I think today would be a really good day to do a random act of kindness towards someone.
The means are the end.
I guess America decided “Sure, he tried a violent insurrection and he will deal with his enemies list on day one as well as deport millions of legal and illegal immigrants, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take for lower inflation driven by measures that most leading economists say will increase inflation.”
What could possibly go wrong.
Well this is awkward. I just realised that I forgot the 5th of November despite a rhyme specifically telling me not to.
I only realised thanks to my family WhatsApp group.
When world’s collide. Really enjoyed hearing @dswanson on the holy post podcast. It made me realise how although I’ve lived in Wieliczka for 8 years there’s still so much I just don’t notice each day. What a beautiful gift.
I’m fully expecting apple to just update the Mac accessories to have USB-C not lightning and think that’s fine…except the Magic Mouse. And Apple, if you ever want an easy win to make Apple fans suddenly think “the old Apple is back” just sort out the Magic Mouse.
My company is adopting a new tool. There’s a presentation starting with the homepage. The main headline starts with “AI-powered” and I literally rolled my eyes. We’ve reached that point of AI. Using AI might make a lot of sense but leading with AI doesn’t tell me any benefit.
🎙️ Rory Sutherland on how micro-efficiencies lead to macro-inefficiencies.
Interesting interview with some great points on risk, creativity and behavioural psychology.
Living abroad achievement of the day: cancelling my old internet contract and getting a new one on my business account over the telephone. I usually go into a store to deal with this kind of thing as it’s so much easier to deal with weaker language skills face to face.
Taylor has released a limited edition Jacob Collier 5 string guitar (yes, 5. DAEAD). I love the idea of such a different approach to the guitar…but I wish they made a 100 /baby series version I might actually have the money for one day.
The next version of Logos Bible software is coming soon (and there’s a launch event explaining it). My initial experience of the AI features was a bit meh. But it’s improved and I adjusted to. Smart search alone is so great.
Playing around with Affinity designer for a sketchnote/infographic I’ve wanted to create for a while. I still have a load of trial time but haven’t given it a proper workout yet. It’s a real shift from using Procreate (which is no surprise to anyone, but still makes it tricky).
Two theological topics I think would be be interesting to explore (and someone must have already)
At some point I will be writing a masters thesis on Biblical studies through my part time program (I’m taking a year off right now). So I’m thinking of questions that would be interesting to ask and answer in preparation.
1. Henry VIII’s faith.
He was such a defendant of the Roman Catholic Church and then changed. Was it simply so he could get divorced or were their hints before/theology trends that continued (and maybe influence Anglicanism today?)
2. Jesus receiving the covenant blessings (and curses?)
If Jesus fulfills the mosaic covenant, he should receive the blessings of that covenant (and those who are “in Christ” should receive them too) It would be interesting to go through each stipulation and blessing in turn and how they are fulfilled. Conversely, if he took the curses in our place, then we should be able to see that?
Bonus: Abiding in Christ
This is one I’ve been reflecting on as a devotional topic. I took every verse on abiding in Christ, put them in obsidian and have been grouping them, looking at the reasons why, the statements how, etc. I think someone has probably really covered this but i
Back from Szczyrk - Polish mountain town
I spent the last week with my family down in a Polish mountain village going on walks, enjoying hearty food and making ample use of the Hotel pool and playroom. It wasn’t easy at times with two small rooms which meant we had to spend our evenings in the dark once the kids were asleep, but it was well worth it. And not bringing any work or projects with me was absolutely the right idea. I’m well rested which is exactly what I needed.
The pet eating fake story reminds me of the Brexit bus. It’s deliberately false so it just sucks up attention as people can’t help but say “there’s no evidence”. But what it has drawn attention to is how many Haitian immigrants have migrated…and that will scare the right people. And all you have to say is “well one person told me it happened to them.” and it doesn’t matter if there’s absolutely no evidence, that’s enough for some.
I never really considered “how quickly will my camera manufacturer support and update its software for the new macOS” and yet here we are. Nikon was really bad with Sonoma and now sequoia is here and I’m wondering how long till everything is supported.
Toys my kids use more than once
One of my kids had a very specific request for her birthday.
A giant toy connected to their favourite cartoon of the moment. I was hesitant — we don’t have that much space and already have a couple of really large toys (that for me at least are just annoying) — but we relented and sure enough a giant Gabby’s Dollyhouse arrived complete with set of figures.
Before it arrived, my wife had noted that this gigantic plaything wasn’t complete. In fact, it’s a modular toy so you can add more rooms and areas on to it — oh. Joy.
But, here we are a month later and my daughter recently exclaimed their frustration at the toy.
- It’s too big
- It’s not like real thing
- it’s stupid (her words, not mine).
And so, she isn’t playing with it much. To be clear, she does still play with it, but she’s also suggested selling it (we regularly sell our old kids old toys and they can then use that money to buy new ones).
It made me think about some of the toys we’re had recently that they’ve used consistently and still enjoy.
- Bikes
- Roller blades
- swimming goggles
- A paper zine with printing out pictures they chose.
It seems that the more active, involved and self created things are those they love the most. And, of course, they are far cheaper too.
It’s not just kids
Of course, it’s not just my kids but me too.
Many of the cool gadgets I think will make me happy I grow out of quickly. But the things that get me out and about or tools to create things are the things that bring me ongoing enjoyment.
I’d bet you’re similar.
