Viktor, Russian “forest man”

Viktor, the Russian “forest man,” is described in a Huffington Post article. The article includes video which, however, was not accessible at the time of visiting; however, the original Russian Today interview is available on YouTube.

A Russian man’s decision to adapt a Robinson Crusoe-like lifestyle has made him an Internet sensation, but he now finds himself struggling to gain back a little of the peace and quiet that he says drove him to the wilderness in the first place.

As Russia Today is reporting, Viktor opted for a life of solitude in a treacherous Russian forest after failing to establish himself in nearby Moscow. His tiny cabin — complete with a self-built generator for electricity — is cozy and allows him to lead a simple, if somewhat introverted, lifestyle. “I am not a sociable person, I never drink and I do not like noisy parties,” he said. “This way of life suits me better …. I have good hands, and I love to build.”

URLs:
Huffington Post article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/04/russia-forest-man-_n_804212.html
Russia Today video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzW7ZHPKXlg

Bill Porter interview

A November 2010 interview of Bill Porter (aka Red Pine) in Beijing, China, can be listened to or downloaded from China International Radio’s CRIEnglish website. Porter is well-known for his books and translations, especially his 1993 Road to Heaven: Encounters with Chinese Hermits. In the interview (in English) Porter reflects on his life and work, and discusses the difference between the “small” hermit and the “great” hermit.

URLs:
website – http://english.cri.cn/8706/2010/11/17/1721s605500.htm
listen to audio – mms://media.chinabroadcast.cn/en/features/spotlight/2010/1117redpine.wma
download the mp3 – http://media.iphone.cri.cn/features/spotlight/2010/1117redpine.mp3

“Hermit Wanted” – short story

“Hermit Wanted” by British writer Mick Jackson is a short story about an ornamental hermit in a contemporary setting. The Guardian offers a downloadable podcast reading by Prunella Scales (22:16). Summary from the website:

When Giles and Virginia buy a big old house in the country, they decide to run it in grand style, complete with deer park, follies and peacocks strutting on the croquet lawn. Mick Jackson tells how the discovery of a cave in the woods leaves them with a situation vacant

URL: http://www.allvoices.com/s/event-7406412/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ndWFyZGlhbi5jby51ay9ib29rcy9hdWRpby8yMDEwL25vdi8yMi9zaG9ydC1zdG9yeS1taWNrLWphY2tzb24tcHJ1bmVsbGEtc2NhbGVz