01. U.S. Faces a PR Crisis in the Arab and Muslim World
02. What Palestinians Really Think of Hamas
03. Why Are We Still Doing Daylight Savings Time?
04. It’s That Time of Year: A 3-Minute Winter Blues Buster
05. No Pumpkin? No Problem. Sub a Spud
06. Our Enduring Love of Halloween Heroes
07. Feel Good Show: Why ‘Dirty Dancing’ Continues to Offer Hope, Optimism
08. What to Expect in the Job Market Right Now
09. What No One Tells You About Charitable Giving
10. Tips to Tame Fall Allergies
11. Has Informed Consent Gone Too Far?
12. This Psychologist Shares the Real Causes of Depression
13. Is a Healing Mindset Better Than Medicine?
14. How Our Past Lives Affect Our Current Life
15. Self-Care for Caregivers: 10-Minute Rituals
1. ==> U.S. Faces a PR Crisis in the Arab and Muslim World
The Biden administration’s steadfast support for Israel in its war with Hamas has reignited a torrent of anti-American sentiment in many Arab and Muslim communities. “Many in the Middle East see a seamless connection between the actions of Israel and the United States,” says former diplomat Farah Pandith. She says the post-9/11 period offers lessons and a potential roadmap for U.S. policymakers to meet this moment. Pandith can also discuss the consequences for U.S. foreign policy if there is a broad, negative shift in how the U.S. is viewed in the Arab and Muslim world. Farah Pandith is an author, foreign policy strategist, and former diplomat. A world-leading expert and pioneer in countering violent extremism, she is the author of “How We Win: How Cutting-Edge Entrepreneurs, Political Visionaries, Enlightened Business Leaders, and Social Media Mavens Can Defeat the Extremist Threat.” Pandith is a frequent media commentator and public speaker, and has written for publications including “The Economist,” “Washington Post” and “New York Times.” Contact her at hello@farahpandith.com; @Farah_Pandith
2. ==> What Palestinians Really Think of Hamas
Before the war, Gaza’s leaders were deeply unpopular, but Amaney Jamal warns that an Israeli crackdown could change that. Jamal is co-founder and co-principal investigator at Arab Barometer, a nonpartisan research network that has been conducting public opinion surveys in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) since 2006. She says, “In periods when Israel cracks down on Gaza, Hamas’s hardline ideology seems to hold greater appeal for Gazans. Thus, rather than moving the Israelis and Palestinians toward a peaceful solution, Israeli policies that inflict pain on Gaza in the name of rooting out Hamas are likely to perpetuate the cycle of violence.” Surveys by the Arab Barometer find most Gazans open to a permanent, peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but Jamal says their views are often misrepresented in the media and public discourse. “To break the cycle, the Israeli government must now exercise restraint,” she says. Amaney A. Jamal is the dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, and the Edwards S. Sanford Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University. Contact her at (609) 258-7340; ajamal@princeton.edu
3. ==> Why Are We Still Doing Daylight Savings Time?
At 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, most of the country will set their clocks back an hour as we “fall back,” and say goodbye to daylight savings time. Last year, the Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act with bipartisan support, making daylight savings permanent, but the House never acted to pass the act into law. Sheldon H. Jacobson proposes a simple compromise between daylight savings and standard time, by cutting the difference in half. “Everyone can agree that changing times makes no sense. So let’s do the sensible thing and get everyone aligned with a 30-minute permanent time shift, placing the need to change times a thing of the past, forever.” Jacobson can explain why the first daylight saving was proposed by Benjamin Franklin, how it evolved over the years, and which states currently don’t participate and why. Sheldon H. Jacobson, Ph.D., is a professor of computer science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He appears in the media frequently applying his expertise in data-driven, risk-based decision-making to evaluate and inform public policy. Contact him at (217) 244-7275; shj@illinois.edu
4. ==> It’s That Time of Year: A 3-Minute Winter Blues Buster
The end of daylight savings time can bring up feelings of dread as we settle into shorter days and longer nights for the next several months. For many, it marks the beginning of “The Winter Blues.” Invite Dr. Greg Hammer to share a tried-and-true way to help boost your mental resilience and give you the tools to thrive during the cold winter months. He’ll explain the science behind seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the physical and mental symptoms, and a simple, daily three-minute tool to combat negative thoughts and rewire the brain. Hammer is passionate about educating folks on how they can prioritize and improve their mental health so that they may live peaceful and fulfilling lives. Greg Hammer, M.D., is a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, a pediatric intensive care physician, pediatric anesthesiologist, mindfulness expert, and the author of “GAIN without Pain: The Happiness Handbook for Health Care Professionals.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
5. ==> No Pumpkin? No Problem. Sub a Spud
When you think of Halloween and produce you probably think about pumpkins and gourds. But there’s a new push to include another veggie into the mix: the potato. “Traditions like trick-or-treating for candy bars and carving pumpkins aren’t going anywhere. But it’s really fun to experiment with unexpected twists that can catch people by surprise,” says Marisa Stein, marketing director for Potatoes USA. “Potatoes and Halloween go far back historically, so it’s really cool to see them come back together, and for our traditions to come full circle.” Learn how the Irish would carve spooky faces into spuds to scare away an evil spirit called Stingy Jack, how modern Halloween lovers are bringing back this historic trend, and how some have gone even further, handing out spuds as treats. Stein will share creative ways to use potatoes in your Halloween celebrations and fun recipes like Boo! Pumpkin and Potato Stew, Baked Jack-O’-Lantern Potatoes and Roasted Pumpkin and Potato Soup. Potatoes USA is the national marketing and promotion board representing U.S. growers and importers. Contact Erin Bracken at media@hillenby.com
6. ==> Our Enduring Love of Halloween Heroes
Chances are you’ll see a few Superman, Batman, and Spiderman costumes this Halloween. Superheroes have made the “most popular’ costume lists for decades. Americans just can’t get enough of heroes who at their heart are all about helping humanity. They are good role models for kids and adults asserts author Jim B. North, because they can inspire us to be unsung heroes in our own lives and those who surround us. North says, “When you are determined to serve others, you are not mild-mannered but bold … and will unleash your own hidden superpowers.” He says that a lot of people underestimate themselves and their impact on others. Jim’s new book, “Unsung Heroes Wear No Capes,” offers insights and stories about real people who illustrate 12 essential virtues heroes exhibit that we can emulate. His leadership and management background spans 25 years. Jim has won multiple journalism awards for his human-interest storytelling and was a workshop speaker at the John Hope Franklin Symposium in Tulsa. He holds a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in professional writing. He studied international reporting at Hebrew University. Contact Jim at (918) 809-0565; jim@jimbnorth.com
7. ==> Feel Good Show: Why ‘Dirty Dancing’ Continues to Offer Hope, Optimism
Everyone could use a shot of hope and optimism these days. Sue Tabashnik is just the person to supply it as she takes your audience back in time to relive the movie magic of “Dirty Dancing.” The movie starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey centers on a Catskills resort with a coming-of-age tale intertwined with a love story. Invite Sue to talk about the film’s enduring themes and the festivals that entice thousands of fans to gather to celebrate the film and its iconic soundtrack. She can also talk about the “Dirty Dancing” sequel planned for 2025. Sue has extensively researched “Dirty Dancing” and was the special guest speaker at a major “Dirty Dancing” festival. She met Swayze multiple times and his mother once. Among her books are “Patrick Swayze: The Dreamer” and “Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance.” Contact Sue Tabashnik at (248) 617-0505; stabashnik@rtirguests.com
8. ==> What to Expect in the Job Market Right Now
As the temperature cools, it appears the job market is following suit. Last month employers announced plans to hire just 7,744 workers, the lowest monthly total since November 2020. “Job openings are falling, and American workers are more reluctant to leave their positions right now. The job market is resetting after the pandemic and post-pandemic hiring frenzy,” says Andrew Challenger, labor expert and senior vice president of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. “The increase in job cuts is not surprising as technological disruption and companies taking a cost-savings approach on the economy claim positions,” he adds. He’ll explain which employment sectors are the exception to the trend, and where the most job cuts are expected next. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (o); (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
9. ==> What No One Tells You About Charitable Giving
Those who donate to charities that are dear to their hearts always have the best of intentions. But where exactly do their dollars go? And are the funds actually making an impact? “There are more than 1.7 million public charities in our country, and many of them overlap services with others and need to compete for donor dollars and grants,” says nonprofit expert and author Michele Whetzel. “People need to do their homework before donating to organizations. Charities should be findable and transparent and should register and share their financials on sites like Guidestar.org and CharityNavigator.org.” Michele is a veteran of the nonprofit arena, founder of Your 501 Guide consulting and author of the book “So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit, Now What?” Contact Michele Whetzel at (302) 407-0513; Mwhetzel@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Tips to Tame Fall Allergies
Spring may be the season most people associate with outdoor allergies, but millions of people suffer each autumn from ragweed and outdoor mold. “For many people, these seasonal outdoor allergen exposures occur on top of chronic indoor allergen exposure to things like dust mites and animal dander,” says Marc Riedl, a professor of medicine and clinical service chief of allergy and immunology at the University of California at San Diego and practicing allergist/immunologist at UC San Diego Health. He says, “So for these people who may have some low-level chronic allergy symptoms, this seasonal spike in outdoor allergens can push their symptoms to an intolerable level and generate miserable fall allergies.” Riedl can discuss ways to avoid fall allergens like showering after raking, wiping pets’ feet before they come inside, and wearing a mask. He’ll also discuss treatment options including antihistamines, nasal sprays, and for long-term, severe symptoms, immunotherapy. Contact Marc Riedl at mriedl@ucsd.edu
11. ==> Has Informed Consent Gone Too Far?
In the modern world, informed consent lets patients participate in their own health care by knowing all their treatment options and any associated risks. However, full transparency in medicine can overwhelm patients and lead to poor decision-making. Is it really the best policy? Dr. Dinesh Verma reveals why we’ve taken informed consent too far. He’ll talk about the damage caused when patients fail to trust medical experts, often resulting in the refusal of lifesaving treatment. He also discusses the right way to implement under-used alternative therapies in combination with modern medicine for astonishing results. A medical doctor with 45 years in practice and 18 years of integrative medicine research and experience, Verma’s latest book is “Ipsicura Effect.” Ask him: Why should more health-care professionals use the placebo effect in their practice? How did your mother miraculously recover from late-stage breast cancer? How can patients feel better, heal faster, and even save money on medical expenses? Contact Dinesh Verma at (248) 817-8296; dverma@rtirguests.com
12. ==> This Psychologist Shares the Real Causes of Depression
Depression has reached epidemic proportions in modern society. According to psychologist/author Adriana Popescu: “Depression and issues such as low self-esteem and addiction are not just caused by mental distress. There are many other contributing factors such as hormone imbalances, and disruptions in the mind/body/spirit connection overall.” Adriana is a licensed clinical psychologist, addiction and trauma specialist, speaker, thought leader and empowerment coach, and author of “What If You’re Not as F***ed Up As You Think You Are?: How We Come to Believe Lies About Ourselves and What We Can Do to Change Them.” Contact Adriana Popescu at (415) 707-5054; Apopescu@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Is a Healing Mindset Better Than Medicine?
Science has shown that a mind-body connection exists and your emotions can impact your physical health, but how much does it actually help? Discover the real power of positive thinking when you interview Stan Munslow. After helping his father beat 30% survival odds and fully recover from Stage 4 lymphoma, Stan shares his methods for faster recovery from surgery, chronic conditions, or serious illness — and improved health overall. Discover powerful techniques to optimize your mind-body connection and reclaim your health. Ask him: How can your thoughts help you decrease pain, recovery time, and even your health-care costs? Why does being the “perfect patient” help you shorten and improve a hospital experience? Stan Munslow is the author of “Get Weller Sooner: 12 Powerful, Proven Ways to Speed and Improve Your Recovery from Illness or Surgery?” Contact him at (401) 337-7436; smunslow@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How Our Past Lives Affect Our Current Life
Do you frequently have a sense of déjà vu? Do you have fears or phobias that are unrelated to anything you’ve ever experienced? According to Jennifer Maag, we’ve all had past lives, and they have a profound impact on our current lives. “I believe the self-esteem you’re born with comes from the past lives you’ve already lived,” she says. “Tapping into that enables us to heal in our current existence.” Jennifer, a licensed massage therapist, and her son, Alexander Maag, are the co-authors of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform our inner battles into healing tools to live our best lives. Contact Jennifer Maag at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Self-Care for Caregivers: 10-Minute Rituals
There are currently over 50 million people providing unpaid care to a sick or aging loved one in the United States and studies show that at least 40% to 70% of family caregivers report symptoms of anxiety or depression — that’s a whole lot of stressed-out caregivers! As the primary caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease, Alexandra Free suffered from daily panic attacks and depression. One particularly bad day, she decided something had to change and she started putting self-care at the top of her caregiving to-do list. Alexandra can discuss the importance of self-care for caregivers and share simple 10-minute rituals she created to help caregivers (and non-caregivers) create some peace in the middle of whatever chaos life is throwing at them. Alexandra is a self-care advocate, caregiving expert, and the author of “From Zero to Zen: A Guide to Help You Thrive as a Caregiver.” Contact Alexandra Free at (310) 922-5637; lex@alexandrafree.com
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