Logocentric (adj).Regarding words and language as a fundamental expression of an external reality (especially applied as a negative term to traditional Western thought by postmodernist critics).
Sometimes I just write whatever I feel like. Other times I respond to prompts, many taken from the following places:
I have always enjoyed the longer distance running and skiing. The Marathon in Summer Olympics and the 50km Mass Start in the Winter. My wife can't understand how I can watch the same race for several hours. But they are fascinating to me. I like the Downhill Slalom, Bobsled and Luge sports. Attending a Winter Olympics remains on my bucket list.
My favorite sporting events in the Winter Olympics are the Luge, Bobsled, Figure Skating and curling. Initially, I thought I would be bored with curling but I'm not. It's fascinating how they determine each glide's angle and potential score.
When my children were younger we built them a luge course, they loved it. We were lucky that winter to have lots of snow to build up the walls and with some help with pallets that we covered with snow, it kept them and the neighborhood kids busy until it warmed up and melted. I was a lot more at ease with the luge course than I was when they decided to try arial jumps off our house roof. Never a dull moment when you live in Maine.
I am reading ESV through the Bible this time. Like you, I've explored a bunch of translations. My church uses NIV but my women's Bible study group (part of the same church) varies based on what Bible study we're doing.
Hope you enjoy the Olympics! I agree that the every four year thing makes them feel more special.
I read the New American Bible, which is a Catholic Bible. (NABRE) They include Tobit, Judith, 1 & 2 Maccabees, which generally aren't included in other versions of the Bible. I would be curious to read an orthodox bible or the Ethiopian Bible as I hear they have differences as well.
As for the Olympics, I love the Winter Olympics. I'm just crossing my fingers I have time to watch!
In terms of the original texts the NASB has the best reputation among conservative scholars. It looks at more translations, has a sensible hierarchy of text selection and the best principles for approaching the translation task. It favors original texts when possible. The ESV and NKJV are on a similar level. The Net Bible gives the best overview of the discussions in its commentary. The NIV renders the original text to make it more readable. It is a more functional text which is why many churches use it but it is also less precise. Greek or Russian orthodox are more Septuagint orientated and there is a considerable amount of ethical or emotional rendering to the text.The disadvantage of the NASB is that it loses much of the Hebrew poetical style in its effort to be precise as this does not translate into the English
I'm very fortunate to have met some practicing and humble Christians. Truly humble people seek to serve, not attain power and influence. The actions of many Christians make me run the opposite way... as fast as I can.
In his book, Sit, Walk, Stand, Watchman Nee states: "Nothing has done greater damage to our Christian testimony than our trying to be right and demanding right of others. We become preoccupied with what is and what is not right. We ask ourselves,' Have we been justly or unjustly treated?' and we think thus to vindicate our actions. But that is not our standard. The whole question for us is one of crossbearing".
Jeff, this is an excellent book. Perhaps one for your reading list?
I currently work in the entertainment industry, and making movies and television is pretty much my dream job. Over the years, though, I've often wondered what it would be like to have a different career. This is a list of jobs that I'd be most interested in doing if I couldn't work on movies and television. I'm not counting "full time author" because, duh, that one's kind of a no-brainer.
1. Venture capitalist / entrepreneur
2. Chief of Staff for someone in government
3. Teacher (high school history, probably)
4. Managing Director of a nonprofit or charity
5. Trial attorney (prosecutor or civil rights advocate)
6. Chef
7. General Contractor
8. Investigative journalist
9. Police officer or Firefighter
10. Architect
This is one of those topics where I actually learned a little something about myself in the process! Considering that fully half of my choices are in the public sector and another two are ones that I would most likely veer toward the public good (my interests in investigative journalism and venture capitalism would both be firmly grounded in opportunities to make the world a better place), I've apparently developed a desire to work for causes greater than the success of a single company or project.
Still two more are ones related to some kind of demonstrable skill that would come in handy in every day life. How awesome would it be to be able to cook gourmet meals anytime you wanted? Hell, I'd settle for even knowing what to do with half the spices in my spice rack... And I think it would be supremely satisfying to be able to work outside and build things with your hands as a contractor. Assembling houses from the ground up? Being able to remodel your own kitchen? Carrying around a tool belt and actually knowing how to use all of the implements in it?
The only job on this list that's even remotely like my own is an architect, and that's mostly because I think it would cool to design the buildings that people live, work, and entertain themselves in. Plus the best architectural accomplishments are a feat of creativity as much as engineering, which really appeals to me. That combination of art and practicality is also what draws me to the entertainment industry.
I wonder if this list is a bit of a reaction to the fact that I've had an office job for nearly fifteen years and, although I love what I do, it's been fifteen years of working in office buildings under bad fluorescent lighting, in many cases for the primary purpose of chasing profits for the higher ups. Maybe this is my subconscious telling me that I need to aim a little higher.
This year, I've decided to get in fighting shape for NaNoWriMo by blogging daily. It's been a long time since I've posted anything here and, with Dee's kind permission, I'm borrowing the idea of posting a daily Top 10 list on whatever topic I feel like creating a list for.
Here are the guidelines I've given myself:
The order will be approximate, but not iron-clad. It will be subjective depending on the day and my mood. Some days I might think Ghostbusters is the greatest movie ever and other times it might be a Se7en kind of day. If you quiz me tomorrow or next week, my Top 10 for any given list might change!
Conversation is encouraged, argument is not. I welcome comments about items you would put on the list, or how you feel about the items I've put on my list, or even what you think of my picks as a whole... but I'm not interested in squabbling over how I could possibly think that a dalmatian is a superior dog breed to a dachshund, or why on Earth I would ever leave kiwi off the list of my favorite fruits. At the end of the day, these are just my opinions and it's meant to be entertaining.
The only actual requirement for myself is that I put thought into and post the list itself. Some days I might expound on my choices, but some days I might just post the list. It'll depend on how busy the day is and how interesting I found the list topic once I really started thinking about it.
Lists will be in no particular order. One day it might be my favorite world leaders, the next it might be my favorite board games or desserts. I won't be grouping things together into themed series or anything like that, so don't be surprised if my favorite fruits show up on Day 10 but vegetables don't get their due until Day 30 (if ever).
I have no particular end date in mind. I'd like to keep this up at least until NaNoWriMo starts, but if I'm enjoying it and keep coming up with interesting list ideas, I'll keep it rolling as long as I can.
Interaction is encouraged! Please feel free to comment on my lists or even participate yourself! It's a great way to get to know one another a little better.
Okay, that's it. Nothing too formal or fancy... just a bit of fun to get me inspired to start thinking critically and writing again.
And I think it would be supremely satisfying to be able to work outside and build things with your hands as a contractor. Assembling houses from the ground up? 
Being able to remodel your own kitchen? 
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The order will be approximate, but not iron-clad. It will be subjective depending on the day and my mood. Some days I might think Ghostbusters is the greatest movie ever and other times it might be a Se7en kind of day. If you quiz me tomorrow or next week, my Top 10 for any given list might change!