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Showing posts from April, 2025

11-11-11

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Every year, on November 11, something rare happens. The world goes quiet. Cars pause. Conversations stop. Children in school gyms lower their voices. Veterans straighten their medals. And at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we observe two minutes of silence. This is Remembrance Day. It isn’t a festival, a sale, or a long weekend. It is a Canadian tradition rooted in respect—for the soldiers who served, the ones who never came home, and the families who carried the weight of war long after the headlines faded. Why November 11? On November 11, 1918, the First World War finally ended. A conflict that reshaped the world, scarred nations, and cost millions of lives came to a close. The date became a symbol: peace hard-won and never forgotten. The Poppy: A Small Flower with a Tremendous Story The red poppy worn on jackets and coats is more than decoration. During the First World War, the soil of Flanders Fields was torn apart by artillery. Yet, through shattered g...

A Glimpse into Kingston’s Darker Past: Notable Tragedies and Events

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Kingston, Ontario, is a beautiful city with a rich history, marked by its strategic location on the shores of Lake Ontario and its historical significance. However, like many cities, its past isn't without its share of darker events that have shaped its identity. While Kingston is often celebrated for its stunning waterfront views, historical buildings, and thriving arts scene, it’s also important to reflect on the moments that have left scars on the community. Let’s take a look at some of the more tragic and unsettling episodes in Kingston’s history. 1. The Kingston Penitentiary and the Dark History of Canadian Prisons The most well-known symbol of Kingston’s darker history is undoubtedly the Kingston Penitentiary, which opened in 1835 and operated for 178 years before it was closed in 2013. This was the oldest maximum-security prison in Canada and one of the most notorious correctional facilities in the world. During its years of operation, Kingston Pen became infamous for its ha...

Aluminum Wiring in Residential Properties: What Homeowners Need to Know

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If you're considering buying or selling a home in Kingston, or even just maintaining your current property, the topic of aluminum wiring is one that might come up. While aluminum wiring was commonly used in homes built between the mid-1960s and late 1970s, it has since been largely replaced by copper due to safety concerns. However, aluminum wiring is still found in many homes today, and understanding its risks and potential solutions is crucial for homeowners and buyers alike. Why Was Aluminum Wiring Used? During the 1960s and 70s, copper prices surged, leading builders to seek a more affordable alternative. Aluminum was an attractive choice because it was significantly cheaper and easier to source at the time. While aluminum is a good conductor of electricity, its long-term performance in household wiring has raised some concerns. The Risks of Aluminum Wiring Aluminum wiring poses several risks, primarily due to how it reacts to electrical currents and environmental factors: Expa...