blackjohn

Romans and Polish winged hussars... two of my favorite things!!! I was going to be with a group of hussar reenactors this weekend, but along came the Baltimore Pirate Invasion and the choice became a no brainer. If you like history, timeline events can be neat... a big bundle of history all in one place... the Reenactor Zoo. In fact, even though I'm a reenactor, I'd rather spectate at a timeline event than participate because there are so many neat things to see.

These pics courtesy of the Crimson Corsair! Thanks for taking pics!!! I left my camera at home. The Camp (not fully set up at this point... and Duncan has a great collection of camp equipment... bravo!) The Lioness (that's teeny tiny me, first guy on the left) Pirate Brethren on the Pride of Baltimore II

Indeed. Wish I would have had more time to make your acquaintance. But, I did have fun getting blasted by your cannon while on the quarterdeck of the Lioness.

Thanks. I'm sure we will return. And with any luck I'll have more guys in tow. I'm not exactly sure what happened at the conflicting event some of them had planned to attend, but I do know the second day of that event was canceled due to either rain or possibly "politics." Politics being that the venue has undergone a change in leadership, with the current staff less reenactor friendly than the previous.

If you are able to get in touch with her, please let me know. Thanks!

As an interested party, and one who comes in contact with many other interested parties throughout this wonderful place called the internet, while Chez Michel has a great product, I believe his sales must be severely hampered by his lack of web presence.

Ah, my friend, I didn't say it could best The Princess Bride, just come close.

This one finally hit the top of my Netflix queue, and I have to say, it far exceeded my expectations. I really, really liked this film. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it comes close to The Princess Bride in the clever writing and good storyline departments.

My thoughts on the event. I have done a fair share of pirating, from straight out parties to street festivals to events that are nothing but a string of gunfights from when the doors open until when they close. As far as street festivals go, this one beats out any of the others I have done by a long sea mile. So, to the organizers, thanks for inviting the Pirate Brethren. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely, and we look forward to a bigger and even better one next year!

That's cool. Glad to hear you like it. Maybe some day we'll be fortunate enough to sit down and partake of a few together. I have seriously considered declaring it the official rum of the Pirate Brethren. Everyone in my group loves it so.

Black strap rum... neat.

That's gotta be all kinds of surreal...

Three cheers for the weather gods!!! Huzzah! huzzah! huzzah! The hour is drawing nigh... can't wait to taste the black powder...

The first time I ever remember seeing it, and done by none other than the all-time great fight choreographer William Hobbs, was in 70s version of The Three Musketeers. Now he was cool.

Like the Moorish guy from the 1980s Robin Hood show starring Michael Praed! Exactly!

To look kewl and ninja-like? How about an air pirate on Barsoom? As I recall, Barsoomian tradition was to go around armed with one long sword and one short sword. When challenged to a duel, an honorable Barsoomian would draw a weapon of equal or lesser length.

Define "bad idea." My advice, instead of two swords, purchase a sword and an ax. Get a shoulder belt with a double frog. Put the sword in the bottom slot and the ax in the top. You'll look just fine.

Haha... (yes, these fellows have a impressive collection of swords of all shapes and sizes...) But seriously, if you want to, the offer is there. Just let me know. I'll even lend you a pistol or two, though I'm not sure they are going to let us fire them. High crime rate, and all that.

Good point... here's to rum...

weird double posty snafu... hmmm...

If you want to take part, I'm sure we could scrape together some kit for you!

Ahoy, On May 4th, the Pirate Brethren is going to chase the Imperial Troops out of Philly. This is a call for pirates with good kit to join us. Send me an email if you are interested. Blackjohn

Haha! Leave it to those boys in the NWS... if charting was off as much the weather service... but I digress... keep those fingers crossed... and now, I should get back to preparing stuff for Saturday.

I know. I know. If you knew how quickly black powder residue and water turn into rust you wouldn't laugh. And generally, I just don't like rain, except for the fine misty type of rain. After I posted that weather report, I started thinking about it. As far as I recollect, my entire pirate reenacting career has seen a string of wonderful weather. Which contrasts dramatically with my entire RevWar career, which was one dismal mire after another.

What's this!!! Have you all forgotten old Tom?!?! I believe the harsh heat of the sun in those tropical climes has driven you all quite mad! Very well... pull up a chair... Thomas D'Urfey was a prolific song-writer, as well as collector of songs. He compiled, between 1698 and 1720, a six volume collection of songs with the very colorful title Wit and Mirth: Or Pills to Purge Melancholy. Once rather hard to find, I see a few volumes are available at Google Books.