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LETTERS FROM HOME
See under replies for the latest updates... Many hugs and much love to all of mine... meems
Going through the change
Not menopause(been there done that!) What profoundly significant event or happening in your life do you feel attributed greatly to you beiing the person that you are today?
What's old is new
Ladies?.....Teased hairstyles are back.
Do you think you can get the hang of it
again??
Men?....Do you like the look?
Starcastle
Original band
The band began life in 1969 as "St. James". Heavily influenced by the British progressive rock movement of the time, the band began writing material that would eventually appear on the first album. They also began a rigorous schedule of support gigs at clubs throughout the Midwest, honing their stage show and working in original material with covers. Despite relative success, and the release of a (now rare) single, something more was needed. Five years and a few name and line-up changes later, Starcastle was born. Work began on the band's first self-titled LP and it was released in early 1976. The response to the music of Starcastle was positive and despite some detractors' accusations that they sounded like a Yes clone, the album received heavy FM airplay throughout the US and Canada. The group began an even more intensive touring schedule including some of the biggest shows of their careers. The first album sold well, and Epic sent the band to Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec, with producer Roy Thomas Baker.
Although Roy was well known for his success with Queen, the band was not sure if it would be a good fit or not. The atmosphere and surroundings of Le Studio were idyllic, but the final product, Fountains of Light, turned out to be something other than what the band envisioned. More touring followed this time including a number of headlining shows in small halls and universities, with Journey and Foreigner supporting Starcastle on some dates. Fountains of Light garnered the band critical acclaim, and while the single "Diamond Song (Deep is the Light)" failed to chart, the album sold respectably.
Despite issues with Roy Baker’s style, the label sent Starcastle to England to record their third offering, Citadel, with Baker once again handling production. The band was under pressure at this time from their record label for a more commercial rock sound, but Starcastle kept to its progressive rock roots. After more touring, the cracks in the band were starting to show. Real to Reel was an album the band felt should have never been released, because of its pop-like sound and disappointed reception by fans. Most of the more "progressive" demos done for the record were rejected by CBS, and the band had stopped believing in what they were doing. The album was released and fell flat. During the subsequent tour, keyboardist Herb Schildt decided it was time to leave to pursue his passion – computers, and Terry, who had his eyes on producing, left after the group’s final date of the tour with Aerosmith. This, coupled with disappointing sales figures, prompted CBS to drop Starcastle from its roster.
[edit] Subsequent regroupings
Undeterred, Starcastle carried on. They regrouped in Champaign and in early 1979 the band began touring again this time with Steve Hagler on lead vocals and without a record contract. While this line-up worked for a while, Matt remembered a vocalist he had met and become friends with a few years earlier- Ralph Goldhiem. Ralph had toured the Midwest with another CBS/Epic group called Timberline. While the Timberline sound was more similar to that of The Eagles and Poco, it gave Ralph a taste of what he wanted to do. He moved to Los Angeles temporally joining up with former Trapeze / Deep Purple vocalist Glen Hughes in rehearsals for a possible album which never materialized. It was during this time Matt called Ralph about joining Starcastle as vocalist.
With Ralph on board in July 1979, the new Starcastle took shape. The material became more hard-edged, while still retaining the trademark Starcastle sound. Needing a change of surroundings, Starcastle moved from Champaign to Atlanta, Georgia. A spec deal was signed with producer Jeff Glixman in Atlanta who was at that time best known for his work with Kansas. Through working with Glixman on the first demo, a management deal was signed with former Queen manager Jack Nelson. Nelson was more of a "hands off" manager, but did bring both Arista and A&M’s John Kolander to the table for a possible deal. Nothing happened, but the band still held out hope that something would come along for the better. The band contemplated a name change at one point, even playing a gig as "The Pack" at Atlanta’s Agora Ballroom, but it was still Starcastle, and it was Starcastle they came to hear. In 1980 both Steve Hagler and Steve Tassler left the group. Tassler’s replacement on drums was Mauro Magellan. Rehearsals took place with Magellan, but he left a short time later to join The Georgia Satellites, a band whose multi-selling debut album would be produced by Jeff Glixman. Matt Stewart left for California and would later join Head East as guitarist in the mid-80’s. Gary and Ralph continued to write together, but eventually Gary returned to Champaign, disillusioned and looking for a fresh start.
Starcastle regrouped several times over the following decades, and gained several new members, notably Bruce Botts on guitar and Al Lewis on vocals. No new albums were produced, however, until 2007, when Song of Times was released by ProgRock Records. The album features members from all incarnations of the band, along with one track, "All for the Thunder", by the original band itself with cover art by Ed Unitsky The album was received with generally good reviews.
The band's bassist and founding member, Gary Strater, died of pancreatic cancer in 2004. His work can still be heard on Song of Times, the band's newest album, which was released posthumously.
The band began life in 1969 as "St. James". Heavily influenced by the British progressive rock movement of the time, the band began writing material that would eventually appear on the first album. They also began a rigorous schedule of support gigs at clubs throughout the Midwest, honing their stage show and working in original material with covers. Despite relative success, and the release of a (now rare) single, something more was needed. Five years and a few name and line-up changes later, Starcastle was born. Work began on the band's first self-titled LP and it was released in early 1976. The response to the music of Starcastle was positive and despite some detractors' accusations that they sounded like a Yes clone, the album received heavy FM airplay throughout the US and Canada. The group began an even more intensive touring schedule including some of the biggest shows of their careers. The first album sold well, and Epic sent the band to Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec, with producer Roy Thomas Baker.
Although Roy was well known for his success with Queen, the band was not sure if it would be a good fit or not. The atmosphere and surroundings of Le Studio were idyllic, but the final product, Fountains of Light, turned out to be something other than what the band envisioned. More touring followed this time including a number of headlining shows in small halls and universities, with Journey and Foreigner supporting Starcastle on some dates. Fountains of Light garnered the band critical acclaim, and while the single "Diamond Song (Deep is the Light)" failed to chart, the album sold respectably.
Despite issues with Roy Baker’s style, the label sent Starcastle to England to record their third offering, Citadel, with Baker once again handling production. The band was under pressure at this time from their record label for a more commercial rock sound, but Starcastle kept to its progressive rock roots. After more touring, the cracks in the band were starting to show. Real to Reel was an album the band felt should have never been released, because of its pop-like sound and disappointed reception by fans. Most of the more "progressive" demos done for the record were rejected by CBS, and the band had stopped believing in what they were doing. The album was released and fell flat. During the subsequent tour, keyboardist Herb Schildt decided it was time to leave to pursue his passion – computers, and Terry, who had his eyes on producing, left after the group’s final date of the tour with Aerosmith. This, coupled with disappointing sales figures, prompted CBS to drop Starcastle from its roster.
[edit] Subsequent regroupings
Undeterred, Starcastle carried on. They regrouped in Champaign and in early 1979 the band began touring again this time with Steve Hagler on lead vocals and without a record contract. While this line-up worked for a while, Matt remembered a vocalist he had met and become friends with a few years earlier- Ralph Goldhiem. Ralph had toured the Midwest with another CBS/Epic group called Timberline. While the Timberline sound was more similar to that of The Eagles and Poco, it gave Ralph a taste of what he wanted to do. He moved to Los Angeles temporally joining up with former Trapeze / Deep Purple vocalist Glen Hughes in rehearsals for a possible album which never materialized. It was during this time Matt called Ralph about joining Starcastle as vocalist.
With Ralph on board in July 1979, the new Starcastle took shape. The material became more hard-edged, while still retaining the trademark Starcastle sound. Needing a change of surroundings, Starcastle moved from Champaign to Atlanta, Georgia. A spec deal was signed with producer Jeff Glixman in Atlanta who was at that time best known for his work with Kansas. Through working with Glixman on the first demo, a management deal was signed with former Queen manager Jack Nelson. Nelson was more of a "hands off" manager, but did bring both Arista and A&M’s John Kolander to the table for a possible deal. Nothing happened, but the band still held out hope that something would come along for the better. The band contemplated a name change at one point, even playing a gig as "The Pack" at Atlanta’s Agora Ballroom, but it was still Starcastle, and it was Starcastle they came to hear. In 1980 both Steve Hagler and Steve Tassler left the group. Tassler’s replacement on drums was Mauro Magellan. Rehearsals took place with Magellan, but he left a short time later to join The Georgia Satellites, a band whose multi-selling debut album would be produced by Jeff Glixman. Matt Stewart left for California and would later join Head East as guitarist in the mid-80’s. Gary and Ralph continued to write together, but eventually Gary returned to Champaign, disillusioned and looking for a fresh start.
Starcastle regrouped several times over the following decades, and gained several new members, notably Bruce Botts on guitar and Al Lewis on vocals. No new albums were produced, however, until 2007, when Song of Times was released by ProgRock Records. The album features members from all incarnations of the band, along with one track, "All for the Thunder", by the original band itself with cover art by Ed Unitsky The album was received with generally good reviews.
The band's bassist and founding member, Gary Strater, died of pancreatic cancer in 2004. His work can still be heard on Song of Times, the band's newest album, which was released posthumously.
Echinacea {Echinacea pallida}
Echinacea {Echinacea pallida}
Echinacea has had a long history of being utilized as a healing herb by Native American people. In the 1800’s it became popular with the medical community in the United States and was a widely prescribed natural remedy for infections and inflammation. Its usage was recommended and studied during this time by the renowned Dr. Uri Lloyd, Dr. John King and Dr. H.C.L. Meyer. The root and rhizome were officially recognized by the National Formulary (NF) from 1916 to 1950.
Though its popularity in America waned with the onset on antibiotics, its usage continued in Germany where it was often used to treat viral infections and inflammatory conditions. The German Commission E recognized E. Purpurea herba (above ground parts) as an approved herb in 1989. On August 29th, 1992, E. Pallida radix (root) also attained this status. However, E. Angustifolia (herba and radix), E. Purpurea radix, and E. Pallida herba are still listed as unapproved as of 1998. This is most probably due to a lack of current clinical research. There are also approximately six to seven other varieties of Echinacea however no mention is made of these other Echinacea types in the Commission E monographs.
Though the Commission E has only approved two varieties and then in limited scope, there is wide spread usage of Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida and E. purpurea. Echinacea products are often sold as a combination of these three. There has been some speculation that E. angustifolia may have stronger medicinal value than the others although to date there is no clinical data that substantiates this claim. Currently, the United States Pharmacopoeia/ National Formulary are reviewing Echinacea for inclusion in its Botanical monograph series. (Note: the USP was established in 1820 to create standards for the use and quality of pharmaceuticals and combined with the National Formulary in 1980).
Echinacea is a hardy perennial plant that grows 1-2 feet tall and has a spiny appearance from which it derived its name (echinos being Greek for sea urchin or hedgehog). It is a member of the daisy family and its flowers can resemble Black-eyed Susans with rich purple petals radiating from the center. The rhizome has circular pith. It has a faint aromatic smell. It grows throughout the United States from the mid-west to the prairie regions of Pennsylvania. Each of the varieties has a slightly different appearance. E. Purpurea demonstrates the classic purple flower and so too does E. Angustifolia though with narrower leaves and smaller flowers. However, E. Paradoxa has yellow flowers, E. Atrorubens and E. Sanguinea have dark red flowers, and E. Pallida and E. Simullata have pale purple flowers.
Due to an over harvesting of its wild population, some states restrict the harvest of this herb and are considering it for endangered species status. Since Echinacea purpurea is the easiest species to grow commercially, it may become the most utilized in the United States, as is the case in Europe. It is a very popular herb in the United States, generating more than $300 million in sales annually.
A concern in purchasing Echinacea is the practice of substitution. It should be noted that Parthenium integrifolium or by it’s common name, Prairie Dock, is sometimes sold as Echinacea and has been since as early as 1909. Labels should be checked for clear identification of the plant genus utilized. In the 1980's, it was discovered that some German researchers had been (unknowingly) receiving Prairie Dock under the name of Echinacea. This has thrown doubt into the reliability of the research done on the herb during that time frame. Unknown mixing or substitution of species has also been a problem in past research. Many studies conducted on what was thought to be E. angustifolia during this same time frame were later proven to have been E. Pallida.
Herbal remedies are under no enforced regulations and selling a standardized product is voluntary on the manufacturer’s part. Since it is thought that the quantity and composition of the bio-constituents present affect the reliability and efficacy of a product, this is something to be aware of. This practice of substitution still exists, so read the labels carefully! Still even if the correct genus is listed, adulterations, absence of specific constituents, labeling that lacks information should all be cause for care when purchasing.
With the awareness of substitution and the work that has been done on the chemistry of certain species, research today is able to focus on the specific varieties and/or constituents.
Generally, Echinacea is thought to create activity in the immune system by stimulating T-cell production, phagocytosis, lymphocytic activity, cellular respiration, activity against tumor cells (thought it’s application is debatable) and inhibiting hyaluronidase enzyme secretion. Its natural antibiotic (echinacoside) is said to be comparable to penicillin in its broad-spectrum affects however there are questions as to whether there is enough present in the herb to have a significant effect. It may inhibit a broad range of viruses, protozoa, bacteria, and fungi. Echinacea contains Echinacin which seems to counteract against the enzyme hyaluronidase that microbes produce to penetrate tissues and cause infection. It is has been indicated in studies that it is effective in decreasing the frequency and severity of colds and the flu. (See Published Studies)
Echinacea is considered a safe herb. Incidents of adverse reactions are rare and there is no known toxicity. However, it is not recommended in progressive systemic and auto-immune disorders s.c. as AIDS, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, leicosis, connective tissue disorders, collagenosis and related diseases s.c. as lupus. (See Published Studies and also Contraindications). It should be noted that in cases of AIDS and AIDS opportunistic infections there is still considerable debate occurring over Echinacea usage.
Echinacea Simulata and E. Paradoxa Roots:
In a 1991 study "The constituents of the roots of Echinacea Simulata and E. Paradoxa were examined by HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography). The major lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds could be identified. E. Paradoxa contained several ketoalkenynes and proved to have almost identical constituents as E. pallida. E. Simulata contained alkamides as found in E. angustifolia and in addition ketoalkenynes as in E. pallida. Echinacoside was found in both species."
Echinacea Angustifolia, Echinacea Purpurea, and Echinacea Pallida:
Some biochemical constituents all three have in common are echinacoside, polysaccharides, glycoproteins and a caffeic acid derivatives (cichoric acid), triglycoside of caffeic acid derivative Echinacin.
If listed as Echinacea spp. Compositae: the biochemical constituents have been recorded as follows: essential oil containing the oncolytic hydrocarbon (z)-1,8- pentadecadiene, polysaccharide 1 (a heteroxylan) containing arabinose, xylose, glactose, glucose, and 4-0-methylgluronic acid; polysaccharide 2 (an arabinorhamnogalactic) containing rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, and glucuronic acid; Echinacin (an isoabutylkyamide comprising 0.01% of the dried root of E. angustifolia and 0.001% of the dried root of e. pallida); echinolone (appolyacetylene compound from E. angustifolia); echinacoside ( a glycoside found in E. angustifolia, at concentrations of 1% of root preparations); Echinacin B; an unsaturated aliphatic sesquiterpene*; betain; insulin; inuloid; fructose; sucrose; higher fatty acids; 6.9% protein in air dried roots of E, angustifolia, 5.3% in E. purpurea; tannin; vitamin C; enzymes; an unidentified glycosides; resin; acids and thirteen polyacetylene compounds (there is a theory that these are formed during storage, since it is said that they are found in dried but not fresh roots of E. pallida).
*Note: Originally some commercial samples of E. purpurea were identified as containing Sesquiterpene esters however data has since shown that this was due to the presence of an adulterant, Parthenium integrifolium L. It appears that this adulteration may be widespread in commercial samples.
Medicinal parts: Roots, Leaves, Seed and Rhizome. Fresh or sometimes dried.
It should be noted that the best p.r. of the plant to use is under debate. An alcoholic extract of the root of E. Pallida and the expressed juice of the above ground plant of E. Purpurea at the time of flowering are the parts approved for use by the German Commission E. These have had numerous in vitro and in vivo studies conducted on their pharmacological viability.
***I chose this one because it also compares all three of the medicinal versions of echinacea. This variety of echinacea is also the hardest of the three to find, and as the article states this is due to the over-harvesting of this particular variety of echinacea. Along with doing a lot of hours searching in nurseries and online I have been fortunate to find the seeds in which once I am able to do more will work on starting and planting in my front yard.
This variety also happens to be the best of the three varieties of echinacea when it comes to the medicinal usage and if you happen to find some (I have one pound safely tucked away for my wife and I) grab it as I noted earlier. Please do not over use this herb because it can have some nasty side effects.***
Echinacea has had a long history of being utilized as a healing herb by Native American people. In the 1800’s it became popular with the medical community in the United States and was a widely prescribed natural remedy for infections and inflammation. Its usage was recommended and studied during this time by the renowned Dr. Uri Lloyd, Dr. John King and Dr. H.C.L. Meyer. The root and rhizome were officially recognized by the National Formulary (NF) from 1916 to 1950.
Though its popularity in America waned with the onset on antibiotics, its usage continued in Germany where it was often used to treat viral infections and inflammatory conditions. The German Commission E recognized E. Purpurea herba (above ground parts) as an approved herb in 1989. On August 29th, 1992, E. Pallida radix (root) also attained this status. However, E. Angustifolia (herba and radix), E. Purpurea radix, and E. Pallida herba are still listed as unapproved as of 1998. This is most probably due to a lack of current clinical research. There are also approximately six to seven other varieties of Echinacea however no mention is made of these other Echinacea types in the Commission E monographs.
Though the Commission E has only approved two varieties and then in limited scope, there is wide spread usage of Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida and E. purpurea. Echinacea products are often sold as a combination of these three. There has been some speculation that E. angustifolia may have stronger medicinal value than the others although to date there is no clinical data that substantiates this claim. Currently, the United States Pharmacopoeia/ National Formulary are reviewing Echinacea for inclusion in its Botanical monograph series. (Note: the USP was established in 1820 to create standards for the use and quality of pharmaceuticals and combined with the National Formulary in 1980).
Echinacea is a hardy perennial plant that grows 1-2 feet tall and has a spiny appearance from which it derived its name (echinos being Greek for sea urchin or hedgehog). It is a member of the daisy family and its flowers can resemble Black-eyed Susans with rich purple petals radiating from the center. The rhizome has circular pith. It has a faint aromatic smell. It grows throughout the United States from the mid-west to the prairie regions of Pennsylvania. Each of the varieties has a slightly different appearance. E. Purpurea demonstrates the classic purple flower and so too does E. Angustifolia though with narrower leaves and smaller flowers. However, E. Paradoxa has yellow flowers, E. Atrorubens and E. Sanguinea have dark red flowers, and E. Pallida and E. Simullata have pale purple flowers.
Due to an over harvesting of its wild population, some states restrict the harvest of this herb and are considering it for endangered species status. Since Echinacea purpurea is the easiest species to grow commercially, it may become the most utilized in the United States, as is the case in Europe. It is a very popular herb in the United States, generating more than $300 million in sales annually.
A concern in purchasing Echinacea is the practice of substitution. It should be noted that Parthenium integrifolium or by it’s common name, Prairie Dock, is sometimes sold as Echinacea and has been since as early as 1909. Labels should be checked for clear identification of the plant genus utilized. In the 1980's, it was discovered that some German researchers had been (unknowingly) receiving Prairie Dock under the name of Echinacea. This has thrown doubt into the reliability of the research done on the herb during that time frame. Unknown mixing or substitution of species has also been a problem in past research. Many studies conducted on what was thought to be E. angustifolia during this same time frame were later proven to have been E. Pallida.
Herbal remedies are under no enforced regulations and selling a standardized product is voluntary on the manufacturer’s part. Since it is thought that the quantity and composition of the bio-constituents present affect the reliability and efficacy of a product, this is something to be aware of. This practice of substitution still exists, so read the labels carefully! Still even if the correct genus is listed, adulterations, absence of specific constituents, labeling that lacks information should all be cause for care when purchasing.
With the awareness of substitution and the work that has been done on the chemistry of certain species, research today is able to focus on the specific varieties and/or constituents.
Generally, Echinacea is thought to create activity in the immune system by stimulating T-cell production, phagocytosis, lymphocytic activity, cellular respiration, activity against tumor cells (thought it’s application is debatable) and inhibiting hyaluronidase enzyme secretion. Its natural antibiotic (echinacoside) is said to be comparable to penicillin in its broad-spectrum affects however there are questions as to whether there is enough present in the herb to have a significant effect. It may inhibit a broad range of viruses, protozoa, bacteria, and fungi. Echinacea contains Echinacin which seems to counteract against the enzyme hyaluronidase that microbes produce to penetrate tissues and cause infection. It is has been indicated in studies that it is effective in decreasing the frequency and severity of colds and the flu. (See Published Studies)
Echinacea is considered a safe herb. Incidents of adverse reactions are rare and there is no known toxicity. However, it is not recommended in progressive systemic and auto-immune disorders s.c. as AIDS, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, leicosis, connective tissue disorders, collagenosis and related diseases s.c. as lupus. (See Published Studies and also Contraindications). It should be noted that in cases of AIDS and AIDS opportunistic infections there is still considerable debate occurring over Echinacea usage.
Echinacea Simulata and E. Paradoxa Roots:
In a 1991 study "The constituents of the roots of Echinacea Simulata and E. Paradoxa were examined by HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography). The major lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds could be identified. E. Paradoxa contained several ketoalkenynes and proved to have almost identical constituents as E. pallida. E. Simulata contained alkamides as found in E. angustifolia and in addition ketoalkenynes as in E. pallida. Echinacoside was found in both species."
Echinacea Angustifolia, Echinacea Purpurea, and Echinacea Pallida:
Some biochemical constituents all three have in common are echinacoside, polysaccharides, glycoproteins and a caffeic acid derivatives (cichoric acid), triglycoside of caffeic acid derivative Echinacin.
If listed as Echinacea spp. Compositae: the biochemical constituents have been recorded as follows: essential oil containing the oncolytic hydrocarbon (z)-1,8- pentadecadiene, polysaccharide 1 (a heteroxylan) containing arabinose, xylose, glactose, glucose, and 4-0-methylgluronic acid; polysaccharide 2 (an arabinorhamnogalactic) containing rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, and glucuronic acid; Echinacin (an isoabutylkyamide comprising 0.01% of the dried root of E. angustifolia and 0.001% of the dried root of e. pallida); echinolone (appolyacetylene compound from E. angustifolia); echinacoside ( a glycoside found in E. angustifolia, at concentrations of 1% of root preparations); Echinacin B; an unsaturated aliphatic sesquiterpene*; betain; insulin; inuloid; fructose; sucrose; higher fatty acids; 6.9% protein in air dried roots of E, angustifolia, 5.3% in E. purpurea; tannin; vitamin C; enzymes; an unidentified glycosides; resin; acids and thirteen polyacetylene compounds (there is a theory that these are formed during storage, since it is said that they are found in dried but not fresh roots of E. pallida).
*Note: Originally some commercial samples of E. purpurea were identified as containing Sesquiterpene esters however data has since shown that this was due to the presence of an adulterant, Parthenium integrifolium L. It appears that this adulteration may be widespread in commercial samples.
Medicinal parts: Roots, Leaves, Seed and Rhizome. Fresh or sometimes dried.
It should be noted that the best p.r. of the plant to use is under debate. An alcoholic extract of the root of E. Pallida and the expressed juice of the above ground plant of E. Purpurea at the time of flowering are the parts approved for use by the German Commission E. These have had numerous in vitro and in vivo studies conducted on their pharmacological viability.
***I chose this one because it also compares all three of the medicinal versions of echinacea. This variety of echinacea is also the hardest of the three to find, and as the article states this is due to the over-harvesting of this particular variety of echinacea. Along with doing a lot of hours searching in nurseries and online I have been fortunate to find the seeds in which once I am able to do more will work on starting and planting in my front yard.
This variety also happens to be the best of the three varieties of echinacea when it comes to the medicinal usage and if you happen to find some (I have one pound safely tucked away for my wife and I) grab it as I noted earlier. Please do not over use this herb because it can have some nasty side effects.***
A Captain's Tale
Long ago lived a seaman named Captain Bravo. He was a manly-man who showed no fear in facing his enemies. One day, while sailing the seven seas, a look-out spotted a pirate ship and the crew became frantic.
Captain Bravo bellowed, "Bring me my red shirt." The First Mate quickly retrieved the captain's red shirt and whilst wearing the bright frock the captain led his mates into battle and defeated the pirates.
Later on, the look-out again spotted not one but two pirate ships. The captain again howled for his red shirt and once again vanquished the pirates. That evening, all the men sat around on the deck recounting the day's triumphs and one of the them asked the captain: "Sir, why did you call for your red shirt before battle?"
The captain replied, "If I am wounded in the attack, the shirt will not show the wound and thus, you men will continue to resist, unafraid."
All of the men sat in silence and marvelled at the courage of such a manly man. As dawn came the next morning, the look-out once again spotted not one, not two, but TEN pirates ships approaching. The rank and file all stared at the captain and waited for his usual reply.
Captain Bravo calmly shouted, "Get me my brown pants."
Captain Bravo bellowed, "Bring me my red shirt." The First Mate quickly retrieved the captain's red shirt and whilst wearing the bright frock the captain led his mates into battle and defeated the pirates.
Later on, the look-out again spotted not one but two pirate ships. The captain again howled for his red shirt and once again vanquished the pirates. That evening, all the men sat around on the deck recounting the day's triumphs and one of the them asked the captain: "Sir, why did you call for your red shirt before battle?"
The captain replied, "If I am wounded in the attack, the shirt will not show the wound and thus, you men will continue to resist, unafraid."
All of the men sat in silence and marvelled at the courage of such a manly man. As dawn came the next morning, the look-out once again spotted not one, not two, but TEN pirates ships approaching. The rank and file all stared at the captain and waited for his usual reply.
Captain Bravo calmly shouted, "Get me my brown pants."
hot tubs
If you do nothing else for yourself, invest in a hot tub! Had my son set it to 104 degrees. Tonite is below average. Just spent 2- 20 minute rounds in it! Feel great cannt wait til the snow starts flying. Nothing like relaxing in a pool of warmth, watching snow fly around you!
