Neil, Author at Consciousness Revival

The so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” – What’s In It?

?BREAKING: Trump Wants to Sign His “Big Beautiful Bill” on the 4th of July.

Senate Advances It 51–49 Without Reading a Word.

Because what’s more American in 2025 than shredding healthcare, torching the climate, and blaming immigrants for poverty all in 1,116 pages crafted by donors and passed by people who didn’t read past the title?

Who wins?

The ultra-wealthy
Fossil fuel execs
Defense contractors
Private school donors

Who loses?

Working families
Poor kids
Rural hospitals
Immigrant households
Clean energy workers
And… probably you.

TAX CUTS?

Oh absolutely, for the rich.

Trump’s 2017 tax cuts? Now permanent.
$4 trillion in cuts — 40% going to the top 5%.
SALT deduction cap raised from $10k to $40k — benefits those earning $400k–$1M+.
Estate tax shelters, business loopholes, investment write-offs — cemented in law.
Poorest 20% of Americans? Lose about 4% of household resources.

CHILD TAX CREDIT RAISED… Kinda.

From $2,000 to $2,200/year — that’s $16.67/month per child in 2025. Just enough for:

A loaf of bread
A stick of deodorant
Half a gallon of milk
Or a large sigh

And yes, both parent and child must have Social Security numbers — disqualifying over 1 million U.S. citizen kids in immigrant families.

MEDICAID? SLASHED.

16 million projected to lose coverage:
- 11M from Medicaid
- 5M from ACA (due to subsidy rollbacks & immigrant bans)
Work requirements + income caps under $2,600/month
Own a used car? Too “rich” for coverage
Frequent re-verification to disqualify people faster

FOOD STAMPS (SNAP)? SLICED.

$267B in cuts — the biggest in SNAP history
Stricter work requirements
States must cover 75% of SNAP admin costs
Mixed-status families excluded from benefits

Starve the poor to feed the missile budget. Very on brand.

CLIMATE POLICY? ROLLED BACK INTO THE STONE AGE.

Repeals most of the IRA’s clean energy programs
EV tax credits, wind & solar incentives? Gone
Fuel efficiency & emissions rules? Blocked
Fossil fuel drilling? Expanded
Strategic Petroleum Reserve? Refilled

Consequences:

790,000 clean energy jobs lost
Climate targets missed by 10 years
Electricity bills up 10%
Chevron? Doing great.

IMMIGRATION: SCAPEGOATED. AGAIN.

$170B for walls, ICE, and detention
$54B to detain families
3.5% remittance tax
Higher visa/asylum/TPS renewal fees
No reform. No DACA. Just enforcement.

BUT HERE’S THE TRUTH:

Who actually uses public benefits?

Mississippi: 18% Medicaid | 4% Immigrant
West Virginia: 25% Medicaid | 1.8% Immigrant
Louisiana: 29% Medicaid | 4.2% Immigrant
Kentucky: 28% Medicaid | 3.5% Immigrant
Arkansas: 24% Medicaid | 4% Immigrant
Alabama: 15% Medicaid | 2.4% Immigrant
Oklahoma: 22% Medicaid | 6% Immigrant

These are red states, mostly white, native-born — and heavily reliant on the very programs being cut.

EDUCATION: PRIVATIZED.

Student loan forgiveness? Canceled
Borrower protections? Gutted
Grad loans? Slashed
Private school donors? 100% tax credit on $4B in donations

DEFENSE: $$$ FOR MISSILES, NOT MEALS.

$158B more for Pentagon
$25B for munitions
$50B+ for militarizing the border
Golden Dome missile shield funded

Because Raytheon’s feelings matter more than your dialysis.

BONUS: MIKE LEE TRIED TO SELL PUBLIC LAND.

Proposed selling 3.3M acres (size of Connecticut) for housing.

He was stopped — for now. But the next draft? Anything goes.

DEBT & DEFICIT?

Adds $3–5 trillion in debt
Triggers $500B in Medicare cuts
Raises debt ceiling by $5T

All to finance billionaire tax cuts while gutting aid and blaming immigrants.

WHO PASSED THIS?

Every Republican in the House
Most Republicans in the Senate
Not One Single Democrat
You? Not consulted.

OH, AND ONE LAST THING…

The people hurt most by this bill?

Losing Medicaid
Watching hospitals shut down
Paying more, getting less
Voting red every time

This bill punishes the base and rewards the billionaires.

They call it patriotism. We call it getting played.

PS: Let’s be real… Probably only 2% of people will read this entire post. And honestly? Who can blame them?

Now imagine reading a 1,116-page bill full of legalese, fine print, and political tricks. You wouldn’t.

And guess what? Neither did your senator.

They just voted. Because someone told them it was “beautiful.”

And now millions of Americans are going to suffer for it.

As shared by Mariana Hernandez on FB

How Los Angeles County’s Population Compares to Entire U.S. States

by Neil Leave a Comment

Los Angeles County is home to an astonishing ~10 million people, making it more populous than 27 U.S. states combined. Recent wildfires have devastated this region, affecting millions of lives and reshaping entire communities. This post explores the scale of this impact by visualizing just how many people are affected, offering a new perspective on the challenges faced by LA County during these crises.

Visualizing the Scale: Los Angeles County vs. U.S. States

U.S. States with a smaller population than Los Angeles County

To put things into perspective, Los Angeles County’s population surpasses these 27 U.S. states:

States with Smaller Populations

1. Alabama

2. Alaska

3. Arkansas

4. Connecticut

5. Delaware

6. Hawaii

7. Idaho

8. Iowa

9. Kansas

10. Kentucky

11. Louisiana

12. Maine

13. Mississippi

14. Montana

15. Nebraska

16. Nevada

17. New Hampshire

18. New Mexico

19. North Dakota

20. Oklahoma

21. Oregon

22. Rhode Island

23. South Dakota

24. Utah

25. Vermont

26. West Virginia

27. Wyoming

(Note: Washington, D.C., could also be included, but it’s not technically a state.)

The Human Impact of Wildfires in LA County

Wildfires in Los Angeles County don’t just affect land and property—they impact lives on a scale larger than many entire states. Imagine the entire population of Wyoming, Vermont, and Alaska combined being affected by a natural disaster. That’s the level of human impact seen in LA County during its worst wildfire seasons.

The sheer density of people in LA County amplifies the challenges for emergency response teams, evacuation efforts, and recovery programs. Infrastructure and community resources face immense strain as the county works to protect lives and provide aid.

Why This Comparison Matters

By comparing LA County to states, we can better understand the magnitude of the challenges it faces. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about realizing how many lives are affected when disasters strike. For policymakers, organizations, and individuals across the nation, this perspective highlights the need for robust support systems for densely populated areas during crises.

Conclusion: What Can We Do?

Addressing these challenges requires proactive measures, from bolstering disaster response resources to reducing wildfire risks through prevention programs. Additionally, support for communities affected by these disasters is vital, as millions depend on recovery efforts to rebuild their lives.

The next time you hear about wildfires in Los Angeles County, remember: it’s not just a local issue—it’s a human crisis that rivals the populations of entire U.S. states.

How You Can Help

The impact of wildfires in Los Angeles County is profound, but there are ways we can all make a difference. Consider supporting these organizations that are working tirelessly to address climate change, provide disaster relief, and aid individuals and families affected by the fires:

Organizations Addressing Climate Change

1. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): Working to create innovative solutions for climate change and clean energy. Learn more or donate.

2. The Nature Conservancy: Focused on protecting forests, combating climate change, and preserving natural habitats. Learn more or donate.

3. 350.org: A global movement to end fossil fuel reliance and build a world powered by renewable energy. Learn more or donate.

Wildfire Disaster Relief and Recovery

1. California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund: Provides immediate and long-term support for wildfire recovery, including rebuilding homes and mental health services. Learn more or donate.

2. American Red Cross: Offers shelter, food, and relief services to those displaced by wildfires. Learn more or donate.

3. GlobalGiving’s Wildfire Relief Fund: Focuses on helping families recover and rebuild after wildfire disasters. Learn more or donate.

Aid for Those Affected by the LA Fires

1. United Way of Greater Los Angeles: Provides emergency assistance, housing support, and relief services for communities impacted by disasters. Learn more or donate.

2. Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Supports LA firefighters by funding specialized equipment and disaster relief programs. Learn more or donate.

3. Direct Relief: Supplies medical aid and equipment to communities impacted by natural disasters, including wildfires. Learn more or donate.

Make a Difference Today

Every contribution—big or small—has the potential to save lives, rebuild communities, and combat the root causes of climate change. By supporting these efforts, you’re standing with those affected by the LA fires and helping to create a more sustainable and resilient future for everyone.

A Chronicle of Donald Trump’s Fines, Settlements, and Legal Battles

by Neil Leave a Comment

Throughout his career as a businessman and politician, Donald Trump has been involved in numerous legal disputes, resulting in substantial fines, settlements, and court battles. This article presents a comprehensive timeline of these events, spanning from the 1980s to the present day, as well as ongoing investigations.

1980s

1988: $750,000 – Anti-trust lawsuit settlement with Bally.

1990s

1990: $750,000 – Defamation lawsuit for predicting Trump Taj Mahal would fail.
1991: $200,000 – Settlement for removing black workers from casino floor.
1991: $30,000 – Fine for circumventing state regulations.
1992: $250,000 – Federal Election Commission (FEC) penalty for exceeding campaign contribution limits.
1998: $1.375 million – Settlement for underpaying pension funds in a class action lawsuit.
1998: $1.4 million – Settlement for hiring undocumented workers.
1998: $447,000 – Money laundering violations.

2000s

2000: $250,000 – New York City Housing Authority settlement for racial discrimination in housing practices.
2000: $250,000 – Settlement with New York State Lobby Commission.
2006: $100,000 – Fine for Palm Beach flag ordinance violation.
2006: $25,000 – Fine by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for improper demolition project licensing.

2010s

2013: $18,000 – Fine by Federal Trade Commission for multi-level marketing violations.
2014: $32,000 – Trump Hotel Collection fine for improper hazardous materials storage.
2015: $799,000 – Defamation settlement related to Trump University student.
2015: $10 million – Money laundering violations.
2016: $25 million – Settlement in Trump University fraud lawsuit.
2016: $50,000 – Fine for data and credit card breaches.
2016: $1.3 million – Penalty for FEC disclosure errors.
2017: $25,000 – Civil penalty to the IRS for political contribution through the Trump Foundation.
2018: $1 million – Penalty for pollution control violations at a Trump golf course.
2018: $2 million – Fine paid by the Trump Organization to the state of New York for misusing charitable assets to intervene in the 2016 election.
2019: $2 million – Settlement for misusing Trump Foundation to settle lawsuits and support his campaign.
2019: $290,000 – Settlement with Scotland over wind farm dispute.

2020s

2020: $2.1 million – Settlement for defrauding prospective Trump Tower buyers.
2021: $122 million – Trump campaign forced to refund contributions to donors.
2022: $110,000 – Contempt of court fine.
2022: $750,000 – Fine for funneling inaugural funds to Trump businesses.
2022: $1.6 million – Conviction for 17 counts of criminal tax fraud.
2023: CFO sentenced to prison (related to Trump Organization tax fraud).
2023: $10,000 – Fine for attacking court personnel.
2023: $1 million – Court sanctions for a bogus lawsuit, with $171,000 to be paid to Hillary Clinton.
2023: $5 million – E. Jean Carroll sexual assault verdict.
2024: $83.3 million – E. Jean Carroll defamation verdict.
2024: $392,000 – Court sanctions for bogus lawsuit against New York Times.
2024: $453 million – Settlement for business fraud.
2024: Convicted felon – Found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election.

Ongoing and Notable Investigations as of May 30th, 2024

Various ongoing lawsuits and investigations into Trump Organization’s financial practices by the New York Attorney General and other entities.
Legal issues related to the January 6 insurrection and subsequent investigations.
Classified documents investigation and potential Espionage Act violations being looked at by the Justice Department.

This extensive list highlights the complex legal history of Donald Trump and the significant financial implications of his actions. As investigations continue, it is likely that this list will grow, providing further insight into the controversies surrounding the former president.

How the U.S. Government Has Stepped Up Through the Decades

by Neil Leave a Comment

While it’s critical and important to point out failures, it’s also essential to recognize moments when the U.S. government has risen to the occasion, addressing significant challenges and driving progress. Let’s take a journey through some notable moments when the government has “saved the day.”

The New Deal: Rebuilding a Nation in the 1930s

During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal provided crucial relief, recovery, and reform. Specifically, the Social Security Act offered a safety net for the elderly and unemployed, while public works programs like the Works Progress Administration created jobs and revitalized the economy. These efforts were instrumental in stabilizing the nation during one of its darkest times.

The Manhattan Project: A Turning Point in the 1940s

Amid World War II, the government-led Manhattan Project developed atomic weapons that ultimately brought an end to the war with Japan. Although the use of atomic bombs remains deeply controversial, the project’s success showcased the U.S. government’s ability to mobilize and coordinate vast scientific and industrial resources effectively.

The GI Bill: Supporting Veterans in 1944

Subsequently, the GI Bill (Servicemen’s Readjustment Act) provided returning World War II veterans with benefits like low-cost mortgages, low-interest loans to start businesses, and tuition for education and training. This investment in veterans contributed significantly to the post-war economic boom and the expansion of the middle class.

Eradicating Polio: A Health Triumph in the 1950s-1960s

Moreover, government-led vaccination campaigns in the 1950s and 1960s were crucial in eradicating polio within the United States. These efforts not only saved countless lives but also demonstrated the power of coordinated public health initiatives.

The Interstate Highway System: Transforming Transportation in the 1950s

Initiated under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Interstate Highway System revolutionized transportation in the U.S. Consequently, it facilitated efficient movement of goods and people, spurred economic growth, and enhanced national defense.

Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act: Pushing for Equality in the 1960s

Furthermore, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were landmark legislative achievements that helped dismantle institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination. These laws were crucial steps toward achieving greater social justice and equality nationwide.

Creation of the Internet: Pioneering Technology from the 1960s-1980s

Additionally, the foundational technologies for the internet were developed through government-funded research projects, particularly those led by DARPA. This investment laid the groundwork for the digital age, transforming global communication, commerce, and access to information.

Moon Landing: Inspiring Achievement in 1969

NASA, a government agency, landed astronauts on the Moon with the Apollo 11 mission. As a result, this historic achievement not only demonstrated American ingenuity and technological prowess but also inspired generations and advanced scientific understanding.

Affordable Care Act: Expanding Healthcare Access in 2010

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded healthcare coverage to millions of Americans, improved access to medical care, and instituted protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Despite remaining a contentious political issue, the ACA has had a profound impact on public health.

First Step Act: Reforming Criminal Justice in 2018

This bipartisan legislation aimed to reduce sentences for certain non-violent offenses, provide opportunities for early release, and improve conditions and rehabilitation programs in federal prisons. Consequently, the First Step Act marked significant progress in criminal justice reform.

Operation Warp Speed: Rapid Response to COVID-19 in 2020

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Operation Warp Speed was a public-private partnership that accelerated the development, manufacturing, and distribution of vaccines. As a result, this initiative resulted in the rapid deployment of highly effective vaccines, helping to curb the pandemic.

Economic Relief Measures: Supporting Americans in 2020-2021

The federal government passed several relief packages, including the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan, providing financial assistance to individuals, families, and businesses during the pandemic. Subsequently, these measures were crucial in preventing a deeper economic recession.

Affordable Connectivity Program: Addressing the Digital Divide in 2021

This program aimed to provide low-income households with discounts on broadband internet service and connected devices, addressing the digital divide exacerbated by the pandemic. Consequently, the initiative helped ensure that more Americans could stay connected during challenging times.

Rejoining the Paris Agreement: Tackling Climate Change in 2021

President Biden rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement early in his term, signaling a renewed commitment to addressing global climate change and collaborating with other nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This decision marked a significant step towards global cooperation on climate issues.

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Building for the Future in 2021

This Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represents a historic investment in the nation’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public transit, broadband internet, and clean water. As a result, it aims to create jobs, improve transportation, and enhance the quality of life for many Americans.

Inflation Reduction Act: Investing in Clean Energy in 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act includes substantial investments in clean energy and efforts to combat climate change. Specifically, it focuses on reducing carbon emissions, advancing renewable energy technologies, and promoting energy efficiency.

Support for Ukraine: Responding to Global Crises in 2022-2023

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. government provided significant military, financial, and humanitarian assistance. Consequently, this support has been vital in helping Ukraine resist aggression and uphold international law and human rights.

Modernization of the Postal Service: Ensuring Stability from 2021-Present

With the passage of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, the federal government took steps to ensure the financial stability and operational efficiency of the United States Postal Service, which plays an essential role in maintaining communications and commerce. This legislation aimed to address long-standing issues and modernize the postal service.

In conclusion, these examples illustrate the dynamic and diverse ways in which the U.S. government has intervened to address significant challenges and promote progress throughout history and into recent times. While no government is perfect, these moments highlight the capacity for impactful and positive change when the government steps up.

Trump’s Ties to Convicted Child Sex Predators

by Neil Leave a Comment

The presidency of Donald J. Trump has been marked by numerous controversies, including his associations with various individuals who have faced significant legal challenges, particularly those involving minors. This article explores these associations and provides a factual overview of the legal issues faced by Trump’s associates.

Trump’s Ties to Convicted Child Sex Predators

Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell

Jeffrey Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender, was known for his high-profile connections, including his association with Donald Trump. Epstein’s criminal activities came to light in the early 2000s, culminating in his arrest in 2008. He was charged with procuring an underage girl for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute. Despite the serious nature of the charges, Epstein received a controversial plea deal, often criticized as excessively lenient. This deal allowed him to serve only 13 months in a county jail, during which he was granted work release, permitting him to leave the jail six days a week for up to 12 hours a day.

Epstein’s social connections were far-reaching and included celebrities, politicians, and business magnates. His ties to Trump were primarily social in nature. The two were photographed together on multiple occasions in the 1990s and early 2000s, often at social gatherings in Palm Beach, Florida, where both men owned homes. Trump acknowledged their relationship, notably stating in a 2002 interview with New York Magazine, “I’ve known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy. He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”

However, when Epstein was arrested again in 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking of minors in New York and Florida, Trump distanced himself. He claimed he had a “falling out” with Epstein many years prior. Nonetheless, the prior association painted a complex picture of Trump’s social circles.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite and long-time associate of Epstein, was arrested in July 2020 on charges of enticement of minors, sex trafficking, and perjury. Maxwell was accused of playing a pivotal role in Epstein’s criminal enterprise by recruiting and grooming underage girls, some as young as 14, for Epstein to abuse. Victims testified that Maxwell’s recruitment often involved befriending the young girls with promises of mentorship, employment, or educational opportunities before leading them into Epstein’s abusive orbit.

Maxwell’s arrest followed Jeffrey Epstein’s controversial death in his jail cell in August 2019, while he was awaiting trial. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging, though it spurred numerous conspiracy theories and public outcry, with many of Epstein’s victims feeling justice was denied.

Trump’s response to Maxwell’s arrest was notably sympathetic when questioned about her during a press conference. He remarked, “I just wish her well, frankly. I’ve met her numerous times over the years, especially since I lived in Palm Beach, and I guess they lived in Palm Beach. But I wish her well.” This statement prompted backlash, as it appeared to diverge from the expected condemnation of someone accused of serious crimes involving minors.

Trump’s response to Maxwell’s arrest was notably sympathetic. During a press conference, he remarked, “I just wish her well, frankly. I’ve met her numerous times over the years, especially since I lived in Palm Beach, and I guess they lived in Palm Beach. But I wish her well.”

Other Associations

George Nader

George Nader, a Lebanese-American businessman and lobbyist who served as an informal adviser to the Trump administration, pleaded guilty in 2020 to child sex charges, including possessing child pornography and bringing a minor to the United States for sex. Nader had also played a significant role in facilitating meetings between Trump associates and foreign officials during and after the 2016 presidential campaign.

John Casablancas

Another controversial figure linked to Trump was John Casablancas, the founder of Elite Model Management, who faced allegations of inappropriate behavior with minors. Casablancas and Trump shared a professional relationship through the modeling industry and were known to have been acquaintances.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s ties to individuals convicted of child sex offenses raise important questions about the nature of social and professional networks. While Trump was not implicated in the criminal activities of these individuals, his associations with convicted sex offenders like Jeffrey Epstein and sympathetic remarks towards Ghislaine Maxwell spotlight the entanglement of high society and criminal conduct. These connections emphasize the deep intricacies and sometimes troubling intersections within the spheres of wealth, power, and exploitation.

Inherently Loving and Supportive or Inherently Malicious and Evil?

by Neil Leave a Comment

I remember about 6 years ago when the biggest debate was whether or not the world was round or flat. I remember being so offended that so many people denied science, logic, and common sense. Fast forward to 2020 and the same people want to now dream up and buy into new outrageous conspiracies.

While it’s easy to judge these people as unintelligent, I think this doesn’t have to do with intelligence as much as it has to do with whether or not they perceive the world as inherently loving and supportive or inherently malicious and evil. Either way you choose, you’re right!

What you think about, you bring about… or, as the great Wayne Dyer once said, “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”

Where do I fit into this?

Admittedly, I don’t always trust everyone and everything (nor do I expect anyone to). I know there are plenty of real conspiracies, corruption, and manipulation and I’m often outspoken about some of it… but make no mistake. I believe in humanity and something much greater. I know that there is more love shaping the world than hate. I trust the bigger picture.

I have long gone through my dark days in hell. I know that mindset that says “it’s me alone against the world.” I know what it’s like to be lied to, stolen from, hurt, and betrayed by some of those closest to me. I know what it’s like to hate someone so bad that I would gladly end it all for the opportunity to hurt them in the worst possible way.

I also know what it is like to have someone I never imagined help me out of a crisis when all hope was lost. I know what it is like to be given opportunities that I never thought I would have. And, I know what it is like to forgive… myself and others, and how great it feels to have that huge weight lifted off my shoulders.

My views of the world shifted during these transitions. It’s easy to think the world is conspiring against you when you’re betrayed, disempowered, and or hurting inside. It’s convenient to play the victim role but, it’s definitely not behooving to.

Artwork: Book of Blood by Carlos Quevedo

A spider’s web is part of its mind, new research suggests

by Neil Leave a Comment

Spiders tend to elicit some of our most extreme fight-or-flight responses. Upon sight of one, some of us scream, others squash. Even those of us with kinder hearts often feel the need to trap and release, preferably somewhere away from home.

But a swathe of new research may have you reconsidering your biases toward these misunderstood arachnids. Spiders, it turns out, appear to possess an extraordinary form of consciousness that we’re only beginning to understand, and it has to do with their webs, reports New Scientist.

Researchers are slowly coming around to the idea that spider webbing is an essential part of these creatures’ cognitive apparatus. The animals don’t just use their webs to sense with; they use them to think.

It’s part of a theory of mind known as “extended cognition,” and humans utilize it too. For instance, we might like to think of our minds as contained in our heads, but we rely on a number of structures outside of our heads (and even outside of our bodies) to help us think. Computers and calculators are an obvious example. We organize our living spaces to help us remember where things are, we jot notes, and we take photographs or store mementos.

But these examples pale in comparison to how a spider’s thinking is interwoven with its web. Scientists are discovering that some spiders possess cognitive abilities rivaling those of mammals and birds, including foresight and planning, complex learning, and even the capacity to be surprised. It’s enough to make you consider whether “Charlotte’s Web” could have been a true story.

The crux of these newly discovered cognitive abilities of spiders comes down to their webs. We’re finding that if you take away a spider’s webbing, it loses some of these capabilities.

For instance, we know that spiders can use their webbing as a sensory apparatus; they sense vibrations in the webbing, which alerts them to when prey gets ensnared. We now also know that spiders can even distinguish between different types of vibrations. They know which vibrations are caused by different types of critters, by leaves and other debris brushing past, and even vibrations caused by the wind.

What’s really surprising, however, is what we’re now learning about how spiders use their webbing to actually think through problems. When a spider sits at the hub of its web, it isn’t just passively waiting for vibrations. It is actively tugging and loosening different strands, manipulating the web in subtle ways.

Research has shown that these manipulations are how to tell where a spider is paying attention. When it tenses one strand of webbing, that strand becomes more sensitive to vibrations. It’s essentially the equivalent of a spider cupping its ears to hear better in a certain direction.

“She tenses the threads of the web so that she can filter information that is coming to her brain,” explained extended cognition researcher Hilton Japyassú, in a report by Quanta Magazine. “This is almost the same thing as if she was filtering things in her own brain.”

Furthermore, researchers have tested this hypothesis with experiments that involve cutting out pieces of webbing. When its web gets cut, a spider starts to make different decisions. According to Japyassú, it’s as if the already-built portions of silk are reminders or chunks of external memory. Cutting the web is like performing a spider lobotomy.

It’s enough to make you feel guilty every time you accidentally walk through some webbing. (The good news is, a spider can always spin another one.)

Stronger claims about what this means for spider consciousness still need to be tested. If “consciousness” is a synonym for “awareness,” then a spider’s web certainly adds to a spider’s ability to be aware of its surroundings, and this is a two-way street. Spiders both passively receive information from their webbing, and actively manipulate that information by making adjustments. But if we want to suggest that spiders use their webbing to form actual mental representations, that might be a question better left for philosophers.

Even so, experiments seem to at least leave the more nuanced questions about consciousness open for speculation. And a spider’s web has certainly been shown to be more than just a hunting tool.

It’s food for thought, and more than enough reason to reconsider your feelings about these remarkable web-spinners.

Original Source: A spider’s web is part of its mind, new research suggests

Seagrass Belly Baskets w/ Handles by Leonard & Hazel™

by Neil Leave a Comment

These eco-friendly seagrass belly baskets with handles are handwoven by artisans in the south-east tropics of Hanoi, Vietnam.

FREE S&H w/in the U.S. via USPS Priority Mail (1-3 Day)

Seagrass baskets are popular because they’re skillfully handmade, attractive, eco-friendly, and help sustain our planet due to the fact that seagrass is abundant as a fast-growing renewable resource, not easily depleted.

Seagrass is very durable. It’s grown underwater so its fibers are non-porous, making it also water-resistant. This material doesn’t attract dirt or dust which gives it a natural antibacterial quality, great for those with allergies, or anyone who loves handmade sustainable products that are beautiful, useful, health-conscious.

Consciousness Revival is a proud Sponsor of Leonard & Hazel™ Fine Jewelry & Gifts.

These Handwoven Seagrass Belly Baskets w/ Handles and more can be found at https://LeonardHazel.com/.

Bragg’s vs Flu Shots

by Neil Leave a Comment

TAKE NOTE: I don’t ever remember getting a flu shot. Certainly never as an adult. I drink a splash of ‘Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar‘ almost every day with my tea and I haven’t been sick with a cold or flu in over 5 years now. Coincidence? I think not.

I also add Kratom, Lemon Juice, Maple Syrup, and Cayenne pepper to my tea which is also all very healthy stuff. When someone is sick with a cold or the flu and they’re around me, I don’t even get nervous thinking that I might catch it because I know my immune system pretty well by now and I know how to keep it strong.

If I was to have been partying hard, eating unhealthy, sleep-deprived and or maybe stressed out about something, that would be a different story. Those are the elements that weaken the immune system.

Lack of exercise will also weaken your immune system but too much exercise will leave your body in a state of shock which could also reduce immunity.

Thinking negative thoughts, holding grudges, bitterness and hate will also surely take a toll on your health. Worse than a cold or flu, many of these emotions will manifest into serious diseases over time if you’re not able to let these emotions go.

My point is, I believe there are much better alternatives to flu shots.

Would you rather pay someone to inject you each year with a flu shot containing the following:

Influenza viruses
Formaldehyde (toxic and potentially lethal in high doses)
Aluminum Salts (neurotoxic)
Thimerosal (preservative)
Chicken egg proteins
Gelatin
Antibiotics

Or, would you rather just take a swig of some delicious Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar a few times a week and get a little exercise? The choice sounds easy to me. Ok, granted, some people might not think of it as delicious, but I’ve found that it’s an acquired taste that grows on you over time. I even enjoy using it to occasionally swish with if I have a funny taste in my mouth. It works great!

Actually, I began this post by comparing flu shots to Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar because I know that most everyone is familiar with Bragg’s. However, there is an Apple Cider Vinegar that I enjoy even more than Bragg’s. It’s healthier too. It’s called “Vinegar of the Four Thieves – Sacred Seven Shen Tonic” and it’s from a company named “OAK CREEK APPLE COMPANY.”

I’m not a reseller or an affiliate of theirs. Just a fan that doesn’t mind raving about their quality health products.

Whatever you do, please be healthy and take good care of yourself. I love you!