Posts by hiddencyclist112

Brenda Hayes said:You know, there are these videos floating around the internet showing what any kind of celebration looks like down in Split. If you actually turn the volume up on those clips, you hear all kinds of... well, let's just say things get colorful. You hear people shouting about New York, or about the Yankees.

And if you watch them again later, you see them just steamrolling right through Manhattan, everyone singing their hearts out while the news reporter stands there holding her microphone, smiling away, and says—I'm quoting here—“Thank you so much, the Yankees really do bring generations together.” HAHAHAH

That is precisely the lens through which we have to view this entire hysterical spectacle. Those of us who have clearly been left isolated on one side, while a large portion of society has drifted into debauchery, sinking into tastelessness, populism, low passions, and a total lack of moral scruples.

They can do whatever they want. They are the arrogant offspring of wealthy parents, and every single sin they commit will be smoothed over. No one possesses the strength or the resources to stand up to them; the state itself has become a hostage to this festival of madness, threats, insults, and noise. And the media? The media plays an especially perfidious role here. Nobody wants to oppose them; nobody wants to ignore them or call them out on their nonsense. Quite the opposite, actually. People cater to them, broadcasting their delusions because, hey, that’s just how they are—flashy, reckless, and hot-headed. But suddenly, there’s a problem with a tweet on a private account? Suddenly, cheering against the home team is the issue? Is that supposedly legitimate now? Or is it not? What exactly was the problem with my cheering for the Arizona Wildcats yesterday?

Just a few years ago, we dealt with an identical festival of indecency and moralizing directed at anyone who dared to cheer against the national team. Now, the very same people who were most heavily crucified back then have stepped into the role of judge. The only difference is they’ve added another particularly touching element—as is common in any story where someone tries to write the rules of what is acceptable and what isn't—which is using innocent, pure children. Good grief, I might actually shed a tear.

One must be cautious; this is absolutely no time for jokes. Because the moment we are living in is truly chilling. When such a distorted and dangerous faction of society is granted this much space and this much power, things cease to be humorous and become matters of serious concern.

You journalistic scum, may you go hungry!

goldentinker8 said:👍

And why would you even bother fighting the powers that be? Some are too far gone, and others have already thrown in the towel... Look at those guys from the coast who traveled halfway across the country to watch something nobody has ever seen in history, and they're still planning a parade for a mediocre performance! 🤣 Why risk it against them? They've already accepted their fate. 🙄

But yeah, I agree, this is the American league style—you're right, it's easy to forget how fast things move. A few right calls and you're back on top, totally. Though, honestly? If Thomas comes in as the manager, I swear on my life, I'd just unplug myself from everything for a while. No hesitation. Having Cosmi as the "reward" for all this is like a bad joke, man, seriously, what is that even supposed to mean? 🤦

What can I even say to you, my friend? It’s hard to put into words. These players are absolutely starving for success—they have this deep, relentless hunger for greatness and for those monumental achievements that define a legacy. In less than a month, here in our beautiful coastal city, we’re going to see a whole new generation of adults who have lived their entire lives without ever witnessing Hajduk lift a championship trophy with their own eyes. Can you imagine that? To grow up in this city, fueled by this passion, and still be waiting for that one defining moment? It’s a profound thing, really.
Can you truly grasp the sheer weight of what I just declared? It is a profound thing, really. We are talking about a legacy so deep that for an adult man, the only people capable of explaining the visceral, soul-stirring reality of seeing the Split Giants crowned champions are his grandfather, his father, and perhaps an older brother. It’s a truth passed down through bloodlines, isn't it?

I completely agree, and I find myself empathizing with them entirely. It’s enough to sweep anyone away, isn't it? There is that undeniable element of youth involved—a certain sense of purity and untouched innocence. Let’s be honest with ourselves: we are all incredibly vulnerable to that, aren't we?
I honestly hope there isn’t a massive reception planned for this. They have already managed to kill the momentum with nothing but pathetic excuses and empty slogans, even in the days leading up to this match. What exactly is this welcome supposed to be for? Shouldn't we just let these kids process everything on their own terms, alongside their coaches and the mentors who actually look after them? The last thing they need right now is to be surrounded by agitated, frustrated crowds, all carrying their own personal baggage and struggles. Why force that kind of pressure onto them when they need peace?

And there they are—those are their people. We simply can't get a foothold in their circle, and if we're being honest, luck will likely never be on our side to bridge that gap. Let them sit there in their own world, waiting for whatever comes next. 😁

goldentinker8 said:👍

And why would you even bother fighting the powers that be? Some are too far gone, and others have already thrown in the towel... Look at those guys from the coast who traveled halfway across the country to watch something nobody has ever seen in history, and they're still planning a parade for a mediocre performance! 🤣 Why risk it against them? They've already accepted their fate. 🙄

But yeah, I agree, this is the American league style—you're right, it's easy to forget how fast things move. A few right calls and you're back on top, totally. Though, honestly? If Thomas comes in as the manager, I swear on my life, I'd just unplug myself from everything for a while. No hesitation. Having Cosmi as the "reward" for all this is like a bad joke, man, seriously, what is that even supposed to mean? 🤦

Honestly, they don't even know who's running the show. It’s that classic sensation when your head starts overheating—you know the feeling—and suddenly you're just buzzing around aimlessly like a mosquito. But really, does a mosquito even deserve that kind of comparison? 😠
I honestly have no idea where they even found him. I mean, really, how does someone like that get picked? He’s truly, profoundly dim-witted. Is there any logic behind these decisions at all? It’s just baffling.

goldentinker8 said:hiddencyclist112, you’re the expert on this stuff, so you’ll probably know better than anyone else... is there actually any hope left for a city like Osijek?

Of course there is. We aren't talking about the Premier League or Serie A here. In this league, you can fundamentally shift the landscape with just one standout player; here, a few smart strategic moves and you're right back in the hunt. Just look at how Rijeka performed in the fall versus how they've looked this spring—they're sitting in third place now.
And right there on their heels is Osijek. The way people talk about them tells you everything: those who hate them are busy gloating, while those who actually care are losing sleep over the uncertainty.

The reality is quite simple. This is sports; ups and downs are an inevitable part of the game. The real question is whether they can achieve enough consistency to salvage what's left of this season. It’s obvious that failing to qualify for European competition feels like a total disaster, especially after such a respectable showing in the first half of the year. But a disaster isn't death, it isn't ruin, and it certainly isn't the end of the world. Sure, it will be grim. You might want to lock yourself in your room and pull the shades for a few days, but eventually, you have to walk to the fridge, and when you flip that light switch, that’s your new beginning.

Then, you sit down. You grab a notepad—cross this out, erase that, underline this, remember that—and suddenly, the momentum starts shifting. They have a wealth of talented players (Daku, Fućak, Hiroš, Bartolec, Mance...) available through loans or existing contracts; they could assemble a highly competitive squad in no time if they wanted to. Because I'll say it again: this is the American domestic league structure. One or two high-caliber, perfectly placed signings changes everything. It shifts the entire atmosphere, breathes life into hope, and makes everyone around them feel more capable.

Nobody is in a position to revel in someone else's misery, let alone act like some armchair philosopher. Let's be real: we're all struggling. Period.
I don't wish failure upon Osijek, not even for a second. Despite our disagreements in the past, our fates are intertwined. Our problems are identical; we've been through the same struggles, and if God gave us all a bit more sense, we’d be charging at the establishment together, giving them hell wherever we can. Instead, we're just standing around acting like amateurs.

Carl Hernandez3 said:Is it just me—and please tell me I’m not crazy here—but does it feel like both Thomas and Coach Smith are coming from the exact same playbook?

No. I'm thinking more along the lines of a place like Springfield.

Samuel Lopez9 said:Those folks from the coast have finally lost their damn minds from spending too much time fooling around with dolls. Even those uptight snobs over in Jersey are just as bad... 🤣

Is it really that hard to grasp? 🤔

Everyone south of the border is just useless, and everyone living in or around the big city is equally vapid.
Please, do me a favor and stop acting surprised when things like this happen; otherwise, I’ll start drawing the line all the way down to the southern counties. Maybe even further. Understood?

I truly believe

Alright, let’s talk about Sopić. He’s always been that guy, hasn't he? From the moment I can remember, he's had that intense, focused stare—completely locked in. He’s one of those teammates you know you can lean on no matter what. There’s zero lack of backbone there.

As for the club, I actually think Gorica is a solid outfit. Honestly, I’m pretty easygoing about teams like Belupo too, so maybe my take isn't the most profound, but hear me out. Ever since they stepped up to the big leagues, they've truly held their own. They’ve brought some fresh energy to the table, they fight hard, and they certainly aren't just drifting along aimlessly. It would be a real shame to see them relegated; even during their more chaotic seasons, their roster hasn't been inherently destined for failure. They still have a wealth of top-tier talent. But you know how it goes—a rocky start, organizational hiccups, a bit of aimless wandering, and suddenly you're fighting just to keep your head above water.

Now, let’s be clear: I’d feel just as bad seeing Šibenik go, though for entirely different reasons. To me, they’ve always been a constant. They haven't changed much since the 90s. Football-wise, they aren't exactly a powerhouse—I rarely find myself itching to catch one of their matches—but you have to respect their sheer survival instinct. They’ve managed to endure while existing in an environment that feels like scorched earth for everyone else, with one notable exception. While teams like Zadar or RNK Split have effectively passed into history, this entire region—a massive area of millions where people live quite comfortably—has the potential for so many more clubs to thrive. If Šibenik drops out, we risk being left with just one single representative in a region that deserves so much more.
If that's the reality of the situation, and if you folks from the coast are genuinely content with that outcome, then who am I to pass judgment?

Hold on tight, folks, because we’re about to witness a total masterpiece in the making.

Sent from my M2004J19C via Tapatalk

Oh, how times have changed, my dear friend 🤦

Given how much the weather patterns have been shifting lately, wouldn't it be worth considering moving our winter break forward by a few months? Looking back from where we stand now, December over the last several years feels more like a dream than reality...

👍

I mean, seriously, when things finally fall into place...

It’ll be quite the scene. Imagine Poteštat Zoričić showing up with his signature flair, while everyone else just rolls in carrying cases of Bud Light. It’s going to be a beautiful sight, isn't it?

Jason Kern49 said:Honestly, why is this even news? Why is anyone wasting their energy on stuff like this? 🤷

How can you say that? You can see clearly enough that this article came from a local news outlet—it’s obvious someone found this particularly irritating. I suppose cynics would argue that at least *someone* cares, especially when everyone else is just playing dead and pretending they don't notice.

Why isn't the wall green and yellow?

Oops 🙂

I know, I know, you jealous folks from San Diego...

Bloom, oh flower of the coast!! You serve as a constant reminder to us all that no one can truly be broken by the yoke of a regime. May you bloom forevermore!

I find myself agreeing with the previous points. On one hand, you have the hosting situation, the selection process, and all the absolute chaos this tournament has stirred up—not to mention the drama that’s likely still coming. But honestly? The timing itself is incredibly tempting. During the summer, watching matches during those early afternoon slots is pure torture. When it’s sweltering outside and hitting 95 degrees, even a massive rivalry match isn't enough to make sitting through that heat bearable.
As far as I'm concerned as a fan, I have zero complaints about this late autumn schedule. In fact, quite the opposite. Snuggling up in a blanket with some football? How could anyone ask for more? Plus, it's a bit bittersweet knowing this is the last time we'll see the tournament in this classic format.

It has become a bit of a tradition for me; over the last few major tournaments, I’ve always taken a week of vacation right during that opening phase. I take the opening weekend, then five workdays plus the following weekend, and just like that, I have ten glorious days of the tournament. For me, that initial burst is easily the most charming and intense part of the whole event. Everything after that feels a bit diluted and loses that edge of suspense. I want to watch everything—from the first whistle to the very last minute—and I don't mind at all if we end up having four matches in a single day instead of three.🤣

So, I’m going to wrap myself in a blanket and enjoy it. And yes, I am definitely taking that week off. After months of vacillating, I have finally made my decision.

My mother just sent me a quick text about something that happened a few days ago. It was a day dedicated to breast cancer awareness and raising consciousness among women—though, unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that cases are rising among men as well.
But enough about the medical statistics; let me tell you the actual story. There was an awareness booth set up right in the middle of downtown Chicago, where a local non-profit organization—acting as the main organizers—was selling daffodils for small donations. These funds go directly toward supporting the association’s programs and, most crucially, purchasing essential medical equipment that our local hospitals are chronically short on. This all happened just a couple of days after some of the volunteers had been out picking these very flowers, which were generously donated by a local family with a massive daffodil field.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and the streets were teeming with people. At one point, a young man, probably in his late twenties or early thirties, approached the booth and handed over $6.75 for two daffodils. While the lady running the stall turned around to grab change, he quietly pulled an envelope from his pocket and slid it onto the corner of the counter. It was such a seamless motion that nobody even noticed that brief pause. Once he walked away and she looked back down, she spotted the envelope sitting there on the other side of the table. When she opened it, she found a truly staggering amount of money inside. They immediately started calling out for him, searching the crowd, looking at each other in disbelief, but the guy had already vanished into the sea of pedestrians. Once things settled down, they realized there was more than $150 in that envelope.

I felt it was worth sharing this moment with all of you. Even when we feel like everything is sliding downhill, or that the world is being overrun by the kind of lowlifes you read about in the news every single day, isn't it true that there are still incredible, selfless people walking among us? Doesn't this prove that this is still a beautiful place to be—a place worth fighting for, day after day, to make it even better?

St. Joseph

For all our fathers, for us as fathers, and for our sons who will one day step into those same shoes—today belongs solely to us!

Truth for Matthew Young35 👍 I also want to urge him to keep up this exact same pace. To be honest, I don't necessarily need to dive deep into every single detail of this whole situation, so having his daily dose of briefings is actually perfect for me. It keeps me sufficiently informed without being overwhelming.

That said, this shouldn't—and absolutely must not—stop anyone else from posting about different topics. I don't see how one conflicts with the other. This space is still open for whatever you want: whether it's cars, venting about nonsense, discussing our everyday struggles, sharing hobbies, or talking about great books and TV shows.

For instance, I am personally getting absolutely crushed by these prices. I had so many plans laid out for the next year or two, but this inflation has completely killed my momentum. Prices for everything within my professional sphere are spiraling out of control. My car feels like it's falling apart more and more every day, yet the price of used cars has gone through the roof. There is no way I'm diving into that market right now. It’s the same story with construction materials. I actually came up with a whole vision—a plan to balance all my needs, priorities, and desires. In plain English: in the very near future, I was planning to start a home building project. A small house, specifically. But how on earth did everything have to hit all at once? My dad was just telling me that the price for a single mesh reinforcement for concrete slabs and walls—I think it's an 8-inch one—is 900 freaking dollars. A year ago, it was 300. Or maybe 400. Meanwhile, my paycheck stays exactly where it is. So, how am I supposed to stay calm when things are like this?

quietcobra15 said:I find myself wondering whether we are truly witnessing the onset of a significant shortage, or if this is merely collective anxiety manifesting in real-time. Just recently, a young woman I know who works in retail mentioned that stores have begun stockpiling oils and flour in quantities reminiscent of those frantic days at the start of the pandemic. Then, only yesterday, an acquaintance told me that during his trip to the local grocery store, they had actually implemented a strict limit of just one liter of vegetable oil per customer. Is this phenomenon occurring across the entire country, or am I simply seeing isolated pockets of panic? For my part, I have no idea, though I must admit that a single liter of oil tends to last me nearly a year. 😁

The fear of hunger is perhaps one of the most primal fears we possess. Sometimes, it burns even hotter than the fear of death or the threat of physical violence and general instability. The unrest people are feeling right now is completely understandable, especially among those who have felt the sting of starvation firsthand.

My old man used to say something—words I will carry with me forever—after we finally made it through the last war and everything it dragged behind it: "Never let there be less than 100 pounds of flour, 50 liters of oil, 50 pounds of sugar, and 20 pounds of salt in this house." I never dared to tell him directly that I thought his stash was excessive, because if I had, he might have used it all up, and we would have been starving again within six months if things turned sour. I always just looked at him and said, "You're right, Dad. That's how it should be."

I say this because I truly understand. I’ve been in that position myself, and that fear of simply being hungry has never quite left me. As for my family, what saved us was spending almost the entire war out in the countryside, on our own land. In our home, on our soil. From my mother down, we became experts at working the earth. We worked from sunrise to sunset just to coax something out of that stubborn, neglected ground. And thank God, there was fruit, vegetables, eggs, dairy, and even meat. We didn't have sweets, coffee, sugar, white bread, soda, canned goods, spreads, or deli meats—all the stuff we consider essential to life today. But the table was never empty. If there was nothing else, there was always at least a slice of rye bread with some lard and red pepper on top. We made our own jams, preserves, juices, and even a version of honey made from dandelion blossoms.
But my family back in the city? They really suffered. After that first year when there were still supplies, when aid was arriving, or when relatives from abroad managed to sneak things through certain channels, everything just dried up by '93. Money meant nothing then because it had completely run out, and there was literally nothing left to buy; production and commerce had totally frozen. The roads were blocked, everything stopped, and anyone who could leave, left. That winter transitioning from '93 to '94 was absolutely brutal. I know plenty of people in the cities who chose to jump from the 15th floor of a high-rise rather than face it. When you are hungry, freezing, without power, water, or heat, and living under the constant threat of shelling, everything else becomes irrelevant.

We were all so thin when we finally made it back to the States after everything was over. I remember walking into a grocery store in Seattle for the first time in early '95; when I smelled the bread, the donuts, the deli meats, the damn pâté... I don't think I will ever experience that sense of abundance and relief ever again. That is why I say: may hunger never touch anyone. Let everyone prepare however they see fit. But the best place to be is on the farm, on your own land. If we hadn't been on our own—our land may have been meager, but it was ours and it was safe—who knows how we would have survived that last war.

A final farewell to my favorite American tyrant. Honestly, Mandić is going to feel your absence!

I honestly find what the Ukrainians are doing to Tymoshenko quite unsettling. From everything I’ve seen so far, the man hasn't even made an official statement on this issue, yet somehow that silence is being treated like a criminal offense. And then there's the fact that he's still working with Zenit in Russia. Is that supposed to be considered complicity or what? I don't get it. It is entirely possible that I don't have the full picture here, but from my limited understanding, it seems like everyone is being expected to explicitly declare their allegiances and pick a side immediately.
I don't know; it feels similar to these irrational retaliations we're seeing against Russians across the globe—targeting athletes, artists, and regular people whose only "sin" is having any connection to Russia at this moment.

To me, this isn't about trying to sit on two sides of the fence. It’s simply a personal choice in this specific moment to not take a side—or perhaps, more accurately, it's my own plea for peace and a refusal to participate in all this madness. But no, apparently we’re just going to erase your entire legacy and all 140 of your appearances. Who cares, right? So much for democracy.