When Michael Jackson unexpectedly passed away last week, the world was stunned by the death of the fifty-year-old entertainer who left an indelible mark on pop culture. He was preparing for a world tour that was advertised as his fans' last opportunity to see the King of Pop perform on stage. Whether motivated by a desire to sing again or by undeniable financial problems, the tour that would have brought hundreds of thousands into arenas...
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Divorce entails both physical and financial separation from one's spouse. And, as the U.S. slowly emerges from a severe recession, many people contemplating divorce are concerned about the effect of divorce on their finances. However, understanding how property division works in divorce and its impact on one's finances can help allay some anxiety over the process. Because Texas is a community property state, almost all assets - whether physical or financial - either spouse acquires...
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When President Obama won the presidency, he did so in part by declaring his consistent opposition to the war in Iraq and his promise that as president he would bring an end to American military conflict in Iraq as quickly as would be considered responsible. The President seems to be moving in this direction, with announcement to have all American forces out of that country by December 2011. The gradual withdrawal of troops affects not...
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With summer quickly approaching, we know that many Texans will be enjoying the wonderful outdoor opportunities that our state offers. Many of our Texas residents who live along the coastline or near one of our many other waterways have invested in a boat. The water provides a great way to relax or engage in sports during these long, hot months. The boaters in Texas will want to know that a potential new restriction to their...
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Of course, it is not just happening in Texas. Men and women in households around this country are facing difficult financial decisions in light of our current economy. The questions being raised around the dinner table can range from how to scale back the summer vacation plans and who is going to be responsible for clipping coupons this week to which bills can go unpaid until next month and how to let your youngest child...
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Just think for a moment about all of the information that the Texas state government stores on its computers. Do you ever wonder about the emails that got sent to Governor Rick Perry last week from his staff after he announced that Texas potentially could secede from the United States? I'm sure there were a few interesting exchanges. Or, how about all of the records of court proceedings that have been sealed because they reveal...
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There are various ways in which we use our cars as a form of personal expression. If we choose to drive a bright yellow sports car, that is sending a different signal then that of getting behind the wheel of a gray minivan. We sometimes use the roof of our car to display flags that show our loyalty to the United States, the Texas Longhorns, or even the local high school. Some cars are blanketed...
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Have you ever dreamed of landing a walk-on role in the next 19th century period piece starring Meryl Streep? Or, maybe you envision yourself starring opposite Tom Hanks in a blockbuster romantic comedy that will dominate the box office all summer long? You know that you would be clutching an Academy Award in your hands if only you lived in New York or Los Angeles, as all of the major movies seem to be filmed...
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Television and movies sometimes like to make fun of the practice of psychiatry and treat its relevance in a trivial light. For example, a dad unintentionally scares his children when he jumps into their bedroom dressed as a clown and mom is heard saying, "Well, I guess we'll be using those college savings for years of therapy bills instead." In reality, millions of men and women seek psychiatric treatment for genuine and serious problems of...
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I speak from personal experience. I have three children. And the moments following the birth of a child in a hospital are a flurry of emotions and activity. A proud father cuts the umbilical cord, the baby is weighed and measured, and the infant takes that first precious nap (hopefully!) in his mother's arms. During these first couple of days, at least in Texas, doctors also take a sample of the newborn's blood to test...
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