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Posts Tagged 'young adults'
26th Sunday Yr. C – Complacency has Eternal Consequences
Discussion Guide: 26th Sunday Yr. C – Complacency has Eternal Consequences
Reflection Questions: • Amos continues his public speech in Jerusalem against the incredibly wealthy who are so ʻsatisfied' with beautiful beds, couches, food, wine, concerts and cosmetics. ʻThey are not made ill by the collapse of their fellow people (Joseph)'. How can wealth create a ʻblindness' to the poor? Can you remember any experience where you had your eyes opened to the cry of the poor? What happened?
• God's covenant relationship in Dt. 15:4 stated that ʻthere should be no poor among you because the Lord will richly bless you'. Implied in this is that the richly blessed share with others to ensure all are provided for. How aware are you that our Christian commitment /covenant involves a social obligation / covenant toward the ʻpoor'? What are you doing to make that commitment practical ?
• Some scholars consider this passage from Timothy could come from an ordination ceremony. Who might be your Pontius Pilate? Do you have ʻcourageunder fire' to give your testimony and confess your faith in difficult situations? Where and when have you found it hard?
• Purple clothing was the ultimate sign of luxury and wealth because its source was a rare shellfish and insect being crushed. It showed status in the way ʻbranded' clothing and luxury merchandise distinguish a person of wealth today. What symbols today mean great wealth to you? What part of the economic ʻsystem' are you in? How does wealth and status impact you?
• The Great Reversal of fortunes is a theme of the Gospel of Luke. The Rich will be brought low, the poor will be lifted up. However it is not riches themselves that are the problem (Abraham himself was a very rich man!). It is allowing wealth to so preoccupy and claim ones attention and energy that the needs of others go unnoticed. The rich man clearly knew Lazarus because he uses his name. However he refused to share his wealth and his conscience is dulled to conversion or compassion. The Rich Man claims he had no warning about the reversal. If this parable describes what will happen in the after-life, what does it demand of us today? How are you wealthy and what would it take for you to share it? We are charged to give to the poor not just because they need it, but because it is essential to our own salvation. Have you considered the difference between charity and true justice which recognizes that we are intrinsically in solidarity with every member of the human family who have equal rights to the goods of the earth? The gulf between rich and poor is immense. What can I change around me?
• How might the Parable of Lazarus challenge our Eucharistic Communities? The parish is charged with the care of every soul within its geographic boundary? Are we wealthy in God's great blessing and Eucharistic Banquet? Who do we share with? Do we drive vehicles yet fail to arrange transport for those in need? Are we wearing fashion clothes, and enjoying coffees, while nearby, people struggle to feed, clothe or house their family? In Luke, Jesus refuses to allow his disciples to be satisfied with the worlds default settings. Every 6th line of Luke's Gospel is a challenge to reach out to the poor in either charity or justice. What are your obstacles to deeper conversion to solidarity and justice for the poor?
• What is one action that you will do to ʻlivetheword' this week?
24th Sunday Yr. C: The Transforming power of Mercy and Compassion…
Discussion Guide: The Transforming power of Mercy and Compassion…
Reflection Questions: • God's inexhaustible patience and mercy are the key to todays' readings. In Exodus God revealed his ʻname' and ʻface' to Moses and gave the 10 Commandments. But the people lose patience and give up waiting for Moses to return to them. In their eyes God and Moses has disappointed and abandoned them. They resolve their own solution to their issues making an ʻidol' of a golden calf – an ancient symbol of fertility, life and fruitfulness. Moses pleads for his stiff-necked people and God responds with mercy. Have you had an experience of ʻwaiting' for an answer or being disappointed by God? Have you ever lost patience with God, or felt abandoned and decided to take things into your own hands? What were the results for you and for those around you?
• Is there anything today you are ʻwaiting' for God to show you? Are you listening to his ʻword'? Can you share your disappointment with God? Or perhaps there is a Moses figure God has placed in your life to help and guide you? Are you seeking their wise counsel and prayer for your needs? Who do you know that may be far from God, off on their own track or even blaspheming God? How often do you respond like Moses and plead for them in prayer?
• In the 2nd reading Paul writes as a mentor to his 'child in faith', Timothy. He shares his wisdom born of personal experience about God's 'inexhaustible patience' and mercy. Who has shared their experience of the mercy of God with you? How have you experienced God's compassion and patience? With whom, and how are you called to share that message?
• In these Parables of Mercy – Jesus shatters our misconceptions about the image of God. In striving for efficiency and profit, who would go after 1 lost sheep? It would be 'written off' as a predictable percentage loss. Who would 'waste' productivity to hunt for 1 coin? Who would welcome without question a son or daughter who wished their parents dead and disgraced the family in public?! Jesus reveals the true image of who God is – inexhaustibly patient filled with compassion and longing to find whoever is lost, embracing with tender mercy all who have sinned. What is your ʻimage' of God? How did that image form? What attracts you in how Jesus presents His Father in Luke 15?
• In teaching on this Gospel Pope Francis said,"the Jews treated the Samaritans with contempt, considering them strangers to the chosen people" In choosing a Samaritan in the parable Jesus shocks us into recognizing our own call to overcome prejudice and that "even a foreigner; one who does not know the true God and does not attend his temple, is able to behave according to God's will, feeling compassion for a 'brother' in need and helping with all the means at his disposal". "The Pope said. "If you come across a homeless person, and pass by without looking, do not ask yourself whether that person has had too much to drink, but whether your own heart has stiffened and turned to ice," How does that challenge you?
• Notice each character, the younger son, the older brother, the Father. Which do you identify with and why? Asking for the inheritance was like the youngest son wishing Dad 'dead'. He makes his father appear a fool. Yet the father's unwavering love watches longingly for the son's return, then he runs in public which was the equivalent of 'baring one's bottom'. The crowds attention moves from condemnation of the son toward the foolish father. His humiliation before the whole community, including the outrage of his older son are for the sake of compassion and mercy. How could the community and older son become part of that relationship of mercy?
• Jesus wants us to know that the compassion the father has in this parable is the same love God wants to show each of us? How do you respond? In the sacrament of reconciliation God longingly waits to pour mercy & transformation into your life? What holds you back?
• What is one action that you will do to ʻlivetheword' this week?
19th Sunday Yr. C: Will You Be Found Ready?
Discussion Guide: 19th Sunday Yr. C: Will You Be Found Ready?
Reflection Questions:
• The Book of Wisdom was written to help Jews life faithfully in the midst of the big and unbelieving city of Alexandria. The strong Greek culture, pagan worship, and completely different view on life caused many Alexandrian Jews to have a crisis of faith. The writer encourages them to have courage in the ʻoaths in which they put their faith' and to live according to the divine commands given by God. What is your biggest struggle in living in a secular society? What particular belief, knowledge or practice is at the source of your courage to keep ʻfaithful'?
• The Letter to the Hebrews is the 2nd reading for the next 4 weeks. It is a letter written to ʻHebrews' to help them understand how First Testament worship is completed and overtaken by the Cross of Christ. Abraham and Sarah are both inspirational models of ʻfaith'. They left home not knowing where they were going, actively stepped out and searched for land, conceived a child because they believed in the promise of God rather than their human understanding. It would have been easy to sit on the couch waiting for God's promises. Abraham and Sarah remind us to be active in faith. Are their areas in life where you need to participate more with God ? What is your next step?
• Luke continues to develop a theme of Jesus' teachings on wealth and greed. Building a bigger barn to house more grain was considered foolish – it signalled a decision to move from having ʻenough' to having ʻluxury', total sensual satisfaction combined with a blindness to those who do not have ʻenough' to eat and drink. Have you considered moving from ʻhoping to be generous' to a decision ʻto be generous'? Opening up a ʻGod bank account'? Asking your priest or friends who is in need in your local area?
• The invitation to sell your belongings and give alms is for Luke a decision to live a very different lifestyle. To throw away all plans of greed and self centeredness and live simply so others may simply ʻlive'. How you ever considered voluntary poverty and simplicity of life so that resources may be shared for others? Is there a life-style choice that you could make this week to live this invitation?
• The Christian community is recognising Jesus' return is not coming immediately. The parable shares an image. Disciples are to understand themselves as ʻcaretakers' charged with the task of ʻfood distribution'. Attending to this task determines where believers will spend eternity! Did you know 1 billion people are hungry every day? Ever thought of dropping off food to a ʻfood bank' or starting a collection in your parish?
• If entry into heaven was based on a quiz, and you knew the answers before-hand, would you practise the answers? If we are to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, comfort the sick and lost – and we know this is the ʻmasters will' – would we be found ʻready'? Do we fear not being found ready…. are we in for a ʻsevere beating'?
• What is one action that you will do to ʻlivetheword' this week?
15th Sunday Yr. C: Loving Beyond Barriers
Discussion Guide: 15th Sunday Yr. C: Loving Beyond Barriers
Reflection Questions: • Moses is giving his final words of farewell in the book of Deuteronomy today. The ʻLaw' which Moses gave to Israel from God is not simply written in decrees but is written into our very nature…. ʻvery near to you'. Jewish people kept this ʻshema' close to them by posting it on their doorways and wrapping it around their foreheads in times of prayer. How could you keep God's ways and guidelines close to you? Is there any practice or habit you could adopt to express a love for God's teachings?
• We hear from St Paul's letter to the Colossians in the next 3 Sundays. Paul is writing a letter to correct errors of a heresy. Gnosticism taught that God was only spirit and did not mix with the material world of ʻmatter'. Jesus therefore was thought of as an ʻintermediary' between God and Man, like an Angel. God couldn't become ʻflesh' because this would involve God getting ʻdirty' and mixing with humanity! Paul responds Jesus Christ is truly the image and exact representative of the invisible God, the fulness of God dwelt in him. God has truly come among us and reconciled us. What was the obstacle of Gnosticism? Is this obstacle in your own thinking?
• The Parable of the Good Samaritan is intended to ʻshake us' toward loving as God loves. Parables are meant to ʻshock' us out of the status quo. Stay with the parable until something ʻshocks' you.
• Jesus responds to an expert in the law of Moses. Jesus includes in the ʻshema' an addition to ʻlove your neighbour as yourself' (Lev 19,18). Jewish people practically limited this ʻaddition' to extending care only toward fellow Jewish citizens. Why do cultures limit and enforce cultural and social divisions of who is ʻincluded' and ʻexcluded'? In your social and religious circle, who do you ʻinclude / exclude'? Why?
• The ʻlaw' stated that Priests and Levites were to be kept ʻclean' for religious service. Getting close to a dead body or touching ʻblood' would make them ʻunclean'. They ʻsee' someone in great need – but decide to ʻpass by'. Jesus critiques this socially and religiously ʻacceptable behaviour'. Religious sacrifices and duties are no substitute for lack of compassion and injustice. In your week who have you ʻseen', ʻpassed by'?
• A Samaritan was the cultural equivalent of a terrorist or drug dealer. It was the greatest shock for Jewish listeners to have a Samaritan as a hero surpassing a religiously observant Priest and Levite. The Samaritan put his money where his mouth was. His love for God showed itself in deep compassion not simply pious thoughts or words. Oil and Wine were gifts offered at the altar, used now to soften and disinfect wounds. 2 days wages and a promise of more if needed reveal not just first aid but ongoing care. What inspires you in the Samaritan's actions? What would it look like for you to ʻgo and do likewise'?
• Jesus challenges the lawyer – and us – to a new approach to life. The question is not ʻwho is my neighbour' but will I be a ʻneighbour' ?
• What is one action that you will do to ʻlivetheword' this week?
Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ Yr. C
Discussion Guide: Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ Yr. C
Reflection Questions: • When the Church celebrates a special ʻFeast' or ʻSolemnity' it is frequently the result of controversy. The origin of this feast dates to the 12th Century responding to debate about the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. When was the first time you can remember debating and seeking to understand Jesus truly present with the gift of his body and blood in the Mass? How would you describe and share this eucharistic faith with a friend today?
• Melchizedek, King of Salem is a very mysterious figure without a genealogy. By his actions he is both King and Priest. And Salem is known as the future city of Jerusalem – the dwelling place of God the Most High for Israel. Abraham has just returned from overcoming 4 kings and rescuing Lot and all his possessions. A King was normally wary of such a visitor as Abraham. They would show welcome by tending to the wounded – hoping that their ʻkingdom' would not be pillaged by the visiting army. Strikingly Abraham who represents God's people, offers this Priest / King a tenth of all his possessions! Many writers comment Melchizedek is a sign of an altogether new and divine priesthood able to confer a special blessing from God. How do you understand the Priesthood today?
• Paul's letter to the Corinthians is the earliest writing we have of the celebration of the Eucharist (15-20 years before the first gospel). Paul shares this ʻtradition' (which means ʻhanding on') comes from Jesus himself. We are told to ʻDo this'. For Jewish people, to do a ritual liturgical action in ʻremembrance' was to actually enter and receive the event celebrated. Paul shares the Eucharist proclaims and makes present the cross and victory of Jesus. We receive God's forgiveness but also intimate communion. What does receiving ʻholy communion' mean for you?
• King Herod has just asked a question ʻwho is this man of whom I hear such wonders'? (Luke 9:9). The Gospel of Luke shares this miracle story of the loaves. Old Testament background stories add texture to this passage where Elisha showed himself working by God's power to feed 100 people with a few loaves. God fed his hungry people in the journey in the desert through Moses. Jesus now feeds the hungry, sick, and poor of Israel. God's hospitality and Jesus' mission is shown. Jesus gets the 12 Apostles to serve the banquet. What might this teach us about the mission of the church in the world to the hungry? The Eucharist?
• The disciples' attitude was one of ionfward focus and concern, ʻturn them away' we don't have enough resources. As you receive Jesus' body and blood will your attitude be one of simply ʻlooking'? selfishly ʻgetting'? generously self offering?
• What is one action that you will do to be ʻlivingtheword' this week?
Easter Vigil Yr. C – The Resurrection of the Lord
Discussion Guide: Easter Vigil Yr. C – The Resurrection of the Lord
Reflection Questions: •St Augustine has famously called the Easter Vigil 'The Mother of All Feasts'. This special night gives us signs, symbols, words, gestures which are at the heart of our Catholic Christian faith and identity. Every Sunday celebration flows from this Easter Celebration.
•We gather in the dark of night. Darkness symbolising an absence of light, an unclear path to walk. Gathering around the light of afire. Like people of ancient times have gathered and talked. We remember the pillar of fire that led God's family through the desert journey. From this fire we light the Easter Candle the symbol of Christ. Our true 'light'. It is normal to turn a light-switch and 'see'. Can you locate an experience of darkness, feeling lost, uncertain of where and how to walk? And the joy of a 'light' to guide you? This dark / light reality is important to let enter your religious imagination this night.
•The foundational story of our beginnings and the divine statement 6 times of creation being 'very good' is deeply important. Despite the chaos of history, pollution, violence, can you look deeply into life and see 'goodness' and the 'beauty of men and women in the 'image of God'? How might this foundational attitude of goodness and thank-full-ness toward life cause you to live?
•St Paul teaches us about baptism and the renewal of our baptismal promises made at the Easter Vigil. Our baptism actually entered us into Jesus' death. We were in a spiritual sense 'buried'. Our baptism calls us into 'a death like his'. Our 'old self' of selfishness and sin has and is being crucified and 'put to death'. Christ's rising is also our future rising. Consider Paul's words personally: 'you must think of yourselves as being dead to sin and living for God in Christ'. What do these words teach you about your baptism?
•The three women mentioned were disciples of Jesus since his ministry in the Galilee and went to the tomb to complete his burial rituals. They found the stone was already rolled away. When have you anticipated a major obstacle only to discover it has been 'rolled away'? Were you able to recognize the hand of God in that?
•The Resurrection of Jesus was foretold to the disciples, but they had not understood. Now the full meaning of Christ's words is unfolding. Women were not valued as witnesses and yet women were given the first experience and news of the Resurrection by holy messengers. Notice that it was women; Mary and Elizabeth who were the first to respond to the Annunciation, announced the Incarnation and Mary was instrumental at the beginning of Jesus' public ministry at Cana. Why do you think that detail is highlighted in the Gospel? If the story was made up it would be laughable to have women as key characters and witnesses. What does that say to you about the original equality of man and woman in Genesis and about the truth of the Gospel account?
•The apostles did not believe the women. Only Peter reacted and went to see what had happened. He sees only burial clothes and is amazed at what had happened. At every Eucharist we are invited to 'remember' like the women and be 'amazed' like Peter. Ask God for what you need to experience the fullness of the Resurrection in your life today and go with courage to share the news?
•Lights turn on and bells ring at the reading of the Gospel in the Easter Vigil. Why? No matter how Lent went, ENJOY EASTER!
•What is one action that you will do to 'livetheword' this week?
Palm Sunday Yr. C: The Passion of Christ
Discussion Guide: Palm Sunday Yr. C: The Passion of Christ
Reflection Questions:
•On Palm Sunday we wave ʻpalms' in remembrance of Jesus' procession into Jerusalem. We cry ʻHosanna' (in Hebrew meaning ʻSave Us Now). What is your expectation of God ʻsaving us'. Are you willing to let go of a strong military power figure and allow a ʻsuffering servant'? What do you think happened in the minds and hearts of the crowd gathered to eventually cry ʻcrucify him!'?
•Palm Sunday is also called ʻPassion' Sunday as we listen to the whole story of Jesus' personal betrayal by his disciples, his court appearance before religious and political rulers, his rejection by previously welcoming crowds, his cruel whipping and torture by soldiers. Watch, listen, feel the violence. Where does such cruelty originate from in the world? Why do you think the world sought a ʻvictim'?
•Jesus' sufferings ʻunmasks' and reveals the world's violence and cruelty. Jesus responds peacefully in interrogation. Heals a soldier's ear. Asks the Father to forgive. Welcomes criminals to heaven. Commits his spirit into the hands of the Father. Is Jesus a ʻdoor-mat' or a ʻsaviour'? Explain how?
•It may be a surprise to learn that Jesus and his disciples were regarded as a bunch of revolutionaries from Galilee, hanging out in parks, carrying swords, wanted and hunted by police. How would such a group be considered today?
•Where would you place yourself in this drama of the passion. With Peter? With the pious religious authorities concerned about the ʻunrest' and political problems caused by revolutionary activity?
•The crowd is pictured as watching this spectacle and beating their breasts in sadness as they returned home. But ʻhis acquaintances stood at a distance'. How could you stay present to this ʻHoly Week'? You may wish to find out the Holy Week timetable and reflect on the readings before each of the ceremonies.
•What is one action that you will do toʻlivetheword' this week?
4th Sunday Lent Yr. C – The Father's Outrageous Love
Discussion Guide: 4th Sunday Lent Yr. C – The Father's Outrageous Love
Reflection Questions:
• While Moses was a great leader and teacher, the courage of Joshua was needed to face the challenge of entering the ʻpromised land'. The manna ceased. They were now to work for their food. What change has God been trying to work in you and teach you this Lent?
• St Paul wanted to teach the Corinthian community that faith in Jesus was more than believing one's sins forgiven. God has also given us the ministry of reconciliation in the world. Reconciliation between peoples and with God is a christian's top priority. What relationships need ʻreconciling' in your life? Who could you start with?
• In the middle of Lent the Church encourages us to look at our understanding of God with the parable of the prodigal son. It is Jesus teaching us what the Fathers love is really like. The Pharisees were complaining that Jesus did not obey the laws of keeping separate from sinners. Surely God does not want to get ʻcontaminated' with sinners? What do you honestly think is God's response to your sinfulness? What ʻimage' do you have of God?
• The young son commits the biggest sin possible for a young Jewish person. Asking for the inheritance was like wishing Dad was 'dead'! Yet the father's love does not change. Do you feel distant from God because of something you have done …. will you accept the love that the Father shows to his child is the same love that is shown to you? Will you accept this love in the sacrament of reconciliation this Lent? What might hold you back?
• The Father does a number of humiliating actions which show the depth of his love. The Father runs in public. It was unbecoming for a Jewish elder to show one's ankles in public. It is the equivalent of 'baring one's bottom'. The crowds attention is now drawn away from the son and the possibility of hurting him. The father accepts the humiliation, in front of the whole community, of the older son angry and argumentative. Does the older son wish the father was dead too? Does anyone appreciate the Fathers love? If this is what God is like toward you what is your response?
• The Son reaches a very low point in his life. Literally, the phrase 'coming to his senses' can be translated 'he entered into himself'. He makes the most profound decision of his life to 'return'. What places, practices and people could help you journey 'into yourself' this Lent? What decisions have you resisted in the past that would most transform your life?
• The parable of the Prodigal (Reckless) Son is also called the Parable of the Prodigal Father. So unconditional is the Father's love that neither the youngest son or eldest son fully accept it. The parable ends without a resolution. Will God's children accept his unconditional love and enjoy the 'fattened calf' and banquet? Can you glimpse this invitation in the celebration of the Eucharist?
• What is one action that you will do to be 'livingtheword' this week?
1st Sunday Lent Yr C: Listen – How is the Spirit Calling You?
Discussion Guide: 1st Sunday Lent Yr C: Listen – How is the Spirit Calling You?
Reflection Questions:
• The book of Deuteronomy shares one of the most important statements of faith in the Old Testament. It was spoken every time a person gave their offering to the priest in the Temple. It reminded them of their identity and how God 'saved' them. Bringing the tithe (tenth) of the harvest to the temple acknowledged God's care and provision. How could you express this religious practice of thankfulness – 'tithing' (giving a 10th)? Dt 26: 12-15 invites giving to the levite (priest), the foreigner (refugee), the orphan and the widow (those without family and financial support). This is at the heart of the Lenten practice of 'almsgiving'. How generous will you be in giving of your time, talent, money, compassion… this Lent as a way of 'thanksgiving' for what God has given you?
• Paul's letter to the Romans is a careful explanation of how we are made right with God. Justification by keeping the 'law' was deeply ingrained in Jewish consciousness and history. Paul reminds us that it is faith in God's covenantal relationship with us in Jesus that saves us. In a relationship, what is the difference between 'law' and 'love'? Do you 'enjoy-love' your relationship with God? Does a 'love' relationship need to respect any 'law'? What word or image would describe your relationship with God 'now' as the journey of Lent begins?
• Jesus in the desert provides us with the starting point of Lent. Consider how you can create some 'desert' space in your life, away from distractions and noise, to be with God and discover your 'true' self? What is 1 decision you can make to enter the Lenten 'desert'?
• Careful reflection on Jesus' temptations leads us to see a mirror conflict within ourselves between good and evil. Get bread for 'self'. Seek power and reputation. Demand support from others. Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving are practices during Lent to deconstruct our false self and reconstruct our true self. Almsgiving enables the hungry at our door and beyond to be fed and healed. Fasting turns us from worldly consumerism to clarity of purpose and compassion for others. Prayer tunes us into God's vision and voice. From Jesus' temptations, which core temptation do you notice strongly at work in your life? Which Lenten practice do you need?
• Repent literally means 'change your mind'. It could be understood as 'turn your value system around completely – 180 degrees'. As Lent begins, Jesus guides us: there is more to life than satisfying our 'bread-belly' and physical or material cravings. What creative fasting experience could you create to nourish your spirit and soul journey?
• Returning from the great baptism event in the Jordan, Jesus would have faced pressure to get active and do things. Interestingly his choice was to listen to where the Holy Spirit deep inside was calling. Are you faced with a temptation to 'perform' and be a certain type of person in public? Whose voice is the Spirit and what is the Desert for you?
• What is one action that you will do to be 'livingtheword' this week?
6th Sunday Yr. C – Trust in God and Live the Beatitudes
Discussion Guide: 6th Sunday Yr. C – Trust in God and Live the Beatitudes
Reflection Questions:
1]Jeremiah shares a blessing and curse prophecy which is frequent in the Old Testament. It is designed to wake us up and help us think. He warns against trusting in mere mortals. Even powerful personalities can lead us astray. Only the Lord is worthy of our trust and when we invite God to guide our lives, even disaster won't destroy us. Allow your imagination to ponder the two images – a barren bush in the dry salty desert versus a tree always bearing fruit beside a stream. What strikes you as you see yourself in these images?
2]Trust and fear are often linked. What do you most fear losing in life? Talk to God about how that impacts your trust.
3] St Paul speaks to some in Corinth who do not believe in the Resurrection. They struggle to believe that our bodies could be glorified in heaven. St Paul makes it clear that Jesus' Resurrection is central to our Faith which becomes 'most pitiable' unless we believe Jesus is Lord. His birth, life and teaching, death, resurrection and ascension are one continuous salvation event. God reveals his eternal love and desire that we be with Him forever and then provides the way where we become one with Christ through Baptism and the Holy Spirit. As you reflect on your Baptism what links can you see between Baptism and Resurrection? N.T. Wright says, "Jesus' Resurrection is the beginning of God's new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth the life of heaven." How do you react to that statement?
4]We never say Jesus 'has' risen. We proclaim, 'Jesus IS Risen'. "Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again." Our belief in the resurrection of our bodies(Creed) is established through the Resurrection of Christ. How deep is your conviction that 'Jesus is Lord' and how does that impact your daily choices and decisions? Who do you really put your trust in? Talk with God about your belief or struggles. Try praying, "Lord I believe, help my unbelief."
5]Jesus has just spent the night in prayer, chosen the twelve (his team!) and he sits them down. The stage is set for his most important teaching: The Beatitudes. Nowhere in Luke does the Gospel challenge us so severely. What are my ultimate pursuits? What world order am I living for? What measurement system of success am I committed to? Am I on the side of the poor and hungry or the rich and the full? What does your lifestyle and actions show? Are you good news to the poor? (note Luke means primarily economically poor not the tamer 'poor in spirit' of Matthew). We sometimes speak of these teachings as "BE-Attitudes". It seems that the choices we make 'now' will impact us for eternity. What do you think Jesus means?
6]The Beatitudes bring together a clashing of two ideas and worldviews. It causes a conflict within us. All things being equal, to have riches and to be full is a good. But the of our world is inequality. The status quo is unacceptable for God and Jesus' disciples. Luke's version of the Beatitudes does not let Christians off the hook. There will be a radical reversal of fortune in God's judgement. Woe to you who are rich, filled, who can laugh now. How can I proclaim, 'Jesus is Lord' with integrity and not take this teaching seriously? What is your reaction?
7]How will you be ʻlivingtheword' this week?


text:
When authors Antoine van Agtmael and Fred Bakkergave gave a talk last week at the Brookings Institute about the economic future of Rust Belt cities in the United States and Europe, they broke from the conventional narrative in a very key way: they actually delivered good news.
Rather than decaying, Rust Belt cities are actually becoming centers of innovation, according to the writers of a new book, The Smartest Places on Earth: Why Rustbelts are the Emerging Hotspots of Global Innovation. They claim these cities are forming a new "Brain Belt"—Akron, Ohio, is becoming a center of polymer research, and Albany, New York, is a home for cutting-edge nanotechnology research—because of a paradigm shift. Companies have learned not compete not on price, since the can't necessarily win against emerging markets (a term van Agtmael actually coined in the '80s working as an economist at the World Bank), but making things smarter. That smart innovation, says van Agtmael, is today's real competitive edge.
"When you listen to the rhetoric, it sounds like this country is running out of steam and running out of innovations," said van Agtmael. "And if you look in the rear-view mirror, yes, things look bleak. U.S. manufacturing employment is down 7 million people. But nobody is writing about the fact that we have 10 million people employed in high-tech manufacturing."
The old paradigm of aging manufacturing hubs, areas filled with outdated machines and legacy costs that make them uncompetitive in the global market, is being replaced by a new future on focused investment in future-forward technology. It's a completely different narrative than what's being said on the campaign trail this year. In many of the cities they cover in their book, universities are forming partnerships with private companies to create innovation hubs. It's no longer closed but open innovation, van Agtmael says.
Self-driving cars, wearable devices, smart grid, smart farming: the combination of the physical and digital economy will revitalize these new manufacturing centers, which will eventually be able to bring back industries such as clothing because things can be made better here in the United States.
Van Agtmael used Akron, Ohio, as a case study, a city that was once tied to automobiles and the rubber industry, but has re-invented itself as a center of polymer research and innovations, thanks to cross-disciplinary development spearheaded by Luis Proenza, the President of the University of Akron, and connectors and innovators in the local economy. He says the new generation of small, innovative polymer companies is employing more people than the four big tire companies did in their heyday.
Profiling dozens of cities that fit profile of a Rust Belt city, the authors came to the conclusion that rather than being forced to compete on an economic playing field tilted towards low-cost work, these companies now have the opportunity to build a smarter, more innovative future for themselves with proper city planning and economic investments.
"The real concern is not that there will be no jobs," they write, "but that there will be a lack of trained workers to fill them."
· Millennial Influx Helps Cleveland Shake Rust Belt Reputation [Curbed]
· Young Rust Belt Preservationists Banding Together to Save Industrial Heritage [Curbed]

subset: commoncrawl


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Royal Canin Renal Support F Dry Cat Food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support F is a veterinary-exclusive dry cat food for adult cats to support kidney health
F = Flavorful to help stimulate appetite in cats and encourage eating with triangle-shaped kibble
Helps compensate for decreased appetite with a highly palatable energy-dense formula to reduce meal volume
Helps promote kidney function with a precise antioxidant complex, fatty acids from fish oil, low phosphorus, and targeted protein levels
Works in conjunction with a variety of appetite-stimulating Royal Canin Renal Support wet and dry cat food varieties
Your vet recommended Royal Canin Renal Support F for a reason. This highly palatable dry cat food is specially formulated to care for the kidney health of adult cats under veterinary supervision. "F" stands for Flavorful, and this formula can help stimulate your cat's appetite. The triangle-shaped dry kibble can be mixed with other Royal Canin Renal Support formulas, which have a variety of palatable aromas and dry or wet forms to help find the right combination to get your cat eating again. And the energy-dense diet provides nutritional support in smaller portions, since cats with kidney challenges have decreased appetites. Plus, it contains a precise antioxidant complex, fatty acids from fish oil, low phosphorus, and targeted protein levels to help support kidney function.
Brewers rice, corn, corn gluten meal, chicken fat, pork meal, pea fiber, natural flavors, wheat gluten, chicory, fish oil, calcium carbonate, vegetable oil, sodium silico aluminate, DL-methionine, potassium chloride, calcium sulfate, psyllium seed husk, potassium citrate, salt, fructooligosaccharides, choline chloride, taurine, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), niacin supplement, biotin, riboflavin supplement, D-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin A acetate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement], L-lysine, trace minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, copper proteinate, sodium selenite], marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L.), rosemary extract, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid.
Calorie Content
Contains 3811 kcal ME/kg (calculated), 373 kcal ME/cup
*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles.
|4.4 lb (2 kg)
|3/8 cup (32 g)
|3/8 cup (38 g)
|5.5 lb (2.5 kg)
|3/8 cup (38 g)
|1/2 cup (45 g)
|6.6 lb (3 kg)
|3/8 cup (43 g)
|1/2 cup (51 g)
|7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
|1/2 cup (48 g)
|5/8 cup (57 g)
|8.8 lb (4 kg)
|1/2 cup (52 g)
|5/8 cup (63 g)
|9.9 lb (4.5 kg)
|5/8 cup (57 g)
|3/4 cup (68 g)
|11.0 lb (5 kg)
|5/8 cup (61 g)
|3/4 cup (74 g)
|12.1 lb (5.5 kg)
|5/8 cup (66 g)
|7/8 cup (79 g)
|13.2 lb (6 kg)
|3/4 cup (70 g)
|7/8 cup (84 g)
|15.4 lb (7 kg)
|3/4 cup (78 g)
|1 cup (94 g)
|17.6 lb (8 kg)
|7/8 cup (86 g)
|1 cup (103 g)
|19.8 lb (9 kg)
|1 cup (93 g)
|1 1/8 cup (112 g)
|22.0 lb (10 kg)
|1 cup (101 g)
|1 1/4 cup (121 g)
Additional information
|0.00 kg
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What Would a Recession Mean for the Housing Market?
Written by Client Care - Bryson Smith Team on . Posted in Buying, Community, Real Estate, Selling
Tags: agent, Bryson Smith, buying, home, home buying, housing market, market trends, mortgage rates, real estate, real estate team, realtor, recession, sale, sell
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I am a not-for-profit organisation but I am not a registered charity. Can I still apply to the Archives Testbed fund?
We advise applicants who are a not-for-profit but not a registered charity to talk to us in advance of their application to discuss the eligibility of their organisational governance and operating structure. Please email us at email@example.com.
What if the funded idea does not work?
The National Archives embraces experimentation and believes that failure can be a pathway to success. The development of new and innovative ideas are often interrupted by setbacks, but failure is a learning experience that provides increased knowledge and develops resilience to continue to drive towards improvement.
We do not expect that all funded ideas will deliver a positive result, since we are aware that a negative result can be useful. We also do not expect that all funded ideas will result in a clear output. However, we do expect that a learning outcome will result from the activity, whether the result is positive, negative, or when there is no tangible output. Archives will describe this learning outcome as part of the reporting process for the Archives Testbed Fund.
If, within a few weeks of starting to test the funded idea, the archive realises their idea will not work, then we encourage archives to get in touch with us to determine how to proceed. We would still expect a learning outcome report to be delivered to record the idea and result. It may also be that we can suggest a new approach if this seems appropriate.
Can I make more than one Archives Testbed application?
There is no limit to the number of Archives Testbed awards your organisation can receive. However, you can only be awarded one Archives Testbed grant at a time. You would need to have completed your project and completed the learning outcome form before applying for another Archives Testbed grant.
If I have an Archives Testbed grant, can I also apply for a Networks for Change grant or an Archives Revealed grant?
Yes – you can still apply to the Networks for Change programme or the Archives Revealed programme if you have made a successful or unsuccessful application for an Archives Testbed grant.
Can I get feedback on my application?
Yes, every applicant, whether they are successful or unsuccessful, can request application feedback.


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Directed by George Beck
Written by George Beck from a story by Beck and Frank Tarloff
Starring Farley Granger, Shelley Winters, William Demarest, Francis L. Sullivan, Margalo Gillmore, Lon Chaney Jr., Hans Conreid, Elisha Cook, Jr., Sheldon Leonard, Alan Jenkins, Marvin Kaplan
IMDB Entry
Character actors are the bread-and-butter of old time Hollywood, coming on for small roles and making them memorable. When I spotted the cast list for Behave Yourself, I knew I had to see it for the actors alone.
In the film, Bill Denny (Farley Granger) is desperate for an anniversary gift for his wife Kate (Shelley Winters) to prove to his mother in law (Margolo Gillmore) that he hasn't forgotten.* A stray dog follows him home. Due to a mixup (this movie's stock in trade), Kate thinks the dog is the gift. The problem is that the dog Archie is specially trained to deliver some sort of contraband to a couple of buyers, Shortwave Bert (Sheldon Leonard) and Max the Umbrella (Marvin Kaplan). Other criminals also want the package, including Gillie the Blade (Hans Conreid), and Pinky (Lon Cheney Jr.) and Albert Jonas (Elisha Cook Jr). Denny tries to return the dog, but after Jonas is murdered, the police, led by office O'Ryan (William Demarest) get involved.
The cast here is filled with great character actors. If the mere mention of their name doesn't ring a bell, here's a rundown.
- Farley Granger starred in two Hitchcock classics, Rope and Strangers on a Train. it's odd to see him doing comedy.
- Shelly Winters won two Oscars after this and is best known today for her role in The Poseidon Adventure. In this early part of her career, she was cast as a blonde bombshell,** but she got away from it in order for people to recognize she was more than just a sex symbol.
- William Demarest was memorable in The Miracle of Morgan's Creek and other Preston Sturges films, but he's better known as Uncle Charlie in My Three Sons.
- Margolo Gillmore had a solid Hollywood career but was a major Broadway star in the 20s and 30s.
- Sheldon Leonard is best known for his small role in It's a Wonderful Life ("Look at me. I'm making angels.") but was even more successful as a TV producer, with shows like I Spy, Andy Griffith, Dick van Dyke, and Gomer Pyle.
- Lon Cheney, Jr. The Wolf Man,et. al.
- Elisha J. Cook, Jr. Wilmer in The Maltese Falcon, et al.
- Hans Conreid. Voice of Snidley Whiplash and many others. In this, he puts on an English accent!
- Marvin Kaplan. Longtime TV character actor and voice of Choo Choo in Top Cat.
The movie is fun, if sitcom-like. Plenty is made of the fact that Bill always shows up when someone is murdered.
This was director George Beck's only film, though he did continue on as writer for TV and movies. The movie seems to have been successful at the box office, thought not a smash, and seems to be overlooked in lists of films of the year. It's in the public domain now, and is available at archive.org.
*Of course, he has.
**Indeed, there are many indications in the film that Bill is frustrated by Archie because the dog prevent him from getting time alone with his wife.


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Quantity: single card
My Darlin's Notevelopes transform the greeting card into delightful greeting envelopes. Designed by Priyanka Batra whose eye for pattern, color and visual happiness is a gift.
Single card or box of six
Single card or box of six
Heavy stock
Blank, white inside
White envelope
4.25 x 5.5" folded
Orders placed by 11:00 am CST ship same day Monday through Friday.
Local customers can pick up orders at our 1013 West Webster Ave location. Pickup hours are 1 - 4 pm Friday & Saturday, no appointment necessary. If your order is placed during those hours, it will be ready in 30 minutes.


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South Page Schools Presents: Murder at Crooked House
April 23, 2022
South Page Schools presented, Murder at Crooked House, on Saturday, April 23rd, in the South Page Gymnasium. The play was directed by Mrs. Kimberly Bjorklund. The cast were: Kobe Bennett, Cheyenne Sunderman, Isaac Autry, Lillian Autry, Josi Strange Kadyn Salmons, Chanda Sunderman, Hallie Riggins, Eli Drennen, Emaley Sayre, Keegan Hull, Emelia Baer, Baiyden Baer, and Alejandrina Arjona.
BPA provided baked potato dinner and desserts prepared by BPA sponsor, Mrs. Julie Strange.
South Page Senior, Eli Drennen, sang several songs for intermission entertainment.


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THE MUMBAIKAR'S daily supply of bread has not yet been affected by the lockdown, but the city's largest producer of sliced bread warned of possible disruptions when manufacturers start running out of packaging material, including wrapping paper, much of which comes from outside Maharashtra.
"This is a matter of performing our duty. We need to feed people," said Khodadad Irani, the owner of Western India Bakers Pvt Ltd (Wibs), which controls 90 per cent of the city's market for sliced bread.
Four factories of Wibs in the city have been working non-stop even as all other industrial production in the country, except those essential for sustenance, has ground to a halt. "We are doing our best to ensure that the supply of bread is not interrupted and are running to our full capacity," Irani said. Thus far, Wibs has not slowed down its rate of producing 3,000 loaves per hour.
Irani's employees live next door to the factories and do not require a commute to work. But he said he was worried that he may be putting them at risk by sending them to work every day.
The bread-maker warned that production was, however, dependent on wrapping paper that arrives from factories outside the state, most of which were shut down as part of efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus, or due to en masse departure of migrant workers, who want to go back to their villages.
"When the arrival of packaging material begins to dry up in a week or so, we will face problems," Irani said.
Distributors across the city said the delivery of bread to stores was risky and chaotic in the first two days of the lockdown.
"Most of our delivery boys live in Dharavi. They were initially not being allowed by police to leave their homes. So everything from picking up bread from the factories to delivering it to shops was late. Shopkeepers were anxious," a distributor said.
It was only on Wednesday that police in Maharashtra began to issue curfew passes to individuals engaged in vital services and ensuring that supply chains did not break. "After the manufacturer issued identification cards and letters to our delivery boys, we have not faced any harassment from police," added the distributor.
Many of Wibs' 50-odd distributors in Mumbai expect manufacturing to slow down eventually in the absence of ancillary industries. "For now, the supply has not been affected. But after a point, the supply of raw material will slow down. We are not sure what will happen after a few days, especially since people are stocking up on bread and fear food scarcity," another distributor said.
Irani called for more support from the government. "There is more awareness in the police now about the vital services our distributors are providing. There needs to be more support from the government to allow us to do our job. These conditions are difficult and completely alien," he said.


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The Colts welcomed the Packers to Indy on Sunday and left week 11 with a 34-31 victory over one of the best teams the NFL has to offer. There were so many ups and downs all game long, but the Indy defense came up big in the second half, and the offense did just enough to win the game.
Prior to Sunday's contest, I offered two players that I thought would be keys for the Colts to take down the Packers. You can find that article linked here.
Let's see how my key players performed.
Nyheim Hines (RB)
Picking a running back was an obvious decision for me this week. The Packers have struggled against the run this season, and coming into Sunday's game, their two losses featured opponents that ran for over 150 yards.
I chose Hines this week because he has been hot for a couple weeks now and I figured Reich would continue to give him opportunities until his spark went out.
Hines did get his first career start at running back for the Colts on Sunday, but did not put up the numbers I had expected.
On the ground, Hines had six carries for just two yards. In the air, three receptions for 31 yards. One of those catches did come on a key fourth down that Hines brought in for 13 yards.
That play could have and probably should have ended the game, but multiple offensive holding penalties forced the Colts out of field goal range and they punted the ball back to Aaron Rodgers with about a minute and a half to play in the fourth quarter.
Hines also came up big with a successful rushing two-point attempt after a Jack Doyle touchdown. Those two points put the Colts just a field goal away from tying the game, and they did just that on their next possession.
While Hines absolutely was not the shining star this week, he did just enough to make an impact. Jonathan Taylor was the top running back for the Colts on Sunday, and it paid off for Indy. His strong second half helped the Colts win the time of possession battle that the Packers are notoriously good at.
Like I said, the key to this game was in the run. The Packers continued to throw the dime defense out on the field where there are six defensive backs and that makes it much easier to get a run game going. Green Bay didn't have enough big bodies and Taylor exploited them.
Xavier Rhodes (CB)
Going up against Aaron Rodgers, it's impossible not to pick a player in the secondary for my key on defense. I went with Xavier Rhodes who has played against Rodgers many times in his career and has been one of the top players on the Indy defense all season long.
Rhodes did not have many crooked numbers on the stat sheet after Sunday's game. He had one solo tackle, and he played in all 60 snaps for the defense. That's about it.
In the first half, the Packers were exploiting Rhodes and his inability to break free from a block. I don't know if it is an agility thing or what, but Green Bay made him look silly on a few plays early on.
In the second half, however, the defense as a whole tightened up big time and Rhodes locked up Davante Adams on a key 3rd down that led to a Packers punt.
The defense gave up just three total points to the Packers in the second half which is extraordinary considering they gave up 28 points in the first half. It seemed like every single player on both sides of the ball for Indy made an impact.


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Calling All Parents! We are in need of more volunteers!
We could use your help in the morning at driveline assisting students getting out of their cars and to the front playground or into the school. To volunteer, click here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CAFA72FA5F9CF8-morning
We can also use help at lunch on the front playground, Prospect Ridge Park, and the Miner Diner that opened on last week.
Please sign up if you are able to provide any assistance! We have been so excited to see all of the volunteers recently! It has been great having your help!


text: Mother Director: Pudovkin Book cinema tickets Based on a Maxim Gorky story, Mother recreates the abortive Russian revolution of 1905. The title character, played by Vera Baranovkskaya, is the unwitting cause of the imprisonment of her political-activist son Nikolai Batalov. When her boy is killed in an escape attempt, she is awakened to the horrors of the Czarist regime, and picks up Batalov's political cudgel. She too, is killed while participating in a worker's protest. The sweep and scope of the action scenes in Mother never dwarf the human story. What sticks in the mind most vividly is the intimate scene in which Batalov, contemplating his upcoming release from prison, begins dreaming of his mother, while superimposed close-ups of her face blend into lyrical shots of the Russian spring thaw. Mother was the first of Pudovkin's trilogy of Revolution-inspired silent masterpieces. Director: Pudovkin


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Imagine being able to see all the films you want, week in, week out. Pathé Unlimited means you can watch all the films you want for one monthly fee.
Do you consider yourself a film fan? With Pathé Unlimited you don't have to pay surcharges for IMAX, Dolby Cinema and 4DX and benefit from exclusive deals and more discounts.
Release: 20-12-2018
Bekijk hier de Originele Versie van Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.
Buy your tickets for Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (Nederlandse Versie) and earn Stars!
Peter Ramsey
Bob Persichetti
Rodney Rothman
Frank Lammers
Kim van Kooten
Levi van Kempen
Thijs Römer
Derek de Lint
Fernando Halman
Edwin Jonker
Buddy Vedder
Holly Mae Brood
Ronnie Flex


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China denied Monday that its staff at the consulate in Houston stole information from American companies doing COVID-19 research.
"US officials' accusations alleging that the Chinese Consulate General in Houston undertook illegal activities have no factual evidence and are completely slanderous," said China's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin addressing a news conference in Beijing.
Last week, the US in an abrupt move asked China to shut its consulate in Houston — a decision US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said was taken because China was "stealing American and European intellectual property".
In a tit-for-tat move on Monday, Beijing asked the US to shut its consulate in China's southwestern city of Chengdu.
"China's demand that the US close its consulate general in Chengdu and decision to take it over is a legitimate and necessary response to the unreasonable practices by the US which abruptly ordered China to close its consulate general in Houston and forcibly entered the premises," said Wang.
The US consulate in Chengdu was opened in 1985. It would cover consular affairs in several provinces including Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region that attracted attention of Chinese authorities many a times.
Copyright 2022 Anadolu Agency. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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This quote is from "Stories: Listening, Telling, Teaching, and Learning," an article I recently wrote for NAIS's Independent Teacher. Within the article, you will also find some links to on-stage story telling from True Tales Live, a Moth-like venue in Portmouth, NH.
. . . insights on children and parenting and a resource for educators and parents on children, teaching, learning, and leadership.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
The Power of Telling Stories
"It is important to take the time to tell stories in our classes. It is even more important to provide an environment for our students to have the opportunity to tell their stories in class. Telling their stories helps students build and understand their own identities."
2 comments:
Stories are a good basis to help increase the imagination of children. It is very important for teachers to tell stories. Without them a class would be incomplete.
- January 3, 2018 at 5:15 AM
- Dissertation writing service uk said...
Most of the children are read different stories very eagerly that is why I decided to become a writer so that I may come up with the wishes of the children. I like your writing style.
- July 7, 2020 at 4:44 AM
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Bees terrify children at White House Easter event
The theme of this year's White House Easter Egg Roll was aimed at celebrating the first lady's anti-childhood obesity initiative, but President Obama says he couldn't resist indulging in some holiday sweets.
"Mr. President, did you have any Easter chocolate?" a reporter asked Obama at Monday's annual tradition on the South Lawn.
"I had a few, I have to admit," he responded.
{mosads}The springtime event marked the fifth anniversary of Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" initiative with a new healthy lifestyle campaign dubbed #GimmeFive, which encourages Americans to share five ways they're being healthy.
Saying daughters Sasha, 13, and Malia, 16, weren't in attendance due to "a little school stuff going on," Obama told the crowd as his wife looked on, "This is a particularly special Easter Egg Roll because we've actually got a birthday to celebrate."
The female pop group Fifth Harmony kicked off the kid-filled festivities by singing "Happy Birthday" to "Let's Move!" and presenting a birthday cake and balloons to the first lady. Michelle Obama applauded following the run, calling the rendition "so good."
The first lady was poised to participate in a session with dancers from Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance?" during the Egg Roll to show off some #GimmeFive moves. "We're going to turn this backyard into a huge #GimmeFive flash mob," she exclaimed to the attendees.
The president later continued his tradition of reading his favorite childhood book to the youngsters during storytime at the gathering. But his delivery of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are was nearly torpedoed by some unexpected visitors. Commotion could be heard as children grew alarmed by some buzzing bees.
"If you're a wild thing," Obama said, "you can't be scared of bees!"
— Jordain Fabian contributed.


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may, 2021
Aldrich Undercover
06mayAll Day09Aldrich UndercoverThe Aldrich Contemporary Art MuseumThe Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
Event Details
Thursday, May 6 to Sunday, May 9 In 2006, the inaugural Aldrich Undercover "secret" art sale was launched. The unique event has been a biennial staple on The Aldrich's fundraising roster
Event Details
Thursday, May 6 to Sunday, May 9
In 2006, the inaugural Aldrich Undercover "secret" art sale was launched. The unique event has been a biennial staple on The Aldrich's fundraising roster for over a decade. All works are priced at $350 and sold anonymously, the artists' identities only revealed after purchase. Guests are encouraged to trust their instincts, follow their hearts, and make selections based on how the works move them.
For 2021, Aldrich Undercover has been re-envisioned as a virtual event, featuring live musical performances and an online art sale at www.aldrichundercover.org For the 6th edition of the event, over 90 alumni artists will contribute 9 x 12-inch original works in any medium of their choosing for sale to benefit the Museum.
The event will begin with Aldrich Undercover Covers, a pre-sale online launch party held over Zoom on Thursday evening at 7 pm, featuring some of your favorite contemporary artists crossing over from art to music and performing covers of popular songs! Artist musicians include Roz Chast, Michelle Segre and Steve DiBenedetto, B. Wurtz, and others. The online art sale will follow the music performances, opening promptly at 7:50 pm for VIP ticketholders and at 8 pm for Patron and General ticketholders. VIP and Patron ticketholders will have the ability to preview the works in the sale on Wednesday, May 5, a first in Aldrich Undercover history. All ticket levels will have full access to the virtual launch party, the Aldrich Undercover Covers performances, and the art sale.
In addition to the Aldrich Undercover "secret" art sale, artists Bryan Nash Gill (1961-2013), Harmony Hammond, Andy Mister, and Hayal Pozanti have each contributed significant works to be offered for sale. These works are not part of the $350 flat rate sale. Please view the Special Art Sale section below to view the works and their prices.
All proceeds benefit The Aldrich's dynamic exhibitions and education programs. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Museum depends on the generous support of friends like you. The Aldrich has been profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, having to postpone exhibitions and cancel on-site public programs, including The Aldrich's annual gala, the largest fundraiser of the year. To support the Museum in uncertain times, the alumni artists responded enthusiastically to our ask to create works for Aldrich Undercover. And we thank you for your support by joining us for Aldrich Undercover!
may 6 (Thursday) - 9 (Sunday)
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
258 Main Street, Ridgefield CT 06877
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
Phone: (203) 438-4519 258 Main Street, Ridgefield CT 06877
Get the Latest!
Sign up to stay posted on the
latest events and happenings
in Ridgefield.


text:
Rose near me now - red paris rose - white lilies bouquet
139 Rose near me now, Art bouquet of red roses and the paper hearts on Valentine Day 1004 red paris rose, white lilies bouquet, good morning rose red, The Heart Gallery is a collection of thousands of inspirational images
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text:
Dog Books KFT
K9 Commandogear webshop
General condition of sales contracts
Company info:
Name: Dogbooks KFT
Address: 2310 Szigetszentmiklós Harcsa köz 3 Hungary
E-mail: email@example.com
The language of the contract is English.
The buyer acknowledges these present conditions by placing the order.
Our products are the following:
Items for general dog keeping, such as; dog harness, dog leads, dog leash, dog collar, dog toys, etc.
Special dog training equipment, such as; bite suite, scratch pants, bite pads, bite arm, dog bite development products, dumbells, kevlar jackets, etc.
Clothing related to dog keeping like; K9 Jumpers, K9 Trousers, K9 T-Shirts, etc.
Other items connected to dog sports, K9 bags, schutzhund products, etc.
Your given data shall be saved, proving the contract between the parties. The seller handles any such data strictly confidentially and shall not disclose them in whole or in part to any third party except if the third party is our subcontractor. The subcontractors shall undertake to handle all information confidentially and have no right to reserve or use or give it to someone else. We handle data according to the EU Data Protection Law.
To place an order all your chosen items can be collected in a basket and finalize your order with the help of the order steps:
1, Checking the basket content.
2, Giving the delivery address. (if it's different from the registered address)
3, Chosing the way of the delivery.
4, Online payment through the PayPal system.
Your order and successful online payment shall be confirmed by e-mail. In the case of faulty or non-fulfill orders the buyer shall be informed if it is possible. We shall inform the buyer about the possible reason of the non-fulfillment.
Information, special request or in the case of possible problems please contact with our customer service by e-mail (firstname.lastname@example.com)
In the case of any concerns:
If you receive a package in which the products are not the ones you have ordered or are missing some items, we request that you follow the procedure below: (
Contact us via e-mail about the exact nature of concern.
Please return the incorrect products to us via registered post.
Please include the cost of return postage and the bank account number so that we may reimburse for any and all costs of returning the goods. Please wait until we have confirmed receipt of returned goods. Immediately following confirmation we will ship the correct products at no additional costs or fees.
Thank You!
The K9 Commandogear team


text:
Franklin Debt Consolidation
Individuals who are looking for quick loans will have no trouble finding loans companies who offer such loans. However, there are certain factors that come into play when obtaining these quick money loan. One of the option you need to understand when looking for a quick loans is the fact that the not all quick loans are created equally. Unsecure online loan can be great help when you have expenses that need to be paid in Franklin Virginia. Emergencies don't wait until payday and if you have credit card debts that need to be paid you must certainly get the debt consolidation Franklin Virginia you need in Franklin Virginia. Bills and medical or Veterinary emergencies in Franklin Virginia are some of the things you may need the money for when looking for loans. One of the great things about quick loans is that you can get the cash you need fast in Franklin Virginia.
All that you have to do in order to get online cash advances is to supply some basic information to the site debt consolidation. This would include some information like your place of employment in Franklin, chequing account number, drivers license, and social security number in Franklin Virginia. You will get the cash you need in a hurry when you follow these options. Cash advance loan may be just what the doctor ordered in Franklin Virginia. Get the cash you need quickly and sometimes in a little as an hour. Find quick loans options that are available, unique, and can give you the cash you need when you need it in Franklin Virginia.
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We have been in El Paso just over a week, and we have one more week left here. We're enjoying time with family and still taking care of a variety of preparations toward the heavy travel schedule ahead of us.
I have some pics on my Mexico cell phone that I wanted to share before I turn it off. So, I will post those below.


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The Equestrian Canada (EC), Learn to Ride programs are available in English and Western Disciplines. They begin for junior and senior riders, at Rider Level 1 introducing the basics of horsemanship and rider skills from the first experience to:
- English Rider Level 10 covers the basics of dressage and jumping, and;
- Intermediate Western Rider Levels covering speed and performance classes.
The Learn to Ride program is designed to be guided by a Certified Instructor or Coach, to ensure that the concepts are clearly understood before the rider progresses to more challenging levels. The program provides an opportunity for riders to progress, demonstrating their skills through a series of increasingly complex written tests, interviews, and under-saddle jump and flat tests.
To purchase the "Learn to Ride" handbooks, please click HERE
How to participate:
1. Join OE.
2. Review English Rider 1-10 Rubrics or Western Rider 1-4 & Intermediate Rubrics.
3. Determine the level you want to achieve. Start at level 1 and work your way through or "Challenge". Challenging-a-Level.
4. Visit the Ontario Equestrian E-Store to purchase all Learn to Ride Manuals including the Stable Management book.
5. Contact a current and certified Equestrian Canada instructor/coach to begin training for the exams. Find a Certified Instructor/Coach.
6. When your instructor/coach feels you are ready, contact firstname.lastname@example.com to receive a list of approved Learn to Ride Evaluators near you.
* Note: All Learn to Ride Evaluators must hold EC Licensed Coach Status.
7. The completed exam and an administration fee of $40.00 is then submitted to the OE office. Once received, your certificate and badge will be mailed to you.
For EC Licensed & Certified Instructors/Coaches
Application to Host Rider Testing
Release of Liability- 18 or Older
Release of Liability-not 18 years Old
English Resources
Who can Evaluate English Learn to Ride Levels
English Rider Level Study Guide
Western Resources
Who can Evaluate Western Learn to Ride Levels
Western Intermediate Rider Addendum


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Post Sale Update: This Papoose sold for $4,800 on eBay.
The Indian Papoose was a rebadged Brockhouse Corgi, itself a civilian version of the Excelsior Villiers Welbike – a single seat scooter designed to be dropped into combat situations via parachute-equipped containers, then unpacked and be ready to ride in less than 11 seconds.
Obviously that urgency disappeared with the civilian bikes, but it still utilized the same 98cc two-stroke air-cooled single cylinder which produces 3 horsepower. The total package weighs approximately 71 pounds.
This example is being listed on behalf of the son of the original owner "the son knows very little of the history of the bike as it has sat for longer than he has been alive." The lister took care of some maintenance and it "runs and operates as it should." With that said, there are several "cons" listed, such as "delicate" wiring, cosmetic damage from a crash years ago, a gas tank that should be cleaned up, etc.
Find this Papoose for sale in Superior, Wisconsin with bidding up to $2,000 here on eBay.


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A video has emerged online showing a racist white man committing an outrageous and disgusting act on a black woman at a restaurant in Belgium.
The man who appeared to be a Jew was seen spitting and then attacking the helpless woman with an object while some men who were heard laughing kept on filming and didn't stand up for her.
The video started with a white woman approaching the black woman to exchange pleasantries before the white man who was dressed as a Jew then spat on her. He later went on to attack the lady by hitting her on the head with an object.
At one point, a man confronted one of the men filming and accused him of being a racist.
Watch the video below:


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Whether you are a local business owner or a private seeking to make a modification, a Digital Planner may be simply what you need to assist you take the following step. Read on for more information about the duties of a Digital Strategist, in addition to exactly how you can locate a placement in this area.
Goals of an electronic strategist
Specifying your goals is the primary step in an electronic approach. Your goals must be wise, implying they are reasonable, measurable, and also timely. They must also have a clear function. They should be tailored to your particular business goals.
The fundamentals of an electronic approach consist of recognizing your market. You must also know exactly how to measure the efficiency of your brand name messaging across digital channels. You can use analytics to discover opportunities for development. You can also use electronic devices to produce advertising and marketing content. You can make use of social networks to urge your audience to see your site as well as buy your product.
An electronic planner can make use of creative skills, technical knowledge, and also tactical skills to create marketing material. They can use a range of software application to produce digital properties such as blogs, video clips, fliers, pamphlets, and websites. They can likewise utilize digital photography and also posting software application.
Digital planners can likewise utilize social media to interact with other events. They can utilize email and also video clip conversation to share materials with consumers. They might additionally be the manager of a content administration system.
Tasks of an electronic planner
Normally, digital planners make use of technological tools to accomplish their marketing goals. They check the performance of digital media channels as well as evaluate the effect of their electronic material. They also make use of data literacy to recognize opportunities.
Digital strategists often deal with various other advertising and marketing experts to develop advertising and marketing projects. They also create social media content and manage inner advancement team. They use a variety of software application to manage electronic assets. They may develop sales brochures, web sites and also video clips. They might likewise route visuals developers or content creators. They might also be involved in negotiations with partner networks.
Digital strategists are typically paid greater than other marketing settings. Their average wage is $89607, which is a substantial quantity. They can also make qualifications. These certifications verify their abilities. They may also attend meetings, which can help them remain current on sector patterns. They might additionally find out about brand-new modern technologies via professional growth programs.
During a digital strategist job interview, the recruiter may ask you to discuss some of your key projects. This is to guarantee you can clarify what your work required. It likewise allows you to discuss just how your actions assisted benefit your business.
Job potential customers for a digital planner
Whether you're beginning a career in electronic technique or seeking a change, there are a variety of things to think about. You require to have an all-around skillset, and also you'll also require a great interaction and also management skills.
Digital strategists remain in high need, as well as the number of tasks is expected to expand in the coming years. These roles are a fantastic way to incorporate your love of technology with a desire to help individuals. Yet, like numerous other fields, electronic advertising careers require consistent understanding.
Digital strategists are in charge of developing marketing projects that are developed to drive recognition and also conversions. They also analyze and also examine different advertising tools to ensure they are effective. They work closely with designers and sales teams to make sure the campaigns succeed.
As an electronic strategist, you'll require to recognize just how the marketing sector functions, as well as how brand-new innovations can help services grow. You'll also require to be able to write effective copy, and also you'll require to be able to comprehend exactly how to utilize Google Ads.
Salary for a digital strategist
Having a Bachelor's degree is the minimum education and learning requirement for a lot of digital strategist jobs. A master's level in business can assist advance digital marketers right into leadership settings.
Digital planners need to have a variety of abilities. They should have the ability to assess large amounts of data and think of innovative options. They also need to comprehend the competitors. Usually, they work in teams.
Digital planners are responsible for enhancing traffic to a company's website. This includes boosting brand name awareness as well as driving sales. They also create and carry out electronic marketing projects. They might be accountable for creating leads, maximizing landing pages, as well as carrying out data analysis. They may also participate in online search engine marketing efforts.
Digital planners normally have a solid understanding of consumer behavior and also preferences. They also have an understanding of the competitors and their services and products. They have to have the ability to believe artistically and also operate in a collective atmosphere.
Digital planners are in high need. The Bureau of Labor Data states that work for these specialists is readied to increase.
Job summary
Having a well-written Digital Strategist task description can be a benefit for both companies as well as candidates. A well-written description can help to guarantee that just certified candidates make an application for the setting and can likewise limit the swimming pool of applicants, raising the likelihood that just the best candidates will certainly be taken into consideration. In a similar way, a well-written summary can assist to decrease the amount of time needed to evaluate candidates for positions. Souktel Mobile Solutions
Digital Strategists are responsible for creating electronic advertising and marketing campaigns. These campaigns are designed to drive awareness, conversions and also involvement. They utilize a variety of electronic innovations and also media to construct brand recognition. They likewise make use of creative thinking to develop new electronic advertising and marketing web content and boost brand name visibility. They typically deal with other professionals in the firm, such as sales, PUBLIC RELATIONS, as well as advertising and marketing teams, to produce projects that fulfill the firm's objectives.


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Another year, another terrific year for bluegrass. We say this every year, admittedly, but it's never been more true than in 2014. As new music lovers continue to get turned on to the vintage tones of acoustic picking, bluegrass bands old and new are reaching larger audiences, and the summer festival scene is brimming with bluegrass acts and fans who are ready to pogo along to their shows.
Veterans like Del McCoury, J.D. Crowe, and Doyle Lawson continued to tour in 2014 behind some of the most vital recordings of their careers. Other traditionally-minded bluegrass bands recorded solid new material: Rhonda Vincent's Only Me, Blue Highway's The Game (celebrating their 20th year as a band), The Lonesome River Band's Turn on a Dime, and Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper's On Down the Line are a few fine examples.
The great wave of newgrass legends from the Big Bang of Newgrass in the '70s kept on keeping on, representing the golden age of bluegrass where classicism meets trailblazing instrumental genius. John Cowan, in reference to the age he and his cohorts are turning, released Sixty, a star-packed album (which made PopMatters' Best Americana list for 2014) that finds him still in mountain-high form. Jerry Douglas, Béla Fleck, and Tim O'Brien continued to collaborate, tour, and record at relentless paces and with fresh creative energy. Sam Bush played the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado for the 40th straight year, as the Festival's organizers Planet Bluegrass pulled off a herculean feat by returning stronger than ever from last year's historic flooding in Lyons, CO.
This year also breakups and reunions within two of the bands most responsible for multiplying bluegrass audiences in the '90s. Yonder Mountain String Band announced the departure of longtime mandolinist and singer Jeff Austin, vowing nonetheless to forge ahead without him. At the same time, the platinum-selling Nickel Creek reformed for a highly successful reunion album and tour, all the while Nickel Creek frontman Chris Thile readied a new Punch Brothers album, The Phosphorescent Blues, due out in early 2015. Also, a revitalized Leftover Salmon dropped a new record, the appropriately titled High Country, at year's end and officially added Little Feat pianist Bill Payne to the permanent lineup.
Finally, a young breed of progressive bluegrassers and shaggy jamgrass bands laid claim to the next generation of hippies and hipsters. Some of these bands, like Trampled by Turtles and Greensky Bluegrass, with new albums of original material in 2014, graduated to the main stage at megafestivals, as modern bluegrass continued to evolve, getting more experimental and more popular than ever before.
All of it adds up to make 2014 the best year for recorded bluegrass music in quite some time. Here then are the Top Ten bluegrass albums of the year among a very crowded field.
Album: Cold Spell
Label: Compass
Image: http://images.popmatters.com/music_cover_art/c/cold_spell_cover.jpg
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Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen
Cold Spell
Frank Solivan and the sterling musicians in the Dirty Kitchen (banjo trickster Mike Munford, extrasensory bassist Danny Booth, and dextrous-digited guitarist Chris Luquette) have been giving the entire bluegrass community the vapors. This happened first with 2010's red-hot self-titled record, and was then followed with last year's On the Edge, an expertly-played set of ringers that landed at number one on this very list last year. These albums launched the band to the top of the contemporary scene by combining in-the-pocket instrumental precision, commanding vocals, and soulful songwriting. In 2014, the band went even further, graduating to the Telluride Bluegrass main stage, getting nominated for a Grammy, and releasing another new set of original material with Cold Spell. Guest dobroist Rob Ickes of Blue Highway expands the band's sound on a few tunes here. The Kitchen cooks up a fresh round of intricate, multipart instrumentals ("Yeah Man", "Chief Taghkanic") and refined Chris Thile-esque ballads ("Better (Days Go By)", "Missing You"). Frank and Co. also exercise their burgeoning clout by calling up appearances from Sam Bush and John Cowan, a duo whose presence makes sense, as Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen have sealed their place as worthy inheritors of the New Grass Revival legacy.
Album: When I'm Free
Label: Ten In Hand
Image: http://images.popmatters.com/news_art/h/hotrize_whenimfree_albumart200.jpg
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Hot Rize
When I'm Free
In the late '70s, Hot Rize — the group comprising Tim O'Brien (mandolin/fiddle), Charles Sawtelle (guitar), Pete Wernick (banjo), Nick Forster (bass) — was Colorado's most popular band. The gorup galvanized the bluegrass community, turning a new generation of music lovers on to what was happening every summer in Telluride, and helping to define a new bluegrass language. This language is both deeply reverent to classic forms (including their honky-tonk alter-egos Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers) yet simultaneously progressive and expansive, incorporating elements of rock and jazz into an ever-evolving repertoire. After ascending to the top of the bluegrass world, like so much self-rising flour, Hot Rize disbanded in 1992 but has reformed occasionally, remaining a popular concert draw and adding the astonishing Bryan Sutton on guitar after the death of Sawtelle in 1999. However, the quartet hasn't produced any new material since 1992. This 22-year album drought ends with When I'm Free, an album that achieves a seamless continuity with their legacy. Keeping it lean and clean, the quartet displays their intuitive interplay, and mandolinist/fiddler O'Brien offers his trademark relaxed vocals on lovely fare like "You Were On My Mind This Morning" and "A Cowboy's Life". Forster steps up for the rockabilly-influenced "Doggone", and Wernick, Dr. Banjo himself, is turned loose on "Sky Rider", an instrumental showdown with Sutton. When I'm Free was worth the wait, and when the fellas blend voices on "Glory in the Meeting House", it feels like they never left.
Album: Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn
Label: Rounder
Image: http://images.popmatters.com/news_art/b/belafleckabigailwashburn_albumart200.jpg
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List Number: 8
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Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn
Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn
For over three decades, Béla Fleck has multiplied the possibilities of the banjo, continually updating the modern history of the instrument, ingeniously and gracefully integrating those five strings into any genre: bluegrass, rock, jazz, world, and classical, to name a few. Abigail Washburn has restructured her own banjo and lent her windborne vocals to fit a world-hopping span of folk styles. Here, the married couple join musical forces for their first duet album: no other musicians, just dueling banjos and Abigail's ethereal voice. With these strings they do wed a set of antique mountain tunes, goth-noir murder ballads, and lullabies. (The Banjo Prince can even be heard cooing at one point.) It's a dusky, delicate collection, although Fleck fans who want banjo fireworks won't be disappointed either: A reworked "New South Africa", a live Flecktones favorite, gets the clawhammer treatment and floats aromatically across a century of banjo traditions. Some of the loveliest music you'll hear all year, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn is the sumptuous sounds of souls and musical spirits entwining.
Album: Into My Own
Label: Sugar Hill
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Bryan Sutton
Into My Own
"I wanted to make an album that only I could make", said Bryan Sutton upon the release of Into My Own, the flattop master's fourth solo record. Well, there's little doubt that only Sutton is capable of such playing: For a decade now, Sutton has been the undisputed king of bluegrass guitar picking, the Head Honcho of the Hammer-On, the Prince of Pentatonics. For most of his career, Sutton has been the well-behaved wingman for Ricky Skaggs, Tim O'Brien, Hot Rize and countless others, but the appropriately titled Into My Own features Sutton front and center, showing off for 50 minutes, just as you'd hoped. Zippy workouts like "Cricket on the Hearth" are here, alongside reels, blues vamps, rags, Travis-picking, and fresh-written tributes to two of Sutton's heroes, Norman Blake ("Ole Blake") and Bill Frisell ("Frisell's Rag"). Sutton is also a fine bluegrass singer, showcased on the trad-grassy "That's Where I Belong", live staple "Been All Around This World", and "Run Away", to which Bryan clawhammers along on a fretless banjo. And as backing musicians, a player of Sutton's stature has the pick of the bluegrass litter, so the record in another chance to hear the peerless picking of Sam Bush, the Traveling McCourys, Stuart Duncan, and Noam Pikelny. If it's bluegrass guitar that really greases your pistons, you can't reasonably be expected to live without this album.
Album: If Sorrows Swim
Label: Big Blue Zoo
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List Number: 6
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Greensky Bluegrass
If Sorrows Swim
A major favorite with the patchouli-'tween-your-toes set, Greensky Bluegrass is a jam nation favorite whose live shows overflow with wildcat picking and singing, featuring a knack for merging several genres, sweaty-beard jam extensions, and unpredictable setlists. All of this comes courtesy of the bullet-train banjo of Michael Arelen Bont, the eye-of-the-tiger mandolin of Paul Hoffman, the trout-in-a-blender guitar of Dave Bruzza, the liquid-steel dobro of Anders Beck, and the jackrabbit bass of Mike Devol. This Kalamazoo quintet has worked hard to transcend the jamgrass scene by providing a balanced studio attack, first with 2011's hook-filled Handguns, and now If Sorrows Swim, which showcases a maturing sound. Tracks like mandolinist Paul Hoffman's driving rock-drama "Windshield" and guitarist Dave Bruzza's vividly romantic "Wings for Wheels" push the band to new emotive heights. The breakneck rhythms of "Leap Year" combine creative invention with craftsmanlike listenability. The group does get into scrambled grooves, and much of the record produces a fixed clattery pulse that will give their improvisation-loving fans plenty to work with (check out the spacey digressions in "Kerosene"). But with If Sorrows Swim's soulful melodies, pensive lyrics, and polished arrangements, Greensky Bluegrass has taken another step in attracting new admirers both within and outside bluegrass circles.
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Album: Tightrope
Label: Yep Roc
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Chatham County Line
From 2003's self-titled album through 2010's much-admired Wildwood, Chatham County Line has brewed a uniquely warm brand of bluegrass, sweetened by tender soul, graceful arrangements, mountain-ridge stomp, soothing melodies, and lead singer Dave Wilson's twilight vocals. The gorgeous new Tightrope continues the group's streak. These four Carolinians — Dave Wilson (guitar), John Teer (mandolin, fiddle), Chandler Holt (banjo), Greg Readling (bass) — transform string-band do-si-do and rich harmonies into ambrosial country-folk. Once again, Chatham County Line employs a rural sensibility drawn from Appalachian resonance and Opry reverence, but with the loose instrumental tangle of '60s folk and Wilson's literate, sensitive songwriting. In this way, Chatham marries abiding principles, via narratives about travelers, soldiers, lovers, and mothers, to sonic refinement and a modernist's view of urban alienation. The band adds piano on Tightrope, including the album-closing stunner "Final Reward", but offer plenty of tunes like "Should Have Known" and "Hawk", banjo-and-fiddle-abetted testaments to social justice, romantic yearning, and shared experiences. It's enough to make you want to step to the Line.
Album: The Earls of Leicester
Label: Rounder
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The Earls of Leicester
The Earls of Leicester
We're prepared to take some heat for our bluegrass list this year from purists who recoil from non-traditional forms. However, those folks will be have no such concerns with the brilliantly-titled The Earls of Leicester, a feature-length tribute to the '50s and '60s output of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. Curated by dobro deity Jerry Douglas (in the Uncle Josh role), the band also features Tim O'Brien on mandolin, Charlie Cushman on banjo, Barry Bales on bass, Johnny Warren (son of original Flatt & Scruggs fiddler Paul Warren) on fiddle, and Shawn Camp on lead vocals and guitar. These best-of-the-best players do their damnedest to replicate the style and arrangements of their heroes, so even Douglas keeps his solos tight and sing-songy. However, it's Camp who steals the show here, replicating Flatt's hillbilly whine with remarkable authenticity and craft. With hoot-'n'-holler classics like "'Til the End of the World Rolls Round", "Dig a Hole in the Meadow", and 12 others, the Earls of Leicester made the most fun bluegrass record of 2014, and with this Saturday night special, friends and neighbors, you'll be busting out your own high harmonies in no time.
Album: A Dotted Line
Label: Nonesuch
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Nickel Creek
A Dotted Line
After Nickel Creek wrapped up its Farewell (For Now) Tour in 2007 and the band members went their separate ways, fans wondered why the fire should have to die. After all, these California kids (Chris Thile, Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins) had, in the '00s, helped reinvent progressive bluegrass, gobbling up Grammys and IBMA awards, selling millions of albums, and bringing masses of new fans to acoustic music via the band's singular brand of brainy, new-age folk-grass. Well, the wait is over, and the Creek has risen. The trio's excellent reunion album, A Dotted Line, incorporates the best of the band's varied styles: celestial ballads, bumblebee instrumentals, rousing newgrass, indie-rock covers, and thundering genre-bending experimentalism. Yes, we know it's not very bluegrassy in traditional terms. But Nickel Creek was responsible for pushing bluegrass boundaries in the first place by expanding the possibilities of what could be accomplished with the trio of mandolin, fiddle, and guitar. Plus, with these aces, you know there's some prime picking, such as the synapse-rattling instrumental "Elephant in the Corn", the barn-sex anthem "Hayloft" (that hay gets everywhere!), and the sensational Sara-sung "Destination". Given the layoff, the trio stared down both doubts and high expectations, but with A Dotted Line, Nickel Creek pulled off 2014's most satisfying musical comeback.
Album: Five
Label: Mountain Home
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Balsam Range
The title of Balsam Range's Five acknowledges that the record is the band's fifth release and also reminds us that Balsam Range is comprised of five terrific musicians who form a remarkably cohesive whole. Sure enough, The Range — who was crowned the 2014 IBMA Entertainers of the Year and finished second on our 2012 Best of Bluegrass list — have never sounded tighter than on Five, the band's smoothest and most consistently fine record to date. Check out "Moon Over Memphis" with Darren Nicholson's train-clatter mandolin, Marc Pruett's rolling banjo authority, and Buddy Melton's soaring tenor vocals. Later, the band lays down a '70s-style piano-and-steel country ballad with "The Future's Not What It Used to Be", the quiet-creek folk of "Chasing Someone Else's Dreams", and the capering "Monday Blues" featuring Melton's garden-gate fiddle. Most songs on Five are freighted with the compromises that reside in the middle part of life, like "Matthew", featuring guitarist Caleb Smith's sturdy vocals, and the lovely album closer "Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)". Instrumentally, the quintet is rock solid throughout, busting loose on the mando-reeling "Backdraft", for instance. Elsewhere, Balsam proves that it is one of bluegrass's tip-top vocal groups with the a cappella hand-clapper "Stacking Up the Rocks". It was a packed year for bluegrass, brimming with genre reformers, but Balsam Range delivered some of the year's best-built grass by playing it straight, stitching its trademark professionalism into a sterling program of songs.
Album: Let It Go
Label: High Country
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The Infamous Stringdusters
Let It Go
Let It Go, the Infamous Stringdusters' thrill-a-second fifth album, was named before a certain Frozen tune blew up, but make no mistake: the meticulous instrumentalism, vocal artistry, and blazing energy flying every which way on this album could reduce the entire kingdom of Arendelle to ashes. The stringdusting comes courtesy of Andy Hall (dobro), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle), Chris Pandolfi (banjo), Andy Falco (guitar), and Travis Book (bass), each of them staggeringly skillful musicians, embraced by both the jamgrass community due to their willingness to delve into musical expansiveness and by the traditionalists who hold to the band's airtight picking and singing. Case in point is "Winds of Change", which starts as a straight-up bluegrass thumper but then goes rogue into a dobro-fiddle-banjo cage match. There's also the sweet, nostalgic "Summercamp" that Garrett's fiddle hijacks for a flame-broiled middle section. "Middlefork" is a dreamy, complex instrumental waltz that few beyond the Stringdusters can play let alone compose. Best of all, the title cut brings it all home by combining the all five singers into a gospel-grass call to arms, a capper to an album about taking inventory of the past and taking one's best shot going forward. Jamgrass bands have long carried the stereotype that their studio albums can't stack up to their lives shows. And, yes, if it's wicked, high-wire picking you want, a live Stringdusters' set will give you all you can handle. But Let It Go proves once and for all that these guys are also among the best composers and record-makers in the game. In 2014, there was no denying the 'Dusters.