As the spectre of the General Election emerges, hundreds of Tory MPs and councillors are in talks about defecting to Reform UK, the true Brexit party. The floundering Sunak, an unelected appointee to the Tory Party after stabbing former PM Boris Johnson in the back, is now in a truly desperate state.
Richard Tice, the leader of the Reform Party, was keeping tight-lipped about the re-introduction of man-of-the-people Nigel Farage, but it is almost a certainty that he will make an appearance in the party before the election.
Reform UK have also ruled out any dealings with the Tory Party or coalitions.
Unfortunately, under the first-past-the-post electoral system – even if the Reform Party picked up millions of votes, it would not receive a single seat in parliament. Defecting to Reform UK would however bring forth a powerful message to the established parties.
Maybe this is the time for a change in the voting system, something resembling the truly democratic system that was utilised for the EU Referendum in 2016 where every vote counted.
Richard Tice said it would not be “easy” for Reform UK to make a breakthrough at the next general election, but “if you don’t try, you have got no chance”.
Asked what would represent a good result for his party, Mr Tice told reporters: “We are very clear. We need millions and millions of people to vote for us to help send a very clear message to help save Britain and to avoid the catastrophe of Starmergeddon.
“We all know, no bones about it, the first past the post electoral system is completely the wrong system, it is a disastrous system, we want proportional representation, that is a fairer system.
“We are not saying it is easy. It is difficult. But one thing is clear, if you are not on the ballot paper, if you don’t try, you have got no chance.”
Call it an insurrection or a coup d’état, or a revolution, neither are achievable without firearms, tanks, guerilla warfare or explosives. The Democrat machine which is calling the January 6, 2021 unarmed protest/riot an insurrection have no idea what a real fucking insurrection is.
An angry mob of civilian protestors who were unarmed and were let into Capitol Hill by security personnel were just a bunch of disgruntled voters. The armed police and Secret Service within the building had machine guns and pistols, and could have called up the U.S. military at any time to shoot the unarmed protestors. One unarmed female protestor was killed in cold-blood by an armed security officer. The United States has an army and many agencies who are armed to the teeth, therefore a bunch of unarmed civilians do not constitute as a viable threat, however angry and disenfranchised they may be.
The ridiculous and useless efforts by the Democrats to skew a mild riot by unarmed civilians and label it as an ‘insurrection’ is foul play and a fundamental misunderstanding of the term. The Democrat-run Colorado court which illegally blamed presidential candidate Donald Trump are misusing and subverting the process of law to ban Trump from running for president.
It is truly sad to see the subversion and corruption of the law and democracy by a political party that dare to call themselves ‘Democrats’.
On October 26, 2018 Democrat feminists stormed the U.S. Supreme Court and bypassing police lines. This was a protest by unarmed civilians and not deemed an ‘insurrection’. If they were Republicans, the Democrats would no doubt have called it an insurrection and caused a big fuss about it.
Just before 1 p.m. ET, hundreds of protesters crossed police lines to gather on the steps of the Senate, chanting, “November is coming.”
Some held large red signs with black letters, stretched across several steps that read, “We believe all survivors.” Two women kneeled in front of the steps, fists raised in the air, before hundreds more protesters who gathered in front of the steps.
Within half an hour, police began climbing the steps and detaining protesters. As they were brought off the steps, officers zip-tied protesters’ hands behind their backs before leading them away from the building.
U.S. Capitol Police said a total of 164 people were arrested during the protests for “crowding, obstructing, or incommoding.” Police said the people who were arrested were being processed offsite and would then be released.
As the protests in Washington D.C. continued to escalate, simultaneous protests were taking place in cities across the United States like Denver, Atlanta, Cleveland, and New York City. SOURCE
In 2024, the global landscape is poised for significant political and geopolitical shifts, with more people around the world participating in elections than ever before. However, the state of democracy appears to be in a precarious position, facing challenges and threats that demand urgent attention and adaptation from the Western world. With war, pandemic, and mass corruption rife in the weak West, the slow apathetic reactions to emerging global problems is in itself a problem.
The integrity of democracy is being tested in various parts of the world. Sham elections in countries like Belarus and Russia undermine the fundamental principles of democracy. Moreover, the dilution of democracy in India under the leadership of Narendra Modi and the corruption within the ANC in South Africa are indicative of the challenges faced by democratic systems. Additionally, the complex power dynamics in Pakistan further contribute to the global concerns surrounding democracy.
The relative decline of the West and the rise of Chinese power have significant implications for global democracy. The impact of Chinese aggression is evident in various geopolitical scenarios, including the grave danger faced by Taiwan due to the threat posed by Beijing. Furthermore, the strategic attention on China and the Pacific has influenced the actions of leaders like Vladimir Putin, potentially leading to events such as the invasion of Ukraine. If Putin takes Ukraine, he will move through Europe like a knife through butter — and the EU’s apathy to this is very worrying.
The Middle East has become a focal point of global concern, particularly with Iran’s determination to acquire nuclear weapons and its efforts to undermine regional stability. The Iran-backed Hamas attacks on Israel and the actions of Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have further escalated tensions in the region, posing risks to international shipping and contributing to a potential oil crisis. The Israeli military operation in retaliation to the grotesque Hamas attacks on civilians may be justified, however in the long-term it has created anger amongst many Islamic countries in the region and fuelled a prolonged escalation of war as well as mobilising entire new generations who have become radicalised.
Incumbent governments across the Western world are facing a challenging period, as evidenced by the outcomes of recent elections in countries like the Netherlands, Finland, Poland, and Slovakia. It is a certainty that Donald Trump will be re-elected as President of the United States, thus bringing forth further uncertainty, as the American socialists will no doubt rebel.
Global instability has had a profound impact on voters, leading to economic and cultural insecurities in Western countries. Rising voting blocs based on ethnic and religious identities have further exacerbated divisions within societies, leading to mass protests and communal tensions. The rise of agitant groups like Black Lives Matter and MeToo create a further polarising effect on society and culture.
The immigration crisis has emerged as a significant issue, with countries like Britain, Germany, and the US grappling with the challenges posed by large influxes of migrants. The political response to these challenges has become a focal point of debate and contention within domestic politics. The weak response by Western nations to the hordes of invading illegal economic migrants poses an existential threat to the survival of Western nations, and is being used by foreign enemies as a weapon.
Amidst these complex global challenges, there is a pressing need for a new approach to address the underlying issues. It is imperative to acknowledge the importance of building a better, stronger, and more secure future, one that addresses the multifaceted challenges facing the world in 2024.
Welcome to the thrilling fusion of technology and entertainment, where Augmented Reality (AR) reshapes the landscape of iGaming, offering an enchanting journey through immersive casino environments. Augmented Reality is no mere concept it’s a digital sorcerer that weaves the virtual and the real into a mesmerizing tapestry. But what secrets does AR hold, and how does it intertwine with the realm of iGaming?
Overview of Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality, abbreviated as AR, is the enchanting art of enhancing our physical world with a touch of digital magic. It’s akin to a wizard’s spell that overlays the tangible with computer-generated wonders, enriching our senses and experiences. Imagine seeing the world through a lens that not only reveals reality but also embellishes it with interactive, informative, and captivating elements. This technology’s potential is boundless, from turning navigation into a gamified adventure to revolutionizing the way we gamble online. As we venture deeper into this article, you’ll witness how AR doesn’t just augment but transcends the confines of online casinos, creating immersive worlds that beckon players with unparalleled allure.
Introduction to iGaming and Online Casinos
iGaming, a shorthand for internet gaming, is the digital evolution of traditional casino experiences, offering a gateway to a vast digital realm of excitement. It encompasses a cornucopia of online activities, from the whirl of virtual slot machines to the thrill of live dealer blackjack tables streamed directly to your device. Online casinos have revolutionized the way we gamble, providing convenience, accessibility, and a plethora of games that rival the opulence of land-based establishments. However, while the virtual realm offers myriad conveniences, it has often lacked the charm of physical casino floors and the thrill of face-to-face interactions. Here’s where AR steps in, transcending the digital divide to introduce an element of magic, interaction, and immersion into iGaming. As we delve further into this article, prepare to discover how AR is sculpting the future of online casinos, crafting immersive environments that blur the lines between fantasy and reality.
Augmented Reality in iGaming
Welcome to the enthralling world where Augmented Reality (AR) merges seamlessly with the universe of online gambling, conjuring immersive casino environments that redefine the very essence of gaming. In this section, we embark on an exhilarating journey to unveil the flawless integration of AR technology within the realm of online casinos, where the boundaries between reality and virtuality blur, promising an unparalleled gaming experience.
Exploring the Integration of AR in Online Casinos
Envision entering a digital casino where the glamour and excitement of a physical gaming establishment come alive on your screen. AR technology accomplishes this feat by overlaying virtual elements onto your real-world surroundings. It’s more than a mere visual enhancement it’s a transformation that reimagines online gambling. AR transcends aesthetics, infusing online casinos with interactive features that elevate every spin and wager. From lifelike casino settings that transport you to opulent resorts to dynamic interactions with virtual dealers, AR reshapes the iGaming landscape, bridging the gap between the tangible and the digital.
Benefits of Augmented Reality in iGaming
The advantages of AR in iGaming are multifaceted and profound. First and foremost, it amplifies realism, enveloping players in a virtual casino environment that feels astonishingly authentic. It’s akin to having a VIP pass to a world-class casino, all from the comfort of your own space. Beyond realism, AR introduces a new level of interactivity, allowing players to engage with the virtual world in unprecedented ways. Picture yourself manipulating virtual objects or conversing in real time with digital croupiers – these are the experiences AR brings to the table. Moreover, AR offers tailored gaming experiences, adapting casino settings and avatars to individual preferences. It’s a technological marvel that doesn’t merely enhance iGaming it revolutionizes it, promising a future where immersion, interaction, and enjoyment reign supreme.
Creating Immersive Casino Environments
Welcome to a realm where online casinos transcend the ordinary, becoming immersive playgrounds that captivate and thrill players in unparalleled ways. In this section, we embark on a journey to unravel the art of engaging players in deeply immersive experiences within the expansive realm of iGaming. Our exploration into the world of Augmented Reality (AR) gaming is vividly exemplified through the extraordinary case study of Leagueofslots.
Engaging Players in Immersive Experiences
At the core of AR’s transformative influence on iGaming lies its remarkable capacity to craft immersive experiences that reshape how players interact with online casino games. AR doesn’t merely enhance visual aesthetics it fundamentally revolutionizes player engagement. By harnessing cutting-edge 3D visuals and animations, AR heightens sensory involvement, transforming each spin and wager into a breathtaking adventure. Envision yourself seated at a virtual roulette table, where the wheel spins authentically before your eyes, or in a poker game where the cards spring to life in your hands. These are the immersive moments AR technology brings to iGaming, ensuring every player’s journey is an enthralling and visually captivating odyssey.
Leagueofslots: A Case Study in Immersive AR Gaming
Leagueofslots stands as an illustrious embodiment of what AR technology can achieve within the iGaming realm. This groundbreaking platform immerses players in a virtual casino environment that rivals the opulence of the most extravagant resorts. Through AR, players navigate a virtual casino floor, interact seamlessly with animated dealers, and participate in a diverse array of games set within a mesmerizing 3D world. Leagueofslots is a resounding testament to how AR transcends the conventions of traditional online gambling, ushering in an era where immersive experiences redefine the very landscape of iGaming, captivating players in ways that were once beyond imagination.
Attracting a Wider Audience
Unlocking the full potential of Augmented Reality (AR) in iGaming goes beyond creating immersive casino environments it’s about expanding the demographic reach and making online gambling more inclusive and engaging for a broader audience. In this section, we explore how AR achieves precisely that, and how it injects a social dimension into iGaming that fosters a sense of community and connection.
Expanding the Demographic Reach
Traditional online casinos have often been associated with specific demographics, primarily those seeking solitary gaming experiences. AR transforms this landscape by appealing to a broader spectrum of players. Its immersive and interactive nature breaks down barriers, making iGaming more accessible and appealing to a diverse audience. From seasoned gamers to those looking for entertainment, AR offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a tech-savvy millennial or someone seeking a novel form of entertainment, AR-powered online casinos cater to a wide range of interests and age groups, bridging generational gaps and attracting a broader, more diverse player base.
The Social Aspect of AR iGaming
One of the most compelling aspects of AR in iGaming is the infusion of a social dimension into the virtual casino environment. AR enables players to interact with each other in real time, creating a sense of camaraderie and competition. Picture playing a multiplayer poker game where you can see and chat with fellow players as if you were sitting at the same table, or sharing the excitement of a virtual slot win with friends in a dynamic AR environment. These social elements not only enhance the overall gaming experience but also appeal to those who seek the social aspect of gambling, adding a layer of enjoyment and connection that traditional online casinos often lack. AR iGaming is not just about playing games it’s about forging connections and fostering a sense of belonging within a vibrant gaming community.
Challenges in AR Game Development
While the prospects of Augmented Reality (AR) enhancing the iGaming sector with immersive casino environments are promising, it’s vital to recognize and navigate the substantial technological hurdles that developers encounter in this ambitious journey. In this section, we delve into the critical technological challenges that loom large in the realm of AR game development:
Hardware Complexity: AR experiences place demanding requirements on hardware capabilities. Achieving compatibility across a diverse array of devices, spanning from smartphones to specialized AR glasses, poses a substantial and intricate challenge for developers.
Precision Tracking and Calibration: The need for precise tracking and calibration of real-world objects and environments is pivotal for delivering a seamless AR experience. This necessitates meticulous development efforts and meticulous attention to detail.
Data and Bandwidth Demands: AR games come with substantial data transfer and low-latency connectivity demands. These demands can strain mobile data plans and raise access barriers in regions with limited network infrastructure.
User Experience Optimization: Striking the delicate balance between visually immersive experiences and seamless performance remains an ongoing challenge. Developers must craft high-quality user experiences without overwhelming the processing capabilities of players’ devices.
Complex Content Creation: The development of 3D assets, intricate animations, and interactive elements for AR games is a resource-intensive endeavor, requiring specialized skills and substantial resources for content creation.
Privacy and Security Considerations: AR applications often necessitate access to users’ cameras and location data, triggering legitimate concerns regarding privacy and security. Addressing these concerns transparently is crucial for building trust with users.
Rigorous Testing and Debugging: Ensuring that AR experiences function seamlessly across a diverse range of devices and real-world environments demands extensive testing and debugging efforts. This adds complexity and time to the development process.
Despite these formidable technological challenges, they serve as catalysts for innovation within the iGaming industry. As technology evolves and developers continue to push boundaries, solutions emerge, promising even more captivating and immersive AR gaming experiences in the future.
Case Studies: AR Triumphs in iGaming
Embarking on a journey through augmented reality (AR) success stories in the iGaming industry reveals a captivating realm where immersive casino environments redefine the player’s adventure. In this section, we unravel remarkable case studies that showcase the extraordinary influence of AR:
Leagueofslots: Revolutionizing the iGaming Experience with AR
Leagueofslots represents a pinnacle of AR’s transformative power in the iGaming universe. This groundbreaking platform immerses players in a virtual casino environment that rivals the opulence of the most extravagant resorts. Through AR, players navigate a virtual casino floor, interact seamlessly with animated dealers, and partake in a diverse array of games set within a mesmerizing 3D world. Leagueofslots exemplifies how AR transcends the boundaries of traditional online gambling, ushering in an era where immersive experiences redefine the very landscape of iGaming, captivating players like never before.
Exemplary Online Casinos Harnessing AR
Beyond Leagueofslots, an array of online casinos have embraced the potential of AR to provide players with immersive and interactive gaming experiences. These visionary casinos utilize AR to transport players to virtual casino floors, where they can engage with games, explore lifelike environments, and even interact with fellow players in real-time. Picture blackjack tables that materialize before your eyes or slot machines that spring to life in vivid 3D. These examples illuminate how AR enriches the allure of online gambling, promising a future where immersive casino environments are the norm rather than the exception.
Voices of Players and Their AR Adventures
The true testament to AR’s triumph in iGaming lies in the narratives and impressions of players themselves. Players recount their exhilarating experiences of navigating immersive casino realms, relishing the thrill of interacting with virtual dealers, and savoring the sense of camaraderie fostered by shared AR adventures. These anecdotes underscore the profound impact of AR on iGaming, foreshadowing a future where immersive casino environments are the undisputed champions, providing players with unforgettable journeys into augmented realms.
The Future Landscape of AR in iGaming
As we gaze into the crystal ball of iGaming, Augmented Reality (AR) emerges as a transformative force, poised to redefine immersive casino environments and player experiences. In this section, we embark on a journey through the thrilling prospects of AR, illuminating its potential to reshape the very fabric of iGaming:
Anticipated Technological Advancements
The road ahead for AR in iGaming holds the promise of remarkable technological advancements. We eagerly anticipate the emergence of more powerful AR hardware, sophisticated algorithms, and enhanced sensory feedback mechanisms. These innovations will unlock unprecedented levels of realism and interactivity, pushing the boundaries of virtual casino experiences. Players can anticipate increasingly immersive, visually captivating, and responsive AR encounters that seamlessly blend the virtual and physical worlds.
Evolving Player Expectations
As AR technology matures, player expectations will evolve in tandem. The hunger for richer, more engaging, and socially connected gaming experiences will steer the evolution of AR-powered iGaming platforms. Players will come to demand not just games but entire virtual realms where they can explore, interact, and compete with others in ways previously unimaginable. The future of iGaming hinges on the industry’s ability to meet and exceed these dynamic player expectations, driving relentless innovation and creativity.
Potential Impact on the Gambling Industry
The potential impact of AR on the gambling industry is nothing short of revolutionary. AR’s unique ability to craft immersive casino environments promises to attract a broader and more diverse audience. It has the potential to redefine the very essence of online gambling, transcending solitary gameplay and ushering in a world of shared experiences and social interactions. To see this innovative leap in action, visit website, where the lines between gaming and traditional leisure pursuits are already blurring, reinvigorating the industry and birthing new forms of entertainment.
The future of AR in iGaming extends far beyond the creation of immersive casino environments it entails a complete reimagining of the player experience and the continual pushing of boundaries within the realm of online gambling. As technology advances and player expectations soar, AR stands as the harbinger of a future where iGaming is more captivating, inclusive, and socially interconnected than ever before.
Redefining the iGaming Experience
As we draw the curtain on our exploration of Augmented Reality (AR) in iGaming, we find ourselves at the crossroads of technology and entertainment, where the role of AR in reshaping the online gambling landscape cannot be overstated. This journey has revealed that AR is not merely a tool it is a gateway to a future where online gambling reaches new heights.
Recapping the multifaceted role of AR in iGaming, we see how it has transported players to virtual casino realms, blurred the lines between the real and the virtual, and fostered dynamic, interactive worlds. Beyond the allure of AR’s immersive environments, it promises to redefine the very essence of player experiences.
Looking forward, the promise of immersive casino environments stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of online gambling. AR is at the helm, guiding the industry toward inclusivity and captivating a broader, diverse audience. In this convergence of technology and entertainment, the possibilities are boundless.
Yet, our journey is far from over. AR continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming. With each stride, it brings us closer to a future where online gambling is not a solitary pursuit but a communal, socially interconnected adventure. As we bid adieu to this odyssey through AR’s role in iGaming, we do so with excitement, knowing that the promise of immersive casino environments is just the prologue to an exhilarating chapter in the future of online gambling.
Readers’ Opinions: Voices from the iGaming Community
As we delve into the world of Augmented Reality (AR) in iGaming and the creation of immersive casino environments, it’s essential to hear from those who have experienced it firsthand. The iGaming community has been buzzing with excitement and anticipation, and here are some real reviews and opinions that offer diverse perspectives:
“I’ve been an avid online gambler for years, but AR in iGaming took my breath away. It’s like stepping into a luxurious casino without leaving my home. The realism is mind-blowing!” – SarahGamer123
“AR casinos have revitalized my interest in online gambling. The interactive elements and lifelike visuals make it an entirely new experience.” – JackHighRoller
“I was skeptical about AR in iGaming, but after trying it, I can’t go back. It’s more social, more engaging, and I’ve met fellow players from around the world.” – CasinoExplorer
“While AR is exciting, it comes with some technical hiccups. My device struggled to keep up, and that affected my enjoyment.” – TechChallengedGambler
“AR has immense potential, but the content needs to catch up. More games and variety would make it even better.” – ARenthusiast
These voices from the iGaming community reflect the diverse range of opinions and experiences with AR in online casinos. While many are enamored by its realism and interactivity, some highlight the need for technical improvements and a broader selection of AR content. It’s clear that AR has left a significant mark on the iGaming landscape, and the conversation is far from over.
Things have been busy at the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) with recent blocking orders against another eleven affiliate and gambling websites described as operating illegally in the country. Nevertheless, this is but a mere fraction of rogue providers. When looking at the bigger picture, players will be able to find plenty of licensed and legally operating real money AU online casinos sites.
Thunderpick, Greenspin, Candyland Casino, Digits 7, Golden Lion, Slotman, PayID Pokies, Jeetcity, New Vegas, Betibet, and Sector 777 are the websites said to be in breach of Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act of 2001. Additionally, the AMCA also formally requested for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Australia to immediately block access to all eleven sites.
According to the ACMA, its ability to enforce website blocking is one of the instruments in place to protect Australian players against illegal online gambling. The ACMA also noted that “even though a service looks legitimate” the chances of having adequate customer protection were incredibly low. This implies that Australian players that choose to use “illegal gambling services risk losing their money”.
These eleven new brands join a long list of brands that have also been since blocked by the ACMA, with recent rulings against BetUS and Wild Blaster amongst others, stating that they were operating in the country by offering offshore gambling services illegally.
Seven Also Gets Fined
While we’re on topic, broadcasting company Seven Network Operations Ltd (Seven) has also been fined by the ACMA last month for breaching advertising rules for online gambling. This breach follows a formal warning by the same authority back in 2022. The investigation found that ‘Seven’ featured an ad during the livestream of an NFL game, breaching the rules that state that gambling adds cannot be displayed during sporting events or live streams between 17:00 and 20:30 in Australia, including five minutes before or after the game. To this end, Seven was slapped with a AU$13,320 fine, representing the maximum amount the ACMA was able to impose under these circumstances.
Credit Cards No Longer Accepted
In other news, there’s also been a recent approval in the Australian Senate for all credit cards to be banned as a method of payment for online gambling. This recent news sent ripples across the community, with a quasi-blanket ban set to be enforced within the next six months across Q1 and Q2 of 2024. This Bill was passed last month by Australia’s House of Representatives, allowing it to make its way up to the Senate. This was approved last week, clearing the path for it to pass into Australian law. At present, credit cards are already banned as an acceptable form of payment within all land-based casinos in Australia. This implies that this new Bill will place a countrywide ban on all types of credit card gambling payments.
What the Daily Squib predicted in 2012 is slowly coming into fruition, and at the Davos 2023 meeting of the World Economic Forum, a presentation by an Iranian woman from Duke University, USA who gleefully presented a new technology that exists today talked candidly about the brain monitoring mental slavery technology that will be introduced to the global workforce soon.
Beyond 1984
The complete control of the human brain has been a goal for a long time by the controllers, and in the near future AI assisted software and hardware will be utilised on the entire human workforce. Mental slavery is what some people call it, but business owners are touting this as a productivity tool.
“As an employer, I want the full attention of my employees. To be employed within my organisation, it is imperative that your brain waves and thought patterns be monitored at all times to check if you are completing the tasks given to you. Our company pays you to do a job, therefore we expect you as an employee to divest your entire brain capacity at all times within the work environment to do that particular task or job. The beauty about this system is that anyone who has nefarious thoughts, or is thinking of something else while supposedly working, will be rooted out and fired. Those people who think about their work will be rewarded with bonuses. As we integrate AI into the business world, humans will be forced to integrate as well to be useful to businesses. Without complete control over the employee, we cannot have full transparency and a future for the worker,” a company owner revealed at the Davos meeting.
At the moment, the mental slavery mind-reading headsets are external, but in the close future it will be mandatory for employees to have neural brain implants to monitor their thoughts 24 hours a day.
Digital Feudalism
The uses for monitoring your thoughts are extensive; schools will be able to monitor pupils, employers will monitor employees, organised religions will monitor faith, criminal organisations will be able to root out informers or undercover agents, intelligence agencies will be able to monitor the entire population, advertising agencies will monitor your purchasing power, insurance companies will be able to monitor fraud etc.
It is not just the WEF who are pushing this sort of mental slavery over humans, but so are the likes of billionaires like Elon Musk with his call for a Hive Mind much like insects where human individuality is completely assimilated into the collective. Zuckerberg’s Metaverse is another strand of the same concept, but utilises clunky VR goggles at the moment, which are currently not being taken up by the majority of the population en masse. The key factor, much like the mass proliferation of smartphones, is to get the masses addicted to the tech so they cannot do without it. The next stage is to introduce internal brain chipping which will eventually be practically mandatory before anyone is in education, employment or a subject of forced behaviour modification.
Criminals in Britain have never had it so good. Half of Britain’s police forces do not investigate crimes and Home Office figures show that just one in 18 offences reported to police led to a suspect being charged in the year to this June, compared with one in six resulting in a charge a decade ago.
Crime pays these days
“People are choosing crime as a profession these days because the coppers have switched off. I been doing this game for forty years and never seen it so good. Bank robbery, burglary, drugs, racketeering, bribery, kidnap, loan sharking, betting scams, it’s all hunky fuckin’ dorey kushti,” a seasoned criminal revealed from his Essex mansion.
Another criminal from Whitechapel, East London, had nothing but praise for the police.
“I was up the apples and pears when I heard a bottle and stopper comin’. In me hand was a load of bees and honey, he must have heard a box of toys, well, I knew I was going to cop it hot, so I took out me berk. He came up and took a butchers, and it was obvious he didn’t want a Barney or be brown bread. Just then an old bag came out of her room with the biggest fuckin’ Bristols my mince pies have ever seen. The rozzer just stood there with his north and south hangin’ wide open. I made the first move and moved my bottle and glass out of there, when I dropped some of the bees and honey on me daisy roots the bottle picked up the stolen sausage and mash and handed it to me. He even gave us a wink and waved me on. Soon after down the battle cruiser me and the lads celebrated, we had a good bubble.”
Not many guitarists make me spark up, or have the little hairs on my arms stand to attention like Steve Vai, a truely creative being teleported from the outer regions of the Alpha Centauri nebula (4th quadrant) sent to this third rock from the sun to bring forth some of the most amazing guitar licks and compositions in rock history known to man. I first was awakened to Steve as a scrawny teenager discovering the wonders of guitar in the 80s and from then onto now he and his music has always been a staple of my listening pleasure. I recently saw him and his amazing band play at the London Palladium which was genuinely a cathartic experience. To be given the opportunity to interview him was truly a great honour.
Anyway, here it is, holy fuck, the Steve Vai interview…
STEVE VAI INTERVIEW
– We have to start with God first, specifically ‘For the Love of God’. For many people, this is truly a religious experience listening to this wonderful piece. The emotion and soul conveyed within this composition is actually unspeakable, especially the sort of climax beginning at 2:35 (album version) where you are pounding out those amazing runs. Living creatures have to have souls, and your song exemplifies this deep spiritual element to it. In fact, this is what I believe true musicians do, they channel that universal spiritual energy into that piece of wood, those strings and the electrical energy of the guitar. With regard to spiritual philosophy, the link from the lower mind to the higher, the antahkarana, I presume you have looked into many areas but is it more Buddhist or a hybrid of everything? Science says we do not have a soul. In the sense that spirituality can be fluid with growth through age and knowledge, tell us, Steve, do we humans have souls?
Well, I would never presume to be an authority on such matters, but I can give you my intuitive thoughts on your question. Humans do not have souls, they are soul. That is actually all we are. We are not our past, or our name, the thoughts in our head or even our body. Who we are is actually invisible in this world and that’s obvious to see when you see a dead body. There is only ever one thing that a person can know for sure that is true and that is that they are aware right now. That awareness itself is who you are and it is intrinsically tied to the present moment. You are the awareness that is able to say “I am”. Outside of this, there is nothing a human can know for sure is real.
You are the light of the world. Not the physical light but the light of awareness. For lack of a better term, you are consciousness. But there is only one consciousness and we all share it. In reality we are not separate from each other. Everything we experience in the physical dimension is seen through the filter of our beliefs, or the ego. This creates the physical world we experience individually. We see the world through a split mind and as such, we create illusions.
At this time in our conscious development we are still pretty dysfunctional. That is caused by the belief in scarcity that the ego suffers from.
As we look through the ego we take action based on what we believe is true. This is the cause of any suffering in the world. But when we look past the ego and look into the world through the spirit, we enjoy the experience of our true selves, our authentic personalities, our higher self, the very best of us and others. You may call this our spiritual sight.
This state of being, or dimension of reality, can be accessed by a human when they find the present moment, the now. When our attention is given to the now without any thought, judgement, blame, or fear in it, we enter our natural state of being which is different than our ego personality which always has lack and fear in it. Connecting to the present moment is the most vital and valuable thing a person can discover in life because this is the only dimension where real peace can be found. This is also the the only dimension where a person can have access to wisdom and the purest expression of their creative insights. When taking action in this state, there is nothing a person can do that could hurt themselves or another. On the contrary. Their actions are healing and they become a blessing in this guilty world.
When a person is present while entering their creative mind, their authentic personality gravitates to those things that are most fulfilling for them on a creative level. This is the only time a person can experience their unique, fresh and new creativity, and is also a dimension that I don’t believe AI will ever achieve. But who knows, consciousness can flow into whatever it wants to.
So, in this state of presence, a person is primed to receive those creative impulses that are most perfectly suited for them and their unfolding joy.
These impulses and inspirations come from within and are experienced as intuitive flashes of a full pectoral of a creative idea. Conversely, when creating is given to the ego, what’s created is a repeating of the past in different forms and the ideas are more like fantasies and are usually focussed on something to achieve in the future that will make the person happy. But this never works. The only real satisfaction and deep sense of fulfillment comes from those things a person does while they are connected to the creative impulse of the Universe that can only be discovered by embracing the present moment. You can only ever be happy in your now, and it’s always now. But happiness is a choice.
So, Whenever I do something that hits the mark, perhaps such as you described in “For the Love of God”, I am exercising my potential as a creative.
This is not an uncommon thing that people do in a multitude of fields. Any business, art, or anything that anybody does is empowered if they are loving what they are doing in the moment. There’s a quality that flows into what they do and that quality is felt by those who resonate with it.
So the moral of the story is, do what you love with no excuses.
So yes, I believe you are correct when you say “In fact, this is what I believe true musicians do, they channel that universal spiritual energy into that piece of wood, those strings and the electrical energy of the guitar.” But this holds true for anybody doing anything when they are connected to spirit.
We look into the world through a split mind, the spirit and the ego. This creates all the duality in the world we see. The Buddha, Jesus, Tolle and anybody that is consciously connected to spirit are all the same. We just see them as separate. They attract those that are in need of that particular language and teaching that a particular religion or spiritual guru etc, may be teaching. But we all end up in the same place in the end and that’s the recognition that we are truly and only spirit, and that our function is to allow that spirit to operate and manifest in the world through us. Once the majority of people make this discovery, the world will transform in ways that we can’t even imagine imagining right now.
– In this cold digital age, how do you bring the warmth of the analogue sound into your recordings?
One thing I do is keep an eye on the signal path and do my best to make sure everything is being sent through the best converters. Digital may never truly capture the warmth of analog, but that warmth to the ears of contemporary listeners is quickly being forgotten as something in the past.
– What piece or make of equipment live or studio have you used for your entire career, starting from Zappa to now, that you could not do without?
A whammy bar.
– I believe in the purity of the first take when recording, as I personally feel it exemplifies the pure creative energy and force at that moment in time. Do you think there is some truth to that in the creative sense, or that working over a piece with loads of takes/cuts is also part of the creative recording process?
It depends on the person performing it. Sometimes I like my first takes but not usually. I prefer to tweak things until they have all the elements I’m looking for which is the energy necessary for the track, something unique that I’ve never done before, all the right notes, a compelling melody to it, and other things.
There’s no right or wrong in either of these approaches, but I do recommend doing a few off-the-cuff takes before operating.
– Do you think that in the modern age, artists using the same template digital audio workstation linear software/plugins sort of makes everything similar? Before the software, musicians and artists did not have a visual sense of the music apart from paper and the mixing console, therefore it had more depth in my point of view because the artist was essentially forced to compose/visualise and feel the piece in their mind and through fluid emotion?
I would assume that the artist still has to visualize, and feel a piece of music in their minds regardless of the gear that is capturing it.
As we evolve through various generations of the evolution of the sound of music, it’s usually based on the gear that has evolved and that can give a generation a particular sound, but I don’t think the artists are so concerned with that. A music creator is usually subjected to the gear that is available at any given time in history, but it’s the notes and lyrics they choose that has the most powerful impact on the listener.
– How do you usually approach the creative process when composing music? Do you have any specific rituals or methods. Do you just noodle, let the fingers do the talking until something happens, or do you have a specific tune in your head that you want to transfer into reality?
It seems that when I am at my best, I visualize a song first. Perhaps not all the parts but the intention of the feeling, the tempo, perhaps a particular melody etc. I listen in my head instead of noodling with the fingers. But sometimes noodling can help. There’s no rules.
– Can you share any memorable or challenging moments from your collaborations with other artists or bands?
They all had their moments in one way or another. The last very memorable experience I had with another band was perhaps Hellfest when I went out and played “Still of the Night” with Whitesnake. It was their last show and the last song of their last show and I was able to be on stage with them. It was magnificent!
– Diamond Dave is a real dynamic character, can you recall a funny story about when you were in the DLR band in the 80s? Were there any specific challenges or highlights you encountered while touring and performing live with David Lee Roth’s band?
Every night after the show, Dave would throw a wild backstage party. I HAVE NEVER SEEN OR EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THEM.
Dave basically carried around on tour a whole room that would be set up every night. It had curtains, great mood lighting, a HUGE PA where we would dance to rock music, (Back in Black usually) a ton of great food and drinks. These parties would be attended by the band, special friends, radio and record company people and perhaps 50 or so teenage girls dressed in 80s sparkle. They were all eager to meet the band and dance and other things.
– The music biz can be treacherous for some artists, and many have been sucked under by either the punishing contracts or the sex, fame, drugs, egoes and booze. How did you get through it all and survive, and do you have any tips for people navigating this maze right now?
I seemed to have always been more interested in the creative process of music and I made the music business my friend. My attitude was always that the music business was here for me and I was here for it. I’ve met many creative and eager people in it. If a person has a defeatist attitude or harbor a victim mentality, they will see the music business, or anything in their life, as threatening.
I’ve seen people get sucked under as you put it. In regard to sex I am sort of old fashioned and have been in a monogamous relationship for 40 years. I enjoy the fame because it’s not out of control but it can come with it’s challenges, I never really got into drugs or booze because I don’t like being controlled by anything and prefer a clear mind. Although I’ve dabbled in these things, the pull to create was always stronger. I guess I could be considered to be a bit nerdy for a rock star.
– Sorry, I am not really a fan of Tim Henson or his band Polyphia, or as I like to call it Polyfilla, which is a brand for a ready-to-use, multipurpose patching compound used on walls. I find their music is somewhat soulless and frankly boring, but that’s my point of view. At what point does the technical guitar and sample chopping of bands like Polyphia detract from the art of song making, in your personal view?
I don’t put up any barriers to how people make their music. It’s all fine with me. What I listen for in music is how connected the artist was in making it. Some artists are very connected with a digital workstation and can crank out some inspiring things, but it’s all subjective because people are different and respond to different things in the music they make and listen to. Some people love Polyphia.
– Your philanthropic work in music education is commendable. How important do you believe music education is in today’s world, and what motivated you to support it?
Music education is vitally important in the youngest years such as kindergarten, 1st-perhaps 7th grade. This is where the seeds can be planted or the interest can be recognized.
After that, music education is important to those that it resonates with. I’m referring to those people who instinctually feel they are musicians.
A person finds what they are looking for. I learned most of my music training in high school but continued to study through college and beyond because I love the language of music. But it’s not necessary to understand music theory to be an effective musician. That comes from someplace else.
– Could you share some insights into your creative process when developing and designing signature guitars and musical equipment?
I usually don’t set out to guess what will work or what might sell best. In the past, whenever I would design something it was usually based on something that I felt was missing that I wanted to have. Thats how the Jem came about. When I was designing it I was designing it specifically for myself. I had no idea if anyone else would like it and didn’t mind what anybody may have thought about it. I just added things that I thought would be good for me. That’s the case with anything innovative that has come through me.
– What can fans expect from your future projects or upcoming releases? Are there any exciting developments you’d like to share about your musical journey?
I’m still eager to create. I will be on tour a lot in 2024 and perhaps 2025, but I have a solo acoustic vocal record almost complete, and I have a few orchestra albums in the can that need some tweaking, and I’m working on a project that I hope to reveal in 2025 that I believe will be unique, accessible, engaging and impressive, but it’s too early to talk about it. For those interested, keep an eye on my socials. And thank you for all the support.
I recently finished my Inviolate full world tour and we did 194 shows in 51 countries. It was a transformative experience and I am eternally grateful to all those that attended and supported the shows. You rock!
The Daily Squib predicted the Hive Mind in 2012. What we predicted is now finally coming into full fruition, as the cogs of so-called progress continue their slow turn. Along with Zuckerberg’s Meta, and now Elon Musk, the race is on to create a Borg-like hive mind prison, a sort of brain gulag where all thought will be similar and follow a controlled direction.
In a Collective, there are NO Individuals
One could postulate that the internet is already somewhat a hive mind, especially as all the conglomerates and Big Tech monopolies have completed their octopus grip over every facet of the once free internet.
What happened to the vision of Tim Berners-Lee is now a fucking concentration camp, an internet gulag…but it is now destined to become something even worse.
The expansion of the hive mind will eventually involve brain chipping. Another concept we foresaw from 2012 and 2016 “with the introduction of artificial intelligent systems, sentient machinery and brainchipping, there may be no place for humans to go other than the augmented fashion. Employers will require their staff to be chipped, and all transactions will require biometric approval. Therefore, if you wish to be employed, and eat, you need the chip.”
ULTIMATE CONTROL
The hive mind is more prevalent in the insect world, and this is where humans are being directed towards. We as a human race will be forced to be interconnected insects all following the same steered course by the controllers and as in the insect world, any form of different thought or ‘free thought’ will be punished by the thought police, the soldier ants, the worker bees.
The entirety of your mind is the last bastion of complete control and security for the controllers. They fear the number of people who could easily rise against them, this is why they want a hive mind for you while they will keep their own independence and individuality. In a hive mind, it will also be easier to filter out those who question what is happening, to root out the naysayers or those who value individual freedom because those people will stand out and be easier to spot.
Already, woke cancel culture, public shaming and woke mass programming starting from kindergarten is a sign that the hive mind is on its way and developing. Language itself is a form of programming, and so is controlled organised religion as well as the economic cycle of many humans who are tax slaves to a system from birth to death.
The controlled legacy media is also in tune with the hive mind, as they all blurt out the same headlines as any event in the world occurs. One can easily observe the same keywords and phrases being blurted out by robotic newsreaders from interconnected hive networks in countries like America.
Whether the future will be a hive mind Metaverse, or a Muskverse, the future will be as dystopian as it already is now, but probably even fucking worse. Enjoy.
Such was the vitriol and fear amongst American socialists about the former president’s huge poll numbers that they have now had Trump cancelled from the election in 2024. With only a deadbeat Biden running for the Democrats, a man with advanced dementia who needs an autocue for even the simplest of conversations, the woke cancel culture technique was the only option for Donald Trump. This is truly the end of democracy in America if this form of weaponised judicial corruption is not repaired.
Trump Cancelled from the election
For months, the president and first lady Jill Biden have told aides and friends they are frustrated by the president’s low approval rating and the polls that show him trailing former president Donald Trump. Joe Biden’s poll ratings are the worst any US president has ever received from the voting public, and this is why the Democrats had to effectively cancel the opposition, to end democracy in America by cancelling The Don.
Corrupt biased Democrat controlled judiciary
The all-Democrat appointed Colorado Supreme Court has now ruled against President Trump, supporting a Soros-funded, communist group’s scheme to interfere in an election on behalf of a corrupt Joe Biden by removing President Trump’s name from the ballot and eliminating the rights of Colorado voters to vote for the candidate of their choice. This is the end of Democracy in the USA, when courts can be hijacked by partisan biased parties and used maliciously to interfere in elections by cancelling a strong opponent who is high in the polls and supremely popular with the voting public. January 6 was not an insurrection, because the people were unarmed. It is impossible to have an unarmed insurrection, it was simply a riot of unarmed people who felt they were disenfranchised from the 2020 election due to the anti-democratic actions of the Democrat Party.
Will the corrupt swamp prevail?
Luckily, the US Constitution has some safeguards for this sort of attack on democracy, and the US Supreme Court will have the last word on the matter. Hopefully, democracy can be restored and these commie bastards who are trying desperately to interfere in the election process are thrown from the parapets, disgraced in their cowardly acts of bias and corruption. Civil war is possibly the only other option.
