#Special Operation Warrior foundation

[trickstarbrave]

so we don’t know a lot about house dagoth before they were destroyed, right. of what we know it’s their sigil, where their base of operations was, and that they were once a respectable house destroyed as traitors. we can try to gleam more information from dagoth ur but it can be hard to tell what is dagoth ur being batshit and lost in the heart sauce vs what might hold actual cultural information about the sixth house

other houses have core pillars that make up a sort of shared identity. we have other houses specializing in mercantile, agriculture, magic, the government/religion (same thing in morrowind), and warriors. what cultural niche did house dagoth excel in to make them a great house, a foundation of resdayn?

i think there is a pretty big void that easily was filled by house dagoth: information

information and secrets are immensely valuable. they are a foundation in chimer teachings all the way back to saint veloth. and their existence would be a threat to the tribunal long after voryn dagoth was killed and before they knew he would come back. it’s also why we don’t know much about them--they were secretive by nature. they had to be. not much is known about their house because they didn’t share much. they were spies and lore masters and communicators. they were insular and cryptic and paranoid. both feared and respected. suspicious enough that no one would bat an eye at the tribunal wiping them out, but also technically still upholding a pillar of chimeri culture that would make them honorable beforehand.

[gundamgirlvioletta]

Zechs Merquise

Real Name: Milliardo Peacecraft

Origin: Mobile Suit Gundam Wing

Timeline: After Colony (A.C.)

Role: Secondary Antagonist

Affiliations: OZ, Sanc Kingdom, White Fang, Preventer

Pilot Of: Tallgeese, Tallgeese III, Tallgeese Flugel, Gundam Epyon

Age: 19 (Wing), 20 (Endless Waltz)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Born Milliardo Peacecraft and heir to the Sanc Kingdom throne, Milliardo took on the name Zechs Merquise and joined the OZ army after the destruction of his homeland.

A conflicted character at his core, Zechs is full of guilt, pride and self-loathing; despite having a reputation for being an amazing mobile suit pilot, he feels he's betrayed himself, his father and his homeland by going against their ideals of total pacifism. As such, the name Milliardo Peacecraft comes with great shame for him.

Another internal conflict is between chivalry and the professionalism expected from a soldier of his caliber. This drove his motives as he struggled to find the balance between his former identity, and the uncompromised warrior he felt he needed to become.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HISTORY

Zechs has his beginnings in A.C. 186, where has chosen from Treize Khushrenada's class of soldiers at the Victoria Academy to take part in a test run of the feasibility of mobile suit corps. He earned a flawless victory at the Battle of Mogadishu, which lead the Alliance to use the Specials (AKA OZ) more often.

In A.C. 191, Zechs was sent on a mission to repress a terrorist organization's attack on the Earth Alliance base. Piloting the then-brand-new Aries mobile suit, Zechs fought back the terrorists in record time, and Treize, who witnessed the battle, commented that he "fights like lightning", giving an origin to the "Lightning Count" nickname Zechs would later be known for.

On April 7, A.C. 195, Zechs encountered Heero Yuy and the Wing Gundam for the very first time during the latter's descent to Earth to commence Operation Meteor. Zechs managed to hold the Wing back and plunge it into the Pacific Ocean by latching his own suit on it. The lack of a mobile suit that could stand on par with the Gundams led to him being introduced to the Tallgeese.

Zechs took part in Operation Daybreak, where OZ overthrew the Alliance. Amidst the coup, Zechs would get his revenge by killing the commanding officer who led the fatal attack on the Sanc Kingdom.

Later, Zechs used the Tallgeese for a rematch against the Wing Gundam in Siberia. Their duel was cut short when Lady Une threatened to shoot down the colonies unless the Gundam pilots surrendered, and so Doctor J did. Heero emerged from his cockpit and self-detonated the Wing Gundam in response to the surrender, and Zechs allowed Trowa to recover Heero's body and escape. Afterwards, Zechs took the Wing Gundam's remains and began to secretly rebuild it under OZ's nose.

A couple months later, Zechs offered Heero yet another rematch in Antartica. It was interrupted once again, this time by Zechs' sister Relena, who had found out Zechs' true identity. OZ's search party descended on them and Zechs fought to allow Relena and the Gundam pilots to escape.

The battle marked the end of Zechs' friendship with Treize and his relationship with OZ. He flew away and met Mike Howard, the designer of the Tallgeese. He then went to space and introduced himself as Milliardo Peacecraft, goodwill ambassador to the Sanc Kingdom.

Zechs soon discovered that OZ was planning to destroy the confiscated Wing Gundam Zero, and self-detonated his critically injured Tallgeese to jump into the Wing Zero instead. He then found out that his sister Relena was dissolving the newly resurrected Sanc Kingdom and surrendering herself to the Romefeller Foundation. Zechs immediately rushed back in the Wing Zero and met Heero, piloting the Gundam Epyon. The two fought a fierce battle to a standstill before giving up under the mental strain of their ZERO Systems and then trading Gundams.

He was then approached by a man named Quinze Quarante who offered him to be the new leader of the colonial rebel group White Fang, which Zechs accepted, and he ironically decided to go by Milliardo Peacecraft as White Fang's leader.

Under Zechs' leadership, the White Fang fought OZ back and eventually fired on Earth as a declaration of war to the recently installed World Nation, led by his former friend Treize. He fought the Gundam pilots in battle, but the ship Peacemillion was rammed into White Fang's battleship. Undaunted, Zechs tried to drop the heavily damaged battleships on Earth to cause an endless winter.

He engaged in a final duel with Heero, in which Heero was victorious. In the aftermath of the battle, Zechs was presumed dead.

On December 24, A.C. 196, Zechs returned to earth as a mobile suit pilot for the Preventers, an elite intelligence agency designed to stop aggressive conflicts before they're executed. He was given the codename Wind, and was there during the attempt to overthrow Earth's government by Mariemaia Khushrenada, Treize's pre-adolescent daughter. He fought Mariemaia's army alongside the Gundam pilots, and disappeared at the end of the conflict for Mars, where his sister had begun a terraformation project.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Personal Opinion: He was a very confusing character on my first watch of Wing, especially when he became leader of White Fang. That being said, Wing as a whole was very confusing so its whatever lol. I think he's one of my favorite Char clones despite it all, his design is really cool (and handsome tbh), and his character really raises Wing's melodrama to a new level and moves the story forward.

[kailashlawyer]

Sydney's Commercial Compass: Navigating the Maze with Business & Commercial Law

Sydney, Australia's bustling commercial hub, thrives on innovation and ambition. But venturing into this dynamic landscape requires a keen understanding of the legal framework that governs business activities. This is where Business & Commercial Law becomes your guiding force.

Your One-Stop Shop: The Expertise of Commercial Lawyers

Commercial Lawyers act as your trusted advisors, possessing a comprehensive understanding of Business & Commercial Law. They provide a wide range of legal services to ensure your Sydney-based business operates smoothly and avoids potential pitfalls. Here's a glimpse into their expertise:

Formation & Structuring: Choosing the right business entity (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation) and ensuring compliance with regulations is crucial. Your Commercial Lawyer guides you through this process.

Contract Magic: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating watertight contracts are essential for any business transaction. Commercial Lawyers possess the skill to ensure your agreements protect your interests.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Expertise: Navigating the intricacies of complex business transactions like acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures requires specialized knowledge. Commercial Lawyers provide strategic guidance throughout the M&A process.

Intellectual Property (IP) Guardians: Safeguarding your trademarks, copyrights, and patents – the lifeblood of your innovation – is paramount. Commercial Lawyers help you secure and protect your valuable IP.

Employment Law Champions: Ensuring fair treatment for both your company and employees while adhering to labor laws is essential. Commercial Lawyers navigate the complexities of employment law.

Dispute Resolution Warriors: Disagreements are inevitable in business. Commercial Lawyers provide expertise in negotiation, mediation, and litigation to resolve disputes effectively.

Why Sydney Needs Top-Tier Commercial Lawyers

Engaging a skilled Commercial Lawyer is not just an option, it's a necessity for businesses of all sizes in Sydney. Here's why:

Reduced Risk: Proactive legal guidance helps you avoid costly pitfalls and non-compliance issues that can derail your business.

Informed Decisions: Your lawyer empowers you to make strategic choices with confidence, backed by a deep understanding of the legal implications.

Competitive Advantage: A strong legal foundation fosters trust with partners, investors, and clients, giving your business a competitive edge.

Effective Dispute Resolution: Commercial Lawyers provide the expertise to resolve disagreements efficiently and protect your interests.

Finding the Best Commercial Lawyers In Sydney

With a plethora of talented legal professionals in Sydney, selecting the Best Commercial Lawyers for your specific needs requires careful consideration. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Industry Expertise: Look for lawyers with a proven track record of success in your specific industry sector.

Experience Matters: Choose a law firm with extensive experience handling complex commercial matters.

Communication Style: Ensure you feel comfortable and confident communicating openly with your lawyers.

Client Focus: The best lawyers prioritize your business goals and strive to achieve the optimal outcome for your situation.

Beyond Sydney: Considering a Commercial Litigation Law Firm

While most business matters can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, situations may arise where litigation becomes necessary. Here's when a Commercial Litigation Law Firm becomes crucial:

Breach of Contract: If a business partner violates the terms of an agreement, a Commercial Litigation Law Firm can enforce your rights through legal action.

Intellectual Property Infringement: A Commercial Litigation Law Firm can protect your valuable intellectual property from unauthorized use by competitors.

Serious Employment Disputes: When employee relations deteriorate significantly, a Commercial Litigation Law Firm can guide you through complex legal issues to reach a fair resolution.

Building a Long-Term Partnership with Your Commercial Lawyers

The best lawyer-client relationships are built on trust and open communication. Here's how to foster a strong bond with your Commercial Lawyers in Sydney:

Clarity and Transparency: Communicate your business goals and legal concerns clearly with your lawyer.

Proactive Approach: Don't wait for legal issues to arise; involve your lawyer in strategic planning to minimize risks.

Respect for Expertise: Trust your lawyer's professional judgment, but maintain open communication about your concerns.

Timely Communication: Keep your lawyer informed of any developments related to your business that may have legal implications.

By partnering with Best Commercial Lawyers in Sydney, you equip your business to navigate the complexities of the commercial world with confidence. Remember, a proactive legal approach is key to fostering a thriving and resilient business in Sydney's dynamic market.

[olusesanafara]

An Officer's Odyssey: Thriving in the Navy and Beyond

Life in the Navy is more than just a career; it's a transformative journey that uniquely and profoundly shapes individuals. From rigorous training to global adventures, naval officers acquire skills and experiences that make them formidable leaders and pave the way for success in civilian life. This article explores the life of a Navy officer, detailing the career path within the military and transitioning to life beyond.

The Naval Foundation: Training and Early Years

The journey of a Navy officer begins with comprehensive training, which is both physical and intellectual. Prospective officers might attend the United States Naval Academy or participate in Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs across various universities. These programs are designed to instill a deep understanding of naval science, leadership, and the fundamentals of maritime strategy.

Training is rigorous, pushing candidates to their limits to prepare them for the challenges ahead. This period is crucial as it lays down the principles of discipline, resilience, and adaptability—indispensable traits throughout an officer's career.

Leadership at Sea: Roles and Responsibilities

Upon training, naval officers assume roles critical to the Navy's operations and security. They might serve as surface warfare officers, managing the ship and leading a team of sailors, or specialize in submarine warfare, naval aviation, or special operations.

Leadership at sea involves significant responsibilities. Officers are tasked with navigating complex ship systems, executing military strategies, and ensuring the welfare of their crew. This environment demands quick decision-making and effective communication; skills officers refine through real-world experience.

Global Engagement: Diplomacy and Strategy

Navy officers are not only warriors but also diplomats and strategists. They often operate in geopolitically sensitive areas, playing critical roles in international relations and conflict resolution. Officers contribute to global peace and stability through joint exercises with allied nations and humanitarian missions. This aspect of their role requires a deep understanding of international politics, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to negotiate and cooperate with military and civilian leaders worldwide. Such experiences broaden their perspective and enhance their problem-solving capabilities.

Life at Sea: Challenges and Personal Growth

Living and working on a ship for months is a unique challenge that tests an officer's endurance and adaptability. The close quarters, hierarchical structure, and relentless demands of sea duty can be intense. Yet, this environment also fosters a strong sense of community and teamwork.

Officers learn to manage not only operational tasks but also interpersonal relationships, ensuring the morale and cohesion of their crew. This intense personal and professional growth period instills lifelong resilience and a robust leadership style characterized by fairness, decisiveness, and empathy.

Transitioning to Civilian Life: Applying Naval Skills

After serving in the Navy, many officers transition to civilian careers, where their skills are in high demand. The leadership, technical skills, and global awareness they develop are valuable in various fields, such as business, government, academia, and non-profit organizations.

Former naval officers often excel in roles that require rigorous analytical thinking, strategic planning, and crisis management. Their ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex projects is a significant asset in any professional setting.

Applying naval skills to everyday life can offer remarkable benefits. The discipline learned in naval service teaches individuals how to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and maintain a high level of personal organization. Leadership skills are honed through experiences that demand critical decision-making under pressure, directly applicable to leadership roles in civilian careers. Furthermore, navigation and technical skills translate into problem-solving, fun, functional problem-solving abilities, and information technology. The teamwork and camaraderie developed aboard ships foster strong interpersonal skills, enhancing one’s ability to work collaboratively in any professional setting. Thus, naval skills provide a versatile foundation for success in numerous endeavors.

Veterans in the Business World

In business, former officers bring discipline and a strategic mindset that can transform organizations. They are adept at navigating change, leading teams through challenges, and setting clear objectives to achieve business goals. Their experience managing logistics, technology, and human resources aligns well with corporate needs, especially in defense, aerospace, technology, and logistics.

Continuing Service: Community and Advocacy

Many former officers continue to serve their communities through volunteer work, advocacy, or public service. Their commitment to service often extends beyond their military careers, driving them to make impactful contributions to society.

Whether through leading community projects, participating in veterans’ organizations, or pursuing elected office, these veterans apply their leadership skills to advocate for policies and initiatives that support military families, improve education, and enhance public safety.

The odyssey of a Navy officer is marked by a series of profound transformations—from a disciplined trainee to a global strategist and a community leader. The skills and experiences gained in the Navy do not just prepare individuals for military engagements but also equip them with the knowledge and abilities to thrive in diverse fields after their service. As they transition from sea to shore, former naval officers continue to impact the world, demonstrating that the values and skills honed in the Navy have enduring relevance and utility in shaping a better future.

[dankusner]

COLE HAUSER Launches a Coffee Brand

Yellowstone fans know actor Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler. Of all the characters he’s played, Rip is the one he’ll never shake. And, what does every true cowboy need? A strong cup of coffee. Now, Hauser’s new coffee brand, Free Rein Coffee Company is making an impression.

Based in San Angelo, Free Rein nods its brim to the rugged spirit of the West, at its small-batch roasting facility.

Free Rein donates a portion of its sales to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a non-profit that’s close to Hauser’s heart.

The roasts include Heavy Spur, a high caffeine blend; Branded, with hints of cayenne and cinnamon; Cole’s signature dark roast blend called American Dirt; and the balanced, comfort of Homestead.

There are currently six different blends at $15.99 per 12-ounce bag. America’s largest iced tea franchise, HTeaO, with local outposts in Lake Worth, Watauga, and one coming soon to Fort Worth, has joined forces with Hauser, by serving his Free Rein Coffee alongside its teas.

[winterparkcollectibles-blog]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Dale Earnhardt Jr Winners Circle & Spec Ops Warrior Found Diecast Cars.

[attorneyspersonalinjury]

Why Hiring a Car accident lawyer is your best move after an accident?

When the chaos of a car accident disrupts life's trajectory, a superhero emerges in the form of a car accident lawyer. Unraveling the unique facets of their support unveils the indispensable role they play in reclaiming justice and stability post-collision.

The Art of Legal Advocacy: Transforming Complexity into Clarity

Cumming Car Accident Lawyer transcend the conventional role of legal representatives. They serve as skilled interpreters, unraveling intricate legal terminologies to provide you with a comprehensive grasp of your rights and available options. Their expertise doesn't merely decode complexities; it shapes them into practical plans, guaranteeing that your input resonates and influences legal proceedings effectively.

Crafting Narratives for Justice: The Emotional Architects

Beyond legal strategies, these professionals are storytellers, weaving the complexities of your accident into a compelling narrative. They present your case with an emotional resonance that resonates not just in courtrooms but also during negotiations, painting a vivid picture of the impact on your life.

Uncovering Hidden Truths: Investigative Guardians

Their investigative prowess extends beyond legal textbooks; car accident lawyers delve deep into the debris of the accident, unearthing critical evidence often overlooked. These hidden gems strengthen the foundation of your claim, creating a formidable stance in seeking rightful compensation.

Masters of Negotiation: Redefining Power Dynamics

Skilled negotiators by nature, these legal warriors confront insurance giants with finesse and strategic precision. Their expertise ensures that the balance of power shifts in your favor, securing optimal settlements and shielding you from unjust deals.

Choosing Your Legal Symphony Conductor: The Expertise Factor

Selecting a car accident lawyer is an art. Seek out those with a specialized focus in this field, individuals armed not just with legal expertise but also with a deep understanding of the nuances surrounding car accident cases. Their specialized knowledge acts as a guiding beacon, shaping a tailored legal strategy for your unique situation.

Debunking Myths of Legal Costs: Accessibility to Justice

Dispelling the myths around legal expenses, these legal allies often operate on a contingency fee basis. This alignment of their success with yours ensures accessibility to justice without the burden of upfront financial strain, making justice an achievable endeavor.

The role of a Personal injury lawyer Gwinnett County transcends mere legal representation; they emerge as guardians of hope, architects of justice, and champions of your rights. Understanding their multifaceted role unveils the unparalleled significance of having them by your side after a distressing accident.

[rjhamster]

Hand Barrel Bourbon to Honor Veterans Day by Giving Back

Can’t see this email? View in Your Browser   Hand Barrel Special Operations Warrior Foundation Limited Release Pre-Order Hand Barrel Bourbon is paying tribute to those who, with much dedication, have served our country by respectfully donating a portion of the proceeds from sales (10%) of their commemorative bottle of bourbon to Special Operations Warrior Foundation (S.O.W.F). Information…

[viralfresh]

The Lefty Legend: 10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Phil Mickelson's Celebrity Status

Photo By: Flickr, Source, CC What are some fun facts about Phil Mickelson? (Mickelson is right-handed, but plays golf left-handed since he learned by mirroring the swing of his Dad.) Mickelson graduated from University of San Diego High School in 1988 (other notable alums include former MLB pitcher Barry Zito, NBA head coach Luke Walton and famed jazz musician Michael Franks). Introduction Phil Mickelson has been a household name in the field of golf for over two decades. He has won five major championships, including three Masters titles, and has achieved 45 career PGA Tour victories. But that's not all of his achievements. Phil Mickelson is also a celebrity icon in his own right with a long list of admirers, fans, and followers. Here are ten mind-blowing facts about Phil Mickelson's celebrity status, that you probably don't know. The Endorsement King Phil Mickelson's earnings are not only limited to his professional golf income but also through sponsorships and endorsements. He is known as the "Endorsement King", with a staggering record of $50 million in endorsements in a single year. This figure includes his famous endorsement deals with Rolex, Callaway, and ExxonMobil. The Phil and Amy Show Phil Mickelson's marriage to his wife, Amy Mickelson, has become a celebrated love story over the years. His relationship with Amy, who is also his former caddy, has been nothing short of a fairytale. The couple has been together for over three decades and is often seen together at PGA Tour events, supporting each other. They are the perfect embodiment of a "power couple." The Master of Social Media Phil Mickelson is a master of social media. He has a vibrant social media presence, with over 1.5 million followers on Twitter, 1.8 million on Instagram, and over 500,000 fans on Facebook. He frequently interacts with fans on social media, answering queries, and sharing his thoughts about golf, family, and life. The Billion-Dollar Golfer Despite being a professional golfer for over two decades, Phil Mickelson has never shied away from his love for the game. He has earned a whopping $90 million in PGA Tour earnings alone, making him one of the highest-paid golfers in history. He is also known as the "Billion-Dollar Golfer," with his combined earnings from endorsements, sponsorships, and golf winnings surpassing the one billion-dollar mark. The A-Lister Phil Mickelson is not only a hero in the world of golf, but he is also a star in Hollywood. He has made cameo appearances on popular television shows, including "Entourage," "Saturday Night Live," and "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. Additionally, he has also appeared in several advertisements, including an ExxonMobil commercial, where he showcased his famous flop shot. The Golf Course Owner & Designer Phil Mickelson's love for golf extends beyond the course. He is also the owner of several golf courses across the United States, including the Mickelson National Golf Club in Calgary, Canada. He is also a golf course designer, with his signature model courses, including Whisper Rock Golf Club in Scottsdale and Stone Canyon Golf Club in Tucson. The Sportsman of the Year Phil Mickelson is the epitome of a sportsman. In 2003, he was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year, recognizing him not only for his achievements in the world of golf but also for his philanthropy and charity work. The Family Man Phil Mickelson is a family man at heart. He has been married to his wife, Amy, since 1996, and they share three children. His family is his support system, and he often takes time off from his busy schedule to spend quality time with them. The Philanthropist Phil Mickelson is not only a successful golfer, but he is also actively involved in philanthropy. He is the founder of the Mickelson Foundation, which supports various charitable organizations, including the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which aids the families of fallen soldiers in the United States. The Inspiring Figure Phil Mickelson's celebrity status extends far beyond the golf course. He is an inspiration to millions of people worldwide, with his dedication, passion, and love for the game. He has faced numerous challenges over the years, including his battle with psoriatic arthritis, but he never gave up. His journey inspires people to never give up on their dreams and to always pursue their passions in life. Conclusion Phil Mickelson's celebrity status is not only reserved for his golfing achievements but also for his off-field contributions. He is a businessman, philanthropist, and family man who has inspired millions of people worldwide. As he continues to play at the highest level of the game, Phil Mickelson's legacy will remain as one of the greatest golfers of all time, with a massive cultural impact that extends far beyond the sport of golf. Read the full article

[nextlevelguydotcom]

Episode #154 Patrick 'Mac' McNamara on how to win the battle of life!

Today's guest is Patrick McNamara aka Mac!

Pat McNamara (Mac) has 22 years of Special Operations experience, 13 of which were in a Special Mission Unit. He has extensive experience in hostile fire/combat zones in the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. He trained individuals at basic and advanced levels of marksmanship and combat tactics with emphasis on the GWOT.

Mac was his (Tier One) Unit’s primary advanced pistol and rifle marksmanship instructor for 2 years. In addition, he instructed advanced Close-Quarter Battle Techniques, concealed weapon employment, high speed motorcade and non-motorcade driving techniques, mountain and urban climbing, basic and advanced demolitions, advanced explosive entry techniques, and was the primary hand combat instructor, rewriting the pre-existing POI.

Mr. McNamara led this Special Missions Unit on several high alpine, long distance, wilderness foot movements with emphasis on privation. Mr. McNamara led and supervised a highly trained, multi-disciplined special operations team having the highest priority for worldwide deployment. He routinely planned, implemented and conducted real world missions and exercises involving state of the art equipment.

While serving as his Unit’s Marksmanship NCO, Mr. McNamara developed his own marksmanship club with NRA, CMP (civilian marksmanship program), and USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) affiliations. Mr. McNamara runs monthly IPSC matches and ran semi annual military marksmanship championships to encourage marksmanship fundamentals and competitiveness throughout the Army.

He retired five years ago from the Army’s premier hostage rescue unit as a Sergeant Major. Mr. McNamara is the author of TAPS (Tactical Application of Practical Shooting).

  Here are some key points that I would advise you to concentrate on

Pat worked in a variety of units, and became skilled in multi-disciplines - specializing is a sexy thing right now, but working and learning in all areas, lets you build strong foundations for future successes and build knowledge in all areas of your job etc.

You are never too late to start. Pat was a late bloomer in wrestling and other things - stop sulking that you never started the sport or activity when you were younger ... you can't change it ... so use that feeling of annoyance to go all in on your new focus and try and level up as much as you can.

Your parent's journey does not need to be your own. Neither does your friends of siblings journey or what they think you should do. This is your one chance as 'you', follow your own path, chase your own dreams.

You need to balance the parts of you, the nice gentleman, and the warrior inside.

If you have an escapism that works for you, such as bird watching, flowers etc, it doesn't matter, if it makes you happy and doesn't hurt anyone, go for it!

 It's great to look back at regular times and see how far you have come, be appreciative of the journey you have been on, but try and look forward. You can't change the past, but you can make your present better to make the future brighter for you.

Pat lost repeatedly when he started wrestling. Instead of letting it beat him up, he dusted himself off and went after it again and kept going until he succeed and it taught him so much! In the military if you fail but don't give up, the military often allow a second chance. Stop beating yourself up over mistakes. Learn from mistakes, grow stronger and try again. Its cliche but true, you only fail when you give up. Give yourself a second chance.

Always be reviewing your life and looking for ways to better your life, fix errors, upgrade where possible and chase your dreams.

"Hard work sucks and not everyone is cut up for it ... but if you work hard, you will be rewarded in the end."

Be humble. Know your strengths but don't boast. Work on your issues and weaknesses, put in the extra work to resolve the issues that arise. Be a good listener and observer, learn, grow and heal, and always be looking for ways to level up.

You will fall back to the highest level of your training, not to the level of the situation.

Get your sleep right, get your diet on point and build good strong fundamentals and habits, once you have the basics right, you can then start to chase more detailed areas and key skills.

Building on having an "Attitude. Aptitude, and a desire to become the best we can be" will change your life.

Be the person that others look up to. Kids will mimic their parents and other role models in their life. Be the person, be the change that you want to have in the world or be the person you wished you had when you were younger.

Excuses are easy to give yourself for temporary respite but guilt and regret last a lot longer.

Use people on social media etc as role models, use them as inspiration and for goals that you wish to achieve and not someone to compare yourself to and feel bad that you aren't there yet.

Start small with your changes, don't try and change your life overnight, but make small, simple changes and it will all add up in the end.

Your combat chassis, your body, is the most important vehicle you will have it live, like your car which you will give the best fuel possible to, give yourself the best fuel, the best foods etc you can source.

Look to make the incremental changes where possible.

What gets measured will get managed. Keep a journal, not an obsession with a scale reading. Write out your findings, your measurements and how you feel. Fuck BMI's, they count muscle as a bad thing, ripped rugby players get told they are obese as the muscle weighs more than fat. Concentrate on lifestyle changes, like you can get up stairs easier, you need to use a smaller hole on your belt as your old belt hole is now too big for you. Look for the good changes, not the numbers.

Look for ways to find yourself micro-adversity in your life to challenge yourself. We need challenges in our life to succeed. Don't rest on your laurels, as when we stay at the same place, we stagnate if we wait too long.

Fear will always be there. It will not go away, it is just your mind trying to send you a message. Top performers have recommended giving your fear a name, talk to it, say thanks, you appreciate the message but you are OK and you are going to do it (obviously after a risk assessment, don't do truly stupid in life!).

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Learn from your mistakes and add these into your planning, so you don't make the mistakes again.

You can feel awful etc but there is always hope. Find the embers of desire and hope in your life, no matter how deep down, look for the forgotten dreams of youth, and let the likes of Mac etc help you get the fire started again.

Stop comparing yourself to others. The only person you are in competition with is yourself from yesterday. As Mac says, you know you are winning if you could beat a clone of you from yesterday.

Never underestimate what you know, it might be common sense or straightforward to you, but to some it might be almost impossible or seem like magic to you - look at your skillset, can you sell what others need that you can do and they can't to help get a job, be a better team mate etc.

No one is coming to save you. You need to become self-reliant. You can't always rely on getting someone in to sort the problems that may arise.

Prepare now to do the things you love tomorrow. Prepare today to be safe tomorrow. Please do not wait until something bad happens before you get organised and prepared. Life can change in a matter of minutes, be prepared so when it changes you can adapt with it.

 "We don't plan to fail ... but we fail to plan".

Check out this episode!

[alterannews]

Special Operations Warrior Foundation: Supporting military families from 'cradle to career'

Special Operations Warrior Foundation: Supporting military families from ‘cradle to career’

(more…)

[wolint]

ANOINTED TO SOAR

Isaiah 40:31 CSB but those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.

What does it mean to soar? Soar means to fly or rise high in the air: to mount and maintain height in the air without flapping wings or struggling but relying on a higher power. There is a grace for every prophecy and season. The grace that comes with every prophecy will make room for us to soar. Amazingly, the Lord likened us to the eagle, and not chickens, Vultures, or pigeons? The eagle is the only bird powerful to own the skies. The same power we’ve been given to soaring comes from Acts 1:8, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Eagles symbolize power and God used the imagery of an eagle to issue warnings as He did with Israel and other nations, giving us the power mentioned in Jeremiah 49:22. God chose the bird powerful and unstoppable to demonstrate His sovereign control over everything and this is to tell us we’re created for more; much more than we give ourselves credit for. 2 Timothy 1:7 says we’ve not been given the spirit of fear but it’s that fear that the enemy uses to keep us earth-bound that makes us so afraid to fly. The sky is not the limit for believers, but the foundation and the beginning as Proverbs 30:19 tell us, the way of an eagle in the sky represents God’s handiwork, depicting God’s wondrous work. If we have faith in God, we will soar high like an eagle, as they represent courage and freedom and have immense strength, power, and skill. As eagles, we are meant to fly in an unlimited atmosphere. This means God desires that we operate and function in an unrestricted domain in our potentials, gifts, skills, abilities etc. We must not be limited in our thoughts and mind because mounting up (soaring) with wings as an eagle starts in the mind. We will desire to see the characteristic of an eagle in us. These includes Speed; we are anointed to achieve unimaginable feats within an unimaginable period depending on the Holy Spirit to carry us. An eagle is said to spot a rabbit as far as one mile away because of good vision. God has given us all vision and anointed us to see beyond our limitations. Fearlessness is necessary for a Warrior, we must always be prepared, and loaded with scriptures before war comes, this is the only to overcome fear. We must be tenacious, resolute, firm, resistant, dogged, and determined in warfare. We are anointed to be rugged because tough situations don’t last. Only tough people do. Eagles soar during strong wind, so, we must soar in the storms of life. The anointing is a special action and empowerment by the Holy Spirit, the supernatural power of God needed to do all that pertains to soaring. The eagle does not struggle to fly, it depends on the speed of the wind, waiting and knowing when to fly as the Spirit leads. Everyone is anointed for something, called to do something as 1 John 2:20 says, "But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. The anointing to soar is released on us to fly high without struggle, with divine vision, by the strength of the Lord to excel, prosper and be fruitful in all things. You are anointed to soar. Shalom Women of light international prayer ministries.

[theatreloverworld]

Heidi-Marie Ferren, a now Los Angeles based actress, writer, and singer/songwriter, also happens to be the last and longest reigning Miss USO. A woman worth catching up with this Memorial Day as Veterans, colleagues, and friends alike praise her continued efforts beyond the crown, "She continues to serve and support our troops and veterans every chance she gets." Her latest single, "EYES OF A SOLDIER," is a perfect example of exactly that, with the proceeds from any purchase going back to Veteran Support Groups near to her heart. Dane Diamond does a beautiful job with the country rock arrangement and full bodied production. With a beat and melody that would make anyone tap his, or her foot, one would not expect the poignant and sometimes painful message found in the lyrics. Each service member highlighted in the song is based on real people from the singer's work with, and on behalf of, our brave men and women in uniform. "It's all about honor and service," says Heidi, "Honoring those who serve, who have served and those who have paid the ultimate price... Truly honoring their memory, their legacy and their sacrifice. Our freedoms exist on the scarred backs of these men and women." Heidi has a mental archive of stories that span every conflict, collected from her time spent in song and service to these heroes. It is truly remarkable to have someone so young, so dedicated to the preservation of our past and the possibility of our future. "It's far too easy and common these days for folks to forget the bloodshed and pain of wars past and present, but we forget ourselves when we forget the people who gave us the freedom to forget." She stops to show me a picture, tears in her eyes, pointing out a Veteran highlighted in her song, "The truth is, these stories and these people, are unforgettable to me. This song is a small thank you to the men and women I will never be able to thank enough." "EYES OF A SOLDIER" is available now on:

ITUNES: http://bit.ly/2wlUSNleyesOFaSOLDIER

SPOTIFY: http://bit.ly/2EwGTZuEYESofaSOLDIER

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAajie-MVWI

REVERBNATION: https://www.reverbnation.com/missheidimarieferren

[yoonia]

Shifters | Fic Glossary

Premise | This is a (very long) list of helpful information for those who are reading the Shifters series. I hope some of the things listed below will be able to help readers understand the story a little bit better.

✩ 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ✩⍣¯·.¸¸.·✩·.¸

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓗𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓶

➳ The universe in which Blood Moon Rising and the Shifters series is set on

➳ The realm is home to Supernatural beings, surrounded by the Middle Earth (where common human resides in and where no magic exists), Dragon King's Lair (the final resting place of the Dragon King and his colony of dragon-shifters which is believed to have been extinct ever since the Blood War ended), and the Siren's Den (home to Siren colony)

➳ The majority of the land has been divided into two main zones through the Peace Treaty: the Vampire Clan's Homeland and the Shifters' community Zone

➳ The north region leads to The Gelid, an icy region that is still untamed, and The North, an icy region which houses various arctic animal shifters colonies and communities that survive in the arctic temperature

(The map legends and a closer outlook of the map, including explanations and backstories, are available on Patreon: tomoediawriting)

𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: 𝐕𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬

Vampire Council: Descendants of the original Royal Family who have aged thousands of years. They mostly live in sanctums and will only be summoned occasionally to judge, lead trials and ceremonies (Crowning, Elections, Mating). The peacekeeper of Vampire clans, counsellors for the Lords of Vampires.

Elders: from the older generation of Vampires who had lived ever since before or during the Blood War. They are regarded as the high clan of the Vampires, mostly act as informal counsellors, yet operate separately from the rest of the clan.

Lords: the leaders of the Vampire clan, the foundation of peace. While they are chosen and appointed by the clan and approved by the Council, whoever is chosen must be a Pure Blood Vampire. 

Pure Blood: Vampires who were born through a Pure Blood Vampire lineage - can produce offsprings from successful matings (with another Pure Blood or Turned humans)

Turned: turned Vampires who were once humans before they were turned by a Pure Blood/Lord through biting and exchange of blood. Turned Vampires cannot produce offsprings (unless the human was turned through a mating consummation with a Pure Blood)

The Orphans/Blood Brothers: the children of Vampires who were left behind by their parents who fought in the Blood War. They were all taken by Lord Seungwon to care for and train until they all reached adulthood. For the Orphans who remained bonded after growing up and training together, they made a pact with the Blood Oath, forming a brotherly bond with each other which also allowed them to share their powers and create a link that would help them track each other’s whereabouts whenever they were apart. The Orphans were led by Jimin and Hanbin, as they were both Pure Bloods who were the children of the former Generals leading the Blood War. 

Travellers: Vampires who spend most of their lives on the road. They travel to various lands to acquire pieces of knowledge from multiple continents, lands, and civilisations that could help the Vampire Clans to persevere (scholars, researcher), to do business dealings (merchants, traders), and act as peacekeepers between other Supernaturals after the Blood War ended (negotiators).

Healers: Vampires who specifically co-exist with humans to heal, mostly in order to study plagues and create potions, remedies. Healers would help not only Vampires but humans as well. Would usually live among humans in small villages around the Vampire clan’s homeland

Warriors: Vampires who were born/turned with the special ability to fight and defend. These Vampires, despite having been created with more physical strength than common Vampires, will still be required to undergo a certain training period to be able to join the Warrior clan.

Eternal Sleep: a comatose state to preserve a Vampire’s energy/power and life source. mostly done by Vampires who are dying, had gained old age (over thousands of years), and those severely injured and in need of extensive healing. Vampires who are in Eternal Sleep can be resurrected once they have recovered or awakened if their power is enough to bring them back. Vampires who are in Eternal Sleep may still die (of the sickness that had sent them in the comatose state or of old age) of painless death. These Vampires can also be resurrected from Eternal Sleep to become members of the Council (replacing the remaining Council members) in due time.

Day-walkers: Vampires who have the ability to walk under the sun. These Vampires do not consume blood as their main necessity to survive. Instead, they feed on life sources, which would be able to provide them with strength and help them survive hunger longer than those who consume only blood. Only a handful of Vampires are Day-walkers, namely Lord Dahlia, Lord Laila, her daughter (Lani), Jimin (and his deceased parents), and Hanbin (and his deceased parents). Day-walkers may consume/drink blood to survive (when needed), but it will not become a necessity. However, when a day-walker consumes too much blood at a short amount of time, it may cause blood cravings, as the body changes too rapidly in adjusting to the presence of blood in the system.

𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Werewolves/wolf shifters: humans who have the ability to transform/shift into full-grown wolves.

According to fan-wiki: The word "Lycan" is derived from the word "lycanthrope," meaning someone who suffers from lycanthropy; "the professed ability or power of a human being to transform into a wolf, or to gain wolf-like characteristics."

In this case, for the characters in my story (from Blood Moon Rising and the rest of the Shifter Series), I have chosen to describe werewolves as wolf-shifters as I give them the ability to transform into a full wolf form instead of half human-half wolf, while Lycans appear as completely different creatures.

Pure Born: Wolves/shifters who were born from the lineage of pure-blooded shifters

Bitten/Turned: humans who were turned into werewolves through biting and exchange of blood. They can produce offspring with abilities and characteristics of Bitten wolves (no mind link, tend to have a stronger urge to shift into wolves under the full moon).

Rogue: shifters who live without packs, usually feral, disorganised, unable to function under orders, power-hungry.

Lycans: legendary beasts created by the Moon Goddess as weapons of war to defend peace. Was said to be ancient ancestors of the original werewolves. The original Lycans had been considered extinct for centuries but was then resurrected by the White Witches during the Blood War to become Warriors fighting against the Royal Vampires. Most of the remaining Lycans have either built their own community hidden from the rest of the world or joined packs of werewolves. Some had mated with werewolves or humans to blend in. Can live until a thousand years, maybe more. Known Lycans in the story includes (former) Beta Kim, Taehyung’s father.

(source reference)

Hybrids: resulted from matings between two completely different kinds of creatures (eg. Vampire and Werewolf, Shifter and Human, Werewolf and Lycan)

Halflings: hybrid children born from the mating between Werewolves with other animal shifters that have failed to achieve their final form, stuck between their human and the beast inside them to acquire a monstrous appearance — are mostly unable to control, feral, and are usually shunned by packs of shifters and Werewolves as they continue living as vicious beasts or Rogues

(source reference)

𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧

Hunters: a colony of humans with special powers/ability to hunt, track down, and to fight any supernatural beings. This ability to hunt down any kind of beast is passed on through generations, which means only specific types of humans can become Hunters. Just like Jackson, most Hunters are trained since the age of 7 years old.

Human mates: humans who have been paired with a shifter/any supernatural being. Will mostly become stronger and smarter than normal human beings. Will develop/share their mate’s ability once they have gone through mating in order to reproduce offsprings, some will even be turned into their mate’s kind (eg. human mate to Vampires can become a Turned Vampire, human mates to Lycans can become a Turned Lycans). This happens to make sure that the paired mate will continue to live together as long as possible.

Mating Sickness: as fated mates are meant to be forever, shifters/werewolves who have lost their mates will endure this sickness — pain, sorrow, insanity — and those who succumb to this sickness will either become feral or face death.

Second chance mate: for ranked werewolves/shifters who have lost their mates, second chance mates can be an option to survive the Mating Sickness. Some can take a second chance mate by choosing them (Chosen mate) or they can be appointed to them by Fate.

𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭

Wiccan: practitioners of Wicca and modern White Magic. They mostly keep to themselves, but a few covens may involve themselves in the Supernatural realm’s business to help maintain peace.

Mage: high ranked magic practitioners. May either practice white or back magic, although the term would more often be used in white magic covens. They will mostly spend their time travelling, becoming the middle person between dissensions/confrontations or counsellors in packs or clans.

Black Magic: A form of magic used with dark, malevolent, and harmful intentions, commonly associated with dark forces/demonism. Spells that have been used specifically for negative and/or harmful purposes are known as hexes and curses. Black Magic practitioners (Black Warlocks/Mages) tend to use their magic to create Chaos.

Initiation: The rites that put a budding witch on the path to making things official, by joining a coven after studying its practice, traditionally for a year and a day. The initiations that follow eventually allow the initiate the opportunity to become a high priest or high priestess; those with enough knowledge, experience, and dedication can become the leader of a Wiccan coven.

Coven: A gathering or community of initiated witches, usually led by a high priest and/or high priestess. If a coven is Wiccan, their meetings often involve sabbats, which are celebrations of the annual cycle of seasonal festivals known as the Wheel of the Year. (Non-sabbat meetings, such as the observation of a full moon, are known as esbats.)

Familiar: An animal-shaped spirit that serves as a witch’s spy, assistant, companion, and protector.

Altar: A surface that a Wiccan uses solely for activities such as casting spells, chanting, and worshipping the god and goddess. Typically, the altar is covered in a symbol-adorned cloth, which protects it from ash, liquids, and candle wax, as well as religious and ritual items like incense, wands, chalices of water, and cauldrons.

Pentacle: A magical tool such as an amulet or talisman that often appears on an altar, and is also often confused with a pentagram—a symbol popular in Wicca.

Séance/Rituals: A ceremony used to contact spirits, including the dead, usually with the help of a medium.

Grimoire: The umbrella term for a magic text, ranging from diaries to textbooks.

Book of Shadows: A Wiccan’s personal grimoire, used to store information they need, such as thoughts, recipes, and instructions for spells, rituals, and hexes.

𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐬 & 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬

Peremo: the spell to disperse. May be used to encounter an attack. The spell will change the form of the attack or curse into a completely different form or material (eg. Fire to ice, wood to sand), allowing it to disperse into smaller objects that will lose its ability to harm.

Adorior: shielding spell. The spell to be used in defence against an attack. When used, the energy will create a shield, either from nothing or from molecules collected from the surrounding spell. Each shield created with this spell may differ in forms, depending on the user’s main source of powers (eg. Mage Kim/Seokjin’s mate’s source of power is water and ice, so her shield may come out in the form of ice/frozen objects).

Parma: shielding spell. Can be used in both defence and offence. When used, it will create a shield or an invisible armour around the body of whoever the sorcerer chooses. It will protect the wearer from any kind of attack, whether it is physical or attacks in the form of a magical offence.

Lustro: attacking spell. Used by those whose magic is based on fire. When used, it will create an offence in the form of a fire element. The form, colours, and elements of the attack itself may differ according to its enchanter.

Pugno: attacking spell. Used by those whose magic is based on water. When used, it will create an offence in the form of a water element. The form, colours, and elements of the attack itself may differ according to its enchanter.

Obcillo: a breaking spell. May be used to break an inanimate object into pieces. Does not work in any living being.

Iacio: a breaking/diffusing spell. May be used to diffuse an attack that comes in the form of lethal gas or poison.

Aperio: a summoning spell. Used to open up a shield, to reveal something hidden, to unveil, usually used to break or end another spell which has been cast before.

Obscura: a hiding spell. Used to obscure (to darken, eclipse, cover, veil, hide) something from sight. The spell may come out either to form a shield or a cloak an object or a person until they are no longer visible.

Porta: a summoning spell to create a portal, usually to send objects or persons from one place to another. Oftentimes, when the magic is strong enough, the portal may lead to a different realm/universe.

Find more visual concepts of my Shifters series, including character images, settings, and much more, through my visual moodboard which is available on my Patreon: tomoediawriting.

©𝐘𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝— 𝐔𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝/𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬, 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦, 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝.

[gloriousxdarkness]

S1: E7 “Stick” Part One

For an episode in which Elektra doesn’t appear and hasn’t even been mentioned in the show yet, this one is not only incredibly relevant to her, but a gold mine for her psychology.

Everything Stick says and does with Matt has been said and done to Elektra— only for basically her entire life instead of a couple years (aside from the specific things about blindness, of course). Elektra is her father’s daughter. She echoes his mannerisms/ideology whether consciously or subconsciously, and all his mantras and lessons form the foundational bedrock of who she is. The parallels to her in S2 honestly abound, and I wish I could gif them.

Let’s take a look at a few of these lessons.

Positive Thinking

“First thing you gotta understand is nobody feels sorry for you and nobody ever will.”

This idea of no sympathy repeats in 2x05 - Matt says Elektra doesn’t have to feel sorry for him, and she says she doesn’t. Bad things happen to everyone. Elektra also doesn’t ever seek out pity for herself, whine about her circumstances, or try to pass off the blame for who she is on someone else. This has less to do with not actually feeling sympathetic (she does say she’s sorry about his dad passing, & tries to help Matt get vengeance for that) and more just about a life philosophy. It’s a choice to refuse to engage with pity.

She can even dip into the opposite— self-villainizing when she doesn’t wholly deserve it. This means she will not always accurately communicate the bad shit that’s happened to her and how she feels about it, because she’s been taught not to complain, to only try to see the silver lining.

“You know what they call stuff like that? Gifts. The special kind. The kind that very few people have or deserve.”

Elektra WORD FOR WORD repeats this at the end of Season 2, and Matt finishes her sentence. They both internalized so much of what Stick taught them. The difference is Matt was only with him for a couple years and he matured without Stick. Matt calls it “fortune cookie wisdom” / bullshit and Elektra has never thought about it like that. She hasn’t questioned these things that have been facts her whole life. She’s rarely doubted Stick or questioned him out loud (not to mention his policy of ‘ask questions / get hit’)— in fact, she’s only done so after being influenced by Matt to consider things from a different perspective.

This philosophy of counting your blessings is a method of positive thinking, though. It’s helpful to consider your strengths and have self-reliance. No wallowing here. May not help process your feelings, but it’s not inherently a bad point of view.

Noble Goals / The War

“To save you and everyone in the Kitchen from a horrible death.”

I’ll talk about this later when it’s more relevant, but just to state from the beginning that Elektra views her job as an operative of the Chaste to be one that makes her a warrior on the right side of history, combatting a great evil. Taking on the mantle for a greater good.

“I need a soldier. Committed. Not some bleeding heart idealist hanging onto half measures.”

*gestures* Elektra is this soldier. She’s not a leader in the Chaste, hers is a life of service to the cause.

Control Your Feelings

S: You've got to control that rage. M: You said anger's a weapon. S: Anger is a spark, good. Rage is a wildfire, out of control, therefore useless.

M: The mind controls the body, the body controls our enemies, our enemies control jack shit by the time we're done with them. S: Right. Fighting is just the start. You have to control your feelings, your deep down inside feelings.

This parallels perfectly with Stick training Elektra at the compound. He calls it the fire that burns so hot in her. ( Somehow, Matt’s rage doesn’t make him born inherently Bad, but anyway ). Self-denial. Keep it down, keep it all bottled up. These aren’t lessons in how to let go or how to process your feelings in order to move on from them, which would be actually useful, it’s just about not getting emotional as a soldier. 

Combined with not feeling justified in complaining about anything bad that happens to her, this creates a person good at holding her tongue about herself and suppressing her feelings. They exist, she actually feels so much and so strongly, but Elektra sets aside the things she wants. She sacrifices constantly to choose the greater good above herself. Her time, her energy, ultimately her life.

This control doesn’t work 100% of the time, of course, because she’s just a human being with anger, pain, and desires like the rest of us. Under Stick’s philosophy, the only thing worth using is anger. The only acceptable means of expressing that anger is through violence.

No Distractions / No Friends

“Women are a distraction. Just like furniture, apartments... silk sheets. You'd be better off sleeping on real sandpaper than surrounding yourself with all this bullshit.”

Who do we know that keeps a bare-bones apartment she hasn’t lived in for 10 years, and has multiple residencies? No one place to call home?

“Surrounding yourself with soft stuff isn't life, it's death. Someday those silk sheets are gonna crawl up behind you, wrap themselves around your throat and choke you to death. Cut it loose, all of it.”

This may seem contradictory on the surface— Stick telling Matt to reject material comforts to stay focused, and dropping Elektra into the lap of luxury as a kid. But Elektra doesn’t value the material things she has or the status. She doesn’t need them. They are a convenient means to an end, a part of the mask she wears as a fancy person, which is also part of Stick’s molding of her. She grew up in a Spartan compound, after all.

Also, Stick is a utilitarian person. It’s mighty useful for him to have Elektra be part of a relatively powerful, very wealthy political family, isn’t it? There’s cash whenever he needs it. Matt can’t give him that, so it’s not useful to find him a better home. Not to mention Stick’s vested interest in keeping his Black Sky under control (Black Sky lore will be for Part Two). 

“Do you have friends? People you care about? Cut 'em loose, for their sake. Break their hearts if you have to, just do it quick. [Or] they will suffer and you will die. Relationships are a luxury men like you and me can't afford.”

Elektra actively views personal connections as weak points her enemies can target. She doesn’t have any friends. We don’t see her talk about her family except to mention Mr. Natchios passing. 

Matt was an exception to the rule because she believed they were the same. If he’s a warrior just like her, if he’s involved in the war, then it’s okay for them to be close. It’s even beneficial as a team. But for everybody else, it’s hard for her to justify endangering others for the sake of having pals. This is an incredibly lonely existence, but she believes it’s worth it because she’s a part of something bigger (Noble Goals^).

Stick, as her paternal and only parental figure, is THE most important relationship when it comes to understanding her as a character. He’s her #1 influence and guide for the first 30+ years of life.

[flyinglotus777]

Netflix’s Squid Game

SPOILER ALERT! If you are interested in watching the series, I HIGHLY suggest you do so. This article will be an overall synopsis and my review of the show. For an in-depth analysis of the symbolism of the show and ending, scroll down to the fourth to last paragraph.

The Netflix show, “Squid Game,” written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk is a phenomenal Korean drama centered around our victor, Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae. Contestants were recruited to play in a life or death competition due to their lack of luck, financial knowledge, and influx of impending debt they have accumulated throughout their lives. We first meet Gi-hun as he is down on his luck. Living with his elderly, overworked mother (which in countries outside of the United States is not strange nor uncommon) Gi-hun was a friend to gambling, but that toxic love caused him to be in debt to a gang of (what seemed to be) loan sharks. When luck finally strikes him on the race track, life simultaneously decides to take an excrement on his reality. His debt seekers catch him on his hot streak and involuntarily sign him up to be a participant in the Squid Game.

Similar to many other of the 456 participants, they all shared a common denominator of being in situations it seemed only money could fix. Upon arrival the contestants were asked to voluntarily sign wavers in order to participate in the game, while unknowingly risking their lives, for the opportunity to win 456 billion won (which would be roughly over $3.5 million in US currency). The challenges were mostly based on nostalgic childhood games, both based in the United States and South Korea.

Now I knew due to the explanation in the introduction of episode one that if any player were to lose, they would die. So during the first challenge of red light green light, when players were bulletly penalized for losing I was not surprised. After the game, the players decided to rally together and quit playing. The influence of the cash prize split the decision down the middle, leaving the old man, player 1, to be the final decision. To my surprise he actually chose to decline, freeing all of the players. During the voting, many players screamed at each other as to why they would choose to stay in the hell hole as other players responded that the outside world was not any better if not the same as the harsh environment they were already in. This reality struck many contestants as they returned back to their reality of debt, dependents, and for some bounty hunts, thus resulting in them returning to the game.

During the whole season, I was trying to find the purpose of these games. We knew why the participants felt motivated to play, but I wondered what was the purpose of having them fight for their lives in the first place. When the PlayStation faced soldiers forced the doctor (player 111) to dissect the bodies for organs to sell at the black market, at first I thought that it was what the original game maker wanted which I thought was genius. Soon to learn that it was actually a violation to a code of equality that was placed inside the arena applying to all of those who existed, soldiers and participants alike. Which struck me as odd due to the soldiers being able to tote guns and wear masks based on their own hierarchy and the participants being collectively isolated and given numbers as if it was a remake of the Stanford Prison experiment. Nonetheless many soldiers faced the same fate as the players, and my pondering would meet the solution come the finale.

Let’s discuss players. I only favored Gi-hun because he was the protagonist, but throughout the story he grew on me as his big heart prevailed through the madness. I knew Choo Sang-woo, the embezzling business man and hometown friend of Gi-hun played by Park Hae-soo, was a psychopath when I saw him in a fully filled bathtub with his suit on. Running from the police, in debt or not, that’s just as much of a red flag for serial killer tendencies as sleeping with socks on or having too thin and highly arched eyebrows. The episode that he crossed Ali, the father of one from Pakistan with the missing fingers, made me hate Sang-woo for the rest of the series. I was infuriated and frustrated with Ali for being that naïve to believe that they could escape the round as a duo, but understood his perspective since up until that point Sang-woo was a dependable, trusted ally to Ali. However after that episode I didn’t care who won, I was just ready for Sang-woo to die.

Kang Sae-byeok, the skeptical and beautiful warrior from North Korea played by Jung Ho-yeon, deserves her own paragraph. Along with her beauty, her presence and demeanor was so bad ass. She was thrifty and intelligent, as her talent being pick pocketing. I was waiting for her to just be so bad ass. As the punk disguised to be gangster, Jang Deok-su, pushed her around which seemed to be normal behavior between the two, I was ready for Sae-byeok to twist his arm, send a plunging round house kick to his nuts, and cut his snake tattoo right off of his face. Although her exterior was tough, her heart was made of malleable gold which we got to see as she opened up to her female companion during the marble challenge and sobbed from her loss afterwards. Although she was not the killer bad ass queen I had wanted her to be, I still call her a warrior because of her resiliency throughout life’s and the game’s many obstacles and her drive to provide her younger brother with a better life.

Thankfully Deok-su got what he deserved as Han Mi-nyeo poetically decided to take both of their lives during the glass challenge. “You said we would be together till the end,” she said before diving into her inevitable death with her short lived lover. Mi-nyeo was incredibly annoying as I would often pinch the inside corners of my eyes and scratch my eyebrows when she would appear. However that crazy bitch served justice, and I love her for that.

I was highly disappointed by the demise of the detective Hwang Jun-ho, played by the handsome Wi Ha-joon. I was rooting for detective Jun-ho, as I’m sure we all were, on his pursuit to find his brother. I was not surprised that his brother was Front Man, as I had suspected that his brother must’ve died or been apart of the game making due to his absence in real life and the current game. After discovering his brother was the victor of his year, to me it only made sense that he would be apart of the game enforcement. As we saw from Gi-hun, a normal life is impossible to live after experiencing something so traumatic as a series of death ridden children games. However I was saddened and surprised that detective Jun-ho was unsuccessful in closing down the whole operation. I mean the man was close to performing forced, aristocratic fellatio in the name of serving and protecting the law. I truly thought because he had gotten so far and was so close to exposing the operation that the only choice he had was to be successful. At last he was shot and killed by his own blood, the one he had been looking for; providing us with a cinematic and heart jerking ending to detective Jun-ho.

Lastly lets discuss the old man, player 001 named O Yeong-su, whom I also nicknamed Poppy during the series. Deceivingly innocent and weak, I genuinely liked Yeong-su throughout the game play. I thoroughly enjoyed his relationship with Gi-hun and saw him as a valuable player in most instances. I believe he was one of the main reasons that Gi-hun continued to lead with his heart. Gi-hun claimed that Yeong-su was the reason he returned to the games and later found out that Yeong-su was the reason there were games in the first place. The climatic episode of the marble challenge was when their relationship had been defined as “gganbu” (which is a term for trusted, close friends in Korean, as explained in the series), thus Yeong-su establishing a special place in Gi-hun’s heart. During the challenge, Yeong-su begins to have an episode of what we all assumed to be dementia as the arena they are playing in is designed like his old neighborhood and he abandons the game to take a trip down memory lane. Gi-hun screams in frustration at the old man to play with him only to end up losing in their even and odd game and resulting in deceit, tricking the old man to let him be the victor. Now if I was Gi-hun, I would’ve convinced Yeong-su to let me hold his marbles for safe keeping and let him have a fun time reminiscing on his life while he ran down the clock. Then when it was time, I would’ve turned in all 20 marbles just as Sang-woo did and went about my business. It would’ve only been right for the old man to forfeit as he was already on his death bed, or so we innocently thought. Before I get into the ending, I want to talk about the last match between Sang-woo and Gi-hun.

Finally, the last game to see who would be victorious in a highly anticipated game of Squid between Gi-hun and Sang-woo. It seemed as if it were a battle between good vs evil; Gi-hun representing a more benevolent side as he would often optimistically look to help other competitors and extend the kindness he had been shown versus Sang-woo who represented a more vindictive and ruthless side, determined to hurt anyone in order to receive his highly coveted and long awaited prize in an arena that erased any foundation of morals or ethics as soon as the light turned red. Luck was on Gi-hun’s side as he had the opportunity to play offense. With a cunning mind and a vengeance for Sae-byeok’s death, Gi-hun delivered a can of whoop ass to his opponent. As the saying goes, the good shall always prevail. Perhaps his heart was too pure as Gi-hun halted from crossing the finish line and offered Sang-woo a chance to live, thus forfeiting the prize money. Needless to say, I applauded when Sang-woo committed suicide as it was the only right thing to do in his position.

A year passed by and Gi-hun seemed worse than before. Physically his style was bummy wealthy, a look pioneered by Bill Gates, but mentally he was in shambles. How could you blame him? Gi-hun discovered that the responsible party for these horrendous events was none other than his ggangbu, old man Yeong-su. The biggest, jaw dropping plot twist of the entire series. As they were joined on Christmas Eve and Yeong-su on his death bed, they placed one final bet on an assumed to be drunken, homeless man who sat on the streets as it snowed and waited for help to arrive. Yeong-su explained how he actually wanted to help people and give his money to people who needed it, but wanted to do it in an “entertaining way.” As Gi-hun flared with outrage towards the old man for finding amusement in killing people, the old man rebutted using horse races as an example of people’s amusement. Yeong-su also said he participated in the games because it was more fun to play than to be a spectator, which I had noticed him treating the competition as if it were adult summer camp. I had just assumed since he was old, he didn’t care if he had died or not.

I think most people will think that this show was a metaphor about how money and rich people are evil. However I think it can be seen as commentary on society as a whole, not just the wealthy. Yeong-su says on his death bed that it’s a test of humanity, and asks Gi-hun if he still has faith in humanity after what he has experienced. Although money was the luring motivator to win the game, people still chose to return to the competition to escape their problems. Sure, money was apart of their problems as all of the players (excluding Yeong-su) were in debt, but that was due to choices that they had made. Whether it had been through embezzling, gambling, lack of luck, or financial ignorance, it was the people who had gotten themselves into those situations. Money doesn’t have a personal vendetta against anyone nor does it have an inherent quality of good or evil. Money is a neutral energy used to be exchanged for goods and services. It’s people who designate that energy to their humane or inhumane desires.

Leading to the next point of the wealthy and how they are seen to be evil due to having wealth. Although I do believe that there are some wealthy people who act as villains, money didn’t create the villain inside of them. Those people were going to behave maliciously whether they have money or not. The VIPs, who were spectating the finale of challenges, were tied to a bank devoted to the wealthy and gambled on the competitors who played (and most likely helped subsidize the events). We place judgement on them, but as Yeong-su said, people gamble on horse races. Although people are not animals and by my knowledge I don’t believe most or any horses die during these races, it is still the principle of watching an entity being tortured for amusement, which is not only confined to the wealthy population. When the concept of killing and tormenting living breathing beings for amusement is normalized within society, the lines begin to blur on who is okay to perform and who is not. Take the audience of this show for example, we all watched a show where hundreds of people were mercilessly killed for the desire of winning a cash prize for our own amusement, thus making “Squid Game” the number one show on Netflix at the moment. Although the show is fictional and brilliantly written, this Hunger Games concept is not new. We come in contact again and again with the idea of people who are disadvantaged given an opportunity to better their lives through inhumane means, including risking their own lives or actively sacrificing the life of another, and being spectators on the edge of our seats who can’t seem to look away. It is no different than a Roman gladiator match in a grand colosseum, which in modern day would be a MMA fight at the MGM hotel. We blame it on the rich who are ridiculed for creating these events, but at the end of the day it is the people, rich,poor, and everyone in between, who continue to still go along with it and to some extent desire it. Which makes me question, what does that say about humanity, and do I actually have faith in us? Although Gi-hun went through hell and back, he still remained pure of heart and used his wealth to enhance his life and those around him; proving that wealthy people can still be benevolent and desire righteous good. Similar to Gi-hun, the optimist in me wants to believe that there are still people in this world with good hearts, but I guess we just have to wait until the time comes to see.

Ultimately the show was phenomenal, and definitely sparked a desire inside of me to watch more Korean dramas. I don’t think the show will have a second season. Simply because I think the story line would be better cut off there, thus leaving the audience always wanting more. However if season 2 ever comes out, I’m ready for Gi-hun to take a Liam Neeson approach to ending the Squid Game and hopefully with a beard. Thank you for reading my article. I know it was incredibly lengthy. I have just finished the season after a 2 day binge watch, and have a lot of emotions and thoughts ruminating in my brain. Let me know what you think of the show and what you think of the article. Did anyone else notice the paintings of the games on the walls of the dormitory?

God bless.