Saturday, 18 April 2026

🧚‍♀️ TREE HOUSE NEWS 🏡

NEWS AGGREGATOR & COMMENTS

Great Spirit bless 🙏

Good morning to you from here on the Niagara Peninsula. I guess it's back to looking out from the inside time again, for now anyway. I pray that when the warmth comes back, it's here to stay. Old lizards 🦎 like me need some nice warm ♨️ weather, so that I can go and lie on a rock 🪨 in the sun ☀️🤔😁

My posts of the past few days may have been as colorful as a gray flannel suit. My apologies for the verbal valium. I needed to take a day or two away from the topic of the Fat Orange Wanker, or the Orange Pus Head, whichever you prefer. There's enough about him in the national news.

You know there's an infinite variety of things to consider and discuss. Some of them are Nature, Spirituality, Love, Life, Living, and the Sciences, but why stop there? I'm open to everything I can research, as well as the same old stuff like politics (because they affect how we live) and the price of eggs in Toronto. I may post a page or two of my daily diary (or not), or something I stumbled over ten minutes ago.

I'd love to share with you, so please visit often and tell me how I'm doing in a comment. Before I begin, I replace the "o" between the G and the d in G - d with a dash to indicate the INFINITE POTENTIALITIES.

I think it is more constructive to talk about feelings, emotions, the senses, what makes us human, or at least what makes a sane, healthy, conscious, sentient mammalian humanoid being.

The forecast is for possible thunderstorms this afternoon. That's OK; I intend to take my afternoon nap around that time anyway; maybe I'll miss it. I don't really like storms. I'm hyper-sensitive to loud noise, especially sudden or unexpected loud noise, or a quick motion, like something flashing before me. For example, maybe something as small as the movement of an insect across the room, from my peripheral vision, it sends a shock through me that makes me jump. It's nothing to do with the insect; it's the quick motion.

I had this problem, this is the first time I have had to check it out.

My Original Analysis was:

Question: hypersensitive:

🔹AI Overview

Hypersensitivity: refers to an excessive or abnormal reaction to stimuli, either physically (sensory/immune) or emotionally, often affecting 15–30% of people as a personality trait. It is characterized by high emotional reactivity, sensory overstimulation (light, sound, texture), and easy overwhelm. Management involves self-care, creating quiet environments, and setting boundaries.

• Neuro Health Associates:

• Causes:

• Common Symptoms:

• Management Strategies:

• Impact on Daily Life:

- Google Search -

Question: The startle effect from sudden noise or movement

🔹AI Overview

The startle effect (or startle reflex) is an involuntary, rapid defense mechanism—typically blinking, muscle tension, and neck flexion—occurring in milliseconds in response to sudden, unexpected stimuli like loud noises or rapid movements. It is an innate survival reflex, managed by the brainstem, which can cause heightened fear, increased heart rate, and postural shifts.

Key Aspects of the Startle Effect:
Conditions Affecting It: An exaggerated startle response can occur with anxiety, PTSD, or neurodegenerative disorders.
Factors Influencing Startle:

Read More - Google Search -

🔹 AI Overview

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by witnessing or experiencing terrifying events, such as abuse, war, or natural disasters. Symptoms include re-experiencing trauma (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance of triggers, negative changes in mood/thinking, and high arousal (irritability, jumpiness). It interferes with daily life, relationships, and work, with symptoms lasting over a month...

Common Symptoms of PTSD

Symptoms typically begin within three months of the event and are categorized into four types:

Re-experiencing (Intrusion):
Avoidance:
Arousal and Reactivity:
Causes and Risk Factors:
Long-Term Effects and Daily Life Impact:
Types of PTSD:

Read More - Google Search -

BREAKING NEWS:

Iranian gunboats fire on tanker after Strait of Hormuz closed again

A second vessel was reportedly hit by a projectile and others reversed course as Iran reimposes restrictions on the vital waterway.

Here's The Latest

• Strait of Hormuz: A tanker and container ship have each reported attacks while traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents came after Iran’s military said restrictions on the vital waterway are being reimposed, alleging “repeated breaches of trust” by the US.

• US-Iran talks: Meanwhile, US and Iranian delegations are set to hold negotiations

Monday on a deal potentially ending the war, Iranian sources told CNN. The US hasn’t confirmed talks are scheduled. President Donald Trump says he may not extend the ceasefire with Iran if negotiations fail.

• In Lebanon: Israel said it will impose a “yellow line,” also used in Gaza, barring displaced residents from returning to 55 occupied villages. And a French soldier from a UN peacekeeping force was killed in an attack that President Emmanuel Macron said was likely carried out by Hezbollah.

Read More:

15 min ago

Trump says Iran “got a little cute” as negotiations for a deal continue

More To Read:

Updated 10:11 AM EDT, Sat April 18, 2026

- CNN -

It’s time for students to start committing to colleges. The age of AI is making it complicated

New York — Mary Akkerman has visited more than 30 college campuses with her children, one now at Stanford and another still in high school. She especially wanted them to get degrees that lead to good jobs – but figuring that out, said the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, parent, was a major challenge, thanks in part to the rapid advance of AI and its effects on the job market.

“I constantly grapple with the idea of ‘what is value,’” Akkerman said.

‘AI is just taking over’:
An uncertain return:

PUBLISHED Apr 18, 2026, 7:00 AM ET - 3 hr ago

- CNN -

Jamie Raskin’s push for 25th Amendment to end Trump presidency is a mistake

The 25th Amendment is no substitute for impeachment. A proposed panel of doctors and ex-politicians can’t replace Congress doing its job.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., together with 50 Democratic co-sponsors, has reintroduced his bill to create a “Commission on Presidential Capacity” under Section 4 of the 25th Amendment. It is being framed as a response to the crisis of a president who threatened to annihilate an entire civilization, who shares renderings of himself as Jesus Christ while feuding with the pope and who posts snuff videos on social media — to name the highlights from just the past couple of weeks.

In other words, the most powerful man in the world appears to be manifestly insane. It’s not great. But this proposal is misguided on the details, and more importantly, a distraction from what Congress can and should do: impeach Donald Trump and remove him from office.

This is not a new idea from Raskin. He first proposed essentially the same bill in 2017, and again in 2020 during Trump’s bout with Covid. I wrote about it at the time for the Cato Institute, and my objections have not changed. If anything, the current situation makes the flaws in this approach more glaring...

• The most powerful man in the world appears to be manifestly insane. It’s not great

• Trump may be deranged, but he is not incapacitated in the way the framers of the 25th Amendment envisioned

• rumImpeachment is not only about removal. It is a statement of principle. It forces a public debate, puts the spotlight where it belongs and creates a historical record

Read More:

Apr. 18, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT

- MS NOW -

CANADIAN NEWS:

Summer gas is here. What does that mean for sky-high prices?

Federal relief is coming for motorists — but as temperatures climb, so could prices

Since early March, filling your tank has meant emptying your wallet. Earlier this week, the national average for a litre of gas was just over $1.77, up from $1.26 before the United States and Israel launched their attacks on Iran, halting movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

To ease some of that pain, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced he is temporarily removing the federal excise tax on gas and diesel — a move that will cut the cost of gasoline by 10 cents per litre and four cents per litre of diesel starting on Monday...

Why is gas more expensive in the summer?:
Will the increase in summer gas prices undo the savings of the federal tax cut?:
Pain At The Pumps

CHART, Included: Average Price regular gasoline per liter, taxes included

Why do prices vary so much across Canada?:
How long will it take for prices to go back to normal?:
Can Canadians expect more relief from provincial governments?:

Read More:

Posted: Apr 18, 2026 7:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 4 hours ago

- CBC -

A LITTLE RESEARCH INTO THE STATUS OF THE ONTARIO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

- Google Search -

Question: The family of an Indigenous woman seeks to sue St. Catharines Hospital. Will that affect the health care system?

Ontario inquest hears how hospital system 'failed' Indigenous woman who died after 2 days of seeking help

Heather Winterstein had body pain for 6 days before collapsing in St. Catharines hospital's ER wait room

The Latest

• A virtual coroner’s inquest examining the circumstances of Heather

• Winterstein’s death from sepsis in a St. Catharines, Ont., hospital concluded its 12th day on Thursday. Winterstein, a member of the Cayuga Nation with ties to Six Nations of the Grand River, was trying to get help over two days in the hospital ER unit before she died in 2021.

• On Thursday, Dr. Rafi Setrak, regional chief of emergency medicine, testified Niagara Health had failed, "by virtue of the fact that Heather died."

• A former peer support worker said a nurse told him Winterstein had been discharged and the ER was too busy to see her. As someone with a history of drug use, he said he could relate to Winterstein.

• Family members and community groups have expressed concern that addiction discrimination and anti-Indigenous racism may have played a role in Winterstein's treatment...

-Read More - Google Search -

- Google Search -

Question: Is St Catherines hospital being sued? will that affect the health care system?

Yes, Niagara Health, which operates the St. Catharines hospital (officially named Marotta Family Hospital), is facing lawsuits and high-profile scrutiny that are affecting the local healthcare system.

ThoroldToday.ca

Here are the key details regarding the legal issues and their impact:

Fatal Overdose Lawsuit (2024–2025): The family of Benito Salvatore is suing Niagara Health and several staff members, alleging a fatal overdose occurred in July 2024, where the patient was allegedly given 10 times the prescribed dose of a medication, leading to his death. The statement of claim alleges gross negligence and failure to treat the critical situation promptly.

Coroner's Inquest (April 2026):

A coroner's inquest is currently underway regarding the 2021 death of Heather Winterstein in the St. Catharines emergency room. Testimony has highlighted concerns over systemic racism, biases, and a failing system, with a doctor stating the hospital "failed" the patient.

Impact on Healthcare System

.Staffing & Capacity Issues:

Testimony in April 2026 revealed intense pressures, with instances of only two nurses responsible for triaging 47 patients, raising concerns about the ability to provide safe care due to understaffing.

Labor Relations:

Niagara Health has faced, and recently settled, a long-standing pay equity dispute involving thousands of workers, indicating ongoing internal strain.

Union Concerns:

Union representatives have reported that job cuts at Niagara Health are causing fear and impacting patient care, even when positions are not directly clinical.

Public Trust:

Families involved in lawsuits have expressed that these incidents have destroyed their confidence in the local health-care system.

Safety Concerns:

The allegations in the lawsuits have not been tested in court, and the hospital has stated it cannot comment on cases currently before the courts.

- Toronto Star -

I can provide more information if you are interested in

• The names of the specific staff involved

• The full history of the Heather Winterstein inquest

• Details on the pay equity settlement

• The timeline of the new hospital construction

Read More - Google Search -

It doesn't appear they're doing anything to improve the situation. JUST REMEMBER! IF EVERYONE IS SICK IN BED OR DEAD AT HOME, WHO'S GOING TO RUN YOUR FACTORIES?... IDIOTS! FORD WITH THE RUSTY FENSER WOULD SOONER BUY A NICE AIRPLANE WITH OUR HEALTH CARE MONEY... YA FAT COCROACH🪳