Author: Sandra Cruz

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

New book release: ‘Let Me Help: The Best Decisions Begin With Kindness’ by David Trock

‘Let Me Help: The Best Decisions Begin With Kindness’ by David Trock. Photo: Amazon

As anyone who has ever been a patient can tell you, it is never easy being sick. Not only do you have to deal with your illness, but there are so many other issues that can make matters worse. One way we can help is to show a little kindness. This is the topic of today’s new book release “Let Me Help: The Best Decisions Begin With Kindness” by David Trock. It is a timely reminder for anyone from caregivers to medical professionals that helping others begins with kindness. In this season of giving, this would make an excellent holiday present for anyone in healthcare, whether they are nurses, PAs, doctors, medical assistants, or physical therapists. Anyone can benefit from a gentle reminder of the rewards of being kind and helping others. “Let Me Help: The Best Decisions Begin With Kindness” is available on Amazon.

David Trock has written in several genres including medical journals, book chapters, non-fiction books “Healing Fibromyalgia” and “Let Me Help: The Best Decisions Begin With Kindness,” and a humanist murder mystery titled “A Religion Called Love.” He grew up in Brooklyn, NY and served for 30 years on faculty at Yale University School of Medicine and 18 years as Chief of Rheumatology at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut. His insight into patient care, bedside manner, and Stoic Philosophy will delight anyone who has ever taken a patient by the hand. (David Trock, 2023)

“Let Me Help: The Best Decisions Begin With Kindness” – In an era of busy doctors, virtual visits, electronic records, and complicated insurance, patients are feeling frustrated. This book is a reminder that patient satisfaction begins with kindness and is achievable by following a few simple principles. The inspiring words of this book include patient narratives, advice for young caregivers, champions of healthcare, and stirring accounts of kindness in medical decision-making. Readers of “Let Me Help” will recognize the keys to patient satisfaction and the rewards of helping others.

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Book of the week: ‘SG2: Resolute Quest’ by DC Ware

Evan, Freddy, and Syrrah’s younger sister Neraeh search for answers in ‘SG2: Resolute Quest.’ Photo: DCW Endeavors

**Repost**

Science fiction is a genre of speculative fiction that includes imagined elements that do not exist in the real world. They often explore time travel, space travel, are set in the future, and deal with the consequences of technological and scientific advances. Science fiction novels are so much fun to read, so they are in my top 5 genres when it comes to books. DC Ware has written a series of science fiction novels titled Syrrah’s Game, which includes “Syrrah’s Game” and the much anticipated sequel “SG2: Resolute Quest” and has made them available online. So if you are looking for an exciting new sci-fi author to get into, check out her novels today.

DC Ware has a bachelor’s degree in math with minors in computer science and physics. Her life’s work is web development, software engineering, and 3D programming. On her spare time, she likes to write science fiction novels with romance themes. In “Syrrah’s Game,” seven people are trapped in another dimension and time is not on their side. Moments after driving away from a near miss accident, Lang and his son Evan notice another vehicle just like theirs parked at the same spot on the highway where the accident almost took place. Lang is more than certain he had not seen this other vehicle before. In the sequel, “SG2: Resolute Quest,” a simple journey turns earth-shattering and Evan is ready and anxious to move on with his life. It is not necessary to have read the first to enjoy the second. (DC Ware, 2023)

“SG2: Resolute Quest”

Evan had met her briefly, an older teen girl, Syrrah, in a wild, unbelievable interdimensional occurrence. But his father, Lang, instructed him to forget about her; she came from darkness. And though he had tried his best, Syrrah’s breath-taking beauty, and his great love and passion for her had arrived in his thoughts again with a powerful intensity during the summer after his senior year in high school.

Things did not improve. Syrrah yet in his mind and even in his vision, Evan’s relationship with his girlfriend Heidi begins to collapse, only a few weeks before his eighteenth birthday.

He wonders how this all could have happened, when Syrrah is gone, deceased…the poor girl had taken her own life in a violent auto crash when she too was 18 years old. He decides he must find out more about her past, and her life, so he can convince his mind that this foolish attachment to Syrrah must end.

But after taking a road trip to visit with Syrrah’s sister for the very first time, Evan and his good friend Freddy discover that Syrrah may still be alive, somehow, yet living her life as the ultra-millionaire female pop star Dana Zypher.

At first this seems incredibly impossible, but once meeting up with several men who had former connections to General Tauring’s underground USAF base, where alien, UFO, EBE, and other interdimensional experimentations were conducted on a regular basis, they begin to believe that it could be possible.

The men convince Evan he needs to join Dana’s current tour, work with her team, and eventually interact with Dana to find out the truth for himself.

Luck on his side, a brawl breaks out at Dana’s fans and press walkway entrance, giving Evan the opportunity to exhibit his advanced martial art skills; he easily subdues the perpetrator. Dana’s lead security man witnesses Evan’s impressive abilities and practically hires him on the spot.

But as the men involved with General Tauring explain, time is running out – not only did Syrrah not come from darkness, but she was forced into her life as Dana, against her will; and she is in grave, impending danger. Yet Evan’s longing and love for Syrrah is a very formidable force – a resolute determination to help her, and rescue her, no matter what the costs or threats to his life…

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Upcoming new horror movie release: Nightmare on 34th Street

Nightmare on 34th Street will be available on digital starting December 5, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

I like the holiday season, but for me, there’s nothing like a good horror/slasher movie to get into the mood, especially if Krampus is involved. That brings me to today’s new movie news: Nightmare on 34th street is coming to digital (Plex) on December 5, 2023 from Wild Eye Releasing. So if you’re not ready to let the creepy season go yet, check it out.

Nightmare on 34th Street – A mysterious and psychopathic Santa Claus visits a small, rural town with a bag full of unusual gifts and twisted holiday stories featuring Krampus, a murderous St. Nick, and killer carol singers that are certain to ruin the Christmas season forever. Caroline Boulton, Lucy Pinder, Dani Thompson, Ewen MacIntosh, Andy Gatenby, Adam Greaves-Neal star in a James Crow film. (October Coast, 2023)    

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New book release: ‘Hesed: Does the Tanakh Foreshadow Jesus?’ by Mark Stouffer

‘Hesed: Does the Tanakh Foreshadow Jesus?’ is volume one in the series by Mark Stouffer. Photo: Mark Stouffer, used with permission.

The Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, is Judaism’s foundational text. If you ever wanted to delve into the teachings of this Hebrew text, then today’s new book release might be of interest to you. In “Hesed: Does the Tanakh Foreshadow Jesus?,” Mark Stouffer proposes that it foreshadows the Messiah that the Jewish people have been waiting for. Join the author as he leads readers on a quest to hear the message of the Tanakh, as opposed to what they want to hear. Whether Jewish or Christian, or even if you are just interested in biblical studies in general, this book promises a well researched examination of both faiths. It is available on Amazon.

Mark Stouffer is an engineer who lives with his family in Columbus, Ohio. Mark was born in 1960 and grew up loving sports. Mark has a passion for the Bible, which he has been studying and teaching for nearly 40 years. Mark has been to Israel and has great respect for the Jewish people. His new book, “Hesed: Does the Tanakh Foreshadow Jesus?,” is for Jewish people who want to know the truth about Jesus. It is also for Christians who want to learn about the Hebrew Bible. (Mark Stouffer, 2023)

“Hesed: Does the Tanakh Foreshadow Jesus?”
While arguing with the Jewish religious leaders, Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me; . . .” In this book, the author examines the Tanakh in order to see if Jesus’ claim has any merit.

“Hesed: Volume One” is the first book in a four volume series written for Jewish people who want to know the truth about Jesus. This book is also good for Christians who want to learn about the Tanakh, or Old Testament. The series examines five elements in the Tanakh that appear to foreshadow Jesus. Volume One covers the first two elements.

The five elements are:

1. Sacrificial atonement in the Torah
2. A series of Biblical heroes who had experiences that were similar to things that happened to Jesus
3. The messianic prophecy of the Tanakh
4. G-d’s plan for humanity
5. The incompleteness of the Tanakh in which the issue of our moral guilt is not decisively resolved

Volume One examines the subject of sacrificial atonement in the Torah to see if it foreshadows Jesus’ death on the cross. It also covers the lives of Isaac, Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel, and Cyrus. For they each went through experiences that Jesus also wound up going through many centuries later. The question is, were these moments from their lives placed in the Tanakh intentionally or coincidentally?

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San Antonio Museum of Art announces acquisition of two major gifts of art

SAMA announces acquisition of two major gifts of ancient art from the Americas Museum as well as a selection of contemporary artworks. Photo: Google

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) recently announced the acquisition of two extensive collections focused on the art of the Americas before 1500. The first is a gift from collectors and longtime SAMA supporters John M. and Kathi Oppenheimer and features nearly two hundred objects, primarily ceramic and stone figures and vessels, which represent societies that thrived in West and Central Mexico and Central America, including the Aztec, Mixtec, Colima, Nayarit, and Jalisco, as well as objects made by the Maya, Zapotec, and Olmec cultures. The second collection comes from Lindsay and Lucy Duff and includes 110 objects, including ceramics and textiles and carved stone and wood objects, from early South American cultures, such as the Moche, Nasca, Wari, Chimu, and Inca and spanning from around 500 BC to AD 1500. Several of the works in the Duff Collection are currently on loan to SAMA, including a large gold beaker and a ceramic portrait vessel. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2023)

As part of SAMA’s acquisitions, the Museum also acquired a range of objects across its Contemporary, American, Latin American, Asian, and Ancient Mediterranean collections. Some of the highlights include a photograph by Stuart Allen, titled Shadow No. 10, 9 Pixels (2005), which reflects the artist’s interest in examining abstract composition through digital photographic pixelation; two Transport Amphorae (Roman-Byzantine, 5th–7th century AD), which were likely used to ship commodities like wine across the Mediterranean; ten ceramic works by modern and contemporary Japanese artists, including Nakamura Takuo, Koie Ryoji, Takiguchi Kazuo, Ito Motohiko, and Seto Hiroshi; the oil on metal work Emma Tenayuca Retablo (1993) by Santa Barraza, a major figure in Chicana/o art and the Chicano Art Movement in South Texas; the mixed-media sculpture Space In Between: Nopal (Candelaria Cabrera) (2010) by Margarita Cabrera, which continues the artist’s ongoing explorations of cultural identity, migration, labor, violence, and empowerment through sculpture, craft, and social practice; and the large-scale portrait Yemayá, one of the three paintings in the Goddess Triptych, a set of paintings by San Antonio artist Ángel Rodríguez-Díaz that celebrates the beauty, confidence, and power of women of color. Rodríguez-Díaz’s three large-scale nude portraits will be featured in the focus exhibition Ángel Rodríguez-Díaz: The Goddess Triptych Reunited, which will be on view from January 27, 2024, through January 26, 2025.

The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly thirty thousand works representing five thousand years of history and is particularly strong in arts of the Americas, ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, Asian art, and modern and contemporary art.

Amphora (jar) with Dionysos and satyrs, Greek (Attic), ca. 530–510B.C., Attributed to the circle of the Antimenes Painter, Terracotta, black-figure technique; h. 15 3/16 in., Purchased with the Grace Fortner Rider Fund, 2023.6 Photo: SAMA, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Don’t Say Cis’ by Hunter Cahoon and Cole Deyo

‘Don’t Say Cis’ is the new science fiction novel by Hunter Cahoon and Cole Deyo. Photo: Amazon

The theme for today is philosophy and going with that, some people would say that there is a rise in hedonistic nihilism in our current society. Hedonistic nihilism is the belief that if life is inherently meaningless, and since you only live once, then you might as well enjoy your life to the maximum. If you are interested in deep philosophical discussions and enjoy authors like Franz Kafka, Friedrich Nietzsche, George Orwell, H.G Wells, and others, then you might want to check out today’s new book release. “Don’t Say Cis” by Hunter Z Cahoon and Cole A Deyo is a dystopian novel focused on hedonistic nihilism and how it affects the life of one family and the world around them. It is sure to leave an impression on readers and hopefully start a meaningful dialogue on what motivates humankind – it is available on Amazon.

Hunter Cahoon is a current masters student in clinical mental health. His narratives focus on the psychological effects of particular personal philosophies. Mainly, hedonism and nihilism are often critiqued harshly in his works. Cahoon’s inspirations are none other then Carl Jung, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Fredrich Nietzsche, and Franz Kafka. Fans of these authors and psychologists will likely enjoy many elements found in Cahoon’s writings, which blend creativity with deep psychological and philosophical discussion. In the new book “Don’t Say Cis, current master student in clinical mental health, Hunter Cahoon and current bachelor student, Cole Deyo attack the current trend of hedonic nihilism occurring in America while showing the negative effects of banning free speech and intellectual diversity which could help stop the spread of such a philosophy. (Hunter Cahoon, 2023)

“Don’t Say Cis” – What happens when society continues its trend of pursuing the lowest quality pleasures to fill its hedonistic desires? The year is 2059, and a small family finds themselves in this new world full of depression and despair. The group finds the lack of free speech and narrow mindedness of the citizens turn deadly for them. At every turn there is nihilism, purposelessness, false virtues, ignorance of the highest possible good, suicide, impulsively violent anger, and many injustices.

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Enjoy Cowboy Christmas at the Briscoe this Sunday

Head west on the River Walk to take pictures with Cowboy Santa and make western holiday ornaments. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Get wrapped up in Western fun and meet Cowboy Santa at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s annual free Cowboy Christmas, 10a.m. – 2p.m., Sunday, December 3. Cowboy Christmas is included with museum admission, making the Briscoe the perfect way to enjoy holiday fun and make memories with your family, especially since this year’s celebration falls on the Briscoe’s monthly “Locals Day.” On Locals Day, all Bexar County residents receive free admission to enjoy the museum. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)

Cowboy Christmas features a day of family fun exploring the museum with holiday crafts and visits with Cowboy Santa from 11a.m. – 2p.m. Families are welcome to snap pictures with Cowboy Santa, while a special 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt leads you through the Briscoe’s fantastic collection. Christmas crafts, including ornament making, will give everyone a bit of the West to take home.

Holiday Fun with American Cowboys:  Anouk Masson Krantz

Everyone who attends Cowboy Christmas can step into the intimate lives and culture of today’s cowboys through a showcase of stunning black and white photographs during Anouk Masson Krantz: “American Cowboys,” the Briscoe’s exhibition that highlights the enduring traditions around ranching and rodeo life from an outsider’s perspective. American Cowboys shares an intimate look at America’s Western heritage through nearly 100 images captured on solo journeys across the American West by the celebrated photographer Anouk Masson Krantz.

A French fine-art photographer and author based in New York City best known for her American Western work, Krantz has logged more than 125,000 miles traveling the West by herself in her quest to reveal the authentic daily lives of humble and virtuous American cowboy. Krantz’s photography has received worldwide acclaim, including the 2023 Western Heritage Award for her latest artbook, “Ranchland: Wagonhound.” The exhibition is included with museum admission and is on view through January 22, 2024.

Howdy Neighbors:  Ways to Head West and Save

To show how friendly the West is and to thank the San Antonio community for its continued support, the Briscoe Western Art Museum makes the first Sunday of each month “Locals Day,” greeting locals with free general admission. Bexar County residents can enjoy Cowboy Christmas and Locals Day by registering online.

Not a local? The Cowboy Christmas fun is included with general museum admission. As always, children 12 and under receive free admission at the Briscoe, as do active duty members of the military, making the museum a terrific spot for families to add to their holiday plans. Active duty military families receive half-price admission when accompanied by their active duty family member. Year-round, retired and former members of the military also received discounted admission.

The first weekend of each month also includes free museum admission thanks to Bank of America Museums on Us, allowing Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and U.S. Trust cardholders to gain one free admission to the museum. Through Museums for All, recipients of SNAP, WIC, and MAP receive free general admission throughout the year.

Fill Your Stocking with the Best of the West

For everyone looking to fill their gift lists, the Briscoe’s Hendler Family Museum Store features something for everyone on your list. Shopping the museum includes holiday finds, home décor, and gifts for men, women and children that aren’t the cookie cutter things you’ll see at traditional retailers. Something sure to be popular in Cowboy Santa’s bag of gifts this year:  gift memberships to the Briscoe. Membership includes free and discounted museum event admission, exclusive member events and so much more, all on the banks of the River Walk.

The museum is open Thursday through Monday, 10a.m. – 5p.m. and closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Briscoe is located on the south end of the River Walk, near the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, with convenient parking at the Riverbend Garage directly adjacent to the museum or one of many downtown surface lots. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.

Upcoming new book release: ‘Unnatural Death’ by Patricia Cornwell

‘Unnatural Death’ is the new Scarpetta novel by Patricia Cornwell. Photo: Amazon

Medical thrillers are some of my favorite novels to read, specifically Michael Palmer, Robin Cook, and Patricia Cornwell. I have read almost all of Patricia Cornwell’s Scarpetta novels, so I am excited for her new release: “Unnatural Death.”

Patricia Cornwell sold her first novel, “Postmortem,” while working at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia. An auspicious debut, it went on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity Awards, as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventures—the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. Growing into an international phenomenon, the Scarpetta series won Cornwell the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author, the Gold Dagger Award, the RBA Thriller Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters for her contributions to literary and artistic development. Today, Cornwell’s novels and iconic characters are known around the world. Her interests range from the morgue to artificial intelligence and include visits to Interpol, the Pentagon, the U.S. Secret Service and NASA. Her new book “Unnatural Death” is the 27th book in the Scarpetta series and involves two mauled bodies in the woods, top secret autopsies, and the most chilling cases of Scarpetta’s career. It will be released November 28, 2023. (Amazon, 2023)

“Unnatural Death” – In this thrilling new installment of Patricia Cornwell’s #1 bestselling Scarpetta series, chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta finds herself in a Northern Virginia wilderness examining the remains of two campers wanted by federal law enforcement. The victims have been savaged beyond recognition, and other evidence is terrifying and baffling, including a larger-than-life footprint. After one of the most frightening body retrievals of her career, Scarpetta must discover who would commit murders this savage, and why.

New book release: ‘The Key on Edge’ by Michael J Piatt

‘The Key on Edge’ is the thrilling new novel by Michael J. Piatt. Photo: Amazon

Abstract topics such as creativity, creative thinking, and innovation can sometimes be difficult to comprehend. This is why it is so refreshing when experts in those fields feel the need to share their knowledge with the general public, especially young readers. Today’s new book release is by Michael J. Piatt, whose profession as an inventor spans multiple decades and strongly believes that creativity is a skill that can be nurtured. In “The Key on Edge,” mystical images from the past are intertwined with present-day realities that are just too coincidental to be real—or are they? A small town, a gang of friends, the courage to discover, and too many mysterious coincidences to be real, make this exciting adventure come to life for all who dare. The faceted edges of the key are destined to heighten individual creativity throughout this work. As you enter the world of the Sharefield Gang you do so at your own risk. Discovery is not for the faint of heart! It may be geared towards young readers, but even adults can learn from the self-help instructional material offered within the pages of this gripping narrative.

Michael J. Piatt, is a seasoned technologist and prolific inventor, now turned author. He has made creativity a lifestyle and is the author of over 130 US patents. He wants to share lessons learned with the younger generation, knowing that they will face problems that do not yet exist. He has a passion for fostering creativity in youthful minds. Through his books, he aspires to make a positive impact by sharing decades of life lessons in the art of innovation. His new book “The Key on Edge” combines his heartfelt enthusiasm for storytelling with his dedication to encouraging creative potential. It is Illustrated by Juan Giraldo. All profits from this book go to educational charities. The book is available on Amazon, select Barnes and Noble stores, and can be ordered from most bookstores. (Michael J. Piatt, 2023)

“The world around us is evolving faster than ever, driven by a cascade of new technologies. Maybe I can help in a small way to equip the next generation with the tools necessary to flourish in this dynamic landscape.” – Michael J. Piatt

More on the author: LinkedIn Instagram

“The Key on Edge” This YA mystery is about a group of six 9th grade students in a small town. Their school play comes to life, and all sorts of other mysterious things start to happen as they climb Majestic Mountain, work in an old mansion, play an antique computer game, and save their beloved dog Grand Paw. Throughout the book, they work together to creatively solve problems and get out of jams, until they discover just who wrote the script to that play. The book teaches the creative thinking process. It is the first in a series of Sharefield Gang adventures. Discussion Notes are provided at the end to allow readers to further explore their own creative abilities.

Discover how “The Key on Edge” unlocks a lifetime of intrigue and wonder. Understanding and practicing creative thinking are the backbones of this uplifting and inspiring mystery novel. So, delve into the unknown, embrace the magic, and let your imagination soar. It will leave you questioning what lies beyond today and will ignite a sense of curiosity and excitement that will stay with you long after the final pages.

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#booktoc #trailer #education #ya #creativity #mystery

♬ original sound – Author Michael J.

Book of the week: ‘Reunion’ by Scott Moss

‘Reunion’ by Scott Moss is a novel about love, friendships, and the secrets we all keep. Photo: Amazon

Continuing on the topic of the afterlife, a medium is a person who claims to be able to contact and speak to people who are dead and pass messages between them and people who are still alive. Now I do not know if I believe in mediums, I have never met one, but I like to keep an open mind. This is the topic of Scott Moss’ book “Reunion.” Robert and Mike went to high school together but were just acquaintances. At their high school reunion, they both come across the women they had crushes on in high school. They become close after that, but both Mike and Robert are harboring deep secrets. These secrets are big and will determine whether the relationships they have will last and will eventually affect Jessica and Samantha in big ways. So if you enjoy romantic fantasy books about mediums and angels and spirit guides, give this one a try. “Reunion” is available on Amazon.

Scott Moss has worked in the medical field for over 30 years. He is familiar with life and death and has been in the room many times as people crossed over. Scott has been writing for years. He specializes in adult fiction and children’s books. His passion for life provides his unique literary spark. Scott enjoys making people laugh and bringing out the best in everyone he meets. Scott’s most interesting character trait is his sense of humor. That is what makes the books he writes so much fun to read. Mr. Moss is not religious by any means. In fact, he does not believe in organized religion. He likes to cover serious topics with a flare for the funny side of all things. His book “Reunion” is a story of second chances and representative of how love works at its own pace. (Scott Moss, 2023)

“Reunion” is about four friends who find themselves single at their 20-year reunion and rekindle their high school friendships. This page turner has it all: suspense, love, relationships rekindled, and deep secrets.

Mike is a successful entrepreneur who has recently lost his wife to breast cancer. Robert, a medium who can communicate to the individuals in the afterlife, is having difficulty maintaining a relationship because of his abilities. He receives a message from Mike’s wife but feels it is too soon to reveal it. Robert also has communicated with previous classmate Samantha’s husband, who lost his life in Afghanistan. Jessica, a single mom of three, was attracted to Mike in high school but they never found the timing to be right. With the help of Robert’s abilities as a medium, the four find long-lasting love.

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