Latest news with #MotherNature
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Video: Celebrity Cruises ship nearly collides with Carnival ship
Video: Celebrity Cruises ship nearly collides with Carnival ship originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. In recent weeks, several cruise ships have been caught off guard by unexpected high winds while docked in ports around the world. Although cruise ships have advanced propulsion systems and stabilizers designed to withstand rough seas and intense weather, they aren't completely protected from Mother Nature's multiple recent incidents, extreme winds have caused cruise ship's mooring lines to break — even ripping the heavy bollards holding ship's mooring lines right off the pier in some cases. In one such accident that was widely covered in the news, Norwegian Epic suddenly drifted from the dock in Catania, Italy on May 30, causing one passenger to fall into the water from the ship's gangway as a result. But Norwegian Epic isn't the only ship that's struggled to stay docked as winds have recently whipped through cruise ports. That same weekend, MSC Seascape broke its moorings in The Bahamas, and Holland America Westerdam's lines snapped while docked in Ketchikan, Alaska. In every case, capable cruise ship captains and crew members quickly sprang into action when their ships broke free from their moorings, keeping their passengers safe and preventing more serious accidents. As the latest weather-related cruise port incident unfolded during a sudden, unusual storm in Juneau, Alaska's Gastineau Channel on June 16, a witness caught a video of the moment Celebrity Edge went adrift, nearly colliding with another ship in the crowded Celebrity Edge began to rapidly drift from the dock, witnesses reported that its gangway fell into the water as its mooring lines snapped. The ship began to drift quickly toward Carnival Luminosa, which was anchored nearby in the channel. The captains of both ships reacted quickly, but narrowly avoided a collision. Carnival Luminosa swiftly backed up to make space for Celebrity Edge in the channel as it powered up, stabilized, and dropped anchor. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the video shows that the storm swept through the channel suddenly and dramatically, with the wind picking up first before heavy rain set in. A rare severe thunderstorm warning with wind gusts up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail was issued for the Juneau area by the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms very rarely occur in Juneau and southeast Alaska during the summer season — on average, only once every two years — making the severe weather incident even more Alaska cruises now through mid-September, Celebrity Edge is currently sailing a seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier cruise from Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, and Skagway in Alaska as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Hailed as the most immersive ship in Alaska, Celebrity Edge features a unique outward-facing design that's ideal for glacier viewing. Celebrity Edge Series ships are specifically designed to create a closer connection between passengers and their Edge is one of three Celebrity Cruises ships sailing in Alaska this summer. The ship is joined in the region by Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit, which sail from Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. Carnival Luminosa is cruising alongside Celebrity Edge through the Last Frontier this summer, sailing similar Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier itineraries from Seattle. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
10 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Video: Celebrity Cruises ship goes adrift in busy Alaska port
In recent weeks, several cruise ships have been caught off guard by unexpected high winds while docked in ports around the world. Although cruise ships have advanced propulsion systems and stabilizers designed to withstand rough seas and intense weather, they aren't completely protected from Mother Nature's wrath. Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers witness risky stunt at Alaska cruise port In multiple recent incidents, extreme winds have caused cruise ship's mooring lines to break - even ripping the heavy bollards holding ship's mooring lines right off the pier in some cases. In one such accident that was widely covered in the news, Norwegian Epic suddenly drifted from the dock in Catania, Italy on May 30, causing one passenger to fall into the water from the ship's gangway as a result. But Norwegian Epic isn't the only ship that's struggled to stay docked as winds have recently whipped through cruise ports. That same weekend, MSC Seascape broke its moorings in The Bahamas, and Holland America Westerdam's lines snapped while docked in Ketchikan, Alaska. In every case, capable cruise ship captains and crew members quickly sprang into action when their ships broke free from their moorings, keeping their passengers safe and preventing more serious accidents. As the latest weather-related cruise port incident unfolded during a sudden, unusual storm in Juneau, Alaska's Gastineau Channel on June 16, a witness caught a video of the moment Celebrity Edge went adrift, nearly colliding with another ship in the crowded port. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. As Celebrity Edge began to rapidly drift from the dock, witnesses reported that its gangway fell into the water as its mooring lines snapped. The ship began to drift quickly toward Carnival Luminosa, which was anchored nearby in the channel. The captains of both ships reacted quickly, but narrowly avoided a collision. Carnival Luminosa swiftly backed up to make space for Celebrity Edge in the channel as it powered up, stabilized, and dropped anchor. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Related: Unsung hero helps Norwegian Cruise Line passengers in crisis The video shows that the storm swept through the channel suddenly and dramatically, with the wind picking up first before heavy rain set in. A rare severe thunderstorm warning with wind gusts up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail was issued for the Juneau area by the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms very rarely occur in Juneau and southeast Alaska during the summer season - on average, only once every two years - making the severe weather incident even more unusual. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Sailing Alaska cruises now through mid-September, Celebrity Edge is currently sailing a seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier cruise from Seattle visiting Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, and Skagway in Alaska as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Hailed as the most immersive ship in Alaska, Celebrity Edge features a unique outward-facing design that's ideal for glacier viewing. Celebrity Edge Series ships are specifically designed to create a closer connection between passengers and their destinations. Related: Celebrity Cruises plans massive ship upgrades Celebrity Edge is one of three Celebrity Cruises ships sailing in Alaska this summer. The ship is joined in the region by Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit, which sail from Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. Carnival Luminosa is cruising alongside Celebrity Edge through the Last Frontier this summer, sailing similar Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier itineraries from Seattle. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The Independent
a day ago
- General
- The Independent
How to clean solar panels
If you've sprung your hard-earned cash for the best solar panels for your home and want to get the optimal performance from them, it helps to know how to clean solar panels safely and effectively. Mother Nature and Britain's rainy weather will take care of things most of the time, but every once in a while it is worth giving your panels a once-over. You probably don't need telling why – anything which gets between the panels and the sun, be it clouds, trees causing shade, leaves or other litter, will reduce the power you get from them. This means a slower return on the outlay for them. How often do I need to clean solar panels? Many factors determine the frequency of cleaning solar panels. If there are no nearby pigeons to foul your array, if the panels are at an angle and if it rains regularly, then you may not need to clean them very often. But if pollen, dust, bird droppings and dry spells plague them, a regular wash will be needed. Panels at a low angle will also accumulate leaves and other detritus and need a rinse. If you notice bird droppings on your solar panels, you will want to clean this as soon as possible. Bird droppings are acidic and can corrode the surface of your solar panels if left too long. As a general rule, you should aim to wash your solar panels with a soft rag and soapy water every six months. If you can stick to this schedule, it makes it easier to keep them clean through the intervening months, where a simple run of the hose will shake loose any dirt or debris. If your solar panels are roof-mounted, a hose-down is probably the safest and easiest way to clean your array, since with decent water pressure you will not need to go anywhere near them. Before you do anything, though, check the documentation that came with your panels for cleaning guidelines. The coatings on panels may differ, and may mean that using particular cleaning agents is a bad idea. Soap and water should be fine, however. Do I need a professional to clean my solar panels? Probably not. But if you want to, and they are especially dirty, then there are companies that will do that, performing a similar job to window cleaners and using similar long-arm tools to clean them with soapy water. If you have a particularly high roof and are not confident on ladders, this could be a good option. Prices will vary depending on where you are in the country, so get a few quotes. According to the Energy Saving Trust, prices can range from £20 to £200 depending on array size and location. How do I clean my solar panels? If you want to learn how to clean solar panels properly, start by switching system off. Then, use this opportunity to have a general check their condition, looking out for any damage to cables or other electrical contacts. If you see any, fix this before exposing electrical components to water. If you're ready to proceed, follow these simple steps: Switch off your system. Before doing anything else, turn off your solar panel system according to the manufacturer's instructions. This ensures safety while cleaning. Inspect the system. Take a few minutes to check the panels, cables, and any visible connectors. If you spot damage or exposed wiring, don't proceed—call a professional instead. Choose the right tools. Using a long-handled brush with soft bristles is best for avoiding damage to the cells in your solar panels. Prepare your cleaning solution. Use mild soap mixed with water. Avoid washing-up liquid, as it can leave a residue on the panels. Gently scrub the panels. Use the brush to remove any dust, dirt, bird droppings, or pollen. Take care not to apply too much pressure. Rinse thoroughly. Use a garden hose with moderate pressure to rinse the panels clean. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it could damage the cells. Dry with care. Use a soft cloth, squeegee, or a solar panel wiper to remove excess water and prevent water spots. Repeat as needed. Depending on your environment, repeat this process every few months or when performance noticeably drops. This is one of the safest and most effective methods when learning how to clean solar panels at home. Things to avoid when cleaning your solar panels Use common sense – don't stand on the panels, don't stand on a pitched roof that's not designed to take your weight, and don't use a power washer, as this could damage your panels. These tips, while simple, will go a long way to help you avoid damage and stay safe as you figure out how to clean solar panels effectively without professional help. What else should I be doing for maintenance? As well as having an annual clean and inspection for damage, both of which you can do yourself, it is worth having a professional look at your panels every five years or so to catch any issues before they become more expensive. This could include: These checks could form part of your warranty, so make sure to have a look at that to see how often your system needs to be serviced. If you found this helpful, don't miss our guide, Are solar panels worth it?
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Is Christina Hendricks house-hunting in the UK? You'll never guess the VERY surprising part of the country that has 'captured' Hollywood star's heart!
She has spent two lengthy periods of time in Scotland filming two series of period drama The Buccaneers. But Mad Men star Christina Hendricks could be here a lot more after it emerged she is in the market for a Scottish castle of her own. The revelation emerged as the star appeared on the One Show to discuss season two of the show. During the interview, presenter Alex Jones said she understood Hendricks had been searching 'to see if you might make a move over to Scotland'. The suggestion didn't seem to throw the American star, who responded by explaining how much she's come to love the country. She said: 'I am so in love with Scotland. I don't know - I have had such extraordinary luck or I've somehow got rose coloured glasses on because every time I'm there it's just to me so stunning. 'I feel like Mother Nature just gave Scotland more. I don't know if it's dramatic - it's more dramatic. If the sky is sunny, you know, it's just glowing. It's just captured my heart.' Jones then pressed her further on what Hendricks was looking for during her search, asking: 'Do you go for period or modern [for a house], if you were looking?' Responding, Hendricks said: 'I'm all about the historical stuff. I mean when we shoot at these estates and these castles, I am just... I'm a girl from Idaho in the United States we don't have stuff like that. We got fields with cows and stuff, but this is mind blowing to me.' When the presenters then joked they should create a reality TV show to help her find a Scots home, Hendricks said: 'Sign me up.' The actress, 50, spent months filming in Scotland last year for the second series of The Buccaneers, which began streaming on Apple TV this week, having spent months filming season one here in 2022. And the actress has made the most of her time in Scotland, visiting all manner of tourist attractions and local favourites. She has made two separate trips to Balmoral Castle, in Aberdeenshire estate, as well as enjoying days out in Edinburgh to Portobello beach and the Johnnie Walker Princes Street whisky centre. The Buccaneers follows a group of young American women in the 1870s as they are sent to London to find husbands and titles, with hilarious culture clashes ensuing. Ms Hendricks stars as Mrs Patricia St George in the series. Each episode focuses on a different fictional property – most of which are a composite of stately homes and castles in Scotland. The Scottish coast stands in for Cornwall while Glasgow doubles up as both New York and London. Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, Hopetoun House, near South Queensferry, and Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfriesshire all feature in the period drama. Scenes have been filmed at Glasgow's Mitchell Library, which doubles as a US courthouse. Horses and carriages, as well as historical street signs and postboxes, transformed the city street into a 19th Century American scene. However, Hendricks is perhaps best known for her previous role as office manager Joan Harris in hit TV show Mad Men alongside Golden Globe winner Jon Hamm. She also has a celebrity friend who is well-placed to advise her on her search for a Scottish home – Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson. The singer, who is from Edinburgh, is a certified celebrant and married Hendricks and husband George Bianchini in New Orleans last year.
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- Health
- TimesLIVE
The nourishing, protective magic of shrooms
We're not ones to gatekeep and neither is Mother Nature — one of her best-kept secrets comes bottled in Origins' powerhouse Mega-Mushroom range, which helps soothe, restore and fortify skin. Harnessing the magic of medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, fermented chaga and tremella, the Restorative Skin Concentrate with a Phyto-Powered Barrier Defence Complex lets you say bye-bye to irritated, sensitive skin. It strengthens and supports the skin's barrier while leaving it super hydrated and luminous.
