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Childhood friendships may be key to adult happiness

Childhood friendships may be key to adult happiness
By Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, Aug. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Happiness in adulthood may be determined by the quality of relationships in your youth, not brain power or academic prowess, new Australian research suggests.

"This shows that there is an enduring, significant relationship between being well-adjusted as a child and being well-adjusted as an adult," said Dr. Victor Fornari, director of child/adolescent psychiatry at North Shore-LIJ Health System in New Hyde Park, N.Y. "[And] academic adjustment per se is not sufficient to lead to well-being."

Learning the secrets of "the good life" has guided human endeavors for millennia. But according to study author Craig Olsson, an associate professor in developmental psychology at Deakin University and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, neither material wealth nor academic achievement has been strongly linked to happiness.

Sen. Sessions to tour tornado-damaged areas in Cullman

Sen. Sessions to tour tornado-damaged areas in Cullman

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) will be in Cullman next week to tour areas damaged by the April 27, 2011 tornado.

Sen. Sessions plans to be at the Cullman County Water Department/Cullman EMA facility around 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7. During his visit, the senator will tour parts of Cullman affected by the tornado, according to a release from his staff.

Sen. Sessions will also meet with Cullman Mayor Max Townson and the Cullman Couunty EMA Director Phyllis Little for an update on the area's recovery efforts.

Youth pastor convicted of sex crimes receives sentencing date

Youth pastor convicted of sex crimes receives sentencing date

By Mary Howard - email

MADISON COUNTY, AL (WAFF) -

A youth minister found guilty of sex crimes against children received a sentencing date.

An Elmore County Circuit Court found John Astorga guilty of two counts of first-degree sexual abuse.

Three separate victims testified against Astorga as well as the pastor of the Bethel Assembly of God in Wetumpka where Astorga was employed.

Astorga will be sentenced on July 31. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years for each crime. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

ADMH Commissioner resigns, replacement appointed

ADMH Commissioner resigns, replacement appointed

MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC)- Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Zelia Baugh announced her resignation on Tuesday, citing family priorities as the reason she is leaving the position. Baugh will resign as of June 30, 2012.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of this state. However, it has become increasingly apparent to me that my family priorities require most of my attention at this time," Baugh said in a statement to media.

"I believe the department is well-positioned to continue to make progress toward providing the highest caliber services to Alabamians with intellectual disabilities, mental illnesses, or substance addictions. Throughout the department, there are dedicated individuals who are making a positive difference in the lives of consumers and their families, and I am honored to have served as commissioner," Baugh said.

Cullman authorities arrest 'bad guy'

Cullman authorities arrest 'bad guy'
CULLMAN, AL (WAFF) - Cullman County officials arrested a man connected to up to eight home burglaries.

Investigators said the burglaries spanned across Cullman County.

53-year-old Billy Dale Garrard was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property third degree.

Investigators said this may not be the only arrest in the case and more charges are pending.

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