Cap'n Pete Straw

Just finishing up some details on the Friday Night Game. I actually logged on here because I am missing a photograph. Back to work...

T.A.T.U.

Happy Natal Day to who? To Me? It be my birthday! So, thanks! Raise yer tankard and toast me! You heard me!

Don't be lookin' at me. The rum was brought into my room, but left my room by equally suspicious circumstances. I'd suggest lookin' in yer own kit fer any of the bottles. Damned pirates.

Do ye need a Cartographer? If I have to draw up any maps of the hotel, there'll be an "X" markin' the spot for me quarters, ye can be sure!

A simply beautiful job, indeed.

Just make sure you arrange a delivery of three cases of Pirate's Choice rum!

Scrubbing bubbles

... said photograph extolling, without doubt, the evils of demon rum.

Oops... sorry -- another point. I was interviewed (by the Travel Dog) for some kids' show or news program during "Breakfast with the Pirates" on Saturday morning. The show is apparently broadcast out of West Allis (WI). If anyone managed to get a videotaped copy of the interview clip (less than 30 seconds long, I estimate), I would be very interested in getting a copy. A pirated copy, of course.

Perhaps I should have mentioned earlier -- I forgot my camera at home. So there will be no pictures coming from this quarter. Considering the vantage point I had at many times, the absence of my camera is perhaps a very good thing.

Safely back home. Yes - a lot was rained out, but there were plenty of periods of calm (weather) allowing for much merriment. Sadly, many campers were flooded out (I am sure they will post their gripes) but there was a HUGE Hurricane Party in Pete's Suite at the Holiday Inn! (Party was unofficially sponsored by Pirate's Choice Rum -- which delivered three cases of rum to the room at no cost!) More later... I am sure pictures will follow (some of which I am sure to regret).

It is gorgeous outside. The Missus and I went to the local flea market yesterday, and I was too hot in my light jacket. Opening the back door today so the cats can watch the birdies frolic in the warm weather.

My Friend Flicka

Damn those dirty apes! As soon as I heard the news this morning, I rushed to the Forum to see if this had been posted. I am in mourning over this. He was one of my all-time favorite actors (I have a short list of perhaps five). This is hardly "Beyond Piracy" as Charleton Heston portrayed Long John Silver (1990). He and I were both bon in the same city (Evanston, IL). Another rifle fan who will miss this rifle fanatic.

light speed

Okay Pete, what haven't you told us??? Sorry -- I missed your question. You mean what is it I am doing? I thought I posted this earlier (and elsewhere). These are a series of conferences getting scientists from different Middle East countries to meet, work and collaborate with each other. And they are from countries that do NOT neccesarily have diplomatic relations and therefore do not typically work together. So, like, this is Nobel Peace Prize level stuff. We have had some great successes, but it's an incredible amount of work, and requires me to keep going to the freaking Middle East.

I have a loose thread hanging from my shirt button... Oops... I lost that thread, too.

And of course you missed the debacle of the non-functioning elevators. The hotel was packed to capacity (or it seemed as such) and one of the elevators was out of commission for the entire weekend -- this created HUGE crowds in the lobby at times waiting to get upstairs. Otherwise -- you want my opinion? A hotel is a hotel. Sure, it could be held somewhere else, but it's all going to be about the same. And, of course, it sure is nice to know where everything is "from last year."

Don't ask... Don't tell... Just drink...

Ummm... does that include Grogtinis? And no Guinness? I fear there is no reason left to live...

David Blaine (don't ask -- but it was a logical association of words)

RIP Roy Scheider. I really loved him as an actor. But you cannot truly be sad -- watch "All That Jazz," and imagine that's how he spent his final two hours: in a fantasy retrospective of his entire life before being embraced by Jessica Lange... not a bad way to go. My wife made this incredibly ironic observation... Did anyone else note that Roy Scheider passed away on the same day that the Discovery Channel was holding its "Shark Sunday" marathon?

I was right up front, but there were a couple other Y-chromosomers sitting near the back of the room.

MerryD and LadyB ... sorry you were unable to attend. Everyone else -- where were you? You missed one hell of a fun event. Reenactor Fest is an event that celebrates historical reenactors from every time period (in case that distinction was lost along the way) and if this defines you in any way, you should have made an attempt to attend. So, make an attempt to attend the next one. This event is getting bigger and better every time, and is not to be missed. I cannot recommend this event highly enough. I presume most all of you historical reenactors are not pigeon-holed into one narrow time period, so this event has a lot to offer -- in information, networking opportunities and merchandise -- in multiple time periods in addition to your favorite, which will undoubtedly expand and enrich your horizons. However -- if you are solely a "Fantasy" pirate with no interest in historical authenticity (and I have met my fair share!), then this event has little or nothing to offer. I am looking forward to RF5.