Thursday, March 28, 2024

Music Minute - John McEuen: The Newsman - A Man of Record

 Country, bluegrass, and Americana legend John McEuen will release his latest album, The Newsman - A Man Of Record, on April 12 through Compass Records. In a groundbreaking project for McEuen, the album consists of ten spoken word tracks and one instrumental, each creating a theatrical masterpiece that no listener will forget, featuring John's distinctive musical style throughout. Starting with the title track, recounting the real-life tale of a newspaper vendor who profoundly impacted the young musician in Los Angeles, and concluding with "Jules' Theme," inspired by Jules Verne sharing the story of his recently departed young wife in a French cemetery to a friend, the album leaves no stone unturned. Premiered by Bluegrass Today, the first track available, “Fly Trouble,” is a talking blues number originally from Luke the Drifter, better known as Hank Williams.


To read Bluegrass Today’s premiere of “Fly Trouble,” visit HERE.
To pre-save The Newsman: A Man Of Record, visit found.ee/newsman



The album features a mix of tracks from different eras and genres. The collection spans various literary themes from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Civil War-era poem "Killed at the Ford" to Robert Service's "The Cremation of Sam McGee" about a Yukon prospector. Other tracks include Stephen Vincent BenĂ©t's "The Mountain Whippoorwill," Hank Williams Sr.'s "Fly Trouble," and Walter Brennan's "Old Rivers." Thomas Monroe's Vietnam War reflection "Nui Ba Den" contrasts with more recent compositions like John Carter Cash's "The Guitar of Pineapple John," Hans Olson's "I'll Be Glad (When They Run Out Of Gas)," and Thaddeus Bryant's "Red Clay."

John McEuen’s Upcoming Tour Dates
MAR 28 - My Father's Place / Roslyn, N.Y.
MAR 29 - The Linda - WAMC's Performing Arts Studio / Albany, N.Y.
MAR 30 - Opera House at Boothbay Harbor / Boothbay Harbor, Maine
APR 25 - Ponce De Leon Center / Hot Springs Village, Ark.
APR 27 - Merlefest at Wilkes Community College / Wilkesboro, N.C.
MAY 01 - Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry / Duluth, Ga.
MAY 12 - Coconino Center For the Arts / Flagstaff, Ariz.
MAY 14 - Musical Instrument Museum / Phoenix, Ariz.
MAY 16 - Almost Famous Wine / Livermore, Calif.
MAY 17 - The Center For the Arts / Grass Valley, Calif.
MAY 18 - Sweetwater Music Hall / Mill Valley, Calif.
MAY 19 - Nashville Social Club Carson City / Carson City, Nev.
MAY 24 - McCabe's Guitar Shop / Santa Monica, Calif.
MAY 25 - Palm Springs Cultural Center / Palm Springs, Calif.
MAY 29 - Lincoln Theatre (1926) / Mount Vernon, Wash.
MAY 31 - Hult Center for the Performing Arts - Soreng Theater / Eugene, Ore,
JUN 02 - Tower Theatre / Bend, Ore.
JUN 05 - Country For A Cause - 3rd & Lindsley / Nashville, Tenn.
JUN 09 - Sunday Mornin' Country - The Grand Ole Opry House / Nashville, Tenn.
AUG 03 - Blueberry Bluegrass & Country Music Society Festival / Stony Plain, AB -Canada
AUG 04 - Blueberry Bluegrass & Country Music Society Festival / Stony Plain, AB -Canada
AUG 10 - Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival / Goshen, Conn.
AUG 17 - Big Mouth Bluegrass Festival at the Caverns / Pelham, Tenn.
SEP 06 - Watermelon Pickers Festival / Berryville, Va.
OCT 12 - The Franklin Theatre / Franklin, Tenn.
NOV 02 - Thrasher Opera House / Green Lake, Wis.
NOV 09 - Fox View / Nashville, Mich.

 

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More About John McEuen:
Born in Oakland, California, in 1945, John McEuen relocated to Orange County for high school, where he began his musical journey at sixteen while working in a magic shop alongside Steve Martin. Co-founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, McEuen’s departure after fifty years marked a shift towards solo endeavors and new creative paths. Notably, he orchestrated the groundbreaking “Will the Circle be Unbroken” album, boasting collaborations with bluegrass legends and earning multiple accolades. With over forty albums (six solo) that have earned four platinum and five gold recognition awards, multiple Grammy, CMA, and ACM awards, IBMA Record of the Year, and performed on another twenty-five albums as a guest artist and a prolific career spanning nearly six decades in live entertainment including concerts, television, and production, John shows no signs of slowing down.


John’s Steve Martin – The Crow production won the 2010 Best Bluegrass Album Grammy. The Music of the Wild West CD- produced by McEuen, was honored with the Western Heritage Award. A Grammy nomination for String Wizards II preceded the 1994 Uncle Dave Macon Award – for excellence in the preservation and performance of historic music. John’s popular Acoustic Traveller show is now in its 16th year on Sirius/XM’s The Bridge. McEuen produced and directed the 1990s documentary film The Dillards – A Night In the Ozarks, which captures his early mentors at their best. His recent ventures include producing albums, writing books, and exploring spoken-word projects, epitomizing his enduring passion for storytelling and music exploration. McEuen has a new album, a brilliant spoken word project he has been working on for years, ‘The Newsman,’ is set to release on April 12, 2024. It’s a brilliant spoken-word project with music underlying fascinating stories and poems spanning over 100 years. For more information, visit johnmceuen.com.

PlasTechFree Instagram Giveaway

 Are you ready to make a sustainable swap and help save the planet? We're excited to announce an exclusive Instagram giveaway that we know you and your followers will love!

 

We're giving away a pack of our game-changing home compostable multi-use bags to one lucky winner! Say goodbye to plastic waste and hello to guilt-free convenience with PlasTechFree.


Click here to view PlasTechFree’s Instagram page!

Click here to view the post!

 

To enter, simply follow these steps:

1. Like our giveaway post on Instagram.

2. Follow @PlasTechFree on Instagram.

 

For extra entries:

3. Tag a friend who's passionate about the planet. Each tag equals one additional entry.

4. Repost our giveaway announcement on your Instagram story.

 

Don't miss out on this chance to win eco-friendly products that will make a positive impact on our environment!

 

Entries close on Friday, 3/29, at 5 PM. Spread the word, and let's work together to create a greener, cleaner future.

 

Travel Tidbits - Expat Reveals 5 Awesome Spanish-Speaking Destinations For Your Next Solo Adventure

 Five Spanish-Speaking Destinations Ideal for Solo Travelers

When you set off on a solo traveling adventure, there’s no need to haggle with your traveling partner over where you’re going - the whole world is your oyster! But if the thought of that makes you freeze up with choice paralysis, here are some recommendations to help you narrow down your options.

James Smith from Learn Spanish With James lists five must-visit Spanish-speaking destinations that are perfect for solo adventurers. 

Five Amazing Spanish-Speaking Destinations

Here are the top five Spanish-speaking destinations that James recommends for solo adventurers seeking to embark on unforgettable journeys:

Barcelona, Spain

Nestled along the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona enchants visitors with its vibrant energy, architectural wonders, and rich cultural heritage. From exploring the iconic landmarks of Antoni GaudĂ­ to strolling along the bustling streets of La Rambla, solo travelers can immerse themselves in the city's dynamic atmosphere and diverse culinary scene.

James recommends taking a guided tour of the city's architectural marvels, followed by a tapas tasting adventure in the Gothic Quarter.

Oaxaca City, Mexico

Tucked away in the southern region of Mexico, Oaxaca City beckons with its blend of colonial charm and indigenous traditions, plus a wealth of culinary delights! Solo adventurers can wander through the historic center's cobblestone streets, visit colorful markets brimming with local handicrafts, and savor traditional Oaxacan cuisine, including mole and mezcal.

James says, ‘Join  a cooking class to learn the secrets of traditional Mexican cuisine and explore nearby archaeological sites like Monte AlbĂ¡n!’

Cusco, Peru

Situated in the heart of the Andes Mountains, Cusco serves as the gateway to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Solo travelers can explore the city's archaeological wonders, vibrant markets, and lively plazas while soaking in the rich Andean culture and hospitality. For those seeking adventure, trekking to Machu Picchu via the renowned Inca Trail offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

James encourages solo travelers to participate in a cultural exchange with indigenous communities and embark on a sunrise hike to catch breathtaking views of Machu Picchu.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

With its historic architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and pristine beaches, San Juan offers solo travelers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, sample authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, and soak up the sun on the picturesque shores of Isla Verde.

James recommends lounging on the beaches of Condado and indulging in a refreshing piña colada.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Known as the "Paris of South America," Buenos Aires exudes sophistication, passion, and cultural diversity. Solo adventurers can lose themselves in the city's eclectic neighborhoods, from the bohemian streets of San Telmo to the trendy bars of Palermo. Tango performances, art galleries, and world-class cuisine await around every corner, promising an unforgettable journey of exploration and discovery.

James suggests, ‘Attend a tango show to experience the passion and rhythm of Argentina's iconic dance, then visit the city's vibrant street markets to shop for unique souvenirs.’

For solo travelers contemplating their next adventure, James offers sage advice: ‘Embrace the unknown, be open to new experiences, and trust your instincts. Solo travel is not just about the destinations; it's about the journey and the stories you'll collect along the way.’

About Learn Spanish With James

Learn Spanish With James is a go-to online hub for mastering Spanish led by James Smith, a fluent Spanish speaker with over 10 years of teaching experience. With a rich background of living in Spain, Argentina, and Costa Rica, James brings a wealth of cultural experiences and linguistic immersion to his teaching approach. The platform offers diverse courses for all levels, from conversations to personalized tutoring, and access to free materials, podcasts, and e-books. With immersive activities and authentic content, it's perfect for anyone aiming for Spanish fluency.

Post courtesy of https://learnspanishwithjames.com

Study - Americans and Compliments

 Giving someone a compliment is an easy way to spread positivity but a lot of us aren't great at receiving them. 

new study found receiving compliments is uncomfortable for 70% of Americans and it reveals why.

Key findings:

  • Reasons Americans are uncomfortable receiving compliments: 1. Dislike being the center of attention, 2. Low self-esteem, 3. Fear of appearing arrogant
  • Mississippi, Louisiana, and Washington are the best states at receiving compliments.
  • The top preferred compliment by women is kindness (20%) and men is intelligence (20%).
  • Almost half, 49%, feel the need to immediately return a compliment after receiving one which leads to no surprise that 41% also admit to giving compliments they don't actually mean.
  • Millennials are most likely to give a compliment they don't mean, followed by Gen Z, Gen X, and then boomers.

You can find out where Americans are the worst at getting and giving compliments here.

Enriching Education - Alcatraz East Crime Museum Columbine Exhibit

 School shootings are something no one ever wants to hear about in the news. This year marks the 25th anniversary of one of the most infamous school shootings: the Columbine High School Massacre. On April 20, 1999, a mass shooting took place at Columbine High School in Colorado. Alcatraz East Crime Museum will be marking the anniversary of the tragedy in a new temporary exhibit beginning April 5, 2024.

 

"Columbine is synonymous with school shootings. It was one of the first modern mass school shootings and drew major media attention to the growing issue," says Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. "We welcome guests to learn more about this tragedy and its impact through the new exhibit."

 

The new exhibit, "The Columbine Massacre: 25 Years Later," will be on display from April 5, 2024 through June 7, 2024. The display will share information about the massacre that took the lives of 12 students and one teacher and left at least 20 people injured. The Columbine shooting was carried out on the morning of April 20, 1999, when the pair went into their school with a plan of killing as many people as possible. They committed suicide before authorities got to them.

 

Guests can learn about the massacre carried out by two students of the school, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, and see artifacts related to the tragedy. Some of the artifacts on display include a 1999 graduation card from Columbine, a student’s backpack with a Dave Sanders memorial patch, and a “We are Columbine” memorial shirt. Sanders was the computer and business teacher who was killed during the massacre.

 

"This is a tragic case that we can all learn from," added Pennington. “The more we understand crime, the better prepared we can be to help prevent it."

 

The Columbine massacre sparked national debates about safety at schools, with many new safety measures being put into place. Despite that, in March 2024, the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that the U.S. has had 57 times as many school shootings as all other industrialized nations combined. They report that since 1997, there have been 1453 school shootings, with the most recent five years having a substantially higher number of shootings than the prior 20 years. Further, they report that school shootings are at their highest recorded levels.

 

The museum features over 100 exhibits and interactives and four temporary exhibit spaces, with many famous items on display, including Al Capone’s rosary, Ted Bundy’s dental molds, and Charles Manson’s acoustic guitar.They also hold various programs throughout the year, including an annual highlight of 9/11 and a biennial art contest that puts graffiti in the spotlight.This top museum is open at 10 a.m. daily. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available for an additional fee for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team building, or other special events. To get a discounted rate for groups of 15 or more, complete the online form and allow up to 72 hours for confirmation. For more information about tickets, discounts, temporary exhibits, and all the museum offers, visit the site: https://www.alcatrazeast.com.

 

Alcatraz East Crime Museum has updated its board of crime experts, which includes Derwin Bradley, a retired master police officer; James R. Knight, a crime writer; Robin Maynard, a certified crime scene investigator in Florida; Derek Newport, a law enforcement veteran who worked for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 20 years; and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who presided over the notorious case against Casey Anthony, among others.

 

About Alcatraz East

Alcatraz East is the most arresting crime museum in the United States. Guests of all ages can encounter a unique journey into the history of American crime, crime-solving, and our justice system. Through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, Alcatraz East is an entertaining and educational experience for all ages - so much fun it's a crime! This family attraction is at The Island's entrance, 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. The last ticket is sold 60 minutes before closing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.alcatrazeast.com.

# # #

 

 

Source:

American Academy of Pediatrics. School shootings in the United States: 1997-2022. March 2024. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/doi/10.1542/peds.2023-064311/196816/School-Shootings-in-the-United-States-1997-2022?autologincheck=redirected

Book Nook - Bobo the Bear's Enchanted Forest

 With the likes of Winnie, Paddington and Rupert showcasing how readers readily take a lovable bear to their hearts, Bobo is the latest to enthral a whole host of young readers (aged two to -six).

Author Gurvinder Lawrence-Sandhu’s Bobo The Bear’s Enchanted Forest ticks all the boxes when it comes to creativity and imaginative storytelling, but it is the raft of life lessons that are effortlessly woven in that elevates the book for both its intended audience and those reading aloud. Sharing with its readership how to understand and manage emotions and encouraging self-reflection, tale (and vivid illustrations) holds readers’ attention from start to finish.

Penned by an author who has experienced first-hand the power that comes with learning to be empathetic, compassionate and mindful, this timeless adventure also makes a great starting point for those taking their first tentative steps to becoming an independent reader.

 

Synopsis:

Embark on a Heartwarming Adventure with "Bobo the Bear's Enchanted Forest: Journeys in Friendship and Joy"

Discover a world where every sunrise brings new lessons in kindness and every sunset is a reminder to be thankful. "Bobo the Bear's Enchanted Forest" is not just a storybook—it's a gentle journey through life's simple pleasures and the importance of connecting with others.

 

Why Parents Love "Bobo the Bear":

  • Life Lessons: Bobo's adventures offer tender teachings about gratitude, empathy, and joy that resonate long after the last page is turned.
  • Emotional Growth: Through Bobo's eyes, children learn to navigate their emotions and understand the value of caring for others.
  • Engaging Read-Aloud: Lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations make sharing Bobo's story an enchanting experience for both reader and listener.

 

For the Little Ones:

  • Charming Characters: Meet Bobo and his forest friends—each encounter a new friend, each moment a new delight.
  • Interactive Elements: Questions and prompts throughout the book encourage thoughtful engagement and self-reflection.
  • A Cozy Bedtime Companion: The perfect wind-down tale to end the day with smiles and hearts full of joy.

In "Bobo the Bear's Enchanted Forest," every page is a gentle nudge towards building a kinder, more mindful generation. It's a book that promises to fill your child’s world with wonder and teach them the beauty of spreading happiness.

Join Bobo as he frolics through the forest, learns from the world around him, and finds that the greatest adventures are those that fill the heart.

 


Independently published, Bobo The Bear’s Enchanted Forest is available  at https://tinyurl.com/2e3h5rne

 

About the author:

Gurvinder Lawrence-Sandhu was born and raised in Birmingham, England. Having faced a series of daunting physical health crises, including severe weight loss, the need for a CPAP machine, hormone replacement therapy, and an inability to leave home, he has also grappled with a range of mental health issues including stress, anxiety, and fear. He says: “By focusing on simple yet powerful emotions like gratitude, helping others, empathy, and compassion I have found the strength to heal and thrive.”

 


Book Nook - How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000

 I recently had a chance to review How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000. This is a good book to talk about money smarts with kids. It's perfect for kids in older elementary or middle school - old enough that they have a rough understanding of the idea of money. It won't cover every personal finance topic that a high school student might need, but it is a great start.

It's written in an engaging style, with short snippets that will be easily read by students of all attention spans. There's a lot of real-life information that kids can actually use, too. The visuals help kids make sense of the information, and it's all practical and timely.

Healthy Habits - Atopic Dermatitis and Sleep

A new survey revealed that adults and caregivers of children aged 2-17 years living with atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly referred to as eczema, experience sleep disruptions attributed to the condition’s hallmark symptom of itching, which negatively impacts their mood, decreases daytime productivity and heightens stress levels.

 

AD, one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, affects over 26 million people in the U.S. alone and up to 10% of adults worldwide. AD occurs most frequently in children, affecting up to 20% worldwide.

 

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis, an extremely burdensome skin condition that negatively impacts the quality of life of patients suffering from AD and the families and caretakers of patients with AD, continues to grow. Dr. John Browning, a pediatric dermatologist, believes that patients need meaningful solutions that go beyond the surface of the skin. This survey underscores how adults with AD and caregivers of children ages 2-17 years with AD feel about the current treatment landscape and their understanding of concerns related to using topical steroids. It also aimed to explore the extent to which AD symptoms disrupt sleep and, consequently, affect daily functioning for both AD patients and their caregivers.

 

Key findings from the survey among adult patients with AD (n=502) and caregivers of children 2-17 with AD (n=510):

Itch is a top frustration that impacts patients’ and caregivers’ ability to get quality sleep. 

  • 89% of adult patients and caregivers of children aged 2-17 years with atopic dermatitis said itch is a top frustration from atopic dermatitis, and 94% said itching is the top symptom that disrupts sleep.
  • 74% of adult patients and caregivers of children aged 2-17 years with atopic dermatitis stated that atopic dermatitis frequently or occasionally impacts their ability to get quality sleep, and 76% claim they have disrupted sleep an average of one to four nights per week.
  • These sleep disruptions have negative effects on mood (69%), daily routines (54%), daytime focus (51%), daytime productivity (51%) and stress (50%). 

A majority of patients apply topicals before bed to ensure a good night’s sleep, however, patients and caregivers of children with AD have concerns about current treatment options.

  • 72% of adult patients and caregivers of children aged 2-17 years with atopic dermatitis apply topicals before bed in an effort to ensure a good night’s sleep.
  • 46% of caregivers of children aged 2-17 years with atopic dermatitis are extremely or very concerned about using topical steroids for their child’s atopic dermatitis.

Most patients and caregivers feel there should be a wider variety of treatment options.

 

In this interview, Dr. Browning will discuss how itch (the hallmark symptom of atopic dermatitis), significantly disrupts sleep and the pressing need for new, long-term, treatment options to provide itch relief.




 

Interview is courtesy: Dermavant Sciences, Inc.

References available on request

Book Nook - This Is What You're Really Hungry For: Six Simple Rules to Transform Your Relationship with Food to Become Your Healthiest Self

 Kim Shapira M.S., R.D.— a celebrity dietitian, nutritional therapist, and author, with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master’s degree in Human Metabolism and Clinical Nutrition—recently wrote This Is What You're Really Hungry For: Six Simple Rules to Transform Your Relationship with Food to Become Your Healthiest Self

Every single thing we eat is processed,” says Shapira. “Our bodies are amazing self-healing and self-regulating the way that we feel is dependent on our overall dietary patterns, and lifestyle practices, including exercise, sleep, and meditation. Chemicals in food, and environment are called noxious chemicals by eating a well-rounded diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables, fiber, fermented foods, probiotics, and whole grains, we can secure the lining of our digestive track, preventing these chemicals from impacting our health.”

  

In her new book, Shapira has developed six simple rules that will change your relationship with food forever. In This Is What You’re Really Hungry For, she breaks down the science to get your brain and your body on board; replaces fad diets that do not last with a sustainable method that encourages you to eat what you love; and empowers you to be the authority in your own body.

ABOUT KIM SHAPIRA

 

Kim Shapira M.S., R.D. is a celebrity dietitian, nutritional therapist, and author, with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Tulane University and a Master’s degree in Human Metabolism and Clinical Nutrition from Boston University. Kim has spent over 25 years helping people lose weight and keep it off (with a giant emphasis on keeping it off), both in her private Los Angeles practice, in hospitals, sports clinics, addiction centers and universities. When she's not helping her clients take back their relationship with food, she is a wife and mother of three children and three pups. Kim often appears as a guest expert for Yahoo!, Just Jenny, Sky News, Vanity Fair, Pop Sugar, Podcasts, and will be happy to pop in and be a guest speaker for your book clubs.

 

 

Connect with Kim Shapira:

Website: kimshapiramethod.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kim-shapira

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimshapiramethod

Facebook: facebook.com/kimshapiramethod

Twitter: twitter.com/kimshapira

Instagram: instagram.com/kimshapiramethod

Music Minute - Anne Wilson: Country Gold (with Jordan Davis)

 PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson gives fans another look at her forthcoming album, REBEL, with the highly-anticipated duet “Country Gold" (with Jordan Davis) today, March 22. Arriving in full on Friday, April 19, REBEL is a genre-defying collection capturing Wilson's signature faith-infused Country sound. Wilson also celebrates her first-time CMT Award nomination for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year for “Rain In The Rearview” which first premiered on the CMT/Paramount Time Square billboard in January.

 
 
Wilson's new collaboration with Davis comes just months after first sharing the stage with him at the 2023 ACM Honors for a live performance of “Buy Dirt.” Serving as the first of three duets on the album, “Country Gold” written by Wilson, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West, pulls inspiration from the biblical meaning of “gold” equating a symbol of spiritual wealth. Wilson and Davis expertly blend their unique, warm vocals as they weave heartfelt narratives from their family histories, emphasizing the joy found in life's simple moments.
 
 
Earlier this month, Wilson captivated viewers nationwide with her morning television debut on Fox & Friends' series 'Faith & Friends Weekend.' Performing live in the heart of the Big Apple, Wilson delivered her uplifting single “Strong” that is No.3 and climbing at Christian radio. She also celebrated International Women's Day by stopping by The Bobby Bones Show to perform “Rain In The Rearview” and “Strong,” and chat with Bobby about what you can expect from her upcoming record.
 

Named as part of Spotify's 2024 Hot Country Artists to Watch, Wilson just wrapped her first Country tour as direct support on Scotty McCreery's Cab In A Solo Tour. This summer, she will grace the stages of both Country and Christian music's most sought-after festivals including Tortuga Festival, Big As Texas Fest, Country Concert, Alive Music Festival and Kingdom Bound. For dates and more information, visit www.annewilsonofficial.com and keep up with her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.