themindunleashed--2020-06-23--Arctic Reaches Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded as “Relentless” Heatwave and Siberian Fires Rage

( TMU ) – We often joke about how in a year that ’ s brought us to the brink of World War III , plunged us into a global pandemic and economic collapse , deluged whole regions in plagues of locusts , and brought about other cataclysmic shocks , the next months could bring us further catastrophes ripped from the pages of biblical scripture and science fiction .
And that may be the case – but were also getting new signs that the world continues to shatter records in terms of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the Arctic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend as a Siberian town within the Arctic circle recorded a shocking temperature of 100.4°F ( 38°C ) , 32 degrees beyond the normal high temperature .
On Saturday , temperatures skyrocketed in the town of Verkhoyansk , which lies 3,000 miles east of Moscow and is located at 67.5°N latitude , a point further north than Fairbanks , Alaska .
The temperature , if verified , could be registered as the hottest temperature ever recorded in Siberia and the hottest temperature recorded north of the Arctic circle , reports CBS .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Maine , also tied its all-time record of 96°F while the temperature in the 90s persisted through the weekend .
To put this into a broader perspective , the tropical climate of Miami – known well for its hot , humid summers – only reached 100°F on a single day since the city began keeping records of the temperature in 1896 .
In a tweet , CBS weatherman Jeff Beradelli described the news as ‘ alarming ’ , writing : “ Likely the hottest temperature ever recorded in the Arctic happened today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Siberia this year is nothing short of remarkable .
For perspective , Miami has only reached 100F ( 38C ) once on record.
” In a separate tweet , Beradelli added : “ The reason Miami has only reached 100 once is because it ’ s near the ocean .
“ So this is not an apples to apples comparison , because land heats faster than water , and the sea breeze cools Miami down , but it is an interesting fact that always seems hard to believe.
” Temperatures reaching 100 degrees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly unheard of .
While the record still requires verification , back in 1915 the current record for the hottest Arctic temperature was set by Prospect Creek , Alaska , which recorded a temperature of 100°F ( 38°C ) .
In 2010 , a town lying a few miles south of the Arctic circle reached 100 .
A number of fires are ranging around the Arctic region due to the hot-dry conditions prevailing in the region , with smoke being seen across thousands of miles in satellite imagery .
Parts of the Siberian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abnormal heatwave since around January , with the extraordinary heat cresting in western Siberia at about 18 degrees Fahrenheit above normal in May for the month .
Robert Rohde , lead scientist at climate data analysis non-profit Berkeley Earth , wrote in a tweet last week : “ Five months into 2020 , and there has been a huge , record-breaking warm anomaly over Asia … If 2020 goes on to be the warmest recorded year , despite the lack of an El Niño event , then this year ’ s monstrous Asian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

(TMU) – We often joke about how in a year that’s brought us to the brink of World War III, plunged us into a global pandemic and economic collapse, deluged whole regions in plagues of locusts, and brought about other cataclysmic shocks, the next months could bring us further catastrophes ripped from the pages of biblical scripture and science fiction.
And that may be the case – but were also getting new signs that the world continues to shatter records in terms of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the Arctic region.
Such was the case over the weekend as a Siberian town within the Arctic circle recorded a shocking temperature of 100.4°F (38°C), 32 degrees beyond the normal high temperature.
We are in a relentless Arctic #heatwave – Siberia is literally on fire right now and it's set to continue. Temperatures will comfortably exceed + 30 °C within the Arctic Circle over the next 10 days at least. It is a staggering + 20-25 °C warmer than it should be… [THREAD] pic.twitter.com/J9opJLIaIw — Scott From Scotland (@ScottDuncanWX) June 19, 2020
On Saturday, temperatures skyrocketed in the town of Verkhoyansk, which lies 3,000 miles east of Moscow and is located at 67.5°N latitude, a point further north than Fairbanks, Alaska.
The temperature, if verified, could be registered as the hottest temperature ever recorded in Siberia and the hottest temperature recorded north of the Arctic circle, reports CBS.
On Friday, the city of Caribou, Maine, also tied its all-time record of 96°F while the temperature in the 90s persisted through the weekend.
The reason Miami has only reached 100 once is because it’s near the ocean. So this is not an apples to apples comparison, because land heats faster than water, and the sea breeze cools Miami down, but it is an interesting fact that always seems hard to believe. — Jeff Berardelli (@WeatherProf) June 21, 2020
To put this into a broader perspective, the tropical climate of Miami – known well for its hot, humid summers – only reached 100°F on a single day since the city began keeping records of the temperature in 1896.
In a tweet, CBS weatherman Jeff Beradelli described the news as ‘alarming’, writing: “Likely the hottest temperature ever recorded in the Arctic happened today.
“What’s happening in Siberia this year is nothing short of remarkable. For perspective, Miami has only reached 100F (38C) once on record.”
In a separate tweet, Beradelli added: “The reason Miami has only reached 100 once is because it’s near the ocean.
“So this is not an apples to apples comparison, because land heats faster than water, and the sea breeze cools Miami down, but it is an interesting fact that always seems hard to believe.”
Temperatures reaching 100 degrees in or around the Arctic circle are nearly unheard of. While the record still requires verification, back in 1915 the current record for the hottest Arctic temperature was set by Prospect Creek, Alaska, which recorded a temperature of 100°F (38°C). In 2010, a town lying a few miles south of the Arctic circle reached 100.
Satellite image today showing extensive smoke and fires east of Verkhoyansk. Blue coloured ice in Laptev Sea is an indication of melting ice and there is lots of open water visible in the East Siberian Sea. pic.twitter.com/BemW0fccrq — Kilkenny Weather (@kilkennyweather) June 20, 2020
A number of fires are ranging around the Arctic region due to the hot-dry conditions prevailing in the region, with smoke being seen across thousands of miles in satellite imagery.
Parts of the Siberian region have been plunged into an extremely abnormal heatwave since around January, with the extraordinary heat cresting in western Siberia at about 18 degrees Fahrenheit above normal in May for the month.
Robert Rohde, lead scientist at climate data analysis non-profit Berkeley Earth, wrote in a tweet last week:
“Five months into 2020, and there has been a huge, record-breaking warm anomaly over Asia … If 2020 goes on to be the warmest recorded year, despite the lack of an El Niño event, then this year’s monstrous Asian anomaly will be the reason why.”
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themindunleashed--2020-06-24--Puppy Love: Incredible Video Shows Dog and Dolphin Playing Together at the Beach

( TMU ) – A video showing a dolphin playing a game of chase in the shallow coastal waters along a beach is captivating online audiences and showing that dogs may not just be man ’ s best friend , but beloved by all kinds of different animals .
Anastasia Vinnikova was with her daughter walking her medium-sized dog Patrick along a beach along the coast of Crimea ’ s Black Sea on Saturday when she managed to capture the scene of pure joy and friendship between the unlikely pair .
Vinnikova had just begun to record Patrick when a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the footage , a pod of nearby dolphins could be seen hunting nearby .
In the meantime , Patrick can be seen running and frolicking in the water before Patrick chased it back onshore .
Clearly enjoying the playful scenario , Patrick touches the dolphin ’ s tail before backing off while the dolphin turns to return to the sea .
The dolphin swims back to the pod that ’ s still circling the water offshore before returning as Patrick scurries over to play with the sea mammal again .
“ Patrick has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t , ” Vinnikova said , according to Daily Mail .
“ In the clip , no one was hurt .
The dolphins are swimming close to the shore to catch fish.
” The video quickly went viral and garnered worldwide attention for capturing the magic moment when Patrick played with his new friend .
“ Enchanting … I enjoyed watching it , ” commented one user .
“ Thanks for the positive clip .
I ’ m buying tickets to Crimea now.
” While another user said : “ What a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really are blessed !
!
!
Congrats and greetings from Monterrey , Mexico !
” This isn ’ t the first time that a dolphin can be seen affectionately interacting with curious canines .
Also on Saturday , Magen Peigelbeck was out boating at the Isle of Hope Marina in Savannah , Georgia , when a dolphin swam alongside their boat and began interacting with her two puppies , Stanley and Miles .
In video of the scene , the dolphin bobs up and down from the water and appears to be saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who bark and growl at the spirited sea creature .
“ It makes me grin and my heart get big , ” Peigelbeck told WSAV .
“ Everyone can get along .
We can learn lessons from animals.
” Back in 2016 , a labrador named Ben living on an island off the coast of Donegal in Ireland also went viral after it was claimed that he befriended a lonely female dolphin living nearby .
According to Ben ’ s owner , Pat , Ben and the dolphin – whom Pat has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for quite some time .
Dolphins are renowned for being among the most intelligent animal species on the planet .
From their playful nature to their sociability and friendliness , as well as their legendary interactions with seafarers , dolphins have inspired the adoration of humans since time immemorial .
Increasingly , human researchers are discovering that dolphins display skills and sophistication previously attributed only to the human species – including strong problem-solving capabilities , a complex system of communication , and apparently , a love for dogs .

(TMU) – A video showing a dolphin playing a game of chase in the shallow coastal waters along a beach is captivating online audiences and showing that dogs may not just be man’s best friend, but beloved by all kinds of different animals.
Anastasia Vinnikova was with her daughter walking her medium-sized dog Patrick along a beach along the coast of Crimea’s Black Sea on Saturday when she managed to capture the scene of pure joy and friendship between the unlikely pair.
Vinnikova had just begun to record Patrick when a dolphin suddenly appeared. As she filmed the footage, a pod of nearby dolphins could be seen hunting nearby.
In the meantime, Patrick can be seen running and frolicking in the water before Patrick chased it back onshore.
Clearly enjoying the playful scenario, Patrick touches the dolphin’s tail before backing off while the dolphin turns to return to the sea.
The dolphin swims back to the pod that’s still circling the water offshore before returning as Patrick scurries over to play with the sea mammal again.
“Patrick has touched a dolphin but I still haven’t,” Vinnikova said, according to Daily Mail. “In the clip, no one was hurt. The dolphins are swimming close to the shore to catch fish.”
The video quickly went viral and garnered worldwide attention for capturing the magic moment when Patrick played with his new friend.
“Enchanting … I enjoyed watching it,” commented one user. “Thanks for the positive clip. I’m buying tickets to Crimea now.”
While another user said: “What a wonderful moment!!!! You really are blessed!!! Congrats and greetings from Monterrey, Mexico!”
This isn’t the first time that a dolphin can be seen affectionately interacting with curious canines.
Also on Saturday, Magen Peigelbeck was out boating at the Isle of Hope Marina in Savannah, Georgia, when a dolphin swam alongside their boat and began interacting with her two puppies, Stanley and Miles.
In video of the scene, the dolphin bobs up and down from the water and appears to be saying “hello” to the perplexed pups, who bark and growl at the spirited sea creature.
WATCH: A dolphin said "hello" to two curious dogs near the Isle of Hope Marina this morning ? Full video: https://www.wsav.com/community/watch-dolphin-says-hello-to-dogs-at-isle-of-hope-marina/ (via Magen Peigelbeck) Posted by WSAV News 3 On Your Side on Saturday, June 20, 2020
“It makes me grin and my heart get big,” Peigelbeck told WSAV. “Everyone can get along. We can learn lessons from animals.”
Back in 2016, a labrador named Ben living on an island off the coast of Donegal in Ireland also went viral after it was claimed that he befriended a lonely female dolphin living nearby. According to Ben’s owner, Pat, Ben and the dolphin – whom Pat has named “Duggie” – remained friends for quite some time.
Dolphins are renowned for being among the most intelligent animal species on the planet. From their playful nature to their sociability and friendliness, as well as their legendary interactions with seafarers, dolphins have inspired the adoration of humans since time immemorial.
Increasingly, human researchers are discovering that dolphins display skills and sophistication previously attributed only to the human species – including strong problem-solving capabilities, a complex system of communication, and apparently, a love for dogs.
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themindunleashed--2020-06-23--Cops Pepper-Spray Double Amputee and Knock Him Down, Leaving Him to Crawl for Help

( TMU ) – As protests and unrest continues weeks after the May 25 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis , police in various locations across the country appear to be in no mood to deescalate the exact same tactics that have enraged citizens – as has been made clear by ongoing reports of excessive force and aggressive crowd control tactics being used against protesters .
And in disturbing footage that has emerged from Columbus , Ohio , police appear to pepper spray a double amputee and leave him crawling on the ground , according to reports .
The disabled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against racial injustice and police brutality before he was doused in pepper spray and left writhing in pain and screaming on the ground .
In the meantime , other demonstrators could be seen helping him as others indignantly demanded that police return his artificial legs , reports Newsweek .
Several officers were seen deploying canned pepper spray against the crowds in spite of an announcement last week by Mayor Andrew Ginther the city would “ immediately stop the use of tear gas and pepper spray to disperse non-aggressive , non-violent crowds.
” Officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their bicycles before driving demonstrators out of an intersection .
Initial reports on the incident claim that cops seized his legs during the altercation .
“ Today in Columbus my husband was downtown at the protests & saw the cops hit & mace an unarmed kid and then STEAL HIS PROSTHETIC LEGS.
” While Twitter user @ kforbs posted an image from the scene and wrote : “ I guess this is acceptable @ MayorGinther Pulling a double amputee by his legs who then had to crawl up the street ?
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A videographer who didn ’ t want to be named told Gizmodo in an email that “ the kid was knocked down and maced , and he tried to get away .
The cops had him by the ankles and once the prosthetics came loose , the kid RAN up High street on his palms.
” In surveillance footage published Tuesday by online tabloid TMZ , it appears that the man ’ s prosthetic legs were actually detached as protesters scrambled to rescue the man from the scene following the police use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released by officers , the man also appeared to throw plywood signs and a bottle of water toward officers as they began attacking the demonstrators .
According to the Columbus Dispatch , police spokesman Sgt .
James Fuqua has described the footage as being taken out of context , adding : “ We ’ re just getting annihilated publicly because they really think what they saw actually happened.
” Fuqua added that police were likely unaware that the man was a double-amputee , noting : “ We ’ re continuing to hold the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an officer.
” Columbus police are continuing to search for the man .
The video comes as police across the country and in Columbus specifically continue to cope with bad morale as a result of the unfolding nationwide backlash against officers ’ actions .
Three local officers anonymously told journalists with WYSX/WTTE that morale in the department has plummeted after the city government has seemingly sent “ mixed signals ” to officers including the ban on chemical agents and commands from police leadership that they “ stand down ” even when demonstrators appear @ @ @ @ @ @

(TMU) – As protests and unrest continues weeks after the May 25 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis, police in various locations across the country appear to be in no mood to deescalate the exact same tactics that have enraged citizens – as has been made clear by ongoing reports of excessive force and aggressive crowd control tactics being used against protesters.
And in disturbing footage that has emerged from Columbus, Ohio, police appear to pepper spray a double amputee and leave him crawling on the ground, according to reports.
The disabled man was taking part in a protest against racial injustice and police brutality before he was doused in pepper spray and left writhing in pain and screaming on the ground. In the meantime, other demonstrators could be seen helping him as others indignantly demanded that police return his artificial legs, reports Newsweek.
Several officers were seen deploying canned pepper spray against the crowds in spite of an announcement last week by Mayor Andrew Ginther the city would “immediately stop the use of tear gas and pepper spray to disperse non-aggressive, non-violent crowds.”
Today in Columbus, Ohio, cops pepper sprayed a double amputee, disconnected his prosthetic legs, and took them away. Watch the amputee crawl for help while people try to get his legs back. Contact @ColumbusPolice Chief to demand justice: 614.645.4500
pic.twitter.com/EnyHorXvsj — Simran Jeet Singh (@SikhProf) June 22, 2020
Officers could be seen forming a skirmish line with their bicycles before driving demonstrators out of an intersection.
Initial reports on the incident claim that cops seized his legs during the altercation.
Columbus College of Art & Design professor Laurenn McCubbin wrote in a tweet:
“Today in Columbus my husband was downtown at the protests & saw the cops hit & mace an unarmed kid and then STEAL HIS PROSTHETIC LEGS.”
While Twitter user @kforbs posted an image from the scene and wrote:
“I guess this is acceptable @MayorGinther Pulling a double amputee by his legs who then had to crawl up the street? Not to mention mass spraying of peaceful protestors…”
I guess this is acceptable @MayorGinther Pulling a double amputee by his legs who then had to crawl up the street? Not to mention mass spraying of peaceful protestors….#RecallGinther #columbusprotest #Columbus #ColumbusOhio pic.twitter.com/BCYhbfoGF6 — Kristin ? ✊? – Miami Against the World! (@kforbs) June 22, 2020
A videographer who didn’t want to be named told Gizmodo in an email that “the kid was knocked down and maced, and he tried to get away. The cops had him by the ankles and once the prosthetics came loose, the kid RAN up High street on his palms.”
In surveillance footage published Tuesday by online tabloid TMZ, it appears that the man’s prosthetic legs were actually detached as protesters scrambled to rescue the man from the scene following the police use of pepper spray.
In the footage released by officers, the man also appeared to throw plywood signs and a bottle of water toward officers as they began attacking the demonstrators.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, police spokesman Sgt. James Fuqua has described the footage as being taken out of context, adding:
“We’re just getting annihilated publicly because they really think what they saw actually happened.”
Mayor Ginther releases statement after protesters and Columbus police clash. https://t.co/a8yU8fMfkd — WSYX ABC 6 (@wsyx6) June 22, 2020
Fuqua added that police were likely unaware that the man was a double-amputee, noting:
“We’re continuing to hold the line, even though he just assaulted an officer.”
Columbus police are continuing to search for the man.
The video comes as police across the country and in Columbus specifically continue to cope with bad morale as a result of the unfolding nationwide backlash against officers’ actions.
Three local officers anonymously told journalists with WYSX/WTTE that morale in the department has plummeted after the city government has seemingly sent “mixed signals” to officers including the ban on chemical agents and commands from police leadership that they “stand down” even when demonstrators appear to be breaking the law.
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themindunleashed--2020-06-23--Trump Promises Ten Year Prison Sentences For Vandalism Of Statues

( TMU ) – US President Donald Trump promised to sign an executive order that would prosecute vandals of statues with prison sentences of up to ten years .
This threat comes after weeks of intense protests around the country and out front of the White House , which has left many national monuments defaced or removed .
The night before Trump made his announcement , police clashed with protesters who were attempting to topple a statue of President Andrew Jackson outside of the White House .
Before police used tear gas to force everyone out of Lafayette Park on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top of the statue of Jackson and began to tie ropes around it in an attempt to bring it down .
The base had the word “ killer ” spray-painted across it .
In a press conference Tuesday , Trump confirmed earlier Tweets where he suggested prosecuting vandals of statues .
“ Last night we stopped an attack on a great monument of Andrew Jackson and Lafayette Park .
We are looking at long term jail sentences for these vandals , hoodlums , anarchists and agitators .
Some people don ’ t like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they are : Bad people .
They don ’ t love our country , and they ’ re not taking down our monuments , ” Trump said .
“ I will have an executive order very shortly .
And all it ’ s really going to do is reinforce what ’ s already there , but in a more uniform way .
If the state governments , as you see them , all over , Seattle .
They ’ re very weak .
And in Minnesota , they might need help .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government is willing to help them , ” he added .
Trump said that that “ numerous people ” are already in jail after being arrested last night and promised that many more are going “ today.
” Trump added that he was a “ fan ” of Jackson , who was a slave owner and enthusiastic participant in the genocide of the Native American people .
Jackson ’ s historical record has become so controversial that in recent years there have been calls to remove his face from the $ 20 bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Underground Railroad hero Harriet Tubman .
In tweets before the press conference , Trump said that he “ authorized ” the federal government to “ arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument , statue or other such Federal property in the U.S. ” He even claimed that these terms would apply retroactively , to anyone previously found damaging statues .
Trump said that violators could be charged under the Veterans Memorial Preservation or “ such other laws that may be pertinent.
” One section of the act states that a person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or attempts to do so shall be fined and/or imprisoned no more than 10 years .
However , not all of the monuments that have been targeted would be considered war memorials .
Furthermore , many of the military statues that are being taken down represent members of the confederacy , which was technically not a part of the US government .
This technicality could be a compelling defense for any protesters who are charged under this law for vandalizing Confederate statutes .

(TMU) – US President Donald Trump promised to sign an executive order that would prosecute vandals of statues with prison sentences of up to ten years.
This threat comes after weeks of intense protests around the country and out front of the White House, which has left many national monuments defaced or removed.
The night before Trump made his announcement, police clashed with protesters who were attempting to topple a statue of President Andrew Jackson outside of the White House.
Before police used tear gas to force everyone out of Lafayette Park on Monday night, protesters had climbed on top of the statue of Jackson and began to tie ropes around it in an attempt to bring it down. The base had the word “killer” spray-painted across it.
In a press conference Tuesday, Trump confirmed earlier Tweets where he suggested prosecuting vandals of statues.
“Last night we stopped an attack on a great monument of Andrew Jackson and Lafayette Park. We are looking at long term jail sentences for these vandals, hoodlums, anarchists and agitators. Some people don’t like that language, but that’s what they are: Bad people. They don’t love our country, and they’re not taking down our monuments,” Trump said.
“I will have an executive order very shortly. And all it’s really going to do is reinforce what’s already there, but in a more uniform way. If the state governments, as you see them, all over, Seattle. They’re very weak. And in Minnesota, they might need help. If they need help, the federal government is willing to help them,” he added.
Trump said that that “numerous people” are already in jail after being arrested last night and promised that many more are going “today.” Trump added that he was a “fan” of Jackson, who was a slave owner and enthusiastic participant in the genocide of the Native American people. Jackson’s historical record has become so controversial that in recent years there have been calls to remove his face from the $20 bill and have it replaced with an image of Underground Railroad hero Harriet Tubman.
In tweets before the press conference, Trump said that he “authorized” the federal government to “arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U.S.” He even claimed that these terms would apply retroactively, to anyone previously found damaging statues.
Numerous people arrested in D.C. for the disgraceful vandalism, in Lafayette Park, of the magnificent Statue of Andrew Jackson, in addition to the exterior defacing of St. John’s Church across the street. 10 years in prison under the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act. Beware! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 23, 2020
Trump said that violators could be charged under the Veterans Memorial Preservation or “such other laws that may be pertinent.”
One section of the act states that a person who willfully injures or destroys veteran memorials or attempts to do so shall be fined and/or imprisoned no more than 10 years.
…..This action is taken effective immediately, but may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused. There will be no exceptions! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 23, 2020
However, not all of the monuments that have been targeted would be considered war memorials. Furthermore, many of the military statues that are being taken down represent members of the confederacy, which was technically not a part of the US government.
This technicality could be a compelling defense for any protesters who are charged under this law for vandalizing Confederate statutes.
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themindunleashed--2020-06-23--BlueLeaks: Anonymous Leaks ‘Megatrove’ of Sensitive Documents From 200 Police Departments

( TMU ) – As the United States continues to experience unrest following the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery , Breonna Taylor , George Floyd , Rayshard Brooks , Andres Guardado , and dozens of others in the past month , the anger over police brutality and racism continues to remain palpable across the country .
And with protests continuing across the country and the world , hacktivist group Anonymous has published hundreds of thousands of files online that it claims were leaked from over 200 federal and local law enforcement offices across the country .
Dubbed “ BlueLeaks , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memos to emails , officers ’ personal information , and other information .
WIRED reports that the massive “ megatrove ” of documents was obtained by Anonymous and published by the DDoSecrets collective on Friday , June 19 – the holiday known as Juneteenth that marks the end of slavery in the United States on June 19 , 1865 .
Much of the data that has been leaked purportedly shows how law enforcement agencies including local police and sheriff ’ s offices as well as the FBI have handled and shared information about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. , including but not limited to COVID-19 , protests following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police , as well as tweets and other social media posts critical of police .
“ It ’ s the largest published hack of American law enforcement agencies , ” Emma Best , cofounder of DDOSecrets , told WIRED by text .
“ It provides the closest inside look at the state , local , and federal agencies tasked with protecting the public , including [ the ] government response to COVID and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known for taking aim at those it accuses of misusing and abusing power .
It is very hard to pin down the group ’ s ideology or its size – beyond its tagline , “ we are legion.
” The group also lacks central leadership , membership criteria , or a public face .
However , Best said that the hacked files were released by a source that self-represented as belonging to the group .
Following the release of the data trove , supporters of DDOSecrets , Anonymous , and protesters across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , extracting internal communications from departments about their efforts to track protesters and also finding law enforcement discussions about the loose anti-fascist movement Antifa .
According to the digital activists , police even go so far as to describe notorious white supremacists like Richard Spencer as “ anti-Antifa ” rather than acknowledging that Antifa opposes neo-fascist groups like those Spencer and his supporters belong to .
An unclassified FBI memo to local police departments from late May claimed that “ law enforcement supporters ’ safety ” could be facing danger , citing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter ” merchandise .
Another leaked internal memo showed police departments communicating about the types of clothing , signs , and cars belonging to protesters deemed potential threats .
“ The underlying attitudes of law enforcement is one of the things I think BlueLeaks documents really well , ” Best wrote .
“ I ’ ve seen a few comments about it being unlikely to uncover gross police misconduct , but I think those somewhat miss the point or at least equate police misconduct solely with illegal behavior .
“ Part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are about is what police do and have done legally.
” The leak appears to be the result of a data breach at Houston-based service provider Netsential , which contracts with state law-enforcement agencies across the country .
A memo acquired by security reporter Brian Krebs reveals that hackers compromised the company ’ s servers before stealing files from the company ’ s fusion centers , which facilitate sharing between police departments , .
While the documents don ’ t necessarily blow the lid off of specific cases of officer misconduct or abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the fusion centers , DDOSecrets did their best to remove any information sort of sensitive data such as personally identifiable information , confident banking information , data about crime victims and children , or information regarding private businesses , health care and retired veterans associations .
“ Due to the size of the dataset , we probably missed things , ” Best admitted .
“ I wish we could have done more , but I ’ m pleased with what we did and that we continue to learn.
” As to whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included , Best feels that those entrusted with ostensibly serving the public should have nothing to fear .
“ The potential of the data , especially in the long run and when correlated with other datasets , outweighs any downsides to allowing the public to examine it , ” Best wrote .
“ The public has an interest in the identities of public servants .
”

(TMU) – As the United States continues to experience unrest following the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, Andres Guardado, and dozens of others in the past month, the anger over police brutality and racism continues to remain palpable across the country.
And with protests continuing across the country and the world, hacktivist group Anonymous has published hundreds of thousands of files online that it claims were leaked from over 200 federal and local law enforcement offices across the country.
Dubbed “BlueLeaks,” the data dump includes everything from internal memos to emails, officers’ personal information, and other information. WIRED reports that the massive “megatrove” of documents was obtained by Anonymous and published by the DDoSecrets collective on Friday, June 19 – the holiday known as Juneteenth that marks the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.
https://twitter.com/DDoSecrets/status/1274086005461716992
Much of the data that has been leaked purportedly shows how law enforcement agencies including local police and sheriff’s offices as well as the FBI have handled and shared information about recent events underlying the wave of unrest in the U.S., including but not limited to COVID-19, protests following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, as well as tweets and other social media posts critical of police.
“It’s the largest published hack of American law enforcement agencies,” Emma Best, cofounder of DDOSecrets, told WIRED by text. “It provides the closest inside look at the state, local, and federal agencies tasked with protecting the public, including [the] government response to COVID and the BLM protests.”
Anonymous is generally known for taking aim at those it accuses of misusing and abusing power. It is very hard to pin down the group’s ideology or its size – beyond its tagline, “we are legion.” The group also lacks central leadership, membership criteria, or a public face.
However, Best said that the hacked files were released by a source that self-represented as belonging to the group.
The FBI is watching all tweets regarding the protests, and sending them to your local police. #BlueLeaks pic.twitter.com/XJlUVocuGe — elijah daniel (@elijahdaniel) June 20, 2020
Following the release of the data trove, supporters of DDOSecrets, Anonymous, and protesters across the world began delving deep into the files, extracting internal communications from departments about their efforts to track protesters and also finding law enforcement discussions about the loose anti-fascist movement Antifa.
According to the digital activists, police even go so far as to describe notorious white supremacists like Richard Spencer as “anti-Antifa” rather than acknowledging that Antifa opposes neo-fascist groups like those Spencer and his supporters belong to.
An unclassified FBI memo to local police departments from late May claimed that “law enforcement supporters’ safety” could be facing danger, citing a pair of tweets about destroying “Blue Lives Matter” merchandise. Another leaked internal memo showed police departments communicating about the types of clothing, signs, and cars belonging to protesters deemed potential threats.
“The underlying attitudes of law enforcement is one of the things I think BlueLeaks documents really well,” Best wrote. “I’ve seen a few comments about it being unlikely to uncover gross police misconduct, but I think those somewhat miss the point or at least equate police misconduct solely with illegal behavior.
“Part of what a lot of the current protests are about is what police do and have done legally.”
The leak appears to be the result of a data breach at Houston-based service provider Netsential, which contracts with state law-enforcement agencies across the country. A memo acquired by security reporter Brian Krebs reveals that hackers compromised the company’s servers before stealing files from the company’s fusion centers, which facilitate sharing between police departments,.
https://twitter.com/supportanonLA/status/1274160630207930369
While the documents don’t necessarily blow the lid off of specific cases of officer misconduct or abuse, which also tend to be circulate through the fusion centers, DDOSecrets did their best to remove any information sort of sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, confident banking information, data about crime victims and children, or information regarding private businesses, health care and retired veterans associations.
“Due to the size of the dataset, we probably missed things,” Best admitted. “I wish we could have done more, but I’m pleased with what we did and that we continue to learn.”
As to whether personally identifiable information about specific officers was included, Best feels that those entrusted with ostensibly serving the public should have nothing to fear.
“The potential of the data, especially in the long run and when correlated with other datasets, outweighs any downsides to allowing the public to examine it,” Best wrote.
“The public has an interest in the identities of public servants.”
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themindunleashed--2020-06-24--Geophysicists Discover Vast, Anomalous Structures Embedded in the Earth’s Lower Mantle

( TMU ) – A stunning announcement by geophysicists earlier this month suggests the inside of our planet still has many deep mysteries that remain hidden from us under the surface .
A team of researchers using decades of seismographs and an advanced algorithm say they have discovered a series of vast structures embedded in the boundary between the planet ’ s liquid outer core and the lower mantle .
Scientists arrived at this conclusion by studying the seismographic data from hundreds of earthquakes captured between 1990 and 2018 .
To analyze all this information , scientists also tapped a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was originally designed to study distant galaxies .
The team prioritized the secondary shear ( S ) waves from deep in the Earth ’ s mantle border , as their signals are easier to read than primary ( P ) earthquake waves .
According to team leader Doyeon Kim , a seismologist and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Maryland , “ We normally like to use S waves because they are larger in amplitude and the data is more or less clean because there is less P wave traffic , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also ideal “ because it diffracts along that surface , it ’ s a great phase to look for these tiny structures on top of the core-mantle boundary.
” While scientists already had a hunch that there were large structures yet to be identified , to confirm their existence and study their contours , they needed to chart the journey of the S waves and map the echoing signals created when they intersect with the large unknown masses , called ultra low-velocity zones ( ULVZs ) .
This signal is called a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell-tale indicator of a ULVZ .
Kim ’ s team found evidence for two “ mega-ULVZs ” over 1,000 kilometers in diameter beneath Hawai ’ i and the Marquesas Islands .
Whatever these structures are , they are located 3,000 kilometers below the surface of the Earth in the hellishly hot zone where the outer core meets the lower mantle .
“ By looking at thousands of core-mantle boundary echoes at once , instead of focusing on a few at a time , as is usually done , we have gotten a totally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was also the lead author of the published paper describing the team ’ s findings .
“ This is showing us that the core-mantle boundary region has lots of structures that can produce these echoes , and that was something we didn ’ t realize before because we only had a narrow view.
” Unsurprisingly , the announcement immediately triggered a flood of conspiratorial speculation online .
However , while scientists don ’ t know the composition of the structures , it is widely believed to be an extremely dense and hot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study of these structures will provide us with a better picture of the complex and powerful forces at work inside the Earth .
Such information could assist an enhanced understanding of plate tectonics that shaped the geological evolution of our planet .

(TMU) – A stunning announcement by geophysicists earlier this month suggests the inside of our planet still has many deep mysteries that remain hidden from us under the surface.
A team of researchers using decades of seismographs and an advanced algorithm say they have discovered a series of vast structures embedded in the boundary between the planet’s liquid outer core and the lower mantle.
Scientists arrived at this conclusion by studying the seismographic data from hundreds of earthquakes captured between 1990 and 2018. To analyze all this information, scientists also tapped a machine learning algorithm called Sequencer, which was originally designed to study distant galaxies.
The team prioritized the secondary shear (S) waves from deep in the Earth’s mantle border, as their signals are easier to read than primary (P) earthquake waves.
According to team leader Doyeon Kim, a seismologist and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Maryland,
“We normally like to use S waves because they are larger in amplitude and the data is more or less clean because there is less P wave traffic,” said Kim, noting that such a wave is also ideal “because it diffracts along that surface, it’s a great phase to look for these tiny structures on top of the core-mantle boundary.”
While scientists already had a hunch that there were large structures yet to be identified, to confirm their existence and study their contours, they needed to chart the journey of the S waves and map the echoing signals created when they intersect with the large unknown masses, called ultra low-velocity zones (ULVZs).
This signal is called a “postcursor” and it is the tell-tale indicator of a ULVZ.
Kim’s team found evidence for two “mega-ULVZs” over 1,000 kilometers in diameter beneath Hawai’i and the Marquesas Islands.
Whatever these structures are, they are located 3,000 kilometers below the surface of the Earth in the hellishly hot zone where the outer core meets the lower mantle.
“By looking at thousands of core-mantle boundary echoes at once, instead of focusing on a few at a time, as is usually done, we have gotten a totally new perspective,” said Kim, who was also the lead author of the published paper describing the team’s findings. “This is showing us that the core-mantle boundary region has lots of structures that can produce these echoes, and that was something we didn’t realize before because we only had a narrow view.”
Unsurprisingly, the announcement immediately triggered a flood of conspiratorial speculation online. However, while scientists don’t know the composition of the structures, it is widely believed to be an extremely dense and hot heterogeneous rock.
Scientists believe the further study of these structures will provide us with a better picture of the complex and powerful forces at work inside the Earth. Such information could assist an enhanced understanding of plate tectonics that shaped the geological evolution of our planet.
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themindunleashed--2020-06-26--Dreamy ‘Bubble Hotels’ Let You Sleep Under the Starry Night Sky or Dancing Northern Lights

( TMU ) — Those of us who have been stuck at home can easily be forgiven for daydreaming about where our next vacation might take place once coronavirus lockdown measures are eased up and we can travel abroad freely .
After all , we can only get so immersed in Netflix , YouTube , books , and video games without actually taking the plunge into a new and exciting place .
And if it ’ s the incredible that you crave , there may be no better place to stay then at the amazing bubble hotels in Iceland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer an entirely private glass bubble under the stunning and starry night skies of Reykholt , Southern Iceland .
While enjoying your stay in these amazing bubbles , not only will you be able to practice the most luxurious social distancing possible , but you ’ ll also be able to enjoy the aurora borealis or northern lights shimmering and dancing across the sky at certain times of the year .
As the website explains , guests will be able to “ enjoy the aurora and stars in the winter and the midnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some childhood dreams stay with us for our whole lives , ” explains Robert Robertsson , the director of the Bubble project based in Reykjavik , Iceland .
“ Sleeping under the stars or watching the aurora borealis dance is one of those lifelong dreams .
To fulfill these dreams , the Bubble concept was born.
” “ In the winter we have the aurora or the stars , but in the summer you are going to be in the proximity to nature , wonderful birds , butterflies and great midnight-sun scenery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city , forget work and enjoy watching the aurora borealis dance for you .
We can of course not guarantee you will see the lights , but if they show up you will have a magical night.
” For those of us who ’ ve been cooped-up with our significant other in a cluttered apartment-turned-co-working-space , the bubble may provide an ideal way to recharge a couple ’ s batteries .
The bubble is perfectly suitable for two adults sharing a bed and offers a wonderful escape from our typically hectic lives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create these minimalist “ 5-million star hotels ” while helping to provide custom tours to tourists seeking to maximize their exposure to the aurora borealis .
“ It actually all started while I was helping travelers … designing their northern lights trips here in Iceland , ” said Robertsson .
“ One evening I got a call from one of my customers who was participating in one of the traditional northern lights tours .
They had driven to a mountain , as they often do , and they had been waiting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The customers asked me on the phone , with a somewhat freezing voice , ‘ Robert , Robert this is so crazy .
I ’ m freezing to dead here .
( He probably did not wear good outdoor clothes . )
Don ’ t you know of some hotel around here where I can just lay in my warm bed and have a glass roof so I can watch the northern lights ’ ?
” Luckily , Robertsson ’ s bubble accommodations are also well-heated and located near a building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This experience will take you out of your busy life and reconnect you to the nature and environment , ” the company website explains .
“ Modern life is pushing you from next things and then again to the next thing – and you never really enjoy the stillness of a place.
” “ At our glamping location situated in a forest close to Reykholt on the Golden Circle you will get a moment to lay back , rethink and begin your new journey.
” So while we ’ re stuck at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or simple time-killers , why not plan the glamping trip of a lifetime ?

(TMU) — Those of us who have been stuck at home can easily be forgiven for daydreaming about where our next vacation might take place once coronavirus lockdown measures are eased up and we can travel abroad freely.
After all, we can only get so immersed in Netflix, YouTube, books, and video games without actually taking the plunge into a new and exciting place.
And if it’s the incredible that you crave, there may be no better place to stay then at the amazing bubble hotels in Iceland.
These secluded retreats deep in the forests offer an entirely private glass bubble under the stunning and starry night skies of Reykholt, Southern Iceland.
While enjoying your stay in these amazing bubbles, not only will you be able to practice the most luxurious social distancing possible, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the aurora borealis or northern lights shimmering and dancing across the sky at certain times of the year.
As the website explains, guests will be able to “enjoy the aurora and stars in the winter and the midnight sun and nature in summer.”
“Some childhood dreams stay with us for our whole lives,” explains Robert Robertsson, the director of the Bubble project based in Reykjavik, Iceland. “Sleeping under the stars or watching the aurora borealis dance is one of those lifelong dreams. To fulfill these dreams, the Bubble concept was born.”
The Aurora Bubble Hotel is a clear, inflatable plastic “bedroom” located in Iceland—patrons can view the aurora borealis as they lie in bed. pic.twitter.com/hizuGNG8gf — UberFacts (@UberFacts) March 22, 2018
“In the winter we have the aurora or the stars, but in the summer you are going to be in the proximity to nature, wonderful birds, butterflies and great midnight-sun scenery,” Robertson added. “Forget the city, forget work and enjoy watching the aurora borealis dance for you. We can of course not guarantee you will see the lights, but if they show up you will have a magical night.”
For those of us who’ve been cooped-up with our significant other in a cluttered apartment-turned-co-working-space, the bubble may provide an ideal way to recharge a couple’s batteries. The bubble is perfectly suitable for two adults sharing a bed and offers a wonderful escape from our typically hectic lives.
Bubble hotel in Iceland? Would you stay here? pic.twitter.com/pYb5bYi5Pr — Adrenaline Rush (@TraveIbIog) March 1, 2020
Robertsson told Thrillist that he was inspired to create these minimalist “5-million star hotels” while helping to provide custom tours to tourists seeking to maximize their exposure to the aurora borealis.
“It actually all started while I was helping travelers … designing their northern lights trips here in Iceland,” said Robertsson. “One evening I got a call from one of my customers who was participating in one of the traditional northern lights tours. They had driven to a mountain, as they often do, and they had been waiting and waiting out in the freezing cold weather.
“The customers asked me on the phone, with a somewhat freezing voice, ‘Robert, Robert this is so crazy. I’m freezing to dead here. (He probably did not wear good outdoor clothes.) Don’t you know of some hotel around here where I can just lay in my warm bed and have a glass roof so I can watch the northern lights’?”
Luckily, Robertsson’s bubble accommodations are also well-heated and located near a building with a shared bathroom and kitchen.
“This experience will take you out of your busy life and reconnect you to the nature and environment,” the company website explains. “Modern life is pushing you from next things and then again to the next thing – and you never really enjoy the stillness of a place.”
@bubbleiceland is nicknamed as the 5 million stars Hotel in #Iceland and we can see why !
Being nestled in a private globe and watching million stars from there must be amazing.
Plan your #LuxuryVacation with #PlatinumSignatureExperiences for the most unique Destinations.#Travel pic.twitter.com/KQGezkDghV — PSExperiences (@PSExperiences1) March 19, 2020
“At our glamping location situated in a forest close to Reykholt on the Golden Circle you will get a moment to lay back, rethink and begin your new journey.”
So while we’re stuck at home juggling work tasks, chores, or simple time-killers, why not plan the glamping trip of a lifetime?
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themindunleashed--2020-06-26--‘Godzilla Dust Cloud’ from Sahara Slams the US, Southern Cities Face Hazardous Air Quality

( TMU ) – As if 2020 hasn ’ t been apocalyptic enough with war , fires , plagues , and locusts – now the U.S. will literally be having its breath taken away by a mammoth cloud of dust floating in from overseas .
The vast cloud of Sahara dust that blanketed the Caribbean , causing “ hazardous ” air quality levels for the islands , slammed into the U.S. for the first time on Thursday .
The gigantic plumes of dust , which have been captured in dramatic satellite images , hit Mississippi ’ s Gulf Coast after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African desert , reports Jackson-based WJTV .
The dust plumes , which have been nicknamed the “ Godzilla Dust Cloud ” by some experts , have also begun blanketing Florida , reports Fox 35 .
The cloud is also expected to blanket parts of Louisiana , Alabama , and Texas .
On Friday afternoon , social media users began posting images of downtown Austin , Dallas and Houston skylines being totally obscured by the particulate matter from the Sahara .
“ The Saharan dust will overtake entire states , ” said meteorologist Tyler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illinois and Ohio may get into the mix .
That ’ s how far north it could get pulled up.
” While the Saharan dust clouds are likely to result in some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets , the phenomenon also coincides with a dramatic uptick in coronavirus infections in the region .
“ The main impacts of the Saharan dust will be hazy skies during the day , locally reduced visibility and degraded air quality , ” the Weather Prediction Center said .
“ However , this will also make for some very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reds compared to normal.
” The mass of dry and extremely dusty air is known as the Saharan Air Layer or SAL and forms over the Sahara desert before moving across the North Atlantic during the late spring to early autumn , typically peaking from late June to mid-August , according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) .
The layer can be up to 3 kilometers ( 1.86 miles ) thick .
However , this year ’ s Saharan dust cloud is larger than anything that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ While it ’ s normal for Saharan dust to reach the U.S. every hurricane season , this event is unprecedented in thickness and coverage , ” Mauldin says .
Health specialists are expressing alarm about the complications that the dust cloud could cause for those already struggling with respiratory symptoms tied to the COVID-19 pandemic .
According to Pablo Méndez Lázaro , an environmental health specialist at the University of Puerto Rico , the concentration was so high in the Caribbean – darkening skies and reducing visibility greatly – that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are relatively healthy .
“ This is the most significant event in the past 50 years , ” Lázaro told Associated Press .
“ Conditions are dangerous in many Caribbean islands.
” While Dr. Elizabeth Matsui , a pediatric allergist and epidemiologist at UT ’ s Dell Medical School , believes that the dust cloud could impact the spread and the deadliness of COVID-19 .
“ If you live in an area where potentially you ’ re getting more inflammation in your lungs from the Saharan dust , then you ’ re also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you up to be more susceptible to either getting the infection or for having more severe consequences of getting the infection , ” Matsui said .
However , she added that it could merely lead to coronavirus-style symptoms even if you don ’ t have the disease .
On the positive side , however , the Saharan dust layer could mean that the looming hurricane season is unlikely to occur .
After all , hurricanes rely on hot , humid , and calm environments to form – something made impossible by the extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Layer .
“ The dust is the visible part of the reduced tropical development potential area , ” meteorologist Chad Myers said .
“ It is the dry air and additional vertical wind shear along with the dust that are the driving factors in limiting tropical storm development.
” However , residents of the U.S. South should likely take heed of their Caribbean neighbors who wore double masks to limit their exposure to both the coronavirus and the mammoth dust plumes .
“ Some of this dust will settle to ground level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should monitor their local air quality and possibly limit outdoor exposure .
”

(TMU) – As if 2020 hasn’t been apocalyptic enough with war, fires, plagues, and locusts – now the U.S. will literally be having its breath taken away by a mammoth cloud of dust floating in from overseas.
The vast cloud of Sahara dust that blanketed the Caribbean, causing “hazardous” air quality levels for the islands, slammed into the U.S. for the first time on Thursday.
The gigantic plumes of dust, which have been captured in dramatic satellite images, hit Mississippi’s Gulf Coast after churning across thousands of miles from the African desert, reports Jackson-based WJTV.
The dust plumes, which have been nicknamed the “Godzilla Dust Cloud” by some experts, have also begun blanketing Florida, reports Fox 35.
The cloud is also expected to blanket parts of Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas.
On Friday afternoon, social media users began posting images of downtown Austin, Dallas and Houston skylines being totally obscured by the particulate matter from the Sahara.
#SaharanDust This is downtown Austin, TX right now. That’s about 3-4 hours south of the Dallas area. pic.twitter.com/8Hl8LMcjdL — ????˜”*°•. ? Kato Justus⁴ ?.•°*”˜???? (@KatoJustus4) June 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/KHOUBlake11/status/1276595315244761090
https://twitter.com/photosbylesko/status/1276534334212767746
“The Saharan dust will overtake entire states,” said meteorologist Tyler Mauldin of CNN. “Even southern Illinois and Ohio may get into the mix. That’s how far north it could get pulled up.”
While the Saharan dust clouds are likely to result in some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, the phenomenon also coincides with a dramatic uptick in coronavirus infections in the region.
“The main impacts of the Saharan dust will be hazy skies during the day, locally reduced visibility and degraded air quality,” the Weather Prediction Center said. “However, this will also make for some very colorful sunrises and sunsets with deeper oranges and reds compared to normal.”
The mass of dry and extremely dusty air is known as the Saharan Air Layer or SAL and forms over the Sahara desert before moving across the North Atlantic during the late spring to early autumn, typically peaking from late June to mid-August, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The layer can be up to 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) thick.
When you ask yourself what more can 2020 bring then #SaharanDust answers your question. pic.twitter.com/r6paU5j4gG — cafesinleche (@cafesinleche) June 26, 2020
However, this year’s Saharan dust cloud is larger than anything that’s been seen in half a century.
“While it’s normal for Saharan dust to reach the U.S. every hurricane season, this event is unprecedented in thickness and coverage,” Mauldin says.
Health specialists are expressing alarm about the complications that the dust cloud could cause for those already struggling with respiratory symptoms tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Pablo Méndez Lázaro, an environmental health specialist at the University of Puerto Rico, the concentration was so high in the Caribbean – darkening skies and reducing visibility greatly – that it even had an impact on people who are relatively healthy.
“This is the most significant event in the past 50 years,” Lázaro told Associated Press. “Conditions are dangerous in many Caribbean islands.”
While Dr. Elizabeth Matsui, a pediatric allergist and epidemiologist at UT’s Dell Medical School, believes that the dust cloud could impact the spread and the deadliness of COVID-19.
“If you live in an area where potentially you’re getting more inflammation in your lungs from the Saharan dust, then you’re also exposed to COVID, it may set you up to be more susceptible to either getting the infection or for having more severe consequences of getting the infection,” Matsui said. However, she added that it could merely lead to coronavirus-style symptoms even if you don’t have the disease.
Saharan dust is now moving through much of the South. Brighter sunsets are ahead, but watch out for lower air quality: https://t.co/PQW8IyIb6o pic.twitter.com/bUqgBYYPln — The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) June 26, 2020
On the positive side, however, the Saharan dust layer could mean that the looming hurricane season is unlikely to occur. After all, hurricanes rely on hot, humid, and calm environments to form – something made impossible by the extremely dry air brought about by the Saharan Air Layer.
“The dust is the visible part of the reduced tropical development potential area,” meteorologist Chad Myers said. “It is the dry air and additional vertical wind shear along with the dust that are the driving factors in limiting tropical storm development.”
However, residents of the U.S. South should likely take heed of their Caribbean neighbors who wore double masks to limit their exposure to both the coronavirus and the mammoth dust plumes.
“Some of this dust will settle to ground level,” Myers said. “People should monitor their local air quality and possibly limit outdoor exposure.”
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themindunleashed--2020-06-26--Thai Residents Hide Indoors as Huge Gangs of Monkeys Plunge City Into Orgy of Sex and Violence

( TMU ) – It ’ s been over four months since much of the world went into lockdown conditions due to the pandemic , and the idea that “ the world is healing ” in the absence of humans has long been reduced to a cliché .
And as we continue to stay indoors and self-quarantine to varying degrees , at least one city has been completely taken over by the wild beasts who have reclaimed the concrete jungles where humans once dwelled .
The ancient city of Lopburi , Thailand , has become the scene of raging warfare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopped-up or “ super-charged on junk food , ” according to AFP .
An estimated 6,000 longtail macaques are now causing chaos in the Central Thai city with a human population of 750,000 – and their population is exploding due to the sugary diet that locals have provided them with to appease them and keep their aggression at bay .
In March , the massive monkey population was already starving due to the lack of tourists who enjoyed feeding the little simians and snapping selfies with them , leading to surreal scenes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for dwindling supplies of bananas .
In the absence of tourists , however , the primates have taken a turn toward ultra-violent antics that have turned vast swathes of the city into no-go zones for locals .
The government is now readying itself to wage a sterilization campaign against the fearless and menacing monkey hordes after pausing the program for three years .
Local resident Kuljira Taechawattanawanna has covered her terrace in overhead netting to protect her home from the filthy troublemakers who have occupied the heart of the 13th-century city in Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cage but the monkeys live outside , ” she explained .
“ Their excrement is everywhere , the smell is unbearable especially when it rains.
” The primates now reign over the neighborhoods adjacent to the Prang Sam Yod temple , and patrol the tops of walls .
They ’ ve also taken to brazenly tearing the rubber seals off of car doors .
The macaques have also taken over an abandoned movie theater and made it their headquarters .
A nearby shop owner was forced to use stuffed tiger and crocodile toys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them from shoplifting spray-paint cans .
Residents now live in thrall to the monkeys , and have fed the macaques sugar , breakfast cereal and candy to tide them over .
However , this has only increased their appetite for sex and violence .
“ The more they eat , the more energy they have … so they breed more , ” said Pramot Ketampai , who manages the shrines surrounding Prang Sam Yod temple .
Authorities now hope to tackle the problem by luring the hungry longtails into fruit-filled cages before hauling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be anaesthetized , sterilized , and tattooed to signal that they ’ ve been neutered .
By Friday , authorities hope to fix 500 of the creatures .
But with the monkey problem reaching such nightmarish proportions , wildlife authorities are unsure of whether they should return the creatures to the city or relocate them to a sanctuary in another section of the city .
“ We need to do a survey of the people living in the area first , ” said wildlife official Narongporn Daudduem .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses and asking them if they ’ re happy or not.
” But at least some residents have grown accustomed to their noisy neighbors , regardless of the headaches they cause .
“ I ’ m used to seeing them walking around , playing on the street , ” said shopkeeper Taweesak Srisaguan .
“ If they ’ re all gone , I ’ d definitely be lonely .
”

(TMU) – It’s been over four months since much of the world went into lockdown conditions due to the pandemic, and the idea that “the world is healing” in the absence of humans has long been reduced to a cliché.
And as we continue to stay indoors and self-quarantine to varying degrees, at least one city has been completely taken over by the wild beasts who have reclaimed the concrete jungles where humans once dwelled.
The ancient city of Lopburi, Thailand, has become the scene of raging warfare between roving gangs of thousands of monkeys hopped-up or “super-charged on junk food,” according to AFP.
An estimated 6,000 longtail macaques are now causing chaos in the Central Thai city with a human population of 750,000 – and their population is exploding due to the sugary diet that locals have provided them with to appease them and keep their aggression at bay.
https://twitter.com/edrormba/status/1276573522509381634
In March, the massive monkey population was already starving due to the lack of tourists who enjoyed feeding the little simians and snapping selfies with them, leading to surreal scenes of masses of macaques engaging in all-out brawls for dwindling supplies of bananas.
In the absence of tourists, however, the primates have taken a turn toward ultra-violent antics that have turned vast swathes of the city into no-go zones for locals. The government is now readying itself to wage a sterilization campaign against the fearless and menacing monkey hordes after pausing the program for three years.
VIDEO: Humans try to take back Thai city from monkeys Residents barricaded indoors, rival gang fights and no-go zones for humans. Welcome to Lopburi, an ancient Thai city overrun by monkeys super-charged on junk food, whose population is growing out of control pic.twitter.com/y8YJZMnlKH — AFP news agency (@AFP) June 25, 2020
Local resident Kuljira Taechawattanawanna has covered her terrace in overhead netting to protect her home from the filthy troublemakers who have occupied the heart of the 13th-century city in Central Thailand.
“We live in a cage but the monkeys live outside,” she explained. “Their excrement is everywhere, the smell is unbearable especially when it rains.”
The primates now reign over the neighborhoods adjacent to the Prang Sam Yod temple, and patrol the tops of walls. They’ve also taken to brazenly tearing the rubber seals off of car doors.
The city is theirs!
Monkeys have taken over Lopburi. Don't fight back! pic.twitter.com/1Yti6vw9br — Phil / Ajarn (@Ajarncom) June 26, 2020
The macaques have also taken over an abandoned movie theater and made it their headquarters. A nearby shop owner was forced to use stuffed tiger and crocodile toys to scare the monkeys away and prevent them from shoplifting spray-paint cans.
Residents now live in thrall to the monkeys, and have fed the macaques sugar, breakfast cereal and candy to tide them over. However, this has only increased their appetite for sex and violence.
“The more they eat, the more energy they have … so they breed more,” said Pramot Ketampai, who manages the shrines surrounding Prang Sam Yod temple.
Authorities now hope to tackle the problem by luring the hungry longtails into fruit-filled cages before hauling them off to a clinic where they can be anaesthetized, sterilized, and tattooed to signal that they’ve been neutered. By Friday, authorities hope to fix 500 of the creatures.
https://twitter.com/Frekans10/status/1275875059811454976
But with the monkey problem reaching such nightmarish proportions, wildlife authorities are unsure of whether they should return the creatures to the city or relocate them to a sanctuary in another section of the city.
“We need to do a survey of the people living in the area first,” said wildlife official Narongporn Daudduem. “It’s like dumping garbage in front of their houses and asking them if they’re happy or not.”
But at least some residents have grown accustomed to their noisy neighbors, regardless of the headaches they cause.
“I’m used to seeing them walking around, playing on the street,” said shopkeeper Taweesak Srisaguan. “If they’re all gone, I’d definitely be lonely.”
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themindunleashed--2020-06-28--First Feature Film Starring An AI Robot To Hit Screens in 2021

( TMU ) – For the very first time , a feature film will star an artificially intelligent robot .
The AI actor , named Erica , was designed with the idea of applying method acting to robotics ; she will play the main character in a science fiction feature film entitled ‘ b ’ , set for release in 2021 .
Financially backed by Bondit Capital Media , Belgium-based Happy Moon Productions and New York ’ s Ten Ten Global Media , the $ 70-million-dollar film is being brought to life by Tarek Zohdy , Sam Khoze , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story is reportedly about a scientist who creates an artificially intelligent woman ( Erica ) and then discovers a dangerous plot to alter human DNA .
Japanese scientists Hiroshi Ishiguro and Kohei Ogawa created the lead AI actor as a kind of proof-of-concept experiment about how to teach AI acting skills .
In addition to coding Erica , the scientists had to figure out how to channel method acting to enable her to simulate human emotions .
Co-creator Khoze explains the challenges of creating an artificial ‘ leading lady ’ : “ In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own life experiences in the role .
But Erica has no life experiences .
She was created from scratch to play the role .
We had to simulate her motions and emotions through one-on-one sessions , such as controlling the speed of her movements , talking through her feelings and coaching character development and body language.
” The announcement comes at a time when the entertainment industry is increasingly anxious about paring down productions due to COVID-19 .
It also comes during a time when Hollywood is increasingly using CGI advances to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just this May , casting agency CAA signed a fully CGI virtual influencer/actress named Miquela .
According to ScreenRant , “ Many actors and other creatives in the film industry are fearing that the efficiency of these robots whose sole purpose would be acting , who don ’ t need to earn a salary to provide for their families and who don ’ t care about union regulations will abolish the need of human actors.
” The film b does not even have a director attached yet , nor has it signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began filming some of Erica ’ s scenes in 2019 and plan to wrap up principal photography in Europe in June of 2021 .
It remains unknown what the effect of b and Erica ’ s debut will be on the film industry .
Will it start a trend of producers looking to save money and cash in on an AI boom ?
Or will the ‘ uncanny valley ’ rear its awkward head again and render an alienating experience for viewers ?
Darren Hendler , head of Digital Domain ’ s Digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in filmmaking is coming , slowly but surely : “ [ Machine learning ] hasn ’ t been widely adopted yet because filmmakers don ’ t fully understand it , ” he says .
“ But we ’ re starting to see elements of deep learning and machine learning incorporated into very specific areas .
It ’ s something so new and so different from anything we ’ ve done in the past.
” Ultimately , he sees a symbiotic relationship where creative humans and creative algorithms work side by side and evolve @ @

(TMU) – For the very first time, a feature film will star an artificially intelligent robot. The AI actor, named Erica, was designed with the idea of applying method acting to robotics; she will play the main character in a science fiction feature film entitled ‘b’, set for release in 2021.
Financially backed by Bondit Capital Media, Belgium-based Happy Moon Productions and New York’s Ten Ten Global Media, the $70-million-dollar film is being brought to life by Tarek Zohdy, Sam Khoze, and visual effects supervisor Eric Pham. The story is reportedly about a scientist who creates an artificially intelligent woman (Erica) and then discovers a dangerous plot to alter human DNA.
Japanese scientists Hiroshi Ishiguro and Kohei Ogawa created the lead AI actor as a kind of proof-of-concept experiment about how to teach AI acting skills. In addition to coding Erica, the scientists had to figure out how to channel method acting to enable her to simulate human emotions.
Co-creator Khoze explains the challenges of creating an artificial ‘leading lady’:
“In other methods of acting, actors involve their own life experiences in the role. But Erica has no life experiences. She was created from scratch to play the role. We had to simulate her motions and emotions through one-on-one sessions, such as controlling the speed of her movements, talking through her feelings and coaching character development and body language.”
The announcement comes at a time when the entertainment industry is increasingly anxious about paring down productions due to COVID-19. It also comes during a time when Hollywood is increasingly using CGI advances to replace human actors with technologically simulated characters. Just this May, casting agency CAA signed a fully CGI virtual influencer/actress named Miquela.
According to ScreenRant, “Many actors and other creatives in the film industry are fearing that the efficiency of these robots whose sole purpose would be acting, who don’t need to earn a salary to provide for their families and who don’t care about union regulations will abolish the need of human actors.”
The film b does not even have a director attached yet, nor has it signed a human co-star. Nevertheless, producers began filming some of Erica’s scenes in 2019 and plan to wrap up principal photography in Europe in June of 2021.
It remains unknown what the effect of b and Erica’s debut will be on the film industry. Will it start a trend of producers looking to save money and cash in on an AI boom? Or will the ‘uncanny valley’ rear its awkward head again and render an alienating experience for viewers?
Darren Hendler, head of Digital Domain’s Digital Humans Group, says the AI revolution in filmmaking is coming, slowly but surely:
“[Machine learning] hasn’t been widely adopted yet because filmmakers don’t fully understand it,” he says. “But we’re starting to see elements of deep learning and machine learning incorporated into very specific areas. It’s something so new and so different from anything we’ve done in the past.”
Ultimately, he sees a symbiotic relationship where creative humans and creative algorithms work side by side and evolve together.
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themindunleashed--2020-06-28--Judge Rules That Children Must Be Released From Immigration Detention Centers

( TMU ) – In a ruling on Friday , US District Judge Dolly Gee ordered the release of children who are currently being held in the country ’ s immigration detention centers , over concerns that keeping people in such conditions could exacerbate the spread of the ‘ COVID-19 ’ coronavirus .
In her ruling , Gee said that children who have been held for more than 20 days at ICE family residential centers should be released by July 17 to “ non-congregate settings ” that include “ suitable sponsors ” and possibly even to their own parents in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the door open for the release of the parents as well , so they can be reunited with their children .
However , the order does not compel ICE to release the parents , as it does with the children , it leaves that part up to the agency ’ s discretion , which may not be favorable .
Still , the agency will be required to release the children .
Gee suggested that if ICE felt uncomfortable about releasing the parents outright , they could release them with ankle bracelets or other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centers “ are ‘ on fire ’ and there is no more time for half measures.
” The judge pointed to employees and detainees who tested positive for the virus in both Texas and Kansas , and condemned the “ unevenly implemented written protocols , ” at these locations .
In addition to the release of the child detainees , the judge ordered ICE facilities to “ urgently enforce its existing COVID-19 protocols , ” which includes testing , mask use , and social distancing .
Judge Gee has been active in pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these facilities since long before the pandemic began .
In a decision late last year , the judge ruled that ICE must abide by the Flores agreement , a 1997 settlement that sets standards for how the government can treat migrant children .
Following the lengthy trial stemming from the arrest of multiple children who were crossing the border , including Jenny Lisette Flores , the US government agreed to numerous terms regarding the treatment of children by immigration agencies .
Among other things , the federal government agreed to keep children in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure the prompt release of children from immigration detention .
According to a Congressional Research Service ( CRS ) report published in September of 2018 , the Flores agreement was intended as a temporary measure .
In the ruling , the government agreed that the agreement would remain in effect for 45 days , which would give the government time to form official legislation to replace it .
However , the government never published any followup legislation , so the Flores Agreement still stands as a legal precedent .
The Trump administration has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and suggested that judge Gee is an “ activist judge ” who is trying to undermine the rule of law .
“ For two and a half years , this Administration has worked to restore faithful enforcement of the laws enacted by Congress , while activist judges have imposed their own vision in the place of those duly enacted laws , ” a statement from the White House press secretary said , according to NBC News .

(TMU) – In a ruling on Friday, US District Judge Dolly Gee ordered the release of children who are currently being held in the country’s immigration detention centers, over concerns that keeping people in such conditions could exacerbate the spread of the ‘COVID-19’ coronavirus.
In her ruling, Gee said that children who have been held for more than 20 days at ICE family residential centers should be released by July 17 to “non-congregate settings” that include “suitable sponsors” and possibly even to their own parents in some cases.
The order also left the door open for the release of the parents as well, so they can be reunited with their children. However, the order does not compel ICE to release the parents, as it does with the children, it leaves that part up to the agency’s discretion, which may not be favorable.
Still, the agency will be required to release the children. Gee suggested that if ICE felt uncomfortable about releasing the parents outright, they could release them with ankle bracelets or other tracking devices.
Gee wrote that the centers “are ‘on fire’ and there is no more time for half measures.”
The judge pointed to employees and detainees who tested positive for the virus in both Texas and Kansas, and condemned the “unevenly implemented written protocols,” at these locations.
In addition to the release of the child detainees, the judge ordered ICE facilities to “urgently enforce its existing COVID-19 protocols,” which includes testing, mask use, and social distancing.
Judge Gee has been active in pushing for the release of children held at these facilities since long before the pandemic began. In a decision late last year, the judge ruled that ICE must abide by the Flores agreement, a 1997 settlement that sets standards for how the government can treat migrant children.
Following the lengthy trial stemming from the arrest of multiple children who were crossing the border, including Jenny Lisette Flores, the US government agreed to numerous terms regarding the treatment of children by immigration agencies.
Among other things, the federal government agreed to keep children in the least restrictive setting possible and to ensure the prompt release of children from immigration detention.
According to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report published in September of 2018, the Flores agreement was intended as a temporary measure. In the ruling, the government agreed that the agreement would remain in effect for 45 days, which would give the government time to form official legislation to replace it.
However, the government never published any followup legislation, so the Flores Agreement still stands as a legal precedent.
The Trump administration has called the agreement a “loophole,” and suggested that judge Gee is an “activist judge” who is trying to undermine the rule of law.
“For two and a half years, this Administration has worked to restore faithful enforcement of the laws enacted by Congress, while activist judges have imposed their own vision in the place of those duly enacted laws,” a statement from the White House press secretary said, according to NBC News.
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themindunleashed--2020-06-27--Photographer With Vitiligo Captures Stunning Photos of Women With The Same Condition

( TMU ) – Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder where the skin ’ s melanin ( color pigment cells ) are lost or destroyed .
As a result , white patches start appearing on the skin in one area or all over the body .
Patches may join together with time , creating larger patches .
Hair , on the head and body , can also be affected .
There is no known cause or cure for Vitiligo and it affects people of all ages , ethnicity and color .
Although not proven , Vitiligo may have an autoimmune or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in families ’ .
While not affecting physical health , vitiligo can lead to serious psychological , social and emotional problems and impact the quality of life considerably in this regard .
Photographer Elisabeth Van Aalderen graduated from the ‘ Utrecht School of Arts ’ and after working in the photography department of ‘ Fotovakschool ’ in Amsterdam for a year , she then worked in the fashion industry as a stylist and art director .
Eventually , she fulfilled her dream of becoming a photographer and never looked back .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and struggled to accept the fact that there is no cure .
Of the early days , she said : “ I started to get tiny white spots on my left hand .
After a few weeks , the small spots turned into one bigger spot .
That ’ s when it all started .
Today , 60 % of my skin is covered in vitiligo .
“ When I was diagnosed , I started skin therapy : creams , lightening-therapy , a gluten-free diet , a vegetarian diet , no sun , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You name it , I tried it all .
“ Nothing worked .
Eventually , I stopped these treatments because I didn ’ t want my life to be like that .
I couldn ’ t change the fact that I have vitiligo , so I started to embrace it.
” By accepting and embracing vitiligo , ultimately enabled Elizabeth to help other women embrace the skin they ’ re in with her photography series Shades of Pale .
A few years ago , Elizabeth was approached by a girl who told her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s like your own unique tattoo .
You should be proud.
’ ’ This random comment inspired her Shades of Pale photography series focused on people with vitiligo .
Many people don ’ t know what vitiligo is , despite the fact that 60 million people worldwide live with the condition , Elizabeth aims to change that by creating awareness through her Shades of Pale series .
“ During my day-to-day job as a photographer , people asked me a lot of questions about my skin .
This made me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiences , photography and my skin condition ?
Photography is [ a wonderful way ] to document and celebrate the vitiligo body .
It is an ode to its beauty and uniqueness.
” Elisabeth explains why she believes there ’ s a reason she developed the skin condition : “ It ’ s my biggest and most difficult journey of self-acceptance.
” “ I also want to tell the story of strong women that celebrate their beauty which , in this case , distinguishes them from others .
I want to portray women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want people to look at vitiligo as something ‘ out of the box ’ .
“ When it comes to beauty , I believe there is no box .
All types of beauty need to be inclusive .
Beauty can be whatever you want it to be.
” “ I have photographed women from all over the world who come in all kinds of shapes and colors , ” she said .
“ The ages differ from 20 to 50 years old .
For them , this experience wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It has also been incredibly therapeutic.
” Beautiful as the women featured in her series are , around 90 percent have never been photographed showing their skin in quite this way .
“ They really stepped out of their comfort zone .
It feels very rewarding that the photoshoot contributed to their self-confidence , ” Elisabeth elaborated .
“ For many women I have portrayed , it was a process of healing and acceptance.
” “ It is wonderful that there is such a big community on social media which has made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful individuals .
It has been such a positive journey , for me and for the ones I portrayed.
” While there still is no real cure for vitiligo , the best fix would surely be for society to accept that we are all different and embrace the unique beauty brought on by the condition .

(TMU) – Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder where the skin’s melanin (color pigment cells) are lost or destroyed. As a result, white patches start appearing on the skin in one area or all over the body. Patches may join together with time, creating larger patches. Hair, on the head and body, can also be affected.
There is no known cause or cure for Vitiligo and it affects people of all ages, ethnicity and color. Although not proven, Vitiligo may have an autoimmune or genetic link as it sometimes ‘runs in families’. While not affecting physical health, vitiligo can lead to serious psychological, social and emotional problems and impact the quality of life considerably in this regard.
Photographer Elisabeth Van Aalderen graduated from the ‘Utrecht School of Arts’ and after working in the photography department of ‘Fotovakschool’ in Amsterdam for a year, she then worked in the fashion industry as a stylist and art director. Eventually, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a photographer and never looked back.
At the age of 25, Elisabeth developed vitiligo and struggled to accept the fact that there is no cure. Of the early days, she said:
“I started to get tiny white spots on my left hand. After a few weeks, the small spots turned into one bigger spot. That’s when it all started. Today, 60% of my skin is covered in vitiligo.
“When I was diagnosed, I started skin therapy: creams, lightening-therapy, a gluten-free diet, a vegetarian diet, no sun, a lot of sun, yoga. You name it, I tried it all.
“Nothing worked. Eventually, I stopped these treatments because I didn’t want my life to be like that. I couldn’t change the fact that I have vitiligo, so I started to embrace it.”
By accepting and embracing vitiligo, ultimately enabled Elizabeth to help other women embrace the skin they’re in with her photography series Shades of Pale.
A few years ago, Elizabeth was approached by a girl who told her: “I really love your skin, it’s like your own unique tattoo. You should be proud.’’
This random comment inspired her Shades of Pale photography series focused on people with vitiligo.
Many people don’t know what vitiligo is, despite the fact that 60 million people worldwide live with the condition, Elizabeth aims to change that by creating awareness through her Shades of Pale series.
“During my day-to-day job as a photographer, people asked me a lot of questions about my skin. This made me wonder: why not use these two experiences, photography and my skin condition? Photography is [a wonderful way] to document and celebrate the vitiligo body. It is an ode to its beauty and uniqueness.”
Elisabeth explains why she believes there’s a reason she developed the skin condition: “It’s my biggest and most difficult journey of self-acceptance.”
“I also want to tell the story of strong women that celebrate their beauty which, in this case, distinguishes them from others. I want to portray women who embrace their skin. I don’t want people to look at vitiligo as something ‘out of the box’.
“When it comes to beauty, I believe there is no box. All types of beauty need to be inclusive. Beauty can be whatever you want it to be.”
“I have photographed women from all over the world who come in all kinds of shapes and colors,” she said. “The ages differ from 20 to 50 years old. For them, this experience wasn’t only a way of expressing themselves creatively. It has also been incredibly therapeutic.”
Beautiful as the women featured in her series are, around 90 percent have never been photographed showing their skin in quite this way.
“They really stepped out of their comfort zone. It feels very rewarding that the photoshoot contributed to their self-confidence,” Elisabeth elaborated. “For many women I have portrayed, it was a process of healing and acceptance.”
“It is wonderful that there is such a big community on social media which has made me able to connect with all these beautiful individuals. It has been such a positive journey, for me and for the ones I portrayed.”
While there still is no real cure for vitiligo, the best fix would surely be for society to accept that we are all different and embrace the unique beauty brought on by the condition.
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