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Nigeria, After America || Peter Zeihan
Despite civil unrest, Nigeria has retained a semblance of stability through a rotational presidency among ethnic groups that ensures representation and prevents disintegration. On the economic side, corruption within the oil industry has led to a mismanagement of oil resources and underproduction.
With global energy dynamics shifting and geopolitical instability on the rise, there’s an emerging opportunity for the Nigerians. If Nigeria can overcome the internal struggles, their strategic positioning and military strength could help them become a significant player in the region; this could even evolve into partnerships with Western powers seeking energy stability.
Images from Maine || Peter Ralston
You may recall from my last “hug from Maine” that back in mid-January the coast of Maine was ravaged by two historically destructive storms and astronomical high tides. Damage assessment has painted a grim portrait of the consequences of the back-to-back events and it’s not a pretty picture. Millions upon millions of dollars in damages are going to have an intensely negative impact here, especially upon our working waterfronts in the fishing villages along the coast and out on the islands as they begin to gear up for our community-sustaining fishing season.
To that end, today I would humbly like to share with you a link to the Island Institute’s efforts to help those businesses and communities that give the coast its legendary and unique character. Put bluntly, an operative working waterfront is what keeps these towns going and these terribly impactive storms have imperiled the very life’s blood of our coastal communities.
Camden Hills Girls vs. Skowhegan Class A Basketball 1/4 Finals 2/16/24
Watch this Maine Class A Girls 1/4 Final game between the Windjammers of Camden Hills and the River Hawks of Skowhegan. This game was played Friday 2/16/24 at the Augusta Civic Center. The Maine Coast TV broadcast crew includes Charlie Crockett, Dave Ridley and Penny Crockett.
2024 Stand up and cheer #3
Watch this third episode of “Stand Up and Cheer” 2024 for Tournament Preview and News for Midcoast Maine high schools. In this episode of “Stand Up and Cheer”, long-time Midcoast sports broadcaster and Midcoast Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Charlie Crockett, will fill you in on the basketball tournament results fo the 1/4 Finals and the game times for the 1/2 Finals basketball teams from Camden Hills, Lincoln Academy, Medomak Valley and Oceanside. In upcoming episodes, we will have the latest game results, exciting game play highlights, updated brackets and game time schedules. We also will be posting full length replays of the tournament games as well as more “Vintage Basketball ” games, featuring exciting midcoast high school basketball games from 1990’s to the 2020’s.
The United Kingdom, After America || Peter Zeihan
The UK never quite came to terms with the end of its empire. Once the Brits joined the EU, they latched onto Europe for everything they needed and skipped over the transition that all the other imperial powers went through. So, they were already outdated, but had a crutch to rely on; then Brexit hit and it left the UK stumbling and fumbling.
With the UK’s future up in the air, there’s really only two paths forward. First, they could seek out new trade deals globally, but they’ll have to find some new non-imperialistic tactics to do so. Second, they could swallow their pride and nestle up under the Americans’ wings.
Stand up & Cheer #2
Watch this second episode of “Stand Up and Cheer” 2024 for Tournament Preview and News for Midcoast Maine high schools. In this episode of “Stand Up and Cheer”, long-time Midcoast sports broadcaster and Midcoast Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Charlie Crockett, will fill you in on the basketball tournament brackets and and the game times for basketball teams from Camden Hills, Islesboro, Lincoln Academy, Medomak Valley and Oceanside. In upcoming episodes, we will have the latest game results, exciting game play highlights, updated brackets and game time schedules. We also will be posting full length replays of the tournament games as well as more “Vintage Basketball ” games, featuring exciting midcoast high school basketball games from 1990’s to the 2020’s.
2024 Stand Up and Cheer – Episode # 1
Watch this first episode of “Stand Up and Cheer” 2024 for Tournament Preview and News for Midcoast Maine high schools. In the first episode of “Stand Up and Cheer”, long-time Midcoast sports broadcaster and Midcoast Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Charlie Crockett, will fill you in on the basketball tournament brackets and and the game times for basketball teams from Camden Hills, Islesboro, Lincoln Academy, Medomak Valley and Oceanside. In upcoming episodes, we will have the latest game results, exciting game play highlights, updated brackets and game time schedules. We also will be posting full length replays of the tournament games as well as more “Vintage Basketball ” games, featuring exciting midcoast high school basketball games from 1990’s to the 2020’s.
The Geopolitics of Winter: Snow’s Impact on Agriculture || Peter Zeihan
Historically, regions with a cold winter season have been more conducive to growing crops capable of feeding large populations, such as soy, wheat, rice, and corn. However, the industrialization and development of fuels and fertilizers has enabled these crops to be grown in areas previously unsuitable for agriculture.
These advances gave way to increases in population and the cultivation of new lands, but is it sustainable? As soon as places like Brazil or China can no longer import the inputs necessary to grow enough crops to feed their populations, we’re in for a rude awakening…
Maine Class A Boys Basketball : Camden Hills vs. Skowhegan 2/6/2024
Live Stream will begin at 6:30 PM.
The Collapse of Global Maritime Shipping || Peter Zeihan
No matter how much bubble wrap and caution tape we slap onto global maritime shipping, the industry has found itself in quite a predicament.
Despite the Ukraine War, a drought impacting the Panama Canal, Houthi attacks in Yemen, widespread piracy, and mounting geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea (yes, that is a lot of disruptions), the maritime shipping system has not cracked yet. However, it is very, very, very fragile.
New Writing Group at Thomaston Public Library Offers Creative Haven for Writers
Thomaston Public Library is excited to announce the launch of a new writing group aimed at fostering creativity and community among prose writers of all genres and skill levels. The writing group will convene on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, starting in February, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the conference room at Thomaston Public Library, located at 60 Main Street in Thomaston.
The writing group provides a welcoming space for writers to connect with others, share their work, receive constructive feedback, and refine their craft. The meetings are designed to be a unique blend of an accountability group, a feedback forum, and a platform for engaging writing exercises.
First National Bank Supports Watts Hall Community Arts with a Generous $25,000 Gift
Thomaston - Watts Hall Community Arts proudly announces a significant boost to its capital campaign with a generous $25,000 contribution from First National Bank. The capital campaign's focus is to provide for the much-needed renovation of Watts Hall, a cherished...
Maine Class A Girls Basketball : Camden Hills vs. Hampden Academy 2/3/2024
Game time is scheduled for 12:30 PM, following the JV game.
Maine Class B Boys Basketball : Medomak Valley vs Oceanside 1/27/24
Watch this Maine High School Boys Class B Basketball game between the Panthers of Medomak Valley and the Mariners of Oceanside. This game was played at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro on January 27, 2024. The play by play announcer was Charlie Crockett, statistician Dave Ridley, and sports videographer Penny Crockett.
Maine Class B Girls Basketball : Medomak Valley vs Oceanside 1/27/24
Watch this Maine Class B Girls Basketball game between the Panthers of Medomak Valley and the Mariners of Oceanside. This game was played at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro in January 27, 2024. The play-by-play commentator was Charlie Crockett, statistician Dave Ridley, and sports videographer PennyCrockett.
Gone are the days where you are blamed for polluting the ocean!
RESQUNIT – the modern, affordable way to safeguard your valuable pots and traps. RESQUNIT is a functional and affordable backup buoy system with a programmable electronic release mechanism to locate and retrieve lost fishing gear. The system is easy to install and is...
Youth Art Show and Still Life Invitational at Page Gallery
What everyday objects would you choose for a painting? Would it include a favorite food, toy, flower, or book? Would your objects be carefully arranged or a random assortment strewn across a table? Would they hold meaning, make a statement or simply, be interesting shapes or beautiful colors? What stories might your objects tell? These are the questions Page Gallery is inviting children to consider in their call for still life art to adorn the gallery’s walls this winter. The exhibition will open on February 1st and will be on display through February 29th.
Camden Hills Boys Basketball vs. Nokomis 1/30/2024
Live Stream on January 30 starts after the JV and Freshmen games, approximately 7 PM.
Trash talk: towns’ garbage in Maine landfills is up nearly 50 percent
Five years ago, the Bar Harbor town council voted 5-1 to stop recycling glass and asked residents to throw it in the trash instead. The reason? The constant crashing of glass into the bins was too noisy for neighbors of the transfer station, according to the Mount Desert Islander.
Councilors figured the glass would eventually be sorted out and recycled anyway at the new facility in Hampden, which was slated to open later that year.
But that never happened. The Hampden facility remains closed, and Bar Harbor’s glass — one of the world’s most readily recyclable materials — is being buried in the landfill at Juniper Ridge, 66 miles north.
A Warm and Cozy Winter Break || Images From Maine by Peter Ralston
While everybody else is hoping for plenty of snow for skiing, or, perhaps, sturdy ice for inland fishing (etc. etc.) I am going to be indolent in the sun, charging my batteries and pretending to be unaware of all things Maine for ten days.
Having said that, it will be difficult—nay, impossible—for me to forget the battering the coast took from the two big wind/tide events last week. It’s with that in mind that I chose Azimuth at the top of this morning’s letter.
Maine Class A Girls Basketball : Camden Hills vs Cony 1/23/24
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 Rams of Cony. The Replay includes coaches’ interviews at halftime. Game time scheduled for 6:30 PM, following the JV game. The commentators are Charlie Crockett and Dave Ridley. The sports videographer is Penny Crockett.
Damage to the Rocklnd Breakwater Lighthouse During January 2024 Storms
The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse suffered substantial damage during the January 2024 storms.
Click READ MORE below for Pictures
Turkey, After America || Peter Zeihan
Today’s country shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Sure, Turkey has been relatively silent over the past 70 years, but as American guardianship of the global seas declines, Turkey will reemerge as a dominant power.
Much of Turkey’s significance stems from its very, very fortunate geography; it controls the Turkish Straits and several other key waterways. This means that if anyone wants to move anything in this region, guess who they have to work with – Bingo – Turkey.
How Extensive is the Corruption in the Chinese Military? || Peter Zeihan
I had a handful of y'all point out that not everyone in the recent Chinese purges was targeted for political reasons; instead, many of these folks are facing corruption charges. The level of corruption within the Chinese military is unknown, but I bet it's more...
Rockport storms January 2024 || Peter Ralston
On Wednesday we had a serious SE blow that gusted to near 70 here. That wind, combined with high tide shortly before 10AM created a lot of damage along the coast, hitting some of the lower lying harbors hard indeed. More than a few buildings floated away and were beaten to death on the shorelines. Rockport is a relatively elevated harbor but SE is the one wind direction that really can do a number on us here. We were relatively lucky.
Maine Class A Girls Basketball Camden Hills vs Messalonskee 1/15/24
Watch this Live Stream of the Class A Maine Girls High School basketball game between the Windjammers of Camden Hills and the Eagles of Messalonskee. Game time was 12:30 PM, following the JV game. The commentators are Charlie Crockett and Dave Ridley. The sports videographer is Penny Crockett.
Chairman Xi Jinping Guts the Chinese Military || Peter Zeihan
Xi Jinping is doing his best Darth Vader impression and has the Chinese military in a force choke. After purging the system of anyone who can think, all that remains is the shell of a Defense Minister (now a press secretary for military diplomacy) and the “real” decision makers – the Central Military Commission – chaired by none other than Xi himself.
Camden Library January 11-25, 2024
As always, lots of great things to do at the Camden Public Library.
Maine Class A Boys Basketball Camden Hills vs. Lawrence 1/12/24
Replay of Live Stream.
Germany Becomes (Terrifyingly) Normal || Peter Zeihan
In a departure from its post-WWII stance, Germany plans to establish a permanent military deployment in Lithuania. Looks like it might be time to bust out the caution tape…
Germany’s willingness to participate in security matters signifies a shift in military capabilities and ideology. With mounting concerns over Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Germany’s renewed military posture could spell trouble for Putin’s master plan.
Maine Class A Girls Basketball Camden Hills vs Gardiner 1/9/24
Watch this of the Replay of Live Stream of the Class A Maine Girls High School basketball game between the Windjammers of Camden Hills and the Tigers of Gardiner. The Replay includes added coaches’ interviews. This game was played at Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport on January 9, 2024. The commentators are Charlie Crockett and Dave Ridley. The sports videographer is Penny Crockett.
Maine’s first giant battery project set for construction in Gorham
Construction is set to begin this spring in Gorham on one of New England’s largest battery storage projects, a preview of similar ventures that are seen as a missing link for optimizing the region’s growing fleet of solar and wind power plants.
Big batteries are considered essential to realizing Maine’s climate goals. That’s because the transition from fossil fuels to renewable power leans heavily on solar and wind — notably from proposed floating offshore wind farms — to help energize an electrified economy.
The problem is, solar and wind are intermittent sources of power. When the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow, other sources are needed to make up shortfalls, and balance supply and demand.
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.
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.
