Recent posts

#1

Off the Record / Re: Star Wars Megathread

Last post by Syt - Today at 01:52:37 AM

Chris Kempshaw, the guy who wrote "Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire" (an in-universe history of the Empire), has a new book coming up:

https://chriskempshall.com/portfolio-items/star-wars-star-pilots/

'I have never wanted to suggest that my wartime experiences were any more important or heroic than any other pilot. But so many of them are gone now and I am still here. Their words deserve to be heard' – Wedge Antilles

Star Wars: Star Pilots releases in October 2026 with DK Books.

This in-universe work features the voices, words, & experiences of familiar and brand new starfighter pilots from both the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire.

Most importantly it is produced by probably the greatest star pilot in history: Wedge Antilles. He gives us an unrivalled level of insight and expertise.

It explores the full depth and breadth of what it meant to pilot starfighters in combat in the galaxy far, far away.

I believe that when you have seen the conflict through the eyes of the pilots who participated in it you will never look at the Galactic Civil War in the same way ever again.

More details – including the final cover – for 'Star Wars: Star Pilots' will appear in due course.

He previously published:
- Star Wars - Battles that Changed the Galaxy
- The History and Politics of Star Wars: Death Stars and Democracy
- British, French and American Relations on the Western Front, 1914–1918
- The First World War in Computer Games

Nobody told me in the 80s/90s that becoming a Star Wars/WW1/Video Games historian was a career option, and I feel betrayed.

List of his publications/articles: https://chriskempshall.com/portfolio-items/

#2

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by Tonitrus - Today at 12:01:51 AM

It is kind of disingenuous though to say he was pushing the blame on them...during the same press conference he pretty clearly in taking his own ownership of it (even if based on what he was being told about the negotiations, etc).

#3

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by Tonitrus - March 11, 2026, 11:55:55 PM

Trump now publicly blamed Hegseth, Kushner, Witkoff and Rubio for the decision to attack. The buck does not stop here. 

Link please

I'll help him out...probably something like this:

https://www.msn.com/en-xl/asia/pakistan/trump-shifts-iran-attack-blame-to-advisers/ar-AA1XXcmn?cvid=69b138d8de93435096c7f15fab5c4232&ocid=hpmsn

Pakistan, March 10 -- President Donald Trump said advisers pushed him toward ordering strikes on Iran, shifting responsibility to key officials. He named negotiator Steve Witkoff, adviser Jared Kushner, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The remarks came as tensions remain high following US military action against Iran.

Speaking at a press conference in Florida, Trump said the situation with Iran had rapidly reached a "point of no return." He explained that discussions with Witkoff, Kushner, and Hegseth convinced him that Iran was preparing to attack the United States. Trump said he believed Iran would have launched an attack within a week if the United States had not acted first.

#4

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by jimmy olsen - March 11, 2026, 11:47:35 PM

Trump now publicly blamed Hegseth, Kushner, Witkoff and Rubio for the decision to attack. The buck does not stop here. 

Link please

#5

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by Sophie Scholl - March 11, 2026, 10:36:54 PM

This has been the Evangelical/Israel part of MAGA pushing for this. The Oligarch/Tech Bro part pushed for Venezuela. As such, Miller and Vance are probably safe for now.

#6

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by HVC - March 11, 2026, 09:18:29 PM

Hasn't turned on Vance yet?

#7

Off the Record / Re: [Canada] Canadian Politics...

Last post by Bauer - March 11, 2026, 09:06:42 PM

The irony about that is that central bankers are truly using information based decision making.  Best decision based on best information at a given point in time.  Political opinions are mostly based on ideological bullshit imo.  And yet some people just can't help mixing up the two.

#8

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by Zanza - March 11, 2026, 08:55:48 PM

Trump now publicly blamed Hegseth, Kushner, Witkoff and Rubio for the decision to attack. The buck does not stop here. 

#9

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by Legbiter - March 11, 2026, 08:38:21 PM

https://vxtwitter.com/BNODesk/status/2031851355413901598?s=20

https://vxtwitter.com/sentdefender/status/2031850300684763595?s=20

Multiple tankers burning off the coast of Basra

The Iranians don't have to defeat the US to win this war. they just have to defeat the global economy.

#10

Off the Record / Re: Iran War?

Last post by jimmy olsen - March 11, 2026, 07:16:58 PM

https://vxtwitter.com/BNODesk/status/2031851355413901598?s=20

https://vxtwitter.com/sentdefender/status/2031850300684763595?s=20

Multiple tankers burning off the coast of Basra