Daily Archives: September 29, 2022

Medical cannabis could be better alternative to opioids in managing pain – The Tribune India

Posted: September 29, 2022 at 1:32 am

ANI

Washington, September 28

A new study of thousands of patients has concluded that medical cannabis could be an important alternative to opioids for pain management.

The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Substance Use and Misuse, found that people reported being in less pain and could function better physically and socially, after using medical cannabis.

It also found that the majority of those who had been taking oxycodone, codeine and other opioids to treat their pain were able to stop or reduce them via using medical cannabis.

The results indicate that, used under proper medical supervision, medical cannabis - cannabis and cannabis-based medicines - could reduce opioid use in certain individuals. This may help to alleviate the opioid epidemic in the US, though more research is needed.

Opioids are effective painkillers but are they are also highly addictive.

Drug overdose deaths involving opioids (prescription and non-prescription, such as heroin) have increased more than eight-fold since 1999 in the US, with more than 550,000 deaths from 1999 to 2020.

Although the US is at the centre of opioid crisis, the issue is an increasing public health concern in other countries, including the UK, Sweden and Australia.

The use of medical cannabis is now legal in the majority of states in the US and patients are increasingly using it instead of opioids to control pain.

However, research into the viability of substituting medical cannabis for opioids is limited.

To find out more, researchers from Emerald Coast Research, a contract research organisation based in Florida, and Florida State University College of Medicine, carried out a detailed survey of medical cannabis users shortly after its medical use was legalised in the state.

The 2,183 participants had a range of conditions, including anxiety disorders, chronic pain, depression, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most were using medical cannabis daily.

Answers to the 66-question survey revealed that most of the participants (90.6%) found medical cannabis to be very or extremely helpful in treating their medical condition and most (88.7%) said it was very or extremely important to their quality of life.

Levels of pain improved in 85.9% of participants. Some 84% said that health problems weren't interfering with their normal social activities as much as before and more than half said physical activities, from housework to running, weren't as difficult as they had been.

The majority of participants (68.7%) experienced at least one side-effect, the most common of which were dry mouth, increased appetite and drowsiness.

Most (61%) of the participants were taking opioids before being prescribed medical cannabis, with many (70.5%) taking them for at least two years.

Further analysis found that 79% of those who had been taking opioids were able to stop or reduce them.

The number of participants taking hydrocodone with acetaminophen (paracetamol) and oxycodone with acetaminophen, the two most commonly used opioids in the study, fell five-fold.

Some 11.47% reported improved functioning better in daily life.

The study's authors, two of whom have financial or business links to a medical cannabis company, say that their results indicate that medical cannabis can be used instead of opioids to manage pain, without harming health.

"A large number of people feel the need to take opioid pain medication," says researcher Carolyn Pritchett, a neuroscientist and biological psychologist. "If there's the option to instead use a medicine with less harmful side-effects, including a lower risk of overdose and death, then it should perhaps be considered. But more research, including studies that follow patients over time, is needed before substituting opioid painkillers for medical cannabis becomes commonplace." Dr Pritchett adds that it is vital the use of medical cannabis for pain relief is medically supervised. "Like any other medicine with side-effects, patients should be regularly monitored and assessed for adverse events, abuse disorder and other issues," she says.

The study's limitations include the use of self-selected participants. The participants also filled in the survey retrospectively and so may have been subject to recall bias.

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Woman killed by herbal remedies she took to treat arthritis – Evening Standard

Posted: at 1:32 am

A

north London woman suffered liver failure and died after she was given herbal remedies to try to treat her arthritis, an inquest has found.

Seema Pravin Haribhai, 37, shunned conventional medication in favour of alternative therapies when she was struggling with increasingly debilitating skin inflammation and joint pains.

She was given an array of herbal based remedies by a practitioner in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian form of alternative healthcare.

But when the treatment began to cause liver failure, the practitioner failed to realise the remedies she had prescribed were the cause. She did not tell Ms Haribhai to stop taking the herbal remedies and also did not raise the alarm for urgent medical attention.

Ms Haribhai eventually sought the help of a GP, who failed to realise her life was in danger causing a ten-day delay before she was finally admitted to hospital.

In a report after the inquest at St Pancras coroners court, coroner Mary Hassell laid out how Ms Haribhai died as a direct result of the alternative remedies.

Seema Haribhai suffered with psoriatic arthritis that was becoming increasingly disabling, she said.

She was concerned at the potential effects of conventional medication and so consulted an Ayurvedic practitioner, who prescribed an array of herbal based remedies.

She took these, developed liver failure as a consequence, and died some weeks later.

Ms Hassell said the unnamed practitioner, who prescribed the medicines that killed Seema Haribhai, gave evidence that she had undertaken six years of study before practising Ayurvedic medicine.

But in a scathing assessment, the coroner said: When she first discovered that her patient had developed a yellow discolouration, whilst she recognised that the liver was probably responsible, she did not recognise that the cause might be her own prescription.

She did not advise the only course of action with the potential to save Seema Haribhais life: an immediate cessation of all the herbal remedies.

Even when she gave evidence in court, the Ayurvedic practitioner did not seem to canvass the possibility that the medicines she had prescribed could have caused harm.

She had at one stage advised her patient to have a routine blood test, but she had not at any stage advised immediate attendance at a hospital emergency department.

It appears from the evidence I heard in court that Ayurvedic practitioners do not necessarily have the possible complications of Ayurvedic treatment as part of their routine frame of reference. All medicines can cause harm, even those that are herbal based.

The coroner has provided details of the remedies taken by Ms Haribhai to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, and has also highlighted to the Department of Health that Ayurvedic practitioners are not in any way regulated.

Even those who are members of the Ayurvedic Professionals Association (APA) receive as little as two hours of continuing professional development training per annum, she said.

The medicines prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners are manufactured abroad. I did not hear evidence of any quality control.

The APA describes Ayurveda as a holistic system of medicine which originated in India thousands of years ago, combining detox, massage, warm oils, dietary changes, as well as herbal treatments, for health and wellness in an increasingly stressful world.

When Ms Haribhai made an appointment with her GP on November 5, she was already suffering from yellow skin and eyes and had a consultation over the phone when she was asked to send in a picture of her face.

The coroner found the GP failed to record details of Ms Haribhais ailments and did not ask her to come to the surgery for a physical examination. He also failed to tell her to stop taking herbal remedies.

Blood tests were carried out and an appointment with the GP was booked for November 15. However a nurse at a routine rheumatology appointment on the same day immediately noticed the abnormal blood test results and sent Ms Haribhai straight to hospital. She died on December 18 last year.

The coroner ruled that Ms Haribhai died as a consequence of the administration of Ayurvedic medicines intended to treat psoriatic arthritis, recording the causes of death as sepsis, recurrent intestinal ischaemia, and idiosyncratic Ayurvedic drug induced liver injury.

The coroners report has been sent to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, the Ayurvedic Professionals Association, the Department of Health and Social Care, and her GP centre in Belmont, Harrow.

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Woman killed by herbal remedies she took to treat arthritis - Evening Standard

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Get To Know The Best Natural Adderall Alternatives – Over The Counter and Non Prescription – Outlook India

Posted: at 1:32 am

The health care sector is booming in the recent past and thanks to which, we can see multiple developments in the medical stream. For one disease or illness today you have multiple alternatives available.

Then there is a further bifurcation on whether a person wishes to consume regular medicines or prefers to opt for natural alternatives. Natural alternatives are preferred by the majority of the people to reduce and control any kind of side effects that may arise in the long run.

Adderall is a kind of drug that is used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder.

Attention Deficit Disorder is a condition where there is difficulty in paying attention to something along with impulsive behaviours which happen out of control.

Such disorders happen due to the disorder of the nervous system resulting in various problems concerning the brain functions in which Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disabilities, and so on can arise based on the severity and nature of the disorder.

The Adderall alternatives for adults are specifically developed by taking into consideration the impact of each ingredient on the functions of the body through proper analysis and observation. The Adderall substitute in India is as effective as the original Adderall which ensures proper remedy for disorders concerning attention.

Attention deficit disorder is one of the most common disorders seen during the childhood of an individual which is concerning neurodevelopmental functions.

While dealing with the best alternatives for the Adderall drug, it can be seen that natural alternatives are preferred by people in 2022.

Natural Adderall alternatives focusing on each aspect of neurodevelopmental functions have been invented by experts to be used instead of the commonly used Adderall drug.

Adderall alternatives for adults have become a common search query among people who are looking for other means to overcome issues of attention disorder.

While consuming various kinds of medicines for different disorders, it is important to analyze the impact of the same on the body. It is important to note that the effect of the medicine can vary based on the health of the person, the severity of the neurodevelopmental condition and so on.

These factors determine the kind of drug required for the better functioning of the body. The Adderall alternatives are also made available through online websites other than the manufacturers website.

The best Adderall alternative on Amazon is Focus Pep, which is developed mainly for students at reasonable prices. Other pills like Adderall on amazon include True Focus, Qualia, Brain Booster, and so on.

Attention deficit disorder can be seen in several people in various forms based on the severity of the disorder. It includes various neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD (Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity disorder), Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and so on.

Such disorders may affect relations and create difficulties at home, school, workplace, and in public places.

As it is a serious disorder that needs to be treated, the development and consumption of medicines like Adderall will help those people be confident and allow them to involve in various activities just like the others in society.

In addition to medicine-based treatment, other therapies and exercises like meditation and yoga will help in the overall growth and development of the individual.

In this developing society, as every sector including the health sector continues to evolve and develop, it is important to develop such effective medicines and make them available to the public to increase the accessibility and availability of the medicines.

Noocube | Editors Choice (Best Adderall Legal Alternative)

Hunter Focus | Extreme Focus, Creativity & Brain Function

Mind Lab Pro | Best Brain Food for the Enhancement of Concentration

Now lets look at each of these supplements in detail:

Click Here to Visit the Official Website

Noocube is one of the best alternatives to Adderall drugs as it focuses on brain productivity and development using natural products. It is also the oldest natural dderal alternative that has been a preferred choice for a long time.

It is a fast-acting drug that enhances brain function where the concentration power of the brain is increased leading to more focus on various functions and activities.

If the benefits of this drug are analysed it can be seen that there are several improvements concerning brain functions that work as an efficient alternative to Adderall with efficient development.

The ingredients used in the Noocube drug is pure and effective with the absence of Genetically Modified Ingredients (GMO). GMO is used to make the drug under the guidance of expert scientists who carry out various testing and functions before the manufacturing process, to ensure enhanced development of brain functions. The different natural ingredients used in the manufacturing of Noocube include:

The improvement of memory and thinking process is ensured with the usage of Bacopa herb which is completely natural. It has been found that this ingredient has helped in the enhancement of electrical activity in the brain for quick processing of thoughts, especially in adults.

The passage of signals between brain cells is necessary for improved brain awareness and function.

It is used as an important ingredient as it repairs any kind of brain damage and reduces the same, providing more clarity and focus.

This is an ingredient that enhances the functioning of the brain through increased blood flow and reduces any kind of stress issues and provides mental clarity.

In addition to improving attention, it improves mood by keeping you pleasant and tranquil. It improves attention and focus by increasing blood flow, which is a necessary condition for the brain to operate properly.

The improvement of communication between the brain cells is the main objective of using alpha GPC drug which contributes toward the increase of neurotransmitters for faster responses.

Noocube helps in boosting memory and faster thinking with clarity which is obtained from the Marigold extract. This is used as one of the main ingredients in the production of the drug.

This ingredient or substance is rich in antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory which results in an increase in focus and immediate responses in an effective manner without any other issues.

It is an important ingredient that offers several solutions to different issues concerning the body including its ability to control neurodegenerative diseases which have an impact on the brain.

These vitamins assist to increase the amount of energy produced in the body, resulting in improved performance and stress reduction. If the number of Vitamins in the body reduces beyond a certain level, then its impact can be seen in the cognitive functions and thinking process.

Biotin is used in the production of Noocube drug as it helps in the better functioning of the brain where it focuses on providing good sleep with reduced stress and tension. It also helps in maintaining highly powerful energy for the effective functioning of the brain.

In addition to these ingredients, other products are also used for the creation of the capsule, filling ingredients, preservatives, and so on.

Alpha GPC is one of the important ingredients used in the drug which will help in the enhancement of the brain cells through improved communication between the cells.

Noocube is considered a natural alternative as it is made with natural ingredients like various herbs and other natural products. It focuses on repairing the cells and enhancing the growth of the same through ingredients like Bacopa monnieri and cats claw.

The improvement of communication between the brain cells is one of the most important benefits of Noocube, which helps in the development of good memory and concentration.

In addition to it, this drug helps in the repair of damaged cells and enhances the generation of new cells, which points toward increasing the attention helping those who have attention disorders and other related issues.

The lack of caffeine in the alternative is an important factor that has to be considered as there will be no anxiety or stress issues.

There is another option of a money-back guarantee where the users can return the product if it is not found satisfactory for further use.

The enhancement of creativity and increased ideas will help in functioning with greater confidence throughout the day.

The improvement of brain health through prevention of any kind of damage to the brain and repair of damaged brain cells helps in high-performance functions.

The consumption of Noocube is suggested regularly where 2-4 capsules are taken per day for effective results. It comes at a high price as Noocube tablets are quite expensive in comparison making them difficult to afford.

The manufacturers website is the only way in which these medicines can be accessed. Hence at times, it gets difficult to buy because of the delay in getting the medicines and other technology-based difficulties concerning access and availability.

Click Here to Visit the Official Website

Main aim of the Hunter Focus drug is to improve your focus as specified in the name itself. It strives for the enhancement of creativity and concentration helping in the overall growth and development of the person.

It is an effective Adderall alternative that ensures that the functions of the brain are given proper care and attention for the enhancement of neurodevelopmental actions.

In addition to providing great focus, the improvement of the ability to think more clearly with great clarity is an important factor behind choosing this drug by people who are facing difficulties concerning attention disorders.

If the need of taking this particular drug is analyzed, it can be seen that the enhancement of brain function is done with the help of natural substances.

These natural substances are expected to not cause any kind of side effects that may happen due to the consumption of medicines at a later point of time.

Hunter Focus is an equally important medicine that has similarities with the Adderall drug that helps in the improvement of specific functions of the brain.

The enhanced development of the brain can be carried out only if each element is carefully analyzed, tested, and used which is ensured in the production of the Hunter Focus medicine. It is one of the OTC Adderall alternatives which is the best tool to overcome mental exhaustion.

The ingredients used in the Hunter Focus drug focus on three main functions which include the betterment of focus, enhancement of memory, and better mood boosters required for the overall growth and development of the neurodevelopmental functions.

The ingredients provide the enhancement of thinking clarity without any stress or tension, helping the users carry out their daily functions in a proper manner.

The ingredients are utilized in a manner where every function of the brain is given importance and the medicines manufactured using these ingredients help in the overall functioning of the brain.

The ingredients have to be used in the appropriate amount as per the medicinal purpose, to ensure that the objective of the medicine is fulfilled without any kind of side effects.

The ingredients used in the alternative include:

The enhancement of concentration is done by this naturally occurring brain chemical which increases the functioning of the brain.

The transmission of messages between the brain cells is required for the enhancement of alertness of the brain and performance.

In addition to concentration development, it helps in the upliftment of the mood keeping you pleasant and calm.

As the Adderall alternatives focus on neurodevelopment, it is important to use ingredients that protect the nerves in our body for better reflexes, thinking, etc.

This natural ingredient results in increasing the blood flow throughout the body which will help in better functioning of the brain.

It is a commonly used natural ingredient that enhances the memory and thinking process of the person. This herb is commonly used as it is a necessary substance that aids in the improvement of memory and rapid thinking where the speed of the functions is improved as needed.

The prevention of damage to brain cells and repair of the same is carried out with the use of this ingredient. This chemical is required for the creation of medication because it improves communication between brain cells and the development of cognitive processes.

It is a shrub that has been used as a medicine for a long time focusing on lifting the mood of a person and preventing anxiety for a calm mind.

The enhancement of the energy produced in the body is carried out with the help of these vitamins resulting in better performance and reduction of stress.

It ensures that the brain functions are carried out properly by preventing all the oxidative stress and complications to think clearly.

As this vitamin is a fat-soluble one, it helps the body to consume calcium and phosphate required for the strengthening of bones and cells.

It is a supplement that focuses on protecting the brain cells and provide proper coordination between the cells to carry out the functions effectively.

Enhancement of the memory results in the completion of work in a speedy manner.

Improvement of the focus is required for ensuring that you complete any activity without any problems.

It helps in boosting energy to carry out the functions throughout the day without any other boosters like coffee.

The intake of this alternative helps to elevate your mood and helps you in being pleasant. It also helps in having a positive attitude towards anything in life.

The learning process is enhanced through better understanding and application of knowledge whenever required.

As it is an effective Adderall alternative, it is difficult to access it due to the minimal availability of various resources.

The cost of Hunter Focus is high as it has a huge impact on the proper functioning of the brain, focusing on various aspects of development.

Click Here to Visit the Official Website

Mind Lab Pro is a commonly used alternative that is preferred by several people for boosting energy and enhancing focus and attention without any other supplements. It is a completely natural medicine that can be taken as an alternative to Adderall in which all the ingredients used, help in the enhancement of focus and attention. It can be considered the best brain food for the enhancement of concentration, focus, and attention with the use of efficient ingredients that aid in enhanced learning and mental development. As it is a natural brain supplement, it will help in better growth and development without any other harmful ingredients which might cause some kind of health problems to the body.

Mind Lab Pro is an important alternative that is utilized for the betterment of brain functions using the available ingredients for the same.

Each ingredient used in the manufacture of this drug, focuses on each function of the brain. These are the functions that require improvement in areas like memory, focus, attention, concentration, and the prevention of anxiety, depression, and so on.

Bacopa Monnieri which is a commonly used ingredient is used in this alternative also for the improvement of memory, repair of damaged cells, and so on. Some common ingredients are used in the production of the Adderall alternatives as the natural ingredients help in different brain functions and improvement of attention, concentration, and focus.

The presence of effective nootropic ingredients is the reason behind Mind Lab Pro being one of the best alternatives to Adderall. The use of ingredients in the appropriate amount will help in the creation of medicines effective for functioning.

The ingredients used in Mind Lab Pro include:

This herb is utilized to make every Adderall alternative, as it is an inevitable product that helps in the enhancement of memory and quick thinking where the speed of the functions is increased as per the need.

Another commonly used ingredient is L-Tyrosine which helps in the production of neurotransmitters resulting in better communication of the cells, enhancement of attention, quick reflexes, and so on.

L-Theanine is an amino acid that contributes toward the calmness of mind with a clear-thinking process without any kind of stress or anxiety. It provides more attention and focus as it enhances the blood flow which is an important requirement for the enhanced functioning of the brain.

Stress and anxiety issues are common problems seen in several people which can be controlled and reduced through the use of effective ingredients like Rhodiola Rosea. This ingredient can prevent any kind of stress of any nature, making the person function properly with a calm mind.

Vitamins are crucial for the overall functioning of the brain as they focus on each functioning of the brain for enhanced growth and development with an overall improvement on the various features required for the prevention of unwanted stress and anxiety.

Citicoline is a natural ingredient that is specially meant for the improvement of mental performance by increasing brain energy and other functions of attention and concentration. 250mg of Citicoline is used in the production of this Mind Lab Pro drug which will also contribute to the development of brain cell membranes for better growth and development.

Because Adderall alternatives focus on neurodevelopment, it is critical to employ components that safeguard our body's nerves for improved reflexes, thinking, and so on.

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We Need to Talk about the Heartless Harfoots of Rings of Power – Paste Magazine

Posted: at 1:30 am

If you could boil down the essence of the beloved hobbit characters of J.R.R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings to determine their most endearing and admirable quality, what would it be? A resilience to evil, perhaps, or the courage to take on great deeds despite their lack of physical prowess? A kind and gentle demeanor? I submit that although those are fine choices, the most important core tenet of hobbithood is a pure and simple devotion to ones friends and family, a faithfulness that outweighs all considerations of danger or practicality. Its why the likes of Frodo, Merry, Pippin, and especially Samwise are so easy for the reader to admirethey represent the best aspects of human nature in Tolkiens mind, an earthy wholesomeness and empathy for each other that is never constrained by ego, vanity, or selfish pursuits. When the chips are down, the hobbits are always there for each other. Its why they make great ring bearers!

And that faithfulness is no doubt part of why the depiction of the Harfoot clan in Amazons The Rings of Power often seems so strange and off putting. Granted, these are not the comfortable hobbits weve previously seen growing fat, content, and sedate within the confines of the well-protected Shire. The lives of the Harfoots are considerably more perilous, and theyve grown up with a culture that emphasizes the hard choices that must often be made in the name of survival. But even then, the shows depiction of Harfoot life often seems needlessly, even comically heartless and cruel. On a show that has often done visual justice to its unprecedented, billion dollar budget five episodes in, its one of those nagging issues of characterization that make Rings of Power such an odd roller coaster of satisfaction, confusion, and disappointment.

Put simply: The Harfoots are uniquely awful to one another, whether thats on a personal level or an institutional one. The screenwriters, meanwhile, have made a feeble attempt to portray the heartlessness of the clan as a policy of survival, but the show hasnt done nearly enough to convey why a single adults sprained ankle is treated as an insurmountable obstacle that an entire society cant find a way to deal with. Instead, the Harfoots have come off like a den of Ayn Randian zealots, preaching ethical egoism as they try to sign the death warrant of an entire family (young children in tow), rather than band together as one expects of, you know protagonists. Its a bizarre choice; one that rings especially false in comparison with the hobbit characters we know so well.

The Harfoot troubles begin when Largo Brandyfoot, the father of inquisitive and empathic young daughter Nori, suffers a badly sprained or broken ankle while assisting in festival preparations. Immediately his family fears for the worst, that they will be left behind during the upcoming migration, a yearly quest to reach safer and more bounteous lands during the harvest season. This appears to be the ultimate existential threat of Harfoot existence, that your family will be left by the rest to be devoured by wolves or other monsters, remembered only via a dutiful (and brief) mention in each years tribute to the deadthe Harfoot equivalent of an Oscars In Memorium montage, except with more chuckling at deceased family members who were stung to death by bees.

Immediately, though, the fatalism and concern of the Brandyfoot family rings as strange to the viewer, because were given no reason for why a single, relatively minor injury is treated as such a massive burden on their society. Knowing what we know about hobbits, we fully expect the community to rally around their injured member! We expect to see them taking turns in caring for Largo, in building him a sling, in carrying him in each familys cart. Theyre already traveling with a rather ridiculous assemblage of goods for transitory migrantsyoure telling me that none of these hale and hearty adults are able to take on any additional burden, or travel a little lighter? Hell, the guy isnt even immobilehes just walking a little slower than normal.

Consider, after all, what being left behind really means here. Its implied that when one is left behind, they inevitably dont make it to the ancestral harvest home, which means for all intents and purposes that this a death sentence. One would expect the community to treat such a thing as an extreme last resort, or for a Harfoot to say we leave no one behind unless we absolutely have to. You expect to see these goodhearted hobbit precursors agonize over such a decision. And instead, we get the exact opposite, with village elders such as Malva seemingly pushing as hard as they can for the extermination of the Brandyfoot family, and poor Poppy (whose song I loved in a totally unabashed and unqualified way) by proxy. For gods sake, theyve got a little kid in tow who looks about 6 years old! I demand that you look at the face of Dilly Brandyfoot right now, and then tell me that the audience shouldnt judge the Harfoot elders for not caring whether she becomes a bleached little hobbit skeleton theyll note in their list of the abandoned.

Look at that face. LOOK AT IT.

It might be different in Largo Brandyfoot was portrayed as some kind of weathered, ancient elder of the community whose time had come. In that scenario, at least the screenwriters might believably be able to write the guy saying something like leave me behind for the good of the clan. But obviously, that isnt the caseLargo is just an otherwise healthy adult male in the prime of his life, someone who happens to be slowed down by a temporary injury. Given a little while to heal up, surely he would be a contributing member of their village for literal decades or a generation to come. Condemning him (and his entire family) to death for his minor injury is like a farmer finding out his plow horse has a cold, and reacting by deciding to shoot not just that one horse, but also its entire extended family. The show has just never provided any rationale for which such an extreme reaction is necessary.

And its not getting better, either. Despite the fact that the Brandyfoot family has seemingly been able to keep up during the migration thanks to the assistance of The Strangerand none of the other Harfootsthe village elders havent stepped back on their campaign to leave Nori, Largo and the others behind. In fact, Episode 5 of Rings of Power depicts the clan slogging their way through an unusually barren forest, which results in the elders deciding that the presence of The Stranger is no doubt at fault for any and all misfortune that may come their way. The lovely Malva approaches village leader Sadoc to offer a typically empathetic piece of advice: The group should preemptively assure the deaths of the Brandyfoots by forcibly taking the wheels off their wagons, stranding them in the inhospitable wilderness. Essentially, shes arguing that because she doesnt like the look of The Stranger, the clan should respond by upgrading the Brandyfoot familys death sentence from passive, implied death to active, spiteful death. And Sadocs response? He doesnt disagree with her. To which I can only say: Wow. These are our protagonists? These guys. It seems more pleasant and supportive to be a member of orc society, than Harfoot society at this point. Imagine trying to live your daily life next door to a neighbor who advocated for stealing all your stuff and leaving you to die.

As Paste TV editor Allison Keene observed: I guess this is why their community is so small, thoughthey love leaving people to die. The hollow promise of no one walking alone is increasingly comical.

At this point, it feels like were one or two episodes away from the village elders suggesting that the rest of the clan burn Nori at the stake to appease their gods, Melisandre-style, or eating her family like so much proto-Hobbit trail mix. They need to keep up their strength, after all. Its a long walk.

All jokes aside, its not difficult for the viewer to understand how the screenwriter would like for these events to be perceived. Were meant to understand that the migration of the Harfoots is fraught with dangers, and that a painfully utilitarian philosophy is how they respond to these conditionstheyre willing to do whatever it takes to safeguard the community as a whole, even if it means being very ready to sacrifice individual members or whole families along the way.

The thing is, you cant just assume the audience will come to those conclusions, and you especially cant do that when were basing most of our understanding of the Harfoots on the Tolkien hobbits we know and love so well. It would never even occur to the likes of Samwise Gamgee to leave a little hobbit child behind to die, so the idea cant help but be shocking and distasteful to the viewer. And thus, if Amazon is going to portray such a cruel offshoot of the hobbit world in Rings of Power, they need to do a far better job of making us understand why the Harfoots believe sacrificing five or six people is a worthwhile tradeoff to the alternative, which is helping a guy with an injured foot tough it out. Its either that, or fully lean into the dark side of these Harfoots by acknowledging their positively villainous tendencies.

Which is all to say: I sure hope Rings of Power can figure out sooner or later how were meant to perceive these little guys, so ready and eager to abandon one another at the first opportunity. Never did I think Id be so repulsed by a hobbitor a Harfoot.

Jim Vorel is a Paste staff writer and resident genre geek. You can follow him on Twitter for more film writing.

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NATO Secretary General convenes top Alliance procurement officials – NATO HQ

Posted: at 1:29 am

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg convened an extraordinary meeting of the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) on Tuesday (27 September 2022) at NATO Headquarters. The meeting focused on the implications of Russias war against Ukraine, including on Allies capabilities and munitions stockpiles.

The Secretary General urged Allies to continue replenishing stocks as rapidly as possible. Enhancing NATO stockpiles will ensure we can keep supporting Ukraine, he said. We need to keep working together as NATO Allies and with industry to replenish our munitions stocks and provide Ukraine with the support it needs, for as long as Ukraine needs it, he added. The meeting addressed ways in which Allies can better understand any gaps in stockpiles, and address such gaps together.

The CNADs mission is to enable cooperation in the delivery of interoperable military capabilities. It ensures that NATO forces have state-of-the-art capabilities readily available at all times.

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NATO Secretary General at EU Parliament: stay the course on Ukraine – NATO HQ

Posted: at 1:29 am

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met the group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, led by their President Iratxe Garca Prez on Tuesday (27 September 2022).

Mr Stoltenberg stated that Russias invasion of Ukraine had unleashed the biggest conflict in Europe since World War Two, and challenged fundamental rules and values. He strongly condemned Russias sham referendums organised in parts of Ukraine, as well as the partial mobilisation and nuclear sabre-rattling as escalations of the conflict.

The Secretary General said that NATO is not party to the conflict, even though Moscow is now trying to portray it as a war between Russia and NATO. In fact, the Secretary General made clear, this is Russias war of aggression against Ukraine, and we are supporting Ukraine defend itself. He stressed that the right to self-defence is enshrined in the UN Charter, and Europe and North America must hold the course, despite the energy crisis triggered by Russia.

Mr Stoltenberg said that NATO is monitoring the situation in the Baltic Sea closely, Allies are looking into the gas leaks from both Nord Stream pipelines, and also exchanging information with Finland and Sweden.

The discussion with the Socialists and Democrats group is part of the Secretary Generals regular engagements with EU lawmakers, in the framework of NATOs strategic partnership with the EU.

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NATO Secretary General at EU Parliament: stay the course on Ukraine - NATO HQ

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Alliance agrees the Republic of Korea’s Mission to NATO – NATO HQ

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The North Atlantic Council agreed on Monday (26 September 2022) to accept the request of the Republic of Korea to designate its Embassy to Belgium as the countrys Mission to NATO. This is an important step in NATOs strong partnership with the Republic of Korea.

In NATO's new Strategic Concept, Allies agreed to "strengthen dialogue and cooperation with new and existing partners in the Indo-Pacific to tackle cross-regional challenges and shared security interests."

The Republic of Korea is an active NATO partner. Since 2005, the Alliance and Seoul have developed a strong partnership, based on shared values. Political dialogue and practical cooperation are being developed across areas including non-proliferation, cyber defence, counter-terrorism, security-related civil science projects, interoperability, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence, as well as civil preparedness, resilience and disaster relief.

Allies agreed to invite all NATO partners to establish Missions to NATO in 2011.

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Alliance agrees the Republic of Korea's Mission to NATO - NATO HQ

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Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the so-called referenda in parts of Ukraine – NATO HQ

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The NATO Invitees associate themselves with this Statement.

1. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the plan to hold so-called referenda on joining the Russian Federation in the Ukrainian regions partly controlled by the Russian military. As the UN General Assembly reaffirmed in its resolution Aggression against Ukraine adopted on 2 March 2022, no territorial acquisition resulting from the threat or use of force shall be recognized as legal. Allies do not and will never recognize Russias illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea. Sham referenda in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions of Ukraine have no legitimacy and will be a blatant violation of the UN Charter. NATO Allies will not recognize their illegal and illegitimate annexation. These lands are Ukraine. We call on all states to reject Russias blatant attempts at territorial conquest.

2. These Russian decisions, including on a partial military mobilisation, are a further escalation in Russias illegal war against Ukraine. We continue to reject Russias irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. Russia bears full responsibility for the war, the immense suffering its aggression is bringing upon the Ukrainian people, as well as the cost of its war including for the Russian people now being mobilised. Russia has it in its hands to end the conflict. Russia must immediately stop this war and withdraw from Ukraine.

3. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraines independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and for Ukraines inherent right to self-defence. NATO Allies remain resolute in providing political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russias aggression.

4. NATO is a defensive Alliance and will continue to strive for peace, security, and stability in the whole of the Euro-Atlantic area. We stand united to defend and protect every inch of Allied territory.

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Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the so-called referenda in parts of Ukraine - NATO HQ

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Shaheen, Tillis Join the Atlantic Council to Discuss U.S., NATO Efforts to Support Ukraine Amidst Putins War | U.S – Senator Jeanne Shaheen

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September 26, 2022

As co-Chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, Shaheen and Tillis have led action in the U.S. Senate to support NATO enlargement and ensure continued U.S. support for Ukraine.

(Washington, DC) Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) joined the Atlantic Council to discuss the transatlantic alliance and continued U.S. support for Ukraine amidst Putins unprovoked war.

Shaheen spoke about NATOs crucial role in advancing U.S. national security priorities, especially in responding to Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The Senators, who are Co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, applauded the Senates recent overwhelming vote in support of Finland and Swedens accession into NATO, which will further strengthen NATO and its collective response to Putins aggression. Shaheen also discussed the need to ensure Ukraines continued success in Putins war, noting that his ambitions threaten the sovereignty of other nations. Working with our allies and partners will remain a critical priority and enhance the transatlantic alliances strategic deterrence, ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific and bolster new collaboration on security and democracy initiatives in responding to the emerging threats of the 21st century.

Americans understand the importance of our support for Ukraine the Ukrainian people are not only defending their land and freedom; they are fighting for the preservation of liberal democracies around the world, said Shaheen. What is happening in Ukraine matters not only to the Ukrainian people; it matters to Eastern Europe; it matters to the U.S. and it matters to the world. Putin is violating international norms to fulfill a delusional fantasy of re-building a Russian empire his focus today is Ukraine, but we all know his gaze goes much farther. NATO and the United States must keep all options on the table to remind Putin that we are committed to do all we can to help Ukraine win.

Watch the full discussion here.

Senator Shaheen and Senator Tillis co-led a bipartisan delegation in June to the NATO Summit in Madrid, in addition to stops in Sweden and Finland to affirm strong bipartisan Senate support for their NATO membership aspirations. Also a member of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, Senator Shaheen has led action in the Senate in support of Ukraine in response to Putins belligerence. Last month, Shaheenreleased a statementahead of the anniversary of Ukraines independence and the six-month mark of Russias further invasion of Ukraine. In July, Senator Shaheen and Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) introduced legislation that would require an interagency strategy toward the Black Sea region, which includes Ukraine. In March,the Senate passed bipartisan legislation Shaheen cosponsored that would ensure the U.S. undertakes coordinated efforts to collect and maintain evidence of war crimes and atrocities committed by Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine. In February, Shaheen led a successful bipartisan effort with Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) to pass a resolution that conveys a renewed and overwhelmingly bipartisan message from the U.S. Senate in fierce support of Ukraine. Earlier this year, Shaheen and Portman led a bipartisan delegation to Ukraine, where they met with President Zelenskyy and members of his administration. Before the Shaheen-Portman congressional delegation visit to Ukraine in January, Shaheen led a bipartisan group of lawmakers to Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, last June.

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Shaheen, Tillis Join the Atlantic Council to Discuss U.S., NATO Efforts to Support Ukraine Amidst Putins War | U.S - Senator Jeanne Shaheen

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NATO brings together aviation experts to address air safety after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – NATO HQ

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On Wednesday (21 September 2022), NATO hosted civil and military aviation experts as they addressed air safety following Russias invasion of Ukraine. The Civil-Military Airspace Safety Team (CMAST) workshop at NATO Headquarters Brussels brought together leading figures in aviation to discuss how civilian flights can continue to operate safely during Russias war against Ukraine.

The CMAST is part of NATOs engagement with the international aviation community to create shared awareness, enhance civil-military cooperation and promote safety of air operations. Todays workshop was an important opportunity to allow the sharing of information and best practice.

Russias further invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 resulted in the closure of Ukraines airspace to civilian flights and the unavailability of Russias airspace to European carriers causing cancellations and rerouting of civilian flights. NATO air activity has also increased in eastern Europe to keep the skies safe. Therefore, at a time where both civilian and military aircraft are present in close volumes of airspace, coordination among countries and institutions is of paramount importance.

NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment Camille Grand said: The Civil-Military Airspace Safety Team event reflects on NATOs enduring commitment to promote transparency of our defensive air activities in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine, building reassurance with civilian air navigation service providers along NATOs eastern flank and to maintain safety.

Allied and partner countries took part in the event, along with support from international aviation organisations including EUROCONTROL, the International Air Transport Association, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation and the European Aviation Safety Agency. NATOs military leadership were also part of the discussions, including NATO Air Command and STRIKFORNATO, along with the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE).

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NATO brings together aviation experts to address air safety after Russia's invasion of Ukraine - NATO HQ

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