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What Really Killed John Wayne?

As I was writing my last blog, in which I mentioned a new statue honoring John Wayne, I started thinking about a rumor I had heard years ago about what really killed him. Oh, there is no doubt it was cancer, but there is more information of which you may not be aware. In 1954, the 220 members of the cast and crew of The Conqueror rolled into St. George, Utah to begin filming. Mogul Howard Hughes thought Utah would pass for Mongolia. After all, the movie was a love story about Genghis Khan. Although director Dick Powell wanted Marlon … Continue reading →

Wayne’s IN Holly’s OUT

If you live in or around Winterset, Iowa you are likely hunkering down for an onslaught of visitors this weekend. Most are making the trip to honor a man residents in Winterset knew as Marion Morrison—the rest of the world knew him simply as the Duke. That’s right; American icon John Wayne called Winterset home and this year the community is going all out to celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday. According to event organizers, thousands (some from as far away as Norway and Denmark) are expected to pour into town for the festivities (many make the trip … Continue reading →

Clifford Irving’s Hoax

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I was watching The Hoax yesterday, which starred Richard Gere as author Clifford Irving. A while back, I blogged about writers who faked their stories and came under shame for it once it was revealed to the public. However, I didn’t know about Clifford Irving and his Howard Hughes “autobiography.” Well, I think I had heard of a fake Hughes autobiography, but didn’t know the whole story, which I found quite fascinating after watching the movie. As you may know, by 1958, billionaire Howard Hughes had become a recluse, even refusing to appear in court. This gave Irving an idea. … Continue reading →

Marriage Profiles of the 2008 Presidential and Vice Presidential Nominees

While I was watching Sarah Palin’s speech during the Republican National Convention last night, I found it interesting to learn she married her high school sweetheart. It made me think that might make a fun blog: profiling the marriages of the 2008 Democratic and Republican presidential and vice presidential nominees. Barack and Michelle Obama They first met in 1989 when Barack interned at a law firm where Michelle worked. Apparently he was smitten with her right from the get go, but she didn’t want any part of an office romance. But Barack wouldn’t be deterred. He persisted in asking her … Continue reading →

McLintock! (1963)

Loosely based on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” “McLintock!” is one of my dad’s favorite John Wayne films. In my quest to broaden my knowledge of classic Hollywood, I gave this one a try. Wayne stars as G. W. McLintock, a cattle baron who owns a town. Well, he doesn’t own all of it, but just about, and it’s named after him, too. With all that wealth and prestige, you’d think he’d have it made in the shade, but he doesn’t. His estranged wife Kate (Maureen O’Hara) really is a shrew. They were much happier in the days before … Continue reading →

The Quiet Man (1952)

In my ongoing search to broaden my cinematic education, I called my dad up and asked him what his favorite movies are. A John Wayne fan to the end, one of his recommendations was “The Quiet Man.” I rented it henceforth and forthwith. Now, I believe in honoring one’s father and one’s mother. Listening to one’s parents is good. But I have to say, I really don’t understand why my dad likes this movie so much. Plot: John Wayne is Sean Thornton, a man who is returning to Ireland, the land of his birth, in hopes of purchasing the very … Continue reading →

Risk Factors for Leukemia

Doctors often can’t explain why one person develops leukemia and another person does not. Research has pointed to certain risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of developing this cancer, even though the exact causes are still a mystery. Exposure to high levels of radiation. This includes people who have been exposed to nuclear power plant accidents and atomic bomb detonations. This also includes people who have been exposed to extremely high levels of radiation as part of a medical treatment. Most radiation used for diagnosis is a very low level and is not linked to leukemia. Exposure to … Continue reading →

The People on Television

I grew up with television. I mean literally television to this day comforts me. When it is on, it is as if an old friend has come over to the house. But, I have a problem. I take everything I see at face value. This whole Chris Benoit thing has really messed me up this week. First, we heard he, his wife, and seven-year-old son were dead. I must guiltily admit that after I heard they were found in their home, I thought maybe someone had snapped and killed the family. And I don’t mean someone from outside the home. … Continue reading →