INTERESTING CONVERSATION

An Atheist  Professor of Philosophy speaks to his Class on the Problem Science has with  GOD,  The  ALMIGHTY.
He asks one of his  New Christian Students to stand and . . .

Professor  : You are a Christian,  aren’t you, son ? 
Student     : Yes,  sir.
Professor  : So you Believe in  GOD  ?
Student     : Absolutely,  sir.
Professor  : Is GOD Good  ? 
Student     : Sure.
Professor  : Is GOD ALL – POWERFUL  ? 
Student     : Yes.
Professor  : My Brother died of  Cancer even though he Prayed to GOD to Heal
him.
Most of us would attempt to Help  Others who are ill.
But GOD didn’t.
How is this GOD  Good then ? Hmm  ?

( Student is  silent )

Professor  : You can’t answer,  can you ?
Let’s start again, Young Fella.
Is GOD Good ? 
Student     : Yes. 
Professor :  Is Satan good  ? 
Student     : No.
Professor  : Where does Satan  come from ? 
Student     : From . . . GOD . .  . 
Professor  : That’s right.
Tell me son, is there evil in this World  ?
Student     : Yes.
Professor :  Evil is everywhere, isn’t it ?
And GOD did make Everything. Correct  ? 
Student     : Yes.
Professor  : So who created evil  ?

( Student does  not answer )

Professor  : Is there Sickness ?  Immorality ? Hatred ? Ugliness ?
All these terrible things exist in  the World, don’t
they ?
Student    : Yes,  sir.
Professor  :  So, who Created them ?

( Student  has no answer )

Professor  : Science says you  have 5 Senses you use to Identify and Observe
the World around you. 
Tell me, son . . . Have you ever  Seen GOD ?
Student     : No,  sir.
Professor  : Tell us if you have  ever Heard your GOD ? 
Student     : No ,  sir.
Professor  : Have you ever Felt  your GOD , Tasted your  GOD, Smelt your GOD?
Have you ever had any Sensory  Perception of GOD for that matter ?
Student    :  No, sir. I’m afraid I  haven’t.
Professor  : Yet you still  Believe in HIM ?
Student     : Yes.
Professor  : According to  Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn’t exist.
What do you say to that, son  ?
Student     : Nothing. I only have  my Faith. 
Professor  : Yes. Faith. And that is the  Problem Science has.
Student     : Professor, is there  such a thing as Heat ?
Professor  : Yes. 
Student     : And is there such a  thing as Cold ? 
Professor :  Yes. 
Student     : No sir. There  isn’t.

( The Lecture  Theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events )

Student     : Sir, you can have  Lots of Heat, even More Heat, Superheat, Mega Heat, White Heat,
a Little Heat or No Heat.
But we don’t have anything called  Cold.
We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero  which is No Heat, but
we can’t go any further after that.
There is no such thing as Cold.
Cold is only a Word we use to  describe the Absence of
Heat.
We cannot Measure Cold.
Heat is Energy.
Cold is Not the Opposite of Heat,  sir, just the Absence
of it.

(  There is Pin – Drop Silence in the Lecture Theatre  )

Student     :  What about Darkness, Professor ?  Is there such a thing as
Darkness ?
Professor : Yes. What is Night if  there isn’t Darkness ? 
Student     : You’re wrong again, sir.
Darkness is the Absence of  Something.
You can have Low  Light, Normal Light , Bright Light,
Flashing Light . . .
But if you have No  Light Constantly, you have Nothing
and it’s called Darkness, isn’t it ?
In reality, Darkness  isn’t.
If it is, were you  would be able to make Darkness
Darker, wouldn’t you  ?
Professor  : So what is the point  you are making, Young Man ?
Student     : Sir, my point is  your Philosophical Premise is Flawed.
Professor  : Flawed ? Can you  explain how ? 
Student     : Sir, you are working on the  Premise of Duality.
You argue there is  Life and then there is Death, a Good
GOD and a Bad GOD.
You are  viewing the Concept of GOD as something finite,
something we can  measure.
Sir, Science can’t  even explain a Thought.
It uses Electricity  and Magnetism, but has never seen,
much less fully understood either one.
To view Death as the  Opposite of Life is to be ignorant
of the fact that
Death cannot exist as a Substantive  Thing.
Death is Not the Opposite of Life :  just the Absence of
it.
Now tell me, Professor, do you  Teach your Students that
they Evolved from a Monkey ?
Professor  : If you are referring  to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes,
of course, I  do. 
Student     : Have you ever observed Evolution  with your own eyes, sir ?

(  The Professor shakes his head with a Smile, beginning to realize where
the  Argument is going )

Student     : Since no one has  ever observed the Process of Evolution at
work and 
   cannot even prove that this Process  is an On – Going
Endeavor,
are you not Teaching your Opinion,  sir ?
Are you not a Scientist but a  Preacher ?

( The Class is  in Uproar )

Student     : Is there anyone in the Class who  has ever Seen the
Professor’s Brain ?

( The Class  breaks out into Laughter )

Student     : Is there anyone here  who has ever Heard the Professor’s
Brain, Felt it, Touched or Smelt it ? . .  .
No one appears to have done so.
So, according to the Established  Rules of Empirical,
Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that
you have No Brain, sir.
With all due respect, sir, how do  we then Trust your
Lectures, sir ?

(  The Room is Silent. The Professor stares at the Student, his face
unfathomable )

Professor  : I guess you’ll have  to take them on Faith ,  son.
Student     : That is it sir . . .
the Link between Man & GOD  is  FAITH.
That is all that Keeps Things  Moving & Alive.

NB:
I believe you  have enjoyed the Conversation . . . and if so . . .
you’ll probably  want your Friends / Colleagues to enjoy the same . . .
won’t you ? . . .
Forward them to  Increase their Knowledge . . . or  FAITH  ?

Pictures of Sonny Rollins at the Barbican

Although yesterday was the end to the 2007 London Jazz Festival, it ended for me on Saturday seeing a jazz legend genius at work.  It’s been a great week of music, and then some.

I was booked down for Saturday night to take pictures of Jazz great, Sonny Rollins.  However, I was also called at the last minute to see whether I’d like to take some shots back stage of the maestro during an interview before his main at the sold out Barbican gig.  Now, who the heck am I to say no??

Although I didn’t get to take that many shots during the interview, it was an honour to just listen to Sonny Rollins talking about his time with Theolonius Monk and Charlie Parker. I mean, how cool is this job??

Anyway, it was during the interval of the main performance, I was in the lobby filing the pictures that I had taken,  when an Eastern European lady who had come to see the performance began chatting with me. She then made an interesting observational question: “How comes there aren’t that many black people here to see this gig?  Why don’t black people come out to support gigs like this?”  I guess she might have a point: I could count a ratio 9:1 other than black faces around.  Then again, it’s a matter of choice.

Anyway, getting pictures from this year’s festival could not have happened by the grace of God, and also through the help of the following people, to whom I owe a big thanks to:

Alex, Gbenga, Spencer, Oliver, Lucinda, Sabine, Sorcha, Paul, Sheela & Maija.  Thanks a lot, guys. Muchos gratias.

Shots of Abram Wilson at the RFH

Not feeling that great at the moment, so here are a couple of shots taken on Friday during the Abram Wilson/Jazz Jamaica concert at the Royal Festival hall during the London Jazz Music Festival:

“W.H.2.T” (and more pictures from the London Jazz Festival)

Men: no matter how macho we like to think we are; no matter how much we believe that we are in control of a situation, there are those moments in life that strike fear/tension/heart racing moments. One such instance that every guy (unless he is an abusive, controlling punk!) in every country in any dialect would inevitably have to hear from his wife/partner/girlfriend/mistress are these words that I believe have been uttered from time in memorial:

“We Have to Talk!”

That line has such a hold over us.  It’s like Kryptonite.  Even if we haven’t done anything wrong, (or you’d like to believe you haven’t) just hearing those words alone just throws you into a world of doubt. Many guys just get paranoid from hearing those words.  You’re tummy churns and this is the moment of many moments when you have to test your full skills as a diplomat or negotiator in your relationship. Oh, and these moments of “W.H.2.T” can spring at any moment, like in the early hours of the morning, or just when you’ve dressed up and all to wine and dine.  The “W.H.2.T’ issues can range from what you might think is trivial and she doesn’t, to what you think is serious, and she really, really thinks is a Life or Death situation.

Anyway, it’s just one of those thoughts that I’ve wanted to blog about. I want to expand on it, but right now I’m tired. So, before I sign off, here are pictures taken yesterday night of Paco De Lucia at the Royal Festival Hall during the ongoing London Jazz Festival. It was a sold out gig, and I could tell why. If you’ve never heard any of his stuff, but you like Flamenco, check this dude out:

Being thankful…(and more London Jazz Festival pictures)

We are living in times that demand instant gratification. Everything has to be done now; given now; demanded now! People don’t slow down to appreciate what they have already. We are all guilty of this. But I believe that we should take a step back and be thankful for what we have, even if we don’t have what we want immediately. We have to be thankful for everything, because things could be worse than they truly are. I don’t believe that we should only be thankful when we feel that things are going ok in our lives. How about when the trying times come up? When those moments do arise (and they inevitably will) we should always remember the goodness of what God has done in our lives in the past and what He can in the future. Think about it: how many of us by grumbling can actually make things happen for our betterment? We think we can do things by our own power, wisdom, knowledge, money, contacts, and such. You might be thinking, though: “Yeah, but with all the crap going on in the world, what’s there to be thankful about?” I’d say you have a point, but you’re also missing the point. Before looking at the whole world, start by at least being thankful for what you have, no matter how small it is.

I work on a picture desk and every day I see images that makes me truly thank God for everything. I truly believe that God is even working when I have no idea he is. Remember when Jesus fed the thousands with a couple of fish and loaves of bread? The first thing He did was to give thanks, and a miracle took place.

Back home in Nigeria, during the standard greetings to your friends, a conversation would go like this:

Person 1: “Ekaaro..”( Good Morning”)

Person 2: “Ekaaro.. gbao ni gbon-gbon nkun?” (“Morning, how are things?”)

Person 1: “Ahh, a dupe fun Oloorun!” (“Ahh, we give thanks to God!”)

This conversation could be between a Muslim & Christian, or a Traditionalist or Christian, or ironically, between people who don’t even put God into consideration. But the point it, people are still thankful.

It would seem very hard to thank God through the most trying times in our lives. I would know. I’ve been there and still am. But it is possible, by the grace of God. Even His Grace is worth being thankful for. For every time that I am thankful from the bottom of my heart, and not by just offering lip service, I feel a peace in my heart. I might not see an instant change in my circumstance, but that’s not why I’m thankful. I’m thankful that no matter what, God is faithful.

I’m thankful for my sight. Not just that, also the gift of photography. Speaking of photography, the London Jazz Festival is still going strong. Yesterday saw the performance of another talent Norwegian, Tord Gustavsen with his trio at the Barbican. Photographers were not allowed during the main performance because of our ability to cause ‘distractions’. (A-hem!!) However, we were allowed to take pictures during the first 5 minutes during sound check, so that’s something to be thankful for. Anyway, shots from the SC:

Things that I have learnt….

… on my way into work:

1. No matter how bad your personal hygiene is, no matter how much you stink to the high heavens, Londoners will still STAND next to you in a busy carriage during rush hour; still keep a stiff upper lip and only complain about the stench through the many contortions pulled on their faces.

2. Londoners like to show off their multi-talented skills by trying to read and walk during rush hour.

3. Free Newspaper vendors will indiscriminately thrust papers into you, even if you don’t want it.

4. Free offers of Kit-kats are scooped up by people making their way to the gym.

5. Many Londoners have a death wish!

6. Tube carriages are human versions of tuna cans, hence squashed moments.

7. Not everyone can speak English.

8. Not all the English can actually speak the English Language.

9. The ticket barriers can be a nuisance.

10. The Hammersmith line truly does suck.

11. No matter how cold it is, you’re bound to come across a bunch of nicotine addicts who are willing to risk pneumonia just to inhale!

12. Most Londoners would rather DIE than smile in the morning.

13. Many people should never, EVER, have the opportunity to own a mobile phone due to a complete misuse of this technology.

14. Not everyone in a suit is important.

15. The ‘Stiff Upper Lip’ is truly stiff!

16. Chivalry rarely, if ever, exists. Just ask any pregnant woman these days.

17. Many people will lose their hearing within the next 10 years because of blasting the music up into their eardrums! 

I’m sure there are more things that will come up during my journeys into work, but I’ll continue another time.

As it’s the London Jazz Festival, I’ve just got in from covering an amazing gig at the Barbican. It was the Steve Reid ensemble. His performance reminded me very much of Trilok Gurtu, but that’s just me. Here’s a shot from the night:

Defining Love & Charles Tolliver at The London Jazz Festival

Every now and then, I hear people being asked to define love.  There are so many interpretations out there but never really manages to deliver in our relationship towards one another.   Bear in mind, though, that there is a massive difference between ‘Love‘ & ‘Desire‘.  The countless romantics out there love to keep the 14th of February as THE day to really emphasis their love, and not just by words, but by really, truly, showing your affections by gestures of buying roses, expensive dinners, etc.  Nothing wrong with that at all. But that’s just one day in a year.  How about the remaining 364 (or 365, if you count a leap year!)

Whenever I’m asked, I just refer people to read the 1 Corinthians 13:13. It is really, really hard to love, but I believe that we can love, just as it’s written in this chapter, but not by our power, but by the Grace of God.  I mean, if you someone slapped us around the face, can you turn the other cheek? You’re just asking for a can of whoop-ass, especially from me!! No, I believe that it’s by God’s grace that I would want to turn the other cheek!

But that’s my honest opinion.  On a lighter note, the London Jazz Festival continued with Charles Tolliver performing at the Queen Elizabeth Hall yesterday.   What more can I say, rather than it being an amazing and breathtaking performance. It’s a big shame that it wasn’t a full house, probably because he isn’t really a house hold name. Irrespective, I reckon people missed out:

“Can Fat Teens hunt?”

That’s the question that  new television programme asks. That’s right, folks: part of your hard earned cash that you pay in TV license fees is going into making ‘educational enriching’ programmes like this. What social experimental point are they trying to make with this visual fest? Then again, the participants on said show are apparently ‘dangerously overweight teenagers’. I reckon that a rival show should be created called, “Can Skinny peeps Eat?” Imagine the advertising revenue that would come in on that. Actually, that doesn’t seem like a bad concept for a show…

Jan Garbarek at the RFH (London Jazz Festival)

Today’s performance at the Royal Festival Hall was Jan Garbarek. I didn’t stay for the show, but I did get a chance to take pictures during the sound check. If the sound check was anything to go by, the main event would have been spectacular.

As usual, I’m here just to show the pictures. I hope that you guys had a great weekend…

Start of the London Jazz Festival 2007

Whoohoo!! It’s that time of the year that I get way too excited when it comes to music. Forget Glastonbury, or the other festivals: this is open season for pure musical genius. Many may argue over that claim, and you have every right to. As long as you don’t define ‘Jazz’ as elevator music, you and I will get on just fine!!

So many gigs packed into 9 days.. so much choice…. I’m drooling like Homer Simpson, here!! It’s just a damn shame that you can’t be at every venue, so you have to choose the shows that you believe might be requested, from a pictorial perspective.

It was either a choice of either shooting the Charlie Haden gig or the ‘We all Love Ella‘ tribute at the Royal Festival Hall. (For all you non-Jazz Heads, that’s Ms Ella Fitzgerald, first lady of Jazz, bar none!!) I decided on the latter because for starters, you get to see about 7 acts in one show, and I just love Ms. Fitzgerald’s stuff. Before the show started, I got chatting with legendary Jazz photographer, David Redferns. I always look toward to his witty anecdotes and stuff.

Although it was initially stated to photographers that we could only take pictures of the first 2 songs, it was agreed that we could shoot all the acts within the first half of the show from the side of the auditorium, which I believe was fair. I have to thank the guys at Serious, the Stage management team and Air Management for sorting this out. If it were some other acts or festivals, there arrogance would have shone through and I doubt photographers would have got any shots.

But, enough of that. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m not one to review, I just take pictures. But God, was it a great start to the Jazz Festival!!

Jamelia:

Claire Martin:

Lizz Wright:

David McAlmont (“No, it wasn’t Ola Onabule as I originally thought!!”)

Lea DeLaria:

Terri Walker:

Juliet Roberts:

Melody Gardot: