sho

Catalan political crisis 'should speak to all democrats'

JOAQUIM Forn was Catalonia’s interior minister until he was arrested for his role in the October 2017 independence referendum. He has been in jail since.


THE NATIONAL

18th December 2018



Exclusive by GREG RUSSELL



Forn has also been on hunger strike for two weeks, one of four prisoners taking this drastic course of action. Here, he talks about his incarceration, the forthcoming trials and Europe.

What is your view of events such as the continuing refusal of European leaders to take up your cases; and the way Spain is lurching further to the right almost every day?

I am worried that Europe turns its back on the situation we are in. What is happening is a clear violation of civil rights and liberties. In Spain, an involution is happening as a consequence of a weak left that is being dragged by the discourse of the PP (People’s Party) and Ciudadanos (Citizens) and also due to the rise of the extreme right with Vox.

Europe should not be unconnected to this regression and should position itself in defence of our liberties.

The political prisoners have a huge amount of support with daily protests outside Lledoners – does that support give you more strength?

Absolutely. Some of us have been for more than a year in pretrial and preventative detention. First in prison in Madrid and now in Catalunya.

These last few months have been very tough and we have been able to overcome them thanks to the support from our families and the societal mobilisation that there is in Catalunya.

From the prison courtyard we can hear the chants and shouts of support. Without this great support, the situation would have been more difficult to bear.

You have been on hunger strike now for two weeks, are you not worried that this protest can damage you?

We have not imposed a time limit upon ourselves. Our hunger strike aims to denounce the inaction of the Constitutional Court (TC), which has not reviewed our appeals. Some of these were submitted a year ago. The court, who should be the guarantor of our rights, is acting subordinate to political interests and is denying us access to European justice.

What we are enduring in Spain should not only worry independence supporters. Any democrat should react to this arbitrariness. We are clearly worried about the possible consequences to our health. The medical services from jail check us daily. We cannot forget that our trial is starting next month and that we should confront it in the best possible condition, both physical and mentally.

The TC judges have said they will hear you appeals next month (and will hear some cases before then) – do you believe that they will stick to that timetable?

From the moment we started the hunger strike, the TC made some moves. This week, it has started to resolve five of almost 30 appeals that all the defendants have presented.

Next week it will continue to resolve other appeals. It is clear that the TC knows it has not acted according to the law and should face our complaint.

How do you view the world’s response to what is happening in Catalonia?

I would like there to be a bigger awareness of what is happening in Spain. The governments of both PP and PSOE (Spanish Socialist Party) have dismissed dialogue, which is the political way, and have ended up imposing criminal law solutions against the political demands of millions of Catalans.

The fact that in Europe, in the 21st century, we are talking about exiled and imprisoned politicians should worry the European states and citizens. The crisis being lived in Catalunya should speak to all democrats. The debate about liberties is very alive in Europe and the world, so we cannot turn our backs as if this debate does not concern us.

How worrying is the prospect of not receiving a fair trial?

Without a doubt, we are very worried. In any case, I see the trial as an opportunity. We are not in the pretrial proceedings any more, so now the accusations need to be argued with proof.

The prosecution wanted to create the narrative of rebellion and sedition, based on the police reports from the Civil Guard and the National Police. The German courts have compellingly ruled out these crimes. The trial will be broadcast live, with the presence of international observers.

I have not lost faith and I truly think that with the criminal code in hand, the only possible sentence is absolution.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I would like to thank the Scottish people for showing their solidarity and support. We have received hundreds of letters and postcards. We cannot answer them all which is why I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their gesture.








sho

This North Shore home has ties to the Salem witch trials and American Revolution. Officials say it’s now ‘rotting’ away.

Local officials are racing against the clock to intervene and save Ingersoll’s Ordinary before more than three centuries of Danvers history is lost for good.

The post This North Shore home has ties to the Salem witch trials and American Revolution. Officials say it’s now ‘rotting’ away. appeared first on Boston.com.




sho

The Future of Botanical Monography: Report from an international workshop, 12–16 March 2012, Smolenice, Slovak Republic





sho

1st EU BON Stakeholder Roundtable (Brussels, Belgium): Biodiversity and Requirements for Policy. EU BON Workshop Report




sho

2nd EU BON Stakeholder Roundtable (Berlin, Germany): How can a European biodiversity network support citizen science? EU BON Workshop Report




sho

3rd EU BON Stakeholder Roundtable (Granada, Spain): Biodiversity data workflow from data mobilization to practice. EU BON Workshop Report




sho

EMODnet Workshop on mechanisms and guidelines to mobilise historical data into biogeographic databases




sho

4th European Biodiversity Observation Network (EU BON) Stakeholder Roundtable: Pathways to sustainability for EU BONs network of collaborators and technical infrastructure. EU BON Workshop Report




sho

Decision support tools in conservation: a workshop to improve user-centred design










sho

“His father keeps a shop”: Behind Edward Elgar’s struggle for respectability

It was a music shop at 10 High Street in Worcester: “Elgar Bros. Pianoforte & Music Warehouse.” It was in this shop that young Edward ... Read more

The post “His father keeps a shop”: Behind Edward Elgar’s struggle for respectability appeared first on CMUSE.







sho

Eggnog before Thanksgiving? Shoppers eager for a new season scramble retail calendars

In response to growing customer demand, stores of all stripes are bringing out their festive collections weeks before the Nov. 1 start of the holiday shopping season.

The post Eggnog before Thanksgiving? Shoppers eager for a new season scramble retail calendars appeared first on Boston.com.






sho

Watch These Five Disney Shorts about Classical Music

Classical music abounds in Walt Disney productions: Fantasia contains animated sequences and narrations inspired by the pieces of classical music playing in the background, whether ... Read more

The post Watch These Five Disney Shorts about Classical Music appeared first on CMUSE.








sho

Lucinda in the sky with diamonds: Lucinda Williams announces Beatles covers album ahead of New England shows

Williams also talks Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, and Trey Anastasio in advance of her shows in Medford, Portland, and Providence.

The post Lucinda in the sky with diamonds: Lucinda Williams announces Beatles covers album ahead of New England shows appeared first on Boston.com.







sho

How and Why You Should Recruit a Christmas Choir

It may not feel or look anything remotely close to Christmas outside, but there is something in the air that brings back that ol’ “It’s after Labor Day, better get ready for Christmas” feeling. A season enjoyed by some, dreaded by others, but necessary for any who are involved with music in the life of a Church. At All About Worship we are here to help you navigate your way through the challenges and on to a successful season of Christmas cheer and high fives from your Pastor.

First up is how and why you should recruit a choir. So let’s begin with why.

  1. It looks, sounds, and feels like Christmas: Blame it on Hollywood Producers if you want, but we all have an iconic image of choirs at Christmas lodged into our brain that actually began at the birth of Jesus with choirs of angels. It’s Biblical and it satisfies the itch.
     
  2. It gets people involved…at a temporary level: Pastors are supernaturally driven to see the gifts of their people developed. Most worship leaders are concerned about letting people on the team who are may not be the best at singing or those whose abilities are an unknown. The solution is a Christmas Choir. A chance to let people be a part of something in a group setting where voices are blended and there is no promise of further involvement. A win-win situation.
     
  3. Talent scouting: Through the process of rehearsals you will have an opportunity to audition people without having an audition. While you may find some who don’t sing very well, you will also find some diamonds in the rough. People who you didn’t know could sing. Once identified, if you want, ask them to be a part of the regular team.
     
  4. It Boosts Attendance: More people involved means more people will show up for the special service. (Also a great reason to include a Children’s choir in your plans as well)
     
  5. It’s Fun: Gatherings are a big part of Christmas and it can be a lot of fun. Have people bring snacks and let there be an element of social time.

Ok so now you’re motivated to do it. But now ‘the how’ comes to the forefront so here are some tips:

  1. Decide if you’re a recruit/plan or a plan/recruit: If you have a specific piece of music you want to do, it might determine the kind of voices that you are looking for. Thus changing how you will recruit. For example a men’s number will obviously not include the ladies. It might also be that the piece is complicated or that you only have sheet music so a certain level of knowledge or skill is required to participate. However you can also recruit and see whom you get. Then adjust your plan accordingly.
     
  2. Determine the Qualifications and Commitment: Make a list of the requirements for participation. Make sure to think about Age, Gender, Ability, Part they Sing, and whether they need to attend your church. You will also want to be able to communicate when rehearsals and events are.
     
  3. Ask the Traditional Ways: When it comes to asking for participation most people immediately turn to the bulletin or ask for time during the announcements. A sign up table in foyer or/and a web based sign up form can add some names.
     
  4. Ask the Non-Traditional Ways: Have your pastor or announcement person ask the congregation for a show of hands of who has ever been in choir.  Take a moment and look around as these are prime targets for recruitment. If you feel comfortable in doing so, put a little social pressure on these people from the stage to participate.

    While the above mentioned methods are good, hands down the best way to recruit is to ask personally. But who to ask? And more specifically what to ask? The best way is to ask anyone, “Do you know anyone who sings?” or “Do you know anyone who was ever in choir?” That’s when people will tell on their friends and neighbors. Giving you the opportunity to approach that person and say, “I heard you used to be in choir?” and then ask them to be a part of the group.
     
  5. Have the next step determined: Make it easy to do and clear to understand what to do next. Do they need to fill out a form or just show up at this place on this date?

    I would recommend getting people to put their name to something as it can have a higher level of cementing their decision. People are more likely to come if they have signed up rather than if they can decide later if they are coming or not.
     

Hopefully you have inspiration and motivation surging through your veins at this very moment for an amazing Christmas season. In the coming weeks through articles and podcasts we will be discussing what to sing, how to teach people their parts even if they can’t read music, and where to find those resources. But for now, get started because it’s almost the middle of September and time is running out.






sho

The Worship Podcast (Episode 16): Should Worship Leaders Be Pastors? - Dustin Smith & James Galbraith

On this episode of The Worship Podcast, Dustin & James talk funny stories from leading worship, break down what community really means in a team environment, and do we really know how to do it effectively?  Worship leaders have to care about people.   Not unlike .... well you'll just have to listen.  Enjoy!

-----------------

The Worship Podcast is powered by All About Worship (Dustin Smith & James Galbraith) and WeAreWorship (Morgan Shirey).

Subscribe to the podcast:
theworshippodcast.com
linktr.ee/theworshippodcast 

You can also connect with The Worship Podcast on social media:
The Worship Podcast on Facebook
The Worship Podcast on Instagram
The Worship Podcast on Twitter





sho

The Worship Podcast (Episode 23): Christmas - Time for the Big Show! I mean... Jesus!

Christmas, a time for reflection and awe for the upcoming…PRESENTS!! Wait, what? Just kidding, its for Jesus. Right? Join James and Dustin as we talk about the stresses of the Christmas season and how best to overcome it.

-----------------

The Worship Podcast is powered by All About Worship in partnership with WeAreWorship.

Subscribe to the podcast:
theworshippodcast.com
linktr.ee/theworshippodcast 

You can also connect with The Worship Podcast on social media:
The Worship Podcast on Facebook
The Worship Podcast on Instagram
The Worship Podcast on Twitter




sho

Shout Grace


So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel:
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.
‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!
And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it.”
Zachariah 4:6-7 NKJV

You may not have a name as wild as Zerubbabel but my guess is you know what some of the feelings he was going through feel like. Zerrubbabel is a leader of 50,000 exiles and has the opportunity to rebuild the temple. They are coming back from Babylon and everything is going great until it’s not going great!

Let’s put this in 1st person. You have an assignment from God. Maybe you are stuck or delayed and can’t seem to move forward. You have tried everything you can in the natural.

Back to Zerubbabel. God gives instruction to build the temple. You can imagine Zerubbabel’s excitement! This is going to be great! At first there was zeal among the people. They wanted to dive in and gave their full support to the project. What happens next? Opposition! Samaria and Persia begin to come against them. The government begins to halt construction. We then see a preoccupation with energies being drained.

Can you relate to this at all? The Lord tells you to do something. Not only is there opposition but the experience itself drains and overwhelms you.

In Zerubbabel’s story there is also comparison between his project and Solomon’s project. People start slinging comments: “You’re doing alright Z, but Solomon would have done it like this. King Solomon would have had this done months ago! What’s wrong with you?” Discouragement that the project is never going to finish begins to settle in. Zerubbabel’s backing, support and united front quickly turned into voices of judgement and criticism. Things became chaotic and it’s not shaping up to be the exciting project that he thought it was going to be.

We will always come to places where discouragement is a choice.

Like Zerubbabel, we need to confront those barriers with recognition of

God’s grace in order to bring forth fruit and redemption to those circumstances.

What do I mean when I speak of grace in this context? It is not our power but God’s that moves the obstacles. God tells Zerubbabel it is not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.  You can put it this way - it is not by human manipulation, or human intelligence.  It is not by what a great business man/women you are. It is not by what great school you went to. The battle will be won by the Spirit of the Lord.

He goes on to promise that the mountains will become plains. God commanded Zerubbabel to do something specific. In essence God also commanded Zerubbabel to trust in Him. To seek Him. To humble himself before God so that nothing could stop him. God was proving in this story that it is not by your might, but by mine says the Lord!

To release grace we must act. In the midst of opposition, we are to shout grace! There is an active response moving forward to the extravagant grace of God. There’s a part in the story where God instructs Zerubbabel to go to the capstone and begin shouting grace to it. The capstone symbolized the finished work of the temple. God is saying “you do the shouting, and I’ll release the power!” As Zerubbabel shouted grace to the capstone he came into agreement with the spoken word of the Lord: it’s not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord!

When we shout grace we surrender. It is not a surrender of work or partnership with God, but a surrender of the will, submitting to active forward movement with Him.

Today I challenge you in this - instead of letting the mountain speak to you, begin to speak to the mountain. Start telling the mountain about your God. Start telling that mountain about His goodness and His covenant. With shouts of grace to the mountains in front of you begin to move forward with God’s promises and purpose.

Shouting Grace,
Scott

*** For more information about Scott Ingegneri's ministry alongside his wife Lydia, check out www.awakenministries.co. ***






sho

Red Sox Showing Interest In $34 Million All-Star, Postseason Hero

The Boston Red Sox definitely are keeping their options open. Boston's starting rotation needs an addition or two, and with each passing day, it seems like that will happen. The Red Sox are expected to spend heavily this winter and have been tied to every big-name player who is available. The Red Sox mainly have been linked to the likes of Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried, but there are other options out there.




sho

Humans age dramatically at two key points in their life, How much water you should drink each day?, Snap Pea Salad with Green Beans and Quinoa

This week Zorba and Karl discuss new research that shows we age dramatically at two key times in our lives, and they talk about how much water we need to […]




sho

Slight show details rearrangement

For active shows, the Previous Episode and Next Episode sections are now moved above Show Info. Also, on desktop - Next Episode is now on the left and Previous Episode is on the right (swapped them). It'll probably take some getting used to, but I think this arrangement makes more sense. Thoughts?




sho

AI powered show suggestions

Here is something I've been experimenting with recently - show discovery through AI! Try it out and see how it works for you. Don't hesitate to ask it broadly or for a very specific types of shows - even if you need to describe it in multiple paragraphs - you can. For now, this is a Premium members only feature, but good news is Premium is free to try for 30 days (even if you had the trial before) and it's very cheap after - while giving you great features and supporting my efforts here. My testing shows huge potential, but I'm still tinkering with it and figuring out where to link/integrate it on Next Episode. So yeah, give this new feature a spin and let me know how it works for you! Edit: There was a bug that was causing it to load forever for some queries. It's fixed now!




sho

Smart show suggestion update

The newly added "show discovery through AI" (now renamed to Smart show suggestions) got smarter and more useful through a couple of additions: Now it remembers the whole conversation session, so you can iterate on it It knows your ratings so you can use that for more specific recommendations I've added details in the instructions, highlighting more strengths and limitations of the feature You can now find it in the Top section along with the rest of the discovery top chartsI'm still tinkering with it, trying to make it better and faster. Let me know how it works for you now.




sho

Four Reasons You Should Not Use Your 401k to Pay Off Your Credit Card

Q:  We have $30,000 in credit card debt and it seems it will take forever to get it paid off.  Should I use money from my 401(k) to pay off that debt?  I am 35 years old. A:  I realize when you see that money sitting in your 401(k), that there is a temptation to tap into it so you can make that credit card debt disappear.  I also realize that it seems to take forever to make progress on your credit cards, especially if all you are paying is the minimum payment.  But using your 401k money to pay...




sho

MasterChef Contestant Shows Us How to Eat Healthy on a Budget

MASTERCHEF  “My dear friend Maryann sent me a flyer one morning telling me to apply to be on Fox’s TV competition MasterChef,” Lexy explains. “I loved to cook, and loved the show, but I never ever thought my two minutes of spontaneous boldness would lead to all of this. My time on that show was challenging. I was six weeks pregnant with my third child upon arriving in Los Angeles and morning sickness took full effect as soon as I stepped into that amazing kitchen. I was stressed every day,...




sho

Show Me Your Faith

Years ago, when I was learning to recognize and trust the leading of the Holy Spirit, I frequently crossed paths with the homeless population where I lived. To be honest, I was uncomfortable seeing them on the streets. My heart broke for them, but I didn’t believe there was anything I could do that would make a difference. I struggled to afford groceries for myself, and I couldn’t afford a place of my own. Every dollar I had needed to stretch far to cover my expenses. Sometimes, I didn’t have...




sho

Showcasing Pride in the Trades to a New Generation of Workers

Where does one start? How about right around 7,500 B.C. when individuals in Jordan began using a form of plaster on interior walls?




sho

What You Should Know about Florida’s New Property Insurance Law

How Florida lawmakers’ attempt to make property insurance more affordable could affect your business.