Chapter 1: The Science of Gases

Cutting the cheese, letting one rip, or releasing a squeaker—these expressions are well-known to many. But there might be more to the act of gas release than we typically acknowledge. NASA's James Webb Telescope is currently on a mission to detect methane gas in the cosmos, specifically around exoplanets, in search of potential habitats for humanity.

Amidst scientific exploration, some enterprising women on Earth have discovered a playful way to capitalize on their own gas emissions.

In January, Stephanie Matto gained attention for selling her personal gas in jars, reportedly making a staggering $200,000 from this unique venture. Before this unexpected financial success, she had already built a reputation as an adult content creator and a contestant on the reality show, 90-Day Fiancé.

While Ms. Matto may no longer be part of the reality show, she leveraged her fame to market her product on social media, initially charging $1,000 per jar. Recently, however, she has reduced the price to $500.

This entrepreneurial trend, which started a few years prior, has proven too tempting for others to resist. Currently, there are 52 active listings on eBay for “fart in a jar,” with prices ranging from $4.48 to $100 each. Back in 2017, there were 206 such listings, but among the 21 items sold recently, only one reached the top price of $100—a rather modest amount by today’s standards.

Even Ms. Matto acknowledges that her venture is primarily linked to adult themes. Her clientele mainly consists of subscribers from OnlyFans, where she shares images of herself in alluring lingerie. It’s likely that her fanbase includes individuals from the online community of involuntary celibates, or "incels," for whom her aromatic offerings may serve as a substitute for more conventional romantic experiences.

As Elton John puts it, “it’s a sad, sad situation, and it’s getting more and more absurd.”

Chapter 2: The Philosophical Angle

Though there's no Nobel Prize for passing gas, a quote from Nobel laureate Yasunari Kawabata resonates here. He once said, “Time runs the same way for all human beings, but every human being floats through time in a different way.”

Kawabata, known for his works like Snow Country and A Thousand Cranes, explored the profound effects of beauty on the human psyche, even amidst chaos.

Similarly, the awe-inspiring images from the Webb Telescope evoke a sense of wonder as it searches for gases that may support human life beyond Earth. Yet, perhaps we should also examine the meaning behind our fascination with bodily gases closer to home.

While we may not find another habitable planet, we all face the inevitability of our own mortality. The essence of life, much like gas, is invisible yet transformative.

Most people prefer not to ponder such heavy thoughts, often too preoccupied or fearful. This may explain why the act of passing gas serves as a poignant metaphor—a gentle nudge reminding us that everything is in constant flux, transforming into something entirely new, even when we cannot perceive it.

As some continue to sell their unique products online, others might simply reach for Beano while enjoying a barbecue, savoring the time we have on this pale blue dot we call home—for now.

©2022 Andrew Jazprose Hill

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