Well, never, ever, in my entire lifetime did I imagine a book of mine would be published with a flag merrily waving on the cover (even if the flag is sort of broken looking, like this one). I received the cover image and book galleys this morning from Donna at Paladin Press and Peder Lund, esteemed Paladin publisher, called before 8:00 a.m. to caution me not to “go wild” when I saw the unspecified “attention-getting” thing he and artist Bob were doing with the art. LOL. I never “go wild” with publishers. I figure they know what they’re doing, and…
12 CommentsMonth: October 2010
From C^2, here’s a perfect example of how we always, always have choices. No matter what anyone does to us. (Two minute video clip; apologies to those on dial-up.)
2 CommentsThey debunk it. And they debunk it. But no matter what they say, the story of the pink mystery goop remains as unappetizing as ever. Wanna pay $50,000 for a place in an underground community? (What’s up with this business of preparing to survive the end of the world, though? I mean, if it’s the end. Of the world. Well … uh, it’s THE END. Might as well spend your money on a big party instead of a dark hole in the ground.) “13 Steps That Would Guarantee the Next Economic Collapse.” And guess who’s busy doing all 13? Per…
11 CommentsHere’s a question for your weekend cogitation. Actually, here’s two. No, make it three: 1. What are some key differences in items you’d put in a bug-out bag and a bug-in bag? 2. Given your location and circumstances, how do you decide whether you’re more likely to need to bug out or bug in? 3. Assuming you conclude that you’re more likely to have to bug in than bug out, is a special bag for the purpose even necessary? I mean, after all, if you’re bugging-in can you presume you’ll already have everything you need right at hand in your…
14 CommentsI knew there was some reason I moved back to the NorthWET. Chanterelle mushrooms! Early fall is chanterelle season in this part of the world. But I hadn’t planned on hunting the elusive little critters this year. Been way too busy. And chanterelles, though they can be plentiful when you find them, usually require serious finding. But there I was, minding my own business, traipsing along a logging road with the dogs, and all these big, fat mushrooms were growing within about 10 feet of each other, shining like bright gold beacons not 20 feet off the road. The forest…
2 CommentsMaybe you remember seeing the strange query and the photo via Reddit.com. The story of the California student who found a tracking device on his vehicle. Well, faithful blog reader Sam just found the follow-up. The FBI fetched back their device and, even though the young man was reportedly completely cooperative already, an agent told him, “We’re going to make this much more difficult for you if you don’t cooperate.” I know that any empathetic person, especially one who’s been observing the onward march of the jackbooterie, can imagine how it feels to be on the receiving end of those…
6 CommentsA federal judge rules that it is constitutional for Our Glorious Leaders to force us all to buy health insurance. Ain’t freedom grand? And guess which clause of the Big Con justifies it. Just have yourself one tiny little guess. It won’t take long. Yeah, I know. This won’t be the last decision on the matter. And you can call it tyranny all you like (and you’ll be right). But it’s getting downright funny, the many ways in which that old Constitution can be folded, spindled, and multilated. The logic, if you can call it that, is hysterical. Actually, it…
9 CommentsWell, guys … here’s the deal on upcoming books. I mentioned that the Duffys discovered a layout error on Hardyville Tales. Throughout this entire printing of the book (3,000 copies), the text runs farther than it should into the gutter. (And I mean that in the printer’s sense of “gutter,” meaning the center of the book; no, I haven’t taken Hardyville into the metaphoric dregs.) The tales are still quite readable (I’ve got an advance copy and I’m having a good time with it). You just have to hold the book a bit wider open than usual, and your hands…
7 CommentsAmazing. A Harvard professor says something sensible. On drugs.
7 CommentsI’ve got a question to open up for comments. It feels like a dumb question — even a prejudiced one. But I have to ask it. Is there something about banking that’s inherently immoral or corrupting? I know bankers (“usurers”) have been hated throughout history. But I always figured that was mainly sour grapes and jealousy of anyone who has or controls money. It’s always seemed to me that bankers provide a needed service and one worth paying for. It also seems that banking, as a profession, is one that ought to inspire the greatest trust and trustworthiness. Granted, it…
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