I Quote That - Love Him

Isn't This The Truth? How Many More Versions?

I don't blog about religion much, because a lot of folks want to get rude and nasty, instead of discussing the issue at hand.  But since I found this great picture I had to say something :-)

I wanted to be a preacher growing up, and well, we all know how that turned out.  But one of the many questions I was asked during High School was why there were so many different versions of the Bible.  In the English language alone there are over 60 or so.  It's a sad reality, but it's true.  Most Christians will tell you that instead of saying versions, you should say "translations".  But I'm going to argue that point, because you can't keep saying there are many translations when the Hebrew and Greek text that it was originally written in has been changed to reflect a different meaning.  That is not a translation, that is a version.  Translation is the taking of a word or sentence and converting it from one language to another, like from Spanish to English or from French to German.  We know there are many translations, because not everyone can read Hebrew or Greek.

For example, here are three different versions of 
1 Corinthians 5:9

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators.

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people

I did write to you in the epistle, not to keep company with whoremongers

Really?  Whoremongers?  I'm sorry, but these do not constitute three different translations, these are three different versions of a verse translated into the English language.  So which version is the right one?  

Yeah... my thoughts exactly.  

And then you wonder why so many people are exhausted over religion.  Its up to you to decide, do some research, but most importantly have faith.  As to why there are so many different versions of the Bible?  I'll leave that up to God to decide which version we should've been using.  Look, I'm gay, I believe in God, and most importantly he made me in his image.  Take with it what you will, because I'll be judged according to Him, not by you.

Must Watch: Dubstep Violin by Lindsey Stirling

This was unbelievable.  If you're a fan of the string instruments, this will knock you off your feet.  I'm actually listening to it right now as I type this blog.  It truly relaxes you.  I'm going to agree with one of the comments on her YouTube page, and say "they can play this at my funeral, and I'd be back."

OMG, the piano, the sax, the clarinet, all of them are great to listen to, but this video was simply amazing.  Play it and you'll never look at music the same again.  The filming location was just as astounding.

Also if you're interested in finding out where this was filmed, you can check out The ICE CASTLES AT SILVERTHORNE.  They are an unparalleled creation of walkways, illuminated ice formations, tunnels, and arches – made entirely out of ice and designed with the visitor in mind. These massive and dynamic ice structures are nearly 30 feet high, and collectively measure over 10,000 tons.

On a recent blog entry, Oprah.com described the Silverthorne Ice Castles as “magical...twinkling and sense-defying and straight out of fairy tales.” The post went on to say, “of all the gorgeous pictures on the internet of incredible structures made of ice (and to be sure there are many.), I'm most moved by Brent Christensen's Silverthorne Ice Castle, a cavernous, surreal-looking place that looks as if it were constructed by an army of icy elves, or else appeared on its own in an enchanted forest.”

This is definitely another great place added to mine and Ryan's wishlist of places to visit.  A-ma-zing.

Kiss of the Week - Issue No. 014

A man snatches the first kiss, pleads for the second, demands the third, takes the fourth, accepts the fifth - and endures all the rest.  

~Helen Rowland

Just Sayn'

Cyanide and Happiness: Accident

What is a Leap Year?

I know that most of you have wondered why February sometimes has 28 days and sometimes it has 29.   In short, if we didn't add that extra day into our calendar every four years you'd literally be celebrating Christmas in July.  No, really - you would.

My favorite information guru, CGPGrey is back and he's going to explain it to you in detail.  You may remember him, he's the one who gave us the 8 animal Misconceptions Rundown.

If you liked this video you will definitely want to check out CGPgrey's other fantastic videos I previously blogged about. In addition to the one I highlighted above the video.

Coffee: The Greatest Addiction Ever
Daylight Saving Time Explained
Pennies Should Be Abolished
2012 & The End of The World
Primary Elections Explained 
10 Misconceptions Rundown

Quick-Pic 001: Nick Jonas

This is what I'm talking about... the ever-so-lovely Nick Jonas at the 2012 Jason Taylor Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday.  I don't think Golf ever looked so appealing, don't you think?

Courtesy of Just Jared Jr.

iPad 3 Facts

The folks at Joy of Tech have released this wonderful chart showing you the truth about the new iPad 3, and why they think you should get this awesome new pad.  

I, for one, am enjoying the original iPad.  I don't get why people keep buying the newer versions of everything, nothing really changes in their lives. LOL.  Seriously. I use mine to check email, get on the internet, read books, blog, and watch videos.  What is so different about the iPad2 or 3 that will make it more convenient for me?  It's not like I'm going to be walking around taking pictures with this huge square object.  I have my iPhone for that. Just sayn'.

Waldo: The Movie - The Official Trailer

You've waited long enough. We've searched long enough.  But the time is finally here - Waldo has been found.  Or has he?  

It may not be official, but it is downright funny.  "Where's Waldo: The Movie" trailer has been released and it's going to be a thriller!!!  Just when you thought finding Waldo was difficult, imagine finding yourself.  The movie hits theaters Summer 2016. lmao

WTF Has Obama Done? - Issue No. 022 - Commerce, Trade & Technology

I remember reading, not even a month or two ago about President Obama asking congress for more power to streamline and reorganize the federal government.  He asked to be able to combine several agencies into one that would primarily deal with commerce and trade, including the Small Business Administration.  We'll see what happens, because you know how the REDs are only about making Obama a one-term president - that is their number one goal according to Mitch McConnell.  I ended up finding an article on the President's plan, you can read it here.

But long before he asked congress for help on his new, bold plan, he's been working on his achievements and promises.  We are going to look at three WTFs today, one concerning a broad policy, one in regard to funding and a targeted action - all having to do with technology, commerce and trade. 

WTF-64

Promoted internet freedom as part of U.S. foreign policy.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in early 2010 urged China to investigate cyber intrusions that led Google to threaten to pull out of that country – and challenged Beijing to openly publish its findings.

"Countries that restrict free access to information or violate the basic rights of Internet users risk walling themselves off from the progress of the next century," she said. Clinton said the U.S. and China "have different views on this issue, and we intend to address those differences candidly and consistently" as part of a cooperative relationship. [Read More]

***

In early 2010, Larry Downes over at c/net wrote an article showing how clear the White House was in developing an ambitious new plan to support information technology that previous administrations simply didn't have. The emerging emphasis on IT could lead to very positive developments, particularly for Internet companies and users.

There's no doubt that the plan will make universal broadband access for all Americans a national priority. Universal access will be defined as affordable, high-speed Internet availability throughout the United States and will rely on a combination of fiber, cable, satellite, copper, and high-speed wireless. (I heard no mention of broadband over power lines, a technology that has shown promise but has so far been held back by regulatory inertia.) Set-top box technologies that will make televisions act more like computers are also critical, particularly to lower-income Americans.

The administration believes that an aggressive rollout of higher speeds and full coverage will translate to faster economic recovery and increased competitiveness for U.S. businesses. Although broadband Internet access is currently available in 90 percent of the United States and installed in roughly 73 million homes, as a percentage of population, the U.S. currently ranks eighth in overall broadband penetration. [Read More-1, Read More-2]

WTF-65

Expanded loan programs for small businesses.

"the Small Business Administration's loan and micro-loan programs which provide start-up and long-term financing that small firms cannot receive through normal channels." were President Obama's words and promise during his campaign in 2008.

President Obama gave small business some love when he announced he was expanding programs for the Small Business Administration on March 16, 2009.

"Our recovery in the present and our prosperity in the future depend upon the success of America's small businesses and entrepreneurs," he said.

The Obama administration announced it was increasing the amount it would guarantee to private lenders making loans under Small Business Administration (SBA) programs. Previously, the federal government would guarantee 85 percent for loans at or below $150,000 and up to 75 percent for larger loans. Under the new program, the government will guarantee up to 90 percent of all loans for a limited time.

Obama promised he would expand Small Business Administration loan programs. The SBA does not lend money directly, so these moves have the effect of expanding the program by increasing incentives for private lenders. These efforts are temporary, but Obama specifically said he would be outlining further steps on behalf of small businesses in the weeks and months ahead. For now, the Obameter moves to Promise Kept. [Read More]

WTF-66

Small Business Act.

On Sept. 27, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Small Business Jobs Act, the most significant piece of small business legislation in over a decade. The new law is providing critical resources to help small businesses continue to drive economic recovery and create jobs. The new law extended the successful SBA enhanced loan provisions while offering billions more in lending support, tax cuts, and other opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners. [Read More]

• New Law Puts More Capital in the Hands of Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

SBA Enhanced Loan Provisions – more than $12 billion in lending support
Higher Loan Limits – increased maximum loan sizes in top loan programs
Alternate Size Standards – more small businesses eligible to get SBA loans
Temporarily Allow for Commercial Real Estate Refinancing
Dealer Floor Plan (DFP) Pilot Program
Small Business “Intermediary” Lending Pilot

• New Law Strengthens Small Businesses’ Ability to Compete for and Win Contracts, Including Implementing Recommendations from the President’s Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Business

Equal Treatment across Federal Contracting Programs
More Opportunities for Small Businesses
Combating Fraud, Waste and Abuse

• New Law Promotes Small Business Exporting, Building on the President’s National Export Initiative

• Law Expands Training and Counseling

• New Law Provides $12 Billion in Tax Relief to Help Small Businesses Invest in their Firms, Create Jobs

• Treasury Department Provisions

I would like to list everything under each category, but there comes a time when even a blog gets too large. LOL. But make sure to click on the "Read More" links to read more on WTF-66.

I promise to come back to this topic in another issue, until then, please feel free to read my previous issues by clicking here.

Make sure to read the next issue
Issue No. 023 -Government Efficiency

WTF Has Obama Done is an ongoing series posted daily or weekly on BLADE 7184 until Election Day, 2012!