The other monkey

 

Something new is always coming out of Africa. Or something old. Primordially old. Muh-hah-hah! 

The pandemic next time?

 

Should we be worried about the hanta virus? A bit spooky that not even isolated island such as Saint Helena and Tristan da Cunha are entirely safe. The Canary Islands don´t count. 

I assume it´s contained now? 

Dreamtime

 

Credit: Kevin Cho 

I asked Gemini about the oldest surviving human traditions. Supposedly, Australian Aboriginals have stories which go back tens of thousands of years. I admit that I´m skeptical. So much romantic BS have been written about Native tribes that I wouldn´t be surprised if somebody debunks this 20 years from now. But sure, here is the information (I´ve heard some of it before):

Is it possible to know which religious or cultural tradition is the oldest? That is, the oldest of those which still exist today?

Determining the "oldest" tradition is a bit like tracing a river back to its source—it depends on whether you are looking for the oldest continuous practice, the oldest organized religion, or the oldest written scriptures.

Because cultures evolve, merge, and change names, there isn't one single winner, but rather several "finalists" depending on how you define the terms.

1. The Oldest Continuous Spiritual Traditions: Indigenous Cultures

If we define "tradition" as a set of spiritual beliefs and cultural practices passed down through generations, Indigenous Australian and San (Bushmen) traditions are the oldest.

• Aboriginal Australians: Their spiritual connection to the "Dreamtime" and their oral histories have been maintained for over 50,000 to 65,000 years. Recent archaeological evidence suggests they have passed down stories of sea-level rises and volcanic eruptions that occurred tens of thousands of years ago.

• The San People (Southern Africa): Genetic and archaeological data suggest the San have lived in Southern Africa for at least 20,000 to 30,000 years, maintaining a shamanistic tradition that involves rock art and trance dances.

2. The Oldest Organized Religion: Hinduism

In terms of "major" world religions with a structured system, hierarchy, and massive following, Hinduism is widely considered the oldest.

• Age: It has no single founder and roots that stretch back over 4,000 years.

• Evolution: It emerged from the Vedic period (c. 1500–500 BCE) but incorporates prehistoric Dravidian and Indus Valley Civilization elements that are even older.

• The "Eternal" Nature: Many Hindus refer to their faith as Sanatana Dharma (the Eternal Way), viewing it as a timeless truth rather than a historical movement.

3. The Oldest Monotheism: Judaism and Zoroastrianism

If you are looking for the oldest tradition based on the worship of a single God, there are two main contenders:

• Zoroastrianism: Founded by the prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia, it dates back to roughly 1500–1000 BCE. It introduced concepts like heaven, hell, and the battle between good and evil, which heavily influenced later Abrahamic faiths. While its population is small today (the Parsi community), it still exists.

• Judaism: While the biblical patriarchs date back to roughly 2000 BCE, the formalization of Judaism as a monotheistic religion occurred around the 9th–6th century BCE. It is the oldest of the three major Abrahamic religions.

4. Summary Table of "The Oldest"

Category	Tradition	Estimated Age
Oral/Cultural	Aboriginal Australian	50,000+ years
Organized Religion	Hinduism	4,000+ years
Monotheism	Zoroastrianism	3,000–3,500 years
Written Scripture	The Vedas (Hinduism)	3,200–3,500 years

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Why is it so hard to pin down?

The main problem is syncretism. Religions don't usually "start" on a specific Tuesday; they evolve. For example:

• Shinto in Japan has prehistoric roots, but it wasn't "organized" until much later.

• Hinduism today looks very different from the Vedic religion of 3,000 years ago.

When we look at these traditions, we aren't seeing a static museum piece, but a living "ship of Theseus" where the parts have been replaced over millennia while the identity remains the same.

Are you looking for a tradition with a specific "start date" or founder, or are you more interested in the survival of ancient oral myths?

How do we know that Aboriginals have traditions of ancient sea-level rise and volcanic eruptions?

We know this because of a fascinating field of study called geomythology, where scientists compare ancient oral traditions with geological data like sonar mapping and carbon dating.

The evidence isn't just "vague myths" about water; it involves specific geographic details that were only true thousands of years ago.

1. Verification of Sea-Level Rise

During the last Ice Age, sea levels were much lower, and Australia’s coastline extended kilometers further out. Around 7,000 to 18,000 years ago, the ice melted and the seas rose, swallowing vast areas of land.

• The Depth Check: Researchers have identified at least 21 locations around Australia where Aboriginal stories describe a coastline that hasn't existed for at least 7,000 years.

• Specific Geography: For example, the Yindjibarndi people have a name for Fitzroy Island (gabaɽ) that literally means "lower arm" of a mainland promontory. For this name to make sense, the sea level had to be at least 30 meters lower than it is today—a condition that last existed roughly 10,000 years ago.

• The "Walking" Stories: Numerous traditions across the continent describe ancestors walking to islands (like Kangaroo Island or the Tiwi Islands) that are now separated by deep, treacherous water. Geological records confirm these "land bridges" were submerged exactly when the stories say the "water came in."

2. Verification of Volcanic Eruptions

The most striking example is found in the Gunditjmara tradition in South Victoria, regarding a creator being named Budj Bim.

• The Oral Record: The story describes a giant who transformed into a volcano, with his teeth becoming the lava and his hair the smoke.

• The Scientific Match: In 2020, geologists used argon-argon dating on the lava rocks at Budj Bim and found the eruption happened approximately 37,000 years ago.

• Human Witness: Archaeological evidence (stone tools) found beneath the volcanic ash layers confirms that people were living in the area at the exact time of the eruption. This means the Gunditjmara have maintained an accurate account of a specific geological event for over 1,500 generations.

How has the information stayed accurate?

Western scientists were initially skeptical, believing oral stories "decay" after a few centuries. However, Aboriginal culture uses highly structured memory systems:

• Cross-Verification: Stories are often owned by specific families; others are not allowed to tell them, which prevents "telephone-game" style distortion.

• Ritual Repetition: The stories are tied to "Songlines"—physical paths in the landscape. To remember the story, you must walk the land, using the rocks and mountains as "mnemonic pegs" to trigger the next part of the history.

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Aboriginal people hold a story about a 37,000-year-old volcanic eruption

This video explains how researchers and Gunditjmara elders worked together to scientifically date the Budj Bim eruption, confirming it as one of the oldest witnessed events in human history.

Schwärmerei

 

Well, probably not...

South African sasquatch

 

Is there a Bigfoot-like creature in South Africa? It´s called the Otang, and is only known from the writings of conservationist Gareth Patterson. He supposedly spotted it while looking for another elusive creature, the so-called Knysna elephants (of which only one remains today). So color me skeptical. But there you go! 

Det händer inte här

 

Kom ihåg: det finns inga satanister som styckmördar folk. Utom i avlägsna delar av Sydafrika, förstås. 

Turist tros ha blivit mördad för sina kroppsdelar

Nailed it

 

I actually guessed that it was Khoekhoegowab. But no, I didn´t "know" it. I guessed it like this: If the language is spoken in South Africa, isn´t Bantu and has click sounds, it can only be a Khoisan language. The content-creator probably wants us to say "Bushman" or "San", since the Bushmen are well-known. Therefore, it´s a trick question and he must mean the language of the people formerly known as the Hottentot. And guess what...

Elementary, my dear Dr Watson!

End it already

 

Me, next week. Probably. 

The Rapture didn´t happen last week. Not even on TikTok. All the usual ways to explain it away are being used by those who pretended to believe it this time around. For instance, that the Rapture really happened but invisibly. So why are *you* still here, then? Or...that the calendar is wrong. Bingo!

Some dude in South Africa (!) claims that Jesus follows the Julian calendar and therefore the Rapture will happen next week instead (circa October 6 - 7). Except that the Rapture is supposed to coincide with the Jewish Feast of Trumpets, the Jews of course *not* using the Julian calendar (which would have looked different during the life time of Jesus anyway). Don´t these guys double-check *anything*? 

I asked ChatGPT and it told me that the "correct" date would be October 4. Now, how´s *that* for an October surprise - being raptured two days earlier than expected? Of course, none of this will happen. And no, that weird comet my man Avi Loeb is promoting won´t turn out to be a UFO attacking Earth. Neither the Rapture nor the Apocalypse will happen next week. Promise!

Just have a milkshake or something. Then, please start worrying about the actual situation around you...  

The Devil Corp

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 and Cobra Group are interconnected entities operating within a network of direct sales companies that have garnered significant criticism for their business practices.The Devil Corp

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🏢 What Is DS-Max?

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

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🐍 What Is the Cobra Group?

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

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⚠️ Common Criticisms and Controversies

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

---

🔍 Conclusion

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.

Could DS-Max and Cobra be the same business operating under two different names?

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:

---

🧩 1. Common Origin

• 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.

---

🔄 2. Identical Business Model

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.

---

🕸️ 3. Franchise-like Network

• 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.

---

📜 4. Rebranding After Scandal

• 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.

---

❗ 5. Widespread Criticism

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.

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✅ Conclusion

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?

Was there at one point a strange religious cult in South Africa with a YouTube presence which was really a direct sales company?

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.

What are the criticism levelled against Herbalife?

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:

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🧱 1. Pyramid Scheme Allegations

• 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.

---

📉 2. Unrealistic Income Claims

• 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.

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🧪 3. Product Health Concerns

• 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.

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🌍 4. Targeting Vulnerable Populations

• 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.

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🎯 5. Bill Ackman vs. Herbalife

• 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.

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⚖️ 6. International Investigations

• 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.

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✅ Herbalife’s Defense

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.

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🧾 Summary of Key Criticisms:

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

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Let me know if you’d like details on specific legal cases, internal compensation data, or critical documentaries (like Betting on Zero).

Horned serpent

 

The Bushmen may have known about fossil dicynodonts. Interesting new theory about the mysterious "Horned Serpent" petroglyph from South Africa. Or maybe it´s just a weird fantasy animal. 

Of course, the unhanged cryptozoologists will just claim that dicynodonts (a kind of "mammal-like reptiles" from the Permian) are tojour vivant. So don´t expect the alleged mystery to go away any time soon!  

A dicynodont depiction?