January 31, 2005
Go Read Lileks
Of course, you should be doing this about every day, but today's is outstanding above the norm. I love the description of the finger being kept in ice, for the people of Iraq have indeed given a finger of ice to some truly deserving orifices.
LW
Anyone Else Want Google Ads Gone?
I just don't think they are up to prime time in a lot of ways. They sure are not making me any money, and take up a good bit of space that could be used for things of use to you. What do you say?
LW
A Quick Musical Rant
No, not on having gotten infected with the Llama song meme again (I just use ELO's I Can't Get It Out Of My Head as the cure). Nor was it finding myself headed away from where I needed to go upon leaving the area of Wolf Park and going instead towards Lafayette Brewing (Habit is now ingrained that when leaving the area after dark it means going there). No, the rant has to do with radio.
The area where I now live is just far enough away that I get no music from any large cities such as Indy or Chicago. There is no real alternative music here, esp. rock. I am sorry, but the soulful allure of rap continues to elude me. Tonal, pitch, and other variations on the repetition of "Shake it Baby Shake It" don't wash as music any more than "Baby Baby Baby" endlessly repeated was music in the late 60s. That is what passes for alternative cutting edge music here. There are a couple of good oldies stations, but I want to hear what's coming, not what has been most of the time. The local classical station (yes, there is one) is, alas, affiliated with transNationalistic People's Radio, which means that when the music stops my finger is usually hitting the buttons pretty quick. Sigh. Hope I have just missed real cutting edge, but right now I really miss 99x, DaveFM, and the good Campus station in Atlanta.
LW
A Good End To The Week
And I hope it bodes very well for the start of the week. I was invited Sunday to dine with a select group and enjoyed it very, very much. Because of the schedule for today, which also means I may not be posting much today or tomorrow, I had to leave before the movie started. To ease my pain at such, I was treated to the Llama song and the Badger song before I left. Dinner was delicious, with a venison balti (a tomato curry and prepared by a Donnachaidh kinsman, good cooking really does seem to run in the family) and homemade vegetarian lasagna, along with other treats and sweets. A great way to end a week, and to start any week that comes.
I also want to thank Mr. C and Kiltbaby for the pioneer porridge, which was good -- esp. with a runny fried egg on top and cheese added to the porridge. Very tasty!
More soon, I hope.
LW
January 30, 2005
Blogroll Changes
Okay, I'm trying an experiment to make the blogroll a bit easier to use. I've started breaking things up a bit to make it easier to find things by specialty. Any and all suggestions for categories are welcome; any and all suggestions for blogs to go in a certain category are welcome; and, if you don't like where you are give me a logical and compelling case and I will consider it. This does not mean I will add your suggestion or move you around, just that it will be considered and that all such reasonable and rational efforts will be very, very much appreciated. While I am no where near finished with this, I've run out of time and steam for today. That said, I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
LW
who wants to thank Sapper Mike for his help and suggestions. Keep 'em coming!
What Wonderful News
To wake up to this morning. Go to Mudville Gazette for a great round up, or go to Buzz Machine, or go to Chrenkoff or even Instapundit and take a look. Most of all, be sure to click the links so you can see what the people of Iraq have to say.
I am in awe of them, just as I was of the Afghan people when they voted. So many here can't be bothered, and these people faced death to go vote. Literally faced it, not just having some faux trauma be seared, seared I say, upon their brains. They stood up to the murderous thugs who would pull them down, and voted. I am so glad that so many gave the finger (see photos) to the thugs. Congratulations. You start a long road, but it will be one of your choosing. Good luck with it.
LW
Carnival Of The Recipes Is Up!
Kin's Kouch has a manly take on cooking this week. Lots of good stuff there, plenty to try and enjoy, so go on over and start digging in.
LW
Musical Meme Tag
Okay, Jim has stuck me with this and while I don't think I have a keen artisitic sense here is my take with a small twist. Also, Jim, allow me to quote Maude and remind you that "God will get you for this, Walter." :)
Random 10:
1. 10,000 Maniacs MTV Unplugged
2. Alan Parsons Pyramid
3. Bond Born
4. Book of Love I Touch Roses
5. The Cars The Cars
6. Dido No Angel
7. The Doors Strange Days/Waiting For The Sun
8. Loreena McKennitt The Visit
9. Evanescence Fallen
10. Garbage Version 2.0
Seven More For Grins:
1. Gerry Rafferty City To City
2. Heather Alexander Midsummer
3. Jean-Luc Ponty Cosmic Messenger
4. Dvorak Symphonies 8&9
5. Warren Zevon Excitable Boy
6. Seven Nations Big Dog
7. Talitha Mackenzie Solas
1. What is the total amount of music files on your computer?
947 songs, 5.62 Gb
2. The last CD you bought is:
Not sure, it was either Evanescence or Sarah Brightman (Classics)
3. What is the song you last listened to before this message?
On the computer: O Come, O Come Emmanuel from A Scottish Christmas
In Pups: Don't have a clue
4. Five Songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you.
Rebel Yell by Billy Idol
Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
March of Cambreadth by Heather Alexander
Home and Dry by Gerry Fafferty
Africa by Toto
5. Who are you gonna pass this stick to (four persons and why)?
Val because I like his style
Baldilocks because I like her style
Da Goddess because she has made some good suggestions before
Kathy Kinsley out of sheer curiosity
LW
hoping to get introduced to even more good music...
January 29, 2005
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.
Good News For The Day II
An election is being held in Iraq; indeed, around the world the people of Iraq are voting in the first real election that may have ever been seen there. Far from the unanimous re-election of Saddam, this is a political brawl in some ways that is seeing choices undreamt of before. If you don't think this is a good thing, then go listen to what is being said by individuals in Iraq:
Iraq The Model
Free Iraqi
Hammorabi
Also check out IEDs-Iraq Election Diatribes and maybe IraqPundit will resume posting.
Read what they have to say, follow their blogrolls to other Iraqi's, and listen. Also, take a moment to thank them, for they risk much to do what we oft take for granted. They are targets for daring to speak freely, to lead, and to grow. They would be even before irresponsible parties abroad try to tar them with unsubstantiated charges of working for the CIA and other organizations. The courage they show is a wonder, and at the very least deserves our sincere and profound thanks. All you risk is a small part of your day. Think about what they risk every hour of every day.
Elections in the face of a determined evil assault. It that is not good news to think about this day, then I don't know what is.
LW
Good News For The Day I
Go read this excellent post. To my mind it is some of the best news of all, because it means that we leave the future of this world in good hands.
LW
A Funny For Saturday
Courtesy of Craig at mtpolitics comes this gem of a Star Wars III trailer parody. Drink warning in effect, it is long, but there are several options for download. Enjoy a laugh to start the day.
LW
January 28, 2005
Friday Wolf Blogging
The weather is cold, but the sun is shining. What's a wolf to do?
Why nap, of course, on fresh bedding placed out in the sun. It is a wolf's delight, and not a bad way to spend a quiet hour. Made me want to do the same, truth be told. Don't forget, if you are in or near (within 3 or so hours of) Lafayette, Indiana, come on out to Wolf Park for the Saturday night Howl Night this weekend.
LW
Clay Pot Chicken
This week's recipe is easy to do, all you need is a clay pot or a clay pot cooker.
Hardware:
Clay pot/clay pot cooker
Knife
Cutting Board
Oven, set to 250
Ingredients:
3 chicken breasts or one whole chicken
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper
Smoked paprika
40-50 cloves of garlic
.25 to.5 large onion, chopped
Goose Island Hex Nut Brown Ale (optional)
To Prepare:
Preheat over to 250 degrees. Chop onion and place in bottom of clay pot. Smash garlic cloves, remove paper, and place cleaned cloves in bottom of pot. Add some beer. Take breasts/chicken and coat with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Place on top of onions and garlic, close cooker. Place in oven and cook a few hours. Enjoy.
LW
January 27, 2005
Remember This Day
Madness reigned, and people ignored it. The hate, the focus, the words, and the deeds were ignored or excused. It was nothing, and less than nothing to those nestled safely elsewhere, ignore it and it will go away. Worse yet were the ones who defended the madness, who embraced it and called it patriotic, right, and necessary. They gave it legitimacy and room to grow.
Under this cover, the buses came, and the trucks, and the special police. Under this cover, the trains ran, and the smoke began to rise. The tales were there, but quiet and easily ignored by all who wished it away.
Then real red war was waged across the lands, and the troops came. The walking skeletons came forth, the piles of bodies documented for the world to see. Loot was there too, from pockets and mouths, and even as wallets and lampshades.
Madness had been allowed to reign, and millions died. Jew, Gypsy, Pole, and More.
Millions died, beneath the comforting cover of ignorance and lies.
Think on this today. Look at the world with unblinkered eyes. Look at the Balkans and see the graves. Look at Saddam's Iraq, and stare into the graves. Look at the Sudan, and stare into the graves. Look at the world with unblinkered eyes, and throw off that comforting cover of lies.
Madness still reigns, and people still die whilst new panderers tell minute man lies.
Remember the past, remember the cost, remember what it took to put paid that madness let roam.
Millions died in that butcher's bill. Remember it well, for Never Again we swore.
Never Again I have sworn, for we have not the excuse of ignorance if in cowardice we cower under the threadbare cover of self-imposed lies.
LW
January 26, 2005
Go Sign The Card
As pointed out by The Commissar, go sign a card to go to our troops. We need to get the numbers way up on this folks, and now.
LW
A "Short" Caption Contest
Is up at Argghhh! The first caption and the sixth are my favorites, though the last reminds me of my last real qual.
We had done the formal work with the M-16, and went to full auto. It was the first time in a long time with an M-16, and I was used to something a bit heavier and with more kick. In this portion, you aim a bit low and let recoil walk the gun up the target, such that you start in the abdomen and end in the upper chest or even head. I forgot how light the recoil was an on M-16, and so overcompensated. Waaay overcompensated. My shots started around the ankles and finished in a glorious Ed Ames -- that's right, my shots blew the crotch out of the target. The range master looked at the target, looked at me, and said something to the effect of "Boy, you better go finish him off, because when he gets up he is going to hunt you down and hurt you." Never did live that one down...
LW
Those Who Fail To Learn From The Past
Are doomed to endless summer school, or at least one heck of a spanking from Citizen Smash. As if the first spanking were not enough, someone who obviously failed both regular and summer school history came back for more. A third time, and he qualifies as a masochist and should be turned over to Mistress Heather (yes, a CSI reference) since he seems to enjoy the spankings waaaay too much. Bravo Smash!
LW
Book Review: Blog
I took the time recently to read Blog: Understanding The Information Reformation That's Changing Your World by Hugh Hewitt. If you are a blogger, much of what is in there is already well known to you not only from his own site, but from the much fuller discussions that have occurred "in the tail" of the blogosphere. If you are not a blogger, but are in business or communications, then this book is a must read for you.
What it does is lay out exactly what has happened to communications in the last few years, contrasting it to the introduction of the printing press and the Reformation. This is done with a great deal of thought, buttressing fact, and a fair sense of style. There is hyperbole, fortunately usually only a sentence or two at the start of a chapter, but there is a good bit of food for thought enclosed. Hugh makes good use of data in regards circulation and viewership, information which I had been studying just a few days before reading his book, so I can attest to the basic accuracy of that material as presented. Of course, I also like the fact that he picks up on some of the arguments made in some of my media posts, since the printing press lies at the heart of our freedom of the press.
I am not entirely comfortable with some of where he appears to think blogging should go, but am surprised that some of the dirty tricks blogging has not been tried (or more apparent). While I hope that blogging does take some different routes than those mentioned, I do strongly endorse the idea of businesses bringing in bloggers to talk to them about blogging. Having anyone else do so would be like having virgins to come in to talk about the joys of sex. For myself, I would recommend anyone in communications look long and hard at blogs, for they are going to play a major, if not the major, role in mass communications in the coming years.
Blog is a book well worth reading, particularly for non-bloggers. If you are in communications, it is a must read.
LW
January 25, 2005
Happy Birthday Mr. Burns
No, not the one in the comics. The one who is the poet and responsible for many an ode to a haggis. Robert Burns was born this day, as Ith and Straight White Guy remind me. Will have to hoist a dram to his memory this night, and mayhaps even read a poem or two. Not one of his best known, but one of his best is Nine Inch Will Please A Lady and he had a flair for satire and bawdy humor (find Louse and his comments to same) not taught in most classes. In fact, the poem cited is one I found in high school reading a collected works, and it set me on a mission to find others like it. Nothing quite as good, but quite a bit of bawdy, rowdy, and interesting fun. I also discovered that he hated Czar Catherine and wished her all manner of creative ill, to the point that his descriptions of what should be done to her would make a great S&M story. Nope, not what most think of, but then again I have always had a low sense of humor. I love his high poetry, but also like the low, and to both of those and to the man, I bow and say "Thanks" this day.
LW
Heh. Call Canada
Smash, as usual, hits it over the fence. Go read, work safe if you can keep from laughing out loud... Smash? Thanks! Great points, very well made.
LW
The Fifth Column
This man gets it. If you are in media or media studies, read it and think on it a bit. He ties together a nice short package a lot of what I have said in this series and in many of the posts in this category.
Link courtesy of Kathy at On The Third Hand.
LW
January 24, 2005
Peeping Tom Peter
As in cottontail, that is. One thing about the recent snow is that it allowed me to track some of the local rabbits that live around the apartments. Seems that one of them has been checking out the lair, as its prints come up onto the patio and to the sliding-glass doors, stop in front of them, then go on away. I wonder what it makes of the living room and such...
LW
Happy Birthday Val!
This weekend was Val's birthday and he spent it in New York. Just as with Jim of Parkway Rest Stop, it appears that Val got a lot of very small gifts this weekend while in New York. Hope the day was great, the new year bright and warm with all the right things, and that you have had/are having a great time in New York despite the snow.
LW
Into The Light: Johnny Carson
A legend made real has passed. I can remember the delight when I was finally old enough to formally stay up (as opposed to sneak out) to watch Johnny. His monologues were fantastic, and were worth the price of admission. His guests were good, crossed a broad spectrum, and almost always entertaining.
Extra laughs were in place one night when Blake Clark, who was someone I knew and who even taught at my high school for a short time, made his first appearance on the show. Blake had served in Vietnam, and his experiences there formed some of his earliest material. Johnny was stunned when Blake admitted that he was more scared coming on the Tonight Show than he had been in combat. He then all but collapsed in laughter when Blake came out, did his presentation, then all but fled the stage running.
Also, who can forget the night with Ed Ames? Ouch.
I could go on, for there are many from which to choose, Take your pick.
He showed class, sensitivity, and a sense of fairness that is sadly lacking today. He was a patriot, who served in the Navy in WWII, and was always kind to the men and women of our armed forces. No offense to those left behind, but none of them are fit to hold his coat, and he will always be the true host of the Tonight Show.
You have been missed for some time, but thank you for all the laughs and fun.
LW
January 23, 2005
What A Day!
Speaking strictly for myself,Winter Wolves was a nice success! Despite the weather, we had a fair turnout though I suspect some did stay away. After all, the television was full of dire warnings and predictions, but they did not seem to match reality. Wonder if it was yet another case of the models being right and the Earth being wrong... Other than some back roads I took, there were no problems though I did discover the racing tires, while technically snow rated, are not truly snow and ice rated. Took the turns carefully, and made it over in very good time.
Now, I am not saying it was a balmy day, just that I was well dressed and prepared for it, up to and including two containers of fresh coffee. The sad part is, I stayed out and so busy, I didn't get to drink much of it nor did anyone else.
howl on, brother! »
January 22, 2005
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.
Are You Prepared?
The election is over, things seem calm, and all your emergency preparations just don't have the same urgency as they did when spiced with a hint of fear. So, are you letting them slide? Are you forgetting that disasters come in all sizes and shapes, and from a variety of causes?
Are you prepared for the vagaries of seasonal weather? I ask as I watch the snow come down, heavy though not as bad as I had thought it might come, and think about my preparations (full preparedness archives and Prepearedness Week). Are you prepared for what Mother Nature can do? Are you ready for loss of power, heat, water, and more? Are you prepared to go outside and take care of things, or even drive somewhere, if the weather gets really nasty? Are you prepared to be caught out away from home, and have to make it back or go to a safe place?
Think on this a bit today, and then act so that you are prepared. For you can't fool Mother Nature...
LW
January 21, 2005
Nikon For Sale
In unpacking, I realized that I have not used my film camera in years, probably about five or more. If anyone is interested, I am asking $300 for:
Nikon FM2, black body, good shape, unused for several years
Nikon MD12 motor drive
Camera strap is free
Nikkor 50 mm lens, manual, 1:1.8 w Nikon L37c filter
Nikkor 135 mm lens, manual, 1:2.8 w Nikon L37c filter
Sunpack Auto 522 flash unit with sync cable(s?), AC Adaptor, spare battery holder
Bottom mount bracket for Sunpack
Windsor W-14 top mount flash, never used by me
Tamron 2X teleconverter for Nikon
Hoya Varicross filter
Tiffen CC30R filter
Nikon B 12 filter
Nikon A 2 filter
Nikon Soft 1 filter
Nikon L37C filter
Nikon Y52 filter
Tenba P595 Pro bag
Some misc. dust removal gear
Price is cash, shipping extra, no guarantee since I have not used the gear in so long. Would love to find it a good home where it would be used and respected. It was and is one of the best manual cameras ever made, in my not-so-humble-opinion. Drop me a line if interested.
LW
Be Careful What "Slick" Comes...
Signal understood, just be careful that it is a slick coming in and not a Slick W...
LW
having a hard time not laughing his tail off...
Friday Wolfblogging
Winter Wolves is this weekend, snow or shine, so come on out. Meantime, here is a photo of Marion The Barbarian to keep you warm and to entice you on out to visit:
Also, to give you an idea of how fast the temperature dropped in the last storm, here is a picture of the rain spout outside the lair:
I am adjusting and now have farmer's boots, snow pants, and am eyeing a few other new purchases to deal with the weather. Good timing too, since most of the stores are now doing clearance sale on winter clothes, long sleeve shirts, and the like. Being cheap, I can deal with that.
Enjoy your weekend!
LW
Book Review: The Genomics Age
This really should have gotten done before Christmas, but with the move and such it did get delayed. Actually, that is only part the reason: The Genomics Age by Gina Smith (ISBN 0-8114-0843-5) was interesting, and I took my time with it as a result.
You hear a great deal in the news and other hype about genomes, genes, and genomics. What has been sadly lacking, in my view, is a clear and fun overview of just exactly what it is that is being talked about. This book is a very good primer on the entire subject, and takes you from the basics to some discussions of the ethical and legal implications of what the biological revolution means to you. Yes, you, for this subject is affecting legal cases (DNA evidence), medical diagnosis, medical treatment, insurance, pre-natal decisions, and may alter the human race.
One of the delights in the book for me was a very simple and easy-to-understand definition of gene expression. It is a term oft tossed about that most people really don’t know and can’t explain. I remember vividly someone trying to come up with an explanation that a certain NASA Administrator could easily understand, and this book has it. Think of a light switch: if the gene is expressed, the switch for that gene is on. If it is not expressed, the gene is switched off.
It is a fun read in many ways, with lots of good quotes from scientists, ethics specialists, and others involved in genomics. My only complaint overall is that the design of the book was a bit distracting, and I wish the sidebar quotes had been different from the quotes in the text – it would have made a great way to emphasize points.
For all that it is science, there are ethical issues, legal issues, and a host of political issues. While I think the author’s opinions on the politics do come forth, I also have to admit that the book is one of the most balanced that I have come across. As a supporter of individual rights and liberty, I share the concerns of many over genetic privacy and related issues, and the book gives a start to understanding this major challenge.
If you like science, are interested in learning about genomics and how it stands to revolutionize law, medicine, and maybe even the human race, then this book is a very good start.
Disclaimer: I was provided this book as a review copy and did not pay for it.
LW
Carnival Of The Recipes Is Up!
Hosted this week by the always educational Caltechgirl, who teaches us the A, B, C's of cooking. Go and check it out, and I have my eye on a couple of very delicious, and warm, sounding dishes.
LW
January 20, 2005
Laughing Wolf Scottish-Style Meatloaf
The same box of Mornflake that spurred the cookies also caused me to make a meatloaf. Not bad, not bad at all, so here it is:
Hardware:
Medium to large mixing bowl
Knife
Cutting Board
Spoon/Fork for mixing
Loaf pan
Oven, 350 degrees
Ingredients:
2 lb ground meat (I used beef and pork, lamb is good too)
3/4 cup oats
1 egg, beaten
1 cup V8, Clamato, or tomato juice
.5 large onion, chopped fine
1-2 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced fine
1 t salt
Fresh ground pepper to taste
BBQ Sauce
Worschesteshire sauce, dash
Smoked paprika (optional), large pinch
Cinnamon (optional), pinch
Ground nutmeg (optional), pinch
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and beat one egg in mixing bowl. Add in all ingredients but the meat and BBQ sauce, and mix well. Mix in meat. Put mixture into a loaf pan, and put a very light layer of BBQ sauce on top. Bake for one hour and let stand/rest for at least five minutes before serving.
Enjoy.
LW
January 19, 2005
Geek PDF Question
Just got asked a question I've not been hit with before. Has anyone ever heard of a PDF file that will open but not print? In checking, the originator has pulled it up on both Wintel and Mac and been able to open, read, and print; however, one or more people that have tried to do this have not been able to make it print. I'm stumped, how about you?
LW
Playing Tourist Without Ever Leaving Home
A source of much amusement whilst traveling in England and Europe are watching Americans deal with traffic circles. They can be a bit intimidating, but now you to can play clueless tourist without ever leaving home. At least here in northern Indiana, where there is a traffic circle not far from the new temporary lair. Have no idea why it is there, almost in the middle of nowhere, but there it is.
I have already watched a couple of people panic when hitting it, and have to admit I have laughed at them. It is fun to watch people hit it who have no idea it is there and have clearly never dealt with one before. The most fun I have had with it was during one of the recent storms, when it was covered with snow and ice and made for a fun and interesting ride. In fact, was tempted to go around it a few times building up speed just for grins, but sanity prevailed.
Yes, I am easily amused…
LW
Space Pen, Playboy Airbrushing, And What Men Want
This post by Michele asks a good question, but at the same time makes a statement that tends to get my hackles up about as much as that base canard/urban legend about NASA and the Space Pens. While I can’t speak to what Playboy does now, I can tell you that as of when I did my photographic internship there, they did not airbrush any of the photos.
It was a point of pride with them and with the photographers. If you know your stuff and do your job right, you don’t have any need to airbrush. You use light, makeup, and other resources to get the image, not post-manipulation.
The way I know they didn’t had to do with one of the James Bond specials that was done for 20th (25th?) anniversary of the movies. For that special, some of the slides from the first movie were brought up from the photo vault, and a horror was discovered. The image needed was damaged, heavily. In point of fact, it looked like it had been scratched by an old-fashioned can opener. People were frantic, as a replacement was not available – what to do? One of the people I worked with there told me of the frantic search, the calls made across the city to find someone who could repair and restore the image. I think it may have been the Art Institute that finally told them that the person they needed was there at Playboy. It seems the young lady, a student (at the Institute?) who worked part-time I believe running the E-6 processing lab in the basement, was the very person they needed. She got hired to do the job, and did an excellent one at that. To the best of my knowledge, that was the only time an image from Playboy was airbrushed.
I have no knowledge of what they do today, but I know how it used to be. The constant claims of airbrushing are both irritating and amusing, because I know the story just related. I also know that they would have loved to have airbrushed an image or two when strings and things made a surprise appearance. The tale above was told with much laughter by someone involved, who loved how the higher-ups spun themselves up into a good tizzy trying to find a person to do airbrushing.
Remind me one day to tell you about Hef and the great format test. Photo junkies are the ones who will enjoy it most, but it may amuse a few others too.
As for what I am looking for in a female:
1. Brains
2. A consistent system of values, spiritual, religious, or otherwise
3. Spirit without petulance or being a brat
4. A warrior who will have my back and side, as I have theirs
5. Mayhaps a good mother, if children are an option
6. Patience, as she will need it with me
7. A desire to explore in all areas and ways
8. A good libido
Looks are not it, though they don’t hurt. One of the most beautiful women I know does not merit the term in looks, but in the spirit that outshines the look, and transforms it. Personal taste: Long hair, lithe (not scrawny, look it up), proportion, average to small breasts. I do not have the mammary fixation of many, and think that such are for babies while men have better uses for their mouths in bed. Loved the line in Braveheart. Have to admit, sometimes short hair done really nice gets my eye too.
BTW Michele, loved this post. Very well said.
LW
January 18, 2005
Into The Light: Linda Roberson
Wife, sister-in-law, good person: free of the pain that cancer wrought. May the light enfold all those left behind, and its warmth augment the warmth of the
love she had for them all.
LW
More Food For Thought For Old Media
As well as some good "coverage" of what is going on with one group in Iraq. Yes indeed, end state wins over exit strategy any day.
LW
January 17, 2005
Not Bad, Not Bad At All
At least for most things yesterday and today. As I type, the great room and kitchen are slowly getting where I want them, and most of the art is now hanging. There is a box/crate apparently still down in Huntsville, but it can wait. The floor is slowly getting cleaned, and lunch is done and chicken is slow cooking in the clay cooker, and in the process helping heat the house and make it smell good. Few more things to do, to get ready for tomorrow and to freeze some leftovers for later.
The only thing that did not work out today was the fireplace. This being good weather, even if in single digits, meant it was time to try a wood fire instead of a fake log. Fake log worked well at Christmas, but today I could not get an updraft going no matter what I did. A fan and an open sliding glass door got out the smoke without setting off alarms, but was a near run thing. Lucky I was prepared for things not to work... As it is, the downdraft was so bad that I have sealed off the fireplace for now with plastic as I could feel the draft this morning from ten feet away. Like I said, better to try now in good weather than to wait until an ice storm, power out, etc.
Other than that, not a bad day. I hope yours was too.
LW
Footsteps To Follow
Chris Muir hits it on the head again. For previous thougths on Captain Speicher, click here and here.
LW
A Thought For The Day
For some this is a holiday, for others it is not. For some, the day is about the man, while for others it is about a dream. My own thoughts are to set aside the man, for man is fallible and full of foibles. Instead, think about this:
Do you judge by race, gender, religion, or other; or, do you look at and judge the individual?
For me, I try to get past the trappings and look at the colour of the soul. Not always easy to do, but what you get for the effort is well worth it. If all you can see is the label, then perhaps you might go to the eye doctor as a start.
LW
January 16, 2005
Second Annual Winter Wolves!
Would you like a chance to see wolves during the time of year when they are very active? Would you like to learn about the plants, animals, and insects of winter? Learn some basic tracking skills? If you have a strong stomach, learn how a roadkill deer is butchered? Sing with the wolves later in the evening?
If so, Wolf Park has the perfect treat for you next Saturday, 22 January. Ran or shine, snow or cold, Winter Wolves will offer a unique chance to see and learn as the wolves head into their breeding season. This is a great time of year to visit, and see a variety of behaviors and learn about the winter world. The price is quite nice too, and you can do both events, Winter Wolves and the Howl Night for far less per person than the cost of going to the movies. Trust me, the entertainment is quite probably a LOT better than going to the movies, and you can actually learn as you have fun.
Hope to see you there.
LW
January 15, 2005
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.
Giving Back
Almost every religion has the concept of tithing, of giving to the church in question in support of the greater good. Over time, this has come to be seen as just money and putting in a percentage of wages earned. Yet, according to some texts I have read and studied, this is a somewhat modern invention. According to that school, tithing was more than money, but giving a part of one’s life to the greater good.
In this school, one was supposed to donate time, effort, and money. For example, if you were a carpenter you might donate wood or woodworking to the religious institution or to other good causes that were specified. If you were a cooper, you might donate barrels or such. A part of this process was also to help those in need, such that some portion of what was done went to the needy.
There is much to be said for this concept of tithing, and it brings me to a question for the day:
What do you do to make your world a better place?
Over the years, I have done a variety of things through Scouting, church, other, and on my own to try and make the world a better place. Some of the volunteer work has been to help make nature trials, visiting nursing homes, or even working to improve communications. Rather than throw out many things, I donate them to charity and even make sure that that certain rural libraries with which I am familiar have books and science materials.
What do you do to make your world a better place?
Given how often we hear people demanding that something be done about X, how often do they really do something about it? Are they offering a concrete solution and making it happen, or are they simply demanding someone else do something about it?
What do you do to make your world a better place?
Do you do anything at all? Do you just throw money towards charity and think that is sufficient? When was the last time you did something other than just give money? Did what you do help eliminate the problem, or perpetuate it?
Think on that a bit today, and then act. Find something that needs and deserves your help, and give of yourself to it. Find something that works to eliminate problems, not perpetuate them, and give of yourself to it. Look beyond the surface, think, and then give. For that is the richest gift we have to share.
LW
Go Wish Val Well
Val at Babalu Blog has had to have his wisdom teeth out.. Take a few minutes today to wish him well, and to meet Mora who is guest blogging for him. Get to feeling better soon my friend.
LW
January 14, 2005
Go Read
You need to go read this post. In fact, go read all the posts there. Courtesy of Blackfive, of course. Then, go read this post at Blackfive that shares the writings of a task force commander. Take your time, and think about it. If you are media, take it to heart.
LW
Carnival of the Recipes Is Up!
VW over at One Happy Dog Speaks is hosting this week, and done a very nice job of it. Get on over there and check out all the delicious food that has been submitted.
LW
Friday Wolfblogging
Running late, so not a lot to say but:
and
LW
Food Pentacle
The pentacle, or pentagram, is a symbol not of evil but of protection. I mention this fact not just for educational purposes, or to stir up easy controversy, but for a more serious reason. I suspect that all such protection will be needed by your body if you follow this delightful and delicious food pentacle developed by Michele. Love the stout on there. Looks pretty solid to me...
LW
Yes, yes, the pentagram is the five-pointed star and the pentacle is the plate or other holder of same. Given that this is a picture/drawing holding the five-pointed star, I choose to call it a pentacle.
You Say It's Your Blogday!
The delightful Ith of Absinthe & Cookies has just turned three. Truly remarkable talent for one so young (offscreen murmer from editor).
Oh, it's her blog that is three, not her. Nevermind. *G*
It is a real pleasure to wish her Happy Blogday, as Ith was one of the first to start reading me, commenting, and even awarded me the Silver Snickerdoodle of Excellence early on. Thank you, dear lady, for that and for three years of keeping up the good work yourself.
LW
Trying To Find A Downside
The rapid move up here to northern Indiana was such that all I set-up before the move was gas and electricity. Wonder if the cold and such had anything to do with motivating me to be sure I stayed warm and could cook. Hmmmmmm.
Anyway, I did not get a phone figuring to do that between the move and New Year's. Instead, I discovered that I liked the peace and quiet. No telemarketers disregarding the Do-Not-Call list; no groups claiming exemption from same; no wrong numbers in the middle of the night; etc. Also, no $40-$50 for local service and a long-distance bill on top of that. Net result is that I am thinking that for now I may just stay with the cell.
I am also thinking about not getting cable. What was basic in Huntsville is a premium here and I am less than happy at the idea of paying between $40-$50 just to get THC, TLC, Discovery, Weather, FoodTV, and Sci-Fi. I may end up getting cable, but just can't see the phone right now.
Feel free to comment on your experiences.
LW
January 13, 2005
Some Food For Thought
VW at One Happy Dog Speaks has up what she calls a humor post. I laughed, but I also call it some very good food for thought. Enjoy.
LW
Laughing Wolf Oatmeal Cookies
My box of Mornflake Oatmeal had a cookie recipe on it that I modified a bit and decided to share. It is fairly easy, and the trial run was not bad at all.
Hardware
Mixing Bowl or Mixer
Fork
Measuring Spoons
Dry Measure cups
Sifter
Cookie sheets
Wax or parchment paper
Ingredients
1.5 cups room temperature butter
.5 cup light brown sugar
.33 cup dark brown sugar
1t baking soda
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1t vanilla
3 cups oats/oatflakes/oatmeal/whatever you call it
1t cinnamon
large pinch salt
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream the butter and sugar, then add in egg and vanilla. Sift together flour and soda, then add salt and spices. Fold into the creamed mixture and mix well. Sir in oats and mix well. Place wax or parchment paper on cookie sheet (or grease sheet if you like), then put mixture on sheet by rounded tablespoons on sheet. The original directions said to bake for 8-10 minutes, but I suggest start checking at 8 and keep an eye on them. The less baking time, the chewier the cookie, the longer the crisper. Mine may have been a little larger than normal, so that did affect my cooking time. Let cookies cool completely, then store in a covered container like a cookie jar. Enjoy.
LW
January 12, 2005
Tributes To Fathers
Two good posts out there on fathers that you should read. Jim talks here about his father's love of music and how he shared that gift with his son (who is not a bad guitar player).
Val gives a moving tribute here to his father, a master craftsman. Craftsmanship moves on many levels, as does this story.
Go read both of these, along with the other posts by these excellent writers.
LW
Armstrong Williams
No, I am not ignoring Armstrong Williams and a number of other stories, just very busy in real life right now. Michelle Malkin has the goods here, here, and here.
What Williams did was flat out wrong, and a violation of every code of journalistic ethics that I have ever been taught. Pundit or journalist, it was wrong on so many levels I won't even begin to go into it. I can only speak for me, but I have no plans to read/listen/whatever to him again, and I will never be able to believe anything he says ever again. It may be that he can redeem himself, but I doubt that such will be in the field of puditry.
Finally, no, I have never taken money to plug anything on this site and I even tell you when someone has given me a product to review. Heck, I usually tell you when someone has bought me a beer. If you read any number of posts, particularly on space, and you will note the disclaimers advising you of potential conflicts of interest when needed. I would far rather say nothing on a subject that to lie to you or to myself. Honesty is the best policy, and it is the reason journalism is in a tailspin for the Old Media has violated trust on multiple levels. Honesty is something I will also strive to give you here, so that you can evaluate what I have to say.
More later.
LW
UPDATE: Great minds think alike? Chris Muir at Day-By-Day also visits the topic.
You Know You Have Not Slept Enough When
You clean the coffee maker, fill it with water, run it -- and only then realize you never put coffee in it
You spend ten minutes looking for your good dress belt -- and all the time it is firmly around your waist
Not all on the same day, thank goodness.
LW
January 11, 2005
Arctic Frost Wash
Years ago, I used to get some custom-cut paper called arctic frost. In the day when you only sent white resumes and it was déclassé to use any form of colored stock for correspondence, I loved the frost. It wasn't white, but was so close as to make no difference, for just a small amount of grey was added to make it stand out. What the good Commissar calls a beigewash, I see as an arctic frost wash.
Yet, even though this is very true, the report is all the damning because it is a Washington-style report. Such reports, just like this one, will dance around like virgin in a miniskirt in a sailor's bar to avoid the obvious. While I have not read all of it, and may not have the chance to, what I have read says pay attention to the language. The language is damning because while it says many things can't be proven, it also very clearly states that those charges were not disproven.
Like many Washington-style reports, this one is allowing some people to exit gracefully, and may have even tapped someone to be the white knight. In the days and weeks ahead, it would not be surprising to see more changes take place, but in a context designed to let those people leave with some grace and cover. I have problems with some of this, but will live with it if the changes are made.
So far, only four low-level people have taken it in the neck on this. I find it most amusing that in a crowd that demands Rumsfeld's head when a soldier jaywalks and screams that accountability must go to the highest level, that such clearly does not apply to them. I find it unacceptable that no one senior has yet taken a hit over this. If such does not happen in any guise, then this has been a travesty of justice and of journalism.
We will see.
LW
January 10, 2005
A Profound Sense Of Relief
Back before the move, I got a phone call that resulted in a profound sense of relief. It was one of those phone calls that would cause many to feel down, but I had the hardest time containing my relief and not shouting for joy.
For more than 18 years, I have been a member of a media organization, a trade organization for those specializing in a particular field of coverage/journalism. This organization has introduced me to some interesting and some wonderful people. Indeed, to my mind the best thing this organization has ever been is a networking tool and I volunteered some time towards that end.
When I first joined, the directory was being done in all caps on a dot matrix printer, then photocopied, by the overworked and undersupported part-time person who really did all the administrative work. With her blessings, I took the database output and did a LOT of massaging on it, then converted it into a professional directory with indexes. The first year, this took months to do in my spare time and I even went so far as to buy a special set of fonts for the output. It is sort of like the old saw applied to the military in regards tactics versus logistics: amateurs discuss grand design, professionals talk fonts.
The result was a huge improvement, a step that met with some praise and a heck of a lot of carping. Some people were very unhappy with their information and listing, and I suspect that part of this is because it was the first time they had ever been able to read it. Lots of work went on, and another person was brought in to help with the database issues (and I think to work on the databases themselves). The indexes expanded a bit, improved, and the result was a great directory. The three of us involved were pleased and happy, and getting a lot of flack from some members who still were not happy. Not a one of those complainers ever volunteered to do anything mind you…
I did it for years and while I did receive an honorarium for the work, it was just that as even several years worth may not have paid for the fonts, much less the time it worked. I continued to do it for a number of years, before deciding to give up my voluntary duties. It was asked if I would do a short letter/whatever to go in the newsletter, then I had the president call me and tell me it would not go in. He and the Board wanted to keep it quiet until someone new was found, I think they may have been in negotiations, etc. I agreed, and despite his promises, he never acknowledged the work I had done. Would that I was surprised, but between internal politics and the fact that he was a member of the journalism purity league and the Old Media, I had no expectations that he would do so.
For I was a member of a group that was working to bring about some changes in the organization. Times had changed, rather significantly, since its inception and some progress was made around this time, with freelance, PIOs and other beyond-the-pale types finally getting a full membership, though still prevented from any true role in organizational leadership. Board, yes; executive leadership, no. I stepped on a number of toes by pointing out changes in the profession and in technology, and that freelance members alone deserved more and better than was their lot. Some of the things I did openly and behind-the-scenes helped this effort, and while still seen as dreck by the journalism purity types, progress was being made.
In trying to make changes, I had run for the board at least twice. To be honest, part of the reason I did so was that it gave some of the journalism purity league types apoplexy. In fact, some of them were so upset they mounted a semi-quiet campaign of lies, which I found out about when a member contacted me to ask me if such was really my position. I was pleased, because they only do things like this if they do indeed see you as a serious threat.
This time, events had been such that I had pretty much forgotten about the organizational election. When I got the call that I had not been elected, I was not surprised, downhearted, or anything else: just relieved.
There is another military axiom that says that militaries tend to prepare to fight the last war, which does have some truth to it. The fact was, I was relieved because if you apply that concept to this organization, I had realized that the die-hard journalism purity types were still fighting the Civil War, while the rest of us were doing the blitz into downtown and tearing down statues.
To be very honest, this organization has reached a point where I question if it can change in a meaningful way to meet the changes. It has yet to deal with changes that happened to the profession a decade or more ago, so how will it handle the profound changes that have come as a result of blogging and new media technologies? How will it handle the fact that citizens, not just the specially anointed and self-anointed, are once again taking up journalism? How will they adapt to seeing the marketplace of ideas made reality? I am not sure they can.
Hence my relief. Hence also a new decision, one that will be decided in many ways by my new job. If they are willing to pay the fee for me to be a member, I will stay. If not, I will end a nearly 20-year professional association because it is no longer relevant or worth my money save as a networking tool. Sad in some ways, I admit, but look at why this has come about and be glad.
The marketplace of ideas is no longer in the hands of the gatekeepers.
The world of information has changed, and is now in your hands. Rejoice, and go make it work.
LW
January 09, 2005
My Night To Howl
I treated myself last night and made the drive to Wolf Park to take part in a "Howl Night." This is something they do most Saturday nights and made for a wonderful evening.
It started at the fox enclosure, with a discussion about foxes. They have several there, including one that someone had rescued from a fur farm and tried to keep as a pet. This led to some great information about foxes, including why they don't make good pets. Some 42 scent glands around the body are a start, particularly those that give off a musk reminiscent of skunk. They are climbers and will climb everywhere. Despite being a canid, they share a number of traits with felines, including the climbing, slit pupils, and the way they walk. If you think cats are bad about climbing and getting into things... They also cache food, and remember precisely where they put it. If you find and remove a smelly, squishy cache from the sofa cushions, they can and will come back to it and upon not finding it commence to dig. If you move it even a few feet away, they will dig and not find it, even though they can smell it, because they are going from memory, not scent or eyesight.
Then we went for the main festivities, the wolves. From where we were, we could see a number of the pack and as it turns out they were the pups. Of course, these pups are almost grown and look almost like adults even if they don't act like them. The Park socializes the wolves, raising them with people so that they are tame -- not domesticated. This helps with some of the interactions required for research and study, but does not mean they are safe. We had a nice lady tell us about the wolves, lots of good and fun information. Then, she did wolf calls, and got them to singing, and then did some coyote calls to show the difference. Coyotes are wild in the midwest, and you do hear them and some people do call them wolves, though they are not.
At this point, we all got to join in and had our first sing-along. Wolf calls can be broken down to solo, duet, and chorus, and we had a good chorus going.
Then, the lady who had been doing it and the lady who had given me my tour last time went into the pack enclosure to interact and teach. Note the two: the wolves are tame/semi-tame, and not domesticated. Two people for safety, a very good idea.
The wolves are fed road-kill deer, and some discussion of food brought out a question about coons. No, the wolves don't see coon as a delicacy. It seems that on occasion, a coon or other critter will for some reason climb or otherwise get by the fence and come into the pack enclosure. As it was put to us, "This is not a good career move." Such critters usually don't make it far, but rarely are eaten as "Once the squeaky toy is broken, it's just not fun anymore."
We had a good laugh when they went into the enclosure, as the ladies were mobbed by the puppies. The one who gave me my tour was almost swamped by happy, eager puppies. They knew she had treats, and one was fascinated by the wireless microphone set-up and spent considerable time and effort in games designed to get it and carry it off for further examination. When they behaved and asked properly, they were given treats of pig ears, and later some dog treats too.
It was fun to watch the play and the interaction, though I spent some time distracted watching one pup play with the photographer who was also inside, and then get up onto a large stump and play. He (she?) came back up to the front to say hello to everyone with a face covered in snow.
At one point, we were lucky enough to have the entire pack present. I think I have been mistaken on the photo I've been posting, as that may be the beta male instead of the alpha. No matter, I will learn in time as I have turned in my application to be a volunteer there. Not sure how much time I will have to give them, but plan on as much as I can. The place is interesting on many levels, from the research being done to the fact that the interns (and staff maybe even) come from all over the world. Neat, neat, place. In fact, I am now going to ditch all Burns Day activities so that I can be there for Winter Wolves on the 22nd.
I stayed late again, talking and being given another book to read on the spot. More on it later, as it is a scream. I have a balloon, do you have a balloon? I may even try to take the video camera next time, and share a bit of the music with you if all works out. No guarantees, but will try.
LW
What A Way To Start The Day
I have just finished breakfast, and, yes, it is almost 1100 hours local. I got a very late start to the day, sleeping in until 0800. Since I forgot to run the dishwasher last night, I had -- just had -- to run it this morning and while it was running catch up on some blog reading a bit. Also, I had slow cooking some wonderful stuff.
Kiltbaby and Mr. C (and Clara and Clara's Boy) sent me a much appreciated care package from the South that included yellow speckled heart grits from Nora Mill. Note to those not from the South, if the speckles move, they are not real speckled heart grits and should be thrown out immediately. To prevent such, I both vacuum seal and freeze my grits, meal, etc. There is a difference between yellow and white, and I need to do some fresh research on that one day here soon to share. Yes, that is my story and I am sticking with it. Thank you again my friends!
The grits were joined by a fried egg (over easy is best with grits, IMO) seasoned with just a bit of chipotle, and some of the good bacon I get. A pot of Russian Caravan Tea completed the scene, and I am now a very happy wolf. Lots to do today, but am going to take a few more minutes to enjoy a wonderful morning that follows a great night.
LW
A Good Point, Beaten To Death
By now, I figure about everybody and their brother has seen the latest anti-smoking/second-hand-smoke commercial on the air. No, that is not a PSA, it is a full-fledged commercial that take a good point and beats it to death with a sledge hammer. If it were not getting overplayed like a bad song, it might actually have been good. As it is, it is ripe for satire.
howl on, brother! »An Animal Was Harmed, But
Well, it seems that Gut Rumbles, Neanderpundit, and Ironbear are trading stories of growing up. While I had an extremely overprotective Mom, I did manage to do a few things that cause me to share the sentiment of being amazed at still being alive.
The story that Ironbear tells of a cop failing in his duty, and being truly mean, reminds me of what happened to someone I knew growing up. Now, where he lived was small-town-south of the sort with a blinker and not even a real stop light if memory serves. Being a boy of that time, he was out throwing fire crackers and having a blast, when the local police came by. Someone had ratted on him, and they had to check it out.
He froze for a second, then calmly placed the firecracker he had been about to throw into his shirt pocket and waited for the cop, a look of sublime innocence upon his face. A look that changed to total agony as the lit firecracker in his shirt pocket went off.
The cop came up to find him on the ground, rolling in agony, hands firmly clenched to his breast. Not being stupid, he knew what had happened, and somehow managed to keep a straight face.
"Boy, there's been a report of firecrackers around here. You see anyone doing them?" *gasp, choke, cry* "No Sir"
With a straight face, the cop kept asking questions, just like he was talking to a witness (and not the perp). All of which were answered in a proper "Yes Sir" or "No Sir." After several minutes of this, all done with a straight face, he finally asked the question.
"Boy, do you have a problem?" *gasp, choke, cry* "Yes Sir"
A smile flickered on the cop's face, and he said "Thought so." as he turned and went back to the cruiser. I figure that as soon as he was out of sight, he had to pull over and stop, so that he could die laughing. The kid moved very gingerly for a week or two.
To this day, the memory of that (and how the person told it) can still make me laugh.
LW
January 08, 2005
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.
For Something Lighter And More Creamy
As a contrast to some heavier food for thought, check out this delightful story. It gave me a good laugh, reminded me a bit of Maggie Simpson (who shot Mr. Burns).
LW
Unprofessional
One hears much these days about being professional: cool, calm, collected, unbiased, nice all the time, and more. Never any sign of temper, or even frustration, is to be shown no matter what.
Bullshit.
Being professional is employing good manners and doing your job to the best of your ability. That does mean making an effort above and beyond on all fronts, including your dealings with others. It does not, however, mean what many are trying to tell you it means: that you have no right to an opinion and no right to express an opinion contrary to the norm. It does not mean that you have to sit and take abuse and ignorance, especially when the person(s) giving it is breaking all the rules and showing absolutely no respect for you or anyone else.
This is not saying that you should lose your cool, for doing that is often the intent of the other party and will make you the "bad guy" of the piece. Stay cool, stay calm, and take a page from Varifrank who handled a bad situation very well.
The fact is, the other people were not playing by the corporate rules. They were, in point of fact, ill-mannered, rude, condescending, ignorant, insensitive boors who have no respect for anyone including themselves. They were the ones being extremely unprofessional, and in that case it is more than okay to let them have it. Frankly, I applaud the restraint shown by Varifrank and love the fact that he did it without shouting, swearing (much and for rhetorical emphasis), or other such behavior.
Manners apply all ways, and attempts to frame it where they only apply to one side are complete and arrant nonsense. It is nonsense in the workplace, it is nonsense in public, and it is nonsense anywhere up to and including blogs. Baldilocks, who provided the link to Varifrank along with some excellent food for thought, and does a very good take down of an ill-mannered poster here.
I applaud her efforts to engage in rational discourse to someone who is not willing to do so. For the most part, I am unwilling to put that much time into it, and simply delete and/or ban. I am very well aware that such has upset some people, and too bad. It is not disagreeing with me that gets one deleted, it is being ill-mannered and refusing to follow the basic rules of rational discourse that gets it done. This little space is where I decide to play by the rules of what used to be called civilized behavior, not the travesty that is PC and currently in vogue elsewhere.
I applaud the effort Baldilocks has put into her educational effort, and admire it. I respect what was done by Varifrank, and admire the restraint and the true professionalism he showed. I respect Varifrank's co-worker and salute the extreme restraint he showed to a bunch of immature amateurs. Varifrank and his co-worker were the true professionals there.
Think on that for a bit, and think on manners. We all slip, but good manners are indeed the lubricant for the machine that is society as Heinlein noted. Let's all try to oil the gears a bit more in the days ahead, so that no one gets caught in the gears.
LW
Who also notes that if you do not know who Gail Halvorsen is, please do take the time to look him up and read about him and the effort in which he was involved. To not know is indeed something for which you should be deeply ashamed.
Carnival Of The Recipes Is Up!
Hosted this week by the Physics Geek, there are a lot of tasty treats there. I failed to take part (bad wolf!) but plan to reap the rewards anyway by checking out all that I can of the delights that were submitted. Go on over there, and try some yourself -- you will be glad you did!
LW
Did Everyone But Me
Know that it was supposed to snow again last night? Don't remember that in the forecast, but was awakened early this morning by the snow plow guys at work on the three or so inches we seem to have gotten. Looks pretty though, on top of all that ice. I really do need to find the crampons...
LW
January 07, 2005
Friday Wolfblogging
Not a lot of time right now, so here is another picture of the Alpha Wolf for the day.
Do wish that leaf had not been on the fence.
And for those wondering what the weather is like here:
Each individual blade of grass had up to a quarter of an inch of ice on it, limbs one half inch or more, and signs and such an inch. Enjoy!
LW
January 06, 2005
Trust and Testing
Yesterday's post has generated some comments that deserve some comment back. Some quick thoughts are as follows.
I meant in no way to suggest suicide, but rather planning. You need to have a power of attorney, power of attorney for healthcare, and a living will/declaration in states that support/require same. Have them all, and talk with the people who hold them.
Nor should this be just anyone. To be honest, none of my blood hold them, for the people that the state would look to are people I do not trust with same. The reason I don't trust them is that both Dad and I tested some people, and the person I had hoped I could count upon failed every test that came their way. Since blood family was not up to the task, I turned to my "real" family, those that I have chosen as being more than blood to me. If you have no family, go to the family you chose and find a true friend.
As for how I want to die, to steal from Bored Of The Rings I would really rather my death be quick, painless, and someone else's. That not being likely, and my next preference being rather hard on the partner who is left behind (third is being shot at age 142 by the enraged father of an 18-year-old female), I will take what comes. Since whatever you plan for doesn't happen, I have planned for cancer, extended illness, etc. Should such come, all I can say is hospice and home. My executors know this, and I know that they will make me as comfortable as possible. What fate awaits, who knows, but I have planned for those I deem the worst.
When I was much younger, I had a clear vision of my death. In it, I am in full gear, and the ramp is down. We are low, very low, such that no reserve is being used. We are over mountains, there is deep snow on the ground, and the occasional evergreen flashes by. Somehow, I know it is not the jump that will kill me, but something after.
Times change, things change, but plan ahead as it is the last and best gift you can give those you leave behind.
LW
January 05, 2005
Trusting Someone With Your Life
This post by Boudicca brought back some memories, some powerful memories of both Mom and Dad, and their passing from this Earth. It also reminds me that anyone can trust someone with their life, but it takes a real man to trust someone with your death.
Yes, there are a number of people I trust with my life. There are those with whom I have shared experiences such that I want them at my side or back in any fight against any foe. There are others who lack the sharing, but who have that same trust in my mind and heart. I know that with them, even should we fall, we will by fire have an honor guard to serve us sent on ahead. There are others, however, that I trust to make the non-death decisions, the decisions that can alter my life, my reality, my plans, and more. I trust them fully on that, and when they point I will march.
Yet, such are the things that any living being can claim. Far harder, and far more important, are the people I trust to kill me.
That is right, kill me. I trust them to end my existence in the same way I did that of my Mother and my Father. When that time comes, I know that they, too, will be beside me, ease my pain, and not stand in the way of my returning to the light. On this, they know my thoughts, for we have discussed it and debated it. If there is no hope, and to continue existence is to mean pain, suffering, and not being able to live, they have the courage and the strength to let me go.
Yet, it goes beyond that. I know that should I ever slip my moorings and start to bring harm to others, they will stop me. While I suspect the English Werewolf might not, I know for fact that the Borzoi would. I just hope that should that dim eventuality appear, that she remembers all I taught her, and make it quick. Then again, given her, she might not and that is indeed a thought I keep in mind. Such does encourage me to stay on the straight and narrow.
Then again, this is nothing new. When I was but a teenager, I had such insurance. A friend and I made solemn vow to end the other if need be. We discussed at length what constituted same, and were in agreement. Those were the dark days, when politician and others said that no life should end, but instead machines were to be used no matter what. While couched in phrases most moral, the fact of the matter was that all made money off the suffering of others. Rather than leave our families saddled with the costs and taxes of same, we each vowed to do what was necessary to end such a state.
The prime choice was to do something accidental, and impossible to charge and prove. Yet if this failed, we each swore to use a 12-guage to good end, and leave nothing for the vultures to “save.”
Dwarf, it has been years since we talked, but oaths still hold. To those who abjure and abhore, frell you. If any of you do-gooders and such insist on keeping my corpse alive, know that if I have earned any credits of favors with this tour, I will trade them in to come back as a squirrel, and make it my mission to head right up your pants leg and settle the account.
Take a moment and do right by your friends and family. Let them know how you feel, and under what circumstances you want heroic measures, and those you do not. Failing to do so is an insult to them, it is failing them, and it is selfish and vain. Don’t’ do that to them. Be a Man, be ye male or female, and make a stand. My friends know, and I know that if bureaucrats of any stripe or type try to interfere, I may yet have friends who will send me on. I sleep much better at night for the knowledge.
LW
January 04, 2005
First Day: Not Bad
Not bad at all. A bit chaotic, all the more so as there is not an assigned place and such for me yet. Some very nice people, and an HR paperwork process that took all of about ten minutes to do. We still have to do all the insurance forms, but I was/am covered from the first on basics. Nice. Several key players are not back yet, but then again things seem to be moving slow right now, and that is fine by me as it gives me a chance to get to know people and procedures before things move out. Also, no badges smart or otherwise yet my inner geek was fed by the fact that the building has a hand scanner. I learned my code and it learned my hand so that I can get in any time I want. The only thing that would have been cooler geekier would have been a retinal scan. More soon.
LW
January 03, 2005
A New Year Truly Begins
Today, I start the new job in a new year and what amounts to a new life. Each of us goes through several lives in a lifetime, for we as we live we grow, and with growth comes change. Some of that change can be obvious, such as when we move to new locations or even go so far as to start a new career. Other changes can be more subtle, and are easy to miss both for ourselves and for others.
Yet change is not a bad thing, far from it. For with change comes the opportunity to learn, to grow, to do better, and to make the most of what life sends our way. Often, there is a tendency to look backwards with nostalgia and to give the past a golden glow of what never was. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is that we understand the past, know it, and know what was expected of us in that past. When we look to the future, there is uncertainty, a lack of knowledge of exactly what awaits us and what is expected of us. Rather than think of it as uncertainty, think of it as unexplored instead, and look for the opportunities to grow and to learn and do new things. Doing so takes away some of the fear that comes with the unknown, and makes instead an adventure.
Forgive any dearth of posting in the next few days, as I undertake a new adventure. That adventure will be my prime focus, and while I intend to post it may not be quite as often as I might like. There will be more to come.
LW
January 02, 2005
Into The Light: Frank Kelly Freas
Noted artist Frank Kelly Freas passed into the light this morning. I've just spoken with his daughter, who was with him when he passed, and services are pending at Oakwood Memorial Park in/near Los Angeles. Best known for his award-winning science fiction art, his work covered many subjects and styles. May the light shine on his daughter, grandchildren, wife, and all those left behind.
LW
Best Wishes Michele
Michele at Letters From New York City is not quite calling it quits, but has to take a break. That is understandable, but she will be missed. It has been quite a year for her, including having the one thing writers fear the most happen: having a manuscript stolen. Michele, take care, check back when you can, and when you are healed up a bit do post just to let us know how it goes.
LW
Some Food For Thought
Francis W. Porretto has some food for thougth that you should read. Start with the most controversial in his discussions on homosexuality and the church, here and here. One of the key points he raises, and one most often missed in the discussions, is what did Jesus say by word or deed on the topic, for the New Covenant hinges upon that. What were the teachings of Christ and what is Paulanistic or other doctrine? Well worth the time and thought.
He also has some good points about "We Reserve The Right To Refuse Service To Anyone" and why the death of that is not good for society a whole. Some further thoughts are here. A good point is also made here on New Year's Resolutions, but much better said than what I have put down previously.
LW