DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt

The goal is the elimination of Ukrainians as a people. Initially, that was to be achieved by taking over the country and assimilating it back into Russia. Now that that option is off the table, the goal remains the same but the methods must change. I think Putin is going to push the nuke button.

To use an analogy, I think about a brood of chickens that immediately attack and kill a chicken that is maimed or otherwise poses a threat to the rest of them. Is Putin’s weakness not a threat to the others? I’ve heard folks argue that he’s not a threat, but rather the only thing protecting the elite and their hordes of cash. But I’m not sure I buy that. At what point do they decide their future is brighter with Putin eliminated?

Read an article this AM that Prigozhin toured Russian cities recently to discuss the war…I guess I just assumed he was hiding out in occupied areas of Ukraine trying not to get killed by Putin or the MoD but I guess he’s able to float freely around Russia? How is that even possible? I clearly don’t understand the dynamics at play in Russia…

Being in a tinderbox with fires popping up everywhere is so depressing.

One other thing I’ve learned: Feel free to check my math, but the distance between 0 and 1 is like 100,000x the distance between 1 and 2.

No we're cookin' with gas. Frustration morphs itself into some pretty existential questions when you've been standing on the bow for 7 hours and it's 90 degrees with 90% humidity and you haven't even seen a fish. Permit fishing on the fly is the epitome of stupidity when it comes to 'fishing'. Like it's the stupidest thing on the planet IF the point is actually catching fish. I pay anywhere between $500-$1000+ for a day of 'fishing' and the likelihood of actually catching a fish is maybe 5-10%? Why do I put myself through that? I really don't know, other than to say I'm pretty sure I have a screw loose in some way. You said masochism and I think that's right. I like the pain in some way. I think it's because every time I I grab that tail, I know how much I had to suffer to get to that moment. I guess what I'm saying is the point isn't the fish, the point is everything (the anticipation, the disappointment, the anger, the self-doubt, ALL OF IT!) that goes into the fish. So don't beat yourself up for not finding fish or catching fish. In fact, in some warped way come to appreciate that you're able to feel such intense emotions about something you have a passion for...a lot of folks don't have that. If that ain't the damn truth. Years ago I asked folks the best part of fishing for them, because 'the possibilities' is it for me. Something about 'what might be' is so enthralling to me.

My mantra when headed out for a day on the salt is 'The Fish Gods Owe Me Nothing'. Of course, my mantra in life is the key to happiness is low expectations. Fly fishing brings that home in a big way.

Yeah I hear ya. It's the bolded part chewing you up. Fly fishing is an ego thing. It makes no sense to target fish the most difficult way possible if you actually want to catch fish. It's about proving to ourselves we can do something that is hard. Then you get into the internal fight with regards to what you expect to happen based on your experience, and that's a fools errand that further breaks down your ego (I say this all the time but the more time I spend on the water the more I realize I don't know a fucking thing about any of it). Don't beat yourself up, enjoy the journey. You can't have the sugar without the salt.

I typed up a response but it was pretentious so I deleted it. The fishing journey is the following stages: 1. Catch a fish 2. Catch lots of fish 3. Catch the biggest fish 4. Couldn’t care less if you catch any fish You’re in stage 1 and so it’s easier said than done but try to remember it isn’t really about the fish.

“Don’t talk about Nordstream” https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/06/06/nord-stream-pipeline-explosion-ukraine-russia/ Ukes got King Kong balls.

and you think that makes the situation less dangerous?

Didn’t Zelensky basically run on a single issue of wiping out corruption? That would seem to be a pretty strong indication of the country’s desires.

You’re a moron, Rex.

Sorry for the dumb question but is that going to drown a bunch of citizens?

Fuck that. I’m drinking up all the koolaid. We’re squarely in the SHOW ME A LOSS zone, embrace it.

Perhaps just as importantly: it’s a Tuesday.

We’ve seroconverted. It’s all good, my man.

Lulz Poland. Just invade already and fucking tear them into pieces.

Totally agree. I just think if things potentially collapse in Russia, Putin isn't seeking a treaty that allows him to retire peacefully to his dacha. He's wanted for war crimes and the noose is getting tighter. And he's apparently fucking crazy.

Tough to profit off a failed state.

If his days are numbered, his days are numbered.

It’s been a minute since I did my chicken little routine soooo… Putin’s pivot towards God combined with the very real possibility the Russian state falls apart doesn’t bode well for the nuke issue IMO.

Russian tears taste surprisingly delicious given they’re bottom-feeders. https://dnyuz.com/2023/06/03/everything-changed-the-war-arrives-on-russians-doorstep/

Didn’t even read it. Too distracted by the half-assed paragraphs.

@Brisketexan I want to give you credit for at least attempting a line break but let’s just finish the job next time, ok?