Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Supreme Court hears case today that could upend homelessness policies Los Angeles Times

addiction by design

As you seek help for yourself or a loved one, you may have questions along the way. More than a decade ago, he was struggling with drug use, which had worsened after the death of his father. When an outpatient counselor suggested residential treatment, he initially brushed off the suggestion. Too often, “the drug dealers do a much better job of delivering their product to our patients than we do,” said Dr. Randolph Holmes, chair of government affairs for the California Society of Addiction Medicine. Some treatment providers “view us as the enemy instead of as allies,” said Soma Snakeoil, executive director of the Sidewalk Project, which provides Narcan spray to reverse overdoses and other services on L.A.’s Skid Row. And if she were to leave, the risks of an overdose were graver than before.

What causes digital addiction?

At our California alcohol rehab and drug detox facility, we provide high-quality addiction treatment carefully designed to meet your specific needs. We offer a well-appointed and distraction-free treatment facility, where you can focus entirely on your addiction recovery. Design for Recovery provides structured sober living in Los Angeles, California. Through our programs, weekly house gatherings, employment support, money management, family outreach, and a solid foundation based on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, Design for Recovery offers the skills and support for lifelong sobriety. Some homes have specific rules about pets, such as breed or size restrictions.

EU Opens Probe of TikTok Lite, Citing Concerns About Addictive Design (techcrunch.com)

addiction by design

Resident was booked on suspicion of burglary Sunday afternoon, police said. A case has yet to be presented to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office and the matter is being investigated by the LAPD’s elite Robbery-Homicide Division. Blacc encouraged people “to offer a moment of joy” when they reach out and to share a positive memory that’s going to bring the person joy.

The 2024 CHCF Central Valley Health Policy Survey

Activision, Rockstar Sued Over Addictive Video Games - Law360

Activision, Rockstar Sued Over Addictive Video Games.

Posted: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Out of fear of embarrassment or intervention, they might lie about how much time/money they’re spending on/with digital products, time and money of which they might not have. Digital addiction is bad for your mental health and your physical health, but you probably knew that already and frankly are sick of hearing about it, so let’s take a look at how digital addiction actually affects people on a day-to-day basis. That much is obvious to everybody, including the European Parliament who’ve assessed the nature and impact of addictive apps, websites, and platforms and determined that new rules must be put into place in order to combat digital addiction. Design for Change Recovery provides exceptional addiction treatment in Southern California because we take time to get to know our clients. By understanding their personal struggles with substance use, we can customize a treatment program tailored to their specific circumstances. We are a fully licensed and JCAHO-accredited drug and alcohol rehab center and have worked hard to earn and maintain that status.

A new play about Jesus comes to the O.C. It could provoke ‘intense’ reactions

Pets provide companionship, love, and support during this difficult time. While pets are not allowed in all sober living homes, many do allow pets. America’s young people face a mental health crisis, and adults constantly debate how much to blame phones and social media. A new round of conversation has been spurred by Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation,” which contends that rising mental health issues in children and adolescents are the result of social media replacing key experiences during formative years of brain development. Ultimately, squeezing customers for every little bit of money and time they have has obviously been a successful approach, but times are changing. More and more people are adopting healthier lifestyles, including social media detoxing and overall spending less time in the digital world.

Cathy Adams, president of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, who also supports the initiative, told The Times she has noticed more arrests since Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed 120 California Highway Patrol officers three months ago. Political strategist Gale Kaufman, who is not affiliated with the ballot measure, said that collecting well over the required amount is more of a strategy rather than being indicative of widespread support. It’s worth noting the EU’s press release raises specific concerns about “the suspected absence of effective age verification mechanisms on TikTok”, which is an area the Commission’s first TikTok investigation is looking into. Although the Commission has not confirmed whether it plans to fine TikTok for failing to produce the risk assessment document on time as yet. The European Union has opened a second formal investigation into TikTok, announcing Monday that it suspects the video sharing platform of breaking the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), an online governance and content moderation framework. This article aims to inspire you with 21 carefully hand-picked UX case study examples, each offering valuable lessons.

How big tech is fuelling dating app addiction - Dazed

How big tech is fuelling dating app addiction.

Posted: Fri, 23 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

I suppose we all have a responsibility to make digital products healthier to use, don’t we? The most notable and sometimes only sign that somebody is suffering from digital addiction (or any addiction) is a change in their behavior. They might become quiet and withdrawn, become disinterested in things or people that used to interest them, appear anxious or irritable, and this affects the people around them as much as it affects them.

Opinion: Does social media rewire kids’ brains? Here’s what the science really says

The purpose of inpatient drug rehab is to help a person focus on treatment without daily distractions and triggers that could hinder their progress. To ensure our client’s successful recovery, we provide a secure, supportive environment that promotes tranquility and healing. Our inpatient rehab can last from 30 days up to several months or more if needed. During treatment, clients receive a full continuum of care that incorporates evidence-based methods administered by compassionate, skilled staff.

What are the legal issues the Supreme Court will need to sort out?

The 56-year-old also opened up about her own mental health struggles and successes. She experienced childhood depression after being molested at age 7, she said, and, because of that she knew well the feeling of “not wanting to be here.” However, she started treatment in for her unresolved childhood grief and sexual trauma. Do I expect future findings on the adolescent brain to immediately quell parents’ fears on this issue? Brain imaging data is a fascinating way to explore interactions between psychology, neuroscience and social factors. Feel free to question whether social media is good for kids — but don’t misuse neuroscience to do so. Adolescence is a time when the brain is particularly plastic, or prone to change.

Addictive digital products also tend to have some kind of reward mechanism to keep users engaged. For apps and websites, a good example is an endless supply of content to consume (or just doom scroll). What’s worse is that they escape these negative feelings by retreating even further into their addiction — it’s a vicious cycle that people often feel powerless to break, and the issue isn’t just that businesses exploit this behavior but cultivate it. For example, even though we may disagree about all the solutions at the United States’ southern border, Congress proved there were programs and solutions that could garner bipartisan support. And racial inequality and unrest is something that is routinely exploited by Xi and Putin, and yet those challenges are well-known in America because there is no other country that has such diverse cultural backgrounds. Sadly, our online addiction has helped fuel a crisis of confidence in democracy, and that’s literally by design.

Other things such as co-pays, out-of-pocket expenses, and deductibles will affect the final cost. All things considered, the approximate cost of a 30-day program can range from $5,000 to $20,000. Making the decision to seek treatment for addiction is a big step toward a new life. Now that you are ready to begin, contact our addiction counselors today to begin your journey. We will help you choose a program that is right for your unique situation.

Let us assist you in crafting a personalized recovery plan tailored to your needs. It was the third time that the woman had used drugs or alcohol since coming to CRI-Help, which runs a 135-bed residential facility in North Hollywood where people are treated for substance use disorder. Close family members are free to visit the sober living at any time, though it is recommended that they contact the house in advance to discuss their visit with the house manager. Some people may need to stay in a sober living home in Los Angeles for a few months, while others may need to stay for a year or more.

After ignoring his pleas to pull over, Card punched him in the face, Hodgson said. “The Anxious Generation” neglects these subtleties when, for example, it discusses a brain system known as the default mode network. This system decreases in activity when we engage with spirituality, meditation and related endeavors, and Haidt uses this fact to claim that social media is “not healthy for any of us” because studies suggest that it by contrast increases activity in the same network. In other words, an association between increased brain activity and using social media could mean that social media activates the identified pathways, or people who already have increased activity in those pathways tend to be drawn to social media, or both. For instance, the type of treatment, location, length of stay, and amount of insurance coverage determine the overall cost.

However, Design for Change accepts plans from most major PPO and HMO insurance providers. First, our admission team will complete an initial assessment with you or your loved one over the phone, a process utilized to gather as much information as possible to advocate for you or your loved one to your insurance company. Second, we will call your insurance company to obtain your benefits as they relate to substance abuse. Our team will work closely with your insurance company to receive all of the necessary information needed to know if you will have any financial responsibility and exactly how much that would be. This information will allow our admission team to begin the process of customizing a treatment plan for you or your loved one that meets your financial position appropriately.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

7 best US river cruises

highest rated cruise line

My husband and I scouted out the best cruises for kids when our own children were young, and since becoming empty nesters, we’ve found the best adults-only cruises and couples cruises. Whether it's a river or an ocean you want to cruise, Scenic can take you there in style. On board, you'll find fine dining, expansive spas and fitness facilities, and butler service. Luxury cruises tend to be smaller, with more staff per guest and more deluxe amenities. Among the amenities, passengers can enjoy upscale accommodations, spas and sauna facilities, water sports equipment and fine dining.

Best for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat. Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried.

How to choose the right cruise ship cabin

Throw in all the perks, including Royal Genies and private dining, a dedicated bar and sun deck, and it’s clear why Royal Caribbean has some of the best suites at sea. With its endless dedication to kids, Disney Cruise Line breezes to the top of the pack when it comes to the family cruise experience. Larger-than-average staterooms with double-bathrooms, free room service and fountain sodas, and Disney’s spectacular kids facilities and production shows help set the line apart.

Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment: Celebrity Beyond - Celebrity Cruises

Emerald Yacht Cruises, a line best known for its river ships, launched its first ocean-going vessel, Emerald Azzura, in 2022 followed by an identical sister ship, Emerald Sakara, in 2023. The line’s newest ship, Silver Nova, which holds 728 passengers was ranked as the Best New Luxury Ship. This environmentally-friendly ship, which began its inaugural cruise in August, 2023 is the industry’s first hybrid luxury cruise ship. American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.

highest rated cruise line

How can you not feel relaxed when you complete the Nordic circuit, which includes time in a sauna, steam room, snow room and thalassotherapy pool? Viking's spa offerings have a natural Nordic blend that makes you feel that Scandinavian hygge, no matter where in the world you are. Virgin Voyages cruise line is a great option for travelers who want to enjoy a cruise vacation tailored exclusively for adults. Its ships offer a wide variety of specialty dining options, from a food-truck style market with a burger shop, taco shack and sushi bar. The ships are packed with activities, from water slides to game shows to the thrilling SkyRide, a pedal-powered bike 150 feet above the top deck. There’s plenty to keep kids busy, so you can spend some guilt-free quiet time at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

Finally, check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site to see a detailed list of suggested vaccines per destination. Cruise lines offering or hosting themed trips are Norwegian Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. This line hosts LGBTQ+ welcome parties, social hours and other events on almost every cruise, from the Bahamas to the Mediterranean to Australia.

Sessions are well-attended and often hands-on; if you miss one, you can catch it on-demand on your stateroom TV. Don’t miss the “crew show,” where international staff proudly share cultural traditions and dances. Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise. You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836.

Best for Families: Royal Caribbean

Cruise Critic announced the 2023 Best Cruise Lines of The Year - Forbes

Cruise Critic announced the 2023 Best Cruise Lines of The Year.

Posted: Wed, 06 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The cruise line's relatively new Go Local shore excursions for small groups bring travelers to under-the-radar destinations, T+L contributing editor and long-time cruiser Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon reported recently. Her 2022 cruise on Riviera included 70 excursions "from canoeing Croatia’s Cetina River to cooking classes in Athens." While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage.

Best Ocean Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line

Solo travelers will find plenty of inclusive programming aboard Holland America Line, including dance classes, wine tastings, cooking demos and lectures. Each sailing hosts a Solo Travelers party where singles can meet each other, and a roommate matching service pairs same-sex travelers in a shared stateroom to save on surcharges. The company shines with an always stellar lineup of onboard experts and guides. Lindblad Expeditions will run a series of domestic trips on the Columbia and Snake rivers aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, both of which have 31 cabins.

But Disney doesn’t forget that adults are footing the bill and crafts a memorable experience for them, too. Oceania’s shore excursions go beyond the standard offerings and do a deep-dive into areas passengers might not expect. The line even offers “Wellness Excursions by Aquamar” that seek to enrich and enlighten in various ports around the world, and special small-group tours that will never have more than 16 passengers participating.

For those staying in certain room tiers, a concierge team is available to help travelers with special requests and booking excursions. And while Disney cruises primarily cater to families, they aren’t just for kids. The ships offer nightclubs, bars and adult-only pools and dining, too, as well as special activities and clubs for teens. Carnival’s low fares and fun amenities make it a popular choice for those looking for a quick, affordable cruise (although it also offers longer trips to Europe, Australia and more). Its ships cater to travelers looking for an entertaining, exciting getaway — with an emphasis on pools, waterslides, mini-golf and karaoke, plus comedy shows, casino games and nightclubs for adults.

highest rated cruise line

So much so that Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 34,000-mile world trip for 2024 sold out in just over two hours, while the adults-only Virgin Voyages, which aims to throw cruise stereotypes overboard, rose to first place in Large Ships. And we’ve brought back last year's new category showcasing the expedition cruises – small, often sustainable vessels with a shoal of scientific experts onboard – that follow in the wake of adventurers such as Sir Ernest Shackleton. Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio.

The food-focused itineraries are organized in partnership with Food & Wine, which, like T+L, is published by Dotdash Meredith. Gone are the days when a Pride Month advertisement and sparsely attended LGBTQ+ gathering were the norm. Virgin Voyages has blasted away the competition by providing a naturally inclusive cruise where LGBTQ+ people are visible from the moment you board. You'll find the latter openly dancing on dance floors, kissing and hugging in bars, and holding hands over dinner. Whether you want to blow the budget on the Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas, enjoy the double-height views of a Duplex Suite or see the show from an Aqua Theater Suite, there's a suite to suit your needs on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship. The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing. In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry.

It goes without saying that they are significantly more expensive than a mainstream cruise. Azamara, Windstar and Viking Ocean cruises are three examples of luxury cruises. Cruisers who seek an ultimate luxury experience must typically take a trip with boutique, small-ship cruise lines such as Seabourn that have relatively few crowd-pleasing attractions. For a premium fare, MSC’s Yacht Club offers what’s called a “ship-within-a-ship” experience — a dedicated VIP enclave on a larger cruise ship that gives guests the best of both worlds.

Monday, April 1, 2024

11 Best Cruise Lines to Book in 2024 Best Cruises for Every Traveler

highest rated cruise line

As for destinations, Virgin has itineraries along the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific and even a 14-day transatlantic journey from Barcelona to Miami. Single cruisers on Norwegian have access to a dedicated lounge and meetups where they can mingle with other travelers, too. That’s not to mention all the regular activities and excursions Norwegian offers, from rock climbing and bowling to spa treatments to boxing classes. Disney is famous for its attention to detail and focus on the guest experience in its theme parks, and those attributes extend to its cruises, too. Families will enjoy meet-and-greets with Disney characters, themed restaurants, and a slew of onboard activities and entertainment. Staterooms are also family friendly, with storage that’s designed to accommodate multiple guests.

What cruise ports are on the east coast?

You’ll travel aboard the National Geographic–Lindblad fleet—expedition ships that can navigate narrow waterways and small harbors that aren’t accessible on larger vessels, so you can get as close as possible to amazing sights. The ships are even equipped with kayaks or paddleboards, snorkeling gear and Zodiacs, and hydrophones and underwater cameras for further exploration. If you’re looking for something a little more kitsch, these themed cruises will be right up your alley. The transatlantic cruise from Southampton to New York (a traveler’s must-do at any age) is a great option for older travelers because you never leave the ship. You’ll get to fully enjoy the spa, the lectures, the food and, of course, the formal gala nights, which are arguably the crowning glory of any Cunard cruise. This is the cruise that proves it’s all about the journey, not the destination.

Best Spa

Get to know the best cruise ships in a variety of categories, based on member review ratings for cruises taken in the last year. Crystal has built a reputation on exceptional service, and it comes down to the crew onboard, who are empowered to keep guests happy and satisfied no matter the issue. Crew members know your name before you step onboard, and they’ll remember you from previous sailings if you return. No ask is too small – or too big – and service always comes with a sincere smile.

Best Service

Premium cruises are generally mid-size (1,500-2,000 passengers) to large (over 2,000 passengers). The cruise line equivalent of glamping, National Geographic Expeditions gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature without skimping on comfort. Choose from more than 90 itineraries that let you visit some of the most remote destinations in the world and focus on everything from photography and history to marine biology and conservation. Wherever you’re heading, you can choose from a variety of Romance Packages featuring everything from flowers and champagne to couples massages and breakfast in bed.

The Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024 - Condé Nast Traveller

The Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024.

Posted: Fri, 29 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

These cabins are generally located in the interior of the ship, so be aware that they might not have windows or balconies. Solo travelers have the option to book a regular stateroom, but they’ll generally have to pay the two-person fare. Passengers aboard SeaDream Yacht Club’s twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, have the opportunity to visit small ports around the world on 7- to 15-day itineraries. With a 95-person crew and a maximum of 112 guests, each passenger receives personalized service. Unpack once and take in the sights of the world’s rivers and seas from your floating hotel, all while enjoying top-notch entertainment, dining and amenities. More than a dozen new vessels are introduced each year, making the sheer variety of cruises overwhelming.

11 Best Cruise Lines to Book in 2024 — Best Cruises for Every Traveler - Reader's Digest

11 Best Cruise Lines to Book in 2024 — Best Cruises for Every Traveler.

Posted: Tue, 12 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

If you’re ready to hop aboard, here are Money’s picks for the five best cruise lines of 2023. And they’ve won numerous awards for not just being LGBTQ-friendly but for being totally inclusive and wholeheartedly embracing and encouraging diversity. Surrounded by their favorite characters—led, of course, by Mickey and Minnie—children will love made-for-them activities like the AquaDuck Water Coaster and Nemo’s Reef Splash Zone. They will also be happy to have food specifically geared toward them, including pizza, chicken fingers, soft-serve ice cream and all-they-can-eat waffles shaped like mouse ears, in restaurants themed around beloved Disney classics.

Best Cruise Lines FAQ

Cruising is a popular vacation option for millions of travelers around the world in large part because of its convenience. Travelers stay in one room for the entire trip while the boat travels from port to port. Cruisers enjoy lots of world-class amenities like restaurants, shows and water activities on board, and they also have the option to disembark and sightsee or participate in excursions when the ship docks. Before you buy a cruise, you’ll be well-served by understanding how these vacations work, what is and isn’t included in the fare and what it might cost to insure your trip in case the worst were to happen. In addition, it’s helpful to understand the types of cruises and cabins, and how best to choose among them. With a fleet of three ships, Virgin Voyages offers itineraries from two to 14 nights.

Higher fare tiers include more amenities but are significantly more expensive. French luxury cruise line Ponant aims to make passengers feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts. Guests enjoy Ladurée macarons, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and luxurious Hermès bath products on board. Each of the company's ships features an onboard spa with massage cabins and either a Turkish bath or sauna. Ponant's luxurious small ships sail to remote destinations like Antarctica, incorporating once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as eclipse spotting from the edge of the earth. Despite a rocky couple of years due to the pandemic, cruising is back, and it’s stronger than ever.

No, you can usually go on a cruise without being vaccinated for COVID-19 or other diseases. However, verify each destination's vaccine policies to ensure they have no requirements. As a rule, interior, windowless cabins are the least expensive, while cabins with ocean-view balconies are the priciest. Additionally, larger cabins and extra perks like early boarding usually come at a higher cost.

highest rated cruise line

The best cruise lines offer travelers the opportunity to experience some of the world’s finest vacation destinations while enjoying a wide variety of amenities for every member of the family. From pools, waterslides and mini golf for kids to spas, shows and nightclubs for adults, there is something for everyone on a cruise ship. The other perks included in your cruise fare will depend on how much you pay; many larger cruise lines offer multiple tiers of fares. The lowest tier will be the cheapest, but you should expect to pay out of pocket for extras like drinks, certain restaurant meals and activities and excursions once you’re on board.

We considered prices; the number of ships in each fleet; the flexibility to serve specific traveler types, such as families and singles; and the types of itineraries offered by each company. The minimum age requirement to go on cruises varies depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Typically, passengers traveling alone must be at least 21 years old on the day of embarkation. These cruises are a step up from those on mainstream ocean liners, and so tend to cater to a slightly older crowd.

The Avalon Choice program allows cruisers to customize the details of their experience, ensuring each vacation is a perfect fit. Sky Princess carries up to 3,660 passengers on itineraries around Europe and the Caribbean. Cabins include some of the largest balconies at sea, while dining options cater to every taste.

“And if someone has cruised before–or considers themselves an avid cruiser–we hope this list helps introduce them to new options, whether an entirely new line or new possibilities offered by some of their favorites. Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. Sailings are onboard either the 100-passenger American Eagle, American Liberty, American Glory or American Legend (all built in 2023 or 2024), or the older 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively. From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines' eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene. You'll traverse three rivers (the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland) en route from Memphis to Nashville, or vice versa.

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