Katie Flannery

writer | editor | university professor

Writing Samples

7 Roofing Scams That Cost Homeowners Thousands of Dollars

A: Hiring the right roofer can be challenging under the best circumstances. However, knowing that bad roofing contractors are out there can make the process even more stressful. Many homeowners have heard of storm chasers, who go door-to-door soliciting roof work in areas impacted by severe weather. Once hired, these contractors may do shoddy work and leave town, and some may even take their clients’ deposits and fail to complete the job. Other dishonest roofers might pressure homeowners to sign...

Social Justice in the Music Education Classroom

Music is a critical part of modern-day culture, shaping individuals’ relationships and behaviors. According to one article in the “Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning,” “Listening to music is an emotional and educational experience that potentially shapes an individual’s values, actions, and worldview.” In today’s diverse and interconnected world, promoting equitable and socially just practices in every educational setting is crucial. The music education classroom, in particular

Disturbing the Status Quo: Pete Seeger at 100

The songs of Pete Seeger surrounded me during my childhood: “If I Had a Hammer,” “Little Boxes,” and “Turn, Turn, Turn.” I didn’t know what these songs meant – all I knew was that they were catchy and fun to sing. As I grew older and dove into the study of American music and important American musicians, my re-discovery of Pete Seeger and his music touched my soul. His importance in folk music looms large and his role as a social activist is legendary. He was brave in a time when many were not: during the anti-Communist hysteria of McCarthyism and the Red Scare. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Pete Seeger’s birth on May 3rd, it is important to look carefully at his music and to realize that he may be gone, but his generation-spanning message still resonates today.

Album Review: Gregory Alan Isakov, That Sea The Gambler

Gregory Alan Isakov’s latest release That Sea, The Gambler is a superb example of modern folk musicianship. The sparse yet tasteful instrumentation is a breath of fresh air in today’s world of over-done, over-polished album production. Isakov’s flawless choice in backing musicians reinforces the overall melancholy mood of the songs. The inclusion of the banjo on the majority of the tracks introduces a unique and contrasting instrumental timbre without sounding overtly bluegrass or country-esque. Isakov’s one-of-a-kind lyrics are powerful and introspective – delivered in a subdued, hypnotic fashion.

Album Review: Pat Bianchi, East Coast Roots

“Have you ever heard of Pat Bianchi?” I asked my boyfriend. “Oh yeah, you mean that badass B3 Hammond organist? He’s great,” he replied. I looked at the album in my hand and opened the case to take out the liner notes. The name sounded familiar to me, but I knew I had never heard him – or had I? Since I first saw the cover of the album, I had developed a special affinity for the title of the album, East Coast Roots, as I’m a transplanted east coaster myself. I popped the album into the player and it hasn’t left.

Accessing the Spiritual Through Music

The spiritual power of music permeates cultures around the world. Music simply by itself, as well as within the context of religious rituals, provides individuals of all cultural and religious backgrounds a unique and experiential pathway to the sacred. Phish fits into the category of a religious/spiritual phenomenon. Discussion of the Grateful Dead and sociological research that has been done in the Deadhead community is used as a parallel for this argument. The subculture that surrounds Phish, the community, its members, the social stratification, its myths, rituals, and the sacred space created by the music are explained.

How You Can Improve Workplace Culture with a BS in University Studies

Every workplace culture is unique. According to Harvard Business Review, a workplace, or company culture, demonstrates the company’s values, set of assumptions, belief systems, attitudes and group norms. Workplace culture includes several factors within the business including management styles, work environment, core values, mission statement and ethics. Workplace cultures that encourage a high-stress, ultra-competitive environment have hidden costs, with employees paying the price through heal

Why Use Ultrasonic Examination Testing (UE)?

Many industries use compressed gas cylinders to store substances such as oxygen, propane, acetylene, or fire suppressants. Structure flaws in a cylinder can turn dangerous resulting in leaks, ruptures, or even deadly explosions. How can this be avoided? Hire trusted and trained professionals to use ultrasonic examination testing for your cylinders. B-Lann Equipment is the only fire and safety business in the New York Capital District that offers ultrasonic examination testing. Read on to find

How Much Does Window Replacement Cost?

If the windows in your home aren’t opening and closing like they used to or if they’re letting in the cold air, it may be time for replacement windows. Knowing the overall cost of window replacement can help keep you within the project’s budget and avoid any surprise costs down the road. The typical window replacement cost is between $200 and $1,800 per window, and the national average is around $100 to $650 per window, depending on window frame material and glass type, among other factors. Labo

Take a Trip with Harmonious Junk

When I received a message from former James Brown guitarist Damon Wood predicting a “funk throw-down” at Herb’s, I knew I had to attend. The house was packed and the crowd was buzzing with excitement. The night of May 25th was one to remember. Sitting in with Harmonious Junk was long time bassist for the James Brown Band, Fred Thomas. Thomas laid down the funk and took over on vocals from time to time. Joining the band during the second and third sets were two more Brown alumni: Jeff Watkins on saxophone and Hollie Farris on trumpet.

Solved! Why Is My Dishwasher Not Getting Water?

Q: Help! I started my dishwasher and discovered that it’s not filling with water. I thought the door wasn’t completely closed and made sure the door was latched tightly, but that didn’t work. Why is the dishwasher not getting water? A: Making sure the door is completely shut to activate the door switch is an important step to ensure a dishwasher fills with water. The problem can be a malfunctioning door switch, but unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to why this happens; there

Get Schmoctered!

Schmocter is a year old Denver band that would love for you to be their newest fan. Keyboardist Tom Fitzpatrick and guitarist JD Sawyer have known each other for ten years and played together in the well known, but now defunct, Manatee Junction. Drummer Dan Luerhing and guitarist Dan van Hemert came on board in 2000 and 2002, respectively. After auditioning dozens of bassists, one came along that was the perfect fit: Fleeb of Electric Side Dish and Stanky Pockets fame.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room?

Painting is typically one of the easiest ways to freshen up a room with dramatic effect. The average cost to paint a room ranges from $955 to $2,890, with the national average at $1,892. Knowing the costs of hiring professional painters to paint your house interior can help you make the right decisions and manage the overall cost to paint a room. Labor costs range from $170 to $680, and the amount can vary based on the total square footage that needs to be painted or the total square footage of
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