Craig Mathieson | Maine Coast TV

The Ukraine War & the Battle of Avdiivka || Peter Zeihan

Arguably the most brutal battle of the Ukraine War is now in its fourth month: the battle of Avdiivka. Let’s take a deep look at its strategic importance for both sides.

Avdiivka is located in southeastern Ukraine and offers access to vital Ukrainian logistical hubs – so both sides are intent on having control. The Russians have sent waves of troops, tanks and everything else they have into the meatgrinder of Avdiivka, suffering some 40,0000 battle casualties – a ratio of around 5 to 1 compared to the Ukrainian defenders.

As bad as that sounds (and it is, indeed, very bad), in terms of equipment, the Russians are suffering loss ratios twice that. And yet, for the Russians, this isn’t even remotely perceived as a defeat.

Images from Maine #174 || Peter Ralston

As you are reading this I am either out shoveling, roof-raking and snow-blowing OR (with all that on hold) cruising around in the truck hoping that an image or two might find me. Yep, it snowed all last night and I just plain LOVE days like this…for me they are the winter equivalent of getting out on Raven!

Israel, After America

Israel’s major domestic problem stems from the social support network offered to a chunk of their population; instead of working or serving in the military, they study the Torah and pop out kids. And as this group grows in size, it will drag the economy further down and limit the power that a future Israel ‘could’ have obtained. (The rising political power of this less-than-engaged portion of the Israeli population is a big piece of how Israel was so surprised by the Hamas assault in October 2023.)

Israel’s international problems are no cakewalk either. As the US pulls out, Israel must beef up their security or find another guarantor. The most viable candidates are Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The Turks could be a bit of a wild card, but the Saudis are already tightening relations. These new partnerships are a top priority as tensions rise between Iran and Israel.

Replay Maine High School Girls Basketball Camden Hills vs Skowhewgan 1/3/24

Watch this Replay of the Live Stream of the Class A Maine Girls High School basketball game between the Windjammers of Camden Hills and the River Hawks of Skowhegan. This game was played at Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport on 12/30/2023. More than three quarters of the game was broadcast live, and this replay includes some additional first quarter footage and coach interviews which were affected by some technical difficulties. The commentators are Charlie Crockett and Dave Ridley. The sports videographer is Penny Crockett.

The Gunpowder Mills of Gorham & Windham, Maine

The Gunpowder Mills of Gorham & Windham, Maine tells the fascinating story of one of 19th Century Maine’s most productive wartime industries. Produced in collaboration with Gorham Community Access Media and based on a book written by longtime USM chemistry professor Dr. Maurice Whitten.

The mills and surrounding river are a beautiful place to visit and an amazing historical exhibit. and are an amazing example of how history and habitat can coexist.

This video is an excellent production of our sister station Saco River Community Television.

Australia, After America || Peter Zeihan

We’re heading down under today. The Australians are one of the few countries that will stay under the United States’ wing as the Order collapses, but they have a few things to figure out first.

The Aussies have grown awfully close economically to the Chinese over the past few decades, so they’ll need to find some different customers. I’m sure the U.S. will make the list. Australia will also have to find a way to rapidly move up the value-add chain in terms of processing capabilities and capacity.

Maine Class A Girls Basketball Camden Hills vs. Skowhegan 1/3/2024

Scheduled game time is 6:30 PM.

The Middle East, After America || Peter Zeihan

The US has been bopping around the Middle East for quite a while now, but why were they there? The US didn’t need the oil, but their friends did…so the US stuck around to keep the allies in the game. But with the US now a net oil exporter, American interest in the region writ large has dwindled. Additionally, the US isn’t looking to help China – the region’s primary export customer – grow, so most of what is keeping the US engaged are just those legacy anti-terror fights.

Happy New Year From Maine || Peter Ralston

Tonight, Rockport’s Harbor will look something like these celebratory images…..likely no fog this year, and certainly no snow, but the celebratory mood will be with us, as always.

I’m deliberately sharing just a couple of much quieter images of our harbor as well….all indicative of the yin/yang of this very specific time of year. The celebration and festivities are always welcome, of course (and nobody loves fireworks more than me), but it is the quieter and softer side of winter life here that really sustains many of us.

Maine Class A Boys Basketball Camden Hills vs. Mt Blue 12/30/23

Scheduled varsity game time is 2 PM, following the JV. game.