Thursday, September 22, 2022

Fwd: Important: Updated COVID-19 vaccines are now available


Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines to protect against serious illness.
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Updated COVID-19 vaccines

Adrienne,

Important: Updated COVID-19 vaccines are now available to provide increased protection against the currently circulating Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.

If it has been at least 2 months since you completed your COVID-19 primary series or had your last booster, then you are eligible for an updated vaccine

As with other diseases, you're protected best from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill.

Learn More

Remember: Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. Find a COVID-19 vaccine location near you.

Sincerely,

The Medicare Team


This email was sent to adentex@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud 7500 Security Boulevard · Baltimore MD 21244

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

The Who’s Who of Federal Agencies Trying to Censor You on Social Media • Children's Health Defense

The Who's Who of Federal Agencies Trying to Censor You on Social Media • Children's Health Defense

The Who's Who of Federal Agencies Trying to Censor You on Social Media

Documents obtained as part of a lawsuit brought by the New Civil Liberties Alliance and the attorneys general of Missouri and Louisiana against President Biden have identified more than 50 federal employees across 15 agencies who engaged in illegal censorship activities.

Story at-a-glance:

  • Federal officials in the Biden administration have held secret and illegal censorship meetings with social media companies to suppress Americans' First Amendment rights to free speech, and to ban or de-platform those who share unauthorized views about COVID-19 and vaccines.
  • The evidence for this comes out of a lawsuit brought by the New Civil Liberties Alliance and the attorneys general of Missouri and Louisiana (Eric Schmitt and Jeff Landry) against President Biden, filed in May.
  • Monthly, a Unified Strategies Group meeting took place — and may still be taking place — between a wide variety of government agencies and Big Tech companies, during which topics to be censored and suppressed were/are discussed.
  • Censored topics included stories involving COVID-19 jab refusal, especially those involving military refusals and consequences thereof, criticism against COVID-19 restrictions and their effects on mental health, posts talking about testing positive for COVID-19 after getting the jab, personal stories of COVID-19 jab side effects, including menstrual irregularities, and worries about vaccine passports becoming mandatory.
  • Discovery documents obtained so far have identified more than 50 federal employees across 15 federal agencies engaged in illegal censorship activities. Emails from the strategic communications and marketing firm Reingold also reveal outside consultants were hired to manage the government's collusion with social media to violate Americans' Constitutional free speech rights.

In a Sept. 1 article, the Post Millennial reveals how federal officials in the Biden administration have held secret censorship meetings with social media companies to suppress Americans' First Amendment rights to free speech, and to ban or de-platform those who share unauthorized views about COVID-19 and vaccines.

The evidence for this comes out of a lawsuit brought by the New Civil Liberties Alliance and the attorneys general of Missouri and Louisiana (Eric Schmitt and Jeff Landry) against President Biden, filed in May.

During the discovery process, the plaintiffs sought to identify "all meetings with any social media platform relating to content modulation and/or misinformation," which is how we now know that such illegal meetings did, in fact, take place.

Illegal collusion to suppress free speech

Monthly, a Unified Strategies Group meeting took place — and may still be taking place — between a wide variety of government agencies and Big Tech companies, during which topics to be censored and suppressed were/are discussed.

Censored topics included stories involving COVID-19 jab refusal, especially those involving military refusals and consequences thereof, criticism against COVID-19 restrictions and their effects on mental health, posts talking about testing positive for COVID-19 after getting the jab, personal stories of COVID-19 jab side effects, including menstrual irregularities, and worries about vaccine passports becoming mandatory.

According to the New Civil Liberties Alliance:

"Scores of federal officials … have secretly communicated with social-media platforms to censor and suppress private speech federal officials disfavor. This unlawful enterprise has been wildly successful.

"Under the First Amendment, the federal government may not police private speech nor pick winners and losers in the marketplace of ideas. But that is precisely what the government has done — and is still doing — on a massive scale not previously divulged.

"Multiple agencies' communications demonstrate that the federal government has exerted tremendous pressure on social-media companies — pressure to which companies have repeatedly bowed. …

"Communications show these federal officials are fully aware that the pressure they exert is an effective and necessary way to induce social-media platforms to increase censorship.

"The head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency even griped about the need to overcome social-media companies' 'hesitation' to work with the government. …

"This unlawful government interference violates the fundamental right of free speech for all Americans, whether or not they are on social media.

"More discovery is needed to uncover the full extent of this regime — i.e., the identities of other White House and agency officials involved and the nature and content of their communications with social-media companies."

Jenin Younes, litigation counsel for the New Civil Liberties Alliance added:

"If there was ever any doubt the federal government was behind censorship of Americans who dared to dissent from official COVID-19 messaging, that doubt has been erased.

"The shocking extent of the government's involvement in silencing Americans, through coercing social-media companies, has now been revealed."

Federal agencies involved in free speech suppression

Documents obtained so far have identified more than 50 federal employees across 15 federal agencies, who participated in these censorship meetings or otherwise engaged in illegal censorship activities.

This includes officials from:

  • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Election Security and Resilience team
  • Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis
  • FBI's foreign influence taskforce
  • Justice Department's (DOJ) national security division
  • Office of the Director of National Intelligence
  • White House staff (including White House lawyer Dana Remus, deputy assistant to the president Rob Flaherty and former White House senior COVID-19 adviser Andy Slavitt)
  • Health and Human Services
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
  • Office of the Surgeon General
  • U.S. Census Bureau
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  • State Department
  • U.S. Treasury Department
  • U.S. Election Assistance Commission

Emails from a strategic communications and marketing firm called Reingold also reveal that outside consultants were hired to manage the government's collusion with social media to censor Americans.

For example, Reingold set up a "partner support portal" for the CDC so that CDC officials could link emails to the portal for easier flagging of content it wanted censored by social media companies linked to the portal.

Big Tech companies involved in government censorship

On the private industry side, notable tech participants in the censorship meetings include:

  • Google
  • Twitter
  • Reddit
  • Verizon media
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Microsoft
  • Pinterest
  • Wikimedia Foundation
  • (Blogger….)

While some social media companies may have "hesitated" to censor on the government's behalf at times, Facebook was certainly an eager beaver from the get-go.

As early as February 2020, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was in contact with the State Department, offering its services to help "control information and misinformation related to Corona virus."

Biden administration's 'executive privilege' denied

As you might expect, the White House has not cooperated with discovery and has fought to keep communications secret — especially with regard to Dr. Anthony Fauci's correspondence — claiming all White House communications as "privileged."

However, executive privilege does NOT apply to external communications, so the plaintiffs called on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana to "overrule the government defendants' objections and order them to supply this highly relevant, responsive and probative information immediately."

Sept. 7, Judge Terry Doughty did just that. The Biden administration's claim of executive privilege was rejected and Doughty ordered the White House to hand over any and all relevant records.

That includes correspondence to and from Fauci, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and many others. According to the judge's order, they have three weeks to comply.

Examples of illegal government censorship

On Twitter, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has shared a long list of examples of government censorship, including one document in which Clarke Humphrey, COVID-19 response digital director at the White House, asked Facebook to take down the Instagram account "anthonyfauciofficial," a parody account dedicated to making fun of Fauci. Facebook complied.

Schmitt also shared emails, between a senior Facebook official and the surgeon general, stating, "I know our teams met today to better understand the scope of what the White House expects from us on misinformation going forward." This email came on the heels of the surgeon general's July 2021 "misinformation health advisory."

The CDC also coordinated with Facebook, providing them with talking points to debunk various claims, including the claim that spike protein in the COVID-19 shots is dangerous and cytotoxic.

In a July 28, 2021, email, a CDC official provided Facebook with the following counter-narrative, taken straight from the "How mRNA Vaccines Work" section on the CDC website:

"Messenger mRNA [sic] vaccines work by teaching our cells to create a harmless spike protein" (emphasis in the original).

Fast-forward to mid-June 2022, and the CDC was suddenly less sure about the harmlessness of the spike protein.

Up until then, the words "harmless spike protein" had always been bolded, but in this June revision, they removed the bolding, along with an entire section in which they'd previously claimed that mRNA was rapidly broken down and spike protein did not last more than a few weeks in the body.

Clearly, the truth was catching up to them and certain lies were getting too risky to hold on to.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency also reached out to Google, Meta (Facebook's parent company), Microsoft and Twitter for help, shortly after the DHS's Disinformation Governance Board was announced. Fortunately, public outcry put an end to this Orwellian Ministry of Truth before it got started.

When censorship becomes election interference

According to The Washington Times:

"Details about the Biden administration's conduct raised the hackles of Republican lawmakers.

"'Confirming that this is the most dangerously anti-free speech administration in American history AND that Facebook … is nothing but an appendage of the deep state,' Sen. Josh Hawley, Missouri Republican, said on Twitter as he shared news of the court filing."

Other lawmakers are also getting involved.

In an Aug. 29 letter, to Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, Republican Sens. Charles E. Grassley of Iowa and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin requested records of the government's contacts with social media companies to ascertain whether the FBI and/or DOJ did, in fact, instruct them to censor information about the Hunter Biden laptop scandal by falsely referring to it as "Russian disinformation."

Zuckerberg has also been asked to provide any correspondence involving the censorship of the Hunter Biden laptop story, especially as it pertains to the FBI's instructions to censor this political hot potato — something he openly admitted in a recent Joe Rogan interview (see video below).

Lawmakers pursue legislation to penalize gov't censorship

Three Republican House Representatives on the House Oversight and Reform, Judiciary, and Commerce committees — Reps. James Comer of Kentucky, Jim Jordan of Ohio, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington — have also introduced the Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act (H.R.8752), aimed at preventing federal employees from using their positions to influence censorship decisions by tech platforms.

The bill would create restrictions to prevent federal employees from asking or encouraging private entities to censor private speech or otherwise discourage free speech, and impose penalties, including civil fines and disciplinary actions for government employees who facilitate social media censorship.

While the U.S. Constitution clearly forbids government censoring and restricting free speech, H.R.8752 could be a helpful enforcement tool, as people might tend to think twice when they know there's a real and personal price to pay.

Originally published by Mercola

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Children's Health Defense.


~A.

Citicoline Dosage Recommendations and How to Use

Citicoline Dosage Recommendations and How to Use

Citicoline Dosage Recommendations and How to Use

citicoline dosageCiticoline is a nootropic supplement or cognitive enhancer that has become an essential component of most brain-boosting regimens.

This compound has been proven in multiple clinical trials to increase memory performance and even improve general cognition.

While there is much general agreement on the potential benefits of Citicoline, you have probably noticed that depending which source you listen to there are vastly different recommendations for how to take this nootropic.

What is the best Citicoline dosage to use and how can you take it to maximize your results?

Each person will have a different degree of sensitivity as well as different Choline needs based on their diet, so there is not one dosage that is right for everyone. You may need to engage in some trial and error to find out the best way to use this brain booster.

It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements. Your doctor will be able to help determine the best dosage for your needs as well as determine if there may be any negative interactions with any supplements or medications you are currently taking.

In addition, we can learn a lot about the best practices for taking Citicoline powder by reviewing the extensive research and testing already conducted on this supplements. Examining the Citicoline dosage recommendations, the best ways to use this supplement, its side effects, and who should consider using it can help us to gain a more complete picture.

Citicoline

Citicoline

Cholinergic Supplement

Dosage:

Between 250 - 2,000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Citicoline Dosage Recommendations

Most of the studies that have been performed using Citicoline have used 500 mg up to as much as 2 grams per day as the dosage level.

Furthermore, many of the currently available Citicoline supplements including Somazina, Cognizin and NeurAxon are dosed in 500 mg tablets.

Does this mean that this is the best place to start for your own routine? This amount is more typical of stroke survivors and individuals with serious cognitive decline symptoms.

In point of fact, most experts recommend taking between 250 and 500 mg of Citicoline a maximum of two times a day. Remember that there is some room for personalization and trial and error in this mix.

There are also a number of generic CDP Choline capsules that come in the 250 mg variety, or you can purchase Citicoline powder to have complete control over your dose size.

Another way to determine what dosage you should be using is in terms of a stack ratio. For example, most people will take Citicoline supplements with another kind of brain supplement called a Racetam. Piracetam and Aniracetam are two of the most common nootropics stacked with Citicoline.

Depending on the amount of either of these compounds you are using, you will want to take a different dosage of Citicoline to result in the greatest possible synergy.

If you were to use 1 gram of Aniracetam powder, you would then want to take 250 mg of Citicoline in a 4:1 ratio. For Piracetam dosages which are much weaker, it is more common to use an 8:1 ratio up to a maximum of 500 mg per dosage.

Best Ways To Use A Citicoline Dosage

citicoline doseThe best way to use Citicoline is to buy the powdered form instead of the capsules.

The simple reason for this is that it gives you much more control over your dosage level and Citicoline powder tends to be much cheaper than the brand name tablets available.

Just be sure to grab some accurate measuring spoons or an electronic scale so that you know exactly how much you are using and do not take an excessive dosage.

While there have been no serious side effects observed with an overdose of Citicoline, it is must better to stick to the recommended guidelines than to risk possible negative reactions.

Another option is to get an inexpensive capping machine so that you can make your own capsules from the powder at whatever dosage level you like. This will allow you to prepare several weeks work of tablets in advance so that you do not have to measure out the powder every time you want to use it.

Generally, you will want to take your Citicoline either in the morning or early afternoon. It does have the effect of increasing energy in most people, both physical and mental energy. Many users have complained that if they take this supplement in the evening it makes it more difficult for them to sleep.

When mixing the powder, juice is a better option since the taste is somewhat bitter. Citicoline is water soluble so most liquids except for milk make for good options to mix it in.

Citicoline may be taken with a meal or without a meal depending on personal preference. You may want to test both methods and see which is more effective.

Testing split doses may also be worthwhile for some people. Just keep in mind the caution about not using this supplement after the early afternoon.

Side Effects Of Citicoline

Citicoline is very safe and falls under the category of well-tolerated. This means that most recorded side effects are very mild and uncommon.

Most likely, if you do take this supplement, there will be no unwanted effects. On the off chance that you do experience side effects, they will likely be mild headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, insomnia, restlessness, or sometimes (very rarely) chest pain.

Most of these issues can be easily resolved by reducing your dose back down to the recommended level.

If this does not work, then consider taking a short break from the supplement and discontinue use for a few days to a week while the side effects clear up.

Who Should Consider Citicoline Use?

citicoline dosingCiticoline is a great nootropic supplement that can benefit many types of people.

The first category who should consider trying it are those that are already taking Nootropic supplements.

The interesting thing is that Citicoline can actually increase the effectiveness of other nootropics to a much greater degree that if you took these compounds independently. This is known as having a synergistic effect.

Students and productivity-conscious individuals will also benefit from this supplement either in a stack or on its own. The increased cognitive benefits along with the relative safety means that Citicoline can give you a much smoother energy boost without the side effects of traditional stimulants like caffeine or amphetamines.

Athletes may also love the improved focus they receive from Citicoline and it is not uncommon to see this compound in a pre-workout stack. This will enable them to work out harder and even possibly recover faster as well as promoting better neuromuscular coordination.

One of the great things about Citicoline is that it offers benefits for a wide range of people, even if you do not have specific goals in mind related to mental performance. This supplement is an excellent brain health booster and should be part of anyone's daily nutrition regimen.

Citicoline is also well-suited for people who want to prevent aging and improve their memory even later in life. Many middle aged folks are trying Citicoline in an effort to delay the onset of Alzheimer's and other degenerative diseases.

With so many benefits and such a low risk profile, we could soon see Citicoline dosages as a common part of most multi-vitamins and all-in-one nutritional supplements.

Top Rated Supplements

  1. Alvarez-Sabín J, Ortega G, Jacas C, Santamarina E, Maisterra O, Ribo M, Molina C, Quintana M, Román GC. Long-term treatment with citicoline may improve poststroke vascular cognitive impairment. Cerebrovasc Dis. 2013
  2. Topuz BB, Altinbas B, Ilhan T, Yilmaz MS, Erdost H, Saha S, Savci V, Yalcin M. Centrally administered CDP-choline induced cardiovascular responses are mediated by activation of the central phospholipase-prostaglandin signaling cascade. Brain Res. 2014
  3. López-Coviella I, Agut J, Savci V, Ortiz JA, Wurtman RJ. Evidence that 5'-cytidinediphosphocholine can affect brain phospholipid composition by increasing choline and cytidine plasma levels. J Neurochem. 1995
  4. Wurtman RJ, Regan M, Ulus I, Yu L. Effect of oral CDP-choline on plasma choline and uridine levels in humans. Biochem Pharmacol. 2000
  5. Bracken BK, Penetar DM, Rodolico J, Ryan ET, Lukas SE. Eight weeks of citicoline treatment does not perturb sleep/wake cycles in cocaine-dependent adults. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2011
  6. Parisi V, Manni G, Colacino G, Bucci MG. Cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine (citicoline) improves retinal and cortical responses in patients with glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 1999
  7. Dávalos A, Secades J. Citicoline preclinical and clinical update 2009-2010. Stroke. 2011

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 Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment 


~A.