Monday quotes

Experience is the worst teacher; it gives the test before presenting the lesson.

- Vernon Law

Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity.

- Frank Leahy

Some people like to understand what they believe in, while others like to believe in what they understand.

- Stanislaw J. Lec

The world does not pay for what a person knows. But it pays for what a person does with what he knows.

- Laurence Lee

Most of us are pretty good at keeping promises to others and pretty bad at keeping promises to ourselves.

- Lawrence LeShan

I envy people who drink - at least they know what to blame everything on.

- Oscar Levant

The Future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.

- Clive Staples Lewis

By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class.

- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Sometimes life is like a roller coaster, when you'd really rather be on the Ferris wheel. When you feel that big drop coming hold on, enjoy the ride, and remember that life is a great adventure.

- Heidi Listug

Friday questions

have you ever been to rehab

or come into recovery on your own?

what is your preferred meeting format?

are holidays difficult, since drinking

can be so common at these times?

is there any conflict between your

religion and spirituality?

when, if ever, are you tempted to

try a beer, glass of wine or

your former favorite cocktail?

weekly roundup

this week's news from About.com/Alcoholism;

Miami Heat Player Charged With Drug Possession

Miami Heat basketball forward Udonis Haslem has been charged with possession of marijuana after a traffic stop by Miami-Dade police. Haslem's Mercedes was searched after police clocked him driving 78 MPH in a 60 MPH zone, pulled him over and smelled marijuana in the car.

High-Profile Attorney Anne Bremner Charged With DUI

After much speculation in the media, high-profile attorney Anne Bremner has been officially charged with driving under the influence in Seattle. In a prepared statement, Bremner said, "I am pleased that the case is no longer in limbo. This has been a very difficult time for me, and I am very grateful for the support my friends, family and colleagues have shown me."

Baby Sitter's BAC Was Four Times Legal Limit

A 20-year-old Minnesota woman registered a blood-alcohol concentration four times the legal limit while she was baby-sitting two young boys who were playing in Lake Phalem. Kathryn S. Wegwerth was charged with drinking in public and underage consumption.

Woman More Than Five Times The Legal Limit

A Connecticut woman is facing drunk driving charges after she recorded on of the highest blood-alcohol levels ever at 0.406. Clinton police stopped Kim Marshall, 44, after seeing her driving erratically and behaving strangely, they said.

Drunk Driver Kills 4 Family Members

Police said Demetrius Jordan's blood-alcohol level was 0.154 when he caused a crash that took the lives of four members of one Orange County, Florida family. Killed were Elroy McConnell, 51; and sons Elroy III, 28; Nathan, 24; and Kelly, 19. Jordan faces four counts of DUI manslaughter.

Mom Arrested for Picture of Baby With Bong

If for some reason you someday think it might be a good idea to take a picture of your baby with your marijuana bong, you may not want to post it on your Facebook page. Rachel Stieringer, 19, was arrested after a viewer reported the photograph of the baby posing with his face in the bong.

older folks and drinking

excerpt from a good article

in Medical News Today;

"Some people whose drinking habits do not change over the years and decades may find that they develop problems with alcohol when they get older - aging lowers the body's tolerance for alcohol. A drink now and again as one ages will not usually cause any harm. However, alcohol can become a problem for older adults, especially if they are taking certain prescription medications, have health conditions, or do not control their alcohol intake."

this is where the "progression theory" we hear

so much about is challenged.

12 step advocates insist that this disease(really

no more a disease than nicotine addiction)

actually progresses, even if we aren't drinking

I never bought into that

the only "progression" that occurs is the

ongoing saga of mother nature and father time

who among us could drink in their 30's as they

could in their 20's?

and the process continues with each decade

it's not that this mysterious "disease" grows

like a cancer--

the body just does not adapt and recover

as well, as we age.

there is nothing out there "doing pushups

in the parking lot", waiting to ambush us

it's merely the aging process

this week's news

substance abuse in the news

from About.com/Alcoholism;

George Michael Charged With Possessing, DUI

After British singer George Michael crashed his vehicle into a London storefront on July 4, it was suspected that he may have been under the influence. That was confirmed this week when police charged officially charged him with possession of marijuana and driving while "unfit." It's at least his third alcohol or drug related driving offense.

Former 'Bachelor' Winner Gets DUI

The winner of the sixth season of the television show "The Bachelor," Mary Delgado, has been arrested in Tampa for misdemeanor driving under the influence. It was her third arrest in as many years. She was arrested in November 2008 in Del Rio, Texas for public intoxication and resisting arrest after refusing to leave a bar.

Lindsay Lohan Judge Removes Herself From Case

The judge who ordered Lindsay Lohan to 90 days of jail and rehab has removed herself from the case after the prosecutor claimed that she had improper private communication with witnesses and participants in the case. Superior Court Judge Marsha Revel recused herself and Judge Elden Fox is now handling the Lohan DUI probation case.

Actor Rip Torn Headed for Trial

A Connecticut judge has rejected an application from Rip Torn for "accelerated rehabilitation" and ordered the actor to stand trial on breaking and entering and weapons charges. The judge said the gun charges were too serious and Torn had previous opportunities to deal with his drinking problem. An armed Torn, 79, was found asleep inside a bank that he told police he thought was his home.

Colts' Lineman Faces Public Intoxication Charge

Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman John Gill has been arrested for public intoxication after police found him passed out in a ditch on the side of the road around 4 a.m. The officers tried to help him to his feet, but he kept falling down.

Father, Son Charged With Operating Two Pot Grow Houses

A 69-year-old Chicago area man and his 42-year-old son have been arrested for running an elaborate marijuana growing operation in homes they owned in Skokie, Illinois and Chesterton, Indiana. Authorities seized 383 plants, 22,700 grams of pot and various weapons during the raid of the two homes.

Monday quotes

You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however.

- Richard Bach

One must always maintain one's connection to the past and yet ceaselessly pull away from it.

- Gaston Bachelard

There is never time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment; the time is always now.

- James Baldwin

Luck? I don't know anything about luck. I've never banked on it, and I'm not afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else: hard work - and realizing what is opportunity and what isn't.

- Lucille Ball

What Women Want: To be loved, to be listened to, to be desired, to be respected, to be needed, to be trusted, and sometimes, just to be held. What Men Want: Tickets for the world series.

- Dave Barry

You stand outside the circle and wonder why you feel left out, unaware that you need your own permission to join the others - not theirs.

- Rusty Berkus

Be like a postage stamp. Stick to one thing until you get there.

- Josh Billings, pen name of Henry Wheeler Shaw

Trust in yourself. Your perceptions are often more accurate than you are willing to believe.

- Claudia Black

Friday questions

who encouraged you to seek recovery?

what do you do to combat boredom?

when is it most difficult to resist temptation?

where do you go, to get away from it all?

how has the internet helped in your recovery?

weekly roundup

this weeks entries into the addiction

hall of shame, from About.com/Alcoholism--

Amy Winehouse Goes on 16-Hour Alcohol Binge

British singer Amy Winehouse, who has battled alcohol and drug problems for years, is apparently losing the battle again. Press reports said the "Back to Black" singer she spent 16 hours drinking in a pub owned by film producer Reg Traviss's parents. She was nearly run over as the walked to her nearby home.

Lindsay Lohan Released From Jail

Actress Lindsay Lohan was released from jail after serving only 13 days of her 90-day sentence for DUI probation violation. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Benjamin Grubb said she was taken directly to a residential rehab facility from the jail. Her sentenced included 90 days in rehab.

Charlie Sheen Headed to Rehab?

In a plea deal that allowed him to avoid jail time for a Christmas Day fight with his wife, actor Charlie Sheen pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and was sentenced to 30 days in a rehabilitation center, 36 hours of anger management classes and 30 days probation. He has 30 days to check himself into the treatment facility.

Illegal Drunk Driver Kills Nun

An illegal immigrant who was released by federal immigration officers has been charged with the death of one nun and the injury of two others in a drunken head-on collision. Carlos A. Martinelly Montano, 23, of Bolivia, was also driving on a suspended license when he killed Sister Denise Mosier. This is his third DUI arrest.

Does She Think She's Going to Drink in Jail?

A New York judge offered a 54-year-old Hyde Park woman the opportunity to avoid a prison term for her third drunken driving conviction, if she would seek treatment for her drinking problem. Lorraine Myers told the judge, no thank you, she had rather go to jail. The judge obliged, sentencing her to one to three years in state prison.

Police Find Missing Boy and Much More

When a 41-year-old Maine man's 3-year-old son came up missing, the worried father called police. Authorities found the missing boy in some tall grass not far from his home, but during the search they also uncovered 147 marijuana plants being cultivated inside Jonathan Lehr's home.

just curious...

...about the continued reader attraction of

the amazing adventure

the blog is at number 1 of the top 100

sober blogs, despite the fact that there

hasn't been a new post since december

3 rd of 2009

who is reading this stuff, week to week

since there hasn't been a new post in over

8 months

if anyone can explain it to me, I would

appreciate it

Monday quotes

I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man I keep his house.

- Zsa Zsa Gabor

The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works, is the family.

- Lee Iacocca

Respect the past in the full measure of its desserts, but do not make the mistake of confusing it with the present nor seek in it the ideals of the future.

- Jose Incenerios

The more a man knows, the more willing he is to learn -- The less a man knows, the more positive he is that he knows everything.

- Robert G. Ingersoll

Turning it over in your mind won't plough the field.

- Irish Proverb

After the game the king and the pawn go in the same box.

- Italian Proverb

When a man mints coins - they are all alike, but when God mints people, each of them is uniquely different even though they all come from the same mold.

- Jewish Saying

Kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.

- Joseph Joubert

alcohol - the most dangerous drug

from EzineArticles.com;

People are often shocked when they find out that alcohol is considered the most dangerous drug a person can ingest. That's right, it is more dangerous than heroin, crystal meth, OxyContin and cocaine. Why is this? How can something that is so readily available to the public be so toxic to the body?

One of the main reasons behind alcohol being so dangerous is the way that it reduces the person's ability to control their actions and their body. The more alcohol a person drinks the less control they have when they are talking, driving, operating any type of heavy machinery, watching their children, cooking or any other activities that people consider they can do while under the influence of alcohol. When a person has a large amount of alcohol in their system they are more susceptible to accidents, ranging from minor to fatal.

Another reason why alcohol is dangerous is because of its effects on the brain. Normally, one of the brain's functions is to produce Gabba, which is a natural, anti-anxiety medicine. Once alcohol is consumed some of it turns into Gabba, tricking the brain into thinking that there is more of the chemical. What happens, is that the brain stops producing Gabba and just relies on the alcohol to handle that function. So, when alcoholics complain about anxiety, it is because they are severely lacking Gabba.

But here's the twist, none of the above mentioned manifestations of alcohol are the worst part. No, the most dangerous thing about being an alcoholic are the withdrawals. Alcohol is one of the few drugs that can actually kill you. Between the seizures, shakes, and elevated pressure an alcoholic is at great risk when they cease drinking all together. This certainly does not mean that someone should avoid quitting drinking, however it is highly recommended that they enroll in an alcohol rehab where they can detox safely.

weekly roundup

Celebrities and others this week

from About.com/Alcoholism;

Chris Klein Extends 30-Day Stay in Rehab

"American Pie" actor Chris Klein has decided to remain in a treatment facility after completing a 30-day stent. "Chris, along with his support team, has decided to extend his treatment," the actor's rep, Jaime Primak said. Klein, 31, voluntarily checked into the program on June 21 after his second DUI arrest.

RFK Jr.'s Wife Guilty of Driving Impaired

Mary Kennedy, wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., avoided jail time for her drunken driving arrest by pleading guilty to the lesser charge of driving while impaired. The judge fined her $500, suspended her driver's license for 90 days and ordered her to attend two drunken-driving programs. Kennedy was arrested May 15 after police saw her drive over a curb.

Misty Croslin's Parents Busted on Drug Charges

The parents of a Florida woman connected to the disappearance of 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings, have been arrested for buying crack during an undercover drug sting. Misty Croslin's parents - Lisa Carmen Croslin, 40, and Hank Thomas Croslin Sr., 41 - purchased rock cocaine from an undercover agent. Misty herself and Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, are also currently in jail for selling prescription drugs to an undercover agent.

Newborn Dies of Meth Intoxication, Mom Charged

A 25-year-old Georgia woman has been charged with murder after her newborn child died of methamphetamine intoxication. After an autopsy of the 2-month-old child revealed meth in his system, Kaisha Lynne Poulson was charged with felony murder, two counts of cruelty to children and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, along with drug charges.

Woman Charged After Baby Ingests Drugs

A Chicago area woman has been charged with endangering the life and health of a child after her 1-year-old was found to have cocaine and PCP in his system by medical personnel. Apparently, Yolanda Beck, 37, left several aluminum foil wrappers containing drug residue on top of a television stand where the child found them and put them in his mouth.

Man's Crack Pipe Sets Prosthetic Leg on Fire

A New Mexico motorist was kind enough to offer hitchhiker Randy Malone, who has a prosthetic leg, a ride in his vehicle. But when Malone fired up his crack pipe, the motorist put him out of the car. Malone then stuck the still burning crack pipe into his pants pocket where it proceeded to set his prosthetic leg on fire. When police arrived, Malone was nude, jumping around on one leg trying to put the fire out. He suffered burns to his leg, back and buttocks.

Monday quotes

People change and forget to tell each other.

- Lilliam Hellman

Unconditional love and unconditional acceptance bring simplicity to the complexity of life.

- Sarah-Fiona Helme

Nobody can contribute to the best of humanity who does not make the best out of himself.

- Johann Gottfried Herder

A woman's mind is cleaner than a man's. She changes it more often.

- Oliver Herford

You need someone silent and sincere. Someone that, if needed, will pray for you or fight for you. If you have someone that can laugh and cry with you, then you can say: I have a friend.

- Toon Hermans

The best things in life are never rationed. Friendship, loyalty, love do not require coupons.

- George T. Hewitt

Faith is building on what you know is here, so you can reach what you know is there.

- Cullen Hightower

There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

- John Andrew Holmes