Alive will be available on digital platforms starting January 31, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Beware the infection this January! In movie news: in the tradition of 28 Days Later and Cabin Fever comes the new zombie horror movie Alive. It will premiere on digital platforms on January 31 from Gravitas Ventures. From writer/director David Marantz, and featuring an electric cast headed up by Ellen Hillman, Kian Pritchard, and Neil Scheffield.
Alive – Helen navigates a ravaged world with her boyfriend Kevin and her little brother Barney. Desperate to find help after Barney’s infection slowly turns him into a zombie, they come upon a house where Dan lives; he is a man harboring a heavy secret.
Alive, 2022 Horror/Mystery/Thriller – 1h 33m
Forest zombies in Alive. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat has Valentine’s Day Spa Packages available. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so if you need some ideas to celebrate, consider the following from Carriqui, Bakery Lorraine, San Antonio Museum of Art, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, and Hiatus Spa + Retreat:
Carriquiwill host its inaugural Valentine’s Day dinner Tuesday, February 14 from 4p.m. to 9p.m. In addition to the regular menu, a three-course tasting menu is also available for $85 per person. Romantic add-ons are available online or can be requested upon arrival at the restaurant. The add-ons include house-made chocolate truffles or long-stem chocolate covered strawberries from the Carriqui pastry team ($25), fresh cut flower bouquet from Statue of Design ($50), and a bottle of Delamotte Brut champagne ($100).
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Carriqui 239 E. Grayson, San Antonio, TX 78215 Tuesday, February 14 – 4p.m. to 9p.m.
The three-course tasting menu includes:
1st Course – Choice of avocado and tomato salad with arugula, goat cheese, Texas Black Garlic Vinaigrette or Gulf Shrimp bisque with grilled toast and chive cream. 2nd Course – Choice of Marinated Redfish with charred broccolini, avocado mousse and kale chips, Smoked grilled ribeye with crispy potatoes and horseradish cream, or Braised cauliflower with fennel-spiced corn crumble and chili butter. 3rd Course – Choice of chocolate cake with caramel mousse, and almond sesame brittle or lime cheesecake with coconut graham cracker crust.
************************************************** Valentine’s Day Sweets & Flowers for pre-order at Bakery Lorraine All San Antonio locations Pastries available from Saturday February 11 to Tuesday February 14 Pre-order Flowers by Emma Lily Flowers from Wednesday January 25to Friday February 10
For foodies looking forward to delectable Valentine’s sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday at all of their San Antonio locations from Saturday, February 11 to Tuesday, February 14. The sweets include Chocolate Raspberry Tart, Grapefruit Tiramisu, Heart Moonpie, Raspberry Rose Japonaise, Strawberry Pop Heart, and Fraisier. In addition to their themed desserts, Bakery Lorraine is also partnering with Flowers by Emma Lily Flowers for guests to pre-order a set of 12pk of macarons with a bouquet for only $70 or a flower box including six macarons for only $40. Macaron flavors include raspberry, pistachio, chocolate, and strawberry rose. Preorders are available from Wednesday, January 25 until Noon on Friday, February 10, and can be ordered on the Bakery Lorraine website. Pickup for pre-orders will be on Tuesday, February 14 at the chosen location.
************************************************** Valentine’s Day Silver Trunk Showat the San Antonio Museum of Art 200 West Jones Avenue San Antonio, TX 78215 Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 10a.m. to 2p.m.
Couples shopping for a unique gift and stunning for their Valentine can head to the shop at the San Antonio Museum of Art on February, 11, 2023 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. where the latest in silver jewelry from Sarah Roberts, Micha Gonzalez, Moose Pablos, and Spratling are waiting to be discovered. The gorgeous works will be available for purchase and will make the perfect addition to any Valentine’s day surprise.
************************************************** In celebration of Valentine’s Day, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is spreading the love by offering a special “Love Is in the Air” package for first-time flyers that will include four flights and two videos shared by two people. This package is a perfect idea for adventurous couples, friends, and families seeking a thrill this Valentine’s Day. Whether it is for a unique Valentine’s Day date night or a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day celebration, iFLY brings loved ones together for an unforgettable experience.
The exclusive package will be available for purchase online from February 2 through February 19. Flights must be purchased, booked and used at a participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving location within the promotional timeframe (2/2/23 – 2/19/23) for flights to be redeemable. Prices vary per iFLY location.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) Send your sweetheart off on a “choose your own spa adventure” only to return more rejuvenated and relaxed than ever before. They’ll get to pick any 3 of our Essential Services — The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial, The One & Only Mani/Pedi, The Body Wrap, The Body Glow,* or Acupuncture.* $299 ($350 value) *available only at specific Hiatus spa locations
The Love Birds (EarlyBird CBD Partnership) Begin with a crushed rose petal and organic sugar foot soak, heartwarming hot stone shoulder massage then relax side-by-side in a couples massage with our house-blended love potion of rose, jasmine, vetiver and coco butter. Then take flight with EarlyBird Full Spectrum CBD Gummies and float through the rest of your day feeling chill and relaxed. ($350 / $279 H-Circle Member)
Teddy Bear Stories 2 will be out February 14, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
If you are a fan of R&B and hip hop then do I have big news for you. Prince Casanova is an artist from Long Beach, California. He is also a singer, rapper, talented music producer, recording and mixing engineer, and writer in the genres of hip hop, rap, pop, country, rock, and R&B. He has a new album coming up next month: Teddy Bear Stories 2, an extended project from Teddy Bear Stories 1. (Prince Casanova, 2023)
Prince Casanova was once a part of a label called Upncomingrecords. He was a producer at the time while attending a Los Angeles film school later graduating and obtaining his Associates of Science Degree in Recording Arts; he was one of the top students in his class. He later started composing his own music and now has released 6 albums and 11 singles. His new album titled Teddy Bear Stories 2 will be released February 14, 2023.
Artist Name : JstLszn (Just-Listen) aka Prince Casanova Teddy Bear Stories 2 9 tracks
After an advanced screening of the new album I can say that overall the new music has a sharp, crisp, and grooving feel that will please fans of the genre. The artist’s hard work and dedication comes through in each song and I commended him for sharing his craft with music fans. If you enjoy hip hop and R&B, this album should be on your to buy list. It should be noted that it contains adult themes and language.
‘Sailing In Dark Waters’ is the new poetry anthology by Jordan Francis. Photo: Amazon
Jordan Francis has been writing poetry off and on for almost 20 years. He hit his stride during Covid when he created his website enabling him to share his poetry with the world. This enabled him to gain the confidence needed to write more and gain a bigger platform. Jordan has struggled with depression and anxiety for most of his life and his lessons learned through them shine through in his writings. Back in 2013 the author survived a suicide attempt which is written about in his poem “Once, Twice, Thrice.” He has been a champion for mental health for the last 6 years and openly shares his story. He served in Law Enforcement for almost 11 years before leaving to go back to school and is currently working towards a bachelors degree in computer science while continuing to write and promote his book. His new book “Sailing In Dark Waters: A Poetry Anthology by The Mad Poet” is a powerful anthology of poems dealing with a variety of topics. (Jordan Francis, 2023)
“Sailing In Dark Waters” – deals with mental health issues, the writers’ struggle with their faith, and life in general. The poems are beautifully written and thought provoking. Many of the poems are autobiographical, especially “Love Won and Lost,” and “Once, Twice, Thrice.” “Once, Twice, Thrice” tells the writers story of his own suicide attempt. All of the poems are written in free verse poetry though some do have a certain rhythm to them. This book of poetry is accessible to everyone and is truly written to be able to be appreciated by anyone.
The Governor aka The Gov is a multi-talented musical producer, songwriter, performer, music executive/CEO now author. Born and raised in Oakland California, he is involved in a variety of genres from poetry, comedy, and urban ghetto stories. He hopes that by pouring his street knowledge and musical career into his books, it will provide a vivid visual for connecting with viewers from the different aspects of life. (Amazon, 2023)
“Off The Dribble” – This is an excellent work of urban fiction that centers around young Maxwell Pixar who grew up in East Oakland, California. His story begins during his youth, as he references the days, and his life’s struggles, which he compares to basketball and uses sports metaphors throughout the book. Based on his knowledge growing up, his life is made up of four levels: the gansta, player, Mack and hustler and even as a young boy, he was always looking around, absorbing everything around him and he learned lessons that served him as he grew older. Some of these included how there are two sides to every story and the importance of getting both before forming an opinion and that ‘the hood’ needs to be openminded and optimistic in order to grow and progress.
Further, he comments on the biases and the justice system and how they effect different types of people and in multiple ways. It is an interesting take on the judicial structures through the eyes of a young African American male. It brings out topics such as the fourteenth amendment and the issue of privacy between a detainee and his/her attorney. There is very interesting word play, which I am only assuming the author uses to give the story authenticity. It is a quick read and should interest readers who like urban fiction, reflected through the views of Black/African American voices.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Mile Twelve’s new album Close Enough to Hear will be out February 3, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Mile Twelve, Boston’s modern string band, is back in motion. From the first manic downbeat of their virtuosic new record, CloseEnough to Hear, you will discover a band that is ready to explode from a restless pandemic-induced hiatus. You will hear the same warmth and innovation that earned the band IBMA’s 2019 Album of the Year nomination and 2020 New Artist of the Year Award, which has gained them an international reputation as one of the most dynamic bands in contemporary acoustic music. Heard as a whole, Close Enough to Hear displays the vast creative potential of the bluegrass quintet—banjo (BB Bowness), mandolin (Korey Brodsky), fiddle (Ella Jordan), acoustic guitar (Evan Murphy), and upright bass (Nate Sabat)—in the hands of world-class musicians. (Mile Twelve, 2023)
Fans of Mile Twelve will notice the presence of two new members on Close Enough to Hear: fiddler and vocalist Ella Jordan and mandolinist Korey Brodsky. Take note of the new dimension they add to the band and their ability to lock in with founding members Evan Murphy, Catherine Bowness, and Nate Sabat. These are not session players; this album captures the formation of a new coherent unit.
Both of the bands’ previous full-length albums, as well as their guest star-packed EP, were recorded in Nashville but the new challenges of traveling and dodging positive Covid tests kept the band closer to home. They chose Sam Kassirer’s legendary Great North Sounds in the woods of Parsonsfield, Maine, a studio that has played host to a murderer’s row of Americana acts and has become a fixture of the New England recording scene. Leading up to the making of their new album, Mile Twelve—a flourishing act whose output has helped push the envelope of New England’s progressive bluegrass and string-band scene—learned a whole new level of perseverance, patience, and performance.
Fans can watch the music video for “Close Enough to Hear” and pre-order or pre-saveClose Enough to Hear ahead of its February3 release.
This is a band looking forward—simultaneously shoring up their bluegrass foundations (in the transfixing acapella opening of “If Only,” for example) while also pushing their musical boundaries and driving into new territory. You will detect flavors of jazz (“Red Grapes on the Vine”), acoustic pop (“Take Me As I Am”), and trance music (“Light of Angels”). Heard as a whole, CloseEnough to Hear displays the vast potential of acoustic string band music in the hands of capable players.
Close Enough to Hear track list: Romulus Johnny Oklahoma Close Enough To Hear Red Grapes on the Vine Light of Angels Hopping Around Telluride Waiting Anywhere Town Take Me As I Am If Only
Ken Lindner is the founder of Positive Life Choice Psychology™ and the Positive Life Choice Psychology Lifestyle™. His calling is to envision what can be in people and to craft the steps that turn their great potential into a highly positive and productive reality. Ken Lindner graduated from Harvard University (magna cum laude) and from Cornell Law School. In “Aspire Higher: How to Find the Love, Positivity, and Purpose to Elevate Your Life and the World!,” he encourages you to truly love yourself, lead your very best and highest life, and spread that love to the world around you. (Ken Lindner, 2023)
“Aspire Higher” – The COVID-19 pandemic has wrought global devastation along with rampant violence, vitriol, racism, distrust, and anger. The world is in serious need of love, repair, and healing and so are all of us as individuals. There has never been a better time than right now to seize the life you truly crave, be your greatest self, and share that positivity with others in order to make the world a more loving and positive place. Most of us want love and peace in our hearts and in the world, but in this book, Ken Lindner, author, renowned celebrity career coach, and founder of Positive Life Choice Psychology, shows you how to actually achieve that goal through clear, actionable steps and strategies. He teaches you how to develop true, empowering inner love and organically share it with others, raise your feelings of self-esteem and self-worth, embrace positive emotions, and help create a far more respectful, civil, and empathetic country and world. It is divided into four parts: Part 1: Your Heart-of-Hearts, Part 2: How toMake Cognitively Clear Choices That Reflect Your Highest Values and Highest Self,Part 3: Know What Your Highest Values and Goals Are, and Part 4: The PLCP Philosophies, Aspirations, Ideals, and Words That Will Fill Your Heart-of-Hearts with Love. In the Author’s Note, he explains that the foundation of the book is Positive Life Choice Psychology,™ or “PLCP.” It is “a set of clear, logical, and accomplishable steps and strategies that will equip, enable, and – in the true sense of the word – empower you to make positive choices throughout your life.” The Appendix includes exercises to get the reader to further explore their own personal goals and accomplishments.
In these modern challenging times, we all need some positive and encouraging words to help us put our best foot forward. “Aspire Higher” is a positive, inspiring, and motivational book that gives step by step advice on achieving a more positive outlook and sharing it with others. The language is simple and easy to understand and the layout makes the information easier to take in visually. The exercises at the end are helpful and insightful. His tone is compassionate without coming across as condescending. Since the chapters are short, it is easy to read a chapter and contemplate on the topic afterwards. Highlights include Part 1, Chapter1: The Negativity Bias where he explains that we tend to focus more on negative experiences, that they have more lasting effects and cause trauma, and that they are more contagious than positive experiences; and Part 2, Chapter 13: Correction Day where he reiterates that when you make a mistake, it is best to identify it, figure out how you can make better choices going forward, and the importance of not repeating the same mistake. Most importantly, he states that we should practice ‘selective amnesia:’ learning from our mistakes and carrying them with us into the future. His philosophies and advice come from a positive place and are intended to help readers improve their lives. “Aspire Higher” is an empowering book for the times and is recommended for readers interested in self help and motivational books.
“There are things in life that you can’t control, but you can control your choices, values, attitudes, perceptions, actions, and who and what you choose to include in your life.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa’s Annual Lonestar Lover’s Weekend will take place on February 10 – 12. Photo: The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Join The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa for their Annual Lonestar Lover’s Weekend on February 10 -12. On Saturday, February 11, The LCR Culinary Team will be offering an exquisite 5-course romantic dinner for two in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Extend the celebration with your sweetheart by booking for the weekend in one of the luxury cabins or spacious guest room accommodations. To further enhance your stay for you and your special someone, take advantage of the wide assortment of activities and spa services available. Our guest service team will be happy to assist you in planning the ultimate Lonestar Lover’s Weekend experience. (The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2023)
That special day is quickly approaching, so make sure and plan ahead. Make your reservations now to ensure you are ready to celebrate your love in luxury with The JL Bar team. To make reservations for the Lonestar Lover’s Dinner for Two or schedule activities for your weekend, email guest services or call (855) 414-3337. Seating options: 6p.m. and 8p.m. – $150 per couple. Dining menu available online.
Randi Braun’s ‘Something Major: The New Playbook for Women at Work’ will be released March 1, 2023. Photo: Amazon
Randi Braun is an expert at empowering women who have demanding jobs and bold ambitions. As a certified executive coach and the CEO of the women’s leadership firm Something Major, she helps women thrive. In her women’s leadership book “Something Major: The New Playbook for Women at Work,” Braun infuses conversations with life-changing ideas, advancing women leaders one wildly entertaining story at a time. A sought-after thought leader and speaker, Braun’s insights have been featured in The Washington Post, Forbes, and Parents Magazine, and others. Braun has coached women around the globe and partnered with more than 50 organizations across diverse sectors, including the Fortune 500, healthcare, start-ups, Big Law, public relations, entertainment, trade associations, government, non-profits, and others. The book will be released March 1, 2023 and is available for pre-order from Amazon. (Randi Braun, 2023)
“Something Major: The New Playbook for Women at Work” – The book gives Braun’s highly sought-after expertise a more accessible reach, and addresses the real reason why women are not happy at work, and how they can positively turn things around. It includes the true stories of women leaders. Relatable and fresh, it is backed by research and filled with actionable takeaways, as well as dashes of humor.
“Every woman wants to believe she is on the precipice of something major, and this book gives you the tools to get yourself there. Randi Braun has created a fun and practical way forward for women who are looking to channel their inner badass, crack the leadership code and soar!” – Jen Mormile, Chief Business Officer of Condé Nast
“The ideas in my book are meaty, but trust me, it is also a very entertaining read. I include tactical tools so women can make career moves that matter, while also increasing their confidence and overall fulfillment. But I do it conversationally. It’s like we’re sitting down, chatting over coffee and unraveling life-changing strategies together.” – Randi Braun
Braun notes that millions of women have left the workforce, and progress creating meaningful diversity at the highest levels of leadership and on corporate boards is moving too slowly. “The gender pay gap is increasing, and so are women’s levels of burnout. Our system is broken and our old playbook is outdated. That’s why I have written a new playbook to help women thrive— not just survive—as our workplace cultures evolve, even if they’re not evolving quickly enough.”
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‘Lucy and the Lake Monster’ is the story of a nine-year old orphan named Lucy searching for the sea serpent Champ. Photo: Amazon
Co-written by Academy-Award-considered filmmaker Richard Rossi and retired school teacher Kelly Tabor, “Lucy and the Lake Monster” is a children’s series and soon-to-be feature film that masterfully illustrates how to overcome mental health challenges like worry, depression, and anxiety with childlike faith. It is currently being adapted into a major motion picture. (Richard Rossi/Kelly Ann Tabor, 2023)
“Lucy and the Lake Monster” – Lucy Lago is a nine year-old orphan. She believes that Champ, the Lake Champlain Sea Serpent, lives and lurks in the lake by her cabin in Crown Point. She lives there with her grandpa, who she calls “Papa.” Despite mockery and mercenary forces opposing them, Lucy and Papa determine to venture out on their rickety rowboat and bring awareness of America’s Loch Ness Monster to the world.
“For me, growing up in Crown Point was magical. Hearing stories of our legendary Champ, captivated my interest as I swam and explored the shorelines and waters of Lake Champlain. As a teacher, I later took those stories and experiences I had with me into the classroom and shared them with hundreds of students over the years, piquing their interest.” – Kelly Tabor, Co-Writer
“Champ, the sea serpent, is an allegory for God. The pure in heart, like Lucy, see Champ as good. Others teach Champ is a monster for mercenary purposes, the way manipulative ministers scare people today.”- Richard Rossi, Academy-Award Considered Filmmaker, and Co-Writer
SA Examiner 