wakingtimes--2020-01-17--Colgate Releases Vegan-Certified Toothpaste in First-of-Its-Kind Recyclable Tube

Colgate has launched a new line of toothpaste in a fully recyclable tube , a first for toothpaste , as The Guardian reported .
Colgate ’ s Smile For Good brand , which is only available in Europe right now , has been certified by The Vegan Society and comes in a tube made from high-density polyethylene ( HDPE ) , which is the same plastic used for milk containers , according to The Guardian .
Most types of toothpaste are made with glycerin , a byproduct of animal fat .
The Smile For Good line , however , uses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Toothpaste brands also make their tubes out of a combination of several layers of plastics , polymers and resins that can not be recycled and take more than 500 years to break down , as New Atlas reported .
The new tubes , which use HDPE , are easy to recycle , according to USA Today .
Colgate also boasts that its product is 99.7 percent natural .
Furthermore , in an industry first , each ingredient is listed and its purpose explained on the recyclable packaging , according to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explains that silica cleans and polishes while glycerin prevents the paste from drying out , according to the The Guardian .
Yet , the new product has a hefty price tag compared to traditional toothpastes ; it costs $ 6.50 at the British chain Waitrose compared to just over one-dollar for the other toothpaste tubes , as the Daily Mail reported .
To make the tube recyclable , engineers figured out how to mix different grades and thickness levels of the laminate in the tube to maintain the squeezable effect while also meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 percent recyclable packaging by 2025 across its product lines , according to the Daily Mail .
It will also share its tube ’ s technology with its competition so the entire industry can meet third-party recycling requirements , as the Daily Mail reported .
A couple of entrepreneurs in Canada , however , have gone a step farther and created toothpaste tablets to eliminate the tube entirely , according to New Atlas .
New Atlas explained how the product called Change Toothpaste works : “ [ T ] he cleaning tablets are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teeth , gently bitten down upon , and then brushed with a wet toothbrush .
The broken tablet then starts to foam and you can brush your teeth as usual.
” Change Toothpaste is also vegan-friendly , as well as free from fluoride , gluten , dairy , nuts and soy .
The entrepreneurs are working on an upgrade that will contain fluoride .

Colgate Releases Vegan-Certified Toothpaste in First-of-Its-Kind Recyclable Tube
Jordan Davidson, EcoWatch
Waking Times
Colgate has launched a new line of toothpaste in a fully recyclable tube, a first for toothpaste, as The Guardian reported.
Colgate’s Smile For Good brand, which is only available in Europe right now, has been certified by The Vegan Society and comes in a tube made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is the same plastic used for milk containers, according to The Guardian.
Most types of toothpaste are made with glycerin, a byproduct of animal fat. The Smile For Good line, however, uses plant-sourced glycerin, according to USA Today.
Toothpaste brands also make their tubes out of a combination of several layers of plastics, polymers and resins that cannot be recycled and take more than 500 years to break down, as New Atlas reported. The new tubes, which use HDPE, are easy to recycle, according to USA Today.
Colgate also boasts that its product is 99.7 percent natural. Furthermore, in an industry first, each ingredient is listed and its purpose explained on the recyclable packaging, according to the Daily Mail. For example, the tube explains that silica cleans and polishes while glycerin prevents the paste from drying out, according to the The Guardian.
Yet, the new product has a hefty price tag compared to traditional toothpastes; it costs $6.50 at the British chain Waitrose compared to just over one-dollar for the other toothpaste tubes, as the Daily Mail reported.
To make the tube recyclable, engineers figured out how to mix different grades and thickness levels of the laminate in the tube to maintain the squeezable effect while also meeting recycling standards. Colgate is shooting for 100 percent recyclable packaging by 2025 across its product lines, according to the Daily Mail.
It will also share its tube’s technology with its competition so the entire industry can meet third-party recycling requirements, as the Daily Mail reported.
“Colgate wants to make tubes a part of the circular economy by keeping this plastic productive and eliminating waste,” said Noel Wallace, CEO and president of Colgate-Palmolive, as The Guardian reported. “If we can standardize recyclable tubes among all companies, we all win. We can align on these common standards for tubes and still compete with what’s inside them.”
A couple of entrepreneurs in Canada, however, have gone a step farther and created toothpaste tablets to eliminate the tube entirely, according to New Atlas.
“If we want to be sustainable, a fundamental change is required. We’ve developed toothpaste tablets that remove the need for a tube altogether. We want to ensure that our kids and their kids are able to live their lives in a safe, healthy environment,” said Canadian entrepreneurs Mike Medicoff and Damien Vince to to New Atlas.
New Atlas explained how the product called Change Toothpaste works: “[T]he cleaning tablets are designed to be placed between the back teeth, gently bitten down upon, and then brushed with a wet toothbrush. The broken tablet then starts to foam and you can brush your teeth as usual.”
Change Toothpaste is also vegan-friendly, as well as free from fluoride, gluten, dairy, nuts and soy. The entrepreneurs are working on an upgrade that will contain fluoride.
“After trying over a hundred formulations, we created the perfect toothpaste tablet recipe, that give you a clean, fresh brush without any harsh chemicals, and packaged in 100 percent compostable pouches. Just like paste, without the waste!” the pair said to New Atlas.
By Jordan Davidson | Creative Commons | EcoWatch


wakingtimes--2020-01-17--Proposed Bill to Make Cellphone Use Under 21 a Crime Punishable by 1 year in Prison

Vermont — In the land of the free , you can join the military , get shipped off to war , have both of your legs blown off—for your country—all at the age of 18 .
However , in December , TFTP reported that if you try to smoke a cigarette or use tobacco in that same land of the free , at this age , you will now be prosecuted by the law .
As if this “ age tyranny ” wasn ’ t enough , lawmakers are now proposing a bill that would make cellphone use for anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rest assured that the tyrants attempting to take away your access to information are doing so “ for your safety.
” Democratic Sen. John Rodgers ( Essex-Orleans ) claims that cellphones are turning kids into terrorists and corrupting their minds .
So , the only option is to kidnap and cage children who dare access a cellphone .
The bill , S.212 , would make the possession of a cellphone punishable by up to one year in prison , a $ 1,000 fine , or both .
Sounds like they are standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Unity ” to me !
It then goes on to state that cellphones aren ’ t the only thing people under 21 shouldn ’ t possess , but they shouldn ’ t have firearms , cigarettes , or alcohol either .
While this bill sounds like something out of a movie , it is real .
However , Rodgers says he proposed it to make a point , even stating that he knows it won ’ t pass .
Rodgers thinks that cellphones are more dangerous than guns and he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His ignorance is illustrated by the fact that neither cellphones nor guns are dangerous unless they are used by those who wish to do harm .
Both cellphones and guns are incredibly powerful tools .
Guns have increased the quality of life and leveled the playing field for citizens and cellphones have increased the flow of information for humans like we ’ ve never seen .
Nevertheless , clueless politicians like Rodgers make a mockery of the system in which they collect a paycheck , just to get their silly opinion across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said in an interview last week there ’ s no question technology plays a role with children treating each other badly , but isolating cellphones doesn ’ t seem to make sense because they will still be able to use computers .
We agree .
Attempting to stop the problem of harmful information flow by threatening jail time for using tools is little more than tyranny .
Computers , cellphones , guns….all of these are just tools that make our lives easier , with the cellphone vastly increasing our access to information—which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the world was tricked by slick establishment propagandists like Rodgers , who wrote their version of heroic history and information .
Tyrants were painted as saviors ; mass murderers hailed as great discoverers .
The world was kept in a dark age of control and manipulation by the information controllers .
However , there was one thing that these keepers of information didn ’ t count on — the internet .
The internet , like the printing press of the 15th century , revolutionized the dissemination of information .
With the internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any information , distance was no longer a barrier to communication , and the alternative media was born .
Instead of millions of people getting info , it was now billions .
Access to this ever-expanding , limitless amount of information can now all be accessed by a device that fits in your pocket—your cellphone .
Thanks to the massive spread of this information , people are waking up to atrocities worldwide .
While there will always be bad actors using tools to cause harm , removing the tool to prevent the bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blow to liberty and punish law abiding citizens .
Matt Agorist is an honorably discharged veteran of the USMC and former intelligence operator directly tasked by the NSA .
This prior experience gives him unique insight into the world of government corruption and the American police state .
Agorist has been an independent journalist for over a decade and has been featured on mainstream networks around the world .
Agorist is also the Editor at Large at the Free Thought Project .
Follow @ MattAgorist on Twitter , Steemit , and now on @ @

Proposed Bill to Make Cellphone Use Under 21 a Crime Punishable by 1 year in Prison
Matt Agorist, The Free Thought Project
Waking Times
Vermont — In the land of the free, you can join the military, get shipped off to war, have both of your legs blown off—for your country—all at the age of 18. However, in December, TFTP reported that if you try to smoke a cigarette or use tobacco in that same land of the free, at this age, you will now be prosecuted by the law. As if this “age tyranny” wasn’t enough, lawmakers are now proposing a bill that would make cellphone use for anyone under 21 years of age a crime.
Rest assured that the tyrants attempting to take away your access to information are doing so “for your safety.” Democratic Sen. John Rodgers (Essex-Orleans) claims that cellphones are turning kids into terrorists and corrupting their minds. So, the only option is to kidnap and cage children who dare access a cellphone.
The bill, S.212, would make the possession of a cellphone punishable by up to one year in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both. Sounds like they are standing by their state motto of “Freedom and Unity” to me!
“The Internet and social media, accessed primarily through cellphones, are used to radicalize and recruit terrorists, fascists, and other extremists. Cell phones have often been used by mass shooters of younger ages for research on previous shootings,” the bill reads.
It then goes on to state that cellphones aren’t the only thing people under 21 shouldn’t possess, but they shouldn’t have firearms, cigarettes, or alcohol either.
“In light of the dangerous and life-threatening consequences of cellphone use by young people, it is clear that persons under 21 years of age are not developmentally mature enough to safely possess them,” the bill reads. “just as the General Assembly has concluded that persons under 21 years of age are not mature enough to possess firearms, smoke cigarettes or consume alcohol.”
While this bill sounds like something out of a movie, it is real. However, Rodgers says he proposed it to make a point, even stating that he knows it won’t pass.
Rodgers thinks that cellphones are more dangerous than guns and he’s using this bill to make his point. His ignorance is illustrated by the fact that neither cellphones nor guns are dangerous unless they are used by those who wish to do harm. Both cellphones and guns are incredibly powerful tools. Guns have increased the quality of life and leveled the playing field for citizens and cellphones have increased the flow of information for humans like we’ve never seen.
Nevertheless, clueless politicians like Rodgers make a mockery of the system in which they collect a paycheck, just to get their silly opinion across.
“There are so many critical issues impacting the lives of working families in Vermont today, from increasing minimum wage to implementing equitable family and medical leave insurance programs to establishing an office of child advocate. We urge the Legislature to focus on the important work at hand instead of getting tied up in hollow diversions,” said Michelle Fay, the executive director of Voices for Vermont’s Children, an organization based out of Montpelier that promotes public policy that enhances the lives of children and youth in the state.
According to the Times Argus, she said in an interview last week there’s no question technology plays a role with children treating each other badly, but isolating cellphones doesn’t seem to make sense because they will still be able to use computers.
“It feels like a reach, for sure,” she said.
We agree. Attempting to stop the problem of harmful information flow by threatening jail time for using tools is little more than tyranny. Computers, cellphones, guns….all of these are just tools that make our lives easier, with the cellphone vastly increasing our access to information—which is a good thing.
For decades, the world was tricked by slick establishment propagandists like Rodgers, who wrote their version of heroic history and information. Tyrants were painted as saviors; mass murderers hailed as great discoverers. The world was kept in a dark age of control and manipulation by the information controllers.
However, there was one thing that these keepers of information didn’t count on — the internet.
The internet, like the printing press of the 15th century, revolutionized the dissemination of information. With the internet came the instant and immediate access to any information, distance was no longer a barrier to communication, and the alternative media was born. Instead of millions of people getting info, it was now billions.
Access to this ever-expanding, limitless amount of information can now all be accessed by a device that fits in your pocket—your cellphone.
Thanks to the massive spread of this information, people are waking up to atrocities worldwide. While there will always be bad actors using tools to cause harm, removing the tool to prevent the bad actor will do nothing except deal a blow to liberty and punish law abiding citizens.
About the Author
Matt Agorist is an honorably discharged veteran of the USMC and former intelligence operator directly tasked by the NSA. This prior experience gives him unique insight into the world of government corruption and the American police state. Agorist has been an independent journalist for over a decade and has been featured on mainstream networks around the world. Agorist is also the Editor at Large at the Free Thought Project. Follow @MattAgorist on Twitter, Steemit, and now on Minds.


wakingtimes--2020-01-17--Like It or Not, ALEC is Determined You Will Have 5G

For the average American , bills that are introduced into state legislatures , especially those with bipartisan support , generally become the law of the state .
But how often does the average citizen of any state review the bills in different committees or the laws passed and signed by the governors that have a direct impact upon their lives ?
We would imagine very few .
What does it mean when a bill in California , for example , that mandates a change in an existing environmental law that protects citizens and in turn permits and protects corporations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with impunity ?
Then that same bill shows up in other states across the nation .
How does that happen ?
One past example are bills to ban GMO labeling that were virtually the same in California , Oregon , Colorado and elsewhere .
The same is true for hydro-fracking and pipeline installations , roll backs on environmental protections , public funds for charter schools , increasing the private prison system , gun rights , keeping drug costs high , etc .
These are only a few examples of thousands of laws that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that represents many of the world ’ s largest corporations and industries has fully captured the policy narrative in many of our state legislatures .
Today , many of us in the environmental movement consider the greatest danger to human health and the environment is going to be the full roll out of 5G technology .
This is article exposes one of the largest organizations in American that is paving the way to make 5G a reality : the American Legislative Exchange Council ( ALEC ) .
The name ALEC should be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the welfare of the public .
The organization was created out of a gathering of radicalized conservative activists in Chicago in 1973 .
Having dreamt for a Barry Goldwater savior , conservatives got Nixon instead .
The group was founded by Paul Weyrich , who had just founded the Heritage Foundation , and Lou Barnett who helped Ronald Reagan ’ s 1968 failed campaign for the presidency .
Nevertheless , Reagan ’ s legacy continues to impact the organization .
Its structure of “ task forces ” to bring elected politicians together with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies for a large variety of issues — including medicine , telecommunications , regulatory policy , education , civil and criminal justice , commerce , homeland security , taxation law and energy and agriculture — has been modeled after Reagan ’ s national Task Force on Federalism .
Greenpeace ’ s Connor Gibson has described ALEC as “ a one stop shopping outlet for large companies seeking state legislators to move their agenda through statehouses coast-to-coast.
” And it is a “ pay-to-play service ” for corporations .
After a whistleblower inside ALEC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model ” bills drafted in private meetings between legislators and corporate lobbyists to the Center for Media and Democracy , we now know how and why ALEC has been so covertly successful for these past two decades .
Although the name ALEC and the Koch Brothers are frequently sounded in the same breath , Koch Industries did not join the Council until 1993 .
Since then , the Koch ’ s virtually hijacked the organization in addition to becoming its largest and most important funder .
In tough times , the Kochs have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over the years , the Koch ’ s and their network of companies , foundations and organizations , such as Americans for Prosperity and Stand Together , have come to dominate the Council and steer its ideological aims .
Charles Koch ’ s and ALEC ’ s underlying philosophy about national and state governance is that the heads of private industry are far more qualified to lead the country than career politicians .
Consequently the Council ’ s legislative infrastructure is based upon leaders of large mega-corporations colluding with elected officials to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ termed “ model legislation , ” before state Senates and Houses .
The greater public good represented by the leaders of civil society are completely absent from the conversation .
The titans of industry run the show .
Benefits to private corporate interests , revenues and stock prices are all that matters .
This is ALEC ’ s definition for economic progress .
It is Neoliberal capitalism on steroids .
ALEC claims that its membership is “ comprised of nearly one-third of the country ’ s state legislators and stakeholders from across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these are members of the GOP .
There are also about 270 industry and trade associations , conservative foundations and many of the nation ’ s largest mega-corporations represented .
Therefore ALEC events and networks have become a paradise for large corporations to gain direct access to state legislators .
PR Watch reveals that “ even though many states prohibit corporations and lobbyists from influencing legislators through gifts and favors , ALEC has provided a way for special interests to sidestep these laws.
” It has done so skillfully and unhampered for several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center , a right-wing think tank that functions as a quasi “ fusion center ” to gather information on unions , environmental and liberal activist organizations for ALEC and the Heritage Foundation , about a 1,500 bills based upon ALEC ’ s “ model legislation ” are introduced to state legislative bodies annually and about 20 percent become law .
We are therefore looking about 7,500 laws that were incubated in ALEC secret gatherings .
And according to a Brookings Institute investigation , about 90 percent of these bills are introduced in state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report , “ ALEC ’ s Influence Over Lawmaking in State Legislatures ” : Therefore it is no surprise to find ALEC ’ s fingerprints all over the aggressive push to roll out 5G technology across the nation .
One of the more frequent fears of the 5G rollout is that small cell antenna systems will be installed throughout cities and towns in heavily populated areas .
Instead of soaring cell towers removed from these areas , millions of microwave antennas will adorn power poles , streetlights and roof tops .
Although these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councils and the public have no say in the matter .
Private industry has been given carte blanche control over collocating these devices at its perusal .
In the words of an ALEC member at CTIA , a national trade group representing the 5G corporate giants , “ it sounds super sexy and we hope that it is.
” For the rest of us , there will be no means to avoid these cells ’ microwave pulses day or night .
Yet it was ALEC back in early 2016 who drafted legislation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of zoning laws .
Last year Comcast became the latest large corporation to drop its ALEC membership after the SEC demanded the company reveal its lobbying figures and following shareholder complaints about the company ’ s excessive secret lobbying activities , including opposition to state internet neutrality laws .
In fact , there has been a large exodus of mega-companies leaving the ALEC family .
Since 2011 , when the Center for Media and Democracy initiated its campaign to pressure corporations to leave ALEC , Comcast is the 116th firm to have done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Microsoft , Merck , Wells Fargo , Pepsi , and Coca Cola , Shell , BP , Exxon , Amgen , Visa , Sprint and T-Mobile .
Telecom giants AT & T , Cox Communications and Verizon quit ALEC after a human rights campaign was launched against the Council for David Horowitz ’ s racist keynote hate speech against women , Blacks and Muslims at ALEC ’ s annual convention in New Orleans .
Horowitz is a right-wing ideologue and the CEO of the David Horowitz Freedom Center that has been identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ driving force of the anti-Muslim , anti-immigrant and anti-Black movements.
” Trump ’ s White Supremacist adviser Stephen Miller , who has been accused of advising Trump to separate immigrant children from their families , is a Horowitz “ protege.
” Nevertheless , some of the most powerful telecommunication trade associations have retained membership : CTIA ( The Wireless Association ) , Charter Communications , the National Cable and Telecommunications Association ( NCTA ) , and the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association .
The departure of the large telecom companies listed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a reflection of corporate conscience .
They are still well represented in ALEC by the industry associations .
AT & T , Cellpoint , Sprint , T-Mobile and Verizon are all members of CTIA and the NCTA , two of the largest associations promoting the Internet of Things that are publicly lobbying for ALEC telecommunication “ model legislation.
” And they continue to send lobbyists representing their commercial and policy interests to ALEC meetings through other channels .
The Wireless Infrastructure Association ( WIA ) , in collaboration with ALEC , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already adopted by several states including California , Florida , Georgia , Nevada , North Carolina , Tennessee , New Jersey and Michigan .
In Hawaii , WIA has managed to amend state land use regulations to permit wireless facility installation on agricultural lands in complete denial of EMF ’ s adverse impact on the environment , insect , and animal life .
In Nevada , installation will proceed regardless of a municipality ’ s consideration of RF ’ s health impacts .
In Florida local jurisdictions are limited to make demands for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ installations that may pose undisclosed risks .
In short , ALEC is busily clearing the field for rapid 5G installation by removing state and local regulatory barriers that may create bottlenecks for deployment .
Despite ALEC ’ s woes and setbacks , the arrival of Trump in the White House has made up for its loss of corporate membership .
No other administration since the Council ’ s founding has been so packed with ALEC representatives , estimated at half of his cabinet appointees .
ALEC ’ s 45th year celebration was held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DC , a mile from the White House .
ALEC ’ s CEO Lisa Nelson expressed her elation that the administration “ does have the potential to be an ALEC administration .
It is full of the people and ideas we ’ ve advanced since 1973 .
Now is our time .
And ALEC is ready.
” It was through ALEC channels that Brett Kavanaugh reached the Supreme Court bench .
Trump ’ s former EPA head Scott Pruitt was earlier the chair of an ALEC task force .
And Mike Pence was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indiana ’ s governor and continues to be so as Vice President .
Nikki Haley , Rick Perry , Betsy DeVos , agriculture secretary Sonny Purdue , Ben Carson , Kellyanne Conway , Labor Secretary Alex Acosta and the head of Health and Human Services Alex Azar are all ALEC alumni or insiders .
Trump ’ s Chairman of the FCC which is responsible for federal funding the 5G roll out , Ajit Pai is a former Verizon attorney and a long time ALEC associate .
Back in 2013 , Pai spoke before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force to commend state efforts to roll back regulations in order to permit the Internet Protocol ( IP ) Transition — Washington ’ s term for the internet technological revolution — to unfold freely without obstacles from state and city governments .
A wolf in sheep ’ s wool , Pai is a committed free market globalist who favors solutions coming from market competition in the absence of government regulations .
Therefore it came as no surprise that Pai appointed ALEC ’ s director of the Telecommunication ’ s Task Force , Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Broadband Development Advisory Council last April .
Reporting for TechDirt , Karl Bode noted that ALEC has already helped “ the broadband industry pass blatantly protectionist bills in more than 21 states that hamstrung or simply banned towns or cities from building their own networks , even in areas when private industry refuses to.
” Despite ALEC ’ s libertarian rhetoric of favoring net neutrality , Hausenschild has lobbied heavily in opposition to net neutrality protections , which is ALEC ’ s real goal .
FCC Commissioner Brendan Barr has traveled the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation ” for 5G .
Before Indiana ’ s Senate , Barr promised that “ 5G will create jobs , improve education and promote safety .
But to upgrade our networks , we must upgrade our regulations.
” The Trump definition for “ upgrade ” means to trash altogether .
In its “ Resolution Opposing State and Local Mandates Requiring Warning Labels on Wireless Devices and Packaging , ” ALEC acknowledges the FCC ’ s safety limits for public exposure to EMF radiating devices ( 1.6 watts per kilogram body weight ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the weight of scientific research , ” it still “ opposes all state and local legislation and regulations that would require either health-related warning labeling , including but not limited to specific absorption rate levels , on wireless devices and packaging , or mandate disclosure of any health-related information about wireless devices at the point-of-sale.
” As with its denial of anthropogenic climate change — a direct indictment against many of its most prominent corporate members in the fossil fuel industry — ALEC only cites cherry-picked scientific conclusions , largely outdated and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negate any evidence of EMF ’ s adverse effects to human health and the environment .
For ALEC , the 10,000-plus scientifically reviewed studies confirming EMF ’ s relationship with cancer , Alzheimer ’ s , endocrinal dysfunction , etc .
don ’ t exist .
Other “ model ” policies ALEC is peddling to state bureaucrats to advance the 5G roll out , which it has succeeded to implement in many states , include : • Demands that states provide certainty for 5G deployment to proceed unimpeded by local and public jurisdiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free access to “ public rights-of-ways ” to assure full small cell antennae rollout • Limit or prohibit local municipalities from charging private telecom companies fees as a source of revenue .
ALEC argues municipality fees reduce corporate ’ funds “ to further build out their networks , reaching unserved and underserved areas.
” • Foster fast-tracking of 5G deployment to reduce time to conduct thorough reviews of the benefits and risks to local communities .
• Prohibit “ regulations or procedures for RF [ radio frequency ] strength or the adequacy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wireless installment and operation .
• ALEC ’ s core principles are small government and free markets for private interests .
Cities and towns providing municipal publicly funded broadband services therefore compete with the private sector , drain the industry ’ s revenues and should be forbidden .
Therefore ALEC ’ s “ Municipal Telecommunications Private Industry Safeguard Act ” creates obstacles for local governments to create public broadband access .
• ALEC ’ s “ Wireless Communications Tower Siting Act ” allows existing public structures — buildings , utility powers , water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the telecom industry for installing small cell devices rather than rely upon the need to build new structures .
• ALEC ’ s “ Telecommunications Deregulation Policy Statement ” would create barriers for states to pass laws that would regulate the cost and quality of service provided by private telecom companies .
The statement also proposes to greatly reduce states ’ and municipalities ’ abilities to tax 5G providers .
• Telecommunications and internet providers “ should not be held civilly or criminally liable for content they either host or transmit.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held responsible for monitoring illegal content nor “ be compelled to provide any private client information data without due process.
” ALEC ’ s 5G platform represents just one body of bills that reveal its mission to shape the nation into the image of a corporation .
The same is true for other areas where the Council pushes aside the public ’ s demands for a democratic voice in favor of private industrial interests .
Despite , the large telecommunication companies leaving ALEC , it remains their best ally in state legislatures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the White House and the administration ’ s downsizing of the federal government and shredding regulatory protections , ALEC ’ s dream of running the government is becoming true .
Gary Null is an internationally recognized thought leader and activist who holds a Ph.D. in human nutrition and public health science .
Learn more about Gary on his radio network , the Progressive Radio Network , as well as his website .
Disclaimer : This article is not intended to provide medical advice , diagnosis or treatment .
Views expressed here do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its staff .
“ © [ 01/14/20 ] GreenMedInfo LLC .
This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfo LLC .
Want to learn more from GreenMedInfo ?
Sign up for the newsletter here //www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter.
” Like Waking Times on Facebook .
Follow Waking Times on Twitter .

Like It or Not, ALEC is Determined You Will Have 5G
Gary Null, PhD, GreenMedInfo
Waking Times
For the average American, bills that are introduced into state legislatures, especially those with bipartisan support, generally become the law of the state. But how often does the average citizen of any state review the bills in different committees or the laws passed and signed by the governors that have a direct impact upon their lives? We would imagine very few. What does it mean when a bill in California, for example, that mandates a change in an existing environmental law that protects citizens and in turn permits and protects corporations to pollute the environment, water and air with impunity? Then that same bill shows up in other states across the nation. How does that happen? One past example are bills to ban GMO labeling that were virtually the same in California, Oregon, Colorado and elsewhere. The same is true for hydro-fracking and pipeline installations, roll backs on environmental protections, public funds for charter schools, increasing the private prison system, gun rights, keeping drug costs high, etc. These are only a few examples of thousands of laws that are in place because one trade organization that represents many of the world’s largest corporations and industries has fully captured the policy narrative in many of our state legislatures.
Today, many of us in the environmental movement consider the greatest danger to human health and the environment is going to be the full roll out of 5G technology. This is article exposes one of the largest organizations in American that is paving the way to make 5G a reality: the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
The name ALEC should be a household word synonymous with corporate interests over the welfare of the public. The organization was created out of a gathering of radicalized conservative activists in Chicago in 1973. Having dreamt for a Barry Goldwater savior, conservatives got Nixon instead. The group was founded by Paul Weyrich, who had just founded the Heritage Foundation, and Lou Barnett who helped Ronald Reagan’s 1968 failed campaign for the presidency. Nevertheless, Reagan’s legacy continues to impact the organization. Its structure of “task forces” to bring elected politicians together with the leaders of private industry to draft policies for a large variety of issues — including medicine, telecommunications, regulatory policy, education, civil and criminal justice, commerce, homeland security, taxation law and energy and agriculture — has been modeled after Reagan’s national Task Force on Federalism.
Greenpeace’s Connor Gibson has described ALEC as “a one stop shopping outlet for large companies seeking state legislators to move their agenda through statehouses coast-to-coast.” And it is a “pay-to-play service” for corporations. After a whistleblower inside ALEC provided all of ALEC’s “model” bills drafted in private meetings between legislators and corporate lobbyists to the Center for Media and Democracy, we now know how and why ALEC has been so covertly successful for these past two decades.
Although the name ALEC and the Koch Brothers are frequently sounded in the same breath, Koch Industries did not join the Council until 1993. Since then, the Koch’s virtually hijacked the organization in addition to becoming its largest and most important funder. In tough times, the Kochs have been the first bail out the Council. Over the years, the Koch’s and their network of companies, foundations and organizations, such as Americans for Prosperity and Stand Together, have come to dominate the Council and steer its ideological aims.
Charles Koch’s and ALEC’s underlying philosophy about national and state governance is that the heads of private industry are far more qualified to lead the country than career politicians. Consequently the Council’s legislative infrastructure is based upon leaders of large mega-corporations colluding with elected officials to advise and construct policies, which are termed “model legislation,” before state Senates and Houses. The greater public good represented by the leaders of civil society are completely absent from the conversation. The titans of industry run the show. Benefits to private corporate interests, revenues and stock prices are all that matters. This is ALEC’s definition for economic progress. It is Neoliberal capitalism on steroids.
ALEC claims that its membership is “comprised of nearly one-third of the country’s state legislators and stakeholders from across the policy spectrum.” About 80 percent of these are members of the GOP. There are also about 270 industry and trade associations, conservative foundations and many of the nation’s largest mega-corporations represented. Therefore ALEC events and networks have become a paradise for large corporations to gain direct access to state legislators. PR Watch reveals that “even though many states prohibit corporations and lobbyists from influencing legislators through gifts and favors, ALEC has provided a way for special interests to sidestep these laws.” It has done so skillfully and unhampered for several decades. According to the Capital Research Center, a right-wing think tank that functions as a quasi “fusion center” to gather information on unions, environmental and liberal activist organizations for ALEC and the Heritage Foundation, about a 1,500 bills based upon ALEC’s “model legislation” are introduced to state legislative bodies annually and about 20 percent become law. We are therefore looking about 7,500 laws that were incubated in ALEC secret gatherings. And according to a Brookings Institute investigation, about 90 percent of these bills are introduced in state legislatures by Republicans. According to Brookings report, “ALEC’s Influence Over Lawmaking in State Legislatures”:
“What ALEC does during its closed-door meetings is largely a mystery… Not only are their meetings private, but so too are their legislative successes and failures. Specifically, we do not know where ALEC’s model bills inspired the introduction and passage of new legislation.”
Therefore it is no surprise to find ALEC’s fingerprints all over the aggressive push to roll out 5G technology across the nation.
One of the more frequent fears of the 5G rollout is that small cell antenna systems will be installed throughout cities and towns in heavily populated areas. Instead of soaring cell towers removed from these areas, millions of microwave antennas will adorn power poles, streetlights and roof tops. Although these are publicly owned installations, the city councils and the public have no say in the matter. Private industry has been given carte blanche control over collocating these devices at its perusal. In the words of an ALEC member at CTIA, a national trade group representing the 5G corporate giants, “it sounds super sexy and we hope that it is.” For the rest of us, there will be no means to avoid these cells’ microwave pulses day or night. Yet it was ALEC back in early 2016 who drafted legislation to “streamline” this infrastructure in violation of zoning laws.
Last year Comcast became the latest large corporation to drop its ALEC membership after the SEC demanded the company reveal its lobbying figures and following shareholder complaints about the company’s excessive secret lobbying activities, including opposition to state internet neutrality laws. In fact, there has been a large exodus of mega-companies leaving the ALEC family. Since 2011, when the Center for Media and Democracy initiated its campaign to pressure corporations to leave ALEC, Comcast is the 116th firm to have done so. Others include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Merck, Wells Fargo, Pepsi, and Coca Cola, Shell, BP, Exxon, Amgen, Visa, Sprint and T-Mobile. Telecom giants AT&T, Cox Communications and Verizon quit ALEC after a human rights campaign was launched against the Council for David Horowitz’s racist keynote hate speech against women, Blacks and Muslims at ALEC’s annual convention in New Orleans. Horowitz is a right-wing ideologue and the CEO of the David Horowitz Freedom Center that has been identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a “driving force of the anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant and anti-Black movements.” Trump’s White Supremacist adviser Stephen Miller, who has been accused of advising Trump to separate immigrant children from their families, is a Horowitz “protege.”
Nevertheless, some of the most powerful telecommunication trade associations have retained membership: CTIA (The Wireless Association), Charter Communications, the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA), and the Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association. The departure of the large telecom companies listed above may be more of a ruse than a reflection of corporate conscience. They are still well represented in ALEC by the industry associations. AT&T, Cellpoint, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon are all members of CTIA and the NCTA, two of the largest associations promoting the Internet of Things that are publicly lobbying for ALEC telecommunication “model legislation.” And they continue to send lobbyists representing their commercial and policy interests to ALEC meetings through other channels.
The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), in collaboration with ALEC, has been developing “model” state legislation already adopted by several states including California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Tennessee, New Jersey and Michigan. In Hawaii, WIA has managed to amend state land use regulations to permit wireless facility installation on agricultural lands in complete denial of EMF’s adverse impact on the environment, insect, and animal life. In Nevada, installation will proceed regardless of a municipality’s consideration of RF’s health impacts. In Florida local jurisdictions are limited to make demands for information from the telecom industry’s installations that may pose undisclosed risks. In short, ALEC is busily clearing the field for rapid 5G installation by removing state and local regulatory barriers that may create bottlenecks for deployment.
Despite ALEC’s woes and setbacks, the arrival of Trump in the White House has made up for its loss of corporate membership. No other administration since the Council’s founding has been so packed with ALEC representatives, estimated at half of his cabinet appointees. ALEC’s 45th year celebration was held at Trump’s International Hotel in DC, a mile from the White House. ALEC’s CEO Lisa Nelson expressed her elation that the administration “does have the potential to be an ALEC administration. It is full of the people and ideas we’ve advanced since 1973. Now is our time. And ALEC is ready.” It was through ALEC channels that Brett Kavanaugh reached the Supreme Court bench. Trump’s former EPA head Scott Pruitt was earlier the chair of an ALEC task force. And Mike Pence was a loyal lobbyist for ALEC policies as Indiana’s governor and continues to be so as Vice President. Nikki Haley, Rick Perry, Betsy DeVos, agriculture secretary Sonny Purdue, Ben Carson, Kellyanne Conway, Labor Secretary Alex Acosta and the head of Health and Human Services Alex Azar are all ALEC alumni or insiders.
Trump’s Chairman of the FCC which is responsible for federal funding the 5G roll out, Ajit Pai is a former Verizon attorney and a long time ALEC associate. Back in 2013, Pai spoke before ALEC’s Communications and Technology Task Force to commend state efforts to roll back regulations in order to permit the Internet Protocol (IP) Transition — Washington’s term for the internet technological revolution — to unfold freely without obstacles from state and city governments. A wolf in sheep’s wool, Pai is a committed free market globalist who favors solutions coming from market competition in the absence of government regulations. Therefore it came as no surprise that Pai appointed ALEC’s director of the Telecommunication’s Task Force, Jonathan Hausenschild, to the FCC’s new Broadband Development Advisory Council last April. Reporting for TechDirt, Karl Bode noted that ALEC has already helped “the broadband industry pass blatantly protectionist bills in more than 21 states that hamstrung or simply banned towns or cities from building their own networks, even in areas when private industry refuses to.” Despite ALEC’s libertarian rhetoric of favoring net neutrality, Hausenschild has lobbied heavily in opposition to net neutrality protections, which is ALEC’s real goal.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Barr has traveled the country touting ALEC’s “model legislation” for 5G. Before Indiana’s Senate, Barr promised that “5G will create jobs, improve education and promote safety. But to upgrade our networks, we must upgrade our regulations.” The Trump definition for “upgrade” means to trash altogether.
In its “Resolution Opposing State and Local Mandates Requiring Warning Labels on Wireless Devices and Packaging,” ALEC acknowledges the FCC’s safety limits for public exposure to EMF radiating devices (1.6 watts per kilogram body weight). Despite acknowledging the health risks “based on the weight of scientific research,” it still “opposes all state and local legislation and regulations that would require either health-related warning labeling, including but not limited to specific absorption rate levels, on wireless devices and packaging, or mandate disclosure of any health-related information about wireless devices at the point-of-sale.”
As with its denial of anthropogenic climate change — a direct indictment against many of its most prominent corporate members in the fossil fuel industry — ALEC only cites cherry-picked scientific conclusions, largely outdated and some over a decade old, that negate any evidence of EMF’s adverse effects to human health and the environment. For ALEC, the 10,000-plus scientifically reviewed studies confirming EMF’s relationship with cancer, Alzheimer’s, endocrinal dysfunction, etc. don’t exist.
Other “model” policies ALEC is peddling to state bureaucrats to advance the 5G roll out, which it has succeeded to implement in many states, include:
Demands that states provide certainty for 5G deployment to proceed unimpeded by local and public jurisdiction.
for 5G deployment to proceed unimpeded by local and public jurisdiction. Permit the telecommunications industry with free access to “public rights-of-ways” to assure full small cell antennae rollout
to “public rights-of-ways” to assure full small cell antennae rollout Limit or prohibit local municipalities from charging private telecom companies fees as a source of revenue. ALEC argues municipality fees reduce corporate’ funds “to further build out their networks, reaching unserved and underserved areas.”
municipality fees reduce corporate’ funds “to further build out their networks, reaching unserved and underserved areas.” Foster fast-tracking of 5G deployment to reduce time to conduct thorough reviews of the benefits and risks to local communities.
Prohibit “regulations or procedures for RF [radio frequency] strength or the adequacy of service quality” as a pre-requisite for wireless installment and operation.
“regulations or procedures for RF [radio frequency] strength or the adequacy of service quality” as a pre-requisite for wireless installment and operation. ALEC’s core principles are small government and free markets for private interests. Cities and towns providing municipal publicly funded broadband services therefore compete with the private sector, drain the industry’s revenues and should be forbidden. Therefore ALEC’s “Municipal Telecommunications Private Industry Safeguard Act” creates obstacles for local governments to create public broadband access.
for local governments to create public broadband access. ALEC’s “Wireless Communications Tower Siting Act” allows existing public structures — buildings, utility powers, water towers — to be freely available to the telecom industry for installing small cell devices rather than rely upon the need to build new structures.
allows existing public structures — buildings, utility powers, water towers — to be freely available to the telecom industry for installing small cell devices rather than rely upon the need to build new structures. ALEC’s “Telecommunications Deregulation Policy Statement” would create barriers for states to pass laws that would regulate the cost and quality of service provided by private telecom companies. The statement also proposes to greatly reduce states’ and municipalities’ abilities to tax 5G providers.
for states to pass laws that would regulate the cost and quality of service provided by private telecom companies. The statement also proposes to greatly reduce states’ and municipalities’ abilities to tax 5G providers. Telecommunications and internet providers “should not be held civilly or criminally liable for content they either host or transmit.” In addition, the companies cannot be held responsible for monitoring illegal content nor “be compelled to provide any private client information data without due process.”
ALEC’s 5G platform represents just one body of bills that reveal its mission to shape the nation into the image of a corporation. The same is true for other areas where the Council pushes aside the public’s demands for a democratic voice in favor of private industrial interests. Despite, the large telecommunication companies leaving ALEC, it remains their best ally in state legislatures. And clearly after three years of Trump in the White House and the administration’s downsizing of the federal government and shredding regulatory protections, ALEC’s dream of running the government is becoming true.
About the Author
Gary Null is an internationally recognized thought leader and activist who holds a Ph.D. in human nutrition and public health science. Learn more about Gary on his radio network, the Progressive Radio Network, as well as his website.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff.
“© [01/14/20] GreenMedInfo LLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfo LLC. Want to learn more from GreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here //www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter.”


wakingtimes--2020-01-17--Year Ahead 2020: A Consensus Reality Meltdown

The year ahead into 2020 will continue a process that has already begun and which we are seeing unfolding around us across the globe .
Many of us are asking – is reality broken ?
It almost seems so .
Reality – whatever that is or was – has been gradually retreating behind a spectacle of make-believe .
One result of this is that signs and signals that once stood as our guideposts are losing their meaning and becoming indistinguishable from false realities .
As sociologist Jean Baudrillard so aptly put it – The attraction of the void is irresistible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I suggest , marks a meltdown of our consensus reality , which will further increase as we move through the year ahead .
As the structure of our current reality further breaks down , our markers of differences and contradictions will further blur , making them seem smooth rather than jagged .
It will no longer be the jagged pill we are forced to swallow , but the smooth pill we are willing to pop .
The result of all this is what I would name as hyperreality .
As we move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chimera of hyperreality is going to expand .
That is , we are heading further down the rabbit hole of a Consensus Reality Meltdown – a CRM .
The original notion of hyperreality ( a term borrowed from semiotics and postmodern theory ) is an inability of consciousness to distinguish reality from a simulation of reality , especially in technologically advanced societies .
What this means is that rather than being faced with the threat of struggling with our shadows , we will be increasing faced with the threat of our clones – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such times where once guiding reality structures begin to break down , manipulative forces become stronger , more pervasive .
Such external forces become more involved with our subjective experience of the world .
They try to bend our subjective experience to fit a new reshuffling and presentation of reality .
This is what creates the instabilities , the uncertainties , and the anxiety .
A common response to this emerging ‘ unreal ’ world is likely to be an acceptance of it , which then further strengthens its dominance and serves to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to place oneself outside or on the periphery of the system – making one a surveillance target .
To live upon the margins may now become the choice of the new conscious objectors .
To put it simply , the furthering of hyperreality can be described as the normalization of delusion .
When mass society adheres to a collective delusion , we come to call it normal – the ‘ new reality.
’ And if a person strays too far from this consensus thinking then we often label them as delusional , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of human perception is the new battleground .
In 2020 we are likely to see an increased interest/intervention into ‘ consciousness states ’ through such institutions as state social management , propaganda , entertainment/consumerism , the military , etc .
In the Consensus Reality Meltdown , all the players are vying for controlling interests .
What we have come to regard as ‘ reality ’ will officially become intangible and fluid , leading to the rise of adverse ideologies such as revised fascist and revamped extreme left-right politics .
We are increasingly losing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this is likely to lead to further anxiety as people try to cling to invested beliefs .
My sense is that throughout 2020 many of us will experience discomfort in one form or another .
We have been conditioned to place our trust externally upon a range of institutions ; these may range from religious , work/career , social , educational , etc .
And if these institutions fail us then we naturally feel vulnerable , or even betrayed .
And yet the truth of the matter is that we betrayed ourselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust .
If we live a life relying upon external systems , then we must be prepared to feel distraught should those external systems break-down .
In such times of great transition , such as now , these social-cultural institutions are themselves very fragile .
The dilemma here is that our systems are extending but not transcending themselves .
The only remedy to this is a form of individual transcendence – an act of personal gnosis – that can see through the façade of the illusions .
In these hyperreal times of consensus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find a new balance and arrangement between things .
A personal fluidity and openness to events will be more necessary in order to take a step back from the dissonance .
We shall be compelled to transform external forms of instability into personal forms of inner-stability .
In the end , we can only truly rely on our own good sense and intuition .
As Václev Havel stated in one of his addresses , ‘ Transcendence is the only real alternative to extinction.
’ Kingsley L. Dennis is the author of Bardo Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ automation , mutation – a hoax ?
, The Phoenix Generation : A New Era of Connection , Compassion , and Consciousness , and The Sacred Revival : Magic , Mind & Meaning in a Technological Age , available at Amazon .
Visit him on the web at http : //www.kingsleydennis.com/ .
Like Waking Times on Facebook .
Follow Waking Times on Twitter .

Year Ahead 2020: A Consensus Reality Meltdown
Kingsley L. Dennis, Contributor
Waking Times
The year ahead into 2020 will continue a process that has already begun and which we are seeing unfolding around us across the globe. Many of us are asking – is reality broken? It almost seems so.
Reality – whatever that is or was – has been gradually retreating behind a spectacle of make-believe. One result of this is that signs and signals that once stood as our guideposts are losing their meaning and becoming indistinguishable from false realities. As sociologist Jean Baudrillard so aptly put it – The attraction of the void is irresistible. This increasing void that attracts us, I suggest, marks a meltdown of our consensus reality, which will further increase as we move through the year ahead.
As the structure of our current reality further breaks down, our markers of differences and contradictions will further blur, making them seem smooth rather than jagged. It will no longer be the jagged pill we are forced to swallow, but the smooth pill we are willing to pop. The result of all this is what I would name as hyperreality. As we move through 2020 my sense is that this chimera of hyperreality is going to expand. That is, we are heading further down the rabbit hole of a Consensus Reality Meltdown – a CRM.
The original notion of hyperreality (a term borrowed from semiotics and postmodern theory) is an inability of consciousness to distinguish reality from a simulation of reality, especially in technologically advanced societies. What this means is that rather than being faced with the threat of struggling with our shadows, we will be increasing faced with the threat of our clones – that is, our replacements.
In such times where once guiding reality structures begin to break down, manipulative forces become stronger, more pervasive. Such external forces become more involved with our subjective experience of the world. They try to bend our subjective experience to fit a new reshuffling and presentation of reality. This is what creates the instabilities, the uncertainties, and the anxiety. A common response to this emerging ‘unreal’ world is likely to be an acceptance of it, which then further strengthens its dominance and serves to ‘normalize’ it. The alternative is to place oneself outside or on the periphery of the system – making one a surveillance target. To live upon the margins may now become the choice of the new conscious objectors.
To put it simply, the furthering of hyperreality can be described as the normalization of delusion. When mass society adheres to a collective delusion, we come to call it normal – the ‘new reality.’ And if a person strays too far from this consensus thinking then we often label them as delusional, or unstable. The control and manipulation of human perception is the new battleground. In 2020 we are likely to see an increased interest/intervention into ‘consciousness states’ through such institutions as state social management, propaganda, entertainment/consumerism, the military, etc.
In the Consensus Reality Meltdown, all the players are vying for controlling interests. What we have come to regard as ‘reality’ will officially become intangible and fluid, leading to the rise of adverse ideologies such as revised fascist and revamped extreme left-right politics. We are increasingly losing our bearings, our fixed moorings, and this is likely to lead to further anxiety as people try to cling to invested beliefs. My sense is that throughout 2020 many of us will experience discomfort in one form or another.
We have been conditioned to place our trust externally upon a range of institutions; these may range from religious, work/career, social, educational, etc. And if these institutions fail us then we naturally feel vulnerable, or even betrayed. And yet the truth of the matter is that we betrayed ourselves in the first place by outsourcing our trust. If we live a life relying upon external systems, then we must be prepared to feel distraught should those external systems break-down. In such times of great transition, such as now, these social-cultural institutions are themselves very fragile. The dilemma here is that our systems are extending but not transcending themselves. The only remedy to this is a form of individual transcendence – an act of personal gnosis – that can see through the façade of the illusions.
In these hyperreal times of consensus reality meltdown, we will need to find a new balance and arrangement between things. A personal fluidity and openness to events will be more necessary in order to take a step back from the dissonance. We shall be compelled to transform external forms of instability into personal forms of inner-stability. In the end, we can only truly rely on our own good sense and intuition. As Václev Havel stated in one of his addresses, ‘Transcendence is the only real alternative to extinction.’
About the Author
Kingsley L. Dennis is the author of Bardo Times: hyperreality, high-velocity, simulation, automation, mutation – a hoax?, The Phoenix Generation: A New Era of Connection, Compassion, and Consciousness, and The Sacred Revival: Magic, Mind & Meaning in a Technological Age, available at Amazon. Visit him on the web at http://www.kingsleydennis.com/.


wakingtimes--2020-01-17--Science Validates Collective Intention

Science Validates Collective Intention

Can thought , intention , and emotion influence the physical world ?
Many people believe that they can , but scientific models for testing and quantifying this idea often fall short .
Classical physics has been very successful at understanding the physical nature of the universe , yet this world-view assumes that reality is limited to matter .
This leaves classical physics ill-equipped to measure or quantify non-physical phenomena .
This has led to a movement towards post-material science .
If you experience intuition and other non-physical phenomena , you will be excited to learn that science is beginning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspired to explore the quantum ways that you are connected with the entire universe .
Spiritual practices like meditation , qigong , and yoga were considered forms of science long before Newton inspired classical physics .
Quantum Physics flirts with realms of mystery that were traditionally reserved for mystics .
There is no need to be on the sidelines as an observer because there are a few very interesting research projects happening in the interstices between science and spirituality , which we will explore below .
Today we have an unprecedented opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physics , consciousness , and group meditation .
Classical Newtonian Physics is primarily focused on the material world , yet consciousness studies are one of the cutting edges of scientific research .
This calls for a new paradigm that allows mind , consciousness , and non-material phenomena to be accepted into the equation of reality while finding adequate means to study and quantify them .
A leading group of well-respected scientists have come together and presented a Manifesto for Post-Materialistic Science as a solution to the limitations of classical physics .
As with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not without controversy and is upsetting to some members of the scientific status quo .
How Science Arrived at the Doorstep of Spirituality The first echoes of the need for a new paradigm that addresses the non-physical realty came from Einstein in the early 1930s .
In his research , he observed something so bizarre that he could barely believe what he was seeing .
He called it “ spooky action at a distance ” , which later became two of the main concepts studied in the quantum information sciences , known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when two particles are so deeply linked ( by a quantum field ) that one particle can instantaneously ( meaning faster than the speed of light ! )
influence the other even at great distances non-locally .
This implies that the physical distance between the particles is irrelevant , thus a quantum leap in our idea of what is possible .
Though this phenomenon is not fully understood , it is accepted in quantum mechanics .
Maybe you have experienced a moment where you randomly thought of a loved one that you hadn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , then the phone rings and you pick it up to hear their voice ?
These sorts of ‘ synchronicities ’ happen often for many people , yet may be hard to prove exactly why or how they happen .
Quantum physics is at the very beginning of exploring this phenomenon that has often been called coincidence…until now .
Bill Tiller , Fellow to the American Academy for the Advancement of Science and Chairman Emeritus of Stanford University ’ s Department of Materials Science , spent thirty-four years in academia after nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Westinghouse Research Laboratories .
He has published over two-hundred and fifty conventional scientific papers , three books , and several patents .
As a renowned scientist , he is also a strong advocate for meditation , non-physical science , and spirituality .
He has coined the term Psychoenergetic Science to describe his work that combines consciousness and science .
Tiller is convinced that intention can influence physical substances and he has developed a crystalline-based silicon technology that can capture and store an intention directed by a group of meditators .
This energetic intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded or broadcast to achieve a designated effect in people .
Early research with this technology in his lab at Stanford , as well as labs in London and Berlin , indicates the ability of directed human intention to increase or lower the pH of water by one point , the growing of larvae at a 30 % increased rate , and the killing of bacteria at a 30 % increased rate .
This implies some sort of non-physical , non-local connection between intention and these physical substances .
As with any new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successes and failures .
Scientists are vulnerable to the weaknesses that we all experience .
Denial of facts , confirmation bias , resistance to new ideas , etc .
are issues that scientists from the old and the emerging paradigm will need to address .
Vigorous research can be expensive and funding can be hard to find for theories that are unconventional .
So yes , there will be skeptics and there will also be new discoveries that topple long-held beliefs about humans , the universe , and what is possible .
Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own observations of entanglement , we are all liable to have our preconceived notions challenged and overturned by this emerging field of non-material science .
Yes , you can !
The best thing about consciousness research on a global scale is that it requires participation from lots of people .
Since we face unprecedented challenges with climate instability , wars , and economic disparity , there has never been a more potent time on the planet for humans to collectively access higher realms of potential .
We are ready for a quantum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Currently , leading minds in science , spirituality , and technology are learning to collaborate in ways that are certain to make some waves .
The Merraki Institute has partnered with Bill Tiller and is conducting vigorous scientific research in another participatory global experiment .
Merraki is a Greek word meaning , “ Doing something with soul , creativity , or love ” and it is refreshing to see this ethic being central to a scientific research project .
If you are interested in participating in Tiller ’ s exciting new technology that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an energy transmission of intention , you can learn more or get involved here .
We all exist within a larger field of energy , a quantum field .
Perhaps love , intention , and emotion are entwined within this mysterious field ?
We have the ability to access various internal states of consciousness through meditation and mindfulness , we can alter our social relationships , and potentially we can shift things on a global scale .
This process begins within , is deepened with personal practice , and is celebrated in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ancient practices .
We may finally start to see scientific validation for the unseen realms that many of us intuitively feel .
Hopefully we will also begin to experience quantum shifts in the world around us as we deepen our understanding .
We are not alone , and the boundaries where we begin or end as physical , emotional , and electrical beings is constantly being redefined by science .
Unity consciousness may be a scientific law waiting to be discovered… The combination of physics , consciousness , and group meditation is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science , but the potential for discovery is endless !
Jacob Devany is founder and director of Culture Collective , creative activist , musician , and producer .
This article ( The Power of Intention in the Physical World ) was originally posted at Uplift Connect , and is reposted here with permission .

Science Validates Collective Intention
Jacob Devaney, Guest
Waking Times
Can thought, intention, and emotion influence the physical world? Many people believe that they can, but scientific models for testing and quantifying this idea often fall short. Classical physics has been very successful at understanding the physical nature of the universe, yet this world-view assumes that reality is limited to matter. This leaves classical physics ill-equipped to measure or quantify non-physical phenomena. This has led to a movement towards post-material science. If you experience intuition and other non-physical phenomena, you will be excited to learn that science is beginning to validate this realm. You will be inspired to explore the quantum ways that you are connected with the entire universe.
Spiritual practices like meditation, qigong, and yoga were considered forms of science long before Newton inspired classical physics. Quantum Physics flirts with realms of mystery that were traditionally reserved for mystics. There is no need to be on the sidelines as an observer because there are a few very interesting research projects happening in the interstices between science and spirituality, which we will explore below. Today we have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in this historic process that integrates physics, consciousness, and group meditation.
Why Post Material Science?
Classical Newtonian Physics is primarily focused on the material world, yet consciousness studies are one of the cutting edges of scientific research. This calls for a new paradigm that allows mind, consciousness, and non-material phenomena to be accepted into the equation of reality while finding adequate means to study and quantify them. A leading group of well-respected scientists have come together and presented a Manifesto for Post-Materialistic Science as a solution to the limitations of classical physics. As with any new field of inquiry, it is not without controversy and is upsetting to some members of the scientific status quo.
Major advances in science — revolutions, even — follow the collapse of outworn paradigms, whose overthrow is forced by the accumulation of empirical evidence that violates the paradigm. –Dave Pruett,Former NASA researcher; Emeritus Professor of Mathematics, James Madison University
How Science Arrived at the Doorstep of Spirituality
The first echoes of the need for a new paradigm that addresses the non-physical realty came from Einstein in the early 1930s. In his research, he observed something so bizarre that he could barely believe what he was seeing. He called it “spooky action at a distance”, which later became two of the main concepts studied in the quantum information sciences, known as entanglement and non-locality. Entanglement occurs when two particles are so deeply linked (by a quantum field) that one particle can instantaneously (meaning faster than the speed of light!) influence the other even at great distances non-locally. This implies that the physical distance between the particles is irrelevant, thus a quantum leap in our idea of what is possible.
The shift from materialistic science to post-materialistic science may be of vital importance to the evolution of human civilization. It may be even more pivotal than the transition from geocentrism to heliocentrism. – A Manifesto for Post-Materialistic Science
Though this phenomenon is not fully understood, it is accepted in quantum mechanics. Maybe you have experienced a moment where you randomly thought of a loved one that you hadn’t thought about in a long time, then the phone rings and you pick it up to hear their voice? These sorts of ‘synchronicities’ happen often for many people, yet may be hard to prove exactly why or how they happen. Quantum physics is at the very beginning of exploring this phenomenon that has often been called coincidence…until now.
Without the spiritual world the material world is a disheartening enigma. – Joseph Joubert
Research Science Meets Meditation, Human Intention, and Consciousness
Bill Tiller, Fellow to the American Academy for the Advancement of Science and Chairman Emeritus of Stanford University’s Department of Materials Science, spent thirty-four years in academia after nine years as an advisory physicist with the Westinghouse Research Laboratories. He has published over two-hundred and fifty conventional scientific papers, three books, and several patents. As a renowned scientist, he is also a strong advocate for meditation, non-physical science, and spirituality. He has coined the term Psychoenergetic Science to describe his work that combines consciousness and science.
For the last four hundred years, an unstated assumption of science is that human intention cannot affect what we call ‘physical reality.’ Our experimental research of the past decade shows that, for today’s world and under the right conditions, this assumption is no longer correct. We humans are much more than we think we are and Psychoenergetic Science continues to expand the proof of it. – Dr. Bill Tiller
Tiller is convinced that intention can influence physical substances and he has developed a crystalline-based silicon technology that can capture and store an intention directed by a group of meditators. This energetic intention resonates at a frequency that can be recorded or broadcast to achieve a designated effect in people. Early research with this technology in his lab at Stanford, as well as labs in London and Berlin, indicates the ability of directed human intention to increase or lower the pH of water by one point, the growing of larvae at a 30% increased rate, and the killing of bacteria at a 30% increased rate. This implies some sort of non-physical, non-local connection between intention and these physical substances.
Addressing Skepticism
As with any new field of study, there will be successes and failures. Scientists are vulnerable to the weaknesses that we all experience. Denial of facts, confirmation bias, resistance to new ideas, etc. are issues that scientists from the old and the emerging paradigm will need to address. Vigorous research can be expensive and funding can be hard to find for theories that are unconventional. So yes, there will be skeptics and there will also be new discoveries that topple long-held beliefs about humans, the universe, and what is possible. Just as Einstein was baffled and skeptical of his own observations of entanglement, we are all liable to have our preconceived notions challenged and overturned by this emerging field of non-material science.
Can I Get Involved?
Yes, you can! The best thing about consciousness research on a global scale is that it requires participation from lots of people. Since we face unprecedented challenges with climate instability, wars, and economic disparity, there has never been a more potent time on the planet for humans to collectively access higher realms of potential. We are ready for a quantum shift and we really need one.
Globally Synchronized for a Quantum Leap
Currently, leading minds in science, spirituality, and technology are learning to collaborate in ways that are certain to make some waves. The Merraki Institute has partnered with Bill Tiller and is conducting vigorous scientific research in another participatory global experiment. Merraki is a Greek word meaning, “Doing something with soul, creativity, or love” and it is refreshing to see this ethic being central to a scientific research project. If you are interested in participating in Tiller’s exciting new technology that uses crystalline-based silicon to store and emit an energy transmission of intention, you can learn more or get involved here.
What about Love?
We all exist within a larger field of energy, a quantum field. Perhaps love, intention, and emotion are entwined within this mysterious field? We have the ability to access various internal states of consciousness through meditation and mindfulness, we can alter our social relationships, and potentially we can shift things on a global scale. This process begins within, is deepened with personal practice, and is celebrated in the larger community that is engaging in these ancient practices.
We may finally start to see scientific validation for the unseen realms that many of us intuitively feel. Hopefully we will also begin to experience quantum shifts in the world around us as we deepen our understanding. We are not alone, and the boundaries where we begin or end as physical, emotional, and electrical beings is constantly being redefined by science. Unity consciousness may be a scientific law waiting to be discovered…
The combination of physics, consciousness, and group meditation is still in the early stages of exploration by science, but the potential for discovery is endless!
About the Author
Jacob Devany is founder and director of Culture Collective, creative activist, musician, and producer.
This article (The Power of Intention in the Physical World) was originally posted at Uplift Connect, and is reposted here with permission.


wakingtimes--2020-01-18--Bees Absolutely Love Cannabis and It Could Help Restore Their Populations

Bees are major fans of hemp and a recent study has found that the taller the hemp plants are the larger the number of bees that will flock to it .
The new research , spearheaded by researchers at Cornell University and published last month in Environmental Entomology , shows that humans aren ’ t the only fans of weed .
The findings also reinforce a study published last year at Colorado State University that discovered the same thing .
The study shows how bees are highly attracted to cannabis due to the plant ’ s plentiful stores of pollen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for scientists to figure out new ways to support their struggling population as well as floral populations .
According to the study , the greater the area covered by the hemp plant the greater the chance that bees will swarm to the area .
Additionally , those hemp plants that are taller have a much greater likelihood of attracting bees with the tallest plants attracting a stunning 17 times more bees than the shortest plants .
The study also found that as time went on greater amounts of bees visited the hemp plots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sounds almost like the word-of-mouth effect among humans who hear about great deals at a dispensary , no ?
The researchers also discovered that hemp , a major cash crop with multiple applications , can support no less than 16 different varieties of bees in the northeastern United States .
The findings may seem strange considering that cannabis doesn ’ t produce the sweet , sugary nectar that your typical floral varieties produce to attract insects .
Nor does hemp flower come in the dazzling array of bright colors that likewise attract bugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ male flowers is highly attractive to the 16 bee subspecies in the study for reasons that remain unknown .
Female flowers—the kind that humans like to smoke for its intoxicating and soothing effects—are basically ignored by bees since they don ’ t produce any acutal flowers .
What makes the findings so compelling is the crucial impact it could have on suffering bee populations across the United States .
Bee are perhaps one of the most important managed pollinators in U.S. agriculture .
Spreading the male sex cells of flowers to their female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly crucial to plant reproduction .
According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization , pollinators are worth anywhere from $ 235 and $ 577 billion worldwide owing to their pivotal role in the production of global crops .
In the U.S. alone this means that bees are responsible for $ 20 billion of domestic crop production .
Without bees we can kiss almonds , blueberries , watermelon , and other crops goodbye .
The authors of the study made clear that the combination of bees plus hemp won ’ t mean that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it into their diets nor will the bees start producing honey enriched with tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) —as nice as that sounds .
Likewise , the presence of cannabinoids like THC in hemp pollen is “ not likely to have an impact on bee development due to the loss of cannabinoid receptors in insects.
” So while we often like to focus on the recreational or medicinal use of marijuana—in its edible , smokeable , and vape-able forms—this new research shows that the plant can in fact help nature and agriculture in amazingly @ @ @

Bees Absolutely Love Cannabis and It Could Help Restore Their Populations
Elias Marat, The Mind Unleashed
Waking Times
Bees are major fans of hemp and a recent study has found that the taller the hemp plants are the larger the number of bees that will flock to it.
The new research, spearheaded by researchers at Cornell University and published last month in Environmental Entomology, shows that humans aren’t the only fans of weed. The findings also reinforce a study published last year at Colorado State University that discovered the same thing.
The study shows how bees are highly attracted to cannabis due to the plant’s plentiful stores of pollen, and it could pave the way for scientists to figure out new ways to support their struggling population as well as floral populations.
According to the study, the greater the area covered by the hemp plant the greater the chance that bees will swarm to the area. Additionally, those hemp plants that are taller have a much greater likelihood of attracting bees with the tallest plants attracting a stunning 17 times more bees than the shortest plants.
The study also found that as time went on greater amounts of bees visited the hemp plots on a more frequent basis. It sounds almost like the word-of-mouth effect among humans who hear about great deals at a dispensary, no?
The researchers also discovered that hemp, a major cash crop with multiple applications, can support no less than 16 different varieties of bees in the northeastern United States.
The findings may seem strange considering that cannabis doesn’t produce the sweet, sugary nectar that your typical floral varieties produce to attract insects. Nor does hemp flower come in the dazzling array of bright colors that likewise attract bugs. However, the pollen produced by male flowers is highly attractive to the 16 bee subspecies in the study for reasons that remain unknown.
Female flowers—the kind that humans like to smoke for its intoxicating and soothing effects—are basically ignored by bees since they don’t produce any acutal flowers.
The study’s author’s wrote:
“The rapid expansion of hemp production in the United States… may have significant implications for agroecosystem-wide pollination dynamics. As a late-season crop flowering during a period of seasonal floral dearth, hemp may have a particularly strong potential to enhance pollinator populations and subsequent pollination services for crops in the following year by filling gaps in late-season resource scarcity.”
What makes the findings so compelling is the crucial impact it could have on suffering bee populations across the United States.
Bee are perhaps one of the most important managed pollinators in U.S. agriculture. Spreading the male sex cells of flowers to their female counterparts in a natural process that is highly crucial to plant reproduction.
According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, pollinators are worth anywhere from $235 and $577 billion worldwide owing to their pivotal role in the production of global crops. In the U.S. alone this means that bees are responsible for $20 billion of domestic crop production. Without bees we can kiss almonds, blueberries, watermelon, and other crops goodbye.
The authors of the study made clear that the combination of bees plus hemp won’t mean that folks should worry about cannabinoid-rich pollen sneaking it into their diets nor will the bees start producing honey enriched with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—as nice as that sounds.
Likewise, the presence of cannabinoids like THC in hemp pollen is “not likely to have an impact on bee development due to the loss of cannabinoid receptors in insects.”
So while we often like to focus on the recreational or medicinal use of marijuana—in its edible, smokeable, and vape-able forms—this new research shows that the plant can in fact help nature and agriculture in amazingly important ways.
By Elias Marat | Creative Commons | TheMindUnleashed.com


wakingtimes--2020-01-18--Australia Firefighters Save the Only Wild Prehistoric Wollemi Pines on Earth

It looks as if firefighters in Australia have succeeded in saving a secret grove of prehistoric trees belonging to a species that dates back to the time of the dinosaurs .
The Wollemi pines once grew widely across Australia from more than 100 to 60 million years ago , The Washington Post reported .
But now less than 200 remain in the wild , in a national park 125 miles northwest of Sydney .
Historic wildfires in Australia this spring and summer have killed at least 28 people and more than a billion animals .
Heavy rainfall in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the the hard-hit states of NSW and Victoria , CNN reported .
But during the worst of the crisis , the NSW government knew it had to protect the ancient trees growing in a ravine in Wollemi National Park , so the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service ( NPWS ) firefighters and the NSW Rural Fire Service worked together to carry out an “ unprecedented environmental protection mission , ” NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean said in a statement Wednesday .
Fire retardant was first dropped over the area from air tankers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the ravine to set up an irrigation system .
Firefighters returned when the flames approached the grove to operate the irrigation system .
Helicopters also dropped water on the edges of the fire to protect the trees , according to The Sydney Morning Herald .
Much of Wollemi National Park was destroyed by the Gospers Mountain fire , and , for four days towards the end of 2019 , officials feared the trees might have been destroyed too .
But when smoke cleared , it became clear that most of the trees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t actually pines , The Washington Post explained .
They are in fact a type of conifer that has bubbly-looking bark and can grow to be 130 feet .
They were thought to be extinct until 1994 , when David Noble , an officer with the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service , discovered an unfamiliar tree species when rappelling in the park , NPR reported .
Noble did not know what he ’ d found , and the samples he brought back stumped biologists and botanists .
It was only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later that the mystery was solved .
Their exact location has been kept a secret since then to protect them from contamination , and the firefighters ’ efforts to save them were kept similarly secret to protect their location .
Kean expressed hope that what Australian firefighters had done for the trees , Australia as a whole could do for the planet .
“ We ’ ll always have bush fires in this country .
There ’ s no doubt about that .
But there ’ s no doubt also that the severity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not like anything we ’ ve ever seen .
And that ’ s due to climate change , ” Kean told NPR .
“ There ’ s a huge opportunity for us to lead the way in terms of tackling climate change and help the rest of the world decarbonize .
There ’ s no better country on the planet better placed to do that than Australia .
”

Australia Firefighters Save the Only Wild Prehistoric Wollemi Pines on Earth
Olivia Rosane, EcoWatch
Waking Times
It looks as if firefighters in Australia have succeeded in saving a secret grove of prehistoric trees belonging to a species that dates back to the time of the dinosaurs.
The Wollemi pines once grew widely across Australia from more than 100 to 60 million years ago, The Washington Post reported. But now less than 200 remain in the wild, in a national park 125 miles northwest of Sydney.
“It’s something like the Opera House of the natural world,” Richard Kingsford, director of the Center for Ecosystem Science at the University of New South Wales (NSW), told The Sydney Morning Herald. “Losing it would have added to the catastrophe we have seen elsewhere.”
The Wollemi Pines outlasted the dinosaurs and thanks to the mammoth efforts of NPWS they look like they will survive these bushfires https://t.co/LKOHLeOOkk — Matt Kean MP (@Matt_KeanMP) January 15, 2020
Historic wildfires in Australia this spring and summer have killed at least 28 people and more than a billion animals. Heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours has brought some relief to the the hard-hit states of NSW and Victoria, CNN reported.
But during the worst of the crisis, the NSW government knew it had to protect the ancient trees growing in a ravine in Wollemi National Park, so the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) firefighters and the NSW Rural Fire Service worked together to carry out an “unprecedented environmental protection mission,” NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean said in a statement Wednesday.
“Wollemi National Park is the only place in the world where these trees are found in the wild and, with less than 200 left, we knew we needed to do everything we could to save them,” he said.
Fire retardant was first dropped over the area from air tankers, and firefighters were lowered from helicopters into the ravine to set up an irrigation system.
Firefighters returned when the flames approached the grove to operate the irrigation system. Helicopters also dropped water on the edges of the fire to protect the trees, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Much of Wollemi National Park was destroyed by the Gospers Mountain fire, and, for four days towards the end of 2019, officials feared the trees might have been destroyed too.
“We just waited with bated breath,” Kean told The Sydney Morning Herald.
But when smoke cleared, it became clear that most of the trees had survived.
Wollemi pines aren’t actually pines, The Washington Post explained. They are in fact a type of conifer that has bubbly-looking bark and can grow to be 130 feet.
They were thought to be extinct until 1994, when David Noble, an officer with the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, discovered an unfamiliar tree species when rappelling in the park, NPR reported.
Noble did not know what he’d found, and the samples he brought back stumped biologists and botanists. It was only when he returned with scientists a month later that the mystery was solved.
“When the pines were discovered in 1994, you might as well have found a living dinosaur,” Kean told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Their exact location has been kept a secret since then to protect them from contamination, and the firefighters’ efforts to save them were kept similarly secret to protect their location.
Kean expressed hope that what Australian firefighters had done for the trees, Australia as a whole could do for the planet.
“We’ll always have bush fires in this country. There’s no doubt about that. But there’s no doubt also that the severity of this year’s bush fires is not like anything we’ve ever seen. And that’s due to climate change,” Kean told NPR. “There’s a huge opportunity for us to lead the way in terms of tackling climate change and help the rest of the world decarbonize. There’s no better country on the planet better placed to do that than Australia.”
About the Author
Olivia is a freelance reporter for EcoWatch.