Honoring the Fallen

Happy Memorial Day!

God Bless the USA!

(click for video)

Memorial Day has become such a festive, three day holiday; I have to stop and remember what we are actually celebrating. Memorial Day, originally named Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. It was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan. Shortly after the end of the Civil War, its purpose was to honor the fallen Union soldiers.

By the 20th century, Decoration Day was extended to honor all men and women who have perished while serving the U.S. armed forces. Each year, the gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery are decorated with U.S. flags, remembering the fallen.

As Americans, we are truly blessed to live in a nation where freedom is a civil right. When you look at  the devastative turmoil in other countries, it makes you truly appreciate the great nation we live in. So many soldiers have lost their lives protecting us. They have given their lives to ensure our freedom. I am truly thankful to those who have served and continue to serve.

Please take a moment this busy weekend to remember the fallen. Be safe and remember that...

God Bless the Red, White and Blue!!!

Goodbye Funky Monkey

The music industry lost a great man today. Adam "MCA" Yauch, died after a three-year battle with cancer. Yauch, 47, was a founding member and key part of the group, The Beastie Boys.

Adam "MCA" Yauch: 1964 - 2012

You didn't grow up in the 80's without being a huge fan of the Beastie Boys. The Beastie Boys soared to the top of the music charts in 1986 with their album, License to Ill. Every teenager from my generation rocked to hits like "Brass Monkey" and "No Sleep till Brooklyn." Their biggest song, "Fight for Your Right" (To Party), became every teenager's anthem.

Fight for Your Right (To Party) Video

Yauch, musically gifted from a young age, was a self taught vocalist and bassist. The Beastie Boys first public debut was at Yauch's 17th birthday party. Yauch, who was the oldest member of the group, grew up as an only child in Brooklyn. The group was just inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last month and has sold over 40 million records. Their fame also includes four Number 1 albums and three Grammy Awards.

Mike D and Ad-Rock at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Yauch, who went by the stage name, MCA, founded The Beastie Boys with his two friends; Michael Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock.) The trio made a domineering move into the rap industry, which at the time, was primarily dominated by African Americans. These three white, Jewish boys, seemingly overnight, changed the rap world.

The Beastie Boys: Ad-Rock, Mike D, and MCA

What many didn't know about Yauch, is that he traded in his party boy image in the 1990's after a visit to Nepal and listening to a lecture by the esteemed Dalai Lama. He converted to Buddhism (Tibetan Buddhism) and later became a leading advocate for Tibetan Freedom. His strong Buddhist ties paved way for the formation of Milarepa Foundation, which helps raise money and awareness for the cause.  The Milarepa Foundation also raised money for September 11 and continues to aid other charitable causes.

In Yauch's last years, he founded Oscilloscope Pictures. This was founded through his passion and keen aptitude for filmmaking. In 2008, he released his debut film, Gunnin' for that #1 Spot, a basketball documentary. He had since become a strong contender in the independent video sector.

Oscilloscope's Picture's  First Film

MCA will definitely be missed. According to close friends and music colleagues, he wast not just a wonderful musician, but a caring and respected man. Along with millions of other fans, especially those who grew up in the 80's, thank you for making music that fueled our teenage angst. Sometimes, you really do have to fight for your right.

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