Weekend Links 5-15-20

Congratulations on making it through another week. I'm starting to think as states begin to open up that we are headed into a phase where things we once thought were odd (such as wearing masks out in public) will become part of the new "normal". It will be interesting to see how much things change from the way things use to be prior to the pandemic. In the meantime here are a few non-coronavirus related links for your weekend reading enjoyment.

It's no secret that Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been a huge hit for Nintendo especially since folks have been confined at home. I know in our household we have been spending a lot of time developing our own island. A peek behind the scenes at how this game is uniting people.

This is neat: an online school for junior archaeologists.

Recommendations for other authors like Agatha Christie. This is a very interesting list. I can only vouch for is Anthony Horowitz. I was glad to see him make this list.

Speaking of Christie, she is regarded as one of the queens of crime fiction. There are plenty of reasons why these authors remain popular today.

Long read of the week: The Day the Live Concert Returns. I do wonder what concerts are going to be like post-pandemic.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Negro Baseball Leagues. 35 players from the Negro Leagues have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame thanks in large part to Ted Williams' Hall of Fame induction speech in 1966. 

This is definitely an unusual hobby: a couple that collects novelty Jim Beam decanters. The wonderful irony is that they are teetotalers.

Another long read but definitely worth the time: why are we so susceptible to falling for conspiracy theories? 

Ranking the most iconic detective sidekicks. It's quite a list.

Decision fatigue is a real thing. Especially if you are a parent.

Weekend Links 1-10-2020

Back when I was blogging on a semi-regular basis I ran a feature on Fridays of collection so stories that had caught my attention. As I ease back into a more regular writing schedule I thought it was an opportune time to revive this series. Here are a handful of items that caught my attention in recent weeks:

It's hard for me to believe that it has been 40 years since the Miracle on Ice. The U. S. Olympic Hockey team's victory over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Games was one of the most improbable victories in sport. Here is a terrific profile of the man who was behind the microphone for the game and coined one of the most memorable catchphrases in broadcasting history.

It's a new year which means setting goals for 2020. But in order to succeed first you need to address some common myths that inhibit achieving your goals. It also helps to align your habits to the goals you want to achieve.

By the way, if you want to become more focused in your productivity, this book is a great place to start. 

Speaking of books, this list of book towns look like great vacation destinations for a bookworm like me.

This is a pleasant surprise: vinyl records are on pace to outsell CDs for the first time in 30 years.

Baseball teams stealing signs has been in the news a lot this offseason. MLB could fix the problem very easily if they wanted to. 

Longtime baseball writer Peter Gammons is being honored by the people he covers. Definitely well deserved

Baseball history: In 1919, the Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. The reasons why are fascinating. 

More baseball history; my current favorite Twitter feed is Flagstaff Films. Click on their media and fall down a worm hole of old home movies. Your welcome.

Pitchers and catchers report in 32 days. It will be spring before you know it.

Have a great weekend.

Weekend Playlist - Put Your Records On

There is something about music that can brighten the most dismal of days. That's the message at the heart of Corinne Bailey Rae's hit Put Your Records On. This is a really nice tune that helps set the perfect mood for the weekend. Enjoy.

Weekend Playlist - Fallin' For You

This weekend's song is a really sweet song from songwriter Colbie Callat. It's a great picture of what happens when you meet that special someone. It's not always easy to express into words what it feels like but she does a great job encapsulating those emotions in this song. Enjoy.


Colbie Caillat - Fallin' For You (Official Video) by luanabochechinha

Weekend Playlist: Upside Down

This week's selection is just pure fun. Jack Johnson was not well known until the release of this song which also happened to be featured in the movie Curious George. Although he has recorded a lot of songs since this one it remains my favorite.

Weekend Playlist: If I Could Build My Whole World Around You

This week's song spotlights one of the outstanding duos of Motown's heyday: Marvin Gaye and Tammie Terrell. During the couple of years during the late Sixties they recorded together they had numerous hits and performed live together on tour. If I Could Build My Whole World Around You would mark the third top 10 record for the duo and is (at least in my opinion) their best record. Unfortunately the partnership would not last very long as Terrell collapsed in Gaye's arms during a performance at Hampden Sydney College in October of 1967. Less that three years later she was dead at age 24 having succumbed to a brain tumor. Still, they made some wonderful music together and this has to be one of the finest examples of this outstanding pairing.

Daily Links 4-16-14

In today's edition: protecting your family from pornography, a new song from an old friend, art available for download, and more.

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With the proliferation of pornography on the internet (and elsewhere) it is best to have a plan for how to deal with it as a family. Fortunately, Tim Challies has some terrific advice on how to develop a comprehensive approach to protecting your family.

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How you can spot a leader you can trust. Some good advice. (Hat tip: Trevin Wax)

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Should I go see Noah or not? A frank discussion on how to engage popular culture.

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My friend Annie Parsons (no relation) has written a lovely new song. She's a talented gal. Take a listen below and then leave a comment for her and let her know what you think.



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Everyone knows that Chick-Fil-A has some of the best food around. But here's something you may not know about: the best items featured on their secret menu.

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The stories of 11 incredible acts of courage.

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You can now download over 35,000 images from the National Gallery of Art.

Daily Links 4-14-14

Here's a roundup of links to help you start the week of right. In today's edition: the difference between successful and unsuccessful people, the man who stumbled on Hell, the idolatry of modesty, and more.

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Here's an interesting list of 16 differences between successful and unsuccessful people. Lots of good advice in this post. (Hat tip: Neatorama)

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The amazing history of the Choose Your Own Adventure books.

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Increasingly, folks are having issues with food. Here's some useful advice on how to determine whether foods are making you sick.

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The headline says it all: the man who stumbled on Hell. The true story of Lieutenant John Randall, the first Allied soldier to arrive at Bergen-Belsen. (Warning: graphic and disturbing images in the article)

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15 things we have to explain about Lynyrd Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama.

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The top 10 words that will help you win at Scrabble. (Hat tip: Book Riot)

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How should Christians deal with the issue of modesty? We should be careful not to make modesty into an idol:

Because promiscuity is so prevalent today, we in the Church have reacted by elevating modesty to unhealthy proportions. We jump too quickly into behavior modification and don’t realize that most of our modesty campaigns are actually borderline legalism. 

One rule in particular that “Christian” schools, universities and clubs like to enforce is the “skirt test.” It usually involves the woman getting on her knees to see if the skirt touches the ground, which if it does, it’s deemed acceptable.

My question though is what are we doing in that moment? Is the gospel being exalted, or are we heaping shame and condemnation on them? 

The fact that she is on her knees for the test couldn’t be more symbolic of submission, power, shame and guilt. The trouble, however, is that while modesty standards are set up to not make women’s bodies an object, it is in fact doing that very thing. 

Highlighting the girl’s dress in front of everyone, and telling her she should dress a certain way because she doesn’t want “to make the men stumble” is simply making her an object.

In the Body, we need to realize using men’s sin and lust issues as the reason why a woman should dress a certain way is actually making her just as much an object than if she were to dress promiscuously.

Read the whole thing.

Weekend Playlist: Let's Call the Whole Thing Off

When it comes to classic show tunes it's hard to beat George and Ira Gershwin. Let's Call the Whole Thing Off was originally introduced in the 1937 film Shall We Dance starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Noted for the different pronunciations of different words throughout the song, it was meant to highlight class differences between the two singers rather than just a disagreement over how to say "tomato". Like many songs in the Great American Songbook, there are numerous versions of this song. This particular version is my personal favorite as you can hear in the singing how much Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong obviously enjoyed working together on this song.

Weekend Playlist: Fare Thee Well

This week we go old school with a new cover of an old song. Fare Thee Well is an English ballad dating back to the 18th Century. It's been covered numerous times by a wide variety of artists. The latest cover was featured in the Coen Brothers' movie Inside Llewyn Davis and features Oscar Isaac and Marcus Mumford on the vocals. This is a wonderful rendition of the song. Enjoy.

Weekend Playlist: King of Anything

I don't normally link to pop songs but this one is so catchy and has such a great underlying message that it was worthy of linkage here. The song is by singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles and is primarily written from the point of view of a woman who has been in a relationship with a guy who is a control freak. In breaking off the relationship, she poses the question "who died and made you king of anything?" It's an interest point that she makes: too often we try too hard to live our lives pleasing others particularly people that will never be pleased with anything that we do. It can be a stifling way to live. The song is a good reality check for us to ask ourselves if we are really living the way we should or are we allowing others to rule over us in a way that they shouldn't be allowed.

Weekend Playlist: Raincoat

This week's song is another find courtesy of Pandora. Raincoat is one of Kelly Sweet's signature songs. It's easy going, jazzy beat conveys a feeling of hope in spite of hurt. Listen closely to the words and you'll hear the voice of a woman who has been hurt in a relationship but won't let her life be defined by that hurt. In fact, she's ready to start fresh by discarding the things that characterized that prior relationship. That's the real beauty of this song.

Daily Links 3-19-14

In today's edition: once confused now complementarian, amazing arial photos from World War I, how to help a grieving friend, and more.

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Once confused, now complementarian. An interesting insight on the difference in roles between men and women.

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My general rule of thumb when it comes to books is that if Tim Challies recommends a book it's worth consideration. Here's his recommendation for What's Best Next. 

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A collection of aerial photographs from World War I are going up for auction. The images are stunning.

Aerial photo of German positions in the Somme - via Daily Mail

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The story of 5 fascinating vice presidents you've likely never heard of before.

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How to help a grieving friend. Advice from 1954 that stands the test of time.

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10 Pop stars that you probably didn't know were pastor's kids. I think I only knew that about one of the people on this list.

Weekend Playlist: Christmas TV

Here's another track from my favorite TV show Chuck. One of the amazing things about the show is the selection of the background music. This particular song played during a beach wedding scene and only enhanced the romance and sweetness of the sequence. Enjoy this track from Slow Club.

Weekend Playlist - Hang on Little Tomato

This week's song is another one of my Pandora finds. I had never heard of Pink Martini or this particular song. However, the more I have listened to it the more it has grown on me. I imagine the song as advice from a parent to a child. Somehow that makes it a little sweeter. It's a song filled with hope. As depressing as sometimes things can seem to be, a song like this can brighten one's day.

Daily Links 3-4-14

In today's edition: avoiding the appearance of evil, John Steinbeck was a spy, how to get an online MBA for free, memorable quotes from Dr. Seuss, and more.

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I've heard it said many times to "avoid every appearance of evil". The source is from 1 Thessalonians 5:22 in the King James Version. The trouble is that the KJV is translating the verse incorrectly. Here's an explanation of how this verse has been so frequently misused.

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A crash course in jazz appreciation from Art of Manliness.

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Did John Steinbeck spy for the CIA? It certainly looks that way. (Hat tip: Book Riot)

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According to Yelp, the best rated restaurant in the country is a shack. I will say this: when I travel I do rely on Yelp for reviews of restaurants. Usually they are fairly reliable. (Hat tip: Neatorama)

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How to earn an MBA online for free.

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Dr. Seuss would have been 110 this past Sunday. Here are ten memorable quotes about his life and work.

Weekend Playlist: A Girl, A Boy and a Graveyard

I'm always on the lookout for artists to listen to. I discovered Jeremy Messersmith through my favorite TV show Chuck. The show always did a great job of picking music to fit the mood of the show. This song is no exception to that rule. It's also a good introduction to Jeremy Messersmith. Enjoy.

Weekend Playlist - Let's Fall in Love

Time for another selection from one of my favorite singers, Diana Krall, for this weekend's playlist. Here's another great standard Let's Fall in Love. If you're unfamiliar with her work, this is a great introduction. Enjoy.

Weekend Playlist - A Living Prayer

I'm not a big country music fan but there are a few bands that do capture my attention. One group I listen to often is Alison Krauss and Union Station. I don't there is a more talented group of musicians working together today.

Every once in a while, they will delve into songs that have definite Christian themes and today's selection is no exception. In fact, it's a terrific song. Enjoy.

Weekend Playlist: Bewitched, Bothered and, Bewildered

When I think of Boz Scaggs jazz singer is not the first thing that leaps to mind. I'm more likely to recall his hits from the late 70s such as Lowdown and Lido Shuffle. But in 2003, he recorded an album of jazz standards entitled But Beautiful that debuted at #1 on the jazz charts upon its release. Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered is a Rodgers and Hart tune from Pal Joey. Click below to hear how Boz Scaggs proves himself more than capable of handling one of the great show tunes.