“Citizen kids have been swept up too — at least 70 of them. We’ve found about 20 kids who were handcuffed or zip-tied.” “… agents handcuffed a 15-year-old w/disabilities outside a school in Los Angeles in 2025. The agents said they mistook the teen for an alleged gang member.” https://projects.propublica.org/american-citizens-detained-dhs-civil-rights/?utm_source=bluesky&utm;_medium=social&utm;_campaign=propublica-bsky

Attached: 1 image Employers often attempt asymmetrical adversarial tactics against interviewees, like using AI to interview but trying to reject candidates using AI. Or insisting on a salary history before making an offer, but declining to publish the pay history or even just bands for the position. Or... Or... My position has always been that if they treat me like a peon when hiring, what will they be like when I depend upon them for a pay cheque? And no, that didn't and doesn't change during hard times.

[1 media attachment] Finally back to #TLRTuesday with a very special frame of Polyfilm. It is HANDMADE in Ukraine by Igor. This is the end of the roll and I absolutely love how organic it is and how it came out. Igor is doing incredible work and the updates from him are interesting and inspiring. Can't wait to shoot the other rolls! Also, I messed up this roll all the way up and down by loading poorly, under exposing, under developing, and my fixer was off. And this is how good it looks despite all those cascading issues. I'm re-fixing the film and will re-scan it. 📷 #Rolleiflex 1935 Standard 🎞️ #Polyfilm 🧪 #HC110E @ 9 mins 🖥️ #SonyA7ii + #Darktable #FilmPhotography #BelieveInFilm

## In This Article 1. What Drives Inflammation? 2. Mast Cells Activation Syndrome 3. ADHD and Dysautonomia 4. Stomach Issues and ADHD 5. MCAS, POTS and ADHD: Next Steps Many of the conditions that co-occur with ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and addiction, are well understood. Less clear is ADHD’s curious association with asthma, allergies, autoimmune disorders, gut issues, and hypermobility. Can the overlap between these diverse physical health problems and ADHD teach us anything about the condition and its underpinnings? A growing body of research seems to highlight the role of chronic inflammation and dysautonomia, a disordered autonomic nervous system function that controls heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and body temperature. Central to understanding these connections may be ADHD’s strong overlap with joint hypermobility, caused by overly elastic connective tissue. Strikingly, about half of people with ADHD are hypermobile. While many experience no issues, some develop hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), in which lax connective tissues in the skin and around the joints, blood vessels, and gut trigger symptoms across multiple systems. These syndromes are strongly linked to inflammation, in the form of mast cell activation syndrome, and dysautonomia. Understanding the brain-body connections between these seemingly unrelated issues has the potential to reshape how we think about ADHD. In time, this understanding may provide new targets for treatment. ## What Drives Inflammation? Inflammation is the body’s natural healing response to injury or infection. It is protective in the short-term, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to serious medical problems. Sources of chronic inflammation include allergies, asthma, eczema, autoimmunity, gut dysfunction and food intolerances, persistent infections, and exposure to toxicity in the environment. It is also linked to enduring stress or trauma, disordered sleep, and diets high in ultra-processed foods. Chronic inflammation increases the chances of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, metabolic disturbances, and other conditions. _[Self-Test: Am I Hypermobile?]_ Research has linked inflammation to ADHD in the following ways: * Several inflammatory markers have been found at higher levels in people with ADHD vs. non-ADHD peers; and a higher level of inflammation has been linked to more severe ADHD symptoms. * Deficiencies in vitamin D and iron are common among people with ADHD – notable as vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, and iron deficiency can impair immune function. * Certain genes linked to inflammation are more commonly found in people with ADHD. There is also a clear association between ADHD and a range of inflammatory conditions, such as chronic gastrointestinal issues, allergies, and autoimmune conditions such as celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune thyroid disease, psoriasis, and Type 1 Diabetes. Many health care providers are unaware of the connections between these co-occurring issues. As cutting-edge research continues to explore these connections, some forward-thinking clinicians believe one common thread could be mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), a disorder in which the immune system overreacts to a wide range of triggers, resulting in widespread, chronic inflammation and worsening dysautonomia. However more research into MCAS is needed to inform clinical practice. _[Watch: How Joint Hypermobility Links Neurodivergence, Chronic Pain, Inflammatory Disorders, and Anxiety]_ ## Mast Cells Activation Syndrome ### What are mast cells? Part of the ‘innate’ (first responder) immune system, these white blood cells are concentrated in tissues of the body exposed to the outside world: the skin, and the linings of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts. They are also present in the brain, and close to nerves and blood vessels. When mast cells start misbehaving, the areas of the body where they’re found are particularly affected. ### What do they do? As a key component of the body’s surveillance system, the surface of mast cells is full of receptors that can register potential threats. When activated, mast cells release chemicals like histamine, cytokines, and interleukins that help coordinate the immune response. When your lungs tighten in asthma, or your face flushes with embarrassment, it’s because of mast cells. ### What is MCAS? Mast cells are incredibly effective at addressing actual threats. In some people, however, they respond too aggressively or erroneously, releasing excessive amounts of chemicals that cause wide-ranging inflammatory and allergic symptoms. Triggers may include: * Allergens, certain foods, drugs, alcohol * Infections (e.g., Lyme disease, COVID-19) or fevers * Hormonal shifts * Physical stimuli (e.g., trauma, heat/cold) * Emotional stress * Toxins (e.g., mold, lead, pesticides, heavy metals, air pollution) Mast cell activation is well known to cause problems like hay fever, asthma, hives, angioedema (rapid swelling under the skin, such as in the lips, tongue, and eyelids), and anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). Less recognized are its neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, which are often overlooked compared to the allergic reactions. ### MCAS Symptoms Flushing, itching, abdominal pain with diarrhea or nausea, fast heart rate and low blood pressure, fatigue, and brain fog span various organ systems and are symptoms of MCAS. For a diagnosis, a patient must demonstrate repeated episodes of typical symptoms in two or more body systems at once. ### How Is MCAS Diagnosed? It’s possible to formally diagnose MCAS through bloodwork or urine that shows increased levels of chemical mediators, including tryptase. However, it is difficult to capture evidence of mast cell dysfunction because: * Many mast cell mediators act locally, making it hard to measure systemically * Many have short half-lives, so testing must be done soon after onset of symptoms * Specimens must be handled carefully and refrigerated immediately Patients whose tests are normal may still need treatment if they consistently show characteristic symptoms, and other medical conditions have been ruled out. A convincing response to first-line pharmacological treatments is a good clue to the presence of MCAS. ### MCAS Treatment Options The first step is to try to uncover what is driving the mast cells. Are you reacting to certain foods or products, or to mold in your home? Antihistamines, including H1 blockers (like Claritin or Zyrtec) and H2 blockers (like Pepcid), block the action of the histamine produced by mast cells. For a patient with MCAS, these medications can lead to dramatic improvement in anxiety, mood, and possibly ADHD symptoms. Patients often need to try different antihistamines, and may need a morning and evening dose of both an H1 and an H2 blocker. Mast cell stabilizers, like cromolyn sodium, stop the initial release of chemicals by mast cells and may be added. An experienced clinician should oversee MCAS treatment. If your allergist, primary care provider, or immunologist isn’t familiar with MCAS or open to learning more, you may consider seeing a functional medicine practitioner with relevant experience. ## ADHD and Dysautonomia Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for disorders of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. Like ADHD, dysautonomia can start in childhood and continue throughout the lifespan. A common form of dysautonomia is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Preliminary evidence suggests that ADHD and POTS may be closely connected. ### POTS POTS is a condition in which the body has difficulty regulating blood flow and heart rate when moving from a sitting or lying position to standing. Instead of adjusting smoothly, the nervous system responds with an increase in heart rate, often causing people to feel dizzy, lightheaded or fatigued, due to reduced blood flow to the brain. More research is needed to explore the association between POTS and ADHD, though a 2008 study showed that patients with POTS demonstrate more symptoms of inattention and score higher on ADHD scales than do control subjects. ### POTS Symptoms ### How Is POTS Diagnosed? POTS is formally diagnosed through a tilt table test, in which your heart rate and blood pressure are measured while your posture and position are adjusted. A telltale sign of POTS is the sudden increase in heart rate (by > 30 beats/minute in adults) within 10 minutes of standing. When you stand up from a chair, for example, your autonomic nervous system must ensure that blood continues to reach the brain, despite the opposing gravitational force. With POTS, due to blood pooling in the abdomen and insufficient blood reaching the brain, the heart works harder to compensate, causing a spike in heart rate. ### POTS Treatment A specialist must oversee treatment, which may include: * Salt and fluids: Many people with POTS have a low blood volume and can benefit from drinking more fluids and consuming more salt, through diet or supplements, assuming blood pressure allows. * Exercise: Walking, yoga, and physical therapy can improve blood circulation. Patients should begin to exercise slowly, and ramp up gradually. * Compression garments: Compression legging or shorts can help POTS symptoms by pushing blood from the lower to the upper half of the body. If POTS cannot be sufficiently managed with salt, fluids, exercise, or compression, medication may be helpful. ## Stomach Issues and ADHD Problems with the digestive system frequently occur in people with ADHD, causing bowel disturbance, chronic pain, and discomfort. MCAS, dysautonomia, and hEDS/HSD can each contribute to gastrointestinal dysfunction in different ways. Digestive problems can, in turn, exacerbate MCAS. The gastrointestinal problems that have been associated with ADHD include: ## MCAS, POTS and ADHD: Next Steps * **Read** : The Gut-Brain Axis Could Accelerate Autism Understanding * **Watch:** “Why Chronic Pain is So Common Among Neurodivergent Youth“ * **Read:**Hypermobility Often Misdiagnosed as Mental Illness _This article was derived from the ADDitude ADHD Experts webinar, “The Surprising Association Between ADHD & Inflammation” [Video Replay & Podcast #545] with James Kustow, BMedSci, BMBS, MRCPsych, which was broadcast on February 27, 2025._ * * * **SUPPORT ADDITUDE** Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you. * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Pinterest Previous Article Next Article

The MAGA MURDER Regime is intentionally slow-rolling efforts to restrict abortion pill access until after the midterms. Once they’re over, “the gloves will be off,” according to one anti-abortion advocate who spoke with The Washington Sun. MAGA MURDERER Todd Blanche said during his July confirmation hearing that rules allowing abortion pills to be shipped nationwide were “wrong” and that he’d seek to review them. He’s also reportedly assured faith leaders he would work to ban abortion “in every single state.” https://www.washingtonsun.com/campaigns/abortion-white-house-todd-blanche-susie-wiles

Attached: 1 image A few days ago, someone in my LinkedIn feed shared a screenshot of a post from X. My first assumption with any screenshot from social media (rather than a direct link) is that it’s fake, so I went and found the original. It was real, and it had been viewed 7.8 million times. The post said that OpenAI’s internal benchmarks showed GPT-6.1 Sol crushing Opus 5.5, with Anthropic struggling to keep up. The chart below it backed that up nicely: three coloured lines climbing over time, OpenAI’s green line sitting comfortably on top, Anthropic’s in the middle, Grok at the bottom. Now look closely at the label on the vertical axis. It’s small and grey and easy to miss. It says “Model number”. That chart isn’t measuring performance at all. It’s plotting the version number in the product name against the release date. GPT-6.1 is higher than Opus 5.5 because 6.1 is a bigger number than 5.5. This is ridiculous and yet it tricks many people into believing something that isn't true. Continue reading on my blog because it's too long for here. https://blog.mikebowler.ca/2026/10/04/paltering/

Good lord … seriously into mindfuck territory: https://blog.jim-nielsen.com/2026/online-in-2026/ #genAI #TheSimpsons

In typical Meta fashion, the company’s popular new AI agent Muse reportedly keeps detailed, regularly updated files on the people in users’ lives. Nearly a month after its launch, researchers are digging into how Muse works. It turns out the AI agent will openly share internal files and instructions when users ask, offering a peek at how it operates. One of the somewhat unsettling details is an hourly process that instructs Muse to create and update “a page for every person in the user’s life,” Wired reports. Independent AI safety and security researcher Karan Joshi extracted a trove of Muse instructions and system prompts through the app’s regular chat interface and shared the findings with Wired. Separately, The Future Society published system instructions from an exported copy of a Muse virtual machine. “What it seemed like to me—from all these prompts, system skills data, and things that they’re feeding into Muse—is that they want to understand your relationships that you have with real people,” Joshi told Wired. “They’re trying to know you like a friend, which is honestly pretty creepy.” The new details come just weeks after Meta launched Muse on Sept. 8 as a personal AI agent that can handle tasks like sending emails, booking travel, shopping, and tracking goals. To do all that, users give Muse access to a wide range of their apps and accounts. Muse has since climbed to the number-one spot on Apple’s U.S. App Store chart for free iPhone apps. But privacy and security concerns have emerged almost immediately. For instance, Amazon blocked Muse from shopping on its site in September, saying Meta had not notified the company in advance that the agent would access its online shop. The company also raised concerns about how Muse handles customer credentials and account data. Meta also recently patched a zero-day vulnerability in the Mac version of Muse that could allow malware already running on a user’s computer to hijack the agent and take advantage of permissions the user had previously granted it. Now, we have a better idea of just how much Muse keeps track of about users and the people in their lives, even if those people don’t use Muse themselves. According to system instructions published by The Future Society, these relationship pages can include a person’s name, how they are connected to the Muse user, recurring topics such as an upcoming apartment move or savings goal, and important dates like birthdays and anniversaries. Muse can also keep a history of the relationship, including events or milestones, as well as information about how close the user is to the person, what their relationship is built on, how they interact, and what the relationship appears to need at the moment. “For any agent to be useful and actually help you achieve your goals, it needs to have context about you and those you interact with,” a Meta spokesperson told Gizmodo in an emailed statement. “Muse gathers that based on public information and from what you’ve chosen to share, which is how it remembers the person who just sent you an invoice is in fact the plumber who you previously hired to complete some work in your bathroom or which flowers your spouse said they liked best.” The spokesperson added that the information is stored in each user’s dedicated secure virtual machine, which Meta says cannot be accessed by other users’ agents.