It’s hard to fathom that eleven years have passed since Paul Walker’s untimely death. The beloved actor, best known for his role in the Fast and Furious series, tragically lost his life in a car accident in November 2013 when his Porsche Carrera GT collided with a pole and burst into flames.
Walker’s passing devastated fans worldwide and left a profound sense of grief for his family, including his fiancée, Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell, and his daughter, Meadow Rain Walker, whom he shared with Rebecca McBrain.
At the time of her father’s death, Meadow was just 15, an incredibly tough age to endure such a loss. While there’s never an ideal time to lose a parent, navigating that grief during the tumultuous teenage years must have been an especially heavy burden to carry. Despite the challenges, Meadow has shown remarkable resilience in the face of her father’s passing. Now 25, she is undoubtedly making her father proud.
From a young age, it was clear that Paul Walker was destined for a career in entertainment. Born in 1973, he began acting as a child in the ’70s and ’80s before gaining recognition for his role on the soap opera The Young and the Restless. His career continued to flourish with performances in films like the 2001 thriller Joy Ride, but it was his iconic role as Brian O’Connor in the first Fast and Furious movie that truly catapulted him to fame.
Walker reprised this role several times as the franchise exploded in popularity, solidifying his status as a leading action star. His unexpected death at the age of 40 shocked fans and colleagues alike, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from co-stars like Vin Diesel and Tyrese Gibson. Meanwhile, Jasmine and Meadow had to grapple with the sudden loss of a partner and father.
While we can only imagine the pain felt by Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell and Meadow Rain Walker, it’s clear that Meadow has worked hard to honor her father’s memory.
In the years following his death, Meadow matured significantly. She completed high school and immediately dedicated herself to various projects, including the launch of the Paul Walker Foundation, using part of her inheritance to establish it.
The foundation aims to safeguard our oceans, wildlife, and ultimately ourselves. Its website describes it as “an enduring light of Paul’s unique spirit, far-reaching goals, and spontaneous goodwill”.
Reports indicate that Meadow, who is also pursuing her studies, continues to manage the foundation with the support of her godfather and Paul’s longtime friend, Vin Diesel. It truly warms my heart to see Meadow carrying forward her father’s legacy of kindness and compassion. I can only imagine how proud he would be of her efforts.
Does anyone else miss Paul Walker? The Fast and Furious films just don’t feel the same without him! Rest in peace, Paul, 1973-2013. Thank you for all the cherished memories.
What Are Witches’ Stairs? A Simple Explanation of This Strange Home Design
Witches’ stairs are a strange but interesting design feature that became popular on TikTok a couple of years ago. Even though they have an unusual history, their name doesn’t really have to do with superstition. Instead, these stairs are a clever design choice. When made and installed correctly, they can be both useful and nice to look at!
Witches’ Stairs aren’t what they Appear.
While the stories about witches’ stairs might sound more interesting, they actually have a very practical purpose. They are really useful in homes with little space, like attics, lofts, and tiny houses. Witches’ stairs are designed to save space while still allowing you to go from one floor to another. Architects often call them “alternate tread stairs.”
How Witches’ Stairs Function
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Witches’ stairs are designed to save space in two ways. First, each step is only half as wide as regular steps, and the steps are staggered. This makes the staircase narrower than a traditional one. These smaller stairs can also be used for extra storage, like for books or displaying items. According to Scott Schuttner, who wrote “Basic Stairbuilding,” the distance between the steps on one side of an alternating-tread stair is twice the height of the rise, which gives you more space on the steps and makes them safer.
Besides being practical, witches’ stairs meet building codes and safety standards in the U.S. A standard staircase is usually 3 feet wide, while a residential witches’ staircase is typically between 27 and 30 inches wide.
Real Origins
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In 1985, a businessman named J.M. Lapeyre created a metal version of witches’ stairs. He thought these stairs could be a safe alternative to ladders in commercial and warehouse settings, especially in tight spaces where ladders might not be safe. This design is also used on commercial ships and oil rigs, and it can be called ship stairs or ship ladders, in addition to witches’ stairs and alternate tread stairs.
Misconception
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When videos of witches’ stairs first appeared on TikTok in 2021, they were linked to an urban legend. According to this legend, these staircases were built in 17th-century Massachusetts to keep witches away during the Salem witch trials because “witches can’t climb up them.” This idea has been proven false, but another rumor suggests that Thomas Jefferson came up with the design. Because of this, witches’ stairs are sometimes called Jeffersonian or Jefferson stairs. However, an original version of the design was also mentioned in a book called “Monckton’s One Plane Method Of Hand Railing and Stair Building,” published in 1888.
Debunking the Myth
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The exact origins of witches’ stairs are a bit unclear, but one thing is clear: there’s no historical evidence that they were designed to keep witches away. Historian Robin Briggs has studied many historical sources and found no mention of stairs that could disable witches. Interestingly, some people with these unique staircases also buried “witch bottles” or included dead cats in their homes for protection against witchcraft, but Briggs calls this idea “pure disinformation.” He notes that the closest belief was that putting a broom over the door would trap a witch inside.
While it’s fun to think about myths and legends, it’s also interesting to know the real history of witches’ stairs. Regardless, they offer a unique and decorative alternative to regular staircases, adding a fun and quirky touch to home design.
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