Tag: this day in history

Remembering Kurt Cobain

On this day in 1994, Kurt Cobain died at the age of 27. Cobain was the lead singer of the band, Nirvana. Nirvana has always been one of my favorite bands, and Smells Like Teen Spirit is possibly one of my favorite songs. It is one of the first songs I can remember thinking “Ooh, I love this song” every time it came on the radio. Many people, I’m sure, feel the same way. Many more can probably remember where they were when Kurt Cobain died. (Being too young to remember this myself, I equate it to remembering where I was when I found out Heath Ledger had died). The band is legendary, as is Cobain, and enjoyed much success while it was around. Dave Grohl (their drummer) would go on to form his own band, Foo Fighters, which has also enjoyed much success. He has also recently formed another band, Them Crooked Vultures. Both bands have plans for future albums and a tour.

And now, a tribute:

Google Doodles: The Barcode

Anyone who has visited Google today may have noticed a giant barcode on the top of their screen. No, Google is not selling itself to the highest bidder. It is recognizing the invention of the barcode, which is celebrating its 57th anniversary. The story (which I have linked to) is actually somewhat interesting if you like reading about random things such as this that no one seems to care about. Something to think about when you purchase that stick of gum or diet soda today.

Never Forget

Does everyone remember where they were when the events of 8 years ago took place? September 11, 2001, picture this: Students are sitting in English class preparing for an exam. Across the hall our history teacher (whose class we just left a few minutes ago) is running up and down the halls asking who has seen and for us to turn on our TVs. We do, and take our quiz while silent images of destruction fly across the screen. One of those students was me. I was in the 8th grade at the time. I will never forget who I sat next to or what we said as events unfolded. I doubt any of us will.

Another story. Imagine you were supposed to work in that building but had called out earlier because your wife was going into labor and about to have her baby. How lucky would you feel? Not only starting your family, but you have been saved from the horror that others had to go through. This is what happened to a friend of my father’s. This was one of those moments where even a doubter has to believe in a greater Power than oneself.

I hope everyone takes the time to remember today and those who were not as fortunate. Most importantly don’t forget to live, not just today but every day. Make every moment count, because you never know when it may all have to come to an end.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road… with The Beatles

Today in history we celebrate a fictional girl from Kansas and a group of musicians from across the pond. In 1939 “The Wizard of Oz” made its New york premiere in theaters. Also this date in 1960, The Beatles started their first engagement outside of England as they arrived in Hamburg, West Germany. This was the first time they played under the name “The Beatles”. As a tribute I thought I’d lead you to this video I found on YouTube.

“The Wizard of Oz” and the Beatles are both legends in their respective fields. Not only has “Oz” been voted one of the greatest soundtracks of all time, it also had an interesting mix of black & white and color sequences. When reviewing the history of color in movies, The Wizard of Oz always makes the list right next to another movie that came out that year (and beat it for Best Picture) “Gone With the Wind”.

When it comes to music history there is no one like The Beatles. They are one of the most influential bands of all time, as most musicians today either directly or indirectly draw inspiration from this remarkable band. They have made the Billboard 200 Albums of the Year chart countless times between 1964-2007 as well as the Hot 100 Songs of the Year chart between 1964-1976. It is hard to summarize a band with that long a history with just a few words.

Suggested activity of the day:
In celebration of our two events in history, why not drive over to a friend’s house with your Beatles records and copy of Wizard of Oz and follow the yellow brick road down memory lane? Just be careful of those flying monkeys!