The Beastie Boys and Apple Fritters
The world is a difficult place. It’s full of differences and conflict mixed with uncertainty and fear. These challenges create issues, but there’s hope for us all when we can look past our disagreements and focus on the things we have in common. When we find common ground and can agree on something, it becomes a building block for growth. To make this happen, I would like to bring to the forefront two universal truths that we can all agree on. These two universal truths are important because if we can find common ground, it can unite us more than our differences separate us. They provide us with hope for the future. “What are these two universal truths”, you might ask? They might surprise you.
First, The Beastie Boys are one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time. Second, Apple Fritters are one of the greatest breakfast treats of all time.
I challenge you to find argument with either of these two statements.
If you are a fan of hip hop, you are a fan of the Beastie Boys. They have been an inspiration to generations of artists, and they have provided classics that shaped the first 50 years of rap. They are universally loved. Fundamentally respected. Recognized as one of the most important groups in hip hop history. The Beastie Boys’ career was cut short due to the untimely passing of MCA (Adam Yauch) in 2012, but they demonstrated a growth and evolution in their discography that few groups can aspire to. The rules of hip hop were changed because of their album Paul’s Boutique and its impact on sampling law. Their next two records are certified classics (Check Your Head and Ill Communication). They were self-aware and one of the acts that tried to raise the issue of misogyny in hip hop with a single line from Ill Communication, garnering them even more support as they grew. The Beastie Boys became an institution in hip hop and even maintained respect in hardcore and punk circles, where they originally came from. They were one of the greatest. We should all aspire to be like them in some way.
Speaking of the greatest, an Apple Fritter is inarguably one of the greatest breakfast treats of all time. You may love a cinnamon roll, or you might crave an egg sandwich. You might desire a sticky bun or have to have a bear claw. Regardless of your taste, an Apple Fritter is always at the top of the list. It is the perfect combination of crispy crunch with gooey goodness. The blend of cinnamon and apple brings to mind the greatest Apple Pie you’ve ever had, blended with the delight of a donut, glazed and airy. An Apple Fritter may not always be on your menu, but when we come across the opportunity, we all jump at the chance.
You might ask yourself, “Why am I reading this”? Well, please don’t unsubscribe. To be honest, you probably have more important things to be doing right now than reading this, but it was important to me that I deliver something to your inbox this edition that made you smile.
The state of the world is difficult right now. Watching or reading the news is a series of tragic and unbelievable stories, one after the other. At least one thing had to be delivered to your inbox that brought some positivity to your day. I thought to myself maybe we can all find some common ground to agree on. Or, if you truly don't agree with my two universal truths stated above, that we could have an intelligent discourse on the merits of our own individual points of view. If we do either of these, maybe things will be ok. After all, we may not agree often, but maybe we can be mature enough to listen to someone else and what they may have to say without shutting them down immediately.