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)
‘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?
‘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.
‘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.
‘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
“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.
‘Black’ is the exciting new novel by Skyler Van Kirk. Photo: Skyler Van Kirk, used with permission.
I am excited about today’s new book release news. It combines historical and speculative fiction. Stories in speculative fiction take place in a setting other than the real world, a parallel universe of sorts. These are some of the most artistic works of literature because they immerse the reader in either futuristic, dystopian, or imagined worlds. Now picture, if you will, a novel that puts forth the question: is the chief in the oval room really in charge, or is it the fury of the people that fuels the country? In Skyler Van Kirk’s “Black,” the time is coming when the Commander in-Chief will be in direct confrontation with the potent retribution of the people. Sounds exciting, right? If you enjoy the types of novels that explore such topics, pick up your copy today. It is available on Amazon.
Skyler Van Kirk’s journey began in the heart of a sprawling urban wilderness. The raw material of fantasy, woven into the very fabric of this concrete jungle, was the crucible that forged his inspiration to awe-inspiring heights. From those pulsating streets, his words ascended. The strokes of his pen metamorphosed into narratives of passion, love, epic drama, and heart-wrenching tragedy. What was once a pursuit of artistic expression has now become a relentless odyssey to push the boundaries of his readers’ emotions to their limits. When it comes to the sky, it does not get any higher! His new book, “Black,” is about the true power of the Commander-in-Chief and what happens when the pale faces behind the most protected building on the planet have to face the vengeance of the people who built it. (Skyler Van Kirk, 2023)
“Black”– In the past, dreams were taken away by force. Labor was forced and ran by profit. This country was built on a billion-dollar business. Laws were made to keep certain people mentally and physically broken. Families were ripped apart, all for the fortune of this country. Women were used, men were emasculated, and children became the worst victims. Yet, through all of this, they survived. One day they became free, or did they?
In the present, it seems that in generations down the line, certain people are still fighting for the American dream. It is supposed to be better, yet it is not. It is supposed to be easier but it is not. Our children learn that with their ancestors this country would not exist. The people in power are fighting hard to hide their dirty little secrets. People in power are going as low as to rename what really happened to so many people. The one word that still haunts them is “Slavery.”
Now here we are in the future, and things have actually changed. We have our first female president in history. The commander-in-chief is a woman, a woman who is supposed to be a beacon of hope. Yet, just like in the past with every action, there is a reaction. Our newly elected president really thinks she can solve this country’s number one problem. A problem that has been growing for decades, “Debt.”
Regrettably, that ember of hope has morphed into a venomous mirage, adorned by people dressed in powerful deceptive lies. The Commander-in-Chief, seated atop the pinnacle of universal power, desperately clings to a perilous conviction: Only by rebirthing relics from the darkest past of history can she exorcise the unsurmountable national debt.
The past seems to fade into the dark hushed abyss, vanishing like a fridged whisper in the night, while it unfurls its mighty wings. A vengeful lineage, no longer willing to be pawns in the government’s game, stands fortified. No longer shall the heavens rain down fire and brimstone upon, for this time this generation will go to war.
The ancestors of this country were scared by new land and therefore forced into shackles. Now, the juggernaut of a government must finally come face to face and grapple with a nation that has thrown on war paint like the gladiators of yesteryears. How then, will a governance contend with the people who hold them up? The People are finally awake from years of slumber and refuse to yield.
‘The Deseret Reckoning’ is the thrilling new novel by Matthew L.. Huffman. Photo: Amazon
While I like all types of books, one of my favorite genres is historical fiction because I love history. Historical fiction features a story that takes place in or involves a historically important time period. Today’s new book release, “The Deseret Reckoning” by Matthew L Huffman centers around Susan, an ambitious young woman at the Smithsonian Museum whose life takes a surprising turn when she discovers a series of letters dating back to 1870 that involve a wagon train and a hidden mine. With plenty of action and adventure, this suspenseful work of literary fiction is available on Amazonand is sure to please fans of the genre.
Matthew L. Huffman is an avid fly fisherman, a dedicated western states traveler, outdoorsman, and writer. He is a full time professional land surveyor in the front range areas of Colorado, where he calls Arvada home. Huffman holds a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of South Florida, a philosophy major. A Pandemic novella, “Of Dice and Men” (2019), was his first published work. “The Deseret Reckoning” (2023) is his first full-length novel. This latest stunning release is a tale based in history and told through the eyes of Susan Kingsley, a shy yet bold museum assistant in the midst of change, displacement, and growth. (Matthew L Huffman, 2023)
“The Deseret Reckoning” – Susan Kingsley is a historical acquisitions assistant with career ambitions at the Smithsonian Museum. She shares an apartment with her ex-husband, FBI special agent Andrew Harrison. Susan has discovered copies of a series of letters from 1870 describing a wagon train from Santa Fe, New Mexico, bound for the Deseret Territory, the Mormon lands prior to Utah statehood, and a hidden mine.
The new owner of the letters, twenty-seven-year-old Tom Sullivan, a distant relative of the recipient, joins two older friends on a camping trip to discover the source of the letters. While Susan tracks Tom and his letters across Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, Andrew tails her every step. After a chance encounter with Kat, a friendly face at a challenging time, a bolder, fiercer Susan emerges.
As Susan’s character arc grows, Andrew’s arc delves from petty disagreements to all-out fraud and deception, a cop with a grudge. What secrets will be revealed? What has been hidden in the mine? Will Susan succeed, or will Andrew sabotage her efforts and commit the ultimate crime?
“This irresistible novel manages the curious trick of making the reader want to stand up and cheer… A transformative tale of personal reinvention from a masterful storyteller.” – Kirkus Reviews (Kirkus Star)
“… a thoughtful but well-paced adventure… raising the stakes, right till the end. This novel is as much a journey of self discovery and newfound determination as it is a quest for retracing a historical trail.” –BookLife
Cut My Hair is the second single from Sun Room’s upcoming new EP At Least I Tried. Photo: Sun Room, used with permission.
Sun Room has stepped out as Southern California’s foremost surf-rock band without ever trying to do anything other than have a good time. Luke Asgian (lead vocals & guitar), Ashton Minnich (guitar), and Max Pinamonti (bass) first came together by playing local house shows amongst the young surf community in SoCal, but after a series of viral moments, two of their singles Crashed My Bike and Something That You’re Missing were included on the Netflix series Outer Banks. Within just six months of the band forming, Sun Room scored a spot at Austin City Limits, sold out a run of headline shows across the US, supported Louis Tomlinson’s North and South American tours, and joined Inhaler for another tour in Europe. (Big Hassle, 2023)
The band recently released Cut My Hair, the second single from their upcoming EP. Quickly waltzing into overdrive, the band’s latest offering is a rebellious, modern spin on the endless summer vibes of the 50s, all while knowing all good things come to an end. Upbeat while overwhelmingly aloof, the band can not be phased when they are taking things day by day.
They also announced that their At Least I Tried EP will arrive in full form on November 30. The single Cut My Hair, along with most of the EP, were produced by one of the band’s biggest idols and influences from growing up in California, Zac Carper of FIDLAR – fans can pre-saveAt Least I Tried.
Last month, Sun Room released the title track of their upcoming EP At Least I Tried, along with an official video. In the Jack Revell directed cut, the band is seen trying their best to make it through a whirlwind week, featuring footage from a house show they played in San Diego for the 4th of July. Paste Magazinepremiered the single and said, “It’s vibrant, rowdy and a hell lot of fun.” On November 30, Sun Room will release their At Least I Tried EP in its entirety, with an official video for Cut My Hair leading up.
Kicking back up for its second leg, Sun Room is out on a headline tour through the end of the month. The remaining dates will see the band joined by Sarah & the Sundays and Surf Trash. Leaving a trail of chaos as they move coast to coast, Sun Room’s tour will end in their home state of California, for a series of shows that are sure to be some of the rowdiest on the run. The band will ring in the new year with a series of Australian festival performances and their first ever headline tour of the country.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES – 2023 November 28 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren $ November 29 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre $ November 30 – Flagstaff, AZ – Prochnow Auditorium December 26 – Perth, AUS – Out & About Festival December 28 – Sunshine Coast, AUS – Sol Bar December 29 – Byron Bay, AUS – The Northern December 30 – Gold Coast, AUS – Best Night Ever Festival
January 1 – Brisbane, AUS – Spaced Out Festival January 2 – Coffs Harbour, AUS – Coffs Hotel January 4 – Port Macquarie, AUS – Finnians Hotel January 5 – Newcastle, AUS – King Street Bandroom January 6 – Avalon Beach, AUS – Avalon RSL January 7 – Wollongong, AUS – La La La’s January 9 – Sydney, AUS – The Lansdowne January 11 – San Remo, AUS – Westernport Hotel January 12 – Melbourne, AUS – Stay Gold January 13 – Mornington, AUS – Coastal Jam Festival January 14 – Geelong, AUS – Barwon Club January 19 – Adelaide, AUS – Jive
‘Let the Devil In’ is the new novel by Maeve McKnight. Photo: Amazon
Romance novels are some of the most popular books and come in a variety of sub-genres. They are often a guilty pleasure because they are usually easy to read and immerse the reader in a world where a person, or a couple, overcome adversity to obtain their happily every after. On that subject, today’s new book release is “Let the Devil In” by Maeve McKnight. This romance e-book centers around Agatha, whose world is rattled when she meets a mysterious man who makes her feel emotions she does not feel for the man is supposed to be marrying. Want to find out what other surprises life has in store for her? Order your copy today, this title is available on Amazon Kindle.
Maeve McKnight is a working woman by day and a romance writer by night. She longs to bring life to the characters in her head and introduce them to the world. She has been married for ten years to her supportive husband and is a mother to a young child and a Yorkshire Terrier. (Maeve McKnight, 2023)
“Let the Devil In” – Agatha had her life planned for her by both her parents and society. She was to be married to the richest family in town. She feels nothing for her new fiancée but it doesn’t matter in a world that only cares about money and climbing the social ladder. However, a strange man she never met makes her feel alive. He then offers her a deal. Will she make the right choice?
Cary Morin’s upcoming album Innocent Allies takes inspiration from famed western painter Charles M. Russell. It will be out January 26, 2024. Photo: Google
Internationally acclaimed as a mesmerizing live performer, Cary Morin’s soul-stirring voice and jaw-dropping fingerstyle guitar playing have captivated audiences for decades. Morin’s career catalog fuses the best of American roots music: blues, folk, soul, bluegrass, and the timeless and distinctive sounds of the rural countryside, from the Western Plains and Rocky Mountains to the rhythmic melting pot of the deep South. His music has reached millions through prestigious performances at venues like the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center as well as national television and radio programs. He has shared stages with Taj Mahal, Los Lobos, and Bonnie Raitt, among countless others, while earning multiple awards including two Indigenous Music Awards for Best Blues CD. When not performing across the US and Europe, Morin finds inspiration in Northern Colorado, which he proudly calls home. (IV-PR, 2023)
With Innocent Allies—due for release on January 26, 2024—Morin observes details in Charles M. Russell’s painting from his perspective as a Native Crow and sets them to song. “Situations depicted in his paintings that might not be obvious to some are subtle cultural or ritualistic details,” says Morin, pointing out Russell’s Indian Hunters Return, in which an elder is being served their meal first; a customary gesture in Crow culture. “As an Indigenous artist, I bring a perspective to this aspect of Charlie’s work by way of this body of songs.” Morin is also quick to note that Charles M. Russell was a friend to the Plains Tribes, concerned with the destruction of Native culture and portraying Native Americans in his paintings with a dignity that was largely absent from other artists’ portrayals of the time. “This record is a masterpiece worthy of its place among the great works of art it was created to honor,” says Trina Shoemaker, the Grammy-winning producer who mixed and mastered the album at her Alabama studio.
Morin shared the first single from Innocent Allies: the impetus for the album itself, “Big Sky Sun Goes Down.” Fans can watch the music video for “Big Sky Sun Goes Down”—produced by Randy Perkins & Film Locale—and stream or purchase the single.
Innocent Allies track list: Big Sky Sun Goes Down Waiting and Mad Waiting for a Chinook Old Timer’s Poem Good Medicine Killing the Blues Indian Hunters Return Whiskey Before Breakfast Big Nose George’s Outlaw Blues Fire Boat Bullhead Lodge Wally and Keeoma Where the Trails Cross the Big Divide Montana Sky
SA Examiner 