Paul's Philosophical Discussions

It's not all about you, but it is...actually.

2009-03-22T20:47:00.005-04:00

So, I think God is big enough to have created our existences in parallel so that we experience one lifetime at a time, but in reality we are everyone simultaneously. He is experiencing his creation through us in those who choose to have him live in them. So, loving your neighbor as yourself is quite literal, eh?

Therefore coincidence becomes providence, fear vanishes and love remains ever present.

Conversation with Fathers of the Faith

2009-03-14T22:41:00.001-04:00

Dave Buehring has made a wonderful set of teaching DVDs. The men who speak in them are transforming.

www.fathersofthefaith.com

Meaning vs. Consistency...

2006-12-27T23:07:00.000-05:00

I am catching up on all the episodes of LOST with my wife this Holiday Season.

It is a great show, but it occurred to me this evening that I wonder if they're shooting for consistency without meaning. I say this because I am not certain that the two (meaning and consistency) are mutually tied together.

I can see a storyline continue with consistency in the characters actions that have been developed, and the viewers ascribing meaning to the whole thing. I find myself tottering on the edge of various meanings:

-The whole island is 'dead people' from various crashes and accidents that don't know they are dead yet, and they need to work out "their stuff" before being allowed into heaven. The "others" are assisting in this "angel work". This is the purgatory scenario.
-They are really still alive and the Dharma initiative started decades ago with genetically altered humans and even the surviving islanders were caught up in what appears to be fate, but is really a carefully orchestrated plot by the original Dharma group and Hanso Labs even started way before many of them thought to take flight 815
-It's a story of adventure and drama that is being made-up only a few episodes in advance taking the viewers input via the web boards as to their guessing what is going on and using THAT as fodder for new episodes - basically a new kind of participatory television making where we don't realize we are participating.

Frankly, I prefer scenario #1 and even though executive producers have denied this, I'd be fine with them lying to us to not let the cat out of the bag too early... which leads me back to my point... do we as viewers of LOST want meaning or consistency? and the bigger issue - do we as humans want meaning or consistency?

For the TV show, they could have me watching LOST for another couple seasons as long as they feed my need for some slowly-revealed meaning but keep consistent with the characters they have developed. Although, through back-story and character development via flashbacks, I could be lead into some inconsistencies that I would accept - as long as that "meaning" is still there on the horizon.

Unfortunately, if the "meaning" is always on the horizon, or I get teased too much, will I abandon the curiosity? I'm not sure. Would the show become some kind of dramatic "Gilligan's Island" with new adventures being the only thing that MIGHT grab my attention if the overarching meaning of "what is going on here" is never revealed? I mean, i still live life without REALLY knowing my own afterlife fate or why I am alive. I seem to be fine with that as long as there are some main consistencies established... I have a job, a home, a wife, a direction... without these would I fail to be motivated? Does the consistency itself bring about meaning? Would really knowing my own "ending" (or at least my next stage) dull my experience of this current existence?

I think the show LOST would serve the viewers well by having a final direction and closure at some point relatively soon... and if it turns out to be scenario #1 after all - then cool! I will always later reflect on what a brilliant series this was. I know I have been told (in Catholic School) to "pray for the LOST", so I can see all avenues pointing towards scenario #1. Frankly, if it is NOT scenario #1, I will have feel cheated. I don't care if the execs want to lie about people "figuring it out" too early... NOT telling us we "got it" now IS a wise choice... it's like God not telling us that there really is a heaven and purpose for all this and just giving us hints of it now and then to keep us interested in life. (So much more there to go off on a different tangent, but I won't ramble about that right now.)

I will say, though, that if LOST is something more like scenario #3, then that blows my mind as to what THAT means if I choose to keep my analogy of tying LOST together with a reflection of real life. First of all for the show, then cool for the TV execs to come up with a new mode of creating television, and for real life that could mean that we are all making it up as we go along (in life) and that our future or outcome depends more on what we decide it to be rather than a supreme being's established plan (i.e. God made us to see what we would do. Hmmm, can an omniscient being even possess the trait of curiosity?)

Okay, too much... my brain hurts... goodnight....

2006-11-10T08:52:00.000-05:00

2006-09-24T09:23:00.000-04:00

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2006-09-16T19:31:00.000-04:00

Stephanie is leaving us

2006-08-02T12:21:00.000-04:00

Stephanie is moving on to RIT this fall. We will miss her hard work in the ELC.

Bryan and Jane

2006-08-01T12:13:00.000-04:00

This is Bryan Maslin of Maslin Digital and Jane Flasch from WHAM-TV .

Nasty girl.

2006-08-01T05:28:00.000-04:00

A girl cut me off in traffic - so once again... add her to the blog.

All the repeating numbers are equal!!!!

2006-07-16T00:14:00.000-04:00

Okay, I finally decided to post something interesting besides photos:

I was thinking that you know how we count from 1 to 10, and how it's all based on the ten digits because of our fingers (ten fingers). Well, as there have shown to be any number of base systems from binary (base two) to Octal and Hexadecimal (bases eight and sizteen respecively), I was thinking how God might count. See, if God has no reason to have anything but a units place, he would just keep on going with single symbols representing numbers from 1 to infinity. It would be a "base-less" system literally in that there is no need to go into a second (or more) division of the symbols in what we call the tens and hundreds place, etc. (as in base ten).

Now, I got to thinking about fractions in this way and something very peculiar occured.

If we say there exists a number that is 1/n where n equals a repeating number, then we have the possibility of having any and every 1/n equal to each other when n is a repeating number. It is because a number such as "bar234" (that in Gods numbering system would be a single sympbol) would be vitually equal to "bar872" (another single symbol) because they approach infinity, and so "1/that number" would also be equal to "1/the other number".

Help!

BarCamp was held in the cool Golisano building...

2006-07-14T18:02:00.000-04:00

See the cool architecture.

More Photos from BarCamp...

2006-07-14T13:34:00.000-04:00

More Photos from BarCamp...

Photos from BarCamp...

2006-07-14T13:32:00.000-04:00

Photos from BarCamp....

Justin Thorp - at Rochester BarCamp

2006-07-14T12:20:00.000-04:00

This is my first BarCamp that this guy, Justin, invited .

Rachael's happy to be at The Studio

2006-07-05T12:39:00.000-04:00

Rachael is showing us the entrance to PUSH and The Studio at the NewSong Offices..

New coffee house!

2006-07-02T14:35:00.000-04:00

This is a cool new coffee house on South Avenue. It has posted hours, but wasn't open Sunday when I went to check it out. I could see inside, though, and it looks cool. Also, my friend will have her artwork donning the walls soon.

Gettysburg Hotel

2006-06-30T16:43:00.000-04:00

We stopped in Gettysburg on the way home.

Winning is fun!

2006-06-29T23:18:00.000-04:00

Elena got a medal and balloons and a purple flexi-girl.

Elena won 3rd in Beam!

2006-06-29T19:03:00.000-04:00

Elena did a great job at the YMCA Nationals.

PA bound!

2006-06-28T16:42:00.000-04:00

At Lewisburg, PA.

Lindsey is a photogenius!

2006-06-25T16:06:00.000-04:00

Lindsey doing what she does best. www.pgdstudio.com

Eric Brown, the man who is kind.

2006-06-25T15:38:00.000-04:00

If you know this man, you are blessed indeed.

Jessica Weinstein at MCC

2006-06-22T13:48:00.000-04:00

Jessica Weinstein

Cockatiel

2006-06-06T21:53:00.000-04:00

Nina with Joey the Birdie.

Lindsey is cool!

2006-06-06T21:50:00.000-04:00

Lindsey at ReMax. See her site at www.pgdstudio.com

Burned in the butt area.

2006-05-31T17:11:00.000-04:00

This is what you get when you mix Diane with an iron and a chair at work! Way to go, Diane!.

Diane burning a hole in office furniture.

2006-05-31T17:10:00.000-04:00

Diane knows how to start trouble.

Now Paul tries them on

2006-05-28T15:58:00.000-04:00

I look better in these shades.

Mom with her shades

2006-05-28T15:56:00.000-04:00

These shades actually belong to mom.

Shady Nina

2006-05-28T15:54:00.000-04:00

Nina with them.

Rapper John

2006-05-28T15:52:00.000-04:00

Cool dad with sunglesses.

ROS with RPO for 60th year finale concert

2006-05-28T14:58:00.000-04:00

Rochester Oratorio Society on the Eastman Theatre stage with RPO.

Mean SUV person...

2006-05-25T16:17:00.000-04:00

Photo of an SUV that cut me off then shook his fist at me as if it was my fault... then sped away. (I caught up at the next light)

Related to my boss?

2006-05-25T14:58:00.000-04:00

Found this certificate left behind at Monroe Golf Club.

Cereal and Coffeeman...

2006-05-16T19:15:00.000-04:00

Jamison Baker ready to walk for MS.

Browk!

2006-05-16T19:14:00.000-04:00

It's the Red Wings mascot and me ready to walk in the MS Walk-a-thon 2006.

Puttahexonadrink

2006-04-17T18:00:00.000-04:00

Stephanie is putting a hex on John's drink. Hope he likes it anyways.

Robyn smiles

2006-04-01T09:23:00.000-05:00

Robyn Goldstein is happy.

What's Diane doing now?

2006-03-24T19:36:00.000-05:00

Diane is in a car touch-a-thon. Did she win?

A-maze-ing way to keep balanced

2006-03-07T12:01:00.000-05:00

During PT, I used this to strenghthen my foot and have fun at the same time. I never could get the ball in the very center using one foot.

Nina and Paul acting nuts

2006-02-24T20:25:00.000-05:00

Which one is acting harder?

Isaac serves it up

2006-02-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

Have a tall latte from Isaac at Starbucks. He is the master coffee maker. Henrietta location only. Discounts apply occasionally. One coupon per cutomer. Froth extra on Thursdays.

Beth and John

2006-02-04T22:32:00.000-05:00

John and Beth.

K-Dog enjoys a cup

2006-01-29T09:55:00.000-05:00

Keith Woodbridge enjoys coffee with Paul.

Larry is in a cup of coffee!

2006-01-27T21:03:00.000-05:00

Does Larry know?

Ice skating is fun

2006-01-27T19:59:00.000-05:00

Larry, Nina, Stacy and Paul at the rink.

I'm standing on ice!

2006-01-27T19:55:00.000-05:00

Can I get the shot and stay balanced?

Why so mad?

2006-01-26T07:58:00.000-05:00

I have my fancy earmuffs on.

The real Coffey

2006-01-25T12:46:00.000-05:00

So many of my photos are us drinking a cup of coffee... I thought I'd include the real thing... Jim Coffey!

DLF connection

2006-01-23T11:38:00.000-05:00

Darrin in the darkness... beware. Actually, he looks more scared

Family unit

2006-01-23T00:53:00.000-05:00

Dad and mom and me hangin' in the kitchen.

You'll need this

2006-01-23T00:50:00.000-05:00

Dad and mom offering a sweater.

Aidan

2006-01-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Building blocks are fun.

"Durp"

2006-01-21T22:23:00.000-05:00

Darrin, at his best.

Balmer-bound

2006-01-21T16:49:00.000-05:00

Not sure where this is, but we were on our way to Baltimore.

No morphing software was employed

2006-01-21T16:18:00.000-05:00

I lost my glasses and need help.

Audio entry from Lewisburg, PA

2006-01-21T15:34:00.000-05:00

Dad and me in PA

2006-01-21T15:10:00.000-05:00

We are on the way to see Darrin and Bridget and their boys... and to see PUSH Physical Theatre perform in Baltimore!!! www.pushtheatre.org

On the way to Baltimore

2006-01-21T13:55:00.000-05:00

"The highway in front of us"

2006-01-21T13:53:00.000-05:00

This is the infamus 'highway in front of us' as made known by my claim in the audio blog nearby.

Dad happy to be a passenger

2006-01-21T12:41:00.000-05:00

Does he realize I have to drive while taking this photo? I hope that's not considered using a cell phone while driving?

Miss Valencia, how are you?

2006-01-12T21:19:00.000-05:00

Adrienne is smiling.

More GPS Driving...

2006-01-09T19:49:00.000-05:00

GPS Driving...

2006-01-09T19:44:00.000-05:00

Jessica Weinstein

2006-01-08T17:27:00.000-05:00

What is Jessica up to now?

What is Dan doing?

2006-01-06T14:04:00.000-05:00

Dan is curious.

Sharron saying hello to the world

2006-01-05T14:59:00.000-05:00

Sharron...

2006-01-05T14:55:00.000-05:00

Sharron has something to say - listen.

GPS Blogging - can you track me?

2006-01-04T19:21:00.000-05:00

GPS driving in Rochester - trying something new

2006-01-04T19:09:00.000-05:00

Pete Heinrich - owner of The Lodge at Woodcliff

2006-01-03T18:59:00.000-05:00

Would you book your room with this man?

What!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-01-03T18:46:00.000-05:00

Steve G.

Nick DiBella info about "Cherry Crush"

2006-01-03T13:29:00.000-05:00

RAVA Meeting with Nick DiBella

2006-01-03T13:22:00.000-05:00

Nick DiBella and Paul

Zing-it!

2006-01-01T14:07:00.000-05:00

The new card game sensation called "Zing-it!"

2006-01-01T14:02:00.000-05:00

Zing-it!.

Darren and Heather wishing you a Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T12:32:00.000-05:00

More faces of the New Year!

2006-01-01T12:30:00.000-05:00

Darren and Heather

Faces of the New Year!

2006-01-01T11:13:00.000-05:00

Sue and Isaac

Betsy and the New Year blaaaaahs.

2006-01-01T02:13:00.000-05:00

Betsy and the New Year blaaaaahs.

We're all saying, "Happy New Year!"

2006-01-01T02:12:00.000-05:00

Scary Larry!!!

2005-12-31T20:51:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year exclaimation by Paul

2005-12-31T20:50:00.001-05:00

Father Time and Baby... presented by Scary Larry!!!

2005-12-31T20:50:00.000-05:00

Dad's review of Narnia

2005-12-26T15:11:00.002-05:00

Paul's review of Narnia

2005-12-26T15:11:00.001-05:00

Nina's review of Narnia

2005-12-26T15:11:00.000-05:00

Mom's review of Narnia

2005-12-26T15:10:00.000-05:00

Tinseltown - going to see Narnia

2005-12-26T11:48:00.000-05:00

Intro of Narnia

2005-12-26T11:47:00.000-05:00

Crescent Beach Hotel introductions

2005-12-25T17:58:00.000-05:00

Dinner at Crescent Beach Hotel

2005-12-25T17:53:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas - audio only

2005-12-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Kitty in a box

2005-12-24T23:36:00.000-05:00

I'm melting!!!

2005-12-24T23:34:00.000-05:00

Caillou!!!

2005-12-23T15:41:00.000-05:00

Candy Apple with M&Ms

2005-12-23T12:20:00.000-05:00

Tigger 1989-2005

2005-12-22T14:57:00.000-05:00

Dignified look

2005-12-21T00:29:00.000-05:00