Author: Sandra Cruz

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

Essential Reading for New Clinicians: ‘The Pediatric PT Playbook’ Book Spotlight

‘The Pediatric PT Playbook’ is the ultimate pediatric pt survival guide. Photo: Amazon

Book Spotlight: The Pediatric PT Playbook

A Practical Guide to Clinical Reasoning for Students and New Clinicians

By Kyan Sahba, PT, DPT, PhD

Your peds clinical is coming, and you don’t feel ready. That’s exactly why this book exists.

Physical therapy school teaches you the science. It doesn’t teach you what to actually do when a two-year-old won’t cooperate, a parent is watching your every move, and your clinical instructor (CI) is waiting for you to take the lead. (Amazon, 2026)

The Pediatric PT Playbook was written for that exact moment.

This isn’t another dense textbook, it’s the clinical companion you wish you had before day one of your pediatric rotation. It’s built around how real pediatric PT actually works, not just how it’s described in a lecture hall.

What’s Inside

  • Structured Frameworks: Master clinical reasoning across every pediatric setting—outpatient, school-based, NICU, acute care, and home health.
  • CI Expectations: Learn exactly what your clinical instructor expects to see from you and how to deliver it with confidence.
  • Smart Goal Writing: Write goals that actually make sense in a pediatric context, including educationally relevant goals.
  • Family Communication: Discover real-world communication strategies that don’t make you sound like a reading textbook.
  • Clinical Red Flags: Fast-track your assessment skills with clear breakdowns of movement quality, symmetry analysis, and red flags.
  • Documentation Made Easy: Master SOAP notes and documentation tailored specifically for pediatric settings.

Who Is This Book For?

Written by a pediatric PT, educator, and researcher who has trained students across real clinical settings, this guide targets the exact gap between classroom theory and clinic reality.

This playbook is essential reading for:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Students preparing for or currently in a pediatric rotation.
  • New Grad PTs stepping into their first pediatric role.
  • Experienced Clinicians transitioning into pediatric practice.

Whether you’re two weeks out from your first peds rotation or already in the thick of it, this book will help you feel more confident, prepared, and effective from day one.

About the Author

Kyan Sahba, PT, DPT, PhD is a pediatric physical therapist, researcher, and educator with experience spanning home health, school-based practice, outpatient pediatrics, and pediatric oncology. She earned her PhD in Physical Therapy and is dedicated to bridging evidence-based research with real-world clinical practice.

Beyond her research and clinical work, she founded the Barry Blue Foundation in honor of her parents. The foundation supports families facing financial hardships due to cancer through a series of children’s books that teach kindness, courage, and emotional resilience.

She Rides Shotgun Digital & 4K Release Date

Taron Egerton’s She Rides Shotgun will be released in 4K on August 18. Photo: Lionsgate

Digital Release Alert: She Rides Shotgun

Where can you run when there’s nowhere to hide?

Taron Egerton stars as Nate, an ex-con on the run, in the new gritty action-thriller She Rides Shotgun. Based on Jordan Harper’s acclaimed 2017 novel of the same name, the film follows Nate as he tries to protect his 11-year-old daughter, Polly (Ana Sophia Heger), while being pursued by unrelenting enemies—including a corrupt sheriff who double-deals as the brutal leader of a criminal gang. (EG PR, 2026)

Photo: Barnes & Noble

As Nate teaches Polly how to fight and survive, she teaches him what unconditional love truly means in an intense, moving story about loyalty, strength, and redemption.

Quick Details

DetailInfo
GenreThriller
RatingRated R
Running Time120 minutes
Physical/Digital ReleaseAugust 18 (Lionsgate 4K + BD + Digital)
StatusAvailable for pre-order

Where to Watch: She Rides Shotgun is currently available to stream digitally on Amazon Prime Video, Fandango, Apple TV, MGM+, and more.

Cast & Crew

  • Cast: Taron Egerton, Ana Sophia Heger, Rob Yang, John Carroll Lynch
  • Directed by: Nick Rowland
  • Written by: Jordan Harper, Ben Collins, Luke Piotrowski
  • Produced by: Brad Weston, Collin Creighton, Nate Matteson, Hiro Murai, Taron Egerton

4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Release Technical Specs

  • Special Features: Official Trailer
  • Format: 16×9 (2.39:1) Presentation
  • Audio: English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio, English Descriptive Audio
  • Subtitles: LAS (Latin American Spanish)
  • Closed-Captioned: No
  • Year of Production: 2025
  • Copyright: She Rides Shotgun © 2024 Fifth Season, LLC. Artwork & Supplementary Materials ®, ™ & © 2025 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo: Lionsgate

Family Summer Fun at Pearl San Antonio: Story Time, Mini Golf, and More

Enjoy fun & free summer activities at Pearl Park. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Beat the Heat: The Ultimate Family Summer Guide to Pearl

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained before summer winds down? San Antonio’s historic Pearl offers an array of kid-friendly activities and events for all ages, and most of them are completely free. (Pearl, 2026)

From hands-on pizza-making classes and weekly story times to splashy water play areas, Pearl has plenty of daily spots and programming to help your family make the most of the season.

Pro Tip for Parents: Enjoy free parking Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM in all surface lots!

Make a Day of It: Highlights & Weekly Programming

Start your afternoon by letting the kids get their zoomies out with a round of mini golf at the new Pearl Putt, then wind down with a family culinary experience side by side with local chefs.

Here is what is currently on the summer lineup at Pearl:

  • Miss Anastasia’s Story Time: Head over to The Twig Book Shop every Friday for lively, interactive storytelling that keeps young minds engaged.
  • Refresh and Relax: Beat the Texas summer heat at Gustav’s Geysers at Pearl Park for fun water play, or kick back at 1100 Springs Plaza, which offers plenty of shade perfect for an outdoor family picnic.
  • Quick & Easy Dining: Pop into the Food Hall at Bottling Dept. for a quick lunch that caters to even the pickiest eaters.
  • Family Pizza Nights: Held Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Fife & Farro. Kids 12 and under can join a hands-on pizza-making class with the restaurant’s chef team for just $20.
  • Music & Dancing: Catch kid-friendly concerts or dance the night away at Stable Hall. Events range from Two Step Tuesdays to special themed shows like the upcoming Moonlight Princesses—a tribute to the worldwide phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters.

Ready to plan your trip? Explore the full lineup at the Kids’ Guide to Pearl.

About Pearl

Built on the site of the former historic Pearl Brewery along the banks of the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk, Pearl is one of San Antonio’s most dynamic destinations. Known for its iconic plazas, chef-driven restaurants, locally owned shops, and vibrant live entertainment, Pearl showcases the creativity and spirit of San Antonio’s chefs, artists, musicians, and makers.

The neighborhood’s architectural gems—including the original 1894 brewhouse and stable—are home to the MICHELIN Two-Key and Five Diamond-rated Hotel Emma, as well as Stable Hall, a standout live music venue. At the heart of Pearl, Pullman Market features acclaimed culinary concepts, including two MICHELIN-starred restaurants.

As a driving force for San Antonio’s hospitality, culinary, and cultural scene, Pearl welcomes more than 5 million visitors a year to experience unique dining, distinct retail, nationally recognized weekend markets, vibrant residential communities, innovative office spaces, and the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America.

Emma Ruth Rundle Announces New Album ‘These Killing Times’

Emma Ruth Rundle debuts ‘Enough’ video/single. Photo: Mason Rose, used with permission.

Emma Ruth Rundle Announces New Album These Killing Times, Drops Scathing Single “Enough”

Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, poet, and multidisciplinary artist Emma Ruth Rundle has officially announced her sixth full-length studio album, These Killing Times, set for release on September 18 via her own imprint, Errant Child. (another side, 2026)

Alongside the announcement, Rundle debuted the cutting lead single, “Enough.”

Listen: “Enough”

“Enough” showcases Rundle’s signature ability to fuse gentleness with intensity. Opening with a hypnotic drum rhythm courtesy of Jess Gowrie (Chelsea Wolfe), the track is driven by a deep-toned acoustic guitar riff that offers a deceptive sense of calm.

As Rundle’s voice enters, a distinct note of optimism swells during the increasingly impassioned choruses, ultimately building to a crushing heaviness featuring a tormented saxophone performance by Patrick Shiroishi. It is a track that offers comfort, even as its underlying message proves scathing.

“‘Enough’ is inspired by ‘The Man Who Sold The World’—and in a retelling of the story of Elijah, we imagine him as an Elon Musk-type figure. We ask: is not the whole world enough? We ask the many gods to unleash vengeance and carry this man away into the angry sky, piece by piece.

This song is a reflection of the times we live in and is a vision for the dispensation of the billionaire class. The world belongs to all beings.” — Emma Ruth Rundle

The Music Video

Conceived by Rundle in collaboration with artists Mason Rose, Blake Armstrong, and Mitch Wells, the accompanying music video for “Enough” showcases a stark gothic theatricality.

Evoking an atmosphere as if Nosferatu had landed in the world of legendary puppeteer Jim Henson—a major visual influence for the record—the video depicts Rundle haunted by a creature known as “The Companion.” The dark, romantic visuals are further heightened by a series of frames reminiscent of classic stop-motion animation.

About These Killing Times

Electrifying, emotional, and charged with anti-patriarchal feminist rage, These Killing Times arrives as a reactive anthology, bristling, full of life, and rooted in resistance. Pre-Order/Pre-Save here.

While the new record possesses a spirit of defiance, it retains the tenderness, rawness, and vulnerability that resonated with so many on her globally acclaimed 2021 album, Engine of Hell.

These Killing Times marks a return to a full-band setup, creating a sonically powerful accompaniment to Rundle’s more direct vocal style. The album’s instrumentation is brighter and more urgent than ever before, featuring an impressive lineup of collaborators:

  • Jess Gowrie (Chelsea Wolfe, Mrs. Piss) – Drums
  • Troy Zeigler – Percussion / Collaboration
  • Patrick Shiroishi – Saxophone
  • Nick Reinhart (Tera Melos)
  • Gina Gleason (Baroness)
  • Marissa Nadler
  • Lukas Frank (Storefront Church)
  • Amelia Baker (Cinder Well)

Longtime collaborator Sonny Diperri (My Bloody Valentine, Trent Reznor), who has worked with Rundle across multiple releases over the last decade, returned to record the album.

Community Over Isolation

Written as Rundle watched from afar the devastating effects of climate disasters unfold in early 2025, she reflected on the root causes of global catastrophes and made a conscious choice to lean toward hope. Where outside forces tempted her toward isolation, she reached outward to create a project that acknowledges pain while offering community and resilience in response.

“I wanted to feel fortified by friendships and to be in community with other musicians—to make something that pushed back against the isolation,” Rundle shares.

These Killing Times confronts questions of intention, systemic capitalism, the rise of Christian nationalism, and political discourse. Yet running alongside the anguish is love—acting as a balm, a tonic, and a means of escape.

Outside of her music discography, Rundle continues her work as an established visual artist and author, following the 2025 release of her debut poetry collection, The Bella Vista (Unnamed Press).

Fall Tour Dates Announced

Emma Ruth Rundle will hit the road this autumn for a full-band headlining tour across North America in support of These Killing Times, kicking off in November. Cinder Well will support all headlining dates.

The headlining run follows Rundle’s solo support tour alongside All Them Witches throughout October.

These Killing Times track list:
1 – Powerless
2 – God’s Picture
3 – Anvil
4 – Catherine Wheel
5 – Don’t Delay Heaven
6 – Enough
7 – Human Kindness
8 – Oceans of Time

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These Killing Times release date

San Antonio’s Iconic Gunter Hotel Joins Marriott Bonvoy After Major Renovation

In celebration of this milestone, the hotel debuts a special limited-time room package designed to introduce guests to the reimagined property. Photo: Daniel Kelleghan Photography, used with permission.

San Antonio’s Historic Gunter Hotel Joins Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio Following $57M Renovation

San Antonio’s historic skyline just got a major refresh.

The Gunter Hotel has officially transitioned to Gunter Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, joining Marriott Bonvoy’s global collection of independent properties renowned for their character, design, and local roots. (Gunter Hotel, 2026)

The milestone marks an exciting new chapter for the downtown icon following an extensive $57 million renovation. Originally established in 1909, the hotel has welcomed guests for over 116 years, beautifully balancing its rich heritage with a sleek, modern guest experience.

“We are thrilled to officially join Tribute Portfolio and become part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global family of independent hotels. This transition allows us to preserve the unique spirit and legacy of The Gunter while introducing our story to a broader audience of travelers seeking authentic, memorable experiences.”

— Jiwon Choi, Gunter Hotel Owner and Managing Director at Axle Capital

Where History Meets Music

Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the reimagined Gunter Hotel features 311 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, including 30 suites, alongside four distinct dining concepts: Jots, Keystone Club, Bar 414, and Paris Baguette.

Paying homage to its storied musical legacy—including the legendary 1936 blues recording session by Robert Johnson—the property now offers:

  • A state-of-the-art on-site recording studio
  • A curated vinyl record library
  • In-room record players for guest enjoyment

Limited-Time Room Offer: Restored. Reimagined. Remarkable.

To celebrate its official debut, the Gunter is offering a special package available to book now through December 31, 2026 (blackout dates apply).

The package includes:

  • Up to 26% off the Best Available Rate
  • A complimentary champagne toast for two upon arrival
  • Full access to the hotel’s Vinyl Library
  • Free entry to weekly live music performances
  • Late checkout (subject to availability)

What’s Cooking Inside: Summer Treats & Hamilton Cocktails

Whether you’re visiting San Antonio or live right down the street, there are plenty of delicious reasons to step inside the Gunter this season.

1. Paris Baguette’s Summer & Boursin Menu

Located inside the hotel—just steps from the Riverwalk—the French-Korean bakery Paris Baguette is dishing out seasonal specials through Tuesday, August 25.

Lemon Blueberry Collection

  • Lemon Blueberry Mochi Donut
  • Lemon Blueberry King Cream Donut
  • Lemon Blueberry Tart & Chiffon Cake
  • Drinks: Iced Blueberry Macchiato, Iced Matcha Latte, Blueberry Lemonade Refresher

S’mores Collection

  • S’mores Supreme Croissant & Belgian Waffle
  • S’mores Chocolate Marshmallow Layer Cake
  • Drinks: Iced S’mores Latte & S’mores Frappe

Savory Boursin Garlic Cheese Collab

  • Smoked Salmon & Boursin Garlic Cheese Croissant
  • Grilled Chicken & Boursin Garlic Cheese Wrap
  • Boursin Garlic Cheese Quiche with Grilled Chicken
  • Boursin Garlic Cheese Salad
Photo: Paris Baguette, used with permission.

2. Themed Cocktails for Hamilton at the Majestic

Broadway’s Hamilton is taking the stage at San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre, located directly across the street from the Gunter.

To mark the occasion, the hotel’s elegant Keystone Club is serving up two exclusive Hamilton-themed cocktails:

  • 🏛️ Founding Father Fizz ($15): No. 3 London Dry Gin, St-Germain, lime juice, simple syrup, and Prosecco.
  • ⚔️ The Revolution ($16): Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Green Chartreuse, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

Whether you need a pre-show drink or a post-curtain nightcap, Keystone Club is the ultimate theater-night pit stop.

Plan Your Visit

  • Location: Downtown San Antonio, TX (across from the Majestic Theatre)
  • Book the Package: Visit the Gunter Hotel’s website to lock in up to 26% off your stay.

Book Review: ‘Artemis’ by Andy Weir – Life on the Moon & High-Stakes Heists

‘Artemis’ by Andy Weir is a sci-fi crime story set on the Moon. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Artemis by Andy Weir

Synopsis

Jasmine “Jazz” Bashara lives in humanity’s first lunar colony, Artemis. She never signed up to be a hero—she just wanted to get rich. Not crazy, eccentric-billionaire rich, like many of the visitors to Artemis, but rich enough to move out of her coffin-sized apartment and eat something better than flavored algae. Rich enough to pay off a debt she’s owed for a long time. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

When a chance at a lucrative heist presents itself, Jazz can’t say no. But engineering the perfect crime is just the start of her problems, because that little heist is about to land her in the middle of a conspiracy that threatens the future of Artemis itself.

Trapped between competing forces, pursued by a killer and the law alike, she’ll have to hatch a truly spectacular scheme to have a chance at staying alive and saving her city. Jazz is no hero, but she is a very good criminal.

Review

Artemis begins with Jazz reeling from failing her EVA exam, which she needs to join the EVA Guild. Members of the guild lead groups of tourists across the lunar surface and earn a significantly better living. She tries to talk her way into passing, but Bob Lewis, former US Marine and head trainer, doesn’t budge. He tells her to try again and focus on the quality of her equipment.

The story centers around Jazz, a clever, sarcastic porter and small-time smuggler who dreams of escaping poverty. She’s an engaging protagonist whose intelligence, resilience, and moral ambiguity make her both flawed and relatable. Unlike the idealistic heroes often found in science fiction, she survives through quick thinking, technical expertise, and sheer determination. Her growth from a self-serving opportunist to someone willing to risk everything for others forms the emotional core of the story.

“How dare you call me lazy? I’d come up with a scathing retort but, meh, I’m just not motivated.”

Weir once again showcases his talent for making complex engineering and scientific concepts accessible without slowing down the narrative pace. Themes of survival, greed, class inequality, and redemption are woven throughout the novel, highlighting the real-world challenges of building a human society beyond Earth.

Weir’s signature worldbuilding shines brightest here:

  • Lunar Economics: The realistic financial friction between tourists, workers, and corporations.
  • Life-Support Mechanics: Detailed systems keeping the dome breathable and safe.
  • Industrial Realism: Meticulously researched aluminum-smelting processes that anchor the plot.

The fast-paced plot keeps the tension high as Jazz relies on her sharp technical instincts and criminal ingenuity to pull off a spectacular multi-stage scheme.

However, Jazz’s dialogue and internal monologue can feel somewhat forced and juvenile at times, occasionally undermining the tension. While it doesn’t quite match the sheer survivalist charm of Mark Watney’s journey in The Martian, Artemis still delivers a fun, fast-moving sci-fi crime caper.

The Bottom Line

Artemis by Andy Weir is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that blends suspense, humor, and real-world science into an entertaining lunar adventure. If you enjoy hard science paired with high-stakes action, it is well worth the trip to the moon.

“People will trust a reliable criminal more readily than a shady businessman.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Get your copy of Artemis today!

About the Author

Andy Weir built a career as a software engineer until the success of his first published novel, The Martian, allowed him to live out his dream of writing full-time. He is a lifelong space nerd and a devoted hobbyist of subjects such as relativistic physics, orbital mechanics, and the history of manned spaceflight.

Bonus

If you enjoyed the fast-paced survival, witty problem-solving, and high-stakes criminal plots of Andy Weir’s Artemis, these sci-fi heist and mystery novels offer a similar blend of technical intrigue and fast-paced schemes.

High-Stakes Sci-Fi Heists

The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi features post-human master criminal Jean le Flambeur breaking out of prison to pull off an impossible heist across a high-tech moving city on Mars.
Chasm City by Alastair Reynolds follows a security operative hunting a ruthless killer through a bizarre, virus-corrupted sci-fi metropolis while navigating high-stakes crime networks.

Space-Bound Sci-Fi Mysteries

Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty combines a locked-room murder mystery with cloning technology as a spaceship crew wakes up to find their previous bodies murdered and their recent memories wiped.
Leviathan Wakes by S.A. Corey pairs a hard-boiled detective on an asteroid belt with an ice-miner captain as they unravel a system-wide conspiracy triggered by a missing girl.

Which Should You Pick?

For an intricate, mind-bending criminal heist set in a futuristic solar system, go with The Quantum Thief.
For a claustrophobic, locked-room whodunit packed with survival tension, start with Six Wakes.
For a grounded space-noir investigation with vast geopolitical stakes, choose Leviathan Wakes.

Book Spotlight: ‘Resilient in Business’ by Jad Atwe – The Ultimate Founder’s Guide

‘Resilient in Business’ by Jad Atwe. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚Book Spotlight: Resilient in Business: The Founder’s Roadmap to Lead Through Uncertainty and Win the Long-Term Game

By Jad Atwe

In today’s economy, founders are under relentless pressure. The stakes are high, the path forward isn’t always obvious, uncertainty is debilitating, and outcomes are unpredictable. All of this takes a huge toll on the single quality that will actually see a founder through to success: resilience. (Amazon, 2026)

In this timely and practical book, entrepreneur and business coach Jad Atwe delivers a decisive framework for building the capacity to navigate competing demands and boost your entrepreneurial resilience.

Based on his proprietary Resilient in Business Operating System™, the book guides you through a transformative process to position your business for the success you know is possible—all by developing the capacity to:

  • Rise above the chaos
  • Move beyond survival mode
  • Step into sustainable business leadership

If you’re a founder carrying too much, feeling the cracks forming beneath your feet, and refusing to let pressure dictate your future, this book is for you. It’s time to discover the edge that will help you win the long game.

Ready to Read?

Resilient in Business is available now. If you’re looking to transform how you lead under pressure, grab your copy today and start building your roadmap to long-term success.

About the Author

Jad Atwe was once on the verge of losing everything. After leaping into a general contracting business that leveraged his engineering background, sudden policy and economic shifts forced him into uncertainty, nearly turning his aspirations to dust.

Determined to deconstruct what it truly takes to navigate volatility and “make it” in entrepreneurship, Jad spent years studying founder psychology, operational excellence, and the patterns that differentiate those who merely endure from those who thrive.

Having walked through storms that break most founders, he emerged with a clear understanding of entrepreneurial resilience—the inner operating system that allows leaders to build, lead, and scale under uncertainty.

Today, Jad speaks on entrepreneurial resilience and guides founders to lead through uncertainty, build reliable operations, and scale their companies without losing themselves in the process. He is the originator of the Resilient in Business Operating System™, designed to help founders move past what’s holding them back and break free from survival mode.

DJ Qualls Battles the Undead in Lionsgate’s New Horror Thriller ‘Turning Point’

Turning Point will be available On Demand and Digital on August 25. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

Movie Premiere: DJ Qualls Stars in the High-Stakes Horror Thriller Turning Point

If you’re looking for a horror movie that refuses to play by the rules, Turning Point deserves an immediate spot on your watchlist. Fusing the nail-biting suspense of a home invasion thriller with the relentless chaos of a zombie outbreak, it delivers edge-of-your-seat tension from start to finish.

Every knock at the door and every shadow could spell disaster, creating a gripping atmosphere that never lets up. Packed with intense action, unexpected twists, and high-stakes survival, Turning Point offers horror fans a fresh, adrenaline-fueled experience that stands out in a crowded genre.

A Simple Heist Becomes an Absolute Nightmare

Directed and written by Joshua Wagner, Turning Point is a claustrophobic, high-tension thriller coming directly to Digital and On Demand courtesy of Lionsgate. (EG PR, 2026)

The story follows two thieves trapped inside a house with a mutating victim. To stay alive, they must rely on a bizarre neighbor in a race against time before they become the monster’s next meal.

“There is danger in the night, but the true terror is inside the house.”

Official Synopsis

Margot and her partner-in-crime break into a home, only to find themselves locked inside with the owner, who is in the middle of transitioning into a zombie. They must find a way out before they become the ghoul’s first victims. Their only hope for survival is a bizarre neighbor with expert knowledge of the undead and the lingering flicker of humanity in their mutating stalker.

Cast & Crew

  • DJ Qualls as “Casper” (Road Trip, Hustle & Flow, The Man in the High Castle)
  • Jillian Lee Garner
  • Mike Apple
  • Shane Brady (Ballers, Synchronic, Doctor Sleep)
  • Lydia Hearst (The Haunting of Sharon Tate, Z Nation, Slayers)
  • Sanchita Malik (Happy Anniversary, Love, Escape the Night)

Film Specifications

DetailInformation
TitleTurning Point
Street DateAugust 25, 2026
Release FormatVideo on Demand / Electronic Sell-Through (Lionsgate)
GenreThriller / Zombie Horror
RatingR (Violent content, gore, language, and some drug use)
Running Time87 minutes
Director & WriterJoshua Wagner
Turning Point still. Photo: Lionsgate

Exploring 400 Years of Tejano History: Inside the Briscoe’s Landmark New Exhibition

Tejano Legacy, the Briscoe’s largest exhibition yet, kicks off with a free community event. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Discover Tejano Legacy: A Landmark New Exhibition at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

San Antonio, TX — The story of the American West didn’t begin with the cowboy. It began centuries earlier through the people, cultures, and traditions that shaped the region long before the United States was established. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)

Beginning July 24, the Briscoe Western Art Museum invites visitors to experience that story through Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story, a landmark bilingual exhibition exploring nearly 400 years of Tejano history, culture, and identity through exceptional works of art and rare artifacts. The exhibition will remain on view through January 18, 2027.

Expanding the Story of the American West

Tejano Legacy brings together more than 100 paintings, sculptures, saddles, maps, weapons, and historical objects from private collectors and museums throughout the United States and Mexico.

Developed by the Briscoe in collaboration with scholars, collectors, and lending institutions, the exhibition expands the traditional narrative of the American West by exploring generations of Tejanos whose influence endures today in:

  • Ranching & Horsemanship
  • Language & Vocabulary
  • Music & Culinary Traditions
  • Everyday Life Across Texas & Beyond

“Tejano Legacy is more than an exhibition. It is an invitation to experience a richer, more complete understanding of the American West…”

— Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum

What Makes This Exhibition Special?

  • Unprecedented Access: Several works considered part of Mexico’s cultural heritage are being displayed in the U.S. for the very first time.
  • Multimedia Storytelling: Features an original documentary by National Geographic filmmaker Jeremy Zipple.
  • Bilingual Catalog: A comprehensive companion text offering multi-perspective historical context.
  • Milestone Event: Marks the museum’s most ambitious curatorial project since opening in 2013.

Experience Tejano Legacy Beyond the Gallery: Programs & Events

The Briscoe is hosting a full schedule of hands-on learning, music, lectures, and family activities. Programs are included with museum admission unless otherwise noted.

🥂 Opening Weekend & Special Events

  • Exhibition Preview Party
    • When: Thursday, July 23 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Tickets: $35 Members | $55 Non-members (Free for Supporter level $125+)
    • Details: Enjoy light bites, drinks, and an exclusive first look alongside guest curator Gabriela Gámez and CEO Liz Jackson. Also celebrates photographer John Dyer’s companion exhibition Selena Forever / Siempre Selena.
  • National Day of the Cowboy Honors the Vaquero (Free Admission!)
    • When: Saturday, July 25 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Details: Renamed Día Nacional del Vaquero, this free family-friendly event explores how Spanish and Mexican horsemen established the foundational ranching and horsemanship traditions of the American cowboy. (Online pre-registration recommended).

🏛️ Guided Tours & Masterclasses

  • Curator Gallery Tours with Gabriela Gámez
    • When: Thursdays — July 30, Aug. 27, & Sept. 24 @ 2:00 PM
    • Details: Free with admission. Gain behind-the-scenes insights into featured works and collection curation.
  • Painting Masterclass with Gladys Roldán-de-Moras
    • When: Saturday, August 22 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Tickets: $100 Members | $135 Non-members

🌙 Thursday Evenings at the Briscoe

Enjoy extended evening programming exploring culture, history, and music (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM):

  • July 30: Tracing Your Roots (Genealogy workshop | Free with admission)
  • August 6: Exploring Tejano Heritage (Free with admission)
  • August 27: Celebrating Selena (Free community concert with 512 Degrees Band)

🎨 Family Adventures & Locals Days

San Antonio and Bexar County residents enjoy Free Admission on the first Sunday of each month!

  • Sunday, Aug. 2:
    • Full STEAM Ahead: Talavera Tiles (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
    • Scout the Briscoe: (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
  • Sunday, Sept. 6:
    • Full STEAM Ahead: Spanish Missions (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
    • Scout the Briscoe: (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Companion Exhibition: Selena Forever / Siempre Selena

Illustrating the enduring impact of Tejanas, this companion exhibition features iconic, monumental photographs by San Antonio photographer John Dyer, capturing Selena Quintanilla-Pérez during her rise to international stardom between 1992 and 1994.

🎬 Siempre Tejano Summer Film Series

Included with general admission; shown on the third Sunday of August. Tickets include complimentary movie snacks and beer provided by Ranger Creek.

Plan Your Visit

Located on the historic River Walk near La Villita in downtown San Antonio, the Briscoe Western Art Museum preserves and presents the art, history, and culture of the American West.

  • Location: 210 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX (River Walk)
  • Exhibition Dates: July 24, 2026 – January 18, 2027
  • Tickets & Event Info: Visit the museum website for complete calendar details, parking, and admission info.
Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

‘The Secret of Secrets’ Book Review: Dan Brown’s Most Ambitious Novel Yet

‘The Secret of Secrets’ by Dan Brown. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Related Post: Dan Brown’s ‘Origin’ Review: Where Science Meets Faith

📚 Book Review: The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

  • Author: Dan Brown
  • Genre: Thriller / Mystery / Speculative Fiction
  • Pacing: Fast & Cinematic
  • Audiobook Length: ~23 Hours (Hardcover: ~700 Pages)

📖 Synopsis

Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, travels to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon, a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a romantic relationship. She’s getting ready to publish a breakthrough book that contains explosive scientific discoveries about the nature of human consciousness, revelations that threaten to disrupt centuries of established belief. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

When a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, Katherine suddenly goes missing and her manuscript disappears. Desperate to find the woman he loves, Langdon embarks on a thrilling race through the mystical landscape of Prague, ruthlessly hunted by a powerful organization and a chilling assailant sprung from the city’s ancient mythology.

As the action expands to London and New York, Langdon plunges into the dual worlds of futuristic science and historical lore, navigating a labyrinth of codes and symbols, and finally uncovering a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.

📝 The Review

Dan Brown returns with another intellectually charged thriller in The Secret of Secrets, a breathless, high-stakes story that seamlessly combines ancient lore with cutting-edge science. Set against the atmospheric backdrops of Prague, London, and New York, it delivers the classic, fast-paced puzzle-solving fans expect while raising provocative questions about human potential.

🔍 Character Dynamics

The story centers around Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, whose usual intellectual detachment is challenged by personal dangers. His romance with Katherine Solomon grounds the narrative, significantly raising the emotional tension. Langdon remains a compelling protagonist, balancing academic brilliance with humility and determination, and his personal tie to Katherine adds welcome depth to his character.

Katherine is equally engaging, portrayed as an intelligent and courageous scientist whose research into human consciousness challenges long-held religious and philosophical beliefs. She is far more than a simple damsel in distress; their partnership creates a refreshing dynamic, with both characters contributing equally to the unfolding mystery.

🧠 Core Themes

  • Science vs. Belief: The narrative continuously pits revolutionary neuroscience against rigid, established dogmas.
  • The Nature of Human Consciousness: Solomon’s findings explore whether the human mind holds untapped power capable of altering reality itself.
  • Mythology as Historical Truth: The story weaves Prague’s rich lore—including dark mythological guardians like the Golem—into modern technological secrets, suggesting that ancient myths often mask advanced truths.

“Brown has written a thought-provoking ride that will leave readers questioning the untapped boundaries of their own minds.”

As expected, Brown fills the narrative with cryptic symbols, historical references, and unexpected twists that keep readers hooked. While some plot developments stretch credibility, the intricate puzzles and cinematic pacing make them easy to forgive. With relentless momentum and a haunting antagonist, it’s a deeply compelling read.

🎧 Final Thoughts

Overall, The Secret of Secrets is an entertaining blend of history, philosophy, and speculative science that will satisfy longtime Dan Brown fans while offering newcomers an exciting introduction to Robert Langdon’s world.

At almost 700 pages (or nearly 23 hours on audiobook), it’s one of Brown’s longest books to date. The experience of reading the physical tome versus listening to the immersive narration will likely feel vastly different, but either way, it’s an adventure worth taking.

“Religions had learned long ago that a human mind facing the terrifying prospect of eternal nothingness would believe almost anything. Timor mortis est pater religionis, Langdon mused, recalling the ancient saying made famous by Upton Sinclair. Fear of death is the father of religion.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Get your copy of The Secret of Secrets today!

📚 The Robert Langdon Series (In Order)

  1. Angels & Demons
  2. The Da Vinci Code
  3. The Lost Symbol
  4. Inferno
  5. Origin
  6. The Secret of Secrets

✍️ About the Author

DAN BROWN is the author of several #1 bestselling novels, including The Da Vinci Code, one of the bestselling books of all time, as well as Origin, Inferno, The Lost Symbol, and Angels & Demons. His thrillers have captivated readers worldwide and sparked global intellectual debate. He is also the author of the bestselling children’s book Wild Symphony. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages internationally, with over 250 million copies in print.