We live in a traditionally sports minded culture. Deeply rooted in athletic traditions, we are surrounded by memories and monuments dedicated to competitive heroes, and are steeped in the slow motion glory of endless highlight reels. We live in a society that does not scoff at the price tag of $300 million stadiums, or the exorbitant salaries of $200 million stars. 

This is America, and we love action; crunching tackles, sprinting runs, and high stakes risk. Why then, is rugby union not included in our palette of much hyped sports? 

After all, rugby is the precursor to American football, and many of football’s current elements are native to the game of rugby. According to legend, the game of rugby began as the result of a soccer player picking up and running forward with the ball during a soccer match in 1823; mankind’s lust for aggressive action then inevitably intervened. And many years later, the game of rugby has evolved into arguably the world’s most physically demanding and competitive sport. 

Played without the protection of NFL style padding, 15 players on each side battle it out on a quest to the opposite try line, through 80 total minutes of near non-stop play. The game is played on a pitch (field) similar to soccer dimensions, and the ball is thrown laterally or backward (no forward passing). So, the question remains; why not rugby?  It’s among the top 3 most watched and played sports globally, and among the most rapidly rising sports here in the States.

Give yourself a break from time-outs, first downs, commercial breaks, strike-outs, and NASCAR, and charge head first into the organized melee that is rugby.

Ella Baker Center's Books Not Bars Rally

These days, activism and public service are essential to the country’s rebuilding process. Books Not Bars, an organization founded by the Oakland-based Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, is dedicated to the alternative rehabilitation of California’s youth, and to the concept of community service.

Looking to remedy the state’s inhumane juvenile justice system (where troubled kids are often locked up in 21-hour solitary confinement, leading to the deaths of six young people), they aim to educate rather than suppress and abuse. Since its creation in 2004, the organization has amassed some impressive milestones and racked up key victories, including reducing the prison youth population by 60 percent, and garnering critical and increasing support from community leaders and families of incarcerated children.

This year, Books Not Bars aims to shut down two California youth prisons, Preston and Stark, where just five years ago two young inmates hung themselves after a grueling 23 hours of confinement. You can help fight California’s Division of Juvenile Justice by visiting ellabakercenter.org/bnb to spread the word.

M (1931)

Combine a great story with stunning visuals, and you generally have a film worth at least one viewing.  Surprisingly enough, these two elements have been working their magic since 1931.  1931, you say?  Stunning visuals?  Perhaps you should pick up a copy of “M” to see exactly what I mean.  Set in Germany, the film depicts the hysteria caused when a child murderer appears on the scene and wreaks havoc.  The whole town takes up the case; the ordinary citizens, the police force, and even the criminal underworld.  The ordinary citizens begin pointing fingers, and as a result of business killing curfews and restrictions, the crooks set out to find the killer.  Brilliance.  In the end, the cops definitely have their work cut out for them.  Don’t let the release date of this movie fool you; the originality of this film endures through the ages.

Harakiri (1962)

A great script (with excellent dialogue) and convincing acting are two other make or break elements when it comes to film.  The proper mixture can leave an audience stunned, gaping, and breathless.  Harakiri does just that; takes the viewer on a surprising journey filled with compassion, justice, hardship, revenge, and love.  Following the story of Hanshiro Tsugumo is an intense task; the film is, for the most part, a story that he is relaying to another, which in turn sets the backdrop for a chillingly unexpected finale.  This poignant tale by director Masaki Kobayashi is a must for any Japanese film buff.

Der Untergang (Downfall) (2004)

Give me a director who takes a meticulous approach to detail any day of the week.  They generally know how to deliver the goods to the viewer.  Der Untergang (Downfall) is a classic example of the power that simple detail can bring.  The film essentially tells the story of Hitler’s last few weeks tucked away with his staff in a secret bunker during the final weeks of WWII.  It is replete with rampant confusion, frustration, ineptitude, and betrayal, but amazingly manages to extract a shred of humanity.  Told by a German director and with a German perspective, the film refuses to dignify the ill-fated leader, but rather, allows the viewer a realistic glimpse into the lives of those who accompanied him on his downfall.

Au Revoir Les Enfants (Goodbye Children) (1987)

Memories have often been the catalyst for history’s most timeless films, as many an epic masterwork was based on a writer or director’s life experiences.  French director Louis Malle drew upon his experiences at a Catholic boarding school during WWII to weave a tale of discovery, betrayal, and childhood friendship.  The film takes on a minimalist approach to the characters and the setting, relying on raw dialogue and stark visuals to carry the heavy weight of the subject matter.  This is considered one of Malle’s greatest works, and one that you should definitely add to your list.

The Razor’s Edge (1946)

While memories can create a thrilling movie, novels also have the ability (sometimes) to conjure up a film classic.  The Razor’s Edge is among author W. Somerset Maugham’s most triumphant books, chronicling the life of Larry Darrell and his quest to find the meaning of life, and ultimately, himself.  Larry abandons a life of privilege and embraces a path of self-discovery, a global journey that will ultimately shape his life and those around him.  The film adaptation attempts to replicate this saga, and with the venerable Tyrone Power in the lead, does an adequate job recreating the highs and lows of such a lonely road.

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