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Marlon Brando all of a sudden he put his hands on me,” says Loren, who snarled: “Don’t you ever dare do that again! Never again

CARY GRANT begged to marry her and Marlon Brando tried to bed her but screen siren Sophia Loren saved herself for the man who proved his love – by slapping her in the face.

Though shocking, the blow told the Italian temptress that she had chosen wisely in rejecting Grant’s marriage proposal.

“That’s what made me feel OK,” she says of the slap, delivered by Grant’s love rival, married Italian film producer Carlo Ponti.

“That made me feel I’d made the right choice.” Irresistibly charming and suavely debonair, Grant was 30 years her senior when Loren became the great unrequited love of his life, a new book reveals. Loren – was swept off her feet by intimate dinners and Grant’s unbridled passion, as they starred together in the 1957 drama The Pride And The Passion, and a year later in comedy Houseboat.
“She loved Cary Grant and was tiring of being mistress to Carlo Ponti who was unable to divorce his wife and marry Sophia under Catholic law of the 1950s,” says Cindy De La Hoz, author of Sophia Loren: Movie Star Italian Style.
“Their relationship quickly deepened to a romance with Grant falling head over heels in love. By the end of filming he had asked her to marry him.”
Yet Loren was torn between Grant and the younger Ponti, 22 years her senior.
She was at a point in her career where she was finally being offered Hollywood roles but feared that if she married Grant she might just become red carpet arm candy.
“Cary belonged to another world in America,” says Loren. “I felt that I would never fit in there. I would never have a future there because of my nationality.”
When Houseboat finished filming, Loren rejected Grant’s marriage proposal. “Grant was devastated,” says the author.
“He never stopped loving her.”
In farewell Grant sent Loren a large bouquet of yellow roses, which she shamelessly flaunted on her flight home with Carlo Ponti, who promptly slapped her.
“It was not a nice thing to do,” Loren says of her taunting. But Ponti’s slap made her realise she had chosen the right man. “I was young and thought if he got angry and jealous it meant he loved me,” she says.
Their romance took almost a decade to reach the altar and Loren had only just married Ponti when she starred in 1967 comedy A Countess From Hong Kong opposite Marlon Brando, and was forced to rebuff his sexual advances.
“All of a sudden he put his hands on me,” says Loren, who snarled: “Don’t you ever dare do that again! Never again!”
She recalls: “As I pulverised him with my eyes he seemed small, defenceless, almost a victim of his own notoriety. He never did it again but it was very difficult working with him after that.”
Loren had previously chased away the advances of British comedian Peter Sellers who fell for her when they co-starred in the 1960 comedy The Millionairess.
Obsessed, Sellers wrecked his marriage to first wife Anne Howe, who lamented: “He became besotted with her.” Loren’s illegitimate birth, impoverished childhood, heartbreaking miscarriages and near-death experience on a film set are also exposed in the new book.
“The two big advantages I had at birth were to have been born wise and to have been born in poverty,” says the star who was born Sofia Scicolone in a charity ward for unwed mothers in Rome in 1934.
Her mother was frustrated actress Romilda Villani whose lover Riccardo Scicolone refused to marry her.
Growing up near Naples during the Second World War food was scarce and she was so thin that teasing schoolmates called her “Stuzzicadenti” – toothpick. “She was malnourished and they had no money for doctors,” says De La Hoz.
“But clearly she blossomed in her late teens.” L OREN began modelling at 17 and worked as a movie extra in Rome but her looks were not considered classically beautiful.
“In her early screen tests the cameramen complained her face was too short, her eyes too big and her nose too hooked and long.
“They urged her to get cosmetic surgery but Sophia refused to have any work done. She liked her unique features.” In 1953 she changed her name to Sophia Loren yet her illegitimacy haunted her and loomed over her romance with Carlo Ponti who was unable to divorce his wife.
“What I wanted was to have a legitimate family, a legitimate husband, children, a family like everybody else,” says Loren. “It was because of the experience I had with my father.”
With her first big pay-cheque from Italian movies, Loren paid her father a million lira to legally give his last name to her younger sister Maria. She was well on her way to becoming a huge Hollywood star when her career almost ended and she nearly died while filming Legend Of The Lost opposite John Wayne in the Sahara in 1957.
“One night while Loren was asleep the gas heater installed to keep her warm slowly filled her motel room with carbon monoxide,” reveals De La Hoz.
“She woke with a pounding headache and crawled to the door and unlocked it before collapsing. Co-star Rossano Brazzi found
her but it could have turned out very differently.”
In 1961 Loren picked up the Best Actress Oscar for Two Women and another nomination in 1965 for the comedy Marriage Italian Style. But off-screen marital bliss eluded her. In desperation she and Ponti were wed by proxy when their lawyers unromantically signed marriage papers on their behalf in Mexico in 1957.
But the Vatican branded the marriage illegal and threatened the couple with excommunication while Ponti was charged in Italy with bigamy.
They fled into exile and had the dubious marriage annulled in 1962. Ponti, later adopted French citizenship and could thus divorce legally, marrying Loren in Paris in 1966. He died in 2007. But her dreams of motherhood seemed destined for heartbreak.
After suffering two miscarriages in the mid-1960s Sophia feared she would never fulfil her dream of becoming a mother,” says De La Hoz. When she became pregnant again in 1968 she confined herself to bed, giving birth to Carlo Ponti Jr and son Eduardo a year later.
By PETER SHERIDAN
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!