1569 - Pope Pius names Cosimo I de Medici as grand duke of Tuscany 1828 - Uruguay gains independence during Brazil-Argentina peace talks 1902 - US National Championship Men's Tennis, Newport, RI: Defending champion William Larned beats Englishman R.F. Doherty 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 8-6 1932 - 200,000 English textile workers strike 1955 - Sandy Koufax fans 14 Reds, both teams combine for record 23 strikeouts 1965 - The Beatles spend an evening with Elvis Presley, at his Los Angeles, California home 1979 - Warrenpoint ambush: 18 British Army soldiers killed when Provisional IRA explode two roadside bombs as a British convoy passes Narrow Water Castle 2004 - German kayaker Birgit Fischer wins gold in K-4 500m and silver in K-2 500m in Athens; first woman in any sport to win gold medals at 6 different Olympics, gold 24 years apart, and 1st person to win 2 or more medals in 5 different Games 2013 - "Gravity", directed and co-written by Alfonso Cuarón and starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney premieres at the Venice Film Festival 2015 - Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos names top Supreme Court judge, Vassiliki Thanou caretaker Prime Minister - Greece's 1st female Prime Minister More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1942 - Cuba declares war on Germany, Japan and Italy 1972 - Operation Lion's Den: US Navy bombards Haiphong Harbor, North Vietnam from the sea, firing over 700 rounds in 33 minutes 1979 - Warrenpoint ambush: 18 British Army soldiers killed when Provisional IRA explode two roadside bombs as a British convoy passes Narrow Water Castle 1988 - Dodger Tommy Lasorda wins 1,000th game as manager tops Philadelphia, 4-2 2004 - Timothy Mack vaults an Olympic record 5.95m to win the pole vault gold medal from fellow American Toby Stevenson (5.90m) at the Athens Olympics 2015 - Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos names top Supreme Court judge, Vassiliki Thanou caretaker Prime Minister - Greece's 1st female Prime Minister More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1665 - John Hervey, 1st Earl of Bristol, English politician, born in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk (d. 1751) 1871 - Theodore Dreiser, American novelist (Sister Carie, American Tragedy), born in Terre Haute, Indiana (d. 1945) 1911 - Kathleen "Kay" Walsh, British actress (The Horse's Mouth, Oliver Twist), born in Chelsea, London, England (d. 2005) 1941 - Cesária Évora, Cape Verdean Grammy Award-winning morna singer (Voz d'Amor), known as "the Barefoot Diva", born in Mindelo, Cape Verde (d. 2011) 1959 - Juan Fernando Cobo, Colombian artist, born in Cali, Colombia (d. 2024) 1972 - The Great Khali [Dalip Singh], Indian-born American professional wrestler (WWE), born in Dhiraina, Himachal Pradesh, India More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1521 - Josquin Des Prez, French composer, dies between 66 and 71 [birthdate uncertain] 1963 - W. E. B. Du Bois, American civil rights activist, writer (Souls of Black Folk) and co-founder of the NAACP, dies in Accra, Ghana, at 95 1980 - Douglas Kenney, American humorist (co-founded the magazine National Lampoon), dies at 33 1987 - Scott La Rock [Sterling], American hip-hop DJ (Boogie Down Productions), shot to death at 25 1991 - Vince Taylor [Brian Holden], British rock and roll singer (Brand New Cadillac), dies of lung cancer at 52 2023 - Pat Corrales, American baseball catcher (Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, SD Padres) and manager (Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians), dies at 82 More Famous Deaths »

Producer and engineer Eddie Kramer looks back on his association with the great Jimi Hendrix

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Language is a tool for connection, and this is most visible in the subtle, idiosyncratic languages that couples establish over time. These “secret languages” may appear ridiculous and, let’s face it, downright cringe to outsiders, but within a partnership, they are vital symbols of intimacy and trust. According to one study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, these distinct styles of communication are not only prevalent but also essential for relationship satisfaction. They embody a “culture of two,” in which lovers build their own world using terms that only they fully comprehend. Whether it’s the playful addition of “iggle” and “ibble” to phrases or a pet name derived from years of inside jokes, these private languages are more than just fun—they’re part of the foundation of a strong, cohesive relationship. Baby talk: the unlikely glue for lasting love Let’s talk baby talk—that high-pitched, sing-songy way of speaking that is typically designated for gushing over a newborn. Surprisingly, this speaking pattern, referred to as “motherese” or “parentese,” is not limited to babies. According to research published in the Journal of Personal Relationships, 75 percent of couples admit to utilizing baby talk with each other. Far from being a comical quirk, this type of speech actually serves an important function in developing closeness in love relationships. Dean Falk, an anthropology professor, explains this phenomenon in an interview with The Cut: “It’s pretty much instinctive to talk to loved ones the way our first loves (our mothers) spoke to us.” Falk adds that baby speak engages the right half of our brains, which is in charge of processing emotions, making it an efficient way to express affection. So, when you find yourself having that somewhat embarrassing baby discussion with your partner, remember that it is actually a sign of a strong emotional connection. Private languages: a secret code for strong couples Beyond baby talk, couples frequently establish their own internal languages—codes and nicknames that may perplex anyone outside the relationship but make perfect sense to those inside it. These distinct styles of communicating might range from mispronounced words that cling to internal jokes that grow into full-fledged vocabularies. Suzanna Weiss, writing for The Cut, shares how she and her boyfriend started adding hilarious syllables to their words, transforming “hug” into “higgle hug” and “dog” into “diggle dog.” They then realized that many other couples use their own version of this humorous lingo. But what is the aim of these secret languages? According to research, they do more than just add a bit of silliness to mundane interactions; they also serve to strengthen the relationship itself. A study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that the more a couple used these unique kinds of communication, the greater their happiness levels were. This is because these languages foster a sense of exclusivity and shared identity, promoting the notion that the couple is a distinct entity within the greater world. The importance of unique communication in relationship satisfaction These secret languages, whether in the form of baby talk or quirky words, are more than just cute; they indicate a strong, growing connection. According to a study published in the Journal of Human Communication Research, idiomatic communication, such as nicknames and private jokes, not only distinguishes a partnership but also celebrates each partner’s originality. When you and your partner speak a language that no one else knows, it reminds you that your relationship is unique and worth cherishing. So, the next time you find yourself using a word or phrase that only you and your partner understand, celebrate it. These secret languages are more than simply entertaining eccentricities; they are the vocal representation of your profound bond. They remind you that, in a world where so much is standardized and impersonal, your relationship is far from average. It’s a two-person culture based on love, trust, and plenty of inside jokes.The post How secret languages and intimate communication bring couples closer first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A monument honoring the life and work of civil rights icon John Lewis was unveiled in Decatur, Georgia, marking a major step in confronting America’s racial past. For more than a century, a Confederate obelisk stood in the square where the new memorial now sits. This change represents a significant shift in the narrative around public memorials in the South. The 16-foot-tall artwork, designed by artist Basil Watson, was erected before its official unveiling on Saturday, August 18th. “It’s exciting to see it going up, and exciting for the significance of what it represents and what it’s replacing,” Watson said during the installation, emphasizing the new statue’s symbolic weight. Symbolism and significance Nearly four years have passed since Decatur officials dismantled the Confederate monument, an obelisk 30 feet tall that the Daughters of the Confederacy constructed in 1908. Now, the John Lewis statue stands proudly in its place. The obelisk was removed in June 2020, after a nationwide wave of racial justice protests in response to the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. The removal of the Confederate monument, long regarded as a symbol of tyranny, made way for a commemoration that honors a heritage of courage and justice. Watson’s sculpture represents John Lewis holding his hands over his heart, a gesture of love that he was known for. This image encapsulates the heart of Lewis’ approach to action, which was based on nonviolence and compassion, even in the face of severe opposition. Honoring the legacy of the civil rights movement John Lewis, who died in July 2020 at the age of 80 from pancreatic cancer, was a towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. As a teenage activist, Lewis organized sit-ins against segregation in the Jim Crow South and was infamously beaten during the 1965 march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, which became known as “Bloody Sunday.” Lewis was elected to Congress in 1987 and remained a staunch civil rights hero until his death. The choice to memorialize him in Decatur, replacing an emblem of division with one of unity and love, symbolizes a greater social movement toward recognizing and commemorating the efforts of individuals who battled for equal rights.The post Statue of late civil rights leader John Lewis replaces confederate monument in Georgia first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

If you are in a constant state of discontentment over what your spouse is or isn’t doing, try treating them as if they’ve already arrived.

The new August 2024 issue of Themelios has 263 pages of editorials, articles, and book reviews. It is freely available in three formats: (1) PDF, (2) web version, and (3) Logos Bible Software. 1. Brian J. Tabb | Editorial: What Makes a “Good” Theological Article? Drawing on his years of experience as Themelios’s editor, Tabb explains in detail what a quality theological essay involves. An article must be aligned with the journal’s aims and marked by fidelity, freshness, fitness, focus, rigor, readability, and relevance. 2. Daniel Strange | Strange Times: The Tightrope of Teaching Typology Strange reflects on the nature of two typologies—Alan Race’s threefold typology of religion and H. Richard Niebuhr’s fivefold typology of culture—and how they relate to theological education. By classifying and organizing religions and cultures, believers function in the image of God. 3. Kevin DeYoung | A Tale of Two Texts: How the Westminster Confession of Faith Was Changed by American Presbyterians to Reflect a New Understanding of the Civil Magistrate DeYoung juxtaposes the American Presbyterians’ revision of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1788 with the original 1646 version. He highlights how the American Presbyterians rejected the European model of the relationship between church and state, preferring to keep the two generally separate. 4. Nathan Cantu | “Do Not Think It Is Impossible for Anyone to Please God While Engaged in Active Military Service”: An Augustinian Critique of the Narrative of the American Military Cantu applies Augustine’s insights in Confessions and The City of God. According to Augustine, Christians don’t participate in military service for the glory and expansion of the state but to preserve peace, restrain evil, and facilitate the church’s work. 5. Joshua Bremerman | Wisdom Is Vindicated by Her Deeds: Ecclesiastes 3:1–15 in Matthew 11:16–19 This article proposes an Old Testament allusion to Ecclesiastes 3 in Matthew 11:16–19. Ecclesiastes 3:1–15 is the “wisdom” that Jesus has in mind, and Bremerman argues that the context of Ecclesiastes 3 sheds light on Jesus’s biting critique of his audience. 6. Mark Makowiecki | Irenaeus and the Adam-Christ Typology in the Gospel of John Some scholars propose that Adam Christology is only found in Pauline literature. Makowiecki, however, argues it can be discerned in Irenaeus’s reading of John’s Gospel. The Fourth Gospel is a treasure trove of insights into the relationship between Adam and Christ. 7. Timothy E. Miller | Unbelieving Child and Qualified Elder: A Case for “Faithful” Children in Titus 1:6 Commentators and English translations have leaned toward the “believing” position on Titus 1:6: elders must have Christian children to remain qualified for ministry. Miller argues, though, that the Greek word πιστά is best rendered “faithful” in accordance with lexical, contextual, theological, and practical considerations. 8. Jacob Boyd | John Owen’s Theology of Public Worship Boyd presents the case that John Owen pushed back against imposed liturgies, such as the Book of Common Prayer, because their enforcement crippled a congregation’s ability to worship God freely. Owen’s theology of public worship is established on the triune God and beholding him by faith now. A church’s worship should be characterized by actively being in communion with Christ and by looking at him through the prescribed ordinances of worship found in God’s Word. 9. Leland Brown | An All-Out Ministry: Strain and Suffering in Spurgeon’s Pastoral Theology While C. H. Spurgeon’s sufferings and pastoral ministry have often been explored separately, Brown recognizes that Spurgeon viewed his suffering and ministry as going hand-in-hand. Pastors must suffer because they’re Christ’s servants, conduits of his grace to others. Spurgeon’s outlook is also a model for pastors today. 10. J. Brittain Brewer | Atonement by Union: Probing Crisp’s Union Account with John Owen Oliver Crisp has recently suggested a novel “union account” that takes into consideration many of the classic atonement views while arguing for a basic coherence in terms of realistic solidarity with Christ. Brewer’s article appraises the strengths and weaknesses of Crisp’s account, suggesting the Reformed tradition, especially John Owen, provides a stronger atonement model that incorporates union and doesn’t fall prey to the problems of a realist solidarity. 11. Dennis M. Sullivan | Contraception and the Church: Making Sense of the Debate and Some Pastoral Advice Sullivan reviews the ethical and theological issues surrounding birth control, with an emphasis on hormonal methods. He evaluates emergency contraception, intrauterine devices, natural family planning, and sterilization. The article concludes with practical implications for local-church ministry. 12. Robert P. Menzies | Simultaneous Prayer: A Pentecostal Perspective Menzies responds to Scott D. MacDonald’s Themelios article that questions the practice of simultaneous prayer in Acts 4:23–31. Menzies argues that this passage describes the corporate practice of praying different prayers at the same time. The Acts 4 prayer, when viewed against the backdrop of Luke’s literary style and his emphasis on prayer, is neither preplanned nor liturgical. 13. J. David Willoughby | The Spirit of God and the Religions of the World: A Response to Amos Yong’s Claims Amos Yong, an acclaimed Pentecostal scholar, argues for what he calls a pneumatological theology of religions. Such a viewpoint allows him to “bracket the soteriological question” and bypass the constraints of a narrow Christology, opening the possibility of salvation to those outside the Christian faith. Yong goes on to suggest the Holy Spirit sustains non-Christian religions and that they are, in fact, his instruments in the world today. Willoughby surveys Yong’s view on the Spirit and world religions, evaluates it in light of biblical data, and then proposes a more biblical way of speaking of the Spirit’s interaction among those of other faiths. 14. Cody Wilbanks | “We Do Not Lose Heart”: Theological Encouragement for Endurance and Opportunities for Reflection from 2 Corinthians 4:1–16 Pastors often experience great hardship in ministry and are prone to burnout and discouragement. Wilbanks explores Paul’s theological encouragement for endurance in 2 Corinthians 4:1–16 and offers opportunities for personal reflection for those in the throes of gospel ministry. Featured Book Reviews: Carmen Joy Imes, Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters. Reviewed by Steven W. Guest. Peter J. Leithart, Creator: A Theological Interpretation of Genesis 1. Reviewed by Thomas Haviland-Pabst. Ellen Vaughn, Being Elisabeth Elliot. Reviewed by Karin Spiecker Stetina. Jonathan Leeman, Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing. Reviewed by Blake Johnson.. Andrew J. Spencer, Hope for God’s Creation: Stewardship in an Age of Futility. Reviewed by Lionel J. Windsor. Vance Christie, David Livingstone: Missionary, Explorer, Abolitionist. Reviewed by Kevin Rodgers.