Topic: Alcoholism

Six things you probably didn't know about Ayn Rand

Nearly 30 years after her passing, Ayn Rand is experiencing a renaissance as the economy sputters and government efforts to spur growth fall short. With over 25 million copies of her books in print, including “Atlas Shrugged” and “The Fountainhead,” Ms. Rand had a history of engaging groups of dedicated followers on her small government, free market, and individualist philosophy. Now, she's gaining fans among tea party activists and others worried about the spread of government. Here are six things even her fans probably didn’t know about her:

10 tell-alls by children with famous parents

Ten of the most talked-about memoirs from children with famous parents

Banned Books Week 2011: Top 10 most challenged books of 2010

The 10 books most banned or challenged by communities throughout the US in 2010, according to the American Library Association.

5 classic novels that beautifully explore the dark side of life in New York City

The city that never sleeps may hide behind the logo of a shiny Big Apple, but for some life in New York is as spikey and lethal as a ball of nails. Here are 5 classic novels that wonderfully reveal both the dark and the light in the experiences of New Yorkers throughout the decades.

What happens if US credit rating drops? Other countries offer clues.

Credit ratings aren't the only determinant of interest rates. AA-ranked Japan pays lower interest rates than any AAA-ranked nation. So what makes the difference?

Why Russia finally decided that beer is alcohol

Until Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the new law today, beer was considered the same as soda and sold just about anywhere.

Elizabeth Taylor: 5 best biographies

Much talent, many marriages, and great beauty. Such is the legend of Elizabeth Taylor, who died today at the age of 79. Taylor – indisputably one of the great actresses of Hollywood's golden era – attracted prodigious amounts of press coverage throughout her lengthy career. Here are a handful of the best books that chronicle her life.

Japan's nuclear crisis: 6 reasons why we should – and shouldn't – worry

Japan’s nuclear disaster is not as bad as Chernobyl, but it’s the worst since. The recent 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that followed have severely damaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. It has suffered two explosions, with warnings of a third possible, and fuel rods are exposed. Over 20,000 people have been evacuated from the area. This crisis raises important questions about the future of nuclear power and our failures not just to prepare for natural disasters but also possible failures in nuclear security. Harvard Kennedy School's Matthew Bunn gives us six key points to consider, originally published on the Power & Policy blog.

Production of 'Two and a Half Men' canceled after Charlie Sheen rant

A Charlie Sheen rant ripping his TV show's producer and dismissing his own problems with alcohol appears to have crossed Hollywood's lines of propriety. CBS: Work on episodes of 'Two and a Half Men' canceled.

Ted Williams: A bit of tarnish on his golden rise from homelessness

The celebrated rise of Ted Williams, the man with the golden voice, hits a stumbling block, and he may be heading to rehab. His story illustrates the many hazards that can lead to homelessness.

What Muslim nations can learn from the 'infidels' -- how to fight corruption

Forget strict enforcement of sharia law. If Muslim leaders want to gain moral high ground, they have to fight corruption. On Transparency International's corruption index, only four Muslim majority countries ranked in the top 50. It's time to take a cue from the countries who did.

Tony Curtis remembered for acting versatility and artwork

Tony Curtis died at his Las Vegas-area home late Wednesday night. A World War 2 veteran, Tony Curtis acted in both film and television. He also painted and wrote his autobiography later in life.

Do benefits outweigh the social costs of casinos?

Casinos are usually judged on the dollars they'll bring in. But what about the social costs, for problem gamblers and the community?

Let’s Take the Long Way Home

How do you say goodbye to a once-in-a-lifetime friendship?

Imperfect Birds

Anne Lamott’s latest reconvenes the characters of two earlier novels in a story of middle-class drug and alcohol abuse.

Lit

Mary Karr tells the story of her failed marriage, her struggles with alcohol and mental illness, and the peace she finally found in prayer.

Binge drinking spreads to Italy

Italy takes steps to stop binge drinking, which is growing among Italians thanks to the influx of hard-drinking tourists.

The President’s Therapist

Former South African addict helps others kick the habit – by surfing

Lenny Stolk started LJ's Surf Clinic this fall in Cape Town, South Africa. The clinic's goal is to help addicts get clean.

Brazil alcohol ban hard for retailers to swallow

Government tries to limit TV advertising and sales along highways