Weekly Reading List [2.24.12]

Let's start the weekend off with some creativity...

1. INSANE ART FORMED BY CARVING BOOKS WITH SURGICAL TOOLS & REPACKAGED - Both artists take books and create art with them. I really love the work that Brian Dettmer does, so complex.

Now some science...

2. ALKALI METALS & DISPOSAL OF SODIUM (see below) - I came across these videos this week, and was instantly transported back to high school science class. Does anybody else wish that they still had the opportunity to learn things across a variety of disciplines? I'm pretty sure that if I could go back, high school would be much more appreciated.

Let's end with some current events...

3. RUMORS OF IMMINENT EXECUTION OF IRANIAN PASTOR UNCONFIRMED & SAVE CHRISTIAN PASTOR FROM IRANIAN DEATH SENTENCE & IRAN COURT CONVICTS CHRISTIAN PASTOR TO DEATH- It's awesome when issues of persecution make the news. It's been 864 days that Yousef Nadarkhani has been imprisoned for leaving Islam. Despite all the international attention, it is just rumor right now that the lower court has signed Nadarkhani's execution papers. My understanding is that once those papers are signed, the execution can be carried out at any time, without notice to the family or legal counsel. This is certainly a man we need to pray for. Pray for his continued strength, for the witness of his testimony, and for his family. I can not imagine how difficult the past years have been for them. Please consider signing the petition (link above) and if your on Twitter send a message with the hashtags #Nadarkhani #SecClinton to raise awareness.

4. FISHING SLAVES ON THE HIGH SEAS & WHAT'S THE ROLE OF FAITH IN FIGHTING SLAVERY - If you've given up meat on Friday's and find yourself eating more fish this Lent season, you should really take a look at the article on slavery on the high seas. When we think of slavery most of us think of young girls who have been trafficked into brothel or prostitution situations. But slavery occurs in many ways, these young men are forced to work in dangerous conditions, against their will. It's something to think about the next time you go to McDonald's and get that Fish O'Fillet. If this stuff interests you, you should check out Slavery Foot Print. They have a quiz you can take to figure out how many slaves work for you, to make the clothes you wear, the food you eat, etc. Lastly, there is an AMAZING anti-trafficking group here in the Bay Area called Not For Sale their founder David Batstone wrote a great piece on CNN about the role of faith in fighting trafficking. I really love this man, he is doing great work, raising awareness, raising up young leaders, and working wholistically with his faith.

5. A PAGE FROM KHARTOUM'S PLAYBOOK - The people of South Sudan have suffered greatly through the decades. Recently, they won a huge victory, and seceded from Sudan. Maybe that's what makes this story even sadder. Sudan has many ethnic groups, tribes abound in this region, and it's truly tragic to see one, formerly oppressed group turn around and oppress another group.