I Interviewed Top Poker Pros in the World, Jamie Gold, Greg Raymer, Daniel Negreanu, and More about Poker Strategy and Politics!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-presno/top-poker-pros-talk-poker_b_112434.html
Enjoy!
My Huffington Post Blog: How Did Anne Hathaway Get Duped by a Cad?
Whenever I see a bright, successful, beautiful woman dating a cad, there's a small part of me that still gets surprised even though I've seen it hundreds of times before in clients I counsel, with my friends and acquaintances -- and yes, before I was married, a cad or two passed though my door.
Actress Anne Hathaway began dating Italian businessman, Raffaello Follieri in the spring of 2004 when she was a ripe 21. Four years later, Raffaello is facing a dozen counts of money laundering, conspiracy, and wire fraud, as well as being characterized as a "con man" by federal prosecutors. Reports are the couple split in June.
Hathaway studied at Vassar College and the prestigious Barrow Group theater company. She played Jane Austen. How did this real life dating disaster happen?
Many speculate low self-esteem when a woman gets taken in by a cad. But I'm not sure that's always the case. Perhaps they need to be teaching young women and men psychological awareness at schools like Vassar -- something beyond the requisite Psych 101 -- more of an applied psychology that relates to dating and relationships.
Cads are hard to spot because they are magnetic and manipulative, but the key is they are spottable if women are willing to truly see what's in front of them. According to People, "Even as some friends say they warned Hathaway about Follieri, she stuck by him for months as allegations of his wrongdoing swirled."
Not all cads and con artists are created equal. Some are of the boys-will-be-boys (or girls-will-be-girls) variety, while others have a more sinister twist. The "twist" is often sociopathic tendencies or Antisocial Personality Disorder which is characterized by the DSM-IV-TR as "a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others ..." among other symptoms.
The DSM puts the prevalence of Antisocial Personality Disorder in the community at about 3% in males and about 1% in females. This is a lot, keeping in mind that these numbers represent only people with the full blown disorder.
When I advise women and men about how to avoid someone with sociopathic tendencies, I tell them don't expect a monster; instead expect someone oozing with charm. Yet, underneath the heat and charisma are cold thoughts and actions devoid of empathy. Impulsivity, thrill-seeking, and constant boredom are characteristic.
Relationships are used as stepping stones to get them where they want to go. They have an uncanny ability to push someone to the brink, but then suck them back into the relationship again. It's drama, and they love it.
But cads are not infallible. There are always signs. That's why it's so important to educate men and women to see the signs, as well as helping them achieve the courage and willingness it takes to interpret them.
My Interview with Obama Girl for the Huffington Post
Obama Girl Set to Take On McCain Girl
Amber Lee Ettinger, a.k.a. Obama Girl, is a sexy symbol of the Internet's power in this election. She feels lucky that in a small way she's part of a bigger story -- "that the Internet is changing the way people can participate in politics."
My interview with Amber revealed that we will be hearing more from Obama Girl. With a follow-up to her breakout video hits, "I Got a Crush... on Obama" and "Mike Gravel Lobbies for the Obama Girl Vote," she's ready to take on McCain Girl with a new video. And for the upcoming presidential election she has made a pledge: "Definitely voting, definitely Obama." While Amber is an expert on Obama's "crush-worthy qualities," she isn't supporting Obama for his looks. She discusses this, her thoughts on political issues, her plans for the future, some potential new political crushes, and more in the following Q&A:
Are you Republican, Democrat, Independent, or Other?
I'm registered as a Democrat.
Which best characterizes your interest in politics?
A) Political junkie 
Somewhat interested
C) Could care less
D) Other
Well, when I first did the original "Crush on Obama" video, I wasn't a political expert, and I'm still not. But doing these videos has definitely opened my eyes to the political world and I've loved that aspect of the project.
Of the following three issues, which do you think is the most
important right now?
A) Economy Health Care
C) Iraq
They're all important. But from people who I talk to, they're nervous about the economy.
Beyond those three issues, what other issues are important for you this presidential election?
I'm kind of an environment person. So I'd like to see a President who cares about preserving the planet.
Are you planning to vote in the presidential election? If so, who do you plan to vote for?
Definitely voting, definitely Obama.
Regardless of who you support, which candidate do you think will be the next President?
Well, I hope it's Senator Obama. But in the past year I've heard so many predictions. "What am I going to do after Obama loses?" Then it was, "Can you believe Obama's going to win?" Then when Hillary Clinton came back, it was, "Can you believe Hillary is going to win now?" So I'm staying away from predictions.
Historically, looks have played a role in presidential candidates' success i.e. John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton. How much do candidates' looks play a role in who you vote for?
They don't play a role in who I vote for... John McCain and Barack Obama have such different views on things, it's hard to imagine anyone would decide based on who's cuter.
What gives Obama his sex appeal?
Well he's definitely got some crush-worthy qualities. He's a natural leader and inspires people. I think he has shown a lot of integrity in his campaign. He's dedicated to his family. He's extremely bright. He's funny. And he looks good in basketball shorts.
What kind of guy is your type?
Aside from guys running for President? I think some of those qualities above -- you know ... a sense of humor, honesty, intelligence, delegate leads!
Who do you think is the sexiest living politician besides Obama?
Oh, let's give the nod to Mike Gravel. The guy learned the Soulja Boy dance for us in a Youtube video we did together. That was hot.
How does it feel to be named "Hottest Woman on the Web"?
Bizarre? E! named me the "Hottest Woman on the Web." I felt very honored and flattered ... I still can't believe it sometimes. The whole year has been a whirlwind. Some people like our videos, some people can't stand them. But people definitely are still watching them, so that's fun.
Who do you think is the hottest political pundit?
Female? Have to go with Ms. Rachel Sklar [The Huffington Post's own]. Male? Anthony Mazzerilli is a radio show host in Philly who's been good to us ... and he's cute. Stephen Colbert ... so sexy.
Sex and politics have been linked throughout the ages with sex scandal after scandal. Do you think if a candidate has had affairs, voters should factor that in to their decision about who to vote for?
I wouldn't presume to tell people why they should vote for a candidate. I know personally that's not a factor at the top of my list. But the fact Senator Obama and his wife are obviously such a great team together... and they value their family so much... that's something I really admire about both of them.
What was your job before this all happened?
I went to FIT [Fashion Institute of Technology] for Fashion Design. Workwise ... same as it is now -- modeling and acting. I got an email from Ben Relles who produces these videos and he basically said, "It's a video kicking off a humor website and will take about 6 hours to shoot."
What are your career plans now?
Definitely continuing to stay busy with acting and modeling. I'm also working on a jewelry line right now with my mother, who is my biggest inspiration. She's an author and owns a vintage clothing and jewelry store in Hazleton, PA called Remember When. I have my own song I'm putting out this summer, I'm excited about. And there should be more from Obama Girl, most likely trying to bring down the new McCain Girl that came out last week!
My Yahoo! Article: 8 Ways to Stomp the Drama
Does drama follow you from relationship to relationship? Learn to stomp it before it starts!
No one should have to live with the constant threat of a break-up. It leaves you sick, insecure, and on edge in the whole relationship. But if you truly want to end it, make it stick the first time.
2. Learn to spot drama-prone personalities: People who like drama like attention. If someone you want to date is constantly flirting with other people, fighting with other people, and seeking the spotlight at parties or clubs, know you're likely to have drama on your hands if you decide to get involved. Also, people who seems to have a constant, steady flow of chaos in their life rather than having all their ducks in a row is usually a relationship drama magnet.
3. Stop picking fights: Believe it or not, a lot of fights get started out of boredom. Begin to notice if you and your partner are picking fights with each other on rainy days when there is nothing to do. Also, notice if fights start when you and your partner are frustrated about something unrelated to the argument. Then you can work on solving that problem, rather then creating needless drama in your relationship.
4. Learn how to say, "Game over!": If you've got a game-player on your hands, most likely you've got drama on your hands. People who are authentic, know how to communicate, and are honest about what they are thinking and feeling will leave you drama-free.
5. Take your arguments down a notch: Drama gets created when every little thing gets turned into a big crisis. "You forgot to bring the bananas home. You never do anything for me. You don't love me." Okay, time to stomp the drama. Learn to deescalate your arguments by toning down the criticism, and not making a federal case out of everything.
6. Find other ways to create excitement in your relationships: No doubt you are swamped with work, family, and other responsibilities in your life. So much so that you may loose touch with the things you love to do -- the things that give you joy, pleasure and healthy excitement. Take time to get in touch with the positive things that make you happy. Is it dancing, watching movies, swimming, cooking? Whatever they are, take time out to do these things with the person you are dating -- and try to come up with some new things as well. Salsa dancing lessons anyone?
7. Detox the drama addiction: Drama can be addictive. It's a rollercoaster ride of exciting highs and lows. Healthy relationships have their highs and lows, but they also have some really secure, steady no-waves moments where you can chill and breathe a big sigh of relief. If just being together without the drama isn't enough, it's time to find out why this relationship or any healthy relationship doesn't seem fulfilling -- counseling is always a good option.
8. Know that drama gets boring: After a while, all the emotional crises, all the breaking-up and getting back together, and all the hurt gets predictable and boring. Soon, your friends are going to be done with it, your family is going to be done with it, and you are going to be drained and done with it. Get over it before it starts. Stomp the drama!
My Huffington Post Interview with Shanna Moakler, Brande Roderick and More
Playmates on Politics:
Q&A with Politically Savvy Bunnies
Sex and politics cross paths in our culture. So I decided to tie the two together by interviewing Playboy Playmates about this year's presidential election.
Five Playmates - one a former Miss USA and another a Playmate of the Year - opened up about their interest in politics, who they support, what issues are most important to them and whether looks plays a role in who they support.
What they revealed included some surprises - three out of the five Playmates support John McCain for president. On the issues, the economy stood out for the Playmates. And when it comes to what they are experts at - being sexy - two of the Playmates thought Jon Stewart was the hottest "political pundit," while one Playmate picked Fox News' Bill O'Reilly, even calling him "a very sexy, seductive man."
Interviewed are:
• Shanna Moakler, former Miss USA and Dancing with the Stars contestant, actress, model, Miss December 2001;
• Brande Roderick, Baywatch Hawaii and Surreal Life star, actress, model, former Hef
girlfriend, Playmate of the Year 2001;
• Colleen Marie, veterinarian and model, Miss August 2003;
• Stephanie Glasson, model, Miss July 2004;
• Monica Leigh, actress, model, Playboy cover model, Miss March 2006.
The Playmates' candid answers show they are uninhibited with regard to sex and politics. As a therapist who spends hours trying to chip away at the walls of repression, facilitating the process of getting clients to say what they really feel, I found these interviews with the Playmates refreshing, whether I agreed with their views or not. See what you think.
How Much do Looks Play a Role in Who You Vote for?
Shanna, Colleen, and Stephanie were adamant about looks not playing a role. Shanna said, "Their looks mean nothing to me. I wanna hear what they have to say; I wanna see what they do." Monica and Brande were more circumspect. Brande stated, "I've heard that if someone is nice looking and tall, subconsciously we trust them more than a shorter, unattractive man. Is it fair? No. But it's just human nature. I think the remaining candidates are all good looking. So they're pretty even on that. Mrs. McCain makes up for any of McCain's misfortunes."
Women In Politics
Shanna mused she would love to see a woman in office in her lifetime, while Brande delved deep into her psyche saying, "This is going to sound terrible, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for a female president. I think of when I was a little girl; who did I run to for protection? Big strong dad."
Sexiest Living Politician
Shanna: "I think John Edwards is very handsome."
Brande: "When (Bill) Clinton was president I thought he was extremely sexy and good looking."
Colleen: "Jesse Ventura."
Monica: "Arnold hands down, lol."
Hottest Pundit
Sorry, Chris, Keith, Tim, Jamal, & Nora . . . I would have supported you, but Brande votes for Bill O'Reilly on this one: "I was on his show twice and he is a very sexy, seductive man." Monica and Shanna give honorable mention to Jon Stewart: "I don't know if you would consider him a real political pundit, but he's fun to me," said Shanna.
Which Candidate Do You Prefer?
Shanna: Happy with either Democrat, Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama;
Brande: McCain;
Colleen: McCain;
Stephanie: McCain;
Monica: Clinton.
On her support of McCain, Stephanie said, "I'm a Republican, but I would vote for the 'right person.' I like McCain because he shares some of the same Republican views as me and he's a social centrist. In social issues he's pretty much in the center. He also believes in a strong military, as I do."
On why she supports McCain, Brande said, "Originally I was a big supporter of Giuliani, but we know how that turned out. So naturally I jumped on the McCain train. I feel that our country will be the safest with McCain at the wheel. I don't know what it is about having a man that's a little older and has more experience than the other two."
However, she expressed one concern about McCain in that she does not want him to help overturn Roe vs. Wade. "He is pro life, and I feel very strongly that having a baby is a girl's choice. I don't feel that if a young 15-year-old girl who was taken advantage of gets pregnant she should have to stay pregnant," Brande said.
As for Monica's support for Clinton, she likes her experience and that, "She is a fighter."
Playmate Presidential Predictions
Of the Bunnies who ventured to predict the outcome of the 2008 presidential race, Shanna thinks Obama's got it, "He breaths a wind of fresh air that so many people want to see." Stephanie and Monica, on the other hand, place their bet on McCain.
Should a Candidate's Extramarital Affairs Factor in the Voters' Decision-making Process?
Shanna, Monica, and Brande don't feel it should. Brande said, "One thing has nothing to do with the other. And whether a president gets a you-know-what from someone has nothing to do with how well he runs his country. In fact he's probably more relaxed."
Shanna said, "No, I don't care what a candidate does behind closed doors as long as they stand by their word and fight to make this a better country. At the same time, humiliating your spouse doesn't show great character. But it shouldn't be the end-all be-all as a candidate."
Stephanie and Colleen are on the other side of the issue. "I believe we are voting for the man and what he can do for this country. His characteristics are a part of the man. If he would cheat on his wife, the woman he vowed to never cheat on, I feel that he would cheat the American people," said Stephanie.
Most Important Issue this Election
All the Playmates felt there are a wide variety of important issues that need to be tackled. When asked which is the most important right now, A) Economy Health Care C) Iraq, two of the four who answered picked the economy.
Other important issues this election that were mentioned by one or more of the Playmates include: civil rights among gays, abortion - the woman's right to choose, cancer research, the environment, and social security. Colleen asked, "Is there really going to be any SS (Social Security) money for me when I am old and have to retire??"
Political Junkies?
None of the Playmates characterized themselves as political junkies, but described themselves as patriotic and interested in politics. Brande said, "I care about what happens to this country and take all things that pertain to it very seriously." Colleen likes to "keep up with world events, change and what's going on here, but I get confused if I try to delve too deep."
Shanna sums up what a lot of people might be feeling: "I do wanna have a voice and make change, at the same time I get frustrated as politics make me feel so powerless at times. I am truly excited for this election. I'm excited that Obama and Clinton have started to make people talk and become interested in truly making changes. I think this is an amazing time to be alive and witness politics in this country."
Monica poignantly said that, "We are in need of a great leader right now and I hope our country helps make the right decision."
So do I, Monica!
My Yahoo Article! How to Deal With Someone Who Has Lots of Baggage
Six essentials to handling your partner's emotional baggage
By Caroline Presno, Ed.D., P.C.C. Special to Yahoo! Personals
We all carry it, but it seems that some people have more emotional baggage than others. What's in the suitcases they've been lugging around? Ghosts of relationships past, old wounds that haven't healed, and painful memories that keep resurfacing.
1. Open the Suitcases One at a Time
2. Remember Not All Baggage Is Negative
3. Be Accepting
4. Learn From Mistakes
5. Are They Using Baggage as an Excuse?
6. Don't Forget About Your Own Stuff
Dr. Caroline's Gone Political!!---Blogging for the Huffington Post
Check Me Out in the May Cosmo
"Why Women Are Hot for Obama!" on FriendFinder.com
Here's an excerpt from my article on Friendfinder.com . . . for more go to http://friendfinder.com/intgroups/aa242/tyadmin/acprint_admin_article.html?m=15291971_89765
Recent Chief Executives, short on sexy
Since John F. Kennedy, we've been running short on sexy in presidential politics—until Barack. If you look back, a lot of our presidents and presidential candidates have been grandfatherly and stiff like Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr., and Dole—or just plan stiff—think Gore and Kerry.
It's tempting to make fleeting arguments about Gary Hart and John Edwards, but these days they're closer to being political blips than babe magnets!
The problem with Clinton was that a lot of his sexy got drowned in scandal. And the ladies with whom he was scandalous took away from, rather than added to, his sexy. Kennedy had Marilyn, whereas Clinton had Monica! Then, of course, there's the bubba factor that takes his sexy down a notch.
George W.
A real puzzle is our current president. He's actually a good-looking guy and is aging well—sort of the way all the James Bond guys seem to age well, except for the fact that Bush is missing the sexy!
You'd have to look far and wide for any woman or man who thinks George W. is hot now. Maybe back in the day, but now he seems devoid of sensuality or any of the tangible and intangible components that make up sexy. W is a perfect example of why sexy is about more than just being physically attractive or powerful.
But Obama isn't getting the sexy title by default. He's earned hot!
Obama is sexy because he has edge.
The interesting thing about Obama's edginess is that it's not Bad Boy edge; it's more like cutting edge. Being progressive, doing things in a new way instead of the same old way, approaching problems from a different angle—it's all a gamble, a challenge and a thrill.
Obama is sexy because he's a one-man melting pot..
He's a unique blend of different races, cultures and social classes, from his Kenyan father to his Kansas-born mother, from time in Indonesia to growing up in Hawaii with white grandparents. Yet, interestingly, at the same time Barack Obama represents this melting pot, he also manages to go beyond it. You manage to see past it all—right down, deep to the sexy!
Posted June 23, 2008 | 02:43 PM (EST)