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Talm
Mar 9, 2008 12:37:49 GMT -5
Post by swordmaid on Mar 9, 2008 12:37:49 GMT -5
Thanks! On thing though, it's not a weapon. It's a firearm (weapons are used against people...I only use it against paper). .22 caliber Kimber model 82. I have been working on this qualification for an awful long time....now I've finally got the hard part finished (offhand is the toughest). Lawsy, you get up early..... ;D
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Talm
Mar 10, 2008 10:26:25 GMT -5
Post by krue on Mar 10, 2008 10:26:25 GMT -5
I have to get up pretty early...It's a Navy thing...
Interesting distinction between "weapon" and "firearm". Since I've been trained by the military, every weapon that I've shot has been a "weapon". Although I've never shot at anyone in anger, I was trained specifically for that eventuality.
As a nurse, I'm considered a "non-combatant". That's okay with me. But when I'm in a war zone, I have to still carry a sidearm. That is for defense of myself and my patients.
So, since this is the Talm thread, I guess you could say that Talm carries a weapon!
I've heard some criticism about a 14 year-old boy being able to weild a weapon so well. Any thoughts on this?
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Talm
Mar 10, 2008 16:43:58 GMT -5
Post by swordmaid on Mar 10, 2008 16:43:58 GMT -5
Oho, yes, I've got thoughts...loads of 'em. ;D I believe self-defense is important, and in Talm's case, with no one, really, to look after him, he has to know how to take care of himself in a sticky situation. After all, wasn't it Teddy Roosevelt who said "Speak softly and carry a big stick?" I don't know how Talm does on the speak softly part, though..... Heheh, I noticed Book and I were getting sidetracked (as usual) but you come in and sneakily put us back on topic.
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Talm
Mar 14, 2008 11:31:38 GMT -5
Post by krue on Mar 14, 2008 11:31:38 GMT -5
Sneakily...that's me...
In YA Fiction, especially in the Fantasy genre, the author's goal is to create a character with whom the reader can identify. This age group, by-and-large, is just beginning to experience the difficulty with solving problems on their own. So, ever since Lewis Carroll and Alice in Wonderland, authors have been giving problems to these characters and then letting them work them out.
It's somehow empowering to read about a character with whom you identify being able to handle certain situations. In Talm's case, he learned from a young age to protect himself physically on the streets of Lilag near the harbor. Very much like the Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist, he is forced to grow up a little too fast but is then able to survive. Talm loses his innocence (which is mournful), but gains independence (which is thrilling). These contrasts in emotion make for a potentially interesting character.
Talm plays a very important role in the rest of the series...
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Talm
Mar 14, 2008 13:41:19 GMT -5
Post by swordmaid on Mar 14, 2008 13:41:19 GMT -5
GOOD!!!!! I'm just glad to know you don't KILL him. ;D
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