Entertainment

‘Pure drivel’ John Wayne’s furious rejection of Steven Spielberg hid his ‘secret shame’ – My Blog

For decades, Wayne straddled the screen, the ultimate symbol of US frontier and even military machismo. Firmly right-wing in his personal and public views, his third wife Pilar labelled him a “superpatriot.” And when a chance came towards the end of his life to work with the new hottest director in town, the ageing star furiously shot him down. After being offered a plum role, Wayne typically did not mince his words and told Spielberg the film 1941 was “the most anti-American piece of drivel I have ever read in my life.”

1941 is remembered as one of the director’s rare misfires, despite attaining cult status in subsequent years. Although it turned a very small profit, it paled in success next to his previous Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Released in 1979, it was soon eclipsed and forgotten after the first Raiders of the Lost Ark movie hit screens two years later.
The action-comedy humorously imagines a Japanese attack on Los Angeles days after the offensive on the US fleet at Pearl Harbour.
Wayne refused the role of General Joseph Stilwell (which went to Robert Stack) and told Spielberg: “You know, that was an important war, and you’re making fun of a war that cost thousands of lives at Pearl Harbor. Don’t joke about World War II.”

The Duke’s patriotic fervour is understandable but was also rooted in his own rather compromised past.
After the US entered the Second World War, many stars visited the troops to perform and boost morale.
When Wayne visited military camps in Australia and across the Pacific in 1942, he was horrified by their response.
One veteran recalled: “After my evacuation from Okinawa, I had the enormous pleasure of seeing Wayne humiliated in person at Aiea Heights Naval Hospital in Hawaii … Each evening, Navy corpsmen would carry litters down the hospital theatre so the men could watch a movie. One night they had a surprise for us.
Before the film, the curtains parted, and out stepped John Wayne, wearing a cowboy outfit – 10-gallon hat, bandana, checkered shirt, two pistols, chaps, boots and spurs.”

John Wayne chats with a soldier lying on his bunk, New Guinea, 1944. (Image: getty)
The account continued: “He grinned his aw-shucks grin, passed a hand over his face and said ‘Hiya guys!’
“He was greeted by stony silence. Then somebody booed. Suddenly everyone was booing. This man was a symbol of the fake machismo we had come to hate, and we weren’t going to listen to him. He tried and tried to make himself heard, but we drowned him out, and eventually he quit and left.”
It’s hard to believe with hindsight, since the actor would become an advocate for military service off-screen and would receive a Best Actor Oscar nomination for 1949’s Sands of Iwo Jima. But it wasn’t just Wayne’s roles on screen that riled the soldiers.
r John Wayne on the set of Sands of Iwo Jima,
After working tirelessly in Hollywood since 1926 and receiving his first credited screen role in 1929’s Words and Music, the actor had been making up to four films a year all through the 1930s and was on the verge of becoming an established star when the war broke out in Europe.
When it spread across the globe and the US entered the fray, much bigger (at the time)stars like James Stewart and Clark gable rushed to enlist and serve.
Wayne filed for a 3-A draft deferment, based on his status as the sole breadwinner for a family of six. As the war progressed and more recruits were needed, his status was officially changed to 1-A, fit for duty.
What happened next saw him forever labelled as a “draft dodger” by many.

John Wayne was the archetypal macho cowboy on screen (Image: GETTY)
Wayne’s status was changed again to 2-A, deferring him from active service “in support of national interest.”
His studio had argued that his heroic recent films like rousing Westerns and jingoistic war movies The Fighting Seabees and Flying Tigers, boosted morale at home and overseas.
Whether it was the studio behind it or the actor’s own reticence to join the war, it haunted him for the rest of his life. Some claimed he had been worried military service would interrupt his rise in Hollywood. Others reported he was loathe to leave behind his affair with Marlene Dietrich.
After the war ended, he would constantly advocate military service and tirelessly visited military camps again during the Vietnam War.
His wife Pilar later said: “He would become a superpatriot for the rest of his life, trying to atone for staying at home.”

Entertainment

Having Striped Nails Could Mean That Your Body Is…

Having Striped Nails Could Mean That Your Body Is Trying to Tell You Something Important!

Your nails can be more than just a canvas for nail art or an indicator of personal grooming—they can provide insights into your overall health. If you’ve noticed horizontal or vertical stripes on your nails, it’s worth taking a closer look. These unusual markings could be your body’s way of signaling an underlying issue that needs attention.

Horizontal Stripes: What Are They?

Horizontal stripes, also known as Beau’s lines, are grooves or indentations that run across the width of your nails. These can appear for several reasons, often related to stress on your body. Some possible causes include:

Severe Illness or Injury: If your body is under significant physical stress, such as during a high fever, surgery, or a severe infection, your nail growth may temporarily slow down, resulting in these lines.
Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of key nutrients like zinc or protein can also cause Beau’s lines to develop. Your nails reflect changes in your diet and health over time.
Chronic Conditions: Diseases such as diabetes or vascular disorders can disrupt blood flow to the nail matrix, leading to these visible ridges.

Vertical Stripes: Are They Normal?

Vertical stripes, or ridges, running from the tip of the nail to the cuticle are more common and often harmless, particularly as we age. However, in some cases, they can point to underlying issues:

Dehydration: If your body lacks moisture, your nails might develop ridges.
Vitamin Deficiencies: A lack of Vitamin B12, magnesium, or iron can result in vertical ridges, signaling the need for dietary adjustments.
Skin Conditions: Certain disorders, like eczema or psoriasis, can also show up as ridges on your nails.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While some nail stripes are harmless and part of natural aging, others could be a warning sign of a more serious health issue. For example:

Stripes combined with discoloration, such as dark or black streaks, might indicate melanoma, a rare but serious form of skin cancer.
If your stripes are accompanied by brittle nails, swelling, or pain, consult a doctor promptly.

How to Improve Nail Health

Eat a Balanced Diet: Incorporate biotin-rich foods like eggs, nuts, and leafy greens.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain nail moisture.
Regular Check-Ups: Keep up with your health check-ups to detect any underlying issues early.

Your nails are like a window into your health. If you notice something unusual, don’t ignore it—your body might be trying to tell you something crucial!

Entertainment

Goodbye Brad Pitt? Angelina Jolie Rumored to Have a New Man in Her Life!

Angelina Jolie, 49, is once again making headlines, this time with rumors suggesting she has found a new man after her highly publicized split from Brad Pitt.

While it’s not a surprise to many, as the actress has always been in the spotlight for her relationships, the new speculation has left fans curious. Sources claim that Jolie has moved on, but the identity of her new partner has many wondering if she’s finally found someone who can match her.

For those eager to know who the new man in her life might be, prepare for a shock. It seems that this mystery man is someone many might recognize, leaving fans to question whether this could be a love story worth watching. Social media is already buzzing with guesses, and many are eager to see if this relationship will last longer than her previous ones.

Entertainment

Bad Gas Pump Habits That Cost You Hundreds Each Year

The following gas pump habits may seem harmless, but they’re likely costing you money every time you fill up.

1. Topping Off

While topping off your tank when fueling up might not seem like a big deal, it’s among the most common mistakes people make at the gas pump.

According to GasBuddy, over-fueling can damage your engine and reduce performance. Additionally, most gas station pumps have vapor recovery systems, which absorb any excess gas that is released once the car is filled in order to protect the car and environment.

2. Fueling on the Wrong Day

Gas prices change depending on the day of the week. The beginning of the week typically has cheaper gas prices compared to the weekend. Therefore, if you’re starting to get low on gas, don’t wait until Friday or Saturday to fuel back up.

3. Not Going to the Cheapest Station

While it may be more convenient to go to the gas station nearest your house, that doesn’t mean you’re getting the best deal. There are a wide range of gas price apps and websites to help you locate the cheapest gas in your area.

4. Overlooking Loyalty Programs

Major gas chains like Exxon Mobil, Shell, Circle K, and others offer fuel reward programs that can save you money when you fuel up. If you regularly get your gas at the same station, this might be a good option for you to consider.

5. Waiting Too Long to Fuel Up

Never wait until your gas light comes on to refuel your car. Driving near empty leaves you at risk of being stranded. And running out of gas can damage your vehicle’s fuel pump over time.

6. Buying Premium Gasoline

Premium gasoline can cost 30 percent or more than regular gasoline. According to the Federal Trade Commission, that extra cost is often without any added benefit. Drivers wasted more than $2 billion on premium gasoline in 2015, according to AAA.

7. Not Inflating Tires Properly

Inflating tires at a gas station usually costs money, but it’s still advisable to check your tires when fueling up and adding air if needed. Driving with under-inflated tires will greatly depreciate your gas milage.

8. Not Using a Rewards Credit Card

Many credit cards permit you to choose perks that work best for you, like cash back incentives at gas stations and grocery stores. Check what yours offer.