I think this is mostly a covert argument for shifting funding away from Army to Air Force by relieving the latter of one of its two current nuclear deterrence duties.

The SAMP/T is also a big deal because it has ballistic missile defense capability like Patriot. It still performs short of Patriot PAC-3, but it's cheaper, more mobile, 360 degree coverage, very low personnel requirements. Again, funding TBD. 4/4

The twin-engine Rafale is more capable than Gripen (range, max payload, radar, agility), can use the excellent forthcoming MICA-NG medium-range missile but may cost around twice as much per flight hour (still low!) and has longer runway requirements. 3/4

The only funding concept I'm aware of relies on using seized Russian assets, as noted in my earlier article on the Gripen--though that question hasn't been resolved by EU. At best, these jets will take a years to arrive, so won't have near term impact. 2/4

I was surprised this article did not mention that the Trump administration's draft NDS reportedly is against prioritizing China in favor of deploying forces in the U.S. and Americas broadly.

You can't make this stuff up: an ultra-risky submarine commando raid involving FDR's own son and a renegade Marine colonel inspired by Chinese communists! 5/5 nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/...

4/5 U.S. submarines were remarkably successful in World War II--but one out of every five U.S. Navy submariners did not survive World War II. Here's the story one of the 52 U.S. submarines lost in that conflict. nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/...

3/5 3/5 A man sacrificed his life rescuing survivors of a besieged secret base atop a pinnacle in Cambodia--only for his heroism to be buried in secrecy. cherrieswriter.com/2023/07/08/i...

Eugene Bullard, AKA "the Black Swallow of Death"! One of the first Black fighter pilots, but also a very tough infantryman, civil rights activist and counter-intelligence agent in BOTH World Wars. 2/5

Though perhaps rational economically, the transition to pure 'in-game' engine storytelling represents a real loss for certain game genres like strategy games where in-game engine often won't be as good for storytelling. And human faces amidst alien settings can bring a unique, campy energy!

Absolutely. Improved graphics for telling stories in game engine partly explain FMV disappearance but era also reflected early enthusiasm for bringing cinematic elements into all kinds of games. Of course, outcomes were rocky. But at there best they were great story rewards for progressing in games!

I unironically loved 1990s era of awkwardly live-acted FMV cutscenes in videogames. (Command & Conquer another famous exponent!) Reviewers panned it mercilessly, and it's gone now 100%, ha ha. A sad thing for my low tastes!

Sure I don't think it's fair to make that assumption, especially from a 2017 film. No need to assume enemies without real evidence, there are afterall plenty out there loud & proud about terrible views. His SW films were targeted by Russian bots btw! (Apparently some were pro General Hux living?!)

Oh, I don't support that assertion at all unless there's some proof (wtf does Univerisity of SC have to do with it?) I like Rian Johnson's films! I'm just fine criticizing some aspects of TLJ, which I still think is the best sequel film.

One more thought re: anti-mil-industry complex theme in TLJ. It's historical for post-war surplus equipment from both sides to be dealt by amoral 3rd-party dealers. But it's worth noting the X-Wing's builder Incom in-universe history had a company board that defected to the rebels!

To clarify, I'm generally pro-Rian and thought TLJ was the strongest & boldest of the sequel series. Even if it also completed mangling of original Star Wars setting (begun in Ep7) by undoing/undermining everything built by the original characters.

Hmm, I agree bad guy voices this view & 'the kill the past' view, but it feels that rhetoric is supported by other elements of the film, while opposing views aren't clearly enunciated/supported thematically. Also many reviewer felt 'kill the past' + 'anti-all war' were underlying themes of the film.

While I'm very pro Parks & Rec and its vibe & think the 'neoliberal' claim is beyond stupid, I think its circa 2008 spirit of optimism about human nature, progress ability to reach across party lines etc. can feel frustrating when contrasted with direction country has gone since it concluded.

A few highlights. 1) Gripens are super cheap to operate (but not to buy) 2) Kyiv says it's still trying to get Rafales, new F-16s and Gripen-C/Ds too! 3) Not stealth fighters. But have many useful tricks with radar, electronic warfare. 4) Can use Meteor, deadliest air-to-air missile available. 2/2