Random links of interest, concern or curiosity from the past week or so, that deserve at least a short mention:

 
Where Dreams Die ~ Victor Davis Hanson describes the sinking ship that is California.
 
Israel: Trust in the Lord, but Keep Your Powder Dry ~ (At the Jerusalem Connection Report) Because: “This is not a conflict over territory, despite all that you read and hear. It is a conflict between civilizations.”
 
The Importance of Reading the Bible ~ It only takes 70 hours to read the Bible – and just 51 seconds to watch this short video.
 
Joplin doctor details tornado aftermath ~ Joplin – beyond the pictures. An ER doctor’s first-hand account of the May 22nd tornado. Staggering.
 
Gorgeous, Massive Sculptures Made Entirely From Sticks ~ Beautiful sculptures made from – dead branches. They look like dwellings for fairy-tale folk 😀