The Laughing Wolf

Into The Light: "Col." Robert L. Scott

Brigadier General Robert L. Scott, who wrote the famous book God Is My Co-Pilot has passed away. General Scott was one of several local aviation legends, and was an influence on a number of future pilots, including myself. His determination to fly, and to fight, and the unique way in which he reached his dream, were an inspiration indeed. One of the first plane models I ever built was a P-40.

One of the best things that came from taking an unexpected year to stay with my Dad (other than time with Dad) was that I finally got to meet the man behind the legend. He worked at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, and cheerfully met with all the visitors he could. He wasn't what I would call shy about himself and what he had done (which was more than most know), but he preferred to talk of others, in particular his hero: Lt. General Claire L. Chennault. I had hoped he would be there the day Tammi and I went, but alas that was not to be. A fond memory of mine was to receive an invitation to his 90th birthday party at the museum, and it was quite the party.

He was positively gleeful in telling of his breaking away from most official Communist Chinese handlers years back, and not only walking most of the route of the Great Wall, but in returning to AVG country and putting in place a plaque honoring General Chennault at a special spot.

His was a story of perseverance, of striving to do well, and doing what he felt most strongly was right. Thank you "Colonel" for the inspiration, for being yourself for so many, and for keeping the history alive.

Rest in the light, and know that you will be missed.

LW

A Quick Growl From The Lair

Some quick professional adivce to official spokespeople. When you have an incident take place that is way out of the norm, it is the wrong thing to do to immediately declare that there is no evidence of terrorism.

When you do this, you commit the one unforgivable sin of communications -- you lie. When you lie, you have just lost every bit of credibility you have, your institution has, and it taints everything else from any agency or whatever involved in responding to the incident. It does not do anything to help prevent panic; instead, it can help foster panic because people are not so stupid as you seem to think. When you are caught in a blatant lie early on, it tends to make people believe you are covering up something far worse, and as such it then causes them to do the very things you don't want them to do.

Not only does this give consipracy theorists a field day, it causes even the most rational of people to doubt and question. This is particularly true if the incident involves something like ricin, which is not a naturally occurring item and must be manufactured.

Resist the temptation to be en loco parentis to the great unwashed masses and be professional. Stick with the facts that something is an isolated incident, no signs of any others around, what is being done, what is planned, and how you will respond if it is not isolated. Emphasize the isolated and contained all you want, and that things are still preliminary and further tests needed to confirm. That is what you should be doing.

Doing anything else invites detailed examination of every aspect of the incident, and casts doubt over any findings released. Because you started with a lie, people have a legitimate concern that you are less interested in the truth and far more interested in covering things up.

May such never happen to you, but if it does, be honest -- for the cost of honesty is always far less than what a lie will cost you and your institution.

LW

Foie Gras lovers, alert!

Avian flu may be having an impact very soon on your favorite delicacy:

Foie gras alert as bird flu spreads

brought to you by the ever-browsing English Werewolf

The Odd Things One Learns

Whilst under the weather. Kosher salt, sprinkled into ginger ale, foams up just like Alka Seltzer.

LW

A Few Interesting Tidbits I've Run Across

by the English Werewolf:

I've been doing my usual semi-random following of links these past few days, and have found a few interesting little items that might also interest one or two of you.

The first is a story published by the Scotsman, newspaper of Edinburgh, UK. Francis Fukuyama, writer of the book "The End Of History," and one of the founding fathers of the neocon movement, has publically stated that the whole neocon thing has "evolved into something I can no longer support", and that it's now time to tear the whole thing down. According to the article, Fukuyama believes this failure has demonstrated "the danger of good intentions carried to extremes" -- and in regards to the Iraq war, "Although the new and ominous possibility of undeterrable terrorists armed with weapons of mass destruction did indeed present itself, advocates of the war wrongly conflated this with the threat presented by Iraq and with the rogue state/proliferation problem more generally."

He says that the radicalized elements of Islam are a byproduct of the modernisation of Islamic societies. Not to put myself on the same intellectual level as Mr. Fukuyama, but I'd long been thinking that Islam seems to be entering their own version of the "crusade" period that Christianity went through starting in 1096. Just as with the Christian fanatics, only a small percentage of those claiming the faith are involved in the atrocities, yet it poorly reflects on all members of the faith. Let's just hope Islam doesn't take 250 years to work through this phase!

The story's here.

The other two links I've been holding on to for the past couple of days are actually related. Ever since the State Of The Union, I've been waiting for Big Oil to "disappear" the President, who has publically uttered the "E" word.

Ethanol.

Of course, they probably aren't too concerned, because W seems to believe that this is a future technology, inevitably approaching, but somewhere just in front of the Hydrogen world he's previously promoted. While there are aspects of the ethanol-fueled society that are indeed "yet to come" -- the production capacity to actually replace a large percentage of today's gasoline consumption, for example -- we're much closer than W thinks. This article published on the LiveScience.com site updates the work to find efficient methods to produce "cellulosic ethanol." In other words, ethanol from non-seed sources such as corn stalks, wood waste, even the switchgrass W mentioned in the SOTU. Essentially, the new technologies will probably rely on microbial assistance to break the cellulose plant material down into basic sugars, which then can be fermented into 199 proof ethanol. Termites (hosts to the microbes being studied) to the rescue of human civilization -- talk about irony!

(An aside; the switchgrass reference was planted in the SOTU due to the efforts of Sen. Sessions of Alabama, who got the info from an Auburn U. agronomist working with ethanol production from switchgrass and other fast-growing plants.)

Here's that article.

The Prez has been using the "E" word a lot in public since the SOTU; however, he will never master the art of oratory (sadly...). The White House recently released a transcript of one of W's appearances; this one in Golden, CO at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (which, oddly enough, had recently had its budget CUT by Congress; Congress did see fit to add back some of what they had cut so that some researchers and staff could be rehired). Several bigwigs of industry were also on the panel; unfortunately the WH skipped their segments in the transcript.

(Maybe because the other panel members were able to maintain trains of thought long enough to complete a sentence?)

I'm pretty sure W is moderately intelligent; I wish he could sound it. Transcripts only emphasis his shortcomings in public speaking.

The transcript is at www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/02/20060221.html . (For some reason, MT is cutting off the entry at this point when I set it up as a link.)

There are several million cars on the road NOW that can run on E85 fuel -- 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline -- or any blend of ethanol and gasoline from 0/100 to 85/15. The problem is that there are practically NO E85 PUMPS in this country! Unfortunately, the oil barons control most of the pumps -- another reason they're not terribly concerned by W's current fascination.

Even if you can't use E-85 (and most cars can run perfectly well on a blend of 20% ethanol; I run mine, both non-flex fuel cars, on 20-30% ethanol as often as possible -- but then, I'm one of the lucky few living within a few miles of an E85 pump...), you can help push this fuel forward. Just ask, when you fill up, where the E85 pump IS -- and, when the station owner looks at you with a clueless expression, you can say that the President says we should be using E85 instead of gasoline, and that it's the owner's PATRIOTIC DUTY to offer an American-produced fuel to his customers.

And it really is....

EW

(we now return you to your regular ranter....)

Product Review: Mop & Glo

My own rules on language prevent me from describing this product as I would like, so I will simply say avoid it at all costs. Several at the blogmeet told me that had I asked they would have warned, but... Where were they when I was in the store? Not only did it not work, I found myself on my hands and knees hand scrubbing the stuff up off the floor the Friday of the blogmeet.

Also, need to correct an error from the blogmeet. While some used that stuff to cheat on boot/shoe shines, what I used and had work well (for a while) was Future. Worked well until one of the people doing the inspection figured out that I was using it and sent me back to spit shining...

So, any good suggestions for a no-wax vinyl tile floor?

LW

The Flu Bites

Nuff said. At least no pinfeathers and/or bird calls.

All hail G! And R., who were kind enough to bring me soup, drink, and more yesterday. Thank you very much!!

More later.

LW

Dear President Bush

In regards the port deal, I must respectfully ask Are You Out Of Your Freaking Mind?!? Just wondering...

LW

I Think He Knows Me Too Well

Even before we met face-to-face, I have to think that BloodSpite knew me too well. A slightly mofidifed version of his link is now up on my wall at work.

LW

Lost Has Lost Me

Okay, I admit I have been enjoying the television show Lost, possibly for some of the wrong reasons. Mmmmmmm. Nice lingere on a nice body; Mira Furlan as a guest star; and, some quirkiness that reminds me a lot of Twin Peaks.

Well, that quirkiness was almost enough in some respects to kill the show from the start, and has kept me from being as strong a fan as some. A good show does not mess with your suspension of disbelief, and this show did seriously tread that ground. The entire accident, and the subsequent scenes on the beach did not work for me as a pilot. The burning of the remnants, full of things needed for survival for alleged health reasons, did not work for me from both a health standpoint and a survival standpoint. Yet, great gams and the possibility of more lingere lured me back.

Problem: No more lingere.

Problem: When the need for an army came up, the so-called leader turned to a cop on the matter, when there was another present who knew about military matters. Hint for the confused: police do not make a good army, and using soldiers as police is a Very Bad Thing.

Problem: Many more items of factual disconnect that boggled my suspension of disbelief.

Then, last week, they had the character of the Iraqi Republican Guard torturer reveal how he became a torturer. It was the evil Americans and the American military (and/or CIA). They made him a torturer in GWI, and that is why he was what he was.

Oh. Give. Me. A. Frelling. Break.

This is the final jumping of the shark for this show. They can show Evangeline nude, naked, or more, and I won't be back.

LW

Album Review: Plumb, Chaotic Resolve

I admit that I had some questions when I was approached to see if I wanted to review the new album by Plumb, Chaotic Resolve. While I know and like many genres of music, I am not that familiar with Christian Rock and long-term readers know that I do not call myself a Christian. Yet, I was intrigued enough to say yes.

I am very glad I did so. I had heard some hype about the voice, and that voice being an inspiration to Garbage and other groups. To be honest, I figured it was just that -- hype. I was wrong.

While I still have mixed emotions over the lyrics, which I would describe almost saccharine in written form, the presentation given is anything but. I have not yet done my usual 8-10 times listening, yet the songs in totality transcend what I expected from the printed words, and move to something more.

When doing my first listens, I was struck by how the songs worked on several levels. They could be of mortal love, mortal lust, and something more. One of my chief disappointments in most religious rock is how strident and focused it can be. Chaotic Resolve tries to more well beyond that and the result is music that moves beyond the obvious and expected.

For me, I plan to keep listening while I try to make up my mind on some issues and thoughts. You may enjoy listening as well.

LW

HotP: Glad It Was Not Tonight

Yesterday was a bit brisk, but not too bad (at least for me). Tonight, they are talking -7. While I am not amused, I am just so glad that this did not hit yesterday...

LW

Howl On The Prowl: A Ru From The Lair

My hope is that everyone had a good time, and wasn't too cold despite the temperatures and wind. Of course, there was not enough time to do even half the things I would have liked for us to do, but those who braved it all got at least half of a tour, and the chance to see an interaction demo before the start of Howl Night.

As for me, it was good to meet people and to have some people over Friday night despite the lack of hospitality I was able to provide. It was good to feel the Lair filled with conversation, laughter, and music. And pretty good music it was too!

We were up late, up early, but I know that one group with a 13-15 hour drive is now safely on their way. Not sure about the others, am not about to call and risk waking any who did sleep in. Hence, the Ru rather than a full howl. Want to know what a Ru is? Well, you will just have to come back one day and let me tell you as it was one of the things I didn't get to cover/do yesterday.

My thanks to you all, and I hope it was fun and wonderful for you. It sure was for me. Thanks for taking part.

LW

Howl On The Prowl!

The Howl On The Prowl blogmeet officially begins tomorrow. The highlight of the day is a tour of Wolf Park starting at 1300 sharp. Directions can be found here.

The park is closed this time of year, so this is something special. The fees for the blogmeet, cash only, are:

0-5: Free
6-12: $5
13 and up: $10

The gift shop will be available and they will take cash and credit cards.

The schedule for the day is:

11-12: Walking tour and visit to the Tippacanoe Battlefield, with possible walks to Prophet's Rock and other sites.

12-12:45: Lunch on your own

1-5: Tour of Wolf Park

5-6:45: Dinner at a local establishment

7-9: Howl Night

Afterwards: More food and libations at Lafayette Brewing.

If you have not already signed up, you are most welcome to show up "at the door." The only thing you may not be able to do is take part in the dinner as the reservation was about a week ago.

Hope to see you all there, as I expect it to be fun if maybe a bit brisk...

LW

Frappr Map Me

Okay, I seem to have acquired a Frappr Map in the process of marking on some others. So, if you want to, let me know where you are.

Yep, you have previously signed, you will need to resign. Sigh. Sorry about that Chief...

LW

A Welcome And A Happy Birthday!

I want to welcome a special and wonderful person to the blogosphere, Soggy Wolfie. Soggy is owned by two Jack Russel terriers and several other assorted wildlife. Go wish Soggy welcome, and also take the time to offer Birthday greetings as well...

LW

Clearly Not A Good Example Of The Sort Of People We Want To Produce

Gregory "Gramps/Pappy" Boyington was a drunk, a braggart, a liar, and more -- all of which are things he owned up to being. He would be the first to admit that he was not a nice person and very honest about his shortcomings. Yet, he also was a damned good combat pilot who served both in the AVG and the Marines in fighting the racist and imperialistic empire of Japan. He is credited with more than 20 victories, was shot down in combat, and survived a brutal 20 months in captivity when torture was much more than a bad hazing. He was beaten and starved as a part of torture and confinement. Depending on who you want to believe, he was shot down in part because he was trying to save another pilot by getting the enemy off his tail. He earned the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross for his actions in defense of this country and the rights we retain.

Yet, the Student Senate at the University of Washington finds him unworthy of commemoration.

In point of fact, student senator Ashley Miller feels there are already enough memorials to rich white men. Student senator Jill Edwards goes further and feels that she "didn't believe a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce."

Yes, Col. Boyington was a Marine (and half Souix, that's Native American to you twits). Here are two tales of yet another Marine. You will find a lot more stories about Marines and others here. There are a lot more out there too. My father was a Marine, and as much as he disliked high command, he thought the world of his fellow Marines. This was a man who could have avoided service, would have been happy to do so as a matter of fact, but instead went in and served in the Pacific. Because of him, Col. Boyington, and a host of others who gave their lives the Japanese advance was stopped, then rolled up. These are men who left behind wives, children, and significant others to go defend the United States and give ignorant, bigoted wastes of protoplasm and air the ability to show their asses in public.

For those callow girls and any who don't believe the empire of Japan was the things I said above, search "Rape of Nanking" "Japanese Medical Experiments (on prisoners)" for starters. There is a lot more on them. You might also search "Joseph Mengele" and "Death Camps" as well. Oh, you might also want to go search out the UN and other reports on what was done by the Taliban and by Saddam too. You see, all that stuff isn't just in the past by old enemies, it is also part and parcel of the current enemies of freedom.

You see, if you fail history, it is more than just a course -- it can be your life and the lives of those you love, and all that you hold dear.

No, the Student Senate at the University of Washington is not the sort of people we want to produce. We need to produce a hell of a lot more Marines, even deeply flawed ones like Col. Boyington, for despite their flaws they are truly the best. A lot better than a bunch of spoiled bigots playing at being pretend grownups, and able to do so because of better people than they.

Feh.

LW
Who has a very non-PC suggestion for Miller and Edwards involving their notes, oragami, many points, and sideways...

Into The Light: Andreas Katsulas

Speaking of Babylon 5, from my friend Waldo I learn that Andreas Katsulas who played Ambassador G'Kar has passed away from lung cancer. His was a well known "face" through many roles in science fiction and fantasy, and from playing the "One Armed Man" in the recent movie version of The Fugitive. He seemed to have a lot of fun with his work and from some stories I've heard he seemed to get along very well with is coworkers. He will be missed. May the light welcome him home, and shine on those he leaves behind.

LW

Happy Valentine's Day

Now, in Valen's name, I go to polish the tines of my forks...

LW
yes, it is an old and bad B5 pun, deal...

When The Going Gets Weird

I should go pro. Sorry, lots to post, just no time, no energy. Not feeling great, and to top it off, someone tried to steal Pups yesterday. They were not successful, but I am less than amused that someone would try that in broad daylight. That tends to mean amateurs or desperate, and niether is a thing I care to deal with. I will probably be even less amused when I find out how much replacing the lock they punched will cost. More soon.

LW

CSI And Lady Heather

Just a couple of quick thoughts. I loved the Lady Heather episodes, which feature a LOT of good writing, character development and exploration, and some food for thought that while good for you may not be entirely comfortable. One of the entire reasons for Freedom of Speech is so that we may be made uncomfortable, and forced to think...

I liked what Lady Heather did and how she did it, save the end. Accepting that much was done for dramatic purposes (making it easy for Grissom to find her), there was one major problem. She was too close for that whip and not using it to good or full effect.

If I were Grissom, I don't think I would have stopped her save to correct her form, and to provide salt, alum, and other aid to help keep things going for a long time. I liked how and what he did in telling her to stop, but I am not sure I would have done the same.

LW
who hopes they bring the character back as her episodes are some of the best written in the series...

New European Deli/Russian Market

Spacibo has just opened on Highway 52 in West Lafayette, in the Bell Shopping Center. They have basics now, and will expand as business develops. Develop it should as they have not only some excellent breads and such (many out of the Baltic Bakery in Chicago), but they are also selling meal and dessert crepes and more. Yes, those are Russian things too... All are at some very good prices. Let me just say that my Tuesday dinner was much nicer than expected, with real sausages for dinner, followed by some of the crepes I was sent home with, maybe some of the hunter sausage and sheep milk cheese for a snack later...

Check it out.

LW

Thank You Tippy!

The treats are much appreciated.

Hagel Slag, it's not just for breakfast anymore.

LW

Howl On The Prowl Update 4(?)

Folks, there is still room and time for you to attend Howl On The Prowl 06 in beautiful Battle Ground and Lafayette, Indiana on 18 February. There are going to be some good people attending, and good blogs represented, so join on in the fun. You can show up at the door, so to speak, but to be assured of having a place at the dinner table that afternoon, I need to have your name by no later than noon on 10 February.

For those attending or thinking of attending, you need to keep the following in mind:

Dress
It is strongly recommended that you bring some layers and dress warm, as the unseasonably mild temperatures may go away. Wear comfortable clothing and clothing that you will not mind getting muddy, dirty, wet, or even damaged. No open-toed shoes, and I will have no sympathy for anyone wearing heels. We will laugh at you.

Keep in mind that that we could find ourselves getting put to work at Wolf Park by the Managing Director. This is the same person who put T1G to work when he visited, and has been known to co-opt tour groups on the odd occasion. So, keep all that in mind as you plan what you want to wear that day

Equally, I suggest you not wear leather, and that you have no dangly things on the clothes. Dangly things get caught in any number of things, which is not a good thing. I would also recommend that you not wear earrings, studs, or other visible piercings. Anything under clothes is, of course, okay.

This may seem a little overboard, but I am trying to make sure that every possible set of circumstances is covered. Far better safe than sorry.

Other
If you have stadium seats or pads, bring them. The stands are aluminium, and they will suck every bit of heat out of you. I have been out at Wolf Park outside all day in -40 wind chills, and the coldest I have ever been was the one time I tried sitting on the stands for part of Howl Night. If you don't have seats or pads, bring blankets. First, place several layers of blanket between you and the stands. Then, have another blanket (or two) to put over you as you will be sitting still. Folded up bath towels work well for seat padding too. Be creative.

There will be some hot tea and such available at the park during the afternoon. If you have a particular thing you want or like to drink, non-alcoholic, then please feel free to bring it. Alcohol is not allowed at Wolf Park, so be forewarned. There will be plenty of opportunities for that later...

Cameras are allowed and you are most welcome to take pictures. It is asked, however, that you not share or post pictures of anyone who has not given permission for their face to be shown. The wolves and similar critters have all signed blanket permission statements, so you can post them to your heart's content. Be sure to check out the photography seminars coming up, done by noted nature and wolf photographer Monty Sloan.

For those with children (of any age) both the dinner location and Lafayette Brewing are family friendly. The manager at LBC has assured me that kids are welcome in the downstairs area up until closing. I will also note for kids and those not wanting alcohol, that the rootbeer there is very good.

The gift shop will be available with a wide variety of merchandise. Books, jewelry, collectables, photographs, and more are there waiting for you...

Schedule
11-12: Walking tour and visit to the Tippacanoe Battlefield, with possible walks to Prophet's Rock and other sites.

12-12:45: Lunch on your own

1-5: Tour of Wolf Park

5-6:45: Dinner at a local establishment

7-9: Howl Night

Afterwards: More food and libations at Lafayette Brewing.

Since the park is being generous enough to let us in whilst closed, I have set the following prices for the tour/Howl Night combo:

0-5: Free
6-12: $5
13 and up: $10

Please have cash on the barrel head as I want the park to get all the money, and no percentage lost to credit card fees and such. Any additional donations you want to make will be most appreciated.

If anyone is interested in a special briefing and walking tour in Lafayette on Sunday, let me know.

Those Attending
These are the bogs of the people who have indicated they are attending:

Bad Example
Bobo Blog
Drunken Wisdom
Mamamontezz's Mental Rumpus Room
Miasmatic Review
One For The Road
Quality Weenie
Smiling Dynamite
Tammi's World
The Reality Ranch
Techography

Can we add the name of your blog to this list???

LW

I Will Stand For Freedom

Since the lace panty brigade lacks the necessary equipment and fortitude, allow me to stand as an American should.

I join the blogburst and form the Technorati links "jyllands-posten mohammed" and "muhammad cartoon.". I stand for civilization, for values, and most of all for Freedom. "I will not run, it is my place to stand." Though it cost me my job, my home, my life, it will still be but a small price to pay, for as those before me did I pledge my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor to the cause of freedom and individual liberty and determination.

LW

Foggy Bottom Breakdown...

Well, not so much a breakdown as just business as usual from the lace panty brigade, which long ago left behind such outdated plebeian concepts as individual liberty, rights, and responsibility for the more rarefied heights of progressive thought. The State Department pretty much stopped speaking for the American people, their erstwhile masters, several decades ago and oft goes its own way against the administration. Today's Chamberlain is merely the latest such thing. By their reckoning, it is better to try to score some cheap points with the enemies of civilization than to honor the Constitution and the freedoms enumerated therein in which they no longer belive.

Harsh? Yes, but not nearly harsh enough. This is not just lame. It is nothing less than taking side with our enemies and the enemies of civilization It has given aid and comfort to those enemies, and it has back stabbed our allies and the friends of freedom everywhere.

The Department of State is a cesspit, which various administrations have tried to clean up with little success. Given that they have today shown a moral and ethical cowardice in complete abrogation of their oaths to the Constitution, it is clear that something more than past efforts at reform of a bankrupt institution are needed. For any government agency to publicly proclaim that the rights and responsibilities of the Constitution, most especially the Freedoms of Speech and of the Press, are no longer valid or appropriate is open call for said agency to be abolished and something new built in its place. Something that does not mistakenly believe that it is superior to those whom it is tasked to serve and represent. It is not enough to sack those responsible for this outrage, a full and complete housecleaning is needed.

LW

More Soon...

Sorry, it is the attack of the killer deadlines...

LW

In The Mail...

The new Plumb CD came yesterday, and I am looking forward to hearing it. My only suggestion so far to the record and marketing companies is that they really should be sure that all the URLs related to the album are in the promo package for linking...

LW

Well, I'm Buying Danish

How about You? Thanks to Michelle Malkin for the hat tip.

LW