Ye Scurvy Dog!

Avast, another year gone by an 'tis Talk Like a Pirate Day once again. This year, in honor o' t' event, I'll be writin' like a pirate - handwritin' that is. You see, I got me here this fine fount'n pen so's I can make me X to mark t' spot. Arrrgh

Treasure Found

A man with a metal detector unearthed 840 gold coins minted during the Iron Age. The coins, valued at over one million dollars are now on display at the British Museum in London. Because the coins were over 300 years old, they have been declared "treasure" by the Suffolk Coroner which makes them property of the Crown. Arrrgh!

Treasure Detecting Sandals

Why didn't I think of this?! Gadgetmonger Hammacher Schlemmer is offering these sandals with a built-in metal detector for $59.95. A 9-volt battery is placed in the geeky box strapped to your right calf. The device detects metal to a depth of two feet and issues visible, audible and tactile alerts. Arrrrrgh!

Metal Corks for Champagne?

The Champagne House of Duval-Leroy has announced plans to demonstrate a metal closure (not pictured) that would be used to replace the traditional cork. The presentation will be made at the International Wine Trade Fair in London to be held next month. This Pirate finds it hard to imagine that there would be much consumer acceptance for metal except for producers who currently use plastic. But Duval-Leroy is certainly a respectable producer and wouldn't be willing to present the product unless they thought it made sense.... Arrrrgh!

World's Oldest Champagne

I was unable to attend a recent tasting at Perrier-Jouet during which they opened one of their last three bottles of the 1825 vintage. According to accounts of the tasting, the 1825 was still drinkable, but nearly devoid of bubbles and tasting more like a sherry than a Champagne. For those of you still holding on to your 1825's this Pirate says, drink now. Arrrrrgh.

Swan Song

The beautiful and talented British Actress Kiera Knightley has reportedly declined an opportunity to appear in the fourth installment of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean. While Johnny Depp has signed on for the next film, Orlando Bloom has not yet done so. Arrrrgh

Eye Patch for Rihanna

According to recent tabloid reports, Rihanna wore an eye patch while performing in November to hide possibly hide an injury caused by her lover. Not knowing Rihanna or her boyfriend, this Pirate cannot comment on those claims except to say that no excuse is necessary for wearing an eye-patch. Arrrrgh!