MadL

Animal! Do Naught Never Peek Int' Th' "Mysteries Of Women"!!! Ye will go mad man, totally MAD! Ye only need remember one thing t' stay alive; when she complains that ye be stare'n just tell her "Well THEY started it!" ....but Patrick Hand, that be some useful information 'bout th' lipstick, now whenever we be unsure o' her intention we know we just need t' rub off th' lipstick 'n see what color her lips really be! But meself, I never learn'd t' disrespect a woman, having grown up with a father and two younger bothers, we were always taught t' never mistreat a woman; suppose if there had been a 'sister' in th' brood then th' learn'n may have been different, but as it was we were always taught "Girls are put together with Elmers Glue and Scotch tape where boys are put t'gether with Super Glue and nails"....maybe that is why I always played th' role of a Doctor with th' girls next door, I want'd t' make sure they were kept in good health, being th' sickly wee things they be But I must admit this all give them a wretched upper hand on a guy; during karate lessons I was once matched against a girl, I tried t' tell sense that I just can not hit a girl, it be against every morel bone in me body and all through school I would get in fights with guys who disrespected the girls, but he told me that I "had to do it" said I would be helping her t' learn t' defend herself....but I still could not let loose on her.....but she had NO PROBLEM letting loose on me - a woman's bony fist can Hurt!!! But as long as this be th' "Singe Men's Club"; ye know what still freaks me out? All them bottle 'n tubes they keep in th' bathroom - WHAT IS ALL THAT STUFF?!!?? I am always afraid t' peek inside for I might open one o' them jars and find a 'face' stare'n back at me!! I once sat for over an hour watching as one o' me girl friends put all this stuff on her face, she pulled hairs from her brows, marked with pencils on her eyeballs, used a most painful looking device on her lashes, and th' whole while had her eyes glued t' a tiny mirror as it performing a delicate surgery - I could take it no longer, I asked her "Why are you doing all this?" then she replied "I want to look good for you".... I thought for a moment then told her "But ye looked terrific already when I first rolled over and opened me peepers this morning..."

I've seen me face flying straight at the passenger window of a car what ran a red light, closed me eyes for the passenger looked a might scared, then....some how I will never know, found myself rolling across the gas station driveway on the other side of the intersection. Then I found myself on a Mr. Toad's Wild Ride down the side of a mountain when I missed a turn in the dark, ping-ponged off several trees what ripped me knuckles nearly t' the bone (hey, that was a Honda!). On th' same mountain several years earlier was th' skateboard what missed a turn too and took me airborne off a 40 foot cliff...skateboard wheels don't work too well on dirt I learned, but at it was nearly vertical it was probably better dirt then cement I suppose. Then on four wheels, as a lad me father fell asleep in our family station wagon, me and me sibling bros where asleep in the back, no one wore seatbelts in th' 60s, we all woke up feeling like pieces of chicken in a Shake-n-Bake sake (do they still make those?). In me own cars/trucks, I watched a man come flying twice th' speed limit in the rain on an underpass, knowing he wasnt going to stop and knowing I had no where t' go for I was stopped at a busy intersection I just braced for impact; some how that sucker sent me VW bug flying through all that traffic and I didn't hit a single car, but I did wrap th' hood around a lamp post on th' other corner. Then I watched as some crazy lady dragged raced another car as they battled for who would get t' the right turn lane first; she was in my lane, the one what went straight, and I was stopped behind about eight other cars...again I saw it coming and braked for impact, she planted her 240Z (or what ever) under th' back o' me pickup, lifting me off the rear wheels and then raming me into th' car in front and he'm into the next - they both got out and started yelling at ME??? Then there was th' icy hill in Dexhiem Germany, I made it half way up before loosing it, then lost it all th' way down taking out a winery sign and a small tree...the town charged me about 600 DM for the tree but the winery owner asked for nothing...I went back later and purchased a bottle of fine wine from he'm. Then back in the US was th' crazed Canadian big rig truck driver who did not only rear end me on the freeway but drove his truck UP INTO the bed of me Toyota pickup - Aye, I know yer words in yer first post well - - once I realized it was a big rig latched on behind for why I could not control me steering, he was ramming off the highway, about a 30 foot drop with trees was ahead, my truck going north but poiniting north-east?? I told meself "This is gonna hurt!" then in an instant I found myself in a mad spin, he had realized I was there and apparently hit his breaks sending me doing 360s across all lanes, I fought th' wheel trying to get control, at one point giving up and releasing the wheel telling meself "this is it, I am going t' die" but then refusing to go this way I grabbed th' wheel (what must have been broken for it felt totally loose) and continued to try and regain control, then I saw th' small concrete burm divider coming and all th' south bound cars as I spun yet around again (I figure around 6 maybe 7 times I spun) and thought for sure I would flip right over that divider at this rate of speed, into oncoming traffic, heavy traffic; I closed me eyes and said "Goodbye"; but suddenly there was another CRASH and I stopped moving...some crazy illegal guy tried racing around me spinning car but did not make it, he managed however t' get pinned between me and the divider, bring my truck to a stop! Odd about that one; I jumped out of the truck, closing the door behind me, and saw th' crazy trucker dissapering out of sight up th' 405Fwy when suddenly another car pulled up holding out his cell phone, he told me "Don't worry, WE are chasing him down" then drove off, I though "hu?". So then I turned back t' me truck and reached to open th' door - but th' door did not open, I could not even feel th' door handle, so I tried again, still nothing, then I realized; my arm was still hanging at my side - no matter how hard I tried I could not lift my arm, yet there was no pain...until about 20 minutes latter, then there was LOTS of pain; my head, my right arm, my left shoulder, my right knee, and a HUGE bruise on my hip where the seatbelt drove th' pager on me belt into me side! The bed of the truck was all torn up, it was now resting Higher then th' cab!! Then....aye, I aint done yet, then just a few years ago the truck that I got t' replace that one was struck by a tiny little car that was struck by a big Suburban, it rammed me into th' car infront and he'm into th' next - FIVE cars in all, four of us minding our own business waiting for a red light t' change. They had t' use a tow truck t' rip the little car off the back end of me truck. THEN the truck I got t' replace that one got rear ended less then a year after that; on me way t' work barely a year ago, again at a stop light, BUT this time I was ready, I held fast and just barely saved th' guy in front of me from being involved - by about an inch! But th' impact was enough t' bend th' chassis, tweek th' bed and even th' cab, knocked th' radio right out of the dash! So th' insurance declared it a total loss. Also there was th' time I nearly drove a tank off a cliff in th' desert, but 'almost' don't count (C.E.V. an M60A1 modified). But all them trees I felled in Georgia, that was no 'accident', th' Post Commander said we were to get our A.V.L.B. (another M60A1 modification) on sight ASAP and since there was no tail I told th' tank commander t' lower his seat and lock he's hatch and I will wake him when we arrive! It be an amazing sight t' see a thick wooded forest just open up before yer eyes as they fall like toothpicks, twas like th' parting of the Green Sea it was! But I still do naught understand why Gas' wife and me roommate, 'T', were so afraid when ever they get in a car with me? And why me little bother refuses t' drive t' th' ski slopes with me either.....I always shower before I go somewhere? They can crack th' window if they want too....maybe it be because I play th' radio so loud?? Now Roller Skates; THEM are DANGEROUS!!

Aye, I can say Road Rash, after broad siding a car going 45...me, not the car, I don't know how fast he was going. I guess ye win then for me dirt bike spill in Baja don't count cuse th' darn bike still ran after, unlike me poor 1961 Triumph....if ye already knew about them then why didn't ye warn me!!! Come t' think about it, that was right about 1979 too I think...Freaky!!! (good thing I didn't tell him about skateboard racing down Mt. Wilson, or me 10-speed...or the Big Wheel!!)

Them New Scars Don'T Count!!! They have t' be made by blade or shot t' count they do!! No more cheating Capt'n Bo!! Ye get yerself healed up then go out and get Real Battle Scars right proper and legal now! ...well, at least now someone else knows what I leaned 'bout them seatbelt do-hickies, they really do work! (I'm still one totaled car and one totaled motorcycle ahead o' ye Capt'n Bo )

Firstly a couple o' corrections: 1) That was not me with th' drunken pirate and a son; I have only daughters, two o' them buggards 'n three grand ones. (and if I ever was t' catch anyone pulling a blade, or any weapon, on any one of them - they will NOT walk away, drunk or otherwise, and this is Not a threat - this story I will not go into again, I made vague reference to it elsewhere) 2) Me name be Mad L, th' Pub just would not allow me th' space between d and L. Like me Drill Sargent said "Ye be Mad L, and ye better be Mad as 'ell! Now Say It! SAY IT!!!!" (only he did naught have a pirate accent...but he should've, he was mad as a pirate!) Now secondly; I think this topic kinda got turned around, I think what Rusty Nell was seeking was a set of standard choreographs that those who wish t' partake in could, sort of a Global set of standards that Pub members could work on and share so when they meet at faire when abroad they could 'play'. I am pretty sure she meant with stage blade, or even wood but not with sharpies. I know Hawkyns was worried that such behavior would squeeze he's group out of the scene, but seriously Hawkyns, I do naught think that would be th' case here as your style does appear t' already be rather inclusive t' your area as such a fight plan would never even get off th' ground in some of th' more...shall we say 'conservative' regions, such as th' mention of North Cal Faire (ye know these softie Californees bruise easy). Where Monterey Jack points out that there are a vast number of styles already in teach; which was where my own mind was when fist stepped into this topic. But I do not see where that should stop a group of Pub members from starting their own style. It should not intimidate those with already set styles for they do not allow others to play without proper introduction/indoctrination in order to play. And if those who already play with their local groups do not want to engage with such a new group or contribute to their goals then I still do not see why any party here should feel 'intimidated' by it - after all, ye not now the 'Only' style nor will ye ever be, and new styles will continue t' emerge with or without th' Pub's involvement. Actually I can only see Rusty Nell's intentions as honorable and a means of endorsing safety among those who would otherwise take it upon themselves anyway...with less 'direction' t' guide them. Of course there be schools, the Real schools o' trade, who can complain "that be where we make our lively hood and ye yahoots will jeopardize that"; well, to that I would only say "Open yer peepers matie" such a Pub involvement could actually be t' yer advantage for only a few simple choreographs could ever be standardized in such a manor, perhaps enough t' wet some thirsts and drive some folk back t' home port and cause their thirst t' end up on yer own doorstep seeking more. I know for me, I was actually seeking a Fencing School when I first happened upon th' pirate group, a true fencing school I would still like t' find within me reach....just for me, at this turn in time, is not affordable...but one day... For some of us this be a hobby, not a profession, so why would th' professionals not embrace th' hobbyists, for some hobbyists do find ways t' make what once was a mere 'hobby' an actual 'profession' - like me own sense once said he has t' train one hundred students to find a single sense that would rise up from his training under him. Rule number five of Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi's "Six Rules" of Karate-Do: #5 - Try to see yourself as you truly are and try to adopt what is meritorious in the work of others.

Aye, I made me own Market Wallet of standard sizing out of heavy canvas weight hemp. It be great for carrying all that stuff what do not fit int' yer pockets or tiny belt pouch!. I saw someone who was making them with a tie strap on th' ends so after ye toss it over yer shoulder ye could tie th' tabs around yer (on th' other side o' ye) so it now stays put and will not keep slipping off yer shoulder. Mine also be small enough that I can drape it over th' hilt o' me sword or even a large belt dagger and let it hang from me hip. I love th' market wallet!

t' help her spot th' dandruff? ....might help if she stands on her head too

A new tidbit of information just came to me from Master Bartos, author of "Making a Salior's Ditty Bag, Sea Bag", he just wrote to tell me that he is seeking the rough draft of a book he began to write a while back called "Seaman's Luggage", he said he abandoned the idea after interviewing some, and I quote: "large group of OLD sailors(real sailors)" and they told him that 'Luggage' was insulting to true sailors stating "We have Sea Bags and Sea Chests". He said once he finds his old rough draft of what he had written he will scan it in for me look through...sounds interesting. Just remember; Sailors toss old luggage overboard for them ungrateful tourists, a true Sailor only carries what is necessary and carries it in a proper bag or chest (bloody tourists!)

Aye, but they have gathered a might bit o' dust since 1710 so ye may wish t' take along a shovel in order t' get at it! Well, me second trip t' th' canyon tore open th' blister on th' back o' me heel so I will not be breaking them in much till that heals, but this is actually common for me with any good pair o' dress shoes as me feet be very hard t' fit with one nearly a full size different then th' other. Over all, now that they have replaced them with a proper fitting pair, I find them Very sturdy built and obviously built t' last. With th' treks I have now made over me old romping grounds o' rock, sand, dirt, mountain side deer trails, they still look New....damnit! Th' stitching is solid and th' leather appear t' be well chosen and thick. Once fully broken in, like any good pair o' dress shoes, I feel these will last many a season...hopefully throughout th' rest o' adventures with th' price paid! I still want t' look into that 'carpet cement' idea for adding traction t' th' soul, or perhaps what moccasin makers call "Goop" or "Soul In A Jar" for as I understand that can be re-applied as it wears off. Might be a wise idea where wet ground or ship decks be involved: Goop - Soul In A Jar (I kept me own soul in a jar....I thinks perhaps I should have put air holes for it do naught move anymore )

Oh, and back on th' note o' Shanty, take a read from th' quote by Herman Melville, Redburn, chapter 9, (1849): Pirate Music & Sea Shanties

Aye Rusty Nell, we got in much trouble at Fort Lenardwood for sing'n that one every morn as we ran past th' WACKS barracks we did, they complained and th' post commander placed at 100% BAN on Charlie Company to sing ANY cadence from that day on - it P.O.ed th' drill Sargents so bad they REALLY took it out on us hard...even though they where th' Shantymen! ahhhh, th' good ol' days! Now as for who and how t' set th' pace, I think th' Pirate King sum'd it up well" The shantyman was a sailor who led the others in singing. He was usually self-appointed. A sailor would not generally sign on as a shantyman per se, but took on the role in addition to their other tasks on the ship. Nevertheless, sailors reputed to be good shantymen were valuable and respected — it was a good professional skill to have, along with strong arms and back. Th' Shantyman could be anyone who takes th' job, and yes it be a learnded thing indeed. It really is not that hard once ye been on th' chorus side a few time and yes, as ye point out, have done th' work yer self. T' simply step up on a pedestal and start call'n out song with no knowledge of what the men are doing and what pace they can keep then it will surely fail. I have known some in th' Army that were horrid at calling cadence and others do it quite well, I always loved cadence and being a squad leader I can not recall any who ever complained about me timing.....well, there was one, not actually 'cadence' but rather it be just before our graduation and me task was t' see that all me men (there were 12 left o' us 12Foxtrots left), and one hot mid summer day as we marched double time across Roller Coaster road (it's name had mean'n) in th' blazing heat I was determined t' drill me comrades in preparation for our final test, every vehicle we pasted, ever aircraft we past (that be a ship with wings) I called out for one o' me men t' identify it - th' heat that day was brutal, as was Roller Coaster road....it be Private Hamstead what I came t', he was ailing horrid from th' heat and from th' run - he lashed out at me t' "Shut Up"..... I demand'd me answer...his face looked painful that day it did....he lashed back, then it happened - th' Bronx New Yorker called out th' Los Angeles bad boy! - Aye, that he did, he called for a fight behind th' barracks upon our return, after we took shower.... Well, I will cut th' story short, we never made it behind th' building for on me way t' th' showers someone greeted me as I pasted th' stalls, apparently Hamstead was in th' stall and upon hear'n me name he THREW open th' door, smacked me right in th' face he did - th' fight took place that very moment, right in th' bathroom - aye, it was a good fight indeed, he had me, I had him, then he had me again. Aye, there be blood, plenty o' blood, just as everyone was hope'n for I suppose. It was when I had Hamstead in a head lock, not sure what t' do with him for I did not really want this fight, he be me matie, not me foe - I about smashed his head int' th' sink, then thought not for that would surely do him in - then I moved him toward th' window, was going t' toss he'm through it I was but then stopped, that would surely bring ill t' us all toss'n he'm out there in front o' everyone! What t' do? WHAT T' DO?!!? He was tiring I could tell but still that Bronx brawler was strong as an ox he was, I could not let go, I could not release me upper hand on this matter.....then th' alarm was given, "Drill Sargent Is Coming!" someone hallared; everyone scattered, including me and Hamstead. Now th' next morn came and I was t' present me men t' inspection for th' Drill Sargent - Drill Sargent Adams first inspected me; he looked at me battered and bruised face with thought upon he's own, but he said nothing...we began t' inspect th' others, we came t' Private Hamstead - Drill Sargent Adams looked close at Hamstead's own bruised and battered face, th' fat lip, th' fresh scabs, then he looked back at me again with a look of "One plus One equals Something..." - Drill Sargent turned back t' me and asked "Mad L, What Happened Here?", I replied (thinking quickly on me feet, with No Idea how Hamstead would reply) "I fell down th' stairs last night Drill Sargent!", he gazed disbelieving at me and turned t' Hamstead, "Hamstead, What Happened Here?", Hamstead replied "Mad L fell on th' stairs and I tried t' catch he'm, we Both fell together, Drill Sargent!".....with that Drill Sargent Adams gave us each one last disbelieving gaze, shook he's head, and continued our inspection....not another word was ever spoke o' th' matter and upon graduation Hamstead and I parted as best buds, but never saw one another again. So goes life in his magistrates Army...

Aye Oderlessye, I do so love t' beat that dead horse, soon he will be some fine jerky indeed! I must read that book! Up jumped a monkey from a coconut grove, He was a mean xxx xxx, you could tell by his clothes He wore a Two Button beanie and a three button stitch He was a xxx xxx xxx xxx son of a xxx! He lined a hundred xxx, up against the wall Made a two dollar bet he could xxx them all. He xxx ninety eight till his xxx turn blue, Backed off, xxx off, xxx the other two Little xxx died, he went to xxx He xxx the Devil and he's wife as well Forty seven demons climbin up the wall Screamed "Lord Help Us Before He xxx All!"

Patrick; try setting this one t' work, in th' "Long-Drag Shanty" category: 'Reuben Ranzo' music by McGuinn

Aye, true it be, for I can only speak direct t' those I have used in real life me self, after all I was Army (Combat Engineer, not Infantry; we be the ones what saved th' Infantries arss!) so I only gave those as an 'example' t' how song be used t' keep a pace. Now for a more clear explanation t' yer question "how can we "time " it to make it work......?" then try this bloke's explanation: An overview of the work songs of the sea He begin by explaining: -------------------------- Most shanties are "call and response" songs, with one voice (the shantyman) singing the line and the chorus of sailors bellowing the response (compare military cadence calls). For example, the shanty "Boney": Shantyman: Boney was a warrior, All: Way, hey, ya! Shantyman: A warrior and a terrier, All: Jean-François! The crew would then pull on the last syllable of the response in each line. -------------------------- As he says; "compare military cadence calls". Just as I would run/march alongside me men and call out the main lines, me troops would then shout out th' 'cadence' or 'chorus' line what kept the pace, same with Shanty. It be all a matter o' pace and choosing th' appropriate song. He goes on t' explain th' different shanties such as: Short Drag Shanty, Long Drag Shanty, Capstan Shanty, Pumping Shanties, Forecastle Shanties, Stamp-'n'-Go Shanties, and Whaling Shanties On this page he gives examples of each class o' Shanty: List of Shanty and what they would be used for

I have received similar remark from others when first they hear I portray a pirate, usually from those who have never heard of a Pirate Festival or reenactment but only know of Ren Faire, usually from those who believe only in th' literal word and definition "Pirate = murderous cutthroat thieve", usually from those who have no knowledge of good men who once when t' war for a king or queen and upon returning home with great joy of victory only to have their joy shattered as they find they are now regarded as 'Pirates' and have become automatic 'wanted men' all because they did not get word in time t' stop fighting. Many know of how Hollywood either 'glorifies' or 'villinize' pirates but in their own minds regards any who be tagged one a criminal....for me at least, it depends on what side of the coin ye be reading th' story, and yes, before ye jump, aye, I do know there also be 'really bad eggs' in history as well, as well as in present - think about it, just because someone puts on a cop's uniform (either legally or illegally) is he to be given full trust and respect? I know some dead people who would debate th' point (my own security training when servicing auto tellers taught me t' "Beware A Man In Uniform At ALL Costs!" -and if ye ever served military in Georgia then ye may also know where I come from as well))....just because one puts on religious cloth are they a man of God? I think modern day news and stories throughout history answer that one....I feel what be good for the goose be good for the gander; if we know all that be 'seen as good' is not always good then what be 'seen as bad' may have their own side t' th' coin t' tell if one is only willing t' listen. Once this was pointed out t' Master Bartos he no longer seem'd a "jerk" and I extended invitation t' him for a visit t' th' Pub, it may be a while for him t' come round however as he do seem a busy man....I will be watching for his Canvas Buckets as well.

"The chip log was "cast" over the stern of the moving vessel and the line allowed to pay out. Knots placed at a distance of 47 feet 3 inches (14.4018 m) passed through a sailor's fingers, while another sailor used a 30 second sandglass (28 second sandglass is the current accepted timing) to time the operation." ~Webpedia ...also it could be used t' time how fast one can chug a vessel o' rum, but only when th' capt'n naught be look'n (that could be "one sentence" if ye replace th' ending periods with a comma )

Awh com'on, just because they did naught bother t' render out th' last battle scene (notice all th' shots what had no textures?!!?) But it had th' Captain Drake's daughter's escape scene!!!!

The WRONG E-MAIL ADDRESS A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day. The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address, and without realizing his error, sent the email. Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston , a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister who was called home to glory following a heart attack. The widow decided to check her email expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted. The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read: To: My Loving Wife Subject: I've Arrived Date: January 17, 2009 I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in. I've seen that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then!!!! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was. P. S. Dress cool for it sure is hot down here!!!!

Aye, I be bring'n up an old subject - who wanta make somth'n o' it?!! Aye, I recently ran across a gent who fancy he'm self an old salt with vast experience and research in Sail. He was advertising, among other things, a book he has wrote on Ditty and Seamen Bags with several designs and descriptions right down t' th' stitching and hems. Well, I need work on me sewing skills ('er lack of) so inquired if he still had th' book see'n as how there be no internet purchase button nor date t' tell me how old th' page may even be, he wrote right back same day! As he indicated he spent much time int' he's research I ask'd if he had any insight t' sails o' th' GAoP period (indicating 1650~1730), well, he's first comeback was rather short - apparently he be, as he stated, o' Old School 'n feels all pirates should be hung on sight 'n therefore had non else t' say on th' matter! So, I figured I better parlay with this gent...'n FAST, else find me self dance'n in th' jig!. So I wrote he'm back 'n began t' explain th' diversified group o' Pirate Reenactors 'n Pirate Festivals that are found across th' country and around th' world, I began t' explain, expressing that I can only speak of me self but felt it pretty much represented th' community as a whole, that we did not "celebrate cutthroats, killers, and thieves" but more expressed on the more positive aspects on pirates in history - I went int' a speel on Captain Drake, privateers, buccaneers, explorers, and in general 'free men' who did what they had to in order to survive in hard times with corrupt governments and rulers. I explained that among those I have come t' know th' Pirate Reenactment Community includes; school teachers, actors, reenactors, historians, general enthusiasts, and o' course sailors....and an occasional Jack Sparrow that we keep around; because every ship needs a cabin boy, and for some reason th' general public really relate t' th' cur. With that he seem'd t' lighten up, he explained that has worked with reenactors but more of Ren Faire and Viking reenactors, said he had never ran int' any pirates. He said he was very put off by those he worked with for he felt they were not int' "authenticity" but more driven by Hollywood movies and would give him much argument when he tried to show them how things where made. I wrote back again explaining some of the forums like here at th' Pub and told he'm about Gentlemen of Fortune, I explained that while some pirate reenactors go t' great length t' research and be as authentic as possible right down t' th' very stitching o' every item while others strive t' do th' best they can with limited budget and time between real jobs....with that I seem'd t' have touched him for he wrote back th' following: -------------- Aye Mad L, Good show, my compliments. 1. From what I could gather when I did the first active research on ditty bags in 1990. I could find NOTHING on ditty bags or indication of ditty bags before the early quarter of the 19th century. NOW, this does not say they didn't exist in some form or another, no proof so I didn't stand on that but I looked THOURGHLY. What I gather the "early" seaman wrapped/gathered up a cloth with there personal items(which was extremely little) and then tied off. At present I can't put any effort into digging into any of this since I am now working on(other than the BIG)a book on making a traditional canvas ships bucket. (Buckets-4 different styles - pre 1940) 2. Now the "chest" was only had by the wealthy, evidenced by items from the reclamation of the Mary Rose 1549 and the VASA - 1628 in Sweden(on which I have done extensive work on the sail remnants for years now),, where they brought up chests and boxes with some fantastic items NOTHING the common seaman or low level officer could possibly afford. Now from what information I could put together, on the VASA -1628 seaman(position could not be accurately determined) had personal items in small barrels with lid wedged on the top. From what I could determine one had had some canvas fastened to the lid but there is question on this. Small coopered barrels were FAR easier to come by than a "chest". I am short of time and can't go into this with anymore detail but it will give you folks an overview. (he then went on t' tell me o' a Fashion Show he's wife "roped" him into and the early 1900 Swedish seaman's "Bassarong" he made and dress of same era he's wife made; all hand made and hand dyed) ----------------------- Anyway, I will let ye know how he's book be when it arrives. "Making a Sailor's Traditional Ditty & Sea Bag"

#5 I believe be method t' tell yer speed, how many "knots" ye be travel'n. I can not explain off th' top o' me head but I have heard th' explanation a couple times now as well as at Cutthroats o' Corona last spring. (Update) Found it, it be a Chip Log: Webpedia Chip Log t' tell how many Knots ye be go'n #4 and I think #8 as well by types o' sextants, can't really see #8 in th' photo but I am pretty sure that it is. (Update) Ah, #8 appears t' be more an Octant then a Sextant: Octant instrument (Updated) #4 would be properly called, I think, a Backstaff or back-quadrant: Davis Quadrant "The backstaff or back-quadrant, is a navigational instrument that was used to measure the altitude of a celestial body, in particular the sun or moon. When observing the sun, users kept the sun to their back (hence the name) and observed the shadow cast by the upper vane on a horizon vane." #1 and #6 be hour glasses, a means t' tell time, used in conjunction with other tools t' navigate across waters, as well as know when it be Rum Time (Update) I believe #6 be th' 30 Second Sand Glass as mentioned in th' Chip Log explanation: "The chip log was "cast" over the stern of the moving vessel and the line allowed to pay out. Knots placed at a distance of 47 feet 3 inches (14.4018 m) passed through a sailor's fingers, while another sailor used a 30 second sandglass (28 second sandglass is the current accepted timing) to time the operation. However, The Dutchman's log could be used with a brass tobacco box, rectangular with rounded ends. This box had tables on it to convert log timing to speed. The yellow un-number'd item be a lemon, it helps prevent scurvy 'n goes well in tea #3 and #7 I can not see.... #2 looks interesting, I would like t' know about it too! Oh, 'n th' bell, that is t' signal t' th' rest o' th' crew that th' hour glasses have struck Rum Time....usually held off on ring'n it till th' navigator gets he's head start

I got me eye on them musketeer boots as well but will have t' wait a while, perhaps a long while, now that me cor-pirate has let me go...gotta replace me regular pay before I can get anything more. But I did ask them and they say th' boots are made by th' same cobbler as th' shoes. I finally got t' take me shoes out this weekend, took a four hour hike through me local canyon 'n up a mountain side. They hold up VERY WELL 'n even after that trek over rock 'n sand show very little wear! I did get a blister on th' back o' me right foot 'n there was a bit o' squeezing on me right pinky toe so I think a treatment o' leather stretch may be in order, th' left one fit like a dream. I would say however that me CABoots would have been more comfortable for such a trek but th' shoes were impressive, on hills the all leather sole is slick but learn'n t' bear back on th' heel remedies that, as well as th' aid o' hike'n stick. Still need t' see how they perform on wet ocean side rock however, 'n a ship's deck would be th' real test. Has anyone heard o' using Carpet Cement on th' bottom o' leather soles t' aid in traction? I know it naught be PC but I read someone did it in a Ren forum, said it drove th' PC Nazis mad when they found out but said it really work'd 'n could hardly be detected less'n ye put yer foot up.

Aye, I like's th' Princess' escape, me thinks pirate princesses should escape more often! *run t' strategically place more rope by all th' tower windows*

That twas NAUGHT th' true Capt'n Drake!! Th' Capt'n Drake I knew would have taken fruit from th' Tree O' Knowledge in order t' obtain knowledge o' obtain'n fruit from th' Tree O' Life rather then depend'n on dumb luck. Then he would have use'd more o' th' fruit from th' Tree O' Knowledge in order t' obtain more riches 'n live happily ever after surrounded by dancing wenches 'n much rum. *Phetwoooie!*

Jack Roberts, what ye do in th' privacy o' yer own tent should Really STAY in yer own tent!! Why th' last time someone walk'd in on me while I was combing me ......er, never mind ....well, two more buttons t' sew then I gonna tackle me knife

Well ye just sail with a haul full o' rum 'n opium, then see how many sea creatures 'n sorceresses ye run int'!!! We had a whole herd o' wing'd pink elephants follow us int' port after an outing with The Pirates Charles we did!! 'n I swears one o' them had on Oakley blade sunglasses too!