Staff & Reader Submitted
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

A Bad Bout of the Yips

From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish, #3

by

Ken Harris

 

A riveting crime fiction tale I was unable to put down!

 

A Bad Bout of the Yips is the third book in author Ken Harris's crime fiction series featuring PI Steve Rockfish. From the start (of this book or any in the series), readers old enough to know will immediately feel his kinship with the old-school investigators and the nod to and nostalgia of the classic PI television shows from the 1970s, such as The Rockford Files. If you loved those shows, this is the series for you! If you don't know what I'm talking about, this is still a series you'll want to give a look-see. 

Steve Rockfish is a cool customer, a tough guy, and he needs to be in his line of work, especially as he's going up against the mob in this real estate development-themed crime fiction tale. His young partner, Jawnie McGee, is still reeling after the previous book's events. This normally steadfast and stand-up gal shows some vulnerability in her fragile state, but although she struggles early on to regain her footing, she comes on strong later in the story. 

This third book has multiple storylines, some involving old nemeses that harken back to previous books. However, the third time's the charm as storylines converge and are wrapped up. The Baltimore and other Maryland and New Jersey settings were comfortable yet fresh (I'm just done to death sometimes with Chicago and NYC). I loved the cultural nods and the guessing game to identify the source of the references with Lynn. 

The case that lands Rockfish and McGee in dutch involves a lesbian couple who have purchased a rundown miniature golf business out from under the nose of a large real estate development corporation with mob ties. Immediately after taking possession, threatening messages appear, and an escalating series of vandalism plagues the property, including anti-gay slogans spray painted across the buildings and inflammatory fliers pepper the neighborhood to stir up trouble with the locals. What follows on the way to resolution are twists and turns, tense action and danger, told with a riveting vim and vigor that I found myself smiling as I read, completely engaged and unable to put the book down until the last page was turned. 

I recommend A BAD BOUT OF THE YIPS to readers who enjoy crime fiction, old-school PI heroes, a Baltimore setting, and fans of the previous novels in the series. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Since its opening last month, Kaleidoscope Park, the 5.7-acre signature park in Frisco, has become a must-visit destination for families in Collin County. This will certainly be true on  Friday, Nov. 22, when Kaleidoscope Park hosts its first holiday tree lighting.

Kaleidoscope Park will be full of family activities from 7 to 9 p.m. The evening kicks off with Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney on the Activity Lawn lighting the massive 50-foot holiday tree adorned with more than 42,000 twinkling lights that appear to dance to music.

 

But the big star of the evening will be Santa Claus himself. The big guy will be meeting families on the Activity Lawn.

The Performance Lawn is packed with family-friendly activities. Take the perfect family photo in Santa’s sleigh on a field of freshly blown real snow. Children are encouraged to write their letters to Santa and drop them in the special box on the Performance Lawn to ensure that the children’s wishes make it to the North Pole on time. Also on the Performance Lawn are a selection of children’s craft activities. The Plano Symphony Orchestra will share its instrument petting zoo. Nature lovers will enjoy the Window to the Wild Bird Show.

The park will be alive with activities throughout the evening. Stilt walkers and jugglers from Lone Star Circus will be strolling the park throughout the evening.

Throughout the evening, guests can select sweet and savory treats from a variety of the region’s top food trucks including Eggsland, Lola’s Sweet Spins, Tapaholics and Donut NV..

For more information on the activities at Kaleidoscope Park, including the upcoming holiday Boho Market on Saturday, Nov. 30, visitors should check out the Kaleidoscope Park website.

EVENT INFORMATION

WHAT:                Holiday Tree Lighting at Kaleidoscope Park

WHERE:              6635 Warren Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034

WHEN:               Friday, Nov. 22, 2024

                           7 to 9 p.m.

PRICE:                 Free

WEBSITE:           KaleidscopePark.org

 

ABOUT KALEIDOSCOPE PARK

Kaleidoscope Park is a dynamic, innovative arts and culture destination for North Texas that celebrated its Grand Opening in October 2024. The Park is home to free, year-round public programming, including markets, diverse musical and dance performances, and a variety of health and recreational activities. The Park features monumental works of public art, architecture, and gardens set among a children’s play area, dog park, performance lawn, outdoor workspaces, and shaded promenades and plazas. Learn more at kaleidoscopepark.org.

 

ABOUT THE KALEIDOSCOPE PARK FOUNDATION

Kaleidoscope Park Foundation is a nonprofit public-private partnership between Communities Foundation of Texas and the City of Frisco. The Foundation’s mission is to thoughtfully engage the diverse and rapidly growing communities of North Texas through free public arts and culture programming that is genuine, inclusive, and accessible. Operating as a Foundation supported by private donations, financial support for development, operations, and programming is always welcome.

 

ABOUT COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION OF TEXAS

The mission of Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) is to improve the lives of all people in our community by investing in their health, wealth, living, and learning. CFT works to accomplish this by growing community giving, expanding community impact, and advancing community equity. With a vision of building thriving communities for all, CFT works locally and across the state with many individuals, families, companies, foundations, and nonprofits through a variety of charitable funds and strategic grantmaking initiatives. CFT professionally manages more than 1,300 charitable funds and has awarded more than $2.5 billion in grants since its founding in 1953.

CFT is committed to serving and understanding donor needs, expertly handling complex gifts, wisely managing charitable funds, and leveraging its community knowledge to increase charitable impact, in addition to powering several initiatives including the W. W. Caruth, Jr. Fund at CFT, CFT for Business, Educate Texas at CFT, Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy at CFT, GiveWisely, and CFT’s North Texas Giving Day. CFT’s North Texas Giving Day raised $64 million on a single day in 2023 to help over 3,250 North Texas nonprofits. Learn more at www.CFTexas.org.

 

ABOUT HALL PARK

A pioneering development in Frisco since the mid-1990s, HALL Park today encompasses 2.2 million square feet of office and retail space throughout 15 buildings. One-third of the park is dedicated to green space and includes three miles of walking trails, over 200 works of art including the Texas Sculpture Garden, the largest private collection of contemporary Texas sculpture made available to the public. In October 2021, its developer, HALL Group, commenced construction on the first phase of its new masterplan development that will evolve HALL Park into a dynamic mixed-use community. Upon completion, the full masterplan–anticipated to span 15-20 years of development–will encompass approximately 9.5 million square feet of usable mixed-use space, including residential, with a projected value of around $7 billion. Learn more at hallpark.com. 

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Our Lady of the Overlook

by

R.L. Carpentier

 

Twisting tale of deception, long-held secrets, and murder in the rural Catskill Mountains of New York.

 

Our Lady of the Overlook is the twisty new murder mystery by author R.L. Carpentier about both a cold case and a recent murder that eerily mimes its 40-year-old, unsolved predecessor. The story uniquely features several generational pairs of law enforcement officers: the men who were involved in the 1980 cold case and their progeny now working in the same department. With little to go on but an unrelenting need to know the truth, it is the rookie officer, the son of the late police chief, who shoulders this character-driven tale of secrets and deception. 

Young Michael Ellis is the new man at the Hunter Police Department, a small collection of villages in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Mike is the son of the town’s revered former chief of police, the legendary Charlie Ellis, a father he feels he never really knew nor whose expectations he ever fulfilled. Initially, the young man is socially awkward and tentative in his interactions with others, physically uncomfortable and clumsy under the necessary accouterments of his uniform. Honestly, he is not the picture of a potentially successful police officer. Still, he seems to perform his duties well, is determined to maintain a low profile, and begins to make friends among his coworkers. It was great to watch as the story progressed how much he changes as he confronts the ghosts of his past and uncovers the surprising truths behind the murders on the Overlook hiking trail. 

Just as Mike is gaining his footing on the job, a true-crime podcaster researching “Jane Doe of the Overlook,” a 40-year-old, unsolved murder of an unknown young woman that haunted his father until his untimely death, approaches him for his help. Although intrigued and never having heard of the murder before then, he refuses to participate, wanting to focus on his new career and remain out of the limelight. Days later, though, Mike, just like his father before him, discovers the body of a young woman on the hiking trail up to the Overlook, circumstances eerily similar to the earlier murder. Reluctantly, he agrees to act as the department liaison with the investigator from the state, a man with a reputation for self-promotion and a history of latching onto the easiest suspect found, whether there’s supporting evidence or not. From that point forward, Mike can never be certain who to trust, and mistakes in judgment obscure his path to resolving either crime and place him in jeopardy. 

The author surrounds Mike with well-developed secondary characters, many with seemingly ulterior motives, and some of the best scenes in the book are between him and the men and women working to solve the two cases. One of my favorites, for the setting and the absolutely sparkling banter, is when Mike and his fellow officers and their older relatives, former officers, gather at the library to finally team up and devise a plan of action. 

While the ending doesn’t suggest a sequel, I would enjoy reading more about Mike and what may have happened after the events of this book. I recommend OUR LADY OF THE OVERLOOK to mystery readers. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Every November, American Diabetes Month is recognized as a time to bring attention to diabetes, a chronic health condition affecting millions of people in the U.S. Unfortunately, many people are unaware they have diabetes or are at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 8 million people in the U.S. are living with undiagnosed diabetes, and an estimated 96 million adults have prediabetes – a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet in the diabetic range.

 

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it properly, leading to high blood sugar levels that can cause serious health issues. There are three main types:

 

Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition that destroys insulin-producing cells, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.

 

Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, often linked to poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity.

 

Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.

 

The Impact of Diabetes

Diabetes is a leading cause of serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. Managing blood sugar levels through proper diet, exercise, and, when necessary, medication is essential to prevent these complications.

 

Prevention and Management

American Diabetes Month is a time to raise awareness about diabetes and promote prevention and management. Key tips include:

 

• Know Your Risk: Understand risk factors like family history, weight, age, and ethnicity, and ask your healthcare provider about a blood sugar test.

 

• Healthy Diet: Focus on balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods and sugar.

 

• Stay Active: Regular exercise helps regulate blood sugar and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

 

• Monitor Blood Sugar: Tracking glucose levels is essential for managing diabetes effectively.

 

• Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing activities to maintain better control of blood sugar.

 

• Regular Checkups: Work closely with healthcare providers to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans.

 

American Diabetes Month encourages everyone to take proactive steps toward preventing or managing diabetes for a healthier future.

 

Dr. Fernando Davalos Jr. is a board-certified family physician at Castle Hills Medical Group. He earned his undergraduate degree from UT Austin and completed his Family Medicine residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Davalos has been nominated by his peers for the D Magazine Best Doctor award for 11 consecutive years, recognizing his exceptional care. He resides with his family in Castle Hills.

Castle Hills Medical Group is a family medicine practice inside Carrollton Regional Medical Center providing primary care for the Carrollton community and surrounding areas.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

As the holiday season approaches, Soulman's Bar-B-Que is excited to announce its holiday pre-order program, designed to make your festive gatherings easier and more delicious than ever. Customers can now place their orders in advance for Soulman's mouthwatering barbecue and signature sides, ensuring a hassle-free holiday experience.

This year, Soulman's is offering an extensive holiday menu featuring fan-favorite items, including:

  • Slow-Smoked Brisket: Tender and juicy, expertly smoked for hours.
  • Whole Turkeys: A flavorful twist for those looking to celebrate with a classic holiday bird.
  • Savory Sides: Including coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread, perfect for any feast.
  • Desserts: Sweet treats to finish your meal on a high note.
  • “Pre-ordering is a game-changer for the holiday season,” said Brett Randle, CEO at Soulman's Bar-B-Que. “We want to help our customers spend less time in the kitchen and more time with their family and friends. By offering a pre-order option, we can ensure that everyone has access to the best barbecue in town, without the last-minute stress.”

Soulman's pre-order program allows customers to conveniently select their desired items and schedule a pickup time, making it easy to plan for holiday gatherings, office parties, and family feasts.

To place your holiday pre-order between now and December 20th and explore the full menu, visit www.soulmans.com.

This holiday season, let Soulman's Bar-B-Que bring the flavor to your festivities—making every meal a celebration!

 

 

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  Soulman’s original family recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020) and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

 

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 21 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Hurst Grapevine Highway,  Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City,  Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at http://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

As the holiday season approaches, Soulman's Bar-B-Que is excited to announce its holiday pre-order program, designed to make your festive gatherings easier and more delicious than ever. Customers can now place their orders in advance for Soulman's mouthwatering barbecue and signature sides, ensuring a hassle-free holiday experience.

This year, Soulman's is offering an extensive holiday menu featuring fan-favorite items, including:

  • Slow-Smoked Brisket: Tender and juicy, expertly smoked for hours.
  • Whole Turkeys: A flavorful twist for those looking to celebrate with a classic holiday bird.
  • Savory Sides: Including coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread, perfect for any feast.
  • Desserts: Sweet treats to finish your meal on a high note.
  • “Pre-ordering is a game-changer for the holiday season,” said Brett Randle, CEO at Soulman's Bar-B-Que. “We want to help our customers spend less time in the kitchen and more time with their family and friends. By offering a pre-order option, we can ensure that everyone has access to the best barbecue in town, without the last-minute stress.”

Soulman's pre-order program allows customers to conveniently select their desired items and schedule a pickup time, making it easy to plan for holiday gatherings, office parties, and family feasts.

To place your holiday pre-order between now and December 20th and explore the full menu, visit www.soulmans.com.

This holiday season, let Soulman's Bar-B-Que bring the flavor to your festivities—making every meal a celebration!

 

 

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  Soulman’s original family recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020) and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

 

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 21 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Hurst Grapevine Highway,  Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City,  Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at http://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

As the holiday season approaches, Soulman's Bar-B-Que is excited to announce its holiday pre-order program, designed to make your festive gatherings easier and more delicious than ever. Customers can now place their orders in advance for Soulman's mouthwatering barbecue and signature sides, ensuring a hassle-free holiday experience.

This year, Soulman's is offering an extensive holiday menu featuring fan-favorite items, including:

  • Slow-Smoked Brisket: Tender and juicy, expertly smoked for hours.
  • Whole Turkeys: A flavorful twist for those looking to celebrate with a classic holiday bird.
  • Savory Sides: Including coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread, perfect for any feast.
  • Desserts: Sweet treats to finish your meal on a high note.
  • “Pre-ordering is a game-changer for the holiday season,” said Brett Randle, CEO at Soulman's Bar-B-Que. “We want to help our customers spend less time in the kitchen and more time with their family and friends. By offering a pre-order option, we can ensure that everyone has access to the best barbecue in town, without the last-minute stress.”

Soulman's pre-order program allows customers to conveniently select their desired items and schedule a pickup time, making it easy to plan for holiday gatherings, office parties, and family feasts.

To place your holiday pre-order between now and December 20th and explore the full menu, visit www.soulmans.com.

This holiday season, let Soulman's Bar-B-Que bring the flavor to your festivities—making every meal a celebration!

 

 

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  Soulman’s original family recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020) and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

 

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 21 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Hurst Grapevine Highway,  Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City,  Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at http://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
https___cdn.evbuc.com_images_666034309_52493096896 Sheraton Dallas

The Parlor at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel hosts complimentary monthly Reese’s Book Club gatherings. Book lovers can dive into a lively discussion of the featured title in the sophisticated atmosphere of the upscale lounge bar with refreshments and light bites prepared by the hotel’s chef.

The November gathering is on Tuesday, November 26 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at The Parlor to discuss the November book pick of We Will be Jaguars by Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson. The book is an unforgettable memoir about fighting for your home and your heart. 

Reserve your spot here. Attendance is free.

Reese’s Book Club is a celebrity book club run by Reese Witherspoon under her media company Hello Sunshine. Since its founding in 2017, the club has gained a reputation for boosting the careers of female authors such as Delia Owens, Celeste Ng, and Megan Miranda.

On-site hotel parking is complimentary for up to 4 hours. 

The December Reese’s Book Club gathering at Sheraton Dallas is on Wednesday, December 1, at 6:30 pm. The book will be picked by Reese in early December.

 

Win Kids Sports and Learning Center
Pin on Pinterest

Did you know that Win Kids hosts a free monthly storytime? Our story time event has started becoming a beloved gathering for families in the community, offering a warm and welcoming event families look forward to every month. Every storytime we welcome families to come experience magical storytelling and a playful invitation to play in our open gym after.

At the beginning of story time there is a lively welcome as we sing our welcome song and fun preschool tunes to engage children in the fun! We even include musical instruments and fluffy friends to enjoy the fun. Following the songs, we transition into reading interactive stories that all the family can enjoy including holiday themed stories and classic fairy tale twists. After reading together, children enjoy a lively playtime in our open gym where they can explore our facility and socialize with new friends! 

The best part of storytime is bringing together a community of families at Win Kids, all united in support of fostering the growth and development of children. There are many benefits for children attending story time including enriching literacy, creativity, and social skills. Our story time curates an hour of these skills in a fun interactive way!

One parent remarked, “It’s so nice to see the same families month after month. It’s like our little community within a community.” These connections are what make Storytime more than just a reading session—it’s a space for building relationships that last.

As Story Time continues to grow, we're excited to continue to host future story time events. We invite you to join us at the next story time! 

Free Story Time Event - No need to register!

What: Interactive story time, open gym, and take home craft

When: Every second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 am (2024-2025 School Year)

Where: Win Kids Sports & Learning

3000 Waketon Rd. Flower Mound, TX 75028

 

For more information:

Call: 972.355.9988
Email: info@winkids.net

 

Win Kids Sports and Learning Center
Pin on Pinterest

Did you know that Win Kids hosts a free monthly storytime? Our story time event has started becoming a beloved gathering for families in the community, offering a warm and welcoming event families look forward to every month. Every storytime we welcome families to come experience magical storytelling and a playful invitation to play in our open gym after.

At the beginning of story time there is a lively welcome as we sing our welcome song and fun preschool tunes to engage children in the fun! We even include musical instruments and fluffy friends to enjoy the fun. Following the songs, we transition into reading interactive stories that all the family can enjoy including holiday themed stories and classic fairy tale twists. After reading together, children enjoy a lively playtime in our open gym where they can explore our facility and socialize with new friends! 

The best part of storytime is bringing together a community of families at Win Kids, all united in support of fostering the growth and development of children. There are many benefits for children attending story time including enriching literacy, creativity, and social skills. Our story time curates an hour of these skills in a fun interactive way!

One parent remarked, “It’s so nice to see the same families month after month. It’s like our little community within a community.” These connections are what make Storytime more than just a reading session—it’s a space for building relationships that last.

As Story Time continues to grow, we're excited to continue to host future story time events. We invite you to join us at the next story time! 

Free Story Time Event - No need to register!

What: Interactive story time, open gym, and take home craft

When: Every second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 am (2024-2025 School Year)

Where: Win Kids Sports & Learning

3000 Waketon Rd. Flower Mound, TX 75028

 

For more information:

Call: 972.355.9988
Email: info@winkids.net