Entertainment

Icon Of America’s Booming Confidence – My Blog

Earlier this year, the Harris Poll released its annual list of America’s 10 favorite movie stars. There, among today’s big names — Depp and Jolie and Clooney — was a lone name from the past: John Wayne. He finished third — 32 years after his death. Such enduring popularity served as a reminder that Wayne wasn’t merely a towering movie star, he was one of the defining Americans of the 20th Century.When I was growing up, Wayne was a cultural given, a man whose fame and physical stature made him something of his own Mount Rushmore. It never occurred to me that the John Wayne we all knew was a figment, a hard-earned act of self-invention.His given name was Marion Morrison, and he was born in Winterset, Iowa, a few miles from my hometown. Part of the great migration to L.A., Marion spent his adolescence trying to escape his parents’ unhappy marriage and to win his mother’s love — which, incidentally, he never did. A chronic overachiever, he won a football scholarship to USC, but poorer than his frat brothers, he had to earn money by serving them their meals. Like so many others, the mortified Marion found himself drawn to the democratic fluidity of a Hollywood that was invented by social outsiders.Although Marion was quickly given a manly new moniker — he always thought of it as the single word, “Johnwayne” — he took his own sweet time becoming John Wayne. Over countless B movies, he taught himself to talk that strange hesitant talk, and he consciously created a trademark walk, all swinging shoulders and hips. Duke was ambitious, and when other male stars volunteered for WWII, he stayed home. Working in a Hollywood suddenly deprived of male stars, he made movie after movie, often playing the thing he pointedly was not — the indomitable American fighting man. No actor has ever been better at embodying male authority.Wayne’s voice and manner are so easy to parody, it can take a while to grasp that he was a marvelous, canny screen actor. At his most ambitious, as in Red River, Rio Grande, The Searchers and Rio Bravo, he could act brilliantly. Yet even in routine pictures, he dominated the screen as few stars ever have, often by appearing to do nothing. A master of silence, he knew the camera, was the best reactor this side of Cary Grant and didn’t fear emotion. Wayne let you feel his deep affection for his screen soulmate, Maureen O’Hara, who brought out his tenderness and middle-aged rue.

Americans care less about authenticity than a good show, and though Wayne’s life wasn’t heroic — he personally drank and smoked enough for the whole cast of Mad Men — his screen roles made him something grander than a mere hero. He became this country’s “Idea of the Hero.” From the mid-’40s through the ’50s, Wayne embodied the American Century in all its booming confidence. If this sometimes meant embodying the darkness of our national past — Ethan Edwards in The Searchers is a genocidal monomaniac — that was never counted against his fundamental goodness. America’s Duke was tough, honorable, ready to laugh and share a drink, and always ready to do what men had to do in order to see justice done. He didn’t ask you to like him. He asked you to live up to him.Over the years, Wayne’s monolithic image turned him into a cultural lightning rod. Even as he inspired decades of conservative iconography — you can find his echoes in Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and Rick Perry — his Republican politics and patriarchal style made him a target during the 1960s and 1970s. Mocking Wayne was part of a whole generation’s rejection of authority.But time moves on, and watching his work today, I don’t care who he voted for. I’m moved by his film’s portrait of an America whose confidence had yet to be shaken and by Wayne’s uncynical ability to embody virtues that are well worth preserving: the contempt for pettiness and love of hard work; the courage to be lonely in pursuing your goals; the respect for individuals in all their cussedness; and above all, the willingness to fight and die for a cause bigger than yourself. All of that is John Wayne, and it’s neither male nor female, conservative nor liberal. What it is, and always was, is American.

Entertainment

‘Australia’s most sexually active woman’ reveals outrageous bedroom goal for 2025

A woman who has been dubbed the “most sexually active woman” in Australia has set her sights on a big goal for 2025.

You’ve probably heard of Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips attempting to break outrageous records in the bedroom – and Annie Knight has now thrown her hat into the ring too.

“When I watched that clip of Lily crying and everyone was saying, ‘Oh my god, this poor girl,’ I just thought, well, she’s been getting railed all day by 100 different guys… imagine putting your body through that,” Knight told Metro.

“Yes, it’s emotionally taxing, but isn’t that like any job?” she added. “Everyone has moments where they’re like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this anymore.’ You do get really stressed. She’d be exhausted; her body would be exhausted. When you’re tired, your emotions are high.”

Knight also noted that some of the men involved in Phillips’ session were reportedly rude to her, emphasizing that dealing with negativity can be challenging in any profession.

Entertainment

Sophia Loren timeless beauty

Enjoy in timeless beauty of Sophia Loren:

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3738621 Sophia Loren (b/w photo); (add.info.: Sophia Loren (b.1934) Italian actress); © SZ Photo; .

Entertainment

Justin Baldoni Responds to Bombshell Blake Lively Lawsuit

In a surprising turn of events in the entertainment industry, actor and director Justin Baldoni has addressed the recent lawsuit filed by actress Blake Lively. The legal battle has become a hot topic among fans and media alike, stirring discussions about celebrity relationships, professional ethics, and the implications of such lawsuits in Hollywood.

### Background of the Lawsuit

Blake Lively, known for her roles in popular series such as “Gossip Girl” and movies like “A Simple Favor,” has made headlines not only for her acting career but also for her high-profile marriage to actor Ryan Reynolds. The lawsuit reportedly stems from a conflict regarding alleged contractual obligations and personal disputes related to an upcoming project that both actors were involved in. Details of the suit indicate it revolves around claims of breach of contract and defamation, which have raised eyebrows in the industry.

### Justin Baldoni’s Response

Responding to the ongoing situation, Baldoni, who is recognized for his roles in “Jane the Virgin” and his directorial work, expressed his thoughts on social media. “I believe in the power of dialogue and resolution,” Baldoni stated in his post. He emphasized the importance of addressing conflicts in a constructive manner, stating, “This industry is filled with passionate people, and sometimes passions lead to misunderstandings. I hope we can all find a way to resolve this amicably.”

In his response, Baldoni also highlighted the significance of mental health, reinforcing that navigating legal disputes can take a toll on the individuals involved. He encouraged fans to be supportive rather than speculative, urging them to focus on the positive aspects of the artistic community rather than sensationalism.

### Industry Reactions

The news of the lawsuit and Baldoni’s response have generated mixed reactions across social media platforms. While many fans have rallied behind both actors, showing support and understanding, others have expressed concerns about the potential fallout from such legal disputes in an industry already facing scrutiny for various ethical concerns.

Industry insiders have noted that lawsuits in Hollywood are not uncommon but underscore deeper issues related to relationships between collaborators and the pressures of fame. Several celebrities have come forward expressing a desire for more transparency and communication within the industry to avoid such conflicts.

### Conclusion

As the situation unfolds, both Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively have their supporters, and the outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain. For now, the entertainment industry watches closely, hoping for a resolution that not only reflects mutual respect but also encourages healthier collaborations in the future. In an age where public perceptions can shift rapidly, the importance of handling disputes with grace and dignity is more crucial than ever.

The legal proceedings will likely continue to attract attention, and audiences are left to wonder what this means for future collaborations in Hollywood. As fans await further developments, the emphasis lies on understanding and the potential for growth from this challenging chapter in both actors’ careers.