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• Stand to Reason on YouTube STR.org videos featuring Greg Koukl is now on YouTube
• Usability.gov Your guide for developing usable & useful Web sites
• The Golden Compass Controversy “…it is generally unwise to criticize a movie until you’ve actually had the chance to see it. In this case the concerns are understandable in light of Pullman’s statements that he wrote in His Dark Materials trilogy… to promote his atheistic views.”
• Nehemiah’s wall uncovered | Jerusalem Post

• Gospel Truth - New York Times “While National Geographic’s translation supported the provocative interpretation of Judas as a hero, a more careful reading makes clear that Judas is not only no hero, he is a demon.”

• The Book of Jeremiah and A New Archaeological Discovery Another one of those discoveries that confirm “that the events and people in the Bible have a true historical background.” (via brownpau.com)

from Phisch

1. Who is your favorite Biblical personage, other than Jesus?

Paul. His life was the most radically changed in the New Testament. From persecutor of the Church to one who led the Church and suffered for the Church and the cause of Christ, he considered himself the worst of sinners for which God has shown mercy. God’s patience and willingness to forgive was markedly demonstrated in Paul’s life.

2. What is your favorite book of the Old Testament?

Proverbs. Many nuggets of wisdom imparted. Wish I had read it as a teen/young man. I could’ve avoided many pitfalls. More on this later…

3. What is your least favorite book of the Old Testament?

Either Leviticus or Numbers. I know they continue the saga of Moses and the nation of Israel, and those parts I like. But the genealogies and the ceremonial laws, whew! I know my eyes glazed over a few times reading the head count of the tribes of Israel and how the numerous sacrifices were to be offered. I realize those books serve to show not only how God is faithful to Israel but also to show how He is pure and holy. But I’m sure glad we live under the New Covenant.

4. What is your favorite non-gospel book of the New Testament?

I haven’t really thought about this much but I guess I’d say the book of Romans. It clearly lays out the Gospel. And, some say that if you know Romans you know all of Scripture because of its allusions and commentary on topics like the Creation all the way to the Last Judgment.

5. What is your life verse?

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

6. Tag 5 people who might want to play

This is a free for all. Have at it!

The world of archaeology is quite exciting right now - especially for the discoveries that affirm Biblical events, people and places. Among the recent ones are the excavation of the Pool of Siloam, the discovery of the “earliest” Christian church building, and the unearthing of a shard of pottery that offers support for the Goliath story. So maybe the magazine Biblical Archaeology Review can now refrain from making “Swimsuit Edition”-style covers to attract readership.

The BAR cover above from earlier this year has elicited spirited responses in the letters section a couple of issues later. Here are some excerpts:

• “The ersatz cheesecake photo… belies the serious material offered in the substance of the magazine.”
• “Was it really necessary to expose the young lady on the cover of “Digs 2005″ to such misogynistic treatment?”
• “Come on, is it really the thrill of discovery that got this shot on the cover? Let’s keep our controversies to issues of archaeology rather than immodesty.”
• “Right on…!”
• “Your selection of a scantily clad maiden… suggests that you have thrown in your lot with the minimalists.”
• “If you must put diggers on your covers, perhaps you could have a handsome young male digger - holding an artifact, of course.”
• “Bead! What bead?”

This is not the first time BAR has used a female digger on the cover of a special Dig issue. Here’s one from a couple of years ago. At least this lady has a tan to prove she ain’t no neophyte.