Jamaica Rose

Aye, if ya want the lasses swoonin' over ya lad, then ya need to be dressed piratically proper-like (and yer right -- wearing some of Claire's clothing ain't gonna git ya very far in that department). For merchants of ready made costuming, or tailors that kin made something special fer ya, see our list at: http://noquartergiven.net/merchant.htm Look under the "costuming/period clothing" section. Also look for clothing under the "living history" section. And we have a special section for footwear merchants. If you are a do-it-yerselfer (all self respectin' sailors, which is what pirates are truly, were handy with the needle) then you'll also find merchants under those two sections that sell patterns and period yard goods and trims. You might also want to get a copy of No Quarter Given's "Pyrate Prymer" -- there's a lot of good costuming information there, whether you just need to know what the proper look is, or if ya need to know how to create such fer yerself. There's more costuming articles in many of our back issues as well (how to build a baldric, etc.). To obtain the Pyrate Prymer - tis only $5 plus s/h -- see: http://www.noquartergiven.net/collection.htm Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "If you can't dress like a pirate, why dress at all?"

We've had several piratical pets -- a Senegal parrot, some piratical puppies, and several rats. For a photo of our parrot, Billy Bones, go to: http://www.noquartergiven.net/nqgcrew.htm (in case you can't figure it out -- his is the third image down) Our current bilge rats are brothers -- Jean & Pierre Lafitte. Jean came with us last weekend to the Disney Corporate Picnic at Rancho Calamiegos. Of course, the theme was pirates. We were some of the entertainers. Almost all of the kids, and most of the men are entranced by Jean. Half of the women are ok with him, or even like him. But it was interesting how many of them asked us "what's wrong with his tail (or leg)?" We'd explain that Jean is a "boy" rat. Still getting a blank look sometimes -- we'd have to explain that Jean is a "very proud boy" rat. If we still got a blank look -- we'd explain what they were seeing was his "manhood" -- or should I say "rathood"? Usually, they'd finally understand. And would be fascinated. I think the ladies were imaging what it would be like if men were proportionately as well endowed as rats (and some people talk about horses -- rats have them beat hands down). One elderly Spanish gentleman, who spoke extremely little English, was very interested in Jean. And at first he didn't understand what he was seeing at Jean's hind end. My husband points to Jean's rear and said "El Senor, ... El GRANDE Senor". Then the man broke into a huge grin, understanding it, and responded with "Oh si, ... huevos". And we replied "Si, si, cajones". And who said we weren't bilingual? Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "Do you mind if the parrot watches?"

At the Mouse Stores -- I mean Disney Stores. And at D-Land and D-World too. They've been selling PotC shirts and stuff for ages (I've got some from years ago). Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "Bring me that horizon."

From the pre-production material I read on the movie, the era of the movie was supposed to be 1740's -- supposedly a generation after the time period of the Disney ride. Though the ride looks more 1670's buccaneer era to me rather than early 1700's Golden Age of Piracy. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "I never would have thought of that." "Clearly you've never been to Singapore." -- Cap'n Jack replying to the soldier upon slicing off Elizabeth's corset

For an article about the fight sequences in POTC go to: http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/6231327.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Posted on Tue, Jul. 08, 2003 Producer leans on fencing masters' expertise to keep the swordplay serious in 'Pirates' By Patrick Day Los Angeles Times What audiences expect of Jerry Bruckheimer action movies, he delivers: They're fast, flashy and dedicated to the principle that no explosion is too big. Thus it may seem that the Bruckheimer project sailing into theaters on Wednesday, ``Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,'' is a little low-tech for the producer of ``Top Gun,'' ``The Rock,'' `Armageddon'' and ``Black Hawk Down.'' Pirate ships, after all, move no faster than the wind can push them, and the flash comes from the buccaneers' gold-toothed smiles. But Bruckheimer notes that the sheer precision of an old-fashioned swashbuckling sword fight can create an undeniably spectacular effect. ``I've always wanted to do a pirate picture,'' he says. ``I just loved, growing up as a kid, watching `Treasure Island' and Errol Flynn movies, and I thought we could make something that was kind of fun for today.'' ``Pirates,'' the Walt Disney Co.'s latest attempt to cash in on the familiarity of its theme park attractions (after last year's ``The Country Bears''), stars Johnny Depp as a rogue pirate who teams with blacksmith Orlando Bloom to rescue damsel Keira Knightley from Geoffrey Rush's crew of ghostly pirates, cursed to appear as skeletons when seen in moonlight. This being a Bruckheimer movie, there are explosions. But mostly there's sword fighting, and lots of it. ``It's all about the speed and the style of the blade,'' says Bloom, ``and the way they kind of sing, so the blades are communicating as opposed to just clashing.'' Blinding speed and singing blades can require great concentration from even an experienced swordsman, but for an actor still becoming acquainted with the sword as well as with his lines, there's always the risk of punctuating dialogue with a bloody gash or worse. Luckily for the cast, this production came with a Bruckheimer-size budget, reportedly $125 million. The kind of money ordinarily lavished on blasting caps was spent on expert training. Bob Anderson, an 80-year-old Englishman with impressive swashbuckling credentials -- he showed Flynn a thing or two when they worked together on ``The Master of Ballantrae'' in 1953 -- was brought in for four weeks during shooting to lend his wisdom to the cast and crew. Anderson's ``still very light on his feet,'' Bloom says. ``He was up there showing us how it was done.'' For all his experience, and the admiration he inspires, Anderson displays an English gentleman's sense of humility. ``We're all standing on the shoulders of those who went before us,'' he says. ``In other words, don't take too much credit for what you're doing, because somebody else gave it to you and you're adding your bit of talent.'' He is quick to credit his assistant sword master, Mark Ivie, who worked with stunt coordinator George Marshall Ruge and director Gore Verbinski to choreograph the film's dozen or so sword fights. Two centerpiece duels -- a playful show of skills between Depp and Bloom in a blacksmith's forge, and a battle in the three-story-high cave set involving Depp and Bloom against the crew of undead pirates -- took five months for the three to plan, and that was before the actors ever showed up. Planning a movie sword fight apparently is not as easy as giving an actor fencing lessons, a prop sword and a few marks to hit on the ground. Considerations include weapon choices, fighting style and personal flourishes added for the character. ``In `Pirates','' says Ivie, ``we use a lot of cutlasses,'' a short, thick curving sword. ``We have a lot of sweeping movements, cutting movements. What we tried to do was contrast the different styles. Orlando's style is much more classically trained. Johnny's character, who is a pirate, has a much more `anything goes' kind of style.'' Each sword-fighting move has a name, and during preparations for a fight, the names being called out and the graceful movements with which they correspond can make the actors seem more like burly ballerinas than scurvy seadogs with thirsty blades. Once the moves are set, though, and the fight is brought to full speed, the effect is hardly as peaceful as a ballet. ``When the director says `Action,' you pretty much go all out,'' Ivie explains. ``The adrenaline just takes it that much more over the top. By the end of the fight, you're like, `I want to kill this person.' '' Adding to the challenge were the visual effects used to create the skeletal look of the enemy pirates. Entire duels were filmed with just half the fighting duo at a time, each half having to imagine his interaction with the other. But no matter how well-planned and executed the sword fights, there's still a curse to contend with, one that has nothing to do with ghost pirates or gold doubloons. What it does involve -- the astronomical budgets of Hollywood pirate movies and their tendency to sink at the box office -- is more than enough to shiver the timbers of the heartiest studio executives. Witness the performances of last year's ``Treasure Planet'' and the notorious Geena Davis-Renny Harlin film ``Cutthroat Island'' from 1995, or even recent Oscar winner Roman Polanski's 1986 shipwreck, ``Pirates.'' Bruckheimer is charting his own course into these troubled waters, backed by an impressive track record and an impressive crew. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl opens Wednesday Rated: PG-13 (violence) Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley Director: Gore Verbinski Writers: Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio Running time: 2 hours, 23 minutes

This is found in the "Junior Novelization" of POTC: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Where'd he get the compass?" Will whispered. "Told me once he served as apprentice to a cartographer for a time," Gibbs answered. "But I can't say ... only heard he showed up in Tortuga one night with a notion to go for the treasure of Isla de la Muerta. This was when he was captain of the 'Black Pearl'." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I caught some of this in the movie, but if all of this dialog is there, I wasn't able to catch all of the words of it. Next time I see the movie, I'll pay better attention. Still doesn't really explain about the compass. Also, how did Norrington know the compass didn't point north by just glancing at it. He didn't even try it. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "You are without a doubt, the worst pirate I have ever heard of." "Ahhhh, but you have heard of me." ------Commodore Norrington and Cap'n Jack Sparrow

Cap'n Jack, clever rogue that he is, palmed a coin when he was talking with Barbossa and fingering the gold. It was only then that he was cursed. He did it on purpose, so he wouldn't die in the battle with Barbossa. He mentions earlier to Barbossa (just before being marooned again) that he should thank him for mutinying, thus saving him from being cursed as the others. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "I suppose I should thank you. If you hadn't betrayed me and left me to die, I'd have had an equal share in the curse, same as you! " --Cap'n Jack Sparrow

Dunno. Wondered that meself. I assume it wasn't cursed gold -- I think olny the gold coins/medallions from the chest is cursed. With all that other gold around in the Treasure Cave why would anyone needs be takin' the cursed gold? I think Jack was countin' on the "Black Pearl" still waitin' fer him when he came outta the Treasure Cave. The treasure Jack had probably was confiscated by Norrington. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "Them's wot falls behind, gits left behind." --The Pirate Code

Those wot weren't dead right away from wounds that didn't kill them while they were a'cursed, were rounded up by the good guys. They might be in the brig, might be hanged. Dunno. Can ya hear whisperings of "sequel"? Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "Parley?" --Pintel, as they were led off to the brig

Those are thunderously fine smileys, my odiferous shipmate. I'll have to see if we can get our honorable Captain Admin to add them to our smiley menagerie here on the Pyracy Pub, if that's alright with you. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "Do I make myself clear?" "Inescapably." --Commodore Norrington and Capt. Jack Sparrow

Welcome aboard, lass. Anaheim has a grand pyratical tradition, fer it be the home of the original "Pirates of the Caribbean." I grew up not far either - within walking distance of Disneyland (if you consider approx. 4 miles to be walking distance - which I obviously do, fer I did that walk quite a bit). Now, I've been to the Chesapeake Bay, and crossed a bridge by that name too. Do you know there is a book about you? Called "Pirates of the Chesapeake", by Donald Shomette. Came out in '85 so shouldn't be too hard to come across. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "Really bad eggs." --Capt. Jack Sparrow, in "Pirates of the Caribbean"

First now, don't be callin' me "captain". I'm honored n' all, but that would be me good husband. Even though the label under me name says "pyrate captain", I'm simply a chart marker and navigator. As to the sequel rumours, we've been hearing that talk loud and clear (and calls and shouts of "Sequel" were heard during the credits at the cast and crew screening). Also heard rumours (from fairly good sources) about some of the "names" from the first movie being signed already for a sequel. At the premiere showing, Matt Stone said he asked his cousin Nina Jacobson, president of the Disney Buena Vista Group Pictures (or something like that) about a sequel. She didn't say "yes", but she didn't say "no". I think it just takes this movie being a financial success to make sure the sequel carries through. I'm just wondering about a possible "prequel" -- to explain the early story - how Jack found the treasure cave, had the compass, and ended up on Anna Maria's leaky boat. Perhaps that might be explained in a sequel with flashbacks or by one of the characters tellin' a story. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose

A hearty warning here -- if ya haven't seen "Pirates of the Caribbean" ya might not want to be reading this here. I thought it would be fun for those who've seen the movie, to discuss how they liked it, what they liked about it, without having to worry about spoiling the story for anyone. Now -- my question is: Does anyone understand about Capt. Jack Sparrow's "compass that doesn't point north?" So what's special about it? I'm wondering if it just points the way to Isla de Muerta. If so, how? Where'd he get it? I'm also wondering if this indicates a possible "prequel" to explain maybe how he found Isla de Muerta in the first place? For my review of the movie, accounts of the premiere party, etc, go to: http://www.noquartergiven.net/potc.htm Hope you all enjoyed the movie, --Jamaica Rose "Not sure I deserved that." --Capt. Jack Sparrow

Actually Pirates in Paradise has done this already. On the fourth Thursday in November they celebrate Thankstakin'! Scurrilously yrs, --Jamaica Rose "Frankly Scallop, ... I don't give a clam."

Gawd -- this was the type of comment we were inundated with during the POTC chat session. We were overrun with Orland Bloom groupies. Now then Cap'n Weaver, bein' as I don't know yer gender fer sure (yer avatar sure doesn't help) -- this little comment about Orlando Bloom makes me wonder if either you are female, or just a male pyrate who's been to sea for too long, or yer one o' those alternative lifestyles type buccaneers. Not that I mind any of the above -- just got me to wonderin' (I like to know a little about me fellow tavernmates, just so's I know who I can make a move on). Fair wyndes and full tankards, --Jamaica Rose "Do ya mind if the parrot watches?"

Piracy hasn't stopped to this day. Huge oil tankers disappear in the Malaysian Strait, never to be seen again -- yachts and crew disappear -- private sailboats are held up and robbed and the women aboard raped. This happens a lot to this day. And piracy existed long before the Elizabethan Sea Dogs. There are many famous pirates from the middle ages, and before (Julius Caesar was kidnapped and held for ransom by pirates). In the name of piracy, --Jamaica Rose "Heave on the main-brace ... and let's have no sheet about it!"

Having attended the Hampton Blackbeard Festival as well as a few others on both coasts, I know that Cascabel speaks so truly. Festival directors and PTB (powers that be) are usually overwhelmed. They have good intentions that don't always come off as planned. People don't show up on time (whether behind-the-scenes, or out interacting with the public), budgets aren't what they were promised, equipment is lacking, etc etc. Participants who pitch in rather than grousing are what help the festivals be much more fun. If you enjoy these festivals as much as I do, then you'll want to help promote them and help out during the festival where needed so they can keep on going. Things may not be as they should, but oft times the public knows no different. Just give 'em a good show, interact with them (especially the kids), be willin' to pose for Kodak opportunities, and the public is happy and excited having seen "pirates!". Make it fun for yourself by stayin' in persona as you interact with the other pirates and the people in general. A true pirate should be able to have fun no matter what, and that fun becomes infectious. Fair wyndes, sleeping sentries and full tankards, --Jamaica Rose "Support your local buccaneer."

On the BACK? of the pin? It doesn't do much good there, does it? "No Prey, No Pay" is an old saying of pirates. I like the more updated variation I use on buttons (proudly stolen ... er ... acquired from Captain Siobhan, aka Leigh Ann Hussey, author of the song "The Red Queen", who had a coin with the sayin on it): "Saint Errol of Flynn ... Prey for Us." (I also created a version with Anne Bonny) Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose

Granted, some pirates are anchored quite a distant from other brethren, you never know who might be close enough to ya to sign articles with ya and go on the account. And bein' a distance from the coasts isn't always a deterrant. There are crews of river pirates, Great Lakes pirates, and pirates who are willing to scourge whatever body of water or piece of dry land they can lay their hands to. There are some quite lively pirate bands even in the burning sands of Arizona (I know -- my own captain, and good husband, originated from there). Check to see what crews have registered with No Quarter Given and are lookin' fer new members at: http://noquartergiven.net/crews.htm A condensed version of this list is also printed in within the pages of the No Quarter Given magazine - in alternating halves each issue. The crews listed on the NQG page have various goals and criteria. Some strive for historical authenticity and accuracy; some are just in it fer the partying, the drinking, the wenches and to look good in a dashing costume; others enjoy sailing on historical ships and firing cannons, etc etc. Some want all of the above. If there are no crews to suit ya within voyaging distance (and in the sake of fun and plunder, many consider a few hours voyage to be worth it, so ya might not want to be so picky), then you might want to consider forming up yer own crew (even if yer the only member for the nonce). Read the article at the bottom of the webpage fer some ideas on how to start up yer own crew. If you decide to form yer own crew, then send us yer particulars as given out at the top of said webpage, so we can post notyce of yer crew too. T'is abso-floggin'lutely FREE, whether yer a subscriber to NQG or not. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "PIRACY -- it may not be pretty, but someone's gotta do it!"

Booga -- I hope you come. It would be great to finally meet you. But if not, the captain and I are figuring out how to get to Germany (and other parts of Europe) this year. Our daughter is being stationed at Ramstein AFB for a year. Perhaps we can meet over on your side of the pond. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose

So true. Also, that small yellow type on black backqround is very trying on the eyes. It's going to be the very dedicated shipmate that's willing the slog through reading that. Type on black background should be used sparingly, for titles and such, and the type should be large. Red on black (or black on red) is hard too when it's small. The black on brown used here at the Pyracy forum is very good, easy to read. Or a dark brown on a tan background. Or red (if a little larger) on light tan. Best of luck with the website, Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose

Stolen!!! From my button collection?!!? How dastardly you are. At least you are blatant about it. Oh well, I admit I have stolen (or modified) some of my ideas from all sorts of places, so I probably shouldn't protest too much. In fact, I've been finding a few choice new sayings here amongst the bumpersticker suggestions that will work splendidly for new buttons. And I do have quite a few ideas for bumperstickers (several were printed up in No Account Given 1 and 2, the spoof versions of NQG). I just haven't pursued what it takes to get them printed up. If any of you can suggest inexpensive ways to print up small batches of bumperstickers, I'd be glad to learn about them. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "Cargo Acquisition Coordinator"

Yes -- Talk Like A Pirate Day was proposed by Dave Barry last September. We reported on it in No Quarter Given. Sounded like some people had fun with it. We even heard tales of traffic reporters on that day speaking like pirates. I wonder if it will be resurrected again this year. --Jamaica Rose "What Would Blackbeard Do?"

Mad Dog, m'luv -- I adore how you think! Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose "Pre-Emptive Salvage Specialist"

In case anyone's interested, long time ago, one of me darlin' devoted readers sent me a monograph by the name of "Tales of the Neahkahnie Treasure" from the Nehalem Valley Historical Society Treasure Committee, 1991. Says it was a 2nd printing by the Tillamook County pioneer Museum, 2106 2nd St., Tillamook, OR 97141 (503) 842-4553 (I'd check on the area code -- might have changed since then). 'tis 25 pages crammed with information all about this mysterious treasure. I've been to Tillamook once, long ago, only to tour the cheese factory and get some samples. Since I've learned of this mystery, been meanin' to go back. Blackheartedly yrs, --Jamaica Rose