Author: sg4vo

The imposing ruins of this once-mighty castle cling to the rocky cliffs of Caithness, at the southeastern end of Sinclair Bay, near Noss Head. Much of the castle’s history is shrouded in mystery, but our best guess is that it was begun in the late 14th century by the Sinclair’s, Earls of Orkney and later to become Earls of Caithness. The tower house HISTORY Very little remains of the 14th-century castle beyond a few foundation walls. By the middle of the 15th century, the Sinclairs began to expand their original fortress, and expansion continued for the next 200 years, until… CONTINUE READING…

The Story of Lucca, the Retired Military DogLucca, a brave U.S. Marine Corps dog, served her country with distinction and saved countless lives during her military career. Her story is one of loyalty, courage, and the special bond between a military dog and her handler. Background: Lucca was a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix, trained as a specialized search dog. She began her service in the Marine Corps at the age of two and quickly proved herself to be an invaluable asset in combat zones. Military Service: Lucca served two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan over a six-year career…. CONTINUE READING…

The Story of Army Specialist Vanessa GuillénOne of the most heart-wrenching stories in recent memory is that of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén, whose tragic death brought national attention to issues of sexual harassment and violence within the military. Background: Vanessa Guillén was a 20-year-old soldier stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. She was a dedicated and passionate service member who had dreams of advancing her career in the Army. Vanessa was known for her bright spirit and commitment to her duties. The Disappearance: On April 22, 2020, Vanessa was reported missing. Her disappearance raised alarm among her family and fellow… CONTINUE READING…

St Conan’s Kirk is an extraordinary early 20th-century church on the shore of Loch Awe, built by Walter Douglas Campbell, brother of the 1st Lord Blythswood, and incorporating fragments of carving from Iona. In the 1870s a new railway line was built along the north shore of Loch Awe, linking Dalmally and Taynuilt. Douglas Campbell took advantage of easy access to the loch to purchase the island of Innischonan and build a mansion for himself, his mother, and his sister Helen. Tradition suggests that Campbell’s mother found the carriage ride to Dalmally church too taxing, so Campbell decided to build… CONTINUE READING…

In the annals of laundry history, the Maytag washer with rollers stands as a testament to a bygone era, where washing clothes was more than a chore—it was an art form requiring patience, perseverance, and perhaps a touch of mechanical finesse. Introduced during a time when technology was making tentative strides into the domestic sphere, these washers were a marvel of their time, albeit with quirks that tested the mettle of even the most dedicated homemaker. Imagine a time before the convenience of push-button appliances, where washing was a ritualistic affair, demanding both physical exertion and intimate knowledge of the… CONTINUE READING…

As parents, we try to teach our kids to distinguish between good and wrong, but we frequently fall short for a variety of reasons. One father discovered that his daughter had been picking on a student with cancer at school. As parents, we try to teach our kids to distinguish between good and wrong, but we frequently fall short for a variety of reasons. One father discovered that his daughter had been picking on a student with cancer at school. The father eventually removed the post after receiving criticism for how he handled his bully daughter. “My ex-wife and I… CONTINUE READING…

A Glimpse into History The glass fuse, with its transparent casing and intricate inner workings, may seem like an artifact from a bygone era, but its story is one of innovation and practicality. Developed in the early 20th century, these fuses were a crucial component in protecting electrical circuits from overcurrent conditions. Their glass bodies allowed for quick visual inspection, revealing whether the thin wire inside had melted—a clear sign that the fuse had performed its duty by interrupting the flow of electricity. How They Work At first glance, a glass fuse might appear simple, but its design is both… CONTINUE READING…