👑 Uncovering the Secrets of Scotland's Western King

We hope you had a great weekend. In Scotland, new research is shedding light on a previously forgotten medieval island castle, revealing the powerful lords of the Western Isles who once ruled as kings.

In New York City, a bold musical experiment surrounded listeners with the sound of 50 pianos, each tuned just a bit differently, creating an unforgettable wave of resonance.

And beneath the ocean’s surface, a nighttime dive has revealed remarkable teamwork between young fish and anemones, showcasing the hidden wonders of marine life.

🎧 P.S. Don’t miss today’s new episode of Good News To Go, your 5-minute boost of joy on the move.

—Stephanie S

For centuries, Scotland’s western isles were ruled by powerful lords who saw themselves as kings, equal to those in Edinburgh or London. Recent research has revealed that the island of Islay, specifically the islets of Loch Finlaggan, was the actual seat of this “Lordship of the Isles.”

Archaeological discoveries reveal a unique castle complex, featuring a large stone tower, chapel, and great hall, where these lords held court and hosted feasts. The site’s significance dates back to prehistoric and Viking times, but it was during the 12th and 13th centuries that a royal castle was established here.

These lords, ancestors of Clan MacDonald, commanded armies and negotiated with other monarchs as equals. Their legacy still resonates, with thousands tracing their roots to this remarkable lineage.

Three decades of research at Finlaggan are now helping historians gain a better understanding of Scotland’s forgotten western kingdom.

Drew Scanlon, known worldwide as the “Blinking Guy” meme, turned his viral fame into a force for good. Each year, he rides 120 miles to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, inspired by friends who have been affected by MS.

Through the popularity of his meme, Scanlon has raised $300,000 for MS research and support. He shares his journey and donation link on his rarely used social media, grateful for the outpouring of support.

Scanlon’s story is a reminder that even internet fame can spark real-world change, helping others live better lives.

A nighttime dive has revealed a fascinating partnership between young fish and sea anemones. Using blackwater photography, scientists observed juvenile fish carrying stinging anemones in their mouths, likely for protection from predators.

This behavior may benefit both creatures, as the anemones gain mobility while the fish gain defense. The discovery highlights the hidden wonders of marine life and the value of exploring the ocean at night.

Such teamwork between species reminds us how much there is still to learn about the natural world.

A groundbreaking concert in New York City surrounded audiences with 50 pianos, each tuned just slightly differently. The result was a mesmerizing soundscape called “11,000 Strings,” composed by Georg Friedrich Haas.

Inspired by the microtones between traditional notes, the piece created a “sonic forest” that enveloped listeners in waves of unique harmonies.

The performance challenged ideas of what music can be, showing that even out-of-tune music can be beautiful.

94 years ago today, Cristo Redentor, or Christ the Redeemer, was unveiled high above Rio de Janeiro, instantly becoming one of the most recognizable landmarks on Earth. Standing 98 feet tall with arms outstretched 92 feet wide atop Mount Corcovado, the statue was engineered by Heitor da Silva Costa and took nine years to complete. Originally envisioned with Christ holding a globe and cross, the design evolved into the now-iconic open-armed pose symbolizing peace and protection.

Built from reinforced concrete and covered in soapstone tiles, the monument cost approximately $250,000 at the time (equivalent to about $4.4 million today). Today, it remains the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world and was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, beloved not for its grandeur, but for its elegance.

Other notable October 13 events:

1792: The cornerstone of the White House was laid in Washington, D.C.

1903: The first modern World Series concluded, with the Boston Americans defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1983: The first U.S. cellular network was launched in Chicago, paving the way for mobile communication.

2010: All 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for 69 days were rescued in a historic operation broadcast worldwide.

🤝 Taiwan: Thousands of locals, visitors, and foreign residents volunteered to help flood victims with cleanup and meals after Typhoon Ragasa.

🕊️ New Jersey: The city of Camden went an entire summer without a homicide for the first time in 50 years, thanks to a new community-focused police department.

🦴 Canada: The discovery of a tiny prehistoric fish fossil in Alberta is rewriting the evolutionary history of catfish and carp.

🦘 Australia: A man in Victoria was surprised to find his Golden Retriever giving a baby koala a piggyback ride.

🧀 USA: For the first time ever, Americans took home a gold medal at the 'Cheesemonger Olympics' in France.

— James Whistler

Every day brings incredible advances and uplifting moments that remind us just how amazing the world can be. Here are five reasons why today is the best time ever to be alive:

🌾 Innovative Farming: AI-powered crop monitoring reduces pesticide use, protecting ecosystems while sustaining yields.

🤖 Youth Coders: Grassroots education programs are teaching coding and robotics to kids in underserved communities.

🐛 Disease Erased: Global campaigns are drastically reducing guinea worm disease, nearing complete eradication.

🧠 Remote Therapy: Telepsychiatry services are extending to patients in remote regions, bridging gaps in mental health care.

📚 Mental Libraries: Online mental health libraries are providing free self-help resources to millions.

Once just days away from being euthanized, a stray pup named Rico was rescued from a Portuguese shelter and went on to become a canine detective. Now living in England, Rico uses his extraordinary sense of smell to track down lost pets (and even zoo animals), proving that every life deserves a second chance.

👉 Catch this, along with other incredible stories from around the world, in this week’s episode of Good News To Go.

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