The continuing adventures of the Laughing Polar Bear Cap....

[Robbie 2]

Who else has one in NZ, I forget? Robbie?

I am quivering with expectation.........but not yet.

[BBSebens]

Well, while you lot are busy handling medicine (and doing a right fine job of it too!), I'm preparing the next generation!



This is Bentley Thomas, born June 14.

Soon enough, he will take over usage of the LPBC, should that be the desire of our Fearless Leader. For now, its a little big.

[John B]

Belated congratulations AYG. Baby in a LPBC ,now that would have to be a first!.

[StevenBauer]

Baby in a LPBC. Nice!

Here's Mary with her 1000 mile stare:

[John B]

We're very lucky to have partners who love sailing aren't we Steven.

Slight crisis in the life of the LPBC NZ#1. Evidently the hard living life of this well travelled cap is causing some issues. The buckle has dissolved and it flew off my head leaving the lanyard behind. Fortunately this occurred at a soccer game and not on a boat ( not that I remember what being on a boat feels like) So a mud bath was the result, not an expedition to the depths.
This raises various subjects, warranty being one and the possibility of perhaps even , a world wide recall. Also I notice that when wearing the hat the accelerator on my car seems to become attached to the floor and the car won't decelerate .I'm concerned that should I be crashed into, the fuel tank will erupt and there's something wrong with the tyres.. its been close on the roll front a few times, although that could just be the fact that things have got a bit top heavy lately.
Nah just kidding, its fair wear and tear on a hard living hat, thats all.

So anyway, the questions. Should the hat strap be restored with a new buckle, involving deconstructing the stitching to fit? Should the buckle be new or should some poor donor hat be aquired to give its life for the greater good, thus preserving the correct patina ?

or should I just convert it , like an old boat with a new rig , by sewing velcro on?

[m2c1Iw]

A leesor cap would be glad to give up it's buckle to further the NZ #1 LPBC adventure.

[Sailor]

If you can work the lesser cap's buckle into the LPBC I'd do so. If not, I'd likely attempt to simply stitch the strap to the correct size and call it fitted instead of adjustable.

[Larks]

or should I just convert it , like an old boat with a new rig , by sewing velcro on?

Yeah, what the heck....modernise!!!!

[John B]

The problem with sewing it on permanent like is that it does seem to periodically need adjustment, maybe I have a fluctuating head. Or maybe getting wet changes it a bit.

[John B]

Yeah, what the heck....modernise!!!!

Would it rate though? What about the class?
Is this the start of a whole restoration/ rebuild debate... what about when it needs new panels and a brim... before you know it it's grandpas axe .

[m2c1Iw]

Would it rate though? What about the class?
Is this the start of a whole restoration/ rebuild debate... what about when it needs new panels and a brim... before you know it it's grandpas axe .

An extensive WIP with full documentation and photos will of course be required as part of the restoration project..

[Larks]

Would it rate though? What about the class?
Is this the start of a whole restoration/ rebuild debate... what about when it needs new panels and a brim... before you know it it's grandpas axe .

But is that a bad thing? ie to construct a new hull in the same space and just try and maintain one key element - ie the logo? It's one of those discussions that I've always found interesting and I fundamentally support the concept in cases of extreme need....I have grandpas axe and it is my favourite axe (and favourite analogy)

And, if you feel the need, you might also decide to refit the interior.......

[John B]

Oh if only the 'interior ' could be refitted, beyond a haircut. Please supply one memory bank, cheers, great .

I'm leaning towards the Velcro because
a. life is a slippery slope.
b. I have it.
c. the tail is long enough to give a contact patch or in other words, it would work.
d. once its fitted I could sew it , nip it you might say,to the correct length anyway and so satisfying my urge for two of everything . That is ,redundancy.


All this is totally reliant on the hat being returned to me because despite my conflicted reluctance, I leant it to Kirsty for the day.

[John B]

An extensive WIP with full documentation and photos will of course be required as part of the restoration project..

That sounds a bit marginal.

[chas]

" If not, I'd likely attempt to simply stitch the strap to the correct size and call it fitted instead of adjustable.'

Duct tape works for that! / Jim

[John B]

Duct tape? duct tape, Chas/ Jimmy boy... wash yer mouth out!

[John B]

Well, the wounded LPBC went on a little mission yesterday without its owner. I felt that I could trust Kirsty with the giant responsibility of looking after it and of course I was justified . She does a good job with the kids and me , a classroom of children and relatively recently ,running a school board. I know that the responsibilty of the hat is a big thing but she was up to it.

The reason for this unprecedented expedition was to bring some reward and sense of acheivement to some young people who've done quite well in a sporting event of some sort recently. Sailors they are. Nice people according to Kirsty ,and I'm just glad they'll be able to carry on through their lives and be able to say to themselves that , 'whatever happens in the future ', they've now been able to wear a LPBC ,and thats hard to top. A pinnacle you might say.


..

[Larks]

That's Gold JB!!! (Well technically I guess it's silver......).....but I doubt that anyone can top that!!! And I gather by the looks on their faces they recognise the significance of the opportunity to be so close to this icon of power!!

[John B]

Two silvers ( the 49'er lads) and 2 Golds , the 470's young women. Some sailing races over in J.O.E or sumpin.

[m2c1Iw]

Fully sic mate....

[StevenBauer]

That is the most awesome picture! Imagine how well they would have done if they had the hat during the races in J.O.E. It would've been four golds for sure.

[Larks]

That is the most awesome picture! Imagine how well they would have done if they had the hat during the races in J.O.E. It would've been four golds for sure.

Nah, they would probably have all dropped sails and gone fishing........

[RFNK]

Shocked and ashamed I am! JB gets his daughter, clearly under duress, to drag her poor class to a sportsperson 'talk' (which no living person should ever have to endure) just so that he can launch a case to score a replacement LPBC! Disgraceful!

Rick (WWNSSL)

[Duncan Gibbs]

Yeah! Why does JB get all the cannons and hats?!

[John B]

Daughter?... you charmer, I know your sort...
what? whats that you say Kirsty... get his address so you can send him some chocolates, is he married? what, I have no idea but you sure as hell are. No you can't have his damn address , he's in Aussie somewhere , lets just leave it at that.

Shocked and ashamed I am! JB gets his daughter, clearly under duress, to drag her poor class to a sportsperson 'talk' (which no living person should ever have to endure) just so that he can launch a case to score a replacement LPBC! Disgraceful!

Rick (WWNSSL)

[John B]

Its just one leetle cannon and one hat Duncan, one has to look good when blowing stuff up.

Yeah! Why does JB get all the cannons and hats?!

[RFNK]

Daughter?... you charmer, I know your sort...
what? whats that you say Kirsty... get his address so you can send him some chocolates, is he married? what, I have no idea but you sure as hell are. No you can't have his damn address , he's in Aussie somewhere , lets just leave it at that.

Tell her I actually thought daughter might be risking it; I nearly put grand daughter.

Rick

[John B]

News direct from San Francisco.
AC 45 sailing shaken up by 'new blood'

Team Korea has surprised the front runners in the teams races by coming second in the same race that James Spithall tripped and flipped his AC45.
Peter Burling , 21 years old, is an Olympic medalist and only recently appointed to Team Korea after their previous skipper was head hunted by Artemis.
Talented as he may be ,some pundits are attributing his very successful entry into AC45 racing to a secret device known only by its code name 'LPBC'.

Further news as it comes to hand.

Well, the wounded LPBC went on a little mission yesterday without its owner. I felt that I could trust Kirsty with the giant responsibility of looking after it and of course I was justified . She does a good job with the kids and me , a classroom of children and relatively recently ,running a school board. I know that the responsibilty of the hat is a big thing but she was up to it.

The reason for this unprecedented expedition was to bring some reward and sense of acheivement to some young people who've done quite well in a sporting event of some sort recently. Sailors they are. Nice people according to Kirsty ,and I'm just glad they'll be able to carry on through their lives and be able to say to themselves that , 'whatever happens in the future ', they've now been able to wear a LPBC ,and thats hard to top. A pinnacle you might say.


..

[Hwyl]

John that is totally cool.

The AC45 World series does seem to be an Antipodean fest and even many Auckland lads. Although there is that guy from Annapolis and Roddy Ainslie's nipper is up and coming.

[Robbie 2]

I am quivering with expectation.........but not yet.

Well I finally made it........risen above the masses, the crowds,the great unwashed
Harry Potter can keep his wand.........his twig from a long dead tree...bought from a shop.....I have something much more valuable.
A magical mystical item of apparel that can't be bought.............only gifted to one deemed worthy to recieve it.
Today I received a gift of immeasurable value........I joined the ranks of the LPBC members though unworthy I may be.
It's magical mystical properties gained from the generosity of the ten thumbed wood butcher who gifted it.
Thank you Mr Peter Lenihan.
Of course it couldn't wait to check out it's new home and owner.

[ben2go]

That'll take ya round the seven seas.

[P.L.Lenihan]

Well I finally made it........risen above the masses, the crowds,the great unwashed
Harry Potter can keep his wand.........his twig from a long dead tree...bought from a shop.....I have something much more valuable.
A magical mystical item of apparel that can't be bought.............only gifted to one deemed worthy to recieve it.
Today I received a gift of immeasurable value........I joined the ranks of the LPBC members though unworthy I may be.
It's magical mystical properties gained from the generosity of the ten thumbed wood butcher who gifted it.
Thank you Mr Peter Lenihan.
Of course it couldn't wait to check out it's new home and owner.

Well Holy Moly Batman! I can't believe it!! After what must have felt like forever, your hat finally made it Robbie 2! And what a fine looking vessel you have there too! For your LPBC to have gone straight away for the boat like that, I suspect you've got one with magical seafaring powers. That's correct Sir! Your LPBC will not only look after you while out on the water but also all your passengers too! Lucky boat,lucky hat and lucky skipper, a most wonderful trio if ever there was one!

May you enjoy manifold hours of pure pleasure on your fine boat Robbie 2,this summer and for many more summers to come!!


Cheers!


Peter

[Ryden]

I'm spending the night in a proper haunted castle.
It has the sort of feeling that there will be a procession of villagers brandishing pitchforks and torches coming nightly. They've given me a queer room at the top of the tower, 10 by 10' and at least 15' to the ceiling and apparently this is where the ghost is usually seen.


There's a tiny embrasure through which I can see the snow pelting down, we've had more than ten inches since lunchtime and it shows no signs of stopping, adding a sense of isolation to the creepiness.

If I perish of fright in the night, what is to be done with my LPBC? Am I to be buried in it or should the heir apparent return it to be hung amongst the rafters of Lemming Hall?

[ben2go]

On my way to the doctor last week.

[BBSebens]

If I perish of fright in the night, what is to be done with my LPBC? Am I to be buried in it or should the heir apparent return it to be hung amongst the rafters of Lemming Hall?

An interesting question. I propose that an LPBC whose owner is no longer able to wear it should be sent back to our Twice-Neuroned President for Life, Peter, to be re-distributed to a deserving individual.

Optional Proposal: The LPBC membership is a hereditary position, and should be passed to a deserving heir.

[Ryden]

Tonight, the LPBC is keeping vigil over sixteen kids. It's a mellow -15 and the stars are so close and sharp you're afraid to cut your head.


But we've got plenty of firewood and the stove is glowing like Father Christmas on eggnogs so I believe Mother Merlot is smiling on us.


The night of St Lucy is drawing near and she heralds St Stephen and then perhaps the sun will return to us in this beastly darkness.
A fox is sending his regards, or maybe a rude sendoff I'm not very good at Foxish, but a good night to you all out there.

[P.L.Lenihan]

On my way to the doctor last week.

A little bit late but I certainly hope all went well for you Ben! Doctors can be scary at times.....even the pretty ones!

Cheers!



Peter

[P.L.Lenihan]

If I perish of fright in the night, what is to be done with my LPBC? Am I to be buried in it or should the heir apparent return it to be hung amongst the rafters of Lemming Hall?

Dear Ryden,

It would appear to be perfectly proper to be buried with your LPBC, forbid such an ghastly and untimely departure, as one suspects the poor LPBC would be rather inconsolable and somewhat at a loss as to its' purpose in life once abandoned by its owner. LPBCs are known to require a considerable period, as in many life times worth, of mourning.No one would wish, even on their worse enemies, the heart wrenching wailing and gnashing of teeth these caps are capable of.

I trust you to make contact with your solicitor to oversee the necessary corrections to you last will and testament thus ensuring decorum is respected.


On a brighter note......did ya see any ghosts?!


Cheers!



Peter

[ben2go]

A little bit late but I certainly hope all went well for you Ben! Doctors can be scary at times.....even the pretty ones!

Cheers!



Peter

More physical therapy.I am hoping I will improve by spring.

Word of caution.Read side affects of drugs and use with caution.

[WX]

I feel my fine hat deserves a place on this thread as, particularly as it it recently supervised the raising of the mast.

[John B]

I think its just terrific that they come with a full replacement nomatterwhat warranty.
That Lemonhands, what a guy.
I see by Gary's photo with his toothpick stopping a truck from falling over that the wearer becomes endowed with superpowers as well as all the usual extra stuff like fish cotching, irresistibility to the opposite sex ,or whatever gender takes your fancy, etc etc. ( its a PC hat)

My poor old hat seems to have a worn out button , which bears watching. .. perhaps I should stop pushing it to see if its ok.
As discussed at length earlier , the hat has also undergone surgery to replace the tensioning device when the buckle broke due to oxidation or electrolysis or something.
Also , like my jeans it seems to have shrunk somewhat, which is a mystery. The whole jeans thing is a puzzle( unlike the belt). The belt is entirely understandable as leather is known to shrink unpredictably even though 20 years old.

[WX]

I think its just terrific that they come with a full replacement nomatterwhat warranty.
That Lemonhands, what a guy.
I see by Gary's photo with his toothpick stopping a truck from falling over that the wearer becomes endowed with superpowers as well as all the usual extra stuff like fish cotching, irresistibility to the opposite sex ,or whatever gender takes your fancy, etc etc. ( its a PC hat)

My poor old hat seems to have a worn out button , which bears watching. .. perhaps I should stop pushing it to see if its ok.
As discussed at length earlier , the hat has also undergone surgery to replace the tensioning device when the buckle broke due to oxidation or electrolysis or something.
Also , like my jeans it seems to have shrunk somewhat, which is a mystery. The whole jeans thing is a puzzle( unlike the belt). The belt is entirely understandable as leather is known to shrink unpredictably even though 20 years old.

This fish cotching must be a kiwi thing that I find faintly disturbing but I must assume it to be some innocent pastime peculiar to the location.

[John B]

What you do Gary is go out and pay an inordinate amount of money for a rod and reel plus various accessories like hooks , lures ,swivels the price of a a family meal ,all because its the middle of winter , its a bit depressing and you need perking up.
Then you go out at some later date and , wearing the hat, cotch a fish with the stuff .
That then lets your partner say " Gosh that was a very delicious $500 fish!" because you didn't manage to 'hide' the expenditure as say ' books for the kids education' .

Hypothetically.

and further hy pathetically, this might be 'it'



or this one called 'Steve'

[ben2go]

Steve's a wild looking fellow that appears to have laid out all night with a punk band and hit the medicine bottle a little to hard.

[John B]

Thats Steve all right. Take him anywhere, he's very easy to spot.

[WX]

What you do Gary is go out and pay an inordinate amount of money for a rod and reel plus various accessories like hooks , lures ,swivels the price of a a family meal ,all because its the middle of winter , its a bit depressing and you need perking up.
Then you go out at some later date and , wearing the hat, cotch a fish with the stuff .
That then lets your partner say " Gosh that was a very delicious $500 fish!" because you didn't manage to 'hide' the expenditure as say ' books for the kids education' .

Hypothetically.

and further hy pathetically, this might be 'it'



or this one called 'Steve'

Bit like the story of the fisherman that walked into a fish and chip shop. He walked over to the wall opposite the counter and said to the owner, throw me 3 of those Whiting will ya? The owner said why? The fisherman replied, I want to tell the missus I caught them

[RFNK]

Bit like the story of the fisherman that walked into a fish and chip shop. He walked over to the wall opposite the counter and said to the owner, throw me 3 of those Whiting will ya? The owner said why? The fisherman replied, I want to tell the missus I caught them

Jeezus Gary - have you been breaking open the bonbons early or something?

Rick

[John B]

Heh heh.

We've only ever caught 2 or 3 of those John Dory. The boy caught one with his oar once , chased it around in the shallows after it keeled itself.

[John B]

Bit like the story of the fisherman that walked into a fish and chip shop. He walked over to the wall opposite the counter and said to the owner, throw me 3 of those Whiting will ya? The owner said why? The fisherman replied, I want to tell the missus I caught them

[RFNK]

And Gary, it's dangerous inviting a Kiwi to expound on the piscatorial arts. This is an example of the sort of thing they really do:
They wait until the moon is just so, as this is a signal for the whole village to go berko. They employ flyscreen nets to catch fish smaller than a umm, mouse's thingo, and they catch them in bucket loads! For what? A fisheye omelette - the rest of the poor little fishies are in there too but it's the hundreds of little eyes ......

That sort of thing.

Rick