when the birds are away
the moths will play
Friday, October 5, 2007
week 10 discussion post #1
On the topic of Miracles
This seems like a bit of a difficult topic to discuss, in the sense that I don't think there will be many people able to provide examples of their own miraculous experiences.
To me, it seems that the concept of a 'miracle' is fairly subjective, i.e. people use the word to varying degrees. An example: Some people consider the act of giving birth to a child as a miraculous occurrence, even though they know its a result of a woman's egg being fertilised, etc. Personally, I think the building of the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal, and many other 'classic' works of architecture, are miraculous, considering the comparative lack of tools/technology they had in those days!
I've heard of instances where a person's heart has literally stopped, but doctors/emergency crew have been able to revive that person, therefore bringing them back from the dead, regardless of how long that person was 'dead' for.
Then you have the odd story of a person being in a coma for decades, only to wake up to a completely changed society. I recall reading a news article within the last 12 months or so, of a man whose last memories prior to waking from his coma, were of a Germany still divided by the Berlin wall. How somebody can remain unconscious for so long, and then come 'back to life' so to speak, is beyond me.
Although science and technology have progressed far, there are still many things we don't know about, or don't fully understand. Humans made assumptions and devised the "laws" of nature, based on a continuous experience - but I think it's impossible for life and nature to be so straightforward as to follow a set of 'laws'. Hence we the one-off instances, the 'un'-usual events, as strange, and/or miraculous..
This seems like a bit of a difficult topic to discuss, in the sense that I don't think there will be many people able to provide examples of their own miraculous experiences.
To me, it seems that the concept of a 'miracle' is fairly subjective, i.e. people use the word to varying degrees. An example: Some people consider the act of giving birth to a child as a miraculous occurrence, even though they know its a result of a woman's egg being fertilised, etc. Personally, I think the building of the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal, and many other 'classic' works of architecture, are miraculous, considering the comparative lack of tools/technology they had in those days!
I've heard of instances where a person's heart has literally stopped, but doctors/emergency crew have been able to revive that person, therefore bringing them back from the dead, regardless of how long that person was 'dead' for.
Then you have the odd story of a person being in a coma for decades, only to wake up to a completely changed society. I recall reading a news article within the last 12 months or so, of a man whose last memories prior to waking from his coma, were of a Germany still divided by the Berlin wall. How somebody can remain unconscious for so long, and then come 'back to life' so to speak, is beyond me.
Although science and technology have progressed far, there are still many things we don't know about, or don't fully understand. Humans made assumptions and devised the "laws" of nature, based on a continuous experience - but I think it's impossible for life and nature to be so straightforward as to follow a set of 'laws'. Hence we the one-off instances, the 'un'-usual events, as strange, and/or miraculous..
Thursday, October 4, 2007
playing God?
So I read this article on SMH about how a doctor is developing a 'personalised' approach to treating cancer, and as I reading the article I couldn't help but wonder if the very act of being a doctor is like playing the role of God. After all, wasn't it Jesus who healed the sick and the blind? And for an illness such as cancer, which is quite life-threatening or terminal at times, treating a patient with a "gene chip" sounds like a much better way to cure cancer, rather than chemotherapy.
But has anybody complained about it?
Research for a cure for cancer is a noble piece of work in my opinion. Yet those scientists involved in stem cell research, or genetic research, who are equally as determined to try and cure patients of terminal illnesses etc, seem to cop a lot more flak from the general population. Or maybe it's just a controversial topic because there isn't a great deal known about stem cell (etc) research, considering that humans fear the unknown.
I mean, I'm not too sure what my stance is on genetic engineering. It does seem a bit too much like the scientists are trying to "play God". But at the same time I can't help but think, if I was severely ill wouldn't I desperately want any kind of cure available? Wouldn't everybody else be the same?
A response to the article "Gene Chip Helps Cancer Treatment"
But has anybody complained about it?
Research for a cure for cancer is a noble piece of work in my opinion. Yet those scientists involved in stem cell research, or genetic research, who are equally as determined to try and cure patients of terminal illnesses etc, seem to cop a lot more flak from the general population. Or maybe it's just a controversial topic because there isn't a great deal known about stem cell (etc) research, considering that humans fear the unknown.
I mean, I'm not too sure what my stance is on genetic engineering. It does seem a bit too much like the scientists are trying to "play God". But at the same time I can't help but think, if I was severely ill wouldn't I desperately want any kind of cure available? Wouldn't everybody else be the same?
A response to the article "Gene Chip Helps Cancer Treatment"
eager anticipation
From the makers of that bouncing ball ad and the exploding paint ad..
I can't wait for this new upcoming Bravia advert.. although I don't own a Bravia TV, their commercials are just out of this world.
You can't underestimate a good commercial. And what's more, most commercials (if not all) are only 30 seconds long.. and the creators out there, they can make you feel so many emotions within those thirty seconds, it's really quite amazing.
I love these ads - they're works of art.
I can't wait for this new upcoming Bravia advert.. although I don't own a Bravia TV, their commercials are just out of this world.
You can't underestimate a good commercial. And what's more, most commercials (if not all) are only 30 seconds long.. and the creators out there, they can make you feel so many emotions within those thirty seconds, it's really quite amazing.
I love these ads - they're works of art.
Monday, October 1, 2007
an eye for an eye - or not
What is the value of a human life?
The excerpt from a novel that's quoted in the above link is a bit odd - I think I find it a little difficult to understand because it's taken out of context. But anyways, the discussion that ensues beneath is about one of the Ten Commandments - specifically the one that commands we should not take another's life - and its translation.
I'm not sure where I stand with the death penalty. Sometimes I hear about a crime that somebody has committed, and it's absolutely disgusting and/or devastating for other people who were helplessly involved as victims or bystanders, etc.. and it seems logical that the criminal doesn't deserve to live. But at the same time, it would be greater torment for them to have to live for the rest of their life with the burden of their shame and guilt, if they feel any - otherwise I suppose the police or other official would try their best to instill a sense of intense regret in them.
And then I hear about people who have been sentenced to death for lesser crimes - the example that comes to mind is the young Asian-Australian who was caught in Singapore with drugs in his luggage (I think.. can't remember the exact details) and was subsequently killed for his crime. By the end of it all (and thanks to the media coverage/presentation of the whole event), I felt really sorry for his family as well as him. Even though he had technically broken the law, he hadn't physically taken anybody's life (from my knowledge), so I didn't think that warranted a death penalty.
I feel like I've strayed from the original question a bit. Let's just say, I wouldn't want to be the judge laying down the law in a criminal court.. that would just be too much for me. I don't want to be responsible for taking somebody else's life, even if it was indirect, i.e. by way of a court ruling, and not by a physical weapon.
The excerpt from a novel that's quoted in the above link is a bit odd - I think I find it a little difficult to understand because it's taken out of context. But anyways, the discussion that ensues beneath is about one of the Ten Commandments - specifically the one that commands we should not take another's life - and its translation.
I'm not sure where I stand with the death penalty. Sometimes I hear about a crime that somebody has committed, and it's absolutely disgusting and/or devastating for other people who were helplessly involved as victims or bystanders, etc.. and it seems logical that the criminal doesn't deserve to live. But at the same time, it would be greater torment for them to have to live for the rest of their life with the burden of their shame and guilt, if they feel any - otherwise I suppose the police or other official would try their best to instill a sense of intense regret in them.
And then I hear about people who have been sentenced to death for lesser crimes - the example that comes to mind is the young Asian-Australian who was caught in Singapore with drugs in his luggage (I think.. can't remember the exact details) and was subsequently killed for his crime. By the end of it all (and thanks to the media coverage/presentation of the whole event), I felt really sorry for his family as well as him. Even though he had technically broken the law, he hadn't physically taken anybody's life (from my knowledge), so I didn't think that warranted a death penalty.
I feel like I've strayed from the original question a bit. Let's just say, I wouldn't want to be the judge laying down the law in a criminal court.. that would just be too much for me. I don't want to be responsible for taking somebody else's life, even if it was indirect, i.e. by way of a court ruling, and not by a physical weapon.
a soulful groove
Born in Germany, to a Nigerian father and a gypsy mother. Her name means "joy" in Yoruba (an African language), and her nomadic nature has led her to live somewhere between Paris and New York.
Ayo is, by nature, quite unique.
---
From what I can remember, I randomly came across this artist in a JB Hi-Fi music magazine. I read the blurb and saw the album cover, and knew I wanted to listen to it. The album was eventually bought for me as a surprise present, which was a nice surprise indeed. :)
I think I was initially surprised by the songs - what I was hearing was not really what I'd expected. But I've grown to love the sound that is Ayo. She sings with a certain raw emotion - I would say it's a by-product of the troubles and hardships she's faced throughout her life thus far (read her biography here) - and musically, it's great to listen to.
If I needed to categorise her music into a genre for somebody.. I don't know what I would call it. Perhaps a soulful groove, as the title of this post suggests?
Ayo is primarily Caribbean/reggae-style rhythms, but she also includes a harmonica, an accordion and what I think is jazz organ (Hammond B-3, it says in the album booklet) in her songs. And whatever the percussion instrument is (no, not the drum kit), its got that awesome "guun, guun" sound to it which I love so much.
Stand-out tracks:
#1. Down On My Knees "Do you really think / She can love you more than me / Do you really, really think so?"
A quick, slick percussion intro leads into the song and the album that is Ayo. This song exemplifies her raw expression, and it packs a punch.
#3. Letter By Letter I wish I could read you like a book, letter by letter.."
This is one of the more pop-ish songs on the album, in my opinion. The harmonica makes an appearance on this track during the interludes, and I think it gives the song an extra edge.
#5. And It's Supposed To Be Love "Body slam you to the ground / Messaging a chill / Curses make the head go 'round / Brings a certain thrill.."
The upbeat, slightly Caribbean rhythm and the soft & gentle vocals belie the lyrical content of the song, as Ayo sings about the irony of love in a scene of domestic violence.
#10. Life Is Real "Me I be Ayo, Ogunmakin fear no foe, I am real fro head to toe, just like my heart and like my soul.."
A fast-paced song, and something I definitely groove along to. I love how this song is quicker than the rest, it's almost like a wake up call to get you up and about.
#13. Neva Been "I don't need the sun, don't need the moon / Now that you're here, God gave me both in you.."
The final song on the album. It's like after all the darkness, a ray of light peers through the clouds, and the sky clears more and more until it's a cloudless day, and all you can do is smile and dance. A great finishing touch to a wonderful album of life.
Ayo. Life, love and longing, with a dash of optimism. One of my real favourites in my cd collection. Have a listen if you like :)
Additional links:
http://www.myspace.com/ayosound
Ayo is, by nature, quite unique.
---
From what I can remember, I randomly came across this artist in a JB Hi-Fi music magazine. I read the blurb and saw the album cover, and knew I wanted to listen to it. The album was eventually bought for me as a surprise present, which was a nice surprise indeed. :)
I think I was initially surprised by the songs - what I was hearing was not really what I'd expected. But I've grown to love the sound that is Ayo. She sings with a certain raw emotion - I would say it's a by-product of the troubles and hardships she's faced throughout her life thus far (read her biography here) - and musically, it's great to listen to.
If I needed to categorise her music into a genre for somebody.. I don't know what I would call it. Perhaps a soulful groove, as the title of this post suggests?
Ayo is primarily Caribbean/reggae-style rhythms, but she also includes a harmonica, an accordion and what I think is jazz organ (Hammond B-3, it says in the album booklet) in her songs. And whatever the percussion instrument is (no, not the drum kit), its got that awesome "guun, guun" sound to it which I love so much.
Stand-out tracks:
#1. Down On My Knees "Do you really think / She can love you more than me / Do you really, really think so?"
A quick, slick percussion intro leads into the song and the album that is Ayo. This song exemplifies her raw expression, and it packs a punch.
#3. Letter By Letter I wish I could read you like a book, letter by letter.."
This is one of the more pop-ish songs on the album, in my opinion. The harmonica makes an appearance on this track during the interludes, and I think it gives the song an extra edge.
#5. And It's Supposed To Be Love "Body slam you to the ground / Messaging a chill / Curses make the head go 'round / Brings a certain thrill.."
The upbeat, slightly Caribbean rhythm and the soft & gentle vocals belie the lyrical content of the song, as Ayo sings about the irony of love in a scene of domestic violence.
#10. Life Is Real "Me I be Ayo, Ogunmakin fear no foe, I am real fro head to toe, just like my heart and like my soul.."
A fast-paced song, and something I definitely groove along to. I love how this song is quicker than the rest, it's almost like a wake up call to get you up and about.
#13. Neva Been "I don't need the sun, don't need the moon / Now that you're here, God gave me both in you.."
The final song on the album. It's like after all the darkness, a ray of light peers through the clouds, and the sky clears more and more until it's a cloudless day, and all you can do is smile and dance. A great finishing touch to a wonderful album of life.
Ayo. Life, love and longing, with a dash of optimism. One of my real favourites in my cd collection. Have a listen if you like :)
Additional links:
http://www.myspace.com/ayosound
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