Alarming update on US Olympic hero – ‘fighting for her life’ in ICU

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Mary Lou Retton, a celebrated former Olympic gymnast, is “fighting for her life” in intensive care as she struggles with a rare form of pneumonia, reports claim.

According to a statement released by her family, 55-year-old Retton “is not able to breathe on her own.”

“My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. She is not able to breathe on her own, her daughter McKenna Kelley wrote.

“She’s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured.

“We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill.

“ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y’all so very much!”

Retton became a household name after she won the individual all-around gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, becoming one of the most famous athletes to have ever competed in the sport.

As result of her achievements, she appeared on numerous movies and TV shows during the 1980s and 1990s. In 1984, Sports Illustrated honored her as Sportsperson of the Year.

In an attempt to help the family with the medical bills, Retton’s daughter started a GoFundMe. Just how much admiration and respect people have for Retton is the fact that over 8,000 people made donation in a short period of time.

The initial goal was to raise $50,000, but so far the amount stands at a staggering $435,000.

People not only from the States but from other countries from the world have been sending their wishes for a speedy recovery.

Following her retirement from gymnastics, Retton became a motivational speaker. She also served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under former President George W. Bush.

Latest update confirms that Retton’s condition is improving. “Mom’s progress is truly remarkable! Prayers have been felt and have been answered. Although she remains in the ICU, her path to recovery is steadily unfolding. Her fighting spirit is truly shining! Her breathing is becoming stronger, and her reliance on machines is diminishing,” her daughter wrote.

We hope Mary Lou Retton will recover completely in the days to come.

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David McCallum hated this one thing about Mark Harmon on the ‘NCIS’ set – real reason revealed

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Over the course of his long and very successful career, late actor David McCallum played a number of iconic characters.

With his parents being professional musicians, his dad, David Sr., worked as an orchestral violinist for the London Philharmonic Orchestra, his mother, Dorothy, as a cellist, everyone assumed McCallum would choose the same career path. Well, it’s not that he didn’t, because besides being a famous name in the film industry, he’s also a musician who released four albums with Capitol Records during the mid 60’s.

Speaking of his love for music, McCallum once said, “I always knew that I could turn to music if I failed as an actor.”

Shutterstock/Joe Seer

Acting, however, became his passion the moment he stepped on stage for the first time.

“I played The Little Prince in Shakespeare’s King John, at one of those local things where people do skits and songs. Mine was the little prince having his eyes put out by this terrible man, and I acted it, evidently, very well, because I got a standing ovation. I wasn’t more than eight,” he recalled.

“And I said: ‘Hey, hey, hey, this is kinda cool!’ I don’t know if I consciously thought it, but I had found the place I wanted to be: on a stage, with the lights and make-up and the people. I’m exactly the same to this day; the feeling has never left.”

Initially, he attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, England, but left it for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

The Scottish born actor eventually left his home country in order to pursue an acting career in Hollywood. He had his breakthrough with the series The Man From U.N.C.L.E where he played secret agent Illya Kuryakin. For his incredible performance, he was nominated for two Emmy Awards.

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His most recent role was that of quirky Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard in the hit series NCIS in which he played alongside Mark Harmon and Cote de Pablo.

Sadly, McCallum passed away on September 25, 2023.

“David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world,” the NCIS tribute said.

“He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away.”

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McCallum once referred to NCIS as to his “Rock of Gibraltar,” mainly because of his working relationship with Mark Harmon. That feeling was mutual, to say the least.

“I’ll always remember David McCallum,” Harmon said in 2019. “And I thought that from day one here, because I thought how fortunate this entire cast, whoever it is, is lucky enough to work with him and watch his work ethic every day. And take from his experience, what he’s had in this industry, for a number of years, in different shows.”

Shutterstock/Kathy Hutchins

Harmon played practical jokes on everyone on set, but not on McCallum. Why? Because he didn’t have the nerve to do so.

In early 2016, David McCallum set up an AMA (Ask Me Anything) thread on the popular social media platform Reddit. Among the rest, they asked plenty of question about the cast of NCIS.

One person wanted to know if Harmon ever played a prank on McCallum, to what the actor answered: “Mark Harmon knows I am not the type to be toyed with.”

Harmon appeared in his last episode as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on Monday, October 9, 2022. He left the show after starring in 435 episodes – 18 less than David McCallum.

The two were not only co-stars but great friends as well.

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How to grow your own lemon tree from seed

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Lemons are the most popular citrus fruits. They grow on trees and are in fact a hybrid of the original citron and lime.

Although consuming the fruit by itself isn’t the nicest way of enjoying its benefits because of its distinctive bitter and sour flavor, it goes well with cakes, juices, and as a refreshing lemonade.

A great source of vitamin C and fiber, lemons contain many plant compounds, minerals, and essential oils.

The good thing is that if you are a fan of lemons, you can now grow a lemon tree yourself. All you need to have is a single lemon seed.

We provide you with a step-by-step instruction on how to grow a lemon tree from seed.

1. Start with organic lemons.

The first step is purchasing an organic lemon because non-organic lemons have non-germinating seeds that don’t sprout. Simply choose a ripe lemon and extract its seeds.

2. Prepare potting soil

Go for a well-draining soil mix. A mixture of vermiculite, perlite, peat, and organic fertilizer provides adequate drainage and essential nutrients. Simply pour the soil into a bucket and water it until damp.

3. Chose the right pot

It’s essential that you get a pot large enough for your lemon tree to grow the way it’s supposed to. If you plant a single seed, then choose a pot that is about four inches wide and six inches deep, and make sure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

4. Prepare the seeds

In order to have your seeds ready for planting remove the slimy coating by gently washing them with water. Choose the plum-looking seeds and soak them in warm water overnight.

5. Plant the seeds

Fill the pot with the soil and make sure you leave about an inch of space from the rim. Next, create a 1/2-inch deep hole using your finger and place the seed inside the hole with the pointy tip pointing downward and the rounded part facing upward. Then cover the seed with soil.

6. Cover the pot

Cover the pot with a plastic wrap that is secured with a rubber band and poke small holes on it to let the air circulate.

7. Provide adequate warmth

The ideal temperature range for lemon seed germination is between 68°F and 82.4°F so make sure you place the pot beside a window or other warm location. Just make sure to avoid direct sunglight.

8. Water the soil

Make sure the soil is moist. Although the plastic wrap will do its job of helping retain moisture, if you notice the soil is dry then remove the plastic wrap, water it, and then place the wrap back.

9. Care for the seedlings

When you spot the seedlings, take the plastic wrap off and place the pot to a sunny location. The soil should be moist but not soggy. The seedlings should be exposed to sunlight at least eight hours a day. If that’s not possible, add some supplements.

10. Transplanting

Once the seedlings develop leaves and tails that are around 3.15 inches long, place them into another pot by creating a shallow hole in damp, well-drained soil. Pat the soil around the seedling to secure it.

11. Continued care

As the lemon tree grows bigger, you will need to transfer it to a larger pot, and later, do the same as it grows even bigger.

Once the tree starts to grow fruits, you will understand that this experience has been a rewarding one. Just the though of being able to pick fresh lemons whenever we feel like having one brings a sense of excitement.

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Optical illusion reveals what kind of lover you are

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Optical illusions exist to trick our mind into believing that we see something that doesn’t really exist or into lacking to see the obvious.

Either way, they are fun and trigger discussions. They also make us think deeply about their meaning and about what they truly represent.

The following optical illusion can help you determine what kind of lover you are based on what figure you notice first.

Being aware of this fact is sometimes crucial in building a relationship with someone.

Every bonding with the person we love is mostly grounded on communication and mutual understanding. The feelings involved are of course a crucial part of the decision to be with someone or not.

The following test will also reveal your personal method of showing your love.

This knowledge can deepen the romantic involvement with your other half and help you understand and appreciate your partner even more.

Now take a look at the image and note the first thing you notice.

These are the explanations based on your answer:

The Face:

If the face is the first thing you notice, it shows that you are determined and have your goals straight in life. You always have a plan about your next move that you are ready to fulfill with unshakable confidence. You have a reputation that you are often correct and you are born to be a leader.

As a lover, you believe that finding the time to spend together with the person you love is crucial for a successful relationship. Having someone find the time for you besides their hectic schedule is a valuable love expression. But you are wiling to do the same and make your loved one a priority.

The Trees:

You are likely someone who experienced emotional heartbreak in the past and when there comes the time for a new love, you carry the baggage from your previous love experience. You are a sensitive individual and what doesn’t leave a mark on someone else can entirely take up your mind for a long time. However, besides the scars, you don’t lose hope.

As a lover, you believe that a relationship works best if you open up. When you share your pain and deepest fears with the person you are with, you experience something deep and meaningful. To you, even a shred of emotional availability is immensely appreciated.

The Wolf:

You are likely defined as someone passionate and someone who has no lack of confidence when it comes to initiating your love desires. You are also an initiator of a great party and now how to make people feel comfortable around you. Always at the center of attention with your wit.

Your love language is physical touch. You are passionate and the physical acts of intimate love-making mean much more than words to you. The reason for this is because you have learned much more from actions than you ever did from words. You show your love to your partner through sweet and tiny physical gestures. Playing rough occasionally is your thing, but it is the gentle cuddling and nuzzling that let your soft side shine.

The Moon:

You are a dreamer who loves dancing and writing, as well as appreciating other people’s expression of these forms of art. You find inspiration in the world’s creative and spiritual side.

You express your love through art. As a lover, all of your creative work has something from your loved one tied into it. If you write a poem, you consider it an act of dedication, while a painting incorporates elements of the way your partner looks like, such as the color of their hair or eyes. Before you express your love, you need to be sure it’s the right thing.

The House:

What you seek in a relationship is the security you feel at home. You are someone who finds happiness in being mostly at home with the one you love. A perfect scene for you is sitting in front of a fire, wrapped in a blanket and feeling the coziness of your place.

You show your love by providing for the person you are with. When they are hungry, you are happy to go to the kitchen and prepare a delicious meal for them. This small act is your secret and personal method of telling the person exactly how much you adore them and how much they mean to you.

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Harnessing the power of nettle fertilizer pesticide for sustainable agriculture

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The stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica) is one of the six subspecies within the Urtica genus that is found in Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America.

Used in various dishes, because of their similar flavor to spinach, nettle found its way into soups, pesto, polenta, tea, and more.

This plant appears in the spring and dies down in winter. For it to grow, it requires moist soil.

The research on nettle and its health benefits on the human body are limited, but what is known is that it is rich in amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Nettle products are used to help reduce inflammation and improve hay fever symptoms. They interact with medications including blood thinners, diuretics, and lithium, but pregnant women are advised not to include it in their diet because of the increased risk of miscarriage.

Nettles are also a favorite food for many insects, many of which are extremely beneficial to home gardens, like ladybugs and pollinators. At the same time, they contain compounds like histamine, formic acid, and lectins that can serve as a natural pesticide against thrips, spider mites, and aphids.

Another widely spread usage of nettle is that of a fertilizers. As such, it’s mainly used on young plants to aid their growth. Once the plants grow, it would be for the best to turn to another fertilizer, but you can still use the nettle fertilizers with some plants such as cabbage and lettuce.

This is how to prepare it:

First thing first, you should harvest it using thick gloves because of the hollow needles of the plant which can cause stings and rushed that are harmless but still uncomfortable. Use small pruners or scissors to cut off the stalks of the nettles and pick enough to fill a five-gallon bucket. 

Chop up the nettle stalks into a mulch that would fill about half of the bucket. Next, fill the bucket with non-chlorinated water such as rainwater and mix it well. Then, cover the bucket but don’t seal it and then stir every couple of hours. When you notice bubbles, it means that the mixture is fermenting.

Make sure you keep the bucket outdoors because of the distinctive smell.

Around 10 to 14 days later, when the bubbling stops, it means the fertilizers is ready to use.

Using a strainer, a funnel, or a cheesecloth, strain the tea. The solids can be used for compost, while the liquid as a fertilizer for your garden.

This is how to use it:

What you should have in mind is that this fertilizer is extremely concentrated and should be diluted with water. The ratio is 1:10, or a one cup of fertilizer to 10 cups of water. Once you prepare it this way, use it directly to the base of the plants every three to four weeks. Too much exposure can cause fertilizer burn.

Another way to use the tea is as a foliar spray, using the ratio of 1:20 (one part fertilizer to 20 parts of water). When used as a spray, nettle tea can ward off pests. However, make sure you don’t use it on flowering plants.

If you want to try this but can’t find any nettle plants nearby, you can simply buy a nettle extract and use it the same way.

In case you touch the nettle with bare skin and you get rashes, this is how to treat it properly. First and foremost, in case you are allergic, don’t try anything at home but consult your doctor.

Don’t touch the rashes but let the chemicals dry out for around 10 minutes. Then, use a tape to get rid of any needles from the skin. Use a cool compress for relief, or dab (not rub) aloe vera, creams with hydrocortisone, or a baking soda and water paste onto the area. 

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Shannen Doherty shares another more intimate look at her battle with cancer: ‘This is what cancer can look like’

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Shannen Doherty remains a symbol of resilience and courage. Recently, the Beverly Hills 90210 star opened about her battle with cancer once again and updated her fans of her condition, and unfortunately, she shared some devastating news.

Doherty’s stage four breast cancer spread to her brain.

She beat cancer once, but was diagnosed again in February 2019. Ever since, she documents her journey and speaks openly of the challenges life with cancer brings.

On Tuesday, Doherty posted a video on her Instagram account of her receiving treatment as tears filled her eyes. The caption on the video began, “January 12, 2023.”

“On January 5th, my ct scan showed Mets in my brain. Yesterdays video was showing the process of getting fitted for the mask which you wear during radiation to your brain,” the caption reads. “January 12, the first round of radiation took place.

“My fear is obvious. I am extremely claustrophobic and there was a lot going on in my life,” Doherty, 52, wrote. “I am fortunate as I have great doctors like Dr Amin (Mirhadi) and the amazing techs at cedar sinai. But that fear…. The turmoil….. the timing of it all…. This is what cancer can look like.”

A day before, she posted a throwback video from January on which she was getting fitted for a thermoplastic mask that covered her face and neck.

In another video, taken on January 16, the actress says, “January 16, 2023. Surgery. I had a tumor in my head they wanted to remove and also biopsy.”

She could then be heard speaking off-camera to a woman, probably a nurse, who’s checking on her limbs and tells her what to expect post-op.

“I am clearly trying to be brave but I am petrified,” Doherty wrote. “The fear was overwhelming to me. Scared of all possible bad outcomes, worried about leaving my mom and how that would impact her. Worried that I would come out of surgery not me anymore.”

Instagram / theshando

Doherty’s friends showed their support and posted encouraging messages.

Director Kevin Smith sent her a heartfelt message calling her his “irreplaceable friend.” “Rooting for you, my irreplaceable friend. You have been such a fearless fighter your whole life, so it’s understandable to be a little scared from time to time. But when those moments pass, let that indomitable Doherty spirit take over anew. I love you so much, my Mallrat,” he wrote.

Selma Blair wished for “wise peace” to find Shannen Dohety amid her cancer battle. Sarah Michelle Gellar was among those who came out in support for the Charmed actress.

Doherty herself posted a series of photos from her friends, including Gellar and thank them for their immense support. In a previous post, the actress referred to her mother as to “a beacon of light, an endless well of support and love, and one of my favorite humans.”

Getty Images / Jason LaVeris / Contributor

Following her initial diagnosis in 2015, Doherty sued her former manager of leaving her without health insurance which caused a delay in doctors diagnosing her with breast cancer. It was later revealed that she has reached a settlement.

We truly hope Shannen Doherty would end up the winner in her battle against cancer.

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Woman left instructions for the repairman but he decided not to listen

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The truth is that men don’t always listen! No matter what you say, they still do what they believe is the right thing.

Sadly, this was true for a handyman who went to fix a woman’s dishwasher. Of course, when these people do repairmen in other people’s houses, they never really knew what they will stumble upon. But this particular handyman was given clear instructions on what not to do that particular day.

Read the story below.

Laura’s dishwasher quit working so she called a repairman. Since she had to go to work the next day, she told the repairman, “I’ll leave the key under the mat. Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill on the counter, and I’ll mail you a check.

“Oh, by the way, don’t worry about my bulldog, Bob. He won’t bother you. But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my parrot! I repeat, do not talk to my parrot!”

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When the repairman arrived at Laura’s apartment the following day, he discovered the biggest, meanest looking bulldog he has ever seen. But, just as she had said, the dog just lay there on the carpet watching the repairman go about his work.

The parrot, however, drove him nuts the whole time with his incessant yelling, cursing, and name-calling.

Finally, the repairman couldn’t contain himself any longer and yelled, “Shut up you stupid, ugly bird!”

To which the parrot replied, “Get him, Bob!”

We hope this gave you a good laugh.

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Turmeric Honey: The most powerful antibiotic that not even doctors can explain

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Home remedies, especially those used for centuries and passed down from generation to generation, can have strong healing powers.

Take turmeric and honey for example. These ingredients are enough powerful by themselves, but when combined together, they create an elixir that offers numerous health benefits.

It is a well known fact that honey has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties and it is best to use it unprocessed.

For one, honey is an alternative treatment for eczema, wound healing, gastrointestinal problems, heart disease, and diabetes. Some studies suggest that honey also possesses properties that can help fight tumors. It also fights different bacteria, such as strains of Salmonella entericaE. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus

The list of the benefits it provides to the human body is endless.

Turmeric is yet another plant that is so versatile that it’s found its way not only in the cuisines of many countries, but also in the cosmetic industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and more.

Among the rest, turmeric contains protective compounds, including curcumin, has anti-oxidant properties that may help the body combat inflammation, can help ease arthritis, can help limit the growth of cancerous cells, protects cells from damage, and reduces the signs of ageing.

Below is a simple yet powerful recipe made with only three ingredients; Honey, turmeric, and some black pepper.

1 teaspoon powdered turmeric
2 tbsp pure honey (raw honey preferred) a pinch freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:
Combine 1 teaspoon turmeric powder and 2 tablespoons honey in a small bowl. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. The black pepper boosts the bioavailability of turmeric’s curcumin, helping your body to absorb it more effectively.

Thoroughly combine:

Stir the ingredients together thoroughly until they form a smooth paste.
Pour the mixture into an airtight jar or container for storage. To maintain freshness, store in a cool, dry place, ideally the refrigerator.

Application:

As a natural antibiotic: Take 1 teaspoon of turmeric honey if you have symptoms of a cold or infection to improve your immune system and reduce inflammation.
As an anti-inflammatory: Apply this combination to irritated skin areas to reduce itching, redness, and swelling.
As a soothing tea: Simply combine a spoonful of turmeric honey with a cup of warm water.

Before consuming this powerful mixture please consult your doctor, especially if you suffer from any allergies found in turmeric and honey.

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