The Obama family is devastated by the death of their personal chef, Tafari Campbell, who drowned while paddleboarding near their vacation home. Campbell, a former White House chef, disappeared while paddleboarding on a Martha’s Vineyard lake. Massachusetts State Police reported he struggled to stay afloat and then submerged. After an overnight search, his body was found. The Obamas expressed their grief, calling Campbell “a beloved part of our family.”
Donald Trump falsely questioned Kamala Harris’ race during an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago that quickly turned hostile on Wednesday. The Republican former president was invited to participate in a Q&A session with a panel of political journalists at the Hilton Hotel. The session started an hour late, and it was kicked off with criticism by ABC News senior congressional correspondent, Rachel Scott, one of the moderators. Trump claimed that Harris, the first Black woman and Asian American to serve as vice president, had in the past only promoted her Indian heritage. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ, convention, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Chicago. (Credit: Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) “I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. So, I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?” Trump said while addressing the group’s annual convention. “She has always identified as a Black woman,” Scott responded as Trump continued to confirm that he felt Harris “could be” a “DEI hire.” As an undergraduate, Harris… CONTINUE READING…
Simone Biles and Suni Lee won medals in the Olympic all-around final Thursday. Biles won the gold medal and Lee earned the bronze. At 27, Biles is the oldest Olympic women’s gymnastics champ since 1952. Biles edged Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade during a tense final. Biles’ total of 59.131 was just over a point ahead of Andrade at 57.932, one of the closest calls Biles has ever endured at a major international event, the Associated Press reported. Final results from the Olympic all-around Simone Biles (L) and Suni Lee (R) prepare to compete in all-around gymnastics final at Paris Olympics on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (Getty Images) Simone Biles makes it 6 straight for the U.S. women Days after their “redemption tour” ended with a team gold medal, Biles and Lee made history, going head-to-head as part of the individual all-around finals. The U.S. was the first nation to win five straight women’s all-around Olympic gold medals when Lee prevailed at the Tokyo Games three years ago. Make it six. Simone Biles competes in all-around gymnastics final at Paris Olympics on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (Getty Images) Biles is now the third woman to win two Olympic all-around titles. Lee won… CONTINUE READING…
Perched on a dramatic promontory overlooking the rugged coast of Brittany, the Castle of the Rock Goyon, more commonly known as Fort-la-Latte, stands as a testament to medieval military architecture and French history. This iconic fortress, with its breathtaking views of the Emerald Coast, is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. A Historical Overview The Castle of the Rock Goyon was constructed in the 14th century by the powerful Goyon family, one of Brittany’s influential noble houses. Its strategic location on the cliffs made it a formidable defensive structure, controlling the surrounding waters and serving as a bulwark against invaders. Throughout its long history, the castle has been the site of numerous historical events, enduring sieges, battles, and renovations that have contributed to its enduring legacy. During the War of the Breton Succession in the mid-14th century, the castle played a crucial defensive role against English forces. Its strategic importance continued through the centuries, with notable enhancements in the 17th century by the famed military engineer Vauban, who reinforced its walls and added artillery to withstand modern warfare. These adaptations ensured the castle’s relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of military strategy. Architectural Marvel The Castle of the… CONTINUE READING…
In the tranquil suburban tapestry of Thailand, a heartwarming narrative unfolded. Kiat, a gentle soul who cherished the serenity of his neighborhood, was returning home from work when an unexpected sight captured his attention. Nestled near the park’s edge, a small, forlorn figure sat alone, its eyes brimming with unspoken sorrow. Curiosity propelled Kiat forward, and as he drew closer, the truth revealed itself – a puppy, unlike any he had seen before. Its once joyous eyes were clouded with tears, and its cheeks were alarmingly swollen, resembling a puffer fish. A surge of compassion enveloped Kiat as he knelt beside the distressed creature. A rescue mission for the poor dog Kiat’s heart ached as he gently inquired about the puppy’s plight. The little creature whimpered in response, its inability to communicate adding to its vulnerability. A closer inspection revealed a small mark on its paw, a potential culprit for its distress. With a surge of determination, Kiat scooped up the puppy, realizing it was not only homeless but also in desperate need of care. Unable to turn a blind eye to such suffering, he resolved to provide the puppy with the help it required. Kiat rushed the puppy to a nearby veterinary… CONTINUE READING…
Born on November 8, 1961, in Hollywood, California, Lief Garrett, christened Leif Per Nervik, was destined for stardom. With a lineage steeped in entertainment, Garrett was introduced to the industry at a young age. His mother, Carolyn Stellar, was an actress, and his father, Rik Nervik, a prominent figure in Hollywood. By the time he was five, Garrett was already auditioning for roles, quickly landing parts in television series and commercials. Teen Idol and Music Career Garrett’s big break came in 1975 when he starred in the TV series “Three for the Road.” However, it was his transition to music that catapulted him to teen idol status. In 1977, he released his debut album, featuring hits like “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “Runaround Sue.” His boyish good looks and charm made him a favorite among teenage girls, leading to sold-out concerts and a massive fan following. Acting Career
A weekend getaway turned into a nightmare for Scarlett when her husband’s jealousy spiraled out of control, leaving her stranded 30 miles from home. Little did she know, karma was about to deliver a surprising twist that would turn the tables and restore her sense of justice. Hi, I’m Scarlett. My husband, Sheldon, and I just returned from what was supposed to be a wonderful weekend getaway. We’ve been married for ten years. Most of the time, we get along great. But sometimes, things get tense. This weekend, everything took a turn for the worse. We were driving back from a charming little town where we’d spent two days. The sun was shining, and we’d visited lovely places. We enjoyed quaint cafés, beautiful parks, and even a boat ride. It felt like a perfect escape from our busy lives. Sheldon seemed happy, and I was thrilled to see him relax for once. We had a fantastic time—until the last day. We had lunch at a cozy restaurant. Our waiter was friendly, maybe a bit too friendly, according to Sheldon. He started making snide comments about the waiter’s attentiveness. I laughed it off, but Sheldon’s mood shifted. As I drove away,… CONTINUE READING…
For me, dancing has always meant a lot of happy times and wonderful memories. A wide variety of dance forms have developed and changed throughout the years. Although some have lost steam, others have maintained a steady following. “The Stroll” was a popular dance move in the 1950s, and it’s time to bring it back into the spotlight. How does “The Stroll” work? “The Stroll” may be a familiar name to anyone who lived during the late 1950s. American Bandstand was the birthplace of this iconic dance number, which shot to fame. The beauty of it was in its accessibility; anyone could participate. The dance called for the males and girls to form an aisle separated by a line. Each pair would take turns walking down the line, with the leading lad and girl meeting in the center. Everyone was enthralled by the ensuing synchronized routine. A Reflection on the Past If you want to see this famous dance in action, here’s a clip from an Idaho dance program that aired in February 1958. A lot of people’s happiness and excitement for “The Stroll” are shown in this video. Feel the joy and excitement as the happy couple walks down… CONTINUE READING…
Standing Firm for Democracy at 81 Barbra Streisand, the iconic singer and actor, is no stranger to controversy. At the age of 81, she continues to use her powerful voice to speak out against what she believes is a threat to democracy. Streisand’s latest target is former president Donald Trump, and she is making it clear that she won’t stick around if he becomes president again in 2024. Streisand’s Dislike for Trump Streisand has been a long-time Democratic supporter and fundraiser and has never been shy about expressing her dislike of Trump. She has called him “so stupid” and “ill-informed,” branding him “the Liar in Chief, the Groper in Chief.” In a recent interview with Stephen Colbert, she boldly declared, “I can’t live in this country if he becomes president.” But this isn’t the first time Streisand has made such a dramatic declaration. Like many other celebrities, she vowed to leave the United States after Trump won in 2016. At that time, she quipped, “America was great – before you were elected.” Expressing Frustration Through Music Streisand’s frustration with Trump led her to release her 36th album, “Walls,” in 2018. This musical masterpiece serves as a homage to Trump’s tyranny… CONTINUE READING…
TOKYO — Long-abandoned homes in Japan are bringing down the values of surrounding properties, with losses reaching 3.9 trillion yen ($24.7 billion) over the five years through 2023, new calculations show. The large sum underscores the scale of a problem that is fueling a vicious cycle of plummeting prices and more unsold properties. The data was compiled by the Japan Akiya Consortium, which brings together 14 companies and a research institution to tackle the problem of abandoned homes — or akiya in Japanese. The figures were based on 2023 government statistics and research by the Center for Real Estate Innovation at the University of Tokyo. The number of abandoned homes that are not for sale or available for rent but have remained empty for a long period of time increased by around 360,000 units between 2018 and 2023 to about 3.85 million units. More than 70% of these were detached, single-family houses. In many cases, land prices within a 50-meter radius of abandoned homes were on a downward trend, the consortium’s research found. Potential causes include a decrease in the number of people looking to move in due to concerns about vegetation overgrowth, pests and public safety. An estimated 80% of the single-family houses that became abandoned… CONTINUE READING…
