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Elvis and Ursula Andress: The Acapulco love triangle you missed

Elvis Presley’s iconic hip thrusts were legendary, but Ursula Andress, fresh from Dr. No, took things to another level in Fun in Acapulco. The chemistry between them was undeniable, but what happened behind the scenes? The answer might surprise you…

Top-grossing movie musical of 1963

Elvis Presley made everything fun, and Fun in Acapulco is no exception. With his smooth moves and jaw-dropping looks, he was basically a living, breathing work of art—like a marble statue that could sing. Add in Ursula Andress, the iconic Bond girl, and you’ve got a combo of talent and chemistry that’s impossible to ignore.

Sure, it’s your typical beachy musical, but Elvis makes it shine with his incredible voice and those catchy tunes, like “Bossa Nova Baby,” which hit Number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the top-grossing movie musical of 1963, and, believe it or not, it came out right after the heartbreaking news of JFK’s assassination.

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While the script might’ve been a little basic, Elvis’ charm and that unforgettable voice made it a must-see. Watching this iconic film today, you can’t help but see it in a whole new light. There are plenty of forgotten facts and fun bloopers that most moviegoers never even noticed back in the day. But let’s be real—talking about Fun in Acapulco without mentioning the undeniable chemistry between the leads would be impossible. So, let’s start there…

Ursula Andress had her eyes set on Elvis

In 1963, Ursula Andress was the hottest woman on the planet, fresh off her breakout role in Dr. No. In Fun in Acapulco, Ursula Andress played Marguerita Dauphin, the hotel social director who’s interested in Elvis’ character, Mike.

While she initially kept her distance from Elvis Presley, thanks to some unflattering tabloid stories, their chemistry grew as filming went on. Later, Ursula admitted how surprised and overwhelmed she felt when she first met The King, a moment that left her in awe of Elvis Presley’s larger-than-life presence.

”The only way I knew him was from TV, this new idol, this hip-swinging lover with a guitar. The first day I went to work, he came over, this humble man, full of charm, love in his eyes, and kindness, and being so considerate and warm. I was so surprised,” she said.

Normally, it was Elvis who used his charm to chase after his co-stars, but according to his Memphis Mafia buddy Sonny West, this time the tables were turned. West shared, ”They were very close. She went after him. She wanted him bad.”

Did Elvis fall in love with Ursula Andress?

Rumors of a romance between Ursula and Elvis immediately began to swirl – and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was obviously very impressed by his gorgeous co-star.

According to people close to Elvis, though, “nothing happened” between the two actors. In fact, Elvis actually didn’t seem that impressed by Ursula’s looks.

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You’d think Elvis would be into Ursula just because she dated James Dean, but maybe he had moved on from that. However, Alan Fortas, one of Elvis’ Memphis Mafia friends who knew him well, said Elvis was actually intrigued by her because of the James Dean connection.

Still, Elvis didn’t go after her, explaining that she was too broad-shouldered for his taste — definitely not the petite type he usually liked.

Elvis had a rule when it came to relationships

Maybe Elvis’ comments about Ursula’s broad shoulders were just a defense mechanism. There’s a good chance he was doing everything he could to avoid any romance with with the Swiss sex bomb, especially since he was hoping to reunite with his first love, Priscilla Presley.

In fact, Elvis was so nervous about Ursula’s charms that he made sure his entourage never left him alone with her. As his friend Alan Fortas teased him about a potential flirtation, Elvis quickly shot back, “No way, son, not with John Derek lurking all over the place. I’d be goddamned if I’d start a conversation with her and see his possessive eyes glaring at me. You know he gave her a car, and on the steering wheel it said, ‘Baby, you’re indispensable.’ Head over heels in love with her. Never saw anything like it.”

Elvis had a rule when it came to his relationships: he never went for married women. His Memphis Mafia friend Sonny West recalled, “Elvis told us never to leave him alone with her.” That rule definitely played a part in keeping things strictly professional between Elvis and Ursula, even if the sparks were flying.

What did Priscilla say?

In Pricilla Presley’s book, Elvis and Me, she recalled what Elvis had to say about Ursula and his feelings towards her. Priscilla said that Elvis thought Ursula had a ”body like a man” with no hips, and shoulders broader than his.

”I was embarrassed to take my goddam shirt off next to her,” Elvis said.

“I was surprised to hear how Elvis was talking about Ursula Andress, the alluring sex goddess of Dr. No. ‘Wasn’t she pretty?’ I asked. ‘Pretty?’ he snickered. ‘Hell, she had a bone structure so sharp, it could cut you in half if you turned too fast,’ Priscilla shared.

Wasn’t allowed to be too sexy

Even though Ursula Andress was the ultimate sex symbol as the first Bond girl in Dr. NoFun in Acapulco toned things way down for Elvis’ young audience.

Ursula wasn’t thrilled about it either, saying, “They wouldn’t let me wear a real bikini and put a ruffled thing on me. They even stuck on a hair ribbon, stupidly thinking this would please the innocent little girls in Elvis’ audiences.”

Elvis Presley didn’t film in Acapulco

I had no idea Elvis never actually filmed Fun in Acapulco in Acapulco! Turns out, a stunt double (Raul Garcia) was used for all the location shots because Elvis wasn’t even allowed in Mexico. He had been declared persona non grata by the Mexican government, and by 1963, the rumor that he had insulted Mexico was still widely believed. Even Hollywood columnist Sheilah Graham reported it as fact, writing in December 1962, “Elvis Presley made some derogatory remarks about Mexican women in a fan mag article about two years ago. In Mexico, they are only just now getting around to forgiving him.”

But Elvis never actually said anything like that. The rumor was allegedly started by a politician who was upset that Elvis refused to perform a private concert for his daughter and her friends. That didn’t stop the backlash, though—Elvis had already been on Mexico’s bad side for years.

Back in 1957, Mexico’s Education Minister banned him from performing in any government-owned venue, claiming that his rock ’n’ roll style “lacks esthetic values and is markedly pornographic.” A month later, a Hollywood columnist reported, “Elvis Presley was offered $12,000 for one TV performance in Mexico City but had turned it down because he’s too busy making movies in Hollywood.”

With all the controversy surrounding him, filming in Mexico was never an option. Presley’s worldwide fame alone would have made it impossible to go unnoticed, but with the negative press he had received, working undercover in Mexico was completely out of the question.

Elvis shot all of his scenes at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California.

Elvis was very uncomfortable in this outfit

According to the blog Deenas Days, Elvis wasn’t too thrilled about his outfit while filming the Marguerita song.

The scene itself is a classic, showcasing his incredible voice and reminding us why he’s considered one of the greatest vocalists ever. But there’s an interesting detail about his short-sleeved shirt that has since inspired many.

Elvis didn’t like the untucked, short-sleeved look, saying it wasn’t something he’d ever wear in real life. However, he had no choice — the outfit had already been worn by his double in an earlier shot.

That said, he did love most of his Latin-inspired costumes and even asked to keep his flamenco-style outfit (the navy blue and red cummerbund) along with two black silk shirts.

Elvis learns what a Margarita is… kind of.

Speaking of Marguerita, here’s a fun little detail that sharp-eyed viewers might have noticed! When Elvis Presley and Ursula Andress’s characters visit La Perla, they order two margaritas—but what they’re served looks nothing like the classic cocktail.

“Margarita, por favor,” Maggie orders, prompting Mike to cluelessly ask, “He’s asking your name?” She laughs and explains, “No, silly, a margarita is a drink made with tequila.” To which Mike, ever the charmer, replies, “Well, any drink named after you is good enough for me… two margaritas, please!”

For modern audiences, it’s hard to believe Mike wouldn’t know what a margarita is—but what’s even funnier is how the drink is portrayed in the scene. Instead of the familiar lime-infused cocktail, they’re handed what looks like straight tequila in coupe glasses, with a salted rim and a straw. Not quite the refreshing margarita we know today!

Cliff dives, trapeze tricks, and an awkward grab

Elvis Presley was all about putting on a show, but even he had his limits—especially when it came to a 136-foot cliff dive! While Fun in Acapulco made it seem like The King fearlessly leaped into the water, that daring stunt was actually performed by a professional. But that didn’t mean Elvis wasn’t up for some action. He was determined to do his own stunts, even swinging on the trapeze himself! Of course, they wisely saved that scene for the very last day of filming—just in case something went wrong.

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One of the more amusing moments happened during the triumphant post-dive celebration. After his “victorious” jump, Elvis was hoisted onto the shoulders of cheering onlookers. But there was one small problem — one of the guys carrying him got a little too handsy. Elvis kept shifting uncomfortably, leading to multiple reshoots before the overenthusiastic grabber was quietly dismissed.

And here’s another fun little detail: Despite all the water action, Elvis’ hair somehow remained perfectly combed throughout. He dives in, he swims, he climbs out—and not a strand out of place. Now that’s movie magic!

Did you spot the familiar faces?

Three familiar faces from earlier Elvis movies make brief appearances in Fun in Acapulco. Darlene Tompkins, who plays one of the underage girls in a smoky Acapulco canteen, had previously been seen as Patsy, a teenage girl Elvis’ character guided around in Blue Hawaii.

Linda Rivera, who works at the hotel telegraph desk, had a small role as a squealing bobbysoxer in Loving You (1957). Howard McNear made his third appearance in an Elvis film.

And, of course, Teri Garr made her uncredited debut as an extra in Fun in Acapulco, eventually going on to appear in four more Elvis movies before launching her own acting career. Sadly, Teri passed away in 2024. The actress died of multiple sclerosis, a disease she had battled for over 20 years.

The truth behind the photo

Looking at behind-the-scenes photos of Elvis and Ursula from Fun in Acapulco is even more fascinating today, knowing what we do about their dynamic.

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But one picture in particular caught my eye—not because it proves anything about the rumors of an affair, but for one simple reason: Who else but Elvis wears all black to the beach—long sleeves and long pants?! Only The King could make that look effortlessly cool under the Mexican sun!

The last cinematic hurrah

Fun in Acapulco was Elvis Presley’s last film release before the tidal wave of Beatlemania took over the world. The film’s lighthearted plot, Elvis’s charm, and catchy tunes offered a brief escape from the social shifts taking place.

But as the 1960s rolled on, the cultural landscape began to change. In a fun twist, The Beatles, fresh off their first American tour, made a point to visit a Florida drive-in theater to see Fun in Acapulco. It’s a fascinating snapshot of the changing entertainment scene.

If you’re a fan of both Elvis and The Beatles, this moment in time is a perfect example of how two iconic forces from different worlds were crossing paths, even if unknowingly. It’s also a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of pop culture. So, the next time you watch Fun in Acapulco, remember it wasn’t just another Elvis movie — it was the last cinematic hurrah before the world changed forever. Share your thoughts, and keep the conversation going!

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Whiten Your Teeth – Home Remedy with Ginger & Salt

Want instantly brighter teeth? This quick and natural ginger and salt remedy lifts stains, eliminates bacteria, and enhances your smile

Why Ginger & Salt Work for Whitening Teeth

✔ Removes Yellow Stains – Salt works as a natural exfoliant to cleanse and polish the enamel.
✔ K-ills Bacteria & Plaque – Ginger is packed with antibacterial properties to fight bad breath
✔ Strengthens Gums – Helps to reduce gum inflammation and sensitivity
✔ Fast & Effective – Works in just one use for a brighter smile

How to Make & Use the Ginger & Salt Whitening Treatment

Ingredients:

½ teaspoon fresh ginger (grated or powdered)
¼ teaspoon salt (fine sea salt or Himalayan salt)
A few drops of water (to form a paste)

Instructions:

– Step 1: Grate fresh ginger or use powdered ginger.
– Step 2: Mix it with salt in a small bowl.
– Step 3: Add a few drops of water to create a thick paste.
– Step 4; Apply the paste to your toothbrush and gently brush for 2 minutes.
– Step 5: Rinse well with warm water and enjoy your whiter teeth!

💡 Use this method only 2-3 times a week to avoid enamel damage.

Extra Tips for Brighter Teeth

✔ for extra whitening power, Brush with baking soda once a week
✔ Rinse with coconut oil (oil pulling) for deep cleaning and freshness
✔ Eat crunchy fruits like apples and carrots to naturally clean enamel
✔ Avoid tea, coffee, and smoking, which stain teeth over time

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Inside the hectic life of Australia’s biggest family

When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she was certain of one thing — she never wanted children.

“Ray wanted at least four kids. I thought that was crazy. Like, who has that many children?” Jeni told Mamamia.

Now, over three decades later, they are the proud parents of 16 children.

$600 every week on groceries

If you’re from Australia, you might have heard of them, but for me, it was a real shock when I first started reading about The Bonell Family.

Life for the Bonell family, who are raising 16 kids in Australia, is anything but ordinary. From feeding their large brood to coordinating the chaos of daily life, Jeni and Ray Bonell have mastered the art of juggling it all — and with a healthy dose of humor, too.

The Bonell family, from Queensland’s Toowoomba, is made up of nine boys and seven girls – Jesse, 35, Brooke, 34, Claire, 31, Natalie, 30, Karl, 28, Samuel, 26, Cameron, 25, Sabrina, 24, Tim, 22, Brandon, 20, Eve, 19, Nate, 17, Rachel, 16, Eric, 15, Damian, 14 and Katelyn, 10.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan once joked, “You know what it’s like having a fourth kid? Imagine you’re drowning, then someone hands you a baby.” So what’s it like to have sixteen kids?

Jeni, the mother at the helm, spends a staggering $600 every week on groceries just to keep their pantry stocked. With inflation hitting hard, that budget has crept up by $50. For a family of 18 (with 8 kids still living at home), it takes a lot to keep everyone well-fed.

The weekly grocery list is nothing short of impressive: 17 three-litre bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and a whopping four dozen eggs.

“We go through 50 litres of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” says Jeni.

Getting a good family photo is difficult

It’s a logistical nightmare for anyone, but for the Bonells, it’s all part of the rhythm of life. The Bonell family’s home life is a carefully choreographed routine.

“Getting a good family photo is difficult,” says Jeni, laughing. “You need an extra-wide lens, and there’s always someone looking away, pulling a funny face, or with their eyes closed. But we enjoy those little quirks in the photos. They’re not picture perfect, but that’s part of the fun.”

With 16 kids, it’s not just about taking photos — it’s about keeping up with the whirlwind of daily life.

Imagine having 16 kids, a full-time job, part-time jobs, and a household to run. That’s the reality for Jeni and Ray.

“I used to think life was busy with little kids,” says Jeni, “but I’m certainly busier these days with older children.” Between coordinating three different schools, sporting activities, part-time jobs, and the older kids’ studies, it’s a juggling act. And yet, Jeni wouldn’t have it any other way. “Life is very hectic – but it’s good.”

The evening routine in their home is a perfect reflection of the Bonell family dynamic. “Take an average-sized family and multiply it by eight, and that’s what our evening routine is like,” Jeni laughs.

Stretching every dollar

Some nights it’s total chaos; other nights, everything falls into place like a well-oiled machine. But regardless of how the evening unfolds, one thing is always consistent: dinner time. “Dinner is always great,” Jeni explains. “Some nights we have eight people at the table, other nights we have more than 20!”

The Bonells are pros at stretching every dollar. Jeni is known for her budget-friendly meals that cost between $2 and $10. She often shares her grocery trips on YouTube to help others manage their food costs.

“It’s a struggle for everyone at the moment,” says Jeni, “We’re all feeling that pinch with the budget.” To stay organized, Jeni uses a chore chart to divide household responsibilities, making sure everyone from age eight upwards pitches in. The kids are also taught to cook from a young age. “Our 12-year-old can put a roast dinner on for 20 people with almost no supervision,” Jeni says with pride.

The laundry load in a house like theirs is equally immense. Jeni does three full loads of laundry every day, which amounts to about six average-sized loads. And when it comes to grocery shopping, Jeni fills up two trolleys each week. “I always need one of the kids to help with the load,” she says.

The Bonell Family religion

When it comes to their finances, the Bonells have learned to make sacrifices. While they pay off their home mortgage, the financial pressures are still real. “It’s expensive and you definitely have to make sacrifices with your budget,” says Jeni. “But we all work, and our family doesn’t live off the taxpayer. However, we do get a lot of criticism for having so many kids.”

Although the Bonells are deeply religious and regularly attend church, Jeni insists that their large family isn’t solely the result of their strong faith.

“God has a funny sense of humour,” says Jeni. They have no regrets, though. ”It just feels right for us,” says Ray, who works as an electrician. ”People have to do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids is not for everyone, but it’s what works for us.”

Despite their busy lives, Jeni and Ray find moments for themselves. “Do I get alone time with my wife? Of course, I do. We make time for each other,” says Ray with a smile. “It’s important to look after each other.”

Their two older children have now left home and are married, adding to the family dynamic as Jeni and Ray become grandparents to two grandchildren. It’s proof that the Bonell family just keeps growing. But with each addition, the love, laughter, and sense of togetherness only deepen.

Inside their roster system

In a family where organization is key, the Bonells have developed a solid routine. From prepping school uniforms and lunches the night before to creating a rotation system for chores, the Bonells make it work.

“We have a roster system, so when a kid turns eight, they get put on the roster,” says Jeni. “They rotate through chores like sweeping, mopping the floor, packing up the table, and helping with meal prep.”

When it comes to snacks, Jeni has a few favorites she shares with fans on YouTube, including air fryer egg cups and air fryer pizza bites. Both snacks are simple to prepare, freeze well, and are perfect for school lunches.

For the Bonells, it’s all about creating a system that allows everyone to pitch in and contribute. And despite the chaos of managing a household of 16, it’s clear that love, teamwork, and humor keep the Bonell family thriving.

Whether it’s feeding the kids, running a household, or finding time for a quick coffee date, the Bonells make it all work — and they do it with a smile.

At the end of the day, the Bonell family proves that with a little creativity, a lot of organization, and plenty of love, you can make just about anything work. Sure, raising 16 kids isn’t easy, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s all part of the adventure.

Whether it’s sharing tips on how to feed a crowd on a budget, keeping up with the endless laundry, or just enjoying the chaos of family life, the Bonells know how to make it happen. And through it all, they’re creating a home full of memories, laughter, and endless love. If there’s one thing we can all take away from this, it’s that family, no matter how big, is always worth it.

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Tiger Woods posts an emotional message on social media announcing the death of his mother, Kultida, saying, “My Mom Was Force Of Nature

In a heartfelt social media statement, Tiger Woods revealed that his mother, Kultida Woods, has passed away at the age of 78. She is his “biggest fan” and a “force of nature,” according to the 15-time major champion.

“I want to share with you my deepest sorrow that my beloved mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Tiger wrote in his touching letter. My mother’s spirit was just indisputable; she was a force of nature all her own.

She laughed and used the needle quickly. “She was my biggest supporter and fan, and without her, none of my personal accomplishments would have been possible,” he continued. Her two grandsons, Sam and Charlie, adored her more than anyone else. I appreciate everyone’s prayers, support, and privacy at this trying time for my family and myself. I adore you, Mom.

Kultida, who is originally from Thailand, met Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, in the late 1960s when he was serving with the US military in Bangkok, according to Fox News. After being married in 1969, the pair moved to Brooklyn, New York, and finally settled in Cypress, California, where their only child, Tiger-born Eldrick Woods, was born.

Eldrick was given his parents’ names, K for Kultida and E for Earl. Tiger Phong, his father’s lost companion in Vietnam, inspired the golf champion’s nickname. At the age of 74, Earl passed away in 2006.

During one of the golfer’s darkest moments, Kultida supported her son. In a widely reported news appearance in 2010, he admitted to having several extramarital affairs. Tiger’s mother, who was seated in the front row of the public confession, acknowledged that he had “stopped living by the core values” that his parents had taught him and that his behaviour was unacceptable.

penultimate year, Tiger Woods said on The Tonight Show that his mother was the reason he was able to don the now-famous red and black ensemble that he donned on the penultimate day of golf competitions. Published at 10:45 AM IST on Wednesday, February 5, 2025

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