More pictures of the Volcano in Iceland

A few days ago we posted some pictures of the volcanic eruption in Iceland -- the one that caused and still is causing considerable problems in Europe and elsewhere.

Well, guess what.  An even better and more numerous series of pictures has been posted on the web.  A friend found them and sent the link.

You will be amazed.  HERE’S THE LINK

The end of the floppy disc is nigh

Another computer accessory and long time essential storage item will soon bite  the dust.  

This time it is the floppy disc.

No, not the big floppy floppy discs. They went the way of the dinosaur years ago and perhaps most of you reading this never even saw or used them. 

I remember the floppy floppy discs and to tell the truth am not sorry they are gone.

But I will miss the firm floppy, the one that now is soon to no longer ‘be’. It was much better and really very practical and functional.

Most of you probably remember or perhaps still use them.

Well, enjoy them while while can because they will soon be no more.  HERE’S THE LINK.

Has Noah’s Ark been Found?

Surely you have seen this news.  It is all over the internet.

Seems that a group of explorers from China and Turkey have found what they believe to be the real Noah’s ark !!

Apparently they found it a few years ago and have been doing tests, including radioactive dating (which suggests that it is about 4,800 years old). 

Based on their tests and investigations, they say they are 99.9% sure they have found the ark!

Wow.  If so, this is an amazing find.

To read about it, here are 2 of the many articles which tell of the find and show a few pictures and even a video.  HERE’S ONE LINK and HERE’S ANOTHER.

NEWS FLASH UPDATE !!!!

Alas, it seems that this may be another hoax !!! 

News reports as of April 29 are now saying this is another elaborate hoax and that this is not the real Noah's ark.  HERE'S THE LINK.

What Really Happened to the Dinosaurs?

You have heard the very popular and often quoted theory proposed by the Evolutionists -- the idea that the dinosaurs were all killed when a comet hit the earth ‘long long ago.’

Recently another theory was proposed.  It said they died because the oceans cooled and the weather got too cold. 

So why would this kill the dinosaurs?

Because, according to that theory, they were like snakes and other cold blooded animals that have to use the sun to warm themselves and they just couldn’t get warm enough so they died.

And so the ‘ideas’ continue concerning what happened to the Dinosaurs.

The New Answers Book from AIG discusses this question and has a better answer.  HERE’S THE LINK.

The Evolution of the cell phone

Now here is ‘evolution’ that makes sense.

I am speaking of the origin and evolution of the Cell phone.

Why this topic?  Well, recently my cell phone was ‘upgraded’ from the dinosaur ‘candy bar’ phone (circa 2004) to a used, but very modern to me, flip phone (which I had always admired.) Wow!  It is quite an advancement and awesome in its features! A big thank you to the donor.

Back in 2004, I was probably the last person on earth to get a cell phone, though I had long admired them from afar, and had friends who had those early humongous bulky and very expensive cell phones such as you see in the picture above, being held by Dr. Cooper, the inventor.

But, I digress.

Recently there was an interesting article about the ‘evolution’ of the cell phone. According to that article this all began in 1983. 

But, according to another article it began in 1973 when Martin Cooper invented the cell phone.  Hmm.

Oh well, it was obviously not billions and billions of years ago.

Anyway, to see the chart showing the evolution of cell phone features and uses, HERE’S THE LINK

And to read about the man who invented the cell / mobile phone, Martin Cooper, and where cell phones of the future might be headed, HERE’S THE LINK

Avatar, the movie

Some of you have wondered about the ‘plot’ and ‘teaching’ of this movie.

You know it has ‘problems’ in that it teaches a false gospel, to put it mildly.

So you wisely have decided to NOT view the movie but still you are wondering what all the ‘ruckus’ is about when you hear folks saying it is NOT a movie that they recommend.

I have not seen it and have NO intention of seeing it and am one of those who do NOT recommend it.

Why?

Well, recently I found a very good article which explains ‘why’.  HERE’S THE LINK.

A kitchen greese / oil fire -- what to do

Recently I received an email with an embedded video about what NOT to do and what TO do if you have a kitchen oil fire (as in grease for frying chicken, french fries, etc).

Since the email video did not have a URL, I checked to see if it was also on YouTube and yayyyy it was.

Hopefully you will never need this information but if you do, you will be glad you saw this.

To view this 1 minute 55 second video, HERE’S THE LINK

And another video on the same topic (about 25 seconds long) shows another method of extinguishing the fire. Be sure to watch it also.  HERE’S THE LINK

Another great Astronomy picture

 I just love it when those drawings in the sky can actually be seen.

What drawings?  Well, those pictures of such things as Orion the Hunter, The big dog (Canis Major), Cassiopeia, etc.

I can never see them when I look at the sky.

But a recent picture on the NASA “picture of the Day” website has one that actually shows some of these.  And, it also points out some of those stars and clusters of stars that are so famous.

Some of those stars we have mentioned before here on this site. 

For example, you remember Betelgeuse.  Well it is in the picture, too. 

You are wondering where you heard of Betelgeuse?  Well, remember that awesome video we referenced several months ago.  Yes, that is where you heard about it.  I was going to link you to the video which you viewed (hopefully) several months ago. But, alas, it has been taken down from YouTube because of copyright issues.  So, I guess you will have to buy the video like I did. Sigh.

Anyway, take a look at this wonderful NASA Photo of the day. HERE’S THE LINK.

The Volcano in Iceland

As you know, NASA has a ‘picture of the day’ site.  We have referenced it previously and are are going back to it today.

Why back?

Well, on April 19 the picture of the day was an amazing view of the ash from the eruption that has been (and still is) wrecking so much havoc to air travelers and to to the economy especially in Europe.

I think you will find this picture awesomely beautiful but scary. 

Be sure to read the caption under the photo which explains why this eruption caused the disruption. HERE’S THE LINK.

And if you want to see more pictures and read even more about this volcanic eruption, HERE’S ANOTHER LINK

Rob Bell and NOOMA

Yesterday we mentioned the ‘Emerging Church’ movement and gave you a link to a brief summary about it.

One of the Leaders of this movement is Rob Bell. 

Although there are many leaders in this movement, I mention Rob Bell because the other evening I watched a video which, among other things, mentioned Rob Bell and the errors of his teachings.

That video also stated that many many folks are reading his books and watching his videos (under the name of NOOMA) unaware that he is part of the Emerging Church and apparently undiscerning of the false teachings in his books and videos.

Just in case you might have been reading his books or watching the videos and were wondering why there seemed to be ‘something wrong’, this is to let you know that you were / are on the right track when you sensed something was ‘not right’.

In this particular situation, that of Rob Bell, his books and NOOMA videos, and other Emerging Church leaders, the reason you need to give him and them a wide birth is explained in this article. HERE’S THE LINK.

The Emergent Church is ‘emerging’

What is the Emergent Church? you ask.

Glad you asked, because this is a new ‘movement’ that is becoming very widespread in the Church and is NOT good.

Known as the “Emergent Church”, or the ‘Emerging Church Movement’ (ECM), much could be written about it and is being written. 

In fact, if you want to read in depth about the ECM, go to http://www.crossroad.to/  and type “Emerging Church” into the search box on the page (the box is about half way down the page on the left hand side -- keep looking and you will find it) and you will find enough information to keep you busy reading for days and days.

But, in the meantime, a concise overview of the ‘Emergent Church’ has been written by Jan Merkel of Olive Tree Ministries.  HERE’S THE LINK.

How old is the earth?

Seems that everywhere you turn today, folks tell us that the earth is ‘zillions’ of years old. 

I say ‘zillions’ because soon that will be the number of years.  It keeps increasing and currently is said to be about 4.5 billion years.

But, when I was a youth, we were being told the earth was about 2 billion years old. 

My, how times change.  In just the ‘beep beep’ years of my lifetime, the earth has aged several  billion years! 

Hmmmm and Wow. Talk about time flying.

But, seriously, how old is the earth? 

And when and why did folks stop believing the age of about 6,000 years as the Bible indicates?

Well, a wonderful article on the AIG website addresses these questions.  I think you will find the information very helpful as you ponder the age of the earth and discuss it with others.  HERE’S THE LINK.

Golfer gives up first PGA win because he is honest

You probably already saw this as it was on the Yahoo sports news site today.

But just in case you didn’t see it, you do need to know that there are still folks ‘out there’ with honesty and integrity.

What happened?

Well, read it for yourself. Amazing.  HERE’S THE LINK

.

The Movie: Inherit the Wind

You have likely seen the movie or the play, Inherit the Wind, which supposedly accurately reports the events surrounding the famous Scopes Trial.

This movie is still shown repeatedly in Schools across the country even though the trial was in 1925. 

The original play opened in 1955 and the movie which is most frequently shown was made in 1960.

But, alas, the play and the movie, though purported to be accurate representations of what occurred, are in reality considerably more Fiction than truth!

What? The Movie, Inherit the Wind, is not an accurate synopsis?

Correct.  It is not accurate and is definitely more fiction than fact !!!

A very good article posted March 31, 2010 in the Answers Research Journal details the errors and explains why.

If you have seen the movie, or have a child or grandchild who has, or if you are a teacher who has shown it to your classes, you definitely need to read this article.  HERE’S THE LINK.

Cooking with Chonda Pierce and her son

Yesterday Chonda told us about her Piano Lessons and where they led her.

Today, just in case you didn’t click through and listen to the many other videos that YouTube has of her, we are going to link to another one that is also a hoot.

There are quite a few videos of her on YouTube.  And it was a hard choice to choose one to share with you today.

The deciding ‘factor’ in choosing this one is because my sister in law recently had her kitchen remodeled plus she has recently been on a trip (well, a cruise) where fancy fancy meals were served.  I am sure she will find much in this video that is hilarious. 

And, I am sure you will also.

This 10 minute video with Chonda and her son is a hoot.

Enjoy!

HERE’S THE LINK

PIano Lessons with Chonda Pierce

Hopefully you have heard Chonda Pierce either in person or on video.  If so, you will enjoy hearing her again.

If not, you have a treat in store as she is a funny funny comedian.

This particular video tells of her Piano Lessons as a child and where they led her as a college student.

She says in other videos that her father was a pastor and her mother the Church Pianist and she adds that she was raised a Nazarene, married a Southern Baptist, and now goes to a Pentecostal church. 

With that by way of background, you will better understand the humor in these Piano Lessons and the comments she makes about her herself and her mother.

To listen to this 9 minute video, well really it is 8 minutes 59 seconds but you get the idea, HERE’S THE LINK.

How about a garden?

The other day we mentioned how nice it would be to have a hummingbird feeder in your yard and found a site to tell you ‘how’ to do that.

You might then have noticed that you DO have a yard or at least some space on a patio or whatever and wondered what else you could do.

So, in addition to having wonderful hummingbird visitors, how about also growing a few tasty items such as tomatoes, etc. 

It is not difficult and you do not need acres and acres to have a garden.

In fact,  you don’t need a yard at all. You can have quite a variety of yummy edibles by just using pots or containers on your patio, deck, or whatever.

So what do you need to do to raise such things as tomatoes, blueberries, herbs, etc. ?

Well I found a website that will give you some ideas about what to grow and how.  HERE’S THE LINK.

Playing cards have another use

When I was a kiddo, my mother used to refer to Playing cards as ‘Spotty or spotted Cards’ and told of how she and others were not allowed to play with them.

Nowadays most card games such as solitaire are played on the computer with ‘electronic cards’ and almost everyone plays with them at one time or another.

But Playing cards (i.e. the real ones / the 'hard copy' ones) are still around and in addition to their usual uses in games, gambling, etc., there is another use that has progressed to new heights (pun intended).

What am I talking about? you ask.

Well, an interesting article on the net tells of an architect who makes model buildings and other things from Playing cards (the real ones not the electronic ones). 

The article includes 10 pictures of his amazing creations.  HERE’S THE LINK.

Hummingbirds would love to come to your feeder.

It is spring and the Hummingbirds are returning.  In fact, in many places they are already back from their winter vacation down south.

Perhaps you have fed them for years and are an ‘old hand’ at feeding and enjoying the beauty and antics of hummingbirds.

Or you may never have fed hummingbirds but want to start feeding them.

Whatever the case, I found a wonderful website with loads of helpful ‘how to’ information that both ‘old timers’ and ‘newbies’ will appreciate.

This short article explains how to feed them, where to hang your feeder(s), what is the best ‘formula’ for their drink and why, how to clean the feeder, what to do do about bees, wasps, ants, and more.

HERE”S THE LINK.

Dinosaur footprints found in China

The interest (at least mine and hopefully yours) in dinosaurs continues. 

And today’s ‘factoid’ has to do with the recent finding of 3,000 dinosaur footprints in China.

WOW.

Dr. Tas Walker has written a brief article about this find and what it probably means.  HERE’S THE LINK

Barbie (the doll) is an Episcopal Priest !!!

Yes, you read that correctly!

Barbie is now an ordained Episcopal priest !!!

I could not believe my eyes when I saw this article. And it was posted on April 10 so it is not an April Fools joke.

There is MUCH I could say about this and none of it would be good.  So, you can just imagine my comments here. ... including such things as: Yes, Barbie is only a doll BUT what is this teaching our little kiddos? 

And, I could say a whole lot more on this topic but instead will let you ponder for yourself  what this indicates about ....

Anyway, so you can read about this for yourself, HERE’S THE LINK

West Virginia Coal Mines

A few days ago we learned of another tragic disaster in a Coal Mine, this time in West Virginia.

An explosion, likely due to methane buildup, occurred and many died!  The actual number, as of the time of this posting, is still unknown but at least 25 are known to have died.

So where does this methane come from?  And why is it so dangerous?

Well, a very interesting article written by Dr. Tas Walker, on the Creation Ministries International website, answers the question about methane and more.  HERE’S THE LINK

Jurassic Park 3, the Movie

Hmmm. I missed that one.  But according to an article on the AIG website, it is ok that I did NOT see it. 

In fact, that article lists 7 reasons why one should NOT see it.

But, unfortunately this ‘warning’ is probably wayyyyyy too late and you and or your kiddos have probably already seen it as I think it came out in about 2001.  Wow, that was ages ago and your kids are probably in college (or out) by now.

Anyway, since you have probably already seen it. Alas.

But, you could at least consider removing the VHS or DVD you have of it from your collection (and other movies of similar ‘ilk’) so that your kiddos (or now grand kiddos) will not keep watching it.

But, guess what!  Apparently Jurassic Park 4 is in the making and is expected to be released in 2010.  Reportedly it is going to be the start of a new ‘trilogy’ of Jurassic Park movies.

So, the warnings that AIG stated for Jurassic Park 3 will likely apply to Jurassic Park 4. 

In other words, folks, we need to be very discerning about what we see and about what we let little kids see.  Yes, dinosaurs are interesting and exciting to little ‘kiddos’ but the evolutionary teaching in these movies is enough to pull the plug on their viewing.

So with all that said, in case you are wondering why this was NOT a good movie, HERE’S THE LINK

A picture is worth a thousand words

Yes, indeed, a picture is worth a thousand words, though as you have no doubt noticed, I am a big fan of words   : )

And this picture of the little baby for which we have all been praying certainly shows vast improvement.

Look at that smile !

Prayers are being answered and it looks like he is turning the corner.

His urine output is still miniscule so prayers are still needed in that area.  In fact I suggested on his website that they might play some Handel’s Water Music for him to listen to.  After all, if folks can play Mozart to help the brain when studying ....

Anyway, Wow, look at how much better he looks.

Thanks for your prayers and concern and please continue.

Amazing survival abilities of the Ibex

This 5 minute 39 second video on the Kim Komando website is amazing.

All I can say is WOW

-- and Praise the Amazing Creator God who made this animal.

HERE’S THE LINK

Nave’s Topical Bible

All you Bible students out there will love this.

You have surely heard of and probably referred to in the past, the Nave’s Topical Bible.  It is one of those awesome books that you can use to find ‘all there is to know’ (well, almost all) on almost any topic or word in the Bible.

You can buy this in ‘hard copy’ form and use it with your trusty magnifying glass.

But, it is also online at the Christian Classics Ethereal Library site and can be accessed there for FREE using your computer.

When you get to the web page where this book is found, you will see the Alphabet going down the left hand side of the page.  Just click on the letter for the word or topic that you want to know about.  When that page opens, find your topic or word and click. 

Wow. Sure wish we had this when I was ‘growing up’, but, we didn’t have computers then so ... oh well.

Anyway, this is definitely a book you will want to put into your bookmarks. HERE’S THE LINK.

An outstanding photograph !

You know how we love to share realllllly awesome photographs with you from time to time.

-- Such things as mountain roads and scenes, amazing structures, etc. etc. etc.

Well, today, we are going to do that again.

This time we want to share with you an Award Winning Picture taken by a friend of the Ministry.  We have known this guy for many years and, although photography is not his vocation, it is one of  his avocations.  And this is just one of many many awesome pictures that he has taken.

This particular picture just recently won The Shooting Star Gallery Award.   HERE’S THE LINK.

This is Resurrection Sunday !!!

Almost 2000 years ago, The Lord God Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the required death penalty for my (and everyone’s) sins. 

Three days and nights passed while he was in the grave.


But then, HE AROSE from the dead !!!

He was Resurrected to new life!!! 

And because He arose, we, too, can live with Him forever IF we confess and turn from our sins and accept the free gift of His substitute death as payment for our sins.

Jesus explained this amazing transaction to Nicodemus in these words:

John 3:14-18... And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. ...

What is my response to this? 

Well, Robert Shaw, the Chamber Singers, and the Atlanta Symphony orchestra express my response in this 3 minutes 28 seconds video.   HERE’S THE LINK.

Baby Christopher update !

The latest information (As of April 2, 2010) on Caring Bridge about Baby Christopher is really encouraging. In fact, it is soooooo encouraging that I have cut and pasted the entry written by his father and am posting it here:

"George here. Do you notice anything different about Christopher in the accompanying photo? More of his face?

They took the ventilator out today. He is breathing on his own.

There is a chance he might have to be intubated again -- it's quite common -- but so far, so good. They tested his blood gases an hour after the vent was removed, and it was fine. He seems to be breathing without much difficulty. They will continue to watch him for the next six, 12, 24 hours to see if he tires and begins struggling to breathe. ... We hope that doesn't happen, although it could.

Also -- and this is at least as important and at least as cool -- (his brother and sister) got to visit Christopher this afternoon. They both talked with him, read to him and enjoyed seeing their baby brother for the second time (they saw him once before, in January or February).

He watched them alertly and handled the half hour of extra stress pretty well.

I asked (his sister) what she liked most about the visit.

"Everything," she said.

I think she captured how we all feel. We've liked just about everything about today.

(Nothing new on the kidneys, though the doctors hope if/when he consistently breathes on his own, it could help in the process of the kidneys' recovery, as well. Christopher's liver continues to improve; he's getting much better each day. Oh, and one other thing. He's begun taking a pacifier, which is cool, since we need him to learn how to suck and eventually to eat.)

Thanks, Father, for a great day, and for great progress with Christopher.

Thank you all for continuing to pray for him, and for us. (I guess the specific list right now includes kidneys, as always, and liver improvement, and also that he wouldn't need to be put back on the ventilator. If he does, that's OK and we can deal with it. But it sure would be nice if this step of recovery took hold, and helped him take off.)"

Resurrection Reflections

Most of you have surely heard of Dr. Charles Stanley, a pastor in Atlanta. 

He has a worldwide TV ministry (In Touch) and, of course, a website.

From time to time a friend who is on the e-mail list for his website sends us a link to his latest sermon, comments, etc.

Well she has done it again.  This time she has sent the link to his excellent Video Message on the Resurrection.

As we observe this very important and wonderful season of the year and reflect on the Life, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will definitely want to listen to this message. HERE’S THE LINK.

Happy Atheist Day !!!

Folks celebrate many religious holidays throughout the year. 

Included in these holidays are Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Yom Kippur, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and many others.

But, alas, Atheists seem to have been left out.

So, what to do?  

Well, as the (fictional) story goes, an atheist went to a Judge and demanded a holiday for Atheists.

The Judge in his wisdom then set aside a special day for Atheists.

What day was proclaimed?

Well, you guessed it. It is April 1st.

So, ‘Happy Atheists Day’ to all of you who do NOT believe in God.

However, if any of you are having second thoughts or would like to understand your holiday better, there is an excellent website with a short video that should interest you.  HERE’S THE LINK

And this website has many articles and other videos that you might find interesting. HERE’S THE LINK to a page of articles on that site.

And to view several interesting videos, HERE’S THE LINK.