COVID Worries: The holidays, children's remote schooling

My Psychology Today article today offers two COVID-related worries that my clients have expressed. One is about holiday trips. The other is about remote schooling's effects on their child.

The Latest on Recreational Marijuana: What the science says

It’s time for an update on what the science says about marijuana us.  I summarize in my Psychology Today article today. 

Becoming a Great Manager or Leader

I am developing a leadership/management bootcamp for students at a local university. My Psychology Today article today adapts it for you, my readers. I offer the bootcamp's core content plus an easily doable activity that enables you to apply that content even if you’re not currently in a managerial or leadership role.

You can complete this bootcamp by yourself or with one or more respected colleagues or friends

Is There Something You'd Like to See Me Write About?

 I believe the boundaries of my thinking need to be broadened. So, I figured I'd come to you my readers: 

Is there something you'd like to see me write about?

Networking for Fast Results

My Psychology Today article today offers an approach to networking that has worked for a number of my clients.

14 Musical Nuggets

2 ½ years ago, I posted “20 Musical Nuggets” It began, “Especially in our stressful times, music is essential: as balm, as inspiration, as healing.

Well, if anything, in the time of COVID's health and economic challenges and the political, racial, and gender roiling, musical stress relief may be more important than ever, if only as distractions.

Here are 14 more musical nuggets, from Palestrina in 1584 to current star Kendrick Lamar. I’ve tried to select iconic and accessible music, with a bias toward the upbeat. For each, I include a link to an exceptional performance that's available free on YouTube.

Gaude Gloriosa by Palestrina, performed by Chanticleer.

Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #3, 3rd movement, performed on original-period instruments by Voices of Music.

Beethoven’s Appassionata Sonata, 3rd movement performed by Daniel Barenboim. Do listen all the way to the end of this five-minute piece .The last minute is as passionate piano playing as I've ever heard. (Nope, this one isn't upbeat.)

Chopin’s Polonaise in A flat performed by Seong-Jin Cho

Scott Joplin's iconic Maple Leaf Rag.  Here, I take the liberty of offering my own rendition.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s overture to Oklahoma, performed by John Mauceri and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.  I believe that the Broadway overture is an underappreciated art form.  Oklahoma's is my favorite.

Begin the Beguine, big-band at its best, performed by Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band.

Jailhouse Rock, iconic 50s rock, performed by, who else: Elvis Presley.

Respect, the famous soul song, performed by, who else, Aretha Franklin.

The Beatles, who were emblematic of the rebellious ‘60s with such songs as Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds (LSD.)

Defying Gravity from the show Wicked, performed by Idina Menzel.

Seasons of Love from the show Rent, performed by the original Broadway cast on the run's closing night.

Bohemian Rhapsody, endlessly creative and virtuosic, performed by Freddie Mercury and Queen:

Rapper Kendrick Lamar has won 13 Grammies . . .and the Pulitzer. Prize. While it's hard to call this song a stress reliever, it's likely to get your attention and distract you from your woes. Here is Lamar's super-hit, Humble, which, on YouTube, has had more than 743,000,000 views.

I read this aloud on YouTube.

 

8 Supreme Houseplants

Many people find that gardening reduces stress and anxiety. Alas, in most climes, winter puts the kibosh on that.

Fortunately, well-chosen houseplants are a fine winter substitute, which calm and otherwise give pleasure year-round. My Psychology Today article today offers my favorites: