It’s Sunday

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river, and he’s not the same man. —Heraclitus

When you put your hand in a flowing stream, you touch the last that has gone before and the first of what is still to come. —Leonardo da Vinci

Bullet Points:

** Two Stars – What does it mean? Does it imply that you should have the correct answer?

** The Trump administration’s efforts to absorb the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) into the State Department and impose stricter oversight reflect a strategic alignment with President Trump’s goal of improved fiscal austerity and the broader objectives of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This restructuring is critical to streamlining bureaucratic operations, eliminating perceived inefficiencies, and ensuring U.S. foreign aid directly serves national interests. The proposal to integrate the USAID directly under a cabinet appointee, such as the Secretary of State, centers on constitutional executive authority and accountability principles. USAID, established by Congress in 1961 and later codified as an independent agency in 1998, operates under the foreign policy guidance of the Secretary of State but has maintained administrative autonomy until now.

** There is diversity in the crypto industry. I’m sick of people calling everything to do with crypto a Ponzi Scheme. Some crypto projects are pump-and-dump schemes, while others are pyramid schemes. Others are standard issue fraud. Some others are middlemen skimming off the top. Some are designed to launder taxpayer money sent to third-world shitholes as foreign aid back to US politicians. Stop glossing over the diversity in the industry.

Time Capsule – Sermonette

Guillaume de Beaujeu (c. 1230 – 1291) was the 21st Grand Master of the Knights Templar, leading the order from 1273 until his death during the siege of Acre. Born to noble parents in France, Beaujeu joined the Templars in 1253, likely participating in the Seventh Crusade. By the 1260s, he was deeply involved in the Crusader States, facing challenges such as his capture during an ambush near Tiberias and the War of Saint Sabas, which weakened the Crusader’s presence.

In 1271, Beaujeu became the Templar commander in Tripoli and eventually succeeded Thomas Bérard as Grand Master in 1273. Under his leadership, the Templars struggled against the Mamluks, who, after capturing key territories like Latakia and Tripoli, laid siege to Acre in 1290. Beaujeu led the defense of the city, famously declaring, “Je ne m’enfuis pas; je suis mort” (“I am not running away; I am dead”) before succumbing to an arrow wound. His death marked the end of Crusader rule in the Holy Land.

Identify the Aircraft

1

2

3

This aircraft is operated out of RAF Northolt by 32 (The Royal) Squadron, tasked with the Command Support Air Transport (CSAT) role.

4

This unique aircraft retained the elephant of surprise. It may have been designed to route Italian (Roman) Troops.

What do you think, Claudio?

5

Parting Shots

Who would YOU take to the train station if you had your option?

Frank is talking about mortal combat…h/t Frank

A rare photo of EdB from his time in the Air Force.

End