The County Line Community Band will perform a free concert on Saturday, November 21, 2020. Photo: County Line Community Band, used with permission.
The County Line Community Band will perform a free “Thanksgiving Concert” this Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 3p.m. This concert celebrates the many gift we have had during this difficult year and selections will include “Amazing Grace,” “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” and a special tribute to veterans. It will take place at the St Hedgwig City Park, 1346 FM 1518 St Hedwig, TX 78152 and will abide by strict “social distancing” rules. The concert will be broadcast on short wave FM radio so attendees can listen to the music in their car while watching the band perform from the safety of their car. Shakers Smoke Shack BBQ truck will be onsite for any attendees wishing to purchase food. This concert is free and open to the public. (County Line Community Band, 2020)
The County Line Community Band is a versatile musical organization that uses the modern concert band repertoire and set up to entertain San Antonio and the surrounding communities. This versatility allows the band to perform a variety of music in different genres.
Taco Cabana celebrates veterans and active military with special offers. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.
To honor and show its gratitude for members of the armed services, Taco Cabana is inviting veterans and active military members to enjoy half-priced enchiladas this Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at all locations in Texas. Veterans and active military members can order a two-enchilada or three-enchilada plate for 50% off the regular price. The popular Tex-Mex chain is offering its cheese enchiladas with a choice of six sauces and guests can choose to add shredded chicken, ground beef, chicken fajita or steak fajita as well. (Taco Cabana, 2020)
Offer is valid Wednesday, November 11, 2020 only when ordered at the TC front counter or via the convenient TC drive-thru. Not available through online ordering or the MYTC! App.
In addition to the Veterans Day offer, Taco Cabana celebrates members of the US Military every day with a 20% discount (excluding alcohol and gift cards). Taco Cabana also celebrates Military Appreciation Day on the second Tuesday of every month where military personnel can enjoy a free shredded chicken taco or ground beef taco all day.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Nov. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 144 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.
‘Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life’ by Bryan R. Johnson. Photo: google
Bryan R. Johnson is an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist and author. He is the founder and CEO of Kernel, a company that has developed devices that can monitor and record brain activity and OS Fund, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage science and technology companies. His published works include “Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life” and “The Proto Project: A Sci-Fi Adventure of the Mind.” “Code 7” is the story of life at Flint Hill Elementary School, where life may seem normal, but seven friends find themselves on a path to crack the code for an epic life. It has received Wishing Shelf Book, Royal Dragonfly Book and Mom’s Choice Awards.
“Code 7” begins with an Introduction by the author, made to look handwritten, where he invites his readers to “crack the code” that will lead them to an epic life. It is divided into seven chapters, each a different child’s story where they each learn a life lesson: A World of Possibilities – Jefferson is given the job at school to paint a mural that represents the community; Smash Mouth Taffy – Sebastian opens a successful taffy business, but it is based on a lie; Handle With Care – Genevieve, an aspiring veterinarian, is given an egg to take care of for seven days; The Monster – Talmage helps his father in an epic effort to catch a “monster” fish that likes in a lake; Break a Leg – Samantha, a shy singer, who wants to try out for her school’s musical; Oh Rats! – Alec is a constant battle with his parents regarding cleaning his room and Code 7 – Kaitlyn, who wants to be a film maker and brings all six characters together for one final story.
These short stories all revolve around different students who each have their own life experience with a lesson learned: from lessons in caring, to having a strong work ethic and learning to work together as a group for a common goal. The chapters are short and the language is easy and simple enough for the youngest of readers to follow and enjoy. Even if sometimes the characters come across as bratty and the stories may be hard to believe, they serve the purpose of teaching a lesson and promoting discussions. At the end, there is a reference website that includes a discussion guide and insights into the Code 7 Challenges. It is a children’s book recommended for age level 6 and up and grade Level 1 and up.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Jesus I. Valles in ‘(Un) Documents,’ opens Thursday November 14. Photo: Teatro Audaz
Teatro Audaz proudly presents the award-winning production of ‘(Un) Documents’ by Jesús I. Valles. It is directed by Rudy Ramirez and opens on Thursday November 12. It runs until November 14 with performances at 7:30p.m. (live-stream) and on November 15 there will be a streamed recording matinee show at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and are $15 for military/student/senior and $20 for general admission. (Teatro Audaz, 2020)
‘(Un) Documents’ – With a single phrase, you can give up your country. With a single signature, you can tear a family apart. With a single word, you can learn to transform. In their first full-length solo show, ‘(Un) Documents,’ award-winning actor and poet Jesús I. Valles journeys across both sides of a river with two names, moving between languages to find their place as a child, a lover, a teacher and a sibling in a nation that demands sacrifice at the altar of citizenship. In doing so, they create a new kind of documentation written with anger, fierce love and the knowledge that what makes us human can never be captured on a government questionnaire.
‘(Un) Documents’ is a multiple B. Iden Payne Award winner for Outstanding Actor in a Drama (Jesús I. Valles), Outstanding Director of a Drama (Rudy Ramirez) and Outstanding Original Script. It is also an Austin Critics Table Award recipient for Excellence in Direction (Rudy Ramirez) and it was named one of Robert Faires’ Top 10 Theatrical Treasures of 2018 in the Austin Chronicle.
The Texas Book Festival is going virtual this year and begins today and goes through Sunday November 15, 2020. Photo: google
The 2020 virtual Texas Book Festival, the largest book festival in Texas, starts today with its lineup of adult fiction and nonfiction authors participating from November 6 through November 15. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the festival will bring together thousands of readers and authors across Texas and beyond for engaging, enlightening and educational virtual programming. (Texas Book Festival, 2020)
The Texas Book Festival includes 150+ authors, illustrators, poets, journalists, artists and thought leaders across a diverse array of genres and topics. Highlights include:
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 at 12p.m.: “A Better Man” Michael Ian Black in Conversation. Comedian and actor Michael Ian Black writes a letter to his college-bound son in this heartfelt meditation on masculinity. As he looks back on his relationship with his father, Black reexamines the lessons he learned about being a man and makes the case for radical vulnerability.
12:45p.m: PEN America Presents: Killing the Story: A Conversation with Journalist Témoris Grecko. Journalist and filmmaker Témoris Grecko (“Killing the Story: Journalists Risking Their Lives to Uncover the Truth in Mexico”) joins Univision’s Hugo Chávez Montes to discuss a profession sometimes fraught with danger and to showcase his journalist colleagues’ courage, bravery and tenacity. This conversation will be in Spanish with English subtitles.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 at 12p.m:“Caste:” Isabel Wilkerson in Conversation with Saeed Jones. In her new book, Pulitzer Prize winner and Texas Book Festival alum Isabel Wilkerson describes the United States’ own invisible caste system: A hierarchy informed by race, class and gender that affects everything in which we participate, from baseball games to presidential elections. Caste is a portrait of American inequality that shows how privilege and power shape our lives every day. Texas Book Festival alum and Kirkus Prize winner Saeed Jones leads the discussion.
4p.m: Environmental Activists Erin Brockovich and Catherine Coleman Flowers in Conversation. Erin Brockovich (“Superman’s Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About It” and MacArthur genius grant recipient Catherine Coleman Flowers (“Waste: One Woman’s Fight Against America’s Dirty Secret”) illuminate—in a conversation about sustainability and environmental justice—the failures and dangers of our water and water-management systems and policies, from California to Appalachia.
Texas Book Festival books are available at the BookPeople festival store to receive exclusive perks such as signed books, Texas Book Festival merch, activity bundles and more. For the full list of TBF books and more information, visit Book People.
With a vision to inspire Texans of all ages to love reading, the Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Founded in 1995 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee, and a group of volunteers, the nonprofit Texas Book Festival promotes the joys of reading and writing through its annual Festival, the Texas Teen Book Festival, the Reading Rock Stars Title I elementary school program, the Real Reads Title I middle and high school program, grants to Texas libraries, and year-round literary programming.
Celebrate National Nacho Day at Taco Cabana. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Celebrate National Nacho Day at Taco Cabana this Friday, November 6, 2020. Taco Cabana guests can enjoy their favorite nachos at half price all day at all Texas locations. (Taco Cabana, 2020)
Taco Cabana nachos include Bean & Cheese, Ground Beef, Steak Fajita, Chicken Fajita and Kickin’ Grande Nachos. All nachos feature a variety of toppings to choose from, including queso, shredded cheese, refried beans, sour cream and guacamole.
Orders can be placed online for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MyTC! App. Select Taco Cabana dining rooms and patios are now open as well.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRGI), was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Taco Cabana operates 145 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering.
‘No One Will Hear Your Screams’ by Thomas O’Callaghan is the third in the John Driscoll series.
New York City native and graduate of Richmond College, internationally acclaimed author Thomas O’Callaghan is a member of both the Mystery Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers associations. His work has been translated for publication in Germany, Slovakia, Indonesia, the Czech Republic, China and Italy. “Bone Thief,” his debut novel, introduces NYPD Homicide Commander Lieutenant John W. Driscoll. “The Screaming Room,” is the second in the John Driscoll series and the third, “No One Will Hear Your Screams” was released on May 9, 2020. In “No One Will Hear Your Screams,” Lt. John Driscoll is on the case involving a sociopathic killer who is on the loose and murdering prostitutes in New York City.
“No One Will Hear Your Screams” is set in the dark and violent streets of New York City and begins as a woman helplessly calls out for help when she realizes that she is being held captive. Her head, wrists and ankles are bound with rope and when she lets out a “bestial scream,” there are only trees outside her grave, but they are “deaf to her howling. Indifferent to her plight.” That is where the book’s title comes into play and the serial killer, only known as Tilden, keeps killing prostitutes, embalming them alive. He claims to have been sexually abused as a child by this mother’s john, but that is only one of the reasons why he focuses on prostitutes; he is also viciously attacked by one in the present . Lieutenant Driscoll, together with Sergeant Margaret Aligante and Detective Cedric Thomlinson, who each have their own issues to deal with, team up to stop the killings and bring Tilden to justice. They stop the killings, but justice evades them because Tilden gets away too easily. He is taken down by ‘suicide by cop’ and does not get his due punishment. Even though they stop the killings, “The Lieutenant knew the public sighs of relief would be temporary because evil always metastases. So, closure eluded him.” He will always be haunted by his inadequacies to stop evil in general. It ends with Driscoll’s final thoughts on the matter: “Would he ever find reconciliation? He doubted he would.”
The most interesting characters are those who are flawed but still manage to help others. In “No One Will Hear Your Screams,” every character is damaged or flawed in some way, but the detectives are still out there, catching the bad guys. They might be temporarily distracted, but they have a goal, something to keep them grounded. In Driscoll’s case, he had a rough childhood and is still haunted by the loss of his wife and daughter on a regular basis and that is what makes him relatable. The third person point of view narrative gives the reader an insight into the characters’ minds. This is especially true with Tilden, who just before he is shot down, ponders: “If this was the end, and it appeared it was, he’d go out in a blast.” Aided by short chapters, the dialogue driven-action is fast paced and captivating. The character development is excellent all around, including Tilden’s traumatic childhood experiences, particularly in Catholic school, which is what partially fuels his violent tendencies. With descriptive language such as: “Tilden moaned as shards of metal bored through his lungs, ripped tears through his tendons, lacerated muscle, sliced thorough viscera, shattered bone,” it is easy to envision the goriest parts. Because of this, it is not for the squeamish, since some of the details are too graphic, especially his last victim, whom he intended to consume. Even though it is disappointing that the last victim was not saved in time, “No One Will Hear Your Screams” is an impressive work of crime fiction and is recommended for readers who appreciate the hauntingly darker side of storytelling.
“The relevance, Cedric, is in the motive. The ex-soldier confronts and kills his brother’s tormentors. Remember, nothing fuels murderous tenacity like revenge.” – NYPD Homicide Commander Lieutenant John W. Driscoll
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Intermittent Fasting for Dummies’ will be released on Tuesday, November 17, 2020.
Janet Bond Brill, PhD, RDN, FAND is a nationally recognized nutrition, health, and fitness expert and author of “Blood Pressure DOWN,” “Prevent a Second Heart Attack” and “Cholesterol Down.” She is a prolific writer with contributions to numerous scientific journals and lay publications worldwide and currently writes a column for Bottom Line Health, Inc. Dr. Janet believes whole-heartedly in the role that good nutrition and exercise play in the prevention of chronic disease and achieving optimal health. She teaches the importance of a healthy lifestyle and has helped thousands of people across the nation improve their health and wellbeing. In her new book “Intermittent Fasting for Dummies,” she explains how intermittent fasting can lead to a leaner, healthier and longer life and helps readers choose the fasting method that suits them better. It will be released on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 and is now available for pre-order on Amazon. (Black Château, 2020)
Intermittent fasting fascinates health and fitness seekers from all over the world. “Intermittent Fasting for Dummies” is a detailed guide that helps readers follow an intermittent fasting plan of their choice. It includes several variations of intermittent fasting; each one is outlined in a step-by-step plan that anyone can follow so readers can choose the style that works best for their lifestyle. Dr. Janet Bond Brill conveys the extraordinary health benefits of intermittent fasting, backed by science. People can achieve sustainable weight and fat loss, increase mental clarity and revitalize their energy levels. The book also provides tips to help readers ramp up their metabolism, reduce the risk of disease and supercharge their workout or diet programs. She makes a case for intermittent fasting as a safe practice that allows people to stop counting calories, weighing, measuring or denying themselves their favorite foods. Readers can start following one out of the five safe, effective and easy-to-follow methods that fits their individual lifestyle the best. It includes over 40 healthy and delicious nutritionist-approved recipes.
“Intermittent fasting isn’t a diet, but a pattern of eating. More specifically, it’s a lifestyle that you can sustain for a lifetime.” – Janet Bond Brill
The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Yanaguana celebration will take place November 21 and 22. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
November is Native American Heritage month and the Briscoe Western Art Museum is honoring the role that Native Americans played in shaping the American West with special events, exhibitions and family activities. The celebration spans both in-person events at the museum and activities to enjoy at home, as well as the museum’s annual Yanaguana: Indian Arts Celebration, which will be a virtual event for everyone to enjoy November 21 – 22. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2020)
Named in honor of the Payaya people who were indigenous to the San Antonio area, “Yanaguana” was the word they used to describe what is now known as San Antonio River. Yanaguana: Virtual Indian Arts Celebration is free to enjoy online.
This year’s virtual event offers a glimpse into traditional and contemporary Native American culture, with musical performances and dancing, as well as storytelling and artist demonstrations. The celebration pairs with a visit to the Briscoe, where everyone can enjoy VISUAL VOICES: Contemporary Chickasaw Art. Providing a modern view of Native American heritage from 15 contemporary Chickasaw artists, the traveling exhibition includes more than 55 artworks on display through January 18, 2021. The exhibition will be the main feature during Yanaguana, with both a virtual artists panel and the debut of the VISUAL VOICES virtual tour. Admission to VISUAL VOICES at the Briscoe is included with museum admission.
A traditional part of the Briscoe’s Yanaguana: Indian Arts Celebration is an array of children’s activities focused on Native American heritage. With the event going virtual this year, the Briscoe invites everyone to “Bring Home the Briscoe” throughout the month of November. Part of the museum’s popular Lil Partners children’s programming, “Bring Home the Briscoe” features Western Art activities and hands-on art, letting children join in the celebration. The activity boxes are available for purchase both online and from the Museum Store.
Families who visit the Briscoe will also enjoy the family guide that accompanies VISUAL VOICES, providing a fun exploration of the exhibit, as well as Chickasaw art and culture. The guide is available for free within the VISUAL VOICES exhibition.
Yanaguana: Indian Arts Celebration Schedule of Virtual Events
Saturday, November 21 – 10a.m. – Event Kick-Off and Blessing. Members of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation will open Yanaguana: Indian Arts Celebration with a blessing.
11a.m. – Virtual Missions Tour. Join the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions to experience San Antonio’s Missions in a new way through a guided virtual tour by lineal descendants of Mission San José de Aguayo, Mission Concepción de la Purísima, Mission San Francisco de la Espada and Mission San Juan Capistrano. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the missions were built in the mid-18th Century by members of the Pampopa, Payaya, Sanas, Maraquitas, Pamaques, Quijanes, Tocanes and other tribes of the San Antonio area.
1p.m. – Ledger Art Workshop with George Curtis Levi. Ledger Artist George Levi leads participants through a historical and creative journey centered on ledger art—Plains-style narrative drawing.
2p.m.- VISUAL VOICES Gallery Tour (Public Debut) – VISUAL VOICES program manager Laura Clark will lead a virtual tour of VISUAL VOICES: Contemporary Chickasaw Art.
3p.m. – Flute Performance by Tim Blueflint Ramel. Artist, educator and performer Tim Blueflint draws his creative and musical influence from the memories and stories shared by his family and those who have graced his life. As a self-taught musician and artist, Blueflint has shared his improvisational traditional music, art and memories as a featured performer at venues throughout Indian Country and beyond.
Sunday, November 22 – 10a.m. Silversmithing Demonstration with Shane Hendren. A member of the Indian Arts & Craft Association (IACA), an organization committed to promoting the integrity of materials, Hendren shares his expertise as a silversmith.
11a.m. – Huichol Art with Karla Saenz. Karla Saenz will be demonstrating the ancient art of Huichol Art. While Huichol art is a relatively wide umbrella term, it is most commonly thought to encompass the production of beaded and string art, which is always brightly colored and features symbols, animals and designs which are centuries old and of great significance to the Wixáritari people.
Noon – Storytelling with Amy Bluemel. A gifted storyteller and educator, Amy Bluemel’s appreciation for cultural awareness came early. As the great-granddaughter of Eastman Kaney, an original Dawes Commission enrollee, Bluemel, a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation, often performs with the dance troupe Chikashsha Hithla during nationwide tours. She shares Chickasaw customs, and those of other southeastern tribes, with audiences of all ages.
1p.m. – Chickasaw Artist Board Panel Discussion. Join the Chickasaw Artist Board in a discussion about the VISUAL VOICES exhibition. Artists Joanna Underwood Blackburn, Kristen Dorsey, Margaret Roach Wheeler, Brent Greenwood, and Daniel Worcester will engage in a discussion of the show’s origins, the themes it is centered on and its significance for the Chickasaw Nation community.
2p.m. – Ty Defoe Dance Performance. Grammy-award winning performing artist and educator Ty Defoe (Oneida/Ojibwe) shares his culturally significant dance traditions through song, movement and storytelling.
The Native American Heritage “Bring Home the Briscoe” activity box includes many beautiful and diverse native groups of the West. Available for purchase through December 31, the box contains supplies to complete six different activities, plus a book and links to additional video content for added context. Activities include storytelling medallions, The Three Sisters, ledger art, mini canoe carving, basket weaving and pinch pots. The kits are ideal for children ages 6–12, making them perfect for keeping hands busy over Thanksgiving break. The kits are $20 for museum members and $25 for non-members. Available in the Museum Store, “Bring Home the Briscoe” can be ordered online with curbside pickup or shipping available.
Janet Evanovich’s new novel ‘Fortune and Glory’ will be released November 3, 2020. Photo: amazon
Over the last twenty-five years, Janet Evanovich has written twenty-three #1 The New York Times bestsellers in the Stephanie Plum series. In addition to the Plum novels, Janet has coauthored The New York Times’ bestselling Fox and O’Hare series, including “The Big Kahuna” with her son, Peter Evanovich, the Knight and Moon series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and the graphic novel, “Troublemaker” with her daughter, Alex Evanovich. In her new book “Fortune and Glory: A Novel,” Stephanie Plum is on the biggest case of her career as she and her Grandma Mazur search for her grandmother’s late husband’s treasure. It is the twenty-seventh Stephanie Plum novel and will be released tomorrow, Tuesday November 3, 2020.
In “Fortune and Glory,” when Stephanie’s beloved Grandma Mazur’s new husband died on their wedding night, the only thing he left her was a beat-up old easy chair and the keys to a life-changing fortune. But as Stephanie and Grandma Mazur search for Jimmy Rosolli’s treasure, they discover that they are not the only ones on the hunt. Two dangerous enemies from the past stand in their way, along with a new adversary who is even more formidable: Gabriela Rose, a dark-eyed beauty from Little Havana with a taste for designer clothes. She is also a soldier of fortune, a gourmet cook, an expert in firearms and mixed martial arts and someone who is about to give Stephanie a real run for her money.
Stephanie may be in over her head, but she has two things that Gabriela does not: an unbreakable bond with her family and a stubborn streak that will never let her quit. She will need both to survive because this search for “fortune and glory” will turn into a desperate race against time with more on the line than ever before. Because even as she searches for the treasure and fights to protect her Grandma Mazur, her own deepest feelings will be tested—as Stephanie could finally be forced to choose between Joe Morelli and Ranger.
SA Examiner 