'Two Years Before The Mast' is an excellent book that I read just recently. Amazing adventure and author. Recommend to all.

Also, from USCG OCS: "How long have you been in the Coast Guard?!"

"Sir/Ma'am, all me bloomin' life. My father was King Neptune and my mother was a mermaid. I was born on the crest of a wave and rocked in the cradle of the deep. My eyes r' stars, my teeth r' spars, my hair is hemp n' seaweed. And when I spits, I spits tar. I's tough I is, I am, I are."