3 days ago
Precision welding relies on consistent consumables, and Aluminum Tig Wire Suppliers provide alloy wire that ensures smooth arc behavior, steady deposition, and tidy bead appearance for delicate assemblies. Explore product details on the site to assess material options, sourcing pathways, and technical assistance aimed at improving fabrication flow and reducing post-process work for cleaner, more reliable weld outcomes and consistency.
#Kunli #AluminumTIGWire #WeldingWire #Fabrication #TechnicalSupport
#Kunli #AluminumTIGWire #WeldingWire #Fabrication #TechnicalSupport
4 months ago
At-Least 4 Tu-95 Strategic Bombers Likely Destroyed In “Biggest-Ever” Attack On Russia; Ukraine’s FPV Drones Wreak Havoc On RuAF.
The Olenya airbase in Murmansk and the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk were subjected to a massive drone attack, with local residents posting footage of explosions and fires.
Ukrainian sources report that the SBU (Ukraine’s security service) attacked four Russian military airbases simultaneously: Belaya, Diaghilev, Olenya, and Ivanovo.
Shockingly, the attack was executed using FPV (First-Person-View) drones.
As kamikaze FPV drones struck Tu-95 strategic bombers parked in the open, reconnaissance drones filmed the attack in real-time. Footage appears to show the destruction of four Russian Tu-95 bombers at Olenya airbase.
One Il-76 airlifter was also set ablaze.
Easy Targets
Russian strategic aircraft are not parked in shelters. Instead, they sit exposed on the tarmac in clearly marked bays, making them easy to spot via US/NATO spy satellites.
For reasons that defy explanation, Russian Aerospace Forces continue to leave these critical assets in the open, fully visible and vulnerable to attack. This, despite having been in a war with Ukraine for over three years.
This is not the first time Ukrainian intelligence has used FPV drones, delivered by saboteurs, to strike Russian strategic assets. In March 2023, a saboteur launched a drone from outside the perimeter of the Machulishchi airbase in Belarus, damaging a Russian A-50U AWACS aircraft.
In summer 2023, Ukrainian forces attacked the Soltsy airfield in Novgorod region, destroying a Tu-22M3 bomber using quadcopter drones—reportedly without even relying on satellite communications. The Russian Ministry of Defense, unusually, acknowledged the loss.
Russian military bloggers and analysts have repeatedly warned of the dangers of parking aircraft in the open, yet the Russian military leadership has consistently ignored these concerns.
The Olenya Attack: A Deadly Ambush
In the Olenya attack, the FPV drones were launched from a hijacked truck, whose driver had been strangled to death. Before the strike, the attackers opened the cargo compartment of the truck and left. Based on the apparent rigor mortis of the driver’s body, he was likely killed many hours before the attack.
Ironically, when the attack began, passersby noticed drones emerging from the truck and tried unsuccessfully to destroy them with stones and sticks.
One of the launch trucks reportedly caught fire en route in the Amur region when someone entered the cargo hold to inspect it, triggering an explosion. These drones were apparently intended for the Ukrainka airbase—had they reached their target, the damage to Russian strategic aviation could have been far greater.
For context: Ukrainka Airbase is located in the Amur Oblast, in the Russian Far East, specifically in the Svobodny District near the town of Ukrainka, along the Amur River.
Meticulous Planning
Ukrainian sources claim the attack took 18 months to plan. Whether or not that timeline is accurate, the timing—on the eve of the next round of peace talks in Turkey—was no coincidence. Much of the detailed planning likely occurred more recently.
There’s little doubt, however, that the operation was meticulously prepared. The drones were likely placed inside the trucks in specially designed containers—their design and fabrication would have required significant effort, and their deployment likely involved multiple rehearsals.
Drone operators appeared highly familiar with the layout of the airbases. Video streamed from the drones shows careful target selection, with operators methodically flying their drones to precise impact points on the large bombers.
A post by Ukraine’s SBU Chief Vasyl Maliuk during the operation suggests the planners knew the most vulnerable points on the aircraft they were targeting. It appears they anticipated that the aircraft would be armed for a mission at the time of the strike.
The drones were reportedly aimed at the underwing pylons of the Tu-95MS, where Kh-101 cruise missiles are mounted. The wings of aircraft ready for flight are loaded with fuel, making them highly flammable.
Conclusion
The Ukrainian attack is a spectacular political victory but a limited military success.
Russia has plenty of bombers—and, more importantly, missiles—to continue striking Ukraine.
Today’s attack was likely aimed at provoking Russia to withdraw from the Istanbul peace talks scheduled for tomorrow.
But it’s unlikely Russia will take the bait. As in the past, it will respond—harder, at a time and place of its choosing. Meanwhile, Russia will continue pressing its message to the Ukrainian leadership: peace now will be better for Ukraine than peace later.
Russia is steadily degrading Ukraine’s warfighting capability, especially its pool of combat-capable manpower. Its military-industrial base is in overdrive, and the size of its armed forces continues to grow. In the long run, Ukraine simply cannot win.
Zelensky’s move today was clever—a “heads I win, tails you lose” gambit, showcasing the boldness of Ukraine’s armed forces. It may help him cling to power, but it will not alter the course of the war. In the end, Ukraine will either surrender or sue for peace, after being ground down.
The Olenya airbase in Murmansk and the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk were subjected to a massive drone attack, with local residents posting footage of explosions and fires.
Ukrainian sources report that the SBU (Ukraine’s security service) attacked four Russian military airbases simultaneously: Belaya, Diaghilev, Olenya, and Ivanovo.
Shockingly, the attack was executed using FPV (First-Person-View) drones.
As kamikaze FPV drones struck Tu-95 strategic bombers parked in the open, reconnaissance drones filmed the attack in real-time. Footage appears to show the destruction of four Russian Tu-95 bombers at Olenya airbase.
One Il-76 airlifter was also set ablaze.
Easy Targets
Russian strategic aircraft are not parked in shelters. Instead, they sit exposed on the tarmac in clearly marked bays, making them easy to spot via US/NATO spy satellites.
For reasons that defy explanation, Russian Aerospace Forces continue to leave these critical assets in the open, fully visible and vulnerable to attack. This, despite having been in a war with Ukraine for over three years.
This is not the first time Ukrainian intelligence has used FPV drones, delivered by saboteurs, to strike Russian strategic assets. In March 2023, a saboteur launched a drone from outside the perimeter of the Machulishchi airbase in Belarus, damaging a Russian A-50U AWACS aircraft.
In summer 2023, Ukrainian forces attacked the Soltsy airfield in Novgorod region, destroying a Tu-22M3 bomber using quadcopter drones—reportedly without even relying on satellite communications. The Russian Ministry of Defense, unusually, acknowledged the loss.
Russian military bloggers and analysts have repeatedly warned of the dangers of parking aircraft in the open, yet the Russian military leadership has consistently ignored these concerns.
The Olenya Attack: A Deadly Ambush
In the Olenya attack, the FPV drones were launched from a hijacked truck, whose driver had been strangled to death. Before the strike, the attackers opened the cargo compartment of the truck and left. Based on the apparent rigor mortis of the driver’s body, he was likely killed many hours before the attack.
Ironically, when the attack began, passersby noticed drones emerging from the truck and tried unsuccessfully to destroy them with stones and sticks.
One of the launch trucks reportedly caught fire en route in the Amur region when someone entered the cargo hold to inspect it, triggering an explosion. These drones were apparently intended for the Ukrainka airbase—had they reached their target, the damage to Russian strategic aviation could have been far greater.
For context: Ukrainka Airbase is located in the Amur Oblast, in the Russian Far East, specifically in the Svobodny District near the town of Ukrainka, along the Amur River.
Meticulous Planning
Ukrainian sources claim the attack took 18 months to plan. Whether or not that timeline is accurate, the timing—on the eve of the next round of peace talks in Turkey—was no coincidence. Much of the detailed planning likely occurred more recently.
There’s little doubt, however, that the operation was meticulously prepared. The drones were likely placed inside the trucks in specially designed containers—their design and fabrication would have required significant effort, and their deployment likely involved multiple rehearsals.
Drone operators appeared highly familiar with the layout of the airbases. Video streamed from the drones shows careful target selection, with operators methodically flying their drones to precise impact points on the large bombers.
A post by Ukraine’s SBU Chief Vasyl Maliuk during the operation suggests the planners knew the most vulnerable points on the aircraft they were targeting. It appears they anticipated that the aircraft would be armed for a mission at the time of the strike.
The drones were reportedly aimed at the underwing pylons of the Tu-95MS, where Kh-101 cruise missiles are mounted. The wings of aircraft ready for flight are loaded with fuel, making them highly flammable.
Conclusion
The Ukrainian attack is a spectacular political victory but a limited military success.
Russia has plenty of bombers—and, more importantly, missiles—to continue striking Ukraine.
Today’s attack was likely aimed at provoking Russia to withdraw from the Istanbul peace talks scheduled for tomorrow.
But it’s unlikely Russia will take the bait. As in the past, it will respond—harder, at a time and place of its choosing. Meanwhile, Russia will continue pressing its message to the Ukrainian leadership: peace now will be better for Ukraine than peace later.
Russia is steadily degrading Ukraine’s warfighting capability, especially its pool of combat-capable manpower. Its military-industrial base is in overdrive, and the size of its armed forces continues to grow. In the long run, Ukraine simply cannot win.
Zelensky’s move today was clever—a “heads I win, tails you lose” gambit, showcasing the boldness of Ukraine’s armed forces. It may help him cling to power, but it will not alter the course of the war. In the end, Ukraine will either surrender or sue for peace, after being ground down.
11 months ago
TSMC can build advanced fabs in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, it cannot transfer its most advanced process technologies to production facilities abroad, as they are protected by Taiwanese law, said J.W. Kuo, Minister of Economic Affairs in Taiwan, reports the Taipei Times. That said, TSMC cannot make chips using its N2 (2nm-class) manufacturing technologies in the U.S. while these production nodes are its latest nodes.
"Since Taiwan has related regulations to protect its own technologies, TSMC cannot produce 2nm chips overseas currently," Kuo said at a meeting of the Economics Committee in Taipei. "Although TSMC plans to make 2nm chips [abroad] in the future, its core technology will stay in Taiwan."
Taiwanese regulations require domestic chipmakers to manufacture only chips using previous-generation fabrication processes at their overseas facilities, keeping the most advanced technology within the country.
"Since Taiwan has related regulations to protect its own technologies, TSMC cannot produce 2nm chips overseas currently," Kuo said at a meeting of the Economics Committee in Taipei. "Although TSMC plans to make 2nm chips [abroad] in the future, its core technology will stay in Taiwan."
Taiwanese regulations require domestic chipmakers to manufacture only chips using previous-generation fabrication processes at their overseas facilities, keeping the most advanced technology within the country.
2 yr. ago
NARCISSISM-
The Martyr Complex, Narcissism, and Conspiracy Theorists.
Examining the psychology behind some extreme conspiracy theorists.
KEY POINTS-
Examining martyr complex and narcissistic personality may explain traits of some conspiracy theorists.
A narcissistic martyr is motivated toward self-sacrificial actions by the desire for praise and admiration.
The conspiratorial world can entice a narcissistic martyr with a false sense of intellectual courage.
The term martyr complex describes the actions of an individual who consistently engages in self-sacrificial behaviours beyond that which is considered normal or healthy. This often entails regularly working overtime or prioritising others' needs over their own, and usually results in burnout.
What’s different about a narcissistic martyr?
A narcissistic martyr may exhibit similar behaviour; however, their actions are highly calculated, and undertaken by a need for (and expectation of) praise.
While a true narcissist would not willingly engage in self-sacrificing behaviours for the needs of others, they are highly motivated by a desire for the admiration and gratitude. They exaggerate their sense of obligation to suffer or sacrifice for others in order to elicit sympathy, and often deliberately evoke a feeling of guilt from others in the process. They are not a martyr but could be described as regularly ‘playing the martyr’. This has been linked to covert narcissism, as they are constantly oscillating from hero to victim.
What is a conspiracy theorist?
A conspiracy theorist is someone who believes that significant events or situations are the result of, or orchestrated by, secretive plots and powerful groups or individuals. They often think that official information known by the general public is only a fraction of the truth (or is a fabrication altogether). In response, they search for alternative, often complex, explanations for events based on what they perceive as inconsistencies, anomalies, or hidden patterns in the available evidence.
They are highly sceptical people, and usually share a generalised distrust of governments, corporations, and other influential entities. However, this scepticism can even extend to the genuine truth, and their search for alternative sources of information often leads them to anecdotal information, misinformation, and unreliable sources. Research shows that conspiracy theorists have less developed critical thinking ability.
The real problem arises when more extreme conspiracy theorists select theories that are:
beyond controversial
dismiss and undermine well-established facts of life
could incite violence and hatred
The link between narcissistic martyrdom and conspiracy theorists
To be clear, not all conspiracy theorists are narcissistic martyrs, or vice versa. Although most conspiracy theorists are genuinely misled by misinformation and chiefly motivated by a deep sense of distrust in society and authority, there are certain aspects of conspiracy theorising that resonate with the selfish desires found in narcissistic martyrs.
What is so alluring about conspiracy theories to a narcissistic martyr?
Victimhood. By creating or touting secret malevolent plots, the narcissistic martyr is able to exert more control over their own narrative. Unlike others in the real world, they can ‘fight against’ their imagined oppressive force without their imagined oppressive force ever really fighting back. Their enemy is often one which is intangible and can be nowhere and anywhere simultaneously. This serves as a way to avoid responsibility and provides the perfect scapegoat for their own failures or misfortunes.
Power. For the narcissistic martyr, the allure of uncovering supposed truths and ‘peering behind the curtain’ provides a sense of empowerment and control. Believing they possess knowledge hidden from the public fuels their sense of superiority as they can invalidate and undermine authority. This search for an 'alternative truth' fosters a false sense of enlightenment, allowing them to undermine established authorities and feel intellectually superior. Given their predisposition toward paranoia, narcissists readily embrace these alternative narratives.
Furthermore, becoming an expert in a topic that lacks concrete evidence offers an easy way to seem more intelligent than they really are and assert dominance in conversations.
Attention. Some conspiracy theorists become well-known because of their beliefs, generating a following of similarly distrustful people, garnering infamy, money, and influence. They not only get attention for their ideas but also use them to sway others.
Moreover, these figures often profit from their theories through various means, such as selling merchandise or promoting products aligned with their beliefs. Additionally, they may exploit their platform to spread fear and misinformation, amplifying their influence over their audience. So, a narcissistic martyr could see conspiracy theories as a golden opportunity to manipulate others.
Sacrifices of a conspiratorial narcissistic martyr
Conspiracy theorists, driven by an unwavering commitment to their unconventional beliefs, do often find themselves making significant sacrifices. For the narcissistic martyr among them, the allure of being right and proving everyone else wrong eclipses all else, leading them to disregard personal well-being and even risking their livelihoods.
For instance, an outspoken Covid-19 denier could be at risk of:
Losing their job in a medical profession (and consequently falling into financial hardship)
Putting themselves at risk by refusing to wear a mask
Putting their children at risk by refusing to let them get vaccinated
Damaging relationships with friends and family for continually starting controversial conversations and sharing misinformation
Damaging their reputation by sharing propaganda online
Paradoxically, this backlash only serves to reinforce their beliefs, further entrenching them in their alternate worldview and distancing them from reality. They will refuse to acknowledge that they are hurting themselves and the people around them, because they will espouse their colossal losses as genuine sacrifices that they are willing to make in order to save the people around them/the world.
Their craving to feel like an underdog is a central narrative in their lives, with the hope that enduring persecution will eventually lead to acknowledgement and acclaim. These individuals frequently expose their loved ones to scary ideas, resulting in estrangement from those closest to them, which often reinforces the conspiracy theorists’ sense of uniqueness and intellectual courage.
Conclusion
While the desire for recognition and perceived intelligence is virtually universal, it's crucial to differentiate genuine pursuit of truth from narcissistic manipulation tactics. Bridging the gap between reality and conspiracies isn't easy, leaving loved ones grappling with consequences. Understanding the motivations behind belief in misinformation can help address root causes and foster critical thinking. By encouraging real investigation, we can equip individuals with the tools necessary to evaluate information critically and discern fact from fiction.
The Martyr Complex, Narcissism, and Conspiracy Theorists.
Examining the psychology behind some extreme conspiracy theorists.
KEY POINTS-
Examining martyr complex and narcissistic personality may explain traits of some conspiracy theorists.
A narcissistic martyr is motivated toward self-sacrificial actions by the desire for praise and admiration.
The conspiratorial world can entice a narcissistic martyr with a false sense of intellectual courage.
The term martyr complex describes the actions of an individual who consistently engages in self-sacrificial behaviours beyond that which is considered normal or healthy. This often entails regularly working overtime or prioritising others' needs over their own, and usually results in burnout.
What’s different about a narcissistic martyr?
A narcissistic martyr may exhibit similar behaviour; however, their actions are highly calculated, and undertaken by a need for (and expectation of) praise.
While a true narcissist would not willingly engage in self-sacrificing behaviours for the needs of others, they are highly motivated by a desire for the admiration and gratitude. They exaggerate their sense of obligation to suffer or sacrifice for others in order to elicit sympathy, and often deliberately evoke a feeling of guilt from others in the process. They are not a martyr but could be described as regularly ‘playing the martyr’. This has been linked to covert narcissism, as they are constantly oscillating from hero to victim.
What is a conspiracy theorist?
A conspiracy theorist is someone who believes that significant events or situations are the result of, or orchestrated by, secretive plots and powerful groups or individuals. They often think that official information known by the general public is only a fraction of the truth (or is a fabrication altogether). In response, they search for alternative, often complex, explanations for events based on what they perceive as inconsistencies, anomalies, or hidden patterns in the available evidence.
They are highly sceptical people, and usually share a generalised distrust of governments, corporations, and other influential entities. However, this scepticism can even extend to the genuine truth, and their search for alternative sources of information often leads them to anecdotal information, misinformation, and unreliable sources. Research shows that conspiracy theorists have less developed critical thinking ability.
The real problem arises when more extreme conspiracy theorists select theories that are:
beyond controversial
dismiss and undermine well-established facts of life
could incite violence and hatred
The link between narcissistic martyrdom and conspiracy theorists
To be clear, not all conspiracy theorists are narcissistic martyrs, or vice versa. Although most conspiracy theorists are genuinely misled by misinformation and chiefly motivated by a deep sense of distrust in society and authority, there are certain aspects of conspiracy theorising that resonate with the selfish desires found in narcissistic martyrs.
What is so alluring about conspiracy theories to a narcissistic martyr?
Victimhood. By creating or touting secret malevolent plots, the narcissistic martyr is able to exert more control over their own narrative. Unlike others in the real world, they can ‘fight against’ their imagined oppressive force without their imagined oppressive force ever really fighting back. Their enemy is often one which is intangible and can be nowhere and anywhere simultaneously. This serves as a way to avoid responsibility and provides the perfect scapegoat for their own failures or misfortunes.
Power. For the narcissistic martyr, the allure of uncovering supposed truths and ‘peering behind the curtain’ provides a sense of empowerment and control. Believing they possess knowledge hidden from the public fuels their sense of superiority as they can invalidate and undermine authority. This search for an 'alternative truth' fosters a false sense of enlightenment, allowing them to undermine established authorities and feel intellectually superior. Given their predisposition toward paranoia, narcissists readily embrace these alternative narratives.
Furthermore, becoming an expert in a topic that lacks concrete evidence offers an easy way to seem more intelligent than they really are and assert dominance in conversations.
Attention. Some conspiracy theorists become well-known because of their beliefs, generating a following of similarly distrustful people, garnering infamy, money, and influence. They not only get attention for their ideas but also use them to sway others.
Moreover, these figures often profit from their theories through various means, such as selling merchandise or promoting products aligned with their beliefs. Additionally, they may exploit their platform to spread fear and misinformation, amplifying their influence over their audience. So, a narcissistic martyr could see conspiracy theories as a golden opportunity to manipulate others.
Sacrifices of a conspiratorial narcissistic martyr
Conspiracy theorists, driven by an unwavering commitment to their unconventional beliefs, do often find themselves making significant sacrifices. For the narcissistic martyr among them, the allure of being right and proving everyone else wrong eclipses all else, leading them to disregard personal well-being and even risking their livelihoods.
For instance, an outspoken Covid-19 denier could be at risk of:
Losing their job in a medical profession (and consequently falling into financial hardship)
Putting themselves at risk by refusing to wear a mask
Putting their children at risk by refusing to let them get vaccinated
Damaging relationships with friends and family for continually starting controversial conversations and sharing misinformation
Damaging their reputation by sharing propaganda online
Paradoxically, this backlash only serves to reinforce their beliefs, further entrenching them in their alternate worldview and distancing them from reality. They will refuse to acknowledge that they are hurting themselves and the people around them, because they will espouse their colossal losses as genuine sacrifices that they are willing to make in order to save the people around them/the world.
Their craving to feel like an underdog is a central narrative in their lives, with the hope that enduring persecution will eventually lead to acknowledgement and acclaim. These individuals frequently expose their loved ones to scary ideas, resulting in estrangement from those closest to them, which often reinforces the conspiracy theorists’ sense of uniqueness and intellectual courage.
Conclusion
While the desire for recognition and perceived intelligence is virtually universal, it's crucial to differentiate genuine pursuit of truth from narcissistic manipulation tactics. Bridging the gap between reality and conspiracies isn't easy, leaving loved ones grappling with consequences. Understanding the motivations behind belief in misinformation can help address root causes and foster critical thinking. By encouraging real investigation, we can equip individuals with the tools necessary to evaluate information critically and discern fact from fiction.
