Seasickness

Seasickness is a condition caused by the confusion between different parts of the balance mechanism in the body. It occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the inner ear’s vestibular system, which senses motion and gravity, and other sensory inputs like vision. This sensory mismatch leads to symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue3. Seasickness is a common issue for individuals on boats due to the conflicting signals received by the brain when the body registers motion but the eyes perceive stability.

Floating Communities

Once born from logging, fishing lore, Now havens on a liquid floor. From industry to tranquil bliss, A lifestyle change, none would miss.

The Salish Sea, their backyard view, Where old and new blend into blue. A testament to human will, These homes that ride the water, still.

From work to play, they’ve found their way, These floating isles where children play. A world apart, yet close to shore, Where land and sea forever more,

Ruby Princess First-Timer’s Survival Guide: Essential Passenger Wisdom

The author took two weeks researching the Ruby Princess and it was almost enough to avoid the pitfalls of a new cruiser. This post adds additional findings after completing a cruise to the body of knowledge involving this Love Boat. Bottom line, you will need several cruises to get it all.

Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Endicott Arm, a remote fjord in Southeast Alaska, offers dramatic glacier scenery, and is visited by major cruise lines like Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and National Geographic. There are excursions from Juneau and Ketchikan. Strict environmental practices limit noise and disruption near Dawes Glacier, with cruise ships often rotating to ensure balcony staterooms face scenic highlights. Zodiac excursions, including ice collection for specialty cocktails, are mostly offered by small expedition lines; passenger access varies by operator and season. Fords Terror, a notable offshoot of Endicott Arm, is famed for its tidal rapids and stunning granite walls, accessible only at slack tide, limited to smaller vessels and cherished by adventurers for its wild beauty.

Ketchikan, Alaska

The name “Ketchikan” is believed to come from the Tlingit word “Kitschk-Hin” meaning “thundering wings of an eagle” and is reminiscent of the outline of the Ketchikan Creek seen from above. An exciting flightseeing adventure is a thrilling opportunity to see this unique feature yourself. An estimated 19% of Ketchikan residents are of Tlingit, Haida…

Juneau, Alaska

In 1880, it was slow going for Joe Juneau and Richard Harris as they searched for gold with the help of Native guides that were enticed by the reward of 100 woolen blankets. After climbing mountains, forging streams and facing countless difficulties, they found nuggets “as large as beans.” From their discovery came three of…

Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada

Prince Rupert has experienced economic challenges from trade risks born of Trumpian tariffs as well as service declines, such as in the BC Ferries system, but the city is making tourism a top economic priority with strategic investment, infrastructure improvements, and destination marketing to attract visitors and support local business. It is the gateway to Haida Gwaii which is 7 hours away by ferry.

Skagway, Alaska

Travel up the Haines Scenic Byway after a short boat trip from Skagway and board a custom-designed, open-topped jet boat at the edge of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Glide through shallow, silt-laden channels accessible only by these specialized vessels, which are powered by quiet, eco-friendly Yamaha outboards to maximize wildlife-viewing opportunities. Throughout your 90-minute river journey, expert captains navigate multiple braided tributaries, sharing stories of local history and their backcountry lifestyle. Majestic bald eagles, moose, and bear are often observed up close, with unhindered views and frequent stops for the perfect photo. Warm outerwear and blankets are provided, and after the river adventure, guests enjoy a riverside picnic before returning to Haines with memories of Alaska’s pristine wilderness

Ruby Princess, a Fincantieri Super Yacht

A super yacht of Italian design, And a vessel grand, where futures align. Her decks are streets, her lounges are squares, A metropolis afloat, with worldly fares.

Beneath the fog, she slips away, A city for tomorrow, born today. Not bound by land, nor fixed in place, Ruby Princess glides with effortless grace. Restaurants and theaters, pools and spas, A microcosm of life, both near and far.

San Francisco fades, but urban life thrives, On this ship where innovation drives. No billionaire’s toy, this Princess of the sea, But a glimpse of what our cities could be. Efficient, diverse, a community afloat, Ruby Princess, more than just a boat.

From port to port, she carries her nation, A blueprint for future civilization. A Fincantieri super yacht so rare, And a city of the future, beyond compare.

The Cultural Fascination with Time Travel Stories: Ethics, Philosophy, and Our Relationship with Time

This post explores how concepts of time shape human culture, ethics, and identity. It begins by discussing the enduring appeal of time travel stories, their philosophical and ethical dilemmas, and their deep relationship with religious ideas and cultural frameworks. The conversation compares sailors’ and space explorers’ experiences of time, revealing the transition from Newtonian absolute time to Einstein’s relativistic spacetime.

Further, the post examines how different cultures’ views of time—linear vs. cyclical—influence rituals around death and the treatment of the deceased, and then addresses the unique human capacity for recording history. It considers why deliberate historical preservation sets humanity apart from other animals, and why falsifying or altering history, especially through time travel, would be deeply unethical and damaging—contrary to our moral and possibly sacred responsibilities.

The discussion concludes by emphasizing the sanctity and importance of historical truth as a foundation of civilization, justice, and human self-understanding.