FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2019
CONTACT: Lee Lonsberry
c - 801 698 7349
EARLIER THIS WEEK: Bishop Celebrates Utah
“You all came here to celebrate Utah’s Pioneer Day and heritage.”
WASHINGTON – In honor of Pioneer Day in Utah, Rep. Rob Bishop attended Flavors of UTAH, an event hosted by Utah Senator Mike Lee. The event was held in the Kennedy Caucus Room adjacent to the U.S. Capitol and created an opportunity for Utah businesses to come together, introduce themselves, and show off their products. During the event, Rep. Bishop offered these brief remarks:
“You all came here to celebrate Utah’s Pioneer Day and heritage. I thank you for being a part of that … thank you for being here and representing Utah so well.”
As a former history teacher, Rep. Bishop led an extended tour of the U.S. Capitol for many of the visiting small businesses during the evening of Pioneer Day.
Participating Utah companies included:
Rocky Mountain Pies
Heber Valley Cheese
Lower Foods
Taffy Town
Gusto Brazil
Creminelli Fine Meats
Harmons
Pepperlane
JulieAnn Caramels
Madbrook Donuts
Kodiak Cakes
Houwelings Tomatoes
Squatters
Apple Beer
Utah’s Own
Beehive Cheese
Chef Shamy Butter
Aggie Ice Cream
MTN OPS
Sweet Candy Company
Butcher’s Bunches
Lifetime Products
State Office of Tourism
and Ski Utah.
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Dear Editor:
The catalog of objections to Trump is now massive, with tens of thousands of documented lies, constant appeals to racism, attacks on the environment, huge tax breaks for the uber-wealthy, and failure to even stay in treaties that benefit the US (e.g., Paris Accords, Iran nuke deal, INF treaty). Please consider Dr. Laven's call to his fellow white privileged compatriots to remember people power when all else fails. For PeaceVoice, thank you,
Tom Hastings
~~~~~~~~~
Blame a Snowflake
by Wim Laven
817 words
These days it’s clear that the lessons provided by history are not being learned. In August of 1925 the Ku Klux Klan marched on Washington D.C. to express their views of white nationalism. In order for the 50,000 members to get permission to march they had to make a concession, they wore their pointy tipped hoods, but they could not wear masks. There were millions of KKK members in the U.S. and the marchers were not afraid of having their racism exposed. Almost one-hundred years later we see Donald Trump receiving the glowing endorsement of the KKK for the 2016 election while he borrows their slogan: America First.
For Trump racism is not embarrassing. In business he practiced discrimination throughout his entire career. When laws have been put in place to prohibit the practice he breaks them, he clearly prefers doing business his way—the path of hateful bigotry. In the 1970’s he chose paying fines rather than making real estate available to black and brown people. The Fair Housing Act was a Trump no-no.
But it is really just one example in a life full of them. He has no shame in any of his racist adventures, no apology for birtherism or vilifying the Central Park Five. They were exonerated, not that it matters to someone as openly racist as Trump. His immoral hijinks have included affairs during all his marriages, but that is something he is willing to go to great lengths (and expense) to cover up and keep secret, but not his racism.
Sure Trump inspires outrage. He has locked up children in cages and placed concentration camps at the border to detain people who are trying to legally obtain asylum because he believes this type of cruelty will deter others from following in their footsteps. Just like when the Klan whipped people into a frenzy singing the classic “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” the kneejerk is severe with each maleficent maneuver. But I must concede: the snowflakes are failing.
From the urban dictionary:
Snowflake: Began being used extensively as a putdown for someone, usually on the political left, who is easily offended or felt they needed a "safe space" away from the harsh realities of the world, but now has morphed into a general putdown for anyone that complains about any subject.
On the one hand, I openly confess I’ve failed to get a single conservative to turn on Trump. The deference to his racism is too much for me; some people won’t admit it, some just don’t care, and some openly approve. On the other, I’ve also received notes of appreciation from African-Americans thanking me for attempting to get the Republican party they’ve left to account for that party’s invidious reality. It’s another unethically cunning move on Trump’s part--the white nationalist dog-whistles gain him more support than he loses. Trump played race cards to help him win in 2016, and he’s playing them now toward 2020.
Trump stays in now because of the failure of snowflakes to utilize people power. Puerto Rico is a great example; the people said: "Ricky, te botamos!" ("Ricky, we threw you out!") after forcing his resignation. Setting aside Trump’s obstruction of justice and collusion with Russia, his racist policies alone should be treated as the impeachable offense. Abraham Lincoln’s words “Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” are more than enough to set and reflect this standard. The United States of America’s most sacred value—what sets us apart from the world—is a foundation of equality. Donald Trump is the living breathing tweeting dereliction of this duty.
Trump has surrounded himself with fellow cesspool people who refuse to tell him that he has no clothes, or that his xenophobia is appalling… A snowflake would be silly to expect this broken system to fix itself when racism has proven so rewarding. No, the snowflakes must accept their failure in waiting for Robert Mueller to catalyze impeachment. The power is in the hands of the people and it is time that we made our collective voices heard. When the people unite in delivering the message that we will not tolerate this hate in our country or our Extra-White House, then we can return to addressing the important challenges of our times. If we do not resist the intolerable behavior with all the energy we can spare, then we only have ourselves to blame. Far Right extremists already push for the next Civil War, but it is “united we stand” not “united we wait” so if we do not pay attention to the lessons we have been given it is going to be a very ugly slide to autocracy and reversal of half a century of hard-won gains in human rights and civil rights.
~~~~~~~~
Wim Laven, Ph.D., syndicated by PeaceVoice, teaches courses in political science and conflict resolution.
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MEG & DIA
REUNITE AND RELEASE NEW ALBUM
OUT TODAY THROUGH PURE NOISE RECORDS
STREAM HAPPYSAD NOW ON SPOTIFY, APPLE
MUSIC OR PURCHASE ON iTUNES
FALL TOUR KICKS OFF SEPTEMBER 14
JULY 26, 2019 - LOS ANGELES, CA - Today, newly reunited Meg & Dia release 'happysad' through Pure Noise Records. The surprise 10-track album is now available to be purchased or streamed through Spotify or Apple Music. Visit www.meganddiamusic.com.
The reunion came about after Dia released her second solo album, 'Bruises' in 2017. Something about the experience felt off and she felt drawn to the musical past she'd shared with Meg. "There was this thing that just started calling me," Dia explains. "I wasn't happy playing alone."
Unbeknownst to Dia, Meg had also been feeling an urge to regroup with her sister and get the last incarnation of the band back together. In fact, she'd been so determined to do so that she'd been attempting to send telepathic messages to her sister and the universe in general. "I had been toying with the idea of manifestation," explains Meg, "and bringing about a reality with my mind. I had the desire to be creative and have a deeper connection with Dia, so I started visualizing us playing together again for a week, and on the eighth day she called me and asked. And there was no hesitation. I was so ready to jump on board.
The two sisters grew up writing and performing together in Utah which inspired them to start their band, Meg and Dia, in 2007. After years of success, from signing to Warner Brothers Records to touring the world with artists such as Dashboard Confessional and Angels and Airwaves, the band officially parted ways in 2012. During their time apart, the sisters took time to discover themselves as individuals. Dia pursued a solo career continuing her success in music, having seven #1 radio hits around SE Asia and penning songs for artists such as Illenium, M83, Kaskade, Lindsey Stirling, and more,
while Meg explored her spirituality and opened up a successful and beloved coffee shop back home in Salt Lake City.
'happysad' is an album that neither of them thought they'd ever make, but after going their separate ways and finding what makes them each unique, Meg and Dia have come together again to make the most refined and collaborative record of their career. It finds their friendship rekindled, their creative spark reignited and their musical horizons expanded.
While in the past, Meg and Dia would take turns to write individual songs on albums, their efforts on 'happysad' were much more collaborative. It means these 10 songs are a blend of Meg and Dia's two distinct yet compatible personalities - songs which show how in tune they are with each other but also how different they both are. At its core, however, is a fragility and vulnerability shared by both of them, but which they hope can help others who may feel similar.
Track Listing
1. American Spirit
2. Teenagers
3. Koala
4. Lit Match
5. Better At Being Young
6. Warm Blood
7. Boys Can Cry
8. Distraction
9. Happy
10. Dear Heart
Meg & Dia will be heading out for a fall tour kicking September 14in Salt Lake City, UT at Kilby Court. A full list of tour dates can be found below. Tickets are on sale now at: www.meganddiamusic.com
Upcoming Tour Dates
September 14 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
September 15 - Las Vegas, NV - Bunkhouse
September 16 - Scottsdale, AZ - Pub Rock
September 18 - San Diego, CA - SOMA Side Stage
September 19 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
September 20 - San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw
September 23 - Boston, MA - Once Ballroom
September 24 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
The Early November
Announces New Album
Lilac
Out 9/27 via Rise Records
Pre-Order Now & Listen to New Song
"Hit By A Car (In Euphoria)": theearlynovembermusic.net
Tickets On-Sale Now for Fall Headline Tour
Featuring Have Mercy and OWEL
Philadelphia, PA - July 26, 2019 - Lilac is in bloom. The highly anticipated 5th studio album from alternative rock icons The Early November is set to be released on September 27th via Rise Records. The band's first album since 2015's Imbue, Lilac represents a shift towards a more pop-centric sound while preserving the raw vulnerability that The Early November has become known for. Pre-orders are available now alongside a brand new video for lead single "Hit By A Car (In Euphoria)": www.theearlynovembermusic.net.
"Lilac started with the idea of trying to help someone. I was losing sleep over it, and it got really heavy for me. There were times when I got lost in wishing that things would get better," admits lead singer Ace Enders. "But over time it became a reflection of the idea that it's okay to be dark, it's okay to feel like you're at the bottom. Sometimes you dig these deep holes for yourself - you just have to realize it's up to you to get out if it."
The Early November will be supporting the release with a fall headline tour featuring support from Have Mercy and OWEL. The month-long run kicks off on September 13th in College Park, with stops in Nashville, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, and more. It concludes with a hometown show in Philadelphia on October 19th. Tickets for all shows are on sale now and available at www.theearlynovembermusic.net.
The Early November are eagerly preparing to share their new album, Lilac, out September 27, 2019.
For More Information, please visit:
Website: www.theearlynovembermusic.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/earlynovember
Twitter: www.twitter.com/theearlynov
Instagram: www.instagram.com/theearlynovember
Download High Res Press Photo Here
Download High Res Album Artwork Here
Lilac Tracklisting:
1. Perfect Sphere (Bubble)
2. My Weakness
3. Ave Maria
4. Hit By A Car (In Euphoria)
5. Comatose
6. Fame
7. You Own My Mind
8. I Dissolve
9. Make My Bed
10. Our Choice
11. The Lilac
Upcoming Tour Dates:
9/13 - College Park, MD @ Milkboy Arthouse
9/14 - Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
9/16 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
9/17 - Nashville, TN @ Basement East
9/18 - St. Louis, MO @ Blueberry Hill
9/20 - Houston, TX @ Secret Group
9/21 - Austin, TX @ Barracuda
9/22 - Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
9/24 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge
9/25 - Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
9/26 - San Diego, CA @ House Of Blues Voodoo Room
9/27 - Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
9/28 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom Of The Hill
9/30 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
10/01 - Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret
10/02 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
10/04 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
10/05 - Denver, CO @ Globe
10/07 - Kansas City, MO - The Rino
10/08 - Burnsville, MN @ The Garage
10/09 - Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
10/11 - Cleveland, OH - Mahall's
10/12 - Columbus, OH @ Ace Of Cups
10/13 - Toronto, ON @ Hardluck Bar
10/14 - Detroit, MI @ The Shelter
10/16 - Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
10/17 - Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade
10/18 - Asbury Park, NJ @ House Of Independents
10/19 - Philadelphia, PA @ TLA
