The Laughing Wolf

Serenity: A Few More Thoughts

While the lousey wifi at the hotel works... I am in love with River. A woman after my own heart -- and probably my liver and lights as well... more on the performances later, if the wifi gets its stuff together...

LW
standing in a hallway afraid to move less he lose the signal...

Serenity: The Blog Review Experience

Well, I promised to talk about it all, and the experience is part and parcel of the story. Overall, it was a good experience. Getting to it from downtown Baltimore is a tale in and of itself, but once there things went very smoothly. I quickly found the Universal rep and was directed to the line of people already waiting. It was a good size line, and I am not sure how many were bloggers as there were several groups there.

Like most screenings, this one was a mixed bag. There were representatives from various local Old Media, student newspapers at colleges and universities (not sure about high school, but could have been), and various groups that appeared to include everything from local craft services to the staff of a local comic convention.

While the bloggers were treated fairly, there are a couple of suggestions for the Universal (and Grace Hill) people:

1. If you have seats reserved for press, and won't let mere bloggers sit there, don't immediately then turn around and offer them to non-media groups, friends, etc. It is either MSM only, or come up with a better designation for those anointed.

2. Some old-fashioned press packets are a good idea to keep around. I would have loved to go into the crew list and credits last night while things were fresh upon my mind, but couldn't. Yes, it is available online, but I needed it then, and good PR anticipates that many/some reporters are going to be in the same boat.

3. Bloggers, like media and those special groups, like freebies too. Make sure they get some rather than be excluded.

These are not major gripes, just some tweaks and fine tuning that can make a good experience even better.

What truly made the experience for me was meeting some other bloggers, in particular Jon. When he found out I was going to try to get a taxi to get back downtown, he politely and firmly indicated to me that I was off my rocker,and instead took me back to my hotel. Along the way, we discussed the movie, music, life, and more. It was a great experience that put a wonderful cap on the day. Thanks for the ride, the suggestions, and the camaraderie.

LW

Serenity: The Review

The short review: Go See It.

The longer review: If you like Westerns, action, or Science Fiction movies, it is all of them at once and well worth seeing. If you like strong characters, especially female characters, go see it. If you like good cinematography and music scores, go see it.

Serenity is the same odd combination of Western and Science Fiction as the original series. Instead of horses, the cast mounts a spaceship steed and flies off to the next town, bad guys hangout, etc. It is in some ways an action film, with the action being almost non-stop and all the better for some of the best coming from the female characters.

The cinematography is good. In all too many television-to-big-screen efforts, the visuals remain with the small screen. That is not the case here, with well done photography and rich cinematography that only had too very brief moments of non-big-screen. I could have wished for a little bit better on parts of a major fight scene, but that is in part simply because I was trying to follow one person and wanted to see them very clearly at every microsecond. The two jarring moments are mere seconds, one small-screen cut in the first part of the movie, and one non-big screen moment (not sure what to call it, not necessarily small-screen, just not big-screen) in the latter half.

The musical score is chosen well, with the Western motif getting a strong start and providing a shock moment at the very start of the movie. After that initial deliberate shock, the music worked so perfectly with the visuals that I never had a "boggle" moment caused by it. In fact, I want to play the soundtrack alone to be able to pay more attention to it.

Now for what you have been wondering about, the acting. In a short word, very well done. While some performers were stronger than others, there was not a bit of bad acting from anyone, major or minor, in the movie. The major characters were very well done, with the characters being "real" to the audience. There are many things I would like to call out, but I only have time right now to commend Ron Glass for a very good performance, that also opens up a wonderful backstory to Joss and company for the next movie. Or maybe the one after that, given the way Joss's mind works.

The story itself is very well done, and while it helps to have seen the television series, it is not required. Many of the smaller details and points are better appreciated with the backstory, but still provide a rich and complex tapestry to be enjoyed by new audiences. Then again, given his history with Buffy, I expected no less from Joss. If anything, I expected even a bit more, but only time and more movies/shows will tell if I got it or not. My only complaint about the story is that a couple of parts did feel a bit rushed, and I would be interested to see if any deleted scenes fill in a few gaps.

There is more, but I am time limited right now and can't get into all the detail that I'd like. I won't give any spoilers, save to say that Joss appears to have been reading some John Ringo, but that made the story much more real -- better even -- than if it had been typical Hollywood. When the awards start coming around, this is a movie that should be in serious contention for some of them. I say go see it, and decide for yourself, and I may go back again too.

LW

One More Day To Serenity

Only one more day until the screening of Serenity. I am so looking forward to this, and will blog about the entire process, not just the movie.

LW

Into The Light: Don Adams

Would you believe... Don Adams has passed away. I grew up on Tennessee Tuxedo and enjoyed Get Smart for many years, both for the comedy and for 99. I also enjoyed Inspector Gadget because of his participation. May the light shine on him and his family, and welcome him home. Thanks for the laughs Mr. Adams.

LW

Weird Week Warning

Well, anything that has WWW for an acronym is going to be weird and interesting... I am working at home this morning waiting for the roofers to come, as -- you guessed it -- there was a leak in the new roof. First thing this morning means by noon, if at all, so I am working at home trying to get all the wonderful last minute things that have to be done for a major business trip and display done. While I am unamused with the contractor and his roofers, it was not as bad as I thought it might be. I would have been surprised (and very happy) had there been no leaks, but given the levels shown I am just happy not to have multiple major leaks...

Later come the joys of travel, the farce that is the TSA, and all such as that. I look forward to being in Baltimore and DC, but don't look forward to the trip at all.

More soon.

LW

Blog Sabbath

Go enjoy the day.

LW

Serenity Movie Screening: Woo Hoo!

I have mentioned a time or two that I was a fan of the short-lived but excellent TV show Firefly, and that I was very much looking forward to the movie Serenity. Last night, I came home to the wonderful news that I am getting to attend a special screening of the movie in Baltimore on the 27th.

For those not familiar with the series, here is the official synopsis of the movie:

Joss Whedon, the Oscar® - and Emmy - nominated writer/director responsible for the worldwide television phenomena of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE, ANGEL and FIREFLY, now applies his trademark compassion and wit to a small band of galactic outcasts 500 years in the future in his feature film directorial debut, Serenity. The film centers around Captain Malcolm Reynolds, a hardened veteran (on the losing side) of a galactic civil war, who now ekes out a living pulling off small crimes and transport-for-hire aboard his ship, Serenity. He leads a small, eclectic crew who are the closest thing he has left to family –squabbling, insubordinate and undyingly loyal.

To say that I am looking forward to this is an understatement. Yes, I know the man's politics and I know his programs. As a writer and producer he has impressed me on many levels. Very few shows have the complexity and richness of Buffy, where small thow-away lines in season one became important plot points in future seasons.

If the movie is good, I will tell you. If the movie is not good, I will tell you. I hope to tell you Wednesday morning, but as I will be on travel I can't guarantee access. As soon as I can, however, you will hear from me on what happened, how it happened, and what I thought of the movie.

LW

What Say You?

I've been doing Food For Thought Saturday since I started this blog. There are any number of reasons for continuing, but I would like to ask my readers -- all six of you -- what you think about it. So, what do you think? Should it continue? Should it go back more towards matters philosophical/spiritual with more Way of the Wolf posts? Should whatever be done continue to be on the lighter side of things? Or go more serious? Let me know your thoughts, and in perusing them I may be able to figure out my own thoughts a bit better. Thanks for the inputs.

LW

What Lunatic Am I?

Well, I saw this at Bou's and had to try it. For once, we did not match. Instead of a Mad King, I am the only Emperor of America:

Which Historical Lunatic Are You?
From the fecund loins of Rum and Monkey.

Interesting since I just finished reading a Sandman book featuring Norton...

LW

Friday Wolf Blogging

A wolf pack is a dynamic thing. Puppy packs tend to be a rolling ball of stomachs, teeth and noise (not that dissimilar from any pack of human children). Full packs have interesting social dynamics as members rise and fall in status. This fine fellow has been experiencing some of those dynamics of late:

This is Chetan, and he is the father of this year's puppies and appears to now be the former Beta Male of the main pack. From reports, he seems to be somewhat comfortable with the change in status. Then again, Fluffy (as he is also known to some) has somewhere around eleven years of life experience by which to judge things.

That experience stands him well during the hottest days of the summer, when he tends to go spend the days in the dens. Underground, it is cool and there are no biting flies and such to bother him. It also means that he has been clear of puppies and yearlings, which he seems to regard in much the same light as the biting and annoying insects. Think there is a bit of Fields in there, with some clear "Go away kid, ya bother me" showing through.

As for the pack politics, they will continue no matter what. Nothing in life is ever carved in granite, and all one has to do is watch a wolf pack to see that truth.

LW

Hurricane Rita

Others are covering and saying all that needs to be said, which is mostly "Get Out Of There!" to the people in the likely path. All we can do is hope and pray, and be prepared to help in the aftermath. Also, I will note that some lessons have obviously been learned on the local level, as shown by Generation Why (with a hat tip to Michelle Malkin once again).

LW

Stuck On Stupid

Yep, most of the MSM are. Thank you General Honore, and thanks to The Political Teen for the video and to Michelle Malkin for the hat tip and a lot of good links. Thanks to Blackfive for driving home the real and important point.

LW

Into The Light: Simon Wiesenthal

This blog is dedicated to the power of the individual, and Simon Wiesenthal was one of the greatest living examples of the true power of the individual. As an individual, he refused to die. It was a simple as that. As an individual, he educated, he tracked, and he made sure that justice was served. Now, his legacy will serve the world as an example of the power of the individual. Go read Blackfive and follow the link. May the light take him and enfold him, and welcome him home. May the light continue to shine on the darkness that Simon Wiesenthal lit with his lamp, and serve as a reminder to us all.

LW

Ignorant, Incompetent, Idiotic

Is this the slogan of the second-term Bush administration? Let's see: we are at war with adherents of an ideology that demands the complete and utter destruction of civilization (not just Western, but Eastern too) and return to a tenth century level of life and technology (for all but the top people it seems); said group has shown a complete willingness to use anything and everything as a weapon of mass destruction; said group is known to have infiltrated and be infiltrating agents into countries including the U.S.; and, to top it all off, we happen to be dealing with the return of the 20-year hurricane cycle.

So what do agents of the current administration do? They provide this nomination for a critical post and the FBI decides to divert critical and limited resources to go after porn.

Words fail me. The ignorance, incompetence, and idiocy being displayed beggars belief, especially when added to the "politics as usual" from both sides of the circus on the Hill. There is not a single one of you who is an anointed one; rather, you are all acting like the annoying ones. It is something that will be remembered come the next election cycle. If you are unwilling to do the job, then maybe the lot of you should go.

LW

Walking Home

One of the projects I undertook this weekend was the annual car clear and re-arrange, which includes pulling out and re-doing my "Walking Home" kit that stays in the car. It is not a full bug-out kit, though it can be used for that in a pinch, but rather something designed to get me home or to help if things go bad.

I have kept something like this in my vehicles since I started driving. Not only does it make a lot of sense to be prepared, but I also used to go off into woods, mountains, and other areas off the beaten track. If something had happened, it would be up to me to get it out, get it fixed, or otherwise beat feet. While I am not in the wilds that much anymore, caca can still occureth, so I remain prepared as the best way to ensure something does not happen is to prepare for it. Most of these preparations are not obvious to anyone looking into my trunk, which has its own advantages...

The first thing any vehicle should have are some basic tools:

With what I have here, I can fix most things that are fixable outside of a shop, dig or pull my way out of problems, remove trees or other impediments, and otherwise cope with most situations. Many things pull double duty, and can also serve as camp implements if needs require. The throwing axe actually has about three uses right off the bat...

Next up are fasteners:

Fastners can also pull double duty, but I have rope, cord, wire, chains, pack webbing, and my tow rope. The latter is actually part of a cargo parachute system used to drop tanks and similar items, and so can handle about any loads I may place upon it. The snow/ice chains are technically illegal where I now reside, but I keep them anyway for emergencies, as the letter of the law will cheerfully be stretched in the face of a life-threatening emergency.

Other items include:

Plastic wrap/tarp, a canvas painters tarp, a collapsible jug, and a breath mask. Can you say waterproof and warm/cool shelter as needed? Can you say emergency window repair? Can you say being able to breathe in a dust or other storm? I knew you could, and know that you can think of other uses too...

Scrapers, tire inflator, heavy-duty jumper cables, a hat, snow salt, wiper fluid, and canvas tote bags round out the other items. With these, many car problems can be solved, I have a cover for my head as I work or hike, and the ability to go get or otherwise carry items in a comfortable manner.

Finally comes the pack. The backpack I have tucked away in the car has three major parts. The outer pocket:

contains paper and pencils, eating utensils, compass, bottle/can opener, knife, sewing kit, and locking D-rings.

The middle part:

contains food and other essential supplies. Essential supplies include a filter mask for dust or other delights, cord, and a water purifier. That brand is no longer available, but you can go find the same technology in Exstream products from Katadyn. With it, you can take water from almost any source except salt water, and drink it safely. Food includes beef jerky, sweets, salty, and even some textured vegetable protein in case the trip home takes far longer than anticipated. All the food is chosen as it will last for a year in some rather extreme temperature ranges.

The back part:

The back part contains a space blanket, foil blanket, heavy duty cord/parachute rigging, clothing, and a flashlight. Note that this is in addition to the normal car flashlight, just in case the car stuff disappears... The old film cannister contains tacks, brads, and other items that might come in handy.

Again, remember that most of this is out of sight and not taking up space in the main trunk. Modern car trunks offer a lot of places to put this and more where it can't easily be found.

Not shown are two first aid kits, one that stays out in the open and one that is hidden with the pack, and a few other implements including several bottles half-full of water. Yes, half full so that they don't split from heat or freezing. I am considering adding a couple of other things to the mix, most notably two siphons, one for gas and one for getting water out of containers, wells, or other such places without electrical power (I have one in the basement of the lair to get water out of the well if the power goes out). I am also considering adding this to the car:

though I would prefer something a bit more portable. Will see.

So, what is in your vehicle? Are you prepared to walk home or out if needed? For more on preparedness, remember to check out this archive and all the links.

LW

Two For One Day

Cox and Forkum also get a hole-in-one today with their work.

LW

Touche Chris!

The woods are dark and deep, but trust the excellent Chris Muir to use some of the dead wood as kindling to light the way.

LW

Whew

Well, the impossible was done: around ten print items, four displays (largest 8'x10'), shipping, and a few other odds and ends done in just about a month. The printers met an almost impossible deadline, somewhat to my surprise. As much as I needed rest, however, I could not shut down this weekend and so got a fair bit done at the lair, including prep and priming a room to paint, setting up the guest bed (which needs a mattress) and starting to set up a guest room, and some much needed organization. More soon?

LW

Who Painted... ?

One of the fond memories I have of the ex involve a game we played, often while driving. Towards sunset, we would gaze at the sky and try to guess what famous, or not so famous, artist had painted it, the game being predicated on the concept that artists would find employment in the hereafter painting on the greatest canvas of all -- the sky.

This scene at sunrise recently reminded me of that game:

The photo does not do justice to the range and intensity of colour that was there, and to my mind it was Maxfield Parrish. What say you?

LW

Talk Like A Priate Day

It's "Talk Like A Pirate Day" and I took the test:

You are The Cap'n!

Some men are born great, some achieve greatness and some slit the throats of any man that stands between them and the mantle of power. You never met a man you couldn't eviscerate. Not that mindless violence is the only avenue open to you - but why take an avenue when you have complete freeway access? You are the definitive Man of Action. You are James Bond in a blousy shirt and drawstring-fly pants. Your swash was buckled long ago and you have never been so sure of anything in your life as in your ability to bend everyone to your will. You will call anyone out and cut off their head if they show any sign of taking you on or backing down. You cannot be saddled with tedious underlings, but if one of your lieutenants shows an overly developed sense of ambition he may find more suitable accommodations in Davy Jones' locker. That is, of course, IF you notice him. You tend to be self absorbed - a weakness that may keep you from seeing enemies where they are and imagining them where they are not.

What's Yer Inner Pirate?
brought to you by The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site. Arrrrr!

Now to go find some rum...

Cap'n 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, hiding from the heat smart man that he is), and the Saturday question of the day at Tammi's World. Enjoy your day.

Food For Thought, Lighter Note

It has been a long week, but I hope a good one. At the end of such, one needs something to lift up body, mind, and spirit. So,

Thank You "B"
A very big thank you to friend and reader "B" who not only did me a huge favor in aid of preparedness preparations, but who also made a very generous donation to Soldiers' Angels Operation Katrina Soldiers Relief Fund. Thank you so very much.

Best Line Of The Week
While it might help to know the person in question to truly appreciate it, I think this one is universal enough for most ...

"Does SoAndSo have a new boyfriend?"

"What happened, did she break the last one?"

On that note, enjoy your day, remember to laugh and to thank those around you for all the positive they do.

LW

Friday Wolf Blogging

Last Saturday was hot, but a very good day for all. Especially for taking breaks such as this fellow did:

I also continue my bleg for the Freezer fund. Please spread the word, and to all who have donated, my thanks. To all who have carried the story and spread the word, my thanks. Here is the story of the freezer. It is not a small thing, since it has to hold dozens upon dozens of deer and other contributions, most of the year's supply coming in the fall. Please help by spreading the word of the need, and doing what you can. Contributions can be made via mail, phone, or online. Thanks.

Also, don't forget to visit Wolf Park Photos of the Day every day, and to check out the wonderful work of (and upcoming photo seminars by) Monty Sloan

LW

Don't You Hate It

When you can't sleep, toss and turn, and then the alarm goes off -- and you realize that you have been dreaming not being able to sleep and are still tired... Bleh.

LW

An Auction To Help

Army Wife Toddler Mom has taken time away from washing the electronics to work with someone to do some good. Go check out a wonderful auction filled with things from autographed books to blog skins, to help Katrina victims via Soldier's Angels.

LW

Happy Birthday Harvey

Mr. Bad Example himself hits the big 3-9 today. Go wish him a good one.

LW

Music Meme

Well, Bloodspite hit me with a meme a while back, and I am finally getting the chance to respond (other than sending a Bronx cheer his way).

1. Person who most influenced your musical tastes?

That's a hard one. My mother did in many respects, but she was not alone. Mom exposed me to a broad range of music, made sure I heard a lot of "Classical" (which is classical, baroque, and more), tried to get me interested in musicals and show tunes (stopped pushing so hard after discovering that my favorite line from Oklahoma was "I knew I loved her when I saw the moonlight gleaming off... the barrels of her father's shotgun."), and about anything to keep me away from that evil rock and roll. Another influence, and a good one, was the chorus director at school, who taught me to sing and expanded my exposure to music. Some subversive friends in Scouting got me hooked on that evil rock and roll, after finding out that the first album I ever bought had been Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Whipped Cream and Other Delights. Even at that age I wanted to lick the whipped cream off...

2. Top 5 songs to drive to?

Only 5? Hah!

My Driving One CD includes:
Farscape Theme
Quixote by Bond (Born CD)
Paul's Theme (Jogging Chase) from Cat People
Voyager by Alan Parsons Project (Pyramid CD)
Rebel Yell by Billy Idol (Greatest Hits CD)
Skin Skin by Boomtown Rats (CD?)
Don't Cha Stop by The Cars (The Cars CD)
Miserlou by Dick Dale (Pulp Fiction CD)
Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran (Rio CD)
Fire On High by ELO (Face the Music CD)
We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place by Eric Burdon and the Animals (The Animal's Greatest Hits CD)
Home and Dry by Gerry Rafferty (City to City CD)
Barracuda by Heart (Little Queen CD)
The Voice by The Moody Blues (The Best of the Moody Blues CD)
The Noah Plan by Peter Schilling (The Different Story CD)
One Of These Days by Pink Floyd (Meddle CD)
Buffy TV Theme

My Night Drive CD
Tubular Bells, Part One by Mike Oldfield (Tubular Bells CD)
Saeta by Miles Davis (Sketches of Spain CD)
Tango to Evora by Loreena McKinnitt (The Visit CD)
All Souls Night by Loreena McKinnitt (The Visit CD)
Blade Runner (End Titles) by Vangelis (Blade Runner CD)
The Last Farewell by Roger Whittaker (Greatest Hits CD)
Lunatic Fringe by Red Rider (As Far As Siam CD)
Invisible Sun by The Police (Ghost In The Machine)
Shine On You Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd (Wish You Were Here CD)
Dierdre Of The Sorrows by Mychael Danna (Celtic Twilight CD)

Misc:
March Of Cambreadth by Heather Alexander (Midsummer CD)
It's A Sin by the Pet Shop Boys (Discography CD)
Paint It Black by the Rolling Stones
Strange Days by The Doors
You're Lost Little Girl by The Doors
Soul Kitchen by The Doors
Alabama Song by The Doors
Twentieth Century Fox by The Doors
Back Door Man by The Doors
Wintertime Love by The Doors
Peter Gunn Theme by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Barracuda by Heart
Kick It Out by Heart

3. Number of CDs you own?
Don't have a clue. They fill a small U-Haul moving box, maybe a few more now... Finally gave away all my albums, the last two peach crates worth went to the English Werewolf a year or two ago...

4. Song/CD you were listening to when you lost your virginity?
To be honest, it is not the music I remember...

5. Song(s) played at your wedding?
Haven't had my wedding yet

6. Favorite Sad Song?
Like Bloodspite, I have several

Ordinary World by Duran Duran
Africa by Toto
Genesis Ch.1 V.32 by the Alan Parsons Project
Everything I Own by Bread
Biplane "Evermore" by Snoopy and the Royal Guardsmen
More, but that will do for now

7. Song you'd like played at your funeral?
Hmmmmm. Other than pipes doing Amazing Grace, I'm not sure. Part of me would like to have It's A Sin by the Pet Shop Boys and I Kissed A Girl by Jill Sobule played just for the grins of it. Another part would like Tango To Evora by Loreena McKinnett, Some Children See Him by Mannheim Steamroller, Winter Light by Sarah Brightman, and some others like that. Part of me also wants some Warren Zevon, even though Sleep When I'm Dead is almost too bad a pun even for me.

8. Song that bests describes yourself?
I don't know. But I am still looking for it.

LW

One Person Can't Make Any Difference, Right?

At least that is what the trolls, politicians, and other hive-personalities keep saying. Individuals can't do anything, much less respond effectively to problems.

Right.

Thanks to Blackfive for the link.

LW

Can Anyone Recommend

A good designer who can work with Expression Engine? Who might be willing to help teach someone about same, and not just the design aspects?

LW

Never Forget

The networks that demand to show you bodies from Katrina are the same ones who are too cowardly and venal to show you the horrors of the day, or to pay honest tribute to the heros of that day.

They would have you never know all, and would like you to forget that which you already do

have you forgotten?

Have You Forgotten?

DAMN YOU, HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN?

Look at them all, see the images and hear the words that now are told. Learn about them as individuals here and here and wherever you can.

This day, remember those murdered; nay, slaughtered, by cowards. Remember them all, for they are us: our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, friends and acquaintances. Honor their memory.

This day, remember those that died rushing to the rescue, for they too are us: our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, friends and acquaintances. Honor their memory.

This day, remember those that died on Flight 93, for they too were us: ordinary citizens all, who rose to the challenge and the hour, and in so doing set a standard for us all.

This day, remember those that have died since, both the murdered and those who volunteered and rose to defend us: our homes, our lives, our freedoms. Those who in the cause of freedom fought and died in the shadows and those who fought and died in the light, remember them well this day.

Honor them all.

Look at the good that has come, and look at what you can do to make a difference.

Remember them, and make a difference. Stand as a citizen and tell them by word and deed:

We Are Not Afraid

By Thought, Word, and Deed

To borrow from The March of Cambreadth

Make Their Yellow Blood Run Cold
Fight until you die or drop,
A Force Like Ours is Hard to Stop

Part of that fight is knowing, and remembering. Remember this day. Honor them today, and know that so doing is indeed part of a force that is hard to stop.

A force of freedom, of individual liberty and responsibility. A force that is now unleashed. Work to take from them the potential converts by exposing them to the power of hope. Let the winds of life and liberty sweep all the lands, and let all those who desire power tremble wherever and whatever they may be. For those infected with those power memes, there is naught that can be done. Drain the pool of potential infection by education and example.

By Thought, Word, And Deed: Take from them their future so that they may wither upon the vine and be removed by any and all means.

How many of them can we make die

Remember this day those taken from us. Let them live on in memory bright, and in a legacy of freedom across the waves and the land.

LW

Very Good News For A Saturday: Eric's Blogday

Hard to believe that it has only been two years, but today marks Eric's Second Blogday. Two years of great writing, good stories, and a time in Chicago from which the blackmail proceeds will keep him writing for a long time to come. Thanks for all the great times my friend, and looking forward to many more to come.

LW

Yes, Things Have Been Lite

And may be so a bit longer. There is a small matter of trying to do the impossible for someone at work, said impossible going from zero to new display (which is actually four different displays), nine publications, and a presence at a major trade event in less than four weeks. There is the small matter of some of the work at the lair, which has included showing the door to a contractor who took almost three months to do what should have been less than a week's worth of work (long story), verifying that another contractor who told me I needed a new heat exchanger in my furnace (at almost the price of a brand new unit) was blowing smoke, and finally being able to truly start unpacking now that some long anticipated work is done. There is... Well, you get the picture.

The good news to share is that I can now highly recommend two companies in the area: Charles Wolf Plumbing and Electric (Flora, IN) and Advanced Tech Heating and Cooling. If all contractors did as these people do...

More maybe soon.

LW

Friday Wolf Blogging

I have said it before, but will say it again: curiousity is not the sole provence of cats. One look at this face and the "What's going on?" look upon it should be enough to tell you that wolf puppies are wet furry bundles of curiosity.

I also continue my bleg for the Freezer fund. Please spread the word, and to all who have donated, my thanks. To all who have carried the story and spread the word, my thanks. Here is the story of the freezer. It is not a small thing, since it has to hold dozens upon dozens of deer and other contributions, most of the year's supply coming in the fall. Please help by spreading the word of the need, and doing what you can. Contributions can be made via mail, phone, or online. Thanks.

Also, don't forget to visit Wolf Park Photos of the Day every day, and to check out the wonderful work of (and upcoming photo seminars by) Monty Sloan

LW

Happy Birthday Bou!

Today is Bou's Birthday, so go wish her a good one. May the day be wonderful and filled with good dark chocolate, and the new year filled with all manner of good things.

LW
who says welcome to the over the hill club... *G*

High Praise

I'm not sure I've truly earned it, but love being one of Rob's Blog Picks. Rob, I really am hoping to get back to more regular blogging one day soon. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing what comes out of the studio.

LW

Tribes

I am trying to do the impossible in an extremely short amount of time, not helped by the office sinus thing trying to beat me up (necessitating, of course, that I beat it up). Fortunately, great words are not needed from me right now because the incomparable Bill Whittle has up a must-read essay on Tribes.

Go.

LW

A Near-Perfect BLT

Tuscan bread, hand sliced by you; mayo; fresh lettuce; a tomato that five minutes ago it was barely on the vine it was so ripe; a little salt and pepper on the tomato; and, bacon from Father's Country Hams. Juicy, tasty, delicious. What made it even better was remembering special people and special times with similar feasts.

Enjoy the day.

LW

Blog Sabbath

Go enjoy the day.

LW

Beslan

Remember them. One year ago yesterday the rape of Beslan began. They were not freedom fighters, militants, or seperatists, but terrorists.

The best blogging on Beslan, IMO, was done by Stan at Logic & Sanity, who remembers the day. My own efforts start here.

Remember those who died, and those who lived. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

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, hiding from the heat smart man that he is), and the Saturday question of the day at Tammi's World. Enjoy your day.

Assistance And Preparations

Take a moment today, and think how good you have it. Here, the sun is shining in a bright blue sky, the mood is peaceful, and despite a cold/sinus infection trying to start up, life is good. It is very good. Think about how well you have it: a roof over your head, meals, and all those things we take for granted.

Now think about how others have it: no home left, no shelter, no A/C, little or no food or water, nor the means to get any. Portions of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana are just flat out gone. Set aside New Orleans for a minute, for it is only one part of the devastation. A portion of the United States larger than many countries is going to have to be rebuilt from the ground up. That is a massive effort, and requires a massive amount of help.

Take a moment today, and make a difference. My charity of choice is Soldier's Angels Operation Katrina Soldiers Relief Fund. That said, there are two other very worthy charities that could use your help: Mennonite Disaster Service which goes in and helps individual families clean up and rebuild, and the Humane Society which is going in and helping both the pets left behind, and the care givers to animals of all types.

A good and special person in my life has asked that I also remind one and all of Noah's Wish as well. I almost went with this organization, but was much more familiar with the Humane Society. Check it out, and if you like it and it meets your requirements for safe and responsible giving, give.

Give to all of the above. I have already made a donation, and plan to do more as soon as I can. If you have made a donation because of this site, please be sure to log your contribution.

Yet, amidst all the need, take some time to think of yourself and your family. How prepared are you?

If you can, take the time and read all the posts in the preparedness category. At least take the time to read about power and light, bugging out, snivel gear for bugging out, and start here for preparedness week. That's right, an entire week's worth of posts on practical and rational preparedness. Blogfather Joe has a must read post on bug-out papers as well as a repost of his take on bug out kits.

Take a moment today. Help Others. Help Yourself. Ultimately, your fate and your safety lie with you.

LW

Hurricane Katrina: The Price Of A Nurse

Being in the medical profession is a calling that few can understand, and make demands above and beyond. Go Read This Story Of The Price Of Being A Nurse. The rest of the story is yet to come.

LW

Hurricane Katrina: Disaster Recover Info For Victims

We are in the midst of a disaster on a scale never seen before: the complete evacuation of a major metropolitan area, and that is but one part of a much larger disaster that has seen cities, towns, and areas effectively wiped from the face of the Earth. Any single part of this would tax the resources of a normal response.

A common question that is coming up from the hundreds of thousands of people effected is "What do I do?" Michele of Letters From NYC has posted a guide to help. Please help spread this information via blogs, e-mail, old-fashioned push-pin bulletin boards, and any other means. The more information people have, the better for all.

Meantime, please continue to give in any way you can. With the media focused on New Orleans, the full scale of the devastation has yet to be seen.

LW

Something Different: Trouble Shooting

Okay, I've had two people say that they can't see the photos that have been posted. They have come up for me on at least three different systems, but I have noticed something weird going on within MT. I am going to post some images as a test:

Both show up fine, no wierdness with MT or anything else. Do they show up fine for you?

LW

Hurricane Katrina: Flood Aid - Help Today

Today is the day to dig deep folks. My charity of choice is Soldier's Angels Operation Katrina Soldiers Relief Fund. That said, there are two other very worthy charities that could use your help: Mennonite Disaster Service which goes in and helps individual families clean up and rebuild, and the Humane Society which is going in and helping both the pets left behind, and the care givers to animals of all types.

I am re-posting all of yesterday's post, with a caveat. While Val is threatening to post no more until a good amount is raised, I want to go the other way. There are trolls and similar ilk who have asked, demanded, or harassed me to shut up. To all of them, I say now is your chance. For each paid pledge of $1,000.00 to any of the above named charities, I will not blog for one week. Dead Air. An image saying thank you for your generosity. The attention you crave, the silence you want, and good coming from it. Now is the time to put up, and I will shut up.

flood aid
hurricane katrina
*****
Hugh Hewitt gave the call, Instapundit set the date, and N. Z. Bear is tracking.

Taking my cue from the offer Val is making, I will be offering some signed, numbered photographic prints. Send me some form of receipt and a mail address and I will send you:

for donations of $20.00

for donations of $50.00

for donations of $100.00

I will do this for as long as the prints last.

There are lots of lists, but one of the first and best is done by Lee Ann, and Baldilocks has a great one too.

Tomorrow is the day. Do what you can, both to give and to help spread the word.

LW