Middle America's Worldview

Google company continues to buy up robotic start-up companies. Recently Google acquired the company Boston Dynamics. This makes the eight robot maker snapped up, within the last six months.

The company Boston Dynamics designed and produced mobile research robots for US military. The company is best known for its four legged robots, tackling all matter of terrains, with speeds up to 29 mph.

Cheetah, BigDog and Wildcat robots were created by Boston Dynamics. The company is also working on a humanoid robot dubbed Atlas to work in natural disaster areas.

Terminator anyone?

Cheetah

The Cheetah Robot surpasses 20mph, breaking the land record for robots.

Atlas

A high mobility humanoid robot, able to walk bipedally, allowing the upper arms free to work.

SandFlea

The 11 pound robot that drives like a remote control car, but can jump 30 feet into the air. This robot is reported to be able to jump 25 times per charge.

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There is no question: Military and tattoos go together naturally like blood and guts. Yet, a new Army rule may ban tattoos. The new rule was approved by Secretary of the Army John McHugh, but not yet signed. The order would ban tattoos from the forearms, below the knee, or above the neckline. Tattoos deemed offensive must be removed regardless of location, and the soldier is required to pay for the removal.

What is considered to be offensive? Watching R.Lee Ermey playing the role as Gunnery Sargent Hartmann in Full Metal Jacket, I cannot imagine what could be offensive. Yet, the Army has found some tattoos distasteful.

Those tattoos or brands affiliated with “depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities.” I am not sure what these could be. Perhaps Marxism or Socialist red diaper babies would count. My fear is that it could include Patriotic or Constitutional symbols.

The list of offensive tattoos also lists sexist tattoos that degrade a person based on gender. Are women in the service offended?

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3,000 of our Military members have perished since the 9-11 tragedy. Not by enemy combatant or during battle, but by suicide. Each year, the suicide numbers are drastically increasing in the military. The trajectory is baffling military leaders, while devastating the families left behind. “It just drives me crazy that we can’t figure (it) out,” says Army Deputy Undersecretary Thomas Hawley. Continue Reading