The Evolution of Ireland
It has been fascinating to live in and watch the evolution of Ireland over the past few years. The country as a whole has been religiously conservative since Saint Patrick’s brought Catholicism to Ireland in 431 AD. Yet, in a very short time, the country…
A Brief History of Auschwitz
Auschwitz located in Poland was the largest of the Nazi concentration camps. And is known all over the world as a symbol of terror and genocide. Estimates are that over 1 million people died in the camp between it’s opening in 1940 to 1945. Approximately…
History of Triumph Motorcycles
Besides Norton and BSA, Triumph is probably one of the most recognized names when it comes to British motorcycle manufacturers. Popular among the café racers of the 50’s and 60’s, the company is also well knows for oil leaks, vibrations, and electronic problems with its…
A Brief History of Ariel Motorcycles
Founded by James Starley and William Hillman in 1870, Ariel was a British motorcycle manufacturer based in Bournbrook, Birmingham. The companies name came from the character Ariel, “spirit of the air” from William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Ariel was eventually sold to The BSA Motorcycle…
A Brief History of Scotch Whisky
It is estimated that Scotland has been making whisky since the 5th century, and is often regarded as the home of whisky, although it is believed to have been introduced to Scotland by the Irish. Throughout the world whisky or whiskey is made in many…
Who Was Mary Shelley?
Mary Shelly is most famous for her novel Frankenstein, a novel she wrote after a discussion with some friends, on a camping trip, about ghost stories. Yet most of her fame didn’t come until after her death, with her life primarily being overshadowed by that…
History of the BSA Motorcycle Company
Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) started in 1861, originally produced guns and bicycles before manufacturing its first bike with an engine in 1905 and its first official motorcycle in 1910. With motorcycles like the Gold Star and Rocket Three, the companies’ bikes were popular among…
Who Was Frank Buckles?
Frank Buckles was born on a Missouri farm in 1901, and at the age of 16 he enlisted in the Army to drive an ambulance in France during World War One. He spent the majority of the Second World War in a Japanese prison camp,…
The Size of Auschwitz
I consider myself pretty knowledgeable on WWII history and was well prepared for my visit to Auschwitz. Even knowing that the camp was very large, I was still overwhelmed at the size of the camp. These photographs are from Auschwitz II. The second of…
Why Do We Have Daylight Savings Time
Spring forward and fall back. From childhood, we learn this and are told a story that it has to do with farmers needing more light. This same story we continue to repeat into adulthood. But what is the real story of this antiquated law? Where…
