Kindness often has a way of circling back, even when it’s least expected. For one elderly teacher, a simple decision to help a struggling boy on a freezing winter day set off a chain of events that would come to light years later.

The snow fell in soft, steady flakes, blanketing the streets in white and muffling the usual sounds of the bustling city.

Inside a small, warm diner, Mr. Harrison, a retired teacher with kind eyes and a head full of thinning gray hair, sat by the window. A steaming cup of coffee sat on the table beside his well-worn copy of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Mr. Harrison turned a page, glancing up every so often to watch people hurry past the window.

He liked this spot. It was quiet, warm, and familiar. He noticed the diner’s door swing open with a sharp jingle. A boy stepped in, shivering and stamping his feet, trying to shake off the cold.

The boy couldn’t have been more than 13. He wore a thin, oversized jacket, the kind that might have been passed down a few times too many, and shoes that looked two sizes too big. His cheeks were red from the cold, and his dark hair stuck to his forehead, wet with melting snow.

Mr. Harrison lowered his book slightly, his eyes narrowing in quiet observation.

The boy lingered near the door for a moment before spotting the vending machine in the corner. He walked toward it slowly, his steps hesitant, and reached into his pockets. After fumbling, he pulled out a handful of coins and counted them.

It wasn’t enough. The boy’s shoulders slumped, and he looked around nervously.

Mr. Harrison folded his book and set it down. He took a sip of his coffee, watching the boy carefully.

“Excuse me, young man,” he called out gently.

The boy froze and looked over, his face a mix of suspicion and embarrassment. “Yes?”

“Why don’t you come sit with me for a bit? I could use some company,” Mr. Harrison said with a warm smile.

The boy hesitated, shifting on his feet. “I’m not… I’m just…” He glanced back at the vending machine.

“It’s alright,” Mr. Harrison said. His tone was kind but firm. “It’s too cold to stand around, don’t you think? Come on. I don’t bite.”

After a moment, the boy nodded. Hunger and the promise of warmth outweighed his pride. He shuffled over to Mr. Harrison’s table, his hands stuffed deep into his jacket pockets.

“What’s your name?” Mr. Harrison asked once the boy sat down.

“Alex,” the boy mumbled, his eyes fixed on the table.

“Well, Alex, I’m Mr. Harrison,” he said, holding out a hand.

Alex hesitated before shaking it. His grip was small and cold.

“Now,” Mr. Harrison said, waving to the waitress, “how about some hot food? What do you like — soup, a sandwich, maybe both?”

“I don’t need—” Alex began, but Mr. Harrison raised a hand to stop him.

“No arguments, young man. It’s my treat,” Mr. Harrison said with a wink. “Besides, I could use the company.”

The waitress arrived, and Mr. Harrison ordered a bowl of chicken soup and a turkey sandwich. Alex stayed quiet, his hands tucked into his lap.

“So,” Mr. Harrison said once the food arrived, “what brings you here today, Alex?”

Alex shrugged, still avoiding eye contact. “Just… needed to get warm for a bit.”

Mr. Harrison nodded, giving the boy time.

As Alex ate, he began to relax. His movements were initially cautious, but soon, the steaming soup and warm sandwich seemed to melt some of his stiffness. Between bites, he told Mr. Harrison about his life.

“My mom works a lot,” Alex said, his voice barely above a whisper. “She’s got two jobs, so I’m on my own a lot after school.”

“Two jobs?” Mr. Harrison asked, his brow furrowing. “That must be tough for both of you.”

Alex nodded. “She’s doing her best, you know? But… sometimes it’s hard.”

Mr. Harrison leaned back in his chair, his eyes softening. “You remind me of one of my old students,” he said. “Smart, hardworking, full of potential. Just like you.”

Alex flushed and stared at his plate. “I’m not that smart,” he muttered.

“Don’t sell yourself short, young man,” Mr. Harrison said firmly. “A little help along the way can make all the difference. And one day, when you’re in a position to help someone else, promise me you’ll do the same.”

Alex glanced up at him, his eyes serious. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Mr. Harrison said, “kindness has a way of coming full circle. When someone helps you, you pass it on. Help someone else when they need it most.”

Alex didn’t reply right away. He looked down at his bowl, turning the words over in his mind.

The sound of the diner’s bell jingling again broke the moment, and Alex glanced at the door. Snow was still falling outside, and the world beyond the diner was cold and gray.

“Thank you,” Alex said softly, his voice almost lost in the hum of the diner.

Mr. Harrison smiled. “You’re welcome.”

The waitress returned to clear the plates, and Alex shifted in his seat. He seemed unsure of what to do next, his hands fidgeting with the hem of his jacket.

“You’re always welcome here, Alex,” Mr. Harrison said. “Now, don’t let that soup go to waste. It’s too good to leave behind.”

Alex smiled faintly for the first time. He picked up the last spoonful of soup and finished it. The warmth spread through him, not just from the food but from the kindness he’d found in a stranger’s generosity.

Years passed.

The knock at the door was unexpected. Mr. Harrison, now frail and moving with careful, deliberate steps, shuffled toward it. His small apartment was dimly lit, and the chill of winter seeped through the drafty windows. When he opened the door, his eyes widened in surprise.

Standing there was a young man in a tailored coat, his dark hair neatly combed. A large gift basket filled with fresh fruit, bread, and other treats was in his hands.

“Mr. Harrison,” the man said, his voice trembling slightly. “I don’t know if you remember me.”

For a moment, Mr. Harrison stared, his mind struggling to place the familiar face. Then his eyes lit up.

“Alex?” he asked, his voice breaking with disbelief.

Alex nodded, a wide smile spreading across his face. “Yes, sir. It’s me. Seven years later, but I couldn’t forget you.”

Mr. Harrison stepped back, motioning Alex inside. “Come in, come in! Look at you. You’re all grown up!”

Alex entered, setting the basket on the small kitchen counter. He looked around the modest and a bit cluttered apartment, with stacks of books and a worn recliner by the window.

“I found you through the diner,” Alex explained, taking off his coat. “I remembered your name, and the owner helped me track you down. It took a while, but I had to find you.”

Mr. Harrison chuckled softly, sinking into his chair. “Well, this is a surprise. I never thought I’d see you again, let alone like this.”

Alex sat across from him, his expression earnest. “I’ve been wanting to thank you for a long time. That day, you didn’t just buy me a meal. You made me feel like I mattered, like someone believed in me. It changed everything.”

Mr. Harrison tilted his head, his curiosity evident. “Changed everything? How so?”

Alex leaned forward, his voice thick with emotion. “That night, I told my mom about you. She cried. She said if a stranger could see something in me, maybe she could believe in a better future too.”

“We started working harder, together. I studied like crazy, got scholarships, and graduated college. Now I’ve got a good job, and I can finally do what you told me to — pass it on.”

Mr. Harrison’s eyes glistened, and he cleared his throat. “I’m proud of you, Alex. You’ve done well.”

Alex reached for the gift basket. “This is just the start. I’m here to help, Mr. Harrison. Whatever you need — groceries, fixing things around here, or just company. You gave me so much with that one meal. Let me repay you.”

Mr. Harrison’s laugh was soft but warm. “Repay me? You’ve already repaid me, Alex, just by being here.”

Over the following weeks, Alex became a regular visitor. He brought fresh groceries, helped with repairs around the apartment, and stayed for long conversations over cups of tea.

“You don’t have to keep coming by, you know,” Mr. Harrison said one afternoon, though his tone betrayed how much he enjoyed Alex’s presence.

“I want to,” Alex replied. “It’s not just about repaying kindness. You’re family now.”

Under Alex’s care, Mr. Harrison began to change. His once-dim apartment felt brighter, filled with laughter and the smell of freshly baked bread Alex brought. His health didn’t improve drastically, but his spirits lifted.

“You’ve got a way of making an old man feel young again,” Mr. Harrison joked one day.

Alex grinned. “You’ve got a way of making a grown man feel like a kid again.”

Mr. Harrison often reflected on how a simple act had rippled through time to bring this joy into his life. He saw in Alex the proof that kindness could grow into something far greater than he had ever imagined.

One snowy afternoon, Mr. Harrison handed Alex an envelope.

“What’s this?” Alex asked, turning it over.

“Open it,” Mr. Harrison said with a twinkle in his eye.

Inside was a tattered check, yellowed with age. The amount was small, written for the cost of the meal they had shared all those years ago.

Alex looked up, confused.

“I saved it as a reminder,” Mr. Harrison explained. “A reminder of the promise you made. And Alex, you’ve repaid me a thousand times over. Now it’s your turn to keep passing it on.”

Alex’s throat tightened, and he blinked back tears. “Mr. Harrison… I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll keep the promise,” Mr. Harrison said, his voice soft.

Alex smiled through his tears. “I will. I promise.”

The prince has explicitly addressed rumors that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are divorcing.

The 40-year-old Duke of Sussex revealed why he and the 43-year-old Duchess are attending professional events apart.

Harry attended The New York Times’ 2024 DealBook Summit in New York City on Wednesday, December 4, while Markle was at the Paley Honors dinner in Beverly Hills.

During the event, NYT journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin asked Harry: “I Google News-ed you, and there were people fascinated by everything you’re doing, all the time.”

“They’re fascinated by Meghan, who is in California right now, and you’re here.”

“And there’s articles left and right about, you know, ‘Why are you making independent events? Why aren’t you doing them together?’”

Harry quipped: “Because you invited me, you should have known!”

“True,” Sorkin replied, “Is that normal for you?

“The second there’s an article — she’s in California, you’re in New York — they say, ‘Well, what is happening with these two, right?’ Is that a beneficial thing for you, in a way, that there’s so much interest in you?”

The Duke then admitted, “No, that’s definitely not a good thing.”

“Apparently we’ve bought or moved house 10, 12 times.”

“We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it’s just like, what?”

“It’s challenging to keep up with, but that’s why you just sort of ignore it. The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls.”

“Their hopes are just built and built, and it’s like, ‘Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,’ and then it doesn’t happen.”

“So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do.”

Harry added, “I’ve had a lived experience since I was a kid,” in addition to reflecting on his tumultuous relationship with the media.

“I’ve seen stories written about myself that aren’t exactly based on reality.”

“I’ve seen stories about members of my family, friends, strangers, all sorts of people.”

“And I think when you grow up within that environment, you do find yourself questioning the validity of the information but also what other people are thinking of that as well, and how dangerous it can be over the course of time.”

Reports claim that before they ever met, a blind date set up Harry and Meghan in 2016.

After the couple married two years later and had two children together, Archie and Lilibet, the rest is history.

Please SHARE this story with your friends and family and let us know what you think in the comments!

The former “Food Network” star posted a mirror selfie to Instagram while discussing how difficult the past year has been.

In an underwear selfie, Valerie Bertinelli, who is embracing her body, proudly displayed her new form, while some admirers denounced it as indecent.

In the bathroom photo, the actress stood next to a sink and posed without makeup. She brought a box of hair dye up to the camera while wearing a black two-piece and having her hair down.

Bertinelli captioned the post, “At some point I will talk about the madness my body has been through this year. But right now every lump, bump, wrinkle and saggy part of me just feels acceptance and simple appreciation to be standing in front of a mirror in a hotel bathroom in downtown Manhattan, ready to color my roots late on a Monday night.”

Fans reacted to her revealing picture, with some calling the post unnecessary: “That’s great for you, but you don’t have to show everyone.” Other fans voiced their disapproval, “Have you lost your mind posting this photo. Get some therapy.”

A user who found the post excessively showy said, “She looks great but at some point in time you’ve got to stop being an attention seeker and just live your life.” Someone else bluntly asked, “Do you really think we want to see you in underwear and a bra?” No, we do not. Grow up.”

Another disappointed user exclaimed, “Really don’t need to see this. Why??? Good grief.” A harsher critic begged, “Oh, please. Have some dignity.” Meanwhile, a commenter completely disregarded the post, saying, “Who cares!? Put your clothes on.”

One more user felt that Valerie Bertinelli was craving validation, writing, “Honestly, you’re quite lovely and don’t need to post an underwear picture. If you’re posting for compliments, you’ll get them here, but why do you need them?”

Harsh opinions surfaced as well, with a user saying, “Why do we want to see an old lady wearing her pants online? Disgusting.[sic]” Another individual held a similar opinion, noting, “Agree, why at 60 some years old would you pose in your bra and underwear to the whole world. It’s very inappropriate, in my opinion.”

However, not everyone was critical. One fan praised her appearance, “Looking fabulous!!🔥❤️🔥🔥🔥.” Other fans applauded her boldness, “You look great! Thank you for sharing. You are definitely an inspiration to us all.🥰.” An admirer summed up the positivity, “Valerie you look fantastic! ♥️.”

Bertinelli has made significant progress in embracing her physical appearance. Even though she had a lovely physique, she had trouble accepting herself when she was younger and could only identify her ankles as a desirable feature. She now embraces her body and views aging-related issues like cellulite and drooping skin as a worthwhile accomplishment.

“This is what I have; I so love my brain and my body carries my brain. I so love my heart and this body is what carries my heart, so it’s aging; that’s what we all do; that’s all it’s doing,” she shared.

Bertinelli’s self-love journey led her to write her book “Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today,” which was released in 2022. While promoting her book, Bertinelli shared that she realized later in life how much growing up in the public eye, from childhood to adulthood, had influenced her. “It shaped who I thought I needed to be,” she explained.

The actress now acknowledges that she was mistaken to think she had to win over everyone. The entertainment industry had taught her that being overweight made one unlovable, but she has since discovered that this is untrue. Bertinelli’s current priorities include consciously embracing joy and achieving self-acceptance.

The public pressure Bertinelli faced to lose weight and the fatshaming she endured as a child initially made her angry. “I remember my fifth grade teacher patting me on the belly and saying, ‘You might want to keep an eye on that. That was the first time I became really aware of my body,” she recalled.

Additionally, when she starred as a teen in “One Day at a Time,” she got more comments about her body. “I was made to feel I could lose a few, like, let’s see if we can get you into a smaller size,” shared Bertinelli.

She eventually ceased being impacted by these statements, and she started to stop criticizing her weight personally after telling her therapist she no longer wanted to feel upset.

Bertinelli added that she no longer checks her weight as often and that she changed her attention from the scale’s reading. She instead uses the fit of her clothing, especially a pair of jeans, to measure her progress. She underlined that working on oneself rather than becoming fixated on numbers is the path to real progress.

Additionally, the 64-year-old finds inspiration in plus-size celebrities, whom she feels exude self-love and confidence. She thought about how these people are role models and wished they had been around to inspire her as a child. She conveyed her profound appreciation for their presence, emphasizing that what really shines through is their inner radiance, no matter how big or small.

In order to turn what might have been a negative aspect of her connection with food into a strength, Bertinelli has also worked to reframe it. Her mother and grandmother had used food as a symbol of affection, and it became her passion once more, especially once she started working on “Food Network.”

Bertinelli now understands that her heart, brains, and the generosity she extends to others are what truly define her value, not her physical appearance.

In addition to helping her exercise self-compassion, the actress hopes that by sharing her story, she will encourage others to be kinder to themselves. She wants to make a connection with someone who would benefit from hearing her message of acceptance of who they are.

Megyn Kelly, a well-known journalist famous for speaking her mind, recently shared her opinion on a topic that many parents are concerned about. She firmly believes that drag queens should not perform or be around children.

Megyn is known for her fearless approach to journalism and always stands by her views, no matter how controversial they may be. This time, her statement has sparked a lot of discussions, especially among parents who worry about what is appropriate for their kids.

Her strong stance on this issue has resonated with many people who feel the same way. However, there are others who disagree, believing that drag queens can be part of a fun and inclusive experience for everyone, including children.

This debate is ongoing, with passionate opinions on both sides. Megyn Kelly’s comments have added fuel to the conversation, and it’s clear that this topic isn’t going away anytime soon.

As a mother and someone who supports traditional American values, Megyn Kelly believes it’s important to protect the innocence of children. She feels that children should be kept safe from things that might harm their innocence. Kelly also thinks it’s important to stick to the values and principles that have made America strong over the years. For her, protecting kids and preserving these values go hand in hand.

Megyn Kelly’s statement speaks to the worries of many Americans who want to protect the purity of childhood. In a time when boundaries are often pushed, she reminds us how important it is to keep our children safe from influences that may not match the values many families care about.

Her words reflect the feelings of parents who believe kids should grow up in an environment that supports their growth in a positive and healthy way. Many agree with Kelly that protecting children’s innocence is an important responsibility.

Megyn Kelly’s strong opinion about keeping drag queens away from children has started an important conversation about protecting the innocence of kids. As a mother, Kelly understands how important it is to follow traditional American values and protect children from things that might be harmful to them.

In a world where rules and norms are constantly changing, it’s important to make sure kids grow up in a safe and caring environment. Many parents agree with Kelly’s concerns about making sure children are surrounded by positive influences.

As we deal with the challenges of modern parenting, we need to focus on the emotional and mental health of our kids. By teaching them values like strength, kindness, and honesty, we can help them grow into confident and caring people.

Join us in supporting the protection of childhood innocence and the traditional values that have made our country strong. Together, we can create a world where children can grow, thrive, and face life’s challenges with confidence. Stay tuned for more content that aims to help parents and caregivers on their journey to raising the next generation.

When Celine Dion stepped onto the stage of The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on March 25, 2003, no one could have predicted just how transformative her Las Vegas residency would become. With an initial deal worth $45 million for three years of performances, Dion’s residency, A New Day, wasn’t just another lucrative career move—it was the spark that reignited the heart of Las Vegas itself.

Before Dion’s arrival, the Las Vegas Strip was in need of a revival. Elvis Presley and the Rat Pack had long since left their marks, but by the early 2000s, the Strip’s glitter was beginning to fade. Dion, however, changed all that. Her decision to anchor herself in Las Vegas rather than continue traditional tours was met with skepticism. Many wondered if a pop star, at the peak of her career, could sustain a residency in what had historically been a destination for acts past their prime. Yet, Dion proved all the doubters wrong.

Her first run grossed over $400 million—more than both Elvis and the Rat Pack combined, a testament to her unmatched draw. More importantly, Dion’s success transcended the concert stage. By the time her residency hit full swing, it was clear that Las Vegas had been reborn. The local economy, fueled by Dion’s concerts, saw a resurgence, and tourism in the city skyrocketed. Hotels were booked, restaurants filled, and suddenly, Las Vegas was once again a hot destination for entertainment lovers from all over the world.

In 2011, Dion was credited with almost singlehandedly reinvigorating not only the economy of the Strip but also its cultural relevance in the world of entertainment. Her pioneering move paved the way for a long list of legendary and modern stars alike. Cher, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, and more followed suit, redefining what it meant to have a Las Vegas residency. Artists from diverse genres—ranging from rock bands like Aerosmith and Blink-182 to pop icons like Lady Gaga and modern performers like Cardi B and Adele—soon found themselves booking residencies in the entertainment capital of the world.

By the time Dion wrapped up her final residency in 2019, her Las Vegas tenure had generated a staggering $681 million in ticket sales, an unprecedented achievement. She had not only cemented her own legacy but also fundamentally changed the landscape of Las Vegas entertainment.

In the end, Celine Dion didn’t just perform in Las Vegas—she reshaped its future. Her groundbreaking residency will forever be remembered as a turning point for both the city and the music industry, setting a standard that future acts will strive to match for decades to come.

Annette Funicello became a single mom of three after divorcing her first husband. She married an ordinary rancher who became a homebound husband. He became her caregiver after Funicello was diagnosed with a disease soon after their wedding. He saved her from their burning house a few years before the condition took her life.

Annette Funicello spent her life in the spotlight. She was a teenage star that grabbed everyone’s attention. When she was 20, she caught the eye of Jack Gilardi, a Hollywood film agent. The two were soon married, and they had three kids together.

Funicello shared that Jack called her Dolly, just like her father used to. In her immaturity, she thought this was a good thing. The actress said that she still felt like a 16-year-old when they married. Her naivety led to Jack making all the decisions, and she allowed it to avoid conflict.

After 17 years with Jack, the marriage became stifling. The actress and the agent divorced out of court, and Anette ensured the kids had a good relationship with their father. She spent the next five years on her own, with a few men – that she didn’t describe as “eligible” – calling her up.

During this time, the actress spent her days focussing on her children. She drove carpools like an ordinary mother and worked at the school where she and her children graduated, St. Cyril’s, as often as she could.

Funicello said the divorce also taught her to be more self-assured. She never viewed herself as a docile individual and enjoyed speaking her mind and defending her opinions. After she and Jack split up, the Disney star learned to assert herself, even if she still hated conflict.

After her divorce, many of the men who called were already married. Funicello remembered that this shocked her because she often knew the men’s wives. But Funicello wasn’t looking for a new husband in any case. She related that she had always enjoyed being alone, and now she had the chance to find her feet on her own.

Trying to Find Love Again
After spending five years as a single mother, Anette decided to visit the Hollywood Park Racetrack, where she used to keep her horse. Here, she started chatting with an old acquaintance. Glen Holt also kept horses there, and he had known Funicello since she was 18 years old.

By the end of her life, Funicello was being cared for by her husband full-time.
Funicello said that she never wanted to marry an actor. In 1986, she tied the knot with the rancher. Holt was also divorced before he married Funicello, and he brought four children into the mix. With her three kids, the family was sizeable, and someone needed to look after the young ones.

Funicello enjoyed family life immensely and rarely did movies anymore. Instead, she helped out around the school and took care of the kids. But Holt was always ready if she needed a hand. He knew what he was getting into when they married and did his part with a smile.

Funicello started shooting “Back to the Beach” with Frankie Avalon in 1987. During this time, Holt took over at home and cared for the kids. Sometimes he would even bring one of the children to say hello to their mom on set.

The shooting of “Back to the Beach” was the first time the actress was separated from her husband for an extended period, so it was a slightly rough time. But, with Holt’s help, things went smoothly, and she could work without worrying about the household.

While filming with Avalon, Funicello realized she had trouble walking on the beach. She noticed her balance was off, and she felt unsteady on her feet. Finally, the ex-Mouseketeer went to a neurologist. The feedback wasn’t good.

A Debilitating Diagnosis
A year after Funicello and Holt married, the actress was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Life with this degenerative nerve disorder wasn’t easy. At first, the married couple decided to keep it quiet. Only their family and close friends knew.

Holt also told Avalon in secret. He was worried about his wife and wanted someone to look after her at work. Avalon and Funicello were also about to head out on a concert tour. Holt was there to help, but there was nothing he could do on stage. He remembered:

“I was afraid if she got too close to the edge of the stage, she might fall because she was becoming so unsteady on her feet.”

The two didn’t make the news of Funicello’s condition public for five years. They kept it quiet as her health deteriorated, and she became more unsteady on her feet. The media started to notice, and rumors of her intoxication started to spread. Holt shared:

“She knew then that it was time to go public with the diagnosis, and the story soon broke nationally in USA Today.”

Everyone was shocked by the news, and Funicello was flooded with well-wishes. But, as her condition grew worse, another tragedy struck. In 2011, a fire ravaged their home. Funicello was in a wheelchair by this time and was mostly helpless. Her faithful husband saw the fire first and knew he needed to get her out safely.

Throughout the years, Holt never left her and never faltered when she needed help. When he saw the fire, he didn’t even hesitate. He managed to get her out safely, but their home of 40 years burned down completely.

Funicello’s Last Years
By the end of her life, Funicello was being cared for by her husband full-time. She was surrounded by her many children and grandchildren and had her loving husband at her side. Holt never gave up on her. He made sure her needs were met until the end.

Besides caring for Funicello, Holt was also in charge of the non-profit organization started in Funicello’s honor, the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases. The organization focused on providing funding for research into neurological diseases. Holt commented:

“It’s so important to Annette that we provide grants for institutions and doctors who are working on promising new ways to treat, and hopefully cure, these terrible illnesses.”

Funicello passed away in 2013, leaving her husband, children, and grandchildren behind. After her death, Holt spent his time reading through medical research on multiple sclerosis for the research fund.

She hoped that the fund could help researchers in the field of neurological disorders find a cure for multiple sclerosis. The illness may have taken its toll, but she never gave in and never lost hope. She said:

“My equilibrium is no more; it’s just progressively getting worse. But I thank God I just didn’t wake up one morning and not be able to walk.”

Four years after Funicello passed away, Holt joined his wife. He passed away in 2018, surrounded by his loving family. The Annette Funicello Research Fund For Neurological Diseases thanked him for his years of service as Chairman.

Today, we celebrate the 79th birthday of the incomparable Bette Midler, born on December 1, 1945, in Honolulu, Hawaii. A multi-talented performer, Midler has made an indelible mark on the worlds of music, film, television, and theater.

Celine Dion, the legendary Canadian singer known for her powerful voice and unwavering determination, is now making waves not just in the music world but also in the world of cinema. Her deeply personal documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, has qualified for consideration in the prestigious 2025 Academy Awards for Best Documentary Feature. The film, which premiered in June 2024, has already garnered widespread acclaim for its raw and heartfelt portrayal of Dion’s life and career, and now it’s entering the race for one of the highest honors in filmmaking.

The documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of Celine Dion’s remarkable career, while also shedding light on her personal battle with Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare and debilitating neurological disorder. This condition has significantly impacted her ability to perform, causing painful muscle stiffness and spasms that have kept her off the stage for the past few years. Despite this, Dion continues to face her challenges head-on, sharing her vulnerability and strength with her fans in a way that has touched millions worldwide.

I Am: Celine Dion, directed by Irene Taylor, premiered in New York City before becoming available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The documentary not only delves into the highs of Dion’s illustrious career, including her iconic performances and chart-topping hits, but also explores her emotional journey as she grapples with the realities of living with SPS. In one of the most powerful moments of the film, Dion reveals how her mother’s mantra—“the show must go on”—has shaped her resilience, even when faced with overwhelming pain.

The documentary has been praised for its honesty and rawness, allowing fans and viewers to witness a side of Celine Dion that has rarely been seen before. Critics have highlighted how the film captures her strength, vulnerability, and deep love for her fans, with some even calling it the most honest portrayal of the artist’s life to date. The response has been overwhelming, and I Am: Celine Dion quickly became Amazon Prime Video’s all-time most popular documentary, a testament to the emotional connection it has forged with audiences around the globe.

Now, as the documentary enters the Oscar race, it joins a list of notable music documentaries vying for a chance at an Academy Award nomination. Alongside films about legends like Elton John, Brian Eno, and Pharrell Williams, Dion’s film stands out for its personal and intimate approach to storytelling. The Academy’s documentary branch will vote to determine the shortlist, which will be announced on December 17, 2024, with the final nominations coming in January 2025.

For Celine Dion, this documentary marks a new chapter in her extraordinary journey—one that celebrates her artistry, her resilience, and her ability to inspire even in the face of adversity. As fans continue to stream I Am: Celine Dion and follow her path to the Oscars, they’re reminded of the depth of her strength and the indelible mark she has made on both the music and film industries.

Celine Dion’s journey to the Oscars is just beginning, and fans can only hope this documentary will continue to shine a spotlight on her remarkable life and career.

As we look back on Tracey Bregman’s unforgettable journey on The Young and the Restless, we’re taken to iconic moments that defined her character and captivated audiences—moments of love, heartbreak, and resilience that showcased Tracey’s undeniable talent.

Join us in celebrating four decades of a legacy that has left an indelible mark on daytime television.

Let’s watch these memorable scenes together…