About two and a half years ago, I ditched my reservations on regular cell phone use and joined the masses in getting a smartphone, an iPhone 3GS for those who know about these things.
The idea was to have an easy way to stay connected via e-mail to those I work with while I was away from my desk. I thought it would be helpful to make instant voice recordings of new tasks and article ideas that came to mind. And I was attracted to the thought of having an always-ready GPS. Read more
If there's a truly must-see film for all parents and children who are about 10 and older, this is it. I stumbled upon "Trust," directed by David Schwimmer, at our library the other day and barely blinked through this story of a good family that is devastated by their 14-year old daughter falling prey to an online pedophile.
Over the holidays, we had a chance to visit some old friends at their new Mixed Martial Arts facility just north of Toronto. We had a great time catching up while our boys tore up their massive gym (there's just something that works about letting kids loose in a wide open space covered with premium gym mats). Read more
I've long been a believer in the idea that all of us are born to be creative artists. Playing music, drawing, acting, dancing, writing, designing, building, even playing sports at a high level - when we nurture our creative instincts through any of these artistic experiences, we stand a good stance of feeling deeply fulfilled, and we almost certainly add value to other people's lives. Read more
Over the last couple of years, Margaret and I have thought long and hard about the merits of home schooling vs. sending our children to public or private school.
It feels like we've been to the circus and back about a dozen times with this decision, and though we're leaning towards home-based learning for our boys, we continue to have moments of uncertainty. Read more
Late last year, I started playing tennis again after a hiatus of several years from regular play. It took me a few sessions to get my wind back, but all in all, it's been amazingly fun to be back out on the courts. I feel younger, stronger, and healthier than I have in several years. Read more
On an evening trip to the public library a few days ago, I was greeted by a friendly worker as I checked our family's books in. Though we had said hello many times before, on this particular evening, I could tell from the way that she was looking at me that she had something to say.
"You're friends with Dr. Lee, right?"
"Yes, I know Dr. Lee from when we were kids," I replied. Read more
As parents to two preschool boys, my wife and I are deeply concerned about our boys running into bullies at school. At the same time, we realize that bullying tends to stem from a lack of care and education at home, and that those who bully need as much compassionate guidance as those who are bullied. Read more
Why do some men stray from their marriages, while others seem content to stay with one partner for life?
The answer may come from an unlikely source: the vole. A vole is a rodent, and it comes in several species. Prairie voles mate for life. Mountain voles do not. Research has shown that prairie and mountain voles have different versions, known as “alleles,” of a particular gene (AVPR1A). Read more
In March of 2006, I received the following letter from someone who consulted with me for a skin condition:
Dear Dr. Kim,
I wondered if you would have any advice because I'm having a very hard time emotionally. I'm having a problem with low self esteem and self confidence, mainly because of my (health condition).
I don't have any friends or acquaintances (in my local area), and I've had a huge problem with loneliness over the past year.
I feel too embarrassed to meet other young people because of the (health condition), and I feel my emotional state has taken a large toll on me. It seems like a catch 22 situation. Read more
As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud person is always looking down on things and people; as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.