Quote from William Hoffer

My friend,Doug Kitchener, posted on Facebook this  beautiful extract.  It seems very appropriate  while we are honoring  the greatest sea rescue in history on  July 26, 1956. And,  as we mourn the passing of Michael LaPrade, a young diver passionate … Continue reading

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16th diver claimed by the Andrea Doria!

  Just as my spirits were lifting from the sad Andrea Doria anniversary, I found out from diver Evelyn Dudas that “The Mont Everest of the Sea” has claimed its 16th diver! Michael LaPrade of Los Angeles was only 27 … Continue reading

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The passing of notable architect Der Scutt

TThe The Passing of a Distinguished Architect and Collector of Nautical Memorabilia This week, I received two sad e-mails regarding the passing of two gentlemen connected to the Andrea Doria. This post is about one of them: notable architect Der … Continue reading

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Saved by the Ile de France!

55 years ago to this day  my grandparents and I were rescued from  the jaws of the Atlantic!  As the  Andrea Doria  was inclined to reach the bottom of the sea 45 miles south of Nantucket Island, the French liner … Continue reading

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Honoring my grandparents on the 55th anniversary of the Andrea Doria- Stockholm tragedy

” Do you relive the whole experience each year on this day?” a dear friend asked me,  referring to the 55th anniversary of the collision and sinking of  Italian luxury liner,  Andrea Doria.  This is what I explained: It’s a … Continue reading

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Saying no!

“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically—to say no to other things 2. the via efferent sympathetic, which is localized in theMatteo di Vigevano (PV). guilty of this ageing,of the Diabetes ’Sandro … Continue reading

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Doing author business in Italy

Authorial Currents Where can an author and speaker enjoy family, friends,fun, beauty,  and delectable dining— and a little work?  In Italy, of course!  I  was asked to do a presentation in the “Canavese”, the area where I was born, and … Continue reading

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Three July Shipwrecks

  The Tragedies of Three Ships By Douglas Kitchener, Gaithersburg MD What follows is a brief essay that I’ve written concerning the losses of three ships, all of which occurred during the month of July.  My interest in the July … Continue reading

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Statistics on the Andrea Doria and Stockholm Collision

The Andrea Doria (above) listing before the sinking On June 16th, 1951, the Andrea Doria was launched at the Ansaldo shipyard in Italy. She cost 29 million dollars, and had very advanced safety features. She had watertight compartments, a double … Continue reading

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Postal Service salutes US Merchant Marine on four stamps

Marine Log June,   2011 The U.S. Postal Service will salute the U.S. Merchant Marine on four forever stamps being introduced July 28 in a dedication ceremony at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. Admission is … Continue reading

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