ClearedHot

I don't think anyone views you or Bashi as a fanboy (at least I hope not), more akin to the isolationists leading up to WWII. We've been dancing with Russia since the end of WW II with ups and downs on both sides. The collapse of the FSU gave hope for long-term peace. Even the proxy conflicts abated for many years. However, with the rise of Putin and his desire to rebuild the FSU we have seen him reaching beyond Russia's borders through both direct and indirect action. I certainly understand the view of taking care of our borders and feeding our people here at home, but I also see the long-term danger of leaving Putin's actions unchecked. As a person with a strategic view I think my side of the argument sees the dangers as far more pressing and concerning than just territory lost in Ukraine. The second and third order effects destabilize everything and yes I think it emboldens Putin to go further. Energy markets, the world's food supply and a land war in Europe are not trivial matters to be ignored. One of the biggest mistakes we make as Americans is we tend to think our adversaries will act rationally as we would. Of course Putin wouldn't invade invade Poland, that would be foolish, right? Putin is a dictator, a ruthless one and if you step back and look at the things he is willing to do (employing chemical and radioactive material ON NATO SOIL, genocide, taking territory by force), it is not a stretch to think he might make other actions that we would consider irrational. Bullies respond to force and the tougher we make the fight in Ukraine for Putin I believe the lower the chance Putin takes aggressive action elsewhere.

We should have a NSFW thread on crazy Ex-GF stories.

@BashiChuni not being pejorative, but your optic is somewhat tainted having been raised in what we want to be the American way of war. Declare an objective, go take it quickly, packup and go home. Thanks to support from the west and ever more efficient weapons have both exposed the faulty Russian war machine and equalized Ukraine on the battlefield. Sadly the fight in Ukraine has settled into a battle of attrition that in years past would have favored Russia giving their willingness to endlessly throw their youth into the meat grinder. Yes Ukraine wants to counter attack and regain their territory, but as long Russia continues to try and conquer Ukraine, then Ukraine has accidentally settled into the strategic position the German Commander Falkenhayn had at Verdun where the purpose was not to out maneuver or gain strategic position, but to bleed the "French white." Ukraine is paying a horrific price, a cost that is purposely not being told, but as long as Ukraine has the support of the west, they will survive, Russia is alone and the impact is long and will be far reaching. The impact of years of internal social issues and this conflict has reduced their young working male population, an issue that will manifest in several years and further accelerate the decline Russia as a world power. Russia's Navy has been hurt, Russian's Air Force has been seriously degraded and Russia's army is in tatters. Putin's expansion has been stopped and his dream of rebuilding the FSU is dead. We need to keep it buried.

Buddy from high school went to the CGA then on to pilot training. Flew Falcon jets most of his career and had two assignments - Miami (Opa Locka for 10 years, then Mobile for 10 years. Retired as an O-5 and immediately hired by Jet Blue. Flew withJB until 9/11 then some sort of Mil-Leave as a Govt contractor with the Coast Guard in Mobile flying as an instructor while still getting his retirement. Four years of that and back to Jet Blue with his line number intact.

U.S. Coast Guard Grounds Fleet of C-27J Aircraft The Coast Guard guys and girls get little press but this is a bit concerning. "The Alert Service Bulletin issued by Leonardo calls for inspections looking for cracks in the area where the horizontal and vertical stabilizers attach to the aircraft’s fuselage."

You were saying...LOL

You are living in denial...Etienne leaving is a HUGE blow to whatever is left of the Gator program. TVD is the only big name player to leave Miami and I am actually glad about that one. Meanwhile and pointed out above, half the Gator recruiting class is running for the door while Miami has signed two five star linemen, flipping one from OSU and likely will get a third shortly. Yeah, the Gator future is bright, your coach got Epically trolled by a High Schooler...BAHAHAHA https://twitter.com/LSUBarstool/status/1732136363946840490?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1732136363946840490|twgr^60de59930ce4fa166c6ea2c2f36ac9c1ebd42365|twcon^s1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.outkick.com%2Fflorida-gators-coach-billy-napier-brutally-mocked-by-high-schooler-during-visit%2F

The Gator football team continues to sink into the swamp.

Re-read this a few times, so many great points. Refreshing to hear SDU continues to thrive despite the temptations of NIL. Flashing back to being recruited out of high school the pitch was two fold. First, player development, the promise of working with outstanding coaches (many former NFL players), who would push you to the next level. Second, exposure, the allure of playing in front of 100K people and on TV. I think the portal works against player development, they all want to be paid now and they want to play now. I too am torn, the NCAA and Universities have made MANY millions selling named jerseys and other swag. Rather than individual NIL deals I would have preferred a compromise that put the profits into a large fund that was shared by all the players.

Not for me...it ruined the "Game."

NIL, the Portal and the CFB have basically ruined the game.

My heart breaks for these families. Air Force Special Operations Command has released the following update to the aircraft mishap: AFSOC Aircraft Mishap - UPDATE 6 - released 0507CST Today, the combined Japanese and United States teams working diligently in the search for the CV-22 mishap aircraft near Yakushima, Japan, on November 29, 2023, had a breakthrough when their surface ships and dive teams were able to locate remains, along with the main fuselage of the aircraft wreckage. The dive teams were able to confirm five additional crew members from the original crew of eight that were involved in the mishap. Hours after the aircraft disappeared, Japanese first responders located and recovered the first known casualty from the mishap. Currently, two crew members of the five located today have been successfully recovered by the attending teams. There is an ongoing combined effort to recover the remaining crew members from the wreckage. The identities of the members located today have yet to be determined and will be released at a later date. The coalition of military, coast guard, law enforcement, mariners, and local volunteers remain steadfast in locating and bringing the US Service Members back to their units and their families. The military has also turned to dispatching professional support for the care of the families. As efforts persist for the location and recovery of the entire crew, the privacy of the families and loved ones impacted by this tragic incident remains a great concern. Further information on the recovery and details of the search progress will be released as it becomes available. Additional inquiries and questions have been directed by officials to contact the public affairs section at United States Air Force Special Operations Command at org box: afsoc.pa.org@us.af.mil. Additionally, for family members, military and government civilians seeking assistance whose lives have been impacted by the recent events, they are encouraged to contact the Emergency Family Assistance Cell at 850-884-4494.

One thing is for certain, Travis Jordan has to be the Heisman winner...He is obviously the best player in football because they dropped an undefeated power five conference champion because he was injured.

Alabama was a 9 point favorite when they played Texas...just sayin. And when you LOSE to the #7 team and save a Hail Mary almost lose to a 6-6 Auburn, I think that speaks for itself.

The worst part is all the Bama homers running their man pleasers. If Bama is one of the best four teams why did they struggle and nearly lose against a 6-6 Auburn last week. Why did Bama get run by Texas at HOME. If FSU isn't one of the best how did they win with their #2 QB....then win again with their #3QB, while holding a top 15 school that averages 468 yards a game to just 68 yards of offense. It is rigged. There is a growing call for FSU to boycott the OB - would cost the NCAA some coin!

Even worse the same GO's give themselves a personal waiver. DJ was the perfect example, the non-SOF folks could have two beers per day (SOF was under GO 1 and could have two beers once a month), meanwhile the colonels and GOs would sit in the screened in porch at the while house drinking bourbon and scotch until two in the morning.

What a mess they have to deal with now...someone is going to be justifiably butthurt. The playoff should be: 1. Michigan 2. Washington 3. FSU 4. Texas Last week the chairman of the selection committee said "Head to Head no matter when they play." IF they follow their own rules and statements: Alabama beat Georgia...Adios Georgia (you had a great run). Texas beat Alabama...adios Nick. Michigan, Washington and FSU are all undefeated power five champions. And before they bash FSU, they beat a top 15 school with their 3rd string QB while holding them to 68 yards. I don't like FSU but I hope they stick to the facts... What I fear is the so called "eye test" which is ALWAYS tainted by SEC colored glasses.

@VMFA187 You can thank @M2 and the thugs in Gainesville. Breaking news indicates Florida State QB Tate Rodemaker is out of the ACC championship due to concussion protocol from this late hit. Big hill to climb with your 3rd string QB.