Taco Cabana celebrates National Tequila Day with $6.99 Double Crunch Pizza and Margarita bundle deal. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.
Starting Friday, July 21, 2023 through Monday, July 24, 2023, in celebration of National Tequila Day (July 24, 2023), Taco Cabana will offer a special bundle deal including any flavor of its popular Double Crunch Pizza and any flavor of its signature frozen margaritas for just $6.99 at all Texas Taco Cabana locations. TC guests can choose from Double Crunch Pizza flavors like Ground Beef, Shredded Chicken or Ghost Pepper Ground Beef and pair it with one of TC’s refreshing margarita flavors – perfect for the sizzling summer season. (Taco Cabana, 2023)
The offer is valid for Friday, July 21, 2023 through Monday, July 24, 2023 only during standard hours of operation at all participating Texas Taco Cabana locations. It does not include TC’s Triple Crunch Pizza.
The Double Crunch Pizza and margarita bundle is available through curbside pick-up, drive-thru, in-restaurant, and via mobile order through the My TC! App.
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of July 10, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.
‘The Day I Sold My Corvette’ by Santrell T. Carson. Photo: Amazon
Today’s book highlight is all about business. If you are interesting in books about business, money/motivational management, and biographies about business professionals, this one is for you: “The Day I Sold My Corvette” by Santrell T. Carson. This thought-provoking and enlightening book challenges your perceptions of wealth and money. If you find yourself living paycheck-to-paycheck, struggling financially, or constantly craving material possessions, this is a must read book.
Santrell T. Carson is a creative designer, an artist, an observer, a businessman, a son, a brother, a landlord, an entrepreneur, an author, and after all these years, still an engineer. He has worked most of his life, starting at 12 when he started his first paper route. At 19, he became a conductor for the railroad and eventually became the first African American to go through the ranks to become an engineer in his district. This was when Santrell decided that employment was only the first step to success, and the real goal was to become financially independent. Even though he enjoyed his childhood, it was not as he would have liked to imagine it. While growing up in a poverty-stricken area, he was set on a mission to change the path of those who came after him. Creating generational wealth was not the first goal as he toiled with life’s obstacles. His new book, “The Day I Sold My Corvette,” is about more than just selling a car, it is about selling a lifestyle that keeps you in financial bondage. The author challenges readers to re-evaluate their spending habits and focus on acquiring assets instead of liabilities. (Santrell T. Carson, 2023)
“The Day I Sold my Corvette” is a compelling and insightful read that will inspire you to take control of your finances and make positive changes in your life. Whether you are a young adult just starting your financial journey or someone looking to shift their mindset about wealth, this book offers practical advice and a refreshing perspective on money. Through his personal story, the author shares his financial education journey and how he broke the cycle of poverty by taking risks and building assets. He sheds light on the common misconceptions about wealth and exposes the true meaning of financial freedom.
Christian Parker breaths new life into the Byrd’s classic country leaning album with new LP Sweethearts. It will be out August 18, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Christian Parker is an American recording artist, guitarist and songwriter. He knows his way around a song, and his musical vision enables him to deliver electrifying licks on rock anthems as well as cascading layers of acoustic guitar on ballads of love and loss. Parker started taking guitar lessons when he was 12, the day after John Lennon was killed, and learned how to play “Rocky Racoon” that same night. The New York-based musician released his first album, Reflections of Tomorrow, when he was 17, launching a music career devoted to introspective songwriting marked by its attention to the world around him. Since then he has released six studio albums, including his forthcoming Sweethearts, Parker’s version of the classic Byrds’ album Sweethearts of the Rodeo. His albums have earned him praise from No Depression, Blues Blast, and Jambands. His most recent, Every Passing Mile and Best Kept Secret, contain previously unreleased material written over the last two decades. In addition to his solo work, Parker has played lead guitar in the Waydown Wailers, rockers who have shared stages with Z.Z. Top, Charlie Daniels, Lady A, and New Riders of the Purple Sage. (IV-PR, 2023)
On August 18, Parker will release his version of the Byrds’ now-legendary country-rocker, Sweethearts of the Rodeo. Titled Sweethearts, it features his rollicking band and support from pianist Earl Poole Ball and pedal steel from JayDee Maness—both of whom played on the original record back in 1968.
Just as then-new Byrds member Gram Parsons loved the Louvin Brothers, Merle Haggard, and Cindy Walker—and wanted to deliver faithful versions of their songs “The Christian Life,” “Life in Prison,” and “Blue Canadian Rockies”—so Parker delivers the Byrds’ versions in tender renditions that capture the groundbreaking character of the original album. Throughout Sweethearts, Parker’s vocals echo the purity of Parsons’ efforts to import the clarity of county music into vibrant rock rhythms. In addition to the original eleven songs on Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Parker has included three more classics: “I Still Miss Someone,” “Satisfied Mind,” and “Drugstore Truck Driving Man.”
Parker shared the first single from Sweethearts, the album-opening “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” with premiere partner The Bluegrass Situation. “I first heard this song by Bob Dylan on an acoustic guitar. But I was hooked when I listened to the opening pedal steel guitar on the Byrds album,” says Parker. “This song was in my repertoire for decades, and I felt like I was recording an old friend. Tracer James’ interpretation of Lloyd Greens’ pedal steel guitar opens Sweethearts up perfectly and having Earl Poole Ball in the studio, who played piano on the original version, was magical for me.” Finding room between James’ scampering steel licks and Ball’s gospel-inflected piano runs, Parker delivers the song’s iconic refrain: “Whoo-ee, ride me high / Tomorrow’s the day my bride’s gonna come.” The cascading piano on the outré is Parker’s distinctive take on this buoyant song.
Fans can hear “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” now at this link and pre-order or pre-saveSweethearts ahead of its August 18 release.
Sweethearts track list: You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere I Am A Pilgrim The Christian Life You Don’t Miss Your Water You’re Still On My Mind Pretty Boy Floyd I Still Miss Someone Hickory Wind One Hundred Years From Now Blue Canadian Rockies Life In Prison Nothing Was Delivered Satisfied Mind Drugstore Truck Driving Man
‘The Vet’s Apprentice’ is the new science fiction novel by David Basinski. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Here is another new release worth mentioning: “The Vet’s Apprentice” by David Basinski. This debut novel for young readers takes place in the near future where space travel is as common as self driving cars and traffic sensors that issue tickets for speeding. Luna, the young protagonist loves animals and yearns to one day become a vet but when her scholarship falls through for lack of funding, she has to come up with Plan B. After reading a sample, I can attest that the author’s writing style seems graceful and makes the story flow easily through the pages. The highly detailed illustrations are gorgeous and bring the story to life and the concept of caring for animals in outer space is appealing. If you enjoy books with teenage protagonists and outer space adventures with animals, even if you are not a young reader, give this science fiction adventure a try. Let me know what you think.
After graduating from high school with the state’s representative scholarship, David Basinski attended the University of Illinois at Champaign for two and a half years before transferring to the Tuskegee Institute, in Alabama. While there, he represented the school in rodeo and the National Dairy Tasting Competition. During the summers between semesters, he worked for the Federal Animal Disease Testing Laboratory in Salem, Oregon, a ranch in Wyoming, and attended the American Motorcycle Mechanics School. Upon graduation with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, he spent a year learning Polish in Krakow before being admitted to the School of Veterinary Medicine in Wroclaw, Poland. In his debut novel “The Vet’s Apprentice,” the author proposes the questions: what if Princess Leia had decided to become an animal doctor, Darth Vader set out to destroy Alderaan’s livestock, and Obi-Wan Kenobi happened to be a vet? Find out in this intriguing new release. (David Basinski, 2023)
“The Vet’s Apprentice” – Luna Auer thought she had her future planned: graduate and go on to apply to vet school. But when her scholarship is suddenly revoked, her dream and her world are turned upside down. Resorting to a work-study program in a remote corner of the universe, she discovers a plan by the corrupt corporation she works for to eliminate the planet’s hybrid animals. With the help of an eccentric motorcycle-riding vet and his canine sidekick, will Luna be able to save those she has come to love? Fans of Dr. Dolittle will enjoy the wild ride adventure, its illustrated exotic animals, and the characters who treat them.
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Author David Basinski. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘Fifty Shades of Snow’ is the new urban life novel by A. Roy Milligan. Photo: Amazon
In today’s book news, here is a new book from acclaimed African American author A. Roy Milligan. If you like urban life fiction, in particular African American urban life fiction that brings the street life to the mainstream, may I suggest “Fifty Shades of Snow.”
Author A. Roy Milligan was born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan. While in prison for a second time for selling drugs, he started writing urban fiction books when he was 21 years old after being inspired by authors like Terri Woods, Wahida Clark, and Ashley & JaQuavis. He now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where he runs his own car hauling company. On his free time, he enjoys bowling, shooting pool, reading, and traveling. He wrote “From Prison To the Car Hauling Game” to motivate people that have been in similar situations where they lost hope and do not know what else to do since they have felonies on their record. His new book “Fifty Shades of Snow” is a gritty and realistic urban fiction crime drama. (A. Roy Milligan, 2023)
“Fifty Shades of Snow”– When Steve found the love of his life Angelia in bed with a flashy street thug loaded with cash, he knew his meager factory wages and part-time drug dealing were not going to cut it. Steve was a celebrity football star in high school, but now 10 years later, he is barely making ends meet by slinging a couple of ounces of cocaine here and there on the side. Now, things are getting worse. Angelia’s got a thing for street dudes with bling, and Steve’s got no bling. Despite being enraged by Angelia’s adultery, Steve decides to keep her around and find a quick way to improve their financial situation to keep her faithful. He knows life as a part-time drug dealer is not going to stack cash, but a trip to San Antonio, Texas to meet with the head of a notorious Mexican cartel might just be the ticket into the dangerous and lucrative street life that he has been looking for. Can Steve make the moves that he needs to make to save his relationship and elevate himself from barely paying the bills to straight-up street hustler?
‘Runway Dreams: A Pricey Affair’ is the new mystery thriller by T.K. Ambers. Photo: Amazon
T.K. Ambers is the award-winning author of “Runway Dreams A Pricey Affair.” Her novel has been recognized in four different award competitions and took second place in the Pencraft Awards, Women’s Fiction category. She lives in New Richmond, Wisconsin with her husband and two cats: Bellatrix and Kit. She would spend her perfect day lakeside, where she would swim, play games, and then wind down with a bonfire, s’mores, and stories told by family and friends. “Runway Dreams: A Pricey Affair” is a dark and comedic thriller about family dynamics and what happens when the youngest sibling in a prestigious family of models falls for a con man with a dangerous past. Follow the author: FacebookInstagram (T.K Ambers, 2023)
“Runway Dreams” – As a model born into the modeling industry, Bernadette (Bernie) Price has everything an heiress could desire, except a romantic partner to share her dreams with. Which is why she turns to online dating where she meets Martin Day, a handsome and successful financial advisor who is moving to her town. Her sister Belinda (Bell) has reservations about online dating, but Bernie is determined to meet Martin in person after talking to him online and on the phone for six months. This is where the story begins, as Bernie is getting ready for her date with Martin. With an absent mother, Bell has taken up the role and is voicing her reservations about this date. By the time she meets Martin at her father’s jazz club, Bernie is hooked. The couple clicks, and their relationship is on the fast track to marital bliss and they become engaged after only a few months of meeting in person. Before the wedding, a stranger (Matthew) brings unsettling news of Martin’s past. The Price family finds themselves divided as they sort through who is telling the truth. When Bernie disappears, her siblings must put their frustrations aside and help their sister reclaim her life before Martin claims theirs.
Most often, the modeling world comes across as a luxurious and worry free lifestyle filled with glamour, photo shoots, and money. What many seldom see is the reality that even beautiful, rich, and famous people ignore their instincts and get into toxic relationships, often with tragic results. It is interesting to read what happens behind the scenes at fashion shows and how models deal with publicity and fame. The story is narrated in the third person point of view and the language is easy to understand and descriptive at times, especially when describing the characters: “His bronzed skin was like a light creamy chocolate, and she guessed it might taste just as sweet.” The first half is lighthearted with occasional funny moments but after Chapter 13, it turns dark as reality sinks in and Bernie is faced with an abusive husband and her family is in the crosshairs. It should be noted that there are brief scenes of domestic abuse, but they are not graphic and only serve to highlight the seriousness of the situation and in fact they make the characters more relatable. The pulse pounding action makes the story flow effortlessly until the dramatic climax. With a perfect balance of comedy and thrilling action that highlights the importance of family, “Runway Dreams” is a must read and recommended for fans of mysteries and dramatic domestic thrillers similar to the best of Nora Roberts.
“As they drove back toward town, there was no laughter. The tears fell silently, and the three siblings held hands. Bernie knew that in time, some of the worst days of their lives would be far behind them, but for now, it was okay to let the tears flow.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Bag Girl’ is the upcoming new memoir from Tozanee Smith. Photo: Tozanee Smith, used with permission.
If you like biographies and memoirs of strong women who survived a tough childhood against all odds, this upcoming new release is just for you. “Bag Girl” by Tozanee Smith will be released on Kindle on September 22, but don’t worry, it’s available for pre-order through Amazon. Reserve your copy today!
Tozanee Smith is a teacher, a mother, a nurse, and a cook (at heart). She loves spending time at home on the couch with a good romance book with the occasional glass of wine. From time to time, she likes to spend quality time with close personal friends. She lives in Martinsburg, WV and enjoys going to the movies and long road trips. Her new book “Bag Girl: Memoir: Home Is Where The Bag Is” is a memoir of strength, courage, survival, and resilience. It will be released on September 22, 2023. (Tozanee Smith, 2023)
“Bag Girl” – Trying to survive the chaotic world of being the eldest of my family comes with its own baggage. On top of being diagnosed with diabetes and PCOS at a young age, dealing with a bipolar sex crazed mother who cared more about men then her own children was a whole different fight. Having being taught to stay in a child’s place and that my feelings did not matter, nor did I have a say in anything, I knew I was brought into this world for one thing and one thing only. To mother, not be mothered. Battling my own personal demons along with my anxiety and depression was enough for my mother to keep me grounded, that alone came with its side of verbal abuse and humiliation.
End Times is available in limited theaters and Video On Demand. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In movie news today, get ready for another post-apocalyptic zombie movie as End Times releases today.
End Times stars horror icon Jamie Bernadette and Craig Stark and is available now in limited theaters and Video On Demand. Jim Towns is the writer and director and The Asylum is the distributor. (The Write Way, 2023)
End Times follows a pair of mismatched travelers, Claire and Freddie (Bernadette and Stark), as they try to escape a deadly pandemic that has turned Los Angeles into a zombie-infested wasteland. Claire is a privileged young suburbanite ill-equipped to survive in this hostile new landscape, until she meets Freddie, a retired soldier who lost his daughter to the virus. As they travel together to reach the perimeter, Freddie teaches Claire the skills that will enable Claire to survive, and the uneasy partnership between the two grows into something more akin to a father/daughter relationship. Before they can reach safety, the two will have to escape brutal gangs, cannibals, cults, and the undead.
“We have a heartfelt horror here that has not only scared those who have previewed the film, but has also left them in tears at the end. Perhaps the toughest acting I have ever done is in the last 20 or so minutes of this film—yes, maybe even tougher than I Spit on Your Grave if you can believe that ha ha. It tried me as an artist, pushed me as an actor, and tested me as a person. I owe a big thank you to actor Craig Stark for being an incredible scene partner throughout this film and to writer and director Jim Towns for his brilliant vision and guidance.” – Jamie Bernadette
“I’m excited that after a lot of hard work, End Times is being unleashed on the world. This film was a battle to make from start to finish, but I’m so very proud of it and of everyone who came together to make it. I think it tells a universal story about the bonds between people that get us through tragedy and disaster, and finally bring us to a place of hope. My thanks to my producing partner Jamie Bernadette, our stars Jamie and Craig Stark, Dominique Swain, Kaiwi Lyman and Sadie Katz, and to the Asylum for their trust in the film.” – Jim Towns
The supporting cast includes Dominique Swain, Jessica Morris, Kaiwi Lyman, Dan Buran, Stefanie Estes, Maria Olsen, Sadie Katz, and Victoria De Mare.
This Halloween, let ‘Sip and Shade Art Book: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation’ by Sunny J Shores inspire you. Photo: Sunny J Shores, used with permission.
Halloween is right around the corner and if you are hosting a Halloween party and looking for original ideas besides the tired old costume contest, I have an exciting and creative idea. How about hosting your own Sip and Shade Party with this Halloween-themed edition book?
Adult coloring books have gained popularity in recent years because they can be therapeutic. Some studies have shown that focusing on the complex drawings on these coloring books can actually put your mind into a relaxing and meditative state. So why not get together with friends this Halloween, put on your best costume, and enjoy some adult beverages, all while bonding, expressing yourself, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
“Sip and Shade Party: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation: Halloween Edition” by Sunny JShores is more than just a coloring book; it is also a party planner to help you host the best spooky get together this season. It is made from high quality paper perfect for all types of mediums, from colored pencils to markers. The padded pages are sure to handle all types of artists, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience. Do you have guests who are left handed? This coloring book is formatted to complement left handed or right handed artists. It even comes with a guest list and memories page perfect for capturing every moment. (Sunny J Shores, 2023)
So this year surprise your friends with a unique Halloween party courtesy of the Halloween edition of “Sip and Shade Party.” Set aside a space for creativity to bloom surrounded by spooky Halloween decorations, drinks, and a variety of art supplies to fit every artist’s needs. Of course, costumes are always encouraged! And remember, if it is not on social media, it did not happen, so share your experiences online by using the hashtag #SipAndShadeParty.
“Sip and Shade Party: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation: Halloween Edition” is available online. For bulk orders of 10 or more, you can order directly from the publisher’s website. Happy Halloween!
Hominy Valley is the first single from Morning Shift, out September 8, 2023. Photo: Steep Canyon Rangers
Steep Canyon Rangers are made up of Graham Sharp on banjo and vocals, Mike Guggino on mandolin/mandola and vocals, Aaron Burdett on guitar and vocals, Nicky Sanders on fiddle and vocals, Mike Ashworth on drums, dobro, guitar, and vocals, and Barrett Smith on bass, guitar, and vocals. Over the band’s esteemed career, the three-time Grammy nominees have released 14 studio albums, three collaborative albums with actor and banjoist Steve Martin, been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and appeared on some of music’s biggest stages. In 2013, Nobody Knows You won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, while 2012’s Rare Bird and 2020’s North Carolina Songbook garnered nominations in the same category. Steep Canyon Rangers unearth layers of human history with Hominy Valley, the first single from upcoming Darrell Scott-produced album, Morning Shift—out September 8. (IV-PR, 2023)
Produced by the distinguished Darrell Scott and engineered by the legendary Dave Sinko, Morning Shift found the Rangers recording their 14th studio album in Bat Cave, North Carolina, at the Inn Bat Cave, a historical refuge settled near a long-forgotten crossroads of Southern Appalachia. This was the perfect space to feel confident in expanding upon that Carolina sound, the perfect runway to let their well-oiled machine do what it does best- craft stories from the ground up, as a unit. Morning Shift also marks the band’s first album with new band member Burdett on guitar and vocals, bringing a soul-stirring element to the Rangers’ mastery of mountain music. Burdett is an award-winning singer-songwriter and a student of folk tradition providing a fresh, emotional context to the Rangers’ songbook.
Last month, Folk Alley premiered the track, writing “‘Hominy Valley’ perfectly kicks off the anticipation of another excellent new album from the Steep Canyon Rangers.” Fans can listen to Hominy Valley now and pre-order or pre-saveMorning Shift ahead of its September 8 release. Steep Canyon Rangers are on tour throughout the summer with a string of dates with longtime collaborators Steve Martin & Martin Short beginning in September.
Morning Shift track list: Hominy Valley Deep End Second in Line (Junior) Old Stone House/Handlebars/Chimney Rock Harvest Queen Ghost of Glasgow Above My Burdens Birds of Ohio Alabama Calling Morning Shift Fare Thee Well, Carolina Gals Recommend Me
Catch Steep Canyon Rangers on tour: July 13 – Grey Fox – Oak Hill, NY July 14 – Rams Head – Annapolis, MD July 15 – Sellersville Theatre – Sellersville, PA July 16 – Long’s Park – Lancaster, PA July 21 – Midtown Listening Lawn Outdoor – Grand Rapids, MI July 22 – Murphy Theatre – Wilmington, OH August 2 – Denver Botanic Gardens – Denver, CO ^ August 3 – Aggie Theatre – Fort Collins, CO August 4 – Matthews Opera House – Spearfish, SD August 5 – Centerfest – Lewistown, MT August 12 – Podunk Bluegrass Festival – Goshen, CT August13 – Stone Mountain Arts Center – Brownfield, ME August18 – North Carolina Museum of Art – Raleigh, NC ^ August 19 – Shenandoah Valley Music Festival – Orkney Springs, VA September 2 – The Blue Ridge Music Center – Galax, VA September 8-9 – Mountain Song Festival – Brevard, NC September 14-16 – Benedum Center for the Performing Arts – Pittsburgh, PA * September 21 – AmericanaFest – Nashville, TN September 22-23 – Encore Theater – Las Vegas, NV * September 28 – Brooks Center for Performing Arts – Clemson, SC September 29 – Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre – Wilmington, NC October 13 – Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts – Greensboro, NC * October 14 – Township Auditorium – Columbia, SC * October 15 – North Charleston Performing Arts Center – Charleston, SC * October 26 – Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre – Red Bank, NJ * October 27 – Academy of Music – Philadelphia, PA * October 28 – The Lyric Theatre – Baltimore, MD * October 29 – Altria Theater – Richmond, VA * November 3 – The Lyric Theatre – Stuart, FL November 4 – Florida Theatre – Jacksonville, FL November 5 – Capitol Theatre – Clearwater, FL November 10 – Merrill Auditorium – Portland, ME * November 11- Providence Performing Arts Center- Providence, RI * November 12 – Turning Stone Resort Casino – Verona, NY * November 30 – Salle Wilfrid Pelletier – Montreal, QC * December 1-2 – Meridian Hall- Toronto, ON *
^ With Amythyst Kiah * With Steve Martin & Martin Short
SA Examiner 