The Beatles Place in History

Why them? While Then? Why Now?

How are they just seen as probably the most universally lauded band on this earth? Was it just the time period? Was it the music? Or was a lost generation looking for something to give them hope and the Beatles were it?

This is sad because I am going to one day be considered a "historian" and I am already starting to think like one. While the Beatles write absolutely beautiful music that is in itself "timeless", I believe the culture of that period made them the legends that they would be for generations after John Lennon was killed.

When the Beatles were creating music, America was in neckdeep in the turmoil of the communist scare. Father Russia was breathing down our necks and like a teenager, we weren't giving into his demands no matter how horrific the stakes were. This was also the hayday of the Civil Rights Movement and things weren't looking up.

So when the Beatles touched American soil for the first time in 1964, we needed them.

Khaliq Nizami states that, " Once a social idea appears at such a stage of human suffering it grips the masses and becomes a material force. "

While someone could say it is a stretch to think that the Beatles were a social idea, I don't think it is a stretch at all.

It seems that the phrase "All you need is love" isn't dormant on most people's minds.

At that time, people were just looking for love. No War, No Segregation. While you cannot make that general assumption for all strata of society, it was enough of the population to make the entire idea of the 1960's that of uprising and reformation.

The "war" in Vietnam is over. Minorities have the right to vote. Yet the ideas of the Beatles still spark the nations interest. While a familiar tune can go a long way, the idea of hope and love that encompase the Beatles music is timeless as long as we are alive. For there is a new war and the struggle for civil rights is far from over even though it isn't as actively in the limelight.

In the midst of all of this, all we long for is love. All we need is love, even when it seems so out of reach. That is why I believe the Beatles live on to this day and will spark the minds of generations to come.

I am not an expert on anything, if you have any comments or disagree, let me know.

Late Night Dining

Oprah has told countless Americans to not eat before they go to bed. I know that Oprah is broadcast to many nations, but America is the only country stupid enough and sufficiently equip to gorge themselves before bed time. I just had a large burrito and I am not feeling so well. The sad part is that it didn't even seem like a good idea at the time. It is like when you are locking your keys in your car and you are watching yourself close the door. Depressing. Anyway, My botched knowledge/rationalization tells me that if I drink extra coffee in the morning, the little kick the caffeine gives to my digestive track will even me out. I know this doesn't make sense. That is why nobody ever locks their keys in their car just once.

These blogs may make a reader think that my life is coming out of its hinges. It is not. The last blog has helped me put more time into the Bible, yet I still watch Lost. I am not perfect, yet as time goes on I am slowly learning that the scales are tipped in the wrong direction and I just need to take the time to recalibrate.

Life is good. My girlfriend got a blog. She is amazing. I will put a picture of her up here soon. She is soooooo beautiful.

Listening: Mars Volta, Nada Surf

There is Never Enough Time for the Things that Will Pass Away With Me

I don't know what it is. I am sure this transcends all generations, but it seems there is never enough time to do the things that I want to do. "What I want to do" is usually meaningless things that will not advance me in this life. Unless your idea of progress is being able to recite musing facts from ABC's Lost verbatim.

That example hits close to home because as I am sitting at my new job, I am dreaming of finally getting home and watching the third season of Lost. As I dilligently/belligerently look how to stream episodes online, I am careful not to get a glimpse of messageboard spoilers that might give away crucial facts. This would of course would put a damper on the "fun" that I have lined up for this evening.

Why am I dreaming of this crap? I know my life is but a vapor but it seems I have chosen to focus on what Jack and Kate are doing on this Island. I do believe, that the Bible has all the answers and everything that I need to shine in this lifetime, yet I do not give 1/8 of the time to the Bible as I do to trying to find out what the hell is happening on a single episode of that God forsaken show.

This is tonight and tonight will be over. Yet, there is always a chance to get "Lost" lurking over mine and everyone's head. That need to fill and consume. Engage. Consequently, the fantastic people running our nation have found out how to channel our needs for their good.

This is a very Lost blog. It meaning and in importance/coherence. But it still lingers. We cannot seem to put our fingers on these feelings. But they are alive and if we don't strive to break from them, we will always appease them. Which is why I am here right now. Writing to you guys. Just filling myself until I need some more.

Listening to a lot of: Killswitch Engage, Slipknot, Ryan Adams (Odd?)