The Laughing Wolf

A Quick Thought

All in all, it has been a sucky week for writing and writers in this world. And while we are richer for those who are gone, the leaving bites hard and big.

LW

Into The Light: Jim Baen

David Drake has a post you should read. Over the years Jim has given me encouragement, a couple of swift kicks, and been kind enough to tell me when my writing sucked. Directly or indirectly he has bought me dinner and drinks. What makes him truly special is that he did it for so many, and in the process has made the universe of fiction a far richer and more wonderful place. Jim has helped blaze a profitable and rewarding trail into this new electronics age, showing how it should be done. He rescued military science fiction and helped it thrive, and never forgot those who served in reality -- not surprising, nor is the fact that he served in the Army.

My thoughts go out to Jessica, Katherine, Toni, and the rest of the family; to Marla and those in the office; and, to all those in the much larger Baen Family of authors, readers, and leaders. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Jim, for all of it. You will be missed, but your legacy lives on and thanks to your foresight will shine on for some time to come.

LW

UPDATE: From the Baen site:

Toni Weisskopf and Dave suggest that people who wish to make a memorial donation purchase copies of THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN and donate them to libraries or teenagers of their acquaintance.

crossposted at Blackfive

Acid Arrangements

Just going to blockquote what Dave put up on the site:

This is Dave, Rob's brother. I just wanted to let somebody know that the arrangements have finally been made. If somebody has the ability to get the word out, please go for it. There will be a memorial service for Rob at 4 pm on Thursday, June 29th, at Fox & Weeks on Hodgson Memorial Drive in Savannah, followed by an after-service celebration (can't be a wake if it's after the Memorial) at our parents' house. Pickers will bring instruments, everybody else bring voices and any Rob stories you can tell for everybody else to hear while they lift a glass to him. I'm going to miss my big brother, but I'll do my best to send him off in style! There'll be directions to the place at the service, or you can email me: dsmith [at] brannenlaw [dot] com. Thanks, everybody!

There is more here and elsewhere. I wish I could be there, but will try to take part online if I can (and if that part gets worked out).

LW

Catching Up

It has been an interesting couple of days. The good thing that has come from this is that I am getting back in touch with people, some friends, again when things had drifted.

I have also been ordered not to die. I am not to go off by myself, be found in front of the computer, be in an auto accident, or anything else. Of course, I am now trying to figure out if this is just because they want the pleasure of doing me in themselves or not...

There was something else I was going to write, something profound and witty, and now I don't have a clue what it was. I am still dragging a bit after last week, and while I can and will perk up and do for a while, it also means I tend to drift when I slow down. More soon, as I have some good things to say about some local establishments at the least. :)

LW

My Favorite Tribute To Rob

There are many good posts up saying goodbye to Rob, aka Acidman. Several of those who knew him have put up well written posts: Denny, Eric, Joanie, and Velociman. The Evilicious Blonde put up a tribute that stands well too.

It truly hit me this morning, and I was so glad that Eric linked to what I think may well be the perfect tribute. It brought a smile to my face and had me trying not to laugh too loudly at work, and the thing is, I could swear I heard another laugh as well. It wouldn't surprise me, as I think it would tickle his fancy on many levels.

LW

A Night On The Phone

Pity it couldn't be on the town in honor of Rob, but it has been good talking with friends and people who knew him. Well said was the comment made that Rob had a way of bringing people together. Sometimes it was in horror (OMG, what is he up to now), sometimes in anger (that SOB, rah rah rah rah growl), sometimes in sheer admiration (Damn, I wish I had said that).

Rob, you did it again. Thanks for bringing some of us together again after far too long. Peace be to you old grouch, and thanks.

LW

A Giant Passes

I have just gotten the news via a call from a friend, that Acidman has died. Rob was a character, and I am very glad I had the chance to meet him a couple of years ago. Love him or hate him, he was a remarkable writer and a painfully honest man. What you saw was what you got. For me, I hope his end was peaceful and pain free, for he deserved that given the pain in his life.

You will be missed. Rest in Peace.

LW

Posters For The Times

Crossposted at Blackfive

I do wish that this was a time when people took war and the need for secrecy in war seriously. Having said that, here is a great collection of WWII security posters redone for the present day. While I like the first one, and agree they need a huge glass of it, the second one is the one I like the best. For I fear that every time the Shady Lady talks, innocent people die. What they are doing is not just putting those who serve in uniform in danger (indeed, I can make a case for a number of military deaths to be laid at their door, along with other parts of the Old Media/MSM), but civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan, and even here in the U.S. in harms way. Then again, they could care less, I think, about those in other countries who die. The only thing on their mind is making as much as they can out of, and off of, those deaths.

LW

Blog Happenings Of Note

First up, I urge everyone to get over to Basil's (not the fox) Blog and ask questions of photoblogger Jan Bussey of Cascade Exposures. This talented photographer is worried there will be no questions, so let's give her plenty to answer. Meantime, go check out the outstanding photography.

Second, get over to the PC Free Zone, which is celebrating the milestone of its 100,000 visit. Wild Thing truly is a wonderful lady, and I hope one day we can meet in person. If you don't visit her regularly, you should.

Third, blog meister (diva?) Harvey is celebrating three years of blogging. Go wish him well, and drop a fake memory of Harvey here.

Finally, go read this post by Bloodspite and do what you can to help.

There is more I want to do, but am under the weather, so will call it a day for now.

LW

Shady Lady Strikes Again

Crossposted at Blackfive.

And blows the lid of yet another secret and successful operation to stop terrorism. Once again, something done overseas, with oversight, and not a hint of domestic abuse. Something that worked, and of which the terrorists are now fully aware. Way to go NYT, your war against Bush carries on even if it gets Citizens of this country butchered and endangers our freedoms.

Yes, our freedoms. I've discussed this before and you can find a lot more on journalism and parts of this in the Saving Pvt. Journalism files and my general posts on the media.

Freedom of the press is not an absolute, or at least not as presented by the priesthood that is the modern media. Freedom of the press actually comes from freedom of access to the press, which used to be a huge, heavy, and expensive piece of equipment that might be available in one place in an entire region. The concept of freedom of the press has evolved with the Republic, and the modern ability to shield anonymous sources comes largely from the meatpacking scandals. The courts ruled that in limited, repeat limited, cases that newspapers and magazines (radio and TV not yet on the scene) had the right to keep sources of information anonymous if so doing -- as recognized by the courts -- was in the greater public good by allowing corruption and other dangers to the Constitution (and freedoms therein) to be exposed. There has been ever since a dance between local, state, and federal governments and "the press" a careful dance since neither side wanted to run the risk of establishing a "bad" precedent in this regard via the courts.

What the Shady Lady has done by the Lichtblau and Risen stories, along with the whole Plame affair, is force this issue in ways that could undermine all previous precedent. My concern with this is that we could find ourselves without ways to expose real dangers and true corruption thanks to their self-serving, arrogant, ill-considered, and flat-out ignorant ravings.

Yet, for the clear and present danger I see to a free press (which is a heck of a lot more than the Old Media), I also see deliberate acts that seek to provide -- in my opinion -- aid and comfort to the enemy in time of war. While I wish the administration would indeed grow a pair and some vertebrae and press for charges, I doubt that will happen. It should, however. At the very least, I find the actions of the reporters and editors at the Shady Lady such that when the next Citizen or group of Citizens of the Republic are butchered by terrorists, that they should face civil and criminal charges as accomplices.

Way to go Times! You give aid and comfort to those sworn to destroy our country and the entire ideals of Western Civilization, and you damage or destroy the very foundations of a free and independent press. Feh.

LW

Letter To The Brass Linked By CBS

My previous entry A Letter To The Brass has been linked by the CBS News Blog. They somehow got the idea I was talking about the media in it, and that it was a mock letter to the brass. Hate to dissapoint them, but it was a real letter that I did send to several points of contact in Marine leadership. Of course, as I told them, if the shoe fits...

LW

Instapundit Family Reunion?

Sorry for lite posting, and am way behind on e-mail (will be working on it, not ignoring you, just busy) and such. More soon.

Meantime, I had a wonderful Monday evening when I was invited out to join a group for dinner. I had a great time, even though I thought it was an Instapundit family reunion:

"Get off my hobo!"

"My hobo is on fire!" "Well, you shouldn't have thrown it onto the flames..."

"Can we shrink wrap the hobos?" "Nah, already done in Blade III"

"My food, mine!"

As for me, all I can say is that my hobo was very tasty, and it and the company much appreciated.

LW
who was informed Sunday that his purpose in life is to be lawn furniture for wolves; and, who found out tonight that the orchestral part of "Jabberwock" by the Cruxshadows (Tears, and thanks again for the gift!) times beautifully for being chased by wolves...

Wolf Park Auction: Thank You!

My thanks to those of you who took part, and who helped make this auction a success! More than $2,000.00 was raised for Wolf Park, and huge kudos for Volunteer Paul for all his hard work in putting this together and making it work.

LW

A Howling Surprise

Public speaking is not one of my favorite things. On one level, I do get a charge out of it but it is on the same par as when I jumped out of airplanes, the couple of times I have been shot at, or when things have hit the edge and started to come apart at speed -- you are never more alive than you are in just such a moment. On other levels comes the terror that is the balance in such situations.

Despite both sets of emotions, I have been starting to take part in the Howl Night programs at Wolf Park. There are several reasons, one of which includes the fact that the staff that does these every week needs and deserves a break on occasion. So, I screwed up my courage, tried not to screw up, and volunteered to help out. I've even come up with about four different spiels to use (and some puns), and have been trying them out.

Last night, I got a very unexpected surprise. When my part was over, Pat -- who is in charge of all the animals -- invited me inside for the second part of Howl Night. It may not seem it to those outside, but to those who know this is a big deal. Wolves can be far more active and "interesting" in the evenings and at night. To go in for the second part is, to me, an honor and a privilege that I was not sure I had yet earned.

For me, being out there is more than just a "OMG I'm in with wolves oh joy the puppies love me" thing. There is a bit of that, but for me the best part of my time at Wolf Park has been learning about animal behavior and animal care. When in Boy Scouts, I earned the veterinary medicine merit badge, and even went out with a family friend who was a vet exploring if I wanted to make that a career. Some things mitigated against it, but I still look back with more than a little fondness on the times I worked with those vets. One day I may have to tell of discovering my calling as a portable IV stand; of seeing the rafters of the stables in one heck of a ride when a stallion did not respond to a twitch; or, learning why one never, ever straddles the pole of the birth jack on a cow.

In my first year at Wolf Park, I learned more from Pat and from Gale (staff, effectively vice Pat, but also not sure she isn't just a pack member very good at masking) on animal behavior, animal interaction, and animal care than I had learned in the previous ten years. It is the part that interests me the most, and I probably annoy the ever-living out of them by constantly asking how I did, how can I do better, etc. Quite simply, there will always be a part of me that will always want to work to heal even as I accept that I can be much better at other things. And, some of the best praise I've gotten in my time here in the wilds of NW Indiana is when Pat (or Gale) has indicated I am doing well and taken me to that next step of doing more.

Last night was wonderful. I cheerfully admit that almost any wolf time is good, but it was a chance to take things a step further. I found that some good relationships not only held, but were perhaps strengthened a bit. I also had the longest and best interaction with our main pack alpha male, Tristan. He chose not one but a couple of times to come over, and to extend the time with me when given the opportunity.

I also was, with the help of the crowd, able get this fine fuzzy fellow to howl.

I wish it was possible to describe the feeling when a howl hits you square in the chest or head from just a short distance away. It is a physical thing, filled with subsonics, harmonics, and more that is in some ways a physical blow, yet isn't what we think of as a blow for there is not malice in it. It just is.

I wish we could truly hear the howls as they do, with all the upper and lower registers that lie beyond our ears. Such would probably settle many debates, discussions, and learned hypotheses on content and how much information they truly contain. I howl with them, though I know not what I truly say. I merely am content to do so, and to hope that I am in no way being rude (though for Socrates I might make an exception).

Meantime, look at that lovely face up there (the wolf, not the ugly human mug). Look at that puppy/yearling and how can you resist helping them out. Get thee to the E-Bay Auction To Benefit Wolf Park while you can. If you want an easier to read listing of some of the items, go here. Main thing is, go, for the auction soon ends.

To Pat, Gale, and Monty -- thank you for all you have taught me and done for me with the animals. It is very much appreciated. To all the staff at the Park, thank you for letting me be a part.

LW

Good Thoughts Needed For Jim Baen

I found out this morning that Jim Baen, founder of Baen Books, has suffered a stroke and is in ICU. If you log into Baen's Bar through the previous link, there is a new "Waiting Room" forum that has been established for news and for sending thoughts to Jim, his family, and the greater family of authors, readers, and fans.

Jim has earned the ire of the leftest literati by giving a home to, and making a living from, science fiction that held to plot, fact, characters, and messages other than the party line. Most especially, Jim has given a home and life to military science fiction, oft written by those who have seen the elephant. Jim and Baen Books have supported the troops on many levels and in many ways, including sending the latest and greatest out to the troops. The legions of Barflies have joined in, sending books and more in care packages to those serving on land, sea, or air.

Jim's emergency plans have been implemented, and now it is time for ours. Please keep Jim and the Baen Family in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

LW

A Letter To The Brass

I have posted this in the comments at Blackfive to a post by Uncle Jimbo, but thought it might make a good post here. I sent the following to several addresses in the Corps, just wish I thought the addy for the CotC was good:

Gentlemen,

I am writing in regards the matter of CPL Bellile and the song "Hadji Girl." As the son of a Marine, the friend of several Marines, and with a few other relatives who are Marines, I am disgusted with the behavior, lack of character and moral fortitude, and failure of basic decency being shown by members of Corps high command in this matter. While my father loved his fellow Marines, he had no love for those who commanded, and sorrow does not do justice to my realization that his worst expectations for such have been born out.

Is the song politically correct? No, then again war is not either, nor should it be. Could the song be used by our enemies against us? Yes, with your full help and collaboration, it is being done so in the media and elsewhere. Instead of caving in to CAIR and our enemies, you should be taking the offensive against the lies and distortions being portrayed. An aggressive defense of the truth and of the rights of freedom of speech, even that which can be found offensive, would do more to help promote growth in the region and set high the ideals we preach. Instead, the wanton capitulation shown is fanning the flames and encouraging those who are our enemies.

I echo what has been written by Jim Hanson:

"Your press release stated that the video was clearly inappropriate. What exactly did the USMC find that was clearly inappropriate? I watched the video and laughed out loud. I understand the difficulty that something such as this can cause in relations with the Iraqis, but in taking the complaints from CAIR to heart you have actually made things worse. You validated the lies they have told about the song and have given ammunition to anti-American media and messengers worldwide."

To continue on the course you have set, and to throw CPL Bellile under the bus for your own gain and protection would be a travesty, and a rank betrayal of your oaths and your obligations to the members of the Corps, most especially to those who are risking their lives in combat in the cause of freedom.

Semper Fi.

Is it a phrase you truly live? Or just a toss off with no meaning? Your actions will speak louder than any words your true answer.
 
LW

UPDATE: Welcome readers from CBS. The letter really was sent to Marine "Brass" and while not directed at the MSM, if the shoe fits... Meantime, feel free to check out the Saving Pvt. Journalism series; general posts on the media; posts on rational preparedness; my posts on the miltary posted here; and, best of all, be sure to check out all the good posts at Blackfive. Make yourself comfortable, keep it civil, and enjoy. LW

E-Bay Auction To Benefit Wolf Park Underway

Yes, I am still here, more soon, promise. No, I really mean it this time...

Meantime, please go check out this auction to help benefit Wolf Park. This link takes you to a page that gives you a lot of information on the auction and what is going on; or, if you just can't wait, Click Here to go directly to E-Bay.

Please check it out, and also please help spread the word on this. Thanks!

LW

Zarqawi Dead

AQ's boy in Iraq ate a nice one from U.S. Military Aviation and is off to his dirt nap. Damn, wish I could celebrate more than just with a cup of my beloved Foglifter right now...

LW