Author Archives: ayny

Oslo is a great city. Very clean & quiet, with kind people.

I think my host, Alex, is taking me to the Nobel Museum today. I am hoping to be able to pick up one or two Nobel Prizes in the gift shop for Jocelyne and Lili.

Alex’s roommate was speaking to us last night about a documentary called World Peace and Other 4th Grade Achievements, which follows a teacher named John Hunter, who created a World Peace game in 1978, to try to expose his 4th grade students to “the complex issues of the greater geo-political world that they will one day encounter.”

Hunter did not set out to be a teacher – in fact, he was primarily on a spiritual quest. Upon returning from one of his trips to India, with white robes, full beard and afro, and John Lennon glasses, he said to his father, “Dad, I think I am really close to getting spiritual enlightenment.” His father replied, “Yes, well there’s one other thing you have to get too: a job.” Hunter ended up getting a degree in experimental education, and I think that his degree and job choice have definitely paid off – a millionfold, perhaps.

The trailer for the movie can be seen here, but what is really worthwhile watching is Hunter’s TED talk. It is truly inspiring.

Forgetting my passport, & having to come home and miss my flight to Norway has, on the bright side, given me time to post the last Beastie video before I leave (again). There are so many to choose from – I was tempted to go back to the roots and post Cooky Puss – I still remember purchasing the single at 99 Records on MacDougal St when it came out – but it is on the vulgar and un-ahimsic side, and wouldn’t reflect the spiritual and moral maturity that the Beasties all went through. Following Yauch’s lead, Horowitz and Mike D. whole-heartedly supported the Tibetan freedom cause, and I feel that it is fitting to end these few days of videos with the most positive, compassionate and dedicated parts of Adam’s character. Rest in peace, Adam; travel safely, our prayers are with you.

Sabotage is arguably one of the greatest Beastie Boy songs, with an unforgettable bass hook from MCA that is as gravelly and rooted as his voice was. True to their early, NYC punk rock days, this song has power. The video clip below is so completely electric, and captures Adam, Adam and Mike at their best: tight, fun, and full of love for playing music. It brought tears to my eyes.

Their original Sabotage video is worth seeing, too, if you haven’t already. It is totally hilarious, and they must have had a blast making it.

One of my favorite Beastie Boy songs, off of Paul’s Boutique; a phenomenal, ground-breaking work wherein the Beastie’s rap over practically every record that was ever recorded.

Go listen to it if you haven’t already.