Why the sea shanty ‘Drunken Sailor’ is so damn popular
Many would probably assume that ‘The Wellerman’ (full title: ‘Soon May the Wellerman Come’) is the most popular shanty. But this song is a 19th-century whaling ballad from New Zealand, not a shanty. The popularity crown goes rather to ‘Drunken Sailor’.
Five things most undervalued in the shipping world
People reveal their character as much by the things they value as by those that they don’t. The same applies to the shipping world. I have listed down five top things or persons which, in my view, have not received the importance or appreciation they deserve or have been neglected somehow by maritime folks, including journalists. On the other hand, there are certain things which are held very dear by those engaged in maritime business and commerce. I have listed those as well.
Stronger than tea: Marine paintings by six British women
I am always pleasantly surprised whenever I come across a marine painting by a woman from the 19th or early 20th century. In those days the world of European art was dominated by men. And only few women, such as Leontine von Littrow, who managed to break into this male enclave had a significant ouput of marine art. This makes such works by female artists even more interesting and important.
10 uplifting quotes about faith for maritime folks
There is faith of the religious sort. There is also faith in the general sense — that is, immense trust or confidence in something or someone. It could be anything: a system, a particular individual, humankind, or life itself. Either way, faith is essential. A person without it is like a rudderless, anchorless ship drifting at sea.
Light on the water: The lure of moonglades in art
A radiant moon above the sea is tantalisingly beautiful. But just as enthralling is the moonglade, the reflection of the moon’s light on an expanse of water. The beauty of shimmering water on a moonlit night has inspired numberous works of art…
Anchors aweigh! Works of art depicting anchors
There are countless works of art that show vessels at anchor. But where’s the anchor? Out of sight, deep down at the bottom of the sea bed. To correct this bit of artistic injustice, I have gathered the following works of art in which anchors are given the prominence they deserve.
New UK play spotlights harassment and male prejudice at sea
It’s no fluke that the cast of path-breaking new stage play Corrina, Corrina comprises not only white guys, nor that the theme is asymmetrical power. Headlong’s production is bravely tackling the stuff of theatrical success, even if it is about human lack of success in being fair.
The art of conversation: 14 wonderful quotes for the times
A conversation can be interesting and enjoyable, or it can be insipid and tiresome. The difference lies in what people are able and willing to put into it. Conversation is an art. Those who are good at it make the interaction a gratifying experience for themselves and for others involved.
Some blunt questions for the IMO on maritime women
So the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has declared the 18th of May as “International Day for Women in Maritime 2022”. Well and good. Women deserve all the support they can get in a male-dominated shipping world. The question, however, arises: where is the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the celebration of this event?
Fragments of life and maritime history in old postcards
How many still send postcards by mail? People now use email and social media to send messages from near and far. Gone are the days when one would handwrite a greeting on a postcard, lick a stamp to paste onto it, and dispatch the card by mail to a friend or loved one. Come and have a nostalgic look at the lost age of postcards:
Ida Lewis: Gutsy lighthouse keeper who saved lives at sea
This is the first of Marine Café Blog’s new series of articles about women who have made an impact on society and maritime history. Their exemplary deeds, I trust, will serve to inspire women in the 21st century no matter their station in life. — BU
Ida Lewis (1842 – 1911) was a relatively small woman. According to some accounts, she was only five feet, two inches talll and weighed 115 lbs. But she was larger than life. During the years that she lived and worked at Lime Rock Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island, she saved 18 people from drowning. She did not keep a record of her rescues, and the figure is thought to be as high as 25.
Thoughts about harbour pilots and Jacob’s ladder
I have been curious about the “Jacob’s ladder”, the old name for the ladder used by pilots to get on board and disembark from a ship. Not wanting to remain ignorant of the subject, I did some research. The information I have gathered thus far is interesting. Indeed, it is food for thought.
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