Awesomeness in far-off places

In the news today:

Indian sect members vow to marry sex workers:

More than 1,000 followers of a multi-religious sect in northern India have pledged to marry female sex workers who want to escape exploitation.

Young Hindu, Muslim and Sikh men have been queuing up at the Dera Sacha Sauda (Abode of the Real Deal) in the town of Sirsa as "wedding volunteers".

This is the most awesome thing I have heard of in quite a while. This is pure straight-up hardcore Alexander Cruden-style awesomeness - except that even Cruden only responded to a prostitute's propositions by offering her a job as his housekeeper. God bless these people and may they have many happy years and screaming babies.

...there are probably reasons why this is also a bit foolish. But still. I think this falls under "I was cold and naked and you gave me clothing"; see also the numerous prophets who spoke of Israel as a whore and God as a lover who sought after her anyway. (A relevant Chesterton quote on the Middle Ages, because there's a Chesterton quote for basically everything: "Historic Christianity rose into a high and strange coup de théatre of morality -- things that are to virtue what the crimes of Nero are to vice.... Poetry could be acted as well as composed. This heroic and monumental manner in ethics has entirely vanished with supernatural religion. They, being humble, could parade themselves: but we are too proud to be prominent." It would seem that it hasn't vanished everywhere, and can exist in non-Christian environments.)

Also in Indian news: A pioneering Indian woman wrestler; and Indian plays harmonica through the nose:

He can even play two harmonicas at once, using his nose and his mouth... Mr Kumar did not acquire his skills overnight - he spends an hour a day practising yogic steps and breathing to strengthen his nasal powers.

Octopus snatches coconut and runs: video of octopi acquiring and using coconut shells.

...I will blog about something other than BBC news and Chesterton quotes. One day. Really!

(If God wills it and I'm still alive, of course.)