‘This book is about empathy … for these beings we are welcoming into our homes.’
COVER STORY—Have you ever stopped to think about the “culture” and “language” of the young dogs—the puppies—that millions of families have adopted? Our first instinct, these days, may be to enroll ourselves in “dog training” classes—to teach some pre-determined “commands” to our canine friends. However, in this remarkable book, Callahan starts by inviting readers to explore the personalities and the cultural backgrounds of our new visitors. She even describes how to begin speaking with your dog. No kidding!
Over the last 17 years, our online magazine has occasionally covered innovative books about animals as part of our overall commitment to encourage compassion in our troubled world. If you’re already a dog lover, we’re certain you will want to read this week’s Cover Story—and then you may want to share it with friends as well. Please, do!
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And speaking of compassion …
‘Compassion Is in Fashion’
THAT’S THE MESSAGE in Episode 85 of Howard Brown’s popular podcast, Shining Brightly. To listen to this inspiring conversation with Ali Horriyat, go to Howard Brown’s home page and, in the middle of that page, you’ll find Episode 85. Howard describes Dubai native Ali Horriyat as “a purpose-driven human.” Throughout his life, Horriyat has developed a daily discipline of focusing on helping others who he encounters. Eventually, he left his career in finance to focus on spreading this message. You’re guaranteed to feel better after listening to Howard and Ali discuss the daily importance of empathy and acts of kindness.
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And in other news—
Suzy Farbman—
Where is she now?
THAT’S SUZY (left) WITH HER SISTER RECENTLY in a European tour that reconnected Suzy with many vivid family memories. Can you tell where this photo was taken? Read the column to see a more complete version of this snapshot.
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Rusty Rosman ‘easing tensions when a loved one dies’
MICHIGAN’S OAKLAND PRESS published a profile of Rusty Rosman, this week, because of her work with Two Envelopes, a new book focused on helping families to respond in a caring when a loved one dies. Special thanks to journalist Mark E. Lett for this thoughtful article introducing Rusty’s work to more folks who will benefit from this remarkable woman’s wisdom.
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What’s your religious region?
THIS WEEK in The Washington Post, the data-reporting team produced a remarkably vivid look at distinctive religious communities across the U.S. We don’t normally recommend Post stories because of the “paywall,” but find a way to explore this interactive multi-media report. It’s fascinating!
Does this make you want to learn more about religion in the United States?
THE BEST STARTING POINT is the Michigan State University School of Journalism Bias Busters series, now 22 books—and counting. All are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. This Bias Busters series is an award-winning resource “answering questions everyone is asking, but nobody seems to be answering.”
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Holidays & Festivals
Selassie’s 132nd birthday
AS STEPHANIE FENTON REPORTS, we are likely to see more celebrations of Haile Selassie’s birthday this year because of awareness of the Rastafari movement from the recent feature film, Bob Marley: One Love. Care to learn more? Stephanie’s column includes a link to Ed McNulty’s review of the Marley biopic.
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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com
Click this movie poster for “Thelma” to read Edward McNulty’s review.
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 film reviews and discussion guides. This resource is used nationwide by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.
Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:
- THELMA—Ed writes, “It is a delight to come across another film with an elderly person as the main character, showing that life does not end at 80.”
- GHOSTLIGHT—“Who would have thought that a group rehearsing Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet would have such a profound effect upon a grieving man not even familiar with the play?”
- UNFROSTED—“Jerry Seinfeld directs as well as stars in this silly spoof of the legendary rivalry between the two giants of breakfast cereal, Post and Kellogg’s.”
- SIGHT—“The title not only refers to the goal of Dr. Ming Wang’s career, to restore sight to the blind, but also to the cultivation of spiritual sight, to discern what is important in life.”
- ESCAPE FROM GERMANY—Ed recommends this unusual film about a little-known, true chapter of World War II, the efforts of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to get their missionaries out of the war zone.
- BLOOD AND GOLD—However, Ed does not recommend this other World War II film, which he says is an excuse for violence and gore.
- THE DEAD DON’T HURT—“As Westerns go, this film by Viggo Mortensen is very unorthodox in that so much of it focuses upon the day-to-day survival of a woman left alone on the frontier.”
- INSIDE OUT 2—“Like many fans of that film, I wondered if a sequel could live up to high quality of the original, and am glad to report that it does.”
- EZRA—“There are plenty of funny moments, but even more of touching ones in this sensitive film.”
- THE OLD OAK—”Films like Ken Loach’s The Old Oak are why I am still so passionate about well-crafted films, especially those dealing with the down and out, those oppressed by the powerful.“
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