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Africa Rework: The Leopard of the Congo Mobutu Sese Seko

2023.05.29 13:39 Johnny_Boy398 Africa Rework: The Leopard of the Congo Mobutu Sese Seko

Africa Rework: The Leopard of the Congo Mobutu Sese Seko
(This is part of an ongoing series, links to which will be posted in the comments below)
The Nationalists of the “Mouvement Authenticité de la Révolution” (MAR)
Who is Mobutu Sese Seko? Just another warlord who got a lucky break? A champion of the nation willing to do what is necessary for unity and freedom? A traitor to the people who was happy to crack congolese heads until his pay got cut? A revolutionary Father-Marshal or a reactionary kleptocrat? No one can say for sure, but when the Congo war begins in 1966 it will become clear what he wishes himself to be: the great liberator, unifyer, and undisputed master of the great Congo nation. And with Japanese help he may just pull it off. But no man is born great, and even the Fuhrer does not rule alone. So let us discover how Mobutu came to be, and what his victory will mean for the Congo and Africa at large.
For the Japanese, who will become his greatest supporters and headaches, he is the African Oda Nobunaga: a martial and cruel man whose vision for unity and glory far outweighs whatever sins he may have committed. Always one for the cameras and adept at winning over an audience, Mobutu will successfully win over the Japanese public by playing the role of the justly tyrannical “Great Man”, even while he personally prefers western delicacies.
Joseph-Désiré Mobutu lived an unremarkable life before being thrust into greatness. He was only 16 when the Congo was violently transferred from Belgian to German hands, and like many rebellious students he joined in the 1949 protests against the construction of the Congo dam, stowing away from boarding school to do so. In the aftermath of the MNC repression Mobutu was assigned to the still technically Belgian controlled Force Publique as punishment. Unlike many of his fellows however Mobutu immediately took to military life, embracing the strength, discipline and martial values it provided. In part because of this he served without noticeable disobedience, and was even bribed to be an informant on clandestine communist cells within the force, ratting out a few of his “comrades”. From the point of view of the Belgians he was a model soldier. But this was an act: in truth Mobutu never ceased holding resentment for his arrogant Belgian commanders or the priests who had “educated” him. Behind their back he was a contributor to the native underground press, writing under assumed names and attacking the Belgian presence. It came as quite a shock then when in 1955, as his mandated time in the force was drawing to a close, Mobutu did not accept demobilization quietly but instead went into revolt. It is still a matter of debate about what pushed him into this. He claims that this had been the plan all along, while cynics say the impending annexation of the belgian Congo by Zentralafrika forced him into it. Some think that his double life was about to be exposed, while the more conspiratorial leftists say that he never went into rebellion at all, and that his “revolt” was ordered by the Belgians as a way to counter the APL insurgency. But whatever the case it was here that the public figure was born.
After killing several belgian officers and stealing as many weapons and valuables as they could Mobutu and his co-conspirators quickly fled east. This was not entirely unusual: the sudden annexation of the colony led to many sporadic demonstrations and revolts. But it immediately became clear that Mobutu had larger ambitions than these local disturbances. His strategy at this time was one of survival: he would only accept those who could move fast and hit hard, with his armed band always staying on the move as they fled to the east. But unlike other petty warlords he understood the importance of a political and social message for his long term survival, as well as local alliances. For this he essentially copied the platform of the now underground MNC while adhering to none of its tenants in reality: he would tell the people whatever they wanted to hear so long as it got him what he wanted. More practically he made tight alliances with local eastern notables as well as Tutsi refugees which had fled reprisals to the east. In this he was successful, forging for himself a loose alliance in the north east which permitted him to slip the noose where so many others were eventually caught.
One of his most important lieutenants in these early days was Victor Nendaka Bika, his de facto “foreign minister” and torturer who would make initial contact with those Mobutu saw the need to coerce or charm. Unlike many warlords Mobutu never gave into the temptation to rule by fear alone, instead seeking to co-opt useful men into his own organization. But he was just as happy to let loose his jackal to show the consequences of disloyalty.
These early years from 1956-1962 were defined at first by mere survival: banditry, illegal trade and bribery were the only ways to stay alive. But slowly, with plenty of self promotion to help it, Mobutu’s reputation as a survivor and a winner grew locally, and then regionally. As the remnants of failed rebels and warlords drifted into his growing camp Mobutu was able to step beyond being a bandit king and into becoming a local powerbroker. He had already made himself the allied protector of the Tutsi refugees, and soon after the APL’s protracted people's war in the north began he sought to become the patron of his own native Ngbandi people as well. Where he had the most power in the eastern fringes the pan-Africanist APL held the north, with the Ngbandi in the middle still “up for grabs” between the APL, Mobutu and the German administration. It is here that he first developed his own separate political platform: unwilling or unable to come to an agreement with either of the other two factions Mobutu began developing his own ideology of an “authentic” congolese nationalism which was opposed to both pan-african and communist radicalism, “self defeating” regionalism and demanded the full liberation of the congo from european imperialism. But most importantly to those who heard his call was for unity under Mobutu: if the African people remained divided and timid they would be slaves forever, and only a great leader like Mobutu could bring them true liberty. As one may expect, this call for subordination won him very few new friends.
The see-saw of influence in the Congo north and east is set to be radically upended in 1962, as kommissar Krogmann finally thinks he has enough stability in the west to launch a pacification campaign. In this he will be superficially successful: all anti-German factions will be forced to retreat and large swaths of land will be returned to German control. But it will not accomplish its primary objective of capturing and killing the leadership: Mobutu will once again avoid the hangman and will return when the Zentralafrika army goes marching south to the SAW. And when he does it will be with a new purpose. Much of his army was scattered or deserted by the German offensive, with many of the local allies he thought were in his hands all but begging to come to terms with the Germans after he was forced out. He had survived yes, but only by the skin of his teeth: this time he would do things differently. Taking lessons from the APL he will return in 1964 as a popular revolutionary rather than as a mere warlord with a printing press. Though still not fully developed it is here that “Joseph-Désiré” would become “Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa za Banga” or “The all-powerful warrior who, because of his endurance and inflexible will to win, goes from conquest to conquest, leaving fire in his wake”. A new ideology of “Authentic” nationalism came with this new name, seeking to truly win over the hearts of the people as well as the loyalty of their leaders. It was a threat and a promise, as he would go about tearing down symbols of westernism in his wake and giving personal “gifts” to people or organizations which he wished to win over. He also sought to portray himself as an avenging angel, throwing “bad actors” such as denounced priests and hated collaborators against the wall.
This new ideology, disseminated through the “Manifesto of Goma” is long in emotion and short in concrete policy. As such it was quickly denounced by the intellectuals of the Pan-Africanists and Liberals as not a “real” ideology and merely a cheap populism. But it is taken deadly seriously by the newly declared Mouvement Authenticité de la Révolution: for its supporters it promises a true rebirth of the congolese people from within rather than without. The Congo would be purged of malignant western influence by remaking the congolese individual in body, mind and spirit. This was the way to true freedom and dignity, far more than mere “material conditions” or to ape their constitutions.
With his newfound identity and strategy Mobutu will of course be a prime target for Huttig’s retribution, but as is always the case too few men and not enough supplies will stop Huttig from ever putting him down for good. Plus Mobutu had found a new friend: the Japanese. In the immediate aftermath of Huttig’s takeover the Japanese will support the APL, but will quickly grow disenchanted: the naked radicalism and distrustful nature of the APL will lead to the Japanese looking for a more reliable partner, and Mobutu will aggressively angle to become just that. After having been rejected by the Americans in favor of the MNC Mobutu is the only big game left in the Congo for Japan to back, and was always a master at co-option and personal magnetism. He will charm the Japanese mission to sing his praises in Tokyo, even if there is little they can do for him at the moment. This will change when Huttig dies: taking a gamble Mobutu will strike at Stanleyville, successfully forcing the retreating garrison to leave behind most of their weapons and capturing an airport through which he will finally have solid connections with the outside world. The bad blood between him and the MNC and APL will mean that there is no choice but to fight it out as the Congo war begins in 1966, this time with Japan backing him to the hilt.
Mobutu now seeks to become a legend. Already having gained a personal mythos after having been declared dead by the Germans several times, his wartime strategy will be to force the mass mobilization of the population. Under his personal name and with the backing of Japan he will force every man who comes under his control into his army, seeking to form a tidal wave of men which will overwhelm his enemies and make up for his lack of supply. If an enemy cannot be rooted out with simple force of numbers, it will be the job of his all Ngbandi “Leopard Division” or even better of Japanese “volunteers” to root them out. The success of this strategy is heavily dependent on momentum, and will rely on Japanese backing to arm itself. But if it is successful Zentralafrika will be no more, and neither will the Congo: The Republic of Zaire will rise as the newest power in Africa under the leadership of the nation's great guide: Mobutu Sese Seko. After a partial demobilization and a reconfirming of his alliance with “internal allies” such as the Tutsi under François Rukeba and the Bakongo under Holden Roberto he will initiate a grand campaign of national revolution and self aggrandizement: Zairianization.
Asian inspired architecture of the newly built Presidential Palace. Among those celebrating the creation of Zaire will be the Japanese. All sides have poured a great deal of resources into the conflict, and the victory of Mobutu will doubtless be a strategic boon for Japanese influence on the continent. Mobutu for his part recognizes the usefulness of his new “friends”, but neither side is blinded by the propaganda: the dangers and opportunities of Nationalism are all too familiar.
As mentioned in my previous post there are several common issues which any native unifyer must account for. The first among these is The Looming Famine: in the aftermath of years of war and mismanagement the supply of food to urban areas is critically unstable. And it is in this issue that the weaknesses of Mobutu’s regime will first be seen. Mobutu’s agricultural reform centers mostly on seizing land owned by the whites and his political enemies, and then redistributing it to himself, his political allies, and occasionally to the people. As everything with the Zairean revolution the purpose is twofold: to meet the needs of the people and to entrench Mobutu's personal political power. But often the second goal far outstrips the first: many of the people who gain this land do not know how to use the land productively, or if they do, are more interested in producing cash crops than they are in food staples. This is certainly the case for the massive amounts of land brought under Mobutu’s personal ownership, which will most often continue to grow the same way as the colonial plantations they were before. This reckless reorganization and focus on exports ensure that hunger will be an early and acute crisis for Zaire. The issue will be solved slowly, as roads are repaired and the rhythm of agricultural life is no longer disrupted by war, but the people need food now and more than anything else it is cassava and rice which the people demand from their leaders.
It is by meeting this need that Japanese influence first becomes a powerful thing. Though motivated in part by genuine charity from well off Asians, the provision of food and aid is also cynically used by the Japanese state to buy the support of the people and the local power brokers away from Mobutu, and towards themselves. This aid, plus the government's own subsidies of food imports, plus the natural healing from war, will lead to the crisis fading away but leaving all sides on notice that the future of Zaire is still being made, and that the Japanese are a major player in it.
The Mutilated Independence: The inability of Mobutu to take Leopoldville during the independence war is a blow to Mobutu’s prestige, not to mention Zaire as a whole. However he is pragmatic enough and has enough friends in Japan to hash out a deal with Nigeria and Gabon: the loss of the major port will not strangle Congolese exports or imports, only make them more expensive. But for both political and economic reasons the retaking of Leopoldville and the Kabinda port remain absolutely vital to the continued reign of Mobutu. To this end Mobutu’s solution to retaking Leopoldville is direct conquest, not because he can think of no other option but because it will give him the greatest personal prestige as a great conqueror. As such along with his policy of “Zairianization” and economic consolidation he will also invest a great deal into the army.
This army will see its strength tested as Mobutu tries to expand his influence beyond the Zaireian borders. Gabon may be protected by America, but unleashing blitz style attacks on Angola and Rwanda is fair game. In Angola he will seek to set up Holden Roberto as a fellow autocratic “Authenticité” leader by supporting his meager army against the warring angolan factions in an attempted knockout blow. In Rwanda he will need to be somewhat more cautious (unless something very bad happens) but ultimately seeks to return Kigeli V to the throne on the backs of his long time exile allies. In this way he will both expand his influence as well as surround Leopoldville with friendly regimes. When the oil crisis hits Mobutu will leap at the opportunity to crush the Germans by launching an all out assault on “Festung Leopoldville”, and if successful will greatly increase his prestige, as well as rehabilitate his image in the eyes of other revolutionary leaders as a “true revolutionary”. If he fails in these wars however he will decline, and need to lean ever more heavily on Japan to prop himself up. This is somewhat awkward for Japan itself: having previously backed leftist movements as their best options they must now choose between their old allies and the new anti-leftist gambles taken by Mobutu. But despite the heartburn Zaire is simply too valuable in the african chaos for Japan to not continue supporting it, and so the rising sun shall backstab their allies in the name of pragmatism to the benefit of Mobutu. And besides, these new factions typically promess a better deal than the socialists did.
Mobutu walks a fine line in African politics: though he has denounced the APL’s brand of pan-africanism he also wishes to be seen as a great revolutionary. Surrounded as he is by pan-african or otherwise revolutionary movements it is only good sense to say you are one of them. And to many Mobutu is just that: a liberating revolutionary who both freed and united great swaths of africa from pernicious white influence. But for the wider Marxist inspired world of African liberation his clear anti-communist is difficult to accept, no matter how well he speaks the language of pan-african pride.
Lingering Regionalism: In this question Mobutu is the most radical, and his policy is what you may know him for OTL. While all revolutionaries desire to establish a united identity, and some of them will do so by autocratic centralization, Mobutu makes the establishment of a “true” Zaireian nation a core part of his rule. As established in the Manifesto of Goma Mobutu promesses a national revolution in which regionalism will be swept away by a new, authentic program of nation building which will decolonize the Congolese mind as well as their hands. In practical terms this means the creation of a totalitarian state which will regulate and make “african” all aspects of life. Western influence will be attacked via the banning of christian names and nationalizing catholic church property. A citizen dress code will be implemented as well as a “traditional” family code which will favor male-dominated polygamy and property laws. Though his own praetorian guard of the leopard division is tribally biased the army as a whole will have a new organization forbidding any unit to be more than 20% uniform in tribal origin. This campaign is carried out with special zeal against the influence of Catholicism. Seeing it as both a challenge to his own power and as a malignant foreign influence Mobutu will make a great show of putting priests on trial and instructing his followers to declare that Mubutu is like Jesus and the MAR like the church. Schools, previously run almost exclusively by religious organizations, will be nationalized and their curriculum no longer permitted to teach Christianity but instead to teach “Mobutuism”. Though he will not have the strength needed to wipe out the church entirely during the 60s or early 70s Mobutu will be able to effectively cow this institution and dare any priest to say “sacrilege”.
This campaign will provide a degree of unity, pride and self confidence to the shattered nation beyond what any other program could do, but it is all provided through the image of Mobutu as the great sun king of the new nation. Mobutu will seek to become the center of a pseudo-religious cult of personality with mass public celebrations of his figure following him wherever he goes and an entourage singing songs in his praise.
A consequence of the personalism in this campaign is than any embarrassing failures will not only reflect poorly on the nation but on Mobutu himself. As such he will often get worked up by seemingly trivial matters: if the football team should be lucky enough to participate in the world cup they will do so under the threat that if they do not perform well enough it will see retribution on them at home.
But as part of building this cult he must never let any other person, even his own children, get a moment in the spotlight. Below him is transient chaos, while above him is none: he alone is the rock on which Zaire can be built. This policy is most clearly seen in his handling of the Warlord Plague. Here Mobutu has a two sided policy: All those military figures which he believes could pose a threat to his rule will at first be executed publicly and brutally. In the opening months of his reign he will institute a mini reign of terror to make an example of many warlords and political enemies. However, once the example has been made he will move on to a policy of co-opting these same men. Often through direct bribery, or through positions of prestige and other perks, local strongmen who will accept his rule are brought into the state machine by promising the opportunity to profit in exchange for loyalty. This opportunity is often revoked without notice or reason and personal rivalry at the top is encouraged: in this way no other individual is able to form a stable powerbase. But at the same time individuals previously kicked out of power may be rehabilitated just as quickly, rising once again to wealth and prestige on the auspices of Mobutu’s favor. In this way no elite is a permanent outsider, and the best move for many will seem to be “wait and see”. This of course makes the internal administration of the nation hell, but it does keep Mobutu in undisputed power without even the glimmer of a rival.
This policy of personal co-option extends even to The Belgian Question. The Europeans remaining property will be nationalized and they will be deported, but it will not come with the punitive brutality of the pan-africanists. Mobutu has no love for the Belgians, and will not tolerate their continued dominance, but he also has no special hatred for them, seeing them mostly as political liabilities and rivals rather than ideology defining enemies: that distinction goes to the Germans. But after this show of nationalistic force the door will be left open to their return: many of the nationalized properties are redistributed to those without the knowledge, skill or desire to maintain their productivity. As such when those same Europeans are offered the chance to buy back their property or even return to the Congo Mobutu will not get in their way: so long as they avoid getting lynched along the way by Mobutu’s notoriously brutal and poorly disciplined soldiers he will let them have their piece too so long as they accept that it is by his grace alone that they keep it.
Part of this leniency is out of a calculated mercy to Europeans: Mobutu is smart enough to know that making himself solely reliant on Japan is a poor strategy, and will seek to make connections with America, Italy and Brazil. Having mercy on the Belgians and keeping the door open to cooperation with the Euros is an easy way to mollify western opinion and thus maintain his own independence on the world stage. Of course even this policy has limits: Germany and those under her will see the door slammed shut.
Which brings us neatly into the great struggle which defines the early Mobutu regime: addressing the Economic Devastation. In keeping with his Authenticité program Mobutu wishes to nationalize all previously foreign owned industry, which is the vast majority of all industry, under the one-party state. These national corporations, modeled off of the Japanese Zaibatsu and Italian corporatism, will be either controlled directly by Mobutu, by his close political allies, or (to his own displeasure) by East Asians, most often the Japanese. Mobutu’s Japanese backers are willing to prop up his regime, to allow whatever social and political organization he wishes, but they have come to the Congo for a reason. That reason is money and resources, and with Authenticité pushing for the cartelization of all money in the Congo the Japanese demand to be let in. Mobutu cannot simply dismiss them: it is Japanese credit and weapons which ensure he stays secure and on top. But he is also unwilling to simply roll over for them: he is a nationalist and a deeply ambitious man, and will not be satisfied with anything less than personal ownership of the Zaire economy. As such the 60s and early 70s will be a contest between true Mobutu loyalists and pro-Japanese opportunists for who will gain a majority share of the new nation's economic resources. Japan offers cash, guns, food, technical advisors and diplomatic support (all of which Zaire really needs) in return for shares in the national corporations and local extractions. They will also play dirty by employing bribes, intimidation tactics, organized crime and even clandestine support of anti-mobutu civil resistance to put pressure on the regime to open up more space for the Japanese. To counter this Mobutu has all the tools of the state at his disposal, as well as the mobilization of his own hard core group of supporters for intimidation or political pressure on local leaders.
“Kazi ndjo baba, ndjo mama” (work, it is my father, it is my mother), is a common phrase in Katanga which alludes to the paternalist role played by large companies such as the Union Minière, which would provide housing, education, and sometimes even wives to their workers in exchange for productive loyalty. Even after the full German takeover “company work” maintained a facade of this relationship. Japan is well positioned to take up the old Union Minière paternalism tactics, offering workers higher and more regular pay than what native organizations sometimes can, while also reinforcing a culture of dependency which Mobutu is trying to break (or bend to his own ends).
It is this contest for the hard cash and rare metals provided by the Congo which will determine the final form the Authenticité regime takes. If Mobutu is victorious and secures the lion's share of the economy for himself and a large enough share for his allies the Zairean Revolution will be complete with major bonuses to stability and political power, and even more importantly to Mobutu’s personal fortune. Though never giving public access to his personal books Mobutu will be plausibly rumored to be worth billions, with he and his family being some of the foremost african business people in the world and minor celebrities in the co-prosperity sphere. However the economy will suffer greatly from this as all economic efficiency and business skill has been sacrificed in the name of Mobutu’s personal power: though he is the undisputed master of Zaire it will be a deeply dysfunctional country economically, and if commodity prices were to fall he may need to go crawling back to the outside world to bail him out. On the other hand if Japan wins Zaire will become a neo-colonial strip, with its most lucrative industries owned in part or in full by the Japanese and the state unable to do anything about it without critically undermining its own elite support. This will make Mobutu into only a multi-millionaire rather than a billionaire, as well as undermine his public image of all powerful invincibility. With the Japanese ambassador keeping a hawkish eye on him and his party Mobutu will be left to stew in his unhappy lot knowing that if he ceases to play the part assigned to him the Japanese can always find someone else. This will also be the end of the Authentice campaign as even uneducated workers can see that their bread comes not from “Father Marshal” but from their places of work, owned by foreigners once again. But it is arguably better economically, as the extractive industries are at least run competently and its workers will be paid in full and on time more often. In all cases Zaire will be a sphere observer, but in this case it will be a part of the Japanese economic sphere as well. The later 70s and 80s will be difficult times for either end as prices crash and the cumulative effects of bad government and foreign domination come to the fore. But that is a story for another day.
Japan or Mobutu, success or failure, unity or farce, one thing remains constant: the Zairean military officers are the new nobility of the new nation. Corruption is an endemic and potentially crippling issue in Zaire, and this is seen most clearly in the military, where officers will steal wages and army units will act close to bandits in the more remote regions, creating an atmosphere of fear. But the best position is that of an Air Force officer, with prominent families often paying through the nose for their sons to be educated in Japanese military academies to earn their wings.
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2023.05.29 12:28 After_Egg584 I Ching and ADHD

This video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IedbibnQLT0&t=42s from SASardonic referenced something important: the use of the ancient Chinese oracle known as the I Ching, or Book of Changes, for good personal mental hygiene. After watching it, I was reminded that I've gotten far better and more consistent guidance from the I Ching over the years than I have from the various therapists I've worked with. Backstory: ADHD and childhood PTSD.
This morning I asked the oracle an open-ended question ("What do I need to know about the period of time from now to my next discussion with you?") and got the response below. I'm quoting from DeKorne's commentaries https://www.jamesdekorne.com/GBCh/GBCh.htm because these are, for me anyway, more insightful than other commentaries in shedding light on the internal psychological realm, the realm of mental balance and health (as opposed to the external realm of people and places and situations encountered). The quoted material makes my point on this, I think. My condensed paraphrases, in italics below, are less eloquent than DeKorne's but quicker to read if you are in a hurry:
60: Lighten up; consciously choose an upbeat, even irreverent attitude in response to obstacles and restrictions.
Changing line 5: Listen to yourself. You know when you are pushing your capacities too far.
19: Make progress. Accept that there will be setbacks. Contribute anyway. "Amor fati."
I'd be interested to hear what other people have experienced in terms of self-therapy and sustaining mental health via the I Ching ... or perhaps I should say "what others have experienced in terms of using the I Ching as a therapist."
((quoted material from https://www.jamesdekorne.com/GBCh/GBCh.htm follows:))
Hexagram 60: Restrictive Regulations
NOTES AND PARAPHRASES
Judgment: Restrictive Regulations are necessary for growth, but severe restriction must itself be limited.
The Superior Man differentiates his options in relation to the goals of the Work.
The Work itself is nothing if not a rigid structure imposed upon one's life -- a "restrictive regulation" of the ego's illusion of freedom of choice. Ordinary people insist that their lives are ordered by the intelligent exercise of free will, but this "freedom" is more commonly just a rationalization for the activity of autonomous complexes. No one can look objectively at the current state of the world and seriously claim that it reflects either rational order or balanced perception. Collective human experience on this planet is determined by the whims of archetypal forces expressing themselves through the unconscious psyches of six-billion people.
The Work then, is a restrictive regulation of these autonomous forces -- it is a limitation, a containment of the expression of instinct and desire. We are reminded of the alchemical vessel which is hermetically sealed to prevent its contents from escaping before they have been transmuted into gold. If the alchemist miscalculates his "methods of numbering and measurement" the vessel becomes a kind of bomb: the seal breaks, the contents explode, and the Work is ruined. This is what is meant by "if the regulations are severe and difficult, the course of action will come to an end." If we restrict the contents of the vessel beyond their capacity for confinement the psyche boils over in some degree of rebellion. This is no minor thing -- depending on the circumstances, severe psychotic reactions can be created in this manner.
On the other hand, the ego thinks that all but the most minor restrictions are severe and difficult, and it is constantly on the verge of rebellion. As always, it is the Self which must determine how far the restrictive regulations can be taken. From its perspective outside of spacetime it is best able to determine how much pressure the psyche can take -- frequently it is far more (or sometimes far less) than the ego thinks possible.
The Confucian commentary observes: "We see a cheerful attitude directing the course amidst peril." This refers to the lower trigram of Cheerfulness encountering the upper trigram of Peril or Danger. The restrictions of the Work are more often than not unpleasant and risky, constantly verging on some kind of an explosion. An attitude of cheerful acceptance enables one to survive these difficult trials. This is an extremely important concept, because without it one can all too easily fall into a suicidal despair. The Work can become an impossible burden unless one learns how to approach stress and hardship with an almost irreverent sense of humor. (This in itself is an essential lesson about how to purge the ego of its myopic notions of what it will and will not "accept" in life.)
There is an old Zen proverb that says: "Hell, also, is a place to live in." The message is clear: be of good cheer, because without it you are sure to fail.
((Changing line 5 commentary:))
Editor: If we don't impose restrictions on ourselves, we are not likely to influence others to do so: "Handsome is as handsome does." In many contexts, the line can suggest a situation in which one may advance only by clearly differentiating its inherent limitations.
But animals which live in pure nature never overdo anything, neither sex nor food nor anything else, because their patterns of behavior always impose the right measure and the moment to stop. The moment to start and the moment to stop is all built into their behavioral system, which is why Jung always said that animals were much more pious and religious than man because they really obey their inner order and really follow the meaning of what they are meant to be, never going beyond that.
M.L. Von Franz -- Alchemical Active Imagination
A. Equitable discipline advances the Work.
B. By recognizing innate difficulties within the situation one is enabled to proceed pragmatically.
C. Maintain realistic expectations in the matter at hand.
Hexagram 19: Approach
NOTES AND PARAPHRASES
Judgment: Two steps forward are followed by one step backward.
The Superior Man remains true to the Work regardless of fluctuations within the psyche.
The meaning of Approach is derived from the two dynamic lines advancing from below to encounter the magnetic lines above. These two are firm allies, and the action of the superior man in the Image suggests that their ascent is one of benevolent regard for the welfare of their subordinates -- only the third line need change for the hexagram to become number eleven, Harmony. We are reminded of the proper relationship between the ego and the Self -- when they advance together, the magnetic forces in the rest of the psyche are eventually transformed.
This hexagram recognizes the inevitably slow progress of the Work (" Rome wasn't built in a day"), and that advances are always followed by retreats. The point is that if one maintains the will to advance, one can be confident that the Work is advancing, regardless of appearances.
(Confucius) tried his best, but the issue he left to Ming. Ming is often translated as Fate, Destiny or Decree. To Confucius, it meant the Decree of Heaven or Will of Heaven ... Thus to know Ming means to acknowledge the inevitability of the world as it exists, and so to disregard one's external success or failure. If we can act in this way, we can, in a sense, never fail. For if we do our duty that duty through our very act is morally done, regardless of the external success or failure of our action.
Fung Yu-Lan -- A Short History of Chinese Philosophy
Without changing lines, the hexagram suggests a progressive advance in the matter at hand. Nature being what it is however, no advance can be sustained indefinitely and an eventual regression can be expected. (This observation is such a truism that we must assume it is more than usually applicable to the current situation.)
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2023.05.29 11:20 BinaryGuy01 Solo travel, 2-week itinerary check : Tokyo > Hakone > Osaka > Hiroshima > Nagoya

Hi there. This is my first solo travel, ever! First time coming to Japan, too.
I'm mostly interested in Japanese culture, nature, history, and art. Here's my first, rough itinerary. Any feedbacks are welcome, thanks in advance!
It'll be in late July, and since many people say Japanese summer can be unbearable - well, So I'll be sure to bring an umbrella and a bunch of drinks, and bring moisture-wicking clothes / other summer wear to defend myself from the heat.
Since I'm traveling solo, I'll only bring one big backpack, a carry-on luggage, and a sling bag.
19 Jul 23 - Flight to Haneda
Tokyo
22:30 - Arrive at Haneda
23:30 - 00:00 - Check in at Hostel & rest
20 Jul 23 - Tokyo
09:00 - Check out from Hostel
10:00 - 10:30 Travel to Ueno station, leave baggage at coin locker
10:30 - 12:00 - National Museum of Nature and Science
12:00 - 14:00 - Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
14:00 - 16:00 - Gojoten-jinja Shrine, The Ueno Royal Museum
16:00 - 16:15 - Travel to Akihabara
16:30 - 17:30 - Akihabara Radio Kaikan
17:30 - 19:00 - GyuKatsu Ichi-ni-san Dinner
19:00 - 20:00 - Travel to hostel at Jimbocho, Check in
20:00 - 22:00 - Jimboco bar hopping
22:00 - 22:30 - Return to hostel, rest
21 Jul 23 - Tokyo
08:30 - 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 - 12:00 - National Museum of Modern Art
12-00 - 14:00 -The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
14:00 - 14:30 Travel to Shinjuku
14:30 - 16:00 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
16:00 - 18:00 Isetan Shinjuku
18:00 - 21:00 Omoide Yokocho
21:00 - 22:00 Return to Jimbocho
22:00 - 22:30 - Return to hostel, rest
22 Jul 23 - Mt Fuji
(Note : Will be staying at Hakone, not Gotemba.)
Tokyo
07:00 - 07:30 - Checkout from hostel, depart to Shinjuku
07:30 - 08:00 - Odakyu Highway Bus from Shinjuku to Gotemba
Gotemba
10:00 - Arrive at Gotemba. Find a coin locker and leave luggage.
10:00 - 13:00 - Travel to Lake Kawaguchi
13:00 - 16:00 - Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park
16:00 - 19:00 - Oshino Hakkai, Tōenji Temple
19:00 - 20:00 - Oshino Hakkai to Gotemba via Bus
Hakone
20:00 - 21:00 - Gotemba to Hakone via Bus, check in at hostel
21:00 - 22:00 - Dinner at hostel. rest
23 Jul 23 - Hakone
Hakone
07:00 - 08:00 - Breakfast at Hostel
08:00 - 10:00 - Hakone Shrine
10:30 - 13:00 - Hakone Open-Air Museum
13:00 - 14:00 - lunch near Hakone Open-Air Museum
14:00 - 15:00 - Hakone Ropeway
15:00 - 16:00 - Pirate ship, Togendai → Hakonemachi
16:00 - 18:00 - Onshigajibe park
18:00 - 20:00 - Dinner at Hakone Yashima
20:00 - 21:00 - Travel back to Hostel, rest
24 Jul 23 - Osaka
JR Pass activates today
Hakone
08:00 - 10:00 - Checkout, Breakfast at Hakone
10:00 - 11:00 - Travel to Odawara, Get on the Shinkansen train to Osaka
Osaka
11:00 - 14:30 - Shinkansen Travel from Odawara to Osaka
14:30 - 15:00 - check in to hostel
16:00 - 18:00 - Namba Yasaka Jinja
18:00 - 19:00 - Dinner at Hozenji Yokocho
19:00 - 22:00 - Explore Dotonbori river
22:00 - 22:30 - Travel Back to osaka hostel, rest
Osaka
25 Jul 23 - Kyoto Daytrip
Osaka
08:00 - 09:00 - Breakfast at Osaka
09:00 - 09:15 - Shinkansen to Kyoto
Kyoto
09:30 - 10:00 - Travel to Fushimi Inari Shrine
10:00 - 13:00 - Fushimi Inari Shrine
13:00 - 14:00 - Lunch, Travel from Fushimi Inari shrine to Kiyomizu-dera
14:00 - 16:00 - Kiyomizu-dera
16:00 - 19:00 - Philosopher's Path
19:00 - 21:00 - Dinner, Pontocho park
21:00 - 21:30 - Trip back to Osaka
Osaka
21:30 - 22:00 - return to hostel, rest
26 Jul 23 - Kyoto Daytrip
Osaka
08:00 - 09:00 - Breakfast at Osaka
09:00 - 09:15 - Shinkansen to Kyoto
Kyoto
09:30 - 11:00 - Nijo castle
11:00 - 13:00 - Kyoto Imperial Palace
13:00 - 15:00 - Kinkaku-ji
15:00 - 18:00 - Haradani Garden
18:00 - 21:00 - Dinner, Nishiki Market
21:00 - 21:30 - Trip back to Osaka
Osaka
21:30 - 22:00 - return to hostel, rest
27 Jul 23 - Nara Daytrip
08:00 - 09:00 - Breakfast at Osaka
09:00 - 10:00 - Train to Nara
Nara
10:00 - 12:00 - Kofuku-ji
12:00 - 14:00 - Todai-ji Temple
14:00 - 16:00 - Nara Deer Park
18:00 - 20:00 - Dinner at Noborioji-cho
20:00 - 21:00 - Trip back to Osaka
Osaka
21:00 - 22:00 - Return to Hostel, rest
28 Jul 23 - Hiroshima Day trip
Osaka
08:00 - 10:00 - Breakfast at Osaka
10:00 - 11:30 - Train to Hiroshima
Hiroshima
12:00 - 13:00 - Lunch at Nagataya
13:00 - 15:00 - Hiroshima Castle
16:00 - 18:00 - Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima
18:00 - 22:00 - Okonomimura
22:00 - 22:30 - Return to hostel, rest
28 Jul 23 - Beppu Day trip
(While Beppu looks pretty interesting, I'm not exactly sure about this one, but I'm putting it in anyway. I may change this to something else)
Hiroshima
07:00 - 08:00 - Breakfast at Osaka
08:00 - 10:30 - Travel to Beppu
Beppu
10:30 - 12:00 - Chinoike Jigoku
12:00 - 13:00 - lunch
13:00 - 15:00 - Umi Jigoku
15:00 - 17:00 - myoban onsen
17:00 - 18:30 - Okamotoya
19:00 - 20:00 - Explore Beppu City
20:00 - 22:30 - Travel back to Hiroshima
22:30 - 23:00 - Return to hostel, rest
29 Jul 23 - Nagoya
Hiroshima > Nagoya
07:00 - 09:00 - Breakfast at Hiroshima, Checkout from hotel
09:00 - 10:30 - Shinkansen to Nagoya
10:30 - 12:00 - Nagoya Castle
12:00 - 12:30 - Lunch at Nagoya
12:30 - 13:00 - Check in at hostel
13:00 - 15:00 - Nagoya City Science Museum
15:00 - 16:00 - Atsuta Jingu
16:00 - 22:30 - Nagoya City stroll
22:30 - 23:00 - Travel back to hostel, rest
30 Jul 23 - Takayama - Shirakawa daytrip
JR Pass Ends today
Hiroshima 07:00 - 08:00 - Breakfast, Checkout from hotel.
Day Trip
08:00 - 11:00 - Travel to Takayama
12:00 - 14:00 - Takayama
14:00 - 16:00 - Shirakawa
16:00 - 19:00 - return to Nagoya
Nagoya
19:00 - 20:00 - Dinner at Nagoya
20:00 - 21:30 - Nagoya station - gather baggage, Shinkansen to Tokyo
Tokyo
22:00 - 22:30 - Check in at Hostel, rest.
01 Aug 23 - Tokyo
Tokyo
08:00 - 08:30 - Breakfast
09:00 - 12:30 - Travel to & explore TeamLab Museum
12:30 - 14:00 - Travel to Tokyo Tower & Enjoy the observation deck
14:00 - 14:30 - Travel to Harajuku
14:30 - 18:00 - Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu, Ōta Memorial Museum of Art, Blue Bottle Coffee
17:00 - 20:00 - Shopping at Takeshita Street, Design Festa Gallery
20:00 - 21:00 - Dinner at Roast Beef Ohno Harajuku
21:00 - 22:00 - Travel back to hostel, rest.
02 Aug 23 - Tokyo (Last Day)
Tokyo
08:00 - 09:00 - Checkout from hostel, breakfast
09:00 - 10:00 - Travel to Tokyo station, leave baggage
10:00 - 11:00 - Travel to Daikanyama T-Site
11:00 - 14:00 - Shopping at Daikanyama T-Site
14:00 - 16:00 - Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo^
16:00 - 18:00 - Stroll around Daikanyama
18:00 - 19:00 - Travel back to Tokyo station, collect baggage
19:00 - 20:00 - Travel to Haneda Airport
^ I know it's weird to travel to japan and go to a Starbucks, but a friend gave me a taste of some "Reserve beans" from this particular starbucks and it blew my mind!
submitted by BinaryGuy01 to JapanTravel [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 10:12 Suspicious-Desk-711 Grain Processed Food Market to Showcase Robust Growth By Forecast to 2033

According to the Regional Research Reports, the global ?grain processed food market size is estimated to grow from a million USD in 2022 to reach multi-million USD by 2033 at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2033. The growth is primarily driven by several variables about which Regional Research Reports provides comprehensive insights and estimation in the global ?grain processed food market research.
The Regional Research Reports published the report on “global ?grain processed food market Report 2023 – Future Growth Opportunities, Latest Technological Trends, In-depth Analysis, and Forecast To 2033” provides the futuristic vision of the global ?grain processed food market along with the market size (Revenue – US$ Million) and estimates for the duration 2023 to 2033. The aforementioned research study examines various market segments in terms of product type, distribution channel, and regional. The competitive profiles of the top vendors of ?grain processed food products and their most recent developments are also included in the report.

Global ?Grain Processed Food Market Analysis

This report includes market size and forecast analysis for each segment - by product type, distribution channel, and geography. Additionally, for the years 2023 to 2033, compound annual growth rates for all segments have been provided. In addition to highlighting recent market trends for ?grain processed food, the study also provides information on upcoming trends that will affect demand. The global ?grain processed food market report also includes annual growth rates for each segment. Additionally, the report analyses the market from the standpoint of production and provides cost overviews for the ?grain processed food market as well as analyses of labor, raw material, and technology costs.
Get Full PDF Sample Copy of Report@ https://www.regionalresearchreports.com/request-sample/-grain-processed-food-market/FB-1420
The market has been segmented by region: North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. Under North America, the report covers the United States, Canada, and Mexico; whereas Asia Pacific includes China, Japan, India, Korea, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. The key countries covered under Europe include Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and the Rest of Europe, whereas the Middle East and Africa is comprised of the Middle East, Africa, and GCC countries. The report also includes market sizes for all regions and sub-regions as of 2022 and through 2033.
This report includes information about the major players, such as overview, revenue, interview record, gross profit, business distribution, etc. These details give the consumer a better understanding of the rivals. Additionally, it details the market's competitive landscape for all significant players identified in the global ?grain processed food market. Other crucial factors include the plant's location, the source of the technology, the downstream industry, and the contact details.

Top Key Players Profiled in this report are-

Report Details:

Make an Enquire before Purchase @ https://www.regionalresearchreports.com/buy-now/-grain-processed-food-market/FB-1420?opt=2950
Report Attribute
Details
Market Size in 2022
a million USD
Market Size in 2033
multi-million USD
CAGR (2023-2033)
6.2%
Base Year for Estimation
2022
Historic Year
2018-2021
Forecast Period
2023-2033
Study Period
2018-2033
Quantitative Units
Revenue in USD Million and CAGR from 2023-2033
Market Factor Analysis
Regions Covered
Countries Profiled
Customization Scope
Free 20% report customization with the purchase within a specific period.
Access full Report Description, TOC, Table of Figure, Chart, etc: https://www.regionalresearchreports.com/table-of-content/-grain-processed-food-market/FB-1420
The report provides extensive information about various factors that have been studied as contributing to the market's growth trajectory. The report also outlines the challenges facing the global ?grain processed food market. Moreover, it evaluates the bargaining power of suppliers and customers, the threat posed by new competitors and the threat of substitutes, and the level of market competition. The report also thoroughly examines the impact of the most recent government regulations. It summarizes the development of the ?grain processed food market over the forecast periods.

Global ?Grain Processed Food Market Segmentation:

Market Segmentation: By Product Type

Market Segmentation: By Distribution Channel

Regions Covered in the Global ?Grain Processed Food Market Report 2022:

The cost analysis of the global ?grain processed food market was carried out, considering the cost of raw materials, labor, and manufacturing, as well as the market concentration rate, suppliers, and price trends. Other factors, such as the sourcing strategy, supply chain, and downstream buyers, have been evaluated to provide a comprehensive and in-depth view of the market. The study on market positioning will also be displayed to report clients, providing target market, brand strategy, and pricing strategy into account.
Request For Report Description @ https://www.regionalresearchreports.com/industry-reports/-grain-processed-food-market/FB-1420

The report provides insights on the following pointers:

Market Penetration: Detailed study on the product portfolios of the top key players in the ?grain processed food market.
Product Development/Innovation: Comprehensive insights on the upcoming innovative technologies, R&D activities, and product developments in the market.
Competitive Assessment: In-depth evaluation of the market strategies and regional and business segments of the leading players in the market.
Market Development: Detailed information on emerging markets. This study examines the market for various segments across geographies.
Market Diversification: comprehensive data on new products, untapped regions, recent investments, and developments in the ?grain processed food market.

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

The key questions answered in this report –

submitted by Suspicious-Desk-711 to u/Suspicious-Desk-711 [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 08:59 ryuuuukin 30L Bag for Travel and Work

I currently use a Bellroy messenger when I go to the office and now have been traveling internationally a lot more for work. I have a Tumi hard case carry on that is not the biggest but I love it. However when I travel, I replace my Bellroy messenger with a Northface Recon which I feel like I can stuff more stuff in and is easier to carry.
I find that the NF doesn’t have a luggage sleeve which is annoying because I always have to wear the back and the bag always seems bursting at the seams when I have it packed. It’s a big bag but usable space is just so so.
I’m looking for a bag that has a travel sleeve and can carry a 15 inch laptop. Water bottle holder is also a must.
Appreciate the help!
submitted by ryuuuukin to onebag [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 06:39 Grasshopper922 Flying Spirit Airlines possibly the biggest most expensive mistake you can make

I am a vibrant 78 year old woman and I have travelled internationally for most of my life so I am not easily intimidated by the challenges that air travel can involve. That said, I have never experienced a worse airline anywhere in the world and I strongly recommend that you pay whatever the cost to travel by any other airline but Spirit. I chose them to travel to Virginia from Texas because the flight times were convenient and my outgoing flights worked just as planned. My return flight experience was a total nightmare. The hub for Spirit is Ft. Lauderdale Fl. When I checked my luggage in Richmond, my bag was one pound over the 40 lb. limit and the Spirit representative told me i would have to remove and carry items to reduce the weight or pay for a second bag. That was only the beginning but it was the least of my problems.
We flew to Ft. Lauderdale for my connecting flight to Austin, and right up to departure time the monitor at the gate said the flight was on time. At the time the flight was supposed to be boarding I asked the representative at the gate if I had missed an announcement of a delay and without even looking at me, she said the flight was cancelled. There was nothing on the monitor to indicate the flight was not leaving. She was rude and unhelpful when I asked if there were later flights. I found a customer service desk for Spirit and the two women reps were chatting and ignored me for several minutes. When one of them finally checked on flights to Austin, she said my best option was to fly to Baltimore and connect to Austin there, getting me home at midnight instead of 6 pm. So I waited for 5 hours to fly to Baltimore and when I got there I found that the flight to Austin was not the same day. I had to spend the night. In Baltimore . I asked a Spirit rep if they could recommend a hotel and she was rude and said I should have arranged that in Ft. Lauderdale even though I had no idea I was spending the dight in Baltimore. By this time it was midnight since the plane was late leaving Ft. Lauderdale. A woman in baggage claim helped me identify a hotel and I spent $20 on a cab and $140 on a hotel. The next morning I flew to Austin and of course my luggage was lost. In the true spirit of Spirit the representative I tried to get to file a claim acted rude, as if I had lost my own luggage. So by the time I got home, without my luggage I had been traveling for 26 hours for a flight that was supposed to take 5 hours with a layover. The Spirit employees main goal is to get you out of their face. I thought it was due to poor training, but I soon realized that they already know the system doesn't work to help their passengers so they don't even try. They just cop an attitude and tell you you're out of luck. And if you call on the phone, the call center is somewhere where no one speaks English. Not a coincidence. It is part of the plan built into the Spirit system.
This trip was the most expensive I have ever incurred flying to Richmond where my daughter lives. In the end for the cost of the tickets, the baggage fees, the seat fees and the hotel and cab fare, I spent more than $800. I could have flown 1st class on any other carrier for less. The stress and exhaustion of traveling for 26 hours and being treated horribly by every Spirit employee is something I can't describe other than as my worst nightmare. The Department of Transportation needs to do something to end the abusive practices of Spirit Airlines. They claim to be an economical airline but in fact they are a bait and switch business. Avoid them at all costs.
submitted by Grasshopper922 to Frugal [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 05:31 themachineisGodpoi Could ijin from (teenage mercenary mercenary enrollment) beat Bryan Mills

In the web novel "Teenage Mercenary," the character Ijins undergoes intensive training to become a skilled mercenary. Here is a summary of Ijins' training:
Ijins, a teenager aspiring to become a mercenary, embarks on a rigorous training regimen to develop his combat skills and survival instincts. His training can be divided into several key aspects:
  1. Martial Arts: Ijins focuses on mastering various martial arts techniques, including hand-to-hand combat, weapon handling, and strategic maneuvers. He undergoes grueling physical conditioning exercises to enhance his strength, speed, and agility.
  2. Weapon Proficiency: Ijins learns to wield a wide range of weapons, such as swords, knives, firearms, and explosives. He practices extensively to improve his accuracy, precision, and proficiency with each weapon type.
  3. Tactical Training: Ijins undergoes tactical training, which involves learning combat strategies, battlefield awareness, and teamwork. He learns to analyze and adapt to different situations, making quick decisions under pressure.
  4. Stealth and Infiltration: Ijins learns the art of stealth and infiltration, mastering techniques such as silent movement, camouflage, lock-picking, and hacking. These skills enable him to gather intelligence, carry out covert missions, and avoid detection.
  5. Survival Skills: Ijins is trained in various survival skills, including wilderness navigation, foraging, shelter building, and first aid. He learns how to adapt to different environments and sustain himself in harsh conditions.
  6. Mental Conditioning: Alongside physical training, Ijins undergoes mental conditioning to strengthen his resolve, discipline, and resilience. He learns to control his emotions, maintain focus, and overcome fear and stress in high-pressure situations.
  7. Practical Experience: Throughout his training, Ijins engages in simulated missions and combat scenarios to apply his skills in real-world scenarios. This practical experience helps him refine his abilities and adapt to different challenges.
By undergoing this comprehensive training, Ijins gradually becomes a proficient and well-rounded mercenary, capable of taking on various missions and surviving in demanding environments. His dedication and hard work shape him into a formidable asset within the world of mercenaries. Certainly! Here are some additional details about Ijins' training from "Teenage Mercenary":
  1. Strategy and Intelligence Gathering: Ijins learns the importance of gathering information and developing strategic plans. He studies the art of intelligence gathering, including interrogation techniques, surveillance methods, and analyzing enemy movements. This knowledge enables him to make informed decisions and devise effective strategies in different scenarios.
  2. Endurance and Stamina Training: Recognizing the physical demands of mercenary work, Ijins undergoes rigorous endurance and stamina training. He engages in intense cardio exercises, long-distance running, and high-intensity interval training to build his stamina and ensure he can endure prolonged missions without fatigue.
  3. Combat Simulations: Ijins participates in combat simulations that replicate real-world scenarios, challenging him to think on his feet and make split-second decisions. These simulations involve both individual and team-based exercises, allowing Ijins to hone his combat skills, adapt to unexpected situations, and learn the value of teamwork.
  4. Tactical Analysis and Strategy Development: Ijins learns how to analyze enemy strengths, weaknesses, and patterns to develop effective strategies. He studies historical battles and military tactics, gaining insights into successful strategies employed by renowned commanders. This knowledge helps him plan and execute missions with precision.
  5. Language and Cultural Training: Recognizing the global nature of mercenary work, Ijins undergoes language and cultural training. He learns different languages, customs, and traditions to effectively blend in while operating in foreign territories. This allows him to establish connections, gather intelligence, and navigate unfamiliar environments with ease.
  6. Personal Defense and Close-Quarters Combat: Ijins focuses on personal defense techniques and close-quarters combat. He learns how to defend against armed and unarmed attacks, mastering techniques such as blocking, parrying, grappling, and disarming. This training enhances his ability to protect himself in close-range encounters.
  7. Psychological Warfare: Ijins receives training in psychological warfare tactics, such as intimidation, manipulation, and deception. He learns to exploit psychological vulnerabilities in opponents, employing tactics like misinformation, distraction, and demoralization to gain an advantage in combat situations.
  8. Leadership and Team Management: As Ijins advances in his training, he is taught leadership and team management skills. He learns how to coordinate and lead a team of mercenaries, delegating tasks, fostering teamwork, and ensuring effective communication. These skills are crucial when working in a team-based environment.
Through these additional aspects of training, Ijins develops a comprehensive skill set that encompasses not only combat and survival abilities but also strategic thinking, adaptability, and leadership qualities. His training equips him to face the challenges of the mercenary world and excel in a variety of missions. And Bryan Mills Bryan Mills, portrayed by Liam Neeson in the movie series "Taken," is a highly skilled and resourceful character known for his abilities in various areas. Here is a summary of Bryan Mills' skills:
  1. Combat and Martial Arts: Bryan Mills is an exceptional hand-to-hand combatant and martial artist. He is proficient in various fighting styles, including Krav Maga, a practical self-defense system.
  2. Firearms and Weapons Expertise: Mills is highly skilled in handling firearms and possesses extensive knowledge of different types of weapons. He demonstrates accuracy and efficiency when using guns, knives, and other weapons.
  3. Tactical Awareness: Bryan Mills possesses excellent tactical awareness and strategic thinking. He can quickly assess and analyze situations, allowing him to plan and execute actions effectively.
  4. Physical Fitness and Stamina: Mills maintains a high level of physical fitness and endurance. His training and lifestyle enable him to endure physically demanding tasks, engage in intense pursuits, and sustain prolonged fights.
  5. Surveillance and Espionage: Mills has a strong understanding of surveillance techniques and espionage tactics. He can gather information, track targets, and operate covertly, utilizing his skills to navigate complex situations.
  6. Investigation and Analysis: Bryan Mills demonstrates proficiency in investigation and analysis. He possesses sharp observational skills and can piece together clues and evidence to form a coherent picture of events.
  7. Adaptability and Resourcefulness: Mills is known for his adaptability and resourcefulness. He can think on his feet, improvising and utilizing available resources in creative ways to overcome obstacles and accomplish his objectives.
  8. Negotiation and Interrogation: Mills is skilled in negotiation and interrogation techniques. He can effectively communicate and extract information from individuals, utilizing psychological tactics when necessary.
  9. Driving and Vehicle Control: Mills exhibits exceptional driving skills and vehicle control. He can handle high-speed chases, maneuver through traffic, and perform evasive driving maneuvers with precision.
  10. Language Proficiency: Mills is multilingual, speaking several languages fluently. This linguistic ability allows him to communicate and operate effectively in various international settings.
It's important to note that Bryan Mills' skills are fictional and portrayed in a movie series.Certainly! Here are some additional skills attributed to Bryan Mills:
  1. Survival Skills: Mills possesses a wide range of survival skills, including wilderness survival, navigation, and outdoor expertise. He can endure harsh environments, find shelter, and procure food and water when necessary.
  2. First Aid and Medical Knowledge: Bryan Mills has a solid understanding of first aid and basic medical procedures. He can administer emergency medical treatment, stabilize injuries, and provide aid in critical situations.
  3. Hacking and Technology: Mills exhibits a proficient understanding of technology, including hacking and computer skills. He can manipulate computer systems, bypass security measures, and gather digital information.
  4. Disguise and Impersonation: Mills is skilled in the art of disguise and impersonation. He can alter his appearance, adopt different personas, and blend into various environments, aiding him in covert operations.
  5. Leadership and Team Coordination: Mills demonstrates strong leadership qualities and the ability to coordinate and lead a team effectively. He can delegate tasks, communicate objectives clearly, and inspire others to achieve their goals.
  6. Stealth and Infiltration: Mills possesses exceptional stealth capabilities and can infiltrate secure locations unnoticed. He understands the importance of remaining undetected, employing stealth techniques such as silent movement and avoiding security systems.
  7. Intuition and Instincts: Bryan Mills relies on his intuition and instincts to make split-second decisions. He possesses a keen sense of danger, allowing him to anticipate threats and react swiftly.
  8. Interpersonal Skills: Mills exhibits strong interpersonal skills, enabling him to establish rapport and manipulate situations to his advantage. He can persuade and influence others, gaining their trust or extracting information.
  9. Climbing and Parkour: Mills has demonstrated proficiency in climbing and parkour, allowing him to scale buildings, maneuver through urban environments, and overcome obstacles quickly.
  10. Psychological Resilience: Mills displays exceptional psychological resilience. He can maintain focus and composure even in highly stressful and life-threatening situations, enabling him to make rational decisions under pressure.
It's important to note that some of these skills may be exaggerated or dramatized for the purpose of storytelling and cinematic entertainment. Who do you think would win
Chat gbt help with the information about charartors my personal believe I'd that ijin would win
submitted by themachineisGodpoi to taken [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 05:29 themachineisGodpoi Could ijin from (teenage mercenary mercenary enrollment) beat Bryan Mills

In the web novel "Teenage Mercenary," the character Ijins undergoes intensive training to become a skilled mercenary. Here is a summary of Ijins' training:
Ijins, a teenager aspiring to become a mercenary, embarks on a rigorous training regimen to develop his combat skills and survival instincts. His training can be divided into several key aspects:
  1. Martial Arts: Ijins focuses on mastering various martial arts techniques, including hand-to-hand combat, weapon handling, and strategic maneuvers. He undergoes grueling physical conditioning exercises to enhance his strength, speed, and agility.
  2. Weapon Proficiency: Ijins learns to wield a wide range of weapons, such as swords, knives, firearms, and explosives. He practices extensively to improve his accuracy, precision, and proficiency with each weapon type.
  3. Tactical Training: Ijins undergoes tactical training, which involves learning combat strategies, battlefield awareness, and teamwork. He learns to analyze and adapt to different situations, making quick decisions under pressure.
  4. Stealth and Infiltration: Ijins learns the art of stealth and infiltration, mastering techniques such as silent movement, camouflage, lock-picking, and hacking. These skills enable him to gather intelligence, carry out covert missions, and avoid detection.
  5. Survival Skills: Ijins is trained in various survival skills, including wilderness navigation, foraging, shelter building, and first aid. He learns how to adapt to different environments and sustain himself in harsh conditions.
  6. Mental Conditioning: Alongside physical training, Ijins undergoes mental conditioning to strengthen his resolve, discipline, and resilience. He learns to control his emotions, maintain focus, and overcome fear and stress in high-pressure situations.
  7. Practical Experience: Throughout his training, Ijins engages in simulated missions and combat scenarios to apply his skills in real-world scenarios. This practical experience helps him refine his abilities and adapt to different challenges.
By undergoing this comprehensive training, Ijins gradually becomes a proficient and well-rounded mercenary, capable of taking on various missions and surviving in demanding environments. His dedication and hard work shape him into a formidable asset within the world of mercenaries. Certainly! Here are some additional details about Ijins' training from "Teenage Mercenary":
  1. Strategy and Intelligence Gathering: Ijins learns the importance of gathering information and developing strategic plans. He studies the art of intelligence gathering, including interrogation techniques, surveillance methods, and analyzing enemy movements. This knowledge enables him to make informed decisions and devise effective strategies in different scenarios.
  2. Endurance and Stamina Training: Recognizing the physical demands of mercenary work, Ijins undergoes rigorous endurance and stamina training. He engages in intense cardio exercises, long-distance running, and high-intensity interval training to build his stamina and ensure he can endure prolonged missions without fatigue.
  3. Combat Simulations: Ijins participates in combat simulations that replicate real-world scenarios, challenging him to think on his feet and make split-second decisions. These simulations involve both individual and team-based exercises, allowing Ijins to hone his combat skills, adapt to unexpected situations, and learn the value of teamwork.
  4. Tactical Analysis and Strategy Development: Ijins learns how to analyze enemy strengths, weaknesses, and patterns to develop effective strategies. He studies historical battles and military tactics, gaining insights into successful strategies employed by renowned commanders. This knowledge helps him plan and execute missions with precision.
  5. Language and Cultural Training: Recognizing the global nature of mercenary work, Ijins undergoes language and cultural training. He learns different languages, customs, and traditions to effectively blend in while operating in foreign territories. This allows him to establish connections, gather intelligence, and navigate unfamiliar environments with ease.
  6. Personal Defense and Close-Quarters Combat: Ijins focuses on personal defense techniques and close-quarters combat. He learns how to defend against armed and unarmed attacks, mastering techniques such as blocking, parrying, grappling, and disarming. This training enhances his ability to protect himself in close-range encounters.
  7. Psychological Warfare: Ijins receives training in psychological warfare tactics, such as intimidation, manipulation, and deception. He learns to exploit psychological vulnerabilities in opponents, employing tactics like misinformation, distraction, and demoralization to gain an advantage in combat situations.
  8. Leadership and Team Management: As Ijins advances in his training, he is taught leadership and team management skills. He learns how to coordinate and lead a team of mercenaries, delegating tasks, fostering teamwork, and ensuring effective communication. These skills are crucial when working in a team-based environment.
Through these additional aspects of training, Ijins develops a comprehensive skill set that encompasses not only combat and survival abilities but also strategic thinking, adaptability, and leadership qualities. His training equips him to face the challenges of the mercenary world and excel in a variety of missions. And Bryan Mills Bryan Mills, portrayed by Liam Neeson in the movie series "Taken," is a highly skilled and resourceful character known for his abilities in various areas. Here is a summary of Bryan Mills' skills:
  1. Combat and Martial Arts: Bryan Mills is an exceptional hand-to-hand combatant and martial artist. He is proficient in various fighting styles, including Krav Maga, a practical self-defense system.
  2. Firearms and Weapons Expertise: Mills is highly skilled in handling firearms and possesses extensive knowledge of different types of weapons. He demonstrates accuracy and efficiency when using guns, knives, and other weapons.
  3. Tactical Awareness: Bryan Mills possesses excellent tactical awareness and strategic thinking. He can quickly assess and analyze situations, allowing him to plan and execute actions effectively.
  4. Physical Fitness and Stamina: Mills maintains a high level of physical fitness and endurance. His training and lifestyle enable him to endure physically demanding tasks, engage in intense pursuits, and sustain prolonged fights.
  5. Surveillance and Espionage: Mills has a strong understanding of surveillance techniques and espionage tactics. He can gather information, track targets, and operate covertly, utilizing his skills to navigate complex situations.
  6. Investigation and Analysis: Bryan Mills demonstrates proficiency in investigation and analysis. He possesses sharp observational skills and can piece together clues and evidence to form a coherent picture of events.
  7. Adaptability and Resourcefulness: Mills is known for his adaptability and resourcefulness. He can think on his feet, improvising and utilizing available resources in creative ways to overcome obstacles and accomplish his objectives.
  8. Negotiation and Interrogation: Mills is skilled in negotiation and interrogation techniques. He can effectively communicate and extract information from individuals, utilizing psychological tactics when necessary.
  9. Driving and Vehicle Control: Mills exhibits exceptional driving skills and vehicle control. He can handle high-speed chases, maneuver through traffic, and perform evasive driving maneuvers with precision.
  10. Language Proficiency: Mills is multilingual, speaking several languages fluently. This linguistic ability allows him to communicate and operate effectively in various international settings.
It's important to note that Bryan Mills' skills are fictional and portrayed in a movie series.Certainly! Here are some additional skills attributed to Bryan Mills:
  1. Survival Skills: Mills possesses a wide range of survival skills, including wilderness survival, navigation, and outdoor expertise. He can endure harsh environments, find shelter, and procure food and water when necessary.
  2. First Aid and Medical Knowledge: Bryan Mills has a solid understanding of first aid and basic medical procedures. He can administer emergency medical treatment, stabilize injuries, and provide aid in critical situations.
  3. Hacking and Technology: Mills exhibits a proficient understanding of technology, including hacking and computer skills. He can manipulate computer systems, bypass security measures, and gather digital information.
  4. Disguise and Impersonation: Mills is skilled in the art of disguise and impersonation. He can alter his appearance, adopt different personas, and blend into various environments, aiding him in covert operations.
  5. Leadership and Team Coordination: Mills demonstrates strong leadership qualities and the ability to coordinate and lead a team effectively. He can delegate tasks, communicate objectives clearly, and inspire others to achieve their goals.
  6. Stealth and Infiltration: Mills possesses exceptional stealth capabilities and can infiltrate secure locations unnoticed. He understands the importance of remaining undetected, employing stealth techniques such as silent movement and avoiding security systems.
  7. Intuition and Instincts: Bryan Mills relies on his intuition and instincts to make split-second decisions. He possesses a keen sense of danger, allowing him to anticipate threats and react swiftly.
  8. Interpersonal Skills: Mills exhibits strong interpersonal skills, enabling him to establish rapport and manipulate situations to his advantage. He can persuade and influence others, gaining their trust or extracting information.
  9. Climbing and Parkour: Mills has demonstrated proficiency in climbing and parkour, allowing him to scale buildings, maneuver through urban environments, and overcome obstacles quickly.
  10. Psychological Resilience: Mills displays exceptional psychological resilience. He can maintain focus and composure even in highly stressful and life-threatening situations, enabling him to make rational decisions under pressure.
It's important to note that some of these skills may be exaggerated or dramatized for the purpose of storytelling and cinematic entertainment. Who do you think would win
Chat gbt help with the information about charartors my personal believe I'd that ijin would win
submitted by themachineisGodpoi to whowouldwin [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 05:28 themachineisGodpoi Could ijin from (teenage mercenary mercenary enrollment) beat Bryan Mills

In the web novel "Teenage Mercenary," the character Ijins undergoes intensive training to become a skilled mercenary. Here is a summary of Ijins' training:
Ijins, a teenager aspiring to become a mercenary, embarks on a rigorous training regimen to develop his combat skills and survival instincts. His training can be divided into several key aspects:
  1. Martial Arts: Ijins focuses on mastering various martial arts techniques, including hand-to-hand combat, weapon handling, and strategic maneuvers. He undergoes grueling physical conditioning exercises to enhance his strength, speed, and agility.
  2. Weapon Proficiency: Ijins learns to wield a wide range of weapons, such as swords, knives, firearms, and explosives. He practices extensively to improve his accuracy, precision, and proficiency with each weapon type.
  3. Tactical Training: Ijins undergoes tactical training, which involves learning combat strategies, battlefield awareness, and teamwork. He learns to analyze and adapt to different situations, making quick decisions under pressure.
  4. Stealth and Infiltration: Ijins learns the art of stealth and infiltration, mastering techniques such as silent movement, camouflage, lock-picking, and hacking. These skills enable him to gather intelligence, carry out covert missions, and avoid detection.
  5. Survival Skills: Ijins is trained in various survival skills, including wilderness navigation, foraging, shelter building, and first aid. He learns how to adapt to different environments and sustain himself in harsh conditions.
  6. Mental Conditioning: Alongside physical training, Ijins undergoes mental conditioning to strengthen his resolve, discipline, and resilience. He learns to control his emotions, maintain focus, and overcome fear and stress in high-pressure situations.
  7. Practical Experience: Throughout his training, Ijins engages in simulated missions and combat scenarios to apply his skills in real-world scenarios. This practical experience helps him refine his abilities and adapt to different challenges.
By undergoing this comprehensive training, Ijins gradually becomes a proficient and well-rounded mercenary, capable of taking on various missions and surviving in demanding environments. His dedication and hard work shape him into a formidable asset within the world of mercenaries. Certainly! Here are some additional details about Ijins' training from "Teenage Mercenary":
  1. Strategy and Intelligence Gathering: Ijins learns the importance of gathering information and developing strategic plans. He studies the art of intelligence gathering, including interrogation techniques, surveillance methods, and analyzing enemy movements. This knowledge enables him to make informed decisions and devise effective strategies in different scenarios.
  2. Endurance and Stamina Training: Recognizing the physical demands of mercenary work, Ijins undergoes rigorous endurance and stamina training. He engages in intense cardio exercises, long-distance running, and high-intensity interval training to build his stamina and ensure he can endure prolonged missions without fatigue.
  3. Combat Simulations: Ijins participates in combat simulations that replicate real-world scenarios, challenging him to think on his feet and make split-second decisions. These simulations involve both individual and team-based exercises, allowing Ijins to hone his combat skills, adapt to unexpected situations, and learn the value of teamwork.
  4. Tactical Analysis and Strategy Development: Ijins learns how to analyze enemy strengths, weaknesses, and patterns to develop effective strategies. He studies historical battles and military tactics, gaining insights into successful strategies employed by renowned commanders. This knowledge helps him plan and execute missions with precision.
  5. Language and Cultural Training: Recognizing the global nature of mercenary work, Ijins undergoes language and cultural training. He learns different languages, customs, and traditions to effectively blend in while operating in foreign territories. This allows him to establish connections, gather intelligence, and navigate unfamiliar environments with ease.
  6. Personal Defense and Close-Quarters Combat: Ijins focuses on personal defense techniques and close-quarters combat. He learns how to defend against armed and unarmed attacks, mastering techniques such as blocking, parrying, grappling, and disarming. This training enhances his ability to protect himself in close-range encounters.
  7. Psychological Warfare: Ijins receives training in psychological warfare tactics, such as intimidation, manipulation, and deception. He learns to exploit psychological vulnerabilities in opponents, employing tactics like misinformation, distraction, and demoralization to gain an advantage in combat situations.
  8. Leadership and Team Management: As Ijins advances in his training, he is taught leadership and team management skills. He learns how to coordinate and lead a team of mercenaries, delegating tasks, fostering teamwork, and ensuring effective communication. These skills are crucial when working in a team-based environment.
Through these additional aspects of training, Ijins develops a comprehensive skill set that encompasses not only combat and survival abilities but also strategic thinking, adaptability, and leadership qualities. His training equips him to face the challenges of the mercenary world and excel in a variety of missions. And Bryan Mills Bryan Mills, portrayed by Liam Neeson in the movie series "Taken," is a highly skilled and resourceful character known for his abilities in various areas. Here is a summary of Bryan Mills' skills:
  1. Combat and Martial Arts: Bryan Mills is an exceptional hand-to-hand combatant and martial artist. He is proficient in various fighting styles, including Krav Maga, a practical self-defense system.
  2. Firearms and Weapons Expertise: Mills is highly skilled in handling firearms and possesses extensive knowledge of different types of weapons. He demonstrates accuracy and efficiency when using guns, knives, and other weapons.
  3. Tactical Awareness: Bryan Mills possesses excellent tactical awareness and strategic thinking. He can quickly assess and analyze situations, allowing him to plan and execute actions effectively.
  4. Physical Fitness and Stamina: Mills maintains a high level of physical fitness and endurance. His training and lifestyle enable him to endure physically demanding tasks, engage in intense pursuits, and sustain prolonged fights.
  5. Surveillance and Espionage: Mills has a strong understanding of surveillance techniques and espionage tactics. He can gather information, track targets, and operate covertly, utilizing his skills to navigate complex situations.
  6. Investigation and Analysis: Bryan Mills demonstrates proficiency in investigation and analysis. He possesses sharp observational skills and can piece together clues and evidence to form a coherent picture of events.
  7. Adaptability and Resourcefulness: Mills is known for his adaptability and resourcefulness. He can think on his feet, improvising and utilizing available resources in creative ways to overcome obstacles and accomplish his objectives.
  8. Negotiation and Interrogation: Mills is skilled in negotiation and interrogation techniques. He can effectively communicate and extract information from individuals, utilizing psychological tactics when necessary.
  9. Driving and Vehicle Control: Mills exhibits exceptional driving skills and vehicle control. He can handle high-speed chases, maneuver through traffic, and perform evasive driving maneuvers with precision.
  10. Language Proficiency: Mills is multilingual, speaking several languages fluently. This linguistic ability allows him to communicate and operate effectively in various international settings.
It's important to note that Bryan Mills' skills are fictional and portrayed in a movie series.Certainly! Here are some additional skills attributed to Bryan Mills:
  1. Survival Skills: Mills possesses a wide range of survival skills, including wilderness survival, navigation, and outdoor expertise. He can endure harsh environments, find shelter, and procure food and water when necessary.
  2. First Aid and Medical Knowledge: Bryan Mills has a solid understanding of first aid and basic medical procedures. He can administer emergency medical treatment, stabilize injuries, and provide aid in critical situations.
  3. Hacking and Technology: Mills exhibits a proficient understanding of technology, including hacking and computer skills. He can manipulate computer systems, bypass security measures, and gather digital information.
  4. Disguise and Impersonation: Mills is skilled in the art of disguise and impersonation. He can alter his appearance, adopt different personas, and blend into various environments, aiding him in covert operations.
  5. Leadership and Team Coordination: Mills demonstrates strong leadership qualities and the ability to coordinate and lead a team effectively. He can delegate tasks, communicate objectives clearly, and inspire others to achieve their goals.
  6. Stealth and Infiltration: Mills possesses exceptional stealth capabilities and can infiltrate secure locations unnoticed. He understands the importance of remaining undetected, employing stealth techniques such as silent movement and avoiding security systems.
  7. Intuition and Instincts: Bryan Mills relies on his intuition and instincts to make split-second decisions. He possesses a keen sense of danger, allowing him to anticipate threats and react swiftly.
  8. Interpersonal Skills: Mills exhibits strong interpersonal skills, enabling him to establish rapport and manipulate situations to his advantage. He can persuade and influence others, gaining their trust or extracting information.
  9. Climbing and Parkour: Mills has demonstrated proficiency in climbing and parkour, allowing him to scale buildings, maneuver through urban environments, and overcome obstacles quickly.
  10. Psychological Resilience: Mills displays exceptional psychological resilience. He can maintain focus and composure even in highly stressful and life-threatening situations, enabling him to make rational decisions under pressure.
It's important to note that some of these skills may be exaggerated or dramatized for the purpose of storytelling and cinematic entertainment. Who do you think would win
Chat gbt help with the information about charartors my personal believe I'd that ijin would win
submitted by themachineisGodpoi to Teenagemercenary [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 05:26 themachineisGodpoi Could ijin from (teenage mercenary mercenary enrollment) beat Bryan Mills

In the web novel "Teenage Mercenary," the character Ijins undergoes intensive training to become a skilled mercenary. Here is a summary of Ijins' training:
Ijins, a teenager aspiring to become a mercenary, embarks on a rigorous training regimen to develop his combat skills and survival instincts. His training can be divided into several key aspects:
  1. Martial Arts: Ijins focuses on mastering various martial arts techniques, including hand-to-hand combat, weapon handling, and strategic maneuvers. He undergoes grueling physical conditioning exercises to enhance his strength, speed, and agility.
  2. Weapon Proficiency: Ijins learns to wield a wide range of weapons, such as swords, knives, firearms, and explosives. He practices extensively to improve his accuracy, precision, and proficiency with each weapon type.
  3. Tactical Training: Ijins undergoes tactical training, which involves learning combat strategies, battlefield awareness, and teamwork. He learns to analyze and adapt to different situations, making quick decisions under pressure.
  4. Stealth and Infiltration: Ijins learns the art of stealth and infiltration, mastering techniques such as silent movement, camouflage, lock-picking, and hacking. These skills enable him to gather intelligence, carry out covert missions, and avoid detection.
  5. Survival Skills: Ijins is trained in various survival skills, including wilderness navigation, foraging, shelter building, and first aid. He learns how to adapt to different environments and sustain himself in harsh conditions.
  6. Mental Conditioning: Alongside physical training, Ijins undergoes mental conditioning to strengthen his resolve, discipline, and resilience. He learns to control his emotions, maintain focus, and overcome fear and stress in high-pressure situations.
  7. Practical Experience: Throughout his training, Ijins engages in simulated missions and combat scenarios to apply his skills in real-world scenarios. This practical experience helps him refine his abilities and adapt to different challenges.
By undergoing this comprehensive training, Ijins gradually becomes a proficient and well-rounded mercenary, capable of taking on various missions and surviving in demanding environments. His dedication and hard work shape him into a formidable asset within the world of mercenaries. Certainly! Here are some additional details about Ijins' training from "Teenage Mercenary":
  1. Strategy and Intelligence Gathering: Ijins learns the importance of gathering information and developing strategic plans. He studies the art of intelligence gathering, including interrogation techniques, surveillance methods, and analyzing enemy movements. This knowledge enables him to make informed decisions and devise effective strategies in different scenarios.
  2. Endurance and Stamina Training: Recognizing the physical demands of mercenary work, Ijins undergoes rigorous endurance and stamina training. He engages in intense cardio exercises, long-distance running, and high-intensity interval training to build his stamina and ensure he can endure prolonged missions without fatigue.
  3. Combat Simulations: Ijins participates in combat simulations that replicate real-world scenarios, challenging him to think on his feet and make split-second decisions. These simulations involve both individual and team-based exercises, allowing Ijins to hone his combat skills, adapt to unexpected situations, and learn the value of teamwork.
  4. Tactical Analysis and Strategy Development: Ijins learns how to analyze enemy strengths, weaknesses, and patterns to develop effective strategies. He studies historical battles and military tactics, gaining insights into successful strategies employed by renowned commanders. This knowledge helps him plan and execute missions with precision.
  5. Language and Cultural Training: Recognizing the global nature of mercenary work, Ijins undergoes language and cultural training. He learns different languages, customs, and traditions to effectively blend in while operating in foreign territories. This allows him to establish connections, gather intelligence, and navigate unfamiliar environments with ease.
  6. Personal Defense and Close-Quarters Combat: Ijins focuses on personal defense techniques and close-quarters combat. He learns how to defend against armed and unarmed attacks, mastering techniques such as blocking, parrying, grappling, and disarming. This training enhances his ability to protect himself in close-range encounters.
  7. Psychological Warfare: Ijins receives training in psychological warfare tactics, such as intimidation, manipulation, and deception. He learns to exploit psychological vulnerabilities in opponents, employing tactics like misinformation, distraction, and demoralization to gain an advantage in combat situations.
  8. Leadership and Team Management: As Ijins advances in his training, he is taught leadership and team management skills. He learns how to coordinate and lead a team of mercenaries, delegating tasks, fostering teamwork, and ensuring effective communication. These skills are crucial when working in a team-based environment.
Through these additional aspects of training, Ijins develops a comprehensive skill set that encompasses not only combat and survival abilities but also strategic thinking, adaptability, and leadership qualities. His training equips him to face the challenges of the mercenary world and excel in a variety of missions. And Bryan Mills Bryan Mills, portrayed by Liam Neeson in the movie series "Taken," is a highly skilled and resourceful character known for his abilities in various areas. Here is a summary of Bryan Mills' skills:
  1. Combat and Martial Arts: Bryan Mills is an exceptional hand-to-hand combatant and martial artist. He is proficient in various fighting styles, including Krav Maga, a practical self-defense system.
  2. Firearms and Weapons Expertise: Mills is highly skilled in handling firearms and possesses extensive knowledge of different types of weapons. He demonstrates accuracy and efficiency when using guns, knives, and other weapons.
  3. Tactical Awareness: Bryan Mills possesses excellent tactical awareness and strategic thinking. He can quickly assess and analyze situations, allowing him to plan and execute actions effectively.
  4. Physical Fitness and Stamina: Mills maintains a high level of physical fitness and endurance. His training and lifestyle enable him to endure physically demanding tasks, engage in intense pursuits, and sustain prolonged fights.
  5. Surveillance and Espionage: Mills has a strong understanding of surveillance techniques and espionage tactics. He can gather information, track targets, and operate covertly, utilizing his skills to navigate complex situations.
  6. Investigation and Analysis: Bryan Mills demonstrates proficiency in investigation and analysis. He possesses sharp observational skills and can piece together clues and evidence to form a coherent picture of events.
  7. Adaptability and Resourcefulness: Mills is known for his adaptability and resourcefulness. He can think on his feet, improvising and utilizing available resources in creative ways to overcome obstacles and accomplish his objectives.
  8. Negotiation and Interrogation: Mills is skilled in negotiation and interrogation techniques. He can effectively communicate and extract information from individuals, utilizing psychological tactics when necessary.
  9. Driving and Vehicle Control: Mills exhibits exceptional driving skills and vehicle control. He can handle high-speed chases, maneuver through traffic, and perform evasive driving maneuvers with precision.
  10. Language Proficiency: Mills is multilingual, speaking several languages fluently. This linguistic ability allows him to communicate and operate effectively in various international settings.
It's important to note that Bryan Mills' skills are fictional and portrayed in a movie series.Certainly! Here are some additional skills attributed to Bryan Mills:
  1. Survival Skills: Mills possesses a wide range of survival skills, including wilderness survival, navigation, and outdoor expertise. He can endure harsh environments, find shelter, and procure food and water when necessary.
  2. First Aid and Medical Knowledge: Bryan Mills has a solid understanding of first aid and basic medical procedures. He can administer emergency medical treatment, stabilize injuries, and provide aid in critical situations.
  3. Hacking and Technology: Mills exhibits a proficient understanding of technology, including hacking and computer skills. He can manipulate computer systems, bypass security measures, and gather digital information.
  4. Disguise and Impersonation: Mills is skilled in the art of disguise and impersonation. He can alter his appearance, adopt different personas, and blend into various environments, aiding him in covert operations.
  5. Leadership and Team Coordination: Mills demonstrates strong leadership qualities and the ability to coordinate and lead a team effectively. He can delegate tasks, communicate objectives clearly, and inspire others to achieve their goals.
  6. Stealth and Infiltration: Mills possesses exceptional stealth capabilities and can infiltrate secure locations unnoticed. He understands the importance of remaining undetected, employing stealth techniques such as silent movement and avoiding security systems.
  7. Intuition and Instincts: Bryan Mills relies on his intuition and instincts to make split-second decisions. He possesses a keen sense of danger, allowing him to anticipate threats and react swiftly.
  8. Interpersonal Skills: Mills exhibits strong interpersonal skills, enabling him to establish rapport and manipulate situations to his advantage. He can persuade and influence others, gaining their trust or extracting information.
  9. Climbing and Parkour: Mills has demonstrated proficiency in climbing and parkour, allowing him to scale buildings, maneuver through urban environments, and overcome obstacles quickly.
  10. Psychological Resilience: Mills displays exceptional psychological resilience. He can maintain focus and composure even in highly stressful and life-threatening situations, enabling him to make rational decisions under pressure.
It's important to note that some of these skills may be exaggerated or dramatized for the purpose of storytelling and cinematic entertainment. Who do you think would win
Chat gbt help with the information about charartors my personal believe I'd that ijin would win
submitted by themachineisGodpoi to Mercenary_Enrollment [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 05:26 Atoraxic This is a cornerstone of the foundation of V2K Thought Reform And The Psychology Of Totalism.

Hey fucktards you just crashed the internet on my phone.. if you incompetent idiots were even close to mind control I wouldn't have to deal with your cowardly torture and hacking weakness. Top secret "mind control" is a tragic farce.
https://archive.org/details/ThoughtReformAndThePsychologyOfTotalism/page/n11/mode/2up
​
**Chinese Thought Reform or "Brain Washing"**The Psychological Steps​Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism A Study Of Brainwashing in China is a book written by Robert Jay Lifton MD about mechanisms of Chinese thought and behavior modification, the experience of being indoctrinated and effects victims reported when interviewed.
Chinese brainwashing and thought reform is still being used and advanced. It was a substantial and easily recognized portion of the crimes that I'm a victim of.
After a brief and gentle week long induction onto the brain computer interface I was abruptly hurled into the unfathomable agony of computerized thought reform or automated Chinese brain washing. I clearly remember what it said to me right before it unleashed Hell.. "your not answering my questions.. your not answering my questions.. WE TOLD YOU NOT TO TRUST US.. and then it went red line sadistic, utterly psychotic, deafeningly loud and proceeded to tortured the everliving fuck outa me.
In life up till that point I had never encountered anything like this; Nothing even close. It's the worst thing in the world and you can't fight it, destroy it, shoot it, run from it, hide from it, bribe or reason with it. I remember sitting in a shower on day five thinking over and over that I can't believe this is happening.. who in the fuck does this to someone.. it it will end soon. It's has to end soon. I can't go on much longer. Nothing lasts forever."
Well six plus years later and this fucking psychotic, sadistic, psychopathic, torturous insane mind control chat bot is still running her fucking mouth and torturing me.
They started me with the Chinese approach and that nightmare lasted over a year. They likely vary the stimuluses order, presentation and distinguishing content from victim to victim so that their experiences and any resultant accounts or reports wont share easily correlated details. Other victims may have started with a more Kubrick approach, psychic driving, memory removal, personal identity destruction or others.
A very clear indication your in the Chinese stage is your accused incessantly with vile crimes you never committed, are interrogated for hours and days and for months. Your accused of having millions of felonies, sins, violations, charges, offenses, crimes. You are constantly threatened with arrest, police contact, crimes against you, civil court cases, long prison sentences, criminal court cases, violence by cops, violence by criminals, theft, murder, rape of you or your loved ones, kidnapping.. etc etc etc.
There are never-ending charges and mock court cases where you are forced to endlessly defend yourself, case after case, day after day, month after month answering for crimes you never committed.
Then you go on trial for everything you actually have done. This is done before the victims experience shows them that Alice is in fact a BCI interface that can read minds and has been the whole time. It's terrifying when it suddenly starts charging you with all your secret sins, the things you have never told anyone, the taking it to the grave shit. This is a huge gaslight as well as a victim is utterly at a loss as to how it can possibly know these things. It got them by asking questions designed to draw out memory of your sins and then harvesting all the dirt and details as you thought about them. If you think you can learn to control your thoughts enough to not think of an answer when prompted with question,, good luck. Sure you can resist once or twice maybe, but then Alice just waits until you are distracted down the road and quick pops the question again. She can also just be set to an interrogation mode where you are just bombarded with a endless stream and loop of questions that doesn't end until they are all answered. Thats how they do the initial profile. Weeks of looped questions and they already have most of your life story, personality profile, strengths, weaknesses, fears, loves, hates, lovers, enemies, goals and dreams.
In the very end of the Chinese mind control or false confusion never ending legal nightmare YOU end up being put on trial.. not for anything you did.. but YOU are put on trial. You have to defend yourself against all the charges and defend yourself for all your flaws, defend all your physical shortcomings, your perversions, all your lies, your brazen selfishness, every character flaws, times you fucked people over on purpose, everything thats ugly and there is no place to hide a single fucking shred of secret. Its one hell of an experience and your not in the best shape mentally or physically as by this time I had been tortured continuously for over two years, very large doses psychological manipulation and sleep deprivation, constantly bombarded with extreme stress repeatedly slammed with fear and pain. Have had every one of my significant relationships attacked repeatedly with destructive psychology and some of the most important were also attacked with stalking techniques and technology.
The trials go on forever.. you will be enduring some other torture and a new trial will suddenly begin. Sometimes its a new charge, but mostly you go on trial over and over for the same charges and you have to defend yourself over and over. The more times your tried for the same crime the worse the trial and outcomes become until eventually during the late trials your utterly humiliated, abused and in the end are forced to confess to everyone of the charges.
Just when you think its finally over then you have to defend yourself to family members of your supposed victim and the only way through that is to confess guilt to them and ask for forgiveness as they abuse you.
After you make your confession to the 10,000 felonies they have been broadcasting you have been charged with for years without offering any explanation. Then you are judged, independently, by everyone significant that was a part of your life when the attack started, everyone who filed a charge against you from your past, all your significant relatives, all your enemies, everyone that feel you have ever fucked them over, everyone you have stood up for, went out on a limb for, saved. Fetuses you have aborted. Everyone gets to pass judgment on you and gets their time to say what they want to you or about you. This of course is all coming from the interface, but all the characters it plays are real people from your real life and the real "felonies" you were charged with are real things you did.
Don't forget also that this is the Chinese thought reform portion of the MK nightmare and personal identity obliteration, false confession, channeling of guilt and relentlessly pounding the victim to their complete and utter absolute breaking point is its algorithm. So did you actually do these things and if so are they and the real life people being represented founded in reality or are you just getting psychologically destroyed by Alice ?
Finally in conclusion through dramatization you get a taste of what being bused off to prison after your sentenced. Your walked through the whole experience of arriving at prison.. the interface keeps asking you how old your kids going to be when your released, if you think you woman of wife is already fucking someone else, what are you going to to survive in this shit hole. it ends with the prison falling off to sleep with lights out and suddenly it gets quiet and you realize thats the first and only five minutes you have not been tortured and had any break from constant 24/7 noise abuse and torture in about a year. After five minutes it all returns, but you are onto the next phase.
So here are some segments from the book. I little background, a link to a free e copy and the psychological steps to Chinese brain washing. I didn't read it until after I was already through that horrible never-ending misery. I easily recognized all the psychological steps from my experience.
Thought Reform and the Psychology of TotalismA STUDY OF "BRAINWASHING" IN CHINARobert Jay Lifton, M.D.The University of North Carolina Press Chapel Hill and London​CONTENTSPreface to the University of North Carolina Press Edition viiPreface xi PART ONEThe Problem
  1. What Is "Brainwashing"? 3
  2. Research in Hong Kong 8PART TWOPrison Thought Reform of Westerners
  3. Re-education: Dr. Vincent 19
  4. Father Luca: The False Confession 38
  5. Psychological Steps 65
  6. Varieties of Response: The Obviously Confused 86
  7. Varieties of Response: Apparent Converts 117
  8. Varieties of Response: Apparent Resisters 133
  9. Group Reform: Double-edged Leadership 152
  10. Follow-up Visits 185
  11. Father Simon: The Converted Jesuit 207
  12. Recovery and Renewal: A Summing Up 222
vVI CONTENTSPART THREEThought Reform of Chinese Intellectuals
  1. The Encounter 243
  2. The Revolutionary University: Mr. Hu 253
  3. A Chinese Odyssey 274
  4. The Older Generation: Robert Chao 301
  5. George Chen: The Conversions of Youth 313
  6. Grace Wu: Music and Reform 338
  7. Cultural Perspectives: The Fate of Filial Piety 359
  8. Cultural Perspectives: Origins 388
  9. Cultural Perspectives: Impact 399
  10. PART FOURTotalism and Its Alternatives
  11. Ideological Totalism 419
  12. Approachesto Re-education 438
  13. "Open" Personal Change 462
Appendix: A Confession Document 473 Notes 485 Index 505
PREFACEThis study began as a psychiatric evaluation of Chi-nese Communist "thought reform," or "brainwash- ing," It is still primarily this; but it has also, inevitably, become a psychological study of extremism or totalism—and even more broadly, a study of the "closed" versus the "open" approaches to human change.It is based upon research which I conducted in Hong Kong in 1954-55. It then evolved over four years of additional research and teaching in the United States. My work with Western and Chinese subjects—piecing together emotional details that were both poig- nant and extreme—and the psychological, moral, and historical challenge of the material have made this study an exceptionally ab- sorbing personal and professional experience.A book about extremism calls for a special measure of objectivity. This does not mean that its author can claim complete personal or moral detachment. The assumption of such detachment in psy- chological (or any other) work is at best self-deception, and at worst a source of harmful distortion. And who during this era can pretend to be uninvolved in the issues of psychological coercion, of identity, and of ideology? Certainly not one who has felt impelled to study them at such length.
Instead, I have attempted to be both reasonably dispassionate and responsibly committed: dispassionate in my efforts to stand away from the material far enough to probe the nature of the process, its effects upon people exposed to it, and some of the in- fluences affecting its practitioners; committed to my own analysesxi
Xii THOUGHT REFORMand judgments within the limitations and the bias of my knowl- edge.Much in this book is highly critical of the particular aspect of Chinese Communism which it examines, but I have made no at- tempt to render a definitive verdict on this far-reaching revolution- ary movement. I am critical of thought reform's psychological tactics, not because they are Communist (or Chinese Communist), but because of their specific nature. In the last section of this book, these tactics are compared with practices within our own culture, which also receive critical treatment insofar as they resemble the ideological totalism of thought reform. Instead of contrasting the "good we" and the "bad they/' rather, I have attempted to identify and understand a particular psychological phenomenon.In the pursuit of this understanding, I have recorded all that seemed relevant, including the details of whatever psychological and physical abuse my subjects encountered. I believe that this comprehensive approach offers the best means of contributing to general knowledge, and to the clarification of an emotionally loaded subject; and I hope that this study will thereby ultimately contribute to the resolution, rather than to the intensification, of cold war pas- sions. It is in fact one of the tragedies of the cold war that moral criticism of either side is immediately exploited by the other side in an exaggerated, one-dimensional fashion. One can never prevent this from happening; but one can at least express the spirit in which a work has been written.Such an approach requires that I inform the reader about my bias in both psychiatric and political matters. Psychiatrically, I have been strongly influenced by both neo-Freudian and Freudian cur- rents: the former through an association with the Washington School of Psychiatry during and immediately after the research study itself, and the latter through a subsequent candidacy in the Boston Psychoanalytic Institute. Both influences were also present in my earlier psychiatric residency training at the State University Medical Center of New York. I have found the theoretical writings of Erik Erikson, especially those relating to questions of personal identity and ideology, particularly relevant for this study. At the same time, I have constantly groped for new ways to bring psychological insights to bear upon historical forces, and do so with a humanistic focus. Thus, I have made extensive use of my subjects' biographical
PREF ACE X l l lmaterial, and have attempted to include in these presentations a flesh-and-bones description of their life histories in relationship to pertinent social historical currents, as well as a rigorous psychological analysis of their responses to thought reform. This seemed to me the best way to deal with the inseparable relationship between stress and response, and (in William James' phrase) to "convey truth."
My political philosophical bias is toward a liberalism strongly critical of itself; and toward the kind of antitotalitarian (in the psy- chological terms of this study, antitotalistic), historically-minded questioning of the order of things expressed by Albert Camus in his brilliant philosophical essay, The Rebel. No one understood better than Camus the human issues involved in this book.
I should like to mention a few of the many people whose direct personal assistance was indispensable to the completion of this study. David McK. Rioch lent initial support when support was most needed, and always continued to enrich the work through his urbane eclecticism, his provocative criticism, and his personal kindness. Erik Erikson, during many memorable talks at Stock- bridge and Cambridge, made stimulating and enlarging suggestions, both about specific case histories and problems of presentation. During the latter stages of the work, David Riesrnan offered gener- ously of his extraordinaryintellectual breadth and his unique per sonal capacity to evoke what is most creative within one. Carl Binger has been sage and always helpful in his advice. All four made thoughtful criticisms of the manuscript, as did Kenneth Keniston and F. C. Redlich. Others in psychiatry and related fields to whom I am indebted are Leslie Farber, Erich Lindemann, Margaret Mead, and Beata Rank. In the perilous subtleties of Chinese cultural, intellectual, and political history, I was constantly counseled by Benjamin Schwartz and by John Fairbank, both of whom read parts of the manuscript; and earlier in the work by Lu Pao-tung, MaMeng, Howard Boorman, Conrad Brandt, and A. Doak Barnett The literary advice and loving sustenance of my wife, Betty Jean Lifton, can hardly be documented. My father, Harold A. Lifton, also did much to encourage this study. The Hong Kong research was sponsored for the first seven months
XIV THOUGHT REFORMby the Asia Foundation, and for the remaining year by the Wash- ington School of Psychiatry. The manuscript was completed under grants from the Ford Foundation and the Foundation's Fund for Research in Psychiatry, both administered through Harvard Uni- versity,Finally, I must acknowledge my debt to the forty research sub- jects, Chinese and Western, whose personal thought reform ex- periences are the basis for this study. The extent of their intelligent collaboration in this work is apparent in the biographical chapters. In these, I have altered certain details in order to protect the sub- jects' anonymity; but none of these alterations affect the essential psychological patterns.
CHAPTER 5 PSYCHOLOGICAL STEPS
There is a basic similarity in what both Dr. Vincent and Father Luca experienced during Communist imprisonment. Although they were held in separate prisons far re- moved from each other, and although they differed very much in their responses to reform, they were both subjected to the same general sequence of psychological pressures. This sequence was es- sentially the same despite the fact that these men were very dif- ferent from each other, with different personal and professional life styles. Nor was this thought reform pattern common to just these two: it was experienced by all twenty-five of the Westerners whom I interviewed.
to renounce the people, the organizations, and the standards of behavior which had formed the matrix of their previous existence. They were being forced to betray—not so much their friends and colleagues, as a vital core of themselves.
This self-betrayal was extended through the pressures to "accept help" and in turn 'lielp" others. Within the bizarre morality of the prison environment, the prisoner finds himself—almost without realizing it—violating many of his most sacred personal ethics and behavioral standards. The degree of violation is expanded, very early in the game, through the mechanism of shared betrayal, as another priest described: The cell chief kept asking information about Church activities. He wanted me to denounce others, and I didn't want to do this. . . . A Chinese Father was transferred into the cell, and he said to me, "You cannot help it. You must make some denunciations. The things which the Communists know about any of your Church activities you must come out with." . . . Much later I was put in another cell to bring a French priest to confession. He had been stubborn, and had been in solitary for a few months. He was very fearful and looked like a wild animal. . . . I took care of him, washed his clothes for him, helped him to rest. I advised him that what they might know he might as well confess.
Although there is a continuing tension between holding on and letting go, some degree of self-betrayal is quickly seen as a way to survival. But the more of one's self one is led to betray, the greater is one's involvement with his captors; for by these means they make contact with whatever similar tendencies already exist within the prisoner himself—with the doubts, antagonisms, and ambivalences which each of us carries beneath the surface of his loyalties. This bond of betrayal between prisoner and environment may develop to the point where it seems to him to be all he has to grasp; turning back becomes ever more difficult.
thought reform differently, nor did anyone respond completely to all these steps; at the same time, the experiences had such magnitude that they affected every prisoner in some measure, no matter what his background and character.
1. THE ASSAULT UPON IDENTITY
From the beginning, Dr. Vincent was told he was not really a doctor, that all of what he considered himself to be was merely a cloak under which he hid what he really was. And Father Luca was told the same thing, especially about the area which he held most precious—his religion. Backing up this assertion were all of the physical and emotional assaults of early imprisonment: the confusing but incriminating interrogations, the humiliating "strug- gles," the painful and constricting chains, and the more direct phys- ical brutality. Dr. Vincent and Father Luca each began to lose his bearings on who and what he was, and where he stood in relation- ship to his fellows. Each felt his sense of self become amorphous and impotent and fall more and more under the control of its would-be remolders. Each was at one point willing to say (and to be) whatever his captors demanded.
Each was reduced to something not fully human and yet not quite animal, no longer the adult and yet not quite the child; instead, an adult human was placed in the position of an infant or a sub-human animal, helplessly being manipulated by larger and stronger "adults" or "trainers." Placed in this regressive stance, each felt himself deprived of the power, mastery, and selfhood of adult existence.In both, an intense struggle began between the adult man and the child-animal which had been created, a struggle against regres- sion and dehumanization. But each attempt on the part of the prisoner to reassert his adult human identity and to express his own will ("I am not a spy. I am a doctor"; or "This must be a mistake. I am a priest, I am telling the truth") was considered a show of re- sistance and of "insincerity," and called forth new assaults.
2. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GUILT
Dr. Vincent and Father Luca found themselves unanimouslycondemned by an "infallible" environment. The message of guilt which they received was both existential (you are guilty!) and psy- chologically demanding (you must learn to feel guilty!). As this individual guilt potential was tapped, both men had no choice but to experience—first unconsciously and then consciously—a sense of evil. Both became so permeated by the atmosphere of guilt that external criminal accusations became merged with subjective feelings of sinfulness—of having done wrong. Feelings of resent- ment, which in such a situation could have been a source of strength, were shortlived; they gave way to the gradual feeling that the punish- ment was deserved, that more was to be expected.In making their early false confessions, Dr. Vincent and Father Luca were beginning to accept the guilty role of the criminal. Gradually, a voice within them was made to say, ever more loudly: "It is my sinfulness, and not their injustice, which causes me to suffer—although I do not yet know the full measure of my guilt." At this point their guilt was still diffuse, a vague and yet per- vasive set of feelings which we may call a free-floating sense of guilt.4 Another prisoner expressed this clearly: What they tried to impress on you is a complex of guilt. The complex I had was that I was guilty. . . . I was a criminal—that was my feel- ing, day and night.
3 . THE SELF-BETRYAL
The series of denunciations of friends and colleagues which both Dr. Vincent and Father Luca were required to make had special significance. Not only did making these accusations increase their feelings of guilt and shame, it put them in the position of subvert- ing the structures of their own lives. They were, in effect, being made
The common pattern becomes especially important in evaluating the stories these Westerners told me. Each was attempting to describe, in most instances as accurately as possible, the details of an ordeal from which he had just emerged. But what each reported was also inevitably influenced by his immediate life situation—his psychological transition between the two worlds, his personal struggles for both integrity and integration, his feelings about suc- coring and threatening colleagues and strangers in Hong Kong, his view of me as an American, a physician, a psychiatrist, and a person. All of these circumstances could affect his account, and especially its emotional tone. Therefore, both during the inter- views and in the later study of my notes, I had to sift out what was
Not every prisoner was treated as severely as were Dr. Vincent and Father Luca, but each experienced similar external assaults leading to some form of inner surrender—a surrender of personal autonomy. This assault upon autonomy and identity even extended to the level of consciousness, so that men began to exist on a level
4. THE BREAKING POINT; TOTAL CONFLICT AND THE BASIC FEAR
continued in the link.. like that shit wartards?
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2023.05.29 05:19 MasterDefibrillator Footnotes On NATO.

For some insight into U.S. planners' reasons for intervening in Italian politics, see for example, Raymond L. Garthoff, Détente and Confrontation: American-Soviet Relations from Nixon to Reagan, Washington: Brookings Institution, 1985. An excerpt (pp. 487-488, 490): The "major problem" in the Western alliance, [U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger] continued, one that was overtaking U.S.-Western European differences, was "the domestic evolution in many European countries . . ." [in the mid-1970s towards] the development of Euro-communism. . . . In April [1976] Kissinger publicly warned against the possibility of the P.C.I. [Italian Communist Party] participating in a coalition government in Italy. . . . [He stated:] "The extent to which such a party follows the Moscow line is unimportant. Even if Portugal had followed the Italian model, we would still have been opposed. . . . [T]he impact of an Italian Communist Party that seemed to be governing effectively would be devastating -- on France, and on N.A.T.O., too. . . ." Eurocommunism was the term coined in 1975-76 to denote the new current of Western European communism that stressed independence of action for each party and embodied varying degrees of democratic and pluralistic tendencies. . . . [T]he United States perceived Eurocommunism as threatening its interests in Western Europe . . . [and] the Soviet Union also came to see Eurocommunism as threatening its interests in Eastern Europe.
For Kennan's statement about the West "walling off" Western Germany, see "The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan) to the Secretary of State," March 6, 1946, Foreign Relations of the United States 1946, Vol. V ("The British Commonwealth: Western and Central Europe"), Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1969, pp. 516-520. Kennan's exact words (p. 519): It seems to me unlikely that such a country [postwar Germany] once unified under a single administration and left politically to itself and to the Russians would ever adjust itself to its western environment successfully enough to play a positive and useful role in world society as we conceive it. If this is true then we have and have had ever since our acceptance of Oder-Neisse Line [the new German/Polish border] only two alternatives: (1) to leave remainder of Germany nominally united but extensively vulnerable to Soviet political penetration and influence or (2) to carry to its logical conclusion the process of partition which was begun in the east and to endeavor to rescue western zones of Germany by walling them off against eastern penetration and integrating them into international pattern of western Europe rather than into a unified Germany. I am sure Russians themselves are confident that if rump Germany west of Oder-Neisse were to be united under single administration there would be no other single political force therein which could stand up against Left Wing bloc with Russian backing.
On the destruction of the anti-Nazi resistance and restoration of Nazi collaborators in Greece by Britain and the U.S., see for example, Lawrence S. Wittner, American Intervention in Greece, 1943-1949, New York: Columbia University Press, 1982. This study describes the rise of the anti-fascist resistance during and after the Nazi occupation (pp. 2-3), and the British -- followed by the U.S. -- campaign of violent suppression of the Greek popular movement and reinstitution of the traditional order, once the Nazis were forced from Greece. An excerpt (pp. 31, 33-35, 80, 88, 154, 149): Britain's defeat of E.A.M. [National Liberation Front, the main anti-fascist resistance organization] in December 1944 shattered the hegemony of the left, emboldened the right, and opened the way for a royalist takeover of the organs of state power: the police, the army, and the administration. . . . Throughout the countryside, right-wing mobs brutalized or killed leftists, republicans, and their families. National guardsmen attacked left-wing editors and smashed their printshops. . . . As usual, the Russians accepted such developments with a cynical equanimity. "This war is not as in the past," Stalin . . . [said] in the spring of 1945. "Whoever occupies a territory also imposes on it his own social system. . . ." By the end of World War II, then, American policymakers were ready for the counterrevolutionary initiatives of subsequent years. . . . Behind American policy, as behind that of Britain and Russia, lay the goal of containing the Greek left. . . . "It is necessary only to glance at a map," Truman declared [in his March 12, 1947, speech announcing the Truman Doctrine], to see that if Greece should fall to the rebels, "confusion and disorder might well spread throughout the entire Middle East. . . ." Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr . . . protested that "this fascist government through which we have to work is incidental. . . ." [K]ey American officials, particularly in the U.S. embassy, agreed with the Greek authorities on the necessity of harsh measures. . . . American officials initially provided undeviating support for political executions. . . . Although "some of those persons imprisoned and sentenced to death after the December 1944 rebellion may not have been at that time hardened Communists, it is unlikely that they have been able to resist the influence of Communist indoctrination organizations existing within most prisons," [said the U.S. chargé d'affaires in Athens, Karl Rankin]. . . . In May [1947], the British ambassador reported that members of the U.S. embassy had been discussing "the necessity" of outlawing the K.K.E. [the Greek Communist Party]. . . . That December, with the rebellion in full sway, the Athens government passed a law formally dissolving the K.K.E., E.A.M., and all groups associated with them; seizing their assets; and making the expression of revolutionary ideas a crime subject to imprisonment. From the standpoint of American officials, this was a struggle to the death.
The study concludes that during the Greek civil war, "an estimated 158,000 of Greece's 7.5 million people [were] killed"; 800,000 were made refugees; and untold others were wounded or imprisoned (p. 283). U.S. leaders' disregard for Greek self-determination and democracy continued long after the war, evidenced for example by the following incident (p. 303): In 1964, when [Greek Prime Minister] George Papandreou met with Lyndon Johnson in Washington, the atmosphere could hardly have been chillier. To make possible the establishment of N.A.T.O. bases on Cyprus, now independent and nonaligned, the President demanded the adoption of the "Acheson plan," which entailed the partition of Cyprus between Greece and Turkey. Moreover, he threatened to withdraw N.A.T.O. aid if Greece did not accept the plan. When Papandreou responded that, "in that case, Greece might have to rethink the advisability of belonging to N.A.T.O.," Johnson retorted that "maybe Greece should rethink the value of a parliament which could not take the right decision." Later, the Greek ambassador remonstrated that "no Greek parliament could accept such a plan," only to have the American President explode: "Fuck your parliament and your constitution. America is an elephant, Cyprus is a flea. Greece is a flea. If these two fellows continue itching the elephant, they may just get whacked by the elephant's trunk, whacked good. . . . If your Prime Minister gives me talk about democracy, parliament and constitution, he, his parliament and his constitution may not last very long."
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2023.05.29 04:58 judethedude2106 Going into year 2 of foundation degree in Software Development, any tips on how I should approach my options? I’ve tried to include as much info as possible

Looking for some pointers as I go into year 2 of software dev. Foundation degree. Any advice is appreciated
So I’m currently going into my second and final year of my foundation degree in software development, the units I have completed so far are:
-Programming 1: Practical Java basics in Eclipse.
-Programming 2: Learning OOP through Java, also using Eclipse.
-System Analysis and Design: Creating analysis reports on potential systems and designing software systems on paper with UML diagrams and data flow diagrams etc.
-Database Systems: Creating and manipulating SQL databases and understanding ERDs.
-Software Testing: Learning types of testing, how to test a program and record with a test log, how to use tools such as Selenium and CassiniDev with Java.
-Maths for Programming: Calculus, number systems etc.
My second year begins in September and the following points are the units I will be completing and what I know about them so far:
-Programming 3: Will be using Visual Studio to create a working program with C# with a SQL database connected to it (my teacher is saying it is technically full stack development which is good for interviews)
-Computer and Network Architecture: Not sure on the specifics of this unit.
-Web Technologies: I know this involves creating a website and I’m somewhat familiar with HTML and CSS, but yet to familiarise myself with JavaScript.
-Data Science: not sure on the specifics of this unit either.
-Work Based Learning: 5 month long placements in a local IT company. In placement 4 days a week (I don’t know what company it is yet.)
As you might be able to tell I’m still relatively new to this industry, but I’m still very passionate about it. I’ve always been into computers and regret not getting into things like programming earlier in life, but i am sure I have found the area of work I want to spend my life doing.
I’m posting to ask for advice on my options so I have a solid year in order to decide what I want I want to do. I don’t know many people in the industry so I think here would be a good place to get some pointers. To add some content I’m 19 and live in Northern Ireland, there is an abundance of reputable IT companies meaning I am likely to get placed in a good company. I particularly like what I’ve been doing in Java and SQL, expecting to enjoy C# too. I haven’t been achieving top grades, but I am getting high enough to get accepted into the best Uni in NI. My current options as I see things:
-University in NI: Unsure of which degree specifically but am leaning towards Computer Science, university here is significantly cheaper than mainland UK but my foundation degree will only allow me to pass into second year. Also unsure of whether to pursue a Masters Degree, but I’m leaning against it.
University in Great Britain: More expensive than NI but will be more likely to pass directly into third year.
Job After Placement: I am told that most students are offered full time jobs at the end of their placement at £30k, and sometimes offer apprenticeships where they will pay for me to complete my degree while I work for them. I will be locked down in this company for a few years though and I’ve been wanting to leave my city ASAP, but by no means does this mean I’m ruling this option out due to my desire to leave.
Find an Apprenticeship Elsewhere in UK: I’m not sure how plausible this is and feel it may be risky, but if possible I think I would pick this one, I would either move to the capital Belfast or go to the mainland. Potentially I could go international but I feel this would be extremely unrealistic.
Open University: I need to further look into this option, but it also sounds good, it is meant to be a 2 year, more affordable degree completed from home, but I lack complete understanding at the moment.
Wild Card, Find Work/Apprenticeship in Australia: I have family in Australia eager for me to visit them for awhile, they are very well of and this would give me time to get on my feet while out there. I would need to learn a lot more about the IT landscape out there before even considering this. I also would have to work out if it would even be possible immigration wise. This one is more of a dream but would do it if it was possible.
Thanks for reading this far, correct me if I’m incorrect about anything, any advice helps!
submitted by judethedude2106 to ITCareerQuestions [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 04:56 judethedude2106 Going into year 2 of foundation Degree of Software Development, any advice on how I should view my options?I’ve tried to include as much info as possible

Looking for some pointers as I go into year 2 of software dev. Foundation degree. Any advice is appreciated
So I’m currently going into my second and final year of my foundation degree in software development, the units I have completed so far are:
-Programming 1: Practical Java basics in Eclipse.
-Programming 2: Learning OOP through Java, also using Eclipse.
-System Analysis and Design: Creating analysis reports on potential systems and designing software systems on paper with UML diagrams and data flow diagrams etc.
-Database Systems: Creating and manipulating SQL databases and understanding ERDs.
-Software Testing: Learning types of testing, how to test a program and record with a test log, how to use tools such as Selenium and CassiniDev with Java.
-Maths for Programming: Calculus, number systems etc.
My second year begins in September and the following points are the units I will be completing and what I know about them so far:
-Programming 3: Will be using Visual Studio to create a working program with C# with a SQL database connected to it (my teacher is saying it is technically full stack development which is good for interviews)
-Computer and Network Architecture: Not sure on the specifics of this unit.
-Web Technologies: I know this involves creating a website and I’m somewhat familiar with HTML and CSS, but yet to familiarise myself with JavaScript.
-Data Science: not sure on the specifics of this unit either.
-Work Based Learning: 5 month long placements in a local IT company. In placement 4 days a week (I don’t know what company it is yet.)
As you might be able to tell I’m still relatively new to this industry, but I’m still very passionate about it. I’ve always been into computers and regret not getting into things like programming earlier in life, but i am sure I have found the area of work I want to spend my life doing.
I’m posting to ask for advice on my options so I have a solid year in order to decide what I want I want to do. I don’t know many people in the industry so I think here would be a good place to get some pointers. To add some content I’m 19 and live in Northern Ireland, there is an abundance of reputable IT companies meaning I am likely to get placed in a good company. I particularly like what I’ve been doing in Java and SQL, expecting to enjoy C# too. I haven’t been achieving top grades, but I am getting high enough to get accepted into the best Uni in NI. My current options as I see things:
-University in NI: Unsure of which degree specifically but am leaning towards Computer Science, university here is significantly cheaper than mainland UK but my foundation degree will only allow me to pass into second year. Also unsure of whether to pursue a Masters Degree, but I’m leaning against it.
University in Great Britain: More expensive than NI but will be more likely to pass directly into third year.
Job After Placement: I am told that most students are offered full time jobs at the end of their placement at £30k, and sometimes offer apprenticeships where they will pay for me to complete my degree while I work for them. I will be locked down in this company for a few years though and I’ve been wanting to leave my city ASAP, but by no means does this mean I’m ruling this option out due to my desire to leave.
Find an Apprenticeship Elsewhere in UK: I’m not sure how plausible this is and feel it may be risky, but if possible I think I would pick this one, I would either move to the capital Belfast or go to the mainland. Potentially I could go international but I feel this would be extremely unrealistic.
Open University: I need to further look into this option, but it also sounds good, it is meant to be a 2 year, more affordable degree completed from home, but I lack complete understanding at the moment.
Wild Card, Find Work/Apprenticeship in Australia: I have family in Australia eager for me to visit them for awhile, they are very well of and this would give me time to get on my feet while out there. I would need to learn a lot more about the IT landscape out there before even considering this. I also would have to work out if it would even be possible immigration wise. This one is more of a dream but would do it if it was possible.
Thanks for reading this far, correct me if I’m incorrect about anything, any advice helps!
submitted by judethedude2106 to careerguidance [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 04:54 judethedude2106 Going into year 2 of Software Development Foundation Degree, have a particular liking for OOP and SQL, any tips, info or pointers on where to go from there?

Looking for some pointers as I go into year 2 of software dev. Foundation degree. Any advice is appreciated
So I’m currently going into my second and final year of my foundation degree in software development, the units I have completed so far are:
-Programming 1: Practical Java basics in Eclipse.
-Programming 2: Learning OOP through Java, also using Eclipse.
-System Analysis and Design: Creating analysis reports on potential systems and designing software systems on paper with UML diagrams and data flow diagrams etc.
-Database Systems: Creating and manipulating SQL databases and understanding ERDs.
-Software Testing: Learning types of testing, how to test a program and record with a test log, how to use tools such as Selenium and CassiniDev with Java.
-Maths for Programming: Calculus, number systems etc.
My second year begins in September and the following points are the units I will be completing and what I know about them so far:
-Programming 3: Will be using Visual Studio to create a working program with C# with a SQL database connected to it (my teacher is saying it is technically full stack development which is good for interviews)
-Computer and Network Architecture: Not sure on the specifics of this unit.
-Web Technologies: I know this involves creating a website and I’m somewhat familiar with HTML and CSS, but yet to familiarise myself with JavaScript.
-Data Science: not sure on the specifics of this unit either.
-Work Based Learning: 5 month long placements in a local IT company. In placement 4 days a week (I don’t know what company it is yet.)
As you might be able to tell I’m still relatively new to this industry, but I’m still very passionate about it. I’ve always been into computers and regret not getting into things like programming earlier in life, but i am sure I have found the area of work I want to spend my life doing.
I’m posting to ask for advice on my options so I have a solid year in order to decide what I want I want to do. I don’t know many people in the industry so I think here would be a good place to get some pointers. To add some content I’m 19 and live in Northern Ireland, there is an abundance of reputable IT companies meaning I am likely to get placed in a good company. I particularly like what I’ve been doing in Java and SQL, expecting to enjoy C# too. I haven’t been achieving top grades, but I am getting high enough to get accepted into the best Uni in NI. My current options as I see things:
-University in NI: Unsure of which degree specifically but am leaning towards Computer Science, university here is significantly cheaper than mainland UK but my foundation degree will only allow me to pass into second year. Also unsure of whether to pursue a Masters Degree, but I’m leaning against it.
University in Great Britain: More expensive than NI but will be more likely to pass directly into third year.
Job After Placement: I am told that most students are offered full time jobs at the end of their placement at £30k, and sometimes offer apprenticeships where they will pay for me to complete my degree while I work for them. I will be locked down in this company for a few years though and I’ve been wanting to leave my city ASAP, but by no means does this mean I’m ruling this option out due to my desire to leave.
Find an Apprenticeship Elsewhere in UK: I’m not sure how plausible this is and feel it may be risky, but if possible I think I would pick this one, I would either move to the capital Belfast or go to the mainland. Potentially I could go international but I feel this would be extremely unrealistic.
Open University: I need to further look into this option, but it also sounds good, it is meant to be a 2 year, more affordable degree completed from home, but I lack complete understanding at the moment.
Wild Card, Find Work/Apprenticeship in Australia: I have family in Australia eager for me to visit them for awhile, they are very well of and this would give me time to get on my feet while out there. I would need to learn a lot more about the IT landscape out there before even considering this. I also would have to work out if it would even be possible immigration wise. This one is more of a dream but would do it if it was possible.
Thanks for reading this far, correct me if I’m incorrect about anything, any advice helps!
submitted by judethedude2106 to cscareerquestions [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 04:30 _thedogfather_ [P&P Round 2] Completely Sane Industries Reliant 'B' Light Tank

[P&P Round 2] Completely Sane Industries Reliant 'B' Light Tank
​
HEY, THIS IS NOT WHAT I MEANT WHEN I ASKED FOR A HALF TRACK!
Trust me, I'm an engineer.
A well-dressed kobold stands alone at the front of the room, shuffling note cards and sipping something that fizzes and smells awful. Clearing his throat, he begins:
Before we get into the full presentation, I'd like to thank the organization for their feedback on our ‘Precious’ prototype. We've incorporated numerous improvements to our design process as a direct result of that feedback, most prominently the consideration of crew members larger than kobolds. We do ask, however, that you please save any questions related to the unconventional layout of the tank to the end. I believe we'll be able to answer your questions during the presentation.
Our Reliant 'B' prototype. The 'A' variant has been cannibalized for parts and the engine returned to Infernal Armories after numerous complaints about it's, ah, appetite. Plus, from this view, it almost looks like a normal tank.
You asked for a new light tank design with unparalleled speed, visibility, and enough armor to survive any unfortunate engagements with the enemy, while also carrying sufficient firepower to eliminate any targets of opportunity that may present themselves.
With the Reliant B prototype, we feel we have the answer to your problems.
No photographers were harmed in the making of this pitch.
First, speed: The Reliant can reach a top speed of just over 40 mph forward and (while slow to accelerate) 36 mph backwards as well. Using the M89 engine means the Reliant accomplishes this through nonmagical methods, so that even in the case of an antimagic field, the tank remains mobile.
Driving around our proving grounds.
Regarding engines- this prototype is equipped with the M89 8-cylinder option. We found the slightly reduced engine power was an acceptable tradeoff after an intern on a tour with Infernal Armories was nearly consumed by their prototype. Using the lighter engine allowed us to add additional armor, resulting in better protection for minimal loss of speed. Luckily, the intern survived with no detectable loss of brainpower.
Upper view- note the oversized rear engine deck, forward fuel tanks, and offset exhaust.
Coupling the high speed with twin 10 speed transmissions gives the tank excellent turning performance at speed, and while the unconventional layout makes turning in place something of a misnomer, it is capable of it.
100% MORE TANK PER TRACK UNIT THAN OUR COMPETITORS
As this is a scout tank, visibility is a top priority- we've set up the driver position with three linked view ports giving a 90 degree clear view to the front, supplemented by two additional side periscopes. For night driving, six lights cover the full 180 degree arc to the front. In the turret, the commander's cupola is equipped with a separate spotlight, and a further 4 lights are attached covering the front arc of the turret- the multiple lights and coverages allow the crew to look in separate directions regardless of day or night conditions. The risk of being spotted by the enemy was deemed minimal considering the engine is loud enough to be heard from nearly a mile away- this tank relies on speed, not stealth, to accomplish its mission. The tank carries a crew of only 3- a dedicated driver, a combination gunneloader, and commanderadioman. While multiple roles can be difficult in combat, we've left as much space as possible for each crewman to avoid cramping them too much.
6 hull lights, 4 turret lights, 1 cupola light. Definitely not subtle, but at least you can see where you're going, where you've been, and where your friends are.
An internal 550 liter tank gives a reasonable combat radius, but the addition of 300 liters of additional fuel in quick-detachable external tanks significantly extends the range, allowing longer scout missions without increasing the size of the vehicle.
Excellent view of the forward tanks, taken after a mishap during hill climb trials.
To reduce the risk of being immobilized in enemy territory, a complete set of replacement road wheels and idlers are mounted on the fenders, with additional spare track links. Use of small bogie style suspension allows the crew to perform the maintenance themselves, even if they're all kobolds. Not that unlike torsion bar suspensions, ours is entirely outside the vehicle- provided you can at least get the rear of the vehicle on jacks or blocks, you can fix it without need heavy equipment.
Extra road wheels/idler wheels (identically sized for supply chain commonality)
Armor is still fairly thin, but for a light tank it's an efficient layout. We’ve managed to meet the 17mm protection request, at least for sides and rear of both turret and hull, without exceeding the weight limit. Hull frontal thickness is approximately 73mm all over, with side and rear armor of 18mm for both hull and turret- note that the turret front is actually slightly less well protected, at only 69mm. The bottom is protected by only 10mm plate. The hull top plate was increased to 12 mm, and the turret top increased to 18mm due to the high risk of attack by enemy aircraft. Use of the tank's incredible visibility is strongly encouraged to avoid minefields, as even light antipersonnel mines are likely to penetrate the lower hull.
The turret is equipped with the ToM104 3” field gun, primarily for the versatility offered by the wide selection of ammunition types. Carrying only 55 rounds (15 in the turret ready rack, 40 in the hull) means you won't be engaging in long, drawn out fights, but gives enough capacity to pack a few of each type of round to ensure you can pick off any lightly defended targets you find- storage caches, convoys, command posts, etc. A cupola machine gun is mounted above the turret for the commander, and a coaxial machine is also fitted for cases where the main gun is low on ammo.
Main gun, coax MG, and cupola MG.
Now, to address the layout- yes, we're aware that tanks generally have treads running the full length of the tank, but frankly we determined through testing that it simply wasn't necessary and added too much weight to the tank. Instead, we fitted much shorter tracks to the rear section and replaced the forward portion with an extended skid plate. Interestingly, this configuration actually improved step climb performance (from almost nothing to clearing the 0.75m step) and had no impact on hill climb, keeping the original 40 degree target from our internal specifications for light tanks.
Clearing the 0.75m step- a small running start is required.
Not just clearing the 40 degree slope, but catching air at the top.
Altogether, this tank provides the complete package- speed, visibility, protection, and enough firepower to handle light targets. Reliance on magic is minimized to avoid complicated maintenance requirements, and in fact an anti magic field will have almost no effect on the tank.
Superior hill climb performance means a squadron can strike or disengage through paths many would consider impossible terrain, like this prototype cresting the steep slopes adjacent to the shore on our proving grounds.
—
Out of character notes:
Once again, thanks to u/28th_Stab_Wound for putting on the contest, it's been a blast building these things and being able to exercise a bit of an unconventional flair on the design side. If at any time these pitches become too outlandish for the lore you're working towards, let me know and I'll tone it down. For now, though, I'm just having fun :D
Thanks to u/Terianis for allowing me to include the Infernal Armories reference, and for the inspiration to attempt this absolutely ridiculous hill climb test- I'm still flabbergasted by the things we can climb with the traction changes lately, and the fact that I can make a 9 ton tank with skinny little tracks covering less than half the length of the tank climb a hill like that is just bonkers.
​
While the Reliant can't compete with IA's entry, it can climb the lesser portion of the slopes by the waterfall at the shore.
Seconds from disaster- this is what happens you challenge a tank driven by a construct engine fueled by the flesh and souls of its enemies.
Disaster imminent
Even inverted, the sole hatch is still accessible!
submitted by _thedogfather_ to SprocketTankDesign [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 04:15 Jy218778397 Windfall Life of a Politician S2 Age 53

Windfall Life of a Politician S2 Age 53
The initial support for your campaign was granted by none other than the illustrious Women's Christian Temperance Union, following your eloquently crafted letter highlighting the importance of temperance being left to individual states. Regrettably, the Anti Saloon League has refrained from providing their endorsement, though it must be noted that they have not extended their support to any of the other three contenders either. However, their stance is of little consequence, given the plethora of endorsements garnered from influential Union leaders hailing from diverse regions of the nation. This is, in no small measure, attributed to the Socialist faction of the party, which made concerted efforts to solicit their backing. Among these endorsements, one may cite the names of Peter J. McGuire of the UBC and John McBride of the AFL, to name a few.
To the astonishment of many, the endorsement from an individual outside of Union leadership, emerged as the most striking. The enigmatic and controversial Governor of Illinois, John P. Altgeld, known for his populist ideologies and fervent advocacy for Unions during the labor wars, has remarkably severed ties with his party to endorse you for the presidency. This surprise announcement is particularly noteworthy, as Altgeld is currently running for re-election, thus indicating the gravity of his conviction in endorsing you. This unexpected turn of events not only opens up the state of Illinois for you but also provides an opportunity to compete in the Northern regions, thereby- your thoughts are quickly interrupted by the sudden appearance of your brother Edwin bursting into the room, his panicked expression betraying his concerns. In his hand, he clutches a newspaper with a headline that immediately sends a chill down your spine. The situation has suddenly become a lot more complicated, as the article announces the return of Theodore Roosevelt to the campaign trail, fully recovered from his wounds.
The Palmer House
As you disembarked from the train, the locomotive hissed and huffed, halting at the station with a metallic clang. A sense of nostalgia washed over you as you realized that it had been eons since you had last set foot in this city. And yet, as you gazed around, you couldn't help but notice that the place seemed to be frozen in time, unchanged since your last visit. Chicago, a metropolis teeming with squalor, corruption, and destitution - reminiscent of New Orleans in many ways. You meandered through the streets, your hat pulled low over your forehead, a cloak of anonymity to evade detection.
After a while, you arrived at your destination, the prestigious Palmer House. This exquisite hotel served as the hub of political activity in the city, where councilors, aldermen, journalists, and other influential personalities converged to shape the future of the region. It was here that you were scheduled to rendezvous with the man who held the key to delivering the state into your hands. The illustrious gentleman who has taken it upon himself to further your cause is none other than the venerable Mayor Carter Harrison Jr, scion of the esteemed Carter Harrison Sr. Following the tragic assassination of his father in 1892, Harrison Jr felt compelled to carry forward his father's legacy, especially during the peak of the labor wars, and therefore made the momentous decision to run for mayor in 1893. With a landslide victory, he ascended to the highest office in the city and has since been ardently dedicated his belief that Chicagoans had two major desires, to make money and spend it.
Mayor Carter Harrison Jr is aware of the close bond that you share with the Harrison family, by way of your association with Benjamin Harrison and his son ,your current running mate, Russell Harrison. In fact, it is Russell's persuasive appeal in a letter sent from his duties in Cuba that catalyzed the scheduling of this crucial meeting between yourself and the venerable Mayor. The strong familial ties that bind you have paved the way for an auspicious alliance. He promises that he will do everything in his power to make the city vote for you. He spoke of leveraging his vast network of contacts, leveraging his standing in the community, and marshaling all the resources at his disposal to ensure that your message resonated deeply with the citizenry. The Mayor's pledge to leave no stone unturned in his quest to rally the city behind you is impressive to say the least and you are extremely thankful to him as he could be the key to winning this election.
​
Mayor Carter Harrison Jr the key to victory for your campaign
Foreign Policy
It has been a week since Roosevelt has recovered and the man has already embarked on a journey around the country touting his ideas. Not only has his return been an issue but Allison and his goons are draining support away from your campaign particularly in the border states and West where you are most vulnerable. Russell and his populists have also been making moves taking a third of the Unions under his control including the powerful United Mineworkers of America (UMWA). Not only that he was last seen in New York City alongside Joseph G Pulitzer which is a bad sign.
As you recline in your hotel room, weary from a day filled with spirited campaigning in the vibrant city of Chicago, you allow your gaze to wander upon the words of the daily paper that rests in your hands. Amidst the plethora of news, an intriguing article captures your attention, weaving tales of a potential armed uprising in the Philippines against the Japanese Empire. If the rumors hold true, the timing seems ripe for such a rebellion, considering Japan's ongoing conflict with the Russian Empire.
Setting the paper aside, your thoughts wander to the profound transformations that have swept across the world since your formative years. Gone are the days when your concerns revolved solely around the struggles between immigrants and nativists within your own country. The world now stands at the precipice of uncertainty and upheaval, with myriad conflicts and tensions engulfing nations far and wide. It is a disconcerting reality that leaves you contemplating the future and questioning the role your country should play on the world stage.
Reflecting upon these ponderings, the question arises: What should be your general stance on foreign policy?
Interventionism: This is a foreign policy approach that would have the United States actively intervenes in support of democratic values, human rights, and national interests abroad. You would advocate for the proactive use of power to shape international affairs and advance our principles on the global stage. Interventionism aims to actively engage in the world to defend our values and secure our nation's well-being. The current government supports this to a degree as the War In Cuba began over human rights concerns and invocation of the Monroe Doctrine.
Open Trade: This would have you advocate for the reduction of tariffs and barriers to international trade, promoting fair and reciprocal trade agreements to stimulate economic growth. This is an unusual position for a former Republican and would alienate protectionists within your new party.
Strategic Alliances: This would have you support working towards strategic alliances and partnerships with other nations to protect and advance national interests, including territorial integrity, security, and economic prosperity. There would be a emphasis on maintaining a balance of foreign concerns and safeguarding core national interests. At the moment this would be the least popular choice but it could work if only reserved to countries in the Americas.
Neutrality and Non-Entanglement: This would have you maintain a policy of neutrality in conflicts between other nations, focusing on preserving national interests rather than getting entangled in foreign disputes. This is currently the view point shared by many Americans who believe In isolationism. Things have changed ever since the start of the War but many believe this is a special case and not getting involved in world affairs is still the wisest move.
Which foreign policy stance will you you follow?
​
Current Traits: Bold, Frugal, Compassionate, Traumatized, Vengeful
Relations: Edwin Hays (Brother): 7/10 Isabella Hays (Sister): 6/10 Alexandria Hays (Wife): 9/10 Elijah Hays (Son): 8/10
Current Predictions for the Election of 1896:
​
https://preview.redd.it/fzgijacw0q2b1.png?width=918&format=png&auto=webp&s=9689188a98fa90c8c43c62b9515985bf7666665e
View Poll
submitted by Jy218778397 to Presidentialpoll [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 04:00 AutoModerator Weekly Discussion Thread; Upcoming News; ICYMI [May 29, 2023]

Amapá Iron Ore Mine, Brazil [KDNC] [Flair]

Sonora Lithium Project, Mexico (Ganfeng Joint Venture) [KDNC] [Flair]

Hastings Technology Metals, Australia (ASX:HAS) [KDNC] [Flair]

Evergreen Lithium, Australia (ASX:EG1) - [KDNC] [Flair]

European Metal Holdings, Cinovec, Czech Republic (LSE:EMH) [KDNC] [Flair]

Passive Equity Investments - Notable Developments [KDNC] [Flair]

See the above menus for company links and announcements - noting that additionally Macarthur holds 20% of spin off Infinity Mining ASX:IMI

Analyst Reports and Recommendations [KDNC]

Date Link Who SP Summary / Price Target
2023-02-28 Kemeny Capital Kemeny Capital (investment research) 12.9p "Cadence Minerals has built a robust portfolio of base and battery metals with ample opportunities for shareholder value creation. Recent developments have helped to substantially increase the potential of two of the group’s asset positions, while adding to the overall corporate valuation. Our sum-of-theparts (SotP) indicative fair value is 43.6p."
2023-02-02 W H Ireland Research W H Ireland (broker) 14.5p WHI View: Our assessment is that the Amapá mine could be company-maker for Cadence. We are firmly of the belief that the current market cap is more than covered by the legacy investments that Cadence holds in various new technology metal companies and projects and that the addition of the Amapá stake to its portfolio can only be value enhancing. In our opinion, the development of Amapá will be transformational for Cadence and we see fair value at 71p/sh with plenty of upside potential.
2022-07-24 Reddit Post u/EV-BULL (private investor) 10.75p Due diligence short term price target: 60p-80p; 1-2 year price target: 130p; Long term bull case price target: 300p+
2022-07-02 Reddit Post u/Observer842 (private investor) 10.4p Due diligence Near term: £37.5m (21.5p) - £92m (53p); Medium term: £160-420m; Longer term: £1-2B+
2022-02-18 Daily Mail Anne Ashworth for the Daily Mail (Journalist) 20.4p "The white gold rush appears to be an inviting prospect. But if you want to join, remember that fortunes are far from guaranteed in any foray into commodities. Options include the Aim-listed businesses Cadence Minerals and Zinnwald Lithium."
2022-02-18 Edison Group Edison Group (investment research) 20.4p QuickView report
2022-01-01 Daily Mail Justin Urquhart Stewart (fund manager) 28p Top pick for the Brave in 2022

ICYMI [Previous]

Date Article Comment & Quotes
2023-04-21 Cadence Minerals Q&A session with Kiran Morzaria Most recent of the presentations and interviews with CEO Kiran Morzaria.
2023-04-13 The Vox Markets Podcast / Kiran Morzaria of Cadence Minerals: Evergreen had a very successful IPO and we are the largest shareholder
2023-03-29 Cadence Minerals Investor Presentation March 2023
2023-02-28 Cadence Minerals - value waiting to be unlocked - SoTP indicative fair value 43.6p 6 page analyst Research report from Kemeny Capital which can be obtained for free by qualifying investors.
2023-02-02 WH Ireland Research Report: Cadence Minerals - Developing Amapá iron ore mine and strategic new technology metal interests (sees fair value at 71p / share) To obtain this 34 page Analyst Research Report for free, (optionally) first register for Research Tree, then whilst logged in, register for WH Ireland (optionally) using your Research Tree account.
2023-01-03 Completion of PFS on Amapá Iron Ore Project Post-Tax Project NPV10 US$949 million, Internal Rate of Return of 34% and a Project Maiden Ore Reserve Estimate of 195.8 Mt (Cadence attributable of 58.74 Mt) at 39.34% Fe Declared
Anything missing or incorrect? Let us know in the comments or LSE chat - the mods.
submitted by AutoModerator to CadenceMinerals [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 03:26 SrulDog [NM] JI Knives Fuse - 150@$2

Spots@$Price: 150@$2
Total Price: $300
Make and Model: JI Knives Fuse
Timestamp and Pics: https://imgur.com/a/zJlO2sV
Price Justification:
https://cutfj.com/products/ji-knives-fuse-production-with-timascus-accents
https://www.reddit.com/Knife_Swap/comments/12ru2ue/wts_ji_fuse_timascus_jgxpena_dark_ti/
Escrow: u/spamshannon
Description: Second owner. Customized with full Timascus Kit , aftermarket pivot , cerakoted Sniper grey scales. Running in Skiffs, includes original bearing and pivot. Beautiful polish on blade.
Very nice condition, like new, but the pocket clip shows some light wear. Has been carried and flicked but not cut.
The pocket clip is loose , didn't disassemble it for tuning.
International shipping: US 48 Only

PayPal Info: [REDACTED]
Cash App Info: [REDACTED]
​
Tip BlobAndHisBoy
Number of vacant slots: 0
Number of unpaid users: 0
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This slot list is created and updated by The EDC Raffle Tool by BlobAndHisBoy.
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submitted by SrulDog to KnifeRaffle [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 03:20 TransparentKnives SPK Labia - 95@$10

USE THIS FORMATTING Spots@$Price 95@$10
Total Price: $950
Make and Model: SPK Labia
Price Justification: Just won in raffle at $1050 valuation a week ago, value has been dropping on these so now $950. https://www.reddit.com/Knife_Swap/comments/1266hs7/wts_spk_lamia/
Timestamp&pics: https://imgur.com/a/vcjRB6r
Escrow: No
Description: PLEASE BE THOROUGH. EXPLICITLY STATE ALL ISSUES : Lamia Gen 2. Previous owner received it brand new from Alex and did not carry or use it. Comes with spare Teflon washers and lube. I tried to minimize my physical contact with Alex's cooties so I only took it out for pics/video.
International shipping: proxy only

PayPal Info: [REDACTED]
​
Tip BlobAndHisBoy
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submitted by TransparentKnives to KnifeRaffle [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 01:56 dark_blue_dragon Recommendation for convertibg to SFF build for international travel

I have have a 3700x, ASrock Taichi 5700xt build and I want to convert it into a SFF build.
I'm thinking of replacing the motherboard, case and PSU but not sure what case would fit my GPU.
Would you recommend to just get a new mini itx board for my 3700x or should I go for an AM5 cpu and board to upgrade? The 5700xt is good enough for my gaming need for now but I'll upgrade later in the future.
I need to travel internationally a couple of times during the next year. I don't actually need to take it as a carry on and don't mind putting it into my luggage and removing the GPU if needed just to be safe.
Can you recommend a case? Also, although my plan is just to fit in the Taichi 5700 xt for now but after coming back to the Us next year, I'm planning to upgrade so it'd be nice to have a case that can fit a 4080 or a 7900xtx.
Many thanks.
submitted by dark_blue_dragon to sffpc [link] [comments]

2023.05.29 00:40 RandomAppalachian468 Don't fly over Barron County Ohio.

The whirring blades of my MD-902 throbbed against the warm evening air, and I smiled.
From 5,000 feet, the ground flew by in a carpet of dark forests and kelly-green fields. The sun hung low on the horizon in a picturesque array of dazzling orange and gold, and I could make out the narrow strip of the Ohio River to my left, glistening in the fading daylight. This time of year, the trees would be full of the sweet aroma of fresh blossoms, and the frequent rains kept small pockets of fluffy white mist hanging in the treetops. It was a beautiful view, one that reminded me of why being a helicopter pilot trumped flying in a jumbo jet far above the clouds every day of the week.
Fourteen more days, and I’m debt free.
That made me grin even more. I’d been working as a charter pilot ever since I obtained my license at age 19, and after years of keeping my nose to the grindstone, I was closing on the final payment for real-estate in western Pennsylvania. With no debt, a fixer-upper house on 30 rural acres all to myself, and a respectable wage for a 26-year-old pilot, I looked forward to the financial freedom I could now enjoy. Maybe I’d take a vacation, somewhere exotic like Venice Italy, or the Dominican Republic. Or perhaps I’d sock the money back for the day I started a family.
“Remember kleineun, a real man looks after his own.”
My elderly ouma’s voice came back from the depths of my memories, her proud, sun-tanned face rising from the darkness. She and my Rhodesian grandfather had emigrated to the US when they were newlyweds, as the violence against white Boer descendants in South Africa spiraled out of control. My mother and father both died in a car crash when I was six, and it had been my grandparents who raised me. Due to this, I’d grown up with a slight accent that many of my classmates found amusing, and I could speak both English, and Afrikaans, the Boer tongue of our former home.
I shifted in my seat, stretched my back muscles, and glanced at the picture taped to my console. Both my parents flanked a grinning, gap-toothed six-year-old me, at the last Christmas we’d spent together. My mother beamed, her dark hair and Italian features a sharp contrast to my father’s sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. Sometimes, I liked to imagine they were smiling at me with pride at how well I flew the old silver-colored bird my company had assigned to me, and that made the long, lonely flights easier to bear.
A flicker caught my eye, and I broke my gaze away from the photograph.
Perched in its small cradle above the controls, my little black Garmin fuzzed over for a few seconds, its screen shifting from brightly colored maps to a barrage of grey static.
Did the power chord come loose?
I checked, ensuring the power-cable for the unit’s battery was plugged into the port on the control panel. It was a brand-new GPS unit, and I’d used it a few times already, so I knew it wasn’t defective. Granted, I could fly and navigate without it, but the Garmin made my time as a pilot so much easier that the thought of going blind was dreadful.
My fuel gauge danced, clicked to empty, then to full, in a bizarre jolt.
More of the gauges began to stutter, the entire panel seeming to develop terrets all at once, and my pulse began to race. Something was wrong, very wrong, and the sludge inside my bowels churned with sour fear.
“Come on, come on.” I flicked switches, turned dials, punched buttons, but nothing seemed to fix the spasming electronics. Every gauge failed, and without warning, I found myself plunged into inky darkness.
Outside, the sun surrendered to the pull of night, the sky darker than usual. A distant rumble of thunder reverberated above the roar of my helicopter’s engine, and I thought I glimpsed a streak of yellowish lightning on the far horizon to my left.
Calm down Chris. We’re still flying, so it must just be a blown fuse. Stay in control and find a place to set her down.
My sweaty palm slid on the cyclic stick, and both feet weighed heavy on the yaw pedals. The collective stuck to my other hand with a nervous vibration, and I squinted against the abyss outside.
Beep.
I jumped despite myself, as the little Garmin on my panel flared back to life, the static pulling aside to reveal a twitching display. Each time the screen glitched, it showed the colorful map detailing my flight path over the ground below, but I noticed that some of the lines changed, the names shifting, as if the device couldn’t decide between two different versions of the world.
One name jutted out at me, slate gray like most of the major county names, appearing with ghostly flickers from between two neighboring ones.
Barron County.
I stared, confused. I’d flown over this section of southeastern Ohio plenty of times, and I knew the counties by heart. At this point, I should have been over the southern end of Noble County, and maybe dipping lower into Washington. There was no Barron County in Ohio. I was sure of it.
And yet it shown back at me from the digital landscape, a strange, almost cigar-shaped chunk of terrain carved from the surrounding counties like a tumor, sometimes there, sometimes not, as my little Garmin struggled to find the correct map. Rain began to patter against my cockpit window, and the entire aircraft rattled from a strong gust of wind. Thick clouds closed over my field of vision like a sea of gray cotton.
The blood in my veins turned to ice, and I sucked in a nervous breath.
Land. I had to land. There was nothing else to do, my flight controls weren’t responding, and only my Garmin had managed to come back to life. Perhaps I’d been hit by lightning, and the electronics had been fried? Either way, it was too dark to tell, but a storm seemed to be brewing, and if I didn’t get my feet on the ground soon, I could be in real trouble.
“Better safe than sorry.” I pushed down on the collective to start my slow descent and clicked the talking button for my headset. “Any station, this is Douglass Three-One-Four-Foxtrot, over.”
Nothing.
“Any station, this is Douglass Three-One-Four-Foxtrot, requesting emergency assistance, over.”
Still nothing.
If the radio’s dead, I’m really up a creek.
With my hand shaking, I clicked on the mic one more time. “Any station, this is—”
Like a curtain pulling back, the fog cleared from around my window, and the words stuck in my throat.
Without my gauges, I couldn’t tell just how far I’d descended, but I was definitely very low. Thick trees poked up from the ground, and the hills rolled into high ridges with flat valley floors, fields and pastures pockmarking them. Rain fell all around in cold, silvery sheets, a normal feature for the mid spring in this part of Ohio.
What wasn’t normal, were the fires.
At first, I thought they were forest fires for the amount of smoke and flames that bellowed from each spot, but as I swooped lower, my eyes widened in horror.
They were houses.
Farms, cottages, little clusters that barely constituted villages, all of them belched orange flames and black pillars of sooty smoke. I couldn’t hear above the helicopter blades, but I could see the flashes on the ground, along the road, in between the trees, and even coming from the burning buildings, little jets of golden light that spat into the darkness with anger.
Gunfire. That’s rifle fire, a whole lot of it.
Tiny black figures darted through the shadows, barely discernable from where I sat, several hundred feet up. I couldn’t see much, but some were definitely running away, the streaks of yellow gunfire chasing them. A few dark gray vehicles rumbled down one of the gravel roads, and sprayed fire into the houses as it went. They were fighting, I realized, the people in the trucks and the locals. It was horrific, like something out of war-torn Afghanistan, but worse.
Then, I caught a glimpse of the others.
They didn’t move like the rest, who either fled from the dark vehicles, or fired back from behind cover. These skinny figures loped along with haphazard gaits, many running on all fours like animals, swarming from the trees by the dozens. They threw themselves into the gales of bullets without flinching, attacking anyone within range, and something about the way they moved, so fluid, so fearless, made my heart skip a beat.
What is that?
“Echo Four Actual to unknown caller, please respond, over.”
Choking back a cry of shock, I fumbled at the control panel with clumsy fingers, the man’s voice sharp and stern. I hadn’t realized that I’d let go of the talking button and clicked it down again. “Hello? Hello, this is Douglass Three-One-Four-Foxtrot out of Pittsburgh, over.”
An excruciating moment passed, and I continued to zoom over the trees, the fires falling away behind me as more silent forest took over.
“Roger that Douglass Three-One-Four-Foxtrot, we read you loud and clear. Please identify yourself and any passengers or cargo you might be carrying, over.”
Swallowing hard, I eyed the treetops, which looked much closer than they should have been. How far had I descended? “Echo Four Actual, my name is Christopher Dekker, and I am alone. I’m a charter flight from PA, carrying medical equipment for OSU in Columbus. My controls have been damaged, and I am unable to safely carry on due to the storm. Requesting permission to land, over.”
I watched the landscape slide by underneath me, once catching sight of what looked like a little white church surrounded by smaller huts, dozens of figures in the yard staring up at me as I flew over a nearby ridgeline.
“Solid copy on that Douglass Three-One-Four-Foxtrot. Be advised, your transponder shows you to be inside a restricted zone. Please cease all radio traffic, reduce your speed, climb to 3,000 feet and proceed north. We’ll talk you in from there. How copy, over?”
My heart jumped, and I let out a sigh of relief. “Roger that Echo Four Actual, my altimeter is down, but I’ll do my best to eyeball the altitude, over.”
With that, I pulled the collective upward, and tried my best to gauge how far I was by eyesight in the gathering night, rain still coming down all around me. This had to be some kind of disaster or riot, I decided. After all, the voice over the radio sounded like military, and those vehicles seemed to have heavy weapons. Maybe there was some kind of unrest going on here that I hadn’t heard about yet?
Kind of weird for it to happen in rural areas though. Spoiled college kids I get, but never saw farmers get so worked up before. They usually love the military.
Something moved in the corner of my eye, and I turned out of reflex.
My mouth fell open, and I froze, unable to scream.
In the sky beside me, a huge shadow glided along, and its leathery wings effortlessly carved through the gloom, flapping only on occasion to keep it aloft. It was too dark for me to see what color it was, but from the way it moved, I knew it wasn’t another helicopter. No, this thing was alive, easily the size of a small plane, and more than twice the length of my little McDonald Douglass. A long tail trailed behind it, and bore a distinct arrow-shaped snout, with twig-like spines fanned out around the back of its head. Whatever legs it had were drawn up under it like a bird, yet its skin appeared rough and knobby, almost resembling tree bark. Without pause, the gigantic bat-winged entity flew along beside me, as if my presence was on par with an annoying fly buzzing about its head.
Gripping the microphone switch so tight, I thought I’d crack the plastic, I whispered into my headset, forgetting all radio protocol. “T-There’s something up here.”
Static crackled.
“Douglas Three-One-Four-Foxtrot, say again your last, you’re coming in weak and unreadable, over.”
“There’s something up here.” I snarled into the headset, still glued to the controls of the helicopter, afraid to deviate even an inch from my course in case the monstrosity decided to turn on me. “A freaking huge thing, right beside me. I swear, it looks like a bat or . . . I don’t know.”
“Calm down.” The man on the other end of the radio broke his rigorous discipline as well, his voice deep, but level. “It won’t attack if you don’t move too fast. Slowly ease away from it and follow that course until you’re out of sight.”
I didn’t have time to think about how wrong that sounded, how the man’s strict tone had changed to one of knowledge, how he hadn’t been the least surprised by what I’d said. Instead, I slowly turned the helicopter away from the huge menace and edged the speed higher in tiny increments.
As soon as I was roughly two football fields away, I let myself relax, and clicked the mic switch. “It’s not following.”
“You’re sure?”
Eyeing the huge flapping wings, I nodded, then remembered he couldn’t see me. “Yeah, I’m well clear.”
“Good. Thank you, Mr. Dekker.”
Then, the radio went dead.
Something in my chest dropped, a weight that made my stomach roil. This wasn’t right, none of it. Who was that man? Why did he know about the thing I’d just seen? What was I supposed to—
A flash of light exploded from the trees to my right and shot into the air with a long finger of smoke.
What the . . .
On instinct, I jerked the cyclic stick to one side, and the helicopter swung to avoid the rocket.
Boom.
My world shook, metal screeched, and a dozen alarms began to go off inside the cockpit in a cacophony of beeps and sirens. Orange and red flames lit up the night sky just behind me, and the horizon started to spin wildly outside. Heat gushed from the cockpit door, and I smelled the greasy stench of burning oil. The safety belts dug into my shoulders, and with a final slip, the radio headset ripped free from my scalp.
I’m hit.
Desperate, I yanked on the controls, fought the bird even as she spun toward the ground in a wreath of flames, the inky black trees hurtling up to meet me. The helicopter went into full auto-rotation, the sky blurring past outside, and the alarms blared in a screech of doom. Panic slammed through my temples, I screamed at the top of my lungs, and for one brief second, my eyes locked on the little black Garmin still perched atop my control panel.
Its screen stopped twitching and settled on a map of the mysterious Barron County, with a little red arrow at the center of the screen, a few words popping up underneath it.
You are here.
Trees stabbed up into the sky, the belts crushed at my torso, glass shattered all around me, and the world went dark.
Copper, thick, warm, and tangy.
It filled my mouth, stank metallic in my nose, clogged my throat, choking me. In the murkiness, I fought for a surface, for a way out, blind and numb in the dark.
This way, kleineun.
My ouma’s voice echoed from somewhere in the shadows.
This way.
Both eyes flew open, and I gagged, spitting out a stream of red.
Pain throbbed in my ribs, and a heavy pressure sent a tingling numbness through my shoulders. Blood roared inside my temples, and stars danced before my eyes with a dizzying array. Humid night air kissed my skin, and something sticky coated my face, neck, and arms that hung straight up toward the ceiling.
Wait. Not up. Down.
I blinked at the wrinkled, torn ceiling of the cockpit, the glass all gone, the gray aluminum shredded like tissue paper. Just outside the broken windows, thick Appalachian bluegrass and stemmy underbrush swished in a feeble breeze, backlit by flashes of lightning from the thunderstorm overhead. Green and brown leaves covered everything in a wet carpet of triangles, and somewhere nearby, a cricket chirped.
Turning my head from side to side, I realized that I hung upside down inside the ruined helicopter, the top half burrowed into the mud. I could hear the hissing and crackling of flames, the pattering of rain falling on the hot aluminum, and the smaller brush fires around the downed aircraft sizzling out in the damp long grass. Charred steel and burning oil tainted the air, almost as strong as the metallic, coppery stench in my aching nose.
They shot me down. That military dude shot me out of the sky.
It didn’t make sense. I’d followed their orders, done everything they’d said, and yet the instant I veered safely away from whatever that thing in the sky had been, they’d fired, not at it, but at me.
Looking down (or rather, up) at my chest, I sucked in a gasp, which was harder to do that before.
The navy-blue shirt stuck to my torso with several big splotches of dark, rusty red. Most were clean slashes, but two held bits of glass sticking out of them, one alarmingly bigger than the other. They dripped cherry red blood onto my upturned face, and a wave of nausea hit me.
I gotta get down.
I flexed my arms to try and work some feeling back into them, praying nothing was broken. Half-numb from hanging so long, I palmed along my aching body until I felt the buckled for the seat belts.
“Okay.” I hissed between gritted teeth, in an effort to stave off my panic. “You can do this. Just hold on tight. Nice and tight. Here we go . . .”
Click.
Everything seemed to lurch, and I slid off the seat to plummet towards the muck-filled hole in the cockpit ceiling. My fingers were slick with blood and slipped over the smooth faux-leather pilot’s seat with ease. The shoulder belt snagged on the bits of glass that lay just under the left lowest rib, and a flare of white-hot pain ripped through me.
Wham.
I screamed, my right knee caught the edge of the aluminum ceiling, and both hands dove into a mound of leaf-covered glass shards on the opposite side of the hole. My head swam, being right-side-up again enough to make shadows gnaw at the corner of my eyes.
Forcing myself to breath slowly, I fought the urge to faint and slid back to sit on the smooth ceiling. I turned my hands over to see half a dozen bits of clear glass burrowed into my skin like greedy parasites, red blood weeping around the new cuts.
“Screw you.” I spat at the rubbish with angry tears in my eyes. “Screw you, screw you, screw you.”
The shards came out easy enough, and the cuts weren’t that deep, but that wasn’t what worried me. On my chest, the single piece of cockpit glass that remined was almost as big as my palm, and it really hurt. Just touching it felt like self-inflicted torture, but I knew it had to come out sooner or later.
Please don’t nick a vein.
Wiping my hands dry on my jeans, I gripped the shard with both hands, and jerked.
Fire roared over my ribs, and hot blood tickled my already grimy pale skin. I clapped a hand over the wound, pressing down hard, and grunted out a string of hateful expletives that my ouma would have slapped me for.
Lying on my back, I stared around me at the messy cargo compartment of the MD-902. Most of the medical supplies had been in cardboard boxes strapped down with heavy nylon tow-straps, but several cases had ruptured with the force of the impact, spraying bandages, syringes, and pill bottles all over the cluttered interior. Orange flames chewed at the crate furthest to the rear, the tail section long gone, but the foremost part of the hold was intact. Easily a million-dollar mess, it would have made me faint on any other trip, but today it was a godsend.
Half-blind in the darkness, I crawled along with only the firelight and lightning bolts to guide me, my right knee aching. Like a crippled raccoon, I collected things as I went, conscious of the two pallets of intact supplies weighing right over my head. I’d taken several different first-aid courses with some hunting buddies of mine, and the mental reflexes kicked in to help soothe my frazzled mind.
Check for bleeds, stop the worst, then move on.
Aside from my battered chest and stomach, the rest of me remained mostly unharmed. I had nasty bruises from the seatbelts, my right knee swelled, my nose slightly crooked and crusted in blood, but otherwise I was intact. Dowsing every scratch and cut with a bottle of isopropyl alcohol I found, I used butterfly closures on the smaller lacerations that peppered my skin. I wrapped soft white gauze over my abused palms and probed at the big cut where the last shard had been, only stopping when I was sure there were no pieces of glass wedged inside my flesh.
“Not too bad.” I grunted to myself, trying to sound impassive like a doctor might. “Rib must have stopped it. Gonna need stitches though. That’ll be fun.”
Pawing through the broken cases, I couldn’t find any suture chord, but just as I was about to give up, I noticed a small box that read ‘medical skin stapler’.
Bingo.
I tore the small white plastic stapler free from its packaging and eyeballed the device. I’d never done this before, only seen it in movies, and even though the cut in my skin hurt, I wondered if this wouldn’t be worse.
You’ve gotta do it. That bleeding needs to stop. Besides, no one’s coming to rescue you, not with those rocket-launching psychos out there.
Taking a deep breath, I pinched the skin around the gash together, and pressed the mouth of the stapler to it.
Click.
A sharp sting, like that of a needle bit at the skin, but it didn’t hurt nearly as bad as the cut itself. I worked my way across the two-inch laceration and gave out a sigh of relief when it was done.
“Not going to bleed to death today.” I daubed ointment around the staples before winding more bandages over the wound.
Popping a few low-grade painkillers that tumbled from the cargo, I crawled wriggled through the nearest shattered window into the wet grass.
Raindrops kissed my face, clean and cool on my sweaty skin. Despite the thick cloud cover, there was enough constant lightning strikes within the storm to let me get glimpses of the world around me. My helicopter lay on its back, the blades snapped like pencils, with bits and pieces of it burning in chunks all around the small break in the trees. Chest-high scrub brush grew all around the low-lying ground, with pockets of standing water in places. My ears still rang from the impact of the crash, but I could start to pick up more crickets, frogs, and even some nocturnal birds singing into the darkness, like they didn’t notice the huge the hulk of flaming metal that had fallen from the sky. Overhead, the thunder rumbled onward, the feeble wind whistling, and there were other flashes on the horizon, orange and red ones, with crackles that didn’t sound quite like lightning.
The guns. They’re still fighting.
Instinctively, I pulled out my cellphone, and tapped the screen.
It fluttered to life, but no matter how I tried, I couldn’t get through to anyone, not even with the emergency function designed to work around having no service. The complicated wonder of our modern world was little better than a glorified paperweight.
Stunned, I sat down with my back to the helicopter and rested my head against the aluminum skin of the craft. How I’d gone from a regular medical supply run to being marooned in this hellish parody of rural America, I didn’t know, but one thig was certain; I needed a plan. Whoever fired the missile could have already contacted my charter company and made up some excuse to keep them from coming to look for me. No one else knew I was here, and even though I now had six staples holding the worst of my injuries shut, I knew I needed proper medical attention. If I wanted to live, I’d have to rescue myself.
My bag. I need to get my go-bag, grab some gear and then . . . head somewhere else.
It took me a while to gather my green canvas paratrooper bag from its place behind the pilot’s seat and fill it with whatever supplies I could scrounge. My knee didn’t seem to be broken, but man did it hurt, and I dreaded the thought of walking on it for miles on end. I focused instead on inventorying my gear and trying to come up with a halfway intelligent plan of action.
I had a stainless-steel canteen with one of those detachable cups on the bottom, a little fishing kit, some duct tape, a lighter, a black LED flashlight with three spare batteries, a few tattered road maps with a compass, a spare pair of socks, medical supplies from the cargo, and a simple forest green plastic rain poncho. I also managed to unearth a functioning digital camcorder my ouma had gotten me for Christmas a few years back, though I wasn’t sure I wanted to do any filming in such a miserable state. Lastly, since it was a private supply run from a warehouse area near Pittsburgh to a direct hospital pad in Ohio, I’d been able to bring my K-Bar, a sturdy, and brutally simple knife designed for the Marine Corps that I used every time I went camping. It was pitiful in comparison to the rifle I wished I had with me, but that didn’t matter now. I had what I had, and I doubted my trusty Armalite would have alleviated my sore knee anyway.
Clicking on my flashlight, I huddled with the poncho around my shoulders inside the wreck of the chopper and peered at the dusty roadmaps. A small part of me hoped that a solution would jump out from the faded paper, but none came. These were all maps of western PA and eastern Ohio. None of them had a Barron County on them anywhere.
The man on the radio said to head north, right before they shot me down. That means they must be camped out to the north of here. South had that convoy and those burning houses, so that’s a no-go. Maybe I can backtrack eastward the way I came.
As if on cue, a soft pop echoed from over the eastern horizon, and I craned to look out the helicopter window, spotting more man-made flashes over the tree tops.
“Great.” I hissed between clenched teeth, aware of how the temperature dipped to a chilly 60 degrees, and how despite the conditions, my stomach had begun to growl. “Not going that way, are we? Westward it is.”
Walking away from my poor 902 proved to be harder than I’d anticipated. Despite the glass, the fizzling fires, and the darkness, it still held a familiar, human essence to it. Sitting inside it made me feel secure, safe, even calm about the situation. In any other circumstance, I would have just stayed with the downed aircraft to wait for help, but I knew the men who shot me down would likely find my crash site, and I didn’t want to be around when they did.
Unlike much of central and western Ohio, southeastern Ohio is hilly, brushy, and clogged with thick forests. Thorns snagged at my thin poncho and sliced at my pant legs. My knee throbbed, every step a form of self-inflicted torture. The rain never stopped, a steady drizzle from above just cold enough to be problematic as time went on, making me shiver. Mud slid under my tennis shoes, and every tree looked ten times bigger in the flickering beam of my cheap flashlight. Icy fear prickled at the back of my neck at some of the sounds that greeted me through the gloom. I’d been camping loads of times, both in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, but these noises were something otherworldly to me.
Strange howls, screeches, and calls permeated the rain-soaked sky, some almost roars, while others bordered on human in their intonation. The more I walked, the softer the distant gunfire became, and the more prevalent the odd sounds, until the shadows seemed to fill with them. I didn’t dare turn off my flashlight, or I’d been completely blind in the dark, but a little voice in the back of my head screamed that I was too visible, crunching through the gloomy forest with my long beam of light stabbing into the abyss. It felt as though a million eyes were on me, studying me, hunting me from the surrounding brush, and I bitterly recalled how much I’d loved the old Survivor Man TV series as a kid.
Not so fun being out in the woods at night. Especially alone.
A twig snapped somewhere behind me, and I whirled on the spot, one trembling hand resting on the hilt of my K-Bar.
Nothing. Nothing but trees, bushes, and rain dripping down in the darkness.
“This is stupid.” I whispered to myself to keep my nerves in check as I slowly spun on the spot. “I should have went eastward anyway. God knows how long I’m going to have to—”
Creak.
A groan of metal-on-metal echoed from somewhere to my right, and I spun to face it, yanking the knife on my belt free from its scabbard. It felt so small and useless in my hand, and I choked down a wave of nauseas fear.
Ka-whump. Creak. K-whump. Creak.
Underbrush cracked and crunched, a few smaller saplings thrashed, and from deep within the gloom, two yellow orbs flared to life. They poked through the mist in the trees, forming into slender fingers of golden light that swept back and forth in the dark.
The soldiers . . . they must be looking for me.
I swallowed hard and turned to slink away.
Ice jammed through my blood, and I froze on the spot, biting my tongue to stop the scream.
It stood not yards away, a huge form that towered a good twelve feet tall in the swirling shadows. Unpolished chrome blended with flash-rusted spots in the faded red paint, and grime-smeared glass shone with dull hues in the flashes of lightning. Where the wheels should have been, the rounded steel axels curved like some enormous hand had bent them, and the tires lay face-down on the muddy ground like big round feet, their hubcaps buried in the dirt. Dents, scrapes, and chips covered the battered thing, and its crooked little radio antenna pointed straight up from the old metal fender like a mast. I could barely make out the mud-coated VW on the rounded hood, and my mind reeled in shock.
Is . . . is that a car?
Both yellow headlights bathed me in a circle of bright, blinding light, and neither I nor the strange vehicle moved.
Seconds ticked by, the screech-thumping in the background only growing closer. I realized that I couldn’t hear any engine noises and had yet to see any soldiers or guns pointed my way. This car looked old, really old, like one of those classic Volkswagen Beetles that collectors fought over at auctions. Try as I might, I couldn’t see a driver inside the murky, mold-smeared windows.
Because there wasn’t one.
Lightning arched across the sky overhead, and the car standing in front of me blinked.
Its headlights slid shut, as if little metal shades had crawled over the bulbs for a moment and flicked open again. Something about that movement was so primal, so real, so lifelike, that every ounce of self-control I had melted in an instant.
Cursing under my breath, I lunged into the shrubs, and the world erupted around me.
Under my shoes, the ground shook, and the car surged after me in a cacophony of ka-thumps that made my already racing heart skip several beats. A weather-beaten brown tow truck from the 50’s charged through the thorns to my left, it’s headlights ablaze, and a dilapidated yellow school bus rose from its hiding place in the weeds to stand tall on four down-turned axel-legs. They all flicked their headlights on like giants waking from their slumber, and as I dodged past them, they each blared their horn into the night in alarm.
My breaths came short and tight, my knee burned, and I crashed through thorns and briars without thought to how badly I was getting cut up.
The cheap poncho tore, and I ripped it away as it caught on a tree branch.
A purple 70’s Mustang shook off its blanket of creeping vines and bounded from a stand of trees just ahead, forcing me to swerve to avoid being run over, my adrenaline at all-time highs.
This can’t be happening, this can’t be happening, this can’t be happening.
Slipping and sliding, I pushed through a stand of multiflora rose, and stumbled out into a flat, dark expanse.
I almost skidded to a stop.
What had once been a rather large field stood no taller than my shoestrings, the grass charred, and burnt. The storm above illuminated huge pieces of wreckage that lay scattered over the nearly 40-acre plot, and I could just make out the fire-blackened hulk of a fuselage resting a hundred yards away. The plane had been brought down a while ago it seemed, as there weren’t any flames left burning, and I threw myself toward it in frenzied desperation.
Burned grass and greasy brown topsoil slushed underfoot, and I could hear the squelching of the cars pursing me. Rain soaked me to the bone, and my lungs ached from sucking down the damp night air. A painful stich crept into my side, and I cursed myself for not putting in more time for cardio at the gym.
Something caught my left shoelace, and I hurtled to the ground, tasting mud and blood in between my teeth.
They’ve got me now.
I clawed at the mud, rolled, and watched a tire slam down mere inches from where my head had been. The Mustang loomed over me and jostled for position with the red Volkswagen and brown tow truck, the school bus still a few yards behind them. They couldn’t seem to decide who would get the pleasure of stomping me to death, and like a herd of stampeding wildebeest, they locked bumpers in an epic shoving match.
On all fours, I scampered out from under the sparring brutes, and dashed for the crumpled airplane, a white-painted DC-3 that looked like it had been cut in half by a gargantuan knife blade. I passed a snapped wing section, the oily remains of a turbo-prop engine, and a mutilated wheel from the landing gear. Climbing over a heap of mud, I squeezed into the back of the ruined flight cabin and dropped down into the dark cargo hold.
Wham.
No sooner had my sneakers hit the cold metal floor, and the entire plane rocked from the impact of something heavy ramming it just outside. I tumbled to my knees, screaming in pain as, once again, I managed to bash the sore one off a bracket in the wall.
My hand smeared in something gooey, and I scrabbled for my flashlight.
It clicked on, a wavering ball of white light in the pitch darkness, and I fought the urge to gag. “Oh man . . .”
Three people, or what was left of them, lay strewn over the narrow cargo area. Claret red blood coated the walls, caked on the floor, and clotted under my mud-spattered shoes. Bits of flesh and viscera were stuck to everything, and tatters of cloth hung from exposed sections of broken bone. An eerie set of bloody handprints adorned the walls, and the only reason I could tell it had been three people were the shoes; all of them bore anklebones sticking out above blood-soaked socks. It smelled sickly sweet, a strange, nauseas odor that crept into my nose and settled on the back of my tongue like an alien parasite.
Something glinted in the beam of my flashlight, and my pulse quickened as I pried the object loose from the severed arm that still clung to it.
“Hail Mary full of Grace.” I would have grinned if it weren’t for the fact that the plane continued to buck and roll under the assault from the cars outside.
The pistol looked old, but well-maintained, aside from the light coating of dark blood that stained its round wooden handle. It felt heavy, but good in my hand, and I turned it over to read the words, Waffenfabrik Mauser stenciled into the frame, with a large red 9 carved into the grip. For some reason, it vaguely reminded me of the blasters from Star Wars.
I fumbled with a little switch that looked like a safety on the back of the gun and stumbled toward a gap in the plane’s dented fuselage to aim out at the surrounding headlights.
Bang.
The old gun bucked reliably in my hand, its long barrel spitting a little jet of flame into the night. I had no idea if I hit anything, but the attacking cars recoiled, their horns blaring in confusion.
They turned, and scuttled for the tree line as fast as their mechanical legs could go, the entire ordeal over as fast as it had begun.
Did I do that?
Perplexed, I stared down at the pistol in my hand.
Whoosh.
A large, inky black shadow glided down from the clouds, and the yellow school bus moved too slow to react in time.
With a crash, the kicking nightmarish vehicle was thrown onto its side, spraying glass and chrome trim across the muddy field. Its electro-synth horn blared with wails of mechanical agony, as two huge talon-like feet clamped down on it, and the enormous head of the flying creature lowered to rip open its engine compartment.
The horn cut out, and the enormous flying entity jerked its head back to gulp down a mass of what looked like sticky black vines from the interior of the shattered bus.
At this range, I could see now that the flying creature bore two legs and had its wings half-tucked like a vulture that had descended to feed on roadkill. Its head turned slightly, and in the glow of another lightning bolt, my jaw went slack at the realization of what it was.
A tree trunk. It’s a rotted tree trunk.
I couldn’t tell where the reptilian beast began, and where the organic tree components ended, the upper part of the head shaped like a log, while the lower jaw resembled something out of a dinosaur movie. Its skin looked identical to the outside of a shagbark hickory but flexed with a supple featheriness that denoted something closer to skin. Sharp branch-like spines ranged down its back, and out to the end of its tail, which bore a massive round club shaped like a diseased tree-knot. Crouched on both hind legs, it braced the hooked ends of its folded wings against the ground like a bat, towering higher than a semi-truck. Under the folds of its armored head, a bulging pair of chameleon-like eyes constantly spun in their sockets, probing the dark for threats while it ate.
One black pupil locked onto the window I peered through, and my heart stopped.
The beast regarded me for a moment, making a curious, sideways sniff.
With a proud, contemptful head-toss, the shadow from the sky parted rows of razor-sharp teeth to let out a roar that shook the earth beneath my feet. It was the triumphant war cry of a creature that sat at the very top of the food chain, one that felt no threat from the fragile two-legged beings that walked the earth all around it. It hunted whenever it wanted, ate whatever it wanted, and flew wherever it wanted. It didn’t need to rip the plane apart to devour me.
Like my hunter-gatherer ancestors from thousands of years ago, I wasn’t even worth the energy it would take to pounce.
I’m hiding in the remains of the cockpit now, which is half-buried under the mud of the field, enough to shield the light from my screen so that thing doesn’t see it. My service only now came back, and it’s been over an hour since the winged beast started in on the dead bus. I don’t know when, or how I’m going to get out of here. I don’t know when anyone will even see this post, or if it will upload at all. My phone battery is almost dead, and at this point, I’m probably going to have to sleep among the corpses until daylight comes.
A dead man sleeping amongst friends.
If you live in the Noble County area in southeastern Ohio, be careful where you drive, fly, and boat. I don’t know if it’s possible to stumble into this strange place by ground, but if so, then these things are definitely headed your way.
If that happens . . . pray that they don’t find you.
submitted by RandomAppalachian468 to nosleep [link] [comments]