Pirates are synonymous with a lot of things – skull and crossbones, daggers between teeth, eye patches, treasure and of course rum!!  We all have an image of these seafarers brought about through books and movies.  The reality is perhaps not quite as intoxicating!!  Although they have a somewhat romantic image in reality pirates were and are outlaws – brutal thieves and sometimes murderers.

Movies especially tend to show the romantic side of them – often portraying them as lovable rogues.  These movies are often chock-a-block full of stereotypes.  Walking the plank, swinging through the air on ropes – always good looking with just a hint of swagger.

In reality pirates have been around for almost as long as ships have been around.  And of course they are still around – making a comeback in recent years off the coast of Somalia. Famous races have indulged in piracy – the Vikings are perhaps the best known.  I’m sure the towns and villages they raped and plundered did not have quite as romantic notion of them as we do in this day and age.

As in most gangs of outlaws alcohol has played a big part in providing bravado.  In the days of the Vikings it was mead and around the Caribbean it was rum.  There were plenty of hidden spots on far off islands for the pirates to hide their stolen treasure and to store their liquor.

Bands of pirates would often fight over command of liquor distribution – and occasionally this would erupt into a full scale war.  This is reminiscent of the drug wars that are going on today in Central America and Mexico.

Jamaica was a special place in pirate’s hearts.  They could flog their plunder and drink the local (high quality) rum.  The city of Port Royal was the center point where all sorts of partying went on.  On 12 separate occasions all the bars in town were burnt to the ground amidst the drunken revelry.

Life on the pirates ships was not one of comfort – or safety.  The food was an afterthought and even drinking water was in short supply.  Disease and famine were rife.  Grog usually took the place of water and this would have eventually added to the misery.  This drink had rum and lime juice in it to prevent scurvy and to make life a little more comfortable.  The fact is – the pirates life was generally short – and not so sweet.

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Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum!! is a post from: Pirates Plank

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Johnny Depp shouldn’t have to be the final word on what’s cool among pirates, at least not necessarily. His web of influence does tend to run rather far and wide, however, and it really doesn’t hurt that he seems so nonchalant about it all. The image of the recluse that he’s established in the last few years only help to feed his stock in cool, because there’s nothing more attractive than an elusive character. Elusive is also one of the most magnetic qualities of pirates. It’s not difficult to be elusive when one is, at root, rather shallow, because it’s easy to stay hidden when there’s nothing to excavate. In the case of Depp, however, it is very much like trying to meet with a pirate who has a full stock of gold and stories of the sea.

In terms of actual influence in material terms, Depp is a careful study, and seems to make it a little bit impossible for anyone to copy. His iconic ‘51 Merc , whose chop job was famously captured on tv last year, is an excellent illustration. The most hardcore fans would certainly be tempted to copy him, but anyone who could actually follow through with a carbon copy of a vintage car and all its mods would likely attract more than one raised eyebrow. It would be more fulfilling, and certainly interesting, for fans to do up their own vintage car, with their own hot rod steel rims . Taste is entirely personal, and it’s part of the pirate’s code to make one’s own personal belongings entirely personal in their own way.

This kind of modification is very consistent with this kind of trend-setter. He is original, and impossible to copy, but he is able to find connections between things that seem obvious only after he makes them. Connecting a subterranean fascination with pirates and making them apparent in celluloid form is an act of magic, and iit might not matter if it’s his own sleight of hand or the power of the fame machine itself. And taking the object of every teenager’s affection, the car, and investing it with the cool of hot rod culture does more than invoke a reasonable interest in high performance tires . It also seem to invoke a sensibility for paying careful attention to the live myths, especially the ones right below the surface, and bring them into one’s own purview. The connections can be made later, much later, because chances are, they are already apparent to anyone who wants to pay attention. And only pirates pay any real attention.

Depp Digs Deep is a post from: Pirates Plank

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Our fascination with pirates is something that generally begins in childhood with stories of Blackbeard and other major names. This is both an escape and fantasy theme or sometimes actual role model icon. It’s usually better for all people involved if the obsession for pirates and pillaging lifestyles is left to fantasy and never put into practice as a profession. However, there are some people, for now we’ll call them sociopaths , for simplicity, who have no regard for others and care only for their base self gratifying experiences. And with the acknowledged harshness and judgment involved in the previous statement, let’s move on to recognizing the personal benefits that fantasizing about pirates might offer.

There are two basic forms an interest in pirating takes, or at least two standard recognized perspectives in approaching this interest. The first is more academically inclined, and based on historic interest. This can be part of an actual academic career or personal hobby but generally incorporates many aspects of the historical significance into one’s exploration. And while even the most basic amateur hobby individual might invest their Money Mutual resources into their obsession, it is generally of the mentally stimulated orientation. The second perspective is essentially of the Hollywood variety, and is based on the thrill derived from pirate movies and their anti-hero based story lines. These enthusiasts, as well as the films themselves, glamorize and romanticize the pirates and the lifestyle. Women usually find them very attractive and men usually imagine being them. This is particularly true for pirates in the form of Johnny Depp and other major sex symbols.

It is typically a part of the Hollywood fantasy that is actually a great mental escape for people, though it can be similar for the historic hobby enthusiast, who frequently crosses over into the Hollywood type. This relates to a letting go of standard obligations and just freeing one’s primal instincts. As a culture this is a rare opportunity, as we are typically bound by the moral restrictions inherent to living in a civilized society. However, we all possess these reckless instincts and letting go once in while is a positive thing. This is also one of the reasons why pirates remain one of the most popular Halloween costume. And while these activities don’t usually require the financial advice from Montel Williams , they are a great means of releasing the pirate inside all of us.

Pirates in History and Hollywood is a post from: Pirates Plank

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Because Johnny Depp may be the most visible pirate in the world today, sometimes sharing screen time with Penelope Cruz and a host of other talented stars, the pirate’s life holds a certain mythical attraction.  It’s not entirely difficult to see why, especially these days, where precarious financial situations and increased responsibilities can make the usual rules of waking life a little overwhelming.  Daydreaming about another kind of life is nothing new, and as long as there has been an imagination, there have been dreams of living differently.  Or at least a little more intensely.

It is easy to see why pirates have taken hold of the popular imagination, where cultures around the world have seemed ready for a new way of thinking about their own inner desires.  A reckless and lawless life, one guided by instinct, and a host of other rules that are nothing if not romantic, is one that can take hold of nearly everyone, at least for a little while.  In a setting like Australia, the romanticism of the place is doubly fueled by the romance of the outback, and here is where myth comes face to face with history.

It isn’t always a particularly complex history, however.  William Dampier, one of the most famous pirates to set foot down under, didn’t stay for a particularly long time.  By all accounts, he found the desolate areas he saw to be very desolate, and soon enough settled with his treasures in England, long before the 17th century was to come to a close.

Perhaps that’s just long enough for a myth to take hold.  Whenever cultures come into contact, there is a certain charge that lasts long after the meeting.  His time here was just enough to give power and strength to a romantic ideal, enough so that sometimes
Sydney night life seems to be moving into a new direction, fueled by the energy of that particular spirit.

At the same time, there is already something of the pirate in the Australian national spirit.  The presence of sea-themed attractions and pirate-oriented quotations give proof to the notion that this is a place where the fierce independence of individuals is held in very high esteem.  In chaos there is order, and in order, there is the potential for chaos, and the particular cultural scene in Sydney is such that it’s impossible to know which of these forces are at work, and sometimes it doesn’t seem to matter.

(Howard Pyle illustration of a pirate ghost, from Howard Pyle’s Book of Pirates.)

Pirates in Sydney is a post from: Pirates Plank

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The dream of home ownership continues to drive many Americans. They want a permanent place to build a family. Even those that are in jobs that require frequent relocations still prefer to buy a house that they can then sell when they move. The equity they build in a property allows them to buy a better house the next time they move.

If you are thinking about buying your first house, you are likely hoping to achieve that American Dream. However, if you want to avoid the problems faced by so many during the recent mortgage crisis you need to be brutally honest with yourself about your financial situation. You need to assess whether you can actually afford to buy a house.

Start by looking at your true net worth . This includes liquid assets like bank accounts as well as tangible property like investments, other real estate, and other assets. Next examine your income and the stability of your employment. Do not inflate the likelihood of bonuses or promotions. Being realistic in this difficult economy may be disheartening, but honesty is the best policy when it comes to buying a home.

Now you want to look at your expenses. These include food, gas, car repair, insurance, health care and entertainment. You also need to look forward to account for expenses as you have children and they grow up needing clothes, food, schools, and medical attention. Make sure you budget for a healthy savings account as well as retirement planning. The money that is left is what you can afford to put towards housing. This may be more or less than you are currently paying for renting a home.

The final step is taking the cost of a specific house and deducting the amount of down payment you can pay. Then use a Mortgage Payment Calculator to figure out what your monthly payments would be for the remaining amount. This amount should fall within your housing allowance — with some wiggle room for home repairs, maintenance, utilities, and things like taxes and insurance.

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Parents around the country periodically give in to their children’s demands for specific toys and games . Every now and then a parent will alos decide to grant their children’s wish for a swingset. When they do this, they need to realize that they are not going to be able to just call up a store and order a generic set. They are going to have to make a lot of choices in order to get the perfect swingset for their kids.

Materials are a major decision and parents should take some time researching the various options in terms of safety and maintenance. Swingsets can be made of wood or metal while the swings themselves can be cloth, rubber, plastic, wood, or some composite material. Special swingsets are available for toddlers that are made entirely of plastic. Parents will need to consider the age and weight of their kids when picking the appropriate materials.

Next up is deciding on swingset accessories . Most kids are happy with simple swings, but if they can get additional equipment, they will have that much more fun. Common accessories include slides, platforms and ladders. Most swingsets are modular, so parents can put together a custom backyard playground for their kids.

Picking the Perfect Swingset is a post from: Pirates Plank

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There are so many details involved in opening a restaurant that many new owners simply give up. They decide they don’t care what wattage of light bulb is used or what type of menu covers they buy. They go with simple and generic wherever possible to avoid having to make decisions. They want to focus on what matters to them — which is usually the food and possibly the creation of a theme or atmosphere for the restaurant.

This is a mistake.

All those little details, like menu covers, are the restaurant. By ignoring important parts of the equation, they risk ending up with a restaurant that doesn’t appeal to diners.

Menu covers may seem insignificant but they are a vital part of how diners experience the menu. A good cover will protect the menu from stains, tears, and other damage. In a family restaurant a good cover is usually made of durable, clear plastic that is easy to clean. Without one, the menus will become illegible and unusable within a day or less in a busy restaurant . The menus will either have to be constantly replaced.

In fancier establishments, the covers will likely be made of leather or suitable material. They may be elaborate folders or simple mounts that enhance the appearance and style of the menu. The physical protection they provide is less obvious, but still present. A cover that doesn’t match the style and ambiance of the restaurant will create a jarring disconnect for dinners which can disrupt an otherwise enjoyable experience.

Overlook Menu Covers at Your Own Risk is a post from: Pirates Plank

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Many people are inspired to pursue careers in forensic psychology after watching popular television shows that feature FBI profilers or other psychologists analyzing the behavior of criminals. These positions require extensive study and field experience and are extremely competitive. For those interested in combining psychology with the law, there are numerous other roles that forensic psychologists can take on in the criminal justice system. This means that students have many options open to them as a career path besides profiling and should not give up on the idea of getting a degree just because it is so difficult to work as a profiler.

Most forensic psychologists will be called upon at some time or another to provide expert testimony in front of a court. In many cases, the court will directly order a psychological evaluation. Other times the lawyers involved in the case will bring in psychologists as expert witnesses to further their case. This is why a portion of the time spent obtaining a forensic psychology degree is devoted to studying criminal procedure and rules of law for specific jurisdiction.

Other forensic psychologists are hired to evaluate personnel. This includes law enforcement officers, court employees, and staff at prisons or working with paroled criminals. Positions counseling prisoners, victims, at risk populations and those on parole or probation are also common careers for forensic psychologists.

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Sooner or later every business is going to have to break down and get some sort of web presence. Most industries have already established themselves on the internet and those companies or shops who have resisted are likely to find themselves falling far behind their competition. There are a variety of internet marketing services available to help companies reach customers on the new digital realm.

There are three basics types of internet marketing. The first is direct advertising. This involves purchasing advertising on websites. Ads can be purchased on individual sites, through ad networks, and even on search engines or in video players. Text, display, and now video ads are all common.

Another form of marketing is referred to as search engine optimization. A website can be optimized to make it show up higher in the results of search engines. Optimization involves coding, organization, content, and other marketing strategies that make sure the site is easily identifiable and recognized as valuable by search engines.

The newest form of internet marketing is social media marketing. Over the past few years experts have been learning how to leverage the power of social media tools and audiences to build brand loyalty and reach new customers. This is usually a blending of traditional advertising and PR tactics with new strategies that target the personality of today’s media savvy audience.

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One of the unfortunate results of a personal injury is that suffering tends to make time go by much more slowly than usual. The experience of the daily world becomes much more acutely connected to one’s own well-being, particularly when the well-being is not as well as it used to be. At the same time, the shift in time can be a great gift, where one finally has the opportunity to reflect on the things that really matter. It’s more difficult to see things clearly after any kind of accident, and even harder still when there is pain involved. Leaving the details of the accident to a Florida personal injury lawyer and other professionals, then, can allow the chance to enter into the moment and consider the more elemental questions.

In some cultures, there is no word for “accident.” This is sometimes helpful to consider when dealing with what is perceived as a calamity. There is, then, always the possibility of finding some kind of order, or even meaning , in chaos and suffering. Well-being can start to become a possibility that has multiple definitions for multiple circumstances. At such times, the moments spent in contemplation can become utterly transformative, when injury starts to become something other than a burden.

Considering Accidents and Injuries on Personal Scales is a post from: Pirates Plank

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