In the video, Edward Frenkel explains how the NSA is able to hack emails. It circulated a few years ago when the video was first made, but it bears reposting.
Professor Frenkel goes into some detail about the science of cryptography. He has an ability to discuss this complicated math at a level which is understandable by the layman, and it’s worth your 10 minutes to watch it, and explore some of the other links provided by Brady Haran at Numberphile.
If you don’t have time to watch now, a very very simplified discussion is provided here.
Gmail, Yahoo and other email and messaging providers all use the same encryption method. It is a formula which uses two large prime numbers that creates a relationship between a public key (half of a standard component of the formula outcome) to match with a private key (the randomly-generated other half of the formula).
The standard components are provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. These numbers are used by all users of encryption software, not only email providers, but by other users of sensitive data such as banks, the IRS, credit card companies, and so on. The standard components are published on-line and is public knowledge. Once the relationship between the components is known, then it’s simply a matter of plugging in the numbers to find the “seed number” which is a unique number for each company / organization. This is how hackers have been able to compromise financial databases as well as emails. It’s not simple, and a high level of mathematics is required as well as sophisticated software and amped up hardware which is easily obtained if you’re into that kind of stuff.
Encryption keys use prime numbers because, among other things, a prime number can only be divided by itself, which eliminates a lot of work for the formula generator, as there is only one number which works with it.
It is by observing the relationship between the standard components of the encryption, knowing the formulaic relationship between them, and the randomly-generated numbers that a pattern can be derived over time. The solution is reverse engineered.
For a very simple example, if you find a pattern of
2 x a = 4, but not 5
471 x a = 942, but not 943
896,769 x a = 1,793,538, but not 1,793,539
eventually you’ll find that a = 2.
Best practice uses large passwords, such as those generated by GRC passwords, and 2 step verification. This will make it difficult for others at your end to access your private sites. But understand that if any person or organization wants access to your information, they will create or hack into an access point at the owner’s database, e.g., Google, Paypal, or at some point or node on the route. The lastest exposure is the vulnerabilities inherent in the Internet of Things.
Freedom of feeling and thought are the greatest of all freedoms. This is part of the greatest triad of freedom of feeling and thought, freewill, and freedom of expression.
The concept of freedom of feeling and thought is first because it comes from within. Ideas, hopes, dreams, aspirations and goals cannot be taken away and cannot be controlled by others. When these are controlled by others, it is the responsibility of each person to draw the line. Dream a little dream for an hour, don’t speak of it to anyone, and tuck it away in your mind where you can bring it out anytime you wish. You can stretch it or shrink it, add a musical score or cover it in ice cream, but only you can do it.
Our knowledge communities are still looking for where, exactly, in our brains we store our memories. Research has shown that when we experience an event such as viewing an image, certain areas in our brain are stimulated. In the same instant, we form a memory of the image, our reaction to it good or bad, and decision of what we are going to do about the image. When we are asked to later recall the image, the same areas in our brain light up, even though we are not actually looking at the image. However, at this point, with our level of technology, we are unable to discern any difference in the composition of the brain when the new information has been added. So where are the instructions to tell the brain how to reconstruct the image stored? How can we recall the image in detail, the feelings, and the complex relationship of the image to ourself, even though no cell exists which is identified as a bona fide, recognizable, formatted memory unit? We can identify no “memory cell” filed in a “filing cabinet” in any area of our brain with a “memory process” to retrieve what we need. Our brains would be huge! Too big for our little necks, certainly.
Mr Einstein’s head seemed to be of a normal size.
But we must have a filing cabinet located somewhere, because when we need to recall an item or action, we have the answer instantaneously. It would be a slow bicycle race if we had to relearn everything all over again in each new moment.
Much of our thoughts are formed from memories of past experiences. Schooling, learning how to ride a bike, relationship patterns, food preferences, hobbies, and so on, are built from pieces we put together from our individual perspective. How I learned to ride a bike was my own experience but different from every other person past, present and future who has learned, or will ever learn to ride a bike. This, in itself, is amazing. Just looking at our current slice in time, and though we believe there is only one way to ride a bike, who would have thought that there are more than 7 billion ways to learn to ride a bicycle?
Much of our thoughts are formed by building on the works of those who have come before us. An easy example of this is science and technology, although there is a large risk of becoming so rigid that new and crazy ideas are dismissed because they don’t fit into the proven dogmas. Another easy example of this is quantum theory, which is really off-the-wall and counter-intuitive, except that we know these truths in large part because mathematicians can translate the preposterous into a logical language which can be understood by all global citizens, regardless of political, cultural, lingual, religious or racist shading. Mathematics has no agenda.
Today, it is commonly understood that much of our thoughts are covertly or overtly suggested to us from the bombardment of various media: movies and entertainment, social media, controlled news, advertising. And this is all fine – let it come! Let us have the opportunity to see what you offer! What are your thoughts on any subject? Tell me everything. Once seen, it cannot be unseen. When we can have access to the thoughts of others, we begin to understand that there is so much we all have in common around the world, and yet, we have 7 billion viewpoints for everything under the sun. Today, as never before in our history, I potentially have access to 7 billion thoughts. Even when filters are applied such as government or other censorship, personal preferences of information, quality and quantity of sources, or physical limitations, there is more information available now than ever before accessible by more people than ever before. How do we feel about that?
But then we have artists. The creative types who introduce us to completely new ideas of what we like and love in life, or not. Designers, architects, explorers, expressionists in all areas such as economics, public policy makers, our social environments, our habitat environments, art, software. Again, bring it on! Help us to evolve. But the question here is: although these people are taught the same values as the rest of us, from where do they get the inspiration to add something new and previously unknown, unseen, un-thought?
This category is unique because every creative spark is unique. It cannot be derived from a formula. It is not tweaked out from a hard, logical fact. It is not found in the concept of opposites and balance. It is not based on time or experience because it is intrinsically new, in this moment. One cannot learn what potential creativity will occur in a given circumstance; it is literally not predictable in any sense.
So what is it that fires the brain in a new pattern? For a memory that doesn’t exist yet?
It seems that it may still be awhile before we develop a clear understanding of how we, as sentient organic miracles, learn abstract and unincorporated concepts.
How do we translate energy into thought forms?
So, freedom of thought is our primary force because it is the first motion, activity, input. Sometimes we know where the thoughts come from, sometimes we don’t. For the thoughts which are told to us, we take in the information and then have a feeling about it. This happens so quickly that we could call it our innate guiding system. We like that piece of information or we don’t. It is an aspect of our self that was not shaped by others, and never will be. It’s the first filter that information passes through within our self, and just by that fact alone, no one can impose their thoughts on how we use that first filter. Even if someone says we have to like a situation, we can decide to like it that someone told us we have to like it, or we don’t but say we do. But it’s always an immediate good idea / bad idea feeling that we get upon taking any piece of information, and we should prize our ability to do so. And although there are many people who understand and value this filter, and use it in a conscious fashion, there are many more people who need to be reminded of this, and, most importantly, respected in ourself and all others.
So to be clear, our thoughts are formed after we feel. Feeling comes first, and then it is defined into a thought according to the knowledge and experience we have accumulated in our life. After we have a thought, we decode it though the filters of our sensory and spiritual experiences, and then we decide what we want to do with it – freewill. We also have the ability to change our thoughts about any given subject, and we can also change our actions. To the degree that our outer actions reflect our inner feelings is highly variable, and one is not relative to the other. The best situation is to have the outer us match the inner us, especially when the goals are higher than our current state. Exercise discernment.
Freewill is the deciding point of action, it is the first part of conscious motion: will we do something with our thought, or will we do nothing with the thought. Thus freewill and freedom of expression are tied together. If we decide we want to do something about a thought, are we free to express it as we wish? Yes, no, how? Consequences, outcomes? Will it elevate or diminish? Our self, our family, our community?
When we get to the point where we understand the mysterious sources and processes by which we obtain creative ideas, we must realize there may be a possibility for the control of the inputs into our individual and collective consciousness by those who do not want us to be fully actualized human beings.
What kind of world do we want to see for ourselves and our children? We get to dream and think, decide and act, and these are the most precious gifts that humanity possesses. These freedoms must be protected, and nurtured, and never taken for granted.
This is from Peter Russell’s blog (PeterRussell.com) who is a Spiritualist. There is no credit for this work, so he may have written it himself.
Although it is a bit wordy, the importance of this prayer is that it changes the idea of God from being “out there” and brings God into ourself, where it rightfully belongs. This is the whole point of non-duality.
You can build great wisdom and genius by spending time each day in grateful communion with your inner voice. What better way of creating a more fulfilling life than by mastering the art of tuning into your most inspired and ingenious self, your inner voice?
This voice is your guide of all guides to a life of greatness. You cannot attune to this inspiring voice without living a more inspiring life. Genius, creativity, and a silent power emerge from your heart and mind the moment you do. – Dr. John F. Demartini (source)
I decided to commit to writing because it opens me up to a wellspring of guidance and creativity.
For me, this makes it a powerful form of meditation. It becomes meditation when I open my mind and write from the heart, and I’ve come to the conclusion that it connects me with a higher consciousness. Some call this consciousness God; some call it the higher self; some interpret it as an inner voice.
Reggae legend Bob Marley said in one of his final interviews that everyone has an inner voice ‘talking’ to them and we should listen to it. Writing brings me in sync with this voice, and putting pen to paper gives it free reign to express itself.
My writing comes from the inner voice and the ego, because the mind plays an important role in the writing process. There are thoughts expressed in these writings that come less from this higher source and more from me, and this is one reason I don’t claim to be enlightened or spiritually/morally superior.
I’m not enlightened, but I am slowly illuminating a soul-level connection with a powerful source of knowledge and wisdom that practically begs to express itself. It wants more than anything to speak, and I’m ready to be a full-time channel for it.
I believe this guiding force is God, the higher self, and maybe even some of those spiritual guides we hear about, all wrapped into one and communicating through the intuition.
Everyone interprets it differently, and since we may never truly know what it is while we’re in this state of consciousness (though we have a pretty good idea), we can only try our best to connect with it and let its wisdom flow.
Writing gives me a platform to connect with it and share its guidance along with my own thoughts, and without writing, life seems dull and purposeless.
I used to practice channeling, and it made me curious about this intuitive connection and what I was connecting with when I channeled. My curiosity led straight to the Source, and I realized that writing is the best way to invite it to speak through me.
This isn’t true for everyone, but writing is my preferred outlet (along with music) and symbols have undeniable power. They can be used to channel wisdom from a higher source in my opinion, but some argue that they only have mental power. Either way, they can be used to help the planet.
If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write. – Martin Luther (source)
Writing is the platform I’ve chosen to express this infinite guidance we can all open up to, and it’s a fulfilling path that brings daily insight and clarity. All I have to do is keep the channel open, and the guidance flows. It never really stops until I stop, and the flow is nearly overwhelming when I sit outside on a warm, sunny day.
Like music and other forms of art, writing can connect us with a higher consciousness if we stay open and write often. Our level of dedication will determine what we get out of it, and the more often we do it (and the more open we are as we do it), the stronger our connection with the Source will become.
We eventually won’t have any trouble connecting or sharing what we receive, and each creative session will strengthen our connection and our willingness to connect again. Instead of seeming distant or unattainable, the inner voice will speak purely, without too much mental interference.
Again, the mind is a necessary part of the writing process but in this case, it’s a channel for the intuition.
This is why an open mind helps the words flow. I’ve opened up to things I wouldn’t possibly know if I hadn’t realized them in the midst of writing, and the insight available when writing is one of its many meditative qualities.
You have to be open in order to flow (in my experience at least), and you have to be dedicated in order to maintain the creative connection.
It’s easy if you love what you do, and I enjoy writing as much as I did channeling because of what it does for me. I don’t even need a topic to write sometimes, because the wisdom never depletes and never needs a reason to express itself.
It simply flows and sheds light on whatever it wants, and if it ever seems absent, it’s usually because I’m trying too hard. When we can relax, open the mind and approach our work slowly from the heart, our divine inspiration will return and eventually strengthen, providing the inspiration we need to take our work to the next level.
The inner voice nourishes the soul as it flows, and those who tap into it can write book after book and still have more to write. This is how powerful this creative, intuitive ‘voice’ is, and all that’s required to connect with it is openness. Dedication also helps, but openness is the first step.
When you’re connected with it, you’ll know.
Your creativity might be so enhanced that you have trouble keeping up, and you’ll gladly make time to get out every last bit of what comes through. This is when you’ll realize you’re an instrument for your higher consciousness, and then, the most fulfilling work of your life will begin.
The world was battered by crises that fueled xenophobic sentiment in democratic countries, undermined the economies of states dependent on the sale of natural resources, and led authoritarian regimes to crack down harder on dissent. These developments contributed to the 10th consecutive year of decline in global freedom.
The number of countries showing a decline in freedom for the year—72—was the largest since the 10-year slide began. Just 43 countries made gains.
Over the past 10 years, 105 countries have seen a net decline, and only 61 have experienced a net improvement.
Ratings for the Middle East and North Africa region were the worst in the world in 2015, followed closely by Eurasia.
Over the last decade, the most significant global reversals have been in freedom of expression and the rule of law.
Countries to Watch in 2016
The following countries are among those that may be approaching important turning points in their democratic trajectory and deserve special scrutiny in the coming year.
Angola: Squeezed by low oil prices, Angola’s autocratic government is likely to intensify suppression of dissent and expand surveillance of private citizens.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: The country could face even worse government dysfunction if a planned Bosnian Serb referendum on the national court’s legitimacy takes place.
Democratic Republic of Congo: With the army poised to crush protests, President Kabila is considering a constitutional amendment that would allow him to seek a third term in 2016.
Iran: Moderate reformists are preparing for critical February elections to the parliament and the Assembly of Experts, the body that appoints the supreme leader.
Kuwait: Authorities are quashing dissent with increasing aggression and frequency, galvanizing concerns about citizenship revocation and use of the death penalty.
Malaysia: Political repression in Malaysia could intensify as the prime minister faces increasing pressure over an embezzlement scandal.
Myanmar: Once the newly elected legislature is seated and a government is formed, the National League for Democracy will be under pressure to deliver on its promises.
Nigeria: Observers will be able to assess President Buhari’s first year in office, including his efforts to combat entrenched corruption and Boko Haram militants.
Poland: The initial actions of the Law and Justice government in 2015, including attempts to stack key institutions with partisan loyalists, raise serious concerns about Poland’s trajectory.
Venezuela: Although the opposition triumphed in the legislative elections, it will need a well-crafted strategy to enact reforms in light of possible resistance by President Maduro.
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This sensationalist headline is making the internet rounds, and if you only have a quick minute, you will be misinformed of the truth about the WTO’s recent decision. With no disrespect to The Huffington Post, Mr. Beachy or Ms. Soloman, Fresh Air and Free would like to add omitted facts to provide a more balanced view.
From the article (below):
Title: The WTO Just Ruled Against India’s Booming Solar Program
No. Blatant emotional manipulation or perhaps just a case of misunderstanding?
From the article:
“On the heels of the recent global summit in Paris to tackle climate disruption, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled against an important piece of the climate solution puzzle: India’s ambitious program to create homegrown solar energy. The ruling shows that decades-old, over-reaching trade rules are out of sync with the global challenge to transition to 100 percent clean energy.”
“[…] this outdated model of trade [GATT] that constrains climate progress…”
Apples to oranges. The ruling in no way compromises or deters any government program in any country from pursuing green energy in any manner which suits them.
From the article:
“But today, [February 24, 2016] the WTO released its ruling against India’s National Solar Mission, deciding that India’s efforts to boost local production of solar cells violated WTO rules.”
No. The WTO decision concerns only India’s system of awarding of contracts to sub-contractors who build solar powered plants. Specifically, as part of India’s program to develop solar-powered electric plants, the government wrote contract regulations which specified that contracts were to be awarded to those companies which committed to use only Indian manufactured solar panels.
This does not restrict Indian companies from manufacturing solar cells, only that the government of India may not exclude foreign sources of solar panels of equivalent design (“like”) in the building of the solar powered electric plants.
From the article:
“In 2014, however, the United States launched a WTO case against India’s ambitious solar program.”
Again, not against the whole solar program, but to the practice of awarding contracts to companies who commit to utilizing only solar panels made in India. In no manner does it contradict the statement: “the US intends to support India’s [solar power] goal by enhancing cooperation on clean energy and climate change.”
From the article:
“To understand the importance of this case, you must first understand the progress the Indian government has made in deploying solar energy.”
India is to be applauded for her strides in developing the use of solar energy. However, the WTO decision has no impact on the implementation of India’s clean energy programs.
From the article:
“Every country should have the right to set its own clean energy future.”
The WTO decision has no impact on the agenda of India’s domestic clean energy programs.
From the article:
“India also plans to use the solar program to establish “a leadership role in low-cost, high quality solar manufacturing”.”
Again, the WTO decision has no bearing on the direction of India’s domestic solar panel manufacturing sector. GATT is designed to support healthy global economic development. The WTO explains the idea that,
“In other words, liberal trade policies — policies that allow the unrestricted flow of goods and services — sharpen competition, motivate innovation and breed success. They multiply the rewards that result from producing the best products, with the best design, at the best price.”
So in fact, this is definitely the best solution for India to follow, which is precisely what the WTO endorses as optimal policy: comparative advantage. From the WTO website:
“Simply put, the principle of “comparative advantage” says that countries prosper first by taking advantage of their assets in order to concentrate on what they can produce best, and then by trading these products for products that other countries produce best.”
Finally, from the article:
“Bringing this case is a perverse move for the United States. Nearly half of U.S. have renewable energy programs that, like India’s solar program, include “buy-local” rules… The U.S. government should drop this case…”
Not only has the case been decided, but the WTO is responsible for the implementation of a fair and liberal international trade agreement, and again, has no jurisdiction over the domestic growth policies of any country. The WTO has seen this argument before. From the WTO website:
“… the temptation to ward off the challenge of competitive imports is always present. And richer governments are more likely to yield to the siren call of protectionism, for short term political gain — through subsidies, complicated red tape, and hiding behind legitimate policy objectives such as environmental preservation or consumer protection as an excuse to protect producers.”
“Protection ultimately leads to bloated, inefficient producers supplying consumers with outdated, unattractive products. In the end, factories close and jobs are lost despite the protection and subsidies.”
So despite the misleading title, the WTO decision will not stifle development of India’s solar powered energy grid; India has much room for growth under GATT. And India may also choose to invest in R&D to produce a next-generation solar panel. We will all benefit from advances made in sustainable green energy. This WTO decision continues to support a global trade system which supports our efforts toward a healthy planet.
The following general information excerpt is from the website of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Japan):
“There is a tendency for importing countries to try to use discriminatory application of domestic taxes and regulations to protect national production, often as the result of protectionist pressures from domestic producers. This distorts the conditions of competition between domestic and imported goods and leads to a reduction in economic welfare.
The national treatment rule does not in principle permit these sorts of policies designed to protect domestic products. GATT Article II does permit the use of tariffs as a means of protecting domestic industry, but this is because tariffs have high degrees of transparency and predictability since they are published and committed to in tariff schedules. On the other hand, domestic taxes and regulations are “hidden barriers to trade” that lack both transparency and predictability. Thus, they can have a large trade-distortive impact. The existence of GATT Article III generally impedes the adoption of policies and measures aimed at domestic protection, and thus promotes trade liberalization.”
For developing countries, GATT allows for protected domestic growth under certain circumstances:
“Article XVIII:C
Members in the early stages of development can raise their standard of living by promoting the establishment of infant industries, but this may require government support, and the goal may not be realistically attainable with measures that conform to the GATT. In such cases, countries can use the provisions of GATT Article XVIII:C to notify WTO Members and to initiate consultations. After consultations are completed and under certain restrictions, these countries are then allowed to take measures that are inconsistent with GATT provisions, excluding Articles I, II and XIII. Unlike the trade restrictions for balance of payment reasons in GATT Article XVIII:B, the Article III:C procedure allows both broader measures and violations of the national treatment obligations in order to promote domestic infant industries.”
On the heels of the recent global summit in Paris to tackle climate disruption, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled against an important piece of the climate solution puzzle: India’s ambitious program to create homegrown solar energy. The ruling shows that decades-old, over-reaching trade rules are out of sync with the global challenge to transition to 100 percent clean energy.
But today, the WTO released its ruling against India’s National Solar Mission, deciding that India’s efforts to boost local production of solar cells violated WTO rules. Though India argued that the program helps the country to meet its climate commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the WTO rejected that argument. Indeed, the ruling boldly states that domestic policies seen as violating WTO rules cannot be justified on the basis that they fulfill UNFCCC or other international climate commitments. In effect, the WTO has officially asserted that antiquated trade rules trump climate imperatives.
India also plans to use the solar program to establish “a leadership role in low-cost, high quality solar manufacturing.” In January 2015, President Obama seemed to indicate support for that goal. After a visit with Indian Prime Minister Modi, the two leaders released a statement “emphasizing the critical importance of expanding clean energy research, development, manufacturing and deployment, which increases energy access and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.” Their statement even declared, “the US intends to support India’s [solar power] goal by enhancing cooperation on clean energy and climate change.”
In 2014, however, the United States launched a WTO case against India’s ambitious solar program. The United States claimed that the “buy-local” rules of the first phases of the program, which say that power companies must use solar components made in India in order to benefit from the government-subsidized program, discriminate against U.S. solar exports. In its ruling, the WTO agreed that India’s buy-local rules “accord less favorable treatment” to imported solar components, even while acknowledging that “imported cells and modules currently have a dominant share of the market for solar cells and modules in India.” India has indicated that it may alter its solar program to try to persuade the U.S. to drop the case. It is unclear whether the U.S. will accept the proposed changes, and what impact they may have on India’s solar expansion plans.
Bringing this case is a perverse move for the United States. Nearly half of U.S. states have renewable energy programs that, like India’s solar program, include “buy-local” rules that create local, green jobs and bring new solar entrepreneurs to the economy. The U.S. government should drop this case to avoid undermining jobs and climate protections not just in India, but also at home.
Every country should have the right to set its own clean energy future. “Buy local” rules — a standard policy tool to foster, nurture, and grow new industries — can help push us toward the goal of 100 percent clean energy that our planet needs by cultivating domestic renewable energy firms that promote strong climate policies. “Buy local” policies can also benefit workers and bring in new constituencies to advocate for increased clean energy production. And by bringing more renewable energy goods producers like India to the global market, “buy-local” policies can encourage greater competition and innovation, reducing the cost of renewable energy over time.
Rather than reform this outdated model of trade that constrains climate progress, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade pact between the U.S. and 11 other Pacific Rim nations that could come before Congress this year, would expand the model. Indeed, the text of the controversial deal replicates the very rules that the WTO used against India’s solar program today. While many in Congress oppose the TPP, if the deal were to pass, we could see even more trade cases against clean energy initiatives.
Congress should view this ruling as further confirmation that a vote against the TPP is a vote for green jobs and climate action. You can take action now to protect job-creating clean energy programs by asking your member of Congress to vote no on the toxic TPP.
We tend to think of Wisdom as a thing. Pieces of information put together like a puzzle that we store in our heads to get about living, as it were. Our recent generations now visualize information as bits of code put together as a program to be initiated by an unseen prompt. Need some water? Ok, run <water> to turn on the tap.
But Wisdom is a living thing. It is an entity in its own right. Wisdom is a conglomeration of many thoughts, ideas nurtured from bits of knowledge, combined to make a whole organism.
Life follows predictable patterns of growth. Like the veins on a leaf repeat the pattern of a tree, so Wisdom follows the pattern of our own organism, the body (or vice versa?). Our body is trillions upon trillions of delineated atomic particles combined to create a breathing and sentient whole.
Likewise, trillions to the exponent n, of unimaginably tiny bits and particles combine in as yet unknown methods to form information, short term thoughts and long term ideas. Ideas to love, ideas to be applied, ideas of service or of greed, of beauty, ideas about ourselves.
Wisdom does not breathe, but Wisdom expands and can never contract. Wisdom does not posses senses, but is sentient in the manner that Light is able to express itself. Wisdom is information encoded in Light, acted upon by at least quantum (and as yet undiscovered) rules and saturates our Universe.
And yet, in the midst of this awesome phenomenon, we are so woefully ignorant.
A spectrum of human suffering still appears to dominate our global experience.
When we learn about extraordinary people who have had ideas which changed the world, it seems the most tremendous loss when the brains of these people die with them. How did they do what they did? Will we really learn the magic when Einstein’s brain tissue is examined under a microscope? Of course not.
So how does one acquire Wisdom?
Today, we have access to knowledge as never before, thanks to the internet and technology. And yet, we still need time to let our brains grow and mature and be guided by mentors and by self to absorb all relevant hard information about a subject, and then somehow combine it with intuition, self-directedness and determination to discover new solutions and therefore, new problems. And before any of these processes can be undertaken, an environment of stability, or close to it, must be realized. Whew!
And now, the future is here. Graphene is shown to interface with neuron cells (below). It is staggering to think of the leaps that humanity will make if this technology succeeds. Years spent learning facts hard-gained over lifetimes will be simply accessed by code. Need the formula for a quantum answer now? Run <answer> to choose from infinite solutions.
Wisdom will be called to play a part as never before. Discernment and a love borne of experience must be overlaid on the application of knowledge to benefit the greatest good for the greatest number, for the sake of humanity.
Summary: In exciting new research, a team of researchers has demonstrated how it is possible to interface graphene with neuron cells whilst maintaining the integrity of these vital cells. This work was an interdisciplinary collaboration between nanotechnologists, chemists, biophysicists and neurobiologists all playing an important role.
In exciting new research, a team from the Graphene Flagship has recently published work showing how it is possible to interface graphene with neuron cells whilst maintaining the integrity of these vital cells. This work, published in the journal ACS Nano was an interdisciplinary collaboration between the University of Trieste in Italy, the University Castilla-La Mancha in Spain and the Cambridge Graphene Centre, with nanotechnologists, chemists, biophysicists and neurobiologists all playing an important role.
The Graphene Flagship is a European initiative which promotes a collaborative approach to research with an aim of helping to translate graphene out of the academic laboratory, through local industry and into society.
Scientists have always found the human brain endlessly fascinating and our understanding of the brain has increased to such a degree that by interfacing directly between the brain and the outside world we can now harness and control some of its functions. For instance, by measuring the brain’s electrical impulses sensory functions can be recovered. This can be used to control robotic arms for amputee patients or any number of basic processes for paralysed patients — from speech to movement of objects in the world around them. Whereas by interfering with these electrical impulses motor disorders (such as epilepsy or Parkinson’s) can start to be controlled.
Scientists have made this possible by developing electrodes that can be placed deep within the brain. These electrodes connect directly to neurons and transmit their electrical signals away from the body, allowing their meaning to be decoded. The interface between neurons and electrodes has often been problematic, not only do the electrodes need to be highly sensitive to electrical impulses but they need to be stable in the body without altering the tissue they measure. Too often the modern electrodes used for this interface (based on tungsten or silicon) suffer from partial or complete loss of signal over time. This is often caused by scar tissue formation from the electrode insertion and by its rigid nature preventing the electrode from moving with the natural movements of the brain.
Graphene has been shown to be a promising material to solve these problems. Its excellent conductivity, flexibility, biocompatibility and stability within the body sparked the interest of researchers.
The work published by Prato and colleagues is unique both in the results they found but also in the way they used graphene in their study. Previously, other groups had shown that it is possible to use treated graphene to interact with neurons. However the signal to noise ratio from this interface was very low. By developing methods of working with untreated graphene the researchers retained the electrical conductivity of the graphene making it a significantly better electrode.
Prof. Laura Ballerini, the lead Neuro-Scientist in this research explains, “For the first time we interfaced graphene to neurons directly, without any peptide coating used in the past to favour neuronal adhesion. We then tested the ability of neurons to generate electrical signals known to represent brain activities and found that the neurons retained, unaltered, their neuronal signalling properties… This is the first functional study of neuronal synaptic activity using uncoated graphene based materials.”
They found that the untreated graphene electrodes interfaced well with the neurons. By studying the neurons with electron microscopy and immunofluorescence they found that they remained healthy, transmitted normal electric impulses and, importantly, no adverse glial reaction which leads to damaging scar tissue.
This is, therefore, the first step towards using pristine graphene based material as an electron for a neuro-interface. Taking the study further Prof. Ballerini plans on “investigating how different forms of graphene, from multiple layers to monolayers, are able to affect neurons… whether tuning the graphene material properties might alter the synapses and neuronal excitability in new and unique ways.” This may pave the way for improved deep brain implants to both harness and control the brain, having higher sensitivity and fewer unwanted side effects.
Prof. Prato, from the University of Trieste in Italy who is also a member of the Graphene Flagship Executive Board commented that, “We are currently involved in frontline research in graphene technology towards biomedical applications. In this scenario, the development and translation in neurology of graphene-based high performance biodevices requires the exploration of the interactions between graphene nano- and micro-sheets with the sophisticated signalling machinery of nerve cells. Our work is only a first step in that direction.”
Prof. Ferrari, Director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre and Chair of the Graphene Flagship Executive Board, stated that, “The Flagship will support biomedical research and development based on graphene technology with a new work package and a significant cash investment from 2016. These initial results show how we are just scratching the tip of an iceberg when it comes to the potential of graphene and related materials in bio-applications.”
Story Source:
The above post is reprinted from materials provided by Graphene Flagship. The original item was written by Siân Fogden. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
Journal Reference:
Alessandra Fabbro, Denis Scaini, Verónica León, Ester Vázquez, Giada Cellot, Giulia Privitera, Lucia Lombardi, Felice Torrisi, Flavia Tomarchio, Francesco Bonaccorso, Susanna Bosi, Andrea C. Ferrari, Laura Ballerini, Maurizio Prato. Graphene-Based Interfaces Do Not Alter Target Nerve Cells. ACS Nano, 2016; 10 (1): 615 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5b05647
We bring forth the vibration of peace to ignite within your being and burn up all forms of unrest and unbalance within your being. You are transforming dramatically at this time as is Mother Earth.
Cocooned in love by the Beings of Venus, it is our combined energy of the Galactic Federation and Archangel Michael which is overseeing a movement of peace within all. Being erased from humanity are the feelings of unrest, resistance and disharmony especially connected to the Creator and the journey of ascension.
Our focus is to replace the struggle and striving of a soul who has moved through numerous lifetimes so that peace can be ignited and experienced within. This is not a stillness nor an energy of being motionless, in fact it is an active energy of contentment and happiness within.
Our purpose as love is anchoring so profoundly upon the Earth is to erase the perspective and focused concentration that many hold upon negativity, separation and suffering. The greatest result of our healing work with humanity would be a shift in a great percentage of humanity concentrating upon positivity, truth and joy.
Each person upon the Earth has an aspect and energy of suffering, fear and disharmony within them, this is projecting into the consciousness of humanity continuously. Those of humanity who strongly resonate with negativity, suffering and pain then experience the projections placed into the consciousness of humanity as fuel to create and energise plans, corruption and devastation upon the Earth.
Imagine that your belief in suffering and devastation was so strong that you attracted like a magnet all the energy of suffering and devastation that every person on the Earth holds within them. You would be empowered beyond your understanding of power. Imagine also that with this power you were given ideas of creating more destruction upon the Earth.
These ideas would then support you in attracting more people of similar vibrations and beliefs into your reality. This may feel impossible and yet it is occurring on the Earth now causing chaos, pain and suffering within the realities of those instigating and the recipients.
Many are also being fuelled by the consciousness of humanity in an entirely different way. There are those who are focusing with such intent upon love that they are drawing the love which is held within every person upon the Earth and is automatically projected into the consciousness of humanity into their beings. The love projected by many into the consciousness of humanity is acting as their fuel to encourage and empower them to create beauty, enlightenment and healing in the world touching the hearts of many.
We can see that the consciousness of humanity is creating a powerful energy like a charge of electricity which can influence the Earth and humanity tremendously. The consciousness of humanity acts like fuel which can be used for positive or negative experiences, it is predominantly a powerful weapon born from humanity to be used by humanity. There are those who have yet to discover the focus of their being, therefore they project both negative and positive energies and imprints into the consciousness of humanity.
They are sometimes focused on love and other times fear, this fuels both negative and positive experiences upon the Earth and within their own reality. Such people are also being influenced by the power of the consciousness of humanity, being swayed, tossed and rocked each and every way. Therefore, experiences of insecurity, anxiety and resistance to the Creator arise from within them.
The valuable insight to grasp is that every feeling and idea that every person experiences within them, whether it is fleeting or persistent is projected into the consciousness of humanity, which is akin to a network or body of energy. Every person on the Earth is connected to the network or body of the consciousness of humanity. Each person also receives energy and information from the consciousness of humanity as well as being influenced unconsciously or consciously.
There are many levels of energy within the consciousness of humanity from the thoughts and energy of jealousy, fear and agony to the quicker vibration of pure enlightened, love and unity with the Creator, as well as everything else in between. Your daily focus, beliefs and emotions determine the level of the consciousness of humanity you connect into and draw upon to support your reality upon the Earth.
This signifies that your negative thoughts can support a situation of pain and suffering on the other side of the world. For example, those who are responsible for acts of terrorism or violence towards others are drawing from the consciousness of humanity the pain and suffering that every person has experienced, including your own inner pain and suffering, which has yet to be realised and healed. So we could say the energy within you and others is creating the chaos upon the Earth, in the same way it is creating love and kindness upon the Earth.
Everyone is connected and everyone is co-creating the experiences of the Earth together.
We bring this to your realisation not to create fear or shame within you, it is to support you in realising that you are powerful. As you take responsibility for the energies within your being, so you change the consciousness of humanity and the experiences of everyone on the Earth. Imagine if a vast majority cleansed their thoughts and emotions creating and projecting loving qualities. The consciousness of humanity would transform into a source of loving qualities.
This would mean that those wishing to create harm and destruction would only receive loving qualities from the consciousness of humanity, this would no longer fuel their intentions creating a healing within them, realisation of their past actions and a positive change in their perspective. Thus chaotic and devastating experiences, incidents and situations upon the Earth would be fewer.
It is time to take responsibility and realise that the healing work you achieve within you creates peace upon the Earth. When you see or hear about a situation upon the Earth, whether you perceive it as negative or positive, if it is your neighbour, in your country or another country we wish for you to contemplate the situation.
What are the energies created by this situation? Then recognise that the same energies may be within your being and that energetically you played a part in the manifestation of the situation as did everyone else on the Earth. The energies you discover connected to the situation may have been held within your being in the past and projected into the consciousness of humanity, however they have since been healed within you.
Perhaps you recognise the energies remain within you. If they are positive loving qualities rejoice in their manifestation upon the Earth, their presence within your being and the consciousness of humanity. Ask for your angels and guides to amplify the same energies within your being and the consciousness of humanity, asking that they manifest upon the Earth continuously for all to experience.
If the energies are of a negative vibration or quality, then it is first important to recognise honestly that these energies exist within you or have done in the past. If previously healed, then share your compassion with yourself and express it into the consciousness of humanity as a healing and purification. With recognition of the energies within the situation and the same within your being currently, a powerful healing process can begin. Your purpose is to heal and release the energies as well as erasing them from the consciousness of humanity.
“With the support of my soul, Archangel Michael, the Galactic Federation and the Creator, I recognise the energies within me which I am imprinting into the consciousness of humanity. The energies within me I recognise are………………
I also allow myself to be illuminated concerning how these energies hinder and impact my own reality and connection with the Creator.”
Take time to allow any realisations which are required to be recognised to emerge from within your being.
“I invite the healing of my soul, Archangel Michael, the Galactic Federation and the Creator to purify and erase these energies from my being and from the consciousness of humanity. The energy I chose to fill my being and the consciousness of humanity with is……………………… I experience this wholly now. Thank you.”
Such a focus as we have provided to you above supports realisations and healing of the energies within you. Sometimes the realisation is all that is required, other times persistent focus, inviting healing and inner awareness is required.
Your inner healing process is healing the world, creating peace for all to experience. We, Archangel Michael and the Galactic Federation are supporting the creation of peace as the Beings from Venus continue their download of love into the Earth and all of humanity.
Eternal peace is within,
Archangel Michael and the Galactic Federation
“Archangel Michael: Taking Responsibility for the Consciousness of Humanity,” Channeled by Natalie Glasson, February 19, 2016, at http://www.omna.org
With loving greetings from all souls at this station, this is Matthew. We begin by addressing issues foremost in thoughts around the world.
North Korea’s recent successes in rocketry were not unexpected by analysts who have been observing activity in that country; nevertheless, this is of concern because Kim Jong-un is considered unstable, egoistic and ambitious.
What none of them knows is that if North Korean scientists attempted to launch a missile bearing a nuclear warhead, crews in spacecraft surrounding Earth will assure its failure just as they have done with more than a dozen Illuminati attempts during the past several years.
Our perspective of “Putin’s aggression in Eastern Europe” is that this is an Illuminati-promulgated implication that he will forcibly bring Baltic countries and others under Russia’s governmental and economic control. That is not his intention, and as a reminder, the Illuminati feed on the energy of fear and resort to any means to engender fear.
With talk of a ceasefire, albeit temporary, it is natural that violence has escalated in Syria, where energy long has been chaotically directed; and, with several diverse contingents at battle in that country and nearby countries, a lasting ceasefire will not come until those energy streamers have run out their course.
While Russia is criticized for its air strikes that aid the Assad regime as well as help ground forces regain areas taken over by the Islamic State, President Putin and other influential individuals are working behind the scenes to bring stability throughout the Mideast and North Africa.
Understandably, there is concern about people in war-torn areas continuing to undertake risky transits into countries that are not able to provide adequate housing, schooling, work or healthcare to the millions of refugees already there. In time, violence will end in the villages and cities from which the people fled and those who wish to return can start rebuilding their communities and lives.
In the interim, compassion and good will on the part of the host citizenry and the immigrants’ contribution of talents, skills and assimilation efforts can result in compatibility and mutual benefit. In this moment and into the future, financial assistance from all prospering nations is necessary to ease, then end this humanitarian crisis.
According to Nirvana’s monitors of Earth, investigative scientists know that a toxic chemical is causing the many cases of microcephaly associated with the Zika virus, but they don’t know if the source is bites from Aedes mosquitos that were injected with the chemical or bites from those that mutated by absorbing the very toxin used to eradicate them, or if the condition is due to pregnant women drinking water containing the chemical.
Thus, to readers who asked if the Illuminati are behind this spreading outbreak of Zika and microcephaly, we say yes, but it may be indirectly as opposed to their concerted but futile efforts to create pandemics by releasing laboratory-designed viruses such as SARS and bird flu.
They deliberately put toxins in chemtrail spray, and others are in industrial pollution, fossil fuel energy usage, soil and underground water contaminated by nuclear waste or chemicals in fertilizer and insecticides. That this proliferation of toxicity is adversely affecting the planet and all of its life forms has been shamefully disregarded by chemical manufacturers abetted by powerful individuals in governments. And, the Illuminati’s amassing of wealth globally contributes in large measure to masses living in the impoverished conditions wherein disease-bearing mosquitos thrive.
No, karma is not involved in all cases of fleeing peoples or babies born with microcephaly and their families. Soul-level petitions are being granted in unprecedented numbers to permit advancement in evolvement status for enduring unchosen experiencing. Still, this honoring of soul requests isn’t consciously known by those persons or the world, and their situations are seen as the grievous hardships they are on the physical level.
The reader who wrote that astrological readers and intuitives have predicted, “the rest of this month and March will be extremely delicate on this planet,” asked, “in what areas will things be ‘delicate’ and challenging?” Certainly the aforementioned situations are delicate and fraught with challenges to the many millions directly affected and unnerving to all of society.
Calmness about stock market volatility and reports of banks closing would be a challenge for investors, and confusion as to what is ahead economically very likely is worrisome to many others, too. In numerous countries candidates are vying for office and the citizens are anxious about election outcomes. Then there are predictions anew about catastrophic earthquakes and tsunamis as well as World War III imminent, starting in the Mideast.
And, in the midst of all those energy streamers with tumultuous attachments, even lightworkers may find it challenging to consistently maintain optimism about Earth’s future. That said, when planetary alignment is more conducive to unsettlement than during periods of less interaction, individuals with negative attitudes and pessimistic outlook will manifest more challenging circumstances for themselves—the law of attraction operates 24/7.
Beloved family, every happening whether perceived as progress or setbacks, tragedies or triumphs, is a reflection of vibrations that are ramping up turmoil so it can run out its course and simultaneously expanding the success of grassroots movements around the world. How we wish that this very moment life on Earth were what you want: Peace, truth, kindness, mutual respect and cooperation of all peoples. Ultimately, it will be, and your steadfastness in the light is helping to create in linear time the world you want that already IS in the continuum.
Now then, we shall address the remaining soul-related questions. The first, from a reader in the United States, is much the same asked by others who also tied it to presidential campaigning in that country, but the relevance of this issue is global: “What happens to the souls of unborn children due to an abortion?” Janos, a soul in an eighth density civilization, spoke about this with my mother several years ago, and I asked her to copy that part of their lengthy conversation.
[The following excerpt is from the chapter “Janos” in Voices of the Universe.]
A soul does not need a body for life itself, as that is inherent in the essence of every soul. It is only for experiencing physically what cannot be without some mass for functioning that souls choose to have a body of some sort.
Among your people, there is great misconception about “life” and the difference between a soul and a body. You have a process called “abortion” that some believe is the destruction of a new life, and there is argument about when a soul enters a body being formed in the womb. No soul’s life ever is destroyed by ending the formation of a developing body. Bodies grow independently of souls through the natural laws of physical mechanisms reproducing in accordance with the cellular programming of each civilization.
Souls are not restricted to incarnating in a specific civilization. A soul’s spiritual evolutionary status automatically puts it within a certain vibratory level, and it chooses a civilization within that sphere that can provide the experiencing needed for its advancement. The greater the spiritual evolvement, the higher the light station within which a soul may choose the civilization for embodying, or living as a free spirit member.
Souls whose spiritual growth needs are within the third density of Earth or other placements of similar vibratory status have a number of choices regarding bodies. They may reside around the parents even before conception takes place, and after conception, they may enter the fetus to experience that growth sensation. If that kind of experience isn’t needed, they may remain “outside” for other kinds of experiencing prior to the birth, but with a soul contract “claim” on the developing body that other souls respect.
If a soul enters a developing body and then reverses that decision, the woman experiences a miscarriage. A soul may inhabit a developing body until imminent birth, then decide not to continue in that body and a stillbirth results. Also, a soul may make one of those decisions, experience what it requires emotionally, and in agreement with another soul, will exit and the second soul enters until miscarriage, stillbirth or live birth occurs.
A soul with a “claim” on a developing body may permit another soul to reside in the body to experience the growth and birth sensation, then that soul leaves and the first one takes over the physical life.
These various situations always are by agreement with all souls involved, which of course includes the parents and any other family members, and the purpose is to permit chosen experiencing to several souls at the level they need. Abortion, like all the other stages from prior to conception through a viable birth, provides opportunities for the participating souls to experience the attendant emotions that fill voids in their experiences to that moment.
Bodies have a life force independent of a soul, and while it is an unusual situation that a body lives without a soul, this can happen. Souls have the choice to enter a cloned body or not, and if not, the clone still seems like anyone else because the brain and all senses and motor abilities are functioning. Another example is when injured or ill people are comatose. The soul may choose to remain with the body or not, and if not, as long as nourishment is given, that body continues to live in a vegetative state until it dies from deterioration of cells.
Thank you, Mother. If all Earth’s peoples could know that every one of you is a soul having a physical experience and the many choices souls have, abortion would not a political, social or religious issue. When you are living in the fullness of Earth’s Golden Age, there will be no abortions or divisiveness of any kind—life will be loving, peaceful and in harmony with all of Nature.
“Is the ‘soul’ the essence of a person, or was it created to support the ‘fundamental essence’ as a storage unit for experiences? In other words, are we really the ‘essence’ … with a ‘soul’…. ‘mind’ and ‘body’ as functional instruments only to support our true self, which is the ‘essence’ – which would suggest that the ‘soul’ is a spiritual function located in-between our ‘fundamental essence’ and our ‘mind.’”
Your true self is a soul—an independent, inviolate, eternal Being whether living in a physical or a spirit world or as a free spirit anywhere in this universe. Your essence, or composition, is the pure love-light energy of Creator—the source of everything in existence throughout the cosmos—and in this universe is of God.
Using Creator’s energy and Its gift of free will with its component power of manifestation, you design a mind and a body that will enable you to function in accordance with what you want to experience after incarnating. You endow this person with a repository, or storage unit, of soul-level knowledge of The Beginnings in Creator and the collective wisdom and memories of your other lifetimes. It may be helpful to read a prior message that offers more extensive information about preparing for a new physical lifetime. [February 3, 2014]
Thank you, Mother, for adding the date, and we add that a lifetime as a free spirit has nothing whatsoever to do with personality traits or behavior. It is a special kind of experiencing that may or may not require a body, not even an etheric body, whereby the soul communicates directly with God and knowledgeably accomplishes its pre-birth chosen mission. Jesus and other messengers of God are examples of souls that needed a body to accomplish their free spirit lifetime mission.
“Why is it that some deceased souls remain attached to the Earth plane and not ascend to the light? How come they have that choice? Don’t we all have to go to Nirvana or another realm to account for our lives here, and assess whether we need to return or not?”
It isn’t quite accurate to ascribe “choice” to the rare occasions when persons don’t go to Nirvana or another spirit world directly after physical death. The soul, which is pure love-light energy, is liberated from the person’s etheric body and psyche, and it is the psyche that is reluctant to leave.
The power of belief is mighty indeed, and some of those people believe they still are alive and carrying on, maybe preparing for a loved one’s return or caring for their young children or consummating a new business venture. Others do know they had died but want to stay on Earth until they have completed something of utmost importance—perhaps explain to families how to handle personal business affairs or continue fighting alongside their comrades or let police know who killed them.
Whatever the reason, it is of such vital significance to people in either of those categories that the energy they exert enables their etheric bodies to linger nearby. Eventually, often with the assistance of angels, spirit guides or a proficient energy worker, all of those souls realize that they cannot do what they desire and willingly move on to a spirit world. If to Nirvana, they experience life review and take advantage of all the opportunities that wondrous realm offers as they plan their next embodiment.
Then there is the considerably different situation that you call “possession,” which also is a very infrequent occurrence on Earth. A darkly-inclined soul purposefully lingers to look for a body to enter during sleep time and remain henceforth. When it enters a body, a struggle ensues until one of the souls manages to oust the other.
If the intruder soul takes possession, an experienced energy worker can perform what you call exorcism; when that is successful, the intruder is assisted to the light and the original occupant returns. If exorcism is not performed or is unsuccessful, the original soul goes to Nirvana or the spirit world of its civilization and the intruder remains in the body and causes considerable changes in the person’s behavior.
“What happened to the Soul when someone committed suicide?” First we say, there is NO punishment for suicide as some religions teach. Just as in cases where physical death is by any other cause, the soul is liberated from the etheric body and psyche. Someone who takes his or her life does so in mental and emotional anguish, and the psyche enters Nirvana in that traumatized state. After a healing process of tender, customized care and constant attentiveness, the person joins the realm’s population and experiences life review just as all others do. When another incarnation is planned, it includes the karmic lessons that had been chosen but not experienced in the life cut short. Mother, please add the date of the message that covers this topic more comprehensively. [September 23, 2014]
Thank you, and yes, I see that we have reached preferred space limits. I also see more questions about the soul on your list, but I feel that the information we have provided is the most relevant for the greatest number of readers.
So, with the assurance that never are you alone in your Earth journey, we bid you loving farewell for this moment.
Writing gives me a platform to connect with it and share its guidance along with my own thoughts, and without writing, life seems dull and purposeless.
This is why an open mind helps the words flow. I’ve opened up to things I wouldn’t possibly know if I hadn’t realized them in the midst of writing, and the insight available when writing is one of its many meditative qualities.
Key Findings
Countries to Watch in 2016
This sensationalist headline is making the internet rounds, and if you only have a quick minute, you will be misinformed of the truth about the WTO’s recent decision. With no disrespect to The Huffington Post, Mr. Beachy or Ms. Soloman, Fresh Air and Free would like to add omitted facts to provide a more balanced view.
02/24/2016 01:28 pm ET | Updated 16 hours ago
In exciting new research, a team from the Graphene Flagship has recently published work showing how it is possible to interface graphene with neuron cells whilst maintaining the integrity of these vital cells. This work, published in the journal ACS Nano was an interdisciplinary collaboration between the University of Trieste in Italy, the University Castilla-La Mancha in Spain and the Cambridge Graphene Centre, with nanotechnologists, chemists, biophysicists and neurobiologists all playing an important role.
February 19, 2016
Fresh Air and Free® 