Unemployment News: All I want for Christmas is a JOB!

Amid all the bad unemployment news today, one thing is clear: “All I want for Christmas is a JOB” - tops the list this holiday season for millions of Americans.

If there is a 99er on your list this “Black Friday” - they likely just want to survive until the New Year arrives. Eight months with zero income, facing eviction/foreclosure, experiencing hunger on a daily basis and the prospect of no help in sight to prevent them from facing the winter homeless - many unemployed will “opt out” this holiday.

The suicide rates always increase during the holidays - for those facing far less discouraging circumstances than the terminally unemployed, but this year they will likely explode.

Some 99er FACTS:

If all the 99ers joined hands, they would make a chain reaching from Bangor, ME to San Diego, CA.

If the 99ers were their own City, they’d be more than the combined populations of Los Angeles and Philadelphia - about half the population of NYC and more than half the population of London, England.

If the 99ers were a State, they’d be more than twice the population of the State of Nevada and more than the total population of 25 out of the 50 States in the USA.

If the 99ers were their own Country, they’d be about equal than the population of Scotland or Norway and bigger than over half the countries in the world.

This is a HUGE problem that our feeble and selfish government refuses to address. There is no sense of urgency or concern for over 5 million Americans who will have no Thanksgiving feast or Christmas joy this season, simply because Congress prefers to ignore the tragic consequences of the economic tsunami they (Congress) are responsible for creating.

I hear a ton of sound bites from the Tea Baggers and Republicans saying how “everyone is going to need to make difficult sacrifices to get America out of the hole we have dug for ourselves.” But the only ones who will not be sacrificing are those in Washington and the rich Americans who put them in office. Austerity measures only seem to hurt the poor.

In my next article I will provide a video clip from Fox News that seems to have them suggesting we (the 99ers) should resort to cannibalism to “get through these tough times” Really? WTF?

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Colts Patriots: Peyton Manning And Indy Lost 31-28

The Indianapolis Colts and Quarterback Peyton Manning (in photo by helmet2helmet.net) lost to the much-hated outside Boston New England Patriots and their QB Tom Brady, 31-28, in another classic NFL battle.

But, considering how banged-up the Colts are, it's a miracle they almost won it. To win, the Indy Colts must address its defensive scheme, which is leaving the Colts Offense consistently in a position of scoring to keep pace with the other team, rather than scoring to win the game.

Thanks to 168 yards rushing, the Patriots were up by as much as 17 points before Manning led a furious comeback. The one problem, other than the Colts Defense, was Manning's three interceptions, including the last one to seal the game for the Pats with just 22 seconds left.

Colts Defense Needs To Get Bigger

It's time for the Colts to junk the "small defensive line" concept in favor of large defensive tackles, along the scale of Halodi Ngaga of the Baltimore Ravens. The Colts Defensive Line is too easily pushed out of position, more often than not. Also, the schemes lack the level of aggression needed to stop many offensive schemes.

Rather than use bump-and-run and blitz, the Colts Defense plays zone and gives a large cushion for receivers. Offenses built around the idea of "yards after the catch," established by Bill Walsh, feast on that, and move the ball downfield.

If the Colts are going to beat teams like the Patriots, they have to alter their defensive approach.

1 in 5 US adults have mental illness- can Vitamin D help? by Dr. Christina Villarreal

Researchers of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report that in 2009, Nearly 1 in 5 adult Americans, (45 million, or 20 percent) experienced some form of mental illness. The study defined mental illness as "a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder in the past year, regardless of their level of functional impairment." This annual survey is the largest of its kind undertaken by the US government. This article examines the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and mental illness amongst Americans.

Which age group and gender is most affected by mental illness?

The 18-25 age group was reported as having the most mental illness, and more women than men were afflicted, stated Peter Delany, a doctor who heads behavioral research at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. He adds "about one in 20 individuals, or around 4.8 percent of the population, met the criteria for having a serious mental illness" which was defined by the study as 'serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.'

In my own clinical practice in the Bay Area, CA, I am treating more and more individuals from this age group, as well as those in their 30's- many of whom are struggling with work related stress, relationship conflicts with their peers and families, understanding their sexuality and romantic relationships, and determining which career paths best suit their abilities and interests.

As a clinical psychologist, one of my first tasks in providing optimal mental health care to new patients is determining if they are in good physical health. Obtaining a primary care doctor and getting annual physical exams is an essential first step in figuring if any physical issues could be affecting your emotional health and well-being.


Is some mental illness related to a vitamin D deficiency?

One study led by Ganji V. and colleagues and reported in the Nov 2010 issue of International Archives of Medicine showed people with current depression were more likely to be vitamin D deficient than those who had higher levels of vitamin D. The study was based on data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dr. John Cannell, an vitamin D expert and director of Vitamin D Council suggests that some forms of mental illness can be linked with reduced sun exposure, low 25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25(OH)D levels. Vitamin D research showed that this supplement may help improve some mental illnesses and encourage healthy immune functioning. In addition, emerging research shows a possible role for vitamin D in the prevention or treatment of type 1 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, reducing inflammation, some cancers, and autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis.

How can I find out if I am vitamin D deficient?

Click here to read more on how Dr. John Cannell suggests you find out if you are Vitamin D deficient.

What dose is optimal for my physical & mental health?

Physican/Nutrition specialist Dr. Melina Jampolis in San Francisco, CA states "The current tolerable upper limit of vitamin D intake is 50 mcg (2,000 IU) per day. Taking too much vitamin D can cause nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, weakness, and can raise blood levels of calcium, which can lead to irregular heart rhythms. Click here to read more about Vitamin D uses, side effects, drug interactions and warnings.

Who is most at risk for being vitamin D deficient?

Groups at risk of vitamin D deficiency include breastfed infants, adults age 50 and older, people with limited sun exposure, people with milk allergy or lactose intolerance, people with fat malabsorption, people with dark skin, and people who are obese. (Because it is fat soluble, larger pools of body fat may act as a reservoir for vitamin D.)

Sources: Webmd.com, CNN Diet & Fitness, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

This article was written by Dr. Christina Villarreal, a clinical psychologist in private practice in Oakland, CA. Visit her website at www.drchristinavillarreal.com or email her for professional referrals.

American Music Awards: Justin Bieber Beats Lady Gaga For Breakthrough Artist

At the American Music Awards, Justin Bieber wins his first T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist of The Year. The vote was cast by fans, so for Bieber that spells victory. Justin has a teen and even kid fan base that's rabid.

But what angered some is Justin Bieber beat the legendary Lady Gaga for the American Music Awards T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist of The Year award. Some are commenting that she "was robbed."

That's not the case.

While Lady Gaga fans are upset, they didn't show up to vote for her in numbers to put her over Justin Bieber.

That's the way this kind of award's going to go.

It's based on who's fans are more likely to use text to cast a vote. Justin's got almost everyone beat, including, it seems Lady Gaga.

That does not mean he's better than she at music.  

Jay Rosen Explains Fox News, Blondes, While On Drunk Scotch Rant

While this blogger was out Friday night celebrating Cal Stanford Big Game week and the game that was to be played Saturday, NYU Professor Jay Rosen was making this video explaining Fox News, while drinking scotch-on-the-rocks.

Jay's too close to the camera and talks for 14 minutes, but is worth listening to, nonetheless. You just have to get over the obvious, which is that Jay's had a few drinks. Still, it's a pretty interesting way to do a serious video: tipsy. He admits this in a way, by stating that his views are not "coherent" in their presentation, but "related."

That's a cool way of saying "I'm about to go on a drunken rant."

Professor Rosen claims that Fox News isn't a news channel because nothing really ever changes in terms of the way the content is presented. Rosen says that Fox News is "resentment news" where Bill O'Reilly represents the "genre of resentment news" and that "comes naturally" because he was looked down on at Inside Edition, but overcame that.

Rosen says all Bill has to do is tap into his emotions from that time. Of course, this is a lot of bullshit, but it sounds good and provides food for thought.

Rosen claims that Fox News taps into the age-old desire to topple the cultural elite and points to Richard Hofstaeder ' book, The Paranoid Style In American Politics, as the intellectual source for his view.  In that book, Richard writes:

I call it the paranoid style simply because no other word adequately evokes the sense of heated exaggeration, suspiciousness, and conspiratorial fantasy that I have in mind.

Jay's point is Fox News content is based on "exaggeration, suspiciousness, and conspiratorial fantasy."

Blondes Are Key To Fox News

But later in the video, Jay takes a scotch-aided right turn and on the matter of the entertainment component in news says "This is why Fox is distinguished by its blondes. Blondes are really important for understanding the formula at Fox."

He forgot the legs and short skirts on Fox News, too:



Jay could have done this video in three or four minutes, tops. But it's Friday night and he's at home.

Getting roasted on scotch!

Camcorder Comparison: Flip Video vs. Sony Bloggie

This is a quick comparison of the Flip Video with the Sony Bloggie. This blogger purchased a Sony Bloggie this Summer 2010 and ended up returning it the next day. The Sony Bloggie's rotating head lens was such that it was difficult to keep exact focus on video subjects.

More to the point of how this video blogger creates videos, the Sony Bloggie's rotating head makes my method of "eye-level" vlogging hard to implement. On top of that, my slightly damp hand was enough to produce what felt like a small electric current, making the camcorder hard to hold.

Where that came from is not known; the Bloggie was taken back to the Sears in Oakland, California that Sunday.

On the matter of Sears in Oakland, that department store carried the Flip Video on its shelves, but for some reason stopped doing so. The camcorder they featured was The Sony Bloggie.

Unless and until Sony gets rid of the rotating head, forget purchasing the Sony Bloggie. The Flip Video camcorder series is easier to use and more reliable. The Flip Video is this video-blogger's camcorder of choice.   That's true for CNN as well:

Rihanna - What's My Name? Ft. Drake - Lyrics

This song by Rihanna on the Def Jam Label, with Drake providing rap backup support, was released on October 29th, 2010. In just less than a month, the YouTube video of What's My Name has gained 18 million views.

But of equal interest is the "behind the scenes" video of the making of the What's My Name video, where we see Rihanna and Drake as they really are: normal people with great talent creating an artistic product. Here's that video:



Lyrics:

Rihanna - What’s My Name Lyrics feat. Drake
[Rihanna]
Ooh na na, what’s my name
Ooh na na, what’s my name
Ooh na na, what’s my name
Ooh na na, what’s my name
Ooh na na, what’s my name
whats my name, whats my name
[Drake]
I heard you good with them soft lips
Yeah you know word of mouth
the square root of 69 is 8 something
cuz I’ve been tryna work it out, oooow
good weed, white wine
I come alive in the night time
okay, away we go
only thing we have on is the radio
ooooh, let it play, say you gotta leave
but I know you wanna stay
you just waiting on the traffic jam to finish girl
the things we could do in twenty minutes girl
say my name, say my name
wear it out, its getting hot, crack a window, air it out
I can get you through a mighty long day
Soon as you go, the text that I write is gon say…
[Rihanna]
Not everybody knows how to work my body
knows how to make me want it
boy you stay up on it
you got that something that keeps me so off balance
baby you’re a challenge, lets explore your talent
[Chorus x2]
hey boy I really wanna see if you can go downtown with a girl like me
www.musicloversgroup.com
hey boy, I really wanna be with you
cause you just my type
ooh na na na na
I need a boy to really take it over
looking for a guy to put in work, uh
oooooh, oooooh
Ooh na na, what’s my name
Ooh na na, what’s my name
Ooh na na, what’s my name
whats my name, whats my name
[Rihanna]
Baby you got me, ain’t nowhere that I’d be
then with your arms around me
back and forth you rock me
so I surrender, to every word you whisper
every door you enter, I will let you in
[Chorus]
You’re so amazing, you took the time to figure me out
thats why you take me, way past the point of turning me on
you bout to break me, I swear you got me losing my mind
Ooh na na, what’s my name
Ooh na na, what’s my name
Ooh na na, what’s my name
Ooh na na, what’s my name
Ooh na na, what’s my name
whats my name, whats my name
[Chorus]

Cal Stanford Big Game First Recap: Stanford Destroys Cal 48-14

As much as this blogger (and Cal Alumni Life Member!) will put Stanford down when its necessary to do so, the need this time is to praise The Cardinal for kicking our collective butts (that's Cal) at home 48-14 for the 113th Big Game.

But there is one thing that must be noted: Stanford Coach Jim Harbaugh calling for a review of a Cal touchdown in the fourth quarter, and long after the game was decided, was classless. That was the talk all over Memorial Stadium in Berkeley.

OK, Cardinal fans (like Tiger Woods) may point to the taunting episode before the game as equally classless for Cal, and they would be correct. BUT. Man. Coach Harbaugh. Two wrongs don't make a right.

David Shaw Take A Bow

For the Cardinal the game ball should go to Offensive Coordinator David Shaw, who produced a game plan that included frequent use of an unbalanced line, where the right side had two offensive tackles. And when Stanford wasn't running from that exotic formation, their passing game approach was equally effective. Particularly Shaw's use of the corner, slant route combination out of slot formation.

In all, Stanford's schemes created the obviously wide-open receiver more often than not, and kept Cal off balance for most of the game.

More later.

Joe Scarborough Suspended by MSNBC

Keith Olbermann was recently suspended from MSNBC for donating to political campaigns, and now Joe Scarborough of MSNBC is also being suspended for campaign donations reports Politico.

Friday, November 19, 2010 is when MSNBC decided to suspend the "Morning Joe" co-host after he acknowledged giving eight $500 contributions to his friends and family members running for state and local offices during his tenure at the network. Political contributions by employees is a violation of NBC's ban.

Although Olbermann's suspension was said to be "indefinite," the network reduced the suspension to two days - which is the same amount of time that Scarborough will be suspended for.

The Washington Post's article is titled "'Morning Joe' can sleep in: MSNBC host gets two-day suspension" which is quite a witty title. The Post recognizes that:

"The MSNBC suspensions and NPR's recent firing of commentator Juan Williams last month highlight the increasing complexity of defining and policing journalistic independence in an age in which opinion and reporting are becoming intermingled and sometimes indistinguishable."


The Post's article is very detailed and informative for those who are interested in finding out more about this.

Darvocet Pulled From Shelves

Propoxyphene, better known by the names Darvocet or Darvon will no longer be available as a painkiller, according to The New York Times.

SmartAboutHealth.com reports that the main reason the drug is no longer available is for the serious side effect that includes heart rhythm problems that could prove to be fatal if the body reacts to it negatively.

The site also states that the FDA advisory panel recently voted in favor of the drug being taken off the markets due to the belief that there are other drugs out there that can help patients in the same way without the harmful side effects.

Oakland News: Oakland Baseball Stadium Cost Is $600 Million

Oakland News goes baseball. The Oakland Planning Commission unveiled it's the City of Oakland's plan for a new baseball stadium at a location called "Victory Court." (And replacing the "baseball-use" part of the Oakland Coliseum - in photo.)

 But the plan, with 39,000 seats, 700 units of housing, and 186,000 square feet of retail, comes out to around $600 million to build according to my Oakland Baseball Simworld runs.

The Oakland Baseball Simworld is a simulation i originally created for the purpose of evaluating the fiscal behavior of the Oakland A's after then-Oakland Mayor Elihu Harris dispatched me to find buyer teams for the organization in 1997. After I left the City of Oakland, I turned what was a 47-equation model into one with 2,600 variables in 956 equation sets.

The Oakland Baseball Simworld is currently used in five colleges nationwide.

The problem for the City of Oakland is in how to finance the ballpark. In the sim, the most effective solution involves the baseball team contributing $150 million. The problem for the team is such a contribution cuts into its ability to land star players, but the San Francisco Giants' World Series success proves it's still possible to build a champion with such financial constraints.

The other problem is that the City must use redevelopment money to build the stadium, but the stadium itself must be 51 percent owned by the private sector. Otherwise, the deal will not work; the City Council will not go for it. The housing units, alone, add a large cost to the development. 400 units is more affordable that 700 units.

So, you may ask, why did the City of Oakland know about this? Hubris. This effort to build a new stadium is led by Senator Barbara Boxer's son Doug Boxer, who's on the Oakland Planning Commission. The problem with Doug is, and I state this publicly, one of ego. His less-than-desirable behavior in not bringing all of the parties together when we had four different groups meeting about the A's issue at once, including Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums sports task force, that I was on, and Dellums lack of interest in solving the problem, is the reason why Oakland's taken so long to get to this point.

Oakland, the City of Oakland, is personality-driven, and lacking an organization that the public can identify that is out there leading the charge to get a stadium built. Like a sports commission, for example. Instead, what we get are people who think they know what they're doing, refusing to listen to those who do because of experience, and making a ton of mistakes along the way.

That's why Oakland's government fails. And unless this Oakland stadium issue stops being a one - person show, it will fail too. I can tell you from personal experience, one - person - shows don't work in Oakland unless it becomes a real team of people open to the public.

Erin Barry Broke NBA Wife Code Says Jennifer Williams

Did Erin Barry (photo at left), the soon-to-be ex-wife of former NBA San Antonio Spurs star Brent Barry, break the NBA Wife? NBA wife Jennifer Williams, married to former San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker teammate Eric Williams (2006-2007), thinks so.

Williams is quoted in Hollywood Life - interesting in that it's not a Hollywood-based story - as saying this:

"When you hear that it’s another wife that is the cause of a divorce, it surprises me. I know that Eva and Erin, I don’t want to say [had] a close relationship, but Brent and Tony were on the team for a while together, so they were pretty friendly. So when you hear something like that, it’s definitely shocking!"

"[NBA Wives] stick together. It's just something that’s not really spoken, but it's understood that we have this sisterhood of women. When you’re on a team with these players and you become close with the wives, you can call them up for whatever. We're all in the same situation, so everyone understands we have a common bond."

No word from Erin Barry on this, or the allegations that she cheated on Brent Barry with Tony Parker. Indeed, one People Magazine source claims there was nothing physical, but does that make it OK?