Guide to Poisonous Plants

"Leaves of Three, Let it be" --

That is a rhyme that you have likely learned in the past. 

And it is a great way to remember how to identify poison ivy and other similarly dangerous plants.

A friend of DIT found today's interesting and helpful link.

It tells of 'leaves of three' and more.

Even though it is "Iowa Specific" the "info" provided is appropriate for anywhere in the world.

So with that by way of introduction,

HERE'S THE LINK to a brief guide to Poisonous Plants

Light from the 'Big Bang' casts no shadows

Our link today is to a very interesting and thought provoking article.

What / Why ? you ask.

Well, the opening comment explains: 

"If the big bang were true, the light from the fireball should cast shadows in the foreground of all galaxy clusters."

It seems there are no shadows.   Hmmm.

The article will explain.

And -- not to fear --

the article is short and an easy read so do not be afraid to check it out.

HERE'S THE LINK to Light from the big bang casts no shadows

How to Degerm a Hotel Room

It is summer time and many folks are likely taking vacations --

And many will be staying in Hotel and Motel rooms on their way to and from 'wherever'.

But before you just willy nilly enter the room and make your self comfortable --

you might want to heed the warnings in today's DIT.

HERE'S THE LINK to How to Degerm a Hotel room


 

100 year old Blackboards

Yes, it is true -- those of you who will be viewing these photos are not that old

but

many of you probably remember going to school with blackboards.

And those of you who didn't will also find this interesting.

Why? Because, these pictures will truly amaze -- not only in that they have been found --

but you will also notice that the pictures and topics are very different from today. 

Notice the topics (history, cursive writing, etc) that were covered 100 years ago compared with what is not covered today. Hmmmm.  Interesting.

Now with that by way of introduction, we are providing several links today.  Some with video, some with pictures, some with even more pictures.


Prepare to walk back in time and view History come alive

HERE'S THE LINK to Blackboards from 100 years ago

And HERE IS ANOTHER LINK with pictures and a video which follows a short commercial

And HERE'S A VIDEO without a commercial

And Last but not least HERE'S A LINK to Many pictures without the video -- don't miss this one




 

Hymn: When I survey the wondrous cross

Today's well known Hymn is by Isaac Watts. The words are posted below.

HERE'S THE LINK

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did eer such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads oer His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Why Planes can fly through Hurricanes

We are still in Hurricane Season -- though fortunately so far it has been a a quiet season.

But, you have doubtless noted that when a Hurricane develops, special planes are sent out to evaluate them.

And, if you are like most folks you wonder --

Why do people deliberately fly into a hurricane?

Isn't that really dangerous?

And why / how do they survive?

The link today will answer those questions.

HERE'S THE LINK to Planes fly in Hurricanes.

 

Post Modern Art at Ohio State

A friend of DIT found this very short but very interesting comment on a blog.

It is from an address by Ravi Zacharias and speaks volumes.

As you read it you will surely discern its profound ramifications as it clarifies and explains much about today's events and situations.

HERE'S THE LINK to Postmodern Architecture at Ohio State



 

Fantastic Colors in nature

This is another email we received from a friend of DIT.

What is it?

Well, as suggested in the title -- Creations in nature are not 'blah'.  There are many vibrant and beautiful colors.

And they certainly were not made using Crayons or colored pencils.

As always, this makes a person wonder how all this could have happened by chance.

Think about that as you view these amazing pictures:

HERE'S THE LINK to Fantastic Colors in Nature

Thoughts of a First Responder

As you are sadly well aware -- First Responders are now under attack by many of those whom they protect.

You might be wondering what the First Responders think about such a situation.

Do they want to quit?

Well, this picture and post, both of which were on Facebook, speak volumes.

Check it out.
HERE'S THE LINK to what a First Responder has to say



 

Do we have enough evidence to trust the Bible?

This is another of those questions that we frequently hear debated and bandied about.

People repeatedly insinuate that the Bible can not be trusted.

Many have done research to find if there is enough evidence.

The article to which we are linking today was written by a Lawyer.

So he should certainly recognize evidence when he sees it.

Check out today's link to see what this lawyer decided.

HERE'S THE LINK to Do we have enough evidence to trust the Bible?

Which Came first: Knowledge of God or Morality? (Or Both?)

Which Came First: Knowledge of God or Morality? (Or both) -- that is the title of the article to which we are linking today.

Why?

Because this is a very important topic --

and one that is often debated.

This article has significant insights which will greatly aid your understanding of this often debated and discussed concept.

HERE'S THE LINK to Which came first: Knowledge of God or Morality?

Sunday Hymn: O Sacred Head now wounded

Today's hymn is another classic and favorite of many.

It tells of the death of  The Lord God Jesus Christ and WHY He died.

HERE'S THE LINK to O Sacred Head now wounded


 

The Mimic Octopus

Pictured here is a toy octopus from Amazon.

Christopher (you remember him as the amazing miracle baby who had a heart and kidney transplant) loves toy Octopuses.

Indeed he has several Octopus toys that he carries around much like other kiddos have teddy bears.

So, Christopher might enjoy today's DIT link --

because it talks about an octopus that mimics other animals.

But you will like it, too -- 

because

This is an amazing article.

 HERE'S THE LINK to the mimic octopus






 

How Long were the Days of Genesis 1

Doubtless you have heard or been told that the days of Genesis Chapter 1 were not 24 hours days --

but were thousands or millions or even billions of years long.

Some people even say that those days are just figurative and don't mean days at all -- in the sense of 24 hour units of time as the day is considered today.

So how long were the days of Genesis Chapter 1 and why does it matter anyway?

The article to which we are linking today will explain.

HERE'S THE LINK to how long were the days of Genesis 1

Noah's Ark Launches today

No, there is no giant rain fall and no world wide flood beginning today

But

The long awaited 'launch' of Noah's Ark by AIG Ministries opens today.

This is a full size Ark -- using the dimensions in the Bible --

so it is 510 feet long, 51 feet high, and 85 feet wide.

It is located in Williamstown, Ky -- which is very close to Cincinnati and is on I-75 so is easy to access by plane or auto.

And beginning today -- for 40 days and 40 nights, there will be extended hours for everyone to visit it.

If you have not yet taken your summer vacation -- or even if you have -- you should put this on your 'bucket list' (pun intended) of things to do ASAP.

For more information about this amazing Noah's Ark HERE'S THE LINK

The Battle of Blue Licks

Pictured here is the monument at the Blue Licks Battlefield State Park in Kentucky.

Why is this important?  

Because one of, if not the, last battles of the Revolutionary war took place in Kentucky (though it was really Virginia at the time) at the Battle of Blue Licks.

Alas, This battle happened a year after the war was over !!!

What !

Yes, sadly word of victory had not reached the mountains and forests of Virginia (now Kentucky) so the Patriots (Militiamen) were still battling the British, Canadian loyalists, and Indians thinking that they still needed to fight to gain independence from England.

Since communication in those days was very limited and spotty at best, word had not made it to the 'west' (i.e. Virginia / Kentucky) that the war was over and the Patriots had won.

Sadly, therefore, many died needlessly because of this lack of communication.

Those who died included a relative of several DIT'ers and a relative of Daniel Boone. Daniel Boone also participated in this battle but survived.

To learn more about the Battle of Blue Licks HERE'S THE LINK

How long did the Revolutionary War Last?

Sunday we listened to one of the songs that was popular during the Revolutionary war which began in 1775 and lasted till 1781.

Monday we read WHY and HOW the United States was established and the war that was fought to win Independence from Great Britain (aka England). 

It was during that long 7 year period of fighting that the United States of America finally became a country of its own and was no longer under the rule of England.

For more details and a short summary of the events

 HERE'S THE LINK to How Long did the Revolutionary War last

Today is Independence Day in the USA

Pictured here is the scene titled "Yankee Doodle" painted by A.M. Willard.  Later it became known as The Spirit of 76  (That's 1776)

The Historically Challenged ask: Why is this important? And what is so special about July 4, 1776 --

To which Bill Federer answers with detailed information about WHY the people in North America in what is now the USA decided to stop being 'under the thumb and rule' of England and establish their own country.

The citizens of what is now the United States of America declared their Independence from England.

To read the details

HERE'S THE LINK to July 4 is Independence Day


 

Yankee Doodle

The Song today is not a Hymn

but

it is one of the popular songs during the Time of the Revolutionary War of 1776,

and since the people in the USA celebrate Independence Day (4th of July) tomorrow --

we are beginning the celebration early with this song.

HERE'S THE LINK to Yankee Doodle


 

Earliest fossil forest surprisingly complex

While we are on the topic of trees -- (you will recall we considered trees in yesterday's  DIT) --

The article to which we are linking today, in a way, continues that thought.

How?

Well, it seems that there are many 'fossil forests' around the world -- and when they are evaluated they show some surprising things.

What kind of things?

Well, this article will explain

HERE'S THE LINK to earliest fossil forest surprisingly complex

Trees Trees Trees

The next Arbor Day is April 28, 2017

but a friend of DIT recently sent us a link to a very interesting article about Trees and Arbor day.

I think you will find this very informative.

HERE'S THE LINK to Arbor Day: Celebrating God's Design for Trees


 

The Movie: God's Not Dead 2

On April 1, 2016, the Movie titled "God's Not Dead 2" was released in Theaters.

You may or may not have seen it or even know about it.

But this review of the movie is a must read.

It also includes a brief 2 minute 30 second promo.

Read the review, watch the promo, and consider the ramifications.

HERE'S THE LINK to movie review of God's Not Dead 2

New Virtual tour lets you explore the Space Station

Recently 3 Astronauts returned to earth after many months on the International Space Station.

So what happens on the Space Station?

What do they do?

What is life up there like?

The video to which we are linking today is amazingly informative.

You will love this as you vicariously explore and experience life on the International Space Station.

HERE'S THE LINK to Explore the International Space Station

Top 5 things that could kill your mobile phone

Likely you or someone you know has a fancy mobile phone such as the one pictured here.

But even if it is not fancy, your mobile phone is vulnerable to several things that can, gasp, kill it.

What are those things?

Thought you'd never ask.

But since you did

HERE'S THE LINK to 5 things that can kill your mobile phone


 

The Lost Squadron

This is an amazing article about WW2 aircraft that landed in Greenland and then for the next 48-50 or so years were buried with a massive amount of snow and ice.

The 6 'lost' airplanes were P-38 Lightening aircraft.

How did this happen? you ask.

And what to you mean they were buried in ice and snow?

Well, this short but very interesting article will explain.

And it will also provide important insight into ice cores and the ages they supposedly tell us.

HERE'S THE LINK to the Lost Squadron

ARRL Field Day is Today (Saturday) and Sunday

The Hams (Amateur Radio Operators) pictured here are participaeting in the annual Field Day event which begins today and ends tomorrow.

What is Field Day? you ask.

Well, it is that very special time of the year, which always happens on the last full weekend in June, when over 35,000 Hams in the US and Canada participate in a contest to contact as many people around the country and around the world as possible. 

It is also an emergency preparedness exercise in which Hams go on the air for 24 round the clock hours using only battery, solar, or generator power instead of the usual plug in the wall commercial power.

Why?

Basically because it is a good way to test their equipment -- since this is usually how they have to operate during disasters, floods, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and other events when commercial power is down.

During disasters Hams set up portable antennas, power up their radios, and go on the air to help the police, firemen, rescue squads, search teams, etc.

So Field Day is a good time to check and see if 'all systems are go'.

If you are a Ham you already know about Field Day and are likely participating.

But if you are not a Ham (Amateur Radio Operator) you are invited to attend the Field Day nearest you. You will be welcomed with open arms and will be shown what is happening. In so doing, hopefully you will catch the 'bug' and become a Ham.

There will also usually be a GOTA (Get on the Air) station to let non hams Get On The Air and experience the excitement of talking on the radio.

For those who can't attend a Field Day in person but have a Short Wave radio, you might hear some of the activity as you tune the dial.

Hint: The Bands on which you are most likely to 'find/hear' the Hams will be 40, 20, 15, 10, 6, and 2 meters as well as the 70 CM band.

In Tennessee, the Chattanooga Ham Club will begin setting up the Antennas, Radios, etc. Saturday Morning and will go On the Air at 2 PM EST.  The 24 hours end at 2 PM EST on Sunday.

But don't just sit by your Shortwave radio, go to one of the thousands of sites that will be up and running in the US and Canada.  You don't have to stay all 24 hours but do drop in and see what is going on.  You will be amazed.

To find a Field Day Site near you, there is a nifty 'locator' on the ARRL website.

HERE'S THE LINK to the 'nifty locater' for a Field Day near you

Ancient Man and OOPS

Yesterday we read about the 'discovery' of a very old computer.

How old?  Well, before the time of Christ.

It was a mechanical device that was helpful in determining locations of ships while at sea, a star chart, and more.

And all that was possible over 2000 years ago.

But that ancient computer is not the only amazing and 'advanced' item that has been found from the ancient past.

If you are interested in reading about more OOPS (Out Of Place Artifacts), the book pictured here is loaded with similar information.

It is titled "The Puzzle of Ancient Man" by Donald E. Chittick.

It is still available at Amazon.com

Two more books which are similar and also at Amazon that you might like are:

The Genius of Ancient Man by Don Landis

After the Flood by Bill Cooper

All 3 are really informative.

You can find them at Amazon.com at the link posted below.

HERE'S THE LINK to The Puzzle of Ancient Man

The world's oldest computer?

Recently a friend of DIT sent us a link to a contemporary article about 'the world's oldest computer'.

It was interesting to read the article (to which we will be linking today)

but, believe it or not, this is really not a new finding of an old artifact.

What do you mean?

Well, I had read about this previously in a book (to which we will be referencing in tomorrow's DIT).

It was described in the book, much as it is in the article,

and in the book, it was referred to as an OOPS (Out Of Place Artifact).

But more about OOPS tomorrow.

For now, check out this amazing find.

HERE'S THE LINK to the world's oldest computer


 

Bronze Tree of Sanxingdui China

Tradition says that Noah founded China.

If so, then this would help explain this amazing ancient artifact.

Is this the oldest man-made Genesis artifact?

And what does it picture / mean?

The link today will help explain.

HERE'S THE LINK to Bronze Tree of Sanxingdui China




 

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

Summer technically began yesterday -- which means hot hot hot in many places.

Indeed it has already been hot hot hot for several weeks already.

Which brings us to the topic of today

which is

Do you know the symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke?

Today's link will tell you.

HERE'S THE LINK to Heat exhaustion vs Heat Stroke

Summer begins today

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 to understanding the equinoxes

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 phone.

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 to the Happy Father's Day Article



 

Today is World Jugglers Day

Why do we mention this most unusual holiday?

Well, two reasons.

First it is realllllly unusual and interesting

and Second, several friends of DIT are accomplished Jugglers and might find this interesting.

So, with that by way of introduction

HERE'S THE LINK to World Juggling day.

And there is a link on that page to two Juggling Videos but just in case you miss it.

HERE'S THE LINK to 2011 World Juggling day
and
HERE'S THE LINK to 2012 World Juggling day

What is a World View?

Yesterday we linked to information about how the World View of many people including Christians has changed significantly in the past few years.

But, what exactly is a Worldview

and why is it important.

The article to which we are linking today explains.

Reading alert:  The article is kinda long

but take the time and read it

because it is extremely important that you understand what a World View is and how and why it shapes what you think and do.

HERE'S THE LINK to What is a World View?



 

Why will many Christians follow the Antichrist?

The book pictured here is a new release.

While reading through it, several paragraphs in Chapter 12 caught my attention and help explain much about the changes we are seeing in the world today.

It boils down, among other things, to one's World View (which we will delve into more deeply in the DIT tomorrow).

According to the information in Chapter 12, the Worldview of many people and especially of Christians has changed and …

Well, for further details, check out this link

HERE'S THE LINK to Why will many Christians follow the Antichrist?



 

Today is Magna Carta Day

Pictured here is a "…recreation of King John signing the Magna Carta" on June 15, 1215.

This is another important holiday that needs to be 'discovered' by the Historically Challenged students.

So, What is the Magna Carta?

And Why is it important?

This link from the History Channel will explain.

HERE'S THE Link to Magna Carta Day

And if you want even more information, good old Wikipedia has a lot to day about it.

HERE'S THE Link to Wikipedia Magna Carta

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 to the Origin of Flag Day


 

The truth about the Grand Canyon

Today's DIT is a link to a short segment from a Seminar by Kent Hovind.

In it he discusses what school textbooks teach about the formation of the Grand Canyon

and what really happened.

You will find this very interesting.

When the 4 minute segment ends, the next thing up is a much longer video about the Global Flood.   If you have time (about 1 hr. 47 minutes) it would be worth your time to view it.

But whether you watch the longer seminar or noet

be sure to check out this very interesting information about the Formation of the Grand Canyon.

HERE'S THE LINK to How the Grand Canyon really formed and why

Sunday Hymn: Abide with me

The King's College Choir of Cambridge England sings this well known favorite.

HERE'S THE LINK to Abide with Me

Steak in a skillet is better than on a grill

Can this be true? 

Can a steak prepared in a skillet really be better than one cooked on a grill?

Well, this article thinks so and tells you how to do it.

HERE'S THE LINK to "The secret to making the Perfect Steak Indoors"






 

Benjamin Franklin Flies his kite

Kites are not new.  They have been around and flown for millennia.

According to Wikipedia, the first kites were invented in China in the 5th Century BC.

So, when Ben Franklin flew his kite it was not the kite that was famous but what he discovered.

Tradition says that on June 10, 1752 Benjamin Franklin flew his kite and demonstrated the electrical nature of lightning.

But maybe he did or maybe he didn't make the discovery --

Because

According to Wikipedia "In 1750 Benjamin Franklin published a proposal for an experiment to prove that lightning was caused by electricity by flying a kite in a storm that appeared capable of becoming a lightning storm. "

"It is not known whether Franklin ever performed his experiment,"

"but on May 10, 1752, Thomas-François Dalibard of France conducted a similar experiment using a 40 feet (12 m) iron rod instead of a kite and extracted electrical sparks from a cloud."
So, perhaps Franklin confirmed the results of Dalibard --

or more likely, Franklin didn't know that Dalibard had already done it a month earlier.

After all they were an ocean apart and news in those days didn't travel fast.

Anyway, according to tradition, it was on this day in 1752 (or maybe a month earlier) when it was discovered that lightning was caused by electricity.

Just thought you would want to know.

We are providing a link for more details about this and other things that Benjamin Franklin did (Hint: Scroll down to the section titled "Inventions and scientific inquiries")

HERE'S THE LINK to Benjamin Franklin 


 

Today is National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie day

Wow.  Now this is a most unusual Holiday.

Why do we mention it? you ask.

Well, it seems that one of the DIT-ers realllllly likes this pie.

So we are posting this information in that person's 'honor'.

But, be sure to check out the link even if you are not that person

because there is some really interesting information about this pie.

So with that by way of introduction

HERE'S THE LINK to National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie day

Did We really Land on the Moon

Doubtless you have heard folks saying that we did NOT land on the moon.

They say this was just a staged production in a studio somewhere.

Is this true?

Hmmmm.

Well, the link today will help clarify the situation.

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

Why Does Genesis Matter

Many folks discount the importance and even the validity of the Book of Genesis.

They say it is not real history

and therefore we don't need to pay attention to it.

Hmmmm.

Well, check out this short 1:43 minute video.

HERE'S THE LINK to Why does Genesis matter


 

Today is the Anniversary of D-Day

D-Day?  What is that? --ask the young and historically challenged students.

Well, this was one of the most important days in World War 2.

It took place on June 6, 1944

The link today will explain the details of what happened and why.

This is a most important and must view link.

HERE'S THE LINK to D-Day

Sunday Hymn: Are you washed in the Blood

This is another favorite of many.

Sing along -- the words are on the screen

Or just listen to the Antrim Mennonite Choir as they sing.

HERE'S THE LINK to Are you washed in the Blood





 

Mother Goose asks Cincinnati Police for help

This is an amazing and touching video.

It seems that  a baby goose had become tangled in a string --

And the mother goose saw a policewoman nearby in a car --

and went to the car asking for help.

What happens next is realllllly interesting

HERE'S THE LINK to Mother Goose asks and thanks Cincinnati Police for help


 

Today is National Donut Day

Pictured here is a "Donut Dolly".

Donut Dollies were "women volunteers of the Salvation Army who travelled to France in 1918 to support US Soldiers"

So-- we are not kidding.  

This is a real Holiday.

In fact it has been observed for 78 years !

And it is sooooo appropriate to follow the "Love your Dentist Day" (which was yesterday)

because after you observe National Donut day, you will likely soon be visiting your Dentist.

Still think this is not a real Holiday?

Then check out this link

HERE'S THE LINK to National Donut Day

Today is National Love your Dentist Day

Now this is a reallllly unusual Holiday.

But, it is real.

And since everyone knows (or should know) a Dentist

(and several DIT'ers know a very special Dentist)

it is time to observe this holiday.

You think this is not real?

Well, check out this link --

HERE'S THE LINK to "I Love my Dentist Day"


 

Hurricane Season Begins

The official Hurricane season begins today, June 1, and ends November 30.

Even though that is the official time period to be wary of Hurricanes,

August through October are the peak months.

You may have heard the terms Typhoon, Cyclone, Tropical Storms, etc

 and wonder how or if these differ from a Hurricane.

Well one of the links we are providing today will explain.

Another link will provide information for preparing for the event -- whatever it is called.

So….All that to say

Those of you in the areas where Hurricanes (or whatever they are called) can be a threat should begin to be alert, watch the weather, and be prepared.

For more information about Hurricanes, how they form, etc. HERE'S THE LINK

And for Hurricane Preparation Suggestions HERE'S THE LINK