Friday, 19 December 2025

The Plan is to Make the Internet Worse. Forever. | Aaron Bastani Meets Cory Doctorow

 


Did you know that the standard of Google searches has actually gotten worse over recent years? Once you think about it, it makes sense. Highly effective search means fewer searches overall. And fewer searches mean less ad revenue. The financial basis of Alphabet, which is Google’s parent company, is, of course, digital advertising. Which means that undermining the quality of the company’s cornerstone product actually makes money. That’s how crazy the modern internet has become. There are, as the saying goes, many such cases. Cory Doctorow, this week’s Downstream guest, has a word for this phenomenon: ‘Ensh*tification’. He’s written a book about it, too. In front of a live audience at EartH Hackney, Aaron Bastani sat down with him to discuss it, and the implications of an internet that just gets worse. Ensh*tification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It explains the destruction of the internet by monopolistic, multi-trillion dollar forces. Silicon Valley, once a source for technologically infused optimism, is now destroying the information space we all share. The internet still brings immeasurable value, of course, but the cost-benefit for society and users is increasingly up for debate. And things are only headed in one direction. Over 90 minutes, Aaron and Cory discuss the book’s most eye-opening case studies, unpicking the insidious tactics employed by the tech giants, and revealing just how unscrupulous these companies are. Their end goal is, in many ways, at odds with a anything that resembles a civilised, democratic society. ​ 00:00 Intro 04:21 Is the Internet Getting Worse? 09:11 Manipulating Stock Prices 13:07 The Death of Competition Law & the Rise of Monopolies 20:14 Facebook: An Ensh*tification Case Study 25:32 Jedi Blue: Illegal Collusion 27:45 How Amazon Rigs the Game 32:30 Is Big Tech Behind Inflation? 37:03 Uber and the Giant Toy at the Fair 40:03 Why Capitalists Hate Capitalism 45:40 Boobytrapped Technology 49:28 Time for a Post-American Internet 54:59 The Internet Is Swallowing the Real World 59:12:10 The Solution? Seizing the Means of Computation 1:04:48 Open Source Versus Free Software 1:07:50 Is Everything Getting Worse, or Just Big Tech? 1:11:00 How to Stop Big Tech From Capturing Policy? 1:15:20 How to Build Solidarity Among High and Low-Paid Tech Workers Support our work: http://novara.media/support Buy Novara Media merch: https://shop.novaramedia.com/

Thursday, 4 December 2025

Americoned - Inside America’s New Labor Uprising - 4K film


In recent decades as productivity has increased, compensation for the American worker has not. Politicians on both sides of the aisle have created a protection racket for the rich, impeding unionization in the process. Despite these challenges, two workers lead a movement to unionize for the first time at one of the world's largest companies, setting up a true David vs. Goliath story. Directors: Sean Claffey

Tuesday, 2 December 2025

Japan and Taiwan Companies Flee China Together! Canon Shuts Factory, Foxconn Lays Off 100,000

 

In 2025, geopolitical tensions between China and Japan, along with the strategic rivalry between China and the US, have triggered a wave of Japanese and Taiwanese companies leaving mainland China. On November 21, Canon’s sudden shutdown of its Zhongshan factory marked a key moment in this trend. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @chinaobserver0   #chinaobserver

Shanghai, With 25M People, Turns Into a Ghost Town—Delivery Riders Sleeping on the Streets at 5 AM

 


Americans Finally Say NO To Consumerism Christmas!

 

Why Americans are Boycotting Black Friday in 2025. Priced out of Christmas The Collapse of the American Economy is HERE. The Cost of Living in America is Making People Give up and the Holiday season is upon us all the while we are in one of the biggest economic crises/recessions in our lifetime. Families are being crushed under rising rent, soaring grocery bills, and utilities they can’t afford to pay. The American Dream? For many, it’s nothing more than a distant memory although it can still be achievable it is extremely rare. Debt is skyrocketing. Savings are gone. People are walking away from their homes, their jobs, and their old way of life because the system is no longer working for them — it’s working against them. In this video, I’m sharing the growing financial crisis in America and why so many people are giving up on traditional living. But giving up doesn’t mean failure — it means breaking free from a broken system and creating a new path forward using prudence, diligence and wisdom #inflation #costoflivingcrisis #blackout2025 #blackfriday tiktoks reviewed:

Friday, 28 November 2025

MUST SEE Documentary: ENDGAME 2050 [Official]

 

What will the future be like in the year 2050? A mere three decades away, most of us hope to still be around. So, what kind of future are we riding into? ENDGAME 2050 gives us a glimpse into that future, and it does not look good. Humanity has backed itself into an ecological endgame as we approach mid-century. Featuring musician Moby along with leading scientists, ENDGAME 2050 lays out the reality that, unless we act urgently now, we are hastening our own destruction. "I have come to understand that humans - myself included - are literally destroying the planet on which we live. Humanity is not only making the planet uninhabitable for human civilization, but also for countless other species with whom we share this world. I believe this is a crime like no other and feel a deep sense of concern, in particular, for all the other animals who are being decimated by human activities. I made ENDGAME 2050 because I want people to wake up to the gravity of the situation before it’s too late." - Dr. Sofia Pineda Ochoa (Filmmaker behind ENDGAME 2050. FEATURING: Moby, Boris Worm, Paul Ehrlich, Claire Kremen, Bill Ryerson, Malcolm Potts, Alicia Graves, David M. Romps, Daniel H. Miller, James Gerber, Philip Wollen, Kim A. Williams, Josh LaJaunie, T. Colin Campbell, Bandana Chawla, Munish Chawla, Michelle McMacken and Robert Ostfeld WEBSITE: https://www.endgame2050.com/

Supplements and Safety (full documentary) | Hidden Dangers of Vitamins & Supplements | FRONTLINE

 

n 2016, FRONTLINE, The New York Times and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation examined the hidden dangers of vitamins and supplements, a multibillion-dollar industry with limited FDA oversight. (Aired 2016) This journalism is made possible by viewers like you. Support your local PBS station here: https://www.pbs.org/donate​ When “Supplements and Safety” aired, it was estimated that half of all Americans took a health supplement every day, from fish oil to multivitamins to diet pills. However, the acting commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration at the time noted in “Supplements and Safety” that, “The FDA does not do any review of dietary supplements before they come onto the market, and I think that all consumers need to understand this.” From director Neil Docherty, correspondent Gillian Findlay and Anahad O’Connor, then a reporter for The New York Times Well blog, “Supplements and Safety” explored the limited government regulation and oversight of supplement companies, and examined cases of contamination and serious health problems. Explore additional reporting related to "Supplements and Safety" on our website: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/do... “Supplements and Safety” was a FRONTLINE production with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in collaboration with The New York Times and in association with Spin Free Productions. The director was Neil Docherty. The writer was Gillian Findlay. The producers were Neil Docherty, Anita Elash and Lisa Ellenwood. The reporter for The New York Times was Anahad O’Connor. The executive producer at large for FRONTLINE was David Fanning. The executive producer for FRONTLINE was Raney Aronson-Rath. #Documentary #Supplements #Vitamins

The Benefits of a Plant Based Diet & Exercise: Unsupersize Me (Award Winning Doc) | Only Human

 

Documenting the quest of Juan-Carlos Asse, the owner of Zen Fitness, as he endeavours to prove that whole food, a plant-based diet and exercise can improve the health of anyone. Only Human celebrates and explores the unique and personal qualities we all have.  Our channel offers a range of TV series and documentaries about human experiences and life journeys - while looking at the challenges life throws at us, turning ordinary people into everyday heroes.  Like our content? Support us by becoming a member! bit.ly/JoinOnlyHuman Subscribe for new releases every week: http://bit.ly/YouTubeOnlyHuman

From Food to Freedom - Official Free Release

 


Saturday, 22 November 2025

FIRE by 50 with a Teacher’s Salary (You DON’T Need MORE Income)

 

Think you need a six-figure salary to retire early? Think again. Music teacher Andrew Luman is retiring at 50, and he's doing it on an educator's income. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench unpack Andrew's complete FIRE strategy: how he maximizes his savings rate, uses real estate to slash housing costs, and structures his investments for early retirement. Whether you're a teacher, work in public service, or just want proof that FIRE is achievable on a median income, Andrew's tactical approach will show you exactly what's possible when you prioritize financial freedom over lifestyle inflation.

Monday, 10 November 2025

How Bad Is McDonald's REALLY?

 

This video analyzes the ingredients of popular McDonald's menu items, revealing potential health consequences. Bryan Johnson examines the nutritional content and impact of various foods, from fries to McFlurries. The analysis includes insights into the potential long-term effects of consuming these items.

Sunday, 9 November 2025

Money Lessons From Self-Made Millionaires Who Retired In Their 30s

 

Thursday, 18 September 2025

The REAL Reasons To Use N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

If you’re looking for scientifically-backed insights into how N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) can benefit your mental health, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or someone seeking evidence-based strategies, this video explores NAC, a powerful antioxidant, and its role in improving mental health. Learn how NAC can help with depression, anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders. 10 Key Facts from Research About N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) for Mental Health 1. Powerful Antioxidant: NAC replenishes glutathione, helping combat oxidative stress in the brain. Oxidative stress has been linked to many mental health disorders, and NAC’s antioxidant properties make it a promising therapeutic tool. (Deepmala et al., 2018) 2. Depression Relief: Research shows NAC can reduce symptoms of depression, particularly when combined with other treatments. It may act as an adjunct to standard antidepressant medications, providing relief for those who haven’t responded to traditional therapies. (Zheng et al., 2018). 3. OCD Symptom Reduction: Both adults and adolescents with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have shown improvements in symptom severity when using NAC, making it an exciting option for those struggling with this condition. (Afshar et al., 2021). 4. Cravings & Withdrawal: NAC supplementation has shown promise in treating cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with substance use disorders. This makes NAC an important adjunct in addiction recovery programs. (McClure et al., 2018). 5. Schizophrenia Benefits: NAC supplementation has been found to improve symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly in addressing negative symptoms (such as lack of motivation) and cognitive deficits that are often resistant to conventional antipsychotic treatment. (Yolland et al., 2019). 6. Bipolar Disorder: Studies indicate that NAC can be effective as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar disorder, improving depressive symptoms and overall mood stability. (Berk et al., 2019). 7. Anxiety Reduction: High oxidative stress is often linked with anxiety disorders, and NAC’s antioxidant action can reduce anxiety levels, particularly in individuals with high stress or anxiety disorders. (Dean et al., 2018). 8. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Children with ASD have been found to benefit from NAC supplementation, with improvements in irritability and better social interactions. (Hardan et al., 2020). 9. Cognitive Enhancement: NAC shows potential as a cognitive enhancer, improving memory and executive function. This can be beneficial for people looking to boost mental clarity and cognitive performance. (Zhang et al., 2019). 10.Safety Profile: NAC is generally well-tolerated, even with long-term use, making it a safe option for most individuals seeking mental health support. (Samuni et al., 2021). References: Deepmala et al., 2018 - N-acetylcysteine for oxidative stress in neuropsychiatric disorders, Psychiatry Research, 269, 682-687. Zheng et al., 2018 - N-acetylcysteine for major mental disorders, Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 137(5), 391-400. Afshar et al., 2021 - N-acetylcysteine for treatment-resistant OCD, Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 41(2), 169-175. McClure et al., 2018 - N-acetylcysteine in substance use disorders, CNS Drugs, 32(4), 301-313. Yolland et al., 2019 - N-acetylcysteine for schizophrenia symptoms, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 80(4), 18r12474. Berk et al., 2019 - N-acetylcysteine for bipolar depression, Journal of Affective Disorders, 249, 205-213. Dean et al., 2018 - N-acetylcysteine for treatment-resistant anxiety, Journal of Affective Disorders, 240, 157-164. Hardan et al., 2020 - N-acetylcysteine in children with autism, Biological Psychiatry, 71(11), 956-961. Zhang et al., 2019 - N-acetylcysteine for cognitive enhancement, Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 11, 176. Samuni et al., 2021 - N-acetylcysteine safety and tolerability in psychiatric disorders, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 82(1), 20r13688.


Dr. A dives into why NAC, N Acetyl Cysteine, is so useful for health and chronic illness (Glutathione and more..) This video is NOT sponsored. Let me know your questions! I will try to incorporate them into future videos. Follow for more integrative health information. ___________________________ Connect with Dr. Anderson! DrA YouTube Channel:    / @dra-online   DrA Instagram:   / draonline   Continuing Education for Professionals: consultdranderson.com Dr A Links: https://linktr.ee/DrAonline Dr A Website: https://dranow.com/ ____________________________ CHAPTERS 00:00 N Acetyle Cysteine 0:20 What is NAC? 01:32 Why is N-Acetyl Cysteine Important (Glutathione connection) 02:35 The antioxidant triplet (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Glutathione) 03:20 How is NAC useful 03:50 NAC Ventilation, Mucomyst 04:40 NAC Vs Glutathione Supplements 05:20 Genetic inability to form glutathione (Nutrigenomic Testing) 05:50 Where Mast Cell Activation Disorder and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity play a role 07:00 Sulfer smell from NAC 07:40 General dosing ranges 08:15 Quick recap ____________________________ #integrativemedicine #functionalmedicine #doctorsofinstagram #doctor ____________________________ INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE REFERRAL LINKS (Use these to find providers.) [For your reference only – no referral or implication of professional superiority is claimed or intended.] NAEM (Environmental Medicine) Providers: (https://envmedicine.com/find-a-provider/) US Naturopathic Physicians: (https://naturopathic.org/search/custo)... Canadian Naturopathic Physicians: (https://www.cand.ca/findmynd/) Digestive Specialists: (https://www.gastroanp.org/directory) Mold and Environmental Illness Referrals: (https://drcrista.com/doctor-finder/) Mental Health focus: https://www.psychanp.org/member-direc... Cancer focus: https://www.oncanp.org/find-an-nd#!di... New Hampshire Naturopathic Physicians [NHAND.org](http://nhand.org/) A4M Integrative referral: (https://www.a4m.com/find-a-doctor.htm... https://bit.ly/dra-continuingeducation

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This video covers the potential role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in managing psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia, depression, OCD, and addiction. Research suggests NAC may help by targeting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamate dysfunction, all of which are implicated in mental health disorders.

-From CHATGPT---

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a supplement and medication form of the amino acid cysteine. It has several well-studied benefits because it helps the body make glutathione, one of the most important antioxidants in our cells.

Here are the main benefits of taking NAC:

1. Powerful Antioxidant Support

  • NAC replenishes glutathione, which protects cells from oxidative stress and damage.

  • This may support liver health, brain health, and overall cellular protection.

2. Liver Protection & Detoxification

  • Clinically, NAC is the standard treatment for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, because it restores glutathione in the liver and prevents severe liver damage.

  • May also support detoxification from alcohol and environmental toxins.

3. Respiratory Health

  • NAC acts as a mucolytic, thinning mucus in the lungs and airways.

  • Used in chronic bronchitis, COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and even as supportive care in respiratory infections.

4. Mental Health Support

  • Some studies suggest NAC may help with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and OCD, likely due to its effects on glutamate regulation and oxidative stress.

5. Immune & Inflammatory Support

  • Helps regulate inflammation and oxidative damage, which may benefit conditions linked to chronic inflammation.

6. Potential Fertility Benefits

  • In men: may improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative stress.

  • In women: sometimes used for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to support ovulation.


⚠️ Safety Notes:

  • Generally safe at moderate doses (600–1,200 mg/day), but higher doses can cause nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.

  • Should be used cautiously in people with asthma (can sometimes worsen bronchospasm).

  • Always check with a doctor before starting NAC, especially if taking other medications (e.g., nitroglycerin, blood thinners, or chemotherapy drugs).

  • Got it 👍 Let’s separate N-acetylcysteine (NAC) into two categories:


    Evidence-Based Uses (Well-Supported by Clinical Research)

    1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Overdose

    • Strongest evidence. NAC is the standard hospital treatment to prevent or reverse liver damage by restoring glutathione.

    2. Respiratory Conditions (Mucus-Thinning Effect)

    • COPD & chronic bronchitis: Improves symptoms, reduces exacerbations.

    • Cystic fibrosis, asthma, pneumonia: Helps thin and clear mucus.

    • Works as a mucolytic, making secretions less sticky.

    3. Liver Health

    • Protects against drug- or toxin-induced liver injury (beyond acetaminophen).

    • May benefit fatty liver disease by lowering oxidative stress.


    ⚖️ Emerging / Experimental Uses (Promising, but More Research Needed)

    4. Mental Health & Neurological Disorders

    • Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and addiction (cocaine, cannabis): Some studies show symptom improvement.

    • Likely works by balancing glutamate signaling and reducing oxidative stress.

    5. Immune & Inflammatory Support

    • May help regulate chronic inflammation.

    • Studied in conditions like autoimmune disease, COVID-19, and sepsis (with mixed results).

    6. Fertility

    • Men: Improves sperm motility and quality by reducing oxidative stress.

    • Women with PCOS: May promote ovulation and improve fertility outcomes.

    7. Metabolic & Cardiovascular Support

    • May improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, and reduce oxidative damage to blood vessels.


    ⚠️ Safety & Practical Use

    • Common dosage: 600–1,200 mg/day (divided).

    • Side effects: GI upset (nausea, diarrhea), rare allergic reactions.

    • Interactions: May interact with nitroglycerin, activated charcoal, and certain chemotherapy drugs.


    👉 So in short:

    • Proven: acetaminophen overdose, lung mucus clearance, liver protection.

    • Promising but not fully proven: mood disorders, fertility, metabolic health, immune support.

    Would you like me to put this into a simple chart (condition → strength of evidence → typical dose used in studies) so you can see it at a glance?