Unraveling the mysteries of these ‘human-sized’ flying wonders

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Monica Pop
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This Earth is the home of a huge number of species, each of which more fascinating than the other.

Among the creatures who are worth writing about because of their unique yet scary appearance are the golden-crowned bats that are native to the Philippines.

Regardless of their intimidating size and a wingspan of roughly 5-foot-6, these bats are harmless for the humans and feed on fruits and roots. Although they are dubbed ‘human-sized,’ their bodies range in size from seven inches to 11.4 inches and they weigh less than 3 pounds, which makes them one of the largest species of bats in the entire world.

The golden-crowned bats live in colonies of around 10,000 and are nocturnal creatures who love figs. As such, they contribute to reforestation throughout the Philippines as they spread fig seeds after eating them.

These stunning bats use sight and scent to find their way through the air unlike many others who use eco-location instead.

Unfortunately, the work these bats do is largely prevented by humans who kill them for sport and for their meat. Also, their natural habitat is being destroyed more and more, with statistics showing that over 90% of the old-growth forests in the Philippines being destroyed. As per Bat Conservation International (BCI), this lead to a number of species to have vanished from many of its former roosting locations on numerous islands.

Due to their hunting, the number of golden-crowned bats has dropped to 50 per cent between 1986 and 2016, which makes them endangered species listed on The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In the Philippines, bats are protected with the Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 200, which sadly, is not upheld.

These bats, as well as various other species, are brutally mass-killed, most times while roosting, which leaves them still holding the branch with their toes after being shot and killed.

Despite this, it seems they are not afraid of humans and get close to inhabited areas.

What is even more interesting about these bats is that they share the intelligence of dogs and possess the ability to learn. Their memory is fascinating, to say the least.

An experiment involving bats raised by humans shows exactly that. Namely, they were taught to pull levers in exchange for juice rewards. Some three and a half years later, when these bats were taken to the comfortable experimental chamber, the first thing they did was to pull the levers because they knew they would get rewarded.

Although they look creepy, these animals are quite cute. The fact they are slathered is devastating.

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Al Roker’s latest health update and the surgery after months of major health crisis

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Monica Pop
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LOS ANGELES - JUL 26: Al Roker and Deborah Roberts arrives for the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Summer 2019 TCA on July 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA

After facing several health issues during the last couple of months, things turned rocky for our favorite weatherman, Al Roker.

Initially, he was admitted to hospital because of blood clots, but he was then forced to return to the hospital again, updating his fans of his health state.

Following weeks of treatments, he was able to return to the Today show, but that didn’t last long as he experienced yet another health scare.

“I had two complicating things. I had blood clots that they think came up after I had COVID in September and I had this internal bleeding going on,” Roker shared. He then added: “I lost almost half my blood.”

Talking to his Today co-hosts, Roker revealed he suffered internal bleeding and required surgery.

“I went into for one operation, I got four free.”

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On Tuesday, Rocker underwent a total knee replacement surgery and is now in the process of recovery.

As always, he posted a video of himself and assured his fans that he was doing fine. The caption of the video read: “Up and walking this morning on the [new knee] [step by step].” He then expressed his gratitude to the doctors and added that he was “wearing a negative pressure pump to help facilitate wound healing.” 

One person who has been by Rocker’s side during his ordeals is his wife Dorah Roberts, an ABC News journalist.

Sharing a slideshow of photos of each time she has accompanied him to the hospital throughout the years, the weatherman wrote, “I’m thinking [Roberts] and I have GOT to stop meeting like this,” to which she replied with: “Yes. And we will.”

Roberts also posted about her husband and shared photos of his latest hospital stint. “Wednesday wonder. Part 2 of health journey for my sweet [Roker],” she wrote on Instagram. “So grateful for [the] talented medical team who got him back on his feet with a new knee and new sense of confidence after such a major challenge. Moving forward with [grit, gratitude, and grace]. Humbled by all the good wishes and [prayer] and the blessing of good [health care].”

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Roker and Roberts have been married since 1995 and share two children together.

She opened up of her husband’s health state and how it affected the family. “My whole family, after the crisis subsided, we almost collapsed,” she explained. “We didn’t realize the adrenaline rush of running and gunning every day to look after him. I didn’t appreciate how tough it was until the fog had started to clear and the dust was starting to settle. That’s when I realized how hard it was. Get it done, get him well, take care of him: That was my goal.”

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As of Al Roker, regardless of the difficulties he has experienced lately, he doesn’t plan on slowing down and is eager to return to his show. What’s most, he’s even ‘more passionate’ about work than ever.

We are glad Rocker is back on his feet and we wish him a speedy recovery.

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Kate Middleton reveals her cute nickname for youngest son Prince Louis

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Monica Pop
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One of the guests who are said to have stolen the show during the historic coronation which took place on May 6 is the youngest Prince, Louis.

Being that young and attending such a significant even gave his mom a ‘hard time,’ especially because he has been seen misbehaving in the past, which is not surprising as he’s still just a child like any other.

During the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, all eyes were on Louis who could be seen making goofy gestures, covering his mom’s mouth, and even poking his tongue out in her face.

When his great-grandmother died, Louis didn’t attend the funeral because he was deemed too young for such an occasion.

However, he did attend the crowning of his grandfather and accompanied his parents and his sister in the procession to and from Westminster Abbey. Prince Louis behaved extremely-well during the entire time though he was said to have been his mother’s “biggest worry” for the historic day.

Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Body language expert Adrianne Carter, who is known as the “Face Whisperer,” spoke to the Daily Star and revealed the Princess of Wales looked at her youngest son ‘nervously’ as she was trying to warn him ‘to be on his best behavior.’

“Louis is starting to fidget,” Carter commented. “We see Kate have a chat with him, looks like she’s explaining what’s going on. Charlotte also showed a bit of restlessness too but as she’s older she’s able to contain it better.”

Further, the expert revealed that Kate used tricks to keep her children in line.

“Kate could be seen keeping a very subtle eye on Louis during the ceremony and offering him motivational ‘reward’ touches of affection when he did something right.

“Louis and Charlotte’s signals of total absorption and determination with the archery was exactly how William and Kate throw themselves into anything sporty or competitive during their royal appearances.”

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Another expert, Judi James, added: “William and Kate showed they clearly understand the need for all their children to learn to enjoy royal events rather than to dread them by seeing them as a chore, bore, or challenge to get through.”

During “The Big Help Out,” when Britons gather to volunteer in their communities, the royal family could be seen enjoying several activities such as archery and digging at a scout hut in Slough.

Princess Charlotte was pictured painting, while George drove a digger as he sat in his father’s lap.

As Kate, William, and their children were about to eat marshmallows cooked over an open fire, Kate revealed her nickname for Louis.

“Pop that on the fire, Lou-bugs!” she could be heard saying.

Daniel Leal – WPA Pool/Getty Images

It is a well-known fact that each member of the Firm has a nickname. Late Queen Elizabeth was called Lilibet by her family because she couldn’t pronounce her name when she was a very young child. Harry was reported to call Kate Middleton ‘Cath,’ and his brother William, ‘Willy.’

As of the nickname his children gave to William, it was revealed by British TV chef Ainsley Harriott that the kids came up with it after listening to a radio interview he had done during which he jokingly spoke about cooking a fish in the bathtub.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

“Greg asked, ‘could you cook a fish in the bath?’” Harriott recalled in an interview with The Sun. “I said, ‘yeah, if it’s a little bit of seabass or plaice or something like that.’ You wouldn’t want a thick bit of fish because it wouldn’t poach.

“Anyway, apparently, Prince William and Kate were taking George and Charlotte to school, and they found it hysterical.”

Prince Louise truly is a lovely boy adored by every Briton out there.

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Little Braylee’s story shows how life-changing an organ donation can be

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Monica Pop
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Parents-to-be only have one wish, for their little baby to be welcomed into the world healthy. Sadly, that’s not always the case.

When little Braylee was born, her parents, Amanda and Justin, were over the moon. The sweet girl seemed to be perfectly healthy and they thanked God for that. But then, just a couple of months after their baby daughter got into their arms, she got sick.

Facebook/AmandaFrankford

Speaking of the first signs that raised a red flag about the girl’s well being, Amanda recalls how Braylee’s skin turned yellowish all of a sudden.

Then, back in February, 2016, the girl was taken to hospital where doctors ran many tests and determined Braylee had a rare liver disease called biliary atresia. This is a condition in infants in which the bile ducts outside and inside the liver are scarred and blocked so bile can’t flow into the intestine. Instead, it builds up in the liver and damages it.

Braylee’s journey with Biliary Atresia

Amanda and Justin were told how Braylee’s condition was critical and she had to undergo a surgery where they would connect her liver to her intestines. Sadly, the surgery wasn’t a successful one and the little girl’s condition remained as serious as before.

Braylee’s journey with Biliary Atresia

Eventually, Braylee’s belly bloated and reached the size of a ballon. The parents were told that a liver transplant had to be performed as soon as possible, but there was no emergency donor available.

It was then that Justin asked from the doctors to run tests and see whether he could be a match. He was aware he was putting his health at risk, but he didn’t care if that meant it could save his girl’s life.

Braylee’s journey with Biliary Atresia

As Justin was getting ready for the procedure, doctor came with some news. They found a donor and Justin didn’t have to give a part of his liver to Braylee. The girl, along with another baby, were about to get the organ from a deceased donor.

Now, all that these parents had to do was pray to God for everything to turn out for the best for their little one. Luckily, the surgery went well and was successful.

Braylee’s journey with Biliary Atresia

As time passed by, Braylee started feeling better and better and she’s now a completely healthy young lady with the most bubbly personality.

Braylee’s journey with Biliary Atresia

We are so glad Braylee’s story had a happy ending. This only speaks of the importance of organ donation and how it can change someone’s life. Organ donors are very special people. They are angels who continue to live through other people even after their death.

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Lip reader reveals King Charles’ harsh words to Camilla in coronation carriage

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Monica Pop
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Following the glorious coronation which was watched by over 20 million Britons, King Charles and Queen Camilla are back to their royal duties of serving the country.

The crowning was planned for quite some time and everyone was heavily involved in the organization, which was impeccable. The entire family, including the King and the Queen themselves, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, attended rehearsals in order to make sure the big day would go as smoothly as planned.

“Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, and Prince Louis of Wales, arrive at the Great West Door and are conducted to their seats in the Lantern. All remain seated. Their Majesties The King and The Queen arrive at the West Gate. A fanfare is sounded. All stand,” the official planned order of service issued by Buckingham Palace read.

Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

King Charles and Queen Camilla left Buckingham Palace in the legendary Gold State Coach which was constructed in 1762 and was used for the first time by King George III to travel to the State Opening of Parliament the same year. It has been used at every coronation since King William IV’s coronation in 1831.

At the coronation, Charles and Camilla arrived five minutes earlier and had to wait for William and Kate inside the carriage.

As per royal biographer Omid Scobie, the delay concerned William and Kate’s children.

“The room for error was nil. And thankfully, due to the weeks of rehearsals that the royals took part in ahead of the coronation, the day went ahead smoothly,” Scobie wrote in Harper’s Bazaar.

“In fact, apart from Prince William and Princess Kate joining the procession late (children were to blame, a source tells me), and Camilla’s ladies in attendance – sister Annabel Elliot, and queen’s companion the Marchioness of Lansdowne – accidentally creating an unfortunate wedgie moment out of her silk Bruce Oldfield dress on the way into the Abbey, very few hitches took place.”

Youtube/TheTelegraph

While waiting, the King could be seen talking to his wife and now lip reader experts have their say of what the conversation was about.

According to lip reader Jeremy Freeman, Charles grumbled: “We can never be on time. There’s always something… this is boring.”

Another lip reader, Jacqui Press, shared with Mail Online that the King said: “I’m worried about time, I mean it’s been longer this time and, well, erm, I mean look! I know.”

Youtube/TheTelegraph

On May 7, there was another celebration with a big concert at Windsor. Among those who performed were Take That – without Robbie Williams – Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. A “coronation choir,” a diverse group of community choirs and amateur singers from across the UK, including refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups, and deaf signing choirs, were also part of the lineup.

All this left the King exhausted, according to royal expert and author Katie Nicholl.

“I spoke to someone close to the king this morning. I said, ‘How is he feeling because he did a pre-party, pre-concert party, and then after-party and did that skit for American Idol, you know, brilliant.’ The source said, ‘exhausted but knackered,’” she told GB News.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

She added: “I’m not surprised, they need a good rest now because it has been a pretty epic weekend for them. Saturday was the day that he’s waited his entire life for, you imagine the emotional energy that goes into a day like that, but I think overall it has been a great success.”

We believe that the coronation was quite spectacular to witness.

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Prince George was afraid of being bullied – he persuaded King Charles to break royal protocol before coronation

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Monica Pop
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The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be remembered as a huge success which passed without any incidents. And as the King and the Queen were the stars of the historic ceremony, another member of the royal family had a significant role during the crowning of the new monarch.

Prince George, who is second in line to the throne, served as a Page of Honor and was one of seven children who were holding King Charles’ and Queen Camilla’s robes during the ceremony as they walked through Westminster Abbey.

Knowing just how significant their son’s role was, William and Kate made sure they prepared the young Prince for his grandpa’s big day.

Royal expert and author Ingrid Seward reported that George, as well as his siblings, were given lessons.

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

What’s most, the Prince and Princess of Wales found a rather creative way to introduce George with his duties on the day of the coronation; through theater.

“By making it fun and by re-enacting parts of what their grandfather will be doing, both she and William hope George won’t be too daunted by his responsibilities,” Seward said.

“He will form part of the King’s Procession with the three others through the nave of Westminster Abbey.”

As there is no rehearsal for the coronation, the children were given a virtual tour of how it will look like.

“If [George] can visualize where he is supposed to go and what to do, it will reduce any nerves he might feel being the youngest page. The other three boys are 13 and 12 respectively,” royal expert Seward explained.

Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Seward continued: “He will also have to get used to the idea of wearing the red-coated livery and lace of a page of honor, as I can’t see him going in a jacket and tie.”

“Prince Michael of Kent, who was 11 at the late Queen’s Coronation, recalls his buckle shoes and dark green velvet jacket and how his schoolfriends teased him about wearing ‘fancy dress.’ No doubt George has had a bit of teasing to,” Seward concluded.

“But on the day, he will have the last laugh over his friends. When they watch on TV he will be there and they won’t. He will certainly never forget it.”

Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty Images

The young Prince, as a Page of Honor, was about to wear unique clothing with a significant meaning. He, however, decided to approach his grandfather prior to the coronation and ask from him to change the centuries-old uniform usually worn by the Pages of Honor. The reason why is quite sad to be honest. George didn’t want to be teased by his classmates.

“George, one of four pages assisting the monarch, voiced his concerns about having to wear white knee breeches,” the Mail reported. Also, he wasn’t fond of wearing tights because of possible “ribaldry at school.”

Andrew Milligan – WPA Pool/Getty Images

The King agreed. And this didn’t come as a surprise because as much as he respects tradition, Charles also wants to modernize the monarchy, as well as slim it down.

“The King agreed, and the breeches and tights were replaced with trousers. Charles was in no position to object. He had already decided to replace his own breeches with naval trousers. But he distressed his tailor by keeping the buckled court shoes that should only be worn with tights. They crumpled his trews,” the newspaper stated.

We believe that Prince George performed his role as a Page of Honor impeccably.

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Jacklyn Zeman, ‘General Hospital’ actress dead at 70 – rest in peace 

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Monica Pop
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Actress Jacklyn Zeman, who portrayed character Bobbie Spencer on the ABC daytime soap opera General Hospital for over four decaded, died aged 70.

She first joined the series back in 1977.

Fans and close friends of the beloved actress paid their tributes and expressed their sadness over her passing.

“On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman,” executive producer Frank Valentini tweeted. “Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy with her to work.”

“Jackie will be greatly missed, but her positive spirit will always live on with our cast and crew,” he wrote in a second tweet. “We send our heartfelt sympathy to her loved ones, friends, and family, especially her daughters Cassidy and Lacey.”

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ABC Entertainment also released a statement regarding Zeman’s passing.

“Jacklyn Zeman has been a beloved member of the General Hospital and ABC family since she originated the iconic role of Bobbie Spencer over 45 years ago,” it began.

“She leaves behind a lasting legacy for her Emmy-nominated portrayal of the bad girl turned heroine and will always be remembered for her kind heart and radiant spirit. We are devastated by the news of her passing, and send our deepest condolences to Jackie’s family, friends and loved ones.”

Singer Rick Springfield, who briefly appeared in General Hospital in the 1980s, expressed his sorrow over Zeman’s departure.

“Incredibly stunned and broken-hearted to hear of Jackie’s passing. Such a truly kind soul with no touch of the diva and only sweet things to say about everyone. She was the one (along with Gloria Monty) who helped launch my 80s career when after the screen test along with several other hopeful young men Gloria asked Jackie who she thought would make a good Noah Drake and God bless her if Jackie didn’t say me,” Springfield shared.

“Love to your spirit as it ascends sweet girl. You left your mark on many of us and you will not be forgotten,” he said.

Before she decided to pursue a career in acting, Zeman, who was born in Englewood, New Jersey, worked as a Playboy Bunny in a Playboy Club in order to be able to pay her bills.

“I did a lot of traveling when I worked for Mr. Hefner and I loved that,” she said during an interview with The Locher Room. “It taught me how to do interviews, it taught me how to be on TV, you know, a lot of things that later on when I became an actress and I had an opportunity to promote my shows I was very comfortable with that.”

Over the forty years she was part of the series, Zeman played in approximately 880 episodes. Her other TV credits include Sledge Hammer, Chicago Hope and, most recently, The Bay.

Reports are that the actress died of cancer. May she rest in peace.

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Prince William’s 1-word dig at Harry in coronation speech – expert says royal brothers are ‘playing with fire’

By
Monica Pop
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The coronation of King Charles III was a historic event to witness. After over 70 years, Britons celebrated the crowning of a new monarch as thousands gathered on the streets of London and over 20 million turned in to watch the spectacle.

Following the coronation, the royal family headed to the Balcony of the Buckingham Palace and greeted the crowd. And while the Prince and Princess of Wales were there together with their three children, Harry and Meghan, as non-working royals, weren’t offered a place among the members of the Firm. In fact, the possible presence of the Sussexes was a much discussed topic, and although they were both invited, only Harry flew to London to witness his father becoming a King.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

However, Harry was in a hurry to return home to his son’s birthday celebration, which was reported to have been a low key one with only closest friends and family in attendance.

He didn’t attend the lunch at the Buckingham Palace during which the King acknowledged his grandson’s birthday and mentioned Archie in his pre-meal toast. According to a Daily Mail source, the king paid homage to “those that weren’t there” and wished Archie a happy birthday “wherever he was.”

“It was apparently a very sweet moment,” the source said.

Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images

On May 7, there was another celebration with a big concert at Windsor. Among those who performed were Take That – without Robbie Williams – Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. A “coronation choir,” a diverse group of community choirs and amateur singers from across the UK, including refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups, and deaf signing choirs, were also part of the lineup.

Prince William greeted the crowd and held a speech praising his father, who he referred to as “Pa.” The Prince of Wales also paid tribute to his late grandmother and said she would have been proud of her son.

“I want to say a few words about my father and why I believe this weekend is so important. But don’t worry, unlike Lionel, I won’t go on all night long,” the future king joked, in a nod to performer Lionel Richie and his hit All Night Long.

Youtube/BBC

But it looked like William didn’t only speak of those in attendance as it appeared that he took a cold dig at Harry and Meghan for leaving the Royal Family behind.

“For all that celebrations are magnificent, at the heart of the pageantry is a simple message – service,” William said. Many were convinced that his words had to do with Harry and Meghan’s departure from the Royal Family and the statement they released when they stepped down from their royal duties which in part read, “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”

“I commit myself to serve you all. King, Country and Commonwealth. God Save The King,” William concluded his speech.

Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty Images

According to British broadcaster and royal expert Ian Pelham Turner, the brothers not talking to each other isn’t good for the monarchy.

“Great Britain cannot afford to have a royal family which is fragmented and not representing the true values of the people,” Turner said.

“In my opinion, it is not [William and Harry’s] right to behave in such a dishonorable way.

“It will be resolved if the people of Great Britain turn their backs on the new king and show the [same] disdain … currently being played out in the public arena by the two brothers,” he added. “In my opinion, William and Harry are playing with fire, which could erupt the whole house of Windsor in flames,” he concluded.

Do you believe Harry should have stayed in Britain longer in order to be able to make amends with his brother?

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