Lest We Forget

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

- John McCrae



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Canadian Firefight in Afghanistan, video by Scott Kesterson

A demonstration of what Canadian troops are up to in this day and age in Afghanistan.

More information here:

http://www.beloblog.com/KGW_Blogs/afghanistan/2006/07/

The Dean is Dead:

Via Supergee

Jack Williamson 1908-2006
From the ICFA mailing list:

Betty Williamson has sent a message today to friends and relatives that Jack Williamson has passed away.

Betty writes:

Hello dear friends and family,

This is to let you know that our beloved Jack Williamson died this afternoon at 3:22 p.m. He was in his study, surrounded by people he loved who loved him. It could not have been better.

Jack consented to a memorial service because I told him there were a lot of people who would want to get together to share wonderful memories. We will let all of you know when that is set.

Thank you for your friendship and love to Jack. He will be missed by all of us, but he was very ready to die. He has told me many, many times, "I have lived a wonderful life and I will die with no regrets."

I am glad I got to meet Jack, if briefly, at Lonestarcon back in 1997. He was there at the beginning in the 1920's and saw science fiction through to the 21st century.

Science Fiction versus Anime Fans at Conventions:

Some brief observations, based on a VERY small sample of anime cons:

At SF cons the fans get worried when the consuite runs low on beer,
at anime cons the fans get worried when the consuite runs low on Mountain Dew.

At SF cons the fans try to bring at least 3 changes of clothes,
at anime cons the fans try to bring at least 3 changes of costume.

At SF cons the fans want to meet big name authors,
at anime cons the fans want to meet big name voice actors.

SF fans drag their children to conventions,
Anime fans drag their parents to conventions.

One reason SF fans come to conventions is to meet potential partners,
one reason anime fans come to conventions is to meet potential partners.

Well I guess some things are universal. (;

In Flanders Fields

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An audio version.