Martin and Halloween

October 31 is usually known and celebrated as Halloween. 

But, there is another and more important reason why this day should be remembered.

This article explains why:    HERE'S THE LINK

Do you like Jigsaw puzzles?

If you like Jigsaw puzzles you will love the link we have for you today.

What is it?

Well, there is a site on the net that has the niftiest puzzles.

They are easy and fun and will waste a lot of your time.   : )

And, since we have been doing such a heavy topic for the past several days, we thought you might like to relax with some jigsaw puzzles.

Be warned, however, these are addictive.
HERE'S THE LINK.

Pandeomonium's Engine

As you know, we have been doing a series on H+ (aka Transhumanism) -- but perhaps it is time to wind down on that  topic for awhile.

Really, as you no doubt suspect, much more time could be spent on this.

And from time to time we will post articles and links on H+ as the 'case is not closed' and there is still sooooooo much more to know and understand.

But, in the meantime we would like to direct you to a book.

It is the one pictured today --- Pandemonium's engine.

You will recall viewing a video and reading some articles by Tom Horn.

Well, he is the editor of this book and has gathered together several authors who have each contributed a chapter in this book, some of whom were the writers of the articles you have been reading in this series.

They include such folks as Thomas and Nita (his wife) Horn, Gary Stearman, Noah Hutchings, Chuck Missler, Sharon Gilbert, John McTernan, and several others.

The lead off Chapter by Tom Horn is worth the price of the book in itself.  It is the paper he was going to present at the American Academy of Religion.

We don't know if the paper was ever accepted and presented but while looking for it online to share with you and not finding it, decided to do the series instead.

So, as we end this series, if you would like to get this book and read that very detailed and in depth paper plus even more about H+, and its pros and cons by the other authors, then this book is for you.

I did not agree with everything that some of the authors said; but  when does one agree with everything in a book such as this?

With that caveat, it is an important, groundbreaking, and very informative book on the topic of H+

You can get it at several places including, of course, Amazon.  But since Tom Horn was the editor and publisher, you might want to consider his site also. HERE'S THE LINK.

Did ancient Biotechnology create the Nephilim?

This is the subject of today's investigation in the Transhumanism series.

The article to which we are linking today was written in 2007 but it is still very current and contemporary to the topic at hand.

"Old earther's", aka Evolutionists, teach that man descended millions of years ago from an ape like creature and gradually became smarter and smarter as the millennia progressed until now he is soooooo smart that he can do the transhumanist things he is doing.

But is this correct?

Is this really how man came to be?

And is this the first time that man has been capable of doing the H+ (transhumanism) things?

There is another side to this story.  And it is totally different from the Evolutionary concept.

What is this other side?

And who are the Nephilim?  And what do they have to do with Transhumanism?

Well, read this most interesting article by Tom Horn. It will amaze you.  HERE'S THE LINK.

GM pigs could provide human organs by 2013

Today let's read another secular article in support of H+ (transhumanism).

We don't know whether or not the author knows this is transhumanism or if he cares or understands the implications of what he is reporting.

But, now that you have been reading this series, you likely understand the implications of this very brief article.

Usually, as is the case in this article, the key to acceptance of this new direction in science is touted as another wonderful and helpful advance in medical treatments.

But, usually the ethical implications are totally overlooked, again as is the case in this article.

Why are the ethical implications overlooked?

Well, as has been mentioned previously and as you have no doubt also ascertained, since the theory of evolution is now the guiding worldview of most of the scientists and writers today, they believe that there is no God and thus no need to worry about any ethical implications.

So they forge ahead attempting to do things that the God that they are refusing and rejecting has said to NOT DO.

In this case, they think that GM (Genetically modified) pigs will 'help' in medical treatments.

Perhaps so.

BUT is this right?  Should they do this? 

What does God, the real God, the God they reject and refuse to believe exists have to say about this?

Is this a good thing? 

Or are they asking for Trouble with a capital T?

HERE'S THE LINK.

Transhumanism explained by another Transhumanist !

Yesterday we read an article from the Transhumanist Magazine.

Today, let's look at an article from 'Technology Review', which is published by non other than MIT.

It is an article written by Juan Enriquez, a futurist, author, Chairman and CEO of Biotechonomy, and a transhumanist supporter.

He is giving direct information and insight into what Transhumanism is attempting to do and why.

He is telling us to "Get ready for a new Human Species".

Wow!

The Transhumanists really do want to "engineer life"!

Again, you might want to make notes and look for 'red flags'.

You will likely discover that the warnings in articles we posted previously, by those who are very wary of this research, are being confirmed as actual ideas, concepts, and technological feats of the Transhumanists.

For example, the article says:

"People think this technology will just change pharma or biotech, but it's much bigger than that. For example, it's already changing the chemical industry. Forty percent of Dupont's earnings today come from the life sciences. It's going to change everything; it will change countries, who's rich and who's poor. It's going to create new ethics."

As you can readily see, this is real, moving fast, and folks need to pay attention to what is going on in the field of Transhumanism.

There is an audio link to the article.  Interestingly, the voices in the link seem to be synthesized computer voices.  How appropriate. 

But, you do not have to listen to the entire audio because the computer voices are just reading the text from the article.

This is a very important article, however, so either read it or listen to the robots read it to you. HERE'S THE LINK

Transhumanism in their own words

The picture today is of the H+ Logo of Transhumanism.  It is used extensively including on their Magazine.

And, in case you might be wondering if this series of articles about transhumanism might be over the top and this transhumanism stuff is made up, an article from a recent Transhumanism magazine should give you pause and insight into what the proponents are thinking and reporting.  

As you read the article, you might want to get out your paper and pencil, take notes, and jot down any 'red flags' that you see.

Based on some of the rebuttal links in the past few days, you will likely find several interesting 'insights', correlations, and confirmations of the likely problems with this new direction of science.

For example, the rebuttal articles have mentioned that this is not a new thing but has been around before.

Well, interestingly, the Transhumanists themselves are also aware of this as you will notice in the article.

Hmmmm. Interesting.

In the article is a link to 4 videos in a playlist.  To tell you the truth, I did NOT click through and do not want to click though, so all I can say is, if you do, then watch at your peril.

It is the information about the Golem and other ancient transhuman type creatures that I wanted to bring to your attention in this article, not the videos.

Ok, with that by way of introduction, to read more of what the Transhumanists themselves are thinking and saying.  HERE'S THE LINK

Transhumanism, Movies, and Singularity

What does Transhumanism have to do with the movies?

And what in the world is Singularity?

Great questions.

And, yes, believe it or not,  there are many many movies 'out there' that are not 'just' interesting works of fiction but are actually giving us a heads up and preparing us for what is coming down the pike.

You have likely seen many of the movies to which I am referring.  Or, if you haven't actually seen them you have heard about them.

And it is not just recent movies which have a 'hidden' story to tell, but there are many 'older' movies which have been pointing to where we are now and where we are still going.

What?

Well, the article today will reference several of the many movies, including the Matrix series, and will explain some of what they were 'teaching' while they were 'entertaining' us.  

And if you are not up to speed on knowing about Singularity, which is another 'big thing' in science, then today's link is also for you.

So with that by way of introduction, HERE'S THE LINK

Transhumanism and man becoming god?

An interesting and instructive article takes up this subject.

What subject?

Well, some folks think that one of the underlying goals of transhumanism is an attempt by man to become his own God.

This idea is addressed by Douglas Hamp in an article that is one in a series of articles he has posted on his website.

I think you will find it very thought provoking.

HERE'S THE LINK

Transhumanism Part 3

The picture today is of Bellerophon killing a Chimaera.

Why do we care about this?

Because, one of the things that Transhumanism appears to be doing is creating chimeras.

Hmmm.  Could this be History repeating itself?

Today let's read a short but very interesting article that will give more insight into this direction that Transhumanism appears to be taking.

The article, titled Genetic Armageddon, was written by John McTernan, Ph.D.

HERE'S THE LINK

Transhumanism continued

Yesterday we read, or perhaps only scanned, the lengthy article on Wikipedia that describes Transhumanism, what it is, who some of adherents are, and more.

You likely also noticed that all is not joy and happiness concerning this new scientific endeavor.

Indeed, even in the Wikipedia article, it was noted that there are some who are very concerned about this new direction in science.

With that in mind, for the next few DIT entries, we will post shorter (yay) articles written by folks expressing their cautions and warnings about what could really happen and what is already taking place in Transhumanism research.

But, before we post the first article, perhaps you would like to watch a verrrrry interesting video on the subject.

The video, titled Pandemonium's Engine (we will go into that in more detail in a future DIT) is of a talk given by Tom Horn at a conference a few months ago. 

The video is 53 minutes in length but, just between you, me, and the gatepost, you can skip the first 5 minutes and 25 seconds of it  -- he is talking about the conference and telling a verrrrry dumb joke -- so just skip that first part,

--but the rest of the video is definitely a 'MUST WATCH' and is filled with information, details, and insights that you will likely hear no where else.  HERE'S THE LINK

Transhumanism series !!

Today we are going to do something new on DIT.

New?  What?

Well, usually, as you have noticed, each day is a stand alone topic.

But today and for the next few days, we are going to go into more depth on a single topic. 

Why?

Because it is an important subject and one which is too detailed to adequately cover in one day or even in the short time to which we will be giving it.

The topic, as you may have surmised from the title of today's DIT is "Transhumanism".

And the picture today is of a cover of one of the Transhumanist Magzines.

You may not have heard about this or you may have a smattering of information on the topic.  But it is an important one and you need to know what is coming down the pike.

Why?

Because it will have (and is already having) a direct influence on your life!

Today, we will begin by looking at the Wikipedia definition of Transhumanism.

As you read the article, remember it is written by folks who, for the most part, have an old earth evolutionary world view.

You will also notice that there are many pros and cons about Transhumanism.

So, in future DIT posts, beginning tomorrow, we will introduce you to explanatory articles and rebuttals by those who are understandably concerned about this new direction that science is taking.

Transhumanism is far down the road in its development, much farther than you might have suspected.  

How far?

Well, as starters, there is the magazine, Called H+, and various groups and organizations are actively promoting and advancing its work with many conferences and meetings being held.

This is no little thing.

So, let's begin by reading what the supporters and advocates of this new direction of scientific 'advancement' have to say about it in the Wikipedia summary.

As you read, you might want to take notes and if something seems to be waving a 'red flag' of concern to you write it down and think about it.

This is going to be a long article so don't panic, you can skim through it.  The point is that you need to know what the proponents are thinking before we go into the opposing views.

So with that said, HERE'S THE LINK.

World's Largest Swimming Pool

It is October and folks across the northern hemisphere have likely closed and covered their pools by now.

But, there is one pool that will likely never be covered and not because it is not in the northern hemisphere --

but because it is sooooooo big!

Where is it? and How big is it?

Your first question is easy to answer. It is in Chile!

But, as to its size ---

Well, again, a picture is worth a thousand words so we will not try to describe the size but will just simply say, check out these pictures.  HERE'S THE LINK

Pooktre Tree Shaping

Pooktre.  Yes, this was a new name to me also.

Doubtless you have seen various forms of shaping shrubs and trees.

Usually it is done by trimming the tree or bush or shrub or whatever into various shapes such as animals and other interesting and unique forms.

Or perhaps you have seen the beautiful little Bonzai trees.

But there is still another type of tree shaping that is called Pooktre.

What is it? you ask.

Well, it seems that shortly after a tree is planted and begins to grow, you begin to bend it and shape it and ….

well, this is another instance where a picture is worth a thousand words.

So, check out these pictures.  HERE'S THE LINK

Dry Ice Bubbles

Ok you home schoolers, science students, or just fun loving folks--

Do we have a DIT for you !!!

What is it?

Well, it is Dry Ice in action, doing more than just sitting in your shipping container or whatever and keeping things cold!

And Yes it is C O O O O L L L D D D …..so do NOT touch it with your bare hands or you will be sorrrrrrry !

Anyway, watch this video and you parents might want to share this experiment with your kiddos.   Just be careful.

And now, without further ado, here is the 2 minute 42 second video showing amazing things you can do with dry ice.  HERE'S THE LINK

Penny Postcards

Some readers of DIT are old enough (cough cough) to remember penny postcards.

For the rest of you, yes they realllllly did exist, with the penny postcard rate lasting through 1951.

What did you 'get' for a penny postcard?

Well, of course you could write a short note or a whole letter if you wrote reallllly small.

But most of them had pictures of towns and places just like the big expensive postcards in souvenir shops today.

So, with that by way of introduction --

What did your town or city or hamlet or whatever look like years ago when penny postcards existed?

An interesting website has many of them for your purusal including a very interesting postcard from Rhea County, Tn. (and, no, it is not of the courthouse where the Scopes trial was held).

Anyway,  HERE'S THE LINK

Dinosaur tracks found in Arkansas

Yesterday we read about a dinosaur fossil found in Bavaria, Germany.

But, guess what, for those of you who live in the US, you do not have to go to Bavaria to walk on the same ground where dinosaurs once walked.

What?

Yes. Seems that Dinosaur tracks have been found in Arkansas !

Alas, you can't walk on that specific piece of ground, however, since the finders of the tracks are keeping the location secret for now.

But, they, scientists at the University of Arkansas, do tell us that the tracks were found in south west Arkansas.

These dinosaur tracks supposedly date to 120 Million years ago.

You will recall that the dinosaur skeleton found in Bavaria and reported in yesterday's DIT was said to have died 135 million years ago.

Interesting how they come up with these numbers.

Sigh.

Anyway, to read about the discovery of dinosaur tracks in Arkansas, HERE'S THE LINK.

Near Perfect Dinosaur Fossil Found

Where?  Where? Tell me more.

Well, seems that an article in a German online Newspaper is reporting that a "Near-perfect young dinosaur fossil (has been) found in Bavaria."

Wow.

It is embedded in stone and even preserved skin is visible.

Supposedly this young dinosaur died about 135 million years ago.

Yep, more 'old earth' glasses.

But, once again, this find is consistent with more evidence of Noah's flood and rapid burial.

Oh, well.

Anyway, to read about this recent discovery, HERE'S THE LINK

Sukkoth begins today at Sundown

What is Sukkoth?

Well, Sukkoth, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of Booths, is one of the major fall feasts on the Jewish calendar.

It begins at sundown today and lasts for 7-9 days.

7 to 9 days?  What?

Good question.

In the Torah, it is declared to last 7 days.  But during the Diaspora it was observed for 9 days and now in Israel it is observed for 8 days.

So what happens during the Feast of Tabernacles / Booths?

Among other things, the Jewish people build booths (such as shown in the picture today which was taken by Yoninah and is on the Wikipedia website) and live in them during the holiday.

There are many articles on the web that go into a lot of detail about this important event. 

Here are two:  

1. For the Jewish perspective of this holiday, HERE'S THE LINK

2. For the Christian perspective of this holiday, HERE'S THE LINK

Giant Fossil shows huge birds lived among dinosaurs

Amazing.  This concurs with what the Bible teaches. Imagine that.

Of course the article doesn't seem to know that the Bible exists or that this 'find' actually confirms what the Bible teaches.

Instead, the article clings to the evolutionary concept and millions of years.

And, by implication, the writer of the article and the discoverers of the fossil likely also believe the idea that dinosaurs, and now also the very large birds, were killed by a comet that fell to earth sometime long long ago.

Well, ok.  Let them think that.

But, the finding of this very large jawbone of a bird in the same fossil layer with dinosaurs is consistent with, as is chronicled in the Bible, the large birds and the dinosaurs being killed and fossilized as a result of the flood of Noah.

Anyway, with that said, to read this very brief article while you ponder what really happened, HERE'S THE LINK

The High Trestle Trail Bridge in Iowa

Do you like to walk?

Do you like to ride bicycles?

Then you might want to check out this amazing walking and biking attraction in Iowa.

What is it? you ask.

Well, it seems that there are miles and miles of biking trails in Iowa capped by the half mile long and 13 stories high 'High Trestle Trail bridge' with a fantastic view.

If you are in the area, and love to hike or walk, you need to seriously check this out.

To see a 4 minute 47 second video about this outdoor adventure, HERE'S THE LINK

The "I'm a Believer" pin

The mother of a friend of DIT recently had a terrific idea.

What was it?

Well, she realized that many folks would like to share their faith but sometimes are hesitant or not sure how to start the discussion.

Then the idea hit her --

If she, or anyone, would be wearing a pin on their clothing that would spark curiosity about it, this could be the open door --

And so the "I'm a Believer pin" was conceived.

Her son helped her with the design of the pin and with the making of the web page which tells more about this beautiful pin and how you can get one for yourself, should you so choose, and I hope you will.

So, for further information about this beautiful conversation-starter pin HERE'S THE LINK

Haboob

A couple of regular readers of DIT (one of whom is celebrating his birthday today so Happy Birthday!!!) were traveling in Arizona on Oct 4, 2011

...and we wondered if they knew about or were in the Haboob that rolled through Phoenix on that day.

Fortunately they were not in the storm but had heard about it.

So, what exactly is a Haboob?  And what did they escape?

Well, Haboob is the name for the humongous dust storms that occur from time to time in desert areas.

In fact, Haboob is Arabic for "strong wind"

And, yikes, these are definitely strong winds !!!

The most recent Haboob was in the Phoenix area on Tues, Oct 4, 2011 and was reported to be 60 miles wide!

As you can imagine, this huge wall of dust caused many problems, downing trees, producing massive traffic tie ups with wrecks, and more.

So what is a Haboob and what does it look like?

Well, THIS LINK shows video footage of the storm rolling into Phoenix

And if you want to know more about this particular Haboob, HERE'S A LINK

And if you want to know about Haboobs in general, what causes them, where you will likely encounter them, and more, HERE'S THE LINK

The ALMA radio telescope

Move over Hubble --- there is a new kid on the block!

What?

Yes, it seems that there is a new radio telescope (ok, it is not exactly in the same category as the Hubble and it is not located in space but here on earth) -- but it is a telescope, albeit a radio telescope and is providing some amazing views of the universe and galaxies.

What is it?

Well, it is called the ALMA radio telescope and is located in Chile atop an Andes mountain at 16,000+ feet.

To see the first picture from this telescope and to see the telescope itself, which is actually an array of many giant dish radio antennas,  HERE'S THE LINK.

And for a few more details, HERE'S A LINK and HERE'S ANOTHER.

Yom Kippur begins at sundown today

As noted in Wikipedia: "Yom Kippur, … Also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest and most solemn day of the year for the Jews.

"Its central themes are atonement and repentance.

"Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.

"Yom Kippur completes the annual period known in Judaism as the High Holy Days or Yamim Nora'im ("Days of Awe")."

To read more about this very special day, HERE'S THE LINK

180

A video has recently been produced and put on the internet for instant viewing, though you can also purchase it if you so desire.

What is it?

Well, an article on WND tells about it.

To read that article HERE'S THE LINK

But you don''t have to just read about it.

You don't even have to purchase it and wait for days for the mailman to put it in your mail box or post office box.

You can actually view this video now for FREE.

In fact, this video is so important that we are not going to post a DIT  tomorrow in order to give more folks time to find this site and view the video.  It is that important.

In fact you will want to tell your friends, relatives, and perfect strangers about this video and encourage them to view it online also.

So with that by way of introduction, to watch the 33 minute movie HERE'S THE LINK

Ants !!!

You may have already read about this, but if not, you definitely need to know about this Ant infestation.

These particular ants, called "Hairy, crazy ants", are turning up in several southern states and are not to be taken lightly.

But rather than try to describe them, where they are, what they do, and more, let me just give you the link so you can see them and read about them.

HERE'S THE LINK

Astronomy Breakthroughs

Yesterday we contemplated the question about whether Christians should give credence to long ages and evolution.

One of the concepts discussed was the widely touted 'big bang' idea of creation.

Today, let's think some more about the 'big bang' and why it is not a viable theory for origins.

A brief article, much much shorter than yesterday's, discusses recent findings in Astronomy that are worth considering as one develops a worldview concerning origins.

HERE'S THE LINK

Why shouldn't Christians accept millions of years?

You have no doubt noticed that many DIT entries are related to the young earth vs old earth controversy.

By this we mean:

Young Earth refers to the literal Biblical teaching of Creation by God a few thousand years ago.

Old Earth refers to the Evolutionary theory of big bang, billions of years, and other variations on the 'theme' including several Christian Compromise ideas such as Day Age Theory, Gap Theory, and Theistic evolution.

But, why is this important?

What difference does it make?

Well, a very good article explains.  HERE'S THE LINK

The Aurora Australis seen from Space

The picture here is of an Aurora as seen from the ground.

But what does it look like from the air?

Well, now we can find out because

The Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights, have been photographed from space.

How?

By Astronauts on the Space Station.

To view the 28 Second video of what they saw, HERE'S THE LINK