MTV & “the Gospel according to Kirk Franklin”
MTV recently put out a short video with Kirk Franklin discussing hip-hop and the Gospel. In the video, Franklin asks if he can open up with prayer and then proceeds to talk about a number of issues, particularly his recent partnerships with people like Kayne West and Chance the Rapper. He then brought up the judgment and criticism he has received from other Christians because of these collaborations. In the interview, footage was shown of Kirk singing a song asking people to pray for him instead of being so quick to judge his heart and intentions. In the end of the interview, Kirk expressed his deep desire for “changing the image of how Christians are perceived” in the culture. The full video can be seen here.
Largest oil field in US ever discovered
This year, continued drilling in West Texas has unearthed new layers of oil that comes out to approximately 20 billion barrels worth (almost a trillion dollars in value). The oil field is three times larger than the previous record-holding field in the US, and is second in the world only to Saudi Arabia’s Ghawar Field.
In September, we reported extensively on signs of economic restoration to America (which will positively impact other nations in the long-run). While oil can bring many complications, the wise management of this oil can certainly lead toward a rapid economic boost. Let’s pray for that wisdom to flow…
Artificial intelligence a top priority amongst largest tech companies
Companies like Facebook, Amazon, and Google are investing more and more into the field of Artificial Intelligence. This includes technology such as “deep learning systems” where computers are learning to “see” (recognizing objects, animals, people, and locations just like a regular person). Such technology is at the forefront of these large businesses and are sure to be at the helm of their future products and services. While still in the very early stages of its potential, AI is becoming the main trajectory of where the overall field of technology is headed.
Man still doesn’t know who won the election
A man in Florida, Joe Chandler, still doesn’t know who won the election. He has been wearing earmuffs and headphones when he leaves the house, carrying a big sign that says “I still don’t know” so that no one tells him. He believes he is the only lucid adult in all of America who doesn’t know who won.
There is a reason he’s doing this, which can be viewed in the above link. But we have no further insight into this story–it’s just pretty funny.
Ellen Degeneres awarded by President for bringing joy to America
The voice of Dory in Finding Dory, and the host of her own popular television show, Ellen Degeneres was awarded this week with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ellen showed up at the White House to get the award but forgot her ID at home. They wouldn’t let her in for over an hour! She finally did get in, and President Obama cited one of the reasons for her receiving the award was for bringing joy to America. We wanted to congratulate Ellen for this important gift of joy that she carries! (Click here to see her do a Mannequin Challenge at the Presidential Home.)