‘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.
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.”
The November 2022 updated version includes faster ways to install apps to Fire TV devices. Photo: A.C. Hamilton, used with permission.
A.C. Hamiltonbegan 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.
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.
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 Friendsis 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.
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
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.
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 .
The movie adaptation of ‘Bones & All” will be released nationwide on Wednesday November 23, 2022. Photo: Amazon
In a world filled with remakes and sequels, I often hear the same complaint: “Why can’t anyone make any original movies anymore.” Whenever someone does, rarely do people take notice. That is why I have made it my mission to highlight movie adaptation of books and here is this week’s movie. The book “Bones & All” is a literary fiction novel, a coming-of-age story that follows a pair of young cannibalistic lovers who flee together on a road trip. A combination of YA and horror novels. Sounds interesting to me.
Camille DeAngelis is the author of “Immaculate Heart,” the Alex Award-winning “Bones & All,” “Petty Magic: Being the Memoirs and Confessions of Miss Evelyn Harbinger,” “Temptress and Troublemaker,” and “Mary Modern,” as well as a first-edition guidebook, “Moon Ireland.” Her book of practical philosophy, “Life Without Envy: Ego Management for Creative People,” was published by St. Martin’s Griffin in September 2016. She is a graduate of New York University (B.A. in Fine Arts, minor in Irish Studies, 2002) and the National University of Ireland, Galway (M.A. in Writing, 2005). “Bones & All” has been adapted into a coming-of-age romantic horror road film starring Taylor Russell, Timothée Chalamet, Mark Rylance, and Michael Stuhlbarg. It was released in selected U.S. theaters on November 18 and will be released nationwide on Wednesday November 23, 2022. (Amazon, 2022)
“Bones & All” – Maren Yearly is a young woman who wants the same things we all do. She wants to be someone people admire and respect. She wants to be loved but her secret, shameful needs have forced her into exile. She hates herself for the bad thing she does, for what it has done to her family and her sense of identity, for how it dictates her place in the world and how people see her–how they judge her. She did not choose to be this way. Because Maren Yearly does not just break hearts, she devours them. Ever since her mother found Penny Wilson’s eardrum in her mouth when Maren was just two years old, she knew life would never be normal for either of them.
Love may come in many shapes and sizes, but for Maren, it always ends the same–with her hiding the evidence and her mother packing up the car. But when her mother abandons her the day after her sixteenth birthday, Maren goes looking for the father she has never known, and finds much more than she bargained for along the way. Faced with a world of fellow eaters, potential enemies, and the prospect of love, Maren realizes she is not only looking for her father, she is looking for herself.
‘The #PACE Process for Early Career Success’ is the new business career guide by Mark Zides. Photo: Amazon
Mark Zides is the founder and CEO of CoreAxis Consulting, an award-winning custom learning and development, professional and leadership development, and talent management firm. CoreAxis partners with companies such as Amazon, Thermo-Fisher Scientific, Netflix, Nestle, and more, to develop innovative immersive learning solutions for their workforce. Over his 30 years advising clients on building future leaders and talent for organizations of all sizes, Mark brings a thoughtful and impactful coaching model to many aspiring trailblazers. Mark is now the bestselling author of “The #PACE Process for Early Career Success.” This book is impacting the lives of young Millennials and Gen Z professionals and helping them thrive in their careers. (Amazon, 2022)
“The #PACE Process for Early Career Success”– With the structure of the workforce changing now more than ever, it pays to shift our views regarding job search and career success. This book is designed to help you unlock the mindset, traits, and techniques needed to Plan, Apply for, Commit to, and Evaluate your ideal career path. In fact, those are the 4 sections of the book: Prepare, Apply, Commit, and Evaluate. Whether you plan to enter the corporate world, join a startup, or start your own business, you will learn how to build a network, master interviewing skills, leverage your personal brand, and even how and when to move on to your next opportunity. With more than twenty years of experience as an entrepreneur, businessman, and CEO, Mark Zides teaches young adults the skills they need to get their feet in the door, climb the ladder, and not stop achieving until they find success. In the Introduction, he makes it a point to introduce himself, his background, and what qualifies him to give the advice in this book. He is from a working class family and knows what it is like to work for a living and his own career path has not been easy. The material covers topics like job hunting, networking, and interviewing skills as well has how to find success in your given career once you get a job.
Career guides are invaluable sources of job search and career advice. “The #PACE Process for Early Career Success” is definitely no exception. Mark Zides uses real life examples, research, and sometimes some tough love to arm workers with the necessary skills to not just survive the modern workforce but to thrive. When looking through job listings, he advises, “….if you don’t like the language used in the ad, respect that feeling. It won’t get better, that much I can assure you.” His tone is approachable and the language used is easy to understand and follow. The chapter layouts makes the information easy to understand. Highlights include Chapter 4 Personal Brand, Résumés, & Cover Letters especially the section Company Red Flags, which describes how to identify what the company is looking for and their culture, and Chapter 7 Once You’re In which explains the importance of reading the contract when being offered a new job and creating a 90 Day Plan once you accept the job offer. The focused demographic is young people starting off their careers, but anyone looking for a career change, or even looking for a job, can benefit from it. Even if you are not currently job searching, the chapters on how to recognize burnout and how to know when it is time to move on are extremely informative. “The #PACE Process for Early Career Success” is the definitive guide for working professionals, both young and old and is a must-read for recent college graduates ready to enter the workforce. It is recommended for readers interested in career guides, books on job hunting and interviewing skills, and those looking for a refresher course in career management.
“…the ability to lead, communicate, adapt to change, and problem-solve when things don’t go your way (without taking it personally) are the most important skills that young professionals need to obtain for their long term success” – Joe Lazarek (Foreword)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘The Campaign of Peerless Kent: Thirty-one-year-old Calabasas resident Peerless Kent is forced into a political deathmatch against one of the most dangerous Congressmen in America.” Photo: Erik Hengstrum, used with permission.
Erik Hengstrum has a decade-plus of success as a content writer working on the client side for a slew of startups and a boutique commercial printer. He wrote radio commercials for one of the largest media companies in the world. Or as he likes to call them, thirty-second and one-minute stories about a product. Erik wrote most of the “The Campaign of Peerless Kent” at different locations, up and down Pacific Coast Highway with the ocean breeze at his back and high-powered motorcycles ringing his eardrums. (Erik Hengstrum, 2022)
“The Campaign of Peerless Kent”– At thirty-one, Peerless Kent has lived an unremarkable and love-starved life. He dreams of doing something momentous with his life one day but just has not found the right moment until it finds him. Peerless is bullied into running against Congressman Benjamin Woods. Congressman Woods has become one of the most feared men in Washington D.C. while staying one of the most loved men in Calabasas. After only one hour into the campaign that everybody believes is doomed, Peerless is forced to stand in front of a massive crowd at the Calabasas Cowboy Cookout and fight for his life.
On a campaign trail full of disaster and eventually physical danger the one thing happens to Peerless that he never saw coming, he falls in love with a woman who is deep into Congressman’s Woods inner circle. Can Peerless Kent win a few votes? Can he give a speech without being booed or having something thrown at him? Can he win the heart of the woman of his dreams? Can he even survive until election night? As you tag along with Peerless Kent on this journey, you will laugh and be stunned!
SA Examiner 