Today is Leap Day !!

Yes, today is a Leap Day.

You doubtless have heard or memorized the famous rhyme:

        "30 days have September, 
         April, June, and November 
         All the rest have 31 
         excepting February alone 
         which has 28"  ...

but guess what….

sometimes February has 29 days -- and when that happens, the 29th is a Leap Day !

So, what exactly is a leap day?

According to Wikipedia:

"February 29, also known as the leap day of the Gregorian calendar, is a date that occurs in most years that are divisible by 4, such as 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024.

"Years that are divisible by 100, but not by 400, do not contain a leap day. Thus, 1700, 1800, and 1900 did not contain a leap day, 2100, 2200, and 2300 will not contain a leap day, while 1600 and 2000 did, and 2400 will.

"Years containing a leap day are called leap years. February 29 is the 60th day of the Gregorian calendar in such a year, with 306 days remaining until the end of the year. In the Chinese calendar, this day will only occur in years of the monkey, dragon, and rat."


And according to the HolidayInsights.com web page: "Why the fancy calculation? The earth rotates around the sun once every 365 and about 1/4 days. So, by adding an extra day every four years, we get mighty close to keeping the calendar consistent with the earth's annual trip around the sun. And to be very precise, the earth orbits the sun every 365.242190 days."

So there you have it !   Wow!   A leap day !!!  Probably more than you ever wanted to know but -- now you know.

So, Today is Leap Day.  Enjoy it.

Hymn: Holy Holy Holy

Today's Hymn is a true classic.

 'Youngsters' and millenials are likely are not familiar with this but everyone should be.

It is often the opening 'call to worship' in many Churches (or used to be when they had 'real' music -- but don't get me started -- sigh).

So with that by way of introduction 

HERE'S THE LINK to Holy Holy Holy

How to use an AED

This picture by Owain Davies shows where to place the AED pads.                  
               
What is an AED? you ask

An AED is the term for an Automated External Defibrillator.

What? I can hear you say: "I thought things such as that were for the pros and the first responders and …  "

Well, yes and no.

It would be nice to have an expert to do this

But the AED is designed so even folks who have never used one before can still do a rescue. 

Here's hoping you never have to do this ….. but…. just in case …

know that the AED provides step by step voice instructions

And this video will show you what to do.

So with that by way of introduction

HERE'S THE LINK to How to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

If you want further information (and who doesn't)

HERE'S THE LINK to more info about AEDs



 

Robert Boyle "The Father of Chemistry"

We often hear that 'Real' Scientists can not be Christians or visa versa.

But is that true?

The link today describes Robert Boyle's Scientific endeavors and his Christian beliefs and actions.

I think you will find this most interesting.


HERE'S THE LINK to Robert Boyle, Father of Chemistry

A Mile High Skyscraper

Wow is right. 

It has not been built yet but apparently this amazing structure is on the drawing board.

What structure? Where?

A Mile High Skyscraper in Japan.

It has been reported on several websites and could be considered a city in one spot because it is described as a "mixed use residential tower that could house up to 55,000 people"

Wow again.




For more details

HERE'S THE LINK TO Mile High Skyscraper in Japan.

William Booth, the Salvation Army, and Onward Christian Soldiers

The Salvation Army, according to Wikipedia, "was founded in London's East End in 1865 by one-time Methodist Reform Church minister William Booth and his wife Catherine. (Pictured here).Originally, Booth named the organization the East London Christian Mission. …"

Today's link will introduce you to some amazing audio and video footage.

First you will hear the actual voice of William Booth, the founder.

Then you will see video of images of very early scenes of Salvation Army folks and others marching to the Hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers".  I think there are even some shots of William Booth included.

This is truly an historical audio and video.

HERE'S THE LINK to William Booth, the Salvation Army, and Onward Christian Soldiers.

Sharks !

It is still winter in most parts of the USA so some of you may still be contemplating trips to 'warmer climes.'

But if you are considering the destination of the coastline of Florida, specifically in Palm Beach County, you might want to rethink your decision.

Why?

Well, a friend who lives in that general area sent this link to a report about sharks --indeed oodles and oodles of sharks -- in the area.

Seems they are Blacktip sharks such as the one pictured here which was taken by mjwinoz in 2007 and posted on wikipedia.

This doesn't seem to be deterring all the beach lovers and swimmers, but I for one would give this region a wide berth -- at least for now until they leave.

HERE'S THE LINK to Sharks in the Palm Beach area of Florida

Cell Origins

Back in the early days of Darwin's evolutionary thinking, not much was known about the complexity of individual cells.

So most folks thought cells were very simple and not complex at all.

As the years passed and advances and discoveries were made using light microscopes, electron microscopes, chemistry, and other scientific avenues, it has become obvious that cells are not simple at all.

Indeed they are verrrrrrry complex.

And this complexity has thrown a monkey wrench into the thought that even something as 'simple' as a single cell could have evolved by chance.

This brief video will give some insight into the problem.

HERE'S THE LINK TO Cell Origins

Sunday Hymn: It is Well with my Soul

Yay, it is Sunday and time for our Hymn of Worship.

Today the hymn is  "It is well with my Soul"
Sing along with the choir and enjoy the beautiful pictures.

And if you have time to continue listening, there are several other wonderful and worshipful hymns that will follow this one.  So keep listening if you have time.

But let's begin -- so

HERE'S THE LINK to the Hymn: It is well with my Soul.

The Yellow Line in TV Football games

Usually on Saturday (in the fall and winter) there is a football game that you are watching -- either in person or on TV --

And doubtless you have noticed that, in addition to the normal white lines marking off each 10 yard segment, there is a Yellow Line (and often other lines) added to the TV screen to help you know where the key points of the play are to take place.

These additional lines are not on the field in 'real life' as those of you who go to the games in person have noticed.

But they are on the TV version and are really helpful. 

So, how do these lines get there?  What is the science behind them?

A friend of DIT found this video which explains how it is done. Thanks friend.

HERE'S THE LINK to The Yellow Line in football

How Long is a Billion years

The term 'Billions' is bandied about in many circles today.

Financially, we speak of Billions of Dollars as if it were no big deal.  Trillions is now becoming the 'big thing' concerning money.

Billions is also used when speaking of time.  And in that sense it is even more difficult to grasp (or as folks say today "wrap one's mind around")

We are now told that the world is 4.67 billion years old -- and that the Big Bang occurred 14 billion years ago.

Interestingly, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term 'billion' wasn't even formed until the 16th century. 

This brief article from ICR explains what is involved when such terms as 'billions and billions of years' are bandied about.

HERE'S THE LINK to How long is a Billion years.

The Krispy Kreme donut dog

This is not a joke.

Seriously, Krispy Kreme has developed a realllllly scary, but probably tasty item.

What is it?

Well, it is, as indicated in the title of today's DIT, a donut dog.

And it has bacon !!! and Jelly !!!

Hmmmmmm.

That is likely what your Doctor will say when you go to the ER to get your heart attack treated after eating one.

HERE'S THE LINK to Krispy Kreme donut dog

Tikal Guatemala

A friend of DIT who loves to travel found this really interesting link.

What is it this time? you ask.

Well, for those of you who are 'into' Archaeological ruins, you have surely heard, or even been to, Tikal.

Tikal is located in Guatemala and is a must see.

It is thought to have been the capitol of the Mayan Empire.

Some, but, of course, not all, of the 'ruins' have been excavated and are amazing to behold.

If you can go see this in person, by all means do so --

But even the 'armchair' travelers will love this link.

HERE'S THE LINK to Tikal Guatemala of the Mayan Empire

Your Brain has more memory than the internet

Wow!  Astounding.

This article explains and clarifies that amazing statement.

Studies have shown that the brain can contain at least 1 Petabyte of information!

Wow.

And to think this all happened by chance / accident / evolution ! 

Well, that's what the secular scientists tell us.

But, hmmmm.  How about a creator for something this complicated.

HERE'S THE LINK to Your brain has more memory than the internet.

 

Today is President's Day

This day originally was observed in celebration of the Birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States.

But, as time passed and more and more Presidents were elected, the name of this day was changed to "President's Day".

Under the new name of President's day, it is celebrated on the third Monday of February each year.

To read more about Washington’s Birthday and how it came to be, as chronicled by the National Archives, HERE’S THE LINK.

And if you would like to read Wikipedia’s ‘take’ on President's day, HERE’S THE LINK

 

Hymn: Softly and Tenderly

This well known and beloved Hymn used to be sung frequently in Churches as a 'Hymn of Invitation'.

And the invitation still goes out today.

What is that invitation?

Is is to come to salvation in Jesus --

which then allows that person to 'come home' and live forever in Heaven with God The Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit and everyone who has accepted God's free gift of salvation.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosover believes in Him (Jesus) shall not perish but have everlasting life."

Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Sing along with this 4 minute 31 second hymn. The words will be on the screen.

Confess your sins, Trust in Jesus to forgive your sins and accept His free gift of salvation. Give Him your life. Let Him be your God and Lord.

If you do, then when you die you will "come home" to live with Him in His Kingdom forever.

HERE'S THE LINK to Softly and Tenderly Jesus is calling

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day

In America, many folks celebrate this day with Cards, Flowers, Chocolates, Jewelry, and even proposals of Marriage.

But, believe it or not, this is not just an American Holiday.

In Finland, for example, it is known as “Friend’s Day”

and in Guatemala it is known as “Day of Love and Friendship.”

The origin of Valentine’s Day is somewhat shrouded in mystery but there are several ‘theories’.

To read Wikipedia's 'take' on the origin of Valentine's Day, HERE'S THE LINK

 

Ancient site unearthed in Southern Iraq near Abraham's home

For those of you who are interested in Archaeology, you will find today's DIT interesting.

What is it?

Well, as indicated in the title, excavation in Iraq has unearthed structures and artifacts in the region where Abraham of the Bible lived.

Abraham first lived in UR before finally moving, at God's command, to what is now Israel.

Some folks think such Old Testament reports are just fantasy and never happened.

But, archaeological digs and finds, such as the one being reported here, prove that these Biblical accounts about cities and people are real.

HERE'S THE LINK to Ancient Site unearthed in Southern Iraq near Abraham's home.

Chinese Pictographs

The Chinese Language is perhaps the oldest or one of the oldest of the languages. 

It is composed of pictures, called Pictographs.

And, interestingly, these Picture Symbols provide clues as to their likely origin.

What do I mean?

Well, this short video will explain.

HERE'S THE LINK to Chinese Pictographs

And if this has piqued your interest, you will find more information and details about Genesis and Chinese Pictographs at THIS LINK

Does distant starlight prove the universe is old

This question has been raised repeatedly. 

Likely you have also asked it yourself.

Does Distant Starlight really prove that the universe is old?

Or is there another explanation?

Dr. Jason Lisle, PhD (in Astrophysics) discusses this question and presents several of the most common explanations.

Don't be deterred by the PhD in Astrophysics.  This 3 min 58 second video is not difficult to understand and you will find it most interesting.

HERE'S THE LINK to Does distant starlight prove the universe is old

How well do you know the world?

Today we are linking to a fun game.

What kind of game?

Well, for all 'frequent travelers' and those who wish they were frequent travelers, BBC has posted a very unusual 'guess where you are' travel site.

It provides a picture of 'somewhere' and you are to guess where 'somewhere' is.

Actually this is quite fun.

Check it out.

HERE'S THE LINK TO How well do you know the world ; play guesser to find out

Diver removes fishhook and line from dolphin

Several DIT'ers are recently 'into' Scuba Diving.

Because of that they will be especially interested in today's DIT.


But this is not just for Scuba Divers.

Everyone will be thrilled and enthralled by today's video link.

What is it?

Well, as indicated in the title, a dolphin is in trouble and patiently waits while a scuba diver frees him. Wow. Amazing.

HERE'S THE LINK to Diver removes fishhook and line from dolphin

Sunday Anthem: Hallelujah Chorus Andre Rieu

Awhile back (on Monday Jan 25) we were introduced to Andre Rieu and a fantastic musical video.  If you didn't see it, scroll back and watch.

Today, even though we recently worshipped to the Hallelujah Chorus, we are going to listen again, this time with a different presentation.

HERE'S THE LINK to Hallelujah Chorus Andre Rieu

Future NFL games on your coffee table???

Tomorrow is Super Bowl  50 with the Denver Broncos playing the Carolina Panthers.

Doubtless there will be many many folks sitting in front for their TV screens, both large and small (I am speaking, of course, of the TV screens, not the fans).

But guess what?

What?

In the not too distant future, if Microsoft has its way, folks may be watching the games on their coffee tables.

Coffee tables?  Surely you jest, you say.

Well, I don't know IF this will really happen but apparently there is something reallllly new in the works.

To find out more

HERE'S THE LINK to NFL games on your coffee table

Here is the Chic-Fil-a Coleslaw recipe

Well, it is not only the empty Chic-Fil-a styrofoam cups that are gone.

We discovered what happened to them on Tues Jan 26.

In that instance, we found that they are turned into something very useful.

But, alas and alack, something much much sadder has happened.

What?

Well, as of Jan 2016, Chic-Fil-a has discontinued their Coleslaw!

Oh nooooooo!

But, all is not lost -- they have provided the recipe so folks can still make the yummy coleslaw in their own kitchen.

HERE'S THE LINK to the Chic-Fil-a coleslaw recipe

Did we really Land on the Moon?

You have probably heard people say that the USA did not really land astronauts on the moon back in 1969.

Those folks say that the event seen on TV was just a hoax.

Others say, yes, this landing actually occurred and it is not a hoax.

So what is the truth?

Dr. Danny Faulkner has written an interesting article about this question.

HERE'S THE LINK to did we really land on the moon

21 uses for wire coat hangers

Ah, the lowly coat hanger --  you throw it away, right?

Well, not so fast ---

Being of a pack rat disposition, this article really caught my eye.

What is it?

Well, the title of today's DIT obviously gave it away --

But it really does give 21 uses for wire coat hangers -- some of which are truly amazing.

So stop throwing away your coat hangers!!!  Many useful things can be made from them -- including one that is not included in the list of 21 --

which is that coat hangers can also be used to make antennas for Ham Radios.

So there are at least 22 uses for wire coat hangers.  Maybe we should not be so hasty in discarding them.

So with that by way of introduction

HERE'S THE LINK to 21 uses for wire coat hangers

Today is Groundhog day

Yes, it is that long awaited time of the year !

Will we see 6 more weeks of winter (oh noooo) or will there be an early spring (yay).

Perhaps the most famous groundhog, like the one pictured here, is Punxsutawney Phil. He was featured in the epic film 'Groundhog Day'.  His prognostication is the one most folks look for.  Last year he predicted 6 more weeks of winter.

But there are many other groundhogs, and they don't always agree with Phil. 

Two of these many others include:

Chattanooga Chuck -- in 2015 predicted 6 more weeks of winter
General Beauregard Lee of Lilburn Ga -- in 2015 predicted Early Spring

So what will it be?  6 more weeks of Winter?  Or Early Spring?

To read about Groundhog day, its origins, various groundhog locations, and to see if one near you is on the list of 'others'
HERE'S THE LINK to Groundhog day

McDonald's new menu item

Have you heard of McDonald's latest attempt to lure customers?

No, we are not speaking of a different kind of burger or an exotic milk shake.

But it is something that most women will like and especially a certain fan of DIT who says she can 'take it or leave it'  (Not) of the item of which we are linking today.

Alas, for those of whom I have been speaking, this new item is only available in Japan.

So what is it you ask?

Ok, are you sitting down?  

It is chocolate covered french fries!!!!

No Kidding.

HERE'S THE LINK to McDonald's chocolate covered french fries