Ever wondered where Popeye got his strange looks from!? Here's a picture of the guy who inspired the cartoonists!

I love Popeye... I don't care much for spinach, although he did make we want to eat it. Another thing that I have often wondered about is why he has such small biceps and such large forearms? I guess every sailor needs somewhere to put his Anchor tattoo!

One thing I know for sure is that Anime has nothing on good old Popeye the sailor man!

So, have you ever wondered who inspired the cartoonists of that crazy character? Yes, these are the things that occupy my little mind!

Jacob at Fantagraphics spotted a lovely vintage portrait of, er, the real Popeye. Fantagraphics is now publishing beautiful oversized hardcover anthologies of the entire run of Popeye comic strips. Volume 1, titled "I Yam What I Yam," and Volume 2, titled "Well Blow Me Down!" are currently available.
Link to the full Popeye photo, Link to buy Popeye Vol. 1: "I Yam What I Yam", Link to buy Popeye Vol. 2: "Well Blow Me Down!"

Technorati tags: Cartoon, Anime, celebrity, Popeye

If books are made from trees, then what can trees be made of? Here's a Christmas tree made from books [Pic]

This has to be my favourite kind of tree - it is made from books!

This "book tree" appears on the IJM photography site -- it's a great, bookish alternative to a Christmas tree bush for this year. Link, Link to IJM site (giant Flash blob with no permalinks) (via Cribcandy)

Technorati tags: amazing picture, Christmas Tree, books, creative

'Left Behind' author breaks the evangelical stereotype according the Brian Mclaren

This interesting post comes from 'God and politics'. It is by Brian Mclaren. I found it quite interesting...

In light of Pat Robertson's and Bob Jones III's recent presidential endorsements - shocking or predictable, depending on your cynicism factor – and in light of the recent New York Times article on the fragmentation of evangelicalism, I'm sure we'll be seeing a growing number of assessments regarding the status and future of the evangelical Christian community in the U.S. Those interested in the subject shouldn't miss the conversation that's been going on over at the Beliefnet roundtable on evangelicals in power. Beliefnet's Patton Dodd got things rolling, and was joined by writers Hannah Rosin and Jeff Sharlet, Left Behind novelist Jerry Jenkins, sociologist Michael Lindsay, and former Bush aide David Kuo.

All participants agreed on the need for civil and substantive discourse on the relation between faith and public life. Not only did they agree on the need for it, but they practiced it. Stark disagreement didn't give way to name-calling or vilification; civility didn't generate into a surfacey niceness that fogs up disagreement. I can only hope that future conversations on this topic will follow the civil and substantive tone of this one.

I especially appreciated the fresh tone struck by evangelicals David Kuo and Jerry Jenkins. Jenkins, in particular, shatters stereotypes by what he says and how he says it; one can only hope that those who loved his novels will follow his lead when he says things like this:

The true evangelical leaders, to me, are those serving Jesus (for He said that if you feed the hungry, help the poor, etc., doing this "unto the least of these," you're doing it unto Me) behind the scenes. Fortunately, I know many such servants - sadly, or perhaps encouragingly, most of them are young people. My son and his wife (in their early thirties with three young children) have helped started a church in Venice Beach, California, that largely serves minorities and the homeless. Just a few dozen gather Sunday mornings for a joyous celebration, but during the week they are also ministered to in concrete ways. My son and daughter-in-law, despite the fact that he's a movie director and she's a full-time mom, are in the process of adopting another child (and possibly two), believing that this is another way to put their faith into action.

One feels the center of gravity shifting in a statement like this from an evangelical leader like this. I share Jerry's hope when I look at many younger leaders in what is often called "the emerging church." Guided by "true evangelical leaders" like Karen Ward, Shane Claiborne, Tony Jones, Doug Pagitt, Rob Bell, Danielle Shroyer, Adam Taylor, Gabriel Salguero, and others, this new generation of Christian adults will not be driving their parents' generation's evangelical Buick. They'll be serving the least of these - planting churches in inner cities, adopting forgotten children, and working for justice.

Brian McLaren (brianmclaren.net) is board chair of Sojourners, and his most recent book is Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crises, and a Revolution of Hope.

Filed Under: Jerry Jenkins,

PS. I agree with what Gus had to say about the term 'evangelical' - I too regard myself as evangelical (i.e., passionately committed to the Gospel of Christ). Some people call my manner of commitment liberal - I guess that's because they may be conservative. I think my commitment to a Gospel of salvation from personal and structural sin, from individual addiction and social enslavement, is the core of the Gospel, not a liberal leftest agenda....

Technorati tags: God and politics, Brian Mclaren, Left Behind, Evangelical

The REAL ark of the convenant in the Ethiopia? Sounds a bit fishy to me...

I have seen documentaries, and read some reports, of this story in the past. I don't buy it... By the way, did I mention that I bought a one of the nails from the cross when I was in Jerusalem a few years ago - amazingly it only cost me $1!! I also know a few folks in Minnesota who have a pretty nice Ark (which they also claim to be the real thing), oh yeah, and then there's the guy Indiana Jones....

Although, in all seriousness, I could be wrong. The Ark could be in Ethiopia - but then again, so what?

What difference does a 'box' make? Surely God is present everywhere, most importantly to be discovered in a loving relationship with God in community and creation?

Anyway, here's the story:

The fabled Ark of the Covenant may not be in some nondescript crate in a massive US government warehouse but rather in the small Ethiopian town of Aksum where it is guarded by a virgin monk who can never leave the chapel where it sits. And nobody else can see it either. Smithsonian magazine sent Paul Raffaele to investigate. From Smithsonian:

I asked (His Holiness Abuna Paulos, patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church) if the ark in Ethiopia resembles the one described in the Bible: almost four feet long, just over two feet high and wide, surmounted by two winged cherubs facing each other across its heavy lid, forming the "mercy seat," or footstool for the throne of God. Paulos shrugged. "Can you believe that even though I'm head of the Ethiopian church, I'm still forbidden from seeing it?" he said. "The guardian of the ark is the only person on earth who has that peerless honor..."

(We) made our way toward the office of the Neburq-ed, Aksum's high priest, who works out of a tin shed at a seminary close by the ark chapel. As the church administrator in Aksum, he would be able to tell us more about the guardian of the ark.

"We've had the guardian tradition from the beginning," the high priest told us. "He prays constantly by the ark, day and night, burning incense before it and paying tribute to God. Only he can see it; all others are forbidden to lay eyes on it or even go close to it." Over the centuries, a few Western travelers have claimed to have seen it; their descriptions are of tablets like those described in the Book of Exodus. But the Ethiopians say that is inconceivable-—the visitors must have been shown fakes.

Link

Previously on BB:
• DIY Ark of the Covenant Link
• Raiding the Lost Ark Link

UPDATE: BB reader Pawel Szymczykowski points out that the Mythbusters explored this concept a bit on TV. Link And there were other before them too. Link

Hilarious photos of celebreties photoshopped as Star Wars Characters

Are you a science fiction movies!? I have watched all of the Star Wars films (both in their chronological release dates, and in their chronological story lines... They still don't make much sense to me - but I enjoyed them regardless!)

Here, however, is something truly worthwhile! Celebraties photoshopped to appear as Star Wars characters... Follow the link at the end of the post - there are some interesting, and some not quite so interesting, ones...

Today on the Worth1000 photoshopping contest: shopping celebrity faces onto Star Wars characters. Link

Technorati tags: weird, Star Wars, Sci fi, Mr Bean

This MUST be the worst Christmas gift idea ever... Something from Microsoft

Could you imagine giving someone one of these 'Microsoft' gifts!? Surely there could be nothing worse than a 'beige' box filled with bloatware that keeps falling over....

From the friendly folks at Microsoft! Why not warm your friend's heart by giving them something from the Microsoft "Office Online Gift Guide 2007." I promise you they won't forget it.

* Traditional calendars for Excel, $7.50

* Time planning and reporting from inside Outlook, $35

* MyFax Internet faxing, 30% off

* 6 must-have tools Excel pros use, $49

* Create and convert PDF forms in Word, $14.50

* Make Flash presentations in PowerPoint

* Buy one get one free: Three dozen Outlook add-ins

* Professional backgrounds for PowerPoint for only $199

* Create and manage projects more effectively with Project Mentor Lite, $29

* Build lists of leads from any Internet source

* Automate your company's document creation, $24

* Make flowcharts a breeze, $19.95

* Import data from Access into Excel easily and quickly

* Gladstone’s Report Wizard for Microsoft Access, $42.50

Link

Microsoft just seems to keep sinking to new levels with each passing day....

Go Mac, or go back (to Linux)....

Technorati tags: Microsoft, worst Christmas gift ever, Linux, Mac

Staying positive, working and praying for change - Jacob Zuma's nomination...

Much of my ministry and adult life has been spent working in black South African communities, and living in predominantly black communities. I have had to learn a great deal about the power of collectivism.

It has astonished me how the community has the power to silence dissident voices for the common good. I see it often. Even though many persons feel a sense of disquiet about something they will submit to the view of the majority and not voice their concerns.

Perhaps I still have some further growing to do in this regard. I feel that I cannot keep silent on this one.

I was alarmed to hear on the morning news that Mr Jacob Zuma has won an overwhelming majority of the nomination votes to be the next President of the ANC (the ruling party in Southern Africa). If you are outside of South Africa you may not be up to date who Jacob Zuma is. Among other things he has:

1. Been dismissed as the Deputy President of South Africa.
2. Was implicated in a sex scandal where he had unprotected sex with an HIV Positive woman (while heading up the South African campaign for moral regeneration).
3. Is at the center of the 'arms' fiasco, having clearly shown dubious moral and ethical principles in procuring arms contracts, awarding tenders, and taking bribes.

It concerns me that we live in a country where a person who has a track record like this would be considered for high office! Surely we require someone with greater integrity and moral standing than this?

Moreover, there are some further human rights concerns looming if this man is to be the next president of the ruling part (which is only a few small steps from the presidency):

1. He has vowed to re-instate the death penalty.
2. He has made some infamatory and debasing remarks about persons who have a a same sex orientation.

I worry... Is this the begining of the end?

Please forgive me for my pessimism! I desperately want to believe that our nation has the capacity for success. This begins with making some tough and informed choices! We need outstanding leadership, not leaders who are fraught with controversy and scandal.

I shall be praying that my attitude changes. I shall also be praying that we have enough sense to do what is courageous and right.

God bless Africa
Guard her children
Guide her leaders
Give her peace.

Technorati tags: Jacob Zuma, ANC President, unwise, pray

Back from Cape Town... the week ahead... I need prayer (and LEGO)

We had a fantastic time in Cape Town!
The wedding was amazing!
We love being with our friends.
Gus and Heather, so sorry we didn't
get to see you guys... We ran out of
time... You know how it is...

It was wonderful to be in the Cape
again. We visited with friends, saw another
friend who has just fallen ill (once a
pastor, always a pastor). We
checked on our house, and just remmembered
how much we miss everyone and
everything in Somerset West!!!

It must be one of the most amazing
places on the planet!!! Each time we
have to leave we wish we could stay!

But, now we've come off then mountain top
tomorrow I face meetings, difficult
issues, and some challenging situations.

I'm sure many of you know the feeling
I got off the flight, switched on my phone
and heard that a student was in trouble, that
one of our College properties had been burgled,
a CCMA case against the Education Unit
was awarded against us... It kind of
makes me dread the week!

But, this is home - and I love it!
For the sake of Christ, and Christ's
Kingdom, and for the transformation of
the world - here I am!

A Stormers supporter back in Bluebull
Country!

Stephen and Nadene, it was such a blessing
to share your day with you (and Janet, I
said a little prayer for your familly wedding
too).

My friends will tell you that I am
a people person, and so it was amazing
to be with people - first among those
were Megie, Courtney and Liam (I seldom
get to spend a WHOLE weekend with them,
so this was such a treat)..

Well friends please pray for me,
and for all that lies ahead this week.
I would be pleased to do the same for
you if you let me know what, and who,
to pray for.

But for now, I miss the Cape, and
am content in my ministry here in
Gauteng...

PS. the sermon went well... I'll
post it tomorrow some time. Simply think
LEGO and marriage...

Off to Cape Town!

Megie, Courtney, Liam and I are on
our way to Cape Town (well Somerset West)
for the wedding of our friends Nadene and
Stephen.

The Power family are close friends of some years.
So, we are very blessed to be able to share this
special day with them.

I have prepared a VERY unique and special
sermon to share with them... Once it is all over
I'll post it here.

So, I may post a little less frequently for the next
three days...

Now, we shall brave the traffic from Pretoria to
the airport. When I passed there earlier this
morning the highway was standing still!!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Much love and blessing to Nadene and Stephen.

Weird picture of the day - a kitten with two faces!

I know kittens are cute, but this is just plain weird! A kitten with two faces!

Lil' Bit is a darling two-faced kitten. He lives in Arizona. From The Telegraph:

Vets believe the cat, which has two mouths, two noses and four eyes, may have two brains, as one face can go to sleep while the other remains awake and it can blink independently on each one.

Link

What are the 10 most popular pages on Wikipedia? But look at the strange listings for 'Conservapedia'!

There are not too many surprises here.... Nonetheless, this is an interesting list! But boy, take a look at the 'conservapedia' listings, that sure is strange!

[UPDATE: The Conservapedia Top 10 list is probably the result of click bots skewing the results. See Seth Finkelstein's blog entry and the comments below.]

Wikipedia is "The Free Encyclopedia." What's on the mind of Wikipedia its readers? Here are the top ten most viewed pages on Wikipedia:

1. Main Page [30,090,900]
2. Wiki [904,800]
3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows [413,400]
4. Naruto [401,400]
5. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock [396,000]
6. United States [330,000]
7. Wikipedia [329,400]
8. Deaths in 2007 [321,300]
9. Heroes (TV series) [307,500]
10. Transformers (film) [303,600]

Conservapedia is "The Trustworthy Encyclopedia." What's on the mind of its readers? Here are the top ten most viewed pages on Conservapedia:

1. Main Page‎ [1,906,729]
2. Homosexuality‎ [1,572,713]
3. Homosexuality and Hepatitis‎ [517,086]
4. Homosexuality and Promiscuity‎ [420,687]
5. Gay Bowel Syndrome‎ [389,052]
6. Homosexuality and Parasites‎ [388,123]
7. Homosexuality and Domestic Violence‎ [365,888]
8. Homosexuality and Gonorrhea‎ [331,553]
9. Homosexuality and Mental Health‎ [291,179]
10. Homosexuality and Syphilis‎ [265,322

(Via Why, That's Delightful!)

Technorati tags: [tagname], wikipedia, top 10, conservapedia

Death by Powerpoint..... and how to fight it!*

* A brilliant resource to create BRILLIANT Powerpoint presentations!

Here it is.... This is an incredible presentation that will help you to create better powerpoint presentations!

| View | Upload your own

Let me know what you thought.... I thought it was fantastic! It was clear, helpful, and I could even follow the gist of it without notes or some boring person droning on and on, and on, about nothing in particular!