Oprah Winfrey’s tears of grief

By
Monica Pop
-
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - DECEMBER 4: Producer Oprah Winfrey at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on December 4th, 2007. (PHOTO BY MUNAWAR HOSAIN / FOTOS INTERNATIONAL / GETTY IMAGES) Reproduction by American tabloids is absolutely forbidden by our contracts with all agencies.

On December 30, 2022, the world lost an incredible journalist and a woman. Barbara Walters passed away at the age of 93.

Her spokesperson Cindi Berger told CNN in a statement, “Barbara Walters passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones. She lived her life with no regrets. She was a trailblazer not only for female journalists but for all women.”

During her successful career of over half a century, Walters interviewed the most famous people of her time, including celebrities, politicians, leaders like Fidel Castro and Saddam Hussein, and each president from Richard Nixon through Barack Obama. 

Her interviews were never dull, on the contrary, millions of Americans were eagerly waiting for each new guest to pour out their heart to her because she possessed that superpower to have people trust her.

For her impressive career, Walters earned numerous awards, including three Daytime Emmy Awards and a Prime Time Emmy. Her face became the most famous face on TV.

Among those who paid their tribute to Walters was host Oprah Winfrey. In an Instagram post, the media mogul thanked Walters for being “such a powerful and giving role model,” referring to her as to a “hero.”

Robert Iger, former Walt Disney Company CEO, shared his condolences and spoke of Walter’s unique legacy. “Barbara was a pioneer not only for women in journalism but for journalism itself,” he tweeted.

“She was a one-of-a-kind journalist who was able to secure interviews with many of our time’s most powerful persons, including heads of state and regime leaders, as well as the most recognized artists and sports personalities.”

“Over three decades, I had the honor of referring to Barbara as a coworker, but more significantly, as a good friend. We will all miss her terribly at The Walt Disney Company, and we want Jacqueline, her daughter, to know that we send our heartfelt condolences.”

During the years, Walters hosted most notable shows like The View and 20/20. She excelled wherever she worked and her courage and boldness to ask the right questions at the right time is something many journalists dream of.

Youtube/JusticeAndrew

In 2014, she felt it was the time for her to say goodbye to her career. ”With Barbara’s retirement, so goes TV news,”  longtime news anchor Connie Chung told the New York Times.

Rest in peace, Barbara Walter, you will always be considered a legendary TV icon who marked an era.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Celine Dion’s exclusion from prestigious list sparks outrage at her fans

By
Monica Pop
-

Celine Dion is a diva in every sense of the word. Charles Alexander of Time once described her as “the power behind songs” who can easily manipulate her voice shifting from ballads into pop music. Her performances are effortless and elegant, and she remains one of the best female vocals the world has ever seen.

The Canadian-born singer rose to fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1988. She represented Switzerland with the song Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi’ (‘Don’t Leave Without Me in Dublin’). The finals was one of the most thrilling in Eurovision history, with presenter Pat Kenny joking, “I have to tell you that we employed Agatha Christie to write the script for tonight!”

Wikipedia Commons / John Mathew Smith 2001

However, Dion isn’t only a singer, but a performer who cemented her place in Las Vegas, the place she feels like home. Her story with the “Sin City” dates back to 2003, when she began a four-year Las Vegas residency which turned to be a huge success, grossing over $385 million.

Some years later, Dion returned to the Las Vegas stage for a residency at Ceasar’s Palace and broke the world record with her 1,141 performances, according to Billboard.

Marc Piasecki/GC Images

During the past couple of years, however, Dion experienced some hard time, both because of the pandemic, which affected the lives of many in one way or another, but also because of health issues which resulted in canceled tours and performances.

In the past, she was heavily criticized because of her skinny looks, but the singer answered back saying that she feels good in her skin.

Speaking to The Sun, she said, “If I like it, I don’t want to talk about it. Don’t bother. Don’t take a picture. If you like it, I’ll be there. If you don’t, leave me alone.”

Celine Dion attends the premiere of Disney’s “Beauty And The Beast” at El Capitan Theatre on March 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images)

Recently, it was revealed that Dion has been suffering from persistent muscle spasm.

The singer took to the social media to inform her fans that her progress with treating her condition is taking longer than expected. “The good news is that I am doing a little bit better…but it’s going very slow. And it’s very frustrating for me. You know I’m getting treatment from my doctors, taking medication, but I’m still experiencing some spasms, and it’s taking a lot longer for me to recover than I had hoped,” she wrote.

Some experts believe that with everything going on in her life, Dion won’t be returning to the world stage, probably ever.

Speaking to Page Six, journalist Scott Roeben said, “People had been telling me for some time that Celine would not be returning to live performing — maybe ever at all.”

Shutterstock/Tom Rose

A few days ago, the singer, or at least most of her fans, experienced yet another blow when Rolling Stone published their list of 200 greatest singers of all time on New Year’s Day, and Dion’s name was nowhere to be seen.

“Respectfully, not including Celine Dion, arguably the best vocal technician of all time, in this list is borderline treasonous,” producer, promoter and recording artist Jamie Lambert tweeted.

Dion not making the cut was described as a ”crime against humanity” by her fans, who were left outraged.

The first place on the list belonged to Aretha Franklin, while Whitney Houston and Sam Cook were second and third respectively. Other singers who found themselves on the list which excluded Dion were Kelly Clarkson and Tina Turner.

In an attempt to fight against the possible backlash, the magazine wrote in the introduction, “Before you start scrolling (and commenting), keep in mind that this is the Greatest Singers list, not the Greatest Voices List. Talent is impressive; genius is transcendent.”

What are your thoughts on Celine Dion not getting a place on the list of 200 greatest singers?

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Woman adopts a boy no one wanted to adopt: see what he looks like now

By
Monica Pop
-

This world has become a cruel place, especially for people with disabilities who struggle to fit in the norms imposed by the society. These people long for a place under the sky and hope to be accepted, but unfortunately, there are always stares and mean comments.

Rustam is a young boy with deformities left behind by his parents. He was given up for adoption, but as we all know, not many people are willing to open the doors to their hearts and homes for children like him.

Luckily, Rustam was spotted by a woman named Nika Zlobina who was preparing adoption documents when she stumbled upon his photo and his life story. She then made it her mission to find Rustam a loving home, but she ended up adopting him along the way.

Source: Instagram

“I was preparing paperwork for an adoption and there was a database with photos of children, and I happened to see images of Rustam,” Nika explained.

The first thing this woman did for this special boy was create an Instagram account to showcase all children looking for a family, including him.

She included a video of Rustam dancing and it attracted the attention of many. However, as many people had sweet words to share about Rustam, there were also those who posted mean comments. “Some said this ‘freak’ won’t ever be adopted. I was terrified how many people wrote negative comments, and among them were young mothers with kids,” Nika said.

Source: Instagram

Nika’s biggest wish was to fight the misconception that disabled children are not the best choice when it comes to adoption. By sharing Rustam’s daily routines, his many smiles, and the way he showed happiness when around the right people, Nika hoped people would understand that these children deserve the chance to be taken care of.

“Everyone mostly wants blond beautiful babies to adopt, and there’s a long line for such kids; meanwhile, others suffer without parents,” Nika wrote.

That is when Nika made the decision to adopt Rustam herself. She and her husband were more than happy to become parents of this sweet boy who radiated joy whenever he went.

Nika wrote that this adoption served as inspiration to other people who were planning to welcome a child into their lives in this manner. “One woman wrote that she was afraid to go out with her daughter who has Down’s Syndrome, adding that my posts give her courage; and now she does not hesitate to go for walks with her daughter,” Nika posted.

Source: Instagram

Of course, there are always stares and comments by complete strangers, but Nika and her husband do all in their power to protect their son and teach the world that there is nothing bad about being different. In fact, it is the differences that make this world go round.

Today, Rustam is nine years old and is living the best life possible.

Please SHARE this beautiful story with you family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Damar Hamlin Collapses on the Field During Monday Night Football Game

By
Monica Pop
-

Less than 6 minutes until the end of the first quarter of the Monday Night Football Game between Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, which was broadcast on national TV, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, 24, collapsed on the field.

Hamlin fell on the ground after making a tackle on the opposing team receiver Tee Higgins.

Withing seconds, Bills’ team trainers treated him and ambulance arrived less than 5 minutes after Hamlin collapsed. He was administered CPR and was transferred to the (University of Cincinnati) Medical Center for further testing and treatment.

During the terrifying moment, players cried and prayed on their knees as the game was first suspended and then postponed.

The Bills said in a statement that Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest. The reason why remains unknown.

“His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment,” the statement read. “He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”

Prayers and well-wishes came pouring in.

“I’ve never seen anything like it since I’ve been playing,” NFL Executive Vice President of Operations Troy Vincent said. “So, immediately, my player hat went on. How do you resume play after you’ve seen such a traumatic event occur in front of you in real time?”

This incident comes at a time when the NFL remains under intense scrutiny over the amount of protection it offers to the participants in an inherently violent game. 

A statement from the NFL Players Association said, “The NFLPA and everyone in our community is praying for Damar Hamlin.

“We have been in touch with Bills and Bengals players, and with the NFL. The only thing that matters at this moment is Damar’s health and well-being.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with Hamlin, his family, and the Buffalo Bills.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Heroic uncle runs into burning house to save 8-year-old niece after saving nephews

By
Monica Pop
-

Not all heroes wear capes, and the story of a heroic uncle named Derrick Byrd is yet another proof of that.

This brave man sacrificed his own life for the sake of those of his niece and nephews and it doesn’t come as a surprise that he has been hailed a hero by the members of his community.

When the fire started in the family home in Aberdeen, Washington, there were six people inside, including Derrick’s sister, Kayla, and her three children.

Realizing that the house could easily burn down in no time, quick-thinking Derrick caught his nephews and jumped out of the window from the second floor while holding them in his arms.

Credit: ABC News

His 8-year-old niece Mercedes witnessed her mother falling down from the roof and was too afraid to jump.

Without hesitating even for a second, Derrick returned inside the house to rescue his trapped niece.

Once inside, he felt the flames burning his face, but saving Mercedes was more important than anything else.

“I could feel it burning me,” he explained.

“I got her and took my shirt off and put it around her face so she wouldn’t breathe in any smoke and I just carried her out as fast as I could.”

Credit: ABC News

As a result of his heroic deed, Derrick suffered second and third-degree burns on his face, back, and arms. His recovery took some time and he experienced a lot of pain, but he says he would do it again if he needs to.

“Even though I got burnt, I really didn’t care, though. I’d rather get burnt than her. She’s young. She’s still got a lot of stuff going for her. She’s a good kid,” he told KOMO-TV.

“I’d run back in there and do it again even if I got burnt worse or died.”

Commenting on people calling him a hero, humble Derrick said, “I can’t say a hero. I’d just say for my niece and nephews, I wasn’t going to let them die.”

For more on the story go to the video below and don’t forget to SHARE it with your family and friends on Facebook.

Derrick Byrd is the kind of uncle anyone would ask for. We wish him speedy recovery.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Ree Drummond makes statement after her husband breaks his neck in a horrible accident

By
Monica Pop
-

Pioneer Woman star Ree Drummond has been through a lot over the few couple of years. From her husband’s accident, to her brother’s passing and her daughter’s arrest, Ree is doing all in her power to stand strong.

She is an author, blogger, food writer, and a TV personality.

In February 2010, she was listed as No. 22 on Forbes‘ Top 25 Web Celebrities and her blog, which documents her life as a wife and a mother who lives in a ranch in Oklahoma was named Weblog of the Year for three consecutive years, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

Back in March 2021, Ree’s husband, Ladd, was involved in a horrific truck crash on their ranch together with his nephew Caleb. The incident happened as the two tried battling a wildfire. According to the law enforcement, the hard impact ejected Ree’s nephew 70 feet from the truck and he was rushed to hospital in critical condition, while Ladd broke his neck.

Around a year after the incident took place, Ree took to the social media to update her fans of her husband’s condition and wrote, “After a year, we can report that Ladd is doing incredibly well. When one considers the horrible occurrence, this is quite astounding. He’s working out with weights.

“He is caring for the livestock and carrying out the same ranch responsibilities that he has in the past.”

Further, she wrote, “It’s true that his neck is still stiff, and it will most likely be for the rest of his life. He can’t move his head to look at me when I call him.

“In light of what happened, I’d like to express my appreciation on this day that Ladd is, for the most part, back to normal… and just in time for the start of the spring burning season.”

Ladd had undergone a surgery, but it took a lot of time for his neck to heal.

“The surgeon told us that the fracture in his neck was very near to destroying his spinal cord,” Ree stated. Luckily, that didn’t happen and Ladd is more or less back to normal nowadays.

Please SHARE this story with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Woman finds a cardboard box on the side of the road

By
Monica Pop
-

Hearing stories of animals who are dumped like a piece of trash makes us extremely sad, but learning of all those people who help them and give them new lease on life restores our faith in humanity.

A passerby noticed a cardboard box on the side of the road. What attracted her attention was that the box was taped and there were holes on the top. As she approached closer, she heard noises coming out of it and that’s when she realized there were animals inside.

Upon further inspection, she spotted tiny puppies inside. They were very young and very skinny, so she called professional help.

When a volunteer from the Diasozo Animal Rescue arrived to the scene, she realized the little ones were on the verge of starvation so she took them to the organization’s shelter where they were provided with food and the much needed medical care.

The monster who left them behind took them away from their mother and left them to die. Had it not been for the passerby and the kind-hearted volunteer, they would likely die of starvation.

However, once at safe hands, they thrived.

The little ones became curious of their environment and started exploring it, showing their bubbly personalities.

Once they become strong enough, they would be put up for adoption, and we truly hope that each of them, nine in number, would find a loving home.

For more on this heartwarming rescue story go to the video below.

Please SHARE these puppies’ story with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Internet sensation dead at 27

By
Monica Pop
-

Keenan Cahill, who rose to fame for his lip-synching videos and celebrity cameos, passed away Thursday at the age of 27 following complications of an open heart surgery.

Cahill became an internet sensation almost overnight in 2010 when his videos of him lip-synching went viral and were noticed by many celebrities who joined him in his mission of making millions laugh.

One of them was 50 Cent. The two covered the rappers song Down on Me, and the video reached over 60 million views.

Internet personality Keenan Cahill attends the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 18, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)

Other big names from the entertainment industry who were Cahill’s guests were Jennifer Aniston, Flo Rida, Maroon 5, Cody Simpson, Jason Derulo, and Justin Bieber among the rest.

According to his manager, Cahill became one of the first YouTubers to pass 500 million views on his personal channel.

He was nominated for the Viral Web Star at the J-14 Awards, and his life was captured in a one-hour documentary aired in France, Belgium, and Switzerland. 

The news of his passing were confirmed by his family. In a GoFundMe page created to help the family with the medical and later funeral expenses, Cahill’s aunt, Katie Owens, wrote, “We are devasted to announce that our nephew, Keenan Cahill, passed away on December 29th at the age of 27. Twelve days earlier he had open heart surgery and was starting to recover, but complications arose that he couldn’t overcome.”

She added, “He never made a lot of money, but he enjoyed what he was doing and brought smiles to the faces of so many people.”

At the age of one, Cahill was diagnosed with Maroteaux–Lamy syndrome, a condition which causes many tissues and organs to enlarge, become inflamed or scarred, and eventually waste away.

“Because of his rare disease, he has had countless surgeries over his short life including a bone marrow transplant,” Owens explained.

Back in 2011, at a period when Cahill spoke to Medpagetoday, he was receiving weekly infusions, as well as a treatment called “enzyme replacement therapy.”

In December, 2022, Cahill took to Instagram to update his fans on his health status and shared that would undergo the open heart surgery, asking from them to wish him luck.

YouTube sensation Keenan Cahill visits the SiriusXM Studios on June 3, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

Cahill not only lip-synched, but he also created music on his own.

“I wanted to put a song out there to show people that I’m capable of not just being a lip-syncer on YouTube,” Cahill told Fuse back in the day after releasing his debut single “Hands Up.”

“I thought, ‘If I can sing, then why not do my own music and do what I’ve always wanted to do?’”

Many famous people shared their condolences and expressed their sadness over Cahill’s passing.

Rest in peace.

Please SHARE this story with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

1...379380381...895Page 380 of 895