top 12 list (of top 10 lists) on 12-12-12

It’s December 12, 2012, and we ought to celebrate!  You know we won’t experience the good fortune of a matching number month-day-year again until next century (and I fear I won’t be around to enjoy that one).  So…

• Eat a dozen donuts for breakfast.  
• Use the word twelve in every conversation you have today.  
• Run twelve miles… or twelve minutes.  
• Spend twelve dollars on a gift and give it to the twelfth person you see today.  
• Memorize the names of the twelve apostles — or if you’re Jewish perhaps the twelve tribes of Israel (are Jews any more likely to have memorized the twelve tribes than Christians are the twelve apostles?).
• Have a moment of silence at 12:12 (the one that hasn’t happened yet) in order to reflect on this rare occasion.

I don’t care much what you do.  But do something!  Celebrate this twelfth day of the twelfth month of the twelfth year in this century.  And if you do indeed decide to celebrate, leave a comment telling us all what you’re doing.

Oh, what’s that?  What am I doing on 12-12-12?  Well, for starters I’m offering you guys…

brett’s morning blend (09may12)

If you’re a fan of cartoons, sex before marriage, or saving money, these are the links for you.  If you’re not a fan of anything of those things, well, you might as well browse being as you’re already here…

brett’s morning blend (19apr12)

Yeah, it’s been a while.  But I’m here now.  And I caught you these delicious links:

brett’s morning blend (16feb12)

Grab your coffee and enjoy the links.

The Importance of Roughhousing With Your Kids

This just in from The Art of Manliness blog: good fathers wrestle with their kids.  It’s really beneficial to their development, guys.  Go on, put your kid in a headlock.

brett’s morning blend (02feb12)

Today’s (pre-morning blend) Headlines:

• Harrison family still waiting for Harper Mae.  Christie has appointment with the doctor today.
• Brett struggles to accomplish anything in the 90+ degree temperatures (98+% humidity) of Dar es Salaam.  Wishes air conditioning were more accessible / affordable in the house the Harrison family rented.*
• New study shows people addicted to coffee (and the caffeine contained within) continue to drink the stuff no matter how hot their surroundings.  Good news for all coffee lovers going to hell.
• Morning blend makes its return as a weekly feature at aliens and strangers.

brett’s morning blend (27jul11)

Have you ever wondered why Usain Bolt can run so fast?  Have you ever wanted to take part in an African circumcision ceremony (if so, I’m wondering why)?  Have you ever suspected that farming is the worst mistake the human race has ever made?  Then grab a cup of coffee, my friend….  

brett’s morning blend (21july11)

You’ll need just a cup of coffee and a couple of minutes to peruse this miscellaneous gathering of internet offerings.  

brett’s morning blend (12jul11)

Some of the best of what I’ve seen on the internet lately.  And if you’ve ever been disappointed by Tom Selleck, there’s extra incentive for you to read to the bottom of the post.  But please do remember that you’ve got a lot to live for.  And think of all the people who would miss you if you were gone.  It really would be quite selfish to end your life over a mustache.

brett’s morning blend: a july 4th primer

Independence Day is tomorrow.  And this post is all you really need in order to prepare for the big day.  

brett’s morning blend (19apr11)

A Holy Week Timeline

BibleGateway put out this pretty incredible timeline of Holy Week, complete with accompanying scriptures cited.

How Would You Spend This Week if You Knew You’d Die on Friday?

These seven actions of Jesus in his last week might resonate with you…

The Missional Conversation and Churches of Christ

Mark Love, of Rochester College, speaks to why this missional conversation is important within the churches of Christ.

Why the Churches of Christ Were Right After All

Since we’re on the subject of churches of Christ, I’ve been saving this link for quite some time.  Many of you may not even know that I am of the religious tribe of the Churches of Christ — I don’t exactly pitch my blog as a Church of Christ one.  But this is my culture and heritage as far as goes religion.  And I can be pretty critical at times, focusing more on what needs to change than on what’s done well.  This essay was written by a Methodist minister pointing to some of that in which the Church of Christ is doing a good job.  [For those of you interested, he's recently posted another essay sharing what the Baptists have done well.  I'm sure he had to reach on that one.  Just kidding, my fellow conservative denomination.]

What Monty Python Can Teach Us About Saving Money

And now for something altogether serious.  Saving money’s important — and that’s why we believe we should use Monty Python to teach you how to do it.

Michael Jordan Makes How Much?!

An infographic showing just how much money the former baller makes — and how quickly it adds up.  Oh, and there’s also some information in there about Bill Gates.  If you like infographics, you’ll enjoy this link.  If you like Michael Jordan or money, you’ll enjoy it all the more.  And if you’re a nerd, you’ll enjoy it most of everyone.  That means that if you’re a nerd who likes infographics, basketball, and money….

3eanuts

Remove the last panel of a Schulz cartoon, and you’ll be left with little more than existential despair.

What We See vs What Kids See

Pictures explain a lot.  [Also, I'm happy -- or embarrassed -- to say that I still see a lot of these things the way kids do.]