Click Bruce Lee’s image to read our cover story.
‘Bruce Lee was an evangelist’
A BOUNDARY BREAKER—If all you know about Bruce Lee is that he made some violent martial arts movies back in the 1970s—then you’ve missed the impact of Bruce’s life among millions of men and women around the world. That’s the important new message of the first in-depth biography of Lee, just published by journalist and best-selling author Matthew Polly. Please, read our cover story this week, which is likely to surprise you about the motivations and long-shot accomplishments that drove Bruce Lee’s short life. Even though he died tragically 45 years ago, his impact continues to this day. And, no, that legacy is not limited to the explosion of martial arts media. Lee had a unique approach to breaking through cultural and racial barriers. Also, our story this week includes Matthew Polly’s list of “best Bruce Lee movies” and we’ve got two new short videos about Lee that you will enjoy, as well.
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Click to read Dmitri’s story.
Crossing International Boundaries
FRONT EDGE PUBLISHING—In keeping with this week’s Cover Story about Bruce Lee, Dmitri Barvinok writes about how book publishing, today, is breaking down international boundaries. It’s easy, using the Front Edge system, to distribute books around the world. In particular, we are finding new readers across Asia.
Want to learn more about publishing today? Please, share this home address with friends: www.FrontEdgePublishing.com
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Click the fireworks to read Amy Morgan’s column.
Holidays
READY FOR THE FOURTH? Record numbers of Americans plan to travel far from home for Independence Day celebrations this year. Stephanie Fenton’s column takes us back to 1776 to explain why this date became so historic. She also links to lots of resources.
LIVE FROM COLORADO—Columnist Amy Morgan writes about how she and her church, this year, are reflecting on the Fourth of July. This year, they feel both tension and hope as they consider news events—and the calling of their faith.
Click to read about the Baha’i temple.
MARTYRDOM of THE BAB—This year on this solemn anniversary, millions of Baha’is around the world also continue to celebrate the expansion of their faith. Stephanie Fenton’s column includes news about a temple in Colombia, where the structure’s distinctive dome was just completed.
HOT DOG! Stock up now! July is National Hot Dog Month and our own resident author Joe Grimm is one of the nation’s leading hot dog experts—at least when it comes to Michigan’s signature treatment of this beloved food: the Coney Island. Enjoy our story about July’s many food festivals, which also include ice cream, chocolate and fried chicken.
Want to see all the holidays? www.InterfaithHolidays.com
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Click Kim’s photo to read his story.
MAKING SURE EVERYONE IS FED
MEET KIM BAKER—Kim and his teams of volunteers ensure that at-risk families in rural Michigan are able to find enough to eat—and, sometimes, are able to heat their homes in the midst of Michigan’s bitter winters. This week, in Suzy Farbman’s God Signs column, she tells the story of how Kim found his way into this inspiring vocation.
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Click the movie still to read Ed’s review.
FAITH & FILM
ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.
Among Ed’s free reviews and columns are:
- INCREDIBLES 2—This sequel is delightful, Ed writes, giving the film 5 out of 5 stars. Ed tells us: The opening sequence is so exciting that everyone in the family—from tots to grandparents—will be thrilled. In this case, Ed says, the suspenseful action is balanced with some wonderful character development among Mom, Dad and kids in this very challenged family of super heroes.
- JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM—But, this sequel is only so-so. This film’s fast pace doesn’t leave much time for character development. (3.5 stars)
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Click to read about On Chesil Beach.
ON CHESIL BEACH—The film features wonderful performances by a fine cast, especially the radiant Saoirse Ronan who has become a world-class actress. (4 stars)
- HOTEL ARTEMIS—Writer/director Drew Pearce’s dystopian sci-fi tale is set a few years from now in Los Angeles where the troubled populace is rioting in the streets in protest of the recent privatization of water by greedy entrepreneurs.
- WADJDA—This week, Ed reaches back a few years to celebrate the amazing movie Wadjda, the first feature filmed entirely in Saudi Arabia—and with a feminist theme! This movie is a delight and well worth seeking out on DVD, Blu-ray or streaming. (5 stars)
- FIRST REFORMED—Director/writer Paul Schrader’s latest film tackles some big issues—theological and environmental—and provides Ethan Hawke with perhaps his greatest role. (5 stars)
- WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR—Fred Rogers was the most famous Presbyterian minister in North America before his death in 2003. Ed McNulty gives this documentary by Oscar-winning director Morgan Neville 5 out of 5 stars.
- POPE FRANCIS: A MAN OF HIS WORD—Documentary filmmaker Wim Wenders presents an inspiring look at the work and travels of this pontiff, who is bringing hope to many around the world. (5 stars)
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