Upcoming new book release: ‘The Wandering Pianist’ by Congyu Wang

‘The Wandering Pianist’ will be released December 27, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Memoirs and biographies can be so inspiring to read because they remind us that achieving a dream takes time, dedication, patience, and most of all, hard work. Indeed, nothing in this world comes easy but it does come with an immense feeling of satisfaction. If you are a music lover and enjoy biographies of artists, today’s upcoming new book release might interest you. “The Wandering Pianist” is the inspiring biography by Congyu Wang about living up to his name, though far from the aspirations his parents had for him. It is a story of resilience, faith, and unbridled passion and ambition.

Congyu Wang is an internationally renowned soloist who has garnered acclaim as a recitalist, accompanist, and chamber musician. Born in Singapore, he started playing the piano at the age of 3 under the tutelage of Sylvia Ng. He was selected for a scholarship that enabled him to attend the prestigious École Normale de Musique de Paris, where he studied with renowned French pianists Jean-Marc Luisada and Odile Cartelin-Delangle. His new book “The Wandering Pianist” is a heartfelt reminder that no dream is too big, and no obstacle is insurmountable if one’s passion is unyielding. This book will leave you inspired and deeply moved, proving that the pursuit of dreams is worth every sacrifice, every tear, and every note played. It will be released December 27, 2023 through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book sellers. (Congyu Wang, 2023)

“The Wandering Pianist” – He defied his family’s expectations and society’s norms. From the very beginning, Congyu Wang was a true underdog, not a musical prodigy, and even once dismissed the piano as being “for girls.” However, one teacher, one movie, and a new status in his young life will drive him to wanting to become a pianist.

Despite the relentless pressure to conform to traditional education and career paths, Congyu’s heart was set on pursuing this dream. Forced to escape the pressure cooker that he was living in, he embarked on a courageous quest that led him to studying at the prestigious École Normale de Musique de Paris on a scholarship at only sixteen years old. His journey wasn’t a fairy tale in Paris, though; it was daunting and sometimes heart-wrenching.

From being homeless and hungry on the cold streets of Paris to navigating the challenges of pursuing his musical ambitions, Congyu’s story is one of resilience, faith, and an unshakable passion for the piano. His encounters with piano masters who he looks up to are set against the backdrop of adversity, heartache, and rejection.

Through the highs and lows, Congyu’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, passion, luck, and dedication in bringing talent to life. From the depths of despair to finding God’s grace, he emerges not only as a concert pianist but also as a symbol of hope, determination, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

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Congyu Wang. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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Upcoming new movie release: Sunrise

Release date for the thriller Sunrise is January 19, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In today’s movie news, from director Andrew Baird and Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter Ronan Blaney comes the thriller Sunrise. It will be released in theaters, on demand, and digital on January 19, 2024. Produced by Martin Brennan, Jib Polhemus, Nathan Klingher, and Ford Corbett, it stars acclaimed actors Guy Pearce and Alex Pettyfer. Sunrise in a spine-tingling thriller about an ex-cop turned vampire who is forced to choose between vengeance and redemption. (Cinematic Red PR, 2023)

Sunrise – When an ex-cop named Fallon returns to the scene of a horrific crime, the residents of a rural town soon discover that this dark visitor is really a vampire who feeds on blood and fear. After a kind immigrant family befriends him, the instinctive killer is faced with a choice between revenge and redemption.

RATING: R
GENRE: Thriller
RUN TIME: 94 mins
DISTRIBUTOR: Lionsgate

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Art exhibition: American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection

San Antonio Museum of Art’s American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection will close on January 7, 2024. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art’s special exhibition American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection is set to close on January 7, 2024 after an acclaimed run. The exhibition features more than a hundred artworks depicting the American experience in striking landscapes, Colonial-era portraits, still lifes, impressionist paintings, abstractions, and bronze sculptures. Spanning over 250 years of American art, American Made features exemplary works by renowned artists, including Baby Charles Looking Over His Mother’s Shoulder (No.3) by Mary Cassatt, An American Landscape by Luigi Lucioni, Elsie Wagg by John Singer Sargent, Chow Choy by Robert Henri, Seated Woman by Elizabeth Catlett, and Paris le Soir by Loïs Mailou Jones. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2023)

American Made demonstrates not only how American art has changed stylistically, but also how the face of American art has changed — literally and figuratively. Though many objects from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection have been on view at museums around the country, American Made is the first exhibition to bring together highlights of this extensive private collection.

American Made was organized by The Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Dixon Gallery and Gardens in Memphis, Tennessee.

San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W. Jones Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78215

The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic former Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.

Thomas Moran (American,1837-1926), Moonlight in Venice,1898, Oil on wood board. Courtesy of the Thomas H. and Diane DeMell Jacobsen PhD Foundation. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Legendary electronic rock band Pendulum releases new EP

Anima is Pendulum’s adventurous new EP featuring collaborations with Scarlxrd and Matt Tuck. Photo: Andrew Cotterill, used with permission.

Pendulum is considered to be one of the biggest electronic bands of all time with 3 platinum albums to their name including renowned debut Hold Your Colour and a UK #1 and #2 for Immersion and In Silico. Emerging from Perth, Australia, their fusion of drum and bass with rock sensibilities has transcended borders, accumulating over a million albums sold in the UK alone. As a live band, Pendulum is an unstoppable, award-winning act, selling out global arena tours and playing to thousands across main stage performances from Glastonbury, Download to Reading and Leeds and a co-headline show at London’s Gunnersbury Park alongside Limp Bizkit this year. (Magnum PR, 2023)

The multi platinum-selling electronic rock band, composed of Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillen, Peredur ap Gwynedd, and KJ Sawka – has released their highly anticipated EP Anima via Virgin Music Group / Mushroom Group.

Anima consists of four tracks including the EP’s focus single, a collaboration with acclaimed rising UK metal/underground hip hop artist Scarlxrd, who provides a blistering combination of rap and vicious screamo on ‘Mercy Killing’ – backed by Pendulum’s unique brand of thunderous DnB to make it a thrilling ride from start to finish. Watch the visualizer here.

The EP also includes Pendulum’s crossover hit single ‘Halo,’ which features Bullet For My Valentine lead singer Matt Tuck, along with their anthemic drum and bass single ‘Colourfast.’ Collectively, these songs have amassed over 15M streams, 2M views, radio rotation on Music Choice’s (24/7) METAL channel, and landed on the biggest editorial playlists including Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’ series since their summer release.

“We’ve always had one foot in the metal scene, so collaborating with Matt from Bullet For My Valentine was an incredible experience and his voice brought something completely unique to the table.” -Rob Swire

‘Silent Spinner’ is, as Rob puts it, “one of the darker tracks we’ve done.” It caps off the EP brimming with a Spanish horn section and flows into a booming groove, slick vocal melodies, and metallic, futuristic synth sounds only Pendulum could finesse. Rob shares, “For optimal listening experience, try moving to London and listen to it at 3 a.m. when you’re having a bad week and you’ve just been splashed by a bus.”

Ahead of their EP release, the band surprised fans recently with their cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘Anti-Hero’ – racking up over 235K views and in true Pendulum fashion, offered some smashing metal guitar riffs, thumping drum and bass, and soaring vocals.

Full track listing for Pendulum’s Anima EP:
1. Pendulum & Bullet For My Valentine – Halo
2. Pendulum – Colourfast
3. Pendulum & Scarlxrd – Mercy Killing
4. Pendulum – Silent Spinner

The announcement arrives on the heels of the band’s recent arena tour of Australia and New Zealand. Starting in March of 2024, the band will return to the UK for their arena tour. It will be their biggest UK tour in over ten years with some of their most monumental shows to date. North American tour dates will be announced in 2024.

Pendulum’s upcoming tour dates:
March 24, 2024 – First Direct Arena, Leeds
March 25, 2024- O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
March 26, 2024 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff
March 28, 2024 – Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
March 29, 2024 – The O2, London
March 31, 2024 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow

Pendulum’s new EP Anima. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Bad Boy Billionaire Protector’ by Ava Becker

‘Bad Boy Billionaire Protector’ is the new Off Limits College Romance novel by Ava Becker. Photo: Ava Becker, used with permission.

Contemporary romance novels feature romance stories set in modern times. These are some of the most popular types of romance novels and often involve a couple overcoming the odds for their happily ever after. In today’s new book release, can true love rise from the ashes of tragedy and escalating threats? Find out in “Bad Boy Billionaire Protector,” a steamy new contemporary romance novel by Ava Becker? Does it sound like your type of romance novel? Then don’t wait and pick up your copy today –  it is currently available exclusively on Amazon. Sign up for Ava Becker’s newsletter and receive a free book.

Ava Becker is an up and coming author who finds herself starting most days emerging from a comatose state over a cup of coffee, sneaking bites of morning pancakes from her children, tripping over those same children’s bookbags that seem to dart in front of her on purpose, hoping that her husband took the dog outside for his morning potty break before leaving for work, and making sure people get a good look at her perpetual bedhead as she struts around the house in such fashion for as long as possible. Not scary at all.

She considers herself the luckiest person to be able to write stories of love and passion that illustrate an inexorable connection between her characters. She loves romances that hold your attention and make it impossible to put the book down. She especially delights in a twisty story and she is always apologizing to the poor soul who gets the short end of the stick. Her stories often involve strong, commanding, charismatic men who let themselves be vulnerable to the smart, sexy, lovable women who steal their hearts. Add of dash of humor and, mwah! Parfait! “Bad Boy Billionaire Protector,” her fifth book, is a contemporary romance between college student Amber and graduate student Christos, who is really an undercover FBI agent. (Ava Becker, 2023)

“Bad Boy Billionaire Protector” – When grieving college junior Amber meets graduate student Christos following the tragic suicide of her boyfriend, there is an instant and explosive attraction between them. But Christos harbors a shocking secret—he is actually undercover FBI agent Mason King, investigating a string of suspicious deaths, including that of Amber’s deceased boyfriend, and their connection to an elite secret society at Stanford University.

As Mason continues crossing personal and professional lines as he pursues Amber, he soon reveals a stunning revelation that undermines her trust and love for him. At the same time, looming threats from the secret society soon sweep this couple along a dangerous path that could destroy any chance at happiness.

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New book: ‘Ben Signs: A New School Adventure’

‘Ben Signs: A New School Adventure’ teaches children essential sign language words and phrases, allowing them to communicate with deaf peers in school. Photo: ProCare Therapy.

Stephanie Morris, Senior Vice President of ProCare Therapy, has worked in the Education Staffing industry for more than 15 years. She has partnered with school districts and dedicated school professionals across the country, supporting special education, speech therapy, school psychology, and much more. She is a member of the Chairman’s Club of the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing from the University of Georgia, and loves spending time with her husband and two children. (ProCare Therapy, 2023)

Almost 400,000 children have a hearing disability in the US and they outnumber school interpreters by 41 children to 1 interpreter. Studies show children have a critical period of learning between ages 1 and 5 years when they are ready to acquire a new language. This period is riskier for hard of hearing children, because if they don’t communicate regularly, they can develop language deprivation. To prevent language deprivation, more than 20 states across the country have passed laws to monitor deaf children’s language development, but sign language still isn’t taught in schools.  

The need for accessible and engaging resources to help children better understand their deaf peers has caused ProCare Therapy, one of the country’s top sources of school-based therapy, to launch a free digital and downloadable storybook. This new digital storybook helps children learn to sign in six easy steps.

“We are passionate about providing resources that not only educate but also inspire empathy and understanding in children.” – Stephanie Morris, Senior Vice President of ProCare Therapy

Introducing Ben and Mia, who are making sign language easy and fun for children to learn. Children to learn how to sign essential American Sign Language (ASL) words and phrases, such as “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “My name is.”

‘Ben Signs: A New School Adventure’ will help educate children, parents, and teachers in ASL along with the challenges that deaf children can face, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity in classrooms and beyond.

Children can learn the following signs:  

  1. Hello
  2. My name is 
  3. Alphabet (to spell your name)
  4. Please
  5. Thank you 
  6. Goodbye 

‘Ben signs: A New School Adventure’ is designed to be shared and can be downloaded for free.

“We believe this book will help children not only connect with their deaf peers but also educate children, parents and educators on the challenges that deaf children can face, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity in classrooms and beyond.” 

Photo: ProCare Therapy, used with permission.

A true partner in education, ProCare Therapy is one of the country’s top sources of school-based therapy. We are solely dedicated to making a difference in the life of each child, every day, with every school session. Whether you’re a school in need of therapists or a clinician looking for a company that values your gifts, ProCare Therapy is your source. 

Stephanie Morris, Senior Vice President of ProCare Therapy. Photo: ProCare Therapy, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Help, My Baby Won’t Stop Crying !’ by Anne-Marie Springer

‘Help, My Baby Won’t Stop Crying!: A Simple Guide for New Parents’ is the new book by Anne-Marie Springer. Photo: Amazon

Being a new parent is a joyful occasion, but like everything else, it has its ups and downs. One of those times is when your baby just won’t stop crying. There are many reasons why they cry, and the challenging part is figuring why and how to handle the situation. Thankfully, there are books out there that address this particular subject. If you are a new parent, or know someone who is, consider today’s new book release. “Help, My Baby Won’t Stop Crying!: A Simple Guide for New Parents” by Anne-Marie Springer contains sensible, compassionate advice to help you through your baby’s crying episodes. It is available on Amazon.

Anne-Marie Springer has had a passion for nursing and taking care of others for as long as she can remember. Always a caregiver, she loved babysitting, comforting sick family members, patching up friends’ skinned knees and dreamed of following a career in medicine. This inspired her to join the United States Navy for the college fund and to ultimately obtain her Nursing Degree from the University of South Florida. After graduation, she spent the next 10 years working in Mother Baby, Neonatal, Medical Surgical, Emergency Room, and Family Practice units honing her patient care skills until her retirement from the Navy in 2009.

From there she transitioned to a position as a Population Health Nurse in Family Practice providing education and caring for babies, children, and adult patients ensuring they receive the best preventive care possible. Anne-Marie is the mother of three adult children and a favorite aunt of four nieces and two nephews. She and her husband now reside in Illinois with their two goofy and loveable dogs. With her new book “Help, My Baby Won’t Stop Crying!: A Simple Guide for New Parents” she hopes to encourage new parents to search out and take advantage of all available resources to help them raise their babies with the least amount of stress and most amount of fun, loving, and joyful memories. (Anne-Marie Springer, 2023)

“Help, My Baby Won’t Stop Crying!: A Simple Guide for New Parents” – If you have picked up this book, chances are that you have or will soon be having a baby in your home. While having a baby means countless cuddles, giggles, and love, it also means a crying baby and sleepless nights. If you are looking for sensible, compassionate advice to help you through your baby’s crying episodes, this book is your one stop solution. With over 24 years of expertise in Family Practice, Military, and Population Health Nursing, Anne-Marie will advise and guide you through your parenting journey. Anne-Marie has helped countless families as a tireless advocate for parents and children and has a deep commitment to sharing her knowledge and teaching the best practices for child care. So, take a deep breath and enjoy the truly amazing, challenging, and rewarding experience of raising your baby with the help of this book.

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New book release: ‘The In-Between: Life in the Micro’ by Christian Espinosa

‘The In-Between: Life in the Micro’ is the new book by Christian Espinosa. Photo: Christian Espinosa, used with permission.

Regardless of our life experiences, we all have those moments when life starts to make sense. Even then, we should always keep learning and growing as human beings. I like reading biographies and memoirs because the authors share what they have learned in the hopes of inspiring others to improve their lives. In his new memoir, Christian Espinosa shares the journey that transformed him into a compassionate global citizen. In “The In-Between: Life in the Micro,” he explains that some regrets do not hit you all at once. They seep in at the corners of your life, at night or on a long drive, until they become a refrain. Those are the worst regrets of all. Pick up your copy today from Amazon and read all about his fascinating journey. 

Christian Espinosa is an esteemed thought leader and best known as the bestselling author of “The Smartest Person in the Room,” a book that explores the limitations of seeking validation through achievement and the desire to be the brightest intellect in any room. He is also a successful entrepreneur, white hat hacker, captivating speaker, real estate investor, and heavy metal enthusiast. With a deep desire to inspire others to harness their innate wisdom, overcome perceived barriers, and summon the courage to tread new paths, Christian has written his latest book, “The In-Between: Life in the Micro.” This book chronicles his remarkable transformation from a “me against the world” mindset, cultivated during his tumultuous upbringing, to his evolution as a compassionate global citizen committed to uplifting humanity. (Christian Espinosa, 2023)

“The In-Between: Life in the Micro” – Christian Espinosa was living in a bubble, and it burst on May 9, 2022. It was the middle of the afternoon. As he and his partner Vanessa approached a major intersection, a blue car accelerated, ran the red light, and T-boned a black truck directly in front of them.

The blue car’s hood crumbled like an accordion to absorb the impact. Within seconds, its front end was completely smashed and its windows were broken. Then everything went out of focus, except for what he needed to do—assess the scene for safety, check on the drivers of the blue car and black truck, and call 911. Nothing else mattered—he felt a heightened sense of purpose.

He had always focused on one macro moment after another—the next mountain to climb or business to start. He had not spent any time appreciating the micro-moments—life in between the macros. He had been living in a macro-moment bubble.

The accident awakened in him a desire to paint a complete picture of who he wanted to be and how he wanted to approach his life. This is his story of learning how to value the in-between and prioritize consciously living in the micro.

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New book release: ‘Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)’ by Tal Storm

‘Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)’ is the new fantasy novel by Tal Storm. Photo: Tal Storm, used with permission.

Fantasy novels are so exciting to read because they often transport you to other worlds and realms filled with mythical and magical beings. Magic and a quest for power usually play a big part. If fantasy novels are your go to for escapist reads, consider today’s new book release. “Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)” by Tal Storm is a dark fantasy story about a young noble girl named Darah Mata. She gets turned into a vampire by her uncle and is forced to learn the dark art of Necromancy. She is tortured for any of her failings and despite the pain, she still yearns for her freedom. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Pick up your copy of “Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)” on Amazon and find out what happens to Darah.

Tal Storm is an author, a groundskeeper, and a small engine repairman. When not working on equipment, his mind wanders to another world filled with fun fantasy and sci-fi stories. Now, he wishes to share these tales with everyone who loves to share in the joy of fantasy. (Tal Storm, 2023)

“Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)” – In Alleria, the Tel’eev Ascendency’s war of conquest sent ripples throughout the world. This is true for Darah Mata, who has been turned into a vampire by the machinations of her uncle. Now, she is forced to learn the dreaded magic of necromancy while being tortured for any failings. Will she be able to attain the freedom from this torment that she seeks?

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Necrohamster wearing a dark cloak. Photo: Tal Storm, used with permission.

New book release: ‘The Ed Gein Chronicles’ by Scott Bowser

‘The Ed Gein Chronicles’ is the new book by Scott Bowser. Photo: Scott Bowser, used with permission.

Even though I have read my fair share of true crime books, I admit the topic can be unsettling because the events really happened. These books are about real events and people, some of them dealing with serial killers. One of the best known is Ed Gein, who was a murderer, suspected serial killer, and body snatcher who committed the crimes around his hometown in Plainfield, Wisconsin. (Wikipedia) If you like true crime books and want to know more about Ed Gein, consider today’s new book release “The Ed Gein Chronicles” by Scott E Bower. It is available on Amazon and Goodreads.

Scott E. Bowser is the author of three non-fiction books, “Gein,” “The Travelers Guide to Ed Gein,” and “The Ed Gein Chronicles.” Scott was also on MGM Plus tv show “Psycho: The Lost Tapes of Ed Gein.” Born in 1964 in Kingsford, Michigan, he lived his young years in Neenah, Wisconsin. He always had an interest in true crime whether it be reading about it or watching it on tv. Now living in Wisconsin Rapids, he gives Ed Gein tours in his spare time in Plainfield. He keeps on studying about Ed Gein and serves on the Board of Directors for the Waushara County Historical Society & Museum. He is currently writing a screenplay for his first book “Gein.” (Scott E. Bowser, 2023)

“The Ed Gein Chronicles” – Edward Theodore Gein was one of the most notorious murderers in U.S. history. The particularly bizarre and morbid nature of his crimes shocked the world, even though it may never be known if he committed more than two murders. Besides the death of his brother in 1944 under mysterious circumstances, six people disappeared from Wisconsin towns of La Crosse and Plainfield between 1947 and 1957. Gein was conclusively linked to only two, though it is suspected there were more.

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