In the constellation of Hollywood’s golden era‚ few stars have burned as brightly and faded as quickly as James Dean. Born on February 8‚ 1931‚ in Marion‚ Indiana‚ Dean’s rise to cinematic fame was as meteoric as his tragic demise‚ which came just 24 years later. Raised primarily in Fairmount‚ Indiana‚ after the death of his mother‚ Dean developed a passion for drama and the creative arts during his school years. His early foray into the world of acting led him to the prestigious Actors Studio in New York‚ where he honed the craft under Lee Strasberg’s tutelage‚ embracing the method acting approach that would later define his career. Dean’s breakthrough came with the 1955 film “East of Eden‚” an adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel. His portrayal of the emotionally complex Cal Trask earned him a posthumous Academy Award nomination for Best Actor‚ a rare honor and a testament to his profound impact on audiences and critics alike. This was followed by two more iconic roles: as the troubled teenager Jim Stark in “Rebel Without a Cause” and as the disaffected ranch hand Jett Rink in “Giant.” Both films cemented his reputation as a symbol of youthful angst and disillusionment in post-war America. Off-screen‚ Dean was known for his eclectic interests‚ from bullfighting literature to jazz music‚ and his love for fast cars. His passion for racing and automobiles was well-known‚ contributing to his legend but also to his untimely demise. Dean’s life came to an abrupt end on September 30‚ 1955‚ when his Porsche collided with another vehicle in Cholame‚ California. His death was an ironic echo of the restless‚ risk-taking characters he portrayed. James Dean’s career was brief‚ his life shorter‚ but his legacy is undiminished. In just three films‚ he crafted an enduring image of youthful defiance and vulnerability that continues to resonate with generations. His performances‚ marked by an intense realism‚ helped set a new standard for actors and remain a high benchmark for the art of cinema. Even decades after his death‚ Dean remains a figure of fascination‚ embodying the forever young and forever rebellious spirit of the silver screen. The post James Dean: Spectacular photos of a screen legend first appeared on History Defined.

With the news of Country Hip Hop pioneer Colt Ford still in the intensive care unit at the Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa‚ Arizona‚ we wanted to take a closer look at the successful collabs between Country music and Hip Hop artists throughout the years.. This is definitely not the George Jones styled country music that I grew up with‚ and love lol.. To be fair‚ there will probably never be another George Jones‚ who was hands down the greatest country singer of all time. But like many from Zoomers to Gen-x‚ it was nearly impossible to not vibe with Hip Hop growing up too. It came to no surprise to me when I saw a 60 Minutes interview with Chris Stapleton where he said he grew up listening to Dr Dre and Snoop Dog as well as George Jones. For me it was George for sure‚ plus Lauryn Hill and Eminem. I may be a purist when it comes to traditional country music. I really don't want to hear a trap beat when I'm in the mood for George Jones. But I do love some of the current overlap with hip hop‚ rap‚ and R&;B. I also love to see charting artists dusting off some of the old classics and breathing new life into time treasured gems like Ernest‚ Hardy and Post Malone have done recently. Country music has always been welcoming that way as non genre artists like Ray Charles‚ Michael Bubl&;eacute;‚ Adele‚ and Jewel among many others have found chart success in the genre. Themes of love‚ and heartbreak are universal. As is the strong slant towards story telling in country music which is also a staple of rap music. Throughout the years‚ there have been a growing number of rappers who have partnered with country artists with very successful results due to the common ground story telling has provided. A few have even been nominated for awards in the country music category‚ and reached platinum seller status with their respective collaborations. I thought it would be cool to look back at some of the epic history making highlights of the convergence of rap‚ hip hop‚ and country music.  As mainstream country leans more and more into Hip Hop‚ and R&;B‚ I think it's safe to say there will be more collaborations and artists transitioning into country music. It's great when they stay and visit for awhile‚ but not too cool when it feels like a shakedown or a smash and grab. Here are a couple of collabs that were mostly done right.. Coolio Rapper Coolio and Country Hall of Famer Kenny Rogers collaborated on a song called &;quot;The Hustler”. Kenny‚ and Coolio were friends‚ and Kenny was beyond happy to be the inspiration for the song. The Hustler was a hip-hop update to Kenny's hit &;quot;The Gambler‚&;quot; and despite the rap-country trend being more common now‚ their partnership was groundbreaking in 1998.  The song's message is positive‚ with Coolio's lyrics emphasizing the importance of standing up and helping each other. The music video features Coolio as the central character and narrator‚ with Rogers singing the iconic hook. The duo's unexpected collaboration was a great opportunity for Rogers to explore a different genre of music. Lil Nas X Old Town Road was just so darn catchy. The song was originally not considered country‚ and pulled off of the Billboard Country Charts.  Billboard's official statement‚ repeated across the media‚ was that the song “incorporates references to country and cowboy imagery [but] does not embrace enough elements of today's country music to chart in its current version.”  This was a blessing in disguise as everyone loves an underdog. Billy Ray Cyrus stepped in to show the newcomer support. The song skyrocketed to stratospheric record breaking levels after the Billboard decision and stayed a record breaking 19 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard all genre Hot 100. It is one of the best selling singles of all time and revived Billy Ray's career for awhile. The song is certified platinum 17x‚ and reached diamond status.. Snoop Dog. Did you know that in 2012 Rapper Snoop Dog was nominated for a CMA award&;#63; He was. Willie Nelson‚ and Jamey Johnson collaborated with Snoop Dog on the song &;quot;Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die.&;quot; This unexpected collaboration showcased their mutual love for storytelling‚ and other things I suppose..Dear God lol..  Despite the surprise nomination‚ Snoop Dogg‚ Jamey and Willie Nelson's unique blend of hip-hop and country influences resonated with fans and critics alike‚ proving something we’ve known all along‚ music knows no boundaries. Ludacris. Ludacris‚ who also collaborated with Snoop Dog on the 3x platinum All I Do Is Win‚ made a strong featured appearance on Jason Aldean’s Dirt Road Anthem. The song was written by Colt Ford‚ and Brantley Gilbert. It was a crossover hit for Jason Aldean peaking at #7 on the all genre Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the Country Airplay chart in 2011. Ludacris was also featured on Carrie Underwood's Champion song. The KLF: King Boy D (Bill Drummond) and Rockman Rock (Jimmy Cauty) One of the most interesting collabs was a song by British band the KLF‚ featuring none other than The First Lady of Country Music‚ Tammy Wynette&;#33; The song was a hit in 1991‚ reaching number two in the UK and number eleven on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song's origins date back to the band's debut album in 1987. Justified &; Ancient was the final release before the band retired. The song reflects the band's rebellious nature and subversive intent. The melody and lyrics were used in several of the band's works.&;quot; The song is definitely in the house genre with some rapping throughout. Tammy‚ of course gives a diva worthy performance. Lil Durk Morgan Wallen's collaboration with Lil Dirk ‚ Broadway Girls is still a fan fave. It also gave Morgan Wallen his first Billboard R&;B/Hip Hop chart topper in 2022. The song continued to gain traction across multiple Billboard charts like Hot Rap: #1‚ and Streaming Songs: #9. The song also crossed continents and charted on Billboard’s Global 200 as well as Billboard’s Hot 100. Lil Durk and Morgan have since collaborated on other projects. The success of these songs which in some cases span several decades and generations speaks to a musical landscape that has been changing for a while now.. As genres continue to evolve and blend together‚ artists are experimenting with new sounds and styles‚ and redefining long held beliefs of which genres can be infused with a touch of country music. There is a place for experimentation in all music‚ but let’s also save a place at the table for a little pedal steel‚ and twang from time to time.. :) Please help support these amazing charities&;#33; Matthew 23 Make A Wish St Jude Habitat For Humanity Persecution.org   Don't forget to follow the blogger on Twitter: Listen to more good country music here  Check out our music podcasts on Pandora

Columbia University and other higher institutions have entirely falled to hold antisemites accountable according to Rep. Elise Stefanik‚ R-N.Y. and other Republican lawmakers. The House Committee on Education and the Workforce held its second hearing on antisemitism on Wednesday. The committee brought in Columbia University President Minouche Shafik and two board of trustee members to answer for the increased amount of antisemitic incidents on campus since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. The first antisemitism hearing held on Dec. 5 led to the eventual resignations of University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill and Harvard University President Claudine Gay‚ who also faced plagiarism charges. Shafik said in her opening statement that she has a long record of dealing with large‚ diverse organizations in her career and tries to bring that skillset to her job leading the university. “But on Oct. 7 the world changed‚ and so did my focus‚” she said. “Israel was brutally attacked by Hamas terrorists and very soon it became clear that these horrific events would ignite fear and anguish on our campus.” This catastrophe had profound personal implications for many Jews on campus‚ she said‚ as well as for many other Columbia students for whom the attack had implications. She said for these other students the attack was part of a “larger story of Palestinian displacement as well as a humanitarian catastrophe.” The Columbia president said that “trying to reconcile the free speech rights of those who want to protest and the rights of Jewish students to be in an environment free of discrimination and harassment has been the central challenge on our campus and numerous others across the country.” To navigate these issues Shafik said she’s instituted listening sessions for students and staff‚ increased reporting channels for students who may have been victimized‚ created new policies on how to handle demonstrations‚ and created a task force to seek solutions for their challenges. Stefanik pressed Shafik on tenured Columbia Professor Joseph Massad‚ who called the Oct. 7 Hamas attack “awesome” a week after it occurred and has made a number of other anti-Israel statements and comments directed at students. Shafik said that she condemned his statement and that he’s been spoken to about his rhetoric. “Were there any other enforcement action taken&;#63;” Stefanik asked. Shafik responded that he hasn’t made similar comments following the talking to. “Does he need to repeat stating that the massacre of Israeli citizens was awesome&;#63; Does he need to repeat his participation in an unauthorized‚ pro-Hamas demonstration on April 4th&;#63;” Stefanik asked rhetorically. Shafik said that Massad had been removed from his role of chair of the school’s academic review committee. However‚ Stefanik pointed out later in the hearing that his name remains on the website listed as the chair. Shafik wouldn’t confirm that Massad has been removed. Antisemitic professor Joseph Massad still appears on @Columbia’s website as chair of the academic review committee even after university President Shafik claimed he was removed. Her lack of action to combat antisemitism is exactly what has fostered Jewish hate on campus. pic.twitter.com/AM6Kd6xFHt— Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) April 17‚ 2024 The New York congresswoman continued to say that the problem at Columbia seems to be a lack of enforcement. Stefanik then brought up another case of Columbia Professor Mohamed Abdou‚ who was hired after the Oct. 7 attack. He posted on Oct. 11‚ Stefanik said‚ a statement: “Yes‚ I’m with Hamas and Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad.” Abdou also decried‚ Stefanik said‚ what he called “false reports accusing Arabs and Muslims of decapitating the heads of children and being rapists.” Stefanik said there is ample evidence of these incidents taking place “and yet Columbia hired this individual as a professor.” “How does that hiring process work&;#63; Were you aware of those statements before the hiring&;#63;” Stefanik asked. Shafik replied that she shared “repugnance” of those remarks and said that on her watch faculty who make such remarks have consequences. She said that Abdou won’t teach at Columbia again‚ that he’s been terminated‚ and that he is now just grading his students’ papers. Stefanik then asked how the school will change its hiring processes given that Abdou was hired on Shafik’s watch‚ to which Shafik replied that she needs to look for ways to tighten up their standards. Later in the hearing‚ Stefanik brought up that “Mr. Abdou is not grading papers‚ right now he’s on campus at the unsanctioned‚ anti-Israel‚ antisemitic event that is being supported by pro-Hamas activists on campus.” #BREAKING &;quot;Liberated Zone&;quot; on Columbia University Lawn set up by Pro-palestine Protesters demanding Liberation for Gaza and Palestine pic.twitter.com/yCXXX7qAH6— FreedomNews.Tv FNTV (@FreedomNTV) April 17‚ 2024 Stefanik brought up Columbia Law Professor Katherine Franke who said that “all Columbia students who have served in the [Israeli Defense Force] are dangerous and shouldn’t be on campus.” The law professor has been spoken to‚ Shafik said‚ and has also been asked to publicly apologize or clarify her remarks‚ but hasn’t done so yet. “You see the concern her though with the lack of enforcement&;#63; Do you see the concern that speaking to these professors is not enough and it’s sending the message across the university that this is tolerated‚ these antisemitic statements‚” Stefanik said in conclusion to her comments. The post Rep. Stefanik Grills Columbia University President at Second House Antisemitism Hearing appeared first on The Daily Signal.

According to an article published by JAMA Network‚ researchers for a maternal vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants stopped clinical trials because of an increased risk of preterm births. “A vaccine given during pregnancy that prevents RSV in infants was about 66% effective at protecting against RSV-associated respiratory illness‚ and about 69% effective at protecting against severe disease‚ according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine‚” Chief Nerd wrote‚ citing JAMA Network. “However‚ the researchers stopped the trial early because of an increased risk of preterm births. Despite the potential risks of maternal RSV vaccination‚ ‘it is essential to weigh this small risk against the proven benefits‚’ the authors of a linked editorial wrote‚ adding that most of the preterm births occurred between 34 and 37 weeks‚” Chief Nerd added. “A vaccine given during pregnancy that prevents RSV in infants was about 66% effective at protecting against RSV-associated respiratory illness‚ and about 69% effective at protecting against severe disease‚ according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine. However‚… pic.twitter.com/LWaGaCZDY4 — Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) April 14‚ 2024 The Defender noted the halted study was GlaxoSmithKline’s maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. “GSK stopped developing a vaccine for pregnant women to protect newborns against syncytial virus (RSV) after identifying an increased risk of preterm births. Pfizer won approval of its nearly identical vaccine after the company said the increased rate of preterm births in its trials was statistically insignificant‚” the outlet wrote. “The results of this trial‚ in which enrollment was stopped early because of safety concerns‚ suggest that the risks of any and severe medically assessed RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease among infants were lower with the candidate maternal RSV vaccine than with placebo but that the risk of preterm birth was higher with the candidate vaccine‚” an article published in The New England Journal of Medicine stated. “151 more preterm births and 10 more neonatal deaths in the vaccine group‚” Chief Nerd noted. 151 more preterm births and 10 more neonatal deaths in the vaccine group Study Link: https://t.co/8EAafbAkeK pic.twitter.com/qvMQHv5sOa — Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) April 14‚ 2024 The Defender reports: GSK on Thursday provided more details on the clinical trials for its maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. The company halted the trials and stopped developing the vaccine in February 2022‚ after identifying an increased risk of preterm birth among vaccinated mothers. The details‚ published in a peer-reviewed article in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)‚ came after GSK previously reported the increased risk and subsequent termination of the trials to regulators‚ GSK’s investors and in the press. According to the NEJM article‚ GSK was unable to identify a mechanism by which the vaccine caused the preterm births. However‚ the company also couldn’t identify any causes other than the vaccine being investigated. Although GSK ended its trials due to the preterm birth safety signal‚ the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023 approved Pfizer’s RSV vaccine for pregnant women‚ — even though Pfizer also reported elevated rates of preterm birth among vaccinated women during clinical trials for the vaccine‚ Abrysvo. Pfizer said the rates of preterm birth during the Abrysvo trials were not statistically significant. However‚ the FDA limited approval of the vaccine for women in weeks 32-36 of their pregnancy. The authors of an editorial that accompanied the NEJM article noted that although Pfizer’s FDA-approved maternal RSV vaccine is bivalent and GSK’s RSVPreF3-Mat is monovalent‚ “the vaccines are otherwise similar.” “Excess maternal deaths with @pfizer ABRYSVO [Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine]. Should signal market recall/withdrawal. To be safe‚ women should decline this new injection‚” Dr. Peter McCullough said. Excess maternal deaths with @pfizer ABRYSVO [Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine]. Should signal market recall/withdrawal. To be safe‚ women should decline this new injection. @ChildrensHD @ICANdecide @TexasLindsay_ @TXforVaxChoice @jathorpmfm https://t.co/caT4Vh9q2g https://t.co/kE09M77IXa pic.twitter.com/hLFlGTfqY4 — Peter A. McCullough‚ MD‚ MPH® (@P_McCulloughMD) April 15‚ 2024 Per JAMA Network: The maternal vaccine evaluated in the study is similar to Abrysvo‚ which the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved last year to protect against RSV in infants. The FDA-approved vaccine is currently being monitored for vaccine-associated risks including preterm births. Despite the potential risks of maternal RSV vaccination‚ “it is essential to weigh this small risk against the proven benefits‚” the authors of a linked editorial wrote‚ adding that most of the preterm births occurred between 34 and 37 weeks. So safety concerns put a stop to RSV study for pregnant women but those same safety concerns did not put a stop to the RSV shot being released‚ recommended by CDC‚ and pushed by every OBGYN https://t.co/GXUTWwTeqJ — Daniel Horowitz (@RMConservative) April 15‚ 2024 “Pfizer failed to inform pregnant women participating in its clinical trial for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine that the clinical trial of a similar vaccine by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) was halted after a safety signal revealed a potential risk of preterm births leading to neonatal deaths‚” The Epoch Times reported last November. Pfizer Failed To Disclose Risks Of Preterm Birth And Neonatal Death To Pregnant Women In RSV Vaccine Trial https://t.co/d95GKqHttG — zerohedge (@zerohedge) November 26‚ 2023 From The Epoch Times: Even though Pfizer knew about the potential safety signal and was studying preterm births as an “adverse event of special interest‚” it continued to enroll women in its clinical trial and did not fully inform participants of the risks the vaccine may pose to their babies—and in some cases‚ provided misleading and contradictory statements‚ according to an investigation by The BMJ. “The BMJ article demonstrates Pfizer’s continued disregard for the law and patient choice‚” attorney Thomas Renz told The Epoch Times in an email. “The entire point of informed consent is to ensure a patient can make a decision based on all available information. Rather than embracing the Nuremberg Code and American laws and regulations‚ Pfizer seems to view informed consent as a barrier to sales—something that causes vaccine hesitancy or drug hesitancy.” “There should have never been a clinical trial in pregnant women studying any injections aimed at RSV in pregnant women‚” Sasha Latypova told The Epoch Times in an email. “Pregnancy and potential to become pregnant is historically the most protected class of human subjects from clinical research because the risks and potential to cause inadvertent harm are too devastating to justify scientific interest in made-up subjects like RSV.” Ms. Latypova is a retired pharmaceutical industry executive with 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical research and development and co-founder of several organizations that work with pharmaceutical companies to design‚ execute‚ collect data‚ and submit clinical trial data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to Ms. Latypova‚ what was once considered a harmless cold has since been rebranded as RSV.

Pearl Jam have released the third single from their upcoming Dark Matter album‚ out this week