Clint Eastwood news that I just had to share. :)

Clint Eastwood is going to star in another movie. The movie will be called "Trouble With the Curve" (here it is on imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2083383/ ). He had previously said that "Gran Torino," arguably his best movie ever and maybe my favorite movie, was going to be his last acting role. But now he's back! CLINTON EASTWOOD, JR. IS GOING TO BE BACK ON SCREEN! :D

I shudder for you if you're unfamiliar with Clint. I grew up watching him on screen, mostly with my dad, who shares my love of good Westerns and seeing justice served. But, if for some reason you are, here are some pictures courtesy of Google images that may help you understand that Clint Eastwood > any other "macho" male actor, ever (and yes, that includes Chuck Norris. Clint is better).

Here is a young Clint. He first became famous for his role on the TV series "Rawhide" in 1959. He then went on to star in Westerns as characters usually nameless, avenging, and generally unstoppable. Clint is also the famous Harry Callahan of the "Dirty Harry" series.

 

This photo features Clint in one of the greatest Westerns of all time, "Unforgiven," which was made in 1992. Clint both directed and starred in this film. "Unforgiven" completely destroyed the myth of the archetypal Western hero as an incorruptible and physically strong man. Clint portrays William Munny as an older man who used to be a well known killer. Munny decides to partake in one last bounty hunt, and the movie displays Munny's physical and emotional weaknesses with surprising twists. Munny is not the brave and indefatigable protagonist of most Westerns; he is a flawed and fragile hero. If you've never seen a Clint Eastwood movie, I would strongly encourage you to watch this one. It's a Western with depth, often a rare find in the genre.

 

This is Clint in what was supposedly his last role as Walt Kowalski in "Gran Torino."  I think this may be his best movie; if not "Gran Torino," then "Unforgiven" is definitely his best. "Gran Torino" is not for the faint of heart, however, it presents a strong theme of respect for every human being, regardless of age or race. It's not every day that you stumble upon a movie with the lead character in his eighties and the main supporting characters played by those of the Hmong ethnicity. It's also not every day that a movie literally brings you to both raucous laughter and outbursts of crying. I've loved Clint as an actor since I first saw some of his Spaghetti Westerns, but this movie is the main reason I love him as a director. It's sheer, unadulterated genius.

I thought Clint's acting career went out with a beautiful bang in "Gran Torino." But, hey, if the man wants to come back in front of the camera, I'd like to see anyone try to stop him. I'm excited for his return and will support him, 82 years of life and all. :)

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"He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him." - John 1:10

This verse really spoke to me recently. It's crazy to think that the Creator of the universe goes unrecognized by so many every single day. Jesus Christ was and is real. Please take the time to pick up a Bible and learn about God and what He has done. It will change your life.

As birds take wing, they sing through life; so why can't we?

*Photo credit to Bell X1; found on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/bellx1
Isn't that awesome? Bell X1 is launching an acoustic tour! And right after I mentioned them in my last post, too. :) But if you want to see them in Nashville, The Basement is strictly a twenty-one and up venue. Which is ironic, because lately I've been shocked over how old I am (I'll be twenty in January), but now I'm sad because apparently I'm too young to see one of my favorite bands. Oh, well. I think I'd rather be too young for something than too old for it.

Anyway, it's raining hard down here in Tennessee. As we've been experiencing a drought, this is good news. I haven't seen rain in months. It was getting to the point where I no longer remembered what it looked like.

If you'd like to hear a nice rain song, check out R.E.M.'s aptly named "I'll Take The Rain" from their album Reveal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlIj6BxUS6E

So enjoy your day, whether you're old or young and whether it's raining for you or not. And have another picture from my photography.

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"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." - Luke 6:37 (the mercy of God is astounding; I think this statement from Jesus demonstrates this concept)