text:
A portable handheld computing device has a notification system that alerts a user of an event regardless of whether the device is on or off. The notification system has a notification mechanism that is activated upon occurrence of the event and remains active until the user acknowledges the activated mechanism. In one implementation, the notification mechanism is a light emitting diode (LED) mounted externally on the handheld computing device. The LED is visible to the user when the lid is closed onto the base (i.e., the device is off) or when the lid is open (i.e., the device is on). The notification mechanism also has a deactivation button mounted externally of the handheld computing device. The user depresses the deactivation button to deactivate the LED. The LED and deactivation button may be integrated as a single component.
1. A portable handheld computing device comprising:
a notification system to alert a user of an event regardless of whether the handheld computing device is on or off; and
the notification system having an external notification mechanism that is activated upon occurrence of the event and that remains active even when the handheld computing device is off until the user acknowledges the activated mechanism.
2. A portable handheld computing device as recited in
3. A portable handheld computing device as recited in
4. A portable handheld computing device as recited in
5. A portable handheld computing device as recited in
6. A portable handheld computing device comprising:
an external notification mechanism that is activated to notify a user of an event regardless of whether the handheld computing device is turned on or off;
a deactivation mechanism that enables a user to deactivate the notification mechanism, wherein the deactivation mechanism is a button mounted externally of the handheld computing device; and
the notification mechanism being configured to remain active until the user deactivates the notification mechanism using the deactivate mechanism.
7. A portable handheld computing device as recited in
8. A portable handheld computing device as recited in
the notification mechanism comprises a light emitting diode (LED); and the button and the LED are integrated as a single component.
This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/854,102, filed May 8, 1997, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,011.
This invention relates to portable handheld computing devices, such as handheld personal computers (H/PCs). More particularly, this invention relates to an external notification system for handheld computing devices.
Small, handheld computing devices have been steadily growing in popularity in recent years. The devices go by different names, including palmtops, pocket computers, personal digital assistants, personal organizers, and the like. This disclosure is primarily directed to a class of computing devices referred to as handheld personal computers, or "H/PCs", although aspects of this invention can be implemented other types of handheld computing devices.
H/PCs are small, pocket-sized devices having an LCD (liquid crystal display) with a touch-sensitive screen, a stylus to enter data through the screen, and an input device such as a keypad or miniature QWERTY keyboard. H/PCs have a microprocessor, memory, and are capable of running an operating system and one or more applications on the operating system. Microsoft Corporation recently released the Windows� CE operating system for use on H/PCs, which is a scaled-down version of its popular Windows� operating systems manufactured for personal computers.
One of the most desirable characteristics of H/PCs is their portability. The compact, portable H/PCs provide a user with real computer-like applications—such as email, PIM (personal information management), Internet browser, spreadsheet, word processing. A traveling user can receive email messages, schedule meetings or appointments, and browse the Internet from the H/PC.
Some handheld computing devices can notify a user of a scheduled event, if they are turned on. The device plays an alarm sound, or pops-up a dialog box, to alert the user of the event. However, many handheld computing devices have no means of notifying a user when they are turned off, which is normally the case to conserve power. While some handheld computing devices might be configured to wake up and sound an alarm, such devices typically time out the alarm after a short period. As a result, the user can miss the alarm because it terminates before being noticed. In addition, audio alarms may, on occasions, be too faint for the surrounding environment (e.g., an alarm might be overpowered by noise in an airplane flight) or not sufficiently strong to command a user's attention when the user is not immediately next to the device.
It would be advantageous to develop a notification system for handheld computing devices, such as H/PCs, that notifies a user when an event occurs regardless of whether the device is on or off, open or closed, pocketed, or docked, and which remains active until the user acknowledges it. It would also be advantageous to develop a notification system that provides a lasting external notification to the user, rather than a short-run alarm or a pop-up box that is not externally visible.
This invention concerns a portable handheld computing device having a notification system that alerts a user of an event regardless of whether the device is on or off, open or closed, pocketed, or docked. The notification system has a notification mechanism that is activated upon occurrence of the event and remains active until the user acknowledges the activated mechanism.
According to an aspect of this invention, the notification mechanism is a light emitting diode (LED) that is (by user option) turned on by the notification system when an event occurs. The LED remains activated until the user takes action to handle the event.
According to another aspect of this invention, the LED is mounted externally on the handheld computing device. More particularly, the handheld device has a casing with a lid and a base. The LED is mounted on the lid's upper surface and wraps around to one of the end surfaces of the lid. In this manner, the LED is visible to the user when the lid is closed onto the base (i.e., the device is off) or when the lid is open (i.e., the device is on).
According to another aspect of this invention, the notification mechanism also has a deactivation button mounted externally of the handheld computing device. The user depresses the deactivation button to deactivate the LED (as well as any other external signals that may be used). In one implementation, the LED and deactivation button are integrated as a single component mounted on the device lid.
According to yet another aspect of this invention, a notification program runs on the handheld computing device and is callable by an application to help schedule events. The notification program sets timers with the system clock, which is always on even when the handheld computer is turned off. When a timer expires, the system clock sends an interrupt to the notification program to wake up the notification program so that it can turn on the LED. The LED is coupled to power so that it can remain on and the notification program can go back asleep. The LED continues emitting light until the user notices and presses the deactivation button.
According to another aspect, the notification program places a taskbar annunciator in the taskbar of an operating graphical user interface window when an event is realized. After depressing the deactivation button in recognition of the LED, the user can actuate the taskbar annunciator with a stylus or other means and jump directly to the source of the event. For instance, actuating the taskbar annunciator might open a window that describes an appointment, which is the root of the event.
According to another aspect, the notification program supports a graphical user interface that enables a user to set notification options specifying how external notification is to operate. For instance, the user might prefer a flashing light in combination with an alarm. The user can set these options through the user interface. The options are saved in a structure that is accessed when a user notification is set.
According to still another aspect, the notification program is called by the applications on the handheld computing device through an application program interface (API). The API defines a time parameter that specifies when the user notification should occur and a type parameter that references the structure containing the user-defined notification options.
The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like components and features.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld computing device in an open position.
FIG. 2A provides an end elevation view of the handheld computing device in a closed position.
FIG. 2B provides a front elevation view of the handheld computing device in a closed position.
FIG. 2C provides a side elevation view of the handheld computing device in a closed position.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the handheld computing device.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the hardware/software architecture of a notification system implemented in the handheld computing device.
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a graphical user interface window embodied as an "options" dialog box.
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of a screen image presented on a display of the handheld computing device.
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a graphical user interface window embodied as a "notification" dialog box.
FIGS. 1 and 2 show a handheld computing device 20. As used herein, is "handheld computing device" means a small general computing device having a processing unit that is capable of running one or more application programs, a display, and an input mechanism that is typically something other than a full-size keyboard. The input mechanism might be a keypad, a touch-sensitive screen, a track ball, a touch-sensitive pad, a miniaturized QWERTY keyboard, or the like.
The handheld computing device 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C is embodied as a handheld personal computer (H/PC). The terms "handheld computing device" and "handheld personal computer" (or H/PC) are used interchangeably throughout this disclosure. However, in other implementations, the handheld computing device may be implemented as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal organizer, a palmtop computer, a computerized notepad, or the like.
Handheld computing device 20 has a casing 22 with a cover or lid 24 and a base 26. The lid 24 is hingedly connected to the base 26 to pivot between an open position (FIG. 1) and a closed position (FIGS. 2A-2C). The handheld computing device 20 has an LCD (liquid crystal display) 28 with a touch-sensitive screen mounted in lid 24. The device is equipped with a stylus 30 to enter data through the touchscreen display 28 and a miniature QWERTY keyboard 32, which are both mounted in base 26. The handheld computing device 20 can also be implemented with a wireless transceiver (not shown) such as an IR (infrared) transceiver and/or an RF (radio frequency) transceiver. Although the illustrated implementation shows a two-member H/PC 20 with a lid 24 and a base 26, other implementations of the H/PC might comprise an integrated body without hinged components, as is the case with computerized notepads (e.g., Newton� from Apple Computers).
In the above respects, the H/PC 20 is of conventional design and will not be described in detail. Many manufacturers make suitable H/PCs. However, unlike conventional H/PCs, the handheld computing device 20 of this invention is further implemented with an external notification system.
In general, the external notification system is designed to alert a user of an event regardless of whether the handheld computing device is presently on or off, or whether the device is presently running a program. The notification system has a notification mechanism that is activated upon occurrence of the event to alert the user. The notification mechanism remains active until the user acknowledges it, even if the handheld computing device is otherwise turned off. The notification mechanism is an external, sensory perceptible mechanism that attracts the user's attention when the device is on or off and regardless of whether the lid is open or closed. The notification mechanism can be implemented in a variety of ways, including a light, an audio generator, a vibration device, or other forms of sensory perceptible mechanisms. In addition, these mechanisms may be used in combination, or with other forms of sensory perceptible notices, such as a visual dialog box on the display.
In the preferred implementation, the external notification mechanism includes an externally mounted LED (light emitting diode) 40. When activated as a result of an event, the LED is illuminated or made to flash. The LED 40 remains activated until the user acknowledges it.
More particularly, the LED 40 is mounted on the external surface of the H/PC 20 in a location that the user can view the light from different angles and sides of the H/PC. In addition, the LED 40 is positioned to be seen when the lid 24 is open or closed. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the H/PC casing 22 has an upper surface 42 on lid 24, a lower surface 44 on base 26, a front side surface 46 (on both lid 24 and base 26), an opposing back side surface 48 (on both lid 24 and base 26), and opposing end surfaces 50 and 52 (on both lid 24 and base 26). The end surfaces 50 and 52 are dimensionally shorter than the elongated side surfaces 46 and 48.
The LED 40 is positioned on the upper surface 42 and wraps around an upper corner to extend onto the end surface 50. The LED is raised on the end surface 50 to be visible from the front. The LED may or may not be raised on the upper surface 42. In this manner, the LED 40 can be viewed when the case 22 is closed, either from above by viewing the LED portion on the upper surface 42 (for instance when the H/PC is sitting on a desk), or from the side by viewing the LED portion on the end surface 50 (for instance when the H/PC is slid upright into a shirt pocket, purse, or briefcase). Additionally, the LED 40 can be viewed when the case 22 is open (FIG. 1) by viewing the raised LED portion on the end surface 50. As an alternative to raising the LED on the end surface , the LED 40 may be configured to wrap around to the inner surface of the lid 24 to be viewable when the case 22 is open. The LED itself might be configured in the illustrated shape, or alternatively a normally shaped LED is configured to emit light into light-transmissive tubing that conforms to the illustrated shape.
As shown in the end view of FIG. 2A, the H/PC 20 also has a deactivation mechanism to deactivate the LED 40 and any other external notification mechanism. In the illustrated implementation, the deactivation mechanism is a deactivation button 54 that is externally mounted on the end 50 to enable a user to quickly locate and deactivate the external notification mechanisms, regardless of whether the lid is open or closed. In a preferred embodiment, the deactivation button 54 and LED 40 are integrated as a single component. The LED 40 can be constructed to project slightly above the face of the deactivation button 54 to act as a bumper to reduce the likelihood of accidental actuation. In other arrangements, is the button may be located separately from the LED.
FIG. 3 shows functional components of the handheld computing device 20. It has a processor 60, a memory 62, a display 28, and a keyboard 32. The memory 62 generally includes both volatile memory (e.g., RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, PCMCIA cards, etc.). An operating system 64 is resident in the memory 62 and executes on the processor 60. The H/PC 20 preferably runs the Windows� CE operating system from Microsoft Corporation. This operating system is a derivative of Windows� brand operating systems, such as Windows� 95, that is especially designed for handheld computing devices. However, the handheld computing device may be implemented with other operating systems.
One or more application programs 66 are loaded into memory 62 and run on the operating system 64. Examples of applications include email programs, scheduling programs, PIM (personal information management) programs, word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, Internet browser programs, and so forth. The H/PC 20 also has a notification manager 68 loaded in memory 62, which executes on the processor 60. The notification manager 68 handles notification requests from the applications 66, as is described below in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.
The H/PC 20 has a power supply 70, which is implemented as one or more batteries. The power supply 70 might farther include an external power source that overrides or recharges the built-in batteries, such as an AC adapter or a powered docking cradle.
The H/PC 20 is also shown with three types of external notification mechanisms: an LED 40, a vibration device 72, and an audio generator 74. These devices are directly coupled to the power supply 70 so that when activated, they remain on for a duration dictated by the notification mechanism even though the H/PC processor and other components might shut down to conserve battery power. The LED 40 preferably remains on indefinitely until the user takes action. The current versions of the vibration device 72 and audio generator 74 use too much power for today's H/PC batteries, and so they are configured to turn off when the rest of the system does or at some finite duration after activation.
FIG. 4 shows the software and hardware architecture of a notification system 80 for the H/PC 20. The notification system 80 has a notification manager 68, which is callable by the applications 66 through a user notification application program interface (API). The API creates a new user notification or modifies an existing one. It is given as:
The API has four parameters, three of which are pointers. The "hNotification" parameter specifies whether the call relates to creating a new user notification or to modifying an existing notification. The parameter is either zero, when a new notification is to be added, or contains an identity of the notification to be modified.
The "AppName" pointer points to a null-terminated string that specifies the name of the application 66 that owns the notification. The system uses the application's primary icon as the taskbar annunciator that is set by the notification system to notify the user and enable immediate-click access to the application responsible for the notification. The use of a taskbar annunciator is described below with reference to FIG. 6. The "Time" pointer points to the system time structure that specifies a time when the notification should occur. The "UserNotification" pointer points to a Peg_User_Notification structure that describes the events that are to occur when the notification time is reached.
More particularly, the Peg_User_Notification structure is a user configurable structure that holds notifications options preferred by the user. The application passes the user's preferences to the system when scheduling an event by specifying the address of the structure. Each application passes in a structure that applies only to it, so notifications for different applications can be differentiated. Similarly, an application can pass in different structures for different events, so individual notifications can be differentiated.
The Peg_User_Notification structure contains information used to initialize a dialog box user interface that is presented to the user when setting notification options. FIG. 5 shows an example dialog box 100, which is supported by the notification system 80. In this example, the dialog box 100 includes an option 102 as to whether to sound an alarm and a drop-down menu 104 that lists various available alarm sounds, such as "Beep". The drop-down menu 104 might contain identities of other ".wav" files containing different alarm sounds the user might prefer. A repeat option 106 is also provided so that the user can elect to have the alarm repeated.
The dialog box 100 also has an option 108 that allows a user to enable or disable a dialog box that can be displayed describing the notification when it goes off. An option 110 allows the user to elect whether to have the LED 40 flash, or not, during notification.
It is noted that the dialog box 100 is provided for example purposes, and other options may be included. For instance, the dialog box 100 might include an option to enable/disable the vibration device 72, or to combine the external notification mechanisms so the LED 40, vibration device 72, and alarm 74 all go off at different times in a continuous cycle.
Once the user fills in the dialog box 100, the options are stored in the Peg_User_Notification structure. This structure is provided below:
The "ActionFlags" parameter specifies the actions to take when a notification event occurs. This parameter is a combination of bit flags, as set forth in the following table.
The "DialogTitle" pointer specifies the title of the user notification dialog box. If this parameter is null, no dialog is displayed. The "DialogText" pointer specifies the text of the user notification dialog box. If this parameter is null, no dialog is displayed. The "Sound" pointer references a buffer that contains the unqualified name of a sound file to play. The "MaxSound" parameter specifies the maximum length of the string that can be copied into the sound buffer. The "Reserved" parameter is reserved for future use and is presently set to zero.
With reference again to FIG. 4, the notification manager 68 passes a command to an alarm manager 82 to set an alarm for a notification event. The alarm manager 82 generates a set alarm command that is output to the real-time clock 84 to tell the clock to set an alarm at the scheduled time of the notification event. When the clock reaches the event time, it notifies an interrupt manager 86 through an interrupt. The interrupt manager 86 informs the notification manager 68 that the time of the event has arrived. The notification manager 68 then sends out activation commands to an LED driver 88 to turn on LED 40. A button device driver 90 is also provided to handle interrupts generated when the notification button 54 is depressed to disable the LED 40.
To explain the architecture in the context of an example situation, suppose the user starts a calendar application 66 and schedules an event notification for 8:00 AM. The user clicks on an "options" button to bring up the dialog box 100 (FIG. 5) to ensure that the LED and alarm are both enabled. The user then closes the dialog box 100 and saves the clock settings. The calendar application 66 calls the notification manager 68 using the PegSetUserNotification API, which includes a pointer to the structure containing information specifying how the LED and alarm are to behave.
The notification manager 68 stores the scheduled notification and examines it in light of any other scheduled user notifications to determine which notification is associated with the next chronological event to occur. Suppose that the calendar notification is next to occur. The notification manager 68 then calls the alarm manager 82, which in turn sets a hardware alarm for 8:00 AM in real-time clock 84. The user can then exit the application 66 and turn off the device.
At 8:00 AM, the real-time clock 84 sends an interrupt to interrupt manager 86. The interrupt manager 86 identifies the interrupt as clock-related, and routes the interrupt to the alarm manager 82. Upon receiving the interrupt, the alarm manager 82 pulses the event that the notification manager 68 has been waiting on. The notification manager 68 determines that the event is associated with the 8:00 AM calendar alarm and checks the user options to decide how the user wishes to be notified. Assuming that the user wants the light to flash and an alarm to sound, the notification manager 68 calls the LED device driver 88 to start flashing the LED 40 and concurrently plays the selected alarm. The notification manager 68 also creates a taskbar annunciator.
Suppose that the use is not present at 8:00 AM. The handheld computing device 20 times out and turns off. Due to the direct coupling to power, however, the LED 40 remains flashing. The flash rate is selected to minimize power usage, without compromising usability. As one example, the LED flashes once every two seconds for {fraction (1/16)}th of a second. The alarm preferably times out with the computing device 20 to conserve power, but it can be configured to repeat until the user acknowledges the notice.
When the user returns, he/she sees the flashing LED 40 and presses the deactivation button 54. Depressing button 54 generates an interrupt that is routed by interrupt manager 86 to keyboard device driver 90. The keyboard driver 90 instructs the LED driver 88 to turn off the LED 40. It is noted that the clock 84 and deactivation button 54 work the same if the H/PC 20 is already on. They still generate interrupts, only the interrupts do not wake up the device.
The deactivation button 54 is preferably implemented to turn off only the external notification mechanisms (i.e., LED and alarm) because these mechanisms can be annoying and consume a significant quantity of power. The taskbar annunciator and optional dialog box remain intact and are not disabled by the deactivation button 54. As a result, the user can open the H/PC and glean more information concerning the notice from the taskbar annunciator and dialog box.
When the user opens the H/PC, the notification system 80 optionally causes a taskbar annunciator for the calendar application to be displayed. FIG. 6 shows an example screen image 120 showing the task bar 122 with a "Start" softkey 124 and a time/date area 126. A taskbar annunciator 128 for the calendar application is displayed in the time/date area 126. The annunciator 128 is the icon for the calendar application, thereby immediately informing the user that the source of the notification is the calendar application. The user can then click on the taskbar annunciator 128 using the stylus to start the calendar application, as represented by the calendar softkey 130.
The notification system 80 can optionally display a dialog box that explains the notification to the user; this is faster than starting the originating application, and provides a more noticable notification if the H/PC is being used when the notification event occurs. FIG. 7 shows an example dialog box 140, which contains a message that informs the user of the 8:00 AM alarm. The user is also presented with the option of accepting the alarm or rescheduling it for an additional five-minute period. It is noted that tapping the taskbar annunciator 128 or a softkey in the dialog box 140 deactivates the LED 40 and alarm, in the same manner as pressing the deactivation button 54. Touching any annunciator or acknowledging any dialog box turns off the external signals, since this tells the notification system that the user is aware of the notifications.
The notification system 80 can handle an arbitrary number of notifications from multiple applications. The notification manager 68 handles the scheduled events in temporal order. In some situations, the flashing LED might represent multiple notifications. Since a single flag bit controls the LED, the user presses the deactivation button 54 once to turn off the LED 40. The user can then open the device and examine the various annunciators to learn which applications are responsible for the notifications.
A full set of user notification APIs is attached to this disclosure as Appendix A.
Although the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or steps described. Rather, the specific features and steps are disclosed as preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention.
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What's so good?
By Anu Rana | Dec 02, 2012 | Total plays: 1,299
"Mirror Maru" starts out innocently enough, with some pretty piano and a pattering of drums. But then it gets real.
This song is most certainly about a cat who who wakes up and decides, "Today WILL be beautiful." He then grooves around a Japanese garden before dramatically running into some trap, which jumps out from behind a cherry blossom. They dance. They romance. A walk of shame happens. Then the whole day recycles itself because a good mistake is worth making twice.
I would like to personally thank Cashmere Cat for creating a the perfect soundtrack to my story. You can catch more of the Norwegian producer's playful electro/hip-hop/pop on his debut EP Mirror Maru via Pelican Fly Records.
And don't be surprised by the hearts all over his Facebook page.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
NZ International Comedy Festival
NICK RADO in THE FUNNIEST JOKE IN THE WORLD
presented by LAUGH CLUB NZ
at Fringe Bar, Cnr Cuba & Vivian, Wellington
From 30 Apr 2013 to 4 May 2013
Reviewed by Stewart Lund, 2 May 2013
Nick Rado has been a major player in the New Zealand 'bar-stand-up' comedy scene for a number of years now, having won several awards for best MC from the NZ Comedy Guild, and being nominated for the prestigious Billy T Award back in 2011.
This year, his new show is entitled The Best Joke in the World, and while it may not quite give you that, it is certainly worth the watch. The premise of the show is that Rado has been travelling to seek out the best joke ever told, and is here to retell it - and while I have never seen Rado perform an hour long set before, I am keen to see what he has to offer.
After the usual polite applause at the start, and a brief introduction to Nick (whereby he shows us his new "lesbian-styled" haircut), several members of the audience are asked to make his introduction far more elaborate, such as what would be seen at a sport's match. Segments such as this – where audience members are involved in a number of easy and friendly tasks – provide the biggest laughs. Although some can argue that where audience participation is used it takes away from the actual comedian, I believe it shows the performer's skill in easily gaining the trust of an audience, and typically makes the laughs come thick and fast.
Rado's style of comedy is observational, with many anecdotes covering different parts of his life, from Raro-powered drinks in the 90s, an evil German cat, an hilarious yoga story, to "leisure marching". It makes a good change to hear a Kiwi comedian who does not linger on jokes based around sex and fling out a hundred obscenities a minute - rather telling stories which are more relatable and clever.
My only issue with the show is its construction - it seemed that it's just a collection of stories. While they are genuinely funny, there seems to be a lack of continuity and connection between them, and Rado seems to go out on random tangents. Once again, these do prove funny, but when the tangents seem unconnected it is difficult to see where they fit into the show as a whole.
And as one would probably expect with a title which certainly promises a lot, the aforementioned 'funniest joke in the world' is really only funny because of the plain absurdity and bizarreness of it, and does not exactly deliver on its promise.
Overall, Nick Rado offers are a collection of funny anecdotes and friendly banter that keep the audience on his side from start to finish. Thanks to audience participation, and some clever, funny anecdotes, The Funniest Joke in the World is one to see. Don't go along expecting enlightenment on what the funniest joke really is, but go along for a night of good, clean, easy laughs.
For more production details, click on the title above. Go to Home page to see other Reviews, recent Comments and Forum postings (under Chat Back), and News.


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Athlete's foot is a rash
on the skin of the foot. It is the most common
fungal skin infection. There are three main types of
athlete's foot. Each type affects different parts of the foot and may look
Athlete's foot is
caused by a
fungus that grows on or in the top layer of skin.
Fungi (plural of fungus) grow best in warm, wet places, such as the area
between the toes.
Athlete's foot spreads easily. You can get it
by touching the toes or feet of a person who has it. But most often, people get
it by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces near swimming pools or in
locker rooms. The fungi then grow in your shoes, especially if your shoes are
so tight that air cannot move around your feet.
If you touch
something that has fungi on it, you can spread athlete's foot to other
people—even if you don't get the infection yourself. Some people are more
likely than others to get athlete's foot. Experts don't know why this is. After
you have had athlete's foot, you are more likely to get it again.
Athlete's foot can make
your feet and the skin between your toes burn and itch. The skin may peel and
crack. Your symptoms can depend on the type of athlete's foot you have.
See pictures of
toe web,
moccasin-type, and
vesicular infections.
Most of the time,
a doctor can tell that you have athlete's foot by looking at your feet. He or
she will also ask about your symptoms and any past fungal infections you may
have had. If your athlete's foot looks unusual, or if treatment did not help
you before, your doctor may take a skin or nail sample to test for
Not all skin problems on the foot are athlete's foot. If
you think you have athlete's foot but have never had it before, it's a good
idea to have your doctor look at it.
You can treat most cases of
athlete's foot at home with over-the-counter lotion, cream, or spray. For bad
cases, your doctor may give you a prescription for pills or for medicine you
put on your skin. Use the medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to.
This will help make sure that you get rid of the infection. You also need to
keep your feet clean and dry. Fungi need wet, warm places to grow.
You can do some things so you don't get athlete's foot again. Wear shower
sandals in shared areas like locker rooms, and use talcum powder to help keep
your feet dry. Wear sandals or roomy shoes made of materials that allow
moisture to escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
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June 28, 2010
Healthwise Staff
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If you are familiar with the television show American Idol you know Simon Cowell, the judge famous for his bluntness, biting criticisms, and blatant insults. In the presence of Simon, grown men and women sing with passion, reaching out to grasp pop-recording stardom. But if they fail to meet his standards, many of those same men and women walk off the stage in tears or anger. They walk back into the real world carrying the shards of a shattered dream. Simon has that effect on people, and he is the man who comes to mind when I read Newton's letter about how some Christians listen to sermons.
Last week we looked at a portion of this letter as we considered how to respond when our pastor preaches a "sermon dud." A little later in that same letter, Newton explains how Christians should listen to sermons, and how they should not listen to sermons.
First, Newton explains how we should listen to sermons. We should at all times listen with active biblical discernment:
As a hearer, you have a right to try all doctrines by the word of God; and it is your duty so to do. Faithful ministers will remind you of this: they will not wish to hold you in an implicit and blind obedience to what they say, upon their own authority, nor desire that you should follow them farther than they have the Scripture for their warrant. They would not be lords over your conscience, but helpers of your joy. Prize this Gospel liberty, which sets you free from the doctrines and commandments of men; but do not abuse it to the purposes of pride and self.
Well said.
Then Newton explains how we should not listen to sermons:
There are hearers who make themselves, and not the Scripture, the standard of their judgment. They attend not so much to be instructed, as to pass their sentence. To them, the pulpit is the bar at which the minister stands to take his trial before them; a bar at which few escape censure, from judges at once so severe and inconsistent.
In these few words Newton offers counsel that is biblically wise, balanced, and ready for us to practice on Sunday. At all times we should pray for our pastor and encourage him. At all times we should listen to sermons with discernment. And at some times it may even be appropriate to give our pastor feedback to help him grow.
But we should never listen to sermons with our proverbial arms crossed, as if our pastor were preaching on the American Idol stage, seeking to win the approval of autonomous judges.
Yet this is exactly what happens when hearers base their conclusions about a sermon on personal preference rather than biblical authenticity, writes Newton. To appraise a sermon as a self-appointed judge is simply an inappropriate posture for the listener. However, to eagerly anticipate a sermon and to listen with biblical discernment is a posture of noble worth (Acts 17:11).
Tony Reinke serves as the editorial and research assistant to C.J. Mahaney. Reading Newton's Mail is a series of blog posts reflecting on various published letters written by John Newton (1725–1807), the onetime captain of a slave trading ship—a self-described apostate, blasphemer, and infidel, who was eventually converted by grace. Newton is most famous for authoring the hymn "Amazing Grace," or maybe for helping William Wilberforce put an end to the African slave trade in Britain. Less legendarily, Newton faithfully pastored two churches for 43 years, a fruitful period of his life when a majority of his letters were written. Reading Newton's Mail is published on Fridays here on the Cheap Seats blog.
Source letter: John Newton, Works of John Newton (London: 1820), 1:224-225.
The great reformer and pastor John Calvin was no stranger to criticism. One of his biographers reports that he "was not unfamiliar with the sound of mobs outside his house [in Geneva] threatening to throw him in the river and firing their muskets"[1]. In fact, near the end of his life Calvin said this to a gathering of pastors: "I have lived here amid continual bickerings. I have been from derision saluted of an evening before my door with forty or fifty shots of an arquebus"[2], an arquebus being a large muzzle-loaded rifle that emitted a boom and a large cloud of smoke with each firing. Fifty rounds! And you thought you had critics!
I have been criticized, but to date I have never been threatened like this.
Yet Calvin faithfully ministered in the midst of this severe opposition because he was prepared for it. He understood that the faithful pastor will be criticized.
This wisdom is evident in the following quote from his commentary on 1 Timothy 5:19:
None are more exposed to slanders and insults than godly teachers. This comes not only from the difficulty of their duties, which are so great that sometimes they sink under them, or stagger or halt or take a false step, so that wicked men find many occasions of finding fault with them; but added to that, even when they do all their duties correctly and commit not even the smallest error, they never avoid a thousand criticisms.
It is indeed a trick of Satan to estrange men from their ministers so as gradually to bring their teaching into contempt. In this way not only is wrong done to innocent people whose reputation is undeservedly injured, but the authority of God's holy teaching is diminished....
The more sincerely any pastor strives to further Christ's kingdom, the more he is loaded with spite, the more fierce do the attacks upon him become. And not only so, but as soon as any charge is made against ministers of the Word, it is believed as surely and firmly as if it had been already proved. This happens not only because a higher standard of integrity is required from them, but because Satan makes most people, in fact nearly everyone, over credulous so that without investigation, they eagerly condemn their pastors whose good name they ought to be defending.[3]
The same man who wrote these words faced "continual bickerings," gunfire, and the threat of drowning. If this was the criticism Calvin faced, then no pastor should be surprised when criticism arrives. Even the most faithful pastors will be criticized.
Knowing this will protect me from a number of temptations. It will certainly protect me from self-pity. I shouldn't feel sorry for myself just because people say unkind and inaccurate things about me. This would be yet another evidence of pride in my life.
The opposition I have experienced is…well, I am embarrassed to even reference it in light of Calvin's experience.
But amidst the criticism and opposition, Calvin pressed on.
So should you.
[1] Parker, Portrait of Calvin (Oxford, 1989), 29.[2] John Dillenberger, John Calvin: Selections from His Writings (Anchor Books, 1975), 42.[3] Calvin, The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians and the Epistles to Timothy, Titus and Philemon (Eerdmans, 1996), 263.
Where has John Newton been all my life?
Newton has recently become a mentor for me. He is a rare embodiment of pastoral humility, compassion, wisdom, and courage, and is always theologically informed and gospel centered.
I see his compelling pastoral example particularly in the words of his letters, first written to inquirers and later published for broad readership. Those letters have had a significant effect on my soul and life, and made a huge difference in how I view and respond to criticism. This is especially true of his letter titled "On Controversy."
In this letter Newton explains how to humbly respond to an opponent when engaged in a potentially heated theological debate. The context is obviously different from personal criticism, but you will see that Newton's instruction is relevant to pastors who experience the sting of personal criticism.
In his letter, Newton makes three particularly important points:
1. Pray for your critic.
As to your opponent, I wish, that, before you set pen to paper against him, and during the whole time you are preparing your answer, you may commend him by earnest prayer to the Lord's teaching and blessing. This practice will have a direct tendency to conciliate your heart to love and pity him.
In reality, it is difficult for me to sinfully judge—or even indefinitely dislike—someone I am consistently praying for.
2. If your critic is a believer, count them your brother or sister in Christ.
If you account [your opponent] a believer, though greatly mistaken in the subject of debate between you, the words of David to Joab concerning Absalom are very applicable: "Deal gently with him for my sake" [2 Samuel 18:5]. The Lord loves him and bears with him; therefore you must not despise him, or treat him harshly. The Lord bears with you likewise, and expects that you should show tenderness to others, from a sense of the much forgiveness you need yourself. In a little while you will meet in heaven; he will then be dearer to you than the nearest friend you have upon earth is to you now. Anticipate that period in your thoughts; and though you may find it necessary to oppose his errors, view him personally as a kindred soul, with whom you are to be happy in Christ forever.
"Dearer to me than the nearest friend." How is that possible? It is possible in light of eternity, and it is possible because he is a brother for whom Christ also died (Romans 14:15).
Please read Newton's words again (they cannot possibly be digested in one quick read). This paragraph is full of convicting wisdom. I have read it many, many times and I plan to return to it again, particularly when I am being criticized. This perspective will transform your attitude toward your critic.
3. Or, if your critic is not a believer, show them compassion as an unbeliever who needs Christ.
But if you look upon him as an unconverted person, in a state of enmity against God and his grace (a supposition which, without good evidence, you should be very unwilling to admit), he is a more proper subject of your compassion then of your anger.*
Newton's three points are invaluable for the pastor:
To be honest, I feel as if this 250-year old letter was written to me. The letter has personally guided and directed my heart in times of criticism and the temptations that soon follow.
If you expect personal criticism to be directed your way at some point in your life (and you should), keep Newton's letter close. It will offer you a divine perspective on your critic, a perspective that can transform your perception of them, inform your prayers for them, and alter your attitude toward them.
* John Newton, The Works of John Newton (London: 1820), 1:268–269.
Each week thousands of sermons are preached in churches. Some of those sermons will be excellent, many of them will be good, and a few of them will stretch the definition of the word "sermon." But predictably, there will be a number of good and godly pastors who on a given week stand at the pulpit and deliver—well, how shall we say this?—a sermon dud.
John Newton may or may not have preached many duds, but he did put some thought into how we should respond after we hear one.
After addressing the danger of false teaching in one letter ("Error is like poison; the subtlety, quickness, and force of its operation is often amazing"), Newton changes gears to address how we respond to faithful preachers who deliver the occasional dud.
So how should we respond?
When you hear a Gospel sermon, and it is not in all respects to your satisfaction, be not too hasty to lay the whole blame upon the preacher.
Wait. Huh? Blame sharing?
Newton continues:
The Lord's ministers have not much to say in their own behalf. They feel (it is to be hoped) their own weakness and defects, and the greatness and difficulty of their work. They are conscious that their warmest endeavors to proclaim the Savior's glory are too cold, and their most importunate addresses to the consciences of men are too faint: and sometimes they are burdened with such discouragements, that even their enemies would pity them if they knew their case.
Do you pity your pastor? Think about the struggles and the sacrifices and the challenges your pastor faces on a regular basis. The demands of pastoral ministry and preaching are great. And on top of the demands, in many cases the pastor carries within himself a greater desire to serve you than he has the gifts to make it happen. This chronic disappointment is a terrible weight upon the soul of a faithful pastor. Perhaps here Newton is writing out of personal experience.
At this point in the letter Newton characteristically turns the table on his reader.
Indeed, they have much to be ashamed of; but it will be more useful for you, who are a hearer, to consider whether the fault may not possibly be in yourself.
He explains:
Perhaps you thought too highly of the man, and expected too much from him.
Perhaps you thought too meanly of him, and expected too little.
In the former case, the Lord justly disappointed you; in the latter, you received according to your faith.
Perhaps you neglected to pray for him; and then, though he might be useful to others, it is not at all strange that he was not so to you.
Or possibly you have indulged a trifling spirit, and brought a dearth [lack] and deadness upon your own soul; for which you had not been duly humbled, and the Lord chose that time to rebuke you.
Strong and helpful words from Newton.
When we hear a sermon dud, what should we remember?
Sermons duds are inevitable, but they are not the sole responsibility of the pastor.
Source letter: John Newton, Works of John Newton (London: 1820), 1:224.
Many quotes from the writings and sermons of Charles Spurgeon have served my soul over the years. And there is one particular quote that has served me big time when it comes to personal criticism. I review the quote either before personal criticism arrives (if I have advance warning), or after the criticism appears (if it was a surprise). It both prepares my heart for coming criticism, and provides perspective for my heart once the criticism has been shared.
Check it out:
Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be. If he charges you falsely on some point, yet be satisfied, for if he knew you better he might change the accusation, and you would be no gainer by the correction. If you have your moral portrait painted, and it is ugly, be satisfied; for it only needs a few blacker touches, and it would be still nearer the truth.*
On different occasions over the years I have been on the receiving end of criticism from someone who appeared to have, well, a bad attitude. When this happens I am tempted to be offended by that attitude, and prematurely relieved, concluding that any criticism brought in such an attitude must certainly be inaccurate. And it might be inaccurate (or not). But even if the criticism is inaccurate, any relief I experience is a short-lived when I am reminded of Mr. Spurgeon's words.
Even if the criticism is inaccurate, that leaves no room for my pride. This is due to the fact that I am more fully informed of my own sin than any critic. More importantly, God is perfectly informed of all my sins. So even if the correction is proven totally inaccurate, I shouldn't be prouder for it.
Knowing this restrains me from too quickly criticizing and dismissing the perceptions of others, even if their correction is severe, even if their hearts don't seem humble and kind, and even if their content is largely inaccurate. I can always learn from criticism one simple lesson: I am worse than they think!
Surgeon's quote humbles me, restrains my pride, and reminds me that I always need a Savior even when others cannot accurately see the true depth of my own sin. I have learned over the years that even when criticism is inaccurate, it should humble me and remind me of God's accurate moral portrait of sinners like me. It should remind me that even the most ill-informed criticism is still more flattering than the reality.
* Charles Spurgeon, sermon, "David Dancing before the Ark because of His Election," in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, vol. 35.
Christians have a long list of daily priorities. Two of the most important priorities are voiced in these two questions:
On the surface, these questions may seem unrelated, but for John Newton simplicity and sincerity were indivisible.
For Newton, these two topics merge in the Apostle Paul's proclamation: "For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God" (2 Cor. 1:12).
From this passage Newton coined an important axiom for the Christian life: vertical simplicity in our relationship with God leads to horizontal sincerity in our relationships with others.
Let me explain how he makes this connection.
To be simple is to be single-minded, to have one aim, no hidden agendas, and no selfish ambition. Simplicity is another word for "pure devotion," and it is evidenced by a fear of God in all of life (2 Corinthians 11:3, Colossians 3:22).
The simple heart is revealed in two ways: simplicity of intention and simplicity of dependence.
The Christian seeks to live with simplicity of intention. By this Newton means that the Christian has "but one leading aim," and it is this: "to yield ourselves to him [God], so as to place our happiness in his favor, and to make his glory and will the ultimate scope of all our actions." The Christian can (and should) peer through the busyness and fog of life with the single aim of pleasing God in all things. This is simplicity of intention.
Secondly, the Christian seeks to live with simplicity of dependence. This is a "faith in the power and promises of God" that "inspires a noble simplicity, and casts every care upon him, who is able and has engaged to support and provide." This simple-hearted dependence is the fruit of the gospel in the heart.
The true simplicity, which is the honor and strength of a believer, is the effect of a spiritual perception of the truths of the Gospel. It arises from, and bears a proportion to, the sense we have of our own unworthiness, the power and grace of Christ, and the greatness of our obligations to him. So far as our knowledge of these things is vital and experimental, it will make us simple-hearted.
As we look to our own spiritual weaknesses, our obligations to God, our desperate need for the grace of God and the gospel, we begin to see our dependence. This need brings us to wholehearted trust in God. This is what it means to live in simplicity before God.
Simplicity is forever. This single aim—to live eternally for God's glory, and to live in full dependence upon him—is what draws together all the Christians on earth, all the Christians in glory, and all the angels in heaven, into a unified chorus of eternal praise to the Savior (Revelation 5:6–14).* And it's a simplicity we need for today.
But what about the other question, the one about displaying genuine love toward one another? The ability to love with sincerity is bound up with a life of simplicity. Newton writes, "I need not take time to prove, that the effect of simplicity will be sincerity." Of course not. Simplicity in our aim (glorifying God alone) will influence our treatment of others.
Their behavior will be all of a piece, because they have but one design. They will speak the truth in love, observe a strict punctuality in their dealings, and do unto others they would others should do unto them; because these things are essential to their great aim of glorifying and enjoying their Lord.
This explains why for Newton, vertical simplicity in our relationship with God leads to horizontal sincerity in our relationships with others. The outward expression of sincere love hinges upon our simplicity before God. Or to put it another way, the drive behind our love for others is a singular life purpose to live for God's glory.
May God give us more of this simple-hearted dependence upon the gospel, that we may more and more echo Paul's words. May we strive to live as single-minded Christians who honor God by loving and serving others from a heart of sincerity.
Note: As an aside, this same theme rings in the missional motives of Jonathan Edwards. To read more about how vertical simplicity creates a horizontal compassion for the lost, see John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad! (Baker, 2010), chapter 6: "A Passion for God's Supremacy and Compassion for Man's Soul: Jonathan Edwards on the Unity of Motives for World Missions."
Primary source letter: John Newton, Works of John Newton (London: 1820), 1:298–304. Secondary reference: *Works, 4:571.
When a pastor is criticized, his wife will likely be tempted to become offended on his behalf against the one bringing the criticism. Because she loves him, she may want to defend her husband from all attacks, criticisms, and corrections.
That can be the initial temptation, and it may seem appropriate, but it isn't. Instead, she can play a different and much more important role, one that can make all the difference in the heart and life of her husband.
Let me explain.
When criticism arrives, the pastor is wise to share the criticism with his wife. But in doing this he must protect his wife from these predictable temptations. He does this in these ways:
First, he should examine his own heart and his motives, humble himself, and review a biblical understanding of criticism's value in his life.
Second, and as much as possible, he should listen to the criticism and correction with an objective ear, not being preoccupied with the attitude of the one bringing it, nor becoming distracted by details in the criticism that may be inaccurate. Further, the pastor must learn to separate any concern he might have about the person bringing correction from the content of what he is saying. He can then turn to his wife, share those points of criticism, and ask: "Can you confirm this from your experience? Do you see this in my life?"
Third, when he shares the critical observation with his wife, he should avoid letting the conversation deteriorate into criticizing the critic. He must avoid the temptation to merely seek her support, her defense, and her agreement.
Nobody knows us better than our wives. And if there is any level of accuracy in the criticism brought to my attention, there is nobody I trust more to help me see it than Carolyn. By protecting her from very common temptations, and by providing her with the content of the criticism, I can allow her to play an invaluable role in helping me discern the legitimacy of the correction.
Countless times Carolyn has made all the difference in how I have received correction and responded to it. Many times over the years I would have simply dismissed the correction of others if not for Carolyn's helping me to perceive what was accurate in it.
Each husband needs the kindness of his wife in this way. But again, this isn't my preference! Many times I have found myself sharing the criticism I have received, assuming she would join me in dismissing both the criticism and the critic…only to realize that as I am talking, her facial expression suggests there is some legitimacy to the criticism. An ominous feeling sweeps over my soul as I realize she isn't going to confirm my disagreement and dismissal of this criticism!
But this is an act of kindness on her part. It's obviously not kindness as I would prefer it. I would prefer to only experience Carolyn's kindness through her supporting encouragement, her loyalty, her defense of me (and she provides me with all of these). I would prefer that she join me in disagreeing with criticism, not helping to confirm its accuracy!
But I have learned that God's kindness comes to me in many forms, and one form is through a wife that will not become offended on her husband's behalf, but will instead come alongside him, help him perceive where his critic is accurate, help him see where sin remains in his heart, and help him seize the redemptive purpose of the criticism.
And even though I don't desire her help in confirming criticism, by doing this Carolyn has shown herself to be the suitable helper I so desperately need.
Speaking of Carolyn, she has wonderfully addressed this very same topic (but from the wife's perspective) in a blog post we published back in 2008. You can read her comments here.
Criticism wounds. It's painful. Not all wounds are faithful wounds—some wounds come from reckless words that pierce like a sword (Proverbs 12:18). But I'm not talking about the sting of reckless words in this post. Today I am writing about the sting of criticism that comes even from a faithful wound (Proverbs 27:6). Even from a friend, criticism wounds.
But have you ever wondered what criticism wounds?
I think the simple answer is that criticism wounds the sin that has not been mortified. A wise, older pastor once said to me: "C.J., what hurts isn't dead yet." And that is often what criticism wounds—my still-living, still-breathing pride.
Receiving criticism and correction is necessary, because it reveals the blind spots in my life and the pockets of pride that have not been put to death (Colossians 3:5, 12). Therefore we need correction. But by saying this I am not arguing that receiving criticism will be painless or enjoyable. Far from it!
David got this. He understood the benefit, as well as the pain, of correction:
Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. (Psalm 141:5)
Say again? A kindness?
Left to myself I wouldn't share David's perspective. This kind of kindness I can do without!
But criticism from a faithful friend (and at times, even from an enemy) is a kindness. It is the kindness of the friend willing to bring an area of concern to my attention, and most importantly it is an expression of God's kindness, because often through the criticism I perceive my enemy that still lives—my sin!
I find this to be a helpful reminder when the sting of criticism arrives.
Receiving criticism hurts. It always will. I don't anticipate maturing to a point where receiving correction will become a pure joy. A wound is a wound. It leaves a bruise. It hurts. But I need it.
Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness.
Let me not refuse it.
Rev. Joshua Symonds (1739–1788) was the pastor of a church in Bedford, England who suffered from frequent afflictions, temptations, and what we might call depression—"family cares and severe bodily affliction sometimes cast a gloom over his spirit and led him to take desponding views of himself" [1]. Symonds's despondency and sense of personal worthlessness engrossed his life, which is made clear in the letters he exchanged with his friend John Newton.
Symonds was aware of his own depravity and spiritual barrenness. But the bigger problem in Symonds's life was not in thinking too lowly of himself, but in thinking too lowly of the Savior. He was sliding into legalism. He was aware of his own sinfulness, but unable to appreciate the all-sufficiency of the Savior.
Writes Newton,
You say, you find it hard to believe it compatible with the divine purity to embrace or employ such a monster as yourself. You express not only a low opinion of yourself, which is right, but too low an opinion of the person, work, and promises of the Redeemer; which is certainly wrong.
And therein is the danger of understanding total depravity without understanding the sufficiency of the Savior.
So what went wrong in his friend's thinking?
According to Newton, Symonds had been duped in Satan's "school of humility," where humility is twisted and distorted into prideful self-loathing that pushes the Savior away.
Satan transforms himself into an angel of light. He sometimes offers to teach us humility; but though I wish to be humble, I desire not to learn in this school. His premises perhaps are true, that we are vile, wretched creatures—but he then draws abominable conclusions from them; and would teach us, that, therefore, we ought to question either the power, or the willingness, or the faithfulness of Christ.
Indeed, though our complaints are good, so far as they spring from a dislike of sin; yet, when we come to examine them closely, there is often so much self-will, self-righteousness, unbelief, pride, and impatience mingled with them, that they are little better than the worst evils we can complain of.
Tim Keller quotes and explains the significance of Newton's words in his forthcoming book King's Cross: The Story of the World in the Life of Jesus. Keller writes,
There are two ways to fail to let Jesus be your Savior. One is by being too proud, having a superiority complex—not to accept his challenge. But the other is through an inferiority complex—being so self-absorbed that you say, "I'm just so awful that God can't love me." That is, not to accept his offer.
And that is how Satan turns humility into false humility, false humility into despondency, and despondency into an inferiority complex that pushes away the gospel.
Newton was keenly aware that at the root of Symonds's problems were his small thoughts about the Savior. Symonds was tempted to see himself as unworthy of the gospel, the very gospel that invites the most unworthy sinners.
Newton writes,
You have not, you cannot have, anything in the sight of God, but what you derive from the righteousness and atonement of Jesus. If you could keep him more constantly in view, you would be more comfortable. He would be more honored.…Let us pray that we may be enabled to follow the apostle's, or rather the Lord's command by him, Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice [Philippians 4:4]. We have little to rejoice in ourselves, but we have right and reason to rejoice in him.
And in a later letter Newton writes,
The best evidence of faith is shutting our eyes equally upon our defects and our graces, and looking directly to Jesus as clothed with authority and power to save to the uttermost....Plead the Apostle's argument (Romans 8:31–39) before the Lord and against Satan. [2]
We find no eternal hope within ourselves. Revisiting personal depravity is not the solution. Revisiting past periods of spiritual strength is not the solution. Prolonged introspection is not the solution. The solution is to look outside of ourselves, and to gaze again and again at the all-sufficient Savior who welcomes sinners, forgives sinners, and saves sinners to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).
In other words, Christ is powerful to save, he is faithful to save, and he is willing to save even the most "monstrous" of sinners.
Rev. Joshua Symonds died at the age of 49. His life was difficult, but in his last days he wrote that the Savior "filled him with a steady, constant peace, and sometimes with unutterable joy and transport" [3].
There can be little doubt that his joy-filled confidence in the Savior at the end of his life was deeply shaped by the caring wisdom that he read in the letters penned by his friend John Newton.
Primary source letter: John Newton, Works of John Newton (London: 1820), 6:185–187. Secondary sources: [1] Letters of John Newton (Edinburgh; Banner of Truth: 1869/2007), 167. [2] Letters, 173. [3] Letters, 168.
Years ago during a study on Proverbs, I was surprised to discover that maturing in wisdom is often the fruit of correction (see Proverbs 9:8, 19:25, 29:15). I can remember thinking, "Surely it's possible to learn wisdom without any need for correction and criticism."
Apparently not.
In his commentary on Proverbs, Derek Kidner writes that wisdom's "frequent companion is correction" [1]. That phrase is now firmly fixed in my mind. If you ask for wisdom to hang around in your life, you will find that she doesn't prefer to travel alone.
If we could mature in wisdom without any need for correction—and how I wish we could!—I would have discovered a way to do it by now and probably written a bestselling book explaining how. But that's not how it works. We cannot separate growth in wisdom from criticism, correction, and reproof.
Since God often uses the criticism of others to reveal the idols of our hearts and to accelerate our growth in humility, pastors should be eager to receive criticism. I should be eager to receive correction, but usually I'm not. And it's no mystery why I'm not eager to receive criticism—I'm a proud man.
Yet Proverbs teaches us that a wise man loves correction:
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. (Proverbs 9:8)
The scoffer will flat-out reject criticism and hate the one who brings it. On the other hand, the wise man will embrace the criticism and love the one who brings it. On this passage, commentator John Kitchen explains what it means to "love" reproof:
When confronted, exposed and judged by your rebuke, the wise man will "love" you. This may not necessarily speak of overflowing positive emotion, but has more to do with accepting, embracing and learning from the truth as you have presented it. Indeed, a rebuke will likely unsettle the emotions and make one uncomfortable in your presence, but the wise one will hear the truth and recognize in it the gift of life from God. [2]
Criticism can be a gift. Yet how a man responds to correction is one of the clearest distinctions in Proverbs between the fool and the wise man:
Pursuing and receiving correction is a means of attaining wisdom. The wise man knows this; the fool rejects this. This is what makes the wise man wise and the foolish man a fool. For the wise man, criticism holds potential, the potential for personal growth in humility and wisdom.
Here is what I am aware of: If I value wisdom, this will be evident in my pursuit of, and response to, correction. But I do not truly prize wisdom if I do not welcome criticism, pursue correction, and receive reproof.
Here is what's easy:
But here is what's difficult:
Here I need the sanctifying grace of God.
Having been humbled by the gospel, I want to humbly receive correction and even to pursue it.
I want to be the wise man, not the fool.
[1] Derek Kidner, Proverbs (IVP, 1981), 36. [2] John A. Kitchen, Proverbs (Christian Focus, 2006), 206.
C.J. Mahaney serves as the senior pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville. He has blogged here on pastoral ministry, Christian living, and (from time to time) sports.
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text:
Hampshire, Illinois
|United States
|42°5′56″N 88°31′33″W / 42.09889°N 88.52583°WCoordinates: 42°5′56″N 88°31′33″W / 42.09889°N 88.52583°W
|8.95 sq mi (23 km2)
|- land
|8.95 sq mi (23 km2)
|- water
|0.00 sq mi (0 km2)
|594.7 / sq mi (230 / km2)
|- summer (DST)
|Postal code
|Area code
Location in Kane County and the state of Illinois.
|Wikimedia Commons: Hampshire, Illinois
|Website: www
Hampshire is a village in Kane County, Illinois, United States.
Hampshire is located at 42°05′56″N 88°31′33″W / 42.098871°N 88.525792°W.[1]
According to the 2010 census, the village has a total area of 8.95 square miles (23.2 km2), all land.[2]
As of the 2010 census, there were 5,563 people and 2,031 housing units in Hampshire, a population spike of 123% from the 2000 census.[citation needed]
As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 2,490 people, 1,015 households, and 792 families residing in the village. There were 1,051 housing units at an average density of 215.5 per square mile (83.2/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 98.21% White, 0.10% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.14% Asian, and 0.62% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.41% of the population.
There were 1,015 households out of which 42.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.6% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% were non-families. 17.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.28.
In the village the population was spread out with 29.7% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.8 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $58,519, and the median income for a family was $65,069. Males had a median income of $42,217 versus $29,934 for females. The per capita income for the village was $22,143. About 2.3% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.5% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.
Hampshire's mascot is the Whip-Pur. A whip-pur Is a cat like a panther and it got its name from white and purple The Hampshire school system consists of Hampshire High School, Hampshire Middle School, Hampshire Elementary School, and Gary D. Wright Elementary.
Notable people[edit]
- Annabel Marsh, long distance runner and the oldest woman to run across the United States from Boston to San Francisco[4][5]
- Landwer, Manessa, US Army SPC Iraq War recipient of the Global War on Terrorism Ribbon, Army Accommodation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and 5 Certificates of Achievement.[6]
- Daniel Souvigny, "Human Jukebox", 2012 Junior Division of the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest[7]
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
- ^ "2010 Census U.S. Gazetteer Files for Places – Illinois". United States Census. Retrieved 2012-10-13.
- ^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?n=annabel-marsh&pid=120817810#sthash.8qyxxGwF.dpufM
- ^ http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?n=annabel-marsh&pid=120817810
- ^ http://welcomeyouhome.org/fliers/WHManessaLandwer110710.pdf
- ^ http://oldtimepianocontest.org/news/daniel-souvigny-becomes-2012-junior-champ
External links[edit]


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Author Archives: Carolyn
The Feedsack Dress Becomes an E-Book
Paper or plastic? Now you can read The Feedsack Dress on either. Cave Hollow Press issued the e-book edition of the middle grade/young adult historical novel in early 2011. Priced at $2.99, the new edition is one of online bookseller … Continue reading
Carolyn Moderates Malice Domestic Panel
For the third year in a row, Carolyn served as a moderator at Malice Domestic, a national convention for mystery readers and writers. The conference met April 29-May 1, 2011, in Bethesda, Maryland (http://www.malicedomestic.org/). The panel's topic was Indiana Jones … Continue reading
The Feedsack Dress Named Missouri's Great Read
The Missouri Center for the Book selected The Feedsack Dress, a middle grade novel by Carolyn Mulford, as the state's Great Read at the ninth annual National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., September 26, 2009. The Center for the Book, … Continue reading
Carolyn on Penquin Tracks Jill Sheets interviews Carolyn on KOPN FM, 89.5, on the July 29, 2011, show (http://www.kopn.org/archive). Carolyn on Book Bites for Kids Suzanne Lieurance interviews Carolyn on Book Bites for Kids, a blog radio site (http://tinyurl.com/28u7p8x). Contact … Continue reading


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Watch a Modern Day Caveman Make a Stone Axe Without Any Tools
It's so strong, it can be used to cut down a tree. Impressive, right?
It's so strong, it can be used to cut down a tree. Impressive, right?
You always need to keep the right tools for emergency repairs on hand, whether it's a handy walking carpet named Chewbacca, or this Millennium Falcon-shaped multitool. One is just as useful as the other Read More >>
Carbon-dating shows that these important artefacts were made before homo genus even existed.
A handheld oscillator has been developed by researchers so that tools vibrate 70 per cent less, and produce half the noise.
You might have heard of SawStop, the tech that stops power tools from cutting you to pieces, but Bosch has gone one better: instead of destroying the tool when the safety mechanism engages, the REAXX table-saw keeps blade, machine and your fingers in one piece. Read more >
Tired of the same old, boring laminated pattern that's in all of your 3D printed stuff? Obviously you should try this.
Who hasn't stumbled across an episode of Home Improvement on a lazy Saturday afternoon and dreamed of being as skilled a woodworker as Tim Allen?
You are, sadly, not James Bond but your smartphone is a worthy spy gadget. So here are the apps and peripherals you need to go on a covert mission without Q in your corner.
Learn the basics of the solar system while you hack your vegetables into oblivion with Elysium Woodworks' custom bamboo cutting board. The planets, their distances from the sun and all their many moons are engraved and sealed under food-grade mineral oil and beeswax. Read More >
Leatherman's new Tread all-in-one toolkit is manly wrist fashion, not a genuinely useful wearable.
And if it gets 2,000 retweets on Twitter, it'll be put into mass production.
Designed by OTOTO to look eerily reminiscent of what we assume the Loch Ness monster looks like, this adorable Nessie Ladle is far less intimidating. Read More >>
For reasons beyond it simply being an awesome thing to do, scientists have built a saw blade covered in shark's teeth, which which they can hack their way through a hunk of salmon. There is method in this madness, mind.
It's called the Fruits Plant and could help you de-clutter all those random implements in your kitchen.
It wasn't always this way, in fact it took nearly 2,000 years to develop a standardised system.
The stainless steel grater will turn blocks of cheese into fine or coarsely shredded deliciousness.


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Don't forget the Autumn Fayre and hamper raffle on Saturday, November 10 from 10am.
Stalls will include cakes, books, white elephant, knitting, cards, jewellery and Christmas items. Refreshments will be available. Raffle tickets are available from Maureen Williams.
The Remembrance Sunday service at St Bart's will take place at 9.30am (requiem eucharist for the fallen). There will also be a Remembrance Service at Porthleven Methodist Chapel at 3pm, followed by a parade to the War Memorial.


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UTSA to host Nov. 15 lecture by acclaimed stem cell researcher
(Nov. 13, 2012) -- The UTSA College of Sciences will host the Provost's Distinguished Lecture at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 15 in the Main Building Auditorium (0.104) on the UTSA Main Campus. Kevin Eggan, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Harvard University professor, will speak on "Untangling the Scientific and Societal Complexities of Stem Cell Research." The lecture is free and open to the public.
Recognized in 2007 by Scientific American as one of the "50 Most Influential People in Science," Eggan has garnered international recognition as a burgeoning young investigator in the field of stem cell biology.
Eggan received his bachelor's degree in microbiology from the University of Illinois and his doctoral degree in microbiology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
As a graduate student, he pursued projects focusing on cloning stem cells and reprogramming after nuclear transfer under the guidance of genetics pioneer Rudolph Jaenisch. Eggan also collaborated with Richard Axel, a 2003 Nobel Prize winner at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
His current research focuses on applying the knowledge gained in stem cell biology to developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease).
In 2006, Eggan's research received national recognition when two of his papers were published in Cell Stem CellandScience. One of his papers illustrated that induced pluripotent stem cells generated from adult skin cells of ALS patients can be differentiated into motor neurons.
Eggan's accolades include his selection as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Early Career Scientist in 2009 and as a MacArthur Foundation fellow in 2006. Currently, he is a professor in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University.


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Barrow AFC manager praises new boy
Last updated at 16:27, Friday, 17 May 2013
MANAGER Dave Bayliss is confident Alex Meechan's huge personality and versatility will significantly boost Barrow AFC's promotion bid next season.
The 33-year-old attacker will join the Bluebirds in a player-coaching role following his release from their Conference North rivals Telford United.
While the much-travelled Meechan also briefly served as The Bucks's assistant boss Bayliss has not totally ruled out the return of his number two from last season, Ashley Hoskin. And in confirming Meechan's pending arrival Bayliss is backing the striker to sprinkle his positive vibes all over the club – in the same fashion as former AFC midfielder Robin Hulbert.
"Alex is going to come in and first of all he's going to be a player and he'll help out on the coaching side as well," explained Bayliss.
"But that does not totally rule out Ash. We just need to get something sorted with Alex so he knows his plan for next year. He's very good at this level of football. He's 33, but if you put him in a fitness test with any 21-year-old, he'll beat them.
"I did pre-season with him when I was at Luton (while Meechan was on trial with The Hatters almost a decade ago) and he's an absolute fitness fanatic.
"He's also the type of lad we missed in the dressing room last year. Let's put it this way, people who know Robin Hulbert will know Meeks as he's exactly the same type of character.
"He's a winner, great with the players and he's fantastic with the supporters.
"He's also got a very good knowledge of this level of football and he's got a lot of football contacts. He's got a very good attitude and he's a very infectious character.
"He's always happy so he's a bit like that Robin Hulbert-type of player that we had a few years ago in that he'll get the dressing room buzzing."
At this early stage, Meechan's coaching role has yet to be defined although his input on the training ground will be correlated with his involvement on the pitch.
But with Barrow switching to a part-time two-nights-a-week training regime next season Bayliss has vowed to be more 'hands-on' in the coaching department following the club's recent relegation misery.
And in lauding Meechan's versatility, he added: "Alex is not just a striker, he can play wide left or right.
"That's important because we'll have a youngish and smallish squad, so he'll help us by being a bit versatile in terms of playing in different positions.
"He'll coach and I'm going to do a lot of it next season. I didn't do as much coaching as I should have last season for one reason or another. But I'm going to be a lot more hands-on this year.
"If it's going to go wrong, it's going to be my fault. But we'll be better next year and I'm looking forward to it."
Meanwhile, Bayliss could make a decision over whether to bring Hoskin back into the fold next month.
"His role has never been ruled out," said Bayliss.
"First and foremost, we had to get the finances straight and the main priority was to get a playing squad together – that's the most important thing. Ash knows that and we spoke to Ash and told him that. We've got to sort out the finances and see what we've got left in the kitty to see if we can bring anyone else in, and bring Ash back in.
"We'd obviously love to have him back, but finances dictate things and I've told him that.
"We looked at next season and we're not going to be in training every single day. So Alex will come in and he will probably take the warm-ups and we'll have a chat about things.
"But it's not going to clash if Ash does come back."
Barrow's pre-season schedule will include a home clash with Welsh Premier outfit Airbus UK on Saturday, August 3, kick-off 3pm.
First published at 16:11, Friday, 17 May 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Have your say
âIf itâs going to go wrong, itâs going to be my fault.''....sounds great already....cant wait
I too liked Ash a lot,and was sorry he had to go,but if DB and Alex Meecham can do the job, wouldn't the cash be better spent on getting more strength on a better player? Still with you DB and Alex Meecham,we WILL keep the faith,won't we Guys n Gals??? C'mon BARROW.


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BarBistro is located in the Arts Factory, in the heart of the 18b Las Vegas Arts District. Every dish, every sauce, every meal, is homemade and meticulously prepared with the freshest of ingredients. We support our community and locally source ingredients whenever possible. Enjoy food, wine and art in the artistic, funky surroundings of the BarBistro. Stop by any night and you'll find a variety of interesting people and events such as firespinning, Lechón (suckling pig) roasts, vintage bike nights (every third Friday) and "Out of the Deseart" bluegrass at the Hangover Brunch Sunday. Book your next business lunch, bridal reception, social gathering or holiday party with us. Please email email@example.com and one of our staff will get back to you.
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SPECIAL advisor to United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema, Edward Mumbi has resigned.
According to ZNBC news monitored in Lusaka last evening, Mr Mumbi tendered his resignation to party secretary general Winstone Chibwe but did not state the reasons for leaving the UPND.
Mr Mumbi who was once Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general, was before last year's September general elections, a sympathiser of the MMD but later joined the UPND and became Mr Hichilema's advisor.


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"My sons and I became quite familiar with the swap meets where we thought we could likely get the parts that we needed," he relates. "I got involved with a group that traveled in a Corvette caravan to Bloomington each year. While most of them sat around the pool and chatted, off I went to search for parts to finish another phase."
Blitvich spent hours talking to people who had done just what he was trying to do, since back then, there wasn't the amount of information that exists today. "Some kind souls remembered just exactly how something should appear, and then a year later I'd find out that it wasn't that way at all, and have to redo something that we thought was right," he says.
These exasperating missteps would eventually lead him in an entirely different direction. "About that time I ran into two guys who ran a restoration shop not far from my house. They were doing something you didn't see much of back then," he notes. "They had a '62 Corvette with a tube frame, disc brakes, and a big-block. I thought it was very cool, but at that time all I could imagine was putting mine back to stock."
Yet Blitvich would soon begin to see past his rose-colored rims. He discovered that nostalgia can be a two-edged sword. On the one hand, we reminisce about good times gone by, wistfully observing how, "They don't make 'em like they used to." On the other hand, maybe that's a good thing—at least when it comes to C1 Corvettes. After all, that car's live-axle rearend and drum brakes were barely adequate, and clearly antiquated by today's standards. The driving experience can be described as unnerving at best, and many modern pickup trucks handle better.
Blitvich had gotten to a point where he thought he was done with the Vette, putting lots of miles on it going here and there. But those miles took a toll, and the car started to get tired. The old drum brakes pulled to the right when he applied the pedal, and the paint developed some chips no one could explain. The carpet was faded, and the steering box was plain worn out.
Driving his neighbor's '60 Corvette with a later-model powerplant proved revelatory. "Wow," Blitvich remembers thinking, "what a difference a new engine made. He still had the original steering gear in his, though, and it was as worn as mine. I thought about what fun these cars would be if they only handled." Talk about a revelation—we can almost hear strains of "Amazing Grace" playing in the background.
That's when Blitvich recalled those two guys who had stuck a tube frame under their own '62. He went to see them and found that the fellow who handled the frame side of the business, Mike Stockdale, had gone off by himself and formed SRIII Motorsports, and was putting tube frames under everything he could find.
After many weeks of planning and getting input from his kids, Blitvich and his family hit upon a course of action. After doing an obligatory "last burnout," they stripped out the '62's interior and all the chrome, and took it to SRIII for a chassis transplant.
Blitvich listed the original frame, engine, and driveline on eBay, and those items sold promptly, helping to defray the cost of the more modern mechanicals. The SRIII frame features a round-tube design, cross-linked for superior strength and rigidity. Its three-dimensional network of round tubing creates a space frame to better withstand the twisting forces applied during hard cornering and acceleration.
In addition, when combined with the '84-up Corvette's forged-aluminum suspension and coilover shocks, the unsprung weight is significantly less than that of the original live axle and leaf-spring setup, resulting in a softer, more controlled ride. The overall SRIII package is hundreds of pounds lighter than the original chassis and suspension used on the '53-'62 Corvettes, improving the car's power-to-weight ratio.
Stockdale had already started building the frame for this project, so it didn't take long to equip the new chassis with C5 front and C4 rear suspension bits and QA1 coilovers, plus '04 Z06 brakes. Street & Performance supplied an '07 LS2 mill, backed by a T56 Tremec six-speed tranny.
Taking this contemporizing theme even further, Blitvich had new top, carpet, and floor mats fitted by Mark's Custom Auto Interiors. As for modern electronics, he added GPS, a push-button starter, kick-panel speakers, an amp in the upholstered trunk, and even a cradle in the center console for his iPhone. Power windows and locks, plus HID headlights by Custom Sound Solutions, completed the freshening.
When those rose-colored glasses were tossed out the window, they were quickly crunched under the grippier radial tread of Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. Jack and Gloria Blitvich now roll down the road with a smile on their faces. Life is indeed good—especially when you can rewrite history.


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The Surveyor-General of Ireland, Sir Valentine Browne, institutes a plantation of Munster by settlers from England to attempt to provide security against further rebellions. Confiscated lands were granted to English 'undertakers' who undertook to bring tenants from the home country to work the land and create a settled, defensible landscape and society.
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