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Accept people as they are, but place them where they belong. You are the CEO of your life. Hire, fire & promote accordingly.

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Understanding the Quote: “Accept people as they are, but place them where they belong. You are the CEO of your life. Hire, fire & promote accordingly.”

This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing people for who they truly are while making conscious decisions about their roles in your life. It encourages a practical approach to relationships, much like how a CEO manages a company.

A CEO is responsible for hiring employees who contribute positively to the organization, promoting those who add value, and letting go of those who hinder progress. Similarly, in life, we meet different types of people—some uplift us, some drain us, and others remain neutral. The essence of this quote is learning to categorize these individuals wisely while maintaining respect for who they are.

Accepting People as They Are

Acceptance is the foundation of healthy relationships. It means acknowledging people’s strengths and weaknesses without trying to change them. This aligns with the well-known saying:

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” — Maya Angelou

Many people try to mold others into their expectations, leading to frustration and disappointment. Instead, by accepting people as they are, we free ourselves from unrealistic expectations. This doesn’t mean tolerating harmful behavior but rather recognizing that people are who they choose to be.

For instance, suppose you have a friend who is constantly negative. Instead of trying to change their mindset, you accept that they tend to see the world through a pessimistic lens. However, this doesn’t mean you need to keep them close if their negativity affects your mental well-being.

Placing People Where They Belong

Not everyone in our lives deserves the same level of access. Some people are supportive and encourage growth, while others drain energy and create obstacles. The quote suggests assigning people appropriate roles based on their impact on our lives.

Think of your life as a team. Some people belong in the front row, actively contributing to your success, while others should be in the background or even outside the stadium. This is similar to what Oprah Winfrey once said:

“Surround yourself only with people who will lift you higher.” — Oprah Winfrey

If someone constantly brings negativity, gossip, or discouragement, it might be best to distance yourself. Conversely, those who inspire and motivate you should be given a greater presence in your life.

You Are the CEO of Your Life

Being the CEO of your life means taking full responsibility for the people and situations you allow into it. Just as a CEO makes strategic decisions for a company’s success, you must make choices that align with your well-being and goals. This means hiring (welcoming), promoting (giving more importance), or firing (distancing yourself) based on their impact.

Steve Jobs once said:

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

This underscores the idea that we must be intentional about who we allow into our circle. If a friend, partner, or colleague continually disrespects you or fails to align with your values, you have every right to “fire” them from your life.

Hiring, Firing, and Promoting Accordingly

Let’s break down how this concept applies in life:

  1. Hiring (Welcoming the Right People):
    • Choose friends, mentors, and partners who inspire you.
    • Seek people who align with your values and goals.
    • Surround yourself with individuals who encourage growth.
  2. Promoting (Giving More Importance):
    • Recognize those who consistently support and uplift you.
    • Deepen relationships with people who bring positivity.
    • Spend more time with those who help you become a better person.
  3. Firing (Letting Go of Negativity):
    • Distance yourself from toxic individuals.
    • Let go of people who drain your energy or hinder your progress.
    • Recognize that not everyone deserves a place in your inner circle.

This approach aligns with another famous quote:

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” — Jim Rohn

If you are surrounded by negative, uninspired, or unmotivated people, their energy can influence your mindset. Conversely, surrounding yourself with ambitious, positive, and supportive individuals can lead to personal growth.

Balancing Acceptance with Boundaries

While accepting people as they are is important, setting boundaries is equally essential. Acceptance doesn’t mean allowing harmful behaviors to continue unchecked. Instead, it means acknowledging reality and making informed decisions about how much influence someone should have in your life.

Brené Brown explains this well:

“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.”

Boundaries are a way of ensuring that your energy and time are spent wisely. They protect your peace and allow you to prioritize meaningful relationships.

Real-Life Examples

  1. Personal Relationships: Suppose you have a childhood friend who has become manipulative and unsupportive. Accepting them means acknowledging that they haven’t changed. Placing them where they belong means limiting their role in your life.
  2. Workplace Environment: If a colleague constantly undermines your efforts, you accept that this is their nature. However, instead of allowing their negativity to affect you, you minimize interactions and focus on those who contribute positively.
  3. Family Dynamics: Some family members may be toxic, but because of familial ties, you can’t completely cut them off. However, you can choose to interact with them less and maintain emotional distance.

Conclusion

This quote is a reminder to take charge of our personal and social environments. By accepting people as they are, we free ourselves from the frustration of trying to change them. By placing them where they belong, we ensure that our energy is invested in the right people. And by recognizing ourselves as the CEO of our lives, we make conscious choices about who we allow into our inner circle.

Ultimately, life is too short to be surrounded by the wrong people. Make wise decisions, and don’t be afraid to “hire, fire, and promote” accordingly. As Tony Gaskins said:

“You teach people how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop, and what you reinforce.”

 

Meet the World’s Most Stubborn Family Who Refuses to Sell Their Land

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Imagine living in the middle of a bustling, rapidly urbanizing area where sleek skyscrapers and pristine cul-de-sacs replace rolling fields. Now, imagine sticking to your roots and refusing to sell your property—even when offered millions. This isn’t a work of fiction but the true tale of the Zammit family, whose unwavering stance has captured global attention and admiration.

What drives someone to repeatedly say “no” to life-changing sums of money? For the Zammits, their cherished five-acre property in California became more than land—it became the ultimate symbol of resilience and a stubborn refusal to conform. Let’s dig into their fascinating story (and yes, there’s an offer as jaw-dropping as $50 million involved).

The Five-Acre Fortress of the Zammits

Once, this land in Sydney, Australia, was an unassuming piece of earth—a modest haven for a single family. But as the urban sprawl crept closer, everything changed. Developers with deep pockets and big visions built plush residential neighborhoods around the property. Streets literally curved to avoid it. If you zoomed into a satellite view map, the Zammit land stood out like a fortress in an ocean of cookie-cutter houses.

It’s worth noting that when development encroaches, most families give in. After all, who wouldn’t be tempted by multimillion-dollar offers? But the Zammits just wouldn’t budge. While the world around them transformed at breakneck speed, their five-acre slice of rural tranquility remained stubbornly intact.

Why are they holding on? It’s personal. For them, this land isn’t just real estate—it’s their legacy, their roots, and their way of life.

Unbelievable Offers, Unwavering Resistance

Here’s where things get truly remarkable. Stories have circulated that prospective buyers, desperate to acquire the Zammit property, have sweetened the pot with offers as high as $50 million. Yes, $50 million for five acres.

For comparison, that’s enough money to retire, build ten mansions, and still have millions left over for a lifetime of world travel. But despite the unimaginable windfall, the Zammits refused.

Their response is humbling in its simplicity. For them, no amount of money can replace their sentimental attachment to the land. The towering skyscrapers and luxury estates all around may offer convenience and modernity, but to the Zammits, nothing compares to a place imbued with family memories and history.

“We don’t see dollar signs when we look out the window,” one family member reportedly said. “We see home.”

A Symbol of Defiance

The Zammit story became more than just a tale of steadfastness—it turned them into local legends. Passersby couldn’t help but admire their defiant stand against relentless commercial pressure. Developers, neighbors, and even journalists began to see the property as a symbol of something bigger than one family’s land claim.

This is a story of holding onto what matters most. How often do people fight the tide of gentrification or urbanization with this kind of passion?

The unyielding stance of the Zammits reminds us that some things—like heritage and memories—are truly priceless. While the homes surrounding the area boast sleek designs, the Zammit property stands as a vivid reminder that sometimes the old, the unchanging, is what gives a place its character.

The Case of Increasingly Rare Rural Resilience

For advocates of rural living, the Zammits’ decision resonates deeply. This isn’t just about keeping land; it’s about preserving a way of life. Living on sprawling, open acreage surrounded by fresh air and greenery runs counter to the tightly-packed neighborhoods that dominate most urban and suburban landscapes.

Having land means independence. It means deciding what happens on your property without council boards or developers calling the shots. This story will undoubtedly strike a chord with rural advocates who value space, privacy, and the right to maintain traditions over wealth.

California Real Estate Meets Grit

Real estate enthusiasts may see this story as an ultimate “what could have been.” Developers have already carved California’s vast landscapes into suburban developments—but not without hiccups. The Zammit story illustrates how unpredictable real estate can be, especially when emotions and heritage come into play.

The family’s decision raises important questions for investors and urban developers. How do we strike a balance between progress and preservation? Is it possible to grow cities while respecting the wishes of families like the Zammits who refuse to sell their land?

Their case also challenges the narrative about “everyone having a price.” For the Zammits, turning down $50 million speaks volumes about the value they place on staying connected to their roots.

Why This Story Inspires

The Zammits’ bold defiance is rare in a world where financial gain often outweighs emotional value. Their decision has inspired countless others to reframe how they view their own lives and relationships with possessions.

When was the last time you considered what you couldn’t put a price tag on? For the Zammits, home is irreplaceable—and they’ve proved that time and time again. Their story reminds us that sometimes, the intangible is infinitely more valuable than even the largest paycheck.

What Can We Learn?

The tale of the Zammits is inspiring, but it also leaves big questions hanging for the rest of us. What would you do in their situation? Could you turn down $50 million for sentimental reasons? It’s a lot easier said than done.

For now, their story remains a rare example of how strong family values and deep-rooted connections to place can confront even the most tempting of offers.

One thing’s for sure—whether you’re a rural living advocate, a real estate investor, or just rooting for the underdog—the Zammits are proof that even the world’s most stubborn family can teach us a lesson or two about devotion to what matters most.

Apple Martin’s Debutante Drama: The Real Story Unveiled

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It was supposed to be the chicest moment of the year for young elites. The Le Bal des Débutantes ball in Paris, celebrated for its opulence and exclusivity, was once again the stage for daughters of the rich and famous debuting into society. Among the glittering attendees was none other than Apple Martin, the 20-year-old daughter of Hollywood A-lister Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

But Apple’s debut stirred more controversy than admiration, with footage of her behavior at the event dividing opinions online. While some labeled her as “obnoxious and entitled,” others praised her as playful and relatable. What really happened, and why has Apple Martin’s debutante moment sparked such fierce debate?

The Incident That Launched a Thousand Comments

The drama unfolded in a now-viral TikTok video from the gala. Apple Martin, dressed in a stunning custom Valentino gown, appeared in a fellow debutante’s photo opportunity, inadvertently stealing the spotlight.
The clip shows an unidentified debutante in a black gown posing for her moment in front of the camera. Just as she flashes a poised smile, Apple swoops into the frame, confidently strutting to take her own place in the photographer’s lens. Caught off-guard, the debutante glances back at Apple before stepping aside.
The moment didn’t end there. Apple struck a commanding pose, hands on her hips, seemingly unfazed by the interruption. The professional photographer eventually asked her to make room for the next girl in line.
While the black-dressed debutante laughed off the moment in camaraderie, the internet wasn’t so forgiving.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter, Apple Martin, was criticized after stealing another girl’s spotlight at the Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris.
Gwyneth Paltrow/Instagram
The video posted to TikTok showed the 20-year-old rush in front of a fellow debutante who was having her photo taken.
Gwyneth Paltrow/Instagram

“She’s Giving Regina George”

The internet exploded with comments dissecting Apple’s actions. Critics were quick to point out what they saw as displays of privilege.
“She just came and stole that other girl’s thunder … ok,” one user commented under the video.
Another person chimed in, “The girl in black was literally posing when Apple took over,” adding, “It’s giving Regina George,” in a nod to the iconic antagonist from Mean Girls.
Some even accused her of mocking the prestigious and overly formal process. “Apple’s walk is not it,” one user claimed. “She’s mocking the process,” another added.
The words “obnoxious” and “entitled” appeared across many comment threads, fueling debate about privilege and decorum at elite events like Le Bal.

“she just came and stole that other girl’s thunder … ok,” one person commented.
Corbis via Getty Images
How Obnoxious and entitled she is,” another wrote.
WireImage

But Not Everyone Was Outraged

While critics were sharpening their claws, a growing number of fans came to Apple’s defense. Many argued her behavior was misunderstood and that she was simply trying to make the best out of an overly rigid event.
“This made me like her. She has a sense of humor over the ridiculousness of this,” one supporter shared. Another fan echoed this sentiment adding, “She’s funny.”
Supporters suggested that the entire “storm in a teacup” was blown out of proportion. “I think she was being silly and having fun,” a defender wrote.

What Really Happened at Le Bal?

For Apple, the glitzy event was meant to be an empowering milestone, much like it has been for many before her. On Saturday, the college junior dressed to the nines in a stunning blue Valentino gown, subtly evoking old Hollywood glamor with her custom sandals and sleek hairstyle.
Apple Martin’s appearance had been highly anticipated in celebrity gossip circles. After all, being the daughter of two international superstars means the spotlight naturally gravitates toward you—even if you don’t go looking for it.
Apple has largely stayed out of the public eye, stepping into the limelight only occasionally for high-profile modeling moments or select events. But being at Le Bal—one of the world’s most exclusive society balls—meant she would be scrutinized under an unforgiving lens.

Others suggested that Apple was just having fun.
Neil Rasmus/BFA.com / Shutterstock

Privilege or Playfulness?
The controversy raises larger questions about how we perceive the children of celebrities. Underneath the privileged sheen of events like Le Bal lies an undercurrent of pressure for young women like Apple. Whether passersby brand her as entitled or charming, such moments remind us of the weight of public judgment on celebrity offspring.
Critics argue that such high-society events demand respect for tradition and decorum, and that Apple’s move undermined both. However, fans see this as a refreshing reminder that these young women aren’t just perfectly poised debutantes—they’re also playful 20-somethings navigating the expectations of elite life.
Whatever her intentions, one thing is certain—Apple Martin’s confident stride into that photo frame has cemented her debut into society, just not in the way anyone anticipated.

Paltrow shares the college junior with ex Chris Martin.
Gwyneth Paltrow/Instagram


A Night at Le Bal

For those wondering, Le Bal des Débutantes has always symbolized grandeur. The night sees 20 to 25 young women from notable families formally introduced into high society in dazzling couture. It’s as much about tradition as it is about exclusivity, with press coverage shining a light on fashion, family legacies, and philanthropy.
Apple Martin’s appearance drew attention not just to herself, but also to the intricacies of being a modern debutante. Her boldness—intentional or not—has certainly left its mark in Le Bal’s history.

The “Iron Man” actress and the Coldplay frontman attended the ball to support Apple.

A Divided Internet
Apple Martin’s appearance at Le Bal might have stirred some controversy, but it certainly put her on the map. Whether the moment is remembered as playful fun or as an example of tone-deaf privilege will ultimately be up to the viewers.
What’s your take on the moment? Was Apple being a “Regina George,” or did she win you over with her humor? Share your thoughts—we’re all ears.

The exes also share son Moses.
gwynethpaltrow/Instagram

Jocelyn Wildenstein, known as “Catwoman,” posted a photo to show she’s never had plastic surgery.

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“Catwoman” Jocelyn Wildenstein shared a photo claiming she’s never had plastic surgery.

Swiss socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein, 82, is famous for her “cat-like” look and her divorce from billionaire Alec Wildenstein. She has 1.1 million Instagram followers, sharing throwback photos, her lavish lifestyle, and youthful selfies.

Now, Wildenstein is using Instagram to respond to claims that she’s had plastic surgery.

You can read more about the “Catwoman” den in Trump World Tower that was sold for $2 million below.

To address the rumors about her having cosmetic surgery, the 82-year-old posted a photo of herself from when she was 15 and taking ballet classes in Switzerland.

In a caption that she later deleted, she wrote: “Tbt [throwback Thursday], that’s me, Jocelyn Wildenstein, at ballet classes in Switzerland at 15 years old – so maybe you should stop speculating about my appearance.”

“Stop editing my photos because you’re all wrong.

“Stop posting fake images of me. You’ll see the real me soon on screen.”

This isn’t the first time Wildenstein has denied rumors about having surgery.

She also spoke to DailyMailTV, saying: “No, especially when I look at my old pictures. I think I was probably more beautiful back then. When we’re young, we lose some of that freshness over time. But I still have the same eyes, high cheekbones, and nose. I think I was prettier.”

Wildenstein has said that her ex-husband started the rumors about her having plastic surgery.

They divorced in 1999, which led to a huge $2.5 billion settlement.

In an interview with Paper Magazine, she was asked, along with her fiancé and fashion designer Lloyd Klein, about being an “early adopter” of cosmetic surgery.

‘Catwoman’ Jocelyn Wildenstein has shared a photo to prove she’s never had plastic surgery. Credit: @jocelynewildenstein/Instagram

This makes her respond: “We talk a lot about plastic surgery because of my husband and the divorce.”

Klein then says: “Basically, he made up the whole story that Jocelyn had a lot of surgery and changed a lot. He blamed that for the divorce.”

While showing the interviewer old photos of herself, she explains: “If you look at a photo of my mother, she has the same eye shape as mine.”

The internet is stunned by what a woman did with a thrifted nightgown, leaving people saying, “My jaw dropped!”

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A woman wowed the internet by turning an old nightdress into a trendy outfit. Indira Viswanathan, 23, from Australia, started sewing in high school and now runs her own fashion brand, Ivy By India. On her TikTok, @indoodle, she shares her creations and takes custom orders. Her popular series, Thrift Flip Thursday, shows her transforming “ugly” thrift finds into stylish pieces, like one video that got 124,000 likes!

Indira started with a white, old-fashioned nightdress that was flowy and knee-length with a high collar. She transformed it into a stunning two-piece outfit—a flowing skirt and a fitted strappy top. TikTok users were amazed, with one writing, “WHEN I TELL YOU MY JAW DROPPED.” Others called her “magic” and “so talented.”

One user said, “The way I gasped,” while another joked, “What kind of sorcery is this?”

@indoodlecottage core vibes this week n im lovin it

♬ original sound – indira viswanathan

Indira Viswanathan picked up an “ugly” nightdress in a thrift store. She used her sewing skills to transform it into an incredible outfit. TikTok @indoodle

Viswanathan told Newsweek that she was studying fashion in Melbourne when the Covid-19 pandemic started. During lockdown, she was home alone with nothing to do except sew, so she spent all day working on her sewing machine. She then started her online brand, first focusing on swimwear. Once the pandemic eased, she began selling a variety of clothes at market stalls.

In 2023, Viswanathan moved to Paris to take a business fashion course, while still sewing every day in her small Paris apartment. She felt inspired by the thrift stores she discovered in Paris and across Europe. Passionate about sustainable fashion, she came up with the Thrift Flip Thursday idea after finding thrifted pieces that could be transformed with some changes. She started sharing her thrift flips and sewing creations on TikTok in 2021 and is thrilled that people love her content.

“It really makes me happy to see people excited about my thrift flips and even inspiring others to try sewing too.”

Viswanathan found her talent for sewing thrift flipping as a student. She now sells her products at marketplaces and has amassed a large online following. TikTok @indoodle

The global market for resale clothing has grown a lot recently, with more people interested in thrift shopping and using online platforms like Vinted and Depop. In 2020, the market was valued at $20 billion, according to Statista. Right now, Viswanathan is focused on growing her clothing brand by using repurposed clothes, but she admits that scaling this up is challenging.

“I believe this is an important, sustainable way to approach the fashion industry, and my goal is to keep thrift flipping and find a way to include it in my business.”

She also said, “It’s a really important message to share, encouraging people to move away from…”

Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes says she “doesn’t have much time left.”

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Beloved Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes shared that she doesn’t have much time left.

At 83, Miriam Margolyes has had a successful career, starring in family favorites like Babe and Flushed Away, as well as prestigious roles in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet and theater productions.

In a recent interview, the beloved actress shared sad news about her health, leaving fans heartbroken.

“She’s a legend and such a wonderful person. She’ll be deeply missed,” one fan wrote.

Another wrote: “She’s amazing, always fighting for justice and inclusion. We’re losing one of the good ones, but her warmth and wisdom will live on. I’ll miss her.”

“Surely the Wizarding World can save her!” another fan said.

Miriam Margolyes has revealed that she ‘doesn’t have long left to live.’ Credit: Alamy

In 2002, Margolyes was awarded an OBE for her work in drama.

Miriam Margolyes won a BAFTA for The Age of Innocence and Best Supporting Actress at the LA Critics Circle Awards for Little Dorrit.

Earlier this year, she said, “I love making people laugh. I’ve done that all my life.”

Many know her as Professor Sprout from Harry Potter. She stirred controversy this year by saying adult fans of the series should “grow up” and “get over it,” sparking a big debate with her bold, outspoken comments.

“I do Cameos (personalized video messages), and people tell me they’re having a Harry Potter-themed wedding. I think, ‘Oh no, what’s their wedding night going to be like?’ I can’t even imagine,” she joked in an interview with New Zealand’s 1News. “Harry Potter is wonderful, and I’m very grateful for it, but for me, it’s over.”

Miriam Margolyes played Professor Sprout in the iconic Harry Potter movie franchise. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Last year, Margolyes shared that she had heart surgery.

In an interview on the Table Manners podcast, she explained more, saying, “I have a cow’s heart now. Well, not the whole heart, but I had my aortic valve replaced with a cow’s valve.”

“I’m not sure how common it is. I’d never heard of that surgery before. But it avoids open-heart surgery, which is much more invasive,” she explained.

According to Mayo Clinic, TAVR is a procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that doesn’t open fully. During TAVR, doctors replace the damaged valve with one made from cow or pig heart tissue.

Margolyes also has spinal stenosis, which happens when the space inside the spine is too narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Despite her health issues, the Call The Midwife star says she plans to keep working.

She told Radio Times, “I’m worried I won’t have enough money for carers when I eventually get paralyzed or whatever happens. I’m saving money to pay for people to take care of me and my partner.”

Last year, Miriam Margolyes revealed she had undergone heart surgery. Credit: Miriam Margolyes via Facebook

For the first time in 12 years, despite her recent heart surgery and spinal condition, Margolyes will perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest performing arts festival. She will bring to life some of the most colorful and iconic characters from Charles Dickens’ novels.

However, in a recent interview with The Telegraph, she talked about how her health issues are affecting her acting career.

Margolyes said, “I long to play roles that don’t involve wheelchairs, but I’m just not strong enough.” She shared that her health problems are “limiting and depressing.”

The actress admitted that she feels like her life is coming to an end.

“When you know you don’t have much time left – and I probably won’t live more than five or six more years, maybe less – I’m sad to leave performing behind. It brings me so much joy,” she said.

Forty-three monkeys are on the loose in a South Carolina town after escaping from a research lab.

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Residents are “strongly” advised to keep doors and windows securely closed.

At least 43 monkeys got loose on Thursday in a South Carolina town. Authorities warned residents to keep their doors and windows locked after the animals escaped from a research lab.

“So far, none have been caught,” the Yemassee Police Department posted on Facebook.

Forty-three rhesus macaque monkey escaped from the Alpha Genesis research lab Castle Hall Road in Yemassee, South Carolina, Nov. 07, 2024.
Yemassee Police Department

Traps are being set around the Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center in Yemassee after a group of Rhesus Macaque monkeys escaped around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Yemassee police officers are using thermal cameras to help find the monkeys, which can grow up to 21 inches tall and weigh 17 pounds.

The sheriff’s office advised residents to keep doors and windows locked so the monkeys don’t get into homes. They also asked people to call 911 right away if they see any of the animals and to avoid approaching them.

Police are working with the staff at the research center to find the monkeys and said there’s no health risk from these animals.

Alpha Genesis couldn’t be reached for comment, but their website says they provide primate products and research services globally, including blood and tissue samples.

“Embarrassing to See”: Heartwarming Photos of David Beckham with Daughter Harper Spark Big Debate

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David and Victoria Beckham are known for being very close with their four kids. Their oldest son, Brooklyn, is 25, and their youngest, Harper, is 12. But sometimes, the things David and Harper do together stir up a lot of talk. Recently, the two were seen out together, and it got a lot of people talking online.

© davidbeckham / Instagram

Over the weekend, David Beckham shared a sweet moment with his daughter, Harper, at a soccer game in Miami, Florida. While they clearly have a strong bond, some people had questions about how close they seemed during the event.

Rebecca Blackwell/Associated Press/East News

David Beckham, now 49 and a co-owner of the team, was hoping for some good luck at the MLS game while watching with his 12-year-old daughter, Harper. But the game ended in a tie, so they didn’t get the win he wanted.

Even so, David and Harper looked happy and relaxed. Photos showed them smiling and enjoying their time together.

CHRIS ARJOON/AFP/East News, CHRIS ARJOON/AFP/East News

This girl was the 4th of 12 children in a poor family living in the mountains without electricity. Today, she’s a famous singer.

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Her story began in the Great Smoky Mountains, where a family of 14 lived without modern comforts. With no electricity or running water, life was hard, but they managed by relying on each other and their strong faith. The parents, who married as teenagers, raised their twelve kids in a small, two-room wooden house.

Her story began in the Great Smoky Mountains, where a family of 14 lived without modern comforts. With no electricity or running water, life was hard, but they managed by relying on each other and their strong faith. The parents, who married as teenagers, raised their twelve children in a small, two-room wooden house.

By their mid-thirties, they had six boys and six girls, making for a lively, noisy household. In this busy home, filled with music and shared chores, the kids learned to make the most of what they had. But how did they handle daily life and stay positive despite the tough times?

She learned to be strong and creative from a young age. As the fourth of twelve kids, she grew up in a simple log cabin on the edge of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. The family’s home had no electricity or plumbing, and when she was born, her dad paid the doctor with a sack of cornmeal.

“I’ve always joked that I’ve been raking in the dough ever since,” she said. Life in their small two-room cabin was crowded and loud. The twelve siblings shared beds, with newspapers on the walls to keep out the cold. Their mom sewed their clothes from scraps, and store-bought toys were a luxury they couldn’t afford. So, the kids made up games and played outside.