Confucius say: 'Doc most creepy fellow'

Just when you think Doc, aka "Jim McManus," couldn't possibly get any creepier, we're happy to report it's worse than you feared. Made curious by recent references on the Yahoo OMEX site to Doc's alleged peddling of anti-Chinese immigrant sentiment, as well as playing up to a bizarre Catholic conspiracy that claims the Chinese government is slowly "invading" the U.S. (for what purposes, we never learn), it didn't take us long to track down the evidence for ourselves (you gotta love that Internet and Google, baby).

Here's a direct quote that cites McManus as an "eyewitness" source:

Thousands of Chinese enter US through Virgin Islands

At least one eyewitness on the islands, Jim McManus, believes there is a Chinese invasion-taking place against the United States by the hundreds, and it's happening in his own back yard. McManus owns a diving operation in St. Thomas. He explained that when caught, the Chinese are taken onto an airplane and flown to Louisiana without charge. Once in Louisiana, they meet with a lawyer, their bail is posted and they "disappear into the woodwork" of American society. (Link)

When directly confronted about this nonsense on Yahoo, Doc seemed to confirm his dirty involvement in this shameful business by making this rather creepy post. He's one helluva nice guy, this McManus, eh?

We have to go scrub the filth off now....

Photo Caption: Intrepid Chinese Hunter, Jim McManus, creeps out one of the more intelligent members of the animal kingdom.

Who's on first, bitch?

We haven't posted much of late because, frankly, the HHI clowns have been pretty quiet. We were beginning to think something was up, but then Doc and the Angry Twit, as usual, came through for us today.

First, as an aside and regarding Doc, we understand the judge in his libel trial tossed overboard yet another request by him to have the case dismissed. McManus is now going to trial. Things should get interesting and we're really looking forward to seeing how Twit Minor incorporates the FBI and the Attorney General's office into his grand defense plan. We think this will likely give us weeks of excellent material. (You think?)

So, here's the predictably stupid exchange on HHI today between Doc and Solomon, doing the usual master and servant routine (though, fair warning, it's hardly the quality of Bertie and Jeeves; in fact, it's much closer to Abbot and Costello, or perhaps even Starsky and Hutch).

Doc: "From the docket it would appear we are drawing closer to a verdict in this case."

Well, actually no, dumb ass, we're far from a verdict. In fact, we now enter into discovery. Perhaps you should bone up on your court procedures, especially now that you find yourself in a trial, Mister-I-shall-be-ruined-but-heard. (What's Doc got to lose, really? His flask? Though, don't underestimate his emotional attachment to it -- we hear it's practically an appendage.)

As usual, Sir Solomon the Angry Twit swoops in with a mighty bitch slap to his loathed American cousin.

Solomon: "Doc, Well, of course as time progresses, we must be always be nearing the conclusion...."

Another Deep Thought by the Angry Twit. Perhaps he should self-publish these bon mots? (We'd buy some to use as coasters, or an emergency TP supply.)

Solomon: "...However, this signals the start of the discovery phase and quite possibly, it should have begun much earlier. The delay has been brought about by the seemingly endless series of motions, which is unusual for a (normally simple) admiralty arrest - Pizzo is probably sick and tired of it already. He has other, important (probably criminal) cases to handle."

No projection going on here, no sir! Solomon's mental powers are such he can read the thoughts of a federal court judge residing thousands of miles away in Tampa. He also apparently has access to Pizzo's "to do" list where he can determine the judge's appropriate priorities. Oh, and a minor detail for our favorite know-it-all Brit (who undoubtedly was solving trigonometry problems in his Mother's womb): Pizzo works in a court of civil law, not criminal, but thanks for playing, you silly sot.

Are these clowns great or what?

Of course, it wouldn't be a normal day unless Doc worked in the last word, especially since he now has to come crawling, properly chastised, before his colleague and supreme American hater:

Doc: "Solomon,I agree with you, Judge Pizzo must be getting tired of all the delay. (1) {"The Court finds Odyssey’s appeal for secrecy to be disingenuous and utterly without merit."} I hope the phrase,"appropriate discovery deadlines", refers to an end to all the 'smoke and mirrors' tap dancing around the cardinal issues of this matter."

Aw, ain't that cute? Doc reverently quotes Solomon to Solomon, which we suppose is the proper supplicant approach. But man! We just might have to alert the authorities about this abuse, it borders on the obscene!

Have a great weekend all!

The Crowing Cock

“He was like a cock who thought the sun had risen to hear him crow.” ~ George Eliot

It doesn't take much digging to uncover the depth of Sir Solomon the Angry Twit's arrogance and condescension toward everyone around him, even his so-called "friends." Nearly every day he posts gems that put his prancing, high-and-mighty opinion of himself out there for general consumption. One can begin to understand why Doc is the fawning second banana: Solomon is clearly the smarter of the two (which ain't saying much) and he doesn't let the American McManus forget it.

Here are but two examples from today.

Solomon: "About half a century ago, when I was at school and solving all the world's mysteries -- you know the sort: who was Jesus, King Arthur and Robin Hood; how did the universe begin and how, if ever, will it end, what are ghosts, and so on -- I discovered that all the continents fitted together. This was before I learned of tectonic plates. That was when I decided that Atlantis must have been in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge."

Ah yes, when he wasn't busy buggering (that infamous British boarding school pastime), old Solomon was revolutionizing established geological concepts (and he didn't even know it!). In reality, we suspect the Angry Twit mostly stood around with his index finger firmly entrenched in his nostril, trying to advance theories of proboscis mining.

Solomon: "I was very privileged, when working in Intelligence, to be invited to help Bletchley Park, which with the help of American billionaire Sidney Frank, is now a Trust [sic]. Many men and women at Bletchley devoted themselves to helping win the war. Not even their families suspected what they were doing, even in the following decades. They were an odd collection of characters, the most brilliant minds we had. They trained Americans in their technologies and methods, which helped the US forces immensely."

Solomon no doubt fetched papers and served tea, but he was there, so he must be brilliant too, no? (See how his insecure logic works?) And note the usual air of condescension toward Americans. Yes, if it hadn't been for the Brits, America's intelligence services surely never would have gotten off the ground on their own.

This is the sort of baseless arrogance that led a bunch of scrappy colonists to kick ass and take names several hundred years ago. And we all know how that turned out, now don't we?

Now he's done it...

There's little doubt in our opinion that Sir Solomon the Angry Twit™ has crossed into libelous and defamatory territory. Check it out.

Solomon: "A pattern is emerging. May 22, 2008. ORDER denying 109 Motion to compel and striking affidavit of Gregory P. Stemm. The Clerk is directed to return the affidavit to Odyssey's counsel. Signed by Magistrate Judge Mark A. Pizzo on 5/22/2008. (DK) (Entered: May 22, 2008). The judge writes of Stemm's work: Upon review, it is clear that this affidavit was not properly filed under seal in the first place, and is therefore stricken. The president of Odyssey Marine is a renowned lawyer. The company has a lawyer on its staff. They hire teams of lawyers. And yet this bumbling incompetence."

The President of Odyssey is a renowned lawyer? Beg your pardon? Is this some more of HHI's stellar research on display? The President of Odyssey is not a lawyer. The Angry Twit is wrong.

Solomon: "The key seems to be Stemm, who wrongly filed the affidavit. It raises the question: what is Stemm doing, filing an affidavit? That is the job of his many lawyers.

Stemm didn't file his affidavit, his attorneys did. Again, the Angry Twit is wrong.

Solomon: "But then, look back a short time and you see Stemm personally issuing a press release to Reuters. That was surely the job for the PR people."

Stemm didn't file a press release with Reuters. He conducted an interview with them. Again, the Angry Twit is wrong.

Solomon: "The desperate position Odyssey is now in sees Stemm increasingly isolated. It paints an unattractive picture of a man in extremis, surrounded by enemies, not trusting his colleagues, driven into a corner by events of his own making...That Stemm is desperate is not surprising. That he appears to spurn his professional advisors and is determined on handling everything himself, speaks volumes for his state of mind."

Much laughter ensued from this comment. For if there's anyone who comes across as "isolated," "unattractive," and paranoid, it's obviously the increasingly shrill Solomon. We think perhaps his unconscious is trying to break out, and his hateful obsession with a certain blond-haired, blue-eyed shipwreck explorer is cracking his already feeble mind. And, at least in terms of the UK standard, we think this is as close to a defamatory statement as you're going to get.

Finally, what Solomon rant would be complete without a loving slurp from Twit Minor, lap dog extraordinaire, Doc?

Doc: "Solomon, I concur. Some of the public statements made by Stemm have been quoted in court by James Goold much to the detriment of Odyssey."

Eh, what's that? Have you not been paying attention again, Doc?

Doc: What I find most intriguing is the fact that from the beginning Stemm referred to one significant wreck. In view of the fact that Odyssey was called on the carpet by Spain and made to acknowledge sovereignty back in 2006 (1) and Stemm's own statement in 2000 (2) regards sovereignty what could possibly induce Odyssey to target a Spanish warship, international waters or not.? [sic] Furthermore, if a person had this knowledge, and the legal precedents we are all aware of, how would you describe this behavior with regard to the stock market? I fully expect that the "treasure" will be returned to Spain with court costs. Mr Goold has publicly stated the Odyssey's troubles have just begun and I for one believe it."

And since criminally stupid insanity is not an allowable defense in a libel trial, we fully expect Doc's "insights" to be found guilty in a court of law whereupon his literally hundreds of wrong-headed, foolish ideas, statements and outright lies will be permanently discredited and properly disposed of.

But, in the meantime, Doc, by all means keep digging. It's very good for business.

We love the media! (i.e., When we don't hate them)

Most of the time the HHI clowns can't restrain themselves from criticizing the media, particularly when the reporting runs counter to their truly held beliefs about Odyssey. But watch out when an article appears to go their way. Like a bunch of school girls hopped up on Pepsi, they can barely restrain themselves.

After noting an article from New Zealand on HHI and highlighting this particular quote:

This rosy scenario had detractors. In April the New Yorker reported that History Hunters International, a website run by three British sceptics, had questioned the wreck's true identity and suggested that the Royal Navy's entire budget in 1694 was smaller than the Sussex's supposed cargo.

A drooling, rather thick feller named "Scribe," so pleased for his HHI masters, offers to make Doc an "honorary Brit." (We're certain Benny Hill would be appalled.)

Doc, who needs as much moral support as possible considering that when he's not rescuing sun-burned tourists from boat breaksdowns (wow, the illustrious life of an explorer!), has to worry about how to save his ass in his libel case, can barely keep from busting.

Doc: "Scribe, Thank you for both the honor and that article. It would appear that our struggle is gaining still more attention. The author seems to have an excellent grasp of the facts of the issue. Pity the poor shareholders of OME stock. I expect James Goold is correct in saying that the wheels of the legal machinery will start turning much faster. I, for one, can hardly wait to see justice done in this matter. Cheers."

The "honor"? You mean being stroked by one of your HHI minions is an "honor"? Sounds like you're seriously deficient in the honor category, Doc. We're shocked.

What, of course, is missing in the article is that Doc is being sued for libel by Odyssey Marine, both for comments made on Yahoo and HHI. We wouldn't be surprised if History Hunters is next on the company's libel list considering Solomon's recent obvious defaming of the company.

Stay tuned for that....

His Holy Assload Has Spoken

You don't need to focus exclusively on Odyssey at HHI's website to see what an asshat Sir Solomon the Angry Twit™ can be. No matter how innocuous the topic, the poor bastard just can't help himself from fairy slapping those he contemptuously disagrees with.

Now, here are some apparently good-natured folks simply having a fun, friendly debate about the lost city of Atlantis...that is, until the Angry Twit prances onto the scene, nose tip and pinkies held aloft, to survey the scene and then shit all over everyone's parade. Check it out:

Solomon: "'Apparently the story of Atlantis has been handed down long before Plato.' Good morning, Don Jose! Until you or somebody can confirm that there was an Atlantis, with something a lot more positive than that, there is no mystery to be solved. I have looked at a lot of mysteries in my time - from the biblical Jesus to the Oak Island Money Pit - and Atlantis fits the resultant picture I formed: there is nothing at its core. Hence the unending speculations - they have to be unending because it is not possible to solve a mystery which does not exist."

It truly takes a God complex to announce you've personally looked into and dismissed Jesus, and thousands of years of established Christianity, as a core-less myth, no? But this obvious arrogance doesn't sit well with other members.

"Shirley": "Solomon....With all due respect to your knowledge and wisdom, much much more than I can ever hope to achieve. Do you not think you put people who have not had the advantage of your education, at a disadvantage. Is this not a site from which we can learn, and make up our own minds. At least you could give us the opportunity to do so. How else are we to know who or what is right or wrong. The very point of reading all posts on this matter allows us to do the same thing. Because you yourself have sought and found the answers that satisfy's [sic] you, does not mean that we would not like to be given the opportunity to do the same. As in all democratic forums, I hope this post will not be deleted. I stand firm in my post, and would like Don Jose to be able to continue his thread for as long as is needed until our own decisions have been reached. My respect and regards to you."

Oh darling Shirley, please, rise from your knees and realize the HHI of Solomon and Doc is far from "democratic." In fact, you'll be lucky if daring to speak so directly to the Prince of Dorkness doesn't result in not only your deletion (and what does it say about HHI that she brings this possibility up?), but also the banishment of your IP address so that you may never return to ponder Atlantis.

But, whoa, look at this, yet another disloyal subject has the nerve to speak without being called upon by his Royal Asshat!

"Oroblanco": "Greetings, My such absolute statements. At one extreme we have the claim to have located the actual Atlantis, at the other extreme a complete dismissal of Atlantis as having "nothing" at its core. I generally try to couch my statements to leave at least a little bit of wiggle room, but then I don't suppose it would get anyone's attention if someone were to say that he "thinks" he "might" have found Atlantis. Solomon I do not know you, but your statements deny even the value of literary work of our friend Plato; after all, even if the tale was cut from whole cloth, his story has managed to captivate the imaginations of so many millions of people around the world for thousands of years. Few works of writing have ever matched that feat.I would like to ask your specific problems with the story of Atlantis, Solomon; if you would not mind sharing the various points or point in public? Thank you in advance."

Imagination? "Imagination" is for fools and Yahoo investors. Solomon only deals in absolute absolutes. And how dare you speak so openly to the Angry Twit and make demands on his precious time -- time that could be spent more productively pursuing his obsession with a certain dreamy blond-haired, blue-eyed treasure hunter!

Let us bring this nonsense to and end!

Solomon: "Hello Shirely [sic] and Oroblanco, and welcome Guests...Until you or somebody can confirm that there was an Atlantis, with something a lot more positive than that, there is no mystery to be solved. This is a challenge to study the origin of the legend, not a dismissal of the debate. The dismissal was made by Don Jose, with his statement I quoted: Apparently the story of Atlantis has been handed down long before Plato. Is that enough to start studying the story of Atlantis as if it were an historical reality? The legend may predate Plato and if so, then its origin needs study before unfounded assumptions are made. If our investment in a subject is to be productive, then I think we need to first establish a firm foundation. Now I ask you to look again at my second and final statement: I have looked at a lot of mysteries in my time - from the biblical Jesus to the Oak Island Money Pit - and Atlantis fits the resultant picture I formed: there is nothing at its core. Hence the unending speculations - they have to be unending because it is not possible to solve a mystery which does not exist. That is a personal view. ""I have looked..." and "picture I formed..." are qualifications of a personal opinion. There is nothing wrong with that. Your qualified personal opinions are truly welcome.As for learning, it allows informed speculation, which in my opinion is all we will have for Atlantis, unless the legend is shown to be true. Uninformed speculation is for the Coffee Shop, not History."

Poor Solomon, he couldn't be less subtle if he wore a red-feathered boa and sang show tunes in gaudy make-up. So, there you have it: The Master's "final" comments on the matter. He may as well have said: Take my words as holy script, shut your mouths and open your hearts and minds to my force of will. Or else, as you clearly already fear, ye shall be banished.

We don't know where you reside, dear reader, but we're pretty sure that at least 99 percent of the world's cultures would categorize Solomon as a tiresome douchebag. Make that Lord Douchebag to you, pal.

Mutual Stupidity Society

Nothing is uglier that watching Sir Solomon the Angry Twit™ and Doc get into a mutually beneficial stroke fest. As we reported earlier, the Angry Twit is taking credit for killing the Sussex project (which, of course, is a lie), but now he's also making explicit threats to British officials for even daring to support the contract with Odyssey to begin with (I'm sure they must be terrified, after all, what's more terrifying than a raving, cross-dressing ex-TV producer?).

Doc, or as we shall refer to him going forward, "Twit Minor," is also idiotically prattling on about a "class action" investor lawsuit. Don't ask us where the kook comes up with this stuff (perhaps from the bottom of liquor bottles?). Minor Twit proves to us once again that he doesn't know if his asshole was punched or bored.

So, if you can stomach some fairly repulsive mutual masturbation between twits, here you go:

Doc: "Solomon,I would imagine that the holders of Revenue Participation Certificates, or RPCs, are contemplating some sort of class action. It cannot be long in coming in my opinion. What I look forward to is the cancellation of the contract by the UK. In view of the fact that OME no longer lists the HMS Sussex among their ongoing projects I expect HM Government will act accordingly."

After much snoz sniffing and pinkie twirling, the Angry twit responds:

Solomon: "Doc, I find everything to do with both Odyssey Marine and its investors to be a bad joke. The company is never straight about anything and their investors seem to be blind. I wouldn't count on them doing anything until long after this is over. My interest these days is in preparing to crucify British officials and politicians for their support of this contract, the nonsense history and archaeology upon which it is based. The British members of the oversight committee have no excuse. I plan on seeing them held as fully accountable."

Hmmm, "crucify." Looks like that HHI member wasn't too far off with his charge that the HHI nitwiterati have a bit of the God complex going on.

The blind leading the blind stupid is never pretty. But it is funny, you have to admit that.

HHI Clowns out on the Town

What do you get when a bunch of HHI members assemble? A bunch of retards trying to hump a door knob.

You'll particularly enjoy the history poseurs' thinking "out loud"....

Sassy Solomine

The latest from the lecture that would never end....

Solomon: "'The American Phenomenon of Treasure Hunting'...Subculture: The set of values, behaviour and attitudes of a particular group of people who are distinct from, but related to, the dominant culture in society. This concept is mostly associated with deviant groups."

Deviant groups, eh?

You mean like cross-dressing ex-TV producers with hostility issues and a deep-rooted obsession with a certain blond-haired, blue-eyed treasure hunter?

P.S. Oh yeah, the Angry Twit also took credit today for bringing the Sussex project to an end. Evidence? Odyssey didn't include a project update about it in its latest 10-Q. Gee, we're not sure, but we think the company might be just a little distracted by a little something called the Black Swan. We'll give you credit for this, though, Solomon: You're a right royal cheese dick.

UPDATE (5/21/08): In the comments section of this post, our friend Jeff K. has rightly noted that Odyssey did, in fact, address the Sussex project and provided an update in the Q&A distributed publicly for the company's annual shareholders meeting. Please read Jeff's comment for more in-depth information. Once again, proving the Angry Twit is an uninformed twat not worth listening to.

'A touch of the God complex'

Senor Solomon the Angry Twit™ -- already displaying extreme paranoiac insanity the past week -- crossed over into what we think is libelous territory today.

In his week-long rambling “discourse” that lamely attempts to tie together highly selective slices of U.S. history to “prove” his thesis that treasure hunting fraud is a uniquely American tradition, Solomon has veered from the Puritans, to the Southern Planter class, to the Salem witch trials, the Mormons, the Masons, William Randolph Hearst, and whatever else he could find in the kitchen sink. In other words, in our biased eyes the man has gone a long way toward confirming his already bat-shit crazy reputation.

But now he’s also taken a step closer to outright libel, in our opinion. (Remember, as we’ve said before, it’s much easier to be charged with libel and defamation in the UK than in the U.S.)

Solomon: “…this is the mechanism of Odyssey's business plan: start a rumour, pump the stock, make a buck. It isn't about making a profit from salvage. (It certainly isn't about history and archaeology.)”

So he’s now accused a publicly traded company of using lies (a more direct word than “rumor”) to artificially inflate its stock price for illicit gain. Note there’s no “in my opinion, or “it would appear that…,” or any of the other usual disclaimers one would expect to use when trying not to slander a company or person.

He adds:

Solomon: “Time to look under the rock and see the ignorance, bigotry and sheer bile of this group which pumps Odyssey stock without disclaimer from the company.”

(Funny the Angry Twit references “sheer bile,” considering you can almost feel the man’s spittle hitting you as you read his words, but never mind.)

He then lists a few posts from anonymous Yahoo posters (none of whom are regular contributors to the board) that vent understandable frustration about Spain’s behavior toward Odyssey. As if this is conclusive evidence of the opinion of an entire nation, or even a wide margin of Odyssey investors. And, what is this ridiculous nonsense about holding Odyssey responsible for the comments of a bunch of unnamed, unknown individuals who post on an obscure financial forum?

Would Solomon like to take responsibility for Doc's libelous comments about Odyssey? Perhaps he should? Can Solomon truly be this dumb? We think so.

Even some of the HHI hoi polloi seemed to be tiring of Solomon’s and Doc’s endless obsession with bringing down Odyssey. One member writes (the emphasis in red is ours, for obvious reasons):

Don Jose.... I am thinking there is a reason these discussions have stopped in their tracks...in fact some of us have chatted about it when we actually get together... The owners and or mods of this web site seem to have a touch of the god complex so it makes it hard to carry on a decent conversation. Unless the vatican opens their doors...or time travel is invented....i think most of us american treasure hunters will never have enough proof to satisfy those mentioned above. In fact before i posted this reply to you i was reading a few posts here and there and i think i'll rest my case with this quote...."Today, another bunch of ignorami are spending millions on this futile quest. And they are all Americans. Solomon"… Anyways....don jose my friend....come visit the old gang at the ALT forums.... ~ DW

Let’s see how long it takes for this comment to be removed, or this member to be threatened with banishment (or just simply banished) for daring to question and criticize the words and actions of the Great Leaders.

The level of stupidity and hypocrisy of the HHI brass never fails to amaze us....

UPDATE (5/21/08): We know you will find this very difficult to believe, but the "God Complex" comment has been deleted from HHI's website, replaced with another droning treatise from Solomon about Plato's left testical (or some such thing, we quickly lost interest). There's also no trace of the poster -- he's undoubtedly been sent straight to HHI purgatory, where if he's a good boy, they might let him wax Doc's back on his way back to their good graces. So much for the openness and honest debate Solomon makes so much about.

Gosh, yet more evidence of history poseur hypocrisy. We're simply shocked we tells ya!

Doc the Plunderer?

The HHI clowns posted a translation of a Spanish reporter's interview with Jim Goold, the attorney representing Spain in the Black Swan case.

This question caught our eye:

Was Odyssey aware of the illegality of their actions?

To make it clear, and clear beyond any doubt that activities such as those of Odyssey were not authorized and were banned, the Government of Spain issued an official note in the U.S., targeting American companies and citizens through the State Department in February 2004. It said that any alteration is not permitted and any commercial exploitation of underwater cultural heritage Spanish was prohibited.

Now that's interesting. Because it wasn't that long ago that old Doc McManus was flouting a shipwreck he said he found in the Virgin Islands that he claimed was Spanish in origin. Now if this is true, and the Spanish government has forbade any U.S. citizen to pursue their underwater cultural heritage without their explicit permission, then wouldn't Doc also now be squarely in Spain's cross hairs?

We also wonder if this is why all traces of Doc's recent gloating about finding this shipwreck have completely disappeared from the HHI website.

Papers in order, Doc?

Mormons & Masons & Treasure Hunters, Oh my!

Sir Solomon the Angry Twit's on a grand historical quest over at HHI. Even we're impressed by the depth and range of his posting of completely disparate, disconnected sources to "establish" his lunatic thesis that treasure hunters evolved from a long American tradition of mysticism and fraud.

Of course, he's not fooling anyone here, as the end game is clearly to try to slime Odyssey (does HHI serve any other purpose? We don't think so.). Of course, like a good history poseur, Solomon doesn't hesitate to cherry pick niche moments in U.S. history to conveniently support his deeply goofy "arguments."

Here are some appropriately lunatic excerpts:

Solomon: "Now we have the histories of fraudulent treasure hunting using fraudulent scrying, credulous Planters being taken advantage for the little money they had, leading to the creation of a new cult. What does Mormonism have to say about this? They have employed their best minds to argue, but all it amounts to is a whinging 'you just don't understand', whereas their problem is, some do understand all too well. The Mormon leadership is well aware of the historical truth and how damaging it is....Why do I bother with this? Because it appears to me that very many have since learned nothing. Worse, they refuse to learn. You see how, tackling the inventions and frauds of treasure hunters, one enters a dark realm."

A "dark realm." Sounds positively sinister.

Solomon: "I mentioned earlier how Planters were commonly Puritan Protestant Scots bent on established their brand of Christianity in new lands. You will see many of the names in this account are Scottish in origin. One may bear in mind, in this regard, that however common is the name Smith, it is also the name of a Highland clan.We will be returning to the Smiths, mysticism and its employment in fraudulent treasure hunting. Look out for 'masonic jewels'. "

Yes, better look out for those.

Solomon: "We will now begin to see how the invented tales of Kidd treasure, which sparked a cultural phenomenon of scrying for treasure along along the Atlantic seaboard of North America - which led to much fraud and the creation of Mormonism - washed up on the shores of Nova Scotia."

Okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay. Everybody following along?

Solomon: "These claims for Kidd's treasure are indicative that:

1. The treasure hunt is part of the treasure scrying phenomenon of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In the case of Nova Scotia, they are merely behind with the times.
2. There is no treasure. The sole point of the exercise is to raise money.
3. There may be a link between the Oak Island multiple frauds and early Mormons.

As I wrote earlier, treasure hunting American-style is less about finding treasure than reaching into somebody-else's wallet."

Why sure, makes perfect sense.

Well done, sir. You've proven you're well on your way to being certified a nut job.

Another False "Start"

We suppose we should have seen this as inevitable: After first claiming that Odyssey recovered the Black Swan (BS) treasure from Spanish territorial waters, then later Portugal's, the HHI nitwiterrati are now stating the obvious by pointing out the company actually found the treasure within the Portuguese Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), an area which primarily governs fisheries and resource management.

So, do you think Doc and Solomon disclaim their initial, cleary mistaken statements? Of course not. They just move on unencumbered, magically freed from the stupidity and wrongness of earlier claims. In other words, if at first you don't succeed, try, try to confuse and lie again. Well, that's what the historic record is for and why we're here to present it to you.

Does the BS fall into Portugal's EEZ, at least according to Odyssey? Yes. So what?

Under the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the EEZ is covered by Articles 56, 58 and 59. The EEZ extends from the land to 200 nautical miles out and defines nation's rights to explore and exploit natural resources, as well as to exercise jurisdiction over marine science research and environmental protection. Freedom of navigation and over-flight, laying of submarine cables and pipelines, as well as other uses consented on the high seas, are allowed.

Interestingly, the U.S. delegation to UNESCO opposes Article 5 of the Draft Convention, which would allow coastal states to control underwater cultural heritage on their continental shelf or EEZ. The U.S. regards this provision as an unacceptable expansion of rights, or "creeping jurisdiction," in violation of the LOS treaty. The U.S. delegation has instead proposed a provision that would call on states that claim a contiguous zone to adopt laws and regulations to control underwater cultural heritage in that specific zone, something that is already allowed under LOS.

So, once again HHI is trying to make yet another pig fly. As usual, all they accomplish is being covered in its muck and mire.

Merry &*#@ Chistmas!

We stumbled upon a new area on the HHI website called the "coffee shop."

What a find, Ladies and Gentlemen! It offers up a treasure trove (sorry, we couldn't resist) of evidence revealing the sheer depth of stupidity of most of the history poseurs. In fact, look for us to mine this wonderful resource over the coming days and weeks...yes, there's that much material!

In light of our earlier post about Solomon's clunky thesis about superstition and treasure hunting over history, and how this connects to Odyssey's malevolence and the stupidity of its investors, we found a post we believe may have been his first stumbles on this half-baked idea. Not surprisingly, he outed this "idea" in last year's "Christmas Message," which one might assume would be full of good tidings. Uh, no. That's just not how our little Solomon operates.

Here are some of his specific comments, related to Odyssey and treasure hunting, and broken up into digestible pieces with our usual smart ass play-by-play interspersed throughout. And so, without further ado, select passages from Solomon's warm and fuzzy "Christmas Message," December 22, 2007:

Solomon: "You may have some awareness of how History Hunters has been opposing some US-based treasure-hunting companies."

Gee, really? Hadn't noticed.

Oh but: There are other companies besides Odyssey getting the HHI treatment? How did we miss that?

Solomon: "Though most may be in favour of finding 'treasure' - however you define that - it may be no coincidence that magic, mysticism and treasure hunting have a very long tradition of going hand-in-hand ... Just as History Hunters opposes mysticism posing as history, in general, so we particularly oppose treasure hunting frauds. Personally, I despise them."

"Mysticism posing as history"? What the hell is that? Is Penn & Teller teaching early colonial history at Brown? Did David Blaine publish a book challenging modern notions of Thomas Paine? Did David Copperfield make the National Archives disappear?

Also, as an aside, and a friendly suggestion for Solomon: It might be easier, and save us all a lot of time, if you simply listed those things you don't despise.

Solomon: "If anyone asks for money to finance a treasure hunt and cannot provide the evidence to support their claims, they should be viewed with the utmost scepticism."

Thank you, Solomon, thank you. This is a powerful, not-at-all obvious insight about the human condition. Not only did this new way of perceiving the "treasure hunt" merit personal journal entries for all of us, it also found a special place of honor in our "How Not to be a Complete Dumb Ass" guide book.

Solomon: "I would add that I would also hold them in contempt."

Yes, of course.

And, while we're not medical doctors (well, actually one of us is), we'd recommend you slow down on the consumption of contempt. Devouring all that negativity is going to give you indigestion, or something worse.

Solomon: "This is, of course, exactly what Odyssey Marine is doing, claiming to have historical records to demonstrate a number of ridiculous claims for treasure. History Hunters knows for a fact that Odyssey cannot support its claims, as that company and its silly, ignorant investors are going to find out the hard way." [Italics our emphasis]

Hmmm, you say HHI "knows for a fact" that Odyssey is lying to investors and that bad days are inevitably coming? Well, while it's lovely of you to be looking out for others (even if you consider the whole lot idiots), it would seem to us this statement alone, dropped like a stinking turd in the middle of a delightful holiday season message, has the rather distinct odor of libel. We wonder if Odyssey ever noticed this comment?

Well, we bet they're aware of it now. (We do what we can.)

Solomon: "For all those who insist on selling unsupported nonsense and attacking those who support science, objectivity, knowledge and openness, enjoy your Christmas repast with this warning: I do know what you're up to and will oppose you every step of the way. That's my New Year's resolution."

No psychotic paranoia going on here, no sir. All this talk of being attacked and attacking (in a Christmas message to boot)! In other words, Solomon is saying: "Enjoy your Christmas holiday, motherf&*#@, but know this: I, Sir Solomon the Angry Twit, shall not be trifled with! You have been warned. Good day."

As your HHI minions like to repeat like a mantra: "Good form!"

The Angry Twit Goes Mystical

In an attempt to undoubtedly overcome his deep and abiding disappointment that Odyssey hasn't been convicted yet and taken out back and hung, our favorite Angry Twit is getting all metaphysical on us.

In the usual HHI style of pseudo-academic pondering, nitwit half thoughts, simplicities offered up as profundities, and rambling, discursive writing, Sir Solomon the Angry Twit™ attempts to connect the history of the metaphysical (or the anti-scientific method), to the "fraudulent" work of Odyssey, and, of course, by extension, to insult the intelligence of all those who dare to foolishly support or invest in the company.

Some highlights from our favorite twat's (oops...sorry, we, of course, more respectfully meant "twit's") latest treatise, haughtily entitled "The American Phenomenon of Treasure Hunting":

Solomon: "Belief in mysticism and mythology is the antithesis of science. Who is the most likely to succeed in locating and finding 'treasure': seer or scientist? If common sense fails to provide the correct answer, results do not. Put another way: which is more likely to get you from New York to LA - an airliner, or a flying carpet? Simple, when you think about it. But not easy for many treasure hunters, who when confronted with science in general and archaeology in particular, throw up their hands and cry 'Why science? Why archaeology? Surely there's another way?!' Well, no, there is not."

Wow, that's really heavy dude...like, pass the joint. We're going to take a deep toke and get on our magic carpet for this ride. Lay the next non sequitur on us, oh wise one!

Solomon: "The USA - a land where Creationism competes with science - the most powerful nation the world has ever seen and where many refuse to accept the Moon landings, believe an angel watches over them, where millions believe they have been kidnapped by aliens, and where there is an endless list of companies (historically) selling stock to finance treasure hunts. It could dent one's belief in the value of democracy."

Wow dude, we don't know, but we're pretty sure you just dissed America big time. So, what are you saying here? Odyssey is a fraud because Americans are stupid and gullible? Your line of thinking in this paragraph, which forgive us, is all over the place, just lost us, bro.

Give us a moment, would you, while we consult our Ouija board. Okay, so, here's what the spirits want to know: What does all this have to do with the "value of democracy?" Are you suggesting fascism would better suit America? That it would make us smarter and less susceptible to snake charmers? Or are you perhaps suggesting we place ourselves under the rule of know-nothing bureaucrats such as you and your delusional mates? (Extreme shudders all around....)

Interesting point, we guess. But please pass the joint again, man, 'cause we're getting a righteous headache.

Solomon: "I am a believer in the harm caused by bad ideas. I do not suppose we care too much about the rich losing an investment in a treasure hunt, but most investors - and most 'marks' - have been dirt poor."

Yes, those poor silly rubes over at GLG, Janus Capital and Fortress Investment. Odyssey taking advantage of these pathetic, uninformed dill-weeds! Why, it just makes us want to...want to...burn or tear something up! Like maybe our wives' bras or something that would make the appropriate statement!

That's some powerful, revolutionary stuff there, homeboy. We're frankly exhausted from laughing so hard. We can't wait to read more of your theories connecting Odyssey's evil to the Salem witch trials, the Pilgrims, the Puritans, the Renaissance, the oppression of Galileo, moon landings and alien abductions, the stupidity of Americans, and so much more! (Hey, just for our silly American palate, can you work in something about Elvis sightings too?!)

So, there you have it, friends, yet another collection of "deep thoughts" from the Angry Twit. Pretty formidable opponents Odyssey has, wouldn't you agree? Solomon, we see a possible book contract for you in all this, perhaps from Loony Tunes Publishing; or, at the very least, your own installment in Mad magazine!

P.S. Anyone else wondering whether John Colapinto is having second thoughts about hitching his wagon to this collection of kooks?

UPDATE (5/17/08): Doc, of course, couldn't wait to prostrate himself before his beloved Angry Twit, such is his deepest, darkest desire for the man's approval (which Solomon offers and rejects on a whim, as a good tease should). Doc fawns:

Doc: "Solomon, All I can say is BRAVO!. [sic] What an incisive and percise [sic] article. The historical research is a feat in itself. So much for that myth.

Sad, and not a little pathetic, eh?

HHI Quote of the Day

"Naivete in grownups is often charming; but when coupled with vanity it is indistinguishable from stupidity." ~ Eric Hoffer

Rats, sinking ships, the usual

An unintentionally funny (as are most amusing things at HHI) exchange between the history poseurs today:

Admin: "Doc: your two most recent posts concern (and reference) the same legal document, do they not?"

Doc: "Sorry Admin, Please excuse. Yes, both excerpts refer to the same telling entry in the court documents. There was an emergency, a sinking vessel that morning, and I am remiss, a mistake in haste. I was unable to post the entire docket entry but it is most interesting."

So, in the "real world," Doc is dealing with sinking ships. It's amazing how sometimes life's metaphors speak loud and clear, no?

Today's Potpourri

It's hard to believe we started this blog less than a month ago. Launching on April 22nd, we've just broken the 3,000 hit mark today, something we're both proud and humbled by.

Thank you for reading us and please continue to support our efforts to shed some amusing light on the activities of the HHI bunch.

We have a couple disparate items today, so let's jump right in:

One of our readers has been turning the pages of Ron Suskind's wonderful book, The One Percent Doctrine, which details the Bush's administration's disastrous post-9/11 policies in its quest for the "war on terror." He came across a passage he believes perfectly captures the essence of the history poseurs' misguided and undeserved arrogance and its consequences:

"Hubris is, in its way, a loss of context. Those with hubristic clarity of their rightness view even small setbacks as a profound affront, an attack on one's gilded identity. Opposing points of view shrink to invisibility." ~ Ron Suskind, The One Percent Doctrine (p. 246)

Sound like anyone you know?

Issue 2: Our super-scientific objective poll on whether Odyssey should sue HHI closed, with predictable results:

We've opened another super-scientific objective poll that broadens our horizons a bit. This round we're examining the issue of Spain's domestic politics and how it may, or may not, in your opinion, be serving as the true engine behind efforts to defeat Odyssey over the BS find, and we suspect, other pressing matters as well. If you'd like to expand your thoughts on this topic, please send us a post, or use our comments section, which we'd love to see start heating up.

And again, thanks for your support and readership! Keep those ideas, content and suggestions coming....

Take that, Stemm!

The HHI nitwiteratti must have summoned the shock troops for a mass-action email campaign, as we’ve received tons of recent email all asking pretty much the same question over and over: How much are we being paid by Odyssey to run this site?

We’ve been perfectly clear about this from the beginning, and we’ve reiterated several times, that we don’t receive anything from Odyssey. Nor do we take direction or guidance on our content or topics. Frankly, we think they may have slightly more important things to do than try to saddle up a bunch of juvenile smart asses to do their bidding in the niche public arena known as the "blogosphere." We know, call us crazy realistic (unlike some people, right?).

Of course, we’re not surprised HHI would perpetuate this idea, as they do almost every day on their website (it’s a particularly popular theory of Sir Solomon the Angry Twit™). After all, they see an evil angle or rabid conspiracy behind anything even remotely beneficial to Odyssey, and stop the presses if anyone tries to defend the company from the never-ending HHI onslaught.

So we huddled and decided there was a sure-fire way to prove we’re not beholden to Odyssey: To attack CEO Greg Stemm. After all, according to the HHI poseurs, Stemm is the Devil himself. Evil incarnate. We figured if we displayed our bravery in insulting the dark knight personally, to brazenly mock the malignant forces allied behind OMEX, then we'd surely be able to convince skeptics of our independence.

So, at the risk of falling prey to the malevolent dark arts ourselves, here is why we don't like Greg Stemm:

He has a beard. A big one. We don’t like facial hair on men. And besides, beards are so ‘70s, an era that brought us disco and appallingly bad pornography.

He smiles too much. Why does he appear so happy all the time? He acts like he actually loves his life and work. But shouldn't he be more serious and pedantic? Perhaps wear a perpetual scowl like Solomon and Doc, and be as bitter, angry and hateful to everyone and everything? Trust us: something’s going on behind that smile and it's probably not cavities.

We don’t like the name “Stemm.” Why the extra “m”? Is “Stem” not good enough? Why not go all the way, Mister Fancy Pants, and just change your name to “Gregg”? We find this terribly inconvenient when typing.

He’s too skinny. Ask yourself: why isn't he fat like the rest of us Americans? We find this to be highly suspect. In fact, next time we see him, we're going to thrust a Big Mac in his face just to see what happens (maybe his black heart will explode?).

He drinks Green Tea. Lots of it. And that’s all we have to say about that.

There you have it. How much clearer can we be? We don’t like hairy, affable, anti-oxidant beverage swilling, skinny shipwreck explorers with extravagantly spelled last names. Especially one that's out finding underwater treasures; or, put another way, who's living the secret dream of every fat, middle-aged, bored male on this planet.

What more proof do you people need of our total and absolute independence now? So hey, HHI guys, can you please let up on the email? Pretty please? We’re trying to get some work done here.

** No Odyssey employees were consulted or maimed in the writing of this post.

Lubby needs a plush toy!

Gosh, look what we just found on the HHI website, ironically parked right next to Doc's sanctimonious kisser. The history poseurs will do anything to destroy Odyssey, but when it comes to collecting a few much-needed pennies from Google ads, well, Odyssey's banner ad works just fine, thank you very much.

Maybe Odyssey can offer a special discount for those HHI members clicking though to buy something fun and exciting. You know, something that will help put a smile on a face after a long day of reading Solomon's insufferably arrogant rants, Lubby's putrid poetry, Doc's regurgitation of the same tired hairball, and Smitty's impenetrable prose, perhaps?

Dope it down Doc

Doc was once again chastised by the "admin" of HHI (who we think is Sir Solomon the Angry Twit™) for posting news articles without appropriate comment or context (Doc's motto is: if it bashes Odyssey, I'm posting it!).

Admin: "Doc: these media reports you quote do not contain news, but rather repeat old charges (and we may guess from whence they came). We must be careful to not mislead readers, who should be aware that those making the allegations do not necessarily have the evidence to support them, for if they did, Spain would be advancing its case in a different type of court and Portugal would have been involved long ago. Yes, we may think we know more, but public proof is another matter."

Doc, as usual, sheepishly defers to the master:

Doc: "Admin, I concur. It does appear that we shall know more very shortly. Then I expect we shall see source and reference. The Media is the Media after all."

Isn't it funny that with Doc it's always "we shall shortly know." It's the equivalent of: "Psst, hey: I have some inside information that tomorrow morning -- are you ready for this?! -- the sun's going to come up!" Nothing ever happens except the confirmation of his foolishness.

And we love the conspiratorial media comment by Solomon and Doc's "The Media is the Media after all" comment. These clowns can't decide whether they love or hate these guys. Of course, anyone paying attention would recognize the rather easy HHI formula for the media...it goes something like this:

• Media that publishes negative articles on Odyssey: GOOD BOYS
• Media that isn't sufficiently critical of Odyssey: BAD BOYS

The HHI clowns are a pretty sophisticated read, no?

Goold the Ghoul

Of all the goofy, inconsequential pronouncements from HHI, Jim Goold, and assorted other anti-OMEX groupies over time, we found Goold's statement last week that Odyssey had "desecrated a war grave" with its Black Swan (BS) find to be the most loathsome ever.

Not surprisingly, the original thinkers over at HHI fell all over themselves promoting this absurd allegation, with several calling the company "sick," as if Odyssey was pushing aside heaps of rotting bodies to get at the treasure (which is surely what they'd like the uninformed public to mentally picture). Never mind that HHI had not once, ever, suggested this might be the case with the Mercedes. No, all they needed was their taskmaster to bark an order and they were as compliant as the meekest child.

First, let's recognize Goold's statement for what it really was: a despicable public relations gimmick intended to demonize Odyssey in the public eye. We've already said we don't think Judge Pizzo will appreciate this bad faith gesture, nor Goold's premature exclamation of victory in the case.

Second, it's the noxious nature of this gross and inappropriate allegation that reveals Goold's willingness to do practically anything to make a case against Odyssey. It's apparently not enough for him to go head-to-head in a courtroom, where law and decorum are the guiding principles, he has to stoop to throwing out highly charged accusations intended to inflict grievous damage to the reputation of his opponent. This tells us he is worried, for surely if he and his client felt the facts and the law were clearly on their side, they would not need to mire in the muck with these kinds of baseless, disgusting allegations.

So, what of this claim that Odyssey "violated" a "war grave"?

First, need we point out that no shipwreck was found where the BS treasure and artifacts were archaeologically recovered. Without a shipwreck, how does one honestly claim there are human remains to be found? What's more, bodies do not last underwater for long. With the exception of more modern ships sinking and essentially entombing its victims, there were no such scenario with the Mercedes 204 years ago. Those tragically killed in the explosion were most likely scattered and lost forever to the depths. In other words, there are no human remains from the Mercedes shipwreck existing any where underwater today. Period.

What else?

Well, we think it's rather important to note that Spain and Britain were not at war. Some of the information we've seen indicates the British "intervention" was not considered a military action by either Spain or Britain. Had Britain considered it so, the captured vessels would have been considered "prizes." Instead, they were considered "Droits of Admiralty." In times of war, captured vessels and cargo were considered "prizes" and generously awarded to the captors. This was not the case with the other three vessels of the Spanish fleet. Furthermore, Spain objected to Britain's action as an act of piracy, not of war.

In other words: No war, no war graves. No military action, no military graves.

We would add that we are not aware of any catastrophic sinking of any vessel that did not result in the unfortunate loss of human life. The Mercedes is no exception. You would think that even the amateur archaeologists at HHI would know there are not many archaeological recoveries that do not encounter graves at some point, and in fact, these graves are often the target of such recoveries.

Regardless, we doubt there were many, if any, human remains associated with the Black Swan, even if it proves ultimately to be the Mercedes. Considering the ship was destroyed by a magazine explosion, the hull of the ship would have broken apart, immediately dropping any cargo and ballast in the lower decks (some historical accounts have referred to this as an egg dropping its yolk). Passengers on the same deck as the explosion would likely have been immediately killed, reduced to shards along with the portions of the ship above the waterline, while others would have been injured or thrown from the vessel.

Still others may have been trapped. Both the forecastle and poop would have likely floated for some time, and indeed some of the contemporary reports bear this out. Survivors were plucked from the forecastle, although one account mentions the poop. Perhaps it was both. Since there are no apparent vessel remains, and bodies float (at least after awhile) and are much less dense than coins and ingots, we find it difficult to believe any human remains would have even sunk in the same area, much less continue to exist.

Surely these facts were as available and understandable to Goold the Ghoul as they were to us. So to make the claim he did was not only highly inappropriate, but we think also possibly unethical. We hope Odyssey will continue to aggressively counter these sorts of reckless charges with the facts, and where such gross allegations have the effect of libel and defamation, they will be appropriately pursued as well.

** HH Watch sincerely thanks several contributors for providing content and context for this post. We is much obliged!

Hollow Men

One of our highly cultured contributors was so "moved" by the HHI "poem" (he muttered something about bowels), he suggested we counter with some real art.

He recommended T.S. Eliot's brilliant poem, The Hollow Men, which we agree perfectly captures the angst and personality of the typical HHI history poseur. We particularly like the appropriateness of the first stanza:

We are the hollow men
We are the stuffed men
Leaning together
Headpiece filled with straw. Alas!
Our dried voices, when
We whisper together
Are quiet and meaningless
As wind in dry grass
Or rats’ feet over broken glass
In our dry cellar

Link to the entire poem (do yourself a favor and read the entire piece.).

An Odoriferous Ode

We're hard at work on a rather longish reply to Spain's response to the court yesterday (it will be posted this weekend), as well as the ridiculous, highly inappropriate public comments by Jim Goold about Odyssey's supposedly "desecrating a war grave," but in the meantime, as we head into the long-awaited weekend, we'll amuse you with some appallingly bad "poetry" found on the HHI website and devoted to -- GUESS WHO? -- Yeah baby: HH Watch!

Ain't that cool? Apparently when the HHI poseurs aren't coming up with new and less-than-creative ways to libel and defame Odyssey, they fancy themselves "poets." Of course, in the same way they practice history and archaeology, their efforts reek of raw amateurism and half-baked ideas. But, it's still fun in a let's-watch-the-idiots-fall-on-their-face kind of way.

As we gagged our way through this "art," we were reminded of the famous Oscar Wilde quote:

All bad poetry springs from genuine feeling. To be natural is to be obvious, and to be obvious is to be inartistic.

Obvious and inartistic...yep, that captures our boys over at HHI perfectly! Ah well, at least we now know for certain our hit count is being run up by the poseurs too. Sweet!

The Ballad of a Wandering Poseur

The honored art of satire is often misunderstood,
It tries to strike a balance between Voltaire and Hollywood,
But every now and then, to occasion it does rise,
Irreverent Humor mixed with Truth is Satire’s normal guise,

But now and then there come a few who miss the meters rhyme,
And seek to use poor Satire in exchange for Odyssey’s shiny dimes,
Whose interest does this prattle serve with a constituency so thin?
For the Public wants its Truth and they want their stock to win.

From the Annals of Politics where Satire draws its finest breath,
To become a subject of such mirth is viewed with some respect,
Thus the object of good Satire is not just to entertain,
But to leave a mark or imprint of the Truth it does contain.

Such simple rules are hard to follow when one’s orders are so strict,
“Thou shalt joust with History Hunters their Truth to contradict.”
Of course we are free to wonder just how you seek to gain?
Perhaps with a short position? Or a trip to Sunny Spain?

All HHI desires is that Odyssey offer up some proof,
And stop spending Black Swan’s bullion on some History Hunters spoof.
The second quarter’s coming and there is not much left to sell.
Stockholders pray that something surfaces before the closing bell.

But back to History Hunters as we toil by light of lamp,
Over manuscripts and artifacts Odyssey considers scrap,
There is one lesson here to learn within these metered lines,
A business run by tooting pipers will certainly decline.

~ Jesus of Lubeck

Pandering for Goold

It's been a long, very tiring day for all of us at HH Watch (and we're sure you too). Between reading the various press reports, the HHI website, and slogging through the stinking heap of poo laid over at Yahoo (Doc and Smitty combined for over 35 worthless posts alone, as someone pointed out), our collective head is throbbing.

So, rather than parse to death all that's happened today (and there was a lot), we thought we'd give you our unprofessional, uninformed and unsolicited view from 35,000 feet.

First, the press conference.

How in the world did Jim Goold convince his client, Spain, to go out on a limb like this? In front of the entire world, and in advance of Judge Pizzo even having an opportunity to review Spain's filings, Goold announced the BS treasure was definitively from the Mercedes and his client was therefore entitled to 100% of the find, with zero compensation to Odyssey.

But Goold went even further, making what we think was a potentially fatal, profoundly stupid, miscalculation: he dramatically personalized the case, and in the process, completely and unfairly demonized Odyssey in the public eye, particularly in Spain and probably throughout Europe, where Odyssey is currently operating. In addition to essentially calling Odyssey immoral liars, he also incredibly said they had desecrated a Spanish war grave (of course, this is a completely ridiculous and unfounded charge, and we'll address it in more detail later).

Wow. We can only imagine how Judge Pizzo will react to this tomorrow when he opens his newspaper. How happy do you think he's going to be that Jim Goold arbitrarily decided to serve as judge, jury and executioner before the judge even had a chance to sip his morning coffee? Think he'll dig that move?

Worse, and this is where we think Goold seriously fucked up, his actions today virtually ensure that no compromise or settlement can be reached between the two parties, something the court almost always prefers. By purposely trying to paint a false mental picture of Odyssey shoving aside rotting Spanish corpses to greedily get at the BS treasure, Goold has forced his client into a sharp corner we're not sure he can escape from. How, for example, can he possibly say to the people and government of Spain: "Well, we know we initially said Odyssey is an immoral, grave-robbing, lying profit-mongrel, but today we think settling is our best course of action." (In other words, when Goold's losing the case and it's become obvious to everyone.)

We can't imagine any scenario where Judge Pizzo is going to be too happy about this behavior. If you think he was mad at Stemm for talking to a single Spanish reporter about the BS find the day when Odyssey's interrogatories were due, imagine how he's going to react about Goold spouting off to the world that as far as he's concerned, this trial is over and he's won. Call us crazy, but we think Judge Pizzo might have a thought or two about that.

So, how did the nimrods over at HHI respond? About as you'd expect. Interestingly, despite not one word ever being written on the site about the Mercedes as a "war grave," the whole bunch is all over it now, with one member even calling Stemm a "sick SOB." Smitty, or "SatDiver" on HHI, went so far as to argue that if a person believes and supports Odyssey about the BS find, then they're no different from those religious nutjobs who protest our servicemens' funerals after their ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It never fails to amaze us the depths these people will go to score points against their hated enemy, Odyssey. Go read the site and see if you can find one decent voice of reason or sanity. You can't. Between Doc's endless accusations of OMEX malfeasance, Solomon's increasingly shrill, venomous insults hurled at Stemm and Odyssey investors, or those HHI members who, without basis, delight in calling the good people of Odyssey "frauds," "criminals," and of course, now thanks to Goold, "war grave desecraters."

Lovely, eh?

To conclude: We see nothing in today's actions that represent a credible threat against Odyssey. We don't see that Spain provided any evidence to buttress their arguments about the Mercedes. And, as we all know, the burden is on them to prove their ownership interest. Frankly, with no shipwreck to speak of, we don't know how they think they're going to pull this argument off, but we're going to have fun watching them try. Finally, Odyssey's press release tonight communicated a calm assuredness. The company clearly seems quietly confident about where this is all headed, and we're thrilled with that, obviously.

So, stay tuned. We're off to collapse now.

Why we fight

We received an email from a reader signed "Not Solomon" (would we kid you?) asking us why we're so hard on HHI, Solomon and Doc, and whether our behavior isn't ultimately stooping to their level and putting us in the category of "not credible."

First of all, who said we wanted to be "credible"? We obviously don't take ourselves too seriously and we certainly don't expect to be taking full credit for long articles in national magazines (ahem). We write this as much to make ourselves and others laugh and snicker as to rip HHI.

We don't proclaim to the world that we're experts in anything, let alone the fields of history, underwater exploration or archaeology. We don't have educational programs for children, the elderly or sick, or small pets. We don't raise alms for the poor. If we wanted to be any of these high-falutin things we'd strive for much higher standards.

For example, we'd actually make an effort to get our history and facts right. We'd strive for an objective tone. Skeptical? Absolutely, but also always fair. We'd never reduce ourselves to crass insults, blind hatred, name calling, or the employment of lies, distortions or mistruths to make a point. In other words, we'd try to be all the things HHI is not.

Instead, we exist to tweak HHI's hypocrisy and by calling out it's spiritual leaders, Solomon and Doc, for their visceral hatred of Odyssey, which, oddly enough, has never been fully articulated or explained. Who knows? Maybe it's a source of embarrassment for them, like one of them was denied a job, or perhaps a contract proposal sent to Odyssey was rejected for sheer stupidity?

We fight Virginia -- may we call you "Virginia"? -- because we hate hypocrites and bullies who demand people see things as they do with no room for reasonable disagreement, and who bleat on endlessly about civility and respect while displaying none of it themselves.

Are we juvenile? Um, yes. Are we insulting? We try. Do we care if we hurt HHI feelings? Uh, non. But, then again, we don't care what other people think. We do know this: we encourage open debate, we post comments contrary to our own opinions, and we don't ban or block people's IP address for daring to disagree with us. And considering that in as little as a couple of weeks we've already received nearly 2,500 hits, we'd say we've hit on a winning formula that at least some people like.

Does that answer it, "Not Solomon"?

Mice & Men

Our favorite punching bag, affectionately (well, okay, derisively) known here as Sir Solomon the Angry Twit, is showing increasing, though still amusing, signs of imbalance.

In yet another histrionic response on HHI to some nonsense posted by "Lubby" (we hear he's chubby) about a Greg Stemm quote from Reuters (of course, Solomon forgets that he just recently chastised Reuters for not being critical enough of Odyssey and being in the company's pocket), the Angry Twit practically self-immolated:

Solomon: "A strong point, Lubby, showing Stemm as the slippery, slimy character he is. He reminds me of that old adage: would you buy a used car from this man? Personally, I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw a postage stamp...."

It's pathetic, is it not, to see Solomon so eagerly stooping to this level of slander toward a man he's never met, and with whom he supposedly is just having an academic...well, more accurately, an amateurish...disagreement over tactics with? We're reminded of Solomon's sniffling, pinky extended lecture about about how HHI would meet their enemies challenges with class and dignity, saying something along the lines of "you do your worst, and we'll show you our best."

Uh huh. We know this: we'd lay cold hard cash down that Stemm has never called anyone he has a professional or business disagreement with a "slimy used car salesman," or a "pedophile," like some of the HH's "best" have done in public forums. Speaks volumes, no?

Solomon: "...Odyssey...is suing my co-founder of History Hunters International for my words. Mind you, they haven't even attempted to find out if he actually wrote any of the words claimed to be libelous. Until Odyssey's lawyer writes to ask me, they cannot even begin. That is how slack Odyssey is in its legal representations, as also demonstrated across a range of their documents...."

If anyone can decider what Solomon is babbling about here, we sure could use your help. Is he actually claiming Odyssey is suing Doc because of his words? Does that make sense? And why must Odyssey write to him to ask about Doc and his Odyssey claims, particularly since the reason McManus is being sued is because of comments he posted about OMEX on the Yahoo financial board. (For the record, we think the Angry Twit is just not paying very close attention here.)

What's more, if Solomon read all our content instead of just those posts about him (he's a narcissist through and through), he could actually examine the court documents that outline the libel charges for himself. And we wouldn't even ban him or block his IP address!

Solomon: "...It raises the question, in my mind at least, as to whether Stemm is a loose cannon. It is difficult to believe that this raving loudmouth is making considered decisions with the support of his legal and PR teams...Should I list the other cases for these monomaniacal idiots and their dunderhead investors? What about the cases of Odyssey being sued? Or their arrests? Is my partner the only legal subject on Stemm's tiny mind? So it appears. The quicker this lot is consigned to the dustbin of history, the better."

Monomaniacal dunderheads. We have a guilty confession: we dig this turn of phrase. It would make an excellent name for a band, especially one coming out of Liverpool with a modern take on the Oasis sound. But we digress.

More seriously, beyond the additional, gratuitous insulting of Stemm again, it is touching to see Solomon sticking up for his little buddy -- even if he has to occasionally smack Doc around for his own good. Being literary types (yeah, right), this reminds us of Steinbeck's famous Of Mice and Men, with Solomon as "George" (i.e. the idiot) and Doc as "Lennie" (i.e. the retarded idiot). In fact, the following scene from the book perfectly captures the relationship between our two favorite Odyssey haters:

George: Go to sleep, Lennie.
Lennie: George?
George: Go to sleep, Lennie!
Lennie: I am sleepin', George

HH Quote of the Day, et al

“The dumbest people I know are those who know it all." ~ Malcolm Forbes

Speaking of dumb know-it-alls (Doc), below are the super scientific objective final poll numbers about whether Meat McManus would be found guilty or not in his upcoming Odyssey libel trial (which, as we posted earlier, is obviously being pursued aggressively by OMEX). Shockingly, the vast majority of us hung him. Admit it: even though voting has no connection whatsoever to anything in reality, it felt good didn't it?

Totally understandable.

Speaking of dumber know-it-alls (HHI), be sure to vote in our latest super scientific poll -- on the right-side column of this blog -- about whether you think Odyssey should sue HHI for various counts of libel and defamation. Have any doubts about whether that would be justified or not? Keep reading our posts that parse and mock in detail the history poseurs own words.

Thanks.

Rites of McManus

Thanks to one of our readers in attendance at Odyssey's annual shareholder meeting this morning, we have a copy of the Q&A handed out. Very interesting. And if we were Doc, and we're obviously thrilled we're not, we'd be very concerned. How serious does Odyssey take its ongoing lawsuit again Doc, or "Jim McManus" as he's known in the real world? Enough so to add a question about the status of the case to the annual meeting Q&A:

What is the status of the McManus defamation lawsuit?

On September 5, 2007, Odyssey filed a two-count Complaint against Jim McManus for libel and libel per se. In its Complaint, Odyssey cited to over 20 postings made by Mr. McManus on the Yahoo Finance Message Board that Odyssey maintains are defamatory. Mr. McManus initially responded to the Complaint on October 7, 2007,
maintaining that he “never knowingly posted false information” concerning Odyssey. Since Mr. McManus’ initial response, Odyssey has filed several motions to compel Mr. McManus to comport with the rules of civil procedure and to properly answer each numbered paragraph of the complaint. Mr. McManus finally complied on March 17, 2008. In addition to answering, Mr. McManus has filed several Motions to Dismiss. In this regard, Odyssey recently received an Order from the Court striking all three of Mr. McManus’ Motions to Dismiss. Odyssey now intends to engage in discovery which it will utilize in support of a motion for summary judgment.

In general, we do support any individual’s right to voice his or her opinion, whether that opinion agrees with or is contrary to Odyssey’s position. However, when defamatory comments are brought to our attention that may adversely affect the value of our company, we have a duty to protect our stockholders’ interests, and we consider appropriate corrective measures.

Well Jimmy Boy, it would appear you're not in Kansas any more. The real world is beckoning and we suggest you sit up and take notice. Recess is over, son.

Regardless of your plans, we're going to sit back and enjoy the show!

The Bleat Goes On

The brief but lovely silence has been broken by the HH poseurs, who now gleefully screech about Odyssey's pending demise. Of course, this is nothing but premature postulation (there's medication for that fellas). Those who know Odyssey, and understand the company, are accustomed to opponents' constant doom's day predictions, so nothing new here. Odyssey has always forged on, oblivious to the non-stop bleating of know-it-all imbeciles.

This morning Scribe and Sir Solomon the Angry Twit (we're working on a trademark) are engaged in a lovefest, blissfully rolling about in what they perceive to be Odyssey's gore. It's not pretty, but it is amusing.

Scribe: "Receive a reward for a salvage Odyssey had been told - repeatedly - by the owner to not touch? Dream on, Stemm. Now look at this next part and try to count all the untruths: This sentence caught my attention: The Court also dismissed certain counts of Odyssey's Complaint which related to Spain's illegal actions against Odyssey. You bet the court did. How did Spain's detention of those ships relate to the admiralty arrest? Not in any way. And Odyssey is claiming the detention was illegal? Try going to a Madrid court and claiming that, fools!"

Where to begin with this lowlife? First, note the calm academic demeanor, so common to posts about Odyssey on the HH website: "Dream on." "Count all the mistruths." "Fools." No axe to grind here, no sir.

Next, the U.S. federal court dismissed Odyssey's claims against Spain's illegal detention of its ships because it does not have jurisdiction over such decisions, period. Finally, we'd be remiss if we didn't point out the sheer idiocy of Scribe's suggestion that Odyssey take its complaint against the Spanish government for the illegal seizure of its vessels to a "Madrid court," where he implies it would fail. Gee, you think?! No shite Sherlock. Do you charge for these powerful insights or do you try to give them away on a street corner?

Scribe: "I think we are seeing the end coming."

We're certain you do, Dirty Son of Solomon. But why should today be any different when you've been saying and predicting the same thing for years? Hmmm?

The Angry Twit, clearly titillated by all the tough-guy man talk, calls Odyssey "gutless" (some more of that objective tone and grand moral vision, we suppose) and chimes in:

Solomon: "First, OME claimed to all and sundry that Spain was blockading its ships at Gibraltar. This was an outright lie. Spain was doing the exact opposite: asking Odyssey to send its vessels out. 'Stay in' - 'come out' - as I said, the exact opposite.The lie has been repeated many times by OME's pumpers inside Yahoo Finance. OME has never disclaimed these pumpers, with their continual lies and misinformation. Yes, some must be just plain stupid - the illiteratti - but those few (masquerading as a crowd) who run the campaign, they know what they are about."

An "outright lie"? Yes Solomon, Spain was merely waiting for Odyssey to come out and play. Perhaps share some tapas and sangria. This is the most idiotic thing you've written yet, and you've an impressive body of work, friend. Spain illegally seized Odyssey's vessels, with a secret warrant that has yet to be produced, then arrested and imprisoned Odyssey's captain for daring to protest Spain's actions in international waters. And we suppose the official UK and US protests regarding these actions don't matter, right? (Well, surely they're also on Odyssey's payroll too, just like the international media.)

This claim is stupid enough on its face, but Solomon goes even further. He turns his unholy wrath on those on the Yahoo board, and takes Odyssey to task for failing to disclaim supposed lies and mistruths posted by anonymous individuals. Never mind the rich irony in this -- should Solomon have disclaimed Doc's habit of regularly calling Yahoo posters "pedophiles," as it clearly reflected poorly on HHI? That's different, we suppose. What's more, if a publicly traded company had to dispel every rumor, lie or mistruth, posted by supporters and opponents alike in a public Internet chat room, they'd never be able to run their business.

Once again, Solomon displays his utter ignorance about how the real world operates, which is what happens when you frolic about in a one-dimensional, criticism-free bubble of bitterness.

And, now, drum roll please (this is very exciting): We believe HH Watch received its first actual disdainful nod from Solomon. We're so proud and excited!

Not to worry, sir, there's nothing to be ashamed of...we know you're one of our most avid readers. We know you gobble up our content as excitedly as you do Doc's nonsensical ramblings, and we suspect you secretly dig our slaps at old "nauticalresearch" (he's a bit of an easy target, though, no?). We especially love that you felt it necessary to say out loud that we're masquerading as something we're not. You'd like to know for sure though, huh? Regardless, thanks for the props, Solomon.

Solomon: "OME has nothing. It is nothing but an irritant. Yes, I think the end days are approaching."

We're sure that's what you think. But, take note of our new poll. And since you like to say we're intimately connected with Odyssey (we've said clearly from the outset we're not, so be careful, meat), we're hoping you're right and they'll take our advice and hold you, and your cast of clowns, personally accountable for the words and actions against a publicly traded company. Just like Doc, in other words.

Cheerio mate!