1. **State the problem:** Evaluate the expression $10 \times 3 - (-6)^2 + (-8)$.\n\n2. **Recall order of operations:** We follow PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction).\n\n3. **Calculate multiplication:** $10 \times 3 = 30$.\n\n4. **Calculate exponent:** $(-6)^2 = 36$ because squaring a negative number results in a positive number.\n\n5. **Rewrite the expression with these values:** $30 - 36 + (-8)$.\n\n6. **Simplify subtraction and addition:** First, $30 - 36 = \cancel{30} - \cancel{36} = -6$.\n\n7. **Add $-8$:** $-6 + (-8) = -6 - 8 = -14$.\n\n**Final answer:** $-14$.