WARNING: THIS IS GROSS


A whale of an explosion in Taiwan

A deceased, beached sperm whale was being transported for research when it suddenly exploded in the city of Tainan in Taiwan. The explosion has been attributed to natural gas inside of the whale as it decomposed. The whale measured 56 feet long and weighed in at 60 tons.

The Taipei Times reports, ""More than 100 Tainan city residents, mostly men, have reportedly gone to see the corpse to 'experience' the size of its penis..." Ok. Still haven't found the picture of that.

Check out MSNBC or Taiwan News for the full story.

(Thanks Tien Mao for pointing out the story.)

BUY AN IMAGINARY GIRLFRIEND ON EBAY

Buy a virtual girlfriend on Ebay!

And this one is really crazy.

(credit to kottke for the link.)

BRAIN FREEZE

I think it might be the snow.

All week I have had a major brian blockage every time I sit down to prepare my message for this weekend. I've gotten a lot of administrative stuff done (which I'm very proud of, by the way...) but at this rate we will have a long moment of silence at our church on Sunday.

Time to take out the Playdough & Etch-A-Sketch.

THE OTHER DAY...

...I drove by an old Pizza Hut that closed down and is now a Curves workout facility for women.

Kind of ironic.

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW...



Dear East Coast People,

We send you this snow with our love.


Sincerely,

Chicago

REDEFINING THE PASTORAL ROLE

Fellow blogger, Randall Friesen posts a quote by another blogger named Chris Marshall:

"I spent 10 years climbing the ladder in evangelical ministry, being groomed to be the next super "up front" leader and what I learned is that it had more to do with being an American success story than anything to do with Christ following. I would go as far to say that until I learned to love 2 or 3 and be content in my giftedness, I really never understood what pastoring was. I believe the pastor who will thrive in the future will be one that turns in their pulpit for a guest bedroom, their preaching for true hospitality, their "up front" role for a towel and basin. Hospitality, which fosters powerful organic relationships underground will be the bridges that the Holy Spirit will use to bring healing to our communities. (by the way, women generally kick arse in this area). So men, learn how to clean a toilet and make a bed. Learn how to cut the vegetables and clean the dishes. Learn how to listen in conversation to people's stories as they share lives over a meal and be ready to respond with warmth and empathy with nobody to notice what your doing. The future leader will not be an expositor but a diakanos (table servant). If this is not enough for you, then let me end with this question: Who told you to be successful?"

This is good...

THE 5TH E

Jack Welch (GE CEO) talks about 4 vital aspects of successful leadership known as the 4 "E's": Energy, Energize, Edge, and Execute.

FastCompany blogger, Alison Overholt, suggests one more "E" - of which I agree with.

Check it out here.

"MOM, CAN WE PLAY WITH THE GATOR NOW?"

New York website, Gothamist, shares this story about a family (including 8 children) living in Harlem who shared their apartment with an alligator and tiger. Yes - you read that right.

SARAH MCLACHLAN



Kicking back listening to Sarah McLachlan's latest CD, "Afterglow". Something about her voice is so soothing...