hurricane

Oh, and then there's the time I met up with a reporter outside the Blockbuster for the Pirates of the Caribbean DVD release event... hhm, now what was her name?

You talked to some reporter, eh? I'm not surprised, you seem the type of braggart a reporter would find easy pickings...but did you talk about the fest or just yourself? (now you have me wondering if I actually still have any of that audio around.... hmmm....)

Yeah, I handed her some line that she didn't fall for. I can't remember a word I said that day, I was swooning, I think. And yes, I'm sure the audio is around somewhere... reporters like to keep those things around, I hear.

Raven had all the signs in her room. When we kicked her out (I can't exactly recall why) she took them with her. One of the sponsors had all these nice banners made - when you look at the photos from that year, they weren't supposed to be sailcloth. Ah, the wonders of improvisation. All I recall is I was volunteered to be the muscle at the kickout, like I'm a muscle kind of guy. We were at the Southernmost.

(Now when is someone going to sit down and write that History of PiP book we're always talking about...? "Pirates in Paradise was born in the wilds of...Marathon? Islamorada? I always forget...")

I believe it was Marathon. It was there one weekend and Key West the next. Cascabel would be one of the experts on that - it was what, 20 years ago now? It's been Key West exclusive 11 years, going on 12. I've been since 2002, so even I'm a relative newcomer, eh Cascabel?

I remember when the encampments (the few there were) and the vendors were in the parking lot near the Schooner Bar and behind it on the road. That year Jimmy Buffett was recording License to Chill, Carleton, his bodyguard motioned us to come in (our band was near the big compass near Shrimpboat) but some vendor thought they wanted him so we didn't get to go in. But he did invite us to the impromptu concert at Margaritaville the next night as a makeup. I was so jealous that Sloe Gin from our group got to escort Buffett to the sword seller there that year. He was buying a sword for Cameron, his son.

There was no Walk the Plank yet, the festival moved each night to different venues - Banana Bay was a great stop, so was Kelly's when Kelly McGillis still owned it. The evening parties were in the Custom's House and Mel Fishers among other really nice places.

Then the festival moved to the fort where there was no camping allowed. We were on the beach that year... a couple years before the encampments were there. That was a great year. No one was in the fort -- all the vendors, fighting, etc. was in the wooded area just beyond the snack bar. The battle took place on the beach that overlooks the breakwater side. Raven got fired as Mary Read that year and took all the signs for the festival, so our crewe had to hurriedly paint new ones on sail cloth the morning the festival was to begin. That's when Diosa stepped into the role if I recall. Still have photos of us all spread out on the walkways of the Southernmost. Ah, good times.

Oh, and then there's the time I met up with a reporter outside the Blockbuster for the Pirates of the Caribbean DVD release event... hhm, now what was her name?

Sorry, was there mention of a book?

Very well said.

Perhaps we can create a new thread and pin with with an explanation of what's what for the new folks as well as the old timers. It may help keep the air clear going forward. A brief explanation of the two and how the fit together but are separate.

I will unselfishly volunteer Diosa to write it.

I know that to some the distinction is small, but there are actually two different festivals going on at the same time. And the constant melding of the two is inaccurate and a bit disrespectful to those who work so hard to put these two events on.

To thank Finbar and Blossom for the great Pyrate Invasion would get an immediate outcry from those here who know they had nothing to do with its planning. Conversely, thanking others for Pirates in Paradise causes the same hurt feelings. And yet, you see it throughout the posts. And you wonder why someone's ire is raised.

They are very different events targeted to entirely different people. Different people work on them. They receive their support from different sources.

And frankly, saying that you went to PiP without attending the actual Pirate in Paradise events is akin to saying you went to Puerto Rico but never stepped off the cruise ship. You really didn't go to PiP, you went to the Fort Taylor Pyrate Invasion instead.

I know some people will never get it... but those of us in marketing persist. For what reason, I often ask why?

As a clarification, there is no such thing as a PiP pirate invasion. That is the Fort Taylor Pyrate Invasion. Pirates in Paradise does not currently have an invasion.

I believe that is part of the problem here. Many people want to think the fort event is Pirates in Paradise, when it is not. It is the Fort Taylor Pyrate Invasion. It is merely a small subset of a much larger 10 day festival throughout the community.

And the constant confusion only makes the people who actually run PiP, i.e. the Admiral, Blossom and countless others in the Key West community, more angry.

So true, so true. It is Key West, after all.

I think that's the beauty of the whole thing - something for everyone at Pirates in Paradise. It has always been a place where everyone can be who they want to be, from fantasy and hysterical to hard core.

Good to hear. The Thieve's Market went well. We had good crowds all day long. The pub traffic was brisk and I got to sample my very first Pumpkin Ale, a precursor to next year's Brew Off. The Walk The Plank Championship had quite a few civilians this year, which was what it was originally intended for, so that was nice to see, but of course, Klaus prevailed as King Neptune. Lots of gun and cannon fire, the stage entertainment was great, and the 1st ever Tall Tales turned into quite the donnybrook. But the Young Whalers musical stole the show, as did Harry, our first "Best Little Pirate" Costume Contest winner.

Next year, the vendors will be double to triple what they were and we'll be adding even more competitions and events to the Waterfront Annex.

As I eat a cookie as I type, I have to say the highlight of the event was the presentation by the Montessori Charter school of "The Young Wreckers". Written and produced by the teacher, it had everything you wanted -- pirates, wreckers, native residents.... you name it.

Most important, it showed that some kids get to experience an education where the arts are important. The kids were amazing as performers. And they left us all with a lesson, not only about the wreckers, but about ourselves and the arts as a whole.

The National Walk the Plank Championships had to be moved today - the wind and cold made it unsafe to do. So, it's now on Saturday at noon instead. Ah, the wonders of wind and weather, a boat, a plank and unwilling victims, uh, contestants.

Only going to get up to 69 today. Egad!

The vendors over at the Pirate Village are well worth the visit. Lots of great stuff that hasn't been at PiP before, including lots of leather belts, tankard holders, socks and provisions. The stage entertainment was terrific there - Mike Emerson's big band had everyone dancing. Great times... everyone a little slow to move this morning. Can't understand why.

Since I don't have to man a camp (love the Doubletree here, by the way - warm cookies when you check in), I can finally go to the Buxom Wench and Bad Ass Pirate contest. Looking forward to it. I have a feeling that it's going to be a real donnybrook this year with Rebecca making her way to the event. Can't wait to see the show.

Getting ready for the Walk the Plank Championships tomorrow. Should be a great event and I know several have quite a show planned for the competition. It will be great walking them off the plank this year, our sixth now.

I'd rather be a pirate than a member of the King's Navy any day.

The Neapolitan Pirates - or a Michael Sandwich.

Attended the History of Grog presentation last night - it was terrific. Learned the fascinating history of grog then descended into the depths of the La Concha to sample one of our crewe's homemade grog. Two bottles went away in a flash, thanks to help from Cyren, ArtzyGirl, Reuben, Michael and Jamaica Rose, Caribbean Pearl, Powderkeg, Klaus and Deadly Aim. Didn't know so many people could fit in those rooms. Lots of hilarious photos to follow, including the Neapolitan Pirates - a classic.

Ran into Drop Dead and Great Scott on Duval (well, Wendy's actually). Good to see the kids. And the price of beer at Captain Tony's is down this year. Oh, and I saw that the t-shirt that we left back in 1992 is still on the ceiling - go to the end of the bar toward the bathrooms, look up and you'll see the Northwest Pirates of the Coast shirt, still looking good after almost 20 years.

Off at 11 to set up the stage for the End of Hurricane Season party and get a last minute rehearsal before our show there tonight. It's lovely here so far - 80 degrees today, no rain in sight.

He wouldn't make it through "On the"...

It's not a carol but I penned "How the Grinch Stole PiP-Mas" this morning, an ode to PiPs past for my crewe. Thanks Animal and Cyren for the fodder for this.

I, too, would like to express my appreciation to all who have come together to keep this gathering the best pyrate reunion on the planet. "Wow" just about sums it up.

Until my return,

Jim

And who should show up in my email yesterday, promoting the event. Scroll below the fair and you'll see.

http://www.whofish.org/Default.aspx?tabid=46&modid=380&itemid=7491&rCode=18&action=detail&iv=ext&cid=5418&cuid=82907347&ems=FL11222010uw

Shay had to remind me of my real world responsibilities (I'll get you back, Shay :).

I'm always amazed that my clients seem to know I'm about to leave town, as if it's a sixth sense. Always before PiP I get slammed with new client projects. I never tell them I'm leaving, but the S**T always hits the fan before PiP for some reason.

It takes a yeoman's effort to get this all done - I know that Fayma, Lily, Sterling, Julie (PiP Festival Director) and I have had our share of fires to fight and issues to resolve. But it makes it worthwhile when we get to see everyone having a grand time together and really enjoying the amazing camaraderie this event affords. It truly is a labor of love. We could probably write a book about all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes, some of it extremely hilarious.

I think this one's going to be the best yet, given all the volunteers who have stepped up to take over parts of this festival that only two or three have been handling since the beginning. Makes it that more enjoyable for all, and that includes all our pirate volunteers who spend their vacation time and hard earned money to make Pirates in Paradise what it is. A big thank you in advance to all of you.

Roll the Nutlogs (don't even dare respond to this one, Animal!)

Yeah, about that not responding....you knew I would. You'll have to wait until I get there to roll me into a log, better make it a BIG tree. Just think of the feet the squirrels will have with all us nuts down there.

Animal

Geez, I just got my nuts back. Ain't having them rolled again... ever.

We are pleased to announce that the new competitions have lots of great news.

First, the trophies have arrived. For first place in the National Walk the Plank Championships as well as the Tall Tales Competition and Freestyle Tall Tales Invitational, winners will receive a trophy and a $50 gift certificate to Fairavilla. Second and Third will each receive engraved medals.

The winners of the Buxom Wench and Bad Ass Pirate will also receive a gift certificate to Fairavilla. We want to thank them for their generous donation to these events.

Here's a sneak peak at the trophies:

Here's the details for this year's Walk the Plank Championship:

http://www.piratesinparadise.com/walktheplank/index.html

Here's the information on the inaugural Tall Tales Competitions.

http://www.piratesinparadise.com/talltales/index.html

Space is limited for all of these this year, so if you want to guarantee a spot, email me at hurricane@piratesoftehcoast.com ASAP. Time's a wastin'.

The official entry form is up. We will be limiting the number of entries this year so you want to make sure you're at the Truman Waterfront by 3 p.m. to enter this year's contest and earn the first trophy ever (suitable for mantling)...

http://www.piratesinparadise.com/walktheplank/index.html

Let's see...

1. Teach Animal the new songs I decided to add at the last minute (sorry Animal, may be one more today to add).
   
2. Come up with all the "person, places, things" for the Tall Tales Freestyle.
   
3. Get the stage information to the Montessori kids doing a presentation on Wrecking Saturday.
   
4. Make sure all the awards are correct.
   
5. Coordinate the PA system for the stage.
   
6. Make sure my dozen crew members know where they're going and what they're doing.
   
7. Finish the sailing schedule for the WOLF.
   
8. Clean the guns.
   
9. Create the stage poster for the entertainment schedule.
   
10. Make the last updates to the PiP website.
    

I think that's it off the top of my head.

I have at least three or four of yours, Willie. You mean I only needed one?

The differences a baroque "guitar" and a modern guitar are many. I think this article really explains it well.

http://www3.uakron.edu/gfaa/stalking.html

Cuisto alluded to many of the differences and this article does a good job or going a step or two further. As any guitar player knows, there's a huge difference in playing an instrument with 10 gut strings and tied frets and a six string fretted instrument that is tuned in a standard tuning, which previous instruments didn't have the benefit of. It's akin to saying that a bugle and the trumpet are the same. They share some common heritage, but you don't play them the same way.