The Laughing Wolf

Blog Sabbath

Go enjoy 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 and more at Winds of Change, food for thought at Who Tends The Fires (Ironbear apparently still in Snowbear's freezer pigging out on frozen custard), and the Saturday question of the day at Tammi's World. Enjoy your day.

An Ode To A West Lafayette Driver Observed

At the light, I watched as you moved up to make a right turn on red. You looked to your left, and never ahead. The oncoming traffic got their left turn light, and you pulled on out without a thought in your head.

The lead car was amazed to see you so do, and even more so to see you slow so that your big, red crew-cab truck stopped the flow. They honked their horn and shocked you did see, the oncoming traffic held up by thee.

Rather than fix your error, and pardons to seek, you flipped out, and may have even flipped them off. You deliberately moved to block even more, and stopped in your rage -- how dare they blow more. You blocked the traffic, and a hazard did create. When finally move you did, it was to swerve at that lead car, not even a quarter your size.

The Wolf is not one to readily subscribe, to the theory that big trucks are to make up for an inferiority in penile size. Yet the evidence does mount, that such may be charitable with you to describe. Old you are, yet wisdom hath escaped. You appear to die your hair, and have less emotional maturity than an ape. You refuse to admit a wrong, and compound your crime.

A coward and a bully is not all that you are, but that is a fair start. Here's hoping you grow up, before your insecurities tear some family apart.

LW
who asks how do you react when you screw up?

More Later?

Sorry, rough night. Maybe more later.

LW

Happy Birthday My Friend

I have a special friend who's birthday is today. I am not going call her out by name, for I know this one is hard for her. It has been a rough year in some ways, lots of hard decisions and some tough calls. Yet, she has always moved to do the right thing, even when it is the hard and difficult. Her sense of humor remains. So, no birthday spanking today, just a lot of hugs and love your way. May this new year be filled with all manner of good things too long denied.

LW

Grounded Yet Again

The cameras worked. For the first time in the history of the program, clear data was obtained on debris coming off the system. That data has resulted in the fleet being grounded yet again.

The decision is one of prudence, especially given the already hostile tone in the Old Media over the decision to launch even if the same sensor problem came up yet again. Ignorance of things technical rules, and quite a few have shown their ignorance in the last couple of days (anyone else catch E.D. Hill on Fox showing her rear yesterday morning?). Rand has a good post that deals with this.

Yet, it may also be a case of information overload. NASA has known that debris, mostly insulation and ice, has come off since day one. This is not a new issue, for if you go back to the "glory days" of Apollo and look at the footage, you will see lots and lots of ice falling away as the Saturns start up off the pad. In the case of the Shuttle, you will find that NASA has cataloged thousands, repeat thousands, of hits and damage to tiles on the orbiter. Repairs are required every mission, which incidentally helps reduce the rate of flight. What matters is where the damage happens: in most areas it is not a significant problem. In the wrong area, you have a catastrophic failure -- which does not require a "huge" hole as oft reported of late -- such as Columbia.

Politics and an abundance of caution have grounded the fleet yet again. Mayhaps it is time to ask the question any household must eventually ask itself: should we put more money into the old car, or is it time to invest in a new vehicle? Before, asking this question would have meant a massive and protracted design process within NASA. Now, however, with companies such as XCOR and Scaled Composites there are options. The number and quality of options are growing.

Mayhaps NASA and the administration should consider a competition using the X-Prize as a model. Why not offer contracts to the first three companies who can demonstrate a truly reusable system for delivering people to and from space? Why not offer contracts to the first companies that can demonstrate a truly reusable system for delivering cargo to space? Maybe it is time that we start seeing the space equivalents of sedans, sports cars, pickups, and more in space...

Just some thoughts, amidst some mixed emotions, this fine morn...

LW

Good News/Not Sure News

The good news is that I am now formally out of the apartment and have a signed paper saying everything was left in good shape. More on that later, but again I do not ever recommend renting from AIMCO.

The not so good news involves last night's storm and the new roof being put on the place. I had been told that all would be secure, and that there would be no problems. About 1940 hours last night, I found out that such was not the case. The solarium was leaking like a sieve, and -- injured elbow and all -- I found myself trying to get most of the boxes and stuff stacked in there moved and unpacked. Unfortunately, the den where I had planned to move most of it was leaking as well, as was one of the upstairs bedrooms, the master closet... I called the contractor and he was going to come help, but had trees down blocking his street. He did send someone, unfortunately they showed up two hours later after I had everything moved that could be moved. I think the wood floor in the solarium will be okay, and I think that I got everything out before it could all be damaged, but the light of day will tell.

More later.

LW

Discovery Is Up

And I just can't get worked up about it. I am glad that they are up and that all goes well so far. I have had professional contact with members of the crew in the past, and wish them well. Yet, this rings hollow for me.

The shuttle system is an outdated kludge, and needed replacement years ago. Today shows it can fly, but it can't fly reliably.

I may post more on this later, but for now I feel I am watching at best a last hurrah, an extolling of a space Maginot line.

LW

Chris Muir: In Stark Contrast

Unlike the politicians, Chris Muir shows true class and a good sense of humor. In yesterday's strip, Chris made some mistakes. As soon as readers let him know of them, he corrected them immediately and made it clear he had done so. No spin, no prevarication, just honest and open transparency. In today's strip, he further acknowledges what happened yesterday and pokes fun at himself in the process.

Class, Style, and Verve: Chris Muir

Classless: Catherine Baker Knoll and Ed Rendell

Compare and contrast. To my mind, Chris looks pretty darned good.

Thanks for showing how it should be done.

LW

The Crash, No Burn: The Spin Begins

Well, this morning sees the spin winding up in this article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. There is a hint of "that damned internet right-wing lynch mob" along with the obligatory comments by the governor that his running mate was a good but misunderstood person. In short, pretty much a standard old-style political response to a problem.

That doesn't work anymore.

Let's take this by the numbers. Knoll shows up at the funeral, says she arrived too late to pay her respects to the widow and other immediate family members, then hands out business card(s) and makes a comment about how the government does not support the war. Apparently too busy to stay and offer her condolences in person, Knoll finds the time to ham it up for the cameras outside and talk with the media.

Word gets out and a firestorm starts in. Knoll is travelling and unavailable. The governor rises to her defense but also makes the asinine statement that it is not the responsibility of the government to support the war, only to support those that fight it. This is also the same governor who did his best to keep as many absentee military ballots from being counted last election... There are reports that Knoll phoned the family and left a message of some sort on the answering machine. Finally, Knoll's office offers up a letter of apology but Knoll refuses to discuss the matter, answer any questions, nor will she otherwise acknowledge what is going on -- the excuse is in part that she is still travelling and apparently has not mastered the use of telephones, mobile phones, or laptops and the internet. Since she will not meet anyone in person, perhaps she is now hiding in one of Dick Cheney's unused undisclosed locations...

The letter is one of the worst efforts I have ever seen in the real world or even in schools. The Paragraph Farmer does a good takedown of it in general. See the whole sorry thing at Michelle Malkin's, and also read her previous takes here and here. See also Blackfive's take.

Allow me to go into some communications 101.

First, you never, ever, ever start any letter with "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" You start press releases with that, not letters. If you are going to release a private letter, you do a formal release and attach the letter to it. If you have to provide background, obfuscate, explain, nuance, or whatever, you do it in the release, not the letter. It is like hand addressing Christmas (or Holiday) cards instead of machine labelling them. Doing a letter like this smacks of desperation, is amateurish, and defeats the purpose of the letter.

Second, you want to write clearly instead of opaque. The writing here is as clear as concrete, and is written so that it says truly nothing. Key phrases have modifiers that make their meaning unclear. Anything other than Keep It Simple Stupid does not work for this type of letter, and the use of jargon and lots and lots of unnecessary phrases indicates weaseling.

Third, you want to write active voice. It is part of writing clearly, but it is also a separate issue. This letter is about as active as a dead parrot.

Fourth, you don't clarify and take them to task, you explain.

I could go on, but that hits the high points, or the low points in this case. On a non-gramatical and substantive basis, the letter has more than a pinch of Turbin Durbin "I'm sorry you revolting peasants were not smart enough to understand and appreciate my clearly presented and finely nuanced thoughts" along with what I take as "it's all about me, don't you get that?" Oh, and a dash of "I'm sorry I got caught" as well.

Stonewalling and meaningless phrases used to work when it was just the Old Media. If you want something that works in today's marketplace, consider the following:

"Dear Mrs. Goodrich,

Please accept my heartfelt apologies for any pain caused by my uninvited appearance at the funeral of your husband, SSgt Joseph Goodrich. To add to your grief and suffering, and to that of your family and friends, was not my intention.

Since the start of the War, I have tried to attend as many funerals of our fallen heroes as possible to show support for those who serve. During those visits, I also give my card to the family, so that they can contact me directly to ask for assistance if there are any problems with state or other benefits. Please know that I am here for you, as I am for all military families, if I can be of assistance.

I sincerely regret my fault in not arriving on time to express my condolences in person, and any misunderstanding and pain caused by my actions. Such was not my intention, and I am very sorry for what has happened.

Know that my heart and prayers are with you, your family, and friends as they are with all the families of those fallen in defense of freedom. In my role as Lt. Governor, I will do all I can to support the troops, and as an American support our President. If there is anything I can do to help make right this situation, or assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Sincerely,

XXXXX"

That is a letter of apology. It is clear, precise, avoids things that the sender frantically wants avoided, and remains sincere. If done right, it gets the job done and stops the storm. What actually came out was a poorly written and considered piece of hackery.

Today, the words are flowing and the spin is on. By their actions may you judge them. My question to the people of Pennsylvania still stands:

Is this someone who you want representing you, and do they and the government of which they are a part represent you and your beliefs?

Just asking, and you do have an election coming up...

LW

Previous coverage here.

UPDATE: Michelle has more. As does Blackfive.

A Death In London

Red Ken got it right for once, for the death of Jean Charles de Menezes is the responsibility of the terrorists, not the police. To my mind, there are still many unanswered questions here, which include why run from the police when challenged, why the heavy coat, and did he do something that appeard to be an attempted hostage taking as reported by witnesses? We may never have all the answers, but while what happened ultimately was a tragedy, it was also justified. You do not take a chance with a potential suicide bomber, for far too many can pay the price if you do. What you do is a head shot so that they don't get the chance to detonate the bomb. Since many seem to miss the obvious, you also don't shoot into the abdomen or lower chest because a bullet hitting the workings of the vest can do very bad things...

The police did as they should, and do not bear the responsibility for the mistake. That lies ultimately with the terrorists, and with the man who did not stop when challenged.

LW

A Crashing That Deserves To Be Burned

What I want to post on the title won't fit and deserves some self-censoring. I saw this story at Blackfive's last night (who got it in an e–mail from the talented Baldilocks) and waited hoping against hope that it might have been mistaken. I mean, after all, the source was from the Old Media. This morning finds no denial, but more coverage including that from Michelle Malkin.

What Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll did does not even rise to the level of loathsome or even to despicable. It was more than a mere outrage. The best that can be said is that it was the selfish act of someone who does not even see the people of the state she professes to serve as subjects, but rather as objects to manipulate and use. It was the act of someone who does not see others as real.

I had a list of questions for the governor and lt. governor, but they really don't matter. Only one question now has any meaning or relevance, and it is for the people of Pennsylvania:

Is this someone who you want representing you, and do they and the government of which they are a part represent you and your beliefs?

If this story is true, this is not a matter for a resignation, but of forced removal from office. For her words against the war may not be true treason, but they are far closer than most will be willing dare call them. For her actions are what can be most charitably described as a disgrace, and deserve at the very least contempt from all who have honor and integrity.

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 and more at Winds of Change, food for thought at Who Tends The Fires (Ironbear apparently still in Snowbear's freezer pigging out on frozen custard), and the Saturday question of the day at Tammi's World. Enjoy your day.

The Gifts We Give

The subject of gifts has come up repeatedly in the last couple of days, and has sparked a train of thought that seems appropriate for feeding thought this Saturday. Indeed, literal feeding has sparked part of this.

Too often today, the definition of a gift is deliberately misrepresented by far too many people. What is presented is not a gift, something given without expectation of any benefit, but a bribe or payment in exchange for something. A birthday "gift" is given in expectation of an even better "gift" being presented later in return. A "gift" of jewelry or some other expensive item is presented in expectation of sex or other form of paid companionship. A "gift" of sex or other commodity is presented in exchange for protection or otherwise living a certain lifestyle of material comfort. The list can and does go on almost ad infinitum these days.

In re-reading at breakfast this morning the book We Few by David Weber and John Ringo, I was struck by the following exchange:

"A person's conscience is her own," Despreaux said stubbornly.
"Heaven's bells, if it is," Koustic said caustically. "We spend most of our lives doing things because we know they're the right things to do in other people's eyes."

Think about this, and how the rampant corruption of the concept of a gift begins to make more sense. Add in the concept of guilt and general unworthiness a la so-called yuppie guilt and similar ilk, and the conflict and confusion engendered by the receipt of gifts becomes a bit clearer.

From the time we can begin to toddle around, we are being told that we are unworthy, that we don't deserve all the good things in our lives. From starving children in X and oppression in Y, we have it so lucky and we really don't deserve it unless and until everyone else has as much or better is a constant message. The logical fallacies of such are left as an academic exercise to the reader, for while we know it to be false intellectually, emotionally we are extremely susceptible to it. It is pounded into us and operates on a subconscious level, for at least as long as we let it.

I am no more immune to it than anyone else. I have been reluctant to accept offers of service from others because I fear incurring an obligation. Knowing that for what it is does not necessarily change things, for it resonates in us on a deep emotional level. I have seen the same in others, when I have offered them service, food, or simple hospitality. "What do they really want?" shows up very clearly in face, body language, and action.

As for me, what I really want is to give pleasure to others, to meet new people, and perhaps to build some new friendships. If some of that becomes more, then that is merely a bonus. What I do not want to do is to take part in the misrepresentation of a "gift" to anyone, for I would rather have the honesty and integrity to purchase openly that which is desired, be it sex or whatever, than to obtain it under false pretenses.

Most of all, I want to avoid the ultimate trap of giving or getting "gifts" in exchange for the illusion of love. Love truly is the ultimate gift, given freely and without expectation of reward. It can not be bought or sold, merely given. It is also the hardest true gift to accept, for rarely does anyone feel they truly deserve it, simply because it is given without reservation or expectation not just from the heart, but the soul. It is an honor to be offered that part of a person, and also a good way to tell if the person truly is offering love, for it comes with no strings or demands. When offered that true gift, accept it even if you don't believe you deserve it, for to decline it hurts only you in the end, and indicates some problems with your own heart and soul. Rejecting an honestly given gift of love is to reject all love from all sources.

Today, think about the gifts you give and why you give them. Are you truly giving gifts? Or, are you making payment as you would for any commercial transaction? Are you letting cynicism prevent you from accepting true gifts?

Do you go with the herd, or do you give and accept gifts as they were meant to be?

LW

Friday Wolf Blogging

Well, actually this is going to be Friday fox blogging. I realized that I have not posted any pictures of Basil recently, so am putting up this shot of Basil and Ember for your enjoyment:

More soon.

LW

Thank You John Howard, Thank You Anchoress

Thank you, Prime Minister Howard for this swift and devastating response to a member of the fifth column fourth estate.

Thank you Anchoress, for this moving pictoral review of how it is not about Iraq.

And thank you to Michelle Malkin for the link to The Anchoress, and to Prof. Reynolds for the link to John Howard's speech.

LW

More Bombs In London

So far, these seem to have been almost duds with only one injury reported. Lots of speculation, but not a lot of hard fact yet. Keep checking The Counterterrorism Blog and The Command Post for updates and solid information.

LW

A Thank You Before I Go

I want to thank Jay and Deb at Accidental Verbosity for allowing me to try out Expression Engine. They let me kick the tires and play around a bit for something not related to this blog. Yet, after doing so, I am going to begin putting my pennies together because I think I may just be switching here as soon as I can...

LW

More To Come

I had a good deal to write and post today, but work and life seem determined to complicate things. More soon, I promise. No, really, I mean it this time. Honest.

LW

Go Give Good Wishes To Da Goddess

The lovely and talented Da Goddess is in the hospital after having to have back surgery. You can read more here, here, and here. Go leave a comment and send good wishes her way.

LW

Farewell James Doohan

James "Scotty" Doohan has returned to the light. He was a veteran of D-Day who hid the loss of his finger on screen for years, and a talented character actor. Unlike so many, he was secure enough in himself to share, to encourage others, and help them grow professionally. My original thoughts still hold true. Thanks for the help, the fun, and the entertainment. You will be missed.

LW

All Is Now Right With My World

My current favorite coffee is back. There is a coffee shop in Lafayette called Murky Waters, and besides being just a neat little place they also happen to have a coffee blend called Foglifter. I had tried several different coffees when I moved up here, but Foglifter is one of the best coffees I've had anywhere in the world. Rich, lots of flavor, and not bitter even as strong as I brew it (6 scoops to a 10 cup pot, maybe a bit more).

A couple of weeks ago, I was running out at home and at work so dropped by to get more. Murky Waters was closed, and I was not sure it would reopen. I was not a happy wolf. Some checking revealed that it had been sold, but being the cautious type that I am, I also was sending messages out that I would buy all the Foglifter left in the store.

Great News: Murky Waters is back open with a new owner, a number of improvements, and the same great selection of good coffees and teas. They have plans, neat plans, and I wish them well. Work now has a fresh pound of ground, The Lair now has a fresh pound of ground, and I am putting away a pound of whole bean Foglifter as well.

If you are in the area, give them a try. Don't forget the homemade biscotti and other treats as well. Recommended.

LW

A Caption Contest

ROFASix has this wonderful picture, found courtesy of Watch Your Six and the Pilsbury Dough Boy always wonderful Blackfive. The picture deserves a caption, so I hope you will leave a few here. My own entries are:

"Holy Cow! A three-second burst is waaaaay too much for a single cat!"

"Oh S**T, I just blew up the dog biscuit supply!!"

And yours are???

LW

Lite Posting

Real life is demanding toll right now, and I'm not sure I've got exact change. More soon...

LW

My Fantasy/SciFi Character

Well, given this post I am not surprised...

LW

My Celtic Horoscope

You Are A Fir Tree

You love anything beautiful, and you have extraordinary taste. And while it's hard for you to trust, you care deeply for those close to you. You are a social butterfly, and you have many friends. You handle stress well - and you are a master at relaxing after a hard day. Overall, you are modest, talented, unselfish, and very reliable.

LW

Blog Sabbath

Go enjoy 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 and more at Winds of Change, food for thought at Who Tends The Fires (Ironbear apparently still in Snowbear's freezer pigging out on frozen custard), and the Saturday question of the day at Tammi's World. Enjoy your day.

Static Vs. Dynamic Life

In several arenas of late, I have had to deal with people who don't like change. To be honest, it is in several cases much more than that: open hositility is putting it politely. The fear is palpable, for what they have always done is being changed, and they want to stay with what they have always done out of a fear of the unknown, a fear of additional work, and a fear of growth.

Actually, I empathize more than some would ever believe. I like comfortable ruts myself, but ruts rarely take you to new and better places. Ruts never provide growth, but merely conformity and a continuation of the same-old, same-old. Ruts, like game trails, are a trap of the self and an open invitation to intellectual or physical ambush. However comfortable and comforting, ruts are a prison to the mind and soul.

So think on this today: are you resisting change in your life because the change will bring true harm, or because the "bad" simply means that you may have to do something different and learn new things?

Just some food for thought for the day.

LW

Time I Came Out

It started about three weeks ago, when I was walking to Taste of Tippacanoe and had a car full of girls start yelling out about my being a dyke. Then, there were some conversations with a blogger that had me telling more than I planned. This week was the capper, when I finally found my stash of lesbian erotica. It is time I was honest with you and with myself: I am a lesbian.

LW
who is in a warped frame of mind this morn...

Friday Wolf Blogging

Another pup picture, just a day-in-the-life type of thing.

Enjoy the day.

LW

Continuation Of A Theme/Meme: Non-Fiction

Continuing the theme, five non-fiction writers who have touched my life at various points include:

William Manchester: serious history done well, and if you are interested in Sir Winston Churchill, his books are a must.

Peter Townsend: Pilot, not "rock star" who became the figure of the RAF in the Battle of Britain. Duel of Eagles was a frequent read growing up.

Col (Gen.) Robert Scott: God is my Co-Pilot was another frequent read growing up and it was an honor to meet him. His other book is a must read for anyone with an interest in China and the current situation in China.

Richard Tregaskis: Guadalcanal Diary was read several times before I was past the 5th grade.

Geoffrey Ashe: If you have any interest in Arthurian legend, his works on the reality of such and those times are a must read. He is also a very engaging speaker who is most generous to his audience.

So, which non-fiction authors are your favorites or had an impact on you?

LW

Continuation Of A Theme/Meme

Yesterday's post and some recent unpacking of books has had me thinking about the writers who have influenced my life. The five fiction authors that have had the most impact include:

Ernest Hemingway: The man is depressing as all get out when you get right down to it, but his visual imagery is superb. His works set a standard for my own writing to reach.

J.R.R. Tolkein: What can I say?

Robert A. Heinlein: His works have heavily influenced my philosophy and my life. Lots of food for thought in those works.

Roger Zelazny: It was an honor to meet him, for his style of writing and subjects have had a strong influence on my writing. Again, strong visual/sensual imagery, with sensual in terms of the senses. His works evoke sights, smells, and sounds in a way that few can do.

Arthur C. Clarke: Interesting and fun stories (Tales From The White Hartbeing a favorite collection) and the first to hit me with the idea that sex could be fun and was not a sin

Honorable Mention:

C. S. Lewis: I still love his books, and began reading them when I was in about the sixth grade as a part of some religious studies. While his works and other studies have taken me in directions of which he might not approve, his stories still move.

So, which five fiction authors have most influenced you?

LW

Book Meme

Well, it looks as though Da Goddess is not just content with hitting a major milestone (Congratulations!), so she hits me with this meme. Glad to know I am her favorite wolf. So, here we go:

1. Number of books I own
I honestly don't know, but suspect it is in excess of 1,000. What I do know is that there were roughly 50 boxes of books involved in the recent moves. That does not count what was in the car, suitcase, etc.

While it is not asked, I will admit that they tend to fall into the following categories:

Science Fiction/Fantasy
Cookbooks
Fiction
Biographies/History
Science (aerospace, bio, psych, materials science)
Weapons
Communications (text, research, etc.)
Photography/Art
Religion
Sexuality
General Reference

2. Last book bought

Oh dear, not really sure. I think it was Jock Sturges: Notes Jock Sturges is to people photography as Adams was to nature/scenic photography. He got a very bad rap a few years ago when an overly ambitious (and clueless) DA tried to charge him with child pornography because there were nude children in some/many of the shots. Absolute and unmitigated bullshit. What that man does with faces and eyes is incredible.

3. Last book I read
Last new book I read was either a wolf book or We Few by Weber and Ringo. I think. Not real sure as I tend to read quite a bit and split it between old favorites and new work. It used to be I had to read before I could fall asleep, and I still tend to read every night.

4. Five books that mean a lot to me:

Just Five?

The Crystal Cave
Young Winston
Duel of Eagles
Lord of the Rings
Stranger in a Strange Land

Not going to tag anyone, but if anyone cares to take up the challenge...

LW

Dennis Update

Dennis has hit, and it is bad. In that regard, the good news is that the bloggers I know are safe and in good shape. A lot of people are not. Tammi has an excellent suggestion for helping. For some very good blog coverage of the storm, go read this at Bou's and just scroll up. Thank you Bou and TGOO for the posts! Congratulations to both Bou and Tammi on the MSNBC coverage!

Do what you can folks; people are hurting and need the help.

LW

The Story Behind The Mask

Also courtesy of Michelle Malkin comes a link to the start of the story behind the mask. Yes, just the start, for there is more here, and the full tale has yet to be told. For now, get some tissue and go read about a good man who did much more than nothing, and became one of those who keep evil from triumph.

LW

We Are Not Afraid

Over at Michelle Malkin's the other day, I was introduced to the wonderful We're NOT Afraid. I've donwloaded a number of images, and decided to submit one of my own.

I made this today, based on an older roundel that you still see in some areas and older stations. I have used and liked the tube since I was 12, and thought it appropriate to express my opinion. The Gaelic is from my Clan, and means Fierce When Roused, which sums up how Londoners seem to respond to bombings. Don't let the quiet and stoic front fool you; the passion is there.

This is a smaller version for sidebars and such. Feel free to copy and use.

LW

A Woman I Like

Though I have never met her, I like her style. She even goes commando on a regular basis, and if she answers the sphinx as well, is a woman after my own heart.

Thanks to a true tease for the heads-up.

LW

Not A Tease

Nope, Jan is not a tease. Not when she does Hellcats, Jennys (a favorite of mine for reasons I may just admit to one day), and is into Goosing. Check it out.

LW

Bite Update

So far, so very, very good. No sign of necrosis. Itching is gone. Pain and nausea almost so. Life is much better, and the basement much reduced in spider (and bug) population. My thanks to all for the good wishes and advice.

LW

Happy Birthday to T1G

That 1 Guy is celebrating his birthday. Rather, Tammi has started a comment party at his place. Go join in and wish a great guy a great year.

LW

London

LW

London

LW

This Is London

"...determined to go on with their lives..."
A Show of Defiance
An open letter
Sod'em we carry on

LW

No Posting I Hope

If all goes to plan, I am going to be gone for the weekend so no posting. Enjoy your weekend.

LW

Friday Wolf Blogging

A couple of final puppy pictures:

LW

London

As they stood with us on 9/11, so I stand with them this day. Today we are all British. Today, we are all Londoners.

LW

Priceless, Precious Pt II

Yet some more cuteness to share:

If anyone wants to take their own pictures, go to this Wolf Park page and schedule your session. The price is very inexpensive for what you get, and I think it is well worth doing. Not only do you get the puppies, but you also get some one-on-one time with noted nature photographer Monty Sloan.

Enjoy.

LW

Bite Update

So far, so good: no necrosis. The odds are in my favor for not having any, but I will breathe a sigh of relief when Friday gets here with no problems. I am most willing just to deal with the pain, the muscle and joint aches, nausea and such and avoid the other. Please think good thoughts in that regard.

Thanks.

LW

Washingmachine Interruptus No More

I hope. The efforts to get it hooked up and operating the other day were interrupted by the bite of fidel, but today seems to be going better. New hoses, new connections, and a lot of caution... Right now, trying the inaugural load of clothes to test to be sure all is water tight and right. I can but hope, and am pleased to report no more drop-in visitors during this effort.

LW

The Bionic Boxspring

We can rebuild it, and we did: stronger, more durable, faster, and for a lot less than $6m or even the roughly $200 each that Simmons wanted for a set of split box springs. Just so you know, whole it would not go up the stairs even with railings down or even a wall down. Nor would it go through the hole if we took out the double window in the bedroom. So, it got cut in half.

I used poplar for the repairs as it is strong, light, and makes good furniture. Two pieces of that ran me less than $20, and I got three bags of .25-inch bolts at roughly $4 each, two things of washers for less than $5, and three sheets of .75-inch particle board at roughtly $13 each. That makes it around $100.00 with tax thrown in.

To start, I used woodworking clamps I have to pull the parts together and do a rough alignment:

I cut the pieces of poplar that matched the side wood to 14 inches, and then placed it on the inside, and used C-clamps to do final clamping and alignment:

While it is not to ASME standards (too many bolts), I then drilled what I call a five-pack on each side of the cut and used .25-inch carriage bolts and wingnuts to secure the two pieces together. Yep, wingnuts as the bed does have to come out again one day possibly...

For the center piece, which carries the heaviest structural load, I used a poplar sandwich and did the same thing, only this time with 3-inch bolts instead of 2-inch:

I then used poplar strips to replace the pine strips that had been cut away, screwing them in place:

The handy-dandy staple gun then put the fabric back in place. The wonder stuff that was supposed to provide good support to the mattress turned out to be cardboard, so I then used three pieces of particle board to provide a new and much better top surface. They are screwed in place so they don't wander, and the result is put to bed as it were:

Bed skirt in place, no one is any the wiser and the bed sleeps much, much better. As do I.

LW

To Borrow From Dune

The first movie, that is:

"This is genocide. I want the complete and utter destruction of all arachnid life in the basement."

I had been holding back, because spiders can do a lot of good. After fidel struck, my mind went to the Emperor's quote and modified it. I did the first phase of a strategic nuking campaign Tuesday morning. It will not be the last. Death to the arachnids.

LW

Bite Update

First, thanks to all for the public and private good wishes, and for all the thoughts and prayers. They are all very much appreciated. Did talk with my doctor and confirmed a good bit.

The good news: No sign of necrosis so far. With luck, there will be none.

The other news: I do feel like drek and hurt in the hand and ache about everywhere else. fidel managed to bite me almost directly on top of a vein, so what that means for how it goes is largely unknown. Also, it was indicated to me that necrosis and more can depend on previous bites, and I have been bitten by unknown spiders before, possibly including a brown recluse. Need to do some research on that...

As for where the name came from: I decided that calling it a bastard and other similar names I had called it was not proper or appropriate at the ER, so on the way down there found myself thinking about what the bite of fidel has done to the body of Cuba and Cuban culture, how he is skulking about and trying to infect other places, and it all just seemed to fit. So, it became fidel.

More later.

LW

Priceless, Precious Pt II

What can I say, the little stinkers are cute and fun. If anyone wants to take their own pictures, go to this Wolf Park page and schedule your session. I think it is well worth doing, not only for the puppies but to get some one-on-one time with noted nature photographer Monty Sloan. Also, don't forget the Wolf Park Photo(s) Of The Day.

Enjoy.

LW

Some Good Thoughts Please

Someone I know is having to have an angio today, and so if you would keep "T" in your thoughts I would appreciate it.

LW

Priceless, Precious

Having a box spring up some stairs may be priceless on one level, but here is a little something that is both priceless and precious. There is nothing quite so good for the soul as spending time with puppies of any type...

LW

Having A Cut Bed

A narrow, steep stair with some interestingly placed walls:

A battery operated circular saw, $150.00

A fine-cut hand saw, $25.00 (not rust on it, but stain, long story)

A box spring cut in half and up into the new master bedroom, priceless

More on the reconstruction later...

LW

How Not To Celebrate

Well, not how I intended to start the day's posting, but my plans got changed by fidel.

As I was trying to get the washing machine hooked up in the new lair, I felt something drop on my hand and then almost immediately pain. I flicked the thing on my hand off onto the top of the washer, and then said something bad because it was a spider. I thought I recognized it, but the burning sensation in my hand took precedent. Thinking fast, I popped a Benadryl and called my doctor and put in a request for the on-call doctor to call back. Then, I got a ziplock bag and a plastic spoon and put the spider into said bag, sealing it well. Then I took off towards town after being sure I had an ana-kit with me. I was about four minutes out from the hospital when the duty doctor called back, and he said to go on to the hospital.

If you are sick or injured near Lafayette, Indiana, I can recommend St. Elizabeth's ER highly. I was triaged immediately and in a treatment room within about five minutes. The doctor brought a book and confirmed that my new friend fidel -- I named it on the way to the hospital -- was indeed a brown recluse. There is not a lot to be done: antibiotics to control/prevent secondary infections, anti-inflammatory, and medicine for the pain/pain to come. What to look for on the necrosis. I call my doctor tomorrow and follow-up with her and/or the wound specialist the ER referred me to. Total elapsed time in the ER was about 30 minutes. Not bad.

More later.

LW

July 4th

On this day, take time to celebrate the birth of our nation. Are things perfect? No, they never have been and never will be and the Founding Fathers knew this. As a result, America is the only nation of which I am aware that enshrines the ideal of constant revolution and constant change in its founding documents, along with an impressive list of freedoms -- not the least of which are speech and assembly -- that stand as a beacon to the world. That is a thing well worth celebrating.

This is also a thing well worth celebrating:

The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

If these words move you, the National Archives gives you the oppportunity to sign it electronically.

On this day, take the time to help support those who are both protecting us, our homes, and the ideals that allow us to pursue life and liberty. As always, I support Soldier's Angels. Blackfive has some good ideas in this post about some who have died defending that freedom, and my Blogfather Joe Katzman has quite the international list of ways to help.

Celebrate this day, and most of all, celebrate that which is the foundation and the start of the Great Experiment that is our Republic.

LW

Blog Sabbath

Well, warned you it would be lite for a while. Just did not plan that a massive project at work and moving would make it quite so lite. Will try to do better, but first have to finish cutting a box spring in half and then go get the materials to fix it.

Go enjoy your day.

LW