Taco Cabana announces all new Fritos Quesadilla to celebrate National Quesadilla Day

Celebrate National Quesadilla Day with Taco Cabana’s Fritos® Pie Quesadilla. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

In celebration of National Quesadilla Day on September 25, 2023, and to showcase a newly established strategic partnership with PepsiCo®/Frito-Lay®, Taco Cabana will launch its all-new Fritos® Pie Quesadilla for just $6.69 (small) and a Fritos® Pie Taco for just $3.99 at all participating Texas Taco Cabana locations. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

Guests will be able to enjoy a quesadilla made with two flour tortillas filled with melted Jack & Cheddar cheeses, chile con carne, Fritos® corn chips, pico de gallo and jalapeños, and served with a side of queso, as well as a taco with melted Jack & Cheddar cheeses, chile con carne, Fritos® corn chips, pico de gallo and jalapeños served on a freshly made in house flour tortilla.

These delicious additions to the TC menu will be the first culinary items developed as part of an ongoing partnership with PepsiCo® including Frito-Lay® that will allow for many innovative and exciting TC food & beverage creations in the future. The Fritos® Pie Quesadilla and Taco will be released as part of TC’s 45-year anniversary celebrations.

“TC’s commitment to our guests in relation to ongoing culinary innovation is unwavering and with the launch of both a Fritos® Pie Quesadilla and a Fritos® Pie Taco, that guest promise continues our tradition.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana’s President and Chief Operating Officer.

Guests 21 years of age or older may also enjoy the limited-time TC45 Vodkarita, made with Tito’s® Handmade Vodka and sold in a commemorative 24-ounce yard cup as well as any one of TC’s six refreshing tequila margarita flavors.

The Fritos® Pie Quesadilla and Taco are available through curbside pick up, drive thru, in restaurant, and via mobile order through the My TC! App.

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 18, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company owned restaurants in Texas.

New book release: ‘Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family’ by Damian D. Lewis

“Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family: Mental Health: A Journey of Courage and Resilience” is the new book by Damian D. Lewis. Photo: Amazon

The subject of mental health, especially mood disorders like depression and anxiety, touches almost everyone at one time or another. Either we know someone who needs help, or we ourselves need help. It includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being and can be influenced by genetics, our environment, and the sum of our life experiences. According to Damian D. Lewis, author of the new book “Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family: Mental Health: A Journey of Courage and Resilience,” “good mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness, but also about developing positive qualities like resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.” This book is not just for the person struggling with mood disorders, but for anyone who cares enough to seek guidance. It is available on Amazon.

“Living With Depression: Navigating Mood Disorders as a Family: Mental Health: A Journey of Courage and Resilience” – Within this book lies a powerful and heartfelt guide to conquering the challenges of depression and mental health disorders with the unwavering support of loved ones. It explores the often-overlooked impact that mood disorders can have on relationships and family, while providing practical strategies for finding hope and healing even in the toughest of times.

With compassion and insight, this book warmly welcomes you to a community of survivors, where you will find the courage to face your struggles and reclaim the joy that has been waiting for you on the other side of depression and related mental health disorders. Whether it is your mental health disorder or that of a loved one, this book offers the inspiration and support you need to move forward with strength and resilience.

Above all, remember this: you are never alone. Take comfort in knowing that help is always available, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how daunting the struggle may seem. Embrace the promise that your story, your strength, and your potential for growth are waiting for you, and let this book be your guide.

Meet Damian Lewis, your friendly neighborhood storyteller:

“Hey there, I’m Damian, and I’m a firm believer that stories have a magical power. They can whisk you away to fantastical realms, make you ponder life’s big questions, or simply give you a good chuckle—all in the time it takes to finish your morning coffee.

But there’s more to my tales than meets the eye. I’m on a mission to unravel the fascinating tapestry of the human mind, one story at a time. You see, I’ve always been intrigued by the way our emotions dance to the rhythm of our thoughts.

In my writing, I dive deep into the oceans of mental health, exploring the enigmatic currents of anxiety, depression, and resilience. It’s a journey I’m deeply passionate about, and I’ve found that stories are the perfect vessel to explore these uncharted waters.

As I always say, ‘The future is now.’ When you crack open one of my stories, you’re not just reading words on a page; you’re embarking on a voyage through the intricate landscapes of the human psyche. Whether it’s an offbeat comedy, a heartwarming tale of connection, or a spine-tingling thriller, my stories are designed to resonate with the human experience.

And hey, I’m not all about the serious stuff. I love to sprinkle a bit of humor into my narratives because life’s too short not to share a good laugh.

So, come along on this adventure with me. Let’s explore the extraordinary in the ordinary, find joy in the little moments, and dive headfirst into the incredible complexity of our minds—one story at a time. After all, the best tales are the ones we create together.” #DamianLewisStories

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Book review: ‘Pandemia: Wading Through The Pandemic’ by Serene T. Marshall

‘Pandemia: Wading Through The Pandemic’ is the new book by Serene T. Marshall. Photo: Amazon

Serene T. Marshall was born on the island of Grenada, where she spent her formative years, and now lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She has earned degrees in literature from Colgate University and the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Serene’s articles have appeared in the Boston Globe and the Charlotte Observer. Critical social issues facing the nation sprinkled with thrilling island folklore are craftily interwoven in her debut novel “Pandemia: Wading Through The Pandemic” – an account of one community’s experiences during the pandemic. It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and other online retailers.

“Pandemia: Wading Through The Pandemic” – At the beginning of the pandemic, Mel and a group of ladies are determined to tackle the critical social issues of the day. Tania must accept abrupt uncertainty and allow herself to wrestle with the viral infection thrown in her direction. The story begins with Uncle B and others gathering to watch the evening news on television that is updating the public on the number of COVID cases, testing mandates, and flight information. As the ladies gather at the local Caribbean restaurant, they worry about how immigrants will be treated due to all the mandates and lock downs going on, as they share family stories about how life was like for them years ago. All the while, citizens take to the streets in protest of the current social and racial injustices facing the nation. Meanwhile, in a rural hideout, a militia group plots a revolt against state and national leadership, unable to come to terms with a rapidly changing society. As the virus takes its global toll, a retired Mr. B takes the news in stride, while germaphobe Luanne flees the city in an attempt to protect her sanity and young family from the stark realities of the time. The book is divided into 34 Chapters with an Epilogue that updates what everyone has been up to since those times and the addition of programs to help the community, like the ‘Lifelines for Seniors’ project that helps with transportation and errands.

The growing pandemic woes, travel restrictions, mounting death tolls, and overall uncertainty and worry we felt at the beginning of the pandemic may seem distant now, but the author does an excellent job of reminding us of how it affected others and how universal the human condition is as it relates to pandemics. “Pandemia: Wading Through The Pandemic” describes one woman’s family and community experiences during those troubling times. It is narrated in the first person point of view for optimum effect and the story is heavily dialogue driven. In spite of the heaviness of the subject, it also contains humor to lighten the moments: “’Mask, what masks? It’s not carnival time yet,’ Uncle B chuckled, conversing with the screen.” With relatable characters and language that is easy to understand, we get an insight into what was happening in other communities aside from the national headlines. The author mentions the social issues of the time like shootings of black people and healthcare worker burnout, and oxygen shortages and how they affected neighbors and friends. Highlights include Chapter 27 during Christmas time when people were visiting Santa and Christmas shopping, while a few blocks down, there were food lines and people were dealing with food insecurities and Chapter 34 when the community came together and held a memorial service for several people as well as a fundraiser. While we may not want to revisit all this today, future generations might. Overall, “Pandemia: Wading Through The Pandemic” is a reminder that we are all connected as humans and are capable of coming together when times get tough, regardless of our differences. It is a must-read and recommended for fans of novels based on real events as it pertains to pandemics, sociology, and human relations.

“In due time, persons and countries who choose to dictate whose life is dear and who is not, those who demean, discard, and dispose of life at will, shall have a seismic reckoning.”

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

New children’s book release: ‘Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town’ by Michelle Matos

‘Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town’ is the new children’s book by Michelle Matos that teaches children a valuable life lesson. Photo: Michelle Matos, used with permission.

Aside from being entertaining, children’s books can also teach them life lessons, especially about important subjects such as bullying and accepting yourself. Such is the case in today’s new children’s book release “Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town” by Michelle Matos. Being new in town, Lilly can not wait to go to school so she can make new friends, but the experience does not turn out like she imagined. This book teaches children the importance of accepting people just the way the are. Pick up a copy for your little one – it is available on Amazon.

Michelle Matos has always had a passion for art, which led her to earn a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from Kutztown University. Her love for art started at a young age with reading books. Her mother, who has a love for reading, worked as a librarian. The library was where Michelle would spend much of her time. Remembering how much of an impact books made on her as a child, Michelle was inspired to create heartwarming stories to help children with issues they may face growing up and illustrating them with the beautiful, vibrant colors that captivated her as a child. Her new children’s book is “Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town” teaches children that everyone is unique and special in their own way, just like a unicorn. (Amazon, 2023)

“Lilly The Unicorn: Moves To Town” – In this heartwarming story, Lilly, a young unicorn, moves to a new town and can’t wait to start the school year so she can make friends for the first time. But, Lilly quickly discovers that her new classmates would rather make fun of her horn than actually be her friend. It is not until her teacher, Ms. Owl, who sees how cruelly she is being bullied, intervenes by giving the class a unique assignment that Lilly’s classmates suddenly see Lilly in a blinding new light.

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New book release: ‘Embodied Imaginations’ by Chidambaram Ramesh

“Embodied Imaginations: Fictional Characters Making Experiential Crossings into Real Life: An Unusual Phenomenon” is the new book by Chidambaram Ramesh that looks into the captivating world where characters seem to acquire lives of their own. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Here is an interesting concept: can characters in novels and literature be so well written that they eventually take a life of their own? When writers create a character, they invest so much energy into his/her appearance and personality that sometimes they become the character and attempt to engage with him/her as a real person to the point of describing such interactions as a form of ‘possession.’ This is the subject of the new book by Chidambaram Ramesh titled “Embodied Imaginations: Fictional Characters Making Experiential Crossings into Real Life: An Unusual Phenomenon” in which he attempts to combine modern science with spiritual, mystical, and philosophical theories to create interest in more studies about “how our minds create the world around us.” Curious to find out more about this? Pick up your copy today on Amazon.

Chidambaram Ramesh is a graduate of Madurai Kamaraj University in India with a degree in engineering. He is a freelance researcher and writer striving to rediscover and re-establish several lost, scientifically significant concepts from the past by incorporating these into modern science. He is the author of several works, including “Thought-Forms and Hallucinations: Some Curious Effects of the Holographic Mind Process” and “Lightning as a ‘Photographer’–Revisiting a Forgotten Phenomenon of Nature.” His current interests include studies of consciousness. His new book “Embodied Imaginations: Fictional Characters Making Experiential Crossings into Real Life: An Unusual Phenomenon” introduces readers to the mysterious and profound part of creative writing that they never knew existed before. (Amazon, 2023)

“Embodied Imaginations: Fictional Characters Making Experiential Crossings into Real Life: An Unusual Phenomenon” examines the science behind the writers’ experience of characters developing their own will and taking objective forms. Many writers have the experience that their characters have evolved their own personalities. They start to tell their own stories, and sometimes they could even rebel against the author’s ideas for them and change the course of the whole plot. That is not all, though. Sometimes, literary characters assume objective appearances which are visible not just to the creators, but also to others and manifesting in the real world. These experiences raise several interesting philosophical and scientific questions. Have the writers unwittingly created quasi-conscious entities by the power of their minds? Can thoughts manifest as something tangible that can be seen, heard, or even touched? How genuine are the contents of the mind? “Embodied Imaginations” explores these questions, highlighting the results of an investigation on this fascinating topic, stemming from personal anecdotes of many writers. Providing scientific evidence for the existences of these mental constructs, the goal is to collect robust and reliable building blocks that may help to deconstruct perceptions and provide answers to this phenomenon. The book attempts to give modern science a place where spiritual, philosophical and mystical threads can be interwoven. Efforts have been made to corroborate theoretical claims with experimental evidence, contributing to research in cognitive psychology to determine the role of imagination in creating external reality.

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New documentary release: Beyond the Grave

The new documentary Beyond the Grave is available on digital platforms. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Beyond the Grave, filmmaker Serena DC’s insightful documentary on what happens after we die, has been acquired by Uncork’d Entertainment for a digital release. It is available to rent or purchase on Google Play, Vudu, Amazon, and iTunes. (October Coast, 2023)

Death is the only certainty we have in life, and yet we know so little about it. Beyond the Grave explores the different aspects of the afterlife including near death experiences, channeling the dead, and the attempt to extend one’s lifespan thru cryonics.

After living through a global pandemic, death has been placed at the forefront of our lives. However, what actually happens to us when we die is still shrouded in mystery. There are some cultures who believe that death is truly the end; however there is a growing community of people around the world who claim to have had near death experiences. These people, in the 10s of millions, believe that they have travelled beyond the grave and have proof of the afterlife. The also believe that our consciousness lives on after our bodies die. If this is true, then can the terminally ill freeze their bodies at the time of death, to be brought back to life and healed in the future? There are others who possess a 6th sense and claim to have conversations with the dead or have experienced paranormal phenomena involving visitations by ghosts. Does this mean that humans can communicate with the spirits of people who have died and if so, can these spirits come back to haunt us?

Serena DC meets with the world’s leading scientists, doctors, experts, mediums and paranormal investigators to discover if there really is life Beyond The Grave.

“Appealing to both a true crime and conspiracy theory audience, as well as those genuinely interested in what happens after we depart, is one immersive, captivating documentary,” said Keith Leopard, President of Uncork’d Entertainment. “Fans of Gates of Heaven and Afterlife will find this beautiful new companion piece on digital in September.”

Serena DC is the internationally recognized TV Star, Screenwriter, and Executive Producer who created the feature film “Contact – The CE-5 Experience” starring Dr. Steven Greer, the Emmy nominated documentary “My Transparent Life” and Emmy nominated series “Hollywood Disclosure” which has just finished airing on Hulu across the USA as well as the reality series “Dream Life,” which is currently airing on worldwide on Pluto TV.

Annual Hola México Film Festival presented by Toyota

The annual film festival will take place during Hispanic Heritage Month from September 29 – October 7, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The largest Mexican film festival outside of Mexico, Hola México Film Festival presented by Toyota, returns for its 15th annual edition on September 29 – October 7, 2023 during Hispanic Heritage Month. The festival will feature 20+ films and 20 short films from its filmmaker-focused program Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today. Festival passes are available online. (Hola México Film Festival, 2023)

Founded in 2008, Hola México Film Festival, the largest Mexican Film Festival outside of Mexico, strives to highlight the best and brightest talents in Mexican cinematography. Spanning comedies, dramas, horror films and documentaries, the festival showcases high quality films in a festive atmosphere in conjunction with exclusive parties and outdoor concerts. Sponsors include Toyota, Delta, Aeroméxico, and LA Plaza de Cultura Y Artes.

Hola México Film Festival (HMFF) once again will give viewers the opportunity to gather in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month to watch a selection of some of the latest and most acclaimed Mexican films. The festival gathers more than 10,000 cinephiles to see 20 + films, many of them making their U.S. or West Coast premiers during red carpet galas with celebrated actors and directors in attendance.

Samuel Douek, the founder and director of HMFF, had this to say about the film festival’s ‘quinceañera’ (15th annual celebration.) “We’re very excited to celebrate our 15th anniversary, our ‘quinceañera’ if you will. A ‘quinceañera is the traditional ‘coming of age’ celebration for a young Latina and I very much feel as if the Hola Mexico Film Festival has not simply grown over the past 15 years, but has truly come of age as has our connection with L.A.’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. In 15 years of showing Mexican cinema to our community we’ve seen the Mexican film industry grow in huge leaps and bounds, coincided by a large growth in audience numbers. Still, through all that growth the essence of HMFF remains the same: fantastic Mexican cinema in luxurious movie theaters surrounded by strangers who become familia via our shared love of this great art form, and the celebration of it all!”

“Cinema serves as an exceptional platform for highlighting the richness and diversity of culture,” stated Alex Chau, Brand Media Manager, Integrated Marketing Operations for Toyota Motor North America. “We are thrilled to renew our partnership with the Hola Mexico Film Festival as they commemorate their 15-year milestone, presenting a captivating showcase of Mexico’s most brilliant filmmakers and talented individuals on the grand stage, coinciding with the vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.”

All the greatest movies have memorable movie theater posters and each year the Hola Mexico Film Festival participates in that tradition, priding itself in working with Mexico’s most sought-after graphic designers to create unique and very collectable poster art. This year’s poster was designed by Tone Olvera, a creative Mexican illustrator and art director with more than a decade’s worth of experience in the highly competitive ad agency world. He brings his style of psychedelia inspired mysticism and bold line ‘blackwork’ imagery to the 15th anniversary HMFF poster which features a mythical character embodying ‘Mexicanness’ and presenting Mexican cinema as an offering to the festival spirits.

The opening night film screening on September 29, 2023 will take place at The Montalban Theater located at 1615 Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90028. HMFF will conclude with a closing night screening a concert at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown L.A., preceded by an award ceremony recognizing the audience’s choice for best film and best short film.

The festival is comprised of the following sections: México Ahora, Documental, El Otro México, and Nocturno. México Ahora features the best of Mexican films released in recent years, covering every genre. Documental includes notable non-fiction films made by Mexican filmmakers. El Otro Mexico highlights experiences of Mexicans rarely portrayed on screen, skillfully presenting perceptive narratives that challenge the status quo. The Nocturno section offers offbeat stories and horror films.

For its 8th edition, Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today (TFT), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the growth of emerging Latine filmmakers, continues its annual partnership with HMFF. TFT selects and showcases 20 exceptional Latine filmmakers and their short films during the festival.

The 10-day program not only provides a platform for these talented individuals but also offers an immersive professional development experience. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with both esteemed Mexican filmmakers and renowned industry professionals based in the U.S., opening doors and expanding networks crucial for their career advancement.

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New album release: River – Bonnie Montgomery

Bonnie Montgomery’s new album River will be out November 3, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Raised in rural Arkansas on a soundtrack of southern gospel, Texas swing, Delta blues, and Ozark bluegrass, Bonnie Montgomery trained as an opera singer before launching her award-winning career in outlaw country. While she is not in the spotlight of big budget beer commercials, at least yet, she may just be the most interesting woman in the world. From the high-brow—Montgomery is a classically trained opera singer and wrote a folk opera that ran at New York’s Medicine Show Theatre and was praised in The New Yorker; to the “low-brow”—she was crowned “Outlaw Female” at the infamous Ameripolitan Awards for her non-operatic, country-tinged solo career, amongst a slew of other awards; to life well-beyond music where she became a certified Reiki master in the ongoing process of healing her body from years on the road and from a commercial airline crash in 1999 when she was still a teenager. In all, Montgomery has lived a wonderfully diverse life, full of ups and downs, but until now, has not managed to connect all of her dots in a way she has been happy with. (IV-PR, 2023)

On November 3, Montgomery will release a brand new album entitled River, an eclectic and electrifying amalgamation of every corner of her life and music career up until now. River is a versatile record that shows just how broad Montgomery’s vision of American roots music can be as it flows freely from one genre to the next. It is the crystallization of a sound Montgomery has been creating for years, blurring the boundaries between different formats while presenting Montgomery not only as a powerhouse vocalist but as an autobiographical storyteller and captivating songwriter, too.

“This is the most straight-from-the heart album I’ve ever cut,” says Montgomery, who headed to Texas to record River with co-producer Kevin Skrla. “I’ve always been a multi-genre artist. I have a classical background, but I’m a big fan of soul music and rock, too. Country music was the soundtrack of my childhood. All of that went into River. Making that album felt like the first time I could be me, sing my heart out, and not worry about fitting into any specific box. It was pure. It was freeing.”

With the help of Holler., Montgomery recently premiered the first listen from River with her song “Modern-Day Cowgirl’s Dream.” Dubbed “A real life account of what Montgomery calls “honky-tonkin’ around Texas,” “Modern-Day Cowgirl’s Dream” rides a half-time country backbeat and phase-shifted Telecaster licks to tell the story of “cowboys, neon nights, jumping in the cold springs, and crashing at Miss Whitney Rose’s house—she also sang on the track—and waking up just to do it all over again.” The accompanying music video was directed by actor, singer, Broadway-veteran, and GRAMMY-winner, Zachary James. “We had fun shooting it at the White Water Tavern in Little Rock, where I’ve played hundreds of times,” remembers Montgomery. “The Shoot turned out a little raunchy and reckless, just like the song.”

Fans can watch the video for “Modern-Day Cowgirl’s Dream” and pre-order or pre-save River ahead of its November release. Tour dates and ticket information is available online.

River tracklist:
River
Modern-Day Cowgirl’s Dream
No Way Around It
I Was Fine
Half Drunk
Leon
Check For Your Time
Seventeen
I’ll Know
This Town

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Book review: ‘Dimensions: First Jump’ by Leif J. Erickson

‘Dimensions: First Jump’ is the science fiction adventure novel by Leif J. Erickson. Photo: Amazon

Leif Erickson was born and raised on a grain farm outside Wheaton, MN, not far from White Rock, SD, which served as the inspiration for the Ghost Town series. From a very early age, Leif knew that he was going to be a farmer, just like his father and grandfather. Being an ecologist and former farmer, much of Leif’s writings feature forests, lakes, and nature in general. Leif has always been interested in science and its possibilities for the human race, pushing the envelope of technologies, and finding how far humans can go. Much of Leif’s science fiction writing explores these themes and ideas. His latest book “Dimensions: First Jump” finds Matt Levier crossing dimensions to rescue his sister Libby and ends up in the middle of an interdimensional war for power and control. It is available on Amazon and Book Selfie in audiobook and ebook format.

“Dimensions: First Jump” – The story begins in the middle of a battle, where air sirens are going off and people are running for their lives. We meet the characters that Matt will eventually meet and how they fit into this ongoing battle for control. Chapter 2 introduces readers to Matt Levier, who always took the safe path. After his parents died in a strange accident, he stayed behind to look over his younger sister Libby, putting his college and work plans on hold. Then his sister is murdered under bizarre circumstances and on the night of her funeral, he receives a cryptic phone call at 3a.m. telling him that Libby is alive in another realm and there is a small chance that she can be saved. Matt agrees to meet with the caller, a man named Seth, who is a member of a mysterious group known as the Knights of Shiloh. Seth tells him a story of an interdimensional war that is threatening to rip the very fabric of the universe apart. A group, known as The Syndicate, led by a ruthless dictator has been amassing power and taking over dimensions by brute force, subjugating those they conquer. The only force, other than the Knights, attempting to oppose The Syndicate is the Goths, a shadow group not out for power but to destroy the Syndicate and Earth. Caught between the Syndicate and the Goths, Matt must train in the ancient knowledge of the Knights of Shiloh and help them stop the madness before all dimensions are enslaved by the Syndicate. As Matt uncovers his powers, Syndicate and Goths Forces close in on them. During this battle, Matt discovers secrets and lies and learns that he holds the keys to the salvation of all dimensions.

Time travel and parallel dimensions/universes make exciting storylines for science fiction fans. Having the characters jump from one dimension to another, sometimes at just the right moment, is one of the most thrilling elements of this story. The first time Matt defies gravity: “The pair felt gravity give way beneath them before Matt felt his feet on the ground” hints at similar scenes where they jump dimensions or teleport out. He is reluctant to get involved in this interdimensional struggle, he just wants to find out what happened to Libby. She is captured, but we are never told exactly why she was taken and she does not appear until the end. Her story is not really told, so it is hard to care what happens to her. The story is heavily dialogue driven, fast paced, and the language is easy to understand and poetic at times: “A silver-coin moon illuminated the area as countless stars twinkled like diamonds in the sky.” There are so many characters that sometimes it is hard to keep up with all the names and they tend to be one dimensional. Highlights include the intense battle scenes in Chapter 1 that begins with “The whine of an air-raid siren overpowered the sharp yelling on the ground” and Chapter 17 when Sapphira gets stabbed by Miso but Matt goes back in time to prevent her stabbing and helps her but then passes out from the effort. The title and the cliffhanger of an ending imply that this will be a series so hopefully we will find out why Libby is so important to the story. Overall, “Dimensions: First Jump” is a thrilling science fiction novel that plays with the concept of multiple dimensions where wars are fought for revenge, greed, and power, and includes enough plot twists to keep readers guessing. It is recommended for fans of time travel and science fiction adventures similar to Star Trek, the Matrix universe, and the 2008 movie Jumper.

“Bravery isn’t simply doing the hard thing, bravery is standing up in the face of fear and moving on anyway. It’s telling your fear you are the master of your fate, not your fear. Fear can only hurt you as long as you allow it to.”

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

Carriqui celebrates Dieciséis de Septiembre next weekend

Carriqui will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with live music, special menu, and more. Photo: Carriqui, used with permission.

Carriqui will celebrate Dieciséis de Septiembre, or Mexican Independence Day, next Saturday with live mariachi music, special menu items, and more. Beloved mariachi group Las Coronelas will perform a special set from 4:30p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A representative from the San Antonio Charro Association will also be performing around the restaurant at the same time. (Potluck Hospitality, 2023)

Carriqui will also feature a special menu item to celebrate the holiday: Chiles en Nogada, a beef stuffed poblano chile with walnut cream sauce and pomegranate. The restaurant will also offer a special cocktail available only on September 16. In addition to the limited-time-only drink and Carriqui’s regular beverage menu, LALO tequila will also be onsite hosting tequila tastings for interested guests.

Saturday, September 16, 2023
*Las Coronelas to perform from 4:30p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
*San Antonio Charro Association representative to perform from 4:30p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Special food & beverage menu available all day while supplies last

Carriqui
239 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78215

Founded in 2022, Potluck Hospitality conceives, operates, manages, and partners on culinary and experiential brands in San Antonio, TX. Potluck Hospitality concepts include Best Quality Daughter, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, Carriqui, Food Hall at Bottling Dept., Full Goods Diner, Ladino, Pearl Markets, and Stable Hall (coming 2023). Potluck’s team is made up of chefs, designers, strategists in culture-crafting, brand, and finance that all share a love of food and gathering. Potluck Hospitality’s name pays tribute to memorable experiences with great food, great music, and great company–where everyone has something to contribute. Being together, sharing meals, and communally experiencing music is elemental to what it means to be human.

Carriqui

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Author: Sandra Cruz