A unique social rehabilitation model is now in place in the criminal justice system of New Mexico, which offers not only drug rehab but also a program that engenders self-respect in the incarcerated as a way to help reduce criminal tendencies. The program is overseen by Rick Pendery, the national Executive Director of the Second Chance Centers and Joy Westrum, the President of the Second Chance Program (www.secondchanceprogram.net).
"The idea here is to shift the inmate's moral code from one based on criminality to one that is socially desirable, based on survival for himself and others, and one that makes sense to him. If it doesn't make sense to him, he won't follow it.", Pendery explains. "Using The Way to Happiness booklet by L. Ron Hubbard, which is non-religious moral code, these guys are turning around their viewpoints on right and wrong and coming out with a different basis for decisions in their life. That is one of the reasons we get such a low recidivism percentage."
Independent university studies show over a 5-year period that criminal recidivism has dropped to less than 10% for those who have participated prior to release in at least one third of the Second Chance Program in earlier pilot programs.
Westrum has seen this program delivered to thousands of inmates. "The Way to Happiness can help an individual see how moral conduct can improve his survival. When that happens then you have a good chance that he will change his own behavior by his own free will. This is such an effective way to create permanent personality changes."
The inmates are called students, when in the Second Chance Program, according to Pendery: "The book has 21 precepts that are taught to the student in a classroom under close supervision using various study tools learned in the previous course to ensure full comprehension of each moral concept. The student actually practices applying each precept in their daily life, until they have really got the precept as a part of their life. We have observed improvement with the inmate in interpersonal relations, improved responsibility in life, blaming others less, etc."
Dr. Alfonso Paredes, M.D. and Professor Emeritus UCLA School of Behavioral Science states, "It was particularly important to me to have interacted personally with the inmates, shaking hands, talking with them and asking many questions. I observed first hand the rehabilitative process and the responses of hard core drug abusers and law offenders to the program. I have had opportunity to do many visits to substance abuse rehabilitative programs throughout the US for the National Institute on Alchohol Abuse and Alchoholism (NAAA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). I have had administrative responsibilities for statewide substance abuse rehabilitative systems as well as for programs in major academic institutions in the US. I have never been as deeply impressed as I was during my visit to the Second Chance Program.
When asked how this program is related to Scientology, Westrum said, "Through a licensing agreement with Criminon International, the Second Chance Program, Inc. uses manuals in the field of education as well as drug and criminal rehabilitation based upon research by American researcher and humanitarian, L. Ron Hubbard. These manuals have been evaluated by the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. and compare favorably to best practice in the criminal justice field. We are non-religious and not a Scientology organization. Anyone, of any religion, can use the research findings of L. Ron Hubbard, without being part of the church or the religion."
"The benefit that these students gain from using our program, in my opinion, is unsurpassed by any other program available in the criminal rehabilitation field. The students, when finishing these courses, have usually found new self respect and this gives them a whole new life. We are very excited about expanding into other states with our program."
Information about the Second Chance program can be found at www.secondchanceprogram.net.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
A Plea for Positivity
I was handed a business card the other day by a young woman who does pedicures at a day spa. The name on the card was Judy Fantastic. "What a wonderful name!" I said in delight.
It turns out that Ms. Fantastic is using a nom de plume, so to speak (or, at least, a nom de nailpolish brush). With utter, disarming sincerity, she explained that she chose "fantastic" as her personal adjective because, she said with a huge smile, "I am fantastic!"
What a difference between Judy’s approach and that of most people I talk to!
When I tell people that I work with smart, successful people who want to explore new careers or who are seeking more meaning in their current careers, I'm shocked at the number of them who duck their heads, shuffle their feet, and declare (usually with embarrassed laughter), "Oh, well, that wouldn't be me. I'm not successful or smart!" (I generally have to bite my tongue to avoid retorting, "With that attitude, you never will be, either!")
It seems as if people have a superstitious need to make disclaimers. I'm not ready, I'm not smart, I'm not successful – all of these statements are somehow supposed to turn away the bad luck gremlins and instead invite the gods of good fortune to smile upon us. We blame our achievements and successes on luck and circumstance, and embrace setbacks with a litany of responsibility.
But life doesn't work that way. The fact is, we get what we focus on. Our brains have to filter through huge amounts of input, whether it's the birds flying past the office window or the latest financial news. The bird enthusiast sees an orange-crowned warbler sipping from the hummingbird feeder; the warbler is invisible to his non-birding co-worker at the next desk. You and I listen to the same news report; you're an avid investor, but I only stare blankly when you comment afterwards on the price of oil.
You've probably experienced yourself how a new interest – whether it's which car to buy or a sudden passion for Thai food – is suddenly everywhere you look. Established Thai restaurants appear out of the blue on streets you've travelled for years, and why, you wonder, is every third driver behind the wheel of the exact model and color of the car you're considering?
In practical terms, what this means is that we can set our own filters to hear – or exclude – whatever we want. We can focus on being fantastic and tune our filters for opportunity – or we can remind ourselves that we're neither smart nor successful, and set our filters for failure.
Personally, I know which I prefer. And I know which type of people I'd rather hang out with. What about you?
I invite you to select your own positive adjective. Which one most suits your goals and enthusiasm? Write down at least a dozen, and spend time trying them on, just as you would try on a pair of shoes; it's important that your personal adjective fit correctly and not pinch your aspirations! Then decide how you plan to incorporate your adjective into everything you do.
"A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug." Patricia Neal, American actress and philanthropist.
Unexpected experience in the first flight
When I sent my relatives to airport for overseas trip, I imagine how nice in the air or flight. However, it is nonsense if I do not have business to travel by flight. In addition, I do not think that flight would be bad for me.
I was very happy when I received an invitation for an interview of master programmed session. I was happy because I had been waiting for it for two years. I decided to book a return flight from Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur. I thought I would not have a problem with my first flight .What is more , my boss gave me only two days holiday. So , to make sure I was rested when I arrived , I decided to go to Kuala Lumpur by air.
With confidence, I drove happily early in the morning to the airport. I did not think to have breakfast first, because I did not expect to have any trouble.
I checked in for an early bird flight, and rushed to the airport. However, I did not allow enough time and reached the airport slightly late. I rushed quickly just to take a curry puff and tea. Then I heard that passengers to Kuala Lumpur must assemble at the departure hall immediately.
This was the first time I had been to the hall. It is not so big but it can be filled with 300 people for a domestic flight. I had to queue patiently to have my ticket check. Waiting for me was a beautiful curly haired flight attendant with her red uniform. All passengers seemed to be moving fast in order to have a few minutes more for departure time.
I walked through the departure hall to the door to the stair to enter into the cabin. I was surprised to meet an old friend who I had not seen for eight years. He asked me where I was going and I told him that I was going for an interview for my master proposal of second-degree research. However unfortunately I did not have a chance to ask him his destination, but I thought that I could ask him when we reached KLIA, or Kuala Lumpur International Airport. At that time, I was very excited because I would be going to one of the most famous airports in the world. I had seen the airport on television, newspaper, or video only. However, in just one hour I would walk through the international airport. I could not wait to go back and tell my family about the marvelous airport.
A few minutes later, I was feeling happy when the engine roared. Suddenly the temperature went very cold for me. At first, I turned to see other passengers. May be a few of them were also this the first time like me. My seat was beside the left wing. I could see the wing on my left. At first when the pilot drove the plane, we could see a few families of the passengers waving goodbye. In the cabin, the flight attendant gave guidance on safety in the plane. She showed how to fasten the seat belt, when and why to do so. Then when the engine started to speed until it took off, I felt something uncomfortable happen to me. My stomach began to reject air and my food. Then I started to use my oil that been prepared by my wife. The oil could relieve airsickness. At first, I do not want to bring it but my wife urged me to bring it. If I had not, I think my health would have become worse. At that time, I felt I was uplifted and saw we faced the sky. I thought the was plane nose up for more than five minutes. In addition, my health was started to give me problems but I tried to peep through the window to see downwards. I could see with my naked eyes for the first time how amazing the world was that I had being living in for 35 years. The nice beautiful colour of scenery with white stripe is still in my memory. I recognized The Tendong Bridge that is the famous and large bridge in my hometown.
To begin with, I massaged my backside to relieve my headache. A few minutes after that there was an announcement .The announcer was the pilot. He described who was he, what’s was the flight speed, the altitude and when we would reach the KLIA. I remember that he was Captain Azhan. The plane was flying at about seven hundred and fifty kilometers an hour and the altitude was ten thousand feet above sea level. During that time, I felt so frightened to hear the flight speed. It was ten times faster than my car speed. Almost all my time in the cabin, I closed my eyes. Maybe the mother beside me thought that I was sleepy and able to sleep in the short trip. Luckily, the flight did not include any meal or beverage. If they had prepared it, I could not eat or drink anything. I remembered about someone had told me that in flight there are many factors can make someone suffer from airsickness. One of them is air pocket, which can happen, in bad weather. When remembered that I became worse but I tried to relax myself. By that time, I smelled an unpleasant smell. It smelled as somebody vomited. They were in the same situation as me but I thank the Almighty I was not like them.
A moment later the pilot said that the flight was ending .We would arrive twenty minutes early. This statement made me happier and slightly eased my pain. The young mother thought that I was having problem, but I ignored her. At least I had not vomited. I know if I am in the situation they are getting to be like me. I think why my situation likes this to me. I remember that I not eat rice as usual .Sometimes I looked through my left window to see the sky. On that time I can feel who we are….just like dust on the road .We have nothing. It teached me that how power Allah is.
Then the flight ended. I rushed to search for the toilet, forgetting to see my friend again. In the toilet, I vomited and wasted all my food. I felt weak and sat near the toilet to rest. After that, I forced myself to look for the taxi or bus but it was a long way to walk. Finally, I reached the driver centre. Luckily, I could get some medicine there. I had a lodging there for that day at the small mosque near the limousine parking area. At first, I asked a few drivers to bring me to the hotel near my interview centre but they told me that it is very expensive with their limousine. They guide me how to go to my interview centre. So I did like what did they told me. No need for me to stay at hotel on the day .I can stay there in the small mosque.
On the next day when I felt a little better, I went to my interview by taxi. Nevertheless, here I still having problem to look for the place because it was unfamiliar to me. It still makes me in trouble. Then I had my interview. After that, I had a rest for a few hours before returning home by flight. Unluckily for me I cannot travel back by plane. So I bought a train ticket to go back home.
I reached home on the next day. Therefore, I wasted my flight ticket. For me it did not matter. It was better than flying home. I think for the first time I can fly one way only!
I was very happy when I received an invitation for an interview of master programmed session. I was happy because I had been waiting for it for two years. I decided to book a return flight from Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur. I thought I would not have a problem with my first flight .What is more , my boss gave me only two days holiday. So , to make sure I was rested when I arrived , I decided to go to Kuala Lumpur by air.
With confidence, I drove happily early in the morning to the airport. I did not think to have breakfast first, because I did not expect to have any trouble.
I checked in for an early bird flight, and rushed to the airport. However, I did not allow enough time and reached the airport slightly late. I rushed quickly just to take a curry puff and tea. Then I heard that passengers to Kuala Lumpur must assemble at the departure hall immediately.
This was the first time I had been to the hall. It is not so big but it can be filled with 300 people for a domestic flight. I had to queue patiently to have my ticket check. Waiting for me was a beautiful curly haired flight attendant with her red uniform. All passengers seemed to be moving fast in order to have a few minutes more for departure time.
I walked through the departure hall to the door to the stair to enter into the cabin. I was surprised to meet an old friend who I had not seen for eight years. He asked me where I was going and I told him that I was going for an interview for my master proposal of second-degree research. However unfortunately I did not have a chance to ask him his destination, but I thought that I could ask him when we reached KLIA, or Kuala Lumpur International Airport. At that time, I was very excited because I would be going to one of the most famous airports in the world. I had seen the airport on television, newspaper, or video only. However, in just one hour I would walk through the international airport. I could not wait to go back and tell my family about the marvelous airport.
A few minutes later, I was feeling happy when the engine roared. Suddenly the temperature went very cold for me. At first, I turned to see other passengers. May be a few of them were also this the first time like me. My seat was beside the left wing. I could see the wing on my left. At first when the pilot drove the plane, we could see a few families of the passengers waving goodbye. In the cabin, the flight attendant gave guidance on safety in the plane. She showed how to fasten the seat belt, when and why to do so. Then when the engine started to speed until it took off, I felt something uncomfortable happen to me. My stomach began to reject air and my food. Then I started to use my oil that been prepared by my wife. The oil could relieve airsickness. At first, I do not want to bring it but my wife urged me to bring it. If I had not, I think my health would have become worse. At that time, I felt I was uplifted and saw we faced the sky. I thought the was plane nose up for more than five minutes. In addition, my health was started to give me problems but I tried to peep through the window to see downwards. I could see with my naked eyes for the first time how amazing the world was that I had being living in for 35 years. The nice beautiful colour of scenery with white stripe is still in my memory. I recognized The Tendong Bridge that is the famous and large bridge in my hometown.
To begin with, I massaged my backside to relieve my headache. A few minutes after that there was an announcement .The announcer was the pilot. He described who was he, what’s was the flight speed, the altitude and when we would reach the KLIA. I remember that he was Captain Azhan. The plane was flying at about seven hundred and fifty kilometers an hour and the altitude was ten thousand feet above sea level. During that time, I felt so frightened to hear the flight speed. It was ten times faster than my car speed. Almost all my time in the cabin, I closed my eyes. Maybe the mother beside me thought that I was sleepy and able to sleep in the short trip. Luckily, the flight did not include any meal or beverage. If they had prepared it, I could not eat or drink anything. I remembered about someone had told me that in flight there are many factors can make someone suffer from airsickness. One of them is air pocket, which can happen, in bad weather. When remembered that I became worse but I tried to relax myself. By that time, I smelled an unpleasant smell. It smelled as somebody vomited. They were in the same situation as me but I thank the Almighty I was not like them.
A moment later the pilot said that the flight was ending .We would arrive twenty minutes early. This statement made me happier and slightly eased my pain. The young mother thought that I was having problem, but I ignored her. At least I had not vomited. I know if I am in the situation they are getting to be like me. I think why my situation likes this to me. I remember that I not eat rice as usual .Sometimes I looked through my left window to see the sky. On that time I can feel who we are….just like dust on the road .We have nothing. It teached me that how power Allah is.
Then the flight ended. I rushed to search for the toilet, forgetting to see my friend again. In the toilet, I vomited and wasted all my food. I felt weak and sat near the toilet to rest. After that, I forced myself to look for the taxi or bus but it was a long way to walk. Finally, I reached the driver centre. Luckily, I could get some medicine there. I had a lodging there for that day at the small mosque near the limousine parking area. At first, I asked a few drivers to bring me to the hotel near my interview centre but they told me that it is very expensive with their limousine. They guide me how to go to my interview centre. So I did like what did they told me. No need for me to stay at hotel on the day .I can stay there in the small mosque.
On the next day when I felt a little better, I went to my interview by taxi. Nevertheless, here I still having problem to look for the place because it was unfamiliar to me. It still makes me in trouble. Then I had my interview. After that, I had a rest for a few hours before returning home by flight. Unluckily for me I cannot travel back by plane. So I bought a train ticket to go back home.
I reached home on the next day. Therefore, I wasted my flight ticket. For me it did not matter. It was better than flying home. I think for the first time I can fly one way only!
Living Your Life And Loving It! – 3 Enabling Steps to Happiness
All of us, I am sure, wish for a life of abundance, health and wealth, relationships and what have you. There are those who are born with a silver spoon and blessed with good fortune throughout their lives. Luck seems to go with them wherever they go, well at least most of the times. Others are not so lucky and have to put up with challenges after challenges in their embattled lives and problems keep cropping up from time to time. To them, life is nothing but suffering.
To quote the revered and his holiness, the Dalai Lama, “Life is suffering. Our purpose in life is to seek happiness”.
What if there is a choice that we can make to turn things around? What if the unpleasant events and circumstances that we faced in the drudgery of living can be mitigated, lessened or dissolved with efforts on our part? Is hardship and adversity seems insurmountable? Can destiny be altered in our favor?
Yes!
The answer to all the above may shock you but just thing for a minute – Why is it that God made us the way we are? Each of us is unique and yet we are all the same – nobody’s perfect! Do we wait for divine intervention or some miracles to happen before we hope to see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?
Not if we can help it!
At birth, we are given a set of pillars to be our foundation and it is up to us to build upon them. Our destiny code is ingrained in these pillars but the power to steer the hands of destiny is within our control albeit measured.
Herein unfolds the 3 steps to strengthen our pillars.
Get Empowered!
We empower ourselves by knowing our
- strengths and weaknesses
- affinity and detachment
- characteristics and eccentricities
Our pillars of destiny contain the hidden factors that govern our success in life and how the above are played out depends on how we make use of these factors:-
- Self
- Output
- Wealth
- Influence
- Resource
All the above factors are interdependent on one another and how we use them holistically is the key to maneuvering destiny in our favor. This is the concept of the Chinese metaphysical science of Astrology known as the Four Pillars of Destiny.
Energized Yourself!
We are all affected by our living environment. The place we live, the location our house is sited, the landscape in our vicinity and the internal space within our home are channels where energy or life force known as “Qi” flow. This energy gives life to all living things and is dispersed by the wind and gathers at the boundary of water. The Chinese called it “Feng Shui” which simply means wind and water.
This energy wax and wane through time and is inclined towards certain compass direction and location. If properly tapped, it gives prosperity and harmony to the inhabitants of a property in terms of health, wealth and relationships. The secret is in identifying, locating, containing and tapping into this energy using the Chinese compass known as the “Luo Pan”.
Be Proactive!
"Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action."
This is the quote by the British Statesman and literary figure, Benjamin Disraeli.
How true! Everything that happened to us is a result of the actions taken by us or by others. If we want something in life, we have to take action, without it nothing happen. We can sit around and bemoan the sad state of affairs we are in or we can be proactive and start making positive changes to our lives. The choice is ours to take.
If destiny hands us a raw deal, we can make lemonade out of a lemon!!!
To quote the revered and his holiness, the Dalai Lama, “Life is suffering. Our purpose in life is to seek happiness”.
What if there is a choice that we can make to turn things around? What if the unpleasant events and circumstances that we faced in the drudgery of living can be mitigated, lessened or dissolved with efforts on our part? Is hardship and adversity seems insurmountable? Can destiny be altered in our favor?
Yes!
The answer to all the above may shock you but just thing for a minute – Why is it that God made us the way we are? Each of us is unique and yet we are all the same – nobody’s perfect! Do we wait for divine intervention or some miracles to happen before we hope to see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?
Not if we can help it!
At birth, we are given a set of pillars to be our foundation and it is up to us to build upon them. Our destiny code is ingrained in these pillars but the power to steer the hands of destiny is within our control albeit measured.
Herein unfolds the 3 steps to strengthen our pillars.
Get Empowered!
We empower ourselves by knowing our
- strengths and weaknesses
- affinity and detachment
- characteristics and eccentricities
Our pillars of destiny contain the hidden factors that govern our success in life and how the above are played out depends on how we make use of these factors:-
- Self
- Output
- Wealth
- Influence
- Resource
All the above factors are interdependent on one another and how we use them holistically is the key to maneuvering destiny in our favor. This is the concept of the Chinese metaphysical science of Astrology known as the Four Pillars of Destiny.
Energized Yourself!
We are all affected by our living environment. The place we live, the location our house is sited, the landscape in our vicinity and the internal space within our home are channels where energy or life force known as “Qi” flow. This energy gives life to all living things and is dispersed by the wind and gathers at the boundary of water. The Chinese called it “Feng Shui” which simply means wind and water.
This energy wax and wane through time and is inclined towards certain compass direction and location. If properly tapped, it gives prosperity and harmony to the inhabitants of a property in terms of health, wealth and relationships. The secret is in identifying, locating, containing and tapping into this energy using the Chinese compass known as the “Luo Pan”.
Be Proactive!
"Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action."
This is the quote by the British Statesman and literary figure, Benjamin Disraeli.
How true! Everything that happened to us is a result of the actions taken by us or by others. If we want something in life, we have to take action, without it nothing happen. We can sit around and bemoan the sad state of affairs we are in or we can be proactive and start making positive changes to our lives. The choice is ours to take.
If destiny hands us a raw deal, we can make lemonade out of a lemon!!!
Second Chance Program Raising Self-Respect in New Mexico Inmates
A unique social rehabilitation model is now in place in the criminal justice system of New Mexico, which offers not only drug rehab but also a program that engenders self-respect in the incarcerated as a way to help reduce criminal tendencies. The program is overseen by Rick Pendery, the national Executive Director of the Second Chance Centers and Joy Westrum, the President of the Second Chance Program (www.secondchanceprogram.net).
"The idea here is to shift the inmate's moral code from one based on criminality to one that is socially desirable, based on survival for himself and others, and one that makes sense to him. If it doesn't make sense to him, he won't follow it.", Pendery explains. "Using The Way to Happiness booklet by L. Ron Hubbard, which is non-religious moral code, these guys are turning around their viewpoints on right and wrong and coming out with a different basis for decisions in their life. That is one of the reasons we get such a low recidivism percentage."
Independent university studies show over a 5-year period that criminal recidivism has dropped to less than 10% for those who have participated prior to release in at least one third of the Second Chance Program in earlier pilot programs.
Westrum has seen this program delivered to thousands of inmates. "The Way to Happiness can help an individual see how moral conduct can improve his survival. When that happens then you have a good chance that he will change his own behavior by his own free will. This is such an effective way to create permanent personality changes."
The inmates are called students, when in the Second Chance Program, according to Pendery: "The book has 21 precepts that are taught to the student in a classroom under close supervision using various study tools learned in the previous course to ensure full comprehension of each moral concept. The student actually practices applying each precept in their daily life, until they have really got the precept as a part of their life. We have observed improvement with the inmate in interpersonal relations, improved responsibility in life, blaming others less, etc."
Dr. Alfonso Paredes, M.D. and Professor Emeritus UCLA School of Behavioral Science states, "It was particularly important to me to have interacted personally with the inmates, shaking hands, talking with them and asking many questions. I observed first hand the rehabilitative process and the responses of hard core drug abusers and law offenders to the program. I have had opportunity to do many visits to substance abuse rehabilitative programs throughout the US for the National Institute on Alchohol Abuse and Alchoholism (NAAA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). I have had administrative responsibilities for statewide substance abuse rehabilitative systems as well as for programs in major academic institutions in the US. I have never been as deeply impressed as I was during my visit to the Second Chance Program.
When asked how this program is related to Scientology, Westrum said, "Through a licensing agreement with Criminon International, the Second Chance Program, Inc. uses manuals in the field of education as well as drug and criminal rehabilitation based upon research by American researcher and humanitarian, L. Ron Hubbard. These manuals have been evaluated by the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. and compare favorably to best practice in the criminal justice field. We are non-religious and not a Scientology organization. Anyone, of any religion, can use the research findings of L. Ron Hubbard, without being part of the church or the religion."
"The benefit that these students gain from using our program, in my opinion, is unsurpassed by any other program available in the criminal rehabilitation field. The students, when finishing these courses, have usually found new self respect and this gives them a whole new life. We are very excited about expanding into other states with our program."
Information about the Second Chance program can be found at www.secondchanceprogram.net.
"The idea here is to shift the inmate's moral code from one based on criminality to one that is socially desirable, based on survival for himself and others, and one that makes sense to him. If it doesn't make sense to him, he won't follow it.", Pendery explains. "Using The Way to Happiness booklet by L. Ron Hubbard, which is non-religious moral code, these guys are turning around their viewpoints on right and wrong and coming out with a different basis for decisions in their life. That is one of the reasons we get such a low recidivism percentage."
Independent university studies show over a 5-year period that criminal recidivism has dropped to less than 10% for those who have participated prior to release in at least one third of the Second Chance Program in earlier pilot programs.
Westrum has seen this program delivered to thousands of inmates. "The Way to Happiness can help an individual see how moral conduct can improve his survival. When that happens then you have a good chance that he will change his own behavior by his own free will. This is such an effective way to create permanent personality changes."
The inmates are called students, when in the Second Chance Program, according to Pendery: "The book has 21 precepts that are taught to the student in a classroom under close supervision using various study tools learned in the previous course to ensure full comprehension of each moral concept. The student actually practices applying each precept in their daily life, until they have really got the precept as a part of their life. We have observed improvement with the inmate in interpersonal relations, improved responsibility in life, blaming others less, etc."
Dr. Alfonso Paredes, M.D. and Professor Emeritus UCLA School of Behavioral Science states, "It was particularly important to me to have interacted personally with the inmates, shaking hands, talking with them and asking many questions. I observed first hand the rehabilitative process and the responses of hard core drug abusers and law offenders to the program. I have had opportunity to do many visits to substance abuse rehabilitative programs throughout the US for the National Institute on Alchohol Abuse and Alchoholism (NAAA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). I have had administrative responsibilities for statewide substance abuse rehabilitative systems as well as for programs in major academic institutions in the US. I have never been as deeply impressed as I was during my visit to the Second Chance Program.
When asked how this program is related to Scientology, Westrum said, "Through a licensing agreement with Criminon International, the Second Chance Program, Inc. uses manuals in the field of education as well as drug and criminal rehabilitation based upon research by American researcher and humanitarian, L. Ron Hubbard. These manuals have been evaluated by the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. and compare favorably to best practice in the criminal justice field. We are non-religious and not a Scientology organization. Anyone, of any religion, can use the research findings of L. Ron Hubbard, without being part of the church or the religion."
"The benefit that these students gain from using our program, in my opinion, is unsurpassed by any other program available in the criminal rehabilitation field. The students, when finishing these courses, have usually found new self respect and this gives them a whole new life. We are very excited about expanding into other states with our program."
Information about the Second Chance program can be found at www.secondchanceprogram.net.
Friday the 13th could be a lucky day?
Friday the 13th sounds unlucky ? Traditional superstition ? And a lot of people dislike it and believe it to be unfortunate.
A Friday occurring on the 13th day of any month is considered to be a day of bad luck in English and Portuguese-speaking cultures around the world. And similar superstitions exist in some other traditions.
The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia or paraskevidekatriaphobia (horribly long words).
The origins of Friday superstitions are many which include Eve tempted Adam with the apple on a Friday. And 13 people at the last supper of Jesus, who was traditionally crucified on Good Friday.
Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they are simply unable to get out of bed when Friday the 13th rolls around. The Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute estimates that more than 17 million people are affected by a fear of this day.
But for some individuals, it doesn’t sound unlucky at all. Of course, gambling is not encouraged in this article.
1) A couple from UK win $17 million.
Source taken from :
CNN.com news article
2) While a 49-year-old woman hits $10 million jackpot at MGM Grand.
Source taken from :
About.com news article
A new survey shows people are becoming less superstitious about 'unlucky' Friday the 13th, the poll of 1,000 adults shows other superstitions are also less of a concern nowadays. In fact, three out of four questioned for a Surrey theme park said they had no intention of staying off work just because of the date.
Or maybe we should think positively, being positive could make you lucky. Being positive about anything and everything could also increase how you view and perceive things, and produce favorable results.
In fact, according to a report : Trying not to think a negative thought will result in thinking it more, Thinking is like breathing: It goes on night and day and you can’t stop it. But you can change it.
Or you should ask yourself something like this: “How can I make myself stronger and to deal with this?” Or “Can I get myself busy right now, very busy I forget all about my fears?
When you find yourself thinking negatively about something “bad” that happened, ask yourself “What’s good about this?” Or “How can I turn this to my advantage?” Ask a good question and automatically you will think positively.
A Friday occurring on the 13th day of any month is considered to be a day of bad luck in English and Portuguese-speaking cultures around the world. And similar superstitions exist in some other traditions.
The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia or paraskevidekatriaphobia (horribly long words).
The origins of Friday superstitions are many which include Eve tempted Adam with the apple on a Friday. And 13 people at the last supper of Jesus, who was traditionally crucified on Good Friday.
Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they are simply unable to get out of bed when Friday the 13th rolls around. The Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute estimates that more than 17 million people are affected by a fear of this day.
But for some individuals, it doesn’t sound unlucky at all. Of course, gambling is not encouraged in this article.
1) A couple from UK win $17 million.
Source taken from :
CNN.com news article
2) While a 49-year-old woman hits $10 million jackpot at MGM Grand.
Source taken from :
About.com news article
A new survey shows people are becoming less superstitious about 'unlucky' Friday the 13th, the poll of 1,000 adults shows other superstitions are also less of a concern nowadays. In fact, three out of four questioned for a Surrey theme park said they had no intention of staying off work just because of the date.
Or maybe we should think positively, being positive could make you lucky. Being positive about anything and everything could also increase how you view and perceive things, and produce favorable results.
In fact, according to a report : Trying not to think a negative thought will result in thinking it more, Thinking is like breathing: It goes on night and day and you can’t stop it. But you can change it.
Or you should ask yourself something like this: “How can I make myself stronger and to deal with this?” Or “Can I get myself busy right now, very busy I forget all about my fears?
When you find yourself thinking negatively about something “bad” that happened, ask yourself “What’s good about this?” Or “How can I turn this to my advantage?” Ask a good question and automatically you will think positively.
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