Yearly Archives: 2025

general

My 25th FRAnniversary today

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Self
Posted on November 9, 2025
By CardCarryingMember. VastRightWC

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On November 9, 2000, I created my first and only account on Free Republic (FR), after a few years of merely lurking. The urge to post grew too strong to resist joining. It’s easily the best internet-related decision I’ve ever made!

My sister, Mollynme, discovered FR first and alerted me to it. Unfortunately, she succumbed to cancer 8½ years ago.

Today, I learned of the passing of another Freeper who was with me and 8 or 10 others from the Fall of 2000 until at least 2006. We were a faithful group who engaged in street corner activism, each of us making our own signs and posters.

Among us were former residents of Johnstown, CO: WeldGOPHardline and his wife, FireEngineRed (she had bright red hair). They moved out of state a few years ago, and sadly, her health later took a serious downturn. She passed away this morning.

How sad that this happened on my 25th Free Republic anniversary.

I guess the lesson here is that Freepers get old and sick too — just like everyone else.

—

**TOPICS:** Chit/Chat; Freeoples

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– Donate by Credit Card [Click here]
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Thank you very much and God bless you.

—

**Comments:**

**1 posted on by CardCarryingMember. VastRightWC**
Congratulations, newbie! 😃

**2 posted on by Texas Eagle**
(“Throw me to the wolves and I’ll return leading the pack” – Donald J. Trump)

—

*Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright.*
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4351704/posts

general

Rams-49ers: 5 plays that decided the outcome

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The Los Angeles Rams left nothing to chance this time around when they faced off against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. The Rams (7-2) demolished the 49ers (6-4) behind another Matthew Stafford gem and a physical defensive effort. Rams legend perfectly summed it up in his postgame tweet.

LA stormed out to a 21-0 lead in the first half before San Francisco “tried” to make a comeback bid in the early second half. It wasn’t nearly enough, with the Rams making significantly more plays on both offense and defense to avenge their Week 5 loss against their rival.

But which plays sealed the deal? Here are the five game-defining moments from Los Angeles’s Week 10 win:

### 1. Nate Landman Forced Fumble (Rams 14, 49ers 0) — 3:24 left in 1st Quarter

The Rams jumped on the 49ers early, mirroring how San Francisco started against LAR in Week 5. Only this time, when the 49ers tried to throw their own counterpunch, the Rams delivered an uppercut of their own.

On 2nd & 10 at the LAR 39-yard line, Mac Jones threw a short pass to Jaquan Jennings, who picked up the first down. But Nate Landman, as he typically does, came in for a swarming tackle, using his right arm to dislodge the ball from Jennings. Kam Kinchens scooped up the loose ball and returned it to the LAR 41.

It was a huge momentum swing that allowed LA to keep their foot on the gas.

### 2. Byron Young Stops Christian McCaffrey on 4th Down (Rams 21, 49ers 0) — 8:45 left in 2nd Quarter

Byron Young stepped up with a crucial defensive stop on 4th down to keep the 49ers off the scoreboard early, maintaining the Rams’ dominant lead.

### 3. 4th & 3 Conversion from Matthew Stafford to Puka Nacua (Rams 21, 49ers 14) — 6:20 left in 3rd Quarter

To open the second half, San Francisco drove downfield and scored, narrowing the gap to a one-score game. Los Angeles responded with a critical drive but faced resistance after crossing the SF 30.

After failing to connect with Kyren Williams in the flat on 3rd & 3, head coach Sean McVay decided to go for it on 4th & 3 at San Francisco’s 28-yard line. Rather than risking a field goal or punting, McVay put the ball in the hands of his best players: Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua.

The duo didn’t disappoint, converting the crucial fourth down and keeping the drive alive.

### 4. Davante Adams Red Zone Touchdown (Rams 28, 49ers 14) — 2:39 left in 3rd Quarter

The Rams have clearly found the solution to their early-season red zone struggles. Stafford and Adams connected for the sixth time in just a three-game span.

When the Rams needed to ensure they were putting their division rivals away, they turned to their leading touchdown playmaker. Adams hauled in a touchdown pass that extended LA’s lead and shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.

### 5. Emmanuel Forbes Hauls in Interception (Rams 35, 49ers 20) — 8:29 left in 4th Quarter

Every time San Francisco tried to counterpunch Los Angeles, the Rams defense was ready.

On 4th & 4 at the SF 41-yard line, Mac Jones targeted George Kittle for the first down. But Emmanuel Forbes timed his jump perfectly, deflecting the pass and hauling in the batted ball for only the second interception of his Rams career.

Even special teams contributed some positive plays throughout the game, rounding out a complete team effort.

—

What were your favorite plays from the game? Which moment do you think ultimately changed the outcome? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-angeles-rams-scores-results/129779/rams-49ers-5-game-defining-plays

general

Kentucky and Louisville players exchange words ahead of rivalry game

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The Battle of the Bluegrass is already heating up days before the No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats and No. 11 Louisville Cardinals tip off.

Following Louisville’s win over Jackson State on Thursday, forward Kasean Pryor ended his press conference with a pointed message for his team’s cross-state rival.

“We’ll see you guys on Tuesday. After a win. F*** them,” Pryor said as he was leaving the media room.

After Kentucky’s 107-59 victory over Valparaiso on Friday night, Wildcat players were asked to respond to Pryor’s comments. Brandon Garrison, who had a heated exchange in last year’s game, acknowledged he heard the remarks but is focused on maintaining his composure.

“Yeah, I did,” Garrison replied. “But we ain’t paying much mind. They just over there talking, doing what they do. We all got to keep our heads, because I was one of them who kinda lost mine last year. So learning from that.”

Kentucky prefers to “chirp after the win.” Freshman center Malachi Moreno, a Kentucky native, took a diplomatic approach, stating the team is blocking out external distractions to prevent any bulletin board material.

“We don’t pay attention to outside noise. We’re just keeping everything in-house and we’re just prepping to be ready for Tuesday,” Moreno said.

Guard Jaland Lowe, however, met the comment with the same energy it was delivered.

“I mean, that’s cool. They gonna talk. It’s a rivalry, you want that,” Lowe said. “That’s what makes it fun. By all means, they can chirp, and I think we’ll save our chirping during the game and after the game, when we win. We’ll just leave it at that.”

The two top-15 programs will meet at the KFC Yum! Center on Tuesday night in one of the most anticipated matchups of the rivalry in recent years.

—

**About the Author**
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X [here](#).

*Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion*
https://www.aseaofblue.com/kentucky-wildcats-basketball/152324/uk-louisville-cardinals-players-exchange-words-rivalry-game

general

Seahawks’ 7-2 Party Rocked by Sudden Knee Injury to Starting Center

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Seattle center Jalen Sundell exited Sunday’s 44-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals with a knee injury in the second quarter and did not return. Head coach Mike Macdonald said postgame the early belief is it’s not season-ending, pending imaging.

After Sundell left, backup center Olu Oluwatimi took over, and the Seahawks’ offense kept grinding on the ground, finishing with 198 rushing yards on 46 attempts while surrendering just one sack in a dominant NFC West victory.

### Mike Macdonald: ‘We’ll Get It Imaged’

Sundell left in the second quarter with a knee injury and was ruled out. Asked postgame about the severity, head coach Mike Macdonald pumped the brakes but offered cautious optimism.

“It’s his knee. Not sure on the severity. It looked like he was in good spirits,” he said. “We’ll see. We’ll get it imaged and move on from there. I don’t think it’s season-ending — that could come back to haunt me — but that’s my sense right now.”

Macdonald added that he wanted to review the film on Oluwatimi’s performance but liked the feel of the run game with him in the middle.

“I don’t know how he played, but it felt like we moved the ball when we ran it, and the center drives that,” Macdonald said. “I can’t wait to watch it.”

### Olu Oluwatimi Takes Over as Run Game Rolls

Oluwatimi, a third-year center, handled the snaps after Sundell departed. Unfortunately, Oluwatimi and quarterback Sam Darnold’s very first snap resulted in a fumble, which led to the Cardinals scoring their first points of the game while Seattle had all but dominated to that point.

Darnold said the unit will use this week to tighten details with a new voice at center:
“We just gotta continue to work together,” Darnold said. “We got as many snaps as possible together. We have to clean that up, obviously.”

Even with the mid-game switch, Seattle’s offensive line controlled the trenches:
– 198 rushing yards on 46 attempts (4.3 yards per carry)
– Zach Charbonnet and third-stringer George Holani scoring
– Only one sack allowed on 12 pass attempts (Darnold only threw one pass in the second half)
– 14 rushing first downs and 6-of-10 on third down, sustaining drives
– 6.3 yards per play and 13.4 yards per pass attempt, reflecting clean pockets and balance

Those numbers underscore a front that kept its composure and allowed Seattle to close it out on the ground.

### What It Means Going Forward

Seattle improved to 7-2 and swept Arizona for the fourth straight season. If Sundell misses time, Oluwatimi projects as the next man up with a pivotal divisional trip ahead.

Seattle has leaned on a physical identity, and Sunday’s performance — five takeaways overall and a punishing run game — fits that mold.

Sundell had played 94% of available snaps this season, according to Pro Football Reference. He was seen as a major upgrade to the center position after only playing 7% of snaps in 2024.

One immediate focus this week will be cadence, calls, and chemistry with Oluwatimi as the voice of the line. Exchange on shotgun snaps and clean identification in the run game can keep Seattle on schedule while Sundell rehabs.

The staff trusts Oluwatimi’s preparedness and temperament; if he starts, the Seahawks will lean on their guard tandem to help streamline protections.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/jalen-sundell-injury-oluwatimi/

economy, politics

Philippines Introduces Rice Import Quota to Balance Farmer Protection and Food Security

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The Philippines has announced that it will reopen rice imports in January 2026, allowing 300,000 tonnes of rice to enter the country after several months of import restrictions. This move comes as local rice stocks run low and prices soften across Asia, raising questions about how far protectionist policies can go before hurting consumers.

Since September 2025, the Philippine government has banned rice imports to support domestic farmers during the harvest season and prevent a collapse in farmgate prices. This is a classic example of a protectionist policy—a government action designed to shield local industries from foreign competition. By limiting imports, the government aimed to increase demand (and prices) for locally produced rice, giving farmers higher incomes.

However, the downside soon became clear. Domestic rice stocks began to run out, pushing the government to temporarily lift the import ban in January. The import quota, which restricts the quantity of rice entering the market to 300,000 tonnes, is meant to ease shortages without flooding the market and driving prices down too sharply.

Meanwhile, Thailand and Vietnam, the region’s biggest rice exporters, are reporting strong harvests. Thai rice prices have dipped to around 6,200–6,600 baht per tonne, while Vietnam has maintained stable prices and reaffirmed its export target of 8 million tonnes for 2025. These trends demonstrate the power of global supply and demand in determining market prices: when supply increases, prices tend to fall.

Adding uncertainty to the picture, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that El Niño conditions could reduce future harvests across Southeast Asia, threatening regional food security. If this occurs, reduced supply could push prices up sharply—a reminder of how external shocks affect both producers and consumers.

For students, this story is a textbook case of how governments use trade restrictions like import quotas to balance the competing goals of protecting farmers and ensuring affordable food for consumers. It also highlights the tension between free trade, which promotes efficiency and consumer choice, and protectionism, which prioritizes domestic economic stability and employment.
https://thecuriouseconomist.com/philippines-introduces-rice-import-quota-to-balance-farmer-protection-and-food-security/

sports

Bears Give Grim Update on Rookie Who Suffered Injury vs. Giants

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The Chicago Bears pulled out a 24-20 win over the New York Giants on Sunday in front of their home crowd. However, before securing the victory, the team provided a grim update on the injury status of fourth-round rookie linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II.

Hyppolite exited in the third quarter of Week 10’s game — his first active game since September — due to a knee injury. Initially designated as “questionable” by the team, his status was later updated to out for the remainder of the game after about 40 minutes. The Bears’ communications team confirmed the update on X during Sunday’s game, stating:
“#Bears LB Ruben Hyppolite II (Knee) has been downgraded to OUT.”

Bears head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged Hyppolite’s knee injury during his postgame press conference but did not provide further details on the extent of the injury. Notably, the coach did not receive any questions from the press regarding Hyppolite’s current status.

This knee injury is a tough break for the rookie linebacker. Hyppolite had played 18 defensive snaps and 62 special teams snaps across the first four games of the season. However, after veteran T. J. Edwards returned following Week 5’s bye, Hyppolite was a healthy scratch for four consecutive games before finally seeing action again on Sunday against the Giants.

The Bears may share more details about Hyppolite’s injury during Coach Johnson’s media availability on Monday. Otherwise, fans will have to wait for the Wednesday injury report ahead of Chicago’s Week 11 road game against the Minnesota Vikings for the next official update.

The Bears (6-3) will square off against the Vikings (4-5) in a rematch at 1 p.m. ET next Sunday.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/chicago-bears/ruben-hyppolite-injury-update-giants-news/

sports

Villanova Flushes the Royals, Defeats Queens NC 94-74

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After a tough loss in the opener against BYU on Monday, the Wildcats bounced back with a convincing win over Queens University of Charlotte. Villanova never trailed throughout the game, with their largest lead reaching 22 points.

Leading the Wildcats in scoring once again was sophomore guard Bryce Lindsay, who poured in 25 points along with 3 rebounds and 2 assists. While Lindsay wasn’t as effective from beyond the arc, he compensated by going 10-for-11 from the free-throw line.

Freshman guard Acaden Lewis recovered nicely from his rough debut, scoring 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field. He also contributed 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 35 minutes of play, impressively committing no turnovers.

Lewis wasn’t the only freshman to step up after their first collegiate game. Freshman Matthew Hodge dominated inside, going 8-for-10 from the field on his way to 18 points. This interior strength was a major theme for Villanova, as they outscored the Royals 62-38 in the paint.

Leading the paint dominance was senior center Duke Brennan, who had a monster game with 17 points and 20 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards. Brennan has been a consistent presence inside for Villanova on both ends of the floor.

The Wildcats were once again short-handed, playing without junior forward Zion Stanford (ankle) and freshman guard Chris Jeffrey, who suffered an ankle injury in practice on Friday.

Queens University was led by senior Nasir Mann, who scored 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting. Villanova was effective in limiting Royals’ standout Chris Ashby, who managed only 11 points on just 5 shot attempts.

Villanova’s next opponent is Sacred Heart, with the game scheduled for Tuesday night at the Finneran Pavilion.
https://www.vuhoops.com/villanova-wildcats-sports/31741/villanova-flushes-the-royals-defeats-queens-nc-94-74

sports

Lamar Jackson Warns Ravens After 3rd-Straight Win

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Three straight wins and a victory in his 100th NFL start aren’t enough to make Lamar Jackson completely satisfied. The star quarterback has sent a clear warning to his Baltimore Ravens teammates about maintaining momentum after their 27-19 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10.

Speaking after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, November 9, Jackson told reporters, including ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, “There’s still a lot of ball left, you know? You gotta stay locked in. You can’t get complacent or nothing like that, you gotta stay locked in.” While addressing the media, Jackson’s message was really aimed at his own team— a tacit warning not to get too buoyed by their recent mini revival.

This is a timely message from the team’s key playmaker and natural leader. Jackson knows the suddenly red-hot Ravens can go much further than their current 4-5 record. If they do, it will be thanks in large part to the continued excellence of the two-time NFL MVP, who’s thriving back at the controls of their offense.

### Lamar Jackson Powering Ravens’ Revival

Even though Jackson threw for only one touchdown—a two-yarder to All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews in the fourth quarter—he underlined his value to the Ravens in multiple ways. He rushed nine times for 36 yards and, more importantly, stayed efficient against pressure from the Vikings defense.

Jackson was always going to be under siege from a Vikings defense designed and called by Brian Flores. Known as one of the most creative and blitz-happy defensive coordinators in the league, Flores lived up to his reputation by sending extra rushers after Jackson early and often.

Fortunately for the Ravens, No. 8 adapted his game brilliantly to beat the blitz. The Vikings blitzed Jackson on 58% of his dropbacks Sunday—the 5th-highest rate of his career. Jackson reacted by getting the ball out of his hands quickly, averaging only 4.1 air yards per attempt, which was his lowest average in a game with 20+ attempts in his career, according to ESPN Research cited by Hensley.

Leaning into the quick game was how Jackson found a way to win. This approach has defined his century of starts in the pros, even if Baltimore’s QB1 wasn’t fully aware of his own career milestone.

### Lamar Jackson Not Focused on History

Jackson told Hensley he didn’t “know anything about” this being his 100th start, “but it’s cool to get a win on the 100th start, that’s pretty dope.” Whether or not Jackson was as oblivious to history as he claims, he remains the player who largely determines whether the Ravens win or lose. He’s also the player who safeguards the fate of head coach John Harbaugh.

Jackson has faced pressure earlier this season, but Harbaugh knows when Jackson is healthy, anything is possible. Perhaps that’s why Harbaugh proclaimed after the win in Minnesota, “In his mind, he’s just beginning,” as reported by Hensley.

Harbaugh had better hope so, because Jackson staying upright and on form is still the best chance for the coach—who has led the team since 2008—to finally deliver another championship.

### Looking Ahead: Staying Locked In

Talk of a title remains nothing but hot air for this season’s Ravens, who first have to get firmly back into playoff contention. It’s why Jackson, the man most responsible for making that happen, is letting his teammates know they can’t rest on their laurels after rebounding from four straight losses.

Staying locked in, maintaining focus, and continuing this revival will be key for Baltimore as they aim to turn momentum into sustained success down the stretch of the season.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/baltimore-ravens/lamar-jackson-warns-john-harbaugh-vikings/

general

FMJRA 2.0: The Beatings Will Continue

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Compiled by Wombat-socho

Well, that closes out the appalling month of April. Once again, the Polo Grounds were a pit of despair as the Yankees beat us like a rented mule in three straight games. Then, we came home to RFK and lost two out of three to the Reds. Hopefully, May will be better.

Ceterum autem censeo Silicon Valley et Hamas delendam sunt.

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https://theothermccain.com/2025/11/09/fmjra-2-0-the-beatings-will-continue/

general

New York man tried to derail train in Springdale by parking trucks from PPG on the tracks, police say

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New York Man Tried to Derail Train in Springdale by Parking Trucks from PPG on the Tracks, Police Say

Authorities have reported that a man from New York attempted to derail a train in Springdale by deliberately parking trucks belonging to PPG on the railway tracks. The incident raised serious safety concerns and prompted immediate police intervention.

According to police reports, the suspect positioned multiple trucks directly on the train tracks, creating a significant hazard for oncoming trains. Fortunately, the situation was identified before any collision occurred, preventing potential injuries and damage.

Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into the motive behind this dangerous act. Meanwhile, the man has been taken into custody and faces charges related to endangering public safety and obstructing railroad operations.

The authorities have also urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities near railroad tracks to help ensure community safety.

https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-york-man-tried-to-derail-train-in-springdale-by-parking-trucks-from-ppg-on-the-tracks-police-say/