Friday, February 11, 2011

Various and Sundry, February 11

Well, it all kind of pales in comparison to world events, but here are a few tidbits I've been seeing this week.

As we celebrate the release...of Justin Bieber's biopic Never Say Never, youth group leaders can rejoice to find there is a Bible study to capture tween hearts:

In conjunction with the new Bieber film, Allied Faith & Family has put together a 12-page Bible study discussion guide titled, “Never Say Never: For Nothing Is Impossible With God,” based on the film and Bieber’s own faith journey. The guide bills itself as “an opportunity to teach our children about the power of hope, prayer, faith and family.” It includes sections on “Discerning God’s Plan for Your Life,” “The Power of Prayer,” and “The Importance of Godly Friendships.”

Oh my.

For Star Wars fans, check out this photo posted on Futility Closet:


Looks like the Death Star, right? It is, in fact (if they tell true) a photo taken by the Cassini spacecraft while orbiting Saturn--in 2005. Well, I thought that was pretty cool.

In gardening/zombie news, I just learned of these zombie garden sculptures, the Zombie of Montclaire Moors, available to you for the low, low price of $89.95. Just the thing for between the azaleas!

If you write an e-newsletter, you might want to check out this article with 7 tips on making one effective. The tip I found most interesting: send the newsletter out midweek at midday.

Finally, the most intriguing obituary this week goes to Princesse Ghislaine de Polignac, who had quite a life. Let's start with her affair with the British ambassador to Paris.

Ghislaine informed the ambassador that — having married and produced four children — she considered that she had done her duty and was now determined to have a good time. He mused: “I have no doubt she will succeed in doing so. I shall do my best to help her.”

Oh my again! What would Justin Bieber do?