"Pirate \Pi"rate\, n. : A robber on the high seas; one who by open violence takes the property of another on the high seas; especially, one who makes it his business to cruise for robbery or plunder; a freebooter on the seas; also, one who steals in a harbor."

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Dear blog readers, it's a wonder that I'm still alive this morning to be writing for you, for I found myself, last night, in the midst of a wandering rove of pirates! I know, it's difficult to believe, as I live in a highly-populted urban area ... but it's true. One minute, I was riding my bike through the Port of Oakland with my new friend Seth, exploring and laughing, and the next minute I was sitting amongst a raucous group of eye-patched, hook-armed, accordian-playing, beer-drinking, whisky-gulping pirates in the attic of Quinn's Lighthouse! They enticed me to drink a huge bottle of Arrogant Bastard Ale and even coerced me into joining their crew on February 2nd at Speisekammer in Alameda, where I'm to wear my best pirate gear in return for a free whisky drink.

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So Aye, ye Scurvy dogs in Oakland! Come n' swill a pint or two o' grog with us next time!