Classical Music, Marketing, and Mental Health

The Legacy and Impact of Composers Today

Classical music or classic music, which has a more lasting impact? Two very different genres but perhaps today, the same answer – classical music, whether instrumental or operatic has all other genres beat, across generations and platforms. You see, when you ask a person about classic music, answers can vary with the number of people surveyed and discussed – or argued without an agreement in sight. Answers range from classic rock, bluegrass, country, reggae, hip-hop, etc. and the list goes on. However, classical music is in a category all its own having spanned centuries and has even seen a resurgence in the pandemic world. With music from Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin, Wilhelm Richard Wagner to diverse modern composers today, classical music has long been disproved as being only for aristocrats and people of a social status. In fact, the appreciation of the artists’ masterpieces has transcended time by cultivating new audiences for their work as it infiltrates new platforms. Take for instance the use of classical music in the entertainment industry – in this case, specifically movies.

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Showing Off Your Favorite Baseball Items in Time for The World Series

Baseball and Collectibles: A Healthy Pastime

 

Competition is inevitable when it comes to any sport, however perhaps the World Series is just what this country needs right now. You see, according to Larry Olmsted, author of Fans: How Watching Sports Makes Us Happier, Healthier and More Understanding (Algonquin Books, March 2, 2021) finds that being a fan of any sport boosts self-esteem, reduces depression and promotes a sense of belonging, noting that people are tribal in nature and that ultimately sports can heal communities. People may disagree, even argue but they part ways amicably and remain friends. So, amid the great political divide is the World Series. The Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves will take to the field and battle it out to crown the 2021 baseball champion and it couldn’t come at a better time. We all may benefit from it. Perhaps that’s why baseball – or any sports collectors are happier people year-round.

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Oktoberfest Celebrations, Customs, and Displayed Keepsakes

Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, Bavaria, Germany every year from mid-September to the beginning of October. The festival runs for 16 to 18 days and is celebrated annually by more than 6 million people visiting Germany’s fairgrounds or d’Wiesn until recent years due to the pandemic. However, nothing can dampen the spirit of Germans and fun-loving revelers of every nationality. Hence, the explosion of formal and makeshift biergartens or beer gardens – an outdoor space where beer and food is served and shared at communal tables (today with limited number of patrons per table) like those in Bavaria at Oktoberfest. Congregating safely in smaller groups or local settings celebrating traditions with costumes, music, German food and of course beverages like beer is the destination. Continue reading Oktoberfest Celebrations, Customs, and Displayed Keepsakes

Halloween: DIY Celebrations, Costumes, Décor and Displays

With autumn comes an abundance of busy squirrels stocking away nuts for winter, harvest markets brimming with orchard goods like apple cider, pies, and a variety of pumpkin styles – mini or large whole pumpkins perfect for stencils, carving, or pie making – hayrides, corn mazes, and Halloween celebrations galore. Popular haunted hayrides have actors and patrons alike dressed in their scariest attire. Likewise, do-it-yourself or DIY costumes reflect Halloween classics like witches, cats, mummies, monsters, and zombies as well as the latest popular movie or television show characters such as Squid Game contestant, an Among Us crewmate or imposter, Spider Man, Black Panther, or Black Widow to name a few.

 

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A Delicious Dilemma – You Pick: Caramel Apple vs. Candy Apple

During apple harvest season inevitably a debate regarding caramel apples versus candy apples takes place – which is better? Although they share the main ingredient the flavoring and textures differ dramatically rendering very different results. It’s like apples and oranges – sort of. Discussions or in some cases, arguments usually boil down to preference – soft and creamy versus hard and crackly – either way it’s a delicious debate.

 

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Craft Breweries: A Brewing Industry. How to Get Started and Easy Display Ideas.

Initially called micro-brewing in the 1990s, the craft beer brewing industry, as it known today has significantly grown since the popularity of homebrewing started trending in the 1970s. The art of brewing small-batch signature style suds has come a long way since its cottage industry days of the 1970s. It has since morphed into regional associations and national organizations.  An outlet for burgeoning brewers with their own flavor combinations and beer styles, small batch brewing is a bubbling industry. But what constitutes a small batch craft brewery? According to Craftbeer.com, a small craft brewery produces 6 million barrels of beer or less annually. For reference, one-barrel equals 31 U.S. gallons.

 

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Self-Improvement: 5-Steps to Get Started Today!

We all have a to-do list we check off literally or figuratively as we complete any given task – drop clothes to the cleaners, drop-off a pet to the groomer, you get the idea but how often do you think about ways to streamline or improve your life, or more directly, yourself? Yes, you can think of it as a 365-day New Year’s resolution redux – but without the stress. You see, self-improvement is more about self-assessment and how to make your life easier to navigate, achieve your desires, and enjoy. No need to stress though. Self-improvement is not perfectionism.

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Quilting 101: Sewing Good Vibes and Reducing Stress

You’ve seen them everywhere – patchwork, t-shirt, baby clothes, you name it – there’s a type of quilt available for purchase or patterns to make your own. From simple to extravagant and everything in between, quilting is an art perfected by the meticulous among us or so you may think. Not so, says Leslie, of The Seasoned Homemaker quilting is a craft many can aspire to, it is all about how to get started and the right tools, many of which you may already own. If you’re just getting your feet wet in the quilting world, think about a budget before investing in professional tools with the excitement of starting a new craft. Leslie suggests a trip to a thrift store. This inexpensive shopping trip may land you quality fabric in the shape of oversized clothing that can be cut down to suit your need. Likewise, a thrift store may offer a few of the tools you may need at a fraction of the cost – sewing machine, rulers, scissors, and the like.

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7 Ways to Display Crystals in Your Home

Crystals have always been associated with the mystical or supernatural; some even believe they have healing powers. With all the wonder associated with them, when you are given a crystal or purchase pieces for yourself, you may think they need to be displayed in a special way.

 

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Wall Art Ideas for Your Coffee Shop

Coffee is the fuel that gets millions of Americans going every morning, but it’s not the only reason to visit your neighborhood coffee shop. They are also unique places to hang out, study, or knock out some work. Many coffee shops embrace a  darker look with soft lighting and even some edgy art or fixtures. If you’re a coffee shop owner, wall art can be an important way for you to express your brand and add a distinctive look to your business. Here are seven wall art ideas to spice up your space.

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