Last edited by Gilgamesh2003 (2010-04-29 16:19:38)

You guys don't know how right you are.

Keep dreaming, Gilgy. But props for quoting myself back to me -- at least you're trying to come up in the world even if you're headed away from all things glorious.

--Q.

A 'Trad' or for that matter any individual or segment of society can bring discredit on more than just L.L. Bean or the possession of firearms. Jan and I have a shared perspective on firearms and the sadly oaffish behaviour by so many. But bad behaviour on another's part does not imply or demand I surrender anything on mine. To do so will receive my reply of 'The full 9 yards.' That is a english phrase, and a sack of wine gums to the person who explains it's origin.

Last edited by ckav (2010-04-29 19:13:49)

Gilgamesh has captured what was always so unnerving about the mid-life trad converts.  In reality, one could say the same about anyone who reinvents their self with some European style and identity.  They are like courtesans constantly seeking favor while denying their roots.

I picked up the OPH as an early adolescent, and admittedly was half-heartedly trying to pass myself off as some sort of elite heir.  Children have time for such things, but I grew up.  The style was ingrained, but the pretense vanished. 

My theory is that those who adapt the style without some radical transformation seem to be immune to the associated neuroses.

Close enough. It refers to the 27' fuselage mounted rails  of .303 ammo  in a british bomber armed with the 4 gun Bolton Paul tail turret. A gunner who became  overexcited or stayed on his night fighter opponent is said to have given them the 'full 9 yards.'
One of the more unusual Victoria Crosses involved a canadian tail gunner. His Lanc was heavilly damaged and the crew ordered to bail out. His turret hatch jammed  and parachute  opposite the turret inside the plane. The dorsal gunner made his way back and literally beat on the jammed turret with his fists unsuccessfully. He then took even more time to give his friend a military salute before jumping. The bomber hit the ground, turret snapped open and the gunner hurled @ 60' into a tree and snow covered ground. The germans were rather perplexed at capturing a RAF gunner without a parachute. His friend sadly died bailing out so low. On the sole testimony of the tailgunner, he was postumously awarded the V.C. in 1946

Last edited by ckav (2010-04-29 21:09:55)

I look at it all as  tailor's sheers hanging over me like Damocles, knowing I could be just as gently bewildered and foolish without a little humility,self humour and gravitas.