A woman from New Zealand named Maddie Smith shared on Facebook the story of her sweet kitty Ruby who got poisoned after she licked a Himalayan salt lamp. This woman is trying to warn other cat owners of the dangers of these types of lamps and urges them to keep them out of the reach of their pets.
She started by writing how Ruby was walking in a strange manner that Wednesday morning. They simply thought it was because the little one was cold so they got her toasty before they left for work.
Unfortunately, once they got home, they could see the cat’s condition was way worse than before, so they took her to the vet.
“The vets were extremely concerned for her and could see she definitely had neurological problems because she simply could not walk properly, could not hear or see, couldn’t even eat or drink properly because she couldn’t function her tongue the best,” the cat owner wrote.
“Her basic senses and abilities gone in 12 hours. She was so helpless.”
When the test results came back, both the doctors and Ruby’s owners were left shocked. The cat was diagnosed with severe salt poisoning which caused her brain to swell.
“The salt poisoning was caused by just your normal salt lamp that we had in our lounge. Ruby has ingested the salt by simply licking the lamp.”
They all say how Ruby’s survival is a miracle as salt poisoning is deadly to animals. The thing is that once they lick these lamps, the animals can’t stop doing it because the taste is addictive.
The vets and medical experts add that these lamps are ‘deadly’ for animals but only if they consume too much of the mineral and lick them repeatedly, otherwise they can do no harm.
The amount of salt cats are allowed to take per day is around 42mg. Anything above this quantity can cause poisoning.
So, if you do decide to get a Himalayan salt lamp just make sure your pet can’t reach it.
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Having good neighbors is essential for fostering a positive and harmonious living environment. They often serve as positive role models for children and young adults in the community, demonstrating the importance of kindness, respect, and community spirit.
But not all neighbors are easy to get along with, and a woman named Victoria knows this all too well.
She shared her story by explaining that the color of her house was bright yellow. It was a color her late husband adored, and she got used to loving it, too.
However, when a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Davis, moved next door, they seemed to have issues with the brightness of the color of Victoria’s home.
“Whoa! We’ve never seen a house so bright! Did you apply the paint yourself?” was one of the first things they asked when they introduced themselves.
“Yup, me and a gallon of sunshine!” Victoria answered. “What are your thoughts? Must I paint the mailbox after that?”
The couple wouldn’t stop bugging Victoria about the color of her home. “Bright enough for you, Victoria?!” Mr. Davis would often sneer and nudge his wife, and she would respond with a hyena-like cackle before asking, “Victoria, have you ever considered changing it? Perhaps something more impartial?”
This went on and on and one day Mrs. Davis approached Victoria while she was planting her petunias and said boldly, “Victoria, that color is so ugly! It goes with everything! It must be removed. For a change, how about something like… beige…?”
“Mrs. Davis, is that the reason for the commotion outside?” The looks on people’s faces led Victoria believe that a UFO had touched down. “But it’s only a tiny bit of paint!”
“A tiny bit of paint? Our neighborhood appears to have been invaded by a gigantic banana! Consider the worth of your property! You must be able to perceive how flashy it is,” Mrs. Davis scowled.
Victoria tried to stay composed. She explained that it was the color her late husband preferred and that she wasn’t breaking any legal rules with the choice of color. Sadly, Mrs. Davis was persistent and said, “Victoria, this isn’t over by a long shot!” and apparently she meant it because she and her husband put Victoria through plenty of ordeals by suing her for “safety hazard” and “blinding color.”
The Homeowners Against Bold Colors Association was their final effort, but the rest of the neighbors shut it down.
Nowadays, the pair are isolated from everyone and as welcome as a skunk at a picnic.
However, as Victoria believed her troubles are over, they have just started.
Namely, she needed to be out of town for around two weeks, a time the Davis family used to repaint her house grey without her knowledge.
When she returned home, Victoria missed her home, because this time she wasn’t welcomed by her yellow house, brilliant as a sunflower against the dull beige of the neighborhood.
Her stomach fell out. She was angry and couldn’t possibly believe that those two could do such a thing behind her back.
Victoria marched to the Davises’ house, the obvious culprits who couldn’t handle a bit of color in their dull world. She pounded on their door, but no one answered.
Mr. Thompson, one of the neighbor, approached. “I saw everything, Victoria. I have pictures. Despite having a legitimate work order, the police couldn’t do anything.”
“What do you mean, a valid work order?” she asked, totally puzzled.
He explained that the Davises forged her name, claiming she had paid for the repaint while away. After checking her security tape—smart, they avoided trespassing.
Victoria noticed traces of old yellow paint through the shoddy job.
She grabbed her ID and house documents and headed to the painting company’s office.
“You performed a terrible job painting my house without my permission. This can damage the exterior of the house. What’s that you know? I’ll sue you,” she yelled.
The manager apologized. “But… but we thought it was your house.”
“Of course, it’s MY house, but I DIDN’T ask for any paint job,” Victoria explained.
Furious, Victoria demanded a copy of the work order. It was in the Davises’ name. The manager, Gary, was shocked when he heard what the neighbors had done.
“Mr. and Mrs. Davis claimed it was their house and declined the scraping service to save money,” Gary said. “They wanted it done while they were out of town.”
Her blood boiled. “You didn’t confirm with the real homeowner? Check ownership records?”
Gary, regretful, replied, “They were convincing and claimed to own the house. I apologize.”
“And you didn’t ask any neighbors? You just painted my house?” Victoria started losing her temper.
Gary looked agitated. “We had no reason to doubt them. I’m sorry.”
Taking a deep breath, Victoria said, “You will help fix this. This is unacceptable.”
Sweat beaded on Gary’s temples. “Yes, we’ll work closely with you. We had no idea this could happen.”
“I want your workers to testify in court,” she insisted.
The Davises countersued, claiming she should pay for the paint job. The painting company’s employees testified against them. Her attorney detailed the damages and fraud.
The judge, after hearing everything, addressed the Davises. “You’ve destroyed her property and committed identity theft. This is both a criminal and civil matter.”
Eventually, the Davises were convicted of vandalism and fraud. They were sentenced to community service and ordered to pay all expenses, including court fees, to repaint Victoria’s house yellow.
“I hope you’re happy,” Mrs. Davis said angrily outside the courthouse.
Victoria treated her with a charming smile and said, “I will be when my house is YELLOW again!”
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Biden and Trump “clashed” in Atlanta for a studio debate hosted by CNN on Thursday night, held without an audience. As expected, Democrats and Republicans have offered contrasting perspectives on both candidates, and the debate’s lasting impact is yet to unfold. Biden’s somewhat shaky performance appeared to attract the most attention once the debate came to an end.
In fact, the current president’s re-run for the White House becomes a central point of discussion having in mind he would be 86 by the time a potential second term concludes. Concerns about his ability to fulfill the duties of the highest office in the land effectively have also been raised.
During the debate, Biden faced difficulties right from the start, with his hoarse and raspy voice prompting immediate questions about his physical health. Similar to several recent public appearances, Biden was also observed frequently clearing his throat throughout the debate.
Political consultant and pollster Frank Luntz posted on X that a focus group of undecided voters who watched the debate with him expressed surprise and concern about Biden’s voice, noting that “this doesn’t bode well for questions about his health.”
Further, concerns were raised regarding the conspicuous lines on his face, which could be seen running from his mouth to his ears.
In the time when Biden’s health is questions almost daily, transparency from the White House regarding his medical conditions and treatments remains crucial. What’s most, as he faces the challenges of leadership, his capacity to maintain his health while meeting the demands of his office will continue to be a subject of ongoing discussion and scrutiny.
After many questioned the reason behind the marks on his face, the White House has provided an explanation, stating that these mysterious lines are due to the use of a sleep apnea treatment mask, more precisely, the mask’s straps that hold it in place.
Of course, these marks are not permanent and fade over time, thus they are not related to any possible health issues.
President Biden prioritizes his health by promptly addressing medical conditions, as evidenced by his use of a sleep apnea treatment mask to maintain productivity.
He also undergoes regular medical check-ups and consultations with healthcare professionals to monitor his well-being, ensuring he can effectively fulfill his responsibilities as President.
As the oldest serving President, concerns about Biden’s health and his capacity to fulfill his duties persist. However, his proactive management of health and dedication to addressing medical conditions underscore his commitment to effective leadership.
While his advanced age may pose certain challenges, it should not overshadow President Biden’s wealth of experience, wisdom, and capability. As he continues to navigate the demands of leadership, discussions about his health should not detract from the focus on his policies and the positive impact he aims to achieve for the American people.
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For safe traveling, drivers need to be familiar with the meaning of the traffic signs. But, do you know what the white circular sign with a black diagonal stripe stands for?
If you have ever stumbled upon it while on the road and questions its meaning, we provide you with the answer.
The traffic sign in question indicates the maximum speed you should follow on the upcoming stretch of road, superseding any previous speed limit signs you may encountered.
Recognizing the significance of following speed limits is essential for road safety. This sign, which displays the national speed limit, informs drivers of the maximum speed they should observe on the designated road segment. It contributes to overall safety and facilitates a steady flow of traffic.
No matter what other speed limits you’ve seen, the national speed limit displayed by this sign is the one to follow. This clear and consistent message helps eliminate confusion and ambiguity for drivers.
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Having said that, this sign helps prevent accidents caused by excessive speeding and allows drivers to plan their journeys accordingly. Remember, adhering to the national speed limit is essential for ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road.
With a clearer understanding of this symbol’s significance, you can now navigate the roads with confidence. Remember to drive responsibly, follow the national speed limit, and have a safe and pleasant journey!
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If you are a lover of McDonald’s scrambled eggs you’ll reconsider ordering them again after learning how they are prepared, or you may simply love the process and consume them even more.
A server shared a video on TikTok that showed the preparation process and people’s opinions are divided. While some are pleasantly surprised with the freshness of the ingredients, some question the steps. Overall, the reactions are positive.
@kallme.yaniii | TikTok
The video, posted by user @kallme.yaniii unveils the steps required. Of course, this is a video of her branch, but we assume the process is the same in every restaurant of the chain.
The process begins with a rectangular grill, where a layer of butter is spread before liquid egg from a McDonald’s carton is poured on. As Yanii scrambles the eggs on the grill, viewers get an up-close look at the preparation.
“I just learnt how to make scrambled eggs at McDonald’s, so don’t pick on me,” Yanii says in the video, playfully highlighting her less-than-graceful ability.
The video has been seen by thousands of people, most of which took their time to comment. However, while some loved the process, there were also those who had certain remarks. “Honestly? That’s better than I assumed. I’m good with that,” someone who approved of the process commented. “More heat, less scrambling,” someone wrote of the cooking technique.
This video comes as a part of broader trend of restaurant workers posting behind the scenes footage of how the food is actually prepared. Previous instances of McDonald’s cooking processes have sparked similar debates among customers.
The varied reactions to McDonald’s scrambled eggs highlight the importance of transparency in the food industry. It also sparks a discussion about evolving customer expectations regarding ingredient sourcing and preparation methods. As social media continues to be a platform for employee insights and consumer dialogue, fast-food chains may face increasing pressure to address concerns and provide clarity as their ‘secrets’ are revealed.
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Kelly Osbourne and her partner Sid Wilson, a member of the heavy metal band Slipknot, welcomed son Sidney Wilson in 2022.
Recently, in the latest episode of The Osbournes Podcast, Kelly shared she and her husband had the “biggest fight” about her son’s name that she’s panning to change.
“This is personal and I didn’t expect to ever talk about this but I’m going to,” the 39-year-old began.
She wanted the child to have both their last names, but Sid believed it was not something along with tradition.
“I wanted our son to have both of our last names, and (Sid) wouldn’t let me,” she said. “We had a huge fight. I feel that I was forced into doing something I didn’t wanna do, and I can never ever, forgive him for that, but we can move on.”
According to Sydney’s mom, the 15-year-old “doesn’t have a double-barreled last name,” but he will soon.
“After lots of eye-opening conversations and some couples therapy, he has seen the light,” Kelly revealed. “We are going to legally change our son’s name to have both of our last names.”
“We both made our child, so he should have both of our last names,” she added.
During the conversation, Kelly’s mom, Sharon Osbourne, said naming children after their parents is a “very dated” trend.
“Don’t even get me started, Mom. Because it goes Sid’s dad, then Sid, and now our son,” Kelly replied. “Sid told me that his grandfather had the same name, but he didn’t! His grandfather’s name was Fred.”
Kelly added that her son’s name has grown on her.
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Laughter lowers stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, promoting relaxation and reducing overall stress, which improves heart health by enhancing blood flow and the function of blood vessels, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Having said this, we never really get tired of good jokes that tend to make our day, just like the one below.
The wife, feeling uneasy about her husband’s behavior, decided to check his phone. She found three contacts that made her suspicious:
“The tender one”
“The amazing one”
“Lady of my dreams”
Heart pounding, she called the first number.
Conversation 1:
Mother: “Hello?”
Wife: “Uh, hi. Who is this?”
Mother: “This is David’s mother. Who is this?”
Wife: (relieved but embarrassed) “Oh, it’s me, Sarah. I didn’t realize… Sorry for the disturbance.”
Mother: “No problem, dear. Is everything okay?”
Wife: “Yes, everything is fine. Thank you.”
Feeling a bit silly but still determined, she dialed the second number.
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Conversation 2:
Sister: “Hey there!”
Wife: “Hi, um, who am I speaking to?”
Sister: “It’s Anna, David’s sister. Who’s this?”
Wife: (sighs in relief) “Oh, Anna, it’s Sarah. Sorry, I didn’t recognize the number.”
Sister: “No worries, what’s up?”
Wife: “Nothing, just wanted to check something. Thanks.”
Her anxiety rising, she called the third number. To her shock, her own phone began to ring.
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Realizing she had wrongly suspected her husband, she cried until her eyes were swollen. In an attempt to make amends, she gave him her entire month’s salary as a gesture of love and apology.
The husband used the money to buy a gift for his girlfriend, whose number was saved as ‘Uncle Mike the mechanic.’
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When someone close passes away, the heartbreak is immense. During those times of grief and pain, we do everything to ease the feelings of despair.
Different cultures have different traditions of honoring the deceased, and no matter how odd we find some of them, that’s a way for people to cope with the loss and we need to respect them.
However, that wasn’t the case with the family of a man named Mark Rosenthal who passed away 13 years ago, leaving his wife and two children behind.
For Mark’s family, losing him was an irreparable tragedy, but feeling a closer connection to him has helped alleviate some of the pain of his absence. Despite this, they encountered online abuse for how they commemorated a special day of the calendar.
Becoming a single mom of two, Mark’s wife Robin Rosenthal raised her children Sam and Emma by herself in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and made sure she has kept his memory alive, and one way was to spend some time at his grave and share videos online.
In a specific video taken in June 2022, they shared a throwback of a Father’s Day lunch spent camping by the grass.
The short clip, which was intended to be humorous, triggered criticism from the online community.
It shows the family at the graveyard having sandwiches and Sam is heard saying, “Father’s Day lunch with Dad!” after which he asks his mom where his dad was.
“Down there, in the ground,” his mom replies.
As they continue having their lunch, Robin is seen tossing fries on her late husband’s grave, saying, “Here Mark, have a fry.”
Obviously, the family wanted to add a humorous touch to the video, but they faced the backlash of some of the viewers.
“Creepy that mom,” one person commented.
Instagram – Itstherosenthals
I’m speechless, it’s so disrespectful,” another claimed.
“Lack of respect,” said a third.
This year, the family posted yet another video of their visit to Mark’s grave that has been seen over 600,000 times on TikTok.
As the previous year, this video was again met with criticism and mixed emotions. While some said this was their unique way to keep Mark’s memory alive, others were critical of Robin and her children.
The sense of California “moving in a particular direction for a long time” and creating “so much division” made Growing Pains actor Kirk Cameron leave the Golden State, joining the list of big names who have done the same.
On Wednesday, Cameron announced he and his family settled in Tennessee. One of the reasons is that three of his children, who are fully grown, live in the state and because he was looking for a place that gave him a “healthy freedom mindset.”
If people are experiencing “serious economic problems and division” and “they want to be around people like they think who are all about God, family, and country,” the actor suggests Tennessee.
DFree / Shutterstock.com
Tennessee has become the home of a number of California “refugees.”
“It’s shocking how many Californians are here. And when I see them in the grocery store, I tell them, ‘Don’t California our Tennessee,’” he joked.
Cameron’s sister, Candace Cameron Bure has also chosen the state over California “for safety and for security.” The list of celebs who are no longer California residents inlcude Mark Wahlberg, Sylvester Stallone and YouTube podcaster Dave Rubin, among the rest, who announced on X in 2021 that he was “officially leaving the dystopian nightmare of California for the free state of Florida.”
Despite having plenty of Californians living there currently, the actor is convinced that Tennessee’s “good wholesome values and, equally as important, good whiskey” make it a desirable place to be.
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Known as the People’s Princess, late Princess Diana was loved by millions. She was a very special person who touched the hearts of many with her spontaneous behavior and the love she had for everyone around her, whether rich or poor, young or old.
This incredible woman rose to prominence upon her engagement to Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest son and heir apparent to the British throne, now King Charles. From the moment the world learned of her, she was under constant scrutiny. The paparazzi followed her every move, and according to many, their relentless pursuit contributed to her tragic death.
Lady Di was a devoted mother who was willing to do everything for her children, Prince William and Prince Harry. She demonstrated that her kids were her top priority, even more important than royal protocol, by breaking tradition and attending school games where she competed alongside other parents.
On the day she lost her life, August, 1997, she was running away from the paparazzi.
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Her death shocked the entire world, especially her children, Princes William and Harry who walked behind her casket on the day of her funeral; an image many Britons could never forget.
Over the years, Diana traveled extensively, leaving an indelible mark on history captured through lenses worldwide. One of the most iconic photographs of her was taken in 1992 during her visit to India, specifically at the Taj Mahal.
Then-President Ramaswamy Venkataraman greeted her upon arrival, and during her trip, she attended the inauguration of the Taman Special School for children. Meanwhile, Prince Charles was attending a business meeting in Bangalore, allowing Diana to pursue her own activities.
Among these was a visit to the Taj Mahal, but the iconic photo later evoked mixed emotions.
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal was to be a memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is described by UNESCO as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”
Princess Diana posed seated on a bench with the grand mausoleum towering behind her. She wore a red jacket, a purple skirt, and coordinated shoes, a look that has been emulated by many since.
Anwar Hussein, a royal photographer who was on-site, reflected on this significant occasion in an interview with People in 2022. He mentioned that it wasn’t the first time he had captured a royal in front of this historic monument.
“The Taj Mahal exists as the eternal monument of a husband’s love,” Hussein said. “I photographed Charles there just before he got engaged. He said to us then, ‘I’d like to bring my girlfriend or future wife here one day.’”
Anwar Hussein/Getty Images
Sadly, mere months after this iconic photo was taken, Diana was killed in a car crash.
During their visit to India, rumors about Diana and Charles’ marriage falling apart were widespread. Despite their conflicting schedules and engagements, there was anticipation that they would visit the Taj Mahal together. However, as we now know, that didn’t happen.
“We didn’t know if [Princess Diana] would come. She kept us waiting for a long time,” Anwar Hussein told People. “It was really, really hot there. She looked sad, and she knew which way the story would go. She was very clever. There were other pictures taken that day on another bench when she seemed to be contemplating things.”
Speaking of visiting the mausoleum at the time, Lady Di said, “It was a fascinating experience – very healing.” Wanting to know more, reporters wanted her to be more specific. With a smile on her face, she replied: “Work it out for yourself.”
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
When this famous photo emerged, no matter how stunningly beautiful she looked on it, was dubbed as “broken hearts” by some.
“That picture of her as a lonely, neglected, beautiful girl who didn’t have anyone to love her back just broke everybody’s hearts,” royal biographer and journalist Tina Brown said in the CNN documentary series The Windsors: Inside the Royal Dynasty.
“She knew what she was doing. And it made Charles absolutely crazy.”
The picture somehow became a symbol of the beginning of the end of the marriage between Charles and Diana, and Diana didn’t even want to take it in the first place.
“The point was, this was during the visit, it was the joint visit with her and the Prince of Wales,” her former security officer Ken Wharfe said, as reported by Express. “The Prince of Wales, understandably, didn’t want to sit on that seat with his wife as it was the temple of love.”
He added: “Of course, the media interest was always on Diana, right through her life, together with the Prince of Wales. This was a big problem for him. He wanted that media attention but, of course, the focus was on Diana, for obvious reasons.”
Princess Diana isn’t the only royal who has ever taken a photo in front of the Tj Mahal. During a visit to India in 2016, Prince William and Kate Middleton posed at the exact same place.
“The Duke of Cambridge is, of course, aware of the huge esteem his mother, the late Princess of Wales, is held in India, and he appreciates the iconic status of the images that exist of the princess at the Taj,” the statement by the Prince’s spokesman read at the time.
AGRA, INDIA – APRIL 16: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge pose in front of the Taj Mahal on April 16, 2016 in Agra, India. (Photo by Samir Hussein/Pool/WireImage)
“He feels incredibly lucky to visit a place where his mother’s memory is kept alive by so many who travel there.”
However, when Meghan was about to travel to India while she and Harry dated, he asked her not to pose in front of the famous building. Have not been aware of Harry’s late mother’s iconic photo, Meghan was baffled by his request.
“‘Do not take a photo in front of the Taj Mahal.’ She’d asked why and I’d said: ‘My mum.’ I’d explained that my mother had posed for a photo there, and it had become iconic, and I didn’t want anyone thinking Meg was trying to mimic my mother,” Harry wrote in his book Spare. “Meg had never heard of this photo, and found the whole thing baffling, and I loved her for being baffled.”
In Spare, Harry also wrote about his mother’s death and how that affected him.
“Everyone knows where they were and what they were doing the night my mother died,” Harry stated.
“I cried once, at the burial, and you know I go into detail about how strange it was and how actually there was some guilt that I felt and I think William felt as well, by walking around the outside of Kensington Palace.”
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
“There were 50,000 bouquets of flowers to our mother and there we were shaking people’s hands, smiling,” he continued. “I’ve seen the videos, right, I looked back over it all. And the wet hands that we were shaking, we couldn’t understand why their hands were wet, but it was all the tears that they were wiping away.”
Being just 12 and 15 at the time, Harry and William walked behind their mother’s coffin. Harry later slammed that decision made by the Palace.
“My mother had just died, and I had to walk a long way behind her coffin, surrounded by thousands of people watching me while millions more did on television,” he told Newsweek in 2017. “I don’t think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I don’t think it would happen today.”
Princess Diana truly was one of a kind. May she rest in peace.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle started their new life in the United States after they made the shocking decision to step down from their royal duties some years ago.
Ever since, they have been under the spotlight, something they claimed they tried to run away from as they felt immense pressure from the British media and tabloids. Over the years, they gave interviews, during which they spoke of their former lives and exposed details regarding the members of the Firm, released a documentary, and Harry published his all-tell memoir Spare, among the rest.
All this led to further deepening the disagreements between them and the rest of the royals, burning even more bridges.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation
In the US, Harry and Meghan tend to make friends, but they want to be seen around celebrities, as per Hollywood insider, broadcaster, comedian, and actor Tim Dillon.
“I know people in LA that know them, and all they want to do is hang out with celebrities. I was at a celebrity party the other night talking to somebody about this, and they go, ‘these people are just… it’s constant with them,’” Dillon said on the “They Come and Go” episode of his podcast, The Tim Dillon Show, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“She was texting the person I was with there – and, ‘no, you can’t come’. I shouldn’t have even been there. But the point is they just won’t stop, these two. They are just like moths to the flame trying to hang out… They’re like low-grade reality stars that are trying to attach to anything.”
Taylor Hill/WireImage
Further, Dillon claimed that a friend of his showed him a text message from Meghan in which she begged to people to ‘hang out.’
“She is trying to get places. It’s sad. A lot of it isn’t working, and they are rolling their eyes to me, and they’re going LOL, and we are all having a good laugh about this because they’re just a bunch of goons, and no one cares.”
The comedian added, “Now listen, at the end of the day, I respect the hustle, I get what she’s trying to do, I get what they are trying to do, but it didn’t work, right? A lot of people at this party were like, ‘Hey man, you know, we text her back, we tried to be nice, she’s the Duchess, but we’ve had enough, we’ve had enough of her.”
Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty Images
It seems like the Sussexes have a hard time meeting new people. In the past, they were said to be close to David and Victoria Beckham and Gorge and Amal Clooney, but that’s not longer the case, sources claim.
According to a source speaking with Closer, the Sussexes are struggling with many of their famous friends distancing themselves. For instance, David Beckham was reportedly “absolutely furious” after Harry and Meghan allegedly accused him of leaking stories, with one report suggesting their friendship is irreparably broken.
“Their A-list friends that are supportive are few and far between. Any chance they had of mending fences with the Beckhams has been squashed by the royals; Tom Cruise has clearly chosen to side with the royals, George and Amal Clooney have all but dumped them too, and even Elton John has been too busy to give them a whole lot of attention,” the source told Closer.
Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Recently, Prince William brought his son, Prince George, and his daughter, Princess Charlotte, to a Taylor Swift concert after which the superstar posed for a photo with the trio and later published it. Allegedly, the photo angered Meghan.
According to insiders, “the Sussexes believe this is another attempt from William of showing Harry and Meghan they are firmly outsiders when it comes to the Royal family, despite Harry’s attempts to get back in touch with The Firm.”
Recently, Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards.
However, the mother of the US soldier killed in Afghanistan in whose honor the award is named criticized Harry for receiving it in the first place.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award. Some recipients are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans,” she told the Daily Mail.
“These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised.”
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala
A spokesman for ESPY answered, ‘”While we understand not everyone will agree with all honourees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work, and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.”
A royal expert claims that “collecting trophies” is a part of the Sussexes’ “game.”
Royal expert Kinsey Schofield appeared on Talk TV, stating that “the public see through” what the Sussexes are trying to accomplish.
“I see Prince Harry and Meghan Markle accepting more trophies for awards that I don’t understand what they’re for, than this life of service that they promised us. How many awards did Meghan accept for her podcast that was cancelled and slammed by her own network?” Schofield said as per Express.
She added: “This is all a game to them [Harry and Meghan]. I guess they’re trying to buy the public’s respect, they’re trying to buy good PR through networking and creating these opportunities to collect trophies for their mantle, but I think the public sees through these individuals.”
What do you think of this?
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The ongoing feud between Prince William and Prince Harry doesn’t seem to be coming to an end any time soon.
Rumors are that Harry would like accept to make amends with his family, but not before he and Meghan are offered an apology for the way they were treated while they were still working royals.
In his all-tell memoir Spare, Harry revealed plenty of details about the members of the Firm, which they didn’t like. Among the rest, he wrote that he feared Camilla would be a “wicked stepmother” and detailed a meeting with his older brother William during which he had called his wife, Meghan, “abrasive,” “rude,” and “difficult,” something Harry called “parroting the press narrative.”
Allegedly, things escalated and Harry described how William “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and … knocked me to the floor.”
“He set down the water, called me another name, then came at me. It all happened so fast. So very fast. He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor. I landed on the dog’s bowl, which cracked under my back, the pieces cutting into me. I lay there for a moment, dazed, then got to my feet and told him to get out,” Harry wrote.
The Firm didn’t comment on the shocking claims.
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Further, Harry claimed that following Prince Philip’s funeral, he met with his father and brother but the meeting didn’t end up well.
“I tried to explain my side of things. I wasn’t at my best. For starters. I was still nervous, fighting to keep my emotions in check, while also striving to be succinct and precise,” Harry wrote. “More, I’d vowed not to let this encounter devolve into another argument. But I quickly discovered that it wasn’t up to me.”
Eventually, the two brothers got “heated,” and their father had to step in.
Harry recalled Charles “looking up at our flushed faces,” saying, “please, boys, don’t make my final years a misery.”
Samir Hussein/WireImage
The consequences Harry suffered after releasing his book were immense. Not only the rift between him and his family deepened, but his father made the decision to evict him and Meghan from Frogmore Castle, leaving his younger son without a permanent place to stay while in his home country.
This decision angered Harry and Meghan, especially because their former home was given to Prince Andrew, who disgraced the family.
“Harry and Meghan have until early summer to vacate,” a source told Omar Scobie, reporting for Yahoo at the time. “Initially, they were given just weeks, but now they have at least until after the coronation.
“It all feels very final and like a cruel punishment,” a friend of Harry and Meghan’s added. “It’s like [the family] wants to cut them out of the picture for good.”
“For King Charles, forcing (Prince) Andrew to move to Frogmore solves several problems at once – it sends a message to Harry that, as a private citizen and no longer a working royal, he will never be allowed back to Frogmore,” Quinn told the Mirror.
“It sends [a] message to Andrew that having disgraced himself, he can no longer expect to live in the grand style. And, finally, it means that a suitably grand residence can be made ready for the royals who really matter – William and Kate. Charles is determined that Royal Lodge is the only residence on the royal estate at Windsor that is big enough and regal enough for his heir.”
“As time goes by, Harry misses some aspects of his old life in the UK. Inevitably, the honeymoon period where everything in the States is new and exciting is coming to an end and Harry is looking back at the past through rose-tinted spectacles,” royal expert Tom Quinn claimed.
“He misses his Old Etonian and army friends, many of whom have not visited as they don’t get on with Meghan. Harry is determined to find his own permanent home in the UK, which is partly why he’s continuing his legal action to get the British taxpayer to pay for his security.”
And as the Sussexes seem to be trying to stay put of trouble and avoid controversies, they did create some of their own in the USA.
Recently, Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JUNE 06: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex departs the Rolls Building of the High Court after giving evidence during the Mirror Group phone hacking trial on June 6, 2023 in London, England. Prince Harry is one of several claimants in a lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers related to allegations of unlawful information gathering in previous decades. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
The ESPY awards recognized Harry for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport” with the Invictus Games he established years ago. Traditionally, this award goes to unsung heroes, but not everyone is pleased that Prince Harry is this year’s recipient.
Pat Tillman was a US soldier killed in Afghanistan, and the award is named in his honor. Now, his mother, Mary, is criticizing Harry for receiving it in the first place.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award. Some recipients are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans,” she told the Daily Mail.
“These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised.”
A spokesman for ESPY answered, ‘”While we understand not everyone will agree with all honourees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work, and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.”
Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023
Royal commentator Nile Gardiner said that the Sussexes “are increasingly unpopular in the United States.”
“Harry and Meghan are viewed as selfish, narcissistic individuals who have launched attack after attack upon their own family and have, you know, trashed the royal family,” Gardiner told GB News. “The Americans are very pro the British monarchy.”
He continued, “She was right to attack this award. And there’s already a big online petition calling for the prize not to be given to Prince Harry. I think that this is an illustration as well that Harry and Meghan’s narcissism does not go down very well in the United States and America.
“Most American people really love the Royal Family, okay. They do not look kindly upon Harry and Meghan trashing them in the United States and does not go down very well,” Gardiner concluded.
Lukas Schulze/Getty Images for Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023
Over the last couple of years, Harry has visited UK several times, and while during his latest visits he met with his father, who was diagnosed with cancer, he didn’t meet the rest of the family.
As per royal expert Jennie Bond, this could mean one thing, that Harry isn’t willing to bury the hatchet with the British royals. “If Harry had really wanted to confront his family and patch things up, he would surely have allotted more time to his recent visits so that his father – at least – could make arrangements to see him,” Jennie Bond told OK!
“I don’t think there’s any chance of William wanting to do so, particularly with all he has on his plate right now,” Bond said of the brothers making amends.
“So, I’ll believe this when I see it, but it will be lovely if he could indeed spend some time, perhaps at Balmoral, during the summer and make peace with his father.”
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Irish TV star Saoírse Ruane has tragically passed away at the age of 12 following a four-year battle with cancer, her family confirmed in a statement.
Her devastated mother, Roseanna, shared the tragic news on Instagram: “When there are no words. After a long, courageous and dignified battle, our hearts are shattered to tell you our beautiful little Saoirse took her final breath in our arms on Tuesday.
“We thank you our lovely followers for holding Saoírse and us in your thoughts these past few weeks. We think of you all today also as we know how much Saoirse was loved by the nation and the effect she had on so many people’s lives. Cancer you stole her from us, the life we had and our dreams. Life will never be the same.”
The Late Late Toy Show star was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 after complaining of an injured ankle. In 2020, Saoírse underwent an amputation of her leg due to a cancerous Osteosarcoma tumor in her tibia, which posed a life-threatening risk.
The President of Ireland paid his respects to Saoírse and tweeted: “President Higgins has sent his deepest condolences to the family of Saoírse Ruane from Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, following her passing at the age of 12. Saoírse’s strength and warmth was an inspiration to all.”
Saoírse had already seen a few of her dreams come true, such as visiting Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play and going on her dream vacation to Disneyland.
In June 2022, Saoírse received a devastating cancer diagnosis for the second time and was forced to undergo surgery to remove a tumor from her lung. The experience of witnessing her daughter battle cancer again was “unimaginable” to her mother. By November 2023, Roseanna revealed that the cancer had spread from one lung to the other.
“Saoírse is the bravest soul we know and her one and only request on hearing this heartbreaking news last night was to put up the Christmas tree. So that’s what we are doing, putting up the decorations ahead of [the] Toy Show,” she explained. “As always we ask you to continue to pray for our brave resilient girl.”
Tributes came pouring in from every corner of the country.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin said, “Very saddened by the death of Saoírse Ruane. I will always remember meeting Saoirse and her mother Roseanna in Croke Park and seeing her beautiful smile and love for GAA.”
Following Saoirse’s appearance on The Toy Show, Ryan Tubridy, who used to host Late Late, became friends with her family. He said that the “world is a poorer place” without her.
“It is with the greatest sadness imaginable that I’ve heard the news of my dear young friend, Saoírse Ruane’s passing.
“We became friends instantly when we met. She told her story, the nation fell in love with her and a charity began because of her and with that she helped enrich and encourage the lives of thousands of children in Ireland.
“A selfless, humble, kind, optimistic and thoughtful child. She was everything we should and could be as a country and her passing will put so much into perspective for so many of us.
“I send my condolences and all the love possible to Roseanna, Ollie and Farrah Rose, a beautiful family whose world has changed utterly.
“I want to thank them for sharing their extraordinary Saoírse with us all.
“The world is a poorer place without Saoírse but I do hope that twinkle in her eye shines on and on.”
Saoírse’s funeral will take place at St Peter and Paul’s Church, Kiltullagh on Sunday at 1.45pm.
May she rest in peace.
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Phillip Herron was a single father of three who struggled with a heavy burden of debt. Unable to find a way out, he decided to take his own life. This photo shows him in his final moments.
His financial situation worsened when there was a delay in receiving a payday loan he had applied for. The waiting period for this loan was five weeks. At the time of his tragic death, Herron had only $4.61 left in his bank account.
At this time, he felt totally hopeless and trapped.
Those around him, including his family and friends, were unaware of the problems Herron faced because he never shared his struggles with any of them.
What made things even more heartbreaking was that this dad had to tell his children that Santa Claus wouldn’t be visiting them that year. In the letter he left, Herron wrote that he believed his children would be better off without him in their lives.
This story is a painful reminder of the need of open conversation, compassion, and support.
Pexels
When we face troubles, we need to find the strength to share our feelings and deepest fears with those around us and seek help. That way, we can build a society that supports one another in our most vulnerable times.
We should also be more observant, because there are people around us who suffer in silence.
Hopefully, we, as a nation, would be able to create a positive change.
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Directed by Curtis Hanson, Larry Spiegel, and Mardi Rustam, the 1985 movie Evil Town offers an intriguing glimpse into the creativity and eccentricity of 1980s horror films. Although it’s lesser known and was never a blockbuster, this film does hold a unique place in the genre’s history.
The story revolves around a small, charmingly old-fashioned town that appears ordinary on the surface but hides a sinister plot. The town’s elderly residents have discovered a way to prolong their lives by using a serum made from the cells of young people. To obtain this serum, they kidnap unsuspecting visitors and drain their vitality, leaving behind lifeless shells.
One of the intriguing moments it covers is a photo of the lead actor Lynda Wiesmeier who poses alongside her co-worker, dressed in retro fashion. At first glance, this resembles a typical 80s snapshot. The man is wearing a gray sweatshirt with colorful shapes and dark shorts, while the woman flaunts a bright red shirt tied at her waist and high-waisted white shorts.
What truly catches the attention, however, is the background. The two stand in front of a weathered brown station wagon, surrounded by towering trees, creating a sentimental and natural scene.
Just a glance at this photo takes you back in time and evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for times gone by.
The photo is another reminder of how times have evolved. Take a closer look and relish a charming journey through memory lane.
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22-year-old student Riley Strain vanished on March 8 after partying with his fraternity brothers in Nashville. He was allegedly kicked out of Luke Bryan’s bar, Luke’s 32 Bridge bar, for a reason unknown, and told his friends he would meet them up back at the hotel, but when they returned he wasn’t there. After failing to contact him or locate him through via his Snapchat location, they reported him missing on March 9.
Search efforts were launched right after the report.
According to the young man’s stepfather, Strain FaceTimed his mother on the night of his disappearance and revealed that he had gone to two more bars the same night before he was kicked out of a third. Speaking to NBC News, the stepfather said that “he didn’t even sound like he had been drinking a lot.”
I was just watching some live footage of Broadway and all I could think, as a parent that has lost a child, was #RileyStrain's poor mom, the world just keeps going like everything is fine when to her it should stop to find her boy. To this day, going out is this hardest thing. pic.twitter.com/ctIZzRzRvz
The mystery had taken another twist after the release of a confusing message sent from the 22-year-old’s phone that night.
At 9:47 p.m., the young man was captured on surveillance footage crossing the street, and was later spotted on another camera five minutes later looking disorientated. This was the last known sighting of Strain.
His distressed family pleaded the public and the authorities to help find their son. “We’re looking for you. We are not leaving until we have you. We’re going to be with you at graduation…and everything’s going to be fine,” his step-dad said.
On the night he vanished, Strain sent a text message to a 22-year-old woman he was reportedly seeing. The text read “Good lops,” which only added to the mystery.
“He’s got several friends that are female, male. I don’t know the individual he talked to at that time,” his mother told People.
Sadly, on March 22, Riley Strain’s body was found eight miles downriver from where he was last seen.
Strain was found dead in a river. His body was spotted by a worker for a local building materials company that unloads barges at the river.
“My company works on the river. I have just found a, uh, dead body” the worker told the police after calling 911 before adding, “I believe it to be Riley.”
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, a preliminary autopsy shows Riley Strain’s death appears to be accidental.
Don Aaron, spokesman for the department, said a detective attended the 22-year-old’s autopsy examination, and his death “continues to appear accidental.”
“No foul play-related trauma,” Aaron said in an email. “(Toxicology) pending per usual.”
We are so very sorry for the loss of this young man. May he rest in peace.
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The birth of baby Ayla Summer Mucha brought immense joy in the life of her parents. From the moment they laid eyes on her, they knew she was special, but what they didn’t know was that the huge smile across her face she had greeted them with was a result of a rare condition.
Cristina Vercher and husband Blaize Mucha from Australia welcomed their bundle of joy into the world on December 30, 2021. During C-section, however, they were informed that their daughter Ayla had developed bilateral macrostomia, which means her mouth had not properly formed.
The deformity, classified as a facial cleft, is a rare condition where the corners of the mouth fail to fuse together during pregnancy. In fact, this malformation is exceptionally rare; according to the National Library of Medicine, only 14 cases have been documented in medical literature.
Vercher’s pregnancy was a normal one and no ultrasound scan showed any abnormalities.
When the new parents looked at their baby, they were aware something wasn’t right as the condition was “obvious” since she “was so tiny.” This made them extremely worried.
“Blaize and I were not aware of this condition, nor had I ever met someone born with a macrostomia,” Vercher said. “So it came as a huge shock.”
Neither the parents nor the doctors were prepared to handle a baby with bilateral macrostomia.
“This made the experience all the more worrying as it took several hours for a doctor to give us an answer. With this came more difficulties as the hospital had little knowledge or support for such a rare condition,” the mom said and added, “All I could think about as a mother was where I went wrong.”
Vercher struggled with the though that she did something wrong during pregnancy and that’s what caused her baby’s condition. ”All I could dwell on as a mother was where I might have made a mistake,” she confessed.
Doctors conducted a series of tests and scans that assured the mom that this issue was entirely beyond her and her husband’s control, and that they bore no blame for it.
Ayla’s mom and dad embarked on a mission to educate themselves about the condition and chose to share Ayla’s story on social media. To their surprise, their baby’s distinctive smile quickly captured the hearts of 6.5 million online users on TikTok. The Muchas were overwhelmed by the unexpected outpouring of support they received.
“I just read on doctor Google that there are only 14 documented cases. She is so darn special. Be proud mama,” one person wrote.
“She is beautiful and just perfect the way she is. She made me smile as well,” another wrote.
As expected, there were also those who made fun of Ayla, but her followers were quick to shush them.
“Your daughter is absolutely beautiful, please do not listen to those bitter people. She’s such an Angel,” someone wrote. “Oh my looord. How cute are you!! ignore all those hurtful comments your little cuteness is just too sweet,” another added.
“You are a strong woman, you have a beautiful daughter, I’m sorry to see those thoughtless comments,” a third commented.
In response to the hurtful remarks directed at her precious baby, Vercher wrote, “I would advise nothing more than to be kind and accepting of all people.
“As you would hope, people paid the same respect to your or your children if such events were to occur in your life,” she said, adding that conditions “such as this” could really happen to anyone. “Social media is a divided place. You can’t control the personalities of other people unfortunately.
“We will not stop sharing our experiences and favourite memories as we are so proud.”
Ayla, who’s now two years old, has likely underwent a corrective surgery and has almost no scarring from the procedure. She recently became a big sister.
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Eliza Bahneman, a mom of a girl with Treacher Collins Syndrome, shared her family’s journey and spoke of the joys and challenges of being a parent of a child with this syndrome.
It was in early 2018 when this brave woman learned she was expecting a baby. She and her husband, Erik, were overjoyed and couldn’t wait to meet their bundle of joy.
Eliza was even more excited because her sister, her sister-in-law, and a few of her friends were also pregnant around the same time. She felt like she wasn’t alone on this extraordinary journey that would end with her receiving the title she was longing for, that of a MOTHER.
The pregnancy was normal, but Eliza somehow felt that her girl would arrive sooner than expected, and she was right. In the eighth month of her pregnancy, her water broke and she was rushed to the hospital.
Eliza gave birth, and as the nurses took the baby, she noticed the little one’s ear was folded. But she knew newborns looked weird as soon as they come out so she didn’t think anything of it.
Eliza Bahneman
However, Eliza knew something was out of the ordinary when no one congratulated her on her new baby.
Instead, of the anticipated celebration, there was an unsettling silence. Baby Bella was quickly taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for further evaluation, leaving Eliza and her husband feeling confused and scared.
“Why is n’t anynoe congratulating me? Why is my husband so confused and scared? Why can’t my mom look at me? Why did my doctor step out? Why are all these other people coming into my room?” she asked herself.
Eliza Bahneman
The NICU became Bella’s temporary home for 8 weeks, during which she underwent many tests and evaluations. Each day brought a torrent of information and emotions for Eliza and her family. A week into her stay, Bella was diagnosed with Treacher Collins Syndrome, a condition that affects the development of facial bones and leads to microtia, hearing loss, a recessed jaw, a small airway, and a hard cleft palate.
“My husband and I had never heard of Treacher-Collins before, so it was certainly a learning journey for us,” Eliza said.
“We felt confused and questioned everything. Was it something we did or did not do? How can something like this happen? Why us and our baby girl?”
Eliza Bahneman
Sharing her story, this mom wrote, “At midnight, we had to say goodnight to our little one to head back to our room. It was so hard to walk away from her. I felt like we had to protect her. I wondered if she wondered why we couldn’t be with her. I wondered if she felt unwanted. When she was rooting towards my breast and I was not allowed to breastfeed her, it tore me apart inside. I was rejecting my child. Bella wanted to connect more with Mommy, she wanted intimacy, wanted to feel safe; she was hungry and wanted to be fed. These were the things I could not provide her.”
Eliza Bahneman
Two days after her birth, Bella was transferred to Children’s Benioff in Oakland.
There were wires all around her and she looked tiny and fragile, but her mommy and daddy were there to provide her with the love and strength she needed in order to thrive.
“I knew my motherhood journey was going to be different. But I knew my baby deserved to be celebrated,” Eliza said.
“I was ready to talk about her, answer questions and raise awareness about her condition.”
Eliza Bahneman
Because of her condition, Bella went into her first surgery to receive a g-tube at only 7 pounds.
Eliza Bahneman
When they were properly trained to take care of a baby with Treacher Collins Syndrome, Eliza and Erik were able to take their baby home.
“My husband and I were not only her parents but also her nurse. We have had many whirlwinds, including several emergency visits to the ER and choking situations while at home.
“We have come a long way, and I mean a really long way. I’m thankful for the training we received in the NICU, as it helped me save my daughter several times.”
Eliza Bahneman
At the tender age of 16 months, Bella had already undergone significant surgeries and engaged in various therapies aimed at supporting her development. She actively participated in occupational therapy, speech therapy, and a specialized music class tailored for children with hearing loss, illustrating her remarkable resilience and determination.
Eliza Bahneman
“Life is unpredictable and sometimes, we are not prepared for change. Life is fragile, beautiful, and at times, dark. I am grateful to be able to provide Bella with life’s essentials. Isabella has a huge support system, from friends, family, clients, and social media. With everyone on our journey, it has been easier to adjust to our normal,” her mom wrote.
Eliza Bahneman
Eliza wants to raise awareness about Treacher Collins Syndrome and encourage people to show kindness to those with a visible difference.
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For Barry Manilow, it all started when he decided to pursue his dream of being part of the entertainment industry. He got involved with music ever since his mother Edna and his stepfather Willie Murphy bought him a piano for $800, which took them five years to pay off. It turned out it was money well invested, as Barry would eventually make a name for himself and a career which spans decades.
Before entering the New York College of Music, Barry enrolled at the City College of New York. Later, he attended the Juilliard School, studying musical theater, and moved on to work as a log clerk at CBS.
Shutterstock/Mary A Lupo
At that period of his life, he fell in love with Susan Deixler, his high-school sweetheart whom he married when he was just 21 years old. The marriage only lasted for around two years as he felt he wasn’t ready to settle down just yet and was too busy doing music. “I just was not ready for marriage, I was out making music every night, sowing my wild oats. I was too young, I wasn’t ready to settle down,” the singer said.
For years, before his big breakthrough, Barry wrote songs for commercials. He was lucky enough to feature in a Dr. Pepper commercial which, according to the man himself, “paid the rent for years.”
Youtube/Toppop
“When I lucked into writing commercials, the only way you can go up against other songwriters when you’re going for a commercial is to write the catchiest melody you can write in fifteen seconds, and if you don’t write the best one, then another songwriter will get the commercial,” Barry told WHRB.
“And my instinct is always to write catchy melodies. I just like doing it. And so when I started to do jingles, I won a lot of them because my melodies were catchier than the other guys’ melodies.”
He then added: “But it was very helpful because when I found myself in the pop music world writing pop songs, which like I say I never really thought about doing, pop music is all about catchy melodies and hooks and choruses…Well, learning how to do that while I was writing commercials was very helpful when i wound up writing pop songs.”
Shutterstock/Vicki L. Miller
In 1973, he released his first album titled Barry Manilow, but it didn’t turn into an instant hit. It wasn’t until a year later that he reached heights in the industry with his single Mandy. What followed were songs which topped the charts, among which the iconic I Write the Songs, Could It Be Magic, and Copacabana (At the Copa).
Just five years after releasing his first album, Barry had five albums on the best-selling charts simultaneously, as well as ten No. 1 singles. His fan base grew bigger with each passing day and it became so huge that they were termed “Fanilows.”
Shutterstock/Vicki L. Miller
For a great part of his life, Barry kept a secret which burdened him, but then, at the age of 73, he decided to share it with the world. Barry Manilow came out as gay and revealed that he and his partner, Garry Kief, had been together for nearly 40 years. He confessed that the two got married back in 2014 at their Palm Springs estate.
The couple first met in 1978 and started a relationship some years later. Today, they are still together and Garry works as Barry’s manager and is the president of Barry Manilow Productions.
“I knew that this was it,” Barry recalled of meeting Garry for the first time. “I was one of the lucky ones, I was pretty lonely before that.”
Steve Granitz/WireImage
Back in the day, being gay wasn’t as accepted as it is today. Barry said he didn’t wan’t to reveal the secret about his sexuality in the past because he didn’t know how people would react and feared for his career. Today, he’s happy he opened up about being gay because nothing changed, except that his fans are happy for him.
The two raised Garry’s biological daughter Kristen together.
“That’s the miracle of this relationship. It’s a relationship built on respect, and we’ve never bumped heads about anything,” Barry told Chicago Sun-Times.
“Garry’s the smartest guy I’ve ever met. He’s a great manager. He takes care of my career on the business level, and I take care of the music, and we plan out what we want to do together. It’s about two guys who made it through 40 years.
“Maybe [coming out] will make people feel good. Maybe it will inspire some young people that they can do it, too. [Ours] has been a very positive love story. We’re still talking to each other!”
Youtube/Thismorning
Another thing the famous singer opened about are his many plastic surgeries. He’s not afraid to confess he had gone under the knife but doesn’t want to be seen as the “Joan Rivers of the guys.”
Asked how he manages to stay youthful, Barry said on the British morning show This Morning: “It’s luck, it’s just blind luck. I’m really very old, please let’s not talk about it. It’s really depressing.”
It took a lot of courage for Barry Manilow to come out as gay at such age, but at least he’s happy he finally did it.
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A Georgia family of five were tragically killed in a plane crash while flying home from a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
The New York State Police reported on Monday that the single-engine Piper Malibu Mirage took off from Oneonta Municipal Airport in central New York on Sunday and crashed in Masonville, approximately 90 miles southeast of Syracuse.
The victims were identified as Roger Beggs, 76, who was reported to be the pilot of the plane; Laura VanEpps, 43; Ryan VanEpps, 42; James R. VanEpps, 12; and Harrison VanEpps, 10.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement on X: “As we learn of this tragic news, please join Marty, the girls, and me in praying for the loved ones of the Beggs and VanEpps families. We offer our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved them.”
As we learn of this tragic news, please join Marty, the girls, and me in praying for the loved ones of the Beggs and VanEpps families. We offer our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved them. https://t.co/HZU0YzDg1x
Local police were alerted of a suspected crash around 2 p.m. on Sunday. They launched a search in the Lake Cecil Road area, utilizing helicopters, drones, and ATVs. After these extensive search efforts, the crash site and the wrecked plane were eventually located.
As reported by People, the flight plan included a scheduled refueling stop in West Virginia before continuing on to Atlanta.
Credit: Facebook / Milton Eagles Football
Ryan VanEpps’ sister, Ansley, shared her sorrow and grief over the loss of her family members.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and state police are working together to investigate the cause of the crash.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the family were flying through an area of “storm activity.”
Our thoughts and prayers go to the victims’ families. May they rest in peace.
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For years, people have tried to protect their properties from vandals and trespassers.
Some chose to hang signs that remind others not to trespass,but since they are likely destroyed and taken off by vandals, property owners now use another method to send the clear message: “Stay out,” by painting their fences purple.
A pained purple fence as a sign of forbidden trespassing is even regulated by law in some U.S. states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Other states, such as Idaho and Montana, use orange paint for similar purposes.
But why is purple the most suitable color? That’s because it is easy to differentiate, it’s highly visible, and even recognized by color blind people.
Using purple color to mark property boundaries is not a new concept. On the contrary, it has existed for many years. Arkansas was the first state to enact “posting paint” legislation in 1989.
In Texas, for example, purple paint on posts or trees indicates that the land is off-limits to all trespassers. In North Carolina on the other hand, it indicates that such boundaries can be crossed by outdoor enthusiasts as long as they avoid, fishing, hunting, or trapping activities.
So, whenever you are outdoors, make sure you pay attention if there are any fences or trees painted purple in order to avoid getting into trouble.
Aaron J Hill/ Pexels
Trespassing is punishable by law in most countries, and the law dates back to medieval England.
The punishments for such crimes may include jail time from months to years, with the fines reaching even $10,000 in certain jurisdictions.
When a property owner decides to protect their property using purple paint, they are expected to follow certain guidlines.
The purple stripes should be vertical, at least 1 inch wide, 8 inches long, positioned 3-5 feet above the ground, and spaced no farther than 100 feet apart.
In case you use it on trees, make sure you avoid using oil-based paint because it could harm them.
It is also important to spread awareness of the meaning of the purple-painted fences because that way we help protect property, plants, people, and wildlife effectively.
Remember that you should always preserve private property.
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Blood is thicker than water, they say, but sadly, families sometimes fall apart because of disagreements, never ending feuds, and members not willing to reconcile.
Sadly, this is also true for the British royals, one of the most famous families in the entire world. The two brothers, William and Harry, not getting along doesn’t only affect their relationship but also impacts that of their children. The cousins don’t get any chance to get to know each other better or spend time together.
Knowing that William and Harry were extremely close growing up, this is a hard pill for both of them to swallow, yet none of them is wiling to offer an olive branch and try to make things right.
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
The relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the members of the Firm deteriorated following Megxit, when Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping down from their royal duties.
With the birth of Archie in 2019, Harry and Meghan had already begun moving towards greater privacy, seeking to distance themselves from being used by the Crown as a “marionette puppet” for fans and global media.
With his son’s arrival, Harry wasn’t much interested in revealing details surrounding the birth of the baby. However, he was forced into sharing with the people that Archie arrived into the world due to the breach of the “unwritten contract between the royals and the public.”
Toby Melville – Pool/Getty Images
In her book The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown, author Katie Nicholl described Harry as “almost morbidly obsessed” with keeping Archie’s birth as secretive as possible.
“Behind the scenes, matters were so fraught that more than one official — as I know from personal experience — was reduced to tears of frustration and despair,” Rebecca English, royal editor of the Daily Mail, added.
Lilibet’s birth was different. Born in June 2021 in California, there were no paparazzi close by. However, it wasn’t long before Harry and Meghan Markle brought their children back into the spotlight.
Following Queen Elizabeth’s passing, Harry and Meghan announced that they had given their children prince and princess titles.
Not only Archie and Lili don’t see of their cousins, but they have also been missing on spending time with their grandfather, King Charles, who has reportedly met Archie only five times and Lilibet just once. He is said to be “heartbroken” over the lack of relationship with his grandchildren. According to royal expert Tom Quinn, the monarch has considered changing that.
Quinn told Mirror that the king has plans of traveling to the States sometime in the future. “There is no doubt if it goes ahead he would build in time to visit his youngest son and his grandchildren, but there are mountains of planning to be overcome before that becomes even a remote possibility,” Quinn said.
“It’s certainly possible that he would make a discreet private visit to Harry and the children in California,” the royal expert added. “He is desperate to see them and hates the idea that Archie and Lily will not remember him as the warm friendly grandfather he wants to be.”
Samir Hussein/WireImage
Relationship expert Louella Alderson told the Mirror that it would be a “significant gesture” if Charles would visit Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet in the US.
“The logistics behind King Charles’s making a trip to America, whether it’s private or not, and meeting with Harry without may prove difficult,” Alderson explained. “King Charles has many Royal obligations and now health issues as well, so a trip to America in any capacity would likely require careful planning and coordination.”
She continued: “This fact alone means if King Charles is willing to make the effort and put forth the time and energy to visit Harry in America, it could be a significant gesture of his desire to mend their relationship.
“It’s possible that he may be more willing to address any issues and work towards finding a resolution than he has been previously.”
Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023
While the relationship between William and Harry is strained, Tom Quinn recently told the Mirror that the Prince and Princess of Wales had encouraged Harry and Meghan to bring their children to the UK for a visit. Unfortunately, according to Quinn, Meghan declined.
“There is no way Meghan would bring the children to the UK. William and Kate have suggested that Meghan and Harry bring the children and that the two couples and their families try to make up, but the suggestion is not leading anywhere so far,” Quinn said.
One of the reasons is that Meghan fears for her kids’ safety.
“It’s now got to the point where Meghan doesn’t want to come to the UK with the children. She just doesn’t feel safe. The situation is now about whether the family should attend with increased security or Harry should go it alone,” a source told OK! Magazine.
“Harry doesn’t want to keep making solo trips to the UK,” the source continued. “He would prefer it if the entire family made regular visits to see his family and build bridges, but there is so much going on behind the scenes that it just isn’t possible at the moment.”
DUBBO, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 17: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit a local farming family, the Woodleys, on October 17, 2018 in Dubbo, Australia. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on their official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. (Photo by Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty Images)
Another reason is that Meghan doesn’t want to “be thrown back into an anxiety-fueled visit to England where she feels like she’s not wanted.”
William and Kate have “very, very” limited contact with Archie and Lili. “I think the feud runs deep there, and it’s getting to the point where every time you ask a question about Prince Harry to anybody close to Prince William, the barriers go up, which suggests to me that there is still a real issue there between William and Harry – I don’t see how that changes in the current circumstances;” royal correspondent Cameron Walker told GB News.
GB News‘ royal editor Svar Nanan-Sen added, “William and Kate don’t have any relationship with Archie and Lilibet either. We know that King Charles has only met Lilibet once – the same probably goes for William and Kate.”
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“Archie and Lilibet have no relationship with George, Charlotte and Louis – and they’re cousins. So this this feud between Harry and William and Kate and Meghan is creating a rift down the entire family that is crossing generations.”
Cameron Walker concluded, “George, Charlotte and Louis are not going to have that with their two cousins, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – it’s really sad to see, and it’s also not their fault.”
“It’s going to be interesting in 20 years’ time to see if there is any relationship between Archie and Lilibet – if they stay in California – and the three royal children here in the UK,” he told GB News.
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Known as the People’s Princess because of her nurturing and compassionate nature, as well as love for the ordinary citizens, Lady Di will forever be remembered as the woman who changed Britain and the Monarchy.
This incredible Princess rose to prominence upon her engagement to Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest son and heir apparent to the British throne. Ever since the world learned of her, she was under the spotlight. The paparazzi followed her every move, and according to many, pushed her to her death.
Wikipedia Commons
At the time of her death, Princess Diana’s sons, Harry and William, were only 12 and 15 years.
She lost her life after she and her partner Dodi Fayed, the son of Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed, her driver Henri Paul, and her bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones crashed the Mercedes in the Pont de I’Alma tunnel in Paris while trying to escape the paparazzi.
Shutterstock. The Pont de l’Alma tunnel where Princess Diana was fatally injured in the car crash. Above the tunnel you can now see the Flame of Freedom of Liberty, now a tribute to the Princess.
Xavier Gourmelon was one of the first responders who came to the scene after the tragic crash. He spoke of the day and revealed what the Princess’ final words were.
As reported by The Independent, Gourmelon said: “The car was in a mess and we just dealt with it like any road accident.”
He then continued, “For me this was simply a banal traffic accident, one of many that emergency services have to deal with and it was the usual causes, speed and a drunk driver…
“I could see she had a slight injury to her right shoulder but, other than that, there was nothing significant. There was no blood on her at all. I held her hand and told her to be calm and keep still, I said I was there to help and reassured her.”
As she was still conscious when he approached her to help her, the Princess said: “My God, what’s happened?”
Shutterstock
Gourmelon further said how he believed the Princess would pull through and was shocked to hear that she died one day after she was admitted to the Pitie-Salpetriere hospital. According to reports, Lady Di passed away as a result of massive internal injuries and a ruptured blood vessel which caused internal bleeding.
Her funeral was watched by 2.3 billion people from all over the world. Diana’s passing was a loss that crushed billions of hearts. There was no single Briton who didn’t mourn her death.
Dodi Fayed’s father, Mohamed Al-Fayed, whose son died at the scene, was convinced that the crash was no incident at all.
Princess Diana will forever be missed by many. May she rest in peace.
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18-year-old Sienna Stewart, a Hiram High School graduate, passed away just weeks after collapsing at her graduation ceremony on May 23.
Despite struggling with severe cardiomyopathy and a recent heart failure diagnosis, Stewart was able to walk across the stage to receive her diploma, a moment her family will forever cherish.
On the day of her graduation, Sienna suddenly collapsed losing consciousness. Paramedics arrived at no time, and once the teen regained consciousness, she tearfully insisted on completing her walk across the stage.
Sienna, who had received a heart transplant ten years ago, had lived with severe cardiomyopathy since the age of 4 and began “getting sick” earlier this year. Following her transplant, she had live a rather normal life for ten years, but it was recently that she had started “getting weak and slowing down.”
Sienna’s mom, Saevon Chum, revealed that her daughter would sometimes experience episodes where she collapsed, and one of those happened on her graduation.
At the moment Sienna falls, the high-school principal could be heard saying, “Just give us a second please, we have a student, just give us a second…”
Credit / West Cobb Funeral Home
“When I got there, the ambulance was already there,” the mom told Fox5Atlanta. “She had collapsed. She had had another episode. But this was the first time she collapsed unconscious.”
Once she had regained her consciousness, Sienna insisted on walking the stage instead of going to the hospital and begged her mom to let her do it. She was the last student to receive her diploma that day, and she received a standing ovation from her peers and those in attendance.
“All she could tell me is, ‘I just want to graduate, I want to walk.’ That’s all she wanted, because she already missed her prom, because before then she was in the hospital and missed her senior prom,” Saevon explained.
Sienna Stewart. GOFUNDME
Unfortunately, a few weeks after reaching the milestone of graduating high-school, Sienna passed away. “As a mom, you feel so proud because she just fought through something that hurts her. You have to be proud. Till the end, I was proud,” Saevon said.
Her obituary read that Sienna planned to attend college and was on course to study sonogram tech in the fall.
We are so very sorry for this tragic loss. May she rest in peace.
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