A Dash of Salt

Weekend Wonderings

This has been a hectic week for me as it probably has been for you, I bet.  Here are some interesting places I've on the internet, the little time that I have had to surf...

Reflections on the life and ministry of Rev. Jerry Falwell. Taking the time to read these different posts from various perspectives gives a broader, deeper picture of the public mega-church pastor and founder of the Moral Majority in the 70's and 80's. Two rememberances of Falwell you probably haven't read: Rick Warren and Eric Redmond.

How about a lesson in art appreciation? Justin Taylor hit the beehive with a stick when he posted some seemingly innocent comments about the outrageous price of $72.8 million paid for the late Mark Rothko's abstract painting, White Center.  Read his brief post and then scan through the comments. Wow! A great discussion.

Very cool video of the week: The Fastest Production Car in the World, the Bugatti Veyron.  This six-minute segment from the British car show, Top Gear, is slick. Even if you're a "non-gearhead" like me, you've got appreciate this car hitting its top speed of 253 mph! (Hat Tip: Joe Carter)

Lightning strikes the Empire State Building in NYC about 100 times per year.  How about this photo taken this past Thursday? (HT: Relevant) Photo by Susanna Bates for the NY Daily News.
 

Weekend Wonderings

Thoughts on "Big" stuff this week...

Big Game tomorrow.  John Armstrong writes about the Super Bowl, pop culture, and churches in this interesting post.  (Hat Tip: Michael Kruse)

Big Stink.  The NFL won't let this Indianapolis church use a video projector to show the Super Bowl at its outreach event.  What's the big deal?!?  Steve McCoy, an unabashed Chicago Bears fan renders this verdict: "My thoughts?  You can't love Jesus and the Colts, so either the church is a cult or they are misguided on their choice of football team.  Seriously, how about telling the members to invite their lost neighbors into their homes for the game?  Or how about going to your lost neighbor's house if they invite you?"  Great idea, Steve!

Big Rabbits that might solve North Korea's chronic food shortages.  How about that humongous hare?!?  Washington Post's headline: "Fighting Famine with Flopsies."

Big Thought on marriage.  Jim Martin writes on "Marriage and Following Jesus."  His counsel is a powerful reminder that Christ uses our marriages (if we're married) to make us more like Him.

Big Mystery (not really): Why can't you tickle yourself?  (HT: Michael Kruse)

Big, Big Bucks.  What the heck do you do with $39.5 BILLION in profits?!?  Would someone kindly explain to me why we are still paying over $2.10/gallon for gas?

Why I Hang Out at Panera Bread

Here's an interesting post by Rick Meigs at the blog, Blind Beggar, on the social phenomenon involving "Third Places" where people go for community.  "Social well-being and psychological health depend upon community."  (Thanks, Steve McCoy) 

Panera for me is a third place...not home and not work, but a third place where I can go to study and connect with folks in the community.  There's just enough noise and movement to help me focus, friendly people, free WiFi, and good coffee, to boot.  And besides all this, if I'm lucky, I get to sample the Holiday Bread, like I did today.  Twice!  Very, very good, indeed.