The Myth of the Moderate Merkin

[pErvinalia]

I'll wear a dress...

[JimC]

[laklak]

Something demure yet fetching, and sensible but stylish moderate heels.

[pErvinalia]

I'll need some of those panties that hold one's tummy and love handles in...

[Brian Peacock]

If I want back to cab driving I was going to get one of those telescopic batons (or perhaps a short baseball like club) for protection. It's illegal here to carry that stuff around, but fuck that. As you say, I'd rather be I trouble with the police than leave myself open to attack and possible death.

They're illegal here too, unless you put a torch in the end. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Security-Baseba ... opic+baton

[pErvinalia]

Nice idea!

[Seth]

If I want back to cab driving I was going to get one of those telescopic batons (or perhaps a short baseball like club) for protection. It's illegal here to carry that stuff around, but fuck that. As you say, I'd rather be I trouble with the police than leave myself open to attack and possible death.

So why not carry a gun instead? It's a much more effective deterrent that can also project lethal force if necessary.

[Seth]

Although,, maybe it is possible to get pepper spray with a special exemption or something. That would do as well.

You have to be a woman to be allowed to carry pepper spray...

Don't you get to be a woman these days just by saying you feel like a woman?

[Seth]

I'll need some of those panties that hold one's tummy and love handles in...

Spanx.

[Seth]

If I want back to cab driving I was going to get one of those telescopic batons (or perhaps a short baseball like club) for protection. It's illegal here to carry that stuff around, but fuck that. As you say, I'd rather be I trouble with the police than leave myself open to attack and possible death.

They're illegal here too, unless you put a torch in the end. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Security-Baseba ... opic+baton

I'm reasonably certain that UK law includes an "any other device" blanket ban on anything that is, can or even might be used as an offensive weapon, which includes a hammer.

[JimC]

If I want back to cab driving I was going to get one of those telescopic batons (or perhaps a short baseball like club) for protection. It's illegal here to carry that stuff around, but fuck that. As you say, I'd rather be I trouble with the police than leave myself open to attack and possible death.

So why not carry a gun instead? It's a much more effective deterrent that can also project lethal force if necessary.

Because he's in Oz, where the evil gubment doesn't let us own hand-guns...

[Seth]

If I want back to cab driving I was going to get one of those telescopic batons (or perhaps a short baseball like club) for protection. It's illegal here to carry that stuff around, but fuck that. As you say, I'd rather be I trouble with the police than leave myself open to attack and possible death.

So why not carry a gun instead? It's a much more effective deterrent that can also project lethal force if necessary.

Because he's in Oz, where the evil gubment doesn't let us own hand-guns...

Well, throw the bastards out and reclaim your natural rights.

[pErvinalia]

If I want back to cab driving I was going to get one of those telescopic batons (or perhaps a short baseball like club) for protection. It's illegal here to carry that stuff around, but fuck that. As you say, I'd rather be I trouble with the police than leave myself open to attack and possible death.

So why not carry a gun instead? It's a much more effective deterrent that can also project lethal force if necessary.

well, one, you can't just go and buy a gun in Australia. I'd have to find some underground connections to get one. And two, it's far more illegal than a baton/club. I'd face jail time for owning an unregistered gun in that situation. And three, because of the former two points, it's almost impossible that anyone trying to rob me in my cab would have a gun. They are more likely to be using their fists or a knife. A nasty looking baton would do the job to discourage that.

[Brian Peacock]

If I want back to cab driving I was going to get one of those telescopic batons (or perhaps a short baseball like club) for protection. It's illegal here to carry that stuff around, but fuck that. As you say, I'd rather be I trouble with the police than leave myself open to attack and possible death.

They're illegal here too, unless you put a torch in the end. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Security-Baseba ... opic+baton

I'm reasonably certain that UK law includes an "any other device" blanket ban on anything that is, can or even might be used as an offensive weapon, which includes a hammer.

I think that blanket ban is only invoked in court once you've used something not on the main list as an offensive weapon. People have been prosecuted for using their cars as an offensive weapon, and I seem to recall someone being done for using crutches or a walking stick on the same grounds; and of course, this is why I personally have to be careful how I use my devastating wit in a public place. I mean, my bruises will heal in a few weeks, but the psychological and emotional scars I can inflict with a few well chosen words can do irreparable damage that lasts a lifetime.

[pErvinalia]

As I photographer, I have a monopod which contracts into itself to make a pretty vicious club with a nice grip and wrist strap. I use that when travelling in strange places overseas. I certainly get some worried looks at it (as if I'm going to bash someone with it) when using it that way in Australia.