Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
A recurring theme in my thoughts of late has been my lack of understanding about why some people do the things they do or act the way they do. It can be innocuous things or serious things...
I think of my self as a pretty open minded person. I am not one who thinks everyone needs to believe, think, or act like I do... but there are some things that I just don't understand.
For example - when a lane in ending and clearing marked that it is ending and people ride that lane until the last minute... and I mean when there is no traffic and no apparent reason not to just get over.
Or the opposite - like happened today - multiple lanes and someone forces there way into your lane (not an aggressive driver trying to weave in and out of lanes to speed (that is another matter) but someone who is trying to get into a lane they will eventually need to be in for a split (which I get) but who is miles away from the split and who insists on getting over right at that moment.
Another thing I don't understand: people who seem to devote a significant amount of time and energy to actively hating a band or a style of music or whatever. Or even worse, devotes that time and energy to hating on people who like something they don't like.
There are plenty more examples - I guess what it comes down to is that I don't understand the benefit these actions offer. There are definitely actions I don't like or that I would never do - but which I do understand why people do them. But what I am talking about are thinks that make no sense to me...
But - here is the rub. If I try, I can turn my confusion into a lesson in tolerance and acceptance. What I mean is - it is easy to practice tolerance and acceptance if something really doesn't bother me. The trick is to practice that same level of tolerance and acceptance of something that does cause be discomfort. So, the next time someone rides the lane that is ending for no apparent reason - after I get annoyed - I will try to accept that their action provided some benefit (real or perceived) to them.
Finally, I feel the need to make the point that there are some behaviors that go beyond acceptance and tolerance. And in those cases, the trick is to recognize those things and to know those lines. That is what muddies the waters and makes it a constant practice and a contact conflict.
The Featured Friday Playlist recap rolls on with songs 19-24:
19. "Culture Shock Treatment" by Round Eye
First up today, we have the title track from the new album by this Shanghai freak punk band. The album was produced by Mike Watt and mixed by Bill Stevenson. It is out now digitally and out on vinyl in May. This is wonderful music.
20. "Give Me a Reason" by Michael Ross
Next up, we have the new single from this Las Vegas musician and artist who has been performing as part of residency in Vegas for the last four years.
21. "Vivant Tenebrae" by Drown in Sulphur
Well, this segment of music is nothing if not diverse. We abruptly transition into the latest single from this Italian death metal band. Great stuff.
22. "Murakami's Ghost" by Josh Machiz
Next up, we have first solo single from veteran Philadelphia musician Josh Machiz. The nearly nine minute track is based upon the Murakami short story, The Mirror. It is the first taste of his solo album due later this year.
23. "Monday Morning Drive" by Nature's Neighbor
Next up, we have a lovely song. This is the first single from the new album by this indie band that formed in Chicago in 2010. Really beautiful music.
24. "Don't Trip" by Kairo Beats (feat. Sam Swancott)
We close out this segment of music with a new collaboration between a singer-songwriter from Swindon and an EDM songwriting duo made up of producer Jordan Hendon and songwriter/vocal engineer Chiarna Deller. A cool way to wrap up this incredibly diverse segment of music.
Featured Friday Playlist
