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.
It would be really rude to use AI to summarise a mega iOS review by someone who really doesn’t want their content to be used to train AI, wouldn’t it?
(seriously, I wouldn’t…but it’s actually a time I want to. Also, if I saved it to Readwise, it would be summarised which shows the challenge of stopping AI from being trained on your work).
Finished reading: The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard 📚 — I see why people like it so much and I now recognise its influence on many other authors I like.
Just found a support article that was “Published 9/21/2023 update 19/06/2024”. I think we can all agree that switching between US date format and the rest of the world is the worst of all worlds.
One of the funny things that happens in our company is one copywriter will stretch a claim to its absolute limit (while still technically being true), then the next will just remove any hedge or whatever so it becomes a downright lie.
If I catch it, I make sure to undo it, but this is a very unintentional way that lies can slip in. (It also explains how tech news can drift from objectivity).
I really don’t like what bending spoons have done to Evernote* BUT 1. I hear it’s much better (finally) 2. It might actually be financially viable again. So their takeover of wetransfer makes me nervous.
*firing all their legacy employees, raising pricing, heavy “AI” focus, paywalling previously free features,etc,.)
Started reading while traveling in the UK. Great so far, but I wonder how much I’d appreciate with out my knowledge of Russian culture.
Currently reading: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles 📚
Wake up babe, new Vanhoozer just dropped.
A reminder, if you tag everyone, everyone has to assume who a task is delegated to (which usually means no one knows or does it).
Not writing inspired by recent experience of anything.
Going to be in the UK over the next few days due to some family business (and seeing Death Cab for Cutie in Cardiff). I doubt I can meet any one from MB but just in case, I’ll be in London on Friday, Oxford Saturday morning, Cardiff in the Afternoon, Sunday (not sure) and free Tues till Thurs.