Most people struggle with an addiction. Whether it's sexual, work, alcohol, shopping, porn, drugs, eating, exercising, internet (facebook, twitter), or playing video games. People become addicts because the activity has a positive feeling. There is an excitement that entices a continual dependency. Addictions in some form can be extremely destructive. Marriages have ended, children have severed ties with their parents (vice versa), some have lost jobs and others have thrown up their hands and walked away from everything. The consequences of being an addict can have such devastating results.
Dealing with addictions can be the hardest struggles a person faces. The question than an addict generally has is: "Why can't I stop?" Being addicted to anything can be embarrassing. Often times, people refrain from discussing their addiction of out fear that people will perceive them as lacking self-control. In most instances, the desire is so overwhelming that it takes up a huge portion of their time either through the consumption or thoughts of engaging.
What is an addiction that you are dealing with? Perhaps it’s something that you do not speak of. Perhaps others are aware. What is your strategic plan that you have in place to help you overcome this addiction? I would encourage you to speak with a licensed counselor or professional to discuss your addiction. Here are some website resources:
Addiction Help Line
Overcoming Pornography Addiction (University of Texas Dallas)
The Center for Internet Addiction
Alcoholic and Drug Addictions
Also, check with your health insurance provider. Most carries support these types of services.
18 October 2009
14 October 2009
High scores on nat'l math test
Texas students tally strong scores in national math test
By TERRENCE STUTZ / The Dallas Morning Newststutz@dallasnews.com
AUSTIN – Black students in Texas scored at or near the top compared with their counterparts across the nation on a national math test this year, while the state as a whole ranked near the middle on the "Nation's Report Card" exam.
Results released Wednesday on the National Assessment of Educational Progress indicated that black eighth graders in Texas tied Massachusetts for first place on the math test, while black fourth graders from Texas earned the third-highest score among the states.
Overall, Texas ranked 27th on the fourth grade exam and 18th on the eighth grade exam. The state's ranking was primarily the result of a large proportion of minority students – who typically underperform white students on standardized tests – compared with other states.
White fourth graders in Texas tied for fifth place in their peer group and Hispanic fourth graders in Texas ranked eighth nationwide. White and Hispanic eighth graders each ranked fourth within their respective peer groups.
The NAEP is closely monitored because it is the only assessment test given to students in all states and is the basis for the Nation's Report Card issued by the U.S. Department of Education. The test was given to a scientifically selected sample of nearly 330,000 fourth and eighth graders in all states earlier this year.
"Today's results describe the strong performance Texas students have consistently shown on the NAEP mathematics test," state Education Commissioner Robert Scott said Wednesday. "Our rigorous state standards in math provide a solid academic base for our students."
Nationally, scores for fourth graders showed no overall increase from the last exam two years ago, while scores for eighth graders went up slightly.
13 October 2009
Health care (once more)
The Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote on a possible, 10-year massive health care overhaul. Is this what President Obama campaigned for? Yes and no. Will it do for now? Maybe. While this compromise was expected to gain bipartisan support, only one Republican is expected to vote on the final bill once it hit the senate floor (and that's a maybe). Needless to say, I am a little upset with the democrats. I voted for change, and this is semi-change. I understand the process of taking incremental steps to change; however, this bill leaves out the public option that drew much contention from the minority party on Capitol Hill. It would be perfect to give and take if the republicans actually had a crafted bill to give or take from.
Highlights of the Baucus plan (named after the Finance Committee Chairman, Max Baucus):
-within 10 years reduce national deficit by $80 billion
-at least 29 million people will be covered within 10 years
-94% of nonelderly people will be covered
Today will definitely be interesting.
Highlights of the Baucus plan (named after the Finance Committee Chairman, Max Baucus):
-within 10 years reduce national deficit by $80 billion
-at least 29 million people will be covered within 10 years
-94% of nonelderly people will be covered
Today will definitely be interesting.
09 October 2009
President Obama wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize
President Obama wins the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize - making him the 4th US President to win such notoriety.
In less than a year into his presidency, it is obvious that the committee is seeking to endorse his foreign policy -- which is a slap in the face to former President George W. Bush. Because of President Obama's willingness to reengage in parts of the middle east, creating such international alliance, his administration's view on climate change and wanting to dialogue with those who are a threat to our nation -- are all reasons for him winning such a coveted award. Though he has not accomplished much in the international arena, this will definitely help him and his administration further their global promises.
Only two other sitting US presidents have won the award -- President Theodore Roosevelt (1906) and President Woodrow Wilson (1919). Two decades after the end of his presidency, President Jimmy Carter won the award (2002).
In less than a year into his presidency, it is obvious that the committee is seeking to endorse his foreign policy -- which is a slap in the face to former President George W. Bush. Because of President Obama's willingness to reengage in parts of the middle east, creating such international alliance, his administration's view on climate change and wanting to dialogue with those who are a threat to our nation -- are all reasons for him winning such a coveted award. Though he has not accomplished much in the international arena, this will definitely help him and his administration further their global promises.
Only two other sitting US presidents have won the award -- President Theodore Roosevelt (1906) and President Woodrow Wilson (1919). Two decades after the end of his presidency, President Jimmy Carter won the award (2002).
08 October 2009
Ron Clark Academy on Health Care Reform
Even the students at the Ron Clark Academy get it – health care needs a reform. With the possibility of one republican crossing the aisle (Senior Senator of Maine, Olympia Snowe), the democrats in Congress are capable of making it happen.
Students at Ron Clark Academy first made national headlines when the students created a video "You can vote however you like" and posted it on YouTube. Since then, students have made nationally televised appearances – from ABC to CNN. At first, the group of students rapped in a nonpartisan fashion. However, their latest video on health care reform seems the students are leaning to the left, which I admire! Enjoy:
03 October 2009
Blended Families
Second grade was a life-changing time for me. I recall my mom and dad uprooting and relocating for my father's job. During this crucial time, being in an unfamiliar city, my father consciously decided to step outside of the marriage. He eventually divorced us and left. At the age of only 7 or 8 -- the realities of my father not being present was simply bewildering. The emptiness devastated me.
Just recently, I tried to count this whole ordeal as complete; however, the memories simply won't fade. Not wishing to place blame or fault on anyone, I occasionally replay the "what if's..." and wonder how different my life would be had he continued in his capacity of being the absolute father figure.
My mom is a true catalyst of having a robust spirit and being able to endure the hard pressures of life. Because of her immense attitude of refusing to succumb to the tragedy of being alone and single, she began dating again. Being immature and a selfish child, I wanted her all to myself. Her now-husband, who I grudgedly call my step father, only complicated the situation. He was an anomaly to our family being able to successfully move forward after the divorce. I still cringe at the very thought of the day he moved in with us.
An article titled, "The Role of Being a Step Dad" mentions that step dads often have a hard time adjusting to the natural love that a hereditary father might have for his child. One could expect there to be difficulties and jealousies after being blindsided and forced to allow someone else into the family picture. The article mentions that “a new step dad may have the willingness and be putting forth the effort to grow into this relationship with the kids, but the kids may have trouble adapting to this and need their own time to adjust to it” (Velez, 1999).
A friend and I who share similar experiences were discussing our views of a blended family. Does it work? We concluded that the blended family could work. However, the new person has to be introduced in a very cautious manner and cannot be viewed as someone who is intruding or attempting to replace the father. This could have a long-term detrimental effect on the future of the step dad and the child’s relationship. Speaking first hand, accepting my step dad has been one of my greatest struggles – even after 15 years.
Just recently, I tried to count this whole ordeal as complete; however, the memories simply won't fade. Not wishing to place blame or fault on anyone, I occasionally replay the "what if's..." and wonder how different my life would be had he continued in his capacity of being the absolute father figure.
My mom is a true catalyst of having a robust spirit and being able to endure the hard pressures of life. Because of her immense attitude of refusing to succumb to the tragedy of being alone and single, she began dating again. Being immature and a selfish child, I wanted her all to myself. Her now-husband, who I grudgedly call my step father, only complicated the situation. He was an anomaly to our family being able to successfully move forward after the divorce. I still cringe at the very thought of the day he moved in with us.
An article titled, "The Role of Being a Step Dad" mentions that step dads often have a hard time adjusting to the natural love that a hereditary father might have for his child. One could expect there to be difficulties and jealousies after being blindsided and forced to allow someone else into the family picture. The article mentions that “a new step dad may have the willingness and be putting forth the effort to grow into this relationship with the kids, but the kids may have trouble adapting to this and need their own time to adjust to it” (Velez, 1999).
A friend and I who share similar experiences were discussing our views of a blended family. Does it work? We concluded that the blended family could work. However, the new person has to be introduced in a very cautious manner and cannot be viewed as someone who is intruding or attempting to replace the father. This could have a long-term detrimental effect on the future of the step dad and the child’s relationship. Speaking first hand, accepting my step dad has been one of my greatest struggles – even after 15 years.
01 October 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)