Monday, January 9, 2012

10 Forwarded Messages

AlphaAddiction.info Blog
Treatment for Shopping Addiction
Jan 2nd 2012, 21:32

Shopping addiction is a disorder that our culture has largely seen fit to smile upon. Feelings of emptiness, low self-esteem, insecurity, boredom, loneliness–or the pursuit of ideal image–can lead people to shopping addictions. But managing these feelings and mood states by becoming a shopaholic can have extremely serious consequences and significantly erode quality of life.

As with most other addictive, impulse control, or compulsive disorders, there is a wide range of effective treatment options for shopaholics: drug treatment, individual, group, and couples therapy, counseling for compulsive buying, Debtors Anonymous, and Simplicity Circles can all be effective. The choice of what form or forms of treatment to use with a particular person is a complex decision that goes well beyond the scope of this overview. For further information about making treatment decisions, consult my own writings, the For Therapists page of my website, http://www.stoppingovershopping.com, as well as the bibliographic references at the end of each chapter in I Shop, Therefore I Am: Compulsive Buying and the Search for Self.

Psychotropic medications, including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and opiod antagonists have been used to treat shopping addictions, with varying effectiveness. For further details, see McElroy and Goldsmith-Chapter 10 of I Shop, Therefore I Am-and my own treatment chapter in Addiction: A Practical Handbook.

Individual therapy for shopaholics runs the gamut from traditional psychodynamic psychotherapy, with an almost exclusive focus on the underlying dynamics within a historical context, to a very strict focus on the here and now of the problem, with little attention to underlying dynamics. Most people suffering from a shopping addiction need the addition of other specific tools for changing the behavior, including a shopping diary and a spending plan. Some people will need to participate in Debtors Anonymous or group therapy for shopaholics, and/or have counseling specifically geared toward shopping addiction. This is particularly likely if the individual therapist has little experience with the tools of shopping addiction counseling. For further information about individual treatment, please consult the Psychodynamic Theory and Technique section of I Shop, Therefore I Am, or see the individual therapy section of my previously cited treatment chapter.

Group therapy for shopaholics has been reported since the late 1980s. At least five different forms of group therapy have been utilized with this population. My own group treatment model is an amalgam of three things: useful techniques from existing models; didactic and experiential material used in group treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder; and material I’ve found effective in my clinical practice. For information about the Stopping Overshopping group treatment program, please visit the website, http://www.stoppingovershopping.com.

Couples therapy for shopaholics is an extremely important treatment modality, because couples act as a financial unit and generally blend income as well as spending. Money issues are an intrinsic part of marriage and are often a source of intense and pervasive friction that can seep into other aspects of the relationship. Couples therapy is indicated when the shopping addiction can’t be dealt with adequately on an individual basis. Olivia Mellan, the country’s foremost expert in this area, discusses the treatment in Chapter 15, “Overcoming Overspending in Couples”, of I Shop, Therefore I Am.

Counseling for shopaholics targets the specific problem and creates an action plan to stop the behavior. Targeted counseling for this problem alters the negative actions of compulsive shopping and concurrently works toward healing the underlying emotions, although less emphasis is placed on exploring the emotional significance of the shopping addiction than in traditional individual psychotherapy. The major premise of counseling for shopaholics is the idea that insight alone will not stop the behavior. All stages in the shopping addiction cycle must be identified: the triggers, the feelings, the dysfunctional thoughts, the behaviors, the consequences of the behavior, as well as the meaning of the shopping addiction. Creating and using a spending plan is a cornerstone of shopping addiction counseling. More information about shopping addiction counseling can be found in Karen McCall’s chapter “Financial Recovery Counseling”, as well as in my treatment chapter in I Shop, Therefore I Am.

Debtors Anonymous (D.A.) can be a powerful tool in recovery from shopping addiction, especially for shopaholics who have problems with debt. D.A. sees debting as a disease similar to alcoholism that can be cured with solvency, which means abstinence from any new debt. Since individuals are trying to control their lives with addictive debting, D.A. offers a regimented program of surrender and recovery, a program with a spiritual emphasis. Individual debtors work through the steps of the program with a sponsor, a more experienced member of the group, using newly acquired tools in conjunction with the steps. How Debtors Anonymous and psychotherapy can work synergistically is the topic of Kellen and Levine’s chapter of I Shop, Therefore I Am.

Simplicity circles can be a helpful support to shopaholics, although the shopping addiction problems are not dealt with as directly as in the various therapies for shopping addiction or Debtors Anonymous. What simplicity circles do have to offer is a forum: a place to gather with others to discuss personal transformation and the satisfactions of living a simpler life. The caring atmosphere and the discussion of how to create a more fulfilling life is a healthy way to meet some of the principal needs that a shopaholic seeks to meet in shopping. In Chapter 20 of my book, Cecile Andrews discusses simplicity circles and the shopaholic.

Shopping addiction treatment is still very much in a formative stage. Society, advertising, and the media all conspire against the cultivation of true wealth, which cannot be quantified in a financial balance sheet but must instead be felt and sensed: self-esteem, family, friendships, a sense of community, health, education, creative pursuits, communion with nature. It is inner poverty, both emotional and spiritual, that is at the core of most shopping addictions. The acquisition of truth wealth is crucial to recovery.

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Alpha Costa Rica
Famous Volcanoes and Lodges in Costa Rica
Jan 3rd 2012, 02:59

The volcanoes of Costa Rica are one of the many tourist attractions that draw thousands of visitors yearly in this tiny yet amazingly beautiful country. It’s also a mystery how a country this size can host three hundred volcanic centers which may be considered active, dormant and extinct.

These selected volcanoes in Costa Rica shouldn’t be treated with worry since even if they are considered active; they don’t just spew molten magma uncontrollably but may release some steam, ash and some geyser looking ejections of water.

Often mistaken for the hills, the location of these Costa Rica volcanoes and resort is in the northern part of the country. Once we’re near them, we don’t have to limit ourselves by just simply checking out the physical aspect of these volcanoes because more often than not each area has other interesting activities lined up to make your trip worthwhile.

The Arenal volcano in Costa Rica is one of the most active volcanoes in the world yet a spectacular must-see destination for thousands of visitors. Volcano enthusiasts declare the Arenal volcano has the third most perfect volcanic cone in the world. It is by far the youngest yet the most active volcano in Costa Rica considering that it’s 3,000 years old. There are nights when lava flows from its cone creating an amazing view of its volcanic activity and tourist just love to witness this delightful scene while relaxing in one of the natural hot springs nearby. It had been named many times from Arenal Peak to Rio Frio Volcano then as Pan de Azucar. The Arenal volcano had no record of eruptions or volcanic activity from 1500 AD until 1968.

There are several fun things to do including a wide variety of adventure activities during volcano tours. Including hiking trails, rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, canyoning, zip line and canopy tours, cave tours, hot springs, wildlife viewing and hanging bridges.

Volcano lodge in Costa Rica is a mountain hotel near Arenal surrounded by exotic tropical gardens with an excellent view of the Arenal volcano. This sophisticated lodge also offers swimming pools, open-air Jacuzzis, fine dining and witness a wide variety of species such as congo-monkey, tucans, Oropendolas and Tangaras.

IrazĂș Volcano National Park and lodging is another most visited national park in Costa Rica. This volcano back in the 1960′s terrorized the residents of Cartago and San Jose with ashes and smoke until recently the only volcanic activity it creates is fumaroles releasing toxic steam. The beautiful blue green lagoon in one of its craters made this volcano one of the must-see volcanoes in Costa Rica. The Irazu also has hiking trails and famous species namely the volcano junco and hummingbird.

Other volcanoes in Costa Rica include the Poas Volcano National Park in Alajuela province. Poas is considered one of the most accessible volcanoes since its located just one hour from the largest and capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose. It is known to have the world’s widest craters. Unlike other active volcanoes, tourist can walk directly to its crater. There’s no danger in this activity since the last major eruption of the Poas volcano was back in the 1950′s. The Poas Volcano National Park also contains hiking trails through cloud forests and tropical rainforest-lowlands.

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Alpha Hawaii
Hawaii Island – The Perfect Fusion of Natural Beauty and Hawaiian Hospitality
Jan 3rd 2012, 04:25

The perfect fusion of natural beauty and great Hawaiian hospitality, Hawaii Island offers a distinct vacation experience unmatched to any where else. It is a multi-cultural community, that combines six main islands. Read on to know about these islands, and plan your next vacation at your desired destination.

Hawaii Island has an unmatched beauty that allures a large number of vacationers all over the world. A place where fresh & floral air would energize your body, and warm & tranquil water would refresh your mind, Hawaii island is the perfect vacation destination to all. Charming sandy beaches, dense rain-forests, and the huge variety of wildlife, the Island is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. With plenty of shopping malls and arcades, the visitors have great opportunity to buy what they want as per their needs and budget. Similarly, the accommodation is fabulous with a wide selection of options including hotels, rentals, condos, and private homes.

Hawaii Island is an archipelago of six main islands, and located amid of the Pacific Ocean. The island has its own style of welcoming called ‘Aloha Spirit’, and that is why this multi-cultural community is termed as ‘Islands of Aloha’. This aloha spirit remains with the visitors as well, even after they return to their homes. As stated earlier, the island consists of six main islands – Hawaii’s Big, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, and Oahu, which offer the unique vacation experience to the visitors. Have a look at them, and explore their beauty.

Big Island of Hawaii

As the name indicates, this island covers the largest area (almost 60% of Hawaii’s land area ) of the Hawaii State. The island is a home to numerous unrivaled natural wonders, which range from profuse rain-forests to volcanic deserts, and exclusive sandy beaches to high elevated mountains. Talking about the dominant features of this island, there are twin-towering peaks – Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, and a large tropical flower industry. Apart from them, Volcanoes National Park is also a major vacation spot at Big Island of Hawaii.

Maui Island

This Island is the perfect destination for those who love to explore the art & culture of Hawaii Island, or spend their time at heavenly beaches. It is called the ‘Valley Isle’, and a home to numerous vacation attractions the visitors find appealing. In the list of major tourist attractions, you would find Hana Coast, Iao Valley, Makena, and Mt.Haleakala, that allure the visitors a lot.

Lanai Island

A home to the beautiful beaches, quality dining avenues, shopping arcades and high-caliber golf courses, Lanai Island scores the top spot among popular vacation destinations. The untouched tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of daily life makes it the perfect spot for honeymooners and loving pairs. This island is termed as Most Enticing Island of Hawaii state.

Molokai Island

An island where no building is taller than a coconut tree, Molokai is the most endearing trait of Hawaiian community. This lovely Island represents the traditional lifestyle of Hawaii Island. Unspoiled coastlines, serene seascapes, and unmatched wildlife, the Island has an abundance of natural beauty.

Kauai Island

With exclusive coastal beauty, dense forests, and a number of historical landmarks, this island offers a lot of options to enjoy the holidays. Kauai island is Well recognized for its charming beaches, quality accommodation, and attractive shopping centers.

Oahu Island

The most visited island in Hawaii, Oahu island is home to some world-famous vacation destinations like Honolulu city, Waikiki beach, and Pearl Harbor, and many more. This island is called the ‘Hear of Hawaii’.

In short, Hawaii Island is the perfect fusion of natural beauty and Hawaiian hospitality. A visit to this place would surely give a distinct vacation taste unmatched to anywhere else. Some reputed tour operators provides a wide range of Hawaiian Island tour packages at variable rates. Considering your needs and budget, you can select the suitable one.

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Alpha Beef Recipes
Bring Out the Slow Cooker and Make a Delicious Beef Bourguignonne or Round Steak With Onions
Jan 3rd 2012, 09:19

One of the best ways to cook and keep the kitchen cool on hot days, have a hot meal ready when you get home on cold days, or just prepare a tasty meal on busy days is to use your crockpot or slow cooker. These delicious recipes for Beef Bourguignonne and a Round Steak with Onions will become family favorites and real go-to recipes! BEEF BOURGUIGNONNE 1 lb boneless beef roast, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 2 tbsp canola oil 1 large onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 1/4 cups Burgandy wine 1/2 cup beef broth 1 tsp dried thyme 3/4 tsp dried marjoram 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 2 bay leaves 3 cups whole fresh mushrooms 4 medium carrots, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 2 cups frozen small whole onions 3 tbsp quick-cooking tapioca 1/4 cup cold water 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 2 slices bacon, crisp fried, crumbled 3 cups hot buttered noodles In a large skillet heat the oil until hot. Add the beef cubes, onion, and garlic; cook until the beef is browned and onion is getting tender. Drain. ROUND STEAK WITH ONION 2 lb beef round steak about 3/4-inch thick 1/4 cup flour 1/2 tsp salt couple dashes black pepper 2 tbsp canola oil 1 medium to large yellow onion, sliced 1 can (10 3/4-oz) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/4 tsp dried thyme 1/3 cup cold water 3 tbsp flour Trim any excess fat from the round steak and cut steak into 6 equal portions. Coat meat in the 1/4 cup of flour; pound gently with a meat mallet. Sprinkle the meat with the salt and pepper. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meat, on both sides, in the skillet. Remove meat from the skillet and place in slow cooker or crockpot. Discard the drippings from skillet, reserving about a tablespoonful. Cook the onion in the reserved drippings in the skillet; stir in the celery soup, oregano, and thyme to blend well. Pour the soup mixture over the meat in the cooker. Place the cover on the cooker and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours. Measure out 1 1/2 cups of the cooking liquid and place into a saucepan. Blend the cold water slowly into the 3 tablespoons of flour; stir into liquid. Cook, stirring, until thickened and bubbly. Season, if needed. Serve over the steak pieces.. In a 4-quart or larger crockpot or slow cooker layer the mushrooms, carrots, and onions. Sprinkle the tapioca over all. Place the meat mixture atop the vegetables and add the thyme, bay leaves, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Combine the Burgandy and the beef broth; pour over the meat. Place cover on pot and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours until meat and vegetables are tender. Discard the bay leaves then stir in the crumbled bacon. Serve over the hot buttered noodles. Enjoy!

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Alpha Las Vegas
Las Vegas Hotel Review – MGM Grand
Jan 3rd 2012, 09:34

The MGM Grand is one most famous and eye-catching places of all in Las Vegas hotels. It is all over constructed in emerald green. Being at the Las Vegas, you just can’t miss the fact to visit down the strip at MGM Grand Las Vegas casino resort.

MGM Grand is just located on the Las Vegas strip with the dividing of Flamingo Road and also while arriving at McCarran International Airport; it is the first hotel to be seen. It is situated just opposite the Mandalay Bay & Luxor on one side and Excalibur on the other side of the road. It is at a prime location with restrictions to pedestrian walkways at ground levels and although there are intertwining bridges going south and west to the neighboring casinos.

It is an advantage to the pedestrian walkers that the MGM Grand offers an easy access through a monorail which connects the airport as well as to the other casinos like the Flamingo and Bally’s.

The MGM Grand is currently owned by MGM Mirage and is a sister concern casino resort to the likes of the Luxor, Bellagio, and Mandalay Bay. The Grand MGM as a casino is the second MGM casino as the first one got devastated during 80s in a fire. Though the name of MGM casino couldn’t stay out of Las Vegas for a long time and was rebuilt as Bally’s Casino resort in 1986.

During the period of 90s MGM Grand was a bit more of a family oriented place. It was opened in the year 1993 making the use of old Marina resort and at that time casino had a very distinct Wizard of Oz theme. In order to attract more and families there was an amusement park built on a theme. But today the appeal of the people has passed over from history just because the casinos are more youth oriented as a result MGM has got more of a Hollywood Theme.

In the latest competition, MGM Grand survives to be the second largest hotel in the world in the present times. And as a resort it is just next in size when only Venetian casino resort happens to be at the first spot. The hotel in its size itself includes five thousand and forty four rooms to choose from, including just over seven hundred and fifty suites. And also at the lower level price range, The MGM Grand rooms are normally available at somewhat around USD100 per night which shows that MGM has got everything to accommodate most of the requirements. But the prices are highly tentative as the crowd influx grows during the festive season. But the major change in the prices can only be felt in the cost of luxurious rooms and villas.

For eateries and cuisines, The MGM Grand rooms a choice of sixteen different restaurants and two food courts which have some of the most exotic cuisines of the world. There is something to almost everyone’s taste with some of the notable restaurants to be found in the hotel including Craftsteak, a Tom Colicchio restaurant, and Shibuya, a must for those aficionados of Japanese cuisine. For those on a budget spree can enjoy good quality food at the buffets and casual dining available.

As mentioned previously the MGM Grand hotel went through renovations in order to ensure that it also caters to the needs of the youths and adults. This renovation has seen the construction of Studio 54 Las Vegas, a copy of the famous New York nightclub. Additionally the hotel resort is also the permanent home of the KA production from Cirque du Soleil, as well as the Crazy Horse Paris nude revue for adults. The Hollywood theatre also allows some more refined entertainment, although a more or less adult clientele is catered for and is a debatable topic as it was the first venue for “Jerry Springer the Opera”.

The MGM Grand is perhaps best known for its lion habitat that sees several lions on show throughout the day. Tunnels allow guests to get up close to the animals without posing any sort of risks.

The MGM Grand also plays host to several outdoor pools and waterfalls, as well as numerous shops where just about everything can be purchased. Many sports fans are also drawn to the MGM Grand, and the Garden Arena has already been a venue for some of the best sporting events, including boxing bouts and wrestling events.

Las Vegas is primarily about gambling of course, so it is quite customary that the guests at the MGM grand are well catered for their gaming demands. The MGM casino is the largest to be found anywhere on the Strip, and takes up some 171,500 square feet of floor space. The casino floor is filled with a good mixture of table games, slots and sports betting. The table games in particular got something for everyone with craps, baccarat, poker, blackjack and many other games on offer to those looking to gamble.

The MGM Grand by name is just a grand place to visit. If you have planned a trip to Las Vegas, consider the MGM Grand hotel to the first priority for your comfort and convenience.

The MGM Grand treats you with a grand statue of the MGM lion but to experience the real ones you just have to come inside. Lion habitat is one of the popular attractions that MGM grand has. It gives a sense of adventure while roaming in between their enclosure with only 1/2 inch of glass in between. This attraction is however free of cost and you can also feed the lions twice a day too.

Screening Room

Amongst the other attractions is the CBS movie screening room in which you can watch new CBS shows after which they would ask for opinion. If you are a T.V Junk, you will love this attraction and again it’s all free.

Other Amenities

The other areas of attraction include a marvelous pool area surrounded by rack falls and palm trees. The Arcades, shops, food court all others are a part of resort.

For the Music freaks, the MGM Grand attracts some of the great entertainers alive today. At times you can see Tom Jones and Beyonce Knowles rocking the arena.

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Alpha Beef Recipes
Steak Recipes
Jan 3rd 2012, 17:48

Steaks are the easiest to prepare among all the meats. Tender steaks like the sirloin and the T-bone (filet mignon is the tenderest but it is very expensive and not easily available in the markets) are usually grilled. Most recipes differ in the marinade that is to be applied to the steak. Marinades use wine, lemon juice, soy sauce, tomato juice, etc; or even fruits like papaya and pineapple. Steaks are marinated for 6 to 24 hours, depending on the recipe and then placed on the grill. A charcoal grill is the best bet to get the restaurant-like flavor. Based on the tenderness of the steak, they are turned twice or thrice to get the desired level of doneness. Steaks should not be disturbed when they are grilling, as this does not allow the crust to form on their sides. Also they should not be poked with forks as this would allow the juices to run out of the steak. Among the best known recipes of steak preparation is the B

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Alpha Costa Rica
Costa Rica Airports
Jan 3rd 2012, 22:36

It used to be that the only way to visit Costa Rica was to fly into The San Jose International airport and then travel the rest of the way to your destination by car, taxi, bus, or oxcart. Not any longer. Costa Rica has added another international airport in Liberia, the provincial capital of Guanacaste to service the Northern portion of the country. With the addition of the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, with full customs service available, previously remote portions of Costa Rica are now much more accessible for the traveler or resident. The entire Nicoya peninsula has become more accessible to development and attractive to foreign investment. With the Costa Rican government’s support of development, previously hard to reach areas of Costa Rica will be even more accessible in the future.

The Liberia International Airport not only provides service to international carriers, but it has become an important hub for local airline flights to reach outlying areas of Guanacaste Province and other smaller airports. With parts of Costa Rica still remaining somewhat primitive, some areas are more easily accessible by air. This would be similar to Alaska, where it is often easier to fly than to travel overland, even if the distance is relatively short. Costa Rica has recognized this fact and through public-private cooperation, has developed a total of 26 airports throughout the country, providing easier transportation for many citizens living in more remote areas. These airports also allow more tourists to visits previously remote areas, bringing in much needed revenue, though threatening the ecosystem in the process. A strong push toward eco-tourism can help maintain the balance between these two opposing factors.

Local airports (and the term is used rather loosely here) consist of relatively short runways, sometimes unpaved, that can only handle smaller planes. Two local airlines, Nature air and Sansa air, provide safe, reliable service to many smaller, regional airstrips, providing easier access to all parts of the country. The experienced traveler, or the adventuresome, will be accustomed to flying with smaller, regional airlines, but for most Americans these flights may be a little unsettling. Flying in a smaller, 2-10 seat airplane is a vastly different experience than that of flying in a 200-300 seat jetliner. Both aircraft are perfectly safe, but the sensations associated with a smaller aircraft do take a little getting used to. But, it is an experience that the typical traveler will enjoy, as another experience in a full life.

In addition to the international airlines and the two domestic airlines, there are charter services, which will be happy to help you design your own travel agenda. They provide service at your convenience at a very attractive price for those who require the convenience of their own schedule. Costa Rican foreign nationals should also consider the advantages of a private airplane. The costs of maintaining a private plane are less than they would be in most other countries, and may be a viable option for many people.

The air transportation in Costa Rica provides many options for the Costa Rican immigrant. Quick, reliable air transportation is available throughout most populated areas of the country for the busy executive or high powered professional. But this is Costa Rica; you came here to escape the rat race. But, it’s nice to know that you are only a short flight away from anywhere you need to be, if you need arises. And, if you need to return to your home country for family or business emergencies, the Costa Rican air transportation services can get you home quickly. Just one more reason why Costa Rica is a great retirement destination.

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