We are often defined in terms of a magic number. We often ask children their ages. Dating sites are based upon ages. Age is often published immediately after a name in a newspaper obituary and in coverage of criminal charges. You can legally change your name. You can change your gender. But you can’t change […]
Altruism is the unselfish concern for other people; doing things simply out of a desire to help, not because you feel obligated to do so out of duty, loyalty, or religious reasons. Pure altruism involves true selflessness. We don’t often think of animals as altruistic. However, there are many incidences of animals engaged in helpful […]
Earlier this month a squirrel was denied a flight from Orlando to Cleveland. The owner boarded the airplane with the squirrel in its cage after declaring an emotional support animal on her reservation. The squirrel cleared the x-ray machine. Her mistake was that she hadn’t informed them that her emotional support animal was a squirrel. […]
Remember Geoffrey Owens from the Cosby show? He played Elvin, the young doctor who married into the Cosby family. He was photographed while bagging groceries at Trader Joe’s and was caught in an unflattering shot. It represented a downward fall from celebrity for many people. He said he was initially humiliated at being demeaned for […]
No one dies of marijuana use. However, did you know that marijuana addiction is real? It is a disorder that includes physical withdrawal, cravings and psychological dependence similar to other substance addictions. Withdrawal symptoms can include chills, sweats, cravings, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, anxiety and irritability. Have you heard of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome? I […]
I never attended a Catholic school but I’ve heard many from my baby boomer friends. Many had been punished by being slapped in the face or hit with rulers when they were young. In fact, one friend told me of being hit in the hands by a nun with a ruler. He can’t recall why […]
As a psychotherapist who specializes in relationship issues, I often see people suffering after relationship breakdowns. They ask “why do I always pick the wrong person?” My standard response is that they are not psychic and they couldn’t have known what this person was like until they’ve spent a good deal of time together. Dating […]
I’m sad to hear news that Senator John McCain passed away at the age of 81. He was diagnosed with brain cancer last year. He spent the final months of his life out of the public eye, reflecting on the meaning of his life and accepting visitors. He planned his own funeral services. Senator McCain […]
You wouldn’t think that human trafficking happens in your own neighborhood, but it happens everywhere. Galena Rotary Club invited Toni Lucas to speak to our members about human trafficking this week. Ms. Lucas is the chairperson of Rotary District 6420 Task Force Against Human Trafficking. I was surprised to hear that Illinois ranked number 10 […]
I’m reading a Chicago Sun-Times column entitled “What I’ll Tell My Kids Someday About Drug-Addicted Uncle They Never Knew.” Author Stefano Esposito’s brother, James, died in a car accident at age 28. Stefano’s sons are ages six and one. He wonders how he will describe his brother’s death to them when they are older. James’ […]