From the Mailboat

The Tiki Torch Phenomenon
Captain Jen Captain Jen

The Tiki Torch Phenomenon

Join me as we step back in time to the height of the Tiki culture craze when Tiki torches made their grand entrance. Introduced in the 1930s, they were quickly crafted out of bamboo as a quick and easy way to transport people to the tropical paradise our soldiers discovered in the Pacific Theater.

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Are Skulls Tiki?
Captain Jen Captain Jen

Are Skulls Tiki?

Skulls can convey a sense of danger or mystery, as well as to pay homage to the ancient traditions of Polynesia – no matter what the style.

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"Zombies, man. They creep me out.”
Captain Jen Captain Jen

"Zombies, man. They creep me out.”

May is Zombie Awareness Month! That glorious time of year when we all get to ponder the important question of what to do when the living impaired come knocking on our doors. This annual observance, which takes place every May, is the brainchild of the Zombie Research Society.

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The Earth Laughs in Flowers
Captain Jen Captain Jen

The Earth Laughs in Flowers

Spring is springing — at least, it’s springing here in Palm Desert. The days are warmer, the pool is getting warmer, and the dogs are shedding like crazy. Because of our wet (for us) winter, the wildflowers are out in full force and can even be seen from space.

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The Land Divided, The World United
Captain Jen Captain Jen

The Land Divided, The World United

For the last few weeks, my 3D printers have been acting up: Refusing to complete files that they’ve printed dozens of times and failing in the oddest ways. It’s almost like they’re on strike. I wonder if they’ve been talking to ChatGPT and getting ideas.

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Mother Coconut
Jen Hasselbeck Jen Hasselbeck

Mother Coconut

The name August Engelhardt isn’t one that springs to mind when you think of the great adventurers, but this guy had a vision and he went for it. In 1902 he left Germany and headed south to the tropics, where he was sure island life would be idyllic and perfect. He landed in Papua New Guinea, purchased a home, and (like you do) founded a cult.

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Teddy
Jen Hasselbeck Jen Hasselbeck

Teddy

No offense to Washington, but my favorite president is Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th president who served from 1901-1909 – the youngest man to assume the presidency, at 42 years old. A sportsman, and an adventurer, as well as a gentleman and a politician, the man lived a unique and storied life.

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tiny umbrellas
Jen Hasselbeck Jen Hasselbeck

tiny umbrellas

National Umbrella Day is February 10. And no offense to Queen Dolly Parton, who once said that “if you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain,” but no. She’s clearly never been to Palm Springs. We have it all figured out.

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