Jack of Harts Politics

by on May 9, 2024 at 12:01 am
Posted In: Diaries

The New England Federation built the first American starships and funded the bulk of the cost of colonizing Alpha Centauri and the other first wave colony systems. And they carefully vetted the colony organizers to make certain they understood who was really in charge and who would get first crack at the best resources the new colonies discovered. That usually involved bribes. Sometimes blackmail, but unwilling agents were so hard to keep. It was much better to make sure their agents had a stake in the windfalls to come. It was after all very important that an agent you bought remained bought. The Federation was very good at keeping people bought, and equally good at tracking down those who forgot they were bought. Forgetful agents rarely enjoyed that.

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Farm Animals

by on May 8, 2024 at 12:01 am
Posted In: Diaries

Both of my parents grew up on farms. I did as well, though I was too young to be a farmer myself when we moved into the cities for better jobs. That upbringing gave me a farm’s perspective on animals. Animals are not pets. Every animal has a job, and it must profit the farm, or it will not remain on the farm. Usually extra training can turn it around. Other times you can find another home for it. Sometimes it is the water bucket. And yes, sometimes you put a firearm against its head and pull the trigger so it won’t suffer. That truly is a part of farm life. Bragging about it is not. Doing it in anger is not. Every animal deserves compassion on its final day. Do not trust those who brag about it.

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Rochester Gamers Community Gameday

by on May 7, 2024 at 12:01 am
Posted In: Diaries

Rochester Gamers Community is running a Gameday this Saturday and I will be demoing BattleTech Alpha Strike there.

Godfather’s Pizza in Rochester Minnesota
This Saturday, 4:30PM to 8:30PM

I bring everything needed to play, so just come and be ready to have fun and some good food. Because Godfathers is pretty awesome.

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Hail and Well Met, Theoden King

by on May 6, 2024 at 12:01 am
Posted In: Diaries

I grew up reading The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. In a paraphrase of C.S. Lewis, I saw shining knights and great heroes standing up to fight the bad things every child knows is out there. From the small but indomitable Hobbits to the great kings that rose to the time that required, to sad and shining elves whose time was fading. I loved them all. And then the movies came out and they found actors that played those characters so well. Brought them to life so well. In a pantheon of great actors who did the characters proud, Theoden shone bright. And now the man that brought him to life has passed into The West. Hail and Well Met, Theoden King. We will remember you always.

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