themindunleashed--2020-08-27--Another Ft. Hood soldier found dead during sexual assault case, days after military says ‘no foul pl

Another Ft. Hood soldier found dead during sexual assault case, days after military says ‘no foul play’

The Fort Hood military base in Killeen , Texas , is one of the largest military bases in the world , and it also appears to be one of the most dangerous as well .
The base has been a source of crime in the region for a long time and this was well-known by locals , but a recent string of mysterious deaths and human trafficking arrests has given Fort Hood a level of media attention that it has never seen before .
According to a 2018 RAND study , Fort Hood had the highest number of reported sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility worldwide , and it appears that some of the soldiers that mysteriously died this year were also victims of sexual assault .
The body of the most recent victim , Sgt .
Elder Fernandes , was found earlier this week , about 25 miles away from the base , laying along the railroad tracks in an isolated area .
An autopsy has not yet been completed in the case , and the investigation is still ongoing , but representatives with the base have already told the media that they don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , Fernandes was in the midst of following through with a sexual assault complaint about someone else at the base .
Just before his death , he was transferred to a different unit because of the alleged sexual assault , but after his death , Army representatives told reporters that they did not believe his allegations after interviewing the suspect .
Special Agent Damon Phelps of the Army ’ s criminal investigative command , said that they closed their investigation into the sexual assault allegations after the suspect passed a polygraph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed and is with the command and their legal team for further action if warranted .
I can also share that the subject of the investigation took and passed a polygraph examination , and we found no witnesses that could corroborate Sgt .
[ Elder ] Fernandes ’ allegations .
There was a thorough legal review , and the allegations were unsubstantiated , ” Phelps said in a statement after Fernandes ’ body was found , according to Task and Purpose .
There are currently conflicting reports about what took place in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death is a part of a larger disturbing trend at the base .
The many disappearances that have happened at the base in the past year don ’ t seem to be connected in any way , but there does seem to be a culture of violence and secrecy that surrounds the place .
The first missing soldier to be reported by the national media was found dead near the base on June 21st .
The remains were identified as 24-year-old soldier Gregory Morales , who had been missing for months .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as officials with the Army believed that he deserted the base , but now they do suspect that he was murdered .
Then on July 1st , the body of 20-year-old Vanessa Guillen was found near the base .
A suspect in that case , Fort Hood soldier Aaron Robinson , shot and killed himself as police moved in to arrest him .
A woman that officials identified as Robinson ’ s girlfriend was arrested and has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of tampering with evidence after admitting that she helped Robinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complained to her family about sexual harassment that she experienced on the base just before her death , and she was said to be filing a complaint against multiple men at the base , including Robinson .
Guillen ’ s family has urged military recruits to reconsidering joining the military and has called on Congress to open a formal investigation into the base .

The Fort Hood military base in Killeen, Texas, is one of the largest military bases in the world, and it also appears to be one of the most dangerous as well. The base has been a source of crime in the region for a long time and this was well-known by locals, but a recent string of mysterious deaths and human trafficking arrests has given Fort Hood a level of media attention that it has never seen before.
According to a 2018 RAND study, Fort Hood had the highest number of reported sexual assaults and rapes of any US military facility worldwide, and it appears that some of the soldiers that mysteriously died this year were also victims of sexual assault.
The body of the most recent victim, Sgt. Elder Fernandes, was found earlier this week, about 25 miles away from the base, laying along the railroad tracks in an isolated area. An autopsy has not yet been completed in the case, and the investigation is still ongoing, but representatives with the base have already told the media that they don’t suspect any foul play in his death.
However, Fernandes was in the midst of following through with a sexual assault complaint about someone else at the base. Just before his death, he was transferred to a different unit because of the alleged sexual assault, but after his death, Army representatives told reporters that they did not believe his allegations after interviewing the suspect.
Special Agent Damon Phelps of the Army’s criminal investigative command, said that they closed their investigation into the sexual assault allegations after the suspect passed a polygraph test.
“Our investigation has been completed and is with the command and their legal team for further action if warranted. I can also share that the subject of the investigation took and passed a polygraph examination, and we found no witnesses that could corroborate Sgt. [Elder] Fernandes’ allegations. There was a thorough legal review, and the allegations were unsubstantiated,” Phelps said in a statement after Fernandes’ body was found, according to Task and Purpose.
There are currently conflicting reports about what took place in the days before Fernandes died, but his death is a part of a larger disturbing trend at the base. The many disappearances that have happened at the base in the past year don’t seem to be connected in any way, but there does seem to be a culture of violence and secrecy that surrounds the place.
The first missing soldier to be reported by the national media was found dead near the base on June 21st. The remains were identified as 24-year-old soldier Gregory Morales, who had been missing for months. His death was not even being investigated, as officials with the Army believed that he deserted the base, but now they do suspect that he was murdered.
Then on July 1st, the body of 20-year-old Vanessa Guillen was found near the base. A suspect in that case, Fort Hood soldier Aaron Robinson, shot and killed himself as police moved in to arrest him.
A woman that officials identified as Robinson’s girlfriend was arrested and has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of tampering with evidence after admitting that she helped Robinson bury the body.
Guillen had reportedly complained to her family about sexual harassment that she experienced on the base just before her death, and she was said to be filing a complaint against multiple men at the base, including Robinson. Guillen’s family has urged military recruits to reconsidering joining the military and has called on Congress to open a formal investigation into the base.
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themindunleashed--2020-08-27--Japanese Farmers Plant Specific Strains Of Rice To Grow Colorfully Illustrated Fields

Japan has strong traditions dating back many millennia and the people of Japan are known for their excellent craftsmanship and designing skills , many of whom still flourish today and are coveted because of their excellent quality .
Growing rice , a basic staple , was one such tradition and rice fields were found all over the country .
But over time , rice fields became fewer in some areas as the pace of modern life intensified .
In 1993 , the village of Inakadate , in Aomori Prefecture , were looking for ways to rejuvenate their village .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area for over 2,000 years led the people of the village to the decision to honor the age old tradition by starting a paddy field behind the town hall and use it as a canvas to create giant artworks , using a combination of heirloom and newer strains of seeds , all of which produce plants of various colors and hues .
Mount Iwak , a stratovolcano in the Aomori Prefecture , was their first creation .
At the time , they may not have realized the scale of planning involved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind , so they recreated the volcano for the first nine years .
Having honed their skills on the simple design of the mountain , they were ready to move on to more challenging projects .
Although the people of the village were initially divided on whether to create traditional or international art which would feature the likes of famous people , place or artwork amongst others , in the end , variety won the vote and a new tradition , known as Tanbo art , grew from the village rice paddies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors arriving during July and August in anticipation of viewing the art of that season .
To improve viewing of the whole picture , best done from above , a 22m mock castle tower was built at the village office and another observation tower was built at the second Tanbo art location .
Leonardo da Vinci ’ s Mona Lisa , Napoleon Bonaparte , Marilyn Manroe , Gone with the Wind and Star Wars , as well as Japanese heroes , anime characters and scenes were just some of the iconic images grown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ art gallery .
Although Inakadate was the first , and only place to exhibit rice paddy artworks , like all good ideas , it has spread across Japan and to Korea and Taiwan with over a 100 places now offering Tanbo art galleries .

Japan has strong traditions dating back many millennia and the people of Japan are known for their excellent craftsmanship and designing skills, many of whom still flourish today and are coveted because of their excellent quality.
Growing rice, a basic staple, was one such tradition and rice fields were found all over the country. But over time, rice fields became fewer in some areas as the pace of modern life intensified.
In 1993, the village of Inakadate, in Aomori Prefecture, were looking for ways to rejuvenate their village.
The realization that rice had been grown in the area for over 2,000 years led the people of the village to the decision to honor the age old tradition by starting a paddy field behind the town hall and use it as a canvas to create giant artworks, using a combination of heirloom and newer strains of seeds, all of which produce plants of various colors and hues.
Mount Iwak, a stratovolcano in the Aomori Prefecture, was their first creation. At the time, they may not have realized the scale of planning involved to create the art projects they had in mind, so they recreated the volcano for the first nine years.
Having honed their skills on the simple design of the mountain, they were ready to move on to more challenging projects.
Although the people of the village were initially divided on whether to create traditional or international art which would feature the likes of famous people, place or artwork amongst others, in the end, variety won the vote and a new tradition, known as Tanbo art, grew from the village rice paddies.
Inakadate turned into a tourist attraction with visitors arriving during July and August in anticipation of viewing the art of that season.
To improve viewing of the whole picture, best done from above, a 22m mock castle tower was built at the village office and another observation tower was built at the second Tanbo art location.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Napoleon Bonaparte, Marilyn Manroe, Gone with the Wind and Star Wars, as well as Japanese heroes, anime characters and scenes were just some of the iconic images grown at the village’s rice paddy art gallery.
Although Inakadate was the first, and only place to exhibit rice paddy artworks, like all good ideas, it has spread across Japan and to Korea and Taiwan with over a 100 places now offering Tanbo art galleries.
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themindunleashed--2020-08-27--Assange Is In “A Lot Of Pain” And Looking Very Thin, Partner Says After Visit To Prison

Julian Assange is not in good shape , according to his partner Stella Moris , who was recently able to visit him in prison for the first time in nearly six months .
Moris had a 20 minute meeting with Assange at the Belmarsh Prison in south-east London , where he is currently being held .
The couple ’ s two young children also came to meet their father , but everyone had to wear masks , and visitors were not allowed to touch one another .
She told the PA news agency that Assange is looking much thinner than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him back in March .
She says that the situation has been “ incredibly stressful ” and that he has been having some health problems , including a sprained ankle and a frozen shoulder .
While the prison was taking virus precautions when Assange was having visitors , Moris says that they have done nothing to protect the prisoners during regular hours .
“ We had to keep social distancing and Julian was told he would have to self-isolate for two weeks if he touched the children .
Julian said it was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask because things are very different behind the doors .
I could not see him very clearly because of the visors , but he looked a lot thinner .
He was wearing a yellow armband to indicate his level of prisoner status , and you could see how thin his arms were , ” Moris explained .
“ At least he got to see the children , even though he couldn ’ t touch them .
The children were both calm – we all remained seated the whole time , ” she added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been able to have a face-to-face meeting with his legal team since the coronavirus lockdown began in March and has limited access to the paperwork and files needed for his case .
Moris has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to help with legal costs for Assange as he fights extradition to the United States .
On the fundraising page , Moris said that , “ Julian is being targeted by the United States administration for the crime of journalism .
He helped expose war crimes and human rights abuses which the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public view .
No-one has been held responsible for the serious crimes Julian has exposed .
This extradition aims to entomb and silence him forever .
This is a monumental legal case which is an attack on everyone ’ s right to know about scandals which politicians and governments want buried .
If the US government is successful , the ramifications are unthinkable.
” So far , the campaign has raised £60,470 .
The extradition hearing is scheduled to take place on the 7th of September at the Old Bailey which is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing .
Moris described the venue as “ an unprecedented forum for an extradition case which acknowledges that the case has huge importance beyond Julian himself.
” Many legal experts agree that this case could set a precedent and have far reaching implications for journalists all over the world .

Julian Assange is not in good shape, according to his partner Stella Moris, who was recently able to visit him in prison for the first time in nearly six months. Moris had a 20 minute meeting with Assange at the Belmarsh Prison in south-east London, where he is currently being held. The couple’s two young children also came to meet their father, but everyone had to wear masks, and visitors were not allowed to touch one another.
She told the PA news agency that Assange is looking much thinner than he was the last time she saw him back in March. She says that the situation has been “incredibly stressful” and that he has been having some health problems, including a sprained ankle and a frozen shoulder. While the prison was taking virus precautions when Assange was having visitors, Moris says that they have done nothing to protect the prisoners during regular hours.
“We had to keep social distancing and Julian was told he would have to self-isolate for two weeks if he touched the children. Julian said it was the first time he had been given a mask because things are very different behind the doors. I could not see him very clearly because of the visors, but he looked a lot thinner. He was wearing a yellow armband to indicate his level of prisoner status, and you could see how thin his arms were,” Moris explained.
“At least he got to see the children, even though he couldn’t touch them. The children were both calm – we all remained seated the whole time,” she added.
She also said that he has not been able to have a face-to-face meeting with his legal team since the coronavirus lockdown began in March and has limited access to the paperwork and files needed for his case. Moris has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to help with legal costs for Assange as he fights extradition to the United States.
Today I'm launching a crowdjustice campaign to free Julian. Our children need their father back. Please help me make that happen.#SaveJulian#FreeAssangehttps://t.co/cTboMeu8b7 — Stella Moris (@StellaMoris1) August 20, 2020
On the fundraising page, Moris said that, “Julian is being targeted by the United States administration for the crime of journalism. He helped expose war crimes and human rights abuses which the US would have preferred to keep hidden from public view. No-one has been held responsible for the serious crimes Julian has exposed. This extradition aims to entomb and silence him forever. This is a monumental legal case which is an attack on everyone’s right to know about scandals which politicians and governments want buried. If the US government is successful, the ramifications are unthinkable.”
So far, the campaign has raised £60,470.
The extradition hearing is scheduled to take place on the 7th of September at the Old Bailey which is being used as a Magistrates Court for this hearing. Moris described the venue as “an unprecedented forum for an extradition case which acknowledges that the case has huge importance beyond Julian himself.”
Many legal experts agree that this case could set a precedent and have far reaching implications for journalists all over the world.
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themindunleashed--2020-08-27--NBA players reportedly discuss general strike as police protest wave spreads to MLB

Various Major League Baseball ( MLB ) teams are joining forces with their basketball counterparts to boycott Wednesday evening ’ s professional sports games in protest of police brutality , racism and Sunday ’ s police shooting of Jacob Blake by police officers in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
The move comes as the players for the National Basketball Association ( NBA ) are reportedly discussing the possibility of a formal general strike .
The Milwaukee Brewers made the decision to cancel their game with the Cincinnati Brewers first , and the Seattle Mariners quickly joined suit by announcing that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the San Diego Padres .
The Mariners have the most Black players of any team in the league .
The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants also decided to silence their bats tonight to join the wave of protest sweeping through professional sports .
The Brewers ’ protest was first made public by Wall Street Journal baseball writer Jared Diamond , who announced the news first on Twitter .
The Reds quickly agreed not to play the game , ensuring that the protest would not result in a forfeit by the Brewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s scheduled games come after the Milwaukee Bucks symbolically announced a boycott of the playoff games by refusing to appear on court for a scheduled match with Orlando Magic .
On Sunday evening , 29-year-old Black male Jacob Blake was shot several times in the back by Kenosha Police in full view of his three children .
Blake is currently paralyzed and it is unclear whether he will ever be able to walk again .
The shooting was followed by nights of unrest in the Lake Michigan city and is on track to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that unfolded this summer following the May 25 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police .
The Bucks ’ move to protest police violence following Sunday ’ s high-profile police shooting in their home state quickly spread across the NBA , with other teams scheduled for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series within the Orlando NBA Bubble at Disney World agreeing that the protest was necessary .
“ Some things are bigger than basketball , ” Bucks senior vice president Alex Lasry announced in a tweet .
“ The stand taken today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re fed up .
Enough is enough .
Change needs to happen .
I ’ m incredibly proud of our guys and we stand 100 % behind our players ready to assist and bring about real change.
” A half hour prior to the game , the Bucks also shared video of Budenholzer discussing his team ’ s thoughts about the police shooting .
“ It is a great challenge to have an appreciation and a desire to want change , ” Budenholzer said .
“ To want something different and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then to go out and play a game.
” Bucks players also managed to reach politicians in Wisconsin to demand the need for urgent action to halt police violence .
The collective action by NBA athletes could evolve to the level of a formal general strike as basketball players are reportedly set to hold a union meeting where they will deliberate about next steps , tweeted The Athletic writer Jared Weiss .
The unexpected move was essentially a wildcat strike , meaning that the work stoppage was undertaken by players without the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBA ’ s collective bargaining agreement , the move by the Bucks violated their own contract .
The NBA was quick to frame the boycott as a “ postponement ” following the reports of widespread labor actions by teams , announcing dryly in a statement that the other games would be cancelled unilaterally by the association and players ’ union .
Orlando Magic supported the league ’ s statement , announcing in their own statement : “ Today we stand united with the NBA Office , the National Basketball Players Association , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league condemning bigotry , racial injustice and the unwarranted use of violence by police against people of color.
” The possibility of a widespread protest across the league during a strange season already rendered abnormal by the COVID-19 pandemic marks a new development after NBA players have become increasingly vocal about racism and police violence nationwide .
Just last week , the Los Angeles Lakers donned red hats that appeared similar to President Trump ’ s MAGA hats .
However , the hats instead read : “ Make America Great Again Arrest The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains unclear as to whether the protest spirit will have a lasting impact on professional baseball , where the majority of players are non-Black and the culture of the sport is generally considered older and more conservative .
TNT sports analyst and former NBA player Kenny Smith also walked off the set of the NBA on TNT in solidarity with the protests .
However , MLB teams and the league itself have generally supported the calls for racial justice with social media posts supporting Black Lives Matter and players symbolically kneeling prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening day .
Managers and star players such as Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers have also criticized the league and team owners for failing or being too slow in addressing social issues publically , unlike their counterparts in the National Football League ( NFL ) or NBA .

Various Major League Baseball (MLB) teams are joining forces with their basketball counterparts to boycott Wednesday evening’s professional sports games in protest of police brutality, racism and Sunday’s police shooting of Jacob Blake by police officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The move comes as the players for the National Basketball Association (NBA) are reportedly discussing the possibility of a formal general strike.
The Milwaukee Brewers made the decision to cancel their game with the Cincinnati Brewers first, and the Seattle Mariners quickly joined suit by announcing that they were canceling their own game tonight with the San Diego Padres. The Mariners have the most Black players of any team in the league.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants also decided to silence their bats tonight to join the wave of protest sweeping through professional sports.
The San Francisco Giants-Los Angeles Dodgers game tonight has been postponed, sources tell ESPN. It's the third MLB game to be canceled in the wake of the NBA players refusing to play after the fallout of the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 27, 2020
The Brewers’ protest was first made public by Wall Street Journal baseball writer Jared Diamond, who announced the news first on Twitter. The Reds quickly agreed not to play the game, ensuring that the protest would not result in a forfeit by the Brewers.
The unexpected halt to tonight’s scheduled games come after the Milwaukee Bucks symbolically announced a boycott of the playoff games by refusing to appear on court for a scheduled match with Orlando Magic.
On Sunday evening, 29-year-old Black male Jacob Blake was shot several times in the back by Kenosha Police in full view of his three children. Blake is currently paralyzed and it is unclear whether he will ever be able to walk again. The shooting was followed by nights of unrest in the Lake Michigan city and is on track to rekindle the weeks of explosive nationwide unrest that unfolded this summer following the May 25 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police.
The Bucks’ move to protest police violence following Sunday’s high-profile police shooting in their home state quickly spread across the NBA, with other teams scheduled for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series within the Orlando NBA Bubble at Disney World agreeing that the protest was necessary.
“Some things are bigger than basketball,” Bucks senior vice president Alex Lasry announced in a tweet. “The stand taken today by the players and org shows that we’re fed up. Enough is enough. Change needs to happen. I’m incredibly proud of our guys and we stand 100% behind our players ready to assist and bring about real change.”
Some things are bigger than basketball. The stand taken today by the players and org shows that we’re fed up. Enough is enough. Change needs to happen. I’m incredibly proud of our guys and we stand 100% behind our players ready to assist and bring about real change — Alex Lasry (@AlexanderLasry) August 26, 2020
A half hour prior to the game, the Bucks also shared video of Budenholzer discussing his team’s thoughts about the police shooting.
“It is a great challenge to have an appreciation and a desire to want change,” Budenholzer said. “To want something different and better in Kenosha, Milwaukee and Wisconsin and then to go out and play a game.”
Bucks players also managed to reach politicians in Wisconsin to demand the need for urgent action to halt police violence.
Inside the locker room, the Milwaukee Bucks were on a conference call with Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, sources tell ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
The collective action by NBA athletes could evolve to the level of a formal general strike as basketball players are reportedly set to hold a union meeting where they will deliberate about next steps, tweeted The Athletic writer Jared Weiss.
The unexpected move was essentially a wildcat strike, meaning that the work stoppage was undertaken by players without the authorization of union leadership. Under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, the move by the Bucks violated their own contract.
The players will hold a union meeting tonight where they will likely hold a debate and possibly put to vote a formal general strike. Right now this is a wildcat strike. There are plenty of ways this can take shape that go short of a general strike. — Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) August 26, 2020
The NBA was quick to frame the boycott as a “postponement” following the reports of widespread labor actions by teams, announcing dryly in a statement that the other games would be cancelled unilaterally by the association and players’ union.
Orlando Magic supported the league’s statement, announcing in their own statement: “Today we stand united with the NBA Office, the National Basketball Players Association, the Milwaukee Bucks and the rest of the league condemning bigotry, racial injustice and the unwarranted use of violence by police against people of color.”
The possibility of a widespread protest across the league during a strange season already rendered abnormal by the COVID-19 pandemic marks a new development after NBA players have become increasingly vocal about racism and police violence nationwide.
Just last week, the Los Angeles Lakers donned red hats that appeared similar to President Trump’s MAGA hats. However, the hats instead read: “Make America Great Again Arrest The Cops Who Killed Breonna Taylor.”
It remains unclear as to whether the protest spirit will have a lasting impact on professional baseball, where the majority of players are non-Black and the culture of the sport is generally considered older and more conservative.
The NBA, owners and front offices didn't see this wave of player boycotts coming today. Hours ago, they all expected to be playing these games tonight. This is a pivot point for the NBA and professional sports in North America. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
TNT sports analyst and former NBA player Kenny Smith also walked off the set of the NBA on TNT in solidarity with the protests.
https://twitter.com/TheNBAHustle/status/1298751098644099073
However, MLB teams and the league itself have generally supported the calls for racial justice with social media posts supporting Black Lives Matter and players symbolically kneeling prior to the national anthem on the July 23 opening day.
Managers and star players such as Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers have also criticized the league and team owners for failing or being too slow in addressing social issues publically, unlike their counterparts in the National Football League (NFL) or NBA.
Sports have long been used throughout history to distract people from important political and social issues of the day. However, it appears that the patience of professional athletes has been exhausted, and they are doing what they can to ensure that attention remains focused on the streets. NBA players have called for a meeting tonight in Orlando to determine next steps, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
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themindunleashed--2020-08-26--Catastrophe feared as Hurricane Laura rapidly intensifies to ‘unsurvivable’ Category 4 storm

Authorities are preparing for the worst as Hurricane Laura has rapidly strengthened into a Category 4 storm , threatening to bring brutal conditions to the coastal regions of Texas and Louisiana overnight .
On Wednesday , the National Hurricane Center ( NHC ) issued increasingly urgent warnings about the bruising storms and warning that Laura would create “ unsurvivable ” 20-foot storm surges and “ life-threatening hazards ” including flash floods and violent winds ranging from between 145 mph to 175 mph .
The flood risk inland also extends far north and east with Arkansas and the Ohio and Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the storm .
Isolated tornadoes resulting from Laura are also likely , reports the Weather Channel .
Residents are being urged to “ rush ” to complete their preparations for when the hurricane makes imminent landfall , while over half a million residents of Louisiana and Texas have been ordered to evacuate .
By 5 p.m. Wednesday , Laura remained en route to the Gulf Coast and had maximum sustained winds increasing to 145 mph .
The hurricane-force winds of Laura extend 60 miles from its center while tropical-storm-force winds reach as far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Unsurvivable storm surge with large and destructive waves will cause catastrophic damage , ” the NHC said .
“ The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.
” Experts had initially feared that Laura ’ s strike would come shortly after another storm , Marco , in the form of back-to-back hurricanes within the span of 48 hours .
However , Marco was downgraded to a tropical storm that still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and heavy rain .
But while Marco was downgraded , Laura has quickly grown in ferocity by 70 percent in a mere 24 hours , upgrading from a Category 3 to a Category 4 in a disturbing turn of events .
Earlier Wednesday , the NHC warned that satellite images had shown Laura assume its remarkably more intense form and grow to become a “ formidable hurricane ” presenting a dangerous threat to parts of the Gulf Coast .
“ To think that there would be a wall of water over two stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for most to conceive , but that is what is going to happen , ” National Weather Service meteorologist Benjamin Schott informed reporters .
Once the storm makes landfall Wednesday night , it is expected to have a devastating effect as it rakes through northwestern Louisiana throughout Thursday on its way to Arkansas on Thursday night .
The hurricane should rapidly weaken to Category 1 status by Thursday afternoon , however , with maximum sustained winds lowering to 85 mph .
Experts are certain , however , that the initial strike from Hurricane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas , when they wake up Thursday morning , they ’ re not going to believe what happened , ” said senior hurricane specialist Stacy Stewart .
“ We could see storm surge heights more than 15 feet in some areas , ” she added .
“ What doesn ’ t get blown down by the wind could easily get knocked down by the rising ocean waters pushing well inland.
” Even sturdy and well-built homes are likely to incur damages , while trees will be snapped and uprooted while crucial utilities such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of commission for days to weeks , the NHC has warned .
“ Hurricane force winds and widespread damaging wind gusts will also spread well inland into portions of eastern Texas and western Louisiana early Thursday , ” the NHC said .
The evacuations are facing complications due to the still-raging coronavirus pandemic , with Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott telling families that they should seek refuge in hotels and motels if they can afford to , allowing them to maintain physical distancing rather than being forced to cram in with other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left behind a trail of brutal damage in the Caribbean , killing at least 24 people , including an eight-year-old child and an infant in Haiti .
In Cuba , authorities managed to evacuate some 160,000 people from coastal regions , while thousands were also evacuated in the Dominican Republic .

Authorities are preparing for the worst as Hurricane Laura has rapidly strengthened into a Category 4 storm, threatening to bring brutal conditions to the coastal regions of Texas and Louisiana overnight.
On Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued increasingly urgent warnings about the bruising storms and warning that Laura would create “unsurvivable” 20-foot storm surges and “life-threatening hazards” including flash floods and violent winds ranging from between 145 mph to 175 mph.
The flood risk inland also extends far north and east with Arkansas and the Ohio and Tennessee valleys expected to feel some impact from the storm. Isolated tornadoes resulting from Laura are also likely, reports the Weather Channel.
Residents are being urged to “rush” to complete their preparations for when the hurricane makes imminent landfall, while over half a million residents of Louisiana and Texas have been ordered to evacuate.
TROPICAL UPDATE: At 1:50 pm EDT today, @NOAA's #GOES16? is zoomed in on the swirling eye of #Hurricane #Laura, whose winds are now 140 mph, making it a Cat-4 hurricane. @NHC_Atlantic says the storm will cause an "unsurvivable storm surge" in places. https://t.co/VTAp4gGkHs pic.twitter.com/dgBQcuvjJb — NOAA Satellites – Public Affairs (@NOAASatellitePA) August 26, 2020
By 5 p.m. Wednesday, Laura remained en route to the Gulf Coast and had maximum sustained winds increasing to 145 mph. The hurricane-force winds of Laura extend 60 miles from its center while tropical-storm-force winds reach as far as 205 miles, reports Orlando Sentinel.
“Unsurvivable storm surge with large and destructive waves will cause catastrophic damage,” the NHC said. “The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.”
Experts had initially feared that Laura’s strike would come shortly after another storm, Marco, in the form of back-to-back hurricanes within the span of 48 hours. However, Marco was downgraded to a tropical storm that still managed to pummel Louisiana with strong winds and heavy rain.
Unsurvivable storm surge with large and destructive waves will cause catastrophic damage from Sea Rim State Park, Texas, to Intracoastal City, Louisiana, including Calcasieu and Sabine Lakes. This surge could penetrate up to 30 miles inland from the immediate coastline. #Laura pic.twitter.com/bV4jzT3Chd — National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 26, 2020
But while Marco was downgraded, Laura has quickly grown in ferocity by 70 percent in a mere 24 hours, upgrading from a Category 3 to a Category 4 in a disturbing turn of events.
Earlier Wednesday, the NHC warned that satellite images had shown Laura assume its remarkably more intense form and grow to become a “formidable hurricane” presenting a dangerous threat to parts of the Gulf Coast.
“To think that there would be a wall of water over two stories high coming on shore is very difficult for most to conceive, but that is what is going to happen,” National Weather Service meteorologist Benjamin Schott informed reporters.
Once the storm makes landfall Wednesday night, it is expected to have a devastating effect as it rakes through northwestern Louisiana throughout Thursday on its way to Arkansas on Thursday night.
Views of Hurricane Laura taken from @Space_Station today. Stay safe everyone. pic.twitter.com/KwVvRLA15m — Chris Cassidy (@Astro_SEAL) August 26, 2020
The hurricane should rapidly weaken to Category 1 status by Thursday afternoon, however, with maximum sustained winds lowering to 85 mph.
Experts are certain, however, that the initial strike from Hurricane Laura will be catastrophic.
“Some areas, when they wake up Thursday morning, they’re not going to believe what happened,” said senior hurricane specialist Stacy Stewart.
“We could see storm surge heights more than 15 feet in some areas,” she added. “What doesn’t get blown down by the wind could easily get knocked down by the rising ocean waters pushing well inland.”
HOLLY BEACH, LA storm surge already showing itself well ahead of CAT4 Hurricane Laura @RadarOmega_WX pic.twitter.com/ZDoUmbX4Qc — Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) August 26, 2020
Even sturdy and well-built homes are likely to incur damages, while trees will be snapped and uprooted while crucial utilities such as electricity and water could be knocked out of commission for days to weeks, the NHC has warned.
“Hurricane force winds and widespread damaging wind gusts will also spread well inland into portions of eastern Texas and western Louisiana early Thursday,” the NHC said.
The evacuations are facing complications due to the still-raging coronavirus pandemic, with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott telling families that they should seek refuge in hotels and motels if they can afford to, allowing them to maintain physical distancing rather than being forced to cram in with other evacuees.
Marco and Laura have already left behind a trail of brutal damage in the Caribbean, killing at least 24 people, including an eight-year-old child and an infant in Haiti.
In Cuba, authorities managed to evacuate some 160,000 people from coastal regions, while thousands were also evacuated in the Dominican Republic.
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themindunleashed--2020-08-26--Kenosha protest shooter charged with murder after cops let him flee state

Kyle Rittenhouse , the 17-year-old male who shot three protesters and killed two on Tuesday night in Kenosha , Wisconsin , has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide .
Official documents from Lake County , Illinois , indicate that the teenager was arrested in Antioch , Illinois , on Wednesday morning after he crossed state lines to shield businesses from any unrest resulting from the police shooting of Jacob Blake on Sunday .
Antioch is only 30 minutes southwest of Kenosha .
The shooting occurred amid continued clashes between police and protesters at the park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours Tuesday night , officers attempted to enforce the 8 p.m. city curfew and were met with a defiant response from protesters hurling small objects including rocks , water bottles , and fireworks .
In response , officers responded with less-lethal weapons including tear gas and rubber bullets .
When officers drove the protesters away , violent incidents began to unfold across the city as looters attacked local businesses and smashed police cars and other vehicles .
In the meantime , a militia-like group were outside of a gas station blocks away they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gas station became a flashpoint for conflict between the militia and protesters , who began arguing with each other .
The arguments eventually resulted in several shots being fired by a “ young man carrying a rifle , ” according to the Washington Post .
Following an intense and rapid period of research by social media users , the “ young man ” was quickly identified as Kyle Rittenhouse , an ardent “ Blue Lives Matter ” supporter .
In dramatic cellphone video coverage of the incident , Rittenhouse could be seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ street with a long-barrel semi-automatic rifle .
During the incident , which occurred just before midnight he could be heard saying “ I just killed someone.
” While supporters of Rittenhouse are alleging that the shooting was an act of self-defense , witnesses allege that the gunman was the first to initiate deadly force against the masses of protesters in the area .
The event unfolded in two phases , witness accounts and video , which shows the gunman first shooting somebody in a parking lot before jogging away and stumbling down in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He then fired again on people at point-blank range as the crowd attempted to subdue him .
Other images show him being hit with a skateboard by a protester during the struggle for his firearm .
After Rittenhouse stumbled , “ two people jumped onto him and there was a struggle for control of his rifle , ” witness Julio Rosas told Associated Press .
“ At that point during the struggle , he just began to fire multiple rounds and that dispersed people near him.
” “ The rifle was being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was being fired , ” Rosas said .
Milwaukee resident Sam Dirks , 22 , saw Rittenhouse earlier in the evening when he was ranting and shouting in the direction of protesters .
“ He was definitely very agitated , ” Dirks said .
“ He was pacing around , just pointing his gun in general .
Not necessarily at anyone specifically.
” Prior to the shooting , Kenosha resident Koerri Elijah also saw Rittenhouse behaving strangely outside of the gas station before the shooting that claimed two lives and injured a third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared “ on edge , ” unlike the other militia members .
“ I noticed him the entire time .
He didn ’ t seem like he was there with anyone , ” Elijah told Insider .
“ He was armed .
He didn ’ t seem like he was a threat , but I thought maybe I should keep an eye on him.
” After the second shooting , Rittenhouse began nonchalantly walking toward approaching police vehicles while raising his hands in surrender .
While the angry crowd yelled that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleas to detain him and instead continued their advance to the protesters .
Rittenhouse then fled the state and spent the night as a fugitive until being arrested Wednesday morning .
In footage from earlier in the night that has widely circulated since , police could be seen throwing bottled water to the armed militia that Rittenhouse tagged along with .
The teen shooter could also be seen among the militiamen .
“ We appreciate you being here , ” an officer told the group over a loudspeaker .
However , Sheriff David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event was the predictable outcome of armed civilians taking to the streets to protect private property .
“ I ’ ve had people saying , ‘ Why don ’ t you deputize citizens ?
’ ” Beth said , according to New York Times .
“ This is why you don ’ t deputize citizens with guns to protect Kenosha.
” Since the shooting occurred , internet sleuths have discovered social media accounts belonging to Rittenhouse that indicate the teen is an extreme devotee of pro-law enforcement causes and a militant opponent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against police brutality .
According to The Daily Beast , Rittenhouse ’ s Facebook profile was packed with numerous Blue Lives Matter-style images such as the “ thin blue line ” flag , as well as pro-police memes and photographs of an AR-15-style rifle similar to the one he used in the Tuesday night shootings .
Information also emerged about Rittenhouse being members of a “ Police Explorer ” program in Antioch .
On Sunday evening , 29-year-old Black male Jacob Blake was shot several times in the back after Kenosha Police were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was paralyzed by the gunfire as he attempted to open his car door while his children were in the back seat of the vehicle .

Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old male who shot three protesters and killed two on Tuesday night in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide.
Official documents from Lake County, Illinois, indicate that the teenager was arrested in Antioch, Illinois, on Wednesday morning after he crossed state lines to shield businesses from any unrest resulting from the police shooting of Jacob Blake on Sunday. Antioch is only 30 minutes southwest of Kenosha.
The shooting occurred amid continued clashes between police and protesters at the park near the Kenosha County courthouse.
New from Kenosha: Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, was arrested in Antioch, Ill., today after being charged with 1st degree intentional homicide for the shooting here last night, law enforcement authorities say. City officials in #Kenosha will hold a 1 p.m. press conference. — Julie Bosman (@juliebosman) August 26, 2020
For hours Tuesday night, officers attempted to enforce the 8 p.m. city curfew and were met with a defiant response from protesters hurling small objects including rocks, water bottles, and fireworks. In response, officers responded with less-lethal weapons including tear gas and rubber bullets.
When officers drove the protesters away, violent incidents began to unfold across the city as looters attacked local businesses and smashed police cars and other vehicles.
In the meantime, a militia-like group were outside of a gas station blocks away they were allegedly protecting. Before long, the gas station became a flashpoint for conflict between the militia and protesters, who began arguing with each other.
The arguments eventually resulted in several shots being fired by a “young man carrying a rifle,” according to the Washington Post.
Following an intense and rapid period of research by social media users, the “young man” was quickly identified as Kyle Rittenhouse, an ardent “Blue Lives Matter” supporter.
Two people were shot + killed + another wounded in #Kenosha after a white militia member opened fire during ongoing protests. Shooter identified himself on video as Kyle; seen earlier being given water by riot police who thanked him for being there. Militia promoted on InfoWars. pic.twitter.com/jKW24k6gUU — It’s Going Down (@IGD_News) August 26, 2020
In dramatic cellphone video coverage of the incident, Rittenhouse could be seen opening fire in the middle of the street with a long-barrel semi-automatic rifle. During the incident, which occurred just before midnight he could be heard saying “I just killed someone.”
While supporters of Rittenhouse are alleging that the shooting was an act of self-defense, witnesses allege that the gunman was the first to initiate deadly force against the masses of protesters in the area.
The event unfolded in two phases, witness accounts and video, which shows the gunman first shooting somebody in a parking lot before jogging away and stumbling down in the street as angry protesters gave chase. He then fired again on people at point-blank range as the crowd attempted to subdue him. Other images show him being hit with a skateboard by a protester during the struggle for his firearm.
After Rittenhouse stumbled, “two people jumped onto him and there was a struggle for control of his rifle,” witness Julio Rosas told Associated Press. “At that point during the struggle, he just began to fire multiple rounds and that dispersed people near him.”
“The rifle was being jerked around in all directions while it was being fired,” Rosas said.
(Warning, Graphic/Violent)
A crowd chases a suspected shooter down in Kenosha. He trips and falls, then turns with the gun and fires several times. Shots can be heard fired elsewhere as well, corroborating reports of multiple shooters tonight #Kenosha #KenoshaRiots pic.twitter.com/qqsYWmngFW — Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) August 26, 2020
Milwaukee resident Sam Dirks, 22, saw Rittenhouse earlier in the evening when he was ranting and shouting in the direction of protesters.
“He was definitely very agitated,” Dirks said. “He was pacing around, just pointing his gun in general. Not necessarily at anyone specifically.”
Prior to the shooting, Kenosha resident Koerri Elijah also saw Rittenhouse behaving strangely outside of the gas station before the shooting that claimed two lives and injured a third person. Elijah said the young shooter appeared “on edge,” unlike the other militia members.
“I noticed him the entire time. He didn’t seem like he was there with anyone,” Elijah told Insider. “He was armed. He didn’t seem like he was a threat, but I thought maybe I should keep an eye on him.”
After the second shooting, Rittenhouse began nonchalantly walking toward approaching police vehicles while raising his hands in surrender. While the angry crowd yelled that he had shot someone, the officers ignored the pleas to detain him and instead continued their advance to the protesters.
Rittenhouse then fled the state and spent the night as a fugitive until being arrested Wednesday morning.
In footage from earlier in the night that has widely circulated since, police could be seen throwing bottled water to the armed militia that Rittenhouse tagged along with. The teen shooter could also be seen among the militiamen.
“We appreciate you being here,” an officer told the group over a loudspeaker.
Here is your shooter being offered and tossed a bottled water out of a LEO vehicle. “We appreciate you guys being out here.” pic.twitter.com/63NtIOcdK2 — Nap Lajoie (@randomanne) August 26, 2020
However, Sheriff David Beth later hinted in an interview that the event was the predictable outcome of armed civilians taking to the streets to protect private property.
“I’ve had people saying, ‘Why don’t you deputize citizens?’” Beth said, according to New York Times. “This is why you don’t deputize citizens with guns to protect Kenosha.”
Since the shooting occurred, internet sleuths have discovered social media accounts belonging to Rittenhouse that indicate the teen is an extreme devotee of pro-law enforcement causes and a militant opponent of the movement for racial justice and against police brutality.
According to The Daily Beast, Rittenhouse’s Facebook profile was packed with numerous Blue Lives Matter-style images such as the “thin blue line” flag, as well as pro-police memes and photographs of an AR-15-style rifle similar to the one he used in the Tuesday night shootings.
Information also emerged about Rittenhouse being members of a “Police Explorer” program in Antioch.
The shooter is Kyle Rittenhouse. He ID’d himself in one of the footage. pic.twitter.com/o6bzL4Azx8 — Alcor Garcia ???? (@GarciaAlcor) August 26, 2020
I didn’t even get a chance to fall asleep yet and the #Kenosha shooter has been identified as Kyle Rittenhouse. #KenoshaUprising #KenoshaShooting pic.twitter.com/mSMy2gKUrB — leafblower zaddy ?☂?? (@abolishICE___) August 26, 2020
On Sunday evening, 29-year-old Black male Jacob Blake was shot several times in the back after Kenosha Police were called over a domestic incident. Blake was paralyzed by the gunfire as he attempted to open his car door while his children were in the back seat of the vehicle.
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themindunleashed--2020-08-26--Another ‘Oumuamua’ Plot Twist: Leading Explanation For Interstellar Object Is Aliens Again

Last year , an extraordinary thing happened : for the first time in recorded history , astronomers and astrophysicists observed an interstellar object enter and leave our solar system .
Over the years , they ’ ve documented plenty of comets , asteroids , and other cosmic bodies but all have been gravitationally bound to an orbit within our star system .
This object , named ‘ Oumuamua , came from outside our system , from a star or molecular cloud tens or even hundreds of millions of light-years away , and then left .
However , the most mysterious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that it seemed to be gaining momentum , as though it were being propelled by some kind of propulsion system .
At first , astronomers tried to explain this anomaly away by contending the object was a comet , which is often naturally propelled by the burst of gas caused by melting ice .
But ‘ Oumuamua didn ’ t have the tail so common to comets that are outgassing .
So if it wasn ’ t a comet , how was it demonstrating non-gravitational acceleration through our cosmic neighborhood ?
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with ‘ Oumuamua .
Why had it just been discovered so recently , when the Pan-STARRS system should have been able to spot it before ?
Why is its local standard of rest ( LSR ) frame of reference , motion , and speed so unusual ?
Why is its extremely elongated , cigar-like shape – with a length up to 10 times larger than its width – so rare and unlikely ?
Why is its surface so shiny that it reflects brightness 10 times higher than usual asteroids ?
But by far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was giving ‘ Oumuamua that extra push of acceleration , which some scientists believed could indicate an artificial alien origin .
Finally , a new hypothesis emerged that seemed to satisfy all the criteria .
Astrophysicists Darryl Seligman and Gregory Laughlin wrote a paper in which they proposed that ‘ Oumuamua is a frozen comet comprised almost completely of molecular hydrogen .
This would explain , they argued , why its outgassing wasn ’ t producing a visible comet tail and , more importantly , it would also explain the bursts of acceleration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theorized to behave in such ways .
“ Even though the hydrogen iceberg thing is a little exotic , it explains every single mysterious thing about ‘ Oumuamua , ” said Seligman in an interview .
But this explanation didn ’ t sit right with everyone precisely because of this exotic nature : hydrogen icebergs are hypothesized to be extremely rare in the universe .
Now there ’ s a new twist in the mystery , as astrophysicist/cosmologist Avi Loeb is once again arguing that the hydrogen explanation is unlikely and that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oumuamua really is a piece of advanced alien technology , such as a light sail-propelled spaceship .
From the beginning , Loeb had argued that the object ’ s outlandishly rare characteristics made it seem artificial in nature The chair of Harvard University ’ s Astronomy Department has co-written a new article in which he argues that ‘ Oumuamua really may be humanity ’ s first encounter with advanced aliens , even if there are no living biological beings on-board .
Loeb attempts to debunk the hydrogen iceberg theory by pointing out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to sustain chunks of frozen hydrogen , as starlight would prevent them from sticking together .
More importantly , he argues , the journey from a “ giant molecular cloud ” – the only place where a hydrogen comet could form – would be too long for such an object to have arrived here intact .
Seligman and Laughlin countered by trying to find an origin for ‘ Oumuamua , identifying relatively nearby molecular clouds formed 30 million to 45 million years ago .
But Loeb says that doesn ’ t work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that H2 iceberg needs to travel does not solve the problems we outline in our paper , because the H2 iceberg would have formed when its parent planetary system formed , billions of years ago , ” and in the time since then the comet would have fallen apart .
Loeb says that as incredible as it may seem , the leading explanation for ‘ Oumuamua is that it was created as some kind of transport system or interstellar observatory for an advanced alien species .
His forthcoming book “ Extraterrestrial : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” will likely expand on his reasons for believing this .

Last year, an extraordinary thing happened: for the first time in recorded history, astronomers and astrophysicists observed an interstellar object enter and leave our solar system. Over the years, they’ve documented plenty of comets, asteroids, and other cosmic bodies but all have been gravitationally bound to an orbit within our star system. This object, named ‘Oumuamua, came from outside our system, from a star or molecular cloud tens or even hundreds of millions of light-years away, and then left.
However, the most mysterious aspect of ‘Oumuamua’ was the fact that it seemed to be gaining momentum, as though it were being propelled by some kind of propulsion system. At first, astronomers tried to explain this anomaly away by contending the object was a comet, which is often naturally propelled by the burst of gas caused by melting ice. But ‘Oumuamua didn’t have the tail so common to comets that are outgassing.
So if it wasn’t a comet, how was it demonstrating non-gravitational acceleration through our cosmic neighborhood?
There were other anomalies and unusual characteristics associated with ‘Oumuamua. Why had it just been discovered so recently, when the Pan-STARRS system should have been able to spot it before? Why is its local standard of rest (LSR) frame of reference, motion, and speed so unusual? Why is its extremely elongated, cigar-like shape – with a length up to 10 times larger than its width – so rare and unlikely? Why is its surface so shiny that it reflects brightness 10 times higher than usual asteroids?
But by far, the biggest mystery was determining what was giving ‘Oumuamua that extra push of acceleration, which some scientists believed could indicate an artificial alien origin.
Finally, a new hypothesis emerged that seemed to satisfy all the criteria. Astrophysicists Darryl Seligman and Gregory Laughlin wrote a paper in which they proposed that ‘Oumuamua is a frozen comet comprised almost completely of molecular hydrogen. This would explain, they argued, why its outgassing wasn’t producing a visible comet tail and, more importantly, it would also explain the bursts of acceleration, as “hydrogen icebergs” are theorized to behave in such ways.
“Even though the hydrogen iceberg thing is a little exotic, it explains every single mysterious thing about ‘Oumuamua,” said Seligman in an interview.
But this explanation didn’t sit right with everyone precisely because of this exotic nature: hydrogen icebergs are hypothesized to be extremely rare in the universe.
Now there’s a new twist in the mystery, as astrophysicist/cosmologist Avi Loeb is once again arguing that the hydrogen explanation is unlikely and that it’s just as possible that ‘Oumuamua really is a piece of advanced alien technology, such as a light sail-propelled spaceship. From the beginning, Loeb had argued that the object’s outlandishly rare characteristics made it seem artificial in nature.
The chair of Harvard University’s Astronomy Department has co-written a new article in which he argues that ‘Oumuamua really may be humanity’s first encounter with advanced aliens, even if there are no living biological beings on-board. Loeb attempts to debunk the hydrogen iceberg theory by pointing out that such a large size would not be able to sustain chunks of frozen hydrogen, as starlight would prevent them from sticking together. More importantly, he argues, the journey from a “giant molecular cloud” – the only place where a hydrogen comet could form – would be too long for such an object to have arrived here intact.
Seligman and Laughlin countered by trying to find an origin for ‘Oumuamua, identifying relatively nearby molecular clouds formed 30 million to 45 million years ago.
But Loeb says that doesn’t work either.
“Shortening the distance that that H2 iceberg needs to travel does not solve the problems we outline in our paper, because the H2 iceberg would have formed when its parent planetary system formed, billions of years ago,” and in the time since then the comet would have fallen apart.
Loeb says that as incredible as it may seem, the leading explanation for ‘Oumuamua is that it was created as some kind of transport system or interstellar observatory for an advanced alien species. His forthcoming book “Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth,” will likely expand on his reasons for believing this.
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themindunleashed--2020-08-25--Ancient 2,000-year-old redwoods feared destroyed in California wildfires have amazingly survived

When terrifying wildfires ripped through Big Basin Redwoods State Park , one of California ’ s oldest and most cherished nature reserves , it wasn ’ t the campgrounds , nature center and other structures that people were mourning .
Instead , wildlife lovers and conservationists were heartbroken and devastated that old-growth redwoods , some as old as 2,000 years old , had been destroyed .
However , it turns out that even the thousands of lightning strikes and staggeringly massive forest fires that laid waste to the Santa Cruz Mountains were unable to destroy some of the oldest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are devastated to report that Big Basin , as we have known it , loved it , and cherished it for generations , is gone , ” the redwood conservationists at Sempervirens Fund said in a painful statement on Thursday .
“ Early reports are that the wildfire has consumed much of the park ’ s historic facilities .
We do not yet know the fate of the park ’ s grandest old trees.
” However , an Associated Press reporter was happy to discover that most of the ancient redwoods feared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been scorched but are still standing tall – including the towering redwood named “ Mother of the Forest ” which once stood at 329 feet high prior to a recent storm and has a mighty circumference of 70 feet on the ground .
“ That is such good news , I can ’ t tell you how much that gives me peace of mind , ” Sempervirens conservation director Laura McLendon told AP .
Forest fires are a natural and regularly-occuring feature of redwood forests , and the bark of redwood trees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcements that the park had been wiped off the face of the Earth by the fires turned out to be misleading .
California ’ s venerable Big Basin state park , “ home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco , ” was founded in 1902 and receives a quarter of a million visitors each year .
And while the 18,000-acre park is surely reeling after sustaining massive damage from the raging inferno that tore through it , the park ’ s infrastructure can certainly be rebuilt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone … it will regrow , ” McLendon said .
Indeed , redwood trees are extremely durable – which is why many of them have histories that date back to before the founding of the Roman Empire .
And Big Basin ’ s redwoods bear the scars of wildfires , windstorm , and lightning strikes of centuries past .
“ Every old growth redwood I ’ ve ever seen , in Big Basin and other parks , has fire scars on them , ” McLendon said .
“ They ’ ve been through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” It ’ s part of the majestic redwood forest ’ s natural process : when trees are seemingly destroyed , new trunks simply sprout up in place of the old growth .
Meanwhile , fallen trees become nurse trees upon which new redwoods grow , while banana slugs and insects crucial to the ancient forest ’ s ecological balance are sustained under the logs .
“ The reason those trees are so old is because they are really resilient , ” said State Parks District Superintendent Chris Spohrer .
Following the fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s jays and woodpeckers returned to the park to scour the forest for insects .
The park had been closed during the COVID-19 lockdown and had only recently reopened following the state ’ s relaxation of the quarantine .
However , the park is now facing indefinite closure , with fallen trees blocking roads , and buildings including the nature museum , ranger ’ s office , campground bathrooms , and historic park headquarters being utterly wiped out .
Several large trees are still burning .
“ The historic structures in California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely destroyed .
It ’ s awful , ” said Sam Hodder , the president of Save the Redwoods League , an environmentalist organization based in San Francisco that was founded in 1918 .
“ We are grateful that everybody got out and everybody is safe .
That ’ s the most important thing , ” Hodder said .
“ To have lost something that has been transforming people ’ s lives for more than 110 years , such an iconic place , such a terrific example of what parks mean to communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once the campgrounds are rebuilt , trails are cleared , and damaged oaks , firs and madrones are rehabilitated , the park will likely flourish in due time .
“ The forest , in some ways , is resetting , ” McLendon said .

When terrifying wildfires ripped through Big Basin Redwoods State Park, one of California’s oldest and most cherished nature reserves, it wasn’t the campgrounds, nature center and other structures that people were mourning.
Instead, wildlife lovers and conservationists were heartbroken and devastated that old-growth redwoods, some as old as 2,000 years old, had been destroyed.
However, it turns out that even the thousands of lightning strikes and staggeringly massive forest fires that laid waste to the Santa Cruz Mountains were unable to destroy some of the oldest and tallest living things on Earth.
“We are devastated to report that Big Basin, as we have known it, loved it, and cherished it for generations, is gone,” the redwood conservationists at Sempervirens Fund said in a painful statement on Thursday. “Early reports are that the wildfire has consumed much of the park’s historic facilities. We do not yet know the fate of the park’s grandest old trees.”
We are devastated to report that Big Basin State Park, as we have known it, loved it, and cherished it for generations, is gone. Here’s what we know right now –https://t.co/EY1jBw78wj #CZULightningComplex #CaliforniaFire #BigBasin #BigBasinMemories — Sempervirens Fund (@SempervirensFnd) August 20, 2020
However, an Associated Press reporter was happy to discover that most of the ancient redwoods feared to have been annihilated by the blaze have been scorched but are still standing tall – including the towering redwood named “Mother of the Forest” which once stood at 329 feet high prior to a recent storm and has a mighty circumference of 70 feet on the ground.
“That is such good news, I can’t tell you how much that gives me peace of mind,” Sempervirens conservation director Laura McLendon told AP.
Forest fires are a natural and regularly-occuring feature of redwood forests, and the bark of redwood trees is extremely fire-resistant – but the tragic announcements that the park had been wiped off the face of the Earth by the fires turned out to be misleading.
California’s venerable Big Basin state park, “home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco,” was founded in 1902 and receives a quarter of a million visitors each year. And while the 18,000-acre park is surely reeling after sustaining massive damage from the raging inferno that tore through it, the park’s infrastructure can certainly be rebuilt.
Some of the scenes from Big Basin State Park. The parks headquarters and visitors center was burned to the ground during the recent blazes that have ravaged the region. #CZULightningComplexFire #BigBasin @mercnews https://t.co/AjS8nRFSXi pic.twitter.com/uY930A0mDI — Randy Vazquez (@RandyVMedia) August 21, 2020
“But the forest is not gone … it will regrow,” McLendon said.
Indeed, redwood trees are extremely durable – which is why many of them have histories that date back to before the founding of the Roman Empire. And Big Basin’s redwoods bear the scars of wildfires, windstorm, and lightning strikes of centuries past.
“Every old growth redwood I’ve ever seen, in Big Basin and other parks, has fire scars on them,” McLendon said. “They’ve been through multiple fires, possibly worse than this.”
It’s part of the majestic redwood forest’s natural process: when trees are seemingly destroyed, new trunks simply sprout up in place of the old growth. Meanwhile, fallen trees become nurse trees upon which new redwoods grow, while banana slugs and insects crucial to the ancient forest’s ecological balance are sustained under the logs.
One of the trees near the Big Basin Redwoods State Park headquarters burns from within. #BigBasin #CZULightningComplexFire #wildfires pic.twitter.com/p8zhW9ROhb — Randy Vazquez (@RandyVMedia) August 21, 2020
“The reason those trees are so old is because they are really resilient,” said State Parks District Superintendent Chris Spohrer.
Following the fire that ripped through the park, Steller’s jays and woodpeckers returned to the park to scour the forest for insects.
The park had been closed during the COVID-19 lockdown and had only recently reopened following the state’s relaxation of the quarantine. However, the park is now facing indefinite closure, with fallen trees blocking roads, and buildings including the nature museum, ranger’s office, campground bathrooms, and historic park headquarters being utterly wiped out. Several large trees are still burning.
The Big Basin Redwoods State Park Headquarters & Visitor Center was left in ruins following a blaze that swept through the park#CZULightningComplexFire #wildfire pic.twitter.com/08ZR04G1hq — Randy Vazquez (@RandyVMedia) August 21, 2020
“The historic structures in California’s first state park are almost completely destroyed. It’s awful,” said Sam Hodder, the president of Save the Redwoods League, an environmentalist organization based in San Francisco that was founded in 1918.
“We are grateful that everybody got out and everybody is safe. That’s the most important thing,” Hodder said. “To have lost something that has been transforming people’s lives for more than 110 years, such an iconic place, such a terrific example of what parks mean to communities, it’s heartbreaking.”
But once the campgrounds are rebuilt, trails are cleared, and damaged oaks, firs and madrones are rehabilitated, the park will likely flourish in due time.
“The forest, in some ways, is resetting,” McLendon said.
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themindunleashed--2020-08-28--Banksy Is Funding A Refugee Rescue Boat In The Mediterranean

The legendary street artist Banksy is sponsoring a boat that is being used to rescue refugees traveling to Europe from North Africa .
The boat began its mission less than two weeks ago and has already rescued at least 89 people , according to a recent report from The Guardian .
The boat is named Louise Michel , after the French feminist and anarchist known for her role in the Paris Commune .
The outside of the boat is decorated with Banksy ’ s distinct style of art , featuring the image of a young girl in a life vest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the word “ RESCUE ” very large on the side .
Banksy says that he made some money from pieces about the migrant crisis and wanted to use the money to help .
He reached out to Pia Klemp , a former captain of several other rescue boats who has been risking government persecution to rescue migrants for many years .
In an email he wrote , “ Hello Pia , I ’ ve read about your story in the papers .
You sound like a badass .
I am an artist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made some work about the migrant crisis , obviously I can ’ t keep the money .
Could you use it to buy a new boat or something ?
Please let me know .
Well done .
Banksy.
” Klemp said that she agreed to run a boat for him as long as he didn ’ t get in the way .
“ Banksy won ’ t pretend that he knows better than us how to run a ship , and we won ’ t pretend to be artists , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chose her for this project because of the philosophical motivations behind her rescue missions .
“ I don ’ t see sea rescue as a humanitarian action , but as part of an anti-fascist fight , ” she said .
In 2017 , authorities in Italy attempted to charge her with “ assisting in illegal immigration , ” which could have carried a 20-year prison sentence if she was convicted .
The boat is a bit smaller than others that have been used for rescue missions but it is also faster , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give them an edge over the various government agencies that detain and deport refugees that they find in the water .
So far this year , more than 500 refugees and migrants are estimated to have died in the Mediterranean sea , and experts fear that the actual number could be much higher .
15 % of people crossing from north Africa die at sea , according to the refugee charity “ Help Refugees.
” When refugees are “ rescued ” by authorities , they are typically sent back to Libya , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the International Organization for Migration , more than 7,600 people have been sent to Libya after they captured while crossing the Mediterranean this year .
Klemp said that she hopes the boat is fast enough to “ outrun the so-called Libyan coastguard before they get to boats with refugees and migrants and pull them back to the detention camps in Libya ” It is estimated that Klemp and the crews she has worked with have rescued 14,000 migrants from drowning .

The legendary street artist Banksy is sponsoring a boat that is being used to rescue refugees traveling to Europe from North Africa. The boat began its mission less than two weeks ago and has already rescued at least 89 people, according to a recent report from The Guardian.
The boat is named Louise Michel, after the French feminist and anarchist known for her role in the Paris Commune. The outside of the boat is decorated with Banksy’s distinct style of art, featuring the image of a young girl in a life vest in the shape of a heart, with the word “RESCUE” very large on the side.
Banksy says that he made some money from pieces about the migrant crisis and wanted to use the money to help. He reached out to Pia Klemp, a former captain of several other rescue boats who has been risking government persecution to rescue migrants for many years.
In an email he wrote, “Hello Pia, I’ve read about your story in the papers. You sound like a badass. I am an artist from the UK and I’ve made some work about the migrant crisis, obviously I can’t keep the money. Could you use it to buy a new boat or something? Please let me know. Well done. Banksy.”
Klemp said that she agreed to run a boat for him as long as he didn’t get in the way.
“Banksy won’t pretend that he knows better than us how to run a ship, and we won’t pretend to be artists,” she said.
Klemp said that she believes Banksy chose her for this project because of the philosophical motivations behind her rescue missions.
“I don’t see sea rescue as a humanitarian action, but as part of an anti-fascist fight,” she said.
In 2017, authorities in Italy attempted to charge her with “assisting in illegal immigration,” which could have carried a 20-year prison sentence if she was convicted.
The boat is a bit smaller than others that have been used for rescue missions but it is also faster, which is something that the crew hopes will give them an edge over the various government agencies that detain and deport refugees that they find in the water.
So far this year, more than 500 refugees and migrants are estimated to have died in the Mediterranean sea, and experts fear that the actual number could be much higher. 15% of people crossing from north Africa die at sea, according to the refugee charity “Help Refugees.”
When refugees are “rescued” by authorities, they are typically sent back to Libya, where they often end up in detention camps. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 7,600 people have been sent to Libya after they captured while crossing the Mediterranean this year.
Klemp said that she hopes the boat is fast enough to “outrun the so-called Libyan coastguard before they get to boats with refugees and migrants and pull them back to the detention camps in Libya”
It is estimated that Klemp and the crews she has worked with have rescued 14,000 migrants from drowning.
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themindunleashed--2020-08-28--Jacob Blake, paralyzed from waist down, no longer shackled in hospital after warrants vacated

Jacob Blake , the 29-year-old Black man shot multiple times in the back by police in Kenosha , Wisconsin , has had the handcuffs removed from his bed at Froedtert Hospital .
Blake ’ s felony warrants have also been dropped and the deputies guarding his hospital room have been ordered to leave .
It remains unclear why Blake was shackled to his bed throughout the week while he has been unable to walk and is on heavy medications .
After being shot seven times by Kenosha police officer Rusten Sheskey , Jacob Blake has a damaged spinal cord , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while losing most of his colon and having no bowel or genital function .
“ There was the cold steel on his ankle .
He is shackled to the bed , but he can not get up , he could not get up , he is paralyzed , ” the elder Blake told CNN .
News that Blake remained in handcuffs raised concerns about the shooting victim ’ s continued mistreatment at the hands of the state and was the subject of widespread media coverage on Thursday and Friday .
When asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the shackling of Blake to his hospital bed , Gov .
Tony Evers responded “ Hell yes.
” “ I would have no personal understanding why that would be necessary , ” Evers said .
Certainly , he ’ s paid a horrific price already being shot seven or eight times in the back .
I can ’ t imagine why that ’ s happening.
” Local station WISN reports that the Milwaukee County Sheriff ’ s Department released Blake from his handcuffs after his warrants were vacated when he posted bond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest .
Police shot and critically wounded Blake on Aug. 23 while he attempted to enter the driver side of his small SUV as his three sons watched , according to officials and a bystander ’ s video that quickly went viral .
The shooting came after police tried and failed to use a taser on Blake .
Police had been called to the scene after a domestic incident call by a woman reporting that “ her boyfriend was present and was not supposed to be on the premises , ” according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispatcher told the officers that a woman who called for police had explained , “ Jacob Blake isn ’ t supposed to be there and he took the complainant ’ s keys and is refusing to give them back.
” Blake faces charges July 6 for felony third-degree sexual assault and misdemeanor trespassing and disorderly conduct .
The woman involved in the case was an adult , contrary to widespread false claims that have gone viral among pro-police social media users .
A number of claims have also spread across social media claiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or reaching for a gun prior to Officer Sheskey firing into his back , but these claims have been denied by state investigators .
Blake has since told investigators that he had a knife in his possession that was “ recovered a knife from the driver ’ s side floorboard , ” according to Kaul .
The shooting led to days of explosive unrest in Kenosha , which included looting , the burning down of a state Department of Corrections facility , and the killing of two protesters by Kyle Rittenhouse .

Jacob Blake, the 29-year-old Black man shot multiple times in the back by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has had the handcuffs removed from his bed at Froedtert Hospital.
Blake’s felony warrants have also been dropped and the deputies guarding his hospital room have been ordered to leave.
It remains unclear why Blake was shackled to his bed throughout the week while he has been unable to walk and is on heavy medications.
Breaking News: Jacob Blake's attorney just told WISN-12 News Terry Sater the felony warrant against Blake has just been vacated, handcuffs removed in his hospital bed, and the deputies have left his room at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa. @WISN12News #jacobblake pic.twitter.com/u7Bps247PJ — Terry Sater (@noozdude1) August 28, 2020
After being shot seven times by Kenosha police officer Rusten Sheskey, Jacob Blake has a damaged spinal cord, spine, stomach, kidneys and liver, while losing most of his colon and having no bowel or genital function.
Blake’s father, Jacob Blake Sr., revealed his son’s condition on Thursday.
“There was the cold steel on his ankle. He is shackled to the bed, but he cannot get up, he could not get up, he is paralyzed,” the elder Blake told CNN.
News that Blake remained in handcuffs raised concerns about the shooting victim’s continued mistreatment at the hands of the state and was the subject of widespread media coverage on Thursday and Friday.
When asked by reporters about whether he was concerned about the shackling of Blake to his hospital bed, Gov. Tony Evers responded “Hell yes.”
“I would have no personal understanding why that would be necessary,” Evers said. Certainly, he’s paid a horrific price already being shot seven or eight times in the back. I can’t imagine why that’s happening.”
Local station WISN reports that the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department released Blake from his handcuffs after his warrants were vacated when he posted bond for the felony warrants related to his arrest.
Police shot and critically wounded Blake on Aug. 23 while he attempted to enter the driver side of his small SUV as his three sons watched, according to officials and a bystander’s video that quickly went viral. The shooting came after police tried and failed to use a taser on Blake.
Police had been called to the scene after a domestic incident call by a woman reporting that “her boyfriend was present and was not supposed to be on the premises,” according to Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul.
A dispatcher told the officers that a woman who called for police had explained, “Jacob Blake isn’t supposed to be there and he took the complainant’s keys and is refusing to give them back.”
Blake faces charges July 6 for felony third-degree sexual assault and misdemeanor trespassing and disorderly conduct. The woman involved in the case was an adult, contrary to widespread false claims that have gone viral among pro-police social media users.
A number of claims have also spread across social media claiming that Jacob Blake was holding a knife or reaching for a gun prior to Officer Sheskey firing into his back, but these claims have been denied by state investigators.
Blake has since told investigators that he had a knife in his possession that was “recovered a knife from the driver’s side floorboard,” according to Kaul.
The shooting led to days of explosive unrest in Kenosha, which included looting, the burning down of a state Department of Corrections facility, and the killing of two protesters by Kyle Rittenhouse.
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themindunleashed--2020-08-28--Elon Musk to unveil his experimental Neuralink “brain-hacking” device today

Elon Musk will be giving a live demonstration of a working brain-to-machine interface which he has said would give people superhuman powers by augmenting their central nervous system with computer chips .
The entrepreneur Tesla and SpaceX co-founder and CEO ’ s Neuralink startup applied to begin human trials of the brain-hacking device last year .
However , on Friday at 3 p.m. PT , the company will unveil a new demonstration that involves a robot and “ neurons firing in real time , ” Musk wrote on Twitter .
“ The matrix in the matrix , ” he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computer chip which is meant to be stitched by a “ sewing-machine-like ” robot into the brain using a network of extremely tiny electrone-equipped wires .
Upon successful installation , the chip is then supposed to translate them into motor controls .
Technologists have long sought to develop neural interfaces that would allow people with neurological conditions to use their phones or computers with their minds , for example , or even potentially manipulate their prosthetic limbs .
As the theory goes , such brain-computer interfaces would pave the way for an entirely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the digital world .
Musk , however , believes that his startup is opening the door to “ superhuman cognition ” and helping the human race “ achieve symbiosis with artificial intelligence.
” While we weren ’ t sure that many humans desired the ability to possess the ability of machine-learning algorithms , Musk contends that people must merge with AI in order to prevent a scenario where the AI becomes so powerful that it outpaces and eventually destroys humankind .
Musk has long offered high tech yet simple solutions to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s an issue like highway traffic , space travel costs , children trapped in an underwater cave , or the need for a backup planet to relocate to , the tech investor has been a source of bold and pithy declarations about the ease with which these issues can be tackled .
However , he also has a long habit of underestimating the time within which these projects can realistically be completed .
Scientists warn that Neuralink ’ s success remains an open question – especially since the interface will require highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of uncertainty in the whole field as to whether [ Neuralink ] is ever going to be successful , ” former neuroscientist Sid Kouider , who also began his own neural interface startup , told Wired .
However , University of Pittsburgh assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation Jennifer Collinger described what Musk ’ s plans as “ truly disruptive technology in a difficult space of medical technology.
” “ Neuralink has significant resources and critically a team of scientists , engineers and clinicians working towards a common goal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success , ” she added .
However , Collinger noted , caution remains important in plowing forward with the revolutionary new technology .
“ Even with these resources , medical-device development takes time and safety needs to be a top priority , so I suspect the process may take longer than they have stated as their goals , ” Collinger said .
Scientists also warn that the sheer complexity of the human brain remains a stumbling block , as any move to begin clinical trials on healthy people runs the risk of doing @ @ @

Elon Musk will be giving a live demonstration of a working brain-to-machine interface which he has said would give people superhuman powers by augmenting their central nervous system with computer chips.
The entrepreneur Tesla and SpaceX co-founder and CEO’s Neuralink startup applied to begin human trials of the brain-hacking device last year.
However, on Friday at 3 p.m. PT, the company will unveil a new demonstration that involves a robot and “neurons firing in real time,” Musk wrote on Twitter. “The matrix in the matrix,” he added.
Live webcast of working @Neuralink device
Friday 3pm Pacific https://t.co/PouLbrGzFU — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 26, 2020
The interface relies on a tiny computer chip which is meant to be stitched by a “sewing-machine-like” robot into the brain using a network of extremely tiny electrone-equipped wires. Upon successful installation, the chip is then supposed to translate them into motor controls.
Technologists have long sought to develop neural interfaces that would allow people with neurological conditions to use their phones or computers with their minds, for example, or even potentially manipulate their prosthetic limbs. As the theory goes, such brain-computer interfaces would pave the way for an entirely new way for us humans to interact with the digital world.
Musk, however, believes that his startup is opening the door to “superhuman cognition” and helping the human race “achieve symbiosis with artificial intelligence.”
While we weren’t sure that many humans desired the ability to possess the ability of machine-learning algorithms, Musk contends that people must merge with AI in order to prevent a scenario where the AI becomes so powerful that it outpaces and eventually destroys humankind.
Musk has long offered high tech yet simple solutions to the world’s problems. Whether it’s an issue like highway traffic, space travel costs, children trapped in an underwater cave, or the need for a backup planet to relocate to, the tech investor has been a source of bold and pithy declarations about the ease with which these issues can be tackled.
However, he also has a long habit of underestimating the time within which these projects can realistically be completed.
Scientists warn that Neuralink’s success remains an open question – especially since the interface will require highly invasive surgery.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty in the whole field as to whether [Neuralink] is ever going to be successful,” former neuroscientist Sid Kouider, who also began his own neural interface startup, told Wired.
However, University of Pittsburgh assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation Jennifer Collinger described what Musk’s plans as “truly disruptive technology in a difficult space of medical technology.”
“Neuralink has significant resources and critically a team of scientists, engineers and clinicians working towards a common goal, which gives them a great chance of success,” she added.
However, Collinger noted, caution remains important in plowing forward with the revolutionary new technology.
“Even with these resources, medical-device development takes time and safety needs to be a top priority, so I suspect the process may take longer than they have stated as their goals,” Collinger said.
Scientists also warn that the sheer complexity of the human brain remains a stumbling block, as any move to begin clinical trials on healthy people runs the risk of doing permanent damage.
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themindunleashed--2020-08-29--Chadwick Boseman visited a young fan dying of cancer during his own secret fight with illness

After the Friday death of 43-year old actor Chadwick Boseman following a four-year battle with colon cancer , new details are becoming known about the star of “ Black Panther ” and “ 42 ” that are casting new light on the life of the up-and-coming actor whose life was tragically cut short .
Among these is the fact that while Boseman was battling cancer in secret , he also went out of his way to cheer up a young fan in Georgia who had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer .
Ian Hopgood was a young boy who , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved Boseman ’ s portrayal of T ’ Challa and his alter ego Black Panther from the Marvel superhero films .
However , Ian was diagnosed with cancer in October 2016 .
“ There isn ’ t a treatment for the type of brain cancer he has , it is terminal , so we just really just make the most of every day and hopefully inspire others , ” Ian ’ s mother Kara Anderson told Fox 5 .
“ Honestly , there really aren ’ t words to express everything he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been a little tougher , it ’ s started to wear and tear on him a little bit that he ’ s not like the other kids , ” she added .
When Boseman made a stop for several hours at Ian ’ s elementary school in Atlanta , however , it put a massive smile on the child ’ s face – and excited him so much that the boy jumped out of his wheelchair to embrace his real-life hero .
Boseman also gifted Ian with a basket brimming over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure of Black Panther .
“ We kind of go off the theory of laughter heals and joy heals , and happiness heals , so that ’ s how we live every day because we honestly don ’ t know what tomorrow is going to bring , ” Anderson said .
“ So , for him to have a moment like this , and be able to jump up , I was afraid he might fall , and run to him and hug his hero , is… there really aren ’ t words.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ told anyone about his own diagnosis , was also extremely happy to be able to spend time with young Ian , and to chat with his friends , pose for photos , and sign countless autographs .
“ Ian ran and gave me a hug ; that is the best reception I ’ ve gotten as the Black Panther yet !
” Boseman said , according to Hollywood.com .
“ Thank you !
” Boseman later emotionally recounted the meeting and conversations with Ian during an interview before Black Panther was released .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 , 2018 , and was unable to see the film about his favorite hero .
When the meeting occurred , Boseman was privately undergoing “ countless surgeries and chemotherapy ” to battle stage III colon cancer , his family said in a statement announcing his death on Friday .
To his last day , Boseman never spoke publicly about the illness .
In Oct. 2017 , Boseman seemingly hinted at his own private battle with his illness during an interview he did with Huffington Post .
Interviewer Matthew Jacobs shared a screenshot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boseman ’ s death emerged on Friday .
In the 2017 interview , Jacobs asked : “ You came off of one Black Panther project , did Marshall and then made another Black Panther movie .
Did you bulk up , slim down and then bulk up again ?
” “ You ’ ve been through the wringer , ” Jacobs commented .
“ Oh , you don ’ t even know , ” Boseman replied , laughing .
“ You have no idea .
One day I ’ ll live to tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home in the Los Angeles area on Friday at the age of 43 with his wife and family at his side .
“ A true fighter , Chadwick persevered through it all , and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much , ” his family said .
“ It was the honor of his career to bring King T ’ Challa to life in Black Panther .
”

After the Friday death of 43-year old actor Chadwick Boseman following a four-year battle with colon cancer, new details are becoming known about the star of “Black Panther” and “42” that are casting new light on the life of the up-and-coming actor whose life was tragically cut short.
Among these is the fact that while Boseman was battling cancer in secret, he also went out of his way to cheer up a young fan in Georgia who had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
Ian Hopgood was a young boy who, like many kids his age, absolutely loved Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa and his alter ego Black Panther from the Marvel superhero films. However, Ian was diagnosed with cancer in October 2016.
“There isn’t a treatment for the type of brain cancer he has, it is terminal, so we just really just make the most of every day and hopefully inspire others,” Ian’s mother Kara Anderson told Fox 5.
“Honestly, there really aren’t words to express everything he’s been going through and lately it’s been a little tougher, it’s started to wear and tear on him a little bit that he’s not like the other kids,” she added.
When Boseman made a stop for several hours at Ian’s elementary school in Atlanta, however, it put a massive smile on the child’s face – and excited him so much that the boy jumped out of his wheelchair to embrace his real-life hero.
Boseman also gifted Ian with a basket brimming over with Marvel gifts, including an action figure of Black Panther.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOqtqOKyknY&feature=emb_title
“We kind of go off the theory of laughter heals and joy heals, and happiness heals, so that’s how we live every day because we honestly don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring,” Anderson said.
“So, for him to have a moment like this, and be able to jump up, I was afraid he might fall, and run to him and hug his hero, is… there really aren’t words.”
Boseman, who hadn’t told anyone about his own diagnosis, was also extremely happy to be able to spend time with young Ian, and to chat with his friends, pose for photos, and sign countless autographs.
“Ian ran and gave me a hug; that is the best reception I’ve gotten as the Black Panther yet!” Boseman said, according to Hollywood.com. “Thank you!”
Boseman later emotionally recounted the meeting and conversations with Ian during an interview before Black Panther was released.
Unfortunately, Ian passed away on Jan. 8, 2018, and was unable to see the film about his favorite hero.
When the meeting occurred, Boseman was privately undergoing “countless surgeries and chemotherapy” to battle stage III colon cancer, his family said in a statement announcing his death on Friday. To his last day, Boseman never spoke publicly about the illness.
In Oct. 2017, Boseman seemingly hinted at his own private battle with his illness during an interview he did with Huffington Post.
Interviewer Matthew Jacobs shared a screenshot of the interview after the news of Boseman’s death emerged on Friday. In the 2017 interview, Jacobs asked: “You came off of one Black Panther project, did Marshall and then made another Black Panther movie. Did you bulk up, slim down and then bulk up again?”
“Right. Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Boseman answered, appearing fatigued.
“You’ve been through the wringer,” Jacobs commented.
“Oh, you don’t even know,” Boseman replied, laughing. “You have no idea. One day I’ll live to tell the story.”
Boseman died at his home in the Los Angeles area on Friday at the age of 43 with his wife and family at his side.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said. “It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
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