Navigating ‘Escape the Meatrix’: A Book Review

‘Escape the Meatrix’ is the thought provoking and inspiring book by Stuart Waldner. Photo: Amazon

Stuart Waldner didn’t set out to be an activist. After two decades of exploring Earth’s greatest wonders and connecting with sacred sites around the globe, he transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle in 2008. The better he felt, and the more he learned about the statistical connections between our dietary choices and the worldwide crises we’re about to face, the more he felt called to wake people up—for our health and for the planet. His book “Escape the Meatrix” chronicles his eye-opening battle against climate change as he exposes the real reason veggies are more expensive than a burger (it’s not what you think); the shocking list of diseases that a plant-based lifestyle can slow, prevent, or even cure; and how America’s declining health is linked directly to corporate profit. (Amazon, 2024)

“Escape the Meatrix” – What if you suddenly discovered you were trapped inside a dystopian cult of oppression, murder, and profit—and that your greatest source of calories was an artificially invented diet created by powerful lobbies, designed to line the pockets of the 1% at the cost of your own health and the planet’s very survival? What would you do?

We might not like the truth, but the cost of ignorance is far too high. Will you take the blue pill and let the planet burn? Or will you take the red pill, open this book, and Escape the Meatrix?

“Escape the Meatrix” is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of our current industrial food system. Drawing parallels to the famous “Matrix” film series, Waldner challenges readers to awaken from a metaphorical slumber induced by mass-produced, factory-farmed food. He exposes the environmental, ethical, and health implications of industrial agriculture, urging readers to question the origins and impacts of their food choices.

Chapters include:
Chapter 1: What Is the Meatrix?
Chapter 2: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Chapter 3: Escape the Meatrix for Your Health
Chapter 4: Escape the Meatrix for the Planet
Chapter 5:Escape the Meatrix for the Animals
Chapter 6: Speciesism
Chapter 7: The Cult of the Meatrix
Chapter 8: Isn’t Veganism Extreme?
Chapter 9: Tradition, Taste, and Convenience?
Chapter 10: Cognitive Dissonance
Chapter 11: The USDA Dietary Guidelines
Chapter 12: The Meat Myth: Marketing and Low Prices
Chapter 13: Feel Great!
Chapter 14: Making the Transition
Conclusion: Finally…Highlighting the Basics
Acknowledgements
Appendix: The Five Fundamentals for a Successful Transition to a Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Lifestyle

The author’s writing style is simple yet profound, and includes hard-hitting facts and statistics. He manages to convey complex issues surrounding food production and consumption in a way that is engaging and understandable for readers of all ages. It serves as a powerful call to action, encouraging readers to seek out sustainable and ethical alternatives to conventional food practices. By empowering individuals to make informed decisions about what they eat he highlights the importance of supporting local farmers and advocating for animal welfare.

Overall, “Escape the Meatrix” is a compelling read that challenges its audience to reconsider their relationship with food and take steps towards a more sustainable future. It is recommended for readers interested in learning more about the benefits of a plant-based diet, as well as wellness, recycling, conservation, and sustainability.

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Ultimate Guide to Castor Oil: Reviewing Kim Lewitt’s ‘The Castor Oil Bible’

‘The Castor Oil Bible’ contains time-tested remedies to address a wide variety of health conditions. Photo: Amazon

If you’ve found yourself intrigued by the huge potential of castor oil to transform your health and are eager to absorb more knowledge and integrate it into your life, then you’re about to embark on an enlightening journey. “The Castor Oil Bible” is the definitive guide to this remarkable oil by renowned chemist Kim Lewitt. This comprehensive resource explores the science behind castor oil, empowering you to harness its incredible healing and beautifying properties with confidence. It’s not just another castor oil book; it’s a science-based roadmap to unlocking your body’s natural healing potential. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Castor Oil Bible” is grounded in rigorous scientific research, ensuring you make informed decisions about your health and beauty. It contains over 100 research-backed recipes that have been tested and proven to deliver effective results. The simple, easy-to-follow instructions and readily available ingredients make it easy to incorporate castor oil into your daily routine. The author shares her expertise, providing you with insights and tips from a trusted professional.

I had heard about castor oil before but was interested in learning more about it, particularly its uses for beauty routines. I learned so much about it, including an extensive background on the history and cultivation of castor oil. This guide is all about castor oil, highlighting its amazing benefits and different applications. Its purpose is to share the many uses and benefits of castor oil. Lewitt begins with the historical significance of castor oil, including its modern-day revival in natural wellness practices. She then explores the extensive uses of castor oil, from skincare and haircare to digestive health and beyond. Skillfully blending scientific research with practical advice, this book is accessible to both new users and seasoned enthusiasts.

What I liked most about “The Castor Oil Bible” is its holistic approach to health and well-being. It covers the spiritual and emotional aspects of castor oil, acknowledging its role in holistic healing practices worldwide.The bulk of the book features easy-to-follow recipes and DIY remedies, empowering readers to incorporate castor oil into their daily routines. The writing style is engaging and authoritative, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in natural health remedies.

The book is divided into several chapters including:

Introduction
Properties and Storage of Castor Oil
Modern Evolution
The Benefits of Castor Oil: Scientific Studies on Castor Oil
Precautions and Safety Tips when Using Castor Oil
Introduction to Recipes
Chapter 4: Beauty Recipes
Health and Wellness Recipes
Relaxation and Stress Relief Recipes
Advanced Recipes
Castor Oil for Babies and Children
Castor Oil for Men’s Grooming
Castor Oil for Oral Health
Buying Castor Oil
Conclusion: Future of Castor Oil
Glossary of Technical Terms
References
Bonus

Overall, “The Castor Oil Bible” is a must-have resource for anyone seeking to take advantage of the power of this versatile oil for improved health and vitality. Kim Lewitt’s expertise, combined with her passion for natural wellness, makes this book an invaluable addition to any home library. Pick up your copy today and start reaping the benefits of this versatile natural oil.

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

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire – A British Cinematic Triumph

The British crime-thriller comedy is now available for home entertainment. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Just in time for the weekend, there’s another British crime-thriller comedy that is now available for home viewing. If you enjoy this genre of films, here’s some more information on Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire – a gritty dark comedy based on real events that tells the story of South London crime family, The Romans, as infighting, cozzers, and rival firms put everything they have worked for at risk. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

Kaleidoscope Entertainment and Seraphim Film Productions are delighted to announce the release of Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire. The British comedy crime-thriller, directed and written by Michael Head, is available now on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download.

Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire: London crime boss Mick Roman is deathly ill, and time is running out to find a successor. His only options are an aging consigliere or an impulsive enforcer, and neither are suitable to take the throne. Meanwhile, chaos reigns over the family who are coping with a paranoid ex-soldier, the return of a rebellious niece, and a drug-fueled business meeting in Amsterdam. With deceit, ambition and infighting on the rise, this Roman empire may be about to fall.

Gritty and unhinged in equal measure, Bermondsey Tales boasts a line-up of British stars including BAFTA-Nominee John Hannah, Frank Harper, Alan Ford, Adam Deacon, Vas Blackwood, Linda Robson, and Charlotte Kirk.

Run Time: 99 Minutes
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama

Briscoe Summer Fun: Workshops, Free Admission, and Scavenger Hunts

Don’t miss the Scratchboard Art Workshop taking place today June 20 with Master Scratchboard Artist Sally Maxwell. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

There is always something interesting happening at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, especially in the summer. This week’s summer spotlight event at the Briscoe is the Scratchboard Art Workshop, taking place today with internationally recognized, local artist Sally Maxwell. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2024)

Scratchboard Art Workshop
A hands-on session for all skill levels with San Antonio artist Sally Maxwell
Thursday, June 20, 5:30p.m. – 8 p.m., $25 for members, $45 for non-members

Join San Antonio-based, internationally recognized artist Sally Maxwell to leave your mark in art. Scratchboard art, also known as scratch art, is a form of direct engraving where the artist scratches off dark ink to reveal a white or colored layer beneath. Following a presentation to introduce everyone to the scratchboard process and the different kinds of boards and techniques used, guests will work on a 5” x 7” personalized square to complete and take home. The workshop is for all skill levels and all supplies are included. Pre-registration is required. 

Selected by the International Society of Scratchboard Artists to be designated as one of only 12 in the world with the status Master Scratchboard Artist, Maxwell is a Signature member in the Society of Animal Artists, a Silver Signature member of Artists Changing Tomorrow, and a Master Signature member of American Women Artists. Maxwell will have pieces of her work on display during the workshop, as well as copies of her book for purchase.

Can’t make it to the Scratchboard Art Workshop? No Worries. Here are some more events scheduled this summer.

Thanks to the Briscoe Western Art Museum, families can unleash fun and learning to keep kids engaged and educated all summer long with a wide array of programming that includes wildlife, cowboys, movies, art, and more. From free locals days and hands-on education sessions and story fun to a day celebrating cowboy life and a summer filled with art, the Briscoe is the place to be to survive this summer.

Cool Summer Fun: Free Admission and Scavenger Hunts
Locals Days: Free for Local Residents – First Sunday of the month, 10a.m. – 5p.m.

To thank the San Antonio community for its continued support, the Briscoe Western Art Museum greets locals with free general admission on the first Sunday of each month. Bexar County residents can enjoy the Briscoe’s Locals Days through 2024, with free admission on July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 3 and December 1. Online registration for Locals Day is recommended. If you can’t stop in on Locals Day, children 12 and under receive free admission to the Briscoe every day, as do active duty members of the military, making the Briscoe a terrific spot for everyone to enjoy any time.

Scout the Briscoe: Free Scavenger Hunt – First Sunday of the month, 10a.m. – 5p.m.

Visitors of all ages can learn about the American West in the Briscoe’s free monthly scavenger hunt. Test your skills navigating the museum’s 1.4 acre campus and 14 permanent galleries. Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt is rewarded with a 10% discount in the Briscoe’s Hendler Family Museum Store.

Unleash Hands-on Education: Monthly STEAM Learning
The Briscoe’s free monthly education series Full STEAM Ahead educates and entertains from 1p.m. – 3p.m. on the first Sunday of every month. Full STEAM Ahead is included with museum admission and all supplies are provided.

Learners of all ages work together and engage in hands-on, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning experiences about the American West. Each of the activities ties back to the Briscoe’s art and artifacts, bringing the West to life in a new way. From transportation and weather to animals, astronomy and engineering, each program explores an aspect of life in the West to engage and inspire learning.

Summer 2024 Full Steam Ahead dates and topics include:

July 7: Full STEAM Ahead – Whose Track is That? – Learn how to identify the tracks different animals leave behind. After a short presentation, families will have the opportunity to identify animal tracks and make some tracks of their own to take home.

August 4: Full STEAM Ahead – Creating Colors – Discover how color is harnessed from nature in this survey of dyes and pigments from around the world. After a short discussion, everyone will have the opportunity to make their own paint to take home or use in creating artwork to take home.

September 1: Full STEAM Ahead – Nature in Art – Bring nature and pottery together, learning about how Native Americans used nature for colors to create designs in their pottery. After the presentation, families will have the opportunity to create a pinch pot and decorate it with pressed flowers and leaves.

Stories and More
The younger set – and their caregivers – can stampede into the Briscoe on the third Saturday of the month, 10:30a.m. – 11a.m. to enjoy Storytime Stampede, then enjoy the Briscoe’s collection. With stories told and acted out, books read aloud, movement activities, songs and art fun designed for young children ages 18 months to 5 years, the short session is timed to keep young children engaged and entertained. Adults bringing children to Storytime Stampede receive half-off general museum admission and children 12 and under always receive free admission at the Briscoe, making Storytime Stampede affordable family fun.

Summer dates include:
July 20: “Rio Ruby Invents the Pecan Pie” by Robin Davis. Rio Ruby makes the yummiest pies this side of the Rio Grande, but one day after she’s closed her pie shop, she finds out that she’s almost out of ingredients. Even worse, all the animals seem to have eaten all the pie-worthy fruit! She sets out to find a new ingredient to invent a new kind of pie, but one just as delicious and yummy.

August 17: “Way Out West Lived a Coyote Named Frank” by Jillian Lund. Frank’s the coolest coyote around. Whether he’s hanging out with his friends, chasing rabbits, mixing it up with a Gila monster, or pondering the setting sun, coyote Frank is one smooth character. Grab your shades, because you’re in for a bright and colorful cruise through the desert with Frank!

Musical Evolution: The Mysterines’ Bold New Sound in Afraid of Tomorrows

Afraid of Tomorrows is due out June 21 via Fiction Records. Photo: Steve Gullick, used with permission.

Starting over is never easy. It takes guts, determination and will power to move out of the shadows of yesterday. But this is precisely what British rock band The Mysterines has done. Their ferocious new album, Afraid of Tomorrows, out on June 7 via Fiction Records, burns the past to the ground and builds something brand new out of the rubble. (Big Hassle, 2024)

Formed in Liverpool, The Mysterines – frontwoman Lia Metcalfe, drummer Paul Crilly, bassist George Favager and guitarist Callum Thompson – has undergone a radical transformation over the past few years. Fresh with new purpose and reinvigorated from songwriting sessions while secluded away in the countryside, the band is about to release the best music of their career. “We can feel the difference with this album,” Metcalfe says. “These songs show how far we’ve come. We’ve grown up a lot.”

Afraid of Tomorrows is the perfect frame for Metcalfe’s extraordinary voice. Like no one else on the British rock scene, she can switch suddenly from a lascivious purr to a hair-raising yowl, the love-child of Courtney Love and Karen O. The most impressive part of the record is how much it demonstrates the band’s colossal ambition.

This week, the band released their whirring new single “The Last Dance,” the third track to be taken from the highly-anticipated new album Afraid of Tomorrows.  

Bolstered by a blistering guitar solo and thunderous drum beats, “The Last Dance” details finding solace in something that is not real. Frontwoman Lia’s imagination dances wildly through the track, as it tells the tale of a person who falls in love with a porcelain mannequin and longs to dance with them.

“I suppose it’s an analogy for what loneliness can do to you. Once you’ve exhausted all the dark alleyways of drugs and alcohol, you end up reaching for something to connect to that isn’t real.” – Lia Metcalfe

The Mysterines is set to embark on their biggest headline tour to date this fall across Europe and North America. The band will play a string of exciting shows this summer, including at Crystal Palace Park as special guests to Bloc Party for their huge 20th anniversary show on July 7, and numerous festivals including Riot Fest in Chicago. North American tour dates will go on sale this Friday at 12p.m.ET — complete tour info available online.

UPCOMING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
September 10 – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy
September 11- Phoenix, AZ – Last Exit
September 13 – Colorado Springs, CO – Vultures
September 15 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry
September 17 – Toronto, ON – The Cave
September 19 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
September 22 – Chicago, IL – Riot Fest

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Afraid of Tomorrows track list:

1. The Last Dance

2. Stray

3. Another Another Another

4. Tired Animal

5. Jesse You’re A Superstar

6. Hawkmoon

7. Sink Ya Teeth

8. Junkyard Angel

9. Goodbye Sunshine

10. Inside A Matchbox

11. So Long

12. Afraid of Tomorrows

Beat the Heat: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk Partners with LSPACE this Summer

LSPACE is hosting a fitness event at Thompson’s Cenote Pool Deck for National Wellness Month in August. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

As temperatures soar, beating the heat becomes a quest for comfort and coolness. There are various ways to stay cool this summer, including savoring frozen treats or drinks and enjoying some downtime in shaded spots under leafy canopies or the refreshing embrace of swimming pools and lakes. Light, breathable fabrics are often recommended to allow the skin to breathe and cool down. 

Just in time for summer, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s luxury cabana just got an LSPACE makeover. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2024)

Beat the Texas Heat this summer and book the LSPACE Cabana for the ultimate pool day at Cenote Pool Deck. With photo-worthy moments at every corner, the cabana is outfitted with LSPACE pillows, champagne buckets, and festive cups for enjoying a complimentary round of the LSPACE x Thompson Summer Breeze, a craft cocktail inspired by the quintessential California beach lifestyle brand.

Launching on June 21st through August, the cabana experience includes branded SWAG to take home including a canvas tote, towel, and postcard with a curated music playlist to keep the good vibes going all summer long.

To book this limited-time-only experience, please call Thompson San Antonio Spa at (210) 942-6027.

LSPACE is the quintessential California beach lifestyle brand that believes the perfect fit is everything. Their mission is to inspire confidence in their customers through fit and premium fabrics. They offer high quality swim and fashionable/multipurpose apparel that can be worn from beach to brunch to night.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk
115 Lexington Ave
San Antonio, TX 78205

‘The Watchers’: Adapting A.M. Shine’s Epic Tale for Film

The movie adaptation of ‘The Watchers’ is in theaters now. Photo: Amazon

Book to movie adaptations bring beloved characters and intricate plots to life, yet often spark debates among fans about the faithfulness to the source material. Directors face the challenge of condensing rich narratives into a cinematic format, risking either losing nuance or gaining new perspectives. Successful adaptations capture the essence of the book while leveraging the unique power of film to enhance emotion and spectacle. These adaptations continue to captivate audiences worldwide. The most current one is “The Watchers” by A.M. Shine; the movie adaptation, produced by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Dakota Fanning, is currently out in movie theaters nationwide. 

A.M. Shine writes in the Gothic horror tradition. Born in Galway, Ireland, he received his Master’s Degree in History there before sharpening his quill and pursuing all things literary and macabre. His stories have won the Word Hut and Bookers Corner prizes and he is a member of the Irish Writers Centre. His debut novel, “The Watchers,” has received critical acclaim. It is a horror adventure set in the remote and sinister forests of Ireland. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Watchers” – You can’t see them. But they can see you.

This forest isn’t charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina’s is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.

Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn’t reach the bunker in time.

Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers, and why are they keeping the humans imprisoned, keen to watch their every move?

Whataburger Giving Away Free Iced Coffee During the Summer Solstice

Every Whataburger guest can enjoy this special treat on June 20, 2024. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

On Thursday, June 20, Whataburger is helping fans make the most of the Summer Solstice with a free Iced Coffee. The 16-ounce iced coffee will be available from 6a.m. to 6p.m. in local time zones and can be customized “just like you like it” with one of their three new flavors — Vanilla, Caramel or Mocha. (Whataburger, 2024)

Whataburger fans can caffeinate their way through the day with the most sunlight. Anyone needing a pick-me-up on June 20 can claim their complimentary Iced Coffee in-store, at the drive-thru, online at Whataburger.com, or on the popular Whataburger App for Curbside pickup or delivery on orders placed through the app. (The offer is not available on third-party delivery apps.)

Whataburger’s new Iced Coffee is made with a premium blend of 100% Arabica beans from Colombia, Honduras and Nicaragua, giving it the bold aroma of dark-roasted coffee. It has a vibrant finish with nutty, smoky, toasted flavor notes.

Across 15 states, guests can visit their local Whataburger for a complimentary Iced Coffee. Customers who download the Whataburger app and create an account will immediately receive an offer for a free Whataburger and start earning rewards and exclusive offers. Prices and availability vary by market.

Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

A Gangster’s Kiss: the Seductive Charms of Crime Cinema

The British crime thriller/comedy will be available for digital download. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Crime thrillers captivate audiences with their intricate plots, suspense, and morally ambiguous characters. These movies explore the darkest corners of human nature, exploring themes of justice, revenge, and redemption. Sometimes the line between hero and villain is razor-thin, making every twist a gripping journey into the depths of the human psyche. Mix in some comedy for tension relief, and you have a winning combination.

In today’s movie news, there’s a new crime thriller/comedy coming out soon that will be available in the UK for digital download.

Fugitive Films and Pink Flamingo Media Group have confirmed that the upcoming movie A Gangster’s Kiss will be released in the UK this summer. Directed by Ray Burdis, the British Crime/Comedy will be available for digital download starting June 24, 2024. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

A Gangster’s Kiss – For as long as Jack can remember, he and Danny have been friends, and Danny has always gotten Jack into trouble. He’s had a few brushes with the law and blows up half a high street before deciding to turn to acting. Everything is going well until Jack lands his first feature film role and Danny agrees to shadow ‘the family.’ Jack soon realizes he is way over his head with deadly and hilarious consequences.

A Gangster’s Kiss stars Charlie Clapham, John Hannah, Patsy Kensit, Sadie Frost, Michelle Collins, Martin Kemp, Vas Blackwood, Perry Benson, Sophie Rankin, Michael Head, Ray Burdis, Daniel O’Reilly, David Schaal, and Lady Colin Campbell.

A Gangster’s Kiss. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Unlocking Potential: Advocating for Music and Arts in Education

Wolfpen Branch Donation. Photo: Can’d Aid, used with permission.

Music and the arts are an important part of a well-rounded education, fostering creativity, expression, and critical thinking. In schools, they provide avenues for students to explore their emotions, develop empathy, and cultivate cultural understanding. They offer students alternative means of communication and self-expression, especially for those who may struggle in traditional academic subjects. By integrating music and the arts into education, schools nurture holistic development, preparing students for success in both their personal and professional lives while enriching communities with diverse perspectives and creativity. Now more than ever, it is essential that these programs continue to be a part of students’ curriculum.

In honor of World Music Day this June 21, I’d like to share the excellent work that Can’d Aid is doing to ensure that students have access to musical instruments and music education.

Can’d Aid has donated thousands of brand new instruments to underserved school systems, inspiring the next generation of musicians. Since its inception in 2013, Can’d Aid has donated nearly 3,700 instruments and hosted more than 160 educational music workshops across the country. (Turn It Up, 2024)

Through its Music + Arts program, Can’d Aid partners with nationally touring artists who donate their time, energy and passion while they’re on the road touring to facilitate instrument donations to classrooms across the country as TUNES Ambassadors. Longtime TUNES Ambassadors include Tyler Childers and the Food Stamps, Woody Platt and Charles Humphrey III of Steep Canyon Rangers, The Infamous Stringdusters, and many more. Can’d Aid TUNES Ambassadors host live-music concerts for classes in underserved school districts, introducing kids to the joys of music.

Ambassadors tell their stories and teach hands-on, educational sessions, with the goal of getting kids excited about learning to play an instrument. Creative outlets are essential to fostering good mental health in children, yet arts programs in public schools are typically the first to be defunded, as they’re expensive to run and not considered “core curriculum” or necessary for graduation. The TUNES program is a way for Can’d Aid to offset the decline in arts program funding and keep music in schools. 

Can’d Aid is a nationally recognized nonprofit that rallies volunteers from all walks of life to build thriving communities. Through their unique integrated approach, they increase access and opportunities for underserved youth to experience music, arts and the outdoors; and protect and restore the environment. Since its inception in 2013, more than 19,500 skateboards and bikes have been built for underprivileged youth, more than 3,700 instruments have been donated and nearly 2,000 tons of trash have been diverted from landfills. To donate, volunteer or learn more, please visit Can’d Aid online.