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How is this not a bigger story? I know there have been other reports in recent years with the USS Nimitz sightings (which they go into more detail about), but also new footage of UFOs (UAPs) off the East Coast. Marco Rubio also makes an appearance.

I'm not saying it was aliens, but that technology is concerning if it's not secret U.S. tech (which they say it isn't).

I'm curious if there are any folks on here that are rowers or have rowed in the past. I row with the Edgewater Masters (Adult) Crew team on Tuesday and Thursday evenings on Lake Fairview in Orlando. We just started our season after a winter break and I'm looking forward to some races coming up. If anyone's a rower in the Orlando area or wants to give rowing a try, we're always happy to welcome new members.

Thought I would start a thread for Random UCF Twitter mentions.

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His name doesn't get talked about enough around here. He was a pivotal part in our transition from 1-AA to 1-A. Electrifying player at receiver and returning punts. Daunte's favorite target. One of the best UCF receivers ever. Arena League legend and current Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator for the Northern Arizona Wranglers. The man you see every time I post. ⚔⚔⚔
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Congress will introduce a bill on NIL this week that covers several issues regarding NCAA athletics, namely:

• Safeguards “from retaliation by an institution of higher education for student-athletes who have signed a NIL deal.”
• The creation of a “new regulatory body tasked with establishing and enforcing rules pertaining to collectives, boosters, and student-athlete endorsement contracts. Student-athletes who enter into a contract will be required to report their agreement to this new body and their university within a specified period.” Collectives are booster- and business-driven groups that have formed to pool resources and provide NIL opportunities for athletes at schools since the NCAA has made rule changes substantially enhancing athletes’ ability to make money not only from endorsements, but also from personal appearances, autograph signings and other activities.
• A provision “clarifying that student-athletes are not eligible for employee status.”
• Language “providing liability protection to protect institutions from frivolous litigation.”

That third bullet runs counter to a pending lawsuit and a NLRB ruling issued last week that said that SA's in football, men's basketball, and women's basketball should be classified as employees. That case will go before an administrative law judge in November, but can be appealed and could take a lot more time to resolve.


There are significant hurdles in Congress as well, as the bill itself has yet to be filed - there's a bill in the Senate that also is in development and there are several different attitudes - even within parties - as to what should these bills truly cover.

The bottom line is that within the next two years (maybe even in the next 12 months) we could have a major showdown on how college athletes are classified and how major college sports will run.

Talks at great length about NIL's role in Ohio State's championship and goes a bit into the future of it in the sport. UCF is mentioned:

Colorado, Kansas, UCF and Utah are among the handful of schools that have shut down their collectives in recent months to likely move such operations in-house, should the House settlement be approved. Others, such as those at Arizona State, Indiana and Penn State, are continuing as planned, seeing collectives as marketing agency vessels that could help supplement the proposed $20.5 million cap spelled out in the settlement.

Schools have also added internal infrastructure to better prepare for coming financial decisions via positions such as general managers and chief revenue officers. But what those jobs actually entail likely hinges on the outcome of the House settlement.

“Anybody else who pulls it in-house or eliminates their collective will very quickly relaunch in some form or fashion if they’re serious about sports,” White said. “If you’re a Power Four school and you’re not fully funding up to the cap and have an active collective, then your administration doesn’t really care about sports as a priority.”

The quote is from Russell White, who runs The Collective Association, a group of NIL collectives that The Kingdom is a member of.

I asked ChatGPT to give me a 10 day road trip driving down California, prioritizing the coast, scenery and quiet locations. Can anyone take a peek and tell me if this is reasonable?

When I was a kid my dad took me out of school for a couple weeks and we road tripped down the west coast. My father in law was interested in doing something similar and I figured I’d see if I could use AI to build the bones of the trip and fill in details / restaurants / hotels.


Below is a 10-day coastal-focused itinerary that hits the northern redwoods, scenic drives, and a day in Channel Islands National Park—all while keeping driving distances within a generally “reasonable” range each day. You’ll still get to see Redwood National & State Parks, Humboldt Redwoods (Avenue of the Giants), the Mendocino Coast, Big Sur, and the Channel Islands, but with fewer stops than the longer two-week version.

High-Level Overview
1. Day 1: San Francisco → Drive to Crescent City (Redwood National & State Parks)
2. Day 2: Redwood National & State Parks (Jedediah Smith, Prairie Creek)
3. Day 3: Redwood Parks → Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods)
4. Day 4: Avenue of the Giants → Mendocino
5. Day 5: Mendocino → Santa Cruz Mountains
6. Day 6: Santa Cruz → Big Sur
7. Day 7: Explore Big Sur → Morro Bay
8. Day 8: Morro Bay → Ventura/Oxnard (Gateway to Channel Islands)
9. Day 9: Channel Islands National Park (Day Trip)
10. Day 10: Head South to Los Angeles or San Diego

Tip: If your schedule allows, try to arrive in San Francisco the night before Day 1, so you can set out early for the long drive north.

Day-by-Day Details

Day 1: San Francisco → Crescent City
• Drive Time: ~6 hours via Highway 101 (longest drive day)
• Route Highlights:
• Optional short detour in Healdsburg or Santa Rosa for a meal (Sonoma County wine country).
• If time permits, stop to stretch at Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Avenue of the Giants) en route—though you’ll explore it more on Day 3.
• Arrival: Late afternoon/evening in Crescent City.
• Overnight: Hotel or campground near Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Day 2: Redwood National & State Parks
• Morning: Head into Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Don’t miss:
• Stout Grove (short loop through some of the tallest old-growth redwoods).
• Drive Howland Hill Road (a magical, narrow dirt road through ancient giants).
• Afternoon: Explore Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (about 45 min south). Must-see:
• Fern Canyon (luscious walls of ferns, stream crossing—check conditions).
• Easy loop trails like Big Tree or Cathedral Trees.
• Offbeat Stop: Trees of Mystery near Klamath (giant Paul Bunyan statue) for quick roadside fun.
• Overnight: Either stay again in Crescent City or push south to Klamath/Orick.

Day 3: Redwood Parks → Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods)
• Drive Time: ~2 hours from Orick area down to Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
• Highlights:
• The Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile scenic alternative to Highway 101.
• Founders Grove for an easy walk under towering redwoods.
• Kitschy stops like the Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat if you want classic roadside Americana.
• Overnight: Stay near Garberville or in one of the park campgrounds for a redwood-immersive experience.

Day 4: Avenue of the Giants → Mendocino
• Drive Time: ~2–2.5 hours to Mendocino (via 101, then Highway 20 west).
• Midday Highlights:
• If you have extra time, a short detour to the Lost Coast (Shelter Cove) is possible but adds hours on rough roads—only if you crave that extreme seclusion. Otherwise, skip it.
• Afternoon in Mendocino:
• Mendocino Village: art galleries, coffee shops, ocean vistas.
• Mendocino Headlands State Park for easy coastal trails.
• Or drive a bit north to Fort Bragg for Glass Beach.
• Overnight: Stay in Mendocino, Fort Bragg, or camp in a state park nearby.

Day 5: Mendocino → Santa Cruz Mountains
• Drive Time: ~3.5–4 hours (Highway 1 south to the Bay Area, then 17 or 9 into the mountains).
• Possible Stops:
• Point Arena Lighthouse (quick photo op).
• Scenic pullouts along Sonoma Coast (e.g., Bodega Bay).
• You’ll likely skirt around or through San Francisco—if you want a Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint, stop at the Marin Headlands.
• Afternoon: Arrive in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Check out:
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (another lovely redwood grove).
• Overnight: Camp in Henry Cowell or stay in nearby Felton / Santa Cruz.

Day 6: Santa Cruz → Big Sur
• Drive Time: ~1.5–2 hours down Highway 1.
• Morning Options:
• Santa Cruz Boardwalk or Natural Bridges State Beach if you want a quick taste of coastal fun.
• Monterey/Carmel Detour:
• Consider the Monterey Bay Aquarium or a stroll through Carmel-by-the-Sea.
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve just south of Carmel is a gem for short hikes and wildlife viewing (sea otters!).
• Afternoon: Continue into Big Sur.
• Stop at iconic viewpoints: Bixby Bridge, coastal pullouts.
• Overnight: Reserve well ahead for Big Sur campgrounds or stay at a lodge/cabin.

Day 7: Explore Big Sur → Morro Bay
• Morning in Big Sur:
• McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (short walk to the viewpoint).
• Pfeiffer Beach (purple sands, keyhole rock—check signage off Highway 1).
• Drive Time: ~2–3 hours to Morro Bay, depending on stops.
• Pass through Hearst Castle in San Simeon (tour if you have time/interest).
• See elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Rookery (free viewing area).
• Overnight: Stay in Morro Bay, Cambria, or San Luis Obispo. Enjoy fresh seafood and views of Morro Rock.

Day 8: Morro Bay → Ventura/Oxnard (Gateway to Channel Islands)
• Drive Time: ~2.5–3 hours (Highway 101 or scenic back roads).
• Possible Stop:
• Santa Ynez Valley (wine tasting) or quick lunch in the Danish-themed town of Solvang.
• Santa Barbara for a beach walk or mission visit.
• Arrive Ventura/Oxnard: Check ferry departure times for next day’s Channel Islands trip; pick up any last-minute groceries (no services on the islands).
• Overnight: Ventura or Oxnard to catch the early boat.

Day 9: Channel Islands National Park (Day Trip)
• Morning Ferry: ~1-hour boat ride from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Island or another island.
• All Day: Explore hiking trails, spot the island fox, go kayaking in sea caves (if booked in advance).
• Bring your own food/water—no concessions on the islands.
• Late Afternoon: Ferry back to the mainland.
• Overnight: Stay again in Ventura or drive ~30 minutes to Santa Barbara if you prefer a new base.

Day 10: Final Day South
• If you’re ending in Los Angeles: ~1–1.5-hour drive from Ventura.
• If heading to San Diego: ~3-hour drive from Ventura (more with traffic).
• Possible Stops:
• Coastal enclaves like Malibu or Laguna Beach for lunch and scenic breaks.
• Departure: Return your rental car and fly out from LAX or SAN, or extend your trip if you have more time.

Tips for a Smooth Trip
1. Book Accommodations Early:
• Redwood region, Big Sur, and coastal campgrounds fill quickly—reserve ASAP.
• Channel Islands ferry also should be booked in advance.
2. Be Flexible with Day 1:
• Consider flying into Medford (Oregon) or Eureka/Arcata if you want to start closer to the redwoods without the big first-day haul from SF. But SF gives you the iconic Golden Gate crossing.
3. Road Conditions:
• Check Caltrans for Highway 1 closures, especially around Big Sur (landslides can force detours).
• Lost Coast roads are remote—only attempt if you have time and don’t mind slow, twisty driving.
4. Packing & Weather:
• Dress in layers: coastal fog, windy beaches, cooler redwood groves.
• Bring shoes for mild stream crossings at Fern Canyon (Day 2) if it’s been rainy.
5. Wildlife Highlights:
• Redwoods: Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk in Prairie Creek.
• Big Sur: Sea otters, condors overhead.
• Channel Islands: Island foxes, seabirds, potential dolphins/whales on the ferry ride.

By condensing to 10 days, you’ll tackle a few longer drives on select days (notably Day 1), but you’ll still be able to see ancient redwoods, offbeat coastal villages, and the spectacular Channel Islands. Have a fantastic California coastal adventure!

Got some family in town. Let me know what you got!

SOLD
Listed on ticket master: $30.00 each + fees
Sec 117: home side behind the bench
Row H: about halfway up from the court; the rim is at eye level
Seats 1 & 2: seats are between the free throw line and the base line; seat 1 is next to the premium section

Join us tonight to talk UCF Football, discuss Hoops, and Discuss The Dub Over The Boys From Big D

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Mikel Brown Jr. is a superstar in the Atlanta-based Overtime Elite League, but Orlando is still home to the five-star point guard.

The prep star was back in the 407 this past weekend and spent last Saturday at UCF, touring the campus prior to attending the home victory against Oklahoma. UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins and his staff have been recruiting him ever since he was a high school freshman at Orlando Christian Prep.

"The visit was great," Brown Jr. told UCFSports.com. "First of all, with me being in Atlanta, it was just great to be back home in Orlando to see my family and my close friends. The UCF visit was great. We got to tour the campus, which is real nice. I got to see the educational aspect of it, plus I was able to sit down with Coach Dawkins and his staff."

Growing up in Orlando, Brown said he's always been familiar with the program. His father has trained many Orlando-based players through the years and that included Dawkins' son, former UCF player Aubrey Dawkins.

"I used to attend UCF games as a kid," Brown Jr. said. "My dad would train some of the players, probably the biggest name was Aubrey Dawkins. So we'd get tickets to watch Aubrey. I want to say I was in the fourth grade. It was always a good time."

UCF's basketball stature has taken a big step forward this season with their entry to the Big 12. The Knights have made waves nationally with early conference wins against Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Brown was a witness to the 74-63 victory over the Sooners in front of a sold-out crowd.

"It's definitely come a long way to when I first started watching UCF basketball games," Brown said. "It was a sold-out crowd and really loud in there. It was a great experience and great atmosphere to be in."

Brown knows several players on the current team, including Darius Johnson, CJ Walker, Antwann Jones and Omar Payne.

His favorite part of the visit was sitting down with Coach Dawkins.

"He really emphasized the fact that UCF would be home for me," Brown said. "It's a guard-heavy system. He lets his guards play fast and uptempo. They have a really good developmental system."

Dawkins told Brown his skill set is comparable to several NBA guards. Names that have been mentioned include Trae Young, Darius Garland, Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry.

"Coach Dawkins said he thinks I have a real good all-around game, but I know there's always room for improvement," Brown said.

What does he like most about UCF?

"I'd say the coaching staff for sure," Brown said. "Coach Johnny Dawkins played in the league and has always been at a high level. He played at Duke. He started things off for Coach K and really helped start that dynasty. He's been there. (Assistant) Coach (Kevin) Norris is a big reason too. He's going to push me as well. The coaching staff is a big reason. Also, just the environment. My family lives in Orlando so that's big."

Brown is currently considered a member of the 2025 recruiting class, though there's been significant buzz he could reclassify to 2024 which means he could be playing college basketball next season.

Brown said that decision will come later. Right now he's focused on finishing his season with the Cold Hearts and the goal of winning the Overtime Elite League championship.

As for other schools, Brown Jr. has considerable options. He visited Providence last fall. In January, he took trips to Alabama and Ole Miss. Texas and Indiana have been mentioned as possibilities. Brown Jr. said he didn't have any other visit plans at this time.

If he does reclassify to 2024, a decision would likely come later this spring.

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On the flight right now to meet @TallyJerk2 in KC. Staying in the Power and Light district and going to the game tomorrow. We have a rental car so let’s hear some good food, drink recommendations.

Join Bailey Adams and Christian Simmons from the Pegasus Podcast as they react to the latest in UCF Sports.

In this episode, the guys discuss the reasonable expectations and results expected in year 1 of the new Scott Frost tenure.

With so much newness, will UCF fans be patient?

Thanks for watching here.

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Join us tonight to talk UCF Football, discuss Hoops, and Discuss The Dub Over The Boys From Big D

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What am I missing? I know it was one game but really wasn’t impressed by him at all. Decent QB sure but 2nd most impactful player? Not even close

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Didn't seem that long ago that few top Coordinators got $1 Million+ contracts...and then it went to $2 Million a few years later.

Now...we have crossed the $3 Million plus barrier with OSU's DC jumping ship to to go Penn State.

And so it begins...

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Creepy

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The United States (FAA) and domestic airlines (Southwest and American) seem adamant about not grounding the fleet despite two troubling crashes in less than a year.

Even if it's an overreaction, it's a bad look, IMO.

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