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!"