I was surprised to learn that gambling revenues are greater than revenues of film and recorded music and cruise ships and sports and live entertainment. I heard Jon Grant, MD, speak at the 20th Annual Summer Institute on Addictions. He is a Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience and is the author of ten books […]
I attended the Haymarket Center’s 20th Annual Summer Institute on Addiction last week. One of the keynote speakers was Delbert Boone, an engaging presenter, who specializes in addiction and criminal justice. He began by saying that the number one cause of crime is addiction. The number one cause of domestic violence is addiction. The number […]
In a recent CNN news article, a student reported that her substitute teacher taped her mouth shut, as well as other students. “We were talking too much.” The tape was so wide that breathing was difficult, causing fear in the young girl. Her father contacted her regular teacher, who contacted the school vice-principal. They notified […]
CNN posted a video last week on “The Worst Apologies in Business.” They showcased various businesses who failed, despite apologies. Some offenses are too great and the apology too insincere to be accepted. For example, Clippers team owner, Donald Sterling, was found to have made repeated disparaging remarks regarding African Americans and minorities. The NBA […]
Hollywood’s actor, Mickey Rooney died last month at the age of 93. His work spanned 90 years. He began work at the age of 17 months in silent films, then vaudeville, then transitioned into television and stage theater. His last movie appearance was “The Muppets” in 2011. He had much to be proud of. However, […]
Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling is banned from the NBA for life for expressing his racist views. His private words were publicly exposed. His words were so offensive that he suffered a backlash that cost him a $2.5 million fine and he is forced to sell his ownership of the team. Sterling did not […]
Older Americans tend to be invisible – not valued or taken seriously. A friend of mine wrote: “I go to power yoga. I am older and heavier than everyone there by 35 years *and* pounds. There were four of us, but for one hour the instructor never looked my way – never saw me as […]
Most of us know someone who has an alcohol problem. These are people who over indulge to the point of negative consequences to themselves or others. Negative consequences of excessive drinking might be marital or family conflicts, a negative job review, or a DUI. Most likely, the problem drinker is not ready to address the […]
Our family is bursting with babies. Our granddaughter gave birth to Emma Madison last night. Our niece is due in June and a second niece is due in September. As you can imagine, the talk has been whether they will have a boy or a girl. Will their eyes be blue or brown and their […]
As a marriage counselor, I help couples navigate turbulent times. Sometimes they make the difficult decision to divorce. I’ve learned that there are two significant periods when couples divorce. Half of all divorces occur in the first seven years of marriage. Another wave of divorces occur after 20 years. What one might find surprising is […]