Just off River Street, behind the New Heritage Diner, it looms like something out of the Battle of Midway: the U.S.S. Ling, a World War II-era submarine, squatting in a shallow stretch in the upper reaches of the Hackensack River. This 312-foot hulk of gray steel has been berthed along the river’s shoreline since the early 1970s, when the Navy offered it to a group of local … [Read more...]

Fifty Years Later, NSA Keeps Details of Israel’s USS Liberty Attack Secret On June 8, 1967, an Israeli torpedo tore through the side of the unarmed American naval vessel USS Liberty, approximately a dozen miles off the Sinai coast. The ship, whose crew was under command of the National Security Agency, was intercepting communications at the height of the Six-Day War when it … [Read more...]

As if there weren't enough to worry about, Singapore is being invaded by giant crocheted sea urchins.  >> via Trevor Corson, author of the books "The Secret Life of Lobsters" and "The Story of Sushi."  --TrevorCorson.com National Ocean Service - Looking for a getaway for a few minutes during your work day? Check out our virtual … [Read more...]

from the chapter Marine Art and Culture: "It is not only their delightful shapes and stunning geometry that draw one to seashells. It is their power to kindle the imagination. Looking at seashells calls forth tales from the deep — of Odysseus and the Sirens, Captain Ahab and Moby–Dick — and the tapestry of real loves and real tragedies that has unfolded over the centuries as … [Read more...]

At the start of World War II, it was decided that Queen Elizabeth was so vital to the war effort that she must not have her movements tracked by German spies. Therefore, an elaborate ruse was fabricated involving her sailing to Southampton to complete her fitting out. There were only two spring tides that year that would see the water level high enough for Queen Elizabeth to … [Read more...]

Clarence "Frogman" Henry (born March 19, 1937), is an American rhythm and blues singer and pianist, best known for his 1956 hit "Ain't Got No Home". Listen to some of his music here. Clarence Henry was born in New Orleans in 1937, moving to the Algiers neighborhood in 1948. He started learning piano as a child, with Fats Domino and Professor Longhair being his main … [Read more...]

Miss Monkey's Retail Anecdotes Some of Miss Monkey's closer associates already know that She earns Her beer money working part-time at a Maine based, family-owned clothing retailer that's been a Portland institution since 1919.  Whilst pulling her Saturday afternoon shift, an interesting tale unfolded. After passing this anecdote along to some of her friends later that … [Read more...]