The secrets behind the popular show “The Beverly Hillbillies”

By
Monica Pop
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If you were a fan of the Clampett family, who turned multi-millionaires over night after finding a huge oil resource in their land, and if you were eagerly waiting for each episode and each of their adventure, then stay with us and read about some of the “secrets” of the best show ever, The Beverly Hillbillies.

The show ran from September 26, 1962 until March 23, 1971 and made millions laugh. It truly was one-of-a-kind and fans were left wondering why it was cancelled when it never lost its popularity, not until today, almost 50 years after the last episode aired.

Facebook / TheBeverlyHillbilliesTV 

1. CBS forgot to renew the copyright

If you ever wondered why the first 55 episodes of the show can be watched pretty much everywhere, including low-budget channels, that’s because CBS forgot to renew the copyright for those episodes once the show was cancelled.

Wikipedia Commons

2. Buddy Ebsen and Nancy Kulp weren’t fond of one another

Those who were present on the set of The Beverly Hillbillies, confirmed many times how Buddy Ebsen, who portrayed the role of Jed Clampett, and Nancy Kulp, who played Miss Jane Hathaway, would often argue while filming.

Their fights and disagreements were mainly a result of their different political views.

Years after the show ended, Nancy ran for Congress at the age of 62, and many believe she lost the election because her former colleague slammed her publicly and criticized her for her views.

Reddit

3. Max Baer Jr. played his twin sister

The skillful son of Jed’s cousin, Pearl, wit-dimmed Jethro Bodine was portrayed by actor Max Baer Jr. However, Max also played the role of his onscreen twin sister Jethrine in 11 episodes. And although he excelled the role, Jethrine’s voice was done by the daughter to the series’ creator, Linda Kaye Henning.

4. The series creator regretted doing a movie after the show was over

Some ten years after the popular show was over, creator Paul Henning did the movie The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies? To his surprise, his project got very bad critics and reviews as many fans believed it was far from what the series depicted, with some saying the movie lacked the original spirit of the series.

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5. The original name and set of the series differed from how we know them today

The initial plan was for the Clampett family to move to one of New York’s fancy neighborhoods, but due to financial reasons, they started their new life in Beverly Hills. The original title of the series was The Hillbillies of Beverly Hills, and it was changed to The Beverly Hillbillies just after the first episode aired.

Facebook / TheBeverlyHillbilliesTV 

6. Max Baer Jr. sued CBS

Baer accused CBS in 2014 that they were using his character’s name without his knowledge and made a secret deal with Jethro’s BBQ. That apparently prevented him from making money on his role. Eventually, Baer and the network came to an agreement.

7. John Wayne was paid in bourbon

Actor John Wayne was part of the episode The Indians Are Coming from season five of the show and allegedly was paid in bourbon instead of money.

8. Sonny Drysdale was just eight years younger than his onscreen mother

Sonny played the role of the spoiled rich step-son of Milburn Drysdale. His onscreen mother, Mrs. Drysdale, was only eight years older than him. Well, no one could notice this fact and it’s not really unusual for actors to play someone who is way younger or older than they really are in real life.

9. Sharon Tate

The murder of pregnant Sharon Tate shook the world. The beauty, who was married to Roman Polanski at the time of her death, was killed by the members of the Charles Manson “Family” while she and friends were having dinner in her home.

Tate appeared in 15 episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies. On the show, she wore a brunette wig which made it hard for people to recognize it was her.

Sharon Tate in The Beverly Hillbillies (1962)

10. The reason why the show was cancelled

Although it still had high ratings and people anticipated each new adventure of the Clampett family and their relatives and friends, CBS axed the show. It was reported how they were making a change and were focusing on more cultured, metropolitan audience.

Fans, as well as the cast, were shocked by the decision. Actor Pat Buttram of Green Acres said, “CBS canceled everything with a tree — including Lassie.”

CBS

I loved this show so very much. I guess it was somehow pure and its only goal was to make the audience happy.

Sean Connery’s widow Micheline confirms he was struggling with dementia

By
Monica Pop
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From working as a milkman, a lorry driver and a coffin polisher in his young days, to being knighted in 2000, the first ever secret agent James Bond had an incredible life. Born to parents who were poor, he left school at the age of 13 to be able to work and help his family make ends meet.

Sean Connery, one of the most charming men on the planet, who was named the sexiest man alive twice by the People magazine, passed away at 90. He always won each battle on the screen, but lost the most important one just a few days ago when he left the world mourning him.

Sean, the 007 agent who played in seven Bond films and won an Academy Award for The Untouchables, once said that his favorite movie was From Russia with Love.

After playing James Bond, Sean maintained a very successful career and landed roles in a number of famous movies like  Alfred Hitchcock’s Marnie , The Hill, Murder on the Orient Express, The Man Who Would Be King, Highlander, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Hunt for Red October, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and a lot more.

Sean was married two times. In 1962, the actor married Diane Cilento with whom he had son Jason Connery, his only biological child. In 1975, he tied the knot with Micheline Roquebrune and stayed together with her until the rest of his life. Their relationship and marriage withstood time despite Sean’s well-documented love affair with Lynsey de Paul during the late ’80s.

Wife Micheline told Mail on Sunday that her husband was suffering from dementia and added how the condition affected his life.

“It was no life for him,” she said. “He was not able to express himself latterly. At least he died in his sleep and it was just so peaceful. I was with him all the time and he just slipped away. It was what he wanted,” she continued. “He had dementia and it took its toll on him. He got his final wish to slip away without any fuss.” 

Rest in peace Sir Sean Connery, you were a legend!

Dad “wastes” hours building a cat flap for his cat

By
Monica Pop
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The moment the divine felines enter our life, they take all the control, and the sad reality is that we as humans can’t do anything about it. It looks as the mighty cats know how they were worshiped for centuries, and it’s still in their DNA to act like Gods who need to be well fed and taken good care of whenever THEY want it. 

They do know how to express their affection towards someone, but only choose to love certain people, so if you ever get approached by a cat it means you are a very special person, and yes, you should be very grateful  for that. 

Many times, no matter how hard you try, it’s simply impossible to make your cat happy. I am sure cat owner will agree on this one. You went shopping and got overly excited for that new cat toy, envisioning how your cute furry pal would be over the moon once they try it, and then you realize how the toy box is what they really want to play with. 

Cats are picky, and even if that leaves owners frustrated they will always opt for what they enjoy and not what humans want. 

YouTube

Philo is just another smarty pants cat who has an unusual quirk. His owner Brian was overly excited for the present he got for his fur baby. A cat door that would make it easier for Philo to go in and out of the house, which is something he really loves doing. Apparently, installing that cat flap wasn’t the best idea this owner could have come up with. 

Now when everything was properly installed, Brian took his camera and couldn’t wait to see the joy in Philo’s eyes after he sees and hopefully uses the tiny door. As the cat approached the door, Brian encouraged him to get inside through the new opening, and as you may assume, Philo didn’t even notice what his owner did for him. He could have at least got curious and sniff the opening, but no, no reaction at all. 

What he did instead is sort of amazing. He got on his hind legs and pulled down the door handle with his tiny paws. The door opened and he casually entered the place leaving his owner in disbelief. 

Well, Brian, you could have thought better than this. Why would an intelligent cat as Philo even need a special door when he can just open the big one like a boss.

This is so funny, you have to see it for yourself. 

“He’s not a monster”: Parents of cold-blooded murderer Chris Watts who killed his pregnant wife and two daughters defend him

By
Monica Pop
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After the horrendous murder of the mother of two who was pregnant with her third child, Shanann, and her girls, Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3, by their husband and father, the cold-blooded murderer’s parents still stay by his side and say he’s not a monster.

Details of the tragic killing of the family was depicted by the new Netflix series, American Murder: The Family Next Door. The father of the killer Chris Watts said his son didn’t ask to see the documentary. “…He has not been able to watch it [the documentary], he was never told about it or asked about it.”

Chris, who asked from the public to help him find his wife and daughters whom he previously killed, confessed to the crime and even told investigators how his older daughter begged him not to do to her what he did to her sister.

Chris’ parents couldn’t believe he was capable of murdering anyone, let alone his own family.

His father, Ronnie, said of his son who’s serving life behind bars at a maximum security prison, “He’s taking it one day at a time, just like we are. We still love our son no matter what and we miss our grandbabies. We’re trying to move forward but it’s a very hard task.”

According to The Sun, when Chris pleaded guilty in the courtroom, his mother Cindy said, “I have always loved you and I still do. We love you and forgive you, son;” while Ronnie added, “Chris, I forgive you and your sister forgives you and we will never abandon you.”

To the surprise of the wide public, the killer’s parents even tried to portray their late daughter-in-law as the one responsible for their son’s action of killing her. They claimed Shannan was hard to deal with and Chris was just a normal and easy-going guy before he married her.

“He’s not a sociopath. He’s not a psychopath,” Cindy told Denver7 as she tried to defend her son.

After hearing Cindy suggesting that it was more likely that Shannan killed her girls, Shannan’s family put out a statement, according to Denver 7, writing, “Shanann Watts was a faithful wife, and the most gentle and loving mother in the world to her children Bella, Celeste, and Nico… Everyone who knew Shanann knows this to be true. Even Chris Watts knows this to be true. Yet Chris Watts still chose to murder Shanann, Bella, Celeste, and Nico. Chris Watts still chose to dump the bodies of his own family in oil tanks. And Chris Watts still chose to lie about it until he could lie no more. He pled (sic) guilty to murdering his family because he is guilty.”

Frank Rzucek, father of Shanann Watts and her brother, Frankie Rzucek in court for Christopher Watts arraignment hearing at the Weld County Courthouse in Greeley, Colorado on August 21, 2018. (Source: Getty Images | Photo by RJ Sangosti – Pool)

“…Their false statements, however hurtful and inaccurate, will never alter the truth about Shanann, and will never alter the truth about the crimes committed by their son, Chris Watts,” Shannan’s family’s statement added.

We are very sorry for the loss of this loving mother, her beautiful girls, and her unborn son Nico, may you all rest in peace.

“Handlers” break baby lion’s legs and spine so that he stays still while tourists take photos with him

By
Monica Pop
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Wild animals are meant to be free and live in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, many are held in captivity. A huge number of these creatures are sold for money and even a greater number live in animal zoos where people pay to see them.

Unfortunately for one lion cub, he was taken away from his mother when he was just a couple of months old. The poor animal tried to free himself and in order for him not to ever try to do that again, his handlers broke his legs and his spine. He was used for photos with tourists who were probably unaware of the condition of the animal.

Source: Instagram

His fragile body was dirty and covered in scars from the mistreatment he suffered on a daily basis. Luckily, the baby lion was discovered by kindhearted people who wouldn’t let him suffer any longer. After a long time of abuse and life in chains, the sweet animal was rescued.

Source: Instagram

His story spread around like a wildfire and even reached president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, who urged the authorities to criminally investigate the case thoroughly. He said that the wrongdoers deserved to be punished for what they did.

Source: Instagram

The care for the lion, who was named Simba, was taken by a Russian vet named Karen Dallakyan. In fact, it was Karen who rescued Simba in the first place. Throughout his career as a doctor, this man with a heart of gold has changed the life of many animals for the better.

Source: Instagram

Today, after a year in the hands of the right people who showed him that they care, Simba is trusting humans again and is a playful animal. Simba underwent a number of surgeries and it looks like he could be getting towards being completely healed.

Source: Instagram

We are very happy for Simba, but at the same time we are sad for all the other animals who are exploited and held in captivity without ever getting a chance to be rescued.

This woman’s tattoo looks ordinary at first glance, but spreads a very powerful message about depression

By
Monica Pop
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Recently, I stumbled upon a very powerful photo which went viral and shows some of the celebrities who took their own lives with huge smiles on their faces, among which Chester Bennington, the Linkin Park singer. The caption said, “This is what depression looks like,” and it made me think of the words late Robin William who fought against depression and anxiety himself used to say, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

Depression makes you see the world differently, in a negative way. And sadly, people struggling with the condition believe things are even worse than what they seem. They have a hard time finding a reason to get out of bed and live.

YouTube

Bekah Miles, a psychology major at George Fox University, caught the attention of millions when she shared a photo of her tattoo. At first glance, it resembles just an ordinary piece of body art which says, “I’m fine.” But there’s something hidden behind it. In fact, Miles is suffering from depression and ever since 2016 she has been feeling like there is no way out. But she stills finds a way to cope with it every single day.

If seen from the opposite angle, the tattoo says, “Save me.” The message she wants to spread is that these people often need the help and the compassion from those around them, even from strangers.

After the photo of her tattoo has been shared around million times, Miles is glad she could make a difference and raise awareness. This is her story, take a look at it in the video below.

7-year-old boy with Down syndrome rings hospital bell to announce he’s cancer free after three years

By
Monica Pop
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Every parents’ dream is their children to be happy and healthy. Sadly, there are things in life that we don’t have control over, and that includes diseases.

Tommy Calder is a sweet young boy with Down Syndrome who was diagnosed with leukemia on February 18, 2018. The moment his parents Robert and Tina learned the devastating news, they felt like their world collapsed, but at the same time, they knew they had to stay strong for their boy and be by his side every step of the way.

It took a lot of sacrifice and almost three years for Tommy to kick the cancer’s ass, but he and his parents ended up winners.

GoFundMe

The moment Tommy started receiving his treatments, dad Robert quit his job so that they could travel for two hours from Warren, Minnesota to the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo countless of times.

During the whole time, Tommy showed he’s one of the bravest young boys there are. “He’s very tough. When he walks in this door, they have an iPad waiting for him because they know all they have to do is give him that iPad and he lets them do whatever,” his mom told KVRR News. “I don’t think he has ever cried once,” his dad added.

KVRR News

As the treatments cost a lot of money, a friend of the family started a GoFundMe page on the behalf of dad Robert which described Tommy as a beautiful soul and an enthusiastic drummer.

It explained the burden the family was feeling and asked from those moved by Tommy’s story to step in and donate. It also read, “I met Tommy’s father, Robert through our “Band of Brothers” page for fathers of children with Down syndrome. His obvious love and wholehearted inclusion of little Tommy really touched my heart as serendipity brought us together as family with a love in common.”

KVRR News

Finally, almost three years later, the family’s biggest dream came true. Their little boy, but a big fighter and a hero, has been cancer free. Tommy got to ring the hospital bell and spread the good news.

The parents thanked everyone involved in their son’s fight against the disease, especially the kind doctors and nurses. “This hospital has been amazing. Everybody from the doctors to the nurses to Child Life. They are spectacular,” Robert said. “We couldn’t think of a better place for him to get treatment.”

We are very happy for the family and hope Tommy will have an awesome childhood.

U.S. Marshals locate and rescue 45 missing children during operation “Autumn Hope”

By
Monica Pop
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After the successful operations by the U.S. Marshals in the past months during which a great number of children were saved from the hands of sex traffickers, our heroes yet again give us great news and make us proud of them and their work.

During the operation “Autumn Hope,” 45 children were located and rescued. 169 arrests were made by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and U.S. Marshals with the help of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio, Peter C. Tobin, said, “My thanks to all personnel who have stepped up for this operation. These are the same personnel who hunt down violent fugitives every day. I’m incredibly proud of them and pleased that they were able to apply those same skills to finding missing children. I know Operation Autumn Hope has made a difference in a lot of young lives.” 

In August of this year, 40 missing children were saved by U.S. Marshals during sex trafficking bust in Georgia. All of the children involved in the operation “Not Forgotten” were taken to a safe place and no longer need to fear for their lives. A month later, in September, there were two more successful operations reported.

Operation “Safety Net” resulted in 25 children aged 13 to 18 to be located and saved in Ohio. What followed was operation “Triple Beam” in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma during which 262 suspects were arrested and five children were rescued.

We are very thankful for the effort and the hard work by the U.S. Marshals who make such a huge change in the lives of innocent children who were kidnapped.

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