Month: August 2024

Perched majestically atop the rugged cliffs at the northern edge of the Mizen Peninsula, Dunlough Castle, also known as Three Castle Head, commands a striking view over the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean in southwestern Ireland. Founded in 1207 by Donagh O’Mahony, it is one of Ireland’s oldest fortresses, showcasing the enduring legacy of Norman architecture and dry stone masonry. The history of the castle is rich. When the first Norman settlers arrived in Ireland in 1169, the O’Mahonys, though in decline, still held considerable power as the princes of Eóganacht Raithlind, stretching from Cork westward to Mizen Head. Their influence… CONTINUE READING…

Among the rolling green fields of Dorset, England, lies a set of terraced, ascending circles known as the Badbury Rings. The raised land isn’t the site of some strange space landing, but the product of an Iron Age hill fort, earning the status of scheduled ancient monument. For centuries, the Badbury Rings were held on private land and withheld from archaeological investigation. In 1982, the National Trust took over ownership of the estate. A decade later, the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England began inspections of the site. They found 28 potential hut sites within the ramparts, showing signs of civilization within the rings…. CONTINUE READING…

This 500-year-old stepwell descends seven levels deep into the ground.  Just off a main road, nestled among unassuming small businesses, the Sevasi Vav, or stepwell, might be missed if you are not looking for it. This stepwell dates from the mid-15th century and is located just a few miles from Vadodara city’s center.  Historically, Indian stepwells served multiple purposes. The wells were dug deep, several stories into the ground, to access fresh groundwater. In addition, the wells filled up many levels when the region was inundated with rain during the monsoon season. This was critical, particularly in the arid regions of… CONTINUE READING…

Kathie Lee Gifford was hospitalized due to a fall while recovering from her recent hip replacement surgery, she tells PEOPLE exclusively. The former Today co-host, 70, says she suffered a fractured pelvis in two places and was hospitalized for over a week for physical therapy. Gifford says she “moved 300 books by myself” during book signings in Nashville. “I weakened my body,” she says. “It’s my own fault.” The next day, one of Gifford’s friends came by to pick her up. She hurried to the door and “just tripped,” Gifford says. “It didn’t take much, because I was weak in that spot,”… CONTINUE READING…

The scent of lavender and sunshine hung heavy in the air as I nervously fiddled with the silver locket around my neck. Peter, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a smile, held my hand, the warmth a stark contrast to the chill of the nursing home hallway. “Evelyn, are you ready?” he asked, his voice a comforting rumble…. At 75, I never thought I’d find love again, let alone stand here, my heart pounding like a hummingbird’s wings, about to accept Peter’s proposal. My life had been a tapestry woven with loneliness, a failed marriage that dissolved into resentment,… CONTINUE READING…

FORT BELVOIR, Va. – Staff Sgt. Bryan McQueen was nearing the end of his tour in Afghanistan with the 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade on Sept. 3, 2018. He, his fellow soldiers and nearly 50 Afghans were headed to a security meeting, as routine as any other daily assignment. Machine gun fire erupted. McQueen felt what he could later only describe as a horse kick to the back of his head and he fell flat to the ground, landing on his face. But in seconds he was on his feet with a simple question. “Did these (expletive deleted) really just shoot me in the head?”… CONTINUE READING…

In Willowbrook, a remarkable couple, Mr. James Jones (100) and Mrs. Margaret Jones (93), are celebrating 73 years of marriage, a testament to enduring love and commitment. A Love Story for the Ages James and Margaret met in the early 1940s at a local dance hall. Their connection was immediate, leading to a wedding in 1951. Together, they built a life filled with love, raising three children and becoming beloved members of their community. The Secret to Their Long-Lasting Marriage When asked about their secret, James shared, “Respect, communication, and never going to bed angry.” Margaret added, “And laughter. We’ve… CONTINUE READING…

Losing a coworker who you spent several years with can be especially heartbreaking. Mark Harmon and David McCallum spent several years together working on NCIS. The news of David McCallum’s death has, of course, impacted the actor immensely, and he broke his silence and said some words about it. Keep reading to learn what Harmon said of his beloved former co-star. He made a home in the hearts of every fan who watched the show. McCallum’s death was confirmed to Fox News earlier this week in a statement that revealed he passed away of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital. “David… CONTINUE READING…

SAINT-DENIS, France – Noah Lyles won the Olympic 100 meters by .005 seconds Sunday, waiting some 30 seconds after the finish of an excruciatingly close sprint to find out he’d edged out Kishane Thompson of Jamaica. The world “Photo” popped up on the scoreboard after Lyles and Thompson dashed to the line. Lyles paced the track with his hands draped over his head. Finally, the numbers came up. Lyles won in 9.784 seconds to edge out the Jamaican by five-thousandths of a tick of the clock. Noah Lyles: 100m semifinal photo finish Noah Lyles finished behind Jamaica’s Oblique Seville in the semifinal of… CONTINUE READING…

Last Thursday evening, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her first unscripted comment, to which many have labeled the meandering and confusing statement an “unmitigated word salad.”  In her statement, she clearly attempts to convey that Biden is a diplomatic president with strong character, but expresses that in a very roundabout way. Over the past few years, Harris has received substantial criticism for speaking in a “word salad” manner.  While the vice presidency is mostly a ceremonial job, her ability to communicate effectively has come under enhanced scrutiny given the prospect of her representing the United States as the commander-in-chief both… CONTINUE READING…