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Is Online Therapy Effective?  

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:40 GMT

In an era where digital solutions are revolutionizing various aspects of our lives, the domain of mental health care is no exception. Telehealth, particularly in the form of online therapy, is emerging as a vital tool in delivering psychological support and services. Here at Life Skills Village we have been a front-runner in this innovative approach, offers a compelling case study in understanding the effectiveness of online therapy. But what makes online therapy so effective, and how does it compare to traditional, in-person methods?The Rise of Telehealth in Mental Health ServicesThe concept of telehealth isn’t new, but its application in mental health care has gained significant traction in recent years. With advancements in technology and the increasing need for accessible mental health services, telehealth has become a beacon of hope for many seeking psychological support. This shift towards virtual platforms is not merely a trend but a reflection of the evolving landscape of he...

Santaboobs: A Cringe-Inducing Holiday Phenomenon Making an Appearance in LA

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:40 GMT

In the world of online sensations, few manage to blend holiday cheer with shock-value stunts quite like Santaboobs. What started as a humorous costume idea has morphed into a full-fledged Instagram phenomenon, with a growing following of fans who appreciate a dose of “Jackass”-esque antics with their Christmas festivities.From Costume to Cult SensationThe brainchild behind Santaboobs is a local DJ and musician, who found his alter-ego’s fame on Instagram. This unconventional character thrives on stunts that make viewers cringe and laugh in equal measure. Influenced heavily by the subculture popularized by the “Jackass” series, Santaboobs has become a standout figure in the world of stunt entertainment.More Than Just LaughsSantaboobs isn’t just about stunts and laughs. The brand is set to launch an exciting range of merchandise, offering fans a new way to connect with their favorite holiday daredevil. The merchandise promises to encapsulate the hum...

Letters: Turkey Trot | Despite dysfunction | Fire insurance | Not a war

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:40 GMT

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.Turkey Trot continueslegacy of communityIt’s often said, “A letter is worth 1,000 words.” Thanks, Mercury News, for your three photos about last Thursday’s 19th Annual Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot in downtown San Jose (Page B1, Nov. 24).With 21,000 participants, the Turkey Trot continues to capture the three goals my wife, Leslee, and I envisioned in creating the race in 2005: build community, serve needy families and start the holiday season in a healthy way. With $11 million now raised for charity, the SVLG Foundation has kept that vision alive.Thanks to the nonprofit partners at The Health Trust, Healthier Kids Foundation and the Silicon Valley & Santa Cruz County Food Banks. We truly are better together.Carl GuardinoMonte SerenoChild should have liveddespite dysfunctionThe death of Baby Phoenix was a preventable tragedy that should not have happened. Child safety is the prime dire...

It’s time to start the ball rolling on San Jose’s 250th anniversary

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:40 GMT

The Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe was founded Nov. 29, 1777, which means that the modern city of San Jose is blowing out 246 candles on its birthday cake. That also means the city’s 250th birthday is just four years away, and while that may sound like a long time out, it’s really not.Planning needs to start now on how to mark the major milestone, especially if we want it to be an event the entire city can take part in and be proud of.When San Jose turned 200 in 1977, the events included the dedication of Pellier Park (which, coincidentally, was rebuilt and re-dedicated this year) and a luncheon sponsored by Bank of America — then the LeBaron Hotel, which honored 56 companies and organizations that had been around for more than a century. More than 600 people gathered at the old City Hall on North First Street for the dedication of a plaque, and San Jose designated its first 10 city landmarks, including the East San Jose Carnegie Library and the Winchester Mystery...

Vermont: One of three shot students may not walk again

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:40 GMT

By Elizabeth Wolfe and Melissa Alonso | CNNOne of the three Palestinian college students who were shot while walking in Vermont may not be able to move his legs for the rest of his life after a bullet became lodged in his spine, according to his family, who shared his account of the attack with CNN.A 20-year-old junior at Brown University, Hisham Awartani, is starting to come to terms with the “very long road he has in front of him” after he and two longtime friends from the Israeli-occupied West Bank were shot while strolling through Burlington on Saturday, his mother, Elizabeth Price, said.Awartani has an “incomplete spinal injury,” meaning he can feel his legs but can’t move them, Price told CNN’s Poppy Harlow from Amman, Jordan, Tuesday morning. She said she is working to travel to the US to be with her son and hopes to arrive in about 24 hours.“The last I knew, he was still in the ICU, immobilized, to try and get the swelling down on his back,” Price said.Awartani’s clavicle is...

Photos: Nation’s leaders gather to mourn former first lady Rosalynn Carter

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:40 GMT

President Joe Biden joined former President Jimmy Carter and Georgia’s elected leaders Tuesday morning at a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter.Related ArticlesLatest Headlines | From SF to NYC, cities are cracking down on homeless encampments. Advocates say that’s not the answer Latest Headlines | Photos: First lady Jill Biden unveils White House holiday decorations Latest Headlines | Wish Book: Paralyzed veterans learn life, work skills from competitive sports Latest Headlines | Google new geothermal electricity project could be a milestone for clean energy Latest Headlines | Salmon have returned to the East Bay’s water source in record numbers. What does it mean? Members of the Carter family watch as the casket of former first lady Rosalynn Carter arrives at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, in Atlanta. From left are John Joseph R...

Dem. lawmaker pushes for Santos expulsion vote this week

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:40 GMT

By Kevin Freking | Associated PressWASHINGTON — A Democratic lawmaker moved Tuesday to force a vote this week on expelling Rep. George Santos from the House, calling it a necessary step if Republicans fail to take action in light of the recent ethics report that found Santos blatantly stole from his campaign and deceived donors.Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., brought back to the floor legislation he first introduced in February to force the expulsion vote. Republicans were successful in turning aside Garcia’s earlier effort, but now that the Ethics Committee has released its findings about Santos from its monthslong investigation, Garcia said it’s time to act.“Whatever it takes to get that vote this week, is what we’re doing,” Garcia said.Expelling Santos, a Republican from New York, would require support from at least two-thirds of House members voting. Garcia said he expects to reach that number easily, which would make Santos just the sixth member of t...

Montgomery High student who fatally stabbed classmate not responsible, DA says

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:40 GMT

(KRON) -- A 15-year-old Montgomery High School freshman who fatally stabbed one of his classmates back in March is not responsible, according to the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office. The student, whose name is not being disclosed due to him being a minor, was involved in a fight at school. Sister of accused Bob Lee killer arrested for DUI, hit-and-run in SF One of the participants in the fight, 16-year-old Jayden Pienta, died from his wounds. Another 16-year-old student was treated for a stabbing wound to the hand but has since recovered.In March, the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office filed a petition against the freshman for one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of bringing a knife onto school grounds. On Monday, a judge found the teen, now age 16, responsible for bringing a knife to school, and not responsible for manslaughter. California law precludes any 15-year-old from being charged as an adult for any crime.In Monday's ruling, the presiding judge ...

Federal hate crime charges brought against South Carolina men accused of targeting Hispanic shoppers

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:40 GMT

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Two men in South Carolina have been indicted on federal hate crime charges in connection with robberies targeting Hispanic customers outside gas stations and a Mexican grocery store.Charles Antonio Clippard, 26, and Michael Joseph Knox, 28, are accused of forcibly taking cash, cellphones and, in one instance, a car after following shoppers to their homes and holding them at gunpoint in 2021, according to a federal grand jury indictment issued Monday. The Columbia-area men intentionally picked victims they identified as Mexican or Hispanic, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release.South Carolina is one of two states in the country without laws that allow harsher punishments for violent hate crimes. The other is Wyoming. The 2015 racist massacre of nine Black members of the Emanuel AME church in Charleston has fueled the push to add a state-level hate crimes law in South Carolina, but some Republican state senators have repeatedly stalled the proposa...

Phil Foden inspires Man City to a 3-2 comeback win against Leipzig in the Champions League

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:40 GMT

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Trailing 2-0 at halftime against Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday, Phil Foden couldn’t believe what he was seeing from Manchester City.By the end he had inspired a rousing fightback as the defending champions won 3-2 to advance to the knockout stage of the competition atop Group G.“First half was the worst I’ve seen us. Courage and motivation changed it around,” Foden said. “This team has great mentality and it’s so nice to see.“We just needed that (first) goal to get going.”Foden scored one and helped to create two more as Pep Guardiola’s team preserved an unbeaten home record in the Champions League that dates back to 2018.The England forward set up a goal for Erling Haaland in the 54th minute and evened the score in the 70th. He then played a part in the buildup for substitute Julian Alvarez’s winner in the 87th to complete the comeback.Haaland’s goal saw him set another benchmark by becoming the fastest player to score 40 Champions League goa...