Wooo-hooski.

Look what I got today.

Oh yes, an 1895 Nagant seven-shot Russian revolver... 1912 version. Yes yes. I'd been looking at this beauty at the local Army Surplus for some time. After receiving a tip as to its existence from a local man (and all-around procurer of such military oddities. we'll call "Dr. Zero") I stepped on down to the shop and gazed lovingly at it.

This little beauty is one serious piece of ordinance.

It fires 7.62x38R ammunition (fairly standard for lower caliber sidearms) but has one interesting feature: this ammunition is carried in a recessed shell casing. Meaning, the casing is probably a quarter inch longer than the actual slug. When the hammer is pulled back, the cylinder is moved up and forward to the barrel. A lip protrudes from the back of the barrel, aligned with the cylinder. When cocked, this action fits the casing snugly with the barrel -- eliminating gas expulsion when fired.

Oh yes, this feature is a thing of beauty. It cuts down on sound and recoil. This weapon, which I fired for the first time not an hour ago, is smooth and well balanced. A triumph of Russian production!

The history of the piece is most impressive however. Unlike in the picture above, my Nagant does not have a star emblazoned above the grip. That is because it is from 1912 -- produced and commissioned in the waning years of Tsarist Russia. That's right, Tsar Nicholas III was boss man when this puppy rolled off the assembly line.

It remained in use all through the early 20th Century, including the First World War, the Russian Revolution and World War Two. It is in prime condition, perfect action, no body damage. It even came with a World War Two-era holster and lanyard.

I enjoy it very much.

The best part: it was given to me as an engagement present.

[Gasp! Danielle is buying GUNS now?]

Well, today we went out ring shopping and she couldn't find anything she liked. When she asked me if I wanted a ring, I told her it wasn't really traditional for men to wear engagement rings; but, if she really wanted to buy me something, I knew of a 1912 model Nagant revolver at the Army Surplus. I was merely joking. Nonetheless she marched me right down there and we bought it on the spot. No waiting period! In a little under 15 minutes, I was the proud owner of this historical gem.

Hot damn.

[It should be noted that Danielle did in fact locate a ring she like this evening (after the gun purchase) and it is very lovely -- Idaho garnet on a silver band. And yes, I did buy it.]

For somebody in the communications business...

...I'm a terrible communicator. Just ask Mike Peck -- who scolded me dearly for:

A.) Failing to respond to even the most rudimentary and brief attempts at conversation.
B.) Failing to update this blog more than once every month.
C.) Being an all-around jackass.

There is a bright side to this of course. That being that I've been preoccupied. Meaning, I have much news to report.

So, on to it.

When we left off on May 03, I was suffering from a heapin' helpin of milk-sop angst. This has only slightly changed. In the intervening month I have sunk to the depths of poverty, been very angry with most things, gotten another job, been in a stage show, earned some money, paid a bill or two and had to suffer the effects of John Reuter moving to Sandpoint.

All told, I'm feeling pretty good -- which is rare.

So in more detail: that poem, which Mr. Glen adequately tore asunder like a carrior bird, was eventually read aloud by me at a stage show at the Panida Theater in town. "Behind the Mic" is what it was called, and consisted of 16 local "young" musicians, writers, poets, etc. presenting their respective "talents" in a big production.

My poem was a bit dark, I think. But I don't care. At the end of the show we were presented with a $15,000.00 check from a local philanthropist. Combined with ticket sales (we almost sold out the auditorium) each of us went home with $1,000.00. Which was very needed, as I currently have three bills in collections and my cell phone has been shut off for nearly a month (non-payment. Woo-hoo!).

Yes, so that was good.

I also am now an ex-smoking quitter. Yes, I tried to quit (for three weeks) and finally failed in a fit of stress and anger (who gives a sh*t if I die? What does it all matter? -- milk-sop angst indeed). Like most addicts, however, I'm currently making all manner of solemn vows to "quit again." We shall see.

The biggest news, however, is that sometime in September 2006 Danielle and I will be getting married.

Oh yes, you read that right. After about four years of dating (with two noticeable lapses) and two years of living together, we figured it would be a good idea to make it official. So far the response has been surprise (that I would ever get married) and non-surprise (that I would marry Danielle). All in all, it's been a positive thing, and my grandmother is very excited to have another Mrs. Hagadone.

I know, I know, it's not very "radical" or "contrarian" or "outre" of me to get married, but f*ck all that. As far as I'm concerned, we've pretty much been married anyway for the past two years at least. We just want to have a party. More details to follow.

So there you have it: my news from May 03 -- June 24. Now that we're all caught up I can resume posting angry denunciations of things instead of chortling on about trivial bits of personal minutiae.

Shazaam indeed.




This will be our invitation. "Bring Your Own Shells." Yeee-ha.