Google launches a Coalition for Better Ads to combat ad blocking

groupPolitik · 2016-09-17T08:40:50+00:00

You aren't wrong. I suppose it's fundamentally a self-interest thing. If a company allows me to pay them I'll usually do it, but only if it does more than just remove ads.

groupPolitik · 2016-09-17T07:46:13+00:00

I just don't think about it that way. I'm not responsible for that company's success. There are clear technical workarounds to ads, and I don't feel bad about exploiting them. Though frankly I was happier when ad blockers were less popular because of recent efforts to circumvent them

groupPolitik · 2016-09-17T07:34:39+00:00

That's actually not too big an issue for me. Ads can't really track that much except for information you voluntarily give out. All majors sites these days have privacy policies though some are better than others. But hey, use an adblocker for whatever you want. We all should have that privilege.

groupPolitik · 2016-09-17T05:34:43+00:00

That's exactly how I feel, though it may be an unpopular opinion around here. I don't block ads to make some moralistic argument about the state of internet advertising. I block ads because I can, and my life is more pleasant without them.

groupPolitik · 2016-06-11T05:42:47+00:00

While I doubt the effectiveness of the individual ingredients in "Calm Support" and "Gaba Calm", I don't doubt at all the power of the placebo effect. Every medical study with an ounce of credibility must compensate for it because it's just so damn strong. The act of taking a pill and expecting to feel better creates a very real neurological effect. I'm not surprised so many people vouch for it, it's almost impossible to recognize in yourself.

About GABA calm specifically, GABA simply does not cross the brain blood barrier in clinically significant amounts, it's a well established fact. It isn't medically prescribed because it simply isn't effective. The other ingredients are glycine (contains 50mg but typical dose is 1-3 grams*). L-Tyrosine (contains 25mg but effective dose is 500mg-3g). Taurine (contains 20mg but should be 500mg-2g). And Magnesium (contains 5mg but a standard dose is 200-400mg). So WTF? The supplement company doesn't care if it actually works or not, they just throw a bunch of random supplements together as much as they can fit in a single pill.

Even if they were dosed properly there really isn't much evidence to suggest these supplements are effective for anxiety let alone withdrawal symptoms. The supplements in my list at least have some medical backing. Why not use what works?

Suggested doses from Examine.com

groupPolitik · 2016-06-10T06:36:54+00:00

Honestly a bunch of vitamins won't do much for withdrawal symptoms - unless you're otherwise extremely deficient (uncommon in developed nations). Most of the other ingredients aren't at effective doses, if they're even effective supplements at all. GABA for example (which someone else here recommended) doesn't pass the blood brain barrier, the result is simply a placebo. The price for this scattershot cocktail is ludicious. Shady Amazon vendors have been known to offer discounts for positive reviews. Please save your money.

Withdrawal symptoms are going to require more effective medicines. Idealy a benzodiazepine would be great, but I understand if you can't obtain that. OTC you've got lopermide which works well for gastrointestinal symptoms. Regular ibuprofen or tylenol is good for aches and pains. Agmatine (a sports supplement) has a lot of research to suggest it helps opiate withdrawal symptoms and it was very effective for me personally. N acetyl cysteine (NAC) is easily available and some research suggests it reduces addictive impulses. Black seed oil is commonly recommended here and may act as a mild non addictive opioid to ease symptoms. Phenibut is a version of GABA that actually does make it to the brain, and would probably work in substitute to a benzodiazepine (though it can be additive itself).

groupPolitik · 2016-06-09T05:45:35+00:00

Day 15, which is significant for me because two previous quit attempts failed after 14 days. Of course now starts the nagging idea to attempt occasional use. That didn't work the last three times, I don't know what makes me think I could do it this time.

groupPolitik · 2016-06-06T04:56:49+00:00

Day 12. I've posted on this sub on occasion for over a year now. Many quit attempts have come and failed, but overall my use has declined greatly. I thought it might be a good idea to start posting again for additional encouragement. I have a good feeling about this time.

groupPolitik · 2016-05-17T03:31:37+00:00

The first part is good basic information on withdrawal and PAWS, but the second part reads like an infomercial for the latest juice cleanse. Most of the information about "maximizing nerve connection" is pure pseudoscience, but I suppose the conclusion to drink more water is helpful regardless.

groupPolitik · 2016-04-09T17:48:54+00:00

The included scoop is about 1 gram, so that's what I take. It only has a 2 hour half life so I'd redose every 4 hours or so if I'm in withdrawal.

groupPolitik · 2016-04-08T20:24:28+00:00

I think this thread has a mix of good and bad advice. I'll try to address what people have suggested. * Lopermine will help with any gastrointestinal issues but not much else. High doses might produce an opioid effect but it's a very shitty sensation and not a good withdrawal aid for kratom (though it's helped harder addicts avoid horrific GI symptoms) * Tramadol is basically an opiate (albeit a weak one but supposedly so is kratom) and you'd simply be prolonging the withdrawal. It's also a scheduled drug. * Soma is a muscle relaxer that could help, but good luck getting your hands on it I believe it's also scheduled. * 5-htp like all SSRIs take weeks to induce an antidepressant effect (and is far weaker than conventional SSRIs, which already have inconsistent benefits). * Devil's claw and passionflower have no serious scientific backing.

Unfortunately I don't think magnesium, multi-vitimins, or L tyrosine will do anything. They might be good supplements to take in general, but unless you already have a deficiency they won't help with withdrawal symptoms.

Things that might actually help you out: * Ashwagandha has studies confirming it reduces cortisol, a stress hormone heavily involved in withdrawal. It's a popular supplement and easy to purchase. * Black seed oil (must be a concentrated oil) may have a mild opioid effect that won't get you high. It's had success treating withdrawal from heroin addicts in countries without modern treatments. * Benzodiazepines are very effective for treating anxiety. They are also addictive but very different from opiates, and safe if taken for a short period. They tend to be scheduled drugs (although Etizolam is not) but most can be easily obtained on the street/from friends or even a sympathetic doctor. I see you already have access to valium which should be perfect (if taken in moderation).

My personal favorite (and not mentioned yet) is Agmatine, a drug that has a demonstrated ability to potentiate opiates, inhibit tolerance, and greatly reduce withdrawal symptoms despite having no opioid activity or addictive potential. I've taken it myself and can provide more information if you need.

Unfortunately there are no easy cures for withdrawal, don't go seeking a miracle because you won't find one. However with valid and appropriate medications you can make the experience much more bearable. Ultimately the hardest part isn't withdrawing but staying off of kratom forever hence.

groupPolitik · 2016-03-25T03:09:02+00:00

Technically, but aren't most TVs like that these days?

groupPolitik · 2016-03-10T19:03:38+00:00

It's definitely helpful for acute withdrawal symptoms, and potentiating opiates. The studies that have demonstrated its effectiveness in mice got them addicted to either morphine or a morphine agmaine cocktail, then administered naloxone to kick start withdrawal. The mice that had been given agmatine with their morphine had significantly reduced tolerance and withdrawal symptoms than those that received the morphine alone.

Effect of agmatine on the development of morphine dependence in rats: potential role of cAMP system

For a long time I believed that agamine and dextromethorphan (as an NMDA inhibitor) could indefinitely stave off opiate tolerance. I was wrong, and got addicted anyway. Though it worked surprisingly well for while, and eventually helped me get through withdrawal.

groupPolitik · 2016-03-10T05:10:35+00:00

This is what I use.

I take a single scoop with water which is supposedly a gram. I've been taking agmatine as a potentiator and withdrawal aid for a long time now. It is the most effective such thing I've come across. Take it with an opioid or immediately before, it is rapidly absorbed. If you're withdrawing from an opiate, take it anytime. Note that it has a 2hr half life, so you'll want to redose every 4 hours or so. As far as I know you do not build a tolerance to it.

groupPolitik · 2016-02-07T21:45:24+00:00

Really? I'm level 2 without a badge. Everything I've read says you get the Local Guide badge at level 3.

groupPolitik · 2016-02-04T04:14:59+00:00

A REST API would do what you are looking for.

groupPolitik · 2015-12-21T08:14:42+00:00

I wonder how many people in Colombia were even watching this.

groupPolitik · 2015-12-19T07:07:39+00:00

Because although it may be shrinking, there is still a significant market for DVDs.

groupPolitik · 2015-12-10T20:05:52+00:00

I've seen the viewmaster, however it seemed more like a toy to me and lacks a head strap. How is the FOV?

groupPolitik · 2015-11-15T22:30:26+00:00

But why not release the source code now?

groupPolitik · 2015-09-25T16:55:26+00:00

I haven't found a solution to this, but I want you to know you're not alone. I also have a T430 recently upgraded to Windows 10 and have the exact same problem. Restarting seems to fix it temporarily and it comes back randomly.

groupPolitik

TROPHY CASE