The Family is now streaming on Netflix. Photo: google
Jeff Sharlet is an American journalist, author and contributing editor for Harper’s, Virginia Quarterly Review and Rolling Stone. His work has appeared in publications such as The New York Times Magazine, GQ, Esquire and The Washington Post and he has written the books “The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power” “C Street” and “Sweet Heaven When I Die.” “The Family” investigates the political power of The Family or The Fellowship, a secretive fundamentalist Christian association led by Douglas Coe. It was developed into a documentary web television miniseries that premiered on Netflix on August 9.
According to Amazon, in “The Family,” the group insists that they are just a group of friends, yet they funnel millions of dollars through tax-free corporations. They claim to disdain politics, but congressmen of both parties describe them as the most influential religious organization in Washington. They say they are not Christians, but simply believers. Behind the scenes at every National Prayer Breakfast since 1953 has been the Family, an elite network dedicated to a religion of power for the powerful. Their goal is “Jesus plus nothing.” Their method is backroom diplomacy. “The Family” is the startling story of how their faith, part free-market fundamentalism, part imperial ambition, has come to be interwoven with the affairs of nations around the world.
The movie adaptation of Maria Semple’s best selling novel opens in theaters this Friday August 16. Photo: google
Maria Semple is an American novelist and screenwriter best known for the novels “This One Is Mine,” “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” and “Today Will Be Different.” Her television credits include Beverly Hills, 90210, Mad About You, Saturday Night Live, Arrested Development, Suddenly Susan and Ellen. “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” spent a year on The New York Times’ bestseller list, won the American Library Association’s Alex Award and was shortlisted for Women’s Prize for Fiction. It centers around an agoraphobic architect, mother and wife who is struggling to adjust to life in Seattle and goes missing just before a family trip to Antarctica. The movie adaptation starring Cate Blanchette will be in theaters starting this Friday August 16.
In “Where’d You Go, Bernadette,” everyone has their thoughts about Bernadette Fox. To her Microsoft-guru husband, she is a fearlessly opinionated partner; to fellow private-school mothers in Seattle, she is a disgrace; to design mavens, she is a revolutionary architect; and to 15-year-old Bee, she is her best friend and, simply, Mom. Then Bernadette vanishes. It all began when Bee aced her report card and claimed her promised reward: a family trip to Antarctica. But Bernadette is so agoraphobic that a virtual assistant in India runs her most basic errands. A trip to the end of the earth is problematic. To find her mother, Bee compiles email messages, official documents and secret correspondence.
Krause’s Café is celebrating National Bratwurst Day this Friday August 16 with dishes like the Solm’s Platter. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.
Friday August 16 is National Bratwurst Day and anyone looking for a taste of Germany can head to Krause’s Café. Krause’s is located in the quaint riverside town of New Braunfels, which happens to be the first Texas colony of German immigrants. Krause’s Café and Biergarten is the closest thing to Germany bratwurst lovers can get without leaving the state. The biergarten is celebrating the traditional German sausage with their classic dishes, platters and selection of over 70 beers on tap. Groups can take on the Solm’s Platter, which includes bratwurst, kartoffel poppers and more or enjoy traditional bratwurst and an ice-cold beer from the wide selection of local craft brews. The day will also feature live music from Jay Bleu and the All Mixed Up Variety Band. (Krause’s Café, 2019)
Krause’s Café is a New Braunfels historic restaurant that opened in 1938 and ran successfully until 1995. Recently it reopened and while keeping true to the original traditions, it now has a ‘biergarten,’ live music and more. The menu reflects its German heritage and South Texas flavors while offering over 70 beers that include local, regional and international options as well as cocktails and wines on tap.
Krause’s Cafe + Biergarten
148 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 625-2807
End of summer bash at Fast Eddie’s on Friday August 16. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Join Fast Eddie’s Billiards at any location on Friday, August 16 from 7p.m. until close for an end of summer celebration. They are throwing a Havana Nights party with dress-up theme and tropical cocktails to say farewell to the season. Come enjoy drinks, pool, good vibes and good times. (Fast Eddie’s, 2019)
Fast Eddie’s opened its first location in San Antonio in August 1998 by hospitality experts and bar veterans, Bob Wilson, Mark Beyer and Mark Lewis. These talented entrepreneurs created a neighborhood gathering place with more entertainment options than were available at any other billiards halls. With large, comfortable environments that feature multi-dimensional entertainment, high-end audio-visual equipment, top of the line pool tables, dart boards, video games, music, comfort food, a full bar, themed events and charity benefits, Fast Eddie’s has drawn a loyal following. The single pool hall on Culebra Rd became so successful, it spurred the growth of Fast Eddie’s to 15 locations in Texas and Louisiana.
Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar San Antonio locations:
9910 W Loop 1604 N Suite 113
San Antonio, TX
Harlequin Feel Good Day San Antonio is scheduled for Saturday October 5. Courtesy photo, used with permission. .
Harlequin Feel Good Day San Antonio is set for 10:30a.m. to 6p.m., on Saturday, October 5 at the Omni La Mansion Del Rio. Harlequin, a leading publisher of romance and women-centric literature for nearly seven decades, is bringing its powerhouse community to San Antonio. The day of Feel Good programing and community building celebrates and explores what makes women feel their best, do their best and be their best selves. (Harlequin Feel Good Day, 2019)
First Lady of San Antonio Erika Prosper Nirenberg has made it part of her life’s mission to find ways to empower women. So, when the Harlequin Feel Good Movement™ approached her about helping to launch a fun, one-day immersive celebration of women in the Alamo City, she eagerly joined the movement. Prosper Nirenberg, also former chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will champion the Harlequin’s OutStander Awards. The Feel Good Day message of positivity fits with Prosper Nirenberg’s ongoing efforts to promote women in leadership. As leader of the Hispanic Chamber, she helped establish the Latina Leadership Institute five years ago to help women learn more about how to be engaged civically and politically. Women who took part in Latina Leadership Institute have gone on to join non-profit boards, government commissions and two have been elected to local public office.
On October 5, Prosper Nirenberg will help present The OutStander Awards to put the spotlight on outstanding and upstanding citizens in San Antonio who champion the Feel Good mission every day. Nominations for The OutStander Awards are being accepted online through August 16 in five categories including:
Community Catalyst;
Person of Positivity;
Harlequin Hometown Hero;
Cultural Champion, and
Millennial Groundbreaker
Daytime Emmy nominee Melody Thomas Scott, best known for playing Nikki Newman on the daytime drama The Young and the Restless will moderate a panel discussion with The New York Times best-selling authors Robyn Carr, Brenda Jackson and Susan Mallery. The event also features a performance by Mariachi Las Coronelas, The OutStander Awards presentation, activity-based workshops that include gardening, Groove movement and meditation, vision boarding, gratitude practices and reflective exercises, and more.
Harlequin has committed to charitable event programming to further the Feel Good mission, partnering with Soldiers’ Angels, and each Share Gratitude workshop participant will create a Blessing Box for Soldiers’ Angels Women of Valor program, given as encouragement to women and caretakers of wounded, ill and injured service members. Each attendee is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for Soldiers’ Angels as well.
“I believe that San Antonio residents deserve to have their passion, commitment and outstanding achievements be recognized not just in the city, but on a national and international scale. When Harlequin invited me to participate, I was excited to be a part of highlighting San Antonio and championing our residents to their international community.” – Erika Prosper Nirenberg
The movie adaptation of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark opened this weekend. Photo: google
Alvin Schwartz was an American author and journalist who wrote more than fifty books dedicated to and dealing with topics such as folklore and word play, many of which were intended for young readers. He is mostly known for Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, a series of short stories for children originally illustrated by Stephen Gammell. The series consists of “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” (1981) “More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” (1984) and “Scary Stories 3: More Tales to Chill Your Bones” (1991). The film adaptation, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, opened this weekend and stars Zoe Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush, Austin Abrams, Dean Norris, Gil Bellows and Lorraine Toussaint. It is directed by André Øvredal and the screenplay was adapted by Dan and Kevin Hageman, from a screen story by producer Guillermo del Toro, Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan.
According to Wikipedia, the author drew heavily from folklore and urban legends for his stories and each book features numerous short stories in the horror genre. Influences include Shakespeare, T.S. Eliot, Mark Twain, Joel Chandler Harris, Bennett Carl and Jan Harold Brunvand. The series has sold more than seven million copies with the books appearing on numerous children’s bestseller lists. While being considered a “cultural touchstone for a generation,” they have also been criticized by parents and social groups for being inappropriate for children.
In the movie, it is 1968 in America. Change is blowing in the wind but far removed from the unrest in the cities is the small town of Mill Valley where for generations, the shadow of the Bellows family has loomed large. In their mansion on the edge of town, Sarah, a young girl with horrible secrets, turned her tortured life into a series of scary stories, written in a book that has transcended time-stories that have a way of becoming all too real for a group of teenagers who discover Sarah’s terrifying home. – Lionsgate and CBS Films.
Shake Shack is celebrating National Frozen Custard Day this Thursday August 8. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.
In celebration of National Frozen Custard Day this Thursday, August 8, Shake Shack guests can use code “CUSTARDDAY” on the Shack App or online to score a free single scoop of Shake Shack’s signature vanilla or chocolate frozen custard at any U.S. Shack, excluding ballparks, stadiums + airports, with a minimum order of $5. Sign into your account, add the scoop to your cart and apply the code at checkout. (Shake Shack, 2019)
Custard, which is made from milk, cream, and egg yolks has been on the Shake Shack menu since their first location. Their founder Danny Meyer grew up in St. Louis, frequenting iconic frozen custard spots, since they were a staple in the Midwest, and knew that it needed a prime place on Shake Shack’s menu. Today Shacks serve rich and creamy custard by the scoop, in shakes and in concretes worldwide.
Since 2004, Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 220 locations in 26 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, including more than 70 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow, Seoul and more.
Shake Shack
3003 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 469-3732
Shake Shack
7427 San Pedro Ave. Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 277-4770
William Chris Vineyards’ new welcome center and wine club members’ tasting room will open on Saturday August 10. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Beloved family-owned winegrowing company based in Hye, Texas, William Chris Vineyards is pleased to announce the grand opening of their new welcome center and wine club members’ tasting room on Saturday, August 10. The tasting room will feature enhanced wine experiences that will be available for all guests to experience by reservation only Monday through Wednesday from 10a.m. to 5p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 6p.m. and Sunday 11a.m. to 5p.m. (William Chris Vineyards, 2019)
William Chris Vineyards will offer visitors enhanced experiences that will rotate regularly with a focus on wine education, food and wine pairings, and unique wine tasting formats not yet explored in Texas wine country. These new experiences led to the addition of key personnel, including a resident sommelier, D Thompson, who recently obtained a level III certification in wine from Wine and Spirits Education Trust; new tasting room manager Luke Hricik, formerly of Duckhorn Vineyards; and Executive Chef Josh Tye, formerly of Rose Hill Manor, Uchiko, and Hudson’s on the Bend.
As visitation to the vineyard has grown steadily over the years, the team at William Chris Vineyards designed their new tasting room to accommodate their loyal club members who have been an integral part of the growth of the business from a small, boutique winery to one of the state’s leading producers of 100% Texas-grown wine. Architect Marley Porter of Living Architecture designed the 5,500-square-foot tasting room, offices, and new welcome center that provides visitors to the estate with a stunning view of the rolling hills beyond — a breathtaking backdrop for the flourishing vineyards.
“Expanding our team to focus more on community and education is the right thing to do. When you come and enjoy our wine you are investing in more than just a bottle, you are investing in a world-class wine industry that is driving the agriculture, tourism, and wine business into new, uncharted territory. We are pleased to share a piece of our world.” – Chris Brundrett, co-owner and winegrower at WCV.
William Chris Vineyards
10352 U.S. Highway 290
Hye, TX 78635
‘Lions of the Sky’ is the new novel by Paco Chierici. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Francesco “Paco” Chierici flew A-6 Intruders and F-14 Tomcats, deployed to conflict zones from Somalia to Iraq and was stationed aboard carriers including the USS Ranger, Lincoln and Kitty Hawk. Currently a 737 captain, he has used his aviation experience to publish extensively in Aviation Classics Magazine, AOPA Magazine and Fighter Sweep, as well as creating and producing the award-winning naval aviation documentary Speed and Angels. In his new book “Lions of the Sky: The Top Gun for the New Millennium,” Paco Chierici propels the reader into a realm where friendship, loyalty and skill are tested, battles are won and lost in an instant and lives are forever changed.
The action in “Lions of the Sky” begins solidly in the South China Sea, as a rower in a compact boat makes his way to an island that is home to a Vietnamese outpost. He expertly kills the soldiers and just as quickly and quietly as he arrived, he retreats. Throughout the book, he is referred to as “the commando” to highlight that his missions are more important than his name or background. The second chapter introduces readers to Sam Richardson, a fighter pilot’s pilot, a reluctant legend with a gut-eating secret who is on the last span of his tour as an instructor. All he wants is to get back to the real action of the Fleet. As he is driving away from a gentleman’s club in his 1966 Shelby AC Cobra after spending time with friends, he crosses paths with a driver in a Corvette driven by a woman, Keely Silvers, who, as fate would have it, will be in that last class.
The two stories alternate until they intersect in the South China Sea where a Chinese general is hoping to create an international crisis to give China the edge in territory disputes. A final air battle between Chinese fighters and the F/A -18 Hornets puts the trainees to the test as they are thrown into a real-life war situation and are eager to prove they belong there. In the end, the crisis is averted and even though not everyone makes it out alive, those remaining, including Keely “Quick” Silvers move on with their military training.
With his debut novel, Paco Chierici proves that his talent goes beyond the military world and flying planes and other aircrafts. His writing style includes deeply poetic descriptive language: “He took note of the AK- 47 machine guns leaning upright against each other like a little teepee near the fire, their oiled barrels joined together in a dark bouquet pointing at the night sky.” There is excellent character development, especially with Sam “Slammer” Richardson, whose backstory includes having romantic feelings for a woman he served with, feelings he never told anyone, and which may be responsible for his viewpoint that women should not be in combat. The military lingo is just enough to create a realistic atmosphere, especially the action in the cockpit and the Ready Room. Especially interesting is the point-of-view of the commando: the reader is privy to his planning and thought processes; and Quick’s inner thoughts and reactions during the final air battle.
“Lions of the Sky” is a must-read extraordinary novel of military storytelling that is perfectly balanced with action scenes and political suspense that keeps it from alienating readers who are not into strictly military themes. The language, though heavily about fighter pilots and their training, is easy to understand and the action flows easily from page to page. Friendship and camaraderie is central to the plot with just a hint of sexual tension. It is recommended for fans of military action thrillers and those who enjoy a fascinating espionage/political sub-plot.
“Watching powerlessly out her canopy as the descending Flanker converged on Slammer’s helpless Rhino, something about the picture clicked. The paralyzing static of indecision dissolved as the beautiful, instinctive part of her brain asserted itself.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘The Ban of Hunger’ won first place for Best Original Design at last year’s competition. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
This September, North Star Mall will host the 14th Annual Canstruction® design/build competition, one of the San Antonio Food Bank’s Hunger Action Month events to raise awareness and funds for hunger relief. From Monday, September 9, through Sunday, September 21, massive structures built using cans of food by the city’s most noted architecture, engineering and contracting firms will be on public display at North Star Mall, 7400 San Pedro. (North Star Mall, 2019)
Two competitors in last year’s local contest took home awards from the International Citywide Competition. Out of more than 1,000 entries submitted worldwide, Alamo Architects and Turner Construction won first place for “Best Original Design” for “The Ban of Hunger,” which featured a bigger than life matador standing behind his cape which appeared to be in motion. Luna Middleman Architects took home fourth place for “Structural Ingenuity” with their creation, “El Luchador Mask.” Just as its title suggests, the structure was a massive mask reminiscent of those worn by the famed Mexican wrestlers.
San Antonio’s 14th annual Canstruction® competition is part of an international drive to expand public awareness of the hunger crisis worldwide. Canstruction® combines the competitive spirit of a design/build competition with a unique way to help feed the hungry. It also showcases the talents of local design and construction industry professionals and the students they mentor.
Seven teams representing the San Antonio chapters of The American Institute of Architects and the Society for Design Administration are given 12 hours on Sunday, September 8 to defy expectations, logic and gravity as they assemble amazing sculptures using approximately 30,000 cans of food. The sculptures remain on display throughout North Star Mall’s common areas during mall hours through Saturday, September 21.
The following day the supersized masterpieces will be judged at the Canopener awards ceremony attended by industry professionals and special guests. Teams will vie for award categories in Structural Ingenuity; Best Use of Labels; Best Meal; Juror’s Favorite; Best Use of the Color Orange; and two Honorable Mentions. Cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award to be announced on September 22, voting details on site at North Star.
The competing teams include: RVK Architects with Lundy & Franke Engineering and F.A. Nunnelly General Contractors; Alamo Architects with Turner Construction; RS&H Architecture, Engineering & Consulting; Rogers O’Brien Construction; and The Art Institute of San Antonio. Two teams of architecture students from the AIAS Chapters of San Antonio College and UTSA are being sponsored by Broadway Bank.
The public is encouraged to donate canned food at a simultaneous food drive within the mall at participating retailers. All canned goods used to create the unconventional art exhibits at North Star Mall will be donated to the San Antonio Food Bank at the close of the competition. Over the last decade, Canstruction® has donated more than 472,095 pounds of food. As the major supplier of food for the hungry in Southwest Texas, the San Antonio Food Bank helps provide food for about 58,000 individuals each week through a network of more than 530 partner agencies within a 16-county service area. Every donation, every SA Goes Orange for Hunger campaign button worn and every means of public outreach helps to fight hunger and feed hope.
