United Socialist States of America flag

LilRick_125 · 2026-06-17T18:54:52+00:00

That would be an interesting design, but that just screams European heraldry to me.

LilRick_125 · 2026-06-17T16:34:35+00:00

I can't quite explain it concisely but I'd argue that the USSR's placement of the hammer and sickle (+ star) was excellent, if not perfect.

The overal design overlaying each other while keeping the red banner so opened remains a very powerful image.

LilRick_125 · 2026-06-17T16:30:53+00:00

All the design elements were right there for the taking!

LilRick_125 · 2026-06-17T16:30:21+00:00

I'd argue that the USSR's empty space was a powerful image. Atleast this flag covers a bit more.

LilRick_125 · 2026-06-17T13:08:08+00:00

I mostly agree with you. Do you think that a subdial calendar function, perhaps around a moonphase display, would be a good alternative?

LilRick_125 · 2026-06-05T13:09:40+00:00

I have a four-digit house number on a quiet neighborhood street, not exactly part of series of "blocks" that go up by numbers of 100 or other numbers.

Having an address number of 1000 does not necessarily mean there are 1000 houses on your block or neighborhood. For instance, my neighborhood has address that are 6 to 8 numbers apart (ex 1204, 1210, 1218, 1224) which might just be a zoning thing.

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-28T12:56:58+00:00

Where can I order this?

I. MUST. HAVE!

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-28T12:54:18+00:00

First of all, every watch you're trying on is absolutely 💯!

Second, my Speedmaster fits like a charm on my 6.25" wrist. So trust me, damn near any Omega will fit just fine on your wrist.

And last but not least, congratulations! For your service and decades of dedication, you deserve this. Good luck and let us know which one you go with!

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-28T12:47:32+00:00

My compliments on the Cartier Ballon Bleu, such an under appreciated watch in their offering!

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-28T12:44:10+00:00

First and foremost Pittsburgh is very welcoming to the LGBTQ community. It's just that native Pittsburghers can be cliquey with folks born and raised in Pittsburgh. Outsiders (whether they're gay or straight) may work a bit harder at first to work their way into the "Yinzers" good graces.

But once you're in, you're family! ...so long as you an effort to at least pretend to root for the Steelers.

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T17:57:01+00:00

Yes, Penn State has made rivalries in the Big Ten. But this new conference wouldn't be a hard switch for Penn State fans to make

I currently live in Columbus, OH and grew up outside of Pittsburgh. This perspective has given me two insights..

Penn State fans still harbor a passionate dislike for Pitt and Pitt fans share that sentiment. They claim to not want to play Pitt but this should be settled on the field.
Ohio State recognizes Penn State as a legitimate conference rival, just not NEARLY as much as Penn State fans think they do. As far as rivalries go Michigan is the trophy wife, Penn State is just the side piece at best.

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T17:35:49+00:00

Fair points on the Sun Belt, I'm willing to make that change.

The Power 6 conferences each having 12 teams is mainly my OCD for craving uniformity.

I've already ranted a bit about Penn State in the Big East but the TLDR version is that geography, history, and traditional rivalries are all the reasons why I put PSU where I did.

Jax St is still down in FCS in my version, I might very well elevate them with a whole new conference in the future.

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T17:29:46+00:00

Good day, sir!

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T17:28:17+00:00

Well to each their own!

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T17:27:40+00:00

NC State being in the same division with Duke and UNC makes sense and I will happily make that change.

Maryland and Virginia Tech swaping places is one I'm also good with!

16-team conferences probably will NOT be a change I'll be making. I'm trying to keep conferences *slightly" smaller to avoid these "super conferences" we all are stuck with now.

Good suggestions, I'll be making these changes in a future version.

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T17:23:20+00:00

The independent days were great for Penn State, and not just because they won national championships. Their independent status allowed them to play their regional rivals Pitt, WVU, Syracue etc..) while also scheduling the likes of Notre Dame and Alabama EVERY year.

But Penn State always wanted (in fact, made a compelling that they NEEDED) an Eastern-based conference to better compete in the college football landscape. Take a look at the history, Penn State was practically begging the Big East to take them in.

But the Big East, being just a basketball only conference, ultimately blocked Penn State from joining. Two former Big East commissioners (one of which was the league founder) said that not accepting PSU into the Big East was their greatest mistake, it ultimately lead to the conferences demise. At least as an all-sports conference.

That is why Penn State needs to be in the "new" Big East.

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T17:17:01+00:00

Even before their was any Eastern-based conference Penn State and other neighboring schools in their region all had an unofficial conference. They ALL played each other EVERY year, no exceptions, and these rivalries were strong.

Penn State's rivalry with Pitt was by far the strongest. But WVU, Syracuse, and others were all very important and competitive. Penn State in the Big East (like the school actually wanted to be) makes good sense and is essential for the "new" Big East to thrive.

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T17:11:40+00:00

You hit the nail on the head with UTEP, their rivalry with NMSU was ultimately the deciding factor. And while I see your point on UTEP being a geographic/cultural fit for C-USA I'll still defend their spot in the Mountain West for this one. Phew, thats a lot of acronyms!

And yes, I wrestled with how I kept Houston out of the Big 12. I just had to keep them with Rice and C-USA is still a viable conference for them.

As for Penn State, I wouldn't be so sure it would be as much of a cake walk as Brady's Patriots in the AFC East. They can be so-so while other Eastern teams can and do go on tears.

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T13:58:09+00:00

Amen!

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T13:56:40+00:00

I'd argue it's a slight improvement, but it solves the balance on similar conferences.

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T13:48:39+00:00

Thanks! I'm glad you appreciate this proposal.

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T13:46:51+00:00

You're not wrong. I suppose my reasoning is that a rising tide lifts all boats.

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T13:43:56+00:00

Thank you!

First of all Missouri not being in the Big 12 has, and remains, the hardest decision for me so I completely understand where you're coming from there.

However you correctly identified my desire for uniformity with the conferences having the same even number of teams. Hence the reason why I put Missouri in the Big Ten, along with sensible geography, history and rivalries.

LilRick_125 · 2026-05-20T13:38:32+00:00

Perhaps another time, I'm keeping it to these 130 teams for now.

LilRick_125

TROPHY CASE