Announcing: Dads In Media Blog-a-thon

This year, June 15th marks the day in many countries (including the North America, many European and South American countries) celebrate Father's Day. The first father's day was celebrated 100 years ago July 5th, 1908.

This Father's Day centennial also marks the first time I will be celebrating some concept of Father's day with a daughter due this June.

I am fortunate to have such an amazing Father myself, with amazing Grandfather's before hand to shape my own parents. And it is largely in these examples of fatherhood that I will draw on in my own personal fatherhood journey, as well as paving my own ways based on my own personality and changing culture.

Yet our examples of fatherhood extend beyond our own physical experiences. As all forms of media, movies, music, television, and art, attempt to capture life, father's appear in all forms of media and entertainment.

With this is mind I will be hosting the "Dads in Media Blog-a-thon." June 12th-June 15th I encourage anyone interested in participating to write their own blog-a-post about Dads in Media. Post your post, e-mail me and let me know when it's up and I will collect all the post in a central post (like I did with last year's Film + Faith Blog-a-thon).

While your post can be on any related topic, I would especially encourage you, if you are so inclined, to focus on redeeming examples, qualities, or lessons that can be seen in media fathers. Of course, the field's open to your own interpretation of the topic.

I look forward to your posts, thoughts, and reflections. If you have any questions or would like to be reminded of the blog-a-thon as it approaches e-mail me and I will help you out how ever I can.

W Update - 2008 Release Date & Brolin as Bush

I remember there being speculation that Oliver Stone's George W. Bush biopic, slated for 2009, might actually come out in 2008.

Well, Variety reports that the bio-pic, W, has now been picked up by Lionsgate and is expected to come out this year (October 17, 2008, just weeks before the November 4th election).

In regards to this films election positioning, I imagine in many ways the film is trying to create some "election entertainment" using the election to help propel and market the film. At a time where people are more apt to be reading the political stories, following political blogs, and watching there news network of choice...this film certainly has a chance to get into spotlight. Honestly, I doubt this will have any effect on the election, although I am sure some will suggest that a film of this nature could help the democratic nominee, simply because Bush might be painted as a doofus in this film.

The pictures from this post are from Entertainment Weekly. EW has an article about the film and some new pictures of what we might expect to Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Bank's to look like as the President and First Lady. Honestly, I'm impressed with the Brolin transformation (and facial in the cover shot) but I am certainly not buying Elizabeth Banks.

Interestingly enough, this film hasn't even started shooting, even though it's expected to open in just over 5 months. Apparently shooting is scheduled to begin in Shreveport Louisiana in a couple weeks.

Here is an interesting Oliver Stone quote from EW article:

''Bush may turn out to be the worst president in history,'' he declares as he peeks into room after room. ''I think history is going to be very tough on him. But that doesn't mean he isn't a great story. It's almost Capra-esque, the story of a guy who had very limited talents in life, except for the ability to sell himself. The fact that he had to overcome the shadow of his father and the weight of his family name — you have to admire his tenacity. There's almost an Andy Griffith quality to him, from A Face in the Crowd. If Fitzgerald were alive today, he might be writing about him. He's sort of a reverse Gatsby.''


***


Other W Movie Post on StrangeCultureBlog:

• Dramatizing Recent History: Josh Brolin as George W. Bush (March 16, 2008)
• W Movie Casting (in pictures) (April 14, 2008)
• Suggested Casting for W. Movie - My Wife as First Daughter Jenna Bush (April 17, 2008)
• W Movies - Oliver Stone is not the First (April 28, 2008)

Vomit Enducing Summer Movies (2008 edition)

Following the popularity of the 2007 list, and the 2006 list of movies I'm completly not interested in, namely for their horrible or ridiculous premises...I present the list of 2008 Vomit Enducing Summer Movies.

Consider these 15 films as your "Must-Avoid" Movie List for Summer 2008.

May 23: Postal

For starters, any movie that squares off the same weekend as Indiana Jones has to be horrible, unless it's a limited release film in a totally different format. This movie on the other hand in an action comedy. Far too similar in genre. Staring no one remarkably famous this movie deals with a postal leader, teaming up with a cult leader who accidentally chooses the same target for a violent attack as the taliban chose.

May 30: The Foot Fist Way

A buddy comedy about the downward spiral of a Tae Kwon Do instructor who goes on a journey to find his hero...no way. Especially if Will Farrell's not in it.

May 30: Savage Grace

I wrote last year about this movie about the story of the Barbara Daly Baekeland (Julianne Moore) murder case when this movie was slotted as a 2007 release. Hardly a summer flick, the story of a woman who has incest with her homosexual son. It doesn't matter how good the performances are, I'm totally not interested.

June 20: Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery

I've mentioned this film before, but as I see it, there frankly are just way too many American Girl books, and if Kit Kittredge is successful than they'll have to make an infinite collection of dumb movies about doll/book collection. Molly goes to School, Nina Washes her Hair, Marcy No Longer is a Slave, Polly Wants a Cracker. Saying no to Kit is like saying no to a whole line of scary girl dolls and their potential film conterparts.

July 3: The Wackness

Wow, believe it or not, a period film about the year 1994, really keying in on 1994 culture..."a time of pagers, not cell phones; a time when Tupac and Biggie were alive but Kurt Cobain had just died." This story about a depressed pot dealer in New York in 1994 trading pot for thearapy sounds Sweet! -- 'not!'

July 18: Hounddog

I mentioned this movie in June and July of 2006. Way before Hannah Montana/Mylie Cyrus was in controversial Vanity Fair photos, Dakota Fanning was filming a movie (when she was then 12) about a sexually abused girl who finds hope in the music of Elvis. Did people forget summer movies where about escaping the heat, smiling and eating popcorn?

July 25: Baghead

The imdb.com synopsis reads: "The Duplass Brothers explore the minutiae of relationship dynamics in this in-depth study of a group of desperate actor friends. And a bag. And a head." Umm...that's totally not worth $9.

August 1: Swing Vote

Are people so uninformed about the electoral college, voting procedure and simply enough general odds, election law? This comedy about the presidential election coming down to one man's vote is so dumb. Kevin Costner, I'm really sorry you have to take on film rolls like this that should go to actors like Ray Romano or Ice Cube.

August 1: Midnight Meat Train

Everyone loves a story about dismemberment and cannibalism on a midnight meat train. The family movie of the year.

August 1: Choke

What happens when a story that should have been a Saturday Night Live skit becomes a movie? You get a Choke, the story of a man who pays for his mother's hospital bills by pretending the choke and conning the victims who save him. A great film for the cynic who doesn't want to help or give. This film is based off a novel by Chuck Palahniuk author of Fight Club, so I could be underestimating this one...it could have cult favorite potential?)

August 8: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

Please...those pants better stop traveling or else they're all going to end up with diseases! (Where do young actresses go when there WB or comparable program goes off the air -- that's right...straight into the traveling pants)

August 22: Wild Child

Due to the writer's strike...we have taken an old story, only the names of characters and minor details have been changed. The premise: "A rebellious Malibu princess is shipped off to a strict English boarding school by her father where she falls in love with a boy she is prohibited to date."

August 22: Bangkok Dangerous

In an attempt to remake an Asian film (a la The Departed) this Thai film unfortunatly stars Nicholas Cage in a plot that was probably being copies back in 1999 and now is way overplayed...the story of hitman who falls for a local woman. Again it only makes sense to blame it on the writer's strike.

August 22: The House Bunny (formerly titled I Know What Boys Like)

A playboy bunny is tossed out of the mansion and helps 7 clueless sorority girls save their sorority house. I'm guessing people will not being seeing this because of the plot?

August 29: Babylon A.D.

Rosemary's Baby + Jurassic Park + Da Vinci Code + Vin Dissel. It sounds like a bad combo too me. So does this movie about a Vin Disel escorting a woman across Asia who is the host body of a genetically modified Messiah.

GTA IV: Biggest Media Opening? - Yes Indeed

Last month I mentioned that Grand Theft Auto IV might have the biggest media sales ever, with an anticipated $400 million in sales in the first week.

Well the early numbers are in, and after the first week, Grand Theft Auto IV earned more than $500 million in sales in it's first week. Opening day (April 29th) the title alone brought in $310 million (Halo 3 did $300 million it's first week last fall).

I personally am not involved in video-game world, but I think many people would be naive not to be aware of the profound success and popularity of the video game industry. This is bigger than Tecmo Bowl and Donkey Kong. And honestly, I think being culturally aware and curious of the influence of the effect of video games and their popularity is something worth being aware of and thinking about.

Community: Borrowing an Egg

I remember being a kid and my mom sending me down the street to borrow an egg from a number, or a neighbor calling and needing to borrow a half cup of oil, or some other missing ingredient from a recipe.

This evening, I got home from work and began making some dinner for my wife and I.

I began mixing up some quick banana bread (a recipe that only needed to cook for 20 minutes, and I was tired of looking at the frozen bananas in the freezer). Yet after I defrosted the bananas, mashed them up with milk, oil, egg, brown sugar and salt, I realized we were out of flour.

I had cut the recipe in half, and I only needed one cup of flour...and yet I was helpless but to run to the grocery store quickly before dinner, either that or let the mush sit out and probably be tossed.

In a way it's weird to think about my mom borrowing and lending eggs, oil, yeast, or whatever was requested. Namely, because in that moment, I was certainly too proud to acquaint myself with a neighbor for a cup of flour.

In the same way, I don't even know any neighbors around me enough to feel free to ask a simple request.

Perhaps it's apartment living, perhaps it's the lack of bonding that may (or may not) come with having children playing, perhaps our societies increasingly isolated. I don't really know.

But it's kind of sad.

I wish my neighbor's would knock on our door when they needed something.

Movie Clip From Iron Man That WILL Be Shown In Churches

The connection between all art (painting, craftsmanship, architecture, writing, theater, and film) and spirituality has always been there.

An increasing cultural shift in recent decades has been for some churches to use film as a tool to bridge the gap between abstract spiritual thoughts, to inspire, and to engage culture. Personally, I have been to a religious film festival, and church services where film clips have been shown. (Further thoughts on these things also came out through the many who participated in the Film + Faith blog-a-thon last November).

One of the film clips that I feel like has made the church circuit on a number of occassions is the clip from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man when Ben Parker (Cliff Robertson) tells Peter Parker (Toby Maguire), "Remember, with great power comes great responsibility."

(This quote is usually connected to the verse "To whom much is given, much will be required" from Luke 12:48).

The popularity and usage of a films clip or quote to convey a spirutual message seems to be based upon certain factors...

1. Did people see this film? (if the point is connecting then an indie or unpopular film is usually not an ideal fit)

2. Is this film generally accepted as an appropriate film to quote or mention? (movies like Breveheart are, movies like Magnolia or Nightmare on Elm Street are not)

3. Is the film clip compact enough to make the point? (usually an over arching character change or complete story is not ideal...I once sat through a very long film clip from The Last of the Mohecians, that in many ways became a mini-train wreck becasue the clip was too long, with too much back story needed to understand the clip, for a point that wasn't quite big enough to warrant the film clip)

4. Is the message in the clip relevant to a popular message theme? (for example, the spider-man clip is relevant to the message many churches would want to teach on)

5. and finally does the character apply the message in a redeeming way? (Many people give great advice to bad/evil characters, but because the character doesn't take the message and use it, it suddenly voids the conversation).

I believe Iron Man will fit the bill in popularity, general acceptance by Christian viewers, and there is the perfect compact point on a relevant message that the character applies in a redeeming way.

The Easily Recyclable Scene From Iron Man I Expect to Be A Part of Church Messages:

In the movie Iron Man, Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) is captured in a secret military terrorist camp. Instructed to make a deadly weapon called the Jeherico he fools the terrorist with the help of another kidnapped scientist named Yinsen (Shaun Toub). Yinsen sacrifices his life to save Tony Stark and give him enough time to escape.

In Yinsen's final moments of living the two men have a moment for Stark makes his final escape.

Tony Stark looks down at the dying Yinsen and says, "Thank you for saving me."

In response Yinsen replies in his final breath, "Don't waste your life."

It's a beautiful scene in the film that signals the completion of the change and transformation in Tony Stark's life.

How This Clip Might Be Used:

For Christian services, and messages, these lines are perfect. In the Christian life, our worship is largely focused on giving thanks for God for the salvation that has come through is death on the cross, at which point our only response back to God can be to praise him and say thanks.

Personally, as a Christian, the struggle past this point is often what would God ask of my life? What should my response be?

Obviously, there can be a lot of application and implications of a line like "Don't Waste Your Life," and for many people that will look differently.

My first thoughts upon hearing this line is actually a John Piper book by the same title (Don't Waste Your Life) or Bill Hybel's book Holy Discontent, about developing a personal vision for the things in this world that bother us.

The fact of the matter is, this simple clip could be used to inspire any generic action-oriented charge that a pastor/minister/teacher would want to inspire from the biggest things (go to Africa to fight AIDs and poverty and tell people about Jesus) to smaller things (give a little extra financially to help buy food for the local shelter).

5 Reasons You'll Enjoy Iron Man

That's right...Robert Downey Jr.'s not saying Stop in The Name of Love...no he's give you the top 5 reasons to see Iron Man.

5. Expectations. Unless you're a super-geek, the Iron Man story is probably not as common to you as say Batman which has characters well ingrained in our collective culture. When ever there's talk about a new batman or a new spider-man people instantly have expectations about who will be cast, what part of the story will be told, and which super-villains will or will not be introduced into the story. Chances are you're plot expectations are low...that can only help.

4. Minimal Super-hero distractions. Sometimes I think many superheroes are lazy and easily distracted by the bad guys. I mean, honestly Superman can't be stopped by anything but Kryptonite, and yet, he gets so wrapped around his love-life struggle than sometimes I feel like his focus on Lois Lane really makes him a weak-in-the-mind hero. Tony Stark (Iron Man), especially as portrayed in the film is not built up to be so super or glamorous. But at the same time, he's focused. He uses his skills and brains to do things that will have long lasting impact. At one point in the film he saves some terrorized middle easterners, but saving them is not his end game, but only a side effect of his ultimate aim in destroying there over-arching terrorist efforts. Now that's a pretty cool and intelligent hero...and we get all the action with out a Kirsten Dunst character whining about how the hero missed her lame play.

3. Casting. What a superb cast. Robert Downey Jr. is perfectly cast to play the part of Iron Man. When I originally posted on Downey being cast both Darrell and Reel Fanatic both commented on how some Downey's past struggles and demons with substance abuse mirror similar struggles in Tony Stark's life. These similarities give strength and increased believability. Plus Downey's an incredibly gifted actor. In fact, the four leads all have previous academy award nominations or wins. Downey (1 nom), Jeff Bridges (4 noms), Terrance Howard (1 nom), and Gwyneth Patrow (1 win). Shaun Toub and Leslie Bibb also do well in there roles.

2. Your Brain. That's right, you'll probably use it a little. This film is not at all complicated, like Syriana. In fact you should have no problem following it all. But, while a 13-year old will love the power of Iron Man's suit, the flying, the weapons, the indestructibility, etc. The film will more than likely either sit well with you or disagree with you as you think of America's current defense strategy. The film deals with issues of government contracts with business, business corporate structure and ownership, public relations, and the effects of media on business. The 13 year old might care less, but you'll enjoy it. The comedy elements are all there, but they're quick, snappy and usually more based on word-play and irony than on slam stick or gross out body humor.

1. What If. At this point in your life you know that you probably do not have a genetic mutation, you're not going to be super-powered by any sort of electric shock from a secretive machine in your technology company, you don't anticipate being bitten by any super-animal, etc. But what if technology did advance in such a way to give you the opportunity to be Super, like Iron Man. Obviously, inside your head you know it won't happen, but for two hours you can ignore the realistic side of your brain and say "What if." The intrigue of Iron Man (or even Batman) is that they don't have any true super powers or super strengths. They're just people who have a lot of money, intuition, and a reckless attitude that means fast cars, big dreams, and a desire to have technology work for them at their fingertips to accomplish any and every thought imaginable. In this regard, Iron Man is an appropriate hero for this generation. Who knows where technology will take us, and who knows how we can use it with a global benefit in mind.

No Movies*

So this may or may not come as a surprised, depending on how well you're aware of my movie snobdom.

But I avoid movies in the movie theater at all cost during the first four months of the year IF their initial release date was in January, February, March, or April.

Granted, there's an occasional gem, but for the most part these movies are horrible, and there's so many quality movies that are crammed into award season that watching those is a higher priority to me than a Valentine's day Drew Barrymore flick.

After the Academy Awards air, and I've caught the films I'm most interested in seeing, their are always films from the previous year that are being spewed out on DVD, faster than I can catch them. My wife and I usually try to catch up on some documentaries in the spring as well (for example this year we've watched No End in Sight and Helvetica).

Usually, there's a group of friends who drag us to a movie the first couple months or we're spending time with family and the streak is ruined and I see a film from the first four months in the theaters. In fact, I think it always happens.

For example last year it was Will Farrell's Blades of Glory that we ended up seeing with my family.

Another year it was Man of The House and the Interpreter.

Or how about Daredevil...that was a true stinker! (It's friends and family that ruin the goal every year.)

Or 2002 it got ruined the first weekend with the horrible adaptation of Philip K. Dick's story Impostor.

I'll catch some of the films (usually not on purpose) that come out in the first four months of the year on DVD, especially if recommended or capture some interest and sometimes I enjoy them. But the first four month release films risk is just way too high.

Today I am proud to announce I haven't seen a 2008 release film yet this whole year, hitting my goal of no movie in the first four months.

Tonight I will be seeing Iron Man...the first summer blockbuster of 2008. Bring it on! Let the 2008 film season begin.

Download-To-Own: iTunes Works Deals with Major Studios

In April 2006 I did a post on the first movie that was available in a download-for-purchase format, the same day as it's DVD release day. That movie was Brokeback Mountain and it was released through a site called CinemaNow.com.

In July 2006 I posted again on the subject of download-to-own video. CinemaNow continued to trail blaze with anti-piracy technology, as well as lowering the price, and making the playability of these devices more functional. I commend CinemaNow as within a couple of months they trail blazed in the industry that at that point had not yet developed a reasonable demand to work out the twinks with the technology and lower the price. Smaller studios like Lionsgate where more interested in putting themselves out there.

Yet, 2 years since the first simultaneous download-to-own video came out the industry is of downloadable video is continuing to grow. Big news today as itunes will now be offering download-to-own video of all new releases from the major studios. Apple began online rental in January with the major players, but it looks like studios are more eager than ever to boost sales through selling online digital files which can be viewed on iPods, computers, and Apple TV devices. New Releases at this point are set to cost 14.99 while catalogue titles will be cheaper.

The development and growth of this industry has been an interesting one to track. Earlier this year I sold all of my VHS tapes on eBay, but it makes you wonder, how much longer will DVDs or even DVD players be standard (or BluRay for that matter).

It's an interesting industry, and it's interesting to track how the movie industry is adapting and trusting new technology formats and markets.

Quick Poll: Life's Biggest Questions

Here's a quick poll.

I will explain later, but if I were to ask you (which I am)...
"What Are Life's Biggest Questions?"
What would you answer (or shall I say questions) be?

Bring on the questions!

Quality 80s? Part IX

We haven't done an 80s post in almost a month, so if you're new to StrangeCulture or interested in catching up, the point of this posts is to search for quality 80s films that can stand the test of time avoiding overly 80s quirkiness.

This post includes Phillip Kaufman's 2 1980s films and a highly acclaimed Japanese Film...all of which were long, long, long.

Previous 80s mini-reviews can be found here: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, & Part VII, & Part VIII.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)
Directed by Philip Kaufman
Recommended by Oscar (2 noms), Will

This film is one of my least favorite 80s recommendations yet. I thought I'd enjoy it since it's cast is so high caliber (Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliet Binoche, Lena Olin, Stellan Skarsgard) but in reality I found this film way too long, more risque then I prefer and with a story I simply could not get too interested in.

Lewis' role as a Czech doctor torn between two lovers (one is a long-term strictly physical relationship, while the other comes with more care and affection) does a good job, as he always does, but even he was less refined than I'm used to seeing him. I thought the most redeeming part of the story line was the passion that Tereza (Binoche) had for capturing war time photography.

The Right Stuff (1983)
Directed by Philip Kaufman
Recommended by Oscar (4 wins out of 8 noms), & kat

As much as I didn't enjoy Kaufman's 1988 feature, I loved this film. Clocking at well over three hours, this film is absolutely enchanting as it tells in a very honest way the early story of the American space story as it specifically related to America's first astronauts. The high level character development, the acting, and certainly the special effects make this film a great joy to watch. I'm certainly glad I caught this one.

Sam Shephard (as Chuck Yaeger), Dennis Quaid (as Gordon Cooper), and Ed Harris (John Glenn) are especially excellent. After a little discussion formed in the comments of my recent Neil Armstrong post my interest increased, and I am so glad I watched this film in my attempt to increase by 80s viewing. It made me want to head to Kennedy Space Center and see it all again in a new light.

Ran (1985)
Directed by Akira Kurosawa
Recommended by IMDb (#13 80s film), Oscar (won costumes, three additional noms including best director), Jandy, Will, & jasdye

Maybe I'm not supposed to say it, but I wish this film was shorter. I wish the editing was tighter. And I wish the Shakespeare-esque screenplay (fool included) didn't make it such a challengingly painful film to watch.

The story is unique, with all the intrigue you'd expect from a story about an old/competent king who starts to distribute his property and power to his three sons, who for various reasons find their allegiance to each other and their father very weak...leaving the father powerless, homeless, and insane, as the fighting between sons takes place.

To me, this is certainly one of those films I appreciate more than enjoy. The full on battle scenes are very impressive, and in many ways remind me of the work that was done in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the music is great, the costumes, the story line, it's all there. Great fight scenes but too much talking and theatrics. I'm glad I've finally seen it, but I also feel like I could have benefited from some Cliff Notes.

W Movies - Oliver Stone is not the First

Of all the letters, W certainly isn't the most popular of letters. Definitely not one that senior citizens and blond collegiates instantly shout out while watching Wheel of Fortune.

Yet, I must admit, the letter W is a strikingly attractive looking letter. It has far more character than some of those boring letters, like 'C' or 'O.'

After writing some well-commented post on the topic of Oliver Stone's movie upcoming presidential film "W," I've realized that I haven't noticed any comment on the other "W" titled films that show up one a search of imdb.com.

Oliver Stone's film is distinguishable from the other W-titled films in three ways.

Oliver Stone's W-film:

1. Has actual celebrities in it
2. People will actually see it
3. Oliver Stone & Company have place a period following the W so that the title looks like this: "W."

Previous W-titled pictures include.

W (1974) which to received a title modification when USA-television aired it, calling it "W is the Mark of Death." This film apparently is a suspense thriller staring Eugene Roche as a detective.

W (2003) appears to be a little seen edgy french film that involves a man who "accidentally" falls in love with a transvestite bartender.

W (1983) is a five minute short from Finland, and W (2004) is a 37 minute short from Finland.

The first 4 "W" films seem like definite passers. Will the period at the end and the cast be enough to distinguish this fifth W-film?

Preparing A Space For Baby

After multiple trips of just going in and looking around, I finally have gotten over my fear of Babies 'R Us, although I still think it's one of the craziest most intimidating places on the planet (these bibs are made with Organic Cotton? And this changing pad is ergonomic, and is supposed to support higher brain function, it may be over this one that fifteen dollars cheaper...if you love your babies brain...)

It's sort of odd, but it's hard to know as a soon-to-be-Dad how to "prepare for the baby." Nine months is a long time, and the got-to-be-doing side of me feels like I need to be preparing in some way.

There are some things I can do to prepare, but in many ways I feel like my wife and I have been preparing since day one of our marriage, learning to have a healthy family. At the right time, God has paved the way for us to expand our family with a baby girl this upcoming June.

But beyond things like preparing financially for maternity, making the pre-trips to the hospital, going with the wife to her appointments, there's only so much the male can do...the female has to adjust eating and sleeping patterns, deal with a changing body, changing clothes, changing hormones and prepare for various "mom things" like feeding.

So, it's been surprisingly enjoyable to help "preparing the baby space" (or shall we say...the nursery). Although my preference is for blank white walls and minimal furnishings, preparing a baby nursery has been a lot more fun then I would have expected, especially painting. We've painted pink walls, I've painted a bookshelf, and today tasked myself to a new painting project...painting wall art to match the baby bedding.

The three canvases will go up soon, (they are designed to match the Pottery Barn crib bedding you can see on my wife's blog here, believe me if I wasn't copying pottery barn the red flower would have more detail and the yellow flower wouldn't have square leaves). It was a really fun project, and I thought I'd share my amateur artwork here on my blog (just slightly more sophisticated than the last time I displayed "artwork").

Going Your Own Way or Playing Ball: Are You a Prewitt or a Warden?

Robert E. Lee Prewitt (Montgomery Clift):

"A man don't go his own way, he's nothing."

Sergeant Milton Warden (Burt Lancaster):

"Maybe back in the days of the pioneers a man could go his own way, but today you got to play ball."

-From Here To Eternity (1953)