This was a week for getting reminded of unconventional freedoms — and unconventional Outlawry (though some might call it just plain criminality).
First, we got fascinated with Christopher Knight (aka the Maine Hermit), whose solitary life some found irresistible. Imagine speaking only one word to another human in 27 years and sleeping outdoors through 27 northern winters. Imagine doing that, yet remaining so un-resourceful that you think stealing from a camp for handicapped kids is a legitimate way to survive.
Then yesterday afternoon, NPR interviewed Mike Brodie — not their usual sort of book author. At 27, Brodie is a freelance auto mechanic who disdains any claim to thinking of himself as a writer or photographer. But at 17, he started hopping freight trains, taking along a Polaroid camera. Now he’s published A Period of Juvenile Prosperity, a photo memoir of that Outlaw life.
Most of us are more respectful of property than the Maine Hermit and more settled than Mike Brodie’s friends. But tell the truth: Do you envy them a bit? Do you sometimes wish you could just walk away from the life of earning and spending and getting, the life of being responsible, filling out paperwork and carrying credit cards and IDs? Do you sometimes long even to give up some of your comforts? Do you think you could do it in the future? Or have you done something like that in your past?
I’m not asking if you’re ready to chuck it all, or if you approve of train-hopping hoboes or thieving hermits. Just wondering if you ever feel the urge, ever acted on it — or ever might.
Strange bedfellows. But I’d be willing to commit a whole lot of unnatural acts with the ACLU as long as they’re on our side on guns and databases.
Great idea for great activists. And great use of the power of social media. Sure, the thugs could rip the bracelet off, but surely this would give them pause.
Maybe you have to know the people and place involved, but I think this video from Joel and Friends is a screaming hoot.
Let’s just say you had one of these. But in semi-auto. With quite a few extras. (Here’s a more thorough description.) And you wanted to sell it — legally but preferably privately. And unfortunately most of the people in your area were either a) broke or b) bolt-action hunting rifle kinda guys. How would you go about it?
The “nuclear option” for Facebook privacy. Well, not really. The real nuclear option for Facebook privacy is (as many here know) avoid Facebook. But if you want to log in so you can do things like “like” Ragnar’s Freedom Outlaw page, then the above is the lower-megaton nuke option.
Speaking of the Freedom Outlaw page, I stole this typical bit of wonderfulness from it. Can’t know whether it’s truth or legend, but it could be truth, with the right pack of daring young men. So enjoy. And yeah … “Go, Aussies!”:
You know, it takes a lot more brainpower to write long, thoughtful, personal posts than it does to toss out a little news (maybe accompanied by a bit of snark or righteous indignation). So while I continue working on the “Perspective” Blog Tome, news (and one really good laugh) it is for today.
This pertains to yesterday’s “Perspective” blog. Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project defines four types of personal energy and notes that contemplation (which includes decision-making and other inner-directed things) requires the highest form.
“‘Pirate Bay’ for 3D printing launched.” Not sure how this will affect Greylock’s UDT-1A Project. (Care to comment, Mark?) Sure seems like good news for the world, though. Now the big question is: How long before the fedgov finds a way to do a Bradley Manning or an Aaron Swartz on bold innovator Cody Wilson?
Now for the hilarity. This isn’t new, either. But if it doesn’t give you a belly laugh even after repeated viewings, check your pulse because you must be dead.
(Source for those who can’t see the embed. Tip o’ hat to L.)
With even “safe” states contemplating monstrous anti-gun crap like this, it’s heartening to see firearms and equipment makers (who in the past, with rare exceptions like Barrett, have tended to be compromising weenies), responding like this. (H/T JB)
And here’s a book you don’t have to wait for. And that’s free. And online. Security Engineering. Endorsed by Bruce Schneier, who knows whereof he speaks. For both uber-geeks and we more simple-minded folk who just want to protect ourselves and our technology. (Another tip o’ the hat to JB)
Finally, take THAT, DiFi! And all your state-level statist ilk.
Parody alert: Small Hispanic women aren’t the only ones (speaking of the “only ones”) cops shot because they looked didn’t look like Madman Dorner. (H/T MWD, and to JS for pointing out that this news is so close to reality that it has to be a joke.)
OMFG. Here’s an aspect of cannabis legalization that not many of us considered (when we really should have): Regulation might be put into the hands of — gasp! — the ATF. (Also H/T MWD)
Why do people never get it? If store shelves look like this after a single snowy weekend, how are they going to look when something really serious hits? (H/T JB)
Sheesh. I think we need an adorable dog picture here for a little sanity break. (This one is also H/T JB — but not the same JB :-) )
Surely some of us have lefty friends who are nevertheless pro-gun. (Yes, they still exist.) Here’s a bumper sticker you might want to encourage them to adopt.
Thanks and an apology to all the people who sent or posted these great links. I’ve been saving some of them for a week and don’t remember who-all found them. So I can’t give proper credit. But you’re all brilliant, I’m sure. :-)
