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 waned rapidly with the encroachment of the MacCarthy dynasty from Tipperary in the early 12th century, diminishing even more as the Normans established control over southern Ireland. Despite their rivalry and alliances with groups like the McCarthys and O’Briens, the O’Mahonys found themselves outmatched by the Normans who followed King Henry II’s initial invasion. In 1177, King Henry II of England bestowed “the kingdom of Cork” upon Cambro-Norman knights Robert Fitz-Stephen and Milo de Cogan. De Cogan, allocated lands in west Cork, embarked on a westward expansion towards the Atlantic, displacing local families from central Cork. In response, the O’Mahony… 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. They also dated virtually all the unearthed pottery to the late Iron Age. It is believed that the innermost ring may date back to as early as 500 B.C. Various tribes are said to have lived within the protected hill fort before Roman arrival. By the end of the Late Iron Age, the fort is thought to have been depopulated and speculated to have migrated to nearby towns like Vindocladia.  By the 5th to 6th century, the fort was revived by Bokerley Dyke to keep Saxons out of Dorset. Some historians speculate that Badbury Rings may have also been the site… 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 Western India, as it helped to offset water scarcity throughout the rest of the year. Stepwells naturally became places to gather, to seek rest and shade, and make religious offerings.  Sevasi Vav is a beautiful example of a stepwell, but it is not very well known. Unlike many stepwells that were built as part of large palace complexes, this stepwell simply served the local village. The name Sevasi translates roughly as “service,” the well was built in honor of a spiritual leader from the area. It is ornately carved along the walls and pillars of its interior. Small altars with colorful flowers encourage… 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,” Gifford tells PEOPLE. “And the next thing you know, I am back in the hospital with a fractured pelvis, the front and the back. That’s more painful than anything I went through with the hip. The pelvis is unbelievably painful. But anyway, here I am.” Gifford calls it a “humbling experience” and she chose to stay in the hospital for a full week because “I don’t trust myself.” “You think you know your body and the next thing you know, your body changes when you get older,” Gifford says. “And as much as I don’t wanna think about it, I am.”… 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, and a daughter, Sarah, who, consumed by her own life, drifted further and further away. Peter, a retired history professor with a twinkle in his eye and stories that stretched back decades, had become my beacon in the monotonous routine of the nursing home. He’d been my chess partner, my confidant, and the hand I reached for during those endless bingo nights. His proposal, a simple diamond ring nestled in a velvet box, was the most precious gift anyone had ever given me. “Yes, Peter,” I whispered, a tear slipping down my cheek. His gentle thumb brushed it away, his touch… 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?” he said. What he would learn a short time later was that two rogue Afghan police within the formation had planned an attack once the group reached a vulnerable choke point. One opened fire with a Russian PK machine gun while another aimed to take out as many soldiers as possible with his AK-47. Afghan soldiers captured the two attackers and they now face a trial for murder and attempted murder. The 7.62x54mmR round from the truck-mounted machine gun struck the back of McQueen’s helmet, shredding some of the materials but not penetrating the shell. This week that same helmet,… 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 always found reasons to laugh together.” A Joyous Celebration To honor this incredible milestone, the Jones family hosted a celebration at their home. Friends, relatives, and neighbors gathered to share in the joy, highlighting the couple’s impact on their lives. As the sun set, the couple sat on their porch swing, hand in hand. “Life has been a beautiful adventure,” James said, with Margaret nodding in agreement, her smile radiating warmth. A Legacy of Love Mr. and Mrs. Jones’ love story is an inspiration, reminding us all of the beauty of a lifelong partnership.

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 was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away,” the statement read. McCallum is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Katherine Carpenter, and his five children (from a prior marriage as well as from his marriage to Carpenter), as well as eight grandchildren. After the news of his death hit the public, tributes began rolling in. NCIS‘ current exec producers, Seven D. Binder and David North made… 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 the Olympic 100 meters Sunday but still advanced for a rematch in the gold-medal race later in the evening. Seville is now 2-0 this season against Lyles after finishing in 9.81 seconds, good for a .02-second margin over the American champion. Seville got off to a stronger start than Lyles, and the American made up ground over the last 40 meters but couldn’t completely close the gap. Lyles also lost his opening-round heat — to Britain’s Louie Hinchliffe on Saturday. Hinchliffe finished third in the semifinal and did not advance. (left to right) Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, Great Britain’s Louis Hinchliffe… 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 domestically and abroad. “This is just an extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and understands the strength that rests in understanding the significance of diplomacy,” Harris told reporters while standing next to President Joe Biden.  The Daily Caller uploaded the clip to X with the caption, “Kamala’s First Unscripted Comment Since Becoming Nominee Is Unmitigated Word Salad.”  The video generated a variety of different responses from users on the social media platform. One user claimed this was the first time Harris spoke in an unscripted engagement with the media, suggesting that even Joe… CONTINUE READING…