Sunday, March 23, 2025

The Hidden Genes of Germany: A 10,000-Year DNA Story

The Liberal Government is Giving Out Free Heroin

https://youtu.be/aoBEyJu3ctA?si=M_ZKYrCgGj3Ambix

Doctors are Aghast at this Liberal policy and this is why there is a 790% increase in druge use and deaths.

Watch this video. See what Doctors have to say. Its shocking. WHO decides on the policies of giving out free heroin?

Scandal in Canada | The Liberal Mishandling of Drugs | London, ON

It's time you know about the deadliest scandal in Canadian history.

London's opioid users say street drugs are getting stronger, cheaper and deadlier.

People who use fentanyl on the streets of London say the deadly opioid is becoming ever cheaper and more powerful, delivering higher highs, while simultaneously raising the risk of overdose death.

Without widespread testing, there's no way of knowing, but the city's drug problem has become more visible in the core, where strung out users lay in alcoves, doorways and on sidewalks where they remain sprawled in broad daylight, sometimes for hours, as passersby go on with their daily business in the city centre.

If [fentanyl is] not strong enough to kill someone, it's not strong enough. - Joey, a London, Ont., street drug user whose name is being kept confidential by CBC News

Relief agency officials say while the problem might appear more visible, it's not because of an increased prevalence of drug abuse. Rather, the city's homeless population has recently doubled, making people who use the drugs to self-medicate for pain, mental illness, or sometimes just to catch some sleep, more visible.

"I really believe it's getting stronger," said Dave, a fentanyl user who spoke to CBC News on the condition his real name would not be used in order to protect him from the stigma of homelessness and drug addiction.

Drugs becoming cheaper, more powerful, more toxic

He was one among a number of users who told CBC News the same thing — the drugs are not only getting stronger, but cheaper as dealers adapt their product to a changing marketplace.

A drug user lays on the sidewalk on Dundas Street with a glass pipe and lighter still clutched in his hands. Opioid users in London say the city's street drugs are becoming more powerful, while medical officials say they're becoming increasingly toxic. (Colin Butler/CBC News)

Dave said he believes dealers are cutting opioids with more additives to give users a bigger high, while federal officials say substances such as benzodiazapine, a highly addictive drug used as anti-anxiety medication, or xylizine, a muscle relaxant used in the veterinary care of animals, are becoming more common.

The city needs to do more regular testing of street drugs to reduce the risk of more overdoses, said Dr. Andrea Sereda, a physician with Intercommunity Health and a poverty activist. Since the pandemic, users are taking drugs in ever-larger amounts to offset their increased tolerance to opioids, she added.

"Their tolerance has wildly increased," she said. "Before you might see an individual using maybe three times a day outside, now with that increase in tolerance they may be using every two or three hours."

Whether that means there are more overdoses is hard to tell. Figures on London's overdoses are hard to come by.

No single agency counts overdose deaths in the city and the most recent provincial overdose death statistics date back to last June.

While there are no hard numbers, there are anecdotes from users and outreach workers, and even a recent city hall report cites a rise in "overdoses and the toxicity of street substances" over the last 18 months.

Dave said he doesn't trust the drugs — just the naloxone kit he keeps with him, something that's become as common in the tents of London's homeless population as first aid kits in suburban homes.

"You need to have narcan at your side, [and do drugs] with a friend," he said.

Naloxone distribution has exploded in the last 5 years

According to figures from the Middlesex-London Health Unit, the rate at which the life-saving drug is being given out has exploded from 2,374 given out in 2018, to 9,965 last year.

A man in a sleeping bag sleeps in the street as someone walks by seemingly unaware

A man sleeps on Dundas Street amid passersby. Poverty activists say problems of homelessness and drug addiction are inextricably linked. (Colin Butler/CBC News)

Pharmacies in the London area have also been giving out Narcan kits by the hundreds of thousands since 2019, with 339,110 kits distributed last year at up to 181 locations in Middlesex County, according to health unit data.

By distributing the free antidote, a drug that carries no health risks, critics of safe supply say it only encourages drug users by giving them a parachute, one that allows them to push their body to its limits for a higher high, knowing that if they do overdose, they can be instantly revived.

"You want to have the strongest stuff possible. In my eyes, if it's not strong enough to kill someone, it's not strong enough," said Joey, another homeless fentanyl user who CBC News has agreed not to identify.

Dealers often advertise their product as the strongest because it's what users want, Joey said.

"You want something stronger, you're also saving money. If you're homeless, money is hard to come by."

Ukraine's $200 Billion U.S. Aid, Zelensky Asks 'Where is the Money"?

On February 2, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said he had only received $75 billion of the $175 billion the United States had spent on Ukraine. The cry went up, what happened to the other $100 billion? Was it lost or stolen? The answer is no. Only part of the aid goes through Ukrainian control. A large part pays for activities as a result of the war but not to Ukraine directly. These include the United States training of Ukrainian forces, global humanitarian assistance, additional costs of U.S. surge forces in Europe, and intelligence support for both NATO and Ukraine.

As CSIS has reported before, “aid to Ukraine” is a misnomer because 90 percent of military aid is spent in the United States. Of aid overall, 60 percent is spent in the United States, about 25 percent is spent in Ukraine, and the final 15 percent is spent globally.

Q1: What did President Zelensky say that started this controversy?

A1: In an interview with the Associated Press on February 2, Zelensky stated: When I hear that America gave Ukraine hundreds of billions [of dollars], 177, to be more precise . . . as the president of a warring country, I can tell you that we received just over 75 . . . We are talking about specific things, because we got it, not with money but with weapons. There is training, there is additional transport, there are not only prices for weapons. There were humanitarian programs, social, etc. . . . $100 billion of these 177, we never received. When it’s said that Ukraine received $200 billion to support the army during the war, that is not true. I don’t know where all the money is.

The statement is a bit confusing since he was speaking off the cuff in a video interview. He refers to both $177 billion and $200 billion. He speaks about supporting the “army” where aid helped all elements of the Ukrainian armed forces, and he appears to include only weapons as aid “received.”

Q2: How was that interpreted?

A2: Many people asked where the “missing” $100 billion went and seized on the statement, “I don’t know where all the money is.”

Comment sections of media reports flamed with accusations of corruption and malfeasance. Some online commentators speculated about corruption by the CIA, Ukrainian officials, or former President Joe Biden. Some linked it to viral social media claims alleging a conspiracy involving U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) payments to celebrities to visit Ukraine. Others cited this as evidence of government waste, suggesting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) investigate and identify cuts. DOGE had previously raised concerns about the U.S. government’s ability to track aid to Ukraine. Members of Congress and Elon Musk, who leads DOGE, amplified posts questioning the misuse of aids.

General Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, denied these interpretations. He noted that “we have a pretty good accounting of where it is going” and that most appropriated funds are spent in the United States.

Nevertheless, the controversy has had an effect. In private conversations, Republican congressional staff members say that the confusion and hint of corruption have poisoned the possibility of further aid, at least in the near term.

Q3: So, what happened to the “missing” $100 billion?

A3: The short answer is that it is not missing. The funds went (mostly) to activities that arose because of the war, and all are accounted for. Some paid for sending equipment and funds directly to Ukraine. A large part went to activities that arose because of the war but were not spent in Ukraine. To see why this is the case, it is important to look at the funding as a whole.

Since 2022, Congress has appropriated $175.2 billion in aid as a result of the war in Ukraine, a slight difference from the $177 billion that Zelensky cites. This includes all funds in the five supplemental appropriations, $900 million in the regular budget but excludes $9 billion in loans. Most has been delivered, and most of the remainder has been obligated through contracts and binding commitments. However, it will take many years for all the contracts to be completed and the money disbursed.

In past analyses, CSIS has divided aid to Ukraine into categories to illustrate the different purposes. Figure 1 shows how the $175 billion is laid out in seven categories. It’s all there, the $75 billion Zelensky cites and the “missing” $100 billion.

Military equipment: Replacement of equipment sent to Ukraine from U.S. stockpiles (through Presidential Drawdown Authority) and foreign military financing of equipment for Ukraine. U.S. industrial base and general Department of Defense (DOD) spending: Items that enhance U.S. military capabilities, particularly the defense industrial base, but are not directly related to the war in Ukraine. Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI): Mostly money for Ukraine to procure equipment directly from U.S. manufacturers, also supports maintenance of Ukrainian equipment, training of Ukrainian personnel and units, and Ukraine-related intelligence activities.

U.S. forces: Funds for the extra costs of U.S. forces that surged to Europe in response to Russian aggression. Some of these surge forces have returned to the United States, but others remain. Humanitarian aid: Aid to relieve suffering because of the war. Mostly done through nongovernmental organizations in Europe for Ukrainian refugees, though some is spent in the United States and Ukraine. Some of the budget is also spent on global food relief. About $3 billion has gone to international development, unrelated to the war.

Economic: U.S. funds are provided to the Ukrainian government through the World Bank to make up for lost tax revenues and to keep governmental services operating. Other U.S. agencies: Funds for activities in U.S. agencies other than the DOD, Department of State, and USAID, for example, for the Department of the Treasury to enforce sanctions and for the Department of Energy to safeguard nuclear materials.

March 23, 2025 - 50,000 Palestinians Have Been Killed. What?

More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel's military campaign in Gaza, the territory's Hamas-run health ministry has announced.

That number - 50,021 - equates to about 2.1% of the 2.3 million pre-war population of the territory, or around 1 in 46 people.

A total of 113,274 others had been injured in the same period, the health ministry said.

Figures from the Gaza Ministry of Health (MoH) have been widely used throughout the war and are seen as reliable by the United Nations (UN) and international institutions. But Israel has consistently refuted data published by Gaza's authorities.

International journalists, including the BBC, are blocked by Israel from entering Gaza independently, so are unable to verify figures from either side.

The figures released by the MoH for the number of people killed do not differentiate between civilians and fighters.

In November, the UN's Human Rights Office said its analysis showed close to 70% of verified victims over a six-month period were women and children.

In January, The Lancet medical journal published a study which suggested the death toll could in fact be substantially higher than official figures reported by MoH - by up to 41%.

The war was triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people, mainly civilians, were killed and 251 other taken hostage.

Israel responded to the 7 October attack with a massive military offensive, which has caused vast destruction to homes and infrastructure, in addition to those killed or injured.

The MoH also reported on Sunday at least 39 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of people killed to 673 since Israel resumed its military operations in the territory on Tuesday.

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Nasa and Space-X Save Stranded Astronauts At International Space Station

How does the International Space Station work?

Silent Determination to Protect One's Self & Property.

The rise in gun violence and its implications for community safety have become pressing concerns in recent years. Data from Canada shows firearm-related violent crimes have reached their highest levels since records began in 2009, with incidents increasing by 8.9% in 2022 compared to the previous year. This trend is mirrored in other regions, with cities like Toronto and Hamilton experiencing record-breaking numbers of shootings2. The surge in gun-related crimes, including carjackings and armed robberies, has left many families questioning how to protect themselves.

The Debate on Self-Defense

The idea of families arming themselves for protection is a contentious one. Advocates argue that owning firearms can provide a means of defense against threats like home invasions or carjackings. However, experts emphasize that self-defense is not solely about owning a weapon. Situational awareness, safety planning, and self-defense training are critical components of personal and family safety.

Addressing Carjackings and Holdups

Carjackings, often involving firearms, have become a growing concern. Experts recommend strategies such as maintaining situational awareness, avoiding high-risk areas, and keeping car doors locked and windows up when stationary6. In the event of an attack, prioritizing personal safety over material possessions is crucial.

Concerns About Tyranny

The rise in violent crimes has also sparked broader societal fears, including concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms and the potential for authoritarianism. Historians and political analysts suggest that defending democratic institutions and fostering community resilience are vital in countering such fears.

Moving Forward

While the increase in gun violence is alarming, solutions require a multifaceted approach. Strengthening community ties, advocating for effective gun control measures, and investing in public safety initiatives are essential steps. Families can also take proactive measures by creating safety plans, enrolling in self-defense classes, and staying informed about local crime trends.

The path forward lies in balancing individual safety with collective action to address the root causes of violence. By fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness, communities can work towards a safer future.

The Case for Armed Self-Defense

In situations where intruders are armed, physical confrontation or reliance on traditional self-defense techniques may not be enough. Proponents of firearm ownership assert that good citizens should have the freedom to protect themselves and their loved ones with equal force. They view this as a fundamental right tied to personal safety and security.