New TV series ‘Defying Gravity’ explores space, human beings

By Steve Hammons

When a new TV series blends human behavior, relationships, space travel and a mysterious undisclosed element, will we have a worthwhile show or something less?

Viewers may find out the answer when the ABC TV series “Defying Gravity” begins this Sunday, Aug. 2.

The story takes place in the year 2052 and follows eight astronauts, four women and four men, from five countries, on an eight-year mission to explore our solar system. We also meet their ground crew and other characters.

Although some reviews of the series have made fun of the romantic relationships on the spacecraft Antares, the fact is that human relationships are legitimate and important aspects of the field of space psychology.

In future years, when space missions may involve months and years, human behavior and relationships will continue to play a large role in space travel and activities.

When we see the characters and their ship in the context of viewing Earth from space, other psychological factors might come to mind involving people who are off-Earth and those of us on the planet. Real-life astronauts have frequently commented that viewing Earth from space is an experience that can give you a whole new perspective. Maybe viewers of “Defying Gravity” can also get a taste of this viewpoint.

And then there is the secret and anomalous aspect to the plot, which we currently know little about. It may have something to do with the astronauts’ deep psychology and consciousness. It may involve something much larger than themselves and their apparent missions.

EXPANDING SPACE TRAVEL

In the early days of manned spaceflight, U.S. and Russian astronauts were typically former military pilots. In subsequent decades, especially during the Space Shuttle years, crews have become increasingly diverse. Now, with “space tourists,” scientists and others heading into Earth orbit in the near future, the human element will probably become more complex.

These human dynamics are key factors in “Defying Gravity.” The astronaut characters are explored as fully human beings, with normal relationships and needs, as well as sometimes difficult histories and life choices. In fact, viewers learn more about the characters through flashbacks that attempt to illuminate their humanity.

Can viewers put themselves in the shoes of these characters? Can we imagine ourselves departing Earth for space and facing the many stressors, joys and unknowns involved?

Before long, we may not need to rely on our imaginations and TV series like “Defying Gravity.” Several private commercial aerospace companies in the U.S. and internationally are developing space planes, orbiting space station “habitats” and similar projects that will allow more people to have the off-Earth experience.

Other countries are also developing more robust space programs and may soon be conducting more of their own manned (and womanned) space activities.

For nations that lack the resources of the major powers, the private commercial companies involved could, someday soon, provide affordable opportunities for scientific research and other space experiences. Companies that want to go into Earth orbit may also soon be able to book flight time in private space planes and habitats.

When we consider the current and evolving realities of space travel, “Defying Gravity” might turn out to be a fun and reasonable dramatic examination of human beings in the unique and challenging environment of space.

HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS

As to the mysterious aspect of the series that is hinted about, we also might wonder if there are elements of real space flight that might be unconventional or anomalous. There are tales and rumors that astronauts have encountered unusual phenomena.

And what about human consciousness in space, and on Earth? Are there interesting factors related to the human mind that are worthy of further exploration too? In this sense, space flight can be both an external and internal journey.

“Defying Gravity” might even delve into alternative human consciousness, or “anomalous cognition,” which refers to using the full range of human perception and awareness. In fact, “complementary cognition” could be a term that better describes fuller human consciousness.

And, who knows, the crew of the Antares might run into any number of interesting and challenging encounters such as UFOs and extraterrestrials, other dimensions, time and space warps or some larger forces that entertain and enlighten viewers.

Based on real science, as well as exotic tales and rumors, the characters in this series could run into almost anything.

Assuming that U.S. space activities may be decades ahead of where we generally think they are, the creators and writers of “Defying Gravity” might not be able to imagine scenarios that are actually reality.

Can the rest of us also wrap our minds around what the possibilities and realities truly could be? “Defying Gravity” could be an opportunity to see how far our human consciousness can expand, while staying rooted in the down-to-Earth fundamentals of human relationships, passion and compassion.

Media coverage improves on emerging discoveries, UFOs

By Steve Hammons

Journalists and the news media seem to be taking a closer look at how they cover and report on unconventional scientific topics.

Professional and objective news coverage seems to have improved in recent years when it comes to things like UFOs, human extrasensory perception (ESP), ideas about other dimensions and similar subjects.

In addition, movies, TV and other entertainment media also often explore these kinds of areas, sometimes with mixed results. Still, valuable perspectives often seem to be part of creative projects from Hollywood and elsewhere.

In many cases, journalists and scriptwriters do their homework and conduct fairly thorough research to get a feel for the state of knowledge and understanding about certain topics.

At the same time, some writers may not fully understand the background on some unconventional subjects and may, consciously or inadvertently, misrepresent the situation and put forth an inaccurate picture.

EMERGING VIEWS

Some researchers and observers who take a look at the UFO field have reported that the mainstream news media seems to have been covering that subject with greater objectivity and professionalism. This was especially notable in the 2008 cluster of incidents in the region around Stephenville, Texas.

After local residents contacted their small-town newspaper, a reporter there wrote objective and straightforward news stories. These were picked up and covered by the Associated Press and other national and international news media, also in a mostly responsible and professional way.

CNN’s Larry King has demonstrated professional objectivity and intelligent inquiry about the UFO topic in some of his shows.

Journalists and others in the media appear to be learning more about the scientific investigations into a number of unconventional areas. Sometimes, these investigations are discreet, low-key or even covert and secret.

What about discoveries in “weird physics” which seem to imply that our Universe and the nature of Nature may have interesting and unusual aspects that we may not fully understand? Physicists are finding some fascinating things in certain leading-edge research.

Another example of an unconventional area of study is that of ESP. It has been also called the sixth sense, intuition and anomalous cognition. Additional terms that might be useful are “alternative cognition” or “complementary cognition.”

Thorough research, development and utilization of this kind of human perception and awareness have been conducted by the U.S. defense and intelligence communities.

A notable media portrayal that touched on some of this research is the 2004 book The Men Who Stare at Goats, by UK writer Jon Ronson.

The book is being made into a movie starring George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges. Filming has been completed and the movie is currently in post-production editing and development.

Some people familiar with the topics in Ronson’s book say that his representation is incomplete in certain areas. While making fun of, and alerting us to the dangers of certain U.S. military activities, Ronson might also have missed some very important and valuable elements of advanced research that can be helpful.

The movie version, using the same title as the book, is planned for release Feb. 18, 2010, by Smoke House Pictures, a company owned by Clooney and Grant Heslov, who is directing it. Will the movie team add more insight and deeper perspective? We’ll see.

MEDIA RESPONSIBILITY AND REWARD

Whether we are talking about mainstream news journalists, writers, various kinds of “new media” or people in the creative media fields of TV and film, it seems that there continue to be mixed results in the coverage, exploration and portrayals of certain emerging subjects.

As a result, the public is not as fully informed as it could be. Average Americans and people around the world might benefit from greater understanding about the possibilities involved in some leading-edge research.

Every student in a journalism class knows that a topic should be covered by explaining the “who, what, when, where, why, how.” When we get into more vague or complex subjects, such as those involving unconventional phenomena topics, there may be a greater challenge and responsibility for the news media, and also greater reward.

In the entertainment field, this same situation seems to hold true as well. Examining and presenting complicated subjects in a context that works for the book, TV show or movie is not always easy.

Most consumers of media platforms and products probably want a truthful and complete picture of a given topic or combination of topics, even in an entertainment context. Truth seems to have a resonance that draws people to it. So, if attracting an audience is a goal, then including truthful portrayals of situations are a win-win.

In addition, Americans and people internationally may be getting increasingly sophisticated about emerging unconventional topics. People may want more information that is accurate and thorough on these kinds of issues.

There is probably a ready-made audience of human beings across our planet that is waiting for the next news article, book, TV show or movie that will take us a step further along in dealing with fascinating unconventional topics.

Health care reform: DoD's TRICARE a useful model?

By Steve Hammons

One model of health care services administration that could be explored in current national discussions on health care reform is the TRICARE program run by the U.S. Department of Defense.

This program serves active-duty military service members and retirees, and their families.

In recent years, because so many Reserve Component (Reserves and National Guard) personnel have been called up for Iraq and Afghanistan, steps were taken to allow some of them to access the TRICARE health services system.

TRICARE is administered in partnership with private companies. Several partner organizations are involved in the diverse aspects of the program. TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) coordinates the program.

The program is similar in some ways to the one designed for federal employees – the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).

NUTS AND BOLTS

On the TRICARE Web site, www.tricare.mil, there are rich sources of information about how TRICARE functions, what it provides and other important aspects of this interesting health services program.

The Web site's "press room" section, at www.tricare.mil/pressroom, is one useful doorway to find out more about TRICARE. In the TRICARE "Transparency" section of the Web site, www.tricare.mil/transparency, information is presented in a straightforward manner about TRICARE operations.

Benefit plans in the program include TRICARE Standard, TRICARE Extra, TRICARE Prime, US Family Health Plan and TRICARE Reserve Select. These benefit plans have different structures, similar to other health care insurance models.

The various TRICARE benefit plans are administered across the U.S. in large, multi-state regions. Private companies compete and bid to administer the program in these regions.

TRICARE is truly a joint activity, involving several areas of the Defense Department in cooperation with private companies involved in health care administration.

The program seems to have a reputation for keeping up with trends in administrative efficiencies, customer service and current technologies.

GOOD PROGRAM DESIGN?

The Defense Department's TRICARE health program provides valuable and crucial services for U.S. troops and their families.

Is it perfect? Like any system or organization, there is probably room for improvement. The program has evolved since it replaced the previous system, known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS).

You might say that CHAMPUS morphed into TRICARE.

The health care system approaches for U.S. military personnel have evolved over time. The systems used after World War II and in subsequent decades continued to change.

Now, the TRICARE system – using private health care companies – contracts with nearly every kind of health care provider across the country, creating provider networks linked to the benefit plans they offer and the geographic areas involved.

How can the TRICARE model be explored in current discussions about U.S. health care? Is TRICARE a reasonable platform for the delivery of health care services? What are the pros and cons of the TRICARE model?

These might be good questions for all interested parties.

UFOs, ‘visitors’ linked to soul, afterlife, says author

By Steve Hammons

Writer Whitley Strieber states in his July 6, 2009, online journal that unconventional extraterrestrial or extra-dimensional "visitors" sometimes are accompanied by humans who have previously passed on.

He writes, "… Anne and I used to have large groups to our cabin in upstate New York, and the visitors would often show up, and, as often, so would the dead."

Strieber also notes, "It is an ordinary part of the close encounter experience for people to see the dead in the company of the grays, and usually they appear to be just as real as any physical being."

"As an example, once there were grays in the living room with a group of about six people, while four others in the basement below were finding themselves having an encounter with a friend who had died in the Mexico City earthquake of 1985," Strieber claims.

"Another time, a woman who'd had a fully conscious close encounter with a gray the night before met her brother, who had been dead for more than twenty years, on the road in front of the house," he says.

ALIENS AND ANGELS

Strieber has often pointed out in his books and other writing that he feels these unconventional visitors have something to do with the human soul. In other words, the visitors move in the very deep levels of human consciousness and existence.

What are the implications of Strieber's thoughts on these concepts and how are they related to our current understanding and knowledge?

In many of his books, such as the widely-read Communion (1987), as well as Majestic (1989), Strieber has made reference to the human soul and how he feels this is part of unconventional contact with mysterious beings from – somewhere.

So, the idea that our friends and loved ones who have passed on might still exist in some other dimension, and that these alleged visitors can access this realm, is fairly consistent with Strieber's past positions.

Current scientific theories about the structure and function of the Universe, including ideas about a multiverse of different dimensions, also seem to have common denominators with Strieber’s views.

We could theorize that what we call "Heaven," the "Afterlife" or many other names, is another dimension of some kind that exists somewhere in the mysterious physics of our Universe or multiverse.

Strieber and others have indicated that they believe some unconventional visitors can move in and out of these dimensions.

Human folklore and spiritual or metaphysical beliefs have also included stories of angels and loved ones who have passed on occasionally moving in and out of our dimension and the Heavenly dimension – and who knows where else?

Included in these perspectives is the belief or theory that angels and loved ones can remain invisible to us while watching over us. They can be very nearby, but seemingly far away. Once in a while, they might manifest themselves in unusual or mysterious ways that allow us to perceive or suspect their presence.

Strieber seems to agree with these ways of looking at the situation.

HEAVEN AND EARTH

So, where is this all heading? Strieber also ventures a guess: "If the grays begin to approach more of us more closely, the first things we are going to notice will be two: 1) We will begin to see beyond the limits of what we now call reality; 2) As a result, we will perceive our dead as becoming part of the physical world."

He seems to be saying that there will be some kind of integration or interface between our more normal everyday consciousness with our deeper consciousness, or soul, and a deeper or different dimension that might blend with our own "reality."

Is Strieber saying that we can expect a merging of Heaven and Earth in some way? It seems so.

This is in the ballpark of some current theories in science. In these views, interesting non-material levels of reality and the Universe exist right alongside of our day to day lives. These other aspects of reality are within us and around us, though challenging to perceive and understand fully.

And, human consciousness is part of this natural system.

Could Strieber be on to something here? Will the day come when, as he says, "We will perceive our dead as becoming part of the physical world?"

And, will we mortal flesh-and-blood humans become more like some kind of spiritual quantum energy when the dimensions of Heaven and Earth are more fully integrated?

If Strieber is correct, these coming changes will be more unique and important than many people contemplate.

(Strieber's July 6 journal entry can be found at UnknownCountry.com.)