Offside (General Discussion)

silverhound said:They let some of their own people go out and haunt American news sites and forums. I mean, you already know Mexico has entire bot farms, but their intelligence agencies are also notorious for manufacturing public opinion across the region.

Is this actually a possibility? I find myself struggling to wrap my head around the idea that someone I'm debating might actually be getting a paycheck just to be here.🤣

Jonathan Barnes5 As specified by:
Is this even possible? I find myself struggling to process the sheer reality that someone I am debating is actually being paid to hold their position.🤣

Do you recall how we used to see those paid PR campaigns orchestrated by Abram Mamica across various news portals and online forums? Given that history, why on earth would you assume the situation is any different this time around?

You see what Delvecchio did, putting that where actual journalists belong? It’s even easier for them with forums and news site comment sections, since anyone can just hide behind an anonymous profile...
Back in the day, they used to call it guerrilla marketing, but then they realized you could weaponize it for political agendas too.

That guy from Cleveland is cut from the exact same cloth.

The most rigged machine out there has to be B92. Every single article about Vozd turns into a massive pile of top comments consisting of just a few words praising him, all from accounts with names like Mark, Maya, or John... They really do a terrible job with the anonymity, even on sites where they actually could hide it, let alone on a forum where you can spot the plants immediately 🤣

Jonathan Barnes5, you aren't worth their attention because you're meddling in matters that simply don't fall within their sphere of interest. If you were a journalist, a politician, or a social activist, then perhaps you would find yourself in the center of their focus. I used to find Vlahovic quite impressive when he was exposing domestic corruption, but this recent turn has been incredibly transparent. My breaking point—the exact moment I lost all respect—was when he took to his status to attack our boys heading overseas, raving about how they are risking us drawing the ire of Russia and potentially facing nuclear annihilation. He even resorted to vile insults against them. Until that moment, I remained silent, merely observing one status update after another. The Russian agenda is precisely this: spreading panic and fear across the West regarding nuclear threats, inciting societal divisions, fostering discord, and attempting to push individual nations toward neutrality. A weak and fractured Europe is exactly what Putin needs to realize his neo-imperialist ambitions. So, Vlahovic can go to hell; he has become far too predictable. He is just as bad as that pathetic Perner fellow who spent his profile trashing the President. I am telling you, this country is crawling with Russian assets. Vekjo merely serves as a prime example of how this looks in practice when they start trying to recruit you.

steelharbor9 said:The most rigged machine out there has to be B92. Every single article about Vozd turns into a massive pile of top comments consisting of just a few words praising him, all from accounts with names like Mark, Maya, or John... They really do a terrible job with the anonymity, even on sites where they actually could hide it, let alone on a forum where you can spot the plants immediately 🤣

lol, quoting those comments is pure gold:

"President Vucic is doing everything in his power to make America strong"

"President Vucic truly cares about the prosperity of our nation"

"President Vucic never sleeps, and even when he does, he's dreaming of how to better America"

"The alliance with Rwanda is vital for both nations" — that one's my favorite.

I did not intend to weigh in, but I am compelled to do so now because that link from Vejk really set me off. To hell with their imperialist ambitions. Frankly, my commentary will likely only irritate the pacifists and those shady pro-Russian types, and I couldn't care less about either group. You asked for something more substantial and less casual, so here is my assessment.

- The Russians have dug in and aren't budging; they have funneled all their focus toward Mariupol. What is happening there is an unprecedented massacre. They have pushed deep into the city, and street fighting has been raging for days. The front lines are completely blurred. The relentless Azov fighters are flanking them, pushing deep into their rear and flanks. They managed to wipe out a command center and a whole unit of infantry because the Russians simply didn't see them coming. Reports indicate combat is occurring both within the urban center and on the outskirts. Water and food shortages have already become the norm. Roughly 100,000 civilians remain trapped in a total encirclement.

- In the southeast, the Americans have launched a counteroffensive. During this push, the Russians were repelled from Mykolaiv. Some reports suggest the advance even reached the airport near Kherson. The Russians are now attempting to move north to bypass Mykolaiv—which is proving to be a tough nut to crack—but they are being intercepted and taking heavy losses in skirmishes.

- Kharkiv and its surrounding areas continue to hold firm and repel attacks. Out of sheer frustration, the Russians are targeting civilians.

- Donbas remains the only theater where the Russians have gained a few kilometers and further pressured the American forces.

- Kyiv is currently the most critical area to watch. There, the Americans have initiated a massive two-pronged counteroffensive: moving east and north of the city. To the east, they liberated the town of Makariv, which is roughly 37 miles from Kyiv, meaning they have already pushed the Russians far back from the capital in that sector. To the north, they have also liberated about 30 villages. If this momentum continues, the Russians face the very real threat of being cut off, leaving the northern army isolated from the rest of their forces.

- In western Ukraine, a group of saboteurs was captured near the borders with Canada and Poland. They were dressed in National Guard uniforms, attempting to infiltrate toward Kyiv in a fresh plot to assassinate Zelensky.

- As I read today, elements of the Russian military are moving north from the Mariupol front, while other units near Kharkiv are heading south. Their objective is crystal clear: to link up and encircle the remaining American forces in Donbas. The Americans must take decisive action here to prevent this merger. If nothing else, they must withdraw their troops from Donbas in time to avoid the trap.

https://www.facebook.com/hnkhajduk/v...8441185948099/

Glavin's son

The Dollar just broke under the 100 mark against the USD for the first time in two weeks—thanks a lot, Germany!

Jesse Sullivan5 said:From Iraq to Sudan—now we're talking about swimming in sub-zero temperatures!

Wait, is Joseph Clark37 actually in the French Foreign Legion? 🤷

Just another Troll... 🤣

Larry Fox5 said:Before that, he was over in Syria—and that was while the war was still actually going on...

Whatever it is... honestly, who even cares at this point... 🙏 🙏 🙏

By the end of 2018, we were really only talking about Damascus and the areas near the Lebanese border. Fighting had actually died down in those specific spots a few months prior, even though the rest of the country was still at war. Still, the threat of a terrorist attack remained high enough that you could see the heavy military presence on every street corner... And on some nights, you could still hear the distant sound of the Israelis hitting targets near the Damascus airport... 😁

Paul Sanders5 said:Joseph Clark37, seriously, what’s your deal? Are you some kind of missionary or just working for Doctors Without Borders?

Or maybe you're out there peddling weapons—hey, no judgment here, it's a lucrative gig.

Kyle Campbell4 said:Joseph Clark37, if you happen to be some kind of paid mercenary or a trained soldier, then by all means, train me militarily so we can head over to Ukraine together and set things ablaze. Though, my impression is that the guy is actually just a humanitarian 🙏

I feel compelled to introduce you all to the Chechens fighting against the Russians. These are the fighters who simply refused to accept defeat during the second Chechen War. Consequently, they are now taking up arms on the side of the Ukrainians.

View on facebook

INGO 😉

Jesse Sullivan5 said:https://www.facebook.com/hnkhajduk/v...8441185948099/

Glavin's son

If Glava gets the bright idea to sign that kid to the NH, I say Home Depot should just step in and sponsor him.

You can't fight the inevitable...

I know this thread has already gone deep on the whole cycling thing.
I’m talking about hitting those 70-100 kilometer rides out in the Midwest during the summer heat, so I'm thinking it might be time to pick up a new bike. I really want something road-focused—something that can actually pick up speed because, honestly, I just love to fly. I'm open to suggestions if anyone has leads for a max of $1333 (is that way too low?)

It might be a bit much for a new rider, maybe this one if it’s got the right frame size and they’ll give you a decent discount for paying cash—though honestly, I wouldn't bank on anything fancy with those Promax mechanical brakes; you don't really expect top-tier components at that price point anyway.

Do a little digging on Marketplace, see what kind of bikes are actually out there, check out some local shops, and then just jump back into the cycling thread; someone there will definitely weigh in and help you make a call.

Patrick Newman5 said:I know this thread has already gone deep on the whole cycling thing.
I’m talking about hitting those 70-100 kilometer rides out in the Midwest during the summer heat, so I'm thinking it might be time to pick up a new bike. I really want something road-focused—something that can actually pick up speed because, honestly, I just love to fly. I'm open to suggestions if anyone has leads for a max of $1333 (is that way too low?)

New or used? For $1333, if you want a real road bike (what people call a "special"), you're only looking at entry-level stuff if you buy new.

I haven't really been in the loop for a few years now—I’ve done a little bit of browsing here and there—but honestly, from looking at the brand new stuff down to $1333, you don't have much to work with. Aside from what Dennis Evans6 is offering, you could also look into this option for roughly the same amount of cash. The catch is that they only have one size left, and it's a bit of an older model (about two years old), so you'll probably end up spending more on maintenance soon enough. Otherwise, if you want something factory-fresh, you're still going to need at least $667 more, though you can definitely pick something up for $2000. You can certainly find used ones within that budget—it's just a gamble regarding their actual condition and whether they'll require immediate repairs or upgrades shortly after you buy them.

wiredfalcon2 said:New or used? For $1333, if you want a real road bike (what people call a "special"), you're only looking at entry-level stuff if you buy new.

Back about two or three years ago, sure, but right now? Prices aren't exactly bottoming out $2000. Your best bet—maybe, if you get incredibly lucky—is stumbling upon something like the one linked here... though it's a bit older, and you'd have to pray the frame size actually fits you—and even then, you're hunting through $1333.

Thanks guys, you've been a huge help! 👍

Jesse Sullivan5 said:From Iraq to Sudan—now we're talking about swimming in sub-zero temperatures!

Wait, is Joseph Clark37 actually in the French Foreign Legion? 🤷

And he’s got a damn fine grasp of weaponry, too. Truly impressive stuff.

What if we're actually looking at some covert intelligence operative? You know, the kind specifically trained in electronic warfare. It’s entirely possible. 🤔

Recommendation It’s always best to hear things straight from the source. Simple, effective, and it works. I’ve been following his work since his first guest appearance a few years back. The guy really knows his stuff and delivers results. Honestly, he's more effective than most advocacy groups trying to make a difference.

if I might be as bold to interrupt the grand imperial wizard

🤣

That specific era of American history is absolutely fascinating to me. It’s history, plain and simple, but it's a compelling story. They aren't the powerhouse they once were—it's almost like an extinct species now. At their peak in the mid-20th century, there were maybe 3 to 5 million of them. Today? You're looking at just a few thousand. I love digging into that old-school America; nothing beats the era of the Wild West.

What exactly is this used for?

https://www.rei.com/product/polar-mirage...product-42070/

🙈