No. XCVII - The devşirme, the institutionalized kidnapping and involuntary conversion of Christian boys to Islam, by the Ottoman Empire, to grow up to serve in the ranks of the Sultan's elite soldiers, the Janissaries.
And, just because I think it's neat, the coat of arms of the late Ottoman Empire, the "Sick Man of Europe." Absolutely beautiful design, no?
The Stars My Destination
Painting a giant target on the Earth: sitting ducklink. I have been enamored of science fiction, of aliens and starships and strange new worlds, for as long as I can remember. And on some level I hope that sapient (which I think I now prefer over "sentient") alien life is not just the stuff of fanciful imaginings. But, think of our little blue marble among the stars as it stands today. Are we really in any shape to fend off the advanced technologies surely wielded by any spacefaring civilization?We need not presume any aliens we meet will be hostile; hell, their culture may even be so alien as to be devoid of the concept of hostility. But, is it not prudent to plan for the worst while hoping for the best? What if we do contact extraterrestrial life, and what if it is hostile? How dare these radio telescope operators take it upon themselves to play dice with the whole of the human race. If alien destroyers come to reduce the earth to ash, to leave not one stone piled upon another, will these brash fools assume the responsibility for Earth's defense?
The difference between us and Captains Archer, Kirk, Picard, and Sisko? When they went boldly, they did so packing phaser banks and shields. If a mass driver is built upon the Moon and asteroids hurled at the earth, what are we supposed to use as a defense? harsh language?
All things to all people: Althing!
The Rebel Black Dot Song of the Day
The Killers, "Somebody Told Me" from Hot Fuss (T.L.A.M.)
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