On July 22, I shed tears for someone I never met for the 2nd time in my life. The 1st time was for Edward Van Halen. Of course, this most recent moment was for the passing of Ozzy Osbourne who was already on my mind with renewed, albeit nostalgic focus as a result of his very recent farewell concert on July 5th. I think many felt it was truly a farewell but were equally shocked that his death would be so soon afterwards.
I can’t do justice in memorializing Ozzy. Its clear by what has already been said by so many on Socials that I’m but one of many who feel like a dear friend has departed. I’ll just say that his life made a difference to mine. He wasn’t a saint, but he was inspirational.
The “state of play” in The United States is incredibly disheartening for me. Seemingly not too long ago, I was more optimistic about how we were going to evolve as a society and was not expecting so much anger to be evident in all walks of life. With so much negativity, I struggle to not be pessimistic.
One topic that came up recently that has fueled my skepticism is Empathy and how some voices have said that empathy has made people weak or has been used as an undermining tool. As background, here’s an interesting article from the NY Times. And here’s the definition of Empathy per Merriam-Webster
I was surprised to learn that the word itself first appeared in the English language in 1908. But, like so much of language, the meaning and its use is dynamic and evolving. That said, I’m pretty sure that most people understand the general meaning behind the word, even those that consider it a weakness, a flaw, or a sin. From where I stand, the debate about empathy is as big an indicator of the aforementioned state-of-play as it gets.
For what it’s worth, I believe empathy is a virtue and an admirable quality. I will be the 1st to admit that I am not the best practitioner of empathy and perhaps by only having good intentions without action is the actual sin. But I do try to be an empathetic and sympathetic person. I try to be of service to others. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I don’t. But I have experience with being a selfish prick of a person to the detriment of both me and all I love. I have been the self-centered asshole who caused great harm to others because I was too focused on my own wants and needs and either didn’t realize or didn’t care that I was hurting people. Thankfully, by Grace and lots of work, I’m not that destructive person anymore. Again, I’m not perfect but I do know and have ample evidence that by having some level of empathy and acting accordingly has been MY saving grace.
I say all this not to participate in whatever ridiculous debate that is occurring. To be honest, if anyone reading this agrees with Elon Musk, Ben Garrett or anyone else that thinks empathy is bad, I don’t care. You do you. I can’t control what other people think or do. But I will say that I wholeheartedly disagree with the notion that the action of understanding and being sensitive to the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another is wrong.
My father would often say “There, but by the grace of God, go I…” which I came to understand as meaning that only the grace of powers he could not control separated him from someone in a worse state and, therefore, it was incumbent upon him to be empathetic and to lend a helping hand….which sounds suspiciously like The Golden Rule…hmmmm…Anyhow, I wish you peace and every good. – Alan
I’m a bit staggered by the blatant racism that is on full, unapologetic display now…both online and in the real world…an overheard conversation while waiting on a flight…comments on Facebook forums dedicated, ironically, to contemplative prayer….angry stares….racism is nothing new but it has definitely been given “permission” to be out in the open.
I shall not tolerate racism, sexism, etc. because that is the truest indicator of a lack of empathy. If you look at common factors of evil deeds, it always starts with a lack of empathy.
That said, I do get sad when I encounter racism, in that there are wounds, ignorance, and fear at the root of any lack of empathy. There is inevitably a hurt person behind hate and anger. I believe that hate must be resisted against but I also think that resistance is to be animated by love and compassion, not more hate. I do believe that is what Jesus was driving at when he said “Love your enemy”…..which is hard….very hard…but I believe it is what we are called to do to combat evil.
Another U.S. election has come and gone and I’m more inclined than ever to NOT watch TV news and the like. The level of negativity and vitriol is exhausting. That said, there are a few points I can’t help but to make….
1st off, I must state that I’m not a partisan. I have been greatly disappointed by both major parties in my lifetime. If I was to label my political philosophy, I’d lean towards “Anarchism” in the classical definition and Christian Anarchism to be more specific. I’m also a realist and know that we as a society are not evolved enough to have a state-less society as described in classical anarchism. That said, I have, at the least, suspicion of those who seek power and, at the most, contempt.
All that is to say that I am very disappointed in where we as a society seem to be. That racism is no longer a disqualifier, after a brief period in our history (post-Civil Rights movement) where it was, disgusts me. It has emboldened people to display ugliness. I speak not just from observations made in the media but also from recent personal experience. I find myself being suspicious of people in public spaces…and I hate that.
It is my hope that things will not continue to get worse in regards to civility. It is my hope that people who profess to be Christians will remember The Sermon on the Mount before they cast disparagement at their neighbor in support of a leader who, by any observation, lacks the ability to be sympathetic or charitable. It is my hope that love will prevail. Perhaps we must 1st experience more ugliness and pain before “our better angels” emerge.
I will finish this borderline rant by expressing my core values. I’m unapologetically, unequivocally opposed to racism, xenophobia, homophobia (or any social “phobia”) and violence. I have no tolerance for any of that BS. I’m of mixed race (BTW, who isn’t?!) and am married to a Filipina immigrant. I have no time for anyone who I perceive as a threat to those I love.
Steve Albini, renowned producer and musician, passed away suddenly at the age of 61. He’s probably most known for producing Nirvana’s “In Utero” but he did so much more. He engineered every Neurosis album since 1999 which are, in my opinion, some of the best albums ever. He also produced Page/Plant’s “Walking into Clarksdale”. He was an intelligent man with principles rooted in the DIY/Punk Rock ethos. I admire that. He shall be missed.
Random thought #1: I’ve spent over a month in Green Bay. Not a bad place to be. But when I asked someone what a cheese curd was, she looked at me like I had just grown a 3rd eye. I’ve yet to try one.
Random thought #2: Its been two years since we got rid of satellite TV and, thus, any access to CNN, MSNBC, Fox, or any other “mainstream” (HA!) news outlets. Having spent several weeks in a hotel, I watched a little of the news….enough to turn it off in haste and in gratitude that I don’t subject myself to that crap any longer.
On January 11th, 2023, I was scrolling through Instagram and was halted by an announcement from Jeff Beck’s official account that he had passed away the day before. A loud and impulsive “holy shit!” came out of my mouth. Even though he was 78 years old, this was a complete and shocking surprise that hit me hard. It seemed that he would be around for so much longer. What follows is a brief summary of what Jeff Beck meant to me.
I came to appreciate Jeff Beck somewhat late. Of course, as a music fan and guitarist, I’ve heard of Jeff Beck all my life. He was one of the trio of world-shaping guitarists, along with Jimmy Page (my all-time favorite musician) and Eric Clapton, that played in The Yardbirds back in the 1960’s but it wasn’t until a friend turned me on to “Jeff Beck’s Guitar Shop” in 1989 that I became a fan.
When my buddy said “check this out!” and handed me “..Guitar Shop”, I was skeptical. I thought that this was an “old guys” attempt to cash in on the then current trend of guitar virtuosos (e.g., Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, etc) releasing instrumental music that showcased guitar acrobatics that wasn’t really my thing.
Upon 1st listen, I was immediately surprised by Jeff Beck’s economical playing and melodic sensibility. Of course, he had (as I termed it back then) “chops for days” but the melody’s were hummable and memorable. I also loved his tone which was due, in part, to his eschewing of a guitar pick which is rare for electric guitarists. I loved the album!
Then, in 1992, I eagerly purchased Roger Waters “Amused to Death”, being a diehard Pink Floyd fan. Upon first listen, the intro to the 1st actual song “What God Wants” caught my ear. The guitar playing was very distinct. “That sounds like Jeff Beck” I thought….and upon inspection of the liner notes, I found that it WAS Jeff Beck. I was amazed at how immediately distinctive his playing was to my ears, having really only heard one recent album of his. Now I had to go down the Jeff Beck rabbit hole.
I bought “Beckology”, a career retrospective box set that blew my mind. It touched on everything from his pre-Yardbird days through “…Guitar Shop” and provided an inspiring example of his evolution and brilliance. From there, I got his 70’s classics, “Blow by Blow” and “Wired”. With their Jazz/Fusion influence, these albums contributed to the broadening of my listening palette.
What I found most exceptional about Beck was his continued evolution. His later releases (“Who Else” – 1999, “You Had it Coming” – 2000, and “Jeff” – 2003) are my favorites of his work and are wonderful examples of an artist restlessly pushing the creative envelope. Those 3 albums had a wide mix of genre influences but the playing was distinctively his. That is such a rare achievement. There was a timeless element in his art that made him unique amongst his peers. Whereas many of his generation seemed to stop progressing stylistically decades earlier, Jeff Beck continued to explore and discover new ground.
In 2004, I saw him perform in Oakland and was absolutely floored. As stated earlier, he had chops for days. What impressed me the most was the fact he left the stage for a few minutes and turned the spotlight to Jennifer Batten, a brilliant guitarist in her own right. The fact that he felt so comfortable to turn the stage over to a contemporary guitar virtuoso spoke volumes about his confidence in himself and his willingness to surround himself with immensely talented people. If you look back on the people he’s played with over the years, its a who’s who of world class talent. Rod Stewart, Ron Wood, Carmine Appice, Jan Hammer, Tal Wilkenfeld, Terry Bozzio…and the list goes on. He played with the best.
His influence on my playing has been subtle but significant. While I’ll never attempt to write and perform music in his style, it is his approach to the instrument that has influenced my own approach (for example, I gave up using a pick long ago). This perhaps makes him the most influential guitarist on my own playing (even more so than my favorite musician and Jeff Beck’s contemporary, Jimmy Page).
If I was asked who my top 5 favorite guitarist were back in 1989, 4/5ths of the list would be same as now. However, Jeff Beck in now on that list and I will miss his presence on this planet greatly.
Thank you, Mr. Jeff Beck, for a wealth of beautiful music and inspiration.
As we near another “most important election in our lifetime” cycle in the U.S., I’m left wondering where we are heading as a country. So much vitriol, anger, and fear. I refuse to believe that we are as divided as a country as so many pundits and politicians make us out to be. I base this on my own personal experience.
I’m non-partisan and have lived long enough to be disappointed by both major parties and even some of the non-majors (i.e., Libertarians, Greens). I’m suspicious of people who seek power and the cults of personality that arise all too often in national politics.
To be blunt, I’m not a fan of Trump and I’m equally leery of the majority of the Republican party that is following his lead. But that does not make me a Democrat or Biden fan. And therein lies my point: I try very hard not to view things (politics or otherwise) through an either/or, dualistic lens. Life is more nuanced than that. I believe most people, deep down, think this as well. There is just so much bullshit from the halls of power and the media that fosters division and some people tend to follow the bullshit without thinking critically. But my own experience, having travelled millions of miles around the world and meeting people from all over, tells me that people have way more in common than not. And whatever differences are largely superficial.
I have some friends that are staunch Republicans and have views on politics that I don’t agree with. But they remain my friends because what bonds us is more substantial. There is love and respect that has been fostered over time. The same holds true with me and my radically liberal friends. I don’t necessarily agree with them on many matters but not so much as to disqualify them as friends because of our commonality. This may sound like I’m a “centrist” (i.e. wishy washy or luke warm). I am not. If I’m to label myself, I’m a “non-dualist”. I choose to try to look at the whole of life, not the convenient “compartments” we get placed in, I believe this is what Jesus was getting at when he suggested “love your neighbor”.
Back in February, my wife and I decided to discontinue our TV service which was a typical deal where we had several hundred channels of content but only a dozen that we would watch sparingly. As is typical of the demographic I represent, a few of those channels were news stations. I must say that of all the stations I thought I would miss, the cable news stations were the ones I’d miss the most….or so I thought….
Now a few months sans TV (albeit we are streaming movies and such), I must say I don’t miss cable news a bit. I’m not going to go on a political rant about the bias and ills of corporate news media (for the record, I avoid FOX News like the plague but am always suspicious of CNN and MSNBC). That said, I do believe its good to stay informed but I have found it not so good to become obsessed with news stories that the networks hype up to keep an audience transfixed for hours and hours.
I say all this to share that I’ve felt a bit more level headed when it comes to keeping up with current affairs. I subscribe to a national news paper and a local one. I avoid social media news feeds and, as I’ve always done, treat all information with a level of discernment. I don’t believe in an unbiased news outlet. Any human endeavor will have some bias. I try to think critically and, most importantly, keep the emotions in check, living by the principles found in The Serenity Prayer (i.e. know what I can and can’t control and don’t confuse the two). If I can’t control matters, why get worked up? Now, if I’m watching cable news with their endless parade of talking heads and opinions, how could I NOT get worked up? But, having removed that element from my life, I’m required to be more proactive in getting my information and more discerning about how I respond to that information.
