#exercise cooperation 2023

[rhk111sblog]

Another Chinese Company is building an Automotive Factory in Thailand; Indonesia is inviting China to invest in their Water Infrastructure; Chinese Troops arrive in Singapore for a Joint Military Training; Another Chinese Company is investing Usd 500 million to build a Factory in Vietnam, and an All-Police Band goes Viral in Malaysia for singing a Chinese Song

[cartoonistcoop]

ShortBox Comics Member Interview: Sloane Hong

Throughout the month of October, the Cartoonist Cooperative will be sharing interviews with members of the Co-op who have a new comic available at the ShortBox Comics Fair 2024! 

NOTE: The Cartoonist Cooperative is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way formally connected with ShortBox.  

Today’s spotlight is Sloane Hong ( @plaest2k ) and their new comic for ShortBox, Expiry Date.

We’d love it if you could introduce yourself and tell us about your background in comics.

Sloane Hong: Kia ora, my name is Sloane Hong (she/her), I’m a Korean-tauiwi illustrator, comic artist and tattooer based in Aotearoa, New Zealand. I only started making comics professionally about five years ago but they’ve always been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Tell us more about your new comic?

SH: Expiry Date is an erotic, body horror, sci-fi short story about coming home from a long day at your shitty, minimum-wage job, crashing on your couch and fantasizing about how fucking good it would feel to just die.

I mean, it’s also about transness, labour rights, our relationship with our bodies and death under capitalism, etc but it’s mostly about shitty jobs.

My friend described it as “what if David Cronenberg was a transsexual dyke who grew up reading ero-guro”.

What are some early experiences as a cartoonist that shaped you or your process?

SH: My brother’s also an artist, probably better than I could ever be, and I basically owe any good taste I might have to him. Growing up, I always got home from school first so I’d sneak into his room to admire his drawings and read his comics. He had most of the usual stuff you’d find on any Korean kid’s shelf in the 90’s: Akira Toriyama, Masamune Shirow, Yoshito Usui, etc, and a couple of Korean manhwa that are all now damn-near impossible to find. As he got older, he started getting into American comics and brought home stuff like R. Crumb, Daniel Clowes, Fletcher Hanks, etc from the library.

But it’s not just that I had someone to introduce me to all this stuff, it’s the fact I’m six years younger than him and he was already reading this stuff earlier than most. So I think I started looking at all those misanthropic underground comics by horny white men when I was, like, what… about 10 years old?

Besides my brother, the trauma of working shitty jobs for years on end, The Terrible Boredom of Paradise, and this weird and fucked up miracle we call life are probably the wellsprings of both my inspiration and ceaseless burnout. 

Tell us about your creative process; how did you develop this comic and what are the steps you took to bring it to the final stage?

SH: I did something really stupid for the 2023 ShortBox Comics Fair. I have ADHD and one of the many ways it manifests is that I have a debilitating habit of overthinking my stories. “Are the themes too obvious? Is it too heavy handed? Are the motivations for this character clear enough? Is this the right way to phrase this? Is this the right word? Is this the right letter? Is this the right punctuation?” etc, etc.

On paper, it probably sounds like something every writer goes through but when I say debilitating, I mean interferes-with-my-ability-to-live-a-normal-life-kind of debilitating. It’s kind of impossible to articulate how bad it was but it got to a point where I was so sick of myself and all the stories I never finished that I said fuck it–maybe if I just jump into a comic with nothing but a stupid premise, no planning and an impending deadline, I won’t have time to think about all these inconsequential details. So I sat down and forced myself to write, pencil and ink a comic, page-by-page.

It was essentially an exercise in automatism: I was still thinking about draftsmanship, composition, flow and everything but I kinda just let the story tell itself by writing/ drawing whatever felt like a natural progression for the narrative.

That was how I ended up with Marrow, which was kinda funny because the whole point was to make a goofy, low-stakes comic about nothing to circumvent the pressure of having to write anything good. Instead I’d inadvertently made something that was layered and deeply intimate and won the sci-fi category in the 2024 Minicomic Awards. But, more importantly, the whole process helped bring everything together. It reminded me of something I used to tell young artists: developing a style isn’t something you really set out to do, it’s something that just happens. You don’t practice drawing to get better at drawing; you do it to better channel your voice. It’s only when you can stop thinking about how to move your hand that your heart can take the lead.

I’d forgotten my own advice. I was so concerned about the technical details of how to write a story that I was basically assembling components rather than writing anything at all. Marrow helped me realize I’d already internalized everything I needed to write long ago. I just needed to stop thinking.

Expiry Date was a continuation of that process and made in basically the same way. There was just significantly less stress involved now that I knew I could trust myself.

Mostly.

Read the rest of the interview HERE! And dont forget to check out the Shortbox Comics Fair to support these lovely creators!!

[reasonsforhope]

"California will begin paying for free legal help with immigration for undocumented farmworkers who are involved in state investigations of wage theft or other labor violations, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced this week.

The $4.5 million pilot program will provide qualifying farmworkers with referrals for legal help with their immigration status. 

Roughly half of California’s farmworker population is believed to be undocumented. Fear of deportation and difficulties finding jobs can discourage workers from filing labor complaints or serving as witnesses in cases alleging unsafe work temperatures, wage theft, or employer retaliation for unionizing, officials said...

Respecting immigrant rights

Farmworkers in labor investigations who qualify for the new state program will receive a direct referral to legal services organizations that already offer immigration services, such as the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County or the United Farm Workers Foundation, which spoke in support of the program. 

The free legal services workers could receive include case review, legal advice and representation by an attorney, according to Newsom’s office...

Deferred deportation

State officials said the pilot program aligns with a new Biden administration policy that makes it easier for undocumented workers who are victims of labor rights violations to request deferred action from deportation. Because the federal Department of Homeland Security can’t respond to all immigration violations, it exercises “prosecutorial discretion” to decide who to try to deport.

State officials said they won’t ask for workers’ immigration status, but noncitizens granted this deferred action may be eligible for work authorization.

This year, California labor department officials began supporting undocumented workers’ requests for prosecutorial discretion or deferred action from federal immigration officials, including when employers threaten workers with immigration enforcement to prevent workers from cooperating with state investigators. 

“The Department of Industrial Relations’ Labor Commissioner’s Office … was the first state agency to request deferred action from DHS for employees in an active investigation, and that request was successful,” Hickey said. “This is an important process for undocumented workers to be aware of.”"

-via CalMatters, July 21, 2023

[delilaahh9]

Physio!

November 20th, 2023

Gemma pulled into the USNTDP facility early in the morning, the cold Michigan air biting at her face as she stepped out of her car. She had been in Michigan for a few weeks now, recuperating in the quiet of her apartment, but today was a big day—her first physio session after the injury that had sidelined her for what felt like forever.

The comfort of her room had been great for rest, but now it was time to get back to work. She was finally ready to take the next step in her recovery.

Rachel, the team’s physiotherapist, was waiting for her as she entered the facility, a calm smile on her face as she led Gemma to one of the treatment rooms.

“How’s the shoulder feeling today?” Rachel asked as they sat down.

“Better, I think,” Gemma said, shifting uncomfortably. She reached up and adjusted the sling she’d been wearing for weeks. “I’m ready to get out of this thing.” Her voice carried a note of hope.

Rachel nodded, checking the notes on her clipboard. “We’re definitely making progress, but we’ll take it slow. I want to ease you out of the sling and see how your shoulder responds. We’ll start with some mobility exercises and see where we’re at from there.”

Gemma exhaled, trying to calm the nervous energy bubbling in her chest. “Okay, I’m ready.”

The session began with gentle stretches. Rachel moved Gemma’s arm through a series of controlled motions, watching closely for any signs of discomfort. At first, Gemma’s shoulder felt tight, the muscles still not used to working after the time off. There was a lingering ache in the joint, but it wasn’t unbearable.

“You’re doing great,” Rachel encouraged. “How does that feel?”

“Good,” Gemma said, wincing slightly as she reached her arm overhead. “It’s stiff, but it’s not sharp. More like… a dull ache.”

“Perfect,” Rachel said with a smile. “We’re going to build on that. Let’s move into a few simple exercises. I want to see how your shoulder handles some weight.”

Gemma nodded, silently bracing herself. She trusted Rachel, but it was still a little scary to think about using her arm again.

The first exercise was simple—raising her arm slowly, keeping the motion controlled. The first few attempts felt strange, as if her arm wasn’t entirely hers. But then, slowly, the muscles started to cooperate. It was stiff, but there was no sharp pain, just that deep ache she’d grown accustomed to.

After a few more exercises, Rachel gave her a thumbs up. “You’re doing great. We’re going to try something new now. I’m going to have you take the sling off for a little while and see how your arm feels. We’ll test it with some light movements.”

Gemma hesitated. “Are you sure? I mean, I’m not really used to moving it like this…”

Rachel smiled reassuringly. “You’re doing great, Gemma. It’s time to take the next step.”

Gemma carefully slipped the sling off, feeling a strange mix of relief and fear. Her arm hung loosely by her side, and though it felt light, it also felt vulnerable. The freedom of not having the sling was oddly unsettling, but she trusted Rachel to guide her through it.

“Okay,” Rachel said. “Let’s try gently swinging your arm in front of you and behind you. Nothing too crazy.”

Gemma followed Rachel’s instructions, the movement stiff but improving with each try. It wasn’t easy—her shoulder still felt weak, but there was something about the lightness of having the sling off that gave her a sense of hope.

After about an hour of stretches, light exercises, and range-of-motion work, Rachel gave her the all-clear. “You’re doing really well, Gemma. We’ll continue like this for a few days, and then we can start working on strength.”

Gemma was relieved, though a little sore. “Thanks, Rachel. I feel like I’m actually making progress.”

“You are,” Rachel confirmed with a smile. “I’m proud of you for pushing through. But remember, take it easy. Don’t overdo it too soon.”

That evening, back in her apartment, Gemma lay on the couch, her arm resting gently on a pillow beside her. It was still a little sore, but she could already feel a sense of accomplishment. Today was the first step toward feeling like herself again, and for the first time in weeks, she felt hopeful.

Her phone buzzed with a text message, and she glanced at it. It was from James.

“How did it go today? No more sling?”

Gemma smiled as she typed her reply:

“Kind of! I can use it for short periods, but no lifting yet. It’s a relief, though. Feels good to start using it again.”

A few moments later, James replied:

“That’s awesome! You’re going to crush it. I know it. Just don’t rush back too fast—get better first.”

Gemma chuckled at his words. “Don’t worry, I’m not rushing anything. I’ll be back out there before you know it.”

She set her phone down and closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. She wasn’t back on the ice yet, but she could feel herself getting closer to that day.

November 27th, 2023

Gemma walked into the physiotherapy room, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Today was another step in her recovery. She’d been working hard to regain the strength in her shoulder, but there was still a part of her that wondered how close she really was to getting back to full activity. Skating again, especially with the team, felt like the ultimate goal—but she knew she couldn’t rush it.

Rachel, the physiotherapist, was waiting for her, clipboard in hand as she looked over the notes. She greeted Gemma with a smile. “Hey, Gemma. How’s the shoulder feeling today?”

“Better than last week, for sure,” Gemma said, her voice a little lighter than it had been before. The range of motion had been steadily improving, and the pain had decreased significantly. “Still stiff at times, but overall, I think I’m getting there.”

Rachel nodded, glancing at the progress notes from the past few weeks. “You’ve made great strides, honestly. It’s not easy, but you’ve been doing everything right. Your strength is improving, and the mobility is almost where we want it.”

Gemma’s heart skipped a beat. “So, does that mean…?”

Rachel raised a hand to pause her excitement. “We’re getting there. But I think it’s time we start thinking about getting you back on the ice.”

Gemma’s eyes lit up, but Rachel quickly added, “I want to be clear—you’re not going to be throwing yourself into full-contact drills just yet. That’s still a bit down the road. But I think we’re ready to introduce some skating. With some restrictions, of course.”

Gemma nodded eagerly, trying to contain the excitement that was bubbling up. “How soon? Can I skate with the team?”

Rachel paused thoughtfully, tapping her pen against her clipboard. “I’d say within the next few days, we can start you skating on your own, no contact. I want you to wear a no-contact jersey, just to be safe. Your shoulder needs time to adapt to the movements again before we risk anything too intense.”

Gemma’s face fell slightly, but Rachel noticed and quickly added, “It’s a good step, Gemma. You’ll be on the ice again, just easing into it. Think of it as your chance to get your legs back under you before you get back into full team activities.”

Gemma took a deep breath, trying to hide the disappointment. “I guess it’s better than nothing. I just… I want to be back out there with the team. I miss it.”

Rachel gave her an understanding smile. “I know you do. And you will be back out there. Just a little patience is all we need right now. It’ll be a slow return, but you’re on the right track.”

Gemma nodded, feeling a little more settled. “Okay. I can do that. When can I start?”

“You’re clear for skating by this weekend,” Rachel said, setting down her clipboard. “It’ll be good to start getting that movement back in your routine. I’ll check in with you after each session and see how you’re doing. If you feel any discomfort, we’ll scale back. But I’m confident you’re ready.”

Gemma’s shoulders relaxed, the weight of uncertainty lifting slightly. “Thanks, Rachel. I appreciate you getting me back on the ice.”

Rachel smiled warmly. “You’ve earned it. Now just remember to take it easy. No rushing, alright?”

Gemma grinned. “I won’t. I just… I can’t wait to feel the ice again.”

Later that day, Gemma returned to her apartment, feeling a mix of anticipation and relief. She was finally going to be back on the ice, even if it wasn’t full team practice just yet. The thought of skating, even with the restrictions, made her feel closer to being whole again.

She grabbed her phone and shot a quick text to James.

“Guess what? I’m back on the ice this weekend. Just skating for now, but it’s something!”

The reply came almost instantly.

“That’s awesome, Gemma! You’ve got this. Slow and steady. I’ll be cheering for you!”

Gemma smiled, feeling the warmth of his support through the screen. She was one step closer to where she wanted to be.

[mitigatedchaos]

Great Men Surf the Tides of History

Does the fate of humanity rest in the hands of great men? Or are there only the inevitable tides of history?

thesis: great man antithesis: tides of history synthesis: great man surfing the tides of history

– our own TracingWoodgrains, 𝕏, 2023

From far away in the sky, a pyramid is a gigantic formation, yet from up close on the ground, a pyramid is made of many slabs.

[ @arcticdementor ]

Musk matters. The millions of "MAGA" voters? Don't matter at all, and never will.

The foundation of what is large is what is small. What is an elite? In a political system, an elite is someone who is in a high position of leverage. Leverage is produced using a formation. Formations are not unified wholes; they are composed of smaller parts, and generate force through synchronized actions.

The work of management is to reduce the context of a production problem until it can be divided into jobs that can be done by labor. The work of labor is to reduce the context of a production problem until it can be done by capital.

The nature of the world is that it is thick and high-dimensionality, while the nature of models is that they are thin and low-dimensionality. Everywhere in the world, there is the friction of time, space, and information. A production problem is divided due to limits based on time, space, and information.

When a production problem is handled by one person, it is subject to one agency. It is in tight synchronization. When a production problem is divided among multiple people, it is subject to multiple agencies. It is in loose synchronization.

Due to the loose coupling of a formation composed of multiple people, as well as limits on obtaining and processing information, leverage is not fully consolidated in a single executive. Rather, there exist nodes of intermediate leverage, positions within system with greater power than an outsider, but less power than the person at the top.

Obviously, power isn't best thought of as binary. It also isn't best thought of as a simple scalar, although that's better than thinking it as a simple binary. In terms of simple models, power is best thought of as an edge in a weighted directed graph, an arrow from one person to another with a number attached. I may control the HOA and have the ability to set the color your house is allowed to be. You may own the neighboring fitness gym and control what hours I can access the pool. We each have a power relationship with each other. Which one of us is "more powerful"? That depends on conditions.

"There exist only elites and nothings" is an overcompression of the power graph. There are gradations of power. There are directions of power. Officers. Intellectuals. Journalists. People at different positions within the system, with different levels of talent, which allow them to exercise influence in different ways.

In a market, consumers having demand for a product does not cause that product to automatically come into existence. Instead, it creates an incentive for an entrepreneur to come by, assemble a company or team (a formation), and create that product. If no entrepreneur comes by to create the product, then the product is not created, and if no product is created, then consumers cannot obtain it.

Consumers exercise a low amount of agency in this process, though not zero. Demand is generally diffuse. Many people take a small action (evaluating and buying the product). Production is concentrated. A small number of people take much longer or more intense actions.

War is a form of cooperative competition which destroys factories and tramples fields. It shatters weaker structures by killing the men who compose them.

Capitalism is a form of cooperative competition that builds factories and plants fields. Men work hard and fight together to produce loaves of bread, companies are destroyed, and to a first approximation, no one dies.

Under democracy, men put together formations and compete. What are voters in this system if not the territory over which they fight?

Which matters, Elon Musk, or millions of Trump voters?

Elon Musk provides cash, respectability (to some elites, intermediate officers, or factions), and a communication advantage in the cyberspace layer.

Millions of Trump voters provide millions of Trump votes.

Obviously, both of these matter. Winning the election moves Trump to a position of higher leverage within the system. This provides more power to his political coalition.

What will he do with it? I think he wants to surf the tides of history. On January 20th, he will be back on the beach, and once again dive into the water. He may wipe out and tumble in the waves.

[mariacallous]

When Russia started to prepare for its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Europe unambiguously told Russian President Vladimir Putin that, were he to invade the country, there would be serious consequences. Sanctions have been one of these main consequences: We at the European Union have already adopted 14 sanctions packages against Russia since February 2022.

Putin’s Russia is behaving with a 19th-century style imperialist mindset, threatening its neighbors—most notably in Europe. However, this is not just about an existential threat to Europe’s security. Russia’s blatant violation of the United Nations Charter also threatens global peace.

From energy and food security threats and the violation of the U.N.’s arms embargo on North Korea to military cooperation with Iran and the use of brutal paramilitary groups in African countries, Russia’s actions deliberately destabilize the global architecture for peace. If Russia were to succeed in Ukraine, it would open the door to the return of imperialist wars of aggression against weaker neighbors on every continent.

That is exactly what an overwhelming majority of U.N. member states understood back in March 2022 and again in February 2023, when they demanded Russia to withdraw all military forces from the territory of Ukraine. That is the mandate that our sanctions are enforcing. When other alternatives cannot work, sanctions are a responsible and effective tool to protect international peace and security.

For us, sanctions are not an end in themselves. Whether adopted by the U.N. Security Council or autonomously by us within Europe, sanctions are, in our view, always a measure of last resort when other diplomatic efforts have failed to achieve a positive result.

U.N. sanctions are and will always be the best option. Yet at a time when Russia, both aggressor and judge, is blocking the U.N. Security Council’s collective response to many global security challenges, autonomous EU sanctions are an effective way to strengthen the U.N.’s mandate on peace and security.

The European Union counts on the support of several partners in our use of sanctions on Russia. Around a quarter of the world’s nations have also imposed such sanctions. Admittedly, not everyone is willing or capable to follow suit. We understand that. However, circumvention of our sanctions would affect all countries by helping Russia to continue its blatant violation of the U.N. Charter. Therefore, we are asking all countries to help prevent the circumvention of these sanctions. By doing so, they will actively contribute to a more peaceful and secure world.

We are also asking all U.N. members to help ensure that the weapons and the technologies needed to wage Putin’s illegal war do not end up in the battlefields of Ukraine, destroying its schools and killing its civilians. If countries are delivering weapons to help Russia wage its illegal war—as North Korea did with ammunition, other weapon systems, and now even soldiers, and Iran is believed to have done with the delivery of drones and more recently, ballistic missiles—then the EU and other countries will respond with the imposition of specific sanctions.

Some of the loudest critics of our sanctions are often the most prominent transgressors of international law. Most of them, such as North Korea, have long been the targets of U.N. sanctions themselves. The campaign spread by Russia and its supporters to label autonomous sanctions as illegitimate “unilateral coercive measures” is a politically motivated attempt to divert attention away from the reasons why these sanctions have been imposed. This campaign is also based on massive disinformation—for example, the claim that that sanctions would hurt human rights and cause food and medical shortages.

EU sanctions only apply within the jurisdiction of the EU. They therefore represent an exercise of sovereign right, embedded in international law and in line with the U.N. Charter’s goals to protect international peace and security. These sanctions respect the listed persons’ legal rights, including due process and the scrutiny of the Court of Justice of the European Union, whereby listed individuals and entities can challenge their designation.

That contrasts with Russia and other states that adopt sanctions against individuals with an absolute lack of transparency and without any right for due process, in a context where the rule of law and people’s rights are not respected anyway.

We are, of course, always alert to unintended consequences that sanctions could have for the civilian population. The delivery of humanitarian aid, food, medicine, or other emergency supplies are always exempted from our sanctions legislation. And sanctions have never prevented us from supporting the U.N.’s efforts to alleviate human suffering and ensuring that help arrives to those who are in most need, including in countries where sanctions are in place, such as Syria.

In this respect, the adoption of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2664 in December 2022 increased legal clarity by providing a standing humanitarian exemption to U.N. sanctions. The EU and its member states moved quickly to include exemptions based on the U.N. model in our sanctions regimes.

This resolution has helped put the spotlight on dictators who block humanitarian access to vulnerable populations and use it as a bargaining chip to maintain power. Thanks to this resolution, they have no shelter anymore to blame sanctions for their own atrocities and corruption. We hear from leading humanitarian organizations that this resolution has already had a positive impact on the ground.

Transborder terrorism, threats to the territorial integrity of nations, nuclear proliferation, human rights violations, genocide—there are many challenges where a global response is needed. Not surprisingly, it is frequently human rights defenders and civil society entities that call for sanctions to be imposed to address a deteriorating situation, such as the war in Sudan, various conflicts in the Middle East, or to prevent interferences with the electoral process in Guatemala. When states, individuals, or entities engage in widespread and systematic human rights violations, sanctions become a powerful tool to put offenders on the spotlight and press them to cease in their offenses.

In this context, EU member states have been supportive of my recent proposals in crises other than Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including in Sudan and the Middle East, where we adopted sanctions against Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and against violent Israeli settlers for serious human rights abuses against Palestinians.

By taking decisive action against its financing, the global fight against terrorism has made great strides. In disrupting the financial networks that terrorists rely on, sanctions have made the world a safer place, making it difficult for them to finance their operations.

Sanctions also help defend democratic institutions. The international community’s support to Guatemala’s political transition in early 2024, including through sanctions, was successful in deterring individuals from undermining the democratic process in the country. Sanctions can also help nations to recover their sovereign wealth from the plundering of previous leaders. That is what we did following the popular revolts of the Arab Spring in 2011, when—at the request of the new democratic Tunisian authorities—the EU swiftly froze the assets of individuals who had illegally misappropriated Tunisian state funds.

We are not naive. We are well aware that, by themselves, sanctions are not a silver bullet, and they will not stop Putin from continuing his neoimperialistic aggression against Ukraine. Yet they have significantly weakened Russia’s war machine and made the continuation of the war more costly to the Kremlin. Sanctions impose a huge reputational cost for the countries and actors who violate them. In many places, they have demonstrated that actions against peace have consequences.

All 193 U.N. member states have the obligation to preserve the international order based on the U.N. Charter. Faced with clear breaches of international law, the EU is ready to bear its share of responsibility for a just and orderly world by imposing sanctions on those who try to undermine it.

[beardedmrbean]

North Korea has issued a fresh nuclear warning to the U.S. over its activities on the Korean Peninsula, interpreting them as rehearsals for an armed conflict.

The statement, issued by Pyongyang's Foreign Ministry, was in response to ongoing bilateral military exercises involving South Korea and the U.S.

On Monday, state-run news agency KNCA released a statement from the North Korean Foreign Ministry taking aim at exercise "Ulchi Freedom Shield," which it called "large-scale provocative joint military exercises."

"The current exercises, including a drill simulating a nuclear confrontation with the DPRK, bring to light clearer the provocative nature of Ulji Freedom Shield as a prelude to a nuclear war," the ministry said.

Newsweek has contacted the United States Indo-Pacific Command for comment on North Korea's claims.

On Monday, the US began its annual joint military drills with South Korea, with this year's exercises focused on improving their capabilities to deal with growing threats posed by North Korea.

The drills, set to continue through August 29, will involve over 40 types of field exercises, as well as drills intended to simulate missile attacks, GPS jamming and cyberattacks.

According to a spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, quoted by Reuters, the alliance's bilateral exercises will also "further strengthen its capability and posture to deter and defend against weapons of mass destruction."

However, Pyongyang said that these defensive exercises resemble the historical behavior of countries preparing for conflict, and accused the two states of rehearsing a "beheading operation" against the Kim Jong Un regime.

"It is clearly recorded in the world history of wars that in preparation for a war, aggressor states followed a series of procedures, including adoption of war policy and military operation plan for its execution, advance deployment of forces, ceaseless simulated and actual war drills and war provocation," the ministry's statement read.

These annual drills have consistently drawn the ire of Pyongyang, as has the increasing presence and activity of the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific.

North Korea responded to last year's Freedom Shield drills by carrying out tests of a strategic cruise missile, overseen by Kim Jong Un, according to KNCA.

In June, following the conclusion of the first "multi-domain" trilateral exercises involving the U.S., South Korea and Japan, Pyongyang condemned the three countries' "reckless and provocative" actions, and warned that these would be met with "fatal consequences."

In its Monday statement, North Korea's Foreign Ministry also criticized America's "nuclear confrontation policy against the DPRK," which it said was evidenced by the creation of the U.S.-South Korean "Nuclear Consultative Group" in April 2023.

According to a joint statement from Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in July, after the pair signed their first guidelines on nuclear deterrence on the Korean Peninsula, this group has "directly strengthened U.S.-ROK cooperation on extended deterrence, and managed the threat to the nonproliferation regime posed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

Since the consultative group was launched in 2023, U.S. nuclear ballistic missile submarines have been sent to South Korean waters, which North Korea has warned "may fall under the conditions of the use of nuclear weapons."

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

UN begins negotiations on wealth tax agreement proposed by Brazil during G20 presidency

Agreement follows the G20 in Brazil committing to the super-rich paying taxes 'effectively'

On Monday (3), UN member states began “historic” talks to draft the first “universal” tax cooperation convention for 2027, aiming to curb tax evasion and fairly charge multinational companies and the wealthiest individuals. 

“This is not just a technical exercise, but a moral imperative,” said the newly appointed chairman of the negotiating committee, Egyptian Ramy Youssef.   

Youssef argues that the billions of dollars lost every year due to profit shifting, “pernicious tax competition and illegal financial flows” deprive “particularly, the most vulnerable countries of critical resources.”  

To reach the level of these talks, under pressure from African countries seeking a place at the negotiating table for international tax rules - while demanding a reform of the international financial architecture - the UN General Assembly adopted the idea of a “framework convention” of this kind in 2023 so that tax cooperation is “fully inclusive and more effective.”  

Continue reading.

[ashwin-the-artless]

Here's a bunch of press release style description of my novel and its sequels, complete with release dates. If you are trans, autistic, and/or plural, and into science fiction, you may appreciate what we've made.

The Tunnel Apparati Diaries Book Release

With the guidance of Mau (a.k.a. Phage), Ashwin Pember, recently ascended Ancestor of the Sunspot, projects their mind to Earth via the Tunnel Apparatus. Only, they do this to become the new headmate of the twenty-seven year old autistic transgender plural system of Sarah and Goreth Ampersand of Portland, OR, who think that Phage is their old imaginary friend.

Unfortunately, Sarah and Goreth struggle to manage their already difficult life.

They’ve been leaning on their housemates and friends for support, but playing host to an alien being challenges them all.

Furthermore, there's an important reason Phage came to Earth in the first place, and it needs Sarah and Goreth to cooperate with Ashwin in order to achieve its goals.

The Tunnel Apparati Diaries tell the story of how the Sunspot Chronicles came to be translated and published on Earth, but what does this mean for humanity?

Because there’s a probe full of construction nanites left somewhere in the mountains of Washington State and someone needs to take responsibility for it before it falls into the wrong hands.

—

Release Dates for the Tunnel Apparati Diaries:

Book One: The End of the Tunnel - July 31, 2024

Book Two: The Sun Also Hatches - October 21, 2024

Book Three: The Dragon in the Dining Room - November 27, 2024

Available at http://www.sunspot.world or http://www.lulu.com

—

The Tunnel Apparati Diaries take place on Earth between the years of 2023 and 2025, in Portland Oregon, and follow the lives of Sarah and Goreth Ampersand, Erik, and the Audreys – a friends group of transgender plural systems – after they make contact with an alien visitor to Sarah and Goreth’s psyche, Ashwin Pember. 

Soon it becomes clear that this is not a product of their trauma or mental illness. It is a real event, actual first contact, and the fate of the Earth is on the line. But the personal impacts of this contact end up taking priority.

Their personal accounts, each book written by a different system member (Ashwin, Goreth, and then Sarah), explore the challenges of building community and relationships while being multiply disabled, transgender, queer, autistic, and experiencing a consensus reality that does not match that of most of the rest of the world.

It is a sequel and a possible entry point to reading the Sunspot Chronicles, and the two series together combine themes of plurality, neurodiversity, biodiversity, and the exercise and protection of personal consent and autonomy in the face of past and rising fascism. Every book has its own unique focus and take on building and keeping found family and community here on Earth and out amongst the stars. And what it means to be person, whether human or otherwise.

Written by different members of the Inmara Fenumera, an autistic transgender plurality living in the Pacific Northwest, the Tunnel Apparati Diaries offer genuine personal insight into the lived experiences of diverse plural systems (people living with DID, OSDD, and other forms of plurality), but with a strong dash of wish fulfillment, light romance, and adventure.

The Future is Plural. It deserves good plural fiction.

[hd-wireless]

📻🎶 H/D WIRELESS 2023 - WEEKLY WRAP-UP #5

Five weeks of Wireless posting have passed. What a time to be alive!

After this we have roughly half a week of posting waiting for us and then that’s it! Are you already excited for reveals?

We will have one small wrap-up left to do and then it’s time for the guessing game!

Here’s a timeline for the rest of the fest:

Final wrap-up: Friday, August 11th

Anon masterpost and guessing game: Saturday, August 12th

Reveals and game winner announced: Saturday, August 19th

Until then, check out what you've missed in our round up for week five.

As always you can listen to the prompted songs for the works we post on two playlists:  

Click here for Spotify (many thanks to @evaeleanor for helping us out there) ❤️

And here for the YouTube playlist.

Please enjoy this week’s entries below the cut:

🎶 H/D Wireless Art 🎶

📻 Shivers and Cold Champagne [T, Digital Art]

🎵 Song Prompt: Padam Padam by Kylie Minogue

🎵 Summary:

"Padam, padam, I hear it and I know..."

Sometimes, you meet someone in the club, and you just know...

...they’re all in.

🎶 H/D Wireless Fic and Art 🎶

📻 The Waiting [E, 43,494, Digital Art]

🎵 Song Prompt: 'this tornado loves you' by 'neko case'

🎵 Summary:

It’s been almost ten years since Draco Malfoy disappeared during a routine Curse Breaker training exercise. Harry, his partner in more ways than one, is determined to figure out why. As the past resurfaces and the present fades into confusion, Harry discovers the only thing more unreliable than memory is love. 

🎶 H/D Wireless Fic 🎶

📻 Sun Thief [E, 28,228]

🎵 Song Prompt: ‘Anti-Hero’ by ‘Taylor Swift’

🎵 Summary:

“You’re stunning,” Harry blurts out, because Draco is pink-cheeked and his mouth is bitten and plump. Gasping beneath Harry, working his cock in his fist. “Say my name when you come?”

It’s 2005, and Draco Malfoy says, “Fuck the Ministry,” Harry works as a handyman in muggle London, and Draco should really stop pissing off the Squib gangs.

Or: Harry beats up a pimp and isn’t sorry about it, Draco deals black market potions, and they’re shagging. Again.

📻 Better not Touch (Don't Touch) [E, 8,945]

🎵 Song Prompt: Poison by Alice Cooper

🎵 Summary:

Harry is happy with his life, running a shop in Diagon Alley and spending plenty of time with his husband. When he is cursed, his and Draco’s relationship is put to the test. Can they move forwards together even if they have to put distance between them?

📻 Stars By the Pocketful [T, 2,151]

🎵 Song Prompt: 'Snow On the Beach' by Taylor Swift (feat. Lana Del Rey)

🎵 Summary:

Draco arrives first, to scope out the place and pick the best bed before Potter can beat him to it.

📻 Lover, Where Do You Live? [E, 38,079]

🎵 Song Prompt: 'Lover, Where Do You Live?' by 'Highasakite'

🎵 Summary:

Harry Potter has been running away since the War, disappearing into his job as a freelance curse-breaker. Work is his life. Home doesn't exist.

He's about to disappear again when he runs into Death Eater-turned-Healer Draco Malfoy.

It's supposed to be a one-night-stand. They're not supposed to pine for each other. Harry's not supposed to sleep with Draco a second time.

Or a third.

Or a fourth.

But when a nasty curse sends Harry back into Draco's arms, he might be forced to admit that home's been waiting for him all along…

📻 as it was [M, 6,476]

🎵 Song Prompt: As It Was by Harry Styles

🎵 Summary:

'in this world, it's just us. you know it's not the same as it was.'

📻 What is this feeling? [E, 4,734]

🎵 Song Prompt: What is this feeling? By Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth

🎵 Summary:

New auror candidates are required to spend their first six months of training living in ministry dorms. While Draco requested a single dorm he finds himself sharing a room with the savior of the wizarding world. It’s loathing at first sight, or is it?

📻 the eighth sin [E, 16,834]

🎵 Song Prompt: 'Seven Devils' by 'Florence and the Machine'

🎵 Summary:

When Draco is sentenced to five years of house arrest, without magic, alone, the only person to visit him is Potter. But Draco’s beginning to doubt whether Potter is really there at all. 

📻 Wrong in all the Right Ways [E, 3,951]

🎵 Song Prompt: 'Raise Your Glass' by 'P!nk'

🎵 Summary:

Draco is pretty sure that Potter is trying to kill him.

Not in, like a murdery sort of way. There’s been too much atonement and forgiveness and redemption for that. Too many difficult conversations that ended, more than once, with awkward hugs. Maybe even some tears. They’re not friends obviously, but at the very least, they’ve moved past the past. (Mostly.) So no, Potter’s definitely not trying to kill him in a permanent death sort of way, but more like…

In a horny sort of way.

[usafphantom2]

IMAGES: USAF F-35 jets are the first 5ª generation fighters to land on the ally Brunei

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 05/03/2024 - 23:55in Military

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-35A fighters paid a visit to Brunei on March 1º, the first time that fifth-generation stealth jets landed in the small Pacific island nation.

Two F-35s made the journey from Eielson Air Base, Alaska, to Rimba Air Base, Brunei, a visit that coincided with a diplomatic visit by the Deputy Deputy Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, Jedidiah Royal. The trip was also made by Major General Mark Weber, assistant to the National Air Guard of the PACAF commander.

Members of the Royal Air Force of Brunei, including Commander Brig. General Dato Sharif saw the aircraft, which was on static display, and asked the USAF aviators questions. The aircraft left for its return flight on March 2.

The F-35 visit took place 40 years after the U.S. officially recognized Brunei, after its independence from the United Kingdom, which took control after World War II, when the nation was occupied by Japanese imperial forces. The visit takes place at a time when the United States intends to strengthen cooperation with a wide range of allies in the Indo-Pacific.

Brunei and the U.S. signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation in 1994 and have been conducting joint exercises regularly since then. The air forces of the two countries worked together in September 2023 as part of exercise Pacific Angel 23-3, focused on humanitarian assistance and humanitarian aid in disasters. As part of this exercise, the U.S. Air Force unfolded an HC130-J Combat King II, an HH-60G Pave Hawk and a C-17 Globemaster III to Brunei.

— PACAF (@PACAF) March 4, 2024

In December 2023, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command received Brunei officials for bilateral talks that included the signing of a "Section 505 agreement," a prerequisite for the granting of military training or equipment to a foreign nation.

Although it has only 5,765 square kilometers - a little smaller than the state of Delaware in the USA - Brunei claims a slice of the South China Sea that is less than 1,600 kilometers from China. As China is its largest trading partner and foreign investor, according to the U.S. Peace Institute, Brunei has sought to "protect" its dependence on China by building a stronger relationship with the U.S., wrote researcher Sufrizul Husseini.

However, in the growing competition of great powers between the two, the U.S. wants to build ties with countries throughout the region and has used the visits of USAF fighters and bombers as one of the ways to demonstrate its commitment to the allies.

Just a year ago, for example, the U.S. Air Force F-22s were sent to the Philippines, becoming the first fifth-generation fighters in that country. In April, two B-1B Lancers bombers participated for the first time in an exercise with the Indian Air Force. And in June, a B-52 landed in Indonesia, another novelty. And in October, a B-52 landed in South Korea, the first landing of its kind in more than 30 years.

These strategic visits send a message about security cooperation and partnership aimed at deterring China from risking a broader conflict through expansion into neighboring territories.

Photos: USAF / Tech. Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.

Tags: Military AviationF-35 Lightning IIUSAF - United States Air Force / U.S. Air ForceWar Zones - Indo-Asia-Pacific

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[blacksagenews]

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam Sue the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) for the Misuse of the Word “Anti-Semite”

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL

For immediate release

October 21, 2023

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam Sue the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) for the Misuse of the Word “Anti-Semite”

Chicago—On October 16, 2023, which was the 28th Anniversary of the Million Man March, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam (NOI) sued the ADL, its CEO, Johnathan Greenblatt, SWC, and Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the SWC in the Federal Court of the Southern District of New York for 1st Amendment violations and for defamation.

For over 40 years, the Defendants have falsely labeled Minister Farrakhan and the NOI as “anti-Semites,” and as “anti-Semitic” because of a difference in theological viewpoints, and for his pointing out misbehavior of some members of the Jewish community, among other things.  This false labeling has hindered Minister Farrakhan in his Mission, which is to deliver the Truth taught by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad that will correct the condition of spiritual, mental and moral death of the Black man and woman of America that came as a result of the 310 years of chattel slavery and over 150 years of oppression and suppression thereafter.

Minister Farrakhan and the NOI, in bringing this action, are keenly aware that good, law-abiding citizens are likewise victims of this mischaracterization including, the late Nelson Mandela, President Jimmy Carter, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and many more.

The Defendants have, at times, indiscriminately and arbitrarily mislabeled countless politicians, entertainers, athletes, authors, educators, public speakers, academicians, comedians, and others, as being “anti-Semites” and as “anti-Semitic,” simply because, in many instances, the speaker did not agree with the Defendants’ point of view and, in some instances, simply because the person made a favorable comment about Minister Farrakhan and/or the Nation of Islam.

The importance of this case extends far beyond the named Plaintiffs, but it encompasses every citizen of America who values the freedom of speech, the freedom to exercise his or her religion, and the freedom to associate with persons of like interests.

These unjust actions by the Defendants, over the years, have caused many to fear their censure and rebuke, which, thereby, significantly erodes, and has a chilling effect, on the protections woven into the fabric of the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and must not be accepted.

If it is the will of Allah (God), Minister Farrakhan will personally address the filing of the lawsuit at a press conference in the near future.

The Complaint and Exhibits may be accessed at NOI.org/NOIvADL Email inquiries may be sent to: NOILawsuit@noi.org Voicemail inquiries may be left at: 602-922-3536

Download COMPLAINT against Anti-Defamation League, Johnathan Greenblatt, Simon Wiesenthal Center, Abraham Cooper

Download Links for Court Documents Below

Exhibit A-L,

Exhibit L1-M,

Exhibit N,

Exhibit O-Q,

Exhibit R-T,

Exhibit U-Z ,

Exhibit AA-CC,

Exhibit DD,

Exhibit DD1-EE,

Exhibit FF-GG,

Exhibit HH-JJ,

Exhibit JJ1-OO,

Exhibit PP-ZZ,

Exhibit AAA-MMM

The Complaint and Exhibits may be accessed at  https://noi.org/NOIvADL/ and www.finalcall.com. The Final Call will continue to cover this important and critical story as it develops.

[jordanianroyals]

13 June 2023: King Abdullah II received King Philippe of the Belgians at Beit Al Urdun, according to a royal court statement.

Discussions covered means to bolster the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and peoples, as well as expanding cooperation across all sectors. King Abdullah hosted a dinner in honour of King Philippe, who is on a two-day visit to Jordan. During his visit, King Philippe is scheduled to attend a joint Jordanian-Belgian military exercise. (Source: Petra)

[dweemeister]

My Alternative 96th Academy Awards

This is an exercise that has not appeared on this blog since 2019 for the 91st ceremony. But I wanted to revive it. So what would tomorrow's Academy Awards ceremony looked like if I determined all the nominees and the winners? This is my ideal world, my alternative universe, if you will. Prepare for controversy, and my ambivalence towards Poor Things and The Zone of Interest (which doesn't get nominated at all here).

It's been a while since I've done this, so there might be some quirks newer followers are less familiar with. Most notably, if you see a three letter abbreviation anywhere, that indicates a movie not in the English language and indicates the country/countries of origin based on their three-letter FIFA code of all things.

Without further ado!

96th Academy Awards – March 10, 2024 Dolby Theatre – Hollywood, Los Angeles, California Host: Jimmy Kimmel Broadcaster: ABC

Best Picture: KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

Anatomy of a Fall (FRA), Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion (Neon/Le Pacte)

Barbie, David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley,  and Robbie Brenner (Warner Bros.)

The Holdovers, Mark Johnson (Focus/Universal)

Killers of the Flower Moon, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Martin Scorsese, and Daniel Lupi (Apple/Paramount)

Oppenheimer, Emma Thomas, Charles Roven, and Christopher Nolan (Universal)

Past Lives, David Hinojosa, Christina Vachon, and Pamela Koffler (A24)

Robot Dreams (ESP/FRA), Ibon Cormenzana, Ignasi Estapé, Sandra Tapia, Jérôme Vidal, and Pablo Berger (Neon/Bteam Pictures/Wild Bunch)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Amy Pascal, Avi Arad, and Christina Steinberg (Sony Pictures Animation/Columbia)

The Taste of Things (FRA), Olivier Delbosc (Gaumont)

20 Days in Mariupol (UKR), Raney Aronson-Rath, Mstyslav Chernov, Derl McCrudden, and Michelle Mizner (Associated Press/Public Broadcasting Service)

Am I nuts? A documentary (there's nothing in the rules that say they can't be nominated for Best Picture)? Why not? TWO animated features? Let alone a movie that almost nobody outside of Europe has seen? Well I've seen Robot Dreams, and it is one of the best 2023 release I saw all year.

My full thoughts on my favored film, Killers of the Flower Moon, can be found in my write-up here.

Six of the current Best Picture nominees keep their nomination. American Fiction, Maestro, Poor Things, and The Zone of Interest are dropped. In their place go Robot Dreams, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Taste of Things, and 20 Days in Mariupol. I strongly considered replacing Barbie, but decided against it. Yes, I believe there were more than ten movies better than Barbie this year. But I richly *enjoyed* Barbie, and appreciate its instant spot in film history. It stays in.

Best Director

Joaquin Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer

Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon

Trần Anh Hùng, The Taste of Things

Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall

Folks are saying Martin Scorsese is not nearly as innovative as he used to be. Au contraire, I say. Killers of the Flower Moon exemplifies tons of personal and artistic growth for him... and that extremely risky ending pays off dividends. As a Nolan skeptic, I am indeed impressed with his work on Oppenheimer, but it's not the "best" for me this year.

Those familiar with my affiliation with Viet Film Fest might detect some bias, but hell The Taste of Things was gorgeous, folks.

Best Actor

Bradley Cooper, Maestro

Colman Domingo, Rustin

Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers

Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer

Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction

It's a toss-up to me. But, having to choose one, I'll go for a man who is probably overdue.

Best Actress

Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon

Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall

Alma Pöysti, Fallen Leaves (FIN)

Margot Robbie, Barbie

Emma Stone, Poor Things

The first acting change from the actual Oscars appears here, with Finnish actress Alma Pöysti replacing Annette Bening in Nyad. But this should be Lily Gladstone's, who would justly be making a lot of history here.

And yes, Barbie fans... I relent. Margot Robbie makes my final cut.

Best Supporting Actor

Sterling K. Brown, American Fiction

Robert De Niro, Killers of the Flower Moon

Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer

Ryan Gosling, Barbie

Dominic Sessa, The Holdovers

I don't think RDJ should be sweeping the season as he has. I think it's a lot closer between all of these fellows than it actually has been. Disagree with me all you want, but I think De Niro was truly menacing in KOTFM. And he didn't need any deaging this time, either!

Best Supporting Actress

Juliette Binoche, The Taste of Things

Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer

Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple

Penélope Cruz, Ferrari

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers

Fine, I guess? I think Randolph's character gets cut out of The Holdovers far too soon. But I can't make the case for anyone else this year except for maybe Binoche (whom some people will complain about my placement in Supporting Actress instead of Lead Actress, but that's how the studio campaigned for her).

Best Adapted Screenplay

Pablo Berger, Robot Dreams

Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, Barbie

Cord Jefferson, American Fiction

Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer

Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon

I'm not going to second-guess the Academy on its placement of Barbie here. It's not winning in this category in any case. American Fiction is a solid, imperfect satire, and finds its due here.

Best Original Screenplay

İlker Çatak and Johannes Duncker, The Teachers’ Lounge (GER)

David Hemingson, The Holdovers

A.V. Rockwell, A Thousand and One

Celine Song, Past Lives

Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, Anatomy of a Fall

I was very, very tempted to give this to Past Lives. But in the end, my sneaking feeling that I don't quite buy the closeness - despite having not talked for so long - of the two lead characters wins out.

Anatomy of a Fall is a hell of a balancing act, domestically and legally, and wins here.

Best Animated Feature

The Boy and the Heron, Japan (GKIDS/Studio Ghibli/Toho Company)

Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia, France (GKIDS/StudioCanal)

Robot Dreams, Spain/France (Neon/Bteam Pictures/Wild Bunch)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Sony Pictures Animation/Columbia)

Suzume, Japan (GKIDS/Toho Company)

Stoking the flames, but here we are! I think ATSV is slightly better than Robot Dreams as a whole, but the film lacks a resolution and obviously had access to more resources. Spider-Man will return to this category. I'm not so sure about Pablo Berger. The heartfelt and dialogue-free Robot Dreams takes it, while the Ernest & Celestine sequel and Suzume make it in place of Elemental and Nimona.

Best Documentary Feature

Bobi Wine: The People’s President (National Geographic)

The Eternal Memory, Chile (MTV Documentary Films)

Four Daughters, Tunisia/France/Germany/Saudi Arabia (Kino Lorber/Jour2Fête)

To Kill a Tiger, Canada (National Film Board of Canada)

20 Days in Mariupol, Ukraine (Associated Press/Public Broadcasting Service)

Extraordinary filmmaking and, as you can imagine, brutal to watch. It's freely available online for any American readers out there, thanks to PBS.

Best International Feature

Fallen Leaves, Finland

Society of the Snow, Spain

The Taste of Things, France

The Teachers’ Lounge, Germany

20 Days in Mariupol, Ukraine

I follow Academy rules here in terms of one movie per country.

Best Cinematography

Edward Lachman, El Conde

Rodrigo Prieto, Killers of the Flower Moon

Mathtew Libatique, Maestro

Hoyte van Hoytema, Oppenheimer

Jonathan Ricquebourg, The Taste of Things

Best Film Editing

Laurent Sénéchal, Anatomy of a Fall

Kevin Tent, The Holdovers

Thelma Schoonmaker, Killers of the Flower Moon

Jennifer Lame, Oppenheimer

Michael Andrews, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Best Original Score

Michael Giacchino, Society of the Snow

Laura Karpman, American Fiction

Robbie Robertson, Killers of the Flower Moon (posthumous nomination)

John Williams, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Hans Zimmer, The Creator

The folks who complained that Dial of Destiny was not original enough need to go 1) watch the movie and 2) listen to the score afterwards. There was a distinct lack of older Indiana Jones cues in there, and "Helena's Theme" is the best cue of 2023. Too many people online write about film scores but have little idea about what they're talking about (*cough* David Ehrlich at IndieWire *cough*).

That said, Williams doesn't win here. It's Giacchino, for a score that does a hell lot of the heavy emotional lifting in a grim movie that concludes with its real-life happy ending.

Best Original Song

“I’m Just Ken”, music and lyrics by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, Barbie

“It Never Went Away”, music and lyrics by Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson, American Symphony

“Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)”, music and lyrics by Scott George, Killers of the Flower Moon

“What Was I Made For?” music and lyrics by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, Barbie

Four nominees rather than five, because I didn't like much else that was shortlisted. This category has been my personal hell in recent years.

Best Costume Design

Jacqueline Durran, Barbie

Jacqueline West, Killers of the Flower Moon

Janty Yates and Dave Crossman, Napoleon

Ellen Mirojnick, Oppenheimer

Holly Waddington, Poor Things

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Karen Hartley Thomas, Suzi Battersby, and Ashra Kelly-Blue, Golda

Kazu Hiro, Kay Georgiou, and Lori McCoy-Bell, Maestro

Luisa Abel, Oppenheimer

Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier, and Josh Weston, Poor Things

Ana López-Puigcerver, David Martí, and Montse Ribé, Society of the Snow

Best Production Design

Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer, Barbie

Jack Fisk and Adam Willis, Killers of the Flower Moon

Arthur Max and Elli Griff, Napoleon

Ruth De Jong and Claire Kaufman, Oppenheimer

James Price, Shona Heath, and Zsuzsa Mihalek, Poor Things

Best Sound

Ian Voigt, Erik Aadahl, Ethan Van der Ryn, Tom Ozanich, and Dean Zupancic, The Creator

Steven A. Morrow, Richard King, Jason Ruder, Tom Ozanich, and Dean Zupancic, Maestro

Chris Munro, James H. Mather, Chris Burdon, and Mark Taylor, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Willie Burton, Richard King, Gary A. Rizzo, and Kevin O'Connell, Oppenheimer

Steven Ghouti, Fabiola Ordoyo, and Laia Picón, Robot Dreams

Best Visual Effects

Jay Cooper, Ian Comley, Andrew Roberts, and Neil Corbould, The Creator

Sanjay Bakshi, Stephen Marshall, Jon Reisch, Junyi Ling, Elemental

Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi, and Tatsuji Nojima, Godzilla Minus One

Alex Wuttke, Simone Coco, Jeff Sutherland, and Neil Corbould, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Michael Lasker, Alan Hawkins, Bret St. Clair, Pav Grochola, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Best Animated Short

Letter to a Pig, Israel/France (The Hive Studio/Miyu Productions)

Ninety-Five Senses (MAST/V42 Venture Studio Fund)

Our Uniform, Iran

Pachyderme, France (Miyu Distribution)

War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John and Yoko (ElectroLeague)

Full write-up on this category by yours truly here.

Best Documentary Short

The ABCs of Book Banning (MTV Documentary Films)

The Barber of Little Rock (The New Yorker)

The Island in Between, Taiwan (The New York Times)

The Last Repair Shop (Los Angeles Times/Searchlight)

Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó (Walt Disney)

Full write-up on this category by yours truly here. Please don't let The ABCs of Book Banning win, I s2g.

Best Live Action Short

The After (Neon/Netflix)

Invincible, Canada (H264 Distribution)

Knight of Fortune, Denmark (TV 2)

Red, White and Blue (Majic Ink Productions)

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (Netflix)

Full write-up on this category by yours truly here. But we all know Henry Sugar is gonna win it due to Wes Anderson name recognition.

Academy Honorary Awards: Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks, and Carol Littleton

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Michelle Satter

MULTIPLE NOMINEES (18) Twelve: Oppenheimer Eleven: Killers of the Flower Moon Eight: Barbie Six: The Holdovers Five: Anatomy of a Fall, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Taste of Things Four: American Fiction, Poor Things, Robot Dreams Three: The Creator, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Society of the Snow, 20 Days in Mariupol Two: Fallen Leaves, Napoleon, Past Lives, The Teachers’ Lounge

WINNERS 4 wins: Killers of the Flower Moon

2 wins: The Holdovers, Oppenheimer, Society of the Snow

1 win: American Fiction, Anatomy of a Fall, Barbie, Godzilla Minus One, Knight of Fortune, The Last Repair Shop, Letter to a Pig, Poor Things, Robot Dreams, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Taste of Things, 20 Days in Mariupol

16 winners from 23 categories. 34 feature-length films and 15 short films were represented.

[mightyflamethrower]

Hospital That Fired Nurses for Refusing Vaccines Now Begging Them to Return

By Jack Davis, The Western Journal Sep. 2, 2023 7:40 pm

A Maine health-care provider wants the nurses it fired during the pandemic for refusing to be vaccinated against the coronavirus to come back to work.

MaineGeneral Health in Augusta has reached out to health-care workers, many of whom were denied unemployment compensation after they were fired, according to The Maine Wire.

Former registered nurse Terry Poland shared the message she received from the employer that booted her.

“You were once a proud member of the MaineGeneral team. Would you consider rejoining us? We would be pleased to discuss options with you,” the facility told her in a text, per The Maine Wire.

“As you know, nearly 2 years ago MaineGeneral had to comply with a state mandate for COVID-19 vaccination. We lost a number of great employees as a result, including you,” MaineGeneral continued, noting that the vaccination rule has been waived by the state.

Return of COVID Restrictions? Instead Of Complying, Here’s One Way To Be Prepared

Despite hard economic times after losing her job, Poland, who made about $75,000 a year before being fired, was not tempted.

“I was livid. Like, how dare you force me out of a career that I’ve dedicated my whole life to, taken away my livelihood, my ability to earn a good income, and now you think I’m gonna come grovel back to you?” Poland said.

“I don’t hardly think so. And that’s the attitude of most everybody that I’ve been in contact with since yesterday.”

Poland would not accept the mRNA vaccines.

“I knew enough not to take it. I’ve been a nurse long enough to know I need to question what new products are. I’m not going to be the first one to jump on board of an experiment,” she said, noting that her Christian convictions also came into play over concern for the use of fetal tissues in developing the drug.

The result was that she was fired and accused of misconduct, which meant she could not collect unemployment benefits, according to The Maine Wire.

Joy McKenna, director of communications for MaineGeneral, said only “a few people” have been interested in returning.

Some nurses who were fired and later fought back in court have scored victories.

Roswell Park Comprehensive Care Center has been ordered to reinstate nurse Wendy Cooper and negotiate retroactive pay and benefits with her, according to The Buffalo News.

State Supreme Court Justice Emilio Colaiacovo ruled this week that an  arbitrator’s decision that went against Cooper was “irrational, violative of public policy and contrary to the interests of justice.”

“Ms. Cooper is an unfortunate victim in the wake of excesses exhibited by governors, administrators, legislatures, and yes, even the judiciary,” the ruling said. “All too frequently did critical thinking and the exercise of personal liberties expire at the altar of false righteousness, fear and authority.”

“Since the mandate which formed the basis for Ms. Cooper’s termination was found to be invalid while the matter was being litigated (in arbitration), the arbitrator’s decision upholding the termination must be vacated,” Colaiacovo wrote.

“It is troubling to find that this arbitrator found it fair and just to confirm Cooper’s termination despite there being scant evidence of Ms. Cooper being derelict in her duties, incompetent or insubordinate, other than refusing to take a vaccine pursuant to a mandate which was found to be found null and void, that the person issuing the mandate lacked the authority to do so, and that the rule was unenforceable.”

Roswell Park said it will appeal the decision.

[xtruss]

Analysis: The China-Russia Axis Takes Shape

The bond has been decades in the making, but Russia’s war in Ukraine has tightened their embrace.

— September 11, 2023 | By Bonny Lin | Foreign Policy

Alex Nabaum Illustration For Foreign Policy

In July, nearly a dozen Chinese and Russian warships conducted 20 combat exercises in the Sea of Japan before beginning a 2,300-nautical-mile joint patrol, including into the waters near Alaska. These two operations, according to the Chinese defense ministry, “reflect the level of the strategic mutual trust” between the two countries and their militaries.

The increasingly close relationship between China and Russia has been decades in the making, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has tightened their embrace. Both countries made a clear strategic choice to prioritize relations with each other, given what they perceive as a common threat from the U.S.-led West. The deepening of bilateral ties is accompanied by a joint push for global realignment as the two countries use non-Western multilateral institutions—such as the BRICS forum and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)—to expand their influence in the developing world. Although neither Beijing nor Moscow currently has plans to establish a formal military alliance, major shocks, such as a Sino-U.S. conflict over Taiwan, could yet bring it about.

The cover of Foreign Policy's fall 2023 print magazine shows a jack made up of joined hands lifting up the world. Cover text reads: The Alliances That Matter Now: Multilateralism is at a dead end, but powerful blocs are getting things done."

China and Russia’s push for better relations began after the end of the Cold War. Moscow became frustrated with its loss of influence and status, and Beijing saw itself as the victim of Western sanctions after its forceful crackdown of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. In the 1990s and 2000s, the two countries upgraded relations, settled their disputed borders, and deepened their arms sales. Russia became the dominant supplier of advanced weapons to China.

When Xi Jinping assumed power in 2012, China was already Russia’s largest trading partner, and the two countries regularly engaged in military exercises. They advocated for each other in international forums; in parallel, they founded the SCO and BRICS grouping to deepen cooperation with neighbors and major developing countries.

When the two countries upgraded their relations again in 2019, the strategic drivers for much closer relations were already present. Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 damaged its relations with the West and led to a first set of economic sanctions. Similarly, Washington identified Beijing as its most important long-term challenge, redirected military resources to the Pacific, and launched a trade war against Chinese companies. Moscow and Beijing were deeply suspicious of what they saw as Western support for the color revolutions in various countries and worried that they might be targets as well. Just as China refused to condemn Russian military actions in Chechnya, Georgia, Syria, and Ukraine, Russia fully backed Chinese positions on Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang. The Kremlin also demonstrated tacit support for Chinese territorial claims against its neighbors in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

Since launching its war in Ukraine, Russia has become China’s fastest-growing trading partner. Visiting Moscow in March, Xi declared that deepening ties to Russia was a “strategic choice” that China had made. Even the mutiny in June by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin that took his mercenary army almost to the gates of Moscow did not change China’s overall position toward Russia, though Beijing has embraced tactical adjustments to “de-risk” its dependency on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Building on their strong relationship, Xi and Putin released a joint statement in February 2022 announcing a “No Limits” strategic partnership between the two countries. The statement expressed a litany of grievances against the United States, while Chinese state media hailed a “new era” of international relations not defined by Washington. Coming only a few weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, enhanced relations were likely calculated by Moscow to strengthen its overall geopolitical position before the attack.

It’s not clear how much prior detailed knowledge Xi had about Putin’s plans to launch a full-scale war, but their relationship endured the test. If anything, the Western response to Russia’s war reinforced China’s worst fears, further pushing it to align with Russia. Beijing viewed Russian security concerns about NATO expansion as legitimate and expected the West to address them as it sought a way to prevent or stop the war. Instead, the United States, the European Union, and their partners armed Ukraine and tried to paralyze Russia with unprecedented sanctions. Naturally, this has amplified concerns in Beijing that Washington and its allies could be similarly unaccommodating toward Chinese designs on Taiwan.

Against the background of increased mutual threat perceptions, both sides are boosting ties with like-minded countries. On one side, this includes a reenergized, expanded NATO and its growing linkages to the Indo-Pacific, as well as an invigoration of Washington’s bilateral, trilateral, and minilateral arrangements in Asia. Developed Western democracies—with the G-7 in the lead—are also exploring how their experience deterring and sanctioning Russia could be leveraged against China in potential future contingencies.

On the other side, Xi envisions the China-Russia partnership as the foundation for shaping “the global landscape and the future of humanity.” Both countries recognize that while the leading democracies are relatively united, many countries in the global south remain reluctant to align with either the West or China and Russia. In Xi and Putin’s view, winning support in the global south is key to pushing back against what they consider U.S. hegemony.

Alex Nabaum Illustration For Foreign Policy

In the global multilateral institutions, China and Russia are coordinating with each other to block the United States from advancing agendas that do not align with their interests. The U.N. Security Council is often paralyzed by their veto powers, while other institutions have turned into battlegrounds for seeking influence. Beijing and Moscow view the G-20, where their joint weight is relatively greater, as a key forum for cooperation.

But the most promising venues are BRICS and the SCO, established to exclude the developed West and anchor joint Chinese-Russian efforts to reshape the international system. Both are set up for expansion—in terms of scope, membership, and other partnerships. They are the primary means for China and Russia to create a web of influence that increasingly ties strategically important countries to both powers.

The BRICS grouping—initially made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—is at the heart of Moscow and Beijing’s efforts to build a bloc of economically powerful countries to resist what they call Western “Unilateralism.” In late August, another six states, including Egypt, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, were invited to join the group. With their growing economic power, the BRICS countries are pushing for cooperation on a range of issues, including ways to reduce the dominance of the U.S. dollar and stabilize global supply chains against Western calls for “Decoupling” and “De-risking.” Dozens of other countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS.

The SCO, in contrast, is a Eurasian grouping of Russia, China, and their friends. With the exception of India, all are members of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The accession of Iran in July and Belarus’s membership application put the SCO on course to bring China’s and Russia’s closest and strongest military partners under one umbrella. If the SCO substantially deepens security cooperation, it could grow into a counterweight against U.S.-led Coalitions.

Both BRICS and the SCO, however, operate by consensus, and it will take time to transform both groups into cohesive, powerful geopolitical actors that can function like the G-7 or NATO. The presence of India in both groups will make it difficult for China and Russia to turn either into a staunchly anti-Western outfit. The diversity of members—which include democracies and autocracies with vastly different cultures—means that China and Russia will have to work hard to ensure significant influence over each organization and its individual members.

What’s next? Continued Sino-Russian convergence is the most likely course. But that is not set in stone—and progress can be accelerated, slowed, or reversed. Absent external shocks, Beijing and Moscow may not need to significantly upgrade their relationship from its current trajectory. Xi and Putin share similar views of a hostile West and recognize the strategic advantages of closer alignment. But they remain wary of each other, with neither wanting to be responsible for or subordinate to the other.

Major changes or shocks, however, could drive them closer at a faster pace. Should Russia suffer a devastating military setback in Ukraine that risks the collapse of Putin’s regime, China might reconsider the question of substantial military aid. If China, in turn, finds itself in a major Taiwan crisis or conflict against the United States, Beijing could lean more on Moscow. During a conflict over Taiwan, Russia could also engage in opportunistic aggression elsewhere that would tie China and Russia together in the eyes of the international community, even if Moscow’s actions were not coordinated with Beijing.

A change in the trajectory toward ever closer Chinese-Russian ties may also be possible, though it is far less likely. Some Chinese experts worry that Russia will always prioritize its own interests over any consideration of bilateral ties. If, for instance, former U.S. President Donald Trump wins another term, he could decrease U.S. support for Ukraine and offer Putin improved relations. This, in turn, could dim the Kremlin’s willingness to support China against the United States. It’s not clear if this worry is shared by top Chinese or Russian leaders, but mutual distrust and skepticism of the other remain in both countries.

— This article appears in the Fall 2023 issue of Foreign Policy. | Bonny Lin, the Director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.