In Memory of a Titanic Explorer

Ralph B. White award winning cinematographer and Titanic explorer, died on February 4, 2008. He was with Dr. Robert Ballard when he discovered the wreck in 1985 and he was in the IMAX movie Titanica, where they went down and recovered artifacts. He also went down to the wreck when an expedition was sent by the History Channel to figure out how the Titanic broke in two. In searching for more evidence, he went down to the sister ship Britannic for comparisons (which by the way, Simon Mills owner of the Britannic is making arrangements to open it up for an underwater museum). He has made 35 dives in all to the Titanic. In 1996, he helped with the lighting on the submersibles when James Cameron went down to the wreck for his movie (which led James Cameron to be able to go deeper into the ship than anyone and explore the Reception Room on D Deck). He also did many other things at sea like swim with sharks, dive in the Arctic to a 153 year old wreck, and did a search for the Loch Ness Monster. According to his wishes, Ralph White was cremated and his ashes were taken to space and scattered to all 7 continents.

Jock Hume

John (Jock)Law Hume (bottom left) was born in Dumfries, England. He had deep blue eyes and blond hair. His father Andrew was an admired violinist and taught Jock at an early age. He loved the violin. Soon, he decided to make a career out of it. He then joined the White Star Line and was given a position on the Olympic. He was later transferred to the TITANIC. His mother begged him not to go on this voyage since he was to be wed in a few weeks. He decided to go on this voyage and then take a few voyages off for wedding and honey-moon purposes. Plus, the money would take care of a few finances. He, his fellow band-members, and the band-master Wallace Hartley would play music in the Lounge, Dining Room (during the dinners), and possibly the Reception Room. When the TITANIC struck an iceberg, Wallace Hartley awoke Jock Hume and the other band-members and they played cheerful music. They played in the Lounge before moving to the Boat-Deck. The band reportedly played rag-times and hymns all the way until the water swept them away. The last hymn was either "Nearer my God to Thee" or "Autumn."
Jock was later recovered and buried in Halifax where he still rests. His father got nothing but the bill for Jock's uniform.

My Review on Ghosts of the Abyss

Ghosts of the Abyss was filmed ironically in September of 2001 and in fact was still at sea during 9/11. The movie is great to watch for the whole family. The only trouble is that Bill Paxton uses swear words a little bit and the ghosts may give the little ones bad dreams. The movie basically takes you to the TITANIC and you're able to see what the Reception Room, Ismay Suite, and other things inside the TITANIC that have not been seen since April 14/15, 1912. The ghosts are basically just images that walk down the decks or look at a mirror or other things to show you a comparison of what the ship looked like then and now. It stars Bill Paxton, James Cameron (whom directed the famed blockbuster film TITANIC), and Ken Marschall taking these two robots and exploring places that no-one else has seen in over 96 years. What's really cool is that in the end, one of the bots' string gets severed and they show you it getting rescued. There's so much seen in there like these windows in the Reception Room, the A-Deck sign, wooden and brass beds, the remains of tables, medicine bottles, a cup where someone had last left it, and other spectacular things.

The 1st class Reception Room

At the fifth level of the Grand Staircase, the Reception Room was a masterpiece of itself. Many passengers remembered eating there for any meal. It was also nice just to sit there and talk with the brightly lit room and white paneling. The wicker chairs with soft velvet padding. The Grand Staircase was the centerpiece with elegant oak railings, intricate balustrades, a wonderful painting at the landing, and a gigantic gold candle-holder. The windows were beautiful with blue stain around the beautiful windows. There was beautiful carpet as well. When the TITANIC sank, the room simply filled with water. However, the Grand Staircase and all five flights are missing. Almost everything recognizable to being the Reception Room is nearly gone. However, there are hints of white on some columns and window panes still intact.