Something Romantic for Valentine's Day

This was shot in Iceland, starring one of Bollywood's most famous pairs for romantic movies - Shah Rukh Kahn and Kajol. It is breathtakingly beautiful (I love those scarves) and it even has a translation so you can get all the nuances!

When we watched the movie, the translation was "color me the color of saffron" which I took to be the symbolic color of love. One of the things I love about Indian culture is the symbolism color holds (in the same way that I love the Catholic liturgical color symbolism — it adds depth to everything). It turns out that "gerua" actually is an old fashioned term for a color. From Quora:

I have heard this colour described so many different ways....reddish pink, yellowish red, saffron, orange--it seems that every media outlet has taken a shot at what the actual meaning of "gerua" is.

When producers were first explaining it and talking about the writing of the song "Gerua", they talked about the ambivalence of opinion on this particular colour and that that was one of the things they liked. The word "gerua" is actual a very old word which was (until Dilwale) almost lost to common use. SRK himself said he like the idea that it was an old-fashioned word because it fit with the film.

The best explanation I have seen is that the colour in Kajol's dupatta when she and SRK are on top of the deserted plane is the colour of "gerua".

Bollynook points out:

This colour is significant here as it defines the purity and sanctity of love and it is compared to Godliness. Hence in a way, it is pointing out that how deep and meaningful love is to the pair.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Let me read you a chapter of Thus Sayeth the Lord

Stunning Moments of Forgiveness and Mercy in the Name of Christ

I was stunned when I saw the extraordinary Christlike behavior of murder victim Botham Jean's brother toward Amber Guyger, the former Dallas police officer convicted of murder in Jean’s 2018 shooting death.

I've noticed that a lot of news sources are reporting the hug, but not the strong Christian message that was key to Brandt Jean's message, as well as to the judge's follow up (below). So I'm sharing the videos here.

This was Brandt Jean’s chance to tell Guyger exactly what he thought of the former Dallas officer after she was sentenced to 10 years in prison for murdering his brother last year when she mistook his apartment for hers....

Instead, Jean told Guyger that he wanted what Botham would have wanted.

"I think giving your life to Christ would be the best thing that Botham would want for you," he told her. "I love you as a person, and I don't wish anything bad on you."

He told Guyger that he didn't even want her to go to prison.

"Can I give her a hug, please?" Brandt asked. "Please."

Dallas Morning News

See it all below.




Equally extraordinary was the moment of grace extended by the judge. After speaking to the family, she spoke with Guyger and then ...

The judge appeared to be overcome in the moment, and left the courtroom. She returned a moment later, a small Bible in her hand.

“You can have mine,” the judge said to Guyger. “I have three or four at home.”

She then began to counsel Guyger. The pair were talking low, barely audible, just the two of them. “This is your job,” the judge said, opening the book.

The judge mentioned John 3:16, saying this will strengthen her. Guyger nodded her head.

“You just need a tiny mustard seed of faith,” the judge said. “You start with this.”

WFAA News

See the news report below which contains much more.

Want Your Heart to Soar? Watch This.

From way back in 2013, I happened across this and loved watching it all over again.

Use full screen mode and enjoy. It is only 10 minutes.



Introducing a groundbreaking technique that seamlessly merges computer-generated and hand-drawn animation techniques, first-time director John Kahrs takes the art of animation in a bold new direction with the Oscar®-nominated short, "Paperman." Created by a small, innovative team working at Walt Disney Animation Studios, "Paperman" pushes the animation medium in an exciting new direction.

Incredible Flying Stingrays

It begins with pelicans but quickly transitions to the flying stingrays. No one knows why they fly but there are lots of theories. I just love watching them!

Toyota: One Team Ad

Yes. This is how America does religion. Or should, at any rate.

Ryan Gosling and Papyrus

From the SNL premiere comes a piece that could have been tailor-made for our household. Remember, we're the people who loved the documentary Helvetica.

The Hauntingly Beautiful Music of the Trees

Instead of a vinyl disc, Traubeck's record player uses a cross-section of a log or tree trunk, using light to translate the different colors and textures of the tree's rings into musical notes and instruments. Because every tree has its own unique configuration of rings, every tree has its own unique "song."

For details about the technology, read the top comment at YouTube.

"Egyptian Christians are made of steel!"

Watch the news anchor's reaction to the forgiveness expressed by the widow of the gatekeeper who prevented a suicide bomber from entering an Alexandria church yard on Palm Sunday, thereby saving countless lives.

It is truly moving. This is why the blood of the martyrs [and the forgiveness of the faithful] is the seed of the church.

Forgiveness Incarnated from The Bible Society of Egypt on Vimeo.

"Egyptian Christians are made of steel! These people have so much forgiveness!"

Via The Deacon's Bench.

A Priest and an Imam Walk Into Amazon Prime

You've probably seen this already but we liked it so much when it came on during the Cowboys' game yesterday that I thought I'd share it.

It's rare to see an ad promoting true understanding that has such a light touch. Yes, they are selling something, but the bigger thing they are selling is understanding each other as people. Really perfect.

John Cleese: Political Correctness Can Lead to an Orwellian Nightmare

This is only a couple of minutes long but Cleese nails it. 

It's showing up everywhere but just in case you haven't seen it, here you go!

"If people can't control their own emotions then they have to start trying to control other people's behavior." ~ Robert Skinner, psychiatrist

"So the idea that you have to be protected from any kind of uncomfortable emotion is what I absolutely do not subscribe to." ~ John Cleese

Via Scott Danielson.

Louis CK - Everything is amazing and nobody is happy

Precisely. And I would like a donkey please.

Via Scott Danielson at A Good Story is Hard to Find podcast.

Because It's Friday So Why Not: Nobody Likes Bagpipes

Award winning Bear McCreary's true love, featuring one of my favorite instruments. (No joke.)

Via Summa This, Summa That where there is a lot more information about McCreary.

Easter Wednesday: Jesus is Risen ... in City Mall, Beirut, Lebanon

Another oldie as I go looking for little reminders of our Easter joy to share all week. Still a goodie!



Now that is giving witness out loud and in public! Plus it is beautiful to hear.

Click on the little "CC" in the red oval to see the English captions. Via Deacon Greg at The Deacon's Bench.

Note:
Fred in the comments elucidates further.

FYI, it is a common refrain in Eastern Orthodox Easter services... repeated over a hundred times in various forms. People in the middle east would recognize it like we recognize the "Hallelujah chorus" in the west. Its one of those that reaches across faith traditions, most people have heard it.

This makes sense because you can see people joining in and singing from around the edges, though not so lustily as the main singers.

Thai Good Stories ...

... these are the ripples we are here to make in the world.



Via my sis on Facebook.

When the owner's away ...

The dog is not allowed on the bed. The owner set up a camera to see what happens when he is gone. This made me laugh. It is just what Kaylee would do ...




Via Miss Cellania (language warning for some entries on her blog).

How to Open a Bottle of Wine Without a Corkscrew

Another good video via my sis on Facebook.



Now, I couldn't help noticing that one video was from Guinness and this one is for wine. Not that I'm judging, mind you, I liked them both. But it does help me confirm this is indeed my sis and not an imposter using her name.

I Rarely Watch Videos But I'm Glad I Watched This

Via my sis on Facebook.

The Difference Between Dogs and Cats

As Deacon Greg said at his blog, which is where I saw this adorable video, it becomes obvious in how they teach their young to go down the stairs. Hilarious and adorable.



And we all knew what the cat's teaching method would be, right?

Cardinal Dolan and The Colbert Report - a match made in Heaven?

Cardinal Dolan's trademark charm and humor come across full strength in this interview with Stephen Colbert. (The link goes to part 1 and automatically loads up part 2 ... about 8 minutes total).