Retro Raunch Revisit

This month marks the 70th anniversary of the publication debut of MODERN MAN magazine (1951). One of the very first precursors of PLAYBOY, this adult picture magazine featured humor, cars, pop culture, softcore sex and photos of buxom models & movie stars like Marilyn Monroe, Mamie Van Doren, Jayne Mansfield, and many lookalikes. The final print issue was Dec 1976.


JULY 1951 ON THE WORLD STAGE Talks to end the Korean war will begin later in July after terms were accepted by General Matthew Ridgway, supreme commander to the United Nations in the Far East. Original proposals for the ceasefire talks were made by General Ridgway to the Communists who requested changes which have today been agreed to. In his primary message to the North Korean commander Kim Il-Sung and the Commander of the Chinese Communist forces General Peng Tuh-huai, General Ridgway stated, "since agreement on armistice terms has to precede the cessation of hostilities, delay in initiating the meeting and reaching agreement will prolong the fighting and increase tension." But at the request of the Chinese & North Koreans, the talks will be delayed by 10 to 15 days. The delay is thought to be because of difficulties in reaching Kaesong due to transport problems although there is speculation the delay is to allow a finalization of tactics. The talks are to be held in Kaesong, a city in the southwestern part of the North and so far in the armed conflict, the only city to change previous control from the South. The location is aslo no-man's land just south of the 38th Parallel which forms the joint border of separation between both countries. Liaison officers from all sides are due to arrive in Kaesong on July 5th for preliminary talks and General Ridgway has asked for "positive assurances of safe conduct for this personnel" for when the officers travel to the conference. They are expected to co-ordinate details of the truce negotiations to end the war with the hope of substantial agreements further involving the US Navy and North Korean Army, arrangements for a demarcation line, a demilitarized zone, discussions on how the truce will be supervised, and the issue of prisoners of war. Back in April, President Harry Truman fired his popular General, Douglas MacArthur, from his position as Commander of American forces which shocked the public back home and stunned the world. Both men had clashed over the war's direction, and when the General suggested using the highly devastating atomic bomb, his comments were seen as a dangerous & reckless provocation. What ensued with each was a public war of words that resulted in MacArthur being dismissed, and replaced by Ridgway. The Korean War began in June 1950 when North Korea invaded the South at several points along the 38th parallel. The North is equipped & trained by both the Soviet Union and China, while the South is supported by a United Nations coalition made up of some 20 countries with the United States providing the overwhelming assistance in fighting.