The Emotional Moment Dog was Returned to Owners 7 Years After Being Stolen

RSPCA inspector Kim Walters (left), pictured with colleague Andy Cook – credit: RSPCA, supplied

An English family has been reunited with their beloved Labrador Daisy who was stolen from their front lawn 7 years ago.

Their tireless search and advocacy for their lost family member attracted the attention of British celebrity and even helped steer a law through Parliament, but the ultimate reward for the devotion to their lost dog was the chance to see her again, elderly and slightly battered, but alive and loving.

In 2017, a truck arrived in front of Rita and Philip Potter’s Norfolk house. Two men hurriedly lept out, grabbed Daisy, and stuffed her into the back—a despicable act seen by neighbors.

Ruling out the possibility that Daisy got lost in the woods somewhere, the Potters contacted the police and urged a response. An RSPCA search in Somerset—200 miles and 7 years later—has recovered a 13-year-old Daisy, who was likely the victim of an illegal pet breeding operation.

A quick microchip scan, and Daisy was on her way home.

“We kept a photograph on the mantlepiece and would look at it every day thinking of her, and where she might be,” Mrs. Potter told the BBC. “It is an absolute dream come true that the RSPCA found her and returned her to us—where she belongs—we are so, so grateful,” said Mrs Potter.

Following Daisy’s abduction, the Potters were active in the press and social media trying to ensure anyone who might have seen the dog understood where she had come from. Tom Hardy, the A-list action star from Dark Knight Rises and Inception, shared their post on his X account.

The Potters then collected 100,000 signatures on a petition for greater government action to fight pet crime. The Pet Abduction Act changed the UK sentencing guidelines, making it a criminal offense with a prison sentence of up to 5 years. Previously, pets were considered property, and abducting them was punished under the UK’s 1986 Theft Act.

During the RSPCA’s investigation, the owner agreed to turn Daisy over to the organization, explaining they had only had her for a few years and didn’t know she could have been stolen. At their facility, a microchip scan revealed Daisy’s provenance and the call to the Potters was an emotional one.

“They were obviously shocked—but elated at the same time,” said RSPCA inspector Kim Walters. “I was a bit choked from listening to them, and clearly how much they loved her, so it was great telling them that we could get her back home soon.”Now in her golden years, and with several health issues from a half-decade of maltreatment, the Potters look forward to loving, spoiling, and caring for her. The Emotional Moment Dog was Returned to Owners 7 Years After Being Stolen

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Three Children Receive ‘the Best Christmas Present Ever’ – Bionic Arms

Colette Baker, Finley Jarvis, and Zoey Pidgeon-Hampton with their new Open Bionics arms – credit: SWNS

Three children were overjoyed after receiving ‘the best Christmas present in the world’—bionic arms.

Zoey Hampton-Pigeon, Finley Jarvis, and Colette Baker were given their new ‘life-changing’ Hero Arms on December 12th thanks to the fundraising work of a woman whose own child needed a prosthetic years ago.

Sarah Lockey saw her daughter Tilly lose both hands to meningitis. Today though, Tilly is a confident young woman who wears two Hero Arms daily, who hosts, together with her mom, a fundraising campaign every year called the Big Hero 3, which selects three random children across the UK to receive a prosthetic made by the Open Bionics Foundation.

Advanced, intuitive, robust, and light, the Hero Arm is “the world’s most affordable advanced multi-grip prosthetic arm,” according to the Foundation. The Hero Arm is available in over 801 locations across the US for below-elbow amputee adults and children aged 8 and above, and all throughout the UK where it is manufactured.

This year, the Big Hero 3 campaign raised £20,000. Two other charitable foundations, along with an anonymous donor, made up the rest of the £40,000 required, allowing Finley, Colette, and Zoey to have what will probably be the best Christmas ever.

To wit, Colette’s mom Alyse said her daughter ‘screamed’ when she found out she was not only receiving a Hero Arm, but would get one before Christmas.

“For Ettie, she’s excited about being able to do things like handstands, ride her bike without an adaption, and tying her shoes,” she said. “As parents, we are excited about these things too, but also all the other ways the Hero Arm will change Ettie’s life.”

Zoey was born with a missing limb, which the family discovered during an ultrasound in the 20th week.

“When Zoey was born she saw several specialists but there are no answers about why this happened to Zoey, it’s just one of those things,” said her father Thomas.

His daughter is an active young girl and member of a gymnastics club. She goes to swimming lessons and loves trampolining, but she’s most looking forward to being able to use a jump rope.

“A Hero Arm will make such a massive difference to her independence enabling her to do all these tasks, as well as her beloved skipping, without relying on help from others.”

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The last child is Finley Jarvis—born with no hand due to his mom being involved in a serious car accident whilst carrying him.

“Finn is a happy-go-lucky boy—he is kind, fearless, and extremely switched on,” said his father Ben. “He is now 11 and about to attend Brymore Academy secondary school—an agricultural school. With this opportunity of a Big Hero Arm the possibilities for him to excel are endless.”

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Lockey said she and Tilly are hoping to do another campaign next year if any donors who want to get involved to help are interested.“It is just incredible for three children to benefit and for their families all to meet and fundraise together,” Lockey said. Three Children Receive ‘the Best Christmas Present Ever’ – Bionic Arms

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'Bound by love, happily ever after': Neeraj Chopra ties knot with Himani

New Delhi, (IANS) Two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra shared the news of his marriage with Himani in a social media post on Sunday.

"Starting a new chapter of life with my family. Grateful for every blessing that brought us to this moment together. Bound by love, happily ever after," Chopra wrote in the post on social media on Sunday.

The star athlete bagged a silver medal in the Paris Olympics last year and clinched his second consecutive medal in the Games. He became the first Indian track and field athlete to win a gold medal in the Olympics in Tokyo.

He ended his 2024 season with a second-place finish in the prestigious Diamond League Final in Brussels.

In November last year, the 27-year-old partnered with Javelin legend Jan Zelezny, who comes on board as his new coach. Zelezny, a three-time Olympic and World champion and the current world record holder, has long been an idol to Chopra."Growing up, I admired Jan’s technique and precision and spent a lot of time watching videos of him. He was the best in the sport for so many years, and I believe that working with him will be invaluable because our throwing styles are similar, and his knowledge is unmatched. It’s an honour to have Jan by my side as I push towards the next level in my career, and I can’t wait to get started,” Chopra had said during the announcement. 'Bound by love, happily ever after': Neeraj Chopra ties knot with Himani | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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Anonymous $3.5 Million Gift to Milwaukee Art Museum Provides Free Admission for Children

The Milwaukee Art Museum’s Art:Forward Gala in 2024 – Credit: Front Room Studios and courtesy of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Thanks to the kindness of a generous donor, children 12 and under will now be able to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) for free.

The gift of $3.5 million was given anonymously but with instructions to establish an endowment supporting child attendance at the museum.

The donor “shared fond memories of visiting the museum with their family throughout their life” and “expressed their wish for the endowment to foster similar experiences for future generations of families,” according to the museum’s Tuesday announcement.

“This wonderful gift is a celebration of the way that philanthropy can have a significant and lasting impact for generations,” MAM chief development officer André Allaire said in the news release.

“Every day, our youngest museum visitors will be able to access, engage with, and learn from world-class exhibitions and programs free of charge thanks to the generosity of an individual who believes in the power of art to strengthen our community.”

Children ages 12 and under will have free access not only to the museum’s collections, but also its exhibitions and youth and family programs.

At the moment, MAM’s exhibitions include a collection of photography, images, and videos from American image artist Robert Longo, entitled Acceleration of History, and a collection of woodblock prints from the Baltimore-based artist, wife, mother, and educator LaToya M. Hobbs.

“Since our earliest days as an institution, the Milwaukee Art Museum has provided free educational experiences for children,” said Marcelle Polednik, the MAM director. “The endowment established from this inspirational donation will keep that tradition alive for future generations of the communities we serve.” Anonymous $3.5 Million Gift to Milwaukee Art Museum Provides Free Admission for Children

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Torn Between Volunteering and Dream of Adopting a Cat, 6-year-old Starts Poop Scooping Business

credit – @poopa.scoopa.luca

This is Luca Arpin, better known to his neighbors as “Poopa Scoopa Luca.“

His moniker is well-earned, as the 6-year-old styled himself the neighborhood’s #1 number to call for cleaning up after dogs and cats.

“People hate picking up dog poop,” said the first-grader from Warwick, Mass. Speaking with WJAR, Arpin said he has an appreciation for all things tidy, and prefers cleaning up above other activities.

His rate is $15 for one dog, or $20 for multiple dogs. He even has his own business card.

His mother says that volunteering is one of their family’s core values. She and Luca have an enduring love for animals and together have fostered 98 four-legged friends through her work at a local animal shelter.

First to fold laundry or mop a floor, Luca’s mother said that his tendencies to offer his help pro bono at the shelter slowly landed him in a predicament where he wanted to afford to permanently adopt a cat, but couldn’t afford to do so.

Asking mom how he could earn money, the two settled on that poo patrol, which he says is work he doesn’t mind at all.

“I have the coolest kid in the entire world,” said his mother proudly.

It didn’t take long for Luca to save enough money to bring ‘Pebble’ a little female kitten he decided he couldn’t live without, into the busy embrace of their home. Luca continues to work, raising money which he hopes can go to help other animals. Torn Between Volunteering and Dream of Adopting a Cat, 6-year-old Starts Poop Scooping Business

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Woman Gives Birth in Lobby of Welsh Cinema and the Daughter Now Has Free Movies for Life

Father Gareth, son Liam, mother Sarah, and their newborn Lowri wrapped in a blanket at Cinema World

Welsh news media described it as a “blockbuster” arrival at a local movie theater—no not Deadpool 2—a beautiful baby girl whose mom gave birth in the lobby.

Sarah Vincent was 39 weeks-pregnant when she went to the Cinema World in her hometown, near the capital city of Cardiff, with her 3-year-old son Liam and her parents when, 20 minutes into the screening of Sing 2, she began to feel discomfort.

Adjourning to the restroom, the discomfort grew until she had to lay down in the lobby and that’s when her water broke. The cinema staff were quickly there to help, and help they did—calling an ambulance and assembling screens to block the sight of passersby.

On the instructions of the paramedic who picked up the phone, cinemagoer Amy Screen, and the manager on duty at the cinema Jacey Howcroft, arrived to help should the baby be unwilling to wait for the ambulance.

And it’s all a good thing too, because Lowri, the newborn baby girl, did not in fact wait for the ambulance.

With Screen and Howcroft’s assistance, Lowri Miles was born 7 pounds just 10 minutes from the point at which Vincent had gone into labor.

Missing the momentous occasion, father Gareth Miles was working in Cardiff when he got a call from Vincent’s dad explaining what was happening. He rushed down to the cinema to find his baby girl waiting for him.

“The staff were great,” he said. “Jacey was the staff member who went to get Sarah’s parents from the cinema and helped with delivery, Andrew at Cineworld rang the ambulance and talked with paramedics on phone to help with the birth, the rest of the staff were great at putting up screens, also one member of the public, Amy, helped with delivery as well.”

He told Wales Online that Liam, their son, was also born extremely quickly but in a car rather than a movie theater.

“It’s one we’re never going to forget. I thought the car was bad enough, and we’ve got the cinema story to tell as well now!”Mo Williams, the General Manager of the Cinema World, said his staff were understandly proud of their teamwork during the unexpected emergency. He added that little Lowri is now an honorary Cinema World Member for life, and will never have to pay for a movie ticket as long as she lives. Woman Gives Birth in Lobby of Welsh Cinema and the Daughter Now Has Free Movies for Life

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‘World’s Most Intrepid Twins’ Break World Altitude Record Flying Over The Alps at 8,000-ft in Electric Paraglider

Ross and Hugo Turner attempting to break a record, flying a paraglider-style aircraft at 10,000ft in the French Alps – via SWNS

The ‘World’s Most Intrepid Twins’ announced they’ve broken a world record, by flying a tandem electric para-motor 8,000ft over the French Alps.

Ross and Hugo Turner, known as the Turner Twins, took the custom-made aircraft 2,438 meters high, floating over the mountains.

The British siblings have submitted the information on an application to FAI—the World Air Sports Federation—to claim a world record for tandem electric altitude.

The brothers based in Devon, England, have already set a world record while becoming the first twins to row the Atlantic Ocean.

For this recent flight, the twins had to wait months for the “perfect weather conditions.”

“It was great to get the weather we finally needed for the record and having waited months for perfect conditions we had the perfect flight,” said Hugo.

“The flight was smooth, which was surprising as we were expecting turbulent conditions, and the battery lasted much longer than we expected—probably due to the colder conditions keeping the battery cooler.”

Ross said their official observer for the record didn’t think the electric battery would be able to do it.

“He said we won’t have enough power, this won’t work. Thankfully, we proved him wrong.”

Ross and Hugo, the Turner Twins, on a para-motor flying over French Alps breaking altitude record – via SWNS

Their quest for adventure was born following a terrible auto accident in which Hugo broke his neck at age 17 and narrowly missed paralysis. In the mix of heightened emotions came a drive to follow their passion for exploration—always guided by their values and “always doing them together”.

The daring duo made headlines at age 21 when they rowed the Atlantic in just 41 days. They also helped set a world record as part of the youngest crew ever to complete that challenge.

Since then they have climbed Mt. Elbrus and they cycled 1,550 miles (2500km) across South American to reach another goal, traveling through deserts and jungles in the searing heat. The pair also used bikes to ride 2.6K across North America, cycling across mountains, desserts, and national parks.

They also attempted a hike across the Greenland and Iceland wearing kit and clothing worn by early polar explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton.

The Turner Twins making final preparations for a world altitude record in a tandem electric paramotor – SWNS

During many of their missions they’re testing new technology, like driving the Cyberster EV car from MG Motors on a 10,000-mile drive from London to China, posting videos about their adventures in the red convertible electric sports car. ‘World’s Most Intrepid Twins’ Break World Altitude Record Flying Over The Alps at 8,000-ft in Electric Paraglider

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Four Girlfriends Recreate Photo From Their First Fun-Loving Vacation 50 Years Ago

Marion Bamforth (left), Susan Morris, Carol Ansbro, Mary Helliwell (right) on holiday in Torquay in 1972 and 2024 – SWNS

A group of fun-loving friends have recreated a photo from their first girls getaway—more than 50 years ago.

The four gal-pals, who are now nearly 70, recalled their week-long stay in a seaside resort so fondly that they vowed to do it again to celebrate their 70th birthdays.

Carol Ansbro, Marion Bamforth, Susan Morris, and Mary Helliwell all went on holiday together in 1972 to the town of Torquay, in Devon, England.

The women from West Yorkshire returned to the town this year to recreate their cherished getaway—and they wore outfits as close to the original as possible.

“Our first holiday in Torquay was truly amazing,“ said grandmother-of-five Susan.

“We were only kids and so excited about staying in a cramped caravan and sharing each other’s clothes.

“It felt really exotic and grown-up being on our own without parents in the English Riviera.”

Pictured in 1972 in Torquay (left to right) Marion Bamforth, Susan Morris, Carol Ansbro, and Mary Helliwell – SWNS

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“The picture was taken by those photographers who used to roam the promenade preying on unsuspecting tourists like us.”

Mary, a grandmother-of-four, said the pals struggled at first to find the exact location of where the 1972 snapshot was taken.

“Nobody could remember where the photo took place but, luckily, a member of staff at the hotel where we were staying, guided us to the exact spot.

“The white building in the 1972 photograph had been demolished but the same bridge is still in the background.”

The seniors, who’ve been friends since primary school, changed into their 1972-inspired outfits in a public toilet.

Marion Bamforth (left), Susan Morris, Carol Ansbro, and Mary Helliwell together again in Torquay -SWNS

Carol said it was worth it, because “the photo is amazing.”

Marion said taking the second photograph was really emotional for them.“It truly was an emotional moment. I still can’t believe it actually happened.” Four Girlfriends Recreate Photo From Their First Fun-Loving Vacation 50 Years Ago

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Dad Who Wanted to be a Pilot Builds Incredible Real-Life Simulator at Home–Now his Daughter’s Obsessed (Watch)

An Englishman who was told he “wasn’t clever enough” to become a pilot has built an incredible $25,000 flight simulator in his home using spare parts—and now he and his daughter can ‘fly’ every day.

Craig Cullingworth spent two years building his accurate model of a Boeing 737-800NG cockpit with mostly second-hand parts he sourced online.

Now, using a computer program, he takes to the skies with his “obsessed” daughter, Sophie, from the comfort of their home in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

The 40-year-old’s plan to create the replica came after his wife gifted him a simulator experience at a local flight center as a Christmas present.

He then bought a cockpit shell – with all the dials and levers found on the real twin-engine aircraft, and painstakingly turned it into a fully working model (seen in the video below).

He took his maiden voyage about three months ago, saying, “I always wanted to be a pilot, but at school I was told I wasn’t clever enough.”

“My wife got me a Boeing 737 experience because she knew how much I wanted to do it. It was the best experience of my life—and on my way home, I was searching how to build one.

“I found bits and bobs all over the country and started building it in my spare room after work, in a bid that one day I could get it flying.SWNS

“About three months ago, we did our first flight which I shared a video of on social media and gained lots of positive feedback.”

“My eight-year-old daughter is now obsessed. She takes it in very quickly.”

Craig said his flight simulator teacher, who is also a first officer at Ryanair, thought he was a “natural” after their first lesson together in 2021. And Craig later earned his wings on the lifelike computer model, which professional pilots from carriers like Virgin and Jet2 often use to improve their skills.

Now he likes to fly on his simulator through the skies over Britain so he can have fun navigating tricky regional runways. He’ll take off from Leeds-Bradford and land at Manchester, then go over to the East Midlands airport, and down to Heathrow, needing about three hours to fly to a local airport, land, and then prepare for taking off again to go to the next airport.

“I usually do Leeds-Bradford for the fact that it’s one of the top ten worst airports to land in, and it’s usually quite tricky. It is usually a two-man crew effort, and you share the duties between each other.”

The cost of buying a new Boeing 737 flight simulator is around $70,000 (£55,000), but Craig spent less than half that on his model by using second-hand parts.

Flight simulator experiences cost well over $100 for 30 to 90 minutes of time ‘in the air’, so Craig is thinking about creating a business that offers the unique experience to more aspiring pilots.

“I’ve met people all over the country who have built their own flight sims but you tend to find they are retired pilots, and not people my age. The experience is so hands-on that you won’t know if you’re any good at it until you actually give it a go.” (Watch them in action below…)Craig, who paints cars for a living, said he may now offer other interested flyers the chance to use his simulator—or others that he builds in the future—as part of a business venture.

“My body shop is expanding so we will have more space for me to set up two or three simulators for people to use, (especially) targeting pilots because they can do their training on these simulators.”

Meanwhile, Sophie may be the first in her family to become an actual pilot, thanks to her father’s dreams. Source: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/dad-who-wanted-to-be-a-pilot-builds-incredible-real-life-simulator-in-his-house/

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She Was Going to Take Her Own Life, Then Married the Train Driver Who Spotted Her on Tracks

Charlotte Lay and her husband Dave on their wedding day – credit, SWNS ©

Charlotte stood on the train tracks ready for a train to come sweeping down the rails and end it all.

However the driver of that train, 47-year-old Dave Lay, had other plans.

Slamming the brakes after receiving notice of a pedestrian on the tracks, Lay brought the train to a halt and got down to talk with the suicidal woman for nearly half an hour before eventually getting her safely to the next platform.

Local police met the pair, and helped Charlotte get in contact with local mental health support workers then and there. Shaken but feeling good about what he was able to do, Dave departed, imagining the episode had finished.

But Charlotte had other plans.

Looking him up on Facebook the following day, she sent a message thanking him for the kindness he showed her on the rails at Crossflatts Station in West Yorkshire, England.

“I walked down the tracks and sat down, waiting,” Charlotte told the British media service SWNS. “I’m unsure who raised the alarm about my presence but when the next train came, it slowed and stopped far from me. I’m so grateful to Dave for stopping that day and being so patient and understanding.”

After Dave returned Charlotte’s text telling her he was available whenever she needed to speak to someone, they began exchanging messages on a daily basis. They met for a coffee after chatting for two months.

– credit, SWNS ©

Fast forward three years, and they tied the knot when Charlotte was 22 weeks pregnant with their first child.

MORE TALES LIKE THIS: She Was About to End it All, Until a Stranger She’d Never Meet Told Her ‘Don’t Jump’

Charlotte, a nurse at the British National Health Service, was previously diagnosed with major depressive disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and emotionally unstable personality disorder.

Recalling her decision-making process from that fateful day in 2019, she said that she was on the train to work in her scrubs, but nothing felt right. Dave’s arrival had all the hallmarks, she remembered, of a person trained to de-escalate mental health crises.

“I once asked him if he’d ever had any de-escalation training, because he was brilliant that day,” she said. “The conversation from what I can remember was just about mundane things and about both our lives, but it was enough to break the crisis.”

“Life didn’t feel as heavy anymore. The next day I made it my mission to find the man who had been so kind to me.”

DE-ESCALATING DANGER: Surveillance Shows Jon Bon Jovi Stopping Woman From Jumping Off Bridge in Nashville

Dave told the BBC he simply “said all the things he wished he could’ve said” to other people who have committed suicide, and for his part was desperately happy to hear from Charlotte, as he had no way of knowing if she ever approached mental health services, or if she made another attempt to enter the House of Hades.

“I needed to know she was all right. I’d contacted police to try to find out what happened to her and just wanted to make sure she was safe,” he told the BBC. “I felt like I had a duty to make sure she was all right. We’d had that rapport built by the side of the track.”

Charlotte says she hopes that by sharing her story, people will realize that, although it would be ideal if we all had specialist training to deal with a mental health crisis, we are all nevertheless capable of helping by being empathic and present.

She Was Going to Take Her Own Life, Then Married the Train Driver Who Spotted Her on Tracks

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Researchers Discover 200-year-old Message in a Bottle: A ‘Magic Moment’

credit – Guillaume Blondel, Archaeological Service of the City of Eu

A team of student archaeologists in France received an amazing surprise while working on a site dating to Gaulic times.

Carried out under the direction of Guillaume Blondel, director of the municipal archaeological service of the city of Eu, the excavations delivered, among other things, a moving and very special testimony from the past.

Located in a previously investigated section of the site, a message was discovered in a small glass bottle from the 19th century accompanied by two coins: a “time capsule” buried almost 200 years ago, a statement from the service read.

“P. J. Féret, a native of Dieppe, member of various intellectual societies, carried out excavations here in January 1825. He continues his investigations in this vast area known as the Cité de Limes or Caesar’s Camp.”

The message in a bottle had been carefully placed in a ceramic pot dating to a much earlier century so that future archaeologists would be sure to find it.

“It was an absolutely magic moment,” Mr. Blondel told the BBC. “We knew there had been excavations here in the past, but to find this message from 200 years ago… it was a total surprise.”

credit – Guillaume Blondel, Archaeological Service of the City of Eu

“Sometimes you see these time capsules left behind by carpenters when they build houses. But it’s very rare in archaeology. Most archaeologists prefer to think that there won’t be anyone coming after them because they’ve done all the work!”

Local archives indeed place P. J. Féret in the area as a historical excavator at the time the letter was dated.

credit – Guillaume Blondel, Archaeological Service of the City of Eu

The work was funded and carried out in partnership with the Regional Archaeology Service to preserve archaeological sites that are endangered with the decline of the coastline. Already a part of the ‘oppidum’ or fortified Gaulic camp, has fallen away with the crumbling of the coastal hillside on which it was perched.

The Gauls were a series of interconnected feudal (at best) and tribal (at worst) societies that shared societal, cultural, and warrior practices, and who inhabited most of central and western Europe during the time of the Roman Republic.

Gaius Julius Caesar waged a campaign to pacify Gaul, hence the name “Caesar’s Camp,” which brough Spain, France, and Belgium, under Roman control. Researchers Discover 200-year-old Message in a Bottle: A ‘Magic Moment’

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Malabar Group announces $1.9 million in scholarships for more than 21,000 female students in India

India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, holds up the check announcing a large donation by the Malabar Group, for female education, at a recent event in India. The event was held at Bharat Diamond Bourse, BKC in Mumbai, The event was graced by several key figures, including MP Ahammed (Chairman – Malabar Group), Abdul Salam K P (Vice-Chairman – Malabar Group), Asher O (MD – India Operations – Malabar Gold & Diamonds), Nishad AK (Executive Director – Malabar Group), and Shaunak Parikh (Director, Mahendra Brothers .PHOTO: Courtesy Malabar Group

The Malabar Group, a diversified Indian business conglomerate and the parent company of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, announced its “National Scholarship Programme” for 2024 at an event at Bharat Diamond Bourse, BKC, Mumbai in India recently. Malabar Gold & Diamonds is the 6th largest jewellery retailer globally. This year, the scholarship program has allocated more than $1.9 million support the education of over 21,000 female students across India.

This announcement underscores Group’s commitment to supporting female education and women’s empowerment, a press release from the Group said. The event was inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, Honourable Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. MP Ahammed, (Chairman – Malabar Group), Abdul Salam K P (Vice-Chairman – Malabar Group), Asher O (MD – India operations – Malabar Gold & Diamonds), Nishad AK (Executive Director-Malabar Group) and Shaunak Parikh (Director, Mahendra Brothers) were present at the event.

Speaking about the initiative, Chairman, Malabar Group MP Ahammed, said, “Education is the most powerful tool to change the world. Our scholarship programme is a direct reflection of Malabar Group’s deep-rooted belief that education unlocks opportunities and transforms lives. We are committed to removing barriers for young girls so they can fulfil their educational aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.”

In 1999, the Malabar Charitable Trust (MCT) was created to structure and expand charitable initiatives for which it allocates 5% of its profits in every country of operation, which spans Health, Housing, Hunger Free World, Education, Women’s Empowerment and the Environment, with a particular focus on empowering marginalized communities.

The Malabar National Scholarship Programme, launched in 2007, has to date, invested more than $7 Million, providing financial aid to more than 95,000 female students across India.

In addition to the scholarship program, the Malabar Group’s Hunger-Free World Project provides nutritious meals to the underprivileged across the country. Supported by a strong network of volunteers and partnerships with local NGOs, the initiative is committed to eradicating hunger and ensuring food security for all. Currently, 50,000 food packets are distributed daily in 80 cities across 16 states in India. Additionally, 10,000 meals are provided every day to school students in Zambia, Africa. Malabar Group aims to scale the project to serve 100,000 people daily at 200 centers, the press release said.

The Malabar Group has also launched the Grandma Home project, which provides free, fully equipped accommodation for destitute women, offering them protection and care. Currently, homes are operational in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with plans to expand to major cities in Kerala, as well as Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai.

To date, the Malabar Group has invested over $31 Million in various social responsibility projects. Malabar Group announces $1.9 million in scholarships for more than 21,000 female students in India

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More than 95,000 Japanese aged over 100, most of them women

TOKYO - The number of people in Japan aged 100 or older has hit a record high of more than 95,000 -- almost 90 percent of them women -- government data showed on Tuesday.

The figures further highlight the slow-burning demographic crisis gripping the world's fourth-biggest economy as its population ages and shrinks.

As of September 1, Japan had 95,119 centenarians, up 2,980 year-on-year, with 83,958 of them women and 11,161 men, the health ministry said in a statement.

On Sunday separate government data showed that the number of over-65s has hit a record high of 36.25 million, accounting for 29.3 percent of Japan's population.

The proportion puts Japan at the top of a list of 200 countries and regions with a population of over 100,000 people, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said.

Japan is currently home to the world's oldest living person Tomiko Itooka, who was born on May 23, 1908 and is 116 years old, according to the US-based Gerontology Research Group.

The previous record-holder, Maria Branyas Morera, died last month in Spain at the age of 117.

Itooka lives in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo prefecture in western Japan, the ministry said.

She often says "thank you" to the nursing home staff and expresses nostalgia about her hometown, the ministry said.

"I have no idea at all about what's the secret of my long life," Japan's oldest man, Kiyotaka Mizuno, who is 110, told local media.

Mizuno, who lives in Iwata, Shizuoka prefecture in central Japan with his family, gets up at 6:30 am every morning and eats three meals a day -- without being picky about his food.

His hobby is listening to live sports, including sumo wrestling, the ministry said.

Japan is facing a steadily worsening population crisis, as its expanding elderly population leads to soaring medical and welfare costs, with a shrinking labour force to pay for it.

The country's overall population is 124 million, after declining by 595,000 in the previous, according to previous government data.

The government has attempted to slow the decline and ageing of its population without meaningful success, while gradually extending the retirement age -- with 65 becoming the rule for all employers from fiscal 2025.kh/stu/fox More than 95,000 Japanese aged over 100, most of them women

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Dad Interviews Daughter on First Day of School Every Year–And the Final Video Has Gone Viral (Watch)

Photos by Ray Petelin

A dad who interviewed his daughter on the first day of school every year has now shared the final video, as she starts her final year of high school before heading off to college.

Ray Petelin came up with the idea to ask his little girl, Elizabeth, a series of questions at the start of each new school year to see how their daughter’s ambitions would change as she grows.

In 2012, while Elizabeth waited for the bus to take her to kindergarten at five-years-old, Ray sat her down and asked what she wanted to be when she grows up.

In the new compilation video, the little girl’s answer evolves over the years from doctor to teacher, magician to waitress, and from heart surgeon to physical therapist.

“She did say magician one year, but I knew that wasn’t going to last.”

Now, after the bittersweet moment of finishing their thirteenth interview, the 47-year-old TV meteorologist shared the the final video.

“I put this together late at night so no one would be around,” Ray admitted. “Because I was just bawling the whole time.”

Ray Petelin’s daughter through the years

“I looked back at the first video, and it still feels like it was yesterday.

“I wanted to show her (the video) when she is a senior—and as she is now a senior, this will be the last one—but I will certainly get one when she moves into her own place.”

Ray’s video below, was posted on Facebook and Twitter/X where it tallied over 50 million views and led to multiple TV interviews broadcast on major networks and on his own station, KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh.

He’s also received many supportive comments from people all over the world, especially moms and dads.

“Parents have commented on the video saying that I should be ‘Dad of the Year’.”The idea has also inspired many parents to start doing same thing with their own school children. Dad Interviews Daughter on First Day of School Every Year–And the Final Video Has Gone Viral (Watch)

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Justin Bieber, wife Hailey announce birth of their first baby: Welcome home Jack Blue Bieber

Los Angeles, (IANS): Global pop sensation Justin Bieber and his wife, model Hailey Bieber have welcomed their first child, a baby boy.

Justin took to Instagram and made this announcement on Saturday morning. He posted a close-up picture of his baby’s tiny foot and captioned it as “Welcome Home Jack Blue Bieber”.

His friend Kylie Jenner commented “I can’t handle this little foot Jack Blues Bieber”

Hailey shared the same picture on her Instagram stories.

Justin and Hailey Bieber, tied the knot in 2018, just two months after getting engaged. They later celebrated their wedding with a large ceremony, exchanging vows in front of family and friends.

In 2023 Hailey acknowledged to the Sunday Times that she is scared to have children as a celebrity.

In May the couple announced they were expecting a baby together. They have been sharing adorable videos and photos from Hailey’s pregnancy diaries.

A few months ago speaking to W magazine Hailey Bieber spoke about how she managed to hide her pregnancy for six months. She stated “I was honestly able to keep it quiet because I stayed small for a long time...I didn't have a belly, really, until I was six months pregnant, which was when I announced it. I was able to wear big jackets and stuff.”

Hailey, a supermodel has walked the ramp for top designers. She has been part of Paris Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and Milan fashion week.

The birth of their baby boy marks the beginning of a new chapter for Justin and Hailey. Fans are eager to see how parenthood will shape their lives, with many speculating that Justin's future music may be influenced by his experiences as a father. Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/justin-bieber-wife-hailey-announce-birth-of-their-first-baby-welcome-home-jack-blue-bieber

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Man Injured in Work Accident Gets 3D-Printed Fingers – A Glove That Gives His Life Back

Michael Altheim enjoying a beer with his new Hero glove prosthetic – Open Bionics

An amputee who lost his fingers in a work accident is thrilled to be doing everyday tasks again, after being being the first person to receive new 3D-printed fingers.

Michael Altheim who had four fingers on his right hand amputated finally had his independence restored after British company Open Bionics fitted him with their state-of-the-art ‘Hero Gauntlet’.

The 52-year-old is now returning to his beloved hobbies of fishing and cycling, and can grip everyday objects.

“I previously had partial finger solutions, but the weight was really heavy, operation minimal and it wasn’t waterproof,” said the former truck driver. “I could maybe fold a towel but that was it. I’ve never been able to properly hold a screwdriver or hammer, or use it for fishing.”

“When I slipped the Hero Gauntlet on and moved my joint and my fingers, I thought in amazement, ‘Oh yes, look there!’.

“They got a ball, then a screwdriver… I could finally control the hardness of my grip.”

After ten years of living without his fingers, the German from Frankfurt was particularly impressed by the speed at which he was able to grasp objects with the glove.

Michael Altheim’s Hero Gauntlet – by Open Bionics

“The new hand works perfectly without any delay,” he said, adding that he was once again able to hold a shopping basket with one hand whilst using his free hand to select and pick up items.

The partial prosthetic hand is lightweight and works by flexing the wrist to control finger movement. Each Hero Gauntlet is custom-made for each wearer using 3D scanning, printing and modeling technology.

The waterproof device enables those born without fingers or those who’ve undergone partial hand amputation to regain the hand functionality needed to be able to hold cutlery and cut their own food.

Samantha Payne, co-founder of Open Bionics, said the company was deluged with requests to design and develop a partial hand solution that was comfortable enough to wear all day.

“It’s pure joy to see this piece of engineering have an instant positive impact on activities Michael loves doing.”

Cycling with the Hero Gauntlet hand prosthetic- by Open Bionics

Award-winning company Open Bionics is currently working with insurance groups across Germany to offer their technology to partial hand amputees.

Michael was the first patient to undergo a successful trial of the new technology, but the company is also working with other German citizens who are being fitted for the prototype., Man Injured in Work Accident Gets 3D-Printed Fingers – A Glove That Gives His Life Back

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Woman Welcomes Baby After Strangers Donate $13,000 for Her to Undergo IVF: ‘It just went mental’

Gem Baker with baby in hospital – SWNS

A woman who was facing only a 15 percent chance of conceiving a baby naturally was finally able to give birth to a child–after strangers donated $13,000 for her to undergo IVF.

Gem Baker had always dreamed of being a mom, but she never met the right man with which to start a family.

Furthermore, the now-38-year-old was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2017, which slashed her chances of conception dramatically. She endured eight procedures to remove the endometriosis the following year.

At her fertility clinic in England she was told she had a low egg count and just a 15 percent chance of conceiving.

“My chances were slim,” said the woman from Clacton-on-Sea. “I hit a brick wall. It’s soul destroying.”

She had started looking into in vitro fertilization (IVF)—but was shocked by the cost of it. So, Gem’s friend, Jen, urged her to set up a fundraising page to help pay for it and she agreed after first being apprehensive.

“It just went mental,” she said after donations began pouring in.

She managed to raise 13,000 in total, after being given 3k from her dad. She also invested her savings of 1.5k to reach the total amount needed for the IVF.

She also changed her lifestyle to lose 75 pounds—going from a size 16 to 8—ensuring she would give herself the best chance of conceiving. But, then COVID-19 hit.

Then COVID hit

After delays, due to the pandemic, she finally started her first round of IVF in August 2021. Sadly none of her eggs fertilized after the first round and doctors found an infection on her right fallopian tube.

They realized it was too damaged and removed it in May 2022. After recovering, Gem went for her second round in September and it produced just one egg.

But eight days later she took a pregnancy test—and it was positive. Finally, she was expecting, and months later she welcome her little girl, Clover-Iris, into the world.

Gem Baker’s baby daughter Clover Iris –SWNS

“I loved being pregnant,” said Gem, whose family was very supportive.

“I wasn’t incredibly fussy [with sperm donors], but I have a thing for redhead guys, and managed to get one. He is a baker and does charity work. He sounded grounded.”

When she first saw the 7lb-8oz baby, Gem said she was astounded: “she looked like me and my dad!”

“She was the spitting image of me as a baby.”

Today Clover-Iris is 11-months-old and her mother described her as “hilarious, inquisitive, and very clever.”

“Being a mum is exactly what I dreamed, and more. She’s doing something new every day.”“I feel like she’s always been here.”Woman Welcomes Baby After Strangers Donate $13,000 for Her to Undergo IVF: ‘It just went mental’

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Yes really – ‘love languages’ exist at work. Here’s how to find yours

By Ola Opoosun, Head of Support Services at caba, the occupational charity for chartered accountants and their families 

In the realm of workplace dynamics, understanding and embracing the concept of love languages can be a powerful tool to foster positive relationships, enhance teamwork, and improve overall job satisfaction.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we left work each day feeling appreciated and respected by our colleagues?

Knowing that you’re valued is a fundamental human need we all possess. It helps foster in us a sense of belonging and gives purpose and satisfaction to our lives. And whether we admit it to ourselves or not, what our managers and co-workers think really does matter.

Research backs this up. In a recent caba study of over 200 female chartered accountants, almost two-thirds (61%) admitted to regularly experiencing feelings of self-doubt in the workplace. When asked what would help to combat these feelings, a third responded with “more regular feedback and recognition from their manager”.

In another study by the American Psychological Association (APA), researchers found that of the employees who reported feeling valued at work, 93% said that they’re motivated to do their best for their employer, and 88% said they feel engaged.

It’s clear that appreciation is a core ingredient for making a happy, more productive workplace. What’s not always clear is how we can best show appreciation in a way that resonates, or how to understand when someone is trying to convey it.

This is where ‘love languages’ come in.

For decades, author Gary Chapman has been helping couples around the world figure out how they, and their partners, prefer to be loved. His 1992 New York Times bestseller “The 5 Love Languages” revolutionised the way couples communicated with one another. Fifteen years later he did the same thing for co-workers with “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace”.

The core concept behind Chapman’s books is that everyone has a preferred way of expressing and receiving love, and it falls into one of five categories or “languages”.

So, what are the 5 love languages at work?

The 5 love languages at work

In the workplace, Chapman’s love languages are adapted to focus more on professional relationships and communication styles. There are 5 in total, comprising:

Words of Affirmation: This involves giving positive feedback, encouragement, and recognition to your colleagues. This could be praising someone for their hard work, acknowledging their achievements, or simply saying “thank you”.

Acts of Service: This love language involves helping your colleagues in practical ways. It could be offering to assist with a task, sharing workload, or taking on extra responsibilities to lighten someone else’s load.

Quality Time: In a work context, quality time means giving your full attention to your colleagues when you interact with them. It could involve having meaningful conversations, actively listening to their ideas, or spending time collaborating on projects.

Physical Touch (Appropriate for the Workplace): While physical touch may seem less relevant in a professional setting, it can still be expressed through gestures like handshakes, high-fives, or pats on the back. However, it’s essential to ensure that these gestures are appropriate and welcomed by the person receiving it.

Tangible gifts: In the workplace, gifts don’t necessarily have to be material items. It could be something as simple as sharing useful resources, providing access to training opportunities, or giving someone personal time off to attend their child’s event or run some errands.

Why are love languages at work important?

Understanding your love language or love languages in the workplace, along with those of your colleagues, is a game changer for communication and teamwork.

So many people, including managers, fall into the trap of using just words to tell their colleagues when they’ve done a good job, or when they want to show that they’re a great team member. But this might not be the best way to communicate with them. As Paul E. White, co-author of the ‘5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace’, says, “word is not the preferred mode of appreciation by over 50% of employees”.

Therefore, by showing our appreciation through our colleagues’ love language, we’re able to make them feel valued in a way that truly resonates with them. This makes people feel good, and, as a result, boosts team morale, job satisfaction and productivity, while aiding conflict resolution and enhancing leadership.

How to determine your workplace love language

The quickest way to determine your love language is by taking an online test.

However, as your workplace love language can differ to your love language at home, you’ll want to spend some time reflecting on your preferences at work. Ask yourself the following questions:What makes me feel the most appreciated in the workplace?

What type of gestures from colleagues or managers means the most to me?

When do I feel the least valued at work?

How do I show appreciation to my team?

You could also ask a trusted colleague or your line manager for feedback on how they perceive your preferred ways of giving and receiving appreciation in the workplace. Their insights can help validate your observations.

How to determine your colleagues’ love languages

Determining someone’s love language in the workplace requires observation, listening, and paying attention to their preferences and behaviours. Here are some useful questions to ask yourself to help you to figure out your colleagues’ love language: 

• How does this person treat others?
• How do they communicate with others?
• What are their biggest complaints?
• What do they request most often?
• Which type of recognition do they usually respond to the most positively?
• What type of feedback do they seem to value the most?

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s usually straightforward to work out someone else’s love language. For example, if your manager brings in baked goods after a team win, they probably prefer gifts, whereas if they write or give a special shout-out to a particular team member in front of the office, it’s like they’re a words of affirmation person. Some can even be a combination of more than one love language, showing different behaviours.

An antidote to stress

One of the other main benefits of love languages at work is their ability to tackle stress at its root. So much of our time and energy is spent worrying about what others think and navigating complex office dynamics. Love languages cut through this uncertainty by allowing for better communication between team members and reducing any resentment that may be building up due to feelings of underappreciation.

When we feel valued at work, and feel that we have a manager who understands us, it makes it easier to handle pressure from other places (for example, a new project that comes in with a tight deadline). It’s a win-win situation for everyone.Yes really – ‘love languages’ exist at work. Here’s how to find yours

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Iowa Teen Has Donated 7,000 Pounds of Produce from Her Own Garden to Food Banks: ‘A really good feeling’

Lauren Schroeder – FFA, Facebook.

When Iowa teen Lauren Schroeder showed up to a community food drive during COVID, she didn’t see a lot that actually nourished people—just a lot of boxed and canned goods.

She decided to become the change she wanted to see, and after receiving a half-acre of land from her parents, she grew 7,000 pounds of produce with a market value of around $15,000 and gave it all away to food banks and non-profits in the Quad Cities area.

The senior from Calamus-Wheatland High School likes to tend cattle and play softball, and had never managed a garden before, but according to her mother Katie Schroeder, she took studies of agronomy and gardening to heart.

Her work drew the attention of the education-industry organization called Future Farmers of America, which gave her a small grant for supplies and seeds. She received help from her younger siblings, but still put in the hard yards of watering and deweeding—2 to 3 hours in total every day.

Her work, and FFA’s trust, soon bore fruit, and she began donating 15 types of veggies to organizations like Carroll Assistance Center, Wheatland Nursing Home, Café on Vine, River Bend Food Bank, Lost Nation Food Pantry, Family Resources, Lady of the Prairie, and Community Action of Eastern Iowa.

“It was a really good feeling to know that anyone who wanted fresh vegetables would be able to get them,” Lauren told the Washington Post. “I knew that I wanted to keep going.”

After receiving a second grant from Future Farmers of America, she turned her half acre into a full acre, and expanded the number of vegetables to 20 different species.

Her goal is to donate 20,000 pounds of vegetables by the time she graduates next June.“How could you not be proud,” said her mother Katie, “she really chose to focus on learning about agronomy, learning about gardening, learning about vegetables, but just really taking it to the next level and actually helping people out with it.”Iowa Teen Has Donated 7,000 Pounds of Produce from Her Own Garden to Food Banks: ‘A really good feeling’

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Musical band of Varsha Joshi gets high praise for Mother’s Day event

Performance by Varsha Joshi and band at Mother’s Day event May 12, 2024, at King Palance Banquet in New Jersey. PHOTO: organizers

Prominent Indian American community leaders and other members of the community attended a house-full show of the musical band Josh, led by Varsha Joshi, recently, in New Jersey. About 185 people attended the rocking performance on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024, that featured retro songs right up to the 1990s, and brought people to the dance floor. The songs included some garbas and Sanedo music as well, a press release from Joshi said. The event was held at King Palace Banquet, and it lasted for four hours. The event was organized jointly by Varsha Joshi, Som Biswas, and Tri-Sha Brothers

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Trophy that carries the details of the Mothers Day event. PHOTO: organizers

The party included gifts for lucky draws by Aabhushan jewelers, Pinaka foods Inc of NJ, Josh musical Varsha Joshi, Saj dhaj ke boutique , and Purpose Fitness studio of Edison NJ. From 12 noon sharp the party started with music as well as a big variety of appetizers and lunch items for vegetarians and non vegetarians, plus sweets and ice cream.

Performance at the King Palace Banquet, NJ, May 12, 2024, on Mother’s Day. PHOTO: organizers

The highlight of the event was recognizing some prominent “Mothers” of the Indian American community with a token for their dynamic journeys and successes in their respective fields.

Attendees, organizers, participants at the Mother’s Day event at King Palace, NJ. PHOTO: organizers

Joshi awarded them all with trophies sponsored by Vibha Mehta of Happybeehomes.com Of CB Realty . Everyone was absolutely blown away with the perfectly planned entertainment throughout theMusical band of Varsha Joshi gets high praise for Mother’s Day event

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