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It is great fun presenting the "Laugh and Last" seminar, especially when the participants relate to the humor that tickles my funny bone! Oxymorons and limericks, for example.

You can find some reminiscing in my article entitled: "Oxymorons in Retrospect."

Read "Oxymorons in Retrospect"...

Seminars

May 3, 2004. Andrews University, Summer School of Addictions. 9:00-10:30am, "Addictive Behaviors - the Bottom Lines." Hosts: Alina Baltazar and Derri Hanson.

May 8, 2004. Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, Person Theatre. 10:30am and 1:00pm, "Appreciating and Understanding the Neurobiological Differences Between Boys and Girls." My presentations are part of the Wonder of Boys conference with Michael Gurion as keynote speaker. Hosts: Peter Cameron and Joy Manthey.

May 11, 2004. Suisun, CA. 9:00am-12:00noon and repeated 1:00-4:00pm. "MindWaves, BrainBenders, and BrainFunction." Host: Renee S. Carter, SolutionsWest.

May 16, 2004. St. Helena, California. "Affirmation Through Prayer," 7:30-8:30pm. Host: Kathleen Patterson, Tapas & Topics at Grace Episcopal.

Other Seminars... »

Travel Update

Just before getting packed for the Ireland trip I will present a one-day seminar at the Fairfield Community SDA Church on Saturday, June 12th, 2004. My 11am topic is "Lessons from Job;" my 2-4pm topic is "Your Brain-Body Communication--What You Don't Know Can Kill You." Host is Norma Smith. Meet me there for one or both sessions.

July will find me in Ireland. Yes! I've wanted to visit the land of my paternal grandfather for more than half a century, and the travel will be stimulating for my brain, too. You just might want to bring yours along on the trip. Brain, that is! Request a brochure by e-mail or snail mail

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Selected References

"Laughter and the Brain" has been uploaded to the web site. Check it out. Delve into some of the references and boost your immune system while you stimulate your brain.

The link below accesses the PDF file of this topic.

"Laughter and the Brain"... »

Brain Benders

More stimulation for your cerebral neurons!

Solutions for Mar - Apr, 2004 Brain Benders:

Water (H to O)
I overslept!

See last issue's Brain Benders... »

News Note

"What You Can Change...And What You Can't" is the title of a book by another favorite author of mine: Martin E. P. Seligman, PhD.

He cites research studies to help explain what it is realistic for you to expect to be able to change in your life and what isn't. For example, psychological conditions with biological/heritable underpinnings are more difficult to change; learned habits are easier to change.

Dr. Seligman outlines techniques and therapies that have been shown to be effective in treating/modifying the specific conditions he discusses. The topics range from Alcoholics Anonymous through Sexual Orientation, Phobias, and Panic Attacks. Along the way he addresses depression, the pros and cons of anger, dieting and weight loss, and the layers of human sexuality. In the process he debunks some "cherished myths."

His points related to ease of change are explanatory, easy to understand, and referenced with outcome studies. Seligman's book is a valued part of my personal library and is available in paperback.

Available from amazon.com... »

Point to Ponder

"You grow up the day you have the first real laugh--at yourself." --Ethel Barrymore

Laughing at yourself is different from crying about your own inadequacies or putting yourself down. It involves understanding your own mistakes and failings and perceiving them in a humorous manner. When you have developed the ability to laugh at yourself it usually means that you've stopped blaming others and are taking responsibility for your own life. It's almost a paradox: when you can laugh at yourself you can be more effective in life.

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