Author: Sandra Cruz

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

Shake Shack announces limited time Uber Eats BOGO offer

As part of the limited time Hot Menu offer happening now through January 8, Shake Shack is having an exclusive BOGO deal on select Hot Menu items on Uber Eats. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.

Shake Shack recently announced that for a limited time, they are bringing back some fan favorites from its Hot Menu, including some new fiery additions at all locations. To bring the heat and the flavor, each menu item is dusted with a signature hot pepper spice blend of cayenne pepper, brown sugar, vinegar powder, garlic powder and smoked paprika. (Shake Shack, 2023)

As part of the limited-time Hot Menu offer happening now through January 8, 2024, Shake Shack is having an exclusive BOGO deal on Uber Eats that is available today October 3 through October 15.

Fans can grab a Spicy ShackMeister Burger or Hot Chicken Sandwich and get another one absolutely FREE. This deal is available only on the Uber Eats app and across all participating Shacks on the platform.

The Hot Menu items include:

● Hot Chicken – Crispy, white-meat chicken breast spiced with hot pepper blend, topped with pickles and Shack-made cherry pepper slaw
● Spicy Shackmeister Burger – 100% Angus beef cheeseburger spiced with hot pepper blend, topped with crispy onions, chopped cherry peppers and ShackSauce
● Spicy Fries with Ranch Sauce – Crispy crinkle cut fries spiced with hot pepper blend and served with Shack ranch sauce
● Spicy Cheese Fries with Ranch Sauce – Crispy crinkle cut fries topped with cheese sauce, spiced with hot pepper blend and served with Shack ranch sauce

Skip the line with the Shack App, a mobile ordering app that lets you save time by ordering ahead. Guests can select their location, pick their food, choose a pickup time and their meal will be cooked-to-order and timed to arrival. Available on iOS and Android.

Shake Shack serves elevated versions of American classics using only the best ingredients. It’s known for its delicious made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades, beer, wine, and more. With its high-quality food at a great value, warm hospitality, and a commitment to crafting uplifting experiences, Shake Shack quickly became a cult-brand with widespread appeal. Shake Shack’s purpose is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and employee development, to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the Company has expanded to over 470 locations system-wide, including over 305 in 32 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and over 165 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul,
and more.

The best activities to enjoy this fall

Early morning coffee and some pretty leaves. Photo: Clay Banks on Unsplash.

** Contains update -Originally published October 2, 2023 **

Fall is a magical time of year – it’s the season for cozy knits and Pumpkin Spice everything, after all! But fall is also a great time to get out and explore. With fewer tourists and cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect season for some fun activities at home, in your local area and beyond.

So what should be on your must-do list this fall? Take a look at some of the following ideas and start filling up your schedule.

Enjoy concerts and special movie nights

If you love attending the theater, concerts and outdoor screenings, then fall is the perfect time to do so. The evenings get darker quicker, so it’s the perfect time for a special cinema screening or outdoor theater performance, where the lighting will be magical. Take some cozy blankets and wrap up warm to beat the chill.

Of course, if you’d prefer to be inside at this time of year, you can always explore some indoor concerts and events for the fall that will be perfect for those cooler evenings. Explore what’s happening in your local area and get involved.

Spend time outdoors

There’s nothing better than a long walk in the cool autumn air. Whether you want to enjoy a hike in the mountains or spend your days at the beach, you’ll find plenty of opportunities throughout the fall months. Why not check out some of the best pumpkin patches to visit and get ready for those all-important themed photoshoots?

You could also use this time to help out in your community. Help collect trash on the beach or your favorite beauty spots, or get involved with a local charity. You could even volunteer for some dog walking at your local shelter as an excellent excuse to spend time outside, while getting to hang out with some new furry friends. 

Discover autumn crafting

One of the best things about fall is the beautiful colors of nature. Shades of red, brown and orange dominate the foliage at this time of year, so why not celebrate this with some crafting? You can make your own fall-themed wreath, enjoy pumpkin crafts and so much more to add a little seasonal color to your home, or gift to friends and family.

TikTok is full of fall craft inspiration, and these fall-themed candles are the perfect way to start.

@gracelynnhewitt99

this was so fun 🤍 #fallcandles #candlemaking #fallaesthetic #asmrvideo #asmrtiktok #asmrsounds #fallhomeinspo

♬ cardigan – Taylor Swift
@gracelynnhewitt99

Why not invite some friends over and enjoy candle-making together?

Curl up with a good book

After a busy summer, fall is a good time to relax and recharge. Is there anything better than curling up with a good book while sitting by the fire or in your cozy reading space? There are some fantastic books to check out this fall, giving you plenty of recommendations to add to your reading list. Get some autumnal snacks ready and plenty of hot chocolate while you indulge in this perfect fall activity.

Fall is a great time of year to take some time for yourself and to do the things you want to do. Whether that means some self-care for you, or a day exploring with friends and family, you’ll find plenty of things to do over the coming months. Make the most of this special time and enjoy all of the wonderful things the season has to offer.

Addendum:

Learn to Play Instruments

With the chill in the air and cozy vibes setting in, why not dive into something new this fall? Learning to play an instrument could be just the thing to add a bit of warmth to your indoor days. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to level up your musical skills, fall’s got the right vibe for it. If you’re into rock, try your hand at the guitar and spice up your tunes with some grit. For all the metal enthusiasts out there, figuring out the best distortion pedal for tube amp can be a cool adventure.

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Book review: ‘Gaining An Edge in Life & Business With AI’ by Jesse Roberts, PhD

‘Gaining An Edge In Life & Business With AI: Unleashing The Power of Generative AI and Chat GPT’ is the new book all about AI and business by Jesse Roberts, PhD. Photo: Amazon

Jesse Roberts, PhD is an award-winning author and one of the world’s foremost experts on artificial intelligence, business strategy, and human productivity. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford, where he published pioneering papers on machine learning and natural language processing. He also earned his MBA from Wharton, fusing his tech expertise with strategic business acumen. Over his 20+ year career, Dr. Roberts has led development of AI technologies at top Silicon Valley companies and advised numerous startups. His bestselling books have established him as a thought leader in leveraging AI to gain an advantage in work and life. His most recent book, “Gaining An Edge In Life & Business With AI: Unleashing the Power of Generative AI and Chat GPT,” provides readers with practical frameworks for deploying AI solutions to become more innovative, efficient, and successful. Backed by decades of research and insider experience advancing AI, Dr. Roberts offers a rare mix of technical knowledge and big-picture thinking. (Amazon, 2023)

“Gaining An Edge In Life & Business With AI” is the must-have playbook for anyone seeking to leverage AI for unparalleled results. This is your ultimate guide to utilizing Chat GPT and Generative AI in ways you never imagined possible. Get the foundational knowledge you need to understand this ground-breaking technology. It includes comprehensive strategies for deploying Chat GPT to maximize ROI, improve customer relations, and drive innovation and real-world applications of AI in various industries—finance, healthcare, education, and more. The author gives the nuanced ethical considerations surrounding AI to ensure responsible usage and step-by-step procedures for implementing AI tools into your own projects, both personal and professional. Learn an expert’s take on what is next for AI and how you can stay ahead of the curve. It is divided into then chapters such as A Brief History of Generative AI, Mastering Chat GPT, and Using Chat GPT to Get Ahead At Work. Get your copy of “Gaining An Edge In Life & Business With AI” today and unlock the limitless possibilities that AI has to offer.

With the rapid rise in AI in business and society in general, “Gaining An Edge In Life & Business With AI” by Jesse Roberts, PhD has never been more relevant. The goal of this book is to arm readers with the tools necessary to get the most out of generative AI but also offers guidelines to make make sure that it augments rather than replace human intelligence. It starts with the history of AI in the 1950s and goes on to modern times and explains how neural networks allowed it to match, and in some cases exceed, human capabilities. Some of the more interesting sections include how to prompt Chat GPT4 in order to get better results and the cases in which it is most useful, like in creative writing and conversational interface apps. Of course, it inevitably covers how it has its limitations for logical reasoning and a potential for bias. Overall, it is an interesting and useful guide into all matters related to AI with plenty of strategies and real life examples to unlock AI’s full potential. It is recommended for CEOs, entrepreneurs, innovators, forward thinking professionals, and readers interested in AI and its many uses and benefits.

“With safety and ethics in mind, the journey ahead promises collaborative creativity between humans and machines like we’ve never seen before. Our future is filled with possibilities as yet unimagined – and AI may be the perfect partner to help discover them.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘The Influencer’ by Christopher M. Jones

‘The Influencer’ is the new suspense thriller by Christopher M. Jones. Photo: Christopher M. Jones, used with permission.

I remember the pre-internet days, but nowadays, having an online presence has become the norm. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to suddenly have no digital presence; and worse of all, to have no one remember you? If you like suspense thrillers with a techno twist as much as I do, today’s new book release might just be your next big read. It imagines a world where a mysterious organization controls and influences every aspect of society. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? I am talking about Dr. Christopher M. Jones’ new novel “The Influencer,” that promises to captivate readers with its touching exploration of a hyper-connected world. Order your copy today.

With over fifteen years of experience in multiple aspects of the tech industry, Dr. Christopher M. Jones combines his professional insights with a passion for storytelling. His comprehensive understanding of technology, strategic planning, and the dynamics of a tech-centric society infuses depth and realism into his literary creations. A seasoned professional with a rich background in technology and computer science management, he unveils his latest work, “The Influencer.” This sci-fi thriller explores the fragile line between online fame and anonymity, blending themes of digital dystopia, existential crises, and high-stakes pursuit. For a deeper insight into “The Influencer” and exclusive updates, visit the official book website. 

Author Christopher M. Jones. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“The Influencer” –  At the heart of the tale is Ira Bode, a globally celebrated social media star. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she awakens to a reality where her entire digital footprint has vanished, propelling her into a life on the run from ‘The Council.’ This mysterious organization, with its tight grip over media, commerce, and politics, dispatches its ominous enforcers—the Hat Men—to capture Ira. Amidst this chaos, she finds an ally in Owen, the only person who remembers her existence.

“The Influencer” is not just a work of fiction; it is a mirror reflecting our contemporary society, where online validation often overshadows real-life connections. It challenges readers to ponder upon the intricacies of our digital identities and the potential consequences of a life deeply entwined with the online realm. Dr. Jones has meticulously weaved themes that resonate with today’s digital age, touching on topics of online identity, tech-driven control, and the societal implications of a digital-first existence. His background in technology and education provides depth to the narrative, making it as thought-provoking as it is engaging. (Dr. Christopher M. Jones, 2023)

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Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Love Beyond Age: Eternally Yours Book 1’ by Stephanie Tyo

‘Love Beyond Age: Eternally Yours Book 1’ is the new paranormal fantasy novel by Stephanie Tyo. Photo: Amazon

Nothing beats an enchanting love story with a touch of the paranormal and that is exactly what today’s new book release is all about. If you like romance novels with complex characters and a complicated fairy tale love story, consider “Love Beyond Age: Eternally Yours Book 1” by Stephanie Tyo. With highly descriptive language and an intense storyline, it is sure to please the romance lover in everyone. It is book one in the Eternally Yours series and is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and other book retailers.

Stephanie Tyo resides in Cornwall, Ontario and brings a unique blend of empathy and intellect to her writing. Trained as a medical assistant and personal support worker, she is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies. Her ultimate aspiration is to become a therapist and eventually a psychologist. Stephanie is enthusiastically exploring various genres. Her love for storytelling is deeply entwined with her commitment to lifelong learning, a value she aims to inspire in her readers. At the heart of Stephanie’s life are her two teenage daughters, their experiences providing a wealth of inspiration for her narratives. Her stories, infused with authentic emotions and experiences, reflect her fascination with the diverse spectrum of human life. Stephanie’s work promises to resonate with readers who share her love for compelling narratives and continuous learning. In her new book “Love Beyond Age: Eternally Yours Book 1,” Quinn’s world is about to change forever as she is faced with having to make a choice that will shape her future. (Amazon, 2023)

“Love Beyond Age: Eternally Yours Book 1” – Set in the small city of Cornwall, Ontario, Quinn is determined to become a psychologist. She leads a simple life with her father, saving for her dreams. However, everything shifts when she meets James, a captivating and enigmatic young man by the river. Their connection grows, and as they embark on their university journeys, Quinn finds herself torn between the mysterious James and her competitive friend, Jasper, for whom she develops feelings. Secrets and revelations unfold, and Quinn discovers the shocking truth about James’ hidden secret. As danger looms and relationships are tested, old feelings resurface, and a love triangle ensues, pushing Quinn to the edge.

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Upcoming new horror movie release: Grieve

From Terror Films, Grieve will be out on digital platforms on Friday October 6, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

It’s officially spooky season! Looking for a horror movie to stream next weekend? Here is a new one from Terror Films.

The new atmospheric horror thriller Grieve, written and directed by Robbie Smith and starring Paris Peterson and Danielle Keaton, hits digital platforms Friday October 6 in North America. It will be available on JOBLO MOVIES, iTunes, and more.

Grieve – A man engulfed in the suffocating grip of loss finds his life fragmented. Struggling to navigate through his emotional fog, his mother suggests a retreat to her cabin – but an ancient entity that thrives on sorrow has taken root. The New England winter punctuates this love letter to creeping horror and slow cinema, like a marriage of Chantal Ackerman and Kiyoshi Kurosawa. (October Coast, 2023)

Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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Taco Cabana pairs barbacoa and Big Red for special bundle deal

For a limited time, enjoy the iconic pairing of barbacoa tacos and Big Red for just $6.99 at participating Taco Cabana locations in San Antonio and Austin only. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Are you a fan of Barbacoa and Big Red? Then this special deal from Taco Cabana is just for you:

Launching Friday, September 29, 2023, Taco Cabana will extend a special value offer to Barbacoa and Big Red fans. For a limited time, when guests purchase two (2) Barbacoa tacos for $6.99 they will receive a complimentary 12 oz. can of Big Red. This offer is valid while supplies last at participating Taco Cabana locations in San Antonio and Austin only. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

The limited-time Barbacoa and Big Red special is available through curbside, pick-up, drive-thru, in-restaurant, and via mobile order through the My TC! App. Not available through third party delivery providers.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly-made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of September 27, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

New book release: ‘House One’ by Nina Wilson

‘House One’ is the new novel by Nina Wilson. Photo: Amazon

Who can resist a good mystery novel filled with suspense and spooky settings? These types of books have always been my favorite, and growing up, I would look forward to my next suspenseful read. Today’s new book release is a novel for young readers ages 15-18 that centers around the strange goings on in a summer camp for children. “House One” by Nina Wilson takes place at a summer camp and involves unexplained deaths and malevolent forces. Check it out for yourself. Suitable for all readers, it is available on Amazon.

Nina Wilson is an author, poet, and photographer from the middle of nowhere Iowa. She has a B.A. in History and Fiction, and an M.F.A. in fiction. She has published a handful of poems in various literary magazines. Her two previous novels, “Surrender Language” and “Malady,” were published by Adelaide Books, the editor of which unfortunately is now involved in a handful of class-action lawsuits for fraud. Personally, she is an avid cat-lover, history nerd, and spear-fighter in a Historical European Martial Arts group. She enjoys hiking with her cats and cemetery photography. Her novel “House One” is largely based on her experience working at a summer camp for six summers and all the mayhem and mystery that went along with it. (Nina Wilson, 2023)

“House One” – Deep in the hills of Greenville, Iowa sits a century-old summer camp for children—Camp Kellova. Throughout the various remodels over time, House One remains a mysterious entity. Danger still lurks and unexplained deaths continue with frequency. Long-time camp counselor, Laurel has always been leery of House One. This summer, after she pulls a body out of Lake Owaissa, she decides it is time to find out why the spirit of this cabin has become so merciless. What malevolent forces are behind the mysterious happenings at House One? More importantly, what can Laurel do to keep the children out of its shadowy grip?

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Book review: ‘Leo and the Magic Telescope: Adventure of Making Friends’ by Anjita Jain

‘Leo and the Magic Telescope: Adventure of Making Friends’ is the new children’s book by Anjita Jain. Photo: Amazon

Anjita Jain is an IT Professional by day, writes whimsical worlds by night, and masterfully bridges the realms of technology and tales. A mother of two and a lover of nature’s wonders, her life is a tapestry of tech insights, vibrant stories, and the simple joys of family and pets. Journey into the charming town of Minglewood with Anjita Jain’s debut children’s book, “Leo and the Magic Telescope,” a vibrant and heartwarming tale. Jain masterfully weaves a narrative that teaches valuable life lessons, while keeping young readers engaged with whimsical illustrations and enchanting storytelling. This story is a must-have addition to any child’s library. (Amazon, 2023)

“Leo and the Magic Telescope: Adventure of Making Friends” is a magical journey of friendship and self-discovery, where young readers learn that, just like the boundless cosmos, they too are full of endless possibilities and magic. The story centers around Leo, a little lion who discovers a magic telescope that provides him with enlightening insights into his friends’ fears and feelings. Through his journey, Leo learns about empathy, understanding, and the power of being uniquely himself. Join Leo in his heartwarming adventure and discover the magic that unfolds when we view the world through a lens of empathy and understanding.

This is the story of Leo the lion who lives in a town full of colors, as evidenced by the beautiful and colorful illustrations. He is about to start school, so he is understandably nervous because sometimes it is hard to make friends, even though you are a lion. When he gets to school, he is told he is too loud and too big which makes him sad because he has no friends. Until he discovers a telescope in the attic that promises magic. With a heartwarming message, this book is perfect for children ages 4-8 as well as parents and educators who can use it as a tool to guide children and teach them how to make friends by being a friend. It teaches the importance of empathy and friendship as well as self esteem and emotional intelligence. This resourceful and powerful book also serves as a bedtime story and reminder to your little one of the importance of being a good friend. The message of acceptance and empathy resonates with both children and adults. This book will surely become a treasured bedtime favorite, inspiring children to be kind, understanding, and above all, themselves.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

New bluegrass album: The Long And Lonesome Letting Go

Jim Lauderdale taps the ever talented Po’ Ramblin’ Boys for a new bluegrass album. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

On September 15, Jim Lauderdale and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys released The Long And Lonesome Letting Go, a twelve-song LP of all-new Lauderdale co-writes—half of which was written with Po’ Ramblin’ Boys guitarist Josh Rinkel. Other co-writers include 10-time IBMA Award winner Becky Buller, North Carolina old soul Joe Newberry, well-traveled producer/songwriter Jimmy Ritchey, and rising young guns Logan Ledger and Alex Leach. Whether as co-writer, bandleader, master of ceremonies, or musical ambassador for musical styles or states, Lauderdale has been one of Americana music’s all-time great collaborators and The Long and Lonesome Letting Go stands as one of the best collaborative works in his 36-album discography. (IV-PR, 2023)

“When he came to ask about making an album, we were seriously blown away,” says C.J. Lewandowski, mandolinist of Grammy-nominated bluegrass outfit The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys. “It was really validating—Jim Lauderdale calling us to do a bluegrass album,” says Lewandowski. “We must be doing something right,” says one of the genre’s most promising young torchbearers who saw Lauderdale perform many times throughout his upbringing in Missouri.

Lauderdale and The Po Ramblin’ Boys shared the album’s lead-off track, “Long And Lonesome Letting Go,” another co-write, this time with prolific writer and seasoned multi-instrumentalist, Bob Minner. Joining the already-stacked lineup is one more unmistakable voice; that high tenor of Bluegrass Hall of Famer Del McCoury. Fans can hear the up tempo heartache of “Long And Lonesome Letting Go” here or at No Depression where “Long And Lonesome Letting Go” is in their Bonus Tracks column.

Jim Lauderdale and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys will both be headed to this year’s IBMA World Of Bluegrass conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, performing The Long And Lonesome Letting Go tunes together as well as separate sets of their own original songs. 

The Long And Lonesome Letting Go track list:
Long And Lonesome Letting Go (2:43)
She’s On A Different Train (2:31)
I’m Only So Good At Being Good (4:13)
You Fell Off The Face Of The Earth (2:51)
Last Resort (2:50)
Ghost Of A Rose (3:51)
Darkness Is The Other Side of Light (2:41)
If I Could Only Get My Heart To See (2:20)
That Was When We Were Together (2:40)
A Better Place (2:36)
She’s The Light (3:31)
Drop The Hammer Down (2:35)

Jim Lauderdale Tour Dates:
September 29 FRI IBMA Bluegrass Live Raleigh, NC
October 5 Suwannee Roots Revival Live Oak, FL
October 5 Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers Gainesville, GA
October 12Gram Parsons Guitar Pull and Tribute Festival Waycross, GA
October 17 Jim Lauderdale live at People’s Brewing Lafayette, IN
November 10 Center Austin, TX, United States
November 11 Jim Lauderdale with special guest Tony Ramey Richardson, TX
November 16 The Franklin Theatre Songwriter Series: Sierra Hull, Jim Lauderdale, Bobby Tomberlin, & Lillie Mae Franklin, TN, United States
November 17 Jim Lauderdale LIVE Paducah, KY, United States
February 4 Outlaw Country Cruise 2024 Andover, FL, United States
February 15 Tractor Tavern Sunny Sweeney Seattle, WA, United States

Po’ Ramblin’ Boys Tour Dates:
September 30 IBMA World of Bluegrass at Red Hat Amphitheater Raleigh, NC
October 16 Gatlinburg Craftsman’s Fair Gatlinburg, TN
October 17 Gatlinburg Craftsman’s Fair Gatlinburg, TN
October 18 Gatlinburg Craftsman’s Fair Gatlinburg, TN
October 19 Bluegrass Island Music Festival Manteo, NC
November 3 The Rex Galax, VA