Trump, like a Roman emperor...
During his campaign, candidate Donald Trump was hosted by Joe ROGAN in his famous Podcast, which is now more powerful than al large part of the mainstream media combined. That's where Trump confided the most, and that's where you have to go to understand his projected policies, both internally and externally.
On this occasion, Trump said, in essence, “I'll be a dictator for a day, and the rest of the time, I'll be a Democrat”. By which he meant that, once installed in the 75.8 m2 office facing the White House Rose Garden, he would sign a lot of “Presidential Orders”. He's no stranger to this. He signed 53 in 10 months only during his first term.
Presidential Orders are the decrees that a U.S. President can issue without reference to Congress. Although the procedure is not enshrined in the Constitution, it has always been used. As far back as 1793, George Washington used it to impose neutrality of the country in the conflict between France and England. It was under Franklin in 1862 that the procedure seems to have become a permanent fixture. Franklin D. Roosevelt is the president who holds the record, signing 3,700 of them. This didn't bother Americans too much, who trusted their president to get them out of the crisis and keep the country out of bankruptcy. More recently, George W. Bush signed 291 Presidential Orders. Congress remains in control of the situation, however, when it comes to funding and therefore the budget. For Trump, this won't be a problem. His loyalists have a majority in both chambers and are unlikely to encounter any difficulties.
On January 20, he will show his devotion to the USA and put his commitments into practice, if only in part, by signing a multitude of documents of all kinds. Some of these will reach people's wallets the very next day. Like a true team captain, he will offer the people gathered around him ink pens from prestigious brand. Last time, there were as many pens as signed sheets.
Trump has made it clear that he intends to put an end to wars and does not intend to wage or allow new ones. He also said he wanted to cut certain government bills, including those for the army. He was well aware that the great empires had all collapsed when their military spending had exceeded all comprehension. For him, the country spends too much on war and on the army. Will he really weigh in against the might of the Pentagon and its hidden motives. He's going to sack it boss.
Buoyed by the swell in his favor in the recent elections, he intends to use this major advantage to rapidly influence the course of events. In his economic approach, his first priority will be to reduce the trade deficit. The Americans have a trade deficit with all the world's major economies: US$275 billion with China, US$152 billion with Mexico, US$72 billion with Japan and so on. A huge and rather unhealthy deficit. In alcohols and spirit beveradges alone, the deficit is 15 billion.
He also wants to regain control of oil and gas production, and will heavily promote the exploitation of bituminous shist. He couldn't care less about the Paris agreements.
He intends to reinvigorate certain industries, including the automobile industry, once the flagship of the American economy. To do this, he will need labor, which is increasingly scarce in the USA. While apparently opposed to immigration, he does have a solution. In short, he doesn't want any more stowaways, random intruders or those from the famous lottery. He advocates immigration based on skills and the country's needs.
The president is convinced that this is the way the make this famous 'America first' a reality.
Trump no longer wants to meddle in the affairs of other countries, but will nevertheless indirectly impact their economic policies through the introduction of rather high taxes on imports. And he's rather selective. His first target is China. He plans to apply chineese a rate of 60%. Mexico, on the other hand, will bear the brunt. A rate of 200% would be applied to the electric cars it exports to the USA. The Latin American neighbor has encouraged the establishment of Chinese companies manufacturing electric cars on its soil. These cars are then introduced into the USA under the NAFTA agreements signed in 1994 with Canada and Mexico. For the rest of the world, according to the customer, the rates would be from 10 to 20%.
Another provision is also likely to disrupt the course of events: the 100% customs tax he wants to impose on imports from countries that do not use the US dollar in their international transactions. The BRIX is directly targeted.
If Trump says he doesn't want a new war, now he's likely to declare a good one on a lot of countries at the same time. An all-out war. The very serious Centre d'Etudes Prospectives d'Informations Internationales -CEPII- estimates, for example, that these measures could lead to a fall in world GDP of around 0.5%. This is not insignificant given the rates achieved in almost all countries, barring exceptional cases. All countries exporting to the USA would so be affected.
On the face of it, these measures will make it possible to relocate certain productive sectors to the USA, but with which workers, while at the same time he intends to expel almost 13 million people whom he and his followers consider to be too many on American soil. However, deportation is no easy task, and is likely to be very costly for the state whose money he claims to be defending. The operation would cost the American taxpayer some US$315 billion. In fact, what he would save or take with one hand, he may lose it with the other.
It also remains to be seen how the American housewife will react. While the vast majority of them have punished the Democrats for inflation, all the measures mentioned above, and others still proposed, are likely to increase the cost of living. The average American who has become accustomed to paying USD15 for a shirt made in China is likely to have to pay more than USD20 for the same article...and that's not why he voted for Trump.
In any case, the two months that separate us from the nomination of the 47th President of the USA are not going to be easy for the whole world. Economists and politicians are hard at work, calculators in hand. Both of them. There's no doubt that some of them are already preparing their response to the planned measures. The USA is not what it was fifteen or twenty years ago. It has lost much of its superb economic hegemony, and Trump may well learn this the hard way, or not. He'll still sign a bunch of Presidential Orders with his own hand on January 20, 2025, savoring his great triumph like a Roman emperor...
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Trump, like a Roman emperor...
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Travel Diary #3: Road trip in Madagascar
For safety reasons and due to the roads/tracks conditions, we rented a 4x4 with a driver for our stay in Madagascar. What a great idea it was! You’ll understand why in a bit.
Let’s start at the beginning. We stayed for two nights in central Antananarivo to discover the city and also rest a little. The city is located at an altitude of about 1,200 meters, and the streets are far from flat. After several weeks of safaris by car, our bodies were in dire need of some excercise. We explored the city on foot.
And then, we hit the road. We met the rental agency manager on the morning of our departure, who informed us that the transmission in the car we were supposed to get was broken. So, we would have a car and a driver for the day, and our guide would meet us the following day. Off we went to Antsirabe. At lunchtime, to our surprise, we made a stop in a town known for... foie gras. Delicious!
The next day, we met our driver, Georges. My son was having some digestive issues, thankfully, the main ingredient in all three daily Malagasy meals is rice. Georges suggested we spend the night at his aunt’s house in Miandrivazo, where we had Malagasy chicken soup for dinner. This chicken was raised outdoors, freely roaming the village streets. It was cooked in a broth with some ginger and rice. The next day, my son was completely healed. We continued driving to Morondava, a coastal town to the west, at the end of RN35. It was just a stopover before heading the next day towards Bekopaka. Unfortunately, after about an hour of driving, the car started emitting white smoke. So, we stopped and waited for a new car and driver, while Georges handled the necessary repair. The car’s turbo had broken.
With our new driver, we headed towards the Kirindy Forest. Since we lost some time, it was impossible to reach Bekopaka before nightfall. That evening, we went on a guided tour of the forest to observe several species of nocturnal lemurs. The next morning, after a short tour to observe the diurnal lemurs with the same guide from the previous day, we headed to Bekopaka. The two river crossings were done by ferry. These ferries are essentially wooden motorized bridges that fit five vehicles side by side.
The next day, we visited the Tsingy de Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These are sharp black limestone formations (due to oxidation) rising up to 700 meters high. The hike lasted about 4 hours and included parts of a via ferrata. The views were absolutely breathtaking. We then returned to Morondava, completing the 10-hour drive in one day.
The following day, we reunited with Georges to continue our journey towards Belo sur Mer. We took the opportunity to go for a sailing pirogue ride. Two people navigate the pirogue: one manages the tension of the sail and paddles that serve as a rudder, while the other is at the front, handling the sail. The person at the front sits on a wooden plank connecting the pirogue to a counterweight about 10 cm wide. He seemed comfortably settled for the 3-hour journey to a small island in the turquoise waters where we had a picnic.
To travel further down the west coast of Madagascar, we took a small detour inland through the town of Manja. On the dirt road, a small river crossing in the 4x4 had surprised our driver with its depth. The next day, we realized there was water in the reservoir. As we turned back, the steering axis broke. We ended up at the small restaurant we had just passed earlier. The method for getting there without a steering axis was rather amusing. While the driver was at the wheel, I walked alongside the car, manually turning the wheels of the 4x4 to steer it in the right direction. Once at the restaurant we met a driver who took us directly to the town of Ifaty. We canceled the further coastal towns to the north that required a functional 4x4. The road was asphalted, but there was no bridge yet to cross the river. The local pirogue operators took the initiative to organize a crossing service. Six pirogues, joined together by planks of branches nailed together, welcomed one car at a time. The pirogue operators, standing in the river as water level is low during the dry season, pushed the boats to the other side.
A few days in Ifaty while waiting for a new car allowed us to rest a bit and go for a snorkeling trip. The corals and fish were beautiful. After this break, we got a new car and driver to take us to Isalo National Park. This park is made up of mountains in the middle of the desert, with a verdant canyon running between them. We did an 8-kilometer hike, in about 6 hours, allowing time for a swim in two waterfalls. We saw numerous species of insects and animals, including the famous ring-tailed lemurs. One particularly surprising insect we encountered was the stick insect, which is barely distinguishable from the branch of a bush. Without our guide, we would never have spotted it.
The next day was a long drive to reach Ranomafana National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage site. We did another 8-kilometer hike the following day, which took us about 3.5 hours through its tropical rainforest. We only hiked in the secondary forest, as the primary forest is only accessible to the most adventurous who venture deep into the park for several days. These 3.5 hours were filled with new encounters. We observed five different species of lemurs, including the golden bamboo lemur, first identified in 1986 by primatologist Patricia Wright. At the end of the hike, we happened to meet her, accompanied by one of her students—what a coincidence! We chatted for a few minutes, and she mentioned the screening of her new documentary in the town of Ranomafana that evening. Unfortunately, we couldn’t attend as we had to head to Ambositra, about 3 hours north.
After a night in Ambositra, we headed to Antsirabe. This time, we visited the surrounding area. We went to Lake Tritriva, a sacred lake for the Malagasy people. We could walk around the lake and swim in it. This lake is in the crater of a volcano and is about 140 meters deep. A legend says that Rabeniomby and Ravolahanta (the Malagasy Romeo and Juliet) committed suicide there.
The next day, we returned to Antananarivo. During the long hours of driving throughout this road trip, withou our drivers and other people, we had the chance to discuss many aspects of Malagasy life including some politics. We learned a lot about the culture and also about the political life, which is far less glamorous than what is often depicted in the media. Despite hard lives and corruption, the people we met always had smiles on their faces and were never discouraged. Beyond the diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and breathtaking flora, we had a wonderful human adventure.
A long journey awaits us now for the next destination…
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Memoirs of Atlantis II
Poseidonis was the seat of Atlantis' power and culture, where the advanced technologies and spiritual knowledge of the Atlanteans were concentrated. It was there that the most powerful Atlantean priest-kings ruled, and where the division between the two dominant races—the more spiritually inclined and the more materially focused—contributed to the island’s eventual destruction.
As Poseidonis faced inevitable doom, many of the wise initiates who lived there foresaw the coming cataclysm. These initiates, aware of their civilization’s fate, worked to gather and preserve as much of their knowledge as possible. This knowledge, stored in crystal technologies and sacred texts, was hidden in various places around the world for future generations. However, much of the technology needed to access this information was lost when Poseidonis sank, leaving behind only fragments that have been passed down through oral traditions and scattered texts.
After Poseidonis was destroyed, the survivors spread around the globe, influencing the regions they reached. One of the most notable places believed to have received these refugees was Egypt, where Atlantean survivors played an important role in shaping early Egyptian civilization. Their influence, including sacred architectural knowledge, is thought to have contributed to the construction of the pyramids and the transmission of spiritual teachings. Edgar Cayce suggested that some of the lost knowledge of Atlantis might still be hidden beneath the Sphinx, in a "Hall of Records" yet to be discovered.
In addition to Egypt, there are traditions linking the Atlanteans to other parts of the world, including the Americas. One of the most intriguing connections is with the legend of Ratanabá, an ancient and lost city believed to be hidden deep in the Amazon rainforest. According to esoteric accounts, Ratanabá was one of the great Atlantean cities founded long before the cataclysm that destroyed Poseidonis. It is said to have been a center of immense power and advanced technology, much like its parent civilization of Atlantis. Some believe that the ruins of Ratanabá still exist, hidden beneath the dense jungle, waiting to be rediscovered, and that it may hold clues to the lost knowledge of Atlantis and its survivors.
Ratanabá, like Poseidonis, is said to have had connections to the wider Atlantean network of cities spread across the globe. According to some legends, the survivors of Poseidonis who reached South America carried with them sacred knowledge and technological expertise, establishing or reinvigorating cities like Ratanabá and Tiwanaku in Bolivia. These sites, with their advanced stonework and alignment with celestial events, are sometimes attributed to the technological prowess of Atlantean refugees.
The legend of Shamballa, a hidden spiritual kingdom in Central Asia, also plays a role in this narrative. Some esoteric traditions suggest that the most spiritually advanced survivors of Poseidonis traveled to Shamballa, where they continued to safeguard their knowledge and spiritual teachings. Shamballa, described as a utopian society and a repository of ancient wisdom, is believed to have become a refuge for enlightened individuals from many cultures, including the Atlanteans.
Poseidonis, Ratanabá, and Shamballa form part of a larger mythos connecting ancient advanced civilizations and the remnants of their wisdom. Although the physical locations of these cities may remain hidden or lost, their influence is believed to be felt across many early civilizations. Whether in Egypt, South America, or Central Asia, the legacy of Atlantis endures through the scattered remnants of its teachings, architecture, and technological achievements.
Though Poseidonis was lost beneath the waves, and Ratanabá may be concealed in the depths of the Amazon, the legends surrounding these cities suggest that the survivors' knowledge and influence continue to shape the course of human history, waiting to be fully rediscovered.
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Memoirs of Atlantis II
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What If?
The concept of work has always baffled me. That every day of a person's life, they get up and go somewhere to do something; sometimes different, sometimes repetitive.
The understanding that it is ultimately towards a goal of either changing society, impacting lives and satisfying personal desires, both financially and in all other respects sometimes makes it make sense.
So, what if every person belonging to some nation shared a common goal to make their country better and impact the lives of the people within that country while satisfying their personal desires that are tied to that nation. Would this be our common work? What if all Africans wherever they are in the world shared in the goal of making the continent better than it has ever been?
An African living and working in the United Kingdom complained one day about how things are so bad in their home country. Then they were asked by a local that if things are so bad then why are they working in the UK instead and not in their home country. It was a casual question with no connotations of condescension, race or disgust, but a clear incomprehension of the reasoning that drove the decision to leave one's country to build another's.
I have heard folks from many countries complain about their own countries. Africans complain, Europeans complain, Americans complain. The only people I have not heard complain are Asians by the way. This means that leaders are generally bad. So, what if we disregarded them anyway?
The whole idea here is that each person has a lifetime. It lasts for a few years that even pass quickly before we could even catch it. Wherever you work within that time, wherever you put all of your energy, you build that place. You impact the lives of the people within that place, and you satisfy your personal desires tied to that place. If you complain about Africa while none of your life's work is in Africa, know that you are not getting satisfaction for all of your personal desires.
What if you did some work in your home country today heh?
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What If?
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Innovation
Is there really anything that is new under the sun anymore?
Maybe you should take a moment and think about that question for your personal opinion before you read what I think.
Some people hold the view that everything that humans could do or are doing these days have been thought of (even in the smallest way) by either other ancient humans, or by very recent humans, but there is nothing new to make or no newer ways to make anything anymore.
Contrary to that, I ask this question: "do we have newer problems?" If indeed the world does not face newer problems, then only would I agree that there are no new things under the sun. Because we only innovate to solve problems and so long as there are problems that have no ancient roots, we will always need and have innovation.
From climate change and environmental degradation, digitization of economies i.e. bit-driven economies, globalization where continents and regions are more reachable and have changing policies, increasing mental health rates, unemployment increases etc., we cannot hide the fact that there are now problems that many thinkers of old never fathomed would exist.
These problems demand ideas. They demand thinkers to figure out means to resolution that do not negatively affect the population. These problems demand innovation.
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Innovation
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Congratulations Mr Donald Trump, 47th President of the United States of America
Trump is now the 47th President of the USA, after having been the 45th. It's a new and interesting development. During his first term, he broke with what the world had become accustomed to from the USA. He even went so far as to make contact with Kim Jong-Un, supreme leader of Pyongyang and of more than 26 million North Koreans. His relationship with Putin was marked by respect, and China was able to trade with him without ideological difficulties.
His philosophy is basic: USA first. Anything that serves his country's interests is welcome. In his mind, there are no allies, only economic rivals, not even the Europeans. NATO is a heavy burden for him, and defending anyone is none of his business. He'll say to the Europeans, you want NATO to defend you, pay up.
European leaders, intervening in scattered order, came begging for his blessing and protection, to no avail. All they got was disdain, if not humiliation. Merkel and Macron know all about it.
World leaders, Europeans and others stayed up late on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and watched helplessly as the USA's most atypical president was re-elected. The man who turned all North American electoral habits on their head. Many of them had a headache, a very bad one indeed. Most of them had secretly hoped for Kamala's election in the hope of a political and strategic continuum, that of the Democrats, embodied by Biden. They will be jostling to offer their congratulations: Congratulations Mr. President.
Trump knocked out Kamala and his $2.8 billion campaign fund, while he, despite Elon Musk's boundless support, didn't raise more than $1.8 billion. Kamala's forced and cartoonish smile wasn't enough. Having never lost an election in her life, she didn't even have the courage to address her supporters on the election night.
Kamala couldn't shake off Biden's tainted image. It has stuck to her. The economic success of his mandate wasn't enough; neither was the $1,000 billion invested in infrastructure. American housewives, young executives and blue-collar workers alike held him responsible for the decline in their purchasing power, and let Kamala know it at the ballot box.
It's not totally untrue.
The inflation that has raged around the world is largely due to the Russo-Ukrainian war, which the Biden administration has kept going with its generous arms and ammunition aid to the man who went straight from a TV series to a presidential mandate in a country that is, to say the least, bizarre since it broke away from the USSR. Wasn't there room for negotiation, particularly if we had revived the Minsk agreements, signed under the aegis of the Europeans, led by Germany and with the blessing of the Americans? That's all Putin wanted.
The tensions stirred up with China also helped in this inflationary crisis that impacted the whole world, with catastrophic consequences for small economies and the 8 billion people on earth. Kamala paid for this, but also for the fact that her words were confusing and that, instead of presenting a plan for the future of Americans, she merely dug her own grave, getting bogged down in the rhetoric that Trump deftly lured her into. Her advisors and communicators failed to grasp the trick.
On January 6, just after the pleasure of celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve; victorious, Trump will deliver his sermon.
Between now and then, he'll be fine-tuning his plans and putting together a team of loyal followers. He doesn't want to relive the first term and its defections from his team. And he'll be a strong 47th President of the USA, unopposed in the US Congress, his party having won a majority in both houses. The Supreme Court will also be his. He'll have the upper hand.
There's more in the world than only Europe and China, or India and Russia, there's also Africa. In his previous term of office, he didn't even look at it. Biden, on the other hand, paid attention to what was happening on the black continent, and to the growing intrusion of Russia, India, Turkey and, above all, China. He saw this as a threat to American interests and began to act to counter it. He accused his rivals of exploiting African resources without fair compensation. He called for greater justice in a partnership that respected the dignity of Africans. Biden will even organize a U.S.-Africa summit and shake hands with African leaders as no U.S. president before him has done. Not even Kenya's Obama. Joe made Kenya a strategic partner and received the Kenyan president on a state visit, a privilege no African leader had enjoyed for over forty years. He spoke of integrating Africa into the global market, facilitating the mobilization of capital to finance major projects. 55 billion will be mobilized for this purpose. Among other projects, the Lobito Corridor railroad line will be financed, integrating Angola with its Benguela line and linking it with Zambia and the DRC.
Africans and Europeans alike have legitimate questions about the place Donald Trump will reserve for them in his foreign policy, especially his economic policy. Many were undoubtedly hoping to take advantage of Kamala's skin color and her origins... But that's not knowing the mentality of Americans of all origins.
The ones who should be worried are the Palestinians. Trump is all about Israel. After all, he's the president who moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. No president before him had the courage to do so. Netanyahu must have followed the American elections closely and slept very well that night. Despite his unconditional support, Trump will seek to restore peace in the Middle East. Does he seek to impose a lasting solution: probably. He would like history to remember that. But at what cost to the Palestinians? The consequences of October 7 are likely to harm them in more ways than one. In Trump's mind, they'll make up for it.
In any case, the day after the election, the price of oil fell drastically and the dollar recovered.
For Moroccans, Trump is adored. This is the American president who solemnly recognized the legitimacy of the Cherifian Kingdom's sovereignty over its southern provinces, and who will no doubt speed things up even further.
As for our friend Zelenski, there's a good chance that the play will be over for him this time.
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Congratulations Mr Donald Trump, 47th President of the United States of America
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XR The Moroccan Association As An Intergenerational Lab : Giving Moroccan Children a Voice in Scientific Research
SPARK (Scientific Project for Active Researchers Kids), which we have worked on for two years, holds a special place in our hearts. We believe that "good research is research with children rather than on children". As the first Moroccan intergenerational lab where children and adults are equal as active researchers, XR The Moroccan Association plays a significant role in bridging the "research divide" and reducing the generational "disconnect." Our experience shows that children are fully capable of developing their own ideas and collaborating within a cooperative inquiry group to understand their world and find practical solutions.
XR The Moroccan Association believes that scientific research is not reserved for adults, but is a right for every Moroccan child, in alignment with Article 13 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The results speak for themselves: these children have published scientific articles on esteemed international platforms such as SCOPUS and Google Scholar. These publications are not just educational projects but address important, real-world issues, broadening their perspectives and boosting their self-confidence. They have also presented their work at renowned conferences held in Cambridge, India, and Washington, showcasing their research on an international stage.
Through SPARK, we do not aim to create the best child researchers in the world but rather the best child researchers for the world. Our message today: science is a knowledge construct built on intergenerational exchange of ideas and collaboration. There are no valid reasons—and zero benefits—for restricting this expression in society. It is essential that all generations contribute to scientific research, as each age group brings valuable insights and experiences that enhance our understanding and innovation.
By fostering this intergenerational exchange, we can create a richer, more inclusive scientific community that benefits everyone. The path to innovation is through intergenerational research cooperation!
These efforts will culminate in a ceremony honoring the child researchers on November 16, 2024, at the Cultural Center Settat at 15:00 PM, in conjunction with International Day of Children’s Rights on November 20. This event will not only celebrate their achievements but also serve as a call to all to support this new generation of young scientists, encouraging more children to follow this path.
For more information about articles by the child researchers:
RAYAN FAIK : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8OqkR9MAAAAJ&hl=fr&oi=ao
MISK SEHBANI : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=5MwJX1YAAAAJ&hl=fr&oi=ao
KHAWLA BETTACHI: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DJvyfQ0AAAAJ&hl=fr&oi=ao
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Despite this, the United States will continue to make us dream...
The world holds its breath. We are only’ a few hours from the American presidential elections. Those that will impact our lives for at least four years.
No matter who the white house tenant is, he or she will be the greatest influencer in the world. Every day at the office will be made decisions that will impact the lives of all. The office that George Washington had wanted elliptical seems to be like this for a view of everyone, without any obstructive angle. The United States has thus placed itself at the center of the world.
The white house is not just the oval office and the home of the president and his family. Other influencers, more or less known exercise their power there. They are advisers, secretaries of state, journalists or simple friends.
All kinds of journalists have offices there and spend their days scrutinizing information, weighing on decisions and provoking them, especially when they face the President in person. He too obeys the dictate of the press and fears its omnipotence.
Power in the US is not just the White House. Not far from there throne the Congress with a gerontocracy to give you cold sweats. Some of the Congressmen may go so far as to lose their Latin but hold much to the power conferred on them by the oldest constitution in the world. They appear to be the reincarnation of those who imagined and drafted the constitution. There was a Jewish Moroccan among the authors, by the way. Some’s have no knowledge and skill in out of what gives the millions of dollars that allow them to sustain themselves. They have no idea of geography or history and even less of the cultures of other peoples. They are Americans and therefore the best and the smartest and arguably the most powerful. They can make decisions to shake the world. No matter, in the evening, they will doze without seeing or understanding what’s would their decisions have caused.
Old people are not alone. There are also young people, boys and girls who make their teeth. Many are from’ immigration but are against it. The US needs it for growth, but it doesn't matter. They are Mexican or Cuban of origin but do not want new Cubans or Mexicans.
All make laws on subjects that only a minority understands. They denounce tyranny in the world but do not measure the one that they exercise on this same world. They defend human rights but do not realize that their army and companies may flout them every second. They are the best and the others are may be just ignorant barbarians.
On January 6, 2021, Africa lost the primacy of contested elections. The outgoing president challenges the results a bit like those African opponents whose statements after counting votes can easily be imagined. A real coup d’etat. The United States will lose its brilliance in front of the world. The Capitol, the house of the people is stormed. Enlightened people rise to the rank of mentors and saviors of the democracy.
Some Americans think that democracy is in danger and that it is up to them to defend it. Many find that their system is gangrenous and sick. Many have become aware that something must change but have no choice but to suffer. Albert Arnold Gore paid the price. Kind as he seemed, he had agreed to lose to the worst presidents the US would have, just to save the system. His features betrayed him.
Not far away you have the’ other center of power: The Supreme Court of the USA. The designers of the system thought that with this institution they would spare the USA any kind of abuse. They could not imagine the type of humans who would succeed them. Those who by “micmacs” will seek to divert this institution and impose friends to support their drifts. The Court will decide according to the winds and the will of the one who presided over the appointment of this or that judge.
On the eve of the elections these three symbols of the great American democracy are barricaded. Security has installed barriers and almost barricades. They are afraid of the illuminated man who to contest the results will come to immolate himself, of the fanatic who gun in hand may shoot some innocents, of the people convinced by the one or the other of the candidates to come to save democracy. The US is afraid of Americans.
Not far away, the Pentagon seems to be quietly scrutinizing what is happening. The deep state is peaceful. Not much moves here. It looks like no one want to disturb the rest of the tenants of Darlington. This’ is where the big decisions would be made in case of problems.
The tour would be incomplete without mentioning the tens of thousands of lobbies who scrutinize the situation, smiling. Regardless, they are only concerned with tilting decisions in favor of those who finance them. In caulked offices, feeding and feeding their prey in upscale restaurants, have them pounded in recommended bars. A power for which no one has voted. Around a meal or a glass one can seal the future of the people and why not of the entire humanity. Weapons, tobacco, medicines, chemicals are never far from the Capitol.
Never American campaign had resembled that of today. Both candidates fell to the lowest. Insults are common. Infamous rhetoric and unbearable slanderous remarks resound on both sides.
Even universities no longer escape violent ideological confrontations. Radicality does not seem to bother anyone; on the contrary, it is well nourished by the words of the candidates and their henchmen.
Elon Musk and other stars are there to influence who with millions who with millions and forced smiles.
It’s really funny to see their forced and caricatural smile.
In any case, the show is both fun and alarming to the point of asking us the question of whether the’ system was not at an end.
No matter who is going to occupy the Oval Office, the United States will remain the United States and all will carefully watch over who will govern them and rule us by ricochet for at least four years.
I have a dream, Martin Luther King said. The pastor will eventually be killed.
Today, not far from the White House, the Capitol, the Congress, the Supreme Court and the Pentagon, dozens of people are creating the slab and their children, at an increasingly early age, are killing each other with war weapons. Washington is no longer the chocolate city. It’s one of the cities where the social gap is most pronounced. It’s the Fifth deadliest city in the United States.
Despite this, the United States will continue to make us dream...
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Despite this, the United States will continue to make us dream...
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President Macron visit to Morocco:the shadow and the spirit of Moulay Ismail, those of his ambassador Benaicha were very present and those of Louis XIV too.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has given a historical character to President Macron's visit to the Kingdom. From the memory only the great monarchies and the oldest nation can reserve to a foreign head a so authentic welcome, as rich in symbols.
There was indeed the insistence of the President when he evokes the position of the state of France with regard to the provinces of the Moroccan South and of course the ten billion of Euros signed economic agreements but is there the essential?
In one of his words, President Macron has not failed to evoke the history. He even went back to the fascinating character of the ambassador Benaicha, the one that Sultan Moulay Ismail had dispatched to the Sun King. It could have gone back further because there were many exchanges prior to the period or years mentioned.
To remain in the same reigns in Paris and Morocco we can recall that Louis XIV had in 1689 sent to the Cherifian Sultan Moulay Ismail, Francois Pidou of Saint-Olon. At the time when a sovereign sent an emissary to another, one spoke of embassy. It is therefore in response to this embassy that the Sultan sent in turn an embassy in the person of Abdallah Benaicha who took the road to Paris in 1698, almost ten years later.
Travelling was long, tedious and risky at the time and exchanges very little political otherwise when it came to guaranteeing a little bit of security to allow and promote trade and much to free the captives of on one side as in the others. At the’ time the Cherifian Empire made a lot in the export leathers, salt, wheat in particular. Benaicha, who did not meet Louis XIV until February 16, 1699, had in fact come to negotiate the release of Muslim captives taken prisoner at sea by the ships of the Sun King. The unfortunates were used forcibly in careers. He wanted to negotiate a treaty to that effect.
Abdallah Benaicha was a high-ranking sailor. He can be compared to a sort of Admiral of the time. He did not speak French but rather English and Spanish. These were the languages that traders and knowledgeable people, especially those in navigation, spoke on the southern side of the Mediterranean as well. The maritime powers that were emerging were precisely Spanish and English.
Who else could negotiate such a treaty than Benaicha who himself had been captive in England in his youth and who had only been released at the cost of a large ransom. It was commonplace. People were generally captured at sea, their strength of arms and their knowledge were taken advantage of when they had it and their release was negotiated for large sums of money, later. The rulers of the time easily gave in to this kind of blackmail. Religion was never far from the problem. Christians captivated Muslims and Muslims did the same to Christians. The world was thus divided according to the confessions of the inhabitants of particular regions.
In Paris, Benaicha will be warmly welcomed with great respect, in order to show Versailles' consideration for Moulay Ismail and his power. Many visits to monuments were organized for him, obviously not at all for a cultural purpose but rather to show him the power of the country and the reign of its sovereign at the time. He had to be impressed in order to come back and tell his own Sultan about it. Louis XIV thus boasted of his power to intimidate the Cherifian Sultan. It was a way to impress and dissuade anyone who might doubt the power of the country. This was the way it was done at the time and perhaps still is today. These were the assets of foreign policy: to scare and show how advanced and powerful one was.
Benaicha, with his class, his refined manners, his very rich attire, his appearance and his culture, will be perceived as a rather interesting and attractive curiosity. It is even said that he seduced more than one lady of the nobility of the Court of Louis XIV. The women of the court did not hold back at the time and had their barely hidden habits as well...
During his very prolonged stay, with apparent reasons or not, Benaicha also met James Stuart, the dethroned King of England, who had taken refuge in France. He had apparently known him in his youth when he had been, as mentioned above, made a Muslim slave. England at the time was prey to real instability with a complicated religious substratum. Catholicism was facing very great difficulties. Normal that James Stuart himself a Catholic took refuge with a Catholic King. As a reminder, while he was having difficulty maintaining himself on the English throne, James Stuart is said to have received an offer of help from Moulay Ismail. But the military support had been accompanied by a complex and complicated condition. Moulay Ismail, is said to have simply asked James Stuart to convert to Islam and failing that to Protestantism.
Unlike President Macron's state visit to Morocco, which ended in apotheosis with grand conventions, gigantic contracts and promising and sincere smiles, Benaicha's mission ended with not much... Like all the expeditions of the time. However, should we not recognize that this embassy had left some seeds? It had the merit of making known to both of us what we truly were, each on our own side.
The milestones laid then and the seeds sown by Benaicha during his Parisian journey will certainly have served as the foundations for what has just been experienced during the visit of President Macron, who had the intelligence to mention it. This is precisely the moment that was seized on both sides to say loud and clear that only consideration and mutual respect could seal a great friendship and guarantee the interests of each other.
Four centuries of relations were evoked with intelligence, no doubt, to say that one cannot do without registering in the historical perspective to reflect and build the present and the future.
In any case, the shadow and the spirit of Moulay Ismail, those of his ambassador Benaicha were very present and those of Louis XIV too.
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President Macron visit to Morocco:the shadow and the spirit of Moulay Ismail, those of his ambassador Benaicha were very present and those of Louis XIV too.
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The future of AI: Originality gains more value
With the spread of artificial intelligence and Large Language Models, everyone is wondering what the future looks like.
Well, I'll tell you what it looks like.
If today you made a post on LinkedIn or you wrote a book, or a research paper and you wrote it so well that it read as smooth as butter, and everyone could truly verify that it was originally written by you without the assistance of any AI like chatgpt, claude, gemini etc, then you would really be impressing a lot of people.
That is what the future looks like to me.
It is just like how the part of the population who can do math without calculators are considered geniuses in present times, whereas in the past it was either that or nothing.
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Historic turning point with the transfer of 2.5 million archive documents to Rabat, a source of concern for Algeria
President Macron's visit to Morocco has been repeatedly postponed for a variety of reasons. While many saw the visit as a stalemate in a serious and insoluble situation, time has shown otherwise. In view of recent developments, rather than speaking of successive deep crises, it would be better today to speak of a beneficial and productive halt, since it enabled us to set the record straight, clarify the situation on both sides, make clear the positions of each party on the issues that concern it, and dispel certain latent difficulties that in fact haunted both parties.
The hope now is to see the locomotive and wagons of complementarity on the rails, in a spirit of mutual respect and common interests, with the most absolute programmatic and the most profitable perspective for both parties.
In this context, one of the issues that has been outstanding between the two countries for decades is that of the archives concerning Morocco, in particular those from the protectorate period and slightly earlier. In other words, documents from the time when France began to take an interest in Morocco. For a long time, and right up to the 'post' recent crisis, France had always pretended not to hear Morocco's claims to the paternity of its archives, even though they concerned it directly.
In fact, France, in its balancing act, seeking to remain halfway between Algeria and Morocco, didn't think it productive to deliver such a treasure trove of information to the Kingdom, without it casting a shadow over its relations with its former departments; a rather relative equidistance, since the former colonial power has acted more to Algeria's advantage, for historically obvious and understandable reasons. However, France has never shown any consideration for this position, which is perceived as unfair by Rabat.
Clearly, these archives are of capital importance for Morocco, as they concern its history and, above all, its geography prior to the colonization of its South by Spain, the despoiling of its East by France, the attachment of some of its provinces to Algeria and the division of the rest of its territory into strata, again between France and Spain. In fact, the Cherifian Empire had been stripped, no doubt with a view to weakening it forever.
Now that the cold period between the two countries is over, the thorny issue of archives will be brought to the table, leading to an agreement that will enable the Cherifian Kingdom to recover more than two and a half million documents. The boxes that will be handed over to Morocco will undoubtedly be of real use and will have a major impact on the future of its foreign policy. They will undoubtedly weigh heavily in its relations with its neighbors.
My friend MH has just devoted a most pertinent reflection to the question, which he has published, as usual, on LinkedIn. With his permission, I'm publishing it here in its entirety. It is essential to read this text to understand what is really at stake in Morocco's insistence on recovering the said archives.
“Morocco and France have just reached a crucial stage in their relations with the signing of an official agreement providing for the transfer of some 2.5 million French archival documents to Rabat.
This development, which follows decades of Moroccan demands, is of major strategic importance. These documents, which contain valuable information on Morocco's historical claims and territorial borders, particularly in areas disputed since the end of the colonial era, reinforce the legitimacy of Moroccan positions.
This transfer of archives concerns in particular illegally occupied territories such as the Eastern Sahara, a region whose sovereignty is at the heart of disputes between Morocco and Algeria. These documents provide historical evidence likely to consolidate Moroccan claims to these territories.
At the meeting which formalized the agreement, Moroccan and French officials stressed the importance of this documentation in resolving territorial disputes and recognizing Morocco's historical rights.
The agreement sent shockwaves through the Algerian regime, which was particularly concerned by the handover of the archives. Algeria, aware of the validity of Morocco's claims, fears that these new historical elements will strengthen Morocco's position in international forums.
For decades, Algerian leaders have sought to deny the legitimacy of Moroccan claims. To conceal these claims and delay any negotiations, Algeria has found no better way than to create a conflict over the Western Sahara. In vain.
This agreement marks a decisive turning point not only in the management of historical disputes between Morocco and France, but also in the regional geopolitical balance. It is seen by many as an implicit recognition by France of the importance of the historical context in contemporary territorial claims. The handover of these documents to Rabat, after decades of claims, represents a major blow to the Algerian regime, whose positions are increasingly weakened in the face of a historical truth that is now accessible and indisputable.
Morocco, thanks to this agreement, strengthens its means of defense on the international stage, while Algeria, faced with a delicate situation, could see its arguments crumble in the face of irrefutable archival evidence. This transfer of archives is not only a diplomatic victory for Morocco, but also an act that sheds light on the historical injustices committed during the colonial period and the legitimate claims arising from them.”
Now that's been said, but above all, it's an eminently political gesture to return such archives, knowing the powerful impact this will inevitably have, namely on the geostrategy of the region. France knows it, Morocco knows it. As for Algeria, it has only its eyes to cry and, above all, to pull itself together and, why not, abandon the headlong rush that has characterized its day-to-day actions for a long time now....
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Planetary magick and elementals
In the wisdom of magickal traditions, the cosmos and the elements are seen as interconnected forces that shape the fabric of existence. Planetary Magick and the invocation of Elementals represent two halves of a greater whole—a harmonious interaction between the celestial and the terrestrial, the macrocosm and the microcosm. Through the alignment with planetary energies and the balance of elemental forces, the practitioner can unlock deeper wisdom, transformation, and spiritual power.
At the core of Planetary Magick lies the understanding that the celestial bodies—Sun, Moon, and planets—are not merely distant physical objects but sources of spiritual energy, each resonating with specific archetypal forces. The Sun radiates vitality, leadership, and self-actualization, while Venus embodies love, harmony, and beauty. Mars burns with the fire of courage and conflict, while Mercury speeds communication and intellect. By invoking these planetary powers, the practitioner can channel their influence to enhance different areas of life, whether it be for personal empowerment, emotional healing, or intellectual clarity.
Yet, the forces of the planets do not exist in isolation. They interact with and manifest through the Elementals, the spiritual entities that govern the four classical elements.
Even the Fifth Element, Spirit, finds its place in this system. It is the element of transcendence, connecting material to the divine, much like the Sun, which illuminates the soul and gives life to all. Spirit represents the aether, the quintessence that binds all other elements, and through the Sun’s vitality, the practitioner integrates to their highest potential and spiritual purpose.
Through rituals and meditations, the practitioner can harness both planetary and elemental forces, combining the expansive powers of the planets with the raw, natural energy of the elements. A ritual to invoke Venus for love and harmony might be strengthened by calling upon Water, for the undines can aid in deepening emotional bonds and fostering the flowing nature of relationships. Similarly, a working to harness Jupiter’s prosperity might be amplified by the stability and growth offered by Earth and its gnomes, grounding abundance in lasting form.
The true art of magick lies in balance—understanding how the cosmic forces of the planets descend and manifest through the primal energies of the elements. By aligning with the planets, one learns to channel universal energies; by working with the elementals, one learns to direct these energies into practical, tangible outcomes. Together, Planetary Magick and the Elementals offer a powerful system for spiritual growth, transformation, and manifestation, teaching the practitioner how to live in harmony with both the heavens and the Earth.
In uniting these two potent forces, the practitioner becomes both an alchemist of the soul and a magician of the cosmos, learning to navigate the expanse of celestial wisdom while grounding their will in the living world of nature. Whether invoking the fiery resolve of Mars through salamanders or seeking the deep emotional insight of the Moon through the undines, the combined forces of planetary and elemental magick serve as a pathway toward the mastery of both self and the universe.
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Planetary magick and elementals
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Enough Already! Part Two
... If Ruiz were still alive, maybe she’d cite, ‘Alternative Stats’.
The calls to ban Kenya from international athletics are getting more and more strident. But Kenya is neither East Germany nor Russia, where is has been conclusively proven that doping was/is state-aided and directed. This is freelance cheating. The Kenyan federation and politicians try to blame the ‘colonising’ agents and managers. But as one leading agent suggested to me last year, the incentives in the third world are far higher. One hundred thousand dollars is the equivalent of a life’s work compared to, say, a year or two’s salary to a first world athlete.
The delayed disqualification of numerous Olympic and world champions, via retroactive tests is bad enough; but frequently bypasses public scrutiny. However, the reaction to Chepngetich’s run – widespread disbelief and ridicule - suggests that this may be some sort of watershed. There are those, and I’m not far behind, if at all, who believe that there are few if no legitimate world records in athletics.
And if we can’t beat them, maybe we should join them?
Maybe it’s time to declare open house; just let the dopers get on with it, and we enjoy the spectacle? After all, sport is often a surrogate target, an excuse to ignore the greater ills of society. In reality, what is a doping offence in contrast to corporate theft, fomenting an insurrection or committing genocide?
* I dedicate this column to the British restaurant writer, Jay Rayner (who happens to be Jewish) who, within days of the Israeli assault on Gaza a year ago, had the courage to use his weekly column in the Observer to call out the overkill. He followed up with an even more accusatory piece a few weeks later.
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Enough Already! Part Two
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Enough Already!
Kenyan athletics is like Binyamin Netanyahu – completely out of control! I make no excuses for the comparison. Sometimes we pay too much attention to our daily diversions – bread and circuses - and not enough to the grotesque injustices being perpetrated by people like the Israeli prime minister who appears to be prolonging his genocidal invasion of Gaza and Lebanon for the sole purpose of saving his own skin. Forget that he’s probably a crook, likely to be jailed for financial malfeasance when the dust settles. What he certainly is is a war criminal. Of course, the Hamas incursion and slaughter of October 7, 2023 was disgusting and disgraceful. But the biblical vengeance visited on the largely innocent population of Gaza (and now, Lebanon) by the Israeli Defence Force under the command of Netanyahu is an affront to humanity. And western governments (and media), informed by Joe Biden’s fetishist attachment to Israel, are complicit in this. Hopefully, when the humanitarian hiatus occasioned by the run-up to the US Presidential election is over, with the fervent hope that sanity prevails there, and Kamala Harris rather than the mentally ill Donald Trump wins, there will be a move to a cease-fire in the Middle East; and ultimately, an honest attempt at a two-state solution.
And so to the footnote which is the qualified shock of witnessing a woman, Ruth Chepngetich run 2.09.56 at the Chicago Marathon last Sunday. The qualification is that she is Kenyan, and suspicion if not guilt by association is overwhelming. The tally of Kenyan dopers runs into hundreds. Despite her credentials, previous fast(ish) marathons, a world title, plenty of victories and a rep for going out too fast, with the corollary that one day (last Sunday?), she wouldn’t fold and would do something truly extraordinary ultimately still doesn’t stack up to the mountain of beans that points to sub-2.10. And the plea that she has never tested positive doesn’t cut it either. There are plenty of culprits like that; take Marion Jones, for starters!
The excitement generated by the scintillating running of Kipchoge Keino and his colleagues and successors from the 1960s through the final decades of the last century, seen as some sort of manifestation of third world innocence has evaporated in the last 20 years with each successive announcement of a doping positive from this former Eden. When the use of EPO and its derivatives became widespread 30 years ago, the spectre of its use by East Africans – already benefitting from birth, nurturing and training at altitude, a recognised advantage in distance running – was invoked; and largely laughed off. Kenyans (and Ethiopians) won’t even taker an aspirin was the response.
Since the turn of the millennium, and increasingly during the last decade, scores of Kenyans have tested positive for performance enhancers; the tally is now over a hundred suspensions in the last couple of years alone. There are those who think this is some sort of vindication of the Kenyan testing programme when it is more likely to be lack of sophistication of the druggies compared to, say first world practitioners. And the Kenyan testing programme is far superior to the one in Ethiopia.
Much has been made of Chepngetich’s age, that she is too old for such a performance at 30; but Carlos Lopes won the 1984 Olympic marathon at 37, and set a world record the following year. Constantina Dita went one better and won the 2008 Olympic gold at 38. Lopes’ record incidentally was 2.07.12, just over two and a half minutes faster than Chepngetich. But there’s been a lot of (super)shoe leather worn out on the road in the 39 years since then; and doubtless, more sophisticated means of doping. There has also been a reappraisal of training for the marathon.
My long-time friend from back home in the Black Country, Jim Harvey, a successful coach in New England for the last four decades, writes, ‘The current trend is for elite marathon runners to be specialist in that one event. Traditionally Western elite athletes would compete on the track and when they had maxed out at 10,000m move up the distance to the marathon. Their preparation was often 10K training which was tweaked by adding distance to their long run and more duration to their tempo runs. Today top African runners often bypass track completely and focus on half marathon/marathon from the onset of their careers. Training for the elites has become more marathon-specific with long segments of the long run done at marathon or half marathon pace, depending on the duration of the effort. Also, the interval workouts contain longer repetitions off a short or float recovery with total volume often being up around 20K. The aim is to obtain relaxation at a fast sustained pace for a long duration and this can only be accomplished by practice in training.’
That transition probably began after the ten year hiatus in men’s world records, between Belayneh Dinsamo’s 2.06.50 in Rotterdam 1988 and Ronaldo da Costa’s 2.06.05 in Berlin 1998. After that, the floodgates opened, and records tumbled, down to the current (equally unfeasible?) 2.00.35 by the tragically dead Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya a year ago, also in Chicago.
When Almaz Ayana took the 10,000 metres world record apart in Rio 2016, I suggested (in her defence) that women’s long distance running was going through a similar transition and was still decades behind the men, ie going through a development like when Ron Clarke took 39 seconds off the men’s record in 1965. On reflection, I’m not so sure. The more so since, in succession, Sifan Hassan, Letesenbet Gidey and Beatrice Chebet (all of East African provenance) have taken chunks off, such that the record is now 28.54.14, almost half a minute faster than Ayana. And, to be even-handed, Paula Radcliffe’s 2.15.25 in 2003 was widely if more quietly disparaged. A friend of mine, a former 4min 10sec 1500 metres woman turned coach told me Radcliffe’s time was unlikely if not impossible without recourse to PEDs, and she’s Russian; so I figured if anyone was going to know…?
The incredulity which accompanies all these runs means that the perception of long distance running feats has moved from the middle of the high road to the gutter.
Because even with the shoes, the training and the inevitable march of progress, the caveats cannot dispel the suspicions. Those of us who have been lifetime runners and follow the sport assiduously will doubtless feel the same as my illustrious colleague, former Boston winner Amby Burfoot who has already written a very measured but equally condemnatory piece about Chepngetich, citing the 1980 Boston Marathon cheat Rosie Ruiz, ‘We runners all knew immediately that she was a fraud. We had no proof, but we knew’. If you don’t know the tale, briefly, a plumpish Ruiz started the race, dropped out shortly afterwards, took a metro to a mile or so from the finish, re-joined the race and jogged in the ‘winner’. It took a week to unmask her...
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Enough Already!
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Elemental beings
In the ancient tradition of elemental manipulation, the relationship between humans and elemental beings is both mystical and deeply connected with the natural and metaphysical realms. These elementals, embodying the pure essence of fire, water, earth, and air, are more than just energy constructs—they are sentient beings with their own temperaments and personalities that reflect the elements they govern.
Fire Elementals (Salamanders) are beings of passion, transformation, and destruction. They embody the unpredictable and volatile nature of fire, capable of both creating and consuming. Though feared for their destructive potential, they are also symbols of renewal, burning away the old to pave the way for the new. A skilled manipulator who bonds with a fire elemental can harness its power for creativity and inspiration.
Water Elementals (Undines) mirror the fluid and ever-changing nature of water. They are empathetic beings, attuned to the emotional currents of those around them. Their dual nature reflects water’s capacity to be calm and healing, or forceful and destructive. Water elementals resonate with emotions such as sadness or tranquility and can be a source of peace or chaos depending on the manipulator's state of mind.
Earth Elementals (Gnomes) are the embodiment of stability and endurance. Rooted in the foundation of the world, they represent the slow but unyielding forces of nature. These beings are protectors of the natural world, guarding forests, mountains, and caves, and are connected to the cycles of growth and decay. Their bond with a manipulator requires patience, as earth elementals do not easily bend to haste or change.
Air Elementals (Sylphs) are ethereal beings of wind and storm, representing freedom, change, and the unseen currents of thought and inspiration. Elusive and playful, they are also capricious and unpredictable. Manipulators who form bonds with air elementals must embrace flexibility and creativity, as these beings resonate with those who are open-minded and innovative, but can be testing and fickle.
The relationship between these elemental beings and aetherists is one of balance and respect. A true manipulator does not command elementals but forms a partnership with them. This bond is formed through attunement in the psychosphere, where the manipulator’s mind aligns with the elemental's essence. Emotional and mental harmony are key; any imbalance can disrupt the connection, leading to dire consequences. Elemental beings are far more likely to aid those who approach them with humility and respect for the natural forces they represent.
This partnership reveals the broader truth that nature and mind are interconnected through the psychosphere, and through elemental manipulation, aetherists can harmonize with the primal forces that shape the world.
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Elemental beings
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A richer world athletics, but not for all...
Has world athletics suddenly become richer, or is it just trying to be fairer in the distribution of financial income, particularly in the share it gives to athletes?
In any case, the news for the next few years seems to confirm a major flow of money into athletics, with the athletes as the primary beneficiaries. It also seems that the recently launched projects and new competition formulas are very attractive and of great interest to promoters and advertisers.
Historically, this has been the case since the 80s, when under the control of the revered President Primo Nebiolo, the man who revolutionized athletics, the IAAF was a pioneer in deciding to grant bonuses to athletes at world championships. It also began to pay grants to national federations for the preparation of their athletes. In fact, it distributed the income generated by world competitions as fairly as possible.
Forty years later, World Athletics (the new name for the IAAF) announced athlete bonuses at the last Olympic Games in Paris. One day, the IOC will have to review its financial policy and come to the realization that, at the heart of the money it collects, there is a show whose actors are the athletes, and that any service that generates profits must benefit its actors first.
I'm one of those who believe that the IOC should start paying bonuses to winners as soon as possible.
Today, it seems that the most important annual competition in athletics, the “Wanda Diamond League”, will be increasing its athlete bonuses in 2025, thanks to a significant increase in resources. The amounts involved will be higher than in previous seasons. The promised increase will apply to both individual competitions and the overall prize money paid out at the annual finals.
For its part, World Athletics, which had already increased the prize money reserved for athletes at world championships in 2022, is now proposing a new formula for annual competition, which it now calls the “Ultimate Championships”. The competition would begin in 2026 with a prize fund of 10 million USD. The winners of each event would receive USD 150,000.
Also arriving is the new world league, Grand Slam Track (GST), founded by legendary American sprinter and former 400m world record holder Michael Johnson. This competition will make its debut in April 2025. The GST, which will see the world's best male and female runners compete, offers 262,500 USD in prize money at each of its four meetings, each winner receiving 100,000 USD.
The Athlos, an event organized in New York by Alexis Ohanian (husband of Serena Williams), has also recently been launched. This women-only competition carries a prize of 110,500 USD per race, with 60,000 USD going to each of the winners.
European athletics has also seen a real shake-up, with the launch at this year's European Championships in Rome of gold crowns worth 50,000 EUR, awarded to the best result per event group. These awards were won by 10 renowned athletes: Warholm, Ingebrigtsen, Duplantis, Fabbri, Erm - Bol, Battocletti, Elkasevic, Mihambo and Thiam. In addition, for 2025, outdoor competitions organized under the aegis of European Athletics will be endowed with even higher prizes: EUR 75,000 for silver, EUR 30,000 for bronze and EUR 12,000 for the challenge.
Athletics thus seems to be back on its feet financially, no doubt as a result of the healthy performances of its ever-improving athletes and increasingly spectacular competitions.
At the same time, these new formulas risk widening the gap between the different regions of the world, particularly when it comes to continental competitions.
While Asia and North America have the capacity to keep pace, Oceania and South America a little less so, Africa seems far from being able to generate the financial flows needed to organize major championships and pay athletes bonuses. It's not a question of will, or even less of competence. Rather, it is the economic context that is decisive. At the 2018 continental championships in Assaba, Nigeria, Africa beat Europe to the punch by attempting to pay bonuses of 3,000 USD to the winners of the various events. Unfortunately, the project came to nothing.
The Confederation of African Athletics is likely to find it difficult to attract the best African athletes to these competitions if it does not align itself with what is happening elsewhere.
As far as athletics one day meetings are concerned here too, the gap is likely to widen even further. Formulas in Europe and North America will severely handicap the attractiveness of competitions elsewhere, particularly in Africa.
Only time will tell what will really happen...very soon indeed.
In the end, it's the athletes who will be more fairly rewarded for their efforts and sacrifices. And that's undoubtedly a great step forward for the world...
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Travel Diary #2: Self drive road trip Namibie-Botswana
The second leg of our journey is a self-drive road trip starting from Windhoek in Namibia and ending in Maun, Botswana. For budget reasons, it was impossible to hire the services of a driver-guide for a month. Moreover, we love the adventure and freedom that this type of travel brings. We rented a 4x4 with a rooftop tent and a trunk filled with all the camping essentials: sleeping bags, dishes, propane, and even a small fridge.
Upon our arrival in Windhoek, where we would only spend one night, it's striking how well-constructed and clean the city is. Paved sidewalks and no litter along the roads, unlike in Tanzania. However, there is much more begging. Here, it’s not about someone wanting to provide a service in exchange for some change, but rather an extremely insistent form of begging. The same was true in Swakopmund, on the western coast by the sea. In several towns with frequent tourist traffic, we encountered this dichotomy between cleanliness and begging.
We then left civilization, heading north along the coast. We crossed the Skeleton National Park. I didn’t think a desert landscape could be so varied. Sand dunes, arid areas with some bushes, red earth sometimes tinged with purple, and occasionally the bed of a dried river with a bit of greenery and some antelopes surviving while waiting the next rainy season. Another striking aspect of this desert is the transition to the Atlantic Ocean. The shift from desert to ocean happens very abruptly, with waves crashing directly in the desert or, further north, on the few pebbles that serve as a boundary between water and land. The northern tip of the park is called Terrace Bay. The campsite where we stop is actually a very popular spot for fishermen from neighboring countries. We chatted with one of them who had come all the way from Cape Town (South Africa), having traveled 2000 km to get here with his 4x4.
The next stop on our road trip is the famous Etosha National Park. It is very different from the parks we visited in Tanzania. The dirt roads are in better condition, and the park is more suited for a self-drive visit. The small waterholes (natural or artificial) attract many animals during the dry season and are well marked on the map. However, to see certain animals like cheetahs and lions resting in the shade of trees, it's best to signal other visitors to stop and exchange information. Even the guides, identifiable by their vehicles with pop-up roofs or completely open cars, are generous with advice. A simple wave will have them stop alongside you for a chat. The park is less varied in terms of landscapes compared to the Serengeti, for example, but the sight of the many species sharing the waterholes is magnificent.
Once we crossed Etosha from west to east, we arrived in Rundu in northern Namibia, the second largest city after Windhoek. The owner of the campsite where we stopped told us that there is very little work, and thus most people living on the outskirts survive on what they find and trade. We went with him to see some houses in the village. They are simply areas of land marked out with wooden sticks and a few shelters, either made of metal or a wood/clay mix.
For the end of the Namibian part of the road trip, we headed northeast along the Okavango River. We stopped at a fishing campsite. A little sunrise tour on the river allowed us to chat with the owner, who was very pleasant. He taught us a lot about poaching management and the damage it causes to the river's wildlife. There are almost no fish left. According to him, less than 10% of the aquatic wildlife in this river remains.
After a little rest in a room at Popa Falls, we headed to Botswana and the Okavango Delta for the last two weeks of this part of our journey. Notably, the Namibia/Botswana border at this point is at the end of a long dirt road that crosses Bwabwata National Park.
Before entering the Moremi Game Reserve on the east side of the delta, we spent a night at a campsite near Maun. This town is the equivalent of Arusha in Tanzania (see dedicated article). It’s the starting point for safaris. We stocked up on supplies: fuel, water, and food for the next five days. On the way to the southern entrance of the reserve, a few kilometers after leaving Maun, we realized that driving conditions would be a bit more challenging. The paved road ended, giving way to dirt and sand. We activated the 4x4 mode after just a few meters. Once in the park, conditions changed again. Unlike Etosha, there are no large, flat gravel roads. Thanks to the paper map and the maps.me app, we managed to explore the meanders at an average speed of 20 km/h for about five hours that day. This was followed by several similar days of intense driving that required sharp concentration and a keen sense of direction. The park is very wild, and the campsites are basic. We camped by the Khwai River in the north of the park. Arriving in the early afternoon for a slightly less intense driving day, we saw about twenty elephants drinking and crossing the river. We quickly lit a fire to signal our presence. What an experience! This road trip has been a crescendo of adventure.
Our tourist experience in Botswana is relatively good, but not on par with the previous two countries. The cleanliness and quality of services (campsites and guesthouses) are much lower than in Namibia and Tanzania, with significantly higher prices. I don't want to minimize the beauty of the Okavango Delta; we saw stunning landscapes and all kinds of animals: kudu, zebras, elephants, giraffes, baboons, etc. Moreover, far from complaining, I feel privileged to be able to experience this adventure with my family. However, the prices are far too high. If I could do it again, I would spend a bit more time in Namibia and Tanzania for the same budget.
A very beautiful leg of the journey comes to an end, but stay tuned for more adventures in a few weeks!
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Servitors and golems
Throughout history, humans have imagined and created artificial beings for a determined purpose and animated by will. Two classical examples of these constructs, from different cultural traditions, are servitors and golems. Both represent the human desire to give form to one's intentions, still they represent distinct philosophical and mystical ideas.
Servitors are constructs created through mental or magical discipline, mainly within modern occult traditions. They are essentially thoughtforms, shaped from the mind’s energy and given a task or purpose by their creator. A servitor is bound by the will of its creator and exists to fulfill specific functions, such as protection, assistance, or manipulation of circumstances.
The process of creating a servitor is a kind of psychic programming—the practitioner defines the servitor’s purpose, often assigning it a symbolic form or sigil to help channel its energy. Unlike physical constructs, servitors exist in the ethereal realm and are maintained by the energy and focus of their creator. Some belief systems deem that servitors can be “released” or “destroyed” once their purpose is fulfilled, ensuring they do not linger or develop independence.
Servitors highlight the power of the mind to create and manifest reality through focus, belief, and willpower.
On the other hand, golems come from Jewish mystical traditions, particularly Kabbalistic teachings. Unlike servitors, golems are physical constructs, typically made from inanimate materials like clay or stone. The most famous golem is the Golem of Prague, a figure created by Rabbi Judah Loew in the 16th century to protect the Jewish community from persecution.
The golem is brought to life through ritualistic methods, often involving the inscription of sacred words or symbols, such as the Hebrew word “emet” (“truth”) on its forehead. These letters imbue the golem with life, while erasing the first letter (leaving “met,” or “death”) deactivates the golem.
Golems are typically portrayed as powerful but mindless creatures, existing to carry out their creator’s commands without question. Unlike servitors, who may represent aspects of the creator’s mind, golems are more like automatons, lacking independent thought or will. Their power is derived from the ancient association between earth and life and once created, can become uncontrollable.
While servitors are products of mental and magical discipline, golems represent the manipulation of physical matter through divine or mystical intervention. Servitors serve as an extension of the creator’s mental faculties, flexible and dynamic in their purpose. Golems, on the other hand, are a manifestation of physical creation, rigid and often prone to unintended consequences if not properly controlled.
There are other forms of artificial beings which could be created. Franz Bardon, for example, gave us a few methods on how to create beings that could be qualified as in between the ones discussed in this text.
Both servitors and golems reflect humanity’s ongoing fascination with the power of creation and the ways in which we might give life to our intentions. Whether through thought or clay, the desire to animate constructs reflects both a deep imagination and a cautionary tale about the limits of control over what we create.
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Stories
The beginning is always hard; patience is key, and with time, things tend to improve—just as wise people often remind us when we're starting a story. At first, you may not know where to begin or what your starting point is, so you search for it. Once you find it, you can begin writing your story—whether it's your first, second, third, or even your millionth. You might know where your story begins, but the number of stories we live through is unknown. The person who enters a story is not the same person who exits to begin the next.
Living a long story behind may be difficult, but you remain part of many stories. You might notice some stories repeating, others mirroring the experiences of people around you, and at times, you may even smile because you can guess how they’ll end, having seen them unfold before. There are moments when you feel like the conductor of all these stories, but at other times, it seems like you're simply living within them, forgetting your own.
Living short stories is like reliving life over and over again. Each time, you’re eager to finish one and begin another, feeling the thrill of starting something new. But along the way, you may either lose yourself or grow, depending on how each story ends. We are all the heroes of our own stories—some converge, while others diverge. People become part of your story, just as you are part of theirs.
Choose peace, love yourself, and keep smiling. The most beautiful story of all is having life and meeting others to write stories together.
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Stories
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Memoirs of Atlantis
Atlantis—the mythical and mystical land—has captivated the imagination and dreams of countless generations. For many, it is simply a fictional place, but for others—myself included—it truly existed. Atlantis was first introduced by Plato in Timaeus and Critias, where he described it as a highly advanced civilization located "beyond the Pillars of Hercules."
Over the years, numerous authors have written about Atlantis, while others have tried to locate its remains. So far, it has been considered mere speculation by modern science, as no definitive evidence has been found that can be directly linked to it. Yet, despite this, Atlantis remains a topic of heated debates and discussions, leading to an intriguing question: if Atlantis is not real, why do we continue to talk about it?
Figures like Edgar Cayce and Helena Blavatsky, among others, have offered fascinating insights into the story of Atlantis, though there is even more information from extradimensional sources that I would like to explore.
Atlantis is said to have existed in the Atlantic Ocean, covering vast territories that spanned both hemispheres. Some sources claim that it experienced three major cataclysmic events, losing landmass with each one, the third of which ultimately led to its final destruction.
The Atlanteans are considered to be what we now call the fourth human race, not very different from our current fifth race. However, they were believed to possess more activated genes, with some sources even suggesting the presence of extra DNA strands. They originally descended from the third human race, which hailed from Lemuria, and in their early years, the Atlanteans maintained close interactions with the Lemurians.
In the beginning, the spiritual makeup of the Atlanteans consisted of beings who were already living on Earth. However, over time, they began receiving beings who had been exiled after the Orion wars, as well as others from planets in the constellation of Auriga, specifically from the brightest star in the northern part, Capella. These later arrivals were more bellicose in nature, and their presence is believed to have contributed to the eventual downfall of Atlantis.
Atlantean society was divided into two main groups: one focused on science and engineering, while the other was more inclined towards metaphysics and what we might now call "shamanism." Despite all being human, these groups displayed remarkable phenotypical differences.
The technologically inclined Atlanteans created marvels we can scarcely imagine today. They harnessed Earth's telluric forces, generating energy without the need for carbon fuels, and utilized antigravitational forces and magnetism in their daily lives. Meanwhile, the more nature-oriented Atlanteans mastered the elemental forces and could shape the psychosphere—which was far less chaotic than it is today—according to their will. What we now consider magic was widely accepted and practiced by them as a form of advanced science.
At first, these two groups coexisted peacefully, but as time passed, their differences began to create tensions. Ideological differences grew, eventually leading to both philosophical and physical divisions over time.
Atlanteans were heavily involved in trade with numerous nations and beings, both earthly and extraterrestrial, across the globe. They also established bases that supported their trade and exploration efforts.
One of their most significant achievements was learning to harness the vril energy, a powerful force. Unfortunately, they eventually used this energy to wage wars and establish dominance, and in the end, it was this same energy that led to their downfall and destruction.
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Two Nobel Prizes: AI is Still resting on Giant Shoulders
John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton got the Nobel Prize of Physics, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper the nobel Prize of Chemistry. It is obvious that the first Nobel Prize was not given merely for their contributions to physics, but mostly for their profound and foundational contributions to what is today modern AI.
Let's talk about the second Nobel prize.
AlphaFold was put on map by beating other methods on a competition (CASP14/CASP15) that has been running for year on a well established dataset. As such, AlphaFold winning is more like an ImageNet moment (when the team of Geof Hinton demonstrated the superiority of Convolutional Networks on Image Classification), than a triumph of multi-disciplinary AI research.
The dataset of Alphafold rests on many years of slow and arduous research to compile a dataset in a format that could be understood not by machines, but by computer scientists. This massive problem of finding the protein structure was, through that humongous work, reduced to a simple question of minimizing distances. A problem that could now be tackled with little to no knowledge of chemistry, biology or proteomics.
This in no way reduces the profond impact of AlphaFold. However it does highlight a major issue in applied AI: computer scientists, not AI, are still reliant on other disciplines to drastically simplify complex problems for them. The contributions and hard work required to do so gets unfortunately forgotten everything has been reduced to a dataset and a competition.
What to do when we do not have problems that computer scientists can easily understand? This is true for all fields that require a very high level of domain knowledge. Through experience, I came to consider the pairing of AI specialists with specialists of other disciplines, a sub-optimal strategy at best. The Billions of dollars invested in such enterprises have failed to produce any significant return on investment.
The number one blind spot of these endeavours is the supply chain, it usually takes years and looks like this:
1- Domain specialists identify a question
2- Years are spent to develop methods to measure and tackle it
3- The methods are made cheaper
4- The missing links: Computational chemists, Bioinformaticians, ... start the work on what will become the dataset
5- AI can finally enter the scene
Point number (1) is the foundation. You can measure and ask an infinite number of questions about anything. Finding the most important one is not as obvious as it seems. For example, it is not at all obvious that a protein structure is an important feature a priory. Another example, is debugging code. A successful debugging session involves asking and answering a succession of relevant questions. Imagine giving a code to someone with no programming experience and asking them to debug it. The probabilities of them asking the right questions is very close to 0.
Identifying what is important is called inserting inductive Biases. In theory LLMs could integrate the inductive biases of a field and generate interesting questions, even format datasets from open-source data. However until this ability has been fully demonstrated, the only cost efficient way to accelerate AI driven scientific discoveries is to build the disciplinarily into the people: AI Researchers that know enough about the field to be able to identify the relevant questions of the future.
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Psychosphere and elemental manipulation
For those attuned to the metaphysical plane called psychosphere, elemental manipulation becomes possible—a manifestation of willpower translated directly into physical reality. Fire, water, earth, and air are no longer inert forces of nature, but extensions of one's mental faculties. These elements, governed by their own natural laws, bend and respond to the psychic commands projected through the psychosphere. The flame dances with a mere thought, water ripples in time with a fleeting emotion, the earth trembles under the weight of a focused mind, and air bends and flows with each shift in consciousness.
In ancient times, those who mastered this connection were known as aetherists, individuals who could sense the undercurrents of the psychosphere and use it as tool to commune with the elements. Aetherists were not simply powerful due to their abilities, but because of their profound understanding of how thoughts and emotions could influence their environment.
The key to this manipulation is not found in brute strength, but in resonance. The psychosphere, like an ocean of thought and emotion, is sensitive to the subtlest shifts in energy. Those who can align their inner state—mind, heart, and spirit—with the it's flow, find themselves in harmony with the elemental forces. To manipulate fire, one must embody its intensity; to command water, one must flow with its rhythm; to bend air, a mind must be as light and agile as the breeze itself; to move the earth, one's will must be grounded, unshakable.
As we can see, elemental manipulation is an intricate dance between mind and nature, mediated by the psychosphere. Each element responds to a specific emotional frequency: fire to passion, water to tranquility, air to freedom, and earth to stability. The most skilled practitioners are not merely wielders of power, but "symbiotic" partners with the elements, understanding that the psychosphere is both a reflection of their inner world and a gateway to controlling the outer one.
Yet, the psychosphere is not a neutral space. As we discussed before, it is affected by the collective thoughts and emotions of all beings. Those who seek to manipulate elements must do so with caution, for the psychosphere is sensitive to the imbalances of mind and heart. A thought too aggressive might cause fire to rage uncontrollably; an unstable emotion might unleash a flood of water or shift tectonic plates with unintended force. Balance is key, and the psychosphere rewards those who seek harmony, not dominance, over the elements.
Despite the potential for great power, the psychosphere is an inherently neutral force-it amplifies the intentions of the individual but does not judge them. this opens a moral dimension to elemental manipulation, as individuals can use their connection to the psychosphere for creation or destruction.
In this world, where mind and matter intertwine, the psychosphere is the ultimate bridge between consciousness and the primal forces of nature. It is the invisible field where thoughts become actions, and the mastery of elemental manipulation is not merely a feat of mental prowess, but a journey toward inner equilibrium, a balance between the self and the world around it.
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Egregores and the psychosphere
The psychosphere can be understood as an energetic field that envelops the planet, serving as a living repository for the mental and emotional energies generated by all sentient beings. Some interpretations, such as those in the Gaia theory, even suggest that all emotional beings, including animals contribute to this field. For the sake of clarity in this discussion, I will focus solely on humans.
The psychosphere exists as a subtle layer between the material world we inhabit and the higher, more ethereal planes, often referred to as the spiritual realm. Rich with thoughtforms—mental constructs born from individual or collective consciousness—it plays a determinant role in the astral plane. Though intangible to the physical senses, the psychosphere profoundly influences both individual experiences and the collective emotional state of humanity.
At the core of the psychosphere are thoughtforms and egregores, which I discussed in my previous writing. These are the primary forces that shape this astral layer.
Both thoughtforms and egregores contribute to the psychosphere, which grows denser with the energy they generate. While thoughtforms are personal and typically temporary, egregores have the potential to become enduring entities, sustained by the continual focus and intention of a group. These entities accumulate in the psychosphere, influencing the mental and emotional states of those who dwell within its planetary field.
The psychosphere functions as a middle ground between the dense physical realm and the more subtle ethereal or spiritual planes. As a layer of the astral plane, its "matter" is finer than the physical world but denser than the purely spiritual realms. This gives it a unique role in the cosmological framework, acting as a bridge where mental energy and spiritual forces intersect, creating a dynamic interplay between human thought and extradimensional or spiritual influence.
To provide a helpful metaphor, we can look to the superstring theory with its concept of multiple dimensions. Imagine the psychosphere as the "fine point" where different dimensions converge and interact, much like vibrating strings generate different forms of matter. The vibrations of thought and emotion within the psychosphere create and sustain various thoughtforms and egregores. These vibrations, in turn, shift and shape the energies of the astral plane, producing a vast and complex network of mental and spiritual activity.
The astral plane, and by extension the psychosphere, influences human experience in subtle but powerful ways. On one hand, individuals and groups can shape the psychosphere through their focused intentions, emotions, and beliefs. On the other hand, the psychosphere exerts its influence on them, subtly affecting their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
For example, when an egregore grows strong, it can exert pressure on the individuals who feed it. This can manifest as powerful collective emotions—such as national pride, religious fervor, or even mass hysteria. The egregore becomes a force that shapes the thoughts and behaviors of its creators, locking them into patterns of belief or action. This reciprocal relationship creates a feedback loop in which individuals both influence and are influenced by the larger thoughtform structures of the psychosphere.
On a more personal level, the thoughtforms individuals generate can resonate within the psychosphere, attracting similar energies or influences from the astral plane. In some cases, these thoughtforms can be empowering, manifesting goals or desires in the physical world. In other instances, they may create unwanted energetic attachments or lingering emotional residues.
Thoughtforms and egregores, like all things in the universe, have a lifespan. When the energy sustaining them wanes—due to a lack of focus, intention, or belief—they begin to dissolve. This dissolution is not always clean, however. Much like physical organisms, these entities can leave behind husks or residual energy patterns that linger in the psychosphere.
These empty husks are a form of astral debris. Although they no longer possess the vibrancy or purpose they once had, they still exist as empty shells of what they once were. These remnants can be manipulated by beings on either side of the astral plane—whether from higher spiritual realms or lower astral dimensions.
In the hands of malevolent or parasitic entities, these empty husks can be repurposed, filled with new energy, and used to influence or manipulate the emotions and thoughts of individuals. This can manifest as irrational fears, lingering emotional disturbances, or sudden shifts in consciousness. Conversely, benevolent entities may seek to dissipate or transform these husks into higher forms of energy, restoring balance within the psychosphere.
The psychosphere is a dynamic, living field that reflects the collective mental and emotional states of the beings within it. It is influenced by human consciousness and, in turn, exerts its influence on the thoughts and emotions of those who interact with it. Through the creation of thoughtforms and egregores, individuals and groups shape the psychosphere, contributing to the intricate network of energetic patterns that govern the mental and spiritual landscape of the planet.
The ongoing cycle of creation, sustenance, and dissolution of thoughtforms and egregores, shapes not only the psychosphere itself but also the experiences of those who live within its reach. Understanding this complex relationship allows us to better grasp how unseen forces may be influencing our inner and outer worlds, offering insights into the interconnectedness of mind, spirit, and the greater energetic realities that surround us.
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Collective thoughtforms and their influence - egregores
At the intersection of metaphysics, psychology, and collective experience lies the concept of egregores. These entities are, in essence, collective thoughtforms—mental and emotional constructs brought into existence and sustained by the shared focus, energy, and intent of a group of individuals. While a thoughtform arises from an individual’s sustained focus and emotional charge, taking on a life of its own in either the mental, astral, or sometimes even physical realms, an egregore is the result of a collective’s continuous input, becoming something far more potent and autonomous.
Egregores start with shared ideas or emotions within a group. When people consistently focus on a common goal, these thoughts and emotions merge, forming an energetic presence that goes beyond the individual. The group may not be aware of this process, but over time, their collective energy manifests into a metaphysical structure, strengthened by rituals, symbols, and emotions.
Symbols play a crucial role, serving as focal points for the group’s beliefs. Whether it’s a flag, logo, or chant, these symbols represent the group’s values, reinforcing the egregore’s existence. Every time individuals gather around these symbols, they contribute energy to the egregore.
Once created, egregores can become autonomous, exerting influence on group members. Although born from the collective, they begin to act as independent entities, shaping thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. For instance, a religious community that collectively worships a deity may give rise to an egregore representing that deity. This egregore can influence how the group experiences their faith, guiding their actions and beliefs.
In group dynamics, egregores enhance unity. Members may begin to share similar thoughts and actions, feeling connected to one another and their shared purpose. In emotionally charged situations, such as sports events, the collective energy can synchronize emotions across individuals, creating dramatic shifts and surges in group intensity. This collective energy often reaches peaks, amplifying shared experiences and reinforcing the bond within the group.
The longer individuals are part of a group, the more their thoughts align with the egregore, amplifying its influence. Positively, this can lead to collective achievements, such as social movements or community growth. However, if the group’s energy centers on negative emotions like fear or hatred, the egregore can become destructive, influencing harmful actions.
In modern contexts, egregores are reflected in brands, political ideologies, and social movements. For example, a brand like Apple may function as an egregore, where collective admiration and emotional investment shape customer behavior and company culture.
Social media, too, serves as a powerful platform for the creation of egregores, amplifying collective thoughts and emotions. Online communities and viral trends generate intense focus, allowing egregores to influence large numbers of people quickly.
Understanding egregores can empower individuals to consciously direct collective energy toward positive outcomes. By being mindful of shared thoughts and emotions, we can create egregores that foster unity, community, and collective success.
Egregores ultimately remind us of the power of collective consciousness, which can shape both the inner and outer worlds of those who create them.
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The Appeal of Fear in Media
The growing sales of horror games such as the Resident Evil franchise, and the success of horror shows and movies indicate the appeal of the genre. The reasons behind this appeal have been investigated through many studies. First, we must distinguish between the terms “horror” and “terror”, which tend to be erroneously used interchangeably. According to Dani Cavallaro, horror is the fear linked to visible disruptions of the natural order, sudden appearances, and identifiable objects. Horror causes intense physical reactions and provides us with surprise and shock. On the other hand, terror is the fear of the unknown. It is the feelings of tension and unease proceeding a revelation [1].
“The difference between Terror and Horror is the difference between awful apprehension and sickening realization: between the smell of death and stumbling against a corpse… Terror thus creates an intangible atmosphere of spiritual psychic dread… Horror resorts to a cruder presentation of the macabre” [2].
While playing horror games or watching horror movies, we constantly oscillate between terror and horror. One is willing to endure the intense fear (horror) because of its less subtle modulations (terror). In fact, a study done by the Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research at Osaka University reveals that players were more likely to experience intense fear when they were in a suspense state and then faced a surprising appearance [3]. From a biological perspective, once the human brain detects a potential threat, dopamine is released into the body, and once that threat is identified as false, the body feels pleasure and the person wants to repeat this cycle by seeking scary content [4].
Although one can aim for a long psychological experience by having a good combination of terror and horror, what causes terror and unease is individual and varies from one person to another. Individual characteristics, traumas, and phobias must be taken into consideration to assess the level of fear and manipulate future gameplay accordingly.
[1] D. Cavallaro, The Gothic Vision: Three Centuries of Horror, Terror and Fear. New York: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2002.
[2] Varma, D. P. (1988) The Gothic Flame, Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press. Vico, G. [1725] (1968) The New Science, trans. T. Goddard and M. H. Fisch, Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.
[3] V. Vachiratamporn, R. Legaspi, K. Moriyama and M. Numao, "Towards the Design of Affective Survival Horror Games: An Investigation on Player Affect," 2013 Humaine Association Conference on Affective Computing and Intelligent Interaction, 2013, pp. 576-581, doi: 10.1007/s12193-014-0153-4
[4] A. Damasio, Descartes error: emotion, reason and the human brain. New York: Avon Books, 1994.
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Free people in a tapestry of rules
I quote Ralph Waldo Emerson's saying that "do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail".
In doing so, I am telling you that there are men no smatter and no dumber than us who have been here before and by the things they have said, they knew - in that time - that whatever rulebook and pattern that was written for life - go to school, learn our ways, speak our tongue, do this work, find a companion, have some fun, leave some kids behind, grow old, die - these rules were conjured by some persons before them.
Steve Jobs in an interview (find link attached to this story), said that once you discover one simple fact that everything around you that you call life was made up by people that are no smarter than you, and you can change it, influence it, poke at it and something would actually pop out at the other side, then you would have discovered the most important thing in life.
I have known the very lowest points of life. I have doubted about tomorrow. And I am not clear of life's tribulations. But it took these things for me "to shake off this erroneous notion that life is just there, and I am just going to live in it".
Shun evil, be kind, be obedient, listen to reason and be humble. But never for once think that you are not free to carve a good path and lead others on it.
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All are abstractions
Some people take a lifetime to never have been able to see the real reasons of life. Time is a trickery. All what we live for is abstractions. Take heed of time.
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All are abstractions
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The Sighs of Azemmour
As we were heading towards Walidia, just to enjoy its beautiful lagoon, oysters and fish, my daughter, my wife, and I decided to make a short stop in Azemmour. I had promised myself I woud show my daughter the city as soon as I had the chance.
We are here a stone's throw from Casablanca, a handful of kilometers from El-Jadida and not far from Jorf Lasfar, a pride of the industrialization of modern Morocco.
Personally, I am rather fond of this city. Few are so captivating. I cannot explain why.
There, you can be at times a berber in short Jellaba, tchamir and rounded or pointed toe slippers; sometimes a Phoenician clad in white in the style of the Greeks in their time of glory; sometimes wearing the toga of a proud Roman citizen or the blue turban of a rough Berghouata.
You can daydream about the Portuguese singing their triumph at the capture of the city. You hear, the sound of your steps on an aged pavement, evoking that of the Saadian army taking possession of the city walls. The noise and vociferations of the soldiers resound there again and again; but in silence.
At the turn of an alley of the ancient city, you hear the distant and confused voice of Sidi Abderahman El Mejdoub, wailing his pain in front of evil, questioning the world and the universe. At the turn of a street, you are greeted by the whispering voice, barely audible, of Rabbi Abraham Moul Ness and his prayers at the rising of the sun and its setting Sidi Brahim for Muslims. Religions struggle to find boundaries here...
Moreover, it is a sort of miracle that revealed to the two communities that Abraham was indeed a saint. The citizens had just installed a mill right in front of the cave where he spent his time meditating and praying. The animals that powered the mill quickly fell ill and died one after the other. It was then understood that Abraham did not want to be disturbed in his meditation. Since then, he is Rabbi Abraham for the Jews, Sidi Brahim for the Muslims, holy for both.
Farther inside the city, you can see rather silent young people, looking sullen, crestfallen, who face you at the turn of a lane. Some of those who walk by you look haggard, as though they expressed weariness or disgust; perhaps even deep anger and repeated hurt. At the corner of neighbouring street, on a small shapeless square, it is the jerky sound of a loom that catches your ear. One of the last Deraz still in activity weaves silken or woolen scarves. Tourists like them but do not come often... He works, he loves his job and keeps doing it, waiting for better days to come; or at least hoping that the war in the Middle East stops. Deep down, he must wish that his Israeli friends return to reason and quickly drive out their current leaders; neurotics thirsty for blood more than other thing. He is waiting for the Moussem but does not know if the Jewish Moroccans who return annually for the pilgrimage will still be numerous.
The Arts and Crafts House is silent and expectant too. It spends long spells of time waiting that a small group would pass by to finally enliven it for an hour or so. The master craftsmen who stay there seem to contemplate the passage of time. Their eyes are nostalgic for a recent past certainly idealized, and a more distant past loaded with wealth and power, forever gone.
A lady of a certain age, without any discomfort, dressed in battered pajamas, is there in front of her home, sitting on an stool. The blue door of her modest house, is wide open. The lady is a bit too large for her stool. Her gaze is blank. She does not notice our silhouettes and seems not to hear our involuntarily light steps, as if not to disturb the history or stir the anger of abandoned walls, houses with walled doors, those that time has knocked down and those that passively wait for the signal of the tumbling of tired stones that no longer have anything to hold onto.
Behind the heavy doors of ancient buildings - and there are still many thank God - and some houses not yet walled up or fallen into oblivion of time and humans, we can guess the presence of young girls busying themselves with embroidery. Few are those who still have a passion for this ancestral art specific to the city with its bright colours and dragons. What are dragons doing here, if not recall a past so distant that it fades into the background of history. Some say that it is a Portuguese merchant who introduced this art behind the walls of the city.
At the corner of a small square, as there are many in the city, in front of a small and neglected grocery store, stand idle young men. One of them must look like Mustapha Azemmouri, also called Esteban the Moor or Estevanico. He may even carry his genes. Without Estevanico, North America would never have been what it is now. What a destiny. To leave one country and travel so far, and change the course of history on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
Walking out through one of the gates of the ancient city, one only has one thought: Azemmour is looking for a present that does not come. It is dying and dying.
Maybe it is already dead.
Some time ago, Karim Boukhari wrote in an article « I have visited Azemmour. A friend, from the city, warned me: Watch out, he said, it is a dead city. »
Go and walk the promenade around the city walls. An esplanade that my friend Zaki Semlali has laid out with the little he had to revive this special relationship that the city has with river Oum Rebi3. Today, plastic is unfortunately more abundant than fish. Gone are the shad and the beautiful, fleshy ambrines. Some sections of the wall and houses collapse and flow towards the oued like tears of agony.
The nostalgic Azemmour peeks at the Atlantic Ocean and watches, helplessly, the waves smashing in the distance.
I pray the Almighty that this piece of our precious history can finally benefit from the attention of our rulers.
My daughter, my wife, and I left the place sad, wounded in the depths of our souls; but the sublime voice of Sanaa Marahati singing some poems written somewhere in the city makes us hope for a better future for Azemmour.
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The Sighs of Azemmour
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About symbols and sigils
Symbols play a crucial role in our daily lives, shaping how we communicate and interpret the world around us. A symbol can be defined as an image, mark, or word that represents an object, concept, or abstraction. Carl Jung offers a profound exploration of this concept in his theory of aesthetics, emphasizing the psychological significance of symbols in our collective unconscious.
Names are powerful symbols that engrave our identity in society. They carry personal history, culture, and meaning, helping us connect with others. Signatures serve a similar purpose, representing not just our names but also our intentions and agreements on various documents, from contracts to checks.
Pins and passwords, too, can be viewed as symbols. They are abstractions we create to access personal or confidential information, representing trust and security in our digital interactions. Each type of symbol functions as a key to unlocking different facets of our identity and intentions.
In essence, symbols can be categorized into two main types: disclosed and undisclosed. Disclosed symbols, like names and logos, are public and widely recognized, while undisclosed symbols, such as passwords and personal codes, are private and hold significance only for their creators.
Sigils, a specific type of symbol, are often used in magical practices to invoke particular intentions or extradimensional entities. Traditionally, these symbols acted like a “telephone” to connect with these entities, serving as a means to channel one’s desires into the universe. In modern contexts, particularly within chaos magic, sigils are used to anchor one’s will to manifest specific goals, such as personal success or emotional healing.
Interestingly, we encounter sigils daily, often without realizing it. Our names serve as disclosed sigils, necessary for identification in various activities—from registering for events to establishing online identities. Pins and passwords act as undisclosed sigils, known only to us and provide access to our personal digital realms, such as social media accounts or banking information.
We are constantly surrounded by both created and absorbed sigils. From the brands we encounter to the symbols we personally create (like affirmations or vision boards), these sigils influence our thoughts and actions on both conscious and unconscious levels. Grant Morrison’s observation that "corporate sigils are super-breeders; they invade unbranded imaginative space" speaks to how commercial symbols can shape our desires and identities, often without our awareness.
This brings us to a question: Do we unknowingly practice magick in our everyday lives? The rituals we perform—whether it’s setting intentions for the day or using symbols to navigate our environments—suggest that there may be more to our actions than mere routine. Ancient practitioners of magick often blurred the lines between what we now categorize as science and spiritual practice. They observed natural phenomena, conducted experiments, and created systems of understanding that predate modern scientific terminology.
By examining the interplay between symbols, sigils, and our daily actions, we can appreciate the deeper meanings and influences that shape our lives. Symbols are not just marks or images; they are powerful tools that connect us to our identities, intentions, and the world around us.
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About symbols and sigils
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Emotions and knowing oneself
How can our emotions affect our thoughts and attitudes? That is easy to answer. We are emotional beings, and as such, many of us are guided by feelings rather than reason.
For example, when someone annoys us, our immediate reaction is often frustration or anger. On the other hand, when someone treats us kindly, we typically feel gratitude and warmth. These emotional responses create a cycle in our daily lives that we often don't perceive.
How can we start notice these patterns? Remember the "know thyself"? It is crucial. gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves is challenging, but it helps identify what triggers our strongest emotions and how we respond to them. By recognizing our emotional responses, we can take steps to manage, and eventually controlling, them and even transform our environment.
A significant barrier to self-awareness is the masks we wear. Many of us tries to present a curated version of ourselves, shaped by cultural expectations and past experiences. This creates layers of "costumes" that can obscure our true identity. We often assert, "I am this" or "I am that", but have we truly examined who we are beneath those labels?
We tend to showcase only our positive traits, hiding our flaws because they are seen as undesirable. It is essential to acknowledge that we all have imperfections. Rather than making excuses for our "dark side", we should recognize it and seek ways to improve. Just as we aim to enhance our strengths, we should also commit to learning from our challenges.
The path to understanding our true selves -accepting both our strengths and weaknesses- guides us toward mastering our emotions. This self-awareness, along with a balanced self-acceptance (without justifying negative behaviors), enables us to respond more thoughtfully to the world around us.
To conclude, here are three quotations that encapsulate my thoughts:
- "Self-knowledge is the beginning of self-improvement." - Unknown
- "Emotions are like waves. We can't stop the waves, but we can learn to surf." - Jon Kabat-Zinn
- "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude". William James
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Emotions and knowing oneself
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Thoughts and co-creation
There is an ancient knowledge that says - "all is mind, the universe is mental". This statement, if we think using a more theistic view, suggests that all things in the universe are a manifestation of a primordial thought, a primeval consciousness. To put it differently, there is a primary intelligence behind creation.
As human beings we are part of this universe, this so-called creation. Given this premise, would it be wrong to assume that we could do the same? In other words, couldn't we be co-creators in this all? In my previous writing I discussed how we could use the principles of quantum physics to reshape our reality using our thoughts. Well, if all is mind, for sure we are co-creators!
We already engage in co-creations every day. Through our thoughts we change the world when create art, to engineer new technologies, or express novel ideas. Could we take this further? Could we use our minds alone to modify the reality around us? I believe we can.
Our minds don't think in words, these are mere abstractions created for communication. Instead, we think in images and mental pictures. For instance, when we feel thirsty, we don't simply think of the word "water" but envision a glass or a bottle. In other words, we use symbols to express our ideas. These symbols can be incredibly powerful in guiding and influencing us at every moment - just look at why companies invest so heavily in their logos and show them as much as they can.
In summary, we think using symbols, and the most effective way to access them is through mental imagery or representations. Now, could we leverage these mental pictures and our concentrated will to alter the reality around us? Could our thought, when generated and guided with strong intention, be powerful enough to vibrate particles around us and initiate co-creations?
We do that on a daily basis but, often unconsciously. "Know thyself" like some ancients advised, is the first step toward mastering our thoughts and consciously using them to our benefit.
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Thoughts and co-creation
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Travel diary #1: Tanzania
To kick off our long family trip, we started with Tanzania. It's the first time we've set foot in sub-Saharan Africa. And what a wonderful introduction!
We began with a 7-day organized safari with an exceptional driver and guide. His knowledge of geology, biology, botanics and ethology was impressive. Not to mention his driving skills on the trails of the parks we visited: Taranguire, Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. The 6 to 10 hours of daily driving didn't seem so long, between discussions, breathtaking views and animal watching. Non-exhaustive list: zebras, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, wildebeests, leopards, cheetahs, ostriches, bustards, baboons, vervet monkeys, egrets, yellow-headed king cranes, vultures, marabous, crocodiles, antelopes and gazelles of all kinds. I have to admit that we didn't manage to retain everything Mahmoud tried to teach us. A bit of Swahili, a bit of geology on the formation of the Rift Valley, a bit of history on the migration of the Maasais to the Serengeti Park and a bit of biology on recognizing the flora and fauna.
We then spent a week in Dar es Salaam to complete our visit and immerse ourselves in Tanzanian city life. Once again, a wonderful experience. We stayed in a modest but adequate airbnb. We discovered a new mode of transport, very fun and at a very affordable price: the bajaji (local tuk tuk). We visited the Kariakoo market (a flea market that stretches for miles), had a lazy day on Bongoyo Island, and the Village Museum (Swahili name) with a guide who told us about the customs and habitations of some of the more than 100 tribes present in Tanzania. It's an outdoor museum with houses illustrating the way of life of some of the tribes.
I'll always remember Tanzania as a country with very welcoming and relaxed people. Despite a few pushy people trying to sell us trinkets, act as guides or even bodyguards, we never felt in danger. This country, whose population is divided between different cultures and religions, where Muslims, Christians, Maasais and others live together, seems to me to be a good example of tolerance.
Next post in about a month about our next step: a road trip.
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Travel diary #1: Tanzania
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