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Local authority children's services does something good for...
By Mike Bowden
Local authority children's services does something good for local family… Seems like an unlikely news story doesn't it?
It's hard to think of a job more important than child protection. While most children, young people and families thrive, for some a little extra support is vital. To protect the privacy of those we work with, thousands of good news stories go unheard but each and every day, hard-working dedicated professionals in children's services and beyond are making a huge difference in the lives of children and families - working with them to protect them from harm and supporting them to overcome the challenges they face.
Imagine a news story focussing on the young people being supported in flexible and innovative ways that are tailored to meet their needs and fit their preferences, with a wrap-around care package, sometimes in settings that don't fit Ofsted criteria for registration, but which are nevertheless the most appropriate match for that individual - rather than a sensational headline about children 'abandoned' in unregistered accommodation?
Or one which celebrates the social worker who has been part of a duty team for seven years and helped literally hundreds of families to achieve positive outcomes supporting them to keep their children safe and to stay with the family?
Perhaps a case study of the parents who were offered intensive support after their first child entered the care system, to ensure they were in a much better place to parent their second child and to establish the loving family they longed to be - and are now a real success story?
Or celebrating the work of foster parents, by telling the story of a child in care in their own words: "When I first heard I was going to join the family I thought 'Oh no, an old married couple who watch Bake Off!' But when I met them they were nicer and younger than I imagined. I now feel part of the family, and when I didn't have any brothers or sisters before, I now have more than enough!!"
Or the inspirational young lady who was not only nominated for a local 'Young Stars' award for her exceptional work in ensuring the voices of her fellow children in care were heard loud and clear, but ended up on stage with the Leader of the Council announcing and presenting the awards to other young people?
Or one about the Ofsted report recognising that the majority of children and families have a positive experience and that the strong multi-agency partnership working has really paid off!
The idea of good news stories dominating the headlines might be somewhat fanciful, but the stories here are all real and are precisely what helps me keep a perspective on the days when the meetings feel interminable, the media appetite for horror stories seems insatiable and there is someone else baying for my blood.
There may be days when it feels like a thankless task, but a DCS has to be resilient to brush off the trolls and hold on to those good news stories when the opportunity arises, in order to maintain their passion and commitment for making a difference for children, young people and families. Because they're worth it!
Now I'm sure that could make a catchy sound bite for something…
Mike Bowden is DCS in Bath and North East Somerset. This blog first appeared on the ADCS website
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This Friday, May 24, 2013, The Orillia Folk Society closes out it's Fridayfolk Season with a special 10th anniversary showcase of 10 performers from the Barrie and District Association for Singer/Songwriters (aka BADAS/S).
Last December, out of our 25+ members, we drew 10 names out of a hat to perform 2 songs at this showcase. I was not initially selected to perform, but we had a last minute cancellation from one of the performers today, so I'm thrilled that I get to be a part of this evening of great music. I joined BADAS/S in April or May of 2003, so I have been a member for almost all of it's 10 + year run.
The evening will be a songwriters in the round format with 3 sets of performers. Each musician will play 2 songs and it will be interspersed with lot's of stories and laughter in between.
Over the past seven years, I have featured most of these musicians on my show and I have recorded live concerts with many of them. Tonight, I produced a podcast featuring songs I have recorded of each of Friday night's performers. I have never recorded John Lemme, so I used another one of his songs. Enjoy this sampling of ten Ontario songwriters, and if you are able, come out to the show on Friday night.


My mum is growing some lupins for the last few years and every year she is getting some type of mould on the leaves. It looks like mildew. My mum does not use any sprays.
Name as above in the title "Lavon" tree lily. I was looking for other peoples opinions. I could go back at a later date to Woodies for more info.
Hi, my wife got a few packets in Woodies DIY in Carlow to-day.
I tried this garden centre recently and they never had these in stock.
Topic: Cutting leylandii trees in November in Carlow.
Forum: Shrubs in Ireland ... Hedging in Ireland Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:29 am Subject: Cutting leylandii trees in November in Carlow.
The trees is the boundary between both properties. They are not shading his or our property. Im not sure why he is erecting this fence. Maybe less maintence on his side of the fence.
Forum: Shrubs in Ireland ... Hedging in Ireland Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 10:22 pm Subject: Cutting leylandii trees in November in Carlow.
What happens when the hollyhocks are finished flowering? Do i cut them back and store the seed? What is the normal procedure? How many years do they grow?


Disney's Mickey Mouse: Merry and Scary is now available!!
This looks so cute! I love the old style cartoons, especially when they come back and I can put a fresh face on them for my 2 kids. Allyson has a soft place in her heart for Donald Duck, so this is perfect!
We'll be picking up a copy to watch though the season. How about you?


0:04Skip to 0 minutes and 4 secondsSo this week, we've seen how Egypt managed to survive again. This time, the battle of Megiddo with Thutmose the third. They managed to defeat this coalition of city-states. What's interesting is those city-states probably had the backing of another great superpower, the Mitannians based in northern Syria. There were other superpowers who were also keen on getting their hands on those resources in Syria Palestine. We're going to see how the Egyptians face up to the Mitannians in next week's content. In particular, we'll see how they converse with each other through the armana letters.
This week we have followed the fortunes of a new, invigorated Egypt. We have seen how they successfully campaigned into Syria-Palestine to defeat a coalition of city states.
This expansionism, however, has awoken a greater enemy in the shape of Mittani, a superpower in its own right. What do you think will be the outcome of this rivalry? Will answers be found in diplomacy or will Egypt and Mittani resort to the battlefield to sort out their territorial differences? And if war is on the horizon, who do you think will triumph and why?


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A Home For Everyone
Kevin Campbell | February 15, 2017
Over the weekend, Cary Town Council Member Lori Bush penned a thorough and incredible informative explanation about the need for affordable housing in Wake County. It's called, "A Home for Everyone" -- we love that concept.
Did you know that a household needs to earn at least $18.21 per hour to afford the average 2-bedroom apartment in Wake County? A minimum wage earner would have to work more than two full-time jobs in order to meet that expense. Considering this, it's not surprising that 100,000 people in Wake County are cost burdened, or paying more than 30% of their income toward housing costs.
According to a Wake County Public School System representative, there are somewhere between 2,900 and 5,000 children enrolled who are experiencing homelessness this year.
So what's the good news? Together, our community can turn these numbers around. In her post, Lori talks about the progress that's been made -- particularly in Cary, since that is her jurisdiction. Habitat Wake has built several homes in Cary over the years, and DHIC recently developed 53 affordable rental units for seniors. It's a great start, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
Check out Lori's full post here.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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As per reports, Russia's communications regulator Roskomnadzor warned Walt Disney Co (DIS) against distributing content of its short film, "Out", which features a gay main character, stating it portrays harmful content to the children in Russia. Disney+ released "Out" in the United States last year.
A letter was sent to Disney noting that it was against Russian law to distribute information which "denies family values and promotes non-traditional sexual relationships" to children.
Even though same-sex relationships are legal in Russia, but a 2013 law bans disseminating "propaganda on non-traditional sexual relations" among young Russians. Disney remained unavailable to a request for comment.
(Read Original Story: Russia warns Disney against distributing short film featuring gay character in Reuters)


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صفحه نخست Note of the Day A Survey in to the Intellectual Legacy of Imam al-Rida (ʿa) from the Viewpoint of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi
A Survey in to the Intellectual Legacy of Imam al-Rida (ʿa) from the Viewpoint of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi
The scientific debates and discussions held by Imam ʿAli ibn Musā al-Rida (ʿa) are not a historical matter which only pertains to the past; they are rather a main source which should be utilized today for the comprehensive defense of Islam.
Today is the anniversary of the birth of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Rida('a), the Eighth Imam from the pure lineage of the Holy Prophet (s). He was born on the eleventh day of Dhīqaʿdah in the year 148 AH in the blessed city of Medina. When we look at the lives of the Infallible Imams ('a), we find that they lived in a variety of different circumstances and so their lives all have certain particularities and characteristics. These different particularities had roots in the different political and social circumstances of their time. This indicates the necessity of delving in to these various aspects of the lives of the Infallible Imams ('a), because the resulting information can be a veritable encyclopedia in civilization building from the perspective of Is-lam.
In any case, since it is the blessed birth anniversary of Imam al-Rida ('a), we have an oppor-tunity to consider the viewpoints of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi in regards to this issue. Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi has gone on to explain the most important aspects in the intellectual life of Imam al-Rida ('a), particularly during the third period in his life, meaning the period which pertained to his time in Iran as the successor of the caliph of that time…
Without any doubt, the life of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Rida('a) enjoys many various facets; one of the more important facets in his life relates to his cultural and intellectual defense of Islamic thought against the heavy attacks from the different sects and schools of thought which were directed against the basic principles and branches of Islam during that time period. A study of these intellectual teachings and viewpoints as explained by the Imam ('a) can be very valuable to us today in the particular environment and atmosphere which we live in. We can find very valuable and subtle guidance in these teachings, as well as in the methodology which the Imam ('a) used in confrontation with the ideas of these various sects and schools of thought.
Factors which Gave Rise to the Abbasid Caliphate
By the uprising of the Iranians and the Khurāsānīs under the leadership of Abū Muslim, the Umayyads were finally uprooted[1] and passed in to oblivion. The Abbasids rose in turn with the slogan of 'Seeking the Satisfaction of the Family of Muhammad', which was a famous slogan of all popular and Islamic revolts which had ever been led against the Umayyad caliphate. They used this slogan to mobilize the people to their leadership and overthrow the Umayyads. In spite of this noble slogan, the Abbasids quickly revealed their true, evil nature, soon as they had established their rule.
They began to act just as the Umayyads had acted, and in time, they even surpassed them in tyranny, brutality, and oppression. The Muslims later quickly realized their true nature and the seeds of new revolutions against this tyrannical group were planted. This was particularly true in Iran, where Abū Muslim had risen up once before against the Umayyads.
Ma'mūn, and his Enmity against the Ahl al-Bayt ('a) Concealed under the Slogan of Seeking Knowledge
In time, Ma'mūn became the caliph of the Abbasid dynasty. As a ruler, he possessed a very powerful grasp of politics and he combined these skills with ruthlessness and severity. In order to prevent any revolution from taking place, he quickly changed his capital city from Baghdad to Khurāsān; in this way, he wished to suppress any potential rebellions from up close and to deny these movements the possibility of growth.[2]
Furthermore, he also knew that the people were looking up to Imam al-Rida ('a) as the potential leader of this revolutionary movement. Thus, in order to neutralize this danger, he forced the Imam ('a) to move to Khurāsān with the supposed intention of having him as his successor. The real reason behind this, however, was so he could keep a close watch over the Imam ('a), as well as fool the revolutionaries in to thinking that a revolution was no longer necessary and they had already achieved their goals.[3]
When we examine the religion of Islam , it is clear that the religion highly encourages the pursuit of knowledge. In line with this pursuit of knowledge, the Muslims began to translate various texts which happened to be in other languages. Some of these texts were found in Greece, while others were originally Egyptian, Iranian, or even Roman in origin. These texts were taken from their original languages and translated in to the common language of the Muslim empire, which was Arabic. These valuable texts accelerated the process of intellectual growth and scientific advancement which was taking place in the Muslim community.
Yet, what was worrying in that era was the reality that some of the translators of these texts belonged to certain radical sects or even to other religions, such as Zoroastrians, Sabeans, Nestorians, Brahmins, etc... These translators were busy translating these texts from languages such as Greek, Farsi, Syriac, Hindi, and Latin in to Arabic. Certainly, not all of these individuals had pure intentions in their works and a number of them attempted to 'muddy the waters', so to speak.
Their intentions in these translations were to i n s e r t various un-Islamic concepts in to the Muslim community, so that their own ideologies could gain currency. Some of them may have even wished to spread corrupt ideologies amongst the Muslims in order to actually spread cor-ruption for its own sake. In any case, various un-Islamic ideas were also being translated and spread amidst the so-called scientific books of other nations. In time, these various ideas spread and began to gain a foothold amongst the Muslims, particularly among a group of artless and naïve youth.
In this very environment, a serious of debates were hosted by Maʾmūn where Imam al-Rida ('a) was invited to participate in, in order to answer some of these pressing intellectual and religious questions which had come about. Maʾmūn's intention in holding these debates was multi-faceted but it included such things as: creating a name for himself as the spreader of knowledge, diverting the people's attention from the various social and political issues , and attracting the attention of the scholars towards the caliph. In essence, these debates were orga-nized in order to strengthen the foundations of Maʿmūn's government.
At the same time, the intellectual atmosphere of the time and the various questions which had risen in the people's minds entailed a very heavy responsibility for Imam al-Rida ('a). The Imam ('a) understood the situation very well and he found it to be quite dangerous. In light of these issues, the Imam ('a) began a veritable intellectual revolution to neutralize these dangerous currents. Through this movement, he was able to preserve the pure Islamic teachings and save the Muslims from being misguided.
The Establishment of Intellectual Gatherings with the Purpose of Undermining the Imamate
According to history, Maʾmūn forced Imam al-Rida ('a) in to becoming his successor for the caliphate as a means of further legitimizing and establishing his own power and position. This issue has its own story with many details… In any case, the Imam ('a) was forced to leave Medina and move to the city of Ṭūs in the Khurāsān region of Iran. Upon the Imam ('a)'s arrival in the city, Maʾmūn began organizing a series of debate, in which all of the great Muslim and non-Muslim scholars of the time were present.[4] Needless to say that the ostensible reason (as claimed by Maʾmūn) for holding this debate and discussion was to prove the worthiness of the Imam ('a) for the position of the successorship. However, there were other motives at play and these motives can be considered as the real motivation behind why Maʾmūn organized such events. These reasons are as follows:
1. Degrading and Undermining the Imamate
Maʾmūn's main goal was to degrade the position of the Imamate in the eyes of the people, and in particular the Iranians who had a very strong attachment to the Ahl al-Bayt ('a), and thus undermine it as an institution.
2. Distorting the image of the Imamate: the promotion of a secular version of Islam:
As his second goal, Maʾmūn also wished to limit the authority of the Imam ('a) to purely intellectual issues so as to gradually exclude him from political issues. He wanted to have the people think that the Imam ('a) was very good with intellectual issues, but he was not a man of politics. In this way, he would practically separate politics from religion and thus secure his own power and authority.
3. Covering up the Weaknesses of His Government:
As his third goal, Maʾmūn wished to pursue his political goals with an ease of mind and these debates served as a means of distracting the people's attention, and giving him a cover under which he could further operate without anyone noticing the shortcomings of his government.
A Reflection on the Essence of the Scientific Debates of Imam al-Rida ('a)
Although Imam al-Rida ('a) engaged in many different debates and discussions throughout his life, there were seven of these which are of greater significance than the others. These are as follows:
1. His debate with the Catholicos (Jāthlīq)
2. His debate with the Exilarch (Raʾs al-Jālūt)
3. His debate with Herbez the Great
4. His debate with ʿImrān the Sabean[5]
These four debates took place in one gathering with Maʾmūn present. In addition, there were many other great scholars and notables also present there.
5. His debate with Sulaymān Marwazī[6] which took place in an independent gathering with Maʾmūn and some of his high ranking officials
6. A debate with Ali ibn Muhammad Jahm.[7]
7. A debate with the leaders of various religious groups in Basra
All of these debates were very profound in nature and even today, after the passing of some 1200 years, they are still illuminating and highly educational. This is true both in terms of their content, as well as the skills used in the debate itself. Let us look at some of what was debated about in further detail:
A Debate with the Catholicos (One of the Great Christian Scholars of that Time)
When Imam al-Rida ('a) entered the hall where Maʾmūn was sitting, Maʾmūn ordered Faḍl ibn Sahl (his special vizier)[9] to gather Herbez Akbar (the leader of the Zoroastrians)[10] , the Catholicos (a great Christian leader), the Exilarch (a great Jewish leader), Nesṭūs Rūmī (another great Christian leader), the religious heads of the Sabeans, as well as a number of other theologians so that they could discuss and debate certain issues with the Imam ('a). After these individuals had all gathered together, the Imam ('a) began to speak and he said: Oh Christians, if you wish, I can use your Bible (the Injīl) in order to reason with you…
It was at this time that the Catholicos asked: Tell us about the disciples of Jesus the son of Mary: how many were they and how many scholars related to the Bible were there? The Imam ('a) said to him: You have asked someone who is well aware and knows. He then said: The disciples were twelve in number and the most knowledgeable of them was Luke. In terms of the great Christian scholars, there were three: John (Yuḥnā Akbar) from the land of Bākh, another John from Circesium, and John of Dialam from Rajāz (who knew the name of the Prophet (s), the Ahl al-Bayt ('a), and their nation). It was this last apostle who gave the glad tidings regarding the Prophet of Islam (s) to the people of Jesus ('a) and to the Israelites.
At this time, the Exilarch, the leaders of the Sabeans, Herbez Akbar, and Nesṭūs Rūmī all confirmed the truth of what Imam al-Rida ('a) had told them. In the end, the Catholicos said to the Imam ('a): We acknowledge what you have mentioned from the Bible (the Injīl). The Imam ('a) then began to answer other questions and he explained to them how the first Bible had been lost and then how four individuals had attempted to rewrite it.
These four were: Luke, John, Matthew, and Mark. This is more or less the same book which the Christians have in hand today. The Imam ('a) also pointed out some contradictions which he had seen in the things which the Catholicos had said. Following his discussion with the Catholicos, Imam al-Rida ('a) also had debates over various different points with the the Exilarch, the leaders of the Sabeans, Herbez Akbar, and Nesṭūs Rūmī (particularly with ʿĪmrān the Sabean who was a semi-materialist), and he answered their questions using their own sourcebooks.
Imam al-Rida ('a) Debates with ʿImrān the Sabean
The Imam ('a) also debated with ʿImrān the Sabean[8] and this debate is a particularly important one since it delves in to issues pertaining to theology and theism, such as Allah's Essence, and His Attributes, and it resolves the various questions which ʿImrān the Sabean had expressed in regards to these matters. During this debate, the Imam ('a) explained the concepts of "creation from absolute nothingness", Divine providence, and Divine Will, and that they were, in effect, a single reality with three different titles. He first began by explaining the concept of 'creation from absolute nothingness' in the world of existence and it is interesting to note that the Imam ('a) explained that the first divine act of 'creation from absolute nothingness' was the creation of the letters of the alphabet, out of which all of the words are composed from. The Imam ('a) explained that these individual letters have no meaning and it is only when they are combined that they take on any meaning.
ʿImrān the Sabean constantly asked the Imam ('a) for more explanations and the Imam ('a) continued to give him the answers he was seeking. At the end of their discussion, the Imam ('a) said: Oh ʿImrān, have you understood these issues well? ʿImrān responded: Yes, I have understood well and I furthermore testify that Allah is as you have described him, the one and only God … I also testify that Muhammad is his servant and he has been sent to guide us to the Straight Path. He then turned towards the Qiblah, fell prostrate, and became a Muslim. All of those who were there were left deeply stunned and in surprise.
A Debate with the Followers of Various Schools of Thought in Basra
According to a detailed tradition which Quṭb al-Rāwandī has narrated in his book Al-Kharāʾij, when the flames of sedition flared in the city of Basra (in Iraq), the city became a base for the activities of various sects and schools of thought. In light of this issue, Imam al-Rida ('a) sought to neutralize the dangers posed by that sedition and so he traveled to the city of Basra and engaged in debates with the various sects and schools of thought which existed there. He ended up inviting all of them to a single place, and these included the Christian and Jewish scholars, as well as scholars from many other groups. He then began to show how the Bible (the Injīl) had given glad tidings of the coming of the Prophet of Islam (s) and how the various chapters of the Torah and Psalms had given the same glad tidings as well.
The Imam ('a) then addressed the Muslims who were present in that gathering and he said to them: Oh people, is not the one who speaks to a people according to their own divine books more just than any other individual? The Muslims all responded: Yes. The Imam ('a) then continued: Then know that the rightful Imam and the successor of Muhammad (s) can only be one, who continues to further his cause based on his teachings, and the rank of the Imamate only befits one who debates with all of the nations and all of the various religions based on their own books. He satisfies the Christians through their Bible (Injīl), the Jews through their Torah, and the Muslims through their Quran. He is one who fluently speaks all languages and who speaks to every people in their own tongue.
In addition to all this, he is the most pious and he is totally infallible and incorruptible. He is also one who is just, fair, wise, kind, forgiving, affectionate, truthful, sympathetic, righteous, trustworthy, and resourceful in managing affairs. In this way, Imam al-Rida ('a) proved to the people of Basra the validity of the Imamate and he closed any doors to them in refusing to believe in this foundational precept of Islam.
A Final Word: Practical Lessons from the Life of Imam al-Rida ('a)
1. In general, the debates of Imam al-Rida ('a) with members of other religions were primarily focused around the subject of monotheism. When he debated with the Exilarch (a great scholar of the Jews), he spoke in regards to the invalidity of the belief in the divinity of Jesus ('a) and how the Christian sourcebooks had foretold of the coming of the Prophet of Islam (s). In his debate with the religious leader of the Zoroastrians, the Imam ('a) spoke in regards to the justice and oneness of Allah. In his debate with Sulaymān Marwazī (a scholar of scholastic theology), the Imam ('a) spoke about the concepts of Divine providence and Divine knowledge, as well as the all-seeing and all-hearing nature of Allah; he also spoke about the will and actions of Allah in this same debate, as well as proving monotheism and Divine Laws such as Badāʾ.[11]
2. The debates of Imam al-Rida ('a) are not merely historical events which pertain to the past; they are rather a spring of knowledge which continues to be relevant up until today and it will continue to be so in the future.
3. It should be noted that since in those times there were no mass media, as they exist today, Imam al-Rida ('a) would utilize the debates organized by Maʿmūn as one of the most effective means of spreading the genuine teachings of Islam and defending the religion. This is due to the fact that due to the importance of such debates and meetings, the news regarding them would quickly spread all over the Muslim countries. In this way, not only did the Imam ('a) foil Maʿmūn's plots, but he guarded the Muslim community of that time, which was in a critical condition due to the aforementioned reasons, against various kinds of deviation.
4. The methodology which the Imam ('a) used in dealing with the members of other religions and schools of thought is something which contains very valuable lessons for us. The first lesson which we have learned here is that we must be logical when dealing with other religions and schools of thought; this is the most important element in dealing with people who are different or who think differently than you do. In addition, we must understand that when there is a conflict between two parties, they must utilize logic in order to resolve it. Unfortunately today, we see that some groups are quick to take up weapons in fighting others, but the Muslims should abstain from fighting and it should be their last option in such situations. Dialog and logic can help to resolve even the most difficult of situations.
5. The logic of Islam is so compelling that it is able to dominate over other religions and ideologies. For this reason, when we look at the history of Islam, we find that there was always room for others to speak about their ideologies and even atheists were allowed to state their beliefs publicly. There was always a freedom of speech which existed throughout Muslim history.
6. The scholars of Islam must be aware of the various sects and schools of thought which exist during their time. They must furthermore be able to use logic and clear rationale in dealing with them, with the purpose of proving the superiority of the Islam to the ideologies which they believe in.
7. These scholars should be well versed in various languages as well so that they can converse with the people of various nations without the use of translators. Sometimes, translators can make mistakes or they can miss certain key points when acting as a medium. In other cases, they can even have ill intentions and purposely mistranslate various key points. In any case, it is essential that the scholars of Islam are able to converse in various different languages.
8. The Muslim scholars must make full use of mass media and other forms of technology in spreading the message of Islam and the Quran to all corners of the world.
In conclusion, there are various books which will prove useful for those who desire more detailed information about the life of Imam al-Rida ('a). One such book is called: 'The Historical Debates of Imam al-Rida ('a) With the Followers of Other Sects and Religions' which has been written by Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi.
[1]. Surah Ibrāhīm, Verse 26.
[2]. It has been narrated that: Maʾmūn sent a group of his officers to some of the descendants of Abū Ṭālib (who lived in Medina). Imam al-Rida ('a) was also amongst them. The officers, according to Maʾmūn's orders, began to move the Alawīs towards Khurāsān and they were brought there through Basra. The man who was in charge of bringing this group to Khurāsān was a man named Julūdī. Eventually, this group reached Khurāsān and Julūdī brought them to Maʾmūn's court. Maʾmūn in turn brought them to his house, while housing Imam al-Rida ('a) in a separate home and he honored him greatly. Kitāb al-Irshād, p. 290.
[3]. Maʾmūn told the Imam ('a) that he was going to depose himself and relinquish the caliphate to him. The Imam ('a) refused to accept his offer. Maʾmūn then stated that he was going to make him the successor the caliphate. When the Imam ('a) heard this, he said: Excuse me from this. Maʾmūn then threatened to kill the Imam ('a) if he refused…
[4]. Since many philosophical and rational texts had been translated from Greek and Syriac in to Arabic, many of the Muslims had devloped an interest in learning these subjects in greater detail. In addition, Maʾmūn, the Abbasid Caliph who ruled from 195-218 AH, was supposedly a Muʿtazilite in ideology and he favored intellectual and philosophical subjects. Due to these various reasons, these subjects became very popular during this time period…
[5]. Jāthlīq is a Greek word which denotes one of the great leaders of the Christians. It isn't the name of a specific person but rather it is a title. It is also possible that it is the Arabicized version of the word Catholic.
[6]. Sulaymān Marwazī was one of the most well-known scholars of scholastic theology (Kalām) in Khurāsān during the time of Maʾmūn. In light of this, Maʾmūn would respect and honor him greatly.
[7]. Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Jahm was a Nāsibī (a diehard enemy of the Ahl al-Bayt ('a).
[8]. ʿImrān the Sabean was a member of the Sabean religion and he defended his faith in the debate with Imam al-Rida ('a). The Sabeans are a religious group who follow John the Baptist and they are divided in to two groups, one being monotheistic, while the other is polytheistic in ideology. One group worships stars and so they are known as 'Star Worshippers'. Their religious center used to be the city of Ḥarān in Iraq but they moved to various other areas in Iraq and Khuzestan (in Iran). In accordance to their beliefs, they tend to live next to large river. Today, a number of them can be found in the city of Ahwaz in Iran.
[9]. Faḍl ibn Sahl was a well-known vizier of Maʾmūn. He had entered Maʾmūn's court at an early age; in the year 190 AH, he was persuaded by Maʾmūn to leave Zoroastrianism and become a Muslim. He was well known by the name of Dhū al-Rīyāsatayn. He was a man of both politics and war, and he was eventually assassinated in the year 202 Hijri in the Bathhouse of Sarakhs (Wafīyāt al-'ayān, vol. 1, p. 413). Some historians are of the opinion that it was Faḍl ibn Sahl who compelled Maʾmūn to s e l e c t Imam al-Rida ('a) as his successor. What this means in reality is that the successorship was forced upon Maʾmūn through social and political pressure exerted by the Iranians upon Faḍl ibn Sahl (Tārīkh Bayhaqī, p. 141). In spite of this, the historical context shows us otherwise.
[10]. Herbez Akbar (or Herbed Akbar) is a title which is specific to the great leader of the Zoroastrians. It denotes that one is a great leader and maintainer of the fire temple of the Zoroastrians.
[11]. This may refer to the idea that when Allah first created the world, he created the raw ingredients, which can be likened to the basic alphabets of a language. These raw ingredients are of no use by themselves but when they are brought together in the right combinations, they can give rise to various meaningful creations.
برچسب ها : Makarem Islam Shia Imam Birthday Ridha Reza Riḍā


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Baseball analysis reveals a key edge in Super Bowl matchup
If you break down the Packers-Steelers Super Bowl matchup with the eye of a baseball analyst, you will find one team has a major edge this Sunday. I will reveal that important edge in a minute -- not to mention why Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers is the new Mel Ott -- but first you have to understand the baseball perspective.
Baseball fans get the importance of context on performance -- especially where the game is being played -- going all the way back to the debate over what would have happened if Ted Williams were a Yankee taking aim at the rightfield short porch in the Bronx and Joe DiMaggio were a Red Sox swatting away at the Green Monster.
Football, however, treats teams and quarterbacks with almost no regard for context. Sure, unlike baseball, the dimensions of the playing field are uniform, but football is a very different game depending on where it is played because of the elements.
Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, for instance, get mentioned among the all-time great quarterbacks. But rarely is it mentioned that Manning and Brees have the huge advantage of playing the majority of their games indoors in Indianapolis and New Orleans, respectively, in perfect conditions. They are the NFL's versions of a hitter at Coors Field, such as Larry Walker or Todd Helton, taking advantage of premium conditions.
Change the conditions, though, and how do they rate? Just know this: Manning and Brees combined have never won a postseason game in freezing weather. They are 0-4 combined in postseason games with the temperature at 32 degrees or below.
Imagine how different their careers might be if they played outside in a cold-weather city. This much is certain: They don't come close to Bart Starr when it comes to overcoming the elements.
Starr, the Packers Hall of Fame QB, quarterbacked seven postseason games in freezing weather -- and they were really cold games. The temperatures were 28, 17, 25, 22, 26, 13 and minus-2. Starr lost the first one, but won the next six. Not only was Starr 6-1 in freezing postseason games, he also threw 12 touchdowns and only two interceptions in 166 attempts in those seven games.
In baseball, artificial turf was known to create advantages for teams, such as Whitey Herzog's running Royals and Cardinals, the Twins in the Metrodome and the Rays at Tropicana Field. Groundball hitters love the turf, which plays faster.
Pete Rose played more games on turf than any player in history: 1,822 games. But such an amazing hitter was Rose that his splits on turf and grass are freakishly similar:
The dude raked no matter what. The turf effect has diminished in baseball. Only the Jays and Rays play on the fake stuff. Only 6.7 percent of major league games are played on turf. In the NFL, about 30 percent of the games are staged indoors. As Rodgers can happily attest, a January game at the Georgia Dome is nothing like a January game at Lambeau Field.
Domed stadiums and expansion to warm-weather cities in the NFL have created more postseason games in which the elements are not a factor. Kurt Warner, for instance, is regarded as a potential future Hall of Famer. But Warner did something that was once unthinkable for an NFL quarterback of any renown: He never played even one postseason game in freezing weather. He played 13 postseason games: 11 of them indoors, one at 53 degrees and one at 43 degrees. So how can you put Warner in the company of Starr without understanding the conditions in which they played?
Here's one attempt at context: Take a sample of great quarterbacks and examine how many times they won in the toughest of conditions, namely, in the playoffs and in cold weather. Let's start with won-lost records in postseason games when the temperature was below 50 degrees:
Once again, it's obvious that Manning and Brees are not in the same class as Tom Brady. And check out Rodgers: he already has as many playoff wins in cold weather as Warner, Manning and Brees combined.
But let's set the bar even higher -- and the thermometer even lower. Take the same sample group and consider their postseason record in the freezing cold -- games played at 32 degrees or worse:
Manning, by the way, in freezing playoff games has thrown one touchdown and five interceptions. And notice that Ben Roethlisberger is approaching the profile of Starr when it comes to getting it done in the worst elements.
And that brings us to the Super Bowl this week, where the elements will not be a factor. The game will be played inside at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. The question now is a very different one than, "Who can win in bad conditions?" It becomes, "Who benefits the most from ideal conditions?" What happens when you take Roethlisberger and Rodgers, two accomplished cold-weather quarterbacks, and have them play Petri-dish football? Who makes the best of controlled conditions?
Let's examine the Steelers' Roethlisberger first. Here are his career numbers when he plays indoors and outdoors (postseason included):
What you find is that Roethlisberger is essentially the same quarterback inside as he is outside. He is not enough of a pure passer to take advantage of the faster, truer surface and absence of wind or any other troublesome weather conditions.
Now take a look at the same splits for Rodgers, who has played about the same number of indoor games as Roethlisberger.
Wow. Now that's a split that is tough to ignore. Rodgers is a much better quarterback indoors. Rodgers, in fact, likes the indoors so much that he is the NFL's highest-rated quarterback indoors. Rodgers admitted before his Packers trounced Atlanta at the Georgia Dome in the Divisional round that he loves the indoor game, pointing out his affinity for the lack of wind and the chance to wear his most comfortable shoes -- lacrosse shoes with nubs that are so comfortable he says he wears them everyday.
Rodgers indoors looks like Walker at Coors Field (.381 there, .282 elsewhere), Wade Boggs at Fenway Park (.369/.306) or Ott at the Polo Grounds (323 homers there, 188 elsewhere). The numbers are too diverse to ignore.
The splits suggest that Rodgers, the better pure passer, gains a big edge over Roethlisberger with the Super Bowl being played indoors. Advantage, Packers.
Does that mean with these climate-controlled conditions that we'll see a high-scoring game? Not really. In fact, when you look at the indoor/outdoor splits for Super Bowl games, you'll see that the indoor version of football looks a lot like the outdoor version -- without any freezing weather, of course.
Of course, check back in 2014, when the NFL stages the Super Bowl in New Jersey outdoors in February -- in weather only Bart Starr could love.
Dallas had never hosted a World Series or Super Bowl until last October. But this Sunday the Dallas area becomes only the fifth metroplex to host the World Series and Super Bowl in the same "season" (this Super Bowl culminating the 2010 NFL season). The first such jackpot was hit by Los Angeles, which hosted Super Bowl I a few months after the Orioles defeated the Dodgers in the World Series. Here are the five times the World Series and Super Bowl have been played in the same metro area just three or four months apart:
Tom Verducci: Baseball keeps connection to its past as domes change NFL
By Tom Verducci
Tom Verducci: Super Bowl edition: How parity in MLB matches up with NFL
Tom Verducci: Baseball 2012: Dawn of a new era
Tom Verducci: Baseball's closer-minded problem
Tom Verducci: Replay, rosters and the nine rules that baseball needs to change
Tom Verducci: Hamilton leaving no doubt he is the best player in baseball
Tom Verducci: Giants-Braves Division Series was baseball at its unscripted best
Tom Verducci: Lee's rest bad news for NL, Lewis' gem, more analysis


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As you may know, iPhones are the most popular smart phones out there. With the increasing rate of purchases every day, nothing can stop the amazing iPhone. The good thing about the iPhone is that Apple is always on top of things; for example the release of the iPhone 4. One of the best features which come tied with the iPhone is the Apple app Store. The app Store consists of mobile applications created by 3rd party companies and individuals which are games, utilities, content, etc. Anything you imagine can be an iPhone application, and today you are going to learn how!
There are a few different methods to create an iPhone app. The most cost-efficient would be to use an easy to edit website which basically creates the app for you, all you need to do is be creative and make the best iPhone app you possible can! The more technical and better way is to find a coder who is very knowledgeable of Xcode; which is the incredibly productive integrated development platform of iPhones/iPod Touches, iPads, and Mac applications.
If you have no coding experience then you're most likely not wanting to learn one of the hardest development platforms out there known as Xcode. Instead, why not learn the easy way and spend a lot less money on your app, as well as earn from it. If you have taken the time to look through the top apps in the App Store, you may notice the simplest apps excel. If you didn't hear, an app known as "iFart" grossed over $27,000 in the first day that it was launched. All the app did was give you a few options of what noise to make. You can develop and app like this in less than 2 hours!


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Field Guide to PRISM: The Internet Surveillance Scandal
Tyler Vendetti
George Orwell may have been right, after all. Earlier this month, Edward Snowden, an ex-technical assistant for the CIA, leaked a government surveillance project known as PRISM and since then, the country has been up in arms about "Big Brother" and the future of domestic security. For those of you who skip over clumps of acronyms in the newspaper assuming that they refer to stock abbreviations or bank lingo (90% of the time, you are right in thinking that) and are out of the loop on this scandal, feel free to read the following field guide for a better understanding.
What exactly is PRISM?
PRISM stands for Probably Really Insensitive Southern 'Muricans. Wait, that doesn't sound right… Oh, I remember. Some sources claim the acronym stands for "Planning Tool for Resource Integration, Synchronization, and Management," while others say it's simply a code name for the project originally known as US-984XN. (PRISM does have a nicer ring to it.) Started by George W. Bush in 2007 and expanded under Obama (yes, that means both parties are at fault so everybody, drop the pitchforks), PRISM aims to "monitor potentially valuable foreign communications that might pass through US Servers." Meaning, if Kim Jong-il texted his US spy from his palace in North Korea about meeting up for lunch to discuss the newest Arrested Development season and the production of nuclear weapons, the Apple servers would catch it and send it to the higher figure.
How do they achieve this goal?
Under PRISM, when a user participates in suspicious activity, the National Security Agency (NSA) can request that one of the "internet giants" provide them with data about the incident. Most of the information exchanged is metadata, which is different from the data you're thinking of, but we'll get to that later.
What companies are involved exactly? And what's in it for them?
Microsoft, Yahoo!, Google, Facebook, AOL, Skype, YouTube, Apple, and PalTalk. (Don't ask me how that last one got in there. I haven't heard of it either.) The companies supposedly promised to hand over information about emails, chat conversations, videos photos, file transfer data, notifications about suspicious activity, social networking details, Google searches, etc. to NSA officials or else face expensive lawsuits and a public shaming, Hester Prynne style. They also get paid, which was likely an incentive.
Why people care about it…
The NSA officials who demand information about suspicious activity determine who is "suspicious" by using their best judgment. They must have "51 percent confidence" that a subject is foreign in order to authorize its surveillance. Now I'm not very good at math but 51 percent is not a very definitive statistic. In fact, it's such an unreliable number that sometimes regular citizens who loosely match the "suspicious" label accidentally get lost in the mix. Secondly, many of America's allies, most notably Europe, are starting to question the stability of America's electronic security and our ability to handle our massive dot-com society. Thirdly, the obvious lack of privacy can be kind of scary.
Why they probably shouldn't care about it…
Let's clarify some things. First, PRISM mainly focuses on the study of metadata, not data content. This means that the NSA is more likely to look at how long you Skyped your friend, at what time you Skyped them, and where you Skyped them from rather than what you said during the actual call. NSA agents want to analyze the information about the information, not the information itself.
Second, PRISM targets the online activity of foreign users, not American ones. In fact, for a user to be considered suspicious, not only must they be a non-US citizen but they must also be out of the country. So unless you're an illegal alien living in the US but taking a vacation in Europe, you have nothing to worry about.
Lastly, PRISM does not operate under a warrantless system as it did during the days of Bush. Each data request requires a judicial review and an approval from Congress before it can be sent to the Internet companies.
Oh, and another thing. Leave Verizon out of it.
A few weeks prior to this incident, an official revealed that Verizon has also been monitoring phone data from many of their customers. While the Verizon story and this one have their similarities (both involve passing information to the NSA), they are not the same thing.
There are plenty of reasons to be nervous about PRISM but in the end, it all comes down to one fundamental question…what are you going to do about it? Stop using your phone? Abandon your Yahoo! email? (Gasp) Erase your Facebook? Every second that you're on the Internet, your data is being exchanged from one service to another without your knowledge. When you like a photo or share a Facebook status, send an email or write a blog post, you are giving up information about your identity without a second thought. In other words, by participating in the big bad Internet world, you have already signed away your privacy rights. PRISM is no more at fault than you are.
That's the way I see it at least but what do you think? Are people making a mountain out of a mole hill? Or is this really a breach of privacy, a threat to the future of national security? Is Big Brother really watching? Or are we just a little paranoid?
Image via
By Tyler Vendetti
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Home Gist
"I slept with my sister's husband, but nobody knows" – Lady confesses (video)
in Gist
In a viral video now, a young lady has openly confessed to having an illicit affair with her sister's husband.
The young lady made this quite shocking confession during a vox pop, where the interviewer asked her to share a secret she's never told anybody before.
Responding, the lady said she slept with her sister's husband and nobody knew about her affair with him other than the two of them.
She went on to say that if her sister found out, she would be in big trouble and would have to flee the house.
The interviewer then asked her what would happen if her sister got to see the video, and she confidently replied that she wouldn't.
See Video Below;
A post shared by Nkemjika Emeka (@justefizzy_)
In other news, A Nigerian slay queen has revealed that she and her likes have a way of infiltrating places where only decent girls are expected to be found.
She shared a video which captured her before vs after moment, with the first showing her in a typical slay queen skimpy outfit while in the latter, she wore jalabia and hijab.
The young lady noted that any man who goes to Mosque to look for a wife, will still see girls like her there, the only exception is that they will be looking different.
According to the pretty slay queen, the only difference that will be noticed is that when they go to places of worship, they will change clothes as seen in the clip she posted.
Nigerian couple welcomes twins after 13 years of waiting (Photos)
"Why I visited the Ooni's palace" — Nkechi Blessing breaks silence amid controversy (video)


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Q: Sending EditData JQgrid I have a project which uses jqgrid version 3.6.5. I have to add a field dynamically on popup form and send it along with posted data. I have searched it on the net but most of the results seem to be about version 4.*. we are at the stage that we cannot upgrade the jqgrid version. How can I send additional values in jqgrid 3.6.5?
Thanks

A: The version 3.6.5 is really old (almost tree year old), but if already support the most important features which you could need.
To send additional information to the server on submitting of Add or Edit form you can

*

*use editData option

*use onclickSubmit to return object with additional information which will be appended to the standard data send to the server

*use serializeEditData option of jqGrid to implement custom serialization of data or to add additional information too.

So you can follow for example my advises from the answer.
The old answer and another one show how to add any custom information in the edit form.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Department of Allied Health Sciences
Home / News / Doctor of Physical Therapy Students Engage in Telehealth Training Module
Doctor of Physical Therapy Students Engage in Telehealth Training Module
By Elizabeth Poindexter
While the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted clinical rotations for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the Division of Physical Therapy, it gave them an opportunity to learn about telehealth patient care via phone or video chat thanks to a training module launched by instructors. The telehealth module, designed for second-year students, included a mock patient encounter.
Bondurant Hall
Krista Rosenquest '17, a DPT student, said the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has shared many resources in recent weeks with physical therapists who aim to provide telehealth care to patients. Recently, Medicare began to cover some telehealth patient visits.
During the four-part assignment, Rosenquest said faculty worked to adapt to an online learning environment for students, particularly for second-years who were in the midst of clinical rotations.
"You can just tell that they're doing everything they can to make it happen," Rosenquest said.
During her mock patient encounter, Rosenquest said she had to prepare beforehand as to how she could best modify the patient experience online, including how to connect with her patient.
"Making conversation with your patients comes naturally for me," Rosenquest said, "But online, it doesn't flow as easily."
Rosenquest said the online format made her rely more on verbal cues, rather than relying as much on a patient's body language. She said that meeting an individual patient's learning style—or how they best understand therapeutic exercises—is something she can bring to the patient experience whether online or in person.
"I'm glad we're covering telehealth, because it's becoming more popular," Rosenquest said. "With this pandemic, it might change health care in the future."
She said the experience prepared her for the possibility of using telehealth care as a future physical therapist.
"It also made me really value the in-person experience and what that can do," Rosenquest said.
The Division of Physical Therapy is housed in the Department of Allied Health Sciences. In spring 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked the DPT program as #9 in the country.
More from Physical Therapy
Alumna Spotlight: Mae Thomas ('15 DPT), Pediatric Physical Therapist at UNC Center for Rehabilitation Care
ShanghaiRanking's Ranks Human Movement Science Curriculum as Top Program Nationwide, Globally
UNC Physical Therapist Continues to Serve as Consultant for NC Department of Public Instruction During COVID-19 Pandemic
Division of Physical Therapy
Bondurant Hall, CB #7135
Email: dptadmissions@unc.edu
@UNC_AHS
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© 2021 Physical Therapy


The Yumigo trail run at Newland Head Conservation Park in Victor Harbour, South Australia on Sunday, 18 March 2018 is part of the annual Summer Trail Series.
The series has been created to encourage both beginner and experienced trail runners to challenge themselves over accessible and runner-friendly looped courses. Runners are awarded points which accumulate the more races the runners compete in. These points go towards a male and female series champion.
This event is at Newland Head.
This listing was last manually checked on 26 June 2018.


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Politics & SocietyDispatches
A map of new abortion laws set to challenge Roe v. Wade
Kevin Clarke June 28, 2019
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signs into law a bill to ban abortion in nearly all cases at the state Capitol in Montgomery on May 15. (CNS photo/Office of the Governor State of Alabama handout via Reuters)
Gov. John Bel Edwards of Louisiana, a Democrat, signed into law on May 30 a measure that makes nearly all abortions in his state illegal once fetal cardiac activity is detected, adding Louisiana to the list of mainly Southern states that signaled a desire to overturn decades of abortion policy in the United States. Louisiana joins five other states—Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky—that passed "fetal heartbeat laws" in 2019, which, if upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, would essentially outlaw abortion after six to eight weeks.
Limits on abortion after 18 to 22 weeks of gestation were passed in other states this year, and on May 15 Alabama passed what is perhaps the nation's most controversial new abortion law, a nearly total ban on abortion at any stage of pregnancy except in the case of a fatal fetal abnormality or lethal risk to a woman during pregnancy. The new law includes no exceptions for rape and incest. The Alabama ban is set to take effect in November but, like the other new limits, would only be enforceable after a Supreme Court decision overturns the Roe v. Wade decision (1973).
Nationally, abortion rates have been reaching historic lows and significant percentages of Americans continue to express support for restrictions on abortion as pregnancies approach fetal viability. While the sudden rush of limiting legislation has cheered many prolife advocates, some worry that the rush to ban or restrict abortion could backfire. Others wondered how prepared U.S. communities are to step in to assist women with unplanned or medically problematic pregnancies should Roe be abruptly overturned.
Learn more about the nation's changing laws on abortion and what that suggests about a showdown over Roe v. Wade in Kevin Clarke's updated comprehensive report.
Tim O'Leary
Notice that for all their talk about the poor, the only Democratic controlled legislature to protect the poorest of the poor is Louisiana. I wish the bishops would see that Democrats have never done anything to help the poor escape the welfare trap. Their only policy to reduce the poor is by abortion (half of all abortions).
More: Abortion / Pro-Life
Kevin Clarke
Kevin Clarke is America's chief correspondent and the author of Oscar Romero: Love Must Win Out (Liturgical Press).
@clarkeatamericaclarke@americamagazine.org


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Filter by: Celebrity Addiction
Demi Lovato's Battle With Addiction And Mental Illness – How Her Candid Story Can Help Teens
Addiction Recovery, Celebrity Addiction, Eating Disorders, Teens and Drug Abuse
Actress and singer Demi Lovato has made a name for herself starring in television shows like The X-Factor and Sonny With A Chance. However, recently the 21-year-old star has been promoting her new memoir, Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year. The book details the young celebrity's battles with several mental health conditions, including a drug addiction, eating disorder and alcohol abuse.
Lovato's Personal Struggles
In her memoir and through a series of interviews, Lovato revealed her disorders as well as her triumphs. They include the following:
Drug addiction – The star has recounted how, during the peak of her addiction, she snorted cocaine practically every 30-60 minutes.
Alcohol abuse – Lovato reports that by age 19 her alcohol abuse was serious enough that she was drinking a soda bottle filled with vodka in the morning.
Cutting – She's spoken openly about her struggle with self-mutilation, which began at the tender age of 11. Lovato says she made cuts on her wrists to cope with negative emotions.
Eating disorder – The young celebrity recalls how she first battled an eating disorder around age 12 or 13, although she began to worry about her body image earlier. This was triggered by becoming the target of bullies who cruelly labeled her as "fat." Over the years, her self-destructive behaviors included compulsive overeating as well as anorexia and bulimia.
Bipolar disorder – Lovato recounts how, initially, manic periods made her a productive songwriter. However, the cycles of mania and depression also made it painfully difficult for her to control her emotions.
By age 19, these conditions had taken a serious toll on Lovato's well-being. She reports having a nervous breakdown during a concert tour. At one point, she reportedly physically struck one of her back-up dancers. That's when her family and management team did the intervention that compelled her to quit the tour and enter into treatment. Lovato initially received three months of inpatient treatment, and then continued her treatment in an outpatient program. It was only after treatment started that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder [1-5].
Co-Occurring Disorder – Not Unique
Mental health disorders often co-occur, creating havoc in the lives of young individuals and their families. While the scope of Lovato's conditions may seem sensational – alcohol, drugs, cutting, depression, and mania – the reality is that some teen girls and young women deal with these challenging disorders on a daily basis.
Anorexia nervosa affects up to 3.5% of women during their lifetime, while bulimia afflicts approximately 4% of females. Over 85% of those with eating disorders report first experiencing symptoms before the age 20 [6]. Teens and young women may restrict eating habits or binge and purge for a variety of reasons, from the desire to have the "perfect" body to the need to conform to athletic standards. The impact of an eating disorder on physical and emotional health is profound. These conditions have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder. For example, 20% of individuals with anorexia will die early from complications such as suicide or heart problems [6].
Other psychiatric conditions, like those Lovato struggled with, also have a negative effect on adolescent girls and young women, too. Research reviews suggest that patients with bipolar disorder have higher rates of bulimia. The opposite is true as well, with bulimic patients showing elevated rates of bipolar disorder [7]. Likewise, researchers have connected eating disorders with self-injury behaviors, such as cutting. In one study, 40% of adolescents with an eating disorder engaged in some type of self-injury. Those who practiced binging and purging, in particular, were more likely to self-harm than those who restricted food intake [8].
It's also common for young people with mental health conditions to wrestle with substance abuse, just as Lovato did. A teenager or young adult overwhelmed by negative emotions may turn to substances to self-medicate their symptoms. For instance, bipolar disorder so frequently co-occurs with drug or alcohol abuse that some experts suggest that all young people with the condition should be assessed for substance abuse [9].
Lovato's Encouraging Turn-Around
Lovato says she's been open about her struggles because she wants other young girls to know their lives don't need to be destroyed by addiction and mental health issues. In addition to talking with media outlets and writing a book, Lovato has also become a contributing editor to Seventeen magazine, with a focus on addressing eating disorders and the pressure teen girls often feel to be perfect [10]. Earlier this year, she also joined the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to promote National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.
The popular young star's efforts may serve to increase awareness of these issues among teen girls and young women. For example, they may help remove some of the stigma linked to conditions like depression or bipolar disorder, making it a little easier for someone to admit she needs help. Lovato's openness may also teach some to recognize potential mental health disorders, including substance abuse, in their friends.
Additionally, her story may spark conversation about how the drive for physical perfection affects young women. Mass media and social networks have the power to convey unrealistic expectations about appearance. For example, the recent "thigh gap" trend has raised concerns because it may be causing some teens and young women to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors. They strive to become thin enough to create a noticeable space between their upper thighs. Lovato's struggles with her own body image and the serious impact it's had on her well-being may help some young people re-examine how they feel about their own bodies.
Reaching Out For Mental Health And Addiction Help And Healing
If you are a young woman dealing with mental health challenges, such as depression or self-harm, or a substance abuse problem – of if you know someone who is – contact a treatment center. The staff will help you determine appropriate treatment options. In addition, you'll learn more about the intervention process and how it works to guide a person into treatment. Reach out for help today.
Read More About News In Celebrity Addiction
[1] http://www.accesshollywood.com/demi-lovato-reveals-i-would-smuggle-cocaine-on-planes-exclusive_article_87694?l=OrMCe04Lcp0lOAfwFxnxvTU9tcbLHGqa8dh4YNgqILhpcs3rrYzNyvjFFpL2UWFdmIyLovYOHoUw9OHNN-yfr-hT3QzJwxXaiY0E6jGOmKBd9kI-phnp10szTd5p31H3oLl4-d20JIUZB21TTGT0B8HYTWG85jaN3LpDOgDuYyeE_Ucklv4NTCPit-xOC3I
[2] http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/12/10/demi-lovato-couldnt-go-without-cocaine-for-30-minutes-to-hour/
[3] http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/demi-lovato-interview-teen-star-opens-bulimia-cutting/story?id=13405090
[4] http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20483380,00.html
[5] http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/01/28/demi.lovato.treatment/index.html
[6] http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/
[7] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15935230
[8] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X10003095
[9] http://psychcentral.com/lib/substance-abuse-and-bipolar-disorder/0001033
[10] http://www.seventeen.com/health/tips/demi-lovato-hub
Eminem's Manager Recalls 'Horrible' Period Of Star's Addiction
Addiction, Addiction Recovery, Celebrity Addiction, Prescription Drug Addiction
The rapper Eminem, like many Americans, struggled with addiction to prescription medicines, including Vicodin, Valium and Xanax. The original news came as a shock, surfacing in an interview for a documentary film about the drug trade, and now his manager Paul Rosenberg has discussed the difficult period during his addiction in an interview for Billboard. His manager says that he had to get to know the star all over again after his recovery in 2008, but has nothing but positive things to say about his transformation and the direction his career has been traveling in ever since.
Eminem's Addiction
The star's addiction to prescription pain pills is a story echoing across the U.S., and—as is true in a terrifyingly large number of cases—it nearly led him to an early grave. In the original interview, he commented that, "They didn't think I was going to make it. My bottom was going to be death." It served as a wake-up call to the star, as he'd previously operated under the assumption that he didn't have a problem because he was taking physician-ordered medications. Like many Americans, he realized that he was wrong and he had to get clean. Although he did relapse, he eventually overcame the habit and set about rebuilding his life.
Interview With Eminem's Manager Gets Personal
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Rosenberg is Eminem's long-term manager, and the Billboard interview largely focused on the efforts related to the star's new album, "The Marshall Mathers LP 2." The interviewer broke from the business-related discussions and commented on the personal problems in the rapper's life. There was no effort to dampen the emotional nature of the period.
"It was horrible," Rosenberg said. "It was difficult in a lot of ways. It was sad because of his condition and we were worried about his health first and foremost, but beyond that. Trying to keep everything running when you don't have a partner who is so important to the brand that you've built together and he's just not present and unable to contribute, it's just … very difficult. But we were definitely most worried about his health and well-being."
Rosenberg was positive about their personal and professional relationship following Eminem's recovery, although he acknowledged that he had to deal with a drastic change in his personality. Rosenberg commented, "He's five years' sober, so things are a lot different. But it's not as different now as it was when he first went into recovery. There was a time during that period where I felt like I was sort of meeting him again for the first time."
Eminem's Notable Improvement
"It's been really great," Rosenberg said. "It was hard to connect with him when he wasn't present. And now [that] he's present, he's a much better partner. I think his art's a lot better and we have a lot more fun doing it. Our relationship both professionally and as friends is stronger than ever."
In the answers to two questions, Rosenberg paints a picture of somebody taken away by addiction who returned only after he'd battled his personal demons. After his successful recovery, Eminem showed a notable turnaround in both his talent and the relationship with his manager. Addiction had taken part of him away, and now that he is free of drugs, he appears to be firing on all cylinders again. If Eminem hadn't made a concerted effort to make a change, Rosenberg may have found himself delivering a heartfelt eulogy instead of rekindling a fading friendship.
Continuing Success On The Horizon For Eminem?
With the rapper sober and writing music again, his future looks bright. His latest album shot to No. 1 in the U.K., making him the first American artist to have seven back-to-back No. 1 albums in the U.K. charts. It seems that Rosenberg wasn't spouting meaningless hype; Eminem appears to be as popular as ever.
Hope And Recovery Possible From Addiction
The depths of Eminem's addiction are a stark warning to those abusing prescription medicines, but the end of the story offers hope. There may be times when there appears to be no way out, but if you push yourself and dedicate yourself to getting better, it is entirely possible.
Unencumbered by a reliance on chemicals, Eminem's personal life and his career are back on the right track, and this is the most important lesson his story teaches. Things really can get better, but the ride isn't easy.
Read More About Celebrity Substance Abuse And The Impact On Teens
Jimmy Choo Co-Founder, Tamara Mellon's Personal Story On Addiction, Sobriety And Success
Addiction Recovery, Celebrity Addiction, Risky Behavior, Women
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that substance addiction is an endless cycle that determines a person's future. However, the reality paints a much brighter picture. For many, the act of conquering addiction is only the first step toward a happy and successful life. A recent example of this is the success story of Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon, which illustrates the limitless possibilities of an addict's life after overcoming addiction.
Tamara Mellon's Rise From Rock Bottom
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In her recently published memoir, "In My Shoes," shoe fashion diva Mellon speaks openly and candidly about her troubled childhood, reckless partying and subsequent substance abuse that ruled much of her early life and career. Mellon was your classic binge drinker who suffered from a cocaine addiction. "One glass of red wine would turn into … calling my coke dealer at 6:00 in the morning" Mellon reports in an NBC Today interview. And as a member of London's social-elite, Tamara had too-easy access to the club scene that fostered her habits.
Everything shifted in the span of only a couple of days, however, when Mellon was suddenly fired from her job at Vogue magazine and soon after urged by a friend to seek treatment (that moment was the first time, Mellon admits, that she realized that she had a substance abuse problem). The editor's decision to fire her, Mellon explains, helped set "forces in motion that, in time, would lead to success far beyond anything I could ever have imagined." Mellon's recovery is a rocky one, as outlined in her memoir, but she manages to conquer it, a move that led her to develop the influential and extremely successful Jimmy Choo designer shoe label that led her to the top of the fashion industry.
History On Jimmy Choo
Founded in 1996, the J. Choo Limited label has become synonymous with the height of London's fashion scene. It began as a partnership between Mellon, who focused on developing the brand since leaving rehab, and Jimmy Choo, a shoe designer and cobbler who made his living making shoes for celebrities and royalty, including Princess Diana. With the financial help of her father, Tom Yeardye, Mellon forged a partnership with Choo and launched the shoe line. It's worth noting that while the line is named after Jimmy Choo, the shoes themselves were made—not designed—by him, but rather designed by Mellon herself and Choo's niece, Sandra Choi.
Currently, the Jimmy Choo line is considered to be a shoe empire worth just under $1 billion U.S. dollars, with over 100 boutique shops in 32 different countries. The J. Choo Limited designer shoes have made appearances in Hollywood on the red carpet and on screen, including the hit show "Sex and the City."
Jimmy Choo himself, whom the company is named after, was bought out in spring of 2001 by Equinox Luxury Holdings Ltd. And while Mellon stayed with the company for another decade, she too left in 2011 to start another shoe label, this time under her own name "Tamara Mellon." Today, J. Choo Limited is operated by chief creative officer Sandra Choi, Jimmy Choo's niece and former apprentice.
Mellon's Family Struggle With Alcoholism
As is the case with many people, Mellon's substance abuse and addiction began at home. Born and reared in London's upper-class society, Mellon still describes much of her upbringing as "anything but glamorous." In her memoir, Mellon reports that her mother was a "raging alcoholic," prone to fits of rage and, like most alcoholics, displayed unpredictable behavior.
The pattern of drug abuse and addiction often runs in families, regardless of their social status, and Mellon is a good example of this. Parents play a central role in their children's lives, and by extension, their substance addictions do too. In fact, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) reports that children of alcoholics are more than four times as likely to become alcoholics themselves as children of sober parents. Numerous factors play into this, including a greater chance of experiencing neglect or physical abuse (abuse that Mellon experienced firsthand as a young child), and a greater chance of developing emotional problems, including depression, aggression and isolation. In addition, the shame and denial of alcoholism often prevents parents from confronting their children when they begin to abuse drugs themselves.
Like with many of Mellon's personal and business actions, the publishing of "In My Shoes," as well as the launch of the Tamara Mellon line, is surrounded by controversy. Some accuse her of sensationalism, while others cast doubt on her ability to build another shoe empire. Mellon however, remains unfazed; after all, she has already faced and conquered the demon of substance addiction—a huge accomplishment on its own. There is no doubt, however, that Mellon's life is a real success story, and her success and zest for life is due, she says, to overcoming everything that life has thrown at her.
Says Mellon: "I fought my way through the rites of passage."
Coroner Rules Cory Monteith's Death Due To Heroin And Alcohol Use
Addictive Behaviors, Addicts, Celebrity Addiction, Prevention, Teens and Drug Abuse
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, heroin addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease. With intermittent abstinence, the body loses its resistance to the user's drug of choice, which makes overdosing more of a probability. Some believe this might have been the case with Glee actor Cory Monteith.
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Canadian-born Monteith, 31, was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room in July alongside a hypodermic needle and spoon covered in drug residue and two empty bottles of champagne. He played the hunkish Finn Hudson on the show, a character with a heart of gold.
The coroner's report found that Monteith succumbed to a mixture of alcohol and intravenous heroin use, with the death ruled accidental. He was alone at the time.
Young Celebrities Who Have Died From Drug Abuse
In recent years, a handful of actors have failed to live out their 30s because of addiction: River Phoenix collapsed outside a popular Hollywood nightclub in the early 1990s after overdosing on a combination of heroin and cocaine; Heath Ledger died a couple of years ago after succumbing to prescription drugs; Corey Haim, a 1980s child star who battled addiction since he was 15, died in 2010 after taking several forms of depressants and an anti-psychotic drug.
Monteith's Early Drug Use
In Monteith's case, he came out to the media with his drug problems, saying he began smoking marijuana at 13 and was abusing hard drugs by 16. He admitted to one publication that he felt lucky to be alive after some of the drug-fueled episodes he had gone through.
Every year more than 200,000 heroin addicts are imprisoned. So what can be done to help?
Naltrexone For Reversing Effects Of Heroin Overdose
Naltrexone is a drug that reverses the effects of a heroin overdose, but it's been shown to be ineffective as an addiction treatment drug. Other drugs used as treatments are more addictive than the heroin addiction they're supposed to be treating. At present there is no pharmaceutical cure-all for addiction.
Silver Lining – Cory Monteith's Fan's Learning Of Drug Abuse's Dangers
Experts agree that if heroin addiction is perceived and treated as the chronic brain disease that it is, the stigma surrounding the issue will be lessened and more treatment avenues will be established. While Monteith's case is tragic, it's possible that his young fans may have learned about the dangers of drug abuse instead of following down his path.
Wealthy And Addicted: She Could Go Anywhere, Have Anything—Why Does It Happen?
Addictive Behaviors, Celebrity Addiction, Cocaine, Side Effects of Substance Abuse
Charlotte has been summoned by her father. She must leave Paris at once and head back to New York or he'll probably do something drastic—like take away her monthly allowance. It will be two more years before she's eligible to access her trust accounts, and so she is dependent on that money for everything she needs—vacations, parties, dresses. There's something she's been spending more and more of her money on lately, however; and of course her father couldn't know anything about it. He never pays attention to her life except when he needs her to make an appearance and pretend to be the "respectable daughter" of his family's massive fortune.
She scrambles around first in her Lanvin tote and then in the Louis Vuitton at her feet—there it is. She comes up with a small baggie of white powder and dumps a mound of it onto a compact mirror. Her father's jet hasn't left the tarmac, but Charlotte is already flying.
The entire winter has been as buzzy and unfocused as she is now. Night after night after night—turning into stretches of days—the young socialite smokes heady French cigarettes, drinks bottles and bottles of champagne and snorts the white powder with growing regularity. Interspersed are the nights spent on "molly"—or MDMA—and once or twice trying a drug she didn't know until afterward was angel dust, or PCP.
It's snowing all the time, whether it's snowing or not. The heiress has a dull headache in the front of her skull that won't go away and her normally waspy body is down several pounds. The Stella McCartney pantsuit she's wearing fit her so much better only two weeks ago when she bought it in London. She's waifish in the way her class and gender are expected to be, but far more so; she is deadly thin. Still, as Charlotte puffs on the cigarette, her teeth gleam in a grin as she exhales; she feels gorgeous, brilliant as a diamond.
But her father's assistant sits stricken. Charlotte's nose is dripping blood onto that winter white suit. This is the first time the woman has seen her employer's daughter look so ungodly ill—there are dark circles under her eyes; her face is gaunt and dull despite the bright coral Dior lipstick. When did the girl take up smoking? As she reaches for a bottle of tonic water to daub the stain, she notices the baggie. The two women meet eyes; both know this will be a very long flight.
Crack Cocaine – An Equal Opportunity Destroyer
When you think about crack cocaine addiction, young women and men lost to the illusions painted by the dangerous highs of angel dust, stuttering speech and the smear of mascara, you probably think of the inner city. Young people with hopeless futures and no way out; little money and nowhere to go with whatever potential they might possess. But this tableau is just as common among the prep school lot of the Upper East Side. Wealth and power know the pain of addiction as well as any other class. Picture the celebrity heiress, falling from grace on the cover of Page Six. She could go anywhere, have anything—why does it happen?
Sigrid Rausing, Swedish philanthropist, anthropologist and publisher put it aptly: "The pros of inheriting great wealth, I believe, are largely illusory and can become pathological. An illusory sense of being special and different, the assumption that one is interesting to other people only, or mainly, because of the money, and subsequent feelings of isolation."
Isolation. For those outside the 1 percent, it can be hard to imagine how the proverbial keys to the kingdom might lead one to a sense of alienation, but imagine: you have everything in the world, everything many others would take from you in a heartbeat; you can never be entirely certain whether those who remain close to you do so for the privilege your prestige brings or whether you truly matter to them; and a great portion of the world is hoping you will fail. You have no need to work, no need of avocation except as hobby. A 20,000 square foot beach house in the Hamptons, a penthouse apartment in Manhattan, and half the island of Barbados may be yours, but what of meaning? Purpose? Those things must be created by each of us; they are never inherited.
According to William F. Messinger, "More than just a distraction, addiction fosters complex dysfunction that affects families on multiple levels: from the rampant financial drain to support the addict's habit to the exhausting tension and family conflicts to the public relations nightmares of outbursts and arrests. It's a problem that can threaten the very underpinnings of the family's wealth and security." While no one elects at the outset to become riddled with the problem of chronic addiction in order to advance the demise of his or her life or that of the family name, families would do well to consider the problem of addiction as serious as diabetes or cancer, and as likely to advance if not taken seriously.
Recovery Is No Easier, No Matter Who You Are
And therein lies the rub. While the very wealthy may be able to afford the finest recovery centers, the best doctors and the most up-to-date, ongoing care for their addicted loved ones, the problem of addiction reaches into the very depths of who we are as people, and is a battle which must be fought daily. No outside help can do the fighting for you. A middle-class individual may feel more able to walk into an AA or NA meeting and trust the anonymity inherent in the group's mission. She can largely trust that others will be in the meeting with lives and problems much the same as hers, but when you come from the very highest echelon along the social class structure, you may fear showing up at all for fear of making too vulnerable your family's name or security. This is not stated as a reason to feel sorry for the wealthy; it is simply a fact. No matter who we are, or what we have, if we deal with the problem of addiction, we must suffer its consequences.
Money and status can buy many things. Unfortunately, they cannot secure a life free from the stranglehold of addiction, or entirely clear the devastation wrought after addiction has taken its hold. They can, however, if a person is willing to invest the time and interest, provide a life where making oneself well is at least financially possible, and where creating purpose and meaning can be carved out should one choose. It is the purpose and meaning part, after all, which will carry us through into recovery, no matter who we are.
Click Here to Read More About Addiction's Lure to the Young
Addicted to Chaos: The Lindsay Lohan-Oprah Winfrey Interview
Alcohol Abuse, Celebrity Addiction, Cocaine, Drug Addiction Treatment, Dual Diagnosis, Stimulants, Women
Four days after Lindsay Lohan was released for her latest effort at rehab, and just as her latest film, "The Canyons," is airing on limited release, the 27-year-old starlet was invited to sit down with Oprah as part of OWN's Oprah's Next Chapter series. The Aug. 18, 2013, interview commences before an eight-part docu-series, airing in 2014, in which OWN will follow the actress' life.
"The Canyons" is a provocative, independent Paul Schrader film—an edgy erotic thriller. While the film is receiving mixed criticism, its star actress is receiving excellent reviews for her role. IndieWire called "The Canyons" one of the "50 Indie Films We Want to See in 2013." Lohan may be, as Oprah describes her in the interview, "both an adjective and a verb for child-star-gone-wrong" but it cannot be said that the famous young actress lacks talent.
Candid Lohan
What Oprah was hoping for, along with millions of viewers, was a new Lohan—an open and candid one. Dressed in a bright tangerine dress, slick ponytail, and with nude lips and smoky but subtle daytime eyes, Lindsay did not disappoint.
"I'm an addict," the young actress said with no hesitation.
She explained that her addiction is to alcohol, which had served as a gateway to other things, like cocaine. Lohan told Oprah that she'd used cocaine 10 to 15 times, always snorting it. In the past, she'd claimed to have used cocaine only a few times, but said she was scared then of admitting the truth and being judged. Lohan told Oprah that cocaine was not something she enjoyed—she always felt bad the next day—and that she'd used it because it allowed her to drink more, as well as the fact that, "It was a party thing. People would have it, and I'd do it."
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On the prescription side, Lindsay admitted to having felt reliant on Adderall, and that giving it up might be her biggest challenge. She told the talk show host that she hadn't used Adderall like many young women and celebrities do to keep weight down or as a stimulant, saying she could eat normally and sleep while using the prescription stimulant. She stated that she had been prescribed Adderall for ADHD and that it had helped her feel "grounded," but that she is noticing how much calmer she feels without the drug. Lohan explained that she is now learning to feel grounded on her own for the first time, without the assistance of substances.
Fame and Partying at a Young Age
Oprah asked the actress about all the chaos in her life, starting with becoming a star at the age of 12 with the release of "The Parent Trap," the remake of a 1961 Disney film about twins separated by their parents who find one another and conspire to bring their family back together. When "The Parent Trap" was released, Lohan became instantly famous, and only a handful of movies later, at just 19, she was making $7 million per picture. Paparazzi were following the starlet's every move and tabloids were busy reporting her partying habits, alleging that her parents were exploiting the young star and even partying with her (even when she was still a minor), revealing her father's financial misdeeds and habit of landing in jail, as well as her parents' presumed struggles with addictions.
Crazy Family Events
Lohan told Oprah that no one had been there to guide her and that no one had truly stepped in to help her understand or manage so much money. But she doesn't blame her parents, not even for the episode in which her father released a screaming telephone tirade between himself, Lindsay and her mother in which Lindsay accused her mother of using cocaine. About the event, Lindsay said she'd come home late from being up too long partying and was behaving in a way she later felt deeply ashamed of. The actress told Oprah that she had lied to her father about her mother using cocaine and had done it simply to hurt her mother.
Chaotic Way
Referring to these former chaotic events and Lohan's own descriptions of her troubled past, Oprah asked if Lohan didn't believe she may have been addicted to chaos. She agreed that she was. "I think so. Yeah, it was a comfortable choice to me. What was chaotic to other people on the outside looking in was normal. There is something to be said about me learning to be comfortable with things just being OK."
Regarding the jail time the young actress was sentenced to for a DUI charge, Lohan admitted that subconsciously, she believes she wanted to go. What she'd needed then was peace from the chaos and ironically, a part of her believed being sent to jail might give her that. She said, "Having all the chaos around me that I was so comfortable with, I somewhere inside knew I wanted to go to jail. And I think that that was subconsciously being put out there just by my actions, or lack thereof."
Lohan's latest stint in rehab occurred by court order, but she says this time was different, that she is different. Although the judge required that she go, she didn't fight it like she had in the past. She explained to Oprah that those who worked at Betty Ford and Cliffside Malibu (she spent time in both) must know something she didn't. She referenced Albert Einstein's definition of insanity: "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Regarding the judge and the healthcare providers at Betty Ford and Cliffside Malibu, Lindsay said, "I probably need to shut up and listen. You probably do know what's best because what I've been doing hasn't worked for me in the past."
During the interview, Lohan referenced her growing spirituality as a source of strength in her life and in her sobriety. She explained, as many recovering people do, that she has no control over the future; she can focus only on today. Regarding what she can try to do to stay well, she said remaining present, clear-headed and focused is most important. While Lohan represents that vanishingly rare breed of young, talented celebrity, privileged with fame and wealth at an early age, she is also perhaps an archetype, the shadow side of celebrity—what happens when beautiful young women are thrust into the spotlight without a hand to guide them or friends and mentors to truly trust. She has been in turn exploited and addicted, though it is too simplistic to say she is either a victim or a villain.
Comparison to Classics
While many consider her a Hollywood punch line, Lohan has the smoky voice and cool, sensual beauty of certain classic ladies of Tinseltown's epic past. It would be easy for her world to burn up in a flashbulb second like the brilliant, beautiful lives of women who've come before her: Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Lani O'Grady or any of the other talented women who died too soon. Although it is never easy to remain forever on the road to health and success, and rarely continuously achieved for recovering addicts, least of all for the newly recovering or for people whose lives are so closely watched and judged, we can hope for the best for this young star. She may have her best work still ahead of her.
About her "next chapter," Lohan told Oprah, "[I'm ready] to get the thing that has made me happiest my whole life back, which is to work really hard, stay focused and prove myself. I have to regain trust in people, in my career, that had doubts, and I fully respect that on their behalf. As long as I stay honest in myself and do the work I'm willing to do and have been willing to do and am doing, then nothing can stand in my way. I am my own worst enemy, and I know that."
Celebrity Substance Abuse May Have Impact on Teens
Addictive Behaviors, Celebrity Addiction, Teens and Drug Abuse
Drug addiction can affect a wide array of people, but it's mostly the celebrities who are struggling with substance abuse that we hear about, such as Amy Winehouse and Corey Haim. What are the reasons for all this drug abuse in Hollywood?
First you begin with the basic understanding that addiction is a serious issue, one that doesn't discriminate and can affect anyone. Toss in celebrity-status, wealth, along with high expectations, and you see how drug abuse can take hold: the euphoric high provides temporary relief; a connection is made in one's mind; and that connection becomes a crutch whenever moments of extreme stress or depression come up.
Inner Drive to Get Well
Celebrities and drug addiction go hand in hand so often that the stigma appears to be fading, and since there seemingly aren't penalties for using drugs in their professional lives there's less motivation to get treatment. For all addicts, an intense passion and drive to get well is needed to build back the sober life they were once living.
This is all a backdrop for a teenager today struggling with substance abuse. Celebrities are constantly in the spotlight, their images and details of their lives flashed everywhere, saturating a teen's mind, with the lifestyles of these celebrities having a huge impact. If a teen going down the path of addiction idolizes someone who is out partying with nothing to lose, they might not think about the consequences that can come from a life of drug addiction.
Teen's Similarities to Celebrities
It's not often that the other side of the story is reported to teens. Celebrities are people too and might have some of the very same insecurities, desires and needs as their teenage fans. Everyone has a lot to lose if they go down the road of substance abuse, and it's a hard path to come back from.
Along the lines of Dr. Drew Pinsky's writings, celebrities appear to be genetically wired to be vulnerable to addiction because of their drive to be successful entertainers. Perhaps this is why they seek the high that comes with being in the spotlight, and then seek the artificial high that comes from drugs. It's important to be aware of what your teen is experiencing and perhaps discover the root of their desire to get involved in these various, dangerous activities.
Pre and Young Teens Succumb to Message That Smoking Marijuana Is No Big Deal
Addictive Behaviors, Celebrity Addiction, Marijuana Addiction, Mental Health Disorders, Side Effects of Substance Abuse, Teens and Drug Abuse
Britain's Daily Mail recently ran an article from the mother of a 12-year-old who told how her daughter's friends are experimenting with marijuana and being expelled from school. Once confined to older teens and young adults, smoking marijuana is now more common among teens and pre-teens.
From states in the U.S. deciding to legalize marijuana to movie stars and rock stars being photographed using it, the message sounding loud and clear to youngsters is that smoking marijuana has no repercussions. The Daily Mail article recounted the stories of several pre-teens who had been either expelled from their private schools or who were using the drug off-campus to avoid expulsion. The obvious point was that young children were getting their hands on marijuana and seemed to have no worries about the consequences.
The British newspaper article did not hesitate to point fingers at singers like Lil Wayne and the late Amy Winehouse among others – stars who make no bones about using marijuana. Public icons, especially music icons, are influential for young teens and pre-teens. Their cavalier attitude and, in some cases, promotion of marijuana use, has more impact than many parents might like.
The article also reported on studies in the Commonwealth that have found that when a teen uses marijuana s/he becomes more at risk than alcoholics for developing mental illness. Teens who use pot also tend to have more problems with relationships and have a tougher time finding steady employment. These facts are lost on the pre-teen and early teenager who only knows that they want to be like the superstars they see on TV and splashed across online tabloids.
In Great Britain, one out of every eight arrests for dealing marijuana involves a child. Kids are smoking it. Kids are selling it. Kids don't think marijuana is anything to stay away from. The facts, of course, are far different but evidently we aren't getting the message through. There is too much confusion between what is being portrayed and what is being said.
The truth is that early marijuana use can increase the likelihood of later addictions. Teens who use marijuana run a greater risk of depression. One out of every 10 marijuana users will experience severe effects such as anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations. No one can say who will be in the 10 percent.
One of the researchers in Australia who investigated the outcomes for teens who decide to smoke marijuana said use of cannabis can negatively affect teens for years.