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?
Song: "Where'd You Go?" Artist: Fort Minor Album: The Rising Tied
This one's a bit of an exception to the general one-hit wonder formula in that Fort Minor isn't necessarily a band that's simply failed to recapture the lightning in a bottle they created once and have been trying ever since... it's actually a side project for Linkin Park producer/rapper/keyboardist/rhythm guitarist Mike Shinoda and it's been a one-hit wonder so far because he simply didn't intend to do much more with it while he's been busy with his other projects. Rumor has it that they're preparing to release new material now, after more than a decade of dormancy, so perhaps Fort Minor won't qualify for this challenge next time around!
Linkin Park is a band I really, really like. I wouldn't go so far as to say they're a favorite of mine because there are definitely songs I don't like, but I appreciate their unique sound and appreciate the fact that they're constantly trying new things and not looking to just rehash past successes or fall into a formula. Their Collision Course album with Jay-Z is probably one of my favorite albums of all time because it's such a unique sound. I know that Mike Shinoda is one of the main driving forces behind Linkin Park's originality, so I was eager to check out his other endeavors when I hear about them.
In addition to spending 45 weeks (and peaking at #4) on the Billboard Hot 100, the song was also ranked at #19 on Billboard's list of the Top One-Hit Wonders of the 2000s. And if you're wondering who the girl is that's accompanying Shinoda's rap verses... her name is Skylar Grey, performing under the pseudonym Holly Brook. She's pretty accomplished in her own right; she co-wrote Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie" and has been a guest vocalist on a number of other hit songs as well, including Diddy's "Coming Home," Dr. Dre's "I Need A Doctor," T.I.'s "New National Anthem," and Nicky Minaj's "Bed of Lies." Not a bad resume for a singer/songwriter!
I also thought this was an appropriate song to list today because "Where'd You Go" by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones was referenced yesterday but not featured because it wasn't a hit. Well, I found a "Where'd You Go" that is a one-hit wonder!
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