‘The Collaborators’ is the exciting new political and espionage thriller by Michael Idov. Photo: Amazon
Michael Idov is a novelist, director, and screenwriter. A Latvian-born American raised in Riga under Soviet occupation, he moved to New York after graduating from the University of Michigan. His new book “The Collaborators” is an electrifying, cutting-edge spy thriller featuring a brilliant young intelligence officer and a troubled heiress who stumble into a global conspiracy that pits Russia against the CIA. (Simon & Schuster, 2024)
“The Collaborators” – Anton Basmanny is the Kremlin’s least favorite blogger with a bullseye on his back. He is aboard an airplane on the way to meet Ari Falk, a cynical CIA agent whose cover is to help Russian opposition journalists run stories that could be damaging to the Kremlin. Anton knows any day could be his last, so he isn’t too surprised when his flight is forced to land. He is detained in a cell along with a couple, an American and his wife, and when they are taken away and he hears two gunshots, he fears the worst. The man happened to be Russian American billionaire Paul Obrandt whose suicide later makes international headlines. Falk eventually crosses paths with LA heiress Maya Chou, a.k.a. Paul Obrandt’s daughter. Their globe-trotting adventures will not only put them in danger, but will reveal secrets neither one of them saw coming and will forever change Maya’s view of her father.
This novel is a gripping exploration of identity, loyalty, and the complexities of life in contemporary Russia. Idov skillfully combines personal and political narratives, creating a vivid backdrop that captures the tensions of life as an intelligence officer in an ever changing political landscape. The narrative is non-linear and the prose is both sharp and haunting, immersing readers in a chaotic atmosphere, where friendships can be as fragile as the truth. The deep character development adds depth to the narrative and the author’s ability to blend humor with darker themes provides a balanced and engaging read. Laced with wit, the dialogue provides a refreshing contrast to the underlying seriousness of Falk and Maya’s situation. One of the highlights is the intense car chase towards the end of Chapter 5 when they are being chased and every second counts as they race towards the US embassy.
Overall, “The Collaborators” is more than a thrilling espionage thriller, it’s a tale of survival and profound meditation on the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a compelling must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of philosophy and politics. Idov’s work resonates powerfully, offering a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in the human condition. Readers who enjoy similar works from Robert Ludlum, John le Carré, and Brad Thor will find it just as gripping.
*The author received an ARC for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Experience real love and connection with the return of Magik Theatre’s popular holiday season production of The Velveteen Rabbit. Photo: Bobby Foxx Photography, used with permission.
San Antonio, TX – Magik Theatre is delighted to reprise The Velveteen Rabbit, a timeless classic that captures the joy and warmth of the holidays. Recommended for audiences ages 5 and up, Magik’s adaptation of Margery Williams’ beloved children’s story follows the journey of a shy velveteen toy rabbit who longs to become real. Through his adventures with the Child, the Velveteen Rabbit learns about the transformative power of love and friendship. Running from November 23 through December 29, this heartwarming production is the perfect way to enjoy an enchanting holiday season, and Magik has plenty of related special events to make the experience all the more festive. (Magik Theatre, 2024)
Set in the cozy world of the Child, who receives the Velveteen Rabbit on Christmas morning, this touching tale follows the Child and their magical toys as they grapple with what it means to become ‘real.’ The Velveteen Rabbit, played by Ethan Hart, feels sad and forgotten as the Child (Maryann Valerio) marvels at fancier, more modern toys, but finds hope and friendship in the kind, wise Rocking Horse, played by Grace Lynn.
When a chance occurrence brings the Velveteen Rabbit back into the loving arms of the Child, the Velveteen Rabbit is delighted to become the Child’s favorite bedtime stuffy. But when the Child becomes ill, the Velveteen Rabbit must be separated from them, and this is where the Rabbit’s transformation begins.
To further the uplifting message and inspiring tale, Magik is pleased to present two special events: an opening day Party in the Park complete with live music, treats, and themed crafts, and its second annual Holiday Hop with pre-show holiday activities, photo opportunities, seasonal carols, and a gift drive. Little bookworms willing to scoot off Hemisfair campus, can catch a special story time at the Nowhere Bookshop for an engaging reading with the cast. All events offer magical ways to celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year!”
SPECIAL EVENTS AND PERFORMANCES Opening Party in the Park | Saturday, November 23, 4:30p.m., show at 6p.m. Start the merrymaking early with a FREE, family-friendly pre-show soiree on opening night. Kids can make their own rabbit with a special craft activity, and party goers can nibble on custom rabbit shaped cookies as they dance to the tunes of a live DJ. Those who stick around after Magik’s treasured holiday production of The Velveteen Rabbit can enjoy a cupcake to cap off a truly enchanting evening.
Story Time with the Cast of The Velveteen Rabbit | Tuesday, November 26, 4:30p.m. Little literature lovers can meet the cast of Magik’s The Velveteen Rabbit at this special story time reading of the classic tale. The event takes place at best-selling author Jenny Lawson’s Nowhere Bookshop, located at 5154 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209.
Magik’s Annual Holiday Hop!| Saturday, December 14, 12:30p.m., show at 2p.m. Join Magik for a heartwarming celebration that captures the true essence of the holiday season – Magik’s Second Annual Holiday Hop! Family-friendly, festive activities include writing letters to Santa, fun crafts, photo opportunities, carolers, and more. Embrace the spirit of giving by donating new toys, stuffed animals, books, or girls’ makeup to the toy drive benefiting local children’s cancer foundation Hope Hits Harder. After the activities, continue making holiday memories by enjoying a performance of The Velveteen Rabbit and meeting the cast. Capacity is limited so hop on these tickets now by visiting Magik Theatre online.
Special Performances: Sensory-Friendly Performance | Saturday, November 30 at 10a.m. Audience members on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities can take in a special performance of The Velveteen Rabbit designed just for them. Kids and adults are free to be themselves in this relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience that is a perfect introduction to attending a performance.
Pay What You Wish Performance | Sunday, December 1 at 3p.m. As part of Magik Theatre’s mission to make theatre accessible to everyone, the organization holds one donation-based performance. Tickets are only available at the door on December 1st.
ASL Interpreted Performance | Saturday, December 7 at 2p.m. Patrons who communicate with ASL can attend this performance featuring Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary American Sign Language interpreter.
Educator Appreciation Day | Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 3p.m. Educators and school faculty are eligible for one free ticket to this performance with proof of I.D. Additional tickets are available to purchase for these performances at a discount of 20% off the regular ticket prices.
Military & First Responders Appreciation Day | Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 2p.m. (pre-show music at 1:30p.m.) Service members with a valid military ID can purchase discounted $18 tickets and enjoy a special performance by the Honey Bs, an Andrews Sisters-style singing trio.
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. and Saturdays, 12p.m. – 4p.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 Magik Theatre.
MAGIK THEATRE A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to create theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people.
Decade of the Dead is available now on Digital and On Demand. Courtesy photo,used with permission.
Zombie horror movies captivate audiences with their unique blend of fear, survival, and societal commentary. The mindless, relentless nature of zombies taps into primal fears of death and the loss of individuality. These films often explore themes of isolation, survival instincts, and human nature under extreme pressure. As characters face an apocalyptic world, viewers are drawn to the tension between personal survival and moral choices. The unpredictable chaos of a zombie outbreak mirrors our anxieties about societal collapse, making these films both thrilling and thought-provoking. Ultimately, they offer an adrenaline rush while exploring the darker sides of humanity.
Dark Star Pictures is thrilled to announce the release of Decade of the Dead, a gripping and action-packed zombie horror film, now on Digital and On Demand. This chilling new chapter in the zombie apocalypse genre is a standalone follow-up to the 2012 cult hit Dead Season,which will be re-released in conjunction with Decade of the Dead.
Set against the eerie backdrop of a tropical island overrun by the undead, a group of survivors, ten years after a zombie outbreak, seeks refuge with an isolated community—only to uncover a sinister zombie-worshiping cult determined to dominate the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Decade of the Dead stars Sean Patrick Thomas (Cruel Intentions, Save The Last Dance), Jenna Leigh Green (“Sabrina the Teenage Witch”), Shane Johnson (“Power”), Branscombe Richmond (The Scorpion King, Mortal Kombat), Dean Geyer (Zoey 102, “Glee”).
Decade of the Dead – Ten years into the zombie apocalypse, Rachel, Tweeter, and Ben, live in a world without hope. While scavenging the Caribbean, they happen upon The Sworn, a zombie-worshiping cult of the worst remnants of humanity. The Sworn not only worship the dead but consume the living and enslave those they fail to convert. Rachel is captured and reunited with her long-lost sister, the high priestess of The Sworn, who leads the cult with Grinner, a blood-thirsty, fanatical brute, but the reunion is short-lived as they battle to make it off the island alive.
Filmed entirely on the island of O‘ahu with a talented local production crew, Decade of the Dead was co-directed by Adam Deyoe (Psycho Sleepover, Dead Season) and O‘ahu-based filmmaker Fairai Richmond. Flynn Forest Productions’ producer Loren Semmens, partnered with Bryan Spicer (Magnum P.I., Hawaii Five-0) and Sight & Sound Productions to execute the ambitious production.
Decade of the Deadoffers an imaginative twist on beloved genre classics like The Walking Dead and Lost. The film creatively utilizes iconic O‘ahu locations, to craft a gripping and uniquely Hawaiian take on the zombie genre. The film made its world premiere at the 2023 Hawai‘i International Film Festival, where it was celebrated for its innovative approach to the zombie genre and its authentic representation of Hawai‘i’s filmmaking talent.
Classic Christmas San Antonio: All-New Experience at Toyota Field this Holiday Season. Photo: Enchant Christmas, used with permission.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Step into a world of real holiday magic at Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas San Antonio from November 22 – December 29, 2024. This season, cherished holiday traditions come to life in San Antonio at the Toyota Field amid a spectacle of dazzling lights. Crafted by the creators of the renowned World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, Enchant Christmas, this immersive holiday celebration promises to create unforgettable moments of togetherness and joy at this beloved time of year. This nostalgic celebration is packed with dazzling lights, festive activities, and unforgettable memories. Tickets start at $21 and are available online. (Classic Christmas San Antonio, 2024)
On November 24, Classic Christmas will make 2,500 kids tickets available at no charge. In the spirit of the holidays, Classic Christmas hopes to spread some joy and have as many families as possible to experience the dazzling lights. Guests can claim up to two free kid tickets per order, but each order must include at least one paid adult ticket.
Details for reserving available free tickets can be found online.
Holiday revelers can look forward to an array of joyful activities and cherished experiences, ensuring a season full of happiness and wonder, including:
Larger-Than-Life Light Displays – Delight in 55,000 square feet of dazzling light sculptures, featuring exciting custom and interactive Coca-Cola-inspired displays.
Market Square – Taste seasonal delights and shop for holiday gifts from a local assortment of vendors showcasing their wares.
Ice Skating – Skate amidst the lights with those you love – this is a unique ice skating experience.
Snow Slide – Hop on an inner tube and glide down the thrilling Classic Christmas Snow Slide.
Live Entertainment – Guests will get into the spirit with nightly caroling throughout the venue and more local, seasonal artist features.
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus – Santa and Mrs. Claus will take photos in his workshop – your holiday photo dream come true!
THEME NIGHT CALENDAR:
Adding to the excitement, Classic Christmas will host unique theme nights, each offering a distinct way to celebrate the holiday season:
NOVEMBER 24 – Kids Light Up The Night: 2,500 young guests to experience the sparkle of Classic Christmas San Antonio with complimentary tickets while supplies last.
DECEMBER 1 – Paws & Claus: Bring your furry friends for a pet-friendly evening where they can meet Santa and join in on the festive fun. Dog ticket add-ons will be limited—get your tickets now!
DECEMBER 6 – Country Christmas (presented by San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo): Dust off your cowboy boots for a night of country music, line dancing, and holiday cheer with a Southern twist.
DECEMBER 7 – Spurs & San Antonio FC at Classic Christmas: Join the Spurs and San Antonio FC at Classic Christmas! Wear your favorite Spurs or SAFC gear, meet & greet with players and the Spurs Hype Squad, and take photos with the Spurs NBA Championship trophies.
DECEMBER 8 – Military Appreciation Night: A night dedicated to honoring the brave men and women of our military, with special activities and tributes throughout the evening.
DECEMBER 13 – Fiesta Navideña: Celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Latin heritage with vibrant music, dance, and holiday festivities. This unique celebration features local talent, vendors, and organizations.
DECEMBER 15 – Ugly Holiday Sweater Night: Bring your family and friends for a matching opportunity that could steal the show and win the grand prize! Guests will be honored with the best—or rather, ugliest—sweater prizes, and one grand prize winner will take the crown on our holiday stage.
Note: Closed November 28 (Thanksgiving Day)
Toyota Field 5106 David Edwards Drive San Antonio, TX 78233
Classic Christmas San Antonio. Photo: Enchant Christmas, used with permission.
Ghost Hounds unleash You’ll Never Find Me, a powerful anthem of resilience. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Ghost Hounds is excited to share their newest single, “You’ll Never Find Me”–out via Gibson Records–along with its accompanying official music video. (Big Hassle, 2024)
“‘You’ll Never Find Me’ is a warriors anthem. This song is dedicated to anyone who has lost themself in a person or to a situation. Know that you can always reclaim your power and remember to stand strong in who you are. We needed the video to show that when your down grit and perseverance are all you need to make it. The idea that you literally need to get back on the horse 8 times when you’ve been thrown off 7.” – SAVNT
Ghost Hounds are a country rock band with a heavy blues influence that proves the genre is not only alive but thriving for the next generation of rock fans. Fronted by SAVNT and backed by guitarists Tyler Chiarelli and Thomas Tull, fiddler Kristin Weber, bassist Bennett Miller, and drummer Sydney Driver, the band has made significant statements with their four studio albums.
Ghost Hounds’ debut, Roses Are Black (2019), earned widespread acclaim from Billboard, American Songwriter, and more as well as millions of streams on streaming platforms. Their follow-up, A Little Calamity (2021), impressed with its classic rock sensibilities and the hit single “Good Old Days.” You Broke Me (2022) continued their tradition of blending classic blues rock with a modern flair. Their latest album, First Last Time(2023) via Gibson Records, features hit single “Last Train To Nowhere,” which racked up millions of hits via TikTok and Instagram, and was featured in Taylor Sheridan’s new TV show Special Ops: Lioness.
Ghost Hounds have honed their sound on the road, having supported legendary acts like The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Garth Brooks, Guns N’ Roses, and Bob Seger. With their chemistry at an all-time high, the band is set to bring even more blues-rock brilliance in the future.
Taco Cabana announces the return of brisket options for breakfast tacos, street tacos, and loaded fries, along with new Margarita pitchers, fajita meals, and more. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Tex-Mex innovator, Taco Cabana (TC), is thrilled to announce several new menu items to enjoy throughout the upcoming holidays, plus the highly-anticipated return of its crowd-favorite Mesquite-Smoked Brisket as an option for breakfast tacos, street tacos, and loaded fries. The expanded menu includes a delicious new Chicken Tortilla Soup, refreshing Margarita Pitchers, customizable dressed rims for margaritas and sizzling Fajita Meals—all designed to spice up any dining experience. (Taco Cabana, 2024)
“We’re excited to introduce these new menu items and bring even more bold and flavorful options to our loyal guests. Whether you’re warming up with our Chicken Tortilla Soup or sharing a pitcher of margaritas with friends during the holidays, Taco Cabana is here to provide a fun and flavorful dining experience that’s perfect for any occasion.” – Taco Cabana President Ulyses Camacho
Brisket menu items will be available starting on Wednesday, November 20:
Mesquite Smoked Brisket – $3.99 – $8.99
Taco Cabana and Texas brisket fans rejoice. Back by overwhelming popular demand, Taco Cabana brings back Mesquite-Smoked Brisket. Slow-smoked for more than 14 hours over real mesquite, TC’s brisket is tender, juicy and flavorful with a true smoky aroma and taste. Brisket will be available as an add-on option for breakfast tacos, street tacos and loaded fries.
Below menu items are available for purchase in stores now:
Chicken Tortilla Soup – $4.99 Warm up during the holidays with Taco Cabana’s flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup. Packed with tender chicken, savory broth and topped with melty jack and cheddar cheeses, this hearty soup also features crispy tortilla strips for the perfect crunch. Served alongside a side of Mexican rice and fresh lime wedges, it’s the ultimate comfort food to enjoy any day of the week.
Margarita Pitchers – $7.99 For those looking to share a refreshing beverage with friends, Taco Cabana has introduced 32 oz Margarita Pitchers available in both Lime and Strawberry flavors. These pitchers are the ideal choice for relaxing with loved ones while enjoying great food and good company. Items are available for dine-in only.
Margaritas with Salted or Sugared Rims* – *No Additional Cost Make your margarita experience even more special with a customizable salted or sugared rim! Each margarita is swirled in fresh lime juice and then coated in your choice of salt or sugar, creating a perfectly balanced combination of tangy and sweet. Offer is available for dine-in only.
Fajita Meals – $16.99 – $39.99 Taco Cabana’s iconic Fajita Meals are back and better than ever. Whether you’re craving sizzling Steak, Chicken or a Mixed Fajita combination, Taco Cabana offers both half and full orders to satisfy every appetite. Each meal is served with rice, refried beans, tortillas, shredded lettuce, cheese and guacamole—everything you need for a fajita feast that’s sure to please.
Additionally while supplies last, customers will receive a $5 Holiday Guest Appreciation Card with every $25 spent on Taco Cabana gift cards in a single transaction now through Tuesday, December 31. This promotion is available only at participating Texas locations. Customers can purchase the gift cards online (e-gift card) or a physical card in stores. The Holiday Guest Appreciation Card is valid starting two hours after activation and can be used until March 31, 2025
Menu items (unless otherwise noted) are available for in-restaurant dining, drive-thru, online ordering for front counter or curbside pick-up, and through the MY TC!® App or online for mobile orders.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly-made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of September 17, 2024, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
‘A History of the Big House: A Novel’ is the new novel by Charif Majdalani. Photo: Other Press
Charif Majdalani was born in Lebanon in 1960 and is one of the most important figures in Lebanese literature today. After living in France for thirteen years, he returned to Lebanon in 1993 and now teaches French literature at the Université Saint-Joseph in Beirut. His novel “Moving the Palace” won the 2008 François Mauriac Prize from the Académie Française as well as the Prix Tropiques. His previous book “Beirut 2020: Diary of the Collapse” was published by Other Press in 2021. “A History of the Big House: A Novel,”his new novel, will be released on December 17, 2024. It is available for pre-order through Other Press. (Other Press, 2024)
From Charif Majdalani, one of the most important figures in Lebanese literature today, comes a sweeping family saga, “A History of the Big House: A Novel.”It chronicles the rise and fall of the Nassar clan, as they navigate the great events of the 20th century in Lebanon, from the Ottoman Empire to the French Mandate, following the various generations’ fight to keep and maintain their family house, and subsequent paths to exile.
At the end of the 19th century, a man is forced to flee his village after a quarrel. Starting over with nothing, the banished, audacious Wakim Nassar will create orange plantations on the outskirts of Beirut and become the head of a large clan, feared and respected. The great house he builds at their center will become a powerful symbol of the Nassars’ glory, admired from afar. The eponymous sits at the center of this grand novel, becoming its main character. Everyone and everything, from the Nassar family to the course of history, seems to evolve alongside this home. But this decadence is short-lived, battered by the First World War, illness, family tragedy, and the shifting regimes that control Lebanon. As circumstances compel Wakim’s descendants, one by one, to leave the house, it falls into ruin.
A rich saga, full of unforgettable characters and anchored in historical fact, perfect for fans of Hala Alyan’s atmospheric family stories, “A History of the Big House: A Novel” captures the unique experience of the Lebanese people through this family’s triumphs and struggles.
About the Translator: Ruth Diver holds a PhD in French and comparative literature from the University of Paris 8 and the University of Auckland, New Zealand. She won two 2018 French Voices Awards for her translations of Marx and the Doll by Maryam Madjidi, and Titus Did Not Love Berenice by Nathalie Azoulai. She also won Asymptote’s 2016 Close Approximations fiction prize for her translation of extracts of Maraudes by Sophie Pujas.
Advance Praise for ‘A History of the Big House‘:
“This is what happens when poets write history; Majdalani weaves facts and dreams, the lives of men and nations, real and imagined, the smell of orange trees, of strong, black coffee on a Levantine morning—you can almost taste it. I could see that big house; I recognized it. This book took me home.” —Yara Zgheib, author of No Land to Light On
Tammy’s Tasty Cuisine offers delicious and healthy baked goods.
Eating a healthy, gluten-free, and sugar-free diet can significantly benefit your body by reducing inflammation, boosting energy, and improving digestion. Gluten, found in wheat and some grains, can cause digestive issues for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Eliminating refined sugars helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes and reducing the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes. Focusing on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and gluten-free grains—supports optimal health, promotes weight management, and enhances mental clarity. This approach nourishes the body, strengthens the immune system, and supports long-term well-being.
Saturday while visiting the Brownsville Farmers Market, I came across Tammy Muñoz, a friend and former co-worker from back in my Valley Regional days. As owner of Tammy’s Tasty Cuisine, she’s a local entrepreneur who, on her spare time, makes guiltless desserts that are both delicious and good for you. Her goal is “to bake healthier desserts and change the stigma that healthy food and desserts taste bad.” Baking is her calling and she truly enjoys sharing her creations with locals. After struggling with a medical condition, she realized that choosing healthier options, including low carb, gluten-free, and low sugar, was beneficial for her body. It is difficult, but not impossible, to find healthy desserts here in the Rio Grande Valley, so I was pleasantly surprised to find another option for people looking to take care of themselves, all while satisfying their sweet tooth.
Her baked goods are primarily low carb and gluten-free and include cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, pies (apple and pumpkin), and other sinfully delicious, yet healthy items. I tasted her chocolate chip cookies and they are really good. She doesn’t have a brick and mortar, but on most Saturdays you can find her at the Brownsville Farmers Market in Linear Park. With the holiday season among us, she is now taking orders for pies. So if you’re taking care of your health but still want to indulge, especially this time of year, check out her out on Facebook and Instagram. You can also email her.
The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh is coming to UK cinemas this month. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Animated Christmas movies have become a holiday tradition, offering a magical blend of festive cheer and heartwarming storytelling. Classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer bring to life timeless characters and themes of love, kindness, and acceptance. Modern favorites such as The Polar Express and Arthur Christmas continue to enchant audiences with their imaginative animation and holiday spirit. These films often feature vibrant visuals, catchy songs, and meaningful messages that resonate with viewers of all ages. Whether nostalgic or new, animated Christmas movies have a special place in celebrating the season’s joy and wonder.
Just in time for the holiday season, here’s a new animated Christmas movie coming to UK cinemas this month: The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh. More information below:
Kaleidoscope Entertainment is thrilled to announce the release of The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh, in UK cinemas from 22nd November. (Strike Media, 2024)
From the producers of The Amazing Maurice, The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh is the third film in the Niko series from co-directors Kari Juusonen and Jørgen Lerdam.
Join Niko on a brand new adventure across the frozen arctic, teaming up with friends old and new, as he races to find Santa’s missing sleigh in time for Christmas.
The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh – Christmas is on the horizon, and it looks like it’s going to be the best one yet for Niko the Reindeer as he sets off to fulfil his biggest dream – taking his place next to his father on Santa’s Flying Forces. However, he faces unexpected competition from Stella, a mysterious new challenger.
Then one night, things go from bad to worse when Santa’s sleigh is stolen. Now it’s up to Niko, joined by friends old and new, to venture to the frozen North on a daring mission to save the holidays. The whole family is invited to join Niko, Stella and the loveable Lemmings on an unforgettable mission and save Santa’s sleigh, just in time for Christmas.
Cast: Matthew Whelan, Emma Jenkins, Dermot Magennis, Paul Tylak, Roger Gregg, Aileen Mythen, Lucy Smith, Harry Weld Moore, Justin Anene, Luke Griffin, Brendan McDonald, Garry Mountaine.
The Guatemalan-born folk singer/songwriter David Lindes is on a mission to heal with his album Peace With a Lion, produced by Grammy® winner Alex Cuba. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Los Angeles – On his forthcoming album Peace With a Lion, Guatemalan-born singer-songwriter David Lindes looks deep into the meaning of healing. In doing so, he explores two essential phases: honoring wounds and healing them through creation. (Vesper Public Relations, 2024)
With hints of Cat Stevens in his vocals and echoes of the Latin American neo-folk Trova movement of the ‘60s and ‘70s, Lindes collects folk elements from across the continent in this deeply personal album. In it, he delves into his efforts to heal three wounds: leaving his native Guatemala as a child, being abandoned by his father as a baby, and experiencing physical and emotional abuse. As he moves into his recovery from these wounds, he approaches themes like mental health, the healing power of nature, and forgiveness, all while singing his love and heartbreak to his homeland as if it were a long-lost love. His journey from wound to healing is intimate as well as universal, speaking to the many neglected collective wounds society carries, and the need for healing there as well.
The first two singles off the album, Te Vengo a Perdonar (I’ve Come to Forgive You) and Gold in the Ashes, deal with facing childhood trauma and finding a way to accept it and transform it into wisdom, compassion, and even beauty.
Te Vengo a Perdonar uses Caribbean elements to assemble a sort of post-storm celebration. The lyrics put a forceful end to a self-imposed sentence of pain that only ends with forgiveness.
Gold in the Ashes, poignant and introspective, looks to the Blues and Americana for its palette, to take listeners from pain to hope. In its chorus, Lindes celebrates finding gold in the ashes of his past.
The songs have been released, alongside an official video for Te Vengo a Perdonar (I’ve Come to Forgive You), featuring Lindes himself, who acts out, step by step, his own death and burial.
“Maybe that’s why I’m here,’ contemplates Lindes. ‘If I can take my past, exactly as it is, and turn it into a story and a song, maybe that will bring me a little closer to not wanting a different past. And if I like the story, and I like the song, someday, I might even embrace my past,” he states hopefully.
Grammy® Winner Alex Cuba describes his role in producing the album as “a huge responsibility to shine a light on David’s beautiful voice and message, especially in a time like today, when so many are looking for ways to heal their spirits.”
Lindes will kickoff the album launch with a concert in Mexico City on February 8, 2025, at Casa Florecer, a spiritual center in the woods surrounding the city. He describes the show as “an intimate affair that will be part concert and part healing circle. It’ll include songs, stories from my life, and even a ceremonial element.” He’ll also encourage concert goers to talk about their own pain and recovery. An official album launch event will follow in Los Angeles in the Spring of 2025.
SA Examiner 