Stem Cell Silence -- Neither Clinton nor Obama commented on the recent news about the stem cell breakthrough. Mark I. at RedState thinks he knows why they remained silent:
These Democrats are the ones who claim to have so much compassion for the suffering and afflicted and who label their political opponents as heartless and cruel. So, why the silence on this advancement? In some cases it could be because the campaigns are seeking a way to appear to praise the announcement while not offending embryonic stem cell research advocates among the their supporters. For Sen. Hillary!™ Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama, it may be because in a crucial vote for ethical stem cell alternatives taken earlier this year, they voted no.
Although I follow this issue fairly closely, I wasn’t aware these Senators had voted against the HOPE Act. Democratic voters should ask why their leading Presidential nominees voted against funding such promising research.
Christians & Government -- Matt Kaufman has a very good article at Boundless that provides a basic understanding of the biblical role of government and how it should affect our vote. Kaufman contends that the primary purpose of government is protection of its citizens.
On Boundless's blog, The Line, Motte Brown adds some useful thoughts on the subject:
We see elsewhere (Proverbs 8:15,16; Romans 13:4) that God established government to make and enforce laws specifically so "that we may live peaceful and quiet lives." Beyond protection, there's no clear mandate for governmental responsibility found in Scripture, even when it comes to the physically poor. Proverbs 29 and Psalm 72 speak of rulers dealing justly with the poor. So the government has some responsibility. But not much. According to the Bible, the needy are to be cared for first by the family, and then the church.
Both Kaufman and Brown appear to take the "conservative" view of the Biblical mandate for government, a position on which I largely agree. I'd be interested to hear how politically liberal Christians use Scripture to justify the expansion of the role of government.
Politics as Vocation -- At Theolog, the blog of The Christian Century magazine, David Heim has an excellent post on Christian engagement in politics. He begins by noting that some "significant voices on the right that are disillusioned about political engagement."
Skepticism about politics is always healthy. But it strikes me that [David] Kuo's and [Gregory] Boyd's comments reflect a broad, unhelpful tendency in American Christianity to oscillate between two poles: either a fervent engagement in politics for the sake of the gospel and the world, or an equally fervent detachment for the sake of the purity of the gospel and the health of the church. Isn't there something between the two poles?
Calling Greg Boyd a "voice on the right" will surely raise a few eyebrows. But aside from that minor quibble, Heim makes an important point worth considering:
Meanwhile, however, individual Christians have their particular vocations. In a democracy, all people have the vocation of citizen and so are in some degree called to the work of politics. Beyond that, a certain number of individual Christians are called to a more specific vocation: to study, analyze or participate in the day-to-day workings of politics. They make arguments and pay attention to data. They look for affinities between the gospel and political philosophies and programs. They listen to what constituents say and arguments other people make. Their work is fallible, limited, pervaded by sin, always subject to revision—but so are lots of vocations.
I think this is exactly right. My particular vocation (both my career and, to some extent, this blog) focuses on politics and public policy. And while I think it is important work, I certainly don't think it is any more or less important than most other vocations (though it can certainly be much duller than other fields, such as business or ministry). I also agree with Heim that the work is fallible, limited, pervaded by sin, and always subject to revision. If only we could be reminded of that fact every day before we begin our work, the world would be much better off.
(HT: A Thinking Reed, which also adds some useful thoughts to the discussion.
The Full Bard -- The BBC is planning to produce new versions of all 37 of Shakespeare's plays:
[The BBC] has enlisted Sam Mendes, Oscar-winning director of American Beauty and Road to Perdition, and his Neal Street company to produce the entire canon over a 12-year period.
Some of the country's biggest stars – including Kate Winslet, who is married to Mendes, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Jude Law, Dame Helen Mirren, and James McAvoy – are being tipped to take part in what will be one of the BBC's most expensive and ambitious drama series.
With quality television drama costing up to £900,000 an hour, the final bill could touch £100?million.
Jim Gaffigan on Hot Pockets
Brian Regan on Food Labels
Mitch Hedberg
Brian Regan - I Walked on the Moon!
President Bush on Himself
Hey, Big Spenders -- The average Democrat in Congress sponsors more savings bills than the average Republican, says the National Taxpayers Union Foundation. An examination of the cost or savings of all bills introduced in Congress found that on average, a typical House Democrat sponsored 5 spending reduction bills, versus 2 for the typical Republican.
Unfortunately, each House savings bill was outnumbered over 20 to 1 by bills to increase spending. For each bill introduced in the Senate that would reduce federal spending, there were over 30 bills to raise spending.
A Little More Jesus, A Little Less Amway? -- Brian Hollar, from Thinking on the Margin, wonders, " Whatever happened to Christians believing in the power of the Holy Spirit moving in the hearts of men? Why is it necessary to supplement the gospel with cheesy slogans and blatant manipulation?"
The Geek King of Hip Hop -- Move over Timbaland. The greatest hip-hop composer in music today is Ronald Jenkees, a brilliant, goofy white kid with wicked keyboarding skills.
Check out more on his YouTube Channel
Worldview in Academia -- Interesting news on our friend Nancy Pearcey, author of Total Truth. She recently accepted a position as Scholar for Worldview Studies with the rank of professor at the Center for University Studies at Philadelphia Biblical University (PBU), based in Langhorne, Pa. Since secular universities often offer programs in Queer Theory, Gender Studies, Post-Colonial Studies, etc., why don't more Christian universities have programs in Worldview Studies?
For the Mohler Fans -- Alex Chediak has Al Mohler's high school yearbook picture.
In Memoriam -- Sarah Flashing reflects on the legacy of Dr. D. James Kennedy.
Game of the Week -- Bloxorz is an addictive, frustrating web based game that will challenge your spatial reasoning. It's simple to play but difficult to master (I never got past the fourth level). (HT: collision detection)
The National Institute for Student Ministries has discovered a new method of evangelism. The Evangelism Linebacker deals directly with student fears about sharing their faith. As the EL says (after knocking some people out who don't evangelize), "Get off the floh' and go doh' to doh'"
(HT: The Thinklings)
Coach, Wrong Ball
Wassup (Milk Edition)
I've seen numerous knockoffs of the of the original Wassup commercial, but this is by far the best -- and cutest.
A Deer Jumps Over A Motorcyclist
(HT: The Presurfer)
Lost on Gilligan’s Island
Here’s the true story behind the ABC Hit Lost:
In 1964, a dramatic TV series called "Lost on Gilligan’s Island" was filmed. Since it was too dark for a 1960s audience, the series was retooled as a slapstick comedy called "Gilligan’s Island."
Four decades later, the ABC network remade "Lost on Gilligan’s Island," this time remaining true to the original dramatic vision. The 2004 remake was titled simply "Lost."
(HT: Neatorama)
Kids Ride Zip Line to School
For me, this would be reason enough to find a new village.
Shameless Self-Promotion -- National Review Online has published my op-ed on "Theocracy in America". (Note: Its a rehash of former blog posts, so most EO readers will have seen it all before.)
Aggies are #1? It's No Joke -- Move over Harvard--Texas A&M is now ranked as the “best” university in the country. So says The Washington Monthly magazine in its annual College Guide, which was designed as an alternative to US News & World Report and similar guides. Texas A&M takes the number one spot among national universities on the Washington Monthly list, while Princeton, U.S. News’s top-ranked school, comes in at 78.
UCLA and UC Berkeley place second and third respectively among national universities in the Washington Monthly rankings. Among liberal arts colleges, Presbyterian (SC), Smith (MA), and Wheaton (IL) take the top three spots respectively, far above their US News rankings. The magazine also ranks the best community colleges in America.
Religion and Human Rights - Legal scholar Rob Vischer argues that "a belief in God is, in general, more supportive of a belief in human rights than atheism is." (See here, here for Vischer's claim and various rebuttals.)
Online Theology Program -- Reclaiming the Mind Ministries has a six course program of systematic theology that is created for lay-people. Online courses begin in September. Philosopher J.P. Moreland gives it a strong endorsement: "The Theology Program is the best thing I have seen to date and recommend it with great excitement."
Baptism Brawl -- A few days ago Justin Taylor pointed out that Wayne Grudem had revised his view of baptism in his influential "Systematic Theology." John Piper responded prompting Grudem to respond to the response. Soon after, Mark Dever, Aaron Menikoff, Abraham Piper, and Sam Storms all joined in the debate. It's an interesting discussion but its real value is as a model for how to argue without rancor. Adrian Warnock has rounded up all the major posts on the debate.
Internship Alert -- My friends at Americans United for Life (AUL), a national public-interest bioethics law firm defending human life through vigorous legislative, judicial, and educational efforts, are looking for two highly-qualified and motivated law students to serve as legal externs during the fall semester.
Daisy (Lyndon Johnson 1964)
The Bear (Ronald Reagan 1984)
Morning in America (Ronald Reagan 1984)
Willie Horton (George H.W. Bush 1988)
Swiftboat Veterans Ad on John Kerry - Sellout (2004)
British Conservative Party
British New Labour Party
Other Editions
Topsy Turvy
I didn’t even know this was possible. (Note: Nothing significant happens after the 1:15 mark. The driver is unharmed.) (HT: One Man's Blog)
Jiffy Lubed
This driver needs a lesson in hand and arm signals. (HT: One Man's Blog)
Crazy Car Compilation
Top 10 Women Drivers of the Year
Surprisingly, my wife didn’t make the list.
America's Worst Driver
I'm not trying to perpetuate any stereotypes. It's just a coincidence that the worst driver is a woman.
Other Editions
Study: Multiple Stab Wounds May Be Harmful To Monkeys
Repeatedly stabbing monkeys with sharpened objects may have an adverse effect on their health, according to a new study.
Are Our Children Learning Enough About Whales?
Panelists discuss a new report that found only 84% of education funding goes to teaching children about whales.
Report: Many U.S. Parents Outsourcing Child Care Overseas
Due to rising domestic wages, many American parents are saving money by using unregulated overseas workers.
Tired Of Traffic? A New DOT Report Urges Drivers: 'Honk'
The Department of Transportation reports gridlock can be eliminated by simply honking your car's horn.
Report: 70 Percent Of All Praise Sarcastic
Is that compliment real or not? A new report tells you how to know the difference.
Is Our Wealth Hurting Africa's Feelings?
Panelists discuss whether we should spare Africa's feelings by not telling them about the global economy.
Other Editions
Laughing Babies Montage
Kung Fu Baby
Funny Babies I
Funny Babies II
Babies Eating Lemons
Baby Argument
3D Animation of Child Birth
Epuron GmbH
This ad for Epuron GmbH, created by the Nordpol+ Hamburg agency, won the Golden Lion for best advertising spot at the International Advertising Festival in Cannes. It's weird at first, but it makes sense in the end. (HT: Neatorama)
German Coast Guard
Color Like No Other
Here's a behind the scenes video of the making of this Bravia ad.
How to Bake a Car
Little Norwegian Engineers
The Perfect Husband
Tony vs. Paul
Amateur
Game Over
Minilogue/Hitchhikers Choice
Star Trek Cribs
"AirTap!" on Lap Guitar (Erik Mongrain)
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" on Ukulele (Jake Shimabukuro)
"Ocean" on Acoustic Guitar (John Butler)
Pachebel's "Canon" on Electric Guitar
"Tight Trite Night" on Acoustic Guitar (Andy Mckee)
"State of Mind" on Acoustic Guitar (Raul Midon)
Cards from Air
(HT: Neatorama)
The Coin Matrix
David Blaine's 360 Degree Arm Twist
Here's how to do this trick:
The Revolver
Several Card Tricks
(HT: Magic Uproar)
Flight of the Conchords sing about one of the most important issues of the day: why people should stop touching monkeys.
(Wait around until (or skip ahead to) 2:30 in the video to hear my new favorite song.) Direct link to video
Children See. Children Do.
Get Good Karma
Galactic Nuisance
Keep America Beautiful (The Crying Indian)
Dwight Schrute on Bear Attacks
Dancing the Charleston to Daft Punk
This ingenious mashup of electronica and 1920s-era Charleston moves is one of my all-time favorite dance videos.
Fat Boy Slim - Weapon Of Choice
Before Christopher Walken became one of the strangest (and most ubiquitous) actors in Hollywood, he was a dancer. (Walken received his childhood education at Professional Children’s School in Manhattan, during which time he trained specifically to be a dancer.) This video directed by Spike Jonze shows off his amazing footwork.
Thien Thu Thien Nhan
This breathtaking routine is purportedly by a troupe of deaf Chinese girls performing in Vietnam.
OK Go -- A Million Ways To Be Cruel
The boys from OK Go in their cleverly choreographed, low-budget video
Napoleon Dynamite Dance Scene
The scene that redeemed an otherwise goofy and lackluster movie.
Evolution of Dance
Sure you've seen it already. But this category wouldn't be complete without the addition of this clip.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind -- Trailer
Michel Gondry, a French Academy Award winning screenwriter, film, commercial, and music video director, is one of the most innovative commercial artists of his generation. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was his second feature film and remains one of the most moving comedies of the decade.
Michel Gondry Solves a Rubiks Cube with his Feet
Here's a short video clip explaining how he did it.
Björk - Beachelorette
Gondry's work is almost as strange as Bjork's which is why the two often collaborate. But this video, a intriguing surrealist narrative, is by far their best work.
GAP ad -- Holiday
In this video, Gondry puts his unique spin on the standard music-and-dancing format of the GAP ad.
The White Stripes - The Denial Twist
The music video as optical illusion.
The Soccer Partner
Stick around until the end to understand this charming commercial.
Wheee…
Luck
Finger guns don’t kill people…
Rumor has it that this ad was banned soon after airing. I can't imagine why…
The Lamp
This classic ad by director Spike Jonze shows how advertisers exploit the power of anthropomorphism.
The Trunk Monkey
Combing two things all men love: cars and monkeys. [Link to YouTube]
The Fastest Gunman in the World
How fast? 8 rounds on 1 target in 1 second; 8 rounds on 4 targets in 1.46 seconds; 6 shots, reload, 6 shots in 2.99 seconds. [Link to video]
The Fastest (Production) Car in the World
Top Gear--the brilliant British car show that even non-gearheads can love--pushes a Bugatti Veyron to its top speed of 253mph. [Link to YouTube]
Boomhauer on the Meaning of Life
Boomhauer from King of the Hill gets existential in the alley. As coherent as a German philosopher. [Link to YouTube]
How to Give a Great Man to Man Hug
Job Interview
I don’t know much about New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson -- and apparently neither does most of the Democratic Party. In a self-deprecating campaign video--possibly the best of its genre--Richardson is able to reveal some of the bullet points on his resume. The fact that two junior Senators with thin resumes are ahead of him for the Democratic nomination says a lot about how seriously we take the role of the Presidency. [Link to YouTube] (HT: Outside the Beltway)
Men in Black
This amazing four-minute animated video tells the harrowing story of an ambush in Mosul. It's based on a blog entry by former Army infantryman Colby Buzzell. Not to be missed. [Link to YouTube].
Talk to the Fifth Guy
A clever series of PSAs from the Florida Dept. of Health. My favorite line: "How would I describe Ben to you? The next Black Plague. They're gonna say, 'How did that happen? Was it rats?' No, it was Ben over at Amalgamated. Responsible for the death of Europe." [Link to Video 1, 2, 3,] (HT: Houtlust)
Life after death by PowerPoint
Comedian/engineer Don McMillian has a humorous video on the dumb things people do with PowerPoint. (HT: Presentation Zen)
Rush Hour
Le Parkour is a physical art form developed by French actor/acrobat David Belle. This commercial for the BBC demonstrates displays Belle's amazing prowess. For more, check out this 11-minute documentary on Belle and the philosophy of Le Parkour. [Link to YouTube](HT: Very Short List)
Pro-Choice Panda
National Zoo's giant panda Yun Mei has set off a storm of protest after demanding an abortion. [Link to video]
The Placebo Diet -- Harvard University psychologist Ellen Langer and her student Alia Crum found that many of the beneficial results of exercise are due to the placebo effect:
The researchers studied 84 female housekeepers from seven hotels. Women in 4 hotels were told that their regular work was enough exercise to meet the requirements for a healthy, active lifestyle, whereas the women in the other three hotels were told nothing. To determine if the placebo effect plays a role in the benefits of exercise, the researchers investigated whether subjects' mind-set (in this case, their perceived levels of exercise) could inhibit or enhance the health benefits of exercise independent of any actual exercise.
Four weeks later, the researchers returned to assess any changes in the women's health. They found that the women in the informed group had lost an average of 2 pounds, lowered their blood pressure by almost 10 percent, and were significantly healthier as measured by body-fat percentage, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio. These changes were significantly higher than those reported in the control group and were especially remarkable given the time period of only four weeks.
Convincing myself that I have a "healthy, active lifestyle" will sure be easier than going to the gym. [Here is the full paper online.] (HT: Collision Detection)
13 Rules from a Father to his 6 Kids -- Jamsco has a useful list of parental rules. Sample: "6. Unless you are sitting on it or cleaning it, there is never a reason to touch a toilet."
The Political Web -- Stony Brook University is conducting an online survey designed to help them understand what Americans like you think about internet advertising, modern campaigns, and politics. Click here to take the survey.
Huckabee on Climate Change -- From a Newsweek interview of Gov. Mike Huckabee:
Newsweek: But do you believe there’s a human role in climate change?
Huckabee: There may be. But whether there is or there isn’t, it doesn’t release us from the responsibility to be good stewards of the environment. It’s the old boy scout rule: you leave your campsite in as good or better shape than how you found it. It’s a spiritual issue. [The earth] belongs to God. I have no right to destroy it. I think we work toward alternative energy sources. [We need to make it] like the Manhattan Project or going to the moon. We need to accelerate our energy independence.
My thoughts exactly. (HT: Prosthesis)
Research Tool
The Sunlight Foundation and PPF have collaborated on OpenCongress.org, a useful site for researching legislation that "brings together official government data with news and blog coverage to give you the real story behind each bill."
Why are teenagers so dumb? -- Because they spend all their time hanging around with dumb people -- other teenagers:
Consider that the average teen in the Pew study reported spending about 18 hours a week in some form of social activity with other teens, either in person or online. Another Pew study found, for example, that the majority of American teens are active on one or more social networking sites. Add to this the reality that nearly half of U.S. high-school seniors work 20 or more hours per week during the school year (very likely with other unskilled people), and the picture becomes clearer: a large portion of high-school seniors spend nearly 40 hours a week interacting primarily with other ignorant individuals. It's almost as if we've made the study of stupidity a full-time job for them.
(HT: A Constrained Vision)
Barth? Well, he's no Kuyper… -- Richard Mouw on the influence of Abraham Kuyper:
I have never, for example, come across anyone who has testified that Karl Barth’s theology was a real help to them in understanding how to serve the Lord in the insurance business, or in teaching English literature, or in selling cars. But I can offer dozens of examples of that kind of testimony with reference to Kuyper’s thought.
Dr. Mouw can add me to that list too.
The Human Cost of Mexicans
A prime example of why we need to do something about illegal immigration -- before we're all forced to move into our summer homes. (HT: OTB)
Nuclear Weapons Transparency
Good magazine has produced an informative short video illustrating the amount of active nuclear weapons held by each country. It ends by showing what would happen if a nuke was set off at the base of the Empire State Building.
Born That Way
This ad by Trócaire, the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland, was banned by the The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) because it was deemed too "political."
The Upside Down Room
9 days. 12 people. 600 galvanized screws. 1 great dorm room prank.
Malcolm Gladwell on Spaghetti Sauce
Malcolm Gladwell, author of The Tippping Point and Blink, is one of the most astute observers and interpreters of culture in North America. In this lengthy video (17 minutes) he explains what every business (and blogger) can learn from spaghetti sauce.
Not like a Shamrock At All -- Theologian Fred Sanders on analogies for the Trinity:
As soon as you use an analogy to explain the Trinity, you introduce complexity. It’s ironic, but the simplest way to explain the Trinity is to tell the story of Jesus Christ. Jesus is sent by the Father to earth where He is empowered by the Holy Spirit. When he ascends to the right hand of the Father, he sends the Holy Spirit to us.
A good analogy can be helpful sometimes, but can’t possibly please God when the word ‘Trinity’ makes us think primarily about ice cubes and shamrocks rather than the incarnation of the Son and the outpouring of the Spirit.
Historical Inerrancy -- Jeremy Pierce has an excellent post that disputes the claim that concept of inerrancy is recent development in church history: "So here is what I consider to be absolutely clear statements from some historical figures long before the 19th century holding to views that seem to me to be pretty much the same view as the inerrancy of the Chicago Statement of Biblical Inerrancy, which has become a standard account of contemporary evangelicals mean by the term."
Death of the Firstborn Camel -- Don Bloesch has a great post on a topic that I've regrettably never given much thought too: how within the Biblical narrative the fate of creation is tightly bound to the actions of the people (i.e., Egypt and Israel).
Apologia for Book Buyers -- In a digression on a recent post about John Newton, Justin Taylor provided a comment that has helped alleviate my guilt over my inveterate book-buying:
[I]'m not bothered by owning a lot more books than I've read, nor am I moved by people saying that they're not going to buy any more books till they've read the ones already on their shelves. Years ago Iain Murray drew a connection between God's providence and the timing of reading books. He pointed out that if he had read Jonathan Edwards' Religious Affections as a younger man it would have meant little to him at that stage in his life, but years later--in God's timing--it was revolutionary. I've also been helped by my friend Rick Gamache's comparison of books to "tools in a toolbox." Years may go by without using a certain tool, but when a project comes along where you need it, you're very glad it's in the toolbox. [My wife has heard that illustration on more than one occasion to justify buying more books!]
My wife will certainly be hearing that illustration as I justify my own book purchases.
MIA Conservatives -- B Relevant makes a point that I've been wondering about myself:
All of my conservative friends tell me the same thing: Sam Brownback, Mike Huckabee, and others aren't viable presidential candidates because they can't raise enough money. But COULDN'T they raise enough money if all of the people who SAY they can't raise money would actually HELP them raise money?!?! Doesn't that make sense?
Religious Liberty vs. Gay Rights -- NRO columnist David Frum asks one of the most important questions of the age: Can Religious Freedom Survive Gay Liberation?
There is a widespread view that gay liberation is a movement toward greater freedom. Up to a point, that was true. That point, however, is now receding in the background. The movement for gay equality has rapidly evolved into movement to restrict personal freedoms, including freedoms of religion and conscience. The British example is not a special case. What is being done there today will be demanded here tomorrow.
(HT: Right Reason)
Baghdad Firefight, March 2007
Multi-National Force - Iraq set up a YouTube channel to "give viewers around the world a "boots on the ground" perspective of Operation Iraqi Freedom from those who are fighting it." (Note: none of the videos are graphic) In this clip American and Iraqi infantry come under fire while patrolling as part of Fardh Al-Qanoon, the Baghdad Security Plan. These soldiers make getting shot appear to be nothing more than a dull task that has to be endured.
Don't Stop
In this Snickers ad--not shown in America--stick figures on the illuminated Walk/Don’t Walk signs come to life and engage in a West Side Story–worthy rumble. (The city scenes were shot in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the animation was assembled in Amsterdam, and the hip-hop song in the background is Kuwaiti.) (HT: Very Short List)
Arab O'Reilly Factor
This clip from Al Jazerra starts out as a bizarrely amusing squabble over the execution of Saddam Hussein. But it takes a turn toward the absurd when one of the panelists says: "As you know Saddam executed my own brother and many of my relatives. He executed the uncle of my children. But the way he was executed proved Saddam was a brave man. He has truly become our martyr."
The video supports Tarek Heggy's claims about the "Arab Mind" (specifically points 1-5, 14-16, 19, 20).
Newt Gingrich: Vote Different
“There is not a single thing in that commercial that enables America to solve a problem. Oh, it’s clever…fills up space in television…people can talk about it. It’s the Entertainment Tonight version of governing a great country, and it’s very dangerous.”
At the end, Gingrich makes an intriguing suggestion that the Presidential candidates should take seriously. (HT: David All)
Bolero on a 5-string cello
A clever family of Brits play Ravel's Bolero on a shared cello. (HT: Intellectuelle)
Tear Down This Firewall -- This blog is apparantly too subversive for the commies because I've been banned by the Great Firewall of China. (HT: Acton Blog)
Calvin Quoter -- Ever been frustrated because you couldn't find the reference for a quote by that great philosopher-theologian Calvin? No, I don't mean John Calvin. His stuff is easy to find. I'm talking about the other Calvin, the one with the stuffed tiger named Hobbes. Now, thanks to this super-cool transmogrifier-thingie, you can search by keyword to find Calvin's pearls of wisdom. (HT: Tim Challies) 
Red Scare -- Sure, we all know that one day California is going to break off and fall into the ocean. But do the people of San Fransisco really need to be reminded of that fact by the Red Cross? Jason DeFillippo has more photos from this disturbing ad campaign.
Your Business Blogger -- How can you tell if a job applicant will lie, cheat, and steal? He doesn't go to church.
The Daily Dalrymple -- The British physician and culture critic Theodore Dalrymple always has something interesting to say. His latest column in The New English Review is a prime example:
Two main questions arose in my mind during the neuropsychiatric conference. The first was whether any scientific self-understanding was possible. The second was whether, if possible, it was desirable. My answer to both questions was, and is, no.
In the first place I find it difficult even to conceive of what a scientific self-understanding would actually be like. My patients often used to ask me, 'Doctor, why am I like this?' or 'Why do I do the things I do?' I would sometimes then ask them what they would consider an adequate and satisfactory explanation, and not a single one (including the highly intelligent and educated) was able to tell me.
Talent Show -- This PSA is aimed at kids but its a message that should be heeded by all of us in the blogosphere:
Mean Girls -- Although the "message" of this video is the same as the one above, its even more harsh and mean. Watching this video is a reminder that teenage girls are some of the cruelest creatures on earth.
(HT: Ypulse)
Economics Explained
If you’ve ever been bored sitting in Econ 101 you’ll enjoy this refreshing explanation by Yoram Bauman, "the world's first and only stand-up economist." I love how he differentiates between macro and micro: “Microeconomists are people who are wrong about things in specific. Macroeconomists are people who are wrong about things in general.” (HT: kottke.org)
A Girl Like Me
In an illuminating series of interviews with black girls in her high school, Kiri Davis (age 16) explores how American standards of beauty affect self-image. She also reconducts the “doll test” initially conducted by Dr. Kenneth Clark, which was used in the historic desegregation case, Brown vs. Board of Education, with heart-rending results. (HT: Your Daily Awesome)
Badminton Made Exciting
An rousing exchange in a badminton championship. No, seriously. It makes badminton look like a cross between volleyball and tennis. (HT: glumbert.com)
Ira Glass on Storytelling
Ira Glass’ NPR show This American Life is one of the best forums anywhere for the lost art of storytelling. In a series of fascinating (though visually dull) videos, Glass explains what works in storytelling. A must see for people who make podcasts or videocasts. (See the others three videos in the series at Your Daily Awesome)
“What’s the point of a Lamborghini that doesn’t have space thrusters sticking out of the side?”
I’m not much of an automotive aficionado much less a fan of car review shows. But this segment on the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 from the witty, well-produced British show Top Gear is intriguing. And the car is wicked cool. (The drag race with a VW Golf GTI is also pretty clever – though you can probably guess who wins.) (HT: David All)
Ask A Ninja #17: "Ninja Omnibus"
This is the reason that You Tube was created: So a guy dressed as a ninja could answer goofy questions. Genius. (Find more at AskANinja.com)
Filthy Rich -- Anthony Esolen of Touchstone magazine reminds us of the unnoticed gift of trickle-down decadence:
The rich can afford their vices, for a time anyway; the poor have no such margin for comfort. They are, in fact, endangered by the vices of the rich. I