Tom's Blog on Life

Imagine being born the size of a jellybean and then crawling blindly to safety. For the newborn red kangaroo in Australia, this is just the first few minutes of life.

This tiny creature, barely an inch long, emerges after only about 34 days of gestation. He is translucent, blind, hairless, and looks more like a little worm than a kangaroo.

Instinct alone guides him on a dangerous journey. Using only his small forelimbs, he must climb through his mother’s thick fur to reach the safety of her pouch.

This difficult climb can take around three minutes. It is a slow and perilous trip, and any fall would be the end of him.

Once inside the pouch, he latches onto a nipple, which swells in his mouth to keep him securely attached. He will not leave the pouch again for many months.

He will spend the next six to eight months developing inside this warm, safe nursery, eventually growing into a recognizable joey ready to see the world.

It is an amazing process to consider. The little guy goes from being completely helpless to a young kangaroo preparing to explore the outback.

This unique reproductive strategy is what sets marsupials apart, a design perfectly suited for the often harsh Australian environment.

Sources: Australian Museum, American Museum of Natural History, World Animal Protection

Secondhand Lions (2003) is one of those rare films that sneaks up on you with its quiet magic and ends up staying in your heart forever. Directed by Tim McCanlies, this nostalgic coming-of-age story blends humor, tall-tale adventure, and tender wisdom in a way that feels timeless.

The story follows Walter (Haley Joel Osment), a shy, lonely boy sent to live with his two eccentric great-uncles—Hub (Robert Duvall) and Garth (Michael Caine)—on a dusty Texas farm in the 1960s. At first, the men seem gruff and impossible, more comfortable firing shotguns than showing affection. But over the course of one unforgettable summer, Walter learns their secrets: whispered legends of treasure, a great lost love, wild adventures in Africa, and a code of honor that still guides their lives.

What he discovers isn’t just the truth about his uncles’ past—it’s a new way of seeing the world. In their rough-edged way, Hub and Garth teach him about courage, loyalty, and the importance of living a life worth remembering. And in return, Walter gives them something they never expected: a chance to be family again.

What makes Secondhand Lions so beloved is its balance of whimsy and honesty. Robert Duvall and Michael Caine are unforgettable as the crusty old men with hearts of gold, while Haley Joel Osment delivers one of his most heartfelt performances. Together, they remind us that storytelling—whether fact or fiction—has the power to shape who we are.

It’s a film about legacy, about believing in the impossible, and about finding love and honor in unlikely places. Equal parts funny, touching, and inspiring, Secondhand Lions remains a comfort watch—a story that makes you laugh, makes you cry, and makes you believe that even the wildest tales hold a kernel of truth.

When Dances with Wolves was first conceived, very few believed it would ever see the light of day, let alone become a cinematic milestone. Kevin Costner, then better known as an actor than a director, took a huge gamble by making it his directorial debut. What is less known is how close the film came to being released entirely in Lakota with subtitles. Costner was adamant about authenticity, and the Lakota elders on set encouraged the use of their language. Studio executives feared audiences would reject it, but Costner fought for the vision. The final cut blended English and Lakota, creating a rare cultural depth that became one of the movie’s hallmarks.

Another fascinating detail lies in the work of Graham Greene, who played Kicking Bird. Greene immersed himself so deeply in his role that even off-camera, he continued speaking Lakota with tribe members. His dedication impressed the cultural advisers on set, who remarked that Greene’s commitment elevated the authenticity of the entire production. Many of the Sioux cast members were not trained actors, yet their natural presence and cultural knowledge helped ground the film in reality.

The legendary buffalo hunt sequence nearly collapsed before shooting. The production had secured more than 3,500 trained buffalo, but a last-minute logistical mishap put the entire scene at risk. Without hesitation, Costner personally financed part of the transport, ensuring the sequence went forward. This gamble paid off—the hunt became one of the most iconic and visually stunning moments in the film.

What makes these behind-the-scenes stories remarkable is how they reflect the spirit of the movie itself: perseverance, respect for culture, and an unwavering belief in storytelling. Against countless obstacles, Dances with Wolves became not only a box office triumph but also a landmark in how Native American life was portrayed on screen, blending artistry with authenticity in a way few films had dared before