Where is the DIT for today?

 Yes, it is true.  There is no DIT today.   Why?

Well, it seems that when we tried and tried and tried last night to post the DIT for today, we kept getting error messages from the Blogger program.

Seems that for some reason it was not working.

We tried everything we could think of including different browsers, rebooting a zillion times, and etc. but all to no avail.

So after about 45 minutes of trying we decided it was not on our end but on the blogger end.

So we ceased trying and decided to wait to see if it got 'fixed' on the Blogger end.

And, joy and happiness, they seemed to have fixed whatever was needing fixed.

So, hopefully this entry will explain 'why' there is no DIT for today.

And hopefully the DIT for July 1 will post normally.

So here's hoping to see ya July 1 and thanks for visiting our site today.

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What are the main Faiths in your state?

 Recently a friend sent us an email with a most interesting link.

In fact, the link is so interesting that we thought you would like to see it also.

What is it this time?

Well, it seems that the Pew Forum on Religion and Public life has done a survey of the various religions in the US by states.

The results are very interesting.

You will want to check out your state and others.  HERE'S THE LINK

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A most unusual baseball swing and hit

School is out. Summer is here. And all over the country folks, from pee wees to professionals are playing baseball.

Because we are in the midst of baseball season, we were planning to post a really cool video made by an Army Mom of her kids playing baseball.

But, alas, due to copyright problems, we were unable to do that.

Sorry. You would have loved it.

Instead, but still for your baseball viewing pleasure, we are posting a very interesting video of a most unusual hit of the baseball by the batter.

What is it? you ask.

Well, it seems that the batter "swings once but connects twice" and gets a base hit !

Amazing.  HERE'S THE LINK

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Asteroid coming close today

If you are reading this, either it hasn't gone by earth yet OR it has gone by and did not hit earth.

No, this is not the movie 2012 and actually it is not supposed to hit earth.

According to NASA, an asteroid, which is 22 to 55 feet wide, will pass safely by us earthlings but will come within about 8,000 miles of the planet.

This article will give you more information and even has a link to a series of animations to show its expected course.   For the article HERE'S THE LINK.

To view the amazing animations HERE'S THE LINK.

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If the time on your clocks seems strange ...

This might be the reason.

The other day there was an article on the net that told of folks in New Zealand or some 'far away' place (I can't recall where it was) who were going to work 15 minutes early and they didn't understand why.

Seems that they usually were on time or a tad late but never early.

But now they and others in their office were coming in early.

They thought this was odd and didn't know why.

Well, perhaps this article that appeared today on the net explains their problem and  will alert us to a possible similar situation in America.

What is it?  you ask.

Well, it seems that some changes in the electrical grid might cause changes in some clocks and ….

Well, read this for yourself.  It is very interesting.  HERE'S THE LINK

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Young earth creationist ? Or -

You have probably heard folks describe themselves as a "Young Earth Creationist"  and to other folks with a similar world view, this is readily understood.

But, apparently using this term to some (read 'evolutionists') is like waving a red flag in front of a bull.

What do I mean? you ask.

Well, according to a recent article on the Answers In Genesis website, using the  term, "Young Earth Creationist" is --

"To evolutionists, a person claiming this title is akin to saying, “I’m an anti-science mystic.” To Christians who have compromised with naturalistic presuppositions, young-earth creation implies just one more opinion on the earth’s beginning."

Additionally, AIG suggests that there is a better term that should be used which will not wave the red flag.

That 'better' term, they suggest, is "I'm a Biblical Creationist".

In a very interesting article they explain why folks who are "Young Earth Creationists" might consider using the term "Biblical Creationist" instead.  

HERE'S THE LINK

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David Wilkerson killed in car crash!

Today, while going through a stack of mail, I opened the envelope of what I thought would be the newsletter from "World Challenge" Ministry with its monthly sermon by David Wilkerson.

But, instead of the sermon, there was a brochure with a full page picture of David Wilkerson and the tragic news about his death on April 27, 2011.

If that date seems somewhat familiar to you, it should.  It was during that time that many tornados were tearing through Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and other places.

Indeed, one of the tornadoes went through the area where we live and among other things, a humongous oak tree was uprooted and fell in our backyard.  Now that I correlate that event with David Wilkerson's home going, it seems that not one but two mighty oaks fell on that day.

David Wilkerson was perhaps best known for his book, The Cross and a Switchblade, which was made into a movie starring Pat Boone.

He also began many ministries including Teen Challenge, World Challenge, the Times Square Church, Please Pass the Bread, and many others. 

For more information about his life and death, HERE'S THE LINK

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A Deer goes to Church

An amazing video was found and sent to us by a friend of DIT. 

Seems that a fleet footed deer found its way into a Church building and dashed around from hall to hall.

Several 'pastor' or 'deacon' types seemingly tried to catch it or to alter its route.

But, the deer continued to dash frantically about surprising and stunning both kids and adults as it zoomed by.

So, you ask, what happened?

Well, a summary of the event as relayed by the Church's head of security is given and --

You can see the action for yourself in a 1 minute 38 second video taken by the security cameras.  This is a hoot.  HERE'S THE LINK

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Sears Tower 103 Floor

Sears Tower in Chicago, now known as Willis Tower, is 108 stories tall and has a very special feature on the 103 floor.

You might have heard about it.

What is it? you ask.

Well, it is somewhat similar to the glass floor walk out over the Grand canyon which we mentioned on a DIT on Wed Nov 4, 2009.  If you didn't see that DIT, HERE'S THE LINK 

And, yes, walking out over the Grand Canyon would be pretty Scary.

But someone has upped the ante so to speak with another pretty scary walk, a glass balcony over the City of Chicago !

How did they do this?  Well, they built glass box platforms onto which you can pay your money to stand and look out and… gasp…if you dare …. down !!

Admittedly, this is not a vacation experience that everyone will want to do. 

But, if you would like a vicarious experience, several websites have posted pictures of what you will or can see.

To view one of these sets of pictures, HERE'S A LINK

And for the 'piece de resistance', another article about this includes a video of what you see when you are 'on the ledge', check this out.  HERE"S THE LINK

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Today is the First day of Summer

Well, you could have fooled me as it has been hot and like summer here for quite a while.

But, yes, technically, summer did not begin until today.

How do we know when it is summer?

What is the criteria for summer?

Well, this has to do with the equinoxes -- which we have previously referenced so you are probably experts on this by now.

But, just in case you are new to DITs (Daily Interesting Things) or need a refresher course, there are several sources of information about the equinoxes.

One of those sources is short, simple, and sweet in its explanation.  HERE'S THE LINK

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Dr. Ron Carlson has gone home

Dr. Carson was a frequent speaker at the Worldview Weekend rallies.

He also had a ministry known as Christian Ministries International which focused on evangelism and refuting the false teachings of cults, world religions, and evolution.

We had the pleasure of hearing him speak at a Worldview Weekend rally a couple of years ago and have read some of his books.

He will be missed.

He died suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday June 16, 2011

To visit his website, HERE'S THE LINK

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Today is Father's Day

Another special day has rolled around.

In May, we celebrated Mother's Day and folks wore roses (red or white) to celebrate that day and their mothers.

And, of course, the mothers also got gifts -- lots of gifts such as chocolate, jewelry, etc.

Also, of course, most families took their mothers out to eat for the big day.

But for Father's day -- hmmmm. No roses.   What to do?

So folks buy ties, tools, and other such things for their fathers.

And instead of taking the fathers out to eat, they hand him a platter of raw  hamburgers, hotdogs, and steaks and send him outside in the heat to cook them on the grill.

There might be something wrong with this picture.   : )

Anyway, today IS Father's day.

And those of you who are out of town and far far away from your father and unable to be present for the goodies he will be grilling -- well, you should at least call him on the good old 'landline' phone.

Or if your father is especially 'hip' (old term, I know) and has a smart phone, you could do a video call to him.

Or you could send him a text message.

Or an email.

Or whatever.

But do get in touch with your dad today and let him know how much you appreciate him.

For those who no longer have dads -- spend sometime today reflecting on your dad and appreciating what he did for you.

Speaking of reflection and appreciation, we have posted this before but it is worth repeating.

What is it? you ask.

Well, it is an article that was in the Register Guard Newspaper of Eugene, Oregon in 2009 -- an article written by a Sports Writer for that paper.  It was a tribute and a Happy Father's Day reflection about his dad.

It was great in 2009 and it is definitely worth repeating today.  HERE'S THE LINK

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The moon in pictures by Laurent Laveder

Yesterday we saw the moon going through its monthly phases in time lapse photography.

Today let's look at the moon again but from a different perspective.

You may have tried to take pictures of the moon but, if yours turn out like mine, the moon just doesn't seem the same in the photo as it did in real life

For example, note the pitiful appearance of the moon in today's picture.  In real life it was huge and beautiful and a palm tree was bracketing it.

But, as you can see, my picture of it doesn't do it justice. What is the secret? I ask.

Well, Laurent Laveder has figured out the secret!!!

And he has taken many pictures of people 'playing with the moon'.

Several of his amazing pictures were sent to me in an email from a friend.

Alas, there is no way to 'link' to an email.

But, not to despair, I found the same pictures out there on the web.

Prepare to be amazed. HERE'S THE LINK

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The Moon -- One year in 2 and ½ minutes

This past Wednesday many folks on the 'other side' of the world from the N and S America side were able to view a stunning and long total eclipse.

The rest of us were left in the dark, so to speak, though we really weren't in the dark. The sun was shining over here.

Still, we didn't get to see the moon.

But do not despair.

A friend of DIT sent us a most amazing link. (Thank you 'friend').

Seems that someone (not our friend but someone with a lot of time on their hands) has made a very interesting video about the moon.

No, it is not an eclipse such as those fortunate folks viewed on Wednesday.

But, actually it is even more unusual.

What is it? you ask.

Well, someone has made pictures of the moon over the course of an entire year and compiled them into a time lapse video that is about 2 ½ minutes long.

This is really interesting to watch in that the moon doesn't always look the 'same' .

As each month progresses, the moon or the earth shifts slightly. Very interesting.

So without further ado, to see this most interesting and unusual 2 minute 27 second video showing the moon through the 12 months of a year, HERE'S THE LINK

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7 Foods most likely to make you sick

With summer coming, though for many of us in the eastern half of the US it is already here, you are likely thinking of cook outs, picnics, and the like.

With that in mind, there is an interesting article on the web about foods which might make you sick --

And more importantly it also gives information to help you avoid such illnesses by proper preparation, cooking, sniffing, looking, etc.
HERE'S THE LINK

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Total Lunar Eclipse Wednesday

Actually this eclipse will be seen, by those who see it, during the early hours of Thursday.

Who will see it?

Those who live on the 'other side' of the earth to N. America.

Places such as China, parts of Russia, parts of Africa, Madagascar, etc.

But, alas it will not be visible in North America since it will happen in daylight hours in North America at a time when the moon will not be visible in the sky.

Yes, yes, it is true, the moon is sometimes seen in North America  in the daylight hours.

But, in this particular instance it will not.

Sigh.

However, thought you would like to know about this event anyway. HERE'S THE LINK.

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Today is Flag Day

Flag Day in the United States commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.

It was also the Birthday of the late father of one of the friends of this ministry.

And that ‘factoid’ always helps me remember Flag Day.

But, aside from that, --

The interesting history of how Flag Day ultimately came to be and came to be observed annually is given in a short article on Wikipedia. HERE’S THE LINK

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Flying with the Blue Angels

No, we are not talking about the feeling you have when you are driving on a very busy fast Interstate, such as the circumferential around Atlanta, for example.

That certainly reminds one of flying with the Blue Angels.

Instead, we are referring to the U.S. Navy Precision flying team.

Likely you have had the opportunity to see in person the Blue Angels perform at an air show.

They have come to our area several times in the past few years.

And their aerial feats are always amazing.

If you have seen them in person or only heard about them, here is an opportunity for you to view their maneuvers from a different perspective.

What perspective? you ask.

Well, how about pretending you are a camera on one of the planes as it soars through the sky?

Yes. That is the perspective and it is amazing.

To see the 4 minute 51 second video, HERE' S THE LINK

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Hummingbirds

A friend found the link that we are referencing today and sent it to us. Thanks so much to the friend (and you know who you are.)

I have always been fascinated by hummingbirds.
In fact, the Hummingbird pictured today, a female Black-chinned hummingbird, "…was selected as the picture of the day on the English Wikipedia for February 4, 2007."
Hummingbirds ! They such amazing creations of God.
Their antics, their hovering in mid air, their speedy flight … well one can go on and on about the amazing abilities of hummingbirds.
Not to mention the fact that every year they fly thousands of miles with those tiny little wings and tiny little bodies as they migrate from their summer to their winter homes and back again.
But, I digress. Back to the video --
Turns out it is not only an amazing video of hummingbirds but it is also an advertisement for a lodge in Alaska.
Seems that the videographer / photographer of this video owns the lodge.
But, hey. If you can photograph hummingbirds with such beauty as this guy has done, well, good for him.
Anyway, you will be amazed at the close ups of the hummingbirds and …
Well, I don't want to give away the secret so, without further ado, to see a most amazing 4 minute 28 second video, HERE'S THE LINK

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Painter Eric Grohe does amazing 3D Murals

Recently a friend sent us an email with some realllllly amazing 3D paintings.

Seems that this painter takes a dull boring wall of a building or a hallway or whatever and turns it into a work of art.

 His transformed walls are so amazing that we thought you would want to see them also.

Not knowing who the painter was, when the email arrived, but wanting to give him credit, we did a Google search and discovered that the painter is Eric Grohe.

 And, wow, is he talented. Accompanied by his wife, Kathy, the two of them have produced many astounding and beautiful 3D Murals on many buildings and walls in many cities and towns.

 If you have a dull and boring building you might want to consider having Eric Grohe transforming it into a true work of art.

 But, even if you don't have a building to beautify, you definitely need to see some of the things he has done. HERE'S THE LINK

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Underwater Rivers on Ocean Floor

 A recent article on the net says that an underwater river has been discovered on the ocean floor near Australia.

The implication of the article is that 'a river in the ocean' is a fairly new concept though it does admit that other such underwater rivers have been found.

Yes, this is interesting.

But it is hardly news.

Why is this not news? you ask.

Well, because mankind has known, or could have known, about this for milleinnia since there is a reference in the Bible to underwater rivers.

As one blogger correctly pointed out, "The rivers or paths (way) in the sea were spoken by GOD thru Isaiah in the Bible thousands of years ago!!!! "

"Isaiah 43:16 Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;"

And, in addition to rivers in the ocean, the Bible tells us, in the book of Job, which is considered to be the oldest book in the Bible, that there are also undesea springs.

"Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? Job 38:16"

So, even though all this may be new news to many folks.  It is not really new.

This is just one more affirmation of the accuracy of the Bible.

To read the article about this finding, HERE'S THE LINK

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A Babylonian Dictionary

Some very interesting research has been going on for 90 years at the University of Chicago.

90 Years?  What have they been doing?

Well, it seems that the scholars have been studying inscriptions.


As a result of this research, they have developed a "21 volume dictionary of the language of ancient Mesopotamia and its Babylonian and Assyrian dialects."

Himmmm.

Interesting.

To read more about this, HERE'S THE LINK

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Today is Shavuot

Well, today might be the day.  Or not.

It varies a lot depending on the moon, the reporting source, etc.

For example, according to one Catholic source, it was May 27 this year.  According to Wikipedia it will be June 12.  According to another source, it is today.

So, who knows for sure when it really occurs this year but it is an important day.

But not only does the 'when' vary -- Its name also varies.

Thus, you might recognize this Jewish Holiday by the name Shavuot or by two other names which are commonly used. 

Specifically, Shavuot is also known as the Feast of Weeks and as Pentecost.

And this Holiday is not only important to the Jews, it is also important to Christians.

The Jews have several reasons to commemorate this day.  One reason is that it is thought to be the anniversary of the day when the Torah (The Law) was given on Mt. Sinai.

The Church commemorates this day because on this day the Church was  officially 'born'.

Confused?  Don't be.  It really all ties together and these various linkages are very significant.

One other 'confusing' thought is that the article to which we are linking today was written in 2006.

Why is this important?

Because, the actual date each year when this Feast / Holiday is observed varies since Jewish months are based on the moon. 

That is why the 2006 article says that Shavuot is June 4. True, it was. But, this year (2011) it is probably June 8-9 as we noted above.

So, with all that by way of introduction, to find out what Shavuot (aka Feast of Weeks, Pentecost) is and why it is important, HERE'S THE LINK

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Time Lapse Videos by Dominic Boudreault

As you have probably suspected, I really enjoy watching Time Lapse Videos.

Recently, on May 26, 2011,  we posted a DIT of baby robins growing up and leaving their nest in a time lapse video.

Well, shortly after that was posted, we received an email from Stephen who sent us the link we are posting today. (Thank you, Stephen!)

What is it? you ask.

Well, this is a truly awesome time lapse video entitled City Limits by Dominic Boudreault.

I do not personally know Dominic Boudreault, but he apparently lives in Quebec Canada, is a "Motion Photographer" and his photography is sensational!

After you finish viewing the City Limits Video, you will have an opportunity to view more by him.  I suggest that you do.  They are all awesome !!!  HERE'S THE LINK

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The Jesus Film is Online

We have mentioned this excellent Film before.

But, just in case you missed those DIT (Daily Interesting Things) posts or have forgotten, this is a reminder.

"The Jesus Film" has been shown literally around the world, in more than 230 countries, and has been seen by more than 5 Billion people.

At the present time it is available in more than 1,000 languages and all are now available online !

Why so many languages?, you ask.

Because the goal is to reach as many people as possible.

Why reach so many people?

Because the message of this film is something that every individual needs to hear.

What is the message of this film?

It tells the story of Jesus. Every word is taken from Scripture.  Specifically, it is taken from and based upon the account of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection as recorded in the book of Luke.

If you have not yet seen this film, you should and you will be blessed by it.

Many folks, in the past, have purchased the DVD version and watched it on a TV.

But now, thanks to the internet,  it can be viewed on your smart phone, computer, laptop, tablet, or whatever you have that has internet access anywhere in the world.

Or, you can listen to the Audio version on your MP3 player or on your computer, etc., anywhere in the world.

There is also a Children's version of this film.

And, best of all, all of this is FREE.  

All 1,000 language versions are on line and ready for viewing
for FREE !!!!!

Watch it and tell others to view it also. HERE'S THE LINK

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A Doctor's account of the Joplin Tornado

On Sunday May 22, 2011, the entire world was stunned by the horrific events that unfolded in Joplin Missouri when the EF 5 Tornado roared through that town.

In seconds lives were forever changed!

Doubtless you have seen many pictures and heard many of the stories of the survivors.

We have even posted some of those pictures in previous DITs.

Recently we found a website that posted a moving account by a Physician (Dr. Kevin Kikta, DO) who was working in the Emergency Room in St. John's Hospital when the Tornado struck the town and the hospital.

His eyewitness account of the events is a must read.  HERE'S THE LINK

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Laundry Hints

Recently while on a vacation, several of us needed to do laundry since it would be a while before we would be back to our own machines.

So we used the washers and driers that were available (on a cruise ship).  Yes, they have such things on Cruise ships.

Anyway, all that brings us to the topic of today -- which is

"What you may not know about doing laundry"

A recent article on the internet had several helpful insights on how to do your laundry.

Yes, it is Saturday and most folks are golfing, swimming, cutting grass, etc. But, just in case you also need to do some laundry, you might want to check this out.

HERE'S THE LINK

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A Robot that Juggles

Oh my, what next.

Several of my nephews and friends can juggle very proficiently. 

And on a recent trip we observed a master juggler (long story for another time perhaps).

What a great feat juggling is -- or so I thought as I, too, have tried my hand at juggling.  It is not as easy as it looks but can be done if you keep at it and practice.

But, it seems now that this is not a skill for only humans to master.

Why?

Because, there is now a Robot that can juggle.

No kidding.

An article (with videos) is on the internet telling about this robot and showing its 'skills'.

I wonder if robots get carpal tunnel syndrome. Just kidding. 

Anyway, HERE'S THE LINK

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More Egyptian Pyramids found-- underground!

A recent article on the BBC website tells of an amazing discovery in Egypt of at least 17 pyramids and many other structures including tombs and ancient settlements.

These structures are still underground and have been overlooked until now.

How were they found? you ask.

Well, it seems that Satellite images were obtained using infra-red cameras and these images revealed the underground structures.

Now that they have been discovered, Archaeologists from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) are evaluating the images and interesting things are being found.

To learn more including a 1 minute 7 second video showing the images, HERE'S THE LINK

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Why isn't the word Dinosaur in the Bible?

Many have asked this question.

Perhaps you have also wondered about this.

And, yes, it is true -- the word "Dinosaur" is NOT in the Bible.

Alas, since dinosaurs are not mentioned in the Bible, many people think this is ‘proof’ of an ‘old earth’ of millions and millions of years.

But is that an accurate conclusion?

Actually, there is a simple reason why the term ‘dinosaur’ is not in the Bible.

So what is this simple reason? you ask.

Ok, here it is ---

Dinosaurs are not mentioned in the Bible because the name ‘Dinosaur’ was not coined until 1841.

Richard Owen was the one who originated this name.

Prior to that time they were probably called “dragons.”

To read more about this,  HERE’S THE LINK.

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