Best Of

A great actor, a vagabond in a great movie…Lee Marvin

The best of those studio directors who, more or less the same age as Orson Welles, began working in movies within a decade of “Citizen Kane” (1941) represent Hollywood’s “greatest generation.” Survivors of the Great Depression and often veterans of World War II, they fought the good war against assembly-line filmmaking. Robert Aldrich (1918-83) and Nicholas Ray (1911-79) were two.

Both men specialized in unconventional genre movies with larger-than-life antiheroes. Their vigorous melodramas and baroque action films were often self-consciously American. Like other members of the greatest generation, they were influenced by Ernest Hemingway’s emphasis on rites of midcentury existential manliness — although Aldrich’s “Emperor of the North” (1973), out on Blu-ray from Twilight Time, was inspired by the writing of and about Jack London, Hemingway’s precursor in literary swagger.

One of the strongest movies of Aldrich’s late career, “Emperor of the North” (a project originally intended for the mad macho man Sam Peckinpah) concerns the near-cosmic struggle between a laconic super-hobo known as A-No. 1 (Lee Marvin) and an implacably sadistic railroad employee (Ernest Borgnine) called simply the Shack, hobo slang for brakeman. The Shack is a killer who has never allowed a vagrant aboard his train; the ’bo who gets by him will be crowned Emperor of the North Pole, a pointedly meaningless honor that gave the movie its original title.

“The Road,” London’s memoir of riding the rails, was a tale of the 1890s; Christopher Knopf’s screenplay updates the action to 1933. The movie’s tone is post-“Bonnie and Clyde” Hollywood new wave, a scenic outlaw ballad mixing instances of extreme violence with ragtime high jinks. Lyrical passages with the sunlight streaming through the boxcar slats slam up against brawny Soviet-style montages of steel and steam. There are flickers of soft-focus period nostalgia, but the movie’s anti-authoritarianism is as resolute as the snub nose on Marvin’s fist-like face.
“Emperor of the North” opened a year after Martin Scorsese’s underappreciated “Boxcar Bertha” starred Barbara Hershey as a rail-riding union organizer. But Aldrich’s movie — a briefly glimpsed and appropriately hard-boiled young woman aside — plays out in an almost exclusively male world. Romantic interest, such as it is, is provided by a good-looking, aggressively callow aspiring hobo (Keith Carradine) named Cigaret (after London’s on-the-road nom de guerre), who functions as A-No. 1’s unwilling sidekick and pesky nemesis.
A-No. 1 is a canny operator, and so is Aldrich, who manages to spin a yarn at once discursive and streamlined. The action, filmed in and around Cottage Grove, Ore., on the same stretch of tracks as Buster Keaton’s “The General,” never leaves the sylvan Northwest. The ultimate battle, waged with chains, planks and axes between two primeval forces atop a speeding train, caps what finally comes to seem an abstract contest in time and space — a he-man illustration of the Johnny Mercer song “Something’s Gotta Give.”
“Wind Across the Everglades” (1958), directed by Ray from a screenplay by Budd Schulberg, a writer in the Hemingway mode, is another atmospheric, location-rich action film.
Set in the Florida Everglades in the early 1900s, the movie, out on DVD from Warner Archive, pivots on the mortal combat between two equally determined men. That this struggle pits Burl Ives’s brutal swamp rat, a poacher known as Cottonmouth (for the pet water moccasin in his pocket), against Christopher Plummer’s dedicated game warden, mockingly called Bird Boy, provides a backbeat of absurdity.
The movie’s tough-guy writer (brother to the producer Stuart Schulberg) and its bad-boy director were fiercely at odds. Fired before “Wind” wrapped, Ray rarely spoke of the film; Schulberg published his script but regarded the movie as a cobbled-together disaster. Yet in faraway France, the young critics of Cahiers du Cinéma saw “Wind” as additional proof of the director’s genius.
The war between Cottonmouth and Bird Boy (and perhaps Schulberg and Ray) makes for a compelling, occasionally brilliant mess. No one’s idea of an auteurist, the New York Times critic Bosley Crowther wrote that while “Wind” “happens to be one of the most disordered professional motion pictures we’ve ever seen, it also happens to be unusual, robust and picturesque.” Not to mention deeply and perhaps unintentionally idiosyncratic.
The surrealism is heightened both by inserted wildlife footage worthy of the National Geographic Channel and the lacunae left by truncated subplots. Bird Boy gets moral support and a Star of David pendant from a family of Jewish immigrants whose back story is never fully explained. Similarly, the absence of scenes identifying Cottonmouth’s teenage protégé as his son suggests that the boy may be his paramour, adding a possible subtext to the swamp rat brotherhood. Aside from a brief scene in a bordello (run by the retired stripper GypsyRose Lee), there is little preparation for the drunken face-off between Bird Boy and Cottonmouth, which ends with the all-American declaration “Here’s to livin’ free!”
Creepy reptiles share screen space with colorful supporting players. Schulberg may have been responsible for packing Cottonmouth’s gang with the circus clown Emmett Kelly, the jockey Sammy Renick and the heavyweight boxer Tony Galento, as well as casting the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer MacKinlay Kantor as a local judge, although Ray, who once programmed folk singers (including Ives) for the Voice of America, was more likely responsible for recruiting the Florida R&B artist Rufus Beacham (uncredited) as a fancy-house piano player.
Neither “Emperor of the North” nor “Wind Across the Everglades” is “Citizen Kane” (or even Welles’s last studio film, “Touch of Evil”). But both attest to a time when Hollywood often produced unheralded, offbeat, personal works of art.
‘Emperor of the North’ and ‘Wind Across the Everglades’: Fighters in Nature and Showbiz
PROC. BY MOVIES

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How to spot eyelash mites

Eyelash mites might sound like something out of a horror story, but they’re more common than you think. These microscopic creatures, known as Demodex mites, live on nearly everyone’s skin.

For most, they’re harmless. However, when their population grows out of control, they can lead to irritation, discomfort, and even eye problems. Knowing how to spot and manage them is essential, especially as we age.

What Are Eyelash Mites?

Demodex mites are tiny parasites that primarily live in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, according to WebMD.

There are two main types: Demodex folliculorum, which lives in hair follicles, and Demodex brevis, which prefers oil glands. While these mites naturally coexist with humans, factors like age, poor hygiene, or a weakened immune system can cause their numbers to increase, leading to issues such as blepharitis (eyelid inflammation).

Signs You Might Have Eyelash Mites

While not everyone experiences symptoms, an overgrowth of Demodex mites can cause noticeable discomfort. Signs include:

Red, itchy, or swollen eyelids.
A gritty or burning sensation in the eyes.
Crusty debris around the base of the eyelashes.
Eyelash loss or thinning.
Increased sensitivity to light.

If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be worth discussing the possibility of eyelash mites with your doctor or eye specialist.

How to Manage and Eliminate Eyelash Mites

The good news is that controlling eyelash mites is often simple with good hygiene and proper care. Here are steps that Healthline has recommended to take:

Keep Your Face Clean
Wash your face daily, paying special attention to your eyelids and lashes. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, as harsh soaps can irritate the skin further.
Invest in Eyelid Wipes
Specially formulated eyelid wipes can help remove debris and excess oil where mites thrive. Look for products containing tea tree oil, known for its antimicrobial properties.
Wash Bedding Frequently
Mites can transfer to bedding, so clean your pillowcases and sheets regularly. Use hot water and dry them on high heat for best results.
Avoid Sharing Personal Items
Sharing items like makeup or towels can spread mites, so keep these personal.
Consult a Specialist
In severe cases, a healthcare professional might recommend medicated ointments or prescription treatments to manage the condition.

Prevention is Key

For those aged 50 and older, maintaining proper skin care becomes even more critical, as changes in skin health can make it easier for mites to thrive. Regular check-ups and good hygiene habits can help prevent problems before they start.

While eyelash mites aren’t dangerous, they can cause significant discomfort if left unchecked. By staying informed and proactive, you can keep your eyes healthy and free from unwanted visitors.

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Hidden detail in Starbucks’ green siren makes her more ‘human’

Many of us know the Starbucks’ siren as the green vixen who lures thirsty people into her stores, enchanting coffee lovers with her magical brew and her irresistible aromas.

And though she quickly triggers a coffee craving with her promise of the perfect blend, there’s a few small details that make the two-tailed mermaid delicously imperfect.

In 1971, when Starbucks was just a humble coffee bean retailer in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, the founders were looking for a name and logo that embodied adventure and the seafaring tradition of early coffee traders.

After considering names like Pequod, the whaling ship from “Moby-Dick,” the company settled on Starbucks, inspired by the first mate in Herman Melville’s novel.

This maritime theme led to the selection of a twin-tailed mermaid, or siren, as the logo, symbolizing the allure and mystery of the sea.

“It’s the siren. She is not a real person, but we kind of think of her as one. She’s the biggest symbol of our brand…She’s the face of it,” says Steve Murray, a creative director in the Starbucks Global Creative Studio. “The siren is like a super mermaid. A mermaid with one tail is just a plain ol’ mermaid. (Sorry Ariel).”

Her first facelift

The original logo featured a brown, monochrome image of the bare-breasted siren, reflecting the earthy tones of coffee. However, in 1987, as Starbucks expanded, the logo had a makeover, and the creepy creature became less creepy.

The color shifted to a vibrant green, symbolizing growth, freshness, and the brand’s commitment to quality. Additionally, the siren’s hair was adjusted to cover her breasts, making the image more modest and aligning with evolving societal norms.

Another makeover

By 1992, Starbucks had become a household name, prompting another logo update. This time, the focus was on the siren’s face, cropping out her body to create a more intimate and recognizable image. Only the tips of her tails, still held in her two hands, were visible.

She speaks for herself

In 2011, to celebrate its 40^th anniversary, Starbucks unveiled a bold new logo. The company name was removed, leaving only the siren to represent the brand.

“I hope when people see the siren on their cup, of course it’s going to stand for what they’re going to get from Starbucks,” Murray said of the globally recognized logo “If the siren is on that cup of coffee, it’s going to be awesome.”

Making her more ‘human’

This minimalist approach signified Starbucks’ evolution beyond just coffee, embracing a broader range of products and experiences. The siren’s face was further refined, making her appear more human and relatable.

Speaking of the siren’s face, there’s a fascinating detail that many might miss. While the logo’s design aims for symmetry, a slight asymmetry was intentionally introduced to make the siren appear more human and less like a “perfectly cut mask.”

She couldn’t be “perfect, like Barbie,” and needed a subtle imperfection to add character and warmth to the logo, making her more inviting to customers.

Global creative director Connie Birdsall tells Fast Company that the design team had “to step back and put some” “humanity back” in the siren’s face. “The imperfection was important to making her really successful as a mark,” she said.

“In the end, just for the face part of the drawing, there’s a slight asymmetry to it. It has a bit more shadow on the right side of the face,” says design partner Bogdan Geana. “It felt a bit more human and felt less like a perfectly cut mask.”

The siren today

The siren you see today is asymmetrical but you have to look very closely to spot the imperfections. There’s extra shadowing on the right side – her right eyebrow looks longer – and her nose dips lower, also on the right.

Can you see it now that you know?

The Starbucks’ logo is more than just a green circle with a siren; it’s a symbol of the brand’s journey, values, and connection with its customers. Next time you sip your favorite brew, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and hidden stories behind that iconic two-tailed mermaid.

Please let us know what you think of this story and then share it with your friends so we can hear from them!

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Bindi Irwin fears for daughter Grace’s health

For a decade, Bindi Irwin kept her battle with endometriosis hidden from the public eye.

Now, she’s opening up about the pain and uncertainty that shaped her journey — not just for herself, but for her daughter Grace’s future health.

Over a decade of hiding her symptoms

Bindi Irwin has truly carved out a name for herself over the years. As the daughter of the legendary Steve Irwin, she had enormous shoes to fill after her father’s untimely passing, but she’s done so with grace and determination.

With her sun-kissed hair, brown eyes, and her dad’s infectious smile, Bindi has become a beloved figure in the world of wildlife conservation.

But her journey to an independent and peaceful life has been marked by shame, pain, and fear. For 10 years, Bindi was in so much pain, fighting an invisible battle every day – but she wore a brave face and pushed herself to be the smiling image everyone expected.

When the lights went off, Bindi spent countless hours trying to maintain a happy front while secretly struggling to stay afloat.

”I lived for more than 10 years trying desperately to hide my symptoms,” she tells 9honey.

Bindi Irwin symptoms

Everything began when Bindi Irwin got her first period. With it came pain, nausea, and fatigue, which only worsened as she got older. Despite this, Bindi tried to carry on with life as usual. She got married in 2020, and from the outside, no one suspected she was suffering in secret.

But Bindi knew something wasn’t right, so she took action several times. She visited doctors, had blood tests, and underwent various tests, but none of this provided clear answers.

“I was tested for cancer. I had MRIs, I had ultrasounds, I had CT scans, just you name it. I was checked for everything,” Bindi once shared.

It even got to the point where her doctor suggested that the pain was all in her head. Without any medical answers, Bindi started to believe the doctor. Maybe it really was all in her mind?

All the stress and pressure took its toll eventually. She struggled mentally and began to withdraw. Her public appearances became less frequent.

Anyone who has been sick without getting any answers can probably relate — you end up feeling very isolated with your symptoms and withdraw from others. You don’t want to talk about it all the time.

That’s why it was such a huge relief when Bindi Irwin was finally diagnosed with endometriosis, an incurable disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

To put this into perspective, getting a diagnosis takes an average of 6.5 years in Australia. Bindi had waited nearly a decade.

Discovered 37 lesions and a chocolate cyst

In 2023, Bindi took to Instagram to reveal that she had undergone surgery for endometriosis. Looking back, Bindi admitted that she was terrified before pressing ”post” to share her story on Instagram.

”At the end of the day, sharing my story with endometriosis felt so important to me that it outweighed my worry,” she told Honey9.

When the surgeons opened her up, the true cost of going undiagnosed for so long became clear: they discovered 37 lesions and a chocolate cyst, which is a cyst filled with menstrual blood.

Had Bindi gone on for a few more years with her condition, it could have had fatal consequences. It’s not impossible that she might not have made it.

Luckily, Bindi has always had a strong support system at home. Chandler Powell, her husband, an American professional wakeboarder from Florida, held her hand when she was at her lowest.

After her surgery in 2023, Chandler expressed his admiration, saying she is the strongest and toughest person he knows and that he’s excited for the new chapter in their lives.

Terri Irwin, her mother, also provided her with unconditional love.

Will Bindi Irwin have more kids?

Endometriosis can make it harder for women to have children, and according to Honey9, up to 50 percent of people with the disease may experience infertility. Given this, it’s pretty incredible that Bindi Irwin gave birth to a daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, on March 25, 2021.

“Along my pregnancy journey. I would often have times when I thought I was miscarrying because I would have severe unexplained pain. I would think that I was loosing our beautiful daughter,” Bindi said and broke down in tears during an emotional interview with Good Morning America.

Over the years, Bindi has been cautious about sharing her journey to motherhood, but she has talked about the unhealthy pressure and expectations placed on women to have children.

”I get asked if I’m having more kids every. Single. Day,” she says. While she knows most people mean no harm, ”but it can actually be a really hurtful question.”

After all, she’ll be living with this disease for the rest of her life. Bindi Irwin acknowledges that there is still a long road ahead. She feels as though she is still working to rebuild herself into the person she was before endometriosis took so much from her.

Endometriosis can run in families

As Bindi continues to recover, there’s a lingering concern that gnaws at her. It’s known that endometriosis can run in families.

“We know that there are both genetic and environmental influences that drive endometriosis, with 50% genetically related (DNA and genes) and 50% environmental factors, including lifestyle, what we eat, exposure to chemicals and the atmosphere,” Dr. Holdsworth-Carson, a researcher, told The Royal Women’s Hospital.

“There is a very, very big possibility that Grace will have endometriosis, which really does weigh on me,” Bindi says.

It’s truly heartbreaking that Bindi had to endure so much before finally receiving a proper diagnosis. She suffered so long needlessly. I truly hope her daughter, Grace, doesn’t have to face the same struggles. But at least now that the family is aware of the issue, if Grace were to experience similar symptoms, she won’t have to endure the same long and painful journey to get help.

I’m so glad Bindi is sharing her story! Breaking the stigma surrounding endometriosis is half the battle, according to her, and Bindi is doing an amazing job by being so open about it.

Hopefully, her public persona and strong advocacy will help raise awareness, lead to faster diagnoses, and improve treatments. Such a big part of the problem is how much people don’t know what it is or what the signs are.

No woman should have to suffer because some doctors lack knowledge. Share this article if you agree!