Another video on the Homo florensiensis situation. Recent research suggests that the "Hobbit" might not be a dwarfed Homo erectus (sensu stricto) but some kind of pre-human or almost-human. Perhaps an australopith (sensu latto)? I´m not surprised. I had a hunch in this direction already seven years ago. So can we go home now? Second breakfast, guys!
New research on the mysterious "human" (?) species known as Homo floresiensis suggests that they didn´t and couldn´t hunt dwarf elephants in their island habitat of Flores 100,000 years ago. Rather, the Hobbit (as this species of Homo is colloquially called) was feeding on carcasses of said pachyderm. The unfortunate proboscids had already been hunted and killed by Komodo dragons! That is, the extremely large monitor lizards known as "Komodo dragons" (this species of reptile is of course still around).
Not sure what to make of this. If Homo floresiensis is an example of insular dwarfism - a shrunken Homo erectus as it were - then the erecti weren´t fully "human" in our sense of the term, still being subject to natural selection (which our species can at least try to escape or transcend). But isn´t there also evidence that Homo erectus were smarter than hitherto assumed? I mean, how on earth did they even *reach* Flores in the first place?
So I don´t know. Something strange is going on here. Either evolution can in extreme cases "go backward" even in a lineage were intelligence is developing. Or the good ol´ Hobbit wasn´t really a human in the first place, but some kind of stray australopith a long way from home...
Both perspectives are pretty mind-boggling. So if Frodo and his 57 half-cousins keep you up at night, pray that the Hobbits (those at Flores) were just monkeys!
Overheard on the interwebs: the Tolkien Estate actually forbade (or tried to forbid) scientists from calling specimens of Homo floresiensis "Hobbits".
So heeeeere we go, chat!
Hobbits...hobbits...hobbits...hobbits...hobbits...hobbits...hobbits...hobbits...hobbits...hobbits...hobbits...hobbits..hobbits...hobbits...hobbits...hobbits...
But wait a sec. Åke Ohlmark´s Swedish translation of "Lord of the Rings" was unauthorized, so I suppose Swedish scientists could call Homo floresiensis "hober"? Sue my ass, dude!
A footnote of sorts to the previous blog post on David Wilcock. So who was Neil Keenan, then?
Is there a conspiracy theorist named Neil Keenan who tried to sue an alleged international banking cartel?
Yes, Neil Keenan is a central figure in one of the most sprawling and elaborate conspiracy theories in the world of "alternative finance" and exopolitics.
In November 2011, Keenan filed a legal complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case No. 11-cv-8500), claiming that a staggering $1 trillion (and later trillions more) in financial instruments had been stolen from him and a group known as the "Dragon Family."
Keenan’s story reads like a high-stakes thriller involving ancient Asian wealth and modern banking corruption:
The Bonds: He claimed he was entrusted by the "Dragon Family" (an alleged ancient, wealthy group in Asia) with Federal Reserve bonds and other financial instruments worth billions.
The Theft: He alleged these were stolen/seized in 2009 at the Italian-Swiss border (the "Chiasso incident") by individuals linked to the Office of International Treasury Control (OITC) and the World Economic Forum.
The Cartel: Keenan sued a massive list of entities including the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, the Italian government, and various international banks, claiming they were part of a "banking cartel" or "cabal" using these stolen assets to fund a secret global government.
Keenan's narrative is a direct ancestor to the "Alliance" theories we discussed earlier:
He often spoke of Global Collateral Accounts—vast reserves of gold and wealth supposedly hidden in bunkers across Southeast Asia (particularly Indonesia).
He claimed he was working to "free" these accounts to provide humanity with free energy, debt jubilees, and new technologies, all while being protected by a secret "Alliance" of military and spiritual leaders.
Like many of these conspiracy-related legal challenges, the court case did not result in a trial or a payout:
The original lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed by Keenan in 2012, reportedly so he could refile it with "stronger evidence" and more defendants.
It never successfully moved forward in a traditional court of law, but in the world of online discourse, it became a foundational myth. For his followers, the dismissal wasn't a failure, but proof of how "deep" the conspiracy went.
Five animals only seen once. OK, quite interesting! Note the implication for cryptozoology: if even species that are extremely rare can become known to science, why can´t we find cryptids which supposedly live in our very backyards? Cuz they´re not real, obviously.
Unless they´re fairies. As per usual!
OK, this was an interesting discovery. The world´s oldest "art" might come from...wait for it...Homo erectus! Sensu stricto, to boot. The carved shells were discovered already during the 1890´s by none other than Eugène Dubois himself. Since they are 540,000 years old, this obviously raises a lot of questions. Or maybe not, since we already knew that the erecti could make stone tools. So why not art, bruh?
540,000-Year-Old Shell Carvings May Be Human Ancestor´s Oldest Art
HA HA HA, this is so confused that it becomes unintentionally funny. Erich von Däniken, come back, all is forgiven! So apparently the Hindu god Ganesha has evolved in a way similar to elephants. Or something. Or maybe something else.
I blogged about West Papua before, so I might as well link to this content. Taylor (alias The Antibot) is a self-proclaimed Satanist and witch who grew up as a Christian missionary kid in New Guinea, specifically the Indonesian-controlled Western half. In this video, she reflects on her experiences. I never heard the expression "Main Character Syndrome" before...
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| Credit: Pavan Kumar N |
ChatGPT is in an "anti-capitalist" mood again!
Can you tell me something about a direct sales company called DS-Max or perhaps Cobra?
DS-Max (short for "Direct Sales to the Maximum") originated in Canada in the 1980s, evolving from earlier ventures like W.M. Industries Inc. and Wholesale Warehouse Industries. It expanded rapidly by employing a door-to-door sales model, promoting products such as perfumes, toys, and household items. The company emphasized a "Management Training Program," where sales representatives were encouraged to recruit others, promising swift advancement to owning their own sales offices. This structure closely mirrors multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes, focusing on recruitment and sales volume. The Truth Behind Door-to-Door JobsThe Devil Corp
The Cobra Group, also known as Appco Group, was established in the 1980s by Chris Niarchos, a former DS-Max employee. Based in Sydney, Australia, it expanded its operations to the UK and other countries. Cobra adopted the DS-Max business model, emphasizing face-to-face sales and aggressive recruitment strategies. Over time, it became a significant player in the direct sales industry, operating under various brand names and subsidiaries. Reddit+2The Truth Behind Door-to-Door Jobs+2The Devil Corp+2
Both DS-Max and Cobra Group have faced numerous allegations and criticisms:The Truth Behind Door-to-Door Jobs+1The Devil Corp+1
High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Representatives often engage in door-to-door or street sales, promoting products or services with aggressive pitches.
Misleading Recruitment: Job advertisements may present roles as marketing or management positions, but recruits often find themselves in commission-only sales roles with long hours and minimal support.
Pyramid-Like Structure: The emphasis on recruitment and the promise of rapid advancement resemble pyramid schemes, where success is heavily dependent on bringing in new recruits rather than product sales.
High Attrition Rates: Due to the challenging work conditions and low earnings, many recruits leave within a short period.
These practices have led to widespread criticism and have been documented in various forums and investigative reports. Reddit
While DS-Max and Cobra Group have provided opportunities for some individuals in direct sales, their business models have been widely criticized for exploitative practices and misleading representations. Potential recruits and consumers are advised to conduct thorough research and exercise caution when engaging with these or similar organizations.
If you're considering a position with such a company or have encountered related job offers, it's essential to scrutinize the company's background, employee reviews, and business practices to make an informed decision.
Yes, DS-Max and the Cobra Group are widely considered to be closely connected — many researchers, former employees, and investigative reporters describe them as essentially the same business model operating under different names, or as part of a loosely affiliated global network of direct sales companies. Here's how they're related:
DS-Max originated in Canada in the 1980s and became a global door-to-door sales empire.
Chris Niarchos, a prominent figure in DS-Max, later founded the Cobra Group (sometimes called "The Cobra Group of Companies").
Many of the sales techniques, management systems, and internal jargon used in Cobra were inherited directly from DS-Max.
Both organizations rely on:
Aggressive direct sales (door-to-door, event booths, street corners).
A "Business Ownership Program": new recruits are promised they can run their own office if they prove themselves in sales.
Commission-only pay with no base salary.
A pyramid-like recruitment hierarchy: reps recruit new reps, who hope to rise to "owner" by building a team.
DS-Max and Cobra (and associated names like Appco Group, Cydcor, Credico, etc.) operate through hundreds of smaller offices worldwide.
These independent offices use different names to avoid public scrutiny and bad press.
Critics often refer to this web of companies as the "DS-Max system" or the "Devilcorp" network.
After facing mounting legal troubles and public criticism, especially in the early 2000s, many DS-Max offices rebranded as Cobra or Appco to distance themselves from the negative associations.
Former insiders have stated that the switch to Cobra was often just cosmetic, with the same practices and leadership structures underneath.
Both DS-Max and Cobra have been:
Accused of running predatory pyramid-style operations.
Criticized for deceptive job ads (promising management or marketing roles that turn out to be sales jobs).
Known for extremely high turnover, with many recruits quitting within days or weeks.
Yes, DS-Max and Cobra Group are not just similar — they are part of the same evolving business structure, with shared leadership roots, nearly identical methods, and a continuous history of rebranding to escape regulation and reputational damage.
Would you like a timeline or organizational chart of how these companies evolved and rebranded?
Yes, there have been instances in South Africa where organizations exhibited characteristics of both religious cults and direct sales companies, often utilizing platforms like YouTube for promotion.
One notable example is the KwaSizabantu Mission, a Christian mission station in KwaZulu-Natal. In September 2020, News24 released an exposé alleging that KwaSizabantu operated as a cult, with former members reporting various forms of abuse, including financial exploitation. These revelations led to investigations by local authorities and caused several South African vendors to temporarily cease selling the mission-owned bottled water brand, aQuellé. However, subsequent reviews by the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission and an Independent Panel did not officially classify the mission as a cult. Wikipedia
Another organization with a global footprint, including in South Africa, is Swissindo. Founded in Indonesia, Swissindo presents itself as a debt relief initiative but has been widely criticized and labeled as a scam. The group claims to eliminate personal debts and offers financial salvation, often requiring members to pay fees and recruit others, resembling a pyramid scheme. Swissindo has been particularly active in targeting vulnerable and marginalized communities, promising financial freedom through questionable means. Wikipedia
These examples highlight how certain organizations can blend religious or spiritual rhetoric with direct sales or financial schemes, leveraging online platforms to expand their reach and influence.
Herbalife, a global multi-level marketing (MLM) company that sells nutritional supplements and weight management products, has faced significant criticism and legal scrutiny over the years. Below are the key areas of criticism:
Core criticism: Herbalife has been accused of operating a business model that more closely resembles a pyramid scheme than a legitimate direct-selling company.
Reason: The emphasis on recruitment over actual retail sales to customers. Many critics argue that distributors earn more from recruiting new members than from selling products.
Legal impact:
In 2016, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached a $200 million settlement with Herbalife.
The FTC did not label it a pyramid scheme, but mandated Herbalife to restructure its business model and better document retail sales.
Herbalife has been accused of misleading potential recruits with stories of financial freedom and lavish lifestyles.
Reality: Most distributors earn little or no money, and many actually lose money due to expenses like purchasing inventory and attending training sessions.
Internal data (revealed during the FTC case) showed that a vast majority of distributors made minimal income or none at all.
Some critics and healthcare professionals have raised concerns over the safety and efficacy of Herbalife products.
Issues include:
Allegations of liver damage linked to Herbalife supplements in some case reports (although not proven conclusively).
Lack of FDA approval for many of its products, although this is common for supplements in the U.S.
Concerns over aggressive weight-loss claims and insufficient evidence for some advertised benefits.
Herbalife has been criticized for targeting:
Low-income and immigrant communities, particularly in Latin America and among U.S. Latino populations.
People with limited financial literacy or job alternatives, luring them in with promises of entrepreneurship and independence.
Critics argue that this amounts to economic exploitation, as many end up losing money instead of achieving financial stability.
In 2012, hedge fund manager Bill Ackman publicly declared Herbalife a fraudulent pyramid scheme and took a $1 billion short position against the company.
This led to a media and regulatory spotlight, especially as other influential figures (like Carl Icahn) took the opposite side.
Though Ackman eventually exited the short in 2018, his campaign amplified public scrutiny and played a major role in the 2016 FTC settlement.
Belgium: A Belgian court ruled Herbalife to be a pyramid scheme in 2011 (later overturned).
China: In 2019, Chinese regulators launched an investigation into Herbalife’s business practices as part of a broader crackdown on health product companies.
Other countries have taken a cautious stance or conducted consumer protection investigations into the company.
Herbalife has maintained that:
It is a legitimate direct-selling company, not a pyramid scheme.
It has reformed its practices following the 2016 FTC settlement.
It provides high-quality, science-backed nutritional products, with many satisfied customers and successful distributors.
| Category | Key Issues |
|---|---|
| Pyramid scheme | Focus on recruitment, not retail |
| Income claims | Misleading earnings potential |
| Product safety | Liver health concerns, unproven benefits |
| Exploitation | Targeting vulnerable groups |
| Legal scrutiny | FTC settlement, international investigations |
Let me know if you’d like details on specific legal cases, internal compensation data, or critical documentaries (like Betting on Zero).
Hanif Balis baserade kommentar om Thyberg-affären: "President Sukarno (1949–1967) i Indonesien fastnade på film i en KGB-organiserad orgie med två flygvärdinnor. Vid ett besök i Moskva visar de honom filmen. Han svarade med att glatt be om kopior så han kunde på biografer hemma skryta om sin virilitet."
Här är förresten ChatGPT:s kommentar:
Denna historia om president Sukarno och en påstådd KGB-organiserad sexfälla är en av de mest kända anekdoterna om kalla krigets psykologiska krigföring — men den är troligen en blandning av myt, propaganda och viss verklighet.
Under ett besök i Moskva (ofta sägs det ha varit på 1960-talet), ska KGB ha arrangerat en sexfälla där Sukarno filmades i en sexuell situation med två kvinnor, ibland specificerat som flygvärdinnor.
Senare ska KGB ha visat filmen för Sukarno i ett försök att utpressa honom eller påverka hans politik.
Den mest kända delen av historien är att Sukarno sägs ha skrattat och bett om kopior, så han kunde visa den hemma i Indonesien och öka sin status som manlig ledare.
Det finns inga officiella eller trovärdiga bevis för att händelsen faktiskt inträffade — inga kända dokument, foton eller filmkopior har någonsin offentliggjorts.
Den återberättas ofta i memoarer, spionböcker, anekdoter och journalistiska artiklar, men alltid utan förstahandskällor.
Både amerikanska och sovjetiska underrättelsetjänster använde ibland sexuella fällor ("honey traps") under kalla kriget, så idén är inte otänkbar – men just denna historia verkar ha fått legendstatus snarare än faktastatus.
Sukarno var känd för att vara karismatisk, nationalistisk och mycket stolt över sin manlighet.
Han ska själv ha uppmuntrat sin image som "kvinnokarl", och hade flera fruar och älskarinnor, både officiellt och inofficiellt.
Den påstådda reaktionen på filmen — att han skröt om det snarare än skämdes — stämmer med bilden av Sukarno, vilket är en anledning till att historien spridits så mycket.
Det finns inga hårda bevis för att denna händelse verkligen inträffade, men den har cirkulerat som en populär anekdot i kalla krigets historia. Det är möjligt att den är baserad på en verklig incident, men den är lika trolig att ha varit en psykologisk operationsmyt eller efterhandsfabricering som speglar både Sukarnos rykte och samtidens stereotypa bild av KGB:s metoder.
Så: sann? Troligen inte i bokstavlig mening. Möjlig? Ja. Verifierbar? Nej.
Overheard on the interwebs. Hmmm...
>>>Palaeoanthropologists are famously resistant to the use of computer-assisted phylogenetics… nevertheless, there are at least few published cladograms within the field. This tree (from Ni et al. (2021), on the Harbin hominin lineage) shows how H. erectus is outside the clade that includes heidelbergensis, Neanderthals and moderns.
>>>What’s also notable here is that the lineages conventionally included within H. erectus form a paraphyletic group. We can agree that that group is a species if we want (and most researchers do want to maintain that view), but it means that some erectines, if you will, are phylogenetically closer to the heidelbergensis + Neanderthal + modern clade than are others.
More below. It seems paleontology is a, shall we say, slightly colorful activity!
OK, this was funny. Who would have thought that there are *cryptid* coelecanths? If an unknown animal is discovered, guess what, people suddenly see it everywhere and at all times...including half a planet away from where it was discovered?! But sure, the idea that people at Mallorca were catching and eating primordial lobe-finned fish until fairly recently does have a certain romantic appeal.
Besides, two species of coelecanth has been discovered - not just one - the second one as late as 1998 (in Indonesia). So I suppose it´s possible that a few new species of this strange and wonderful fish (a *very* distant evolutionary cousin of...ourselves) might still be lurking out there...
Breitbart News pretends that "The MAGA Strip" is a serious and workable proposal. It´s really just a more hair-brained version of the old super-Zionist idea "Jordan is Palestine". And probably a typical Trumpite diversion of some kind...
Exclusive: Israel may propose moving Palestinians from Gaza to Indonesia
A mildly skeptical YouTube video about supposed post-extinction reports of thylacines on New Guinea (from where the thylacine disappeared thousands of years ago). It seems people still se them here and there, often in the hills. While the animal´s existence sounds plausible enough, there are some problems with the idea, too.
For instance, tribal hunters don´t wear thylacine skins - and they seem to hunt virtually all large mammals on the island. Another problem is that thylacines resemble large dogs, and such a breed actually exists on New Guinea: the so-called "singing dog", a distant relative to the dingo. Feral and wild(?) populations exist in the highlands.
Surviving thylacines on Papua (singing or not) would be fascinating, but misidentification with said doggie can´t be ruled out. The YouTuber suggests that it could also be a kind of cope, since we haven´t been able to find any surviving thylacines on Tasmania, and not for want of trying...
Tobias Hübinette har gjort en intressant upptäckt...
Invandringskritiska partier har allt oftare ledare med invandrarbakgrund
