Your kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, balancing fluids, and keeping your body healthy.

However, kidney disease often develops silently, with symptoms appearing only in later stages. Recognizing the early warning signs can help you take action before serious complications aris1. Fatigue and Low Energy

When your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, toxins build up in your bloodstream, leading to persistent tiredness, weakness, and trouble concentrating. Anemia, which often accompanies kidney disease, can also leave you feeling drained.

2. Trouble Sleeping

A buildup of waste in the blood can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Additionally, people with kidney disease may suffer from sleep apnea, which disrupts breathing throughout the night and leads to poor rest, the National Kidney Foundation says.

3. Dry, Itchy Skin

Healthy kidneys regulate minerals and nutrients in your body. When they struggle to do their job, imbalances can cause dry, itchy skin, signaling underlying bone and mineral disorders related to kidney disease.

4. Frequent Urination

Feeling the urge to urinate more often, especially at night, can be a sign of issues. When the kidney filters are damaged, they can cause increased urine production, which may indicate early kidney disease.

5. Blood in Urine

Healthy kidneys filter waste while keeping essential blood cells in your body. If you notice blood in your urine, it could signal disease, infections, or even kidney stones. Never ignore this symptom.

6. Foamy Urine

Excessive bubbles or foam in your urine, similar to what you see when scrambling eggs, may indicate the presence of protein.

Protein leakage in urine is a sign that your kidneys aren’t filtering properly.

7. Swelling in the Feet and Ankles

When kidneys don’t remove excess sodium efficiently, fluid retention can occur, leading to swelling in your feet, ankles, and even hands. This is a common symptom of kidney disease and should be checked by a doctor.

8. Poor Appetite

A loss of appetite may seem minor, but it can be an early sign of kidney disease due to the buildup of toxins in the body. Nausea and an altered sense of taste often accompany this symptom.

9. Muscle Cramps

Electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle cramps. Low calcium and imbalanced phosphorus levels may contribute to this uncomfortable condition.

10. Puffiness Around the Eyes

Persistent puffiness around the eyes can indicate protein leakage in urine, which suggests your kidneys may not be properly filtering waste. This can be an early sign of damage.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially more than one at a time, consult a healthcare professional. Early detection of problems can prevent further damage and improve your overall health.

Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can help protect you in the long run.

At 89 years of age, Shirley MacLaine is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down.

Despite her gracious age, the Academy Award-winning actress continues to give and can regularly be seen enjoying Martinis while dining out in Hollywood.

During her seven-decade long career, the Steel Magnolia star has seen it all. Indeed, her life stories are virtually unparalleled compared to those of her contemporaries…

Shirley MacLaine has been around a long, long time, and made so many awesome films during her heyday. The Apartment, The Trouble With Harry, Two Mules For Sister Sara, Guarding Tess – I could go on forever.

Her performance in the classic 1989 film Steel Magnolia is still talked about today, but in real life Shirley is far from the short-tempered character she played in the film, Ouiser Boudreaux.

“Not that much bothers me,” she said in 2019.

“I think attitudes are a choice. Anger is a choice, peace is a choice, sarcasm — which is what I’m good at — is a choice.

According to MacLaine, her life today is “perfect”. She enjoys eating and sleeping whenever she wants, and spends much of her time on her New Mexico ranch, surrounded by her beloved rat terriers.

Born on April 24, 1934, Shirley started her illustrious career on Broadway in New York and went on to captivate audiences worldwide with her performance in Alfred Hitchcock’s black comedy The Trouble with Harry in 1955.

“He was a hoot, he really was,” Shirley, then 21, said of Hitchcock.

“I mean, thank God I wasn’t tall, thin, ethereal, beautiful and mysterious, or I probably would have hated him.

With more than 50 films to her name, she is undeniably one of the giants of Hollywood history. Despite now being in her late 80s, she continues to pursue her passion for acting and recently appeared in the television series Only Murders in the Building.

‘”I’ve also stayed in the business and never thought about quitting because I wanted to pay for plane tickets to travel. I didn’t socialize Hollywood style,” she explained. ‘I’d rather travel to a country I hadn’t been to. So when I think about my life, I’m not sure I wouldn’t put the travels a bit above show business,” she said.

Despite occasional visits to Tinseltown, MacLaine finds her greatest comfort in nature. Her secret to happiness is not to keep busy, but rather to immerse herself in the wilderness surrounding her New Mexico ranch, where she has spend most of her time in recent time. Being close to nature gives her strength and energy, even though she loves residing at her house in Malibu as well.

Shirley has even encouraged others to ”give it up and learn to amalgamate with nature,” highlighting the benefits of living in harmony with the natural world.

Shirley MacLaine partners

Shirley’s love life has been the subject of much speculation over the years.

The beloved actress was married to producer and businessman Steve Parker for almost 30 years and in 1956, they had daughter. However, Shirley has been open about the fact that she had other relationships during their marriage.

A few years ago, Sachi Parker made a remarkable claim about her famous mother. In her memoir, Sachi wrote that Shirley had told her that Steve was not her real father. Instead, her father is said to have been an astronaut named Paul.

Shirley denied the claim, issuing a statement hitting back at the allegations.

”It’s a painful moment for me as a mother and as someone who values the truth.  I’m shocked and heartbroken that my daughter would make statements about me that are virtually all fiction. I’ve praised her lovingly and truthfully in my own autobiographies. I’m sorry to see such a dishonest, opportunistic effort from my daughter for whom I’ve only ever wanted the best,” she said.

Despite Shirley’s denial, Sachi has remained steadfast in her belief that her biological father is an astronaut named Paul. As a result, their relationship has reportedly become strained – they are said to no longer speak to each other.

As mentioned, Shirley has been open about her unconventional views on relationships and sexuality. In a 2011 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the 89-year-old discussed her relationship with her ex-husband Steve Parker. In 2012, the iconic actress once again made headlines when she revealed to the Daily Mirror that she had slept with not just one, but two prime ministers in her lifetime.

In her autobiography Out on a Limb, Shirley wrote about a socialist politician she met at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm, Sweden, whom she called “Gerry”.

Many people believed that she was referring to Olof Palme, the Swedish Prime Minister at the time, but he denied the allegations. Shirley also claimed to have slept with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and Australian Foreign Minister Andrew Peacock.

When asked about Trudeau, she said:

“He was nice. He was very authoritatively intelligent. And I loved his kids, they were really sweet. Adorable. Very mischievous.”

As for her claims about having had sexual relations with prime ministers, it’s important to remember that these are unverified statements made by Shirley herself. As a result, they may or may not be true.

Shirley has also been rumored to have had a three-year affair with Hollywood legend Robert Mitchum and a six-week “crush” on Dean Martin, among other love affairs.

Shirley MacLaine’s talent and charisma are timeless, and it’s clear that even at the age of 89, she’s still hungry for more creative challenges. Her recent role in Only Murders in the Building was a reminder of just how much she has to offer, and in a recent interview, the Hollywood icon hinted that she’s not done with the silver screen just yet.

”I love making movies. Again, I keep coming back to creativity. I loved part the part of Leonora Folger in Murders. It was such fun shooting those scenes. It was great to catch up with old friends Steve [Martin] and Marty [Short], and I’ve known the creator John Hoffman for years. I just loved being with them,” she told Advocate.

I always liked Shirley – she is a great actress and I’ve enjoyed her movies over the years.

May the universe bless Shirley MacLaine with an abundance of life, for she is a true gem of Hollywood and a legendary actress. We hope her passion for acting and love for life continues to inspire us all for many more years to come!

When you think of nuns, you probably imagine women living a subdued life dedicated to religion and not having much fun. The sisterhood is considered to be quite rigid and certainly not a place where you’d learn an energetic dance routine!

However, this epic high-energy performance will knock down any stereotypes you have about nuns.

The nuns gathered together to show the people in their community that they haven’t forgotten how to have some good old-fashioned fun. They reserved space at a local recreation center and got ready to perform their show.

The nuns choreographed their very own dance routine — but not one that their audience would ever expect.

They start out slow and when the beat kicks in, they shock their audience by picking up the pace.

Suddenly, these sisters come to life! The music gets faster and their feet start tapping. They excitedly jump back and forth to the repetitious chant “I love him!” with big smiles on their faces.

What starts out as a slow moving dance number turns into a thrilling display of energy that leaves their audience reeling with laughter.

Watch the hilarious dance routine in the video below:

These nuns prove that devoting your life to religion doesn’t mean giving up on fun.

Please share this happy display of hard work and devotion with your friends and family and give them something to smile about today.

For most of us, food is about nourishment, taste, and enjoyment. But for millions around the world, a simple meal can turn deadly.

Would you eat something that could kill you? For most people, food is about nourishment but across the world, certain foods come with a real risk of death – yet people continue to eat them. Let’s take a look at 10 of the most dangerous foods on the planet and why people still eat themCyanide-laced staple

Cassava might look like an innocent tuber, but its roots and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which break down into cyanide when consumed raw or improperly processed. This can lead to cyanide poisoning, causing goiters, paralysis, and death.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cassava poisoning kills about 200 people a year, earning the root vegetable the title of “world’s deadliest food.”

Though it’s risky, cassava is a lifeline to over 800 million people in approximately 80 countries, WHO reports. It’s drought-resistant, easy to grow, and provides essential carbohydrates. When processed correctly – soaked, fermented, dried, or boiled – the cyanide levels drop, making it safe to eat. For many, it’s not a choice – it’s a necessity for survival.

Deadly delicacy

The Japanese delicacy fugu is made from pufferfish, which contains a poison that’s “200 times more deadly than cyanide,” BBC reports. “Tetrodotoxin poisoning has been described as “rapid and violent”, first a numbness around the mouth, then paralysis, finally death. The unfortunate diner remains conscious to the end. There is no antidote.”

The Japanese Ministry for Health reports that around 50 people (mostly amateurs and anglers) are poisoned per year with a handful of deaths.

Despite the dangers, In Japan, blowfish is a delicacy, often served as sashimi or in hot pots. Only highly trained and licensed chefs are allowed to prepare it, ensuring that the toxic parts (liver, ovaries, and intestines) are carefully removed. The slight tingling sensation from residual toxins adds to the appeal, making fugu an exhilarating experience for risk-takers.

Hidden Neurotoxin

Starfruit contains neurotoxins that are harmless to most, but deadly for those with kidney disease. In affected individuals, the toxin accumulates, leading to seizures, confusion, and even death. Symptoms can appear within hours, starting with hiccups, vomiting, or weakness.

If your kidneys are healthy, starfruit is completely safe to eat. The fruit, that looks like a yellow five-pointed star, is widely enjoyed for its sweet-tart flavor and high vitamin C content. WebMD explains the fruit is packed with antioxidants, making it a great anti-inflammatory, and potassium, “which lowers your risk of a heart attack or stroke.”

Sweet treats with a deadly core

Cherry pits and apple seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that turns into cyanide when crushed or chewed. In large amounts, this can cause dizziness, nausea, breathing problems, and even death.

While the fruit itself is safe, the pits should never be crushed or consumed. Swallowing a whole cherry pit won’t harm you, but breaking them open releases toxins.

Toxic side dish

When green potatoes are exposed to light, it produces chlorophyll, which is completely harmless. But Healthline warns “it can also encourage the production of certain compounds,” like solanine that “can be toxic to humans in high doses. However, reports of serious illness are rare.”

Eating enough can even lead to paralysis or coma.

But green potatoes are safe if peeled properly. Discard any with a green tinge or sprouting eyes to avoid toxicity.

Nutty by nature

Raw cashews contain urushiol, the same toxin found in poison ivy or poison oak.

“If you were to handle or consume cashews in their raw form, you would likely experience a reaction similar to that caused by poison ivy, such as an itchy and inflamed skin rash that may cause a burning sensation,” Healthline writes.

However, cashews labeled as raw at the grocery store have been shelled and heat-treated to remove any urushiol residue, making them safe.

Note: Mango skin also contains urushiol.

Not worth the trip

Nutmeg is a punchy spice that contains myristicin, a compound that affects the nervous system. In large doses, it can cause hallucinations, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and seizures. Only two teaspoons can trigger severe symptoms that last for days – “though in some cases psychosis has set in for up to six months,” a study claims.

Used in small amounts, nutmeg enhances flavor in desserts and drinks. But excessive consumption turns this holiday spice into a toxic experience.

Fatal fungi

Some wild mushrooms, like the death cap that claimed the life of Pope Clement VII in 1534, contain toxins that cause organ failure and death.

Brittanica explains that only a “few of the 70-80 species of poisonous mushrooms are actually fatal when ingested,” but many “bear an unfortunate resemblance to edible species and are thus especially dangerous.”

You don’t have to avoid all mushrooms! But unless you’re an expert, it’s safer to stick to store-bought mushrooms.

Sweet but deadly

Rhubarb might be a favorite in pies and jams, but did you know that part of this plant is actually toxic? While the stalks are perfectly safe (and delicious), rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, a natural toxin that, in large amounts, can cause kidney failure.

Rhubarb is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but its leaves are best left in the compost pile. Stick to the safe parts, and enjoy this tart treat without the risk!

Deadly beans

Raw kidney beans contain phytohaemagglutinin, a toxin that can cause severe vomiting and stomach cramps. Eating just a handful of undercooked beans can lead to food poisoning.

Boiling kidney beans for at least 10 minutes destroys the toxin, making them safe to eat. However, cooking at low temperatures can make them even more toxic instead of neutralizing the poison so be extra careful when you’re slow simmering your chili.

Have you tried any of these deadly dishes? Let us know about the most dangerous thing you’ve eaten and then share this story so we can hear from others!

I’ve seen my fair share of crazy body transformations over the years — people covered in tattoos or individuals who drop a significant amount of weight.

But the question is, could Michel ”Diabão” Praddo be the ultimate body modification enthusiast, taking the prize for the wildest transformation?

After seeing the before pictures of him, I’m ready to say it’s true.

Horn implants

Brazilian Michel Faro do Prado, also known as “Diabão” (Big Devil), is one of the most heavily modified people on the planet. For him, body modifications are a significant part of his identity, and he’s not shy about sharing his dark world with his 300,000 followers on Instagram.

A few years ago, he gained significant attention when he started posting pictures of himself. People called him ”the human Satan,” and when they realized what he had actually done to his body, they could hardly believe their eyes.

Diabão’s skin is covered in tattoos, with about 85% of his body estimated to be inked. In addition, he has had horn implants and has removed the outer parts of his ears. He even customized his teeth to complete his devil-like image.

Michel, from São Paulo, stated in 2020 that he has a high pain tolerance and isn’t deterred by the idea of enduring even more pain to achieve his ideal “devil” body.

He mentioned, according to New York Post, that he ”suffers a lot more” after the procedures than during them, adding: “The truth is that there are changes that without anesthesia would be almost impossible to be done.”

“If I have to feel pain, to achieve what I want, for sure I will face it!”

The Human Satan

For most of us, the nickname “the human Satan” might seem a bit unsettling —certainly not something I’d want to be called. But Michel has no problem with his moniker. “I believe that the true image of the ‘devil’ is beautiful,” he says.

“The Bible says this in Genesis and also the same way in the book of Isaiah, which says that Jesus was ugly, that he looked like a dry root in the desert.”

“He did not inhabit any beauty, so if it is a matter of fiction that the Devil looks like me more, in my heart I prefer God and doing good!”

Even though Michel has transformed his body beyond recognition, he seems to constantly crave further changes. He definitely doesn’t seem to have any plans of stopping his body modifications anytime soon. Praddo’s main body modifications include silicone implants, scarification, transdermal implants, and the removal of the nose, ears, navel, and nipples.

Other modifications include a tattooed and forked tongue, splitting the sides of his mouth, a chrome dental implant, liposuction, and an abdominoplasty.

Amputated his pinky and ring fingers

Recently, he shocked his followers by confirming that he would amputate his pinky and ring fingers as part of transforming his hands into claws.

He now holds the Guinness World Record for the most ”horns” on his head and, according to Mirror, he has undergone over 60 body-modifying procedures. This has sparked quite a bit of reaction.

”It was something very special and unreal. A dream come true to make it into the Guinness World Records and also travel to Europe. At several moments, I was emotional, with tears in my eyes,” he told G1.

Michel views his appearance as a reflection of his personal journey, with his wife Carol playing a key role in helping him shape it. They have a son and run their own tattoo studio. Carol is also known for her extensive body modifications, which have earned her the nickname “Mulher Demonia” (Demon Woman) from the press.

Born in Santos

Michel was born in Santos, along the coast of São Paulo. He shared that during his youth in the 1990s, he joined the hippie movement and began traveling around Brazil. ”I got my first tattoo back then. It was a ‘tribal’ design on my right arm,” he shared.

He later decided to settle in Praia Grande a few years after.

Michel married (another woman, before meeting Carol Praddo) and had two children. He became a professional tattoo artist in the mid-2000s, noting, ”Before that, it was very difficult to make a living from tattooing.”

Already well-established in his city and career, he fell in love with Carol Praddo, who would later become the ”Demon Woman.” The couple has been together for 15 years and is deeply involved in the world of body modifications. However, his partner wasn’t initially on board with the idea when their relationship began.

Michel believes his look goes beyond physical changes — it’s an expression of his evolving identity. For him, these modifications symbolize the internal freedom he feels, allowing him to challenge societal expectations and break away from conventional norms. He sees his appearance as a way to manifest his true self, continuously pushing past boundaries and defying imposed standards.

How Diabão looked before

On his Instagram, he occasionally posts pictures showing how he looked before, which has led to many questioning his drastic changes.

“I just don’t understand how someone can modify their body to this extent. There’s no going back. If you try to fix this, you’ll still have scarring and disfiguration. You’ll never look like your old self again and will have to live with this the rest of your life,” one commentator shared.

At the same time, there are those who praise him and support his decisions.

“The point is to not look like how you looked before. People that do this many mods are trying to get as far away from how they looked as possible, so they feel relief the more and more different they look,” another person wrote, adding:

“I also would never do this to this level because I generally like how I look now, but that has not always been the case and I can put myself in someone’s shoes like this and understand.”

What do you think about this?

Feel free to leave a comment on our Facebook page!

This is a very brief description, but it highlights some key selling points. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and potential improvements:

Strengths:

• Charming Language: “Adorable dollhouse” creates a positive and inviting image.
• Key Updates: It mentions important updates:
  • Newer furnace
  • Newer A/C
  • Newer windows
• Functional Layout: “Great floorplan” suggests a well-designed interior.
• Outdoor Space: “Patio room” provides an appealing outdoor living area.

Potential Improvements:

• Adding Details: The description is very short. Adding more details would make it more informative.
  • Size: Mention the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
  • Square Footage: Adding the square footage of the home would be very useful.
  • Lot Size: Adding the lot size is also very useful.
  • Interior Features: Describe the interior features (e.g., hardwood floors, updated kitchen, etc.).
  • Location: Provide some information about the location (e.g., neighborhood, proximity to amenities).
  • Age: If the home has a known age, that is something to add.
• Elaborating on Updates: Provide more details about the updates (e.g., “new high-efficiency furnace installed in 2023”).
• Highlighting the Patio Room: Describe the patio room in more detail (e.g., screened-in, covered, size).
• Adding a Touch of Atmosphere: Use more descriptive language to create a sense of atmosphere (e.g., “cozy,” “bright,” “sunny”).

Example of an improved description:

“This charming and cozy dollhouse, featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, has been thoughtfully updated with a new high-efficiency furnace, central air conditioning, and energy-efficient windows. The home boasts a great floor plan with a bright and airy living space, and a recently updated kitchen. Enjoy relaxing summer evenings in the spacious screened-in patio room. Situated in a quiet neighborhood, this home is conveniently located near local amenities. The home sits on a .25 acre lot.”

By adding more details and descriptive language, the description becomes more informative and appealing to potential buyers.

If you’re interested in learning more about this unique property, please contact the listing agent through the Zillow link provided below the photos.

The United States is still reeling in the wake of the worst aviation disaster in decades.

Sixty-seven lives were lost in the tragic D.C. plane crash Wednesday night, including sisters Everly and Alydia Livingston and their parents, Donna and Peter.

The Livingston family was among the many victims of this devastating disaster.

Final post on social media

Pennsylvania-based news station WTAJ reports that Donna Smojice Livingston, her husband Peter, and their two daughters, Everly, 14, and Alydia, 11, were among those on board American Airlines Flight 5342.

Everly and Alydia were talented figure skaters and members of the Washington Figure Skating Club, according to Daily Mail. They trained at the Ashburn Ice House, a hub for their local skating community in Virginia.

Just days before the crash, their father captured a photo of the girls in Kansas — one of many cherished memories of their passion for life and skating.

The sisters’ love for skating extended beyond the rink – they were widely recognized on social media as the beloved “Ice Skating Sisters.”

Their last Instagram post, shared just five days before the tragic crash, featured the sisters smiling in front of the ice rink at the championships, proudly wearing their ‘athlete’ lanyards.

”If you look closely at Alydia’s badge… We were born ready for this,” the caption read. ”But is @usfigureskating ready for this much Livingston at Nationals?”

Just last year, 13-year-old Everly spoke with FOX 5 DC about her achievements on the ice, quickly becoming a rising star in the figure skating world. In a touching interview, she shared her thoughts on the challenges and beauty of the sport, expressing her hopes for the future.

”My goals are to actually be a part of Team USA and travel around the world,” she said, beaming with a bright smile.

Family friend shares memory

U.S. Figure Skating confirmed several members of their community were on board the flight, and tributes quickly poured in. A growing memorial at the Ashburn Ice House reflects the deep impact of the tragedy.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to all affected,” the Ashburn Ice House’s management shared in a statement. ”The figure skating community is a close-knit, worldwide family, and our hearts are broken.”

The Nittany Valley Figure Skating Club also expressed their grief in a social media post, stating: “Many of us have lost personal friends. We will hold a moment of silence at our next Club Ice in honor of those we’ve lost.”

Family friend Cassandra Atkins, a designer from Australia, created custom skating outfits for the girls through her business, Frozen Couture. Though she never met the family in person, she frequently connected with Donna, exchanging photos and videos of Everly and Alydia.

The girls’ mother, Donna, worked at Comcast, while their father, Peter, was a real estate agent. They were described as among the most dedicated parents, balancing the challenges of raising two skaters while spending countless nights in hotels, traveling between New Jersey, Michigan, and Virginia in recent months.

“Donna was the perfect mom,” Atkins shared with WFLA. “The girls were her world. They loved bright, standout outfits and always brought so much joy to the ice.”

Atkins also revealed that even off the ice, the sisters couldn’t stay still.

”If they weren’t skating, they were roller skating—or they’d put wheels on their boots. They always found a way to move.”

Deadliest air disaster in 24 years

The crash occurred when an American Airlines flight collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter during a training exercise. The commercial plane, preparing to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport, spiraled into the Potomac River after the collision. It was the deadliest U.S. air disaster in nearly 24 years.

Many of those aboard the ill-fated plane, en route from Kansas, were from the figure skating world — athletes, coaches, and their families. The Skating Club of Boston has confirmed six victims, including Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, the 1994 World Champion pair skaters.

Ice rinks along the U.S. East Coast are now mourning the loss of their skaters.

As investigators work to uncover the cause of the crash, communities across the nation mourn the loss of Everly, Alydia, and so many others whose lives were cut tragically short. Their vibrant spirits and love for skating will not be forgotten.

We live in a world today where in most places we can pretty much express ourselves in whatever manner we sit fit (within reason).

There are exceptions to the rule, of course, but for the most part, people can experiment with trends, hairstyles, clothing and more freely than at virtually any other time in human his

This is all to the good: no one should ever be persecuted for the way they choose to dress or decorate themselves, just as no one should ever face stigmatism or demonization for opting for a certain piercing or tattoo (providing it’s not hateful or provocative by design).

That said, like it or not, there are limits to what the majority of us are prepared to accept as it pertains to body modification and expression of oneself. One man, 35-year-old Anthony Loffredo, may have reached that limit.

You see, when Anthony goes out to eat or simply take a walk, he draws the attention of virtually every single other human that passes by. Not only that, but reports state that he can’t so much as land a job interview, let alone a job, while taxi drivers turn him away and some establishments won’t even let him in through their doors.

Why, you ask? Well, it has a great deal to do with his pursuit of becoming a character he calls the “blac

While even the most adventurous among us are usually satisfied with outlandish tattoos, piercings in unconventional places, and perhaps bright, unnatural hair colors, Anthony Loffredo, from France, set his bar significantly higher. He’s undergone a nose amputation, had both ears cut off, his eyeballs and skin tattooed black, his tongue sliced in two, his teeth filed, and two of his fingers surgically removed.

He’s also had demonic symbols burned into his flesh and horns implanted beneath his skin to give him a more monstrous appearance.

According to the Daily Mail, Loffredo, who used to work as a nightclub bouncer, claims he’s only 65 percent finished with the adjustments he plans to make. One planned future modification would see him cut off one of his legs in order for it to be replaced by a biomechanical one.

Speaking on his body before he started to have surgeries (of which he’s lost count), the 35-year-old told the UK’s Channel 4 show last year: “Yes, [I was] happy, but not in the right body. It [wasn’t] my body, my real body.”

Speaking to the Club 113 podcast, meanwhile, he added: “I’m fascinated, it fascinates me — everything, the human body.

“[My look is inspired by] a bit of everything, because no one knows what is out there.”

Despite his wild look, the “black alien” says his parents were supportive of his decision after an initial period of shock. What’s more, he’s found love, with it revealed last December that he was dating model and tattoo enthusiast Melina Shakur.

Loffredo often has to travel to other countries in order to undergo certain procedures, this because they are illegal at home. As per the Daily Mail, said surgeries involved receiving general anesthesia in shady underground clinics and tattoo shops.

Yet according to the latest reports, the extreme body modifications community member said earlier this year that he doesn’t want any further procedures at this time.

“Right now, I am going to focus on something real,” he said in Spanish, “not more on how to live life.”

On top of that, he and girlfriend Melina Shakur have reportedly even discussed the idea of Loffredo having some of his tattoos removed.

In any case, we wish him well moving forward. His is certainly a unique looks, and while it may be unconventional – to say the least – the most important thing is that he’s content.

What do you think about the “black alien?” Let us know in the comm

What was meant to be a dream vacation ended in the most tragic way.

Now, an entire family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 4-year-old Jaxon Knowles — and they have an important message for everyon

Something went terribly wrong

In a devastating turn of events, a young boy’s life was cut short after what was supposed to be a fun family holiday. But what followed was a nightmare that no parent could ever imagine.

Jaxon’s mother, Sammy Knowles, and her husband Jordan had taken their son on a short break to Blackpool, hoping to create lasting memories. But as the family returned home on Sunday, February 16, something went terribly wrong.

”Jaxon was complaining about pain under his arm, then fell asleep for a while. He woke up saying his tummy hurt,” Sammy recalled, speaking with Yorkshire Live.

Later, Jaxon asked to sleep in his mother’s bed, something he always did when he wasn’t feeling well. Sammy gave him a low dose of paracetamol to help bring his fever down, something that typically worked for his usual chest infections.

However, when she woke up around 5 a.m. the following morning, things had taken a horrific turn.

”I used my phone’s torch to check his temperature, and that’s when I saw the rash,” Sammy says, her voice trembling. ”At first, I thought it was chickenpox, but when I turned on the lamp, I realized it was much worse.”

Was crying blood

The rash quickly worsened, and Jaxon’s condition began deteriorating.

”His mouth and tongue started swelling, and he threw up. We called 999, and as we waited for the ambulance, he could barely breathe. We had to turn him on his side”

Sammy recalls, describing what felt like an eternity as they awaited medical help.

By the time they reached the hospital, Jaxon’s condition was critical. 15 doctors stood around the little boy, doing everything in their power.

”They worked on him for hours, but he was crying blood,” Sammy remembers. ”I tried to comfort him by singing his favorite lullabies, but the doctors said they needed to put him in a coma and transfer him to a children’s hospital.”

Sadly, despite the heroic efforts of the medical staff, Jaxon’s heart stopped, and after they briefly revived him, he passed away on Monday morning, February 17.

”I can’t believe it,” Sammy sais through tears. ”He was fine just hours before. There were no signs, no symptoms of meningitis. It just came out of nowhere.

Jaxon’s death was later confirmed to be caused by meningococcal disease, a deadly form of bacterial meningitis that primarily affects young children.

”He was our miracle baby,” Sammy says, struggling to hold back tears. ”We spent seven years trying to have him, going through multiple rounds of IVF. After three miscarriages, he was our last hope.”

Using their heartbreak to spread awareness

The couple, devastated by the loss of their son, is now using their heartbreak to help raise awareness about meningitis.

”If we can help even one family, that would mean everything,” says Jordan, holding back tears as he talks about his son.

Each year, around 3,000 people in the United States — about one in every 100,000 — are diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Up to 10% of bacterial meningitis cases can be fatal. While the infection can affect people of any age, infants and young children are at the highest risk.

Bacterial meningitis often begins with symptoms like headache and fever, which are common to many other illnesses, making it hard to diagnose at first.

As the infection progresses, more specific signs appear, such as a severe headache, neck pain when bending forward, a stiff neck, and occasionally sensitivity to light.

Later symptoms may include confusion, lethargy, or seizures. The condition can worsen quickly, with some patients experiencing delirium or falling into a coma by the time they seek medical help.

”He was everything to us”

In Jaxon’s honor, a charity page has been set up with all donations going to Meningitis Now, an organization that supports families affected by the disease.

”We know there was no vaccination that Jax could take, perhaps with more funding and more research things can change in the future,” said Mr Knowles, according to BBC.

In addition, Sheffield Wednesday, a club Jaxon was passionate about, will hold a tribute during their match against Sunderland, with fans invited to participate in a four-minute round of applause in his memory.

Jaxon’s parents, still reeling from the loss of their ”miracle baby,” continue to process their grief. ”He was everything to us,” Sammy says. ”Now, there’s just a void. Our house is empty. Our world is empty. We have nothing.

Ryan O’Neal battled two types of cancer until the very end.

After his passing in 2023, Hollywood mourned a great actor – but his own son didn’t attend the funeral.

After a long battle with leukemia and prostate cancer, Ryan O’Neal passed away on December 8, 2023, at the age of 82. The cause of death was congestive heart failure. In the final images of O’Neal, it was evident that his health had significantly declined. The once-vibrant actor, known for his charm and charisma, appeared frail and weary.

The award-winning star rose to fame as the quintessential leading man in iconic films like the heart-wrenching Love Story and Stanley Kubrick’s historical epic Barry Lyndon. In his heyday, he was a genuine heartthrob, captivating audiences and earning the adoration of women everywhere

Yet his personal life was often overshadowed by scandal, especially his tumultuous relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett. For those who may not remember, Farrah was a revolutionary figure in the 1970s, embodying a new kind of sex symbol that inspired both teenage boys and girls alike.

While boys were smitten with her beauty, girls aspired to emulate her iconic style. In the 1980s, she proved she was more than just a pretty face, showcasing her talents as an accomplished actress.

Incarcerated in a state hospital

In 1985, Ryan and Farrah welcomed a son, Redmond James Fawcett O’Neal, into the world. However, as Ryan was laid to rest, Redmond was notably absent from the ceremony. This was perhaps not surprising, given that the 38-year-old was incarcerated in a state hospital in California at the time of his father’s burial.

Redmond Fawcett O’Neal has lived a life marked by struggles with addiction to alcohol and drugs. He also suffers from health issues such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anti-social personality disorder.

These challenges have led to multiple incarcerations and a lengthy stay in a mental health facility. Despite Ryan O’Neal’s promise to Farrah Fawcett on her deathbed to care for Redmond, their relationship deteriorated to the point where Redmond refused to see his father during his treatment.

The situation was a stark contrast to the circumstances surrounding Redmond’s mother, Farrah, when she passed away in 2009.

At that time, Redmond was seen at her bedside in shackles. He also attended her funeral in the same restraints.

Three of four children absent

Many understood Redmond’s absence from the burial, but what was more shocking was that two of his other children were apparently also missing from the 82-year-old star’s small memorial service at Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.

One of O’Neal’s sons, Griffin O’Neal, revealed that he wasn’t even invited to the ceremony.

“I’m the hated son who told the truth. There are dark times in this family. Love means never having to say you’re sorry — and Ryan never did, to anyone,” he said.

Griffin, the son from O’Neal’s first marriage to Joanna Moore, told the New York Post that he drove 2,000 miles from his home in Houston, Texas, to attend the memorial service.

However, upon arriving, he learned that the service wouldn’t take place until the weekend after Christmas.

“I wasn’t even invited to send him off,” Griffin O’Neal told The Post.

According to Griffin, he and his father hadn’t spoken in 17 years. Their relationship broke down after a violent altercation in 2007 at Ryan O’Neal’s home in Malibu, where Griffin allegedly swung a fireplace poker at his dad, and Ryan aimed a gun at him. “I could have hit him, but I missed,” O’Neal said.

Despite this history, Griffin still wanted to say goodbye to his father. However, that sentiment wasn’t shared by his brother, Patrick O’Neal, 57, a Los Angeles sportscaster who had grown closer to their dad in recent years.

It was Patrick who organized the funeral, according to The Post.

The memorial service was attended by only about 25 people, including Patrick’s mother, actress Leigh Taylor-Young, 79, Ryan’s second wife. Given the significant mark Ryan O’Neal left on Hollywood history, one might expect his memorial service to have been a grand affair.

Tatum O’Neal, Ryan’s daughter from his marriage to actress Joanna Moore, was also not there, according to The New York Post. Their complicated relationship went back many years.

“I’m a hopeless father. I don’t know why. I don’t think I was supposed to be a father,” O’Neal told Vanity Fair in 2009.

Reconciled with his daughter

Fortunately, Ryan and Tatum reconciled in the late 2000s after a 20-year estrangement and years of hardship.

Following a stroke due to a drug overdose in 2020, Tatum reunited with her father twice, including a visit to Malibu for his birthday in April 2023. It seems they grew closer just before Ryan’s passing.

“I feel great sorrow with my father’s passing,” Tatum said in a statement after his death.

“He meant the world to me. I loved him very much and know he loved me too. I’ll miss him forever and I feel very lucky that we ended on such good terms,” Tatum added.

Redwood-colored coffin

According to the Daily Mail, the brief ceremony was held inside the chapel at the celebrity-heavy Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery.

Following the service, O’Neal’s redwood-colored coffin was taken to his final resting place beside his longtime partner, Farrah Fawcett.

After Farrah’s death, O’Neal publicly spoke of his regrets about their relationship. He said he felt he didn’t get enough time with her.

Despite the issues they had, the two of them were by each other’s side through thick and thin. Farrah took care of O’Neal when he was diagnosed with leukemia, and he had been by her side when she was battling anal cancer.

As a way to perhaps fulfill his wish to have been able to get more time with the late actress, O’Neal wanted to be buried next to the love of his life. In fact, half of Farrah’s large gravestone was left empty since her passing, awaiting the addition of Ryan O’Neal’s name.

Going against Farrah’s final wishes?

However, just like parts of their relationship, Farrah’s burial was not without controversy.

Fawcett’s college sweetheart from the University of Texas, Greg Lott, came forward, accusing O’Neal of going against Farrah’s final wishes.

“She never wanted a burial or a monument where people could come gawk at her,” Lott told The Post.

“Ryan created this narrative like it was this big love story, and they (Ryan and his lawyers) took over her life at the end, sedating her and forging documents.”

Craig Nevius, a friend of Farrah’s and the producer of the 2005 reality TV show Chasing Farrah, expressed similar thoughts:

“I don’t think he had the authority to decide that she would be buried and him later with her — but that’s clearly what he did,” Nevius said.

“It’s been so bizarre to see her name at the top of this big gravestone with nothing on the bottom. My guess is that his name will be on there soon, with the words ‘Love Story.’”

Love Story not inscribed on the gravestone

However, that did not happen; Love Story is not inscribed on the gravestone. Instead, both Farrah and Ryan’s names are engraved there, complete with their dates.

And the speculations that Ryan and his team forced anything through have been firmly dismissed. Alana Stewart, 79, Rod Stewart’s ex-wife and a longtime friend of Farrah, denied the accusations that O’Neal took advantage of her or exaggerated their relationship.

“He and Farrah loved each other deeply,” Stewart told The Post.

“She died in his arms, and she was there for him when he had leukemia. I saw their love as this great love story. Sure, it had its dark moments. He could be volatile, but Ryan could also be the sweetest, most generous, funniest guy in the world.”

Defends his father

Ryan O’Neal’s son, Patrick, also seems on a mission to defend his father, stating that he won’t allow anyone to tarnish the actor’s name without facing consequences.

“If you choose to talk s–t about my dad, even though you have no clue what you are talking about, you will get called out. If you go that route, I recommend you take a good look in the mirror first,” Patrick, a longtime sportscaster and current play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Angels, wrote on Instagram.

In September 2024, Patrick O’Neal directed sharp criticism at the Television Academy ahead of the Emmys on September 15.

“Tonight is the Emmys and I have zero confidence the @televisionacad will honor my dad for the ‘in memoriam’ segment. I am a member of the academy, and despite my best efforts, they would not tell me if this TV LEGEND will be on the telecast”, Patrick wrote on Instagram.

”The TV Academy failed miserably by not adding him back in January. I will not be watching the show, but rather enjoying a quality birthday dinner with my beautiful wife, Summer.”

Emmy’s controversy

Earlier in January, Patrick’s father had been omitted from the memorial tribute.

“Wasn’t watching #Emmys but someone let me know they left my dad out of the ‘in memoriam,’” Patrick posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Kind of wish I didn’t know right now but I would’ve found out. Sad and mad is a paralyzing combo.”

However, in September of this year, Patrick finally got to see his father honored.

“Thank you to the Television Academy for including my dad in the ‘in memoriam’ segment. I am posting a young Ryan just as he was embarking on a long-lasting TV career as an actor. He truly loved acting on television, and Rodney Harrington, aka Ryan O’Neal, would have something clever to say with full humility.”