Author Archives: Joel

Now that things seem to have cleared up a bit, I have to go. But I want to say a word about Ian’s newest video. People familiar with Forgotten Weapons may be aware that Ian is a southpaw, and may … Continue reading →

We are experiencing technical difficulties. Please shelter in place and cooperate with the authorities. The hoarders and wreckers shall not prevail!

It’s the little things. In a life on the economic edge, tiny things you once so took for granted as not even to notice become huge. Because they were never really small at all, you know. Things like surpluses. After … Continue reading →

Ex-wives and traffic lights Busted pipes and busted hopes Politicians and lying bosses (but I repeat myself) Who promise whatever it takes for you to crawl in that bear’s cave But all you hope is the paycheck don’t bounce And … Continue reading →

From here, via Borepatch. Mine’s better. Holy synchronicity, Batman, I was watching Conan just last night. The DVD’s still in the drive.

I guess it’s better than “all men are rapists,” though the writer probably agrees with that canard, too. From Boston to Baghdad, from Kabul to Korea, from Aurora to Newtown, the world is imperiled by angry men feeling disrespected, their … Continue reading →

I forgot to mention – your package arrived safe. I thank you, my co-workers thank you, and the boys think you’re a god.

A few months ago I posted a meditation on how boyhood beliefs are betrayed as one grows older. Something else I was taught when I was a little boy: There are two signs of a nation that has drifted or … Continue reading →

When I was a little boy, this was the way spacecraft were supposed to behave. They were supposed to be prettier about it, though. The bullet-shaped airframe, the swoopy tail fins, I suppose those will be on the working model? … Continue reading →

I can’t even believe this. I examined it from all sides for signs of satire, detected none. Williams-Sonoma Pulls Pressure Cookers Off Shelves in Massachusetts Williams-Sonoma, the specialty retailer of home furnishings and gourmet cookware with over 250 stores in … Continue reading →

Yay! It wasn’t there yesterday, but as of this morning I’ve got actual running water in the Secret Lair! Also I think I fixed the Jeep, though I’ll have to put a few miles on it to be sure. Got … Continue reading →

After the uprising of the 17th June The Secretary of the Writers Union Had leaflets distributed in the Stalinallee Stating that the people Had forfeited the confidence of the government And could win it back only By redoubled efforts. Would … Continue reading →

After we (oh, how I hope) fixed the well pump, Ian and I went to Landlady’s with his pickup and the Jeep trailer and loaded up all the broken bits of stucco wire (stucco included) and headed out to the … Continue reading →

I do not have faith that my fellow Americans will exercise proper target discrimination. Ian mentioned this phenomenon to me Saturday morning while we were stuccoing. I was busy and forgot it till just now, when I decided to see … Continue reading →

No, not this one… Shall I show you one of the most useful of all emergency gadgets for off-grid living? One that you will hopefully go years without needing, but that on “that day” you will bless yourself for having … Continue reading →

LOLWUT? Yeah, but you don’t need an ‘assault weapon.’ So turn’em all in, Mr. and Mrs. America. Alternately, you could just do like she does and get yourself an armed security force that somebody else pays for. That’ll solve your … Continue reading →

Ian’s still here, Landlady having headed for home. Ian doesn’t want to leave until he can get all his fruit trees in the ground, but the second box was delayed and won’t be here until tomorrow earliest. He’s working on … Continue reading →

We’ve seen one example after another of the phenomenal success of protective laws, as those who give up liberty for security remain safe and secure, warm and well-fed for all their tranquil lives. Or at least until they are killed … Continue reading →

It’s been a busy week, and I haven’t been following the Boston thing as closely as I might otherwise have done. Like a true American I never let ignorance get in the way of my heartfelt opinions, but that doesn’t … Continue reading →