Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Mushroom Coffee? Tons of ads, is this self care or fake?


I started seeing ads (every other ad) about stuck poop, and how I needed to take a pill, or drink some mushroom coffee, or chocolate drink to clean out at least 25lbs of feces from inside me.

I naturally grew concerned and curious. I went on Amazon and broke down and bought a bag of this Ryze Mushroom Coffee, and I am on day #2.

First things first, you need creamer. I use no sugar vanilla, otherwise it tastes like "earth." As for the stuck poop part, I will have to let you know cause I am only on day #2.

Is it hype? Mushroom coffee - claims to be a ame-changing beverage that not only provides a gentle caffeine boost but also offers a wealth of adaptogens to support your overall wellbeing. Discover how this unique blend can help you unlock your full potential and elevate both your mind and body.

At the heart of mushroom coffee are a carefully curated selection of adaptogenic mushrooms, each with its own unique health benefits. Cordyceps, for instance, is revered for its ability to enhance stamina and physical performance, while Lion's Mane is known to support cognitive function and focus. Reishi, the "mushroom of immortality," is celebrated for its stress-relieving properties, and Shiitake is recognized for its immune-boosting powers.

Traditional coffee can often leave us feeling jittery and crashing soon after, but mushroom coffee is designed to provide a more balanced and sustained energy boost. With less than half the caffeine of regular coffee, it delivers a calmer, more focused energy that won't leave you feeling anxious or depleted. The addition of MCT oil and coconut milk further supports this gentle yet effective energy delivery, while also providing nutritional benefits for your body and brain.

But what about my stuck poop? Gut health is the foundation of overall wellbeing, and mushroom coffee is formulated to support a thriving gut microbiome. Turkey Tail, for instance, is a powerful adaptogen that acts as an antimicrobial, helping to maintain a healthy digestive system. King Trumpet, on the other hand, is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, making it a potent ally in the fight against oxidative stress and boosting your immune system.

Beyond the impressive health benefits, mushroom coffee is also a delightful and versatile ritual to incorporate into your daily routine. With its smooth, creamy, and subtly sweet flavor profile, it's a delicious alternative to traditional coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for a variety of creative recipes, from lattes and smoothies to baked goods and desserts.

By harnessing the power of adaptogens, this unique blend offers a balanced and sustainable energy boost, enhanced cognitive function, and robust immune support - all while delivering a delightful and nourishing drinking experience. Embrace the RYZE ritual and unlock your full potential.

At the heart of RYZE Mushroom Coffee lies a potent blend of adaptogenic mushrooms, each one offering unique benefits for gut health and overall wellbeing. By infusing this superfood elixir into their premium coffee, RYZE has created a truly restorative daily ritual.

One of the key gut-supporting mushrooms in the blend is Reishi, often referred to as the "mushroom of immortality." Reishi is a powerful adaptogen with antimicrobial properties that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. By limiting the growth of harmful bacteria while nurturing beneficial microbes, Reishi can soothe digestive issues and support optimal nutrient absorption.

Another standout ingredient is Turkey Tail mushroom, which is rich in prebiotics that act as food for the good bacteria in your gut. This helps strengthen the gut lining and promotes regularity, relieving uncomfortable bloating and constipation. Turkey Tail is also brimming with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation - two major contributors to gut dysfunction.

The addition of Lion's Mane mushroom further enhances the gut-healing prowess of RYZE coffee. This cognitive-boosting adaptogen is renowned for its ability to reduce intestinal inflammation and soothe conditions like IBS and leaky gut. Its neuroprotective compounds also support the enteric nervous system, improving communication between the gut and brain for holistic wellbeing.

By sipping on this adaptogenic elixir, you're not just enjoying a delicious and energizing beverage - you're also investing in the long-term health of your gut. The synergistic blend of mushrooms in RYZE coffee works to balance your microbiome, calm digestive distress, and fortify your body's first line of defense. Drink to your gut's – and your overall – happiness.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

LGBTQIA+ & Misinformation Or Information To Mislead?


Just watched this video, and read the comments, he is a wolf in sheeps clothing to me. Proclaiming to be free from bias and being objective, yet, unable to have the education to view this from a macro-level lens.

I DO NOT CONDONE THIS VIDEO, but I wanted to make my answer loud and clear for those who may not see the birds-eye issue here. He is outwardly anti-LGB (and removes the T, Q, I, A , +) as to erase those memebers of the community, and honestly has more focus on anti-LGBTQIA+ issues than I consider healthy.  

YouTube has even issue demonitizatin restrictions on his account, because no one should be rewarded for spreading hateful retoric. AND if you deep dive his name, you will find he is a person who has a lot of time to invest in being somewhat of a misinformation machine, churning out content on TikTok and other platforms with similar malicious intent. He preys on exploting LGBTQIA+ youth in TikTok stitches and garnishes a humble amount of likes for his hate speech.  If you want me to be brutally honest, he is the love child of Marjarine Trailer Queen and tRump, because he is equally as ignorant and vile.

It is clear he can't see out his "Overton" window, if he has windows in his bunker at all:


I do not condone this video, nor this creator. I want to make that clear.

My response:

On a broader, systemic level, we are witnessing the introduction of various legislative bills, even though some may ultimately fail to progress through the full legislative process. The mere act of introducing a bill, regardless of its final outcome, can still hold inherent significance.

The very construct and definition of what constitutes a "bill" is inherently tied to the specific language, provisions, and impacts outlined within the bill itself. The contents and framing of a proposed bill can shape the overall dialogue and understanding surrounding the issue, irrespective of whether the bill is eventually enacted into law.

Even bills that do not succeed in becoming codified statutes can still leave an imprint on the political and policy landscape. Their introduction and debate can influence future legislative efforts, shift public discourse, and set the stage for potential revisions or new approaches down the line.

The dynamics of the legislative process are complex, with introduced bills serving as catalysts that can have ripple effects beyond their immediate legislative outcomes.

An "anti-LGBTQ" bill generally refers to legislation that aims to restrict, undermine or roll back the rights, protections or societal acceptance of LGBTQ individuals and communities. Some key characteristics of anti-LGBTQ bills include:

Bills that seek to limit or prohibit same-sex marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships.

Legislation that allows for discrimination against LGBTQ people in areas like employment, housing, public accommodations, or access to services, often under the guise of "religious freedom" or "parental rights."

Bills that target transgender individuals, such as restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare, banning transgender athletes from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity, or requiring the use of birth-assigned pronouns.

Measures that limit LGBTQ visibility, discussion or education in schools, such as "don't say gay" laws.

Proposals that roll back anti-discrimination protections or allow businesses/service providers to refuse service to LGBTQ customers.

Bills that grant special legal/religious exemptions to individuals or organizations who object to homosexuality or transgender identity on moral or religious grounds.

Anti-LGBTQ bills typically justify their proposed restrictions on LGBTQ rights and protections through a few common arguments and rationales:

Religious freedom/conscience protections:

These bills often claim to protect the religious liberty and moral/conscience objections of individuals, businesses, and organizations who oppose homosexuality or transgender identity on religious grounds. The argument is that they should not be compelled to provide services or accommodate LGBTQ people if it violates their sincerely held religious beliefs.

Parental rights and authority:

Some bills frame LGBTQ-inclusive education or healthcare for minors as an infringement on parental rights and the ability of parents to make decisions for their children. The justification is that parents should have the ultimate authority over these sensitive issues.

Protecting children/traditional values:

Proponents argue that restricting LGBTQ visibility and access to things like gender-affirming care is necessary to "protect" children from inappropriate or "confusing" content that goes against traditional, heteronormative values. The claim is that this is in the best interest of minors.

Fairness in sports:

Bans on transgender athletes participating in sports consistent with their gender identity are often justified as necessary to maintain fairness and a level playing field in women's/girl's sports.

Public safety/privacy concerns:

Some bills restrict LGBTQ access to certain public spaces, such as bathrooms, by claiming it's necessary for public safety and to protect the privacy of cisgender individuals.

I understand the point about the broader impact of introducing anti-LGBTQ+ bills, even if they may not ultimately be enacted into law. Your observation is astute - the mere introduction of such legislation can shift the Overton window, or the range of politically acceptable ideas, in a more regressive direction when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and protections.

As I outlined in my previous responses, the justifications and framing used by proponents of these bills often appeal to concepts like religious freedom, parental authority, and traditional values. While couched in such terms, the intent and effect of these bills is to erode hard-won LGBTQ+ civil rights and societal acceptance.

Even if individual bills fail to pass, their introduction and the public discourse they generate can normalize more restrictive, discriminatory policies over time. This can shift the baseline of what is viewed as politically feasible or acceptable, making it easier for further anti-LGBTQ+ measures to be proposed and potentially enacted in the future.

Your observation speaks to the insidious nature of this legislative strategy - the introduction of such bills, regardless of their immediate fate, can have an incremental but significant impact on the broader political and social landscape surrounding LGBTQ+ equality. This is an important dynamic to be mindful of when analyzing the real-world consequences of these types of legislative efforts. 

Friday, June 14, 2024

Hypothetical Research Proposal: The Impact of Postive Role Models for LGBTQIA+ Youth in the Media and their Personal Environment

 




Last night I gave my research presentation for my Quantitative Reserach class at Spalding University School of Social Work, which was on "The Impact of Postive Role Models for LGBTQIA+ Youth in the Media and their Personal Environment," and this is a great example of why PRIDE matters.

This is a hypotheitical research model, and was used as a possible project to propose when I get to the masters program.

Be kind to each other, be an ally, and most importantly - consider the importance of PRIDE month!

You can download the PDF of my paper HERE download the PDF of my paper HERE, the password is: socialworker. 

Please note this is a HYPOTHETICAL RESEARCH PROPOSAL and is still in it's infancy, I plan to grow this through my Master's program.

Thank you!


Sunday, June 9, 2024

How To Handle A Homophobic/Transphobic Friend or Family Member


Here are some tips for challenging anti-LGBTQIA+ attitudes in a respectful yet impactful way:

Let THEM know you're an ally! https://amzn.to/4ebLOOP

Approach the situation calmly and avoid escalating tensions. Getting defensive or aggressive is less likely to change hearts and minds.

Seek to understand where the person's views are coming from. Listen with an open mind before responding, as their beliefs may stem from misinformation or personal experiences.

Humanize the issue by sharing personal stories and experiences of LGBTQIA+ people. Put a real face to the abstract concept of "LGBTQIA+ rights."

Appeal to the person's sense of empathy and compassion. Emphasize how hurtful and damaging anti-LGBTQIA+ attitudes can be, especially for vulnerable youth.

Use factual, evidence-based information to counter misinformation or misconceptions. Stick to the facts and avoid getting caught up in heated debates.

Frame your perspective as a difference of opinion, not a personal attack. Use "I" statements to express your viewpoint.

Suggest resources for the person to learn more, such as books, articles, or organizations that provide reliable LGBTQIA+ information.

Pick your battles. Focus on situations where you have a reasonable chance of making a positive impact, rather than arguing with staunch opponents.

Be patient and persistent. Changing deeply-held beliefs takes time. Keep engaging respectfully, even if progress seems slow.

Set boundaries if the person becomes abusive or unwilling to engage constructively. Your safety and wellbeing come first.

The goal is to plant seeds of empathy, understanding, and change, rather than to win an argument. With care and persistence, you can make a meaningful difference.

Example 1:

"I know you may not fully understand or agree with LGBTQIA+ identities, but let me share a little bit about my friend Alex's experience. Alex is a transgender teenager who has faced so much bullying and rejection from their family. Despite that, they have worked so hard to be true to themselves and find community. Seeing the resilience and joy Alex has discovered in embracing their identity has been really inspiring to me. I hope you can try to approach this with an open mind and see the humanity in LGBTQIA+ people's stories."

Example 2:

"My cousin Lila is a lesbian, and coming out was one of the bravest things she's ever done. For years, she struggled in silence, afraid of how our family would react. When she finally worked up the courage to share her identity, it was a huge relief but also very scary. Lila lost some relationships over it, but she also gained an incredible support system in the LGBTQIA+ community. Her path hasn't been easy, but Lila's self-acceptance and pride have been so empowering to witness. I hope you can see how important that journey is for so many LGBTQIA+ people."

Example 3:

"I know you've made some comments before about not understanding the 'LGBTQIA+ agenda.' But I want you to meet my friend Sam, who is non-binary. Growing up, Sam never felt comfortable in the gender binary, and finding the language to describe their identity was life-changing. Just being able to be open about who they are has made such a difference in Sam's life - they're more confident, more joyful, and feel so much more at home in their own skin. LGBTQIA+ identities aren't an 'agenda,' they're profound parts of people's lived experiences."

The key is to share stories that put a human face on LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences. Focus on themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. With empathy and patience, you can help challenge misconceptions.

Example 4:

"My cousin Jayden recently came out as bisexual. At first, I'll admit I didn't fully understand, since I had always assumed he was straight. But the more Jayden opened up about his experiences, the more I realized how much he had struggled to accept this part of his identity. He told me about the pain of feeling like he didn't belong in either the straight or gay communities, and how lonely that was. Hearing his story made me realize how complicated and nuanced sexuality can be. Now I'm so proud of Jayden for embracing who he is."

Example 5:

"My friend Maria is a lesbian, and she's shared with me how growing up, she always felt 'different' and out of place. She was terrified to come out to her conservative family, fearing they would reject her. When she finally mustered the courage, it was an incredibly difficult and emotional process. While some family members struggled at first, Maria's perseverance and authenticity eventually won them over. She's now in a loving, committed relationship and is so much happier and freer than I've ever seen her. LGBTQIA+ people simply want the same things we all do - to be accepted and to live as our true selves."

Example 6:

"My coworker Jordan is transgender, and his journey has really opened my eyes. He shared with me how from a young age, he knew his gender identity didn't align with the one assigned to him at birth. The process of transitioning socially and medically has been challenging, but Jordan now radiates a sense of wholeness and peace that I never witnessed before. Knowing Jordan has helped me understand that gender is a spectrum, and that transgender people are simply striving to live as their authentic selves. Their stories are ones of courage and self-love in the face of immense adversity."

The common thread in these examples is centering the personal experiences and humanity of LGBTQIA+ individuals. By sharing narratives of self-discovery, resilience, and the universal desire for acceptance, we can chip away at misconceptions and cultivate empathy.


LGBTQIA+ Pride Month! Celebrate Pride, Uplift Vulnerable Youth!


June marks LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diverse identities and vibrant community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other gender and sexual minority individuals. Pride is an important time to recognize the hard-won rights, visibility, and acceptance that LGBTQIA+ people have fought for over decades.

But Pride is about more than just celebration - it's also a critical opportunity to uplift and support LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly those who are the most vulnerable. Many LGBTQIA+ young people face unique challenges, from family rejection and bullying to mental health struggles and increased risk of homelessness. Pride can be a powerful source of affirmation, resilience, and hope for these youth.

When LGBTQIA+ young people see Pride celebrations, LGBTQIA+ role models, and messages of acceptance, it can have a profound impact on their self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Feeling proud of one's identity and seeing that identity celebrated can counteract the damaging effects of stigma, discrimination, and lack of support that so many LGBTQIA+ youth experience.

This Pride Month, I encourage everyone to find ways to uplift LGBTQIA+ youth in your own communities. Attend Pride events, donate to LGBTQIA+ youth organizations, and most importantly, be a visible ally and source of support. Your affirmation can make all the difference in helping LGBTQIA+ young people feel empowered, accepted, and proud.

Here are some suggested ways individuals can support LGBTQIA+ youth in their local communities during Pride Month:

Attend and participate in local Pride events and celebrations. Show up and visibly support the LGBTQIA+ community.

Volunteer with LGBTQIA+ youth organizations. Many nonprofits and community groups provide services, programming, and resources specifically for LGBTQIA+ young people. Offer your time and skills.

Donate to LGBTQIA+ youth charities and funds. These organizations often provide critical services like counseling, housing assistance, and advocacy for vulnerable LGBTQIA+ youth.

Educate yourself and others about LGBTQIA+ identities, experiences, and issues. Challenge misinformation and be a visible ally.

Speak up against anti-LGBTQIA+ bullying, discrimination, and hate in your community. Intervene when you witness these behaviors, especially in schools.

Display Pride flags, stickers, or other visible symbols of LGBTQIA+ support. Let LGBTQIA+ youth know your space is a safe, affirming one.

Reach out to LGBTQIA+ youth you know and check in on their well-being. Offer a listening ear and emotional support.

Support LGBTQIA+-affirming businesses, services, and spaces in your local area. Patronize them and spread the word.

Get involved in local LGBTQIA+ advocacy efforts, such as supporting inclusive policies and legislation.

Be an active, vocal, visible, and consistent ally all year round, not just during Pride Month.

Small acts of allyship and support can make a huge difference in the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth. This Pride, find ways to lift up and empower the next generation.

Monday, June 3, 2024

REGISTER TO VOTE BY OCTOBER 7TH, 2024!

VOTING IS IMPORTANT!


Important Dates:

*October 7, 2024 Last day to register to vote in the General Election*

November 5, 2024 General Election Day in Kentucky

Kentucky Residents

Obtaining a Voter Registration Card

A voter registration card can be obtained and completed at your county clerk's office or click here:

https://elect.ky.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/Register%20to%20Vote/Kentucky%20Voter%20Registration%20Card.pdf to download a voter registration card in PDF format.

You must have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Option 1

Print out the form, fill out the voter registration card by hand, sign it, and mail to the State Board of Elections.

Option 2

Fill out the voter registration card using the computer, print out the form, sign it, and mail it to the State Board of Elections.

For more information: https://elect.ky.gov/registertovote/Pages/default.aspx

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