is heavy sports talk since the narrative centers around baseball, specifically the Cleveland Indians, but you don’t have to know the sport well to get caught up on the story, which intensifies after Chapter 11 when Buddy starts seeing all sorts of creepy and scary images. The language is vivid and descriptive: “Mannion wears the profound loss of a close friend like a floor-length, black overcoat” and brings the story to life.
Overall, “Mortal Foe” is a must-read notable addition to the thriller genre, showcasing Roppelt’s talent for creating an engaging and thought-provoking story. By exploring the themes of death, faith, family, friendship, and good vs evil, it is a treat for baseball and supernatural fans alike. The author’s attention to detail and ability to build tension is evident throughout the book, making it a page-turner that’s hard to put down. It’s recommended for fans of suspenseful, character-driven narratives.
“The shadow approaches my bed. The odors intensify with each step, both the reeking of too many roses and the stench of corruption. Decay. Death.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Magik Theatre explores friendship, learning, and growing up in a milestone year that debuts new programs and events to connect Magik lovers of all ages. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.
Celebrating 30 years, more than 300 productions, and millions of audience members, Magik Theatre’s new season shows San Antonio’s beloved children’s theatre company still has that youthful glow. From modest beginnings as a family-run theatre troupe in 1994, Magik quickly became a major player in San Antonio’s performing arts scene, serving some 44,000 patrons annually from their home in iconic Hemisfair. (Magik Theatre, 2024)
The 2024-25 season continues its mission to create theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people with a world premiere, an adaptation of Mo Willems’ wildly popular work, a bilingual journey into lotería land, and a cherished holiday tradition.
“This season’s shows are journeys of young people learning to read (Lyric and the Keys), discovering more about about family and best friends (¡Lotería: Game On! and Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), and gaining the tools and confidence to make yourself real (The Velveteen Rabbit).”- Artistic Director Anthony Runfola
Responding to overwhelming community feedback, the organization is creating more ways to engage beyond taking in a show. Stay tuned for a growing slate of classes and school holiday workshops inspired by Magik’s acclaimed summer camps. The Richard Rosen Scholarship Fund, named for the Magik Theatre’s founder, will make these inspiring educational opportunities more accessible. In its inaugural year, the fund has already awarded $36,000 in scholarships.
Magik offers two touring productions to schools and other educational institutions that celebrate diverse reading journeys. Eddie and Vinnie, a popular past production featuring a main character with dyslexia, is touring this season with grant funding from the ArchPoint Group. Also on tour is Tomás and the Library Lady, a bilingual production based on an inspiring true story about the power of literacy to achieve your dreams. Educators are also encouraged to plan field trips to any of the 2024-25 season productions for a special student matinee, and Magik’s education department offers guides that align the lessons of each production with TEKS curriculum as well as digital resource guides.
Generous community partners make expanding Magik’s mission possible, and what better way to contribute than attending this year’s “A Night of Magik” gala on September 21? The fabulous fundraiser promises to transport guests with homages to Magik’s 30 year history and some truly hush-hush surprises. Plan to sleep in the next morning, you won’t want to miss the exclusive after party.
As always, Magik seeks to serve ALL children with Sensory-Friendly, Pay What You Wish, and AmericanSign 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 Theatre Presents: 2024-2025 Season Performance times vary. Programs and dates are subject to change.
LYRIC AND THE KEYS Book by Rozanne Shroeder-Arce Music and lyrics by Jenn Hartmann Luck Directed by Anthony Runfola
September 28 – October 13, 2024 Recommended for ages 7+
World Premiere: The commissioned musical tells an inventive tale that resonates with anyone who’s ever faced learning difficulties as a kid. Lyric, a second-grader struggling to read, finds an unexpected teacher in school janitor Mr. Hartley. With the help of his DIY junk robots, Mr. Hartley mentors Lyric, boosting her confidence to overcome her literacy challenges. Catchy melodies and a positive message celebrate believing in yourself and finding the ‘key’ to overcoming any challenge — even learning to read!
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT By Margery Williams Adapted by Michelle Hoppe-Long Directed by Rosa Gardner
November 23 – December 29, 2024 Recommended for ages 5+
There’s no better time than the holidays to believe in a little magic. That’s why Magik Theatre is delighted to reprise “The Velveteen Rabbit,” a timeless classic that captures everything we love about the holiday season. This heartwarming play is based on the 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.
ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE’S WE ARE IN A PLAY! Based on the “Elephant and Piggie” books by Mo Willems, published by Hyperion Books for Children
Book and Lyrics by Mo Willems Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma Directed by Jenny Lavery
February 1 – March 23, 2025 Recommended for ages 3+
Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig are “bestus” friends in this rollicking musical based on Mo Willems’ hilarious, award-winning books. When the pals embark on a perfect day out to a party hosted by three fun-loving singing squirrels, Elephant and Piggie realize they approach life’s uncertainties differently. Gerald is worried something may go wrong and ruin their friendship, while Piggie is happier and more excited than ever. And so begins a day when anything is possible, including catchy tunes, lively dances, and plenty of laughs.
¡LOTERÍA: GAME ON! By Maybelle Reynoso Directed by Ricky Araiza
May 3 – June 1, 2025 Recommended for ages 6+
Siblings Sam and Kris stumble into the enchanting world of lotería in this captivating, bilingual production both English and Spanish speakers can enjoy. When Sam and Kris discover their dad’s pillow fort is actually a portal into Lotería, and that he’s trapped there, the pair embark upon a thrilling rescue journey where they realize that the magical realm of Lotería has its own set of rules. Along the way they encounter familiar characters like La Rana, La Mano, and El Gallo.
2024-2025 TICKET OPTIONS SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING Four Show Subscription $70 per person (Savings of 30% off single ticket prices) Three Show Subscription $55.50 per person (Savings of 26% off single ticket prices) 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. Expires June 1, 2025.
FLEX PASS PRICING ● Ten Flex Passes $190 A Flex Pass is a package of 10 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. Expires June 1, 2025.
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.
Sueco releases sophomore album Attempted Lover. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Platinum-certified singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sueco has released his highly anticipated sophomore album, Attempted Lover. This is Sueco’s first independently released album showcasing his dynamic, experimental sound, which combines alternative rock, emo-rap, and punk elements. He channels the spirit of nineties punk through a 21st-century lens, tapping into the unpredictability of hyperpop, the catharsis of hardcore, and a whole lot of hip-hop finesse. (Big Picture Media, 2024)
The album highlights his raw vocals, meant to be played at full volume through listeners’ speakers. He had a few singles off of the album released leading up to this including the stripped-back song “Mulholland Drive,” fast-paced anthem “Drama Queen.” His most recent single is the heavy alt-rock banger “Outta My Head,” which hit #1 on trending audio for Instagram reels, further showcasing fans’ anticipation for the album release.
“I put this album together after coming home from a year and a half of non-stop touring. It was really nostalgic for me skating around the streets I grew up on, and I decided to set up a studio in the garage of my dad’s house where I started making music about 15 years ago. I looked through about 200 demos, piecing together some of the best songs I could find, and this album is what came out of it.” – Sueco
Earlier this summer, Sueco announced his North American tour supporting the album, kicking off September 13 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Supporting him on this tour will be the newly formed rock band GXTP, fronted by hit producer Poo Bear.
They will make stops throughout North America, visiting major cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas, Denver, Chicago, Toronto, Boston, New York, and more before wrapping on November 2 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets are available to purchase now.
Upcoming Sueco North America Tour Dates: September 13 – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida September 14 – Jacksonville, Florida September 15 – Orlando, Florida September 17 – Atlanta, Georgia September 19 – Dallas, Texas September 20 – Houston, Texas September 21 – Austin, Texas September 24 – Phoenix, Arizona September 25 – San Diego, California September 27 – Los Angeles, California September 28 – Santa Ana, California September 29 – Santa Cruz, California October 1 – Sacramento, California October 3 – Seattle, Washington October 4 – Vancouver, British Columbia October 5 – Portland, Oregon October 9 – Denver, Colorado October 11 – Kansas City, Missouri October 12 – St. Louis, Missouri October 15 – Minneapolis, Minnesota October 16 – Madison, Wisconsin October 18 – Chicago, Illinois October 19 – Detroit, Michigan October 20 – Toronto, Ontario October 22 – Montreal, QC October 23 – Boston, Massachusetts October 26 – New York, New York October 28 – Cleveland, OH October 29 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania October 31 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania November 1 – Silver Spring, Maryland November 2 – Charlotte, North Carolina
Sueco’s debut single, “Fast,” blew up in a big way during 2019. It captured #1 on TikTok, #1 on Spotify’s Viral 50 – Global, and #1 on the Viral 50 – US, reached gold status, and attracted Offset and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie for its high-powered Official Remix. On the heels of his first full-length project MISCREANT, he teamed up with Ty Dolla $ign, Wiz Khalifa, and Lil Yachty for “Speed Of Life,” Papa Roach on “Swerve” [feat. FEVER 333 & Sueco], and Illenium on “Story Of My Life” [feat. Sueco & Trippie Redd].
Embracing his earliest influences, he has also worked with producers and cowriters such as John Feldmann [Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Jxdn, 5SOS] and Colin “DOC” Brittain [5SOS, Papa Roach]. He served up “PRIMADONA,” “SOS” [feat. Travis Barker], “Sober/Hungover” [feat. Arizona Zervas], and “Paralyzed.” After generating over 1.2 billion streams throughout his career so far and receiving praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, NYLON, Alternative Press, Billboard, and more, this is just the beginning for Sueco.
‘Godspeed, Cedar Key’ is the debut novel by Michael Presley Bobbitt. Photo: Amazon
Michael Presley Bobbitt is an off-Broadway playwright, novelist, and clam farmer living on a tiny island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida. He always wanted to be a novelist, but first had to spend all those years in the theater to learn how to create memorable characters. Prose was always his first love and will be the windmill he tilts after for the rest of his life. “Godspeed, Cedar Key” is his debut novel; it isn’t just another end of the world book, it’s a despite the end of the world book. (Amazon, 2024)
“Godspeed, Cedar Key”– Cedar Key is an island off the western coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. On a chilly February morning, the horizon is covered in a piercing light, and in an instant the old world is gone forever. Fires burn on horizons around the planet but the heat eventually gives way to the creeping monotone of the skies. The gray sets in overhead and all around, determined to keep the sun away from the land and waters.
In the aftermath, 300 islanders must learn to survive, battling invaders from the mainland, disease and natural disasters, and the intensifying dread of hearing almost nothing from the wider world. Despite the loss of most technologies and modern comforts, the islanders persevere in the face of hardship and death– burying their loved ones in the morning and planting spring vegetables in the afternoon.
Review: The story begins as the town council is voting on taking down the Number Four Bridge that separates the island from the mainland. Hayes David is the current mayor who briefly left town but eventually returned, as most people often do, but “…was unable to escape for long the reach of its familial and environmental tendrils.” It then goes on to tell the backstory of the town’s various citizens, how they survived the town’s shifting priorities, and how they worked together to tackle the fallout from ‘the gray.’
This novel is an interesting blend of historical and literary fiction set against the backdrop of the charming town of Cedar Key, Florida. It has intrigue, small-town dynamics, and personal redemption with the main focus on character development and atmospheric storytelling. Bobbitt excels in creating a vivid small town setting that feels almost like a character on its own, with its coastal beauty and close-knit community adding layers to the narrative. The writing style is engaging, offering an emotional depth that keeps readers engaged. With language that is vivid and easy to understand, the plot unfolds at a steady pace: “For a moment, he missed her disapproval like an aimless former prisoner homesick for the familiar walls of his cell.”
Overall, “Godspeed, Cedar Key” is a compelling read that combines heartfelt personal journeys with historical facts. By exploring the themes of family, friendship, isolation, death, and resiliency, it emphasizes the need for humans to live in true community with one another. Despite the theme of a nuclear accident, it’s not a dystopian novel, but an excellent piece of literary fiction with rich prose and deeply developed characters. It is an homage to small towns, their citizens’ shared history, and the spirit of community and recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary literary fiction centered around small coastal towns.
“Since that awful morning in early February, the islanders had faced one disheartening setback after another. It would be something short of the truth to say they had met every challenge with honor and courage. Certainly, their resolve was worthy of praise, but in the crucible of those hard five months, there had been less heroism than self-preservation.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
The first PechaKucha of 2024 coming to the eastside at the Carver Community Cultural Center. Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.
PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format, is excited to announce its Volume 44 as the first for the 2024 series. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the Carver Community Cultural Center’s Jo Long Theatre for the Performing Arts (226 N Hackberry St, San Antonio, TX 78202). The night begins with a welcome reception at 6:30p.m., followed by presentations starting at 7:30p.m. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2024)
The mission of the Carver Community Cultural Center is to celebrate the diverse cultures of our world, nation and community, with emphasis on its African and African-American heritage, by providing premier artistic presentations, community outreach activities and educational programs.
Volume 44 will feature a talented group of local speakers. The seven presenters include:
The evening’s emcee will be PechaKucha alumni Jessica Conrad. The welcome reception will feature live music by local artists Los Dos Coyotes, comprised of Mike Ryan and Michael Galindo. Mike Ryan is a founding member/songwriter for multi-award winning band, Coyote Dreams and playwright of Borderland Rogues: The Story of Los San Patricios. Michael Galindo is multi instrumentalist, long time local musician, born and raised on the Southside of San Antonio.
The welcome reception will also include complimentary bites by San Antonio chefs and restaurants including Bakery Lorraine, Liberty Bar, Naco Mexican and Tandem. Additionally the event will feature cocktails available for purchase curated by local bar Amor Eterno.
Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased online – guests are encouraged to arrive early and purchase tickets at the door instead to avoid processing fees.
Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20 image x 20 second arts and cultures series. It hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format: Each presenter gets exactly 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds (for a total time of 6:40). San Antonio’s first quarterly PechaKucha Night was held in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees to venues throughout San Antonio. It showcases a broad range of individuals, including architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders and more. PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is an event format developed by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture to encourage creative professionals to share projects and ideas that they are passionate about. Since it began in 2003, PechaKucha has expanded to more than 1200 cities around the world.
Photo: PechaKucha San Antonio, used with permission.
‘The Art of Changing Course’ is Chris Ruden’s new book. Photo: Amazon.
Motivational and self-improvement books offer valuable guidance for personal growth and achieving one’s goals. They provide insights into mindset shifts, productivity techniques, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. These books often share inspiring stories, practical advice, and actionable steps to help readers enhance their self-awareness, build resilience, and cultivate positive habits. By exploring diverse perspectives and proven methodologies, individuals can gain clarity, boost their confidence, and drive meaningful change in their lives. Ultimately, they empower readers to unlock their full potential and create a more fulfilling and purposeful existence. Keynote speaker and author Chris Ruden has new book out that’s worth mentioning: “The Art of Changing Course”
Chris Ruden is an amputee, Type 1 diabetic record-holding powerlifter, motivational keynote speaker, author, and disabled model who was featured on The Rock’s hit TV show “Titan Games.” From being humiliated and labeled broken because of his disability to struggling with mental health and living in a non disabled-inclusive world, Chris learned to turn his obstacles into opportunities, now using his badass bionic arm, diabetes technology, and message of “creating your world without limits” to impact people around the world. In his new book “The Art of Changing Course: A 3-Step Strategy to Get Unstuck and Solve Your Real Problems,” he shares the foolproof framework to take back control and create immediate lasting change. (Amazon/Athelo Group, 2024)
“The Art of Changing Course” – Getting stuck in life is a guarantee. Staying stuck is a choice. Chris Ruden provides a clear-cut process that walks readers through digestible, actionable stages to get unstuck, allowing you to rise beyond simple awareness of the desire to change and become the person you truly want to be. Backed by numerous psychological principles, management techniques, and organizational change theories, “The Art of Changing Course” focuses on helping readers make three distinct shifts: from subconscious to conscious, conscious to communicated, and finally, communicated to broadcasted.
In this book, you’ll learn about:
Moving past your go-to reactions of excuses and distractions when thinking about change
Harnessing the language of how you speak to yourself to open up possibilities for change
Giving yourself intrinsic permission to become the best version of yourself
People are stuck, lost, and confused―you, the people you care about, and strangers you interact with in your day-to-day life. “The Art of Changing Course” gives you the tools to actually do something about it. It will help you move from overwhelm to action, transforming from hopeless, scared, and stuck into confident, actionable, and limitless―an essential read for anyone looking to find success and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives, and help others do the same.
SA Examiner 