Friday, Will's Frustrated

What Will's Watching, The Mandalorian, Season 3, Episode 2. We didn't hate it. Episode 2 wasn't a Kenobi episode or anything. But it wasn't great either. Large swaths of Episode 2 were dull. And once again, something interesting was happening, in this case Mando is saying some sacred Mandalorian rights, so the writers decided a giant monster was needed. A frustrated 2/4.

As we're up to our neck in World War 1990: The Final Storm (in a good way), we've spent some time reacquainting ourselves with Moscow and Red Square. To that end we've watched some YouTube tour videos. Here's Kara and Nate in Moscow. Here's RT's Sophia Shevardnadze showing us in and around the Kremlin. If you don't think she's a ravishing beauty, we don't want you reading Stroock's Books. 

Frustrated about The Mandalorian, frustrated about the Kremlin too. Mrs. Stroock once told us, 'You know if you want to take a week and go someplace on your own, you can.' And so we thought...After all, we know a guy in Moscow [Yes, your KGB handler, Ed]. Actually, we know a few people. It's not going to happen, is it? Damn you Neocons and your war. 

At The Asian Times, Brandon Weichert (he also writes for 19Fortyfive) argues that Ukraine is losing, and about to lose, the war: 'Fact is, the Ukrainian military is drained, the Western supply chains are strained, and the NATO stockpiles of critical weapons and ammunition are depleted. The war is transitioning, therefore, into a conflict in which the Russian side will enjoy several critical advantages.' 

Weichert sees what we see. A war of attrition in which Russia has more men and materiel. Once again, where will the Ruski spring offensive hit? What happens remains to be seen. But we know this, the narrative was one of plucky Ukrainians defending their nation from the neo-Soviet aggressor. Remember the Ghost of Kiev, the sinking of the Mosvka, farmers stealing Ruski tanks? There is even talk of a Ukrainian offensive against Crimea. Really, Zelensky touring a liberated Sevastopol? It is far more likely Putin will tour the ruins of Kiev.