Music as Sacred Art

The Church encourages praying using lectio divina and or visio divina: Some individuals find it difficult to understand the Bible for a number of reasons, including its complex language, diverse cultural contexts, and the need for spiritual discernment. 

While the Catholic Church does not consider art to be "sacred and canonical" in the same way it considers Sacred Scripture to be sacred and canonical, the Church recognizes the importance of sacred art in expressing faith and promoting worship. Each sacred art piece can be viewed as a homily.




"To all who are passionately dedicated
to the search for new “epiphanies” of beauty so that through their creative work as artists they may offer these as gifts to the world.

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good

Through his “artistic creativity” man appears more than ever “in the image of God”, and he accomplishes this task above all in shaping the wondrous “material” of his own humanity and then exercising creative dominion over the universe which surrounds him. With loving regard, the divine Artist passes on to the human artist a spark of his own surpassing wisdom, calling him to share in his creative power." (Letter to Artists

In the spirit of Pope John Paul II's Letter to Artists, musical pieces qualify as sacred art when they serve as "epiphanies" of beauty that bridge the human experience with the divine. This includes works specifically composed for liturgical worship as well as "religious music" that explores the mystery of the Incarnate God.

The following musical masterpieces are widely recognized as pinnacle examples of sacred art:

Classical Masterpieces

• Johann Sebastian Bach: Mass in B Minor and St. Matthew Passion. These are considered "summas" of the genre, blending intellectual craft with profound spiritual depth.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Requiem in D Minor. A monumental work for the dead that remains one of the most performed pieces of sacred music in history.
• George Frideric Handel: Messiah. An oratorio that transitioned sacred themes from the church to the concert hall, making the biblical narrative accessible as a "gift to the world".
• Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli. Known for perfecting polyphony, a style the Church has long held as a model for its "holy sincerity of form".
• Gregorian Chant: The Roman Liturgy's foundational music, which John Paul II reaffirmed as a primary element of unity and "authentic renewal". 

Contemporary and Modern "Epiphanies"

• Arvo Pärt: The Beatitudes and Für Alina. Pärt’s minimalist style aims to apprehend the "oneness from which all things are created," offering a modern path to religious experience.
• Sir John Tavener: The Lamb. A piece noted for its ability to uplift and sanctify the soul through "inspired melody".
• Morten Lauridsen: Works like O Magnum Mysterium, which strive for the "magical and fulfilling musical experiences" that leave the listener transformed. 

Sacred Forms

Form	Description	Notable Example
Mass	Sets the invariable portions of the Eucharistic liturgy to music.	Bach's Mass in B Minor
Oratorio	Large-scale composition based on sacred themes, typically biblical.	Handel's Messiah
Requiem	A musical service for the souls of the dead.	Fauré’s Requiem
Motet/Anthem	Short choral pieces used in various liturgical contexts.	Tallis's Spem in Alium

Democrats Condeming Rep. Fine Less Popular Than Dog Poop

Today's Democrats' Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior du juor attack is to demand Rep. Fine's resignation for his vile, hateful, disgraceful, disgusting, Islamophobic comments responding to Pierce Morgan, like most Europeans, suffering from the Boiling Frog Syndrome asked  @RepFine to choose between giving up his faith and his dog or else.

These are the same people making the case criminals, sex offenders,  illigal aliens and domestic terrorists should be allowed to vote.

These are the same prople, including the legacy media who remained silent when Ilhan Omar, Mana Abdi, Pramila Jaypal et al said assimilation is a Nazi Value 

Or when Comey, @Kassenstein et call called to 86 president Trump.

A Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior (CIB) attack is a manipulative tactic where groups of social media accounts—often a mix of fake, automated (bots), and real accounts—work together to mislead users about who they are and what they are doing to achieve a strategic goal. 

Individuals involved in CIB would be immediately barred from any social media


Ironicall, these same people are less popular than dog poop.

While "dog catcher" is a common trope for the least popular person imaginable, major polling has historically found Congress less popular than dog poop

According to long-running studies by Public Policy Polling and other agencies, Americans have frequently rated the legislative branch lower than a variety of unpleasant things: 


• Pests and Parasites: Lice, cockroaches, and toenail fungus.
• Unpleasant Procedures: Root canals and colonoscopies.
• Common Nuisances: Traffic jams and the DMV.
• Villains: The ancient warlord 
Genghis Khan
.
As of February 2026, congressional approval remains near historic lows. Recent Quinnipiac polling indicates that congressional Democrats reached a record net approval rating of 55 points underwater 


The Global Circular Reporting Mafia Ring  and  Democrats feigning righteous indignation over a 'racist post' should compare to insults hurled at President Trump.
Not counting death threats and attempted assassinations, the president has endured nonstop insults from the likes of
@RepShriThanedar, Rob Rainer and Democrats. Every word Joe Biden uttered was scripted by left-wing operatives with one goal: to demonize, slander, and weaponize against President Trump and silence conservative voices across America.

Comparing implied, explicit death threats and actual attemps against Obama, Biden and Trump shows

• Targeting: Trump has been a disproportionate target of violent rhetoric in recent years, accounting for 47% of all violent threats documented in a 2025–2026 dataset.

• Obama: Individuals were sentenced for threats made at rallies (e.g., "Kill him!") or in specific communications, such as a man who threatened to "hang" Obama in 2017.

The number of people successfully prosecuted for threats against Trump compared to Trump is inversely proportional:  more threats against Trump, less successful prosecutions

If you put a frog in boiling water, it will jump out immediately. However, if you put a frog in lukewarm water and slowly heat it up, the frog will remain in the water and eventually boil to death, unaware of the danger.

Not unlike what happened in Europe.  Today the continent is halal, despite repeated warnings ⚠️ from prople like Peter Kreeft, Pope Benedict, the CotoBuzz Journal and many others mainstream media and politicians labeled far-right and or conspiracy theorists


Without Firing A Single Shot, Europe Has Fallen. So have NYC, WA, MN,TX, MI  & AK. The rest of USA will soon follow, unless president Trump is able to dismantle the Ummah Industrial Complex administered by leading universities

Happy Anniversary America 🇺🇸

 

We are officially in the year of America’s 250th birthday, a monumental milestone known as the Semiquincentennial.

While the big celebration for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is set for July 4, 2026, the year-long festivities have already begun across the country. Ways to Celebrate the 250th

National Flagship Events

• The Great American State Fair: A year-long traveling celebration beginning in Iowa and moving through state and county fairs across the country, culminating in a massive festival on the National Mall in July 2026.

• Sail4th 250 (Tall Ships): The world’s largest armada of tall ships and naval vessels will sail into New York Harbor from July 4–8, 2026, accompanied by a Blue Angels flyover.

• America Gives: A nationwide initiative to make 2026 the largest year of volunteer service in U.S. history. Participants can track hours for a chance to direct $1 million in charitable donations.

• National Garden of American Heroes : A new national landmark park featuring 250 statues of American heroes is planned to honor the founding.  Spotlight: Philadelphia (The Birthplace)  As the city where the Declaration was signed, Philadelphia is hosting "52 Weeks of Firsts" throughout 2026, celebrating a different historic achievement each week.  Date EventLocationJune 19 – July 4, 2026Wawa Welcome America festival (two weeks of concerts/fireworks)Benjamin Franklin ParkwayJuly 2, 2026Red, White, & Blue To-Do (parades and museum specials)Historic DistrictJuly 3, 2026Salute to Independence Parade (250 elements, 50 bands)Independence Hall to City HallJuly 4, 2026Celebration of Freedom Ceremony & Time Capsule BurialIndependence Hall

Major Sports & Culture

The 250th anniversary coincides with several premier global and national sporting events:  • FIFA World Cup 26: Philadelphia will host six matches, including a high-profile Round of 16 match on July 4, 2026. • MLB All-Star Game: Scheduled for July 14, 2026, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. • UFC Championship: A historic event is planned for the White House Lawn on June 14, 2026. • Patriot Games: A first-of-its-kind, nationally televised youth athletics competition for high schoolers from all 50 states. 

National Parks & Landmarks

The National Park Service (NPS) is revitalizing over 400 special sites associated with American history:  • Washington Monument : An hourly light show narrating American history will run nightly through January 5, 2027. • Mount Rushmore : A signature fireworks display and musical celebration on July 3, 2026. • Boston (Evacuation Day): A 250th-anniversary re-dedication of the Dorchester Heights Monument on March 17, 2026.]

Blue Mountain Price List

Blue Mountain Community Management's (BMCM) 2025 fee schedule for Vancouver, WA, utilizes a "Menu of Services" model where administrative costs are billed separately from the base management fee. This approach contrasts with some competitors who favor "full service" agreements where many of these costs are included in a fixed rate. 

While BMCM is a large, established player as part of the Associa network, its performance ratings often trail behind smaller or more service-focused local competitors. 

BMCM uses a menu-based billing system, other local firms offer different structures: 

• Invest West Management (IWM): Explicitly states their goal is to provide a "Full-Service" management agreement without charging "extra" for services they consider standard. However, they also offer a menu-driven model similar to BMCM's for associations that prefer to pick and choose services.

• Alternative Providers: Some associations in the Vancouver area have transitioned to firms like Bluestone and Hockley, citing improved service quality after using BMCM.

Comparison to Industry Standards

Nationally, the average HOA management fee ranges from $10 to $20 per unit per month. BMCM’s fee structure aligns with industry trends where larger communities often receive lower per-unit rates because administrative costs scale more efficiently.

Regional Market Context (Vancouver/Portland)

While BMCM uses a menu-based billing system, other local firms offer different structures:

 

• Invest West Management (IWM): Explicitly states their goal is to provide a "Full-Service" management agreement without charging "extra" for services they consider standard. However, they also offer a menu-driven model similar to BMCM's for associations that prefer to pick and choose services.
• Alternative Providers: Some associations in the Vancouver area have transitioned to firms like Bluestone and Hockley, citing improved service quality after using BMCM.

Analysis of BMCM Specific Charges

BMCM's 2025 rates for specific administrative tasks are as follows:

Category	BMCM 2025 Fee	Notes
Account Maintenance	$1.00 per unit/month	Billed to the Association.
Portal/Technology Fee	$35 to $75/month	Varies by community size (up to 101+ units).
Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)	$495/year	Includes $100 for extra filings.
Architectural Review (ARC)	$27.00	$100 for expedited processing.
Invoice Processing	$1.50 per invoice	Emergency processing adds $30 per payment.
Digital Records Storage	$12/month	Standard monthly fee.

Key Considerations for BOD - Observations & "Hidden" Costs

Exhibit A contains several "trap" expenses that can add up quickly if the Board is active:

Meeting Overages: Meetings exceeding 2 hours or ending after 9:00 PM incur a $225.00 per 30-minute charge. This is a very high "overtime" rate - This BOD is inactive, so it's not a problem.

The "Postage + 10%" Rule: Most physical mailings aren't just the cost of a stamp. BMCM charges Cost + 10% plus a $0.30/piece "Rush" fee if turnaround is needed within 72 hours.

Financial Coordination: There are several annual "flat" feesAnnual Audit Coordination: $550.00

Annual Financial Review: $350.00

1099 Review/Processing: $125.00 total

Insurance Claims: They charge 20% of the claim or an hourly rate to administer insurance claims. For a large pipe burst or roof claim, this could be thousands of dollars.Total Cost vs. Base Fee: Companies with a lower base management fee often make up the difference through a detailed menu of services like BMCM's. 

Boards should estimate the annual volume of ARC applications, invoices, and mailings to determine the true total cost.

Service Model Flexibility: BMCM's model is highly granular, charging for items like credit card usage (25% of purchase) and individual eStatement fees ($1.00 per statement). This differs from firms that wrap these into a single "technology" or "administrative" overhead fee.

Digital Records vs. Tech Fees

Digital/Electronic Data Records Storage and the Portal/Technology Fee.

According to the Exhibit A, Data Storage is tiered ($35, $55, or $75) based on units.

The Portal Fee is also tiered ($25, $40, or $55).

Combined, a 101+ unit association is paying $130/month ($75 + $55) just for the software and storage.

Bluestone Real Estate Services (formerly Bluestone and Hockley) is a major competitor to Blue Mountain Community Management (BMCM) in the Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR, markets. They manage over 65 associations and 15,000 "doors" across the Pacific Northwest

Comparison: Bluestone vs. Blue Mountain

While both firms use modern technology and online portals, their reputations among residents and boards differ:

Service Philosophy : Bluestone emphasizes a low property-to-manager ratio and "personalized attention". In contrast, BMCM (an Associa company) is often criticized for high manager turnover and overloaded portfolios

Recent reviews for Bluestone are highly polarized. Some residents report a "tremendous relief" and "excellent communication" after switching to them from previous management. However, others cite significant issues with responsiveness, particularly regarding maintenance and legal obligations for disabled residents.

Fees & Transparency: Unlike BMCM's highly granular 2025 menu of services (e.g., charging for individual eStatements), Bluestone generally markets a "full spectrum" and "customized" management plan. They do, however, have a strict schedule for rule violations ($50–$250+) and late fees.

Comparison of Property Management

Recent reviews for Bluestone are highly polarized. Some residents report a "tremendous relief" and "excellent communication" after switching to them from previous management. However, others cite significant issues with responsiveness, particularly regarding maintenance and legal obligations for disabled residents.

Management Company	Avg. Yelp Rating	Key Feedback Themes
High Five Properties	4.8 / 5.0	High praise for communication and frequent site visits.
Utmost Property Management	4.6 / 5.0	Frequently cited for integrity and proactive maintenance prevention.
AMS Association Management	3.0 / 5.0	Noted for having strong internal systems and professional staff.
Invest West Management (IWM)	2.5 / 5.0	Mixed; praised for transition support but criticized for "nickel and diming" fees.
Blue Mountain (BMCM)	1.7 / 5.0	Heavily criticized for high manager

 

Provider Type	Typical Pricing Model	Common Rates/Fees
Integrated Management (e.g., Invest West)	Percentage-based or Flat Monthly Fee	8.9% – 12% of monthly rent or $200 – $270+ per unit. Often includes a set amount of "included maintenance" (e.g., 2 hours/year).
Specialized Maintenance (e.g., Columbia Property Maint.)	Per Project or Hourly Rate	$18 – $25+ per hour for helpers; specialized tasks (roofing/fencing) are bid per project (e.g., $199 fall inspections).
Standard Handyman (e.g., Zenith Properties)	Service Call + Hourly	$35 – $50 service/scheduling fees per request, plus