The Laughing Wolf

Breakfast With Tammi

This morning has been a delight because I had breakfast with the delightful Tammi of Road Warrior Rules. We had planned to have dinner last night, but work and other delights postponed her arrival, so we decided instead to have breakfast. That proved to be a good choice, as we caught up and I am sure she got on the road with a good meal, some good coffee, and before the worst of the weather hit. The latter is a large worry for me. No, I am not worried about her ability to handle it or the state of her vehicle (good) but because of all idiots less capable drivers out there.

It was good to see her again and to catch up a bit on life and blogging. Tammi was also very happy with our table, which had her back to a roaring fire – something about not liking the cold, which it was not. Our hope is for a longer visit on her way back down, so we can catch up on all we did not get to today.

In short, a very pleasurable morning that neither storms nor power outages (Laptop 1; UPS 1; power failure 0) can diminish.

Haggis O’Tastee

What to do with five pounds of leftover haggis? Well, one thing to do is a breakfast treat of Haggis O’Tastee. Nope, no Mac in there as those overly litigious children of unwed mothers with doubtful parentage, poor hygiene, and dubious social habits who have tried to claim every variant of Mac there is for food I try hard to avoid would sue me. I would not be surprised if they did anyway for simply saying Mac in any context involving food. Go kill Kenny again you Stinky MacAnuses.

Ah well, back to the topic at hand: haggis and what to do with it. This morning, I converted some of it into patties, fried them up, and put them on a toasted English muffin along with some black-rind cheddar cheese. Not bad, not bad at all. Tomorrow or Thursday morning I plan to add some smoked paprika, maybe some other spices to it to kick it a bit, and try that with some egg this time. Will let you know how it goes.

LW

Kirking O’ Th Tartans

Sunday brought a real treat to several members of my Clan: A Kirking. This is a special church (Kirk) service which includes (usually) a procession of the tartans and a special blessing of the tartans. Despite my non-Christian status, such things are soothing and good for the soul, and this one even more so.

The church itself was quite nice and the people very warm and friendly. The preacher is from Scotland, as apparently are several members of the congregation. The sermon was quite good, though I must admit that with his voice he could have stood up and read the phone book and it would have sounded beautiful.

The Kirking went very well, and it was great to see so many in kilts and kilt dresses, as well as just wearing family tartan as scarves and such. After the service, there was a special luncheon of beef stew – or haggis. The haggis was very tasty, and some of the best I’ve had in the U.S. In fact, they overbought so we were sent home with about five pounds of it. More on that later, and for those squeamish, just think of it as either lamb sausage or lamb pate.

The wonderful thing happened afterwards. There was a ring of the doorbell, and there was a lady from the church, who simply came by to say thank you for visiting and taking part. She presented a pound cake and a magnet with the church’s information on it, and said she hoped to see us again soon. I’ve not seen that type of hospitality outside some of the country churches in rural middle-Georgia in the 60s, and it warmed the heart. Though I am not a Christian, I felt at home enough that I would have no problem going back for a visit or two, and not just for a Kirking.

LW

Show Trials Resume

What, did you expect revolutionary justice to stand still just because of some petty holidays? Nyet, comrade! The latest are here and should be read with care, for more will follow and the guilty held up for the example they are. Viva la Reagan Revolution!

LW

For Any Atlanta Readers: Dry Cleaners?

If anyone knows of a good dry cleaner in the Roswell-Alpharetta area, pref. between Holcomb Bridge and North Point Mall, please let me know. I need someone who really does dry cleaning and can handle wool, and does a good job of cleaning, pressing, and folding shirts. So many these days do a bad job on sleeves and backs, as they can hide those in the folding... Thanks!

LW

An Excellent Point On The Future Of Fallujah

Is right here. As usual, Blackfive nails it. While you are there, check out all the other good posts he has up right now. I also love his new name for the bridge in Fallujah, and agree with the last too.

LW

Justice No Longer Delayed

Val has been keeping us all informed on the status of a lawsuit against Fidel Castro for what happened to a true American. A man who refused to hang people out to dry on the basis of political cowardice. A man who did the right thing, knowing the price. An American who was murdered in cold blood, and who's body was desecrated for two decades in barbaric fashion.

Well, some justice is now done. Go read this, and follow the links to all the stories on this Val has done. Thank you Val, for making sure this story does not get buried, either by Castro or his friends in the Old Media and Entertainment Industry.

LW

A Post To Warm Your Heart

Is this one at Babalu Blog. It warmed my heart, brought a tear to my eye, and a nod at the final words.

LW

2004 Weblog Awards

The fine folks at Wizbang have opened the 2004 Weblog Awards nomination process. Go on over, and nominate your favorites for consideration -- I am.

LW

Welcome To Food For Thought Saturday

Saturday at the Laughing Wolf is a day for good news and food for thought. This got started because of my Blogfather, Joe Katzman, and his good-news-only posts on Saturday. While we will post other news if it is needed, our hope is to keep Saturday’s a fun day, a philosophical day as much as we can. So, enjoy the food for thought, and while you are at it, go check out Sufi Wisdom at Winds of Change, food for thought at Who Tends The Fires, and the Saturday question of the day at Road Warrior Rules for Survival. Enjoy your day.

Carnival Of The Recipes Is Up!

And it is another great one, this week hosted by Boudicca's Voice. Go check it out, and enjoy some good food, and even some good comfort food.

LW

Comfort Food

The last week or so have been hectic and stressful, and have seen me drive almost to Chicago and all around the area. Things have been good, and things have been not so good with some checks not arriving and other delights. So, I found myself yesterday wanting comfort food, in this case Russian comfort food while I was out for meetings. Didn’t get what I really wanted, but close enough. Had things been different, I would have loved more regular comfort foods of homemade mac and real hot chocolate. What are the foods that comfort you, and why?

LW

Two Good Posts

Are here and here at Baldilocks. Been too long since I linked, so decided to make a a two-fer. If she is not a regular read of yours, she should be.

LW
making the most of some free Wi-Fi between meetings and such

Doggie School Drop Out?

Or, welcome to Friday cat blogging wolf style. Boss Clara has put her paw down quite firmly with me of late, noting that I am not doing well in my obedience training. Something about no treats on demand, failure to make my lap available at all times, and failing to provide curry comb as needed. Guilty. She gets enough treats and lap when she needs it, so she is not really suffering. The combing I leave to others because of allergies.

Since I have put up the Clarence-the-crosseyed-lion shot and the I-just-passed-gas shot, thought I should put up something a little nicer, so here it is:

Clara, 10+ pounds in all her glory. May stop on the way home and invest a dollar in new catnip mice, just for entertainment tonight. Besides, video some of it and send it to one of the shows, maybe make some money. Who knows? Certainly not Clara…

LW

Orders I Can Live With

And a lot of others may live because of these orders given by a good officer. Read them, think about it, and think again. Our troops deserve more officers like this and more orders like this as well.

LW

Clan Donnachaidh Still Needs Your Help

Fair warning, this contest goes on for a week or so longer, so you will hear of it again. Especially since the lead seems to be see-sawing back and forth between Donnachaidh and Gordon. Go on over to Electric Scotland, look around a good site, then clear your cookies and please vote for Clan Donnachaidh! Thanks to all who have voted, and to all those who will vote.

LW

The Passing Of A Father

VW's father has returned to the light. Please go extend your sympathies and good wishes to her and her family, and support them in a difficult time.

LW

The Wedding Singer

I've been meaning to link to this for a few days now. I am not surprised that they asked, and hope that something does come of it as it would be good food for the soul. Go read about a fairy tale wedding, in all respects.

LW

Carnival Of The Recipes

Here is today’s entry, and next week’s entry may be the seared tilapia with tilapia cream sauce (and crowder peas; green bean & black-eyed pea mix; and roast garlic and cheddar mashed Yukon Gold potatoes) if it works out. For today, here is:

Linda’s Cube Steak

Hardware
Crockpot
Skillet
Bag

Ingredients
Cube steak
Cream of mushroom soup
Beef stock
Kosher salt
Pepper
Flour
Oil and/or butter
Other spices as desired

To prepare, season some flour in a bag, place cube steaks in, and coat. Sear the cube steaks in the skillet with oil or an oil and butter mixture. Place cube steaks in crock pot, cover generously with cream of mushroom soup, beef stock, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer all day. It will be flavorful and fork tender at the finish.

My thanks to my cousins for sharing the recipe with me, as it completely changed my view of cube steak. Growing up, let’s just say that cube steak was not my mother’s finest hour. Nor about anyone else’s I knew. This was good, and I am going to be rethinking my stand on cube steak as a result.

LW

UPDATE: This week's Carnival is being hosted by the delightful Boudicca of Boudicca's Voice. If you are a blogger, send her a link to your entry at recipe dot carnival at gmail dot com. If you are not a blogger, but want to participate, send the entire entry to her at the same address. The more that play, the more we all win, so get those entries on in.

Sites, Old Media, And Treachery

Yesterday’s post contained what some see as a harsh statement or three that may have touched a nerve in some. I guarantee it will touch a nerve in some media types, as I dare question what Sites did. I wish to make one thing clear: I have no problem with the work done by Sites before this point. Simply because I have never read it.

If you go search this catalog and this catalog, you are going to find a number of posts that deal with the media and the rules of media engagement. I term it that way as a lot of what is done in regards journalists and journalism is not enshrined in law, but in precedent. Other than libel and the broad brush of the Constitution, there is little formally on the books in regards the big J. Under the American system, precedent can be as powerful (or even more so) than formal statute. It can also change rapidly, which is why the Old Media has long been cautious of pushing the envelope because a single adverse decision can and does reverse decades of precedent. It can also lead to changes in statute, which is something to avoid as well.

What has happened over the years is that general freedom of the press, which at one point meant almost literally the actual press, is that a special class has been born. I’ve written before on this being a result of technology, and the limitations thereof. Technology is changing, and with it the way business is done.

Under the law, all Citizens are equal. Yet, for the entire life of the Republic, those reporting the news have been in effect a special class. This is particularly true for last century, when that class truly emerged as a force with protection of precedent. The reason for this was simple: the good of the Republic, and the limitations of communications technology.

Corruption in politics, business, and elsewhere is – alas – a continuing condition of mankind. Small amounts can be tolerated, but large amounts can have a severe adverse effect on both localities and the Republic as a whole. Exposing such, fomenting debate, and preventing/rectifying harm to those affected is in the best interest of all. Freedom of the press was intended to allow presses and publishers to print and communicate as many points of view as possible, so that discourse could take place and informed decisions made as a part of the Great Experiment. Reporters, who became known as press because of their affiliation with an actual printing press (and publisher), became a part of this because they spread news far and wide. In many ways, they were the only method of spreading news and diverse viewpoints as broadsheets and then papers could be mailed, carried, or otherwise distributed widely.

Reporters also began to serve another function. They reported on events, and in the process uncovered things. These ranged from conflicts of interest to outright criminal activity, and the result was that problems began to get attention and changes made. It was last century when this hit its peak, and might could be said to start with the meat industry scandal and end with Watergate. The mythology of this era is enshrined in the media pantheon, and the reality was that much good was done, along with a certain amount of bad. One undeniable reality, however, is that the judiciary issued rulings that stated that journalists had in effect rights not granted to ordinary Citizens because doing so served the greater public good.

This had the good effect of exposing problems which the Republic needed to face and surmount. It also had the bad effect of further enshrining journalists as, in effect, a special priesthood above the law. This is a mythos that has been embraced by the Old Media, and taken to considerable extremes. You will find many a member of the Old Media who feels that they answer not to America or American law, but a higher calling. Transnationalism has a strong following in members of the Old Media for this very reason.

What journalism claims to follow is presenting the truth, and doing so for the greater good. You expose what is wrong, get it taken care of, and everyone benefits. This is the intent of law and precedent, and in many cases it does actually work that way.

Towards this end, the American form of journalism does go beyond the law. The special status given by the courts is pushed for all it is worth, and such pushing is generally tolerated. That said, however, the practitioners of journalism are subject to the law and are specifically bound to various laws without exception. Eminent harm and major felonies are two such examples. If you know someone is in peril, you have an obligation to warn them and/or the authorities. If you have evidence about a major crime, you are supposed to provide that evidence as well.

Certain parts of this are obvious, but there is also a large amount of gray area below these two extremes and that is where precedent and other considerations normally move. It is also a subject of discussion in better journalism schools. One area so discussed is dealing with sensitive information. I have taken part in several such theoretical discussions, and know of many more real discussions.

The goal of any media outlet, in particular the Old Media, is to get the news out. You are to ensure that the story makes it out to the public no matter what. For when you are uncovering corruption or problems, you may find yourself facing anything from official blocking by the police or others, to unofficial blocking by knee breakers. Most of the time, things are less than that, but it is what you have to consider. You have to get the story past any roadblocks, and you use almost any means to do so. It used to be that reporters and photographers were good at palming and exchanging rolls of film, pads, and such so that what was confiscated, here and abroad, was not the story or the real evidence. If there were problems, you were to get creative and get the evidence and story to your organization.

Now a corollary to that centered on what was acceptable as a story, and how far could you go with any given story. This is the topic of many a theoretical discussion in school and in the workplace, and it is also the subject of much contention. I myself caught a certain amount of flack because I stated that I would not publish some things, especially if it might reveal critical information to our national enemies. I was told flat out that such was wrong, and that I had a higher duty to publish all, damn the consequences. I demurred.

An even better example is one I remember from growing up. At our local paper, an employee pulled a gun, put it to his head, and threatened to commit suicide on the spot. One of the photographers for the paper, one of the best in fact, had a choice to make: he could take pictures of the event as it happened, or he could try to talk the man out of it. He made the decision of a Man and did the latter, and succeeded. He also was apparently heavily castigated by some for failing his higher duty to journalism, and for failing to let the man kill himself and photographing same. This reached a point that he was allowed to write a column in the paper explaining and defending his decision, and word is that some at the paper still were not satisfied and felt he was not a real journalist.

I bring these tales up for a reason: to show some of the thought process behind journalistic practice, and to emphasize the technological aspect. Most of what is journalism law and precedent is based on technology a century or more out of date. Things have changed, and that also plays into things. The Old Media has refused to get involved with a number of “Freedom of the Press” issues of late, in my opinion because doing so would have “diluted” the definition of what is a journalist. That is most likely a post for another day, but is something to keep in mind while reviewing this particular case.

Mr. Sites saw a story unfold, and he faced a choice. Report or not report, and I am in no way surprised he chose to report it. He had options on reporting, and that is where I have my problems with his decision. The choices he made, to me, show where his head was on things. The number one dictum drilled in a reporter is to get the story out, get it back to your outlet and spread far and wide. This story appears to have reached Al-J and Al-Reuters before it reached his outlet. It also appears to have reached them before he ever provided any information to military commanders, if indeed he ever did. It may well be that they had to come to him. Again, given the undeclared war by the Old Media against the military and the indoctrination against the military in many schools and establishments, I have doubts that going to command ever even entered his head.

If he was worried about censorship, technology today provides many solutions not available to journalists of even a decade ago. I have a low-end version of a current ENG camera, and it plugs right into my laptop. I can download the video, send it out over the net, burn it to CD or DVD, and otherwise ensure that copies get out. I’m willing to bet that a reporter might even have access to satellite or other additional means of uplink in a situation such as this. Besides, today’s HD tapes are palmable in the best journalistic tradition. Therefore, I don’t see this as factor.

Had he gotten the report to his outlet and it run, I could have lived with the decisions made. They might not have been mine, but then again that’s the point. He had the freedom to choose.

No, where I have the problem is with his decision to send the tapes to Al-J and Al-Reuters, who are unabashedly anti-American and/or willing propaganda arms for the enemy. To me, that says that he was more interested in the story, in reaping glory, than in anything else. That he was willing to put those he was with in harms way for his benefit. That is why I ended my post yesterday as I did. Unless he was a pool reporter, that story should not have gone to those outlets as it did.

Based on the information I have at this time, it appears that Mr. Sites failed his duty to his organization, and failed a larger duty as a Citizen. He deliberately withheld information on a possible major crime (and no, I don't believe that it was such) from lawful authority, and provided that information to the enemy. He deliberately chose to put our troops and all other Americans (not to mention allies) in harms way. I find that inexcusable, both as a Citizen and as someone trained in journalism. I just wish that I found it surprising.

LW

Hook has some words on this as well, and Dr. Shackleford has posts here and here. Still love Blackfive’s post.

A Good Flavored Coffee

Okay, I am not normally all that into flavored coffees other than my fancy mocha. Yesterday, however, was a day in which I splurged and got some coffee to try from The Fresh Market. Now having tried the Death By Chocolate coffee, all I can say is wow. Stealing a bit from the movie Airplane, normally I like my coffee like I like my women, strong and black. This chocolate coffee, however, needs real cream -- but when you use it it kicks the flavor out of the park. Given how good that was, I can't wait to try the Almond Amaretto flavor, with and without the cream.

LW

A New Blog Map

Is up at the Politburo. Okay, so this is old but I am on dial-up so don't get around like I used to. The Wolf has been included before, and would love to be included again. Personally, I like the idea of being between Baldilocks and Malkin as it is always a delight to be between two beautiful and intelligent women. The Commissar would find me a very happy wolf in that case. Go check it out.

LW

Big Brother Indeed

This one goes under Politics for the Big Brother aspect. Go read this post at Technicalities and see the future. That is, if you let it be the future.

LW
Thinking that there are some feet that need some serious stomping

Marine Shooting Media Trial

Cox and Forkum sum things up beautifully with "Watch Your Six". Blackfive and Hook say it far better than I can. What bothers me the most about this is that the reporter apparently gave the tape to Al-J and Al-Reuters -- one or both of which are anti-American progaganda outlets -- before he gave it to anyone else including the military. In other words, he was more interested in glory and headlines for him, and giving aid to the enemy, than justice for anyone. He also did so knowing that it would place Americans and American troops in harms way. This was not a breathless crusade to see justice done, but a grab for glory with other people paying a blood price.

LW

A Quick Challenge

We are looking at a facade to put up in front of the Clan tent at games, and while good ol' quarter inch ply comes to mind, I would love to find something else to use. It needs to be light, weatherproof/weatherresistant, strong, and paintable. Any suggestions other than foamcore and gatorboard, which lack the weather resistance? Also, if anyone knows of a good source of square or rectangular PVC for joints and structure, please let me know. Thanks!

LW

Values And False Conclusions

Much has been made out of the latest election on the topic of values. Certain portions of the population see the election as a mandate of their particular beliefs and that they should be taken further. Others also see it through the same prism, though reversed, and want to make it all about those values and beliefs and the danger they pose. Speaking as a cranky independent, allow me to say that both have their sense organ cluster firmly imbedded in their ventral orifice and are creating a false reality based on a false conclusion.

This same basic conclusion, for us or against us, leaves out a heck of a lot of ground. A good example is yours truly and perceptions thereon. Despite the fact that I list myself as an Independent (Cranky) and even as a small-L libertarian, quite a few people seem to have the idea that I am some sort of right-wing Nazi simply because I voted for Bush (and support the war on terrorism).

Hmmmmmm. Let’s look at this semi-rationally and list a few things out:

* Drugs: The war on drugs is even less successful than Prohibition at stopping use or production, and even more successful at creating an even more violet and powerful underworld and attendant corruption. My position is that all drugs should be legalized.
* Sex: What happens between consenting individuals is none of anyone else’s business, most especially the government’s. Prostitution should be legalized and all consensual sex be decriminalized. The male who went to jail in Georgia for going down on his wife deserves a full and complete pardon, not to mention restitution from all those involved. Consensual acts harm no one, so get over it and let your neighbors do as they want without you peering into their bedroom. On the same note, if you consent to something one day, then change your mind the next, then it is not a crime, just a bad decision. For those who still don’t get it, consent is the key here, not age, gender, or anything else. Consent. A true rapist deserves almost anything that comes their way, preferably at the hands of the intended victim.
* Marriage: Is not the province of government. The government should not be in the business of certifying, codifying, or doing anything else in regards marriage. That is the province of the various religions. I support gay marriage/civil union, as I think everyone should have to play by the same rules in all respects. That means that everyone has the right to their union, and should that union break up be subject to the same laws on same as everyone else. Nor should any religion be forced to sanction or perform any union against their beliefs. For the record, I have nothing against polygamy, line, or any other form of non-traditional union either. Or interracial of any type. Quite frankly, that is up to the individuals involved and so long as it harms no one, then it is one of anyone else’s business.
* Religion: For a number of reasons, I no longer call myself a Christian, though I was raised in the Methodist Church and moved to the Episcopal later in life, earned the God & Country Award, and did some other religious studies. I am not Gnostic, Coptic, Wiccan, Pagan, or any other handy label. Despite what the Borzoi and English Werewolf may say, I am not Druid either, though I have been tempted to introduce a few people to the Holy Oak as guest of honor. Freedom of Religion means the freedom to practice your beliefs, whatever they may be, or to chose none of the above.
* Race: I try not to judge by the package, but what’s inside.
* Gender: I try not to judge by the package, but what’s inside.
* Orientation: I try not to judge by the package, but what’s inside.
* Self-Defense: Every individual has the right to defend themselves against harm. Period. End of Sentence. That right is not dependent upon police, security, or any other externally validated authority, but upon themselves.
* Weapons: All individuals have the right and the responsibility to own, carry, and use whatever weapons they choose. If they misuse them, and live, then they should be subject to justice. If they walk around looking like a bad Rambo clone, that is their right though I reserve the right to laugh at them (albeit carefully). I agree with Heinlein that an armed society is a polite society, and a safe one at that.
* Military: I believe in a powerful military, not necessarily a large one. Size doesn’t count, it is the power and precision of the blows. We have a fairly good one now, it should be maintained and made better, not necessarily huge and bloated.
* Tolerance: I do NOT have to approve of anything or everything you do, nor do I have to even like it. So long as it harms no one, I simply have to tolerate it. Forced approval has the same validity as forced religious conversion – none.

Okay, by these standards if I were a Nazi I would have to go out and exterminate myself. Ergo, the fact that I am still here means that I am not a Nazi or other similar ilk. Nor, obviously, does my vote for Bush mean that I am some sort of right-wing religious nut. No, I voted for him on the values that count, the values that both the major parties need to be thinking about.

* Integrity: Tell the truth. If you make up loads of stuff, from Christmas in Cambodia to magic hats pulled out of magic asses, you’ve lost me. You can caveat, you can go for extreme precision, but if you lie I will know and I will drop you like a hot potato. No discussions of the meaning of is or other convolutions, just the truth.
* Honor: Do what you say and try to do it the best you can. Live by your code, not the latest polls.
* Loyalty: Stand by those you serve, those you are sworn to protect, and other oaths be upheld. Be forthright about your oaths and loyalties.
* Duty: live up to your obligations, or die trying.
* Responsibility: Do what is right, not what is easy.
* Trustworthy: It comes with doing the above, with living up to the highest standards of conduct and life.

Note that not one of these is religious in nature, though almost all religions pay them at least some lip service. In that regard, they are almost universal rather than religion-based. Know well that these are the standards to which I will hold anyone from any party.

It would be wise for all parties to pay heed, for I doubt that I am alone in this. The last election was not a mandate for any religion or a call to arms for any extreme. It should, however, be a wakeup call for every politician in the land. The old ways are dead, and you can and will be fact checked, cross-referenced, and indexed to beat the band. You are on notice.

Live up to your obligations, and to the core values that count. Or you will find yourself in a world of hurt in the next election.

LW

Thoughts On Fallujah

All I can say is, Amen Brother Blackfive and Semper Fi! to those that left the messages.

LW

The Media and the Undeclared War: The Enemy Within

Go here and read the post for November 13: The Enemy Within? I've written before about the undeclared war by the Old Media against the military, but this sums up a great deal from an outside viewpoint. Thanks to Blackfive for the heads-up on this great story and interesting blog.

LW

Yes, Hades May Well Be In My Future

Ah, the simple pleasures in life. Hiding on the balcony and using the laser pointer to run the cat into exhaustion. Sprinkling out some catnip to feed her habit, as the great stoned kitty is a hoot.

Then, after knowing two young men who say they like scary movies have watched The Amityville Horror, wait until they have gone down into the basement to play. All I did was take a paw and slowly run my claws down the door to the basement. Oh, and lean against the door as two yelling/screaming 12-year-olds hit it so that they bounced.

There’s nothing evil in any of that, is there?

LW

Welcome To Food For Thought Saturday

Saturday at the Laughing Wolf is a day for good news and food for thought. This got started because of my Blogfather, Joe Katzman, and his good-news-only posts on Saturday. While we will post other news if it is needed, our hope is to keep Saturday’s a fun day, a philosophical day as much as we can. So, enjoy the food for thought, and while you are at it, go check out Sufi Wisdom at Winds of Change, food for thought at Who Tends The Fires, and the Saturday question of the day at Road Warrior Rules for Survival. Enjoy your day.

Roadside Shrines

No, I am not talking the old shrines of the crossroads and such, but rather the crosses and more that now line our roads. Should something happen to me on my journeys, allow me to ask a question to my executors or anyone else tempted to put up something to mark the spot.

Why in the name of all that is good are you celebrating my death?

What you are doing focuses in on my death, and ignores my life. You are ignoring all that I have been, said, and done in order to dwell on the manner of my passing. Indeed, what you are saying is that all that matters is the spot where, most likely, either I or someone else has royally screwed the pooch. Do you hate me so much that you must focus on that, and not on anything else?

What matters is not where I died, but how I lived. If you must have a shrine, complete with graven images, make it my burial place. Make it something that focuses on whatever little bit of good I’ve managed to do in the world. Celebrate the life in joy and laughter. Do not reduce me to the singularity that is my death.

LW

FrankenGirls

Boudicca has some good food for thought in this post to which I can only say “amen.” I plan to teach the same thing to my godsons and others like them, and note that I tend to avoid those of almost any age who do this. Go read and think a bit.

LW

The Carnival Is Up!

Well, it qualifies as good news in my book! This week's Carnival of the Recipes is up at The Common Virtue so go check it out.

LW

Friday Cat Blogging, Wolf Style

The picture pretty much speaks for itself. Really do have to post a "nice" one of her soon...

Enjoy.

LW

Clan Donnachaidh South Still Needs Your Help

The competition at Electric Scotland continues, amidst what I can only term some strangness on the vote count. If you would be so kind, please go vote for Clan Donnachaidh and spread the word far and wide as well. We need all the help we can get!

If we win, it would not only be a great honor, but would help us do some much needed things such as get new flags and flagpoles, fabric, and other delights to help tent and clan. My thanks to all who went and voted, and to all those who will go vote!

LW

A Quick Thought On Those That Did Not Show Pvt. Ryan

I don't buy the official reason. What I suspect is happening here is an attempt to poke a sharp stick in the eye of the FCC. A lot of broadcasters are upset with the FCC, and this was a cowardly and venal way to get that across. It was selfish and self-serving, and a disservice and calculated insult to our veterans and to the viewers they claim to serve.

LW

A Moving Tribute

There were many excellent posts about Veterans and Veteran's Day. One, however, caught my attention because of the self-honesty involved, and the fact that the person had the courage to post it despite any potential embarassment. We all do foolish things as children. What matters, is what we do as we mature. This post, says a heck of a lot good about the poster and provides some good food for thought for us all. Thanks for sharing it with us, Val.

LW

We Interrupt This Program

“You see Catherine, the insects were the key. Inside them was the answer that proved that the killer was…”

*scene flashes briefly to black, then to a news logo*

“Space Unicorn News interrupts this broadcast to bring you breaking news that I as Queen, I mean, leading news anchor and the heir of Murrow with the full power of my contract, have decided you must know.”

“Generalissimo Arafish is still dead.”

*screen flashes back to rolling credits from show*

No, I did not report on the death yesterday. Yesterday was a day to honor, remember, and celebrate all those who have served so that we might be free. I refused to dishonor their day by associating it in any way with that terrorist. I knew others would cover it, and I am glad they did. It was my choice not to, and to continue with my small efforts to honor those with courage, compassion, dignity, and all the other attributes of true patriots, leaders, and warriors.

LW

Some Thoughts On A Brave Person

All the coverage of Arafat’s death brings to mind someone whom I regard as a gifted and brave person. Someone who has not only risked her life to warn of the dangers of Islam, she is also the person who finished removing blinders from my eyes in regards Arafat.

Oriana Fallaci swept into my life one day at Columbia College Chicago like a whirlwind. The advantage of a journalism faculty that were all working professionals with decades of experience was not just in good teachers, but in outstanding guest speakers. Ms. Fallaci was one of those speakers, and planted seeds of which some are just starting to sprout.

It was an entertaining and almost overwhelming session. She discussed writing books, and how she had a servant tie her to a chair until a certain amount had been written each day. Hmmmm. Servants. Exotic Women. Bondage…. Ahem. My easily distracted male mind popped back, and I am so glad it did. One of the things discussed was Arafat, and Ms. Fallaci discussed her having asked him about his reported predilection for young boys. It seems he was shocked, them came to respect her because she did ask him the hard questions. You see, no one else asked him about this (and she stated it as fact) or about his participation in terrorism. Arafat’s aides apparently hated her, and a number of other journalists are reported to have been very upset with her as well.

My memory of her words is blurred, but she reported that she had been asked something to the effect of “how dare you ask him such hard questions, or ask about such things!” Her reply was given as being to the effect “How dare you not?”

Indeed, how dare we not. This was a theme picked up by some of the teachers present, and was hammered in over the next few weeks. Chicago-style journalism is supposed to be hard hitting, and if we wanted to live up to it we should dare. A real journalist should dare, and should report all the facts and a complete picture. This is something the Old Media has indeed lost, and in so doing have lost themselves.

All those years ago, Ms. Fallaci identified a major problem with journalism. Would that more have listened and taken the tack chosen by our teachers.

On this day, I choose to hold that memory bright, of a small woman who filled a room, and changed my life by not merely opening doors, but tearing down entire walls and telling us we could do the same. Thank you Oriana Fallaci, for showing so many opportunities, and by example encouraging others to seize them.

LW

Arafat

I’ve done this once before, but Momma told me that if you can’t say anything nice not to say anything at all.
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Enough not said

LW

Tuna Glop

Okay, it’s late, you are in a hurry, or just a broke student like I was the first time I made this. Here is a quick and dirty dish with just a little extra oomph, for not much dough.

Hardware:
Saucepot
Strainer
Fork
Knife
Cutting Board

Ingredients:
1 package store bought mac & cheese
1 can/package tuna
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Real cheese, sharp, medium, Colby, whatever
Salsa Brava or hot sauce of your choice
1 package instant onion soup mix

Make mac & cheese to directions. Add in real cheese, soup, tuna, and onion soup mix. Add in Salsa Brava or hot sauce to taste (I find a tablespoon or more helps). Enjoy.

OPTION: I used to add English peas to this, and it was quite good. You can use canned (small) English, lima/butterbeans, or other such and add veggie goodness as well as some colour and texture. Add at the start of boiling the mac if using fresh.

LW

To Our Veterans

Thank you. For your service; for your blood, sweat, tears, and toil; for giving of life and limb; for sacrifices small and above the call of duty; and, for standing forth against the dark so that hearthlights shine bright in our homes.

To The Families Of Our Veterans

Thank you. For all the sacrifices you make and the support you give.

Thank you all. Because of you, we have our freedoms.

Remember all that freedom is never free. Thank a veteran for paying the price.

LW

A Belated Happy Birthday

Goes out to the United States Marine Corps. Semper Fi!

LW

Clan Donnachaidh South Still Needs Your Help

Shades of the general election just past, but there are reports that not all votes are being counted -- or at least are showing up. So, follow that great Chicago tradition and vote early, vote often.

The competition at Electric Scotland continues. If you would be so kind, please go vote for Clan Donnachaidh and spread the word far and wide as well. We need all the help we can get!

LW

A Wonderful Celebration

Is going on here. Go celebrate, and congratulate upon, Poppa Bear’s birthday.

LW

Bite It Comment Spammers!

Well, in following up on this post at Accidental Verbosity, a partial solution (until they can be hunted down and dealt with) to some of the spam problems has been put in place by the wonderful Kathy Kinsley All posts over a week old will now have the comments turned off. As I have said before, Kathy does great work at great rates, so what are you waiting for? Go hire her right now! Thank you so much Kathy for all your help!

LW

Heh

This shows a part of what I had planned to write about today. Maybe tomorrow.

LW

Clan Donnachaidh South Still Needs Your Help

The competition discussed yesterday at Electric Scotland continues. If you would be so kind, please go vote for Clan Donnachaidh and spread the word far and wide as well. If we win, it would not only be a great honor, but would help us do some much needed things such as get new flags and flagpoles, fabric, and other delights to help tent and clan. My thanks to all who went and voted, and to all those who will go vote!

LW

A Thought In Regards Comment Spammers

I’ve just spent 15 precious minutes of my day dealing with spam that got past Blacklist. They are finding ways to defeat it, ways that mean I have to go through almost every spam comment and delete it individually. Add to this the fact that the new temporary lair is very nice and I enjoy it, but it also has no DSL or high-speed so I am on dial-up. The time it takes to deal with them is the time I had set aside for writing, so that may not happen today.

The sudden surge in spam comments is bad not just for me, but for a number of other bloggers I know. If it continues, I will have to discontinue comments.

This is not something I want to do, as comments are an essential part of this site and of rational discourse. It makes the site, and my day, to get good and thoughtful comments back. There are other ways to defeat the spam, such as a Turing test or some such, but right now I flat out can’t afford to add that.

Though a rational pacifist, I am fast reaching the point where I don’t see prosecution of the spammers as the answer. In fact, I am leaning towards going very medieval on them, dumping the parts in a crossroad, hearts destroyed, salt in their mouths, and one final thing done. Rather than their head upon a pike, I think it should be the literal part displayed to the world that matches the figurative shown to the world online. Nor do I think the pike should go in the usual place, but to leave such for whatever may come. Think rigid catheter folks.

Perhaps one or two such displays might deter many more.

LW

PS: Forgot to mention that in the best tradition, the "mounting" should take place at the start of the festivities, so that the spammer can enjoy it too...

Clan Donnachaidh South Would Like Your Help

Electric Scotland is hosting a competition for the best and most creative Clan tent. The top winner will be chosen from those who won at various games this year, and as Donnachaidh South won at the Alabama games, we are in competition. The problem is that the picture they have for us does not come close to doing our tent justice. If any of you would be so kind, go here and then click on the "Click Here To Vote For The Winning Tent" link and vote for Clan Donnachaidh. It would be very much appreciated!

LW

Fallujah Battle Underway?

Sky News is reporting that the offensive has begun.

LW

UPDATE: Confirmation is here and comes courtesy of Tammi at Road Warrior Survival. Good luck and Godspeed guys, and let us all keep them in our hearts and prayers.

Some Quick Thoughts For A Sunday

It is very interesting trying to get up when you have a lap full of cat that does not want to get up.

There is something soul-satisfying about a double-barrel shotgun with external hammers

I am spectacularly unimpressed with the alleged moisture barrier in Uncle Mike’s inside-the-pants holsters. If you have one, clean and oil at least once a week, if not more often.

There is something beyond mere satisfaction in cleaning and treating leather coats and garments

Despite how long it has been, I can still lay a nice bead of caulk if needed. Getting better at doing grout.

More later, maybe…

LW

Welcome To Food For Thought Saturday

Saturday at the Laughing Wolf is a day for good news and food for thought. This got started because of my Blogfather, Joe Katzman, and his good-news-only posts on Saturday. While we will post other news if it is needed, our hope is to keep Saturday’s a fun day, a philosophical day as much as we can. So, enjoy the food for thought, and while you are at it, go check out Sufi Wisdom at Winds of Change, food for thought at Who Tends The Fires, and the Saturday question of the day at Road Warrior Rules for Survival. Enjoy your day.

What Is Civilization To You?

This is actually a much longer post, but for today I wanted to consider what is one of the most defining things for a civilization to you. For myself, there are many factors but right up at the top of the list is bathing and sewage. Maybe it is because I have spent a lot of time camping and such, but these are major things for me.

I like the idea of being able to relieve myself in a clean, warm, and safe environment. Even better, I like knowing that the facilities are the tip of the iceberg if you will. There is no sewage in the street, I don’t have to worry about my clothes, and disease is under control. Even better, I don’t have to use a prescribed number of rocks or a bunch of leaves to clean up afterwards. The former is rough, on several levels and the latter can lead to interesting times if the wrong leaves are grabbed. Nope, it did not happen to me but did to someone I knew.

Even more, I love being able to have the resources to get clean. It is a mark of how good things are that one has bathing. It is water and energy intensive, and it means that you have both in abundance. It is a relative measure of the safety available that one can take the time to be without weapons and relax.

Using bathing as a criteria, there are three great civilizations through history: the Greeks, the Romans, and the Japanese. They were quite wealthy and could afford the diversion of labor, water, and energy to develop bathing as a grand art. Indeed, bathing was a social occasion as well, and the great public baths of each were a social center. That too is a mark of a true civilization in my book, for reasons I may have to go into one day.

So, what are the things that make a civilization for you?

LW

Cat Blogging, Wolf Style

Well, the new temporary lair comes complete with a new temporary boss: Clara. Also known as Clarise, Clara the Hut, Clara the S**T, and Clarabelle. She loves men and to curl up in the laps of males, and orders females around. A junky, Clara has quite the catnip habit, but only video will do it justice. She does make life interesting, and the wolf in me could not resist posting this picture of her. Enjoy.

Carnival Of The Recipes Is Up!

Go on over to The Glittering Eye to check out loads of good food ideas. Check it out!

LW

A Good Trip

Had to take some time to run back to Huntsville to recover winter clothes from storage, and also took the time while there to re-arrange storage a bit. If you ever need day labor in that area, Breaking Free Rescue Mission has always provided good help at a very good rate.

The truly great thing about the trip was running into some people I have not seen in a while. In addition to Mr. Mean, I also got my angel fix. I spent far too short a time with Miss A, who is growing like a weed and already passes for someone several years older based on size. At four, she already clears my waist by about a head, but is very four and I got to see her Barbie DVDs, stuffed unicorn, her Halloween costume, and much more. I also was recharged on hugs for a bit, and left feeling very good about the world, though reminded how much I miss her and her grandmother.

Not a bad end to a week, if I say so myself. More to come…

LW

Carnival of the Recipes

Here are a few quick entries for this week’s carnival. Enjoy!

Herb Poached Cod

Hardware:
Cutting board
Knife
Aluminum Foil
Grill or Oven

Ingredients:
Fillet of Cod
Fresh tarragon, dill, cilantro
White wine
Salt, pepper

On a sheet of foil, lay down a bed of herbs in the shape of the fillet. Place fillet on herbs, pour in small amount of white wine, season with Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, and seal foil packet. Roast until done.

Herb Poached Salmon

Hardware:
Cutting board
Knife
Aluminum Foil
Grill or Oven

Ingredients:
Fillet of Salmon
Fresh dill
White wine
Butter
Salt, pepper

On a sheet of foil, lay down a bed of fresh dill in the shape of the fillet. Place fillet on dill, pour in small amount of white wine, season with Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, and place pats of butter on top of the salmon. Seal foil packet and roast until done.

Dill-Butter Salmon

Hardware:
Cutting board
Knife
Grill or Oven

Ingredients:
Whole Salmon
Fresh dill, lots
Butter, lots
Salt, pepper

Take about a pound of butter, soften. Chop up lots and lots of fresh dill. Combine chopped dill with softened butter. Fill inside of whole salmon with majority of the dilled butter, smear some of what remains over the outside. Grill, low to medium, and replenish butter as needed until salmon is done. Enjoy.

LW

Ahhhhhhh

Things return to normal after the election.

LW

A Big Thanks Is In Order

I could not have said it any better. Thanks to all who made this possible, wherever you may be.

LW

A Note To Those Who Said

They would leave if Bush won. Canada is North. France is East. New Zealand and other charming places are to the West. Don't let the door catch you on the way out. Marissa Tomei (sp?) I will be glad to come get you ready to leave (hey, guys got to have a dream, right? My fantasy, her nightmare probably). Michael Moore: Free ice cream, all you can eat, waiting at the North Pole. That should get him moving.

LW

Some Quick Notes To Old Media Types

And a few others.

To Dan Rather: Bloggers are not a great machine operating at the behalf of Karl Rove and the RNC. Just because some prostitute themselves and their profession does not mean that everyone is a cheap whore.

To Karl Rove: If the money is right, I might be willing to be a whore. I am not cheap, or even inexpensive, but am worth it. Let's talk.

To Don Imus: I'd be careful about throwing stones and calling for the execution of drunks. Just saying... BTW, the Swifties are not war criminals but real heros who fought so that idiots can say stupid things in safety and comfort.

To My Bookie: I'll take the Swifties over Imus and any other media-type who threatens them any day. Any odds, even if the Swiftie is in a wheelchair.

To Chris Matthews, Lawrence O'Donnell, et al: Rabies can be treated, and foaming at the mouth is not attractive. Go away, get help, and deal with the fact that the Swifties showed class, grace, and professionalism. You could learn a lot from them...

To Tom Brokaw and other talking heads: Yes, bloggers are the peasants and the peasants are revolting. We, however, are not the source of the odor of something rotten.

More to come?

LW

Question Of The Morning/Day

Will Kerry and the DNC show some grace and class? Or, will we witness another schoolyard meltdown and temper tantrum with lawyers? Will the country put up with the latter yet again? Will Kerry grow a beard and lose it? These and other questions fill the world of Days of our Politics...

LW

UPDATE: Kerry has indeed shown class and grace with what I caught of his speech. Did anyone else thing THK looked relieved and even happy? Still wonder if he will grow a beard...

My Blogfather Hits The Nail On The Head

Just go here and read this short and sweet take down.

LW

Well, I Voted

What did you expect? I got lucky in terms of the time, since the line was already quite long when I arrived early in the day. As I waited, someone came out and walked down the line, letting one and all know that if your last name was in M-Z go on up. Three of us took the risk and it was true. About 10 minutes later, I had voted and was on my way. I had voted for some candidates,, against others, and on a number of propositions. My duty done, I went about my day and stayed away from coverage as much as possible.

Until the votes are officially certified, I will not celebrate any election. I expect a number of sore losers and a host of lawsuits and other events, so it really could be weeks before we have that finality. That said, I like the way things are leaning for President and in several other races. I do wish that there were a lot more real independents out there, but will take what I can and am glad to see some third party candidates. The challenge they make to the two major parties is much needed, for competition is not just for business.

More later.

LW

A Very Pleasant Surprise

Yesterday, after voting, I was running errands when I bumped into someone from my Aikido Dojo, Mr. Mean.

The name is a misnomer, but a fun one for he is mean – mean in a good way. He was and is a very good practitioner and teacher. When you went up against him, you knew you were in for it, and that afterwards he would show you exactly what he had done to you. More than that, he explained the why behind the what. Mr. Mean also did some special extra classes, even before he earned his black belt, and I was honored when he invited me to take part in them.

We took some time to catch up, and it was good to hear the news. I was less than happy to hear about a couple of things, including of an incident with a cowardly officer not fit to wear the Queens uniform, but glad to hear of those I have not seen in far too long. In turn, I caught him up on the situation with the shoulder and my intention to rebuild it to the point that I can go back to Aikido, no matter what the doctor said.

The last few days have seen several people come out of the past and into the present, and it has been most enjoyable. May there be many more such pleasant surprises.

LW

Today Is The Day

We always hear about rights in this country: the right to this, the right to that. Newton was correct when he postulated that for every reaction, there was an equal and opposite reaction. For every right, there is a responsibility, and there is no greater responsibility – and honor – than to vote as a Citizen.

We are not subjects to anyone other than to ourselves and that Union which we have agreed to form. We bend knee to no one and no thing, and our ability to choose our leaders and our destiny comes with a high cost. That cost is being informed, of taking the time to study issues, candidates, and platforms. That cost is setting aside fear, hatred, and prejudice to vote on the basis of merit rather than on loyalty to any other thing or set of beliefs. That cost requires time, effort, and both skull and physical sweat on our part to carry out, but that is a burden we should cheerfully shoulder. For others have paid a far higher cost, one of blood, life, and limb, so that we have this unprecedented opportunity. Those that defend us continue to pay that price.

We take this responsibility for granted, and denigrate it as a right rather than face what it truly is. Around the world, others are literally dying for even the chance at shouldering such a burden,. In Afghanistan, males and females risked bodily harm and death just for the chance to take up such a responsibility, and in so doing they set an example for us all. Yes, it does require time and effort on your part to study and learn; it is difficult to set aside the crutch of emotionalism and the abdication of party line; and, it will require you to stand in line with your fellow Citizens and give of your time so that your vote and voice will be heard. That is nothing compared with your ability to do so and the return that comes to us all from active and informed participation. It is nothing compared to what others have endured and given so that you can do so, and it is even less than nothing compared to what others have endured merely to start down this road.

Shoulder your burden and do your duty to yourself, your family, and the Nation of which you are a part. It is not merely enough to vote, instead one must vote on an informed basis. Spend the time today to do so, and in so doing express pride in our Republic and contempt to all enemies of freedom, wherever they may be.

LW

What Is At Stake Tomorrow

Val sums it up.

LW

Fantastic News To Share

I am not surprised in the least to find out that the leadership of the Army did something very right, and have decided to promote Sgt. Hook to Sergeant Major Hook. This is a man I much admire, and am honored that he reads me often. Top, the honor is indeed mine, and undeserved, but appreciate it. They did something right this time, and I'm very glad it came your way. Go on over and congratulate him!

LW

How Was Your Night?

I hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween, and a bright Samhain. I joined my cousins for the night, and we had lots of fun handing out candy and talking with neighbors and others. It was a lot of fun to watch the kids, particularly the young ones. It was a good night, and now a very busy day, so posting may be lite for the next few days. Stay tuned, more to come.

LW