Capt. Westyn Elizabeth Roberts

There was another PG or PG-13 movie called "Pirates of the Plain," starring Tim Curry. I love Tim Curry. Anyhow, he plays a pirate that gets time-warped (somehow) to modern day, and he meets up with this young kid. I haven't seen it yet, but it looks okay for the young'uns. Oh, and don't forget "Muppets Treasure Island." Did I mention that I liked Tim Curry? He plays Long John Silver in this, and he does a fantastic job. It's a fun movie with Muppet sing-alongs and funny and memorable characters. One of my favorites (other than the usuals) is a goat named Clueless Morgan. He's a riot. Did I mention that I love Tim Curry? Just checking. Capt. WE Roberts

Email Dark Rose on this message system. You can look 'im up on the website right here. I know he had some great stuff at the PIP Festival in Key West. Stynky may be able to help as well. I know he was helping out down there. Thomas was busy making tankard straps, but I don't know if he makes sheaths for knives. Baldrics, yes. Sheaths, ? Anyhoo, fabulous work, good prices, nice folks! Capt. WE Roberts

Just thought I'd start this part for all of you pirates out there with miniature pirates in the home. This is aimed toward ONLY acceptable stuff for 1-13 year olds. This is where the Mama and Papa pirates can come to find suitable watching/reading materials for their young'uns. So no bad stuff. I believe El Pirata, Stynky, Hurricane and Joshua Red have young ones, so this might be interesting. This is a place to put names of kiddie movies and websites to visit together. I found http://www.meddybemps.com/halloween/thewindmill2.html This has a fun little story about PUMPKIN PIRATES. It's cute, but read ahead, just in case there's something there you don't want the little ones to see. Also, don't forget THE GOONIES and the Disney version of PETER PAN. I haven't seen the new version, yet, but I've heard it's pretty dark. Don't forget CAPTAIN FEATHERSWORD from THE WIGGLES! Capt. WE Roberts

Thank'ee ever so much for mentioning SpongeBob and The Wiggles, Mr. Joshua Red! I completely forgot all about those two! However (NOT) fond of The Wiggles I am, I really like SpongeBob. And I THOUGHT that was Brian Doyle Murray as the voice of The Flying Dutchman. I can usually guess the voices of cartoon characters. I suppose that comes from too many years of watching television...or should I say "absorbing" television. Heh, heh. Nicely done! Capt. WE Roberts

The Blooper Reel...worth the cost of the DVD. I loved it. I also loved all the behind the scenes stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed "Diary of a Pirate." It was really neat to see what went into making those characters believable. It was really something to hear that guy's real voice after hearing him say "poppet" all through POTC! And those yellow contact lenses...yuck. I have regular contacts, and they're a bit unnerving at times. The full-coverage contacts must be horrible! I cracked up when JD asked "Is that a plane?" on the Blooper Reel. And also when Elizabeth asked Northington "...or is it bare breasts and ankles all the way?" Capt. WE Roberts

Here's a little spot for everyone to be notified about pirates in regular series shows and those Made For TV movies. For example, I flipped to a rerun of "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch" on December 29, and that episode featured pirates from the Other Realm. They were pretty fun, but the usual "all they really do is hop around in costume and say ARRGH" kind of guys. At least they were pirates. Capt. WE Roberts

I agree with you, Charlotte! I loved the ticking crocodile! And Hook's reaction! "Tick-tick-tick! Ahhh!" However, I noticed that when Disney "remastered" the original version of Peter Pan, Hook's great voice was redone...and it sounded like it had been done by someone else. At least it did in the version that I watched. I have a CD with Disney songs on it, and it has the original voice in the song "The Famous Captain Hook." That voice and the one in the movie didn't sound the same. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they overdubbed the original voice. It sounded WAAAAY different, and I went into shock when I heard it. Capt. WE Roberts

Ooops. My bad. It was Leonard Maltin. My honey tells me that he never gives a good review on any movie, unless it's one of those sappy epics that no one ever watches more than once. Unless we're totally mistaken. Anyhow, I can't wait to see Hook as a menacing...pirate. That's what he is; that's what he should be. Capt. WE Roberts

First, let me begin by saying that I love pirates...no kidding! And secondly, I love villains! Jason Isaacs has been one of my favorite villains ever since I saw him as the evil British guy on "The Patriot." Then, he played Lucius Malfoy on "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." Now, he's playing Hook! Ahhh! Fan me. I've fainted dead away. Well, I was watching Ebert and...that woman...whoever she is. They were rating movies as either HOT or NOT. They both gave this new version of "Peter Pan" a NOT. I couldn't believe the comments they made! All my life, I've wanted to see a movie in which Peter is not played by a famous (full-sized) actor...or a woman. Now, it comes along, and they squash it with all their powers, just because it's not a stinkin' fairy tale. I'm mad. I can't wait to see it. I just hope I'm not disappointed. Hell, it's got Jason Isaacs, so at least I'll be entertained while Hook is on screen. Capt. WE Roberts

'Ello, Capt. Flinty! How's life? Well, I don't know the answer to your question, but I thought I'd add that I saw a neat little weapon belonging to Oliver Platt's character Porthos in the Disney version of The Three Musketeers (with Charlie Sheen and Kiefer Sutherland and Tim Curry). It was a gun that he fired, and then he whipped out the end of it (which was a knife) and stabbed somebody! I thought that was cool, but didn't think it quite period. I did some research, and it really is. Humph! Learn something new every day by watching movies... Capt. WE Roberts

Paisley, Nice rags. I like the whole ultra-feminine pirate look you've got going on there. I'll try to post some pics of my pink pirate costume when I get it made. Lucky for me, I got the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN on DVD: combo set with the extra DVD. I also got lots of other DVD's, including one that has loads of history about pirates. It's called PIRATES OF THE HIGH SEAS. It's a little cheesy in the dramatized parts, but it's got some interesting stuff on Morgan, Roberts, Blackbeard, Read, Bonny, and many others. Plus, it's got an additional movie tacked on to the end called LONG JOHN SILVER'S RETURN TO TREASURE ISLAND. Pretty snazzy, huh? I also got the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN soundtrack! It's great, too! My hubby (Bob the Swab) surprised me. He said we didn't have enough $ to get each other presents after all our bills came due. Sad, yes. I did managed to get him an autographed PATRIOTS football card cheap from Ebay, and my dad made a nice display plaque for it. He loved it! Yay for me! Also, little did I know, but the money he made from an extra small side job, he used to get me a really nice printer/scanner/copier all in one deal! It was great. I thought that was so sweet. Some may say that it's not too sentimental, but he knows how much I like to write, and he's been trying to get me to send one of my books to a publisher for review. Unfortunately, when I became brave enough, my printer conked out. Now, I have no excuse not to send it in! Ahh! I also got a sewing machine, carrying case and loads of sewing extras, so I'll be able to start on those new piratey duds, if'n I can figure out how to sew... My mother and father totally spoiled us this year. They spent way too much money, but we all had a blast! It was great. I was in such high spirits this year that I could hardly sleep for three days. Anyhoo, I hope your holiday was as special as mine was, and I hope you came away with a good dose of the ol' contagious holiday spirit! No, you mangy dogs! I spirit; NOT SPIRITS! Drink up me hearties, yo-ho! Capt. WE Roberts

Excellent choice of words. Someone used the word "ego." As in egotistical. I believe that's where the talent really kicks in. Those who have talent will have fun and have so much fun that it spills over into the crowd, if you're doing a live character in front of an audience. An egomaniac will let his chest and head puff up so large that he's a bastard to all who dare come into his path. But, you guys sound like a buncha fun pirates! I'd love to see you all sometimes. I know I got to meet a few at the PIP festival, but I'd like to run into some more fun-loving pirates along the way sometimes soon. Have fun re-doing, re-enacting, whatever...just have fun. Oh, and be nice. If you consider yourself an actor doing a job, it won't be much fun. But, if you lose yourself in the character and let the audience know how much fun you're having, they won't be able to dislike you! Capt. WE Roberts

I totally agree with you, Master Studley. And it wasn't just tourists who were asking why we were in pirate garb. It was the locals! Most of them were younger locals, too! The kind we like to corrupt! I was shocked that so few people knew what we were up to. Some of them even asked us if you had to be part of "the club" to go. I told them what the event was, and I also told them to come on down, whether or not they were in gear. Bob and I were really surprised that so few people actually knew about the festival. Capt. WE Roberts

P.S. Capt. Jack, you might want to check out our PLUNDER part of this site. It has WAY more info on the entire pirate getup. Plus, check out CAPTAIN TWILL. Also, make sure you check into THE PYRATE PRIMER, put out by NO QUARTER GIVEN. The links to the NQG site are usually posted on the header of this page. I bought the PRIMER book at the PIP Festival, and it's got some really great stuff in there about costuming, characters and other historical tidbits for those interested in periodical piracy. Plus, it keeps you company on those plane and/or car trips. Thanks to the folks at NQG! Have fun! Capt. WE Roberts

Oh, by the stars! I knew I'd be gettin in over me head when I typed that long reply. Let me make one thing straight... I apologize to anyone I might've offended when I blurted out my comment on folks who pretend not to know me in different costumes. I know being in costume and staying in character is fun and all. Most of the time, I love it. I like being lost in time when I go to a RenFest or what have you. It's just when I'm actually given the cold shoulder by a PERSON, and not a character. For example, I have known other people who RUDELY do it, just to make innocent folks like me a bit frazzled. "Not funny. Don't do it," I say. Capt. WE Roberts

I was watching him "undress" so intently that I pretty much lost every game...especially when I noticed where that bottle was. Pong...heh, heh, heh. Capt. WE Roberts

Since the only occupation that a woman could hold was prostitution, I'd say there were probably more women pirates than anyone can count. I know I'd rather be a pirate than the other title anyday. Oh, and there was a woman pirate I read about called Grainne O'Maille. Was this the same person as Grace O'Malley? The name looks Celtic, but I'm not sure. I guess I'll have to read up on it. The main reason Bonny and Read got so much publicity is due to their Captain, Calico Jack Rackham and their capture and trial. And they were mean women who disguised their gender and fought like men! Girl pirate power! Capt. WE Roberts

BTW Nigel, that costuming site was impressive. I LOVE those gowns; especially the 14th Century Red Courtesan! That embroidery is awesome! Very talented! Capt. WE Roberts

I'd have to say Ebay would probably be your best bet for finding a ready made coat. Of course, 200 doubloons would probably be pushing it. Those coats on that spot go for mega-bucks! And they won't fit you just right, unless you're one lucky duck. My advice is to watch, watch, watch the movie, noticing every little detail on the coat. Then, go out and buy a costume pattern. I'm sure one will be out very soon from Simplicity or McCalls. You should probably check their websites every so often. Next, go scour the fabric stores and online. Hancock Fabrics is one of my favorites. The shipping doesn't kill you, and they run frequent sales. You'll also probably want to learn how to accurately age the fabric, since dear Jack's outfit wasn't the classiest in the movie...and to give it that dirty piratey look. Lastly, sit down and make your own or find a handy seamstress in the family who likes you. Or, if it's a sewing job, you'll probably have to find someone who dearly loves you. It's hard when your a pirate.... Good luck! Capt. WE Roberts

Come closer to Tennessee...please? I would love to do some kind of reinactments, whether it be comedy or drama. I am a huge theater fan, and I delight in my theater group in college. I wrote a hit play, based on a medieval "fractured" version of Snow White. It was great. Total, we played to over 500 folks! Not bad for community college, eh? Capt. WE Roberts

With an economy (meaning "no") budget, I like to stay relatively similar to the actual time, while having a lot of fun. I went to the PIP Festival to have fun on my honeymoon. As for the character...while I did greet everyone there with a soft hash of my newly-aquired piratey self, when I engaged in a regular conversation, the Tennessee girl in me came right on out and I spoke normally. What confuses me most (and my new hubby as well) is the fact that so many people have so many different personalities, which is weird in any book. My advice to those die-hard reinactors out there is to act normal if someone comes up to you, knowing you're the same person in a different outfit. There were several people there whose personality changed with EACH DIFFERENT OUTFIT. Please...I know it's a lot of fun, but it's terribly confusing. Unless you have an extreme makeover and get a facelift between costumes, it's pretty much useless to pretend that we've never met. I already know who you are. I hate to rain on anyone's parade, and far be it for me to spoil anyone's fun...but when I meet you one day and speak to you the next and you pretend like you don't know me...it's kind of a turn-off. It's like it gives people the cold shoulder (and not just me--several folks were commenting on the same deal). So, sure. Have fun. Play with different characters, if that's your thing. Just don't act like a rude idiot when you do. Not saying that anyone did...mind you, but some Faire folk do. It just reminds me of a person I know who once did Ren Fest. He acted like he didn't know me, because I'd never met his character. Duh. Capt. WE Roberts

Aye, I agree with Dark Rose. And he has some lovely piratey things in his little tent! I've seen them with my own eyes...drooled over them...had to fight the urge not to plunder and steal (the leather frock coat by Thomas), 'cause he's a new pal and a darned nice guy! I'd have to agree with that idea of no interfacing. Unless you're a super-duper whiz with a sewing machine or needle, interfacing is crap. (Crap=Piratey word? Nah. Probably not.) Well, I'd say, I'd use a bit of the same material in areas where the coat needs to be stiffer, like in the lapels. Also, that fusible webbing is pretty decent for some things...depends on the material. It could be used to stiffen a bit. Anyhoo, if you're not going to line the entire coat, I'd say use the same kind of material as the coat is made out of. That way, no one can say that you scrimped on that expensive material when the wind whips your lapels back...and those flippin fairies at the Renaissance Festival won't scream at you for "not being period." Ugh. And I'd use a material that's acceptable in most climates, or at least the one you're more likely to visit in your garb. One cold night in Florida, and I was wishing I had told my mother to line the satin coat I was wearing...in flannel! But, hey...don't mind me. My next project is going to be an entirely PINK pirate costume. I'm the Captain. I can do whatever I damn well please. Arrgh! Capt. WE Roberts

Well, yee-ha...I mean, arrgh! Thank'ee pyrates for makin me party shoppin a bit more tolerable. I've never been called on to find party stuff before. Heh, heh. I've already come up with a great idea for the pyrate party invitations, and I'll share it with you fine folks. First, take a square piece of black paper, turn it sideways, so it looks like a diamond. Then, fold the corners toward the middle of the paper. Use a tiny bit of tape to secure and then either use a wax seal or hot glue a plastic coin on the outside to hold it together. Before you seal it all up, you can use gold and/or silver gel pens to write on the black paper or you can glue a bit of torn parchment to the inside for the invitation information. For all of you perfectionists out there, you could fold up the invitation and get the exact measurements and cut out a square of parchment or construction paper to glue in the center of the black paper...but tearing is more fun. The post office hates to read gel pens on black, so you could print out the addresses on those sticky white labels and apply them to the outside. This way, the envelope and the invitation are all in one. These are fun to do, and the whole family can get involved. Fun, fun! Capt. WE Roberts

Happy Holidays... To all you festive pirates! Drink rum and party! 5-7-5, right? Ho, ho, ho...or rather Haarrgh, haarrgh, haarrgh! Capt. WE Roberts

Lady Elaina, Bob the Swab and I videotaped the entire Holiday Parade. We have it now on videotape from our vacation. If you want a copy, give me a holler. Capt. WE Roberts