The movie adaptation of Ron Stallworth’s ‘The Black Klansman’ is now in theaters.
Ron Stallworth is a highly-decorated law enforcement veteran who worked undercover narcotics, vice, criminal intelligence and organized crime beats in four states. As the first African-American police officer and detective in the Colorado Springs, Colorado Police Department, he overcame fierce racial hostility to achieve a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. In his memoir ‘Black Klansman: Race, Hate, and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime’ he writes about his experiences as he sets out to infiltrate and expose the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. The movie adaptation written and directed by Spike Lee is now in theaters and stars John David Washington, Adam Driver, Laura Harrier and Topher Grace.
According to Amazon, ‘Black Klansman’ is the extraordinary true story of Ron Stallworth who comes across a classified ad in the local paper asking for all those interested in joining the Ku Klux Klan to contact a PO Box. He responds using his real name while posing as a white man. He thought he would only receive information through the mail, but a few weeks later he receives a phone call asking if he would like to join their cause. Ron recruits his partner Chuck to play the ‘white’ Stallworth and thus begins one of the most incredible undercover investigations in history. During this investigation, he sabotages cross burnings, exposes white supremacists in the military and befriends the Grand Wizard of the KKK himself, David Duke.
‘You Lucky Dog’ by Debra Finerman is a humorous story of a couple and their beloved dog.
Debra Finerman is an American author best known for her historical fiction novels ‘Shadow War: The Resistance Fighters’ Literary Club’ and ‘Mademoiselle Victorine’ which has been translated into six languages worldwide. She is a former journalist for Capital Style, The Hollywood Reporter monthly magazine, Beverly Hills Today and Beverly Hills Magazine. Her new book ‘You Lucky Dog’ is a humorous novel for dog and human lovers alike and the unlikely love story of Jake and Emma, a young couple thrown into a very unusual situation.
‘You Lucky Dog’ is the story of Jake and Emma, a young married couple who seem to have everything. They are in love and live with their dog Jake in the leafy suburbs of Los Angeles. One rainy Saturday, Jake the human is on his way to take their West Highland terrier dog Jake to the vet when he gets into a horrible car accident. That event changes everything for him as he is now in the body of the dog and his human body is dead. Chapter One begins with the blunt statement: “I Can’t Believe I’m Dead” so there is never any doubt that he dies and from there he goes back to explain how he got there. At first, he struggles to accept his new life but at his funeral he tells Emma what happened and together they find a way to make it work. Eventually he becomes bored with the simple dog life at home and reaches out to become famous as a dog celebrity. Once he becomes content with being Jake the dog, he stretches out in his doggy bed to take a nap and wakes up a human again.
With her third book, Debra Finerman reaches out to dog lovers everywhere with a love letter to dogs and their owners. This light-hearted romantic comedy is written in the first-person narrative and successfully gives readers insight into what a dog’s life must be like. It is a dog/human version of Freaky Friday without taking itself too seriously. Jake the human was not a bad person in the beginning, but as a dog he not only becomes protective and nurturing but he also learns to appreciate each day as it comes. ‘You Lucky Dog’ is small book and easy to read and the perfect book to pick up for a quick read before the summer ends. It is recommended for dog lovers who appreciate a book for a dog’s point of view. The only complaint is Jake the dog’s uncertain fate at the end.
*A copy of this book was received for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.
‘Start a Successful Business’ by Colleen DeBaise gives readers important information on business entrepreneurship.
Colleen DeBaise is a contributing editor at Inc. and podcast host at The Story Exchange, a media nonprofit devoted to women business owners. She is the founder of Hampton Bee, a media site that provides news and tips for consumers who support small businesses on Long Island’s East End. In 2005, she was the winner of the Newswomen’s Club of New York’s Front Page award for specialized writing. Her book ‘Start a Successful Business: Expert Advice to Take Your Startup from Idea to Empire’ gives expert advice for helping potential entrepreneurs get their business off the ground.
From the editors at Inc. Magazine, ‘Start a Successful Business’ simplifies the business process and includes startup stories made to inspire and spark entrepreneurs into action. Its purpose is to walk readers through the seven crucial stages that it takes to build a successful business from idea to empire. Each chapter makes up one of these steps: Chapter 1: Come Up with a Brilliant Business Idea, Chapter 2: Select the Best Strategy and Structure for Your Startup, Chapter 3: Figure Out Funding, Chapter 4: Get the Word Out – and Get Customers, Chapter 5: Dig Deep to Discover Customer’s Wants and Needs, Chapter 6: Become an Exceptional Leader and Chapter 7: Prepare to Go Global.
All include various case studies and last words that summarized the chapter. Chapter 2 includes important basics everyone should know such as how to write a business plan that includes plan templates, components of a business plan, permits and paperwork while Chapter 3 has the all-important subject of business funding and provides funding sources such as credit cards, retirement savings, crowdfunding and professional investors. It also includes ways to calculating startup costs with bootstrapping tips like sharing office services and equipment, lease instead of purchase and negotiate fees and terms with all service providers and suppliers.
‘Start a Successful Business’ gives readers clear and concise information on starting a business from idea to successful business and includes interviews with success stories meant to inspire the everyday person to strive out on his or her own. It is meant to inform and motivate people who want to start a new business but do not know where to start and gives them easy step by step advice. The stand out chapter is Chapter 4 because it has much needed advice on how to get the word out about a new product or service. These ideas include networking, referrals and reviews, affinity groups, cold calling and advertising. Specially geared towards modern advertising is the ‘Social Media 101’ section that has the different social media networks, how they work and which one to use depending on a person’s needs: YouTube for tutorials, Instagram for visual based ideas and Snapchat if target audience is young, as with millennials. The tone is relaxed and easy to understand and follow. It is recommended for those with little to no business knowledge and is full of useful advice, ideas and success stories to motivate anyone who has ever dreamt of being a business owner.
*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.
Buddy V’s Italian Birthday Cake. Photo: Buddy V’s Ristorante, used with permission.
The month of September is fast approaching and what better way to celebrate that special day than with cake. As San Antonians get ready to celebrate, TLC’s ‘Cake Boss’ Buddy Valastro, from Buddy V’s Ristorante, located at The Shops at La Cantera is graciously sharing the secret recipe for the much loved Italian Birthday Cake. (Buddy V’s Ristorante, 2018)
Method:
1.Brush sponge with simple syrup. Then spread cannoli cream.
2.Place second layer of sponge and brush with simple syrup. Then spread chocolate pastry cream.
3.Place third layer of sponge and brush with simple syrup. Using a spatula, smooth chocolate pastry cream on the sides of the cake. Then smooth whipped cream on top of the cake.
4.Coat the sides of the cake with toasted almonds.
5.With the star tip in a piping bag, pipe a border around the top and bottom of the cake.
Sponge Cake Method:
1.Whip water, oil, vanilla extract, yolks and dry ingredients until double in size.
2.Whip egg whites and sugar until stiff peak and fold into mixture.
3.Spray pan and put parchment.
4.Bake at 325 degrees F until it springs back.
Rum Simple Syrup Ingredients:
•985 grams sugar
•985 grams water
•1 cup rum
Rum Simple Syrup Method:
1.Boil sugar and water until sugar has dissolved.
2.Add rum.
3.Cool in ice bath.
Cannoli Cream Ingredients:
•2 lbs. Impastata
•1 lb. Ricotta, tub
•2 drops cinnamon oil
•8 oz. sugar
•4 oz. cocoa drops
Cannoli Cream Method:
1.In electric mixer with paddle attachment, beat both cheeses and sugar.
2.Add oil.
3.Lastly, add cocoa drops and taste the cream.
Chocolate Pastry Cream Method:
1.Combine Half & Half, sugar, vanilla and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil.
2.In a bowl, combine yolks, cocoa powder and cornstarch.
3.Temper the milk mixture into yolk mixture.
4.Put back onto heat and with a hand blender, mix until thick.
5.Add butter.
6.Strain and cool in ice bath.
Fast Eddie’s is celebrating its 20th anniversary with festivities and prizes. Photo: Fast Eddie’s, used with permission.
Fast Eddie’s, the largest group of billiards halls in the U.S., is celebrating its 20th anniversary with six months of festivities, prizes and a Chevy Camaro giveaway. In recognition of loyal guests and many enthusiasts, Fast Eddie’s is hosting a series of anniversary parties at each location on the first Friday of every month from August 2018 through February 2019. Each anniversary party will have a festive theme, drink specials and raffles. The grand prize, a new 2019 Chevrolet Camaro, will be awarded to one lucky winner in the color of their choice during the last party. (Fast Eddie’s, 2018)
Fast Eddie’s opened its first location in San Antonio in August 1998 by hospitality experts and bar veterans, Bob Wilson, Mark Beyer and Mark Lewis. These talented entrepreneurs created a neighborhood gathering place with more entertainment options than were available at any other billiards halls. With large, comfortable environments that feature multi-dimensional entertainment, high-end audio-visual equipment, top of the line pool tables, dart boards, video games, music, comfort food, a full bar, themed events and charity benefits, Fast Eddie’s has drawn a loyal following. The single pool hall on Culebra Rd became so successful, it spurred the growth of Fast Eddie’s to 15 locations in Texas and Louisiana.
During each of the Fast Eddie’s 20th anniversary parties, one lucky winner will receive a $3,000-value prize. There is no cost to enter. Guests can attend recurring 20th anniversary parties at any of the 15 Fast Eddie’s locations beginning August 3, 2018. Forty finalist tickets will be issued per location per event. During each party, a total of ten tickets for the Grand Prize Camaro Giveaway will be drawn on the hour from 9pm to 12am. The final tickets will be distributed on January 4, 2019. To qualify for the grand prize, participants must be 21 years of age or older and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license, must attend any of the first six Fast Eddie’s parties and win at least one qualifying ticket at any of those six events. Winners of each monthly Fast Eddie’s 20th Anniversary party will be announced via Facebook Live and on HDTVs at each location. Participants must be present to win. Additional information on how to participate and event details and terms and conditions are available online.
Fast Eddie’s 20th Anniversary Party Event Dates:
• Friday, September 7, 2018: one $3,000-value prize giveaway
• Friday, October 5, 2018: one $3,000-value prize giveaway
• Thursday, November 2, 2018: one $3,000-value prize giveaway
• Friday, December 7, 2018: one $3,000-value prize giveaway
• Friday, January 4, 2019: one $3,000-value prize giveaway
• Friday, February 1, 2019: car giveaway and one $3,000-value prize giveaway
Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar San Antonio locations:
9910 W Loop 1604 N Suite 113
San Antonio, TX
HoneyDew, the limited edition honey-infused bourbon from Garrison Brothers Distillery will be available starting August 17. Photo: Garrison Brothers Distillery, used with permission.
Garrison Brothers Distillery recently announced the release of HoneyDew, the latest experimental release in the company’s portfolio of ultra-premium, Texas-born bourbon whiskies. HoneyDew be available at the Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas for a limited time starting August 17 with only 4,000 bottles available. The special release 80 proof bourbon is infused with 100% Texas-made Burleson’s wildflower honey resulting in a smooth, light bourbon with a subtle honey finish. (Garrison Brothers Distillery, 2018)
The project is eleven years in the making and a departure from previous styles created by the brand. Nancy Garrison, wife and business partner of proprietor Dan Garrison, wanted the distillery to produce a honey-sweetened bourbon whiskey since they started the business together in 2006. Dan strongly objected due to his disdain for “flavored whiskies,” hence the name “HoneyDew”, as a play on “Honey Do” requests. Garrison’s objections to flavored whiskies come from the fact that so many of them are chemical concoctions; several even made with propylene glycol.
The new bourbon has tasting notes of sweet elderberry syrup, yeast, yellow-flesh peaches, apricots, white chocolate and of course, delicious, golden Texas honey. Garrison Brothers will celebrate the release of HoneyDew with a party at their distillery in Hye, Texas on Friday, August 17. Dubbed the HoneyDew Hullabaloo, the daytime party will feature frozen HoneyDew cocktails by Frost 321, a mobile cigar lounge by Habana Cowboy and a honey-education tent by Burleson’s Honey. Distillery gates will open at noon and the festivities will last until 6p.m. HoneyDew will be available exclusively at the distillery in Hye, Texas for $69.99 beginning August 17 at Hye Noon.
Garrison Brothers Distillery™ is a small farm and ranch located in the Texas Hill Country which produces straight bourbon whiskey. Founded in 2006, Garrison Brothers is the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas history and is one of the first distilleries in America outside of Kentucky to produce authentic, handmade bourbon whiskey and only bourbon whiskey. At the American Craft Spirit Awards in 2016, they were awarded a gold medal for their Cowboy Bourbon™, silver medal for their 2016 Vintage Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey and another silver for their Texas Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The distillery and its barrel barns are open to the public for tours in Hye, Texas.
Garrison Brothers Distillery
1827 Hye Albert Rd
Hye, TX 78635
The movie adaptation of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ by Kevin Kwan will be in theaters starting Wednesday August 15, 2018
Kevin Kwan is a Singaporean-American novelist best known for his satirical novels that comprise the Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy. He was named as one of the ‘Five Writers to Watch’ on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of Hollywood’s Most Powerful Authors. In 2018, he made Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential people and was inducted into The Asian Hall of Fame. ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ follows a young Asian American woman who travels to meet her boyfriend’s family, only to find out they are one of the richest families in Singapore. It became a best seller and is followed by ‘China Rich Girlfriend’ and ‘Rich People Problems.’ Kwan once stated that this intention in writing ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ was to introduce a contemporary Asia to a North American audience and that it is loosely based on his own childhood in Singapore. The movie adaptation of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ will be released on Wednesday August 15 and stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding and Gemma Chan.
According to Amazon, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is the story of New Yorker Rachel Chu who agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend Nicholas Young. She pictures a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry someday. What Nicholas failed to tell her is that his childhood home looks like a palace, that he grew up riding in more private planes than cars and that he just happens to be the country’s most eligible bachelor. On Nick’s arm, Rachel may as well have a target on her back as soon as she steps off the plane. Soon, her relaxed vacation turns into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives and scheming social climbers.
Camp Gladiator stops in San Antonio on Saturday August 18 at the Alamodome. Photo: Camp Gladiator, used with permission.
Camp Gladiator, one of America’s fastest growing fitness companies, is proud to announce a series of free, open-to-the-public stadium takeover events this August in celebration of its tenth anniversary. With the motto “Changing Fitness, Changing Lives,” these fitness events will take place in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Waco, Texas; as well as in Charlotte, North Carolina; Raleigh, New Carolina; Shreveport, Louisiana; Denver, Colorado; Orlando, Florida; Tampa, Florida; and Nashville, Tennessee. The stadium take-over in San Antonio will take place on Saturday August 18 from 7a.m. to 1p.m. at the Alamodome. (Camp Gladiator, 2018)
Founded in 2008 in Dallas, Texas, by Ally and Jeff Davidson, Camp Gladiator is a movement dedicated to transforming lives through dynamic, fun and challenging outdoor group workouts led by talented trainers who inspire campers to discover their best selves. To celebrate its ten-year anniversary, Camp Gladiator is creating the camp experience on a grand scale by providing the rare experience of working out on the grounds of notable large stadiums in each city for a day of outdoor fitness fun. Since its humble beginning, Camp Gladiator has grown to over 80,000 campers with over 900 trainers across 350 cities. In its tenth year, Camp Gladiator is entering new markets as its pattern of rapid growth continues. Most recently, the company announced plans to expand to Jacksonville, Florida, in January 2019.
The stadium takeover days offer a social, hangout space for guests to have fun and get to know what Camp Gladiator is about. The events feature food, retail, and fitness vendors and other fitness activities such as a slamball slam contest and a battle rope station. Each city event has an Eventbrite page to RSVP and an RSVP is required to attend the free event. The events are open to all ages and all fitness levels. Attendees under 14 years old must have a parent present to attend. All campers will be provided with online waiver forms with their RSVP. Guests are asked to wear athletic clothing.
The Camp Gladiator stadium takeover events start on August 11 in Austin, Texas, and continue in cities across the nation on August 18 and August 25. The day is programmed around a free, CG trainer-led group workout. Attendees can sign up as a spectator or a competitor. The events will either be a “Dash” event where the participants will be released in waves to run between 10 workout stations held throughout the stadium or a “Mega Workout” where participants will complete the 10 workout stations as a large community workout. Dash events are held inside the stadiums are 2 to 3 miles long. Mega Workout events are 60 to 90 minutes long and are held on the stadium grounds or in stadium parking lots.
Both the Dash and Mega Workouts are full-body workouts that combine strength and cardio exercises designed to challenge campers of all fitness levels and ages. The workout is based off the CG camp experience which focuses on endurance, strength, agility, and interval training suitable for all fitness levels. Camp Gladiator provides an encouraging community to inspire greatness and a competitive spirit in each camper.
“We are really beyond excited to be celebrating 10 amazing years of Camp Gladiator and the impact made on hundreds of thousands of campers across the nation. We can’t wait to host our loyal campers and everyone in our amazing communities that have supported us through the years at stadiums across the nation.” Ally Davidson, Camp Gladiator founder and CEO.
On Saturday August 11, Krause’s Café is holding the final of the men’s stein-holding competition. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten in New Braunfels has been hosting traditional stein-holding competitions since May. Officially called Masskrugstemmen competitions, they are Bavarian strongman/strongwoman tests that have their roots in Germany where participants hold a liter of German beer by the handle, straight out in front of their bodies for as long as they can. The last person still holding his or her liter of beer correctly wins. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2018)
This Saturday August 11, Krause’s Café & Biergarten is hosting the men’s finals which brings together the male winners from each previous round. The men’s finals will determine the overall ‘strongest’ steinholder, ultimately earning a chance to participate in the Masskrugstemmen at the Hofbrauhaus in New York City on September 15. In New York, the stein master will then be named as national champion and win a trip to Germany. This is the final battle royale of the men’s series of Masskrugstemmen. The Women’s Finals will take place on Saturday August 18.
Krause’s Café is a New Braunfels historic restaurant that opened in 1938 and ran successfully until 1995. Recently it reopened and while keeping true to the original traditions it now has a ‘biergarten,’ live music and more. The menu reflects its German heritage and South Texas flavors while offering over 70 beers that include local, regional and international options as well as cocktails and wines on tap.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten
186 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 625-2807
Culinaria Restaurant Weeks is August 11 through 25 at participating locations. Photo: Culinaria, used with permission.
August is the time of the year to celebrate all things food related in San Antonio with Culinaria Restaurant Week. Culinaria Restaurant Week was created by the culinary community to promote the different menu options that San Antonio has to offer. It offers locals and visitors an opportunity to discover new cuisines that perhaps they never had a chance to experience at affordable prices at restaurants in areas ranging from downtown to Stone Oak. (Culinaria, 2018)
Now in its ninth year, Culinaria Restaurant Weeks, scheduled for Saturday August 11 through Saturday August 25, has expanded its footprint to include eateries in neighboring Boerne and New Braunfels, as well Alamo City favorites. Participating Restaurants in the Tri-County area will offer special three-course prix-fixe menus: $25 Breakfast/Brunch, $15 lunch and $35/$45 dinner. Guests can expect some restaurants to offer additional course options as well as wine, cocktail and beer pairings. This is the perfect opportunity to try out a new restaurant or let it serve as the catalyst to reconnect with friends, family or co-workers.
Participating locations include Acenar Mexican Restaurant, Aldo’s Ristorante Italiano, Biga on the Banks and many more. The best advice to anyone participating in Restaurant Week is to plan. Full details on participating restaurants, including Restaurant Week menus can be found online. Reservations are not required but are encouraged as walk-in service cannot be guaranteed.
As a non-profit organization, Culinaria has been promoting San Antonio as a premier destination for culinary, beverage and hospitality to an international audience, while also serving as a resource for educational opportunities in those fields. Events that make up Culinaria include Restaurant Week, a 5k Wine & Beer Run, the Wine + Food Festival and the Hallowine Run as well as smaller events with several community partner events.
“Restaurant Week presents a tremendous opportunity for local residents and out-of-town visitors to discover the art of gourmet dining at affordable prices. Plus, it generates excitement and buzz about the wide range of choices and excellent food that define San Antonio and neighboring cities” – Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, president/CEO, Culinaria
SA Examiner 