GENERATIONS OF AMERICAN CREATIVITY

AN ARTIST CELEBRATES HIS FATHER—This week, author and columnist Suzy Farbman writes our Cover Story—a vivid look at how artist John Rowland has celebrated the creative self reliance of his father with an exhibition of the older man’s handiwork.

The central purpose of our magazine, since our founding in 2007, has been to publish inspiring news, columns and reviews about religious and cultural diversity—stories that call us together as a community. Author and scholar Wayne Baker in his book United America ranks “self-reliance and individualism” as one of the 10 universal core values that all Americans hold dear. Generation to generation, the Rowlands embody that value.

Their story is a beacon, reminding us of values that can unite us in these turbulent times.

Please, enjoy Suzy Farbman’s Cover Story—and please share it with friends via social media.

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AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY ABROAD, AS WELL

RODNEY CURTIS is back this week with one of his gorgeously illustrated stories from his travels. Most of Rodney’s trip, this time, was pure pleasure on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. But, he also reminds us that families across the Caribbean are still facing huge challenges from destructive storms.

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HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS

OBON / ULLAMBANA—A festival of ancient dances, intricate costumes and a celebration of Japanese culture commences, as the spirit of Obon circles the globe. Worldwide, this festival spans an entire month: “Shichigatsu Bon,” celebrated in Eastern Japan, begins in mid-July; “Hachigatsu Bon” commences in August; “Kyu Bon,” or “Old Bon,” is observed annually on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar.

HARVEST FESTIVALS already are on the horizon, including Lammas and Lughnasadh with centuries of tradition in the UK, including the baking of special loaves for a festival on or near August 1. Stephanie Fenton has the story. If you’re looking for festivals in your corner of the world, remember to Google local events early—because some regional festivals are moved, these days, to more convenient weekend days.

Want to see all the stories about Holidays & Festivals & Seasons? Just remember www.InterfaithHolidays.com 

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‘As an Immigrant, I Want My Party Back’

VICTOR BEGG SPEAKS OUT—Our magazine is dedicated to inclusive community, so we avoid partisan politics. Nevertheless, many of our readers have contacted us in recent weeks about the tragic rise of hate speech aimed at minorities. Victor Begg, author of the new Our Muslim Neighbors, also is a frequent contributing commentator for newspapers, magazines and radio. He also happens to be both a life-long Republican, and an immigrant. Here are two links to his commentary, headlined: “I’m a Republican, an immigrant and a Muslim—and I want my party back.” Here is the original publication of Victor’s column in a Florida newspaper. Then, here is a second link to a page with fewer graphics.

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HOW IS A BOOK PROOFED?

EVER WONDER about a typo you spot in a new book? Care to learn more about how professionals direct a proofing process these days? Do you know what those objects are in the photo, above? They’re “reglets.” Still wonder what they are? Publishing house Production Manager Dmitri Barvinok takes readers on a tour of the proof process in our Front Edge Publishing column this week.

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:

• WILD ROSE—Starring in this drama, as a young woman with high hopes of stardom, is Irish actress Jessie Buckley. She’s got a voice that actually could win her a spot at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry! This is a toe-tapping, must-see movie, writes Ed McNulty, giving the film 5 out of 5 stars.
• PAVAROTTI—Although opera lovers will be the first drawn to this biographical film, anyone who loves music will be entranced. After all, it’s full of soul-stirring singing by Luciano Pavarotti. Ron Howard, switching from dramatic to documentary genre, covers his life from his birth in 1935 to his death in 2007. (4.5 stars)
• YESTERDAY—Ed gives 4.5 stars to this fanciful tale of a young man who wakens into a world where no one remembers the Beatles.
• DO THE RIGHT THING—It’s the 30th anniversary of Spike Lee’s controversial drama—and the director now seems to have been absolutely prophetic in his 1989 story. (5 stars)
• ECHO IN THE CANYON—Director/writer/producer Andrew Slater has assembled a galaxy of musicians and uses Grammy award-winning musician Jakob Dylan as his host for this fascinating documentary. (4 stars)
• LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO—Based on a true story, Ed gives 5 stars to this story of race, class and the collisions of urban culture.
• SPIDERMAN: FAR FROM HOME—Ed is a fan of Spiderman movies and gives this latest story in the Marvel Universe 4 stars.
• THE TOMORROW MAN—This off-beat romance is worth watching mainly because it co-stars two great actors: John Lithgow and Blythe Danner. (4 stars)

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