Humanoids Series by Jack Williamson

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Humanoids Series by Jack Williamson
The three books below make a lovely series worth your time. If, however, you only have a scant amount of time, the first one will suffice. It is quite short, a novelette really, but very good. The idea sprang from the atomic bombings of WWII but the theme isn't about that. It's about how technology we invent for good purposes can go wrong. How something done because we feel it was necessary, even ...
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Senate Report on Hunter Biden

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Joe and Hunter Biden blacked gloved and pointing
Hunter Biden could do corrupt business all day long and that isn't a reflection his dad. I won't judge a parent based on the actions of their adult son. That means it is important for me, not to know what  Hunter did, but to know what the role of then Vice President Joe Biden was. Not only what Joe Biden may have done, but what he may have failed to do when he should have acted. Did he pull stri...
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Too Ugly, Too Transgender, Too Ethnic or Not Ethnic Enough? There Could be a Pill for That!

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Ugly orc is ugly
This paper was shared with me by Club Platypus visitor Simon Stiel. It explores the idea of a "high tech" method that would make people attracted to people they are not currently attracted to. High tech could mean a pill, shot, brain surgery, or genetic manipulation. Why do this? The paper reads, "my case for attraction-expanding technology is grounded in individuals’ prudential interests, as we...
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What I think of QAnon

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Q and Platy
Let us start with this in mind from Ayn Rand, "There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals." The point being made is a solid one and one that applies well to the subject of this post. Let us move on then to the article (linked below) that inspired this blog post. The article seems to intentionally cherry pick from Q posts to com...
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Lady Antebellum – The Baby and the Bathwater

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"Today we are sad to share that our sincere hope to join together with Anita White in unity and common purpose has ended," the band members of Lady A said in a statement to CBS News." She wants money to let them use the name she has been using. They say they have been using it for years. So has she. Does it come down to who has used it longest? (Thanks to Larry for the link). Painful Iron...
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No-Knock Warrants Exist for a Good Reason

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Breonna Taylor
No-knock warrants exist for a reason and it is a good reason. Much of American law was based on English Common Law and in that knock-and-announce was the standard for warrants. Exceptions came about due to Supreme Court Rulings. A warrant must be issued as a no-knock warrant and a reason must be articulated. For example that destruction of evidence is likely. I think that anyone can see that this...
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Idea: Defund the Police – Good Idea? 

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No police - how about thoughts and prayers
"Minneapolis is not the only city asking the question. Across the country, calls to defund, downsize or abolish police departments are gaining new traction after national unrest..." I have already talked at length on George Floyd but think the second part of the above paragraph is worth a quick note as it relates to the topic of defunding the police. It concludes, "...following the death of Geo...
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Racism Exists Because People Won’t Let it Die

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A girl holds up a sign saying justice for floyd with his face on it
I had a conversation about racism the other day that was quite eye opening for me. I will get to that, and another story, in a moment. Systematic or institutional racism does not exist. A conclusion like this should be logical. It certainly isn't the first time it has been put forth but like so many things that become "true" people cling to the idea. When people try to explain their objections t...
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Curfews – Safety or Insanity?

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Platypus and Curfews
You pick up your best gal on a Saturday night only to be met at the door by her father - a big hulking man with a gun - "have her home by 8pm!" he orders. "Yes, sir" and with that, your plans are ruined. You might expect this behavior as a 16 year old picking up your prom date but it produces a bit of a shock when it comes from your government. Still hulking, still with a gun, but yo...
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George Floyd, Neck Kneeling, Minnesota Statute

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George Floyd
Quick note: I am using the word "suspect" below because I am not just talking about George Floyd. Please do not think I am dehumanizing him or focusing on the fact that he was a felon and in the process of being arrested for a crime. While that is true it does not make what the police did right. It was wrong and below I will explain why. The officer kneeling on his neck seems to be the thing...
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Obamagate

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Side Glance Obama
You may have noticed that the normally reticent former president Barack Obama has been rather vocal of late. I think Obamagate is the reason for that. Since Watergate the word "gate" has become a suffice meaning a scandal. Some love to say that Obama had a "scandal-free" administration. Those people weren't paying attention. That aside perhaps they are paying attention now? Kayleigh McEnany...
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The Royal Game of Ur – The Oldest Playable Game

Posted on by Platypus
"The board lay face upwards in the soil." Such a simple start to something that is quite amazing. I have shared before with you that I love the artifacts of history best when they are something that was used commonly. Items like shoes, clothing, cups, and games represent individuals living life. The below image is the actual board which was made between 2600 BC to 2400 BC. The below video i...
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Masked Men – Why America Dislikes Them

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Masked Men
The other day I went to a grocery store. Standing by the carts was a young woman wearing the uniform of the store and a black mask. For a brief moment I found myself alerted. That is when I realized (and I should have sooner) why Americans have such a problem wearing masks and seeing others wear masks. Masks you see - are for bad guys. Sure, we have a pantheon of super-heroes and the Lone Ranger w...
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The Tree of Liberty and COVID-19

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Boston Tea Party
I have noticed a phenomena associated with The Virus - whenever someone attempts to be reasonable about the restrictions being put on us, about our liberties being violated someone will say something along these lines, "so you want people dead then?" or "I much rather an over reaction and fewer people die than expected, than the opposite." Do you want more people to die? The real answer is "no" ...
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