tecznotes

For comparison:

"The last bit of Earth unclaimed by any nation-state was eaten up in 1899. Ours is the first century without terra incognita, without a frontier. Nationality is the highest principle of world governance--not one speck of rock in the South Seas can be left open, not one remote valley, not even the Moon and planets. This is the apotheosis of "territorial gangsterism." Not one square inch of Earth goes unpoliced or untaxed"

- Hakim Bey, found at Temporary Personal Urbanisms via Adam.

We stole countries! That's how you build an empire. We stole countries with the cunning use of flags! Sail halfway around the world, stick a flag in. "I claim India for Britain." And they're going, "You can't claim us. We live here! There's five hundred million of us." "Do you have a flag?" "We don't need a flag, this is our country you bastard!"

- Eddie Izzard, rendered in Lego.

Imagine living hundreds of miles from your nearest neighbor, having groceries and mail delivered by airplane a few times each year, and battling long, harsh winters with temperatures that plummet to -51 C. Such are the living conditions chosen by the hearty few who inhabit America's last frontier: the Alaskan bush - a spectacular land of rivers and mountains so remote that many remain unnamed. Through the cameras of National Geographic, you'll enter the lives of four families who have turned their backs on civilization to fulfill their dreams of living off the land. Join these modern-day pioneers as they face the daily challenges of survival - hunting for food, staying warm, and fending off grizzlies. You'll experience America's pioneering spirit through these remarkable people who are BRAVING ALASKA!

- Astonishing National Geographic documentary, very much worthwhile. Watch it, buy it.