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NatNews: Issue 164

Mon, 05 May 2025 11:59:30 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

May 5, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 164

HOW FOOD IMPACTS MOOD

Food serves as fuel for your body not only in terms of your physical health but also your mental health. What you eat directly impacts the structure and function of your brain and, thus, your overall mood.

According to Harvard Medical School, approximately 95 percent of serotonin—a neurotransmitter involved in mediating one’s mood—is produced in your gastrointestinal tract, which is lined with a hundred million nerve cells. Because of this, the inner workings of your digestive system not only help you process food but also steer your emotions.

“How and what you eat definitely plays a factor in influencing your mood, such as your energy levels, hormone production, and brain chemistry,” Dallas resident and registered dietitian Lyndsey Kohn said. “Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and amino acids are essential for producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood. More so, stable and consistent blood sugar levels can help prevent mood swings and irritability.”

Dallas-area resident Emmanuel Amadi, an avid runner who consistently focuses on nutrition, said fundamentally, there is a strong connection between people’s brains and guts.

“Consumption of carbohydrates increases serotonin—have you ever wondered why your mood lightens up after a bowl of pasta or ice cream?” he said. “Also, have you noticed that your sleep is much better after consuming a high-carb meal? In addition, the consumption of certain protein foods releases dopamine.”

Amadi also said the connection between one’s mind and stomach goes both ways.

“We must always remember that our guts (gastrointestinal tracts) are sensitive to our emotions, such as anxiety, stress, sadness, and happiness,” he said. “This is the reason why you experience digestive issues when you’re overly stressed (high cortisol levels).”

While people have different circumstances and situations, for more positive mental impacts and better overall moods, Amadi said the consumption of ultra-processed foods should be avoided as much as possible.

“When we consume foods that contain additives, processed sugars, chemicals, hydrogenated fats, and seed oils—which, to be fair, taste good and are a huge staple in the ‘Western diet’—we tend to experience feelings of inflammation and bloating, lethargy, over-binging, low energy, and depression,” he said. “Foods like pastries, candy, sugary sodas, and processed meats fall under this category. Instead, opt for foods that feed the good bacteria in your gut.”

For both better physical and mood-boosting health, Kohn recommended fatty fish (salmon and sardines); foods high in omega-3s (which support brain health); leafy greens (spinach and kale); foods rich in folate (linked to lower risk of depression); nuts and seeds (provide magnesium and healthy fats that support mood stability); whole grains (help maintain steady blood sugar and are good sources of B vitamins); and fermented foods (yogurt and kimchi), which can help promote gut health, which is linked to mood.

“If you’re in a mentally low place, I’d simplify things a bit and focus on hydration, eating whole foods, and getting adequate rest,” Kohn said. “We like to think that, as adults, we are so smart and don’t need certain things, but just like kids need snacks, rest, and sunshine, so do we.”

Kohn suggested avoiding sugary foods and refined carbs, which can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, mood worsening, and cyclical effects. She also said it’s best to steer clear of excess caffeine and alcohol, as they can both exacerbate anxiety and mess with a person’s sleep, and any highly processed foods, which are usually low in fiber, protein, and other nutrients and are high in trans fats.

Because of the way food choices significantly affect mental health and mood, Amadi said it’s important to make wise decisions with what you put in your body. He also recommends that individuals watch the Netflix documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.

“When you eat whole foods, you feel better, and your joints and skin positively reap the benefits,” he said. “Compare the quality of health, life expectancy rate, disease and mortality rate, and obesity rate of the Japanese people and most European countries with that of some Western countries like the U.S. that overly indulge in sugary and ultra-processed foods.”

While research is continuing in regard to exploring the mechanisms of food and mood, it has already found that there’s a clear link between what and how people eat, well-being, and subjective feelings of energy and mood. Kohn emphasized once again that nutrition (food, physical exercise, sleep, and hydration) plays a foundational role in brain function.

“It’s one of many variables that can influence your emotions, cognition, and overall stress response,” she said. “By consistently choosing to eat a balanced diet, you’re giving your body and brain the environment it needs to work properly—to have a healthy gut and nutrients needed for all of the metabolic functions it does daily and simply to feel like your best self.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Kohn said there are certainly times for medications for individuals who have been diagnosed with mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety.

“Working with a doctor on the best plan for you and which medication is another tool in your chest to get you feeling better,” she said. “It’s so common now, but even your doctor will recommend nutrition support like taking a high vitamin D supplement, eating a whole-foods-based diet, avoiding alcohol, consistently exercising, etc. to support you.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The smallest incorporated town in the U.S. is Monowi, Nebraska, which has a population of one. The sole resident is Elsie Eiler, who runs the local tavern and serves as the town’s mayor, secretary, clerk, and librarian.

WHAT'S THE WEDDIQUETTE FOR THAT?

Regardless of your generation or current stage of life, it’s likely that you’ve attended at least one wedding in your years of existence. As a guest, there are certain wedding etiquette—henceforth using the term “weddiquette”—expectations, some of which have changed over time.

Dallas resident Elizabeth Cruz, who is getting married later this year, noted two standard pieces of weddiquette that are rather common, regardless of what decisions Kelly Kapoor might choose to make regarding the one pertaining to attire.

“Don’t wear white to a wedding or anything too similar to a white,” Cruz said. “And make sure to RSVP in a timely manner.”

As the Emily Post Institute reminds wedding guests, responding to an invitation is their first essential duty and should be completed as soon as possible and certainly by the RSVP deadline. On the actual day of the event, Dallas-area resident Alexis Derrow said the most important expectation is not to overshadow the bride.

“Be quiet during the service—it’s not about you,” she said. “Don’t cause a scene at the service or the reception.”

Not everyone thinks that there should be a laundry list of responsibilities and pieces of weddiquette for those helping to celebrate a couple’s big day, though.

“I think that people should do what they want to celebrate at weddings,” Dallas resident Aaron Byrkit, who has been married for more than 10 years, said.

Wedding attendees often also have their own set of expectations based on traditions they’ve known and experiences they’ve had at other ceremonies and receptions. One of those is the offering of an open bar. A study by the wedding website The Knot found that 79 percent of couples provided open bars at their receptions, helping cut down long lines and additional guest expenses. Byrkit said he knows that an open bar isn’t always a given, though.

“I don’t expect it, but I appreciate it when there is one,” he said. “I understand that people don’t always have the budget, and some don’t drink.”

Cruz, however, said she thinks that there should absolutely be an open bar for guests in attendance. While this option does increase the overall wedding cost for the couple getting married, Cruz said there are ways to save money but still make sure that guests aren’t the ones paying.

“I feel like if you want to cut down on costs, go with beer and wine before you have a cash bar,” she said.

Similarly, Derrow said she doesn’t believe that it’s good form for a couple to ask guests to pay for anything at the actual wedding celebration, and guests should be thankful for whatever is offered.

“If you don’t want to pay for booze, then don’t, and just have a dry wedding, but still provide soft drinks,” she said. “Presumably, you are inviting people who actually like you and aren’t just trying to get drunk for free. You are hosting an event, and people should be gracious about what you are providing, be it an open bar or soft drinks only.”

The Knot also offers additional weddiquette reminders (e.g., adhering to the dress code, arriving on time, limiting use of personal technology, not leaving too early), one of which pertains to wedding gifts. Don’t be surprised if what you end up giving isn’t a blender, set of dishes, or something that can be found at Pottery Barn. With people often getting married later in life, they are not always in need of items that were once frequently found on wedding registries.

Byrkit said he wouldn’t mind purchasing unexpected wedding present requests, even if the registry were treated more like a marathon registry for individuals who are runners so that they can receive gear, gels, etc.

“I think people should put whatever they want on their registries,” he said.

Like Byrkit, Derrow doesn’t think that there are specific items that should or should not be included on a list of wedding gift options.

“I think a couple can register for whatever they want,” she said. “I once bought 1/10th of a couch for someone, and I recently bought a romantic dinner that people registered for.”

For Cruz, what’s most important about what’s on a couple’s registry are the purposes and intentions of the gifts themselves.

“I think it should be things that are going to benefit the both of you and your life together,” she said.

Regardless of what people choose to put on their registries, Derrow said she thinks that it’s important for the couple who got married to express gratitude in a timely manner.

“There’s a common misconception that you have a year to send thank-you notes,” she said. “That is not true. Your guests have up to a year to send gifts. You must promptly acknowledge them, even if you are not getting a chance to use your marital stationery. Slow thank-yous are just rude.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff and some dear readers recently learned more about each other’s careers at a presentation night

Upcoming
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Monday, May 5: Local Cinco de Mayo celebrations
Tuesday, May 6: Free Rooftop Movie — The Little Mermaid at Sundown at Granada; Women’s Wellness Event by Methodist Dallas Medical Center at Park Bishop
Wednesday, May 7: Stars vs. Jets (Game 1) at Canada Life Centre; Arlington Jones & the Soul Chamber Band at Sammons Center for the Arts
Thursday, May 8: Cool Thursdays Concerts Series — Fleatwood MAC | A Fleetwood MAC Tribute at the Dallas Arboretum; Dallas Trinity FC vs. DC Power FC Watch Party at City Futsal
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NatNews: Issue 163

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:59:30 +0100

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April 28, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 163

IT'S ALL ABOUT, IT'S ALL ABOUT THE CLIMB

Rock climbing is a popular form of adventure and exercise, and indoor climbing gyms have allowed it to become a safe and more realistic option for many individuals.

It turns out that it is also rather beneficial to a person in more ways than one—not only does it improve strength and serve as a full-body exercise, but it also helps increase one’s VO2 max (a measure of how much oxygen your body consumes while exercising; higher VO2 max indicates better physical fitness and is associated with lower risk for cardiovascular disease).

It’s not uncommon for some people to unexpectedly discover they love climbing and those benefits above. Dallas resident Virginia Altick began bouldering at the beginning of 2012 at a gym called Dallas Rocks that offered discounted day passes for women on Fridays.

“After a few weeks, I found that I was passionate about getting better, so I started to go more than once a week,” she said. “I eventually bought my own climbing shoes and a membership to the gym, which at some point changed to Summit (now Movement). I entered a few bouldering competitions at the gym that year, which was very exciting.”

Altick said that same year, she eventually joined a class in which she learned about ropes climbing, which led to her training and climbing all throughout the U.S. with that group for the next five years.

“One of the things I enjoyed the most about climbing was the travel,” she said. “Some of the most amazing places I’ve ever seen have been due to climbing trips.”

Dallas-area resident Ajay Teegavarapu said he began climbing between 10 and 11 years ago and used to climb three to five times a week, but once he started running, that frequency became two or three times each week. However, if he’s training for a marathon, he usually climbs once or twice on a weekly basis.

“There are so many things I like about climbing,” he said. “I truly enjoy the camaraderie, puzzle solving, and testing and pushing your mental and physical abilities—which are almost similar to running. I also enjoy getting to travel to places to climb.”

While climbing gyms offer convenience, Teegavarapu said there are plenty of outdoor adventures in which he’s participated that have allowed him to climb in some memorable and scenic settings.

“There are tons of places, honestly, but if I have to choose a few, I would say Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas, Smith Rock in Oregon, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Arkansas, too many to name in Colorado, Red River Gorge in Kentucky, and Diablo Canyon in New Mexico,” he said.

Because not everyone can or wants to climb outdoors without mats beneath them, and there aren’t many outdoor places to climb in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, climbing gyms are helpful alternatives. One such option is Movement, previously mentioned by Altick, which has several locations throughout the nation, including six in the metroplex. Rachel Osborne, assistant marketing manager for DFW, said climbing is an effective way to stimulate both the mind and body at once.

“Climbing offers a rare combination of benefits that work together beautifully,” she said. “Physically, it’s a full-body workout that builds strength, flexibility, and balance without feeling like traditional exercise. You’ll engage muscles you didn’t know you had. Mentally, climbing is like solving puzzles with your body—each route presents a unique challenge that requires focus, problem solving, and mindfulness. This mental engagement creates a form of moving meditation in which daily stresses fade away as you concentrate on the wall.”

But what Osborne said she likely enjoys most about climbing, particularly at a climbing gym, is the social aspect.

“Unlike many fitness activities in which everyone’s in their own world with headphones on, climbing naturally creates community,” she said. “You’ll find yourself sharing beta (climbing tips) with strangers, celebrating each other’s sends, and building friendships through shared experiences. I like to think of our gyms as a community center in a way—they’re social hubs where people connect over a common passion, regardless of experience level or background.”

Osborne said some people consider climbing as their form of therapy, and she understands why. As a climber herself for more than a decade, she knows that this form of physical activity has made her much more confident in herself and has also transformed her relationship with failure.

“In climbing, falling isn’t just acceptable—it’s expected and even celebrated as part of the learning process,” she said. “There’s something incredibly liberating about trying something difficult, falling repeatedly, and finally succeeding. That moment when you finally stick a move you’ve been working on for weeks? Pure magic.”

Teegavarapu also recognizes the positive impact climbing has made on his life and likens it to what he and many others have experienced through running.

“Just like someone training their heart out to get into the Boston Marathon or achieve some time in running, climbers have goals to complete grades or routes,” he said. “It could take weeks, months, or even years sometimes. Physically, climbing definitely builds endurance and strength. Mentally, it builds resilience and makes you think differently. Each route can be climbed uniquely by different climbers. The social aspect of hanging out with friends, catching up in local climbing gyms, and traveling together to new and old places is also always fun.”

Although she does not climb as often as she used to, like Osborne and Teegavarapu, Altick also appreciates the advantages (e.g., hand, forearm, and upper-body strength and specific muscle awareness) she has seen as a result of being part of the climbing community.

“A few additional benefits are friendships, confidence through breathing through fear, and improved interpersonal communication through cues with your belay partner,” she said.

For individuals who have never climbed before or don’t do so often but are looking for new activities or ways to meet people, Osborne said climbing is an enjoyable option and a great way to unwind after a long day at work and build upon one’s community.

“Folks show up to the gym all the time alone and walk out with new friends—and you’re getting your daily workout in at the same time,” she said. “It’s competitive if you want it to be (climbing is an Olympic sport, and the term ‘pro climber’ does, in fact, exist), but it’s mostly you competing with yourself to keep getting better.”

Osborne said climbing is truly for everyone, regardless of age, size, background, ability, etc.

“Something that I think is particularly special about climbing is that it is such a supportive environment,” she said. “Seasoned climbers are always cheering on newer climbers because, at the end of the day, if you are watching someone try their hardest at something, you can’t help but respect that.”

Movement offers free intro classes (Intro to Bouldering and Intro to Rope Climbing, depending on which location you visit) at all of its gyms. Those interested can sign up here. Osborne encourages individuals who might be hesitant to try something new not to get caught up in comparing themselves to others.

“In climbing, the only meaningful comparison is between who you are today and who you were yesterday,” she said. “Focus on your personal progress, and I promise you’ll find joy in the journey. If you’ve never tried it before, give it a go—you might just find your new favorite hobby.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Technically, a couch and a sofa are two different things—couches are more casual and typically don’t have armrests, whereas sofas are more formal and do have armrests.

IS THERE A SUPERIOR OREO?

There are some issues that spark more passion in people than one might initially presume.

Cue the Oreo debate.

According to NatNews exclusive research, a recent study indicated that, of the dear readers who participated, 43 percent prefer regular Oreos, 40 percent opt for Double-Stuf Oreos, 11 percent reach for Golden Oreos or another flavor, and 6 percent would rather not eat any kind of Oreo at all. Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen is one of the individuals who is convinced that the thicker layer of creme in the middle creates a superior product.

“I prefer to eat Double-Stuf Oreos because I think the filling-to-cookie ratio is better,” he said. “But I suppose I’ll accept regular ones, too.”

To Borkenhagen’s surprise, though, a significant amount of people disagree and would rather eat the original cookie with the standard amount of filling. Dallas-area resident Olivia Wetzel said traditional Oreos have always been a top contender for her when it comes to store-bought cookies, largely because of the fond memories they bring to mind.

“I think a big part of Oreo’s success has been its marketing,” she said. “When you walk down the cookie aisle at the grocery store, the blue packaging catches your eye and is a classic. I remember Oreo commercials as a kid, specifically the Christmas one from the 90s. A little boy named Alex sneaks downstairs and leaves cookies (Oreos) out for Santa. Spoiler: He falls asleep and misses Santa, but Santa leaves him a note thanking him. Santa even dunks his Oreos in milk. Oreos have some kind of connection to nostalgia, and I must say, well played, Nabisco.”

Not everyone likes or prefers the chocolate wafers sandwiching the creme, though. Cincinnati resident Ethan Celuch said he typically eats the Golden Oreos for a variety of reasons, including because his wife, Paige, loves regular Oreos.

“The vanilla flavor is good, and they don’t make a huge chocolatey mess in my teeth,” he said. “Plus, they’re not stolen from me while I’m not at the house.”

However, Celuch said he would still be willing to eat the regular or double-stuffed cookies if his go-to choice was not available.

“I’m not married to Golden Oreos,” he said. “It’s more of a help-Paige-save-herself-from-herself thing.”

Borkenhagen, on the other hand, said he would not reach for regular Oreos at the grocery store if the double-stuffed cookies were not there, mainly because he doesn’t often purchase any form of Oreos for himself.

“They’re clearly junk food, so if I’m craving them, I’m not going to settle for junk food that I don’t even prefer,” he said.

Like Borkenhagen, Wetzel said she doesn’t buy Oreos on a regular basis, which would impact her decision on whether or not to stray from what she likes best.

“If I were specifically looking for regular Oreos, I don’t know if I would purchase another kind or something else in its place,” she said. “However, I have tried some different kinds, and they are good.”

Over the years, Oreo has come out with quite a few flavor varieties, some of which have made cookie lovers more skeptical than those that might be considered a bit more common (watermelon, candy corn, Coca-Cola, and Peeps flavors might ring some bells). Wetzel said she believes that it is “fun and interesting” that Oreo experiments with different variations of its classic cookie.

“Birthday Cake Oreos and Red Velvet Oreos did taste like the cakes they were inspired by,” she said. “But when I think Oreo, I think of the classic iconic cookie. However, even though I mentioned the 90s Christmas commercial earlier, if you know me, I am the pumpkin queen, and Halloween is my favorite holiday. The Halloween Oreos are a must for spooky season. They usually have different Halloween icons, like jack-o-lanterns and skeletons, on the cookie, and the frosting is orange—not orange-flavored, just bright orange. I must admit, when I see them hit stores in the fall, it makes my spooky little heart happy!”

Not everyone is on board with the flavor varieties, though. Celuch said he was not even aware that some of them exist (or existed at some point, as many of them did not last).

“Candy corn and watermelon sound questionable at best,” he said.

Borkenhagen is also of the mindset that Oreos should not stray too far toward outlandish new cookie ideas and said such flavors are “all trash.”

“I’ve only ever had the orange-flavored and the mint ones, and they both weren’t good,” he said. “All of these other ones that have come out are even less appealing. I have no idea why they thought bringing in some other flavor was ever a good idea. Don’t mess with what works.”

But Borkenhagen wouldn’t judge a person based on his or her Oreo choice and said one’s personal cookie biases have nothing to do with that individual’s overall personality or character.

“It’s simply a preference of a type of sweet—nothing more, nothing less,” he said. “It’s like that question of ‘if you were a cereal, what type would you be, and why?’ It’s fun but rather silly and doesn’t actually say anything about the person.”

Celuch, however, said he believes that one’s Oreo purchase can actually give you an idea about that person’s level of honesty with himself or herself.

“I think if the person exclusively buys the super thin Oreos, the diet kind, they’re lying to themselves and are too self-conscious of what others think of their calorie intake,” he said. “Just buy the double-stuffed ones and be happy.”

Wetzel isn’t quite sure that she’s convinced Oreo preferences reveal much about an individual’s personality, but she is slightly intrigued by such a notion.

“As a school counselor and psychology nerd, if we are truly looking at identifying pieces of someone’s personality, putting together some type of rubric dissecting personality traits based off of Oreo cookies would take a lot of time and research to be deemed truly valid,” she said. “What can I say, I love me some peer-reviewed, ethically sound research. Some dunk cookies in milk; I dunk and double-check evidence and facts. However, I also believe science and whimsy can live side by side, so an Oreo personality quiz would be fun to take while reading a Cosmopolitan magazine or could also be a fun ice breaker, but I would not take it to heart.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some of the NatNews staff and some dear readers recently cheered their hearts out for the triathletes at IRONMAN Texas

Upcoming
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Monday, April 28: Stars vs. Avalanche (Game 5) at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, April 29: Dallas Pickleball Play & Mixer at At Fault; Free Rooftop Movie — Scream at Sundown at Granada; Tyler Hilton at Legacy Hall
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NatNews: Issue 162

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 11:59:31 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

April 21, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 162

FOLLOWING PROPER TRACK AND TRAIL ETIQUETTE

Individuals who drive cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc. are legally required to have licenses and follow certain laws while operating their vehicles on the roads, though it’s not uncommon to see drivers break those laws. Somewhat similarly, while there are also rules and expectations for people who use tracks and trails available to the public for exercise purposes, there are certainly users who treat such guidelines as mere suggestions that don’t necessarily pertain to them.

Such neglect of standard operating procedures can lead to frustration for many runners throughout the local community. Dallas-area resident Carolyn Macduff Levanway often runs at public tracks, including Dallas’ Germany Park, and she believes that it’s important for track users to follow proper etiquette to be considerate to those around them.

“The most important rule is this: If you’re walking, stick to the outside lanes,” she said. “If you see someone running at a faster pace than you, please move to an outer lane and give them the inner lane.”

When Macduff Levanway encounters such situations with walkers in what are considered the faster lanes, she said she typically runs around them and doesn’t say anything, though she is considering changing her tactics.

“I need to start shouting ‘runner coming through in lane 1, 2, 3, etc.’ so that they can move to an outer lane,” she said. “I don’t feel it’s right for me to run around them and have them get in the way of future runners on the track.”

Dallas-area resident JT Gordon, who also trains often on the track, said a common strategy is to yell “track” if you are running at a faster pace as part of a workout and someone crosses into or is walking in the inner lane. However, he said doing so might be too “old school” for some individuals, so his response is much like Macduff Levanway’s.

“I usually just run around them, unless it’s a dangerous situation where someone might get hurt,” he said. “For instance, if someone is consistently letting children cross or play in lane 1, I’ll talk to the parents.”

Macduff Levanway is also a frequenter of the Katy Trail, which is a well-loved piece of the city and can often get rather congested, especially on nicer days. She noted how important it is for trail users not to crowd an entire side, even when enjoying the outdoors with others.

“If you’re walking with friends, please don’t take up half of the trail,” she said. “It makes it very hard for others to pass or safely run, period. Another rule is that if you need to cross to another side of the trail for any reason, please look behind you before crossing. I’ve seen people almost get hit by cyclists, dogs, and other runners because they didn’t look to make sure it was safe to cross.”

Friends of the Katy Trail Director of Operations Bree Redwine said safety is vital on the trail, and she and her team make concerted efforts to effectively remind all users to observe proper trail etiquette to create a safe and pleasant experience for everyone.

“By following some basic rules and Katy Trail etiquette, everyone can enjoy the Katy Trail, whether running, walking with friends, or taking a stroll to clear your mind,” she said. “Simple rules for all to follow help maintain this atmosphere. We work hard to implement these measures and have even hired private security to assist in managing this process and ensure that the trail remains a safe and welcoming environment for all users.”

Additional specific information and etiquette (such as keeping to the right of the path, obeying the 10 mph speed limit, not using motorized vehicles, etc.) for the Katy Trail can be found on its website. There are a variety of organized groups that regularly meet to run and walk on the trail, and Redwine said it’s essential for the group leaders to provide information pertaining to basic trail procedures, such as no more than two people side by side, as part of the training or guidance in order to ensure a safe and harmonious experience for group participants and other trail users.

“It is necessary that leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings as well as adhering to established etiquette on shared paths,” she said. “This not only promotes safety but also enhances the enjoyment of everyone using these spaces.”

Redwine said it would be beneficial if group leaders periodically reviewed expectations and practices with their teams and encouraged participant feedback to help consistently improve the group’s conduct.

“This proactive approach demonstrates responsibility and commitment to community standards, ultimately enhancing the reputation of such groups within public spaces,” she said.

Redwine said she and others on her team at the Friends of the Katy Trail try their best to communicate basic considerations, though it’s ultimately up to the individuals who use the Katy Trail to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment. However, she said people aren’t always paying close attention to where they are and those around them.

“We are living in a fast-paced, tech-driven age,” she said. “Whether it’s people on their phones, not looking up, or standing and talking to friends in the middle of the trail and blocking it, sometimes people are just unaware of their surroundings.”

Individuals’ reasons for not acknowledging or adhering to the expected standards are not always clear, though Gordon said there are a few likely explanations.

“I think most people are just out clearing their minds and exercising and don’t know about the general rules,” he said. “I see groups on the trail and track that haven’t been educated. Some are just rude, but most don’t know or are not thinking about the rules and protocols.”

Like Gordon, Macduff Levanway said she thinks many people simply are not aware of the etiquette expectations, though she added that there are plenty of individuals who aren’t concerned with following them.

“I’ve seen people taking work calls while walking on a busy track, and I wonder how in the world they thought that was a good idea,” she said. “Common sense is free, and sometimes I don’t think people realize that.”

DID YOU KNOW?

A group of owls is called a parliament.

DOES YOUR FACE GIVE YOU AWAY?

The vast majority of communication is nonverbal, and people’s body language—including facial expressions—significantly impact how individuals interpret and respond to such communication. However, people’s facial expressions can often be misleading and lead others to wonder whether or not if what a person is thinking or feeling is actually what is written on his or her face.

Studies have revealed that while individuals seek authenticity and would like to claim to be able to discern it, they often are unable to tell when people they interact with are being genuine or not. While every thought and feeling that a person experiences should likely not be shared with everyone, a person’s countenance often gives away what’s going through his or her mind. There are times, though, when a person might intentionally try to ensure that his or her facial expressions don’t let that happen.

“I have a good poker face when I am conscientious and know the situation,” Dallas resident Damon Yousefy said. “As an attorney, I can’t show my feelings in negotiations for clients and use a different tone of voice to match the poker face. However, in casual interactions, my eyebrows give away my feelings, and people can easily see the expressions I make.”

Like Yousefy, Dallas resident Nathaniel Medrano said he also is able to present a straight face that doesn’t necessarily reveal what he’s thinking and feeling to those around him.

“I am often told that people have a difficult time knowing when I’m being serious or joking when I relay information,” he said. “I do it purposefully to keep people guessing. It’s fun. I will say that it does have its drawbacks when I am trying to have a more serious conversation, and some folks don’t take me seriously. It’s the price I must pay.”

Not everyone would necessarily fool a table during a high-stakes card game, though. Some people have bosses who have talks with them about making stronger efforts to have better “meeting faces,” while others are only sometimes able to mask thoughts or feelings that perhaps they don’t want others to see in their expressions and reactions.

“I do not know if I have a good poker face,” Dallas-area resident Robyn Allen said. “I naturally have a scowl look that I have inherited and show less emotion in moments that I do not feel 100 percent comfortable in. I let my brain process and resolve my current situation before I have to outwardly react with emotion.”

But Allen doesn’t think it’s necessary for others always to be able to read people’s nonverbal responses.

“I do think some reactions should be controlled and limited so that you do not physically or emotionally overreact,” she said. “If I outwardly showed what I was thinking with my face anytime someone spoke at work, I would have been fired a long time ago.”

She is certainly not alone in that perspective. Medrano said he thinks it’s absolutely essential for a person to master the ability to be stoic under certain conditions.

“There will always be times in life when you need to hide feelings and be strong for loved ones,” he said. “On the other side of that, you also should be able to hide your excitement in some moments, such as during negotiations.”

Business dealings and other career-related situations often lead to people being more inclined to remain stone-faced. Like Medrano, Yousefy also noted how integral it can be not to offer non-revealing expressions during work situations that involve negotiations.

“I think certain circumstances require keeping one’s feelings close to the chest and not letting the other side know our thoughts,” he said. “When negotiating, if the other side gives a favorable proposal or number, it’s important not to seem happy about it or vice versa.”

And Yousefy doesn’t necessarily believe that simply being more guarded with one’s facial reactions means that a person is not to be trusted. After all, sometimes deception is needed for a little harmless fun and entertainment.

“Some people are better than others at concealing their thoughts,” he said. “Most people are genuine, but others do a better job of hiding their feelings, whether involuntarily or voluntarily. To do a good April fool’s prank requires some ability to have a poker face and neutral tone, so I’m happy to report that I pranked some people well this year.”

But reasons for concealing emotions and reactions are not always as lighthearted as for carrying out pranks. Medrano said he is often careful to keep his thoughts and opinions to himself, including in how he communicates those via his countenance, particularly in regard to more polarizing subjects and situations.

“I think society overall is pretty sensitive these days,” he said. “I would never want to offend any dear readers. It’s only when I get to know someone or a group of people (or they get to know me) that I feel as though I can be my genuine self. I do have a good heart—I swear.”

There are also times when individuals feel the need to conceal their facial expressions and overall body language responses as somewhat of a defense mechanism to protect themselves and ensure that others don’t attempt to take advantage of them.

“I think most people control their physical reactions to others, especially when they disagree in moments or need to negotiate in competitive settings,” Allen said. “There are also times in a discussion when your weaknesses do not need to be disclosed to maintain control in difficult conversations.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some of the NatNews staff and some dear readers recently enjoyed spending time together at a newish local establishment

Upcoming
Events

Monday, April 21: Stars vs. Avalanche (Game 2) at the American Airlines Center; National Tea Day; Boston Marathon
Tuesday, April 22: Movies in the Park — 10 Things I Hate About You at Griggs Park; Reliant Home Run Derby at Riders Field (free admission); Free Rooftop Movie — Scott Pilgrim vs. the World at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, April 23: 55th Annual USA Film Festival at the Angelika Film Center Dallas
Thursday, April 24: Cool Thursdays Concerts Series — Purple Madness | The Prince Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; Kenny Chesney Tribute — Barefoot Nation at Legacy Hall
Friday, April 25: Live on the Lawn — Featuring Don Louis at The Village Dallas (Glen Lawn); The Boho Market at Preston Hollow Village
Saturday, April 26: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Festival of Joy at Klyde Warren Park; Dallas Annual Crawfish Boil at White Rock Brewing Co.; Dallas Trinity FC vs. Lexington Sporting SC at Cotton Bowl Stadium
Sunday, April 27: Dallas’ Disco Cowgirl Market at White Rock Brewing Co.; Reunion Tower Sound Bath

NatNews: Issue 161

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:59:29 +0100

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April 14, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 161

DIFFERENT SKINCARE STRATEGIES FOR THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO LOOK THEIR AGES

While taking care of one’s skin is beneficial in terms of protecting it from a variety of elements, such as the harsh effects of certain climates and seasons and the damaging impacts from exposure to the sun, many individuals incorporate a number of different skincare treatments and routines simply because they want their skin to look fresh and younger than it actually is. After all, aging is real.

Dallas-area resident Alexis Derrow said she regularly uses various skincare products, such as Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser for sensitive and acne-prone skin as well as The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum, in the morning and evening. Derrow said she appreciates that the latter product controls oil and acne and is only $6.

“It is well worth it,” she said. “It’s been a game changer. I also use The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG under my eyes to shrink puffiness in the morning, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ in the morning and evening, and Retin-A Micro 0.1% in the evening.”

Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard, on the other hand, keeps his product list a bit simpler.

“I’m a boy, so my skincare routine is pretty minimal,” he said. “I wash my face in the shower and usually wash my face before I go to bed. I also have a jar of Neutrogena face cream with retinol to prevent and remove wrinkles. I don’t use it as regularly as I could, so I don’t know how well it works to remove wrinkles, but I’m hoping it’s at least preventing the creation of new ones. I guess it feels more like insurance—you don’t really know if you need it or if it will ever help, but you pay for it, anyway, just in case.”

Because he desires to have skin that looks younger than the birthday on his driver’s license might imply, Odegard said he has gotten Botox treatments a couple of times in the past.

“It’s also like an insurance policy but much more expensive,” he said. “I’d like to think (or hope) that both have helped at least a little to delay aging in my face. I’ve always felt younger than I really am, and I definitely act like I’m younger. I also tend to date younger, so it’s really helpful to look as young as I act and feel.”

Derrow, on the other hand, said she is a bit apprehensive of Botox and does not think she will ever opt for such a treatment.

“It is literally a poison,” she said. “Botulinum toxin will kill you if you eat it. Why would I inject that into my face?”

As an alternative, Derrow recently received a noninvasive procedure with a device known as Sofwave, which is intended to stimulate an individual’s collagen and elastin growth to reduce the appearance of fine lines and to tighten sagging and loose skin. This treatment is primarily designed for the face and neck but can be used anywhere on the body, the other most common areas being on top of the hands and above the knees. Derrow opted for this procedure to reduce signs of aging in her appearance.

“I want my slightly fuller face back (a.k.a. look five years younger),” she said. “I’d like to look 33 in good lighting, instead of 38 in good lighting, and 38 in bad lighting, instead of my actual age.”

There are plenty of options from which individuals can choose when trying to decide what skincare products or solutions are best for them, especially if they are seeking more youthful appearances. Vega Alfaro-Wood, who represented Young Goose at this year’s CryoCon, said the company’s entire concept is not simply helping the skin look younger but also helping it function younger biologically. Founded in 2017, Young Goose is known for its use of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is present in all cells in the body and plays an important role in energy production and DNA repair.

Alfaro-Wood said Young Goose is not against Botox but recommends alternatives on a more consistent basis.

“We believe that there’s Botox at the right time, but there are negatives to Botox, as well,” she said. “It’s very promoted online, but we believe in trying alternatives that are more holistic, backed by science, and less damaging to the skin. A lot of the time, Botox can be very aggressive. What makes us more advantageous is that we can target more specific concerns, depending on what you’re interested in.”

Another popular treatment currently trending that NatNews previously covered (Issue 150) is red light therapy, which stimulates collagen and elastin production as well as cellular activity, which can lead to improvements in complexion and wound healing and reduce inflammation. Alfaro-Wood said Young Goose’s new product L.A.D.R. (named for its use in light-activated DNA repair) contains light-activated ingredients that absorb and amplify the effects of red light and help increase the efficacy of the treatment by almost 100 percent. It also utilizes adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which energizes cells and offers skin protection and appearance benefits.

“With something like L.A.D.R., you’re getting way more of the red light by having the ATP function better and the energy from the red light function better,” Alfaro-Wood said. “And on top of that, there are photozymes in there that are activated by light when they enter the cell, helping reverse sun damage on the DNA level that people are getting naturally from the sun and even potentially incurring on a daily basis.”

It is important to note that products and treatments that are suitable for one individual might not be ideal for someone else. Because of different skin types, allergies, preferences, levels of concern or apathy regarding the appearance of aging, and a number of other factors, each individual needs to determine what is best for him or her. For Derrow, ensuring that she uses the most effective products is essential to her daily lifestyle.

“I do think skin care is important, partly because I like wearing makeup,” she said. “If your face isn’t clean and well-moisturized, your makeup just sinks or cakes, and you look haggard, and no one wants that.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Because of its many rivers and lakes, including the 231-mile-long Lake Oahe, South Dakota actually has more miles of shoreline than Florida.

CONTRIBUTING POSITIVELY THROUGH VOLUNTEERING

April is National Volunteer Month, which seeks to recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers and also encourages individuals to become more involved in serving their communities. More than 1 billion people volunteer worldwide, and most recent available research from AmeriCorps reported that more than 75.7 million Americans (more than 28 percent) formally volunteered through an organization in 2023, contributing more than 4.99 billion hours of service with more than $167.2 billion in economic value.

Dallas-area resident Minok Merrick, who can often be seen hustling and bustling behind the scenes at local road races and other large-scale events, said she initially began volunteering when she was younger to fulfill school credit and graduation requirements for the National Honor Society. Her experience comes in handy now, as she regularly works with volunteers across a wide variety of events throughout the year, ranging from sports competitions to festivals. Merrick, who is an outgoing and social individual, said she enjoys opportunities to work with so many different people who choose to volunteer.

“As I transitioned to professionally managing events, I found myself responsible for managing staff and volunteers,” she said. “Coordinating volunteers is truly a people-centered role—you have to appreciate the individuals who willingly dedicate their time to support an event.”

One individual who consistently gives her time to volunteering is Dallas-area resident Liz Orozco. She uses chances to serve others throughout the community as opportunities to spend time with her family while contributing in meaningful ways.

“I initially started volunteering more frequently when my daughter, Natasha, and I joined National Charity League (NCL), which is a mother-daughter organization that promotes philanthropy, leadership, and mother-daughter relationship through giving back to the community,” she said. “Although we have met our required hours, Natasha has a set personal goal of completing 100 hours per year because she has realized the simple gift of volunteering goes a long way.”

Orozco said they try to volunteer at least four times per month and have volunteered at SPCA of Texas, Dallas Children’s Theater, and Feed My Starving Children the most. They have also volunteered at Walk to End Alzheimer’s in both The Colony and Dallas and, most recently, at the Strut Your Mutt event through SPCA last Saturday.

“What I enjoy most about volunteering is being able to be a part of something rewarding through the gift of time,” Orozco said. “When volunteering at FMSC, there are so many different tasks that no matter the mood or exhausting day you have had, you leave with a smile. When you find an organization with similar interests, it is fun. With the SPCA, they look for volunteers to hang out with the animals, play with and pet them, and take them on walks. For us, it is perfect because we don’t have pets, and so it’s our time to play with cats and have fun.”

For Merrick, her favorite part of volunteering comes in people form.

“Volunteering allows me to connect with an incredibly diverse group of individuals, spanning different ages, races, education levels, professional backgrounds, and more,” she said. “I also find it fascinating to learn about the motivations behind why people volunteer—whether it’s for school credit, professional growth, personal interests, or even perks like free event access or gear.”

There are plenty of opportunities and places for individuals to volunteer throughout the metroplex. In addition to the aforementioned organizations where Orozco and her family volunteer, North Texas Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House Dallas, Operation Kindness, Dallas CASA, The Senior Source, Mercy Street, Austin Street Center, and a variety of additional entities are always in need of extra help. Orozco said she believes that more people should take advantage of opportunities to volunteer in their communities.

“I have these conversations with my children—that no matter your financial status, you can always give your time and volunteer,” she said. “When volunteering for a cause such as FMSC, it puts things in perspective and helps you realize that there are many people out in the world with less than us, and they are still content with the little they have. At the Dallas Children’s Theater, they need volunteers to serve as ushers, and the fun part about it is that after you usher, you get to enjoy the performance. Through our church, Parkway Hills Baptist Church, there are volunteer events that take place weekly, locally in Plano, in downtown Dallas feeding the homeless, and in McKinney taking groceries and having conversations with people. I feel like getting out and exploring your interests can create more of a buy-in in wanting to return and continue to volunteer.”

Events such as tournaments and running races are largely made possible because of the volunteers who help with several roles that are often much more significant than one might think. Anyone interested in volunteer opportunities at local events can reach out to Merrick via email or Instagram. Merrick said she absolutely thinks that more people should volunteer on a consistent basis, especially when doing so benefits a nonprofit organization.

“Volunteering is an excellent way to connect with others who share similar interests,” she said, “and to contribute positively to a cause greater than oneself."

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews staff members and some dear readers enjoyed celebrating running accomplishments and friendship Saturday morning

Upcoming
Events

Monday, April 14: Purchase NatNews merch; Dallas Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 24–34) at Birdie’s Eastside
Tuesday, April 15: Movies in the Park — She's the Man at Griggs Park; Broadway Dallas — Mama Mia! at Music Hall at Fair Park (runs through April 27); Free Rooftop Movie — Selena at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, April 16: Pilates and Palomas at HALL Arts Hotel; Frisco Roughriders vs. Amarillo Sod Poodles at Riders Field
Thursday, April 17: Cool Thursdays Concerts Series — Nearly Diamond at the Dallas Arboretum; Mean Girls at Winspear Opera House (also on Friday and Saturday); Candlelight — A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings at Edison’s
Friday, April 18: Date Night in the Park at Klyde Warren Park; Carly Pearce at House of Blues Dallas; Candlelight — A Tribute to Taylor Swift at The Adolphus
Saturday, April 19: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Rangers vs. Dodgers at Globe Life Field; Elton John Tribute — The Elton Johns at Legacy Hall
Sunday, April 20: Various Easter brunches throughout the metroplex

NatNews: Issue 160

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:59:34 +0100

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April 7, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 160

SHORT RANDOM BURSTS OF EXERCISE CAN LEAD TO LONG-TERM BENEFITS

Though people generally make time for the people and activities they want to make time for in life, there are individuals who insist that they simply don’t have time for certain things, including exercise. However, research has shown that even short bursts of exercise can prove to be beneficial, with one study indicating that such small doses of working out are associated with lower risk of cancer. Even short bursts of activity—including those that are only 30 seconds or five to 10 minutes—that encompass almost any type of movement are advantageous.

As revealed in the study above and similar findings, one doesn’t need to invest hours upon hours every day to exercising to gain its benefits. Dallas resident Keith Jensen, a runner and coach, said many individuals become too concerned with viewing exercise as something needing to occur within a set time period.

“I think taking care of your body and health should be constant,” he said. “You can do 20 air squats between meetings, always take the stairs, or walk places close by when you would usually mindlessly drive. With this thought, you should be doing something every day to help your body stay limber, strong, and fit.”

While some individuals make time to take part in various workouts and have access to their own personal equipment, trainers, gyms, or other facilities conducive to whatever their chosen exercise activities are, others do not. Jensen said there are still plenty of ways that people can incorporate exercise into their routines, even when they have little or no access to such items, people, and places. He said activities such as walking, running/walking combos, push-ups, body-weight squats, always taking the stairs, and playing sports are common and easily accessible options.

“Or if you have kids, nieces, nephews, etc. in the 3-year-old to 10-year-old range, just go out and play with them,” he said. “You will be shocked with how much you can maintain by just living your everyday life. Make it a game. Walk to your car with two bags of groceries and curl them, or challenge yourself to come up with other random ideas to move your muscles.”

A study released this year by the Journal of the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association revealed that taking part in moderate to vigorous physical activity on a consistent basis improves mental health and even reduces the risk of dementia. Dallas resident Jenny Schultz, a mother of two young kids who makes sure that she finds time to work out on a consistent basis, said she thinks exercising at least three times each week is an achievable goal for which many people can aim.

“I try to focus on weight training and bodyweight exercises,” she said. “And 100 percent, short workouts are beneficial—it all adds up.”

Schultz said if a person is struggling to find time to exercise, he or she should try to fit in 15 minutes to start.

“As a mom of two young boys, sometimes that is all I have,” she said. “I try to stay moving during the day and not sit much, which is easy with my boys.”

And Schultz said she realizes that not everyone is going to work out every single day, whether by choice or because of factors that prevent doing so from happening.

“Some days, it just doesn’t happen, and that is OK,” she said. “You have to look at it as a long-term investment with highs and lows. But walking is always a great way to exercise, and it is easy to find space to do it.”

It can be challenging for some individuals who feel they don’t have much time or aren’t certain of where or how to begin to initiate the process. Jensen said one piece of advice he would offer individuals who might struggle to find motivation to work out consistently is to observe different people of different ages.

“They are the best indication on what your life will look like in the future if you do or do not work out,” he said. “Talk with older people. Ask what they wish they would have done to stay healthy when they were your age. It’s a peek into your future and great advice to help you not make the long-term mistakes they may have unknowingly made.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The oldest living land animal is a Seychelles giant tortoise named Jonathan, who is estimated to be approximately 193 years old and lives in Saint Helena (a volcanic tropical island in the South Atlantic Ocean).

FOLLOWING FASHION RULES OR BUCKING THE TRENDS

Over the years, we’ve seen dresses over jeans, puka shell necklaces, low-rise pants, high-waisted pants, cargo pants, frosted tips, brand-obvious polos, Doc Martens, athleisure, bomber jackets, and so much more. Fashion trends come and go—and sometimes come back again—and often lure individuals in with the promise of potentially being kind of cool (or at least feeling more secure while wearing what’s considered “in”).

Dallas resident Doug Mitchell said he finds fashion interesting, but because trends change so quickly, he doesn’t always feel like he’s able to keep up with what is most current. He also said he believes that many individuals often feel pressure to dress in certain ways based on what is considered hip or trendy because of what they want other people’s perceptions of them to be.

“People invest a lot in what other people think of them, and I think conforming with what everyone else is doing can be a safe choice,” he said. “If you’re doing what everyone else is doing, you’re less likely to make a mistake.”

While a person can be intrigued by fashion, that doesn’t mean that he or she adheres to what styles are and are not currently “acceptable” in terms of popularity and trendiness. Dallas resident Virginia Altick has a general interest in fashion, but she said she is rather casual in how she stays in the know on what styles are most popular at the time.

“If I need a trendy item, just like Macklemore, I prefer going to thrift shops like Uptown Cheapskate,” she said. “For wardrobe staples, I can thank my fashionable mother for giving me presents at Christmas from Ann Taylor, J.Crew, Zara, and Talbots.”

And now that she doesn’t face the social situations she did in the youth or adolescent stage, Altick said she no longer carries the same charge of pressure she once did years ago and is glad to be comfortable and confident in the outfit choices she makes.

“As an adult, I see fashion as a form of self-expression,” she said. “I do remember feeling pressure to have Cole Haan shoes and a Dooney & Bourke purse in high school, but looking back, those items are so ugly. I’ve seen trends come back from those times and wish I kept my original Birkenstocks and flare-leg jeans, though.”

Like with many pressures and expectations that exist in society, some individuals feel compelled to follow unofficial fashion rules so that they don’t stray too far from what is considered the norm. Dallas resident David Cerezo said he believes that many people concern themselves with fashion trends as a result of the fear of missing out and wanting to be part of a community with common activities and interests.

“It brings a certain ‘inclusivity happiness’ together with their friends or groups,” he said.

Cerezo, though, doesn’t concern himself with what others think are the best options to don in public.

“I still love my band shirts that made me and still make me happy to wear,” he said. “But it does go without saying that I have adapted my style over the years to make my life easier and/or to bring the confidence of my physique.”

Many people, like Cerezo, don’t mind bucking the trend. He said although there are a handful of exceptions (such as lewd attire at a religious establishment), a person should have the freedom to wear whatever he or she wants to wear. (Also, make sure to ask him about his experience in Rome, Italy, with the city’s law enforcement.)

“As long as you’re clothed, please give a generous smile and be kind to others,” Cerezo said. “Be respectful and follow requirements at all establishments if you wish to be serviced. But in public, it’s all game at one’s discretion.”

Some places have specific minimal clothing requirements (e.g., “no shoes, no shirt, no service”), while others are a bit stricter in their policies (e.g., no entry allowed if one is wearing jeans, flip-flops, etc.). Then there are general requirements that aren’t actually requirements, such as when people can wear pastels or other colors, whether or not skinny jeans should still be a thing, and others of the sort. Altick said she thinks that individuals tend to rebel against requirements, so she would opt to refrain from implementing any but prefers to present herself respectfully.

“I think the way you dress boosts self-confidence,” she said. “Oscar Wilde’s aphorism, ‘you can never be overdressed or overeducated’ has merit. You’ll never regret a healthy dose of modesty, but you might regret looking indecent or unhoused.”

Individuals and entities often have dress stipulations for gatherings they host—including events such as black-tie fundraising galas, themed parties, and formal or semi-formal banquets—which typically indicate that individuals should wear designated attire. Mitchell said he does think there should be fashion/dress code requirements or expectations in certain situations but definitely not all.

“Some expectations (like no white after Labor Day) are designed to create artificial divisions,” he said. “There are times when another person should be the focus of attention (like a bride on her wedding day), though, and if someone is inviting you to an event (like their wedding or a costume party), I think they can set the dress code.”

While there are situations when and places where certain clothing must be worn or not worn for attendance to be allowed, establishment requirements, or legal reasons, many adults are generally able to make their own fashion choices on a consistent basis and determine whether or not they want to follow what the current society suggests is “in.”

“I find it much more interesting to march to the beat of my own drum, but I don’t think that means I’m not concerned about what other people think about me,” Mitchell said.

And while Cerezo is comfortable wearing what he wants, he said he mixes his fashion up a little in terms of what is trendy and what might not be as popular currently.

“As our body tends to change over time, we can benefit from upgrading, modifying, and changing our wardrobes to enhance our lives,” he said. “We owe it to our delicate mortal shells.”

But whether you’re following what celebrities and socials tell you to sport or creating your own unique looks, it’s important to be confident and content in what you’re wearing. Altick, who likes to look nice but also prefers to be comfortable, said she is always looking for opportunities to show off some of her stylish attire.

“Since I teach fitness in the mornings and then work from home, most days I sport yoga pants,” she said. “If I have social plans, that’s when I take the time to combine a staple with a trend. I’d love to have more reasons to dress up so that I can use what’s in my wardrobe!”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Knox LeFebvre wants to remind you that it’s OK if you also need an emotional support avocado

Upcoming
Events

Monday, April 7: March Madness Watch Party at Legacy Hall; National Coffee Cake Day
Tuesday, April 8: Movies in the Park — The Parent Trap at Griggs Park; Dallas Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 26–36) at Happiest Hour; Free Rooftop Movie — White Chicks at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, April 9: MAVS VS. LAKERS at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, April 10: Cool Thursdays Concerts Series — Hotter Than July Tribute to Stevie Wonder at the Dallas Arboretum; Stars vs. Jets at the American Airlines Center
Friday, April 11: Children’s Cancer Fund’s 35th Anniversary Gala at the Hilton Anatole; The American Rodeo at Globe Life Field (also on Saturday)
Saturday, April 12: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Texas Big Star Half Marathon & 5K at Collin College Frisco Campus; Operation Kindness Hope Gala at Gilley’s Dallas
Sunday, April 13: Bits & Bites at A Tasteful Place at the Dallas Arboretum

NatNews: Issue 159

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 11:59:32 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

March 31, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 159

THE WORLD MARATHON MAJORS QUEST

Although some individuals begin their running journeys claiming they will never run marathons, the next thing they know, they are on their way to completing what has become a sought-after quest for many pavement pounders: running all World Marathon Majors.

Up until recently, the races included six marathons—Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City—but that number has now become seven with the addition of Sydney this year. Abbott World Marathon Majors is also evaluating two additional candidates (Cape Town and Shanghai), though an individual who completes the aforementioned six will still earn a spot in the Six-Star Hall of Fame and be the owner of a completed Six-Star Medal.

Austin-area resident Jerod Honrath has run five of the World Marathon Majors (he’s only missing Tokyo) but has raced on all seven continents.

“It’s a neat way to see and experience the world, and incorporating a marathon is always a great way to start off vacation,” he said.

Honrath said it would be nice to complete his Six-Star Medal at some point, though he knows that more races are becoming part of the quest.

“Of note, I ran the Sydney Marathon back in the day to knock off the continent of Australia,” he said. “However, the Majors will not count that past result, so I will have to do it again someday.”

Dallas resident Kathy Murgas completed her sixth major in 2023 with the Tokyo Marathon, though the World Marathon Majors was never originally on her radar. Her focus was on completing a race in each of the 50 states, and when she initially heard about the Majors, she realized that she had already run three of them (Boston, Chicago, and New York) and decided to find out more about this pursuit many runners strive to achieve.

“First, I had to confirm the three I had run would count since I had run them prior to Abbott establishing the World Marathon Majors in 2006,” she said. “And second, I had to finish the 50 states before the Majors.”

Murgas accomplished her 50-state feat in 2014 and then began her quest to complete the Six Stars by running London, Berlin, and Tokyo. Because they all involve extensive travel, and she said she never goes on a trip solely to run a marathon but uses them as opportunities to explore the world with her husband, she had to space out the remaining races. She ran London in 2017, Berlin in 2019, and was supposed to run Tokyo in 2020. However, due to Covid, she wasn’t able to run it until 2023. For Murgas, finally notching that sixth Major was a significant milestone.

“Completing them means I’m one of fewer than 6,000 women in the world (as of 2024) who has done it, which is quite humbling,” she said. “It also means that we’ve been on some pretty cool trips to complete them, too.”

Like Murgas, Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo didn’t originally set out to complete the World Marathon Majors (or the “Big Leagues,” as he said his daughter would later call them).

“My first marathon was so hard and took me more than 4.5 hrs to finish,” he said. “So, the idea of running or qualifying for a Major was so far beyond my level that it was something I never even considered possible. Over the years, I improved my marathon times by about 15 minutes year over year before plateauing at 3 hours and 45 minutes.”

Alonzo said after a couple of years of back-to-back “failed” runs, he took a more purposeful approach and trained with intention. He said his goal then became to run a marathon in 3 hours and 15 minutes, and as part of his training, he ran a half marathon four weeks before his marathon, finishing with a significant personal best. This made him realize that his marathon goal time was not his full potential, so he adjusted it to 3 hours and 10 minutes.

“Race day came, and I ran a 3:06:18,” he said. “I qualified for Boston but ultimately did not get in due to the required cutoff, which was an additional 61 seconds—almost a full five minutes faster than the posted qualifying times. The following year, the Boston Athletic Association made the qualifying times harder by lowering times by five minutes for all age groups, making my new qualifying time 3 hours and 5 minutes. It wasn’t until that day that I felt it was something I could actually do and that was within reach. I doubled down on structured training and went back the following year, running a 2:57:34, securing my Boston entry for 2020.”

Alonzo completed all six Majors in five years (2021 through 2025), though his journey began in December 2018 when he qualified for the 2020 Boston Marathon. Due to Covid, he wasn’t able to run the race until 2021 and has since been able to run at least one Major each year thereafter.

“It’s something I am very proud to have completed,” Alonzo said. “Running has taught me so much over the years—from goal setting to discipline to overcoming challenges and so much more, most of which I was able to demonstrate firsthand to my littles. They’ve watched me work toward this silly dream and were there to share the moment I achieved it. I’m also quite proud to have improved my times year over year and typically finish in the top 3 percent of fields. It’s not an easy feat at any age, but especially for someone in their 40s.”

While each race of the World Marathon Majors can hold a special place in the heart of a person who crosses the finish line, there are certainly those marathons that stand out more than others. For Honrath, the Boston Marathon is the most enjoyable, and he said it’s difficult to put into words how impactful the crowds and overall atmosphere are. And this year, he is running two of the Majors less than a week apart.

“The entire vibe of the city and all of the people is electric,” he said. “I still have vivid memories of qualifying for my first Boston back in 2006 in Oklahoma City and running my first Boston in 2007. I have run 13 Bostons so far and will be out there again in April, followed by running the London Marathon again six days later.”

Murgas said the Tokyo Marathon was a finisher celebration she will never forget, but the race she enjoyed the most of the Majors was the London Marathon. She had been having trouble qualifying and said some might say fate led her to meet the CEO of a London-based charity for the hearing impaired, and he informed her that his organization receives entries to the London Marathon. Murgas told the man about her mom’s hearing struggles, and he asked for her contact information and had someone from his organization reach out to her. She then raised money for the charity to secure her entry into the race.

“I was their only runner from the U.S., and they had a private gathering after the race, and I got to meet them all—they were excited to meet the runner from Texas,” she said. “The London course was so wonderful. Prince Harry started the race, and Princess Kate and Prince William were at the finish. Running over the Tower Bridge and around Big Ben and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace were truly amazing and surreal.”

For Alonzo, the end of his World Marathon Majors journey in Tokyo was the most significant, and it had nothing to do with the race or even really running at all.

“I failed to achieve my goal time for various reasons, but none of that truly matters,” he said. “At the end of the day, the finishing time won’t matter to me, my family, or anyone else. What made it special was having my littles there to witness firsthand years of hard work. Getting to see them on the course and at the finish line and have them tell me they were proud of me is something I won’t ever forget. Coupled with the opportunity to make core memories in a place like Tokyo, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

DID YOU KNOW?

There is an entire town under a rock—Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain, which comprises approximately 3,000 people, is a gorge under a large rock outcropping, where residents’ homes are built right into the rock.

LET'S PUT SOME TIME ON THE CALENDAR TO DISCUSS

Many individuals who work in corporate and office settings must often devote significant portions of their daily schedules to what, for some, have become rather unloved occurrences: meetings. The average employee spends approximately 37 percent of his or her time in meetings each week, while that number almost doubles (72 percent) for individuals at the executive level.

There are plenty of memes and mugs with quips about how a meeting could have been an email, and there are certainly individuals with whom those intended pieces of humor resonate. Dallas-area resident Rachel Balthrop Mendoza, an assistant city manager, said she doesn’t believe that coming together for discussions is always needed.

“I am staunchly against meetings that could be emails,” she said. “I do have some control over this at my office, and my boss is not the type to meet for the sake of having a meeting, either. I’ve definitely been a part of unnecessary meetings before in previous jobs, but with the right office culture and communication, I believe they can be minimized.”

Dallas-area resident Becca Finke, an environmental and land manager, said she finds herself in meetings on a regular basis, though she doesn’t think it’s always necessary for individuals to gather in person or virtually to communicate what she feels could be summed up in a more concise way.

“For me, many work meetings could be emails because they often lack the need for real-time discussion,” she said. “My meetings are mostly information sharing. If a meeting is just providing updates, a well-structured email can do the same thing without taking up everyone’s time.”

There are individuals, though, who attend several meetings each day but do not necessarily see them as inefficient uses of people’s time. Dallas resident Mike Hart, a VP of finance, recognizes that there are situations in which it’s more effective for employees to participate in in-person or virtual interactions rather than communicating solely through writing.

“Work meetings are necessary when direct interaction is needed to solve nuanced problems, brainstorm, or make decisions that involve multiple people or departments,” he said. “Additionally, meetings with external customers, vendors, and partners are valuable for problem solving or building rapport. In my opinion, one of the best uses of meetings is to negotiate terms with a vendor or customer, as doing so over email can feel too impersonal. Emails are better-suited for distributing information, handling straightforward requests, or issuing directives.”

And, as Hart pointed out, even emails can often be more daunting than accepting a meeting request.

“Many meetings exist in the corporate world to ensure alignment among stakeholders and to maintain company culture,” he said. “Email overload and fatigue are real issues, and reading through pages of email threads is often less productive than a quick meeting that provides clarity and sets a clear outcome.”

While frequency of meetings and how much time one spends taking part in them is contingent upon the individual’s role, it’s not highly uncommon for a person’s calendar to be filled with several blocks of time taken up. For many individuals in the corporate world, this is to be expected.

“Firstly, it’s the culture of visibility,” Finke said. “If you’re in a meeting and being seen, then you’re ‘working.’ Many companies equate meetings to productivity. Secondly, for my industry, we often need collaboration across the United States, and the only way to collaborate with teams across the U.S. is through video meeting platforms.”

While some companies have been cutting down the number of required meetings, Balthrop Mendoza said she believes that there are likely plenty of environments in which individuals are simply maintaining somewhat of a status quo in regard to continuing their standard practices.

“I’m sure ‘we’ve always done it this way’ is par for the course in a lot of offices,” she said. “Sometimes it does just make sense to get all parties in a room to talk through things, though, and this can foster creativity and learning from one another, too. I just think it needs to come from a place of necessity over routine.”

Regardless of whether or not she thinks that a meeting is necessary at the time, though, Balthrop Mendoza makes sure that she constantly exudes a desire to be present where she is.

“I absolutely must maintain professionalism during all of my meetings,” she said. “Formality is what can change, though, given the context. For example, I have a role in all City Council meetings for the city where I work. Professionalism and decorum will always be at the forefront for those. But our internal staff meetings, on the other hand, are far less formal. We can report on what’s going on and collaborate while still having fun and remaining professional.”

One concern many employees have pertaining to meetings is the time it takes away from them being able to complete everything they need to as part of their job responsibilities. As a result, work-related multitasking occurs in approximately 30 percent of all virtual meetings. Hart, however, said he ensures that he is attentive, fully engaged, and not giving off any negative vibes during meetings, whether they are in in-person settings or held virtually.

“I maintain a professional yet lighthearted attitude to foster good working relationships with colleagues, partners, and customers,” he said. “In Teams meetings, I always have my camera on, and I hope it’s not obvious if I’m put off. I also make an effort to be polite and professional because I respect both the people and their time.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Congratulations to dear reader Liz Orozco and her sweet daughter for dominating a recent local 5K

Upcoming
Events

Monday, March 31: National Crayon Day
Tuesday, April 1: Free Rooftop Movie — The Hunger Games at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, April 2: Dallas Trinity FC vs. DC Power FC (Pups at the Pitch Night) at Cotton Bowl Stadium; White Lotus Party at Ka Thai Uptown
Thursday, April 3: Cool Thursdays Concerts Series — Emerald City Band at the Dallas Arboretum; Stars vs. Predators at the American Airlines Center; Celebration White Rock at Winfrey Point
Friday, April 4: Candlelight Spring — Coldplay + Imagine Dragons at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas; Breakaway Music Festival at Fair Park (also on Saturday); Date Night in the Park at Klyde Warren Park; The Village Main Street Fest; Reverend Horton Heat + Ryan Berg at Downtown Garland Square
Saturday, April 5: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; The Barking Project 2025 Adoption Event at MUTTS Canine Cantina; Dallas Coffee Festival at Gilley’s Dallas; The Victory Ball at Dallas Executive Airport
Sunday, April 6: Eataly Pizza Fest — Dallas; Frisco Roughriders vs. Corpus Christi Hooks (Opening Weekend) at Riders Field

NatNews: Issue 158

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:59:32 +0100

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March 24, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 158

PUSH-UPS: A TOTAL-BODY WORKOUT YOU CAN DO ANYWHERE

Whether you have dreams of being able to take part in a weight lifting sesh with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson or simply want to get stronger, push-ups are a quality exercise that can benefit an individual in a variety of ways.

Dallas-area resident Wesley Sheridan said he incorporates push-ups into his routine on a regular basis, and though he knows they are good for him, he said he isn’t quite sure what the exact advantages they bring are, as he considers himself too youthful to know yet.

“But similar to resting heart rate and grip strength, I’m sure there is a correlation to vitality,” he said.

One of Harvard Medical School’s publications noted that push-ups are a valuable exercise option because they engage a person’s body from top to bottom, working various muscle groups—arms, chest, abs, hips, and legs—all at once, and can be modified as needed. Dallas-area resident and Fit Social Club owner and coach Erin Vara said another plus of push-ups is that they are an easy way to use a form of resistance training.

“It’s a total-body workout move with no equipment needed,” she said. “You can add strength to many muscle groups with one move.”

Many runners forget about the importance of upper-body strength, though it can help improve endurance and form, increase efficiency, and maintain posture. Dallas resident and avid runner Roy Palma said he adds push-ups to his workout routine a few times every week and recognizes the benefits they offer.

“Push-ups are important for our lifestyles,” he said. “They are really helpful for running, too, and help with our cores. I think it’s good to stay consistent with push-ups and core workouts overall.”

While some individuals consider push-ups to be a rather simple activity, it’s not uncommon for a person to have incorrect form. As an instructor, Vara often sees such an occurrence and makes sure to help her clients improve or modify their movements.

“Most people are not using their cores properly, and there are also varying types of push-ups, so this is kind of dependent on the style,” she said. “Form is critical in order to make progress but also to prevent injury in the process.”

Sheridan also said he has noticed that most people do not use proper form, noting that many individuals struggle with the concepts of arm angles and posture.

“Form is important,” he said. “If you’re not doing them correctly, then you’re not doing push-ups (not talking about scaling with elevated or knee push-ups). And if you don’t want to, then just don’t. Half-assing an exercise is mind-boggling to me. Who are you doing it for?”

One way to improve and not view push-ups as a daunting activity is to consistently incorporate them into your routine. It’s not a surprising sight to see a person on the side (or sometimes even in the middle) of the Katy Trail ripping off a set of push-ups.

“Do them more often,” Sheridan said. “I’m as guilty as anyone for not being good at them. You can do them anywhere, but somehow I keep forgetting that.”

If you’re newer to push-ups or struggling with executing them effectively with correct form, Vara advises modifying the full move.

“Start from your knees or on a wall, and make your progress as you go,” she said. “Or start with failure sets. Do as many as you can even—if it’s only two in a row—and try to add to that on a weekly or monthly basis."

DID YOU KNOW?

Blobfish are made up of a jelly-like substance, not bones and muscles, but look “normal” when swimming underwater because of the intense pressure at that depth; however, when brought to the surface, they collapse into squishy mush, causing people to label them as “ugly.”

THE MAGIC FABRIC OF OUR DREAMING

There are mornings when you might wake up and vividly recall every exact detail from a dream, whereas other times you might only remember vague details or nothing at all.

Research has revealed that dreaming occurs mostly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the stage in which brain activity is similar to that of a waking brain, though the areas of the brain that transfer memories into long-term storage are rather deactivated. Because the short-term memory areas are active during REM sleep, one would need to wake up in that stage (which occurs approximately every 90 minutes and lengthens in duration as the night progresses) in order to remember whatever dream he or she was having.

Dreams do not always seem to make sense to those who do recall them and often leave them wondering why they dreamed what they did and whether or not those dreams have particular meaning in their lives. Dallas-area resident Arinda Cale said she believes that the thoughts and images that cross a person’s mind while sleeping are certainly significant.

“Whether you believe it’s your subconscious or angels sending you messages or it’s how your mind makes sense out of the things happening in your life, I think it’s a good practice to pay attention to your dreams,” she said. “One profound dream that has stuck with me for more than 20 years happened when I was going through my divorce. I was in our living room, and all of the exits from the room were filled with snakes. Snakes are a symbol for transformation. I woke up understanding that I was going to have to transform the way I was moving through my life to get out of that marriage. I took that message and ran with it.”

While not everyone might have such a clear understanding of a dream, some individuals, such as Dallas resident Nathaniel Medrano, believe that dreams can mean more than one might initially consider.

“I think, more often than not, dreams are triggered by subconscious thoughts or feelings or events happening in our daily lives,” he said. “The mere fact that this was brought to my mind has caused me to dream two nights in a row, and I don’t dream often. However, I do believe that some dreams can have no meaning, as they sometimes are completely random and unrelated to anything going on in my life—or I’m just not educated enough to understand the meaning.”

Some doctors have posited the notion that dreaming is somewhat of a collection of unified memories and represents valuable cognitive functioning. Dallas-area resident Nikki East said she is “kind of all over the place” in terms of her beliefs regarding dreams and the meanings behind them.

“I believe that the majority of our deja-vu moments stem from dreams we’ve had and simply don’t recall—psychic attributes, so to speak,” she said. “However, I also understand that dreams can generate from things going on in our lives, pulled from our subconscious at times. I believe that dreams that may seem wild and random could mean something—such as the dream of losing a tooth or teeth, which could imply feeling a loss of control or increased anxieties.”

There are certainly individuals, though, including Dallas resident Drew Mbiam, who do not read much into what their minds unexpectedly ponder throughout the night and believe that dreams are more open to interpretation by the individual having them.

“I think dreams are abstract and could have some meaning, but for the most part, it is what you make of it,” he said.

And aside from the scientific reasoning as to why people remember dreams sometimes and other times feel like their minds were completely blank throughout the night, Mbiam has his own theory.

“I think dreams are harder to remember because there’s not anything concrete to anchor them to in your conscious mind,” he said. “I think some dreams are memorable because there are concrete people, places, and things folks can map them to. But for the more abstract dreams, they fade as you wake up and become more conscious.”

Cale said she once read that individuals have several dreams each night and typically only remember the ones they have right before waking up. When she does have vivid recollections of what was going through her sleeping mind, you can bet that she’s going to try to find out the meanings behind them.

“I think of my dreams as messages, so I definitely research them,” she said.

Mbiam, on the other hand, said he typically does not try to figure out why he dreamed what he did when he remembers what happened in his mind while he was sleeping.

“Dreams are fun or interesting while they’re happening, but I try not to get too sucked into them,” he said.

There are plenty of answers a person might come across when asking the internet to interpret a dream, and while East might occasionally conduct such a search, she doesn’t necessarily invest much in trying to determine what a dream meant.

“I’ve been known to Google a dream here and there (like the dream I mentioned about losing teeth), but I don’t read too much into them,” she said. “There is enough to deal with in life when we’re awake, so there’s no sense in spending too much time on what’s going on when asleep.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Thank you to all of the dear readers (including those who missed the picture) who helped celebrate the NatNews three-year anniversary

Upcoming
Events

Monday, March 24: Stars vs. Wild at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, March 25: Dallas Pickleball Mixer at At Fault; Johnnyswim at House of Blues Dallas
Wednesday, March 26: Plano Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 27–37) at Legacy Hall
Thursday, March 27: Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Dance at the American Airlines Center (goes through Sunday)
Friday, March 28: Date Night in the Park at Klyde Warren Park
Saturday, March 29: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Live 90 — 90s Party Band at Legacy Hall; Armor for Sleep at The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Sunday, March 30: Adoptable Puppy Yoga at Satya Yoga

NatNews: Issue 157

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 11:59:34 +0100

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March 17, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 157

SPENDING TIME OUTSIDE OFFERS BOTH MENTAL + PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS

Now that the recent lost hour of sleep has provided us with more sunlight into the evening, there are more opportunities for individuals to spend time outside before the sun sets on the day. While winter often leaves people feeling stuck indoors, the warmer and brighter days of spring (which officially begins this Thursday, March 20) offer a more inviting outdoor escape.

According to UC Davis Health, spending time outdoors can have relaxing effects on an individual’s mind, allowing a person to temporarily break free from life’s constant demands and experience increased creativity and problem-solving abilities. Southern California resident Samantha Kelley said she loves any chance she can get to step into nature for a bit.

“The mental clarity being outdoors brings is unmatched,” she said.

And one doesn’t need to be surrounded by beautiful beaches and rather ideal weather most of the year to enjoy spending time in the open air.

“Being outside and not cramped inside four walls always brings life into perspective for me,” Dallas-area resident Cindy Hallo Reasor said. “Nature is brutal and awesome all at once, and it’s good to be reminded of that.”

Whether going for a walk or run, riding a bike, gardening, playing sports, sitting outside chatting with friends, or taking part in a number of additional outdoor activities, spending time in the natural environment can result in significant mental health benefits. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the outdoors offers a combination of senses stimulation and an escape from overstimulation often caused by urban settings. Spending time in green space can lead to a mental reset, increased positive emotions and mindfulness, and decreased anxiety.

Hallo Reasor said she has seen firsthand how spending time outside can result in better overall mental health.

“The sun on your skin creates better Vitamin D production, which helps with mood regulation,” she said. “I’ve also read that sunlight can help release serotonin. During covid, I was working inside all day. After a few months, I had to start doing a 30-minute walk every day because I felt like I was going crazy. Work days became much more bearable.”

Like Hallo Reasor, Kelley notices how much better she feels after soaking up some of the sun’s powerful effects.

“The sun on your face and feeling that warm connection all over brings on self regulation and helps your body and soul feel at ease,” she said. “It’s almost like a warm hug soaking in those Vitamin D rays.”

Spending time outside on a regular basis can help improve a person’s physical health, as well, and has been linked to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of chronic disease—presumably because those individuals who spend more time outdoors also report higher levels of exercise. Hallo Reasor, an avid runner, said she is aware of the effects of being outside running, walking, hiking, etc. in terms of physical health benefits, particularly in regard to ensuring that the body gets enough rest each night.

“Light exposure can help with circadian rhythms, which will help you fall asleep and wake up better, too.”

Kelley, a mom of two active young kids who keep her on her toes, said being outside tremendously helps a person’s physical health.

“I think getting outside becomes part of your normal routine a little more easily than getting yourself to a gym or working out in your garage,” she said. “Getting outside is far more motivating to get moving.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The average golf ball has 336 dimples.

THE HIGHS AND WOES OF GROUP TEXTING

You may find yourself caught up in work and not paying attention to your phone for a while, and then suddenly you have 36 unread messages. Welcome to the joys of the group text.

For many individuals, group texting is a convenient way to communicate and coordinate with multiple people at once. Some text groups are temporary—such as when they’re created for trips, events, etc.—while others are more long-lasting when they’re among a group of close-knit friends who either spend a lot of time together or simply like keeping in consistent communication with each other.

For others, group texting can feel a bit exhausting, leading to muting conversations or simply not replying much or at all. Dallas-area resident Megan England said she mostly likes group texting, though it’s a bit conditional.

“I hate overly large group chats,” she said. “I feel like a max of three to four people is the sweet spot.”

Some individuals generally either enjoy chiming in or feel compelled to contribute in some regard to the group chat, whether by reacting to someone else’s text, coming up with a clever reply, taking the conversation in a new direction, or sending some form of media. There’s one aspect one can often find in many group texting threads that England truly appreciates—memes.

“I love sharing memes and getting them,” she said. “They are my love language.”

Aside from entertaining one another with pictures or GIFs, a thread with multiple individuals can be beneficial in certain instances in which having the same conversation with several different people in separate threads would be rather silly and tedious. Dallas-area resident Alex Barrientos said he appreciates the efficiency group texting can often provide, making it easier to collaborate among multiple people.

“Group texting is a great feature to have on our mobile devices,” he said. “I would hate to have individual text threads to communicate with multiple people. I enjoy the collaborative aspect from group texting.”

Similarly, pertaining to the ability to collaborate more easily, Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard said he is a fan of group texts specifically for events (such as trips for out-of-town races) in which several people are attending and/or participating.

“It makes it easier for planning the trip as well as for when everyone is there,” he said. “Everyone gets to see how everyone is traveling and where they’re staying, and you don’t have to send multiple texts to different people letting them know where you’re going for meals or asking what everyone else is doing.”

In addition to various group travel situations, Odegard said he also sees the benefits of having more longstanding group texting threads with different groups of friends who get together on a regular basis.

“It’s easier to send out a ‘what’s everyone up to this weekend?’ or a ‘who wants to Loon at Noon™ today?’ in a group text than it is to ask around trying to find out if anything is going on,” he said.

Not everything is peachy when it comes to the ability to talk to multiple people at once, though. While Barrientos said in addition to the collaborative aspect, he enjoys sharing funny jokes and memes on certain topics via group text, there are various components of some group threads that don’t make him thrilled.

“The worst part is when you get added to a text thread with Android phone users,” he said. “There are certain iPhone features that are not compatible.”

Odegard, one of those aforementioned individuals who opt for the Android, has a solution for such issues that allows group texting still to occur but through different platforms.

“I still prefer group messaging using apps like Facebook Messenger over group texts since it’s universal between all devices, making it easy to add people to a group well after it’s been established—or to remove someone who no longer deserves to be in the group,” he said.

There are times when being part of a group text can become a bit much for some people, particularly when the notifications seem endless. England said when she begins to feel overwhelmed with excessive communication in group threads, don’t expect her to stick around.

“I just end up leaving,” she said. “If it’s that important, someone can text me individually.”

For those who are part of group text threads and don’t want to leave them but also don’t want their phones or watches letting them know each time someone in the group text reacts or replies, there is the option to mute notifications, which Odegard said he does on occasion.

“Sometimes the group texts can turn into social chats,” he said. “It’s not usually a big deal, but for some of the bigger groups with 10+ people, there are times when I’ve had to mute notifications because my phone was dinging every one to two minutes. I just wait until I have time to catch up on what I missed and then re-enable the notifications.”

Significant events or situations can also spark uproar in a group text, leading to seemingly endless notifications. For Barrientos, this happened on a heart-wrenching day in February when Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers.

“My multiple group text threads were out of control all night and the next day,” he said. “I had to put my phone in ‘do not disturb’ mode for 48 hours. I could not keep up with all of the threads. I had to finally stop responding and let the text threads fizzle out. I’m still upset with the trade. FIRE NICO!"

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Fitzgerald Cruz, a well-known Chewy model, is thrilled to be wearing his festive St. Patrick’s Day bandana

Upcoming
Events

Monday, March 17: Tyler, the Creator at the American Airlines Center; 5th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Pub Party at Harwood Arms
Tuesday, March 18: Free Rooftop Movie — She’s the Man at Sundown at Granada; Back to the Future — The Musical at Music Hall at Fair Park (runs through March 30); Daniel Seavey at The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Wednesday, March 19: Lindy Hop Dance Social at Sammons Park
Thursday, March 20: March Madness Ditch Day at Over Under; Stars vs. Lightning at the American Airlines Center; first day of spring
Friday, March 21: 2025 Texas Golf Expo at the Plano Event Center (goes through Sunday); Houseplant Happy Hour at Catbird; Britney Spears & Christina Aguilera Tribute — BritXTina at Legacy Hall
Saturday, March 22: NatNews ANNIVERSARY PARTY; WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Goat Yoga at the Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas
Sunday, March 23: Papa Roach & Rise Against at the American Airlines Center

NatNews: Issue 156

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:59:29 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

March 10, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 156

WHAT DO YOUR ALARM CLOCK HABITS SAY ABOUT YOU?

Some individuals can train their bodies to wake up naturally when they need to, while others need the sound of only one alarm to interrupt their dreams. Then there are some people who need two or more alarms to get up, while others sleep through 13 different alarms and miss an important morning event.

Per the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, approximately one in three adults does not get enough sleep each night, which can impact one’s health and well-being. Sleep deprivation can also be one cause of not easily waking up to alarms, but that’s an issue that Dallas resident Kirsten Kraske, who only needs the sound of one alarm each morning, doesn’t have.

“I think I wake up easily because I’m naturally a morning person,” she said. “I’m also fairly firm on going to bed around 9–10 p.m., so it makes it easier to wake up.”

According to Duke Health, having a consistent bedtime every night, in conjunction with getting an adequate amount of sleep, can help lead to better overall mental and physical health. New York City resident Alicia Wyatt said she often doesn’t get enough sleep but is making more concerted efforts to do so. She sets two alarms to wake up—one on her phone for earlier that allows her to hit “snooze” and one on her watch that is her drop-dead-have-to-get-up time.

“I learned that setting two alarms lets me wake up slowly (as my body prefers) but also get up on time,” she said. “Now that I’m older and dealing with perimenopause, my sleep has become even more irregular, so I really try to listen to what my body needs more than I did 10 years ago.”

If you’re someone who needs a little more alarm security, you’re not alone. According to a recent NatNews research initiative, even though 40 percent of dear readers who participated in the online survey indicated that they only need one alarm, 26 percent said they need a couple or a few, and 19 percent don’t even set alarms, a strong 14 percent said the limit does not exist in the amount of alarms they use. Dallas-area resident David Recker said he sets four or five alarms but typically hops out of bed after the second one.

“Having four or five is more of a safety net because a few random times I’ve turned alarms off in my sleep—not just snoozed but fully turned off—so the extra alarms come in handy sometimes,” he said. “I normally wake up easily enough from my alarms, but those few isolated incidents mean I rest easier knowing I have backups for my backups. Also, waking up at 4 a.m. five to six times a week to run is rough by any standards, so having the safety net helps me stay accountable.”

Aside from how many alarms people set each morning, individuals also have different preferences regarding how they set their alarms in terms of numbers—whether on random numbers, in increments of five, etc. Kraske said she typically sets her alarms on what she refers to as “more standard times.”

“I think I do this because it only takes me one alarm to wake up, so I know I have 15 minutes to get out of the house,” she said. “I think I also tend to see the world fairly black and white, and numbers in five-minute increments are satisfying in a way. It’s the same thing for volume—that’s always at an even number or on an increment of five.”

Like Kraske, Recker also tends to operate in increments of five, though he said he is not exactly sure why.

“Some may call it a minor OCD tick, but I’m not diagnosed, so I don’t call it that,” he said. “Coincidentally, I have a similar tick with volume control—it always has to be an increment of five or an even number.”

Wyatt, on the other hand, said she generally has alarms set at more random times.

“Snooze is usually nine minutes long, so I calculate backward, depending on when I really want to get up,” she said. “For instance, if I want to get up at 6:30, then I’ll set my watch alarm for 6:30 and my other alarm for 6:12 so that I can hit snooze twice before the real alarm goes off. How much snooze time I build in depends on how tired I am. I also sometimes set my first alarm an hour early so that I can slowly get up and enjoy a cup of coffee before I have to actually start getting ready to go.”

Many individuals believe that a person’s habits, even what numbers someone chooses when setting alarms, can reveal characteristics of his or her personality—such as the suggestion that setting an alarm on more random numbers could indicate a disregard for routine, a lack of structure, or a desire for spontaneity. Kraske said she does think a person’s alarm options can be quite telling.

“I think if you’re setting one alarm and setting it in standard times, you’re likely more of a Type A person,” she said. “If you’re someone who’s setting multiple alarms and at various times, I’d say you’re likely more of a Type B person.”

Recker, however, said he doesn’t believe that there is a correlation, particularly when it comes to the number of alarms a person uses to wake up.

“Anecdotally, I know people who set multiple alarms who are hyper-organized like myself, and some who set multiple alarms who fly by the seat of their pants.”

Some people choose to set their alarms on numbers that have significance to them or on “angel numbers” (e.g., 4:44 or 5:55), and they also may choose to set a certain number of alarms for a similar reason (e.g., they like the number three, so they set three alarms). Wyatt said she believes that everyone has different sleep patterns and accommodates to what his or her body needs and that those needs can certainly change over time.

“People who go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time tend to need less of an ‘alarm’ because their bodies are already in that rhythm,” she said. “I’ve had a friend who could sleep through five alarms and people jumping on his bed and friends who woke at the slightest creak of sound. I don’t think what type of alarm you have to use defines a person’s personality but more often has to do with their sleep routine habits and maybe their anxiety levels.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Oak trees are more likely to be struck by lightning than other tree species.

LOCAL COFFEE SHOPS OFFER INVITING SETTINGS FOR COFFEE + NON-COFFEE PEOPLE ALIKE

While it may be rather difficult to go more than a few miles without seeing a Starbucks in Dallas, it’s not necessarily the go-to coffee shop for everyone. In fact, the city has plenty of other choices to offer when one is seeking a cup of joe (or latte or other fancy coffee-ish drink of some sort).

However, coffee shops are becoming more popular and appealing to non-coffee drinkers, as well. For some, such locations allow individuals to spend time alone or with others in a comfortable, peaceful setting. Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen, who is a fan of Houndstooth on Henderson, said he typically spends some time at a coffee shop five or six days each week.

“It’s such a core part of my routine now,” he said. “I’m there primarily for my ‘quiet time,’ when I pray, read my Bible and other devotionals or books, and meditate. However, I know most of the regulars at my spot now, so I’m often also chatting with them, and I sometimes meet friends there for catch-up chats.”

Like Borkenhagen, Dallas resident Adnaloy Nuñez has also made a habit out of visiting coffee shops on a regular basis and said she usually does so once or twice every week.

“As a ‘caraqueña,’ a good coffee is a must in my life, so I go to coffee shops to combine coffee with a good book or just taste it while I’m studying,” she said. “I also love going with friends after a Sunday family lunch or with my husband.”

While Nuñez said it’s a difficult decision to say which place has the best coffee, she believes that El Portón Coffee stands out among the rest.

“This coffee shop is a gem,” she said. “You can find well-made coffee by the owners, as the beans are from local farmers from El Salvador (where the owners are from). I cannot forget to mention their empanadas (they are amazing) and the decorations. The place is very cozy with nice music, art, and plants around you. It’s the perfect place for studying, going with friends, or just relaxing.”

For Borkenhagen, his go-to Houndstooth tops his list for coffee quality.

“They rotate a couple different house coffees that are fantastic, and the baristas are friendly and very knowledgeable,” he said. “It’s got a good mix of people, too—both regulars and not.”

And while he acknowledges that there are other quality coffee shops in Dallas, Borkenhagen still would suggest Houndstooth for someone who is looking to enjoy beverages, including those that aren’t coffee-based, and a friendly environment.

“I don’t know if there is a ‘best’—it all depends on what vibe or atmosphere you are looking for,” he said. “LDU is nice—it has a younger crowd but can get very loud. I know lots of people like La La Land, but I don’t like their coffee as much. Houndstooth has the right mix of everything for me—drinks, vibes, and people. They have non-coffee options, as well.”

Coffee shops certainly can vary in appeal for each individual, depending on what type of vibe, setting, and food and beverage options he or she is seeking. Nuñez recommends Village Baking Co. for an ideal place for people to meet up, regardless of whether they are drinking coffee or prefer something else.

“Village Baking Co. not only prepares a good coffee but also has French pastries, which makes it a good spot for going with your friends after a long walk, to take a fast breakfast, or for a dessert after your lunch,” she said. “It is pet-friendly, so going there is a compilation of good coffee, snacks, and good vibes.”

Additional options for those seeking mellow and inviting atmospheres include Opening Bell Coffee (eclectic setting with live acoustic performances most nights), The Meteor (an all-day café and bike shop), Read Shop (a two-story combination bookstore and coffee shop on Henderson), Merit Coffee (multiple locations with a mission to be a light in the community and a bright spot in someone’s day), Sugar & Sage Bakery (a local family-owned establishment with sweet treats and coffee crafted by Dallas-based Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters), Berkley’s Market (multiple locations with options for coffee, tea, prepared foods, beer, and wine), and Slow and Steady Coffee (a home converted into a laid-back coffee shop in Oak Cliff).

Whether you’re a coffee drinker or not, most of the coffee shops in Dallas offer alternative beverages, a variety of snacks, and charming atmospheres that will allow you to chat with friends and loved ones, decide if you want another date with the person sitting across the table from you, or work in the wild.

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

One of the youngest NatNews dear readers was extremely proud to talk about her purple guitar to her class during show and tell

Upcoming
Events

Monday, March 10: Your 101 to Young Professional Groups at Communities Foundation of Texas
Tuesday, March 11: Free Rooftop Movie — Twilight at Sundown at Granada; Andy Grammer at The Factory in Deep Ellum; Dallasites101 Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 40–50) at Happiest Hour; Ted Lasso Trivia at Legacy Hall
Wednesday, March 12: Line Dancing at the Latina Cultural Center; World Glaucoma Day
Thursday, March 13: Free Rooftop Movie — Wicked (sing-along version) at Sundown at Granada; Party 101 with Matt Bennett at The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Friday, March 14: Candlelight — Tribute to Fleetwood Mac at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas; Rachel Feinstein at Dallas Comedy Club (also on Saturday)
Saturday, March 15: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; St. Paddy's Day Dash; 2025 Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival on Greenville Avenue; Deftones at the American Airlines Center
Sunday, March 16: Community Beer Co. Cycling Group Ride; Texas Street Food Festival at Texas Live! (also on Saturday)

NatNews: Issue 155

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:59:33 +0100

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March 3, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 155

HOW COMPETITIVE ARE YOU?

Whether an individual is an athlete or not, it’s likely that at some point he or she has experienced a competitive situation in which success or winning served as either an intrinsic or extrinsic motivator. And while Vince Lombardi believed that “winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing,” and Ricky Bobby reminded everyone that “if you ain’t first, you’re last,” not everyone treats every aspect of his or her life like a competition.

A recent NatNews research initiative revealed that of the dear readers who participated in the online study, 30 percent are competitive in all areas of their lives, 66 percent are competitive in some facets but not all, and 4 percent don’t care or focus on being the top dog. Dallas resident Grant Harrell said his most competitive side shows itself in sports, particularly endurance events and golf.

“With endurance events, it’s all about maxing out my talent level, so it’s really a competition against myself—I’m not going to win the Olympics,” he said. “In golf, it’s a different story—I’m always trying to beat my friends. Overall, I’m hugely competitive with outdoor activities with a personal focus.”

Harrell said a person’s career can also be an area in which one strives to be the best, but he acknowledged that even that can change throughout the years.

“Work is super competitively driven when you’re younger, but as you age, it’s competitive against time as it seems to speed up,” he said. “You make the most of it.”

A variety of factors—including genetic, environmental, psychological, and situational—can determine a person’s level of competitiveness, which is why some individuals are more inclined to compete than others. Dallas resident Katie Butler said she has been competitive her entire life, and that has not changed for her in day-to-day adulthood.

“Every personality test I’ve ever taken has being competitive rated as my number one attribute in both my personal life and the workplace,” she said. “In school, I had to get the highest grades, be in leadership positions, get all of the solos in choir, etc. Now, I run and do half marathons and fitness competitions to feed that competitiveness.”

That lifestyle isn’t for everyone, though. Dallas-area resident Valerie Vela, who indicated that she is not an overly competitive person, said her competitiveness comes out mostly in work, though not necessarily with other individuals.

“I like to challenge myself to be better and learn more in my career,” she said. “If I see that someone I work with is excelling, then I see that as inspiration to step up my game, but I’m not trying to outdo anyone. Even though this is Pollyanna to say, I really believe we can all be successful, especially in the workplace.”

And though Vela does believe that competition can be healthy sometimes, she said it has the potential to be detrimental if that is always the sole focus.

“If someone is competitive all of the time, it can become obsessive and take the enjoyment out of life,” she said. “Aside from those who are competing professionally like athletes, it’s OK to root for someone else to win. Letting go of the need to be the best can be really freeing sometimes.”

Even Butler admitted that she doesn’t think it’s healthy to be competitive at all times, but she said for her, it’s how her mind works, so it’s self-imposed.

“Sometimes I wish I could change my brain,” she said. “I’m hardwired this way—it has made me very successful, but also it’s difficult for me to relax.”

For some individuals, too much focus on competition can lead to burnout and exhaustion or constant comparisons to others. Harrell said it’s important for people always to be competitive only at the levels that make them feel personally successful.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about you who spends your time thinking about personal success,” he said. “Take complete advantage of whatever keeps you actively living your life.”

And Harrell said competition in all facets of life is driven by such a notion.

“It’s in our mental DNA to think of personal competitive positivity at whatever we wake up and challenge ourselves to do every day,” he said.

Psychologists advise balancing competitiveness to maintain mental and emotional well-being through focusing on self-improvement, keeping perspective so that competition doesn’t become all-consuming, practicing integrity, managing stress, and employing a growth mindset. While competition continues to drive innovation and often helps people better themselves and achieve their goals, Vela said it’s also important to recognize the reasons behind the feelings of competitiveness.

“I think competition is prevalent in our world because it gives us a rush and a hit of dopamine when we are successful,” she said. “That’s a great feeling, but I think we have to be mindful that we aren’t using it to fill a void repeatedly. That said, when it comes to game nights with family or friends, I’m definitely competing to be the best to win. But even then, it’s all in good fun.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower, originally proposed the structure to Barcelona for the 1888 Universal Exposition, but Barcelona rejected the proposal for aesthetic reasons.

THE RESURGENCE OF ROLLER RINKS

While roller skating rinks may bring back memories of elementary school parties for some individuals, it might not be necessary only to hold them in the nostalgic areas of your mind. The retro pastime has seen quite a resurgence in the 2020s era, keeping long-standing rinks in business and allowing new pop-up rinks to thrive.

This isn’t an activity reserved for solely kids and adolescents, though—adults of all ages are also finding themselves rolling in circles with glee to old and new popular tunes. Dallas resident Gigi McGuire said she grew up a “rink rat” and still loves going skating with friends.

“For me, it’s pure nostalgia,” she said. “If they have great music, that always puts a smile on my face—and you are being active while having fun.”

The continued rise of roller rinks has been helped in part by celebrities and TikTok influencers lacing up some skates and posting about their outings, allowing for both new and veteran fans of the social activity to come together for pure, lighthearted entertainment—and sometimes even a pause in the free-skate period for some head-to-head races between patrons. Dallas-area resident Rob Buwalda said he roller skates once a month with his sons at a popular family-owned rink in the metroplex that has been around for more than 52 years.

“I really enjoy going to roller skating rinks with my family and friends,” he said. “There’s something very fun about the mix of party music, movement, and a bit of friendly competition. It’s a great way to hang out, laugh together, and even pick up some new tricks. The vibe is always so positive, and it’s a nice break from the usual routine.”

Buwalda said he thinks another reason roller rinks are making a comeback and initiating more concerted efforts to improve their facilities is because people are looking for amusing and nostalgic activities that help them unplug from the stressors of daily life and be active with others.

“Roller skating is affordable and a fun way to get moving while enjoying great music and a lively atmosphere,” he said. “Rinks were being shut down, but lately Thunderbird and Interskate have spent money on renovating.”

Many rinks also offer lessons for those who have never skated or have perhaps become a little rusty after not skating since childhood. These facilities also offer the option to host parties for individuals of all ages, though pricing and specifics vary per venue. McGuire said she thinks one possibility for the returned popularity of this pastime is the concept of everything that was old becoming new again.

“Vintage anything is in, but skating is also just a pure form of family and friends fun,” she said. “I think people are always looking for that type of activity.”

And while McGuire said she believes that skating is a nice option for people in most stages of life, it is certainly important to take safety precautions.

“As we age, we need to be more careful about suffering a fall in any activity,” she said. “Broken tailbones, wrists, and collarbones are, unfortunately, not that uncommon with a bad skating fall, so just be careful. Wrist guards are cool!”

Like McGuire, Buwalda said he also thinks spending time together with friends and family members at roller skating rinks is an activity almost everyone can enjoy—and he believes that some wipeouts can add a little extra obstacle to the mix.

“Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been skating for years, it’s a great way to stay active and have fun,” he said. “Kids can take it slowly and learn at their own paces, while adults can either show off their skills or just enjoy the experience. It’s an activity that brings all ages together. Swerving around fallen kids is half the fun.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Before a lovely weekend walk, some of the NatNews staff and dear readers wanted to remind you of the importance of aesthetics

Upcoming
Events

Monday, March 3: Dallasites101 Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (24–34) at Birdie’s Eastside
Tuesday, March 4: Free Rooftop Movie — Girls Trip at Sundown at Granada; Bryce Vine at the Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Wednesday, March 5: Candlelight — Tribute to Adele at the Filter Building
Thursday, March 6: Stars vs. Flames at the American Airlines Center; Foster the People at House of Blues Dallas; 90s Rock Tribute — Ninety 2 Nothin’ at Legacy Hall
Friday, March 7: National Cereal Day; Alexandra Kay at House of Blues Dallas
Saturday, March 8: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; International Women’s Day Celebration at Community Beer Co.; Dallas Crawfish Kickoff Festival at Pacific Plaza; Topanga (90s cover band) at The Rustic; Candlelight — A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings at Edison’s
Sunday, March 9: Dallas Trinity FC vs. Brooklyn FC at Cotton Bowl Stadium; Mavs vs. Suns at the American Airlines Center

NatNews: Issue 154

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 12:59:33 +0100

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February 24, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 154

FLOOR TIME + OTHER GROUNDING TECHNIQUES

A recent TikTok trend has many individuals taking part in a practice that has actually been around for quite some time but has risen in popularity as more people have seen it on social media. While TikTok users call lying on the floor “floor time,” the method of what is commonly known as “grounding” allows people to reset and relax to reduce stress and anxiety.

Dallas resident and psychologist Kenleigh McMinn, Ph.D., said grounding techniques are intended to help a person’s mind and body focus on what is happening in the present moment.

“Stress and anxiety usually come from worrying about things that happened in the past or might happen in the future, so techniques that refocus your attention can help calm your mind and body,” she said.

And this is something that some individuals have incorporated into their regular routines for most of their lives. Grounding doesn’t always require a person to lie down, though. For Dallas-area resident Arinda Cale, it simply involves connecting with the earth below her.

“I’ve used grounding techniques long before I ever knew the term,” she said. “As a kid, I was always at my best when I could be out in nature running around barefoot. Now I understand that without even knowing it, I was using this practice to calm my nervous system.”

Cale said she practices grounding daily in some form but not always with intention, as she feels that doing so puts her back in alignment.

“When I go outside, put my bare feet on the earth, and take a deep breath, I recenter,” she said. “I can organize my thoughts, prioritize the tasks I need to accomplish, and generally just understand that I’m part of nature and that nature has perfect timing.”

Grounding techniques can include a variety of forms, such as lying on the floor and taking deep breaths, meditating, feeling your feet on the ground, lying or sitting while listening to calming music, counting backward from 10, repeating a calming phrase, and spending time focusing on your senses (what you see, hear, smell, feel, and taste) around you. McMinn said grounding strategies are a form of mindfulness that can be beneficial for anyone who tries them.

“It can take some practice, but taking a few minutes each day to get in touch with your thoughts and your body can help improve mood, anxiety, stress, and feeling more connected in your life, in general,” she said. “A lot of the time, the things we do to ‘relax’ actually disconnect us (think mindless scrolling), so this can be a way to get back in touch.”

While grounding can look different for different people, the specific technique of floor time currently becoming more common involves lying or sitting on the floor to soothe oneself. Doing so can improve circulation, help one connect with the present moment, tune out distressing thoughts, and create a calming presence in a racing mind. Dallas-area resident Adrian Acevedo said he typically either goes for a walk or cooks when he’s feeling anxious in order to get his mind off of whatever is stressing him out, but he would be willing to take part in floor time.

“As long as the floor is clean, I think doing those types of exercises or resting would be something good to try,” he said. “I might also need someone there to guide me through it.”

In addition to the trend resulting from TikTok users encouraging floor time, Acevedo said he thinks people’s acceptance and enjoyment of this relaxation method relates to feelings of nostalgia.

“Maybe it goes back to being a kid, and whenever you were stressed or anxious, you would lie on the floor, and you would just chill,” he said.

McMinn said regardless of the reason behind the increase in frequency of people taking time to ground themselves and reset, the popularity of this technique can certainly have positive effects.

“It can be a good relaxation option because it’s simple—everyone has access to a floor,” she said.

Whether you’re lying on the floor or using another form of grounding, such a practice can help boost a person’s mood and regulate emotions. There’s also no specific amount of time required for its effectiveness, though it is typically best not to become so relaxed that you begin to fall asleep. What’s most important, though, is that you find what works best for you.

“I think grounding helps me stay in the present moment,” Cale said. “It may not take all of the stress or anxiety away, but connecting with the earth and taking a few deep breaths provides relief in the moment and helps me prioritize my thoughts and tasks. When I feel like I have a plan, I feel less stressed and less anxious.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Adult hippos eat approximately 80 pounds of grass each night and travel up to 6 miles in a night while doing so.

CALL ME, BEEP ME IF YOU WANNA REACH ME?

While talking on the phone with friends, family members, and significant others was a common social and communication activity in the days of yore, many individuals (particularly Gen Zers and millennials) opt not to spend much time gabbing in such a way.

A recent NatNews research initiative revealed that of those dear readers who participated in the online survey, 36 percent don’t mind people calling them anytime, 13 percent essentially do not ever want to be called, and 51 percent indicated that they sometimes like talking on the phone or that it depends on the situation or people with whom they are chatting. Dallas resident Elizabeth Cruz said she enjoys talking on the phone and doesn’t mind when she sees her device light up with an incoming call.

“It feels more connected and intentional,” she said. “I can have more of a real conversation.”

Some people admit to experiencing phone anxiety when making or receiving calls, and many individuals generally prefer the convenience and more casual interaction texting offers. And others, including Dallas resident Kim May Armitstead, feel that phone calls add an additional layer of stress after long days that include significant time making or taking calls.

“I don’t love talking to people on the phone because I spend my entire workday on the phone,” she said. “I need time to myself afterward to decompress.”

Texting allows individuals time to think or to put off responding immediately if they are unable to do so in the moment or simply do not want to at that time. When speaking on the phone, however, people are obviously expected to have more spontaneous, candid conversations that require more focus and dedication of time. For Dallas-area resident JT Gordon, that’s not an issue when he’s on the phone with the people who are most important in his life.

“I enjoy talking to close family and friends on the phone because I value time with loved ones,” he said.

Many individuals, though, appreciate a heads-up text checking to see if it’s a good time to call to show consideration for a person’s time and schedule. Gordon, who admits to still having a pager, said he would prefer a text before someone calls him in case he is busy at the time and so that he is not caught off guard.

“That allows me to prepare myself, if needed,” he said.

But not everyone needs such a warning. Cruz said she is not bothered by a phone call that comes without a pre-call text.

“It’s not like they are showing up at my house unannounced,” she said. “If I can’t answer, I’ll just call back when I’m available.”

And even though she doesn’t necessarily want to talk on the phone much, May Armitstead would also rather a person simply call her than text her to ask if it’s a good time to talk.

“If it’s not OK, I just won’t answer,” she said.

Like Cruz and May Armitstead, Dallas resident Mark Olateju doesn’t need a person to text him prior to giving him a ring. He said he enjoys talking on the phone but only to close friends or a potential date.

“I come from an older generation that talked on the phone before there was texting, so many of us became used to that and didn’t transition well to texting,” he said.

Olateju also said he believes that fewer people talking on the phone nowadays is the result of generational habits and expectations. He does, however, appreciate the benefits that other forms of communication can provide.

“The younger generation (under 35) is more disconnected from deeper, more committed relationships,” he said. “They also grew up during a social media era in which texting is the norm. For me personally, many ladies outtalk or overtalk me, so texting gives me a chance to respond.”

While a quick phone call can be convenient in situations that involve immediacy (e.g., you’re in an unfamiliar place and trying to find someone), texting and communication within various social media platforms have allowed people to take their time, not feel as much pressure as a phone call might cause, and escape from feelings of overload for a bit.

“I think our whole lives are built around virtual connections all day, and it’s exhausting,” May Armitstead said.

That same feeling of exhaustion can also occur for those who would prefer to talk on the phone more rather than text. Though it is simply a matter of preference regarding how individuals would like to communicate, Cruz said she thinks the decrease in desire to talk on the phone has resulted from individuals becoming accustomed to being behind screens so often.

“You can also be less engaged if you’re texting versus when you’re talking on the phone,” she said. “You can be watching TV, on social media, etc. and having a text convo at the same time. It’s harder to do that when you’re expected to have a back-and-forth conversation that flows.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

In this candid photo, the NatNews staff, our sole investor, and some dear readers celebrated dear reader Lyndsey Kohn’s birthday

Upcoming
Events

Monday, February 24: National Tortilla Chip Day
Tuesday, February 25: Mavs vs. Lakers Watch Party at Happiest Hour; Free Rooftop Movie — Wicked at Sundown at Granada (rescheduled from last week due to weather); Broadway Dallas — Hadestown begins at Music Hall at Fair Park; Dallasites101 Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 27–37) at Dave & Buster’s
Wednesday, February 26: Kelsea Ballerini at Dickies Arena; Joe Savage at The Rustic
Thursday, February 27: Mahjong & Meze at Nikki Greek Bistro & Lounge
Friday, February 28: Stars vs. Kings at the American Airlines Center; Taylor Swift Tribute — Reputation at Legacy Hall; North Texas Irish Festival at Fair Park (goes through Sunday); Fort Worth Music Festival at Fort Worth Stockyards (goes through Sunday)
Saturday, March 1: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Mavs vs. Bucks at the American Airlines Center; Community Beer Co. Cycling Group Ride; The Three Little Pigs at Winspear Opera House
Sunday, March 2: Stars vs. Blues at the American Airlines Center; DMA FREE First Sundays — Access for All at the Dallas Museum of Art

NatNews: Issue 153

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 12:59:33 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

February 17, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 153

SHOULD YOU POP OPEN ANOTHER SODA?

When you were a kid (and perhaps you’ve even done this as an adult), it’s possible you walked up to a soda fountain at a restaurant and mixed together all of the different options available. But whether you’re combining multiple sodas or remaining loyal to one, it’s not uncommon to have a love of soda that began at a young age and has continued with you throughout your life.

Recent research revealed that 52 percent of individuals between the ages 18–29 in the U.S. drink sodas, while 55% percent of people between 30–49 do so, and 59 percent of those ages 50–64 consume soft drinks. For some people, sodas provide enjoyable tastes or jolts of energy from caffeine, while others appreciate the dopamine rush they experience from the high sugar content (a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of sugar) or the nostalgia they feel from memories of childhood or other social situations and celebrations.

Like many individuals who consume such beverages, Dallas resident Drew Mbiam said he drinks sodas often for reasons that have nothing to do with nutritional value.

“They’re nice and refreshing,” he said. “The ones that use syrup instead of high-fructose corn syrup are way more crisp and satisfying.”

Of the dear readers who participated in a recent NatNews research initiative, 43 percent said they sometimes drink sodas, 31 percent indicated they do so often, and 26 percent responded that they do not drink sodas at all. Dallas resident Leah Allen said she estimates that she probably has a soda every month or so.

“To be honest, I’m more of a tea girl,” she said. “I’m a big fan of Coke, but I try to limit how many I drink for my general health, not to mention the sugar typically makes me break out. However, I will say I don’t think a soda at a movie theater or on an airplane counts.”

While some individuals opt to drink diet and/or zero-sugar sodas because of their lack of calories and sugar, many sodas contain sugar substitutes (e.g., aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin), which can throw off the body’s natural metabolic processes, causing it to store fat instead of burning it, and may increase a person’s risks for diabetes and heart disease. Artificial sweeteners have also been linked to increased risks of certain cancers, according to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Though Allen said she isn’t too familiar with the validity of drinking diet sodas resulting in such health conditions, she typically avoids them for other reasons.

“My philosophy on sodas is that if I’m going to have one, I’m committed to having all of the added sugars of a full Coke,” she said. “And the diet ones are not as good to me.”

Like Allen, Mbiam hasn’t investigated the reasons extensively, but he also believes that diet and zero-sugar sodas can have detrimental impacts on a person.

“I’m not sure why exactly, but all of the hoops people are jumping through just to avoid sugar or calling something zero/low-calorie seems suspicious,” he said.

In general, Mbiam said he doesn’t look too closely at nutritional information, primarily because of theories he has regarding its origin.

“The system that governs it in America leaves a lot to be desired,” he said. “Companies can get away with obfuscating details or outright misrepresenting or hiding them. That’s weird.”

Allen, on the other hand, said she does pay attention to information regarding nutritional content and value, as well as where a product is sourced, though she typically does so more so with food products rather than beverages.

“I guess I’m not so much checking the ingredients list but am looking at the overall product sourcing compared to the other options,” she said.

Such factors are typically not integral concerns for many soda drinkers, though there are some individuals who avoid sodas because they don’t trust the contents within the sugary drinks found in gas stations and grocery stores throughout the nation. Dallas resident Laura Hays said she used to drink a significant amount of Diet Coke all throughout college and her first 10 or so years of working in the corporate world as a certified public accountant.

“I didn’t like coffee back then, and when working crazy hours, I needed the caffeine to stay awake,” she said. “I would literally have one first thing in the morning and drink three to four a day, sometimes more.”

Hays said she does not recall exactly why she decided to stop consuming so many Diet Cokes, but she acknowledged that it felt like she was putting a great deal of chemicals in her body and that some artificial sweeteners have been linked to adverse health effects, including cancer.

“It’s been 10 years now, and I almost never drink them—maybe one a year, if that,” she said. “Every time I do, it’s always disappointing, and the acidity burns my throat. I mean, they’ll clean corrosion off of your car battery, so it’s no wonder.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Charlie Brown was named after a friend Charles M. Schulz made while working as an instructor at a Minneapolis correspondence school after WWII.

LET'S TAKE A DEEP DIVE AND THEN DEBRIEF ABOUT CORPORATE JARGON

If you’ve ever worked in an office setting, you’ve likely heard and potentially said words and phrases that have become part of the somewhat unofficial corporate jargon. Such a form of speak becomes second nature to many individuals, and suddenly they’re saying that they will “circle back” to a topic, asking if a coworker has the “bandwidth” to take on a new task, taking a “30,000-foot view” of a client issue, describing how the team should “leverage” another department’s knowledge for a project, letting everyone in the meeting know that he or she has a “hard stop” at 2 p.m., and bringing together multiple teams to create “synergy” within the company.

For many professionals, talking in such a way simply becomes a habit after being around it so often and hearing certain terms and lingo used in various situations. Dallas resident and attorney Damon Yousefy said he uses corporate speak at work and is guilty of doing so during meetings.

“We have to be more politically correct versions of ourselves at work, and corporate jargon is a way to do that and mirror the behavior of our colleagues,” he said.

Similar to Yousefy, Dallas-area resident Katy Flynn, principal regulatory operations in financial services, said she tends to use corporate jargon frequently at the office, as it is part of the culture of her workplace.

“You hear people using it all of the time, and you almost can’t help yourself,” she said. “However, to keep it balanced, I also throw in some current lingo, such as ‘let’s pull up and review that together.’”

Dallas-area resident Brice Pearce, a senior program manager, said his main reason for using well-known corporate words and phrases is because it feels necessary to gain or retain legitimacy with senior leaders. Pearce also said that he sometimes even finds himself using such terminology outside of the workplace.

“Every once in a while, I’ll use that language, especially things like bandwidth or invested,” he said. “It happens particularly with our kids as we talk about schoolwork or things around the house (chores, schedule of events, etc.).”

Yousefy, on the other hand, said he doesn’t typically use corporate lingo outside of work unless he is joking around with friends.

“If a friend of mine is in my field, I’ll ask if we can put some time on the calendar to circle back on a few topics,” he said. “If my friends like my photographs of them, I’ll say that I added value.”

And when he does hear such terminology or use it himself at work, Yousefy said it’s not particularly bothersome to him.

“I think we have to be able to laugh at the silliness of these things while understanding that we do it for some valid reasons,” he said.

Such reasoning can be different for different individuals, and Flynn said she thinks there are certain situations in which such words and phrases get thrown around a bit superfluously.

“I think when it’s excessive, it’s usually people who aren’t good at articulating themselves, and they think it makes them look better to use it,” she said. “It’s not always a bad thing to use it, though. Sometimes it makes sense and can be a uniform way for someone to get their point across without confusion for others.”

Out of curiosity, one company conducted a study to determine how often corporate lingo was used on LinkedIn, and after examining more than 6.6 million U.S. job postings on the site, it discovered that 43 percent contain such language. Another study found that though many people use corporate jargon, it can create barriers and limit authentic conversations.

Pearce said he tends to find such a way of speaking a bit frustrating in certain circumstances.

“It really bothers me when the use of lingo completely overshadows the actual content or when it makes the content longer and less clear,” he said. “The other piece is then feeling compelled to respond with jargon when talking with someone like that.”

But Pearce also knows that people will still continue to do so in an effort to fit in with the culture of the workplace and the terminology being used by their coworkers at all levels of the organization.

“I think it’s also to show that they understand things at some sort of elevated level,” he said. “Many times, coming from an academic background, I feel like these jargon terms are a stand-in for never having developed an advanced vocabulary of scientific or sociopolitical terminology.”

Whether one chooses to talk about how he or she will “ping” you later to follow up on a conversation or whether or not a particular skill is within that person’s “wheelhouse,” it’s not likely that corporate jargon is going to disappear anytime soon. Yousefy said he is OK with that, though.

“Some of the sayings are catchy,” he said. “And some become filler words that we use in our jobs while trying to think of the next sentence (instead of using words such as ‘like’ and ‘umm’).”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews staff and some dear readers recently enjoyed celebrating the new home of dear reader Alexis Derrow (photo credit: Damon Yousefy)

Upcoming
Events

Tuesday, February 18: Free Rooftop Movie — Wicked at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, February 19: Prevent Plagiarism Day
Thursday, February 20: The Stampede Project — 4th Annual Banned Books Festival at Bishop Arts Theatre Center
Friday, February 21: Candlelight — A Tribute to Taylor Swift at Cathedral of Hope; ‘90s Rock Tribute — Ninety 2 Nothin’ at Legacy Hall; David Gray at the Majestic Theatre; Mary J. Blige at Dickies Arena
Saturday, February 22: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Dallas Trinity FC vs. Spokane Zephyr at Cotton Bowl Stadium; 214 Run Club X lululemon Knox; Dallas Time Travelers Vintage Expo 2025 at Centennial Hall at Fair Park; National Margarita Day
Sunday, February 23: Cowtown Marathon

NatNews: Issue 152

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 12:59:32 +0100

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February 10, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 152

DALLAS BIKE PLAN SEEKS TO IMPROVE SAFETY + MOBILITY

While Dallas is known for many different features and attractions—including sports teams, the State Fair of Texas, Tex-Mex, and a popular arts scene—it doesn’t exactly have a thriving reputation for its safe and effective transportation, particularly for cyclists. When compared to other major cities in Texas, Dallas lacks in miles allocated for bicycling facilities. While Dallas has 204 such miles, Austin has 538, Houston has 518, and San Antonio has 516. Only 38 of those miles are actual bike lanes in Dallas, whereas Austin offers 322 miles of bike lanes.

Dallas resident and avid runner and cyclist Anil Devegowda said he doesn’t think Dallas roads are generally safe for cyclists, citing that many individuals who frequently ride their bikes have switched to doing so on gravel roads or have opted to ride mainly on trails as a result of increased traffic, distracted drivers, and a lack of designated bike lanes.

“If you’re riding on city roads, it’s best to ride in groups where cyclists are a lot more visible to traffic and can occupy an entire lane,” he said. “There are quite a few bike shops and bike clubs around DFW that organize weekly/weekend rides, and those are definitely the safest ways to bike around the city.”

Dallas resident and triathlete Mike Hart said cycling is a sport in which one simply must accept that many drivers and pedestrians won’t exactly like you, which can make it more dangerous. Like Devegowda, Hart said he believes that there are certainly improvements that could be made to make the city more biker-friendly.

“Riding a bike on Dallas roads ranges from ‘mildly sketchy’ to ‘I should update my will,’” he said. “I’ve had my fair share of close calls, crashes, and moments of panic that make every ride feel like an extreme sport. Before each ride, I say a little prayer to the universe that I’ll return home to my dog in one piece, avoiding potholes, blind intersections, and the general chaos of mixing cars and cyclists on roads that weren’t exactly designed for peaceful coexistence.”

Hart said for safety reasons, many cyclists ride early in the morning when there is lighter traffic, noting that Christmas morning is “prime riding time.”

“Some of us ride out to country roads in Sunnyvale to avoid the chaos,” he said. “While the downtown bike lanes with dividers are nice, they are sometimes littered with debris, leading to roadside tire repairs.”

Dallas does have 115 miles of paved trails and shared-use paths, though Hart said the system of shared paths in the city is more ideal when the trails are empty.

“On a busy day, it’s like a game dodging pedestrians on the wrong side, runners, dogs on long leashes, and unpredictable lane changes,” he said. “I often find myself squeezing through tight spots, wondering if I should’ve stayed home and ridden the trainer.”

Not all hope is lost, though. Devegowda said he believes that Dallas has the potential to improve bike safety and mobility throughout the city, especially with dedicated bike lanes with dividers, such as on the Houston Street Viaduct, but he also thinks that a more extensive trail system will lead to safer outcomes.

“We need more [dedicated bike lanes] and well-connected lanes not only to help recreational cyclists but also all of those who would like to commute to work on bikes,” he said. “The Loop Dallas, connecting all of the major trails, will be ideal for cyclists, runners, and others looking for a safe trail. Spanning 50 miles, it will definitely help keep cyclists off the road while making it safe for both cyclists and motorists.”

Hart also thinks that the city has the ability to make sharing the road safer for cyclists, though he said it’s currently still in the “needs improvement” phase.

“If Dallas takes a page from cities like Austin and Boulder, we’d see the magic of dedicated bike lanes that connect throughout the city so that there won’t be dead ends that leave cyclists risking it all to merge with traffic,” he said. “The bike lane infrastructure of these cities have well-planned routes that separate bikes from heavy traffic, making it much easier and safer to get around. If Dallas can prioritize connectivity and safety in its plan, it could be a game changer for cyclists and runners.”

The good news for Dallas residents and visitors is that there are plans in the works to improve the situation. The Dallas Bike Plan, which was last updated in 2011, serves as the city’s guide to implement a system of on-street and off-street bike facilities that will allow for a safe alternative transportation option. When the 2011 plan was originally adopted, there was only one street (Bishop Avenue) with bike lanes.

“The 2011 plan recommended a vast network consisting of 833 miles of on-street bicycle facilities and 456 miles of off-street facilities, all of which was to be implemented by 2021—a goal that is unheard of by even the most bicycle-friendly cities,” City of Dallas Department of Transportation & Public Works Public Information Coordinator Mike D. Smith said. “In the 10+ years since the adoption of the 2011 plan, the city has made progress. Dozens of miles of bicycle facilities have been implemented; however, we are far from the goal set by the 2011 Dallas Bike Plan.”

As expected in a major city, Smith noted that since 2011, Dallas has experienced significant change, including rapid development and densification in the core of the city, resulting in more competition for curb space.

“Best practices for promoting bicycling and building out bike networks have also changed drastically, moving toward a greater focus on protected bike lanes or traffic-calmed neighborhood streets,” he said. “Through the Connect Dallas Strategic Mobility Plan (2021), it was recognized that many of the projects and connections recommended in the 2011 Dallas Bike Plan no longer reflected existing conditions, needs, and preferences. An update to the plan was recommended to identify future priority projects that make the most sense.”

While the intended outcomes of implementing the updated plan will benefit Dallas cyclists by providing a network by which they can get around the city more easily and safely, filling in gaps between existing facilities and essential destinations, Smith said it will also be a positive factor for individuals who do not ride their bikes.

“There are still safety improvements that will be experienced by all road users, not just bicyclists,” he said. “Constructing bicycle lanes is proven to make roadways safer for all road users by causing motor vehicle speeds to lower, which reduces vehicle and pedestrian crashes. We believe this result will be championed by many Dallas residents, as a frequent inquiry received by our engineering staff is for traffic calming and roadway safety concerns.”

There are a variety of ways individuals throughout the city can help support this initiative as it continues to progress. Smith said the department expects the last and final round of public engagement for the Dallas Bike Plan to go live later this month, and there will be an extensive outreach program once the plan is adopted. Residents can complete an online form to sign up for updates regarding the public comment period, the timeline for supporting the plan as it goes to city council for adoption, and future bicycle projects as they are in design and construction. There are also several ways they can help promote this initiative for safety and mobility improvements.

“Residents can voice their support of the update to the Dallas Bike Plan to their city council representative by calling or emailing their council office,” Smith said. “Additionally, they can support the plan by bicycling—and encouraging others to do the same more frequently."

DID YOU KNOW?

In 1792, in response to the first financial panic in the U.S., a group of 24 stockbrokers signed the Buttonwood Agreement, the document that created the New York Stock Exchange.

SINGLES CHOOSING TO MIX IT UP

Recently, several events and mixers geared toward singles hoping to meet others, whether for friendship or romantic relationships, have been making their way to various venues throughout the metroplex. These functions are designed to allow those in attendance to connect with one another and engage in face-to-face conversations in casual, inviting settings.

Dallas-area resident Alexis Derrow said she enjoys the opportunity to meet people in in-person situations and has attended business clubs, after-mass events, speed dating, cooking class, and run clubs.

“I always have a blast at mixers,” she said. “You can have a good time with anyone for an hour. At a minimum, it’s a field trip or a psych experiment.”

And there are events and mixers for a variety of interests. Dallas resident Nathaniel Medrano recently attended a Dallasites101 pickleball mixer at a new pickleball facility called At Fault in Farmers Branch. Medrano said the event hosts and facility staff were quite welcoming, helping him feel more at ease. Events like this one typically require the purchase of a ticket, which in this case also included a fanny pack, electrolytes, one free drink from the bar, and unlimited court time.

“The amount of court time I got was worth the price of admission alone—the fanny was just an added bonus,” Medrano said. “My main goal for this event was to meet new people to play pickleball with. The Dallasites101 hosts and At Fault staff were very kind and went out of their way to introduce me to other individuals at the event.”

While his overall win might have helped his experience at this particular mixer, Medrano said he is glad he attended, noting that he thinks what makes events of this sort so appealing is the overall atmosphere in which individuals seem friendly and approachable and are willing to engage in conversation. And if nothing else, Medrano might have some new pickleball friends.

“I was shocked to hear the various areas across the metroplex people were from,” he said. “I hope to link up on the courts again with the folks I exchanged information with.”

Dallasites101 and other local entities have also recently hosted several speed dating events, most of which have certain age ranges for attendees. Over the last month or so, Dallas resident Lucy Keith has attended a few of these events held by various companies and said she has enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and have in-person conversations.

“As a woman, I felt very safe and in control at each event,” she said. “The organizers make sure everyone feels welcomed and comfortable and don’t allow much pre- or post-event mingling, unless it is clearly mutually desired. There is no pressure to exchange information or field questions about your interest in someone. While the method varied, after each event you’re able to let the organizers know who you liked, and if there are matches, both parties will be notified and given each other’s contact information.”

Though Keith hasn’t met anyone she was interested in getting to know more outside of the speed dating setting, she said she has no regrets in giving such events a try. In fact, she said she has met several genuinely kind and fascinating individuals, allowing her to appreciate people’s uniqueness.

“Even if you immediately know there’s no romantic interest, with a little effort, you can find common ground and have an enjoyable conversation,” she said. “Overall, the experience made me feel really encouraged by people’s willingness to put themselves out there to connect with others—something our world needs a lot more of these days.”

It’s not uncommon to hear single individuals mention that they either don’t know where to meet people or that it’s more challenging than in the past to meet them organically. While meet-cute situations do still occur, it’s seemingly less likely that every single person who sits down in a plane is going to wind up sitting next to the love of his or her life. Medrano said the designated events created for singles make it easier for people who don’t know each other to strike up conversations.

“I generally think most people are not approachable in public settings,” he said. “They’ve either got headphones or have their eyes on their phones (I am guilty of this myself). If you attend one of these events, you know there will be people there looking forward to meeting one another.”

While dating apps are not obsolete, in-person events are continuing to increase in popularity as people’s frustrations with the apps grow. Derrow said she believes that mixers and other activities of the sort are significantly better than trying to find matches on one’s phone.

“I think people realize that apps are demoralizing,” she said. “There’s no human decency. At least if you meet in person, the end will be civil-ish, and you likely won’t be ghosted.”

Keith said it’s been years since she’s used dating apps, but she surmises that any man showing up to a speed dating event has some courage and is someone who is intentional about wanting to meet someone special.

“I think speed dating should be considered an additional dating tool,” she said. “Doing it too often might feel draining, and doing it solely could be discouraging over time because you’re not guaranteed to be meeting anyone who has been filtered through your initial ‘wants’ or non-negotiables in a partner. Everyone I met at the events expressed being there for the face-to-face interactions and being fed up with dating apps.”

And while in-person events do require an investment of time, energy, and money, Keith said they are overall enjoyable and can potentially provide attendees with more hope and encouragement.

“Dating apps may win for efficiency, but I recall and have often heard that the app experience can also be harmful or, in the least, leave you feeling pretty down,” she said. “I don’t believe you can walk away from a speed dating event feeling anything but positive, as long as you put your best foot forward and enthusiastically engage with another human being.”

Like Keith, Medrano prefers to meet people in person and said he would certainly recommend mixers and singles events for friendships or dating purposes. He said at the pickleball mixer he attended, he noticed a pretty ideal balance of men and women, creating potential opportunities for those seeking romance.

“Dating apps only highlight what a person wants you to see,” he said. “At events, there’s no hiding, no filters—what you see is what you get.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Dear reader Katy Flynn (far right) and friends April and Tina enjoyed a lovely Saturday morning at the Hot Chocolate Run

Upcoming
Events

Monday, February 10: National Flannel Day
Tuesday, February 11: Free Rooftop Movie — Legally Blonde at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, February 12: Mavs vs. Warriors at the American Airlines Center; Dallasites101 Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 24–34) at Happiest Hour
Thursday, February 13: Zachariah Porter at House of Blues Dallas
Friday, February 14: Titanic — The Exhibition begins at Pepper Square
Saturday, February 15: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Dallas Trinity FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC at Cotton Bowl Stadium; Oasis Tribute — Foasis at Legacy Hall; JourneyFit x lululemon Knox
Sunday, February 16: Harlem Globetrotters at the American Airlines Center; Meet Me at the Museum Brunch at the Dallas Museum of Art

NatNews: Issue 151

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:59:35 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

February 3, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 151

YOU LOOK LIKE (YOU NEED) A SNACK

Grumpiness, irritability, lack of concentration, headaches, dizziness, impatience—hanger is all too real.

Snacks have entered the chat.

According to the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, research conducted by the Food & Health Survey from the International Food Information Council revealed that approximately 25 percent of Americans surveyed said they snack multiple times a day, while roughly 33 percent confirmed that they snack at least once daily. Nearly 40 percent said they sometimes replace meals by snacking, citing lunch as the most common meal replaced. As indicated with these results and observations of children and adults alike, snacks are important components of many people’s lives. Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo is no exception.

“I’m constantly hungry, and as such, I am a chronic snacker,” he said. “Despite eating hefty meals with plenty of protein, I stay hungry throughout the day. I rarely sit still, as I tend to keep busy with high-mileage running, cycling, and chasing and chauffeuring the littles around to various other activities.”

Alonzo said it’s difficult to narrow down what snacks are on the top of his list, though most of them tend to be carb-centric.

“I enjoy eating fruits, pretzels, granola bars, and PB&J sammies,” he said. “I can’t say that I have a favorite, but with two littles in the house, there is no shortage of snacks here.”

Dallas-area resident Stephanie Hone also has two kids who ensure that her home is fully stocked with snacks, though she said she would be a snacker with or without children. Her choice snacks tend to vary based on her mood and situations in which she finds herself.

“If I’m being healthy, it’s a wise food choice—usually like fruit or Greek yogurt or a protein shake,” she said. “If I’m not being healthy, I’m an animal in the wild. Chips? Duh. Cheese sticks? Understood. Queso? Que pasa and duh.”

Hone’s oldest, a 3-and-a-half-year-old daughter, said her favorite snacks are beans, chicken, and waffles, though she said she didn’t want to talk about why at the time, maybe later. Regardless, those aren’t the options available in her snack bag that her mom totes around with her.

“Let me be clear, that girl’s diet is snacks—yogurt, Cheez-Its, fruit snacks, bananas,” Hone said. “If it’s a snack, she will want it.”

Dallas resident and registered dietitian Lyndsey Kohn said snacking can be greatly beneficial when done strategically, especially if a person is focused on a specific goal (e.g., weight loss or muscle gain) or while training for a particular event (e.g., a marathon).

“Snacking can help with regulating your blood glucose levels, hitting your protein goals, muscle recovery and maintenance, and keeping your energy levels up throughout the day,” she said. “The key is to be strategic and mindful of your snacks and meal choices. For snacks for the general population, I’d focus on a 2:1 or 1:1 ratio of protein to carbs, but note that it depends on your goals, so do your research on what you need because nutrition is very nuanced.”

Kohn said some options for quality snacks include turkey roll-ups with a cheese stick, cottage cheese and blueberries (or one’s fruit of choice), hard-boiled eggs and an avocado, Greek yogurt with chia seeds and/or fruit, oatmeal and whey protein, low-fat chocolate milk, and smoothies with protein powder with at least 20 grams of protein.

“If you are focusing on general post-workout recovery, a higher protein-to-carb ratio is what I’d recommend to maintain your muscles and hit the window of optimal muscle recovery,” she said. “If you are focusing on weight loss or just general satiety, I’d focus on a higher protein-to-carb type of snack to keep you satisfied and fuller longer. And if you are intensely training for a race or other high-energy physical activity, you want a higher carb-to-protein ratio to replenish your glycogen and make sure that you maintain your muscle. A classic example is chocolate milk.”

While whether or not a person snacks or how often he or she does so is contingent upon that individual’s preferences and needs, Alonzo said snacking, like many things in life, is all about balance.

“If you have a well-balanced diet, you can use snacking to enjoy some treats,” he said. “I meet most of my protein needs via regular meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), so I use snacks to get in additional carbs—ones I know I’ll use while being active.”

For Hone, the balance also comes in ensuring that she’s snacking on the right foods that will fuel her in the right ways.

“If you eat protein-enriched snacks, they are filling for longer and can still nourish your body,” she said. “Junk-food snacks just make me feel junky. I’m not a dietitian, but I feel bad when I eat badly. But I love a good snacky snack to get me through the day.”

Kohn said she believes that snacking sometimes gets a bad rap as a result of criticism around how to eat right, especially as an athlete. However, she said snacks are often essential to ensure that a person gets all of the nutrients he or she needs for better overall health and well-being.

“If I have ever worked with anyone on this, I like to remind folks that you are meant to eat to fuel your body,” she said. “Food is literally here just like sleeping, water, community, etc. in order for you to sustain the life you want to live. What an incredible gift we have to fuel a body that moves.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The first known vending machine, which was located in Egyptian temples in the first century A.D., dispensed holy water.

DO YOU PREFER SUBTITLES ON YOUR SCREEN?

In the past, subtitles were generally used when watching foreign movies that needed translations on screen or by those with hearing disabilities. However, this is the present, not the past, and some people’s preferences have changed. It’s now more common to see dialogue on screen when individuals are enjoying movies and television shows at home.

A recent NatNews research initiative revealed that 67 percent of dear readers who participated in the online survey conducted want subtitles when watching programming, while 14 percent do not, and 19 percent sometimes use subtitles or generally have no strong opinion either way. Dallas-area resident Nikki East, who averages approximately two hours of TV most days, said subtitles are always on at her house.

“I also think I have converted a person or two, so if I am at their homes, the subtitles tend to be on,” she said. “I prefer them because they help me keep up with what’s going on a bit more easily. They help me ensure that I am hearing things correctly, especially if I am watching something with characters who have different accents.”

While different individuals have various reasons for opting to use subtitles on their TVs, East said her preference to adopt this practice in the last couple of years is a result of getting older.

“I don’t really like the volume on the TV to be too loud, but I also can’t always hear every single thing,” she said. “And I am not someone who will continuously change the volume between when the music is blaring and then when it returns to soft dialogue.”

Craig Stewart, who lives in England and is known by his Dallas friends as British Craig, said he watches television and movies once or twice per week and only turns on subtitles for movies.

“They’re useful in movies with lots of gunfire, radios, and whispering,” he said. “It makes it easier to pick up on things.”

British Craig said he is not truly bothered either way and that certain movies don’t need subtitles, but he also understands why some people prefer to use them more often.

“Actors speak less clearly, and there’s more bass in films, so it’s harder to hear,” he said. “Also, captions have become huge on social media, so this has probably transferred over to people liking them for movies, too.”

But then there are those individuals, such as Fort Worth-area resident Sam Parnell, who only want to hear words, not see them. Parnell, who runs all post-production activities at a creative video production company, said he watches several movies each week and thinks that subtitles are a distraction.

“Even if it is clear, easy-to-understand dialogue, you are instinctively going to be looking at the words on the screen, not at what is happening on the screen,” he said.

Parnell also conducted his own personal poll at his workplace and discovered that among the 12 people asked, five prefer subtitles, and seven do not. Everyone who said yes is in his or her 20s, and everyone who said no is older than 30. National research indicated similar findings, with 70 percent of Gen Z respondents polled in a survey saying they use subtitles frequently, compared with 53 percent of millennials, 38 percent of Gen Xers, and 35 percent of baby boomers. In the aforementioned NatNews survey, age was less of an indicative factor.

Parnell did admit to being a “movie snob” and having a media room with a high-quality sound system, making it easier for him to hear. He said most TVs don’t have the best built-in sound, so he recognizes that people may not always be able to understand what is said by the actors on screen. He also acknowledges that there are other reasons for the increased use of subtitles by many individuals.

“People are used to not paying attention when watching,” he said. “So, outside sounds (e.g., screaming kids, bad TV audio, etc.) can be loud and distracting. It’s not a ‘shut out every outside force and focus on the screen’ thing.”

Parnell also pointed out that Apple TV now has a feature that allows viewers to rewind in 10-second increments with subtitles turning on solely for that time. This becomes beneficial during those moments when people are unsure of what someone said, as it’s easy to skip back and read the subtitles, and then they automatically turn off.

While personal preferences are rather simple to implement in one’s own home, when watching TV and movies elsewhere, people might be required to adapt to their environments or other people’s viewing habits. East said there are situations, such as at a movie theater, in which she can still enjoy watching movies without the comfort the words on screen offer her.

“Typically, though, subtitles do add to my enjoyment of whatever I’m watching,” she said. “It’s nice to really have a clear understanding of what is going on in the show or the movie, and subtitles provide that for me.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff + some dear readers celebrated PRs and speedy races for other dear readers over the weekend

Upcoming
Events

Monday, February 3: Dallasites101 Pickleball Mixer at At Fault
Tuesday, February 4: Free Rooftop Movie — Easy A at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, February 5: National Girls and Women in Sports Day; Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 35–45) at Sidecar Social Addison
Thursday, February 6: National Frozen Yogurt Day; Readers Collective at The Wild Detectives
Friday, February 7: Emerald City Band at Legacy Hall
Saturday, February 8: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Mavs vs. Rockets at the American Airlines Center; Get Lit — Grown-Up Book Fair at Four Corners Brewing Co.; Lunar New Year at the CORE District
Sunday, February 9: Super Bowl LIX; Community Beer Co. Cycling Group Ride; Valentine Tea at the Alexander Mansion

NatNews: Issue 150

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 12:59:34 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

January 27, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 150

RED LIGHT THERAPY — IT'S NOT ONLY FOR INFLUENCERS

It’s quite possible you’ve recently seen surprising (or maybe even haunting or shocking) images or videos of influencers or perhaps people you know wearing masks with red lights glowing behind them. The red light therapy trend has become more popular lately for its promise in treating wrinkles, redness, acne, scars, and additional signs of aging.

There is still ongoing research as to its effectiveness for various health uses, but it is believed that red light therapy essentially works by acting on the “powerhouse” (mitochondria) in your body’s cells. With an increase in energy, other cells can work more efficiently (e.g., repair skin, boost new cell growth, and enhance skin rejuvenation). Additionally, certain cells absorb light wavelengths and are stimulated to work. Its popularity, however, doesn’t seem to be solely the result of science and research.

“No doubt about it, red light therapy is all the rage right now,” Dallas resident and owner and founder of Cryo1one Kelly Carden said. “A lot of credit goes to wellness and beauty influencers for educating the general public on the benefits of red light and to manufacturers for making home-use products so that people can put it into their daily lives without having to go anywhere.”

Cryo1one offers contour red light therapy as part of its services for individuals seeking to slim down, recover from soreness, or simply feel better. Red light therapy is also used medically to treat certain skin conditions, including skin cancer, psoriasis, acne, warts, and other types of cancer.

“Red light has been widely accepted for its benefits of skin health, which is our largest organ in the body,” Carden said. “However, there are so many other benefits.”

Such potential advantages include body contouring as a result of reduction in fat cell size; temporary relief in muscle and joint pain, arthritis, and other related issues; improved circulation; enhanced recovery as a result of supported cellular repair and energy production; and a sense of calmness and relaxation after use.

Many athletes have also begun incorporating this method into their lives to help with recovery in their respective sports. Dallas-area resident and avid runner Emmanuel Amadi said his first experience using red light therapy was in 2021, mainly out of curiosity. It is now one of his supplemental tools he implements for inflammation control, as needed, approximately once every three to five months.

“It personally provides an almost immediate relief in inflamed muscular areas,” he said. “After each red light therapy session, aches in my calves reduce noticeably. According to research, it speeds up blood circulation and tissue repair.”

Amadi said he believes red light therapy has become a more common method many individuals employ because of its time-efficient and non-invasive factors.

“The LED works to penetrate through the skin layers without force or pain, compared to massage therapy, cupping, or dry needling,” he said. “Also, unlike most recovery tools, this infrared LED device is easily accessible, durable, and affordable. One can use it during a workout right at home. It’s also especially useful for quick post-workout recovery. I encourage anyone to be curious and try to utilize it before a long run or a race.”

Like Amadi, Dallas resident Sabra Hanson, who practices yoga and competes in triathlons, appreciates the improvements she feels after using red light therapy. She started regularly using this form of treatment three months ago and now does so approximately three or four times each week. She said it has helped her significantly with enhanced muscle repair post-training.

“I have personally noticed a quicker recovery between training sessions,” she said. “I also get better sleep and have lower anxiety, increased white blood cell counts (strengthened immunity) in my labs, hormonal changes for the better, and less chest pain from acid reflux.”

Hanson said red light therapy also proved to be beneficial for her after a cycling accident she experienced.

“It helped speed up my recovery from broken ribs and a radial bone,” she said. “I highly recommend it for anyone to try.”

An important note of which Carden wants to remind people is that not all red light machines are built the same. She said home-use machines have smaller wavelengths that aren’t as strong, and while they still deliver benefits, they are not as effective as commercial-strength red light machines.

“Also, the pro tip to red light therapy is that you want to be as close as possible to it so that it can effectively penetrate the skin,” she said. “People with darker skin tones may need to go 30 minutes instead of 25 minutes, as their skin takes longer to penetrate.”

While this form of treatment has several benefits for many individuals, Carden said pregnant women, children (those under the age of 16), individuals who have cancer, people with photosensitive conditions, those who take medications that suggest avoiding strong lights, and people with eye disorders are advised to avoid its use.

“Red light therapy is incredibly powerful and can help accomplish so many wellness goals,” she said. “However, there are certain people who should not do it, and if you’re ever concerned, it is always best to consult a doctor.”

DID YOU KNOW?

In 1936, John Steinbeck’s dog, Toby, ate the author’s first draft of Of Mice and Men. Steinbeck restarted the well-known tale, and it was published in February 1937.

BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO SCHOOL

Some individuals who obtain undergraduate degrees in their specific fields of study opt to continue their educational pursuits by earning master’s degrees—but they often do so later in life and not immediately after their undergrad years. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average age of individuals completing their master’s degrees in the U.S. is 33.

Going back to school as an adult with a full-time job and established lifestyle can often present challenges, including trying to balance rigid schedules and deadlines that often conflict with one another. Dane Sebring, who lives in Washington, D.C., recently earned his graduate degree in computer engineering from Virginia Tech. As a military service member, Sebring said he spent several years with a demanding overseas deployment schedule, but when he relocated to D.C. and assumed a more manageable work pace, he figured it would be an ideal time to return to school. That didn’t mean it was easy, though.

“A full-time job in a data science shop and full-time academic load left zero time for social engagements,” he said. “I would go months without seeing anyone outside of work or school. I studied all day Saturday and Sunday and only took breaks to eat or do house chores.”

Re-entering the classroom setting, whether online or in person, can also prove to be difficult for those who have been removed from the learning environment for quite some time.

“The biggest academic challenge was remembering some of the advanced math I needed for an engineering program,” Sebring said. “Thankfully, there is a ton of helpful content on YouTube.”

Like Sebring, Dallas-area resident and teacher Megan England chose to pursue a graduate degree years into her career. She obtained her Master of Education — Curriculum and Instruction from Southeastern Oklahoma State as part of achieving one of her bucket-list items and with encouragement from her fiancé, who had just completed his MBA. Throughout her journey, England faced some unique difficulties based on her own timeline she created for herself.

“My biggest issue was personal,” she said. “I wanted to complete my two-year master’s program in eight months. It required a lot of organization, discipline, and insanity. I had to work on three classes while on vacation.”

But England was able to draw on inspiration from a beloved unapologetically fierce and highly ambitious Gilmore Girls character.

“I channeled Paris Geller and girlbossed it,” she said.

Paige Ryder Celuch, former Dallas resident who now lives in Cincinnati, recently began courses to earn her MBA in finance from Xavier University. She said she knew that to advance her career into a leadership role, it would require adding a master’s degree to her accolades. Like many adults pursuing higher education degrees, Ryder Celuch is faced with trying to ensure that she is dedicated to her studies while also remaining present to the other important parts of her life.

“The biggest challenge is time management,” she said. “I work roughly 50 hours a week, try to work out four to five times a week, go to mass, and make time for my husband and dogs.”

Ryder Celuch said she has found a way to stay organized and make the balancing act work, though.

“It really takes a lot of planning and self-discipline to get it done in two years instead of pushing it out further,” she said. “I have moved most of my workouts to the morning and block out 12 hours of school time on the weekends and during the week. I live and die by my calendar these days.”

Ryder Celuch said she will know for sure if the sacrifices and concerted efforts she’s making now truly pay off in another five to 10 years as her career progresses.

“I hope getting my degree is worth it,” she said. “It’s a huge investment of time and money.”

Sebring said he also isn’t completely certain if his degree will be useful, but he is choosing to have a positive outlook at the possibilities it could present in the future.

“I still have another two years until I separate from the military,” he said. “I hope it will make me more competitive for a decent job when I get out, but there’s no way to tell until sometime next year.”

England, however, doesn’t need to wait to see whether or not her degree is a beneficial addition to her life.

“For me, getting a master’s at 41 and almost 20 years into my career was simply for myself,” she said. “I am a classroom lifer, and I wanted to practice what I preach to my students—always keep investing in yourself.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Dear readers Darlene Alcocer Estrada and Lucy Keith recently enjoyed taking part in puppy yoga

Upcoming
Events

Monday, January 27: Mavs vs. Wizards at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, January 28: Free Rooftop Movie — Anyone but You at Sundown at Granada; &Juliet begins at Music Hall at Fair Park (runs through February 9)
Wednesday, January 29: Dallasites101 Female Fitness Event at Dallas Urby; Celebrate Chinese New Year at Central Market Cooking School (Dallas Lovers Lane)
Thursday, January 30: National Croissant Day
Friday, January 31: Le Freak at Legacy Hall; Chicago Tribute — Windy City at Granada Theater
Saturday, February 1: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Community Beer Co. 12-Year Anniversary Party; 80s in Aspen at Henry’s Majestic
Sunday, February 2: Stars vs. Blue Jackets at the American Airlines Center; DMA Free First Sundays — Access for All at the Dallas Museum of Art

NatNews: Issue 149

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:59:35 +0100

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January 20, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 149

WALK IT OFF, WALK IT OFF

In recent years, many researchers have focused more on the benefits—including mood and mental health improvements, increased metabolism, improved sleep quality, increased blood flow, and strengthened bone density—that incorporating walking into one’s life can have.

Some individuals, such as Dallas-area resident Melanie Cortinas, enjoy walking as a form of both exercise and leisure.

“Studies show that walking at an increased speed is a great cardio exercise,” she said. “And at a leisurely pace, there is so much to enjoy through watching and appreciating nature on so many levels.”

Stepping outside for a walk is also an effective way for individuals to take a break from work or other tasks that come with adult life and clear their heads for a bit. Eric Napple, former Dallas resident who recently moved to the Midwest, said he walks an average of two miles each day as a form of “mental fitness” and simply to get outside and unwind.

“For me, walking is great medicine for the mind, body, and soul,” he said. “It can really help on a bad day and even elevate a good day.”

Like Cortinas and Napple, Dallas resident Kirsten Kraske said she loves spending time walking as a form of leisure activity or exercise.

“I have a hard time sitting still, and going for a walk is never hard,” she said. “I have super close access to a trail right behind where I live, and I often call long-distance friends and family when I walk. In a way, it gives me something to do.”

Even if you consider yourself a workout guru, walking can still provide significant advantages for individuals who already exercise on a consistent basis. According to studies conducted by Harvard Medical School, not only does it reduce joint pain and help protect the joints, but it also boosts immune function and helps individuals more effectively avoid illnesses during cold and flu season. Kraske, who regularly works out in a variety of ways, also recognizes that walking can be a great addition to an active person’s routine as well as a beneficial activity for someone who strives to focus more on his or her overall health.

“Walking is a low-impact form of cardio, so adding in an additional 20 minutes of it daily wouldn’t be that big of an ask,” she said. “For individuals who don’t exercise a lot, walking is the very best place to start, in my opinion. It’s low-impact, you can consistently do it for anywhere from five minutes to an hour daily, and you only need a pair of shoes. If you’re someone looking to get into fitness, walking is 1,000 percent the best place to start.”

Napple, who consistently cycles and lifts weights, said that although the overall advantages provided to one’s body aren’t the main reason he chooses to walk, he still adds in a few extra challenges to improve his fitness levels.

“Several days a week when I walk, I wear a rucksack (backpack with heavy weights) so that there’s more of a physical benefit to me,” he said.

In addition to the mental and physical health improvements one can experience as a result of going for walks more often, getting those steps in has also become a sought-after form of social activity for many people.

“It’s great to go on walks with friends, talk to people on the phone while you’re walking, or go on a walk for a date,” Napple said.

While Cortinas prefers to listen to audiobooks and walk alone with her dog, which she said has positive effects for both the human and the pet, she acknowledges that social walking can certainly be enjoyable.

“Many people and cultures prefer to walk in a group setting,” she said. “Spending quality time with peers and family will always be a benefit.”

That quality time is something Kraske highly values when walking with others.

“It’s a great way for me to catch up with friends and family on the phone or in person,” she said. “For some reason, I think it takes the stress out of sitting across from someone for an hour. Instead, you’re both actively moving, and that seems to help the conversation flow more easily.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Because Pringles are made with dehydrated processed potatoes and not real potatoes, the FDA ruled in 1975 that Pringles can only be labeled as chips with the disclaimer “potato chips made from dried potatoes.” Instead, Pringles renamed the product potato “crisps.”

IS RCS A MOVE TOWARD APPLE AND ANDROID BEING FRIENDS?

For years, iPhone users have experienced a variety of frustrations when texting with Android users. Green text bubbles aside, issues such as low-quality pictures and videos, the lack of option for read receipts, features not working consistently across platforms, and several drawbacks in group texts have become common complaints from loyal Appleites.

Recently, however, with the upgrade to Apple’s iOS 18, the rich communication services (RCS) component has helped make iPhones more compatible with Androids. Previous operating systems used short message service (SMS), which had a character limit of 160 and lacked support for multimedia capabilities in texting. While individuals might not fully understand what it means to use RCS over SMS, Dallas resident Juliette Vielhauer said she believes that most iPhone users are at least aware of RCS with Apple’s recent update.

“Before that, RCS wasn’t widely discussed or used, so many people may not have known the difference,” she said. “SMS, on the other hand, has been the standard for so long that it’s more familiar to most users.”

There are many individuals who prefer Apple products and likely don’t pay much attention to what types of texts are sent if they aren’t iMessages, though. Dallas-area resident Adrian Acevedo, who is dedicated to the iPhone, said he does not know many people who understand the difference between RCS and SMS.

“Apple users are so connected with the Apple ecosystem that they have no idea about anything outside of Apple,” he said.

But those who use iPhones are not the only ones who are unconcerned about being kept apprised of all of the technology acronyms associated with their devices. Tara Janke, who lives in the San Diego area, opts for the Android life but doesn’t fret over how her messages are being sent.

“My texts are SMS, and I have no idea what that means,” she said.

Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard, who owns and operates his own IT business and is also the entire IT Department for NatNews, said he doesn’t think most people know what RCS is or how it differs from SMS, but they don’t necessarily need to understand it to be affected by it.

“Since Apple finally updated most of its users to support RCS, I think a lot of people have already noticed some of the differences,” he said. “I am very happy that Apple finally got its head out of its ass and decided to play nice with the rest of the world.”

Odegard, who is obviously an Android user, said Apple didn’t update its operating system to use RCS by choice, though.

“Apple did it because the EU said it had to in the EU, and Apple just didn’t want to maintain different systems across different areas—just like when it was forced to use USB-C ports instead of its own ports,” he said. “Apple still doesn’t fully support the RCS standards that were created by many other tech companies that worked together to create it, so messages between iPhone and non-iPhone devices are still not encrypted, but that doesn’t affect most users.”

Apple users who have updated to iOS 18 and Android users might not notice significant differences when texting, but certain features (e.g., being able to see the three-dot bubble when someone is typing, confirmation that a text was delivered, and read receipts) have at least made some people’s attitudes a little more positive. Aside from recognizing a benefit in group texting, Vielhauer said RCS doesn’t change much in her day-to-day texting with those who prefer Android devices.

“The update has had a minor positive impact for me, mainly in that it allows for adding and removing people from group chats when there’s an Android user involved,” she said. “Other than that, the experience doesn’t feel significantly different.”

The RCS updates haven’t perfected group texting among varying devices, though, and Odegard said Apple is at fault for this.

“Apple’s still not smart enough,” he said. “RCS is only mostly working and only in one-on-one chats or in group chats where everyone in the group supports RCS. If one person in a group chat doesn’t support RCS (like an iPhone user who refuses to update their phone), then the whole group doesn’t really support it.”

Regardless of the changes RCS may or may not have brought, there are still certain differences between iMessages and texts with Android users that some iPhone devotees will never choose to overlook.

“I think RCS improves the experience by being able to show read receipts, but as long as the text bubble is green, Apple users will not like that,” Acevedo said.

Vielhauer isn’t too bothered by some of her text bubbles not being blue, though, and said that messaging with Android users has never felt arduous or annoying for her.

“The green bubble is just a visual difference—it doesn’t affect the overall experience,” she said. “While the iMessage offers some unique features, the core communication with Android users is just as simple, and I don’t see any major obstacles in continuing to text across platforms.”

While the move to using RCS in its operating system is a small step Apple took to try to be more compatible with Androids, there are still plenty of doubters who don’t believe that Apple will ever fully allow its customers to integrate with its non-customers. Janke, who said she appreciates that she can now see when her texts are delivered to iPhone users, said she thinks it’s by design that an Apple user texting with an Android user will never be as easy as iMessage communication with fellow Apple users.

“Apple’s goal is to make it so tough and annoying that everyone moves to Apple,” she said.

And even though he is proud to remain loyal to his iPhone, Acevedo agrees with Janke.

“I don’t think texting an Android will get easier because Apple wants you to stay in its ecosystem,” he said. “Apple knows how to influence its customers and will find ways to make it harder to text or communicate with Android users.”

As expected, Odegard also does not foresee any ideal compatibility ever happening between iPhone and Android users. He said this is the result of Apple only caring about making money rather than about any actual human beings.

“Apple doesn’t even care about its own users and intentionally makes the user experience [crappy] when that user chooses to interact with a non-iPhone user,” he said. “Apple thinks it’s going to convince everyone to switch to the iPhone, but all it does is piss off its own users.”

Odegard also said the level of concern is unbalanced, though, as the differences don’t upset Android users.

“We love seeing iPhone users cry about it—their tears are delicious,” he said. “Maybe one day Apple will stop acting like a spoiled kid who doesn’t want to share toys with other kids, especially when all of the other kids are trying to share their toys with Apple.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some of the NatNews staff was honored to help celebrate dear reader Damon Yousefy’s birthday last week

Upcoming
Events

Monday, January 20: College Football Playoff National Championship; WWE Monday Night Raw at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, January 21: Free Rooftop Movie — Wonka at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, January 22: Candlelight — Coldplay x Imagine Dragons at Frontiers of Flight Museum; Dallasites101 Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 22–30) at Dave & Buster’s Dallas
Thursday, January 23: National Handwriting Day
Friday, January 24: Stars vs. Golden Knights at the American Airlines Center; George Strait Tribute — King George at Legacy Hall
Saturday, January 25: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Mavs vs. Celtics at the American Airlines Center; Trelli Takes Dallas at Spider Murphy’s; The Village Fitness & Wellness Market at the Drey Hotel — The Village Dallas; Elton John Tribute — The Elton Johns at Granada Theater; Meet Me at the Museum — Jazz at the Dallas Museum of Art
Sunday, January 26: Puppy Yoga at Satya Yoga

NatNews: Issue 148

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 12:59:38 +0100

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January 13, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 148

THE GREAT BLEU CHEESE DEBATE

There are many controversial issues that exist in this world, and there is one that certainly cannot be ignored—whether or not bleu cheese should exist and be consumed by humans by choice. (As a side note, this particular type of cheese is believed to have originated in Roquefort, France, so henceforth, the French spelling of bleu will be used). While it is rich in calcium and has potential health benefits, bleu cheese is also high in fat and sodium and contains mold of a bluish hue (thus, the name was born).

According to a recent NatNews research initiative, of those individuals who participated in the online survey conducted, 45 percent enjoy eating bleu cheese, 43 percent are repulsed by its taste and smell, 9 percent are simply indifferent to its existence, and 4 percent have never actually tried it.

Dallas-area resident Bill Smith opts to be on the bleu cheese train and said he enjoys pairing it with certain flavors.

“I think it goes well on Maytag chips or as a wedge with bacon,” he said. “I especially like its fancy cousin, Gorgonzola, in sauces. They just pair well with red meat. I also dislike the fact that blue things rarely occur as edible in nature.”

Dallas resident Sydney Kinder, however, who said she loves all other types of cheese, cannot get on board with Smith when it comes to this particular option.

“It’s so strong and tastes nasty,” she said.

And then there are some individuals who have an aversion to bleu cheese because they simply don’t like cheese. At all.

“Pretty much all cheese tastes like bile to me,” Dallas resident Aaron Byrkit said.

An area of concern for some people is the idea of consuming a food that contains mold. For those who have mold allergies or weakened immune systems, it’s best to steer clear of bleu cheese altogether. For others, it’s more a matter or preference and individual level of comfort allowing mold to enter into one’s digestive system. For Smith, the mold is not an issue.

“I think bleu cheese gets a bad rap because people think that it is the only ‘moldy’ cheese, but there are others that disguise themselves well,” he said. “Brie is moldy but finds itself at all of the fancy parties—like its appearance got it a seat at the popular table.”

Byrkit also isn’t bothered by the notion of eating mold-ridden foods, but he will still avoid bleu cheese simply because it does not appease his palate.

“I’d eat other things that have mold, as long as it’s safe and I like the way it tastes,” he said. “I just can’t do the taste of bleu cheese.”

Kinder, on the other hand, is disturbed by the mere thought of such an idea and will not be putting anything on her plate that contains mold.

“It’s concerning that others are not bothered,” she said.

Regardless of whether or not it should compete with some of the more popular and beloved cheeses, bleu cheese has even become an obvious main ingredient in the often sought-after bleu cheese dressing, which people douse on their salads or use as a dipping sauce for wings. To the shock of many, there are some individuals who claim bleu cheese dressing is better than ranch. Kinder is appalled by this claim, though despite her hatred of bleu cheese, she will still enjoy the dressing on occasion.

“They are crazy,” she said. “Although, I don’t mind blue cheese dressing with wings.”

Like Kinder, Byrkit also prefers ranch, though he doesn’t ever bring bleu cheese dressing into the mix.

“I don’t put ranch on salads, but I will dip wings or pizza in it sometimes,” he said.

Smith, however, doesn’t believe that there needs to be any type of argument over which dressing is superior—he sees them as equals.

“Both can be found on wings at the bar on game day or dressing up the salad at a wedding,” he said. “I wouldn’t rank one over the other. I would just say the fact that we debate these notions is as American as rooting for the Cowboys versus Eagles or liking Ford versus Chevy.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Giraffes’ elastic-walled blood vessels that dilate and constrict to manage blood flow as well as their tight skin around their legs that acts like compression socks, helping efficiently circulate their blood, have inspired several aspects of modern spacesuits created by NASA.

THE SELF-DRIVING CAR — ARE YOU READY FOR IT?

Innovative technology continues to make its way into people’s daily lives, particularly in vehicles. Other than the fact that tape cassette decks and even CD players are highly uncommon in more modern cars, there are now options that make even drivers a thing of the past.

Evan Shieh, an assistant professor at New York Institute of Technology, said he rode in Amazon’s Zoox fully autonomous ride-hail vehicle last year as part of research he was conducting on self-driving vehicles for his new book, Autonomous Urbanism: Towards a New Transitopia.

“[It] explores the latent and transformative impact autonomous vehicles will have on the future-built environment of cities,” Shieh said.

Some notable features he mentioned in the Zoox in which he rode include shuttle-style doors and inward-facing seats that Shieh said make the vehicle seem more similar to a “public shuttle.” He said there are also various amenities—including charging ports, temperature control, and music selection options—per seat for passengers to enjoy. One thing he didn’t notice, though, was a drastic difference in how the car got him from one place to another.

“The vehicle maneuvering experience was nearly indistinguishable from a human-driven vehicle,” he said. “The vehicle itself was, however, redesigned ground-up with the passenger and traveling experience rethought, which made the experience much more unique than a typical car and even different from other self-driving vehicles that are currently focusing on just retrofitting existing vehicles.”

One concern many individuals have regarding self-driving options is the overall safety and reliability of arriving at a destination on time, particularly in situations involving time crunches (such as catching one’s flight at the airport). Dallas-area resident Stephanie Hone said she is somewhat skeptical.

“Have you ever seen that episode of The Office when Michael trusts the GPS, and he drives right into a lake?” she said. “I’m not saying I wouldn’t ever ride in one. I mean, humans aren’t necessarily trustworthy, either. I guess I would just be nervous about it being faulty or becoming destructive—like driving you off the highway.”

Shieh said the reliability of these vehicles is contingent upon the service model of the specific vehicle as well as the methods of operation employed and how the individuals riding in the vehicle choose to use them. There is also the possibility of autonomous vehicles increasing traffic and overall congestion of city streets.

“They could be sent home by their owners to park freely at home, or they could roam around the streets empty while waiting for their owners, instead of having to pay for parking,” Shieh said. “If they are deployed as fleet ownership models through mobility as a service (similar to Uber and Lyft), they could also possibly increase traffic and congestion as empty driverless vehicles circle our streets looking for passengers to pick up.”

Shieh said research has indicated that transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft actually add miles traveled on city streets because they are often the easier and more appealing option than public transit, walking, and biking in situations that include limited or expensive parking options. As a result, such companies are competing with the alternative modes of transportation rather than with individual cars, and what ensues are more cars and miles traveling on the road and additional traffic.

“It is only if driverless vehicles are rethought and used more like an extension of transit services that can incentivize the movement of more people in less urban space that there could be possible time savings from decreased traffic on our city streets,” he said.

Despite the room for improvement and the unknowns, Shieh said he does believe that self-driving vehicles will continue to grow in popularity and become the future of ride-share options.

“It is only a matter of time before they proliferate all over our cities,” he said. “The current model of their deployment will primarily be through ride sharing and mobility as a service, which will have the exciting possibility to transition our mobility away from individual ownership and, in fact, release much of the land that we dedicate in cities to parking all of those privately owned cars.”

On average, 22 percent of urban land area in U.S. cities with more than 1 million people is used for parking and storage of vehicles.

“A shift toward mobility as a service presents exciting opportunities to rethink new urban purposes for this space and land (from parking lots, street parking, parking garages, etc.) for new uses, ranging from affordable housing to landscapes and parks and more,” Shieh said. “This is the possible exciting future for our cities if we deploy driverless vehicles in the right way.”

Not everyone is ready to release human control behind the wheel into the hands of technology, though. Dallas-area resident Kyle Burnett has never ridden in a self-driving car, but he also doesn’t have a desire to do so anytime soon.

“I would be afraid to, but I handle auto insurance litigation, so all vehicle issues give me anxiety,” he said. “And although I think the acceptance of self-driving cars will grow, I would prefer the technology to improve a bit more.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff and some dear readers recently enjoyed tortilla soup + tacos and the cinematic masterpiece How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days together

Upcoming
Events

Monday, January 13: National Sticker Day
Tuesday, January 14: Free Rooftop Movie — Steel Magnolias (celebrating Dolly Parton’s upcoming birthday) at Sundown at Granada; Dallasites101 Mocktail Making Class at Sixty Vines Uptown
Wednesday, January 15: Dallas Career Fair at Hyatt Regency Dallas
Thursday, January 16: Stars vs. Canadiens at the American Airlines Center
Friday, January 17: Mavs vs. Thunder at the American Airlines Center; Wizard Fest Dallas at Trees (additional info on the Facebook page)
Saturday, January 18: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Rod Wave at the American Airlines Center; The Spazmatics at Legacy Hall; Brick Fest Live at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (also on Sunday)
Sunday, January 19: Meet Me at the Museum Brunch at the DMA; Dolly Parton Brunch at Community Beer Co.

NatNews: Issue 147

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 12:59:39 +0100

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January 6, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 147

"TREAT YOURSELF LIKE THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE"

When a new year begins, many individuals like to take the opportunity to reset, develop new habits, and set new goals. For some people, doing so might include different forms of self-care to experience a higher quality of life.

Gretchen Rubin, New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project, suggests that making time for small treats to provide oneself on a daily basis can heavily impact a person’s overall happiness. Similarly, David G. Allan, CNN features executive editor, believes that intentionally giving oneself a daily “present” will help spark joy. The gifts to which each of these authors refer don’t necessarily require any monetary purchase—they can simply include something each day (e.g., reading, playing a game with family, chatting with a friend, eating outside, taking a bath, etc.) that feels like a little treat. While they might seem small, they can have significant impacts in the lives of the individuals who take part in this practice.

“I’ve had phases of my life when I have taken time each morning with a cup of tea and some time to meditate and journal,” Dallas-area resident Arinda Cale said. “In the past six months, I’ve not really taken that time because life has been a bit consuming. I’ve made a commitment to myself to do this daily in 2025—no excuses—because it makes such a difference.”

Cale said she thinks that prioritizing making concerted efforts to “treat” oneself is an essential component of an individual’s overall well-being.

“In my opinion, taking time to connect with yourself and giving yourself time and attention will ground you faster than anything,” she said, “and being grounded in who you are will keep you from compromising your values.”

Some individuals might not necessarily gift themselves in different ways every single day but do attempt to do so on a rather consistent basis. Dallas resident Bob Heine said he estimates that he focuses on “me time” an average of five times each week.

“I completed the 75 Hard challenge a couple of years ago, and that experience taught me to prioritize myself more often than I had previously,” he said. “Reading almost daily is a result of that. I also meditate and spend time recounting recent experiences for positives and for learning opportunities.”

Heine said he thinks that it’s important for a person to take time for himself or herself and check in to see how that individual is progressing toward goals.

“Looking back and noticing your achievements—both large and small—helps promote a more positive mindset,” he said.

In terms of prioritizing giving himself little “presents,” Heine said over the last two years, he has made efforts to focus on himself more than he has in the past.

“I can’t comment on research in this area, but in my personal experience, compared to any other time in my adult life, I’ve had the least amount of drama, anxiety, and negative experiences,” he said.

And the positive outcomes that often ensue can start with a simple mindset shift that leads to taking action. In the same way that it is a valuable and meaningful practice to treat others with kindness, Cale believes that it’s also wise to act in the same way toward oneself.

“I think the little ‘presents’ are so important,” she said. “Also, take yourself on vacation, and buy yourself something special when you can. Basically, treat yourself like the love of your life. Show up for yourself like you would show up for anyone you love.”

DID YOU KNOW?

At the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, there is a distinctive space called the “Recombobulation Area” for travelers to recompose themselves and put their items back in order after going through the security checkpoint.

TAKE A LOOK — IT'S IN A BOOK

Though reading is a common pastime, studies indicate that only 32 percent of the U.S. population reads books for the pure enjoyment of doing so. However, getting into the habit of reading regularly can be highly beneficial, including in terms of social cognition abilities and overall empathy and understanding of others.

The amount of time spent reading doesn’t need to be extravagant, though, and can differ from person to person. Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen said he reads his Bible and a devotional every morning, though the frequency of additional reading outside of his morning routine is not as consistent.

“Sometimes I’ll read for pleasure for 30 minutes a day or more, sometimes not at all,” he said. “At the moment, I’m closer to the 30-minutes-a-day side of the pendulum.”

People who read by choice and not because of requirements for school, work, etc. also have varying reasons for doing so. For Borkenhagen, reading is an opportunity to escape into a place that isn’t his norm.

“I enjoy the creative, imaginative aspect of reading—being transported to a different world and imagining myself in that world,” he said. “It’s especially great when that world hasn’t been made for me by a movie.”

Like Borkenhagen, Dallas-area resident Katie Kennedy Laing averages approximately 30 minutes per day of reading. She said she appreciates the opportunity to learn more and expand her horizons.

“I like reading fiction to converse with friends and see if I have different opinions than they do,” she said. “Similarly, I like historical fiction and/or nonfiction to learn more about the world.”

Anna Tobkin, who lives in the Kansas City area, said she enjoys becoming absorbed in stories, though she is almost exclusively an audiobook listener.

“Physical reading isn’t my jam, but I love a good audiobook,” she said. “I listen almost anytime I’m in the car, so primarily to and from work. My commute is about 25 minutes, so it’s a perfect time to get a good dent in each book.”

Tobkin said one reason she is such a fan of audiobooks is because they provide different worlds for her to imagine while she does something she considers monotonous, such as driving.

“I also enjoy hearing the delivery of the story by the voice actors,” she said. “It adds so much color beyond the words on pages.”

While Tobkin only started going through several books each year a couple of years ago, she said the hobby has allowed her to develop a deeper appreciation for storytelling as well as help her to relax.

“Listening to an audiobook after work is a good way for me to unwind,” she said.

For Borkenhagen, he said the most significant benefit he has experienced from reading is an increased understanding of the world and more exposure to certain aspects of it.

“Reading allows me to see ‘real’ problems or ideas through the authors’ eyes,” he said. “I like seeing what others have to say and the ways they do that through all of the various forms of writing.”

Individuals who consistently read also benefit in other ways, including improved brain health and strengthened problem-solving skills. Kennedy Laing said reading has helped expand her vocabulary and allowed her to have more in-depth conversations with people in her life.

“I think reading makes everyone more conversational,” she said. “When we read, we can have discussions about either real or fictional things that lead to more thoughtful conversations.”

Borkenhagen said he also recognizes the positive impacts reading has on a person’s intelligence.

“It’s almost imperceptible, like osmosis or something,” he said. “I feel like one big part of that is simply attention span. Being able to sit down and read words on a page instead of being on our phones doomscrolling through Instagram can only be good for us.”

Both fiction and nonfiction books can not only increase knowledge but can also help people develop or improve their cultural awareness.

“I definitely think reading makes people smarter and gives perspective of different worlds other than the ones they live in,” Tobkin said. “Reading about the struggles and events of others helps a reader understand more about their world.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Lena Medrano (right) recently celebrated her 10th birthday and even let her brother, Bors, have one of her treats

Upcoming
Events

Monday, January 6: Uncommon Ramen with Christopher Puertas at Uchiba Dallas
Tuesday, January 7: Mavs vs. Lakers at the American Airlines Center; Free Rooftop Movie — Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, January 8: Dallasites101 Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 26–36) at Happiest Hour
Thursday, January 9: Mavs vs. Trailblazers at the American Airlines Center
Friday, January 10: Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium; Maroon 5 Tribute — Animals at Legacy Hall
Saturday, January 11: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Thomas Craig at Dallas Comedy Club; Reset for the New Year at Hotel Swexan
Sunday, January 12: National Pharmacist Day; Mavs vs. Nuggets at the American Airlines Center

NatNews: Issue 146

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 12:59:35 +0100

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December 30, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 146

"I WANT TO QUIT THE GYM!"

With a new year about to get underway, the number of people working out is likely to increase for a bit, but that gym-rat dedication might not last. Research indicates that approximately 50 percent of individuals who join gyms terminate their memberships within the first six months. However, calling it quits with a gym isn’t always the easiest process—it’s actually purposely made to be inconvenient.

Most gyms have expensive fixed costs (e.g., equipment upkeep, rent, etc.), and because many members typically don’t make purchases outside of their monthly membership expenses, gyms often charge upfront fees and try to ensure long-term commitments from members.

However, as someone who used to work at such an establishment, Dallas resident Damon Yousefy knows that gyms make large portions of their profits from members who don’t use their facilities often or at all.

“Making it difficult to quit helps retain these profitable members, and many people give up since the cost may not be very high, and they tell themselves that they will use the memberships later,” he said.

Dallas resident Virginia Altick said she thinks gyms make it more challenging for members to terminate their commitments because a majority of the revenue of high-value, low-price gyms comes from the members who pay their monthly fees but don’t actually use the facilities or amenities.

“In order to keep this revenue, gyms make it a major pain for members to cancel in the hopes that they will also give up on the cancellation process,” she said.

Regardless of the level of difficulty of the quitting process, it’s not uncommon to come across someone who has a gym membership that remains unused. Yousefy said he thinks people stay members because they likely do not see the cost as too damaging to their bank accounts, and they might believe that they will potentially take advantage of their memberships later.

“You’ll see many of these members between January 1 and February 28 as part of the new year’s resolution annual crowding of gyms,” he said.

There are several exercise options available to people, including a variety of boutique fitness studios with specialty workouts. Altick, however, said she used to work at many of these styles of businesses and knows how pricey they can be.

“I think if a member has found a high-value, low-price gym where the monthly fee is less than $50 per month, they just keep it for the option to work out, whether they go regularly or not,” she said.

Quitting a gym can become even more complicated if it changes ownership. This recently happened to members of Texas Family Fitness, which merged with Planet Fitness with no prior notice to members—or employees. Previous Texas Family Fitness members automatically became Planet Fitness members on December 16 (and many were charged an annual fee by Planet Fitness with no warning), and they were required to go to a Planet Fitness location to cancel. While Altick was not part of this merger, she said she did have a strange experience involving Planet Fitness with the closing of Impact Fitness (formerly White Rock Athletic Club and then Gold’s Gym at Northcliff and Buckner).

“It seems they sold the memberships to Planet Fitness, so I had to trace my membership there, only to be required to show up in person to cancel at this place I had never been to before,” she said. “I was determined, though, as at the time, I preferred to follow my trainer to the White Rock YMCA. Thankfully, the associate granted me the cancellation once I showed up in person.”

In a situation somewhat similar to Altick’s but overall not as demanding of his efforts, Yousefy was a member of a Gold’s Gym in Dallas that closed its location after bankruptcy, and his membership was sold to Cowboys Fit.

“I promptly quit, and since it was during the pandemic, they allowed me to cancel over the phone, although this took an hour,” he said.

Yousefy, a bankruptcy attorney, said it is legal and commonplace for gym memberships to be transferred automatically when mergers take place.

“There is often a grace period in which they enable members whose memberships are altered to be canceled without a penalty,” he said, “so it’s important to read the signs in the gym and the emails, so as not to miss anything if your membership is transferred or otherwise altered.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Shanghai has more than 9,500 coffee shops, the most in the world, while New York City has more than 3,700, the most in the U.S.

NEW YEAR'S EVE — MIDNIGHT ISN'T FOR EVERYONE

Celebrating the closing of a chapter of one year to beginning the next has become a tradition many individuals enjoy, though such celebrations don’t always look the same for everyone. Recent research revealed that only a small percentage of individuals opt for going out to bars or clubs for New Year’s Eve, while the majority prefer to stay home with family. Other popular activities include attending parties at friends’ places or hosting gatherings.

Anaheim resident Khuyen Vu said she enjoys the holiday evening much more when she is able to remain in the comforts of her own home.

“It’s crazy out there on New Year’s Eve,” she said.

Vu also doesn’t choose to stay awake until midnight to see the clock turn the page to a new year.

“I don’t stay up these days because I’m exhausted from work,” she said. “I enjoy getting to sleep by 10 p.m. each day so that I’m not groggy the next day.”

Other individuals, including Dallas resident Alexis Derrow, enjoy the opportunity to treat this one night each year a bit differently.

“I’d prefer to go to a fancy-dress house party or host one,” Derrow said. “I want to get dressed up, and I want to be able to get a drink fairly easily, and I want to dance.”

And unlike Vu, Derrow thinks that staying up until midnight is a necessary part of the experience.

“You’ve got to get that New Year’s Eve kiss,” she said, “and, lately, eat grapes under a table in a perhaps misguided attempt to find love.”

But not everyone uses grapes or other traditions to manifest a fresh start. Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard said he doesn’t necessarily get excited simply because a new year is beginning, though he enjoys reasons to spend time with the people in his life.

“Sure, I get an extra day off of work, but the gym is also about to get stupid crowded,” he said. “My best friend’s birthday is on New Year’s Eve, and I like that we always have dinner to celebrate her because it brings together lots of friends who only get together a few times a year now.”

And Odegard does prefer to continue celebrating New Year’s Eve after the birthday dinner, but he said you likely won’t find him out on the town dressed to the nines that night.

“I’m not a fan of the fancy parties with $100 tickets and 45-minute drink lines,” he said. “I’d much rather go to a chill bar or someone’s house or whatever location brings more people together.”

The tradition of celebrating the start of a new year began long ago in Mesopotamia in 2000 B.C., when Babylonians held an 11-day religious festival called Akitu to recognize the vernal equinox at the end of March. Marking January 1 as the start of a new year dates back to 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed the solar-based Julian calendar, and the first day of the year was meant to honor Janus, the Roman god of beginnings who had two faces, signifying that he could go back to the past and move forward to the future.

In more modern times, the tradition of the ball dropping originated in 1829 in Portsmouth, England, while the first in the U.S. was in 1845 in Washington, D.C. However, the tradition of dropping the ball in Times Square in New York City on New Year’s Eve first took place in 1907. This year, more than one million people are expected to pack Times Square to watch the six-ton ball with 2,700 sparkling crystals descend to ring in the new year. Vu said she thinks individuals make such a spectacle of the holiday because it’s a chance for them to start anew.

“It gives people the opportunity to put the past behind and be hopeful for what’s to come in the new year,” she said.

Similarly, Derrow said she believes that it is the potential for fresh possibilities that many people want to recognize and celebrate.

“The new year gives humanity hope that this year will be better than last year, even if it was a good year,” she said. “People want to start with a bang so that they can set themselves up for success.”

For Odegard, the festivities around New Year’s Eve have less to do with what the next 12 months could hold and are, instead, more about who is with him when the clock strikes midnight.

“I don’t care where we are or what we do,” he said, “as long as I end the year—and start the new one—surrounded by as many friends as possible.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

After more than a year of waiting, the NatNews staff and some dear readers were able to enjoy the Beer Mile World Classic short documentary

Upcoming
Events

Tuesday, December 31: 21st Annual Loop-the-Lake New Year’s Eve Run at the Filter Building; Stars vs. Sabres at the American Airlines Center
Wednesday, January 1: Copyright Law Day
Thursday, January 2: Stars vs. Senators at the American Airlines Center
Friday, January 3: Mavs vs. Cavaliers at the American Airlines Center; SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at Gerald Ford Stadium; The Prince Experience at House of Blues Dallas; Store Tour — Taste of Eataly at Eataly Dallas
Saturday, January 4: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Garth Brooks Tribute — Shameless at Legacy Hall; MxPx with The Ataris at House of Blues Dallas

NatNews: Issue 145

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:58:37 +0100

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December 23, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 145

DOES IT MATTER WHEN—OR IF—YOU SHOWER EACH DAY?

For a variety of reasons, people have different habits and routines, including when they prefer to or are able to shower during the day.

According to a recent initiative conducted by NatNews, of those dear readers who participated in the online study, 29 percent typically shower in the morning, 34 percent opt for evening showers, 4 percent shower in the middle of the day, and 33 percent said their shower times are not always consistent and/or are contingent upon various factors. A beloved European dear reader said he prefers an early shower so that he can start his day with a fresh feeling.

“I usually shower in the morning after the gym or just to feel clean in the morning if I haven’t worked out,” U.K. resident Craig Stewart (a.k.a. British Craig) said.

Many individuals, however, including Dallas resident Keith Jensen, prefer to shower at night so that they feel clean before hopping into their sheets.

“I shower for all different reasons, but I always shower before I get in bed,” he said. “Being outside all day or around people is 100 percent going to get germs of some sort on you. Just like we think it’s gross to eat without washing our hands, I think it’s gross to take those germs into bed and lie in them all night and let them collect until you wash your sheets.”

Like Jensen, Dallas resident Lyndsey Kohn prefers to shower in the evenings as a form of not only getting clean but also finding a calming source to help prepare her for a night’s rest.

“It’s the first step in my wind-down routine and washes off the day, so to speak,” she said. “I feel like I’ve trained my brain to start relaxing once my shower head goes off.”

However, Kohn said she also enjoys midday showers and takes them often, especially if she simply needs some sort of pick-me-up activity to help her through the rest of the day.

“Lunch showers are so elite,” she said. “I usually take them to give my brain a break and think about ideas or projects I am working on. I think there is something therapeutic about taking a self-care break with no screens and to just sit with yourself for a bit. It breaks up the day, and I guarantee you will probably feel immensely better after a shower.”

As Kohn indicated, even those who have somewhat standard showering routines change things up every once in a while. While Jensen said night showering is a ritual because of the germ factors he mentioned, he will throw in the occasional off-schedule shower when needed.

“I will sometimes shower if I don’t feel good or am stuffed up, as warm water eases my muscles, and the steam seems to break up the mucus,” he said.

Just as individuals have different preferences regarding when they prefer to shower, they also have varying viewpoints on whether or not showering is essential on a daily basis. Research indicates that approximately two-thirds of Americans shower daily, while more than 80 percent of Australians do so. In China, however, roughly 50 percent of individuals shower only twice per week.

According to Harvard Medical School, showering every day can actually be detrimental to one’s health, causing dry or irritated skin, upsetting the balance of microorganisms, and reducing the ability of the immune system to do its job. Health experts suggest that if you need to shower every day because you are grimy or sweaty or have other reasons to do so, it’s best to take short showers (three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin.

Stewart said going one day without showering is fine, especially if the individual is working from home, but he would make sure to shower first thing the next morning—and certainly before encountering anyone—if he skipped a day.

“I would never go out and meet friends if I hadn’t showered,” he said. “I think it’s poor hygiene and a bit lazy not to shower.”

Jensen said he knows the daily shower discussion is a personal topic on which people will have different views, so it’s best to go with what makes you feel most comfortable.

“But I wouldn’t go a day without showering,” he said. “Again, it just feels fresher in bed when everything, including yourself, is clean.”

A different topic for a different day is how often washing one’s hair is necessary. For many individuals, Harvard’s suggested three- or four-minute shower will obviously not be possible on hair-washing day. Kohn understands such a distinction all too well.

“To clarify, there is a big difference between not washing your hair and not showering every day,” she said. “Personally, I can’t stand not washing my body daily. I would feel like I needed to wash my sheets afterward if I went to bed dirty. That said, especially with having longer hair, I try to wash my hair only a few times a week to keep it healthier.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Horses have historically been a significant part of Mongolian culture, and in the modern day, some individuals even attend raves while on horseback.

THE OTHER STANLEY CUP

While professional hockey players strive to one day hoist the sought-after Stanley Cup, other individuals carry around a different Stanley cup—and often with just as much pride as an NHL champion.

In 2019, a company that wasn’t racking up a significant amount of sales suddenly went viral with the help of social media and various influencers who assured their followers that the Stanley Quencher is the greatest beverage container to exist, noting its extreme durability and ability to keep drinks cold and hot.

Dallas-area resident Libby Shewski, who stays hip and updated on current trends as a club volleyball coach of 12-year-olds, joked that she originally purchased a Stanley cup because it was the cool thing to do, and she wanted to fit in. However, she also appreciates the convenience it provides.

“Seriously, though, I like how it keeps your water cold and fits in a cup holder,” she said. “I was using a Yeti cup with a straw before the Stanley, which didn’t fit in my cup holder, and that was a struggle.”

For Shewski, the cup-holder factor has been the most significant benefit of having a Stanley Quencher, though she will admit that the cup does have at least one drawback.

“I know that more cups have created their own 40-ounce water bottles that also fit in a cup holder, but I’m committed to the Stanley right now because it was expensive, and I don’t want to have a ton of cups,” she said. “I don’t like that it spills, though. I bring it to practice, and a kid always manages to hit a ball and knock it over, which is unfortunate.”

Shewski certainly isn’t the only person committed to using her Stanley cup over other options—the company brought in more than $750 million in revenue in 2023. Not everyone supports the craze, though.

“I do not understand what the hoopla is around those dang cups,” Dallas-area resident Rachel Balthrop Mendoza said. “There are other brands (save for the OG ones from like 40+ years ago) that do just as well, if not better, at insulating as those.”

From a practical standpoint, spending the money on a Stanley cup simply wouldn’t make much sense for Balthrop Mendoza, who suggested that she might be somewhat of a Goldilocks when it comes to the temperature of her beverages.

“I’m weird about not necessarily needing things to stay cold, unless it’s really hot outside,” she said. “When I want to keep my coffee hot, I use insulated cups that have been gifted to me or that I’ve bought because I like the design. Even then, though, I don’t want the cup to keep my coffee so hot that I can’t drink it.”

Earlier this month, 2.6 million Stanley Switchback and Trigger Action stainless steel travel mugs were recalled for having faulty lids that pose burn hazards. Additionally, some school districts and universities have banned the cups for various reasons, including safety and health concerns, frequent spill occurrences, too many resulting bathroom breaks, and incidences of bullying.

Regardless of any bans and imperfections, the cup still has plenty of devoted customers. Shewski acknowledged that social media has helped make Stanley so popular. The brand originally targeted older men when William Stanley invented the steel vacuum-sealed bottle in 1913 after graduating from Yale University. The target demographic has since shifted, now primarily focusing on millennial and Gen Z women.

“At first, it was the cup-holder thing, then it came out in pretty colors, then it was so hard to find that more people wanted it,” Shewski said. “I know people who have lots of Stanleys in different colors because they collect them.”

Collecting Stanley cups is not that uncommon—one woman even has 37 of them. While Balthrop Mendoza will not be one of those collectors, she does acknowledge that the brand has used effective marketing strategies to continue to grow.

“At some point a few years ago, they were able to put some kitschy design or color or whatever the ‘in’ fad was at the time on the cups and capitalize on it,” she said. “And I’m sure they did since those things sell for almost $50 a pop or more. All I know is that I have about 15 insulated cups in my cabinet, and not one of them has Stanley written on it.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Lily Hays wishes you the merriest Christmas and hopes that you love her festive accessory

Upcoming
Events

Monday, December 23: Festivus
Tuesday, December 24: Make & Take — Reindeer & Wreath Cookies for the Holidays at Central Market
Wednesday, December 25: Mavs vs. Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, December 26: Peter Pan at Music Hall at Fair Park (runs December 25–January 5)
Friday, December 27: Stars vs. Wild at the American Airlines Center; Dave Matthews Tribute — The Grux at Sundown at Granada
Saturday, December 28: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the American Airlines Center (also a 7:30 p.m. show); Taylor Swift Tribute — Lover at Legacy Hall
Sunday, December 29: Adoptable Puppy Yoga at Satya Yoga

NatNews: Issue 144

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 10:56:05 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

December 16, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 144

AN UNEXPECTEDLY CONTROVERSIAL SHOE DEBATE

It’s not uncommon to enter someone’s home and see shoes lined up near the door communicating a message to guests: remove your shoes before going any farther. For many individuals, it’s a cultural practice; for others, the idea of bringing in dirt and germs that live on the bottom of shoes is simply out of the question. However, wearing shoes indoors can help prevent significant health problems, including plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, Achilles tendonitis, and fractures from accidentally tripping over or kicking furniture.

It’s a more controversial topic than one might think, though. According to a recent NatNews research initiative, of those dear readers who participated in the survey, 33 percent said they do not allow shoes in the house, 11 percent do wear shoes indoors, 50 percent sometimes do but also don’t truly care much, and 6 percent don’t typically wear shoes but always wear slippers.

Houston-area resident Darla Hogaboom said she and her husband do not wear shoes in their home and take them off as soon as they walk through the door.

“I don’t like tracking in dirt and whatever gross things attach to the bottom of our shoes through my home and on our rugs,” she said. “I was raised not to wear shoes in the house. It feels very uncomfortable to have them on inside.”

Hogaboom said she has family members who live in other parts of the world in which not wearing shoes in the house is part of the cultural practices. She has also traveled to several countries where shoes are not worn in the home.

“Because of the weather, homes in Scandinavia often have a ‘shoe room’ just inside the door where you take off your shoes,” she said. “It feels unhygienic to wear outside shoes inside. I think it’s a very American thing to do. I remember visiting family in Sweden when my niece was young and her friends asking me if Americans really wore shoes in the house, like she had seen on television. They couldn’t get their heads around it. It was very funny.”

For some individuals, though, wearing shoes in one’s home makes sense. Former Dallas resident Eric Napple, who now lives in the Midwest, said he generally wears shoes, sandals, or slippers in his house.

“I have wood floors and a dog that sheds like it is her job, outside of sleeping,” he said. “If I don’t wear shoes, I just go with no socks because black dog hair sticks to socks. I’m a very clean person, but this thing sheds a small puppy on any given day, depending on the weather."

Like Napple, Grant Harrell also prefers to have shoes on when indoors, unless they are obviously dirty.

“Why not? I don’t have carpet anywhere in my house,” he said. “Who does anymore? Rugs can handle shoes. But if they’re wet from rain or mud, I’ll take them off.”

Harrell said he also doesn’t mind if guests wear shoes in his home.

“Absolutely they can, as long as they aren’t wearing muddy or wet shoes,” he said. “When I’m a guest at someone’s home, I always respect if they want my shoes on or off.”

While Napple is accepting of his guests’ personal decisions, he would prefer they keep their shoes on in his home.

“Come as you are, but I would rather not have someone’s nappy gross feet walking around barefoot, either,” he said. “Who knows where those things have been or the last time they were washed?”

And that’s where the debate gets a little murky at times because that’s how many people feel about shoes. Though Hogaboom has a no-shoes-in-the-house policy, she has a basket of new, clean slippers at her front door that she offers to her guests.

“A lot of these are the free slippers you get at hotels, so don’t be surprised to be offered a pair of hotel-branded slippers when you come over,” she said. “After saying hello, I offer the slippers and say where guests can leave their shoes. I’ve never had anyone balk at the notion before. And I always ask when entering someone else’s home if it’s a shoes-on or shoes-off situation.”

Many foot specialists recommend wearing slippers in the home to avoid discomfort and injury, though some individuals have no problem without them. Hogaboom said she often wears slippers throughout the day, depending on the temperature, though she generally goes barefoot around the house.

“I don’t think it’s weird not to wear shoes inside,” she said. “I can’t imagine sitting comfortably around my own home wearing shoes or propping my feet up on the couch or something with shoes on.”

Harrell, on the other hand, said if he doesn’t have his shoes on, he always wears socks.

“Going barefoot on hardwood floors is no good,” he said. “Plus, when it’s cold, putting bare feet on hardwood floors isn’t comfortable.”

DID YOU KNOW?

If your bathroom tiles contain travertine, they might have neanderthal body parts embedded in them. Travertine is a limestone that forms near natural springs and commonly contains fossils.

SENSES BRINGING BACK VIVID MEMORIES

Every once in a while, a certain song, scent, or sight will conjure up a moment from one’s past, bringing back vivid reminders of where a person was or how he or she felt at the time. This is a form of implicit memory, which is not purposely stored and is used without conscious awareness.

For many individuals, this is especially true with certain songs or artists, as music is often paired with specific emotions for people.

“I think I’m a very nostalgic person, in general, and songs often stir up not necessarily specific memories but an overall feeling of an era in my life,” Dallas resident Darlene Alcocer Estrada said. “For example, if you play ‘One More Time’ by Daft Punk or ‘On Melancholy Hill’ by Gorillaz, I’m instantly back to being 9 years old in the early 2000s, when Toonami would always show the music videos.”

Music also plays a significant role in Dallas-area resident Nikki East’s implicit memory, as certain songs remind her of her mom.

“‘Forever Young’ by Rod Stewart is the song she dedicated to all of her kids,” she said. “Every time I hear it, I immediately think of her. Also, anything by Nat King Cole. She introduced me to him as well as so many others, and he quickly became a favorite of mine. His version of ‘O Holy Night’ is my favorite Christmas song. I remember how we would always listen to Christmas songs from the 1940s era. I still only favor that era when it comes to Christmas carols. Go away, Mariah Carey.”

In addition to the songs and artists that resurface fond memories, East also begins to feel nostalgic when she comes across an image of a Lite-Brite.

“It takes me back to Pennsylvania when I was a kid,” she said. “The attic was our playroom. We had a train set, the Wuzzles, and Huggables, and my brother had a My Buddy and several other toys. But I vividly remember playing with the Lite-Brite all of the time. It was so fun.”

Parents often experience implicit memories with their children during their younger years. For Dallas resident Kevin Roberts, there’s one particular fast-food restaurant whose smell reminds him of a weekly tradition he cherishes.

“My daughter’s elementary school was two blocks from our house, and I worked from home,” he said. “I would take her Chick-fil-A once a week and join her for lunch through probably 4th grade. If I smell a CFA sandwich to this day, it automatically takes me back.”

Music also surfaces flashbacks that go even further back for Roberts to when he was a kid and used to listen to records before going to school.

“There are certain songs that bring back memories of brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts,” he said. “Yes, 55 years later.”

People’s senses have powerful links to memory and emotion, which is why various sights, sounds, and smells can evoke moments from their pasts. Alcocer Estrada said she attaches strong feelings to certain memories, so any little sensory reminder can activate them.

“I will say that the memories that stick with me the most are the ones where I committed an act so ‘cringe’ that I have to physically shake myself out of the memory to remind myself that I’m older, wiser, and—most importantly—cooler than I was back then,” she said. “And, no, I will not elaborate.”

East said she thinks the reason one recollection might be more easily accessed than others is because something impactful is associated with that specific moment that causes it to be ingrained in the psyche. She believes it’s beneficial to reflect on memories, as those experiences—whether good or bad—have led her to become the person she is today.

“While I don’t think we should dwell on negative memories of the past, they do remind us of what not to repeat,” she said. “There are times when I find myself reminiscing with family or friends, and I am laughing uncontrollably. Other times, I may be bawling my eyes out because I miss my mom. Holding onto those memories and revisiting them ensure that we don’t forget those we have lost.”

Similarly, Alcocer Estrada said she thinks that nostalgia can have positive impacts on people.

“We can learn from the past or remember people from our lives who are no longer with us,” she said. “For instance, I sometimes catch the scent of my husband’s grandma’s house. She’s no longer with us, but it’s comforting to think of her and what she meant to us.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some of the NatNews staff and some dear readers went for a little run through Dallas over the weekend

Upcoming
Events

Monday, December 16: Stars vs. Capitals at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, December 17: Free Rooftop Movie — The Holiday at Sundown at Granada; Dallasites101 Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 35–45) at Happiest Hour; Turtle Creek Chorale Holiday Tour at First United Methodist Church Richardson; Elf Trivia Night at Legacy Hall
Wednesday, December 18: Women’s Wellness Event with Methodist Dallas at the Bishop Canopy
Thursday, December 19: Mavericks vs. Clippers at the American Airlines Center; Dear Evan Hansen at Winspear Opera House (also on Friday and Saturday)
Friday, December 20: Elf in Concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center (also on Saturday and Sunday); Epic Unplugged Presents — An Epic Christmas at Legacy Hall
Saturday, December 21: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Meet Me at the Museum — Jazz at the Dallas Museum of Art; Yappy Holidays at Tequila Social
Sunday, December 22: Christmas Brunch at Community Beer Co.; Cowboys vs. Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium; Pentatonix — Hallelujah! It’s a Christmas Tour at the American Airlines Center

NatNews: Issue 143

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 12:56:38 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

December 9, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 143

THE BMW DALLAS MARATHON — MUCH MORE THAN A RACE

In March of 1971, 82 runners from throughout the state of Texas as well as individuals from as far away as South Dakota, New York, and California toed the start line for the first running of what was then called the Dallas White Rock Marathon. There were 61 runners who finished the race, which was originally held at White Rock Lake. Over the years, the course and the number of participants have changed quite a bit, and in 2012, the race was rebranded to be called the Dallas Marathon.

This weekend is the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival, a three-day event with a variety of races: the Friday Night Lights Mile on Friday; the 8K, 5K, and kids’ 100-meter dash on Saturday; and the marathon, half marathon, and ultra marathon on Sunday.

Dallas resident and local running legend Logan Sherman said he has been a part of the Dallas Marathon since 1999, when he was a member of a relay team as a middle schooler.

“I remember being in awe of the massive event and thinking, ‘this is the Major League of racing,’” he said.

Sherman competed in the event in some capacity every year from then until 2016. In 2003, as a senior at J.J. Pearce High School, he won his first Dallas Half Marathon, which he would win again in 2005 and 2014. But there was still more that Sherman wanted to accomplish.

“Along the way, I set my sights on winning the full Dallas Marathon and bringing the championship home to Dallas, just as my heroes—Ed Swiatocha, Dr. William Moore, Ernesto Caballero, and Dr. Riva Rahl—had done before me,” he said. “After facing a series of tough challenges in 2010, 2011, and 2013, I finally achieved my goal in 2015, crossing the finish line as the champion. Since that victory, a new generation of local elites has continued to carry the torch, cementing the Dallas Marathon as a cornerstone event for Dallas runners.”

In that same year of his marathon victory, Sherman said he had the privilege of meeting Scottish Rite for Children CEO Bob Walker, an individual who would have a profound impact on Sherman’s life.

“I was invited to take part in the hospital’s Dallas Marathon opening ceremonies, where I witnessed firsthand the incredible difference the marathon makes for the hospital,” Sherman said. “During my visit, Mr. Walker even gave me a semi-private tour, further deepening my connection to the cause.”

Sherman said after that experience, it didn’t take him long to realize that, though crossing the finish line as the marathon champion in 2015 was an unforgettable moment, his journey with the race didn’t end there.

“I felt a deep calling to give back, and it was helping shape the race behind the scenes and ensuring its continued growth,” he said. “I joined the BMW Dallas Marathon Board of Directors in 2017. Supporting both the BMW Dallas Marathon and Scottish Rite has been an incredibly rewarding experience, giving me a sense of purpose and connection to an amazing community. It’s become a meaningful way to give back and has enriched my life in ways I never expected.”

In his current role as the chairman of the board, Sherman said working with the other people involved in ensuring that the race happens each year is what makes his experience rewarding.

“I’ve known Marcus Grunewald, our executive race director, for more than 20 years,” he said. “His expertise in race operations and logistics, combined with his passion, has been invaluable to me. Jason Schuchard, our CEO/president, is another incredible leader. I first met Jason during his time with the Dallas Mavericks, when he launched events like the Mavs Run This Town 5K. His drive, sharp insight, and vision will undoubtedly elevate the marathon to world-class status.”

In addition to Marcus and Jason, the race organization has also added two full-time staff members, Hailey Meincke and Patty Moreno. Sherman said Hailey and Patty are two talented individuals who have already made an immediate impact in their contributions to the team.

“I’m excited to work alongside them whenever I can,” he said. “I also deeply appreciate the trust our board has placed in me. Many of them were figures I admired growing up, and now they’re my peers and close friends. Their expertise, collaborative spirit, and ability to challenge me have been essential to my growth in this role.”

Dallas resident Adnaloy Nuñez said she had never been a runner until she moved to Dallas, but when she was part of the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival in 2022 as a spectator, seeing the race participants and becoming immersed in the entire event as she cheered for others changed her mind and her goals.

“I promised myself I would be there next year for the 10K race,” she said. “I did it, and after living the experience and feeling people’s energy, it made me set a new goal, and I signed up for my first half.”

Nuñez said she is hoping for favorable weather for this year’s race, but regardless of any outside factors, what she is most looking forward to is being able to do something she enjoys in such a high-energy and encouraging atmosphere.

“My greatest wish is to be able to perform during the race—to finish it feeling strong and be happy to have achieved it,” she said. “The last two years, I was the one cheering on the runners. This time, I will be on the other side, and that already fills me with pride.”

This Sunday will be the 53rd anniversary of the marathon, which now attracts thousands of participants and spectators to the city’s largest single-day sporting event. For many individuals, being a part of any of the races has become a special way to connect with others and recognize one’s own journey in pursuing his or her individual goals.

“I think this festival brings all runners together, regardless of the miles they will run,” Nuñez said. “Not only is it a nice way to close the year, but as runners, we hope to enjoy the race while being aware of the effort we put in. This is a day to celebrate running and solidarity and to encourage each other.”

For Sherman, the weekend is about bringing people together for a common purpose, no matter how they are involved.

“At the heart of the BMW Dallas Marathon is the community,” he said. “We truly offer something for everyone, and if running isn’t your thing, we always welcome volunteers to be part of the experience.”

The BMW Dallas Marathon benefits Scottish Rite for Children, a world leader in pediatric orthopedic care, sports medicine, and treatment for learning disorders such as dyslexia. Sherman said that since 1997, the marathon has raised more than $4.5 million for Scottish Rite, making a significant difference in the lives of countless families.

This year, Sherman and his family were honored at Scottish Rite’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, where he spoke about the marathon’s long-standing partnership with the hospital. Sherman said after he spoke, a mother approached him and told him that because of the marathon’s support, her son received the help he needed through Scottish Rite’s dyslexia program. Today, that young man is about to graduate as a doctor.

“When you participate in this race, you’re helping create stories like that and so many more,” Sherman said. “It’s not just a race—it’s an opportunity to make a long-lasting positive impact on our community.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Luggage that an airline deems truly lost (after an extensive three-month search) is sent to Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro, Alabama, where the contents are sold at extremely discounted prices.

WHEN YOU FEEL AS REJECTED AS POOR CHARLIE BROWN

Many individuals have various fears in life, some of which are thought to be irrational and others that make more sense to people. One anxiety that can be rather common is the thought of being rejected, whether it comes in romantic relationships, in one’s career, within family or friendships, or elsewhere.

According to research conducted by NatNews, among those individuals who participated in a recent online survey, 38 percent fear rejection, 16 percent are not particularly bothered by it, and 46 percent are sometimes fearful of rejection, but it’s contingent upon various factors of the situation in which the rejection might occur.

Dallas resident and psychologist Kenleigh McMinn said one reason that rejection can be so painful is because it can often feel quite personal.

“No one enjoys being rejected,” she said. “Rejection tends to hit hardest when we interpret it as meaning that we are not good, smart, pretty, fun, etc. enough, rather than seeing it as meaning that we are just not the right fit for something or someone. Whether it is a job or a relationship, the more personally we take rejection, the harder it is.”

Dallas-area resident Diane Shaw, a student at the University of Oklahoma, said she fears rejection most often in regard to romantic relationships because of how open, trusting, and emotional a person can become with another individual in such a situation.

“Putting yourself in a position where you could be rejected is very vulnerable,” she said. “So, if you do get rejected, it’s so embarrassing.”

Because of the significant amount of vulnerability involved and the unknown outcomes in those moments, Shaw typically opts not to take risks in that regard.

“I usually just avoid putting myself in situations where I could be rejected,” she said. “I’d rather miss out on something than feel embarrassed.”

There is also a risk of rejection one must often face in his or her career path. Whether it’s in seeking a job through the seemingly endless application and interview process or within one’s already existing career, there is the potential for a person to be turned down.

“I fear rejection in professional settings because it’s difficult to ask for new business and can be awkward,” Dallas resident Damon Yousefy said.

While Yousefy is willing to step out of his comfort zones and isn’t always afraid that he will face rejection, he certainly experiences such fears at times during his career. However, he knows that it’s a possibility and makes concerted efforts to be successful but also to prepare himself if he doesn’t achieve his desired results.

“I think about how it’s a numbers game and that in my line of work (corporate bankruptcy law), repeat business is rare, so new clients are the only way to hit my goals,” he said. “So, I approach the situation with that mindset and approach troubled companies knowing that they’ll either hire me or one of my competitors.”

It’s quite likely that a person will face rejection at least once in his or her lifetime. Some people might feel like they face it more often than others, or they may believe that being turned down is the only likely outcome they will have in certain situations. Even if rejection does occur, McMinn said it’s important to remember that being told “no” or finding yourself with unfavorable results should not change the way you see yourself.

“The best ways to move past rejection are to try to view the situation objectively and minimize self-judgment,” she said. “Try not to tie it to your self-worth, and keep in mind going into situations in which rejection could happen (e.g., job interview or date) that it might not work out, but that does not mean there is something wrong with you.”

Not everyone experiences fears or anxieties when it comes to the idea of being rejected, though. Dallas resident Amara Saucedo has learned from past experiences that rejection is simply a part of life, and the less people focus on it, the easier it is to overcome.

“I moved around a lot growing up, and that taught me an important lesson: not everyone is going to vibe with you, and you’re not going to vibe with everyone—and that’s OK,” she said. “It’s human nature to feel a certain way about rejection, but I’ve learned not to dwell on it.”

As many individuals have discovered, not every job is supposed to work out, not every relationship is meant to happen, and not all of the hopes and wishes that people have become realities. However, as Yousefy pointed out, there are often considerations people don’t acknowledge when they think about having to sit in their feelings of hurt that often result from being rejected.

“People fear rejection because it feels like a judgment made by others that we are not good enough,” he said. “I think we make it seem like a black-and-white choice without taking into account contextual factors, such as clients having existing service providers or potential dating partners simply having different preferences.”

Like Yousefy, Saucedo believes that people fear rejection because it does feel so personal, but she said she thinks that it’s important to remember that everyone is on his or her own unique path.

“What isn’t meant for you will make way for what is,” she said. “Instead of overthinking, focus on moving forward, even when the days are tough. Keep going, and trust that better opportunities will come.”

Life is filled with situations that allow you to take chances, and it can feel scary to try to be bold and do something or say something that could result in you not getting what you want. McMinn said though those moments can often be emotionally painful, they don’t have to have the power to create lasting negativity.

“If you feel hurt after a rejection, know that your feelings are valid,” she said. “Rejection sucks. But remember that it does not define you. It might be helpful to think about times that you have had an accomplishment or talk to a friend or family member who can build you back up.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff and some dear readers recently enjoyed a lovely Christmas party together

Upcoming
Events

Monday, December 9: Light Up Turtle Creek Park 2024 at Arlington Hall; Cowboys vs. Bengals Watch Party at Legacy Hall
Tuesday, December 10: Free Rooftop Movie — Four Christmases at Sundown at Granada; Dallasites101 Pickleball Simulator, Workout, and Mixer at Playkout; Turtle Creek Chorale Holiday Tour at Meyerson Symphony Center
Wednesday, December 11: Gingertown Dallas at NorthPark Center begins; Candlelight — The Best of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole at the Filter Building
Thursday, December 12: Stars vs. Predators at the American Airlines Center; Christmas Pops at Dallas Symphony Orchestra (goes through Sunday)
Friday, December 13: Friday Night Lights Mile at Dallas City Hall Plaza
Saturday, December 14: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Dallas Marathon Saturday Events (8K, 5K, and kids’ 100-meter dash) at Dallas City Hall Plaza; Pilates in the Park at Griggs Park; Dallasites101 8th Annual Naughty or Nice Holiday Crawl on Lower Greenville
Sunday, December 15: Dallas Marathon at Dallas City Hall Plaza; Meet Me at the Museum Brunch at the Dallas Museum of Art; Pizza Making at Poco Fiasco

NatNews: Issue 142

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:56:20 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

December 2, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 142

HYROX — A COMPETITION IN WHICH DEATH MIGHT CHASE FOR YOUR SOUL

In 2017, a competition known as HYROX began in Hamburg, Germany, and has since seen significant growth, now with races in more than 11 countries and more than 30 cities throughout the world. The event, which has no qualification requirements to enter and no restrictions regarding a finishing time, begins with a 1-kilometer run and then includes eight different stations—ski erg, sled push, sled pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmer’s carry, sandbag lunges, and wall balls—with another 1-kilometer run before each station (for those who need some help with the math, you run a total of 8 kilometers).

Dallas resident David Cerezo took part in the HYROX Dallas 2024 event, which was held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on November 23. He said he first learned of the fitness competition through British YouTuber Mark Lewis, who documented his experience at HYROX in London, but also knew a few friends who participated in HYROX last year.

“When it came time to register for HYROX 2024, a lot of my friends in the running community decided to join again for either their first or second times,” he said. “I didn’t want to have FOMO, so I knew I would eventually join.”

Cerezo said he signed up rather late and didn’t have an adequate amount of time to train but still made concerted efforts to ensure that he would be ready on race day.

“I only had two weeks of actual HYROX training leading up to the competition,” he said. “But the training I did have with HYROX coach Bernie Gutierrez at the gym alongside other individuals helped me understand the rules and strategize a plan to perform to the best of my ability.”

And when that anticipated day came around, Cerezo said he found himself battling both physical and mental struggles.

“During the event, it was grueling,” he said. “It was exciting, and death chased for my soul a few times during the burpee broad jumps and lunges. Unfortunately, the final station, wall balls, was my worst performance of all stations since I had very little training with that. But it’s giving me a reason to do this again just to attack that station better.”

Dallas-area resident Christie Biggs Andrew was also among the participants at HYROX Dallas last month, though she knew what to expect. She initially heard of the competition through her sister in 2022, and this was their fourth time completing a HYROX race. For Biggs Andrew, challenging herself in such an event simply made sense.

“I’m always looking for reasons to race, train, and set new goals,” she said. “My sister was always back and forth on running Spartan races with me, but HYROX was one that she was interested in, so I jumped on board immediately.”

Because of her previous experiences completing HYROX competitions, Biggs Andrew was aware of what she needed to do to properly prepare for this year’s race.

“I joined a different gym about a year and a half ago because it has all of the equipment needed to train for HYROX,” she said. “It also has special classes starting 10 weeks out from the race. I wasn’t able to make all of them, but they definitely helped.”

Although Biggs Andrew and her sister live in different cities and aren’t able to train together, they were still able to enjoy the competition alongside one another among the other approximately 6,300 racers.

“The competition itself is amazing,” Biggs Andrew said. “The environment is incredible—it’s crowded, but it’s also spectator-friendly. HYROX knows how to put on a great event, and this year’s numbers doubled from Dallas last year. We also added in the team relay this year, which is a good intro to HYROX if you’re worried about it being too much.”

Despite the challenges and feelings of exhaustion HYROX puts participants through physically and mentally, it manages to keep people coming back year after year. Cerezo said he will absolutely be signing up for another HYROX race.

“Even though it felt like hell at times to perform, the confidence boost it gives you at the end is amazing,” he said. “It’s also great to be able to cheer and support your friends in the community who completed something so badass and amazing.”

And you can bet that Biggs Andrew will continue to show up for HYROX events. Even though she has already completed multiple such races, she said she and her sister are always looking to add more and are potentially going to take part in HYROX Houston in March 2025.

“Hyrox is for everyone,” she said. “There are heats going off every 10 minutes, so no one knows if you’ve been out there for 45 minutes or 2 hours. It’s a great challenge, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for something to push their training or challenge themselves.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Beavers, the second-largest rodents in the world (after the South American capybara), can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes and have a set of transparent eyelids that allow them to see as they swim.

HALLMARK HOLIDAY MOVIES — SHOULD YOU JUDGE HOT FROSTY BY ITS TITLE?

For many individuals, the holiday season brings an array of traditions, such as adorning one’s home with decorations, attending annual gatherings, baking cookies, driving around or riding in horse-drawn carriages to look at Christmas lights, counting down days with an Advent calendar, and watching favorite seasonal movies.

As with most holidays, Hallmark has entered the chat.

Hallmark Christmas movies have become both loved and loathed forms of entertainment during this time of year—cherished by some individuals for their charming characters and heartwarming stories and criticized by others for their predictability and recycled plots. Dallas resident Juliette Vielhauer said she is a supporter of such films and enjoys watching them each year.

“Even though each new Hallmark holiday movie follows a familiar formula, they all have a way of making you feel nostalgic,” she said. “There’s something comforting about knowing what to expect and still being able to enjoy the warmth and cheer they bring.”

Dallas-area resident Madison Royal is also a fan of Hallmark movies and said she appreciates that they don’t require her to think much.

“I can turn my brain off and don’t really have to pay attention,” she said. “It’s such an easy storyline to follow.”

As mentioned, several Hallmark holiday films involve similar situations—a small-town business is struggling, and a good-looking corporate man somehow ends up in the town and saves the day while falling in love with a local, or a career-focused woman gives up her big-city life when she returns to her hometown and falls in love with an attractive man who captures her attention and her heart.

“I think that they are all the same because they don’t spend a lot of money on the writers,” Royal said, “and there are only so many ways you can tell a cheesy romance story.”

The similarities in stories don’t bother everyone, though, as evidenced by the continued success of the franchise and the dedicated viewership.

“Hallmark holiday movies tend to follow a predictable formula, which is part of their charm,” Vielhauer said. “There’s an element of consistency in the storylines—whether it’s the small-town romance or the holiday miracle—that makes them easy to enjoy. This predictability is part of what makes them so comforting for viewers.”

However, there are certainly plenty of individuals who opt not to spend their time watching movies with titles such as A Christmas Detour, A Cozy Christmas Inn, A Very Merry Mix-Up, and To Have and to Holiday. Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen is one of those people.

“I don’t enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies,” he said. “They’re just not good. Compared to regular Hallmark movies, they’re even more full of cheesy dialogue, thin plots, and subpar acting.”

While Borkenhagen said he believes that all movies boil down to the same story arcs—the hero’s journey, rags to riches, coming of age, and so on—he will also be one of the first to affirm the claim that Hallmark holiday movies, in particular, lack uniqueness.

“There is absolutely no doubt the plots and storylines are similar,” he said. “I guess the reason for that is that we know what sells around the holidays. People want warm and fuzzy, and that’s what will give them warm and fuzzy. It’s a cheap formula, but it works.”

Facts show that the formula does, indeed, work. Nielsen viewership data indicated that more than 80 million individuals tune in for at least some of a Hallmark movie each Christmas season. Like research gurus, Borkenhagen acknowledges that the appeal of these movies is likely not going to change anytime soon.

“These movies remain popular because there will always be that target audience wanting exactly this kind of cheap hit of nostalgia,” he said. “There’s also the target audience of people who want to see a ‘hot (topless) Frosty,’ but I’m going to leave that alone.”

Borkenhagen is referencing Hot Frosty, one of this year’s popular holiday flicks, which stars Lacey Chabert (Gretchen Wieners in Mean Girls and now basically a Hallmark queen) and Dustin Milligan (Ted from Schitt’s Creek) and focuses on a young widow who places a magical scarf on a snowman, bringing him to life. Though it’s not a Hallmark movie, the festive romcom offers its audience a similar vibe. You can watch Hot Frosty on Netflix, and all of your options for Hallmark holiday miracles and love stories can be found here.

Vielhauer said the predictability of these movies that often make viewers feel like they’ve entered into real-life snow globes is actually what makes them ideal entertainment options throughout the Christmas season.

“Hallmark movies provide a reliable dose of holiday cheer, and their lighthearted nature makes them great for background viewing while you’re decorating, cleaning, or just relaxing,” she said. “They create a festive atmosphere and bring a sense of joy, no matter how many times you watch them.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The Aggies didn’t win, but the NatNews staff and some dear readers still enjoyed a lovely evening together

Upcoming
Events

Monday, December 2: Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show at Historic Main Street in Grapevine
Tuesday, December 3: Free Rooftop Movie — Elf at Sundown at Granada; Dallasites101 Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 25–35) at LOCAL Public Eatery
Wednesday, December 4: Candlelight — Tribute to Nirvana at the Filter Building; Nick Swardson at the Majestic Theatre
Thursday, December 5: Turtle Creek Chorale at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church; 45th Annual Parade of Lights along Historic Main Street in Grapevine; Lights of Ennis Parade, Block Party, and Christmas Market
Friday, December 6: The Adolphus Great Tree Lighting; Merry & Bright Night at the George W. Bush Presidential Center; The Boho Market at Preston Hollow Village; Justin Timberlake at the American Airlines Center; A Very 80s Christmas — 80s Mixtape at Legacy Hall
Saturday, December 7: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Dallas Holiday Parade (begins at Commerce and Houston streets); Tree Lighting Celebration at Klyde Warren Park; Dickens in Downtown Plano; The Village Holiday Main Street Fest
Sunday, December 8: Stars vs. Flames at the American Airlines Center

NatNews: Issue 141

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 12:55:56 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

November 25, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 141

DIFFERENCES IN FEELINGS OF SAFETY FOR WOMEN AND MEN

While there are many obvious differences between women and men, one that is not always as apparent is the levels of safety they feel in everyday situations. A study conducted by the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research found that, on a global scale, 46 percent of women do not feel confident or safe when walking alone in their neighborhoods at night, though this percentage jumps to 64 percent in America. However, only about 20 percent of men in the U.S. do not feel safe walking alone at night.

An increasing number of women have also indicated that they have suffered some form of violence and/or sexual harassment, and crimes against women that have been reported in the news (including those involving runners and walkers, occurring at various times in the day, not only early mornings and nights) have become more prevalent in recent years. Dallas resident Virginia Altick said her level of feelings of safety is contingent upon where she is at the time.

“I feel safe in my neighborhood, as most of my neighbors walk their dogs or walk for exercise and pick up trash, so we see each other regularly,” she said. “I do not feel safe in unfamiliar settings, which stems from an ingrained fear all women have drilled in them from an early age. I would love to drive to a beautiful trail and run whenever I please, but I consider the factors and make plans to meet up with buddies, instead.”

While many women do run by themselves, there are often certain precautions they must take (e.g., either not wearing headphones or not putting earbuds in both ears, potentially carrying pepper spray or other form of defense, and running in areas with lots of people around). Dallas-area resident Katy Flynn said she generally feels safe when she runs by herself, but if she’s not running, her level of comfort might change if she doesn’t have her dog by her side.

“The time of day doesn’t really impact whether or not I feel safe,” she said. “If I were walking alone, though, I think I would feel less safe, unless I had my four-legged security guard with me.”

Men are certainly still victims of crime, though research has revealed that such dangers are typically not top of mind for them. Dallas resident Nathan Medrano said he isn’t too concerned for his safety when he goes running, though senses are a bit more heightened in various settings.

“Outside of training for a race, most of my runs are done in the evening past sunset, either in my neighborhood or at White Rock Lake,” he said. “It can be a bit dark in some areas, so I do feel the need to be more aware of my surroundings. It may be just excessive paranoia or too many TV shows and movies, but there are areas where I think to myself ‘if someone is going to get me, this is where it will be,’ so then I’ll take a quick look over my shoulder.”

Of course, running and walking are not the only times when people need to pay attention to what’s around them. It’s important for all individuals, particularly women, to make sure that they are not distracted and are paying close attention to what’s around them when they are completing routine tasks in public, such as loading groceries into the car, walking to and from a car in a parking garage or parking lot, and having drinks at a bar or restaurant (remember never to leave your drink unattended). While Altick said she generally feels safe in Dallas because of her level of familiarity and the choices she makes, she knows that she needs to be on guard in certain areas.

“I choose to frequent establishments I have already ‘vetted’ with experience, such as where I go to get an oil change or state inspection,” she said. “Despite the location, every time I stop for gas, though, I turn up my spidey-senses, as this seems to be where I’ve been approached by strangers most often. I make sure to take my purse out of the car, lock the doors, and look around and not down at my phone while the gas is pumping.”

Similar to Altick, Flynn chooses to go to places with which she is familiar and doesn’t have too many safety concerns while she’s out and about. However, she said she ensures that she is prepared if an uncomfortable situation presents itself.

“There have been instances in which I have held my key in between my fingers in preparation to poke an eye out, but I generally feel like no one will mess with me,” she said.

Medrano said he very rarely takes safety into consideration when he goes out but does tend to avoid “sketchy” areas where problems may arise.

“If I want to go somewhere, I just go and never think about it,” he said. “Will you find me walking down a dark alley in Dallas? Probably not, unless there’s a shiny piece of candy.”

This is not the case for Altick, though.

“As a woman, I think of safety before anything I do because women, in general, experience higher degrees of unsafety in the world,” she said. “It would be great if all humans had in mind to care for each other’s best interests emotionally and physically, but unfortunately, we cannot trust everyone to do that.”

There are different reasons for a woman’s feelings of unsafety, including previous personal experiences and stories and admonitions they have been told. Whatever the causes may be, they can result in fears and hesitations that are not always as common for men.

“I think women tend to be on the receiving end more than men when it comes to any kind of harassment, stalking, attacks, etc., and it dates back,” Flynn said. “I hate to say it, but I feel like it’s par for the course for being a woman—we have to endure a lot more than men in all aspects, period.”

Altick said she values the work of Teal Swan, a bestselling author who focuses on human development and relationships. She referenced an exercise in which Swan asked participants at one of her talks to raise their hands if they hadn’t felt safe in the past year, month, and day, and all of the women in the room kept their hands up.

“Perhaps it is biological—men are typically bigger and stronger than women, yet men may not realize the impact this has,” Altick said. “Teal shows how men can acknowledge this advantage and take ownership of it in order to help their female counterparts feel safe.”

DID YOU KNOW?

At a height of 3,212 feet (and with a plunge of 2,648 feet), Angel Falls in Venezuela is the tallest waterfall in the world.

ARE YOU PUTTING THE CORRECT QUALIFICATIONS ON YOUR RESUME?

Resumes have typically served the purpose of highlighting a person’s work experience, skills, and certain accomplishments that are generally relevant to his or her career or the specific job for which the individual is applying. Nowadays, it’s not completely uncommon to see the areas specified for skills and achievements contain some nontraditional—and often non-job-related—feats, including completing a marathon, as they are thought to further reveal a person’s work ethic and character.

This idea surfaces mixed opinions, particularly for NatNews dear readers. Of those who participated in an online research initiative, 37 percent believe that running a marathon should be included on a resume, 13 percent think that it’s an irrelevant accomplishment, 38 percent said it depends on the person’s career field, and 12 percent indicated that they don’t think it matters either way or simply do not care. Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo is among those who think marathon runners should leave their race finishes off of their resumes.

“I feel that resumes should be limited to professional achievements,” he said. “That said, unless you’re a professional runner or maybe the overall winner of a marathon race, it has no place on a resume.”

Dallas-area resident Cindy Hallo said adding a marathon finish to a resume should only be done for someone applying for a position in a health-related or running-related field. However, she said she thinks there are still areas in which this information can be incorporated.

“I think all of my friends are amazingly cool for running marathons, doing triathlons, etc., but I’m not sure the average hiring manager agrees,” she said. “Most times I’ve applied to anything over the years, they ask for a resume but then have extra random questions for you to answer. That’s probably a more appropriate place to bring that up.”

An individual who lives in New York City and wishes to remain anonymous doesn’t necessarily think marathon achievements should be placed on resumes, though she does believe that such information can be valuable to highlight during a portion of the job-seeking process.

“I think it shows work ethic and perseverance, but I feel like some folks would view it as irrelevant on the resume, so it could be a ding,” she said. “I think it would be a potentially good interview thing, though. Mention it, and then connect it to work ethic.”

One argument some individuals have made in favor of including a marathon finish on a resume is that it could catch someone’s eye, serve as a conversation starter, or create a connection between you and a resume reviewer or interviewer if that person is also a runner.

“I think it’s good to show some personality,” Dallas-area resident Megan England said. “And it’s smart to put something like that to stand out and possibly steer the conversation. I’d ask about it as an interviewer.”

England also said that, while she doesn’t think that accomplishments are necessary to include on a resume, adding a category of fun facts or activities in which the individual participates outside of the workplace could be beneficial in certain situations.

“Obviously, I think this is job-specific and also personality-specific,” she said. “Not everyone can pull that off.”

Alonzo, however, said he believes that achievements—whether those include running a marathon, climbing a mountain, completing an IronMan, or a number of other feats of the sort—should only be highlighted on a resume if they are relative to the line of work a person is seeking.

“I don’t believe recruiters or hiring managers are interested in seeing personal interests and hobbies,” he said, “at least not for the purpose of hiring the best-qualified candidate for a given role.”

There are certain other activities that are not necessarily job-related that some individuals believe can be incorporated into a resume, especially when those activities are indicative of what values and investments of time and energy are important to the person applying.

“Is volunteering something that’s normally on a resume?” Hallo said. “If you’ve volunteered somewhere regularly or worked every Thanksgiving in a soup kitchen or something, I think that would be a good thing to add.”

The further one progresses in his or her career, the less integral some particular aspects of a resume become. Experience and relevant roles and responsibilities tend to overshadow academic achievements, and in further support of her perspective that a marathon accomplishment certainly has a place on a resume, England said personal successful endeavors are important.

“I would only list honors and academic-related items for my first adult job as I am entering the workforce,” she said. “After that, I wouldn’t ever mention them. It looks desperate and like you peaked.”

Hallo, however, thinks such feats are still more industry-specific and role-dependent.

“Are you applying at Nike to a creative or people-skills-forward role?” she said. “Sure, brag on yourself. Applying at Deloitte as an accountant? Maaaaaaybe not.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff, some dear readers, and the Employee of the Month at one of our favorite local establishments enjoyed a Saturday afternoon filled with college football and memorable convos

Upcoming
Events

Monday, November 25: 36th Annual Carol of Lights at Historic Downtown Grapevine
Tuesday, November 26: Free Rooftop Movie — FRIENDSgiving (three Thanksgiving episodes) at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, November 27: Mavs vs. Knicks at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, November 28: Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot at Dallas City Hall Plaza; Scheels North Texas Turkey Trot at Frisco Square; Irving Turkey Trot at Toyota Music Factory; Cowboys vs. Giants at AT&T Stadium
Friday, November 29: Stars vs. Avalanche at the American Airlines Center; Grand Tree Lighting Celebration at the Galleria (also on Saturday); Metal Shop — A Tribute to ‘80s Hair Metal at Legacy Hall
Saturday, November 30: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; SMU vs. Cal at Gerald Ford Stadium; Ping Pong Tournament at Community Beer Co.
Sunday, December 1: DMA Free First Sundays — Access for All at the Dallas Museum of Art

NatNews: Issue 140

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 12:57:13 +0100

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November 18, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 140

PLENTY OF OPTIONS TO TROT (OR NOT)

For reasons many individuals don’t understand, some people make the conscious choice to wake up early and participate in organized road races on Thanksgiving morning. The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot began in 1967 with 107 participants and has since grown to more than 20,000 runners and walkers and thousands of spectators.

Throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, there are now a variety of distances in multiple Thanksgiving Day races, including the Scheels North Texas Turkey Trot, Irving Turkey Trot, and Fort Worth YMCA Turkey Trot. Dallas resident Elizabeth Cruz runs the Dallas race each year, and it’s a tradition she loves as a kickoff to the holiday.

“My group of friends and I have done it together for more than 10 years,” she said. “We start the morning running, all meet up for a pic after, then go to IHOP for breakfast.”

With so many participants, the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, which begins and ends in downtown at Dallas City Hall Plaza and offers a 5K race and an 8-mile race (timed and untimed options for each) as well as a Diaper Dash for the tiny trotters, is a rather crowded situation. Runners who don’t want to combat certain frustrations are advised to ensure that they have access to the timed corral, which only permits humans and those who are running without recent offspring.

“If you want to run, get a timed bib,” Cruz said. “Otherwise, you’ll be behind dogs, babies, and strollers.”

Just up the tollway in downtown Frisco, the Scheels North Texas Turkey Trot offers 5K, 10K, and 1-mile race options. Benefiting the Miracle League of Frisco, this event begins and ends in the Frisco Square and has become a beloved tradition for many families and individuals, like Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard, who enjoy taking part in Thanksgiving Day races and don’t want to battle the crowds at the larger Dallas race and/or live farther north.

“I ran the Dallas Turkey Trot two years in a row, but both times, there were so many people running that I didn’t actually get to race,” he said. “When I run a race, I’m racing to win. The last time I ran the Dallas Turkey Trot, I couldn’t get really close to the front, so after the gun went off, it took me almost five minutes just to get to the start. Then I spent the next five minutes weaving around people who had no business being anywhere near the start line. During those five minutes, I told myself that I would never run the Dallas Turkey Trot again.”

Thankfully for Odegard, the following year, he became aware of the North Texas Turkey Trot, which is much closer to where Thursday Night Social Run (a group Odegard leads) meets. He said he spoke with other TNSR leaders, and they decided the North Texas Turkey Trot would be an ideal event to enjoy as a group.

“We organized a pre-race and post-race tailgate, and there were only about 4,000 people at that race, so we had a much better time,” Odegard said. “This year will be our 13th year running the North Texas Turkey Trot. Even though the race has tripled in size, it’s still nowhere near the size of the Dallas Turkey Trot.”

Odegard also said a big advantage for the Frisco event is the potluck party he and some of the other TNSR regulars have after the race, allowing the running family to spend time together before going to gatherings with their actual families later in the day.

“I don’t have a lot of family in town anymore, so I don’t really have a Thanksgiving celebration with family,” he said. “So the celebrating I do with my runner family has become a little more special to me. We have other people in our group who also don’t have family in town, so I think it’s a big part of their Thanksgiving, too.”

Another Thanksgiving Day race that has grown in popularity is the Irving Turkey Trot, which offers 5K and 8-mile races and starts and ends at the Toyota Music Factory. Dallas-area resident JT Gordon takes part in many of the Irving Marathon Racing Series events, including this holiday tradition, which he said he enjoys more than the race in downtown Dallas.

“The Irving Turkey Trot is less crowded, and there are restaurants and a movie theater right there for after-race fun,” he said. “Also, the medals and trophies are better.”

Gordon said he chooses to take part in the race on a holiday morning because it allows him to burn calories and win a trophy or medal that he can take with him to his Thanksgiving festivities. He advises others looking to enjoy a Thanksgiving Day fitness tradition to do so in a way that will create lasting memories.

“Run with family or friends,” he said. “If you are solo, wear a crazy costume that will make it more fun.”

Not everyone likes the idea of waking up early on a holiday and braving crowds to go exercise, though.

“I’d rather be at home having a slow morning, prepping for the meal, enjoying the parade, and spending time with family,” Dallas-area resident Jenna Hutt said. “And I don’t run, anyway.”

Hutt said she doesn’t necessarily understand why anyone’s definition of fun is taking part in a race, but she acknowledges that it is how some people enjoy spending holidays and embracing family time. However, it’s not her cup of tea.

“Maybe they value exercise and want to get a good one in before indulging in a huge meal,” she said. “In my opinion, there is never an acceptable reason—holiday or not—to wake up early to run.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Goats have wide rectangular pupils, providing them increased peripheral vision and the ability to see danger approaching and protect themselves from predators.

WHAT DOES YOUR SHOPPING CART PROTOCOL SAY ABOUT YOU?

It turns out that a trip to the grocery store can be quite telling about a person—and it has more to do with the shopping cart itself than what goes in it. What became known as the “shopping cart theory” is the belief that a person’s choice to return a shopping cart to its proper place at the grocery store or leave it wherever is most convenient reveals a bit about his or her moral character.

While it’s not an actual proven theory, it is one that has sparked various studies and heated internet discussions. Dallas resident Erasmo Estrada read about it online and found it to be a rather interesting concept.

“The theory is funny and can make a lot of sense on the surface level that a person’s ‘good’ character can be determined from something so small and then be extrapolated to other aspects of their life,” he said. “If you leave shopping carts out freely, are you someone who also throws garbage outside your car, treats service employees poorly, cuts in line, and cuts people off on the road?”

Estrada is not one of those people, though (at least according to the shopping cart theory). He said he returns his cart to the cart rack outside if it is available.

“If not, you’ve got to go take that baby back inside,” he said. “What if it hits someone’s car out there? A strategy I don’t really use is parking close to racks, but it’s not that big of deal for me either way.”

New York City resident Alicia Wyatt said it is a pet peeve of hers when people leave carts out, especially when they are left in parking spots.

“I think where a person leaves a shopping cart is indicative of how considerate they are about their surroundings and other people,” she said.

Wyatt almost always returns her cart but said where she does so is contingent upon where she parked and/or what options the store has.

“If I parked far from the door, then I will return it to a cart rack,” she said. “If I parked close to the front door, then I will return it to the store. If there is no cart return or if the cart return is full, then 95 percent of the time I will return to the store. The 5 percent that I may not return it is usually because I am running late, and I am very far from the door, and there is lots of traffic.”

Some individuals, such as Dallas resident Alexis Derrow, feel a sense of responsibility to ensure that they take their carts to the appropriate place. She said she returns her cart to the cart corral or to the store—whichever is closer.

“I do one of those two things because we live in a society, and if we don’t do civil acts, society breaks down,” she said. “Dramatic? I think not.”

Why is it that some people feel comfortable leaving their shopping carts anywhere they feel like doing so, while others take time to return them to designated cart racks or back to the front of the store? Wyatt said it’s a result of individuals having different understandings of what being thoughtful and mindful of others entails.

“If people aren’t taught that returning shopping carts where they found them is considerate, then they often think it’s not a big deal not to return them,” she said. “If they watched their parents be oblivious to others, then they most likely also learned to be oblivious. Then there are some people who really do think returning a cart is beneath them because that’s what store employees are for.”

This has become a rather controversial topic and sparked debates regarding whether or not a lack of concern for returning a cart also indicates a sense of entitlement. Estrada said the decision to leave a shopping cart where it doesn’t belong certainly could be an attitude of “it’s not my problem” and focusing on oneself as being the most important priority. However, he also said that it is silly to assume that someone is a bad person for not returning a cart, as we are not always aware of other people’s situations.

“Maybe a person is shopping with their children and has them in the car and doesn’t want them by themselves while they return the cart (I’m not a parent, and I don’t know if this is valid, so don’t judge me),” he said. “Or they got an emergency call finding out their loved one is in the hospital. Or they saw a snake and got scared.”

Because of the many unknowns of individuals’ circumstances, Estrada advises people not to be so quick to judge others for their decisions in the grocery store parking lot and compared the shopping cart issue to another familiar situation.

“It’s like when a car is parked over the line,” he said. “What if they weren’t the original offender and that was the only room they had to park? But then when the original offender leaves, the next person is left looking like a fool. It can happen to you.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff, our sole investor, and some dear readers held a business meeting at Taco Joint on Saturday

Upcoming
Events

Monday, November 18: Stars vs. Ducks at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, November 19: Mavs vs. Pelicans at the American Airlines Center; Free Rooftop Movie — The Nightmare Before Christmas at Sundown at Granada; Friends-Giving Trivia Night at Legacy Hall
Wednesday, November 20: Dallasites101 Speed Dating + Singles Mixer (25–35) at Over Under Sports Bar
Thursday, November 21: Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time at the American Airlines Center; A Magical Cirque Christmas at Music Hall at Fair Park
Friday, November 22: Classic Christmas Grand Opening at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington; Silent Disco at Klyde Warren Park; Kacey Musgraves at the American Airlines Center (also on Saturday)
Saturday, November 23: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; 90s Country Tribute — Straight Tequila Night at Legacy Hall; Better Than Ezra + Graham Colton at House of Blues Dallas
Sunday, November 24: Holiday Boho Market at Klyde Warren Park

NatNews: Issue 139

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:55:45 +0100

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November 11, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 139

CHAFE HAPPENS SOMETIMES

While runners and other athletes may enjoy taking part in their sports, there are sometimes negative consequences that occur as a result of the activities involved. We’re looking at you, chafing.

Chafing occurs when there’s too much friction between the skin and itself or clothing, resulting in a weakening or wearing away of the skin. It tends to occur more often when the heat and humidity are high and can be painful and annoying for the individuals who experience it.

Dallas resident Juliette Vielhauer said she doesn’t notice much of an issue simply because of temperature alone but certainly does when she’s in a warmer and more humid climate.

“Having lived in Northern California for most of my life, I had never really dealt with chafing until I moved to Dallas about three and a half years ago,” she said. “The combination of heat and humidity here was a game-changer for me, and I quickly learned how much more vulnerable my skin becomes in those conditions. In general, I notice chafing most often when it’s both hot and humid, which increases sweating and friction.”

For Dallas resident Daniel Torrecillas, though, the temperature and humidity don’t seem to determine whether or not he finds himself a victim of chafing.

“I chafe every time I run for more than one hour—all year-round, in any weather,” he said. “Luckily, I don’t run for more than one hour unless I’m in a training cycle for a multi-hour race.”

Everyone is different, and chafing may not occur for some runners at all. Others, like Dallas-area resident Carolyn Macduff Levanway, have discovered they chafe not only in certain conditions but also when they wear certain articles of clothing.

“Chafing usually happens if I’m sweating a lot, when I’m wearing my hydration vest without a long enough sports bra/top, or when I’m wearing shorts that allow my thighs to easily rub together,” she said.

However, Macduff Levanway said she doesn’t chafe often anymore, as she’s discovered ways to prevent it from occurring.

“I’ve started using Body Glide everywhere I think I can possibly chafe,” she said. “I also wear longer tops when I wear my hydration vest, and I’ve gotten longer shorts to prevent any thigh chafing. I’ve had too many moments when I hop in the shower after a run and play the ‘where did I chafe’ game, and I think using all of my preventative measures have helped eliminate chafing so much.”

Vielhauer said she also uses Body Glide, though it only works to some extent but hasn’t been a perfect solution for her.

“It does help reduce irritation, but it doesn’t completely prevent chafing, especially in more extreme conditions, like long runs in high humidity,” she said. “So, while Body Glide is the best I’ve tried so far, it’s not a one-size-fits-all remedy.”

Body Glide is a popular option on which many runners rely to help them prevent causing skin issues while running. If you already have chafed skin that is bothering you, you can apply diaper rash creams, such as Desitin or A+D Zinc Oxide, because of their effectiveness in soothing troubled skin. These products could be helpful to runners like Torrecillas, who have noticed chafing during their runs but didn’t deal with it until later.

“I’ve never stopped mid-run to try to address any chafing,” he said. “I’ve thought about running with a stick of Body Glide but had second thoughts when I wondered if it would make the irritation worse since it’d be something applied to irritated skin. So I’ve just toughed it out.”

Torrecillas said he hasn’t found a way to prevent chafing completely, though he believes that he has come close to doing so.

“For my runs over one hour, I wear running shorts with a built-in compression boxer short and then apply Body Glide to the parts where I chafe,” he said. “I’ll still end up with a light chafe, but it’s not bad. My legs are sore, anyway, after that distance, which is a distraction to the chafe.”

Like Torrecillas, Vielhauer also said she has not been able to prevent chafing entirely. She said her problem areas tend to be around her sports bra, where the fabric rubs against her skin as she runs.

“I’ve tried switching to different sports bras made of various materials, hoping that a more breathable or seamless design would help, but nothing seems to be foolproof,” she said. “Even moisture-wicking fabrics and well-designed seams don’t completely eliminate the issue. I think the combination of sweat, friction, and humidity makes it really challenging to avoid altogether, especially for longer runs. I’ve learned to manage it, but I haven’t found a solution that works in every condition yet.”

Experts not associated with NatNews suggest using a lubricating balm or powder to reduce friction and absorb moisture. It’s also recommended to wear breathable and sweat-wicking materials, clothing made from synthetic materials that cling to your body, sports bras that aren’t too snug, compression shorts with longer inseams, and Band-Aids or tape for the fellas who suffer from bleeding nipples. While you may not rid of the chafe altogether, taking preventable measures could help you in the long run (yes, the pun was obviously intended).

“I haven’t prevented chafing completely, but it’s definitely way less than what it was,” Macduff Levanway said. “Just when you think you’ve applied Body Glide to all the areas you think you need to, a new area starts to chafe.”

DID YOU KNOW?

If you were to lay the number of LEGO bricks sold in a year in an end-to-end fashion, they would reach more than five times around the world.

WAFFLES AND SPAGHETTI — A NICE COMBO

In 2001, Pam and Bill Farrel released their book Men Are Like Waffles—Women Are Like Spaghetti: Understanding and Delighting in Your Differences, which expands upon the theory that men are more likely to compartmentalize their lives and focus on one thing at a time, while women tend to think and live more like spaghetti noodles flowing together, with every noodle touching every other noodle and going all over the place.

While men and women shouldn’t be categorized and stereotyped, it is true that the two are mostly wired quite differently. And certainly not all individuals fit the molds of waffles and spaghetti, but some do help prove the theory.

“I mainly focus on one thing at a time because I’m terrible at focusing on multiple things,” Dallas-area resident Adrian Acevedo said. “I think it’s too chaotic to focus on multiple things because you start to lose focus on the main task.”

People who live the waffle life are more apt to go to work and focus solely on work, regardless of other situations that might be going on in their lives. They don’t let as many things distract them and might not even spend much time scrolling on their phones or texting, as those are not work-related tasks. Tara Janke, who lives in the San Diego area, said she does not relate to the waffle style, though she can see how it can be beneficial sometimes.

“I can generally focus on multiple things at once, but I should probably start trying to focus on one thing at a time,” she said. “But as a parent, that is easier said than done.”

Also aligning with the waffles and spaghetti theory is Dallas-area resident Stephanie Hone, who has mastered the art of embracing chaos.

“What’s it like to do one thing at a time?” she said. “After teaching middle school English for 10 years and now working as an insurance broker, I feel like I’m working on multiple projects at once—even in life. I don’t know if I have ever done one thing at a time.”

Dallas resident Drew Mbiam, however, likes to be different and prove that men can be like spaghetti, too. He said he prefers to work on multiple tasks at once rather than move from one waffle square to the next.

“The chaos makes me feel more productive because I’m taking care of a bunch of little things instead of working my way through a larger task that I’m solely focused on,” he said.

Mbiam also doesn’t fully support the notion that a certain way of thinking, acting, or living is specific to men and women.

“Everyone has the capacity to function in chaos or work in peace,” he said. “It’s a matter of preference.”

Like Mbiam, Acevedo said he thinks the way people process and function isn’t solely related to whether they are male or female, though he admits that it could certainly be a factor.

“Men and women may be wired differently, but I believe it’s based on the personality traits someone may have,” he said. “If you’re organized and detailed, you probably only want to do one thing at a time. But women can be way better at handling multiple things at the same time—like putting makeup on in the car while driving while talking on the phone.”

Multitasking can certainly be an art that doesn’t come as naturally to some people as it does to others. Janke said she absolutely believes that men and women were created quite differently in how their minds work and how they approach tasks they need to complete.

“Men definitely tend to focus on one thing at a time,” she said. “I think women are ‘programmed’ to be better at multitasking since we tend to take care of the household and our families.”

While living life in one box at a time doesn’t pertain to all men all of the time, the idea resonates with many individuals. Hone said she can’t necessarily speak for all men and women, but in her own life, she has seen the waffles and spaghetti analogy to be rather accurate.

“I’m not sure about all men and women, but in our household, yes,” she said. “My husband needs to focus on one thing at a time, and most men I have worked with seem to do better with smaller task lists. That’s just my experience.”

Like many other facets in life, the different ways people think and their capacities to focus on one or many things at once can significantly impact their relationships. Mbiam said the result of two partners operating in different ways can lead to friction.

“Little things seem bigger because the way people function is so ingrained into them, and it’s not necessarily gender-specific programming,” he said.

One purpose of the Farrels’ book is not simply to bring attention to the different ways men and women think and process information and approach various aspects of life but also to help them better understand one another in order to have healthy and lasting relationships. For Janke, one key is making sure that each person is open with the other.

“I think we just have to be good at communicating and understanding the strengths of the people in our lives,” she said. “If not, those differences can get frustrating.”

Whether you’re more of a waffle person or more like spaghetti matters less than being able to acknowledge and accept one another’s differences, knowing that your way is not always everyone else’s way.

“Those whose minds can’t stop and are always moving (one like mine) sometimes have trouble understanding people whose minds have a solitary focus,” Hone said. “We need both types of people to balance the other out. I need my husband to help me slow down, and he needs me to help him speed up because Lord knows that man moves slower than anyone I have ever met—and he knows I’m telling you this.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff and some dear readers recently enjoyed watching the Dallas Stars defeat the Chicago Blackhawks

Upcoming
Events

Monday, November 11: Veterans Day
Tuesday, November 12: Cyndi Lauper at the American Airlines Center; Dallasites101 Women’s Wellness & Pilates Class at Temple Studio Wellness; Free Rooftop Movie — The Waterboy at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, November 13: Kevin Roberts Appreciation Day; Holiday at the Arboretum begins (continues through January 5) at the Dallas Arboretum
Thursday, November 14: Stars vs. Bruins at the American Airlines Center
Friday, November 15: All You Can Eataly — Holiday Extravaganza at Eataly NorthPark
Saturday, November 16: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Lakewood Fitness and Health Festival at Lakewood Shopping Center; ABBA Tribute — Super Trouper at Legacy Hall
Sunday, November 17: Love One Pilates Fundraiser at The PilatesBarre; Meet Me at the Museum Brunch at the Dallas Museum of Art; Pizza Making at Poco Fiasco

NatNews: Issue 138

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:58:57 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

November 4, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 138

"IF YOU AIN'T FIRST, YOU'RE LAST" — BUT SHOULD YOU GET A PRIZE, REGARDLESS?

The idea of participation awards, particularly in youth sports, has become a rather controversial topic, with some people arguing that they instill laziness, create a sense of entitlement, and convey inaccurate messages about everyone being a winner and others claiming that such prizes can help protect emotional health, serve as sources of encouragement, and result in overall positive attitudes.

But what about when adults participate in competitions? When a person completes a road race (e.g., 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, etc.), he or she typically receives a participation medal, regardless of what that individual placed. A recent NatNews research initiative revealed that of those dear readers who responded, 33 percent believe that every runner should receive a medal for finishing a race, 20 percent think that runners should only receive finisher medals for some races (such as marathons), 7 percent said only winners should walk away with medals, and 40 percent don’t care either way.

Montana resident Karen Brinkmann said she has strong opinions regarding who should receive a medal after finishing a race, acknowledging the positivity the accolade could provide in a person’s life.

“I think it’s great when runners receive finisher medals,” she said. “Running is optional; competing is optional. Running a race can be very difficult, and a finisher medal might really mean something to the recipient. In some ways, it’s a souvenir of a fun event a person participated in.”

Like Brinkmann, Dallas-area resident David Recker supports race medals being handed out, though he said it’s important to distinguish between a “finisher” and a “participant,” meaning the medal must be earned by completing a race in its entirety and crossing the finish line.

“To me, road racing is a specific style of competition, and the finisher medal is a reward for completing a hard task,” he said. “Outside of Olympics or pro running, it doesn’t matter if you completed the task faster or slower than someone else. You’re only competing against yourself.”

Not everyone is on board with each individual receiving a racing medal, though. Dallas-area resident and Fit Social Club owner Erin Vara, a former All-American Baylor University cross-country and track runner who also ran professionally, said she doesn’t think everyone should walk away from a race with a medal because it takes away from the race being a competition.

"It’s one of the only sports where it’s completely objective—no real refs or timeouts,” she said. “It’s true sport. So let people win.”

When it comes to kids’ sports leagues, however, Vara is not opposed to individuals receiving trophies, though she thinks the trophies or medals should designate the actual places earned and not simply recognize taking part in the sport.

“Tenth place is still finishing the games and competition,” she said. “It’s not great, but you stuck it out. I feel like participation trophies and medals are a way to allow kids to throw in the towel. I think youth sports has gotten so out of control at a young age that participation trophies are a way to make up for the fact that parents are way too intense way too early in a child’s ‘career.’”

Recker said he doesn’t think participation trophies are a good idea, either, noting that kids are smart enough to recognize that such an award is not the same as a winner’s trophy for the team or individual who proved to be the top finisher.

“I don’t think participant trophies do anything to encourage engagement with the sport,” he said. “The specific style of competition determines winners and losers based on performance. I think it’s controversial because there is a hyperfocus on fairness. Equity is important, but providing a consolation prize just for participating is not aiding toward that conversation.”

Brinkmann, however, is all for participation trophies for sports leagues and recalled how she felt when she received hardware near the end of the school year when she was a middle school cheerleader.

“We cheered at all the football games (freezing weather in Chicago) and all of the basketball games,” she said. “In the spring, when all of the sports were over, we had a banquet. Each of us received a trophy, and I treasured it. Participating was fun and rewarding, but getting a trophy felt like a reward for enduring when things got hard. It was a reminder to press on and finish the ‘race.’ I’m not sure why my fellow Gen Xers and others are so opposed to them. The world needs more encouragement, and trophies and medals can really encourage people.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The Goliath bird-eating tarantula is the largest spider in the world—it can weigh more than 6 ounces, have a body length of more than 4 inches, and walk around on legs of more than 11 inches long.

CAREERS, PASSIONS, AND ENSUING HAPPINESS

According to a career report published last year, only 20 percent of Americans are passionate about their jobs, while 49 percent indicated being satisfied with the work they do. It’s true that not all passions can turn into full-time profitable career paths, but that doesn’t mean that individuals can’t develop passions for the jobs they work—but it also doesn’t mean that will be the outcome.

Sacramento-area resident Ashley English said it’s important for a person to be happy in his or her job to the extent that he or she doesn’t dread each workday.

“You need to be doing work that stimulates and challenges you,” she said. “Even if you aren’t passionate about it, if you are learning new things and enjoying meeting new goals, I think that can be enough and furthers you as an individual.”

And sometimes people wind up in careers simply because they pay well or at least are substantial enough to provide for those who work in them. Craig Stewart, who lives in the U.K., said he believes that it’s important to be passionate about your job as long as you can earn more than a certain amount to pay for basic living expenses.

“If you can’t afford food, house, etc., I don’t think it matters, because it’s more about being able to afford to live, and you don’t need to enjoy [your work],” he said.

Stewart also pointed out that if a person is miserable and often stressed in his or her career, that unhappiness can impact life outside of work, including in one’s family. He said the issue can become more troublesome the longer the individual remains in that field.

“You are less likely to progress in your career if you hate your job, as you’ll be unmotivated,” he said, “which will mean you’ll end up being in that job longer, unless you have the confidence to quit and change jobs.”

However, if a person does find himself or herself in a profession that doesn’t necessarily spark passion and excitement, English said there are certainly still other ways to pursue interests in other areas of life.

“Sometimes that’s in volunteer work or who you donate to,” she said. “There are jobs out there that no one will ever be passionate about but, of course, have to be done. I think it would be horrible to think we all should be passionate about our jobs because then that means some people are in the wrong field. In reality, though, if they don’t mind the work and are challenging themselves and finding their passions elsewhere, I think that’s more sustainable for people’s overall happiness. After all, there is so much more to life than work.”

While there are plenty of other aspects of life than careers, people spend a large portion of their waking hours working—which is one reason why Stewart said a person’s job can have a powerful impact on his or her life, in general.

“If you don’t have hobbies outside of work, I think it’s even more important, as you won’t have other things to look forward to after work and on weekends,” he said.

English also acknowledged the significant amount of time people spend at their jobs (and, if going into a workplace, with their coworkers) every week and said, as a result, careers are vital to overall happiness.

“If you are miserable there, it’s going to negatively impact the rest of your life,” she said. “It’s important to me to feel fulfilled in my work but also have a work-life balance that lets me pursue other passions, hobbies, and—of course, most importantly—time with loved ones.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Half of the NatNews staff and some dear readers were recently able to experience pumpkin magic together

Upcoming
Events

Monday, November 4: Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championship at Brookhaven Country Club (runs all week through Sunday)
Tuesday, November 5: National Redhead Day
Wednesday, November 6: Mavs vs. Bulls at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, November 7: Stars vs. Blackhawks at the American Airlines Center
Friday, November 8: Dallas Feast of Sharing at Fair Park — Centennial Building; Silent Disco at Klyde Warren Park
Saturday, November 9: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; 2024 Dallas Brew Festival at Old City Park; Barks + Bowties at Mutts Canine Cantina; 4th Annual Lakewood Home Tour (also on Sunday); Ciders and Songs at Gilley’s; Taylor Swift Tribute — Reputation at Legacy Hall
Sunday, November 10: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party at Dickies Arena (also on Saturday)

NatNews: Issue 137

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:09:20 +0100

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October 28, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 137

THE GREAT SHEET-CHANGING AND BED-MAKING DEBATES

It’s not uncommon for people to describe their lives as being “busy,” and there are often chores and tasks that take the backseat to other activities and priorities. Perhaps one of those tedious adult responsibilities is changing one’s bedsheets, and not everyone agrees on how often doing so is necessary.

According to NatNews research, of the individuals who participated in a recent online poll, 51 percent wash their sheets at least once per week, 40 percent do so biweekly or monthly (or something in between), 6 percent don’t wash them that often or don’t keep track, and 4 percent felt the question was too personal to answer.

Health professionals advise people to wash their sheets either weekly or every other week, as dead skin, bacteria, dust mites, bodily fluids, and other undesired guests sleep with you on a regular basis. Dallas-area resident Nikki East has four sets of sheets for her bed so that the laundry process is easier.

“Technically, I change my sheets weekly, but I may not wash the used sheets until I have two sets to wash,” she said. “I do wash my comforter weekly, though. As to why, it’s simple: dust mites love dead skin cells, and dust mites can flare up ye ol’ allergies. And it just feels nice to crawl into clean sheets.”

For these and other reasons, East said she believes that it’s important for individuals to ensure that they wash their sheets on a regular and consistent basis.

“In addition to the dust mites point, sheets can collect a variety of grossness, including drool, sweat, and dog dander, and let’s not forget any remnants of the horizontal mambo,” she said. “I also wash couch pillow covers and blankets routinely.”

Like East, Dallas-area resident Megan Burke makes sure to change her sheets often and said every five to 10 days is the only acceptable answer to how frequently one should do so.

“I personally change my sheets weekly,” she said. “I also have two 90-pound dogs, Moose and Rocco, who think they are human. On occasion, I change them more often if, for example, I spray tan and have to let myself marinate overnight. Then the sheets just get that weird smell and discoloration (any pale girl will understand this struggle).”

Burke also has multiple sets of sheets (three in total) to allow for easy rotation and said she has begun incorporating a linen mist refresh into the routine.

“I personally love the brand and scent from Target Being Frenshe — Palo Santo Sage,” she said. “The palo santo has an earthy and fresh scent that provides a relaxing environment, and the sage helps ward off any demons from getting up into my bed.”

While Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen may not throw his sheets in the washing machine as often as England and Burke, he still makes sure to do so on a regular occurrence.

“I wash my sheets every two weeks because, to me, it’s a big pain, and I would just hate to do it every week,” he said. “And anything longer starts to get gross.”

Borkenhagen also thinks this often-dreaded chore is a necessary part of adulting that needs to happen consistently.

“We aren’t as clean as we think we are, so every time you use your sheets/sleep in your bed, you’re getting them dirtier than they used to be.”

While making one’s bed occurs when putting fresh sheets on it, it’s a different kind of daily chore that doesn’t involve germs and bacteria. However, some individuals believe that it’s a wise form of discipline to practice every day. In his University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address, U.S. Navy Admiral William H. McRaven said making the bed starts the day by accomplishing a task, which then encourages you to achieve another and another, and enforces the fact that little things matter. Ultimately, he concluded his thoughts on this matter by saying “if you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” Burke said this is a task she tries to do daily.

“Emphasis on try,” she said. “I get into kicks when I’m excellent about doing it. However, I’ve been known to hit the snooze button.”

East also makes concerted efforts to make her bed every morning, though she said she only started this practice earlier this year.

“Historically, I didn’t really make my bed aside from sheet-change day because no one sees it, and I just had to unmake it each time,” she said. “But now, I’m more of the mindset of it being a productive start to the day. I’m not sure I’ve really seen a boost in productivity throughout the day since starting it, but I’m still going to make the bed most days.”

Not everyone sees making the bed daily as a task that makes sense, though. Borkenhagen said he hardly ever prioritizes this task.

“It’s another one of those chores that I just hate doing, so unless I’m giving a tour of the crib (I never am) or trying to impress someone (I’m not), there’s no reason to,” he said. “It’s just going to get slept in again, anyway.”

There are always exceptions, though.

“I’ll make the bed if I crash at a friend’s place or something,” Borkenhagen said. “That’s just courtesy.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Thomas Edison is known as the “Wizard of Menlo Park” because of the groundbreaking inventions he made in his famous laboratory he established in the San Francisco Bay Area.

HOW IMPORTANT IS CITY HISTORY?

Thanks to a man by the name of John Neely Bryan, who settled on the east bank of the Trinity River in 1841, Dallas officially became a town in 1856 and was upgraded to a city in 1871. Since then, the ninth-largest city in the U.S. has seen a significant amount of growth and moments that have marked history.

Dallas is home to several historical attractions, including Founders Plaza, the Bath House Cultural Center, the Degolyer House and Gardens, Freedman’s Cemetery Memorial, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (and the Grassy Knoll), and the Texas Theatre.

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a motorcade in downtown Dallas during his campaigning trip. Located in the historic Texas School Book Depository building (determined as the building from which Lee Harvey Oswald shot JFK), the Sixth Floor Museum examines the life of JFK, the life of Oswald, the timeline of that fateful day, and conspiracy theories pertaining to the assassination. Dallas-area resident and high school social studies teacher Megan England grew up in a local suburb and appreciates opportunities to be able to learn about such momentous events of the past.

“I have been to the Sixth Floor Museum several times,” she said. “I love history, and this is a very thorough and amazing museum.”

Dallas-area resident Steve Bergsman is also a history buff and said he loves visiting historical landmarks. He said while Dallas doesn’t offer as many such places as cities like Boston might, he still has found opportunities to explore local history.

“I’ve been to the standard Dealey Plaza and Book Depository,” he said. “I also took my parents to Southfork Ranch since my mom was a big fan of the TV show Dallas back in the day. I’m not sure that counts as a historical landmark, though. I really need to make an effort to go see more things. I would love to check out the Bonnie and Clyde stuff.”

As Bergsman’s examples indicate, the Dallas area offers attractions that are not only known locally but also on a national level. Southfork Ranch, located in Parker, Texas, is not only historic for being the setting of the show Dallas, but it now also serves as a venue for special events and meetings. Dallas offers a historic tour regarding Bonnie and Clyde, who have roots in Dallas, though Clyde’s childhood home at 1221 Singleton Blvd. was demolished in 2022. However, there are many residents throughout the metroplex who have never visited such places—and likely others who don’t even know they exist.

“I think history is important and very interesting,” Bergsman said. “I don’t prioritize DFW’s history like I feel I should.”

England said she grew up knowing the history of Dallas and gained historical knowledge about other surrounding towns and cities organically as she learned about them in school. When England visits other cities, states, and countries, she enjoys paying specific attention to and visiting known sites that have historical impact and meaning.

“This is actually a priority for me when I travel,” she said. “I tend to ‘travel’ versus ‘vacation,’ as I travel for experiences and knowledge rather than going to relax.”

Similarly, Bergsman said visiting historic landmarks and sites in other cities is one of the best parts of traveling.

“I love getting to see something where something of profound significance once occurred,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to reflect and really consider what all of this means to you and how this event has consequently shaped your life.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff and some dear readers enjoyed celebrating our IT Department and Halloween together

Upcoming
Events

Monday, October 28: Mavs vs. Jazz at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, October 29: Free Rooftop Movie — Hocus Pocus at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, October 30: Jack and Jill Costume Competition at Cowboys Red River
Thursday, October 31: Trick-or-Treat on Downtown Streets at Main Street Garden Park; Dallasites101 Chills & Thrills Halloween Party at the Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Friday, November 1: Cory Morrow at Legacy Hall; Greek Food Festival of Dallas 2024 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (also Saturday and Sunday)
Saturday, November 2: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; SMU vs. Pittsburgh at Gerald Ford Stadium; Culture in the CORE at Main Street Plaza (Richardson)
Sunday, November 3: DRC’s The Half at Norbuck Park; Last day of Autumn at the Arboretum; DMA Free First Sundays — Access for All at the Dallas Museum of Art

NatNews: Issue 136

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:40:21 +0100

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October 21, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 136

HOW SUPER ARE SUPER SHOES?

Running shoes have certainly evolved since the days of being made with a waffle iron, and sometimes change and progression can surface quite a few feelings and opinions.

Enter carbon-plated kicks.

Also known as “super shoes,” running shoes with carbon-fiber plates running through the midsoles were created to help runners perform at higher levels and with more efficiency. The Nike Vaporfly 4% was the first shoe of this kind to come on the market for amateurs to purchase in 2017 (after some of the athletes in the 2016 Olympics in Rio wore them), and now several other running brands offer their own versions of carbon-plated shoes.

Dallas-area resident Jessica Smith, an avid runner who works in education, compared the advancement of shoe innovations to the progression of technology she sees in the school setting, which she said can be challenging.

“As educators, we are dealing with the positive and negative consequences that come with it,” she said. “For example, AI is being abused by students as they are expected to write their own essays. However, as educators, we understand that this is definitely in our future, and life will look a little different than we know it now.”

And Smith said she believes that carbon-plated shoes are also here to stay as technology continues to advance and that, regardless, there will always be something runners are seeking to help them perform better.

“I do, however, understand how it could take away from the spirit of the sport of running, especially regarding records being broken,” she said. “If it is not the shoes, it will be the progression of nutrition. Or what about the progression of our expertise in training methods?”

Dallas-area resident Emmanuel Amadi, who recently ran a 34-minute 10K (translation: he’s really fast), said super shoes don’t only help individuals while they are actually running but also afterward, as they noticeably yield an increase in recovery time after hard training sessions. He said this is a result of ever-growing technology, which has delivered a hyper-responsive but soft midsole foam.

“Due to their propulsive nature, giving runners that ‘toe-off-the-ground’ feel, they realistically provide a massive energy return, which, in turn, enables faster and more stable paces with less strain on the muscles, as compared to using non-carbon-plated shoes, especially on hard running surfaces.”

Amadi said it’s also because of technology that most super shoes are available in ultra-lightweight options that don’t sacrifice the cushioning for which some non-carbon-plated shoes are known.

“This difference comes in handy during race efforts,” he said.

The advantages have not come without a bit of controversy, though. Despite the fact that super shoes are worn by many elite runners and have not been banned or deemed illegal in world competitions such as the Olympics, there are individuals who believe that they are a form of cheating and provide an unfair advantage. It also doesn’t help that some people either can’t afford them or aren’t willing to pay such an amount for shoes, as most are more than $200. Regarding fairness, Smith said she believes the future of carbon-plated shoes remains in the hands of all of the major marathon races and the Olympics decision-makers.

“Until they completely ban them, I honestly feel like the playing field is pretty equal, as we all have an opportunity to buy these carbon-plated shoes,” she said. “I am not an elite runner, but it is not my experience at all that my carbon-plated shoes have ever run a race for me. In fact, I have had to train harder than ever before, even with my carbon-plated shoes.”

Smith said her opinion may not be the most popular one, but she thinks that if the shoes aren’t actually banned by the people who have the power to make such decisions, individuals should simply run in the shoes that they feel are best for them.

“Stop whining, and go train harder,” she said. “I think we are living in a society that loves to scream ‘no fair!’ Weren’t shoes invented to help us efficiently run and walk? But maybe I’m buying the wrong super shoes. I’m on my fifth pair, and I have yet to finish in the top three at any of the world majors.”

Amadi said he is a firm believer in using everything reasonable within legal and financial reach to maximize peak performance when it comes to running, and like Smith, he said he thinks runners need to wear the shoes that meet their individual needs.

“Given personal experiences, in addition to the numerous plausible lab testings, yes, carbon-plated shoes take home the competitive advantage for gaining peak performance,” he said. “However, for one to reap the fruits from this technology, we must use the particular brand and model of carbon-plated shoes that perfectly fits our stride mechanics and muscular structure. Of course, this takes intentional research and trial and error. Also, a good piece of advice is to steer clear from wearing a specific super shoe solely due to its social media popularity or aesthetics.”

And while Amadi certainly acknowledges the benefits super shoes can offer, he won’t be wearing them every single time he laces up to go for a run. He said he thinks they should be used sparingly and targeted toward specific training sessions, such as fast track intervals, fast long runs, and competitive races.

“I believe runners should be advised against using carbon-plated shoes on easy runs and steady long runs,” he said. “And there is an avenue where non-carbon-plated shoes take the lead, as frequently using them strengthens most running accessory muscles and minimizes injury risk and compounded stress. Importantly, longevity in any sport is the name of the game. A healthy and consistent runner beats any carbon-plated shoe.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The letter E is the most commonly used letter in the English alphabet.

DEAR MTV, WHAT HAPPENED?

On August 1, 1981, life changed for many individuals when MTV first launched. What began as a 24-hour-per-day platform for music videos saw the rise in popularity of artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Duran Duran.

These were the pre-YouTube days, and individuals who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s and were privileged enough to have cable TV were able to enjoy such media. Other networks, including VH1 (which launched in January of 1985 and served as a competitor to MTV) and CMT (which began in March of 1983 and played country music videos) followed and offered plenty of entertainment, especially for GenX and millennials. Dallas resident Jenny Schultz said she enjoyed watching all three networks, particularly when perhaps she wasn’t exactly supposed to do so.

“MTV felt like something special when I was younger because my older cousins would let me sneak and watch it when they were over at my house,” she said.

Dallas resident Bob Heine said he also enjoyed watching music videos on MTV and found the video jockeys (VJs) and hosts to be quite entertaining and fun. He particularly enjoyed MTV News with Kurt Loder as well as the network’s shows specifically grouped by music genre. His favorite was Headbangers Ball, which aired late on Saturday nights. However, MTV wasn’t always easily accessible to Heine.

“I lived in a rural environment, so I didn’t actually have cable TV at home,” he said. “I would watch MTV at friends’ and relatives’ homes when I visited. My grandmother would record Headbangers Ball on a VHS tape every week for me. Watching shows like that introduced me to new bands that I hadn’t heard before. Back then, that was the best way to discover new music that wasn’t regularly played on the radio.”

Heine said the only complaint he had about MTV was that certain songs that were popular would be played so often throughout the day that they sometimes caused him not to like those tunes anymore.

“I vividly recall the music video for the ZZ Top song ‘Rough Boy’ playing incessantly for weeks,” he said. “To this day, I dislike that song because of MTV.”

As the calendar pages turned, the TV music networks began to make changes to increase viewership. VH1 started Pop-Up Video, which incorporated little bubbles of information throughout music videos, while MTV began airing shows that had nothing to do with music at all. Singled Out was a way-back-when precursor of shows like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Road Rules was a reality show that put five to six people together in an RV and had them travel to various locations to complete certain missions, and The Real World followed the lives of strangers living together in a house for several months.

“I was a big fan of most of the shows from the 2000s—Laguna Beach and all of its spin-offs, Jackass, Newlyweds, Cribs, Daria, and Celebrity Deathmatch,” Schultz said. “I never got into TRL or The Real World. I also loved Pop-Up Video on VH1, because I am a sucker for fun facts, and The Fabulous Life of. I liked the shows because they were easy to watch, and you could just enjoy them and turn your brain off for a bit.”

Even though MTV stands for Music Television, music videos aren’t really its thing anymore. Heine said he thinks the explanation for the station veering from its origins is an easy one to identify.

“I think the reason MTV moved away from playing music videos to pure entertainment shows and reality shows was simply greed,” he said. “I also think the evolution of the internet, which gave people a more immediate way to access new music, made MTV less relevant to viewers.”

Like Schultz, Heine said he enjoyed VH1’s Pop-Up Video because of the interesting facts about bands, songs, or the specific music video playing that the show offered, but he said it still never quite compared to what MTV provided its audience.

“They tried to make VH1 the new music television station, but it never really had the same impact,” he said.

Though TV networks that began as platforms for music videos and not much more still exist in forms that don’t quite resemble what they once were, individuals who once enjoyed them often still carry the fond memories of what a simpler life was like.

“I think my age group hit MTV at such a good time,” Schultz said. “The 90s and 2000s music videos were great, and the reality content was still new enough not to be overly scripted like The Real Housewives and other series are now. I think with social media, music videos are not as important because artists have so many other platforms that they can reach fans on. Does that mean video killed the video star?

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Our NatNews IT Department is running into a new year, and we are celebrating him this week!

Upcoming
Events

Monday, October 21: Jim Henson’s Labyrinth in Concert at the Majestic Theatre
Tuesday, October 22: Free Rooftop Movie — Cruella at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, October 23: Halloween Charcuterie Workshop at Lockwood Distilling Co.
Thursday, October 24: NatNews IT Department Celebration Day; Mavs vs. Spurs (season home opener) at the American Airlines Center; Reese’s Book Club Gathering at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Friday, October 25: Ennis Autumn Daze in historic downtown Ennis (goes through Sunday); Nightmare on Main Street Halloween Bash at The Village Country Club; Halloween Meet & Greet at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Grand Prairie
Saturday, October 26: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Stars vs. Blackhawks at the American Airlines Center
Sunday, October 27: Cowboys vs. 49ers Watch Party at Legacy Hall; Puppy Yoga at Satya Yoga

NatNews: Issue 135

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 12:16:27 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

October 14, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 135

DON'T LET YOUR PHONE HURT YOU

According to recent research findings, on average, an individual spends approximately 4.5 hours on his or her phone each day—and that is not including time spent talking on the phone. As a result, many people have developed what is known as “phone hand” (also called “text claw” or “texting thumb”), which is a pain in the hand or thumb associated with holding a smartphone for an extended amount of time.

Dallas resident and physical therapist Elise Waller said this particular issue phone users are experiencing results from inflammation of the tendons in the thumb or in the hand from being in extended postures or moving through patterns continuously throughout the day and not taking breaks from those patterns or postures.

“It’s texting over and over and over again throughout the day; it’s holding your phone with one hand,” she said. “It’s similar to how you get tendonitis from golfing or playing tennis. It’s these repetitive motions that we do day in and day out, and we don’t necessarily take breaks from them, particularly when it’s due to phone use with the thumb and the wrist and the hand.”

Waller said the pain could also be a result of not having adequate strength in the hand and thumb, though she does not believe that’s the main culprit of phone hand/texting thumb.

“Really, the root cause is that we are sitting on our phones for too long in the same posture with our pinkies underneath the charger port or with one thumb moving from the A button to the P button on the keyboard,” she said, “and we have to reach and kind of move quickly, and we’re doing it over and over and over again without switching hands, without using both hands, and without taking breaks.”

According to a recent study conducted by NatNews, of the individuals who participated, 62 percent have experienced phone hand, 16 percent have remained pain-free, and 22 percent indicated that they had no idea what this condition is. Dallas resident Damon Yousefy said he has experienced pain in his hand from using his phone with only one hand, and he added that it doesn’t help that there is a little added challenge to his device.

“I use a battery case on my phone to extend battery life, but this adds weight and results in my fingers and thumb getting sore when I’m trying to read documents on my phone,” he said.

Some people, like Yousefy, have found ways to try to combat the issue when it arises

“I will alternate which hand is holding the phone or use both hands,” he said. “My case does not have a kickstand, but I need the added battery life due to significant work travel, and I don’t want to take off the case in other situations because it does a great job of protecting my phone.”

For those who do suffer from pain or soreness, Waller said it’s important to figure out what the aggravating factors are to determine how to treat phone hand/texting thumb. She said much of the time, she works with her patients to start loading and strengthening the tendons and the muscles attached to those tendons.

“The biggest thing is activity modification and talking about how long you are using your phone and if you are using it with just one hand,” she said. “If so, can you use both hands? Can you try to use different fingers to type instead of using your thumb to type? Can you get to a tablet or a computer? I know that’s not the answer people want to hear, but if you have texting thumb or phone hand, our answer is going to be stop using your phone so much, use a computer if you have to, and take more breaks from these postures where you’re statically holding your thumb or pinky or wrist in one position over and over again.”

Waller also said that prevention methods are similar to treatment methods—it’s helpful for individuals to use computers and tablets when they can, alternate which hand they use, use both hands when texting and holding their phones, and try to limit the amount of time they spend on their phones. Yousefy said he has been making concerted efforts to ensure that hand pain from phone use does not become a long-term concern.

“I do some hand exercises at the gym, which have helped,” he said. “I have also tried reducing my screen time by using things like voice-to-text with my AirPods in. Whether it’s reading work emails or reading the news on my phone, I have to be more mindful of hand pain these days as I get older.”

Just like it’s important to take short breaks at least every 30 minutes or so when working at a desk or in front of a computer, Waller said it’s essential for phone users to set their phones down in order to avoid additional body breakdown.

“I want to make it super clear that no one posture is inherently bad for the hand, the hips, the back, or anything like that, but it’s these postures that we hold for not just 5 minutes but for 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes throughout the day,” she said. “That is what’s causing this repetitive what you might call microtrauma or inflammation to the area of the thumb or the wrist that is creating pain for us. When we stay in one posture without taking breaks, we start to get tendon wear and muscular wear, similar to what we’re seeing with texting thumb and phone hand.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Each year, Americans spend more than $550 million on Oreos—they were the best-selling cookies of the 20th century.

CAN YOU EVER DECK TOO MANY HALLS?

Some people choose to go big on holidays, especially when it comes to decorations. Americans spend approximately $3.9 billion on Halloween decorations and roughly $7.8 billion on Christmas lights and decor each year. And let’s not forget holidays such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving, which can all also be prime opportunities for decoration enthusiasts.

For many individuals, including Dallas-area resident Robyn Allen, putting the holidays on display is about more than merely offering appealing aesthetics.

“I love to decorate because it’s a way for me to connect to holiday memories from years past,” she said. “My mother also imprinted the idea of decorating on me from a young age. It was a time to change up the monotony of the house interior and exterior and to continue annual traditions.”

Allen has been known to create festive fall spooktacular scenery for her home, but she said she equally enjoys decorating for Halloween and Christmas—and she certainly appreciates the ability to embrace superfluity.

“I am not a minimalist naturally, and it’s a struggle to control my love for excess,” she said. “But Halloween and Christmas allow me to freely decorate with no limitation. Being exorbitant in the decor for these holidays is socially acceptable and brings joy to others immersed in the creativity. It’s my time to shine.”

Not everyone holds Allen’s same level of enthusiasm for decking all of the halls. Dallas-area resident Valerie Vela said there were many years when she didn’t care to decorate for the holidays because doing so seemed like a great deal of work that wasn’t necessary. That changed a little more than four years ago, though.

“When the pandemic hit in 2020, I realized how much I was looking forward to seeing decorations,” she said. “It was a way to bring joy to myself and others. Now I decorate for fall, Christmas, and sometimes Valentine’s Day because it’s fun. It makes me smile, and I hope it does the same for others.”

According to several psychologists, Christmas decorations can increase levels of dopamine, the feel-good hormone. The colors and lights act as a form of color therapy, sparking happiness and energy. Vela helps contribute to creating that joy for others.

“I love decorating for fall/October with pumpkins and a door wreath, but I think my favorite holiday is probably Christmas,” she said. “I don’t go overboard, but I love the lights and shiny, glittery decor.”

The sparkles and glistening garland aren’t for everyone, though. Eric Napple, former Dallas resident who recently moved to the Midwest, isn’t too keen on the idea of holidays being front and center everywhere you turn.

“My decorations are limited to only Christmas and are typically just outside lights on the house,” he said. “I’m not much for interior decorations, as it is just me in the house, and I typically spend most of the Christmas holidays at my parents’ house. They fully decorate!”

And while Napple isn’t completely anti-decorations, he doesn’t appreciate when people don’t respect the timelines of when certain holiday extravagances should be on display.

“My biggest beef with holiday decorations is that people do them way too early, and then for some reason, they keep Christmas decorations up for months,” he said. “I think they are seasonal holidays for a reason and should have term limits to them. If you go for a walk, you’ll see random Christmas lights still up into the first few months of the year. The only full-year holiday I support is the Fourth of July, sporting the American flag 24/7, 365.”

It’s not uncommon to see homes with Christmas lights synced to holiday music, and some homes even have Halloween lights synced to songs, as well. There are life-sized (or taller) yard characters and items, inflatables, re-creations of well-known settings, and a variety of other eye-catching displays. Though Vela appreciates holiday decorations, she said she does believe that they can become excessive at times.

“I know someone who has a storage unit just for her Christmas decorations,” she said. “That’s a bit much, in my opinion, since I’m all about simplicity. I decorate just enough to bring in the magic of the season and then take it all down when the season is over.”

It has not been confirmed as to whether or not Allen also has a holiday decorations storage unit, but if she doesn’t, it’s quite possibly an aspiration for her to achieve one day.

“I will never be a believer that there is too much decor,” she said. “I love the stimulation from it.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff loves and appreciates its dear readers so very much

Upcoming
Events

Monday, October 14: Acro in the Air at Harwood Park
Tuesday, October 15: Free Rooftop Movie — Beetlejuice at Sundown at Granada; Stars vs. Sharks at the American Airlines Center
Wednesday, October 16: Dallasites101 October Speed Dating & Singles Mixer at Over Under Sports Bar
Thursday, October 17: 29th Annual Family Compass Golf Classic at Cowboys Golf Club; Taste of the Trolley at the Fashion Industry Gallery; Trick or Treatment at The Spa at The Crescent; P!nk Tribute — Just Like P!nk at Legacy Hall
Friday, October 18: Adult Night — Zombie Invasion at LEGOLAND Discovery Center; Movies on the Lawn — Haunted Mansion at AT&T Discovery District
Saturday, October 19: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; DFW Fall Fest at Frisco Fresh Market; Fall Fest at The Star; Halloween Costume Goat Yoga at Addison Circle; FC Dallas vs. Sporting Kansas City at Toyota Stadium
Sunday, October 20: Meet Me at the Museum Brunch at the Dallas Museum of Art; Pizza Making at Poco Fiasco; Battle of the Boybands Brunch at Legacy Hall

NatNews: Issue 134

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:17:51 +0100

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October 7, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 134

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: A SURVIVOR'S STORY

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an international campaign that aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease that affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women (after skin cancer)—approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. While more often found in women, this disease can also impact men, with approximately 1 in 726 American men developing breast cancer in his lifetime.

It is estimated that roughly 310,720 women and 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2024. There is certainly hope, though. As a result of better screening and early detection efforts, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options, breast cancer death rates have decreased by 43 percent over the last 35 years.

There are approximately 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., including women receiving breast cancer treatment. Hannah Chapman, who lives in Orange County in Southern California, is one of those survivors. She was initially diagnosed on April 14, 2022, but said she did not have much of a reaction when she received the news.

“It didn’t really sink in until quite a bit later,” she said.

Chapman’s breast cancer was detected early, and she said because she was in Stage 1, she knew that her chances of survival were rather high. That doesn’t mean that her journey was simple, though. When an individual is diagnosed with breast cancer, there are often difficult decisions that person must make and feelings to manage. For Chapman, however, it wasn’t always her own reactions that proved to be challenging.

“The most difficult aspects were other people’s emotions and other people’s opinions of how I should treat it,” she said. “But I stayed strong and determined because there wasn’t really an alternative.”

In November 2023, Chapman was able to “ring the bell,” a tradition that most cancer centers have to mark the end of treatment for a patient. Even though she had finished chemotherapy and radiation, Chapman said she had some mixed emotions.

“I was excited, but I also felt weirdly empty since it had taken up so much time and brain space,” she said.

Throughout her treatment, Chapman continued to live with an adventurous spirit and pursued her passions, completing classes to earn her administration credential. After teaching for 11 years, she is now in her first year as an assistant principal. For those who are going through breast cancer, recently diagnosed, or in the recovery stage, Chapman has some advice from her own experience.

“Focus on what you can control, block out the noise, and make sure you’re comfortable with all of the decisions being made,” she said.

For more information and resources regarding breast cancer, you can visit the American Cancer Society website.

DID YOU KNOW?

Because it is a product of the seed-bearing structure of flowering plants, a pumpkin is actually a fruit. When cooking, it’s suggested to use small sugar pumpkins, as they typically taste better than larger pumpkins.

SECOND CHANCE OR NO DANCE?

Bad first dates happen, and sometimes it’s difficult for individuals to tell if they were the result of nervousness and jitters or actual incompatibility. It’s not uncommon for a person to be quieter or more awkward than normal during a first date, and sometimes he or she simply needs to warm up to the other person and get that first bit of anxiety out of the way.

It can be confusing, though, as to whether or not someone who went on a bad first date should give that other person a second chance. Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen said he usually goes on a second date with a woman after a first date that wasn’t the most enjoyable outing, though it depends on how he feels several days after that initial date occurred.

“If the follow-up conversations and flirting don’t push the needle in a positive direction, then I’ve got to say ‘no’ to a second date,” he said. “In my most recent example, my ‘unsure’ was closer to a ‘no’ from the beginning, so it didn’t take me long to confirm that.”

Dallas resident Virginia Altick said she is also willing to give someone another shot after a first date that doesn’t leave her swooning, but like Borkenhagen, she knows when it is time to walk away from the possibility of any feelings changing.

“If I am on a first date with a man, it is because I found him interesting, and I hope to learn more to continue that interest,” Altick said. “So, if I am not sure after a first date, then I would agree to go on a second date. But if I am sure that I’m not feeling it after the first or second date, then I won’t encourage or accept another. I want to be kind, and sometimes that means not moving forward.”

One survey discovered that it only takes about 19 minutes for an individual to know whether or not he or she hopes to go on a second date with a person. For Dallas resident Alexis Derrow, her decision on going on another date is contingent upon why she may not be feeling strongly drawn to a man.

“If he was ill-mannered or vulgar, then no second chances,” she said. “If I just didn’t feel chemistry but liked his personality, then yes, I will go on a second date hoping some sparks will develop.”

As mentioned, people can act differently when they are nervous and meeting a potential companion in a setting in which both of them know that they are essentially judging one another to see if they are a compatible match. Altick expects this, which is one reason she is willing to have a bit more grace.

“I think nerves are inevitable on a first date, and they could affect me or the guy I’m going out with, especially if we are meeting in person for the first time,” she said. “As long as there was some sort of connection worth pursuing, I would agree to a second date, and if needed, I would suggest a different environment that is more comfortable.”

Even when nerves might be a contributing factor, though, no one is required to go on a second date or have the desire to get to know another person better, as Borkenhagen pointed out.

“I think sometimes we go on that second date because we acknowledge those things, even though we know deep down that we aren’t interested,” he said. “Sometimes it’s better to cut it off ‘ASAP as possible’ (Michael Scott quote).”

And Borkenhagen often recognizes those deep-down feelings because he knows what he’s seeking in a companion.

“Besides physical attraction and shared values and faith, both of which can be pretty quickly determined, I’m really looking for depth and flow of conversation,” he said. “Do they make me laugh or think deeply? Do they spur the conversation forward, or am I working too hard to keep it moving?”

Similarly, many individuals often have certain qualities (e.g., common interests, communication, etc.) they look for when dating. For Altick, the two most important components are trust and connection.

“First, can I trust this man to make kind decisions for himself and others?” she said. “If there are red flags on the first date (for example, overdrinking), then it’s a no. Next, is this connection lending itself to more than friendship? If two yeses, then I would continue to flirt with him to indicate my interest, but if one yes and one no, then I hope to have made a friend.”

Derrow, on the other hand, said there is not just one thing she focuses on when she is on a date. While she has qualities she desires in a man, she knows that she might not determine if he has them after going out with him once.

“I think you can determine the hard nos on a first date, but the yeses might take some time to discover,” she said. “It’s hard to tell if someone is a Reagan-republican-feminist church-attending Catholic who appreciates the absurdities of life and has a good relationship with his parents, siblings, and kids (if any). Those are a lot of things to work into a single conversation.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff, some dear readers, and a nice couple at the table next to us received free sunglasses and enjoyed college football together Saturday afternoon

Upcoming
Events

Monday, October 7: Mavs vs. Grizzlies (preseason game) at the American Airlines Center; The Fray at the Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Tuesday, October 8: Dallasites101 Annual Pumpkin Painting at River Pig Saloon (also on Wednesday)
Wednesday, October 9: Charli XCX and Troye Sivan at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, October 10: Party in the Park at Klyde Warren Park
Friday, October 11: New Found Glory at House of Blues Dallas
Saturday, October 12: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Red River Rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium; Red River Rivalry Viewing Party at Happiest Hour; Red River Rivalry Watch Party at Legacy Hall; DanceAfrica Festival and Marketplace at Klyde Warren Park
Sunday, October 13: Cowboys vs. Lions at AT&T Stadium; Stars vs. Kraken at the American Airlines Center

NatNews: Issue 133

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:14:59 +0100

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September 30, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 133

ENERGY DRINKS AS SOURCES OF FUEL FOR THE DAY

While coffee still remains the top pick-me-up option for approximately 75 percent of adults in the U.S., energy drinks have continued to grow in popularity as a way of providing a boost to help give some extra zest throughout the day.

Mithra Cama, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, said she drinks an energy beverage every morning to help provide a little extra pep in her step.

“I’m generally a pretty tired person, so I really like that energy drinks are able to help with that drowsy feeling I would otherwise have throughout the day,” she said. “I think when I drink an energy drink, I’m able to take on more work, and my ability to focus improves. The taste is usually not a huge determining factor for me; a lot of energy drinks can be a little too sweet, but I don’t really pay much attention. One negative effect is sometimes I have definitely noticed them making me feel pretty anxious, which can be hard for me to control.”

Anxiety from an energy drink is not uncommon, as it’s one of the many significant side effects individuals can experience. Like Cama, Dallas-area resident Cisco Lopez consumes energy drinks regularly, estimating that he drinks one roughly four or five times per week.

“I do have them often, especially drinks like Celsius and those with similar ingredient content,” he said. “I like these types primarily because they don’t have a heavy caffeine content and because of the added minerals and vitamins.”

In addition to Celsius, those who prefer energy drinks have plenty of options, including Red Bull, Alani Nu, C4, Sparkling Ice Energy, and Gatorade Fast Twitch, among others. Lopez has found one that he believes is superior, though.

“I’ve recently moved on to another energy drink called UPTIME,” he said. “I think it’s better than [many of the others] because it contains L-theanine.”

L-theanine is an amino acid that can help relieve stress, stimulate the brain, and improve mood. While not all energy drinks contain this amino acid, many have additional beneficial ingredients, such as B vitamins, taurine, guarana, ginseng, and green tea extract. Dallas resident and registered dietitian Lyndsey Kohn said she doesn’t necessarily consume energy drinks on a regular basis but does so on occasion.

“During those busy seasons or days when I have to rally for something, I have relied on an energy drink or two,” she said. “When I have early morning travel days for work, am moving, or am attending big celebrations like birthdays or engagement parties, I have leaned on a Celsius or a Red Bull to power up, so to speak.”

While energy drinks can certainly provide a temporary jolt and improve focus for a time period, in addition to anxiety, they can also result in other side effects, including depression, headaches, nausea, rapid heart rate, stroke, and tooth decay. Kohn said she isn’t a fan of the negative impacts these beverages can have on a person.

“Essentially, it’s ‘fake’ alertness that your body will pay for later on,” she said. “The jitteriness, anxiety, insomnia, and dehydration effects are not worth it to me at the end of the day. Most of the common energy drinks like Celsius and Red Bull have 200 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to two cups of coffee alone. If I’m not mistaken, the USDA or FDA recommends the upper limit as 400 milligrams for adults, and even then, that’s the limit our government places and recommends for adults.”

From both a personal and professional standpoint, Kohn said she strongly advises individuals to be mindful of how certain foods and drinks make their bodies feel.

“If you are someone who is relying on energy drinks regularly to get through the day, it might be good to do a gut check on your circadian rhythms and sleep patterns,” she said.

Kids and adolescents, women who are pregnant, those with pre-existing conditions (e.g., heart disease and kidney disease), and anyone who takes medications regularly for health conditions are advised to avoid consuming energy drinks because of the risks they pose. The National Institutes of Health also cautions even healthy individuals when using such a beverage as a source of energy.

Regardless, energy drinks still remain a go-to option for many people, especially teenagers and young adults. In the U.S., approximately 30 percent of individuals ages 13 to 35 consume energy drinks on a consistent basis. Cama said she believes that the appeal remains because of how effective they are and the convenience they offer in helping a person feel energized.

“A cup of coffee can be time-consuming to make and expensive to buy, but grabbing an energy drink on my way out the door is no hassle,” she said. “They also work so well to help focus, which is why I think they are particularly popular for students.”

The average cup of regular coffee in the U.S. is just more than $3, with fancier options and cold brews averaging upward of $5 (numbers are obviously contingent upon coffee size, location, etc.), while the average cost of an energy drink is between $2 and $4. In addition to the previously mentioned appeals of energy boosts, Kohn said she thinks it also doesn’t help that there are certain expectations projected onto people by society.

“We live in a fairly demanding world that requires—or, I’d say, demands—our attention to always be ‘on.’” Energy drinks are another option to help keep up with that demand and a potential tool to help push through hard seasons (like marathon training or balancing multiple jobs) or simply providing the energy to work out after a long day at work.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Apples are 25 percent air by volume and are less dense than water, which is why they float and are ideal for bobbing.

ARE YOU FAIR-LY EXCITED FOR THIS ANNUAL TRADITION?

The State Fair of Texas kicked off last Friday and is open daily until Sunday, October 20, allowing for plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors alike to make their way to Big Tex’s stomping grounds.

Last year, over the course of the fair’s 24 days, there were more than 2.3 million attendees, which was a decrease from 2022’s record-setting 2.5 million individuals. For Dallas-area resident Carolyn Macduff Levanway, this year’s fair outing holds some significance and a bit of nostalgia.

“My mom wanted to go as a birthday gift, so my family is going for the first time together since my brother and I were little,” she said.

Dallas resident Emily Paul said she has gone to the fair with friends the past few years and will also be one of its many attendees this year.

“It’s a fun way to transition from summer into the fall,” she said. “If the State Fair were open year-round, I’d be less inclined to go, but there’s something about it only being around a few weeks that makes it more appealing and exciting.”

Paul admits that there are certainly downsides to attending the fair, including sometimes scorching-hot temperatures, overly crowded days, and parking and traffic inconveniences, though she said those are all simply part of the experience. Overall, she truly enjoys what the fair offers.

“I love being able to be outside and walk around, especially if you can catch some crispy weather,” she said. “I enjoy getting to try new foods, see the animals, and just feel like a kid again. It’s the closest I get to an amusement park and feels nostalgic. On a hot day, it’s fun to take an afternoon break in the cool A/C looking at all of the cars.”

Not everyone is as enthusiastic as Paul. Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard said he hasn’t been to the State Fair in a few years, but he plans to go this year to take some friends who have never experienced the annual event. There aren’t too many aspects of the fair that actually appeal to Odegard, though.

“I don’t ride the rides, play the games, or care about the auto or livestock shows, so I really only go to hang out with friends,” he said.

Macduff Levanway, on the other hand, said the car show is one fair attraction to which she looks forward each year. She could do without the massive crowds, though.

“I love being around people, but I feel like the fair gets too busy, and the lines get really long,” she said.

But there is one attraction that many fairgoers tend to claim is what excites them most: the unique food options. Macduff Levanway said the fair is the one place where she can get a really well-done Fletcher’s corn dog, though she also plans to try some of the new foods available this year.

“I take $20 every year and use that to try as much of the new food as I can,” she said. “$20 only gets me about two items, but it helps me really think about the foods I actually want to try. This year, I’m getting the Churro Crumble Cheesecake and the dumplings—something sweet and something savory.”

While Odegard may not be looking forward to many of the activities the fair offers, he is mostly on the same page as Macduff Levanway when it comes to enjoying the food at the fair, though he said that’s mainly only because he really loves food.

“I looked at the list of new foods for 2024—which is overwhelming—but there wasn’t anything that stood out as an ‘I’ve got to try that’ food,” he said. “The food at the fair is also so overpriced, so I usually won’t try more than two or three things. If I had to pick a few to try this year, it would be the Hot Cheetos Korean Corn Dog, Island Rumble, and Tajin Twist Sundae.”

Paul said fair food is a “solid 80 percent” of why she goes to the fair each year, so she certainly intends to try some of the new items offered.

“We usually get the map with photos when we get there to see what sounds good,” she said. “I do have my eye on the Hot Chick-in-Pancake Poppers this year—chicken, pimento cheese, and pancake batter sound like a perfect sweet-and-savory combo. And though it’s not a new food, I’ll also keep my out for the Fried Pickle Pizza.”

Additional information regarding the food, tickets, and planning your visit can be found on the State Fair of Texas website.

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Congrats to dear readers Anil Devegowda and Rob Buwalda for rollerblading a marathon the day before running one

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 30: Johnny Marr and James at the Majestic Theatre
Tuesday, October 1: 2024 Civil Discourse Series — The Electoral College at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
Wednesday, October 2: The Life and Music of George Michael at the Majestic Theatre
Thursday, October 3: Usher at the American Airlines Center (also on Friday and Saturday); Candlelight Jazz — The Best of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole at Edison’s
Friday, October 4: Oktoberfest at Harwood Arms; Taylor’s Version — A Taylor Swift Party at Sundown at Granada; Britney Spears Tribute — Toxic at Legacy Hall
Saturday, October 5: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Hike, Yoga, and Mindfulness at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve; Frisco Oktoberfest at The Star; Oktoberfest Dallas at Flag Pole Hill
Sunday, October 6: DMA First Free Sundays — Access for All at the Dallas Museum of Art; Cowboys vs. Steelers Watch Party at Legacy Hall

NatNews: Issue 132

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 12:55:52 +0100

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September 23, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 132

WORKING ON PHYSICAL HEALTH CAN ALSO BOOST MENTAL HEALTH

Fall is technically here in the U.S., and cooler weather may or may not be in store for many people throughout the nation. As temperatures begin to drop and the days see less sunshine, moods and emotions can be significantly affected.

One way to help combat this, though, is to keep a consistent workout routine. Dallas resident Natalie Kruczek, who is a cycling and HIIT coach at Fit Social Club, said exercise has a variety of positive impacts on an individual’s mind and body.

“In my own personal experience, I feel better in almost every way when I live a more active lifestyle and get a sweat in,” she said. “My mind is clearer, my attitude is better, I feel more confident, and I sleep more soundly, to name a few. For others I interact with (friends, clients we coach at FSC), I notice more upbeat attitudes and motivation.”

One of those clients who is a regular at FSC is Dallas resident Doug Mitchell, who enjoys exercising in the morning and notices how it helps him before the busyness of work or weekend activities get underway.

“I start the day with an energy boost and a sense of accomplishment—I think that boosts my mood,” he said.

Physical activity releases certain chemicals, such as endorphins, in one’s body that allow a person to feel happier and less-stressed. Working out can lead to additional psychological benefits, including increased self-confidence, better sleep, and increased brainpower.

“Moving your body certainly impacts your mental health,” Kruczek said. “I’m not an exercise scientist, but I can speak from personal experience and say confidently that on days or periods when I do not get a workout in or move much, my mind feels more sluggish, and I lack motivation.”

Mitchell said he has also noticed the impacts exercise has not only on his outer strength but also his mindset and overall attitude.

“I think there is a great mental boost that comes from prioritizing yourself and your physical well-being,” he said.

And that focus on taking care of oneself includes rest, which Mitchell said is as important as exercise. He has grown accustomed to his off day each week, but if another day becomes an unexpected off day, he certainly notices a difference.

“I almost always take Sundays off,” he said. “When I don’t make it to the gym or get in some sort of physical activity on a normal ‘gym day’—usually due to an early work schedule—I do feel a little sluggish.”

Similarly, Kruczek said she tends to be more motivated and not as stressed when she is consistent and sticks to her workouts, but she feels a little off on days when she isn’t able to do so.

“Life happens, and everyone has those days or periods when they’re unable to get a workout in or don’t feel like it, and I certainly have been there, too,” she said. “What I notice the most is my sleep and anxiety levels. I definitely don’t feel as well-rested in the morning if I am not moving my body as much during the day. I love the feeling of going to sleep tired from a great day or working hard and waking up well-rested and ready to do it again!”

DID YOU KNOW?

The fastest wind in the solar system is on Neptune, where wind can reach speeds of more than 1,200 miles per hour, as there are no mountains, valleys, or continental boundaries to slow it down.

DOES THE PET YOU HAVE SAY ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY?

It’s not uncommon for individuals to categorize others and themselves based on certain classifications and then place labels on them. There’s one label that, in some people’s views, is quite important: cat person or dog person.

Paige Ryder Celuch, a former Dallas resident who recently moved to Ohio, has a dog named Ducky (a recently retired model/actor for Chewy) and said she 100 percent prefers dogs over cats.

“I feel like dogs have more personality, and you are able to be more active with them,” she said. “Cats do not require walking or being outside most of the time, which is a huge deal-breaker because I love spending time outside with my dog.”

But some people, like Dallas resident Darlene Estrada, have unexpectedly developed an affinity for both animals.

“I started off as a cat person, but then I became a step-mom to our dog—or, as I like to say, the mom who stepped up,” she said. “Cats are just so low-maintenance; they practically run their own lives. But dogs? They really need you. Daisy, our dog, gets us out of the house every day, so she’s doubling as our personal trainer and mood booster.”

Estrada said it’s more about how much time and energy a person is willing to invest rather than being specifically a cat person or dog person.

“Each pet has its own personality and needs—and they both give back in their own unique ways,” she said. “Now, if you’re asking whether I prefer one of my own pets over the other, the answer is yes. You know how Abby Lee Miller has a pyramid of top students on Dance Moms? Well, I’m Abby Lee Miller, and the pets’ rankings are always changing, depending on how well-behaved they’ve been. Mostly, they’re competing for who’s been the least badly behaved.”

Dallas resident Carolyn Fan said she has no preference when it comes to dogs and cats. In fact, she thinks people shouldn’t favor one over the other.

“Both animals can get a bad reputation just by over-generalizations,” she said. “I love both dogs and cats. They each have their own personalities. People love their pets to the point of considering them as children, and I agree. I think it matters what stage of life and what you need from an animal. It’s a symbiotic relationship.”

Fan is an emergency room physician in her residency and has a rather unpredictable schedule, so she said she currently doesn’t have the time and consistency to take care of a dog.

“I love dogs, but at this point in my life, a cat just makes more sense,” she said. “She’s easy to care for and doesn’t need any routine. She’s independent enough to survive on her own for 20+ hours but just emotionally needy and cuddly enough to want to sit next to me while I eat or sit in my lap anytime I’m lying down.”

Does being more inclined toward dogs or cats say anything about a person’s personality? Past studies have offered analyses suggesting that dog owners are typically more outgoing and enthusiastic (like dogs), while cat owners are often more introverted and neurotic (similar to cats). Ryder Celuch has noticed similar tendencies in people with these pets.

“I find dog owners tend to be more extroverted and enjoy the company of others, whereas cat owners tend to be homebodies and enjoy quiet time more,” she said.

Estrada said she also thinks whether or not people like cats or dogs (or both) can reveal more about them.

“Cats are a really good lesson in consent,” she said. “When someone says they don’t like cats, it’s often because they’re not used to a pet that can set their own boundaries. Cats offer affection on their own terms and, when needed, give a sharp reminder that personal space is a right. Dog people might call them moody, but cat lovers know they’re just fiercely independent. Whether you’re drawn to a dog’s boundless energy or a cat’s quiet mystery, it really reflects what you value—and some of us are lucky enough to appreciate both.”

Fan, however, doesn’t think that what type of pet a person has is indicative of certain character traits that individual might have.

“It’s an absolutist cognitive way of thinking to consider yourself a dog or a cat person,” she said. “I think a lot of people are both. It’s OK to have preferences. I like both supposed dog and cat people. I can see how people ‘resemble’ or imprint their personalities onto their pets, but I’ve met people who have dogs and are complete homebodies, and I’ve met cat owners who are very extroverted. I don’t really think the stereotype is true.”

Of course, there are also people who don’t like either dogs or cats or perhaps don’t like animals at all. And there are those who like all animals and already to or would love to have other pets that are not dogs or cats. Ryder Celuch, however, is not one of those people.

“I would not consider getting any other animal, but I would love more dogs,” she said.

In contrast, Fan said she would have a farm with fainting goats, chickens, alpacas, and bees.

“Goats are super entertaining and interactive,” she said. “Plus, you don’t have to mow your lawn. Chickens provide a great source of nutrition and are easy to care for. And I probably just got strangely obsessed with alpacas after going to Peru. The bees are just to help the bee population and pollination of plants and crops for human need. But for now, I’m just a big cat and dog person—without a dog right now, though.”

And while Estrada said she and her husband, Erasmo, are currently at max pet capacity with the four they already have and likely will not be adding any others anytime soon, there is one animal she finds rather fascinating.

“I have known a couple of families who kept giant tortoises, and I think that would be pretty sweet,” she said. “They live to be more than 100 years old, so it’s like a multigenerational family pet. Plus, you can give them lettuce and watch them get the tortoise zoomies.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Lemmon Estrada went Mike Tyson on Ghost

Upcoming
Events

Tuesday, September 24: Free Rooftop Movie — How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days at Sundown at Granada; Virtual Real Estate Panel — The Home-Buying Process, from A to Z
Wednesday, September 25: Sinatra under the Stars at The Artisan; Cirque du Soleil begins at Music Hall at Fair Park; Sunset Sail at White Rock Lake
Thursday, September 26: Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants Watch Party at Legacy Hall; 8th Annual Uptown Block Party on Cityplace West Blvd.; Reese’s Book Club Gathering at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Friday, September 27: State Fair of Texas opens at Fair Park
Saturday, September 28: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Neon Night at The Sandy Pickle; Oktoberfest at Community Beer Co.
Sunday, September 29: Downtown Dallas Fall Festival at Pegasus Plaza; Meet Me at the Museum Brunch at the Dallas Museum of Art

NatNews: Issue 131

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:10:46 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

September 16, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 131

MORE THAN A NUMBERS GAME

Numbers surround us in so many areas of our lives, including when it comes to diet and exercise. Some people count calories consumed and burned, miles run and at what pace, minutes spent in the gym, weight lifted and reps done, milligrams of caffeine, amount of sugar in a drink or meal, and a number of other numbered concerns.

In terms of nutrition, Dallas-area resident JT Gordon said he pays close attention to calorie and sugar intake as well as weight.

“I have a scale in my living room just before the kitchen,” he said. “I’m trying to be at a caloric deficit.”

Not everyone prefers to monitor such numbers, though. Arin Mearig, who lives in the Phoenix area, said she is not too concerned with the figures involved in her day-to-day nutrition habits.

“I’ll sometimes look at calories, and I’ll usually look at sugars, but most of the time, I’m just checking the ingredients, not the numbers,” she said. “And I rarely check my weight.”

Dallas-area resident Rachel Balthrop Mendoza puts in a significant amount of miles on her feet running in various areas throughout the metroplex, but like Mearig, she said dietary numbers are not top of mind for her.

“I am the poorest example of a nutritionist there could be,” she said. “Please do not go by my example. I run so that I can eat mostly what I want (within portion limits), and my diet varies wildly on any given day. I do not take into account any of those things and know and understand I eat way too much sugar and processed foods. I balance where I can and when I think about it, but I am generally not a model for proper eating habits.”

When it comes to working out, though, Balthrop Mendoza said it’s a different story. As a long-distance runner who stays more competitive with herself than with others (though don’t think she won’t pick off people in front of her one by one during a race), she is mindful of her mileage and pace.

“Depending on the time of year (I have only done a few races during the summer months because Texas), I may either be maintaining my long-distance base or training for either a strong half or full marathon,” she said. “A training program worth its salt will have some components of time, mileage, and pacing built in, so if that’s where I am in a cycle, I will follow it. But I admit that I need programs that are fluid and flexible. I don’t care for rigidity in plans because life happens, and you need to be able to adapt. Don’t skip—adapt.”

However, Balthrop Mendoza said other health stats are generally not as important to her, so she doesn’t monitor aspects such as heart rate as much.

“I’ve been running long enough to know what my zones are and where I should generally stay on different types of runs,” she said. “And since it’s hard for a wrist-based watch to get an accurate reading, I don’t put too much stock in what it’s telling me my heart rate is or what my calories burned are. If I cared that much, I’d go buy a chest strap. And I just don’t care that much.”

For Gordon, paying attention to running stats is essential, as doing so helps him gauge his health and how close he is to his running goals—and he has a certain race approaching that he is vying to win.

“Numbers are important if you have a specific goal,” he said. “They are very important if you’re going for a third mile championship like me. I think it comes down to what you’re willing to do to reach your goals. The numbers help you be more precise.”

Such stats are not as crucial to Mearig, who said she mainly pays attention to calories burned and not much more when working out. In general, whether in regard to nutrition or exercise, she said there should be a balance when it comes to numbers, as they can be more necessary in certain situations than in others.

“I think if people are too focused on numbers, especially on a scale, they’ll get discouraged when it’s not the number they want, even though it could just be a bad representation—maybe the number on the scale didn’t change, but people also could be losing fat and gaining muscle, which is good,” she said. “If you do want to lose weight, you have to be in a caloric deficit, meaning you can’t eat more than you’re burning and lose weight. So, depending on someone’s goals, they might need to look at numbers. But counting calories religiously can be detrimental if someone struggles with self-image, body weight, etc.”

For this reason and more, Mearig believes that when it comes to nutrition, looking at ingredients is healthier, as is looking at portion size to make sure that one is not overeating. She said she also thinks when it comes to exercise, doing at least something is better than doing nothing.

“Lately with life being busy, I’ve just gone on 20-minute walks each day, and that’s good for now,” she said. “Ideally, I would like to work out longer, but I don’t put a time on it. I just move my body as much as I can. So, overall, I think numbers are helpful to see some data, but in my opinion, they shouldn’t be the main focus when it comes to diet and exercise.”

Similar to Mearig, Balthrop Mendoza also believes that numbers can be helpful to monitor sometimes, but it is contingent upon each person and his or her personal goals and circumstances.

“In general, I think it just depends on where you are in your fitness and nutrition journey as to how important numbers should/would be to you,” she said. “Whether you’re looking to lose weight, get faster, get stronger, or otherwise improve, I think it would be difficult to see progress without monitoring some kind of numbers.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Beavers can stay underwater anywhere from 6 to 8 minutes and can swim up to 6 miles per hour.

AIM CAN'T COME TO THE PHONE RIGHT NOW. WHY? OH, 'CUZ IT'S DEAD.

While Facebook first began in 2004, and Instagram made its way into our lives in 2010, there were other former ways people socialized with one another behind screens.

AOL Instant Messenger and Myspace have entered the chat.

AOL Instant Messenger (more commonly known as AIM) was originally released in 1997 and became an integral means of communication, especially for many teenagers and college students. While this might be a difficult reality to fathom, these were days when texting wasn’t the go-to option. Rather, you logged into a computer—often using dial-up internet—and sent messages back and forth with friends and crushes and hoped that no one called your home phone and kicked you offline. You were even able to create your own unique screen name, such as dAyDrEaMeR04 or weezergurl88 or bballerj0sh, that generally told people something about yourself.

Dallas resident Jenny Schultz said she used AIM toward the end of her time in high school and enjoyed that it allowed her to talk to her friends without having to call them and that she could chat with multiple people at once. Like with many internet-based forums, though, there were certain concerns.

“It was after group calling but before texting was as easy as it is now,” she said. “I did not like how random men would pop up with inappropriate things almost all the time, though. I am OK with it not being around for this reason. If we had not covered anatomy in school, I would have had a full education on the male reproductive system, if you catch my drift. Just creepy stuff.”

Myspace, on the other hand, was released in 2003 and allowed users to create profiles that were set up like their own personal websites that featured photos and interests and could link to other people’s profiles. People even became surprisingly skilled with HTML and CSS while customizing their pages. Dallas resident Aaron Byrkit said he had a Myspace but didn’t get on his page very often, though he did use AIM.

“AIM preceded texting in my mind,” he said. “It was fun to communicate with people sporadically by writing.”

Myspace began to decline in 2008 because of Facebook’s growth, though it technically currently still exists. AIM, on the other hand, met its official demise in 2017. Byrkit said he doesn’t think AIM would appeal to as many people now that there are so many other options available.

“For me, AIM was replaced by texting for communicating with friends and things like Teams or Slack for work,” he said. “I don’t know that there would be a place for it today. MySpace might be a fun option to still have. I feel like it would offer more room for creativity than current social media.”

One beloved feature of AIM was the away message, which allowed a user to appear like he or she was not at the computer, regardless of whether or not that was actually the case, and put up a message that could be anything from cryptic song lyrics or an inspirational quote to a short message of what the person was actually doing (e.g., “brb, doing homework”). Dallas-area resident Stephanie Hone was a hardcore fan of AIM and, more specifically, the away message.

“It could be funny, emo, mysterious—those were the days,” she said. “I also used to put song lyrics on my profile and would change them each week. It was usually some Dashboard Confessional song. The only downside of AIM was dial-up internet, but we didn’t know any different.”

And while Hone doesn’t think such an option for communication would be as appealing to the masses as it once was, she also doesn’t think revisiting something of the sort would be the worst idea.

“The youth of today would not know how to survive if we had something like that now,” she said. “As far as ‘chatting’ goes, I think we still have a variation of that communication but through business with things like Microsoft Teams. It’s hard to say if I wish we still had those methods of communication because technology would almost have to go backward—which, honestly, I think we might need a reset.”

Technology has certainly advanced and increased in availability, as even Facebook was only available to Harvard students when it originally launched and then only to college students before it became available in 2006 to anyone older than the age of 13. Schultz said she recognizes how different the technology we have today is, and she is rather grateful that the outlets to which she has access now weren’t options when she was younger.

“I am glad I had a mostly social-media-free childhood experience, with the exception of my junior and senior years,” she said. “I hate that kids and even adults find social media so difficult today. Comparison is the thief of joy, and so many people today use social media as a tool for comparison.”

And those comparisons were not as easy to come by so many years prior, as people’s lives and highlights were not as displayed. Connection methods like AIM and Myspace thrived when life was simply different.

“I feel like they came from a time on social media when it was more innocent—when algorithms weren’t optimized to keep our attention and play on emotions like fear and outrage,” Byrkit said. “I think we’re beyond a point of putting the cat back in the bag, but I do feel nostalgic for the time when those technologies were novel.”

It certainly would be difficult to backtrack, especially with people having access to almost anything right in their hands when holding cell phones. Hone said the social media available to people now is much more effective because it’s able to reach a mass amount of people so quickly.

“Everything now is instant,” she said. “It’s almost scary. Social media and communication outlets, while they can be great ways to connect, are becoming toxic and dangerous to our society, in my opinion. I mean, I still use them, but there are times when I have to disconnect because there’s just too much.”

And as a former middle school teacher, Hone said that seeing the younger generation’s dependence on social media and phones is quite alarming.

“These kids need to understand the pain of dial-up internet,” she said. “Yeah, let’s go back to those times. And, hell, while we are at it, can we have them all trade in their smartphones and experience landlines? Let’s get back to the basics. Excuse me now, got to go put up my away message on my AIM profile. Sincerely, CottonSocks100.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews dear readers Jerod Honrath and Kevin Roberts enjoyed a beautiful weekend filled with football and friends in Wisconsin

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 16: Mexican Independence Day Celebration at Legacy Hall
Tuesday, September 17: Free Rooftop Movie — Anyone but You at Sundown at Granada; Nicki Minaj at the American Airlines Center
Wednesday, September 18: Young Professionals Panel & Happy Hour at Communities Foundation of Texas
Thursday, September 19: North Texas Giving Day; Alanis Morissette Tribute — Ironic at Legacy Hall; Addison Oktoberfest at Addison Circle Park (goes through Sunday); Dallasites101 Speed Dating & Singles Mixer at Thirsty Lion
Friday, September 20: The Village Main Street Fest; Plano Balloon Festival (Thursday through Sunday)
Saturday, September 21: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Tour des Fleurs at the Dallas Arboretum; Stars vs. Blues (preseason game) at the American Airlines Center
Sunday, September 22: Rangers vs. Mariners at Globe Life Field; Cowboys vs. Ravens at AT&T Stadium

NatNews: Issue 130

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 12:12:45 +0100

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September 9, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 130

SHOWING COMPASSION IS BENEFICIAL FOR ALL INVOLVED

People interact with other individuals frequently—whether doing so occurs at home, at work, at the store, in social settings, or in a variety of other situations—and, therefore, come across many moments in which they have opportunities to choose how they are going to respond to certain circumstances and how they are going to treat those around them. Countless studies have discovered that compassion is one of the most powerful agents for a person’s overall health and well-being, both physically and mentally.

It’s important to note that individuals are also able to choose how they treat themselves. According to Harvard Medical School, individuals who are not only compassionate toward others but also practice self-compassion can benefit both their mental and physical health in several ways, as being kind to oneself during challenging times helps reduce anxiety and potential related depression.

“Compassion toward yourself and others tends to create a more positive outlook on life and reduce feelings of sadness, guilt, and loneliness,” Dallas resident and psychologist Kenleigh McMinn said.

And doing so can be rather contagious. Dallas resident Kevin Roberts has noticed this to be true in his own life and said practicing compassion helps people feel better about themselves and also improves their attitudes concerning others.

“I recently offered to return a shopping cart for an elderly lady as I was walking into an Albertsons,” he said. “She smiled and said I was amazing. An extremely simple act made my day, and hopefully it helped hers, as well.”

Connecting with others is an essential part of our lives, and it’s natural to empathize with people when they are experiencing joy and when they are going through pain. When we feel compassion toward the individuals around us, we not only feel empathy but also desire to help them or somehow relieve their suffering. McMinn said it’s important to try to be compassionate in all areas of one’s life.

“This frame of mind can be very beneficial in working against negative self-talk, improving how you interact with other people, and making relationships stronger,” she said.

With compassion, a person is able to feel part of something of a grander scale and even supported in carrying some of life’s heavier emotions and situations. And while compassion can cause an individual to be more understanding, McMinn said she thinks it is crucial to distinguish between compassion and forgiveness, as they are not the same thing.

“Sometimes people think that being compassionate means giving yourself or someone else a ‘clean slate’ or always giving them the benefit of the doubt, even when their words or actions might be harmful,” she said. “There are cases in which it might be more appropriate to have accountability and set boundaries.”

Setting boundaries can be a form of self-compassion, especially when it pertains to relationships that might be unhealthy. For Roberts, it’s helpful to surround himself with individuals who have similar values and behavior when interacting with people.

“I definitely try to associate with those who treat others with respect and compassion,” he said. “I can’t think of any close friend who would be abusive, insensitive, or disrespectful toward waiters or any other service people.”

And Roberts tries to ensure that he consistently models what he believes, especially knowing that there are some impressionable young eyes looking up to him.

“I try to be an example with my grandsons, whether it’s holding the door for someone, paying simple compliments, or just using manners,” he said. “That is very important to me, as I’ve seen the huge benefits for my own well-being and overall health and relationships with others.”

McMinn said she also tries to be an example of someone with great compassion, beginning with herself and her closest relationships.

“If I’m being hard on myself, I do a self-check and ask what I would tell a friend if she was in my situation—would I be this hard on her?” she said. “Often the answer is no, and I try to extend myself the same compassion I would toward someone I care about. I try to show compassion toward other people I encounter, too, keeping in mind that we never fully know what someone else is going through at any moment, and maybe feeling kindness from someone is what that person needs.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite what a nursery rhyme tells you, stars don’t actually twinkle. As the light of a star travels into your realm of vision, atmospheric turbulence causes disturbances in the light’s path and creates the illusion that the star is twinkling.

WHO SHOULD PAY ON DATES?

Though there have been many different forms of societal progression throughout generations, some expectations and traditions of certain norms have remained, at least in some regard. That doesn’t mean there still isn’t some confusion, though. One area of dating that can be unclear at times is who should pay for a date.

Historically, in heterosexual relationships, men have been the ones to pay most often, and research shows that they still pay more often than women, though it is more common now to see split bills. According to a recent NatNews poll, many individuals are in favor of either taking turns paying or splitting the costs, though most indicated the man should pay on the first date. A small percentage of respondents said they were of the more traditional mindset that men should always pay, and one dear reader simply responded with “down with the patriarchy, right?”

Dallas resident Damon Yousefy said chivalry and society expect that the man should pay for the first date, and he believes that’s the norm for the first few.

“If the relationship becomes more serious, then the couple should have an honest conversation about money and finances and what their expectations are in terms of who pays for what,” he said. “In my experience, in a serious relationship in which both parties make about the same, they alternate paying for dates since splitting is not very romantic.”

Dallas resident Elizabeth Cruz said she also thinks the guy should typically pay for the first date, assuming he is the one who asked. After that, she believes that taking turns footing the bill is probably best.

“When things become more serious, and you’re going out more frequently, it should definitely be 50/50,” she said. “I don’t think anyone should get a free ride, in general, so it should eventually even out pretty decently. On special occasions, maybe one person would pay. For example, the birthday person shouldn’t pay on their birthday.”

Similar to Yousefy and Cruz, Dallas resident Alexis Derrow thinks the man should pay at the beginning, though she said she doesn’t necessarily believe an even split is necessary in ensuing dates as the relationship progresses.

“I think the guy should pay for dates 1–3, and then the woman pays for date 4, and you sort of continue this 2:1 or 3:1 indefinitely,” she said. “However, I personally think the woman should contribute financially in other ways, like buying little presents or treats for the man. In my last relationship, I tried to buy little things that I thought he’d like whenever I saw them. He now has an air fryer cookbook. He may or may not have an air fryer.”

There are certain instances, though, in which Derrow said she doesn’t think one person paying is the way to go.

“I like to split vacation, or at least I don’t think the man has to pay for it,” she said. “I want to travel the way I want to travel, and me paying my way enables me to do that.”

One reason men have been expected to pay more for dates is because they have historically made more money than women. In fact, the gender wage gap is still prevalent today, as women earn, on average, 16 percent less than men, which means only 84 cents for every dollar men in the same jobs make. Cruz said she doesn’t believe that financial differences should mean that one person consistently pays, though.

“If the person who makes significantly more (if that is the case) is choosing very expensive dates, then maybe that person picks up those dates,” she said. “The person who makes less could always pay for dessert if that’s at a different place. Or maybe the less-expensive dates get picked up by the person whose income is less. Ultimately, if both people feel comfortable with what they are doing, that is what matters.”

Yousefy said he also doesn’t believe that differences in financial situations should mean that one person is always pulling out his or her credit card, though he does think it’s important to talk about such matters with one another.

“If there is a substantial difference in income, I think paying for dates should be proportional to the income, regardless of gender,” he said. “Although, it is nice for the lower earner to pay for a birthday meal or cook to show effort. Many relationships fail due to financial issues, and having open and honest discussions about money early on can reduce strain later.”

And people’s perspectives on such matters can also change over time. Derrow said she has dated men who made more than she does and others who made less, and her experiences have led her to a significant conclusion.

“There are no rules,” she said. “It’s just what both parties are comfortable with, and you really just need to talk about it with your partner.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews dear readers Fonz and Drew will 100 percent make you faster and give you donuts

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 9: Mixology Mondays at The Parlor; Joey Valence & Brae at The Cambridge Room at House of Blues Dallas
Tuesday, September 10: Free Rooftop Movie — Grease at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, September 11: Keane at the Majestic Theatre; Dallasites101 September Speed Dating & Singles Mixer at Over Under
Thursday, September 12: 38th Annual GrapeFest at Historic Downtown Grapevine (continues through Sunday)
Friday, September 13: Dallas Wings vs. Seattle Storm at College Park Center; P!nk Tribute — Just Like P!nk at Legacy Hall
Saturday, September 14: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; DogFest DFW at Community Beer Co.; 30th Anniversary Foodie Stroll at Central Market; Serve & Social at Elmwood Farm
Sunday, September 15: Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Dallas Arboretum (also on Saturday)

NatNews: Issue 129

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 13:10:59 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

September 2, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 129

ARE YOU DOWN BAD CRYING AT THE GYM?

More than 64 million individuals in the U.S. (roughly 19 percent of the nation’s population) have gym memberships, with the majority of gym-goers choosing to work out in the early morning hours before work or in the post-work evening time frame. People join gyms for different reasons, whether they want to remain or get more in shape, need or want more socialization, don’t have access to workout equipment, need accountability, are interested in personal training or workout classes, or a number of others.

Dallas resident and White Rock Running Co-op leader Julie Lanaux hadn’t originally planned on becoming a member of a gym, but it’s turned into an important part of her workout routine.

“Initially, I joined because my husband needed a gym buddy,” she said. “I had no real interest in joining but wanted to support him. I’ve become an addict.”

And the dedication Lanaux has put in has benefited her in multiple ways, including the variety she gets by incorporating cross-training and the change she has noticed in her physique.

“Prior to becoming a gym rat, I had the typical endurance runner build—lean but no visible muscle,” she said. “The gym has allowed me to do a total body recomp, giving me a lot more self-confidence.”

For Dallas-area resident Kyle Burnett, being part of a gym is a nice addition to the many miles he runs and allows him to interact with like-minded individuals before long days of work and making sure he forever holds the title of Instagram Meme King.

“I primarily go for the equipment availability and the camaraderie,” he said.

A standard gym isn’t for everyone, though. Dallas-area resident Morgan Fritz said she used to be a member of Lifetime but recently ended her membership because she wasn’t using it. She mainly used the cardio section or attended yoga classes for the few years she was a member but didn’t do so on a consistent basis.

“I was always very intimidated by the weights and machines section, so I always felt like if I ever went on my own accord, I would miss out on a key component of exercising,” she said.

Fritz has, however, found an alternative to gyms intended for patrons to complete their own workouts without any guidance or specific instructions.

“Working out felt like somewhat of a chore until I found Session Pilates and then started going there,” she said. “That’s when I pretty much stopped going to Lifetime completely and realized that exercise can be super enjoyable when you find something you like doing.”

And some people enjoy taking part in exercise that doesn’t require gyms or much equipment. Dallas resident Erasmo Estrada said he doesn’t belong to a gym because he is mostly only running outside right now and wouldn’t use it. He has access to a small basic gym at work but mostly only uses it when he opts to run on a treadmill at lunch if it’s too hot outside.

“I have been bad in the past about getting a membership to somewhere I stop going and pay for nothing,” he said. “The business model of big gyms is often to make money off people like me and make it difficult to leave. ‘Oh, you’re leaving? Is it because you’re human garbage? Well, you can’t do this online. You need to come in person to our corporate headquarters in remote Alaska and bring your lawyer, and it says here you promised us your mother’s house.' Unfortunately, I find the gym boring and struggle to stick with it but can stick with running. And sorry, Mom, but I think LA Fitness owns your house.”

Estrada is not alone in not using a gym membership for which he pays. In fact, nearly 67 percent of gym memberships go unused. That’s not the case for Lanaux, though. She said she’s at the gym six days a week most weeks, usually for about an hour at a time, so she’s getting her money’s worth.

“I’m very much a no-frills gym kind of person,” she said. “I don’t need a pool, sports courts, group classes, etc. Weights and machines—and a treadmill on rare occasions when the weather is disgusting—is all I’m looking for. I changed gyms less than a year ago to Gold’s Gym, and it is exactly what I’m looking for—it’s a body-builder’s gym, not a gym offering all the extras, like tanning beds. For how many hours I spend there a month, the $30 I pay is well worth it.”

The amount an individual is willing or able to pay to be part of a gym is, of course, contingent upon that person’s financial situation and/or standpoint on how money should be spent. In Burnett’s opinion, not all gyms are worth the monthly fees.

“I suppose it depends on the gym,” he said. “I feel some are way overpriced, and you’re paying for the name.”

Although the average cost of a gym membership is $58 per month, some gyms can certainly cost a pretty penny, while others are on the more affordable side for many individuals. Equinox on Oak Lawn starts at $235 per month, while the Plano location starts at $210; Lifetime’s Dallas location currently has a waitlist for membership, but the main option is $229 per month (other Lifetime clubs throughout the metroplex range from $129 to $219); Cowboys Fit has multiple locations with membership prices ranging from roughly $21 to almost $200 per month; and Texas Family Fitness has a variety of locations with membership costs anywhere from about $15 to approximately $40 per month.

Though Estrada is currently not a member of a gym, he said whether or not a gym is worth the monthly expense is related to not only if a person can afford it but also if he or she will actually go to the gym often enough to justify paying the money.

“If you’re like me and completely stop using something you’re paying for, then it becomes not worth it,” he said. “Investing in health should be a priority, and preventable healthcare bills could dwarf gym expenses, so find something you like and can stick with. Running a ton, buying new shoes, and paying for races is kind of like a gym expense, even if it’s different from a gym membership.”

Fritz also believes that gym memberships can be wise investments if people are taking advantage of the benefits they have available.

“My parents utilize a ton at Lifetime, so it seems to work really well for them,” she said. “I think if you are going to utilize what it has to offer, and you enjoy that kind of exercise, gyms can be great.”

And though Fritz is currently a member of Session and not a more traditional gym, she said she definitely hasn’t written off being part of one again sometime in the future.

“Now that I go to Pilates all the time, I don’t really have the opportunity to just hop on a treadmill like I could when I was a member,” she said. “If I ever feel like I want the freedom that comes with working out at a gym (e.g., you can go whenever, do whatever, etc.), I could see myself joining a gym again.”

Similarly, Estrada said if he scales back his running and frees up some time, particularly after the BMW Dallas Marathon in December, he might consider giving a gym membership another try.

“I have to make sure I make it convenient to go and find a routine I can stick with,” he said. “Routine plan: 5 minutes of wandering around the gym, one set on 10 different machines, 5 minutes on my phone on the only open bench, two bathroom breaks, one pizza ordered, and 3 minutes of staring at myself in the mirror.”

DID YOU KNOW?

With more than 246,500 vehicles, the United States Postal Service has one of the largest civilian fleets in the world.

HOW EMPLOYEES STAY FOCUSED IN REMOTE AND IN-PERSON SETTINGS

After the pandemic in 2020, many companies adopted policies for remote work, and some have even kept those policies or incorporated hybrid models that allow employees to work remotely a certain amount of days and be in the office on the other days. According to the most recent Pew Research results, approximately 35 percent of all employed adults in the U.S. who have the ability to work remotely work from home all of the time, while 41 percent of those with jobs that can be done remotely work in hybrid setups.

Working from home versus working in an office setting can be vastly different, and some individuals are more productive in one environment than the other. Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo, who works fully remotely, said being at home can prove to be difficult at times, depending on the project or task, though his role allows him the freedom to dynamically plan his day.

“This means that I can work (focus) as needed, given the task, on any given day,” he said. “There are, of course, times when I am required to be hyper-focused on completing tasks, due to deadlines and hitting milestone dates. But I do the same as those in an office setting—I step away from my desk to take a break and stretch my legs. That can look like going for a run or bike ride, sometimes twice a day.”

For Dallas resident Kirsten Kraske, who works in a hybrid role, when she works from home, it’s helpful to try to keep her routine similar to that of when she is in the office.

“I start the day planning all of the tasks that I absolutely need to get done for the day and start to tick those off,” she said. “At lunch, I’ll usually go take a walk to get a break from the computer, and I try to keep my phone away from me to avoid distractions.”

And potential distractions are actually minimized in the office for Kraske.

“Yes, there are people to talk to, but I find that many of my conversations at work revolve around a project we’re working on,” she said. “Headphones play a big factor in limiting distractions, as well.”

Some individuals also enjoy being in the office at least some days so that they can interact with others more often. Alonzo, however, has found that working remotely in a full-time capacity is more conducive with his style and personality.

“I am what you call an introverted extrovert,” he said. “I like routine and going at my own pace and plan. I am able to take advantage of the freedom my role allows because I am able to focus as needed and get my work done. In doing so, it allows me to take breaks as often and as long as I like, which is something I do not think you can do in an office setting with coworkers and management around.”

Alonzo is, however, able to interact with others on occasion, which he said offers a nice change of pace.

“I travel for work and get to spend time with others I only see via Zoom,” he said. “It is nice to interact with them in person and build camaraderie that is otherwise impossible to do over Messenger or Zoom. But after a few days, I’m ready to be back home in my normal routine.”

Plus, Alonzo said he is still able to get plenty of human interaction because of his ability to remain in a remote role, and he takes advantage of the opportunities afforded to him in this regard.

“This might mean having lunch with the littles at their school, stepping out to a coffee shop for the afternoon, meeting friends for an extended lunch or a run or bike ride,” he said. “Stepping out to run errands also helps, but the former is why I appreciate the opportunity to work from home.”

Kraske said she appreciates the flexibility the hybrid model allows, but when it comes to making sure that she gets all of her work completed, she prefers working in the office.

“I like the social part of going into the office and the fact that there’s nothing else to do at work other than work,” she said. “I think the main reason I prefer working in the office is because everyone else around me is also working, and it’s somewhat motivational.”

Not every profession has the option to work remotely, though. Dallas-area resident Megan England is a high school teacher and said she is glad to be on a campus. Like many teachers who experienced difficulties during the end of the 2019–2020 school year, she knows how valuable being in an in-person setting is.

“I will never virtually teach again,” she said. “It takes away the best part of my job—being with the kids.”

Teachers are required to wear many hats and complete seemingly endless tasks, in addition to the actual educating the students part. England said she has found various tactics to ensure that she stays focused and is able to accomplish all that is required and expected of her while also ensuring that she helps her students succeed and be prepared for life both inside and outside of the classroom.

“I definitely have learned that I can’t want it more than my students,” she said. “I have to meet them where they are and take them from there. I also utilize a desk calendar that I use as a planner to help me stay organized. From that, I make weekly and daily to-do lists.”

And England certainly also faces potential distractions on a regular basis, though she said she might be the cause of some of them.

“I am 100 percent the distracting coworker,” she said. “I’m sure I annoy everyone in the mornings.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews: CSI—the entire staff (all two of us) investigated a crime scene and took part in a low-speed chase recently

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 2: Texas Pool Closing Day 2024
Tuesday, September 3: Rangers vs. Yankees at Globe Life Field; Levy Job Fair at the American Airlines Center; Dallas Wings vs. Washington Mystics at College Park Center
Thursday, September 5: Katy 5K at Reverchon Park
Friday, September 6: Neon-Themed Silent Disco at Klyde Warren Park; Twenty-One Pilots at the American Airlines Center (also on Saturday)
Saturday, September 7: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Dallas Moon Festival at Flagpole Hill; Jurassic Night Out at the Heard Museum

NatNews: Issue 128

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 12:12:51 +0100

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August 26, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 128

WEATHERING THE ACHES AND PAINS A CHANGE IN WEATHER SOMETIMES CAUSES

Extreme temperatures and gloomy skies can impact more than your mood and wardrobe choices. In fact, it might not actually be a coincidence if you experience joint pain with an upcoming or already-occurring weather change, especially if that change involves colder or damper conditions.

Dallas-area resident Libby Shewski, who played volleyball at the collegiate level and currently coaches club volleyball and Fit Social Club strength training, said she often feels the effects of the weather when they bring reminders of former injuries.

“I broke my finger in high school—it was a spiral fracture and a pretty bad break—and when the weather gets really cold, it’ll start to throb,” she said. “I’ve heard it has to do with the barometric pressure, but I also think that my joints are stiffer when it’s cold, so that agitates the injury.”

Shewski knows her science. A drop in barometric pressure before a storm or cold front can trigger joint aches and swelling for some individuals. This decrease in pressure means that air presses a little less on a person’s body, causing muscles, tendons, and other tissues around joints to expand, which can result in pain or irritation.

Dallas resident and avid runner Drew Mbiam also deals with such pains every once in a while, and he blames the imperfect climate Texas offers its residents.

“I have an old hip injury from high school that flares up when we change between our two seasons,” he said. “We only have two seasons in Texas. I’m always more stressed during these periods.”

Mbiam, who said this old injury only gives him trouble during those handful of times every year, has his own theory on why it occurs with weather changes.

“I think it’s a nerve issue,” he said. “Something causes the muscles to tighten up and then everything becomes unresponsive.”

Mbiam is not far off on his theories, either. Bone, muscle, and joint injuries cause tension in the nervous system, and the nerves significantly increase in sensitivity. A decrease in temperature acts as a stimulus, and the body’s response seeks to create a balance. Because the nerves have become more sensitive, they can react more quickly to weather, resulting in pain in those old injuries.

But cold and rainy weather aren’t the only conditions that resurface pains from old injuries. Shewski, who said she is reminded of her high school broken bone roughly once a quarter, suffered another sports ailment that she feels every so often.

“I also had ACL reconstruction surgery, and heat often irritates that,” she said, “but I don’t know if that has anything to do with weather changes.”

It is possible that the warmer temperatures could be the cause, though. Hot and humid weather can also impact the levels of synovial fluid (a thick liquid that keeps joints moving smoothly), which can result in swelling and ensuing pain.

If you experience any form of irritation from old injuries, it’s helpful to try to move around and get exercise, as inactive joints, muscles, and tissues become stiff, which can lead to pain. If your pain becomes severe, it’s recommended to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor or physical therapist.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, there are enough peanuts in one acre of a peanut farm to make 35,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

IT'S JUST A SWEET, SWEET FANTASY, BABY

Nearly 30 million individuals in the United States participate in fantasy football, with players devoting an average of nearly seven hours each week to maintaining their teams. While some people are more casual participants, others take their fantasy football roles rather seriously.

Football fans (or even non-fans) of all knowledge levels can take part in fantasy football, and they often have different reasons for doing so. Emily Baldwin, who recently became a North Carolina resident, is passionate about sports and is excited to be participating in two or three leagues this year.

“I think it keeps me engaged with the NFL season and helps me learn the rookies and keep tabs on who’s in their prime,” she said. “It’s also a good way to engage with friends and family from a distance, as you have something weekly to talk about. I’m a very competitive person, so that adds an extra layer of fun for me, too.”

Dallas-area resident Steve Bergsman also takes part in multiple fantasy football leagues, though his dedication to each is contingent upon various factors.

“I have a group of friends where we have an annual league for a small cash prize,” he said. “I have another league I participate in with another group, as well. How much I pay attention usually just ebbs and flows. If I am super into my league that plays for money, then I’ll check things out twice a week. If it’s my other league that doesn’t play for money, all bets are off after the draft.”

For Baldwin, it’s important to pay close attention to how her players are doing, but she said she does not obsess over it.

“I always make sure that my lineups are set each week, and I check the app multiple times on game days to see how I’m matching up against my competition,” she said. “I also typically have one of the games on if I’m not watching my own team play (go, Chiefs!). I love checking the app after a week of play has wrapped up on Monday night. I rarely make trades because I haven’t quite figured that out yet, but I will sign free agents to replace injured players.”

Not everyone who plays fantasy football is too concerned about the actual football part, though. Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard said he doesn’t care about the sport, but he has been part of a fantasy football league the last two seasons.

“I only started because a group of friends were doing it, and I was going to be watching NFL games with them, anyway,” he said. “I had no idea what I was doing for the first few weeks, and I ended up in ninth place out of 10 in the first season. But that’s not bad, considering that my first-round pick was a defense. I quickly realized that it was mostly just statistics and luck, both of which I’m really good at. The second year, I had already started looking at players and stats before the draft, and by the end of the season, I ended up third out of 14.”

Odegard said he will likely participate again this season, though the only aspects he really enjoys are the statistics and the trash talking. However, there is an additional incentive to making sure that he places among the top of the league.

“There’s also the fear of punishment that the losers have to do,” he said. “The first year, last place had to do a triathlon in a dress. Last year, the last three places had to do a triathlon relay in dresses together. Thinking about having to swim, bike, and run in a dress in front of hundreds or thousands of people is great encouragement to do well.”

While fantasy football leagues are often unique ways for friends to engage, they can also be means that allow families to bond. Dallas resident Catherine Stautz said she is rather inconsistent with her participation, mostly due to a lack of interest, though she still plays throughout some seasons.

“My family does a league together every year, and my dad always asks me if I want to join, so it just depends,” she said. “I have never done one with my friends, mainly because I don’t think many of them, myself included, really watch or keep up with football. It isn’t my favorite sport, but both my dad and brother keep me updated on our teams. I do like to watch big games or keep up with a team we are rooting for, but if it is a game against two random teams, I will not watch.”

Watching a game with a team of which one is a fan can often become a predicament for some individuals who participate in fantasy football. If that team is playing against a player on a person’s fantasy team, does that individual still hope that the player on the opposing team does well in order to get more fantasy points? Or should that loyalty be solely dedicated to his or her beloved team? For Baldwin, success for both is possible.

“I am more worried about my own team winning, but if my fantasy receiver can get a touchdown, and the Chiefs still win, that’s a win-win for me,” she said.

Bergsman said he also wants to see his fantasy players do well, but much of his reasoning has to do with years of disappointment from the home team.

“I do hope that players are successful when playing against my team,” he said. “Let’s be honest, you can’t count on Jerry, Dak, and the rest of the Cowboys, so being able to have something else to root for gives me a way to obtain a small victory.”

The way Stautz sees it, rooting for the success of players not on one’s favorite team is a way for a fantasy football participant to acknowledge other players’ talents.

“That might be the beauty of fantasy, because it allows people to cheer for other players whom they might normally root against,” she said.

And while fantasy football can create excitement for some people and increase their knowledge of the NFL and football, in general, Odegard said a downside to it is that it can be quite time-consuming.

“I find myself spending way too much time doing research so that I know which players to start or trade,” he said. “On Thursdays during the season, I tend not to get a lot of work done, and I find myself waking up early on Sundays to check NFL stuff, so I don’t even know who I am anymore.”

Regardless of the amount of time and energy it takes, fantasy football continues to be a popular way for individuals to interact with one another and keep up with a beloved American sport. In Stautz’s view, this is a result of more than people’s passion for football and their desire to connect with others with similar interests.

“Football season usually is long-awaited by fans, so that seems like another component to fantasy’s success,” she said. “While fans might not be able to compete on the field, they can contribute their football knowledge, predictions, and well-roundedness of the sport through fantasy.”

And that combination of a shared common interest and the intricacies involved throughout the fantasy football season helps to do what sports can often do so well—bring people together.

“Fantasy is a way of giving more people a vested interest in more games, which then, in turn, increases your social interactions,” Bergsman said. “That, and some people just like to gamble.”

Baldwin said she agrees that the rise of sports betting, along with people trying to make predictions and celebrate when they are right, has certainly contributed to an increase in the number of individuals taking part in fantasy football, though she thinks there is more to it than that, including what viewers see on their televisions and devices.

“Sports coverage has also started to play into the fantasy craze more by putting out fantasy player predictions for the season, fantasy winners of the week, etc., which means that more eyeballs are seeing content surrounding fantasy football, which may draw in new players,” she said. “For sports fanatics, it’s a fun way to combine your love and knowledge of the game with some friendly competition to show that you know ball better than anyone else in your league—even if it really is just luck.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews IT Department and some dear readers enjoyed the Latino Mix Live concert Saturday evening

Upcoming
Events

Monday, August 26: National Dog Day; August Pickleball Mixer at Preston Playhouse
Tuesday, August 27: Training Camp at the Star — Cowboys Night; Dallasites101 Ladies Night at The Charles; Free Rooftop Movie — Bring It On at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, August 28: Training Camp at the Star — Season Kickoff Ceremony
Thursday, August 29: Ty Myers at The Rustic; All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Night at Thunderbird Pies
Friday, August 30: Dallas Trinity FC vs. FC Barcelona Femení at Cotton Bowl Stadium; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert at Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerson Symphony Center (also on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Saturday, August 31: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Emerald City All-Stars Concert at PGA Frisco; Oak Cliff Brewing Co.’s 6th Anniversary Party
Sunday, September 1: Labor Day Weekend Luau at Legacy Hall; Dallas Museum of Art Free First Sundays — Access for All

NatNews: Issue 127

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:40:57 +0100

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August 19, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 127

BRRR, IT'S COLD IN HERE — THERE MUST BE A COLD PLUNGE IN THE ATMOSPHERE

Fashion isn’t the only area of life that sees rises in popularity of certain trends. The health and fitness industry also frequently has new activities, recovery methods, devices, and dietary and nutrition habits that pop up and pique the interests of many individuals.

Cold plunging (immersing oneself in frigid water for health benefits) has become one of the recent sought-after treatments in which many athletes and non-athletes alike have been participating. Research has found evidence that this form of cold-water therapy helps with muscle recovery as well as reduced inflammation and soreness. Additional benefits include the potential restoring of balance to the nervous system and improvement of cognitive function and mood.

Dallas-area resident Lyndsey Kohn said she began using cold plunges as part of her regular routine at the start of the summer and now does so once a week. At each session, she plunges two to three times, sitting in a dry sauna in between each.

“It’s been a great recovery activity, especially with this Texas heat,” she said. “I find it very relaxing and a great way to unwind.”

Those who choose to cold plunge can do so in indoor or outdoor tubs, specially designed tanks or barrels, various spas, or cold bodies of water. Many people only stay in the water for a few minutes, and experts recommend not exceeding 10 to 15 minutes. While some individuals are not fans of icy water and struggle through cold plunges, Kohn said she enjoys the overall experience.

“It sounds crazy, but I love how it causes you to physically get out of your head,” she said. “It removes all distractions and forces your mind to focus on being present in your body. You can really use it to help focus your thoughts and see how your mind can adjust in a physically uncomfortable situation. It’s very therapeutic for me and a way to unwind, relax, and unplug for a bit.”

Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen took part in his first cold plunge a little more than a week ago—that is, if you don’t count the time when he was a kid and jumped in the Colorado River when it was 52 degrees outside.

“I enjoyed it, mostly because I was proud of myself for doing a difficult thing,” he said. “It was cool to see how quickly I was able to regulate my breathing and that it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.”

Borkenhagen, who runs with the White Rock Running Co-op, said he believes that cold plunges can benefit anyone, regardless of whether or not he or she frequently works out or participates in sports.

“For athletes, they’re especially helpful for quicker recovery,” he said. “For anyone, they also reduce inflammation and stimulate dopamine production, and I think it’s supposed to help you sleep better.”

Kohn, who also runs on a regular basis and is a certified yoga instructor, said she appreciates the additional benefits beyond muscle recovery and circulation improvement, including the extra slumber Borkenhagen mentioned.

“I personally like the skin benefits,” she said. “As someone with sensitive skin, cold showers and cold plunges are such a relief. I also sleep so well the night of a cold plunge/sauna combo.”

While ice baths and the concept of cold-water immersion have been around for many years in the world of sports, Kohn said she believes the growing popularity of cold plunges for a wider variety of individuals is a result of the current society in which we live.

“I think we are in the wave of a wellness culture focused on longevity and the optimization of the human body, which cold plunging fits right into,” she said. “It’s the era of Andrew Huberman, ‘biohacking,’ etc., which is very much advocating for protocols like cold plunging, red light therapy, and intermittent fasting (for better or worse). I personally just like the mental health benefits and have really enjoyed meeting other folks in the Dallas area with similar values.”

Similarly, Borkenhagen said he thinks it’s more common to see people’s Instagram stories documenting their cold plunges for the same reasons more individuals are taking part in running groups, seeking healthier food options, and pursuing a number of other health and fitness initiatives.

“People are slowly realizing that there are tangible benefits to all of these things, just like cold plunges,” he said. “So, while it might be a fad in that its popularity might die down at some point, it wouldn’t have taken off like it is if there were zero benefit in the first place.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The Laerdal Tunnel in Norway is the longest road tunnel in the world. It is 24.5 kilometers (15.2 miles), takes approximately 20 minutes to cover, and has brightly colored lights every 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) to help drivers stay alert.

WHAT'S YOUR PIZZA STYLE?

Many people enjoy savoring a slice (or more) of pizza, and this well-loved culinary creation has become a go-to option in a variety of situations—whether as a simple form of catering for a party or gathering, as a Friday (or really any day) night meal, or as a shared or solo order at a restaurant, to name a few.

And whether you eat pizza on the regular or only every once in a while, there are several styles (e.g., Sicilian, New York, Chicago deep-dish, Neapolitan, Detroit, Hawaiian, and tavern) for you to enjoy. Dallas-area resident Katy Flynn, originally from New York, prefers pizza from her home state.

“New York-style is the best, period,” she said. “It has the best dough and the best sauce, and you can fold it like a proper slice should be eaten. Hawaiian pizza isn’t a thing and shouldn’t be in the debate for favorite style. Neapolitan pizza is the original pizza—simple, fresh ingredients—and New York pizza mirrors that approach. Plus, both styles can be folded.”

Flynn said she will eat other styles of pizza on occasion, though that doesn’t occur often.

“If I am in the mood for them, I’ll have something else, with the exception of Hawaiian pizza because, again, it’s not a thing,” she said. “But rarely will I crave something outside of New York pizza.”

Like Flynn, Dallas resident Damon Yousefy also opts for New York-style pizza over everything else because he enjoys the taste and the large slices. However, he is also willing to change it up every once in a while.

“I still enjoy other styles, like Detroit-style (Thunderbird Pies) or Chicago style (Giordano’s in Chicago),” he said. “Detroit-style and Chicago-style are super filling and a nice treat every now and then but, for health reasons, are not sustainable.”

Avid pizza lovers are often rather serious and particular about bringing their palates joy. Dallas resident Brice Pearce, a self-described “pizza snob,” has tried a variety of different styles of what he said is his favorite food.

“I prefer the Neapolitan-style, brick-oven, and definitely also enjoy others,” he said. “Chicago-style deep-dish is amazing, as well. New Haven-style pizza is a fun twist on Neapolitan and has been growing in popularity away from the East Coast.”

It’s important to note, Pearce pointed out, that style and toppings are two different things.

“For toppings, my go-to is mushrooms and green peppers, with extra cheese,” he said. “However, I’m a fan of gourmet pizza toppings (think Cane Rosso and Delucca’s in Dallas) and love crazy combos like elote pizza or guava and cheese. A well-crafted Margherita pizza is always enjoyable, and let’s not count out dessert pizzas—or even the existence of breakfast pizza.”

Pearce said he could eat pizza every day but tries to limit himself to once a week. He said if he goes too long without eating this doughy delight, he’s likely to have it four or more days in a row.

“While I very much enjoy high-quality (“gourmet”) pizza, there is a proper place for ‘trash pizza,’” as well (think Domino’s or gas station pizza),” he said. “That’s best when looking to satisfy a high-stress carb craving or just when you need to eat a whole pizza without breaking the bank.”

Pearce has been able to travel to a number of different cities, and he often finds restaurants or other venues to enjoy his most loved meal wherever he finds himself.

“Each locale puts its own spin on it,” he said. “Growing up in rural northwest Pennsylvania, it was hard to find good pizza—they put sugar in the sauce. New York-style pizza is actually better in Philadelphia, in my opinion. Northern New England (especially New Hampshire and Vermont but also Portland, Maine) does a great job with brick-oven-style pizza. Pizza south of the Mason-Dixon Line is hit or miss, and a lot of times, I’ll just go to a chain like Mellow Mushroom. Pizza on the West Coast is great in the metro areas and not great once you wander too far from a city.”

And Pearce’s pizza-style knowledge is not limited solely to the United States.

“Pizza in England and Mexico is weird and not recommended,” he said. “You can get OK pizza in Greece and Cyprus, but there’s much better stuff available. Turkey has a dish called pide that is similar to pizza, and it’s pretty good but isn’t really pizza. So, in my opinion, the best city for pizza is Philadelphia. Whether you want New York-style slices on the street or a more sit-down style meal, there are hundreds of places to get great pizza—gourmet or ‘trash.’”

Flynn, however, would disagree. She said that while she believes she has made a solid case for New York being the best city for pizza, there are certainly other places that offer slices superior to others.

“Naples would be home to the original pizza, and I have had the pleasure of eating it there, but we can’t all fly to Italy when we are hungry,” Flynn said. “Hands down, New York or, dare I even say, Jersey would be home to the best pizza. This is the original/traditional style of pizza for the country, and no one can touch it.”

Flynn would likely be happy to know that Yousefy certainly agrees with her. However, he thinks that many local options can satisfy residents’ pizza cravings.

“New York is the best city for pizza, whether you want it by the slice or at a fancy sit-down spot,” he said. “In photography, they say the best camera is the one you have with you. In pizza, the best pizza is the one in your city since we can’t always travel for food. Dallas has some excellent spots, like Pie Tap, Thunderbird Pies, Cane Rosso, and Zalat, and those should be enjoyed and celebrated.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews dear reader Adrian Acevedo wants to remind everyone of how not to eat an avocado

Upcoming
Events

Monday, August 19: Rangers vs. Pirates at Globe Life Field; Meet & Greet Drew Pearson at Cigars International in Grandscape
Tuesday, August 20: Free Rooftop Movie — About Last Night at Sundown at Granada; Dallasites101 August Speed Dating & Singles Mixer at Happiest Hour
Wednesday, August 21: Motown Under the Stars at Sky Blu Rooftop Bar
Thursday, August 22: Frisco Roughriders vs. San Antonio Missions at Riders Field
Friday, August 23: Sunset Serve & Surf Pickleball Social at Goodsurf
Saturday, August 24: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Queen Tribute — Queen Legacy at Legacy Hall; Future & Metro Boomin at the American Airlines Center
Sunday, August 25: Dallas Wings vs. LA Sparks at College Park Center; Bark in the Park! at Klyde Warren Park

NatNews: Issue 126

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 12:13:09 +0100

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August 12, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 126

ARE PREBIOTIC AND PROBIOTIC SODAS WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY?

While walking through your favorite grocery store, don’t be surprised to see a significant amount of fancy-looking flavored sodas that don’t contain much sugar or many calories and are supposed to be healthy for you, especially compared to the more traditional carbonated beverages that have been around for years and years.

Prebiotic and probiotic sodas (such as OLIPOP, Poppi, and Culture POP) have become rather popular and were created with the intention of improving people’s gut health by nourishing their gut bacteria. Your stomach and intestines are home to a countless amount of microbes, which aid in digestion and the prevention of harmful bacteria growing in your body. Prebiotics are plant fibers or carbohydrates, while probiotics are live microorganisms.

Not everyone is extremely concerned with the advantages those can bring to one’s health and, instead, are drawn to the drinks for a different reason.

“Some of them actually taste great, so I’ll have it as a palate cleanser at the end of a meal,” Dallas resident Drew Mbiam said.

Dallas-area resident Emmanuel Amadi, on the other hand, invests in prebiotic and probiotic foods and drinks for more than simply the taste.

“My go-to morning drink for the past year has been a bottle of Synergy raw kombucha, a bowl of organic grass-fed plain yogurt, and kefir—unfailing, every day,” he said. “Essentially, the compounds in fermented drinks heavily boost healthy gut bacteria necessary for fighting off bad gut bacterial growth and inflammation. Aside from those mentioned, I incorporate kimchi in my dinner meals.”

And Amadi said he has seen a variety of different benefits as a result of doing so.

“Personally, as an athlete who actively trains twice a day, a healthy metabolism, good bowel movement, and inflammatory gut are critical for my fueling and recovery success,” he said. “Prebiotic and probiotic foods, for me, are a reliable tool in preventing constipation.”

There are a number of ways one can naturally consume prebiotics in many foods, including chicory root, garlic, leeks, onions, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, and sweet potatoes. Probiotics can also be found in a number of options, including yogurt, olives, bananas, cottage cheese, pickles, and apples. Sodas and other beverages, though, offer simple and often tasty ways to get them.

Dallas-area resident Madison Royal said she drinks ginger or turmeric immunity/gut shots most mornings to help with digestion and inflammation and is thankful to have such products available.

“I think we have made a turn for a healthier and more informed society, and it’s slowly reflecting in consumer goods,” she said.

But that doesn’t mean that everything that contains prebiotics or probiotics is worth the extra cost to your grocery bill.

“I’m excited for the shift, but you have to really be careful and pay attention to ingredients,” Royal said. “Just like when the low-sugar/diet-food culture started, things may say they are healthy, but that doesn’t mean the ingredients are good.”

The way Mbiam sees it, people often like to join in on the latest trends or avoid their problems, such as already-existing poor diets that don’t contain enough nutrients on a consistent basis.

“If you need pro/prebiotic drinks to aid digestion because you have an all-meat diet or snort protein powder, you’re probably doing something wrong,” he said.

Amadi, who makes concerted efforts to ensure that the foods and beverages he consumes are going to help him and not harm him, said that seeing healthier options more regularly is likely to continue.

“People are now gradually moving away from sugary sodas and lab-created food ingredients,” he said. “People are now researching the nutrient labels behind drinks and food items when they go grocery shopping.

And if you want to try something more than a healthier soda, Amadi has your back.

“Another delicious probiotic product is Cocoyo’s coconut yogurt,” he said. “I encourage you to try it!”

DID YOU KNOW?

The average resting heart rate of an elephant is approximately 30 beats per minute.

HOW IMPORTANT IS PHYSICAL ATTRACTION IN A RELATIONSHIP?

If you have any friends or family members who are currently enduring the dating scene, you might have heard at least one of them say he or she simply “wasn’t feeling it” after going on one or more dates with someone but not intending to continue to pursue anything relationship-wise.

But what is “it”? Chemistry? Physical attraction? Aligned values? A combination of all of those and perhaps more? Something else entirely? The answer can be different for different people. You can’t necessarily force yourself to develop feelings that simply aren’t there, and sometimes you can’t easily make feelings you do have vanish. As Selena Gomez so poetically put it in lyrical form, “the heart wants what it wants.”

“To have a strong foundation in a relationship, there are many factors that come together like a symphony—chemistry, physical attraction, and shared values being a few of them,” Dallas-area resident Nikki East said. “They all play their parts. I would probably venture outside of this list and say communication, honesty, and vulnerability hold stronger positions, but at the end of the day, there is a lot that goes into a romantic relationship, especially a successful romantic relationship.”

And just as no two symphonies are exactly the same, no two people are exactly the same, either. However, they can still have alike perspectives that help strengthen their bond with each other. Orange County resident Ashleigh Roberts, who has been married for a little more than nine years, said she believes it’s essential for two people to be on the same page regarding their values for a relationship to work well.

“Physical attraction and chemistry can and often do fluctuate, but if you have a solid foundation (trust, loyalty, and having aligned beliefs), then you can get through the hard seasons and come out stronger together,” she said.

Dallas resident Grant Harrell said he believes that certain aspects of two people being drawn to one another are equally important, though he said there is no “perfect” match for a person.

“You have to find and accept common values and attractions,” he said. “Chemistry is natural. It’s crazy how you can have insane energy/physical touch with the right partner. I once had great values and attractions to a fantastic woman, but we had absolutely no physical chemistry.”

A person’s attraction can certainly change over time, though, as can the importance people place on such factors in their relationships. Harrell said there are many components, such as conversations and time spent together, that have their long-term cycles, but there are two key parts of a relationship that determine its success.

“Physical attraction is almost always what initially brings you together, but if you don’t have the chemistry and similar values, it’s very unlikely to last,” he said.

Appearances can also become different than they were when people initially meet one another—balding happens, wrinkles form, muscles may develop or disappear, and a number of other transformations may occur. Whether it’s a difference in the way a person looks or something else, East said change is inevitable.

“Any relationship (romantic or platonic) has to have the flexibility to grow and adapt,” she said. “And I think the success of a relationship is whether or not two people can grow and adapt together.”

Then how crucial is physical attraction? Some psychologists have noted that although it is important to many individuals, it’s not necessarily required for a relationship to work. East said it is rather common for physical attraction to be the main cause for people to initiate conversations and match on dating apps, but there is more to a relationship working than simply thinking someone is good-looking.

“I believe that our perspectives on attraction can change once we get to know the person on a deeper level,” she said. “I have had experiences when I wasn’t necessarily physically attracted to someone immediately, but after getting to know the personality, that physical attraction shifted. And I have had experiences when I was physically attracted, and then it shifted to complete disgust after learning more about the person.”

And attraction is not always the same for everyone. You might really enjoy someone’s personality, whereas someone else finds that person a bit boring. Or you might have a friend who thinks someone is on the same level as the Ryans (Reynolds and Gosling, obviously), but you don’t find the individual appealing to the eyes. For Roberts, while outward appearances do hold some significance, it’s not where her focus is.

“I think it’s important to be physically attracted to your spouse, but again, that can change so quickly—people get sick, get in accidents, etc.” she said. “The person’s heart is truly what you should be most attracted to.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Dash, the NatNews official mascot, was locked in on the Summer Olympics and is sad he has to wait four more years to see them again

Upcoming
Events

Monday, August 12: National Middle Child Day
Tuesday, August 13: Free Rooftop Movie Night — Barbie at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, August 14: Sunset Sail on White Rock Lake (also on Thursday)
Thursday, August 15: TNSR’s 2024 Summer Quarterly Run at Fleet Feet Plano; Sip & Savor — Sushi Rolling at Omni Dallas; Candlelight — A Tribute to Adele at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
Friday, August 16: Dallas Wings vs. Connecticut Sun at College Park Center; Rangers vs. Twins at Globe Life Field; Pat Green at The Rustic
Saturday, August 17: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Summer Games at Community Beer Co.; Hot Girl Summer Music Bingo at Sweet Tooth Hotel; 90s Country Tribute — Straight Tequila Night at Legacy Hall; Bring Your Own Pool Party at Truck Yard (The Colony)
Sunday, August 18: Frisco Roughriders vs. Springfield Cardinals at Riders Field

NatNews: Issue 125

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:04:25 +0100

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August 5, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 125

WE GOIN' RUN CLUBBIN'?

Though many individuals scoff at the idea of running for enjoyment and make jokes about only running when being chased, the participation in run clubs is continuing to grow in popularity. In fact, there are more than 2,000 run clubs throughout the U.S., and this year’s Chicago Marathon will have a record number of 50,000 participants after approximately 120,000 applications.

While running has been a social option for many years, the sport made significant strides during the pandemic when people were trying to find ways to stay active and sane and still interact with others in outdoor settings. Social media and people’s success stories of gaining friends and improving health helped to continue to encourage individuals to lace up their running shoes.

Dallas-area resident Adrian Acevedo said he stumbled upon the Thursday Night Social Run (TNSR) Facebook page about four years ago and decided to start attending its weekly run in the Plano area. For him, the biggest benefit has been the community it brought to his life.

“We aren’t trying to outcompete each other, but we are sharing the love of running, no matter the pace,” he said. “For serious runners, it’s a chance to meet other runners who have the same experience as them. For casual runners, it’s a chance to come out and not be scared of running, because there’s always someone who can run with you.”

Just as Acevedo used social media to start his social running journey, Dallas resident Kirsten Kraske, originally from Montana, first began attending White Rock Running Co-op events after discovering the group on Facebook. She also noted that such a group is beneficial for runners of all abilities and paces.

“For serious runners, it gives them a chance to level up their skills, push themselves to run with faster people, and push their bodies to see what they can do,” she said. “For more casual runners, it gives a positive social atmosphere and a way to get outside, move your body, and challenge yourself to see how far you can go.”

Dallas resident Alfonzo Gonzalez Jr. (Fonz), who coaches several runners of all levels, has been a well-known part of the local running community for many years and was still running with another group when a couple of the runners he was training mentioned the idea of starting a group, as they were primarily running alone at the time. He now leads the Train Pegasus group, which offers runners a variety of opportunities for both easy and more challenging runs throughout the week. In Fonz’s view, there are multiple benefits to taking part in run clubs.

“New runners can learn a lot from the more seasoned runners,” he said. “Run clubs give casual runners a place to stay motivated toward their fitness goals and provide a space to network and make new friends.”

There are plenty of other run clubs throughout the metroplex (including Pint Striders, Plano Running Club, and Oak Cliff Run Crew, to name a few), all offering ways for people to stay in shape and build friendships at the same time. As a leader of such a group, Fonz said he enjoys watching new runners make new connections with others and believes running with people on a consistent basis is growing in popularity because of the advantages doing so can bring to a person’s life.

“More people are realizing that social run clubs can be an outing to socialize with others while exercising at the same time,” he said.

One highly appealing factor to many social running opportunities, including all of the groups mentioned thus far, is the fact that they are free to join. One can simply show up and hit the pavement with like-minded individuals. Kraske also appreciates that they offer an authentic way to meet people outside of a drinking setting.

“It gives people something active to do while also being social,” she said. “I think run clubs promote an inviting atmosphere to either come alone or come with friends because there’s someone there for everyone. It also gives you a really great way to start or end your day.”

There’s a uniqueness to running, as well. It’s a sport that challenges individuals but doesn’t always pit them against one another in a competitive way. Rather, there’s encouragement without scorekeeping and conversations that often become personal and help lead to lifelong friendships. Some people have even found their future spouses at run clubs, and it’s not uncommon for singles to use them as a way to meet people as an alternative to dating apps. Others have found them helpful to make friends after moving to new cities or when looking to spend time with those with similar interests.

“It’s a great way to connect with people that not many other sports can really do,” Acevedo said.

And running can certainly create a selfless bond between individuals that allows them to experience genuine pride and joy for one another.

“The thing I enjoy the most about being in a run club is the personal growth I see from runners,” Acevedo said. “From people running one mile on their first day to running marathons, it is truly inspiring.”

For Kraske, the consistency of the run group and the individuals within it are what she appreciates most.

“The people in WRRC were the first people to make Dallas feel like home for me,” she said, “and I’m forever grateful for them.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The English version of the word “pocket,” deriving from a variation of a word meaning “bag,” came into use around 1450 to describe a small sack, whether sewn into clothing or not, worn by an individual.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: FRIEND VS. ACQUAINTANCE

When you’re younger, it seems like almost anyone you know and generally like is pretty much your friend. Whether it’s your classmates, teammates, people you know from extracurricular activities, neighbors, or kids you meet on the playground, friends are almost everywhere.

As we get older, though, our friendship circles tend to close in a little bit more tightly, and we change the way we view the people we know—some are true friends, while others are merely acquaintances. Friends are those with whom one spends more time, has regular interactions and shared experiences, and engages in deeper conversations and emotional bonds. Acquaintances, on the other hand, are those with whom a person has more surface-level relationships and conversations and doesn’t necessarily make concerted efforts to spend time.

Not everyone views and prioritizes friendships and acquaintanceships in similar regards, though. A recent NatNews research initiative revealed that only 6 percent of dear readers see friends and acquaintances as essentially being the same, though the vast majority (53 percent) have more friends than acquaintances and generally only trust people close to them.

“Friends are unconditional—those relationships exist outside of any container or context,” Dane Sebring, a paranormal investigator in Washington, D.C., said. “Acquaintances are relative to a specific environment—school, work, church, etc. I have more acquaintances than friends, just like I suspect most people do. It takes a lot of mutual effort, time, and shared experience to elevate a relationship from acquaintance to friend.”

Like Sebring, Dallas resident Charlotte Thomas said she likely has more acquaintances than friends. This is certainly not uncommon. Recent Pew Research Center surveys found that the majority of adults place strong emphasis on the importance of friendships in their lives and have between one and four close friends. Acquaintances, however, are much easier to find.

“If you count all of the people I’m friendly with during my day-to-day (work, fitness, hobbies, friends of friends), it can really add up,” Thomas said. “As I’ve gotten older, my number of friends has decreased since I do not go out as much. Some friends have turned into acquaintances, but that’s mostly due to lack of communication and not disinterest, and that could change easily.”

While relationships vary among individuals and don’t look the same for everyone, understanding the different dynamics between friends and acquaintances can help you set appropriate expectations for the people in your life.

“I typically will discuss personal issues with my friends and have frequent meet-ups (like going out to dinner), while with acquaintances I will keep it surface-level and usually will not hang out with them regularly,” Thomas said. “Acquaintances can become friends, though.”

For Montana resident Karen Brinkmann, an acquaintance is someone who is on his or her way to becoming a friend, though Brinkmann certainly recognizes the difference between the two.

“I’m friendly with both acquaintances and friends, but I probably am a little more transparent and open the longer I’ve been friends with someone,” she said. “There is a level of trust you have with closer friends than you do with acquaintances.”

While Brinkmann said she definitely has more acquaintances than close friends, she recognizes that they all play significant roles and fill different needs in a person’s life.

“I think it’s important to have both friends and acquaintances,” she said. “And all good friends probably started off as some level of acquaintance before they hit that next level of friendship.”

Sebring also knows the value of having a variety of different relationships in one’s life and how truly impactful friendships can be, though he admits that having friends can be hard work at times.

“If you have a lot of them, they probably aren’t that close,” he said. “You can’t be a well-adjusted adult without someone on speed dial who will split a bottle of wine and laugh about your deepest insecurities.”

For some individuals, blurring the lines between how to interact with and view people can alter one’s attitude or perception. Dallas-area resident Megan England said she began treating everyone at work as a friend rather than an acquaintance, and doing so proved to be a game changer.

“It really helped create a more positive experience for me,” she said. “The intentionality was a process but worth it. I was inspired by my maintenance man. He is very gifted in this area. I’m not, so it was a big push for me.”

Whether a person has many friends or acquaintances or very few of either is not what matters most, though, as Thomas pointed out.

“What’s important is maintaining happiness through growth and connections,” she said. “And these connections are not based on the amount of connections but the quality of those connections.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The youths help keep NatNews staff members somewhat hip sometimes

Upcoming
Events

Monday, August 5: Rangers vs. Astros at Globe Life Field
Tuesday, August 6: Free Rooftop Movie — Mallrats at Sundown at Granada; Fun in the Sun — Back-to-School Bash at Grandscape
Wednesday, August 7: Females on Fire Conference at the Majestic Theatre
Thursday, August 8: Weezer Tribute — The Troublemakers at Legacy Hall; 4th Annual Irish Slammer at Harwood Arms
Friday, August 9: The Box Office Girl Presents — 10 Things I Hate About You at the Texas Theatre; Salsa Dance Lesson & Party at Klyde Warren Park
Saturday, August 10: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Neon Summer Adult Night at Hawaiian Waters; Cornhole Tournament at Community Beer Co.
Sunday, August 11: WRC Latte Art Workshop at White Rock Coffee Brew Lab; West Coast Swing Dance Class at DFW Young and Social

NatNews: Issue 124

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 12:07:52 +0100

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July 29, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 124

WE'RE NOT ALL OF OLYMPIC ATHLETE CALIBER

For the next two weeks, some of the greatest athletes in the world are putting all of their skills and limits to the test and probably reminding some of us just how amateur we are. All of their training over the last four years (and likely for some of their entire lifetimes) has finally brought them to what might be the biggest competition stage they’ll ever see.

The Summer Olympics draws in a significant amount of support—nearly 29 million viewers tuned in to the Opening Ceremonies last Friday. Whether they are watching to see specific events, to support their countries, to keep up with what Snoop Dogg is going to say or do next, or simply to enjoy witnessing unique moments in history, individuals all across the globe will find ways to embrace as much of the 19-day spectacle as they can.

Denver resident Amanda Bennett said she enjoys the Olympics because it is one of the few things on television or the internet that her entire family likes to watch together.

“I only wish the Summer Olympics started at the beginning of the summer break, rather than toward the end,” she said. “Quality time with kids is fleeting in the face of social media, video games, etc. I will soak up as much of it as I can get.”

For Dallas resident Becca Finke, the Olympics is a time to find peace and joy in the idea that the best athletes from all over the world are able to come together in one highly anticipated and celebrated setting.

“There is a sense of unity and fun competition in a world that feels so muddled,” she said.

And that level of competition leaves many spectators wondering how what they just witnessed is even physically or humanly possible.

“These are the best athletes at their respective sports, and we don’t normally get to watch many of these events,” Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen said. “That and the fact they are representing their countries makes it feel like so much is at stake. The intensity level is so high, and every event is so thrilling to watch.”

Even only a few days in, the Paris Olympics have already provided a number of exciting moments, including podium finishes for American divers and swimmers. You can bet that Dallas resident Katie Butler relished in those celebrations, as such events carry more significance for her because of personal experiences in her competitive history.

“I like watching swimming most because I did it growing up,” she said. “I also think it has the events where people are least likely to get hurt. Most other sports freak me out—like in gymnastics and ice skating, I’m convinced they are going to fall.”

And sometimes they do fall. But that doesn’t stop people from wishing they could compete alongside those athletes. In fact, the majority of NatNews readers who participated in a recent online poll indicated that if they had the talent and abilities to compete in any Olympic sport, they would choose gymnastics. Bennett is one of those gymnast enthusiasts, though she would also like to take a stab at fencing.

“As a child who grew up dancing, I recognize many parallels in the gymnastics world, especially with the floor routines,” she said. “I love seeing the melding of athleticism and art in their performances. As for fencing, I watch too many movies—it’s just a freaking cool sport!”

Others, like Butler, wish they could compete in events that don’t actually exist in the Olympics. Well, yet. Who knows what could come four years from now? After all, breakdancing was added to this year’s competitions.

“I wish indoor cycling was an event,” she said. “I have taken like 1,000 indoor cycling classes and know all about the sport, so I feel like it would be cool to have an event I actually knew a ton about.”

Another excitement-filled athletic endeavor still ahead is track and field, which begins August 1. Borkenhagen, who is a long-distance runner, said he would opt to compete in the 100-meter dash because it is over quite quickly. Or he would tee it up and play golf.

“[In the 100], you have no room for error and no time to make up distance or to rectify mistakes,” he said. “And growing up, I always thought guys like Michael Johnson and Maurice Green were so cool. For golf, I just love the sport a lot, so to represent my country while playing it would be amazing.”

Overall, though, no matter what event he competed in for this current non-reality, Borkenhagen said he believes that one of the best things about being an Olympian would be having the opportunity to fraternize with other top athletes from around the world, especially those he would have seen at different competitions over the years and those with whom he had forged bonds and rivalries. But there would also be other special memories he would carry with him.

“I saw a video from the Olympic village this year where the Samoan athletes were singing in the courtyard of one of the residential buildings, and it was so pretty,” he said. “Experiencing stuff like that would be a top moment for me, as well.”

For Butler, the idea of having the ability to challenge herself physically alongside other top athletes gives her a thrill.

“I love working out and training, and I’m super competitive, so getting to train with like-minded people who are as excited about the same thing as me would be awesome,” she said.

It’s important to note that less than 0.1 percent of people in the world compete in the Olympics. Finke, who would choose to compete in golf because she enjoys individual sports and is a skilled player, recognizes how unique and special it would be to be part of the Summer Games.

“The best thing about being an Olympian would be having been part of the biggest sporting/games event in the world,” she said. “To receive a medal at the Olympics is, in my opinion, the highest honor as a patriot and an athlete.”

Bennett also noted that she understands how rare such an opportunity is and, at the same time, longs for a true sense of unity not only for the athletes but also for the fans at home.

“With so much animosity in our country right now due to the impending elections, I hope that the Olympics will bring us together, if only temporarily,” she said. “Being the very best in your sport and getting to represent your country is an honor I can’t even fathom, yet I cannot wait to cheer on those who have achieved this dream.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The fastest badminton smash ever recorded was 565 kilometers per hour (351.1 miles per hour), which was hit by India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in 2023, breaking a 10-year-old record.

IS IT CRINGE TO TRY TO SLAY AND BE FIRE?

If you’re a millennial or older (or maybe even an elderly Gen Z-er), you may experience confusion when you hear the youths talk. Sure, we said things like “all that and a bag of chips” back in the day, but phrases of that sort clearly made sense. Thankfully, we have the internet for interpretation. You don’t have to be a parent to bookmark this list—you can do so if you want to feel hip or in-the-know with the young bucks.

Some terms (like “cap,” which means something is not true, and “fit,” which refers to what someone is wearing) have been around for a few or several years, while others (such as “rizz,” which kids are using in place of “charisma”) are more recent. Dallas-area resident Liz Orozco works in education and has three of her own children, so she is able to stay up-to-date because of the lingo her older kids use. Whether or not she knows what everything they say means doesn’t determine if she’s a fan or words and phrases.

“I can’t stand the whole ‘what the sigma,’ ‘skibidi toilet,’ ‘GYAT, ‘bet,’ and referencing Ohio,” she said. “I still don’t get that.”

At some point, Ohio somehow became a state about which to joke on TikTok, and it stuck. Not everything that becomes trendy makes sense (after all, jeans under dresses were once considered “fashion,” and suddenly the word “random” seemed like the perfect description for essentially every situation). Dallas resident Aaron Byrkit has two young boys but doesn’t pay extremely close attention to current popular sayings.

“I only do enough to make sure and say the lingo wrong so that my 9-year-old finds it annoying,” he said. “I think I don’t keep up with it because other things in the world take up my attention now. We’ll see if this stays true as my boys get older and start to use hip lingo.”

Dallas-area resident Libby Shewski, however, coaches 12-year-old club volleyball players and makes sure that she uses language with which her athletes are familiar. She even became a well-known TikTok queen, and her players could frequently be heard saying “slay, Libby!” (“Slay” means to be quite stylish and successful.)

“I stay updated because I want the sixth-graders I coach to think I’m cool,” Shewski said. “Actually, they teach me pretty much everything I know, and they can get pretty judgmental if you use a word that’s not cool anymore. I once told them I was a millennial, and they made fun of me for that. But in reality, I want to learn the cool words so that I relate to them and bond with them and so that they trust me as their coach.”

But Shewski has to be careful that she uses the words and phrases correctly.

“One time I thought ‘selling’ meant you were doing well at something, but in reality, it means you’re not,” she said. “A kid said to me ‘Coach Libby, I’m selling right now,’ and I told her ‘good job,’ so I think it’s very important (especially in what I do) to understand their slang.”

And Shewski said she even likes some of the new words her players bring to her vocabulary. For instance, the word “opp” refers to someone an individual doesn’t like. If Captain Hook saw Peter Pan or heard a reference to him, Hook would say about Pan “he’s my opp.” But Shewski said she can’t get behind all of the youthful lingo.

“There are a lot that seem silly to me,” she said. “For example, ‘mewing,’ which is when you hold your tongue to the roof of your mouth to give yourself a good jawline. Another one that I really don’t understand is ‘skibidi.’ I still don’t know when to use that word. ‘Sigma’ and ‘alpha’ have similar meanings, and ‘beta’ is bad, and those words are getting trendy.”

Orozco said she finds the word “rizz” amusing, and she also doesn’t mind “brain rot,” which is a new condition one experiences after spending too much time consuming low-value internet content.

“I use that when my kids are on their screens too much,” she said.

Byrkit, on the other hand, said he doesn’t have many strong feelings regarding any of the current lingo he’s heard.

“I’ve recently started to realize how out-of-the-know I am,” he said. “It took me quite a while to figure out what was going on with this ‘hawk tuah girl.’ I thought maybe she was a Gen Z-er making falconing popular or something.”

Why these words and phrases become popular are sometimes unknown, but they spread rather quickly, especially with technology almost constantly at our fingertips. Orozco said most of the trends we currently see are a result of social media, and some of them simply aren’t necessary.

“I don’t mind lingo when the words are actual words, but it sometimes seems like people say words just to hear themselves speak,” she said.

Byrkit agrees with Orozco’s notion that outlets like Instagram, TikTok, and others propel these trends, many of which often appear to pop up out of nowhere.

“I think it has to do with the cultural zeitgeist,” he said. “I do think it has been super-charged with social media, which has accelerated the ability for information to travel from person to person or from bot to person.”

Regardless of the reason or the means, we’re likely to continue seeing evolving lingo come and go for years to come.

“I feel like it’s the same as why fashion trends resurface—a little nostalgia, or maybe someone famous used that word in a TikTok,” Shewski said. “It also seems like a lot of effort to keep inventing new words.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews dear reader and Kansas City Chiefs lead producer Anna Tobkin was able to enjoy a day at Chiefs Training Camp with her sweet son

Upcoming
Events

Monday, July 29: National Lasagna Day; National Chicken Wing Day
Tuesday, July 30: Free Rooftop Movie — Superbad at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, July 31: FC Dallas vs. FC Juarez at Toyota Stadium; Idina Menzel at the Majestic Theatre
Thursday, August 1: Club 90s Presents — Midnight Memories at House of Blues Dallas; Sounds of Summer — Simply Garth at Grandscape
Friday, August 2: Rangers vs. Red Sox at Globe Life Field
Saturday, August 3: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Taylor’s Version — A Swiftie Dance Party at Sundown at Granada; Roller Disco Adult Skating Night at Interskate Roller Rink; Journey Tribute — Departure ATX at Legacy Hall
Sunday, August 4: Free First Sundays — Access for All at the Dallas Museum of Art

NatNews: Issue 123

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:10:19 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

July 22, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 123

SKIN CARE AS A FORM OF SELF-CARE

While many people prefer to practice quality skin care in order to minimize signs of aging and have glowing, blemish-free appearances, taking care of your skin is actually beneficial for your overall health. Your skin helps protect you from external elements, regulates body temperature, promotes vitamin D synthesis, and naturally protects against harmful UV rays, and treating it properly can fight against infection and disease, improve self-confidence, and even help improve mental health.

According to research conducted by NatNews, 58 percent of the dear readers who participated in a recent survey indicated that they believe that skin care is important, 36 percent said they mostly think it’s important but don’t invest much into it, and 6 percent do not care much or at all about taking care of their skin. For New York City resident Alicia Wyatt, skin care is certainly a priority in her life.

“Our skin is often the first sign to see when we are having health issues,” she said. “It is also a big driver of confidence (or non-confidence) in our self-perceptions of ourselves, too.”

Dallas resident Keith Jensen said he also ensures that he makes time and efforts to care for his skin, as he knows the negative effects that can result from not doing so.

“Your skin has the ability of being something that gives you great confidence or can cause you a lot of pain,” he said. “I have had family members who deal with ongoing skin issues that are painful and itchy and can cause great pain physically and sometimes even emotionally.”

In order to maintain healthy skin, Jensen said he uses sunscreen every day, often multiple times per day. That’s not the only precautionary measure he takes, though.

“I also use skin hydration products and, over the last four years, have done a yearly deeper blue light therapy to combat cancerous cells and repair damage from years past,” he said.

People’s faces are exposed to a number of harsh elements, including pollution, the sun’s dangerous rays, and adverse weather conditions—all of which can take a toll on a person’s skin. While some individuals are able to treat themselves to facials and other such procedures, not everyone’s lifestyle can allocate much to skin care. While Dallas-area resident Laura Mattingly believes that basic skin care is beneficial for overall health and self-confidence, as a mother of two young boys, she has a rather full schedule.

“I try to use SPF and moisturizer daily and clean my face before bed,” she said. “Other than that, it can be hard for me to make the time to apply other products regularly.”

Some individuals, like Wyatt, have sensitive skin and use certain products that help protect it. Wyatt said she also tries to eat a healthy diet, drinks plenty of fluids, takes a collagen supplement, and wears sunscreen daily because she is rather susceptible to sunburns.

“As I hit middle age, I have found my body needs a bit more help keeping up with its care,” she said.

Research conducted by the U.S. Census and Simmons National Consumer Survey revealed that the average American spends more than $320 each year on skin care. When it comes to the idea of seeking self-improvement in a variety of ways, this amount is not surprising to many people.

“Skin is tied so closely to your appearance, which means that it’s a natural place for people to invest their money when they are trying to look or feel better about themselves,” Jensen said.

Mattingly said she thinks there has been a continued growth in the popularity and use of products to help one’s skin because of the availability of information and knowledge people now have to the long-term benefits such products offer.

“I think there has been an increased awareness that good skin care, over time, really does help with the signs of aging,” she said. “And as people’s overall efforts to stay healthy later in life have increased, so has the desire to delay the physical signs of aging.”

And those efforts are likely not going to fade away anytime soon. Wyatt said she believes that products to help with proper skin care will always be popular staples in many people’s lives.

“They are ever-evolving to try to be healthier, and as consumers, we have been conditioned to be open to trying them out,” she said. “The science behind skin care is just as evolving as the products being produced. It’s also important to understand that our needs change as we age. As long as beauty sells, skin care will sell right along with it."

DID YOU KNOW?

Though Olympic gold medals contain 6 grams of gold, they are primarily made of silver. The last time Olympic gold medals were made entirely of gold was in 1912.

IF YOU HAD BEEN CLOSER IN AGE, WOULD IT HAVE BEEN FINE?

When it comes to dating, no two relationships are identical. Some people meet during childhood or high school or college and stay together forever. Others meet at work or through friends or out and about in a number of different places or use dating apps to help them find their significant others.

Throughout the adolescent and young adult years, it’s more common for individuals to date people their own ages. The more advanced in age one gets, though, the more likely it becomes that he or she might end up with someone a bit older or younger. While age gaps (especially significant ones) in relationships sometimes spark social disapproval, not everyone believes that there are specific standards adults are required to follow. Dallas resident Laura Hays said she thinks an age difference in a relationship completely depends on the people and the situation.

“There is no hard and fast rule,” she said. “However, up to six years in either direction seems to be the range that works best for me.”

For Hays, this truth comes from previous personal experience.

“When I was 36, I briefly dated a 24-year-old,” she said. “We had a fun time together, but it definitely wasn’t going to work long-term. We were in very different places in life, as he was only a couple years out of college, and I was established in my career, looking to settle down and start a family. But it did make me feel like ‘I’ve still got it!’"

Like Hays, Dallas resident Alexis Derrow believes that plus or minus six years is a sufficient age gap between two people for a relationship to work.

“You need to have some cultural fluency, and if it is more than six years, you start to lose it,” she said.

Also similar to Hays, Dallas resident Andy Cline said he believes that there’s no set rule. For him, however, a difference of five years in either direction is typically acceptable.

“I care less about the actual number and more about two other factors that are somewhat tied to age: maturity-to-immaturity ratio and phase of life,” he said.

Cline said in any lasting romantic relationship, that maturity-to-immaturity ratio cannot be too unbalanced on either side.

“You have to be able to have fun as well as be able to have the difficult conversations that help the relationship to grow,” he said. “And the phase of life compatibility is crucial because people’s values and goals change in different phases of life, and if yours aren’t aligned, you’re going to have a bad time.”

For Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard, a significant age gap between two people is not necessarily a problem when both individuals are consenting and mature adults.

“There are obviously issues—like health and financial issues—that people in a relationship with a very large age gap may run into, but those issues also happen to people in relationships with no age differences.”

Derrow also believes that individuals dating people much older or younger than they are can have lasting relationships, though like Cline said, those situations are often less about the number of years the people have lived.

“If people have the same goals, then yes, it can work,” she said. “But often you are at different places in your lives.”

Because of being in life stages that were not quite the same, Derrow’s relationships in which she has dated men up to 15 years younger or older have not lasted.

“I dated a much older and a much younger man,” she said. “With the older one, we were in different places. With the younger, there was too much Gen Z angst. I couldn’t take it.”

Cline said he has seen many relationships he believes are successful between people with large age differences, though he doesn’t think that he would do well in one. He was once in a relationship with a six-year age gap that didn’t work out in the long run.

“We were in different phases of life and had differing priorities as a result,” he said. “So, ultimately, the relationship ended.”

That’s not the case for everyone, though. Odegard said he has dated women close to his age as well as those who are not quite in his age bracket.

“I tend to get into relationships with people younger than me, but I think that is mostly because I act so much younger than my actual age,” he said. “I’ve never had any age-related issues with somebody I’ve dated who was much younger than me, other than the people who judge us because of the age gap.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Sweet Lily Hays is new to Dallas and so excited to make new friends and call this place home

Upcoming
Events

Monday, July 22: Rangers vs. White Sox at Globe Life Field
Tuesday, July 23: Free Rooftop Movie — Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, July 24: National Tequila Day at Community Beer Co.
Thursday, July 25: Sounds of Summer — Champagne Yacht Club at Grandscape
Friday, July 26: Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Watch Party at Legacy Hall; Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey — The Greatest Show on Earth at the American Airlines Center (also on Saturday and Sunday)
Saturday, July 27: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Olympics Bar Crawl in the Harwood District
Sunday, July 28: Community Beer Co. Cycling Group Ride

NatNews: Issue 122

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 12:12:43 +0100

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July 15, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 122

SOME PEOPLE PREFER THE GREAT INDOORS

It’s that time of year when you don’t really need to check the weather app or tune in to see your favorite meteorologist to find out what it’s like outside. In many places, especially the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the forecast is typically the same every day: hot.

While some individuals will continue to exercise outside regardless of the temperature, others prefer to move things indoors. Dallas resident Kevin Roberts, an avid pickleball player, said he’s grateful to have the option to play his beloved sport inside when the weather is at extremes.

“I initially started playing at a new facility in January when the temperature was in the 20s,” he said. “We now play indoors to avoid the excessive Dallas summertime heat. I prefer to play outdoors, but it is nice to have the indoor option when it’s too hot, too cold, windy, or rainy.”

Roberts said he regularly plays pickleball at three different indoor locations: The Grove in Trinity Grove, Dallas Indoor Pickleball in Farmers Branch, and Preston Playhouse at Preston and 635. These facilities all opened this year, and Roberts said he is fortunate enough to be able to hit the courts during the off-peak hours.

“They tend to be more crowded at night and on weekends,” he said. “I play during the day during the week, and courts are always available.”

There are a variety of other indoor pickleball facilities throughout the metroplex, including at Plano Sports Authority, The Picklr in McKinney, and at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas. It is important to note, though, that it costs money to play on the indoor courts, which is one reason why Roberts said even though the indoor options are often quite appealing when it’s so toasty outside, many people still choose to play outside.

“The indoor facilities have not been as crowded as outdoor, as most of the outdoor courts are free,” he said. “Cole Park continues to be extremely busy, as it is a great place to meet new people, and there is almost always someone to play.”

Dallas-area resident Carolyn Macduff Levanway, a marathon runner who makes sure to log some miles every single day, said she opts for the treadmill when it’s too hot outside and also regularly works out at a fitness studio.

“My heart rate is way lower indoors, and I find I don’t fatigue as quickly,” she said. “I’m also able to control my pace and incline on the treadmill way more than I am outside.”

Indoor workouts—particularly those on treadmills, elliptical machines, and StairMasters—can often be mentally challenging for those who are accustomed to exercising outdoors most of the time. Macduff Levanway said she finds ways to stay entertained, though.

“I usually listen to an audiobook or podcast,” she said. “If I have a long workout, I’ll watch TV to keep me going. For the fitness studio I attend, the music and instructor keep me motivated.”

Macduff Levanway said she also has a particular treadmill workout that helps her stay positive and focused on achieving her goals.

“I love progression runs,” she said. “By the end of the workout, I feel like such a fast human hamster! I also feel like the treadmill gives you so much control over your paces, so you can actually get in a solid progression run.”

There are plenty of other indoor exercise options (though most will involve fees of some sort), including Pilates, yoga, HIIT workouts, cycling, weight lifting, rock climbing, kickboxing, and swimming. So, whether you’re willing to embrace the heat or not, it’s still possible for you to break a sweat and get some movement in during the blazing summer months.

DID YOU KNOW?

A 2018 study found that wearing a necktie can reduce blood flow to the brain by 7.5 percent, causing dizziness, nausea, and headaches.

IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE VEHICLE YOU OPERATE?

Each year, there are nearly 70 million vehicle breakdowns and 220 million flat tires in the United States. Car troubles can be quite frustrating—and sometimes rather expensive—and many drivers find themselves rather helpless when issues occur when they’re out on the roads. In fact, only 30 percent of NatNews readers who participated in an online poll indicated that they know how to change a flat tire.

Phoenix resident Arin Mearig is not very familiar with the tire-changing process and said she would likely call her mom or dad for help if she found herself in such circumstances.

“I’m pretty sure you have to use that thing to jack the car up and then use a tool to take it off,” she said. “Wait, maybe you have to spin those things off first. I don’t know.”

She’s on the right-ish track. If she lived in DFW, she could reach out to Dallas-area resident Bill Smith, who considers himself highly car-savvy. He said whenever he purchases a new car, he always looks for the placement of the jack and spare tire and takes note of whether the car has specific points to place the jack under the car to change it. He said he believes knowing how to get oneself out of a flat-tire situation is certainly valuable knowledge to have.

“Everyone who learns to drive should learn to change a tire in their driveway,” he said. “It is an easy skill to learn and could save lots of money and time.”

Dallas resident Damon Yousefy said he knows how to change a flat tire but also invests in run-flat tires, which allow drivers to continue on the roads for a short time after getting a flat so that they can make it to a safe place to stop or to a specific place for repair.

“[With run-flat tires], I can drive up to 50 miles at up to 50 miles per hour to a tire shop so that I’m not stuck trying to change a tire in rain or the Texas heat,” he said. “For me, it’s worth the slightly higher price to have the run-flat tires.”

There are also more serious car breakdowns that involve much more mechanical knowledge than changing a tire and can’t necessarily be repaired by oneself on the side of the road. While Smith said he would like to think he would know what to do in those situations, he said it would also depend on the reason for the breakdown. Sometimes the best thing to do is to call experts who can assist.

“NTTA roads here in Texas have a roadside assist number (#999) you can contact during a breakdown,” he said. “It’s also a good practice to have local non-emergency police numbers stored in your phone for times like these.”

Like Smith, Dallas resident Juliette Vielhauer—who learned how to change a tire from her dad, as he wanted to make sure that she knew where all of the tools were when she first got her Jeep—said she would be able to handle the car issue herself in some cases but would call roadside assistance when it was necessary.

“I believe being a responsible car owner involves regular servicing and having contingency plans if stranded,” she said. “While extensive car knowledge isn’t always necessary, being prepared with basic skills or having roadside assistance is crucial.”

Mearig is on the same page as Vielhauer in that viewpoint, though she said certain aspects of car maintenance information is something she wishes had been part of her required educational curriculum.

“I think it’s very important to have general knowledge so that if you’re stuck without a way of contacting someone, you can get yourself out of it,” she said. “I think it should be taught in high school.”

But it’s only mandatory to learn how to drive, not about the machine you’re operating, if you’re going to get behind a wheel. Mearig said she thinks this is one reason why many drivers don’t know car basics, such as changing a tire.

“We were never taught and didn’t take the responsibility ourselves for learning how to do things,” she said. “Also, in America, we have a hundred auto shops at the tip of our fingers to just take the car to when something happens.”

Smith also believes that having general car knowledge is important for those in the driver’s seat, especially in light of the fact that they are operating machines at high speeds surrounded by others who are often careless and reckless on the roads.

“Knowing the general workings of the tools we use is a good practice to keep ourselves and those around us safe,” he said. “Not finding yourself stranded on a highway because you can change your own tire is worth the investment to learn.”

Yousefy said he knew the basics of dealing with car issues when he drove a Honda in college, but he owns a Mercedes now, which he said is a much more complicated car to fix. If his car broke down, he said he would contact roadside assistance through his insurance to help. Regardless of whether a person can handle the issues on his or her own or reaches out to experts, Yousefy said being prepared is essential.

“Having roadside assistance through insurance or AAA is important, as is basic knowledge, so that the repair center doesn’t take advantage of you,” he said. “I think cars have gotten a lot more complex, and people have gotten more used to convenience instead of DIY.”

For Vielhauer, she said she is grateful that she learned everything she knows about cars from her dad, who raced off-road vehicles and was always consistently working on a project car or two when his kids were growing up.

“He taught me to drive off-road as soon as I could reach the pedals and emphasized understanding the consequences of my actions behind the wheel,” she said. “From helping him work on his cars to modifying my own Jeep under his guidance, he instilled in me the importance of preparation, like carrying water and a sleeping bag for long trips. Without his guidance, I’d likely rely heavily on AAA.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some of these NatNews dear readers recently completed the challenging Triple Bypass bike ride in Colorado

Upcoming
Events

Monday, July 15: July Pickleball Mixer at Preston Playhouse; MLB Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field
Tuesday, July 16: MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field; Free Rooftop Movie — The Breakfast Club at Sundown at Granada; Dallasites101 July Speed Dating + Singles Mixer at Happiest Hour
Wednesday, July 17: Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever at College Park Center; FC Dallas vs. Austin FC at Toyota Stadium
Thursday, July 18: Le Meridien Dallas, the Stoneleigh Speakeasy; Shrek — The Musical at Winspear Opera House
Friday, July 19: Rangers vs. Orioles at Globe Life Field; Frank Caliendo at Addison Improv (also on Saturday)
Saturday, July 20: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Peso Pluma at the American Airlines Center; Summer Luau at Community Beer Co.
Sunday, July 21: The Virgin Hotel Pool Party; Painting with a View at Sky Blu Rooftop

NatNews: Issue 121

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 12:10:58 +0100

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July 8, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 121

IS IT OK TO SAY A (BITTER)SWEET FAREWELL TO SUGAR FOR A TIME PERIOD?

Many of the foods and beverages people consume on a regular basis contain more sugar than they might realize. Too much sugar in one’s diet can contribute to detrimental health issues, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and tooth decay.

Some individuals choose to reduce the amount of sugar in their diets or even remove it for a period of time. Dallas-area resident and registered dietitian Lyndsey Kohn said doing so can be an effective way to help “reset” one’s taste buds and become more cognizant of products that contain added sugars.

“A lot of folks aren’t even aware of how much sugar they consume, and it can be a little shocking when you start adding it all up,” she said. “Removing added sugars for a period of time can help with blood glucose regulation, decrease your appetite for sugary products, and possibly increase other whole-food consumption since you may be swapping out a few regular food items (e.g., Dr. Pepper vs. a Spindrift or a couple of M&M’s vs. veggies and hummus).”

Dallas resident Ben Sewell has recently lowered his sugar intake and said that while sugar is helpful with many body functions, giving up excessive sugar consumption can help with weight loss, maintaining balanced blood sugar levels, and improving skin tone and appearance, among other benefits.

“There are abundant sources of naturally occurring sugar in healthy foods, so making conscious choices to eliminate sugar really means getting rid of processed sugars,” he said. “Cutting sugar from your diet, however, is easier said than done. It’s in everything, so some trial and error is to be expected when you are first starting to go sugar-free. I gave it up completely for Lent a few years ago, and there was a period of two weeks or so in which I felt fatigued and mentally unfocused.”

Sewell said because sugary foods are also associated with lifestyle, it took him a bit of time to quit having desserts with every dinner. He said the difficulty passes, though, and it’s possible to reduce or eliminate the sweets with some creativity and perseverance.

“Nowadays, there are far more options for sugar-free foods that make the effort easier,” he said. “After Lent, I stayed off sugar for several more months and gradually brought back select treats but in much lower portions and far less frequently than before.”

Like Sewell, Dallas resident Laura Hays knows the challenges of not allowing sugar in her diet for a certain amount of time, as she does so every January for 30 days as part of Whole30, a short-term elimination diet that avoids sugar, grains, and dairy.

“This is a great way for me to reset for the new year after overindulging during the holidays,” she said. “While I usually slip back to old habits afterward, it has raised my awareness of how much sugar I am consuming.”

Kohn has also taken part in the Whole30 diet as well as the 75 Hard challenge and said she found them both to be interesting experiments on how food affects people’s bodies, from both cognitive and physical standpoints.

“Added sugars was one for which it was easy to see the effects,” she said. “After 30 or 60 days, I vividly remember eating ice cream for the first time and thinking it tasted too sweet, and I didn’t like it. It’s shocking, I know—I love a good vanilla bean ice cream.”

Whether one is reducing or eliminating sugar temporarily or permanently, Kohn said doing so is no easy feat.

“You are essentially retraining your brain and daily habits not to default to high amounts of sugar,” she said. “You are really training your blood glucose response not to fluctuate so drastically throughout the day and to become more stabilized. It takes time to shift this, so give it a week or so to start feeling the benefits of it.”

And Kohn said she certainly does not eliminate sugar from her diet completely, as she believes that added sugars are delicious and fun treats to have on occasion, especially on the recent Fourth of July holiday and as part of various summer festivities.

“It’s just a matter of being mindful around it,” she said. “People like to say it’s good to be a conscious consumer, and I say it’s important to be a conscious eater and be aware but also to have fun.”

While Hays only rids of sugar once a year, she said she has become more mindful of where sugar may be unexpectedly found.

“If I’m eating candy or dessert, I expect it to be full of sugar, but now I look for it hidden in things like sauces, soups, nut butters, and milk alternatives, where it really isn’t necessary and tastes just as good without,” she said. “Primal Kitchen’s sugar-free spicy ketchup is my absolute favorite, even after Whole30 ends. I feel like small changes add up to make a difference.”

And though Sewell has reduced his overall sugar intake, he said like most everything else in life, it is OK to enjoy the sweetness in moderation.

“During extra-long work days or after heavy workouts, I’ll enjoy a Coke or something similar, but discipline is important to make sure you don’t fall back into bad habits and start having things like that every day,” he said. “It’s important to reward oneself from time to time, but since I dialed back my sugar intake, I don’t crave it as much anymore, and that leads to a much healthier lifestyle.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Originally known as dinner suits, tuxedos got their name from Tuxedo Park, a small town in New York that was home to a private hunting and fishing club during the 1800s.

WEDDING ETIQUETTE: THE PLUS-ONE VARIABLE

While a wedding is typically meant to be a beautiful event to celebrate the union of two individuals committing their lives to each other, there can be some stressful moments of planning and preparation included leading up to the special day. Sometimes, this involves controversial decisions as to whether or not guests will have the option to bring plus-ones with them.

As one might expect, not everyone is on the same page regarding the plus-one debate. Should everyone be able to bring a plus-one? Should that option be limited to those who are married, engaged, or in serious long-term relationships? Does it depend on the wedding? Or should plus-ones never be an option at all?

Dallas resident Whitney Phinyawatana said she believes that if the budget allows, any adult wedding guest should have the option to bring a plus-one, especially if that individual will not recognize many familiar faces.

“I imagine it can feel very awkward to attend when you know no one there and have no one by your side,” she said.

Some weddings are more expensive than others, though, and Dallas-area resident Madison Royal said while there is no real set rule, she thinks that if the wedding reception includes a sit-down dinner in which the married couple must pay per person, then in most cases, plus-ones should be reserved for married or engaged individuals.

“That’s what we did for our wedding,” she said. “We tried to account for the fact that as much as we love people, we wanted significant others to be involved because it was such a special day for us. I like that solely because then you’re getting someone who’s committed to your friend or family member. But at the same point, if money’s not an issue, I think everybody gets a plus-one because that’s just super considerate and makes people feel more comfortable at times.”

Royal also said that keeping plus-ones to those who are in more committed relationships can limit awkward future Photoshop requests.

“Not at my own wedding but at a couple of family weddings, family members have brought current girlfriends and boyfriends, and they end up in some of the family photos,” she said. “Later on down the line, you have these wedding photos of your family with somebody your cousin, friend, sister, or whoever wants to crop out. It’s not a great situation, and I think that you are more likely to avoid that if you keep plus-ones solely for those who are engaged or married.”

Every wedding is different, and couples have different budgets and desires for their ceremonies and receptions. Dallas-area resident Brandy Hoskins, who is currently engaged, said she thinks whether or not wedding guests should be able to bring plus-ones depends on the intimacy of the particular wedding.

“I think it’s up to the couple and their budget when it comes to whether there should be plus-ones,” she said. “The only plus-ones coming to our wedding are those who technically aren’t plus-ones. They just happen to be part of a couple we have a relationship with. I think the standard etiquette is to adhere to whatever is on the invitation. If there’s any question, ask the folks getting married.”

And then there are those like Dallas resident Drew Mbiam who don’t think there should be any extras amongst attendees.

“A plus-one is a variable, and in planning, you want to limit your variables,” he said. “If you are close enough with that person who is a plus-one, you should be able to have them added to the guest list. It’ll make it easier for the planners to make seating charts and check at the door, which will reduce friction during the reception—fewer wandering chairs and people such as family members losing seats.”

Mbiam said he has been a frequent victim of his chair getting stolen, as he enjoys working the room a bit and ensuring that he gets enough food. He thinks such situations could be avoided if wedding guests simply followed what he believes is proper protocol, which includes not bringing plus-ones.

“It’s not your wedding, and you’re not footing the bill for it,” he said. “So respect the couple’s time and money by sticking to the program and not introducing any X factors.”

Though Phinyawatana would like for every adult wedding guest to be able to bring a plus-one, she said she knows that there are certain exceptions and that some couples’ budgets simply can’t allow for that reality. She is also rather grateful that she didn’t have to make such decisions.

“As a pathological people pleaser, putting together a guest list gave me massive anxiety,” she said. “It’s one of the (many) reasons my husband and I eloped in Hawaii and are still so happy with that decision.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Half of the NatNews staff and some dear readers enjoyed a lovely Fourth of July with old and new friends

Upcoming
Events

Monday, July 8: National Blueberry Day
Tuesday, July 9: Free Rooftop Movie — Think Like a Man at Sundown at Granada; SOJA at House of Blues Dallas
Wednesday, July 10: Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Community Beer Co.
Thursday, July 11: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Desperados, Eagles Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; Candlelight — A Tribute to Pink Floyd at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
Friday, July 12: Tom Petty Tribute — American Petty at Sundown at Granada; HBCU Swingman Classic at Globe Life Field; Deana Carter at The Kessler Theater
Saturday, July 13: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; All-Star Saturday at Globe Life Field; FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy at Toyota Stadium; Dallas Wings vs. LA Sparks at College Park Center
Sunday, July 14: Painting with a View at Sky Blu Rooftop; Sunset Sessions at Greenlight Social

NatNews: Issue 120

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 12:09:34 +0100

Trouble viewing this email? Visit NatNews online to view this issue or any of our archived issues!

July 1, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 120

STRAIGHT UP, NOW TELL ME — HOW IMPORTANT IS POSTURE?

“Stand up straight,” “sit up,” “don’t slouch”—you likely heard one of these (or some version of them) as a child or an adolescent or perhaps even as an adult. But how important is proper posture in the grand scheme of life? Well, it might be more essential than one thinks.

Dallas resident and physical therapist Elise Waller said that while having good posture is important, how much people focus on it is something that varies based on an individual’s daily routine and habits (e.g., people who are at desks more should focus on certain aspects of resting posture guidelines).

“I do think we give gross or general parameters to everyone, and I think it is a bit more specific from person to person,” she said. “So, I think a lot of times, these general parameters aren’t as generalizable as we say, and they might not help everyone. But it is important to pay attention to your posture, especially when you’re sitting in a certain position for an extended period of time—meaning anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes to 60 minutes.”

Practicing correct posture can provide a variety of overall health benefits, including reduced back pain, increased energy, and higher self-esteem. Dallas-area resident Rachel Balthrop Mendoza said she focuses on her posture often and believes that good posture helps how people see a person and can improve athletic performance.

“To me, good posture shows confidence,” she said. “On another side of things, it’s important in my running. Fatigue brings on bad posture in long-distance running, so the more conscious I am of it from the beginning of a race or training run, the longer I can stay more upright and hurt less overall.”

While Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo does not necessarily think one’s posture is a primary concern, he has found that it is something of which he has become more aware as he has gotten older.

“Maybe I’ve noticed that my back and neck bother me more easily, so it’s something I try to pay attention to throughout my day,” he said.

Incorrect posture is one of the top contributors to low back pain, affecting more than 25 percent of the working population each year. When a person sits in a slouched position for long periods of time, he or she can create excess pressure on discs, ligaments, and muscles in the spine, resulting in pain in the lower back. Because he works in front of a computer much of the time, the workday is when Alonzo more often focuses on his posture.

“It’s especially true as I sit at my desk for extended periods of time,” he said. “I make an effort to keep my back straight and shoulders relaxed.”

For Balthrop Mendoza, being cognizant of her own posture is necessary for both physical and composure sake and something that has been ingrained in her mind for quite some time.

“My grandmother and mother both had and have issues with their spines, and it affected how they move physically,” she said. “I think about how I stand, sit, and walk so that I can try to combat any degradation before it begins.”

Waller said practicing correct posture includes making sure that one’s body is essentially in a straight line, with 50-50 weight in both feet and the pelvis and hips not jutting out but stacked underneath the rib cage and the rib cage stacked beneath the shoulders.

“This helps avoid undue stress through the back,” she said. “If your hips are more jutted in front of you, you’re definitely going to get more pressure through the low back, versus if they’re kind of underneath your hips and are underneath your shoulders and your neck. If I’m doing a lot of desk work, sometimes I have to set reminders on my phone to stand up, change positions, and adjust my posture so that I don’t put undue stress on my neck, my shoulders, and my low back—all of those common areas that you see people having difficulty or pain with when they’re in these extended standing or seated postures.”

One solution many people have found beneficial is a standing desk, something Alonzo uses and said has been helpful in mitigating bad posture. He makes concerted efforts to stand multiple times throughout the workday, as he knows incorrect posture is the result of a number of different lifestyle choices people make on a daily basis.

“I think it’s largely due to spending all day at our desks, coupled with having our faces glued to our phones, which doesn’t help, either,” he said. “I notice my back and shoulders anytime I’m focused on my phone for prolonged periods of time.”

Though focusing on sitting and standing up more properly can help a person improve his or her posture in the long run, Balthrop Mendoza said it is easy not to think about it and is much easier (and sometimes even more comfortable) to slouch. However, she does believe that slouching can have more harmful long-term repercussions, which is why she thinks keeping posture in mind by making efforts to improve it is wise.

“Doing core work through various exercises, whether it’s what’s being worked primarily or as a secondary benefit from other workouts, will absolutely help,” she said. “Strong cores build strong backs and help with staying straight. Building shoulder and chest strength naturally helps me be able to pull my shoulders and arms back and sit and stand up taller. That could be all in my head, and I’m OK with that. If I tell myself that’s what helps me, there are worse things I could believe.”

Sometimes, though, there are more factors to a bad posture than simply not paying attention to it. The way one sits or stands could be a result of weak or inflexible muscles or carrying a heavy backpack or purse. Waller said poor posture might also simply occur because of a lack of education.

“People don’t always know the optimal postural positions to be in, such as how you should set up your chair and your office to help your low back feel better when you’re sitting for four or five hours,” she said. “In those cases, it’s more of an issue that they were never taught. It’s not widely known, though now more and more employers are offering standing desks and chairs that are more ergonomically optimal to help people.”

Waller also said much of the way a person holds himself or herself relates to gravity and the lack of ability to manage one’s posture against gravity for a lengthy time period, resulting in the shoulders and back rounded forward and not 90 degrees while the person is looking at his or her computer.

“I would argue that our world, at least in America, is not set up for people being active,” she said. “We have jobs that require us to sit, and we have cities that are designed for cars and not for walking, and so we’re constantly put in positions in which we have to sit. A lot of times, it’s not in comfortable chairs or positions, and so I think bringing awareness to the things you can do to help with your posture is important. It’s as simple as getting in the gym, and so that’s where I typically start my clients if they’re having any pain with extended periods of standing or sitting.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Eye color is determined by the amount of melanin (pigment found in many parts of the body) present in the front layer of the iris. The more melanin you have, the darker your eyes will be.

WE'LL DISCUSS THAT ON THE POD

There are more than 4 million active registered podcasts worldwide, giving listeners plenty of options when they choose this form of entertainment. The podcast audience has continued to grow over the last decade, with approximately 42 percent of Americans ages 12 and older listening to at least one podcast in a one-month period, according to the most recent stats from the Pew Research Center.

There are a variety of topics and formats for the available podcasts—interviews, true crime, comedy, narrative, sports, storytelling, conversational, and many more. Fort Worth-area resident Sam Parnell said he prefers podcasts over music and listens to them every day during his morning and afternoon commutes and often when he is working on various projects at home.

“Music is more just mindless ‘noise’ to me that fills up the silence,” he said. “I don’t really get too much entertainment out of it. Podcasts are actual entertainment to me.”

Unlike Parnell, Sacramento-area resident Ashley English enjoys music (she’s a hardcore Swiftie), and though she also listens to podcasts, she does not do so as often. She said she goes through seasons in which she listens quite a bit for a week or so but then completely stops for months at a time.

“I enjoy the break from my own thoughts and a distraction from the task at hand,” she said. “I really only turn them on if I’m cleaning and need a distraction; doing a repetitive task that doesn’t require complete focus, and I need something to keep me awake; or on a really long road trip when I’ve worn out my playlists.”

Dallas resident Suzanne Woodling also finds podcasts to be a favorable form of entertainment and said she listens to them approximately three to six times per week, though sometimes she listens to multiple shows in the same day.

“I enjoy having access to a massive variety of content, and there are subject-matter experts in business on some of them who can really get granular on specific topics,” she said.

Woodling said what podcast she listens to depends on what she is trying to accomplish or needs, whether for ideas, encouragement, information, explanations, or entertainment.

“The ONE Thing has great ideas and is motivating,” she said. “Watch What Crappens is funny—like, comedian funny—and mindless commentary on my favorite trash TV shows from Bravo. Atomic Habits with James Clear offers so many work and life hacks for setting yourself up to create habits for success in various areas of your life. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** has lots of topics and guests with a wide variety of applications, depending on life situations.”

Former cast members from many popular television shows no longer on air host podcasts during which they discuss the episodes as they rewatch them. Such a format is one English has tried, though only one show kept her interest, but she also enjoys a number of other podcasting styles.

“I was listening to a lot of the nostalgic show recap podcasts, but I’ve only stuck with Office Ladies—it’s the best one, and they deserve so much praise for all of the work they put into that show, compared to some of the others,” she said. “I enjoy Every Album Ever when they cover my favorite artists, and I listen to New Heights every so often if they discuss a topic I’m interested in. I also really like interview formats like Smartless and Armchair Expert. We’re Here to Help with Jake Johnson is hilarious when I need a laugh.”

For Parnell, comedic podcasts—such as Comedy Bang Bang, The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast, The Weekly Planet, and Scott Hasn’t Seen—primarily suit his style. He said he believes podcasts such as these (as well as podcasts, in general) have become popular because of the lack of effort they involve from those listening to them.

“You don’t have to commit to sitting down and doing one thing and nothing else,” he said. “They are a form of entertainment you partake in when you are doing something else.”

Woodling also recognizes the convenience of podcasts, including multiple options and inside information, among other appealing aspects.

“You have easy access to variety and the intimacy of a radio feel,” she said. “Podcasts offer plenty of content, passive consumption, and flexibility in time and place of consumption.”

Similarly, English said she thinks podcasts continue to draw in individuals of all ages because they require less attention than watching television, allowing people to multitask more easily.

“It’s also less commitment than an audiobook (and free, for the most part, with subscriptions many of us already have or via YouTube sometimes),” she said. “Plus, there is a podcast for every niche interest.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews dear reader Alexis Derrow recently traveled to Iceland and captured this breathtaking image of a rainbow over a waterfall

Upcoming
Events

Monday, July 1: International Joke Day
Tuesday, July 2: Rangers vs. Padres at Globe Life Field; Free Rooftop Movie — Suicide Squad at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, July 3: Addison Kaboom Town at Addison Circle Park; Sensory-Sensitive Fourth of July Celebration at The Sound at Cypress Waters
Thursday, July 4: Fair Park Fourth; City of McKinney’s Red, White, and BOOM! at Gabe Nesbitt Community Park; Frisco Freedom Fest at Simpson Plaza in the Frisco Square; FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers at Toyota Stadium
Friday, July 5: Dallas Wings vs. Atlanta Dream at College Park Center
Saturday, July 6: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Bonnie X Clyde at the Village Beach Club
Sunday, July 7: PVRIS at House of Blues Dallas

NatNews: Issue 119

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:10:38 +0100

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June 24, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 119

IS WATER FROM A LOVELY BUNCH OF COCONUTS REALLY THAT GREAT?

Water is an essential component the human body needs, but not everyone is a fan of its lack of taste. Various companies have taken advantage of this, creating alternatives that provide individuals options to get the hydration they need without feeling like they’re having to force down water when they would prefer something a little more exciting.

Enter coconut water. The beverage has grown in popularity in recent years, but there are mixed opinions on whether or not it’s actually a more enjoyable option than water or merely a drink that makes a person sound healthy and a bit upscale. Dallas-area resident Kim Endo-Campbell said she doesn’t know exactly why she likes coconut water but does and often drinks it after going for a run.

“It’s a good electrolyte drink,” she said. “Some like it because it’s more natural or is less sweet. I can’t say I’ve had it consistently enough to notice a difference in my life from drinking it, but I do feel a little bougie when I have it instead of plain water or Gatorade.”

According to an exclusive NatNews research initiative, 36 percent of dear readers who participated in a recent survey indicated they don’t love but also don’t hate coconut water, while 32 percent said they don’t like the taste, 26 percent enjoy drinking it, and 6 percent haven’t bothered to try it. Dallas resident Becca Finke is in that majority neutral camp and said she sees the beverage as an option to spice things up every once in a while.

“I’ve tried several brands of coconut water and don’t like it but don’t dislike it, either,” she said. “I simply drink it because plain old water is boring.”

Dallas-area resident JT Gordon is similar to Finke in his viewpoint of coconut water, but he said he drinks a powdered version every day in his pre-workout and an actual water version approximately every two or three weeks.

“I don’t really like the taste of it,” he said. “The best-tasting is the chocolate-flavored version. It’s good for hydration, specifically potassium.”

And while coconut water certainly has advantages that can help a person refuel, some people, including Dallas resident Juliette Vielhauer, would rather consume other drinks for such purposes.

“I’m not particularly fond of coconut water because of its flavor,” she said. “Although I recognize its hydration benefits, after trying it a few times, it’s just not my preference.”

One might wonder why a flavored water is more special than others and why some people still drink it in spite of their aversion to the taste. Many athletes have begun drinking coconut water as an alternative to sugary sports beverages, and individuals with stomach bugs or severe cases of dehydration use it as a go-to electrolyte drink, as it contains a significant amount of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Though Vielhauer doesn’t prefer to drink it, she understands why people who don’t mind the taste choose it.

“With many sugary and preserved hydration options available, opting for natural alternatives is ideal for daily use,” she said.

Finke said she also thinks coconut water has become more popular with people and athletes, in particular, because of its high amount of electrolytes, similar to sports drinks but without all of the added sugar. She doesn’t think it’s superior, though.

“I haven’t seen any benefits,” she said. “My go-to beverage for hydration and electrolytes is Gatorade Zero because it has zero sugar, tastes delicious, and still keeps me hydrated and electro-lit.”

Though Endo-Campbell is a fan of coconut water, it’s not necessarily her first choice for hydration. She enjoys using Tailwind, offering hydration mixes of a variety of flavors, but said she has to be mindful of her sodium intake, especially in the winter, and sometimes only takes half of a serving in the colder months.

“The flavors of Tailwind are good—there’s a large variety, and there is also a naked flavor for when you get flavor fatigue or if you don’t like super strong flavors,” she said. “It’s also easy on the stomach, so I can drink it all ultra long. I highly recommend the Dauwaltermelon flavor. When not running, I am a water gal with some flavoring in it to make it less boring. I have enough soy sauce in my diet, so I am not worried about needing a lot of extra sodium.”

While coconut water can help hydrate, maintain muscle function, regulate body function, aid in bone health, and even contribute to healthier skin, it’s not for everyone. What’s important is that an individual ensures that he or she is drinking plenty of fluids each day, especially after exercising.

“Personally, I prioritize hydration with ample water intake daily,” Vielhauer said. “However, during hot summer months or extended workouts, I occasionally turn to products like Liquid IV, LMNT, or Gatorade Zero for their electrolyte replenishment. Moderation is key, and I believe each option serves its purpose.”

DID YOU KNOW?

3,160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls every second.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR GROCERY STORE?

There are several options for individuals throughout the Dallas area when it comes to grocery stores, but there are certain stores that are more accessible to some people than others, depending on the part of town in which they reside. H-E-B, which has become somewhat of a Texas staple to which many individuals have developed a dedicated affinity, is one of those stores that is simply out of reach for some residents who aren’t in Collin County—not everyone is willing to drive to Plano or Frisco.

Dallas resident Carolyn Fan said she is highly passionate about her grocery store preferences, as she believes that H-E-B is far superior to all others, but its lack of stores near her has caused her to purchase her groceries elsewhere.

“That is the biggest downside of Dallas,” she said. “I shop at both Tom Thumb and Kroger. Tom Thumb is biking distance from me, so I go there if I just need one or two things or if my work schedule is crazier than usual. Kroger is on my way back from work. It seems cheaper, and it tends to have more of the products that I need. Trader Joe’s is for fun shopping.”

Dallas resident Drew Mbiam said an issue he currently has is that he’s only willing to drive 10 to 12 miles to a grocery store, and like Fan, he prefers the beloved one that’s just a bit too far past the 635 borderline.

“My favorite grocery store is actually H-E-B, but there’s not one in Dallas or nearby,” he said. “Before people say we have H-E-B, I would challenge them to name said H-E-B located within Dallas city limits—not the greater Dallas area.”

As a result, Mbiam must find what he needs elsewhere, and he opts for Costco because of the items available in bulk to help him refuel for all of the many miles he runs.

“I have to consume enough calories to power a small family, otherwise I’d waste away into nothing or just look very sick,” he said.

Convenience seems to play a key role in people’s choices for where they load up their carts. Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen said he shops most often at Trader Joe’s because he likes the quality of the available products, particularly the produce, as well as its walkability from his home.

“I wouldn’t go out of my way to go to a better store,” he said. “To me, there isn’t much difference between your Walmarts, your Krogers, and your Tom Thumbs, although I admit I’m not very familiar with that last one, as I have only been inside one once,” he said. “Then it depends on what you see as superior. Superior product quality is going to be Central Market, but I don’t care to pay that much all the time. I do go there for specific things that I can’t find anywhere else, though.”

Similar to Borkenhagen, Fan isn’t willing to travel far for her groceries, as she admittedly does not like driving.

“I am lucky enough that I can get to Kroger, Tom Thumb, and Trader Joe’s in a relatively short amount of time,” she said. “I definitely understand the meaning of food deserts, even though I am fortunate enough to have a reliable form of transportation.”

Different people prioritize different aspects of grocery stores when choosing where to shop, which can often determine whether or not a person opts to stock his or her pantry and refrigerator with products from the nearest store or one a little farther away but more preferred. Borkenhagen said the most important factor for him is a bit mixed.

“I care about price somewhat—like I said, I’m not going to Central Market all the time, but I’m also not shopping at the absolute least expensive places,” he said. “For product quality, it depends on what product I’m looking for. I don’t care about specific brands too much. I guess the most important thing ends up being proximity or convenience. I really like living so close to a Trader Joe’s—it’s so convenient to be able to take an evening stroll on a Sunday and get most, if not all, of what I need for the week.”

For Fan, who has a busy schedule working as an ER doctor, the two most important components of a grocery store align with Borkenhagen’s, as she values those that offer the availability of products she eats daily and convenience.

“If I had more free time, dependents, or more monetary restrictions, I would probably shop more at Walmart and Sam’s Club or Costco,” she said. “Since it is just me (and my cat), I don’t have to worry too much about cost—though, I do spend a lot of my free time getting free hospital food to reduce my grocery store costs.”

Mbiam also factors in his grocery bill less than other concerns and has a ranking for his levels of importance: quality, availability, quantity, and then prices.

“If you don’t have quality produce and products available in quantities I’d like to buy, why would I spend my hard-earned coins there?” he said. “There’s no price that will get me through those doors if the top three conditions aren’t met.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Dash Merrill, the official mascot of NatNews, is a psycho angel full of love

Upcoming
Events

Monday, June 24: Monday Night Karaoke at Legacy Hall
Tuesday, June 25: Free Rooftop Movie — In the Heights at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, June 26: ABBA Under the Stars at Sky Blue Rooftop Bar; Pickleball Mixer at Preston Playhouse; Megan Thee Stallion at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, June 27: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — The Windbreakers, Ultimate Yacht Rock at the Dallas Arboretum; Dallas Wings vs. Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center
Friday, June 28: Candlelight — A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings at Cathedral of Hope
Saturday, June 29: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Independence Day Celebration at Klyde Warren Park; Market Street Allen USA 2024 at Celebration Park
Sunday, June 30: An Evening with James Van Der Beek and Screening of Varsity Blues at House of Blues Dallas

NatNews: Issue 118

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:12:51 +0100

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June 17, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 118

FLOSSING TO BENEFIT YOUR TEETH, NOT TO SHOW OFF ON THE DANCE FLOOR

While many individuals make sure that brushing their teeth is a part of their morning and before-bedtime routines, not everyone also prioritizes another important component of dental hygiene: flossing. Sure, it’s an extra task and might not be the most fun activity to some people, but it provides a variety of benefits, including removing food particles and plaque from between teeth, reducing the risk of cavities, removing bacteria that causes bad breath, and helping prevent gingivitis.

Dallas-area resident Lyndsey Kohn said she tries to floss after every meal but always makes sure that she does so at least every night. Along with her skincare routine, flossing has become part of what she calls her “comfort ritual.”

“After having braces in high school, I tended to have a higher likelihood of food being stuck in between my teeth after meals, so it just became a habit since then,” she said. “I don’t enjoy having the feeling of an unclean mouth. Flossing or brushing my teeth after a meal is my way of concluding a meal, in a sense. It’s like a shower for my mouth—and who doesn’t love a shower?”

The good news is that flossing doesn’t take a significant amount of time and is relatively inexpensive—you can get a three-pack for less than $10 on Amazon. Like Kohn, Dallas resident Jenny Schultz also believes that flossing is an essential part of maintaining quality hygiene, in general.

“Most days, I floss twice a day, and if it is a crazy day, I will only floss once,” she said. “Flossing and using the right floss can make a big difference in gum health and overall health.”

Is there an exact amount of how frequently one should floss, though? NatNews dear readers who took part in an investigative research initiative indicated that flossing once per day or every once in a while (38 percent and 32 percent, respectively) is the norm, while 20 percent of responders only floss when the dentist does it for them, and 10 percent floss after every meal. Dr. Trevor Shewski, dentist at Star Ranch Dental, said for most individuals, flossing once per day at night is sufficient.

“Plaque and bacteria love to hang out between the teeth, where the toothbrush head can’t reach, so making sure that these areas are cleaned out right before bed is important,” he said.

While no one is perfect in his or her health habits, it’s best not to skip flossing when possible. Floss’ ability to get between the teeth and disrupt the formation of dental plaque before it calcifies helps one practice better oral hygiene habits, something Kohn said her dentist drilled into her brain while growing up.

“You only get one set of teeth, so I want to take care of them as best as I can,” she said. “I’ve had some friends who ended up having a lot of cavities and root canals at my age, and it does affect your health (and wallet).”

Like Kohn’s childhood dentist, Shewski also tells his patients that brushing and flossing are two of the best things they can do for oral hygiene.

“We all have bacteria in our mouths and gut, but we want to make sure that the balance stays toward the good bacteria, not the bad,” he said. “The best way to do that is to eliminate their food source (plaque and tartar).”

There are certainly individuals who hate flossing or simply forget to do so most of the time. There are some alternatives, though they are a bit more expensive than a pack of floss.

“The next best thing to flossing is using a Waterpik,” Shewski said. “In fact, for patients who already have bone loss around the roots of their teeth, I recommend using a Waterpik. Another severely underrated component of oral health is drinking plenty of water.”

Just as ensuring that one gets enough water each day is part of overall health, for Kohn, taking care of one’s teeth is also a necessary aspect of an individual’s well-being.

“Your smile is the first thing people notice, in my opinion,” she said. “It’s just another thing to take care of as an act of self-care and love toward yourself.”

Similarly, Schultz said she makes a point to practice good dental hygiene because she thinks it is one of the keys to whole-body health.

“New research comes out all of the time linking poor dental hygiene to a long list of other health problems, and that is not something I am willing to play with,” she said. “If I am going to take the time to be active and try to eat well, why would I not add dental hygiene to my list?”

DID YOU KNOW?

In castles, spiral staircases always ascend clockwise and were originally constructed this way to improve the defense of the building, as right-handed attackers with swords would have to advance with their left sides to the front.

MOVIE THEATER OUTING OR SOFA TIME?

Earlier this month, many avid moviegoers were saddened upon hearing the news of the closures of several local movie theaters, including all five Alamo Drafthouse locations in DFW (Dallas, Denton, Lake Highlands, Las Colinas, and Richardson) and the Angelika Film Center in Plano. However, last Wednesday, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced its acquisition of Alamo Drafthouse.

While movie theater attendance and profits aren’t back to pre-pandemic levels, individuals have not given up on going to the movies and, instead, solely watching entertainment on streaming platforms. In fact, a NatNews research poll revealed that 48 percent of dear readers who participated in the survey believe that watching movies in the theater is still an enjoyable pastime. Dallas-area resident Tory Castillo said he loves going to the movie theater and typically does so at least once a month.

“It’s a venue designed to give you the best viewing experience of the film,” he said. “It has great audio, great seats, great popcorn, and great snacks, and it’s always great to hear and feel others in the theater gasp when you do or get pumped up when you do.”

Dallas resident Elba Cruz, on the other hand, prefers to stay in for movie nights and doesn’t go to the theaters often (maybe two or three times a year). This isn’t because she dislikes such an outing, though.

“I do enjoy going to the theater and will go if I’m excited about a certain movie, but I tend to watch more movies at home,” she said. “It’s more convenient.”

Like Cruz, Southern California resident Hannah Chapman doesn’t venture out to theaters on a regular basis, but she also doesn’t have a preference as to whether she watches a film from a seat in a theater or from her sofa.

“I enjoy going to the movies,” she said. “However, I also like being at home and being able to pause if needed.”

While individuals tend to lean toward convenience, many also see a variety of benefits to being able to watch a movie with other eager fans in theaters and enjoy the idea that they can have the best of both worlds—streaming options when they want to do so and a movie outing on other occasions. Castillo said he’s optimistic about the future of movie theaters and believes that they will continue to make enough money to provide big-screen entertainment.

“Movie studios will find a way to keep that sense of pageantry alive,” he said. “Case in point is that Sony just bought all of the Alamo Drafthouses. It was illegal for studio houses to own movie theaters, but that changed around covid, I believe. Now with a movie studio owning a theater chain, it opens up all sorts of promotional opportunities—like unique premieres, actor appearances, meet-and-greets, reliving old studio films in the theater again, etc.—to the movie house.”

And he’s certainly not alone in his outlook. Even with various factors that could present potential issues and concerns, Cruz said she believes that moviegoers will still be willing to spend time and money in a shared entertainment experience.

“I do think movie theaters will continue to profit, as long as there are big releases that people are excited to see,” she said. “The problem is that going to the movies can be expensive, and there are plenty of options on streaming platforms.”

While Chapman is also optimistic, she said there may be some changes that need to be made from a business perspective.

“I think they may have to pivot their strategy to remain profitable,” she said. “Although, I do believe that that’s where studios make the most money, so they’re invested in keeping them alive.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Welcome to Dallas, sweet Dani Vielhauer

Upcoming
Events

Monday, June 17: Mavs vs. Celtics Game 5 Watch Party at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, June 18: Free Rooftop Movie — Shrek 2 at Sundown at Granada; Dallasites101 June Speed Dating + Singles Mixer at Happiest Hour
Wednesday, June 19: Opal’s Walk for Freedom at the African American Museum of Dallas; 2024 Juneteenth Golf Classic at the Golf Club of Dallas
Thursday, June 20: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — The Motowners, Ultimate Motown Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; Mad Hatter Martini Crawl at Grandscape; Sunset Sail on White Rock Lake
Friday, June 21: Rangers vs. Royals at Globe Life Field
Saturday, June 22: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Mambo Miles 5K at Klyde Warren Park; Backyard Pickleball Bash at Oasis Pickleball Club
Sunday, June 23: Copa America — United States vs. Bolivia at AT&T Stadium; Karaoke Night at Community Beer Co.

NatNews: Issue 117

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:18:31 +0100

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June 10, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 117

HIT THE TRACK, JACK

While many people assume distance runners lace up their shoes and head out the door to run lots and lots of miles every day, many individuals who enjoy running far and often incorporate different types of workouts, including speed sessions on the track, into their training routines.

Track workouts can help a person build speed and measure time and distance more accurately in a controlled environment, which can help gauge fitness. Dallas resident and White Rock Running Co-op leader Julie Lanaux said they also help sustain quicker speeds over longer distances.

“Too many runners expect to magically be faster on race day, despite practicing nothing but slower paces on training runs,” she said. “Track builds endurance for faster paces so that race pace is more attainable.”

For Dallas-area resident Kyle Burnett, who typically runs track workouts once a week, said doing so allows for some variety not only in training but also in the different muscles one uses when running.

“Speed work is a great way to break up the monotony of long easy runs and get those fast-twitch muscles firing,” he said.

Dallas-area resident Dan Clubb, who often enjoys miles with local running group Train Pegasus, said many school districts in the area have begun locking their tracks to keep the public out, so there aren’t many public tracks around for runners to use. (Germany Park in University Park is open to the public and has a six-lane track and portable restrooms.) However, Clubb still finds a way to get some faster turnover in, whether it’s on the pavement or the track.

“Although I often do my track workouts on the road instead of on an actual track, the workouts are a great way to practice your speed and improve your recovery,” he said. “With the predictable distance and footing as well as the softer surfaces, the track allows a runner to focus on their form and speed by taking those other variables out of the equation.”

The track isn’t only for people who are looking to run their best races or take pictures on the podium, though. Getting in some track training on a regular basis can be beneficial in a variety of ways, including building endurance and mental toughness.

“Even if you’re not competitive, it’s still an effective workout,” Burnett said.

The track provides a safe place for individuals to meet and train without having to share the roads with cars or bikes, though Clubb said he also sees other benefits for noncompetitive runners who choose to run fast and turn left.

“From a training perspective, these workouts help build physical strength to support your other longer runs and have numerous other physiological benefits to both cardiovascular and metabolic health.”

Though Lanaux said she doesn’t think track workouts are essential for those who aren’t trying to get faster, she also believes that they are still beneficial and a form of training that many noncompetitive runners might prefer to include in their schedules.

“Some people love the push of the track,” she said. “It’s also a ‘different’ kind of run, which some may enjoy.”

While track workouts can often be rather challenging for distance runners, as they involve much faster paces, repeat intervals, and short rest times, Lanaux said she thinks it helps to think about the fact that one is running shorter distances.

“Track hurts, but most track workouts are 400 meters, 800 meters, etc.,” she said. “It’s a little easier to focus on not dying for 2 minutes, for example, versus longer, slower runs where you’ve got 15 miles ahead of you.”

For Burnett, he’s able to mentally survive some of those tough workouts running around the often-dreaded oval by meeting up with other runners in the area.

“I definitely stay motivated by having someone to do it with,” he said. “Accountability is huge.”

Clubb, on the other hand, said he has two general methods he uses to endure a track workout that he isn’t exactly looking forward to, depending on the overall state of his mind and body and what the workout is.

“One is to focus on form by checking in with various elements of how I’m feeling—breathing, leg drive, leg turnover, lean, etc.,” he said. “The other is ‘turning off your brain’—don’t think of how much more you have, don’t think of how much it’s going to hurt, and don’t worry about who is watching or passing you. Just focus on your momentum and keeping it going. It’s going to hurt sometimes, but it’s all worth it.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are approximately 5,000 different species of ladybugs in the world. They vary in colors and patterns, but the most familiar in North America is the seven-spotted ladybug with a red and black body.

INTROVERTS, EXTROVERTS, AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN

While hearing the terms introvert and extrovert may make you think of whether someone is shy and quiet or more outgoing and social, there’s much more to each personality type, including how an individual processes the world around him or her.

Well-known psychologist Carl Jung first coined the terms in the early 1900s to describe how people get or expend their energy. There are conflicting findings regarding the ratio of introverts to extroverts, with some results indicating more individuals are introverted and others showing that there are more extroverts. Dallas resident Drew Mbiam, who said he has more of an introverted personality, believes that he values self-reflection and his alone time, rather than focusing on what’s happening externally, as a result of early life experiences.

“Something happens when we’re kids that causes us to either depend on ourselves or think that people aren’t useless and can help us out,” he said.

On the complete opposite end of the introvert-extrovert spectrum is Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard, who enjoys large social gatherings and said he becomes energized by being around people.

“I almost feel like I am being drained when I’m alone,” he said. “I’ve worked in an office alone without any other in-person human interaction for the last 20+ years, so when I get off of work, the last thing I want is to be alone even more. I love finding something to do with others, and the human interaction makes me feel motivated. On days when I’m not working but still alone, I get bored very quickly and usually feel unmotivated to do anything.”

Not everyone falls into a specific side of the continuum, though. In fact, much research has shown that a vast majority of individuals are actually ambiverts, having characteristics of both introverts and extroverts. Montana resident Karen Brinkmann, who considers herself an ambivert, said she thinks it’s most likely that individuals are born with certain personality types, and for an ambivert, the feelings of needing stimulation from others or finding energy from introspection is often contingent upon various factors.

“I think that certain situations might bring out more or less of introversion or extroversion,” she said. “For example, at the beginning of the pandemic, I felt more cautious and worried and tended to be more introverted. By the end, though, I was dying for interaction with others and was more inclined to seek out social settings where there were lots of people.”

Though stereotypes and assumptions should not be made, there are often common traits and inclinations among individuals who have similar responses to social situations and stimuli from everyday life. Brinkmann said she has noticed that people’s tendencies to be more outgoing or more reserved are connected to certain other characteristics.

“Introverts, in my experience, tend to be introspective and deep thinkers,” she said. “Extroverts seem to be confident and easygoing."

Odegard has seen similar behavior, though he said he also believes that sometimes one’s personality that results from his or her reaction to social surroundings isn’t always defined by that individual.

“I think that a person’s extroversion or introversion can shape their personality—or at least other people’s perceptions of their personality,” Odegard said. “Introverts who need a lot of alone time can sometimes be perceived as shy, distant, or even unfriendly.”

Not everyone is of the same mindset, though. Mbiam said he does not believe that a large part of a person’s personality is derived from whether or not he or she is an introvert or extrovert.

“People can be outspoken or quiet nerds, loud or silent while being adventurous, and so on and so forth,” he said. “Being an introvert or extrovert is more like a personality enhancer or seasoning, instead of the main dish.”

One may wonder how these personality types interact in relationships and what levels of compatibility individuals who are energized by people and socialization have with those who need quieter settings and feel a bit drained after being in crowds.

“I think introverts and extroverts are compatible, and it always seems like introverts and extroverts end up as couples,” Brinkmann said. “It’s probably part of the ‘opposites attract’ theory.”

Odegard, however, said he has dated several extroverts and introverts and believes that it’s often better for people to be with those who are more like them. He said those who are a mix of introvert and extrovert, however, can likely have successful relationships with anyone.

“If two introverts get together, they can each have enough alone time while satisfying their partner’s need for the same, and two extroverts will probably enjoy going out and being around other people equally enough to be a good match,” he said. “However, if an extreme introvert ends up with an extreme extrovert, I think that could cause issues between them, like one partner wanting to go out a lot, while the other doesn’t. Over time, one of them could end up getting annoyed or even resenting their partner, even to the point that the relationship ends because of it.”

Mbiam said he doesn’t think there’s a clear-cut way to know whether an introvert and extrovert are compatible and believes that it should be viewed on more of a case-by-case basis.

“It’s like cooking,” he said. “People can find they like a certain amount of introversion or extroversion. Whatever works for one person depends on what they are looking for in a partner.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Runners from throughout the metroplex enjoyed last week’s TNSR 2024 Spring Quarterly

Upcoming
Events

Monday, June 10: Jess Williamson at The Kessler Theater
Tuesday, June 11: Meet the Author — Lois Lowry at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum; Free Rooftop Movie — Bridesmaids at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, June 12: Mavs vs. Celtics (Game 3) at the American Airlines Center; Dallasites101 Cocktail Making Class at Haywire
Thursday, June 13: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Turnstiles, The Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; An Evening with Ms. Opal Lee at Skyline Branch Library; Dallas Wings vs. Seattle Storm at College Park Center
Friday, June 14: Mavs vs. Celtics (Game 4) at the American Airlines Center; Summer Movie Series at PGA Frisco; Dallas Jackals vs. Old Glory DC at Choctaw Stadium
Saturday, June 15: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Fair Park Juneteenth Festival of Service
Sunday, June 16: Father’s Day

NatNews: Issue 116

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:21:10 +0100

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June 3, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 116

DO YOU EVEN MACRO, BRO?

If you hear the word “macros” and have dark flashbacks to high school when you were required to learn about macroeconomics and microeconomics, fear not—this particular use of the word refers to food, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing. The term macro means large, so the mention of macronutrients simply means food that your body needs in large amounts: carbs, protein, and fat.

Some individuals choose to track their macros, meaning that they measure (in grams) the amount of carbs, protein, and fat they eat daily. Dallas-area resident and registered dietitian Lyndsey Kohn said doing so can be a helpful tool to become more conscious of one’s eating patterns and how much certain foods may affect an individual’s body composition, performance, and even mood, though the effectiveness is also contingent on what that person’s objectives are.

“The thing about behavior change is that you do need to become aware of what your current habits are—what you are actually eating daily and if it is hurting or improving your goals,” she said. “What I professionally would caution with tracking macros is when you start eating what I would call ‘fake foods.’ An example I see a lot of is meals that have a ton of processed protein powders, mixed with protein ice cream and protein bars, etc. There is nothing wrong with these things inherently, but when it’s frequently replacing meals from whole-food sources, I’d do a gut check on if tracking macros is really serving your health goals and your overall relationship with food.”

Dallas resident Kirsten Kraske said she tracks her macros, mainly paying attention to the amount of protein and fiber in foods, as she believes that foods with higher content in each will keep her full for longer.

“I started in August 2023, mainly for health reasons,” she said. “I found out I have gluten and lactose intolerances, and looking at macros seemed to help with this. Not only that, but I’ve found this to be the best way to maintain my health and fitness lifestyle. I am a big quantity eater, and watching macros allows me to do this.”

Dallas-area resident Emmanuel Amadi, who said he pays close attention to everything he puts in his body, said it’s important to note that food—whether plants, seeds, or animal-based—is a unit of energy.

“Directly, the macronutrients and quality thereof that you consume undoubtedly affect your energy, hormone levels, sleep quality, mood, and gut health,” he said. “Personally, I’ve cultivated the discipline of paying attention to the macronutrients I consume due to athletic performance and recovery, which might be a different lifestyle compared to the nutrition choices non-competitive athletes might make.”

Amadi said his attention to macros is reflected in the choices he makes at the grocery store. He said his carbs choices are usually real foods with minimally processed components, sugars, or seed oils, such as organic basmati rice, sourdough bread, sprouted rolled oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and fruits. He opts for nuts and vegetables (e.g., almonds, zucchini, and spinach) for his daily fiber intake, while he eats a considerable amount of salmon, beef, nut butters, and pasteurized eggs for protein, which he says are also effective sources of iron and healthy fats that are important for recovery.

“I began paying close attention to this as a solution for reducing inflammation and chances of running injuries from hard training,” he said. “I also found out that solely consuming balanced or ‘healthy’ macronutrients is not the answer. One must have some trial and error to learn which foods work for your body, how your body responds and its reaction the day after eating them, and timing.”

Kohn said when she works with clients on their nutrition goals, she typically begins with basics—water intake, daily movement patterns, and completing an initial tracking of an individual’s food intake (which might include macros).

“Once we have dialed in on the current pattern, we can start making little changes to start improving their intake,” she said. “Usually it’s a combination of eating more protein, increasing fiber intake, and eating more complex versus simple carbohydrates. Especially if you are marathon training or an endurance athlete, nutrition is a huge component of your performance, and making sure you are hitting your macros is important.”

Whether paying specific attention to macros or not, many individuals believe that it’s wise to check labels and know what different ingredients and substances they are consuming. Kraske said she has noticed a vast difference in her body and face structure since she started prioritizing the foods she eats.

“I find I’m fuller for longer and get more satisfaction out of food,” she said. “I think it’s really important to eat clean in terms of fruits, veggies, and proteins. The deferred gratification that comes with this type of lifestyle is huge.”

Amadi said he also maintains an outlook to be curious about the food he consumes and frequently googles the ingredients on a label to gain more understanding. He believes that eating healthy can and should be enjoyable and noted that for every unhealthy food product, there’s a better alternative (e.g., Pure Elizabeth granola brand instead of an option with fewer health benefits). To Amadi, food is a lifestyle choice.

“Fundamentally, it reflects your level of self-love and self-care,” he said. “We have easy access to the knowledge of what consuming industrial oils (palm oil, canola oil, etc.), refined carbs, processed meats, and processed sugars causes to our brain health and brain overall aging process. It’s advisable to live with a balanced diet but also to pay close attention to the nutrition labels/facts behind the food products we purchase and feed ourselves and families. As the saying goes, ‘what might be good for you isn’t always good to you.’”

For Kohn, being more cognizant of the foods that go into one’s body is a decision one must make for himself or herself—and it’s one that brings with it significant advantages.

“At the end of the day, you are your best health advocate, and learning to take responsibility for that can be such a powerful shift in your life,” she said. “I’ll always say that being aware and educated are the most important things when it comes to food.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The first recorded marriage on roller skates took place in 1912 in Milwaukee and is featured in the National Museum of Roller Skating in Lincoln, Nebraska.

LOOKING FOR LOVE IN ALL OF THE PLACES

For many single people searching for the “can’t eat, can’t sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, World Series kind of stuff,” they aren’t finding it and often feel stuck in the Land of Frustration, which isn’t really a place most individuals desire to live or vacation.

“Are you on the apps?” is a common question those without plus-ones often get, and while some couples have had much success and resulting marriages from meeting people online, others can’t always deal with the swiping and sometimes awkward small talk. Dallas-area resident Cali Hoffman said she isn’t currently using dating apps but has in the past. She has mixed feelings about them but said she isn’t sure what her other options are.

“Sometimes dating apps are annoying and defeating when you don’t find interest in anyone or connect with anyone,” she said. “But I have absolutely no clue where to meet a single guy my age. That’s a question I’m still asking myself.”

Dallas-area resident Steve Bergsman said no one should ever prefer dating apps, but like Hoffman, he knows that they do have certain conveniences for individuals who don’t want to rock the single life anymore.

“They are horrible, in my opinion,” he said. “Having said that, it can be tough to meet people because of life. So, at times, I feel that they are a necessary evil.”

Dallas resident Alexis Derrow also isn’t a huge fan of dating apps and thinks that using them is “depressing.” She has found some alternatives, though.

“Where are good places to meet people? Run clubs,” she said. “They are the new dating app. I like speed dating, though the last one I went to was lawless. People did not conform to social norms. They were just asking for my phone number. We did not use the matching mechanism. It was bananas. There’s no way not to give your number, and now I have to unwind like five mini-relationships.”

Dallasites101 often hosts speed dating events, though there are multiple entities throughout the metroplex that also offer these opportunities, many of which are specific to certain age ranges for each one. Hoffman said she and a friend tried speed dating once but saw it as a waste of time.

“I think the company that was putting it together was not the best company out there, and the prospects of men were not even close to what would interest me,” she said. “I don’t think that’s the way to go. My friend and I laugh about it now.”

Bergsman has never tried speed dating but said he wouldn’t be opposed to attending such an event. He doesn’t think it’s the best way to find his leading lady, though.

“I try to be open-minded to new experiences,” he said. “Now, do I think something like that could work? Absolutely. I mean, it can’t be any worse than dating apps. But I do think a better option is to meet people through friends.”

You can also pay someone to be your new friend and scout prospects for you—like having your own personal Hitch. Derrow said she would be willing to use a matchmaker but wouldn’t pay for one, especially since she doesn’t think doing so would be very effective.

“There are almost none that focus on a woman client base,” she said. “Almost exclusively, they are focused on men as their clients. Their networks for available men are not that good for women.”

Some people don’t like the idea of being set up, though. Hoffman said she wants to be the one to seek out an initial attraction and decide for herself if she’s interested without someone else trying to make sparks fly.

“I’m picky, but I’m also not going to settle on ‘he’s a good guy,’ because he needs to be the best guy for me, and I’ll be the only one to know that,” she said.

Whether a person meets someone as a result of an encouraged setup or more of an organic situation in which the individual develops that attraction and interest on his or her own, Bergsman thinks the best way for a single person to meet someone is through friends they already know and trust.

“Mutual friends know you, and they know the other person,” he said. “They are often a good way to get introduced to new people.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews dear readers Paige Ryder Celuch and Ethan Celuch are saying "see you later" as they head to the Midwest

Upcoming
Events

Monday, June 3: Rangers vs. Tigers at Globe Life Field
Tuesday, June 4: Justin Timberlake at Dickies Arena; Free Rooftop Movie — Purple Rain at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, June 5: Global Running Day; Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces at College Park Center
Thursday, June 6: TNSR’s 2024 Spring Quarterly Run at Fleet Feet Plano; Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Slippery When Wet, The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute at the Dallas Arboretum; Mavs vs. Celtics (Game 1)
Friday, June 7: Emerald City Band 40th Anniversary Concert at Klyde Warren Park; Dierks Bentley at Dickies Arena
Saturday, June 8: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Bush Tribute — 16 Stone at Sundown at Granada; National Best Friends Day
Sunday, June 9: 50 Shades of Slay Fashion Show at Gilley’s Dallas Southside Music Hall

NatNews: Issue 115

Mon, 27 May 2024 13:20:28 +0100

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May 27, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 115

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: ANXIETY

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and even though the month is drawing to a close, it’s important to recognize that mental health is a year-round aspect of life to which individuals should consistently pay attention in the same ways they do their physical health.

One issue that many individuals face often is anxiety, which can be caused by countless factors that surround us in our day-to-day lives. Dallas resident and licensed clinical psychologist Kenleigh McMinn said that everyone experiences some level of anxiety at different points in life but that research estimates around 20 percent of the U.S. population has enough symptoms to meet the criteria to be formally diagnosed with anxiety disorder.

“Anxiety can be on a spectrum ranging from mild stress to severe panic attacks and anywhere in between,” she said. “And there is a lot of research in the last few years showing that more people are experiencing anxiety due to the stress that came with things like COVID, elections, and inflation.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 58 million U.S. adults live with mental illnesses, and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, for individuals with anxiety disorders, the anxiety does not go away so simply and begins to interfere with daily activities, including work, school, and relationships. It also significantly begins to impact their overall well-being.

“In general, when we feel anxious, it is because our bodies’ ‘fight/flight/freeze’ response has been activated,” McMinn said. “When this happens, our heart rates and blood pressures rise, muscles get tight, digestion can be affected, and our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol. You might notice feelings like tightness in your chest, headaches, and trouble sleeping. You might also feel like your mind is racing, more irritability, or a sense of dread. When this is just a short-term situation, our bodies will return to normal on their own. However, if you have chronic stress or anxiety, this can take a toll on your physical and mental health over time."

Whether an individual is facing a one-time bout of worry or a much deeper, more lasting feeling, McMinn said there are some strategies that can help minimize stress and anxiety in the moment. One of the most effective she noted is the use of a technique called diaphragmatic breathing

“Take a deep breath in through your nose into your belly for about 4 seconds,” she said. “Imagine trying to inflate a balloon in your stomach. Hold the breath for about 4 seconds, then slowly release the breath through your mouth like you’re blowing out a birthday candle for about 6 seconds. This breathing pattern helps activate the ‘rest and digest’ response in the body, which is the opposite of ‘fight/flight/freeze’ and helps your body slow down.”

McMinn said other helpful strategies include exercise, journaling, and redirecting one’s thoughts to think about the positives of a situation or in one’s life.

“Anxious thoughts are usually focused on ‘what ifs’ and worst-case scenarios,” she said. “Try flipping the thoughts around and having at least one optimistic thought for every negative one.”

For more information on mental health or to seek help for you or someone you know, there are resources available on the NIMH website. The important thing to remember is that no one ever has to be alone in his or her struggle with anxiety or any other mental health condition.

“If you feel like anxiety is having a negative impact on your life,” McMinn said, “know that it is treatable with help.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Bobcats can leap as far as 12 feet to catch their prey and can run at speeds up to 25–30 miles per hour.

EVERY DAY THEY'RE HUSTLING: FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES WITH SIDE GIGS

Breaking news: Life is expensive (thanks, inflation). According to a recent MarketWatch study, in the last year, more than 50 percent of American workers have taken on side hustles to supplement their primary sources of income. Gen Z has been most impacted, with 71 percent of individuals in the younger generation working extra gigs, while 68 percent of millennials are also putting in some additional hours.

But sometimes individuals take on extra jobs for more reasons than financial benefits. In her full-time career, Dallas resident Katie Butler is a talent acquisition manager at a consulting firm and used to have a side hustle as a cycling coach but now runs her own influencer business.

“I needed to have something I was passionate about outside of work for me to feel whole and like I was using my time in the best way possible,” she said. “And extra monies don’t hurt.”

For Dallas resident Laura Hays, who is a CPA specializing in corporate income tax, taking on a side gig as a Pilates instructor helped her test the waters of a potential future outside of the accounting world.

“I have been thinking about a career change, and opening a Pilates studio was an idea that came to mind,” she said. “I had taken classes for many years and loved the workout, but I had never taught before. Becoming an instructor was a low-risk way to find out whether I was really interested in taking the next step.”

Even though it can be stressful trying to balance her already overloaded work schedule at her full-time job, Hays said she has seen tremendous benefits (besides free Pilates classes and discounted athletic apparel from many popular brands) in her life that have transferred over from her role as an instructor.

“I have met a lot of great people,” she said. “I have also built self-confidence and feel more comfortable with public speaking and presentations at work.”

But that doesn’t mean she’s going to be hanging up her CPA hat just yet.

“In theory, I would love to open a studio, but in reality, I still don’t know enough about everything that goes into it,” she said. “Just being an instructor isn’t an option, though, unless I want to sleep in my car—and even then, I couldn’t afford gas to drive it!”

Like Hays, although Butler would like for her side hustle to be her sole source of income, it simply isn’t an idea she entertains right now.

“I do want it to be my full-time job, but I would never make as much money as I do in my current full-time job or have even close to the benefits I have now, so I don’t think of it as an option,” she said.

It can be challenging to turn a part-time extra job into a full-time career, and some individuals take on multiple side hustles to try to establish themselves financially enough to be able to pursue what they truly want. One Dallas resident who wishes to remain anonymous works as a compensation consultant and on the side serves as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard, runs a real estate investing business, and provides consulting for additional companies’ compensation programs. One might wonder why an individual would take on so many different responsibilities.

“For the National Guard, it was a desire for a sense of adventure and a leadership challenge to ultimately grow as a person and make a difference in the community and for other soldiers,” he said. “The real estate investing business came out of a desire to build long-term wealth and create a passive income stream. The additional compensation consulting side hustle came out of a desire to gain more experience in my profession and fill some extra hours I had during the week productively while making some more money.”

He said he eventually would love to work for himself, leveraging both his interest in real estate and his expertise as a subject-matter expert in the compensation field. For now, though, he will continue to try to balance his multiple gigs, recognizing that there are both positives and negatives that come with devoting so much time to work each week.

“The additional income streams and the career growth opportunities have benefited me by making me a better professional with more experience and a better leader of people and giving me the ability to set myself up in a better position financially,” he said. “The challenge has been staying organized and managing my time well while still setting aside time for socializing, hobbies, and fitness to ensure that I’m living an overall healthy life in all aspects.”

For some individuals, though, a side hustle suddenly does become a full-time job. Dallas-area resident Minok Merrick has a finance background and also consistently had side gigs teaching fitness classes. She’s extremely social and loves being able to help her friends, so she would also babysit, housesit, and dogsit for supplemental income.

“I couldn’t believe how much people wanted to pay me to watch their dogs,” she said.

Merrick said she had always had a secure full-time job when she was recruited for an exciting opportunity that paid a significant salary but was laid off after four months. She panicked a little, as she had never been unemployed before, and began letting people know of side hustles she could do—organize homes and offices, dogsit, babysit, sub classes, etc. Though she was hired for another full-time job within six weeks, she realized how much income she had made solely from her side gigs during that time and eventually created a full-time career side hustling.

“I am grateful to have a great network of friends who know my skills in event and people management to offer me jobs and lots of contract work,” she said. “I have been to more Super Bowls than most football players, have traveled to other countries to put on some amazing events, and have met a lot of famous people. I’ve been to lots of sporting events, concerts, festivals—the book I could write!”

Merrick has also been able to guide other individuals who have been laid off to take on side hustles and has grown a network she truly appreciates. She said she enjoys being able to apply her skills with hobbies and activities she enjoys while making money at the same time.

“Most people do not understand what I do and how I got to where I am,” she said. “I tell them ‘me, too!’ I always say ‘sure, I could help’ and ‘I can figure it out.’ It takes a person with a positive attitude to do what I’m doing and really enjoy doing it. I started the side gigs before I was married, but it also helps that I have a very supportive husband who sometimes joins in my fun gigs!”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Mac Allen just wants his quesadilla, please

Upcoming
Events

Monday, May 27: Carry the Load — Dallas Memorial March at Reverchon Park; Stars vs. Oilers Watch Party (Game 3) at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, May 28: Mavs vs. Timberwolves (Game 4) at the American Airlines Center; Free Rooftop Movie — Road House at Sundown at Granada; Rangers vs. Diamondbacks at Globe Life Field
Wednesday, May 29: Stars vs. Oilers Watch Party (Game 4) at Legacy Hall; Sunset Sail on White Rock Lake (also on Thursday)
Thursday, May 30: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Dancing Dream, ABBA Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; T-Pain’s Mansion in Wiscansin Party at Gilley’s South Side Ballroom
Friday, May 31: Stars vs. Oilers (Game 5) at the American Airlines Center; Taste of Addison (continues through Sunday)
Saturday, June 1: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Pearl Jam Tribute (Pearl Gem) with Nirvana Tribute (Nevermind) at Granada Theater; Queen Tribute at Legacy Hall
Sunday, June 2: Dallas Pride Parade and Festival at Fair Park