Travis J Retzlaff - 21st Century Adulting

Ship to Shore and Back Again

Three Alaska ports, one big excursion, and a few lucky detours. How I planned my shore days on a cruise, plus tips for yours.

My Virgin Voyage through the Inside Passage

I never wanted to go on a cruise. Then Glacier National Park fell through, Alaska called, and Virgin Voyages answered. Part 1 of a first-timer's Inside Passage.

I have mixed opinions on the DSA's National Program, and a lot of questions. That's a healthy position for anyone to have about any platform or program. Especially when the goals are ambitious, and the details are few. Ultimately, I ended up becoming a dues-paying

Why I Support Francesca Hong, Despite the DSA Platform

Note: I'm grateful to have gotten feedback on DSA dynamics, they are posted at the bottom. People have valid concerns about the DSA platform. I am one of them, and I am wholeheartedly supporting Francesca Hong for governor. I'm not here to tell you what to

Democrats and the DSA, Come Together or Crumble Against the GOP

Politics has become the year-round blood sport driving news cycles in America. Lately, the 24/7/365 news cycle is obsessed with highlighting drama between the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). The reality is it’s a great opportunity, but the next two election cycles

Corey Ruiz's Killing, Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough

When I first read Francesca Hong's reaction to the Corey Ruiz killing, I cringed. I reacted to the use of the word execution. I wanted to come at this from an even-handed perspective. We need police officers; many of them do good work. I wanted to talk

What Matters In This Moment Isn’t Socialism

Socialism might end up being the word of the year, but I’ll spare you a definition. In most discussions, it doesn’t matter as much as you think. Socialism is a scare word they have hurled at every advance the people have made in the last 20 years…. Socialism