John Lennon is widely known as a peach loving hippy but videos of him losing his temper changed his legacy for some fans.

Easily one of the most successful music acts in history, the members of The Beatles all became incredibly rich and famous. More importantly, it seems very likely that The Beatles’ legacy will never be forgotten for many different reasons.

On top of being a member of The Beatles, John Lennon’s solo career was also incredibly successful and influential. By the time Lennon passed away, he was widely known as a hippy who wanted peace in the world. As it turns out, however, footage of Lennon losing his temper has left some fans questioning who he really was.

John Lennon Lost His Temper In The Music Studio In A Secretly Released Behind The Scenes Tape

When John Lennon had his life taken from him in 1980, the music world suffered a profound loss. Even though Lennon was only forty years old when he took his final breath, he’d already written many songs that have had a huge impact on generations of listeners.

The Things

Part of the reason why Lennon was able to write so many popular songs was that he cared deeply about the music he wrote. With that in mind, it makes sense that he could be short-tempered when he was in the studio recording music.

What are the ten best songs John Lennon wrote for The Beatles, according to Far Out Magazine?

Song Title:
Rank:
Album:
Release Year:

“Come Together”
#10
“Abbey Road”
1969

“I’m Only Sleeping”
#9
“Revolver”
1966

“Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”
#8
“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”
1967

“Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)”
#7
“Rubber Soul”
1965

“Tomorrow Never Knows”
#6
“Revolver”
1966

“I Am The Walrus”
#5
“Magical Mystery Tour”
1967

“All You Need Is Love”
#4
Released as a single
1967

“Across The Universe”
#3
“No One’s Gonna Change Our World” & “Let It Be”
1969 & 1970

“Strawberry Fields Forever”
#2
“Magical Mystery Tour”
1967

“Help!”
#1
“Help!”
1965

Still, given the fact that Lennon was always known for his peace and love beliefs, his temper can be surprising. After all, Lennon can be seen getting angry and swearing in some behind-the-scenes footage that has surfaced.

Joni Mitchell and John Lennon famously wrote beautiful songs but their feud got surprisingly ugly.

In 2020, the YouTube channel “Jaden is fine” uploaded a short compilation of times Lennon got angry on camera. That video, which is titled “John Lennon raging for over a minute”, features several moments of Lennon losing his temper while recording music.

In many areas of the world, people tend to be very upset whenever someone utters a curse word that refers to part of a woman’s body. However, there are many people from England, where Lennon was born, that use that curse word that starts with a c much more freely.

In behind-the-scenes footage of Lennon in the studio, it quickly becomes clear that he used that curse word regularly when he was angry.

Via: Youtube

In one clip, Lennon can be seen trying to sing when suddenly the music completely drops out. In response to that, Lennon instantly turned his head towards someone in frustration and said, “Come on” before uttering that curse word.

In 1971, Lennon released a song titled “How Do You Sleep?” which was was directed at his former bandmate, Paul McCartney. In one clip from the aforementioned video, Lennon can be heard singing the words, “How do you sleep you” before adding the curse word.

Via: Commons Licences

During other clips of Lennon in the studio from the video, the famed singer and songwriter expressed his anger in other ways. For example, Lennon asked multiple people he was working with, ‘What’s the matter’ with them. Lennon also could be seen uttering other swear words at his collaborators and just seeming short-tempered in general.

John Lennon Yelled At An Interviewer

During the aforementioned video on the YouTube channel “Jaden is fine”, there are two clips of John Lennon interacting with an interviewer. In both of those clips, Lennon and the interviewer can be seen getting angry as they argue over protest methods.

When John Lennon passed away, he left his son Julian Lennon out of his will which made things hard for the rock star’s child and wife Yoko Ono.

Before Lennon passed away, he wrote a lot of songs that featured strong political statements. Since Lennon was so talented at expressing complicated ideas, many of his songs were used when other people protested.

What are John Lennon’s five best political songs, according to Louder?

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”
“Working Class Hero”
“Give Peace A Chance”
“Imagine”
“Gimme Some Truth”

During the longest clip from the aforementioned video, Lennon argues with an interviewer about how one of his songs was used at a protest. As he calls the female interviewer out about something she said in the past, Lennon looked furious.

“You were saying that in America, they’re so serious about the protest movement. But they were so flippant that they were singing a happy-go-lucky song which happens to be one I wrote and I’m glad they sang it. And when I get there, I’ll sing it with them. When I get it. And that was a message from me to America or to anywhere that I use my songwriting ability to write a song that we could all sing together.”

Via: Wikimedia Creative Commons

Later during the video, Lennon can be seen arguing with the same interviewer. While speaking with a raised voice and a certain condescension, Lennon seemed baffled to be defending his protest methods.

“We did an advertising campaign for peace. Can you understand that? A very big advertising campaign for peace.”

The Truth About John Lennon’s Temper

Given the popular image of John Lennon that exists, it may shock some to see the legendary performer lashing out in anger. In reality, however, it could easily be argued that it is a bit silly. After all, even though Lennon sang about peace, he was still a human being and everyone has a temper.

After John Lennon became world famous, he released a song that freaked out the FBI so much the they began spying on him.

At the end of the day, Lennon was an artist who truly cared about his music and the ideals he fought for. With that in mind, it makes sense that he would get angry when he felt like his vision was being questioned or ruined and express it.

Bands that had members feud with each other, according to The Independent.

The Beach Boys
The Everly Brothers
Hall & Oates
The Kinks
KISS
Journey
Oasis
One Direction
Pink Floyd
Simon and Garfunkel
The Smiths
Yes

There are loads of stories about musical artists losing their temper behind the scenes. One example of that is the fact that Metallica now laughs about the time James Hetfield punched Lars Ulrich.

Via: Instar

All things considered, it could easily be argued that video footage of Lennon getting angry is no big deal. In fact, the person who uploaded the compilation of Lennon getting angry on YouTube made it clear they didn’t mean to disparage his legacy. “This video is purely for a laugh, I love our Johnny boy and wouldn’t make a hate post about him.”

That said, there is good reason for people who think that Lennon was a peace-loving hippie to reexamine parts of his life. While clips of Lennon getting angry arguably aren’t that meaningful, some dark facts about the singer shouldn’t be forgotten.

On the internet, there are a myriad of articles about all the awful things Lennon did with his wife. For example, Lennon once slapped his first wife out of jealousy, he beat up a friend so badly they were hospitalized, and he seemingly abandoned one of his sons.

Liam Payne shares rare snap of son Bear, 6, as they enjoy a sweet day out together and fans are all saying the same thing

Liam Payne posted a rare snap of son Bear to Instagram on Friday, sending his 26M followers into a frenzy.
The former One Direction singer, 30, shares the six-year-old with ex Cheryl, 40, and both have chosen to keep him out of the public eye.
In the photo Liam obscured his son’s face as he showed the little one a billboard in London’s Leicester Square advertising his new single Teardrops.
Writing: ‘I want to be on a billboard one day daddy’.
Fans immediately rushed to the comments failing to believe just how quickly Bear had grown.

Liam Payne posted a rare snap of son Bear, six, to Instagram on Friday, sending his 26M followers into a frenzy

In the photo Liam obscured his son’s face as he showed the little one a billboard in London’s Leicester Square advertising his new single Teardrops

With one writing: ‘Bear has grown a lot!’.
While a second gushed: ‘No way that’s bear! I feel old’.
And: ‘Bear is soooo bigggg’.
Another commented: ‘he’s so big!’.
Someone else wrote: ‘He’s already that big???’.
A sixth typed: ‘He’s so big, it seems like he was born yesterday’.
Cheryl previously revealed  Bear had realised that both of his parents are famous.
Speaking to British Vogue for the Girls Aloud reunion, Cheryl told how Bear thinks it’s ‘pretty cool’ that both of his parents are famous pop stars.

The former One Direction singer, 30, shares the six-year-old with ex Cheryl , 40, and both have chosen to keep him out of the public eye (pictured together 2018)

‘Inconsolable’ Liam Payne breaks down in tears recording new single

Asked if her son might make an appearance on stage at some point during the tour, Cheryl said: ‘The problem is that I want Bear to have a normal childhood.
‘I don’t want people recognising him on the street. But he’s twigged that I’m famous. The other day he said, “How lucky am I to have famous parents?” I said, “It doesn’t matter.” He goes: “Yeah. But it’s pretty cool.” ‘
Liam’s new single – which marks a new chapter of his career – was co-written by NSYNC’s JC Chasez and is about the vulnerability of heartbreak and the challenge of overcoming those moments.
In a recent statement, the One Direction favourite said candidly: ‘This song marks the start of a new beginning, there’s lots more to come in 2024.’
Song co-writer Jamie Scott has also described Liam’s past year in the studio as a ‘year long process of self-reflection’.

Liam’s new single – which marks a new chapter of his career – was co-written by NSYNC’s JC Chasez and is about the vulnerability of heartbreak and the challenge of overcoming those moments

It comes comes after his ex-fiancée Maya has revealed that she is releasing a new book, based on her experiences throughout the pandemic

She shared a photo of the cover of the book, which is called Looking Forward, showing a brunette woman and a man carrying a guitar, walking with their arms around each other in London
It comes comes after his ex-fiancée Maya has revealed that she is releasing a new book, based on her experiences throughout the pandemic.
The model, 22, said that she was inspired to write the novel after suffering ‘a period in my life filled with a lot of pain’.
She shared a photo of the cover of the book, which is called Looking Forward, showing a brunette woman and a man carrying a guitar, walking with their arms around each other in London.
Captioning the Instagram post, Maya revealed her inspiration for the novel and explained that she had ‘never intended to share’ the story, but was choosing to help others ‘experiencing similar trauma and hardships’.
She wrote: ‘2020 was a dark and scary time for all of us. I was coming off a period in my life filled with a lot of pain.
‘However, I learned that the great thing about pain is that it can inspire something beautiful.

Who Is The Richest Beatle? (And Each Of Their Net Worth)

Though the heyday of The Beatles is diminished, let’s take a look at each band member’s net worth to determine who is the richest of the group.

The Beatles are, without a doubt, the greatest band of all time. They changed the history of rock ‘n roll and inspired countless amazing artists that came after them. Without them, music would be a completely different thing today. And, of course, with great fame comes great wealth.

Sadly, nowadays, only Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr remain. But all the members have had great careers after the breakup of the band, which earned them a lot of money. This article will uncover which one of the Fab Four is the richest, and explain how each of them amassed their fortune.

Updated November 2023: Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are still remaining relevant in the music industry 60 years after they first came on the scene as half of The Beatles. Starr has been touring this spring and finished up his tour in October 2023. McCartney is currently on tour until mid-December.

Most importantly for Beatles fans, the duo released a new song from the quartet on November 16, 2023. The song, “Now and Then” will be the last new song from The Beatles and has already received critical praise since its release.

4Ringo Starr

Net Worth: $350 Million

via Instar

Drummer, vocalist, and songwriter for The Beatles

Sir Richard Starkey, peace and love! Ringo’s net worth is $350 million, and he holds the title of the richest drummer of all time. This number is impressive, but it makes sense once you review Ringo’s career. The drummer, who celebrated his 80th birthday with a live charity show on YouTube in 2020, has released 18 solo albums and has been touring with his All-Starr Band for decades.

Ringo Starr wasn’t impressed with the interviewers, and that was evident at the start when Paul McCartney was brought up.

In 1973, three years after The Beatles officially split up, Ringo earned two Number One singles. One with the song “Photograph,” which he wrote with George Harrison, and the other one with a cover of “You’re Sixteen,” a song by the Sherman Brothers. In 1994, he reunited with his former bandmates to record two tracks with John Lennon’s vocals. Those tracks were part of the Beatles Anthology.

Ringo has also had a career in acting. Aside from his roles in the Beatles’ movies, such as A Hard Day’s Night or Help!, Ringo acted in movies like Candy, The Magic Christian, and Caveman. He met his wife of almost 40 years, actress Barbara Bach, on the set of the latter movie. He also appeared in Martin Scorsese’s documentary The Last Waltz in 1976.

From Spring 2023 into Fall 2023, Starr was touring and successfully selling out his venues. With the tour being over, Ringo’s next project is a country album. A genre that he has always had a fondness for and wanted to work in, but never had the opportunity to. However, when his friend, T Bone Burnett sent him a song, Ringo knew he had to perform it and an album was born from that.

3George Harrison

Net Worth: $400 Million At Death

via YouTube

Lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for The Beatles

The quiet Beatle had also made an impressive fortune. His $400 million net worth is the result of his incredibly prolific career, with and without The Beatles. Even though he is the author of some of the greatest Beatles hits, the songwriting in the band was mainly divided between the Lennon-McCartney duo.

That’s why in 1970, the same year the breakup of the band was announced, he released a triple album with all the songs he had written during the last years of The Beatles. This album, entitled All Things Must Pass, was awarded a gold disc just a month after its release and has received six platinum certifications. The single “My Sweet Lord” made George the first Beatle to make a Number 1 hit after the band’s breakup.

In October 1988, he formed a band called The Traveling Wilburys with Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and Tom Petty. The band’s first album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, was a huge success and was certified triple platinum. Later that year, following Roy Orbison’s death, the band released their second album, titled Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3 in an attempt to confuse fans.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney were full of laughs during their final interview together with Larry Kane.

In the 90s, during the making of The Beatles Anthology, Harrison stated: “I hope somebody does this to all my crap demos when I’m dead, make them into hit songs.” His family seems to have listened to him, because in 2002, right after his death, the album Brainwashed was released. It included the songs he had recorded in the last years of his life, which were completed by his son Dhani.

Harrison’s voice can be heard one more time in a new track that was released by The Beatles on November 16, 2023. The song, “Now and Then” is the final song that will be released by the quartet, having been discovered when The Beatles were working on the Anthology during the mid-1990s.

2John Lennon

Net Worth: $620 Million At Death

via YouTube

Lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter for The Beatles

John Lennon was one of the main songwriters in The Beatles, along with McCartney. That alone could explain his staggering $620 million net worth (though adjusting for inflation, that would be approximately $200 million today). But aside from his very active role as a composer in the band, he has had an incredible solo career, which was cut short when he was murdered in 1980.

In 1969, he formed the Plastic Ono Band with Yoko Ono, and they released several songs against the Vietnam War. Activism for peace became a constant theme for his new band, and Yoko’s influence became more and more important in the way he viewed music. In 1971, he released the album Imagine. The single, by the same name, became a peace anthem, even if it didn’t have that much success immediately. The album would eventually receive a gold and two platinum certifications.

John took a five-year hiatus after the birth of his second child, Sean. During that time, he said he became a homemaker. In October 1980, he released his last album, Double Fantasy. The record was not well-received immediately after its release, but right after his death it quickly topped the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Paul recently divulged that John was concerned about how people would view him after he died, concerned that his body of work was not remarkable enough.

“I remember him saying to me, ‘Paul, I worry about how people are going to remember me when I die,’ and it kind of shocked me,” Paul explained. “I said ‘OK, hold on, just hold it right there. People are going to think you were great, you’ve already done enough work to demonstrate that.’”

John can be heard on The Beatles’ new track, “Now and Then”, released on November 16, 2023.

Yoko Ono revealed that she’s always preferred The Beatles’ White Album over Sgt. Pepper. However, her favorite The Beatles song isn’t from this album.

1Paul McCartney

Net Worth: $1.2 Billion

via Instar

Lead vocalist, bassist, and songwriter for The Beatles

The title of the Richest Beatle belongs to Sir Paul McCartney. This likely comes as no surprise, since he has had one of the most prolific music careers in the world. He’s worth an astonishing $1.2 billion, and here’s why.

Aside from being one of the main songwriters in the band, his career post-Beatles is just as impressive. Right after the band broke up, McCartney fell into a depression. His wife, Linda, was the one that helped him get through it, and in her honor, he wrote the hit song “Maybe I’m Amazed.” This song appeared in Sir Paul’s first solo album, McCartney, which he recorded all on his own, except for a few backing vocals Linda did.

This record caused a lot of conflicts, as it was released along with “Let It Be,” right before the official breakup of The Beatles. The album did very well, spending 3 weeks at Number 1, and the following year Paul released RAM, another commercial success, although it wasn’t well-received by critics.

Later in 1971, Paul started what would be his next great band: Wings. He convinced Linda to join the band despite not having any musical experience, as he didn’t want to be away from her and their children while the band was touring. The band had a lot of success, achieving 14 top ten singles in the US and 12 in the UK.

After the disbandment of Wings, Paul continued releasing albums and touring. His 2019 release Egypt Station became his first album to debut at Number One, proving that the Richest Beatle is not slowing down.

Paul is currently touring in Mexico and will be wrapping up his South American tour in Brazil on December 16, 2023.

When he is not touring, Paul is working on music. Be it The Beatles, “Now and Again” or working with Dolly Parton and Ringo on Dollyn’s rock album, Paul proves he still has vocal chops worth listening to. And with the powerhouse teaming up with The Rolling Stones in September 2023 for their new album, Paul is not going anywhere anytime soon.

It’s no secret the New York Yankees have put pressure on themselves to capitalize in 2024. They traded for one guaranteed year of Juan Soto and have an additional nine players hitting free agency come November.

New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox – Game One / Winslow Townson/GettyImages

Some might call that a risky strategy — and it undoubtedly is. On the flip side, however, it could serve as a motivator for guys to maximize their values in a contract year, or play to expectations in order to have their option picked up.

It offers a do-or-die element that only the best competitors will respond to, which only improves a team’s chances to make an October run. The Yankees have lacked that sense of urgency for quite some time — just look at Aaron Judge’s historic 2022 season when the Yankees were smashed by the Astros and swept in the ALCS (after nearly being eliminated by the Guardians in the ALDS).

But after a few chemistry-altering moves this offseason, the Yankees acquired gamers. Some with a chip on their shoulder. Others with something to prove. And then they have some in-house names still looking to rebound or prove their consistency.

And those who are in a contract year? They could change the dynamic.

4 Yankees in contract year whose motivations could lift 2024 roster

Anthony Rizzo

Rizzo signed a two-year contract with a team option for the 2025 season at the conclusion of 2022. He’s set to make $40 million guaranteed (his option is for $17 million but carries a $6 million buyout). He’s not a true free agent, but with the way teams have treated these options in recent years, he might as well be.

Rizzo’s 2022 was pretty much as good as it gets for a lumbering first baseman in his age-32 season. The lefty slugger cranked 32 homers and 75 RBI with an .817 OPS and 130 OPS+ across 130 games. There were holes in his game, but that offensive output is enough to justify his salary.

But then came 2023. Rizzo got off to a blistering start in April and May but then suffered a head injury in a collision with Fernando Tatis Jr. He was misdiagnosed, played another two months with what was determined to be “cognitive impairment,” and put forth some of the worst baseball you’ll ever see (but to no fault of his own, outside of not saying to the Yankees “I literally cannot play”).

The former World Series champion has a lot to gain from a productive 2024, and the Yankees will greatly benefit if his bat and on-base skills can at least remain consistent to his career averages.

Clay Holmes

Clay Holmes said the Yankees haven’t approached him about an extension, but the team has no reason to at the moment. Holmes is making $6 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility and still has a lot to prove.

The right-hander’s consistency has been his paramount issue. His 25 sterling games during a worthless 2021 season set the tone, but his All-Star 2022 season was a tale of two halves: 1.31 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in the first and a 4.84 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in the second. Can’t have that.

Then, in 2023, it occurred in similar fashion but to a lesser extreme. Holmes wasn’t the certified closer for a decent portion to start the year because of the way he finished 2023, but his 2.23 ERA and 1.10 WHIP first half (with 10 saves) combined with his 3.71 ERA and 1.28 WHIP second half (with 14 saves) made it a bit more palatable.

Truthfully, there’s no room for such a discrepancy in 2024. Holmes has superior stuff, but needs to harness his command and composure. He’ll be the favorite to kick off the year as the team’s closer and his fight for a payday could help him secure it once and for all.

Gleyber Torres

Have you heard? Gleyber Torres is entering his final year of team control. We should probably talk more about this. How did we not see this coming!?

Just joshin’, of course. Torres’ Yankees tenure has been a polarizing one, and his 2023 rebound has set himself up for a promising 2024, which would then get the 27-year-old PAID and/or increase his chances of remaining a Yankee for life (which is a desire of his).

But the Yankees don’t feel the need to jump the gun by any means. Torres’ 2018 and 2019 were the stuff of legends, but he’s never come close to replicating those 2019 numbers and just managed to match his 2018 production this past season. His defensive and baserunning lapses have also left a lot to be desired. His lack of consistency and mental shortcomings do not warrant a guaranteed life after 2024 in pinstripes.

So it’ll be up to the Venezuelan slugger to rewrite his story. Torres is an incredibly important piece to the Yankees’ puzzle. Much like Luis Severino last season, the Yankees need Torres and Torres needs the Yankees in this contract year.

Everything’s set up for the veteran second baseman to quiet the criticisms and increase his value at the perfect time. If he can concentrate and execute, the Yankees’ lineup will be as close to unstoppable as it can possibly be, and Torres will be on his way to cashing out or getting his extension in the Bronx.

Alex Verdugo

The Year of the Dugie that Boston Red Sox fans were yearning for in 2022 and 2023 might very well come with the Yankees in 2024. What a story that would be.

Acquired in a trade with the Yanks’ hated rivals this offseason, Verdugo comes to New York as someone with a lot to prove. He was consistently called out by his former manager Alex Cora the last couple years in Beantown, which resulted in public spats. Verdugo took a parting shot at Cora in his introductory call with the Yanks, too.

Fans certainly like that energy, but it’ll feel empty without the requisite production. Verdugo was brought in to lengthen the Yankees lineup and provide a left-handed threat to turn over the order. The potential is there, too.

Not only has his defense improved significantly, the former Dodgers top prospect has shown an ability to hit for contact and rack up extra-base hits. He also barely strikes out. Oh yeah, and Verdugo received MVP votes in the shortened 2020 season!

But he’s coming off his worst full season of his MLB career. He hit .264 with a .745 OPS (100 OPS+). He kind of became a heel in Boston as the fans grew frustrated, since he was supposed to be the crown jewel of the Mookie Betts trade.

In 2024, he’ll remain in the AL East with something to prove right in front of his new biggest rival. His defense in the outfield will save the Yankees after a season in which they played infielders in the left and right pastures. His bat should see an uptick in production surrounded by the most talent he’s ever played alongside in his career.

Like Torres, Verdugo can set the record straight and dictate his own future. He’ll make $9-10 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility, but he needs an all-around good season to convince a potential investor he’s worth a longer-term deal. That’ll stick it to Cora, wouldn’t it?

Niall Horan rules out a One Direction reunion in the near future as he reveals Zayn Mailk has severed contact with ALL of his former bandmates

Niall Horan has revealed that it’s highly unlikely One Direction will reunite anytime soon, as Zayn Malik has cut off contact with all of his former bandmates.
In an interview with The Sun, Niall, 26, has revealed that the only way the chart-topping collective would come together in full again is if Zayn, 27 – who quit the band in 2015 – gets back on speaking terms with his former pals.
The Irish singer said of Zayn: ‘He’s quite a hard fella to keep in touch with. He’d probably tell you that himself, to be fair. I don’t particularly talk to him a lot. I mean, if he’s got something coming out or something I will text him.

No contact: Niall Horan (left) has revealed that it’s highly unlikely One Direction will reunite anytime soon, as Zayn Malik (right) has cut off contact with all of his former bandmates
‘He might not reply but I’ll give him a shout, but I don’t know… After the band, he left for his reasons and then he never really spoke to us much afterwards.’
The Slow Hands singer added of Zayn: ‘I’ve got no bad blood with him at all but some things have a lifespan. I don’t know. We will see what happens. Maybe one day we can reconvene at some point, but not right now.’
Niall’s words comes one month after bandmate Louis Tomlinson revealed he doesn’t feel ready to make amends with Zayn, who he believes has been ‘disrespectful’.

Back in the day: Niall and Zayn are pictured with fellow One Direction stars (L-R) Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Harry Styles in August 2013

Niall Horan tells The Project One Direction will get back together
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The singer, 28, admitted that he thinks Zayn has talked ‘s***’ in interviews but said he can understand that when you’re in a certain mood sometimes you just want to ‘run your mouth’, referring to his negative comments about the band.
During an interview with The Sun, Louis didn’t want to rule out a reunion with Zayn in the future however he confessed he doesn’t feel ready to ‘yet’.
When quizzed on whether he felt Zayn was disrespectful, he said: ‘Yeah, I do. But I can understand it. We have a lot of situations where we’re sat in interviews and if you’re in a certain mood you might run your mouth.’
‘The older you get the more you can tell if these things actually carry any malice or if they’re just a prod in the back. That’s life, innit? Sometimes people chat s**t and that’s the reality.’

Big: The group enjoyed huge success at the height of their fame. Pictured in November 2013
As the discussion moved to his former band mates, he revealed he is still in contact with Harry Styles, Niall, and Liam Payne ‘sporadically’ however he no longer talks to Zayn.
Louis was asked if he’s tried to make up with his former band mate and he said: ‘No, but I’ve not actively tried. We’ve all got a lot on our plates and there might be a day where I wake up and think: “OK, I want to right that wrong”, but not yet.’
The comments contrasted slightly against those made by Louis earlier that same week, where he admitted he ‘loves’ his One Direction band mates, as he hit out at the idea of members ‘chatting s***’ about a group once they’d split for ‘cool points.’
Louis, who is in a relationship with Eleanor Calder, was speaking to Rolling Stone magazine about his debut album Walls, when he gushed about his time with Harry, Liam, Niall, and Zayn.

Bad blood: Niall’s words comes one month after bandmate revealed he doesn’t feel ready to make amends with Zayn, who he believes has been ‘disrespectful’. Pictured in November 2014

Louis Tomlinson refuses to talk about spat with Zayn Malik
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The Kill My Mind singer is ‘super proud’ about his stint with the boy band and would never say anything bad about the group as he thinks it looks ‘desperate’ when solo artists slam their beginnings.
After Zayn repeatedly admitted he isn’t a fan of 1D’s music and Liam has admitted being in the group could be ‘toxic’ and hinted he didn’t get on with everyone, Louis was asked why he’s never complained about the band.
He explained: ‘I absolutely f***ing love the band. I’m super proud about where I’ve come from. At the end of the day, I’m from Doncaster, and the band gave me such a nice opportunity.
‘But also, there’s a big history of that, people coming out of bands and chatting s***. I just think they just look so obvious. It’s such a desperate attempt to try and get cool points.

Show: Louis took to the stage to perform in concert at La Riviera in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday

Proud: The star said he is ‘super proud’ about his stint with 1D and would never say anything bad about the group as he thinks it looks ‘desperate’ when solo artists slam their beginnings
‘So I don’t think it’s authentic. I f***ing love the boys, and I love everything we’ve done together. And I still miss my time with them.’
Louis added that he felt the other One Direction members ‘would be lying’ if they claimed they didn’t enjoy their time in the band.
The singer also claimed that seeing the very different solo music each member – including Harry and Niall – have been producing shows the ‘strength’ of the band was that every one of them brought something different to the group.
Explaining that every member of the group have been making ‘really f***ing good music’, so he always enjoys it when he tunes into the radio and hears their songs.

Best time ever: Louis added that he felt the other One Direction members ‘would be lying’ if they claimed they didn’t enjoy their time in the band

Showman: The Doncaster native appeared to be in a jovial mood as he performed on Tuesday
Louis also added that he thought he and his bandmates were ‘lucky’ because they weren’t so tightly controlled as other boy bands had been, and he thinks that was key to their appeal.
The singer shot to fame nearly 10 years ago aged 18 when appearing on the X Factor and joining boyband One Direction.
While appearing on the 2010 edition of the show, Harry was handpicked by Simon Cowell alongside Louis, Niall, Liam, and Zayn to form the group.
Despite finishing 3rd in the competition the band went on to have global success winning nearly 200 awards and topping charts worldwide.

Grateful: Of his time with Harry, Liam, Niall, and Zayn, Louis said, ‘I absolutely f***ing love the band. I’m super proud’. Pictured in October 2010 on The X Factor

HMS Duke of York – A British Battleship Legend

The HMS Duke of York was a King George V-class battleship of the Royal Navy, launched in 1940 and known for its formidable design and armament.

During World War II, it played a significant role, most notably in the Battle of the North Cape in 1943, where it contributed to the sinking of the German battleship Scharnhorst.

Decommissioned in 1951 and eventually scrapped in 1957, the Duke of York remains a symbol of British naval prowess during a pivotal era in maritime history.

Design Of HMS Duke Of York

During the interwar period, naval capabilities underwent significant transformations, both in terms of technological advancements and strategic perspectives. The world had seen the horrors of World War I, and nations were gearing up, anticipating another global confrontation.

This period, especially the 1930s, witnessed an intensified naval arms race, with many nations seeking to bolster their maritime strength through the construction of powerful battleships and other naval vessels. In this environment, the British Royal Navy, with its historical dominion over the seas, felt a pressing need to modernize its fleet and maintain its competitive edge.

The King George V-class battleships, including the HMS Duke of York, were born out of this necessity. These were not just mere additions to the British fleet; they symbolized the UK’s determination to retain its maritime supremacy. They were designed to counter the naval threats posed by Germany, Italy, and Japan, all of whom were making significant naval expansions.

HMS Duke of York pictured from HMS Victorious during an Arctic convoy to Russia.

HMS Duke of York, launched in 1940, was a masterpiece of naval engineering for its time. A colossal vessel, it spanned a length of 227.1 meters and had a beam measuring 31.5 meters. When considering its deep draft of 10.2 meters, one gets a sense of its massive size. At full load, it displaced over 42,000 tons, making it a behemoth on the waters.

But the Duke of York wasn’t just about size. Its armament was equally impressive. Its primary battery consisted of ten 14-inch guns, distributed in three turrets. This made it a formidable force against other battleships. Its secondary armament, which featured sixteen 5.25-inch guns, was designed to handle smaller threats and provide anti-aircraft defense.

As aircraft began to play a more dominant role in warfare, the designers of the Duke of York recognized the necessity of robust anti-aircraft capabilities. This foresight was manifested in the ship’s extensive anti-aircraft arsenal.

Another noteworthy aspect of the ship’s design was its armor. Understanding the threat from both enemy ships and aircraft, the Duke of York was equipped with a thick armor belt, reaching up to 15 inches in some places. This armor was designed to protect the ship from torpedoes, shells, and aerial bombs. The ship’s armor, combined with its armament, made the Duke of York a floating fortress, capable of both taking and dealing massive blows.

Operational History

World War II represented a sea change in naval warfare. The dynamics of maritime combat were evolving rapidly, and battleships, though once the unchallenged kings of the sea, were being complemented (and in some perspectives, supplanted) by newer naval assets like aircraft carriers. However, in the midst of this evolving landscape, the HMS Duke of York showcased the continued importance of battleships and their ability to influence the outcome of major naval engagements.

The North Atlantic, a critical theater of naval operations during the war, became a stage for one of the Duke of York’s most defining moments. The Battle of the North Cape in December 1943 pitted the Royal Navy against the pride of the German Kriegsmarine, the battleship Scharnhorst.

The German vessel was renowned for its speed and firepower, making it a formidable opponent. Yet, under Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser’s astute leadership, the Duke of York, along with other British vessels, managed to engage and corner the Scharnhorst in a strategic trap.

The encounter’s significance was not merely about two battleships clashing in open waters; it was emblematic of the larger conflict between the Allies and the Axis powers. The Duke of York, using advanced radar-guided targeting systems, inflicted devastating damage on the Scharnhorst, proving the efficacy of integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional naval firepower.

Several direct hits from the Duke of York incapacitated the Scharnhorst, rendering it vulnerable to subsequent attacks from British destroyers, which eventually sank the German ship.

However, the Duke of York’s significance during World War II was not limited to combat engagements alone. The ship also played a pivotal diplomatic role, serving as a floating emblem of British power and resilience.

HMS Duke of York in the North Atlantic, December 1941.

In 1941, amidst the backdrop of a world at war, the Duke of York was chosen for the high honor of carrying Prime Minister Winston Churchill across the turbulent Atlantic waters for a crucial meeting with President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Their discussions culminated in the signing of the Atlantic Charter, a defining document that outlined the post-war vision for a world rooted in freedom, peace, and self-determination.

Legacy Of HMS Duke Of York

The aftermath of World War II marked the beginning of a new era in naval warfare and global geopolitics. As nations embarked on a path of rebuilding and redefining their strategic imperatives, the role and relevance of traditional naval assets, particularly battleships, began to be re-evaluated.

HMS Duke of York, like many of its contemporaries, entered the post-war period with a rich legacy of wartime service. However, the changing dynamics of naval warfare, driven by technological advancements and strategic shifts, cast a shadow on the future of such vessels.

The rise of aircraft carriers, which had demonstrated their strategic and tactical superiority during the war, particularly in the Pacific theater, signaled a move away from battleships as the primary instruments of naval power projection.

HMS Duke of York leaving a drydock in Rosyth, Scotland.

Yet, the Duke of York wasn’t immediately consigned to history. The Royal Navy, recognizing the vessel’s value, repurposed it for various non-combat roles. For a period, the ship found itself engaged in training exercises, serving as a floating classroom for a new generation of naval officers.

However, despite its repurposing, the economic realities of maintaining such a large capital ship began to weigh heavily on strategic decisions. Battleships like the Duke of York were expensive to operate and maintain. With the growing importance of other naval assets, such as submarines equipped with ballistic missiles and the aforementioned aircraft carriers, the cost-benefit analysis of keeping battleships operational became unfavorable.

Recognizing these factors and the inevitable evolution of naval warfare, the Royal Navy made the decision to decommission the HMS Duke of York in 1951. It was a decision that reflected both economic pragmatism and a forward-looking naval strategy. The ship, which had once been a symbol of British naval might, met its final fate in 1957 when it was scrapped.

Gerrit Cole was on the bump for the New York Yankees on Friday in their matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays. It was not the start the reigning Cy Young Award winner envisioned, as he had a rough first inning.

After getting two quick outs, Cole let up a triple to Davis Schneider and then a home run to Daniel Vogelbach. Cole would end up leaving the first inning after throwing 22 pitches.

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However, Cole returned to the mound in the second inning. While he would not be able to do this during a regular season game, he was able to do so in spring training with the relaxed rules.

Yankees fans immediately got out of their seat when they saw Cole heading to the bench in the first inning. They thought their ace had gotten injured, which would have been a disaster for the club.
“I’m physically ill” one fan posted.

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“Cancel the season” another fan posted.

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Gerrit Cole ended up going two full innings, giving up two earned runs on four hits and a strikeout in his first start of the spring. He must improve on this start if he wants to take his team to the postseason and fight for a World Series title.

Outside of Gerrit Cole’s struggles, the Yankees have been impressive so far

Yankees Gerrit Cole (Image via Getty)

Outside of Gerrit Cole’s rough outing, the Yankees have been turning heads. They opened their spring schedule against the Detroit Tigers and took it to them. They won 22-10, outhitting the Tigers 15-9.

It was not just the first game, either. The Bronx Bombers have had no trouble putting runs on the board. Through six games, they have produced an impressive 45 runs.

This trend should continue into the regular season, especially after bringing in Juan Soto during the offseason. Soto played in all 162 regular season games, tying a career-high in home runs with 32.

Soto should relieve the pressure felt by guys like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Anthony Rizzo face. They no longer have to be the only source of offense on the team.

Soto already has a home run to his credit this spring training and should have plenty more when the regular season starts. He is expected to be a free agent following the season and will do all he can to increase his free-agent value.

Battle of Iwo Jima: One of the Bloodiest Battles in US Marine Corps History

Photo Credit: National Archives / CORBIS / Getty Images

As dawn broke on February 19, 1945, a small volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean became the stage for one of World War II’s most ferocious engagements. The United States needed Iwo Jima for use as a base for fighter aircraft and an emergency landing site for bombers, and the battle would serve as a symbol of American grit and the US Marine Corps’ valor.

Strategic importance of Iwo Jima

Iwo Jima, 2014. (Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Trevor Welsh / U.S. Navy / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)
Iwo Jima’s location, halfway between Japan and the Mariana Islands, made it a crucial target for the United States. Not only was it imperative that the American forces take the island to stop the enemy forces from intercepting their Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers on runs, but control would provide the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) with a base from which pilots could launch attacks on the Japanese mainland and escort bombers on long-range missions.

The Japanese, aware of the island’s strategic importance but not certain an attack would occur, had fortified it with a vast network of bunkers, tunnels and artillery positions. This was unbeknownst to the Americans, who’d embarked on a relentless bombing campaign against Iwo Jima and believed they’d crippled the forces stationed there. This led key figures to believe a battle would take only a few days.

A fierce Japanese defense and the American Assault

US Marines firing a 37 mm gun at cave positions on Iwo Jima, 1945. (Photo Credit: ibiblio / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)
At 9:00 AM on February 19, 1945, some 30,000 US Marines landed on the shore of Iwo Jima, launching the battle, officially codenamed Operation Detachment. Almost immediately, struggles arose, with the troops faced with a hellish landscape of fire and ash, meaning every inch of the ground had to be taken at a tremendous cost.

The Japanese defense of Iwo Jima was tenacious – and extensive. Under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Tadamichi Kuribayashi, the Japanese constructed an intricate defense system designed to inflict maximum casualties. This included laying anti-ship and -tank mines along the beach, as well as depth charges and torpedo heads. Aerial kamikaze attacks were also an integral part of the defensive strategy, intended to destroy as many US Navy vessels as possible.

As the Americans trudged through the ashy sand, the Japanese began firing, following this barrage up with a banzai charge. By the end of the first day, they’d seized part of Iwo Jima’s airfields, albeit after suffering heavy casualties.

The fighting overall lasted 36 days, with most of the Japanese resistance coming from underground. As the Marines continued to move inland, the enemy realized an American victory was inevitable. That didn’t mean, however, that they wouldn’t make it as difficult as possible. This was particularly evident in the action to take Airfield No. 2, which proved to be the most fortified section of Iwo Jima.

On March 25, the last banzai attack was launched by the Japanese, which, while inflicting severe casualties, ultimately failed. Despite fighting continuing to rage in the subsequent weeks as the Americans looked for Japanese holdouts, the US military declared Iwo Jima captured the following day.

Demonstrating extraordinary valor during the Battle of Iwo Jima

Pfc. Jacklyn H. Lucas. (Photo Credit: ERcheck / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)
The Battle of Iwo Jima was characterized by brutal fighting conditions. The volcanic ash on the island made movement difficult, and the Japanese defense was relentless. Despite the hardships, American servicemen displayed extraordinary valor. A total of 27 Medals of Honor were issued following the engagement: 22 to Marines and five to sailors.

Among those to receive the distinction was Pfc. Jacklyn H. Lucas who, at just 17 years old and with complete disregard for his own life, used his body to cover two Japanese grenades, one of which detonated. Miraculously, he survived. Following his discharge, he tried his hand at civilian life, before enlisting in the US Army as a paratrooper. Unbelievably, he experienced another near-death event when his parachute malfunctioned during training.

Another, Pfc. William R. Caddy, gave his life to save those of his platoon leader and sergeant by using his body as a shield against a grenade blast. His mother was presented with the Medal of Honor on his behalf.

Raising the flag on Mount Suribachi

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, 1945. (Photo Credit: Joe Rosenthal / Associated Press / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)
One of the most enduring images of the Second World War is the photograph of six US Marines raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi. This moment, captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945, became a symbol of hope and determination; it signified not only the capture of Iwo Jimas’s highest point after a hard-fought battle, but also the resilience of the American spirit.

There were actually two flag raisings that day. The first was erected by the men of the 2nd Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, who were commanded by 1st. Lt. Harold G. Schrier. The latter and two others attached the American flag to an iron water pipe found at the top of the summit, before pushing it into the ground at 10:30 AM. The moment was captured by Staff Sgt. Louis R. Lowery.

The second flag raising is the most famous, and was conducted by Cpl. Harlon Block, Cpl. Harold Schultz, Cpl. Harold Keller, Sgt. Michael Strank, Cpl. Ira Hayes and Pvt. Franklin “Frank” Sousley. Rosenthal captured it after scaling Mount Suribachi, and he won the Pulitzer Prize in 1945 for the snap.

The flag-raising wasn’t only a morale booster for the troops on Iwo Jima, but also for the American public back home. The image was used in war bond drives and quickly became a patriotic symbol. It represented the progress in the Pacific and the inevitable march toward victory over Japan.

High casualties were suffered during the Battle of Iwo Jima

US Navy landing craft bringing supplies onto the shores of Iwo Jima, 1945. (Photo Credit: Bettmann / Getty Images)
The Battle of Iwo Jima stands as one of the bloodiest battles in the history of the US Marine Corps., and the cost of victory was steep. The United States suffered over 26,000 casualties, including 6,825 dead – a significant total of the 70,000 US Marines who participated in the engagement.

The Japanese losses were even higher, with only about 1,000 of the 22,000 defenders, the majority of them draftees, surviving the battle. Of that total, just 216 were taken prisoner, with the rest believed to have taken their own lives. Two men, Matsudo Linsoki and Yamakage Kufuku, held out on Iwo Jima for years, only surrendering on January 6, 1949.

Implications for the final stages of World War II

US Marines landing on Iwo Jima, 1945. (Photo Credit: Bettmann / Getty Images)
The capture of Iwo Jima had significant implications for the final stages of World War II. It provided the US military with a base for fighter escorts and emergency landings, which was instrumental in the air campaign against Japan. The island also served as a staging area for the eventual invasion of Okinawa, the last major battle of the Pacific Theater.

The success at Iwo Jima allowed for an intensification of the bombing campaign against the Japanese mainland, bringing the war closer to its conclusion. During the fighting, air raids were conducted over Tokyo as part of Operation Meetinghouse, resulting in upwards of 130,000 civilian deaths.

The Battle of Iwo Jima also served as a grim reminder of the potential human cost of an invasion of Japan itself. The proposed plan, known as Operation Downfall, was ultimately replaced by the decision to drop two atomic bombs – one on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and the other on Nagasaki three days later.

The mass death toll and destruction ultimately led to Japan’s surrender, ending the Second World War.

Letters from Iwo Jima and Flags of Our Fathers (2006)

Letters from Iwo Jima, 2006. (Photo Credit: bilbo / Warner Bros. / Paramount Pictures / Dreamworks Pictures / MovieStillsDB)
In 2006, Clint Eastwood released two films about the Battle of Iwo Jima, Letters from Iwo Jima and Flags of Our Fathers. The pair present the engagement from both sides and were met with critical acclaim.

Adapted from James D. Bradley and Ron Powers’ book, Flags of Our Fathers explores the events surrounding the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima. The movie delves into the subsequent fame and scrutiny faced by the individuals involved, narrated from the perspectives of three troops – John Bradley, Rene Gagnon and Ira Hayes – who embark on a national tour to raise funds for the war effort.

In a parallel narrative, Letters from Iwo Jima recounts the viewpoint of the Japanese forces. The focus is on Tadamichi Kuribayashi. Through letters, the movie covers the personal struggles, fears and sense of duty of the Japanese fighters.

The two together present a more rounded representation of the Battle of Iwo Jima, one that had never before been seen on the big screen. For this, they were nominated for – and won – several honors, including Golden Globes, Oscars, Critics’ Choice Awards and the 2007 Cinema for Peace Award for the most valuable film of the year.

USS Lexington Powered the City of Tacoma For a Month

In 1929, the USS Lexington, an aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, was repurposed to provide emergency electrical power to Tacoma, Washington, during a severe drought that crippled the city’s hydroelectric power sources.

For about a month, the Lexington, using its turbo-electric propulsion system, generated electricity for the city.

Background of the Tacoma Power Crisis

The late 1920s in the Pacific Northwest of the United States was a period characterized by significant industrial expansion and urban growth. Cities like Tacoma, Washington, were thriving centers of commerce and industry, their economies bolstered by an abundance of natural resources and a strategic location. Tacoma, in particular, had developed into a significant hub for lumber and paper production, owing to its proximity to vast forest resources and its advantageous coastal location.

This period of growth was accompanied by an escalating demand for electrical power, essential for both residential and industrial needs. Tacoma’s power infrastructure, like many other cities in the region, was heavily reliant on hydroelectric power. The Pacific Northwest, blessed with numerous rivers and streams, had harnessed these natural water sources to generate electricity.

Some of Tacoma’s citizens were allowed to take a look around the ship. There was even a Christmas event held for some of the city’s children. Image by Tacoma Public Library.

However, in 1929, this dependence on hydroelectric power became a vulnerability. The region experienced an extraordinary meteorological phenomenon—a severe drought that dramatically reduced water levels in rivers and reservoirs. The drought’s impact on hydroelectric power generation was immediate and severe. Power plants, which were designed to capitalize on the consistent flow of the region’s rivers, found their output capabilities drastically reduced as water levels fell.

The situation in Tacoma became particularly critical. The city’s power supply was threatened as the drought continued, with reservoirs reaching alarmingly low levels. This posed a significant threat not only to the residential areas but also to the industrial sector, which was the backbone of the city’s economy.

USS Lexington moored at the Baker docks in Tacoma during the crisis.

The crisis called for an urgent and innovative solution. It was in this context that the idea of utilizing a naval vessel, specifically the USS Lexington, was proposed and eventually realized. The decision to use a warship for peacetime civic utility was unprecedented and reflected the severity of the situation. The urgency of the crisis necessitated swift action, and the cooperation between the city of Tacoma, the federal government, and the U.S. Navy marked a remarkable instance of collaboration in the face of adversity.

USS Lexington

The USS Lexington, designated CV-2, was commissioned in 1927. She was among the first generation of aircraft carriers in the United States Navy, a new breed of warship that would come to redefine naval warfare. The Lexington was not only significant for her role in the evolution of naval strategy but also for her groundbreaking design and engineering features, which inadvertently positioned her to play a pivotal role during the Tacoma power crisis.

At the heart of the USS Lexington’s capabilities was her propulsion system, a feat of engineering that set her apart from many other ships of her era. She was powered by turbo-electric propulsion, a sophisticated and relatively new technology for the time. This system involved generating electrical power using steam turbines, which then drove electric motors connected to the ship’s propellers. This design offered several advantages, including improved efficiency, greater reliability, and enhanced maneuverability.

Power was fed through twelve cables coming from a single generator on board the ship.

The power generation capacity of the Lexington was immense, especially for the era. Her four steam turbines were capable of producing a total of 180,000 horsepower, an output that not only propelled the massive vessel through the oceans but also had the potential to generate a significant amount of electrical power. This aspect of her design was primarily intended to meet the substantial energy needs of the ship herself, including her propulsion, lighting, onboard equipment, and the operation of her aircraft.

However, what made the Lexington truly unique was not just her size or her role as an aircraft carrier, but the versatility of her power generation capabilities. While most ships of the era were designed with a single purpose in mind, the Lexington’s turbo-electric system inadvertently equipped her with the ability to function as a mobile power plant. This feature, while not envisaged when she was designed, would prove invaluable during the Tacoma power crisis.

The Mission to Power Tacoma

The idea to employ the Lexington for civilian power generation was both novel and audacious. It originated as a desperate measure to combat the unprecedented power shortage in Tacoma caused by the drought-affected hydroelectric plants. The proposal required not only the approval from the highest levels of the U.S. Navy and government but also a collaborative effort between the military and civilian sectors.

Once the mission was greenlit, a host of technical and logistical challenges had to be overcome. The primary task was to integrate the power generated by the Lexington’s turbo-electric propulsion system into Tacoma’s electrical grid. This was no small feat, considering the differences in engineering standards and requirements between a naval vessel and a civilian power infrastructure.

USS Lexington arrived in Tacoma with a full marching band playing on the dock.

USS Lexington arrived in Tacoma on December 17, 1929. Once operational, her impact was immediate and significant. The carrier began generating electricity, feeding it into Tacoma’s grid, and effectively mitigating the power shortage. The ship operated as a floating power station, its engines running round-the-clock to produce the much-needed electricity.

In a matter of weeks, the city of Tacoma went from facing a severe crisis to having a temporary but stable power supply. From December 17 until January 16, the ship sent out over 4.5 million killowatt hours, roughly one quarter of the city’s electricity. During this time, the skies opened and rain, along with melting snow, refilled the dam’s heavily depleted reservoirs.

As the drought abated and the hydroelectric power plants resumed their normal operations, the Lexington’s extraordinary mission drew to a close. The ship disengaged from the city’s power grid, removed the extensive cabling, and prepared to return to her usual duties.

WHEN it comes to dressing for the red carpet, David and Victoria Beckham rarely let us down, so when they arrived together at the coveted Met Gala last night, it was certainly a sight to behold.

Victoria and David Beckham lead the way for power couples down the red carpet last night[SPLASH]

The couple, who have both topped a number of best dressed lists over the years, looked every inch the power couple as they made their way up the red carpet, opting for matching monochrome looks as they posed hand-in-hand.

Victoria showed off her flair for fashion in a white column dress from her own collection, while David looked typically dapper in a matching white blazer, black trousers and a bow tie.

The pair have graced the red carpet in an array of matching outfits in the past, including double denim and matching leather, however their simple but stylish looks last night proved that they’ve definitely come a long way when it comes to the style stakes.

The pair, who have been married for ten years, wore matching monochrome outfits for the Met Gala [SPLASH]

They left their four children at home for a rare night out [SPLASH]

40-year-old Victoria was the perfect advert for her fashion line as she posed up a storm for photographers, with her fancy frock showing off her slender figure and golden tan a treat.

She teamed the strapless number with  pair of diamond-drop earrings, a statement ring and matching bracelet, but kept the rest of her look simple and elegant.

She wore her hair in a side parting, and let her long brunette locks flow over her shoulder.

Meanwhile, David couldn’t have looked prouder of his wife as he happily posed alongside her, showing off his enviable physique in the form-fitting blazer.

The couple looked as loved up as ever as they arrived and left hand-in-hand [SPLASH]

The pair – who left their four children at home for their rare night out – weren’t the only ones to match though, with a number of A-list couples opting for similar looks.

New couple Charlize Theron and Sean Penn also enjoyed a matching monochrome theme as they arrived hand in hand at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the event was being held.

Looking happier than ever, the twosome smiled and joked as they made their way into the venue – with Charlize showing off her figure in a black and white floor-sweeper and Sean in a black tuxedo.

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Charlize Theron and Sean Penn looked loved up as they donned matching outfits [SPLASH]

Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra showed off their unity in matching ensembles too [SPLASH]

Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra Furness looked a picture of wedded bliss as they arrived together, with the Wolverine actor donning a white blazer and black bow tie while his wife spotted a monochrome jacket, with a pair of trousers underneath.

Meanwhile, couple-of-the-moment Kim Kardashian and Kanye West showed off their love of fashion in their ensembles.

Kim made the most of her post-baby figure in a strapless blue gown, which came complete with a thigh high split.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West showed off their flair for fashion at the coveted event [WENN]

The frock cinched in her waist while showing off her trim and toned arms, proving that her endless hard work in the gym has paid off.

Kanye looked sharp in a tuxedo with a white bow tie and shiny wingtip shoes.