Elmhurst Woman with Rare Disorder Finds Inspiration in Celine Dion: An Elmhurst resident, Moira Papp, shares an unexpected connection with global superstar Celine Dion—they both battle Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare autoimmune neurological disorder. Despite facing challenges like mobility issues and slurred speech, Papp maintains her sense of humor and resilience. Papp was intrigued by Dion’s recent Grammy appearance, where she presented an award. While some in the SPS community had concerns about how Dion’s appearance might portray the severity of the disease, Papp believes that the upcoming documentary showcasing Dion’s journey with SPS will raise much-needed awareness. Dr.…
Author: MAK Gojar
Motherhood and Divorce: Porsha Williams’ Journey with Daughter Pilar Jhena McKinley: Porsha Williams, known for her role on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” has filed for divorce from her husband, Simon Guobadia, after 15 months of marriage. The couple tied the knot in November 2022, but Williams filed for divorce in February 2024, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. The news of their split comes amid rumors circulating online about Guobadia’s citizenship status, although a source close to the situation has clarified that the divorce is unrelated to these allegations. The cause of the split remains an “ongoing matter,”…
Lakers Struggle in Loss to Warriors, LeBron James Day-to-Day In a highly anticipated clash following the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Lakers squared off against the Golden State Warriors, reigniting a rivalry that has captivated basketball fans for years. As the postseason looms closer, both teams find themselves in a race for playoff seeding, with each eyeing a favorable position in the standings. Reflecting on the intensity of the playoff race nearly a year ago, Golden State coach Steve Kerr emphasized the competitive nature of the sprint to the finish line. Last season, the Lakers were mired in a…
Barnes & Noble Workers at UWS Manhattan Store File for Union Election with RWDSU In a significant development, employees at the Barnes & Noble store located on West 82nd Street in Manhattan, New York City, have initiated the process for a union election with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). This move follows several successful union votes across Barnes & Noble Inc. locations nationwide, highlighting a growing trend of workers advocating for improved workplace conditions. The workers, representing a diverse range of roles including Booksellers, Baristas, Cashiers, and Maintenance staff, filed for their union election with the National…
US and EU Announce Extensive Sanctions Against Russia Over Navalny’s Death and Ukraine Invasion: In a sweeping response to Russia’s actions, the US and EU have unveiled a barrage of sanctions targeting key Russian institutions and individuals. The measures, totaling over 500 new sanctions, come amid escalating tensions following the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The US sanctions, announced by President Joe Biden, target Russia’s main card payment system, financial and military institutions, and individuals implicated in Navalny’s imprisonment. Additionally, nearly 100 firms and individuals will face export restrictions, including those involved in Russia’s…
Freedom of Expression Under Fire: Social Media’s Role in India’s Farmers’ Protests Social media giant X (formerly Twitter) has acknowledged removing accounts and posts related to the ongoing farmers’ protests in India, citing “executive orders” from the Indian government. X clarified its actions, stating disagreement with the orders but compliance due to potential penalties. The move sparked outcry from activists and journalists, with reports of accounts belonging to reporters, influencers, and farm unionists being suspended or withheld. Indian journalist Mohammed Zubair highlighted the suspension of “influential X accounts,” while Mandeep Punia, a journalist covering rural India, lamented the impact on…
Deadly Fire in Valencia Raises Concerns Over Flammable Cladding: A devastating fire engulfed a 14-storey apartment block in Valencia, Spain, claiming at least four lives and leaving at least 14 individuals missing. The blaze, which broke out on the fourth floor, quickly spread through the building, fueled by highly flammable cladding, reminiscent of the Grenfell Tower disaster in London. Authorities reported that the building, housing 138 apartments, was covered with combustible polyurethane cladding, contributing to the rapid escalation of the fire. Dramatic scenes unfolded as clouds of black smoke billowed from the high-rise, prompting a massive emergency response. Jorge…
Shamima Begum Loses Appeal to Return to UK: Shamima Begum’s hopes of returning to the UK were dashed as the Court of Appeal upheld the decision to revoke her citizenship. Begum, now 24, left London at 15 to join ISIS in Syria. The court’s unanimous ruling means she must remain in Syria, where she has been since her citizenship was revoked in 2019. Begum’s legal team, led by solicitor Daniel Furner, expressed disappointment but vowed to continue the fight for her return. They argued that the Home Office’s decision was unlawful, emphasizing her potential status as a trafficking victim. However,…
Iconic Coronation Street Actor John Savident Passes Away at 86: Renowned actor John Savident, celebrated for his portrayal of the beloved Fred Elliott in the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street, has sadly passed away at the age of 86, as confirmed by his agent. Savident’s booming voice and larger-than-life presence endeared him to audiences worldwide during his tenure on the show, where he portrayed the affable local butcher. His colleague and on-screen romantic interest, Sue Nicholls, expressed her profound sadness at the news, reminiscing about their shared experiences on the iconic cobbled streets of Weatherfield. Nicholls fondly recalled…
The Enduring Legacy of Casimir Funk: Pioneer of Vitamin Discovery On February 23rd, 2024, Google commemorated what would have been the 140th birthday of Kazimierz “Casimir” Funk, a figure whose groundbreaking discoveries in biochemistry revolutionized our understanding of human health. Funk’s seminal work in 1912 unearthed the concept of vitamins, shedding light on the crucial role these micronutrients play in preventing debilitating diseases. Born in 1884 in Warsaw, Poland, Funk defied familial expectations by pursuing a doctorate in chemistry at the University of Berne, Switzerland. His journey led him to esteemed positions at institutions such as the Pasteur Institute…
Lorry Driver Fatally Injured in M27 Crash Near Southampton Airport: A tragic accident on the M27 near Southampton Airport resulted in the death of a lorry driver and the arrest of three individuals. The collision, involving multiple vehicles, led to the closure of a westbound stretch of the motorway as authorities work to replace a damaged gantry. Investigations are ongoing, with police urging witnesses to come forward.
Former Barcelona Star Dani Alves Found Guilty of Nightclub Rape:In a shocking development, former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves has been found guilty of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub. The court in Spain has sentenced the 40-year-old football icon to four and a half years in prison, along with an additional five years of probation. Alves, one of the most decorated footballers in history, had vehemently denied the allegations of sexually assaulting the woman in the early hours of December 31, 2022. His lawyer had sought his acquittal and announced plans to appeal against the verdict. The…
Cheers to National Margarita Day: Celebrating the Iconic Cocktail with Flavorful Recipes: Every year on February 22nd, cocktail lovers around the world raise their glasses to celebrate National Margarita Day, honoring one of the most beloved and iconic drinks in the world of mixology. This festive occasion provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in this refreshing and zesty cocktail, whether you prefer it shaken, stirred, frozen, or on the rocks. 1. Classic Margarita: Ingredients: 2 oz tequila 1 oz triple sec 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice Lime wedge for garnish Salt for rimming (optional) Instructions: Rim the glass with…
Kanye West’s ‘Vultures’ Faces Copyright Quandary Over Uncleared Samples: The release of “Vultures 1,” the debut collaborative album between Kanye West (now known as Ye) and Ty Dolla $ign, has been met with both anticipation and controversy. In its first week, the album encountered distribution changes, temporary removal from Apple Music, and the exclusion of a song to address potential copyright infringement concerns raised by Donna Summer’s estate. However, the intrigue surrounding the album’s backstory may rival the music itself, with reports from Billboard indicating that some samples used in the album remain uncleared, hinting at potential legal complications. As…
Jack Harlow’s “Lovin on Me” Holds #1 on Hot 100 as Beyoncé, Ye, and Ty Dolla $ign Debut in Top 3: Jack Harlow’s hit track “Lovin on Me” maintains its stronghold on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a sixth nonconsecutive week, solidifying the rapper’s position as a chart-topping artist. Released on Generation Now/Atlantic Records, “Lovin on Me” continues its reign atop the Hot 100, showcasing Harlow’s enduring popularity among music enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Beyoncé makes a triumphant entry onto the Hot 100 with her latest single “Texas Hold ‘Em,” which debuts at an impressive No. 2. The track garnered…
Tyla’s “Water” Tops Adult R&B Airplay Chart, Continues Radio Dominance: Tyla’s chart-topping hit “Water” continues its impressive streak by reaching the pinnacle of Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay list, marking the artist’s first No. 1 on this chart. Released on FAX Records/Epic Records, the track surged from 4th to 1st place following a remarkable 25% increase in plays, making it the most played song on U.S. monitored adult R&B radio stations during the tracking week of February 9-15, as reported by Luminate. This achievement also earns “Water” the coveted Greatest Gainer award, recognizing the song with the largest increase in plays…
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Enjoy Romantic Day at Sydney Zoo Ahead of Eras Tour Shows: Pop sensation Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce added a touch of romance to their time in Sydney, Australia, as they visited the Sydney Zoo together ahead of Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour shows in the city. According to a report by News.com.au, Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, arrived in Australia on Wednesday and wasted no time joining Swift for a leisurely outing at the Sydney Zoo on Thursday, February 22. The zoo, reportedly one of Swift’s favorite spots, witnessed the couple…
Queensland Cricket Foundation Backs Indigenous Cricket Development with $5,000 Donation: Queensland Cricket Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to Indigenous cricket development by pledging $5,000 in support of the Stan Alberts Shield, an Indigenous T20 carnival held in Rockhampton. The donation from Queensland Cricket Foundation played a crucial role in covering various expenses associated with the carnival, including field facilities, wicket preparation, umpiring, and administrative costs for scoring. The Stan Alberts Shield, now in its ninth year, showcases the talent and diversity within Queensland cricket, with 12 teams competing across four divisions: Juniors, Ladies, Masters, and Senior Men’s competitions. This carnival…
Emergency Bushfire Threatens Pyrenees Ranges: Residents Urged to Evacuate: Article: Emergency services in Victoria have issued urgent warnings to residents in the Pyrenees Ranges area as a bushfire continues to rage near Beaufort. With a wind change exacerbating the situation, authorities are urging vigilance into the night. As of 11 pm on Thursday, multiple areas are under various levels of alert: Emergency Warning (Leave Immediately): Residents of Ballyrogan, Bayindeen, Beaufort, and several other nearby areas are urged to evacuate as the fire remains active in their vicinity. Watch and Act (Leave Now): Residents of Addington, Brewster, Burrumbeet, and other areas…
Cellular Outage Plagues U.S., Disrupting Services from Major Telecom Firms: Early on Thursday, large portions of the United States experienced a widespread cellular outage, causing disruptions to services provided by leading telecom companies such as AT&T. Thousands of users reported issues with their connectivity, raising concerns across affected regions. According to data from Downdetector.com, more than 32,000 outage incidents were reported with AT&T’s service around 4:30 a.m. ET. Cities including San Francisco, Houston, and Chicago were particularly impacted by the outage. Users of other major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and UScellular also reported similar issues, indicating a widespread disruption across…