Is this really why marijuana got banned in the 30s? A prohibitionist bureaucratic empire-builder was about to lose his empire so he had to find a new reason to keep it alive, and marijuana was the most convenient new bogeyman?
I haven’t read the book, but the; Anslinger role in post-prohibition cannabis outlawing has been common knowledge since at least the 90s (when I became aware of it). I found the Lincata information in that article fascinating though:
Harry Anslinger became obsessed with one case in particular. In Florida, a boy called Victor Licata hacked his family to death with an axe. Anslinger explained to America: This is what will happen when you smoke “the demon weed.”…
Years later, somebody went and looked at the psychiatric files for Victor Licata.
It turns out there’s no evidence he ever used cannabis.
He had a lot of mental illness in his family. They had been told a year before he needed to be institutionalized — but they refused. His psychiatrists never even mentioned marijuana in connection to him.
2000 years ago, China’s whole civilisation was dependent on the Cannabis crop, interestingly, today they’re finding the medicinal benefits through science that the Chinese discovered thousands of years ago.
If it’s so bad for society, how come it’s legal in five states in the US and various other parts of the world, I would suggest that it’s a lot less harmful to society than cheap liquor and gambling.
Over the years I’ve read of many reasons why marijuana got banned. Racism and pressure from the cotton industry (hemp cloth is reportedly better and cheaper than cotton and grows pretty much everywhere) being the main ones.
TPP and The Commission
The TPP commission – executive body of TPP, chapter 27
Functions of commission reviews agreement, amends, establish the model rules for arbitral tribunals,
If another Democrat, be it Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders, is president this time next year, we can expect that this surge of embittered right-wing radicalism isn’t going away. If anything, they’ll be even more aggravated after the loss of their great orange hope, Donald Trump. That means this kind of incoherent right-wing rage at losing “their” country is just going to keep on keeping on.
QFT
And we’ll see similar whinging here from the RWNJs when a Left leaning government gets in.
Bombshell Study Exposes Frightening Facts About Anti-Depressant Drugs & Pharmaceutical Companies
Big Pharma tactics: includes video with Dr Peter Rost, MD who “is a former vice president of Pfizer, and a whistleblower of the entire pharmaceutical industry in general. He is the author of The Whistleblower, Confessions of a Healthcare Hitman.” Visible text
This is the unprincipled pharmaceutical industry which is going to require PHARMAC to justify its choice of drugs!
TMM – is it just me but I linked into your article and its a teaser – many people are on anti-depressants and will be linking into this as well – it just doesn’t say what the “frightening facts” are – everything but, it does say its dangerous for teenagers but again, why are the side effects not disclosed so people can make an evaluated guess. I do not disagree with you, big PHARMA are a devious corrupt lot but the article again, to me, is not very helpful and we are left not knowing. Most people accept there are side effects to drugs and if they need to take stuff will sort out what suits them best with their doctor. Good that you expose this though and most readers will not be surprised by this at all. Depression is a clinical imbalance in the brain and people who take these pills usually are in a pretty bad state so this is bad news really for them unfortunately.
@ Whispering Kate
Research paper Suicidality and aggression during antidepressant treatment: systematic review and meta-analyses based on clinical study reports
In the summary trial reports on Eli Lilly’s website, almost all deaths were noted, but all suicidal ideation events were missing, and the information on the remaining outcomes was incomplete.
Conclusions Because of the shortcomings identified and having only partial access to appendices with no access to case report forms, the harms could not be estimated accurately. In adults there was no significant increase in all four outcomes, but in children and adolescents the risk of suicidality and aggression doubled. To elucidate the harms reliably, access to anonymised individual patient data is needed.
Thanks for that TMM – I think I’ve read sometime ago that teenagers were having suicidal tendencies and comitting suicide on anti depressants, this is terrible. Kids need to be cared for and research needs to be done to combat this. People I know who are on anti depressants (adults) say it has changed their whole lives, they can live their lives feeling like they once used to. I can see a huge difference in them.
I know that there are still a lot of people about who think, if you cannot tangibly see an illness – bandages etc, then “putting on some runners and going out and exercising” will be the cure, “buck up and get on with it” sort of advice. Depression has been with us forever and so has suicide, thankfully now for adults at least they can take something to balance out clinical imbalances occurring in the brain. John Kirwan did such a lot to advertise the seriousness of depression thankfully which has helped to change attitudes with Depression.
Not all depressions are the same and not all anti-depressants work the same way. It is often a process of ‘trial & error’ to match the ‘right’ anti-depressant to the ‘right’ patient; this involves a lead-in period.
The other thing to note with anti-depressants is that you cannot come off them suddenly (‘cold turkey’) without expecting a (strong) relapse. Taking these drugs at the right dose at the right time is fairly important and something that people don’t always stick to (compliance issues are a very common problem with pretty much all medication).
A combination of medication, counselling & support, and healthy life style (e.g. diet) is the way to effectively deal with depression. Lastly, it is thought that genetics do play a role in disposition to depression.
I temporarily worked for SKB (SmithKlineBeecham) in their customer purchase department, when Aropax was being marketed aggressively.
The strategy used to help promote sales was to allow the stocks of Stelazine to drop to near zero, and when pharmacies rang to order – say that Stelazine was out of stock and there was no confirmed production date, and direct them to Aropax.
There were many calls from irate GP’s and pharmacies, due to the fact that the transition from one drug to another was a minimum six weeks – if not more. Furthermore, many patients were successfully using Stelazine, and their supply was cut off suddenly and they had no choice but to change drugs. I’m guessing the patents on Aropax were more recent, and they were ensuring the crossover of as many patients as possible to this newer drug.
I agree with CV on this one. Depression has more to do with your life situation and surroundings more than chemicals in your brain.
I know someone who was on prozac for about 11 years. She was pretty much bedridden for most of that time. Then one day she flushed her pills down the toilet and started walking.
Never looked back.
Unfortunately it is cheaper for the government and the non-profit industrial complex it underwrites to give the mentally ill and chronically depressed a prozac script, dump them into a boarding house and pay them $200 a week, rather than actually help them overcome their depression.
Looks like they haven’t changed. I can still recall the treatment of the Aussie doctor who discovered stomach ulcers were caused by bacteria and could be cured with antibiotics. The drug companies did everything they could to prevent his discovery becoming an accepted treatment, they were making too much money out of the acid reducing drugs like Zantac that treated the symptoms but didn’t cure.
I developed an ulcer after taking anti-inflammatories, a common cause I didn’t know about at the time & discovered too late. For over a year I was prescribed the standard treatment, they alternated between different brands as each would lose it’s effectiveness after about a month. A very cosy deal for the drug companies, they all had a bite at the profit cherry. Then one day I found a doctor who’d been reading about the Aussie discovery. He prescribed antibiotics and the ulcer was gone in a week… never to return like it did with the old treatment.
This is one of the fundamental flaws with long patents. It removes a lot of the motive for developing new drugs. Why spend dosh on research for more effective treatments & cures when you can keep raking it in from old medicines that cost peanuts to manufacture.
Ahhh… no. The only impact on Pharmac is the potential extra costs involved with new Biologics that come online. But as you seem to be implying that Pharmacutical companies lie about the benefit of the drugs it seems we won’t have much to worry about if we don’t take them.
There you are again pretending to have a crystal ball. How about the profit boosting revenue generating recommendation that every American be screened for depression
” The only impact on Pharmac is the potential extra costs involved with new Biologics that come online”
Biologics are the current/most obvious example of expensive, innovative new drugs, not the sum of.
Because pharmaceuticals companies massage the data, doesn’t mean drugs don’t work – it means the model they are working under is not fit for purpose (if that purpose is to provide the best possible meds that have the least harmful side effects).
But the rivals share common ground in a key area of economic and trade policy which, if it comes to pass, could damage New Zealand’s interests.
Both men want to tear up free trade deals, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership which the US, along with 11 other nations around the region, signed in Auckland last week. New Zealand’s prosperity rests on the ability to get exports into markets with as few impediments as possible.
Sanders and Trump alike complain that trade deals signed by Washington over the years have come at the expense of American jobs. This has been an argument against trade liberalisation all along, but the political consensus that everyone benefits from free trade has prevailed.
Now this policy is under fierce attack, with Trump and Sanders accusing the US political establishment of opening up American markets without extracting equal concessions from trade partners.
Trump also proposes a steep tariff on Chinese imports – a move which would invite Beijing’s retaliation. The implications for the global economy – and for New Zealand – could be profound. The White House race clearly bears watching.
Not really. The Us can’t state that it hasn’t got the ability to send produce here because our barriers are already low. This means they can’t stonewall on these areas by claiming they will only lower their barriers if we lower ours.
I see Admin has posted a long article about the history of the 1951 Waterfront Strike.
Lots of detailed history but omits stating that the National Government which locked out the workers and brought in the Army to work the ships was led by Sidney George Holland who after being invited to join the war-time cabinet, left after only a short time and stayed out for the rest of the war.
He was a nasty piece of work in my opinion and our present PM reminds me of him in many ways.
Neither ever had to handle lampblack in paper bags.
On 2 Feb. my wife and I were only dispensed 1month’s supply of an essential , for us, drug rather than the 3 months supply that our Doctor had prescribed. The Pharmacy said they understood there was a shortage.
Here is the official statement from Pharmac to pharmacies.
Metoprolol succinate long-acting – stock shortage
From 11 December 2015, stat dispensing was removed from all strengths of metoprolol succinate long-acting tabs, 23.75 mg, 47.5 mg, 95 mg and 190 mg, with prescriptions presented needing to be dispensed in monthly lots due to a manufacturing and supply issue.
There is a potential lack of sufficient supply of some strengths over the next few months. PHARMAC anticipate that during January 2016 the 190 mg long-acting tabs supply will be exhausted and patients on the 190 mg long-acting tabs will need to be dispensed 2 x 95 mg long-acting tabs as a replacement. It will be important to ensure all patients are aware of the need to take more tablets than they are used to during this time and vice versa when reinstating the 190 mg tabs. Stat dispensing for this product should be reinstated 1 March 2016.
Thought Standardistas might like to know. No reason for the shortage was given as far as I could see.
For years, Dr. Harry Lever, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, has been warning nearly anyone who would listen of his growing suspicions about generic versions of a widely used heart drug, Toprol XL.
Patient after patient, he said, would visit his office complaining of chest pains or other symptoms after switching from the brand-name version, made by AstraZeneca, to a generic product, often one made in India. When he switched them back to the brand — or to another generic — the symptoms disappeared, he said. Dr. Lever wrote a letter outlining his concerns to the Food and Drug Administration in 2012, and this year, he traveled to Washington to try to get the attention of Congress.
Dr. Lever could not prove that the generic drugs were to blame. “You see enough people and you get a feel, but it’s anecdotes,” he said in an interview Monday. “It’s not science.”
Now, Dr. Lever is feeling a sort of sad vindication. Two large Indian manufacturers, Wockhardt and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, have announced recalls over the last two months totaling more than 100,000 bottles because their products were not dissolving properly — therefore probably not working as they should. The drug is a beta blocker that treats high blood pressure and heart ailments.
@CV
So there is no confusion medically , metoprolol is the generic name for this medicine also known as Beta Blockers.
Here is the complete list of names used:-
Brand Names: Lopressor, Metoprolol Succinate ER, Metoprolol Tartrate, Toprol-XL
Generic Name: metoprolol (Pronunciation: me TOE pro lol)
CV & Alwyn are entitled to have their little political discussion about Pharmac but I was simply trying to bring this shortage situation to the attention of TS readers.
I presume you are talking about the 2008 story. I only picked it out to illustrate what has been going on ever since 1997 when we adopted the system. I wasn’t advocating for those drugs.
I think that it is completely impossible to provide ALL possible health care. I remember back about 1980 an economist I know showed that you could spend the entire health budget on providing maximum care for kidney disease. Every single cent. There is simply no upper limit on what health care could cost, and compromise is essential.
Sometimes politicians, catering to public demand, get it wrong. John Key admitted recently that their promise of 12 month treatments with Herceptin, although popular with the public, was wrong and that there was no advantage from the longer period.
Yes. He is about the only politician I can think of though who admitted it.
I cannot think of a single occasion when his predecessor ever ‘fessed up about one of her mistakes.
It is a real shame that Little hasn’t learned from that. Instead he is setting himself up as the arbiter in the case of Pembrolizumab. Why doesn’t he take the expert opinions of Pharmac?
He really is thick that fellow. Instead of learning from Key’s mistake in promising to go to Waitangi every year he is repeating the error.
Yes. He is about the only politician I can think of though who admitted it.
I cannot think of a single occasion when his predecessor ever ‘fessed up about one of her mistakes.
???
Turning bloody mindedness and ignoring advice into a virtue now?
Do you really think the PM has learnt not to ignore professional advice now?
He may be, at least as far as Pharmac goes, take their advice in the future.
Of course it wasn’t a virtue. It is not doing it in the future and learning from earlier mistakes by yourself or others that is the virtue.
“OK maybe, however I bet you that the PM will continue to ignore good advice whenever it suits him.
We already know his attitude: if he doesn’t like the advice that he gets, he’ll just go fishing for another opinion until he finds one he does like.”
These are the very points we (at ts) strive to educate the unsuspecting voter about, but it’s a hard job to get through to some of them.
It’s not only Key, it’s the whole lot of them, from the $6B man McCully (Leaky Home Syndrome) to Bennett, Collins, English the double dipper, the list just doesn’t stop, there are too many “sheeple” and not enough people in NZ to recognise this.
Andrew Geddis reports that amongst Republicans Trump has less than 30% support. No way he can get majority of Republican support in the long run.
I suppose while there were 12 nominees the apparent support was just because the votes were spread over so many. As the number of nominees drops the Trump ranking will drop. Cruz is much more dangerous than Trump.
Sanders has no chance of beating Clinton. The delegates and super delegates have him beaten before he starts.
I wouldn’t say that Sanders has no chance, but it is certainly an uphill battle. I’ve commented on the superdelegate issue before, but this is a good backgrounder from today’s Salon:
“Clinton has endorsements from more than 360 Democratic superdelegates, versus eight for Sanders. According to our back-of-envelope math, that means Sanders must win 54% of the remaining delegates to get to the magic number of 2,382 delegates to clinch the nomination., while Clinton needs to win just 46%. That is a huge advantage, especially when you consider that the 2008 Democratic delegate race between Barack Obama and Clinton was essentially a 52%-48% affair.”
The caveat to this, as NBC notes, is that the pressure on those superdelegates to switch will be considerable if Sanders manages to win the popular vote in their respective states. But there’s no guarantee of that, which highlights just how absurd and undemocratic this process is. When Clinton supporters insist the electoral math favors her, this is part of the reason why. And it’s also the reason Sanders supporters aren’t wrong when they say the establishment is in the tank for Clinton.
Me too Andre and Masupial. Still a faint hope for Sanders, though convention and staus quo is pretty powerful against him. At the very least maybe a significant message will be getting through to management signalled by Sander’s support.
The biggest reasons why the GOP hates the Clintons is that they implemented 80% of their agenda — ie welfare reform (love to know what happens when the 5 year limit is maxed out), NAFTA, zero tolerance low and order policies, etc. The republicans cannot take credit because the Clintons swiped their core planks. And they are mad as hell.
I think you’re misreading where Geddis was going with that. Trump could easily win the majority of delegates with only 35% support and hence win the nomination. At which point the majority of Republicans would be very unhappy, which is the point I think he was trying to make.
Yes. Clinton’s record as a foreign warmonger, agent of the bankster class and blatant dishonesty over her official and personal emails, will all hurt her.
The main thing which will put a hole in the side of her campaign however is the fact that she represents the status quo political establishment.
In short, Clinton can manipulate the Democratic Party hierarchy to win the party’s nomination, but she can’t use the same tricks on the general electorate.
although it is very early days in the nomination process and I am unconvinced Trump will end up with the nomination, if it came to Clinton Trump option for president the fact Clinton represents the old guard and the status quo won’t count for as much as the fear of a lunatic with the nuclear codes….the American system may be bizarre but I don’t believe the majority of the population are certifiable
I think the Deep State will swing in hard against Trump if he finally looks like getting the nomination.
Also, Trump supporters are not “lunatics” or “certifiable.”
As I said, Trump has been dead set against foreign wars during his campaign, and he will point out that Clinton has been for foreign wars, as well as assassinating foreign leaders (Gadaffi) and killing old sick men with extreme prejudice (Bin Laden).
In many ways, if you want to avoid a nuclear confrontation between the USA and China/Russia, Trump is the person to vote for, not Clinton.
Interesting article on large dam failure, with a pertinent point at the end about how if we build something industrial that we are reliant on and/or that is dangerous if it fails, we have to have the capacity to either dismantle it or look after it in perpetuity. The article suggests that the age of the large dams is over and ‘other’ renewables are now more competitive, but I think we should be applying the same general principles to solar, wind, wave etc as well. What is our capacity to maintain in perpetuity in a post-carbon age? This is at the crux of “green tech replacement to keep our current lifestyles”, vs “let’s learn to live within out limits”. At the moment we still far to focussed on the former and not paying attention to the latter.
On January 11th, the New York Times reported that Mosul Dam, the largest such structure in Iraq, urgently requires maintenance to prevent its collapse, a disaster that could drown as many as five hundred thousand people downstream and leave a million homeless. Four days earlier, the energy minister of Zambia declared that Kariba Dam, which straddles the border between his country and Zimbabwe, holding back the world’s largest reservoir, was in “dire” condition. An unprecedented drought threatens to shut down the dam’s power production, which supplies nearly half the nation’s electricity.
The World Bank and other international financiers like dams because they seem to offer large-scale solutions to energy and water shortages. Kariba is just one of more than two thousand large dams in Africa; Zimbabwe, one of the world’s poorest nations, has at least two hundred and fifty-four. But maintaining a dam is expensive—and much less popular than building one. Even in affluent countries such as the United States—whose dam infrastructure is in sufficient disrepair to have earned a “D” rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers, in 2013—maintenance is often neglected; it’s not likely to fare better in impoverished, corruption-ridden countries such as Zimbabwe or Iraq. Dams can’t be drained, and dismantling them can be as costly as building them. It’s the trap of Industrial Age technology: once mechanized systems supplant natural ones, they must be managed in perpetuity, or else they break down.
Yes, economics. And a social decision on what kind of risks are acceptable for the long term storage of hazardous waste. For example, the Yucca Mountain storage facility was canned partly because it couldn’t guarantee absolute containment for 10,000 years. In this particular case, it looks to me like the nuclear industry is being required to meet much much higher standards of long term safety than coal, mining, chemical…pretty much any other industrial activity.
Personally, I would be in favour of simply cordoning off large areas around nuclear plants and leaving them be. The wildlife around Chernobyl is apparently thriving.
Probably because humans get a bit more upset about radiation-induced mutations and diseases in human babies that they do see, compared to their reaction to radiation-induced mutations and diseases in wild animals that they never see (and that end up dying quickly anyway).
Right, so when people say the wild life are thriving the implication is that that it’s not that bad, but that is in fact very misleading. It’s also anathema to those of us who think in systems and can see the impact on the ecosystem rather than a few dead rabbit babies.
The lesson from Chernobyl’s exclusion zone (by comparison to the nearest wildlife reserves) appears to be that the presence of any humans at all (no matter how few) apparently has a more damaging effect on wild ecosystems than a small radiation load.
What is our capacity to maintain in perpetuity in a post-carbon age?
That is dependent upon our ability and propensity to recycle rather than anything else. Unfortunately, there’s a very good reason why we called a consumerist society. We consume without though for the future because consumption increases profits for the rich.
Very true, and it’s also driven at the production side, we’re in the age of planned obsolescence (bloody Apple are about the change the power port on their iphone to a new shape that no-one else uses including older iphones. That should be illegal), and let’s make things that break so people have to buy a new one. All that will have to go in a post-carbon world.
We can probably assume that windfarms are both less breakable and have less parts that are intentionally obsolete, but I still think that there is an issue here particularly around manufacture and distribution and the extent to which we can get those techs up and running closer to home and in a more resilient way. How much of replacement parts for critical infrastructure are currently manufactured overseas?
(bloody Apple are about the change the power port on their iphone to a new shape that no-one else uses including older iphones. That should be illegal
Yes it should be. Such things should be set by legal standard.
How much of replacement parts for critical infrastructure are currently manufactured overseas?
Again, wrong question. The question is actually Why aren’t we producing them here?
And the answer to that is our delusional financial system that has been designed to protect and enrich the already rich. A financial system that is designed to turn the majority of people into serfs of the few.
That’s an important question, but so is mine and here’s why. If we want to get to a position of being able to manufacture and maintain our own infrastructure, we have to understand the lack of resiliency we currently have, both at the system level and the engineering audit level. This is in the context of shifting awareness as much as anything.
At the system level, I think once people start thinking about what would happen if the filters on the waterpumps in their town’s water suppy system couldn’t be replace then the overall necessity becomes much more apparent.
At the audit level, how much of our current infrastructure is currently dependent on overseas sources, and where are the particular vulnerabilities.
We all know the story about how NZ only has 3 days worth of groceries in the supermarkets. After the Fukushima tsunami it was really hard to get parts for my Subaru for a while. But those examples are too isolated. When we have more stories like this across the board, people will be more willing to consider that we should be manufacturing more here.
Australian minister resigns for breaching code of conduct
Friday, 12 February 2016
The New Zealand Herald
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) ” An embattled Australian government minister resigned on Friday for breaching ministerial standards through a business trip to China, clearing the way for the prime minister to announce a final Cabinet reshuffle ahead of elections due this year.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said an investigation found Stuart Robert had breached the government’s Code of Ministerial Standards through his 2014 trip to Beijing with a friend and donor to the ruling Liberal Party, Paul Marks. Marks made the trip to seal a mining deal between his company Nimrod Resources and Chinese government-owned Minmetals.
…
______________
After all, why do corporations and the super-rich pour money into campaigns and lobbying? Sometimes political convictions are at play. But far more so than small-scale donors, the biggest spenders are investing in favorable policy outcomes. Money doesn’t just give big spenders the chance to express a view or support a candidate; it gives them leverage to reshape the American economy in their favor. And as the richest have pulled away from the rest of America, the policies they want—extremely low tax rates on the wealthy at a time of record deficits, rampant underinvestment in our future, special treatment for corporations that are imposing major environmental costs and financial risks on our society—are increasingly at odds with the policies the country desperately needs.
It’s about the US but we see exactly the same workings here through National’s Cabinet Club and other money anonymising entities.
This sounds very dodgy to me. This occurred when there was a deadlock on cars, dairy etc.
3 hours ago
Japan denies snub of Canada in TPP side deal
OTTAWA — Japanese officials say they believed they were also negotiating with Canada and Mexico when they struck a controversial side agreement with the United States on automobiles last year during the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks.
They discussed that agreement with U.S., which angered Canada and Mexico, in a briefing ahead of a Friday meeting between Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion and his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida.
….
he Japan-U.S. deal on rules of origin in the auto sector would have allowed a higher percentage of Japanese parts in cars in North America’s highly integrated industry. The fallout stalled completion of the 12-country Pacific Rim deal by at least two months.
The Japanese officials say they were surprised to learn that they had negotiated a deal with only the United States.
Mexico’s former ambassador to Canada has said the side deal angered the Canadians and Mexicans and nearly drove the two countries from the bargaining table.
But the Japanese officials, who briefed journalists on the condition they not be named, said their government didn’t think they were doing anything to snub Canada and Mexico.
“We thought that the U.S. represented Canada and Mexico,” said one.
This is awesome, making scientific knowledge free. What needs to complement this is freely available education on how to be scientifically literate that is aimed at lay people (so not written by geeks, sorry geeks).
A researcher in Russia has made more than 48 million journal articles – almost every single peer-reviewed paper every published – freely available online. And she’s now refusing to shut the site down, despite a court injunction and a lawsuit from Elsevier, one of the world’s biggest publishers.
“Payment of $32 is just insane when you need to skim or read tens or hundreds of these papers to do research. I obtained these papers by pirating them,” Elbakyan told Torrent Freak last year. “Everyone should have access to knowledge regardless of their income or affiliation. And that’s absolutely legal.”
If it sounds like a modern day Robin Hood struggle, that’s because it kinda is. But in this story, it’s not just the poor who don’t have access to scientific papers – journal subscriptions have become so expensive that leading universities such as Harvard and Cornell have admitted they can no longer afford them. Researchers have also taken a stand – with 15,000 scientists vowing to boycott publisher Elsevier in part for its excessive paywall fees.
That’s where Sci-Hub comes into the picture. The site works in two stages. First of all when you search for a paper, Sci-Hub tries to immediately download it from fellow pirate database LibGen. If that doesn’t work, Sci-Hub is able to bypass journal paywalls thanks to a range of access keys that have been donated by anonymous academics (thank you, science spies).
Super awesome! I’m doing a bit of work for a non-profit at the moment and getting access to journal articles as an independent researcher is frustratingly difficult.
I’m very grateful for open access authors and publications, but this is amazing.
Let me know how you find it. I’m getting a few pages with short message in Russian that I assume say no results, but sometimes there is a download of the article?
It’s great. I got that sort of message when I put the journal name in.
I’m looking at papers I already have the references for – if you enter that (jnl/vol/issue etc) , it will bring a google scholar list and go from there… or if say, you’re browsing abstracts at a journal site, paste the url for the paper into Sci-Hub and it will open the article directly.
Yep, I think I got that. Mostly I’ve been able to access the papers I want (even the free ones, no subscribing thank-god). With some of the less mainstream ones I’m getting the Russian note that sometimes does nothing.
“At a time when millions of Americans cannot afford to purchase the prescription drugs they require, we need a leader at the FDA who is prepared to stand up to the drug companies,” Sanders said.
“We need someone who will work to substantially lower drug prices, implement rules to safely import brand-name drugs from Canada and hold companies accountable who defraud our government.”
Sen. Sanders’ decision to block Dr. Califf’s appointment to the FDA hardly comes as a surprise for those who saw the Vermont senator’s epic takedown of Dr. Califf during his confirmation hearings last November.
During Sen. Sanders’ heated exchange with him, Sanders forced Dr. Califf’s hand, pointing out that since he supports the importing of fish products and vegetables from around the world, but not the importing of prescription drugs in Canada.
Dr. Califf also refused to take an official position on whether or not he supports allowing Medicare to negotiate the prices of prescription drugs on behalf of seniors.
1.6. Along with the privilege of serving as a Minister, there is some personal sacrifice in terms of the time and energy that must be devoted to official duties and some loss of privacy.
Although their public lives encroach upon their private lives, it is critical that Ministers do not use public office for private purposes.
In particular, Ministers must not use any information that they gain in the course of their official duties, including in the course of Cabinet discussions, for personal gain or the benefit of any other person.
…..
____________________
How long would have Judith Collins lasted as ‘Minister of Justice’ if New Zealand had the equivalent of the following Australian ‘Statement of Ministerial Standards operating at the time she participated in three ‘networking opportunities’ for her friends and husband’s private company, Oravida when she visited China in her (then) Ministerial capacity?
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Looking at the headlines this morning it’s hard to feel anything other than pessimistic about the future of humanity.Note that I’m not speaking about the future of mankind, but the survival of our humanity. The values that we believe in seem to be ebbing away, by the day.Perhaps every generation ...
Swabbing mixed breed baby chicks to test for avian influenzaUh oh. Bird flu – often deadly to humans – is not only being transmitted from infected birds to dairy cows, but is now travelling between dairy cows. As of last Friday, Bloomberg News reports, there were 32 American dairy herds ...
On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough. Greenpeace says ...
I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
Chris Trotter writes – Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
Graeme Edgeler writes – This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General,John Ryan, has joined the ...
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah SpengemanPeople wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
Bryce Edwards writes- The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the RuleIf you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
“You talking about me?”The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
Roger Partridge writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
The Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...
The National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...
A significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...
New Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...
Today’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...
Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...
The Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...
The Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order. “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today. I am delighted ...
The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions. “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today. “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale. “It is good ...
The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
“China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...
A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meighen McCrae, Associate Professor of Strategic & Defence Studies, Australian National University American and Australian stretcher bearers working together near the front line during the Battle of Hamel in 1918.Australian War Memorial While the AUKUS alliance is new, the Australian-American partnership ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tracey Holmes, Professorial Fellow in Sport, University of Canberra When the news broke last weekend that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive to a banned drug in early 2021 and were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games six months later ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cally Jetta, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead; College for First Nations, University of Southern Queensland Australian War MemorialAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people, as well as sensitive historical information ...
RNZ News Melissa Lee has been ousted from New Zealand’s coalition cabinet and stripped of the Media portfolio, and Penny Simmonds has lost the Disability Issues portfolio in a reshuffle. Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts will take Lee’s spot in cabinet. Simmonds was a minister outside of cabinet. ...
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Analysis - Christopher Luxon framing the demotion of two ministers as the portfolios getting "too complex" is a charitable way of saying they weren't up to the job. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra With Jim Chalmers’s third budget on May 14, Australians will be looking for some more cost-of-living relief – beyond the tax cuts – although they have been warned extra measures will be modest. As ...
Analysis: Melissa Lee has lost the media portfolio and her spot in Cabinet after multiple failed attempts to find solutions for a media industry in crisis. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced Lee would be losing her spot in Cabinet along with her media and communications ministerial portfolio. The job ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelly Saunders, PhD Candidate, University of Canberra There has been much analysis and praise of Justice Michael Lee’s recent judgement in Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against Channel Ten. Many people were openly relieved to read Lee’s “forensic” and “nuanced” application of law ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathy Gibbs, Program Director for the Bachelor of Education, Griffith University zEdward_Indy/Shutterstock Around one in 20 people has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and often continues into adulthood. ADHD is diagnosed ...
The Fairer Future coalition of anti-poverty groups say Whaikaha must be properly funded going forward, and that to argue that poor financial management of the new Ministry is a red herring by the Prime Minister. ...
The Taxpayers’ Union is today congratulating Hon. Paul Goldsmith on his appointment as Minister for Media and Communications and urges him to rule out state intervention in the private media sector. ...
Asia Pacific Report The West Papuan resistance OPM leader has condemned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden, accusing their countries of “six decades of treachery” over Papuan independence. The open letter was released today by OPM chairman Jeffrey P Bomanak on the eve of ANZAC Day ...
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: writer and one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024, Lauren Groff.The book I wish I’d writtenIf I wish I’d written a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Fechner, Research Fellow, Social Marketing, Griffith University mavo/Shutterstock Imagine having dinner at a restaurant. The menu offers plant-based meat alternatives made mostly from vegetables, mushrooms, legumes and wheat that mimic meat in taste, texture and smell. Despite being given that ...
“Three Strikes is a dead-end policy proposed by a dead-end government. The Three Strikes law ignores the causes of crime, instead just brutalising people already crushed by the cost of living.” ...
By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist An Australian-born judge in Kiribati could well face deportation later this week after a tribunal ruling that he should be removed from his post. The tribunal’s report has just been tabled in the Kiribati Parliament and is due to be debated by MPs ...
With its clear mandate for police use, political nuances, and nuanced public trust, Denmark's insights provide valuable considerations for Australia and New Zealand. ...
Books editor Claire Mabey reviews poet Louise Wallace’s debut novel. A famous poet once said to me that he’s always suspicious when a poet publishes a novel. I never really understood why but maybe it’s something to do with cheating on your first form. Louise Wallace is a poet. She’s ...
For a few months at the turn of the millennium, TrueBliss burned bright as the biggest pop stars in the country. Alex Casey chats to two superfans who still hold the flame. During a humble backyard wedding in Nelson, 1999, one of the cordially invited guests had to excuse themselves ...
How will the recent wave of job cuts impact ethnic diversity in the media? In November last year, I was working a very busy day in the newsroom of a large online news site, interviewing whānau about their concerns over the imminent closure of one of the few puna reo ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Knight, Researcher, Queensland University of Technology Have you ever felt sick at work? Perhaps you had food poisoning or the flu. Your belly hurt, or you felt tired, making it hard to concentrate and be productive. How likely would you be ...
Despite heavy criticism and an ongoing select committee process, the Police Minister says the Government will forge ahead with a ban on gang patches. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sam Whiting, Lecturer – Creative Industries, University of South Australia Shutterstock Everyone has a favourite band, or a favourite composer, or a favourite song. There is some music which speaks to you, deeply; and other music which might be the current ...
A new survey says ‘outlook not great’ for those charged with building infrastructure, while RMA changes delight farmers and depress environmentalists, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. First RMA changes announced ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato Getty Images When New Zealanders commemorate Anzac Day on April 25, it’s not only to honour the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and subsequent conflicts, but also ...
A leaked document shows the Canterbury/Waitaha arm of health agency Te Whatu Ora is scurrying to save $13.3 million by July. The “financial sustainability target”, which was “allocated” to Waitaha, is consistent with what’s happening in other districts, says Sarah Dalton, executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists. ...
A look at the state of the previous government’s affordable housing scheme, and what could come next.Remind me: What’s KiwiBuild again?First announced in 2012, KiwiBuild was a flagship policy of the Labour Party heading into both its 2014 and 2017 election campaigns. With Jacinda Ardern as prime minister, ...
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There’s relief for building owners bending under the weight of earthquake strengthening rules – and costs – that came into force seven years ago. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced a scheduled 2027 review of the earthquake-prone building regulations will now start this year. Owners will also get ...
Opinion: It has been announced that nine percent of roles at Oranga Tamariki will be disestablished, presumably to help fund the tax cuts promised by the coalition Government. I am reminded of the graphics used to illustrate pandemic events, where five thousand people are standing in a field and then ...
After more than two sleepless days, running through savage terrain, Greig Hamilton didn’t know if he was going to finish one of the most gruelling psychological assaults in sport. He was metres away from the finish line, a yellow gate made famous in a Netflix documentary; a race he’d dreamed ...
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The following interview with former Green Party MP Sue Kedgley came about because she features in the new memoir Hine Toa by activist Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku; the two knew each other at the University of Auckland in the early 70s, when they were both took on leadership roles in the ...
COMMENTARY:By Murray Horton New Zealand needs to get tough with Israel. It’s not as if we haven’t done so before. When NZ authorities busted a Mossad operation in Auckland 20 years ago, the government didn’t say: “Oh well, Israel has the right to defend itself.” No, it arrested, prosecuted, ...
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dan Lowry, Ice Sheet & Climate Modeller, GNS Science Hugh Chittock/Antarctica New Zealand, CC BY-SA As the climate warms and Antarctica’s glaciers and ice sheets melt, the resulting rise in sea level has the potential to displace hundreds of millions of ...
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While police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members. ...
While police are "broadly in favour", the government's proposed anti-gang laws are facing pushback from lawyers, rights groups and former gang members. ...
By Miriam Zarriga in Port Moresby Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived at Kokoda Station, Northern province, at the start of his state visit to Papua New Guinea. Both Albanese and Prime Minister James Marape will meet with the locals and the Northern Provincial government before they begin their ...
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By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk Security forces reinforcements were sent from France ahead of two rival marches in the capital Nouméa today, at the same time and only two streets away one from the other. One march, called by Union Calédonienne party (a component of the ...
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The solo show from Ana Scotney is both sprawling and intimate, and a must-see, writes Mad Chapman. In the opening moments of Scattergun: After the Death of Rūaumoko, writer and performer Ana Scotney lays out the groundwork, literally. Silently moving around the square stage, Scotney is not so much dancing ...
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COMMENTARY:By Malcolm Evans Last week’s leaked New York Times staff directive, as to what words can and cannot be used to describe the carnage Israel is raining on Palestinians, is proof positive, since those reports are published verbatim here in New Zealand, that our understanding of the conflict is ...
In the case of New Zealand, the results confirm that there is no popular support for the vicious austerity program being imposed by the National Party-led government, which is backed in all fundamental respects by the opposition Labour Party. ...
Is this really why marijuana got banned in the 30s? A prohibitionist bureaucratic empire-builder was about to lose his empire so he had to find a new reason to keep it alive, and marijuana was the most convenient new bogeyman?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-influence/real-reasons-marijuana-is-banned_b_9210248.html
Yes -it’a an amazing book.
I haven’t read the book, but the; Anslinger role in post-prohibition cannabis outlawing has been common knowledge since at least the 90s (when I became aware of it). I found the Lincata information in that article fascinating though:
The ‘banning’ of hemp is a similar situation, involving the chemical companies who are poisoning the planet and its inhabitants
People will recognize the names invovled
Been working with a mate growing hemp – such an awesome plant, and so wrongly maligned
MM
2000 years ago, China’s whole civilisation was dependent on the Cannabis crop, interestingly, today they’re finding the medicinal benefits through science that the Chinese discovered thousands of years ago.
If it’s so bad for society, how come it’s legal in five states in the US and various other parts of the world, I would suggest that it’s a lot less harmful to society than cheap liquor and gambling.
Over the years I’ve read of many reasons why marijuana got banned. Racism and pressure from the cotton industry (hemp cloth is reportedly better and cheaper than cotton and grows pretty much everywhere) being the main ones.
Plus hemp does not destroy the soil like cotton does.
Has no natural insect enemies so no pesticides required which isn’t good business for big chemical/pharma interests.
Short videos on aspects of TPP
TPP and Sovereignty,
While the discussion is from the US point of view, the arguments all apply to NZ
http://video.thenewamerican.com/usnews/video/bill-jasper-christian-gomez-examination-tpp-pt-2
TPP and The Commission
The TPP commission – executive body of TPP, chapter 27
Functions of commission reviews agreement, amends, establish the model rules for arbitral tribunals,
TPP a living and evolving document
more members in, plus more powers…“integration” and “harmonisation”
eg harmonisation of health standards…
http://video.thenewamerican.com/usnews/video/bill-jasper-christian-gomez-examination-tpp-pt-4
missing link in post on TPP and the Commission
http://video.thenewamerican.com/usnews/video/bill-jasper-christian-gomez-examination-tpp-pt-3
Watched all 4 yesterday. Well worth the time TMA.
Y’all Qaeda rolls over and dies with barely a whimper.
Bonus: Cliven Bundy, the Osama of Y’all Qaeda, is finally arrested too.
http://www.salon.com/2016/02/12/dear_oregon_militia_men_heres_why_no_one_feels_sorry_for_you_and_rejects_your_mission_built_on_conservative_christian_rage/
Lots of details here.
https://twitter.com/jjmacnab
QFT
And we’ll see similar whinging here from the RWNJs when a Left leaning government gets in.
Except I think that populist rage in the US is very understandable and has very reasonable foundations.
It is mainly centred around the working class and the lower middle class being annhilated.
Bombshell Study Exposes Frightening Facts About Anti-Depressant Drugs & Pharmaceutical Companies
Big Pharma tactics: includes video with Dr Peter Rost, MD who “is a former vice president of Pfizer, and a whistleblower of the entire pharmaceutical industry in general. He is the author of The Whistleblower, Confessions of a Healthcare Hitman.”
Visible text
This is the unprincipled pharmaceutical industry which is going to require PHARMAC to justify its choice of drugs!
Link to article above
TMM – is it just me but I linked into your article and its a teaser – many people are on anti-depressants and will be linking into this as well – it just doesn’t say what the “frightening facts” are – everything but, it does say its dangerous for teenagers but again, why are the side effects not disclosed so people can make an evaluated guess. I do not disagree with you, big PHARMA are a devious corrupt lot but the article again, to me, is not very helpful and we are left not knowing. Most people accept there are side effects to drugs and if they need to take stuff will sort out what suits them best with their doctor. Good that you expose this though and most readers will not be surprised by this at all. Depression is a clinical imbalance in the brain and people who take these pills usually are in a pretty bad state so this is bad news really for them unfortunately.
@ Whispering Kate
Research paper
Suicidality and aggression during antidepressant treatment: systematic review and meta-analyses based on clinical study reports
http://www.bmj.com/content/352/bmj.i65
Thanks for that TMM – I think I’ve read sometime ago that teenagers were having suicidal tendencies and comitting suicide on anti depressants, this is terrible. Kids need to be cared for and research needs to be done to combat this. People I know who are on anti depressants (adults) say it has changed their whole lives, they can live their lives feeling like they once used to. I can see a huge difference in them.
I know that there are still a lot of people about who think, if you cannot tangibly see an illness – bandages etc, then “putting on some runners and going out and exercising” will be the cure, “buck up and get on with it” sort of advice. Depression has been with us forever and so has suicide, thankfully now for adults at least they can take something to balance out clinical imbalances occurring in the brain. John Kirwan did such a lot to advertise the seriousness of depression thankfully which has helped to change attitudes with Depression.
Not all depressions are the same and not all anti-depressants work the same way. It is often a process of ‘trial & error’ to match the ‘right’ anti-depressant to the ‘right’ patient; this involves a lead-in period.
The other thing to note with anti-depressants is that you cannot come off them suddenly (‘cold turkey’) without expecting a (strong) relapse. Taking these drugs at the right dose at the right time is fairly important and something that people don’t always stick to (compliance issues are a very common problem with pretty much all medication).
A combination of medication, counselling & support, and healthy life style (e.g. diet) is the way to effectively deal with depression. Lastly, it is thought that genetics do play a role in disposition to depression.
I temporarily worked for SKB (SmithKlineBeecham) in their customer purchase department, when Aropax was being marketed aggressively.
The strategy used to help promote sales was to allow the stocks of Stelazine to drop to near zero, and when pharmacies rang to order – say that Stelazine was out of stock and there was no confirmed production date, and direct them to Aropax.
There were many calls from irate GP’s and pharmacies, due to the fact that the transition from one drug to another was a minimum six weeks – if not more. Furthermore, many patients were successfully using Stelazine, and their supply was cut off suddenly and they had no choice but to change drugs. I’m guessing the patents on Aropax were more recent, and they were ensuring the crossover of as many patients as possible to this newer drug.
(Aropax (Paxil) was later found to be implicated in an increase in teenage suicide for it’s users, and SKB had hidden research papers which had these findings in order to ensure regulation.)
thanks for this first hand report of Big Pharma for-profit skullduggery
Nope, that’s how drug companies want to characterise the phenomenon, mainly because the solutions that they sell are chemical ones.
What is the alternative CV – sometimes therapy no matter how long just does not work.
I agree with CV on this one. Depression has more to do with your life situation and surroundings more than chemicals in your brain.
I know someone who was on prozac for about 11 years. She was pretty much bedridden for most of that time. Then one day she flushed her pills down the toilet and started walking.
Never looked back.
Unfortunately it is cheaper for the government and the non-profit industrial complex it underwrites to give the mentally ill and chronically depressed a prozac script, dump them into a boarding house and pay them $200 a week, rather than actually help them overcome their depression.
Spot on there Incognito.
Looks like they haven’t changed. I can still recall the treatment of the Aussie doctor who discovered stomach ulcers were caused by bacteria and could be cured with antibiotics. The drug companies did everything they could to prevent his discovery becoming an accepted treatment, they were making too much money out of the acid reducing drugs like Zantac that treated the symptoms but didn’t cure.
I developed an ulcer after taking anti-inflammatories, a common cause I didn’t know about at the time & discovered too late. For over a year I was prescribed the standard treatment, they alternated between different brands as each would lose it’s effectiveness after about a month. A very cosy deal for the drug companies, they all had a bite at the profit cherry. Then one day I found a doctor who’d been reading about the Aussie discovery. He prescribed antibiotics and the ulcer was gone in a week… never to return like it did with the old treatment.
This is one of the fundamental flaws with long patents. It removes a lot of the motive for developing new drugs. Why spend dosh on research for more effective treatments & cures when you can keep raking it in from old medicines that cost peanuts to manufacture.
Ahhh… no. The only impact on Pharmac is the potential extra costs involved with new Biologics that come online. But as you seem to be implying that Pharmacutical companies lie about the benefit of the drugs it seems we won’t have much to worry about if we don’t take them.
There you are again pretending to have a crystal ball. How about the profit boosting revenue generating recommendation that every American be screened for depression
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/01/26/all-adults-screened-for-depression/79347926/
Tell us some more about Venezuela…
bollocks
” The only impact on Pharmac is the potential extra costs involved with new Biologics that come online”
Biologics are the current/most obvious example of expensive, innovative new drugs, not the sum of.
Because pharmaceuticals companies massage the data, doesn’t mean drugs don’t work – it means the model they are working under is not fit for purpose (if that purpose is to provide the best possible meds that have the least harmful side effects).
Try http://www.badscience.net/category/big-pharma/ for a pretty conventional medical research pov on this topic if you’re really interested, much as I doubt that.
So – why the rush in New Zealand to ratify the TPPA?
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11588779
Editorial: US elections take adverse turn for NZ
…..
But the rivals share common ground in a key area of economic and trade policy which, if it comes to pass, could damage New Zealand’s interests.
Both men want to tear up free trade deals, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership which the US, along with 11 other nations around the region, signed in Auckland last week. New Zealand’s prosperity rests on the ability to get exports into markets with as few impediments as possible.
Sanders and Trump alike complain that trade deals signed by Washington over the years have come at the expense of American jobs. This has been an argument against trade liberalisation all along, but the political consensus that everyone benefits from free trade has prevailed.
Now this policy is under fierce attack, with Trump and Sanders accusing the US political establishment of opening up American markets without extracting equal concessions from trade partners.
Trump also proposes a steep tariff on Chinese imports – a move which would invite Beijing’s retaliation. The implications for the global economy – and for New Zealand – could be profound. The White House race clearly bears watching.
_____________________________
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
There is no problem with getting concessions on Trade related matters with NZ.
Indeed. And that’s the problem.
Not really. The Us can’t state that it hasn’t got the ability to send produce here because our barriers are already low. This means they can’t stonewall on these areas by claiming they will only lower their barriers if we lower ours.
I see Admin has posted a long article about the history of the 1951 Waterfront Strike.
Lots of detailed history but omits stating that the National Government which locked out the workers and brought in the Army to work the ships was led by Sidney George Holland who after being invited to join the war-time cabinet, left after only a short time and stayed out for the rest of the war.
He was a nasty piece of work in my opinion and our present PM reminds me of him in many ways.
Neither ever had to handle lampblack in paper bags.
Who or what is “Admin”?
A link would be nice for anyone who is interested in following up the comment.
Shortage of Medicines.
On 2 Feb. my wife and I were only dispensed 1month’s supply of an essential , for us, drug rather than the 3 months supply that our Doctor had prescribed. The Pharmacy said they understood there was a shortage.
Here is the official statement from Pharmac to pharmacies.
Metoprolol succinate long-acting – stock shortage
From 11 December 2015, stat dispensing was removed from all strengths of metoprolol succinate long-acting tabs, 23.75 mg, 47.5 mg, 95 mg and 190 mg, with prescriptions presented needing to be dispensed in monthly lots due to a manufacturing and supply issue.
There is a potential lack of sufficient supply of some strengths over the next few months. PHARMAC anticipate that during January 2016 the 190 mg long-acting tabs supply will be exhausted and patients on the 190 mg long-acting tabs will need to be dispensed 2 x 95 mg long-acting tabs as a replacement. It will be important to ensure all patients are aware of the need to take more tablets than they are used to during this time and vice versa when reinstating the 190 mg tabs. Stat dispensing for this product should be reinstated 1 March 2016.
Thought Standardistas might like to know. No reason for the shortage was given as far as I could see.
Generic version of Toprol XL recalled
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/24/health/warning-unheeded-heart-drugs-are-recalled.html?_r=0
More info here: “serious flaws” with FDA testing and approvals process
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2014/05/15/metoprolol-mess-toprol-xl-reveals-serious-flaws-with-fdas-generic-process/
@CV
So there is no confusion medically , metoprolol is the generic name for this medicine also known as Beta Blockers.
Here is the complete list of names used:-
Brand Names: Lopressor, Metoprolol Succinate ER, Metoprolol Tartrate, Toprol-XL
Generic Name: metoprolol (Pronunciation: me TOE pro lol)
CV & Alwyn are entitled to have their little political discussion about Pharmac but I was simply trying to bring this shortage situation to the attention of TS readers.
There was a long story in the DomPost last weekend about it.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/76439113/patients-regularly-face-medicine-shortages-as-new-zealand-struggles-to-secure-supply
You will have to choose for yourself which side of the argument you prefer about the effects of the Pharmac purchasing model.
It has been around for a long time and people have been forever complaining about it. Here is another story from 2008
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/features/740504/A-bitter-pill-10-drugs-you-can-t-have
Are these the same rich pricks who refuse to pay more taxes to pay for our health system?
Perhaps you should call on Key and English not to drop tax rates further.
I presume you are talking about the 2008 story. I only picked it out to illustrate what has been going on ever since 1997 when we adopted the system. I wasn’t advocating for those drugs.
I think that it is completely impossible to provide ALL possible health care. I remember back about 1980 an economist I know showed that you could spend the entire health budget on providing maximum care for kidney disease. Every single cent. There is simply no upper limit on what health care could cost, and compromise is essential.
Sometimes politicians, catering to public demand, get it wrong. John Key admitted recently that their promise of 12 month treatments with Herceptin, although popular with the public, was wrong and that there was no advantage from the longer period.
He was told that by health sector analysts way back then so it’s not like he didn’t know from the start.
Yes. He is about the only politician I can think of though who admitted it.
I cannot think of a single occasion when his predecessor ever ‘fessed up about one of her mistakes.
It is a real shame that Little hasn’t learned from that. Instead he is setting himself up as the arbiter in the case of Pembrolizumab. Why doesn’t he take the expert opinions of Pharmac?
He really is thick that fellow. Instead of learning from Key’s mistake in promising to go to Waitangi every year he is repeating the error.
???
Turning bloody mindedness and ignoring advice into a virtue now?
Do you really think the PM has learnt not to ignore professional advice now?
He may be, at least as far as Pharmac goes, take their advice in the future.
Of course it wasn’t a virtue. It is not doing it in the future and learning from earlier mistakes by yourself or others that is the virtue.
OK maybe, however I bet you that the PM will continue to ignore good advice whenever it suits him.
We already know is attitude: if he doesn’t like the advice that he gets, he’ll just go fishing for another opinion until he finds one he does like.
Cv Absolutely correct.
Hey CV
“OK maybe, however I bet you that the PM will continue to ignore good advice whenever it suits him.
We already know his attitude: if he doesn’t like the advice that he gets, he’ll just go fishing for another opinion until he finds one he does like.”
These are the very points we (at ts) strive to educate the unsuspecting voter about, but it’s a hard job to get through to some of them.
It’s not only Key, it’s the whole lot of them, from the $6B man McCully (Leaky Home Syndrome) to Bennett, Collins, English the double dipper, the list just doesn’t stop, there are too many “sheeple” and not enough people in NZ to recognise this.
Andrew Geddis reports that amongst Republicans Trump has less than 30% support. No way he can get majority of Republican support in the long run.
I suppose while there were 12 nominees the apparent support was just because the votes were spread over so many. As the number of nominees drops the Trump ranking will drop. Cruz is much more dangerous than Trump.
Sanders has no chance of beating Clinton. The delegates and super delegates have him beaten before he starts.
I wouldn’t say that Sanders has no chance, but it is certainly an uphill battle. I’ve commented on the superdelegate issue before, but this is a good backgrounder from today’s Salon:
http://www.salon.com/2016/02/12/sign_of_a_broken_system_bernies_biggest_problem_may_not_be_hillary_clinton_its_the_anti_democratic_superdelegates_in_her_corner/
A lot of states have winner-take-all primaries. So Clinton’s 15% starting advantage from superdelegates is not insurmountable.
Superdelegates are allowed to change their minds. A large enough popular vote swing to Sanders might be enough to persuade them to do so.
thanks Andre and Pasupial for those more encouraging analyses. I’d been wondering what was possible.
Me too Andre and Masupial. Still a faint hope for Sanders, though convention and staus quo is pretty powerful against him. At the very least maybe a significant message will be getting through to management signalled by Sander’s support.
The Clintons are partners with the banksters and the transnational corporates against the working class. That’s the starting point of this discussion.
The biggest reasons why the GOP hates the Clintons is that they implemented 80% of their agenda — ie welfare reform (love to know what happens when the 5 year limit is maxed out), NAFTA, zero tolerance low and order policies, etc. The republicans cannot take credit because the Clintons swiped their core planks. And they are mad as hell.
No, I don’t think that’s it, unless you are talking about the Republican elite/senior hierarchy.
WTF kind of analysis is this.
Trump has more support than the no.2 no.3 no.4 and no.5 candidates put together.
How does Geddis think that any of them are going to get “majority support in the long run” when they are well behind Trump???
I think you’re misreading where Geddis was going with that. Trump could easily win the majority of delegates with only 35% support and hence win the nomination. At which point the majority of Republicans would be very unhappy, which is the point I think he was trying to make.
Ahhh. Trump will roll all over Hilary and win the White House. I think most Republicans will like that.
😆 🙄
Now you speak for US citizens too.
*Shrug*
Happy to be proven wrong by you when Trump loses the nomination race.
assuming you are right and Trump wins the Rep. nomination do you genuinely believe he would be elected President ahead of Clinton?
Yes. Clinton’s record as a foreign warmonger, agent of the bankster class and blatant dishonesty over her official and personal emails, will all hurt her.
The main thing which will put a hole in the side of her campaign however is the fact that she represents the status quo political establishment.
In short, Clinton can manipulate the Democratic Party hierarchy to win the party’s nomination, but she can’t use the same tricks on the general electorate.
although it is very early days in the nomination process and I am unconvinced Trump will end up with the nomination, if it came to Clinton Trump option for president the fact Clinton represents the old guard and the status quo won’t count for as much as the fear of a lunatic with the nuclear codes….the American system may be bizarre but I don’t believe the majority of the population are certifiable
I think the Deep State will swing in hard against Trump if he finally looks like getting the nomination.
Also, Trump supporters are not “lunatics” or “certifiable.”
As I said, Trump has been dead set against foreign wars during his campaign, and he will point out that Clinton has been for foreign wars, as well as assassinating foreign leaders (Gadaffi) and killing old sick men with extreme prejudice (Bin Laden).
In many ways, if you want to avoid a nuclear confrontation between the USA and China/Russia, Trump is the person to vote for, not Clinton.
http://news.groopspeak.com/bookies-right-91-of-the-time-in-elections-next-president-will-be/
Interesting article on large dam failure, with a pertinent point at the end about how if we build something industrial that we are reliant on and/or that is dangerous if it fails, we have to have the capacity to either dismantle it or look after it in perpetuity. The article suggests that the age of the large dams is over and ‘other’ renewables are now more competitive, but I think we should be applying the same general principles to solar, wind, wave etc as well. What is our capacity to maintain in perpetuity in a post-carbon age? This is at the crux of “green tech replacement to keep our current lifestyles”, vs “let’s learn to live within out limits”. At the moment we still far to focussed on the former and not paying attention to the latter.
http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/one-of-africas-biggest-dams-is-falling-apart
an inability to properly decommission the dozens of aging nuclear reactors around the world is what is going to screw us.
It’s the gorilla in many corners about Europe that were part of the old soviet block.
“an inability to properly decommission the dozens of aging nuclear reactors around the world is what is going to screw us.”
Is that an economic issue rather than a tech one?
Yes, economics. And a social decision on what kind of risks are acceptable for the long term storage of hazardous waste. For example, the Yucca Mountain storage facility was canned partly because it couldn’t guarantee absolute containment for 10,000 years. In this particular case, it looks to me like the nuclear industry is being required to meet much much higher standards of long term safety than coal, mining, chemical…pretty much any other industrial activity.
Personally, I would be in favour of simply cordoning off large areas around nuclear plants and leaving them be. The wildlife around Chernobyl is apparently thriving.
If the wildlife are thriving around Chernobyl why would it be a problem for humans to live there?
Probably because humans get a bit more upset about radiation-induced mutations and diseases in human babies that they do see, compared to their reaction to radiation-induced mutations and diseases in wild animals that they never see (and that end up dying quickly anyway).
Right, so when people say the wild life are thriving the implication is that that it’s not that bad, but that is in fact very misleading. It’s also anathema to those of us who think in systems and can see the impact on the ecosystem rather than a few dead rabbit babies.
The lesson from Chernobyl’s exclusion zone (by comparison to the nearest wildlife reserves) appears to be that the presence of any humans at all (no matter how few) apparently has a more damaging effect on wild ecosystems than a small radiation load.
yeah, but we didn’t need a nuclear melt down to know that 😉
I think you are sidestepping my point.
Because of the extra harm that would do to the wildlife.
“The net positive effect of removing humans from the exclusion zone therefore appears to exceed the negative impacts of radiation.”
That is dependent upon our ability and propensity to recycle rather than anything else. Unfortunately, there’s a very good reason why we called a consumerist society. We consume without though for the future because consumption increases profits for the rich.
Very true, and it’s also driven at the production side, we’re in the age of planned obsolescence (bloody Apple are about the change the power port on their iphone to a new shape that no-one else uses including older iphones. That should be illegal), and let’s make things that break so people have to buy a new one. All that will have to go in a post-carbon world.
We can probably assume that windfarms are both less breakable and have less parts that are intentionally obsolete, but I still think that there is an issue here particularly around manufacture and distribution and the extent to which we can get those techs up and running closer to home and in a more resilient way. How much of replacement parts for critical infrastructure are currently manufactured overseas?
Yes it should be. Such things should be set by legal standard.
Again, wrong question. The question is actually Why aren’t we producing them here?
And the answer to that is our delusional financial system that has been designed to protect and enrich the already rich. A financial system that is designed to turn the majority of people into serfs of the few.
That’s an important question, but so is mine and here’s why. If we want to get to a position of being able to manufacture and maintain our own infrastructure, we have to understand the lack of resiliency we currently have, both at the system level and the engineering audit level. This is in the context of shifting awareness as much as anything.
At the system level, I think once people start thinking about what would happen if the filters on the waterpumps in their town’s water suppy system couldn’t be replace then the overall necessity becomes much more apparent.
At the audit level, how much of our current infrastructure is currently dependent on overseas sources, and where are the particular vulnerabilities.
We all know the story about how NZ only has 3 days worth of groceries in the supermarkets. After the Fukushima tsunami it was really hard to get parts for my Subaru for a while. But those examples are too isolated. When we have more stories like this across the board, people will be more willing to consider that we should be manufacturing more here.
Where’s New Zealand’s ‘Code of Ministerial Standards’?
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11588739
Australian minister resigns for breaching code of conduct
Friday, 12 February 2016
The New Zealand Herald
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) ” An embattled Australian government minister resigned on Friday for breaching ministerial standards through a business trip to China, clearing the way for the prime minister to announce a final Cabinet reshuffle ahead of elections due this year.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said an investigation found Stuart Robert had breached the government’s Code of Ministerial Standards through his 2014 trip to Beijing with a friend and donor to the ruling Liberal Party, Paul Marks. Marks made the trip to seal a mining deal between his company Nimrod Resources and Chinese government-owned Minmetals.
…
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Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
Interesting interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=135pYusFV_k
How Big Money Corrupts the Economy
It’s about the US but we see exactly the same workings here through National’s Cabinet Club and other money anonymising entities.
This sounds very dodgy to me. This occurred when there was a deadlock on cars, dairy etc.
3 hours ago
Japan denies snub of Canada in TPP side deal
http://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/6305987-japan-denies-snub-of-canada-in-tpp-side-deal/
Heads up to the admins – the site currently won’t load for me when visiting from a mobile device.
Works fine on desktop.
This is awesome, making scientific knowledge free. What needs to complement this is freely available education on how to be scientifically literate that is aimed at lay people (so not written by geeks, sorry geeks).
http://www.sciencealert.com/this-woman-has-illegally-uploaded-millions-of-journal-articles-in-an-attempt-to-open-up-science
Shoutout to Aaron Swartz who died trying to make this happen.
Super awesome! I’m doing a bit of work for a non-profit at the moment and getting access to journal articles as an independent researcher is frustratingly difficult.
I’m very grateful for open access authors and publications, but this is amazing.
Let me know how you find it. I’m getting a few pages with short message in Russian that I assume say no results, but sometimes there is a download of the article?
It’s great. I got that sort of message when I put the journal name in.
I’m looking at papers I already have the references for – if you enter that (jnl/vol/issue etc) , it will bring a google scholar list and go from there… or if say, you’re browsing abstracts at a journal site, paste the url for the paper into Sci-Hub and it will open the article directly.
Yep, I think I got that. Mostly I’ve been able to access the papers I want (even the free ones, no subscribing thank-god). With some of the less mainstream ones I’m getting the Russian note that sometimes does nothing.
you had trouble getting searches to work in past day or so?
Yeah – the last one I tried took a a few attempts, I eventually got in using the doi number – after 2 attempts with that I got it in the end!
Bernie Sanders stands up to BIG PHARMA:
http://usuncut.com/politics/bernie-sanders-blocks-obamas-fda-pick-over-ties-to-big-pharma/
“At a time when millions of Americans cannot afford to purchase the prescription drugs they require, we need a leader at the FDA who is prepared to stand up to the drug companies,” Sanders said.
“We need someone who will work to substantially lower drug prices, implement rules to safely import brand-name drugs from Canada and hold companies accountable who defraud our government.”
Sen. Sanders’ decision to block Dr. Califf’s appointment to the FDA hardly comes as a surprise for those who saw the Vermont senator’s epic takedown of Dr. Califf during his confirmation hearings last November.
During Sen. Sanders’ heated exchange with him, Sanders forced Dr. Califf’s hand, pointing out that since he supports the importing of fish products and vegetables from around the world, but not the importing of prescription drugs in Canada.
Dr. Califf also refused to take an official position on whether or not he supports allowing Medicare to negotiate the prices of prescription drugs on behalf of seniors.
…
__________________
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
In my opinion, as an anti-corruption campaigner, New Zealand has a LOT to learn from the Australian ‘Statement of Ministerial Standards’:
https://www.dpmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/statement_ministerial_standards.docx
” …Integrity
1.6. Along with the privilege of serving as a Minister, there is some personal sacrifice in terms of the time and energy that must be devoted to official duties and some loss of privacy.
Although their public lives encroach upon their private lives, it is critical that Ministers do not use public office for private purposes.
In particular, Ministers must not use any information that they gain in the course of their official duties, including in the course of Cabinet discussions, for personal gain or the benefit of any other person.
…..
____________________
How long would have Judith Collins lasted as ‘Minister of Justice’ if New Zealand had the equivalent of the following Australian ‘Statement of Ministerial Standards operating at the time she participated in three ‘networking opportunities’ for her friends and husband’s private company, Oravida when she visited China in her (then) Ministerial capacity?
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
NZ’s equivalent is the Cabinet Manual. We’ve seen how effective that is in the hands of a corrupt shit like Key.
Remind me again which party in NZ has had people actually found guilty of corruption charges?
Cabinet manual was not useful then, either.