#Quad Summit

[hindusforhumanrights]

Human Rights Organizations Urge American and Australian Governments to Address Transnational Repression During Quad Meeting

As organizations dedicated to fighting for justice, equality, and human rights around the world, we call on President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to publicly and privately raise concerns about the increasing  pattern of transnational repression from the Indian government when they meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during this weekend’s Quad Summit. Biden and Albanese must make clear that any security relationship cannot come at the expense of the security and rights of Americans, Australians, and Indians. Learn Full Story- https://www.hindusforhumanrights.org/en/blog/human-rights-organizations-urge-american-and-australian-governments-to-address-transnational-repression-during-quad-meeting

[jandeproductions]

Bolton Valley, VT 20MAR2024

Solidly heavy snowfall at the Bolton Valley base area elevations today gave way to very heavy snowfall coming down at over 2 inches per hour in the summit areas In Bolton Valley’s lift rotation schedule, today was the first time the Wilderness Chair would be running since the weekend, so it was a good place to be to get in on all the snow that’s fallen in the past couple of days. So, after ski…

[xtremelifestylz]

BEST TOY HAULER 2025 Haulin Summit 7x16

[kesarijournal]

Diplomatic Dramas and Sonar Sagas: Navigating the High Seas of Global Politics

# The Geopolitical Chessboard: A Witty Take on the Global Game of ThronesWelcome to the grand theater of global politics, where every move is a plot twist in a never-ending saga of power plays, strategic alliances, and occasional diplomatic faux pas. Let’s embark on a whirlwind tour of recent events that have left political analysts, armchair experts, and conspiracy theorists alike scratching…

[luvmahae]

where you are ‣ lee haechan smcu

summary: what the absolute fuck is up baby! fall semester marks the peak of greek life at ncu. the campus quad is filled with tents representing various fraternities and sororities with their letters proudly presented in front of each booth, all eager to recruit new members. as students return to campus, they are met with a flood of fliers and invitations to parties, mixers, and rush events. while you were walking through the crowd of eager freshmen to join these organizations, you bumped into someone very unexpected...

what do you do when you bump into the guy you hooked up with after a music festival during summer break? instead of the royal blue basketball jersey you first met him in, it was replaced by a varsity jacket with the letters reading "ΝΧΘ".

"haechan?"

pairing: fratboy!haechan x fem!reader

genre: smau, non-idol au, college au, fluff, nsfw/suggestive (mdni!) comedy, humor, slight slowburn, strangers to lovers, rave bae core? (am i in love with you or is it just the drugs?)

warnings: mentions of alcohol/substance usage (marijuana, mdma/ecstasy, lsd, cocaine), profanity, jokes about sex and death thrown around, both groups are out of pocket and tmi doesn't exist apparently... no ones safe! the boys gc is kinda questionable (this is where i say men deserve no rights!), haechan x reader met at an edm festival (the term rave bae will be said here and there. rave bae is someone you meet unexpectedly while raving, kinda like your temporary s/o for the duration of the rave or festival... smth like that!) disclaimer notice: these portrayals are fictional and are not intended to encourage or glamorize substance use.

playlist: where you are - john summit | club classics - charli xcx | intimidated - kaytranada, h.e.r. | high and i like it - it's murph, evalyn | what a life - john summit, stevie appleton | saving up - dom dolla | talk talk - charli xcx, troye sivan | mr useless - shygirl, sg lewis, club shy | atmosphere - fisher, kita alexander | thinking about you - calvin harris, ayah marar | gas pedal remix - john summit, subtronics, tape b, sage the gemini

notes: omg!!! my first post ever... honestly i've been debating to do this for a long time... now here i am :D ngl i lowkey based this off a personal experience (i am a changed woman now okay... spare me! 😭) my first lil fic dedicated to haechan!!! the playlist is highly edm biased with a sprinkle of brat. i just think it fits the vibe so well hehe. open to feedback and enjoy!!! ♡

status: ongoing!

taglist: open!

profiles: live laugh love y/n (1), john summit fanboys (2)

intro: so.... edc next year?

one: comedown

two: wtf is college

three: boutta fuckin jump

four: y/n’s eras tour

five: is my brain braining?

six: heyyyyyy 👀

seven: i know what u are…

eight: coming soon!

nine: coming soon!

ten: coming soon!

[zvaigzdelasas]

NATO is seeking to expand its cooperation structures globally and also intensify its cooperation with Jordan, Indonesia and India. A “NATO-Indonesia meeting” was held yesterday (Wednesday) on the sidelines of the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels – a follow-up to talks between Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in mid-June 2022. Last week, a senior NATO official visited Jordan’s capital Amman to promote the establishment of a NATO liaison office. Already back in June, a US Congressional Committee focused on China, had advocated linking India more closely to NATO. India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, however, quickly rejected the suggestion. NATO diplomats are quoted saying that the Western military alliance could conceive of cooperating with South Africa or Brazil, for example. These plans would escalate the West’s power struggle against Russia and China, while non-Western alliances such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are expanding their membership.

Already since some time, NATO has been seeking to expand its cooperation structures into the Asia-Pacific region, for example to include Japan. Early this year, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was in Tokyo, among other things, to sign a joint declaration with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.[1] In addition, it is strengthening its cooperation with South Korea, whose armed forces are participating in NATO cyber defense and are to be involved more intensively in future conventional NATO maneuvers.[2] Japan’s prime minster and South Korea’s president have already regularly attended NATO summits. The Western military alliance is also extending its cooperation with Australia and New Zealand. This development is not without its contradictions. France, for example, opposes the plan to establish a NATO liaison office in Japan, because it considers itself an important Pacific power and does not want NATO’s influence to excessively expand in the Pacific. Nevertheless, the Western military alliance is strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region – with maneuvers conducted by its member states, including Germany (german-foreign-policy.com reported.[3]).[...]

NATO has been cooperating with several Mediterranean countries since 1994 within the framework of its Mediterranean Dialogue and also since 1994, with several Arab Gulf countries as part of its Istanbul Cooperation Initiative.[4] However, the cooperation is not considered very intensive. At the beginning of this week, NATO diplomats have been quoted saying “we remain acutely aware of developments on our southern flank,” and are planning appropriate measures. The possibility of establishing a Liaison Office in Jordan is being explored “as a move to get closer to the ground and develop the relationship in the Middle East.[5] Last week, a senior NATO official visited Jordan’s capital Amman to promote such a liaison office.[6][...]

NATO diplomats informed the online platform “Euractiv” that “many members of the Western military alliance believe that political dialogue does not have to be limited to the southern neighborhood. One can also seek cooperation with states further away. Brazil, South Africa, India, and Indonesia are mentioned as examples.[7][...]

In a paper containing strategic proposals for the U.S. power struggle against China, the Committee also advocated strengthening NATO’s cooperation with India.[8] The proposal caused a stir in the run-up to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington on June 22. He was able to draw on the fact that India is cooperating militarily in the Quad format with the USA as well as NATO partners Japan and Australia in order to gain leverage against China. Close NATO ties could also facilitate intelligence sharing, allowing New Delhi to access advanced military technology.[9] India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, however, rejected Washington’s proposal, stating that the “NATO template does not apply to India”.[10] Indian media explained that New Delhi was still not prepared to be pitted against Russia and to limit its independence.[11] Both would be entailed in close ties to NATO.

The efforts to link third countries around the world more closely to NATO are being undertaken at a time when not only western countries are escalating their power struggles against Russia and above all against China and are therefore tightening their alliance structures. They are also taking place when non-Western alliances are gaining ground. This is true not only for the BRICS, which decided, in August, to admit six new members on January 1, 2024 (german-foreign-policy.com reported [12]). This is also true for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a security alliance centered around Moscow and Beijing that has grown from its original six to currently nine members, including India, Pakistan and Iran, and continues to attract new interested countries. In addition to several countries in Southern Asia and the South Caucasus, SCO “dialogue partners” now include Turkey, Egypt and five Arabian Peninsula states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Iin light of the BRICS expansion, the admission of additional countries as full SCO members is considered quite conceivable. Western dominance will thus be progressively weakened.[13]

12 Oct 23

[mariacallous]

When NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary at its Washington summit next year, it will do so from a position of unity and strength. This is a remarkable turnaround from only a few years ago, when trans-Atlantic ties were clouded by mutual suspicion and uncertainty about the bloc’s future. The first large-scale war of aggression in Europe since World War II has reinvigorated the alliance, which now has more member states and greater geographic cohesion than ever before. NATO’s renaissance comes just in time—it may soon face an entirely new geopolitical landscape that will once again test its cohesion and adaptability.

There are four main reasons for NATO’s comeback as an enhanced and more coherent alliance.

The most important and obvious factor is Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which returned NATO to its roots: deterring a Kremlin bent on expansion. It also motivated Finland to abandon its long-standing neutrality and join the alliance, with Sweden expected to join soon as well. The addition of these two Nordic countries will substantially enhance NATO’s position in Northern Europe. Russia’s aggression has also prompted NATO members to markedly increase their 2023 defense expenditures, with more member states on track to fulfill the bloc’s guideline of spending a minimum of 2 percent of GDP on defense, long a bone of contention between Washington and its European allies. Furthermore, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine has strengthened the U.S. military presence and engagement in Europe.

A second factor behind NATO’s resurgence is the rise of China, with NATO turning into the primary forum for a closer trans-Atlantic security dialogue on China. After the United States announced its rebalance to Asia in 2011, it took the European Union and NATO roughly another decade to categorize China’s rise as a security challenge. NATO’s new Strategic Concept, adopted at the Madrid summit in 2022, identifies China as a challenge to its members’ interests, values, and security. Since then, NATO has been strengthening dialogue and cooperation with its partners in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.

Third, new technologies and interdependencies have broadened NATO’s agenda to cover cyberdefense and disruptive technologies. Economic dependencies on China and Russia have prompted the alliance to launch new initiatives such as the NATO-EU Task Force on Resilience of Critical Infrastructure.

Fourth, the election of U.S. President Joe Biden enabled smoother cooperation between the United States and its allies than had been the case during the Trump administration. This is as much a factor of policies as of trust: According to a June 2021 Pew Research Center survey, the transition from Donald Trump to Biden dramatically improved Washington’s international image, especially among key allies and partners.

Of course, in an era of intensified great-power rivalry, the strengthening of military cooperation is not unique to the Euro-Atlantic West. In Asia, China’s rise has led several countries to reinforce their bilateral security agreements with the United States, including Japan and the Philippines. Minilateral formats—such as the Australia-United Kingdom-United States security pact and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad—include efforts to deepen military ties. In August, a historic summit among the leaders of Japan, South Korea, and the United States may be the basis for another such grouping; South Korea could potentially join the Quad as well. China and Russia, in turn, are increasingly closing ranks.

But in terms of scope and depth of cooperation as well as its longevity, NATO has no parallel anywhere. Military alliances, established to address an immediate threat or balance the rise of a regional hegemon, are often dissolved when the external security environment changes. NATO, however, not only survived the collapse of the Soviet Union but also proved adept at adjusting to the post-Cold War era by taking on nontraditional security challenges (such as terrorism and piracy), conducting military operations other than war, and engaging in out-of-area operations.

NATO’s success and endurance stand in sharp relief to the frailty and collapse of a similar military alliance formed during the Cold War: the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). Using NATO as a model, SEATO was established in 1954 to prevent communism from gaining ground in Southeast Asia. Comprising Australia, Britain, France, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and the United States, SEATO was not a particularly coherent organization, whether in geographic or political terms. Thus, as soon as the security environment in Asia shifted as a result of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War and U.S.-China rapprochement, members began to withdraw from the bloc. In 1977, it was dissolved.

NATO, on the other hand, consists of countries belonging to a distinct geographic region on both sides of the Atlantic and is founded on a strong political cohesion among its member states, almost all of which share core values of democracy and support the liberal international order. Indeed, safeguarding the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law was written into the preamble of the 1949 North Atlantic Treaty, and Francisco Franco’s dictatorial regime was one reason Spain’s accession was delayed until 1982. That said, both Greece and Portugal were dictatorships during parts of their NATO membership, and today, Hungary’s and Turkey’s commitment to liberal democracy is unclear. The importance of political and other nonmilitary cooperation for NATO’s unity has been reiterated numerous times, most recently by an independent expert group appointed by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to advise on the alliance’s 2030 agenda. In its final report, the group emphasized that “NATO is an outcome of political cohesion as well as a source of it.”

Will NATO still be a pillar of the security order when it turns 100? That will depend on how the alliance addresses the changing geopolitical order—above all, the threat from a rising, revisionist China. In particular, there are three scenarios for NATO’s future that could look very different from its present and past: a Europe-only NATO, a global NATO, and a fragmented NATO.

A Europe-only NATO is a scenario where the United States decides to withdraw from the alliance, either because it shifts all of its resources to the Indo-Pacific in order to take on China or due to domestic political change in the United States. As long as Washington was committed to containing the Soviet Union during the Cold War, Europe could take the U.S. security guarantee for granted. With China rising as the United States’ main rival, this is no longer the case. In that rivalry, the geographic focus is East Asia, not Europe.

When he was U.S. president, Trump abruptly awakened European elites to the possibility that a U.S. withdrawal from Europe could be just one election away. Instead of being reelected in 2024, Trump may now spend time in jail, and his main criticism of NATO allies—their inability to meet collective defense spending targets—is being addressed. Yet the idea of isolationism is still alive in the Republican Party, with John Bolton, a U.S. national security advisor under Trump, recently warning of a “virus of isolationism” among his fellow Republicans. A U.S. withdrawal would not only force Europe to take care of its own defense. It could even be the end of NATO.

A global NATO is a scenario where both the United States and its European allies shift their energies and resources from Europe to Asia. It entails European member states rebalancing a significant amount of their naval assets to the Indo-Pacific region in order to support the United States in balancing China. Such a state of affairs would differ markedly from the last time NATO went global in the early 2000s, when it deployed peacekeepers to Afghanistan, trained security forces in Iraq, and gave logistical support to the African Union’s mission in Sudan. A long-term major deployment to Asia would stretch European members’ resources to the limit, leave Europe exposed to Russian adventurism, and potentially cause disagreements among European allies. Eastern European member states, in particular, would probably be more concerned with deterring Russia than with balancing China.

Finally, a fragmented NATO is a scenario where the United States remains committed to the defense of Europe but where allies are no longer pursuing a single, coherent strategy—because of different threat perceptions, the disparate interests of new members, or domestic political pressures. Even though Russia remains a serious challenge to European peace and security, it is not as powerful and all-threatening as the Soviet Union was. In the not-too-distant future, Southern European member states may be more concerned with security challenges in North Africa and the Middle East, while Britain and France are more oriented toward global challenges. A further NATO enlargement to include Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and Serbia not only would influence the bloc’s priorities but could also weaken its coherence. What’s more, significant political changes in a number of member states, including the election of leaders less committed to democracy, the liberal international order, and the trans-Atlantic West, would undermine the alliance’s political and military cohesion.

None of these three scenarios have to come true in their extreme versions. But in all likelihood, NATO will have to grapple with elements of all three. Whatever they do, NATO members should not take their present unity and strength for granted.

[thekylemovie]

The Hike

I can’t say it wasn’t completely my fault what happened. But I didn’t deserve this. Not by a long shot.

But my girlfriend always had a way of remembering the things that had happened a while ago and then dragging them back to the surface when I least expected it.

But sometimes she needed to be in charge. Like today.

“Keep hiking baby,” she said firmly from behind me as I waddled up the side of the mountain. This was a difficult hike on a good day when I was wearing the right clothing. But today as I forced myself to climb higher, my thick diaper and stuffer was slowing me down. Each step I took, the white plastic would crinkle loudly, restricting my movement, forcing me to work harder. The plastic leak guards gripped my inner thighs as my quads flexed against the thick, bulky plastic.

Liza ignored my ragged moans of stress. I could hear her hiking boots crunching behind me. “I would keep moving if I were you.” My girlfriend looked behind her, smiling slightly, “Otherwise the other hikers will catch up to us. I’m sure the bachelorette party would love to see your thick diapers.”

Liza knew what was going on. She knew when we started this hike that because of quarantine we all had to hike in separate groups that climbed ten minutes apart. As my wife had explained it, we had to hike a consistent pace to ensure the group behind us didn’t catch up. We had seen them, the bachelorette party chattering loudly in the parking lot. They had tried to speak to us in the waiting area, but I couldn’t talk back. Instead, all I could do was swallow uncomfortably around the large pacifier that invaded my mouth, hidden by the face mask that was not signature for everyone nowadays.

I had to be careful, the pacifier could make me drool. If I tried to speak too much, I’d be in trouble.

“My baby and I are just going hiking,” Liza had said, patting me on my then hidden diapered rear at the time. “We have a lot of great plans today.”

Little did they know “baby” wasn’t just a term of affection, it was a sentence of humiliation today.

I had nodded, wincing slightly. Her patting my diapered bottom had reminded me that I had already been dribbling pee into the diapers all morning. A Megamax and stuffer will do that to you. Not to mention the chastity cage that caused my member to throb painfully.

But now as we were hiking, it was clear that Liza had intended for me to suffer.

Once we were on the trail, she had taken my pants and put them in her backpack.

Next she had set a cadence timer to keep our cadence as we climbed to the summit. Then, to my relief then horror, she removed the lid of my pacifier and inserted the tube of my hydration pack saying by the time we reach the top of the hike I’d better be completely out of water. All I could hear was myself sucking and swallowing the infantile contraption she had rigged up.

As we climbed I could hear Liza making comments.

Keep climbing diaper boy, she kept saying. That bachelorette party is gonna catch up to us. Maybe they’ll want to change your diapers. Your diapers are so thick. Why is a bug strong man your age still in diapers?

In my embarrassment I kept quiet, determined to suck down more water from the three liter hydration pack that was on my back. Drinking this much water made me feel bloated and full. But to make matters worse, it meant my diapers were getting heavier and heavier. It meant that my diapered bottom grew rounder and rounder. It gave Liza more reason to laugh. She was determined I learn a lesson.

***

There's more on Patreon.

[natalie-wilhelm]

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s @emeraldcitycomiccon 2024!

This was my first time attending a general “comic” con. In the past, I’ve only attended anime conventions with the exception of a horror convention (CryptiCon) a few years ago. The biggest difference between these more generalized comic-cons vs. anime-cons is that comic-cons tend to place more of an emphasis on American/Western comics, fandoms, and pop culture whereas anime-cons focus on Japanese/East Asian comics, fandoms, and pop culture. ECCC in particular is focused on superhero and science fiction fandoms. The largest fandom that I saw represented cosplay-wise was Star Wars. This could be due to the release of their new trading card game through Disney. It’s interesting to see the differences between these two convention cultures, it helps with understanding their target audiences.

Since I was only attending this con for one day and it’s held during the off-season for cosplay, I chose to put together a “pseudo-cosplay” from clothing items that I already owned vs. building an entirely new one from scratch. I call this look “Franken-cyberpunk.” I took a normal outfit of mine, slapped some green body paint on, and voila an OC is born! I felt like this aesthetic would best fit the theme of the con.

Here are some highlights from Saturday:

Slide 1: Franken-selfie outside of the Exhibitor’s Hall (Arch).

Slide 2: Candid pose inside of “ECCC” logo monument outside of the Artist Alley (Summit).

Slide 3: Frankenblossoming in front of what appears to be a backdrop depicting the UW Quad.

Slide 4: Selfie with Maile Flanagan, English voice actor for Naruto.

Slide 5: Batman and Catwoman posing dramatically.

Slide 6: The scariest Darth Vader cosplay I’ve ever encountered.

Slide 7: Funky Darth Vader (he’s your daddy).

Slide 8: Cosplay Contest finalists, 1st place won $1,000!!!

Slide 9: Cruella posing next to an unknown cosplayer.

Slide 10: Alice Cooper about to feed me, his Frankenstein, at the Nerd Prom in the Main Stage (Summit).

Thank you again ECCC 2024 for putting on such a fantastic exhibition.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

May 17, 2023

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

MAY 18, 2023

The debt ceiling crisis is already affecting our national security. Because President Biden has pulled out of his trip to Australia so he can come home to address the crisis, a planned meeting of the Quad will not go forward. The Quad, whose official name is the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a security group consisting of  Australia, India, Japan and the United States that organized in 2007 as a response to China’s rising power.

Biden’s visit to Australia and to Papua New Guinea was designed to cement the interest of the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region. Daniel Hurst of The Guardian was quite clear what it meant to have Biden forced to cancel because of the Republicans’ debt ceiling demands. His article on the issue was titled: “The cancelled Quad summit is a win for China and a self-inflicted blow to the US’s Pacific standing.” “Chinese state media outlets won’t need to muster much creative energy to weave together some of Beijing’s preferred narratives,” Hurst wrote, “that the US is racked by increasingly severe domestic upheaval and is an unreliable partner, quick to leave allies high and dry.”

In the Sydney Morning Herald, Matthew Knott called Biden’s forced withdrawal “a disappointment, a mess and a gift to Beijing.” “The US wants to remain the leader of the free world but domestic divisions mean it now regularly struggles to keep its government from shutting down and defaulting on its debts,” he wrote. “The Quad summit in Sydney should have provided a powerful symbol of four proud democracies working together to get things done. Instead, it will serve to highlight the systemic problems plaguing the world’s longest-standing democracy and its aspirations for ongoing global leadership.”

And, astonishingly, stepping on this global rake is an unforced error. The debt ceiling is not about future spending, it is about paying bills Congress has already incurred. If it comes to that, failing to raise the debt ceiling—the amount of money the Treasury can borrow to meet its obligations—so that Republicans, led by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), can get concessions they cannot win through normal legislative procedures, will be an unforced error of truly epic proportions, a larger version of undercutting years of work building U.S. standing in the Indo-Pacific region.

Senate Democrats have begun to push for honoring the nation’s debts without trying to bring Republicans along. They are circulating a letter urging President Biden to invoke the fourth section of the Fourteenth Amendment to override the debt ceiling. That section reads: “The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned.”

Republican congressmen wrote that section to prevent Democratic opponents, who hated the newly powerful government that had won the Civil War, from changing the terms of repayment of the debt. Democrats called for turning gold interest payments into payments in paper money. That change would have significantly degraded the value of the debt. It would also have destroyed confidence in the government, a result those who had just lost the Civil War quite liked.

Congress intended the Fourteenth Amendment to assert the power of the federal government over the states once and for all, making sure that no one could discriminate against individuals within the states or make war on the United States from within. It was an attempt to make it impossible for those trying to destroy the nation to carry out their plans.

Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) told Burgess Everett and Sarah Ferris of Politico, “It’s not about being comfortable with Biden or anyone else. It’s about the House. Kevin’s in shackles. He’s in leg, arms and hand cuffs. And frankly I don’t think he’s got much capacity to negotiate. And very little capacity to advance a deal.” Welch, who served eight terms in the House before moving to the Senate in 2023, added, “I’m quite pessimistic about McCarthy. He’s very constrained…. I think we’re heading toward a decision on the 14th Amendment.”

Interestingly, Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) has indicated he’s on board with the idea of Biden invoking the Fourteenth Amendment. “I think if I were president, I would be tempted” to use the Fourteenth Amendment, Hawley said. “Because I would just be like, ‘Listen, I’m not gonna let us default. So end of story. Y’all will do whatever you want to do.’ But I’m not necessarily giving him that advice. It’s against my interest.” Hawley’s defense of the idea suggests that Republicans are eager to find a solution to the crisis that does not involve them, so that they can then condemn the Democrats for whatever they do.

—

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[jandeproductions]

Bolton Valley, VT 04APR2024

Dropping through the steeps of Devil’s Playground today at Bolton Valley thanks to 2+ feet of new snow from Winter Storm Tormund. Thanks to the density of the snow that fell atop snowpack from a long winter season, you could hit just about any terrain with reckless abandon and be well protected from any underlying obstacles. I was too busy to get up to the mountain for turns this morning, but in…

[suncitytours]

Explore Unforgettable Morning Sightseeing City Tours with Sun City Tours

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For an added dimension of excitement, opt for our Quad Bike or Dune Buggy tours upon request, elevating your desert adventure to new levels of excitement.

At Sun City Tours & Desert Safari L.L.C, our focus is on providing an unforgettable and hassle-free experience. Join us for the Best Morning Sightseeing City Tours, where you'll immerse your senses in Abu Dhabi's captivating landscapes and cultural richness.

[aberooski]

In Bowser's castle, Chazz and Princess Peach are locked in the dungeon, while back in the Mushroom Kingdom, our sibling quad meets with the Seven Star Spirits on Shooting Star Summit to learn the truth of Bowser’s plans and the duelists' presence in this world.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, on Tuesday. During these talks, they launched a Renewable Energy Partnership to boost investment between the two nations. The official announcement came as the two leaders convened the 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit on the sidelines of Brazil’s G20 summit. The Renewable Energy Partnership aims to provide a framework for practical cooperation in priority areas such as solar PV, green hydrogen, and energy storage. Following the annual summit, the Ministry of External Affairs released a joint statement, “India and Australia have shared ambitions to move faster, work together, and deploy our complementary capabilities to drive climate action. The Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP), which provides the framework for practical cooperation in priority areas such as solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage, two-way investment in renewable energy projects and allied areas, and upgraded skills training for the renewables workforce of the future.” Australian PM Albanese expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I am delighted to welcome the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership. This is a significant milestone in our cooperation. Our new partnership will boost two-way investments in renewable energy.” Prime Minister Modi highlighted the increasing two-way trade, business engagements, and market access for goods and services enabled under the landmark India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). “Today, we had a very productive meeting at the second IndiaAustralia Annual Summit. Over the last two years, this was my 11th meeting with my friend Albanese. This symbolises the new energy in our bilateral relations. Since the ECTA came into force, our bilateral trade has increased by 40%. In defence, we have enhanced cooperation through joint exercises and exchanges between young officers.” Meanwhile, PM Albanese accepted India’s invitation to attend the QUAD Leaders’ Summit 2025. “PM Albanese has accepted our invitation for the QUAD Summit to be hosted by India next year,” PM Modi said. During the meeting, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation through the Quad. “The Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation through the Quad as a force for global good, delivering real, positive, and enduring impacts for the Indo-Pacific. They appreciated the Quad’s ongoing efforts in undertaking ambitious projects to help partners address pandemics and disease, respond to natural disasters, strengthen maritime domain awareness and security, build high-standard physical and digital infrastructure, invest in critical and emerging technologies, confront climate change, bolster cyber-security, and cultivate the next generation of technology leaders,” the joint statement noted. Earlier in the day, PM Modi held discussions with Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font and Argentine President Javier Milei on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, on Tuesday. During these talks, they launched a Renewable Energy Partnership to boost investment between the two nations. The official announcement came as the two leaders convened the 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit on the sidelines of Brazil’s G20 summit. The Renewable Energy Partnership aims to provide a framework for practical cooperation in priority areas such as solar PV, green hydrogen, and energy storage. Following the annual summit, the Ministry of External Affairs released a joint statement, “India and Australia have shared ambitions to move faster, work together, and deploy our complementary capabilities to drive climate action. The Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP), which provides the framework for practical cooperation in priority areas such as solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage, two-way investment in renewable energy projects and allied areas, and upgraded skills training for the renewables workforce of the future.” Australian PM Albanese expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I am delighted to welcome the launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership. This is a significant milestone in our cooperation. Our new partnership will boost two-way investments in renewable energy.” Prime Minister Modi highlighted the increasing two-way trade, business engagements, and market access for goods and services enabled under the landmark India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). “Today, we had a very productive meeting at the second IndiaAustralia Annual Summit. Over the last two years, this was my 11th meeting with my friend Albanese. This symbolises the new energy in our bilateral relations. Since the ECTA came into force, our bilateral trade has increased by 40%. In defence, we have enhanced cooperation through joint exercises and exchanges between young officers.” Meanwhile, PM Albanese accepted India’s invitation to attend the QUAD Leaders’ Summit 2025. “PM Albanese has accepted our invitation for the QUAD Summit to be hosted by India next year,” PM Modi said. During the meeting, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation through the Quad. “The Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation through the Quad as a force for global good, delivering real, positive, and enduring impacts for the Indo-Pacific. They appreciated the Quad’s ongoing efforts in undertaking ambitious projects to help partners address pandemics and disease, respond to natural disasters, strengthen maritime domain awareness and security, build high-standard physical and digital infrastructure, invest in critical and emerging technologies, confront climate change, bolster cyber-security, and cultivate the next generation of technology leaders,” the joint statement noted. Earlier in the day, PM Modi held discussions with Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font and Argentine President Javier Milei on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. [ad_2] Source link

[trkking]

Sarpass Trek: Celebrate Life With a Powerful Challenge!

Embark on the Sarpass Trek, a remarkable journey that promises adventure, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable memories. Ascend to Sar Pass height in feet is 13,800  while walking alongside the tranquil Parvati River, allowing you to stroll through a carpet of sparkling pure white snow, immersing yourself in the breathtaking views of the Paravati Valley. 

About the Sar Pass

The Sarpass journey unfolds against the backdrop of stunning Himalayan peaks draped in snow. It weaves through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to lush meadows and icy sheets. The trek gains its name from a small, often frozen lake called “Sar,” nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. 

At 13,800 feet, the Sar Pass reveals the beauty of lush green meadows, snow-covered trails and the towering peaks of the Indian Himalayas. Dense forests of Pine, Deodar and Rhododendron create a stunning backdrop for nature lovers and adventures alike. This is a perfect destination for families, solo travellers or anyone looking to embrace the dreamlike mountaineering. 

The Kasol Sar Pass Trek from Kasol Base Camp 

Your adventure begins upon arriving at the picturesque village of Kasol on the astonishing Sar Pass trek distance of 50 Km. The trek leads through scenic beauty and evergreen forests to reach Grahan Village, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Parvati River and Grahan Nallah. 

On Day 2, you will trek to Min Thach, surrounded by glimmering views of Chanderkhani and Nagaru. As you reach Nagaru, you will be captivated by panoramic views of the Parvati Valley, Chanderkheni Ranges and Beas Valley. 

The highlight of your journey occurs on Day 4, as you finally reach Sar Pass. Here, the breathtaking sight of the Tosh Valley and majestic snow-covered peaks awaits you, with the frozen pond at 13,800 feet providing a magical atmosphere to relish. 

On the final day, trek down to Barshaini, navigating steep paths by the river, before concluding your journey with a scenic drive back to Kasol. 

Sarpass Trek Itinerary Snapshot 

Day 1: Arrival in Kasol and Trek Grahan Village (10 Km) 

Begin your Kasol Sar Pass trek, surrounded by stunning mountains and greenery, with the Parvati River by your side. The path to Grahan Village will take you through lush forests, where the fragrance of pine trees adds to the experience. The campsite, encircled by captivating rhododendron trees and apple orchids, offers a picturesque backdrop for your first night. 

Day 2: Trek to Min Thach (10 Km) 

Continue your journey, trekking uphill through stunning landscapes, leading to your next campsite. 

Day 3: From Min Thach to Nagaru Campsite (6 Km) 

Enjoy breathtaking views as you hike toward the Nagaru campsite, where panoramic vistas await. 

Day 4: Trek via Sar Pass to Biskeri Thach (14 Km) 

Reach the summit at Sar Pass, soaking in the beauty of the surrounding peaks and valleys. 

Day 5: Trek to Barshaini and Drive Back to Kasol (10 Km) 

Complete your trek with a descent to Barshaini, concluding with a scenic drive back to Kasol. 

Included in Your Sarpass Package 

Accommodation: Guest House, Camping or Homestay (Triple/Quad Sharing) 

Meals: Starting from the first day’s dinner to the last day’s breakfast (Veg Meal with Egg) 

Necessary Trek Equipment and Permissions 

First Aid Medical Kits 

Professional Guide and Support Staff 

Cost of Sar Pass Trek Kasol 

From Kasol to Kasol: 6,499 Rs per person 

From Delhi to Delhi: 8,999 Rs per person 

Know Before You Go To Sar Pass 

Allow time for acclimatization to high altitudes. 

Follow eco-friendly practices; avoid littering and use minimal plastic. 

Adhere to safety guidelines and instructions from the trek leaders. 

Conclusion: Ready to Take on the Sar Pass Challenge? 

The Sarpass Trek is not just a journey through the majestic Himalayas; it’s an opportunity to challenge yourself to claim the Sar Pass height throne, connect with nature and create lasting memories. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a beginner, this trek offers something for everyone. With professional guides ensuring your safety and comfort, you can focus on the stunning landscapes and the exhilarating experience that comes with conquering new heights.

Join us for this unforgettable adventure and celebrate life with the powerful challenge of the Sar Pass Trek!