The Laughing Wolf

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 32

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 32nd Day since the events of 27 January, and still the tape remains hostage. A tape that was once promised, but now is the hostage at the center of a still swirling controversy. A tape that will out the truth, and must be released for that reason. A tape that still awaits strong calls from those most involved in the matter for its freedom. A tape that needs your calls for its freedom, for the benefit of us all.

Go check out War, Truth, and Videotape and help them out. Sign the petition. Freedom for the tape!

LW

Lite Posting Today

Things are hectic both at the lair and at work, but both in good ways. The only problem is that it means I may not be able to post much today and maybe even tomorrow.

Meantime, Blackfive points out some special blankets you can help get to give our soldiers a warm feeling. Go check it out.

Also, go check out all the other offerings in the blogroll. There is a lot out there to explore.

LW

Godspeed And Good Hunting Lex!

This morning over at Tammi's, I found out that Lex is taking a break. I do understand, and wish you well on the exam and in doing all those other things that make up a well-rounded life. May the winds be at your back. I will wait, and your place remains until your return.

LW

It Says Something Very Bad

About my social life that the best kisses I've had in the last two years have come from Basil the fox, followed by the main pack at Wolf Park. Yep, getting a social life is moving right on up that list of things I really have got to do soonest.

Busy today on other things, including resting up a bit. More soon.

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.

To Love, Never To Lose

In this post, Michele at Letters from New York City asks us to share first loves. This ties into this post from Christina at Feisty Repartee asking how men show love. Both started some thoughts that I have not had the time to sit down and write about as they deserve to be treated, until now. For one thought that has crossed my mind in thinking on this is that I am not sure I have ever truly lost anything for love.

My first crush was a cute young blonde (at least that is how I remember her) girl in first grade, a fairly innocent thing. At least from our viewpoint, for I still have fond memories of her, but will say that her mother was a piece of work. Alas, it did not last long, but it set the stage for more later and there were some other crushes in grade school, but only one stands out to my mind. I wrote about it as my Blog Cuba entry here. Muchas gracias mi amigo for asking me to take part in that. It brought back many good memories, though I still wonder where she is today.

I think my first case of lust hit at an early age as well, courtesy of The Avengers. Mrs. Peel. Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrroooowwwwwwllllllllllllll! Still hot today too, and back then kick started me into puberty. In looking back with more adult eyes, still think they could have called the show "Emma In Bondage" and not been wrong at all. I wanted to be Steed both because of how suave a character he was, but also because I did not see him and Mrs. Peel letting all that wonderful sexual frission go to waste.

My first college crush was Miss B. I was clueless on many levels, and blew my chances there, but I was in heavy lust with her and kick myself for many missed opportunities because I was such a chowderhead. Was the first in a series of redheads too, thinking back on it.

The first real love of my life was a young woman I met in an English class. She was a graduate student, taking the course or auditing, I can't remember. I asked the professor about her, and he decided to encourage the interest, not to her happiness perhaps, but to mine. The hunt began, and then a relationship. Ups and downs, but a solid core of friendship was built in the process. The fact is, we realized that we did very much love each other, but that we were not right for each other. I helped her to find her true love, and to get them together. It was easy to do in many ways, because I did truly love her and wanted only the best for her, and for her happiness. It was a decision I have never regretted because I see quite often the happiness they have together.

I am not sure if I would consider the person I call my Ex as a crush or what. There was love there at one point, but I think a lot of what brought us together was desperation. She wanted citizenship and to be a spoiled thing. I wanted someone in my life, in some ways for all the wrong reasons. After the stunt she pulled the night of my Father's visitation, I woke up and let her go. I did it gently in many respects, to the point of giving her a special weekend in San Francisco complete with her first visit to a hair salon since, according to her, she was twelve. Come to think of it, her mother was apparently quite a piece of work too. Yet and all, I benefitted from the affair, whatever it truly was. I learned, I grew, I matured, and I did have some fun along the way. She reminded me of things about myself that I had forgotten, and reawakened some dreams.

As for how I show my love to the special women in my life? Sometimes it is in the little things: a note hidden to be found, a special treat of food, a small gift to be found at a time when they were no where near me. Sometimes it is in the holding, for I have held females through a rough night, held and nothing more. Sometimes it was in the touch: a hug for no good reason, or something more in the form of a massage. Sometimes it was in a bit more: a shower, a full-body massage until full relaxation, then a hot bath with bath salts. It was doing something to give them physical pleasure that they liked. It was always the eyes, for I never tired of looking at them, of telling them with my gaze that I found them sexy, wonderful, intelligent, fun, or whatever else was appropriate. It was in the simple fact that with those special people that I would walk hand-in-hand with them, with us never really thinking about it -- it just was. It just is.

The flowers and the showy things were nice, but it was and is the small things that truly count. It was and is the small things that let me know how serious I am, and how serious they are about the relationship.

The loss of the relationship can be and was devastating, and worse yet is losing someone more permanently. Yet, as much as I have been hurt temporarily by such, I have come to question the whole concept of "Losing at Love" as espoused in song and story. The older I have gotten, the more I have realized that hurt, and even harm, are nothing. For love or lust, but particularly love, has left me a far richer person than I was before. Each relationship has brought something new, something special, into my life. I have lived, I have loved, I have learned. Some lessons are bound to be painful in ways we will not enjoy. Yet, are those not the lessons that stick?

Each relationship has brought life and joy into my existence. Each love has brought so much more, and the nice thing is, the ones with love continue to give, even when that person is gone. That love remains with me, and brightens my day. It continues to fill me with those who remain in my life, and fill my life with the love of friendship.

No, I have never lost at love. I have only gained from it.

LW

What Type Dog Am I?

Actually, I am a wolf, but in the spirit of fun, I went and took this quiz that the evil Blackfive linked to on his site. That's my story and I'm sticking with it for now, especially as it said I was a Belgian Shepherd. In honesty, they are good dogs and well regarded for a lot of good traits. It's the Belgian part that gets to me. Oh well, it could have been a lot worse and said I was a french poodle.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 30

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 30th Day since the events of 27 January, and still the tape remains hostage. A tape that could clear a reputation. A tape that was once promised, but now is the hostage at the center of a still swirling controversy. A tape that will out the truth, and must be released for that reason. A tape that still awaits strong calls from those most involved in the matter for its freedom. A tape that needs your calls for its freedom, for the benefit of us all.

Go check out War, Truth, and Videotape and help them out. Sign the petition. Freedom for the tape!

LW

Friday Wolf Blogging: Why Have A Wolf Park?

This is a fascinating, and fun, question that is oft asked. Why do we have a Wolf Park?

The answer is simple: research. You can go here to get some bare-bones history, but the full story is a lot of fun and shows how necessity truly is the mother of invention. Dr. Klinghammer, who founded the park, was doing research on animal behavior, and developed a rather severe allergy to his original subjects. A colleague suggested wolves instead, and having experience with dogs (and knowing there were no allergies), research commenced.

Here is where the question always becomes "But why not do studies in the wild?" Well, they do studies in the wild, at a considerable distance. In real life, as opposed to fairy tales and Hollywood, wolves really don't like having a lot to do with humans. In point of fact, they tend to keep at least .25 to .5 miles away from us, flight distance, which means that they can observe us from safe distance and have room to maneuver and fly away if we start towards them. While they will come closer, that usually happens in one of two cases.

In the first, they determine that it is safe to do so and curiosity about us and our gear (and mayhaps the smell of food and such) will draw them in. Curiosity does kill more than a cat on occasion... An ex-girlfriend of mine got a taste of this up in the Canadian wilderness when a wolf came into the camp she was in with a group, late, after everyone was in their tents and/or asleep. She never did say if her sleeping bag needed cleaning after said wolf responded to a pack howl while still fairly close to her tent. Note though that the wolf came in only after the humans were secured, it was dark, and he/she had every possible advantage and clear exit lanes.

In the second, it can mean that the wolf is sick. For a truly wild wolf to approach you openly usually means some severe form of organic damage: rabies, brain tumor, etc. That said, however, I have read of wolves that were pets or not raised wild to approach as well. The problem is, telling what circumstances apply. Best bet, back away and get away if ever approached in the wild.

Quick Side Note: Do not believe the myth that wolves see small children as puppies or potential pack mates and such. They see them as a quick and easy meal. If you let your child, particularly a toddler, approach a wolf or run away alone into the woods, don't expect to get them back or to start a new Romulus and Remus myth.

Wild wolves fear adults, and keep away. In zoos and other facilities, wolves that are either wild caught or raised with limited or no human interaction share that fear. They do their best to hide from the scary humans, and it does impact both health and behavior. Think about how you might react if some huge creatures with strange powers put you in a cage.

That dilemma is the strength of Wolf Park. Puppies born here, or those brought in at an extremely young age, are hand raised by humans. In that process, they become socialized to humans -- but not, repeat, not domesticated or tame. With socialization, the wolves lose or do not develop that instinctual fear of humans. In fact, from their viewpoint, we are delightfully easy to train. With the proper commands, we will scratch and otherwise engage in social grooming not possible with the packmates. we deliver food, and, we will give treats and other delights in response to command. Of course, from our viewpoint some of the commands are desired behaviors, but you do have to look at it from theirs.

Ah, yes, as Monty's photo shows, they are just so stressed out here. Since humans do not induce fear and stress in them, they go about their business and display a wide range of behaviors. Researchers (and lucky volunteers) can watch some of this up close and document with audio, video, still photo, and other means. We can collect scat samples, use bilateral scratch reflex to get blood samples, give shots, etc., and we can even do mouth swabs for genetics testing.

In the wild, researchers have to keep a good distance away and use remote cameras, time-lapse, telephoto lenses, and other sensors and still have no guarantee of what -- if anything -- they will see. Visitors to Wolf Park may see more wolf behavior during a Howl Night than some researchers may see in several years of wild study.

Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of a facility such as Wolf Park is that it provides a check. Behavior seen in the wild can be checked against the wolves here, while behavior here can be checked against wild studies (over time). The other great advantage is that researchers can come here from about anywhere. The interns and practicums literally are from around the world, and a most interesting paper on a facet of wolf behavior is being turned in/presented next week in the Netherlands by a practicum.

If you, or someone you know, is doing wildlife research, be sure to let them know about Wolf Park. Serious researchers are most welcome to call. If you are not a researcher, come on by to some of the events that are open to the public, or even take the step and become a member or sponsor a wolf. The park gets no government grants and such, so depends on visitors and those interested in wolves to keep the doors open.

Hope this answers a question or two, and shares a bit more about the Park. Hope also to see you at the upcoming Open House or maybe later at the Easter Egg Hunt. Maybe next week I will remember to talk about environmental enrichment and how important it is -- and how you can help.

Meantime, hope you enjoyed.

LW

The picture at the top, BTW, is of Chetan, the main pack Beta Male, getting interested in a "discussion" between two other members of the pack.

Carnival Of The Recipes Is Up!

This 28th (!!) Carnival is up at Rocket Jones, where the entries will not merely put you in orbit, but send you off into deep space. Go enjoy, and I've already noted a couple I want to try.

LW

Around The Sphere

Theresa at Technicalities got two Instalanches in a row -- well deserved for the excellent posts here, here, and here. You will also want to check out this post on computers and security and this post dealing with public speaking.

Good Father Francis has two good posts up on voting, here and here that are must reads, not just good to reads. If you are not checking out his site on a regular basis, you should be for posts like this and this. Lots of good food for thought to be found there.

If you are into House, check out Ith's Obligatory Wednesday House Post each week, as well as a few others on other days. Congratulations on the Llama Link. You're right BTW, that really does sound like a brand of sausage...

The Gray Monk has been in Bruge and kind enough to share some nice photography and interesting history with us here, here, here, and here. Think the Russians might dispute the "Venice of the North" claim, as they make the same one for St. Petersburg, but perhaps it depends on one's definition of North as well as of Venice. While not in Bruge, I also liked the view of The Norman Chapel at Tewkesbury Abbey.

There is a good start to the day. More later.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 29

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 29th Day since the events of 27 January, and still the tape remains hostage. A tape that could clear a reputation. A tape that was once promised, but now is the hostage at the center of a still swirling controversy. A tape that will out the truth, and must be released for that reason. A tape that still awaits strong calls from those most involved in the matter for its freedom. A tape that needs your calls for its freedom, for the benefit of us all.

Go check out War, Truth, and Videotape and help them out. Sign the petition. Freedom for the tape!

LW

Recipe: Orange Chicken

Here is something I dreamed up a bit over a week ago, and made for the dinner last Friday. Some of the measurements are very approximate, as I was winging it.

Hardware:
covered container large enough to hold whole chicken
cutting board
knife
roasting pan
boiler
skillet
spatula

Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
.5 to 1 gallon orange juice
Basmati rice
mushrooms, assorted types
butter
olive oil
honey (sourwood if available)
2 bulbs garlic
slivered almonds
.25 to .5 cup frozen/fresh green peas
chipotle
kosher salt
fresh ground pepper
truffle oil (optional)

The night before you want to cook the chicken, place it in the container, pour in orange juice to completely submerge, put on cover, and put in refrigerator. Roast the garlic bulbs whole, unpeeled. Easy method is to put bulbs on aluminum foil, coat with olive oil, wrap well in the aluminum foil, and put in toaster over at app. 350 degrees for a few hours. You can also go ahead and prepare 1 cup of dry Basmati rice per directions, store in refrigerator. I used white truffle oil in the rice.

Before cooking, clean, slice or chunk, and saute mushrooms in olive oil and butter. Add some of the mushrooms to the rice, along with slivered almonds (anywhere from a few to .5 cup) and peas. Cut tops of roasted garlic bulbs and squeeze roasted garlic into the mixture. Add pinch of salt and some fresh ground pepper. Use this to stuff the chicken. Pull the chicken from the orange juice, stuff, and place in roasting pan.

Combine app. 1 cup of honey with .5 cup of the Grand Mariner and 1t - 3T of good chipotle powder. Mix well, and brush this on the chicken. Cover, and cook for one hour at 350 degrees. Uncover, brush more mixture on (or pull up from bottom of roasting pan and baste), and cook app. one more hour until temperature at the center of the chicken/stuffing is at least 160 degrees, basting often.

An interesting option is to put loads of slivered almond in the bottom of the roasting pan, and let them cook in the juices and glaze.

Enjoy!

LW

CNN And BATF

I was less than surprised to discover that CNN had tried to do a hit piece on guns recently, this time trying to scare everyone about .50 caliber BMG rifles. These are long-range target rifles, the same as truly long-range military snipers use. They are legal to own in the US, but since people have apparently started wising up to so-called "assault" weapons myths (and flat out media misrepresentations), a new monster was needed.

The problem is, CNN appears to have broken the law in its attempt to demonize such guns. That it did so does not surprise me at all, since the rules and regulations promulgated by BATF and laws by our wise and omnipotent Congresscritters make it virtually impossible for any gun to be bought or sold without violation of rule, regulation, or law when you get right down to it. One of the reasons I don't like to ever sell any weapon, since I could transgress in all innocence. Given that, I would tend to argue that the benefit of the doubt be given despite the fact that my reading of transcripts and such indicate that the story was an open (and badly done) piece of advocacy "journalism."

Not this time. It might be instructive if the public were to see a strong government prosecution for what is basically one Citizen selling a bolt-action rifle to another. A legally-purchased and sold rifle that can be bought new almost anywhere. A prosecution, like others, where the person may not have even realized they were breaking a rule, regulation, or law.

Doc Russia has coverage here and here. The Smalles Minority has coverage here, here, here, here, here, here, and what appears to be a MAJOR update here. Given the latter, I doubt any of what I would like to see will happen, but if nothing else, a spotlight does need to shine here. It needs to continue to shine, so that the truth is out.

LW

Into The Light: Guillermo Cabrera Infante

I am late posting this, but Val has a good post here on the Cuban-born writer's death. Others can and will address his literary mark, but I will simply add to it that it is a shame that he did not live long enough to see his homeland free. He also has this post up with the words of Andy Garcia, a Cuban-American whom you might want to get to know better. May the light shine on those he left behind, and may the light Infante shown upon the world around him -- and the spotlight he put on fidel -- continue on.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 28

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 28th Day since the events of 27 January, and still the tape remains hostage. A tape that could clear a reputation. A tape that was once promised, but now is the hostage at the center of a still swirling controversy. A tape that will out the truth, and must be released for that reason. A tape that still awaits strong calls from those most involved in the matter for its freedom. A tape that needs your calls for its freedom, for the benefit of us all.

Go check out War, Truth, and Videotape and help them out. Sign the petition. Freedom for the tape!

LW

Good Hospiblogging: Chapomatic

Chap and the wife are doing the good side of hospiblogging: she is in labor. Go on over and wish them well. May things go well, and may the light shine down on this new life with health, happiness, and all manner of good things!

LW

UPDATE: We have a Launch! Congratulations to all.

A Quick Roundup To Start The Day

Go check out Da Goddess's new digs, and also wish her well on some upcoming tests

Acidman's mother is in the hospital, so go wish them well too.

The First Mate is home and hopefully the motion sickness of that journey is but a distant memory. The InstaWife is home too.

LeeAnn andher husband got an unexpected surprise in the midst of a crucial medical treatment. Glad they did, and all good wishes go their way.

In addition to the successes of group blogs, you can also learn from their mistakes. Go read that, and don't forget to read this, this, this, and this. If you are not checking thisevery day, you should be.

Courtesy of CQ, we learn that some people are just sick and that the New York Times does not practice what it preaches. Big surprise.

The Smallest Minority has a good roundup on a despicable case of governmental abuse of power that could well be upheld. He also has more on a developing story on CNN apparently breaking gun laws.

More later.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 27

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 27th Day since the events of 27 January, and still the tape remains hostage. A tape that could clear a reputation. A tape that was once promised, but now is the hostage at the center of a still swirling controversy. A tape that will out the truth, and must be released for that reason. A tape that still awaits strong calls from those most involved in the matter for its freedom. A tape that needs your calls for its freedom, for the benefit of us all.

Go check out War, Truth, and Videotape and help them out. Sign the petition. Freedom for the tape!

LW

Iran Earthquake Toll: 420 And Rising

According to Fox, the news is grim. Keep the people of Iran in your thoughts, both for this and for their desire for change. Don't forget to keep Mojtaba and Arash in your thoughts as well.

LW

Free Mojtaba and Arash!

Courtesy of Kathy at On The Third Hand comes this effort from the Committee to Protect Bloggers. Hit the link and go read a bit, and do what you can to help two brave Iranian bloggers, as well as supporting bloggers around the world.

LW

Speaking Of Nanny States

Acidman points out this this delightful bit for your consideration. Think it can't happen here?

LW

Pornography and TSA: The Common Link

Originally, I was going to do this post on the subject of pornography, based on a decision by the government to appeal a loss in pornography case. It was to have covered a history of erotica, erotica versus pornography, catharsis theory, and more. It was a great defense of the medium. Then, I saw what happened to Dr. Jerry Pournelle during a recent trip. Seemingly worlds apart, the two have a fundamental connection that has produced this very different post.

Dr. Pournelle has removed some comments from his "original blog" but continued discussion. From what is there, it appears that he was subject to what I have come to see as fairly typical TSA behavior. I was opposed to this from the start, for many reasons, and have no reason to change my mind. Indeed, it can be argued that we are not even as safe as we were on 9/10 in many respects, in that there are even more rules and regulations in place that are more interested in politics than in safety. That is my opinion, and you may do some quick searching to find others share it, including some inside the beast. If you want to have some fun on this, go search Michelle Malkin's site for TSA, Air Marshalls, and similar terms. There are other places you can do that too, and it is well worth the effort.

The pornography prosecution is one where the government suffered a major setback in prosecution. In short, a lower court threw out charges in the case citing basic First Amendment issues. The government's appeal is based on limitations already acknowledged by the courts. The pornography in question is apparently extreme, and included simulated rape, beating that may or may not have been simulated, and more. Not having seen it myself, to the best of my knowledge, I can't say.

What do these two things have in common? Simple. Citizenship. Are you a Citizen or a subject?

A citizen has the right to make choices on their own, for themselves, without interference from the government. A subject must suborn themselves to the decisions of government, without consideration of circumstances.

When you look at the Constitution, or even the Declaration of Independence, you find that no where in there is it said that you have to make smart, wise, or even reasonable decisions about your life. No where does it say that you must live the life others desire for you, or that the state should play nanny. Indeed, you find the opposite, and Dr. Pournelle makes some choice quotes in his writing.

While I am oft labeled a conservative, I have not attempted to hide that I am in fact an independent. In fact, I am a fiscal and defense conservative, and a social liberal with a small-L libertarian bent. Both of the areas cited are where fundamental freedom is under strong attack, with a deliberate effort being made away from Citizenship, where the state is the agent of the people, to a state of empire, where individuals and individual liberty are subjugated to the state.

In the aftermath of 9/11, several pieces of bad legislation were undertaken, and the creation of TSA and the Office of Homeland Security are two of them. If they were effective, some argument could be made for them, but not by me. I join with those who note Franklin and feel that we have failed a test. For we must bear responsibility for ourselves, and it is fairly clear that we have abrogated that responsibility.

In a free society, you have the right to view anything, read anything, listen to anything, and consider any thought. It does not mean that you have the right to act in any way you choose, or rather it does: for you have the right to act as you will, but must be willing to bear the consequences of said act. One of my first posts was on the fact that freedom of speech is never free and I have continued to point that out in a variety of posts.

You have a right to make a choice, not a requirement to make a good one. You have the right and the ability to view pornography of your choice, just as others have the right to make it provided the people involved are capable of consent and do so. Would I want my daughter or other friend or relative to do it? No, and I would argue against such a choice. Yet, I do not have the right to forcibly stop someone who is capable of informed consent from doing so if they desire. They have the freedom to choose, and I must honor that no matter how much I disagree with the choice. To do otherwise is to deny them the right to themselves, to their mind, and to their body. I do not have to support that choice, or even respect it, but I do have to respect their right to make the choice. Just as I have to respect the right of everyone to view or not view images and content of their choice. I am under no obligation to like or enjoy what they consume, but I do have to respect their right to choose what they consume.

What it boils down to is whether you are a Citizen, or a subject. If you are a Citizen, you have the right to choose for yourself, and to live with the consequences of your decisions. If you are a subject, you will do what the government says, when it says it, and how it says it, from bowing and scraping to party functionaries to viewing only approved materials. You either can take shocking images or ideas and parse them for yourself, or you must accept the need for the government to decide what you can or cannot handle in terms of news and information. You either have Freedom of Speech, Press, Assembly, and from unlawful Search and Seizure, or you do not.

It is the fundamental choice of the Great Experiment that is America. We have the choice to go where the Founding Fathers dreamed, a place where individuals choose their own destiny free from tyrants and other oppressors. We have the choice to say that individuals are incapable of that dream, and must be lead by their betters. That choice is easy, but the consequences are not. Taking responsibility for ourselves, and for tolerating the choices of others, is a painful and difficult task. Mistakes will be made, and lives will be destroyed and lost. That is the price of liberty, and it is a staggering cost. The cost of tyranny, however gentle and well intentioned it may be, is far greater.

I wonder at those that profess to serve minority rights, yet will support neither of the things placed before us above. A site I enjoy, The Smallest Minority, puts it all so well with his banner. It quotes Ayn Rand, who while I detest her fiction has a great quote with "The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities." I think Sturgeon's Law is far too gentle when it comes to pornography, yet if I am to follow my beliefs, I must support the 90 percent, not just the fraction. If I am to honor Citizenship, then I must support the 90 percent, and not just the fraction. Freedom truly is an all or nothing proposition.

I will leave you with this thought for the day, since morality will be thrown into these debates along with catharsis and more. Christianity differs from some/many in that nowhere in the teachings of Christ does he call for the forcible conversion of infidels. Indeed, what is put forward is that unto you a choice is given, to accept and have eternal life, or to refuse and suffer ultimate extinction. Think on this a bit, and ask how best do you honor and respect that commitment, that covenant?

The question is before us. Are we Citizens, or are we subjects.

LW

FYI, if you are interested in catharsis theory, you may want to peruse this link, this link, this link, this link, and this link as a start. This is a very contentious theory, and I will note that in my opinion many studies seem to have an axe to grind, pro and con. Keep the salt handy, and be sure to check the methodologies.

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 26

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 26th Day since the events of 27 January, and still the tape remains hostage. A tape that could clear a reputation. A tape that was once promised, but now is the hostage at the center of a swirling controversy. A tape that will out the truth, and must be released for that reason. A tape that still awaits strong calls from those most involved in the matter for its freedom. A tape that needs your calls for its freedom, for the benefit of us all.

Go check out War, Truth, and Videotape and help them out. Sign the petition. Freedom for the tape!

LW

What The Heck Is Up With The Ecosystem?

Okay, I am not the largest and hardly a threat to them, but I've been in the top 500 of the Ecosystem pretty much since I got started. I was last week, when I was a Large Mammal. Now, I am suddenly and without any major loss of linkage I can detect relegated to being a mere Marauding Marsupial. Nor am I the only one reporting weirdness. Has N.Z. Bear gotten into the honey mead? If he has, why is he not sharing with a fellow critter?

LW

Wolf Haven Update

I find this story both troubling and non-surprising. More may be coming out soon, and when it does, I will let you know.

Meantime, you can go here, here, and here for background on the problems at Wolf Haven.

LW

There's A Hair In My Dirt

A while back, I mentioned a book by Gary Larson you should read. It was out of print in hardcover, but is now out in paperback. If you have any interest in nature, the environment, ecology, or anything outdoors, you need to read this book. Besides, it is hilarious even if it is non-fiction. Warning, this is NOT a Far Side book, so you are warned. My suggestion, go buy it and read it ASAP.

LW

Hospiblogging Continues

But with more good news all around. First, the Instawife is reported to have done well and expected to have a smooth recovery. It also looks like the First Mate may be on the way home. Best wishes to them, and to this family as well.

LW

Welcome Back Pete!

Please do take the time to click on the blogad on the right, for Pete has returned. And to be blunt, I would love for him to stay. His products are good and of a good quality, and there is a bit more there than just the shirts. So, go check it out and please let him know that you saw him on The Laughing Wolf.

LW

UPDATE: Yes, this was a shameless plug, but not nearly as shameless as this one. Thanks to Bill at INDC Journal for the link.

Into The Light: Hunter S. Thompson

Fear and Loathing In The Afterlife

You know, a part of me wishes he could write it and send it back, for it would be one heck of a read. Tim Blair has a good roundup here and more is sure to come (link courtesy Instapundit). Thompson was probably more of an influence on some of my early writing and journalism than I care to admit. He was nuts, pure and simple, but he was also a damned good writer. His early works are incredible, and shaped and re-shaped the writing landscape. While I ended up less than impressed with his later work, the comparisons of later to his earlier works are not necessarily fair in some respects. His writing, and his urging writers -- be they journalists or other -- to go out and learn about what they were covering, to get into the middle of it and get their hands dirty, are quite a legacy, and I thank him for both. Forget that movie, go buy some of his early works and read them if you have not done so.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 25

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 24st Day since the events of 27 January, and still the tape remains hostage. A tape that could clear a reputation. A tape that was once promised, but now is the hostage at the center of a swirling controversy. A tape that will out the truth, and must be released for that reason. A tape that still awaits strong calls from those most involved in the matter for its freedom. A tape that needs your calls for its freedom, for the benefit of us all.

LW

All This Hospiblogging Has To Go

Well, at least Drake is home and seems to be doing well. I am very sorry I missed this before, but hope you will continue to send good thoughts that way. Word is the First Mate is doing well (and celebrating an anniversary as well), too. We should know more on the Instawife soon.

Yet, there is another who will also need a lot of good wishes as they start a crucial treatment for non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Go on over and wish some very good people the best, and keep them in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

May the light shine on you all.

LW

Not A Lot Today

I am tired, but very happy. Friday night was wonderful, and set the stage for an even better Saturday. A large kindness was shown me, and the net result was that I got to spend some time with a wolf that I like a lot, and was cleared to spend time with the main pack. Not only did I get to socialize with them before helping clean up, I was also given the chance to go in again later and spend more time with them. I had a great time with the adults and with the puppies, and thanks to some great training and guidance, was not considered a squeaky toy. Thank you Pat for all you did and do! Thank you Gale, for letting/helping me to get my hands dirty and learn so much. Thank you Dana, for letting me be a part of this and for Saturday morning fox time. Thank you Monty, for being so willing to share. Thanks to everyone out there, and especially to the interns and practicums, for putting up with me, sharing, and making me a part of this. It is wonderful, even the "aged" venison greetings.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 24

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 24st Day since the events of 27 January, and still the tape remains hostage. A tape that could clear a reputation. A tape that was once promised, but now is the hostage at the center of a swirling controversy. A tape that will out the truth, and must be released for that reason. A tape that still awaits strong calls from those most involved in the matter for its freedom. A tape that needs your calls for its freedom, for the benefit of us all.

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.

A Matter Of Perspective

By the things we so often think are important, last night was a disaster. I had company over and some of my housekeeping efforts were quickly set to naught by mud and gunk tracked in to coat the floor. I cooked a new meal, a recipe I had created just last Saturday, and rather spectacularly misjudged the cooking time by more than two hours. There were communications difficulties and differences in senses of humor, and things that reminded me I am now old . To cap the evening off, when we left to return them to their abode, there was a note on my door proclaiming to one and all that I had not paid my January water bill the current lair and that as a deadbeat I was subject to fines and legal actions. The recipe for disaster, right?

Wrong.

Last night was the most fun I have had in a long time. The young lady who bravely agreed to be my Guinea pig was a delight. The fact that English is not her native language was not a barrier nearly as much as a springboard for exploration as she explored American and I learned a bit more about Dutch. Humor that failed led to discussions of what lay behind events, and even into discussions of double meanings in both languages. I taught a bit about some cooking basics, and she shared tales of food from her home. She wasn't too scared of Souther food, so I shared a bit even as we waited and waited for the Orange Chicken with sourwood honey/Grand Marnier/chipotle glaze (and basmati rice, mushroom, almond, roast garlic stuffing). Not that she suffered too much, as I plied her with sweets, tea, bacon, and more to keep her strength up during the arduous wait.

We talked animals, from a duck named FiFi to a beagle named Ralph. We shared tales of the fascinating personalities and our thoughts on breeds and individuals. We talked about their career plans, research, and much more.

No, that was no disaster. It was simply one of the best times I have had in far too long, something I hope I managed to convey as I drove my very full and sleepy company back to their lair. It went in almost none of the ways I has planned or desired, and was so much the richer for it.

That thought has also mutated my anger at the letter at the end of the evening. I take more pride than I should in paying my debts, and that one was indeed paid. It was, in fact, paid almost two weeks before it was due, and therein lies part of the problem. Long story short, I paid when the bill arrived, not the way most do it. I also made the mistake of letting them run the payment the following day, for the convenience of the admin, who did so but lost their copy of the receipt, my copy of the receipt, and failed to log the payment into the accounting system. I have worked this issue with them, and even personally handed a copy of the transaction from my bank to the property manager. By my normal humor, I should be chewing up and spitting out nails this morning in righteous anger over what I regard as the gross incompetence of the AIMCO staff.

Wrong.

They are going to get a nastygram from me shortly, but I am almost laughing at this point. If they carry the farce further, it will go to the lawyers and I will come out well ahead as I can prove in court that it was paid, and that they were given proof of that several documentable times. No skin off my teeth, and indeed no reason for it to impact my day or life beyond the time it takes me to write the letter.

No, last night was a life lesson in many ways, about what is truly important. It is not schedules, perfection, or even public reputation. It is people, it is life, it is the opinion not of some artificial construct but that of individuals of worth. It is about explaining Moose and Squirrel to one who has never seen Rocky and Bullwinkle.

I go to share my day with some delightful wild and dangerous creatures and to immerse myself in what is truly important in life. In addition to time with the staff, I will even spend some time with the wolves. I may even try to find a copy of a good episode of The Adventures, maybe the Ruby Yaht, to share a bit more laughter, and groaning at the puns. It is to experience the joy of getting to know interesting people, no matter how many legs they have.

Think of your perspective this day, and how much richer and better life can be when you look at it in a different way.

LW

Allright, Enough Hospiblogging!

Today, it is the Instawife who is in for testing and maybe more. She joins the First Mate who is reported to be doing much better. All good wishes and thoughts go out to them and their families. Take a few moments to drop them a line, and send your wishes as well.

LW

Friday Wolf Blogging

Today is a bit rushed, the joys of work, but Monty Sloan has given me permission to share this with all of you:

Go on over and check out all his fine work, and maybe get something for your wall.

As for me, all I've gotten recently is a bit more of an inferiority complex. The Alpha Female, Erin, and Beta Male, Chetan, have continued to mate and hope is rising for the possibility of puppies this spring. What has me feeling so inadequate is the fact that while mating, the pair went through the ice into the lake. They made it out easily enough, and were still tied when they reached land. I think of what happens in just a cold shower...

Enjoy the day!

LW

UPDATE: Monty calls this picture "Tristan and the Doggles" in an e-mail to me, and I rather like that title. The only problem I have is that to me it sounds like the name of a bad 60s band. *Ringo/Rongo voice on*Man, have you heard Tristan and the Doggles? They're really it.*Ringo/Rongo voice off*

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 22

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 22st Day since the events of 27 January, and still the tape remains hostage. A tape that could clear a reputation. A tape that was once promised, but now is the hostage at the center of a swirling controversy. A tape that will out the truth, and must be released for that reason. A tape that still awaits strong calls from those most involved in the matter for its freedom.

LW

Kyoto

Before you go screaming about Bush the evil on this, take a few mintues to read this excellent piece (and links) up at The Volokh Conspiracy.

LW

The House Hates Freedom Of Speech

I have to agree completely with Jeff Jarvis in regards the indencency bill just passed by the House. He also has more here. Anyone who voted for this travesty should be ashamed of themselves. Take the time to look hard at this, and at the so-called campaign finance reform-reform as well. These are serious threats to freedom and to the Republic, and you need to study them and take your Congresscritters to heel about them.

LW

Carnival Of The Recipes Is Up!

Hosted this week at Inside Allan's Mind, this award-fest is full of winners. Go check them out, and enjoy the feast!

LW

Quick And Dirty Miso Soup

One of my favorite comfort foods is Miso soup. You can get very elaborate with it, or do this version for miso in a hurry.

Hardware:
Two large pots
Fine mesh strainer
Knife
Cutting Board

Ingredients:
5 small packages dried bonito flakes (or one large)
1 container firm tofu
1 small to medium package light miso
Water
Green onions

Put about a gallon of water in a large pot, and turn heat to high. Open package of tofu, and cut into .25- to .5-inch cubes. Throw in all the fish flakes to the hot liquid in the pot. When the flakes settle to the bottom of the liquid, pour through strainer into second pot. Return clear fish broth to heat, add in package of miso, and diced tofu. Let simmer for an hour or two (or even just for a few minutes). Fine chop green onions and add them to the mix. Serve hot. Enjoy!

LW

I See Michelle Malkin

Is about as impressed with Bret Stephen's performance as I am. As I noted earlier, I was not overly moved and reading the transcript, I am even less so. That said, however, I stand in awe of the smackdown by the talented Ms. Malkin. If this is how she is suspended between meltdown and release, long may she stay in such a state, for we are the richer for it.

LW

I Am So Lucky

KiltBaby and Mr. C. continue to spoil me. I just got a care package with Dixie Crystal sugar products, gourmet coffee, Southern Redneck Hot Sauce, Mornflake oatmeal, and much more in it. Thank you both, for that has made my day!

LW

Easongate: Bret Stephens Responds

Well, sort of. He was on Hugh Hewitt's show yesterday, but I missed it and the transcript is not yet up. It is one I will be reading, especially after Mr. Hewitt posted his account of being on the phone for "a lot of time" with Mr. Stephens earlier in the day. Having read the account, allow me to say the following:

Mr. Stepehens, if anything said here has offended you or comes close to what you feel is actionable in discussions of you, then I am sorry. I am even more sorry if your hurt feelings have become the focus of the Wall Street Journal and its coverage, rather than the real story. Most of what I have seen, including at some of the sites you specifically mention, has been just good journalism and does not even rise up to the bare-knuckled hard-hitting Chicago School of Journalism. The editorial was intellectually dishonest on several levels, including the fact that it blasts all bloggers, not specific sites. It makes some blanket accusations that are impossible to refute, and is mudslinging at its worst and not responsible "adult" journalism. As for fact checking, the blogosphere has a hell of a better record than the so-called media elite, but then again that may be part of the problem.

Your memberships and more are indeed fair game and part of the story. So are mine. That is why when I stopped being anonymous one of the first things I did was listing an about me post that has links to probably more information than anyone wants. That is why, such as in this post and in this post, I list potential conflicts. It is transparency, and anyone coming into the site needs to be aware of them. I figure my long-time readers are aware of them and a lot more, but my concern also has to be with those who may only read the one story. It is one of the reasons why I stopped doing anonymous blogging, though it has cost me jobs and work. If someone has a question about conflict or potential conflict, I hope they will e-mail me so that I can address it openly and fully. That is not just right, it is good journalism and not just for one, like me, who learned the Chicago style.

Yes, you should have been called. Yet, I must ask, how open and available did you make yourself? Did you even say anything through the "Best of the Web" or any other outlet available to you? While I do not wish to hurt your feelings or say anything that may be actionable, it is not good journalism to allow the perception of hiding and lashing out because your feelings got hurt. The "standards and decent instincts of civilized, serious journalism" call for transparency and a determined search for the truth, and for honest, full, and complete reporting. So far, in this story, the blogs who are currently the subject of a blanket attack in your paper are the ones calling for that. To echo Hugh, do you stand with us, or against us? For the complete and full disclosure of the truth, and the tape, or against it? Will you put aside your personal feelings help lead a professional journalistic effort for the real story here?

Your reply is awaited, and actions do speak far louder than words.

LW

A New Petition

Some of the bloggers behind Easongate have started a new blog, War, Truth, and Videotape (think Sex, Lies, and Videotape). This post explains the drive and goals, and it is one that deserves our fullest support. Go check it out, and as soon as petitions and such come up, I will be posting links. Meantime, let's continue to ask via blogs, e-mails, and snail mail (think Planes, Trains and Automobiles) for those participants who have so far declined to call for the release of the videotape to do so. Fully and honestly. If they are serious about journalism, then it should be an easy thing for them to do.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 21

*que pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*que cheesy grim music*
Today, by my count, marks the 21st Day since the events of 27 January, and still the tape remains hostage. A tape that could clear a reputation. A tape that was once promised, but now is the hostage at the center of a swirling controversy. A tape that will out the truth, and must be released for that reason. A tape that still awaits strong calls from those most involved in the matter for its freedom.

LW

I Am Officially Jealous

NSFW!
First, Jim at Parkway Rest Stop gets this link. Then, Acidman at Gut Rumbles gets this link. To be very honest, I like that link and some of the photography there is very, very good. In fact, some of it (good and bad) reminds me of why I want to get back into art photography, including following-up on some ideas I started sketching out while doing the internship at Playboy. The question remains, however. Where's my good link like that?

Harrrrumph.

LW

Dear T-Mobile: It's A Bug

Nevermind that they call it a feature, it is a bug since it can't be turned off. As a helpful customer service, T-Mobile is now sending a text message to me everytime I get a voice mail and don't take it immediately, to tell me that I have a voice mail. Customer service was nice, helpful, and polite, but also let me know that there is no way to shut the service off. Feh.

LW

With A Killer Rabbit Logo?

I would suggest Bun-Bun, but figure he would do more than beat me up for so doing. Meantime, this story is causing my head to hurt from the boggle, and my sides to hurt from the laughing.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage!

I've decided to take a page from the Old Media and start an overly sensationalistic count of the days since Davos, highlighting the tape at the heart of the matter. Almost wish I could have a suitably grim graphic and cheesy theme music to go with it... This is a meme I hope others will pick up upon, and I think we really need to push for those participating and in attendance to demand its release. Stand by for more in the days ahead.

LW

The (Old Media) Empire Strikes Back

Francis W. Porretto at Eternity Road has some good -- though not necessary pleasant -- thoughts on one of the most dangerous ways the Old Media can (and will ) try to strike back at the new. Go read The Counterattack and "Oh, No, You Know We Would Never Use It Like That!" Yes, such is always said when enacting draconian legislation, particularly that which eliminates freedoms. Yes, the government also said it about anti-terrorism laws, the same laws that are now being used to fight gangs, domestic crimes, and other non-terrorism events. He is right: Be Vigilant, and Fight To Maintain Freedom.

LW

A Blurred Line

I first saw this story at Michelle Malkin's site, but then found two of my favorite MilBlogger's picking up on it. Mudville Gazette has a good roundup of the story of a Marine Lt. who was charged well after the fact with murder. So well after the fact that it has been almost a year since the incident, which was reported to higher command and cleared at the time it happened. Mudville also asks some good questions, some of which were ones I had upon reading the story. Neptunus Lex also has some good thoughts and coverage and I love his ending. This story has importance beyond the obvious, and is one to watch -- and best through the eyes of MilBloggers who can most accurately translate and interpret. To echo Lex, let the truth out.

LW

To The Stake With Them! Burn Heretics, Burn!

What I said earlier about the reaction of the Old Media and how it parallels previous attempts to retain power at all costs is now being proven by the self-anointed priesthood at the The Tulsa World. Nope, no italics as they don't deserve the respect. In an effort to silence critics, that worthy bastion has threatened legal action against a member of city government and a blogger for the heresy of daring to link to their site without their approval, which is a cover for daring to say the world is round disagree with them. I notice that the letter in question does not appear to come from a lawyer, quite possibly because no competent lawyer would do it. This is nothing more than pure intimidation. My hope is that there is a lawyer or three that will turn the tables on them and take the paper to court over this harassment. Thanks to Michelle Malkin for the hat tip.

LW

Eason Jordan: Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory?

The surprise resignation of Eason Jordan last Friday evening is not a victory for anyone. For the Blogosphere, and for journalism itself, it is close to being a defeat snatched from the jaws of victory.

The majority of the blogosphere who covered this story did not want his head, at least not until the tape promised then refused was released and it was proven what had been said. The tape was and is the key on several levels, and it is imperative that we continue to press for its release.

One major problem is the perception of the Blogosphere, and the supporters of Jordan are doing everything in their power to make that a bad one. Michelle Malkin has a good roundup of the often despicable attempts to smear the blogosphere. Even the Wall Street Journal, who has done perhaps the best job of embracing the New Media, weighs in with an intellectually dishonest editorial.

Those who study history are not surprised by the strength and type of reaction occurring. Indeed, it is easy to find many historical parallels: the Catholic Church to the Reformation; the "divine right of kings" and other totalitarian ideals to the Enlightenment; the robber barons to public accountability; and the monopoly of your choice to anti-monopoly regulations. The fact is that the Old Media is in a position of great power and great profit, and they are reacting as has every tyrant, mogul, or other holder of power to anything that challenges that power. They are going to do everything they can to preserve their power, their prestige, and their profit by any means -- fair or foul -- possible. One only has to look at the dishonest reporting and massive cover-up underway to see this.

No, I don't think this is something coordinated. What is happening is something seen in history many times. Within the bastions of power, individuals are acting on their own to preserve their own. Because of their mindsets and mores, the tactics are similar.

Another historical parallel is also starting to be seen: a willingness to destroy something provided the protected class gets to keep its privileges. In this case, the very concept of Freedom of the Press is in danger. There is already talk within the Old Media, and has been for months, about "proper journalists" and "accredited journalists" and other words to describe a select caste, as opposed to the unwashed masses and revolting peasants. The various smears and worse that have come out since the resignation all contain this same meme to one degree or another. It is classic us-versus-them and a depressingly familiar start to a given class being willing to trade freedom for protection. That such has never worked, and indeed has resulted in years of stagnation and decay for various societies, is not likely to even register with those interested in preserving their power.

This is only going to get worse for both real journalism and the blogosphere unless it is countered and countered now. The facts of the case need to be repeated and repeated often. The timeline needs the widest possible circulation. The petition that was underway at Easongate needs to be reborn, as a petition calling on CNN and other organizations to press for the release of the tape, for as long as they and others block the release of the tape the Old Media can stall and spin with relative impunity. Each and every factually challenged story and editorial needs to be responded to in detail with calm precision, by every means possible.

The case needs to be made that what we are after is not the head of Eason Jordan or any other person, but rather the truth. If that truth ends careers, then so be it -- be they journalist, blogger, or politician.

We want the truth and we want it now.

For it is the truth that will let the full story be known, and it is the truth that will set us free. It is the truth that can break the historical cycle that is underway, and restore journalism to the people.

LW

Wolves Are Indeed Cool!

I mentioned last Friday that I had a picture done by Monty Sloan up on my office wall. He has kindly added that image to his gallery of images for sale, and you can see it here. What can I say, wolves are cool.

LW

Happy Valentine's Day

This is the day Valen of blessed memory commanded that we polish the tines of all forks. As he said in the sacred scrolls "This day is set aside for the cleaning and polishing of all tines, so that they shall shine. This is a special requirement on the one who will come, who takes my place on my station, and gets my girl. Excuse me now, as I have to come up with yet another frustrating and humiliating ritual to make his getting the girl as slow and painful as possible. Babylon this five times...."

Ooops, wrong genre. To all the wonderful women in my life, thank you and I wish you all a wonderful Valentine's Day.

LW

A Metaphor Given Life

The wolf mating season is well underway, and yesterday saw part of it in all its glory at Wolf Park. Despite what you may read, the social ranks of wolfdom are not nearly as rigid as some may say. Politics and individual preference are not the prerogative of just humans. In the main pack, the preferred mate of the Alpha female has always been the Beta Male, not the Alpha. She has never been shy about expressing this, and this year as seen her tie with the Beta several times now. The Beta, has somewhat mixed emotions, since the she has done her courting in front of the Alpha male, who is not fully happy with the situation.

Yesterday saw the latest tie, witnessed by all in part because it took place in the middle of the frozen lake. Now, for those not familiar with dogs or other canines, when mating they tie (courtesy of the knot) and can even stand end-to-end or side-by-side. Video of a previous Alpha Pair even shows them running side-by-side chasing down some pack members who had displeased them, while still tied. Left me with feelings of both inadequacy and admiration it did. What happened yesterday was enlightening on a different level.

The Alpha male came over and the Beta male immediately went over onto his back in submission, while still tied. The Alpha female, disdaining the Alpha male, moved off -- dragging the Beta along. I and some of the other males watching, besides wincing in sympathy, had to admit that this was the first time we had seen literally happen what we have seen figuratively. A person who thinks on a reflex level (or doesn't think at all) in regards relationships may well find themselves being dragged along by their privates as a result. Some food for thought for the day.

LW

Into The Light: Kiddo McFiddo

Go over and read the tale, and share condolences with Val. Val, Kiddo did not deserve better than you and the Mrs. As Dave so aptly notes in the comments, you did your job. To the utmost, for only a true friend who really loves someone can do what you and the Mrs. had the strength and courage to do. Kiddo chose wisely in selecting you for a family. May the light shine on you all.

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.

The Sound Effects Of Our Lives

The last few weeks have been busy and very serious, both here and in real life. If you want an excellent serious food for thought post today, then go read this post. As for me, today is a day to laugh as it is the best medicine, and tastes a lot better than flue cure, apple cider vinegar, vitamins, and other remedies.

When I moved up to the new lair, I caught myself doing something I had been taught was not proper. I was making sounds. No, no, not those sounds, though they are a natural part of life. No, this was something far worse according to the polite codes by which I was raised.

These were grunts, groans, and other such noises as I did things. Like bending over. When it came to lifting and such, well, it got even better. The one I was doing most often was like that gruaon (a combination of grunt and groan) that Arnold makes when he is acting like he is lifting something heavy. You know, that noise he makes that sounds like he has been constipated for a month and is really straining hard because he thinks he might, just might, feel some movement.

How embarrassing. Proper gentlemen, especially proper young gentlemen, don't do that. Apparently I am in neither category anymore, because I do seem to be doing it. And other odd and interesting noises as well.

It is something that I am attempting to curb, as after 40 the body makes enough new and entertaining noises without adding to them.

So, what sound effects are you adding to those nature already provides your life? Are they truly the sound effects we want for our lives? You tell me.

LW

Thank You For The Images

Take some time today to enjoy the beauty that is around us. If your view is limited, allow me to recommend going here for a beauty break. I've gone there a time or two this week myself, to take a break from a project and recharge a bit. Go thou, and do likewise.

LW

Thank You For All The Kind Words

I have been very remiss this week in writing to thank those who have posted comments, sent e-mails, and otherwise wished me well with the bug/cold/whatever it is that I have had. Between not feeling good, and a project that I needed to get to the next stage, I have failed to write and thank you as I should. I hope you all do understand, and I will try to get caught up on that. Until then, please accept my sincere thanks. I do appreciate the comments, and you. At least all but the euthanasia suggestion, hope that was supposed to be echinacea.... *G*

LW

Friday Wolf Blogging

The wolves at Wolf Park get a lot of enrichment in their lives. A topic for discussion later, it is important to their health both physical and mental. Wolfball is but one of the many types of enrichment:

though it is an extremely photogenic one. If you like the low-res pictures I do here, you really do need to go check out the work of Monty Sloan. Those into photography will understand what it means when one photographer buys the work of another, and I have one of Monty's best on the wall in my office. So go check him out, and buy some good photos of some nice subjects.

The story I mentioned earlier in the week about how socializing helps the people at Wolf Park take good care of the wolves is a nice one. One of the older wolves developed an eye problem, and the vet prescribed eye drops, three times a day. With non-socialized wolves, this could mean sedation, special cages, or just laughter at the idea of even trying to get drops into the eye. In this case, the staff knew that the wolf in question liked cheese. So, they used cheese to distract and entertain the wolf while the drops were applied. This made for a very cooperative wolf, who was upset when the drops stopped because it meant the cheese stopped as well. The wolf asked for both, but settled for getting a regular cheese treat after that. :)

Enjoy the pictures here, enjoy the good pictures by Monty, and enjoy your day.

LW

Wolf Haven Update

The vet at Wolf Haven has come forward to present his side of the events. While I will await the report of the investigation to make judgement, I am extremely unhappy with what I am hearing. Please keep the wolves there in your thoughts, for it is for them that I fear.

LW

UPDATE: The director at the center of the controversy has resigned. It is still not over, not by a long shot, but there is now an opportunity to begin to move forward.

Easongate Continues

I suspect that Eason Jordan and CNN think that this is all behind them, but I also believe that they are very mistaken. By the old models, this is a dead story; but, by the new models, all they are doing is giving people more time to dig into things and bring much more to light. Witness the digging that has now brought up all sorts of interesting things, such as details about Chris Cramer of CNN.

Keep on it. Check out Easongate and sign the petition. Keep checking Captain's Quarters, Hugh Hewitt, and Michelle Malkin. The future of a free press may well and truly ride on this. More on that later.

LW

Wolf Haven Update

A newspaper has picked up the story and is now following it. My thanks to everyone who is sending me information, and I continue to follow this. Previous post is here.

LW

Better

My thanks for all the good wishes and suggestions! I dosed up yesterday and feel a lot better today. Still way behind where I want to be on the work project, so probably not a lot today while I try to catch back up and attend meetings. Take care!

LW

More Sometime Soon

Free Ice Cream Shortage Continues. If it were not for the massive project underway, I would not be going in today. Orange juice, vitamins, sterilizing toothbrushes and such, and more being done to fight it (chest crud), but it does not help to be mildly allergic to the OJ. Maybe more later, maybe not.

LW

Playing The Victim

Out at Wolf Park, one of the "puppies" that is nearing their first birthday is not happy. This young lady has managed to get herself in trouble with her Mom and to some extent with the pack. Right now, she is wanting to do what one staffer terms the wolf equivalent of running away to join the circus. Meaning that she has indicated she wants to leave the main pack enclosure. She will not be allowed to do so under present circumstances, and the staff notes that she has brought this down on herself by playing the victim.

In wolfpacks, as well as real life, if you present yourself as a victim you will be treated as one and victimized. Yes, I said real life as this was pointed out to me many years ago by some women who had dealt with abuse in their lives. In watching this situation this weekend, it also occurred to me that it applies on a higher level as well.

In global politics, if you display the signals of victimhood, you will get treated as such. Many of the signals that we see as civilized and restrained can be seen by those of a less sophisticated viewpoint (animalistic even) as being signs of weakness, since they are really much the same as those displayed by a weak member of a herd or pack. Then again, I have long felt that many of our enemies behaved the same or worse than feral dogs. There is much to think on here, but it behoves us to consider such as we make decisions on the future.

LW

No Free Ice Cream Today

Power failure this morning not only took out the lights in a large chunk of the area where I live, but also the Wi-Fi at the lair. Am also under the weather and under the gun on a project, so stay tuned. Meantime, go check out Easongate, a joint venture blog covering the failure of the media to police its own, namely Jordan Eason and CNN.

LW

A Day Semi-Off

From blogging that is. I have loads to do today, from several loads of laundry to cooking to cleaning. I will be having company here soon, and want to make a good impression, so cleaning is high on the list. Besides, I need to get the no-fog stuff on the inside of Pup's windows too while the weather is nice.

On a side note, I've found I really like cold weather. It can be a lot of fun. Besides, it makes the picking up of fox and wolf poop much easier, along with the handling of the "trash" from the wolf's dinner. Whole road-kill deer go in, the gamey remains have to come out later and be disposed of in bags and a dumpster. There is a reason some of the laundry has some urgency to it today, and I am not looking forward to that part of it this summer.

Off to a good start on the day, with one load of laundry done; the lamb and red lentil curry (modified a bit) from this week's Carnival of the Recipes is cooking; some bacon for the next week or so is cooked and ready to be frozen; and, I may even be able to finally make the New Mexico Red Chili Sauce I've been meaning to make for a month now. Now, off to the races, since I also want to relax this evening.

LW

I Hope It Is Not True

This story has begun making the rounds of the wolf community and reached myself and others last night. The shock is hard to describe, as one of the best things my "Ex" ever did for me was get me involved with Wolf Haven. I have visited there, sponsored Cris -- one of their wolves -- for several years, and made other donations as well. I know the staff and volunteers to be eager and dedicated. This hit like a hammer blow.

Since this is a story from the Old Media, and the medium of same known for extreme sensationalism, I will not rush to judgement. Because this is a (fairly) new Executive Director, and politics may potentially be a factor, I will not rush to judgement. I am also having some trouble downloading the video, since the site referenced seems convinced no matter what I tell it that I want it as RM. Until I can view the video, and the report of the investigation is released, I will not rush to judgement. The statement issued by Wolf Haven does provide a different explanation of events.

That said, what is available is such that I am withdrawing my link to Wolf Haven from the Support Your Local Wolf section and suspending all support until the investigation is complete. I recommend this to others as well, for if they are cleared completely and fully, then support should be reinstated immediately.

If these charges are found to be true, then those responsible need to resign and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Period.

If this turns out to be the "non-story" claimed by Wolf Haven, and the result of internal politics or other malicious action, then those responsible need to resign, and face the fullest course of legal action. Period.

If this is an honest disagreement over the proper course of care for an animal, then all those involved need to communicate and to understand that it is not about them, but the wolves. Period.

I will be keeping an eye on this story, and will update as I learn more. The more I learn about wolves, and the way things are done at Wolf Park, the happier I am to be a volunteer there. Because they are socialized, the wolves can be given care not otherwise available. If someone reminds me, I will tell the story this Friday of how a wolf's love of cheese helped save their eyesight.

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