We just returned from the annual Oly UU pirate's ball and group wedding. Once inside we were tempted to upgrade from $25 for the family to get in to $50 to get in PLUS photo, and 40 doubloons to spend on assorted pirate souvenirs and activities... it reminded me of the old carny scams... well, me lassie had a few glasses of grog and was loaded to the gunwales and I had a few slices of cake and Orion cut his thumb trying to wrestle a sidearm away from a scurvy dog.

[edit -  one of the best activities they had to offer was a visit with the Doomsayer for one mere doubloon. Trish went in and started laughing right away.  I asked, "What did she tell you?"

"Something like the elephant will fall and the Republicans will cry," Trish replied.  I went into the 'tent' and paid my doubloon.  I instinctively put out my hand, palm up.  She took it and drew on it with a ball point pen, lengthening my head line.  She immediately launched into her divination, and I had to lean closer to hear over the DJ.

"(inaudible)... Look to the left and the right 'cuz that bus isn't going to stop!"