The Carlton Affair — Encore Une Fois: Dominque Strauss – Kahn (DSK)

February 22, 2012 1:20 AMLeave a Comment

The Carlton Affair — Encore Une Fois: Dominque Strauss – Kahn (DSK)

Police in Lille, Northern France is questioning DSK about his alleged involvement in a prostitution ring that provided high-class escorts for parties of government officials. Reportedly, the former French Minister for Industry (1991-1993), Minister of Economics and Finance Minister (1997-99) and Managing Director (2007-2011) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), had asked authorities to proceed with the interrogation “to clear his name” as early as fall 2011.

At 62-years-old, DSK openly admits to his sexually promiscuities. In 2008, the IFM investigated his affair with Piroska Nagy, who worked for him at the IMF when he headed the organization. He apologized for his lack of judgment and was cleared of harassment charges. He later assisted Nagy in her job search.

The former Socialist Presidential Hopeful for France’s 2012 election openly acknowledges his sexual transgressions and makes no secret about his sexual engagement with numerous women at parties in Paris, Lille, and Washington, DC. DSK affirms however he did not know the women were escorts or part of a prostitution ring.

The current faux pas is preceded by dropped sexual assault charges DSK faced in New York in 2011. Accused of raping a chambermaid, Kahn reported the encounter was consensual. The alleged victim turned out to be an incredible witness as her storyline changed. She was also recorded discussing monetary gain by pressing charges against Kahn, a rich man.

French journalist Banon also pressed charges in 2011 involving a 2002 incident. She interviewed Kahn at the age of 23 when he reportedly attacked her. The French prosecution dropped the case. It dated back too far. DSK denies all charges and filed a countersuit, alleging slander.

Surprisingly for most people, Ann Sinclair, DSK’s wife, a former TV anchor and new editorial director at French Huffington Post, stands by her man one more time. Sinclair summarizes it for us in the Washington Post Lifesyle section:

“Leave your husband if you want to leave him. That’s your problem. I refuse anyone the right to judge mine.”

I happen to like her feistiness! At this time the magistrate police in Lille questions DSK and his release is anticipated for Wednesday. Albeit prostitution is legal in France, if DSK was aware a major French construction company financed the escorts he sexually engaged with, he could be charged with compliance of misuse of corporate assets.

Is DSK a victim of political conspiracy by Sarkozy’s center-right party or a sex-addicted ruthless villain? That’s up next for discussion on this blog. … In the meantime, we know Ann Sinclair’s answer!

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Back to the Future — 1789! The Pro-Santorum SuperPAC Prescription Combo:Unemployment, Terrorist Camps and Bayer Aspirin As Contraceptive Alternative for Women of All Faiths.

February 20, 2012 3:36 PMLeave a Comment

The Pro-Santorum SuperPAC Prescription Combo: Unemployment, Terrorist Camps and Bayer Aspirin As Contraceptive Alternative for Women of All Faiths.

When Newsweek’s Andrew Sullivan coined the headline “The Politics of Sex” he could not anticipate that Santorum supporter Foster Friess was about to elevate the contraception discussion to the next level.

The not very anthropologically-minded Friess questions people’s preoccupation with sex (and having it) during times of crisis. He points out that unemployment and terrorist camps in the making should focus people’s attention – not sex! Studies show that in times of uncertainty sexual activity increases rather than decreases [it’s the one pleasure that people can afford].

Friess proceeds to propose a clean, economic, quick fix and long-overdue contraceptive equivalent: Bayer aspirin.

Friess states, “Back in my day they used Bayer aspirin [shall we wonder if Bayer sponsored this ad] for contraceptives. The gals put it between their knees and it wasn’t that costly.

Like most women, Andrea Mitchell had to literally “catch her breath” when billionaire and chief donor to the pro-Santorum SuperPAC Friess, dished her his version of contraceptives during a live interview on MSNBC.

Ah, back in the day, Mr. Friess. Was back in the day around 1789 when the French revolution started?

Republican presidential hopeful Santorum declined responsibility for the prescription combo of his supporter and called it a “stupid joke.” Well, it sounds true to and compatible with the ideas of the staunch conservative right that Santorum represents.

Mr. Santorum himself advocates with rigor for abstinence, women’s responsibility to curb male sexuality and sexual attention, and sex being exercised exclusively for reproductive purposes.

It is very disturbing that in 21st century America, with the female population exceeding 50 percent, women’s reproductive rights are publicly ridiculed, regulated, and managed by conservative upper-class white men above fifty-five with very deep pockets!

With the ongoing debate about insurance coverage for contraceptives and the ever new hurdles women face when it comes to their reproductive rights, the pendulum is swinging backward instead of forward.

Mr. Santorum did not object to Mr. Friess’s statement. Friess clearly implied that women are the gatekeepers (just as in the Garden Eden – it was Eve seducing Adam with the Apple) of sex-free existence.

For a modern American superpower that’s a major step backward, for American women, it’s back to the drawing board. Where were we around 1789 again?

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About Diversity: And The Oscar Goes To … Stuck In Time!

February 19, 2012 7:00 PMLeave a Comment

About Diversity: The Oscar Academy in 2012: 94 percent White, 77 percent Male, and over 62 years old!

When I last checked the academy did not demographically reflect America’s diverse population.
In an evermore-diverse America, the Chicago Tribune reports in a story by Horn, Sperling, and Smith of the Los Angeles Times that members of the academy are 94 percent white and 77 percent male with an average age of 62. Reportedly, only 14 percent are younger than 50.

The ethnic ratio parallels Hollywood’s output: A predominantly white love affair. The academy was founded in 1927. With over $196 million in assets, it invests over $20 million in grants and scholarships. It generously supports film festivals; screen writing competitions, and fellowships.

Former academy President Pierson doesn’t see the academy’s composition as a problem:

“I don’t see any reason why the academy should represent the entire American population. That’s what the People’s Award is for. We represent the professional filmmakers, and if that does not reflect the general population so be it.”

My question is, why does the group of professional filmmakers not reflect the 21st century American demographics? Is it an elitist club that prefers sameness in ethnicity, age, and gender to preserve power? Is it difficult to be accepted, receive funding, grants, scholarships, and job opportunities if you don’t fit the criteria?

When middle-aged white men select most Oscar winners, it does not come to a surprise that the selection of actors and films is rather homogeneous.

Outstanding actors, films, and topics are going unnoticed and unappreciated. Why? Because the committee’s worldview is not representative of a demographically diverse American population with women, people of color and younger age cohorts underrepresented or absent. Learning about the academy composition, it obviously has not moved beyond 1928.

Let’s cheer for Denzel Washington who reflects on the mono-cultural composition of the academy:

“If the country is 12 percent black, make the academy 12 percent black. If the nation is 15 per cent Hispanic make the academy 15 percent Hispanic. Why not?”

May I add as the American population consists of over 50 percent women, make the academy at least 50 percent female and please let it reflect a fair representation of all age groups. Where do we begin: Let’s break the “glass ceiling” and adjust the demographic composition of professional filmmakers to allow all individuals equal access to Hollywood.

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In Defense of Oprah Winfrey

February 16, 2012 1:03 AMLeave a Comment

Oprah received backlash for her tweet during the Grammys encouraging viewers to watch OWN. She tweeted, “Every 1 who can please turn to OWN especially if u have a Nielson box.”

Nielson, a leader in market research and media ratings pointed out Oprah violated policy. Oprah’s tweet – in particular her reference to Nielson box users – may have swayed viewers to tune to OWN which may have artificially spiked the Chanel’s TV ratings.

Oprah retracted her tweet immediately and offered a public apology on Monday stating, “She intended no harm.” Despite her apology, Oprah is accused of being desperate and willing to attract viewers anyway possible in a time when her network attempts to increase visibility and gain viewers.

I beg to differ! OWN is a new venture for Oprah, the Queen of Talk. Let’s not forget Oprah Winfrey is a very bright woman and a gracious and generous show host. Oprah knows how to deal with adversity and has shown tremendous resilience over the course of her life and career.

Every beginning is difficult: It’s a new journey. We travel new roads and attempt to find our way. However, let there be no doubt: Oprah will continue to build her network just as she built her career: One step at a time. Oprah has shown immense graciousness to the public and distinguished herself as an outstanding humanitarian over the course of her career. How about extending the same courtesy to Oprah. It’s time to let her tweet go – she apologized – “no harm intended!” This is a call for tolerance, goodwill, and support – how quickly do we forget!

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Jennifer Hudson’s Family Trial to Start April 9, 2012

February 15, 2012 11:18 AMLeave a Comment

William Balfour, estranged ex-husband of singer Jennifer Hudson’s sister, is currently held at Cook County Jail in Chicago on triple first-degree murder charges. Cook County Judge William Burns ordered Balfour’s jury selection to start on April 9, 2012 followed by testimony on April 23, 2012 despite Balfour’s public defender Thomson’s claims that they are not ready for trial.

Balfour is accused of shooting Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother, and 7-year old nephew. The crime took place in Englewood, Westside of Chicago in 2008. The trial may be televised. Balfour is accused of having killed Jennifer Hudson’s relatives in rage and jealousy as his ex-wife had started to date another man.

It’s a difficult time ahead for Jennifer Hudson and her remaining family members. During the trial their horrendous loss will not only be remembered but actively relived. She and her family will be brought back to the time and place of the cruel event. It’s psychologically a very trying experience that often elicits feelings of anger, depression, and anxiety.

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Former Governor Rod Blagojevitch Chooses Englewood Prison Facility

February 15, 2012 11:12 AMLeave a Comment

Former governor Rod Blagojevitch will report to Englewood, a low-security prison in Littleton near Denver, Colorado on March 15th, 2012 to commence his 14-year prison sentence. Blagojevitch will join high-profile inmate Jeffrey Skilling, former Enron executive. Rumor has it that his “choice” of facility was influenced by the potential relocation of his wife and two daughters to Colorado to stay closer during this difficult time.

Rod Blagojevitch will try to enter the substance abuse program in the facility, which can assist to reduce his sentence to 13 years. Even if Blagojevitch will be transferred to the work camp adjacent to the Englewood facility eventually it’s a difficult road ahead.

Before examining Blagojevitch’s psychological adjustment to prison living, I want to point out how difficult it must be for him and his family to await his departure. Every day, a day of freedom is taken off the calendar and Blagojevitch must fearfully anticipate the separation from his family and feel the doom of a long-time incarceration hanging over his head. The psychological stress may well lead to clinical depression and anxiety. Certainly, the public points out his special privileges such as awaiting to report for prison at home and an extended grace period to say goodbye to his family. But these privileges also come with a price.

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Whitney Houston Update – The Aftermath:

February 14, 2012 12:52 AMLeave a Comment

In the midst of Whitney Houston specials, I am wondering how Whitney Houston’s and Bobby Brown’s only daughter Bobbi Kristina is holding up? The 18-year old was rushed to the hospital the morning after her mother’s death. Sources report she suffered a severe panic attack while other informants report that she had drank alcohol and had taken sedatives upon learning of her mother’s tragic death. She is currently with her father’s family. Reportedly, Whitney and her daughter were best friends.

I wonder how affected this young woman is not only by the sad loss of her mother but the lifestyle she experienced since her early childhood. Often children of parents’ who struggle with addiction become caregivers of the same and take on adult responsibilities. It is yet to be seen how Bobbi Kristina Brown confronts the tragic loss of her mother and if she has a strong support network of loving and stable adults that can help her move forward.

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Jerry Sandusky: Relaxation of House Arrest Conditions

February 14, 2012 12:49 AMLeave a Comment

Sandusky’s Defense Team scores major win with visitation rights for 14 of 11 grandchildren, visitation rights to lawyers’ offices, outdoor privileges, and a local jury.

At age 68, Jerry Sandusky, former Penn State Defensive Coordinator is charged with 52 accounts of sexual abuse. In today’s ruling, Judge John Cleland granted Sandusky’s request for relaxed home arrest conditions. Judge Cleland approved supervised visitations at Sandusky’s home with 11 of 14 grandchildren. The mother of the 3 remaining grandchildren (who are currently subjected to a child-custody battle) had accused Sandusky earlier last year of sexual abuse of her 5-year old son. The allegations were unfounded.
Nevertheless, Judge Cleland’s ruling came as a surprise. Based on the nature of charges (molestation of under aged boys) Sandusky is not to be around children under the age of 18.

More winning ground claimed by the Sandusky defense team consists of excursion rights to meet his lawyer (with 36 hrs advanced notice) and the permission to be outdoors in front of his home. Parents of children attending the elementary school next doors were concerned and had requested indoor house arrest.

Judge Cleland’s other major concessions to the Sandusky defense team are his request that the prosecution provide information about time, date, location, and victims’ ages at the time of the alleged offense and his endorsement of a local jury consisting of Centre County residents, where Penn State is located. The prosecution had requested an outside jury to prevent insider bias.

Jerry Sandusky has experienced privilege one more time: Power and access to his grandchildren, details pertaining to the victims, visitation rights to his lawyers, a local potentially milder jury based on their financial interest and emotional ties to Penn State in the face of extraordinary count of charges.

The question remains: Would an ordinary citizen from a less privileged neighborhood be granted the same conditions; the answer is a definite no. The average citizen would not be out on bail, not be allowed to have home visitations, nor be outdoors next to an elementary school. And he would be potentially offered a plea bargain and a bench trial rather than a ”jury of peers”. It appears that the distinct privileges of being a prominent sports coach prevail as the trial looms ahead.

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Dr. Daniela Schreier In the News: February 12th, 2012 – The Chicago Tribune Business Section: Sex and Investing

February 13, 2012 12:55 AMLeave a Comment

Dr. Daniela Schreier In the News: February 12th, 2012 The Chicago Tribune Business Section: Sex and Investing – Bulls and Bear: How do Men and Women Compare Investment

Dr. Schreier contributed to Kristin Samuelson’s article in The Sunday Chicago Tribune to examine the different investment strategies of women and men. Here is an excerpt – to read the full article follow the above link

Q: How does geography — international versus domestic — come into play [ when it comes to investments of men and women]? …

Schreier: If you look into the international setting, it’s much more about the level of education that women and men have, and the cultural acknowledgment of, “Can a woman be in business?” In Singapore, women are leading in their financial industry because they’re regarded as equal business partners. It’s an equal playing field because the education of men and women are equal, and the natural resources of the country are imports and exports. Whereas in India, men are still in charge of the household. In the cultural backdrop, women are the second class.

Domestically, I think it has to do with rural America versus urban life. More professional men and women are in the city than in the rural area, and that will affect how they invest. If you’re living in a city, you’re exposed to different products and clothing lines, and so you invest in what you know, what’s in front of you.

Q: In marriages, is it more common for men to do the investing? If women had been investing before marriage, do they typically continue after? …

Schreier: Very often the money management is left to the woman. In my couples, the women are the ones who pay the bills. It really depends on the profession you have, with expertise and interest. If you don’t have an explicit interest in the stock market, you’d have to put more effort toward researching it.

If women have a financial adviser and portfolio before they get married, they tend to stick with it. I think, generally, if you had the chance before to invest, why would you not continue to do that? Every relationship has a shelf life. Hopefully you’re intelligent enough to know, “Hello, I love you, but let’s continue to do our own thing, financially.”

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Whitney Houston: Cause of Death

February 13, 2012 12:31 AMLeave a Comment

Update on Whitney Houston:

The Huffington Post U.K. reports that Los Angeles Deputy Coroner Winter stated that Whitney Houston’s official cause of death could not be determined and no autopsy results would be released until toxicology results are back.

However, empty bottles of prescription drugs including Xanax – a highly addictive psychotropic Benzodiazepine (a fast and short-acting tranquilizer) were found in her room. Xanax works on the central nervous system and lowers anxiety by sedation and muscle relaxation. If used over a longer period, patients often start to use more than prescribed and in combination with alcohol Xanax can be lethal. Both are depressants of the nervous system and in combination can slow down the heart rate and breathing. This frequently leads to passing out. In the case of Whitney Houston it may have caused her to pass out and drown in the bathtub. My heart goes out to her fans and her family, but I can only wonder about those who demand silence about the potential cause of her death in order to let people mourn.

Please mourn – the nation does – but while you are mourning, addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs claims more victims each hour. Prescription drugs are the fastest growing addiction – often hidden because you get your pills in the pharmacy not on the street – even though you can buy them there too. The official cause of Whitney Houston’s death has yet to be determined but on the eve of her death, I am calling out: Wake up! Be aware that addiction trumps silence – we need to call a Spade a Spade and name things by their real name! Denial stands in the way of working together to help not only our icons but all who are afflicted by addictions.

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