Author: Sandra Cruz

Blogger, book reviewer, artist, poet, avid reader and nature/animal lover.

Book review: ‘You Don’t Need Salvation’ by H. Conradie

‘You Don’t Need Salvation’ by H. Conradie will be available December 1, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

H. Conradie is a former Christian who preached on street corners at the age of 18 and struggled for many years to find the courage to openly say that creation does not align with creation myths. He is the author of “You Don’t Need Salvation: you have no sin,” the book that frees millions of people from the idea that they are sinful and need salvation. (H. Conradie, 2022)

“You Don’t Need Salvation” – Have you ever doubted the existence of the biblical Adam and Eve? Have you ever wondered why a book with so many contradictions should be called the ‘Word of God’? Have you wondered why no trace of Hebrew slaves can be found in any Egyptian records? Billions of people brought up to believe biblical myths have asked the same questions you do and are demanding answers now. The Christian narrative of mankind being ‘lost’ is based upon the myth of ‘Adam and Eve.’ Children brought up in Christian homes are programmed to believe in myths as if they were real and told that they are lost forever except if they believe in the solution offered for a problem that does not exist. The author provides proof that the Bible cannot be the ‘Word’ of a perfect God, as it is historically inaccurate, full of contradictions, scientifically inaccurate, and bases its ‘solution’ on the myth of the ‘first Adam.’ In the Introduction, he welcomes readers brave enough to question what they have been conditioned to believe since childhood. The book is divided into fourteen chapters such as What Is The Bible, Biblical History, and Biblical Contradictions. He invites readers to free themselves from the 2000-year-old lie that they are sinful and in need of salvation.

Anyone who grew up in a church can agree that you are taught that “faith is a one-way street.” You are told to believe that the Bible is the “Word of God” and that is the end of discussion. But what if you were presented with logical data, from a scientific viewpoint, that this may not be the truth. Can you honestly say that you would consider a different perspective? This is what H. Conradie does; he provides a compelling argument regarding the validity of the Bible. By applying the IF, THEN math logic, he investigates and summarizes what the Bible is and is not, whether it is without error, and whether it is considered inspired by God. Highlights include Chapter 7: Biblical Contradictions, where he examines several biblical themes, for example, the order of creation, and shows how it differs from Genesis Chapter 1 and 2; and Chapter 10: The Myth of Sin where he debunks the concept of sin because it is introduced in the creation myth story of Adam and Eve. If this all seems cold and disheartening, it should not be, for as the author points out, “science and spiritual understanding are moving ever closer together.” Concepts such as love, hope, forgiveness, morality, and the afterlife should not be considered the exclusive domain of the religious. His tone is non-confrontational and empathic and the language is down to earth. Aside from the Applying Math section in Chapter 2, which requires careful reading, the material is easy to understand. “You Don’t Need Salvation” is an insightful examination of the Bible and is recommended for readers who appreciate debate on widely accepted religious dogma and can remain open minded when presented with viewpoints that differ from their own.

“Once we acknowledge that no one has all the answers, we are ready to learn. Once we acknowledge that we will never know the whole truth, we are even further prepared for truth and growth.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
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Free Family Saturday at the Contemporary at Blue Star

Contemporary at Blue Star presents Free Family Saturday on December 3, 2022. Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star, used with permission.

Contemporary at Blue Star, San Antonio’s first and longest running contemporary art nonprofit, proudly invites San Antonio families to Family Saturday on December 3 from 1p.m. to 4p.m. During this free event for families and kids of all ages, Red Dot Artists Ashley Perez, Andy and Yvette Benavides, and Ernesto Ibañez will inspire youth to look at and understand contemporary art through fun-filled hands-on activities and art making. Family Saturday is free and open to the public. There will be complimentary food and refreshments. Support for the Contemporary at Blue Star’s Family Saturday is provided by the King William Association. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2022)

Currently on view at the Contemporary is the Red Dot Show. The exhibition presents and celebrates the work of over 100 San Antonio-based artists, offering the public an opportunity to start or expand their own art collections, with works on sale for a wide variety of tastes and budgets. Proceeds from art sales equally benefit artists and the Contemporary at Blue Star’s year-round exhibitions and expansive, no-cost art education programs, which inspire, nurture, and innovate through contemporary art.

The Contemporary was founded in 1986 for artists, by artists, through a grassroots movement sparked by the cancellation of the first major museum exhibition of contemporary art in San Antonio. Six arts supporters and artists founded Contemporary Art for San Antonio to provide an exhibition venue for artists and the public. With the support of donors and property developers Bernard Lifshutz and Hap Veltman, the founders, artists, and volunteers converted a warehouse into a gallery for the first annual Blue Star Exhibition. Over the years, the Contemporary has grown to include a professional staff, a robust calendar of onsite and offsite exhibitions, community collaborations, creative youth development programs, international exchange opportunities for artists, and public art projects. Formerly known as Blue Star Contemporary, the institution announced its mission-driven new name, graphic identity, and website in 2022. 

New book release: ‘Hunting Time’ by Jeffery Deaver

‘Hunting Time’ is the new Colter Shaw novel by Jeffery Beaver. Photo: Amazon

Jeffery Deaver is the #1 international bestselling author of more than forty novels, three collections of short stories, and a nonfiction law book. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, “The Bone Collector,” was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He has received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world, including Novel of the Year by the International Thriller Writers and the Steel Dagger from the Crime Writers’ Association in the United Kingdom. In 2014, he was the recipient of three lifetime achievement awards. In his new novel “Hunting Time” The New York Times bestselling master of suspense is back with a riveting thriller, as reward seeker Colter Shaw plunges into the woods and races the clock in a case where nothing is quite what it seems. (Amazon, 2022)

“Hunting Time” –
There are two fundamental rules of survival
#1: Never be without a means of escape – Allison Parker is on the run with her teenage daughter, Hannah, and Colter Shaw has been hired by her eccentric boss, entrepreneur Marty Harmon, to find and protect her. Though he’s an expert at tracking missing persons—even those who don’t wish to be found—Shaw has met his match in Allison, who brings all her skills as a brilliant engineer designing revolutionary technology to the game of evading detection.

#2: Never be without access to a weapon – The reason for Allison’s panicked flight is soon apparent. She’s being stalked by her ex-husband, Jon Merritt. Newly released from prison and fueled by blinding rage, Jon is a man whose former profession as a police detective makes him uniquely suited for the hunt. And he’s not alone. Two hitmen are also hot on her heels—an eerie pair of thugs who take delight not only in murder but in the sport of devising clever ways to make bodies disappear forever. Even if Shaw manages to catch up with Allison and her daughter, his troubles will just be beginning.

Shaw is about to discover rule #3 – Never believe anything. As Shaw ventures further into the wilderness, the truth becomes as hard to decipher as the forest’s unmarked trails and peril awaits at every turn.

Excerpt available.

New book release: ‘You Don’t Need Salvation’ by H. Conradie

‘You Don’t Need Salvation’ is available on Amazon. The Kindle version will be available December 1, 2022. Photo: H. Conradie, used with permission.

H. Conradie is the author of “You Don’t Need Salvation: you have no sin,” the book that frees millions of people from the idea that they are sinful and need salvation. (H. Conradie, 2022)

“You Don’t Need Salvation” – Have you ever doubted the existence of the biblical Adam and Eve? Have you ever wondered why a book with so many contradictions should be called the ‘Word of God’? Have you wondered why no trace of Hebrew slaves can be found in any Egyptian records?

You are not alone! Billions of people brought up to believe biblical myths have asked the same questions you do and are demanding answers now. The Christian narrative of mankind being ‘lost’ is based upon the myth of ‘Adam and Eve.’ Children brought up in Christian homes are programmed to believe in myths as if they were real and told that they are lost forever except if they believe in the solution offered for a problem that does not exist.

As a former Christian who preached on street corners at the age of 18, I struggled for many years to find the courage to openly say that creation does not align with creation myths. Find proof in these pages that the Bible cannot be the ‘Word’ of a perfect God, as it is historically inaccurate, full of contradictions, scientifically inaccurate, and bases its ‘solution’ on the myth of the ‘first Adam.’ Free yourself and your loved ones now from the 2000-year-old lie that you are sinful and in need of salvation.

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New horror movie release: The Castle

The Castle is available on digital platforms. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

From Terror Films, experience an overnight stay that will rattle the bones, The Castle is available on digital platforms worldwide, including Amazon Prime Video.  Arish Sirkissoon, Dr Raj Singh, Rio Notra Segal, Sibongiseni Shezi and Edwin Cole star. (The Castle, 2022)

The Castle – On their wedding day Michael and Catherine break down in the middle of nowhere. They walk for several kilometers when they discover an old castle. Against her better judgement Catherine is convinced to spend the night. Once she enters the castle, she feels like something is watching her. What she discovers in the castle will change her life forever.

Says writer/director Sirkisson (aka LX Seth), “It’s always been important to me to write deep psychological thrillers that are borderline horror. In my personal view there is nothing better than a great feature with a worthy twist. I wrote this film with many ideas in mind and it came together beautifully in one swift stroke. I know audiences are going to appreciate the attention to detail I have put into this film both on paper and on the screen. This is my directorial debut so I always wanted something special and I think I have achieved this in many forms. The movie itself is a play on frameworks that lead to an intriguing crescendo that leaves you wanting more.”

Book of the week: ‘The Firestick Phenomenon’ by A.C. Hamilton

The November 2022 updated version includes faster ways to install apps to Fire TV devices. Photo: A.C. Hamilton, used with permission.

A.C. Hamilton began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 13, using his marketing and interpersonal skills to network and gain business experience at an early age. He currently owns, manages, and operates multiple businesses and runs a number of websites, YouTube channels, and social media accounts. His many digital products and services are available for purchase across the internet and includes eBooks, blogs, online tutorials, graphics and digital planners, as well as services ranging from business consulting to software installation and credit repair assistance to Airbnb management strategies. A.C. has become an accomplished author and is currently developing a number of new books aimed at bringing value to readers through various subjects including personal finance, asset protection, credit repair, and entrepreneurship and financial literacy for teens and young adults. His first book, “The Firestick Phenomenon,” became an instant hit following its release in 2020. The November 2022 updated edition includes faster ways to install apps to Fire TV Devices (A.C. Hamilton, 2022)

“The Firestick Phenomenon” – Reduced price, condensed content, and updates including the newest models of the Fire TV lineup. The catalog of apps has also been expanded and are available for download directly at the Maximum Streams website (URLs inside the book). Also includes alternative methods to install apps, and information about recent updates to the Amazon OS now requiring users to allow each individual app to install apps from unknown sources.

This comprehensive guide will show you: 

  • How to set up your Firestick for an optimized experience.
  • How to quickly and easily install third-party apps that allow you to watch virtually all television media for free.
  • How to stay legal, protect your privacy, and make sure your usage is anonymous.
  • How to resolve buffering issues to ensure you have a clean, enjoyable viewing experience.

This guide is filled with photos and screenshots to help users apply these steps in a simple manner, ensuring people from all walks of life will have no difficulty taking advantage of this technology and information. By the end of the short time it takes you to read this book, you will be able to install and use applications that allow you to watch virtually any TV show, movie, and anything else in between, for free.

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Musician profile: Sanjana Nuwan Bandara

Sanjana Nuwan Bandara’s first song is Don’t Kill My Vibe. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Sanjana Nuwan Bandara is a Sri Lankan musical artist, a young entrepreneur in the music industry, and a social media figure. Ambitious since he was little, he set up his own company at a very young age and is known for his prolific business success. He started to branch out in music and his first song, Don’t Kill My Vibe, received worldwide recognition. (Sanjana Nuwan Bandara, 2022)

Since then, he has been spreading his love of music worldwide through his various solo songs and international podcasts on Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. His immense passion for music was clear from a young age. He also has impressive talent as a hip-hop artist. Sanjana is currently the founder and CEO of Shopping.lk. He also has the business Social LLC on his resume. He has dropped several songs in the last few years, most notably Regard, Don’t Kill my Vibe, and Don’t ask me to play it softly. He has taken many initiatives in the digital market.

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Gable Price and Friends’ new single Easy To Love You

Easy To Love You is the third single from their new album The Consequence of Being Alive. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Gable Price and Friends is a 4-piece alternative rock and roll band with a whole lot of damage to do and a whole lot of cities to play. Currently residing in Northern California; 3 Midwest boys and a Californian—Gable Price, Cameron Pablo, Daniel Vargas, and Adam Elizararraz—continue to gain ground, turn heads and provide a euphoric live and recorded experience. From recording their demos in a garage to recently signing with Capitol CMG, the boys have no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Easy To Love You is the introspective new single from their new album The Consequence of Being Alive, which is out now via Capitol CMG. (Gable Price and Friends, 2022)

On this the third and final single, front man Gable Price confesses, “It’s easy to love until you have to tie love in with trust. The two don’t always coexist well,” he continues, “Nearing the end of the album this song is meant to provide a tension, and also guide you to accept the tension for something that will always be there.” As the song builds, Price’s words pierce through the chorus, a visceral plea of sorts, as he lays it all on the table.

Fans can listen to “Easy To Love You” now, check out the previously-released music video for “Brother Jack,” and listen to their second single “Upside.”

Gable Price and Friends are known for sentimental, provocative lyrics regarding the human condition, screaming guitars and bass, with driving drums that make you wanna get a speeding ticket. This group of 20-somethings is eager for the public to hear their new record and excited to share the songs with a group of sweaty people in a venue somewhere, sometime. Keep your head straight, hopes up, heart right; and remember to be a good friend.

With the release of The Consequence Of Being Alive, the band is redefining who Gable Price and Friends is. With a more indie-rock sound and songs that are less spiritual and more personal to Price’s life, The Consequence Of Being Alive is a lesson in forging a new path. It does not hurt that there are some killer album credits, too. Gable’s friend and mentor Jon Foreman (Switchfoot) is a featured artist on track #8 “How It Sets You Free,” which they co-wrote together with Tim Foreman. Other noteworthy writing credits include Judah Akers (Judah & the Lion) on “I Don’t Wanna Live Like This” and Caleb Chapman (Colony House) on “Tough Love.”

The Consequence Of Being Alive track list:
Upside
Brother Jack
Tough Love
I LOVE TO STRUGGLE
Treason
I Don’t Wanna Live Like This
Jesus Christ (Hold Me Steady)
How It Sets You Free (with Jon Foreman)
Lucky #17
Easy To Love You
The Consequence Of Being Alive

Magik Theatre presents The Velveteen Rabbit

Put some Magik in your holidays with The Velveteen Rabbit, a cherished holiday classic. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

The holidays are all about family, love, hope, and a little magic. Magik Theatre will celebrate all of that and more with its production of The Velveteen Rabbit, taking place from now until December 24, 2022. Written by Margery Williams and adapted by Michelle Hoppe-Long, this classic, heartwarming tale about a child’s favorite toy that comes to life has been delighting both the young and young-at-heart for 100 years, thanks to its timeless message. Revisit this family favorite for yourself, or share it with a whole new generation during the theatre’s special rendition. (Magik Theatre, 2022)

“There’s no better time than the holidays to add a little Magik to your life. And there’s no more magical story than that of The Velveteen Rabbit.” – Anthony Runfola, Artistic Director, Magik Theatre

From the time it was published in 1922, the story of The Velveteen Rabbit has touched the lives of readers young and old. It tells the story of a boy and his stuffed rabbit that, like many a beloved toy, grows more worn and bedraggled with love until one day, it becomes “real.” The story strikes a universal chord with its message of love and friendship, reminding us that it is only through vulnerability and opening ourselves to the connection that we become our authentic selves.

Just as the story of The Velveteen Rabbit has delighted generations of the same families for decades, so has Magik Theatre. Children who once filled the seats are now bringing their children and grandchildren to experience the joy of seeing the stories they love brought to life on stage by professional actors.

This production of The Velveteen Rabbit marks the directorial debut of one of Magik Theatre’s veteran actors, Rosa Gardner. A member of the company since 2016, Gardner has been entertaining audiences with her outstanding performances in Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder, Charlotte’s Web, Snow White, and Knufflebunny, to name a few. Now she is directing her own talented team. Rounding out the cast are John Michael Hoke as Nana and the Velveteen Rabbit, Alyssa Cavazos as The Child, and Alaia Adriana as Mother and The Fairy. The crew includes Stage Manager, Alyssa Snow, Scenic Design by Chris Boneta, Costume Design by Sarah Steele, Lighting Design by Armando Chavez, Sound Design by Carolyn Orosco, and Original Music and Arrangements by John Michael Hoke.

Magik Theatre is committed to educating through entertainment—and no child or family is ever left out. “We are here to make theatre accessible to every family and take away any barrier that exists,” says Villani. In keeping with that commitment, the 2022-23 season boasts some upgrades to include the following special performances below.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance
Saturday, November 26, 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
Saturday, December 3, 10:30a.m. – Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. By modifying elements of the production to accommodate individuals with sensory needs, we create a welcoming space where families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities can enjoy an authentic performance experience together.

Pay What You Wish Performances
Friday, November 25, 2p.m. and Friday, December 16, 6:30p.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.

Mask Required Performances
Tuesday, November 22 at 10:30a.m., Saturday, December 3 at 2p.m. and Tuesday, December 20 at 2p.m. – If you would like to attend a mask-required performance, this option is for you. We have adopted a model that allows us to go above and beyond standard schedules. It also provides you with peace of mind knowing that all of our performers and staff continue to follow strict health and safety protocols including the option to select your experience while in the theatre.

2022-23 Season Subscriptions and Flex Passes are on sale now, priced at $48, $60, $75, and $87. Single Tickets are $18.50 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, and Educators | $22.50 for adults | Children under 2 years old are free. Season Subscriptions, Flex Passes, and Single Tickets are available online or by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9a.m.- 5p.m., Monday thru Friday. 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 to parties of ten or more people

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.

Austin musician launches direct trade chocolate brand made with sustainably harvested cacao

Joaihú Craft Brazilian Cacao is a direct origin, craft chocolate company whose mission is to create the finest Brazilian tree-to-bar chocolate. Photo: Joaihú, used with permission.

Joaihú, a Direct Origin, Tree To Bar chocolate from the old-growth rainforest in Bahia, Brazil, hit shelves in stores this month throughout Central Texas and is available online across the US. CEO, Austin native, and songstress Kate Robberson says, “The story behind Joaihú is rich, much like the flavor it draws from the soil of the Atlantic Coastal Rainforest. It’s an honor to continue to build bridges between communities through sharing culture, art, and now chocolate.” Robberson’s business partner and Joaihu’s Co-founder, Charles Stewart, are explorers at heart. They have each traveled the world pursuing their individual passions: biology, music, community building, language, herbal medicines, and eventually –– cacao. They saw how deforestation and other unsustainable harvest methods were running rampant in the region and wanted to create a better, more equitable way for the earth and local community to share the tradition and artistry of chocolate. From there, the two chose to plant their chocolate grove in a climate that would yield craft-quality cacao and simultaneously allow them to bolster climate protection efforts. (Joaihú, 2022)

Joaihú is an ancient Tupi word that means “to love and be loved.” It is a verb, a way of being, a mutual care and respect that serves as the guiding philosophy for how the company treats its workers, its customers, and the earth. Joaihú is also the middle name of Stewart’s newborn son. He and Robberson ensure their entire team works in only the safest conditions and earns more than fair wages.

“I built this business with my son in mind. I want it to be sustainable –– not just ecologically, but in every aspect: socially, economically, environmentally, personally –– so that it will not only benefit my family, but the community at large, for generations.” – Charles Stewart

Joaihú’s farm, Fazenda Boa Vista, enjoys sweeping views of the rainforest and ocean, far from harmful toxins and pollution. To honor the precious surrounding ecosystem, Stewart enlisted a pair of visionary farmers to mentor him and help strategically design an agroforestry project that supports the forest’s natural rhythms. Their farmers are intentionally trained to be minimal and non-invasive in their maintenance of the grove, carefully trimming rotting limbs and only using organic methods of fertilization to keep the trees healthy and strong. 

The farm’s zero carbon footprint, regenerative agriculture practices and encompassing state-recognized wildlife preserve all speak to Joaihú’s commitment to serve as stewards of the earth. Joaihú aims to work in harmony with nature, respecting the give and take between harvest and growth instead of trying to standardize it.

Joaihú produces one of the purest expressions of Brazilian cacao on the market. Their award-winning chocolatier, Diego Badaró , minimizes additives to focus on the cacao trees as the primary source of flavor, meaning that vintages differ. Joaihú currently offers three percentages of chocolate ranging in intensity from 75% to 85% and 100%. The 100% bar is considered medicinal grade –– one of the most authentic Brazilian cacao bars available on the market. Each is wrapped in fully compostable packaging and share the complex and vibrant nutrient-rich flavors imparted by the Atlantic Coastal Rainforest.

Joaihú will be having a brand launch party on December 3, 2022 at Central Market North (4001 N Lamar Blvd) in Austin, Texas from 6p.m. to 9p.m. to celebrate the release of the chocolate in-stores.  The event will showcase the Brazilian culture the founders fell in love with, featuring live musical performances from Grupo Massa from 5:30p.m. – 6:30p.m. and Ley Line from 7p.m. – 8p.m. Guests will be able to enjoy Joaihú’s three chocolate expressions at the event while getting to experience an authentic aspect of Brazilian life. 

Joaihú Craft Brazilian Cacao is now distributed in stores across Central Texas, including Central Market, Tiny Grocer, Thom’s Market, Quickie Pickie, Try Hard Coffee, and Dia’s Market. It is also available online nationwide with direct-to-consumer shipping .