Trousdale’s ‘Out Of My Mind’: A Journey Through Emotions and Innovation

Trousdale’s Out Of My Mind expands on their original debut album. Photo: Caity Krone, used with permission.

Guided by their unbreakable friendship and three-part harmonies, LA folk-pop band Trousdale recently released Out Of My Mind Deluxe. Vastly expanding their debut offering, the deluxe includes live renditions of their tracks recorded at LA’s legendary El Rey Theatre, features from Ben Abraham and BAILEN, and covers of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” and One Direction’s “Night Changes” recorded for Sirius XM. (Trousdale, 2024)

The trio, built up by Quinn D’Andrea, Georgia Greene, and Lauren Jones, shaped the tracks from the original version of Out of My Mind over the course of two years, spread between sessions in Nashville, sessions at singer-songwriter Jon Bellion’s house in Long Island, and time bouncing between the three members’ homes. Making sure they maintained their hand in the recording and production process, the group opted for home studios, returning to the comfort and intimacy of the process that they’d honed at school in California.

“The real Trousdale sound got its legs when the three of us became heavily involved in the production of our music,” shares Lauren Jones. “The expectations and standards for women are always higher than those of men, and the world of music production is no different. Young girls that show an aptitude for music are more often pushed to be performers than men, which is another reason why there are way more women artists that also produce than there are women producers. Male collaborators get more credit than they’re worth, and then they get hired and rehired to do more projects that gain them more credibility in the field and more money.”

Quinn D’Andrea adds that their opportunity to connect with young women is a particular point of pride. “More than anything I love going on the road and seeing young women connecting to the power of music and telling your story on your own terms,” she says. “Our friendship and acceptance of each other holds us together, and I think that brings our fans together as well.” A wheel that keeps on turning, the music fuels the friendship, and the friendship fuels the music. Since formation, Trousdale has amassed over 75 million streams worldwide.

The album arrives with a live video of Trousdale’s cover of “The Chain.” A few weeks back, the trio also released a video for fan-favorite “Point Your Finger,” where they can be seen raising hell in a billiards bar.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES

August 28 – Chicago, IL – Salt Shed*
September 1 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre*
September 18 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club*
September 20 – Atlanta, GA- The Tabernacle*
September 23 – Austin, TX – The Paramount Theatre*
September 24 – Austin, TX – The Paramount Theatre*
October 1 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern*
*supporting Glen Hansard
See all tour info here.

Out Of My Mind Deluxe Tracklist
“Bad Blood”
“If I’m Honest”
“Point Your Finger”
“Movie Star”
“Can’t Get Your Love Back”
“If You’re Hurting”
“Sometimes”
“For Months Now”
“Go There”
“Smart Iowa”
“Placebo”
“Out Of My Mind”
“Sometimes (with Ben Abraham)”
“Movie Star (with BAILEN)”
“Night Changes (Sirius XM Version)”
“Bad Blood – Live From LA”
“If I’m Honest – Live From LA”
“The Chain – Live From LA”
“Out Of My Mind – Live From LA”

Spa Day Essentials: Top Treatments and Experiences at Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa

Plan the ultimate spa day at Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.

Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa believes that regular relaxation is part of a healthier, happier lifestyle and strives to make wellness available to everyone. These are some of the offers available this month. From National Wellness Month to National Relaxation Day, and special products/gifts, there’s something for everyone. (Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa, 2024)

Locations:
San Antonio
Austin
Dallas
Fort Worth
Frisco
Houston
Plano

Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa is excited to celebrate National Relaxation Day on Thursday, August 15 with a day devoted to relaxation and rejuvenation. This special day is an excellent opportunity for guests to indulge in a luxurious escape and experience the spa’s exceptional self-care services.

Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa’s team is focused on providing a memorable experience for every guest, with a relaxing atmosphere and high-quality service. They offer a variety of services, including The Hot Stone Massage, which combines hot and cool smooth basalt stones with Swedish techniques, and The seasonal Epic Facial Retreat, an aromatic and purifying facial paired with a delectable hand-crafted cocktail, available through the end of the month, making Hiatus the perfect retreat where anyone can find the ideal remedy to their everyday stress.

**

August is National Wellness Month, and Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa, one of Texas’s favorite relaxing retreats, is encouraging guests to prioritize self-care this month. The spa is currently offering its Summer Vibes seasonal Epic Retreat – a healing and hydrating relaxation experience available as a facial, body treatment or mani/pedi topped off with a complimentary Watermelon Candy beverage – at all nine of its locations through September as well as Summer at Hiatus: waived H-Circle membership enrollment fee through August 31.

Epic Retreat: Summer Vibes – Available through September

This summer is about healing, hydration and good vibrations. Experience a full embodied heart-opening with a 128hz tuning fork vibrational healing and breath work providing relaxation on a whole new wave length. Hiatus’ in-house mixture of Strawberry, Watermelon, and Aloe oils are specifically blended to help heal scars, sunburns, pigmentations, knockout inflammation and smooth wrinkles. Combined with a magnesium spray for stress management and a pomegranate foot mask, guests will walk away feeling out of this world. Let the sense of calm wash over you as you sip the sweetness of a watermelon candy drink combined with the soothing energy of a strawberry quartz in your pocket to support emotional balance and ease.

  • The Epic Facial Retreat: 85 minutes | $195 | $149 H-Circle
    • Booking HERE under “Skincare”
  • The Epic Body Retreat: 80 minutes | $205 | $159 H-Circle 
    • Call to book
  • The Epic Mani/Pedi Retreat: 135 minutes | standard polish $140 | $109 H-Circle
    • Booking HERE under “Tips + Toes”

Summer at Hiatus – Available until August 31

Enjoy a waived enrollment fee ($29 value) to join Hiatus’s H-Circle membership program through August 31.

For $89 per month, H-Circle member perks include: 

  • One Essential Service per month: choose from the Signature, Massage, Tailor-Made Facial, One & Only Mani-Pedi, Body Glow, Body Wrap, 10 units of Botox, 25 units of Dysport or Acupuncture
  • Additional Essential Services for $89
  • Discounted pricing on all treatments, including med spa services
  • 10% off all retail products: shop the finest quality products from brands like SkinCeuticals, NuFACE, HydroPeptide and more, as well at Hiatus’ in-house line, Hiatus Everyday, to elevate your at-home routine 

**

This month, Hiatus Day Spa • Med Spa is offering an exclusive gift when guests book The Optimist Facial powered by HydroPeptide. Elevate your skincare routine after your facial with the Power Up Duo by HydroPeptide ($79 value) for free, available in-spa at all locations. 

The Details:

  • Service: The Optimist Facial: Promoting healing, detoxification, reduced puffiness, and improved circulation, indulge with Hiatus’s A-Firming Facial Massage to firm, lift and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Brighten and sculpt your face with the Patented Vitamin C Mask and our exclusive cryo-sculpting technique. You will leave this one-of-a-kind facial feeling renewed, radiant, and uplifted in mind, body, and spirit.
    • 80 Minutes
    • $205 | $159 H-Circle Members
  • Exclusive Gift: Receive HydroPeptide’s best-selling customer favorite, the Power Up Duo, for free with your facial: 
    • Power Lift: Advanced Ultra-Rich Moisturizer
    • Power Serum: Anti-Wrinkle Line Lifting Transformation
  • Run Time: August 1-31 

Get Ready for ‘No Address’: A Sneak Peek into Ken Abraham’s New Book

‘No Address’ is part of a five-pronged approach to shed light on the homeless situation and offer solutions. Photo: Amazon

In a continuation of the mission to bring awareness and solutions to homelessness in America, Robert Craig Films is announcing the upcoming release of the novel “No Address” published by Forefront Books with sales and distribution by Simon & Schuster. This is part of “The Big 5” movement to bring empathy and awareness to the stories of homelessness born from the Robert Craig Films – produced, award-winning No Address movie. The novel is now available for pre-order. (Anderson PR, 2024)

“In the pages of ‘No Address,’ the reader embarks on a literary journey that follows the story of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The plight of the unhoused is something we all see on a daily basis and we are humbled to present this book, knowing it will leave an everlasting mark on hearts and minds alike.” – Jonathan Merkh, President of Forefront Books 

The novel “No Address” is written by 15-time New York Times Best Selling Author Ken Abraham. Based on the critically acclaimed dramatic film and inspired by true events, “No Address” shows how homelessness could happen to anyone. It will be available on September 10, 2024 through Forefront Books and available for pre-order.

“I look for stories that have the potential to transform the fabric of our society, and ‘No Address’ rises to the top in that category,” shares Ken Abraham. “To help someone who has no way of repaying you is one of the greatest joys in life and I believe ‘No Address’ can inspire that sort of response in millions of people.”

“No Address” is a gripping tale about a group of individuals who find themselves homeless due to unfortunate circumstances. It provides a realistic portrayal of their fight for survival against the gangs, vigilantes, and an uncompassionate community. It features celebrity cast members, including William Baldwin, Xander Berkeley, Beverly D’Angelo, Ashanti, Lucas Jade Zumann, Isabella Ferreira, Patricia Velasquez, and Ty Pennington. To take homelessness head-on and do more, “The Big 5” includes the “No Address” movie, novel, documentary, an interactive study guide, and an upcoming music album. 

Robert Craig Films is a film company located in Placer County, California, with a mission to develop, create and produce high-quality, entertaining movies that inspire the audience to engage with greater empathy, compassion, and generosity in their communities. 

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Mastering Conflict: A Deep Dive into Robert Moment’s ‘Conflict Resolution Skills’

‘Conflict Resolution Skills’ is Robert Moment’s new book.

Robert Moment is an ICF Certified Leadership, Executive, Emotional Intelligence, and Peak Performance Coach with over 15 years of experience in coaching and more than 20 years in Fortune 500 corporate roles. He specializes in building high-performing teams and unlocking the potential of leaders. Recognized as a Top LinkedIn Voice in Leadership Development, Robert is dedicated to empowering professionals to excel in their careers and transform their workplaces. His new book “Conflict Resolution Skills: The Proven System for Building Confidence, Communicating Effectively and Resolving Workplace Conflicts with Ease,” he provides a comprehensive guide to turning conflict into a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation. (Amazon, 2024)

“Conflict Resolution Skills” – Drawing on over 15 years of coaching experience and 20-plus years of Fortune 500 work experience, Robert Moment shares strategies that have helped countless teams transform disagreements into opportunities for collaboration and success.

This book is packed with practical tools and techniques that will empower you to:

  • Approach Conflict with Confidence and Grace: Develop the mindset needed to tackle conflicts head-on.
  • Communicate Clearly and Effectively: Master the art of communication, even in the most challenging situations.
  • Build Trust and Foster Empathy: Learn techniques to create understanding and mutual respect among team members.
  • Navigate Difficult Conversations: Discover strategies for de-escalating conflicts, managing emotions, and finding win-win solutions.
  • Enhance Your Leadership Skills: Become a catalyst for positive change and create a harmonious, productive work environment.

Whether you are a manager, employee, or leader striving to improve your interpersonal skills, this book will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to resolve conflicts and drive positive change in your organization. Transform your approach to conflict and unlock the potential within your team. Order your copy today and start your journey towards a more harmonious and productive work environment.

Review:

This book is an invaluable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of workplace dynamics. In this useful guide, Moment organizes conflict resolution into accessible strategies, making it suitable for both newcomers and seasoned professionals.

He begins by defining conflict as what happens “when individuals possess differing needs, goals, or values, leading to disagreements that can either be personal or systemic within an organization.” Along with that, he explains the various types of conflict and the role that emotions play in it. The book is well organized, featuring clear explanations of core concepts and real-world examples that illustrate each point. The focus is on the importance of building confidence and effective communication, highlighting how these skills are crucial in diffusing tense situations. His step-by-step approach provides readers with actionable techniques, such as active listening and empathetic engagement, which can be immediately applied.

Chapters include:
Introduction
Chapter 1 The Foundation of Conflict Resolution
Chapter 2 Effective Communication Skills for Conflict Resolution
Chapter 3 Understanding Emotions in Conflict Management
Chapter 4 Different Communication Styles and Conflict
Chapter 5 Mastering Leadership Styles for Effective Conflict Resolution
Chapter 6 Conflict Negotiation Strategies for Win-Win Outcomes
Chapter 7 Conflict Resolution Skills: Top 20 Skills Managers Need to Resolve Conflict in the Workplace with Ease
Chapter 8 Mediation Skills for Resolving Conflict
Chapter 9 Resolving Workplace Conflicts: Common Scenarios and Solutions
Chapter 10 Conflict Resolution and Organizational Culture
Chapter 11 Legal and Ethical Considerations in Conflict Resolution
Chapter 12 Self Care and Resilience in Conflict Resolution
Chapter 13 Applying Conflict Resolution Skills Beyond the Workplace
Chapter 14 The Conflict Transformer: 30 Expert Tips to Turn Workplace Challenges into Opportunities
Chapter 15 R.E.S.O.L.V.E™ Your Workplace Conflicts: A Coaching Exercise
Conclusion

Highlights:

Chapter 3: explains the importance of emotional intelligence, especially in yourself because once you acknowledge and understand your own feelings, you can begin to efficiently deal with conflict. Self awareness is key. “Emotions can act like unpredictable waves, crashing down unexpectedly or quietly bubbling beneath the surface, complicating even the simplest interactions.”

Chapter 13: emphasizes how knowing how to deal conflict can be useful outside the workplace, including in the community and in personal relationships. “Effective conflict resolution is not just about finding a quick fix; it can significantly strengthen relationships, enhance mutual understanding, and promote a sense of harmony.”

Each chapter ends with Coaching Questions which further enhance the learning experience. It is an easy read with language that is clear and concise. What I especially liked is the combination of theoretical insights with practical applications, empowering readers to not only resolve conflicts but also foster a more collaborative work environment.

Overall, “Conflict Resolution Skills” is an essential read for anyone seeking to enhance their interpersonal skills. It’s not just about resolving disputes; it’s about cultivating a mindset that promotes understanding and cooperation in the workplace. Though highly recommended for managers, team leaders, and employees seeking to improve their conflict management abilities and create a more positive and productive workplace, anyone outside the work environment can benefit from the practical material.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Celebrate National Wellness Month at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk

Join Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk for a series of workouts and an LSPACE Wellness Event. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk has some exciting programming for National Wellness Month this August. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2024)

Thompson San Antonio Spa is here to promote healthy habits and support you in your self-care journey. This August for National Wellness Month, Thompson San Antonio Spa is partnering with top local fitness instructors to offer you and your friends a series of dynamic workouts. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your fitness routine and enjoy a luxurious post-workout pool day.

To enjoy this series of diverse workouts every week leading up to the LSPACE Wellness Event & Fitness Sampler, just choose the date and the workout you’d like to attend. Classes are $30 per person.

Happening every Sunday in August at 8a.m.

Cenote Pool Deck, 4th floor
Thompson San Antonio (check-in at 3rd floor Spa)
115 Lexington Ave
San Antonio, TX 78205

Workout Schedule

8/11 – Sweat & Swim Luxe with Instructor Chasity Morales

An invigorating workout combining mat core Pilates strength and a soothing stretch recovery.

8/18 – Full-body Workout with Instructor Wela

A high-intensity, circuit-based training program that blends functional exercises to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Includes cardio, strength, and interval training designed to keep your heart rate up and maximize calorie burn.

8/25 – LSPACE Wellness Event & Fitness Sampler

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk invites you to a premier fitness event in partnership with LSPACE, the quintessential California beach lifestyle brand that believes the perfect fit is everything. Your ticket includes a sampler of four fitness classes led by local instructors, followed by a Sip & Shop experience. Explore the brand’s swimwear and activewear line, featuring beautiful everyday pieces designed with your moves in mind. Then, indulge in a mimosa bar + breakfast bites at Thompson’s Cenote Pool Deck.

Bonus Perk: After your workout, enjoy complimentary access to the exclusive Cenote Pool Deck for the ultimate pool day. Not to be missed, the LSPACE x Thompson curated cabana outfitted with LSPACE pillows, champagne buckets, and festive cups for enjoying a complimentary round of the LSPACE x Thompson Summer Breeze, a craft cocktail inspired by the quintessential California beach lifestyle brand. When you book the cabana, you’ll take home branded SWAG including a canvas tote, towel, and postcard with a curated music playlist to keep the good vibes going all summer long.

Reserve your spot now and join us every Sunday in August to take the first step towards a healthier, more energized you.

For more information and to reserve a ticket for these classes, book HERE.

Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

Diving Deep: What Makes The Well a Must-See Horror Film

The supernatural horror film The Well arrives in select theaters on August 9. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Supernatural horror films captivate audiences by tapping into the unknown and the unexplainable. By introducing eerie elements like ghosts, demons, and ancient curses that defy logical understanding, they blur the line between reality and fantasy. These films evoke a primal sense of dread, utilizing atmospheric tension, unsettling soundtracks, and eerie visuals to create a palpable sense of menace. By exploring what lies beyond the realm of the living, supernatural horror challenges our perception of reality and taps into our most profound anxieties.

With that said, in today’s movie news, if you love these types of films, there’s a new one coming out today. The supernatural horror film The Well arrives in select theaters on August 9 and On Digital and On Demand September 3, 2024 via Uncork’d Entertainment. (The Well, 2024)

Starring the final girl from Terrifier 2 & 3 – Lauren LaVera – The Well is a gothic horror that embraces gore and practical effects. Italian pop star Federico Zampaglione (Shadow, Tulpa: Demon of Desire, Morrison) directed the film and co-wrote the script with Stefano Masi.

Starring alongside LaVera is Claudia Gerini, Giovanni Lombardo Radice, Taylor Zaudtke, Linda Zampaglione, Jonathan Dylan King, Lorenzo Renzi, Gianluigi Calvani, Yassine Fadel, Melanie Gaydos, Stefano Martinelli, and Courage Oviawe.

Official Synopsis: On behalf of her father, a young American art restorer travels to a remote Italian village to bring a medieval painting back to its former glory. There she meets a beautiful but aging duchess and her troubled young daughter who warns her that the painting is cursed and that she must leave before she falls prey to an evil witch who drinks the blood of tourists to achieve eternal life.

Photo: The Well, used with permission.

Celebrate National Whataburger Day with Free Birthday Cake Shake

For one day only, Whataburger will gift fans a limited-edition birthday cake shake for FREE exclusively through the Whataburger app while supplies last. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Orange you glad it’s Whataburger’s birthday? On Thursday August 8, Whataburger turns 74, marking another year of serving hot, fresh, delicious food just like you like it. It’s a big deal. It is so big the brand even has its own holiday around it, lovingly called National Whataburger Day. The birthday brand is celebrating big by dropping a special birthday cake-flavored shake and giving it away for FREE to fans for one day only through the Whataburger App. So, don your party hats and favorite Whataburger gear—it’s time to party! (Whataburger, 2024)

Whataburger’s Birthday Shake is a delectable delight. Made with the chain’s classic Vanilla Shake base, the new dessert is 20 ounces of sweet, creamy goodness. Prep your Instagram Stories because this special shake will be the iconic Whataburger orange, topped with white whipped cream and finished with bright orange sprinkles. It’s all wrapped up in a clear plastic cup with a domed lid so fans can appreciate every detail ‘til the last drop. 

“The Birthday Shake tastes like fun,” Whataburger SVP and Chief Marketing Officer Scott Hudler said. “With its signature orange color, whipped cream, and sprinkles, it looks like a party in a cup. The icing on the shake is that Whataburger Rewards program members can celebrate this milestone with us by getting their shake entirely for free, no purchase necessary. It’s like inviting hundreds of thousands of your closest friends to your birthday party!”

Fans who have downloaded the Whataburger App and created a rewards account can enjoy the free Birthday Shake on Thursday, August 8, from midnight to 11:59p.m., available exclusively through the app. Want a taste of Birthday Shake but can’t make it on National Whataburger Day? The super limited-time Whataburger Birthday Shake will be available after August 8 while quantities last. But, like any other birthday cake, once it’s gone, it’s gone–so don’t wait to order your treat.

In addition to the shakeover, Whataburger is celebrating with the community by fulfilling $74,000 worth of teacher supplies wish lists throughout August as part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success charitable giving program. Do you know a teacher who could use a little love? On August 8, Whataburger will post on X (formerly Twitter) asking its followers to nominate teachers in their lives who could use some help buying school supplies for the new year. The brand will fulfill wish lists until $74,000 is spent!

The free Birthday Shake offer is exclusive to the Whataburger App, with one shake per reward member. Customers who download the app and create an account will immediately earn rewards and exclusive offers. The shake will also be available in-store, at the drive-thru and online while supplies last. Prices and availability vary by market. 

Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Reimagining Health Benefits: Insights from ‘The End of Employer-Provided Health Insurance’

Written by a world-renowned economist and New York Times best-selling author, this insightful guide explains how individual health insurance offers more to employees than employer-provided plans. Photo: Amazon

Paul Zane Pilzer is an economist, social entrepreneur, professor, public servant, and the New York Times bestselling author of 11 books and dozens of scholarly publications. A former commentator on National Public Radio and CNN, Pilzer has been profiled on the front page of The Wall St. Journal and on the cover of more than 100 magazines. He speaks live each year to approximately 200,000 people and more than 20 million copies of his works have been sold.

Rick Lindquist is President and CEO of Zane Benefits. Lindquist is a frequent speaker and reference for his expertise on personalized employee benefits, tax and health policy, and the Affordable Care Act. Rick joined Zane Benefits as its thirteenth employee in 2007 and took over as President in 2011. Rick received a B.S. in Economics and a B.A. in Computer Science from Duke University.

They are co-authors of the book “The End of Employer-Provided Health Insurance: Why It’s Good for You and Your Company,” an insightful guide that explains how individual health insurance offers more to employees than employer-provided plans.

The purpose of “The End of Employer-Provided Health Insurance” is to show you how to profit from this paradigm shift while helping you, your family, and your employees get better and safer health insurance at lower cost. It will help you save thousands of dollars per person each year and protect you from the greatest threat to your financial future—our nation’s broken employer-provided health insurance system.

This book is written to ensure that you, your family, and your company get your fair share of the trillions of dollars the U.S. government will spend subsidizing individual health insurance plans between now and 2025. You will learn how to navigate the Affordable Care Act to save money without sacrificing coverage, and how to choose the plan that offers exactly what you, your family and your company need.

Using the techniques outlined in this book, you and your employer will save money on health insurance by migrating from employer-provided health insurance coverage to employer-funded individual plans at a total cost that is 20 percent to 60 percent lower for the same coverage. That’s $4,000 to $12,000 in savings per year for a family of four for the same hospitals, same doctors, and same prescriptions.

Review:

This book is a thought-provoking exploration of the future of healthcare in America. Pilzer and Lindquist argue that the traditional model of employer-provided health insurance is on the brink of collapse due to escalating costs and shifting economic realities. They envision a transformative shift towards a more consumer-driven approach, where individuals take greater responsibility for their own health coverage.

The authors meticulously dissect the flaws in the current system, highlighting how it burdens businesses and limits consumer choice. They propose innovative alternatives, such as health savings accounts and portable insurance plans, which could offer greater flexibility and control. Pilzer and Lindquist also explore the implications of these changes for both employers and employees, presenting a compelling case for why a systemic overhaul is necessary.

The material aimed at employers and small business owners occasionally assumes a level of economic literacy that may be challenging for some readers. The exception is Part II How to Make Individual Health Insurance Work for You and Your Family. It does an excellent job of explaining the basic terms of health insurance, such as deductibles, copays and coinsurance. One highlight is Chapter 9 How to Choose Your Coverage – Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum, which explains the major differences between the levels of coverage and Chapter 12 How to Reduce Your Individual Healthcare Costs, such as opening a Health Savings Account (HAS) through your bank or credit union, shopping for a new health insurance plan annually, and of course, changing your lifestyle (diet and exercise). This part on its own is a must-read for readers needing guidance in navigating the complicated healthcare shopping experience. 

Overall, “The End of Employer-Provided Health Insurance” is insightful and forward-thinking and leads the important conversations about the future of healthcare and the need for reform. It was published in 2014, so some of the information is outdated, such as tax penalties for not purchasing health insurance, but the general topics are always useful. For those interested in the intersection of economics and health policy, this book is a valuable and engaging resource.

“Healthcare costs now consume almost one-sixth of America’s economy, and, during your lifetime, medical and health insurance costs are likely to be your largest or second-largest expense after housing. Your employer-provided health insurance is arguably the number one threat to your financial future.”

*The author received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Two Trains Left’s ‘Probably For Nothing’: A Look into Their Latest LP

Two Trains Left announce new LP Probably For Nothing. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Two Trains Left is a pop-punk band hailing from Paris. Their debut EP Sorry & Pathetic, released in 2018, garnered significant attention and set the stage for the band’s future successes. This initial triumph led them to open for notable acts such as Anti-Flag, Story Untold, Between You & Me, and Hockey Dad in Paris, as well as Møme on the main stage of the “24h de l’INSA” festival in Lyon. (Two Trains Left, 2024)

The group recently released their new single and music video for “Sail Away” featuring long time supporters Chunk! No Captain Chunk! Blending both Parisian artist’s distinct styles together brings a powerful dynamic to the song, creating a unique sound that serves as a personal anthem of growth, self-discovery, and determination. Combining catchy guitar riffs, groovy bass lines and powerful vocals, “Sail Away” invites listeners on a journey through raw emotion and undeniable intensity.

They also announced that their latest LP, Probably For Nothing is scheduled for release on September 20. The 12 track album produced by easycore icons Chunk! No Captain Chunk! frontman Bertrand Poncet takes listeners on a thrilling ride through Two Trains Left’s evolving soundscapes, showcasing their unique blend of high-energy tracks and reflective ballads. Probably For Nothing seamlessly combines infectious melodies with heartfelt lyrics, reflecting the band’s coming of age while encapsulating their journey through the unknown.

Speaking to how one’s personal evolution can lead to resilience and liberation, even if the outcome is uncertain, the band shares:

“Probably For Nothing captures our evolution and experimentation in a way that feels cohesive and engaging. We wanted to create an album that resonates deeply with listeners, offering them a mix of powerful anthems and reflective ballads that they can connect with on a personal level. Our hope was to leave a lasting impact and provide a memorable and engaging listening experience from start to finish.”

Probably For Nothing tracklist

Never Again

Disappear

Lack of Sleep

Something New

Innocent Hearts

Need You Here

Broken Pieces

Alone

Comfort Zone

Feeling Fine

Sail Away

Probably for Nothing

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Current Highlights: What’s New at Contemporary at Blue Star This Summer

Installation view C& Center of Unfinished Business, HERE AND NOW at Museum Ludwig: Dynamic Spaces, Museum Ludwig, Cologne 2020, © Contemporary And, photo: Rheinisches Bildarchiv Köln, Cologne / Nina Siefke

The Contemporary at Blue Star is excited to announce three new exhibitions, The C&s Center of Unfinished Business, Kaysaypac: Portraits and Figures by Leeanna Chipana, and Cheng Xinhao’s Silver…and Other Elements. The summer exhibitions weave an unavoidable thread that sparks conversation around the history of colonialism, its presence in contemporary life, and encourages education and dialogue. They are currently on view until October 6, 2024. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2024)

The C&s Center of Unfinished Business
Contemporary is thrilled to partner with C&, a multimedia platform for contemporary visual arts, to present the Center of Unfinished Business, a reading room that encapsulates an array of books that explore the persistence of colonialism in various ways, from its origins to how it effects people and places today. You’ll find texts on the way land and culture have been forcibly stripped from native people due to colonialism alongside texts that explore how empire-building also connects to fashion, 21st century capitalism, and more.

Launched in 2017, the Reading Room has traveled to institutions around the world. As it travels, the room integrates books from each of its host venues (and their collaborators), who add text that is relevant to the place the Reading Room inhabits. For the Contemporary’s iteration of this installation, we have partnered with the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Latino Bookstore to include texts that touch on the themes of colonialism and borders that are present in the exhibitions in the surrounding galleries.

Kaysaypac: Portraits and Figures by Leeanna Chipana
Born in Long Island, New York to an immigrant Quechuan-Peruvian father and American mother, Leeanna Chipana draws from her Quechuan and American identity by incorporating Incan, Aztec, and Mayan iconography with classical European oil painting techniques and approaches. The blending and blurring of indigenous figures and Western techniques is an effort of disrupting colonial erasure by placing Indigenous-Latinx figures at the forefront of a very Euro-centric style of painting.

The exhibition title, Kaysaypac (pronounced cow-say-pak), a nod to Chipana’s Quechuan-Peruvian heritage, is a phrase often used while making a toast or a cheers and translates to “to live/to life.” Further cementing the presence of indigenous peoples, this sentiment incorporated into the title is a dedication to the descendants of the Incans continuing to live in community, surviving colonialism and violence.

Cheng Xinhao
Silver…and Other Elements
In this four-channel film, Cheng Xinhao investigates the Mang people’s (the indigenous people living at the border of Vietnam and China) adaptation to shifting borders and changing systems. To explore this moving borderline and the migration of its people, Xinhao follows the fluctuating use of currency.

These shifting borders create a state of in-betweenness and displacement—a sentiment many border communities around the world still struggle with, and yet adapt to. Xinhao’s video raises the question: what symbols are appropriated and survive under new regimes? Will they be incorporated into existing systems, or will new forms be created?

Contemporary at Blue Star
116 Blue Star
San Antonio, TX 78204

Public visiting hours during exhibitions:
Monday – Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 12p.m. – 5p.m.
Thursday – Friday 12p.m. – 8p.m.
Saturday – Sunday 10a.m. – 6p.m.

Admission is always free.

Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star, used with permission.