All That Jazz

So I have frequently maintained the existence of God in this blog. And in doing so, frequently asserted His love of music. Now, I am once again going to use a musical analogy to assert the existence of something divine, namely miracles.

Much has been offered both for and against the idea of Miracles in our lives. And, indeed, while my explanation isn't on par with those authors (perhaps even borrowed from someone else seeing as how I don't think this to be an original idea), I do believe it is satisfactory for the everyday man.

God is a jazz musician. That would explain the existence of miracles in a world I claim to be indeterministic. It explains the gist of the argument: how God can seemingly intervene in this world without upsetting the free-will balance. Right?

Well, it does and I think God is a good jazz musician. I particularly enjoyed the guitar riff during the 2004 ALCS. Didn't see that one coming (Yes. That's been replaced by a humbling blues tune this year).

Also, the upcoming birth of my child will most certainly be a wonderful piano solo (Yes. I know. Childbirth doesn't fit the strict definition of miracle).

Anytime a medical miracle occurs, well, I'd have to say that would be a bass solo. Why? Because bass solos resonate. They shake us. Medical miracles shake us. Fittingly, then, the Great Physician is a wonderful bass player. Probably the upright bass -- you can't perform those miracles sitting down.

And drum solos. Those are the everyday miracles that we don't notice or don't seem like miracles and only later, after everything's settled, we realize how it all worked.

While God is a jazz musician. I also maintain he loves rock music, especially just before lunch time and during the seventh day; obviously classical music, i.e. at the creation of the world; perhaps a good waltz around every sunset.

The thing of it is: God doesn't like opera. Look what happened when God tried to sing opera. Ouch.

NOTE: I know the clip is in Spanish. Fast Forward to about 2:00 minutes into the clip for my point. Sorry. Sometimes you can't find everything on the web.

Sing-A-Long-Songs

So now that everyone knows the Mrs. and I are expecting our first child, I've got a request. We've decided that rather than buy one of those CD's that plays popular tunes sung by someone other than the original artist that are easy to listen to for babies -- we'd like to create our own. Essentially: a lullabye mix tape. Of course, it won't be an actual tape, rather a playlist on my iPod.

So I'm looking for songs. To give you an idea of the type of artist and song you would expect to find on this playlist: Jack Johnson, Billy Joel, James Taylor. Sadly, there won't be any Pearl Jam, CCR, Wilco and the like. It's all got to be music that's easy on the ears, positive lyrics and something the wife and I could listen to over and over again without becoming sick of it (as is the case with children, they love repetition).

Hit me with your best shot. Fire away. I'll let you know the final list.

Studio 60

It's the best new show on T.V.. And there are a number of reasons for that, reasons that come before actually watching the show and reasons that incredibly clear after watching the show. For those of you who have not yet seen it, I will tell you why you need to see it, and for those of you who have, I'll tell you what makes it so great.

REASONS WHY IT WOULD BE GOOD
1. Aaron Sorkin is writing the show. He's created it. And NBC's been plugging that. How often do they plug a show by the creator? And mention him by name (a la: "From the producers of Friends and Mad About You")?
2. There isn't a show like it on T.V. -- in premise that is. Always a good sign for a new show, it's not trying to make a stale formula work, it's its own mixture.
4. Extremely good actors. Always a positive to bring, while not superstars, actors who bring something to the table.
5. Did I mention Sorkin's writing the show?

REASONS WHY IT WILL BE GOOD
1. Aaron Sorkin is writing the show. Having watched it with this in mind I couldn't quite remember what I was missing with him not being around (he left the West Wing which was terrible after he left). Then I watched the show. And remembered.
2. It's intelligent. Sorkin doesn't pull punches with topics, but I feel he gives them a fair treatment, even if he doesn't agree with them. He shows difficult issues the respect they deserve. Not easy to do in 41 minutes of T.V. that has to keep people interested. Actually, it's pretty impressive.
3. All the characters are strong characters. There's no weak character, no comic relief. Each is already quite developed and rounded -- though this does not leave them without their flaws, not easy to write in when dealing with such strong characters. Especially his female characters, all very, very strong -- in every show he's ever done.
4. It challenges you to think. NO SHOW ON TV DOES THIS.
5. Did I mention Sorkin's writing this.

So give it a chance. It's not like anything you know -- not even like the West Wing, it's much different in tone which is good lest it be like the West Wing and not it's own mixture. Let's just say that I stopped watching any and all dramas on TV once Sorkin left the West Wing because all others are formulaic.

Choosy Moms Choose JIF

It's not exactly a crisis of faith, or even my "dark night of the soul", but it's just after 6 AM and I'm blogging. Seems I've been struck with this realization (coming after I realized I shut the alarm off on the Mrs., making her late for work) that I may very well be becoming a determinist. Of course, this thought struck me after I had spent most of the night dreaming about my brother and I swimming underneath a plane traveling along the water getting to land in Washington state and me feeling terrible about losing his Blockbuster card. All that to say I'm not sure how valid this idea is but it was certainly worth me working it out.

I've long struggled with the free will vs. determinism debate. As my dad said long ago, there are times when both are valid and provide comfort. And I like that idea (does that make me a compatibilist?). Most of the time I've fallen alongside the free will-ers. Asserting this point of view better equips me to explain, for instance, the problem of evil - arguably the most difficult problem facing the Christian (outside of homoousis -- an idea I can't even touch in the middle of day with a full night sleep and dreams of sugar plum fairies behind me).

However, the thought struck me that I have become a determinist. For example, there are several rather large decisions facing me in the coming months (work, kid, school, whether to be a Red Sox fan) and my general attitude seems to be one of "well if it's to happen, it will". That's not to say I've not try to take control of any of those decisions, but still, the prevailing belief is not to spend time in such decisions - to assert control (whatever that means) in making them. Four or five years ago I would have prayed long and hard about such decisions (not that I'm not praying about them now) and spent time trying to discern God's will. Now, I'm not sensing that I am doing that well enough; so I fear that has made me a determinist. Such a paradigm shift has allowed me to see how one puts such a belief into action (again, when deciding which side of the debate to come on to originally, the idea of putting such ideas into practice was challenging). Fixing the problem is easier: spend time in prayer, spend time with God, read the Bible, etc. It's the realization that is eye opening (I say that not just because it's after 6 AM and I'm blogging).

The thing of it is: If I hadn't have come to such an awakening, would I be the type of dad that would just choose any type of Peanut Butter? Or would I use my free will and choose JIF? So let's just say I'm glad, for my kids sake, that I've identified this now and rest assured, my kid'll be eating JIF.

Fixed the Problem! Here You Go!

A Thought

I remember where I was five years ago. The world remembers where it was. It is a day, a time, an event we will not forget. Words and even memories can't summon the emotion of that day.

I offer these words to a song by Sandra McCracken:

To the ones left behind who are picking up the pieces
of planes, bombs, and buildings of innocence and evil
‘Cause when the news and noise and flowers die,
and you still wake up alone
There is a God who knows every tear you cry,
And this world is on His shoulders.

Perhaps it may bring you comfort when your memories and thoughts of 9.11.2001 do not.

The Video Montage

Of course I was watching the premiere of the NFL season last night (In Hi-Def too, I might add -- it looks absolutely incredible!). First, you should know I'm riding the Daunte Culpepper Train in Fantasy Football this year. So I might be bitter throughout the season. Perhaps Nick Saban shall be his Virgil and lead him and the Dolphins to Paradisio (of course, like Dante, to get to Heaven you must go through a cold and frozen Inferno that bears an awful likeness to Foxborough in January.)

Second thing of note: Does anyone remember how to make a successful video montage? Pink? That was terrible. Just abominable. And nothing against rap music, I like a good rap song. But rap doesn't work in the video montage. Here's why: the song needs to build. It needs to drive. Rap songs don't do that (except on rare occasions; read: Eminem). You need a classic rock song. How about The Who classic Baba O'Reily (Yes, before it was the theme to Without a Trace, it was an actual song)? How about Rebel Yell by Billy Idol (I'm sure he'd love to be popular again)? Heck, even Styx's Come Sail Away would be better than Pink.

The thing of it is: Is this a lost art? Am I wrong? But I love a good rock song and it seems, like for video montages to start the game, a good rock song from years gone by (when they were making good rock songs) couldn't be a more perfect fit.

Oh No She Didn't!

Perhaps this bothered no one else: Did you notice Katie Couric was wearing white yesterday? After Labor Day?

Show's you how much I care about the news by the fact that this is the one thing that has stuck with me since yesterday.
But, again, Katie was wearing white!!!! After Labor Day!!!!! Barbara Walters wore white today too...apparently in solidarity.
But you can't tell me it wasn't done on purpose with Couric? That no one thought of the old wives tale? Something was up with that choice.

The thing of it is: investigating this idea would've been the most interesting thing on the newscast. Evening news is done. Why wait until 6:30 to get my news (and there was very little of it in the show) when I can get it at 3:30 on-line and it's much more complete. Plus I don't have to sit through the newscast either and hear what I want to. It's worth thinking about.

A Volley For The Ages

Much has been said, and much more will be said about today's final match of Andre Agassi's career. I recommended these two articles to start with. If there are others, please let me know. I enjoy good writing and moments, like today's at Arthur Ashe Stadium, was one that wrote itself. And that's a rare thing.

Still there is much to be said because there was much to this man. I grew up watching Agassi play. Not the Agassi we saw today, a much different Agassi. I watched him struggle, fall out of the Top 100. Then I watched a glorious return to his career. I don't think many people understand how tough it is to be a 36-year-old tennis star and be successful. It's unheard of.

Today there was plenty to hear and see. But there was much more to remember. And I'll still take it in for a few days. Let it out at moments, years from now, when some sports show is showing highlights. I'll remember this moment. I'll remember the epic battles with Sampras. My god, was there ever a better individual rivalry than those two, one that NEVER let you down.

There are few moments like these, this perhaps the greatest of 2006. When a man, with a career like Agassi's, with a huge heart and love and passion for life and flair for a simple game, is overcome. Overcome by the end.

You don't get past moments like today on center court. They cannot and shall not be overcome. Not by time, not by other moments, not by words.

Unalaska, Alaska

So apparently the rapture is happening right now in Alaska:

AP-Alaska Earthquake
Quake shakes Alaskan islands
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A strong earthquake has jolted Alaska's central Aleutian Islands. The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude six quake iscentered about 12 miles northeast of Unalaska Island. There are no reports yet of injuries or damage. And scientistssay there was no risk of a tsunami. It's the second big Pacific rim earthquake within a matter of hours.

And that's a shame really, I'd really liked to have traveled there with the Northern Lights and all. But really... the "Unalaska Islands"? I mapquested it and all (google maps is the best, I know. Double True.) Turns out it actually is a place in Alaska, except it's unalaska. I am reminded of the Seinfield episode where Kramer is dating that girl who lives downtown. Anyway, Unalaska, Alaska must be the nexus of the universe.

The thing of it is: Is this like Unamerican? Is it because a bunch of non-alaskans live there? Probably some ticked off Canadiens. Actually, here's the real reason. But it's not as funny. Sometimes I'm better off not knowing the truth behind things because then it can be anything I want it to be.