14 December 2006
Aye, me did not know that Gar!
By Helena*, onboard the Esperanza
Over the next few weeks, we want to bring you some amazing facts about the oceans - and, to keep the geek stuff entertaining, we also want to bring you some some amazing piratical exclamations -- and pirate folk, like Raoul here. Ah, the fair Esperanza, where every day is Talk Like A Pirate Day (or Knit Like a Pirate Day, if you're that way inclined). During the transit of the Esperanza from Mexico we will continue to work hard Defending Our Oceans, albeit in a quieter way than has been the case for most of this voyage.
We will be using this time to conduct important scientific research from the ship, with the aid of trusty high-tech implements such as the Continuous-Plankton-Toilet-Roll-On-A-Stick and The Yellow Thing, (but not the elusive plasma cutter). Whilst not always sensational to watch, science is nevertheless vital to efforts to save our oceans. The core theme of this voyage after all, namely our demand for a network of marine reserves, is based on a study by none other than... research scientists.
Anyway, back to those wonderous facts. We've been squirrelling them away for some time now as our journey has taken us around the world. Someone termed these our "F*ck me!" Facts, since that's what she exclaimed when she heard how amazing our oceans are. (Come to think of it, it was the same person who named the Plankton recorder a Toilet Roll On a Stick... starting to see a pattern here). We've decided to substitute a more piratical exclamation of surprise.
Introducing... Today's "WELL FLOG ME WITH A PARROT AND CALL ME LONG JOHN MCFERRETT, ME DID NOT KNOW THAT!" Fab Fact
The weight of all the plankton in the oceans is greater than that of all the dolphins, fish and whales put together. (Source: Ten Things You Didn't Know About Plankton - yes, the internet really does have everything.)
And here's something you can try at home: post your own piratical exclamations of surprise as comments (relatively clean, please!). We'll present the best ones alongside varying degrees of strange but true factoids about our oceans.
*And a bit of help --largely useless knitting tips -- from her trusty sidekick, Adele
Adele, are you saying I came up with 'Flog me with a parrot...', 'factoid', and 'squirelling' ?
Comments
No parrots in the sauna Raoul, how many times do I have to tell you.
Posted by: Irene, now on land at December 14, 2006 5:57 PM
According to the Smithsonian Institution's Ocean Planet exhibition, ninety percent of all volcanic activity occurs in the oceans!
Posted by: Kieron at December 14, 2006 7:47 PM
Bring out the bottles of rum boys because I bet you beggers didn't know that one!
Posted by: Kieron at December 14, 2006 7:53 PM
Hi Helena...,
...and 'shiver me timbers', what great new articles are coming from this new webbie girl. I don't have a wooden leg (timbers), and the weather here in Connecticut today is anything but giving me the shivers, but thanks for this satirical and informative post, as well as the others. I especially liked the Starship Esperanza one. You, Brian, Karen, ...so what are all you Greenpeacers trekkies? Somehow it figures. I've been rotating different episodes of the original series, and a few of the animated ones on my site for a while now, ...so if you get bored you can point your dish my way to - http://www.gratefulchild.org/projects/gcweb/gc/html/movies/StarTrek.html ...I just swapped it out today to 'A Taste Of Armageddon'. Thanks very much, ...wishing you Helena, and all, a magical voyage on your starship. When you sit out there at night on deck looking up at the stars, knowing you are being the person you have always wanted to be, ...it truly is a voyage on a starship. Live long and prosper...
Posted by: Grateful Child at December 15, 2006 5:57 AM
Well blister me barnacles and blast me through a blowhole, but me didn't know that!
Posted by: Jen at December 15, 2006 11:05 AM
Now that's funny. That's a great one Jen. My vote gives you the prize for the coolest pirate verse. Great website you have there too, ...GC
Posted by: Grateful Child at December 15, 2006 4:42 PM
Hola Raoul!
Como estas? Nice picture! It give me some light in my dark days. Thank for your support at the ship. Don't worry for me, i'm still having hard time but i'm working on my transformation. I miss your visite at night, It's not all the mate that are lucky enough to have 2 watchmans.
Well, take care. Salutation to the rest of the crew.
A dios Amigo
Tu consentida
Nadia besos
Posted by: nadia at December 16, 2006 4:48 AM
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