there have been a couple of other similar complaints pop up on this thread, and I sympathize. I also used to (might not now, I haven’t had a lot of physical activity since the last time I found myself submerged...) sink, and that could be a real sticking point on some beginning swimmer courses/programs. I remember…

do most of the lessons involve trying to get you to do some sort of thing where you inhale and then just sit still and float on the water?

As much as I hate wearing a lifejacket, it’s smart.  No amount of swim training is going to keep your head above water if you loose consciousness - and that’s what a lifejacket will do.

due to nearly a decade of inactivity, I probably don’t anymore, but I also used to sink - I could even sink in saltwater with full lungs. It was slow, and by the time I got more then a foot or so under, I’d have to resurface due to being out of breath. On the other hand, I could empty my lungs and sink to the bottom…

that seemed pretty reasonable.

fucking hell.

so, wait...

If you are going out doors at all, take an orienteering/landnav/map and compass course, and try practicing a bit.

it’s not as reliable, but with experience, you can compare the local topography to the map to get an idea of your location.

part of the reason why I wear boots - otherwise my pants leg will drag on the ground.

sleeping? showering? commuting?

I don’t think you even need open space, just as long as you can find a spot to position a ~16ft “+” shape (probably more at 14ft with the overlap and such, and you could cut the logs shorter, it would just mean more effort for using the lever..) -if you are in woods, you could likely use trees in place of the posts in…

All you really need is the strap/rope and a cutting tool - folding saw, hatchet, large fixed-blade, etc. I’m pretty sure the guy in the second vid said they were standing dead wood, so if there are enough trees in the area, you could likely just find some dead ones and push them over.  I’m of the opinion that if you…

It’s some rando who’s demanding her time and energy simply because he can.

Nobody on the Right currently argues in good faith. If they did, they would be arguing against the Right, as the Right is currently just a bunch of racists and trolls, and is morally and logically indefensible.

I was under the impression that the major reason you need to see a judge about a change of legal name is to try and ensure it’s not to avoid debts or commit fraud.

ETA: in case there happens to be anyone out there who feels we should we polite language when we’re harassed, I should mention that telling him to fuck off was 100% a gut, panic response.

oh shit, I just remembered being carded at a hardware store as a teenager for trying to buy machine screws and nuts, I guess they thought I was going to use them to build a bong?

I did get carded for buying acetone and spray paint at Home Depot...

I mean, I do sometimes need an ID when I buy groceries, but that’s because I’m buying beer.