Latest news with #Seascape
Los Angeles Times
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Recipes for when strawberry season hits peak deliciousness (as in right now)
In California, strawberry fields really are forever. Strawberries are as red as anything could possibly be and, when you get a good one, more fragrant, succulent and flavorful than anything you imagined nature could create by itself. But to a native Southern Californian, strawberries are a bit like earthquakes. We don't give either much thought. (Or at least I don't.) We take the little fruit — so cute with its heart-like shape, candy-apple red, dimpled exterior and charming green toupee (even the flavor-challenged ones look like the cartoon of a strawberry) — for granted. California grows 90% of the nation's strawberries, from as far north as Watsonville in Santa Cruz County to San Diego County. Thanks to the state's strawberry capital, Oxnard, 60 miles north of Los Angeles, we have strawberries year-round. But peak deliciousness, where juicy, bright-red strawberries taste like sun-ripened candy, is right about now through August. Here in Los Angeles, you can't mention strawberries without hearing about Harry's Berries. These strawberries, grown on an organic farm in Oxnard since the late 1960s, run $15 for 1 1/2 pints at farmers markets and up to $20 or more at specialty grocers. TikTok videos — like a lot of TikTok videos — are made where the berry is eaten in front of the camera by a skeptical-turned-drooling content creator. The varieties they grow include Mara des Bois, smaller and more fragrant than conventional strawberries; Seascape; and Gaviotas, a variety developed by the University of California Davis that has become the gold standard if what you're looking for is a plump, red, juicy, sweet strawberry. 'What have we been eating? What are the other strawberries?' asks one content creator as he bites into a Harry's Berries strawberry. But if the price tag scares you — or just turns you off — rest assured there is a delicious strawberry world beyond Harry's Berries. 'My personal favorite strawberry will almost always be the Albion variety from Tamai Family Farms,' says McKenna Lelah, speaking of another variety developed by UC Davis. McKenna, through her company Handpicked by McKenna, buys from farmers markets and sells and delivers to chefs around Los Angeles. 'They have a nice firm texture, and really good strawberry flavor.' McKenna explains what should be obvious but what I'd never really thought about. 'Table shoppers come to farmers markets and ask, 'What's sweet?'' But if you're doing something with the strawberries, like macerating them for strawberry shortcake or making a syrup, jam or dessert sauce, she says, 'You can always make them sweeter. You can't add more strawberry flavor.' I grew up in San Diego County, and whenever I'm there, I make a stop at Chino Ranch, also famous for its strawberries. Like Harry's Berries, Chino Ranch also grows Mara des Bois and Gaviotas, as well as both red and white Alpine strawberries, which are about the size of a thumbnail and come with the greens and a little stem attached. What all of these berries have in common is that when you bite into one of these little gems, they're red all the way through. They have a delicious floral aroma. And the flavor! You instantly become aware that the rest are strawberry impostors: They might be wearing that perfect little strawberry costume, but they have none of the characteristics of an authentic strawberry-flavored strawberry. But, grown for flavor, not shelf-life, these strawberries are also delicate. They bruise easily. And by the time you put them on your counter, they're already sliding down the back side of their lives. Who among us has not come home with a pint or several of not-cheap, gorgeous candy-apple-colored strawberries only to open the fridge the next day to see them looking withered, wilted, bruised, darkened and generally just sad. The trick to stretching their lifespan, explains McKenna, is to take them out of their basket and put them, not touching one another, on a baking sheet lined with paper towels, and then refrigerate. Or just start your strawberry daydreaming on your way home from the market. Strawberry shortcake is, obvi, the classic, but don't let your imagination stop there. If you're a tennis fan, you've likely seen fans at Wimbledon eating strawberries and cream, a tradition celebrating England's short, sweet strawberry season and a good way to go when you basically want to do nothing and let the flavor of the strawberries do all the work. When your strawberries are verging on overripe, the best solution is to get them in a saucepan as quickly as possible. Cook them down with sugar and lemon juice into a dessert sauce or jam or the jammy layer to this ethereal, chocolaty Strawberry Forest Pie. Or make a batch of Spring Negronis and call it a party. Another option when your strawberries are heading toward the compost bin is to save them for another day. Spread them out, not touching one another, on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. When they're frozen solid, transfer them to a Ziploc bag or covered container and toss a few into smoothies, milkshakes, Strawberry Jamaica Agua Fresca or a mixed berry pie. For all the appreciation I have for strawberries, they may be one fruit that I don't love in savory preparations, such as salad. And I'm just not sure how to feel about Strawberry-Ancho Salsa or this Strawberry-Avocado Salsa. If you're up for it, I applaud your adventurousness. I'll stick with the sweet stuff! Eating out this week? Sign up for Tasting Notes to get our restaurant experts' insights and off-the-cuff takes on where they're dining right now. You can't go wrong with strawberry shortcake. I say that, and yet all strawberry shortcakes went wrong when I was growing up. I would get so excited to see the little round sponge cakes packed in plastic sold next to the strawberries in the summertime. I'd throw them, along with some flavorless berries and a can of whipped cream, into our grocery cart with so much hope and possibility. But when I got home and put them together, I was never not underwhelmed. I'm sure I'll change my mind with this version that includes macerated farmers market strawberries on just-baked cream biscuits, topped with clouds of freshly whipped the recipe. Cooking time: 40 minutes, plus 2 to 4 hours hands-off time to macerate the berries. Serves 4. Full disclosure: I co-authored barman Christiaan Rollich's book, 'Bar Chef,' from which this recipe originates. Of all the recipes in that book that I tested, this is the one that became part of my repertoire. I make a big batch, put it in a glass, flip top bottle and set it out for guests to serve themselves. It's always a hit. And as we Angelenos know, it's not just for springtime!Get the recipe. Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes. Makes 9 cocktails. You don't see strawberries in baked goods as much as you do other fruits. This scone recipe, from Sqirl, is flexible – use strawberries, or whatever fruit you have on hand. It does require a sourdough starter (but also provides a recipe). If you don't want to go that far, ask a baking enthusiastic friend or neighbor, and return the favor with the recipe. Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes. Makes 8 scones.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
MSC Cruises' ship meets Mother Nature in scary situation
MSC Cruises' ship meets Mother Nature in scary situation originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. MSC Seascape recently faced the wrath of Mother Nature while in the Bahamas. Cruise Ships have state-of-the-art navigation and propulsion systems and can usually prepare to handle any weather situation that pops up, although sometimes they are vulnerable. They can weather heavy weather, storms, and sea conditions, but they have a weak in general are designed to withstand lots of forces applied to the decks and hulls and are built to last many, many years. Cruise ships can weather heavy seas, including 20-plus-feet swells and gusts exceeding 50 knots while at sea; however, the situation at the dock is a different story. MSC Seascape recently faced a squall line of wind and rain cutting through the Bahamas and over their exclusive island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. Seascape left Port of Miami Friday, May 29 for a Bahamian weekend cruise to Nassau on May 30 and 31 to Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. While Seascape was at the dock moored around 3 p.m., lines attached to the dock took heavy winds on their starboard side, and with too much pressure from winds, the lines exceeded their holding capacity. . How cruise ship captains keep you safe in bad weather (1:34) MSC Seascape was moored for the day for passengers to enjoy the private island and was scheduled to leave at 8 p.m. While passengers enjoyed the day on Ocean Cay, Mother Nature sent a squall line of weather that impacted their day. As passengers were heading back to the ship for safety and to get out of the wind and rain, the main bow lines began to snap/break, leaving the ships bow to go adrift. Immediately the alarm came from the ship. Crew sprang into action to secure the ship and hold passengers back from boarding as the ship unexpectedly pulled away from the dock and gangways, leaving everyone stranded. There was a passenger injured, but due to the fast-acting crew, there were only minor injuries, and the crew managed the emergency flawlessly as trained. In my 20-plus years working around ships and ports in the United States Coast Guard, I have a working knowledge and understanding of the dynamic forces that impact ships at sea and while moored at the dock. Let's look at some common questions: Cruise ships and weather: how do they deal with the ever-changing and unexpected storms? Cruise ships have weather forecasters on board, as well as crew trained to watch and forecast upcoming weather events that may impact their journey to destinations. What and how do they prepare for weather impacts? Cruise lines look at forecasts days ahead of their voyage, consider what they may face and constantly monitor while at sea or in a port. "Captains don't want to put a billion-dollar cruise ship in harm's way," is something Come Cruise With Me Executive Editor Dan Kline says a lot. . In this case with MSC Seascape at Ocean Cay, the ship was aware of a last-minute storm approaching. But like on land at home, in rare cases, storms can develop rapidly in hours or even minutes and can exceed expected forecasts. In this case, the storm produced heavy wind gusts that put significant pressure on the bow and starboard side where the securing/mooring lines failed, leaving the bow to go adrift. The bow of a ship is the lightest part of the ship and therefore more susceptible to being pushed around unless underway. When ships are at the dock, this is their weak point/most vulnerable spot as they are left to the winds, seas condition, and currents. As seen with Seascape, winds can impact the stability and security of the ship. When ships are at sea and underway (moving through the water), they have great control and can handle heavy storms and seas with ease. Ships' hulls direct the water around the ship efficiently and slice through the water, giving great control. This is similar to a Nascar racer driving at the Daytona 500. When driving at high speeds, the air/winds over the car apply down pressure, giving the car an ability to go faster with more control and stability. However, when cruise ships are docked/moored, or adrift without propulsion, they are in peril to Mother Nature and the forces of the seas and winds. Cruise ship mooring lines can hold enormous pressure, but they have a breaking point. Mooring line breaking strength (MBS) is how they are rated. Typically, a 4' mooring line (typically used by cruise ships) made of Dyneema (polyester, nylon, polypropylene) can hold a million pounds of pressure applied and extreme pressures. But forces like UV [rays], extreme heat, and salt water can alter or diminish the strength of the lines and their ability to optimally perform under high pressure when applied unexpectedly or relentlessly. In the case of MSC Seascape, the perfect storm, in a sense, struck the ship from the side and pushed the mooring lines beyond their limits. This can happen, and ships can only prepare for the expected, not something that very rarely happens. (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 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Observer
15-05-2025
- Observer
An ideal time for snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen
As the mercury begins its steady summer climb and the inland air grows still, Omanis turn instinctively to the sea. It's a tradition as old as the tide—when the land heats up, the water becomes our sanctuary. From Al Mouj Marina to the fishing docks of Seeb and Barka, boats commence their seasonal rhythm. They fill with families, friends, couples, and curious solo travellers—armed with snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen—eager to answer the sea's timeless invitation. And topping everyone's list of must-visit escapes? The Daymaniyat Islands. Just 18 kilometres off the coast of Batinah, this necklace of nine uninhabited islands floats like a dream on the Gulf of Oman. The Daymaniyats are no secret, but somehow, they still feel like a private discovery—untouched, uncrowded, and unforgettable. An ideal time for snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen 'We had a wonderful and busy Eid holiday,' said Diana Samonenko, General Manager of Seascape tour boat agency. 'Now that temperatures are rising and the water is finally warming and clarifying, we're seeing more and more people coming out to enjoy snorkelling activities on our boat. It's the perfect time.' April marks the gateway to peak season. Muscat's temperatures are already nudging past 35°C, and in the heat of the day, the cool waters around Daymaniyat promise instant relief. But these islands offer far more than a refreshing dip. With each visit, there's a sensory richness—bright coral gardens pulsating with life, sea breezes laced with salt and sunshine, and a horizon that stretches your thoughts well beyond city limits. An ideal time for snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen For many, the magic begins the moment the boat leaves the marina. Within 30 to 40 minutes, the city fades away, replaced by a horizon of rocky islets, turquoise lagoons, and seagulls soaring above untouched coves. On arrival, the water is so clear it's hard to believe—glass-like in its stillness, inviting in its calm. It's the kind of view that draws exclamations even from seasoned travellers. Although the islands themselves are uninhabited, they're anything but lifeless. The underwater world teems with colour: Hawksbill turtles glide beneath the surface with a grace that stills the breath, blacktip reef sharks patrol the reef edges, while clownfish, parrotfish, and angelfish flicker like jewels among anemones and coral branches. Moray eels peek from rocky hideaways, and schools of barracuda and stingrays make occasional appearances. An ideal time for snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen 'The Daymaniyat Islands are a special place in Oman,' said Captain Fahad Rashid Said Al Maashri, owner of Daymaniat Shells. 'Visitors can enjoy snorkelling with turtles, blacktip sharks, rays, eels, and very colourful reef fish. It's a complete experience—you don't have to be a diver to see the magic.' Fahad has spent over 25 years at sea, and since 2016, has operated Daymaniat Shells from Al Mouj Marina. His commitment to safety, professionalism, and environmental responsibility is central to his mission. 'We're proud to be plastic-free and certified in green tourism,' he shared. 'We want people to enjoy these islands—but we also want to protect them for the future.' Summer, he noted, brings a shift in the visitor profile. 'From May onwards, during the hotter months, we see fewer international tourists overall. But we have more GCC visitors and Oman residents joining our trips. Everyone's trying to escape the city heat and refresh—especially on weekends.' An ideal time for snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen And there's an added bonus to venturing out in summer: 'The water is like a swimming pool,' Fahad said. 'Fantastic visibility. And if you're lucky, there's even a chance to spot whale sharks around Muscat on the way to the islands. It's incredible.' Indeed, this is a time when nature feels close—almost welcoming. The islands are part of a protected nature reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and access is controlled by a strict permit system. Visitors are reminded: no littering, no stepping on coral, no camping outside designated areas. The rules are firm, but they preserve something rare—a marine environment still vibrant and alive. Back on deck, as boats gently idly near the reef, it's common to see families stretched out under shaded canopies, children watching the waves for dolphins, couples sharing fresh fruit, and divers bubbling up with wide grins. The Daymaniyat experience is less about speed and more about stillness—being present in a world that doesn't rush. An ideal time for snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen Asaad Al Alhassni, Captain and diving instructor at Movula Diving and Snorkelling Centre, echoed the seasonal shift: 'April to May was really busy, with more international tourists joining our trips. These days, we're seeing more local visitors and residents seeking cooler weekend adventures out at sea.' He also noted that while access to the islands themselves remains restricted—meaning no beach activities or camping are currently permitted—the Daymaniyat Islands will reopen for onshore visits from 3rd November until 3rd May, in line with conservation efforts and environmental guidelines. So, if you're feeling the heat creeping in, don't sweat it—literally. Pack your swim gear, grab your hat, and ride the wave with the growing community of Omanis heading to the Daymaniyat Islands. Summer is approaching, the sea is calling, and nature's most soothing spectacle is just a short boat ride away.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
£1.2 million pledged to help save dolphins in seascape restoration project
More than one million pounds has been pledged to a seascape restoration project, which launched in June 2024. The £1.2 million was pledged to Sussex Bay's Blue Natural Capital Lab - a project which raises funds for organisations across the county from ethical sources. As part of the new Sussex Bay initiative, the money will go towards local projects like the Sussex Dolphin Project, the Fishing Net Reuse and Recycling scheme in Worthing and the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme. The money will also help fund marine research at the University of Sussex and the revamp of the Windsor Lawn Rotunda, so small-boat fishers can sell their fish on the Worthing seafront. Dean Spears, head of Sussex Bay, said: "The £1.2 million that has so far been pledged over the past year by our innovative and forward-thinking funders is already making a difference to Sussex's seascape recovery. "We are humbled by the support received to date. "This funding is an injection not just of cash but also of hope for our counties and communities. "This is the first step towards a coastline abundant with life once more." Sussex Bay is an independent project which is not taxpayer-funded. It serves as the central project and aims to inspire nature recovery between Selsey and Camber Sands, which is inclusive of rivers, coast and up to 12 nautical miles offshore. The project also seeks to catalyse the long-term recovery of wildlife, which has been adversely affected by trawling, overfishing and pollutants. Mr Spears added: "Our ambition is to raise £50 million in ethical funding for marine recovery projects by 2050. "We are still at the base camp of the mountain we need to climb, as Sussex's sea and wetlands have been seriously degraded in recent decades and face escalating risks from our changing climate. "But this is an optimistic start." Various sources of funding, including the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Rewilding Britain, Novo Foundation, the Marine Management Organisation, Sea Changers, Natural England, Innovate UK and Championing Coastal Communities, were secured through competitive bids. This collective work contributes to Sussex Bay's Blueprint for Seascape Recovery, as part of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Thea Taylor, from the Sussex Dolphin Project, said: "Creating meaningful change in the marine environment requires meaningful collaboration. "Sussex Bay is uniquely positioned to unite and support the many organisations along the Sussex coast in a transformative partnership that has the potential to positively impact both the local marine ecosystem and the community. "We are grateful for Sussex Bay's support of our educational programme, which provides young people with valuable training and direct access to the marine environment, inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards." Libby Drew, of the Weald to Waves project, said: "You can't restore nature from a classroom - but breaking into green jobs is tough. "With support from organisations like Sussex Bay and Rewilding Britain, we are bridging the gap with hands-on learning courses, paid work placements, and the right connections to turn passion into a profession." The Blue Natural Capital Lab is the first of its kind in the UK and will support marine recovery projects looking for funding from ethical sources.
Miami Herald
15-03-2025
- Miami Herald
Cruise passenger says she was sexually assaulted by a DJ, and takes case to Miami court
A passenger on a Princess cruise that stopped in Port Everglades says she was sexually assaulted in her room by a crew member after a night of music and dancing in a ship lounge. The woman, who isn't fully named in the lawsuit and who the Miami Herald isn't identifying, notified the FBI on Nov. 26, 2024, when the ship, the Caribbean, arrived in Fort Lauderdale, her attorney Nicholas Gerson said. In February, she sued California-based Princess Cruise Lines, owned by Doral-based Carnival Corp. The lawsuit, filed in Miami federal court, seeks unspecified damages. The FBI won't comment on or acknowledge the case. 'As a matter of policy, the FBI does not confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation except in rare circumstances.' the agency said in an email. 'Further, in this circumstance, we are not in a position to comment when there is ongoing litigation.' The case comes less than two months after a 44-year-old woman from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, filed a criminal report with the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office alleging she was raped twice in her cabin, each time by a crew member, on an eight-day cruise that started and ended at PortMiami. The woman was on the Seascape of MSC Cruises, a Geneva-based company with an office in Miami. On the Princess cruise An Arizona resident in her late 50s says she was attacked on a 16-night Princess cruise that departed Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia on Nov. 10, 2024, with a stop at Port Everglades in Broward County. The incident, according to the suit, took place on board the Caribbean between the evening of Nov. 12 and Nov. 13. The woman was barely two nights into her cruise when a DJ at a ship entertainment venue raped and sexually assaulted her in her room, the complaint alleges. The woman isn't commenting beyond what's in the lawsuit, said Gerson, her attorney and a partner at the Miami firm Gerson and Schwartz. Gerson spoke to the Miami Herald after filing the civil lawsuit last month. Response from cruise line Princess Cruises said the company has taken action in the case. 'The individual is no longer with our company,' said Negin Kamali, a spokesperson for Princess Cruises said. She didn't identify the DJ crew member or say how long he had worked for the company. 'While we are unable to comment on pending litigation, these allegations are deeply disturbing and do not reflect who we are as a company,' Kamali said. Cruise ship cruse members must undergo screening and background checks 'before hiring and once on board,' the spokesperson said. 'Our comprehensive security measures, hiring protocols, HR policies, employee training and company values promote a safe and secure environment for our guests and crew.' Night of the reported attack The passenger says her ordeal started the evening of Nov. 12, 2024, when she went to the ship's Skywalker Lounge. She danced there late at night and into the early morning of Nov. 13. While she was dancing, a crew member — a disk jockey in the lounge — approached her and started making conversation. Later, he 'accompanied her to her stateroom under the guise of assisting or escorting her,' said the lawsuit, which was filed Feb. 6. But then the crew member entered her room rather than returning to the Skywalker Lounge. Later, the 'plaintiff remembers waking in her stateroom while the crew member was raping and/or sexually assaulting her,' the filing said. The woman acknowledges she had been drinking during the night and so had 'limited memory of the precise sequence of events but does remember the events.' And throughout Nov. 12 or the morning of Nov. 13, 'the plaintiff did not consent to any sexual activity with the crew member,' the complaint said. She is suing in part for personal injury and negligence. Her lawsuit said she suffered internal and external injuries and psychological and emotional trauma. She now faces 'the inability to lead a normal life,' the complaint said, and can't fully work. In 2024, at least 120 incidents of sexual assaults or rape were reported on cruise ships, according to data the U.S. Department of Transportation gets from the FBI. Analysis of these numbers however is limited: They are self-reported by cruise carriers, and mainly include only U.S. citizens as victims. Maritime legal experts believe the number is higher. The complaint argues that Princess 'knew or should have known that crew members such as disk jockeys working in onboard dance lounges such as the Skywalker Lounge would have the ability and opportunity to interact with passengers in the lounge, including passengers whose faculties were impaired by alcohol or otherwise, and would have the opportunity to take advantage of passengers whose faculties and ability to resist were impaired so as to commit assaults and other crimes.' So the cruise company 'had a duty of reasonable care toward its fare-paying passengers.' That included 'a duty to take reasonable steps to avoid or minimize sexual offenses such as acts of sexual assault and/or rape committed by crew members on its passengers.' Such steps include better investigation of their crew members' background or criminal history. Gerson, the attorney, said in an interview that cruise companies including Princess need more security people on board and they should be better trained. He also thinks cruise lines can't blame passengers for drinking heavily on board when the companies push all-you-can-drink packages and other promotions. 'They create this environment,' he said.
