Tuesday, November 6, 2012
My Post-Election Comments
I'd like to be the first to say that I'm glad that this is over. I'm not commenting on who won or lost and will neither gloat nor complain about the outcome. I voted how I voted, because it's what worked for me. You did the same, and that's that. It's your right, just as much as it's mine.
Let's put the election behind us and focus on rebuilding us as a nation, both literally in New Jersey and New York and figuratively in our shared experience as Americans. We still live in the greatest nation on Earth, in spite of our many misgivings and differences. Remember, no one's perfect. Also remember, "We sink, we swim, we rise, we fall, we meet our fate together!" Just like every family, no one agrees with everyone all the time, and that's OK because you're still family and you'd always do anything for one another.
After 9/11, I witnessed people of all stripes coming together and helping out in any way they could. I even organized a supply drop with the aid of my coworkers and friends. We dropped all kinds of supplies at a small firehouse on Lafayette Ave in NYC, twice. It was both a humbling and dignified experience. I always said, "We take care of our own, around here. When you hurt one of us, you hurt all of us." This storm has done far more destruction than 9/11 ever could and I'm glad to see people coming together again, just like they did 11 years ago.
I'm so inspired by the people who are doing everything than can, whether it's providing a charging station, warm bed, hot shower, home cooked meal, transportation or cleanup and reconstruction assistance. I hear stories about employees of Southern California Edison and tree removal companies in Texas and fire and rescue personnel from so many other states traveling to NY and NJ to help and support the first responders and clean-up crews. This is why we're the greatest nation on Earth. We may disagree from time to time, but we all come together when one of our own is in need. Imagine how much more aid could have been provided for if even half of the 6 billion they spent on this election went to FEMA, The Red Cross and local NGO's & Charities.
We're all in this together.
God Bless America!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
VegasPlayDate.com presents the 2012 Unsigned Artist Showcase
VegasPlayDate.com presents the 2012 Unsigned Artist Showcase
October 20, 2012 at 1:00pm
Cashman Center – Las Vegas, NV
This event will offer artists and bands an opportunity to perform in front of a live audience in hopes of taking their musical career to the next level. This exposure will offer branding of music and image along with access to music industry executives.
Fifteen of the best unsigned artists or bands will be selected to perform in the showcase and will represent various genres to include but not limited to hip hop, rock, R&B, pop and alternative.
A panel of music industry judges will select the top performing act at the showcase for a $10,000 grand prize winner.
Read full article here.
October 20, 2012 at 1:00pm
Cashman Center – Las Vegas, NV
This event will offer artists and bands an opportunity to perform in front of a live audience in hopes of taking their musical career to the next level. This exposure will offer branding of music and image along with access to music industry executives.
Fifteen of the best unsigned artists or bands will be selected to perform in the showcase and will represent various genres to include but not limited to hip hop, rock, R&B, pop and alternative.
A panel of music industry judges will select the top performing act at the showcase for a $10,000 grand prize winner.
Read full article here.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
At Eye Level
Episode 9
August 15, 2011
This week At Eye Level, we're talking about the middle class and small business. Since 99 percent of my audience is middle class and a fair amount of them own small businesses, I expect a lot of feedback in the comments section of this blog. You can also email me at BigPoppaOnline.com, or follow me on Twitter @fatkidglasses.
Did you know that most Americans can't afford a $1,000 emergency expense? In a story published on August 8, 2011, by CNN Money, a survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), a Washington, DC-based non-profit, showed that 64%, of Americans don't have enough cash on hand to handle a $1,000 emergency expense.
Of the 2,700 people polled, 36% said they would have to use their rainy day funds for an emergency.
17%, said they would borrow money from friends or family. Another 17% said they would neglect other financial obligations -- like a credit card bill or mortgage payment -- in order to free up some funds.
12% of the respondents said they would have to sell or pawn some assets to come up with $1,000 and 9% said they would need to take out a loan. Another 9% said they would get a cash advance from a credit card, according to the NFCC.
An earlier study by the same organization found that 30% of Americans have zero dollars in non-retirement savings. A separate study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that 50% of Americans would struggle to come up with $2,000 in a pinch.
Gail Cunningham, a spokeswoman for the NFCC, said, "It's alarming for consumers who live paycheck to paycheck... an unplanned expense can truly put them in financial distress,". She adds that neglecting other debt obligations, or worse piling on more debt "really exacerbates the problem".
10 highest paid CEOs according to CNN Money
These 10 CEO's took home the most pay in 2009.
1. Larry Ellison: Oracle: $84.5 million
Cash compensation: $6.1 million
Stock and options: $78.4 million
2. Ray Elliott: Boston Scientific: $33.4 million
Cash compensation: $4 million
Stock and options: $29.4 million
3. Ray Irani: Occidental Petroleum: $31.4 million
Cash compensation: $6.6 million
Stock and options: $24.8 million
4. Mark Hurd: Hewlett-Packard: $24.2 million
Cash compensation: $17.6 million
Stock and options: $6.6 million
5. James Hackett: Anadarko Petroleum: $23.5 million
Cash compensation: $6.1 million
Stock and options: $17.4 million
Click here to see the full list.
The Forbes Special Report on CEO Compensation from April, 2010 has H Lawrence Culp Jr of Danaher making $141.36M/yr in the top spot with Lawrence J Ellison of Oracle in second at $130.23M/yr.
So, what does the average employee at these companies make? I went to the Google and here's what I found out.
Oracle Corporation published their 2010 salary survey. It shows an average 2009 DBA salary of $97,000 with the highest salaries to consultants and those with lots of experience, living in high-cost areas.
As a general guideline, a well-qualified Oracle professional (read: has a masters degree) will earn age times three, so a 30 year old Oracle professional can expect, on average, at least $90,000 per year.
The salary survey also shows that experience counts most, and jobs with the most responsibility makes the highest Oracle salaries.
The lowest salary I could find was $69,684.21 for an Analyst, with zero to two years of experience. With the same experience, an Administrator can make $85,094.33; $89,181.82 for an Architect; $71,343.72 for a Developer; $71,666.67 for a Functional implementer; and $75,933.33 for the ubiquitous “Other”.
A DBA is also known as a consultant, freelancer or contractor. This means the person is not an employee of the company and will, most likely, not even be on the company's employee records. They're considered vendors and have to submit invoices, either weekly of monthly and when they get paid no taxes are withheld from their checks. Instead, they receive a 1099 for at the end of the year, just like a small business. They have to keep records of all hours worked and save all receipts for all business-related expenses. They also have to provide their own health insurance. Without getting into too much of a heated debate, I think we can all agree that's no easy task.
Occidental salaries
The lowest paid position I could find was for an Engineering Intern, $21 to $23 an hour. That works out to just under $50k a year.
An Accountant can expect a salary of $51k to $55k a year, while an IT Consultant can rake in $62k to $68k. On the higher end, a Drilling Engineering Supervisor makes between $146k and $159k and an Engineering Manager earns $148k to $160k.
Here's a link to the full list of Occidental Petroleum salaries.
Boston Scientific Corporation develops less-invasive medical devices and treatments for patients. In August 2010, a national average base salary for Boston Scientific sales rep job openings was ranged from 59,000 to 72,000 per year.
In order to apply for a sales representative position, Boston Scientific requires at least a bachelor's degree, but prefers a master's degree in business administration. Other requirements include at least five years of sales experience with a fortune 500 company, as well as experience selling medical technology equipment.
Good luck with that!
I'd like to change things up a bit and talk about an upcoming event, here in Huntington Beach, that I didn't get a chance to mention on the show. I think my fellow dog lovers out there might be interested in this one.
The Orange County SPCA is hosting their 14th annual “Walk for the Animals” on Sunday, September 25, at Huntington Beach Central Park.
The Walk for the Animals event is from 9AM to NOON and will feature an easy 5k or 2k walk, pet contests, flyball demonstration, vendors, rescue groups, prizes, a silent auction, as well as lots of great pet giveaways like goodie bags, tee shirts and doggie treats and Snoopy will be the Grand Marshall.
Registration is $20 by September 17 and $25 thereafter. Children under 12 are FREE. Packs of five or more pay $15 each if pre-registered by September. On event day, registration opens at 7:30 a.m.
Huntington Beach Central Park East is located at Goldenwest Street and Talbert Avenue, behind the Central Library.
All funds raised from the walk provide direct support to save animals and sustain the OCSPCA's programs.
For more information, call (714) 374-7738 or click here to head on over to the Event Website.
This is a very worthy cause and I'm seriously considering participating in the walk. If you'd like to sponsor me, send me an email and I'll send you the info. Be sure to put "Walk For Animals" in the subject line.
I'd like to that Matt from Bogota and Doc Savage for contributing to the show. Don't forget to tune in next week, where we'll spotlight some local businesses and meet a few interesting characters along the way.
I want to hear from you. Leave comments, ask questions or submit a story that affects your world. You can also contact me at BigPoppaOnline.com and follow me on Twitter @fatkidglasses. Tell me what you think. It's OK, I'm a big boy, I can take it. Just remember the rules. It's OK to disagree, it's OK to argue, it's even OK to use the “seven dirty words”- just keep it civil. All I ask is that you be honest, original and don't hate. My bouncers review everything before it's posted, so don't bother spamming, flaming, rick-rolling, or whatever the hell it is that you kids today are doing, because it won't make it through.
At Eye Level is a production of the BigPoppaOnline Network. Visit BigPoppaOnline.com for more information.
August 15, 2011
This week At Eye Level, we're talking about the middle class and small business. Since 99 percent of my audience is middle class and a fair amount of them own small businesses, I expect a lot of feedback in the comments section of this blog. You can also email me at BigPoppaOnline.com, or follow me on Twitter @fatkidglasses.
Did you know that most Americans can't afford a $1,000 emergency expense? In a story published on August 8, 2011, by CNN Money, a survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), a Washington, DC-based non-profit, showed that 64%, of Americans don't have enough cash on hand to handle a $1,000 emergency expense.
Of the 2,700 people polled, 36% said they would have to use their rainy day funds for an emergency.
17%, said they would borrow money from friends or family. Another 17% said they would neglect other financial obligations -- like a credit card bill or mortgage payment -- in order to free up some funds.
12% of the respondents said they would have to sell or pawn some assets to come up with $1,000 and 9% said they would need to take out a loan. Another 9% said they would get a cash advance from a credit card, according to the NFCC.
An earlier study by the same organization found that 30% of Americans have zero dollars in non-retirement savings. A separate study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that 50% of Americans would struggle to come up with $2,000 in a pinch.
Gail Cunningham, a spokeswoman for the NFCC, said, "It's alarming for consumers who live paycheck to paycheck... an unplanned expense can truly put them in financial distress,". She adds that neglecting other debt obligations, or worse piling on more debt "really exacerbates the problem".
10 highest paid CEOs according to CNN Money
These 10 CEO's took home the most pay in 2009.
1. Larry Ellison: Oracle: $84.5 million
Cash compensation: $6.1 million
Stock and options: $78.4 million
2. Ray Elliott: Boston Scientific: $33.4 million
Cash compensation: $4 million
Stock and options: $29.4 million
3. Ray Irani: Occidental Petroleum: $31.4 million
Cash compensation: $6.6 million
Stock and options: $24.8 million
4. Mark Hurd: Hewlett-Packard: $24.2 million
Cash compensation: $17.6 million
Stock and options: $6.6 million
5. James Hackett: Anadarko Petroleum: $23.5 million
Cash compensation: $6.1 million
Stock and options: $17.4 million
Click here to see the full list.
The Forbes Special Report on CEO Compensation from April, 2010 has H Lawrence Culp Jr of Danaher making $141.36M/yr in the top spot with Lawrence J Ellison of Oracle in second at $130.23M/yr.
So, what does the average employee at these companies make? I went to the Google and here's what I found out.
Oracle Corporation published their 2010 salary survey. It shows an average 2009 DBA salary of $97,000 with the highest salaries to consultants and those with lots of experience, living in high-cost areas.
As a general guideline, a well-qualified Oracle professional (read: has a masters degree) will earn age times three, so a 30 year old Oracle professional can expect, on average, at least $90,000 per year.
The salary survey also shows that experience counts most, and jobs with the most responsibility makes the highest Oracle salaries.
The lowest salary I could find was $69,684.21 for an Analyst, with zero to two years of experience. With the same experience, an Administrator can make $85,094.33; $89,181.82 for an Architect; $71,343.72 for a Developer; $71,666.67 for a Functional implementer; and $75,933.33 for the ubiquitous “Other”.
A DBA is also known as a consultant, freelancer or contractor. This means the person is not an employee of the company and will, most likely, not even be on the company's employee records. They're considered vendors and have to submit invoices, either weekly of monthly and when they get paid no taxes are withheld from their checks. Instead, they receive a 1099 for at the end of the year, just like a small business. They have to keep records of all hours worked and save all receipts for all business-related expenses. They also have to provide their own health insurance. Without getting into too much of a heated debate, I think we can all agree that's no easy task.
Occidental salaries
The lowest paid position I could find was for an Engineering Intern, $21 to $23 an hour. That works out to just under $50k a year.
An Accountant can expect a salary of $51k to $55k a year, while an IT Consultant can rake in $62k to $68k. On the higher end, a Drilling Engineering Supervisor makes between $146k and $159k and an Engineering Manager earns $148k to $160k.
Here's a link to the full list of Occidental Petroleum salaries.
Boston Scientific Corporation develops less-invasive medical devices and treatments for patients. In August 2010, a national average base salary for Boston Scientific sales rep job openings was ranged from 59,000 to 72,000 per year.
In order to apply for a sales representative position, Boston Scientific requires at least a bachelor's degree, but prefers a master's degree in business administration. Other requirements include at least five years of sales experience with a fortune 500 company, as well as experience selling medical technology equipment.
Good luck with that!
I'd like to change things up a bit and talk about an upcoming event, here in Huntington Beach, that I didn't get a chance to mention on the show. I think my fellow dog lovers out there might be interested in this one.
The Orange County SPCA is hosting their 14th annual “Walk for the Animals” on Sunday, September 25, at Huntington Beach Central Park.
The Walk for the Animals event is from 9AM to NOON and will feature an easy 5k or 2k walk, pet contests, flyball demonstration, vendors, rescue groups, prizes, a silent auction, as well as lots of great pet giveaways like goodie bags, tee shirts and doggie treats and Snoopy will be the Grand Marshall.
Registration is $20 by September 17 and $25 thereafter. Children under 12 are FREE. Packs of five or more pay $15 each if pre-registered by September. On event day, registration opens at 7:30 a.m.
Huntington Beach Central Park East is located at Goldenwest Street and Talbert Avenue, behind the Central Library.
All funds raised from the walk provide direct support to save animals and sustain the OCSPCA's programs.
For more information, call (714) 374-7738 or click here to head on over to the Event Website.
This is a very worthy cause and I'm seriously considering participating in the walk. If you'd like to sponsor me, send me an email and I'll send you the info. Be sure to put "Walk For Animals" in the subject line.
I'd like to that Matt from Bogota and Doc Savage for contributing to the show. Don't forget to tune in next week, where we'll spotlight some local businesses and meet a few interesting characters along the way.
I want to hear from you. Leave comments, ask questions or submit a story that affects your world. You can also contact me at BigPoppaOnline.com and follow me on Twitter @fatkidglasses. Tell me what you think. It's OK, I'm a big boy, I can take it. Just remember the rules. It's OK to disagree, it's OK to argue, it's even OK to use the “seven dirty words”- just keep it civil. All I ask is that you be honest, original and don't hate. My bouncers review everything before it's posted, so don't bother spamming, flaming, rick-rolling, or whatever the hell it is that you kids today are doing, because it won't make it through.
At Eye Level is a production of the BigPoppaOnline Network. Visit BigPoppaOnline.com for more information.
Monday, August 1, 2011
At Eye Level: Conversation Without Controversy
Episode 7
This week, on a “very special” At Eye Level, we're talking about addiction.
With the recent death of Amy Winehouse and the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death last month, now is as good a time as any to discuss addiction. If you’ve got an addiction story, I encourage you to share it. Whether you, or someone you love is currently struggling with addiction or you lost someone to addiction or you’re in recovery, I want to hear from you.
Addiction… A lot of people think a lot of different things when they hear that word.
So what is addiction?
The American Heritage Dictionary defines addiction as a “Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance.” An example of this would be a person with a chemical or drug addiction. It is further defined as “the condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or involved in something”. Here, the example would be, something like, an addiction to fast cars.
The Oxford Food & Fitness Dictionary, Oxford Companion to the Body, Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health, Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health, Gale Genetics Encyclopedia, Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine, Gale Dictionary of Psychoanalysis and the Oxford Companion to the Mind all define, describe and discuss treatment. Here's a link to them all on answers.com.
I don’t want to engage in a lengthy semantic debate over whether or not addiction is a disease, a mental disorder or lack of willpower or self-control. I think one word that describes addiction, which we can all agree on, is condition. Addiction is, above all, a condition and, based on personal experience, it’s not a good condition to be in.
I used the Google and found several definitions, as well as, information about types of addictions and how to treat them, news stories and message boards offering support and treatment related topics. There are stories about children, teens and celebrities dealing with, or dying from addiction, as well as, prescription drug abuse and a frightening (not-so) new craze know as fishbowl parties.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-IV has established the following criteria for substance dependence.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) obtains information on nine categories of illicit drug use, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens and inhalants; and the nonmedical use of prescription-type pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conduct the survey annually.
The most recent study found that the overall rate of current illicit drug use among persons aged 12 or older in 2009 was 8.7%. That’s higher than the 2008 rate of 8% and the rates in 2004, 2005 and 2007 which were 7.9%, 8.1% and 8%, respectively.
For most of my life, drug addicts were portrayed as seedy characters, skirting the edges of society. They were criminals, usually minorities, who lurked in dark alleys and burned-out or abandoned buildings in the inner cities. White, God-fearing, suburban, middle class teens and young adults would never use drugs. We were also told that marijuana would turn you into a drug-crazed zombie, turning to harder and harder drugs as you spiraled out of control into addiction. That kind of thinking was just as wrong then as it is today.
What many people fail to realize is that addiction is not just for “those people” anymore and they’re not just smoking pot. This story I found in the Orange County Register sheds some light on the new face of heroin addiction: middle class teens.
It’s not just heroin, marijuana and methamphetamines that are the problem, when it comes to addiction, especially in teenagers. This article on kidshealth.org, discusses teenagers abusing prescription drugs and provides useful information on prevention and treatment.
Prescription drug addiction resonates the most with me, because of my own problems with painkillers addiction, but what’s even scarier is a trend that’s becoming more widespread among teens known as Fishbowl Parties.
In this article, which includes an informational video about pharm parties, Dr. Drew Pinsky warns against this craze.
In a related article I found on Yahoo, according to psychiatrist Donald Hauser, Medical Director of The Right Step (a residential and outpatient treatment center for drug and alcohol addiction), pharmaceutical abuse is rampant among his young patients.
If you want to make sure your teen doesn't get any old pills from your medicine cabinet, don't leave them around. Bring them to a pharmacy for proper disposal, rather than flushing them or putting them in with the regular household trash.
There are other types of addictions. In addition to alcohol and drug dependence, are gambling, the Internet, video games, sex, food, shopping and exercise addiction.
So far, the common thread is that addictions all seem to be described as a maladaptive pattern of behavior, involving persistent dependence on substances or actions in order to cope with the stresses of life. So, if you’re an addict, it’s not as much about the substance as the behavior.
It has been suggested that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is useful in treating addiction. For information about using CBT to treat addiction, check out this link.
If you, or someone you love, is currently dealing with addiction and would like to share your story, contact me.
I want to hear from you. Leave comments, ask questions or submit a story that affects your world below. Tell me what you think. It's OK, I'm a big boy, I can take it. Just remember the rules. It's OK to disagree, it's OK to argue, it's even OK to use the “seven dirty words”- just keep it civil. All I ask is that you be honest, original and don't hate. My bouncers review everything before it's posted, so don't bother spamming, flaming, rick-rolling, or whatever the hell it is that you kids today are doing, because it won't make it through.
Tune in to the premier of Hot In Vegas, presented by VegasPlayDate.com, this Wednesday, August 3rd at 6:00PM Pacific (9:00 PM Eastern).
Major props go out, this week, to About.com, The Orange County Register and "The Almighty" Google. I couldn't have put this episode together without them.
This week, on a “very special” At Eye Level, we're talking about addiction.
With the recent death of Amy Winehouse and the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death last month, now is as good a time as any to discuss addiction. If you’ve got an addiction story, I encourage you to share it. Whether you, or someone you love is currently struggling with addiction or you lost someone to addiction or you’re in recovery, I want to hear from you.
Addiction… A lot of people think a lot of different things when they hear that word.
So what is addiction?
The American Heritage Dictionary defines addiction as a “Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance.” An example of this would be a person with a chemical or drug addiction. It is further defined as “the condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or involved in something”. Here, the example would be, something like, an addiction to fast cars.
The Oxford Food & Fitness Dictionary, Oxford Companion to the Body, Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health, Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health, Gale Genetics Encyclopedia, Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine, Gale Dictionary of Psychoanalysis and the Oxford Companion to the Mind all define, describe and discuss treatment. Here's a link to them all on answers.com.
I don’t want to engage in a lengthy semantic debate over whether or not addiction is a disease, a mental disorder or lack of willpower or self-control. I think one word that describes addiction, which we can all agree on, is condition. Addiction is, above all, a condition and, based on personal experience, it’s not a good condition to be in.
I used the Google and found several definitions, as well as, information about types of addictions and how to treat them, news stories and message boards offering support and treatment related topics. There are stories about children, teens and celebrities dealing with, or dying from addiction, as well as, prescription drug abuse and a frightening (not-so) new craze know as fishbowl parties.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-IV has established the following criteria for substance dependence.
So, who are these addicts and what are they addicted to?A maladaptive pattern of substance abuse, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period.
1) Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
(a) A need for markedly increased amount of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
(b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
2) Withdrawal, as defined by either of the following:
(a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance.
(b) The same (or a closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
3) The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
4) There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.
5) A great deal of time is spent in activities to obtain the substance (e.g. visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (e.g. chain-smoking), or recover from its effects.
6) Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.
7) The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (e.g. current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) obtains information on nine categories of illicit drug use, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens and inhalants; and the nonmedical use of prescription-type pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conduct the survey annually.
The most recent study found that the overall rate of current illicit drug use among persons aged 12 or older in 2009 was 8.7%. That’s higher than the 2008 rate of 8% and the rates in 2004, 2005 and 2007 which were 7.9%, 8.1% and 8%, respectively.
For most of my life, drug addicts were portrayed as seedy characters, skirting the edges of society. They were criminals, usually minorities, who lurked in dark alleys and burned-out or abandoned buildings in the inner cities. White, God-fearing, suburban, middle class teens and young adults would never use drugs. We were also told that marijuana would turn you into a drug-crazed zombie, turning to harder and harder drugs as you spiraled out of control into addiction. That kind of thinking was just as wrong then as it is today.
What many people fail to realize is that addiction is not just for “those people” anymore and they’re not just smoking pot. This story I found in the Orange County Register sheds some light on the new face of heroin addiction: middle class teens.
It’s not just heroin, marijuana and methamphetamines that are the problem, when it comes to addiction, especially in teenagers. This article on kidshealth.org, discusses teenagers abusing prescription drugs and provides useful information on prevention and treatment.
Prescription drug addiction resonates the most with me, because of my own problems with painkillers addiction, but what’s even scarier is a trend that’s becoming more widespread among teens known as Fishbowl Parties.
In this article, which includes an informational video about pharm parties, Dr. Drew Pinsky warns against this craze.
In a related article I found on Yahoo, according to psychiatrist Donald Hauser, Medical Director of The Right Step (a residential and outpatient treatment center for drug and alcohol addiction), pharmaceutical abuse is rampant among his young patients.
If you want to make sure your teen doesn't get any old pills from your medicine cabinet, don't leave them around. Bring them to a pharmacy for proper disposal, rather than flushing them or putting them in with the regular household trash.
There are other types of addictions. In addition to alcohol and drug dependence, are gambling, the Internet, video games, sex, food, shopping and exercise addiction.
So far, the common thread is that addictions all seem to be described as a maladaptive pattern of behavior, involving persistent dependence on substances or actions in order to cope with the stresses of life. So, if you’re an addict, it’s not as much about the substance as the behavior.
It has been suggested that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is useful in treating addiction. For information about using CBT to treat addiction, check out this link.
If you, or someone you love, is currently dealing with addiction and would like to share your story, contact me.
I want to hear from you. Leave comments, ask questions or submit a story that affects your world below. Tell me what you think. It's OK, I'm a big boy, I can take it. Just remember the rules. It's OK to disagree, it's OK to argue, it's even OK to use the “seven dirty words”- just keep it civil. All I ask is that you be honest, original and don't hate. My bouncers review everything before it's posted, so don't bother spamming, flaming, rick-rolling, or whatever the hell it is that you kids today are doing, because it won't make it through.
Tune in to the premier of Hot In Vegas, presented by VegasPlayDate.com, this Wednesday, August 3rd at 6:00PM Pacific (9:00 PM Eastern).
Major props go out, this week, to About.com, The Orange County Register and "The Almighty" Google. I couldn't have put this episode together without them.
Monday, July 25, 2011
At Eye Level: Conversation Without Controversy
Episode 6
July 25, 2011
We're back live this week, after a protracted battle with technical issues. This week, we cleaned out the closet and got caught up on some old news stories. I'd like to thank Doc Savage for calling in and taking a walk down memory lane with me.
Here are the links to today's stories
Carmageddon Diners
Carmageddon Planking
Leisure Diving
US Open of Surfing comes to Huntington Beach
John Cooper Clarke sings Health Fanatic
I want to hear from you. Leave comments, ask questions or submit a story that affects your world. Tell me what you think. It's OK, I'm a big boy, I can take it. Just remember the rules. It's OK to disagree, it's OK to argue, it's even OK to use the “seven dirty words”- just keep it civil. All I ask is that you be honest, original and don't hate. My bouncers review everything before it's posted, so don't bother spamming, flaming, rick-rolling, or whatever the hell it is that you kids today are doing, because it won't make it through.
Next week we'll be discussing addiction. If you, or someone you love, are dealing with addiction and you want to share your story, contact me.
July 25, 2011
We're back live this week, after a protracted battle with technical issues. This week, we cleaned out the closet and got caught up on some old news stories. I'd like to thank Doc Savage for calling in and taking a walk down memory lane with me.
Here are the links to today's stories
Carmageddon Diners
Carmageddon Planking
Leisure Diving
US Open of Surfing comes to Huntington Beach
John Cooper Clarke sings Health Fanatic
I want to hear from you. Leave comments, ask questions or submit a story that affects your world. Tell me what you think. It's OK, I'm a big boy, I can take it. Just remember the rules. It's OK to disagree, it's OK to argue, it's even OK to use the “seven dirty words”- just keep it civil. All I ask is that you be honest, original and don't hate. My bouncers review everything before it's posted, so don't bother spamming, flaming, rick-rolling, or whatever the hell it is that you kids today are doing, because it won't make it through.
Next week we'll be discussing addiction. If you, or someone you love, are dealing with addiction and you want to share your story, contact me.
Monday, July 18, 2011
At Eye Level will be dark today
July 18, 2011
Due to technical difficulties beyond our control, At Eye Level will not air today. We will be back next Monday, so tune in then!
Due to technical difficulties beyond our control, At Eye Level will not air today. We will be back next Monday, so tune in then!
Monday, July 11, 2011
At Eye Level: Conversation without Controversy
Episode 5
July 11, 2011
Well, we were back live this week... Skype issues and all. That said, no more Skype!!
Today's show focused on people taking chances and doing what they love, in spite of any obstacles that stand in their way. People who have little more than a dream and the desire to make it happen. People who want to help others as they help themselves. The exact kind of people we like to promote on this network.
I'd like to thank Danielle Gaglioti for calling in and telling us about The Fortissimo Project. Their mission is to bring together a diverse group of people based on a mutual love for the arts. Their first project, Jam Out Loud, is a music and arts festival, is on July 23, 2001 at FrankenSound Recording/Rehersal Studios in North Brunswick, NJ. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Check out www.FortissimoProject.com for information.
The story of Joe Wong, Chinese biochemist turned comedian.
Team Syntax Errors competes for Microsoft's Imagine Prize
CNN Contributor tells parents to control their kids
The BigPoppaOnline Network announces the launch of 2 new radio shows.
Hot in Vegas, presented by VegasPlayDate.com premieres Wednesday, July 27th at 6PM Pacific (9PM Eastern). Hosts Jenice Turner (Creative Director at VegasPlayDate) and Matt G, will provide up-to-date information on the hottest Las Vegas events. Listeners can expect highlights of upcoming events, a recap of recent events and reviews of the hottest places to visit. The hosts will also be dishing out the dirt on the hottest entertainment news and headlines in Las Vegas.
Trash Talk (Real Sports Talk by Real Sports Fans) will premiere in early August and will air on Thursdays at 11AM Pacific (2PM Eastern). Hosted by Jeanine Jiannetti and David DiBrienza, this show will focus on sports from the perspective of the die-hard fans. Jeanine and David are true sports fans and can trash talk with the best of them. Listeners are encouraged to call in and join the conversation- if they can hold their own, that is.
I want to hear from you. Leave comments, ask questions or submit a story that affects your world. Tell me what you think. It's OK, I'm a big boy, I can take it. Just remember the rules. It's OK to disagree, it's OK to argue, it's even OK to use the “seven dirty words”- just keep it civil. All I ask is that you be honest, original and don't hate. My bouncers review everything before it's posted, so don't bother spamming, flaming, rick-rolling, or whatever the hell it is that you kids today are doing, because it won't make it through.
Next week we'll be sharing stories about the dreaded Car-Mageddon, so I hope to hear from my LA listeners. Call in with your horror stories, or how you avoided it all together.
July 11, 2011
Well, we were back live this week... Skype issues and all. That said, no more Skype!!
Today's show focused on people taking chances and doing what they love, in spite of any obstacles that stand in their way. People who have little more than a dream and the desire to make it happen. People who want to help others as they help themselves. The exact kind of people we like to promote on this network.
I'd like to thank Danielle Gaglioti for calling in and telling us about The Fortissimo Project. Their mission is to bring together a diverse group of people based on a mutual love for the arts. Their first project, Jam Out Loud, is a music and arts festival, is on July 23, 2001 at FrankenSound Recording/Rehersal Studios in North Brunswick, NJ. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Check out www.FortissimoProject.com for information.
The story of Joe Wong, Chinese biochemist turned comedian.
Team Syntax Errors competes for Microsoft's Imagine Prize
CNN Contributor tells parents to control their kids
The BigPoppaOnline Network announces the launch of 2 new radio shows.
Hot in Vegas, presented by VegasPlayDate.com premieres Wednesday, July 27th at 6PM Pacific (9PM Eastern). Hosts Jenice Turner (Creative Director at VegasPlayDate) and Matt G, will provide up-to-date information on the hottest Las Vegas events. Listeners can expect highlights of upcoming events, a recap of recent events and reviews of the hottest places to visit. The hosts will also be dishing out the dirt on the hottest entertainment news and headlines in Las Vegas.
Trash Talk (Real Sports Talk by Real Sports Fans) will premiere in early August and will air on Thursdays at 11AM Pacific (2PM Eastern). Hosted by Jeanine Jiannetti and David DiBrienza, this show will focus on sports from the perspective of the die-hard fans. Jeanine and David are true sports fans and can trash talk with the best of them. Listeners are encouraged to call in and join the conversation- if they can hold their own, that is.
I want to hear from you. Leave comments, ask questions or submit a story that affects your world. Tell me what you think. It's OK, I'm a big boy, I can take it. Just remember the rules. It's OK to disagree, it's OK to argue, it's even OK to use the “seven dirty words”- just keep it civil. All I ask is that you be honest, original and don't hate. My bouncers review everything before it's posted, so don't bother spamming, flaming, rick-rolling, or whatever the hell it is that you kids today are doing, because it won't make it through.
Next week we'll be sharing stories about the dreaded Car-Mageddon, so I hope to hear from my LA listeners. Call in with your horror stories, or how you avoided it all together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)