Book review: ‘All Systems Down’ by Sam Boush

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‘All Systems Down’ is the debut novel by Sam Bousch.  Courtesy photo: used with permission.

Sam Boush is a novelist and award-winning journalist who has worked as a wildland firefighter and as owner of a mid-sized marketing agency. He is a member of the Center for Internet Security, International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium and Cloud Security Alliance. ‘All Systems Down,’ his first novel, is a cyber war thriller that unites a group of strangers whose must depend on each other’s skills to survive the oncoming chaos.

‘All Systems Down’ begins aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford where Lieutenant Kelly Seong and Lieutenant Orion Bether are in the middle of 4a.m. drills. After their communication radios malfunction, they are forced to head back to the supercarrier and are shocked when its lights start shutting down and the instruments aboard their jets start to fail. This is only the beginning of mass cyber-attacks that cause electrical grids to fail, satellites to crash to earth and widespread cell phone and internet crashes. With massive black blackouts across America and a foreign enemy creeping up on its shores, survivors like Brendan Chogan, whose job interview was interrupted by an outage, and Ireana and Annalore, who were on a camping trip, will have to work together to get through the next few days. They are the innocent victims of the North Korean military determined to topple the enemy’s infrastructure.

With his debut novel, Sam Boush proves that he deserves to be listed with the likes of Tom Clancy, David Baldacci and Dan Brown. Right from the beginning, readers are in for a thrill ride as the lives of every day people are abruptly interrupted by a series of computer viruses. Both heroes and villains are well-developed and include various nationalities. The action flows easily from chapter to chapter and even though there is some military and computer jargon involved, it is easy to follow and understand. As cities fall, the scariest animal is a cornered and scared human. Despite being a work of fiction, it is not hard to envision a real-life scenario where worldwide destruction comes via a keyboard. It is a must-read and recommended for fans of thrillers and suspense novels with apocalyptic/disaster storylines. With a subtitle of ‘The Cyber War – Book 1’ hinting of more to come, this series, with its compelling characters and every-day heroes will keep readers asking for more.

*A copy of this book was given via NetGalley for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.

Valentine’s Day specials

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Bakery Lorraine is offering holiday-themed menu items including the Raspberry Rose Japonaise.  Photo: Christina Coker, used with permission.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, local businesses are offering special deals to make the day extra special, including Bakery Lorraine, Hotel Contessa, Boiler House, Southerleigh, Cover 3, Downstairs at Esquire and Rosella at The Rim. (2018)

Bakery Lorraine will offer special holiday-themed menu items during the month of February including Strawberry Pop Hearts, Grapefruit Tiramisu, Cherry Pistachio Tart, Raspberry Rose Japonaise, Chocolate Caramel Tart, Lavender Shortbread Hearts, Chocolate Pear Tart and Tuxedo Macarons.

Hotel Contessa is offering a pre-fixe dinner menu on Valentine’s Day priced at $55 per person. They will also be offering two Texas wine tour packages for couples.

Boiler House will have a pre-fixe Valentine’s Day themed dinner menu and Whiskey Flights. The Dinner menu includes specialty items such as Maine Lobster – Jumbo Lump Crab, Artichoke Fondue, Baguette Toast, Caramelized; diver scallops – leek and butternut squash risotto, kefir lime butter, poached asparagus and Warm chocolate pecan pie – brown sugar bourbon ice cream. Whiskey Flight Offerings: Cupid’s Flight – Bulliet Rye, Bone Straight Bourbon, Angel’s Envy – $15, Baby Blue – Herman Marshall Rye, Balcones Baby Blue, Straight Edge -$20 and Ode to the Motherland – High West Double Rye, Treaty Oak Experiment, Ardbeg 10yr -$25

Southerleigh will celebrate Valentine’s Day with specially themed crafted drinks featuring beer shandies and wine drinks. For reservations, please call (210) 455-5701.

The Cover 3 Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu will feature four courses, including a dessert and each crafted to be enjoyed by two starting at 5p.m. The following day, February 15, also known as Single’s Awareness Day, COVER 3 will also offer the same prix-fixe menu after 5p.m. for those wishing to instead celebrate their independence. Women wishing to celebrate Galentine’s Day with their girlfriends on February 13 are welcome to visit COVER 3 anytime that Tuesday for half-priced bottles of wine that are being made available throughout the day. Dinner Items Include: Grilled Snapper Veracruz and Blackened Filet Mignon.

Esquire Tavern and Downstairs will be taking dinner reservations for couples. An assortment of expertly selected wines and spirits will be on the menu for the night. For reservations, please call 210-222-2521.

Rosella at the Rand will offer a $75 pre-fixe dinner menu on Valentine’s Day featuring unique, off menu items with wine pairings at an additional cost. The menu includes Surf & Turf – sous vide boneless short ribs and scallops, complete with rainbow carrots and pomegranate demi-glace; Fowl – cornish game hen, purple potato gratin, wilted spinach and chicken glace and more.

Valentine’s Day packages at Hiatus Spa + Retreat

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Hiatus Spa + Retreat offers Valentine’s Day packages for anyone on your gift giving list.  Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and for anyone looking for gift ideas, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is offering hard to resist gift packages. Located at the Pearl, these include monthly retreats and packages for a significant other or for themselves. Either way, anyone is sure to appreciate a day at the spa. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2018)

The Greatest Love of All
Invest in yourself this year with The Tailor-Made Facial and The Signature Massage. Two hours to just do you.
$179 | $138 H-Circle ($220 value)

The Love Everlasting
Give built-in me-time all year long with a one-year membership to H-Circle. Includes a signature Hiatus neck wrap and a $50 spa credit.
$69/month

The Unforgettable
The super-customized Yours, Truly Massage is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi and The Honey-Dew Facial for a spa day that will leave you glowing.
Four hours. $349 | $287 H-Circle ($410 value)

The Sweethearts’ Retreat
Begin with a crushed rose petal and organic sugar foot soak, then relax side-by-side in a couple’s massage with our house-blended love potion of rose, jasmine, vetiver and coco butter.
75 minutes, $325 per couple | $249 H-Circle

February Monthly Retreat: “Crush”
February’s lovely Retreat features a handmade body polish of crushed Himalayan Pink Salt, Hibiscus and Evening Primrose to gently exfoliate dry winter layers. After a refreshing Vichy rainfall, a skin-nourishing massage with rich Chinese Jasmine Body Butter will leave you feeling soft, supple and ready for a Hibiscus Champagne cocktail.
80 minutes, $195 | H-Circle members $139

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

Oh Whata Night fundraiser to benefit Redland Oaks Elementary PTA

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The  next Oh Whata Night fundraiser will be on Wednesday January 31 to benefit the Redland Oaks Elementary School PTA. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

It is time for another community fundraiser.  Whataburger periodically hosts events to help the community and its various schools. These events have ranged from “Oh Whata Nights” to jalapeño eating contests, drawings and raffles. This Wednesday January 31 from 5p.m. to 8p.m., Whataburger is hosting a fundraiser for Redland Oaks Elementary School PTA. The public is invited to come and show their support by enjoying their favorite menu items and Whataburger will donate 20 percent of the sales during the posted hours to the organization. There will also be a photo booth, prizes for the first 100 guests and giveaways, as well as a visit from Whataburger’s mascot, Whataguy. In addition to fundraising, the event will also include the popular Whataburger for a Year drawing, where one customer’s name will be drawn to win a free Whataburger each week for an entire year. This Whata Night fundraiser will only be at the Bulverde location.  (Whataburger, 2018)

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

Whataburger
17311 Bulverde Road (near Jones Maltsberger Road)
San Antonio, TX 78247
(210) 404-9936

Coffee With a Cop meetup with Windcrest Police Department

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This Tuesday January 30, Whataburger is hosting ‘Coffee With a Cop.’ Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Whataburger periodically hosts events to help the community, schools and neighbors.  These events have ranged from “Oh Whata Nights” to jalapeño eating contests, drawings and raffles. On Tuesday, January 30 from 9a.m. to 11a.m., Whataburger is hosting a ‘Coffee With a Cop’ meetup with the Windcrest Police Department and neighbors. Customers will be able to join their neighbors and police officers for coffee and conversation.  Attendees will receive a free coffee and all law enforcement will receive a free taquito with presentation of a badge. There are no agendas or speeches planned for this event; this is just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know officers from the Windcrest Police Department in an informal setting.  This event is for the listed location only. (Whataburger, 2018)

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Since then, Whataburger has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

Whataburger
8300 N IH 35
Windcrest, TX 78239
(210) 654-8664

Zas! Super Seasoning recipe for Super Bowl Sunday

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Cucumber Avocado Chili Lime Roll recipe by Twang.  Photo: Twang, used with permission.

With the Super Bowl coming up next weekend, there is always room for one more recipe to kick it up at the watch party. This recipe for Cucumber Avocado Chili Lime Roll is from the fine folks at Twang. Twang is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings based in Texas. One of those products is ZAS!, a super seasoning line of flavor blends that enhance natural and delicious spices to everyday food. It is sure to impress party guests and football fans alike and is available for purchase online and La Fiesta Supermarkets. (Twang, 2018)

Cucumber Avocado Chili Lime Roll
Simple ingredients, fun presentation. This appetizer is a fun and creative finger food with a punch of flavor that party guests will remember.

Serves:20 rolls
Ingredients:

  • 1 Avocado
  • ¼ of a cream cheese block (4 oz.)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tsp of Lime Juice
  • 3 Tbsp of Pine nuts
  • 1 Tbsp of ZAS Chili Lime (and a dash for garnish)
  • 1 cucumber
  • Mandolin or Potato Peeler

Instructions:

  1. Toss all ingredients (except cucumber) in a blender or food processor. Or if you want to be traditional do it by hand, finely mince garlic and mash ingredients together with a fork until smooth and creamy. Let mixture sit in refrigerator for 10 minutes.
  2. Use a mandolin or potato peeler to cut long thin strips from the cucumber. Be sure to leave the skin for pretty color.
  3. Take a cucumber strip and spread a thin layer of the avocado mixture along the length of the strip. A little goes a long way so be mindful. Make sure the spread goes all the way to the end so that it sticks once rolled.
  4. Roll it up! No toothpicks needed. Sprinkle on a dash of ZAS Chili Lime Seasoning to give it more presentation.

Movie adaptation: ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ by James Dashner

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The movie adaptation of the ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ by James Dashner will be out on Friday January 26.

James Dashner is The New York Times’ best-selling author of young adult fantasy novels and best known for the Maze Runner trilogy and 13th Reality series. His first book ‘A Door in the Woods’ was published in 2003 and since then he has written other books dealing with fantasy, adventure and science fiction. His work is often compared to The Hunger Games and Divergent. The Maze Runner trilogy is a post-apocalyptic science fiction series that consists of ‘Maze Runner,’ ‘The Scorch Trials’ and ‘The Death Cure.’ The movie adaptation of the ‘The Death Cure’ is due out in theaters on Friday January 26 and stars Dylan O’Bryan, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Dexter Darden.

According to Amazon, Thomas is back in ‘The Maze Runner,’ after WICKED has taken everything from him, his life, his memories and his friends. He completed the trials but what WICKED does not know is that Thomas remembers more than they realize. After beating the Maze and surviving the Scorch, he proved that he would do anything to save his friends, but the truth could be what ends it all.

Television adaptation: ‘The Alienist’ by Caleb Carr

alienistCaleb Carr is an American novelist and military historian who has worked at the Council on Foreign Relations, Foreign Affairs Quarterly and MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History and has taught military history, including World Military History. As an author, he has written ten books, most of which were international bestsellers and prize-winners and have been translated into over two dozen languages. He is mostly known for the historical thriller ‘The Alienist’ which was adapted into a ten-episode television series on TNT. It premieres on Monday January 22 and stars Daniel Brühl, Luke Evans and Dakota Fanning.

According to Amazon, ‘The Alienist’ is set in New York in 1896. Newspaper reporter John Schuyler Moore is summoned by his friend Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist, or “alienist” as they were known then, to document the mutilated body of a young boy abandoned on the unfinished Williamsburg Bridge. This leads them to create a psychological profile of the perpetrator based on the details of his crimes and takes them on a tortured and twisted journey into the mind of a killer who will strike again unless he is stopped.

Movie adaptation: ‘Forever My Girl’ by Heidi McLaughlin

 

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The movie adaptation of Heidi McLaughlin’s ‘Forever My Girl’ is now in theaters.

Heidi McLaughlin is the American best-selling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer and The Archers. Her first novel from The Beaumont Series, ‘Forever My Girl,’ is about a young rock star who  goes back to his home town years after abandoning his first love. The movie adaptation is now in theaters and stars Alex Roe as Liam Page and Jessica Rothe as Josie.

According to Amazon, ‘Forever My Girl’ tells the story of Liam and Josie who are high school sweethearts. Liam thinks he has his life all planned: play football in college, marry his girlfriend and live happily ever after. Instead, he breaks her heart and decides to leave town and follow his dream of making music. Years later he is a successful rock star but returns to his hometown to attend his best friend’s funeral and while there runs into Josie. Faced with an unresolved relationship, he must face his past and the consequences of all he left behind by choosing fame over love.

Movie adaptation: ’12 Strong’ by Doug Stanton

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The movie adaptation of ’12 Strong’ by Doug Stanton will open in theaters on Friday January 19, 2018.

Doug Stanton is a journalist, lecturer, screenwriter and author. He has appeared on numerous television and radio outlets including CNN, Discovery and NBC’s Nightly News. Using his experience working in the United States, overseas and with military and government contacts, he lectures nationally to corporate and civic groups. He has written The New York Times’ best-sellers ‘In Harm’s Way’ and ‘Horse Soldiers’ which was published in 2017 as ’12 Strong.’ The movie adaptation of ’12 Strong’ will open in theaters on Friday January 19 and stars Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon and Michael Peña. It is the true story of a United States Special Forces team deployed to the war-ravaged Afghanistan mountains in the weeks immediately after the September 11 attacks.

According to Amazon, in ’12 Strong,’ in the weeks after 9/11, a small band of Special Forces soldiers secretly entered Afghanistan. Riding on horseback, they pursued the Taliban over the harsh mountainous terrain and after a series of intense battles they captured the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. At first, they were welcomed as liberators by the Afghans who were overjoyed that the Taliban had fallen but during the surrender of six hundred Taliban troops, they were ambushed. They bravely fought for their lives while dangerously overpowered knowing that at risk were they military gains of the campaign that if lost, would prove detrimental to the entire operation.