In the 1990s, the two largest food companies were R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris — both of which also still make highly addictive cigarettes to this day. So it’s no wonder that our food, like cigarettes, is also incredibly addictive. “I mean, they took scientists to make our food addictive and have thousands of chemicals that they’ve co-opted the scientific agencies like the FDA and the USDA to let them in,” White House adviser Calley Means tells James Poulos on “Zero Hour.” “Our food is literally weaponized to be addictive,” he adds. “The science has become absolutely just a PR mechanism for industries that want us sick,” he continues, noting that 77% of Americans of military age are not able to join the military because of poor metabolic health. But it’s not just food that’s making Americans sick. “I think one of the big issues with health and metabolic health is that a lot of the things that threaten us, I think threaten us to an existential degree, are part of modern innovation. Like you look at artificial light, it’s actually really disruptive,” Means explains. “It’s really disruptive to our hormone system,” he continues. “If you have a light on in a chicken coop, they lay two times more eggs. That’s just one input. You look at all the technology, being on our phone all day, the food that we have, all this disruption to our circadian rhythm, our chronic stress.” These advancements in technology, Means says, have “led us to get detached from nature” and “detached from the awe and curiosity of our bodies.” And these industries making us sick have zeroed in on children. “The invisible hand of the incentives of these industries,” Means explains, “from tech that wants our kids addicted to their phones all day, to food which wants kids addicted, to the pharmaceutical industry that wants kids on drugs, there’s really, I think, an invisible hand that’s been against kids.” “There’s millions and billions and hundreds of billions and trillions of dollars to be made from getting a kid sick, from getting them addicted, from keeping them in fear,” he continues. “This is something that the Trump administration, just in modern society today, we have to balance, because we do want to unleash responsible innovation, but we have lost touch of common sense.” “And I think that’s kind of the message that Bobby Kennedy and Trump have really resonated on. It’s really a getting back to basics message,” he adds. Want more from James Poulos?To enjoy more of James's visionary commentary on politics, tech, ideas, and culture, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

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Top Gun is one of the most-watched and celebrated films of the 1980s. It was praised for its impressive standard of action and excellent performances by its actors. Among the roles that caught the viewers’ attention was Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, the cold and confident rival to Tom Cruise’s Maverick. His performance was top-notch, and it made him one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Surprisingly, Kilmer never wanted the role in the first place. In his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, Kilmer revealed that he had no interest in Top Gun. He didn’t connect with the story, nor did he see himself in the role of a fighter pilot. However, circumstances beyond his control forced him to take the part. What started as an unwanted job turned into one of the best and most unforgettable roles of his career. Why Val Kilmer didn’t want the ‘Top Gun’ role initially Val Kilmer/Instagram Before Top Gun, Val Kilmer had built a reputation for being selective with his roles. He often chose characters that challenged him. He shared that when he first read the script for Top Gun, he was unimpressed. He wrote in his memoir, “I thought the script was silly, and I had no interest in playing a fighter pilot.” His disinterest was so strong that he was not enthusiastic about his audition. He gave a performance, expecting to be rejected. TOP GUN, Val Kilmer, 1986 To his surprise, he got the job. Kilmer was contractually obligated to work with Paramount Pictures, so he couldn’t turn down the role. Despite his reluctance, director Tony Scott saw something in him and assured him that the script would improve. Val Kilmer eventually embraced the role, but he did it in his own way — through method acting. Val Kilmer in Top Gun/Instagram Val Kilmer was committed to becoming “Iceman.” He created his own backstory for the character. He studied fighter pilots, practiced their mannerisms, and even distanced himself from Tom Cruise off-screen to maintain their on-screen rivalry. “I would purposely play up the rivalry between Tom’s character and mine off-screen as well,” Kilmer said. His approach paid off, as Iceman became one of the most memorable characters in the film. His cold delivery and intense stare made him the perfect actor for the role. ‘Top Gun’ became a huge success and dominated the box office TOP GUN, Rick Rossovich, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, Tom Cruise, 1986 Despite his initial reluctance, Top Gun became a massive success. It dominated the box office in 1986 and turned its cast into superstars. Kilmer’s performance as Iceman was widely praised, and his rivalry with Maverick became one of the best aspects of the film. Over the years, fans came to love his character, and his lines — especially “You can be my wingman anytime” — became legendary. Kilmer eventually returned to the franchise in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), despite facing serious health struggles. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, which affected his ability to speak. However, he was determined to reprise his role. The filmmakers worked with him to ensure his return was meaningful, using AI technology to recreate his voice. Although they denied using AI, his emotional scene with Tom Cruise was one of the most touching moments in the sequel. Val Kilmer and Cruise shared mutual respect despite their contrasting acting styles. TOP GUN, Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer, Barry Tubb, 1986 Sadly, Val Kilmer passed away in 2025, leaving a legacy of unforgettable performances. From Top Gun to Batman Forever and Tombstone, he was a versatile actor who displayed excellence at what he did and contributed to the success of the Top Gun franchise. Next up: Nicolas Cage Pays Tribute To Val Kilmer, Highlights The Oscar He ‘Deserved’ The post Val Kilmer Once Shared Why He Never Wanted To Star In ‘Top Gun’ appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Peace A