I watched Spy Game this evening, for the third time, and I gotta say, this movie rocks. Along with about 50% of the population (the ones with Y chromosomes), I used to think Brad Pitt was such a pretty boy weaknut. Then, after awesome showings in Snatch, Fight Club, and Spy Game, I completely retract my previous opinion of the man. In fact, he's since become one of my favorite actors, if not my favorite. Here's why: in these movies, he's consistently rugged, not muscle bound, but skinny, sinewy, seriously tough, and completely unaware of pain. Not a mashochist, just ... unphazed. I love the scene when Robert Redford first meets Brad Pitt in Spy Game, in Vietnam. Pitt is a boy scout turned military sniper - totally unapologetic, not in the least bit out to please, unashamed of his background and who he is, all summed up in an undeliberate and steadily intense gaze. Redford, too, is a man's man in his own way - wiley and weasily veteran, intensely sneaky and intuitive, cold blooded in his manipulation of situations and people, smart, creative, charming. Again, completely unapologetic. Unconcerned with formal protocol and rules of engagement. Unafraid to be dangerous. Perhaps the ladies who were turned on to Brad from the beginning saw something that us guys overlooked about being a hero? Hehe, or maybe they just thought he was a really good lookin chap. That always seems to help. One thing in particular that I really really appreciate about my time in college around the fellas was this - the tremendous appetite for life, laughter, and adventure I find in my friends. They pursue excitement in this lifetime to the fullest of their energies - as said - "All men die, few men ever really live." In my college friends I find a group of people who are unafraid of risk, unafraid to take a loss to push the envelope of excitement for the now - gamblers at heart indeed. The implementation of which I believe is ultimately flawed, but the heart behind which I truly appreciate and learn from, and I think, for better or for worse, has become a part of me. Allow me to quote a line or two from the Dirty Ratz webpage - pardon the french, but I think this pretty much sums it up: Question 1:The name suggests that all of you guys are DIRTY. Is that true?? Yes, by heart, we are all dirty. We embrace our dirtiness and use it for good rather than evil. Of course, some men are Dirtier than others. Question 2: How do I get to be a DirtyRat?? There are no membership dues or physical requirements that might suggest that you are a DirtyRat (maybe a T-shirt coming soon). You just have to have a Dirty aura about you. Our Dirty trips are great initiation tools for the beginners and are one of the requirements to be a Dirty Ratz. Follow some experienced DirtyRatz around and observe their movements, gestures and actions. Learn and marvel at the Level of Dirty they've mastered. Remember, being a DirtyRat is a 24/7 occupation. It is not for the faint of heart!! Consider carefully before take your next step to Dirtiness. Question 3: What are the requirements for a DirtyRat? One of the most important requirements is the ability to say "fuck it, let's do it". Allow me to demonstrate. A fellow Dirty Rat comes up to you and says, "Our next Dirty mission is to go sky diving. You down?" You are thinking to yourself, "i'm afraid of heights, i'm broke as a joke, and I want to live ....blah...blah...blah...." Whatever weaknut. This is very critical. If you can say "fuck it, let's do it" without hesitation then you're are a true Dirty Rat at heart. Remember, all men are not created equal, some men are Dirtier than others. It's OK to back down. With that, I leave you with some images of God's own creation, and our appreciation of it: Beautiful waterfall at yosemite. One of my favorite pics. Cong & I. More to come later ...