Bulletins

Post-it��� Bulletin Board, Self-Stick, Cut to Fit, 18 Inches x 23 Inches, Charcoal, One Each
$14.99
These boards are great for areas where you can't install a bulletin board. We use them at our church on the room dividers that have fabric...they work great...everything sticks until you want to take it off and then remove and replace. The sticky lasts for several years too.

The Soft Bulletin
$11.98
I'd previously known The Flaming Lips for their work with other bands, such as Thievery Corporation and The Chemical Brothers, so did some reading and "The Soft Bulletin" sounded like a turning point in their evolution - perhaps a good place to start.

Sounds in these songs which might otherwise jar me - injecting cold synth lines, booming drums or punchy bass out of the blue, for example - would soon become an expected blend in the mix of each song, proving to be terrific methods of conveying the right amount of impact intended. None of the initial quirkiness sounds like noise added for the heck of it, as everything gradually reveals intentional placement and even emotional conveyance quite implicitly.

That is - after I found it impossible to put this album down after the first two days of purchasing the MP3s - nuances, possible ideas and layers of implied meaning turned my impression of the work into something it was *not* after the first listen. And yet, both my initial experience and still-evolving impressions have felt complete and rewarding.

There was so much sincerity of spirit and craft thrown into this work, I'm simply aghast that it passed me by years ago - in this gaping omission to my prior music collection, I am completely humbled.

"The Soft Bulletin" is not just worth repeated listens, it may compel you to do so organically. Melodies and lyrics swirl within you naturally, days after the last listen. At least, they have for me. Some of it has become absolutely heavy in meaning to me now, despite the addictive, alluring and sometimes beautiful melodies. Yet still, I go back to it.

This is amazing work for what is ostensibly a form of pop music, and I now own four of their albums from this inspiration. I've now come to the impression that this feels like a Sgt. Pepper's in the context of their own growth path (i.e., not directly compared to the Beatles' work), but without the sense that they've reached their final maturity at all. And, indeed, the next two albums have proven excellent in their own respects. But, the production and multilayered compositions, deceptively insightful lyrics, experimentation with sounds, etc. are quite impressive compared to their prior (very good) album.

The Soft Bulletin seemingly hits upon current themes in my own life, so perhaps that's why I have experienced this level of positive impact. Or, maybe it can relate to enough common areas in many people's lives, so I'm just one out of the larger crowd. Doesn't matter, really.

Terrifyly magnificent pop record.

Quartet Cork Panel Bulletin Board, Natural Cork, 12 x 12 Inches, Natural, 4 Panels per Pack (101 )
$19.49
I bought two 4-packs of these at Walmart to line a wall. By the following morning, ALL BUT ONE panel was ON THE GROUND. The adhesive tabs that come in these packages do stick to the wall, but not the crumbly cork board surface, so you are left with fallen panels (broken or cracked from hitting the ground) and adhesive squares stuck to the walls... and I mean STUCK. If I was going to rehang the cork (which I can't because all but two boards are now broken), I'd use some other type of adhesive to adhere to the wall. Oh, and note that these are quite thin, so you can't use regular push pins or you will go right into the wall. While these were relatively expensive, they are still a complete waste of $$.

AlphaTales: Alphabet Set: 26 A to Z Jumbo Letter Cards to Display on Your Wall or Bulletin Board
$7.95
26 A to Z Jumbo Letter Cards to Display on Your Wall or Bulletin Board
A perfect companion to you AlphaTales Library!
A is for alligato and B is for bear! Teach the shape and sound of each letter with this sturdy set of 26 big, bright, die-cut alphabet cards?each one featuring a different and adorable animal! Includes a teaching guide stuffed with instant and fun ways to use this charming letter display to ensure kids REALLY know their ABCs. Ready to mount on your wall or bulletin board!