“In my childhood the only exotic, exciting, beautiful things that my mother shared with me were her military times. She was a WAC, and she met my father in the Philippines. She told me about the South Pacific, about serving with MacArthur, about New Guinea and Australia.” So begins a short article Army Captain David Christian dictated to writer Margot Achtereerg in 1981, more than 30 years ago. Captain Christian, at that time, had been named the most highly decorated veteran of the Vietnam … [Read more...]
Pat Summerall’s Story By David Palmer
Sports Icon and famed broadcaster of the Masters Began to find his faith at the 1992 tournament By David Palmer Pat Summerall died today. He was 82, and it was two days after the end of the 2013 annual Masters golf tournament. The Masters had a special meaning for Summerall. He had been the voice of the Masters for 24 years on CBS, and it was about to come to an end in 1992. That was when he had his epiphany, that moment of truth when he knew that he was in serious trouble with … [Read more...]
Columbus Calling
At about 8 o’clock on the morning of April 9, Columbus Abrams called me. If you have been recovering from an addiction and have been going to 12-Step meetings for a couple of years or more, you may know what’s coming next. “Happy birthday!” Columbus said, with his usual infectious good cheer, as he has done annually for the past 20 years. Columbus, a recovering alcoholic, was referring to my sobriety date, the date I capitulated and put the plug in the jug 31 years ago. Okay, you say, it’s … [Read more...]
Max the magician wows audiences with his strong message of recovery
For over a decade, illusionist Maxwell Blade has delighted visitors at Hot Springs' Historic District with his long-running magic show at the Historic Malco Theatre. His new location next door to the Gangster Museum of America showcases up-close "parlor magic" and classic sleight–of-hand. Although blessed with talent, Maxwell has for many years struggled with addictions. After spending several months at the Milestone Ranch treatment facility in Malibu ("the best decision I ever made," he says) … [Read more...]
Feeding the Fame
Celebrities Tell Their Real-life Stories of Eating Disorders and Recovery By Gary Stromberg and Jane Merrill (Hazelden publishing) Supermarket tabloids regularly cover the addiction beat with heightened attention lately on eating disorders. “Wasting Away. Stars Risking their Lives to be Thin” trumpets the front page of the National Enquirer supported by five pages of photos featuring rail-thin Nicole Richie, Keira Knightly, Sienna Miller and “manorexics,” Marc Anthony and Carson … [Read more...]
