The Laughing Wolf

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 (Ironbear currently hibernating), and the Saturday question of the day at Road Warrior Rules for Survival. Enjoy your day.

Manners

The late philosopher and author Robert Heinlein once described manners as the oil for the social machine (social lubricant?). Are you doing all you can to teach others about good manners, by instruction and -- far more importantly -- by example? Just something to think about this Saturday...

LW

None So Blind

T1G also reminded me with this post to go check out Techography (a good read) and this post from BloodSpite. It is well worth the read, and some strong food for thought.

LW

Life Lessons From Renki

Also known as Friday Wolf Blogging or in this case "Lies, Vicious Lies!" Today's post comes courtesy of this one from That 1 Guy talking about the Chicago Blog Meet. Yep, that's me all right, snarling, biting, but not fetching. I leave the fetching to Renki (and to Reudi) out at Wolf Park. For example, we have this shot:

or this slightly more reflective shot:

No, I leave the fetching to the professionals. I do wish I could have pulled one of Renki's favorites on that blonde, however...

Glad to have you back posting T1G!

LW

Wear The Five, Help An Angel

Blackfive has finally gotten his 2 together, and has some neat shirts. Even better, each shirt will benefit Soldiers' Angels. Want to know why you should help these angels? Then read this and keep some tissue nearby.

LW

Firefly: Serenity

I read about it at Ith's, who I knew had good taste, at Blackfive's, who is a Remo Williams fan too (we all have our dirty little secrets), and too many more to link. All I have to say is WOW and the trailer for Firefly: Serenity blew my socks off. I can't wait for this fall! Love the quotes "Oh god, oh god, we're all going to die?" and "I am unarmed." Heh.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 92

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 92nd 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 Quick Thoughts On Coyotes (and Glenn Reynolds)

Recently, I saw this post by Glenn, to whom I guess we may have to start referring as the Coyote Blender instead. This follows on some interesting and fun in-person talks with Eric in regards foxes, coyotes, and wolves.

To my mind, there are three issues here deserving of consideration. There is no doubt that coyotes, along with any other predator, can be a nuisance if not an outright problem. They can and will come into cities, yards, and more, on the hunt, and will take what is available. Yet, the large populations cropping up also might bear some thought in terms of what it means about rat, mice, and other truly problematic critter populations.

First up for consideration is getting the "right" coyote. Yes, a coyote may get your pet or such, but if you go start shooting at random, how do you know you got the one who got your pet? While it is anthropomorphizing to the point of hyperbole, if someone kills a family member (which is how we tend to see pets), do you just go shoot a random person on the street and say "even"? How do you know that the coyote you shot did not force out the hyper-predatory one who did the deed, and was there actually keeping nasty things in check?

Second, think on this latter point a bit more. Out at Wolf Park recently, I heard someone talking on this very subject, and they recounted something that the man who founded the park espouses. In this case, a farmer was having coyote problems, but that he was convinced to try something a bit different. The farmer was taught some behaviors that allowed him to identify "bad" coyotes and eliminate them. According to the tale, this resulted in a coyote taking up residence that did not prey on livestock, but rather on rats, mice, ferret-analogs of the area, and other problems. By being there, that coyote kept others away (they are not pack in the same way as wolves), further reducing problems and tensions. This happy state lasted for many years. This tale I will list for now as apocryphal as I have not been able to get in touch with the teller for a citation, but it does show a way. What is needed is not necessarily random or de-populating killings, but intelligent management for all predatory/problematic populations.

Third, as with most things, some consideration should be given to the food chain. Coyotes multiply and spread not just because of readily available and plentiful food supplies. One wonders if they would be quite so populous and problematic if the Red Wolves had not been effectively exterminated and the few remaining driven off from the mountains and forests into one small section of Virginia swamp. One wonders the same about the Grey Wolf, for wolves tend to be that next step up the chain, and a limiting factor of sorts on the coyotes.

Just some food for thought for the day.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 91

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 91st 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 90

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 90th 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

What A Delightful Surprise

Things are hectic enough on several levels that I don't get to do all I would do, from posting to reading. One of the special treats I have is reading The Gray Monk. The posts are thoughtful, well-reasoned, and beautifully presented; and, I love his travel posts. In them, I learn things even about cities or places with which I am familiar, and the places with which I am not familiar come to life in a vivid way. Imagine my surprise when yesterday I discover that my humble efforts are one of his favorite reads. I will be exploring some of his other favorites, and would urge you to do so as well. Thank you, Gray Monk!

LW

It Bites

It really, really bites not to be there for the ones you love. Nuff said.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 89

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 89th 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

Thoughts And Prayers Needed For Friends & Family

Any thoughts and prayers you can spare would be much appreciated for the following people:

First, I found out last Thursday that a relative was being sent home for terminal care. This person was sent home this way once before with days/weeks to live, and that time grew into years. This time, alas, such is not to be. May that which is best for him and his family be.

Second, I got a call whilst in the middle of the main pack enclosure on Saturday from the Borzoi. Her father, who had been in the hospital with a problem and getting better, had taken a turn for the worse and nothing could be done. The call informing me of his passing came Sunday evening. He was a good man in every sense of the word, and one who did well by his family. One of the joys of dating the Borzoi was getting to meet him, and her delightful mother. The Borzoi, her mother, the English Werewolf, and the remaining family could use all good thougths and prayers right now.

Third, I have another friend who's spousal unit is in the hospital and things look grim. They, too, could use good thoughts and prayers. May that which is best for them and their family be.

I love where I am, but loathe being far from my friends and family when they are in need. Please keep all these people in your thoughts and prayers.

LW

A Wonderful Saturday

As mentioned before, Mr. Bad Example and Ms. Smiling Dynamite came to visit on Saturday despite the interesting weather. My worry was finding things for them to enjoy doing, but they seemed to like spending time out at Wolf Park a good bit. I also got them out to the Tippacanoe battlefield, to a surprise, toured around the Purdue campus (sort of), lunch at a Thai restaurant, and back out to the park. They also went home with a belated gift, that I hope was enjoyed. I still worry a bit, hoping that these two delightful people enjoyed the day as much as I did.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 85

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 88th 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

Blog Sabbath

Just two quick notes:

1. I had a wonderful time yesterday with new friends.

2. Happy Birthday Mr. C! May you have many healthy, happy, and prosperous returns!

Go enjoy the beauty of the day.

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.

Friends

Today, I have the pleasure of spending time with new friends. I have been so lucky to meet so many wonderful people, and this blog has been a part of that.

Yet, it is more than the blog: It is a willingness to take chances, to open doors, and to put myself into a position to meet people. This is not easy, especially for one as cautious as I can be. Yet, the rewards are enormous and far outweigh the disadvantages.

Are you taking that chance, opening yourself up to new people and new friends? If not, why not? The only person you short-change that way is yourself.

LW

Friday Wolf Blogging

Just one today, but it is one I think you may like:

Enjoy your day.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 85

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 85th 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

Busy Day

But a good one and one to which I am very much looking forward. Meantime, I will leave you with these two survey/games. I should have written down where I found each, but so many have them and I did not, so...

Your Inner European is Italian!

Passionate and colorful. You show the world what culture really is.

The English was no surprise, and I was pleased with the Italian though I have always thought I was more Scandanavian/Baltic in many ways (there being no Scottish option).

Enjoy your day!

LW

Volunteer Week Update

I haven't been out to Wolf Park this week to see what may have come in, but as of right now I have $110.00 in hand and another $66 on the way. The Bad Example Family really came through on this, providing $90 of the $110, and I want to thank Teresa, Bou, and Michele for their generous donations. The $66 comes from Jim, and I am going to have to send him some shortbread for going by the hour. A non-blogger kicked in $20 cash, and my thanks to him, too. Will check to see if any checks came in out at the Park, and if they have I will update. Meantime, my thanks to all who made donations and helped publicize this effort. All of it is very much appreciated!

LW

It's True, I'm Pregnant

VW figured it out. The only thing I can do now is fess up, and hope that as the father Bou will do the same.

LW

Remembering Windy Two Five

When Teresa was waiting for word on her son, Blackfive was a rock amidst the storm. He even ignored my aspersions about his knobby knees, and kept his eyes on guiding Teresa (and others I suspect) through the process of waiting, and celebrating the news that this son was safe.

Here, Blackfive introduces us to the sons and daughters who were not so lucky, men and women who were, and always will be, soldiers. Go meet these brave people, who died so that others might be free. Keep them and their families in your thoughts in the days ahead.

LW

Discover/Novus

I have been a customer of Discover for several years, but recently had the chance to pay off and cancel my Discover card. Actually, I did this for another card and some other things, and did so without problem, fuss, or muss on those. I cannot say the same for Discover, and am extremely displeased with the lack of service and what appears to be deliberate efforts to make the process as difficult as possible.

When I contacted them about paying and closing, I was told that my bill currently was X, but that they did their finance charge daily -- and had no way to know what that amount was or when it would be posted. So, I paid off the full amount, used my cashback bonus award to pay into the account so that it had a credit balance that would more than take care of any finance charge. Throughout this process, I was told that unlike every other card I've dealt with, that they did not know the finance charge and could not find out what it was. I waited a period of time, called back yet again, and was told that since nothing had posted there must not be a charge, so I was sent the credit balance and I was told that the account was closed (but could be re-opened with no penalty or application anytime in the next Y months; heard this repeatedly).

Imagine my surprise when I got a statement from them this week, with a charge. Yep, that finance charge that they could not determine or tell me, and that I had been told wasn't going to happen was there. It was a small amount, but I was less than happy over the principle of the thing. After going through the voice mail system, I ended up with a (young sounding) female who proceeded to inform me that I had not done things right, had been quoted the full payoff price, inferred strongly that I could never have been told that they did not know the finance charge, and that too bad so sad nothing could be done. When I requested to talk to a supervisor, she informed me that she was just as empowered as the supervisor who could do nothing more than what she had done and had she not answered all my questions and what else needed to be said. This dragged on, and when I pressed her about her refusal to put me through, she denied that this was the case that she was merely providing assistance. I hung up. I then called back, got through after a 5-10 minute wait to a supervisor, and explained what had happened from the start and my extreme dissatisfaction with Discover/Novus. Funny, for someone who could do nothing different than the first person I talked to, this supervisor was able to review the case, remove the finance charge, initiate a refusal on the check I had sent them in between the two calls, and apologize.

Too bad, so sad. I informed the supervisor that she should sit on the check (neglecting despite temptation to recommend folding into sharp angles and corners) because I had no faith or confidence that any of this would happen. I still don't, and rather suspect that at lot of this is aimed at preventing customer loss by dragging out the process well past the point of ridiculous. I rather suspect that all of it, from the mysterious inability to determine the finance charge to the entire process is to get people to give up and keep the account open, thus raising numbers and profits.

Given all that I have gone through in trying to close the account, I will believe that it is closed and I truly have a zero balance not when I get the latest promised letter and zero-balance statement, but a year from now when that is still the case.

My advice: the card is of limited utility and the customer service is rotten/non-existent. If you are considering getting a Discover card or doing business with Discover/Novus, don't. If you already are, look at changing -- but be prepared for a long battle to do so.

LW

We Have Puppies!

If you check out the Wolf Park Photo(s) Of The Day you will learn that Erin appears to have had her puppies. Somewhere in the next few days there should be pictures, as the puppies will be brought out to be hand-raised. More on this soon.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 83

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 83rd 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'm Very Happy

Why? Not going to tell ya. Not yet, anyway. It might have to do with finally getting out and starting to meet people again. It might have to do with feeling like I am finally getting to crank up on a professional level again. It might have to do with finally being able to indulge my creative side in a way I've longed to do for quite some time. These are all factors, but the real thing that has me happy (and occasionally terrified) is something else entirely, and I hope to be able to share good news here in a few weeks.

LW

Celebrating A Life

Michele at Letters From NYC has had a very rough week (plus). Yet, in the midst of it, she did something wonderful, and I highly recommend that you read about the celebration of life she just oversaw. What a wonderful thing. Go, read it now and extend your support and sympathies, too.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 82

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 82nd 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 81

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 81st 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

Blog Sabbath

Go enjoy the beauty of the day

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.

Aiding The Good

As pointed out in this post, we each have a choice about doing things to make the world a better place. One of the most important is to give of ourselves.

Yes, we all lead hectic lives, and time is precious. Yet, each of us can find an hour here or there to make a difference. You can volunteer as a subject matter expert for Scouting to help advance the mental growth of boys and girls. You can volunteer with any number of other youth programs as well. Many states have soldier's homes where simply a visit, a smile, and a thank you can make an incredible difference. Nursing homes also need people to come in and simply sit with someone, to talk, to listen, to smile. Animal shelters need people to scoop poop, make repairs, and do other things. Schools often need people to come talk on career day or as subject-matter experts on things from arts to sciences.

There are so many things you can do to make a positive difference in the world. Some take less than an hour, and some can become a lifetime of reward. What they all take, is you.

LW

Sponsor Me Or The Gnome Gets It!

Right in the jewels. Okay, I posted on Monday 4 April about my taking part in National Volunteer Week and no one came forward with a pledge. Not a comment, not an e-mail, nothing. Okay, you had your chance and blew it. Start coughing up, or the blogmeet gnome has an "accident."

I am taking part in "Pledge To Inspire," otherwise known as National Volunteer Week, and am seeking pledges and sponsors. Since I am doing it for Wolf Park and it is near Lafayette, the sponsoring organization is the Greater Lafayette Volunteer Bureau. Wolf Park you know of from here. GLVB takes parts in many efforts throughout the year, including working to match elderly and/or disabled individuals with volunteer assistance, helping local agencies fulfill their donation and volunteer needs, and doing the Leaders of Tomorrow program.

The process is simple, and relatively painless (for all but the gnome, that is). You can make a flat pledge ($5, $10, $20, etc.) and send a check for that amount made out to "Greater Lafayette Volunteer Bureau." Or, if you feel generous and lucky, you can pledge an amount based on the number of hours I volunteer the week of 10-16 April, with a check again made out to "Greater Lafayette Volunteer Bureau" to be sent once the number of hours is known. The choice is yours.

As an added incentive, if someone cares to make a donation that is in excess of all the other contributions combined, they get the gnome to do with as they will. Grau, are you listening? Of course, if no one makes any contributions...

LW
old enough to remember the original Lampoon cover

UPDATE: For those who are concerned about where to send, and that it reach the right people, here is your information.

Make checks payable to "Greater Lafayette Volunteer Bureau" and note on the check that it is for the Laughing Wolf Volunteer Pledge Drive. Then, mail to:

Wolf Park
Battle Ground, IN 47920
ATTN: Laughing Wolf Volunteer Pledge Drive

Thank you to all those who have already made a pledge!

A Weather Change In Environmentalism?

Some very interesting food for thought courtesy of Blogfather Joe and Stewart Brand. This is one to read, re-read, and ponder upon -- but I like it so far.

LW

Eagle Flight

Go read this moving post. Then, remember them and keep them and those left behind in your thoughts.

LW

Friday Wolf Blogging/Canon 20D/Sloan Workshop

I still don't have the time to do this justice, but allow me to enthusiastically recommend Monty's photo seminars to anyone interested in nature photography. I also am in heavy lust with the 20D, as it is a fantastic camera. The only problem I have with it is the autofocus, which may well be just a matter of my needing to read the manual and tweak some settings to better use and control it. Then again, Monty warned during the lecture part of the seminar that such could be a problem in doing nature/animal shots and that he tends to use manual a good bit. That is semi-problematic for me since things work just a bit differently from my Nikon FM/FM2, so in this case the photographer needs adjusting. More on this soon, but for now, enjoy!

It was indeed a day to howl...

No, that is not a friendly look at all. Had I given it to my mom when I was a teenager, I would have been in a LOT more trouble than is this young lady.

A much more attentive and happy face, looking for treats

Oh please, do you think I'm going to fall for that again? (yes, actually)

Some quiet time for reflection...

LW

Lost

Something has been bugging me for a couple of days now, in no small measure because it is a way of thinking that baffles me. Recently, in the midst of an otherwise intelligent and enjoyable conversation between members of a group, the statement was made:

"[why go to the stars] We'll just ***k it up there too." Pretty close on the quote, and I think what floored me the most was it came from someone I respect intellectually. In short, this person, and all others taking part (with the exception of myself) feel that humanity is irredeemably and irretrievably lost. That we have "f**ked up" so much and so bad that there is absolutely no hope for us as individuals or as a species. That nothing we do can every be good or right.

If you really and truly believe that, why are you alive? What purpose does your life serve?

Yes, caca occureth. There are wars and people die. There are accidents and people die. Species go extinct. Weather changes affect the world. Bad things happen to good people. Bad things happen to good animals, and even to plants we like.

How incredibly egotistical to think that we, humanity, are responsible for everything bad in the world.

Species went extinct long before mankind arrived on the scene. Yes, we did kill off some out of ignorance and in some cases fear. Yet, we learned from those mistakes and have saved not only species we threatened, but species that nature would have eliminated without our intervention. Research is underway to see if we can restore some of those species that are already gone.

Yes, there are wars, but not all wars are bad. It is not wrong to fight when threatened, and it is not wrong to fight to protect others. Yes, we are at war but it is not one we chose or started, others did that for us. Amidst the gloom and doom, take a look at where freedom blooms: Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Ukraine, and more.

Yes, there are accidents and bad things happen. There is no such thing as absolute safety, for life is a risk and the only guarantee is that you will eventually die. Reasonable safety has saved and continues to save thousands of lives (and limbs) each year. As technologies improve and as we learn how to do many things better, safety will continue to improve.

Yes, companies do some bad things. Yet, individuals discover what is going on and blow the whistle, so that justice may be served. In a free society you can't prevent such from happening, but you can make sure that such is dealt with in a just and impartial way.

Yes, new drugs and medical treatments are expensive, but look at the hurdles to get them on the market. The average cost for FDA approval is around $800 million, and that is if you make no changes and don't have to start over. Also, almost all treatments are expensive at the start, but look at the cost as a function of time and you will see the cost almost always drop -- and significantly. Look at it again in a historical context, and you might just see that the cost drop has accelerated.

Yes, weather patterns change. They have from time immemorial and will do so until the day the Sol expands to make Earth a cinder. Are we effecting the weather? Yes. How are we doing so? That is a huge question and one to which no one has the answer. Yet.

So, there is no hope for any of us, for we have and will "just f**K it up"

You know what, if that is the way you truly feel, then please just go ahead and curl up and get out of the way. Go into the darkness and have the courage and honesty not to demand that everyone else join you there to die.

As for me, I see the light. I see freedom breaking out around the world. I see people realizing that things can be better everywhere, and taking incredible risks to make it happen. I see scientists and engineers working together to treat diseases that until just a few years ago were guaranteed death sentences. I see good people working together to get those treatments to the people that need them, regardless of wealth, station, or other considerations. I see people working to reintroduce species, to save others threatened by Man or by Nature, and to educate on the importance and benefits of same. I see people doing research to find out exactly what is going on in this big, complex world so that decisions can be made on the basis of fact, not on fear, superstition, or politics. I see many of the best of those using open-source data and analysis, and not trying frantically to hide how they do their research so as to prevent reasonable refutation or verification.

I could go on and on about all that is good in the world, and all the good work done by Man. Caca occureth. Just because one bad thing happened doesn't mean that good things can't, nor does it mean that something good can't come from the bad. People make mistakes or just flat out do bad things -- it does not mean that they can't also learn from the experience and/or do good things as well. If you just sit and kvetch about the bad, roll and revel in it, then nothing good will happen. At least, that is, by your actions.

For those that see a problem, and work to eliminate it, nothing is impossible. If the standard is dropped, another will pick it up and carry it forward. Light will eliminate the dark.

I choose to work for and with those who are making a positive difference, who stand for freedom and individual liberty. If I stumble, no matter how badly, then I know that there are those who will help me get back up. If I die, then I know that another will take the standard on. We will fix mistakes, and work to improve.

What will you do: work for the light, or demand that all join you in the dark. Choose wisely. Choose now.

LW

It Was Old And Untrue 30 Years Ago

Back then, it was the amazing carburetor that allowed an engine to get 50-500 miles to the gallon (depending on who told the tale) with 500 horsepower output that "Detroit" or the "Oil People" were keeping from the people. This week, it was a cure for cancer. Yep, there is but one type of cancer, and "they" have it and refuse to give it to the people because too much money is to be made off cancer research.

Never mind that there are multiple types of cancer cells, metastasis, etc. Never mind that basic economics suggest that even more money could be made by selling the cure for all the market will bear (trillions versus billions, and for a much longer period of time). Nope, none of that is a factor. There is a cure for cancer, and it is being deliberately withheld -- I presume by the evil capitalistic Republicans, who seem to have replaced Jews in politically correct conspiracy theories, though I suspect that in non-politically-correct theories they are Jewish capitalistic Republicans.

You know, I wonder if the tinfoil hat blocks knowledge of odds as well as basic economics, biology, and such. If so, maybe a good way to teach some basic economics might be through cards... Hmmmmmm....

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 78

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 78th 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 77

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 77th 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

MEDI Binder

You will notice a new Blogad over on the right for MEDI Binder. This is a product, developed by blogger and practicing MD Dr. Benjamin England, designed to help you keep up with the most crucial medical records. Not only will this help you, but it can do the same for doctors so that they can make truly informed decisions on care. Go check it out, and think about it. I know that I am going to be doing so, since it would be a very good thing for me to have along on travel.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 76

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 76th 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

Anniversary And Change

Fairly close to this date two years ago, I began blogging. My blogfather, Joe Katzman, invited me to do some posts at Winds of Change on a number of topics, from the Maine Teacher Story/Scandal to the Media. I did so, and became hooked -- to the point that I opened this site. In the journalism world, the opportunity to write thought and opinion pieces is very limited. It came at a time when I could devote the resources to doing long and thoughtful pieces, and I still enjoy that and hope to have the time again soon,.

Meanwhile, life has changed much over these last two years. I have a job that prevents me from blogging during the day and between work and the start of a real life, my ability to write and post as I would like is limited. I expect things to change even more, though I hope to have a very pleasant blog surprise soon. Until then, however, my posting will be lite and perhaps even missed on a day or two. We will all just have to wait and see.

For now, I am going to be taking some time for myself. Getting to play culture vulture this weekend was a delight, and I want more. I have some friends who would like me to come up to Chicago for at least one weekend a month, and I want to do so. I have some other friends that want me to head other places, from Highland Games to some pub and restaurant crawls in various exotic locations here in the not-so-frozen North. There are some various other bits that may result in some good news to share along the way, nor is the blog the only thing to perhaps go short. I am also going to be cutting back on my time at Wolf Park, so that I can do these other things. These are all good things, for they will help bring more balance to my life.

But for now, I want to say the following:

For all of you who have read me for the last two years, thank you. You and your adherence to rational discourse have made it all worthwhile. Without you, this site could not and would not exist.

For those disappointed in the lack of posting, as well as for my regular readers, hang in there. I do have plans and look forward to getting back to doing more posts. The changes in my life should, with time and luck, help this.

For all of those who have given support, time, and encouragement -- thank you. This especially goes out to Blogfather Joe, for getting me hooked and started.

To all of you I have had the chance to meet in person, all I can say is "Wow" and that it has been a pleasure! I look forward to meeting more of you, and to getting to know some of the ones I have met much better.

Thank you all. It is not nearly enough, but it is all I can do and I say it from the bottom of my heart.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 75

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 75th 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

Concert Review: Natalie MacMaster

This weekend has seen me be a culture vulture, starting with the dance recital and ending on a vibrant note with a concert by Natalie MacMaster. For those not familiar, she is a "fiddler" who is a whole lot more. She got her start at age nine on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, and that should give you a clue about the origins of the traditional music there. It is heavily Scottish/Celtic and shares a number of common elements with bluegrass, which also arose from the Celtic tradition. Her work ranges from the traditional to a recent fusion effort with other genres.

If you have the chance to see her in concert, I highly recommend it. She is full of energy and shares a wide range of music with the audience. Her band expands this, and pretty much everyone is given a chance to shine with solos. Adding to it is the fact that she does tap, and will do some serious tap and/or dancing whilst she is playing the fiddle. Roughly two full hours of music and dance was presented, and my only complaint has to do with my seat and an inability to see the entire stage.

She also took the time afterwards to meet the audience and sign autographs, and some of the band members did as well. More may have come out later, but I, alas, had to leave. For now, I will leave you with a strong recommendation to check out her music and to go see her live if you have the chance.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 74

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 74th 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

Blog Sabbath

Take the plunge and go enjoy your day. As for me, I am going to do so by starting the Volunteer Week events and -- with luck -- getting some more wolf time today.

The photo seminar, the camera, and more will be getting a review sometime next week after I have the chance to go through roughly 1.5 Gb of photos...

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.

Good News, And Bad

The good news: Teresa has heard from her son and he is okay.

The bad news: Not all families were as lucky. Take some time this weekend, and in the weeks ahead, to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Go make a donation to Soldier's Angels or any of the other fine groups who look after the wounded and those left behind. Honor their sacrifice.

LW

Happy Anniversary

Do you write love notes to your significant other each day? Do you pat them on the rump everytime they walk away? Do you get your friends to shout surprise on your anniversary?

Well, Harvey of Bad Example does just that, as he celebrates six years with Smiling Dynamite. Go on over and wish this delightful couple joy of the day, and see what fun is being had by the Bad Example Family.

Happy Anniversary! May you have many, many more.

LW

An Evening With The Arts

Alright, I am a snob and I will admit it. One of the fastest ways to get me not to attend a cultural event is to append the word "Modern" to it. Having gone, or been dragged, to a number of exhibitions and such over the years, I am very much of the opinion that modern art isn't. Indeed, one of the paintings hanging in the lair is a reaction to one such exhibition, but that is a story for another day.

Friday evening saw me going to a modern dance exhibition at one of the nearby institutions of higher learning. I knew that it would be a fun evening just because of the crowd I was with, but it was much more than that -- it was good. The dance was well choreographed, the musical selection very interesting, and the dancing was very well done. About four dancers caught my eye to the point I asked about them, and was not surprised to find that one of the four had some serious experience. To do some of what was done, and make it appear to be effortless, takes skill.

As some food for thought, how often do you take advantage of opportunities to see new things? I know I'm glad I went.

LW

Friday Wolf Blogging

Short and sweet today:

Who says wolves can climb trees? Ayla would beg to differ on that...

Tristan standing up for himself, or is that just standing up, period?

More soon, as I have signed up for the last spring photo seminar tomorrow. Meantime, go check out Monty's work and buy one of his cool shots.

LW

Some Quick Tartan Day Thoughts

Tartan day was a blast, but I was surprised by one thing. I had more interesting comments/interactions/etc. from the local equivalent of Bubba's up here in one day than I did in five years in the South. Did get some very positive interactions that more than made up for it, especially with females, but it was worth noting.

Unlike Contagion in his comment to this post, I did not have any problems at work. It bites that he encountered what he did, but it is also not surprising, either. More comments on reverse discrimination one day soon if someone reminds me.

I have, however, refrained from the comment a number of us used to use in regards finding out what was worn under the kilt after what happened to a kinsman. This person, when confronted by a biker chick down in New Orleans about the subject, smarted off to her with the standard line about finding out. Word is that he was promptly surrounded/grabbed by some of the male bikers, while she took him up on the invitation. He admits that he thought he was going to die, and I believe it. What I don't believe is his claim that she came out from under making a comment about a big Clan. *cough, cough, bull***t cough*

Mr. S, also known as Little Matty MacBlackfive, is also a kinsman of mine in Clan Donnachaidh (Roberston, Duncan, Reid) and did some nice posts. He did not, as best I can tell, wear a kilt on Tartan Day. My first suspicion was that he lacked the, er, guts to do so, but I think the truth is that it is his knees. Could it be that he is ashamed of them, afraid that he might win the boniest knees instead of the bonniest knees contest?

LW

Waiting Hell Update

The good news is that CaliValleyGirl has heard that her boyfriend is okay. It also means that it is likely that Teresa's son is okay as well, as no notification has been received. Thoughts and prayers continue to be needed, however, for all those not so fortunate. May the light continue to shine upon them all.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 71

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 71st 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

Air Accidents And Notifications

I really wish I was not having to write this one, but want to do it for several reasons, not the least of which is that there is a lack of information and some bad information out there. As a pilot and as a reporter, I know a bit about each.

Something every blogger who is serious about news, and any and all reporters who have any interest in living up to the name, should go find a copy of Air Accidents and the News Media. It is out of print, and was done by the long gone Aviation/Space Writers Association. This booklet can still be found, however, and I hope someone will put a good PDF or such of it up on the Web, as it provides extremely important information for those at the scene and covering what comes later.

The one thing every investigator fears is untrained help at the scene of any air crash. People rush in, throw things around, and even move bodies -- all of which is glorified by Hollywood and in real life has a tendency not only to get people killed but to also make figuring out what happened far more difficult. If you are ever at the scene of any aircraft accident, from a hang glider to a jumbo jet, obey the following rules:

1. Don't touch anything
2. If someone is obviously dead, leave them be
3. You can render first aid to the injured, but unless you are a paramedic or there is imminent danger of them dying by staying where they are, then don't move them.
4. Have everyone walk in and out along the same path if possible; a crash needs to be treated as if it were a crime scene
5. If there are no survivors, seal the area and no one should go in or out until the crash investigation team gets there (1-48 hours)
6. If there are fires, put out with the minimum amount of water, chemicals, etc.

I have had some training on this, most of which involved how to flag things and what not to do. There is very little that should be done, beyond providing immediate first aid and triage to survivors. The investigation then begins when an air accident investigation team (from the NTSB if a civilian crash) comes in and does the initial documentation and investigation. Once the initial is complete, then bodies are removed and the aircraft remains are taken away for further investigation. Unless something is very obvious, there will be no speculation on what caused the accident. Preliminary findings may take months, and a final determination will not be released for months or even a year or more.

Investigating any air accident is a painstaking process, which may involve reconstruction of the craft, attempts to duplicate the flight, computer modelling, microscopic and chemical analysis, and more. Sometimes, no matter how much investigation is done, there will be few or no answers, at least not until something similar happens and people/craft survive and tell the tale. Sometimes there are never any answers.

In terms of people and notifications, there are protocols in place, particularly with the military. One of the largest problems faced is that with any flight, the manifest can change right up until takeoff. New passengers are boarded to fill empty seats; a passenger may feel ill and leave; a supernumerary may fit in on the crew; or, passengers/troops may get moved around between craft for any number of reasons. While you think you know who is on a particular bird, you really don't and that is a quandry. Both civilian and military operations have made incorrect notifications because they did not wait for positive identification, and so protocols are supposed to be in place to help prevent that.

Complicating this is the fact that the bodies to be ID'd may not be immediately available. Until the initial documentation and investigation is complete, the bodies will stay where they are. Autopsies and positive identification must wait for that process. Once recovered, the bodies must then be positively identified: this means finding ID on the body, or using dental, DNA, or other means to identify. All of this takes time, and can't be rushed.

Roll calls and other checks can be used to try to identify the living, and help narrow the uncertainty of who was on the bird, but nothing can or should take the place of positive ID of the bodies.

Civilian notification varies, and may be done by law enforcement or other means.

Military notifications are done by officers in dress uniform, teams of two are standard. I am most familiar with the Army version, having known someone who had that duty. It is teams of two as you don't know how the family is going to take it, and it also gives them flexibility in meeting immediate needs. The way the Army used to do it was that the officer who makes the official notification does so, then leaves as soon as possible, and never has contact with the family again. The Army knows from experience that this person is often blamed by the family, and their leaving eliminates a problem and provides a safe target for negative emotions. A second team will then come in and work to help the family.

The delays in making civilian or military notifications have nothing to do with incompetence, but are simply a result of the mechanics of the investigation and the desire to ensure that no mistakes are made.

Too many families will see the pair arrive in the next few days. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

LW

Recipe: Roast Lamb

I have been most remiss lately in posting for the Carnival of the Recipes. To make up for that, here is a tasty treat I just did on the new grill/smoker:

Hardware:
Grill
Aluminium foil
Knife
Cutting board
Tongs
Charcoal
Smoke chips/blocks

Ingredients:
Boneless leg of lamb
Olive oil
Truffle oil (optional)
Garlic
Fresh rosemary
Fresh ground pepper

Start hardwood charcoal in the grill on one side. Put the leg of lamb out on the cutting board and trim as needed. Using the knife, make slits in the meat and insert peeled cloves of garlic into the meat. Coat the meet in olive and other oils as desired, sprinkle with pepper, and place fresh rosemary on top. Wrap the lamb in aluminium foil and place on the cool side of the grill, dumping and spreading coals on the other side. Place chips, and replenish hardwood charcoal and chips as needed. Cook until the center of the roast reaches 140 degrees. Let stand at least 15 minutes, then serve.

Enjoy!

LW

Thoughts And Prayers Needed

Teresa of Technicalities and CaliValleyGirl are both in a form of hell right now, the hell of not knowing. All they can do is sit and wait, pray and hope. Please go pay them both a visit, let them know you are thinking of them and wait with them, and send thoughts and prayers their way and to all those who wait for word amidst fear and hope, and for all those who have died.

LW

I Must Beg To Differ

In this column, the Fatherly Curmudgeon takes to task those -- like me -- who qualified comments in regards the death of the Pope. While he, as always, makes some very good points, I think he missed one. Consider that some of us may have refused to disrespect a good and complex man by reducing him to a one-dimensional cardboard cutout.

I acknowledged my disagreements with him as a way of acknowledging that he was a complex and dynamic man who deserves praise and full consideration, a consideration not possible in a short paragraph or three. Indeed, books will be deservedly written and will fail to do the topic justice.

Yes, we should speak well of the dead, but it is a mark of contempt to reduce them to a caricature in the process. The dead deserve better.

That said, I will acknowledge that most of the media coverage I have been avoiding does not seem to be doing this, but rather attacking and tearing down while pretending to say good things. On that score, I find Father Curmudgeon's word and position very well taken.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 70

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 70th 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

Tartan Day

Bad wolf that I am, I failed to get signed up for the Delightful Ith's Tartan Day Gathering Of The Blogs! As for me, I am considering wearing kilt to work, and may even have a wee dram later today. Go check out all those who are participating, and read some fun and interesting posts!

LW

Good Thoughts Needed For Mrs. Smash!

Mrs. Smash has had an accident, and while things look good thoughts and prayers should go out to her and to Citizen Smash too. Updates are here, here, and here. All the best to both of you!

LW

Smoking Mini-Rant

As much as I detest smoking, I am against blanket bans and such, as they violate individual rights. That said, I also must admit that many smokers are their own worst enemy. Case in point was yesterday, when some kind smoker decided not to use the butt bucket outside one entrance to the building where I work, and flicked hot ash and/or a butt into the landscaping mulch. Net result was two of us using garbage cans full of water to deal with a small brush fire that could have gotten worse with all the wind. If you are going to smoke, be considerate or you may be the cause of getting smoking banned completely from places because you were stupid and inconsiderate enough to start a fire.

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 69

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 69th 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 68

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 68th 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 I Shall Renounce The Crown Of St. Peter

I would have given good money to have seen the looks on faces within the Kremlin when that missive arrived, especially when they read his sincere promise to man the barricades in person. If you don't know what I am talking about, take some time to go read some of the many excellent tributes to the late Pope. Though I disagreed with him on many things, I had tremendous respect for both his beliefs and his determination. He was a major factor in the fall of the Soviet empire, and his actions both public and private were pivotal. May the light shine on him and all those who form his larger family.

LW

Back To Posting?

At least I hope I am. The new computer is almost configured, and I am almost over the bug or whatever-it-was/is that laid me low for several days. There are going to be some changes on things, but hopefully some more real posting is coming soon. Thank you for your patience!

LW

Pledge To Inspire

National Volunteer Week is fast approaching, and the theme is "Pledge To Inspire." Your host will be taking part, and would like to challenge you to take part as well by sponsoring. You can either pledge a flat rate, or you can make it dependent upon the number of hours I volunteer during the week of 10-16 April. Because I am doing this for Wolf Park, I will be taking part through the Greater Lafayette Volunteer Bureau and all pledges will be split between the two organizations. So, please open up your hearts and wallets, and make a pledge today!

LW

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 67

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 67th 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

I have spent part of the afternoon getting software loaded onto the new computer, so that I can do my usual Friday wolf blogging. Given all, I have decided to try some tests to see how some things work in regards making the pictures as high a quality as possible whilst keeping them as small as possible.

Tristan does have a thing about sticking out his tongue, doesn't he? Not a bad shot in many ways, and now we shall see how the extreme method works in regards quality.

Here is a shot of Erin, wet and muddy, after she came out on the bad end of a disagreement with her two daughters. She was so muddy right after said disagreement that two of us did not recognize her at first. This is my middle road for image presentation

My, what a fuzzy rump you have. This is better side of one of the puppies exploring a new hollow log, and it is also the high-end of the three methods. May have to look for a better median here, but you be the judge.

More to come soon, esp. once I finish getting software loaded and tested. Meantime, don't forget that Wolf Park is going to be doing tours Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during April. This is something new and you really should check it out.

For better pictures, check out Wolf Park Picture(s) Of The Day and go check out Monty's site for the best in wolf and nature photography. Don't forget, there are only a couple more springtime Photo Seminars left.

LW

Please Stand By

The technical difficulties are improving, with the arrival of a new computer. Software is being loaded, and hopefully soon the only issue will be the connectivity problem. More to come...

Davos Tape Held Hostage, Day 64

*cue nausea-inducing grim graphic*
*cue cheesy grim music*
Today marks the 64th 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

What I Feel Is Pity

I think it wants me to be mad, upset, humbled, or something else, but all I feel right now is pity. Those with good eyes may have noticed that it has returned. It being the troll, cyberstalker, or whatever other name you call it. I'm not sure what the intent of this most recent effort (or the entire long-term thing for that matter) was supposed to be, but the result is pity.

How bad must a life be that someone devotes so much time and effort, often sitting in different hotel rooms around the country, to post puerile and infantile comments? How few achievements have been obtained in life such that beating the rather rudimentary blocks I've placed becomes a thing to be celebrated? What does it say about their lack of life and mental state that they obsess over my love and sex life more than I do? What measure of self-confidence is lacking that they must post anonymously and never as themselves? How sad.

I will do the usual and contact providers as needed, but I will also do one thing different. I will say a prayer for them, and I ask you to do the same, for if doing this is so important to them and makes their life complete and filled with achievement, then prayers and good thoughts are indeed needed for them.

LW