X-Message-Number: 4907
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 1995 23:10:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: yet more on cheap neuro freeze

     Steve Bridge mentioned some problems associated with the idea of
 $10,000 neuro storage. I can't claim to be able to definitively offer a
 solution to all these problems. Still here's a good old college try: 

  1. $10,000 PRECLUDES A WASHOUT WITH A CRYOPRESERVATION SOLUTION. 
     I would have to agree that a top-of-the line whole body washout is
 out of the question. However since embalming by funeral directors is not
 expensive, I presume that a last minute substitution of cryoprotectant
 for formaldehyde would still be financially feasible. After the brain is
 removed it could be stored in a cryoprotectant solution, prior to
 freezing. One can't help but wonder if a small pump could circulate this
 solution through some major arteries of the submerged brain as well. 

  2. IF CI OFFERED A $10,000 NEURO OPTION IT WOULD NOT BE PROFITABLE. 
     I understand that most patients fund to well above the minimums. I
 presume the same would be the case for $10,000 neuros. 

  3. MOST PEOPLE WOULD NEVER CONSIDER CRYONICS AT ANY PRICE. 
     I think if the price for cryonics was $50 quite a few jokers would
 line up for the shock value alone. However I presume that what is really
 meant here is -at any price that cryonics companies could afford. I don't
 have a good answer for this, but still would like to point out that
 company sponsored life insurance benefits could be utilized here to give
 the appearance of less financial pain. Here's the deal: Sign over your
 $10,000 plus benefit and pay us $50 for processing your application and
 you're in? 

  4. OVER 90% WHO EITHER BELIEVE IN HEAVEN OR ARE DEPRESSED PREFER THEIR
 BODIES TO ROT OR BURN. 
     That leaves up to 30 million americans as potential cryonics
 customers. Is the glass half full or half empty? Actually I too am
 surprised by how common mental illness is. Most of my co-workers admit to
 being unhappy or mildly depressed. Perhaps a worthy goal would be to help
 people improve their lives in this regard. See the enclosed article "Mood
 and Macronutrients", which is part of my effort in this direction. 
 
 5. MOST PEOPLE WHO SIGN UP WILL OPT FOR A BETTER PRODUCT. 
     I would agree that most people will eventually opt for a better
 product. Any terminal patient who had signed up for a cheapo brain freeze
 is going to be tempted to upgrade if the funds are available. My guess is
 that most would do so. However without the cheap seat many might never
 make arrangements in the first place. How many people who were interested
 in cryonics have rotted or burned because they failed to make suspension 
 arrangements in time? Quite a few I believe.


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