Book review: Thoughtless series by Gregory Nicholas Malouf

emptyearth — ‘Empty Earth’ is book 6 in the Thoughtless series by Gregory Nicholas Malouf. Photo: google

Gregory Nicholas Malouf is the founder of Epsilon Healing Academy and a successful businessman and entrepreneur. After a traumatic childhood he became a workaholic in order to run away from his past and achieve what he considered the perfect life. Despite his success he failed to achieve fulfillment and eventually changed his spiritually empty life into one filled with love, peace and abundance. He has written numerous self-help books but he is best known for his Thoughtless series. With this series he aims is to help people better themselves and find a peaceful more fulfilling life. He challenges readers to look within themselves and develop a deeper connection to their Self.

In his previous books he defined the Self. The Self by nature is authentic and needs no outside fulfillment. When the connection to the Self is lost that is when the sense of fulfillment is lost and shallow love begins. Shallow love is the attachment to someone or something that people develop in an effort to fill the void in their lives. The loss of connection with the Self can also cause the development of fears and phobias. Previous books in the series include “Shallow Love,” “Tunnel Vision,” “Self Fulfilled,” “Overzealous,” and “Victim State.”

“Empty Earth” is book 6 in the series and in it the author offers readers ways to presently start living the life they desire and deserve. This comes by connecting to the Self and appreciating who and what they currently have. In book 7,“Unmalice Curse” he writes about learning how to be aware, end old distorted beliefs and replace them with new ones to be able to live wholly in the present. Among the tips he gives is learning how to listen to and trust the inner voice. Judgement becomes the central theme in book 8: “Judging is a Trap.” He writes that once people overcome the opinions and behaviors of others it can free their mind to accept love, joy and peace into their lives.

All the books in the Thoughtless series are small and easy to read. They are recommended for anyone looking to make a change in their lives. Some of these methods may be hard to put into practice but he shares personal stories of how they worked for him. He practices what he preaches and that gives his work a sense of authority and authenticity.

“The purpose of life is to evolve……The purpose of everyone on earth is the same: to learn to forgive so we may live in complete peace and joy, and with sustainable love.” Book one – “Shallow Love”

*A copy of these books were given for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this article are solely the author’s.

Lecture brunch with Julieta Gonzalez at Artpace

Artpace is having its 22^nd annual gala celebration in April which will honor Carla Stellweg and Eugenio López and as part of the activities scheduled, there will be an exclusive lecture on Sunday April 9, 2017. Julieta González, the Artistic Director of the Museo Jumex, an internationally respected contemporary art museum in Mexico City, will be onsite to discuss contemporary art and the public. Topics will include the first three years of the museum and insight into the current state of contemporary art in Mexico City and beyond. This is a ticketed event and will include a light brunch. Thanks to the generous support of Artpace donors and members, ticket prices for this event are $15 in advance, $10 for members available online and $20 at the door. Doors open at 12p.m. and the lecture will begin at 1p.m. and will run until 3p.m. (Artpace, 2017)

Artpace is a non-profit contemporary art organization that includes residencies, exhibitions and educational and community programs. Since it opened in 1995 Artpace has housed more than 200 artists through the International Artist-in-Residence program. Every year they host three residencies that include a Texas-based artist, one national artist and one international artist who are each chosen by a guest curator. After an eight week residency the artists will have their exhibits on site for two months. The purpose of these residencies is to give artists every opportunity to grow by giving them the resources they need

Artpace
445 North Main Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4900

Drag Brunch at Paramour

paramourbar — Paramour will host another Drag Brunch on Sunday March 19, 2017. Photo courtesy of Paramour, used with permission.

Paramour will be presenting its third Drag Brunch of the year with a Madonna vs Britney themed celebration. It is set for Sunday March 19 from 11a.m. to 4p.m. with performances at 2p.m. There will be an exclusive Madonna and Britney themed cocktail menu suited for the occasion. Music will be provided by DJ Vitamin A with performances by Kristi Waters, show director and hostess of Babio’s Eat Drink Dance and winner of Most Original at 2016 San Antonio Burlesque Festival, Lucy Lips, winner of Audience Favorite at the 2016 San Antonio Burlesque Festival and member of the Pastie Pops Burlesque Revue and Nikaya Milan from Rey Lopez Entertainment. This event is free and open to the public with brunch drinks and food available for purchase. (Paramour, 2017)

Paramour
102 9^th St, Suite 400
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 340-9880

Book review: ‘Breaking the Trust Barrier’ by JV Venable

breakingtrust — ‘Breaking the Trust Barrier is JV Venable’s book about building and leading high performance teams. Photo: google

JV Venable is a graduate of the USAF’s Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) and an inspirational speaker, seminar leader and coach on building and leading high performance teams. He has led individuals, teams and organizations at the highest ends of performance and risk in both peacetime and in combat. He was also the commander and demonstration leader of the US Air Force jet demonstration team, The Thunderbirds. Since then he has used that experience to write “Breaking the Trust Barrier: How Leaders Close the Gaps for High Performance,” a book about building and leading high performance teams.

In “Breaking the Trust Barrier,” JV Venable shares his lessons learned as commander and demonstration leader of The Thunderbirds. Some of the maneuvers required teamwork that meant the difference between life and death. The distance between jets was down to a mere eighteen inches and closing the gap to sustain that kind of separation requires the highest levels of trust. It is this closing of gaps that the author defines in the first chapter. Subsequent chapters describe how the close the different types of gaps found in everyday life that inhibit the growth of trust. These gaps include Traction Gap, Engagement Gap, Passion Gap, Confidence Gap, Respect Gap, Integrity Gap, Principle Gap and Empowerment Gap. Since he uses common Air Force lingo he includes a helpful Glossary at the end of the book.

Trust is the central theme of this helpful reference book about increasing leadership abilities. Secondary to that is identifying and “closing the gap” that can cause a lack of confidence and cause leaders to be anything but stellar. Together with inspirational stories the author gives step by step examples on how his tips can be used in virtually any scenario. Overall it is easy to read and the subject matter is easy to follow but sometimes the terms he uses require a little more thinking. It is geared towards leaders but anyone can benefit from it.

“…there are many common traits that successful people share. One trait that seemed of paramount importance was a desire to improve, no matter what one’s current level of success might be.”

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

New Whataburger items available online

Whataburger is big in Texas and fans of the franchise might want to take note of the release of two new Whataburger items. One is a new super soft boot themed t-shirt that is comfortable enough for lounging around but lightweight enough to be worn while out and about. A playful nod to the Texas flag and to Whataburger’s designation as a Texas Treasure, an official declaration of the Texas legislature, this blue-gray t-shirt pairs perfectly with boots or flip flop. Price is $19.99 and is available in unisex sizing. The other is Whataburger’s signature Orange & White Stainless Steel Tumbler designed to look like the official Whataburger cup fans know and love. Prices is $42.99. Both of these items are available online. (Whataburger, 2017)

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 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.

Honorees for The Happening gala at Artpace

The Happening is Artpace’s annual fundraising gala and it is scheduled for Saturday April 8, 2017. This year’s honorees are Eugenio López Alonso, founder of the Jumex Collection and Carla Stellweg, art curator, writer and Latin American specialist for their efforts in advancing contemporary art in Mexico City. The theme will be a celebration of the contemporary art of Mexico City. Artpace will honor collectors and artists who have contributed to the growth of contemporary art in Mexico over the past two decades. The goal is to provide funds to support the world’s most innovative artists, provide unique and free exhibitions and serve more than 14,000 students annually through education. Tickets are available online and range from the $200 Pacesetter ticket to the $15,000 Lead Sponsor Luis Barragan Table. (Artpace, 2017)

Eugenio López Alonso was born in Mexico City and is the Jumex fruit juice heir, an art collector and the founder of the Fundación Jumex Arte Contemporáneo. He has been recognized by national and international organizations for his commitment to art collection and patronage. In the United States he is on the board of trustees of the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.

Carla Stellweg is a Latin-Americanist who has worked as a museum and non-profit director, writer and editor and curator and professor. She was the founder of the first bilingual quarterly avant-garde Contemporary Art Journal in Mexico, Artes Visuales. Stellweg is considered a pioneer promoter and facilitator in the Latin American international contemporary art field.

Artpace is a contemporary art space located in downtown San Antonio created to support artists with residences, exhibitions and educational programs to foster the creative process. Since it opened in 1995 Artpace has housed more than 200 artists through the International Artist-in-Residence program. Every year they host three residencies that include a Texas-based artist, one national artist and one international artist who are each chosen by a guest curator. After an eight week residency the artists will have their exhibits on site for two months. The purpose of these residencies is to give artists every opportunity to grow by giving them the resources they need.

Artpace
445 North Main Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4900

Theater review: ‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’

The award winning musical ‘Beautiful- The Carole King Musical’ made its San Antonio premiere at the Majestic Theatre last night and the audience was treated to a night of unforgettable music. ‘Beautiful’ is the hit musical about the early life and career of the legendary singer and songwriter. Carole King starts in the music business at the age of 17 when she writes her first number one hit “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” for the Shirelles with her husband Gerry Goffin. The hits keep coming and include “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “The Loco-Motion,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “One Fine Day” and many more. It isn’t until her marriage to Gerry fails and she moves to Los Angeles that she finds her voice and decides to release her solo album and the rest is music history.

Tuesday’s performance was well received as most of the audience members were familiar with the songs and were singing along to the performances. The first song “So Far Away” set the evening’s nostalgic mood especially during the artist’s performances of the songs. These included the Shirelles’ “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” The Drifters’ “On Broadway” and Little Eva’s “The Locomotion.” The Righteous Brothers performance of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” was the highlight of the night and it made a big impact on the audience. “Neil Sedaka” provided some of the comic relief when he kept popping in and out. The entire cast shines on this production but it is Julia Knitel’s performance as Carole King that stands out because she brings the title character’s role to life. Overall it is night of music, dancing and trips down memory lane. It is a must see for music fans of all ages.

‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ plays at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday March 19, 2017. Performances are at 7:30p.m. through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Ticket start at $45 and can be purchased at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

‘Disgraced’ at the Cellar Theater

Up next at The Playhouse’s Cellar Theater is Aayad Akhtar’s ‘Disgraced.’ It opens on Friday March 17 and will run until Sunday April 9, 2017. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 733-7258. Prices range from $12 to $42. Special rates include $23 for military with valid ID, $23 for seniors aged 60 and up, $15 for students with valid ID and $12 for children aged 12 and under. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

‘Disgraced’ is a 2012 play by novelist and screenwriter Aayad Akhtar which premiered in Chicago and had Off-Broadway and Off West End engagements. This is a well-crafted piece containing rich and complex characters. The focus is on a dinner party between four people with very different backgrounds and the drama that follows as the mood quickly escalates when the dinner discussion turns to politics and religion. Sociopolitical themes include Islamophobia and the self-identity of Muslim Americans and it depicts racial and ethnic prejudices prevalent in modern society. It won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Kate Glasheen stars as Emily, Suhail Arastu as Amir, Luis Legaspi as Abe, Megan Van Dyke as Jory and Nicholas Szoeke as Isaac and it is directed by David Rinear.

The Playhouse San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Book review: ‘The 10 Laws of Trust’ by Joel Peterson

Joel Peterson is the Chairman of JetBlue Airways and the Founding Partner of Peterson Partners, a Salt Lake City investment management firm. He earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and teaches courses in real estate investment, entrepreneurship and leadership at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. In “The 10 Laws of Trust: Building the Bonds That Make a Business Great” he writes about trust and how it can either make or break a business.

Trust is necessary in healthy relationship from business dealings to personal relationships. It is the glue binds but when it is broken it is difficult and sometimes impossible to repair. In “The 10 Laws of Trust,” Joel Peterson starts off in the Introduction by stating the goals of this book: “to examine what trust is, present methods for harnessing it, and consider how to restore trust or recover from its breach.” In the chapter titled The Power of Trust he defines the three types of trust, these being reciprocal, representative and pseudo-trust. From there each subsequent chapter represents each of these ten laws: Start with Personal Integrity, Invest in Respect, Empower Others, Measure What You Want to Achieve, Create a Common Dream, Keep Everyone Informed, Embrace Respectful Conflict, Show Humility, Strive for Win-Win Negotiations, Proceed with Care. In the final chapter, Restoring Trust, he goes into the fact that betrayal is a natural part of life, that sometimes it is not personal but that it is usually damaging, along with the steps people can take to recover from betrayal.

“The 10 Laws of Trust” by Joel Peterson with David A Kaplan is an excellent reference on the topic of trust. It is easy to read and understand and shows readers how to establish and maintain a culture of trust. Standout chapters include Start With Personal Integrity and Embrace Respectful Conflict because the first deals with how team members trust leaders who show that they are not perfect and still learning and the second gives tips on conflict resolution. His tone is down to earth and he comes across are relatable because he shares his personal losses and the lessons he learned. It may be a small book but it is a playbook for business filled with practical advice suitable for everyday situations.

“….trust should be granted to people with the character and competence to make responsible use of the authority with which you have entrusted them. But everyone should have the opportunity to earn your trust.”

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

Whataburger Fiesta Medals Pop-Up Store

whataburgerFiestaMedal(5 of 5) Fiesta is right around the corner in San Antonio and for the first time, Whataburger will be hosting a Fiesta Pop-Up Store on Tuesday March 14 at 3p.m. at its downtown location. Customers will be able to purchase their Whataburger medals before they are available online to the public. This year’s medal features Whataburger’s famous fries and ketchup and promises to be the perfect addition to any Fiesta stash. There is a limit of two medals per customer, while supplies last, credit card only. After that medals will be available for purchase online beginning on Tuesday March 21 for $9.99 each. Quantities are limited and they usually sell out in minutes. (Whataburger, 2017)

Whataburger
412 E Commerce St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 228-0710

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