Essendope thread
Moderators: Saintsational Administrators, Saintsational Moderators
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 25303
- Joined: Tue 01 Feb 2005 4:25pm
- Location: Trump Tower
- Has thanked: 142 times
- Been thanked: 284 times
Essendope thread
Great move listening to a halfwit spammer and taking on his valued opinion and moving one of the very few active threads on this forum, especially with bye week now.
I don't get what the issue is, it's not like it clutters up a super active forum, which it was in past days pre Facebook.
I don't get what the issue is, it's not like it clutters up a super active forum, which it was in past days pre Facebook.
i am Melbourne Skies - sometimes Blue Skies, Grey Skies, even Partly Cloudy Skies.
-
- SS Life Member
- Posts: 3950
- Joined: Thu 24 Sep 2015 3:12pm
- Has thanked: 372 times
- Been thanked: 214 times
Re: Essendope thread
Number 1, I'm not a halfwit spammer, if the mods wish to move it back, that's up to them, my point is this, the only way this has any relevance to St.Kilda FC, is through Jake. So if you are happy to bag Essendon then you are affectivity bagging a Saints player who we are hoping will help us bring our second cup.saintspremiers wrote:Great move listening to a halfwit spammer and taking on his valued opinion and moving one of the very few active threads on this forum, especially with bye week now.
I don't get what the issue is, it's not like it clutters up a super active forum, which it was in past days pre Facebook.
So much for second chances and a fresh start!!!!!
'Cause StoneCold Said So'!!!!!
We will be great again once Billy is back playing!!!!!
The 'Last Post', it's the gift that keeps giving![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
We will be great again once Billy is back playing!!!!!
The 'Last Post', it's the gift that keeps giving
- Johnny Member
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 4157
- Joined: Thu 05 Oct 2006 12:27pm
- Been thanked: 1 time
Re: Essendope thread
I think there was also a bizarre one specifically dedicated to the little half bank flanker they have too.
- BackFromUSA
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 4639
- Joined: Tue 09 Mar 2004 12:38am
- Has thanked: 51 times
- Been thanked: 506 times
Re: Essendope thread
Will move it back when it becomes connected to st.kilda somehow rather than tennis, wrestling, general drugs in sport or whatever ... content currently is general sports and opposition (esssendon) discussion
AwayInUSA no longer ... have based myself back in Melbourne for a decade of Saintsational Success (with regular trips back to the USA)
"Saintsational Player Sponsor 2007 - 2018"
"Saintsational Player Sponsor 2007 - 2018"
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 5062
- Joined: Sun 27 Feb 2005 2:30am
- Has thanked: 15 times
- Been thanked: 125 times
Re: Essendope thread
How many addressees can I fit on a PM?
'I have no new illusions, and I have no old illusions' - Vladimir Putin, Geneva, June 2021
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 5062
- Joined: Sun 27 Feb 2005 2:30am
- Has thanked: 15 times
- Been thanked: 125 times
Re: Essendope thread
Number 1 is a matter of opinion and, as you clearly make plain, this is an opinion business, Jake is not the only relevance to this footy club (e.g. Corcoran and the changes in the Sandy relationship), and even if he was, people are entitled to be skeptical given his record (i.e. see previous mention of "a matter of opinion" - it's a "Fan Forum", not a 'Fanboi Forum'), to question is not to "effectively" bag, second chances are pending, fresh starts are earned and I don't reckon you know much about anything.stonecold wrote:Number 1, I'm not a halfwit spammer, if the mods wish to move it back, that's up to them, my point is this, the only way this has any relevance to St.Kilda FC, is through Jake. So if you are happy to bag Essendon then you are affectivity bagging a Saints player who we are hoping will help us bring our second cup.saintspremiers wrote:Great move listening to a halfwit spammer and taking on his valued opinion and moving one of the very few active threads on this forum, especially with bye week now.
I don't get what the issue is, it's not like it clutters up a super active forum, which it was in past days pre Facebook.
So much for second chances and a fresh start!!!!!
Further, you have absolutely no idea about my "career", I have some of the answers, depending on the questions, and what is a "GreenSausage", anyway (I'm red-green colour blind, like 8% of males - only 1% of 'She's' are similarly colour blind - not sure I should thank you for pointing out that thread, Satch)?
Plus, I'm still struggling to understand why you buried this piece of intellectual brilliance in the middle of a copy of a whole lot of other contributor's efforts:
"Don't drown in your own Urine, or have you stepped out of your lunchbox, you self proclaimed Legend!!!!"
The bladder's working fine, thanks, just not well enough to drown me, I haven't used a lunch box since I was 8, and the proclamations came from elsewhere, and from people I hold in much higher regard than a tosser who picks a fraudulent, drug addled, bible resorting, roid raged partner beating Yanqui freakin wrassler as his personal role model.
Just comfy in my own skin, me - it's why I used "Other" - it's a contrarian thing, and it was dissent that got to the 1000+ pages, contributed to by a whole lot of StKFC supporters who turned up before late 2015.
'I have no new illusions, and I have no old illusions' - Vladimir Putin, Geneva, June 2021
-
- SS Hall of Fame
- Posts: 2203
- Joined: Wed 19 Aug 2009 10:32pm
- Location: Del Mar, California
- Has thanked: 34 times
- Been thanked: 237 times
Re: Essendope thread
Well I'm dissapointed the Essendope thread was moved.
This has been the biggest story in football since...the internet was invented...and it's a story I've enjoyed following on Saintsaitional. The contributors have been extremely insightfull and well researched. In my mind this forum has been the LEADING forum for this subject, period.
Whilst it's not strictly about St Kilda it's definately of interest to me - a huge St Kilda fan. The arguement that it doesn't belong on this formum reflects a narrow view, in my opinion.
Lets be honest, this forum is becomming like a ghost town. The residents are all moving away. The site needs to be invigorated. The way to attract 'eyeballs' and contributors to the forum is to keep it alive with interesting subjects, to make it so people come here every day to find out whats new and whats happening.
Moving the Essendope thread is a bit like closing the local bakery. It's not quite as bad as closing the pub or the school, but it does take away from the fabric of our society.
This has been the biggest story in football since...the internet was invented...and it's a story I've enjoyed following on Saintsaitional. The contributors have been extremely insightfull and well researched. In my mind this forum has been the LEADING forum for this subject, period.
Whilst it's not strictly about St Kilda it's definately of interest to me - a huge St Kilda fan. The arguement that it doesn't belong on this formum reflects a narrow view, in my opinion.
Lets be honest, this forum is becomming like a ghost town. The residents are all moving away. The site needs to be invigorated. The way to attract 'eyeballs' and contributors to the forum is to keep it alive with interesting subjects, to make it so people come here every day to find out whats new and whats happening.
Moving the Essendope thread is a bit like closing the local bakery. It's not quite as bad as closing the pub or the school, but it does take away from the fabric of our society.
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 6582
- Joined: Sat 11 Jun 2011 4:52pm
- Location: Here
- Has thanked: 1276 times
- Been thanked: 463 times
Re: Essendope thread
Oppo forum (this thread and the other)
As ex-president Peter Summers said:
“If we are going to be a contender, we may as well plan to win the bloody thing.”
St Kilda - At least we have a Crest!
“If we are going to be a contender, we may as well plan to win the bloody thing.”
St Kilda - At least we have a Crest!
Re: Essendope thread
no no, its important to move it so we can have 1 more dead thread on page 1 ... I honestly think the least pressed button on this forum is the one to get to page 2, right before the button to the opposition forum.
- BackFromUSA
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 4639
- Joined: Tue 09 Mar 2004 12:38am
- Has thanked: 51 times
- Been thanked: 506 times
Re: Essendope thread
Based in PMs received I can see that the thread should sit on both ... so be it
AwayInUSA no longer ... have based myself back in Melbourne for a decade of Saintsational Success (with regular trips back to the USA)
"Saintsational Player Sponsor 2007 - 2018"
"Saintsational Player Sponsor 2007 - 2018"
-
- SS Life Member
- Posts: 3950
- Joined: Thu 24 Sep 2015 3:12pm
- Has thanked: 372 times
- Been thanked: 214 times
Re: Essendope thread
Put it back then, as previously expressed, I only vented my opinion, to which several posters have gone over the top and made some personal attacks!!!!! Go your hardest, sure Jake will appreciate it !!!!!BackFromUSA wrote:Based in PMs received I can see that the thread should sit on both ... so be it
'Cause StoneCold Said So'!!!!!
We will be great again once Billy is back playing!!!!!
The 'Last Post', it's the gift that keeps giving![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
![📯](//cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/twitter/twemoji@latest/assets/svg/1f4ef.svg)
We will be great again once Billy is back playing!!!!!
The 'Last Post', it's the gift that keeps giving
- BackFromUSA
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 4639
- Joined: Tue 09 Mar 2004 12:38am
- Has thanked: 51 times
- Been thanked: 506 times
Re: Essendope thread
I would just love the thread to occassionally link back to how it impacts the Saints!
AwayInUSA no longer ... have based myself back in Melbourne for a decade of Saintsational Success (with regular trips back to the USA)
"Saintsational Player Sponsor 2007 - 2018"
"Saintsational Player Sponsor 2007 - 2018"
- Dr Spaceman
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 14102
- Joined: Thu 24 Sep 2009 11:07pm
- Location: Newtown Institute of Saintology
- Has thanked: 104 times
- Been thanked: 62 times
Re: Essendope thread
The players made mistakes. Jake was one of those players and he's now one of ours. As such we now support him in his attempts to restart his career. And he earns extra points for turning his back on the red & black cartel, unlike many of his fellow suspendees.
So we welcome Jake and have no desire to revisit his "sins".
However that doesn't mean we can't wish for nothing but badness to engulf the arrogant and unapologetic, drug peddling mob that now reside at Tullamarine.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So we welcome Jake and have no desire to revisit his "sins".
However that doesn't mean we can't wish for nothing but badness to engulf the arrogant and unapologetic, drug peddling mob that now reside at Tullamarine.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 4624
- Joined: Tue 22 Jan 2008 5:41pm
- Has thanked: 400 times
- Been thanked: 477 times
Re: Essendope thread
My concern with banishing the thread to the Oppostion Forum is that people who are not Sainstational members, cannot browse the forum. I know of some IMO rather 'influential' (?????) people in journalism, politics and other elite sportspersons who closely read our Essendope thread. They sort 'the wheat from the chaff', don't actually post, but have mentioned some of the info gets filtered through to a variety of areas.
If the thread is on the Opposition & Other Sports , they cannot access the posts unless they become actual members of the site.
I thought this site was inclusive of a variety readers not a denier. Many people are lurkers for many moons before they become useful contributors why shut them out from a topic that concerns all people interested and worried about the 'greatest scandal in Australia's sporting history.............. just thinkin?
If the thread is on the Opposition & Other Sports , they cannot access the posts unless they become actual members of the site.
I thought this site was inclusive of a variety readers not a denier. Many people are lurkers for many moons before they become useful contributors why shut them out from a topic that concerns all people interested and worried about the 'greatest scandal in Australia's sporting history.............. just thinkin?
- kosifantutti
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 8581
- Joined: Fri 21 Jan 2005 9:06am
- Location: Back in town
- Has thanked: 526 times
- Been thanked: 1527 times
Re: Essendope thread
Of course there's all those posters we have now that came to read the Essendope thread, and stayed to make fine contributions about actual Saints topics. I'm sure there's hundreds of them, but I can't name one.loris wrote:My concern with banishing the thread to the Oppostion Forum is that people who are not Sainstational members, cannot browse the forum. I know of some IMO rather 'influential' (?????) people in journalism, politics and other elite sportspersons who closely read our Essendope thread. They sort 'the wheat from the chaff', don't actually post, but have mentioned some of the info gets filtered through to a variety of areas.
If the thread is on the Opposition & Other Sports , they cannot access the posts unless they become actual members of the site.
I thought this site was inclusive of a variety readers not a denier. Many people are lurkers for many moons before they become useful contributors why shut them out from a topic that concerns all people interested and worried about the 'greatest scandal in Australia's sporting history.............. just thinkin?
And all those influential people who read this thread. I find that hard to believe. Surely there's better places to go and get their news.
Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year for 2023 "Kosi Lives"
- degruch
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 8948
- Joined: Mon 19 May 2008 4:29pm
- Location: Croydonia
- Has thanked: 146 times
- Been thanked: 237 times
Re: Essendope thread
Well, the press has dropped off lately, hasn't it? Eh?? EH???kosifantutti wrote:And all those influential people who read this thread. I find that hard to believe. Surely there's better places to go and get their news.
Re: Essendope thread
Hi all,
On a day to day basis, my research has stopped at present, but I do monitor the general situation for developments, and anything that value-adds to our previous research.
As the case is now before the Swiss Courts, I do not intend to chase up Swiss Law and so on, I am sure there are people that are currently being paid to do that.
The issue behind my initial research and effort was that I felt that too many "high level Australian interests" were doing all they could to stop this case form proceeding (such as the commercial media). It will be, on reflection, a blight on Australian history if this case was stopped early, and Justice was not reached.
A massive victory was reached to get this case "outside Australia", once that happened, the whole dynamic and narrative changed.
In terms of where it sits on the SS Forum, I am not fussed these days. 12 months ago, it needed maximum exposure, in 2016, and post-CAS hearing, I am not sure.
Jobe's 2012 Brownlow is still to be resolved, along with the Swiss Appeal. Also the "insurance payouts" to players, which Essendon appear to be stage-managing, still needs to be monitored also.
Chat soon, but I am glad in a way that my input was not needed to get the E'dope thread back on the main page!
As loris said, I have also been made aware of prominent people looking at this thread. it's a great advert for the SS website.
Chat soon.
On a day to day basis, my research has stopped at present, but I do monitor the general situation for developments, and anything that value-adds to our previous research.
As the case is now before the Swiss Courts, I do not intend to chase up Swiss Law and so on, I am sure there are people that are currently being paid to do that.
The issue behind my initial research and effort was that I felt that too many "high level Australian interests" were doing all they could to stop this case form proceeding (such as the commercial media). It will be, on reflection, a blight on Australian history if this case was stopped early, and Justice was not reached.
A massive victory was reached to get this case "outside Australia", once that happened, the whole dynamic and narrative changed.
In terms of where it sits on the SS Forum, I am not fussed these days. 12 months ago, it needed maximum exposure, in 2016, and post-CAS hearing, I am not sure.
Jobe's 2012 Brownlow is still to be resolved, along with the Swiss Appeal. Also the "insurance payouts" to players, which Essendon appear to be stage-managing, still needs to be monitored also.
Chat soon, but I am glad in a way that my input was not needed to get the E'dope thread back on the main page!
As loris said, I have also been made aware of prominent people looking at this thread. it's a great advert for the SS website.
Chat soon.
USELESS FACT: The WADA case against Essendon (in Sydney as well) is exactly 10 years to the day that Australia qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 23010
- Joined: Wed 10 Mar 2004 3:53pm
- Has thanked: 8902 times
- Been thanked: 3883 times
Re: Essendope thread
IanRush wrote:Hi all,
On a day to day basis, my research has stopped at present, but I do monitor the general situation for developments, and anything that value-adds to our previous research.
As the case is now before the Swiss Courts, I do not intend to chase up Swiss Law and so on, I am sure there are people that are currently being paid to do that.
The issue behind my initial research and effort was that I felt that too many "high level Australian interests" were doing all they could to stop this case form proceeding (such as the commercial media). It will be, on reflection, a blight on Australian history if this case was stopped early, and Justice was not reached.
A massive victory was reached to get this case "outside Australia", once that happened, the whole dynamic and narrative changed.
In terms of where it sits on the SS Forum, I am not fussed these days. 12 months ago, it needed maximum exposure, in 2016, and post-CAS hearing, I am not sure.
Jobe's 2012 Brownlow is still to be resolved, along with the Swiss Appeal. Also the "insurance payouts" to players, which Essendon appear to be stage-managing, still needs to be monitored also.
Chat soon, but I am glad in a way that my input was not needed to get the E'dope thread back on the main page!
As loris said, I have also been made aware of prominent people looking at this thread. it's a great advert for the SS website.
Chat soon.
Your efforts greatly appreciated mate.
- barneyboyz
- Club Player
- Posts: 1133
- Joined: Thu 08 Mar 2007 10:13pm
- Has thanked: 177 times
- Been thanked: 123 times
Re: Essendope thread
+1 and to ToT and (most) otherssaynta wrote:IanRush wrote:Hi all,
On a day to day basis, my research has stopped at present, but I do monitor the general situation for developments, and anything that value-adds to our previous research.
As the case is now before the Swiss Courts, I do not intend to chase up Swiss Law and so on, I am sure there are people that are currently being paid to do that.
The issue behind my initial research and effort was that I felt that too many "high level Australian interests" were doing all they could to stop this case form proceeding (such as the commercial media). It will be, on reflection, a blight on Australian history if this case was stopped early, and Justice was not reached.
A massive victory was reached to get this case "outside Australia", once that happened, the whole dynamic and narrative changed.
In terms of where it sits on the SS Forum, I am not fussed these days. 12 months ago, it needed maximum exposure, in 2016, and post-CAS hearing, I am not sure.
Jobe's 2012 Brownlow is still to be resolved, along with the Swiss Appeal. Also the "insurance payouts" to players, which Essendon appear to be stage-managing, still needs to be monitored also.
Chat soon, but I am glad in a way that my input was not needed to get the E'dope thread back on the main page!
As loris said, I have also been made aware of prominent people looking at this thread. it's a great advert for the SS website.
Chat soon.
Your efforts greatly appreciated mate.
St. Kilda Football Club. Going strong, since 1960 ![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
- kosifantutti
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 8581
- Joined: Fri 21 Jan 2005 9:06am
- Location: Back in town
- Has thanked: 526 times
- Been thanked: 1527 times
Re: Essendope thread
And I thought this had nothing to do with the Saints. This post has changed my mind.IanRush wrote:Hi all,
On a day to day basis, my research has stopped at present, but I do monitor the general situation for developments, and anything that value-adds to our previous research.
As the case is now before the Swiss Courts, I do not intend to chase up Swiss Law and so on, I am sure there are people that are currently being paid to do that.
The issue behind my initial research and effort was that I felt that too many "high level Australian interests" were doing all they could to stop this case form proceeding (such as the commercial media). It will be, on reflection, a blight on Australian history if this case was stopped early, and Justice was not reached.
A massive victory was reached to get this case "outside Australia", once that happened, the whole dynamic and narrative changed.
In terms of where it sits on the SS Forum, I am not fussed these days. 12 months ago, it needed maximum exposure, in 2016, and post-CAS hearing, I am not sure.
Jobe's 2012 Brownlow is still to be resolved, along with the Swiss Appeal. Also the "insurance payouts" to players, which Essendon appear to be stage-managing, still needs to be monitored also.
Chat soon, but I am glad in a way that my input was not needed to get the E'dope thread back on the main page!
As loris said, I have also been made aware of prominent people looking at this thread. it's a great advert for the SS website.
Chat soon.
Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year for 2023 "Kosi Lives"
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 6582
- Joined: Sat 11 Jun 2011 4:52pm
- Location: Here
- Has thanked: 1276 times
- Been thanked: 463 times
Re: Essendope thread
Yep, have to agree. All those posts of tot and InaRush have made all the difference.barneyboyz wrote:+1 and to ToT and (most) otherssaynta wrote:IanRush wrote:Hi all,
On a day to day basis, my research has stopped at present, but I do monitor the general situation for developments, and anything that value-adds to our previous research.
As the case is now before the Swiss Courts, I do not intend to chase up Swiss Law and so on, I am sure there are people that are currently being paid to do that.
The issue behind my initial research and effort was that I felt that too many "high level Australian interests" were doing all they could to stop this case form proceeding (such as the commercial media). It will be, on reflection, a blight on Australian history if this case was stopped early, and Justice was not reached.
A massive victory was reached to get this case "outside Australia", once that happened, the whole dynamic and narrative changed.
In terms of where it sits on the SS Forum, I am not fussed these days. 12 months ago, it needed maximum exposure, in 2016, and post-CAS hearing, I am not sure.
Jobe's 2012 Brownlow is still to be resolved, along with the Swiss Appeal. Also the "insurance payouts" to players, which Essendon appear to be stage-managing, still needs to be monitored also.
Chat soon, but I am glad in a way that my input was not needed to get the E'dope thread back on the main page!
As loris said, I have also been made aware of prominent people looking at this thread. it's a great advert for the SS website.
Chat soon.
Your efforts greatly appreciated mate.
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
As ex-president Peter Summers said:
“If we are going to be a contender, we may as well plan to win the bloody thing.”
St Kilda - At least we have a Crest!
“If we are going to be a contender, we may as well plan to win the bloody thing.”
St Kilda - At least we have a Crest!
- magnifisaint
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 7936
- Joined: Sun 02 May 2004 2:52am
- Has thanked: 216 times
- Been thanked: 578 times
Re: Essendope thread
I wonder who the prominent people reading the Essendope thread are. Is it possible that Saintsational could bring Essendope down?
Posting 20 years of holey crap!
-
- Saintsational Legend
- Posts: 5062
- Joined: Sun 27 Feb 2005 2:30am
- Has thanked: 15 times
- Been thanked: 125 times
Re: Essendope thread
Think back to when Zelko was alive. Then think about which half of the best investigative journo duo in the country was quite happy to have this place 'standing by' (e.g. when the interim joint investigation report was released, that half was quite happy to have it publicised here before it hit other outlets).kosifantutti wrote:Of course there's all those posters we have now that came to read the Essendope thread, and stayed to make fine contributions about actual Saints topics. I'm sure there's hundreds of them, but I can't name one.loris wrote:My concern with banishing the thread to the Oppostion Forum is that people who are not Sainstational members, cannot browse the forum. I know of some IMO rather 'influential' (?????) people in journalism, politics and other elite sportspersons who closely read our Essendope thread. They sort 'the wheat from the chaff', don't actually post, but have mentioned some of the info gets filtered through to a variety of areas.
If the thread is on the Opposition & Other Sports , they cannot access the posts unless they become actual members of the site.
I thought this site was inclusive of a variety readers not a denier. Many people are lurkers for many moons before they become useful contributors why shut them out from a topic that concerns all people interested and worried about the 'greatest scandal in Australia's sporting history.............. just thinkin?
And all those influential people who read this thread. I find that hard to believe. Surely there's better places to go and get their news.
Then think about the "Mex Hex" story, from Hooper's in Sth Yarra. And, when Whateley and his brain dead mate went ape, which spot on the web said 'stay calm, B & M are right' (so proven, almost immediately)?
For a fact, as Zelko and others provided, this site was read by a swag of people, some influential, some not. From board members at various AFL clubs (fact), to legal minds at various firms (fact), to interested medicos (fact), to the heirarchy at the sporting complex in Canberra (fact - e.g. Zelko's "The Road Runner" - that's Hollingworth, the CEO of the ASC).
I had numerous people conveying their appreciation and abiding interest in what was presented here.
You might find it hard to believe but, as they say, you have no idea.
'I have no new illusions, and I have no old illusions' - Vladimir Putin, Geneva, June 2021