#Exercise Resolute Dragon

[the-nomadicone]

Ex. Resolute Dragon // United States Marine Corps

#United States Marine Corps #U.S. Marine Corps #USMC #Exercise Resolute Dragon #Ex. Resolute Dragon #Resolute Dragon #Resolute Dragon 2022 #1st Marine Aircraft Wing #1st MAW #3rd Marine Division #3rd MARDIV #III MEF #3rd Marine Expeditionary Force #MV-22 Osprey #MV-22 #Osprey #tiltrotor #Hokkaido #Kamifurano Training Area #Japan #military #armed forces #milblr

[snapscube]

Anything you're especially proud to have accomplished this year before the new one rolls upon us?

TRUTHFULLY a lot of my accomplishments were relatively small compared to my ambitions but in the grand scheme of things add up to a lot of meaningful life improvements and successes i think. i dont know if there's like ONE BIG THING i'm especially proud of. a lot of the big stuff i WANTED to do got pretty delayed for one reason or another. but, as for small stuff:

i started an even SOMEWHAT regular exercise routine and have managed to hit the end of the year without dropping it completely, despite occasional slowdown

i got my name legally changed

though it was a bit of a bait-and-switch in terms of intentional production value, we DID technically put out an episode of SRTF this year. we even shadowdropped it, and it has received a ton of praise in spite of itself.

in terms of streams, i genuinely think this was the best year for stream quality and consistency i have ever had. with absolute banger playthroughs like Tears of the Kingdom, Spider-Man 2, Dragon Quest 8, Resident Evil 4, etc. i think i really raised the bar for myself.

and oh shit speaking of, i did my first marathon charity stream this year and raised over $10K for AHA

i made a lot of progress on my art!! made an honest effort to pick it back up and i genuinely think my work at the end of the year compared to where it was is a subtle but noticeable bump, though i did fall off a bit more than i intended.

and though i don't have MUCH to show for it right now tangibly, i have been working a lot in the back of my mind and in various documents on some Actual Fiction that i hope to be able to sink my teeth into more next year.

and yeah there's definitely a lot more small stuff in between! it's tough because i still feel so behind on a lot of stuff that i feel like should have been a lot higher priority for me, but if i'm giving myself credit it definitely puts into perspective just how Not Totally Washed i am when i start to list stuff out. which is nice to be able to do! everything in its time i suppose! im not starting 2024 with any "resolutions" or anything quite as high stakes per se but i do have a large list of goals im still gonna be working towards. i think the main thing i really want to nail down is prioritizing my time and energy towards the things that are gonna make the biggest impact on my own personal satisfaction so it becomes easier to feel like i wasn't just coasting for 12 months.

[jackoshadows]

I totally get where Brandon Sanderson is coming from in his criticism of the show and how it's playing hard and fast with the world building and magic system which will lead to larger changes down the line or the butterfly effect as George RR Martin keeps talking about with respect to GOT.

At the same time, people need to understand: I have a stake in this they do not. My name is LITERALLY on this product. And so, it being weak in areas that are important to me is something that I find a bigger worry in it than I might in another show. If you play loose and free with magic systems, then that reflects badly on me--as this is one of my specialties, and people will watch and be annoyed about things that I really, in a perfect world, should have been able to help the writers fix. I consider one of my other big strengths to be character arcs with powerful resolutions, and both seasons have really had troubles with this in the last episodes. That reflects on me, because having me involved should be able to help with this.

For example I came across a discussion on the WOT subreddit on whether Rand is a false dragon and that's when it struck me that yeah, Moiraine creating that huge fire dragon does end up making Rand a false dragon as per the worldbuilding of the books.

Think about it. Liandrin or any of the Black Ajah can choose a man who can channel, make a huge fire dragon for him and declare him the dragon reborn. And in the books, false dragons are said to be controlled by Aes Sedai and several major players often allege that Rand himself is false and controlled by the Aes Sedai.

Which is why 'Ta'veren' - which the show seems to have forgotten about - is an important aspect of the magical system of the world of WOT. It's the pattern that creates a set of conditions/events that leads to Rand fulfilling prophecies - which identifies him as the Dragon Reborn. Show Rand got none of that.

Which is why in the books, Siuan and Moiraine decide that Rand needs to exercise his free will and lets him go do his own thing. This is a big deal in the books and a decision that has major consequences for Siuan Sanche. The show, however, did a complete 180 on Siuan - changed her motivations, her actions, her reasoning. In effect that was a complete character assassination made worse by the fact that she's played by the amazing Sophie Okonedo.

And not just Moiraine creating that dragon, what's with her attacking the Seanchan ships using the One Power? Isn't that a violation of her three oaths? It's this magical system that gives us some of the best bits of the books - like that time where Mat keeps asking an Aes Sedai to use her one power to attack and she has to wait till she gets attacked to use it. This is what makes the world of the books so much more fun and interesting.

#Brandon Sanderson #The Wheel of Time #Wheel of Time #WOT #Rand al'Thor #Siuan Sanche

[big-blue-dino]

I had an idea for a setting for a campaign I made as a world building exercise And I thought i'd share it

Your standard typical magical setting discovers a type of mushroom that produces an unfathomable amount of energy. The people of Adonia Moerani harnessed theas mushrooms and rott to power an industrial resolution however energy is neither created or destroyed These mushrooms similar to sorcerers Converted magic into other forms of energy. Like turning magic into heat with a fireball or mana into matter with create water. They like these mushrooms spread, and with it, the world began to run out of ambient magic. Now we have a post-apocalyptic setting of a post fantasy setting. Every single living creature requires mana to live. Life is a miracle, and miracles are powered by magic. Now only very few places have any magic left. The tree of life old and dying with mushrooms pouring out of its crevasses and yet still similar to the people of Adonia Moerani It continues to fight the final sleep. Some churches to old, old gods ( Who pretend that ther realms haven't been affected by the lack of magic and are very upset with the people of Adonia Moerani( Some like to pretend that nothing is wrong eg.

g o d in scp when day breaks who gets people to act like before the revolution)) People walk around the Non-magical ground with vapirisd mana potions used for spellcasting or for survival in especially dead mana zones Mage's have become especially rare. With one in a million people having the ability to create mana however thear are only ~3 mill~ people left the dragons migrated to higher plane's to live with the god's (thay all died) except one which is the most powerful dragon who lives in the "Mountain of the king" do to a debt he owed to an old frend (the man who discovered the rott) he has died and became a lich and consumes people for mana wich he shares with the people who would die without it (npc's tend to love it non know of it's dark secrets and he gives them hope) There is a city a last bastion of what once was powerful my two mana producing sorcerers one of wich joins an evil god to destroy the world to free themselves and get revenge. He is the BBEG.

#world building #dnd #dungeons and dragons #post fantasy #post apocalypse #creative writing #writing prompts

[ttoca]

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei

Needs no introduction really.

Guan Yu is a warrior of exceptional skill and unwavering resolution. Wielding the Moon Dragon Glaive as though he was born holding it, Guan Yu is a terrifying force to behold, hard as steel, swift as the wind, death itself on the battlefield. Though possessed of a firm sense of honour, he is ruthless and arrogant and shows little respect for those outside of Liu Bei and those he admires. As such, he stands beside Liu Bei at almost all times, unquestioning, a biting glare fixed on his red, rocky features. Zhang Fei, meanwhile, is a warrior of a very different ilk. Carrying gourds of explosive and flammable material at his belt, he attacks with tricks and terror. In his hand he wields the Viper's Tongue Spear, a weapon that guards him at every angle as he cuts through any he encounters, wielding it almost lazily with one hand free to sow more confusion. While outwardly approachable and eloquent, Zhang Fei hides a sinister nature. Unsuitable as bodyguard material, Zhang Fei serves as a spy and guerrilla officer for Liu Bei and, far away from his conscientious master, exercises his personal pleasure upon any who cross his path. For none could suspect the servant of so virtuous a master of such truly evil crimes, surely? A look at how I'm portraying Shu Han. Guan Yu is fairly accurate to his common portrayal. Although not a superhuman, he's certainly formidable and gives even Cao Cao's best a run for their money. Zhang Fei meanwhile is very different. Far from the boisterous drunken buffoon he's often portrayed as, this Zhang Fei is quiet, calculating...and utterly cruel.

And yes, I'm aware Zhang Fei looks like he's holding a Molotov Cocktail. That is purposeful. It's early improvised explosives.

#guan yu #zhang fei #Three Kingdoms #Romance of the Three Kingdoms #sanguosha #sangoku #Liu Bei #Cao Cao #Han Dynasty #historical fiction #webcomic #ttoca

[percontaion-points]

EATCOD (Fated Alphas 2) chapter 3

Click to see the rest of the snark & image descriptions

Click here for the rest of the series!

Chapter 3

Soon my whole body was burning as we pushed weights, jumped over large wooden boxes and did rope exercises. When he told me to stand on my hands, I knew that he was pushing me to find out exactly what I was capable of. I was never very good at this part, though, and, after falling successfully several times, he gave me a water break. 

He’d put water in two bottles and I drank eagerly.

THANK YOU FOR SPECIFYING THAT YOU PUT WATER INTO WATER BOTTLES AND THEN GAVE THEM TO LIZ TO DRINK FROM. Like I literally would have never guessed; I thought that he would have made her drink from the sink without a glass. 

“Can’t I just take a break first? We’ve been training all morning.”

 “Nope.” 

“Not even a small one?” 

He shook his head. “Sorry. That’s what the word ‘endurance’ means.”

I’m no gym coach or anything remotely considered to be an expert in physical activity. But I’m pretty sure that you build up endurance by doing a little bit more every single day until it no longer hurts so much. 

Forcing somebody to work out for hours upon hours upon hours when she’s done literally zero physical activity like this before doesn’t sound healthy at all. 

He yelled up at me. “Just don’t tell the other guys. They’d kill me.”

Chapter 3 summary: The next morning, Hunter wakes Liz up and tells her that she has to start training right away. That she kind of ruined the backseat of his car by shifting in it, and pointedly asks if she meant to do that. When she says no, he insists.

They go to the gym, where they start with a bunch of warm-up stuff, and then he starts teaching her how to fight. While they do that, she tries to ask him about the prophetic dreams about the two of them being mates, but he refuses to say anything further than that he’s dreaming about her. There is a slight implication that maybe some of those dreams are erotic in nature, but that’s as far as it goes: an implication. 

They then start to actually spar, but it quickly turns sexual. Hunter tells her that he’s going to hold off until she’s literally begging for it… Despite the fact that she seems beyond willing and eager right now. 

After a while, some of the other boys come in to do their own training. Avery tells Liz that they’re going for a run, but Liz begs for a break, since she’s been training for hours at this point. They deny her even a five minute break to catch her breath, claiming that she needs to build up her endurance; I said what I said about that. 

As they run, Liz tries to ask Avery why he refuses to kill the ghoul. Again, it’s a rather pointless conversation since he won’t actually tell her anything besides “the ghoul is misunderstood”. Yes, the ghoul also tried to kill him too, but again. If you’re looking for actual resolution, please move along. 

Liz then asks what it’s like to fly before trying to ask about her mom’s necklace. Avery doesn’t know why Liz doesn’t know, but she has to explain that her mom died before she could tell her. So Avery says what he does know: that the dragon leader, Edward, only knew that it had been in Jane’s family line for hundreds of years, if not dating back to the first shifter. And again, this is a pointless conversation, since we didn’t learn anything of actual value. 

They start to return back to the house. Avery tells her that after they have lunch, he’ll take her out flying. So long as she doesn’t tell anybody. 

#elizabeth and the call of dragons #fated alpha series #bookblr #readers of tumblr #book review #omegaverse #reverse harem #supernatural romance #romance novels #fantasy novel #werewolves

[eazy-group]

Weight Loss Motivation for 2024: Jumpstart Your Journey

New Post has been published on https://eazydiet.net/weight-loss-motivation-for-2024-jumpstart-your-journey/

Weight Loss Motivation for 2024: Jumpstart Your Journey

Hey hey lovelies. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Can you believe it’s 2024 already? Time sure flies when you’re having fun, but it also has a way of sneaking up on us, especially when it comes to those New Year resolutions. Now, don’t worry if you haven’t quite nailed down your resolutions yet, because we’re here to chat about one of the most popular ones: weight loss!

Ah, weight loss – the perennial pursuit that has us all saying, “This is the year I’m going to do it!” But how do we find the motivation to stick with it? Well, fear not, my friends, because I’ve got a whole bag of motivational tricks, tips, and some good ol’ encouragement to jumpstart your weight loss journey in 2024.

First things first, let’s ditch the idea of the cliché New Year, New You mantra. I mean, come on, you’re fabulous just the way you are! Instead, let’s embrace the idea of New Year, Healthier and Happier You. Catchy, right?

Now, picture this: you, radiant and confident, strutting your stuff in your favourite outfit, feeling healthier and more energetic than ever before. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? Well, dream no more because 2024 is your year to shine!

To kick things off, let’s talk about setting realistic goals. No, I’m not talking about magically shedding 20 pounds in a week – that’s the stuff of fairy tales. I’m talking about achievable, bite-sized goals that will keep you motivated without making you feel like you’re climbing Everest.

Week One:

Let’s start small…

Why not kick off your weight loss journey with a twirl and a shimmy? This week, immerse yourself in the world of dance. From salsa to hip-hop, there’s a dance style for everyone. Grab your friends, join a dance class, or simply boogie in the comfort of your living room. Not only will you burn calories, but you’ll also discover muscles you never knew you had. If dancing isn’t for you try taking a brisk walk around the block everyday or ditch the car and walk the kids to school.

Even a small amount of exercise each day can help you to lose weight, boost your energy levels and even help you sleep better at night.

So for week one your goal is to dedicate 10 minutes everyday to an exercise you enjoy.

Week Two:

Say goodbye to boring salads and bland meals! Week 2 is all about experimenting with new and exciting recipes. Explore the world of colourful vegetables, lean proteins, and wholesome grains. Make cooking a family affair, or invite friends for a potluck dinner where everyone brings their healthiest creation. The key here is to enjoy the process and savour the deliciousness of a nutritious meal.

The challenge for week two is to try a new recipe everyday, scour the internet (or my website of course) for new and exciting recipes. Give them a whirl, share your photos on social media and enjoy trying new food.

Week Three:

It’s time to slay the sugar dragon! 

Week Four:

  As we head into the final week of January it’s time to think about mindful eating.

Take a moment to savor every bite, chew slowly, and relish the flavours. This mindful approach can help you recognise when you’re truly satisfied, preventing overindulgence.

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[defensenow]

Resolute Dragon 23: Bilateral Material Handling Exercise with U.S. Marin...

#youtube

[viralshop]

US Marines and Japanese Army Conduct Resolute Dragon 23 Military Exercise

U.S. Marines and soldiers of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conducted Resolute Dragon 23, their largest bilateral military exercise of the year. The drill was conducted at various locations around Japan on October 14 - 31, 2023. Visit our Youtube channel Channel for more information : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3JIyPh5evE

#USMarines #JapaneseArmy #MilitaryExercise

#USMarines #JapaneseArmy #MilitaryExercise #Youtube

[usafphantom2]

U.S. Air Force Reserve makes history with expeditionary air wing in Peru 🇵🇪

Diego Alves By Diego Alves 08/07/2023 - 08:00 in Military, Military Operations

At the end of June 2023, an important milestone was reached when the United States "Air Force Reserve" (USAFR) established its first fully independent air expeditionary wing (AEW) in Peru.

With the critical mission of establishing an operational airfield, the USAFR contingency response team landed in Chiclayo to prepare the way for this historic moment. The 64ª Air Expeditionary Wing, led by Colonel Mike Leonas of the 442ª Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Base, Missouri, demonstrated exceptional adaptability and ingenuity, demonstrating USAFR's commitment to agility and integration of joint force.

The U.S. resources deployed for this occasion consisted of four A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft belonging to the 47º Fighter Squadron, a unit assigned to the 924º Fighter Group.

Operating for a month, the 64 AEW operated in three locations in Peru - Chiclayo, Lima and El Pato Air Base - in support of Patriot Fury, a sub-exercise within the multinational Resolute Sentinel '23. As part of USAFR's new Air Force Generation model, AEW used an A-Staff structure to improve cross-functional communication and seamless integration with joint force partners. This innovative approach allowed the ward to efficiently coordinate the essential functions directly under the ward commander, promoting flexibility and responsiveness.

A notable aspect of the deployment was the focus on Agile Combat Employment (ACE), a concept that emphasizes mobility and flexibility to provide enhanced options for joint force commanders. To make ACE a reality, USAFR encouraged the development of multi-faceted aviators, proficient individuals in various roles in addition to their original career fields. This multifunctional approach ensured that AEW could fulfill its mission objectives effectively in an expeditionary environment, supporting the elements of the ACE force.

Throughout the implementation, the aviators of the 64 AEW demonstrated their adaptability, assuming several functions in addition to their specialties. This desire to intensify and contribute in various capacities was a defining characteristic of the Rapid Dragon team. For example, U.S. Air Force firefighters provided critical training for both civilian firefighters at the local airport and Fuerza Aerea del Peru (FAP) personnel, demonstrating the spirit of collaboration and partnership.

One of the significant challenges faced by AEW was the availability of Jet-A fuel with specific additives needed for American aircraft. To overcome this obstacle, the U.S. military ingeniously emptied C-130 and C-17 cargo aircraft and took the necessary fuel for A-10 missions. This ingenious adaptation not only improved the combat capabilities of the AEW, but also highlighted its problem-solving ability and self-sufficiency in austere conditions.

An "exotic" SU-25 from FAP.

The centerpiece of the exercise was the deployment of four A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" of the 47º Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Base, Arizona. These A-10s, known for their robustness and firepower, participated in approximate air support and combat search and rescue missions alongside Peruvian pilots flying on SU-25 attack aircraft and KT-1 light attack aircraft. This cooperation exemplified AEW's commitment to promoting partnerships and strengthening military ties.

When the detachment came to an end, the aviators of the 64 AEW celebrated the success of the Resolute Sentinel '23 in a ceremony attended by leaders of the U.S. and Peruvian Air Forces. The occasion reinforced the shared commitment to excellence and forged a lasting partnership between the two nations.

Source: 442fw

Tags: Military AviationusaFAP - Peruvian Force Aerea / Peruvian Air ForceUSAF - United States Air Force / U.S. Air Force

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[the-nomadicone]

Ex. Resolute Dragon // United States Marine Corps

#United States Marine Corps #U.S. Marine Corps #USMC #Exercise Resolute Dragon #Ex. Resolute Dragon #Resolute Dragon #Resolute Dragon 2022 #3rd Marine Division #Kamifurano Training Area #Hokkaido #Japan #Barrett #Barrett M107 #sniper rifle #sniper #scout sniper #M107 #M107A1 #3rd MARDIV #military #armed forces #gunblr #III MEF #III Marine Expeditionary Force #3rd Marine Expeditionary Force

[hhcwirkung]

Easy Vape Tricks for Vaping Beginners

Vaping is having a triumphal return in popularity, as it aims to offer options to smoking cigarettes as well as a more enjoyable experience. At the very same time, it's rather tough to find tutorials for vaping newbies on the web.

Identifying the right e-liquid flavor, finding the correct power, and also using the very best accessories are simply a few referrals for newbies. However, understanding the art of vaping requires time, resolution, and also technique.

Common Vaping Techniques For Newbies

It might seem difficult to duplicate, but anyone can impress their pals with a couple of simple vape methods! Here are some very easy vape methods for newbies, whether you're simply beginning with vaping or looking to tip up your game:

Jellyfish Vape Trick

Jellyfish is one of the more one-of-a-kind vape techniques, making it a terrific way to flaunt your vape skills to newbies. This vape trick is relatively very easy and also calls for a thoroughly developed O-ring of vapor.

To do the method, beginning by taking a mild draw of vapor. When you start to breathe out gradually, contour your lips inward in the form of an O. After that, press your lips securely as you guide the vapor outwards in a compressed stream.

hhc wirkung

Ghost Inhale

Ghost inhale is a famous vaping technique that involves launching vapor by breathing in carefully and swiftly taking a breath out before it vanishes. To start, let the smoke sit in your mouth for a few minutes before pressing out a small amount with a short exhale. Keep the vapor in the center of your mouth and also promptly drink in more air, pulling the vapor in with it.

Dragon Breath

Dragon breath includes developing a thick vapor cloud and pushing it to your mouth and ears to simulate a dragon's breath. To do this trick, the customer must initially take a hit and also hold it in their lungs. Next, wait a few seconds as well as promptly exhale the vapor.

Barrel Roll

This technique produces a great visual and takes very little effort. To perform this method, place your lips around the mouth piece and also blow out a strong, single breath. Be sure to keep your lips steady to ensure an also flow of air to create the circle appropriately.

Twister Technique

The tornado trick is one of the simplest and also most outstanding vape tricks for novices. With your vape gadget, take a large, deep inhale and also gradually breathe out, utilizing your fingers to create a "cone" before your mouth or nose. You can readjust this vortex by altering the dimension of the cone and also the speed at which the vapor is expelled.

The Significance of Vaping Techniques for Beginners

Vaping methods are an important ability to find out as well as master as a newbie. Doing tricks can aid you come to be more innovative and also practice your vaping abilities. Obtaining competent with methods can additionally assist you comprehend much more about the vaping gadget, such as just how to choose the appropriate e-liquid, batteries, and also coils, and aid you obtain the most out of your vaping experience.

Exercise Standard Vape Methods to Enjoy Your Vaping Experience

Vape techniques can be frightening for beginners, however with time as well as technique, any individual can master them. Bear in mind that persistence is crucial; have fun, and don't be afraid to attempt more advanced methods. Attempt discovering and developing different methods to spruce up your vaping experience and show off your skills!

[mariacallous]

In his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 21, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh devoted much of the first half of his remarks to Mongolia’s dedication to internationalism and efforts to avoid war and conflict. Khurelsukh was laying out an independent Mongolian foreign policy that criticized Russian aggression against Ukraine—without directly mentioning the invasion. Since Mongolia’s democratic revolution and withdrawal of Soviet support, Mongolia has looked to the international community in its attempt to chart a foreign policy that maintains its independence from overbearing neighbors China and Russia. Ulaanbaatar’s approach may be a model for others in a new world of rival blocs.

The unprovoked and faltering Russian invasion of Ukraine has raised many questions about the direction of international relations. One of these questions centers on what kind of bloc may form around China and now-subservient partner Russia, especially in Asia. A realist perspective has led to expectations that few independent continental Asian countries will be able to resist Chinese pressure to fall in line with its leadership. To many experts, the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit was a confirmation of this Chinese leadership being projected into Central Asia as one battleground for bloc formation. But Central Asian nations are pushing back against the idea of inevitably being drawn into Beijing’s orbit. Another possibility is so-called active nonalignment being discussed in some South American and—in other versions—Southeast Asian circles.

Mongolia sits in a particularly precarious situation with China and Russia as its only neighbors, one that is sometimes described as sharing a bed with a bear and a dragon. The country is dependent on Russian energy as the sole supplier of fuel to Mongolia and the sole supplier of electricity to western Mongolia. China, meanwhile, absolutely dominates Mongolian trade by importing consumer goods and exporting Mongolian resources—primarily copper but also gold, coal, and other minerals.

As much as Mongolia has sought to chart its own course for the last three decades, the walls have been closing in as China and Russia’s partnership deepens. Since the mid-1990s, Mongolia has pursued a course that seeks to balance constructive relations with its two neighbors by intensifying relations with “third neighbors”—i.e., friends that share democratic commitments but also a market economy. These third neighbors include the United States, of course, a relationship that was formalized in a strategic partnership in 2019 and became a partner in the annual Khaan Quest military exercises that have been held in Mongolia since 2003. Will Mongolia continue to be able to pursue this independent foreign policy despite geopolitical shifts brought about by China’s ascendence and Russia’s aggression?

Initial signs this spring seemed to suggest that the days of Mongolian relations with its third neighbors were numbered. The government has yet to issue any kind of direct criticism of Russian aggression and abstained from various U.N. resolutions giving voice to such criticism. There are many prominent critics of Russian aggression, such as former Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj or former Prime Minister Mendsaikhany Enkhsaikhan, who often refer to the preponderance of minorities, such as Buryats, in Russia’s military. But a large portion of Mongolian elites not only speak Russian but are distinctly Russophile. Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, not only was Russian the main second language in Mongolia but elites often studied there. Today, many Mongolians are much more likely to seek higher education in third-neighbor countries. Interestingly, somewhat older pro-Russian voices have largely gathered on Facebook while vociferous critics have been more active on Twitter. But although the government has not embraced a position that is critical of Russian aggression, many conversations I had in Ulaanbaatar this summer suggested that abstaining on U.N. resolutions was actually a daring move as it indicated precisely that Mongolia was not easily falling into line with China and Russia.

Enter internationalism as Mongolia’s opportunity to maintain its independence and independent outlook. As emphasized by Khurelsukh in his speech, Mongolia has a long-standing history of internationalist commitments since its democratic revolution in 1990. “Mongolia has consistently pursued a peace-loving, open, multi-pillar, and independent foreign policy,” Khurelsukh asserted. The early highlight of these commitments was the declaration of a nuclear weapons-free status at the U.N. General Assembly in 1992, only one year after the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact.

In the past two decades, this commitment has expanded to active participation in peacekeeping operations. Specific initiatives, such as support to women peacekeepers, have further bolstered these commitments. In August, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres visited Mongolia and made many references to Mongolia’s contributions, including Khurelsukh’s campaign to plant 1 billion trees as a contribution to the fight against climate change.

Khurelsukh’s extended plea for dialogue as a resolution to conflict—a veiled reference to Russian aggression and Central Asian turmoil in the past month—reaffirms Mongolia’s desire to maintain an independent foreign policy in the face of pressure from its overbearing neighbors, a desire that deserves international and specifically U.S. support. As Khurelsukh said at the U.N. General Assembly, “In today’s complex reality, we should always strive to learn from the mistakes of the past, uphold mutual trust, understanding, and respect, and make every effort to resolve any misunderstanding, conflict or war by peaceful means and dialogue.”

Some third neighbors have already taken steps that suggest a new values-driven engagement of Asian neighbors to China and Russia. This year, Germany announced that it would restart foreign aid to Mongolia. Australia opened itself to Mongolians via working holiday visas.

One area for increased engagement by third neighbors and the United States would be energy security. As Europe struggles to free itself from energy dependence on Russia, the United States sits in a relatively comfortable position, having a secure domestic supply of hydrocarbons. Setting aside the enormous risks this supply poses to the world facing a climate emergency, Mongolia is reliant on Russian energy and its own coal supply. Yet, it has abundant potential for the development of alternative energies. Most obvious in this context is the 300 days of annual sunshine that most of the country enjoys and the low population density that would make industrial-scale deployment of solar power generation possible.

Yet, unlocking this potential and the additional possibility of becoming a significant exporter of energy to China and thus creating some leverage in economic relations requires enormous capital investments initially to build a smart power grid. The other possibility that has been highlighted by the Mongolian government is the development of hydropower. Notwithstanding the challenges that come with such megaprojects around consultations with local communities, the loss of rangelands, and the financing and logistics of construction itself, hydropower offers perhaps the most direct counter to Mongolian dependence on Russian power supplies.

Although not mentioned directly in Khurelsukh’s speech, U.S. and international support for alternative energy projects in Mongolia would provide an avenue to renew third-neighbor relations. After all, the potential of a growing confrontation with a China-Russia alliance calls for efforts to realize this partnership and further bolster Mongolia’s commitment to democracy and human rights as well as its independence.

The United States is currently strongly engaged with the Mongolia Water Compact that is focused on drinking water for Ulaanbaatar, the capital. A focus on enabling the development of an alternative energy sector could focus on drawing lessons from large-scale mining projects to address challenges around community responses to shrinking pasturelands. Although solar projects do not lead to big holes in the ground, they might demand extensive fencing, not least to keep livestock—still the backbone of Mongolian life for many families—out.

All this needs financing. The risk here is that China has the vehicles and market motivation to step in easily, so any other sources of international financing will in and of itself provide some balance.

When it comes to security considerations, it is important to give the Mongolian government some leeway for its decision-making. What may have looked like a lack of opposition to Russian foreign policy for the past six months from afar may actually have been as far as the government has been able to go in staking out a position critical of Russia. The next flash point may already be looming in the thousands of Russian men who have migrated to Mongolia to avoid conscription in the past weeks. Although the Mongolian government is already issuing them resident permits, what if Moscow demands their return? After all, ethnic Mongolians fleeing China have been returned, as have North Koreans who have made their way to Mongolia.

Mongolia can provide a model for how to engage the many countries that ring China and Russia in a time when they struggle to resist pressure from Beijing and Moscow. Mongolia may not be able to openly condemn its domineering neighbors—but that doesn’t mean it’s happy about them.

[georgemcginn]

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[nonotnolan]

Auld Lang Slime

There’s something about the week in between Christmas and New Year’s Eve that just really bums me out. I mean, the holidays are usually everything I want them to be, but then we just put so much pressure to try and improve ourselves. And everyone knows that a New Year’s Resolution won’t last for more than a week, but we still swear that we’re going to lose weight, or stop smoking, or finish that painting, or any number of other things that are never going to happen. I know I could do a better job at being healthy. The closest thing resembling exercise is the block and a half that I walk to take the subway to work. I have a lot of room for improvement. I just… don’t want to put in the effort, you know? And frankly, I only have so many hours in my day. I’m not going to burn five hours a week at the gym, even if it would be good for me. As long as I’m not the heaviest person on the street, I really don’t care.

But whenever New Year’s Eve rolls around, I feel guilty about it all over again. Especially today, when I bumped into Henry on my way to work. Henry and I go way back— we both skipped our High School Prom to play Dungeons and Dragons with the rest of our friends. I wouldn’t call Henry unhealthy, but he’s definitely a big guy. Or, at least, he was. If he hadn’t also recognized me, I would have assumed it was a case of mistaken identity. It looked like he had lost at least a hundred pounds. Seeing Henry walk with his head held high instead of crouched down with his shoulders slumped… it was wild to me. “Damn, Henry, you look great!” I said, giving him a playful punch in the arm. “How have you been?”

“Oh, you know… same old, same old. Just another day at the office,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “Okay, so I also started a fitness routine,” he added, seeing the expression on my face. “But really, Simon, it’s not a big deal. I rebalanced a few priorities in my life, that’s all.”

“That would explain why you haven’t logged onto Warcraft in five months,” I said, sounding more bitter than I had intended. It was one thing when I though that Henry was just playing some other new game. We all did that from time to time— when you’ve been playing an MMO for literal years, you have to take a break every now and then. But finding out that he was abandoning his hobbies, it felt like a betrayal somehow. Which was ridiculous, it was just a hobby. “Sorry, that sounded a lot worse than I intended,” I said. “I’m happy for you, really. You look great, and you can spend your time however you want.”

“Hey, I get it. And I do feel bad that I haven’t been able to spend more time with you. The rest of the guild, I haven’t known as long. Just… man, WoW was taking up so much of my time, you know? It was starting to feel more like a chore than a game. Something that I just did out of habit. And I’ve still been doing board game nights down at the Pawn & Pint, I promise I’m not suddenly some sort of bulging steroid hunk, or whatever. I’m still the same nerdy guy you grew up with… just, now I’m also a nerd who watches his food intake and goes to the gym, sometimes.”

That was an understatement. The more that I looked at him, the more my arousal grew. His dark green dress shirt hugged his new figure, but also hid his rippling muscles from a quick glance. His black dress slacks weren’t so form-fitting to tightly hug his ass, but there was still enough to suggest the outline of a sizable bulge. “I, umm… yeah, that’s awesome,” I said, realizing how long I had been staring at his junk in complete silence. I could feel my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I’m happy that you found a routine that works for you.”

“I didn’t know you were gay,” he said, looking at me with a knowing smirk. “You should have told me, we could have had some fun in college. Well, I guess I was still pretty heavy back then, I can’t blame you too much if I wasn’t your type. I wouldn’t have wanted to date me in High School, either.”

Oh God. He noticed me staring. I hadn’t felt this awkward since I tried to ask out Monica Peters to the Holiday Ball. “No, it’s not… it’s not that,” I said, giving him a half lie. He was right, there was no way I would have dated someone twice my weight, but that wasn’t the main issue. “I mean, you’ve met my parents. I didn’t grow up in the most welcoming of households. It took me a few years to admit to myself that I wasn’t straight, and a few more years to accept that I was gay. I’ve only just recently started downloading the dating apps to get my feet wet.” I plunged my hands into my coat pockets, feeling my cheeks burn even hotter. “It’s pretty intimidating, all of those shirtless men and their rippling muscles. I can’t blame them— if you’ve got it, flaunt it, I just… a-anyway, the point is, you didn’t miss out on anything in college.”

“Simon. Would you like to have a better body?” He held out his hand, as if he was offering to whisk me away inside of the subway car and take me on some sort of whirlwind fitness adventure. “If you’re willing to take the first step, I can help guide you through this journey.”

I paused, staring at his broad shoulders and the tight pull of the dress shirt across his chest. I thought about my daily schedule, the number of times I get home from work and just sink into the couch, the days each week I grab fast food instead of trying to cook something… it was tempting, but at the same time… it was going to be so much work. “I don’t know, Henry. I just don’t think I could do it. As much as I’d love to have a hot jock body, it seems like such a huge time commitment.”

Henry’s warm smile disappeared— to my shock, it had been replaced with a sinister looking grin. “The hard way, then. My favorite.” He grabbed me by my shirt, lifting me off of my feet as he pulled me closer. I had a brief moment to react to the heat of his breath before his lips locked around mine. His tongue started to explore my mouth, and I eagerly returned the kiss, letting my tongue dance and mingle with his. Instead, his tongue pushed past mine, forcing it down against the bottom of my jaw. I started gasping for breath as his tongue reached the back of my throat. His other hand grabbed the back of my head, lacing his fingers in between my hair. Something brushed against the back of my throat, triggering my gag reflex, but my head was being held in place by Henry’s meaty hand.

Something was horribly wrong. It was becoming harder to breathe, but no matter how hard I struggled, Henry’s firm grip held my head in place. His lips remained pressed against mine as his tongue crawled past my throat and into my body. It couldn’t have been his tongue, but nothing else made logical sense. Whatever the foreign intruder was, it was becoming harder and harder to breathe. I tried pressing my arms against his chest, but it was far too late, and I was far too weak. After what felt like an eternity, Henry lowered me back down onto the ground. I wanted to grab him, shake him, ask him what in the hell he thought he was doing… but my body was completely numb. No matter how much I tried to flail around, my body would not move.

“Simon, I’m so sorry.” Henry was wringing his hands, his hunched shoulders resembling the posture I was used to seeing. “I didn’t want him to… well, he’ll take good care of you, at least. And it will probably move on a few months from now. Call me when it’s over!” Henry retreated into the rail car, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the platform.

I stood there for what felt like an eternity, as people shoved their way past me on the way to work, or school, or… wherever it was they were going. I felt my head tilt from side to side, stretching my neck… only I wasn’t the one controlling it. “You belong to me now,” said my voice, as my body started to walk away from the subway. “I own you, and I’m not going to relinquish control until I’m done with you. You’re going to be taking a sick day from work, by the way. You’re going to need a gym membership, and I’m sure a frail guy like you doesn’t own any workout clothes.”

——————————————————————

As much as it sucks, being a passenger in your own body… I had to admit I could have done worse than a creature who consumed sweat for nourishment. I don’t know why the slime decided to pick me, instead of a more athletic body… perhaps the sweat created from burning fat was better than the sweat created by gaining muscle? It has access to all of my memories, but if it is able to hear my thoughts, it never bothers responding to me. Occasionally it uses my voice to speak out loud to itself, but that’s about the closest it comes to communicating with me. There are days where it feels like I barely exist anymore. I’m grateful for Henry’s occasional text message— the slime doesn’t reply back, but at least it reads them for me.

I can’t deny the progress its made with my body. I’ve gained at least 20 pounds of muscle in the past few months. I wish it hadn’t cut my hair so short, but it probably got tired of dealing with sweaty hair in my eyes. Henry told me it was in his body for about four months before it started shopping around for a new host, so I’ve got at least six more weeks to go. Six more weeks of immaculate personal fitness. I can’t wait to eat something other than chicken and rice. The first thing I’m going to do once I have control of my body again is eat an entire pizza. Still, though… even if I only keep up with half of the lifestyle habits this slime is making me do, I bet I can maintain this new body of mine pretty easily. And at the end of the day… I can’t help but think that the reward is worth the cost.

Maybe if you ask nicely, the slime could control you next?

#male body theft #male body possession #alien possession #slime possession #male possession #nerd to jock

[ladynearthelake]

New Year, New Start

Finally got my partner to watch season one of the Witcher for the first time while I wrote a thing about Jaskier getting the idea for Burn Butcher Burn. Think it turned out okay...

Check it out on AO3 here, or give it a read below...

Jaskier traced the rim of his mug as he contemplated tired metaphors. It was the first day of the new year, and also his birthday. He had a raging hangover from the evening before, his notebook laid out before him on the bar, and his head propped against his fist.

As he always did when he was writing, the bard fought his mind’s natural inclination to think of the Witcher. Jaskier shoved down that particular thought. It had been months since the dragon hunt fiasco, yet he still couldn’t think about it without pain flaring in his chest.

The dual cudgels of his birthday and the new year had roused his muse. In the months since the dragon hunt, Jaskier had found writing anything about it impossible. He wanted the song composed and perfected before the new year began. This inclination was a character building exercise that his parents had drilled into him as a young thing before he left home all those years ago. In the spirit of new beginnings and fresh starts and all that bull shit, a young nobleman should take the new year as a time for self improvement, contemplating the future, and overcoming bad habits such as pursuing the bardic arts.

It wormed around in the back of his head for weeks that if he didn’t finish the fucking song that it would really just be proof on all his failings, wouldn’t it? He could hear his mother’s disapproving tsks over his shoulder before he finally set to work on the stupid thing. He’d finished it with days to spare. And now it was done. The Golden One was finished. It wasn’t hanging over his head any longer. So at least that was one thing off his mind.

Jaskier had never given much thought to birthdays. When he was young, the day was marked with a clap on the back from his father and a backhanded compliment from his mother. Once he’d started traveling, the crowds and his patrons couldn’t care less about it, and the one person he might be interested in marking the day with was holed up in a remote keep somewhere in an impenetrable mountain range for the winter. There he went again. He huffed a frustrated laugh at himself. The stupid Witcher was never far from his thoughts.

Only once had Jaskier inquired after Geralt’s birth date. It became apparent very quickly that Geralt’s youth was not a topic for discussion. So, most January’s began with the bard nursing a headache, but counting his coin from a rousing year-end performance. This year, he happened to be nursing a broken heart as well.

‘Fucking hell,’ he muttered.

Jaskier hated admitting to himself just how hurt he had been at Geralt’s cruel dismissal. He hated thinking about just how long he waited on the mountain for Geralt to cool down. He thought he’d get a grunt of an apology, and they’d continue their journeys together.

It was foolish. Especially since one of those resolutions he’d made ages ago was to remember his worth independent of others. To his parents, he was their legacy. It took years for him to shake the guilt of leaving them for his own dreams. Decades later, when he heard raised voices, he still got that pit in his stomach that told him he was disappointing his parents.

Logically, Jaskier knew that Geralt’s words were shouted in anger, but they dredged up all that brain rot that Jaskier thought he had conquered. And, even worse, they were from the mouth of someone he loved, someone he thought at least cared for him. It became clear after a sleepless overnight stay on the mountainside that he had been wrong.

The bartender stopped by to refresh Jaskier’s ale and set the bowl of porridge he’d ordered in front of his notebook. The bard nodded his thanks before settling into his meal. He had haggled a week at the inn for nightly performances. The porridge settled his stomach, and the watered-down ale helped with his head. He would prefer to be a little less hungover during his set that night. He ran through the lyrics for The Golden One as he mechanically shoveled his breakfast down.

The Golden One was good. It was catchy, and it let him belt when he wanted to really get into the pageantry of it all. He performed it last night and was able to get through it without dwelling on the events behind the song. But he still felt the itch of inspiration.

And how disappointing had that feeling been. Even purged through song, fucking Geralt of Rivia was still there, running around in his subconscious, breathing life into his art.

Asshole.

Jaskier was humming his latest tune when the inn’s door opened, letting in the chill January air. He peered over his shoulder at the newcomers. They stomped their boots free of snow at the door and began the laborious process of pulling off their outer layers, gloves, and scarves. They looked innocent enough to Jaskier’s eyes. After hearing of Cintra’s sacking and Nilfgaard’s temporary defeat at Sodden, he had ran as far north as he could get before winter hit. He wasn’t completely confident in the information that Nilfgaard had been pushed back. Nor was he completely confident in the information about who had been seen in Cintra days before it fell.

Ever present, that godsdamn witcher.

Not above listening in, Jaskier hunched further over his meal and kept an ear out as the pair took a table to his left. Cintra and Sodden were mentioned almost immediately, and the bard focused his full attention as discreetly as possible on their hushed conversation.

As he listened, Jaskier wondered if he shouldn’t set a new year’s resolution to mind his own business. He listened as the pair discussed their improbably survival at Sodden Hill. He listened as they described wandering the battlefield after the fighting in shock that they managed to survive. He listened as they mentioned an all too familiar man leading an all too familiar horse with a fair-haired and green-eyed young woman riding her.

Jaskier listened, and he felt an anger burn in his chest. His eyes grew hot, but he managed to tamp down any emotion that threatened to rise to the surface. He pushed back his bowl and tossed back the last of his ale. He set a few coins on the bar as tip before taking his notebook back up to his room.

It was irrational. On a fundamental level, Jaskier knew his anger was irrational. If anything, he should be pleased. Geralt finally took responsibility for his child surprise. Impossibly, they had both survived the slaughter of Cintra. And yet Jaskier wanted to break every piece of furniture in his room to splinters.

The traitorous voice in the back of his mind settled in just by his ear. It whispered that even braving the wholesale destruction of the Jewel of the North was preferable to a trip to the coast with a foolish bard.

‘Petty,’ he said as he scrubbed at his eyes.

Weak, the voice said. Wanting.

‘Fuck off,’ he hissed to himself. He threw his notebook on the desk before picking up the mug sat there. With all his strength, he sent it crashing against the wall. It shattered, leaving a splash of water and a dent in the wood.

Jaskier took a single deep breath and let himself live in his anger. He let it ripple across his skin, flashing like fire. His muse shoved the other voice aside; its voice deep and familiar.

‘A fresh start,’ Jaskier said to his room. ‘A year older. A new chapter full of tired metaphors.’

The bard ran his hands over his face, noting his days worth of stubble. His muse loomed. His selfish anger burned.

Jaskier sat at the desk and opened his notebook to a blank page. At the top, he wrote the germination of his next masterpiece.

I hear you’re alive… How disappointing.

#the witcher #the witcher season 2 #the witcher spoilers #Jaskier