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The handling of the COVID pandemic was flawed from the start, argues Dr Andrew Bamji, a retired consultant rheumatologist. Lockdowns, masks, and vaccines, he says, were unnecessary and ineffective measures. He notes that repeat vaccinations might even increase the risk of serious side effects. · Instead, he suggests that early and proper treatment for the few who were seriously ill was the only intervention needed from the beginning. · Bamji…

We are all familiar with Saint John Paul II’s description of the Culture of Death in his 1995 encyclical, Evangelium Vitae. The good Pope, of course, was not the first to notice and give expression to this phenomenon. · In 1922, T.S. Eliot released to the world his account of the Culture of Death in the form of a modernist poem of 434 lines. He called it “The Waste Land.” Despite the fact that its message is cloaked in obscurity, scholars…

Just weeks out from the 2024 US Presidential election and despite such enormous change since 2020, with a major war in Europe and the spiralling conflict in the Middle East, some in the race are more concerned with re-litigating the result of that vote. · Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, has cast an enormous shadow over US democracy in an eye-wateringly long list of attacks on US institutions, individuals and gripes against…

Just weeks ago, Science Minister Judith Collins staked her own credibility on that of NIWA, saying she still had confidence in the climate agency’s competence, but today she might be regretting that. · NIWA’s research skills were already in doubt after the Hawkes Bay flood review found that major historic storms were missing from NIWA’s research, meaning assurances about how rare major storms like Cyclone Gabrielle were didn’t hold water, so to…

In 1967 Denny Hulme became the first – and so far only – New Zealander to win the Formula One World Championship. In his 10 seasons in F1, Hulme won eight races and stood on the podium 33 times. He finished third in the overall standings in 1968 and 1972. · After winning a Driver-to-Europe scholarship in 1960, Hulme became a protégé of the legendary Australian driver Jack Brabham, whose F1 team he joined in 1965. · The 1967 championship…

After two decades of research, forensic scientists have finally confirmed that the remains buried in Seville Cathedral, Spain, belong to the famous 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus. · Using advanced DNA analysis, researchers matched the remains with those of Columbus’ son, Hernando, and his brother, Diego, who are also buried in the cathedral. This breakthrough has resolved long-standing doubts about whether the bones in Seville…

This 5-ingredient, 15-minute honey garlic chicken with an addictively delicious sauce makes a perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner recipe! · Ingredients · • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (or canola oil) · • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes (about 1/2 inch) · • Salt and black pepper · • 3 tablespoons honey · • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce · • 3 cloves garlic, minced · • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper…

When U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles was upset in a race this month at the Paris Olympics, weakened by COVID-19 and earning only a bronze medal, the coronavirus that once stopped the world made headlines again. But the coverage also underscored that SARS-CoV-2 has become yesterday’s news—barely more interesting than the flu or the common cold unless it affects sports, a politician, or a celebrity. · Still, the big summer surge of COVID-19 that hit…

Celebrated on October 21st, Trafalgar Day marks the day on which Britain triumphed in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. This historic marine conflict was fought off the Cape of Trafalgar, offshore from Cadiz, Spain, with forces from Spain and France clashing with Britain. · The Battle of Trafalgar made Lord Horatio Nelson one of Britain’s most famous war heroes. As Admiral in the Navy, he led the British fleet to victory; a fleet then being…

In the eight days leading up to the Olympic 1500-m final Snell had already run five races: the heats, semi-final and final of the 800 m – in which he won gold – and the heats and semi-final of the 1500 m. Joining him in the 1500-m final was Kiwi teammate John Davies, who just made it through his semi-final, placing third. · The field for the 1500 m was initially led by Michel Bernard of France. He fell back after 400 m and for about 200 m there…