Seattle Center: History, Attractions, and FIFA 2026 Role

Seattle Center is a 74-acre cultural and civic campus that originated as the site of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, envisioned to be a permanent hub for arts, science, and community gatherings. Anchored by the Space Needle and Climate Pledge Arena, it now hosts the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, museums like MoPOP and the Pacific Science Center, and festivals such as Bumbershoot and the Seattle Center Festál series. Its history stretches back to 1886, when David Denny donated the land for public use; major development began in the 1920s with the Civic Auditorium and Armory. In the late 1980s, consultants from Walt Disney Imagineering were hired to design a long-range redevelopment plan, which was ultimately rejected after public opposition over its high cost, commercialization, and proposed demolition of beloved historic landmarks. Today, the Center thrives as Seattle’s cultural heart—offering ballet, opera, public art, food halls, and major events like the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Celebration.

From Shipyards to Silicon: The Eastside’s Transformation from Blue-Collar to White-Collar Wealth

The Lake Washington Eastside’s evolution from blue-collar shipbuilding to white-collar technology represents one of the most complete economic transformations in American urban history. Unlike regions that maintained mixed economies or experienced decline, the Eastside successfully transitioned from one economic base to an entirely different one while maintaining population growth and prosperity.

Light Rail: Turning Seattle into Disneyland

The Seattle metropolitan area’s ambitious light rail expansion represents one of the most complex and expensive transit projects in U.S. history, facing significant construction challenges while fundamentally reshaping regional development patterns and work commute behaviors. It is also turning Seattle into an attraction for those working at home who are more and more being required…

DOGE & Competing on Comanche Time, Gatsby

In 1994, at the age of 49, Jim Clark, owing to a company called Silicon Graphics, was one of the legends of the high-tech world. 20 years later, he became a legend in sailing (see Sailing World  28 October 2014.) Today we view him as a model of the American Dream. American Dream During the…

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…