How Much Is Your Life Worth?

The Environmental Protection Agency previously set the price of a human life at $11.7 Million dollars. Interesting figure. The current Trump EPA has changed that value to $0.00. Very interesting...

I-Don't-Know.

I used to think Joe Rogan was kinda your Joe Everyman with an extra dollop of curiosity who was just trying to figure things out like any dumb SOB (ie- the rest of us). Lately, particularly with his enthusiastic Trump support (after emphatically proclaiming he wouldn't), I just gave up on the guy- he's just a forever one step forward, two steps back kinda guy!

However, this woman (this doctor) seems to make sense (least to me), but truth is- I don't know. When it comes to the whole vaccine debacle, I have my doubts either way, so that in the end... I-don't-know!!! I just don't have the scientific chops to say which side is (in part or in whole) right, or wrong! And I don't think most people do; they just pick the side their politics or friends are on- and go with it! Pretty much what I first did- but I always had the lingering doubts, sometimes louder, other times... not so much. And after considerable pondering (they're right- no, they're right; well, they're wrong about that, but they're right about...) and bouncing about from one end of the paddle to the other (and finding temporary homes in each camp without feeling totally comfortable in either)- I've finally reached a solution. That is, I'm absolutely comfortable in saying... I-don't-know! And I'm perfectly fine with saying that- I've even grown to like the sound of it! 

How did I reach this unenviable non-conclusion? Basically, I just don't trust either side for the life of me! I've always loved science, but science actually has a rather long history of not always getting things right; well, Stan- you can't compare faux science like Phrenology to real, modern day, 21st century science. Agreed. But I've read enough "science" from nutrition to cosmology to realize that the science on either and everything is constantly changing, sometimes reversing and always evolving. Science is as good as our: experiments, measurements, current technologies and final conclusions and interpretations of data... based on the questions we ask. That said, science usually gets it right... Just don't get me started on Big Pharma, their history (despite whatever legitimate achievements they can, in fact, claim) is one of purposeful deceit and subterfuge whenever in conflict with the pursuit of The Almighty Dollar- and unfortunately, science makes its bed with Big Pharma. So here are some questions, statements, points of contention and legitimacy on either side when it comes to Covid, and vaccines in general:

Photo: © Stan B.

Anti-vaxxers claim that more people died/are currently dying from the consequences of the Covid vaccine than people who died from the virus at the peak of the pandemic- they're just being listed as dying from other diseases. My counter is- during the peak of the pandemic we had temporary morgues sprouting all over major cities world wide, if more deaths are resulting from the vaccine itself, then we should be seeing even more of those temp morgues post pandemic, no matter what they labelled cause of death- a dead body is a dead body, and I just ain't seeing it. 

I remember Dr./Sen. Rand Paul (who I can't tolerate) arguing with Dr. Fauci- Paul argued he didn't have to get the vaccine since he had already contracted and survived the disease, and was therefore naturally immune. Fauci insisted he should still get vaccinated, which doesn't make sense, he already had the best immunity possible (if memory serves, this was before it had... mutated)!

A good, healthy immune system is the best defense against disease- undoubtedly! But American Indians exercised and ate organically each and every single day- we all know what happened when they met European bacterium and viruses... 

No vaccine is completely safe- there are always those who will react badly and suffer complications, sometimes serious, sometimes deadly. The Covid vaccine received much less testing time, using a smaller sampling of the population than most other approved vaccines (using a technology which, while not untested, was not traditionally used for vaccines). That alone should demand even more stringent testing and follow up examination!

Then there's China, Fauci and the Wuhan lab- all notoriously tight lipped about the dangerous gain of function research being funded and conducted there. The only time they did speak was to deny (ie- outright lie about) the existence of said research (and it's possible consequence of leaking deadly viruses into the environment)- that research has now been confirmed, and the possibility of Covid originating from said lab has gone from impossible to probable, if not downright indisputable... It's that level of self inflicted denial, obfuscation and outright falsehoods that science willingly imposes upon itself that causes such massive, public doubt! Admit mistakes- it may cause embarrassment short term, but it actually serves to enhance public trust in the long run!

Do vaccines cause autism (at least in some cases)? Doubt it, but I honestly don't know- and I'm definitely not comfortable with a program that injects multiple vaccines into our youngest of children in just one shot! But Stan, we're subjected to hundreds of potential pathogens every day- exactly, so why add multiple disruptors intravenously injected at such a tender age when our immune systems are just developing for Chrissakes? Space - them - out; let the body develop and recuperate!

Unfortunately, the medical field, like politics, is filthy with well connected financial donations (ie- corruption). Big Pharma and our pitifully anemic, massively overpriced and mediocre (at best) health plans and coverage in the US are testament to this. Dr. Humphries is well worth a listen- and I'm a three time Covid vaccine recipient.* Is she correct? I-don't-know, but I wish another doctor/scientist (several actually), not in any way connected with Big Pharma (is that even possible?) would explain in laymen's terms why she is wrong, right or anywhere in between... Capisce?

*I really didn't want to get that third shot (mandatory for work)- each time it made my arm sore as hell, along with a headache and fever- don't ever recall experiencing that with other vaccines.

W-T-F!

I honestly don't know what to make of this guy. His affect is far from grandiose, actually, he's pretty low key, and as a fairly accomplished actor, I gotta think that maybe, just maybe, his whole genius routine is one grand act, a prank, a how dumb do ya gotta be to take any of this for reals...

And give credit where credit due- his pseudo-science gibberish is masterfully articulate and delivered with such naive enthusiasm and conviction that he makes one genuinely want to denounce science, turn common sense upside down and inside out, then deliriously embrace his scatterbrained combobulation as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but... Seriously, if nothing else- I was entertained... this is a fanciful and articulate version of The Weave, even his mispronunciations sound believable! I want to live in his universe, where anything is possible and you get to believe whatever you say!!! I wanna believe that 1x1= 2, I wanna believe in the bisexual tones of the periodic table! Please, Terrence, anyone- make it all come true! 

Open Your Mind- Michio Kaku

 Are we alone? "Of course, what took you so long," Michio Kaku.

Been a while since last posted. So here's something to think about, starting at... 15:35. Michio (who now believes the burden of proof has shifted to proving UFO's are man made) asks us- "What if they are hundreds, thousands, millions of years more advanced than us?" That's always been the thing that ticks me off- STOP thinking like a primitive simian hominid!!! They sure as hell don't! Forget the landing on the White House lawn BS. And forever refrain from the condescending (I'll cover my ass every which way as politely as possible) non answer- well, they probably do exist but they're so far away, yada, yada, yada... 

The way they think, live and travel is not beyond our imaginings- but it is well beyond our present technology and understanding. "Open your mind-" one hundred fifty years ago, trans oceanic travel measured in hours was a laughable pipedream, think of what thousands of years could achieve (precluding self destruction)... then think another million to our current 6!

PS- 38:00 also quite interesting...

Yup.

This (difficult as it is) I understand fully.

This I can't even begin to fathom...

Interview With A Scientist

This is Professor Garry Nolan- legit, BIG Time scientist (Nobel Prize nominee and "Experiencer"). He is neither a "Ufologist," nor someone who runs from the topic or the challenge. In other words, he's a true scientist, skeptical, but eternally curious; he seeks to engage the unknown with science- as any good reputable scientist should and unfortunately doesn't, or can't (lest they lose their... credibility- ie funding).

Implosion!

Always wondered about implosion ever since I heard about the USS Thresher. This video is, in a word, mesmerizing- equal parts macabre and fascinating, as it uhhh... artfully depicts what happens both to vessel and human body. 

The deaths incurred in the Titan were both tragic and needless, to say the least: the DIY submersible was not inspected or certified by any regulating body for any safety standards whatsoever, the hull was made primarily of carbon fiber- a material not specifically constructed to withstand pressure, and this particular carbon fiber tube was bought cut rate since it was already past its prime! Did I mention the main viewing porthole was certified only to one third the required depth!?

Mad inventor risk taker Stockton Rush was literally daring the gods not to kill him and his... unknowing test subjects each and every time they descended. It's one thing to throw caution to the wind with your own life and safety, quite another to repeatedly place the life of others in such grave and wanton danger.

Beyond Pain!!!

I've experienced some pain in my life as of late- but this is literally well beyond imagining! 
BTW- nothing like a family that has your back...

Actually...

4/22/2023 6pm PDT         Photo: © Stan Banos

Over the years, I've come to firmly believe in reincarnation, which was part of Judeo/Christian beliefs back in the day (way back in the day) before both religions became more commodified to suit their more earthly needs. FWIW- reincarnation is in complete and total harmony with Christ's "live forever" teachings.

My belief in reincarnation stems (in part) from NDE recountings, which are often slagged off by doctors and scientists alike as mere drug induced, oxygen depleted hallucinations- fair enough, until some patients also started recalling individual details that happened (during their quasi brain dead state) in the operating room by the surgeon and his crew as the former "float" overhead and watch said goings* while also experiencing some combination of a life review and a short introduction to the secrets of the universe (including the role of reincarnation), all in short order. Eventually, in this time relevant/irrelevant scenario, the person is persuaded to reunite with their broken bodies after first pleading to stay in the far better realm (a realm often inconsistent with their own religious or atheistic beliefs). The individual details differ but the basic scenario remains- we're here to experience, learn and thereby graduate to the next level. 

Religion is basically the politicalization of spiritualty (never a good thing), and our fledgling science is limited by its own arrogance and pitifully limited resources and technology- just look at the trauma inflicted on age old scientific theories by the Webb. We confidently stroll about thinking we got it all straight about our creator(s) and his, her, their ultimate plan- just ask any acolyte of any major religion (or cult), or just as confidently amble forward in our indomitable armor of science... despite not knowing what 96% of the physical universe is made of, or even where it is! Yeah, and you're calling me crazy...

*or you can choose to believe debunker Woerlee's swamp gas alternative facts!

To The Rescue!

Now, being a city boy and all, can't say I knew much about this. I would have obliviously walked on by like most other folk on their way through their local heath, and figure the sheep in question was downright lazy, pensive or just another fentanyl down and out. But now that I'm enlightened, I just can't wait to try it out and save, save, save as many as possible. It may require a slight relocation to uhh... greener pastures- but I'm determined to find, upright and save me a sheep!

For The Skeptics

Finally! The Phenomenon is a sober, well produced documentary on the major events of UFO history. Praise the Lord it's not another TV "reality" based docudramedy complete with repeated video snippets, followed by the same edits in slow-mo ad nauseum... It's a refreshingly coherent, well documented, linear history of the major events that have transpired these past 75 years, that includes interviews with: pilots, astronauts, law and military officers, astrophysicists and everyday close encounter witnesses (including school children, and their teachers threatened into silence).

It just came out- watch while still free and available (and make sure to listen to the closing credits)...You have to be well beyond skeptical to dismiss all the information, evidence and witnesses that are presented here offhand- not that that will stop Neil deGrasse Tyson from dutifully mouthing the official party line. 

ADDENDUM: Well, that was uhhh... Quick! Oh, well- snooze ya lose; two free days better than none. If memory serves, it had stated it was released 9/30/2022- when it actually seems to have come out in... 2020!? Hhmmm... still very much worth the $4.00 rental any way ya cut it!

The Gold Standard (ie-The Kaku Effect)

Recently, Neil deGrasse Tyson was on some talk show or 'nother, and the host asked him about the tic-tac videos, and next thing ya know he's rapidly babbling about the "quality of sensors" and how we really can't be sure about this, that and the other- and then completely changes the topic faster than light speed. It was pretty damn funny pathetic witnessing such an obvious, complete and pathetic dodge... Really thought he'd have a more practiced, convincing dodge at the ready than what amounted to near panic!

Video footage, ground and air based radar, and multiple eyewitnesses- multiple eye witness fighter pilots trained in our latest air defense technology, trained to identify every naval ship, commercial and military plane in the world- somehow none of that could satisfy Tyson's "quality of sensors!" Surprised he didn't blurt out... "Swamp gas!" 

Fortunately, not every scientist debunking diehard is mired in the mud of unwavering, steadfast denial; some actually believe and rise up to the challenge that science actually presents- not the preservation of age old beliefs, but committing to the serious, steadfast exploration of the unknown.

Michio Kaku is such a scientist, one of credible stature (to say the absolute least) who realizes that the tables have obviously turned, that debunkers (no matter their credentials, military or scientific) can no longer claim that the UFO phenomena is a realm solely compromised of kooks, whackos and tin foil hats. Credible evidence is already there for those who seriously want to consider it, it's the (financially backed) study and investigation by the scientific community that awaits.

1.618

 

Photo: © Stan Banos

Recently I photographed a tag consisting of three words that I sorta suspected was somehow tied into something larger- it was. Then I chanced upon this particular number and wondered the same- drug reference maybe, Nazi code? Obviously, yours truly's not the brightest bulb in the pack, or I would have recognized it right off as... The Golden Ratio!

Rockwell Automation Overload!!!

Well it's too late to order one of these smooth operators to coordinate all your basic household needs in time for this Christmas. But while you contemplate ordering one of these little multi-syllabic humdingers for next holiday season- you can certainly make the best use of your remaining time by ordering a can of WD-40 to gently quiet its myriad of hatches...

Gets hardcore at 0:50 (with the opening of the first latch).

Good Run...

 While it lasted!

How Crazy???

At this point, I'm actually starting to think that membership in the Flat Earth Society would be a step up for many an American! That's not a joke, exactly- can it possibly get any crazier than... 4:35!

 

And that's the kinda of abject ignorance and stupidity that allows this (or is it the other way around)...

Reality Check

Shadows can be pretty funny critters with all their particular peculiarities, and yet we see and experience them each and every day. Advancements in computer software has certainly helped suss things out these days. And while it's hard enough to make sense of the things we actually can see, that won't stop certain people from pontificating on what they can't- oh, things like... viruses.

 

Just Do It!

MAGA folk have yet to realize that the more of them that don't- the less of them there are...

"Vexatious"

The Pentrych Incident- no, never never heard of this one!
But is it bigger than the one discussed here...

 Fun Fact: The wings of an airplane tear off at 15g's- the Tic Tacs were estimated at up to... 5,700!

P-A-N-D-E-M-A-N-I-A!

A year and a half in the making, P-A-N-D-E-M-A-N-I-A! has been something we have all experienced- to whatever extent (hopefully not the most extreme), wherever we live. Those of us who have emerged whole with jobs, homes, families and health intact are the lucky ones! We can look back at our discomfort, inconveniences, trials and tribulations as a rather unique and unfortunate chapter in our lives- not the trial by fire others did not escape.

Now that we start to reclaim the lives we led before the great disruption (or begin the new ones we have forged) is perhaps the best time to: let loose, reflect, mourn, rejoice, plan, relax... do whatever required to make ourselves whole- and perhaps realize that we can much better face future calamities working together for a common good.

P-A-N-D-E-M-A-N-I-A! is not so much the solemn, somber look back at the worst of times (those are yet to come), it's more a somewhat light hearted reflection on the daily disruptions, adaptations and insanities to a situation we did not foresee, but nonetheless endured...

Please Note: Once at Blurb, make sure to click on arrows on upper right to view and embiggen. Copy discount should you choose to purchase (I do not make profit- either way).

Pandemania!

By Stan Banos