I've been blessed in my life to have been exposed to a lot of incredible music which has made my life often a joy!
Clifford Brown died a month after my 5th birthday. Magic Sam died a week after playing at the Nitty Gritty Bar in Madison, Wisconsin - within several hundred yards of where my dorm room was. (I'd never heard of him at the time.) I love both of their music!
Clifford Brown (October 30, 1930 – June 26, 1956) was an influential and highly rated American jazz trumpeter. The clean-living Brown has been cited as perhaps breaking the influence of heroin on the jazz world, a model established by Charlie Parker. Clifford stayed away from drugs and was not fond of alcohol. In June 1956, Brown and Richie Powell were being driven from Philadelphia to Chicago by Powell's wife Nancy for the band's next appearance. While driving on a rainy night on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, west of Bedford, she lost control of the car and it went off the road. All three were killed in the resulting crash.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTN--4gy6II
Samuel "Magic Sam" Gene Maghett (February 14, 1937 – December 1, 1969) was an American Chicago blues musician. Sam's breakthrough performance was at the Ann Arbor Blues Festival in 1969,[4] which won him many bookings in the U.S. and Europe. His life and career was cut short when he suddenly died of a heart attack in December 1969.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyfoe2zSdyg
Two of my favorite musicians both died young - not killing themselves through their actions, but leaving a wonderful musical legacy despite their short lives. Sad!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
I'm scared - Violence - Not Against Myself - My Family, etc.
I'm watching the movie "Enough" starring Jennifer Lopez. In the movie she is an abused wife - who fights back (in the end).
This movie brings up a lot of feelings within me! I'm not scared of being assaulted. I'm not scared of anyone close to me being beaten.
It is extremely scary to me - to feel within myself a little of the fear that must go through others - who are terrorized by another, usually a former or current partner or other close relative - however it may be for them whether they are or were a boy abused by a parent, an adult woman or man - living in fear of a (former-)partner, they so desperately want to be free of or .....
It is equally scary to recognize that this violence (rape, domestic abuse, stalking, childhood sexual and physical abuse, psychological torture, etc.) is as common as it is and that while there have been decades of efforts to end these types of abuse, they remain fully "accepted" and "acceptable" in today's worlds in so many ways.
When such abuse is rare, then perhaps......
It is scary......
I'd like to really believe that in the not that distant future such violence might be rare like diseases that there are only a few new victims suffering each year, where such violence might be as unacceptable as assassinations of our leaders or most famous citizens are/would be.
I am scared for the world(s) that we live in - where so many things that seem trivial to me are seemingly so much more important based upon the time and energy that is focused upon them - than this terror is.
We can change things for the better! We can do what oft times seems impossible!
This movie brings up a lot of feelings within me! I'm not scared of being assaulted. I'm not scared of anyone close to me being beaten.
It is extremely scary to me - to feel within myself a little of the fear that must go through others - who are terrorized by another, usually a former or current partner or other close relative - however it may be for them whether they are or were a boy abused by a parent, an adult woman or man - living in fear of a (former-)partner, they so desperately want to be free of or .....
It is equally scary to recognize that this violence (rape, domestic abuse, stalking, childhood sexual and physical abuse, psychological torture, etc.) is as common as it is and that while there have been decades of efforts to end these types of abuse, they remain fully "accepted" and "acceptable" in today's worlds in so many ways.
When such abuse is rare, then perhaps......
It is scary......
I'd like to really believe that in the not that distant future such violence might be rare like diseases that there are only a few new victims suffering each year, where such violence might be as unacceptable as assassinations of our leaders or most famous citizens are/would be.
I am scared for the world(s) that we live in - where so many things that seem trivial to me are seemingly so much more important based upon the time and energy that is focused upon them - than this terror is.
We can change things for the better! We can do what oft times seems impossible!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Recent Blues Deaths - Sadness - Etta James, Johnny Otis...
I was saddened this morning to learn of the deaths (earlier today) of Etta James and Tuesday of Johnny Otis.
Both of them affected me in many ways over the years. I listened to the Johnny Otis Show on KPFA in Berkeley, CA for quite a few years and enjoyed his eclectic nature and the music that he loved.
There is a beautiful picture of him with his band from the 1950's in NY Times obit at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/arts/music/johnny-otis-musician-dies-at-90.html
Etta James - was simply herself - a wonderful, wonderful singer.
I was also saddened to hear in recent days of the deaths in December, 2011 of Hubert Sumlin - who played so wonderfully with Howlin Wolf for many years.
Finally, though it was last summer when it happened it was sad to hear a few days ago of the death of David Honeyboy Edwards at the age of 96. He sat in with Michael Frank - at the blues party that my first wife and I had featuring the Lonnie Brooks Band in Chicago in 1977.
My blues awakening began at the Ann Arbor Blues Festival in 1970. Many of the remaining stars from that era are in their late 70's or older now. Thankfully - there are still many wonderful performers to see, but it is sad as they increasingly are dying now.
Both of them affected me in many ways over the years. I listened to the Johnny Otis Show on KPFA in Berkeley, CA for quite a few years and enjoyed his eclectic nature and the music that he loved.
There is a beautiful picture of him with his band from the 1950's in NY Times obit at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/arts/music/johnny-otis-musician-dies-at-90.html
Etta James - was simply herself - a wonderful, wonderful singer.
I was also saddened to hear in recent days of the deaths in December, 2011 of Hubert Sumlin - who played so wonderfully with Howlin Wolf for many years.
Finally, though it was last summer when it happened it was sad to hear a few days ago of the death of David Honeyboy Edwards at the age of 96. He sat in with Michael Frank - at the blues party that my first wife and I had featuring the Lonnie Brooks Band in Chicago in 1977.
My blues awakening began at the Ann Arbor Blues Festival in 1970. Many of the remaining stars from that era are in their late 70's or older now. Thankfully - there are still many wonderful performers to see, but it is sad as they increasingly are dying now.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Post-Feminism ???
"Feminism doesn’t have many moves left on the board. Having achieved gender equity long ago, the ultimate goal is the full realization of female supremacy in society. The strategy has not been wholly ineffective. Half our population is now tainted with the original sin of maleness. Men are presumed guilty of inappropriate aggression and nefarious motives in all corners of society, including education, professional life, social interactions with women, and popular culture. We judge healthy male instincts such as competition and desire as moral failings."
http://www.hookingupsmart.com/ - January 17, 2012
Gender equity was achieved long ago? In a world where little boys are still scared of and totally looking down upon the concept of being a girl we have gender equity? In a world where far too many young women will try to starve themselves and spend much time trying to look "beautiful" (or more likely "not so bad") hoping to get male attention we have gender equity? In a world where many thoughtful men will do a lot in various situations to try to convince women around them that they will not assault or harass them we have gender equity?
I understand that increasingly there is a dichotomy between college educated young men and women where oft times the women are "driven" and "successful" and the men are more "party driven" and stuck in dealing with the realities that they are Not either "the alpha male" or "the successful alpha male".
I do see a need for us to change what I see as the "original sin of maleness". Life in the United States and elsewhere has changed dramatically at least since the 1960's and we men have oft times been left behind.
We haven't been left behind because of women "doing us wrong" or similar. We have been left behind because we have Not done the difficult work of struggling with each other in significant ways to build a new masculinity which will allow us to be equal partners with women.
Being glued to sports radio and tv and debating sports issues won't help us grow. Exploring how sports can be positive parts of our life may help us grow. Complaining endlessly about women and being focused upon their body parts and similar won't help us grow. Talking with other men about our lives and how we can better relate to women will help us.
Susan Walsh in her blog may be most sincere in wanting to help young women find happy, lasting primary relationships with young men. I fear, though, that her solutions for these women ignore the real problems and in the end blame women for our failures as men.
It isn't easy to move against our socialization and to learn to be whole people, but it is important! Thanks!
http://www.hookingupsmart.com/ - January 17, 2012
Gender equity was achieved long ago? In a world where little boys are still scared of and totally looking down upon the concept of being a girl we have gender equity? In a world where far too many young women will try to starve themselves and spend much time trying to look "beautiful" (or more likely "not so bad") hoping to get male attention we have gender equity? In a world where many thoughtful men will do a lot in various situations to try to convince women around them that they will not assault or harass them we have gender equity?
I understand that increasingly there is a dichotomy between college educated young men and women where oft times the women are "driven" and "successful" and the men are more "party driven" and stuck in dealing with the realities that they are Not either "the alpha male" or "the successful alpha male".
I do see a need for us to change what I see as the "original sin of maleness". Life in the United States and elsewhere has changed dramatically at least since the 1960's and we men have oft times been left behind.
We haven't been left behind because of women "doing us wrong" or similar. We have been left behind because we have Not done the difficult work of struggling with each other in significant ways to build a new masculinity which will allow us to be equal partners with women.
Being glued to sports radio and tv and debating sports issues won't help us grow. Exploring how sports can be positive parts of our life may help us grow. Complaining endlessly about women and being focused upon their body parts and similar won't help us grow. Talking with other men about our lives and how we can better relate to women will help us.
Susan Walsh in her blog may be most sincere in wanting to help young women find happy, lasting primary relationships with young men. I fear, though, that her solutions for these women ignore the real problems and in the end blame women for our failures as men.
It isn't easy to move against our socialization and to learn to be whole people, but it is important! Thanks!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Piercing Winds
it’s not easy
facing the strong winds
pushing, grabbing, moving
tears - from the fears, the pains
of rejection
of Not knowing What or Why
I can only
do my best
caring and supporting
as best I can
taking care of myself
so I can be there
the winds singe, pierce
and whirl by – teasing ....
but not so far – telling
a clear truth – an answer
…. Will come In time
patience isn’t easy
good morning – and good night
December 10, 2011
facing the strong winds
pushing, grabbing, moving
tears - from the fears, the pains
of rejection
of Not knowing What or Why
I can only
do my best
caring and supporting
as best I can
taking care of myself
so I can be there
the winds singe, pierce
and whirl by – teasing ....
but not so far – telling
a clear truth – an answer
…. Will come In time
patience isn’t easy
good morning – and good night
December 10, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Another Anniversary
November 13, 1964 - 47 years ago - tomorrow as I write - my brother and I were awakened by our mother with the words: "Daddy died this morning" (or similar) - Now at age 60 - I reflect - thinking again of the father I wish I could (continued to have) had.
At that time - as an immature boy of 13 - I didn't cry, though I certainly felt a huge loss. Now - I can be sad - and cry easily, feeling my loss.
I've been very lucky to have had 60 years of living in good health. I've been lucky to still have my mother and others in my life who mean a lot to me. I'm very lucky to have a wonderful son who hopefully will make a lot less mistakes in his life than I've made. I'm lucky to have a lot of memories and a history to look back at.
I'm not "owed" anything more that I'm aware of. I appreciate the opportunities I have to live and make choices in my life that are both important and trivial. My life has for the most part been good.
I'm appreciative of so much! Thanks!
At that time - as an immature boy of 13 - I didn't cry, though I certainly felt a huge loss. Now - I can be sad - and cry easily, feeling my loss.
I've been very lucky to have had 60 years of living in good health. I've been lucky to still have my mother and others in my life who mean a lot to me. I'm very lucky to have a wonderful son who hopefully will make a lot less mistakes in his life than I've made. I'm lucky to have a lot of memories and a history to look back at.
I'm not "owed" anything more that I'm aware of. I appreciate the opportunities I have to live and make choices in my life that are both important and trivial. My life has for the most part been good.
I'm appreciative of so much! Thanks!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Rojo - Feelings - Etc.
Rojo, our Labradoodle is a cute, crazy 5 year old dog. Until the last month or so he was "ridiculous" in his extreme exuberance - getting extremely (overly) excited around other dogs and oft times people in public - particularly around men (though sometimes women) that he liked.
When Rojo is outside - those who understand dogs at all find him harmless and loveable, while those who don't know dogs at all and/or fear them, can be scared of how aggressive he seems to them. They don't see his wagging tail and silliness.
Roughly a month ago Rojo seemingly injured himself.
His vet - had x-rays done and I was told that he had and will have increasing difficulties with both hips for the rest of his life. As his condition develops - at some point he will need pain medication for the rest of his life.
I am very attached to Rojo! I first saw him as a 10 pound puppy who was about 8 weeks old and have been his primary caregiver over the five years since then. It is difficult, particularly for me, to see how he adjusts to his changed life, where his walks are shorter and controlled and his lifestyle in general is different.
Rojo - rests and sleeps more than he used to do, and has increasing periods of "moans" and other sounds (he's a very, very expressive - noisy dog)- that reflect both the pain he obviously is in at times as well as simply his slowing down and being more passive to cope with his changing body.
A part of me feels like I've been sort of "cheated" - as the innocent (and he was certainly an "innocent") carefree "boy" that I knew - is moving into being prematurely "older". It also feels to me like his carefree happiness - is in part gone forever - though he certainly handles it much better than I do.
I also reflect upon how this again, is an example of how I take things for granted until they are lost - with my sweet dog.
I am crying now - overly emotional yes - but I do feel sadness here. It is also a reminder of my own aging - though not "extreme" - as things in much smaller ways get harder as I get older.
When Rojo is outside - those who understand dogs at all find him harmless and loveable, while those who don't know dogs at all and/or fear them, can be scared of how aggressive he seems to them. They don't see his wagging tail and silliness.
Roughly a month ago Rojo seemingly injured himself.
His vet - had x-rays done and I was told that he had and will have increasing difficulties with both hips for the rest of his life. As his condition develops - at some point he will need pain medication for the rest of his life.
I am very attached to Rojo! I first saw him as a 10 pound puppy who was about 8 weeks old and have been his primary caregiver over the five years since then. It is difficult, particularly for me, to see how he adjusts to his changed life, where his walks are shorter and controlled and his lifestyle in general is different.
Rojo - rests and sleeps more than he used to do, and has increasing periods of "moans" and other sounds (he's a very, very expressive - noisy dog)- that reflect both the pain he obviously is in at times as well as simply his slowing down and being more passive to cope with his changing body.
A part of me feels like I've been sort of "cheated" - as the innocent (and he was certainly an "innocent") carefree "boy" that I knew - is moving into being prematurely "older". It also feels to me like his carefree happiness - is in part gone forever - though he certainly handles it much better than I do.
I also reflect upon how this again, is an example of how I take things for granted until they are lost - with my sweet dog.
I am crying now - overly emotional yes - but I do feel sadness here. It is also a reminder of my own aging - though not "extreme" - as things in much smaller ways get harder as I get older.
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