Evidence of a parallel universe? 'Cold Spot' in space suggests there are alternate worlds with their own versions of reality

• Multiverse theory suggests there are infinite universes in the cosmos
• These infinite universes contain an infinite number of possible realities 
• A new study looked at a 'Cold Spot' in space that has baffled scientists for years
• The authors suggest it could be caused by our universe colliding with another
• If true, this would prove that our reality is one of many in the cosmos

In the desolate darkness of space it is difficult to imagine we are anything but alone in the cosmos.

But imagine for a moment that we are not alone, but in fact one of an infinite number of parallel universes that contain infinite versions of ourselves.

In one universe you might be president of the United States, while in another you could be made of gelatin.

This is the theory of the 'multiverse', and a new study has found that a mysterious 'Cold Spot' in space could prove our universe is merely one of an everlasting string of realities.

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A map of cosmic microwave background (CMB) sky produced by the Planck satellite. Red represents slightly warmer regions, and blue slightly cooler regions. The Cold Spot is shown in the inset and could help to prove the multiverse theory

For years, scientists have been stumped by the Cold Spot, which measures around 1.8 billion light years across.

Measurements of the universe's background radiation found this spot is colder than its surroundings by around 0.00015 degrees Celsius (0.00027 degrees Fahrenheit).

Researchers had previously suggested that the spot was cooler simply because it contained as many as 10,000 galaxies less than other, comparable regions of space.

But a new study has shown that this 'massive super-void' could not possibly exist, meaning the Cold Spot cannot be explained by any 'missing' matter.

This opens the origin of the Cold Spot to more peculiar explanations, with one being that it is proof of the 'multiverse'.

'We can't entirely rule out that the Spot is caused by an unlikely fluctuation explained by the standard model [of particle physics],' said study coauthor Professor Tom Shanks, an astrologist at Durham University.

'But if that isn't the answer, then there are more exotic explanations. Perhaps the most exciting of these is that the Cold Spot was caused by a collision between our universe and another bubble universe.

'If further, more detailed, analysis … proves this to be the case then the Cold Spot might be taken as the first evidence for the multiverse.'

If true, the Cold Spot could reveal that our cosmos contains an infinite number of parallel universes containing an infinite number of realities.

Measurements of the universe's background radiation found this spot is Colder than its surroundings by around 0.00015 degrees Celsius (0.00027 degrees Fahrenheit). Experts suggest the spot could be caused by our universe colliding with another

'These uncountable realms sit side by side in higher dimensions that our senses are incapable of perceiving directly,' astronomy expert Dr Stuart Clarke wrote in the Guardian.

'Each alternate universe carries its own different version of reality.'

'There will be one where you wrote this column and I read it... even a really weird one in which Donald Trump uses twitter to spread nothing but amusing cat videos.'

The Cold Spot was produced when the universe formed more than 13 billion years ago.

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The Cold Spot was produced when the universe formed more than 13 billion years ago. It was first spotted by Nasa's WMAP satellite in 2004, a sighting that was later confirmed by the ESA's Planck mission in 2013

It was first spotted by Nasa's WMAP satellite in 2004, a sighting that was later confirmed by the ESA's Planck mission in 2013. 

Rather than the Cold Spot existing as a single, massive supervoid, the new study suggests galaxies in the spot cluster around smaller voids that spread over the region like bubbles.

But these clusters of galaxies cannot explain the Cold Spot's lower temperature.

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In the desolate darkness of space it is difficult to imagine we are anything but alone in the cosmos. But imagine that we are not alone, but in fact one of an infinite number of parallel universes, containing an infinite number of versions of ourselves (artist's impression)

In order to prove that the clusters are responsible for the anomalous Cold Spot, the researchers say a non-standard cosmological model is needed.

'But our data place powerful constraints on any attempt to do that,' said study lead author Ruari Mackenzie.

The study's simulations show there is only a two per cent chance that the Cold Spot formed randomly, meaning - multiverse or not - there is plenty more research to be done on the mysterious region.

Russian Supreme Court Goes Ahead to Ban Jehovah's Witnesses

Members of the Jehovah's Witnesses Administration centre legal team awaiting the Judgement

Russia has decided to go ahead with the Ministry of justice's motion to ban Jehovah's Witnesses after the Supreme Court ruled the Christian Organization  to be an "extremist" group.

“The Supreme Court has ruled to sustain the claim of Russia's ministry of justice and deem the 'Administrative Centre of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia' organisation extremist, eliminate it and ban its activity in Russia,” said judge Yuri Ivanenko. “The property of the Jehovah's Witnesses organisation is to be confiscated to the state revenue." 

A lawyer for the justice ministry, Svetlana Borisova, told the court the followers of this religion “pose a threat to the rights of the citizens, public order and public security". Judges ordered the closure of the group's Russian headquarters and 395 local chapters, as well as the seizure of its property. 

Social networks have been abuzz with an outcry from all over the world about this decision. Some say it poses a threat to freedom of religion, not just to Russians but all Christians worldwide. Some say it is sad that the Court chose to overlook evidence presented before it of falsified "evidence" by police to the premises of Jehovah's Witnesses. The Ministry of Justice  has failed to prove how are Jehovah's Witnesses a re a threat to society and where in their publications are they promoting extremism. Some feel that Lady Justice has failed the minority groups in Russia. Some say this may have some political influence, but time will tell.

Lawyers for the Jehovah's Witnesses said they would appeal the court's decision, which has not yet come into effect, and could take the case to the European Court of Human Rights. The world is watching!

UNITED NATIONS RIGHTS EXPERTS URGE RUSSIA TO DROP JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES LAWSUIT WHICH THREATENS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

4 April 2017

GENEVA – Moves by the Russian Government to ban the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses using a lawsuit brought under anti-extremism legislation have been condemned as “extremely worrying” by three United Nations human rights experts*.

“This lawsuit is a threat not only to Jehovah’s Witnesses, but to individual freedom in general in the Russian Federation,” the experts said.

“The use of counter-extremism legislation in this way to confine freedom of opinion, including religious belief, expression and association to that which is state-approved is unlawful and dangerous, and signals a dark future for all religious freedom in Russia,” they stressed.

The condemnation follows a lawsuit lodged at the country’s Supreme Court on 15 March to declare the Jehovah’s Witnesses Administrative Centre ‘extremist’, to liquidate it, and to ban its activity.

A suspension order came into effect on that date, preventing the Administrative Centre and all its local religious centres from using state and municipal news media, and from organizing and conducting assemblies, rallies and other public events.

A full court hearing is scheduled for 5 April and if the Supreme Court rules in favour of the authorities, it will be the first such ruling by a court declaring a registered centralized religious organization to be ‘extremist’.

Concerns about the counter-extremism legislation have previously been raised in a communication by the three experts to the Russian authorities on 28 July 2016.

The Suspension Order imposed on 15 March is the latest in a series of judicial cases and orders, including a warning sent to the organization last year referring to the ‘inadmissibility of extremist activity’. This has already led to the dissolution of several local Jehovah’s Witness organizations, raids against their premises and literature being confiscated.

“We urge the authorities to drop the lawsuit in compliance with their obligations under international human rights law, and to revise the counter-extremism legislation and its implementation to avoid fundamental human rights abuses,” the UN experts concluded.


(*) The experts: Mr. David Kaye (USA), Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. Maina Kiai (Kenya), Special Rapporteur on freedoms of peaceful assembly and of association, and Mr. Ahmed Shaheed (the Maldives), Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. 

The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity. 

Religious freedom under attack in Russia

Russia (MNN) — The status of religious freedom in Russia continues to balance dangerously on a crumbling fulcrum. The latest in this news involves a group of people who may have recently knocked on your door: The Jehovah’s Witnesses.

(Photo courtesy of Mikey via Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/9Z5caa)

Russia’s Ministry of Justice has applied to have Jehovah’s Witnesses activity, organization, and headquarters declared that of an extremist group. This would ban further activity and liquidate the organization. The faith group has kept a detailed account of proceedings of the Russian government against them, including an inspection of the headquarters last month. A hearing on the application will take place next week, April 5th.

Open Doors USA is an organization that supports the persecuted Christian Church around the world. However, this ministry also recognizes the importance to fight for freedom of religion for all religions, including the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Emily Fuentes of Open Doors explains why:

“It’s concerning because there have not been any extremists attacks from Jehovah’s Witnesses within their area versus some of the groups where there are extremists who do attacks. Any time you’re labeling a group with an extremist ideology, it puts other faith groups at risk.”

She explains that in some areas of the world, particularly in the Middle East and Central Asia, Christianity has already been labeled an extremist religion.

“So it’s just one step away where you’re labeling another group that hasn’t been responsible for extremist actions or attacks as extremists. We need to speak up because it could very well be Christians next.”

Under the shadow of the law

Last year, Russia adopted a new anti-terrorism law. Under the guise of thwarting terrorist attacks, the vaguely written law has had many ministries concerned. Depending on how it is applied, the law could hinder Christian functions in Russia.

Reuters says it’s another, older law which is the ground for accusations in this current case with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. This law against extremism has had changing definitions of what counts as extremist activity. You can read more about that from the Library of Congress here.

“It is concerning when this happens. It’s something to monitor, it’s something to be very mindful of for Christians in this part of the world,” Fuentes says.

Open Doors USA is keeping an eye on the situation. But no matter what happens, Fuentes suggests, the Gospel will continue to spread.

“We often see that the Church grows and thrives in the face of persecution. There’s a lot of horrible things that come with persecution, but God also brings beauty out of ashes in many of these cases. So pray for strength if persecution is going to be increasing in this region, if Christians are targeted next.”

She also asks that we pray for Christians in these areas to be wise in how they stand up for other groups who are facing oppression and mistreatment. In response to this imminent ban, the Headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses has encouraged their members from all over the world to engage in a Global letter writing  campaign to appeal to the Russian authorities to review the matter and not label them as extremists since there has not been any evidence of extremist behavior from any from this religious group. From their official Website, jw.org, they posted this call in their Newsroom. Here's the link https://www.jw.org/en/news/releases/by-region/russia/jw-mobilize-global-response-to-threat-of-ban/

Amazon Prime Video now available in South Africa

Stream movies online from as little as $2.99 

Amazon Prime Video is now available in South Africa, following its launch in over 200 countries.

“Customers can sign up for a Prime Video membership and enjoy popular new shows like The Grand Tour and award-winning Amazon Original Series including Mozart in the Jungle,” said Amazon.

Customers in new Prime Video territories can access the service for an introductory price of $2.99 per month for the first six months.

South Africa’s pricing is listed at $2.99 per month.

Prime Video can be watched through its app on Android and iOS, Fire Tablets, LG and Samsung Smart TVs, or online at PrimeVideo.com.

Users can also download all titles to mobile devices for offline viewing.

“Prime Video members can also control how much data they use when streaming and downloading video by choosing between Good, Better, and Best visual quality settings.”

Amazon Prime Video’s automated and machine learning systems will also select the best streaming configurations for a customer based on their device, location, and ISP, said the company.

IS wants to host government cloud

Hosting a government cloud is an area that Internet Solutions (IS) would like to strategically explore, according to the company's newly appointed public sector executive, Mncedisi Mayekiso.
The IS offering represents something that is at the centre of what the local government wants to do around service delivery, he noted. "Government is now changing the consumption model, so we are starting to see changes in how IT will be consumed going forward. Maybe we are not there yet, but… naturally, government would like to make sure that cloud is hosted locally.

Mncedisi Mayekiso, Puclic Sector Executive, IS

Mayekiso made the comments following his appointment, late last year, to head up the public sector business of the wholly owned Dimension Data Group subsidiary."IS has one of the largest data centre cloud infrastructures in the country. That is, 16 000m² of data centre; in other words, we can host a government cloud quite easily."
When it comes to driving smart city initiatives and the roll-out of public WiFi infrastructure that government is pushing, IS wants to be at the centre of this activity.


Grooming young talentHe said IS wants to play a central role in the conversation about private or hybrid cloud for government, and it would be quite happy to collaborate with other service providers.

Although Mayekiso said he would not be drawn into quantifying how significantly the public sector business contributes to the company, he said: "It is a very strategic part of IS business and represents a fair chunk."
Mayekiso is looking to work with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) aggressively to deliver services to customers.
"In general, as an industry, we need to accelerate small business development. There are a lot of young and promising SMEs out there and we need to support and grow them; we need to see these companies grow and list on the JSE.
"We, in the private sector, jointly with government, need to make sure that some of the lucrative contracts that are out in the market we share with SMEs and work on them jointly going forward."
He added: "We can take on these companies and do a skills transfer fairly quickly; we can work with them and bring them into our environment – that is the exciting thing around enterprise development."

Current landscape

Mayekiso said the industry is in an interesting period, as more people want to consume services on the go, at work and at home – and they want to consume it easily.
"I feel the pace of innovation is there, but compared to the global landscape, SA is lagging behind in terms of new innovators and young companies that are coming and doing things differently," he noted.
"I think that as an industry we are probably due for a much faster innovation in terms of new entrants coming in and disrupting the market.
"In terms of skills, we are a country of 55 million South Africans, and a fair chunk of these people are the youth. We should really quit complaining about the skills and just get on with the idea of building our own skills and training our own people. For me, skills development is one of the key areas."

Please Respect Big built Ladies- Woman desperate after taxi drivers charge her double because of her weight

41-year-old Lizeka Gongxeka of Jabavu Street, in Cape Town's Langa says she is desperate because her whole community laughs at her and taxi drivers charge her double because of her weight.

"I was born like this," said mother of four who weighs 250kg, "I'm not a big eater, but I'm always out of breath.

"I want to lose weight so that I look thin and have a well-proportioned body."

"My mother comforts me every day because it's nerve-wracking to be obese. I've been diagnosed with high blood pressure and recently visited a doctor as we're worried because my bones ache, especially when it's cold."

Lizeka said doctors get cross with her for missing appointments and insists that it's not her fault since taxi drivers want to charge her double for taking up two seats.

"I don't have enough money - just my child support grants," said Lizeka. 


Local taxi driver Morris Sandi said: "I force stout passengers to pay extra.

"Lizeka must understand she's got unusual weight and has to do something about it," said Morris. 

Lizeka said: "I go job hunting, but employers don't even look at me.

"They say no one will employ me because I am too big. It's frustrating. It's hard for me to clean the house or even take a bath as I have only a small basin."

Her friend, Nomonde Jack, said: "She's not lazy. Things are just tough for her.

"I keep suggesting that she sees a specialist so her fatty tissues can be removed. But the problem is money. It's so bad she has to call for help as she struggles to get through her own doorway!"