Chapter 2- Rendezvous at Fort Square

During the next few months my powers would continue to emerge. I was now able to run 200 miles an hour, shoot lightning from my hands with great ease, and turn myself into a blob of flame. Obviously, the flame trick was not useful, as it would set my clothes on fire. At the same time, my accelerated metabolism helped me lose approximately 90 pounds during this time. I also joined the gym as I figured it would help me with my superhero career. Having said that, I started working odd jobs as a means of income until I could find something more permanent. One of these jobs involved working in a warehouse that dealt with electronic goods; mostly radios and TVs though.

During this time, I overheard that a few of the workers were running a drug transport business on the side. Naturally, I started doing some snooping and learned that a major shipment would be coming within the next 24 hours. I also learned that this shipment was valued at 5 million dollars and that several armed henchmen would be overseeing this operation. Till this day, I am not sure what gave me the courage to step up to the plate. After all, what did I know about apprehending gunmen? I suppose that in good conscience I could not walk away from this.

And so it was… At 2 AM a shipment would arrive at 744 Fort Square. A legend would be born that night. I put on my homemade costume. Red and silver were my colors. With a large lightning bolt emblazoned on my chest and a ski mask to conceal my identity, I was ready for action. Three burly men exited the van and were getting ready to make the exchange. With this, I sprang into action. Running at top speed, I knocked them off their feet. I then proceeded to melt their weapons with my lightning. Suddenly, a large man smashed a chair over my head. I tried to get up but was unable to do so as the three original perpetrators were pelting me with a crowbar. A fourth man approached them and said, “Lets find out who this person is.” Unbeknownst to me the 4^th man was an undercover cop. After the men, put down their crowbars, he pulled a badge on them and told them they were under arrest. With in the next moment another 8 cops appeared and apprehended all of the perpetrators. I thanked the officer for his help and proceeded to walk away.

Before, I could walk away, he said, “Hey wait up. My name is Lieutenant Price. I have a few questions for you.” Over the next hour, I shared with the lieutenant what I knew. He then spoke to me about working for the police and help them with their undercover work. At first, I was reluctant to accept this officer. However, Lieutenant Price offered a salary with benefits, to train me in hand-to-hand combat, and to have someone tailor a costume that would look well… less goofy. Naturally, the public was to never know of this arrangement until many years later…

Epilogue… A Chance Encounter

Do you remember the 1959 smash hit “Pulling through the Years”. How about Hank Aaron’s 800th homerun, President Al Gore, or the television series known as Mr. Dugan? Of course not- it never happened. It certainly did not happen on this world or should I say universe? However, somewhere out there, in a plain unknown to us, all of these things happened or could happen. Very few know of its existence. Even fewer folks know of its whereabouts. For those who dare to know or try to understand, they try to grasp the “Flash Point”.

The “Flash Point” has been described as a crack in the universe allowing one to see mundane events as never seen before. However, be wary; the “Flash Point” is unlike any other gateway. The opening of possibilities leaves one open to a plethora of dangerous choices. Your choice can produce ripple effects understood by very few. All one can do is ride the “Flash Point”, appreciate its enormity, and pray real hard.

George Brittel, January 1924

I remember seeing an old man, speaking of my destiny. He kept rambling how the “Flash Point” sent him to help me finishing writing “Pulling through the Years”. Personally, I thought this was ridiculous. I was just a simple hobbyist fiddling about with my guitar. More importantly, I don’t think the world is ready for a female guitarist. I think I will stick to my original plan; nursing school.

Lucy Brittel, July 1958

I have to admit it was quite an unusual sight. A distinguished gentleman dressing as if he lived in the 1920’s asked me if I ever heard of the “Flash Point”. My first impression was to say “No”. However, I had the feeling that this was not the case. I am fairly certain I had met this individual many years ago. I don’t know; there is something familiar about him.

Jack Brittel, December 2009

We are the Sponge Bob Generation

Can you believe it my oldest boy is turning eight? Standing at 4 foot 2, he’s not a little boy anymore. As with all growing boys, their impressions of popular culture change. Sesame Street anyone? No thank you daddy, I think I’ll watch Sponge Bob.

Sponge Bob you say? Should I be worried about this? After all… In any case, I am not sure when he started liking Sponge Bob; however, Sponge Bob has clearly replaced Thomas the Tank Engine. Having said that, I did the responsible thing and viewed a number of the episodes. Ironically, it borrows much of its material from the old cartoons. Its use of language is interesting (to say the very least) as it uses analogies casually in its dialog. The following quotes are a few examples;

"Oh! I didn't realize it was happy hopping moron day!"


"I can't see my forehead.”

"All right! Which one of you flatfoots stole my lollipop?"

"Holographic meatloaf! My favorite!"


"You're nuttin' but pure evil, just like the newspaper comics!"


Obviously, the language can also be a bit crass. However, its much tamer than what kids hear in the schoolyard or bus on the way to school. At the same time, a number of its story-lines stress the importance of hygiene, treating your friends nicely, and working hard. Of course, with all the bantering taking place it is safe to assume that my child might miss this and other messages and will instead focus on the… well… bantering.

Needless to say, parenting in the 21st century can be very tricky as our children have far more viewing/playing options than I did. Despite it all, I understand censorship does not work as it only encourages the child to find a way to access the media through alternate methods. This is why as parents it’s important to review the media your children watch/play and have that parent/child conversation to fill in the missing blanks and correct misunderstandings. With this I close with the following quote, “Squidward, you're steaming. You're like a steamed vegetable, only smarter!"


Rock on, Rabbi Vigi!!

The other day my brother sent me an e-mail via Facebook in which he asked for an e-mail address that excepts large attachments. Naturally, I was wondering what this was about. Soon enough, I found out. Two days later, my brother sent me an e-mail in which he indicated he recorded a song in a studio and wanted to know what I thought about the tune.

Over the years I have heard him sing many times. From the early days when he was fiddling on his guitar, to his guitar recordings, to his performances at family weddings; a good time was always had. My other brother (Abie) also used to play the guitar. Over time, both of them improved their performance with practice. Having said that, there is no question Vigi took it to another level. Over the past few years, my wife and I attended several weddings in which he performed a part of the ceremony and at each wedding; he only seemed to get better.

By now, you must have figured out that I might have a strong bias in his favor. So… rather than write a review, click on the link below and let me know what you think.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=116540873979