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Ron Hutchins
The Inspirations.com
P O Box 1338
Bryson City, NC 28713
Inspirations CDs
A household name in any musical genre, the Inspirations are
models of consistency in the Southern Gospel Music field. The Inspirations
originated in 1964 when Martin Cook, a chemistry teacher at Swain County
High in Bryson City,
and a few of his students and friends held nightly singing
sessions in
the basement of his home,
purely for fun. Two year later (1966),
Martin, a
singer of Gospel songs and an accomplished pianist,
two of his high school
students (Archie Watkins and Ronnie Hutchins), one of his former
students (Jack Laws) and an eighth grader (Troy Burns) went on the road to
sing in the big leagues of professional Gospel Music.
The Inspirations
immediately took Southern Gospel Music by storm and have remained at its
forefront since while achieving tremendous popularity and success.
They make up a four-part harmony quartet with an unmistakable sound,
striking the medium Of traditional Southern Gospel and country.
The Inspirations have traveled nearly five million miles to sing
to Americana
in seemingly every place from the smallest hamlet in the middle of
nowhere to the major cities. They have sung in almost every state in the
including Alaska and Hawaii,
as well as in Canada. They have also hosted tours to Europe,
the Bahamas and the Holy Land.
The Inspirations have also sung to the Florida
State Legislature,
at the North Carolina State Fair and are regulars at the National
Quartet Convention,
the premier Southern Gospel Music event,
Pigeon Forge,
Realizing that a sound link should exist between the singing at
concerts and a business structure for a professional singing group of their
the Inspirations set up a regular business corporation in 1971.
And always seeking to adhere to the highest standards of Christian
the Inspirations even went as far as drawing up a notarized list of "by-laws"
in 1973 to rule their conduct as singers and musicians.
They still abide by those guidelines.
It is no
secret that the Inspirations live what they sing.
"Delivering the Goods" to the people through an endless string of
quality songs has become the Inspirations trademark. Many of their songs
have been automatic hit makers. They have had more songs than any group on
Singing News Magazine (the printed voice of Southern Gospel Music) Radio
Charts. Three were voted Song of The Year: Jesus Is Coming Soon
(called the Song of the Twentieth Century by many Southern Gospel historians
and other knowledgeable analysts), Touring That City and Jesus Is
Mine. Ironically,
Touring That City
remained atop the radio charts for five consecutive months and
was immediately followed by yet another Inspirations song,
When I Wake Up (To Sleep No More),
which occupied the top of the charts for eight more months. Jesus Is Mine
dominated the charts for four months. The Inspirations have also
had three Singing News Favorite Gospel
Songs in the past eleven years with I'll
Not Turn My Back On Him Now,
Need To Thank God
I Have Not Forgotten,
in 2002, '03 and '07, respectively.
The Inspirations have
received more than two dozen Singing News Fan Awards, including Favorite
Gospel Group or Favorite Male Quartet eight times. They have also received
and been nominated for many other awards, honors and distinctions, as a
group, a band and individual singers and musicians.
Three happenings significantly boosted the Inspirations rise in
Southern Gospel music: appearing twelve consecutive years (1969-'81) on the
nationally- televised Gospel Singing Jubilee; being featured on the CBS-TV
Evening News in 1970; and becoming the first group to sell more than a
million records on the Canaan label. The Inspirations were also featured
with the Happy Goodman Family in noted gospel music promoter J.G.
Whitfield's "Battle of Songs" that packed arenas across America every
weekend in 1974.
But their greatest accomplishment may be developing their
homecoming "Singing In The Smokies," which they have promoted since 1966 and
grew to become the largest Gospel singing festival in America. The
such homecoming singing was held on the old Sylva-Webster football field in
Sylva, NC. The homecoming eventually became multi-day concerts, and in 1970,
was moved to the Sossamon Airport in Bryson City.
Four years later (1974), the singing relocated to the old, defunct
Bryson City Airport between Bryson City and Cherokee, which overlooks the
Great Smoky Mountains and was renamed "Inspiration Park." The singing then
moved indoors to the plush Smoky Mountain Performing Arts Center in nearby
Franklin, NC in 2009. It moved back to Inspiration Park in 2012 where
homecoming concerts continue to be held twice yearly with Independence Week
Week) and Fall Color (third Thursday, Friday and Saturday in October)
Festivals. Most of Gospel music's headliner groups and several of its
leading regional groups traditionally join the Inspirations in appearing at
the Singing In The Smokies.
Cook has been a constant member of the Inspirations. Besides being
its pianist in a full, live band, he is the group's manager and emcee.
The other Inspirations include: Harold Reid, tenor; Matt Dibler, lead;
Roland Kesterson, baritone; Joe Brown, bass; Luke Vaught, baritone, steel
and rhythm guitarist and part-time pianist; and Myron Cook, son of Martin
Cook, upright bass guitarist.
Originating in the heart of God, developed in His word and will,
the Inspirations continue to spread the gospel through their music with
enthusiasm, vigor and an unyielding dedication as they have since their
PO Box 2355, Bryson City, NC 28713
Telephone: 828.488.3442
Web Site:
Tim Gardner
The Inspirations ~ By Alan Kendall
Grand Ole Gospel Reunion Music History
Gospel music saw much change during the decade of the 1960s. Television
brought gospel music before new audiences, with programs such as the Gospel
Singing Caravan, Bob Poole's Gospel Favorites, Singing Time In Dixie, and
the Gospel Singing Jubilee. Longtime names such as the Harmoneers, Sunshine
Boys, and Homeland Harmony entered into either full-fledged or
semi-retirement, and new groups such as the Cathedrals, Imperials, Downings,
and Dixie Echoes were formed. The Happy Goodmans and Kingsmen emerged from
recent obscurity and joined the elite among full-time gospel groups. But
when Jake Hess was once asked what probably changed gospel music the most
during this period, he responded with, "It changed when those boys from
Bryson City came along." The Inspirations not only launched a phenomenon in
gospel music that is still making history over 50 years later, but they
set a unique standard of presentation and character that remains today.
Cook was a high school chemistry and physics teacher at Swain County High
School in Bryson City, North Carolina, who loved to sing and play gospel songs. He was
the original pianist for the Kingsmen Quartet, and had also played for a
regional group called The Silvertones. Around 1964, he began bringing some
of his students to the basement of his house, and they would gather around
the piano and sing gospel songs into the wee hours of the morning.
Among the regular
attendees at his home singings were 15-year old tenor Archie Watkins;
15 year old lead singer Ronnie Hutchins; 19 year old baritone Jack Laws; and
local bass singer Dean Robinson. With this lineup, the Inspirations Quartet
was born. The group began accepting concert dates at churches and functions
in the western North Carolina and North Georgia areas, and soon created a
loyal local following. When Dean Robinson bowed out in 1966, the quartet
hired young 14 year-old bass singer Troy Burns. A few months later, the
group recorded their very first album for the
Mark V label, entitled
Pioneer Heritage.
Many of their early albums have become collector�s
items, particularly
Just As Long As Eternity Rolls, as only a few
hundred copies of the album were pressed, after which a warehouse fire
destroyed the master tapes for the album.
Combining the gospel harmonies of the Jordanaires and Original Oak Ridge
Quartet with the old timey styles of famous Grand Ole Opry� quartet, the Old
Hickory Singers, the Inspirations formed a sound that was all their own, and
immediately caused gospel music fans to sit up and take notice. Evangelists
Ralph Sexton and Maze Jackson gave them early exposure through their
television and radio programs. They soon caught the attention of J G
Whitfield and Les Beasley. An appearance at one of Whitfield's sings in
Atlanta, GA, proved that the Inspirations were set to take the gospel music
world by storm. Les Beasley began featuring the Inspirations on the Gospel
Singing Jubilee, and eventually the group became regulars on the show. The
members of the quartet dedicated themselves to singing gospel music
together, whenever and wherever they possibly could, and the quartet hit the
road full-time. In 1970, CBS Evening News devoted a seven-minute segment to
the Inspirations. Such an appearance on primetime national television was
the type of exposure gospel groups had only dreamed of at this point.
Inspirations had several songs during this period that became standards. "What
A Wonderful Time" and "When They Ring Those Golden Bells" were
early favorites, but it was the R E Winsett song, "Jesus Is Coming Soon",
that became their signature song. Written during World War II, Winsett died
before ever realizing the song�s enormous success. The Inspirations took the
song to No. 1 on the Singing News Radio Chart. Groups such as the Florida
Boys, Oak Ridge Boys, Thrasher Brothers, and Eleventh Hour Singers soon
followed suit, and a southern gospel mega-hit was born. (NOTE: The song has
been honored by the SGM Industry as the SGM Song of the Century). The quartet
soon signed a contract with Canaan Records, where they remained for the next
two decades.
groundbreaking achievement of the Inspirations occurred in 1967 when they
hosted their first annual
Singing In the Smokies. What began as a small
local concert that brought more prominent gospel groups to the western
Carolina area blossomed into one of the largest concert series in gospel
music, and became an event that brings millions of dollars to the Inspirations�
hometown of Bryson City and surrounding areas. Bryson City, a town once under a depressed economy,
became a center for tourism, and continues to benefit from the Inspirations�
foresight. After 48 years,
Singing In the
Smokies is
still going strong.
Inspirations also set a standard in gospel music that wasn�t limited to
simply singing. Prior to forming the group, many of the group�s members,
excluding Martin, had never even attended a gospel quartet concert.
Witnessing what went on at many concerts at nearby Asheville City
Auditorium, the group began taking notes on not only the positives, but also
the negatives of the gospel music industry. This resulted in the
establishment of bylaws that set the quartet apart from many of the other
gospel music groups. The quartet strictly lived what they sang, and
conducted business in an untraditional, ethical manner.
personnel changes for the group occurred in 1969, when Ronnie Hutchins left
the quartet and moved to California. Troy Burns left the quartet the
following year. Eddie Dietz was hired as lead singer, and Marlin Shubert was
hired to replace Troy Burns. Neither Hutchins or Burns stayed gone from the
quartet long, and by 1971, the quartet consisted of Martin Cook at the
piano, Archie Watkins, Tenor; Ronnie Hutchins, Lead; Eddie Dietz, Baritone;
Marlin Shubert, Bass; Troy Burns, Bass Guitar; and Jack Laws, Guitar and
1972, Marlin Shubert left the quartet and was replaced by 18-year-old bass
singer Mike Holcomb. With his youth, energy, and ultra-low vocals, Holcomb
immediately became a crowd favorite, soon adopting the moniker, "Ol� 6�4,
94". He has since become a mainstay of the quartet, with the third longest
tenure of any member in the quartet�s history.
Hutchins left again a year later, and Troy Burns moved to the lead spot.
Hutchins has most likely had the most varied career among Inspirations
members, as he traveled with the LeFevres & Willie Wynn and the Tennesseans.
He then created a group, The Southern Knights which served for almost 10
years as featured and backup
vocalists to country & rockabilly star, Billy "Crash" Craddock.
Television exposure and constant hits kept the Inspirations on top of the gospel
music world during the 1970s. The Inspirations have placed more songs on the
Singing News Radio Top 40 Airplay Charts than any other gospel group. Hits like
"Touring the City", "When I Wake Up to Sleep No More", "A Rose Among the
Thorns", "Swing Wide the Gates", "More to Go to Heaven For" and "Jesus Is
Mine" all climbed to the top rungs of the Singing News charts. The
Inspirations took home 23 Singing News Fan Awards during the 1970s - six for
Favorite Group, twelve representing each member�s vocal position, and two
for song of the year. Archie Watkins was awarded Singing News� Favorite Male
Vocalist three times.
group�s sound and consistency was not only established by their distinctive
vocal capabilities during this period, but by the unique background
accompaniment given by their musicians as well. Joining Martin Cook during
the 1970s were musicians Jack Laws, Roger Fortner, and Dale Jones. With Laws
on upright bass, Fortner on guitar, and Jones on steel guitar, the
Inspirations created a sound on stage and in studio that has remained
consistent for over 40 years. The gospel music listener knows exactly what
to expect when purchasing an Inspirations recording.
Inspirations vocal lineup of Holcomb, Dietz, Burns, and Watkins remained
unchanged for six years, until 1979 when Eddie Dietz resigned from the
quartet to pursue evangelism. Jack Laws resumed the baritone position, and
Roger Fortner moved to upright bass. Fortner left the quartet in 1981, and
was replaced by Martin�s oldest son, Myron Cook. Fortner�s career has been
varied as well, having since spent his career playing for The Hoppers, The
Talleys, The Greenes, and most notably The McKameys�also continuing to play
guitar on all of the Inspirations studio recordings.
most of the Inspirations� personnel remained consistent for several years,
the baritone parts switched frequently through the early 1990s. Jack Laws
stepped down from the baritone position in 1986, and Ronnie Hutchins returned
to the group once again. In 1988, the quartet hired young baritone singer
Chris Smith. Smith left the quartet due to health reasons in 1991, and Eddie
Dietz returned to the quartet.
Inspirations continued to place more hits on the Singing News Charts during
the 1980s and early 1990s, with songs such as "The Wonder of Wonders", "Is
That Footsteps That I Hear?", "They�re Holding Up the Ladder", "One Day",
and "It�s Still the Blood". The group released one of their more unusual
albums in 1987, entitled
Going Home for Christmas. The album was a departure
for the Inspirations, featuring full orchestrations and original Christmas songs,
yet the classic "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem" remained the album�s most
popular song�perhaps a testament to the style and consistency that the
Inspirations have provided for their fans.
1992, Ronnie Hutchins returned to the quartet for a fourth time, serving
once again as the group�s lead vocalist until 1997, when he left the road
after an extended hospital stay. Replacing Hutchins was Matt Dibler, who
would remain with the group for the next 11 years. Thankfully, Hutchins soon
made a miraculous recovery, and today works as the quartet�s office manager.
The following year, Eddie
Dietz left the quartet to join his family in forming Eddie Dietz and
Mountain Gospel. For the next year, Jack Laws and Ronnie Hutchins rotated
between the baritone parts until the quartet hired Melton Campbell in the
fall of 1999. Both Dibler and Campbell injected youth into the quartet,
as once had been done by the group�s original members some three decades
earlier. Laws continued with the group for a few more years as guitarist and featured
As the
group entered into the 21st century, they continued to be rewarded by their
loyal fans. They were awarded Song of the Year honors in 2002, 2003, and
2007 for their hits, "I�ll Not Turn My Back On Him Now", "We Need to Thank
God", and "I Have Not Forgotten" at the Singing News Fan Awards. They were
voted Favorite Traditional Male Quartet in 2005 and 2006, and Mike Holcomb
once again received Favorite Bass awards in 2002, 2005, and 2008. Martin
Cook and Archie Watkins both were recipients of the Marvin Norcross Award,
and each was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2003
and 2007 respectively. Cook was also inducted into the Southern Gospel Music
Piano Roll of Honor at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion in 2005.
lineup of the Inspirations holds firm to their roots, while setting the
stage for another generation. The group as of January, 2014 consists of
Martin Cook � Piano, Jon Epley � Bass, Melton Campbell � Baritone, Matt
� Lead, Dallas Rogers � Tenor, Myron Cook � Upright Bass, along with Luke
Vaught who can play almost any instrument put in his hands.
Inspirations have continued to remain a top-selling recording artist, now
recording for Horizon Records. They still pack churches and concert halls to
capacity. Their presence still commands respect and admiration. The boys
from Bryson City have proven consistency and integrity are still important,
in times where neither have seemed to be viewed as relevant.
Special thanks to the Singing News � July, 2004 for permission to include this
~ Photography courtesy
of Horizon Music Group
Once again, it's that time of the year when we pause and reflect on this
great country in which we live and all things great about America. As our
nation celebrates its birthday this month, it only seems fitting to pay
tribute to a group that is considered by many to be a national institution
in Southern Gospel Music, and that group is none other than the
This group is all about tradition. From the songs they sing to the way they
live, the Inspirations have carried on a grand tradition of hard work, high
personal standards of living, and taking a stand for the Christian values
and principles about which they sing and live. And here at Singing News, we
think that's something to be celebrated.
what you are reading is actually a surprise story. The Inspirations knew
nothing about this cover feature. It was pieced together by another great
American tradition ~ being nosy! You'd be surprised at all the interesting
facts you can find by snooping around, talking to folks who love this group,
researching old Singing News magazines, and surfing the Internet.
In all honesty, though, their record speaks for itself. Forty-two years (in
2005) on the road, numerous awards and accolades, more than 70 recordings
with more than 700 songs, millions of recordings sold, millions of road
miles, the successful
Singing In The Smokies
annual concerts, television appearances, consistently packed concert halls,
and a reputation without blemish... there's no other like them. The
Inspirations truly are an American treasure.
Trying to come up with one sentence to describe the Inspirations can be a
daunting task. How can you sum up their career in one phrase? Borrowing from
their web site, the following is about as close as one will get: "The
Inspirations are an enthusiastic, sincere, clean-cut group of fundamental
conservative Christian gentlemen with a desire and an objective to witness
to a needful and sinful world through the medium of Gospel Music." That
pretty much sums it up. That sentence describes the Inspirations today as
well as when they began 40 years ago.
This quartet began in quite an unassuming way. Martin Cook, group pianist
and founder, was teaching chemistry at Swain County High School. He had been
the Kingsmen's first pianist, and had also played for a local group as well.
He decided to gather together with four of his students and do some singing,
The singing sessions became a nightly event in the basement of Martin's
home, but it wasn't long until the group hit the road, and the Inspirations
Quartet was born. The original members included Martin on piano, tenor
Archie Watkins, lead Ronnie Hutchins, baritone Jack Laws, and bass Troy
Bums. Troy eventually became the group's lead vocalist in later years.
In 45+ years of traveling, there have only been fifteen full-time members of
this group. That is a rather remarkable statistic in this age of constant
change. The Inspirations just seem to, well for lack of a better term,
recycle. Martin and Archie, of course, traveled with the group for all of
those first 45 years, with Archie resigning on February 28, 2009, to pursue
a solo ministry. Jack Laws is back on the road with the group, and he always
was considered one of the group even during the years he wasn't traveling
with them. Mike Holcomb is the group's seasoned veteran bass singer with
over 36 years tenure with the group. Martin's son, Myron, has played the
upright bass guitar for the group for over 25 years. Melton Campbell has
ably filled the baritone spot for a decade+. The Inspirations newest
members; lead singer, David Ragan; and tenor, Dallas Rogers; will now become
a part of the rich history of the Inspirations.
Ron Hutchins, the original lead singer left the road in 1998, but he now
takes care of the day to day business for the group, and he also created and
maintains the group's comprehensive website,
That kind of longevity is hard to find in today's world of constant change.
However, it goes to show that the staying power of this group can be traced
to the personal dedication, commitment, and work ethic of each individual
Along with Ron, former members, Marlin Shubert and Chris Smith join the
current group for Reunion Concerts several times each year, especially
during the
Singing In The Smokies
promotions. When the Inspirations take to the stage, they are a cohesive
unit working together to achieve that traditional Gospel quartet sound for
their many fans and friends who come out in droves to hear this popular
Individual successes can also be found within this organization. There are
two Marvin Norcross Award winners in the ranks of the Inspirations. This
award is the highest honor given at the
Singing News Fan Awards
each year, and
Archie took home the award in
1999. Three years
later, the award was bestowed upon
Martin in 2002;
and the following year he became an inductee to the
Southern Gospel Music Hall of
Fame, with Archie
following in 2005.
Martin, Ron and Myron are college and/or University graduates, Martin and
Ron's alma mater being Western Carolina University and Myron's being
Southwest Community College.
is also an ordained preacher of the Gospel. Mike pastored for several years,
and he currently has his own program on television called
My Heart's Desire.
Since retiring from the Inspirations, Mike is a full time evangelist.
The Inspirations are living out a career for which many Gospel artists' only
hope and dream. The group has sold well over a million records, been awarded
numerous Singing News Fan Awards, honored by many different cities and
states, had many special days set aside in their honor, have charted more
than 60 hit songs, and have a book written by Bob Terrell in their honor,
What A Wonderful Time,
which was titled as such in honor of the group's first hit song. They were
regular members on the popular TV program,
Gospel Jubilee, and have a video
of these most memorable television performances
that was released on the Gaither Homecoming series. Their songs have been
played around the world in areas such as Kenya, Canada, Europe, New Zealand,
The Philippines, Romania, Australia, and Africa. They were once even the
subject of a CBS documentary hosted by Roger Mudd.
listing of this group's accomplishments would not be complete without
mention of the
Singing In The Smokies,
which will celebrate its 40th year in 2006. Not only is this concert an
annual favorite of the thousands of fans who come to enjoy the great Gospel
Music on the mountain, but the event itself has been credited as a great
economic factor for this region of western North Carolina. There are three
singing sessions each year held at Inspiration Park on a beautiful
mountaintop in Bryson City, NC.
While the group invites many of their singing peers to join them on these
concerts, there are plenty of others who would jump at the chance to perform
on the mountain with the "boys from Bryson City". It's one of those signs
that you have arrived in Southern Gospel Music when you get the prestigious
invitation to sing at the
Singing In The Smokies.
Behind these successful men, there are successful women. The Inspirations
have the full support of their wives and families. They couldn't have lasted
this long without it. Ora Blanche Cook, Cindy Watkins, Brenda Laws, and
Bavaria Holcomb are behind their husbands all the way. Myron married his
sweetheart right on the mountain on July 3, during the singing weekend, and
so his new bride, Jennifer, can be added to this list of supportive wives.
They are always on hand to help at all the singings in Bryson City, and many
fans will recall that the Inspirations' concession stand at the park was
dubbed "Bavaria's
In a Singing News Valentine story from February 2003, Cindy Watkins said she
loved Gospel Music and treasured the fact that so many people enjoyed
Archie's music. She said it was an honor to be able to share Archie's talent
with so many great Gospel Music fans and she was so blessed that he was so
loved by many folks across the country. Her feeling was that all of the fans
were more like friends and family to them. This sums up the feeling of this
group and their families toward the folks who love and appreciate the
Inspirations and their music. That attitude of support and selflessness has
been one that has only strengthened these men and what they are doing for
the Lord.
The Inspirations are truly in a class by themselves, one-of-a-kind. Their
forty-two years in this industry represents lives and careers dedicated to
the cause of Christ and Gospel Music. They stand for good moral character,
strong work ethic, and Christian values and principles. They stand for God
and His Word.
They sing from their hearts, and they are true to their Southern Gospel Quartet
roots. They have been and continue to be highly successful at their calling
and career, and they remain unchanged by the ever changing currents and
trends that so easily sway the less dedicated. They are the Inspirations . .
. and yes, they are truly an American Treasure.
Click to see larger image of Cover from original Singing News
Feature Story
U S Gospel News
The Legendary Inspirations & Their Singing In The Smokies
Inspirations -Legend One: The Quartet
Originally published in May, 2003
The odds against a high school teacher and four of his students
storming the heights of Gospel Music to its top position seemingly
as fast as any such singing group ever, then remaining at its
forefront for 39 years, and as a result, ranking among its all-time
elite groups would be astronomical at best.
But it did happen in the form of the legendary Inspirations,
whose march to success has been marked by astounding consistency,
fueling their descent and ultimate standing as a household name in
any musical genre. The Inspirations are famous for their tight
harmony, song arrangements and unique sound. In fact, anyone who
follows gospel music can easily distinguish the Inspirations' sound
from that of any other singing group. With the possible exception of
the Chuck Wagon Gang, Blackwood Brothers Quartet, Stamps Quartet and
Speer Family, the Inspirations have been the most consistently
successful group in Southern Gospel Music history in terms of record
sales, popularity, solvency and number of top hit songs produced.
The Inspirations originated in 1964 in Bryson City, NC, a tiny
town in the southern shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains and on the
eastern shore of Fontana Lake, where Martin Cook, a chemistry
teacher at Swain County High School rounded up four of his students
and held nightly singing sessions in the basement of his home,
purely for fun. Shortly after, Cook, a lifetime singer of Gospel
songs and an accomplished pianist, and four high school kids,
(Archie Watkins, Ron Hutchins, Jack Laws and Troy Burns) became the
Inspirations Quartet. They soon went on the road to sing
In the years since, the Inspirations have been awarded every
honor and award Southern Gospel Music has to offer, and they have
traveled over four million miles from the smallest hamlet in the
middle of nowhere to major cities across America delivering their
special brand of music. And along the way, they have sold millions
of recordings of their songs.
Instrumental in the Inspirations success has been a seemingly
endless string of quality songs, including four Songs of The Year.
The Inspirations' song repertoire includes such hits as "What A
Wonderful Time," "Jesus Is Coming Soon," "Touring That City," "When
I Wake Up To Sleep No More," "Jesus Is Mine," "A Wedding
Invitation," "Is That Footsteps That I Hear," "The Wonder Of
Wonders," "Thank You Lord" and most recently, "I'll Not Turn My
Back On Him Now."
Through the first 39 years, Cook and Watkins have been constant
members of the quartet. Cook is the group's manager and pianist,
and Watkins sings tenor. Currently, Cook's son, Myron, plays upright
bass; Mike Holcomb sings bass; Matt Dibler lead; and Melton Campbell
baritone. Laws also sings baritone on specialty songs and plays
rhythm guitar.
Martin Cook's skills as a visionary and businessman are
unsurpassed, helping make him one of Southern Gospel's best quartet
managers. His piano-playing style is so distinctive that few doubt
who is playing when he tickles the ivories. Cook received the Marvin
Norcross Award at the 2002 National Quartet Convention and will be
inducted into the 2003 Class of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of
Fame on May 13--the industry's two most prestigious honors.
"The secret to being successful in Southern Gospel Music is to
foremost stay close to the Lord and never forget the primary purpose
you're in this field is to serve Him and fulfill His will," Martin
Cook said.
Perhaps Southern Gospel Music's most recognizable voice belongs
to Watkins, who is the all-time dean of Southern Gospel tenors for
tenure with one group.
"I've come to love singing more than ever before," Watkins
stated. "There are more groups on the road than ever, and there also
are more people attending concerts than there's ever been.
Therefore, there is more witnessing about the love of Jesus and what
happiness He can bring to one's life."
Mike Holcomb is next on the Inspirations' seniority ladder and
is quite possibly the lowest bass singer in the world. He has been
a smash hit with Gospel Music fans ever since he joined the
Inspirations in 1972, and is one of two preachers in the group
(Dibler is the other).
"A Bible verse reads, 'Many are called, but few are chosen,' and
I know the Inspirations have been chosen to uplift and magnify God's
name, and then to bless and help people realize the great need for
God in their lives," Holcomb commented.
One of Southern Gospel's finest singers is Laws, who is noted
for his silky-smooth vocals. He is always in demand to sing such
songs as "Thanks For Loving Me", "Only One Door" and "Where We'll
Never Grow Old." Also an excellent musician, Laws has been a
member of the Inspirations for 23 years and is in the fifth year of
his second tenure with the group.
"God has a reason for everything, and I'm very thankful He
allowed me to be a part of Gospel Music through the Inspirations. My
cup has truly overflowed through the Lord's glory," Laws remarked.
It may not seem possible to longtime Inspirations followers, but
Myron Cook is in his 21st year playing upright bass for the group.
A favorite with people everywhere he goes, the younger Cook, as a
classic Inspirations song reads, just wants to "Thank You, Lord."
"One of the best things that's ever happened in my life is my
association with Gospel Music, and the Lord richly blessed me by
leading me into it," Myron Cook said. "I've developed a lot of
lasting friendships and I've become closer to God because of it. For
these and many other great happenings in my life, I'm grateful to
"The spiritual experience I get from singing to people and praising
God is a most exhilarating feeling," Dibler stated. "Every time I
sing, I get the same emotional high. All Inspirations are
continually looking for ways to serve Jesus in even greater
capacities. Praise His name!"
Rounding out the group is Campbell, who joined the Inspirations
as full-time baritone vocalist in 2000 following a stint with the
Common Garments Quartet of Georgia. Campbell is a good fit for the
Inspirations--both as a singer and as a Christian gentleman. He is
highly regarded by his peers for his crafted baritone voice.
"I love singing songs about our great Savior," Campbell
declared. "People from all walks of life can relate to Gospel Music
because its songs contain a special encouragement that God will
accept you just as you are. This is the greatest peace and hope
anyone can have."
Legacy 2: Their Singing In The Smokies
Originally published in May, 2003
The Inspirations continue to add chapters to their legacy and
another legacy that originated through them is growing just as
fast--their annual homecoming festival, the Singing In The Smokies.
55:12 reads: The mountains and hills will burst into
singing, and the trees will shout for joy. No where is
that verse more fulfilled than at Inspiration Park, located on a
mountainside overlooking a majestic panorama of the Great Smoky
Mountains on Hyatt Creek Road between Bryson City and Cherokee,
NC. That's where the largest Gospel singing festival in the
United States will be hosted by the Inspirations again this summer
and fall. There are few places on Earth that can compare to
Inspiration Park for beautiful scenery and natural beauty.
Before the 2003 Singing In The Smokies runs its course, upward of
25,000 people, perhaps more, will have occupied the hillside singing
grounds, hearing more than twenty Gospel Music groups/artists make
joyful noises unto the Lord, including the Inspirations, who will
sing each day.
The summer Singing In The Smokies session runs June 30 through July
5, starting at 7 p.m. each day, except for July 4 when a "All Day
Singing" will get underway at 10 a.m. and last until ? A two-day
Singing In The Smokies will be held on August 30 and 31, beginning
at 7 p.m. each evening as a Labor Day Festival. Then, another
two-day session will be held on October 17 and 18 as the Fall Color
Festival. The first day of the last session will begin at 6 p.m. and
the final day will be a repeat "All-Day Singing" beginning at 11
a.m. and lasting until 6 p.m. On
July 4 and October 18, The Inspirations will hold reunion concerts
featuring former
Inspirations, Ron Hutchins, Eddie Deitz, Marlin Shubert and Chris
Smith .
Two years after the Inspirations were formed, they started the
Singing In The Smokies as a one-day concert on the Sylva-Webster
High football field in nearby Sylva in an effort to bring more
Gospel groups in for the public's enjoyment, and three years later
they moved the event to downtown Bryson City. That fourth year
they finally broke even financially on the festival, and it has
grown by leaps and bounds every year since. In 1974, the Singing In
The Smokies relocated to its present location at the old Bryson City
airport. The 1976 Fourth of July Singing In The Smokies was recorded
in North Carolina history books as one of the state's great
celebrations of our nation's bicentennial.
"The Singing In The Smokies was started for two primary reasons,"
said Martin Cook. "First, the Inspirations realized that since
many of our friends and other supporters came to the Smoky Mountains
to vacation each year, we needed to be there to sing to them, so we
hatched up the idea of hosting a homecoming sing.
He continued, "The other reason was this, while I was teaching
at Sylva High School, there was a vote scheduled in its home county
about legalizing liquor sales. A county commissioner spoke to
the school faculty telling us how much of the money the county would
make from liquor sales would benefit the schools. However, that
county commissioner failed to mention that when lives were lost and
homes destroyed because of alcohol, it would be our fault for
legalizing it. The liquor was evil, and each member of the
Inspirations knew that the Singing In The Smokies could be a strong
force with which to fight it. It was and has been. That's how
to overcome evil--fight it with something good. We can't
fight it on its own terms because the same rules never apply."
Martin Cook added that naming the Inspirations homecoming sing was
easy. "Since we were a singing group based in the heart of the Great
Smoky Mountains, the name 'Singing In The Smokies' was a given.
I doubt we could have found another name that would have fit more
perfectly," he said.
Nothing is more pleasing to the soul than hearing the tuneful sounds
of Gospel Music echoing from mountaintop to mountaintop at
Inspiration Park, making you wonder, "Do the mountains there really
It surely seems they do.
Copyright 2000-2018 All Rights Reserved ~ Ron Hutchins, P O Box 1338, Bryson
City, NC 28713
Telephone 828.488.3442 M-F, 10 a.m - 5 p.m EDT


text:
50 sheets of sticky note paper gummed along one edge. Bright coloured paper available at extra cost.
50 sheets of white sticky note paper gummed along the long edge. Bright coloured paper available at extra cost.
Deluxe accent sticky notes. Sticky note set with large stickers (7.5 x 7.5 cm) in yellow and small (5 x 1.5 cm.) in multi-coloured. Cardboard.
Storm sticky notes. Booklet includes 25 small sticky notes in 5 colours and 70 big sticky notes in yellow colour. Cardboard.
Recycled paper matchbook style sticky note and flag holder. Flags in blue, green, yellow, pink and orange and sticky notes in yellow.
Containing 50 sheets of sticky note paper, 5-10 variable designs throughout the pad. Gummed along the long edge. Bulk packed.
Card case with approximately one hundred self-adhesive memo papers and two self adhesive pads.
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text:
Below is a small fraction of the comments received from participants attending the SME Leadership Series since it began in 2006.
"I signed up with SME purely for the purpose of attending this seminar. I'd have to say it is well worth it. I should have joined sooner." Diana Doan | JAE Oregon Inc. | Member Since 2014
"We would like a version of the SME Leaderships Series to come to the MS&T Campus and present to the student body, because we feel, as students of MS&T, many students are not fully prepared for the real world of engineering and the environment that it entails. We believe that by attending the modified version of the SME Leadership Series, students will gain knowledge that will help them to attain jobs upon graduation, as well as give them the tools necessary for success." Rachel Lutz and Mark Parra | Missouri University of Science and Technology | Members Since 2014 and 2012
"This was a really fantastic experience; I learned a lot. I feel I will be more engaged." Paulin Katamba | Continuous Improvement Manager | Ensign Energy | Member Since 2009
"This is my first SME Leadership Series. I got to talk with other students from different student chapters, and also people from other states who are involved with SME. Attending meeting helps networking with others." Dika Handayani | Student | Cal Poly Pomona | Member Since 2012
"I wanted to receive inspiration and techniques for leading our SME chapters and tech group. The SME Leadership Series conference delivered exactly the tools needed to lead." Raymond Rubocki | Sr. Manufacturing Engineer – Controls | Cooper Power Systems | Member Since 1984
"Attending the SME Leadership Series at Long Beach, CA, I had the opportunity to learn new skills in recruitment, retention and leadership. I look forward to returning to my local chapter and applying the skills learned." Jim A. Ayala | Student | Member Since 2012
"I appreciate that information I need is available to me when I need it. In manufacturing there are continuous challenges and change occurs rapidly. SME membership helps me stay current."Eugene Bradley | Production Manager | Hofmann Engineering North America | Member Since 2002
"It was great and very helpful. Thank you."Kevin W. Doyle | Apprentice | Newport News Shipyard | Member Since 2012
"Nice program that pushes you out of your comfort zone to achieve more."Michael Haanen | President | Haanen Packard Machinery Inc. | Member Since 2008
"I wish every offer and member of our chapter could attend the Leadership Series."Helen Greathouse | Owner | Greenville Design | Member Since 1986
"Attending the SME Leadership Series allowed me to meet many members and realize the opportunities that SME has to offer me." Brittany Hunn | Engineering Management | Missouri University of Science and Technology | Member Since 2009
"Increases my knowledge and helps me sharpen my leadership skills through participation at different events." Subba Rao Potru | Manufacturing Engineering | The Boeing Company | Member Since 1976
"I am very impressed with this session. I plan to use what I have learned." Kenneth Harvey | Service Engineer | K&P Machine Tool Services Inc. | Member Since 2009
"SME has provided a ton of practical experience and training, which has helped me to improve and grow in both my personal and professional life." Shaun L. McGraw | Custom Sales Engineer | Seasons 4 | Member Since 1994"I am glad I joined SME. It offers great value to my professional development and broden my view of manufacturing." ao Du, Manufacturing Technology Manager | Schlumberger | Member Since 2011
"For me personally, SME has trained me to be a better leader and speaker both at work and personally." Robert R. Bartz | Tube Fabrication Manager | Member Since 2006
"What a wonderful and worthwhile experience! I came to get reaquainted with SME senior and student member benefits and am leaving extremely pleased with what I have learned. Thank you for the opportunity." Austin Cheney, PhD, CMfgE, PE | Dean, School of Management and Engineering Technology | Alfred State College | Member Since 1993
"I would highly impress upon all current leaders, future leaders and even members, that if and when the opportunity arises again, to make the effort to attend — you will be glad you did." Daniel Acciacca, Supplier Quality Engineer | Chrysler JNAP | Member Since 2006


text:
Menu: Campus Map
RCTC Main Bld :: Heintz Center :: Sports Center :: Stadium :: CTECH
Regional Recreational Sports Center
The Regional Recreational Sports Center is being CO-developed with RCTC and the City of Rochester. Construction is scheduled for March of 2000.
Highlights of this facility include:
Field House: An indoor Field House with a 200 meter track and four multipurpose floor courts. The Field House accounts for approximately 44,000 square feet of the total complex.
Multipurpose/ Performance Courts: A performance court area consisting of a hardwood floor for two basketball courts and fold-out bleachers for seating up to 1,500 around one court area.
Kinesiology Lab: A 3,000 square foot fitness center space for various exercise equipment with adjacent space for free weights and weight machines for cardio equipment, circuit and weight training.
Other Features: Multipurpose Rooms/Classrooms, Team/General Locker Rooms Athletic Practice-Multipurpose Floor, Athletic Practice-Sprung Wood Floor Meeting/Conference Room; Atrium for academic and community gatherings.
Athletic Fields: Soccer and Football fields.


text:
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Table of Contents:
The Letter from James
chapter 1
chapter 2
chapter 3
chapter 4
[15] and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
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I'm planning to go to Hawaii in february/march 09 and stay for 4-5 weeks. I was thinking about buying av bicycle (or maybe rent one if possible) and see the islands by cycling. I was wondering if anyone out there has done this before and how it was? Is it better to rent a car?
Also, how much money do I have to count on spending on each day (accomodation, food)? I'm not planning to use a lot on acommodation (I will pick the cheapest alternative available). I was planning on taking a tent and do some camping, but I have kind of let that idea go...


text:
New York (Jul. 9)
The Irgun Zvai Leumi and the Stern Group, the extremist wings of the Jewish resistance movement in Palestine, "have not lost a single gun or a single man to the British" in recent operations on Palestine, according to Peter Bergson, chairman of the Hebrew Committee of National Liberation. Bergson made this statement to a press conference today on the basis of an alleged report from the underground forces in Palestine received by his group.
Samuel Merlin, secretary general of the Liberation Committee, revealed today that he has sent a cablegram to David Ben Gurion, chairman of the executive of the Jewish Agency, urging him to ask all British members of the Agency to renounce their British citizenship or resign immediately.


text:
Www.NBCOlympics.com/GoldMap – How To Get Into Winter Sports
Have you ever dreamed of being a figure skater, a luger, a ski jumper, a speed skater, a curler, or a snowboarder, but don't know how to begin your track to competitive greatness? If that is the case, there is good news for you. The www.nbcolympics.com/goldmap site provides insights on how to pursue a winter sport. If you are like me, you have watched figure skating during the Olympics for years, but never knew where to begin. It was only a dream. Now, the map to getting started and even success is within reach. I like the NBC Olympics Gold Map resource because it tells people how to get involved. With the internet so prevalent and kids being so computer savvy, I believe we are building our next Olympic team as I write this. I really applaud what NBC is doing with this site. It provides opportunities for people to explore a winter sport that enthralls them. I know for a fact that if my brother knew how to get involved in luge, he would have been a competitor for many years of his life. For us, it just seemed a mystery. We would watch the Olympics and see lots of people win from cold places that had snow most of the year. As a result, we just assumed you had to live in a place like that for you to be a winter sports competitor. However, since we didn't live in Alaska, we thought it wasn't possible.
Yes, back then we were naive, but we were kids. Had we had such a resource as www.NbcOlympics.com/goldmap page at our disposal, our life paths might have been different. I wouldn't have probably played tennis and he wouldn't have played football. However, we did what was familiar and readily available to us. I don't know if I would have ever been an Olympic figure skater, but it would have been fun to try. Because I didn't think it was an option, I never expressed my interest to my mother. Had I known that there were potential opportunities, I would have mentioned my desire to figure skate to parents, teachers, and physical education coaches. Obviously, I am too old for that now and I feel that it was an opportunity missed. However, our children do not need to miss out.
As a result, if you are watching the olympics with your children and you see them get excited about one of the winter sports featured at the olympics, I would encourage you to explore the NBCOlympics.com gold map page with them. There you can see video and get information on a wide array of winter sports. Another sport that fascinates me is Alpine Skiing. The speed with which they ski is phenomenal and fun to watch. I can only imagine how much more exciting it is to do in person. Thus, if your little one has an interest in that, encourage them to look in to it. Who knows, one day you may be at an Olympic event cheering on your child in a winter sport. Even better, you may be watching them stand on the medal podium as the National Anthem is played. This would be a very proud moment for any parent and for any sport.
My nephew would like to be a snowboarder and I have encouraged him to be his best at whatever he does. I even suggested he look at the NBCOlympics.com/goldmap site with his parents' permission. He did and he was so excited at the materials they had listed there. In fact, his parents were so impressed with his tenacity to follow up on it, that they are going to look in to getting him some coaching. Personally, I feel that sports events and competitions are great for children in many regards. They develop, in my opinion, discipline and learn how to handle victory and defeat. That makes them, as I see it, more prepared for the future challenges in life. There will be many, but having that background will help them. I didn't want to get up every morning and go to practice when my friends were sleeping in late. But that made me tough and made me develop a great work ethic that would translate into future success and happiness. So inspire your children's winter sports dreams or fuel your own ambitions. The NBC Olympics Goldmap resource might be exactly what you need to follow your bliss. Even if you don't become an Olympian, I feel it is important to at least try something you are interested in. I feel you are a better person for putting yourself out there and trying something new. Furthermore, how neat would it be to say to someone that because of the NBC Olympics gold map page you learned how to luge and competed in that competition.
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Giuseppe Rossi said his "recovery is going well" and thanked Fiorentina for putting their faith in him.
The striker spoke to Sports Illustrated, as he is currently in New York working to recover from a knee injury.
"The recovery is going well. I'm focusing on my rehabbing here in New York. You can't rush into things. It's tough being away from the soccer field for so long, it's a pain, but you have to do what you have to do to come back 100 per cent."
Rossi was asked whether he was targeting a place in the World Cup squad, where Italy will face Uruguay, England and Costa Rica.
"I don't like to think too far ahead, as each day is a challenge, so I'm focused on the challenges I have each day. I want to be out there again. This is just a little minor setback and we'll see what happens."
Despite the injury lay-off since January 6, Rossi is still Serie A top scorer with 14 goals.
"I have to thank Fiorentina for believing in me, as after two years without playing it's tough to find a club that believes in you and will give you the opportunity to play at this level, in Serie A.
"I can only say thanks t them for believing in me and obviously I have a great team behind me. I work with a physiotherapist who is great and my family are always behind me, so that's the basis for me coming back and to find the extra motivation to keep trying to get better, not only on the field but also off it.
"That was basically my mentality throughout this whole time I've been at Fiorentina."
Pepito also described how he learned to love football through his father Fernando, who was a Coach at school level.
"My Father is my biggest mentor and introduced me to the sport. As a kid I'd have the ball at my feet, we'd go in the yard with some cones and he'd tell me to dribble.
"He coached for many years and I used to wake up every Sunday morning to watch Serie A, watch the national team play and I have the same passion."
See the latest Serie A predictions and betting tips with Eurotips.co.uk


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NAIRN County boss Les Fridge insists no-one at the club is getting caught up in title talk - despite their thrilling 3-2 win over Highland League leaders Wick Academy on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's mouth-watering home derby with Clach, Fridge feels this is one of the best campaigns ever, but insists there's too much work to be done after playing just 15 of their 34-game season.
He said: "We're not even halfway throughout our campaign (because of several postponed games during the winter), so there's a huge amount of football still to be played.
"Saturday's win was an important one for us because it was against the team at the top of the table. It was a really good game, but no-one here is getting carried away or talking about titles because it's far too early for that.
"I think the league has been improving every year, but this season it's become better than ever.
"I mean that in terms of not only is it really competitive, but in terms of the money spent by clubs and the quality of players coming into the division, some from the SPL, it makes it the best yet."
Nairn twice had to come from behind to clinch an absolute Station Park thriller against Wick at the weekend.
Lukasz Geruezel put the visitors in front before Conor Gethins shot Nairn level with a cracking strike.
Wick edged back ahead through Stevie Cunningham but Martin MacDonald restored parity once more in the second half. With the end-to-end contest heading for a draw, Gethins netted his 29th goal of the campaign to seal a thrilling win to put Nairn 10 points behind Wick, but with five games in hand.
As Nairn play catch-up, they will be often playing twice per week and Fridge admits his in-form pool have been warned that they have to be ready, but insists they are ready.
He said: "We've not got a big squad here with something like 19 players, so it's not even as if we can rotate it. I have said to the players that the opportunities will be there as work commitments take hold and everyone knows they have to come in and take their chance."
Looking ahead to the visit of Clach, just 10 days after the fixture in Grant Street was snowed off, Fridge has praised his opposite number as they sit one place above Nairn going into this derby.
He explained: "Iain Polworth has done a really good job there, but I am not surprised to see them up there. They no longer have a particularly young squad and in some ways my only surprise is that they have not been up there sooner. It's a game we're both desperate to win."
* Nairn host Strathspey Thistle next Wednesday in a rescheduled HFL fixture. Kick-off is at 8pm.


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New Tullycraft album in the works!
We are in the studio working on a new album for 2018. Stay tuned for more details.
Rest in Peace
Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher.
Molly's Got A Crush On Us
By request: Here is BOAT covering the song, "Molly's Got A Crush On Us"
This one's for you Lisaly!
One Man Band
I've been enjoying the new So Cow record, Lisa Marie Airplane Tour. The album was recorded entirely in the small coastal town of Spiddal in the west of Ireland by Brian Kelly. Brian played all instruments and recorded & mixed all of the songs himself, which is surprising unless you know that Spiddal is a very small town, consisting of three pubs, two grocery stores and one church. What else is there to do?
Brian claims this album was influenced by bands like Game Theory and The Soft Boys, but I detect a hint of Nothing Painted Blue and Vampire Weekend as well.
Check out the song: "Westerly Direction"
Lisa Marie Airplane Tour is available on Jigsaw Records
The Special Places
Today we have Jenny & Cori (aka The Special Places) performing the song "Fall 4 U" live on KTUH in Honolulu, Hawaii. Enjoy!
Wimp Factor 14 & Crayon
On this day in 1992 Crayon (the band Jeff and I were in before Tullycraft) performed at Play It Again Records in Royal Oak, Michigan. This was the first time we had played outside of the Pacific Northwest. Prior to this show we had only performed in Bellingham, Olympia and Portland (we still hadn't cracked Seattle yet). The owner of the Play It Again Records gave us $50 – which was very exciting! I don't think we'd ever made that much money before. This was also the day we first met the amazing Pittsburgh band Wimp Factor 14 – featuring Gary Miklusek on drums. Crayon and Wimp Factor 14 spent the next two weeks playing shows together. Three years later, Gary, Jeff and I would form Tullycraft.
Wimp Factor 14
If you are not familiar with Wimp Factor 14, you should be. They were a great band! Here are four songs from their only proper album, Ankle Deep.
I Is For Incomplete
Steam Rolling, But It Wasn't Steam Rolling
Holiday Park Flyer
1993 Comeback Player Of The Year
From the Archives
Here is a live recording of the song "Sweet" performed at the Crocodile Cafe in Seattle in 2003. It sounds like there was a small but rowdy crowd in attendance for this Wednesday night show. Enjoy.


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Saying Juneau has had a bad year for hornets depends on one's perspective.
An unusually productive year for the insects has the pest-control business buzzing, though at least one resident says she'd rather admire than quash the boom.
The stinging insects have thrived in the recent heat, according to people in the pest-control business. They say they've received an unusually high number of calls from residents who want the hornets gone.
"In previous years, we've had maybe 10, 12, 15 (hornet) calls all year," said Fred Boehme, manager of Paratex Pied Piper Pest Control in Juneau. "This summer we've been getting 10 to 12 calls a week."
"We're getting calls every day," said Dean Kennedy, part owner of Bug Busters in Juneau.
Auke Lake-area resident Jenny Pursell said she is enjoying watching the nest that recently turned up on her house.
"It's a beautiful thing," she said, standing about 10 feet from the nest under the eaves at the back of her house, on the edge of the forest.
Pursell said she goes out to watch the insects fly in and out of their delicate nest a couple of times a day, and makes sure not to do anything to anger them.
"They have not taken any interest in me at all," she said.
Pursell said she called a pest-control company, but only because she was curious about the insects that had done such intricate work at her home.
The nest "looks like a Japanese lantern," she said. She was gone for about nine days, and she came back to find it at the back of her home. It's about 14 inches long and about 10 inches in diameter.
The nests are usually about the size of a basketball or soccer ball, Kennedy said. The biggest he has come across this year was about the size of "a beach ball, about 3 feet across."
"They can build a nest the size of a football in three or four days," Kennedy said.
"They're building them rapidly," Boehme said.
Rather than admiring the nests as works of art, the people who call him are afraid of the stingers, Kennedy said. By Monday he already had gotten rid of 43 hornets' nests this summer and was scheduled to exterminate a couple more by the end of the day.
Often people can't see the nests but know they're around because they see the hornets, he added. Sometimes he finds the nests in attics. He recently found two nests in an attic. He also found a nest built in a vent coming out of a bathroom and another beneath a hot tub.
"You never know where it's going to be," he said.
He has talked to a lot of people who agree this has been a bad year for hornets, as well as carpenter ants. "All your bugs," he added. "It's the warm weather."
It isn't just the recent warm spell where Juneau had four straight days with temperatures topping 80 degrees, Boehme said. He blamed the weather last year and the mild winter for the bug boom.
The unusually warm and dry summer of 2004 began with a record eight straight days with Juneau temperatures reaching 80 degrees. Then there wasn't much snow accumulation until January, Boehme added. Breeding conditions have been good.
Getting rid of hornets isn't difficult, although there is a chance they will sting, he said.
Kennedy puts on a suit with a respirator for protection, he said. "I was attacked today," he said, adding that he was protected.
He advised people finding hornets to leave them alone. "They will attack to defend their nest."
Tony Carroll can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.
© 2018. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us


text:
Texan Auto Glass Repair
Dallas & Fort Worth
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Rockwall, TX 75087
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Our windshields are OEM QUALITY, the highest and best quality a company can provide, resulting in perfect installation and a name you can trust. This provides for correct installation, alignment. Since the windshield is manufactured at the same place as the auto's original, you know that our installation will result in your car's glass being just like it's original condition. We always use new molding and sealers not just re-using the existing material.
Call for your free quote!
Auto Glass Repair Dallas - Fort Worth TX (877) 802-3887
Even small imperfections or cracks can impair the driver's ability to see the road and to react quickly to changing road conditions. It's essential to repair windshield chips, cracks, and other defects quickly before they pose a risk to drivers or passengers. Small problems can sometimes be solved by auto glass repair, an advanced process that injects a polymer blend into the damaged area and essentially patches the glass, eliminating the problem. Managing smaller cracks and chips before they become serious barriers to the driver's field of vision is essential. At Texan Auto Glass Repair, we have the skill and knowledge to repair your auto glass quickly and to the highest standards of quality and safety.
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Have damage to your rear windshield? While a repair may not be possible, a rear windshield replacement can be quick and stress-free. Texan Auto Glass Repair can get you back on the road in as little as an hour.
Need us to come to you? Take advantage of our mobile service.
The entire back windshield replacement can take as little as one hour.
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Auto glass damage is not limited to your windshield. A broken car window puts you at the mercy of the weather and exposes your car to theft. Your valuables and car interior are not protected when using a temporary fix or patch on your broken window. If your car window is broken from road debris or smashed in an accident, calling Texan Auto Glass Repair to repair or replace your window is the most efficient way to get your car or truck window fixed and back on the road quicker.
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Though power windows have replaced the traditional and tiresome hand-turned crank handles, electric windows can still be a burden to operate when they are not functioning correctly. Over time, the motors, or regulators, that raises and lowers your windows can wear from daily use or break from an accident. Stop suffering from a stuck window and call Texan Auto Glass Repair!
Window regulators do more than open and close windows. Located in the panels of your vehicle's doors, the regulator acts as a preliminary security measure to prevent the windowpane from being forced down. Our certified and highly skilled technicians are available for same day service.
Lifetime Warranty
Texan Auto Glass Repair offers a Lifetime Warranty against any leaks, molding issues or defects in the glass. We only use OE quality glass which ensures long life and the structural integrity of your car. If our original work needs adjustment or repair, we will do it at no cost to you as long as you own or lease the vehicle we serviced.
You will need to show proof of purchase such as your original work order, or invoice.
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2-Tone Open Ball Hoop
These earrings are meant to be worn continuously - day, night, week in, week out. They are utterly comfortable. The design is based on an antique safety pin. The closure is a little tricky to do the first time, so use a mirror or a friend to help. Open and close the earring by gently twisting the 1/2" hoop open side-to-side. If you try to pull the circle open, you risk bending it out of shape. It's easily bent back, but just treat it gently. Most likely you won't have this problem. You'll leave them in and forget about them (until you get stopped on the street with compliments, of course).
Sterling Silver, Rose Gold Fill, Yellow Gold Fill. Sold in pairs.


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Image Name: AS16-P-4095
Mission: Apollo 16
Revolution (Orbit): 17
Camera: Panoramic
Exposure: N/A
Camera Tilt: Forward
Scan Pixel Scale: N/A
Start Time: (DOY:112) 1972-04-21T03:23:45
Spacecraft Altitude: 115.16 km
Center Coordinates (lat, lon): 8.91°,178.31°
Corner Coordinates: 11.81°,175.99°
Sun Elevation: 1.0°
Features: STEIN, WEST OF
Film Type: 3414
Color: black&white
Just because you don't understand it... Doesn't make it ET.
Originally posted by winofiend
Looking at the way it blends in and out of the entire image I'm inclined to believe it's either a reflection or some other sort of super imposed image.


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It is just me or are new commenters from WP.com blogs/registration not showing their WP.com blog URL when commenting?
I find the URL to be missing in moderation and I'm always disappointed because WP.com blogs/registration indicate a sense of reality in verification that is missing from "ordinary" outside commenters.
I only discover these "missing URL" commenters are legit in the WP.com system after I approve them and I see their lovely WP.com avatars load with their comments and in the Sidebar.
Why are registered WP.com users having their URL stripped from the moderation queue?


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I have a very hopped up merv I want to convert To a summit.
I know I need:
Exo cage
Body posts /mounts
What else do I really NEED to convert.
I know I need the driveshafts... but that's pricy for all 4 ends... and doesn't need to be upgraded...
I will be doing the springs.. so what springs should I get...?
Part numbers would be great. But looking to buy the parts Sunday. So help me out.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3- This thing has Tekin Hotwire


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Ranbir Kapoor's geeky look in 'Jagga Jasoos' revealed!
Ranbir Kapoor's look in his upcoming film 'Jagga Jasoos' has been revealed by UTV Motion Pictures on the micro-blogging website Twitter
Ranbir Kapoor's look in his upcoming film 'Jagga Jasoos' has been revealed by UTV Motion Pictures on micro-blogging website Twitter.
The actor plays a young geeky detective in the film that also stars his ladylove Katrina Kaif. The rumoured couple will be coming together on-screen after a hiatus of nearly six years.
Ranbir Kapoor's look in 'Jagga Jasoos'. Picture courtesy: UTV Motion Pictures' Twitter account @utvfilms
Ranbir sports a clean-shaven look, a pair of spectacles and carries a backpack in the picture. "Join the adventure with #JaggaJasoos in 2015! Here's a sneak peek into #RanbirKapoor's look in the film!," posted UTV Motion Pictures while unveiling Ranbir's look.
According to reports, the movie will mark the detective's journey from the age of 19 to 40. Ranbir's character is in search of his lost father, played by Govinda, while Katrina plays his trusty aide. Directed by Anurag Basu, the film is slated to release on August 28 and is eagerly awaited by all Ranbir-Katrina fans.


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Our passion, expertise, and extraordinary customer service have made us the world leader in active user monitoring systems. More than 14,000 counting systems have been installed in 53 countries. Eco-Counters are counting right now in Sydney, San Francisco, Mont-Saint-Michel, Santiago de Chile, and Yosemite National Park.
With offices in France and Canada and more than thirty distributors and local partners means Eco-Counter has a truly global network.
Our passionate and skilled people are committed to providing the best customer service world-wide.
Eco-Counter is a big family that encourages all members to thrive in their work. Here, we all love what we do and we share values of the company: quality, respect, dedication and fun!


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- Sushi Bar
- Lunch & Dinner
- Thai and Japanese
Sushi-Thai, located in Cary, features the largest variety of combination Japanese and Thai cuisine in the Triangle Area. Enjoy fresh sushi delicacies in a relaxed atmosphere and other Japanese dishes paired alongside Thai favorites.
Serving both lunch and dinner, Sushi Thai offers a variety of lunch specials in addition to a children's menu. Choose from Japanese teriyaki and tempura dishes and Thai rice and noodles. Specialties like our New Zealand Green Mussels are also a favorite.
Our sushi bar has nigiri, maki and sashimi, available al la carte or by combination plate. We even have love boat sushi meals, a combination of sushi and sashimi for one to four people. Stop by today to find two cultures in one.


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[Weekly Screenshot] Art of Balance Wii U #1
Posted on April 15, 2014 by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Screenshots, Weekly Screenshot, Wii U eShop
Nintendo Everything is introducing another new developer-centric feature called "Weekly Screenshot". Each week, developers will share new photos from their games and talk a bit about what's going on in the image, how it was made, or what it means for the experience of playing. You know how Masahiro Sakurai shares new screenshots from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS every weekday? Our feature is similar, though again, new images will only appear each week.
Art of Balance developer Shin'en is kicking things off with weekly looks at their title, which is coming out on the Wii U eShop in the near future. The studio will share one new image each Tuesday and intends to briefly discuss some of the tech being used.
In any case, on with the screenshot!
Hi guys, it's Manfred from Shin'en. First of all, thanks to Brian for the opportunity to show our fans on Nintendo Everything some images of our soon to be released Wii U eShop game "Art of Balance". The "Art of Balance" series is known on Wii and 3DS for its perfect gameplay. For the Wii U version, we wanted to create more then just an HD update. So we added new local and online mutliplayer modes, along with a complete new look for the game that makes the Wii U really shine. 200 levels from the Wii and 3DS version are included, but now you can even play them with your family, friends, and even online.
Each week, we will present a new shot and will talk a bit about the game and tech we're using.
Above you can find the first shot featuring the hub for the eight worlds you can play. We used high dynamic range rendering– which gives us those nice sun sparkles on the ocean– and the ocean uses a dynamic wave simulation. Soft shadows are also used to connect everything, and if you look closely you can even see real-time reflections. Volumetric sun rays have been implemented to give an extra touch of softness.
That's all for today. See you next week!


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India Goes Mobile First with Sundar Pichai
Sundar Pichai at "India Goes Mobile First" Event hosted by 10000 Start-ups On 15th September, we at 10,000 start-ups had the privilege of hosting Sundar Pichai, Sr. VP, Google in New Delhi. An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, Stanford and Wharton, the man behind Android, Chrome and Google Apps shared his views on products transitioning to the Mobile First strategy. Addressing a venue packed with technology entrepreneurs, Sundar not only shared insights about how Google works and the company's strategy but also talked about why India was the ideal market to launch a mobile first product. If you missed out on the Sundar live event, catch all the action that went down in the video below.


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Which Console Did You Buy/Receive Over The Holidays?
IGN has secured the first video footage of the new "Survival Mode" that will be included in the first Left 4 Dead downloadable expansion. As you may have guessed, Survival Mode pits the four survivors against a neverending zombie swarm and keeps track of how long they live, similar to Call of Duty: World at War's "Nacht der Untoten" zombie mode.


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The last time Jeff and I recorded a podcast, the Mariners had just dropped a series to the Astros, a team we were confident that the Mariners should steamroll. This time is different though because this time the Mariners dropped a series to the Astros in Houston. Also, now we've lost most if not all expectations that the Mariners are significantly better than the Astros. The season starting Mariners probably were, but that team is already gone.
So, big time warning here on the explicitness. Really. We are displeased and since we don't script or rehearse these beforehand our displeasure typically manifests itself in a string of curses. Do not play this over your speakers at work. Do not play this around people with fragile sensitivities. Perhaps just don't play this. Go outside instead, it's pretty enjoyable out there. The Mariners are not enjoyable.
Podcast with Jeff and Matthew: Direct link! || iTunes link! || RSS/XML link!
This post came from: U.S.S. Mariner, and is copyright by the authors. This RSS feed is intended for the personal use of readers and not, for instance, spam blogs.


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Relax and unwind in the pure luxury of this 600 thread count Oxford Pillowcases, Made from the finest Egyptian cotton sateen in brilliant white, completed with a simple border edge detail in your choice of grey or beige. This luxurious linen will complement contemporary interior schemes. Available in the following sizes: Standard W: 75xH:50cm or Super-king W: 90XH:75cm
DIMENSIONS: Finibus Border Standard Oxford Pillowcases White/Grey
W:75cm / D:0cm / H:50cm


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Resident Evil: Afterlife made $296 million worldwide last September (thanks to 3D), making it the highest grossing film of the franchise. Mere days after its release Milla Jovovich said there were already plans for a 5th film and director Paul W.S. Anderson, her husband, already had some ideas.
Now according to @ERCboxoffice Screen Gems has set the Resident Evil 5 release date for September 14th, 2012.
Last year Jovovich said "we've been talking to a lot of fans on Twitter and stuff, so it's probably going to be one of the first movies where we really talk to fans to see what they want, and what characters they want to see. It's going to be a more interactive process."
If you feel like the past four film have been missing something you want to see, feel free to bombard Jovovich with your requests here.


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"Precious Treasure of Final Words"
Pastor Wilbert Miller
"Precious Treasure of Final Words"
(Deuteronomy 30: 15-20)
February 12, 2017, Bach Vespers
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
The Israelites were almost to the Promised Land, almost, but they just as easily could have been a million miles away. It had been a long haul, forty grueling years to be precise. God's chosen people wandered aimlessly through the wilderness; poisonous snakes attacked them; they argued bitterly; they even doubted whether God was all that their fathers and mothers had made God out to be. Sure, God freed them from Pharaoh's brutal slave camps but that was forty years ago and that was long enough to lose every ounce of hope.
We just heard a few of Moses' final words spoken to his friends and family with whom he had been through so much. Moses had spotted the Promised Land through his sunburnt, cataract eyes, but he had heard from God that he would never cross over the Jordan to the land of milk and honey.
These final speeches are created in love and uttered in tenderness. They recall heartbreaking squabbles and betrayals and do their best to make amends; they contemplate the what-ifs and understand that all things can never quite be as wished; they even invent future hopes and dreams right on the spot.
You know how this goes because you have been there with your beloved spouse, your mother, your father. Final words are precious treasures to be cherished forever. I remember the last ones I spoke with my father face-to-face. I hated to leave his bedside, sensing those were our final words. I listened carefully because I knew I was hearing what meant most to my father. He told me to take care of my mother. Then, he said things that would surprise you if you didn't know him. He spoke of finances—my father, after all, was schooled in that discipline and it guided his plans and determined the personal sacrifices he made on behalf of those he loved. In those final moments, he wanted to do his best to make certain his loved ones were protected.
That's how it was for Moses. You might as well have been there with him on the far side of the Jordan as he spoke his final words—he was, after all, speaking to you: "See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the LORD your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess…Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him."
"Choose life" sounds so daunting. Experience tells us what it told the Israelites: life is messier and more difficult than that, especially when we try to be faithful to God. Experience also tells us that God is faithful to us, in every age, even if we turn our backs on God and the journey becomes unbearable. Over and over again, God coaxes us back home, talking lovey-dovey to us and doing everything possible to get us to choose life and not opt for death.
Moses' final words were his way of telling every generation that God chooses us. These words must be on every good Jew's lips and heart, when lying down and when rising, upon entering home and when leaving: "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone." These words are placed in the mezuzah at the doorway of every Jewish home as a reminder. We who are Christian inherit this stunning memory and lively exhortation to choose life, never forgetting that God has created us in God's image.
It is so easy to forget who God is, so easy to create our own modern day golden calves. Political ideologies and charismatic leaders, political and religious alike, cause us to forget who is in charge; flashy consumer goods entice us to believe that we can be as good as God if not even better; the latest smartphones are our beguiling Tower of Babel, tempting us to assume we can have perfect answers to life's most monstrous mysteries simply by typing a few letters or saying, "Siri, why does God let evil exist?" Moses knew of these atrocious idolatrous temptations that would lure us time and again from choosing life and casting us into the dangerous wastelands of desolation.
Moses is here tonight tenderly urging us, on God's behalf, to choose life. Moses' hopes and prays that our lives will be much richer when we realize that The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. Moses only has a few words left and so he says to us, "God who freed our ancestors from bondage can free us, too."


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Android OS Suffering From Messaging Bug
According to Engadget, the last few versions of Android have been occasionally suffering from a bug where some users' SMS/MMS are sent to someone other than the intended receiver, resulting in possible confusion, embarrassment, and even worse consequences for those involved.
Apparently, some messages sent by a device running a recent version of Android can be sent to someone in a user's contact list other than the person which was selected. This is obviously a big problem for many people, especially those that send private messages to friends or family that shouldn't be read by others.
However, that is not the worst bug. Sometimes, after the message has been sent, it even appear to have been sent to the correct person. Engadget write that there is still one way to know for sure who received the sent message by checking out the Message Details screen after sending it.
To top it all off, this last issue appears to only by a "medium" priority for the Google employee in charge of fixing problems which the community report. Google seems to have made some attempts this year to fix these problems in the past, and while we don't know yet if they have fixed with Gingerbread, the thread about the problem in Google Code is showing the issue as unresolved, indicating that it still exists.
If this issue is concerning to you, hit up the link here to the Google Code forums and scroll to the bottom of the page, where you can vote for the issue.
Image from Engadget
Source: Engadget
5 comments
Priorty on the bug has been updated to critical after everybody made a big fuss about this. Maybe in Ice Cream they will actually fix the issue.
if you vote on the Google site, please just note. don't write a "me too" comment.
thought I was crazy but guess not. I've noticed this several times now with my evo. send a message to someone then realize it showed up in the message list sent to someone other then the intended recipient. usually just other friends but today it happend and sent a personal message to a random number I don't know nor have ever contacted! hope Google fixes this!
I haven't had the problem with texting but with voice calls. It was there in 2.1, stock 2.2 and the AOSP 2.2 I'm running now so it's deep inside the Android code somewhere. Sometimes when I select one contact to call it'll call another. Most of the time it's someone I had called within the last 24 hours but every so often it's some random person I had never called/texted/emailed.
Still better than antennagate, tho.
did some edits just now to make it sounds a bit less sensational. This is not a problem for everyone.