themindunleashed--2020-10-16--Creepy-cute albino “sea cyclops” shark found by stunned fishermen

Indonesian fishermen were shocked when they stumbled across an extremely rare baby shark with only one eye .
It may resemble a creature from fantasy films , but this creepy-cute sea cyclops is actually the real deal .
Fishermen found the one-eyed creature as they were assessing what they caught in their fishing nets off the shore of Maluku province in Indonesia last Saturday , reports The Sun .
As the fishermen cut open the belly of a dead adult shark caught in the nets , they were shocked to find the tiny , strange white baby shark inside its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharks .
The poor baby shark had a prominent large eye in the center of its forehead along with an ivory-white body and fully-formed fins .
The larger shark was likely pregnant and carrying the cyclops fetus in its womb before meeting its fate in the fishing nets .
Fisherman Andy , 29 , was shocked by the unexpected discovery of the one-eyed albino fetus .
“ We found three babies inside its stomach , but one of them looked strange with only one eye , ” he said .
“ Its color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The fishermen quickly reported the unusual catch to the local marine office before handing over the rare baby shark ’ s body to authorities .
The strange specimen had a clear case of albinism , which results from when a creature can only produce low amounts of melanin , leading to the pale pigmentation of their body .
The shark also had a condition known as cyclopia , which is when the front portion of an animal ’ s brain fails to divide the orbits of the eye into two cavities , resulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rare developmental anomaly has affected human fetuses , as was the case in 1982 when a baby girl was born in Israel seven weeks prematurely and had no nose and only one eye in the center of her face .
The infant lived only 30 minutes after birth , and also had severe abnormalities affecting her brain .
The rare congenital disorder occurs within the broader spectrum of cranial and facial defects holoprosencephaly , which can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth in more severe cases .
The unique appearance of the unborn shark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat Mike Wazowski from the Disney film , Monsters Inc .
This isn ’ t the first time that a one-eyed shark has been discovered in the open seas .
In 2011 , a similar one-eyed albino fetus was recovered from the womb of a pregnant bull hark off the Gulf of California .
The “ cyclops shark ” was also sliced from the belly of a pregnant mama shark by a commercial fisherman , and was preserved by scientists and became the subject of research .
Scientists observed that the deformed creature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ functional optical tissue , but that the poor creature probably wouldn ’ t have survived outside of the womb .
“ This is extremely rare , ” said shark expert Felipe Galvan Magana of Mexico ’ s Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias del Mar .
“ As far as I know , less than 50 examples of an abnormality like this have been recorded .
”

Indonesian fishermen were shocked when they stumbled across an extremely rare baby shark with only one eye.
It may resemble a creature from fantasy films, but this creepy-cute sea cyclops is actually the real deal.
Fishermen found the one-eyed creature as they were assessing what they caught in their fishing nets off the shore of Maluku province in Indonesia last Saturday, reports The Sun.
As the fishermen cut open the belly of a dead adult shark caught in the nets, they were shocked to find the tiny, strange white baby shark inside its guts along with two other unborn baby sharks.
The poor baby shark had a prominent large eye in the center of its forehead along with an ivory-white body and fully-formed fins.
The larger shark was likely pregnant and carrying the cyclops fetus in its womb before meeting its fate in the fishing nets.
Fisherman Andy, 29, was shocked by the unexpected discovery of the one-eyed albino fetus.
“We found three babies inside its stomach, but one of them looked strange with only one eye,” he said. “Its color was strange too, like milk.”
The fishermen quickly reported the unusual catch to the local marine office before handing over the rare baby shark’s body to authorities.
The strange specimen had a clear case of albinism, which results from when a creature can only produce low amounts of melanin, leading to the pale pigmentation of their body.
The shark also had a condition known as cyclopia, which is when the front portion of an animal’s brain fails to divide the orbits of the eye into two cavities, resulting in just one single eye.
The rare developmental anomaly has affected human fetuses, as was the case in 1982 when a baby girl was born in Israel seven weeks prematurely and had no nose and only one eye in the center of her face. The infant lived only 30 minutes after birth, and also had severe abnormalities affecting her brain.
The rare congenital disorder occurs within the broader spectrum of cranial and facial defects holoprosencephaly, which can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth in more severe cases.
The unique appearance of the unborn shark has been compared to the recognizable cyclops-style beat Mike Wazowski from the Disney film, Monsters Inc.
This isn’t the first time that a one-eyed shark has been discovered in the open seas. In 2011, a similar one-eyed albino fetus was recovered from the womb of a pregnant bull hark off the Gulf of California.
The “cyclops shark” was also sliced from the belly of a pregnant mama shark by a commercial fisherman, and was preserved by scientists and became the subject of research.
Scientists observed that the deformed creature’s single eye was made of functional optical tissue, but that the poor creature probably wouldn’t have survived outside of the womb.
“This is extremely rare,” said shark expert Felipe Galvan Magana of Mexico’s Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias del Mar. “As far as I know, less than 50 examples of an abnormality like this have been recorded.”
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themindunleashed--2020-10-16--Person Seen Flying Jetpack Near LAX For Second Time In Two Months

For the second time in two months , a person was spotted flying a jet pack near the Los Angeles airport .
In the most recent sighting , a China Airlines crew flying from Taipei reported seeing someone in a jet pack just before 2 p.m , according to the FAA .
The following transcript from LAX air traffic control shows the pilot ’ s reaction .
“ Flying object – was it a UAV or was it a jet pack ?
” “ 215 heavy there was a jetpack reported about 13 miles ahead.
” The person in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so the claims are being taken very seriously , especially since they have been similar sightings in recent months .
The crew that spotted the jetpack estimated that it was flying over the Century City area at about 6,000 feet .
In late August , two different pilots reported spotting a person flying in a jetpack roughly 3,000 feet above Los Angeles , near the Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday evening .
The person was not found after the reports were made .
“ Tower , American 1997 , we just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” an American Airlines pilot said to air traffic control , according to recordings by LiveATC.net .
“ American 1997… Okay… .
Were they off to your left side or right side ?
” the controller asked .
Soon after , another pilot called in with a similar sighting .
“ We just saw the guy passing by us in the jetpack , ” a SkyWest pilot told controllers .
According to the FAA , reports of unidentified aircraft sightings have increased drastically over the past two years , with over 100 reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in sightings is most likely due to drones , but occasionally something strange like this happens .
According to ABC News , there are some human jetpacks on the market that can reach up to 12,000 feet and can cost about a half-million dollars .
Retired Marine Col. Steve Ganyard said that flying a jetpack in busy airspace like LAX could be potentially dangerous .
“ The size , weight of a person in a jet pack impacting an airplane at the exact wrong spot could potentially bring that airliner down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ important for when these technologies come along — drones , jetpacks , taxis in the sky — that people need to fly them in a responsible way and not put the flying public in danger , ” Ganyard said .
The FBI is reportedly investigating the sightings , but they haven ’ t announced any leads or suspects .
“ The FBI is in contact with the FAA and is investigating multiple reports of what , according to witnesses , appeared to be an individual in a jetpack near LAX , including one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” FBI Los Angeles Field Office spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said Wednesday , according to CNN .

For the second time in two months, a person was spotted flying a jet pack near the Los Angeles airport. In the most recent sighting, a China Airlines crew flying from Taipei reported seeing someone in a jet pack just before 2 p.m, according to the FAA.
The following transcript from LAX air traffic control shows the pilot’s reaction.
“Flying object – was it a UAV or was it a jet pack?”
“215 heavy there was a jetpack reported about 13 miles ahead.”
The person in the jetpack was noticed by numerous crew members, so the claims are being taken very seriously, especially since they have been similar sightings in recent months. The crew that spotted the jetpack estimated that it was flying over the Century City area at about 6,000 feet.
In late August, two different pilots reported spotting a person flying in a jetpack roughly 3,000 feet above Los Angeles, near the Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday evening. The person was not found after the reports were made.
“Tower, American 1997, we just passed a guy in a jetpack,” an American Airlines pilot said to air traffic control, according to recordings by LiveATC.net.
“American 1997… Okay…. Were they off to your left side or right side?” the controller asked.
Soon after, another pilot called in with a similar sighting.
“We just saw the guy passing by us in the jetpack,” a SkyWest pilot told controllers.
According to the FAA, reports of unidentified aircraft sightings have increased drastically over the past two years, with over 100 reports of unidentified crafts each month. This increase in sightings is most likely due to drones, but occasionally something strange like this happens.
According to ABC News, there are some human jetpacks on the market that can reach up to 12,000 feet and can cost about a half-million dollars.
Retired Marine Col. Steve Ganyard said that flying a jetpack in busy airspace like LAX could be potentially dangerous.
“The size, weight of a person in a jet pack impacting an airplane at the exact wrong spot could potentially bring that airliner down. This is why it’s so important for when these technologies come along — drones, jetpacks, taxis in the sky — that people need to fly them in a responsible way and not put the flying public in danger,” Ganyard said.
The FBI is reportedly investigating the sightings, but they haven’t announced any leads or suspects.
“The FBI is in contact with the FAA and is investigating multiple reports of what, according to witnesses, appeared to be an individual in a jetpack near LAX, including one today reported by a China Airlines crew,” FBI Los Angeles Field Office spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said Wednesday, according to CNN.
Pilots report seeing someone in a jetpack while landing at LAX HIGH-FLYING MYSTERY: The FBI is on the case after a bizarre close encounter in the sky over Los Angeles, with pilots approaching LAX reporting seeing someone flying in a jet-pack about 3,000 feet off the ground. Gio Benitez has details. https://abcn.ws/34XK36y Posted by ABC World News Tonight with David Muir on Tuesday, September 1, 2020
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themindunleashed--2020-10-16--Someone Called The Cops On A “Homeless Jesus” Statue 20 Minutes After It was Installed

A sculpture of a “ homeless Jesus ” laying on a park bench was recently installed on the grounds of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Bay Village , Ohio , to make a profound point about how homeless people are treated in our world .
Within 20 minutes of the sculpture being installed , a local resident proved the point of the artist by calling the police .
This art installation is a traveling exhibit , and according to the St. Barnabas church , similar incidents have happened at other churches where the sculpture was installed .
“ Yes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statue ’ s arrival , the police were dispatched to investigate a report of a man sleeping on a park bench .
This is apparently a common issue with various Homeless Jesus installations around the US and Canada .
The caller surely contacted the police out of genuine concern and the responding officer was excellent : he was extremely professional and eager to learn more about the sculpture and its intended message .
We have nothing but gratitude and respect for the Bay Village Police Department , ” the church said on it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz , but was later purchased by the Community West Foundation and has been traveling to churches and other religious organizations since October of 2018 .
It is scheduled to stay at St. Barnabas in Ohio until Dec. 1 .
In an email to Cleveland Scene , St. Barnabas Pastor Alex Martin , said , “ [ The sculpture ] reminds us that , even though homelessness is a not a significant problem in our immediate neighborhood , we don ’ t have to drive far to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statue will inspire those who see it to take action and help… Seeing Jesus depicted this way reminds us that Jesus identified with the outcast and marginalized in his own day .
He spent much of his time with tax collectors and prostitutes , largely to the chagrin of polite society.
” Bay Village police chief Kathy Leasure said that they were called to check if the “ person ” on the bench was having a medical issue .
“ If this was a person laying on a bench , the officer would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any sort of medical distress .
If the person was , the officer would have been able to radio for an ambulance to respond and start rendering first aid .
Additionally , if this were a homeless person , the officer would have checked to make sure the person was okay and to see if they needed anything .
There are hotels in nearby cities that will give homeless individuals a free night stay .
The officer could have helped to facilitate this .
If the person did not want or need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permitted to stay where they were , ” Leasure said .
As of 2016 , over 100 copies of Homeless Jesus were on display worldwide .
The first sculpture outside of North America was installed on the grounds of Christ Church Cathedral , Dublin .
The most prominent location is in Rome outside of the Papal Office of Charities .

A sculpture of a “homeless Jesus” laying on a park bench was recently installed on the grounds of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Bay Village, Ohio, to make a profound point about how homeless people are treated in our world. Within 20 minutes of the sculpture being installed, a local resident proved the point of the artist by calling the police.
This art installation is a traveling exhibit, and according to the St. Barnabas church, similar incidents have happened at other churches where the sculpture was installed.
“Yes, within just a few minutes of the statue’s arrival, the police were dispatched to investigate a report of a man sleeping on a park bench. This is apparently a common issue with various Homeless Jesus installations around the US and Canada. The caller surely contacted the police out of genuine concern and the responding officer was excellent: he was extremely professional and eager to learn more about the sculpture and its intended message. We have nothing but gratitude and respect for the Bay Village Police Department,” the church said on it’s website.
If anyone wants to help, please use this link to give. Select "Homeless Jesus" and every penny raised will be used to feed, clothe, and house those in need. Hopefully some good will come from all this. Thank you. https://t.co/Llhzw4n9oQ — Alex Martin (@ADMartin86) October 14, 2020
The exhibit was created by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz, but was later purchased by the Community West Foundation and has been traveling to churches and other religious organizations since October of 2018. It is scheduled to stay at St. Barnabas in Ohio until Dec. 1.
In an email to Cleveland Scene, St. Barnabas Pastor Alex Martin, said, “[The sculpture] reminds us that, even though homelessness is a not a significant problem in our immediate neighborhood, we don’t have to drive far to find those in tremendous need. Perhaps the statue will inspire those who see it to take action and help… Seeing Jesus depicted this way reminds us that Jesus identified with the outcast and marginalized in his own day. He spent much of his time with tax collectors and prostitutes, largely to the chagrin of polite society.”
Bay Village police chief Kathy Leasure said that they were called to check if the “person” on the bench was having a medical issue.
“If this was a person laying on a bench, the officer would have made sure the person was not in any sort of medical distress. If the person was, the officer would have been able to radio for an ambulance to respond and start rendering first aid. Additionally, if this were a homeless person, the officer would have checked to make sure the person was okay and to see if they needed anything. There are hotels in nearby cities that will give homeless individuals a free night stay. The officer could have helped to facilitate this. If the person did not want or need anything, the person would have been permitted to stay where they were,” Leasure said.
As of 2016, over 100 copies of Homeless Jesus were on display worldwide. The first sculpture outside of North America was installed on the grounds of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. The most prominent location is in Rome outside of the Papal Office of Charities.
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themindunleashed--2020-10-17--Smoothie Robot In Walmart Signals Continued Rise Of Automated Fast Food Workers

( Opinion Editorial by Phillip J. Watt ) Long story short ; French citizens have revolted for the fourth week in a row calling for changes in governmental and corporate design .
Even though UN Military and thousands of French police have been deployed in response , the police have actually been filmed removing their helmets in solidarity with the French people .
In this light , all police , military personnel , teachers , doctors , social workers , academics , journalists , bureaucrats , politicians and other people who work within the system ( as well as everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what this increasingly global movement is actually about and stand with the people who are attempting to facilitate genuine change in our troubled world .
Moving on , the mainstream media have generally limited their reporting on the demands of the ‘ Gilets Jaunes ’ ( Yellow Vests ) to a rejection of a fuel tax , raising the minimum wage and the removal of the Prime Minister , Emmanuel Macron .
And of course there ’ s been a disproportionate focus on looting and other ‘ uncivil ’ behaviour .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprehensive story than the mainstream platforms , which comes as no surprise .
After all , ‘ fake news ’ isn ’ t just false reporting , it ’ s also the dishonest dissemination of information such as lying by omission .
To make it clear , the protests are now also about pro-nationalism and anti-globalism , as well as ‘ Frexit ’ ( the French exit from the European Union ) .
They also reject the propaganda of the mainstream media , debt owed to the EU , austerity in general and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it didn ’ t start off that way .
The Yellow Vest Movement ( YVM ) did arise from a rejection of the fuel tax , but after Macron more or less offended the entire nation by calling them ‘ thugs ’ it was the straw that broke the camel ’ s back for the French .
This saw the wave grow into tens if not hundreds of thousands of dissenters , which is now being referred to as the ‘ French revolution 2.0 ’ .
We should not just admire , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history of activism and their current application of it .
To be fair though , there ’ s the good , the bad and the ugly with the YVM .
They want real change for the good , which is the good .
The bad is that they haven ’ t yet identified the key priorities required for real systemic change .
The ugly is the looting – which violates the Non-Aggression Principle ( NAP ) – and other counter-productive behaviour .
Moreover , during the past month the YVM has spread to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Netherlands , Germany , Sweden , Italy , Poland and Serbia .
It ’ s also beginning to spread to the US , Canada , Australia and New Zealand , and even the Middle East .
As it continues to grow across the world , as is argued below it needs to be done with a clear , universal focus to actualise real , systemic change .
The Demands of the YVM Larger lists have emerged which may not necessarily represent all of the French revolutionists , but there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them not just as a whole , but different demographics too ( including the homeless and the police ) .
It ’ s actually very civil .
And that ’ s definitely a requirement in their rebellion ; if you don ’ t have an agreed message that is reasonable in the context of your cultural standards then no amount of street activism will have the desired effect .
The Spread of the YVM Many people around the world feel in similar ways too , hence the expansion of the YVM .
Moreover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ conspiratorial subculture ’ who believes there ’ s really big flaws with the design of our governments ( including how they ’ ve allowed private stakeholders to monopolise banks and industry at the public ’ s expense ) ; it spreads right throughout the masses too .
For example , the older generations have been aware of the corruption and lies for decades .
The younger generations are ‘ woking ’ themselves , even if it ’ s generally coupled with a narrow or misguided focus .
And then of course there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of deeply inspired and passionate people of all ages who have peered beyond the veil of officialdom and therefore see the world through a larger lens .
Yet , there isn ’ t a coherent agreement among the people .
Sure , huge proportions of the population reject the way things work in different ways , but the problems and therefore solutions are different according to each person you talk with .
We CAN capture the general vibe though ; populist dissent is against the political and corporate elite .
As stated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have inflicted untold suffering on us , such as by : • turning the money supply into a debt-based model which has enslaved the world ’ s people to a system which funnels much of the resources directly to them ; • hijacking the banking infrastructure so that most of the profits made by what should be a public utility are not reinvested into local communities , but instead are further enriching themselves ; • monopolizing medicine so that natural and cheap substances are either vilified or suppressed , which are then replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as synthetics in general , that can be patented and sold at prices which further deprive the people of not just their wealth , but their health too ; • infiltrating governmental affairs so that macro policy decisions are determined by either the puppets they situate , or the corporate lobbyists who write the policy and package it with ‘ legal ’ donations ; and • using their corporate-controlled media to shape the mindset of the masses with false and harmful narratives on life .
In other words we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let that sink in properly for a moment .
Therefore , as I ’ ve written several times before , if we want real change within our social system we need to focus on the 4M ’ s , which are Money ( banking and finance ) , Medicine ( prescriptive and preventative practice , including food ) , Management ( education and government policy ) and Media ( informed choice and authentic public discourse ) .
I ’ ll elaborate on this a little later .
Let ’ s see if we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the core values we should align with .
I ’ ll make this short and sharp .
The six key values are : Again , this needs to be simple and straightforward : • Informed choice ( meaning the requirement of an honest media and government ) ; • Sovereignty ( meaning all humans should have supreme authority over themselves ) ; • The Golden Rule ( meaning do no harm unless in self-defence ) ; and • Decentralisation ( meaning all services from government and otherwise should be locally organised ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and principles , the 4M ’ s require the following : • Money : profits that arise from punching numbers into a computer ( such as money creation from mortgages and credit cards ) needs to enrich and service the public , not private stakeholders ; • Medicine : no natural or synthetic medicines are to be suppressed , outlawed or difficult to access and mainstream food and water supplies should primarily be toxin-free and inexpensive ; • Management : electoral reform is required to remove private money from politics , to bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision-making and to dismantle the two party system so independent community representatives are embedded into the political structure .
In addition , any laws which contradict the sovereignty principle need to be eliminated ; and • Media : all media monopolies are dismantled so that a plurality of opinions and authentic investigative journalism is accessible to all citizens .
If real change is to occur , we ALL need to demand these changes no matter where we live .
For those who don ’ t understand the money and banking issue , please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owned and operated central bank used to look like in Australia at the start of the Twentieth Century .
And remember : there really are some fundamental problems AND solutions that the entire world – as a real community – could put up for civil , but assertive Analysis , Agreement and Action ( the 3A ’ s for creating societal change ) .
That will be our key challenge as we move into a future where regardless of our perceived and real differences , we still honour our role as a human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas of concern that have arisen within the truth and freedom network .
The following won ’ t be an exhaustive list , but it will generally cover the bases in the next tier for change : • Resolve severe socioeconomic emergencies , such as homelessness and entrenched poverty .
• The immediate cessation of privatising public utilities and re-nationalisation of public infrastructure and strategic assets , like hospitals , motorways , airports , rail , farms , ports , water and power .
• Abolition of all taxes and replace with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Tobin Tax ’ ) so that all individuals and corporations contribute fairly .
In this system , all electronic transactions ( including cash withdrawals ) are hit with a flat fee , ensuring that all tax loopholes are closed .
With the amount of money that moves around each year ( especially through speculative currency exchange transactions ) the calculations indicate that with a flat fee of just a few per cent , tax revenue would double or even triple current levels .
Yes , it really is that much ( due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and by the private banking cartels ) .
• Break up the ‘ too-big-to-fail ’ banks and re-separate regular banking from investment banking ( with a view to creating and encouraging the public use of public banks ) .
• Thorough independent investigations into government and corporate corruption , human trafficking , pedophilia networks and other tragedies of our world .
• As alluded to , the legal system needs to be revolutionised so that it is fully aligned to individual and community sovereignty , as well as decentralisation principles .
• Dismantling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the corporate media , big tech , pharmaceuticals , agriculture , petro-chemicals , energy and others .
• Full scale independent but government supported research and analysis into psychotropic and other natural medicines , alternative energy systems and other suppressed technologies and resources .
• Widespread adoption of localised and regionalised permaculture systems to resolve environmental concerns , create healthy food systems and increase community sovereignty .
• Education for children and adults should include a plurality of opinions , paradigm questioning , large focus on life and health skills and encouragement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monopolised media has proven themselves to be a mouthpiece of propaganda by the powers-that-will-no-longer-be .
There ’ s been little investigative reporting , even if some journalists are trying to get a more fair message through .
The sad part however is that many of these so-called journalists actually believe the dirty deception that they spray out of their germ-filled mouths .
But back to the story .
I want to make this super clear : the above is simply a series of suggestions to invoke further exploration and discussion .
I really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regardless of my own biases and shortcomings .
Now the recap .
The first step we need to take is to acknowledge that a huge proportion of the population want real , systemic change .
That is a collective discussion we NEED to have , but is NOT an ongoing dialogue in the mainstream media ( more or less anywhere in the Western World ) .
That has to be a serious concern to any reasonable person .
The next step is identifying the core issues and their potential solutions ( which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Then a full spectrum application of the 3A ’ s should continually occur and be reported on and facilitated by all information sources , including the mainstream platforms .
So , is the YVM doing this ?
Unfortunately , not yet .
But I ’ m hoping this article will encourage more individuals and groups to do so .
The ironic aspect is that so many of us are screaming for real change , but when we do it without focusing on the core design flaws , then our voices might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if we all focused on the bigger picture – the macro policy design – then it wouldn ’ t just become a household song , it would result with a collective upgrade via a linguistic revolution and result with a more just and honourable social system for our future generations .
And one more thing : always remember the greatest rebellion against a sick system is to take great care of your physical , psychological , emotional , philosophical and spiritual health and then radiate it to the rest of reality .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ author and presenter who lives on the Mid North Coast of NSW Australia .
His first book , ‘ The Simulation ‘ , is a daring exposé of the human experience in the 21st Century .
His written and film work has reached into the millions of people and deals with topics from ideology to society , as well as self-development .
Follow him on Facebook , listen to his ‘ Mad Magic ’ Podcast on SoundCloud or Itunes , watch his video interviews at his YouTube Channel and visit his websites Pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to book a hypnotherapy session .

A robot that makes smoothies was showcased at a Walmart in California signaling the rise of automated workers.
The Mind Unleashed has previously reported on how automated robots were beginning to take over various different jobs, including flipping burgers with Miso Robotics’ Flippy. Now, Walmart has partially got involved in the trend. A new start-up company called, “Blendid” showcased its product at the Fremont Walmart in California this week opening a kiosk, Yahoo News reported.
The stall is open seven days a week and is pitched as a way for customers to place contactless orders for a smoothie. Customers place their orders for a 12-ounce delicious drink and then an autonomous robot whips it up. What’s more, the drink is made in just 3 minutes or less from the time it’s placed.
Digital Trends recently questioned the CEO Vipin Jain about how the robot works. Jain explained that customers use an app scanning a simple QR code at the kiosk or via the Blendid app to order. If that doesn’t impress you, how about artificial intelligence that remembers your taste preferences?
“Consumers use their cell phone to order by scanning a QR code at the kiosk or via the Blendid app,” Vipin Jain, Blendid’s CEO and co-founder, told Digital Trends. “They browse our menu of smoothies made from whole fruits, and vegetables. Once they select a drink, they customize it to their personal taste and health preferences, by modifying the amount of each ingredient as desired. Then they place their order, and Blendid robot gets to work preparing their drink. Once the drink is ready, they receive a text with instructions for a contactless drink pickup. The robot serves the drink to them when they confirm the pickup.”
While a robot taking over a job like making a smoothie might seem small, the fact Walmart has an automated kiosk in one of its California stores is a larger signal of the automation trend to come.
In fact, it was previously reported by Fox News in July that, Walmart was looking to remove all cashiers and standard conveyor belt lines from its stores and is testing a pilot in one of its superstores in Fayetteville, Arkansas in the short term.
CNN previously reported that grocers – big and small chains alike – are turning to robots for performing various tasks like cleaning floors, stocking shelves, and delivering groceries to shoppers. The CV crisis could even prompt online retail warehouses like Amazon to invest more into automation technology as well.
Walmart also isn’t the first business to discuss using automation. Last year international fast-food chain McDonald’s reported they would begin employing automated fryer robots throughout their different branches across the world. Former McDonald’s USA CEO Ed Rensi told Fox Business, “It’s cheaper to buy a $35,000 robotic arm than it is to hire an employee who’s inefficient making $15 an hour bagging French fries.” McDonald’s has also introduced touchscreen ordering kiosks to some of its stores.
Restaurant chains that are using automation include McDonalds, KFC, Panera, Wendys, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Arbys according to Business Insider.
Robots aren’t just taking over restaurants, a report by the McKinsey Global Institute indicates there are 800 million careers (or 30 percent of the global job force)—from doctors to accountants, lawyers to journalists—that will be lost to automation by 2030. The report concludes that hundreds of millions of people worldwide will have to find new jobs or learn new skills.
A report by the University of Oxford suggests we will face a robot job apocalypse predicting that 47 percent of U.S. jobs are at risk of being replaced by robots and Artificial Intelligence over the next fifteen to twenty years. However, with the current ongoing pandemic workers might find they are replaced quicker. Especially, any type of work that requires physical contact with a customer.
It shouldn’t be surprising for the reader that’s exactly what a report by A3, Association For Advancing Automation, detailed earlier this year. Stating all the ways that artificial intelligence and automation is being used in different industries to combat CV. Oxford Economics also published its own report warning that accelerating technological advances in automation, engineering, energy storage, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have the potential to reshape the world in 2020 through 2030s, displacing at least 20 million workers.
With CV as a catalyst to speed up the deployment of automated machines, we can probably safely say that number will be much more severe. It seems I am not the only one to share that opinion; a recent MarketWatch article written by Johannes Moenius, a professor of global business and the director of the Institute for Spatial Economic Analysis at the University of Redlands, agrees with this author’s conclusion stating “at least 50 million jobs could be automated in just essential industries.”
In fact, the Brookings Institution said in a report last month that “any CV-related recession is likely to bring about a spike in labor-replacing automation … Automation happens in bursts, concentrated especially in bad times such as in the wake of economic shocks, when humans become relatively more expensive as firms’ revenues rapidly decline.”
You can watch a video of Blendid in action below.
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themindunleashed--2020-10-17--Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist Says Space-Time ‘Bruises’ Are Evidence of Ancient, Pre-Big Bang Univer

Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist Says Space-Time ‘Bruises’ Are Evidence of Ancient, Pre-Big Bang Universe

One of the most respected physicists in the world recently stunned the science community by claiming there is evidence our universe formed in the aftermath of a far more ancient universe .
Pointing to ‘ bruises ’ of Hawking radiation , which he believes are the final relics of a bygone era of reality , Sir Roger Penrose says the Big Bang was not the true beginning of this universe .
Penrose , who just won the Nobel Prize for his work proving the existence of black holes , says there are anomalous blotches , or bruises , of electromagnetic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He calls them ‘ Hawking Points ’ and says they are likely the final relics of energy regurgitated from black holes dating all the way back to the previous universe .
These views align with a theoretical model of the universe called “ conformal cyclic cosmology , ” which submits that the universe is continually expanding , contracting , and reforming itself .
In this theory , the distant future of one universe becomes the Big Bang-like singularity of the next universe .
However , according to Penrose , the slate is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an extremely long time to completely evaporate and , according to Penrose , their final output of Hawking radiation can linger on into the next universe and show up as the blotches that have been documented .
In an interview with The Telegraph , Penrose stated a summary of his theory : “ I claim that there is observation of Hawking radiation .
The Big Bang was not the beginning .
There was something before the Big Bang and that something is what we will have in our future .
We have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all mass decays away , and in this crazy theory of mine , that remote future becomes the Big Bang of another aeon.
” “ So our Big Bang began , ” he continues , “ with something which was the remote future of a previous aeon and there would have been similar black holes evaporating away , via Hawking evaporation , and they would produce these points in the sky , that I call Hawking Points .
“ We are seeing them .
These points are about eight times the diameter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions .
There is pretty good evidence for at least six of these points.
” Despite his success over the years , Penrose has many critics .
One of them , Ethan Siegel , vigorously critiques the entire theory of “ conformal cyclic cosmology ” and specifically disputes Penrose ’ s contention that there are bruises of Hawking radiation on our universe .
“ Like many before him , [ Penrose ] appears to have fallen so in love with his own ideas that he no longer looks to reality to responsibly test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to the criticism by reminding people that most scientists didn ’ t believe in black holes at first , either .
They were considered mathematical curiosities that didn ’ t exist in reality .
So , could Penrose be right ?
Is our universe just the most current iteration of an infinite cosmological cycle ?
Can we see the dying glow of a former universe ’ s final black hole radiation ?

One of the most respected physicists in the world recently stunned the science community by claiming there is evidence our universe formed in the aftermath of a far more ancient universe. Pointing to ‘bruises’ of Hawking radiation, which he believes are the final relics of a bygone era of reality, Sir Roger Penrose says the Big Bang was not the true beginning of this universe.
Penrose, who just won the Nobel Prize for his work proving the existence of black holes, says there are anomalous blotches, or bruises, of electromagnetic radiation on the fabric of space-time. He calls them ‘Hawking Points’ and says they are likely the final relics of energy regurgitated from black holes dating all the way back to the previous universe.
These views align with a theoretical model of the universe called “conformal cyclic cosmology,” which submits that the universe is continually expanding, contracting, and reforming itself. In this theory, the distant future of one universe becomes the Big Bang-like singularity of the next universe.
However, according to Penrose, the slate is not totally wiped clean. Black holes take an extremely long time to completely evaporate and, according to Penrose, their final output of Hawking radiation can linger on into the next universe and show up as the blotches that have been documented.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Penrose stated a summary of his theory:
“I claim that there is observation of Hawking radiation. The Big Bang was not the beginning. There was something before the Big Bang and that something is what we will have in our future. We have a universe that expands and expands, and all mass decays away, and in this crazy theory of mine, that remote future becomes the Big Bang of another aeon.”
“So our Big Bang began,” he continues, “with something which was the remote future of a previous aeon and there would have been similar black holes evaporating away, via Hawking evaporation, and they would produce these points in the sky, that I call Hawking Points.
“We are seeing them. These points are about eight times the diameter of the Moon and are slightly warmed up regions. There is pretty good evidence for at least six of these points.”
Despite his success over the years, Penrose has many critics. One of them, Ethan Siegel, vigorously critiques the entire theory of “conformal cyclic cosmology” and specifically disputes Penrose’s contention that there are bruises of Hawking radiation on our universe.
“Like many before him, [Penrose] appears to have fallen so in love with his own ideas that he no longer looks to reality to responsibly test them,” Siegel writes.
Penrose responded to the criticism by reminding people that most scientists didn’t believe in black holes at first, either. They were considered mathematical curiosities that didn’t exist in reality.
So, could Penrose be right? Is our universe just the most current iteration of an infinite cosmological cycle? Can we see the dying glow of a former universe’s final black hole radiation?
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themindunleashed--2020-10-16--Mexico taking big steps toward nationwide legalization of cannabis, Senate leader confirms

The Mexican government appears increasingly likely to legalize cannabis on a federal level , potentially making Mexico the biggest legal weed market in the world .
The move would amount to a massive u-turn after decades of prohibitionist policies led to the explosive growth of transnational drug cartels – and local cartel wars – in the Latin American nation , with demand from the U.S. fueling violence and crime .
According to Mexican Senate leader Ricardo Monreal of the ruling MORENA party , a cannabis legalization bill will be presented to the lawmaking body at some point within the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass , ” reports Los Angeles Times .
The bill would enable private companies to sell the plant and its derivative products to the public .
If the Mexican Senate approves the bill , it will move on to the Chamber of Deputies – the lower house of Mexico ’ s bicameral Congress – where it is also believed to be likely to pass .
The move could finally determine the fate of cannabis legalization efforts in Mexico .
Advocates of legalization have long argued that legalizing the plant would allow the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the criminalization of drug users and refocus its security efforts to better address public health .
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador , popularly known by his initials AMLO , has long endorsed the need to radically reform the country ’ s laws to put an end to rampant drug violence in Mexico , where drug cartels still hold sway over the illicit trade of narcotics .
In a policy proposal for AMLO ’ s National Development Plan for 2019-2024 , the government argues that the current “ prohibitionist strategy is unsustainable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on drugs ’ has escalated the public health problem posed by currently banned substances to a public safety crisis.
” The document also notes that an end to prohibition is “ the only real possibility ” in terms of addressing the crisis .
Former President Vicente Fox Quesada of the National Action Party ( PAN ) , which is bitterly opposed to AMLO ’ s MORENA party on nearly every issue , has also been a vocal proponent of legalization efforts .
In a tweet Thursday , Fox further affirmed the need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant ” of cannabis .
The country been on a steady path toward legalization for years , and gained momentum in 2018 after a Supreme Court ruling that the prohibition of cannabis was a constitutional violation of the people ’ s right to the “ free development of personality.
” The court further instructed the legislature to pass a bill permitting the legal use of the plant within a year .
The court granted an extension until Dec. 15 , 2020 , after legislators failed to meet the deadline .
This past August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers would continue working on legalizing the plant after their return from summer break .
Under the bill , adults over 18 will be allowed to cultivate and possess up to 28 grams of cannabis for personal use .
Possession of up to 200 grams would also be decriminalized .
Individuals would be allowed to grow up to 20 plants provided their annual yield isn ’ t in excess of 480 grams .
Medical patients would be able to grow over 20 plants , if necessary .
Public consumption of cannabis would also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marked as “ 100 percent smoke-free.
” Cannabis sales would also be subject to a 12 percent tax , with revenue going toward drug abuse programs .
The new laws and regulations would be enforced and overseen by the Mexican Institute of Regulation and Control of Cannabis .
Advocates have also expressed caution about moving forward while taking into account social equity concerns and safeguards to prevent transnational corporations from monopolizing the massive , burgeoning weed market in the North American country .
Echoing cannabis reform advocates across the world , social movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that passes must prevent the monopolization of the market by big multinationals while simultaneously addressing the “ matter of distributing the benefits of the market among those who have been most affected ” by the long , tragic prohibition of m******** .
Activists in Mexico City have been growing , harvesting , and consuming cannabis in “ The Garden of Maria ” since last February .
The garden lies in a small plot of land just adjacent to the Senate building in the capital city .
Police have not bothered to shut the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for legalization who hope to finally close the chapter of the failed years-long war on drugs in Mexico .

The Mexican government appears increasingly likely to legalize cannabis on a federal level, potentially making Mexico the biggest legal weed market in the world.
The move would amount to a massive u-turn after decades of prohibitionist policies led to the explosive growth of transnational drug cartels – and local cartel wars – in the Latin American nation, with demand from the U.S. fueling violence and crime.
According to Mexican Senate leader Ricardo Monreal of the ruling MORENA party, a cannabis legalization bill will be presented to the lawmaking body at some point within the next two weeks and is “likely to pass,” reports Los Angeles Times. The bill would enable private companies to sell the plant and its derivative products to the public.
If the Mexican Senate approves the bill, it will move on to the Chamber of Deputies – the lower house of Mexico’s bicameral Congress – where it is also believed to be likely to pass.
The move could finally determine the fate of cannabis legalization efforts in Mexico. Advocates of legalization have long argued that legalizing the plant would allow the country to advance alternative drug policies, halt the criminalization of drug users and refocus its security efforts to better address public health.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, popularly known by his initials AMLO, has long endorsed the need to radically reform the country’s laws to put an end to rampant drug violence in Mexico, where drug cartels still hold sway over the illicit trade of narcotics.
In a policy proposal for AMLO’s National Development Plan for 2019-2024, the government argues that the current “prohibitionist strategy is unsustainable,” adding that “the ‘war on drugs’ has escalated the public health problem posed by currently banned substances to a public safety crisis.” The document also notes that an end to prohibition is “the only real possibility” in terms of addressing the crisis.
Former President Vicente Fox Quesada of the National Action Party (PAN), which is bitterly opposed to AMLO’s MORENA party on nearly every issue, has also been a vocal proponent of legalization efforts. In a tweet Thursday, Fox further affirmed the need to legalize the use of the “wonder plant” of cannabis.
Es tiempo de legalizar la industria de Canabis y legalizar el uso de esa maravillosa planta de la mariguana.
Arrebatar de esta manera los cuantiosos recursos que se lleva el crimen y los criminales
Esta debe ser una industria, en manos de empresas y empresarios.
HOY es el tiempo. — Vicente Fox Quesada (@VicenteFoxQue) October 15, 2020
The country been on a steady path toward legalization for years, and gained momentum in 2018 after a Supreme Court ruling that the prohibition of cannabis was a constitutional violation of the people’s right to the “free development of personality.” The court further instructed the legislature to pass a bill permitting the legal use of the plant within a year. The court granted an extension until Dec. 15, 2020, after legislators failed to meet the deadline.
This past August, the president reminded the public that lawmakers would continue working on legalizing the plant after their return from summer break.
México requiere de #CannabisLegalConJusticiaSocial y el @senadomexicano tiene hasta el 15 de diciembre para legislar. Abrimos hilo para explicarte porqué es importante tener un mercado de #cannabis inclusivo. — México Unido (@MUCD) October 13, 2020
Under the bill, adults over 18 will be allowed to cultivate and possess up to 28 grams of cannabis for personal use. Possession of up to 200 grams would also be decriminalized.
Individuals would be allowed to grow up to 20 plants provided their annual yield isn’t in excess of 480 grams. Medical patients would be able to grow over 20 plants, if necessary. Public consumption of cannabis would also be allowed in all spaces besides those marked as “100 percent smoke-free.”
Cannabis sales would also be subject to a 12 percent tax, with revenue going toward drug abuse programs. The new laws and regulations would be enforced and overseen by the Mexican Institute of Regulation and Control of Cannabis.
Advocates have also expressed caution about moving forward while taking into account social equity concerns and safeguards to prevent transnational corporations from monopolizing the massive, burgeoning weed market in the North American country.
Echoing cannabis reform advocates across the world, social movement group México Unido tweeted that any bill that passes must prevent the monopolization of the market by big multinationals while simultaneously addressing the “matter of distributing the benefits of the market among those who have been most affected” by the long, tragic prohibition of cannabis.
So there’s a story on developing marijuana legislation in Mexico and nobodies commenting on the protest weed garden they set up outside of the Mexican senate? That is so punk-rock pic.twitter.com/zcT5J8wNbp — Baldemar (@baldomart) October 14, 2020
Activists in Mexico City have been growing, harvesting, and consuming cannabis in “The Garden of Maria” since last February. The garden lies in a small plot of land just adjacent to the Senate building in the capital city. Police have not bothered to shut the garden down, giving strength to advocates for legalization who hope to finally close the chapter of the failed years-long war on drugs in Mexico.
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themindunleashed--2020-10-18--More than 5,000 baby seals wash up on Namibia beach in unprecedented die-off

Thousands of dead seal pups have washed ashore on the coast of Namibia , raising grave concerns from conservationist groups .
Locals were in shock after an estimated 5,000 premature cape fur seal pups washed up along the coast of Pelican Point peninsula , turning the popular tourist destination known for its thriving schools of dolphins and seal colonies into a pup graveyard .
Cape fur seals are often referred to as the “ dogs of the ocean , ” owing to their playful nature and abundant energy .
However , the seals are known to desert their young or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The unprecedented die-off of the 5,000 Cape fur seals is now being probed by the country ’ s fisheries ministry , reports Bloomberg .
Nearly all were born prematurely before quickly dying , according to marine biologist Naude Dreyer of Ocean Conservation Namibia .
“ When the pregnant female feels she does not have enough reserves , she can abort , ” he explained .
“ A few premature deaths is a natural event , but thousands of premature dead pups is extremely rare.
” Dreyer noticed the masses of dead seal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelican Point seal colony on Oct. 5 .
“ This is the situation at Pelican Point , Namibia , ” his non-profit group wrote in a Facebook post .
“ All the little red circles mark dead seal pups .
A rough estimate brings the numbers to more than 5,000 at our seal colony alone .
This is tragic , as it makes up a large portion of the new pup arrivals expected in late November.
” The seals are commonly found across the southern Atlantic coastlines of the African continent , spanning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tip of Angola .
“ Normally cape fur seals would give birth from mid-November until early December , ” Dr. Tess Gridley told Africa News .
“ That ’ s the height of pupping that we would normally expect but what has been happening this year is there has been an increase in abortions that was first seen starting in August and really sort of peaked just last week in October.
” However , female cape fur seals are increasingly appearing emaciated and starving , raising alarm among conservationists about the long-term health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There are about 1.7 million cape fur seals in total and about a million of those are actually in Namibia so in terms of the overall number of animals , they are quite resilient to these effects , ” Gridley explained .
“ But one issue that we do think might happen in the future is you will see a dip in reproduction potentially going forward particularly now for those animals that have unfortunately died , ” she continued .
“ They are not going to be recruited into the population , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Pelican Point colony and also we are trying to monitor to see whether there is a wider scale impact that might affect other colonies as well.
” An absence of fish in the region and the spread of disease and toxins in the water are among the possible reasons behind the die-off .
“ The seals look a bit thin and it could likely be caused by a lack of food , ” Dreyer said .
“ Other seal colonies at other beaches look much better and they do not record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Thousands of dead seal pups have washed ashore on the coast of Namibia, raising grave concerns from conservationist groups.
Locals were in shock after an estimated 5,000 premature cape fur seal pups washed up along the coast of Pelican Point peninsula, turning the popular tourist destination known for its thriving schools of dolphins and seal colonies into a pup graveyard.
WATCH: An estimated 5,000 premature Cape fur seal pups have washed up dead at Pelican Point in Namibia. Seals can naturally abort their young when there is lack of food, but samples have been taken to determine the cause of this tragedy. https://t.co/dSosqiXITP pic.twitter.com/sxoLjeXENk — Getaway Magazine (@GetawayMagazine) October 14, 2020
Cape fur seals are often referred to as the “dogs of the ocean,” owing to their playful nature and abundant energy. However, the seals are known to desert their young or suffer miscarriages when food supplies are scarce.
The unprecedented die-off of the 5,000 Cape fur seals is now being probed by the country’s fisheries ministry, reports Bloomberg.
Nearly all were born prematurely before quickly dying, according to marine biologist Naude Dreyer of Ocean Conservation Namibia.
“When the pregnant female feels she does not have enough reserves, she can abort,” he explained. “A few premature deaths is a natural event, but thousands of premature dead pups is extremely rare.”
Dreyer noticed the masses of dead seal pups while flying his drone over the Pelican Point seal colony on Oct. 5.
“This is the situation at Pelican Point, Namibia,” his non-profit group wrote in a Facebook post. “All the little red circles mark dead seal pups. A rough estimate brings the numbers to more than 5,000 at our seal colony alone. This is tragic, as it makes up a large portion of the new pup arrivals expected in late November.”
This is the situation at Pelican Point. All the little red circles mark dead seal pups. A rough estimate brings the… Posted by Ocean Conservation Namibia on Tuesday, October 13, 2020
The seals are commonly found across the southern Atlantic coastlines of the African continent, spanning Namibia and South Africa to the southern tip of Angola.
“Normally cape fur seals would give birth from mid-November until early December,” Dr. Tess Gridley told Africa News. “That’s the height of pupping that we would normally expect but what has been happening this year is there has been an increase in abortions that was first seen starting in August and really sort of peaked just last week in October.”
However, female cape fur seals are increasingly appearing emaciated and starving, raising alarm among conservationists about the long-term health of the typically thriving seal population.
“There are about 1.7 million cape fur seals in total and about a million of those are actually in Namibia so in terms of the overall number of animals, they are quite resilient to these effects,” Gridley explained.
“But one issue that we do think might happen in the future is you will see a dip in reproduction potentially going forward particularly now for those animals that have unfortunately died,” she continued. “They are not going to be recruited into the population, so you might see a localized effect at the Pelican Point colony and also we are trying to monitor to see whether there is a wider scale impact that might affect other colonies as well.”
An absence of fish in the region and the spread of disease and toxins in the water are among the possible reasons behind the die-off.
“The seals look a bit thin and it could likely be caused by a lack of food,” Dreyer said. “Other seal colonies at other beaches look much better and they do not record the same amount of premature pups.”
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themindunleashed--2020-10-18--“No Love, No Tacos”: Mexican restaurant accused of insulting “Christianity & America” for sign

A Mexican restaurant in a small Iowa town has become a focus of attention by locals after posting a yard sign explaining his political stance , drawing both controversy and support from customers over the anti-racist message .
Alfonso Medina owns La Carreta in Marshalltown , Iowa , a restaurant that has been serving such beloved Mexican dishes as chile verde , enchiladas , and burritos for 20 years .
The town lies about 50 miles northeast of Des Moines .
However , amid the increasingly polarized political and racial climate in the United States , Medina decided that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressing questions of basic respect and social equity .
Locals in the small Midwestern town quickly responded to the message , with some residents excoriating the restaurant for making a political stance .
Rather than taking the sign down , Medina decided to place a much bigger sign on his yard that read : “ NO LOVE , NO TACOS.
” For Medina , the issue is simple : if businesses such as Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby can openly support Christian causes and donate to anti-LGBTQ organizations , then it ’ s only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can share their views to motivate open dialogue and conversations within the community .
Medina also sees the issue of racism as personal .
While he was born in Iowa , his own parents migrated from Mexico before finding success with their family business in the small community of Marshalltown .
Medina proudly claims that he was “ Made in Mexico , delivered in the U.S. ” His vocal stances have garnered some support from the community , allowing the restaurant to thrive despite the pandemic and keep its employees on payroll .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in and put up a sign in August that read “ WE BELIEVE : Black Lives Matter – no human is illegal – love is love – Women ’ s rights are human rights – science is real – water is life – injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
” “ I didn ’ t think there was anything bad , ” he told CNN , explaining that his wife called him “ brave ” for erecting the sign in front of the restaurant .
His social media feed was quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some residents even sent hate mail to La Caretta , including one letter accusing the restaurant of having “ gone completely POLITICALLY CORRECT ( leftist/Marxist ) , ” adding that Medina ’ s sign “ insults & disrespects Christianity & America.
” Medina decided to share the letter on Facebook , where he explained his position .
“ If a white-owned company has the right to be vocal about their beliefs , big or small , so does a minority-owned tax-generating business , ” Medina wrote in a post to his Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shy away from being vocal or thinking they have to keep to themselves their thoughts.
” “ I ’ m sorry if the yard sign has offended anyone , but I don ’ t believe anything on there is offensive , ” he added .
“ If anything , everything on there is true .
And I stand behind it.
” Continuing , he explained that the letters were giving him more strength in being vocal about his stance .
“ Si ladran es porque vamos avanzando , ” he added , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signifies we are advancing.
” In a separate Instagram post , he wrote , “ We ’ re sorry your burrito had to get political , but it was the only way y ’ all would listen.
” He ended the post with a phrase that has , in his words , since launched a movement : “ No Love , No Tacos.
” The phrase quickly went viral , and became the new slogan for the Mexican eatery .
“ I am someone who takes something negative and tries to turn it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ If they don ’ t want us , they should align their ideals and their comments with the food they eat.
” Medina has since copyrighted the slogan , and has a website where customers can buy t-shirts and hoodies with the iconic phrase .
All proceeds will go toward scholarships to the local community college .
Medina has already sold over 450 shirts and raised $ 4,000 to distribute to recipients .
He also put up a much larger billboard reading “ No Love , No Tacos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original sign .
Business is now booming at La Carreta , with customers flooding the restaurant to enjoy its nachos , tacos , and celebrated “ California Burrito ” – which was named one of the best burritos in the country by The Food Network .
Medina now hopes that he can use his platform to encourage people to vote .
He is also advocating for turning Election Day into a national holiday .
“ Election Day should be one of the most important days for our country — one day , every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medina told Iowa Starting Line .
“ And we believe businesses should close on Election Day in order to let their employees go out and vote .
”

A Mexican restaurant in a small Iowa town has become a focus of attention by locals after posting a yard sign explaining his political stance, drawing both controversy and support from customers over the anti-racist message.
Alfonso Medina owns La Carreta in Marshalltown, Iowa, a restaurant that has been serving such beloved Mexican dishes as chile verde, enchiladas, and burritos for 20 years. The town lies about 50 miles northeast of Des Moines.
However, amid the increasingly polarized political and racial climate in the United States, Medina decided that it was time to make a simple statement addressing questions of basic respect and social equity.
Locals in the small Midwestern town quickly responded to the message, with some residents excoriating the restaurant for making a political stance.
Rather than taking the sign down, Medina decided to place a much bigger sign on his yard that read: “NO LOVE, NO TACOS.”
For Medina, the issue is simple: if businesses such as Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby can openly support Christian causes and donate to anti-LGBTQ organizations, then it’s only right that small business owners like him can share their views to motivate open dialogue and conversations within the community.
Medina also sees the issue of racism as personal. While he was born in Iowa, his own parents migrated from Mexico before finding success with their family business in the small community of Marshalltown. Medina proudly claims that he was “Made in Mexico, delivered in the U.S.”
His vocal stances have garnered some support from the community, allowing the restaurant to thrive despite the pandemic and keep its employees on payroll.
In August, Medina dug his heels in and put up a sign in August that read “WE BELIEVE: Black Lives Matter – no human is illegal – love is love – Women’s rights are human rights – science is real – water is life – injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
“I didn’t think there was anything bad,” he told CNN, explaining that his wife called him “brave” for erecting the sign in front of the restaurant.
His social media feed was quickly inundated with heated criticism over the sign. Some residents even sent hate mail to La Caretta, including one letter accusing the restaurant of having “gone completely POLITICALLY CORRECT (leftist/Marxist),” adding that Medina’s sign “insults & disrespects Christianity & America.”
Medina decided to share the letter on Facebook, where he explained his position.
This is the second hate letter I get in 30 days. One without a return address and one with, which I will reply to. For… Posted by Alfonso Medina on Tuesday, August 25, 2020
“If a white-owned company has the right to be vocal about their beliefs, big or small, so does a minority-owned tax-generating business,” Medina wrote in a post to his Facebook profile. “Minority-owned businesses should not shy away from being vocal or thinking they have to keep to themselves their thoughts.”
“I’m sorry if the yard sign has offended anyone, but I don’t believe anything on there is offensive,” he added. “If anything, everything on there is true. And I stand behind it.”
Continuing, he explained that the letters were giving him more strength in being vocal about his stance. “Si ladran es porque vamos avanzando,” he added, which means “If they bark, it signifies we are advancing.”
In a separate Instagram post, he wrote, “We’re sorry your burrito had to get political, but it was the only way y’all would listen.”
He ended the post with a phrase that has, in his words, since launched a movement: “No Love, No Tacos.”
The phrase quickly went viral, and became the new slogan for the Mexican eatery.
“I am someone who takes something negative and tries to turn it into something 10 times more positive,” he said. “If they don’t want us, they should align their ideals and their comments with the food they eat.”
Medina has since copyrighted the slogan, and has a website where customers can buy t-shirts and hoodies with the iconic phrase. All proceeds will go toward scholarships to the local community college. Medina has already sold over 450 shirts and raised $4,000 to distribute to recipients.
He also put up a much larger billboard reading “No Love, No Tacos” that is much bigger than the original sign.
Business is now booming at La Carreta, with customers flooding the restaurant to enjoy its nachos, tacos, and celebrated “California Burrito” – which was named one of the best burritos in the country by The Food Network.
Medina now hopes that he can use his platform to encourage people to vote. He is also advocating for turning Election Day into a national holiday.
“Election Day should be one of the most important days for our country — one day, every four years for our democracy,” Medina told Iowa Starting Line. “And we believe businesses should close on Election Day in order to let their employees go out and vote.”
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themindunleashed--2020-10-18--Trump Claims He Will Make China Pay For Next Stimulus Package

One of Donald Trump ’ s most infamous statements on the campaign trail for the 2016 election was the outrageous claim that he was going to make Mexico pay for the multi-billion dollar wall that he promised to build along the border .
Of course , the wall is still not built , and Mexico has no intention of paying for it .
In fact , just this month it was reported that portions of the existing wall are being stolen and sold for scrap metal .
Now , in a recent interview with Fox Business , Trump has suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover the costs of the next COVID relief package in the United States , and that he would make the price tag even higher .
“ I would [ go higher ] because this was not caused by our workers and our people , this was caused by China and China will pay us back in one form or another , ” he said .
“ The Republicans are willing to do it .
I ’ d like to see more money , because it comes back .
It ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gon na take it from China .
I tell you now , it ’ s coming out of China .
They ’ re the ones that caused this problem , ” he added .
When Trump was asked about how he would make it happen , he replied , “ There ’ s a lot of ways and I ’ ll figure every one of them out .
I already have them figured out .
You know we ’ ve taken billions and billions of dollars for China over the last couple years.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not talked with China ’ s President Xi Jinping in “ a while ” and said , “ I don ’ t want to speak to him.
” Earlier this month , the president created a panic when he announced that he would not continue to negotiate with Democrats on the stimulus package until after the election .
However , Trump reconsidered his decision after the harsh reaction that he received from the news , but talks have still been stalled by politicians on both sides hoping to add personal or partisan projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also reportedly opposed one draft of the bill because they did not want to expand COVID testing to asymptomatic people , which further complicated negotiations .
On Saturday , Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave the White House a 48-hour deadline to sign off on a COVID relief bill if Trump wants it finished by the election .
According to The Department of Labor , more than 26 million people were collecting some form of unemployment benefit as of mid-September .
Michele Evermore , senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to paycheck are already struggling , and things could get worse when the temporary unemployment assistance goes away .
“ I was really concerned about what would happen when the $ 600 goes away , but when people lose even the base benefit , people are going to become desperate .
You will see this pain spread further and further into the economy , ” told CBS News .
It seems that people are already getting desperate and in reality , many of us were before the pandemic even began .
Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some students may be getting the COVID virus on purpose so they can later sell their plasma .

One of Donald Trump’s most infamous statements on the campaign trail for the 2016 election was the outrageous claim that he was going to make Mexico pay for the multi-billion dollar wall that he promised to build along the border.
Of course, the wall is still not built, and Mexico has no intention of paying for it. In fact, just this month it was reported that portions of the existing wall are being stolen and sold for scrap metal.
Now, in a recent interview with Fox Business, Trump has suggested that he will somehow force China to cover the costs of the next COVID relief package in the United States, and that he would make the price tag even higher.
“I would [go higher] because this was not caused by our workers and our people, this was caused by China and China will pay us back in one form or another,” he said.
“The Republicans are willing to do it. I’d like to see more money, because it comes back. It’s going to come back anyway. We’re gonna take it from China. I tell you now, it’s coming out of China. They’re the ones that caused this problem,” he added.
When Trump was asked about how he would make it happen, he replied, “There’s a lot of ways and I’ll figure every one of them out. I already have them figured out. You know we’ve taken billions and billions of dollars for China over the last couple years.”
He also said that he has not talked with China’s President Xi Jinping in “a while” and said, “I don’t want to speak to him.”
Earlier this month, the president created a panic when he announced that he would not continue to negotiate with Democrats on the stimulus package until after the election. However, Trump reconsidered his decision after the harsh reaction that he received from the news, but talks have still been stalled by politicians on both sides hoping to add personal or partisan projects to the bill. The White House also reportedly opposed one draft of the bill because they did not want to expand COVID testing to asymptomatic people, which further complicated negotiations.
On Saturday, Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave the White House a 48-hour deadline to sign off on a COVID relief bill if Trump wants it finished by the election.
NEW: “We don’t have agreement in the language yet,” Speaker Pelosi says when asked if they are closer to reaching a deal on COVID-19 stimulus negotiations, adding, “we’re seeking clarity” because Trump administration officials are “not legislators.” https://t.co/P6iz1jjwYE pic.twitter.com/wYtJv3jIye — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) October 18, 2020
According to The Department of Labor, more than 26 million people were collecting some form of unemployment benefit as of mid-September.
Michele Evermore, senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project, says that people who live paycheck to paycheck are already struggling, and things could get worse when the temporary unemployment assistance goes away.
“I was really concerned about what would happen when the $600 goes away, but when people lose even the base benefit, people are going to become desperate. You will see this pain spread further and further into the economy,” told CBS News.
It seems that people are already getting desperate and in reality, many of us were before the pandemic even began.
Earlier this week, The Mind Unleashed reported that some students may be getting the COVID virus on purpose so they can later sell their plasma.
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themindunleashed--2020-10-18--The Flaming Lips Held A Concert Where Everyone Was In A Plastic Bubble

Although many people throughout the United States have started to get back to work , the live entertainment industry is still on hold for the most part .
Some artists and production companies have come up with creative ideas to keep the shows running , but they look nothing like the events of 2019 .
The most popular style of COVID-era concert this past summer was the drive-in , with many artists touring drive-in theaters that were repurposed as outdoor concert venues .
However , at these shows , everyone is still required to stay in their cars , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real concert .
Last week , the popular rock band The Flaming Lips actually played an indoor concert venue but they performed in giant plastic bubbles , and all of the fans in attendance were inside the bubbles also .
The show happened at The Criterion in Oklahoma City , where the band used the strange setting to shoot a music video .
The band ’ s frontman Wayne Coyne told CNN that he came up with the idea when the pandemic began , but didn ’ t expect the virus to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually be necessary .
“ I did a little drawing… where I drew a picture of The Flaming Lips doing a show in 2019 .
And I ’ m the only person in the space bubble , and everybody else is just norma .
Then ( I did another drawing with ) The Flaming Lips playing a show in 2020 .
The exact same scenario , but I ’ m in a bubble , and so is everybody else….I don ’ t think anybody would have thought , in the middle of March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going , you know , eight months later .
I think we all thought this is a month , this is maybe two months , but we ’ re going to get a handle on this , ” he said .
The band first revealed the idea on “ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ” back in May , and the reaction inspired them to expand it into a full concert experience .
“ We do a couple of songs with about 30 people in the bubbles .
And we start to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just from doing that , we start to get an idea that we could actually do it , you know , and it could actually happen , ' ” Coyne said .
“ Since May , the desire to see the live music has just gotten , you know , more , more amplified , ” he added .
Although this is the first time that they have required their fans to wear them , the band has previously performed in space bubbles , so they knew exactly where to find them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks , because you can get as excited as you want , you can scream as much as you want , you just can ’ t infect the person next to you , no matter what you forget about , how excited you get .
That barrier is still there , they ’ re protected , and you ’ re protected… that part of it is what we really felt like was the success , ” Coyne said .
“ We , as The Flaming Lips , we like the idea that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could be cool .
It could be fun .
And we could all have a , you know , a crazy unique experience , ” he added .

Although many people throughout the United States have started to get back to work, the live entertainment industry is still on hold for the most part.
Some artists and production companies have come up with creative ideas to keep the shows running, but they look nothing like the events of 2019. The most popular style of COVID-era concert this past summer was the drive-in, with many artists touring drive-in theaters that were repurposed as outdoor concert venues.
However, at these shows, everyone is still required to stay in their cars, and it doesn’t feel much like a real concert.
Last week, the popular rock band The Flaming Lips actually played an indoor concert venue but they performed in giant plastic bubbles, and all of the fans in attendance were inside the bubbles also. The show happened at The Criterion in Oklahoma City, where the band used the strange setting to shoot a music video.
The band’s frontman Wayne Coyne told CNN that he came up with the idea when the pandemic began, but didn’t expect the virus to stick around long enough for it to actually be necessary.
“I did a little drawing… where I drew a picture of The Flaming Lips doing a show in 2019. And I’m the only person in the space bubble, and everybody else is just norma. Then (I did another drawing with) The Flaming Lips playing a show in 2020. The exact same scenario, but I’m in a bubble, and so is everybody else….I don’t think anybody would have thought, in the middle of March that this is still going to be going, you know, eight months later. I think we all thought this is a month, this is maybe two months, but we’re going to get a handle on this,” he said.
The band first revealed the idea on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” back in May, and the reaction inspired them to expand it into a full concert experience.
“We do a couple of songs with about 30 people in the bubbles. And we start to think, ‘Well, you know, just from doing that, we start to get an idea that we could actually do it, you know, and it could actually happen,'” Coyne said.
“Since May, the desire to see the live music has just gotten, you know, more, more amplified,” he added.
Fans Attend The Flaming Lips Concert Inside Plastic Bubbles The Flaming Lips held a short, two-song concert in Oklahoma City, with fans attending in individual plastic bubbles. The short gig was reportedly ‘half test run for future concerts, half music video shoot.’ Posted by NowThis on Thursday, October 15, 2020
Although this is the first time that they have required their fans to wear them, the band has previously performed in space bubbles, so they knew exactly where to find them.
“I like the way this looks, because you can get as excited as you want, you can scream as much as you want, you just can’t infect the person next to you, no matter what you forget about, how excited you get. That barrier is still there, they’re protected, and you’re protected… that part of it is what we really felt like was the success,” Coyne said.
“We, as The Flaming Lips, we like the idea that we are doing something different…. I think it could be cool. It could be fun. And we could all have a, you know, a crazy unique experience,” he added.
Are Concerts in a Bubble The New Normal? The Flaming Lips Just Pulled It Off Posted by Melissa Knowles on Friday, October 16, 2020
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themindunleashed--2020-10-18--Louisiana man who was given life sentence for stealing hedge clippers finally walks free

A man who was serving a life sentence in Louisiana for stealing hedge clippers from someone ’ s garage in 1997 has been granted parole after spending 23 years in prison .
Fair Wayne Bryant , 63 , was facing life behind bars due to the attempted burglary conviction and his criminal record .
However , the state ’ s draconian habitual offender laws led to Bryant ’ s harsh sentence .
Bryant ’ s life sentence became the subject of withering criticism from civil liberties advocates and the chief justice of Louisiana ’ s Supreme Court , who called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a legacy of slavery and racism in the Southern state .
According to Bryant ’ s parole panel , Bryant ’ s criminal record consisted of 22 arrests and 11 convictions .
The past convictions included four felonies , only one of which was for a violent crime – an attempted armed robbery of a taxi driver in 1979 .
In 1997 , Bryant was driving when his car stalled and he went into somebody ’ s garage looking for a tank of gas .
At that point , he was encountered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When police apprehended him , he was accused of having stolen a pair of hedge clippers that were found in his vehicle , a claim that he denied .
Evidence suggested that he had , however , intended to commit theft .
Bryant ’ s previous criminal record and the state ’ s harsh repeat offender laws led to him receiving a life sentence , which he tried to appeal for the next 23 years .
Two months ago , Bryant ’ s case appeared before the Louisiana Supreme Court , which voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five votes came from while male board members , while the sole dissenting vote came from Bernette J. Johnson , the state ’ s first Black Chief Justice , who called for a review of the case .
In her opinion , Chief Justice Johnson blasted the sentence as completely disproportionate to the crime , noting that Bryant ’ s sentence had already cost taxpayers $ 518,667 .
“ Harsh habitual offender laws … permit a life sentence for a Black man convicted of property crimes , ” Johnson wrote .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed attempt to steal a set of hedge clippers is grossly out of proportion to the crime and serves no legitimate penal purpose.
” “ If he lives another 20 years , Louisiana taxpayers will have paid almost one million dollars to punish Mr. Bryant for his failed effort to steal a set of hedge clippers , ” she added .
Additionally , she described his past criminal offenses as the sort of “ petty theft ” rooted in the “ ravages of poverty or addiction.
” She also blasted the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the racist Black Codes and “ Pig Laws ” that unjustly penalized poor Black people for crimes like stealing farm animals or being unemployed , while also treating common misdemeanors and trivial offenses as felonies .
In Mississippi , “ pig laws ” meant that any theft of property over $ 10 was enhanced to grand larceny .
As a result of the “ pig laws , ” the prison population quadrupled .
On Thursday , the Committee on Parole voted unanimously to release him by a vote of 3-0 .
Bryant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings due to his history of drug and alcohol abuse , and he must also perform community service and adhere to a curfew .
Louisiana State University ( LSU ) Professor Robert Lancaster , director of the LSU Parole and Re-entry Clinic , represented Bryant during the hearing .
Bryant was also assisted by Kelsey Jenkins , a third-year LSU Law student who helped Lancaster draft a memo that was submitted in support of early release .
“ Mr .
Bryant ’ s sentence is an example of the flaws in Louisiana ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parole Committee ’ s decision to grant him early release shows the importance of periodic evaluation of an individual ’ s rehabilitation , which Mr. Bryant will continue with the support of the Louisiana Parole Project , Inc. , ” wrote Jenkins .
Rights defenders such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana hailed the decision as long overdue .
“ Now it is imperative that the Legislature repeal the habitual offender law that allows for these unfair sentences , and for district attorneys across the state to immediately stop seeking extreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louisiana ACLU executive director Alanah Odoms in an emailed statement .

A man who was serving a life sentence in Louisiana for stealing hedge clippers from someone’s garage in 1997 has been granted parole after spending 23 years in prison.
Fair Wayne Bryant, 63, was facing life behind bars due to the attempted burglary conviction and his criminal record. However, the state’s draconian habitual offender laws led to Bryant’s harsh sentence.
Bryant’s life sentence became the subject of withering criticism from civil liberties advocates and the chief justice of Louisiana’s Supreme Court, who called the sentence “cruel and unusual” and a legacy of slavery and racism in the Southern state.
According to Bryant’s parole panel, Bryant’s criminal record consisted of 22 arrests and 11 convictions. The past convictions included four felonies, only one of which was for a violent crime – an attempted armed robbery of a taxi driver in 1979.
In 1997, Bryant was driving when his car stalled and he went into somebody’s garage looking for a tank of gas. At that point, he was encountered and attempted to flee on foot.
When police apprehended him, he was accused of having stolen a pair of hedge clippers that were found in his vehicle, a claim that he denied. Evidence suggested that he had, however, intended to commit theft. Bryant’s previous criminal record and the state’s harsh repeat offender laws led to him receiving a life sentence, which he tried to appeal for the next 23 years.
Two months ago, Bryant’s case appeared before the Louisiana Supreme Court, which voted 5-1 to reject the appeal. The five votes came from while male board members, while the sole dissenting vote came from Bernette J. Johnson, the state’s first Black Chief Justice, who called for a review of the case.
In her opinion, Chief Justice Johnson blasted the sentence as completely disproportionate to the crime, noting that Bryant’s sentence had already cost taxpayers $518,667.
“Harsh habitual offender laws … permit a life sentence for a Black man convicted of property crimes,” Johnson wrote. “This man’s life sentence for a failed attempt to steal a set of hedge clippers is grossly out of proportion to the crime and serves no legitimate penal purpose.”
“If he lives another 20 years, Louisiana taxpayers will have paid almost one million dollars to punish Mr. Bryant for his failed effort to steal a set of hedge clippers,” she added.
Additionally, she described his past criminal offenses as the sort of “petty theft” rooted in the “ravages of poverty or addiction.”
She also blasted the state’s notorious repeat offender law as similar to the racist Black Codes and “Pig Laws” that unjustly penalized poor Black people for crimes like stealing farm animals or being unemployed, while also treating common misdemeanors and trivial offenses as felonies. In Mississippi, “pig laws” meant that any theft of property over $10 was enhanced to grand larceny. As a result of the “pig laws,” the prison population quadrupled.
On Thursday, the Committee on Parole voted unanimously to release him by a vote of 3-0. Bryant will be required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings due to his history of drug and alcohol abuse, and he must also perform community service and adhere to a curfew.
Louisiana State University (LSU) Professor Robert Lancaster, director of the LSU Parole and Re-entry Clinic, represented Bryant during the hearing. Bryant was also assisted by Kelsey Jenkins, a third-year LSU Law student who helped Lancaster draft a memo that was submitted in support of early release.
“Mr. Bryant’s sentence is an example of the flaws in Louisiana’s criminal legal system, but the Parole Committee’s decision to grant him early release shows the importance of periodic evaluation of an individual’s rehabilitation, which Mr. Bryant will continue with the support of the Louisiana Parole Project, Inc.,” wrote Jenkins.
Rights defenders such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana hailed the decision as long overdue.
“Now it is imperative that the Legislature repeal the habitual offender law that allows for these unfair sentences, and for district attorneys across the state to immediately stop seeking extreme penalties for minor offenses,” said Louisiana ACLU executive director Alanah Odoms in an emailed statement.
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themindunleashed--2020-10-18--University Says Students Intentionally Getting COVID So They Can Sell Their Plasma

There is a growing concern that people who are desperate for some extra spending money are intentionally getting COVID-19 so they can later sell their plasma. People who have recovered from COVID are encouraged to donate their plasma because their blood will contain antibodies that could help others fight the illness.
The FDA says plasma “may be effective in treating COVID-19 and that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh the known and potential risks of the product.”
Administrators at Brigham Young University’s campus in Idaho announced that they were investigating multiple cases of students intentionally getting sick with COVID so they can cash in on their plasma donation. The school has also threatened to suspend any students who are found to intentionally contract the virus.
“BYU-Idaho is deeply troubled by accounts of individuals who have intentionally exposed themselves or others to COVID-19, with the hope of getting the disease and being paid for plasma that contains COVID-19 antibodies…The contraction and spread of COVID-19 is not a light matter. Reckless disregard for health and safety will inevitably lead to additional illness and loss of life in our community,” the school said in a statement.
Each donation site has different offers for potential donors, but East Idaho News found locations close to the school that offered as much as $200 for their first visits. Many of these locations allow people to donate multiple times.
BYU-Idaho is offering financial help and mental health services to students who are feeling desperate.
“If students are struggling, BYU-Idaho stands ready to help. There is never a need to resort to behavior that endangers health or safety in order to make ends meet,” the school said.
However, many people are in situations where they have no choice but to endanger their health to make ends meet, especially people who are forced to deal with the public every day during a pandemic in order to keep a steady paycheck. Tuition alone at BYU runs an average of close to $20,000, which would likely be a factor that would push a person to put themselves in danger for some extra money.
BYU is located in Rexburg, Idaho, which the New York Times recently ranked as a nationwide hotspot. BYU has confirmed 119 active student cases of COVID-19 and 20 active employee cases as of Tuesday. In response to the explosion in cases, the school recently warned that it is considering a switch to remote learning.
The problem of plasma donation centers preying on poor and desperate people is nothing new. According to ABC, nearly 80 percent of the plasma centers in the U.S. are located in America’s low-income neighborhoods. They also tend to target college students and cluster around college campuses.
Of course, the donation of plasma is important and should be encouraged, but there is also a problem with predatory practices that should not be ignored. The fact that people are putting themselves in danger for a few extra dollars also illustrates how this system is failing people.
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