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,

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

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.