Noj

This starting 5 would be the best basketball team in the world: Shaq Kobe Garnett Duncan Kidd An established team like the Detroit Pistons would dismantle any one of those international teams. The best basketball players in the world are still American. The rest of the world has caught up considerably and some of the best players are foreign, but let's not start getting silly.

God cannot be proven to exist, and cannot be proven to not exist (scientifically). It is moot. I am completely on the fence, and I choose to stay there since it is the most rational decision. I will neither believe nor disbelieve. The argument will never be won, all go to the grave guessing. I'm big on proof--I choose not to decide. I sincerely hope there is a God, so that I might one day extend my gratitude. It is difficult for me to differentiate Christianity from any other religion--I associate it with human history and art history and mythology at this point of my life. I once attended a Christian church with a friend that preached of a very loving God and a loving Christ and told me I am "a beloved child of God." I'd like to believe that, it sounds very nice. Unfortunately I can't give it any more weight than a God who'd say I'm a born sinner. Very nice people at that Church fwiw, it is called Unity. People of all creeds and nationalities and ages--very warm and friendly, every last one of them.

America's best players chose not to go. True story.

What about the potato chip that looks like Jesus?

Same here, albeit possibly for a different reason. I laughed due to the extreme contrast between my post and Alexander's--we posted simultaneously. Perhaps it was a bit of precognition on my part, sensing the time to try and re-establish the sense of community here (albeit in my own corny way). Why'd you laugh?

Cracking up here, Alexander.

No wonder this argument has persevered the ages. Imagine the multitudes who have discussed these very issues for it to arrive at the nuance and complexity of its present state. It is marvelous for me to sit here and read the words of such well-educated and well-read people. I appreciate you all, both sides of the argument. It is very positive that we all engage in these exchanges. What else is there to do but discuss it?

I hope you didn't take that personal Peter Johnson! I thought maybe you guys were ribbing me... Tough to compete with the guys who spot musicians by their phrasing habits or can tell who's an imitator but not the real deal.

I meant to add that it's pretty pathetic.

Lots of love for Eddie here. I have this compilation and enjoy it quite a bit: 1 Kudu Rushen 6:10 2 Inside You Mtume 4:53 3 Involuntary Bliss Johnson 6:49 4 Explodition Duke 6:41 5 Acuphuncture Priester 3:44 6 Galaxy Earland 6:36 7 Hop Scotch Mason 3:54 8 Butterfly Hancock, Maupin 8:09 9 Say You Will Grant, King, Lucas, Mtume ... 4:30 10 Amoroso Maupin 5:41 11 Prance On Mtume 5:19 12 Open Eyes Rushen 3:53 13 Beyond Forever Cables 4:39 14 Movin' On Henderson 5:58 Love this one too:

Somehow I doubt Reverend Jim Jones would be taken seriously in his bid for absolution from sin. Sincerity would be requisite, que no?

I'm giddy over here thinking my Dorham guess for #7 might have been on target. Gettin' better at this!

From the liner notes of Rahsaan's Prepare Thyself To Deal With A Miracle: "...Rahsaan has always been known for his breathing abilities; however, more important, Rahsaan has taken a 21 minute solo on this LP that must be historically recorded for its masterfulness. The Saxophone Concerto encompasses all levels and progressions in Black Music (Swing, Bebop, and Now). The 21 minute solo is without taking a single breath until its completion..."

My life is better for having heard Wayne's music. Happy 71st!

I can't answer any of your questions Rooster, but this is my favorite non-music magazine: www.juxtapoz.com

Got three wisdom teeth yanked out of my jaws yesterday, and it hurt like hell. Now I'm all doped up on vicodin. No swelling really, so I must have been an easy one--I've seen people get all chipmunk-cheeked from such an extraction. Damn, I can't imagine it hurting worse...

I've got Friday Afternoon In The Universe, Shack Man, Combustication, and The Dropper. Yet to hear Tonic, I'm intrigued--is it that much different from their other material?

Searching through my music collection for something I haven't heard for a while... Going to the beach... Getting "in the zone" shooting a basketball... Eating excellent food--Mexican, Indian, Brasilian, Chinese, Cuban, Japanese... Carving down a mountainside of fresh powder on my snowboard... Negra Modelo beer... Sequoia National Park... Juxtapoz magazine... Babes on surfboards...

Anyone else save the sticky strips, or just me and my obsessive/compulsive disorder? Another gripe from the road: cops who cause traffic by pulling someone over and partially blocking the lane with their cruiser.

That would be why I thought I recognized #10, if it is in fact from Blue Hour.

I don't care for "The Scream." I don't like the way the paint is handled, sorry Munch.

Blindfold Test #16 Compiled by Dan Gould DISC 2 1. This is one kick ass version of "Summertime," I have never heard a better piano version of this tune. Simply astounding playing. I played it back about ten times. I love the joking around with the crowd about a finger cramp--hilarious! Did it change tunes half way? 2. Wow. Awesome. Kenny Burrell? 3. Stan Getz? 4. DKDC. 5. "Back At The Chicken Shack" I prefer the original. 6. Fun stuff. No guess. 7. It's either a church or Dodger Stadium. Good lawd! 8. Woody Shaw comes to mind...? 9. Sounds very close to "Willow Weep For Me." I want to say Gene Harris again. 10. This is definitely "Willow Weep For Me." I may have this version. Sonny Criss maybe? Thanks again to the artist formerly known as Gene Harris Fanatic! Now to read the other responses...

First off, thank you very much Dan for the excellent music. As usual, this BFT has introduced me to a lot of music I haven't heard, and frustrated me by including tracks I'm sure I have but can't recognize! Blindfold Test #16 Compiled by Dan Gould DISC 1 1. Coleman Hawkins? Good stuff. 2. Are we starting in the middle? An edit? I love the piano. I think I've heard this. A pop and a skip--vinyl transfer? Ron Carter on bass maybe? Hell of a solo. I didn't spot "Summertime" until the end... 3. Nice subtle flourishes here and there from the supporting bass, drums, piano. I feel like I should recognize the sax player, but I don't. Sonny Rollins? 4. Sax/piano duo...I dig it, especially the piano player. No guess. 5. Now this I know. I have heard this. Gene Harris? 6. Oh great, another one I know I have but can't remember who it is. For some reason I want to say CTI. Stanley Turrentine? 7. Damn, I think I have this one too. I'll be kicking myself when the answers are revealed. Kenny Dorham maybe? 8. All right, I know I haven't heard this. I would guess late 60s...Art Blakey? (note: Dan's showing off some bass solos with these selections) 9. Moving right along, this is something I don't recognize at all. Seems to move at a tempo I'm unaccustomed to, I really dig it. Another vinyl transfer (weirdness with about a minute left)? 10. "Maiden Voyage." I'm trying to think of organ players who would approach this track...and I'm coming up blank. I'd guess Larry Young or Charles Earland but I don't think so. I don't recognize the sax. Nice version. I can hear the vinyl. 11. I recognize no one. Is that a trombone? For some reason reminds me of Chico Hamilton. Another mean bass solo. More vinyl.

Interesting thing about Paul's Boutique and Three Feet High & Rising--these two albums could never happen under present-day sampling restrictions. The royalties that would need to be paid for the amount of samples on these albums would be astronomical. Albums like that won't ever happen again--legally.

Shrdlu, you missed the point of my argument and skipped the most important points in Joe's. You would have us believe that you know what happens to people when they die, that you know whether God is male or female, and that you know what God knows about unforeseen events--all of which cannot be substantiated. My household is not religious. My parents don't bother with religion, and never have. My parents are as good as two people could ever be, and deserve to go to Heaven if there is one--regardless of not being members of this exclusive Jesus club.