Princess Tutu: WHAT THE DUCKING DUCK!

Prince Valium ... er ... Mytho and title character pair up for a duet.

Princess Tutu: WHAT THE DUCKING DUCK!


Spoiler alert for those who haven't seen it ... Yet.:

I truly enjoyed viewing Princess Tutu.

After You Tubing the trailer and hearing Debussey, Korsakov and Wagner in it, well ... being a longtime fan of classical music, I resolved to watch it. After You Tubing a couple episodes, I fell across a copy at Half Price Books and snapped it up. What I originally thought to be a cutesy vomit inducing piece of drivel, I ended up enjoying.

Of course I intend to watch it again ... but ...

I has a sad.

She's still a duck! Still a duck!

After all she did for every one she still ends up as when she started. A duck!

Having gone through all that work, pain, and almost death ...

Does she get the prince (Who sounds like the Hell Girl voiceover tryout runner-up.)?

Not the original artwork. Tutu (left) and Kraehe square off.

No! That darn Kraehe gets to keep him.

Does she get to graduate? !

No! Not as a duck she ain't!

Does she get to stay Princess Tutu?

NO!

Does she at least get to stay human at the end?

OH ... HECK ... NO!

She stays a duck!

Oh sure, she ends up with Fakir but what good is that? He's a human and she's a duck and ... And I don't want any comments from any of you sickos out there about THAT!

Darn you Drosselmeyer!

QUACK!

Wikipedia article on Princess Tutu here.

Half Price books main web site here.


Go to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here. Ya see enny oder articles 'n pitchers here then yer already there!

Becoming a Hate Group

Becoming a Hate Group. (This is spiritual, and may cause hives in the susceptible.)

by

Weatherly Hardy


Once again, Alabama is the center of attention, this time because of the homosexual marriage thing. Social media is full of people being loving and accepting of others' opinions on the thing ... as long as they hold the same opinion. Most of the "pro" side are lambasting "Christians" who don't think for themselves. Your problem is not that people are not thinking for themselves. It is because they just aren't agreeing with you. One person was going on about how he could NOT understand why people were so concerned with HIS relationship with HIS partner.

It's not about YOU.

This is, rightly or wrongly, about LAW. Not you, or your feewings. It's how our legal system works, especially in areas where controversy exists. It takes awhile. Life is not CSI, where problems are solved in under-an-hour.

Allow me to say that, as a rule, secular thinking and Christian thinking are not congruent. Secular thought tends to rely upon compromise and consensus, often through social sanctions being brought against opinion outliers. "Think for yourself" ultimately boils down to "Think like the herd". Whatever is cool, tony, IN, or Real George becomes common wisdom. All done in the name of independent thinking.

Christian thinking is not mere groupthink, and it is patently not meant to mean "think for yourself" (Where that means "pull a socially acceptable opinion from your backside".). Our opinions are to be based upon the revelation of God's word. It is belief and opinion based upon an external source, the word of God, the Bible. While there can be astonishing differences of opinion displayed as to what that book actually means, there is often a clear consensus on what is Good or Bad. The problems arise when admixture with secular opinion occurs, and the salt loses its distinctive flavor, as well as its power to change lives and cultures. The desire by Christians to be accepted by the world also plays a part. The current issue, and the rancor it engenders, is in large part due to believers playing politics rather than hewing to what the scriptures ACTUALLY teach, especially as concerns our proclamation to the world.

The World sees Christians as mouth-breathing throwbacks who want to saddle women with unwanted babies, who want homosexuals to be perpetually unhappy, with a heaping dollop of hell-fire when it's all over. They see us that way because we have NOT played by the rules. We have majored in things that the Bible does not. We have marched, and picketed, and tried to vote the Kingdom of God in, and here is what we have. Jesus did not picket against Jewish quislings collecting taxes for Rome. Paul did not promise Tropical Destinations to the idol-worshippers in Athens, Greece, neither did he organise Straight Pride parades in Corinth, complete with grey-scale rainbows. What did evil, hate-filled Paul do?

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."

The proclamation of the Good News occupied Paul's dealings with people. All the stuff that people get bent out of shape about in Paul's writings are things he wrote TO CHRISTIANS, PEOPLE ALREADY IN THE CHURCH! They had signed up for the club, and needed to have the by-laws explained. The church has no business proclaiming or marching over anything beyond the proclaiming of the gospel. A clever fellow wrote:

   
     A local church (Athens, AL) in 2007 made the national news by initiating a Temperance Drive in an attempt to get the sale of alcohol repealed. Try as I might, I cannot see a single instance in the New Testament where Jesus, Paul, Peter, James or John initiated a march, drive, petition, or mass pout to stop people from doing something that offended. Take slavery, f'rinstance. Paul did not start a campaign to stop the Offending Practice. Brights and other annoying persons find this terrible, for clearly it meant that Paul Did Not Care, that God Did Not Care, and thus ANY modern atheist is morally superior to either if he opposes slavery (Perhaps they should stage Abolitionist Marches in Sudan.). The fact is, Paul recognised that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (rescue, deliverance from bondage), and was thus sufficient to quell the deed, which indeed it began to do, as believing slave owners learned the difficulty of calling Property whom he also called Brother. Long and short: you teach the Word. Do something silly like, oh...do it like Jesus said. Make disciples of the nations. That means show them, teach them HOW to live the Kingdom life. This takes years, like it took years for Jesus to teach His disciples. Saying a prayer and sitting in a pew doesn't cut it. Baptise them by the authority of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. You are promised to receive the Holy Spirit, God Himself residing in your person. This is for starters.


Back to the point. If everyone does JUST what the Word says, it will result in unity. If, however, I insist on MY neat name, MY cool new way to do the gospel, thinking MY way is THE way, then I make myself distinct from my brothers and sisters. I become the enemy of unity. I become factious, jealous of other "ministries", become angry when you don't agree with MY way.

The world will not hear us unless we are unified. They will not believe our message unless we love. They will not believe in forgiveness in Christ if the church puts on its judge's robe. Wait...it HAS no such robe, 'cos it's NOT OUR JOB.

Yes. I yelled.

Oh, wait. That was me!

Paul and the other apostles were in the discipleship business, where members of the church are concerned. We are NOT called to point the bony finger of indignation at the Sinners du Jour. God so LOVED the world...the stinky, disagreeable, rebellious world...and gave Jesus. That is to be OUR proclamation.

We should ONLY go as far in our proclaiming as Jesus and later, his apostles did. They did not preach issues. They preached Jesus, and Him, crucified.


Mr. Hardys' blog, Aardvarks Plumbline here.

Mr. Hardys' company, Aardvark Tees, Shirts made of WIN! here.


Go to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here.

Liberal (And Conservative!) News Spin: This Pretty Much Says It All.

Liberal (And Conservative!) News Spin: This Pretty Much Says It All.

"Liberals are good at gotcha questions so they can use the answers as sound bites and then build a straw man so they set him ablaze on the evening news for months and then pull out the edited and liberal interpreted sound bite to ridicule the guy."

This paragraph is the opener to, How Scott Walker Could Have Answered the Evolution Question. As it could almost be a separate article by itself, I thought I'd post it.

The rest of the article here.

Godfather Politics web site here.


Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here.

In Gods' Good Time: Chapter Twenty One of an Angel Beats Fan Fiction Story

In Gods' Good Time

by

C V Ford

xxxxx

Disclaimer: I take/assume NO responsibility or liability for any and all death, dismemberment, maiming, disfigurement, scarification, injury, physical/mental trauma, property damage/destruction, or criminal/terrorist activity that may be brought about by the misuse/carelessness or malice, intended or otherwise, by other individuals of the information contained in this chapter herein.

While the ownership and use of firearms are a right (At least in the United States of America. Consult the local laws of your own country in regard to this.) it should be treated and guarded by ones' self as a sacred privilege with attendant heavy responsibilities of ones' own conduct and behavior in regard to this.

BE SURE TO READ THE RULES OF FIREARMS SAFETY AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER. (1)

When one owns and uses firearms, one LITERALLY has the power of life and death in ones' own hands.

THE RESPONSIBILITY IS YOURS.

xxxxx

Chapter 21: Shooting Party


The bullet kicked up dirt a couple feet to the right and down. With the coffee can on the creek embankment unhit, the tall young lady let out a sigh of exasperation.

"I don't think I'll ever-"

"It's just going to take some time Sakaki-chan," Takamatsu explained. "It being your first time shooting and all-"

Hmmm ... Not only flinching but probably has the trigger in the knuckle joint of her finger.

"-it's a bit difficult, I know. Even I have trouble connecting at times."

As if in confirmation, the shot from Takamatsus' magnum landed the same as the tall girls' though a foot closer.

"See what I mean?" he said adjusting glasses.

That much is obvious.

"I'll hit it this time," he declared taking a shooting stance.

Ayoob grip: Both hands, index finger of supporting hand forward and snugged under trigger guard.

The young man raised the pistol.

Line up front and rear sights on target, concentrate on front sight.

Takamatsu sharply squeezed the pistols' trigger.

Trigger on pad of first joint.

Again, down and to the right, the lads' shot hit a few inches closer but still a miss.

Front sight, press.

"We both just need more practice is all."

Front sight ... PRESS ...

The hollower sounding report of the .45 startled the couple as they saw the Key Coffee can flip several feet in the air.

Mountain grown for better flavor ... Good to the last drop. Yeah, like that caffienated sugar water could hold a candle to Folgers or Maxwell House!

Turning to their left, the would-be markspersons espyed the foreigner holstering his Colt.

"Was heading to the food court, heard some noise. Thought I'd take a look."

"Yeah," the deceptively thin looking one answered. "Doing some target practice."

"Hitting any?" Smiling.

"Ummm ... not as well as we'd like."

"Actually ... Not at all," the tall girl chimed in, eyes downcast. "Just not my thing I guess ..."

Duffy knew something of the young ladys' past. She was studying veterinary medicine before her demise. Understandable that one who would be a caregiver of some kind wouldn't take to firearms as readily as most.

"Maybe the sights are off," Takamatsu speculated. "That or more practice-"

"More practice would mean practicing MORE of what's keeping you from connecting with your target. As for the sights ... ," the American extended his hand to Takamatsu. "Can I give it a try?"

"Well ... "

"Hold on to mine in the meantime," Jack suggested, handing his Colt over, butt end first.

Takamatsu took the proferred Colt.

"Careful," Duffy cautioned with a grin. "It's loaded."

Turning from the faux chagrined Takamatsu and a giggling Sakaki, Jack hefted the Desert Eagle copy. Having handled quite a few different types in the past when in the pistol ranges' employ, he was more than familiar enough with the oversized pistol.

Checking to see the two would-be shootists were behind him, he then flipped the safety and sighted on the aforementioned battered can.

The boom of the .44 mag sounded off the gorge walls as the can remnants flipped a few feet back. Another can was reduced to shards, then a third. Flipping the safety back "on", Jack handed the gun back to Takamatsu.

Turning to Sakaki, he extended his hand. "Madame?"

Recieving the semi-auto from the tall one, he turned back to the cans on the bank.

"First too big, now too little," thinking to himself as he examined the Glock copy. "Then again, maybe not. This is a .40 not a nine milly."

A repeat of the same moments before. Three cans of former Key and micellaneous juice he couldn't make the names out of, lay plugged.

"The sights ... Are just fine," declared he, still grinning, as they exchanged guns. "The problem ... Lies elsewhere."

"Then I guess we have to try harder."

"Like I said before. You'll only be trying harder at doing what keeps you from hitting the target. Waste of ammo."

The two students looked at him semi-crosseyed.

"Tomorrow's Sunday and about a week earlier than I would usually practice ... Tell you what. Meet me right here tomorrow, nine AM sharp."

"Nine in the morning!?" The disbelief on Takamatsus' face was apparant.

"Got anything better to do ... 'sides sleeping in?"

"Not really."

"But then again," thought Jack, noting the statuesque Sakaki in his peripheral vision, "maybe you do ... Get your mind out of the gutter, Jack!"

"I ... WE ... ," Sakaki gave a quite definite look towards Takamatsu. "We'll be here. Nine O'Clock."

"Be sure to bring a hundred rounds each," the man instructed turning towards the stairs up the support of the Second Entrance Bridge. "If things go right, and they WILL ... You'll probably not need to use it all. I'll supply everything else."

He turned back.

"Oh yeah. Be sure to wear something more suited to a walk in the woods."

"Why's that?"

"Were going to the little range I have up the creek. Don't want HER nosing around do you?"

xxxxx

"So what's with the artillery?" Takamatsu pointing to the M1 Garand rifle slung across Jacks' back.

"And O'Hara-sensei?" Sakaki curious as to the history teachers' presence.

The two students showed up at the creek bed with customary Japanese punctuality, finding Jack as well as Rachel awaiting, clad in jeans, sweatshirts and hiking boots. The two students gym workout sweats and track shoes an improvement over the usual uniforms.

"When Jack told me what he was up to, I wanted to go along ... Find out what this 'gun culture' is about," Rachel in reply, holding up a backpack. "Made lunch for all of us."

"As for this," Jacks' thumb indicating the slung rifle. "Protection."

"From what?" Takamatsu asked.

"As you know,' the man began, handing one of two satchels to the erstwhile student, "I've done a lot of exploring the woods around here. Done a lot of walking ... a lot of looking ... seen things."

"Seen things ... ," an interested Sakaki.

"I don't know wether or not the uh ... 'resurrection factor' ... for want of a better term, is in force off the school grounds, but I have seen indications that the uh ... 'law of the jungle' is.

"I'd be keeping a sharp eye out when hiking. Seen some interesting signs of wildlife. Tracks ... deer, fox, wolves-"

"Wolves? They're extinct aren't they?" Takamatsu looked quizikly.

"In the Japan ... the world we're all from, yes. But keep in mind we're not in the Japan you're from.

This is some parallel state of being. An earth where the only human beings we know of reside here at the school.

"So I see things ... indications of wildlife, plently of it. Every so often I'll run across a scruff of feathers, bones, other signs of struggle. Not to mention, have not only seen deer and serow, but bear a couple times. BIG .. Bears. I mentioned tracks before. Sometimes of cats ... huge. Wouldn't surprise me if some were made by Siberian Tiger."

"Tiger!?" Rachel exclaimed. "Japan?"

"I've read they made it out this far." Explained Sakaki. "Japan may have had a 'land bridge' to the mainland before the glaciers melted."

"Ressurection or not, the thought of getting chewed up doesn't appeal to me. Hence ... the artillery, as you call it."

"Any sign of Iriomote cats?" Asked Sakaki in an attempt at levity.

Perplexed look on his face, Duffy turned to the tall one.

"Iriomote cats? They only come from that tiny island WAY southwest of here."

"Well I ... had one ... As a pet."

"You've mentioned that to me before. Just how DID you manage that!?" An amazed Takamatsu. "I seriously doubt the government would let you have an endangered species as a pet."

"I kept telling everyone he was a mix breed of some kind."

"No way!" Her incredulous boyfriend exclaimed.

"And how did you get him?" Rachel was curious.

"Long story but ... I guess you could say eh- ... He followed me home?"

"Riiight." A dubious Duffy concluded. "And with that, we'd best get going, burning daylight."

Rachel quickly put herself arm in arm with Duffy.

"So," she started as they began walking, "think we'll be seeing any (winking)  ... lions-?"

"-and tigers-," Jack quick on the uptake and nodding in an exaggerated manner.

"-and bears?"

"OH MY!"

The two students were momentarily taken aback on seeing Jack Duffy clasp his face with both hands in mock effeminancy, accompanied by a laughing Rachel.

"I'll lend you two the movie," he said on seeing the mildly aghast looks on the young peoples' faces. "You're gonna' love it."

xxxxx

Running east/west, seemingly made to order, the several hundred yard range was a small grassy plateau a mile and a half north of the school grounds. A  small leanto consisting of log and tarp at east end with a sharply jutting rock ridge west making for a perfect backstop. All could now see what it was Jack had been "spending" those meal tickets on. The rudimentary camp furniture and equipment stored there made things definitely less primative.

In less than an hour and a half of trainings' commencement, Jack was quite pleased. All three students (Rachel a pupil for the moment.) had progressed nicely. His insistance on eye and ear protection was initially met with resistance. After all, if ones' ears "healed up" soon after, why bother?

"On my range, safety first, no exceptions, no questions." (1)

 The photocopied NRA (2) sanctioned targets (12 inches across with 3 inch bullseye.) set 21 feet away, were off putting at first. Wouldn't cans do?

"We're going for precision and accuracy first. Plink later if you want."

Twentyone feet?

"Most 'social situations' happen within 21 feet or less. Even an out of shape assailant can get to you within two seconds at that distance."

Sighting in was a literal "eye opener".

"Don't try to focus on sights and target at the same time. The human eye can't focus on two or more points at different distances. Go back and forth, rear sight, front sight, target and back again. Line your sights up with the bullseye then CONCENTRATE on the front sight."

"My sights disappear in the bullseye," said Takamatsu. "Can't see 'em."

"For purposes of training, make as if the bull is resting on top of the front sight. This is what's called the 'six o'clock hold'."

"I'm right handed but I 'see' better using my left eye," an uncertain Sakaki explained. "Is that wrong?"

"It's Okay. Unlike most right handers, you're left eye dominant. A lot of folks shoot 'cross eyed' and do just fine. Whatever works for you."

One at a time, five shots each, Duffy supervised, noting their inability to connect.

"Part of the reason you're hitting down and right is you're 'squeezing' the trigger instead of 'pressing' it."

All three expressed confusion as to the difference.

"Think PRESS not squeeze. When you think squeeze, your brain subconciously makes your whole hand squeeze thus changing point of aim. With right handed folks it tends to go down and to the right. Down and to the left for lefties.

"Thinking PRESS, you instead only use your trigger finger. Think of it as something like reaching around an appliance and PRESSing the reset button. Only your finger moves, not the whole hand.

"Having the trigger in the joint of your finger also contributes to changing point of aim. Have the trigger on the first PAD of your finger. Then PRESS ... straight back."

The next set showed some improvement. Mostly closer, even a hit or two on the bull.

Taking Rachel, the out and out novice, Duffy had her 'dry fire' (unloaded) the old Smith and Wesson .38 he had lent her.

"Watch what she does here. This is something you two have been doing as well."

Hammer clicked on the empty chamber.

"Now ... What ... did she do?"

"Yes!" Rachel with a dubious eyebrow raised at Jack. "Just WHAT did I do?"

"Um ... ," Sakaki, hand raised, started to speculate. "I noticed the front of the gun go down oh so slightly just as she sque- ... uh ... PRESSed ... the trigger."

"It's something you're all doing ... Flinching."

!?

"Anticipating the shot. As you're pressing, just as the triggers' about to 'break', you blink and push slightly forward on the gun. That also causes the point of aim to go down.

"Don't anticipate the shot. Let each shot be a 'surprise'. Don't worry ... relax ... You're on the correct end of the weapon."

After a short break, they were again, one at a time, put through a five shot string. All three scored at least three each on the bull.

"Good!," Duffy exclaimed. "Now is the time to practice. PRACTICE ... what I've told you."

All three shooters lined up this time, six feet apart. They were to fire five shot strings at their own pace, Duffy going up and down behind supervising.

"Ready on the left ... Ready on the right ... READY on the firing line."

After a couple "sets", with some observational correction from their instructor, the three not so novice
shooters were scoring at least four out of five or better per string.

Gathered round Duffy gave his appraisal.

"All three of you did a LOT better than I expected. Rachel especially."

"Why is that?" A slightly perplexed Takamatsu. "It took me a bit longer to pick up on it all though I did get it finally."

"That's 'cause you're a guy." Duffy grinned.

"What? How can-"

"I think what Duffy-sensei is trying to say," a beamingly proud Rachel O'Hara putting an arm around a blushingly surprised Sakaki, "is that girls kick ass!"

"Self flattery will get you no where my dear," the man softly retorted in faux suavity, grin still affixed.

"Oh?" Hands on hips, Rachel went into 'teacher scold mode' still smiling. "Just what IS it then?"

The man touched a left index to the side of his nose and commenced.

"As we all know, women and men are different. Our mentalities are wired differently from one another. Women are the gatherers and nurturers, men are the hunters and fighters. All their lives women are told to stay away from the 'boys toys' and vice versa. The females are into chick flicks whereas you and I, Takamatsu-san, watch the action/adventure stuff.

"Men are much more into activities that emphasize that of the hunter and fighter than women. We have preconcieved ideas as to what one does with such tools and pastimes.

"As men are of a more aggressive/assertive nature we tend to stick by what we already know or THINK we know when it comes to just about any subject. Thus, we are more resistant to taking and assimilating instruction.

"Women, on the other hand, being the nurturers and caretakers tend to empathise more and take to instruction easier. They're more willing to listen to and assimilate information. They tend to follow instructions more closely than men.

"The other factor is that because Rachel had absolutely no experience with firearms and Sakaki only a little exposure after coming to this strange place, they had little to no preconceptions and bad habits to unlearn.

"Whereas YOU Takamatsu-san, and I at one time-"

"Too many Sonny Chiba flicks!" Takamatsu beating Duffy to the punch.

"It's just entertainment to me 'skinny' one ... Nothing more."

"Suuure it is."

"And with THAT!" Rachel at the leanto holding up the backpack. "LUNCH!"

Getting situated, folding chairs in a row outside the leanto, Duffy set a wrapped sandwich and a can of juice on a low boulder twenty feet distant.

"What's this about?" Rachel inquired looking about at the boulder and the seating arrangements. "And why five chairs? There's only four of us."

"Remember when I said pack extra?"

"That's 'cause you're a big eater, right?"

Taking a seat, Jack pointed at the food on the rock.

"Bait."

To be continued ...

XXXXX

(1) The following are the RULES OF FIREARMS SAFETY quoted verbatim from the website of the National Rifle Association:
   
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
   
This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
   
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
   
When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
   
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
 
 Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.
   
4. Know your target and what is beyond.
   
Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second.
   
5. Know how to use the gun safely.
 
 Before handling a gun, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Remember, a guns' mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe gun handling.
   
6. Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
   
Just like other tools, guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper storage are a part of the guns' general upkeep. If there is any question concerning a guns' ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.
   
7. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
 
 Only BBs, pellets, cartridges or shells designed for a particular gun can be fired safely in that gun. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. Ammunition can be identified by information printed on the box and sometimes stamped on the cartridge. Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the proper ammunition.
   
8. Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
   
Guns are loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. For these reasons, shooting glasses and hearing protectors should be worn by shooters and spectators.
   
9. Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while shooting.
   
Alcohol, as well as any other substance likely to impair normal mental or physical bodily functions, must not be used before or while handling or shooting guns.
   
10. Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
   
Many factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store guns. A person's particular situation will be a major part of the consideration. Dozens of gun storage devices, as well as locking devices that attach directly to the gun, are available. However, mechanical locking devices, like the mechanical safeties built into guns, can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe gun handling and the observance of all gun safety rules.
   
11. Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.
   
12. Cleaning
   
A. Regular cleaning is important in order for your gun to operate correctly and safely. Taking proper care of it will also maintain its value and extend its life. Your gun should be cleaned every time that it is used.
   
B. A gun brought out of prolonged storage should also be cleaned before shooting. Accumulated moisture and dirt, or solidified grease and oil, can prevent the gun from operating properly.
   
C. Before cleaning your gun, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded. The guns' action should be open during the cleaning process. Also, be sure that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area.

xxxxx

(2) NRA - National Rifle Association. The United States' premier organization in the promotion of firearms safety, the shooting sports and political activism in the preservation of the right to keep and bear arms.

Storyline and original characters (only) copyright © 5-1-14 C V Ford

xxxxx

In Gods' Good Time chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

C V Fords' profile page and anime fanfiction stories list at Fan Fiction dot net here.

Fan Fiction dot net here.

National Rifle Association website here.


Go to  Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here. Yer already there ifn' ya sees other articles under this 'un.


Disclaimer: The preceding is a NON-PROFIT work of fan fiction for entertainment purposes only. I make no claim to ownership of the names/characters, places, and events mentioned in this work that are the intellectual properties of others. They are the sole properties of their respective owners. Please, by all means support the owners of such properties in the purchase and enjoyment of their works.

A Letter To Heaven: This REALLY Got to Me!

I guess there's a lesson to be learned here. To "keep looking up" otherwise one might miss out on what God is doing for us.

Stumbled across this on the net. Thought I'd share ...

Jus' sayin' ...


Beneath the Tangles (Christian anime website.) here. I did not get the above illustrations from there but think this link appropriate.


Go to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here.

Chiyo and the Lolicon: An Azumanga Daioh Fan Fiction Story

The little, brown haired apparition, pigtails
bouncing, stepped purposefully ...

Will he do right by Chiyo-chan ... Or will he "do" Chiyo-chan ... right? Yes, THIS is a story about THAT. A riff off a doujinshi I stumbled across on the net which, in turn, was a riff off scenes from episodes 10 and 14 of Azumanga Daioh. As "turn about is fair play" ... Please read this in its' entirety before jumping to conclusions.


Chiyo and the Lolicon

by

C V Ford


Jotaro Taniguchi still couldn't believe his good fortune. Yes, he did study ... HARD ... to get accepted into this school. All that intense work paid off and though this accomplishment was to open many doors, his beforehand doubts made him write himself off in advance, giving up hope. So his acceptance came as a complete surprise.

Another surprise was about to hit.

It was his first day as a 1st year high school student. Lunch hour, the 16 year old decided on a walk around campus to aquaint himself with the place. Even though it was for second year students, he decided to take a look on that upper floor of the main class building. Already rounding the landing between and partway up, he couldn't help but notice something singularly peculiar.

Descending the steps was a ... kid ... A little kid! Wearing one of the schools' uniforms. One in miniature but school colors all the same.

Her ... A student ... HERE?

The little, brown haired apparition, pigtails bouncing, stepped purposefully, determined frown on her face. She didn't look to be in any mood for talking, seeming quite perturbed at the moment. It was more than plain to see she was ticked off about something.

On passing, Jotaro without thinking, said aloud to no one in particular, "what's a kid doing here?"

The "kid" stopped on hitting the landing, clenching her fists.

"Man, she really looks pissed!" Taniguchi exclaimed to himself.

The young man was taken aback as the youngster spun around and climbed the steps toward him.

Stopping directly in front, she addressed him.

"You're new here to this school, aren't you!?"

"Mmm ... yeah."

"My name is Chiyo Mihama. I'm second year!" A commanding arm swept out, ending in a forefinger pointing pistol-like, seemingly THROUGH him. "That's SENIOR Mihama to you!"

"Uh ... yeah ... Okay." Jotaro replied, not quite sure what to make of it.

He couldn't decide wether to laugh out loud or take this seriously. Before him was an adorably cute little girl acting like an adult, albeit a very cross one. The anger only added to the charm though something told him to treat the situation with care.

The girl turned on her heel, resuming her descent, a thoroughly satisfied look on her face.

Senior?

xxxxx

At a library table, Taniguchi sat deep in thought. Third period algebra finished, he had to take a very needed breather and decided to spend lunch period in the library. He absolutely HATED algebra.

Basic practical math he was excellent at but when it came to arithmetic hooking up with the alphabet ... All (alpha)bets were off! This just wouldn't do.

No getting around it, he would just have to knuckle down and-

"Oh, excuse me?"

Jotaro looked up from the math text and jumped inwardly from surprise.

"I'm sorry about earlier today," the tiny one from the stairs incident said standing before him. "It wasn't very mature of me."

"Oh ... no problem-"

"But I-"

"You must have had some heavy things on your mind."

Though the girl was some years younger, (He was later to learn it was by five.) something inside the young man made him decide to talk to the girl as a peer. As he was to find later, she wasn't a peer but, intellectually speaking, a superior in all but life experience.

"Yes I did."

"Wanna' ... talk about it?"

The words just slipped out. Ordinarily, Jotaro wouldn't have dreamed of sharing conversation with what should have been, at least in appearance, a grade schooler. But ... At that moment, the kid intrigued him somehow.

The girl, with the trusting soul many her young age had, sat down to chat. It was the start of a most interesting relationship.

And no ... In spite of her age and what people thought of her ... Well ... She had the "mind" of a child but the "intellect" of an adult.

And she was still ... well ... CUTE!

xxxxx

Name: Chiyo Mihama, everyone (Including me!) calls her Chiyo-chan.

Age: 11.

Height: 135 cm

Wt: XX

In asking around I found she was some kind of genius. IQ WAY up there. Is well known, even sorta' famous at the school. Was tested extensively in elementary school. Evaluation concluded high school the next step. Skipped ahead five grades and right into high school.

Even here in high school she got, not almost but PERFECT grade scores, and no doubt, was one day going to be class valedectorian.

I know, if I'm to graduate and get in a top college, I'd need all the help I can get. Could this "kid" be a possible help or resource?

xxxxx

This DAMN algebra was ... IMPOSSIBLE!

Jotaro sighed loudly, enough that others in the library turned their heads. Noting who it was, all but one turned back to their studies.

"Trouble?"

The young man turned his head in the direction of the soft, immature sounding voice coming from down the long table.

"Oh ... Chiyo-chan ... uh ... Hi!"

"You sound like you're having trouble with your homework."

"Thought I'd try to get some of it done lunch hour. Less to do later 'n all."

"Algebra?"

"Uh ... Yeah."

The little girl scooped up her books and proceeded up to where he sat. For reasons Jotaro was wanting to keep from the front of his mind, he was glad she was on the other side of the big table.

Reaching for his Algebra text she said, "just what is it you're having trouble with?" Then leafed through his notes.

"These look pretty easy."

Easy!?

"Well ... I've finally have the concept of using Romanji with numbers down," coming out from under her 'easy' remark,  "but I can't get the hang of in what order to do these equations, I-"

"Please excuse my dear Aunt Sally."

Jotaro paused in exasperation, " ... uh ... What?"

"Please excuse my dear aunt Sally." Smiling.

"I ... uh ... heard you the first time, I don't-"

"Uh ... With these equations you use a hierarchical structure of order."

"I know THAT. I just can't remember the right order and-"

"P E M D A S. Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally. Please ... Everything in parenthesis first-"

Jotaro then realized she was doing an explanation.

 "Excuse ... then do all the exponentiation. My ... The multiplication comes next. Dear ... All the division after. Aunt ... Then the addition. Sally ... finally the subtraction."

He mulled it over a few seconds.

"This also means I do all the 'please excuseses' Within the parentheses first then.?"

"Right!" Laughing.

Normally Jotaro disliked being laughed at but as it was coming musically from the bright little girl ...

The young man grinned asking, "so what's so funny?"

"That's the first time I've heard it referred to as 'please excuseses'," giggling some more.

Jotaro was sure this one would be a BIG help in the future.

xxxxx

After that day, Jotaro would see her often, usually library or sometimes cafeteria if she didn't bring her lunch that day. Though self concious of it, he would, at times, ask her for advice on his work and at other times, even helped in study usually in the library.

Every so often they had lunch together in the cafeteria. Their talks would be interesting. Though tops in history, Jotaro found most of her knowledge in that subject to be rote and not really of interest to her. Her forte being in math and sciences. His being a military history buff in particular as well as general knowledge, helped in his "filling in the blanks" for her, making it more than just names, facts and dates.

It was on one of the rare occasions she made her own lunch AND went to the cafeteria that something other than math and history came up in conversation. Her self made lunches had a variety and richness about them that Jotaro couldn't but, in jest without thinking, help but comment in asking:

"Senior Chiyo ... ," he smiling, "Please marry me?"

The little girls' face took on a bright red hue.

"Uh ... um ... I'd have ... to talk ... to my mom and dad first ... This ... I ... uh ..."

The young man instantly regretted what he said. He had forgotten. Her being intellectually above par even for high schoolers made Jotaro forget Chiyo-chan still had the sensibilities of a child and thus wouldn't take such a comment as the joke it was meant to be. Then ... There were those other thoughts.

Jotaro almost was in a panic. If word got around-

"No! ... eh ... Chiyo-chan ... I was only kidding ... It was just a joke ... It ... "

His voice trailed off as he observed the pre-teens' facial expression, fluctuatiing from heavy nervoussness to "blank" contemplation to a faint smile on realisation. He let out a sigh of relief as her smile broadened.

"Oh ... It's been some time since anyone proposed. Not since Hideki Fujiwara in fourth grade."

"Fourth ... grade ... ?" Definitely NOT so long ago.

"Of course he was quite a bit more sincere about it than you."

This confirmed to Jotaro, Chiyos' acceptance of the levity of his remark.

For the rest of the semester, Jotaro made sure to check his tongue ... and thoughts ... around Chiyo-chan, keeping what relationship there was as kohai/sempai as possible.

xxxxx

Summer vacation came and went faster than Jotaro would have liked. As it was, it went well. His grades were (Partly in thanks to the help from Chiyo-chan as well as his being inspired by her to put out effort.) more than good enough to satisfy his parents thus pressure being off for him to enjoy the time off.

Nonetheless, he took advantage of his free time in getting the required vacation homework done the first couple weeks in and then supplementing his studies by going over what was to be ahead the following semester.

Next semester arrived too soon for Jotaro. He resolved to get on with his studies and felt confident what with his preparation of the last few weeks.

And with Chiyo-chan being more than a help to him ...

It was about a week of sorting out and settling in that Chiyo and Jotaro picked back up on their casual relationship. In the library they were alternately going over his math studies and relating their vacation experiences.

"You even have a summer home?"

Jotaro was taken somewhat aback. Though he knew the Mihama family was up in the tech industry and thus well off, he had no idea as to how wealthy they might be. The child didn't act the way he thought children from a such a priviledged background might, so it never occured to him that her family was so well heeled.

"Yes. My friends and I spent almost a week there this summer. Just before they left, mom, dad and Mr. Tadakichi came in and I stayed a few more days."

"Must be ... nice," the lad remarked, "though I'd think the place must have been quite a mess when your parents arrived."

"Not at all. Even Tomo can be orderly ... up to a point ... when she has to be and we had Miss Yukari and Miss Kurosawa supervising as well."

Jotaro cocked his head to one side in disbelief. Not only some of the more attractive (Albeit, somewhat STRANGE.) girls in the school were friends with this little prodigy but two of the foxier looking teachers were along as well. While Yukari was something of a loose cannon what with her "unique" teaching non-style, that didn't stop most of the boys in school from turning their heads as she passed by. Miss Kurosawa, with her athletic good looks, would elicit many a comment among the young men.

"If I had the money," Jotaro gasped involuntarily, "I ... I would have paid to have been there."

It was Chiyos' turn to look puzzled but only momentarily. She more than remembered an incident during that last summer home stay. In fact it was indelibly engraved on a "file" in a special corner of her mind. So much so she made it a point in "researching" after she got home that summer. Though she had the "mechanics" of the things that were brought up pretty much set down in her eleven year old mind, it was still a mystery as to what it was the adults and older kids were going on about.

Could this boy be able to clue her in about it? She felt she knew Jotaro enough to trust him with an answer.

"Jotaro-kun?"

"Uh ... wha-," the lad was shaken out of his thoughts.

"Could I ask you a question?"

"Mmm ... sure?"

"Actually ... A lot of questions ... And I'm not sure how to ask ... "

Jotaros' mind, at that moment, was a confusing jumble. Warning lights and bells were going off inside his head. From the changed tone of her voice, he sensed ... right off ... there was a possibility of forbidden ground about to be trodden. The role reversal of kohai/sempai was also hitting him hard. Now it was the little girl seeking answers HE might have. Answers perhaps not in keeping with his position of a sixteen year old young man vis a vis an eleven year old girl.

And yet ...

Jotaro looked about, making sure no one else was within earshot. The nearest was several tables away. The next nearest were the two librarians at their counter.

"Um ... try me," he said shakily. "Just what is it you'd ... like to ... uh ... know?"

The little girl launched into her inquiry.

Past experience in fruitless attempts in discussion with others about what she was going to ask, prompted her to lower her voice below even the volume of the recommended library level.

Jotaro knew he shouldn't have started listening to Chiyo. Her detailed description of the incident with Miss Kurosawa, though comical, he felt might be the prelude to something more far reaching than a humorous story.

xxxxx

It was the end of a day of drive, swimming and summer festival, Chiyo-chan, her friends and teachers returned to the summer house. Instead of retiring early, the teachers were easily persuaded to let the girls stay up late.

Some beer produced by Tomo, was quickly confiscated by Miss Yukari who was going to drink it instead. Knowing Yukari would go silly in no time, Miss Kurosawa snatched it in turn. A bottle of sake revealed by Yukari was also grabbed by Nyamo before her fellow teacher started to consume.

Miss Kurosawa took it upon herself to protect the kids from both booze and Yukari by drinking it herself. Though she could hold her liquor better than her fellow teacher, the alcohol soon took its' effect and the unfolding spectacle fascinated the kids. Both by the PE teachers' rambling on about any and every thing and of one rambling in particular.

When asked by Tomo about adult relationships and wether or not how "pervy" it could get, Nyamo, by then very much loosened up by the rice whisky, made for a very interesting lecturer on the subject.

The girls were more than fascinated, hanging
on every word the PE teacher spoke.

The girls were more than fascinated, hanging on every word the PE teacher spoke. Their reactions ranging from enthusiastic attention to Miss Yukaris' amusement to Sakakis' embarrassment on hearing the more than explicit detail Kurosawa was dishing out.

Not the least of which was Chiyo-chan. Though her mind was more than brilliant, the very young girl had next to no understanding of what Miss Kurosawa was saying. She did know it was VERY detailed and in her own unknowing way ... found it fascinating ... the well developed film of her photographic mind retaining every word.

After the PE teacher finally collapsed into a stupor, Miss Yukari, still quite amused at the spectacle, called it a night and everyone retired. Chiyo, full of questions, was dismissed by one and all as too young to understand, passing her off with variations of "wait 'til you get older".

This contributed to a mounting frustration in the little girl that had been simmering since her admittance to high school. Her being treated as "cute" and "different" meant to her as being treated like a little kid. Not even the last thing she wanted was to be left "out of the loop" or excluded from knowledge.

The following morning revealed a VERY hung over and bewildered Kurosawa. A still embarrassed and sensitive Sakaki FLED the living room on being hailed by the teacher staggering in. A puzzled teeth brushing Chiyo, also present and seeing her chance, started asking.

Miss Kurosawas' hung over reaction to Chiyos' explicitly detailed inquiries puzzled the inquisitive pre-teen even more. After all, she was only repeating the same narrative and terminologies from the night before.

"Chi-yo-CHAN! ... Where ... Where did you HEAR that!" The PE teachers' hands shaking and in grasping mode.

"From you!" A very stern and SOBER, for a change, language teacher declared on entering the living room.

"Huh!? ... What!?"

"FROM YOU! ... Last night."

"Wh- ... What- ... What happened last night? I-"

"Ha!" Yukari turned away from Nyamo, a grin of gleeful, sadistic satisfaction on her beaming face, leaving her fellow teacher in more than tense suspense.

It was then the othe four girls trooped in heading for the kitchen and breakfast.

"Oh! Miss Kurosawa ... Good morning to you!" They greeted in enthusiastic unison with a bow.

"I really wanted to thank you for last night." Yomi

"It was extremely educational!" Tomo

"Miss Kurosawa, I ADMIRE you!" Osaka

"I can't thank you enough coach!" Kagura

"Wait! ... Wh- ... What?" The PE teachers' mind in a turmoil, her pleas accompanied by a cackling Yukari. "What happened last night? Sombody! ... Tell meeeeeee ... !"

xxxxx

"I don't know what the problem is. I mean, Miss Kurosawa gave a really good and detailed explanation of everything the night before. I couldn't understand what she had to be worried about."

Jotaro just sat there staring in shocked disbelief. A little pre-teen girl had just told him ... well ... From what Miss Kurosawa had spouted off while drunk, amounted to one of the hottest confessions rivaling any porn or doujinshi he'd ever read, seen ... or downloaded and posessed ... which was considerable.

"Miss Kurosawa is one dedicated teacher," the lad thought to himself. "Even in ... THAT."

"At the time I didn't get it, still don't. After getting back home, I started looking up things ... on the net."

The net! Jotaro could only imagine what the kid found there.

"I have the 'mechanics' of the thing sorted out but ..."

Mechanics!? Jotaro broke into a sweat and shifted his weight on his chair to relieve the mounting physical pressure. The very young girl and her more than suggestive account were definitely having their effect.

"All those photos and stories have it pretty well mapped out and ... "

Her seemingly distant, clinical and contrasting anxious approach made Jotaro all the more ... "interested". The paradox of super intelligence and a childs' naivete ... wrapped  up in one extremely cute and adorable bundle. It was all the young man could do to keep from shaking in his shoes.

The kawais' next statement almost had him flying out of them.

"And I was wondering if ... if ... someone ... Someone like you maybe-"

Jotaros' eyes widened even more.

"-could tell... show me ... What it's exactly about."

SHOW!?

"Chiyo-chan ... I-"

"I asked my parents already. Mom and Dad have explained the process to me of course-"

Process? That's what she's calling it? ... Oh God!

"-but said I wouldn't really care or understand about the 'other part' until I got older."

Eleven years old and already is wondering about the "other part". Older!? She's caring about it NOW!?

"I don't dare ask my friends," her voice took on a peeved tone. "They just smile and say the same thing. I walk away and I hear them laughing quiet-like ... Except Tomo ... She doesn't care if the whole school hears her!

"Everyone treats me like a little kid!-"

You ARE a little kid ... At least physically ... Physically you're ... Oh God!

Jotaros' uneasiness approached max. Here ... literally in his reach ... The very personification of the stuff a lolicons' wildest manga dreams were made of.

"So ... please ...  " The wide eyes of the pleading tiny one were more than having their effect.

Jotaro made a last desparate attempt at breaking it off, resistance starting to fail in the face of an all too good opportunity with someone he truly did have affections ... and forbidden desires ... for.

"Senior Chiyo ... Chiyo-chan ... It's really not ... my place ... to tell, let alone show-"

SHOW!?

"-you anything on that ... It really is too early-"

SHOW!

"-for you ..."

Show.

Instead of launching into a semi-whining tirade as expected, Chiyo let out a sigh of exasperation, head hanging, looking down at the jumble of textbooks crowding their little section of the table.

In the space of a few eternal moments, Jotaro finalised his decision.

Show?

"No ... way in hell am I going to-," struggling inwardly with himself and finding a last erg of resolve, "-take advantage of a ... a kid ... A little kid! Good God NO!"

Yes ... There were his fantasies. His growing stash of porn, including LOTS of lolicon in various formats, fueled them. Cultivating desires he should not have. Some ... many ... of which ... involved Chiyo.

Up 'till now, he was quite happy to only be near the little girl and look on it as a side benefit to her helping him in his studies. It only peripherally occured to him that there could be a chance of it going further than that. But now ...

THIS ... was "in his face" reality. Words have meaning. Actions have consequences ... repercussions. In this case ... heavy ones. Even if ... No matter how careful and discrete he and Chiyo would be about it, the chance of others discovering would hang heavy overhead like the weight of megatonnage it was, doujinshi fantasies notwithstanding.

And the law ... In spite of Chiyos' seeming maturity, would hold her blameless ... Would assume Jotaro would "know better" and the little girl not. At worse, she would only get "counseling" but the TOTAL onus of guilt and punishment would be ALL ... his.

"I'm ... sorry," he said, getting up and hastily gathering his books. "I ... gotta' go ... now ..."

xxxxx

"Miss Kurosawa?"

The PE teacher looked up from her desk-shelf space in the teachers communal office.
Jotaro, felt some kind of proactive action needed. While nothing had come of it, he felt it best to "nip it" even before the possibility of anything of it becoming a bud. Reporting it at once to a person in authority was the best course and who better than the one who "innocently" set things in motion weeks before.

"You probably don't know me, I-"

"Of course I do. Jotaro Taniguchi, isn't it? Chiyo-chans 'boyfriend'!"

Big grin on her face.

Though he knew she was joking, this confirmed his present course to be the correct one. And none too soon! His being "tutored" by Chiyo in the past hadn't gone un-noticed by one and all. Every so often eliciting remarks.

"Uh ... That's what I want to talk to you about, Ma'am."

"Oh ... ," a now more serious Nyamo indicating an empty chair. "Better sit down and we can talk."

xxxxx

A RELIEVED Jotaro Taniguchi stepped off the school grounds heading in the direction of home. As an added precaution, he recorded on paper, time, date, and details he could recollect about what took place in both library and teachers' office. The paper lay reassuringly nestled in the satchel slung over his shoulder.

In assessment, he decided to ditch some (LOTS!) of the porn in his stash. At the very least, a couple of the categorized flash drives snugged in the bottom of his satchel had to go.

He, of course, resolved to have as little to do (NONE!) with Chiyo in the future as possible which was too bad. She had been a BIG help in his studies. A resource no more.

END

Storyline (only) copyright © 1-30-15 C V Ford

xxxxx

C V Fords' profile page and anime fanfiction stories list on Fan Fiction dot net here.

Fan Fiction dot net here.


Go to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here.


Disclaimer: The preceding is a NON-PROFIT work of fan fiction for entertainment purposes only. I make no claim to ownership of the copyrighted names/characters, places, and events of other works mentioned in this work. They are the sole properties of  their respective owners. Please, by all means support the owners of such properties in the purchase and enjoyment of their works.

Pokemon: Vampires! ... Gotta' Stake 'em All!

"ALUCARD! ... I CHOOSE YOU!"

Pokemon: Vampires! ... Gotta' Stake 'em All!


Was wandering about the net and stumbled onto this. Not a fan of Pokemon (The babes in their late teens/early twenties doing Misty cosplay certainly turn ones' head though!) but, as a fan of horror films, I thought this was kinda' cute. Misty van Helsing ... Yeah ... Riiight!

Hmm ... do crosses work on vampires formerly Shinto and Bhuddist? Or atheists for that matter?

On another note, about a couple months ago, I looked out a window and, for a second there, I thought I spotted a pikachu. It was actually a chipmunk, but the way the sunlight hit the critter and it's black markings contrasting the yellowish cast, I did a double take.

Nope ... no such critter ...

Jus' sayin' ...

"And don'd efen 'tink of trying to stuv me into vun ov dose leedle fishing bobbers!"
Bela Lugosi Disapproves by Evertide on Deviantart.

Wikipedia Pokemon article here.

Evertide Deviantart entry here.


Go to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here.

Thank GOD It's (Joe) Friday!

"Just the facts, Ma'am ... Just the facts."

Thank GOD It's (Joe) Friday!


Just thought I'd post this.

DUM da DUM DUM! DUM da DUM DUM daaaa ...

The story you are about to see is true ...


Wikipedia article on Dragnet here.

Wikipedia bio of Jack Webb here.

Ex-Army blog article where I got the photo idea here. Don't necessarily agree with the last few sentences but the article is other-wise sound.

Clean Copper Clappers! here.


Go to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here.

Je Suis Charlie ... Martel!

Je Suis Charlie ... Martel!


If you know your history, you know what this is about.

Interestingly enough, about one in 15 Europeans are descendants of Charles Martel. He saved Europe in more ways than one!

Vive la France!

Vlad "Dracula" Tepes aka Vlad the Impaler. Another
favorite of mine. He knew how to handle the situation.

French national anthem La Marseillaise here.

French national anthem scene from the film Casablanca here. Nothing against Wacht am Rhine. I'm a movie buff after all.

Link to shirts 'n other goodies with the "Martel cross" here. I don't have any interest in that company of any kind. I just like the goodies. Gonna' get me a hat!

Link to the cartoon that inspired it here.

Ex-Army blog main page here.


Go to Jays Tee Vee blog main page here. Yer already there if there's other articles under this 'un.

Steins Gate: What the Hell's Going On! ... And Why Should I Care?

We all knew someone like this in school. And we
all wanted to beat the krap out of him. Still do ...

Steins Gate: What the Hell's Going On! ... And Why Should I Care?

Folks have been saying for several years now, that I should be giving this one a look see. I tried and ... well ... after two and a half episodes, I ditched it.

Now, I've nothing against shows that make me think. The Ghost in the Shell franchise, Serial Experiments Lain and several others are favorites of mine. What I don't like are shows that make me think ... that I have to take lots of notes in order to keep track of all the double/triple headers going on at once.

All I know from this mess is SOMETHING is going on with time, a microwave oven and a cell phone ... And that everyone is excited about ... something.

Not to mention the main character, a one Rintaro Okabe Kyoma Hooin whatever, is a LOUD, obnoxious, annoying jerk. That and a paranoiac as well. Pretty much the same reasons I don't care much for Trigun or Irresponsible Captain Tylor. Characters like Vash and Tylor get on the nerves. So does this show.

Jus' sayin' ...


Wikipedia article on Steins Gate here.

Go to Jays' Tee Vee blog main page here.

In Gods' Good Time: Chapter Twenty of an Angel Beats Fan Fiction Story

In Gods' Good Time

by

C V Ford


Chapter 20: Jacks' Story


"Mmmm ... Smells wonderful."

The aroma of popping corn wafted through Rachels' modest apartment, more than favorably registering on her olfactory sense.

"Yeah. The aroma of REAL popcorn ... ," the man answered as he helped with the dishes.  "'Course it doesn't compare anywhere near to that great Lasagna of yours."

The meal that evening had gone beautifully. The lasagna Rachel prepared was as every bit as excellent as she made Jack expect it to be. The two cafeteria salads, supplemented with the dressing from her kitchen and the red wine, rounded the meal out perfectly.

She turned from the sink, eyeing the near empty wine bottle on the table.

"That's about the last of it."

Duffy nodded toward the fridge.

"Managed to scrounge up the last four bottles of Coke for the movies. Been conserving it best I could. Special occasion and all. I'm glad it's this one."

"Wine, Coca-cola or no ... As long as it's you and me ... " pausing, looking at him, "that's what matters."

He looked down at the dish towel he held, frowning.

"Is something wrong?" Her concern surfacing.

"Yeah ... maybe ."

"What could-"

"That 'you and me' business."

Hesitantly, Rachel put her left hand over the two of his now tightly clutching the towel.

"Have I-?"

"That's just it ... Nothing wrong with you hon."

He looked up from her hand on his.

"The problem's with me."

"How so?"

"Maybe we should sit down first."

A few short steps to the dining area, they resumed their seats opposite, candles still lit.

"Just what could be the matter with YOU of all people, Jack? Ever since my arrival here in this crazy place, you've been wonderful. Not just in helping me adjust but-"

She stopped on his waving it off and noticing the pained expression on his face.

"It's something I kept putting off thinking about until ... Right after, in fact, you took me up on this ... uh ... date of ours."

She returned his look with a gently firm one of her own.

"You've something on your mind and think there's something in your past I should know ... that it might affect us both in some way?"

"Exactly ... There's some things I feel I MUST tell you before we let things go any further."

"All ... right."

Duffy took a deep breath, letting out half before continuing.

"I was ... considered by a lot of folks to be a strange kid ... I had ... 'problems'. Mostly school ... I ... "

"It's okay Jack."

"Oh ... Hell. I'm cutting right to it ... I ... I was institutionalised for a couple years ... They had me there- ... I was just a kid! ... Ten years old and they ... they put me away! Just like that ... I-"

The effect of Rachels' hands enfolding Jacks' was electric. He pulled away abruptly.

"I-I'm sorry! I-"

With no hesitation, the teachers' hands firmly regrabbed the mans'.

"Don't be," she said softly. "You've no reason to be. Go on."

The direct look in her eyes told Jack she to be sympathetic.

"Alright."

The awkward hurdle jumped, Duffy calmed and continued.

"Like I said, I was something of an awkward, weird kid. Obsessive ... episodic fits of temper ... overactive imagination. Given to wild fantasies about things I guess. I really don't remember much about what happened then except my parents alluding to several incidents at school ... again, I don't remember much ... prompted them to seek ... 'help' ... something about schizophrenia ...  At least that's what the ... uh ....experts ... called it.

"The so-called 'experts' suggested I be held for uh ... 'observation' ... in a place I'd rather not name. It was two years of so-called therapy with its' ... drugs, manipulation, mind games and ... abuse ... And what I mean by abuse I mean ... in every sense of the word."

"Oh Jack!"

"Yeah ... When it started going in THAT direction ... I ... I managed to spill it to my parents on a home visit. Dad took some action and I was out of there for a summer ... but ...

"They sent me back! They sent me back there ... that damn place. Guess the 'experts' convinced them other wise or they had a legal hold of some kind. But I was back there ... God ... DAMN them! ... the experts I mean ... I-

"Well ... my ... uh ... 'therapist' stopped doing what he was ... doing ... Probably thought I'd report on him again. And ... I was out after a few more months.

"Many years later, I found copies of some records stored by my parents. The bastard had signed off a clean bill of health on me ... to get rid of me I guess ... and I was out of there at age twelve. I was ten when I was put in ... just a ... kid ... "

"You HAVE been hurt. That much is plain. But you've been out of there many years now."

"In body, yes. In mind, I've kept myself there and let it get to me the rest of my life. Let it have a constant say in life and the fault is mine.

"That isn't quite all there is to it though."

"Oh?"

"My stay in that miniature looney bin was followed by a three year stint in a military school. Damn experts said there wasn't actually anything wrong with me and that my real problem was discipline and suggested I go there. Less said about that the better. All I'll say about it is it wasn't very good as a military academy ... Bullies and bedwetters supervised by nuns. All they did was pound into me the non-virtue of standing around waiting for orders ... To show initiative was to disrupt the order of things.

"I figured out later in life that that's one way how some others get ahead. Beat it into the heads of potential competition that thinking and action on your part is wrong, thus helping clear the way for them. While they have you convinced you'd be doing wrong so's to keep you from even trying, they'd be doing the same things and succeeding.

"And, to make it short, that's what I'd been doing the rest of my life. Waiting for the approval and consent of others ... Waiting for orders and having no initiative because I thought I'd be punished or penalised in some way. Things were just something to endure ... get through. Hell ... At the end of high school I didn't even attend the graduation  ceremony ...  Just another thing to get through.

"So ... for me ... life was just a series of things to slide through ... didn't apply myself much to anything. Was bad at relationships ... Wasn't the best boy friend in the world with what few women I'd been with ... Even my relationship with the Lord, I took the wrong attitude. Repentance requires living in a manner I wasn't much committed to. Salvation is empty and meaningless without that commitment.

"Thus, my life is ... was ... empty and meaningless ...

"I'm a loser Rachel. A loser because I let something from ... way ... back ... dictate the rest of my life to me. I knew all along that was the case but didn't care.

"There's a lot more to it but it comes down to the fault being all mine ... For not getting up on my hind legs and making a fight of it so to speak.

"So I'd understand it if you'd not want anything to do with me other than the work to be done here, I-"

"Sorry to disappoint you Jack."

"Say what?" The man looked up and into the eyes of a stern, determined looking Rachel O'Hara.

"You're really down on yourself, aren't you?"

"I'm-"

"You really like to punish yourself, don't you!"

"!?"

"Maybe you're one of those masochistic types who think breaking up is much more satisfying than hooking up. Maybe-"

"Now just a sec-"

"THEN MAYBE NOT!"

"Look! I-"

"NO! ... You look.

"Jack." She made his name sound like a definite statement. "Don't sell yourself short."

"Wait a-"

"You are NOT a loser."

"I-"

"If you were, I'd have no interest in you."

"But I-"

"Listen Jack and listen good." She waited to see if he'd try to speak again. Seeing he wasn't, she continued. "Up to this moment, I had doubts ... about myself."

"Your ... self?"

"Yes. I was thinking I wasn't uh ... for the want of a better word, ... 'worthy' ... to be near you until you just reminded me of something."

Jack cocked his head to the side with a questioning look.

"Look," Rachel continued. "My life isn't what you'd call Ideal or pristine either ... Everyone here ... you ... me ... all these kids ... are here for different reasons but they all involve sins of omission as well sins of comission. We're here because not only of things we did or didn't do but of things others did to or didn't do for us. If we were the perfect beings and had the ideal lives we would have liked, then ... Not only no one would be here but this place ... this school ... wouldn't even exist.

"You once said this place might be a test of some kind and I've concluded it is. If I were the one grading you, with the exception of the last few artificially pathetic minutes, I'd give you a perfect score."

"Rea-lly ..." He was dubious to say the least. "How so?"

"I've asked around. From what Yuri and the others say ... even Tachibana ... well ... When you came here they said you immediately took charge of your situation, took matters into your own hands. You started reconoitering the area ... assesed the situation and took measures."

"They looked on me as some kind of threat."

"At first, yes. Some thought you might've been the advance guard of an invasion of some kind."

"I guess they would at that ... what has this got to do with-"

"When you tried direct contact, you didn't push your weight around. You were calm, collected and polite in so far as the circumstances allowed. I understand you were even in a position once to gun them all down but didn't. That and the way you handled Kanade after made something of an impression."

"When was that?"

"The night when you first saw them coming back from one of their ... uh ... meal ticket runs," she giggled some.

"What's so funny?"

"Yuri said you were hiding in the bushes like some kind of commando or something."

"Never told them anything about that, how could- ... Had to be Shiina."

"Yuri and Noda watched at a distance but it was that strange girl ... Shiina ... who filled them in on it. Is she as good as they say she is?"

"Better ... Probably was standing right next to me the whole time for all I know ... I still don't understand how this has anything to do with-"

"YOU ... are more capable a man than you give yourself credit for. After you got here, you threw yourself into your work. From what I understand you more than earn your wages. You also aren't content to sit around on your time off. From what I've been told, you've done a lot of exploration of the surrounding area on top of your own interests. Much more than you've let on to me."

"Just filling in time, I-"

"Still down on yourself? That shouldn't be like you. Not at all-"

"Just a-"

"Let me make my point Jack."

"Just like a red head!" Exclaiming inwardly.

"What I'm trying to say is this ... After the ... When I came here ... I ... was ... scared ... I had no idea as to what was going on. I wake up in ... Japan ... Only to find it's not. First Tachibana then Yuri and her uh ... brigade ..."

Both gave out a laugh. Jack earlier noted Rachel also had Yuris' not so favorite anime in her collection.

"They give me the low down on an unbelievable situation. In spite of my being here so far, I still find it hard to take it all in. Though they told me all they could, a lot of blanks needed filling.

"So there I am. It's my second day here. Still can't  wrap my head quite around it. I'm in the cafeteria being absolutely GRILLED by what seems half the female population about where I'm from, when in walks up this ... GUY.

"He's kind of goofy and nervous at first ... Has a bit of trouble in what to say. 'Speaks' Japanese quite strangely and comes across as an unlikely cross between John Wayne and Woody Allen.

"Yet ... Has a strength about him I know I can trust and rely on. He's straight forward and plain talking on most things ... ," her grip softened then her thumb started caressing the back of his hand.

"But is kind of shy and reserved on others ... I ... I like it when he's around."

Jack held back a gasp. With a knowing twist to the mouth, he raised an eybrow and spoke.

"You trying to get me to disappear?"

"This may be a bit soon but ... If I do try to get you to uh ... disappear ... It's because I want to disappear with you. If we're to meet the Lord to be judged, I want to be before Him with you.

"But until that time comes, I'm quite happy to be spending my time here with you.

"As for your past ... c'mon. Like I said, no one here had perfect lives. You should hear mine sometime ... When I'm darn good and ready of course."

"Baby," Jack replyed, relieved an smiling, "you've got yourself a deal!"

xxxxx

Jack was pleasantly surprised at Rachels' choice of film. An earlier scanning of her collection revealed mostly an assortment of dreaded "womens films".

"Thelma and Louise ... Interesting."

"I felt it was the closest I had to the kind of movie you like. Still kind of a 'chick flick'."

"On the contrary. It's actually a guy flick ... It's only incidental that the two guys in it happen to be chicks."

"Uh ... Chicks, huh?" Right eyebrow raised look.

"Hey, you said it first."

"That I did."

xxxxx

Rachel was right. The few students coming and going by the lounge did add to the "theater experience" with some staying to watch. Soon, half the lounge was full of curious students quietly watching the American made films with the couple.

"Was it really like that in your country Duffy-san?" A curious one asked.

"Over twenty years before my time but yeah. The economy so bad, jobs so scarce ... People desparate for work, going all over to find a paying job. That scene you just saw-"

Jack noted Rachels' responding grimace at the bad grammar.

"-was real. Gable, Colbert and film crew were shooting that scene at the crossing when that train just happened to come by. The men on those flatcars, smiling and waving for the cameras, weren't movie extras. They were actual folks hopping trains, looking for work. The director decided to leave that shot in the film.

"I understand the Depression was even worse in Japan ..."

In watching the students responding to the films, Jack felt reassurance in the Left Behind-like "universal translator" or whatever it was this strange "afterlife" had, doing the same for electronic media as well as normal speech. He noted the odd Front uniforms dotting the audience here and there as well.

A couple off to his and Rachels' left stood out in particular. The girl having a look of curious speculation on her face while viewing the screen. Not being a TV watcher, let alone the possibility she might be from a past era to begin with, even an old black and white film would seem new and interesting to Shiina. The rather "worn" looking young man with her, patiently answered questions about what cars, trains and anything else appearing on the screen puzzling her.

"Poor fellow," Jack thought, chuckling inwardly. "I can only imagine what YOU'VE been through all day."

As if in answer to an unasked question, the lad looked at Duffys' speculative face.

"We thought you could do with some chaperoning." Grinning.

Turning back to the screen, Jack slumped back, neck on the couch while staring at the cieling, sighing and shaking his head.

"What?" Rachel smiling at his perplexed countanance.

"Irony ... all ... Is irony."

To be continued ...

xxxxx

Storyline and original characters (only) copyright © 5-1-14 C V Ford

In Gods' Good Time chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

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