Tweet #E2TG
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
Just when I think things cannot possibly get any worse, the "President" (I use quotes because I feel the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has lost the moral authority to lead this nation) opens his mouth again. A few observations about yesterday's press conference/national embarrassment, the sitting US President used stronger words to denounce the press than he did to denounce fascists, racists, and white supremacists. He placed that same group of hatemongers on the same level as those who actively (and, yes, sometimes violently) oppose them. He did not name the victim of the fascists/racists/white supremacists but he could take the time to plug his business interest in Charlottesville.
At this point, it seems safe to say that those who still support this man will not be swayed from that support by anything. Yesterday, was metaphorically speaking - shooting someone on 5th Avenue - and while I hope he did lose some votes, it is clear that there are many who still support him.
Also, while I applaud the Republicans on the right who have denounced the President, that applaud is muted until I see action to backup that denouncement.
It seems pretty clear to me that we have a fascist executive branch that is working towards totalitarianism.
I will repeat that - yes I hold primarily leftist views - but I do respect the opinions of those on the right. I believe this nation is best when all sides work together. But when it comes to the people who want to wipe out whole groups of people and who use the symbols of hate and genocide proudly, there is not room for compromise and there are only two sides and there is not moral ambiguity as to which side is evil.
I cannot wait for the day when I do not have to write about things like this in this forum, but that day is not today.
********************************************************************************
We have reached mid-week and Wednesday is when we let things get "Wild" at E2TG. I shuffle up all the songs currently on my phone and see what happens. I think the term"wild" fits today's shuffle pretty well.....
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Right Now Mix
Tweet #E2TG
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
Like many people, I am overwhelmed with emotions about the state of our nation and the state of the world. I don't know what to do about the divisions which seem to grow wider everyday. It disturbs me greatly that many on the right, who I sincerely believe are good people who I happen to disagree with, can somehow not bring themselves to simply and precisely denounce racism and pro-Nazi sentiment. From my friends on the right, all I have seen is deflection, false equivalency, and silence. I believe that our nation's potential is best realized when we work together, seek out common ground, and learn to compromise when it is possible. Unfortunately, we seem to be moving farther apart of from this ideal every day. As I said yesterday, denouncing Nazis and white supremacists should be one point that the majority of Americans can come together.
I never intended to write about "politics" on E2TG. I don't want to do it. If it is normal political stuff, I would not do it. There is nothing normal about what is happening here. Is this the beginning, the middle or the end of the American empire? Or will we be able to pull out of this mess we are in?
I look around and I see beautiful people who are living their lives the best they can. I see people following their dreams or giving up, I see people excelling or struggling, I see people facing the worst that life has to offer with dignity and grace. I see beauty in people and in nature. I also see ugliness - not physical ugliness but spiritual ugliness, and I think there is beauty somewhere inside all of that ugliness, but how do we access it?
On another thought, I recently posted a photo of my self from around fifth, sixth, or seventh grade. People comment how little I have changed - which I was not able to see, but for me, the overwhelming feeling that the photo evoked was a wish to be able to go back in time and tell that boy how wonderful and beautiful and perfect he is. It makes me sad that I was often unable to see that them, but it makes me grateful that I can see it now.
It is hard to not run away from all of the ugliness in the world (and I recognize the privilege I having that option as a possibility), and I recognize that I need balance. I must face down the ugliness, but I also need to know when I should take a break.
A bunch of scattered thoughts.
*******************************************************************************
Music does heal - especially when the words ring true. Tommy Womack and Lisa Oliver-Gray's words rang true for me last night. It was a joy to be around people who share my passion for music and to take in the incredible creative force.
Well, it is Tuesday and we have some "Trending" songs from our "New Music" playlist.... A few really long songs - so only six songs by four different artists, today.
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
Like many people, I am overwhelmed with emotions about the state of our nation and the state of the world. I don't know what to do about the divisions which seem to grow wider everyday. It disturbs me greatly that many on the right, who I sincerely believe are good people who I happen to disagree with, can somehow not bring themselves to simply and precisely denounce racism and pro-Nazi sentiment. From my friends on the right, all I have seen is deflection, false equivalency, and silence. I believe that our nation's potential is best realized when we work together, seek out common ground, and learn to compromise when it is possible. Unfortunately, we seem to be moving farther apart of from this ideal every day. As I said yesterday, denouncing Nazis and white supremacists should be one point that the majority of Americans can come together.
I never intended to write about "politics" on E2TG. I don't want to do it. If it is normal political stuff, I would not do it. There is nothing normal about what is happening here. Is this the beginning, the middle or the end of the American empire? Or will we be able to pull out of this mess we are in?
I look around and I see beautiful people who are living their lives the best they can. I see people following their dreams or giving up, I see people excelling or struggling, I see people facing the worst that life has to offer with dignity and grace. I see beauty in people and in nature. I also see ugliness - not physical ugliness but spiritual ugliness, and I think there is beauty somewhere inside all of that ugliness, but how do we access it?
On another thought, I recently posted a photo of my self from around fifth, sixth, or seventh grade. People comment how little I have changed - which I was not able to see, but for me, the overwhelming feeling that the photo evoked was a wish to be able to go back in time and tell that boy how wonderful and beautiful and perfect he is. It makes me sad that I was often unable to see that them, but it makes me grateful that I can see it now.
It is hard to not run away from all of the ugliness in the world (and I recognize the privilege I having that option as a possibility), and I recognize that I need balance. I must face down the ugliness, but I also need to know when I should take a break.
A bunch of scattered thoughts.
*******************************************************************************
Music does heal - especially when the words ring true. Tommy Womack and Lisa Oliver-Gray's words rang true for me last night. It was a joy to be around people who share my passion for music and to take in the incredible creative force.
Well, it is Tuesday and we have some "Trending" songs from our "New Music" playlist.... A few really long songs - so only six songs by four different artists, today.
Monday, August 14, 2017
Music City Monday Morning Shuffle - For Heather Mix
Tweet #E2TG
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
Well, it sure is good to be back....
******************************************************************************
Like many people, my uneasy mind is centered on the events that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend. I am sickened and saddened by so much. The senseless violence, the hate, the tepid response of the President... so much. Denouncing Nazis and White Supremacists should be something that most Americans can agree upon and unite around, but it appears that is not the case. So many on the Right echo the response of the President and deflect with false equivalency or blame Obama (apparently for daring to be black and President for eight years). Are there hate groups that are not Nazi's and White Supremacists? Sure. But that is not the topic today. As I have been saying on a regular basis since January, the current administration has placed people who hold the same views as those who lead the protests in Virginia into positions of power within the government. Those people support this current President and believe they have his tacit approval for their actions. They seem to be correct. While I am happy that some Republican leaders are opening critical of the President's initial response (for the record, I am aware that he made some sort of speech today, but I have not had a chance to hear or read his words), but until and unless they use their positions to deal with this existential threat to our country and way of life, they are complicit in what is happening.
I do not have many solutions today. Except, I know I must speak out against fascism in any way I can, that I must work to free myself from the power of hate and fear, and that I must try my best to be a force for good in the world.
As I often write, there are many complex issues facing this country and this world. For many of this issues there is room and indeed benefit from health debate and compromise... fighting and speaking out against fascism and white supremacy is not one of this issues. A lot of good people in Germany in the 1930s remained silent. They did not actively support Hitler and the Nazis, but in their unwillingness to speak up and fight against that evil, they were complicit. I will not be complicit with the dark forces at work in our nation today.
I offer music as the only thing I know to help right now... This is for Heather Heyer. If we allow the Nazi's to win, here name will be just the first of many victims. We cannot and must not let that happen...
********************************************************************************
I am glad to be back, and I really needed the break on many different levels. In clearing my head, I have a vision for E2TG going forward that I will work very hard to make real. I have given much thought and I think it is important that E2TG be what is supposed to be. My goal is simply to do my part to help connect music with music lovers. I do so primarily through the use of my morning shuffles. I will occasionally do other types of posts, but that is not primarily what I do. I need to keep my focus and keep finding new ways to do what I do better. More on this soon.
I was fortunate to get to spend one wonderful day in Athens, Georgia at Athens Popfest. I sure wish I could have stayed longer, but what a day! I got to see E2TG faves, The Foresters tear things up in their festival set. The band and some friends (including members of Discount Ravioli - who I have also written about - and Atticus Floyd who I have also written about) got to join The Apples in stereo on stage at the Georgia Theater. The video showed it for the wonderful moment it was.
I also got to see another band we have featured here - The Veldt for North Carolina. Live - the completely blew me away - maybe one of my favorite live performances of the year.
Well, it is Monday and I am now short on time - so let's get to the Music City Monday shuffle....
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
Well, it sure is good to be back....
******************************************************************************
Like many people, my uneasy mind is centered on the events that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend. I am sickened and saddened by so much. The senseless violence, the hate, the tepid response of the President... so much. Denouncing Nazis and White Supremacists should be something that most Americans can agree upon and unite around, but it appears that is not the case. So many on the Right echo the response of the President and deflect with false equivalency or blame Obama (apparently for daring to be black and President for eight years). Are there hate groups that are not Nazi's and White Supremacists? Sure. But that is not the topic today. As I have been saying on a regular basis since January, the current administration has placed people who hold the same views as those who lead the protests in Virginia into positions of power within the government. Those people support this current President and believe they have his tacit approval for their actions. They seem to be correct. While I am happy that some Republican leaders are opening critical of the President's initial response (for the record, I am aware that he made some sort of speech today, but I have not had a chance to hear or read his words), but until and unless they use their positions to deal with this existential threat to our country and way of life, they are complicit in what is happening.
I do not have many solutions today. Except, I know I must speak out against fascism in any way I can, that I must work to free myself from the power of hate and fear, and that I must try my best to be a force for good in the world.
As I often write, there are many complex issues facing this country and this world. For many of this issues there is room and indeed benefit from health debate and compromise... fighting and speaking out against fascism and white supremacy is not one of this issues. A lot of good people in Germany in the 1930s remained silent. They did not actively support Hitler and the Nazis, but in their unwillingness to speak up and fight against that evil, they were complicit. I will not be complicit with the dark forces at work in our nation today.
I offer music as the only thing I know to help right now... This is for Heather Heyer. If we allow the Nazi's to win, here name will be just the first of many victims. We cannot and must not let that happen...
********************************************************************************
I am glad to be back, and I really needed the break on many different levels. In clearing my head, I have a vision for E2TG going forward that I will work very hard to make real. I have given much thought and I think it is important that E2TG be what is supposed to be. My goal is simply to do my part to help connect music with music lovers. I do so primarily through the use of my morning shuffles. I will occasionally do other types of posts, but that is not primarily what I do. I need to keep my focus and keep finding new ways to do what I do better. More on this soon.
I was fortunate to get to spend one wonderful day in Athens, Georgia at Athens Popfest. I sure wish I could have stayed longer, but what a day! I got to see E2TG faves, The Foresters tear things up in their festival set. The band and some friends (including members of Discount Ravioli - who I have also written about - and Atticus Floyd who I have also written about) got to join The Apples in stereo on stage at the Georgia Theater. The video showed it for the wonderful moment it was.
I also got to see another band we have featured here - The Veldt for North Carolina. Live - the completely blew me away - maybe one of my favorite live performances of the year.
Well, it is Monday and I am now short on time - so let's get to the Music City Monday shuffle....
Friday, August 4, 2017
Featured Friday Morning Shuffle - Angel Food Cake Mix
Tweet #E2TG
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
I am excited to announce that E2TG has more daily readers than any other music blog ever. It's like billions and billions of readers every day (maybe more). In fact, the editor of one of the lesser known music blogs PASTE called me to congratulate me and ask me for some advice on how to attract readers.
This is all true because I wrote it, and any "evidence" you see to the contrary is just FAKE NEWS.
*********************************************************************************
On a more serious note (all though the sentiment behind my little joke is very serious), I wanted to remind my readers (both of you ;-) ) that I am taking next week off - so no regular shuffles... maybe a special post or two (but maybe not).
It is Friday - the end of another work week, and as we do, we have our "Featured Friday" shuffle - where we shuffle up songs from our New Music playlist.
Shuffle after the jump!
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
I am excited to announce that E2TG has more daily readers than any other music blog ever. It's like billions and billions of readers every day (maybe more). In fact, the editor of one of the lesser known music blogs PASTE called me to congratulate me and ask me for some advice on how to attract readers.
This is all true because I wrote it, and any "evidence" you see to the contrary is just FAKE NEWS.
*********************************************************************************
On a more serious note (all though the sentiment behind my little joke is very serious), I wanted to remind my readers (both of you ;-) ) that I am taking next week off - so no regular shuffles... maybe a special post or two (but maybe not).
It is Friday - the end of another work week, and as we do, we have our "Featured Friday" shuffle - where we shuffle up songs from our New Music playlist.
Shuffle after the jump!
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Topical Thursday Morning Shuffle - Walkin' Blues Mix
Tweet #E2TG
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
In light of some recent headlines... I need to restate something I have been posting since January... There are still known and avowed white supremacists in positions of great power in the Executive Branch of the United States of America in 2017. This is the world view that is behind the decisions being made and it is the true undercurrent of the phrase "Make America Great Again". Please know that the last thing I want to devote time to on E2TG is politics, but I also believe that silence is acceptance - so since I cannot accept this, I must not be silent. #Resist #Persist
*****************************************************************************
On a happier note, I made it out to The 5 Spot last night to check out Lynn Tayloe and The Barflies plus Stuffy Shmitt. In additional to the Taylor and Shmitt, I had the great opportunity to see some of my favorite players - Sergio Webb, Chris Tench, and Parker Hawkins. It was another great night of music in Nashville.
Well - it is Thursday - somehow - and that means we post from our current Topical playlist - which continues to be songs covering the 6 year history of E2TG. Let's shuffle!
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
In light of some recent headlines... I need to restate something I have been posting since January... There are still known and avowed white supremacists in positions of great power in the Executive Branch of the United States of America in 2017. This is the world view that is behind the decisions being made and it is the true undercurrent of the phrase "Make America Great Again". Please know that the last thing I want to devote time to on E2TG is politics, but I also believe that silence is acceptance - so since I cannot accept this, I must not be silent. #Resist #Persist
*****************************************************************************
On a happier note, I made it out to The 5 Spot last night to check out Lynn Tayloe and The Barflies plus Stuffy Shmitt. In additional to the Taylor and Shmitt, I had the great opportunity to see some of my favorite players - Sergio Webb, Chris Tench, and Parker Hawkins. It was another great night of music in Nashville.
Well - it is Thursday - somehow - and that means we post from our current Topical playlist - which continues to be songs covering the 6 year history of E2TG. Let's shuffle!
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Wild Wednesday Morning Shuffle - Riddle Me This Mix
Tweet #E2TG
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
I guess this is a good time to mention that I will be taking some time off next week. I will probably post some old E2TG shuffles over on the Facebook page during the week. Included in my time off is a trip to Athens, Georgia to check out E2TG Favorites The Foresters at the Athens Pop Fest. I am officially stoked about that.
Well, it is Wednesday - where we shuffle up all of the songs on my phone and see what comes up...
Today, we have some "current featured albums" and the return of some old friends...
Shall we check it out? Okay!
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
I guess this is a good time to mention that I will be taking some time off next week. I will probably post some old E2TG shuffles over on the Facebook page during the week. Included in my time off is a trip to Athens, Georgia to check out E2TG Favorites The Foresters at the Athens Pop Fest. I am officially stoked about that.
Well, it is Wednesday - where we shuffle up all of the songs on my phone and see what comes up...
Today, we have some "current featured albums" and the return of some old friends...
Shall we check it out? Okay!
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Trending Tuesday Morning Shuffle - Sour Worms Mix
Tweet #E2TG
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
As a microcosm of what life is... the last few days have been filled with moments of pure joy while simultaneous grieving for friends and friends of friends who are suffering through unspeakable loss and pain and suffering. My hearts go out those who are facing some devastating and difficult times. My heart also goes out to those who are experiencing joy and moments of triumph. Life is and will always be filled with both.
I have been trying to ride my current good mood to getting some stuff done that I have put off for too long during some periods of less than good news. This often puts me at odds with myself - in that when I am in a good mood, I tend to want to get out and see people. Overall, this is a most excellent "problem" to have and much better than the days when I don't want to do anything at all.
Americana Fest just announced their full line-up. As it tends to be, the week is kind of like typical Nashville on steroids. Every year, though, the steroids seem to be just a little bit stronger. The list is a wonderful sampling of friends and heroes, and heroes who have become friends.... It's all less than two months away.
It is Tuesday, and on Tuesday we shuffle out of our "New Music" playlist... and we call it Trending Tuesday - because... well just because...
Be sure to "Like" Ear to the Ground on Facebook!
As a microcosm of what life is... the last few days have been filled with moments of pure joy while simultaneous grieving for friends and friends of friends who are suffering through unspeakable loss and pain and suffering. My hearts go out those who are facing some devastating and difficult times. My heart also goes out to those who are experiencing joy and moments of triumph. Life is and will always be filled with both.
I have been trying to ride my current good mood to getting some stuff done that I have put off for too long during some periods of less than good news. This often puts me at odds with myself - in that when I am in a good mood, I tend to want to get out and see people. Overall, this is a most excellent "problem" to have and much better than the days when I don't want to do anything at all.
Americana Fest just announced their full line-up. As it tends to be, the week is kind of like typical Nashville on steroids. Every year, though, the steroids seem to be just a little bit stronger. The list is a wonderful sampling of friends and heroes, and heroes who have become friends.... It's all less than two months away.
It is Tuesday, and on Tuesday we shuffle out of our "New Music" playlist... and we call it Trending Tuesday - because... well just because...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)