by Dad on December 23, 2008
“Remember, young one. It’s OK to question and try to understand more. It’s in our nature to be curious. It’s how we advance as a species. But, realize that understanding can only take you so far. Faith will take you the rest of the way.”
Jesuit school teacher, my high school, many moons ago
Have you ever taken the time to learn more about the universe and how it came to be? It’s a subject that fascinates me. It always has. It’s a subject that your kids may one day ask you about. Like me, you too may be fascinated.
Theoretical physics is the study of our world in an attempt to understand and explain it. It’s incredibly complex and is pursued by this world’s most brilliant minds. It is from theoretical physics that we get the leading scientific explanations of the origin of our universe. It is the study that gave birth to a theory called the Multiverse Theory.
The latest issue of Discovery Magazine has a wonderful article that explains this theory in layman’s terms (so that is how I think I understand it). The theory bases itself as an explanation to why our universe seems tailor-made for us (life as we know it). You see, theoretical physicists have noted that the universe has too many coincidences that allow for like to grow. Way too many for a simple “coincidence” explanation thereby leading to the question, “How can this universe be perfectly tailored to us?”
The thing that I find funny is how the supporters of the Multiverse Theory find it so impossible to consider that the answer may lie in faith (i.e., an intelligent creator). They refuse to acknowledge that understanding and science has taken them as far as it can take them and it is faith that will take them the rest of the way.
The only other explanation these theorists come up with is theorizing that there are an infinite number of universes along with ours. And, with all those iterations, we are lucky enough to live in one that has the exact requisites for maintaining life as we know it. In other words, with so many possibilities, coincidence is still the explanation for all things being right in this universe for life as we know it.
The article has a great explanation of the issue:
Physicists don’t like coincidences. They like even less the notion that life is somehow central to the universe, and yet recent discoveries are forcing them to confront that very idea. Life, it seems, is not an incidental component of the universe, burped up out of a random chemical brew on a lonely planet to endure for a few fleeting ticks of the cosmic clock. In some strange sense, it appears that we are not adapted to the universe; the universe is adapted to us.
I find that when science meets spirituality or religion, science always seems to focus on finding an alternative explanation. Oh well, lets wait and see what the Large Hadron Collider tests reveal…
In the end, I find a balanced person should do their best to understand science and explore their spirituality. It doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game where one side wins over the other. Both can co-exist in harmony.
What do you think?
All the best
by Dad on December 22, 2008
I’m running out of time with my “gifts for dad” series so I’m combining them into this list of last minute Christmas gifts for dad. Of couse, you could always go with the go-to “#1 Dad” tie…
The following is a list of gifts I wouldn’t mind receiving pulled from around the Internet and in no particular order:
- Wolver’s Organic Ale Beer. If your hubby enjoys beer, this is a unique experience he’ll enjoy. Add a homemade coupon to watch a game of his favorite sport with him and he’ll think he’s died and gone to heaven.
- L’Occitane Shave Kit. If you want to go a little more metro/hip, get him this shaving set from L’Occitane. My wife loves the scent and the shave is wonderful. I take samples of these from the Four Season’s Hotel in Mexico City when I’m there on business. A good alternative is the Lab Series Shave Cream. It doesn’t smell like L’Occitane but man does it shave well!
- The Apple iPhone 3G. If you’re a high roller and he’s been especially good this year, you can’t go wrong with the iPhone. He will geek out over it.
- Harmony Programmable Remote. Does he love his TV and home theater and stereo? Give him a gadget that puts everything at his fingertips without having to grab separate remotes. Come on ladies, you know we have a tendancy towards lazyness every once in a while.
- Silk Boxer Shorts. He’s working out and getting fit just for you, ladies. Show him you noticed by getting him these puppies. A littel spice in the romance is key to a long happy marriage.
- A watch. Men accessorize with watches. If you like a man with a manly watch, then consider getting him the Guess Men’s Black Leather. It looks good and is reasonably priced.
- Printable coupons. Finally, there really is no better gift than one that says “thank you” and “I love and appreciate you.” There are many online sites that allow you to download and print coupons that you can customize. Give him a few coupons that he can cash in later like taking out the trash or mowing the lawn. How about a night out with just you? Or, a Sunday afternoon of watching sports with his favorite food?
I hope the above gave you some ideas for last minute gifts for dad. Of course, the idea is to make sure that gift doesn’t scream “LAST MINUTE PURCHASE” so take some time and put some thought into it. Remember, he wants to feel loved and appreciated. Give him that.
Let me know what you think and what you’re getting him. I’ll gladly add it to the list above.
All the best
by Dad on December 21, 2008
A hectic work week gives way to a relaxing weekend…
I escaped from New York’s snow storm just in time. The warm Miami sunshine welcomed me home. I gathered my family and enjoyed a relative’s beautiful beach wedding.
She’s a talented musician. He, a good soldier.
Sunday found me heading to Islamorada in the Florida Keys with family in tow. The Islamorada Fish Company is a wonderful restaurant in a pitcuresque setting… Yes, this is December 21st in South Florida.
A porch, a breeze and a sunset…
It was a good weekend. I trust yours went well also.
All the best
by Dad on December 12, 2008
With the holiday season is in full swing, I thought it may be helpful to moms out there if I gave some recommendations on appropriate gifts for dads. Now, I don’t want to imply that those socks, ties or baked goods are just special. They are and we love them. However, if you think dad’s behaved this year and he deserves that little bit extra, I think these gifts will be just the ticket.
In part one of this three part series, I’m going to focus on movies. A DVD is a budget-conscious gift that any dad would enjoy. Of course, that is if dad actually likes the movie. Remember, we’ve suffered through Barney, Wall-e and all the other Disney movies. We want something for us. We want a dads movie.
1. My top-of-list recommendation is the awesome, adrenaline pumping movie, 300. It’s mind-blowing action 99% of the time and there’s a love seen in the middle. I love this movie. It’s a raw, untamed, testosterone extravaganza! (Yes, ladies, actual testosterone will ooze from your TV screen. Exercise caution)
It’s about 300 Spartan soldiers led by King Lionides (see the top image) who defend Greece from the million+ Persian army. Impossible odds, swords, shields, blood… just trust me. Your husband will love it. You, on the other hand, should excuse yourself and go do something else. My wife HATES this movie.
2. The second movie I’m going to recommend is Father of the Bride. This movie tears my heart out each and every time I watch it. It’s not a very manly movie like 300 but it’s a wonderful story about a dad watching his daughter growing way too fast. If you have a daughter, your husband won’t be able to hold back the tears.
3. Life is beautiful is also a favorite of mine. A dad makes things better for his son during their stay in a concentration camp. It’s about the love of a father for his son and there’s nothing else I can say about that.
4. Last in my list is In Pursuit of Happyness. This should be required watching for all fathers. It’s about persistance and obstacles and life’s challenges. It’s inspiring and shocking at the same time. In the end, it’s about a father trying to make a better life for him and his son. I made my kids watch it with me.
So there you have it. My top 4 movie recommendations for dad. Do you have any other favorites we can add to the list?
Part 2 continues the gift giving ideas by focusing on budget-minded sport/fitness gifts.
All the best
by Dad on December 11, 2008
Disclaimer: Some of you may find this post heartbreaking. I know I did.
They say that life has it’s ups and downs and we should learn to expect it. The reality, however, is that we never expect it and it hurts like hell when life seems to take a nosedive. A friend and fellow dad is living through one of those times. He doesn’t know that his strength of spirit that is seeing him through this is also teaching others about what it means to be a father, husband and, ultimately, a human being.
My friend is a caring person. He’s a professional at work and an honest-to-God family man at home. He’s been a mentor and a friend to me for the four years I’ve known him. And if you saw him in the street, you would not know that this was a man that gives so much. You would, however, quickly see that he loves being a dad and he’s a darn good one.
It is for these reasons that it pained me so when my freind was recently laid-off from the job he’s done so well for so many years. It wasn’t a performance issue. It was simply a “reduction-in-force”- a procedure so in vogue recently. It’s cruel. It can turn your life upside down. However, my friend bore this with the strength of spirit he’s always had and turned to his family for support. You see, he defines himself more as a dad than as a professional. He will find another job.
The pain I felt when my friend lost his job pales in comparison to the horror I experienced when I learned that one of his sons passed away on Monday while undergoing a medical procedure. His son was in his early teens and lived with a handicap.
Although this tragedy would utterly crush most, my friend is again showing tremendous strength of spirit and holding his family together while grieving for their loss. I realize now that he is able to do this because he feels responsible to be “dad”, to take charge of the situation and try to make things better for the family. It’s a herculean effort but he’s doing it.
My friends, I don’t want to end this in a negative way. Instead, I want to share with you what my friend and his family already know, what all of those that knew his son already know. We know that although his son was with us a short time on this earth, he tought us all so much. A small boy, handicap from birth, didn’t care what you looked like or whether you had money or not. He hugged everyone and greeted you with a smile. He showed everyone that we can love each other even though we don’t know each other. He showed us we are brothers and sisters all living the human condition. He showed us not to let small things get us down.
In the end, he showed us how one person’s internal candle, burning bright, can make everyone else’s candle brighter.
It was an honor for me to have known you, my friend’s son, and thanks. My prayers, and I hope yours, are with my friend and his family during this time.
All the best
by Dad on December 8, 2008
I received this email that contained a great list. I thought I would pass it along to you with my best wishes.
- Take a 10-30 minute walk(run) every day. And, while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
- Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a clock if you have to.
- When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, “My purpose is to ________ today. I am thankful for ______________________.”
- Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
- Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds and walnuts.
- Try to make at least three people smile each day.
- Don’te waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
- Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kids maxed out charge card.
- Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
- Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
- Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
- You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
- Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
- Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
- No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
- Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”
- Forgive everyone for everything.
- What other people think of you is none of your business.
- GOD heals everything- but you have to ask Him.
- However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
- Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!
- Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
- Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: “I am thankful for ___________. Today I accomplished ________________.”
- Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
- when you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You’ll be smiling before you know it.
All the best
by Dad on December 5, 2008
Don’t worry about a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be alright!
Bob Marley, Three Little Birds
You have the love of your family and you’re alive. The sun will come up tomorrow as it always has. Things are as they should.
Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing gonna be alright!
Enjoy your weekend with your family!
All the best
