This 'n' That

Since my post earlier today was a bit severe, let's keep this lighthearted, shall we? In my driving years, I've had the unfortunate opportunity to experience some of the most poorly devised and designed systems of roadways imaginable. For quite awhile I assumed that Western Pennsylvania was by far the worst in this regard until I recently found myself bombarded with roundabouts. Yes, roundabouts. If you don't know what the roundabout is, consider yourself immensely blessed, and then check out this clip from National Lampoon's European Vacation (I do not recommend the rest of the movie). It is my contention that the man who invented the roundabout should be forced to circle one non-stop for the remainder of his living days.

I approach an intersection. I need to turn left. Instead, I am forced to wait for scads of oncoming traffic before I can enter into the circular fray, essentially turning right, then circle a big piece of concrete to ultimately achieve my goal of "turning" left. How does this make sense? The argument is that this design betters traffic flow, but anyone who has ever been stuck waiting and waiting and waiting to jump into the great circular herd knows otherwise. Roundabouts are particularly life-threatening in the winter, when ice covers the ground. Think about it: circles and ice. Not normally a pleasant combination.

Ah, well, I suppose there is little that can be done to stop the roundabout madness, so let's just circle back to what matters and please, enjoy your week in review (kind of):

• If you were unable to access the interview I posted yesterday, it's because the No Compromise site had been hacked. It's back and available now. And while you're there, you may want to check out this interview with Carl Trueman, discussing 'celebrity culture'.

• A classic Phil Johnson post on rescuing 'evangelicalism', the concept, not the movement.

• The president is going to take the inaugural oath on a stack of historic Bibles. I'll let you go ahead and write your own punchline.

• Speaking of the inauguration, here's Chris Rosebrough's two cents on Louie Giglio's withdrawal from the event.

• Remember when Rick Warren was taping a few episodes of Oprah's Lifeclass a couple of months ago? Well, they're finally airing on television (a good reason to cancel your cable if you ask me).

• The 2013 Truth & Life Conference will be live streamed from The Master's College on 16–18 January.

• Looking for a Bible reading plan for your children?

• Bill Johnson likes the book, Heaven is for Real. I'm shocked and stunned.

• I used to work for a company that designed and built churches, especially big, fancy relevant churches with bookstores and coffee kiosks. Today, the club and coffeehouse atmosphere is still drawing people to the church building. Too bad they aren't being drawn by the preaching of the Word.

• The students of Sandy Hook Elementary returned to school late last week, and were welcomed by Lutheran 'comfort dogs', as opposed, I'm assuming, to Presbyterian comfort dogs.

• DNBS is honored to have been included in 'The Seven' this week at the Dead Pastors Society blog.

• Glenn Chatfield shares a recent encounter he had with some young women seeking to 'christianize' America.

• Do you have 'annoying girl voice'?

• Charles Spurgeon on the freedom of the will and predestination.

• Don't listen to this while operating heavy machinery. Or running on a treadmill.

• 'Abba,' 'Daddy,' it's all the same...or is it?

• Frank Turk wrote a 3-part series on Passion 2013. Here's the final installment.

• Illegal immigrants can now obtain a drivers license in Illinois. The reasoning behind this absolutely eludes me.

• The sheep do not listen to strangers.

• Bill Maher says the Bible only makes sense "if you're really high." Again, just go ahead and write your own punchline.

• Newborn lion cubs are adorable. That's why this is your weekly dose.

• Diet soda has been linked to all kinds of bad things. Now we can add depression to that list.

• What would Jesus wear? This has to be one of the worst toys ever.

• A few words about the watchblogger.

• Pulpit Magazine is back!

• And while we're talking magazines, the latest issue of Credo Magazine is now available online.

• Why Charles Spurgeon thought the plain preaching of the Gospel was sufficient to grow a church.

• Glad to see Mike Ratliff is back to writing at Possessing the Treasure.

• College kids are narcissistic. Funny, so are most professing Christians and their pastors. Coincidence?

• "I am convinced that the physical presence of the preacher in the congregation when he preaches is absolutely vital..."

• How can you tell if you've been born again?