And that’s why his face attracts hookers
Maira Kalman’s continuing column for the NY Times explores the awesomeness that is Benjamin Franklin.
Interesting note: Franklin invented the glass armonica, which was used by Mesmer in his seances. Hilariously, Mesmer played the armonica for Franklin during their first meeting–never knowing it would be Franklin who would issue an opinion of Mesmerism so damning and influential that its effects would be felt even today.
And if that’s not enough to convince you, know this: Franklin was so money they put his face on the hundred dollar bill.
Weapon of Choice
There are many reasons why I don’t carry a gun when walking. Only two are important: first, guns are heavy, and, second, guns invite thieves who carry guns. I, alternatively, choose to carry an assortment of weapons, depending upon where I need to be and when I need to be there.
The first of these is a Chinese-style knuckle duster, bought for a couple of dollars in Chinatown. It’s cheap and dirty, and breaks open the skin the way you need to when you’re surrounded by five guys in daylight and need to scare them quickly.
Next would be a telescoping baton. After 15 years of Escrima, how can I not be comfortable with this in my hand? It’s my insurance policy during off-hours, in the middle of the night, when no one is around and 12 very angry men want to see how well stones bounce off my head.
The third is pepper spray. I usually only carry this when I know there’s going to be a riot and I might need to find a way through the crowd. It’s also the reason why I don’t deal with knives. I always thought a knife fight was a lose-lose situation — mace offers enough of an advantage against a knife or machete that I no longer deal with the bending and accidental cutting involved with carrying them.
All of this is not to say I don’t carry my appearing cane from time to time. There’s something about a good magic trick that scares the shit out of people that I just can’t get over.