The Laughing Wolf

Blackfive's Secret Identity

Before the meeting Tuesday night took place, we all had to swear to keep the secret of Blackfive's true identity. We could not tell of the secret access at 1060 West Addison that leads to parking for Castle Blackfive, nor of the secret pedestrian exit of the Castle Transporation System down near the Chicago jail. The secret(s) were to be kept upon pain of pain.

Yet, upon more mature and sober (HA! Ed.) consideration Wednesday morning, I decided that the truth must out. For what we thought we knew was only one more bit of maskirova from the ultimate dissembler. That identity that we swore to protect is as false as the name Blackfive itself, and what lies at the heart is truly blackest blackness.

For Tuesday night, I found out that Blackfive's real identity is: Satan, or Mr. S as I now call him after the introduction. The genial facade is just that, a false front. Who else but Mr. S could have taken our brave band and forced them into gluttony at a truly tasty tappas restaurant? It was subtle, but from his perch in the corner came a spiderweb of prompts and temptations that ensured continuing rounds of tasty treats and drinks. Who else but Mr. S could have then gotten such upright people to tramp around to various bars to try yet more drinks and engage in revealing conversations? Who else would have tried to send Eric to a BDSM establishment? No, wait, that was me (and glad I am the attempt got lost in the general noise and bustle). It was Mr. S who tried to send Eric into an alternative establishment with a "Parking In Rear" sign that generated amusement. I could go on and on, but the signs are all there for those not too blind to see. After all, only Mr. S. could keep us up and out until somewhere towards 0200 hours and enjoying the process.

Oh, Eric thinks he is Mr. S, or is at least going to take the throne, but he really is a choir boy in comparison. Eric is too straightforward in his attempts, and there is no guile and subtlety in his efforts. Besides, would the real Mr. S take to carrying my briefcase (which he acted like was heavy) around on the various treks between bars on his own initiative? Would the real Mr. S be so open in talking to everyone and making sure all were having a good time? Would the real Mr. S. start chatting up the blonde on whom I had my eye at one establishment? Hmmmmmm. Maybe that one is a wash... Would the real Mr. S order a raspberry vodka martini? Eric did so, and I watched him do it. So, he is too nice to be truly evil.

From now on, when I hear the Churchlady, or do the voice, I think the line I hear/say will be "Could it be...Blackfive?"

Tuesday night was a true delight and I hope to meet up with everyone again soon. My only regret of the evening was that I did not get to spend as much time talking to everyone there. Let's see.

Wonderful is the only word to describe finally getting to meet Teresa in person. From her blog, e-mails, and conversations I knew her to be an intelligent and delightful person. It was a real pleasure to meet her and prove that pictures do not do this statuesque person justice. And I do mean statuesque in more than just the physical.

Grau was a pleasure as well, and I did not get to spend nearly as much time with him as I would have liked.

That 1 Guy was fun, and we did get to talk just a bit as we were the first to arrive at the tappas place. As with Grau, I am looking forward to getting to know him better in the days ahead.

Smiling Dynamite: What an appropriate name on so many levels. My one regret is that so much of our attempted conversations took place with high-decibel competition that limited what all we could do. All I can say is that the Gnome knows how much fun it was to meet her. More on the Gnome later.

Ah, Tammi. What can I say that is not covered by the spirit of the court order she has in place on me? A delight as always.

Oh, yeah, Harvey was there, too. *G* In all seriousness, it was enjoyable to finally meet him in person, and he is yet another with whom I did not get to spend nearly enough time.

There were phone calls with several other bloggers, including Lee Ann, Boudicca, and the wonderful Jim at Parkway Rest Stop. I am thinking there was someone else, but can't be sure at this point. More on the food later, but one of the dishes used orange mojo and brought Val to mind.

Yes, a good time was had by all, though getting up early for my first meeting of the day was not a joy. Then again, I like as close to 8 hours of sleep a night as I can get, and that did not happen. It was well worth it, however, and I am sure that some more lies descriptions will be forthcoming.

My thanks to Mr. S and all for a most wonderful evening of conviviality, discussions, and more. It was a pleasure beyond my ability to describe, and I already look forward to more.

LW

Eric Is Supposed To be Good At Pool?

Hmmmmmm. First Tammi, now it is Smiling Dynamite giving Eric a run for the money at the pool table. Not sure about his pool expertise after all. Undefeated, Hah!

LW

What A Night

So far, Army 0 and Marines 1. What a night it was. Is. Not sure how to say it, but I am here in Chicago with Blackfive, Eric, Teresa, Tammi, Smiling Dynamite, That One Guy, Graumagus, and, oh, yeah, Harvey. Tappas for dinner, and a variety of entertainment afterwards. It was fun watching Tammi give Eric a run for his money on a game of pool (and he is supposed to be good?), and even more fun meeting this diverse and fun group of people. More later, if we survive. Send single malt; there seems to be a shortage for some odd reason.

LW

On The Road Again

On the road today and in Chicago. Some things have worked out great, some not so great. Got to have lunch at Sayat Nova (Armenian cuisine), a favorite, but alas without the friend and mentor from the Tribune as planned. Seems he had a root canal this morning and was going to be there despite it, but got called back in on a breaking story. I'm currently taking a break and making use of free and reliable wifi to post a quick entry. More tomorrow, and may even have a very fun thing to report. Meantime, am going to rest my sore feet a few more minutes before hitting the streets again.

LW

Quick Thoughts

This weekend was a good one, if a bit busy. Yesterday was spent with a lunch/brunch for someone going back home to Scotland. A distant kinsman, boon companion, crazy as a loon, and who will be missed. The new grill has now been properly broken in, as on Friday it did a boneless leg of lamb, asparagus, onion, and something else to go with hand-whipped roast garlic and cheddar potatoes, marinated mushrooms, and almond shortbread done as a special treat for interns, practicums, staff, and some volunteers out at Wolf Park. Yesterday it did steaks, onion, yellow bell pepper, and eggplant for the brunch.

Before I forget, thanks Bou for the reminder/challenge. This wolf spent his time yesterday nibbling the tail of the solid dark chocolate bunny, and only the tail. As dense and rich as it is, it will take me a while to eat all of it.

This week is a hectic one, involving much travel and lots of other good and fun things. What this means for posting is as yet unknown, but will do what I can, when I can. To say that I can't wait for the new computer to get here is quite an understatement. To say that I am considering an alternate access service is an understatement.

Thank you for your patience.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 60

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 60th 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

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.

Saturday Thoughts

Well, this is written Friday but putting it up whilst I do have some connectivity. My day is done, and it has been a long one. A good one, but a long one. Long work day, but with some satisfaction involved. The investment of an hour or so has resulted in finding a doctor that I will give a try -- still a bit gunshy given the GP I had in Huntsville (the Ortho who fixed things I highly recommend). Finally, I invested about three hours Friday evening in cooking a special dinner to take to Wolf Park for the Interns, Practicums, and Staff: grilled boneless leg of lamb, grilled asparagus, grilled onion, grilled corn on the cob, roast garlic and cheddar cheese mashed potatoes, and almond shortbread for dessert. Took pictures, so may do a photo recipe entry this week if I can get connected.

I find lamb most appropriate for this time of year, and it became something of a tradition in my household for a while.

For those of you who are Christian, I wish you joy this weekend.

For those pagan, Bright Blessings Be.

For both, this is a time of new growth, of renewal, of new life. Think on that this weekend, for that is truly a feast of food for thought.

Let us keep the feast.

LW

Friday Wolf Blogging

Not sure how long I will have access, so will keep this short today. The shots were made last week at the Great Easter Egg Hunt, and I plan to post more soon. It is also a test of some software (thanks Chris!) that seriously reduces file size without impacting quality. Without further ado, we have:

Not sure if the tongue is out and licking chops in anticipation or not...

A puppy (Renki I believe) goes for an egg, but has a little trouble getting it out.

Erin goes for an egg.

More later, I hope. Maybe.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 57

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 57th 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

Life Changes

No, no engagements to announce, but some changes none-the-less. Change is a constant in life, and change oft is a very good thing, for it forces growth and evaluation. It may also bring pleasure on many levels, as well as the pain of loss. All too often, it is easy to look back in the glow of nostalgia and make such losses even more intense, for we mourn the ideal rather than the real.

I have walked away from things I enjoyed, that I loved, before. A bit over a decade ago, about the time of the first Clinton administration, I walked away from something that had made me feel more alive than almost anything (short of jumping out of a plane) I had ever done. This was done not out of pique or such, but because it was time for me to move on. While I enjoyed that thing very much, it also had a price that I was no longer willing to pay, and because I did not like changes that were underway. The right thing to do was to walk away.

As long-time readers know, I spent what I feel was the best part of my childhood in Rabun County, Georgia. I loved that place and time, from the woods to the people and characters. I vividly remember camping up there as a toddler, and watching a boy who was visiting fall from a tree and breaking his collar bone. I remember going to an abandoned quarry with my Dad and getting rock to make a deck outside the slant-roofed shack (made of dress white pine and cypress siding) that became our kitchen. I could not have been more than four or five, but the memory of the joy and pride in doing work and in "helping" my father stays with me yet.

As things changed and grew, so too do the memories. I learned to put up walls and panelling when an indoor bathroom and bedrooms were added, for our local friend and carpenter framed, and we did all the inside work. I learned at an early age that fiberglass does indeed itch, and can get in the darndest of places when you wrestle with batting that is probably as big as you are. The project that in some ways marked me as a man for my Dad was when we built a 40-foot porch across the front of the structure. The deck went up one year, and then we roofed and screened the next. Tin roofs are wonderful in many ways, but a bear to learn and quick to cut if you make a mistake.

So many memories, most good, some not. Yet, change comes to all things, and I have written about the changes up there before. It is no longer possible to run the ridges, and those that mattered most to me are gone, friends and friend-as-big-brother, and I do miss them all.

When Mom died, Dad decided that a relative should get half of this cabin. That was not what Mom and I had discussed, but Dad stated that this was her wish, and I did not argue, for it made him happy. I knew then that it was not in my best financial interest, or possibly best interest, but went along for Dad. After Dad died, the situation became rather unsatisfactory for me. Add in the fun joys of contract ends and such with which I have bored you these last two years, and it made an interesting situation even more interesting.

About a week ago, I finished the sale of my half of the cabin to that relative. It was a price far below market value, and I gave up any claim on the potential windfall that awaits, but in the ways that really count that is just fine. While there is an unofficial agreement that I can use it for a given period each year, I doubt that I will go down there except to pull out my remaining stuff and some of the stuff that the relative doesn't want. I am not quite shaking the dust from my sandals in regards to the property and the relative, but it is close. I am going to sell the remaining lots I have nearby as well, for it is time to move on.

Life changes are sad on one level, yet joyful on others. Living through them is never easy, but it can be extremely rewarding. There are more life changes ahead for all of us, so hang on for the ride and make the most of it as you can.

LW

Please Stand By

There seem to be some problems either with the computer or the free internet provided at the temporary lair, or both. It is making posting most difficult, so please be patient.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 56

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 56th 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

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 55

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 55th 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

Terri Schiavo: A Reconsideration In Progress

In yesterday's post, I made some statements that were based on the best information I had at the time, including some comments on medical imaging. The power of the blogosphere is indeed a wonderful thing, and several questions I have had appear to have been answered.

A prime one can be seen here at Obsidian Wings. I am not a doctor, nor am I qualified to interpret medical images. That said, I have had dealings with medical imaging and medical imaging of the brain. The brain is an incredible structure that we are just beginning to understand. Even so, there are things well known and if the image shown is indeed that of Terri Schiavo then the refusal to do more tests is very understandable. You can only test when something is there, and if the damage is as extensive as it appears (other scan slices are needed to determine the 3-D structure of the damage), then there truly may not be anything of certain critical structures left to test.

Also on Obsidian Wings is a link to this PDF file that provides detail missing from many reports. Another detail of which I should have been aware is that her husband did not go to court to ask that the tube be removed. Instead, the petition was to ask the court to determine if it should be removed -- in other words, he asked the court to make the decision. This is very different from making a decision and asking the court to uphold it, and it is a fact that is not very well presented, or even misrepresented, in some coverage.

In light of this new information, I am reconsidering my comments and stand on critical aspects of this case. My support of the right to die is not one of them, nor is my increasing horror at the intrusion of politicians left and right into the case and into the rights of patients to choose to accept or reject treatments. What is being reconsidered is my opinion on this one case, for it will set the stage for how much freedom and choice we have in deciding our fate.

Also, yet another plea to let others know of your wishes and decisions in regards long-term care and heroic measures. Talk it over, explore the options, and put the basics in writing in the form of living wills and powers of attorney for healthcare. Write it on your blog. Put it down so that there is no question of what you want done, and what you do not want done. If not for yourself, do it for those you love.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 54

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 54th 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

Some Thoughts On Terri Schiavo

I don't have the time to do this justice, and there are several things here that demand justice and not the least of them is Terri herself. Baldilocks, as usual, sums it up.

The fact is, I do support the right to die. I think it important, and far too important to be left to the posturing classes, for ownership of ourselves and our bodies is the most fundamental property right. I have made clear to those in my life when I want no heroic measures and when I want to fight. When a person has made such clear, in writing and/or otherwise, honor the wishes. When in doubt, come down on the side of life.

There are things about this case that stink to high heaven. Others have hashed them out and discussed them in detail, so I will not. I will note that while it may not be a medical necessity according to the doctors representing the husband, doing a PET scan would settle the matter of her state fairly quickly and is therefore a legal and political necessity. The fact that such is being fought so strongly is interesting, to say the least. No, you don't want an MRI given her implants, unless you really do want to kill her.

As for those who feel that starving her to death will be peaceful and such, I ask you to contact the local humane society. There is footage out there of just how peaceful, painless, and dignified a death it is for any number of animals. If that is not your cup of tea, I would point out that a Nazi tactic reserved for certain people who really annoyed them was starvation, and if memory serves there may be some documentary footage of those executions as well. If a person is aware, they do feel it and it is not pleasant at all. While I fear where all the politics and such in this case will lead, one thing remains true in regards to removing her feeding tube:

This stinks. Plain and simple.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 53

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 53rd 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

My Cousins Are So Good To Me

I just got the latest care package from my cousins, and all I can do is grin. There is good orange marmalade, the makings for a pad thai dinner, McVitie's Hob Nobs, Lindor dark chocolate truffles with rasberry filling, and some aromatic dried chilies. As in smoked chilies my friends. As in I really am going to have to do some cooking soon smoked chilies. I cannot say thank you enough to them, for they have done right by me, and done far more for me in the last couple of years than many/most of those far more closely related. Thank You both, and thank Clara too!

LW

Product Review: Canon 20D

Life has had its ups-and-downs of late, and while mostly up, one thing very difficult was done. While I am not ready to discuss it yet, that event pushed me to do something nice for me. That nice was the purchase of a Canon 20D digital SLR. I have been wanting to get back into serious photography for a while and knew that digital was the way to go.

Yet, the purchase of the Canon was a major step in more than just price. All of my 35mm film work was done on Nikon, and I was a member of the Nikon Professional Society for a few years. Nikon was in my hands as I photographed the first Shuttle launches, covered stories ranging from plane crashes to dance recitals, and trekked into the wilds. My first digital camera(s) were Nikon, both at work and at home, and I have taken my CoolPix 990 literally around the world. I had thought that Nikon was pretty much untouchable in terms of lens and camera quality, but I was wrong.

The last couple of months have given me the chance to check out a number of systems and do some evaluation. When it comes to digital cameras, I have decided, the people to watch are Canon. The quality of the optics is top rate, and the lens technology superb. The cameras consistently beat the competition at almost every level, and the user interface, while daunting in complexity, is extremely user friendly. For those not interested in truly serious work, you can set the 20D to do auto everything and just snap away. Or, you can choose from 11 other major settings and do as much or as little as you like.

Right now, I am using it primarily in auto while I learn the camera and system. The results are very good:

Here is Ayla with a twinkie she found during the Easter Egg Hunt yesterday at Wolf Park. The image is degraded for the Web, but still shows the level of detail captured by the system. As for that pastry, it was not eaten but cached for later.

Here is a shot I took this morning of my Thanksgiving cactus, which has decided to bloom yet again. Apparently the move and changes in light/climate have it a tad bit confused.

Again, this is not a high-quality image shown, but one saved and trimmed for the Web. Yet, an impressive level of detail is still clearly visible.

So far, the largest drawback to the system is memory. During the events yesterday I shot enough images to almost fill a 1 Gb memory card. I foresee more cards and more external hard drives in my future.

I will keep you up to date on how things go with the camera, but so far it is safe to say that I am very pleased and impressed with the system. More as it develops...

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.

Terri And You

There are many good posts on both the major sides of this case, and they are well worth reading and considering. There are many good points made, but there are two additional thoughts you should consider.

First, do you really want a politician deciding your fate? Beyond the fact that these are the people who voted for that ridiculous bankruptcy bill, gave us McCain-Feingold, and a few thousand other equally brilliant pieces of legislation. What makes you think that the odds favor them finally getting it right in your specific case? Do you really want those on one side killing you off because you are no longer a productive member of society? Do you really want those on the other side forcing your family to keep your corpse "alive" at all costs to your estate or those you love? Do you want some as-yet unknown group of politicians to claim your body for yet some other purpose? Don't know about you, but I sure don't, and what happens is none of their business, nor should this be so now.

If you truly love your family and friends, talk to them about your wishes, and don't leave it to the crapshoot that is the modern court and the arena of politics. Make your wishes known, and not just to a spouse. Make sure your family knows, and that it is documented they know. Have a living will, give power of attorney for healthcare with everything spelled out. I trust my executors and holders of said powers to kill me; and, I also trust them to give me every possible chance if there is hope. Write it out, spell it out, talk it out -- do not leave it to chance. It is your body, you own it despite what a lot of people will tell you. Don't lose ownership under these circumstances.

I have many thoughts on this case, but will save them for now. For what I see is a tragedy far beyond the plight of Terri. If she had indeed shared her wishes, one way or the other, and done so via a will and power of attorney, neither she nor the rest of us would be in this situation. Do not do this to your loved ones, and do not do it to others. Take the time, write it out, and make sure a number of people know your thoughts.

As for Terri, her husband, her parents, and all other family and friends, keep them in your thoughts and pray/chant/spell/whatever you do that what is right happens.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 51

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 51st 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

Friday Wolf Blogging

Today's post will be short and sweet, as things are very, very busy. So, for now I will let the wolves speak for themselves, as Ayla (I think) does here:

Here is a better shot of Chetan, beta male of the pack:

Finally, the terror, the terror:

The terror that the belly scratch and rub might stop... Ah yes, so mistreated, stressed out, and miserable. *snort*

LW

Can You See Me?

I've been having some interesting computer problems, including having my own site not load at home, load blank at home, and load blank at the alternate lair. I am hoping you can see me, but if not the new computer will be here soon and/or I will do what de-bugging I can on the site if needed.

LW

Okay, now it is loading. Interesting.

Into The Light: Andre Norton

Andre Norton, described yesterday by the man behind LibertyCon as "A Great and Noble Lady" has passed into the light. Hers has been a long fight, but one she waged with spirit and verve. Her writings have enriched the world, and she will be missed.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 50

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 50th 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

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today, all are Irish and/or Celt and it is a day for the green. I am taking a holiday, of sorts, and plan to hit a local pub or two as circumstances permit. I also pledge to try and avoid the various "Erin go bra-less and no one noticed" jokes. Enjoy your day, and remember to wear at least some green.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 49

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 49th 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

Lambs

Fuzzy, cuddly, and cute little lambs. Such a wonder, such a delight with or without mint jelly. Yesterday was International Eat an Animal for PETA Day. I failed to blog it then, but do want to note that I loved my lamb and beef mixture at the Turkish restaurant next to the battery store. The good Southern battery in Pups was five years old, and did not like northern Indiana winter so I made the best of the situation. Stuffed grape leaves, the lamb and beef medley, it was all good and tasty. The pleasure for this carnivore was all mine. Hope you enjoyed some critter yesterday too. Thank you Meryl for starting such a tasty campaign.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 48

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 48th 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

UAW: Too Little, Too Late

While the matter appears to done, so too is the damage. The world has now seen just how much the UAW really supports the troops. For me, I hope the Marines never park there again under any circumstances, for fair weather friends and sunshine patriots are to be shunned. Also, the Marines need to focus on real things, such as real friends and real threats before they deploy. I wonder if the UAW people responsible realize exactly how much backlash this is generating? I know that even if all is forgiven officially, many of us will never forget it.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 47

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 47th 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

And On The Best Note

A "Human Tsunami" indeed! And they didn't even have to bus in non-citizens from Syria (and elsewhere?) to reach that number. May the light shine on you all in the days ahead, and may the winds of freedom carry your flag through the sky. To monitor this and efforts at freedom around the world, keep checking Publius Pundit on a regular basis.

LW

On A Happier Note

Go congratulate Greyhawk on his 20. Thank you Sir! Heck, the Shady Lady might have a chance at restoring some semblance of credibility if they did hire you.

LW

Speaking Of Despicable

Val has the lowdown on the latest U.S. Politician to prostitute themselves to fidel. Yep, take that from this crackpot Cuban-American. Oh, wait, my bad. I am one of those Scot-Irish mongrel types. Feh.

LW

Despicable!

When reading this post at Blackfive's I came across a story that raised my hackles and blood pressure. Despicable is far too kind a word for the selectmen of Stewarstown, NH. They have no honor, integrity, or shame and the contempt they have shown to one particular serving member of the Armed Forces is nothing compared to the contempt I have for them, and for any who would have them serve and represent them. Those far-from-select types deserve nothing less than complete and utter approbation from those in the town, and from any Citizen of this Republic. If the Citizens of that town do not have a mechanism for removal, they need to get one now and implement it. Otherwise, they too should be shunned by all, male or female, who hold themselves as Honorable Men and responsible Citizens. At least one Old Media outlet gets it, and I hope that Weekend Pundit will continue to keep us updated on this story, and the intellectually and ethically challenged beings behind it. I do wish that the Soldier involved would simply say to them "Ave Emperator! Ti Morturi Puricamus!" Not sure I have the spelling quite right, but it is close. That, and the dust of his boots, are all they deserve, and less than they should get.

LW

Your Patience Is Appreciated

Blogging has been far too lite of late, partially because of computer concerns and mostly because of a very busy professional and personal life. Adding to the mix is the fact that several people at work, including one to whom I report, have been made aware that I blog. Whilst this is a relief on several levels, and I think will be very beneficial to both parties, there is none-the-less a degree of trepidation with such a step. Also, daytime blogging is going to be difficult since I can't readily get away to blog on my own time and equipment. So, change is in the air and adding to it is a slow start to a personal life including dinners, dates, and more. Changes including the possible purchase of a real lair, which may also play hob with posting. My hope is that in the next few weeks that I can find something that will work for me, keep you happy and intrigued, and continue the process started a couple of years ago. Thank you for your readership, your links, and for taking the time to make my site a part of your day. All, along with your patience, are appreciated.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 46

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 46th 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

Getting A Handle On Things

I was seriously beginning to doubt myself. After all, it was only an axe handle.

A couple of weeks ago, I realized that an axe used by some friends was in sore need of a new handle. While changing handles can be a pain, it is something I have done a number of times before without a whole lot of difficulty. So, a quick trip to the hardware emporium and a couple of new handles were procured (another axe handle will need replacement soon).

This time was different. The handle being removed fell apart at the start, but the section inside the axe itself stayed intact, and would not budge. I ended up bringing tools from home to work on it, to the point of using a drill, a Dremel, and more in my quest to get the bleeping section out. I was also trying to save the very nice metal wedge, but even that began to pale in the struggle. Even wielding a sledge hammer in one hand, and holding chisels, punches, and more in the other, and hitting with considerable force did nothing. It was like it was bonded to the axe.

I spent a chunk of yesterday morning and the afternoon drilling out as much of the wood as I could. Even though the drills, routers, and such were not happy with the wood. An easy time of removal it was not. Finally, with some excellent assistance from a friend, the wedge came out -- the wood stayed. Finally, amidst much indecorous language, strong invective even, on my part, the wood was finally -- finally! -- punched out.

Let me just say that epoxy or any other resin may be a way to make sure that axe does not wiggle on the handle, but it is a lousy thing to do to the person who has to replace said handle later. Especially when enough time has passed that the obvious signs of same are faded or covered with stuff. Mutter, Grumble.

LW

Into The Light: Elva L. Smith

Elva L. Smith, mother of Rob Smith, passed into the light yesterday morning. Rob has asked that in lieu of flowers, that any donations go to things that will do good. May the light guide those left behind, and bring them warmth in the days ahead.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 45

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 45th 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

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 Backed-Up?

Have you backed up your computer? Your site? Your Blog? Your life? Are you prepared to pick up the pieces after something goes wrong, and build something even better? Have you made sure you have the necessary pieces to do so?

LW

Carnival Of The Recipes Is Up!

The 30th rendition of epicurian delights is up, hosted this week by Pamibe. By the end of today, think I may be ready for triticale's Whiskey Mango Foxtrot. Love that name, and the drink sounds good too.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 44

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 44th 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

Friday Wolf Blogging

Some quick news to share this morning: Wolf Park will be opening on weekends in April. Normally the Park is closed until May, but they are trying something new, so come on out and visit before the weather gets hot. Also, don't forget the Easter Egg Hunt for the wolves coming up the 19th.

Here is my Friday Pic for you, one of the "puppies" playing with a "stick" that had been put in a place guaranteed to get their attention:

If you are ever looking for a very good nature photography seminar, look to Monty. Monty is invited around the world to talk and to photograph, and he shares a lot of what he has learned in these seminars. This is a shot of a recent group out and about getting some shots:

Enjoy the day!

LW

Some Computer Thoughts

My Titanium PowerBook has been a very good computer, but it has had a long and rough life. I have used it as my desktop unit, my travel unit, and probably for a few other things. This has led to some problems starting to show up with the display (minor for now), battery life issues, and to the interesting noises coming from the hard drive. With luck, I will have a chance to do something about it in about two weeks. That said, the question is what to do?

The obvious solution is a new laptop, but that is expensive and this is still basically a good unit. My current thought is to look at getting a desktop unit, maybe a 20" I-Mac decked out, which would actually be the same or less than a new deluxe top-of-the-line laptop. Then, put a bit more into a new hard drive for the current laptop, a new battery, maybe a memory upgrade, and end up with two good computers for about what one really good new laptop would cost. Without the constant use, the display issue is not a problem on the laptop. A good I-Mac or G5 with good display would give me a unit for home as well.

Thoughts or suggestions?

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 43

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 43rd 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

Still Here

Didn't mean to upset folks, but did want you all to know what was going on if posting suddenly stopped. Not just slowed down like it has of late. :) Thank you all for the kind words and good thoughts! May just have to send it to Tammi-land, where it can be friends with the bullet and keep on working.

The computer may last several months (or longer) or it may kick the bucket in a few minutes. As soon as I started making backups of current mail and projects, it decided it would be nice. Am still making full backups of all data, so that at any time it would simply be a matter of the most recent mail and such. Yet another reminder of why we all need to be making backups of computers, sites, etc. You have made yours, haven't you?

LW
who says thank you again!

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 42

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 42nd 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

If The Blog Goes Dark

Don't panic. I will be doing enough of that for all of us. My laptop has been in almost continuous operation for some 3-4 years now, and has travelled around the world. It has, therefore, had a rough life and has given notice that it may be contemplating ending its career. If this happens, my ability to post will be limited for a while. Maybe a good while. Please bear with me, and lets hope that it decides not to quit.

LW

Recipe: Bella Burgers

I got started doing these a while back with the vegetarian ex, and have continued to refine them because, frankly, they taste good. Here is the current iteration, served to the usual victims out at Wolf Park last week.

Hardware:
Grill or Skillet and Oven
Bowl, small
Half pan or sheet pan for oven (if needed)
Knife
Cutting board
Brush

Ingredients:
1-6 large portabella mushroom caps
Olive oil
Bacon drippings
Garlic
Dill
Kosher salt
Pepper, fresh ground
Balsamic vinegar
Real Mozzarella cheese
Smoked real Mozzarella cheese (optional)
Truffle oil (optional)
Whole wheat extra-large hamburger buns

Clean mushroom caps as needed and remove stem. Fine chop fresh garlic, and fine chop any fresh herbs -- it is okay to use dried on these. Slice fresh/real Mozzarella so that you have enough to cover the inside of each cap. Mix together olive oil, bacon drippings (melted if need be), garlic, dill, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Brush mixture onto mushroom caps and then grill face down for a bit, then flip and brush on a dab more of the oil/spice mixture. Drizzle a little bit of Balsamic vinegar into the caps, then place cheese to cover. Cook until cheese melts, then serve on whole wheat extra-large hamburger buns. If you don't have a grill, cook in skillet cap side down, then flip and cook a bit longer. If cooking multiple, slip onto a baking sheet and bake at 250 degrees until the cheese is melted. On the latest batch, I used both regular and smoked real Mozzarella and it was very tasty.

Enjoy!

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 41

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 41st 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

I Blame David Weber

Posting may still be a bit off, as things are still hectic and I did not feel great yesterday. In fact, not good at all. David Weber did not help.

Last night, I went to bed early and was reading his "new" book Bolo (only one truly new story in it though) when I hit a description of the "enemy" as "The Puppies." I have been at Wolf Park way too much, because when I hear that phrase I think of "The Puppies" of the main pack. My friends, I tell you now that the mere thought of Renki with access to multi-megaton-per-second firepower in an AI-driven tank is indeed the stuff of nightmares...

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 40

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 40th 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

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 39

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 39th 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

Wolf Park Open House

Okay, this is not quite Rusty's Blog Sabbath, but today is short and sweet as Saturday was a long day and a late night, and today is Open House at Wolf Park, from 1-4 p.m. Hope that some of you will come on out and enjoy the fun.

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 Life Well Lived

The last couple of weeks have been far too interesting in some respects, ones that bring back memories good and bad. One friend is fighting the Big C, and the news has been mixed. Another, a very bad diabetic, has had emergency heart surgery and been making their family's life very interesting. Throw in a few acquaintances with similar woes, and life can be downright interesting. Thankfully, both have a sense of humor ("Dear, get pictures of all the secret Army stuff" as the life-flight chopper goes across airspace that can be a bit restricted), which helps the rest of us with things.

My everything-has-a-purpose post will come later. Two things happened to pose a different thought for the day. One was talking with someone about the things they want to do. The second was the birth of a cousin, a timely reminder of the cycle. When that baby is grown and facing its own mortality, what life will it see? What life do you see? What makes a good life?

Have you lived your life? Is it a life well lived?

Have you lived every minute of every day? If not, why not? For the time allotted to us is not known, and each minute is both a boundless future, and the last we may have. Make the most of that time, of your time, to live well and fully.

Also, send a thought, prayer, or whatever you do for the best to all those in need, from those listed here to those unsung.

LW

Blood For Odin Saturday

Well, we have been ignoring Odin the Wise in our Saturday and other religious musings. So, to make up for the lack, here is a tale of blood sacrifice for Odin, or at least some bodily fluid. To prevent your making similar sacrifice, drink warning is in effect.

LW

Carnival Of The Recipes Is Up

Darn the IRS and real-world issues, because they kept me from taking part this week. Not sure that I am going to enter my latest creation (a stir fry), but will at least try to get something in next week. Not that they really need it, judging by this week's entries as Rocket Jones once again hosts, this time with a literary theme well done! Drat, now I'm hungry again...

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 37

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 37th 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

Friday Wolf Blogging: Open House

There is an Open House this Sunday at Wolf Park, from 1-4 p.m. Hope that some of you will come on out, maybe even for Howl Night on Saturday and the Open House on Sunday.

Here is my Friday Pic for you, one of the "puppies" unsure of Mom's mood:

For a picture (or three) a day, check out the Wolf Park Photo Of The Day (NOTE: Monty has up pictures from his recent trip to Yellowstone), and then go visit Monty's site to buy a picture or three.

Hope to see you Saturday night and Sunday!

LW

The Death Of Free Speech

And hope for the resurrection...

Free speech has been under assault almost from the time the Republic was founded. Let's face it, anyone seeking dominion over others hates free speech. Anyone who has dominion over others, to any lesser or greater extent, hates free speech. For with free speech comes honest exchanges of ideas, shared information, and inconvenient facts that discomfit those who act as betters.

Such is why free speech has been killed, gutted, and stuffed at far too many college campuses these days. Such is why free speech is banned at far too many basic schools/school systems around the country. Why, any words can be incendiary and feelings matter far more than freedom, especially when those same words may light fires under teachers and administrators who fail to measure up in any sense of the word.

Such is why every repressive regime in history has felt it essential to control most means of communications. Print was easy to control and choke, even in the modern era, by the simple act of controlling the supplies. Radio and television were easy to monitor, both because any serious effort took power and room, and because small-scale efforts could be hunted down by direction finders.

Such is why so many on left and right these days want to end free speech here in the U.S., and have mounted the single largest assault on the Constitution, in my not so humble opinion, since the founding of the Republic. That assault was in the form of the McCain-Feingold law, is now being applied to the Internet and Blogging.

Go read the story here. Go read the roundup at Instapundit, this excellent roundup from by Michelle Malkin, and this post and this post, both outstanding efforts from Captain Ed.

Think on this a bit, then remember THAT YOU ARE THE GOVERNMENT. Your elected representatives are just that, your representatives -- whom you can replace at will if they fail to properly represent you. Call them, write them, and e-mail them. To truly get their attention, you must do all three. E-mail can and will be ignored. Calls will be noted, but are not enough. Snail Mail is a bit hard to ignore, though it can be put off. Doing all three sends a clear message and should get action -- or you should get new Congrescritters.

The thuggish, ill-considered, and ill-bred assault on individual liberty and the Constitution known as McCain-Feingold needs to be repealed. Not modified, not given special exemptions for the Internet or Blogging, but flat out repealed. It was a bad law that should never have been enacted -- and I for one plan to see how my Congresscritters voted on it at the time and discuss the matter with them.

While he is not posting right now, Ironbear of Who Tends the Fires and I have had a discussion on this topic, and I agree with him.

This is a test.

If we kick up, complain, etc., then the matter will be dropped. If we don't do too much, a modified version will pass. If we don't respond much or at all, then we will lose our freedom.

The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 36

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 36th 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

Noted With Interest

This story. While U-238 is not necessarily the terrorist weapon of choice, one does wonder why he had it and what was planned for it. Glad the SBU got to it and him, but do wonder what is going on. Keep an eye out for this story, as it could be very interesting.

LW

Pilots Who Should Never Fly Again

My flying on British Airways will stop for a while, given this and this. I wish I could say that this incident surprised me, but it does not. Simply put, heads need to roll. This is not a low-level decision, this is a decision that reaches to the highest levels of airline management and everyone who vetted this decision needs to go, as does the executive management that made it possible. As a pilot, I also think that the pilots involved need to go too.

Most people don't realize the power a pilot holds when flying. The pilot is tasked with the ultimate safety of the aircraft, and one of the things I was taught was that to ensure said safety that we had both the right and the responsibility to resist, and to kill anyone who endangered that safety if necessary. Of course, a lower-level of response was desired, but if push came to shove, you were covered. That is something eroded over time in civil aviation, with well-intentioned rules on terrorist/hijacker accommodation that led directly to 9-11. It would appear, however, that efforts to strengthen pilot independence are so much lip service -- at least at British Airways. In my opinion, however, the pilots made a very bad call in agreeing to go along with the decision. For so doing, they need to go just as does management, for I have no faith in their judgement, and would not care to fly with them under any circumstances.

LW

The Shady Lady Does It Again

Tom Maguire notes a very troubling incident with the Shady Lady in coverage of the Lefkow murders. While it can be fervently hoped that the story is not the major breach of security that it appears, and is in fact disinformation, the fact remains that such would require moral and journalistic integrity that has not been shown there in quite some time. Indeed, it seems much more in line with coverage of Iraq and elsewhere, than anything noble. Given all, one does indeed hope that those responsible for the security of the remaining family members are aware of the target now on a young lady's back and, unlike the newspaper-with-a-record, are taking steps to protect her. It has been a long time since I took media law, but I seem to remember that should anything happen there is no shield to prevent anyone who releases such information from being charged for their part in it. Thanks to InstaPundit for the hat tip.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 35

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 35th 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

Blame The IRS

For some of the lack of blogging. Between trying to get tax things together and off, and some things at the real day job, time has been tight and may be most of this week. Meantime, continue to keep an eye on things and be sure to go to Publius Pundit, Chrenkoff, Winds Of Change, and The Command Post to keep up with the latest and greatest. More soon, I hope.

LW

Digital Cameras

The InstaPundit has some commentary on digital cameras and some good links. While it may be treason for a former member of the Nikon Professional Society to say so, I must admit that I have been looking hard at the Canon systems. Not hurting that was the fact that Monty Sloan, also a former Nikon person, is using Canon and only has raves about it/them. From what he says, and I have seen, the menus are better, the cameras easier to use, and they appear to have better quality control on production and better technology overall. Just a bit of quick food for thought on a fun subject.

LW

A Must Read Post

Val has done it again. Go here, read, and watch. Think a bit. Then think some more. Thank you Val, for sharing this.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 34

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 34th 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

Congratulations My Blogfather

Go read this and if it does not melt your heart, you have none. If it does not warm your soul, you have none. To them, I say:

May the light shine on you together always
May it warm you through the love you share
May it keep you from ill and harm
May it bring you joy, peace, and happiness
And may it provide you with the true riches of life,
far beyond any price

Bright blessings to you both!

LW

Freedom

What a day, what a time. Condi puts her boots on and walks -- and Egypt announces major changes. The people of Lebanon spoke, despite orders and threats not to, and a government falls. Assad makes a gift to Iraq of some most wanted people, feeling the pressure. I wish I had the time to cover this as it should be covered, but until I do I highly recommend going to Publius Pundit and reading. I added him to the roll a few weeks ago, and am so glad I did. Go read this and this. Also, don't forget Chrenkoff, Winds Of Change, and The Command Post. Keep an eye out, and keep good thoughts going, for this is just the start of things, and none should expect the entrenched powers just to roll over and play dead. Just look at the terrorists in Iraq, and in the government of Iran, to get the idea. Keep a sharp eye on Syria and Egypt in the coming days, and find ways to hold feet and other appendages to the fires of freedom.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 33

*cue pathos-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 33rd 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