BILLY BONES

The thing in Jack's hair is a bone. It actually, on close inspection, looks like the penis bone of some aquatic animal. When I get back after the holidays, I'll ask somebody.

Thanks again Foxe, et all. Of course, please remember that I'm dealing with writers, directors, and everybody else's concepts of piracy. As has been pointed out to me, this is a fantasy, and we must have things that the general public will be comfortable with (in their opinions). I am sneaking in some of your research and ideas. I had a pretty good idea what I was going to do, but it pays to get some other perspectives. I've found that in this business, ocassionally, you can slip in a more authentic perspective or item, and it will slowly open up people's minds to the idea. Thanks again for your help! BB

I just found out that the "head of production" mentioned in the story was actually an extra we had for a couple of days. Tells you a little about the validity of his story.

All etc. Let me know when you're coming down. I'm going to Nassau also, for a day. Maybe I could get you on set during POTC III, if you don't bring a camera. We're about an hour away by plane.

Oddly enough, I've never heard of a Jason Kakabean (or whatever), and I never heard of this incident, and I'm living at Port Lucaya. There were a couple of robberies out of rooms there, but people running for their lives seems a bit much. BB

We were fortunate enough to have a showing of the trailer about 3 weeks ago at a party to boost morale. It was on a wide screen with dolby sound. Cool!

Foxe, I didn't get the e-mail, I'm afraid. Sorry it'sd taken so l;ong to get back to everyone. Once again, the Rackham flag flies over the Pearl, but the one we have is quite well done, not silk screened. I'm not sure if this is the same one used in the first movie.

Bess, sorry, but the baldrics weren't made by Sword In The Stone. I just hesitate giving out the guy's address or number until I talk to him. First name's Brennan, and he works out of a small garage, not a shop. He's made most of the baldrics for these shows as well (for the principles). BB

The man that made Jack Sparrow's baldric has a small leather shop in the San Fernando Valley. I know he got the buckles from England. Not much help, but maybe it's a lead.

Help me with research for POTC III. Thanks!!!

Alright, here's another way to help me without getting paid. I'm making various pirate flags for Pirates of the Caribbean III. Of course, I have examples of the usual panoply of flags we all see, but I need to create Chinese and corsair flags. I've seen the 19th century Chinese Pirate flag. If you have any examples of unusual pirate flags from any time period, from any part of the world, please e-mail me. I prefer to stay on or before 1730. Maybe some reward can be obtained for your help. Who knows?

That sounds like Louie. Not tall, good sailor. Nice guy. Smokes a covered pipe.

By the way, we won't be here thru December. Christmas and all.

No, they didn't think the world was flat after the 1400's.

Louie and I see each other every day, but I have yet to see Slipshot. Say hi if you see me mate. BB

After you shape your felt cocked hat, try spraying spray starch for stiffening. In some cases, it may make a slight whitish residue, which, if you've spent anytime near salt water, isn't a bad thing.

Well, I'm headed back to the Bahamas tomorrow. It sounds like most everything faired well in the hurricane, and we'll begin filming again this weekend, I suppose. See ya! BB

Leather mugs (jacks) were very common. They didn't break.

Hurricane Wilma may set us back a day or two, but movie II is almost done with principle photography. Just an update.

I'm only about an hour away, now that I'm in the Bahamas. Guess I'd better go!! BB

Aye, we have a few pretty good maps on the truck, including Chinese ones. Can't aquire any for a good year, at least. Rummy, ....Ah, I'll just leave it alone. Got cloudy here again, but it ain't rainin'. Regards, Billy

OK guys, the monkey is really not a pain. What he is made to do, under such alien conditions would daunt everybody. I was talking to Johnny about an hour ago, and I still forgot to look at the bag. I promise tonight when the stuff comes back to the truck, I'll find it. As far as hurricane season, it's not as bad as these damnable little no-see-ums that love my legs so much!!

Why must I miss everything? Have fun guys!

I'll be dressing up for Halloween here in the Bahamas. Grand Bahama Island has a pirate tradition, but no one seems to revel in it here. It's not like New Providence where the Pirates of Nassau Museum is. Anyway, we'll see what sort of reaction there is. They don't seem to mind POTC filming here, and spreading around a little $$$, but I get the distinct feeling that their pirate history is considered a very black page of the past.

No hurricanes right now, but no sunshine either. BB