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John Wayne’s Morals Made Him Turn Down The Dirty Dozen – My Blog

Robert Aldrich’s great war film “The Dirty Dozen” wasn’t the first men-on-a-mission movie, but it is generally held up today at the apotheosis of the form. The tale of the U.S. Army’s most vicious convicts getting assigned to a suicide mission deep behind enemy lines during World War II, with the promise of a pardon should they survive, is stocked with the toughest of the tough guys of the late 1960s. Lee Marvin heads up the brass-knuckle ensemble as the no-nonsense Major John Reisman, who’s stuck with the unenviable task of shaping up a unit of anti-authoritarian malcontents or straight-up psychopaths. With troublemakers and nose-breakers like Charles Bronson, George Kennedy, Jim Brown, Robert Ryan, Telly Savalas, and John Cassavetes along for the ride, “The Dirty Dozen” became more than just the perfect “men-on-a-mission” movie: it was the ultimate guy flick. We call them “Dad Movies” nowadays. They’re the dependable action or sports drama the old man dials up on a Sunday afternoon when there isn’t a ball game worth watching. “The Dirty Dozen” has it all: macho male bonding, carousing, and a hugely exciting finale that, as Tom Hanks notes in “Sleepless in Seattle,” tears our hearts out every time.How could “The Dirty Dozen” be any more of a Dad Movie? Perhaps if they’d cast John Wayne as Reisman, which, interestingly, was the plan at the outset of the casting process.John Wayne would never commit adultery… in a movieMGMAccording to Randy Roberts and John Olson’s “John Wayne: American,” MGM and producer Kenneth Hyman gave the Duke first crack as Reisman. Wayne liked the script, and was close to boarding the project. There was just one problem: the original screenplay opened with Reisman carrying on an affair with a woman whose husband was deployed elsewhere in Europe. Wayne was opposed to playing an adulterer regardless of the situation, but he especially abhorred the notion of a man knowingly sleeping with an enlisted man’s wife.Hyman had Reisman rewritten at Wayne’s behest, but the star, who engaged in at least three extramarital affairs throughout his life, ultimately turned down the role. Marvin, who, unlike Wayne, served in World War II with valor (he’s buried at Arlington National Cemetery), seized the role and further cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s baddest motherf******.To be fair, Wayne walked from “The Dirty Dozen” in part because he wanted to make a morale-boosting Vietnam War movie to combat the declining stateside support for the conflict. This film, “The Green Berets,” wound up being the worst of Wayne’s career. It’s brainlessly jingoistic, shamelessly xenophobic, and less convincing in its portrayal of war than a bad episode of “Combat.” Wayne stuck to his right-wing convictions, and was ridiculed for it. And thank god because, really, Marvin was the only man for this grimy job.

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BREAKING NEWS: Elon Musk Plans to Buy ABC and Appoint Tucker Carlson as CEO: “Only Way to Remove Wokeness from Network”

In a move that has raised eyebrows across the media and business sectors, Elon Musk is reportedly planning to acquire ABC, the iconic American television network, and appoint former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson as its CEO. According to insiders, Musk believes that the only way to rid the network of what he perceives as a growing “wokeness” is to install Carlson, a vocal critic of progressive politics, at the helm. This bold strategy, if carried out, could drastically alter the media landscape and position Musk at the center of a culture war that has been raging for years…

Musk’s plan to purchase ABC, currently owned by The Walt Disney Company, is seen as part of a broader vision to reshape the media landscape in line with his views on free speech and political correctness. For Musk, this acquisition is not just about expanding his media empire — it’s about taking a stand against what he has called the growing influence of “woke” culture in American media. His decision to bring in Carlson, a figure known for his conservative and often controversial views, further underscores Musk’s desire to create a media platform that challenges what he sees as the dominant progressive narrative…

Tucker Carlson, who was abruptly let go from Fox News in 2023, has become one of the most polarizing figures in American media. During his tenure at Fox, Carlson built a massive following by speaking out against what he viewed as the excesses of the left-wing agenda. His shows often centered on critiquing “wokeness” and championing traditional American values, which resonated deeply with his audience. Since his departure from Fox, Carlson has remained outspoken on his concerns about the direction of American politics and media…bb

According to Musk, Carlson is the only person who can “restore balance” to ABC. In a recent interview, Musk emphasized that his goal for the network is to provide a platform for open, honest discussions that are not driven by political correctness. “We need a media that’s willing to speak the truth, even if it’s unpopular,” Musk said. “Tucker is someone who understands this and has the courage to confront the issues that matter to everyday Americans.”..bb

The term “woke” has become a flashpoint in modern political discourse, often used to describe a set of progressive values around social justice, identity politics, and cultural issues. For many conservatives, “wokeness” is viewed as an authoritarian ideology that suppresses free speech and imposes a narrow worldview on individuals and institutions. Musk, who has frequently spoken out against censorship on platforms like Twitter (now X), has made it clear that he believes this trend must be reversed. His acquisition of ABC and the appointment of Carlson as CEO would signal a shift in the way media content is produced and consumed, one that aligns more closely with conservative ideals…bb

Carlson’s potential role at ABC would undoubtedly transform the network’s programming. His appointment could lead to a dramatic shift in editorial direction, with more conservative viewpoints represented in the network’s news and entertainment offerings. Sources close to Musk have suggested that Carlson’s leadership would emphasize transparency, objectivity, and a commitment to free speech, in contrast to what they view as the increasing bias and groupthink prevalent in mainstream media…bb

While this move would likely resonate with conservative viewers who feel underserved by mainstream outlets, it has also drawn heavy criticism from liberal circles. Critics argue that Carlson’s leadership would exacerbate the growing political polarization of the media landscape, turning ABC into a platform that caters exclusively to conservative viewpoints. In their view, this could contribute to an already fragmented media environment where viewers are fed increasingly partisan narratives that reinforce their existing beliefs, rather than offering a balanced and diverse range of perspectives…bb

On the financial side, Musk’s ability to acquire ABC is not in question. The billionaire entrepreneur has a proven track record of securing funding for ambitious projects, from Tesla to SpaceX and, more recently, Twitter (now X). The exact price for acquiring ABC, which is part of The Walt Disney Company’s vast media empire, would likely be in the billions of dollars, but Musk’s vast wealth and business acumen suggest that he could successfully pull off such a deal…bb

If Musk’s plan comes to fruition, it would represent a significant consolidation of media power under his leadership. Already the owner of Twitter, Musk would control two major media platforms, giving him unparalleled influence over public discourse. This growing media empire would put Musk at the center of ongoing debates over the role of tech moguls in shaping public opinion and the future of media…bb

The long-term effects of Musk’s acquisition of ABC and the appointment of Tucker Carlson as CEO are uncertain, but they will likely have profound implications for the American media landscape. On one hand, Musk’s new direction for ABC could create a fresh, powerful voice for conservatives in a media environment that has been increasingly dominated by liberal perspectives. On the other hand, it could deepen the ideological divide in the country, with media outlets catering more to specific political tribes rather than striving for balanced, fact-based journalism…bb

Whatever the outcome, Musk’s planned purchase of ABC marks a turning point in the ongoing battle over media influence, free speech, and the cultural wars that define modern America. With Tucker Carlson at the helm, Musk is signaling that he is ready to disrupt the status quo and reshape one of the most influential media networks in the country. How this will impact the future of journalism, media consumption, and political discourse remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Musk’s vision for ABC could usher in a new era of media with potentially wide-reaching consequences…bb

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13 years ago they were dubbed the most beautiful twins in the world – but wait till you see how they look today!

In 2017, Leah Rose and Ava Marie Clements celebrated their 7th birthday by creating an Instagram account that exploded overnight with followers who were stunned by their breathtaking beauty.

Now 14, the California girls – frequently called the “most beautiful twins in the world” – are internationally recognized child models, with a story as captivating as their angelic looks.

In 2017, Jaqi Clements decided to post pictures of her identical twin daughters, Leah and Ava on social media. Initially, the posts were just a way to share their lives with friends and family. But the internet quickly took notice of their extraordinary beauty, and the account began to gain traction.

Their charm and natural beauty resonated with people, and soon, modeling agencies and brands started reaching out. What began as a simple Instagram page turned into a powerful platform that would redefine their lives.

“Instagram was something that I hadn’t used much before starting an account for the girls,” the mom of three writes in a blog post. “If you would have asked me 6 months ago if 300,000 followers was a lot…I wouldn’t have had a clue.”

Now the twins have almost 3 million followers on Instagram and Facebook, along with high-profile partnerships with brands like Nike, Disney, and Target, cementing their status as top child models.

Criticism
Behind the glamor, the Clements family faced significant criticism from people who questioned the parents’ decision to allow Leah and Ava to pursue modeling at such a young age.

Jaqi firmly defended her choice, explaining that modeling was the twins’ dream, not something imposed on them. She emphasized that she and her husband, Kevin, were not profiting off their daughters but were instead making personal financial sacrifices to support the girls in following their passion.

Responding to the attacks, Jaqi writes, “I didn’t decide that my girls were going to start modeling, they did. And if the day ever comes that they want to move on to something else, I will 100% support their decision to do that.”

Lifeline
The family initially saw social media as a platform to share the siblings’ modeling journey, but in October 2019, the Clements twins’ Instagram account, which had already gained millions of followers due to their modeling success, became a lifeline for their father.

The family’s lives took an unexpected turn when Kevin, the father of three and head swim coach at a local high school, began feeling what he thought was a mild cold.

Kevin, then 39, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Determined to help, the twins harnessed the power of social media, hoping to find a match among their millions of followers for their dad’s life-saving bone marrow transplant.

“If he gets a transplant, his cancer will go away quicker,” Ava told People in 2019.

Leah added, “People are so sweet to want to help my dad. The more people that get tested the better.”

Thousands of people around the country responded to the twin’s pleas to help their dad, and though Kevin found a match in his brother Chris, the followers who offered their support were added to a national registry to help other patients.

More than pretty faces
Ava and Leah are now stunning 14-year-olds who continue to model and engage with their ever-growing fan base. Their journey from local models to international sensations is a testament to their hard work, charm, and the unwavering support of their family.

Balancing their successful modeling careers with education, family, and advocacy, Leah and Ava have proven that they are more than just pretty faces – they are an inspiration to many and as they continue to evolve, the world eagerly awaits what’s next for these remarkable young stars.

What do you think of these beautiful girls and how they rallied the support of their followers to help their dad? Please share your thoughts with us and then share this story so we can hear from others!

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“Kelly Clarkson’s Honest Thoughts on Spanking: A Parenting Debate Unfolds”

A few weeks prior, singer and mother of two, Kelly Clarkson, ignited a fervent discussion on the radio by sharing her views on child discipline, particularly regarding spanking. She expressed her concerns about the application of physical punishment on children.

Known for her candidness, Clarkson openly discussed her perspective on this divisive topic, revealing that she does not oppose the idea of physically correcting her children when they misbehave. This straightforward admission quickly garnered the attention of both listeners and the media, leading to a broader conversation about the appropriateness of spanking as a disciplinary method. Although Clarkson’s comments were deeply personal, they prompted a wider examination of parenting techniques. During her discussion, she articulated her strong belief in using physical punishment as a way to teach her children the difference between right and wrong.

Her remarks resonated with many parents, who found themselves aligning with her stance on physical punishment. While some parents view spanking as an effective strategy for maintaining discipline and helping children grasp the repercussions of their actions, they contend that it must be administered in a proper manner to be effective.

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