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Pope Francis facing early stages of kidney failure

The Pope has been battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection for weeks.

He is also suffering from early-stage kidney failure amid his treatment.

Now, the Vatican announces that Francis’ condition remains critical.

Had part of his lung removed

Pope Francis, 88, is suffering from bilateral pneumonia. According to the Vatican, the Holy Father’s condition is critical. The news of the pope’s worsening health was announced last Friday.

Since then, he has been hospitalized and he’s currently staying at the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. On Sunday, the Holy See Press Office shared an update on the pope’s health, saying that while his condition “remains critical,” he has not had any further respiratory crises since Saturday evening.

The past weekend, he experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, made worse by the fact that he had part of one of his lungs removed when he was younger.

Receiving oxygen

The Vatican reports that the pope’s low platelet count remains stable. However, some blood tests show early signs of mild kidney issues, which are currently under control.

”He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with benefit, and his hemoglobin levels have risen,” the report said.

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Pope Francis is also receiving oxygen but “remains alert and well-oriented.”

Doctors say his condition is complex, and it will take time for treatments to show results. Because of this, his prognosis remains uncertain. Corriere Della Sera reports that the pope is expected to remain in the hospital for at least another week.

Participated in Holy Mass

Despite his health challenges, the pope participated in a Holy Mass this morning in his hospital apartment on the tenth floor, joined by those caring for him.

The statement was released after Pope Francis shared a message on X, thanking the global Catholic community for their prayers.

”I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” Pope Francis posted on X Sunday and added:

”Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, has led the Catholic Church since 2013 as its first Latin American pope. Known for his humility, focus on social justice, and efforts to reform the Church, he remains a significant spiritual leader for millions worldwide.

We are wishing him strength and a smooth recovery!

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The length of your finger shows which personality you have

It’s not often that science makes a fun discovery, but recent studies have revealed that our ring finger length may reflect parts of our personality.

Researchers suggest that finger length, specifically the ring finger’s length relative to the index finger, might indicate the amount of testosterone one was exposed to before birth, providing insights into personality traits.

For people whose ring finger is longer than their index finger (Hand “A”), studies associate this with charisma, confidence, and a risk-taking spirit.

These individuals often excel at drawing others in with their natural charm, exuding an energy that’s difficult to resist. This hand type tends to be well-suited for adventurous pursuits or high-energy environments where communication and magnetism shine.

In contrast, if your index finger is longer than your ring finger (Hand “B”), you might fall under the “natural leader” type.

People with this hand type are said to possess traits like calmness, assertiveness, and a natural authority that others tend to follow. These people make excellent mentors and leaders, embodying a presence that others trust and look to for direction. This hand type fits well with careers in leadership, education, or self-help roles, where guidance and level-headedness are essential.

For those with ring and index fingers of nearly equal length (Hand “C”), the study suggests they are peacekeepers and effective communicators.

Known for their balanced and harmonious nature, they’re often drawn to careers that prioritize listening and support, such as counseling or social work. With an aversion to conflict and a calm demeanor, they bring a grounded energy to any situation, often helping others feel at ease.

Of course, finger length alone isn’t a definitive personality indicator. Personality is a complex blend of factors, including genetics, upbringing, and life experiences.

However, hand studies like these can be a fun and playful way to reflect on ourselves and perhaps notice traits in others that we hadn’t considered before. After all, even small details—like the length of our fingers—can serve as starting points for introspection!

Exploring these insights with friends and family can be an entertaining way to see how much finger length actually aligns with observed personalities.

Who knows, you may be surprised by the accuracy or discover hidden traits among those around you!

So next time, take a glance at someone’s hands—it might reveal a side of them you never expected. The study of finger length and personality may be lighthearted, but it’s another example of how science continues to explore the intricate tapestry of human nature.

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Woman dyes her Great Pyreneese dog bright red so he won’t get stolen

Many dog owners worry about their beloved pets getting stolen. Certain rare and expensive dog breeds can be a serious target for dognapping.

But one woman’s strategy for keeping her dog safe from thieves has generated a lot of buzz and controversy online, with some praising the idea and others questioning the owner’s motives.

Chloe is the owner of a 2-year-old Great Pyreneese dog named Dandy, who has a very unique appearance: he has bright red fur, thanks to pet dye applied by his owner:

@danthebigreddog Damn, Dandy. You’re red!❤️ #clifford #cliffordthebigreddog #bigred #dogsofttiktok #dogmom #dandelion #nostalgia #childrensbooks #funnydog #pawsome ♬ Tasty Carrots by Shou – goalsounds

Her decision to dye Dandy red immediately generated mixed responses on TikTok. Many comments read “poor dog,” wondering if the coloring is healthy, while others have been won over by the dog’s unique looks, comparing him to the character Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Chloe has assured followers that she only uses vegan, pet-safe dye (reportedly Opawz products), and in follow-up videos explained her reasonings for the dog’s dramatic makeover.

@danthebigreddog Reply to @cschubach979 this is for you and anyone else asking why? Because we can! That’s why. 🙂 #cliffordthebigreddog #LevisMusicProject #fyp #cute ♬ Island In The Sun – Weezer

She said part of the reason was to “keep him from getting stolen,” as the Great Pyreneese pup is a “rare breed in [her] area.”

Chloe also wrote that Dan seems to enjoy his new shade, as he “loves people and kids” and the red dye apparently makes the dog “more approachable.”

She also said she wanted to “educate others on safe pet dye practices,” and in other videos instructs followers how to dye their own dogs.

Dandy’s TikTok videos — which have amassed 10 million likes and over 318,000 followers on TikTok — have continued to generate debate.

Detractors have questioned Chloe’s intentions, pointing out that the dye would be unlikely to detract would-be dognappers and was just to get attention online.

But supporters have pointed out that Dandy seems to be a happy and well-cared for dog, doesn’t understand what color he is, and that the owner has a right to dye her dog for whatever reason as long as it’s safe and humane.

Dandy’s TikTok, despite its popularity, has been inactive since February. On his Instagram, the most recent post is from July — and it shows Dandy back to his natural fur color, with the dye faded:

Chloe wrote that he “needs a touch up,” and said that he would be “red soon,” and it’s unclear what color Dandy is currently.

But a notable number of the comments urged her not to re-dye the dog, preferring Dandy in his “true colors.”

What do you think of this decision to dye Dandy bright red? Is it a fun way to keep the dog safe from kidnappers, or unnecessary and poor treatment?

Please share this story, and be sure to comment with your thoughts.

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Donald Trump’s ‘unfireable’ aide earns new, cruel nickname

Have you ever heard of Natalie Harp?

She may not be the most well-known figure in Donald Trump’s inner circle, but her influence is undeniable.

In fact, she’s considered so indispensable that she’s been dubbed “unfireable”.

Who is Natalie Harp?

According to some, there are several successful strategies for getting close to Donald Trump and landing a job with him, writes The Guardian. One of them? Be young, blonde, and so obsessed with the president that even the Secret Service finds it a little weird.

That strategy certainly seems to have paid off for Natalie Harp, a former far-right cable host who is now an official aide to Trump.

So, who exactly is Natalie Harp, the woman who appears to be getting closer and closer to the POTUS?

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What we do know is that she was born in 1991, which means she is 33-34 years old. Harp comes from a conservative Christian family in California.

Her father is an estate agent who founded a marketing and branding consultancy for travel companies and was the head of an ”office of innovation” at a private Christian university.

From 2009 to 2012, Natalie studied at Point Loma Nazarene University, a Christian liberal arts college in San Diego. In 2015, she graduated with an MBA from Liberty University, an evangelical college in Virginia.

With Trump on his daily golf outings

In 2019 Harp, a bone cancer survivor, stated in an interview with Fox News that Trump’s ”Right to Try” law had saved her from dying from the disease.

She later joined his presidential campaign and spoke at the Republican National Convention, comparing Trump to George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life, saying, “Without you, I’d have died waiting for [experimental drugs] to be approved.”

Her claims were questioned by experts, including former FDA official Peter Lurie and health sciences professor Jeremy Snyder, who noted that she had received an FDA-approved immunotherapy drug for an unapproved use — something that was already allowed before Right to Try.

After the election, Harp became an anchor for One America News Network, a far-right, pro-Trump cable channel known for spreading conspiracy theories. She repeatedly promoted Trump’s false claim that the election had been stolen.

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In 2022, she left the network to join his communications team. The Washington Post reported that she often accompanied Trump on his daily golf outings, riding in a golf cart equipped with a laptop and printer to show him favorable news articles and online posts.

Harp later joined Trump’s 2024 campaign. The Bulwark reported that she was responsible for posting a controversial video referencing a “unified Reich” on his Truth Social account, which was deleted hours later. She also posted messages on his behalf and sent heated texts in his name to a major campaign donor, complaining about those running her super PAC. At the time, the group was spending millions on Trump’s campaign ads across key states.

Natalie Harp nickname

Natalie Harp has earned the nickname “Human Printer” due to her role in printing out news clips for the president, often following Trump around with a portable printer and battery pack — even sometimes running after him on the golf course — to hand him hard copies of flattering coverage.

According to The Times, which interviewed several anonymous sources, Harp’s primary role was to deliver unchallenged, highly favorable news about Trump, much of which comes from Gateway Pundit, a far-right site known for spreading conspiracy theories and false information.

In his upcoming book, Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power, Axios reporter Alex Isenstadt details how Harp managed to insert herself into Trump’s inner circle. At times, she crossed boundaries she shouldn’t have, as revealed in excerpts shared by Daily Mail.

“Harp didn’t do well with boundaries,” Isenstadt wrote.

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“There was the time when a surprised Melania Trump stumbled upon Harp late at night in Trump’s private quarters at Mar-a-Lago, an area that was typically off-limits to those outside Trump’s family.”

“Harp was there to deliver Trump some documents and didn’t want to wait until the morning to give them to him,” Isenstadt explained.

And in excerpts from Michael Wolff’s new book on Trump, the ”Natalie situation” once escalated to the point where Secret Service agents considered her ”a potential danger to herself as well as to the president.”

In another eyebrow-raising display, Isenstadt wrote that Harp wandered into Trump’s unoccupied bedroom when on board “Trump Force One” when the plane was being used as a decoy.

New nickname

One can have different opinions about calling Natalie a ”walking printer” – some think it’s a bit harsh, while others see it as an innocent remark relating to her dedication.

However, it seems that Natalie has now earned a new, somewhat harsher label: Harp’s devotion during the campaign led to her being called ”Fatal Attraction,” with rivals comparing her to Glenn Close’s psychotic character, Alex Forrest.

”Before long, Trump advisers jokingly began to compare Harp to Alex Forrest, the character played by Glenn Close in the 1987 movie Fatal Attraction,” Isenstadt writes in his book.

”Forrest had become obsessed with a married man and, in the film’s most memorable scene, broke into his house and boiled the family’s pet rabbit,” he added.

While sources characterized Harp as the campaign’s biggest ”migraine,” her behavior didn’t spook Trump, who brought her from Florida to the White House.

”Harp was his Girl Friday,” Isenstadt wrote.

”If Trump wanted to publish a flame-throwing post on Truth Social? Natalie was there to send it through. If he wanted to read a fawning but factually dicey story in a Trump-aligned media outlet? Natalie was there to print it out. If Trump wanted to send some random news article to a Republican member of Congress? Natalie was there to text it to them,” the author continued.

”As much as those in the senior ranks wanted Natalie gone, they knew she was unfireable,” he said.

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