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NatNews: Issue 193

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:59:24 +0100

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November 24, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 193

PERHAPS IT'S TIME TO ADD DARK SHOWERING TO YOUR LIFE

For many individuals, there is something completely calming and relaxing about taking a shower, especially when done so in the evening. The idea of warm water washing away stress and anything negative from the day helps put people at ease before they put one day behind them and move on to the next.

A newer concept of this cleansing ritual is known as “dark showering,” which has started trending and becoming a more common practice for many individuals. Dark showering is essentially exactly what it sounds like—showering in darkness or much dimmer lighting. (Please note that it is extremely important to make sure that you are still able to navigate your shower safely and not in a situation in which you can slip and fall or injure yourself some other way.)

Showering in softer lighting can help the nervous system calm down and reduce the body’s stress response. Additional benefits include fostering a state of peace, improving one’s sleep, enhancing mindfulness, and resetting one’s mood.

Dallas resident and counselor Lucy Keith said she doesn’t necessarily have a set shower schedule in terms of what time of day, as showers are often necessary for various reasons, such as after sweaty workouts or when simply needing to feel ready for a full day or quality night of sleep.

“Sometimes the morning showers are great for energizing, especially with a blast of cold water at the end, and sometimes the warm evening showers can kickstart winding down,” she said.

Keith said she only recently heard about the concept of dark showering and hasn’t tried it yet but plans to do so soon.

“I’m big on lighting, in that adjusting both the lighting in your home and exposing yourself to the natural day-to-night/night-to-day transitions outside can really help regulate your circadian rhythm and signal to your body when it’s time to wake up or sleep,” she said. “It’s kind of a joke in my family, but I can’t stand overhead lights. Lamps all the way. Dark showering sounds like something I’d be into.”

Dallas-area resident Wesley Sheridan said he takes a quick morning shower after his 5 a.m. workout before going to the office and then takes a longer shower at night because he likes feeling clean before getting into bed. Like Keith, Sheridan is not too familiar with dark showering but is a bit intrigued by the idea.

“I’ve never heard of it, but I would definitely give it a shot,” he said. “Although, my bathroom is kind of an on/off situation when it comes to lighting.”

In such lighting situations as Sheridan’s, lamps, nightlights, or candles can be used to create the soft illumination needed for the effectiveness of dark showering.

Life is filled with moments of chaos and anxiety, and it’s not uncommon to hear people talk about how constantly busy they are. Unsurprisingly, such a reality can leave people feeling rather run down and in need of solace, and dark showering serves as an option for finding this kind of relief.

When Sheridan has had a day that leaves him feeling a bit drained, he said he has a helpful nightly routine of prepping his clothes for the gym and work the next day, making his pre-workout water bottle, showering, and either going to sleep early or reading and meditating before letting his head hit his pillow. He said he believes that there could be potential advantages to taking that evening shower in darker lighting conditions.

“I’m a big fan of the 10-3-2-1-0 rule, and it seems like dark showering lines up with it,” he said.

The 10-3-2-1-0 concept Sheridan mentioned consists of not drinking caffeine 10 hours before sleeping, no food or alcohol three hours before bed, no work two hours prior to sleep, no screen time an hour before bed, and zero taps of the snooze button when the alarm goes off in the morning.

Keith said she has a number of go-to ways—including lifting weights, walks, couch cuddles with her dog, hot tea, prayer and journaling, and overall reduced noise and phone use—that she prefers to wind down after an exhausting day. She also said she absolutely thinks adding a dimly lit shower to the list could be beneficial.

“Sometimes after a long day or multiple days of stress, high-stimulation, and too much computer screen time, I could also see how showering in the dark/low light would instantly cut out visual stimulations and put you in a more present, sensory state of mindfulness,” she said. “That sounds pretty ideal before bedtime.”

DID YOU KNOW?

It’s estimated that there are more than 2,000 types of cheeses in the world.

SHOULD HOLIDAYS ALWAYS BE TRADITIONAL?

It’s Thanksgiving week, but you’ve probably already seen plenty of Christmas and different holiday decor throughout Target and various other stores. Simply put, ‘tis the season.

For many individuals, the holidays include one or several traditions that occur annually during this time of year. While some people like to change things up and create new ways of celebrating, others prefer to stick to what they’ve always done.

Dallas resident Virginia Altick said her favorite holiday tradition is the white elephant gift exchange with her dad’s side of the family. She said it is not simply useful or thoughtful gift giving, though—the goal is to attempt to outdo one another each year.

“Last year, I opened the largest gift in the pile, which turned out to be an enormous print of Seinfeld’s George Costanza in his tighty whities on a chaise lounge,” she said. “Apparently, it had hung in my cousin’s roommate’s ex-boss’ office. I was not about to keep that at my house, so I managed to find someone who wanted to play a joke on her husband, George. Then, she re-gifted it to a friend of hers, too. It was truly a gift that kept on giving.”

Altick said she is certainly team traditions, as she believes that it is enjoyable to create experiences that are expected and continued every year.

“When you don’t get to do the tradition, it feels like something is missing,” she said. “For instance, this is going to be the first year my mom’s side of the family doesn’t do Christmas morning stockings at my grandmother’s house. She used to line the stair handrail with everyone’s stocking, which was both decorative and functional. She just passed away at almost 99 years old, so we will have to honor her tradition in our own way.”

Like Altick, Dallas resident Jenny Schultz prefers to keep certain holiday traditions going on an annual basis. Schultz even likes to begin hers as soon as the feeling of fall sets in so that she gets in true holiday spirit for a longer period of time.

“I love listening to Christmas music all day every day from late October through New Year’s,” she said. “I also love making baked goods and jams for our neighbors and friends. These traditions get me in the mood for all things Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Though she likes traditional activities and celebrations, Schultz said they don’t always need to be the exact same every November and December.

“With two young boys, I have to adapt and change small things each year,” she said.

Different individuals often value certain traditions for their own unique reasons. For Schultz, traditions are connections to our pasts.

“Making cookies my grandmother made or the chicken and dressing that my great grandmother made is special to me,” she said. “It is a way to remember and share a small piece of people who are no longer with us with my boys.”

For Altick, traditions allow for predictability and expectation that are welcomed in a time that can often feel hectic and overwhelming.

“With all of the things you have to do during the holidays, like preparing food or shopping for gifts, it is helpful to already know what you’re going to do,” she said. “So, I think a tradition is one less thing that has to be planned or communicated.”

Another aspect of the holidays that is often consistent for many people is the “traditional” Thanksgiving meal. Some individuals love being able to sit down to a full plate of turkey and all of the other fixings, while others who are more like Chandler Bing would prefer to eat macaroni and cheese or foods not typically eaten at Thanksgiving. Altick, however, is not one who wants to stray from what many American families will eat on November’s fourth Thursday each year.

“Give me the turkey, gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato mash, butter rolls, and pumpkin pie,” she said. “I have no complaints with this comfort food. I would eat it again at Christmas, too. Being that I only have this kind of meal once, maybe twice a year, I don’t mind and actually like it.”

Like Altick, Schultz enjoys traditional Thanksgiving food and said she sometimes even craves it during the summertime. She does think it’s sometimes OK to veer slightly, though.

“I feel like you can try a new dish or two, as long as you keep the traditional elements of the meal,” she said. “I would not be one to have pizza on Thanksgiving, but I am fine if we make green beans in a form other than casserole.”

There’s no requirement that one must stick to what many people consider staple components at Thanksgiving meals, though. If a person wants quesadillas on the holiday, that person can eat quesadillas. Dallas-area resident Stephanie Hone said she doesn’t understand why traditional Thanksgiving foods have become the standard.

“What’s the point?” she said. “Over the years, I’ve realized I don’t really eat much of the food. Stuffing? No. Cranberries? No. The only thing I actually maybe enjoy is mashed potatoes, but even those aren’t my favorite form of potatoes.”

And by no means is she alone in her viewpoint.

“At work the other day, they asked who would actually prefer Tex-Mex over Thanksgiving food, and about half of the room raised their hands,” she said. “It also bugs me because I tend to feel that Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner are pretty much the same. There’s not much variance, and that doesn’t make sense to me.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews staff and sister and niece besties recently enjoyed a lovely fall morning scooter/walk adventure together

Upcoming
Events

Monday, November 24: 37th Annual Carol of Lights in Historic Downtown Grapevine; Burna Boy at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, November 25: Free Rooftop Movie — Fast & Furious 6 at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, November 26: Mystery at the Masquerade — Murder Mystery Dinner at Mesa Mezcal
Thursday, November 27: Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot at City Hall; Scheels North Texas Turkey Trot in downtown Frisco; Cowboys vs. Chiefs at AT&T Stadium
Friday, November 28: Stars vs. Mammoth at the American Airlines Center; Skyrocket! — 80s Night at Legacy Hall
Saturday, November 29: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Cornhole Tournament at Community Beer Co.; Dallas String Quartet at Vitruvian Lights
Sunday, November 30: Stars vs. Senators at the American Airlines Center

NatNews: Issue 192

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:59:24 +0100

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November 17, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 192

THE POTATO—A VERSATILE VEGETABLE THAT BRINGS PEOPLE JOY

While not all vegetables will create an overload of excitement for many people, there is one vegetable that often outshines others because of its wide range and versatility.

The potato has not just entered the chat—it’s been here in multiple forms the entire time.

Whether baked, twice-baked, roasted, scalloped, mashed, au gratin, in tot or French fry form, or a number of other presentations, potatoes are everywhere. One might begin to wonder about the nutritional value of such a multifaceted food. Denver resident and registered dietitian Lyndsey Kohn said potatoes are great sources of complex carbohydrates and bring added benefits in that they are affordable and rather easy to prepare, and she enjoys them in a variety of forms.

“I love a good baked potato or roasting russet baby potatoes with olive oil and herbs or salt and pepper,” she said. “Sweet potatoes are also a staple I buy on my grocery run. Potatoes can get a bad rap for being unhealthy based on how they are cooked, unfortunately, but they can be good for you and are very allergen-friendly and easy on the stomach.”

Kohn said one particular way she prefers to eat potatoes is roasting them, which helps bring out the natural flavors without adding fat.

“It pairs well with really any protein-plus-vegetable combo,” she said. “That’s pretty much what I eat on repeat for dinner—some sort of roasted potato and other roasted vegetable and either chicken, salmon, or steak. It’s pretty boring, but it works well for my body and keeps it simple.”

Dallas-area resident Valerie Vela is also a fan of the spud life and prefers her potatoes baked because she enjoys adding different toppings, though she noted that mashed and scalloped potatoes are also rather high on her list.

“I love potatoes because they are a versatile food that can be cooked and prepared in so many different ways,” she said. “I also love that potatoes are nutrient-dense and easy to digest. Plus, they are delicious.”

And you can bet that potatoes have a permanent spot on Vela’s meal menu.

“I’m not ashamed to admit I eat potatoes pretty much every day, but I’m also a vegetarian, so having dense nutritional food is important for me,” she said.

Vela acknowledged that she appreciates that potatoes are not only good sources of fiber but are also rich in vitamins and minerals (such as Vitamins C and B6, potassium, and iron) and contain some protein and antioxidants.

“I’m certainly not a doctor, but I think people could benefit from eating potatoes, provided they aren’t fried and/or smothered in unhealthy toppings,” she said. “I encourage people to research the benefits of potatoes, which may result in them enjoying a spud for lunch or dinner more often.”

Like Vela, Kohn recognizes and appreciates the nutrients potatoes offer and said it is certainly OK for individuals to eat them on a regular basis.

“They store really well and are really such great adds for winter recipes, such as goulash, shepherd’s pie, and different stews,” she said. “We all need carbohydrates, and potatoes can be part of a well-balanced diet.”

However, Kohn does advise people to limit eating fried potatoes, such as hash browns and French fries, especially when dining out.

“The main point of caution is that these potatoes are typically deep-fried and are using saturated fat and higher amounts of salt, which makes these foods taste amazing, but they are now very caloric-dense and are linked with increasing your LDL cholesterol,” she said. “I love a good French fry, but I would try to limit those to once a week, if anything, and try to split an order with friends when going out to eat.”

While French fries and aforementioned potato dishes are rather well-known, there are several potato forms that one can still discover and add to his or her meal rotation. Kohn said she recently attended a get-together at which attendees brought their favorite soups and stews, including some containing potatoes.

“It was so interesting since we all come from different backgrounds, and I got to try all of these German, Polish, and Irish recipes, like Kartoffelsuppe and a traditional goulash,” she said. “I’d say that is my new favorite way to eat potatoes.”

But Kohn, who said she doesn’t think the carbohydrates potatoes contain should be a reason not to include them in one’s diet, also still appreciates traditional dishes she’s always enjoyed, such as sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving.

“My family makes it with brown sugar and pecans, and it’s my favorite dish heading into the holidays,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s the post-’carbs are the devil’ phase from the early 2000s that makes some people think they should avoid potatoes, but they can be really healthy.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The human heart beats approximately 100,000 times and pumps roughly 2,000 gallons of blood per day.

SHOULD RULES ALWAYS BE FOLLOWED?

From young ages, individuals are exposed to a variety of rules they are expected to follow—no running in the hallways, no biting your siblings or classmates, no dessert before dinner, no diving in the shallow end of the pool, no food or drink in the gym, no talking during tests, and many others.

And rules don’t suddenly disappear when a person becomes an adult. There are still plenty of written and unwritten regulations and standards to which individuals are expected to conform.

Why people follow rules isn’t always the same across the board. For some, there’s an intrinsic sense of responsibility to respecting rules, while others might follow them more so out of fear of the repercussions of breaking them. Individuals also follow rules to adhere to social expectations or to meet social preferences. Recent research found that between 55 and 70 percent of people in a study unconditionally followed rules more for intrinsic reasons, even when violating those rules would not result in harm for anyone.

But there are certainly individuals who think that rules do not necessarily need to dictate people’s choices and actions. Craig Stewart, who lives in England and is more commonly referred to as “British Craig” by his Dallas friends, said he believes that applying common sense is more important than adhering to standards that are enforced.

“When the rules are illogical and breaking them won’t harm anyone, then it’s fine to break them,” he said.

Like Stewart, Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo said he doesn’t think rules always need to be followed and that situations are often more conditional.

“Rules are important to maintain order and/or safety but should not always be blindly followed,” he said. “Like all other aspects of life, it is dependent upon context and the potential consequences of not following said rules. Blindly following rules without considering the context or its intent could potentially lead to negative consequences.”

Alonzo said there can be several reasons and instances that create justification for breaking or not following certain rules, including situations in which those rules are outdated or inefficient.

“Circumstances and situations change, which lead to the rules no longer being practical or effective,” he said. “You could also be given permission to ‘break’ a rule in order to try something new or innovate a process or method.”

Dallas-area resident and school counselor Olivia Wetzel said she addresses school and safety rules on a regular basis to students of all ages and talks to them about choices and consequences.

“Rules are meant to provide safety and structure for everyone, so yes, the rules should be followed,” she said. “However, if a rule does not provide that and the reasoning behind that rule does not provide safety and structure, there is a chance it may be a bad rule and should be looked at for tweaking or maybe even deleting.”

Wetzel cited examples of specific rules, such as the law of buckling one’s seatbelt and the standard from Mean Girls of not being able to sit at a certain table because one did not wear the color pink on Wednesday.

“These are two very different rules—one is rooted in safety and structure, and the other is rooted in malice and control,” she said.

Such differences cause Wetzel to believe that there are some instances in which rules may not necessarily need to be followed. For her, as she mentioned, the decision comes down to safety and structure.

“If a rule is not providing safety and structure for everyone, there are chances that maybe that rule will get broken, and it sounds like it should be,” she said. “Going back to the ‘you can’t sit with us’ rule—that is an example of a social rule that was created by someone to control others. We should break that rule and wear tie-dye on Wednesday because Regina George is not the president of the cafeteria. However, everyone should buckle their seatbelt for their own safety and the safety of others.”

Wetzel said she typically follows the rules the majority of the time, and it was even written on her preschool report card that “Olivia loves the rules,” but she said she also certainly has moments when she knows that the rules created don’t align with what she believes to be right and just.

“I used to read kids’ names on the tops of the cubbies and help them put their jackets in the right spot,” she said. “Elementary school truly seemed to be my destiny. But I am also a critical thinker who is connected to my emotions and understands nuance. So, I enjoy rules and structure, especially safety rules, but you better believe I read banned books and think the government has no place in telling women what to do with their bodies and who you can or cannot legally marry. It’s clear those rules are not about safety; those rules are about control.”

Regardless of whether a rule should or should not be followed, there are often still consequences—detentions, suspensions, citations, employment terminations, stern chats, timeouts, etc.—when people choose not to follow certain standards. Similar to his belief that common sense should be considered more than the expectation of following rules, Stewart said he also thinks that common sense should be applied when it comes to consequences for breaking rules.

“If the rule is there for a good reason and protecting people, then yes, there should be a negative consequence to ensure there is a disincentive to break it,” he said.

For Alonzo, consequences are also contingent upon the situations and should not simply be enforced in all cases.

“Not all rule breaking is malicious or done with malintent,” he said. “The specific circumstances and understanding of why or how a rule was broken could warrant an alternative consequence (e.g., education versus punishment). Also, people are not perfect and will make mistakes or have accidents. A rule being outdated, ineffective, or broken to prevent a more severe consequence are all things that should be considered and taken into account when determining the appropriate consequence.”

Similarly, Wetzel doesn’t think a negative consequence is always necessary, though she said that does not always mean that there won’t be any consequence, including a natural consequence.

“I think it depends on the severity of the rule that is broken,” she said. “Sometimes, especially for my littles who are learning, breaking a rule is an opportunity to learn. So, that usually means some type of consequence and/or some way to reset, reframe, and reflect on what we can do differently next time, which is important, too.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews staff and some dear readers celebrated a baby and questioned Pat McAfee’s shirtless decisions Saturday

Upcoming
Events

Monday, November 17: Cowboys vs. Raiders Watch Party at Legacy Hall; National Homemade Bread Day
Tuesday, November 18: Stars vs. Islanders at the American Airlines Center; Dallas Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 26–36) at Culinary Dropout; Bonsai Bar at Lakewood Brewing Company; Free Rooftop Movie — Major Payne at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, November 19: Mavs vs. Knicks at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, November 20: Feast of Sharing at Fair Park (Centennial Building); Dallas Contemporary Third Thursday After Hours
Friday, November 21: Ricky Velez at Dallas Comedy Club (also on Saturday); Tye Tribbett at Toyota Music Factory
Saturday, November 22: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Flea Harvey’s Cedars Open Studios Art Market at Lee Harvey’s; Harmony & Light Benefit Concert at Dallas Scottish Rite; Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner at Hilton Garden Inn Downtown; Selena Tribute — Bidi Bidi Banda at Legacy Hall
Sunday, November 23: Cowboys vs. Eagles at AT&T Stadium

NatNews: Issue 191

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:59:24 +0100

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

November 10, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 191

BRINGING IT BACK TO THE BACK

Some individuals may remember being kids and young adults and running around all day with no pain, sleeping in contorted positions without suffering any consequences, and feeling invincible enough not to worry about stretching or the functionality of one’s back.

And then aging happens.

While getting older doesn’t necessarily mean back pain is inevitable, it’s not uncommon for aches and annoyances to increase as the years continue to pass. According to Penn Medicine, studies indicate that up to 85 percent of people will experience some form of such pain in their lifetimes. Ultimately, this is a result of the human body wearing down over time.

“As we age, our bodies naturally lose muscle, flexibility, and joint mobility,” Dallas resident and kinesiologist Kevin Kuhn said. “The spine also changes as vertebral discs lose hydration, and supporting muscles do not stabilize as effectively as they used to. Over time, these small changes add up.”

In addition to such natural occurrences, Kuhn said there are also lifestyle habits and activities that can lead to back issues.

“Long hours of sitting, whether at a desk, on a bike, or on the couch, and repetitive motions like bending or twisting through the lower back can make the spine stiffer and more vulnerable to pain or injury,” he said. “The good news is that most of this can be managed and even prevented with the right approach to movement and strength.”

Kuhn said the repetitive hip flexion involved in running and cycling—as well as in simply sitting for long periods—keeps the hip flexors in a shortened position. As a result, the pelvis can tilt forward and force the lower back into excessive arching, known as lordosis.

“Imagine holding a bowl of cereal,” Kuhn said. “That bowl represents your pelvis. If your hip flexors are tight and your pelvis tips forward, it is like spilling the cereal out of the front of the bowl. The goal is to balance the bowl, bringing the pelvis back toward neutral, which helps reduce strain on the lower back and prevent pain.”

While some aches and pains might simply be a result of aging, there are ways to prevent more serious conditions. Kuhn, who helps individuals overcome a variety of different injuries and issues through personalized treatment at Athlete Factors, said the best way to take care of one’s back is actually by incorporating a full-body plan.

“Prioritize strengthening the back side of the hips, including the glutes and hamstrings,” he said. “Focus on mobilizing the front of the hips, especially the hip flexors and quads. Stabilize the core with plank variations, hollow holds, and exercises that resist flexion, extension, and rotation. Improve mobility through the upper back with thoracic extension and rotation.”

Kuhn said together, such strategies will help the lower back move and feel better. He also advises some additional measures to ensure better overall back health.

“Mix in strength training, mobility work, and cross-training to stay balanced and resilient,” he said. “Pay attention to posture because how you sit, stand, and move throughout the day matters just as much as your workouts.”

When back pain does become more prevalent for an individual, Kuhn said the biggest mistake one can make is to stop all movement. He said short-term rest can be helpful, but too much rest can actually delay recovery. Gentle forms of movement (e.g., walking, light stretching, or low-impact activity) promote blood flow and healing.

“When I work with someone experiencing back pain, I start by identifying why the pain is happening,” Kuhn said. “If you are not assessing, you are guessing. Find a kinesiologist, physical therapist, or chiropractor who will evaluate joint range of motion, neuromuscular tension, and muscle imbalances to find the root cause. In many cases, the pain comes from a combination of tight hip flexors, weak hip extensors or core stabilizers, and repetitive strain. Based on the assessment results, I focus on restoring mobility where things are tight, building strength in weak areas, and teaching movement patterns that prevent the problem from returning.”

When it comes to back issues, Kuhn said he knows the pain all too well. He said improper lifting caused a back injury that stopped his progress during his senior year of college cross country and track and field years ago.

“If I had known how to assess my movement at that time, I would have focused on stretching my hip flexors and strengthening my glutes and lower abdominals,” he said. “I could have saved myself a lot of pain. Those lessons now shape how I help others move better and avoid the same setbacks.”

DID YOU KNOW?

An ostrich’s eye, which is about 5 centimeters (almost 2 inches) in diameter, is larger than its brain.

LOOK AT THIS PHOTOGRAPH—EVERY TIME I DO, IT MAKES ME LAUGH

Pictures allow people to have visual depictions of moments and memories that can take individuals back to those times and evoke certain emotions—joy, fondness, sorrow, regret, pride, nostalgia, and plenty more.

Images also carry stories with them, and one picture can tell several different stories from various individual perspectives. The purpose for snapping pictures and holding onto them can be unique to the people who take them, as well.

“I like to capture the moment—a time and place and a feeling,” Houston-area resident Darla Hogaboom said.

Photography can also become a true passion for people. Dallas resident Damon Yousefy, who is an attorney in full-time career, has taken up photography as an unpaid side hobby simply for the joy of it and invested in a professional camera, lenses, and lighting gear.

“I love taking photos and making sure they are high-quality because I think we need to remember positive moments in our lives, whether it’s a get-together with friends or a beautiful sunset,” he said. “I love to see the joy it gives people when they have good photos of themselves, whether it’s a headshot or a group shot.”

Such a hobby can also be enjoyed with a smartphone when out and about in daily life. Dallas-area resident Mark Olateju said he enjoys capturing key moments that turn into future memories in his life and the lives of others. He also believes that pictures play a significant role in people’s lives today.

“It’s the very reason that boomers and other people of the older generation got on social media platforms in the first place—to see pictures of their kids and grandkids who may be several states or countries away,” Olateju said.

Olateju said pictures also play vital roles in online dating apps and in serving as visual evidence to help individuals track how they are doing in reaching their goals.

“People now want to see recent pictures and full-body pictures of potential mates so that they know what they are getting into,” he said. “And pictures play an important role for people trying to make lifestyle changes. They gauge their progress from ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures.”

According to the USC Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, the average brain generates 48.6 thoughts per minute (which adds up to about 70,000 thoughts per day), so some recollections can get lost in the shuffle. Captured images, Yousefy said, can create value as people’s memories fade.

“They contain a lot of emotion,” he said. “Friends may move away, kids grow up, and vacations end, but good photos remind us of those moments and how we felt in them.”

For Hogaboom, photos are taken for various reasons for different individuals, whether those reasons are more sentimental or more focused on getting likes and comments on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and other outlets.

“The value comes from those reasons,” she said. “Family photos still hold value, but social media has weaponized photos—‘look at me and where I am,’ leading people to believe that validation comes from strangers’ envy or admiration.”

But Hogaboom enjoys storing pictures so that she can remember certain moments in her life and experience the emotions she felt at the time and the emotions those photos create in the present.

“I do look back at photos and enjoy the memories they evoke,” she said. “I will often have something cross my memory and then go and find a photo, and that expands my joy.”

Olateju said he looks back at pictures on a daily basis. He attributes doing so to the years from when he was 13 to almost 22 years old and didn’t take any pictures.

“I’m making up for lost memories,” he said. “I also enjoy reposting old pictures of my family and friends. Many of these pictures they don’t even remember taking.”

Like Hogaboom and Olateju, Yousefy said he also enjoys looking back at old photos and thinks he likely does so more often than other people do.

“I use Amazon Photos for photo backup, and it has an ‘On This Day’ feature that helps me remember photos going back even decades,” he said. “It’s nice to look back sometimes instead of always looking ahead.”

Not everyone is always inclined to take photos, and doing so is certainly a matter of individual preferences. Some individuals say they like to experience moments when they are in them and not focus on taking pictures and videos to document the memories. Yousefy said he thinks it’s important to take at least one photo to remember the event or experience, and Olateju said he believes that one can still be fully present while also capturing those moments with photos.

“Who says they have to be mutually exclusive?” Olateju said. “You can do both.”

Hogaboom, though, said she believes there are some situations when keeping the camera or phone tucked away is more beneficial.

“I think we should all be more mindful of the things we get to experience in person without taking a photo,” she said. “Some things are better to just have in your memory.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews staff and some dear readers embraced the wind on a beautiful day to catch up on African adventures and all things life

Upcoming
Events

Monday, November 10: Mavs vs. Bucks at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, November 11: Free Rooftop Movie — Bring It On at Sundown at Granada; Bonsai Bar at Celestial Beerworks
Wednesday, November 12: Holiday at the Arboretum begins at the Dallas Arboretum; Feast of Sharing at Dickies Arena; Dallas Wicked (Part 2) Movie Release Party at Hendy’s on Henderson
Thursday, November 13: NatNews Sole Investor Appreciation Day; Bryan Adams at the American Airlines Center; Candlelight — Tribute to Adele at Edison’s
Friday, November 14: Dallas Silent Disco with Live DJs at Klyde Warren Park; Mavs vs. Clippers at the American Airlines Center; 90s Country Tribute — Straight Tequila Night at Legacy Hall
Saturday, November 15: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Dallas Kindness Festival 2025 at Annette Strauss Square; United Way Centennial Celebration at Fair Park; Dallas Fall Festival in Bishop Arts at Written by the Seasons; Wicked Ball at J. Erik Jonsson Central Library; Stars vs. Flyers at the American Airlines Center; Candlelight — 90s Unplugged at the Frontiers of Flight Museum
Sunday, November 16: The Boho Market at Klyde Warren Park; Winter’s Night — The Music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Eisemann Center

NatNews: Issue 190

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:59:23 +0100

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

November 3, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 190

SLEEP DEBT IS BASICALLY AS NEGATIVE AS IT SOUNDS

The average adult needs between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, but that certainly doesn’t mean that said average adult is in a state of slumber for that long on a regular basis. In fact, some statistics reveal that throughout the United States, between 30 to 46 percent (37.1 percent in Texas) of adults are not getting an adequate amount of sleep.

Sleep debt is the result of this lack of sleep and is the difference between the amount of sleep an individual needs and what he or she actually gets. A person who is deprived of sleep can experience significant negative effects, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and decreases in memory and cognitive function. According to Harvard Medical School, going into sleep debt can also impact one’s health in other ways, including excess calorie intake after dinner, reduced energy expenditure, increased weight, and detrimental changes in how the body uses insulin.

People often try to make up for lack of sleep throughout the week by taking naps on weekends, but those extra couple or few hours often aren’t enough—what is most helpful are lifestyle changes and prioritizing sleep.

Phoenix-area resident Arin Mearig said she makes concerted efforts to get nine hours of sleep each night but usually gets closer to eight.

“If I sleep less than eight, though, it’s not good for anybody,” she said.

Mearig said she does try to make up for her missed hours of sleep if she finds herself in a sleep debt.

“I either sleep during the time I’ve allotted to work out, or I’ll go to bed much earlier the next night,” she said. “If I didn’t do this, I feel like I would constantly be trying to play catch up with sleep and never have the sufficient rest I need.”

Like Mearig, Dallas resident Mike Hart prioritizes sleep and said he tries to be in bed early enough so that he can get between six and seven-and-a-half hours of sleep each night.

“I feel my absolute best when I hit at least seven hours, which means I need to be in bed by 9:30 p.m. to wake up at 5 a.m. for my fun morning training sessions,” he said. “That early start sets me up for a great day, and those extra minutes of sleep make a big difference.”

And if Hart finds himself in sleep debt, he said he doesn’t rely on naps or even earlier bedtimes to try to make up for lost slumber.

“I don’t go overboard trying to catch up on missed sleep with billions of extra hours,” he said. “Instead, I focus on getting back to my regular routine with consistent nights of at least seven hours. That steady rhythm feels more sustainable and helps me reset without throwing off my schedule.”

For Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard, sleeping habits have changed quite a bit over the last year. He said for about 10 years, he was never in bed before 11 p.m. and had become accustomed to going to bed after midnight most nights, even on weeknights.

“I was averaging about six to six-and-a-half hours of sleep per night,” he said. “I also very rarely napped—maybe once or twice a year—and only if I had multiple nights in a row with less than six hours of sleep. There are two reasons why I was getting such little sleep: work and partying. I would stay out late multiple nights per week, and on nights that I wasn’t out, I was usually trying to catch up on work.”

But throughout the course of the last year, Odegard said he has gotten into the habit of going to sleep much earlier, mainly because he has been waking up earlier than he used to, so sleep debt hasn’t been much of an issue for him.

“My girlfriend gets up between 5 and 6 a.m. for work and marathon training, and our dog starts whining between 6 and 7 a.m. every day, so now I’m up before 7 a.m. most days,” he said. “Sleeping next to someone who has a regular sleep schedule has helped me get on a regular schedule, as well. I’m now getting much more sleep, too—sometimes up to nine hours a night.”

Since he began getting more sleep, Odegard said he has noticed a significant difference in his energy levels.

“It sounds obvious, but I didn’t really notice before how tired I was most days,” he said. “I’m finding it easier to wake up and much easier to just get out of bed when I wake up instead of snoozing my alarm two or three times. I am having to make sure I’m more focused on work during the day since I’m spending fewer evenings working, but I feel like prioritizing sleep has been a great change in my life. I still don’t take naps, but now I don’t ever feel like I need one.”

There are some individuals who are able to juggle several activities and function well off limited sleeping hours, but others recognize their need to increase the importance level of sleep in their lives.

“A few years back, I made a commitment to prioritize sleep by going to bed earlier, and it’s been a game changer for my productivity at work and in life,” Hart said. “When I’m well-rested, my mental focus is sharper, my mood is more positive, and my body recovers faster from training. If I do slip into sleep debt, I’ll get in a quick midday nap if time allows. It’s like a mini recharge for the day.”

One of the best ways to avoid sleep debt and the detriments it can bring to your health is to determine how much sleep you need and make it a priority to be consistent in getting your needed amount each night. Mearig said she truly believes getting at least seven to nine hours on a nightly basis is essential for adults for their health, all-around well-being, and general way of living.

“When I don’t get the rest I need, it’s so evident,” she said. “I’m more anxious and impatient, and I just feel off. When I do get good rest, I’m more focused and present, and it really changes how the day goes. I realize it’s not reasonable for every person in every season of life to get seven to nine hours, but I truly think people should place a higher priority on sleep as much as they can because of the effect a lack of sleep has on us mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, etc.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Finland has the most heavy metal bands per capita (84.5 per 100,000 citizens).

HOW DOES ONE SIMPLY LET IT GO, ELSA?

While Elsa inspired plenty of young kids (and even adults) with her anthem “Let It Go” when singing about letting go of fear and, instead, finding liberation in who she truly is, this song can represent the need for many people to let go of certain aspects in their own lives to bring about positive change.

Whether it’s getting out of a situation, ending a relationship, setting fire to old photos (or just deleting them from your album), or a number of other actions (dramatic or not), sometimes people simply feel the need to put parts of their pasts or presents behind them. Dallas-area resident Arinda Cale said she believes that it’s important to let go of things—and sometimes people—as we move through life.

“I believe we are here to evolve, so we are bound to outgrow things and situations, and by letting go or moving on, new things, experiences, and people will come into our lives,” she said. “People are harder than things for me. I’m a firm believer in the saying that some people are with us for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.”

For Cale personally, she said she is able to let go of physical items rather easily. She has moved more than 30 times throughout her lifetime, so she learned at a young age not to keep every single tangible piece forever.

“When it comes to emotional things, I can let go of some things, such as a mistake or hurtful comment, pretty easily, but if someone I truly love says or does something that hurts me, that may take a little longer to get over,” she said. “But if that person is important to me, I will get over it—I probably won’t forget it, though.”

Not everyone can jive with Elsa belting “let it go” the way Cale can, though. Dallas resident Drew Mbiam said he is quite aware that he is not exactly someone who is willing and able to so simply push something out of his mind or life.

“I think it’s an important ability to have, but I don’t think turning the other cheek is a virtue,” he said. “I don’t let things go, but by no means do I let the past stop me from living in the present. However, I do keep a score, so when the opportunity presents itself, we will get even.”

And perhaps “letting go” doesn’t need to be the way people look at such a concept. Dallas resident and psychologist Kenleigh McMinn said she prefers to use the phrase “moving forward” or “moving on,” instead.

“‘Letting go’ can imply that you somehow fully release whatever is happening and don’t carry it with you in any way or think about it again after you’re out of the situation,” she said. “Realistically, that’s unfortunately not how it works. Whatever the thing is that you’re trying to let go of, the act of trying not to think about it can actually make you think about it more. If I tell you not to think about pink elephants, what pops into your mind? Instead, framing the process as moving forward acknowledges that you will carry the experience with you while still getting un-stuck and making progress toward something new.”

McMinn said it’s important for people first to be able to recognize when people or situations might be holding them back or having negative impacts on their lives.

“Once the awareness is there, it allows you to assess and decide how you want to proceed,” she said. “In some cases, you may be able to have a discussion or set a boundary that can improve what’s going on and avoid having to let go altogether. Other times, this doesn’t have the desired effect, and you may have to make the hard decisions about whether to keep going.”

McMinn also acknowledged that it can certainly be difficult to move forward from a situation in which a relationship or circumstance is pulling an individual down in some way, but she said doing so is crucial.

“Staying stuck can lead to increased anxiety, low mood, frustration, or resentment,” she said. “That being said, change is scary. Sometimes it comes down to being willing to take a risk for something new to be better, versus staying with something you know but is hurting you in some way.”

And oftentimes, taking those risks can be beneficial for a person in the long run. For Cale, letting go of physical items can be more enjoyable, as there isn’t an attachment to things that depict a life that is only visually appealing but not actually fulfilling. Emotionally, though, she said while it can be a bit more challenging to do, it can still be rewarding.

“If you’re spending time in a situation or with a person and you leave feeling not so great about being in that situation or with that person, it’s a sign to move away from that or them,” Cale said. “You liking yourself is far more important than someone else liking you.”

Mbiam, on the other hand, said letting go/moving forward may or may not improve a situation for an individual. He said he thinks holding on might actually bring about better results.

“I believe people take advantage of others because they think they will turn the other cheek or just accept it,” he said. “Showing them that is not always going to be the case will motivate them to check some of their most toxic impulses. Honestly, not letting things go is almost like a public service.”

If there are individuals who need to move on from their current circumstances, though, McMinn said there are a few places to start and a handful of questions to inquire of oneself.

“Ask yourself what’s making it hard,” she said. “What’s keeping you stuck? What would need to happen in order for you to take the first step toward something new? Do you have the skills, resources, and support you need to make this change happen? What advice would you give a loved one who was in your shoes?”

Like McMinn, Cale said she leans on what a person would say to someone about whom he or she cares to determine what is best for that individual in whatever the situation is.

“When my girls were growing up and having a hard time letting go of something said about them, a friend or boyfriend who wasn’t treating them well, or a tangible thing, I’d ask them what they would tell their best friend if they were in this difficult situation,” she said. “I just feel like we should treat ourselves like we treat our best friends.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some of the NatNews staff encountered some rather fast dear readers and future dear readers out in the wild

Upcoming
Events

Monday, November 3: Cowboys vs. Cardinals at AT&T Stadium; Cowboys vs. Cardinals Watch Party at Legacy Hall
Tuesday, November 4: Stars vs. Oilers at the American Airlines Center; Free Rooftop Movie — Scary Movie 2 at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, November 5: Celebrity Pickleball Showdown at Brookhaven Country Club; Mavs vs. Pelicans at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, November 6: Cool Thursday Concerts — Emerald City Band at the Dallas Arboretum; Ben Mehl (Live Taping) at Dallas Comedy Club; Hyperefficient — Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work at Center for BrainHealth; Stars vs. Ducks at the American Airlines Center
Friday, November 7: Maroon 5 at the American Airlines Center; Mat Kearney and Jacob Stelly at Brookhaven Country Club; Late Night at the Museum at the Dallas Museum of Art
Saturday, November 8: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Panda Fest Dallas (also on Friday and Sunday) at Carpenter Park; Festival at the Switchyard at Historic Downtown Carrollton; The Big Dill — World’s Largest Pickle Party at Texas Live!
Sunday, November 9: Stars vs. Kraken at the American Airlines Center; Pickleball World Championships at Brookhaven Country Club; 49th Annual Lakewood Home Tour (also on Saturday); The Great Indian Diwali Festival of Lights at the Stage at Grandscape

NatNews: Issue 189

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:59:25 +0100

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October 27, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 189

IMPORTANCE OF GLUTE ACTIVATION TO AVOID TIGHTNESS

More than once in the past, the iPhone tried to autocorrect the word glute to flute, but it’s possible that the device simply didn’t understand the importance of this special body part.

But you are about to.

The glutes comprise a group of three muscles (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus) that stabilize the pelvis, extend the hip, and control rotation—all crucial for running and athletic movement. Runners, other athletes, and people who exist on a daily basis often experience hip and glute tightness from overuse or poor form during exercise and from sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Such tightness can also cause lower back pain and lead to more serious injuries if not addressed. Dallas-area resident Carolyn Macduff Levanway, who is running the TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday and acknowledged that her hips and glutes become tight when she sits too long or goes more than a week without strength training, previously faced such an issue but was able to work through it and continue training without any major setbacks.

“My physical therapist actually found a Grade 1 tear in my gluteus medius last year because I sat in a training for work for eight hours straight,” she said. “Don’t do what I did, people!”

Dallas resident Sheldon Sonnenberg, a physical therapist who is also an investor and a consultant in the healthcare industry, said the real cause of hip and glute tightness is often an unexpected factor: hand dominance.

“Your dominant hand influences how your entire body aligns,” he said. “Over time, this creates a rotational imbalance—the pelvis shifts, one hip rotates forward, and the other rotates backward. This subtle asymmetry affects how each side of your body moves, often showing up as right-side tightness and glute weakness in right-handed individuals.”

Sonnenberg also said when joints are out of position, a person’s nervous system struggles to activate muscles efficiently. Some muscles become overactive (too tight), while others become underactive (too lengthened).

“Combine that with the repetitive forward motion of running—which occurs mostly in one plane—and your body loses rotational and lateral control,” he said. “The result? Tight hips, weak glutes, and overworked knees.”

The good news is that there are effective ways to find relief when tightness in the hips and glutes sets in. Macduff Levanway was able to work with her PT as well as a sports medicine doctor in her area to get back to running and functioning throughout her daily routines comfortably.

“My sports medicine doc prescribed a steroid to help with inflammation, and my PT did deep tissue massages and gave me exercises to do each day for a few weeks,” she said.

Sonnenberg also helps his patients find such alleviation and said the goal isn’t simply stretching tight areas—it’s about resetting one’s alignment so that his or her body can move naturally again.

“My process combines manual therapy with targeted mobility training to rebalance the pelvis, hips, and lower body,” he said. “Every exercise restores communication between your joints and nervous system.”

Sonnenberg also said mobility should include all three planes of motion: sagittal (front-to-back), frontal (side-to-side), and transverse (rotational).

“By restoring full-body alignment, you protect your knees and make each step feel smoother, lighter, and more efficient,” he said.

One way to prevent ongoing tightness is to ensure you activate your glutes during exercise. Glute activation, particularly essential for runners, can lead to a reduction in lower back and/or knee pain as well as an increase in power and physical performance. Sonnenberg said true glute activation doesn’t come from isolated exercises alone.

“The secret lies in joint alignment first, strength second,” he said. “‘Where the bones go, the muscles follow.’ Start by improving mobility and movement control, then layer in strength. Warm up through all three planes, activate the nervous system, and move with intention. Only then will your glutes—and the rest of your kinetic chain—function at full power.”

As an avid runner who continues to set and achieve goals and milestones for herself and wants to be able to participate in this sport she loves for as long as possible, Macduff Levanway knows the importance of staying healthy by paying attention to such factors as glute activation.

“You don’t want to end up injured and sitting out from the sport that brings you joy,” she said. “Strength train, cross-train, and do your mobility exercises often.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Apple seeds contain small amounts of amygdalin, a chemical that produces cyanide.

IS FALL FASHION SUPERIOR?

In addition to serving as the prelude to the holidays, the fall season brings with it plenty of opportunities to explore new and traditional fashion trends. Many individuals love the creativity and versatility that fall affords, allowing people to somehow make casual, preppy, sophisticated, or a combination of various looks seem stylish.

The autumn season also ushers in different hues that better correlate with the changing and falling leaves than summer’s brighter colors. And whether one is embracing days spent in leggings or sweatpants and cozy hoodies or snazzy jackets and less dressed-down apparel, the ensemble possibilities throughout this season are seemingly endless.

“I wear black a lot in the fall with wide-leg/loose-fit jeans that are high-waisted,” Dallas-area resident Ashley Hill said. “Other fall colors I love to wear are mauve and rust. I also love dressing an outfit down more casually by wearing my white Vejas sneakers in the fall.”

Fall footwear certainly tends to leave toes and ankles less exposed, as flip-flops and other sandals are often left behind in one’s closet for a while. Dallas-area resident Megan England, the official fashion correspondent of NatNews, said she is a fan of wearing tall boots throughout the stylish season.

“I really like equestrian-style boots and feel that they are classics,” she said. “I also feel that way about true leather or skin cowboy boots. However, I am loving the colored, fun, gameday-style cowboy boots, as well.”

England said she does, however, have some questions regarding the style choices that are decidedly “in,” particularly relating to when a former fall outfit staple will return to people’s necks.

“When are we bringing back infinity scarves?” she said.

Another local fashion savant, Dallas resident Doug Mitchell, said his favorite fall items are sweaters, especially cardigans, because of the versatility they offer.

“They’re a great substitute for a blazer when you want to be a little more dressed-up, and I love pairing a classic black cardigan with a T-shirt and jeans,” he said. “I’m also a fan of chunky, oversized cardigans—especially when I find one in an animal print.”

And while it’s subjective to each individual as to which season offers the best possibilities in terms of appealing fashion, Mitchell said the obvious answer, in his opinion, is absolutely fall.

“Cooler weather means you can wear layers and create more opportunities to be creative with patterns,” he said.

Like Mitchell, England said she also thinks fall tops all seasons for best fashion and appreciates the chance to wear layers.

“I think fall has a color scheme that is unique to only this time of year, and that makes it feel more special,” she said. “As a layering advocate, I feel like this style has the most potential for this time of year.”

As with each season, areas of the U.S. and across the globe experience different weather than others. Anyone who lives in Dallas and other parts of Texas knows that simply because the calendar suddenly says it’s autumn in late September doesn’t mean that the temperatures have left the 90s by that time. But once the area does start to experience more of an actual fall feel, Hill said she enjoys donning somewhat collaborative styles that veer away from what she typically wears on warmer days.

“I love fall fashion because with the weather in Texas, you can bleed summer and winter fashions together,” she said. “For example, sometimes I love wearing a pair of shorts with a baggy comfy sweatshirt.”

Just because something is considered trending or not doesn’t mean it can’t be worn when one wants to, though. It’s not uncommon for individuals not to care any about fashion or not to care at certain times or in certain stages of their lives. For Hill, she said she considers herself to be a mix of comfy and stylish when it comes to what she chooses to wear throughout the fall season.

“It truly depends on the day and the occasion,” she said. “I love wearing an oversized sweatshirt with yoga pants when I’m at home watching the Cowboys play, but if I’m actually going to a Cowboys game, I’m all about the gameday fashion, like my white boots, sequin jeans, and a cute Gameday Couture top or team bomber jacket.”

Like Hill, England’s look is often contingent upon her specific environment and what her role is in those different settings.

“If I am out and about socially, I like to look cute with finishing touches, such as makeup and more ornate designer accessories,” she said. “When I go to work as a teacher, I tend to dress more kitsch and don’t wear makeup.”

Regardless of whether or not a person is hip with the fashion trends or still wearing a shirt from the 1990s that says “I’m tight like spandex” and forever believes that anything matches if you wear it with confidence, there’s nothing wrong with doing what’s best and most enjoyable for you when it comes to what you wear.

“For me, it’s not so much about being trendy but about wearing what I like, which sometimes tends to be a little quirky,” Mitchell said. “But that doesn’t mean it’s not comfortable—feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing is as important as wearing something comfortable.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some of the NatNews staff and some dear readers recently celebrated the marriage of dear readers Jeremy and Lucy and then owned the dance floor

Upcoming
Events

Monday, October 27: Mavs vs. Thunder at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, October 28: Stars vs. Capitals at the American Airlines Center; Pickleball Clinic & Mixer at the Sandy Pickle; Free Rooftop Movie — Weapons at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, October 29: Mavs vs. Pacers at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, October 30: Cool Thursday Concerts — Dancing Dream | ABBA Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; Candlelight — Rock Favorites on Strings at Frontiers of Flight Museum
Friday, October 31: A Nightmare on Main Street Halloween Bash at the Village Dallas; Día de los Muertos Concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center; Chills & Thrills Halloween Party at House of Blues Dallas; Hall-O-Ween with Emerald City Band at Legacy Hall
Saturday, November 1: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Dallas Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Klyde Warren Park; Plano Food + Wine Festival at Legacy West; Maná at the American Airlines Center (also on Sunday)
Sunday, November 2: DMA Free First Sundays — Access for All at the Dallas Museum of Art; Celebración del Día de Muertos at Crown Hill Memorial Park

NatNews: Issue 188

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:59:25 +0100

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October 20, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 188

IS THE PECAN TRYING TO OVERTAKE THE PUMPKIN AS THE FALL FAVE FLAVE?

Though the fall season is generally filled with pumpkins galore, don’t be surprised to find pecans popping up more, particularly as a desired flavor for various menu items.

Pecans, which are actually not nuts but are seeds inside of drupes (stone fruits), are often used as toppings for salads, yogurt, and oatmeal and in dishes and baked goods, including sweet potato casserole, muffins, pancakes, pies, candy, and cookies. Dallas resident Liz Orozco said she enjoys the taste pecans add to certain beverages and desserts.

“I like pecan-flavored coffee and pecan-flavored pie,” she said. “The HEB pecan-flavored coffee is fire.”

Pecans also offer a variety of health benefits and contain several nutrients, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin K, biotin, and phosphorus. Dallas-area resident Greg Cohen said he eats pecans both for health reasons and for the flavor they offer.

“They are great for providing healthy fats, calcium, and some other vitamins and minerals,” he said. “They are also very versatile and add great texture and flavor to salads, yogurt, dessert, etc. Typically, I enjoy pecans by themselves as a good midday snack. If I am using them in food preparation, I grind them up and use them as a coating on salmon for a bit of crunch and texture.”

Not everyone is or can be a fan of the pecan, though. Dallas-area resident Madison Royal said she doesn’t eat pecans or pecan-flavored foods because she has always had a bit of a reaction to the small but mighty drupe product.

“I’m not fully allergic, but they make my mouth and tongue itch,” she said. “It’s not something I’m willing to experience solely for the quick pecan bite.”

While pumpkin spice everything has a longstanding history of dominating the fall season, this year, many individuals have indicated a stronger preference for pecans. In fact, pecan-flavored menu items surged 28 percent in 2025—the highest year-over-year growth among fall flavors. The desired non-nut has especially become more popular in Texas, where the state tree is the pecan tree. But Royal said she doesn’t think the pecan will be replacing the pumpkin as the fall staple anytime soon.

“I think everyone is hyping the pecan because ads and marketing always need a new angle for their customers,” she said. “I would be surprised if many people branch out, and I think these are small seasonal boosts. Pumpkins will always hold a place in my heart, and I think they are safe in their standing as the fall favorite.”

While pumpkins didn’t see as much growth in demand as pecans, they remained steady, as dedicated pumpkin-spice latte lovers and others who are fans of pumpkin-flavored delights remained loyal. Pumpkins also have the slight advantage of being associated with Halloween and Thanksgiving festivities, which Orozco knows gives them a bit of an edge.

“Pumpkins are too iconic, even though I do really prefer pecans,” she said.

And no matter how popular the pecan does become, like Royal and Orozco, Cohen said he does not think it will ever usurp the pumpkin as the fall flavor.

“There is a pumpkin craze, and while I am not a huge fan of pumpkin myself, I am a realist,” he said. “Pumpkin has a sweetness that works well in beverages and other items that—without manufacturing manipulation—I don’t think pecans will ever match.”

One thing the pecan has that the pumpkin doesn’t, though, is controversy surrounding how to pronounce its name. Orozco said she pronounces the word “puh-con” (which is more common in the South) though others opt for “pee-can” (used more in the Northeast and other northern states) or “pee-con” (commonly used across the U.S.). Royal is on the same page as Orozco, but she said she knows that not everyone is going to agree with her.

“I pronounce them ‘puh-cons,’ but I have definitely heard it all as a teacher and former East Coaster for a short stint after college,” she said.

While technically there is no definitive correct way to say the word, Cohen said he alternates between “pee-con” and “pee-can” but is not quite sure why.

“Maybe it depends on whom I am speaking with geographically,” he said. “Perhaps I need someone to observe me in my natural or unnatural habitat to know exactly when and why it occurs.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Cap’n Crunch’s full name is Captain Horatio Magellan Crunch.

THE VALUE OF TRUSTED CLOSE FRIENDS AND MENTORS

Throughout their lifetimes, people often develop relationships with individuals who impact them in ways they might never have expected, offering wisdom and insights that also provide guidance and support. Whether they are officially or unofficially labeled so, mentors can play key roles and make lasting impressions in the lives of those who trust them.

Dallas resident Kevin Roberts said when he was in his 20s and 30s, he was an avid tennis player and connected with a man named Dick Landenberger, who was ranked No. 1 in Texas in the men’s 45+ category at the time. More than 30 years later, Roberts is still thankful for the relationship he has with Landenberger and what he has learned from him.

“He basically took me under his wing, and we played once or twice a week for at least 10 years,” Roberts said. “He was also successful in business. We became very good friends, and I asked his advice not only pertaining to tennis but also business and family. He is now in his 80s and unable to play tennis due to health issues, but we still get together for lunch occasionally.”

Mentors don’t necessarily have to be designated as such and sometimes might not even realize how powerful their influences are. Sometimes even close friends can take on the mentor roles. Dallas resident Elizabeth Cruz said she has such friends who informally mentor her and noted that there is one specific woman who has impacted her quite significantly, particularly in her journey as a certified public accountant.

“The individual I’m referring to is more tenured in her career, so she has been a good resource for me by providing feedback to help me in my career,” she said.

Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen said he has had several close friends—specifically his friends Geremy, Damian, and Jeff—who have served as mentors throughout his life. He met Geremy and Damian when he lived in New Haven and became familiar with Jeff during his time in Cambridge.

“Through coffee chats and lunches, dinners, and simple quality time together, we’ve all sort of encouraged one another and shared deeper parts of our lives with each other,” he said. “Especially as it relates to spiritual matters, the accountability and spurring one another on in our faith has been so crucial for me. Knowing that those guys love me, care for me, and pray for me is so important and valuable.”

In addition to offering support and encouragement, mentors can expand one’s network, offer broader perspectives, provide a sense of connection, help increase one’s self-confidence and self-awareness, and even help improve one’s mental health (which goes both ways, as a mentor can also experience better mental health by supporting a friend or colleague). Borkenhagen said he believes that it is beneficial for people to have mentors in their lives, whether for short periods of time or for multiple years.

“It’s important to have people who can share their perspectives on issues with you, especially if they’ve been through that issue before and can give good advice,” he said. “I like the idea of short-term and long-term mentors, but for me being in my current life stage, I’m looking less for mentors, specifically, and more simply for close friends who can share from their past experiences.”

Like Borkenhagen, Cruz said she sees tremendous value in people having mentors—both for short stints and for more extended durations—and once heard a piece of advice that everyone should have his or her own board of directors, so to speak.

“This board of directors can serve as mentors for you to bounce ideas off of, can provide constructive feedback, and are people you trust and are open with,” she said. “They can mentor you throughout your life. I also think some mentors can be short-term mentors for specific things in your life, but the longer the mentorship, the more they really understand you and can be helpful.”

And eventually, those who have gained valuable experience as mentees find themselves serving as mentors to others. Roberts, who has been actively involved in the Dallas running and pickleball communities and plays golf with various individuals on a regular basis, now has unique opportunities to share his wisdom with those who view him as a respected and trustworthy figure in their lives.

“I wasn’t really around people a lot younger than me until I approached 50 and started running,” Roberts said. “There is not really one person whom I can say I have mentored, but being older, I have been asked many questions, ranging from starting in insurance to buying a first home to raising kids to staying in a 40-plus-year marriage. I enjoy answering questions if my experience can help even a little.”

Roberts said he honestly believes that he has benefited more from his younger friends than they have from him, and he credits running for allowing that type of bonding.

“There are so many I have trained and traveled with through the years,” he said. “Paige Ryder Celuch is 35 years younger than me, and there is nobody I would rather discuss life’s issues with more than her. I think we both enjoyed having someone at totally different stages in life but who could listen to ideas respectfully and speak freely without being judged.”

In various workplace settings, employees often have opportunities—sometimes formal, sometimes not—to work with mentors to guide them in their careers and goals for the future. Other mentorship relationships can form more naturally and develop over time. Either way, as with any successful relationship, consistency and commitment are important.

“I think the best way to build these relationships is organically,” Cruz said. “But to foster a relationship, you have to be willing to invest the time.”

Borkenhagen also emphasized how essential it is for a person to be willing to spend his or her time with the other individual to grow a more trusting relationship.

“I think coffees and lunches are the best way to start, and stay consistent with that,” he said. “Spend time with and show the other person that you truly care about them on a deeper level than is typical. And be as open and honest as you possibly can be. People can tell when you hold back, so after that trust is built up, don’t. Don’t hold back.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some of the NatNews staff dressed up as a spider (obviously) and hung out with a bat and a cat

Upcoming
Events

Monday, October 20: Twenty-One Pilots at Dos Equis Pavilion
Tuesday, October 21: Stars vs. Blue Jackets at the American Airlines Center; Free Rooftop Movie — Hocus Pocus at Sundown at Granada; Bonsai Bar at Lakewood Brewing Company; Cheerio — Music of Jolly Ole’ England at Stonebriar Community Church
Wednesday, October 22: Mavs vs. Spurs at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, October 23: Stars vs. Kings at the American Airlines Center; Cool Thursday Concerts — Seger System | Ultimate Bob Seger Tribute at the Dallas Arboretum
Friday, October 24: NatNews IT Department Appreciation Day; Pop 2000 Tour at Legacy Hall
Saturday, October 25: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Ennis Autumn Daze Festival at Downtown Ennis (also on Sunday); 2025 Dallas Brew Festival at Old City Park; Halloween Par-Tee at PGA Frisco; Movie Nights at City Park — Coco
Sunday, October 26: Cowboys vs. Broncos Watch Party at Legacy Hall; Candlelight — A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics at Frontiers of Flight Museum

NatNews: Issue 187

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:59:24 +0100

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October 13, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 187

THE USE OF CUPPING THERAPY WITH ATHLETES (AND WEEKEND WARRIORS)

If you’ve ever seen someone in the wild with large purplish circular bruising on his or her body, it’s more than likely not a contagious rash but the result of cupping therapy. This technique is an ancient healing method that uses suction to pull on one’s skin and increase blood flow to the affected area and is a common treatment used on athletes.

Dallas resident and physical therapist Elise Waller said while she does use cupping with her patients, it never serves as the sole treatment method.

“Cupping is a great adjunctive treatment tool, meaning that it’s something I’ll use in addition to other more foundational parts of care,” she said. “At its core, cupping is simply a form of decompression therapy. The negative pressure created by the cup helps lift and separate superficial layers of tissue, increasing blood flow and creating a temporary ‘space’ that can help reduce sensations of tightness, tension, or soreness.”

Waller said cupping is frequently used in the athletic world because it is quick and easy and can help athletes feel better, particularly when they are in the middle of heavy training blocks or competition schedules.

“It’s important to understand, though, that these kinds of ‘quick-fix’ recovery tools tend to get more of the spotlight than they deserve,” she said. “Cupping can definitely help someone feel less restricted or sore, but it’s only one small piece—not the foundation—of the recovery process.”

Dallas-area resident and elite runner Emmanuel Amadi said his sports massage therapist uses the cupping technique once every two weeks to promote an increase in blood flow in his hamstrings and calves.

“Cupping is an effective, low-cost, non-surgical method of treating musculoskeletal pain,” he said. “Given that, it is a proven tool for increasing muscle strength and resilience for athletes undergoing rehabilitation from injuries.”

The use of cupping can be helpful for those trying to overcome setbacks as well as healthy individuals simply trying to maintain their bodies. Those who have undergone it have noted that it can result in a reduction of pain and inflammation, decreased muscle tightness, and increased range of motion.

“Whether someone is dealing with pain or is totally healthy, the foundational mechanism is the same—decompression of superficial tissues,” Waller said. “For someone with pain or discomfort, that decompression can help calm sensitivity in the area and allow for more effective movement or loading afterward. For someone who’s healthy, it can simply help with general soreness or fatigue from training.”

Waller said what is key is a person, whether injured or healthy, understanding why he or she is using cupping.

“For an injured individual, it should never replace the real work—progressive loading, strength, and movement retraining,” she said. “For a healthy athlete, it’s more of a maintenance or recovery tool to promote comfort and tissue mobility.”

There are several recovery, prevention, and injury treatment therapies and techniques (e.g., massages, dry needling, active release technique, etc.) that individuals can experience to become or remain healthy and able to live the active lifestyles they desire. While cupping is not the only option Amadi employs, he noted that cupping helps rid of metabolic waste, providing relief from the heavy sensation a person might feel in his or her legs after undergoing muscle stress from a hard week of training or a long-distance race.

“Comparatively, I have found cupping to be more efficient in reducing inflammation in the hamstrings and calves areas since this technique is aimed at increasing oxygen and blood flow,” he said. “Other treatment modalities like dry needling, scraping, and soft-tissue or deep-tissue massages are aimed at reducing tightness or knots in the muscles.”

Just as Amadi uses several different treatment methods to keep his body intact and performing to the ability he desires, as previously mentioned, Waller also doesn’t simply rely on one form of therapy when treating each individual patient she sees.

“There’s really no strong evidence showing that cupping is more effective than other manual therapy techniques like soft tissue work, active release technique (ART), or dry needling,” she said. “They all create slightly different sensations and mechanical effects, but the bigger picture is that none of these tools is a cure-all.”

Waller said each technique can play a significant role, depending on the person and the situation, and can work together to help meet the individual’s needs and goals.

“I personally use cupping when I want to desensitize tissue—to make an area feel safer and more comfortable so that we can then load it properly,” she said. “That’s where the real lasting change happens. Cupping is a helpful tool in the toolbox, but it should never be the main strategy for addressing pain or performance limitations.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Alligators can stick their tongues out, but crocodiles cannot because of a membrane that holds their tongues in place inside their mouths.

WHAT ON EARTH IS A SOCIAL BIOME?

It turns out the word biome isn’t only used to describe types of ecological communities like rainforests, deserts, and tundras.

According to Jeffrey Hall, a professor of communication studies at the University of Kansas, and Andy Merolla, a professor of communication at UC Santa Barbara, each person has his or her own social biome—the individual ecosystem of relationships and interactions that shape one’s emotional, psychological, and physical health. And whether or not people know this specific term, many individuals understand the importance of its presence in their lives.

“Social interactions play a big part in my overall well-being,” Dallas-area resident Stacy McKinney said. “I have many monthly game nights, and it’s so great to catch up and have fun and eat good food together.”

People interact with others in a variety of settings, whether it’s ordering coffee from baristas, standing in line with other customers at the grocery store, participating in meetings with colleagues, or a number of other intentional and unintentional exchanges. Like many individuals, Dallas resident Matt McNutt said his daily social encounters can significantly impact his mood and well-being.

“Working remotely makes those everyday interactions—whether it’s chatting with family throughout the week, catching up with friends, or even making an effort to have impromptu conversation at the gym—really meaningful,” he said. “They help keep me grounded.”

Some people welcome various social situations, while others would rather keep them rather limited. However, purposely avoiding such interactions and, instead, isolating and disconnecting can make it more challenging for individuals to endure the social stress involved in being trusted and accountable relational partners. Dallas resident Alivia Brown said she considers herself much more of an extrovert and, even though she does occasionally need space away from others, she enjoys opportunities to engage with those around her.

“It fills me up to talk to my family and friends,” she said. “The more time I spend with my friends, the happier I tend to be. That said, I do definitely need alone time, too, in order to recharge for big social events.”

In their book The Social Biome: How Everyday Communication Connects and Shapes Us, Hall and Merolla pose the notion that our social biomes serve as essential components of our identities and beliefs. While Brown said she believes that this can be true in some capacity, she said at her core, her foundational beliefs are strong enough not to waver.

“While the people I spend my time with do impact them to some extent, I feel like most of the time, my beliefs remain true, irrespective of who I am around,” she said. “I think what changes more is how often I talk about those beliefs. I have many people in my life with many different beliefs than my own, and I think that’s what makes life interesting.”

Similarly, McNutt said he certainly recognizes that his social circles impact his beliefs and values, though more in terms of understanding and other viewpoints.

“I’m close with my family and friends, and we have a lot of open conversations,” he said. “I wouldn’t say that they change my core values, but they definitely help me see things from different perspectives and help me to stay open-minded.”

Harvard researcher Dr. David McClelland spent 25 years studying what makes a person successful, and the research he conducted suggests that between 95 to 99 percent of a person’s success or failure is determined by his or her “reference group” (those with whom one regularly interacts), as a person is influenced by the attitudes, behaviors, and worldviews of such individuals. This notion is one reason some people, including McKinney, find it essential to surround themselves with others who share what’s important to them.

“All of my social circles have my same core values and beliefs,” she said. “After my divorce, I made sure of that and did have to make changes.”

And it’s those individuals who have stood by McKinney through thick and thin, offering trust and support throughout the different seasons of her life.

“I am not sure how I could cope without my groups of friends,” she said.

Existing in your own social biome and ensuring that you interact and communicate with others on a regular basis is not always easy, as life can be busy and exhausting, and sometimes people simply want to hibernate. However, creating space and energy for an active social life can be beneficial, a belief Brown knows to be true in her own life.

“When I moved to Dallas and did not know anyone, I noticed I often felt sad,” she said. “However, the moment I started to find friends and community, it completely transformed the way I felt about the city, myself, and my outlook on life in general.”

Like McKinney and Brown, McNutt has also realized the importance of making efforts to maintain a consistent social life and surrounding himself with individuals who will contribute positively to his social biome.

“Especially after coming out of a long relationship, staying socially active has been key for my mental health,” he said. “It gives me balance, connection, and a strong sense of community—even if it’s just grabbing coffee or calling someone to chat with no agenda.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff gathered with dear readers in vintage lighting over the weekend to witness another unfortunate outcome for the Dallas Cowboys

Upcoming
Events

Monday, October 13: Tell your people to subscribe to NatNews
Tuesday, October 14: Stars vs. Wild at the American Airlines Center; Free Rooftop Movie — Halloween (the original) at Sundown at Granada; Tech & Business Networking Dallas at HEXA Coworking
Wednesday, October 15: Dallasites101 Annual Pumpkin Painting at River Pig Saloon
Thursday, October 16: Taylor Swift Album Release Party at Columbian Country Club; Stars vs. Canucks at the American Airlines Center; Cool Thursday Concerts — Greggie and the Jets at the Dallas Arboretum; Candlelight — Tribute to Bad Bunny at Edison’s
Friday, October 17: AC/DC Tribute — Back in Black at Legacy Hall; Reckless Kelly at Longhorn Ballroom; Riptide Society Benefit Show at Community Beer Co.; Fright at the Museum at the Heard Museum; Nate Bargatze at the American Airlines Center (also on Saturday)
Saturday, October 18: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; 2025 Dallas Heart Walk at Levy Event Plaza; Grand Diwali Mela — Dallas Festival of Lights at Myers Park & Event Center; Pups in the Park at the George W. Bush Presidential Center
Sunday, October 19: Cowboys vs. Commanders at AT&T Stadium; Cowboys vs. Commanders Watch Party at Legacy Hall; The Boho Market at Klyde Warren Park

NatNews: Issue 186

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:59:25 +0100

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October 6, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 186

PT WHAT?

Many employees have access to paid time off in their employment roles, though one Pew Research survey revealed that more than 40 percent of individuals do not use all of their allotted PTO. And just because people are taking vacation days doesn’t mean that they aren’t letting their minds escape work—another survey showed that 55 percent of workers sometimes respond to work emails or other work messages outside of their normal hours.

However, regardless of how many people are doing so, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a healthy decision to make. Hawaii resident Tara Janke said she believes that removing oneself from work completely every once in a while is definitely beneficial for one’s mental health.

“Taking a break from work seems like the most important thing to give your brain and stress level a chance to rest and reboot,” she said.

Janke said even if a person doesn’t take an extended vacation or days-long getaway, stepping away from job-related responsibilities can result in a mental and physical boost.

“Even if you are able to take little breaks throughout the day—taking a walk or enjoying a coffee—can make a huge difference,” she said. “For me, giving myself breaks when I can makes me work better in the long run.”

Like Janke, Fort Worth resident Marc Hall understands how necessary it is for a person to use as much of his or her PTO as possible.

“I notice a big difference, even after taking a day off from work during the week,” he said. “I’m recharged and focused the next day. I think this is important when it comes to working out, as well. Sometimes I just take a day off when my body tells me (but I do feel like I added on a few pounds of weight).”

Hall said he truly believes that using those offered PTO days provides both mental and physical health benefits and noted that he has read several articles indicating so. For him, something as simple as taking an unplanned day off or going on a longer planned vacation has historically allowed him to get the escape he needs to come back more focused and rejuvenated.

“Some of my best getaways fall into the ‘recharged’ category—usually a week abroad with a dedicated focus on a swim-up bar, offering time to relax and reflect on life,” he said. “The only real challenge is when a non-U.S. person I meet asks if I understand that a tariff is a tax on the people.”

Janke said she knows that getaways are not always feasible, but she is grateful that she lives in a destination setting and can enjoy other simple pleasures when she opts to use some of her PTO days.

“Vacations are the absolute best way to recharge, but from a day-to-day perspective, a little downtime with my favorite show, reading a good book, and a little time at the pool or beach help me a lot,” she said.

Finding a greater work-life balance can contribute to better overall mental and physical health, but many individuals struggle to do so and often experience stress and burnout. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for employees to feel like missing time from work would actually contribute to any existing stress.

“Life is so busy, and there are always things to get done, which makes it hard to take the necessary breaks,” Janke said. “It can be challenging for some folks who have extra work to do once they come back from a vacation.”

Determining priorities can be tricky at times, particularly when it comes to one’s career, but focusing on your own well-being—which includes taking time off work—can also help ensure that you’re performing your best in your job.

“I don’t think people take enough time to truly enjoy the things they enjoy,” Hall said. “Most people I know fall into one of two groups—those who can’t afford to take time off and those who get so focused on work that they forget to slow down. I’ve spent most of my life somewhere mixed in both of those, still enjoying life along the way. Only in the last five years, though, have I really made time to enjoy life even more—through travel, downtime, and moments that recharge me.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Before rubber erasers were invented in the late 1700s, rolled-up pieces of white bread were used to erase graphite.

THE PERILS OF THE DATING WORLD

The world of dating has evolved over the years—we obviously don’t live in the same world as Jane Austen and her beloved characters like Emma, Elizabeth Bennett, and Mr. Darcy, and being “pinned” certainly doesn’t currently have the same meaning as it did in the 1950s.

Dating apps grew in popularity beginning in 2012, and even those have changed drastically and altered the way singles interact, often creating frustrations for those seeking soulmates and leaving them wishing that there were simpler ways to meet people.

Dallas resident Damon Yousefy said dating is more challenging in our current environment because dating apps cause people to become less invested.

“As soon as something about a date is not exactly in line with what a person wants in an ideal partner, people continue swiping instead of approaching with curiosity and compromise,” he said. “People also need to be more upfront about their wants in a relationship—marriage, kids, staying at home or continuing their careers after children, etc.”

Dallas-area resident Morgan Fritz thinks a reason for the sometimes feelings of disappointment and frustrations with dating could be because single people aren’t as intrigued by dating apps as they used to be, and their views on dating and finding those who are compatible with them have changed.

“It’s not new and exciting anymore, and it can feel like a chore sometimes,” she said. “However, society has also largely evolved from the in-person dating scene that was before apps. I think we’re in this spot of ‘what do we do now?’”

No one seems to have a clear-cut answer to Fritz’s question, and people have different viewpoints and reasons for having the feelings they do. Orange County resident Hannah Chapman said one complicated aspect of the current dating scene is that people have set high standards for what they want to find in their partners, though they often don’t even meet those certain standards themselves.

“It’s also really easy to meet someone once on a date and find something small that doesn’t quite align with you and then write them off, rather than getting to know someone and seeing all of the things that do align,” she said.

Chapman said there are also several other factors that make dating difficult in today’s world.

“We don’t like to inconvenience ourselves, but getting in a relationship requires us to be inconvenienced,” she said. “We are also no longer focused on building a village—we’re focused on building ourselves.”

Many single individuals often experience frustrations because even though they may not be fans of dating apps, they aren’t quite sure of the best alternatives as options for meeting people in the wild.

“I think, as a culture, we could try to bring back elements of in-person dating again, but I’m not sure what that would be,” Fritz said. “But I also can’t think of a way to change the apps that would make them better, either.”

However, Fritz said she does think the ideal place to meet someone would be at an event, group, or setting in which people can become friends first without the immediate pressures of jumping right into dating.

“I’m shy, so this might just be a personal opinion, but there’s something that feels more promising about going out with someone you at least somewhat know,” she said.

Like Fritz, Chapman said she also believes that it would be nice to be able to meet other people without the sole focus being finding someone to date.

“I think we need more places for people to gather where the purpose is not dating, but mingling is encouraged,” she said. “You can meet a lot of cool people when the pressure is off, but you’re both doing something you enjoy.”

There are ways for like-minded individuals to meet in various settings, including through clubs and groups for running and other sports or fitness-related endeavors. Chapman, who plays in a social beach flag football league in Orange County, said she generally has a positive outlook in regard to her dating life, but it often depends on the day. Whatever her mood or situation at the time, she knows that it’s important not to be careless or have a closed-off attitude.

“I’d say there is no ideal way to meet someone—just an ideal mindset,” she said. “Be open and curious and willing to be vulnerable, and be smart about it.”

Yousefy said he thinks that one way single people would have more positive experiences in dating is if they adjusted their expectations a bit, though he said there are additional solutions that could also lead to improvements.

“I think dating could also get better if people were open about their objectives in order to respect the time of others,” he said. “It would also be beneficial if social clubs people are already involved in (gyms, affinity groups, etc.) hosted singles mixers.”

However, Yousefy said he believes that the ideal way for a single person to meet someone compatible is through a friend’s introduction.

“Hopefully the matchmaking friend knows what each person is looking for, and having a mutual friend discourages poor dating behavior, such as ghosting, since word would get back to the friend group,” he said.

Regardless of how people want to or choose to meet others, different single people also have different feelings in terms of hopes they have in meeting people with whom they could see futures. Some are still actively trying to make it happen, while others either don’t care enough to put in much effort or are too tired of doing so and are more focused on prioritizing other areas of their lives, such as their careers, friendships, and personal growth. Fritz said she currently has a positive outlook in believing that she is going to meet her lobster (if you didn’t watch Friends, just google it) soon.

“I’m focusing on building my own life right now in hopes that he’s doing the same,” she said. “The apps just don’t feel aligned for me, so I’m trusting that feeling and believing I’m going to meet him somewhere else.”

Similar to Fritz, Yousefy knows that another person will not complete his life, and it’s still important for him to enjoy what he already has. Overall, he said he also has a generally positive perspective in terms of his dating life because he’s happy as a single person.

“I have great friends, I’m physically active, and I am happy in my career, so my life is fulfilled, whether or not I have a significant other,” he said. “So, if I find someone special, I know she will be adding to my life, and it’s not just settling or avoiding loneliness.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Dear Tram, we found your license and conducted extensive research to track you down (P.S. your neighbor hates us)

Upcoming
Events

Monday, October 6: WWE Monday Night RAW at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, October 7: National Taco Day; Free Rooftop Movie — Get Out at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, October 8: Dallas Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 27–37) at Birdie’s Eastside
Thursday, October 9: Cool Thursday Concerts — Boy Band Review at the Dallas Arboretum; Passion Pit at House of Blues Dallas
Friday, October 10: Le Freak at the Plaza at Toyota Music Factory; Jazz at the Museum at the Dallas Museum of Art; Twilight in Concert at the Majestic Theatre; Candlelight — Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
Saturday, October 11: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Red River Rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium; Fall Festival at River Legacy Nature Center; McKinney’s Día de los Muertos at Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park; Sip & Shop — Barktober Market at Community Beer Co.; Mavs vs. Hornets (preseason) at the American Airlines Center
Sunday, October 12: Cowboys vs. Panthers Watch Party at Legacy Hall

NatNews: Issue 185

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:59:26 +0100

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September 29, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 185

PLANKING—MORE THAN A TREND FROM 2010

Having a strong core offers several advantages to one’s exercise endeavors and general daily life, but it doesn’t necessarily require an endless amount of crunches and sit-ups.

And it doesn’t even need to take more than a minute of your time each day.

According to Harvard Health, planking can be a better option than other abdominal workouts because the more stagnant exercise activates all of the core muscles at once and doesn’t require extra movements that can lead to stress or injury. Sets of planks for durations of anywhere from 10 seconds to 30 seconds on a consistent basis can prove to be highly beneficial, and Peloton even offers some tips on how to work up to a one-minute daily plank.

Dallas resident Courtney Hamstra, a trainer at Carrie’s Pilates, frequently incorporates planks into her classes she instructs because she said they are a dynamic exercise with several variations and modifications and are full of benefits for everyone.

“Planks are a foundational building block of core strength,” she said. “The static hold of a plank challenges stabilization and enforces increased balance and coordination.”

A person’s core includes multiple muscle groups covering one’s abdominals, back, hips, pelvis, and glutes. A weak core can result in several issues, including poor posture, neck and shoulder pain, and soreness in the knees and hips.

“Having a strong core is important for protecting your lower back and improving posture,” Hamstra said. “The stronger your core and the better your posture, the less risk you have for injury in training and out in the wild living an active lifestyle.”

There is not only one way to perform a plank hold—Hamstra said some of her most preferred variations include alternating shoulder taps while in a plank, alternating leg lifts, side planks, plank to pike (or plank to downward dog), and plank up-downs.

“I love to incorporate planks in some degree or fashion into each and every class I teach and in every personal workout session of my own,” she said. “Because there is no shortage of variations, you can keep your planks feeling fresh and challenging, preventing redundancy or plateau of effort and results.”

Planks are not for everyone, though, and some individuals opt to build core strength through alternative means.

“Try carrying a 55-inch LED TV on a flight of stairs, instead,” Dallas resident David Cerezo said. “Now, that’s a core workout.”

Cerezo, an avid runner who also took part in the Dallas HYROX 2024 competition, said he knows the significance of maintaining a solid core.

“As for quality and longevity of life, it’s super paramount,” he said.

While some of Cerezo’s strategies for building core strength might not be for everyone, he also has some more practical options for those who are looking for different movements or additional options to supplement planks.

“I do other core workouts besides planks, especially when randomly picking up my friends in the mosh pit during Texas native Kublai Kahn’s performance and squatting their body weights,” he said. “But if you’re at a gym, kettlebell training is legit for core and overall strength.”

Some individuals might need a little motivation when it comes to beginning or keeping up with including core work in their exercise routines. For those who respond well to the idea of callousing the mind and embracing discomfort and challenges, Cerezo would recommend listening to some words of wisdom from David Goggins.

For others who simply think of planks begrudgingly or have a love-hate relationship with them, Hamstra said she encourages individuals to try a different variation of the plank, such as dropping down to a forearm plank if a high plank is too much pressure on the wrists. She also said the best way to stay consistent is to find an exercise routine that one likes and feels rewarding.

“If you enjoy sunshine, solitude, and your own playlist, take your yoga mat out to a park, and curate your own workout routine to build a stronger core,” she said. “If your vibe is more high energy, finding a group exercise class with loud music and a community might be more your speed.”

Hamstra also recommends having a willingness to occasionally try new forms of exercise in order to develop that routine and excitement for working out and building core strength.

“If you’re looking for more of a meditative/zen-focused movement, yoga is excellent for your core,” she said. “So, figure out what your vibe is, don’t be afraid to modify or change things up when needed, and remember that having a strong core is the key to longevity and vitality.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Illinois is the leading pumpkin-harvesting state in the U.S., producing 485.1 million pounds of pumpkins in 2024 (for comparison, Indiana was second with 159.8 million).

40 YEARS OF MICROSOFT EXCEL—AND THE BLESSING OR PLAGUE IT IS ON YOUR LIFE

In 1985 (for those who struggle with math, that was 40 years ago), Microsoft Excel was initially introduced and has become a staple in the lives of plenty of individuals.

It’s estimated that more than 750 million people worldwide use Excel. Many of them, including Dallas-area resident and financial analyst Kirsten Kraske, are either required to or choose to do so in their jobs. Kraske said she works on a financial planning and analysis team, and several of the team’s processes are in Excel. In her role, she uses it for budgeting, forecasting, comparisons, formulas, etc. and said she currently would not be able to survive and function well without it.

“If I didn’t know how to use this tool, my job would be very, very hard,” she said. “There’s not really another tool that compares to it, but with wider use of AI tools, I do think parts of Excel might start to dwindle away over time.”

For those who don’t know how to use Excel well, Microsoft provides support, and other free options, such as training on Coursera, offer free education and certification. Kraske said she appreciates the benefits the spreadsheet program offers on a day-to-day basis.

“I love how easy Excel is to use,” she said. “We have a lot of learning modules at work on how to use the tool. I love that it’s relatively fast, doing analysis is easy, and it helps with organization.”

But Kraske is aware that Excel is not completely flawless.

“I know there are workarounds to this, but I wish it was easier to collaborate with others on a worksheet, and I wish the ability to share it was easier,” she said. “Oftentimes, the files are too big to send over email, and thus, you need to find another way around this.”

Like Kraske, Dallas resident and project manager Erasmo Estrada helps keep Excel in business, as he said he uses it at least every weekday. In his professional life, he employs the tool for project budgeting, bid comparisons and analysis, invoice tracking, and organizing information that is mostly cost-related. For his personal life, he uses Google Sheets for personal finances, marathon training, car maintenance, creating travel budgets, and some cost analysis (e.g., comparing costs of vehicles), and he also enjoys tracking his own media consumption to reference what he’s watched and read, games he’s played, concerts and he’s shows experienced, etc.

Also similar to Kraske, Estrada said he finds Excel to be an essential component of his life.

“Living without it just seems to make things I use it for more annoying,” he said. “It’s like asking me to hand wash my clothes when I have a washer or to stop using spoons because they make eating cereal too easy. I’m imagining handwriting a project budget or fiddling around with a stupid table I force into Word, and it’s getting me riled up, and I don’t even hardly have a need for deeper Excel usage. I guess I should look at the bright side—Excel isn’t going anywhere.”

And despite his affinity for Excel, Estrada is also able to acknowledge that there are some disadvantages and improvements that could be made to the spreadsheet program.

“It requires a license, so I just use it through work, but that’s what Google Sheets is for personally,” he said. “Also, it may not be the best tool for a large, complex, or maybe specific task, and it often relies a lot on human entry—and we’re known to make mistakes.”

Excel also has its fair share of haters, including Dallas-area resident Stephanie Hone. Prior to her current role as a growth and development consultant, Hone held positions as an account manager and then client service consultant. The transition allowed her to escape the grip of Excel.

“Before I changed departments, I used Excel quite often—multiple times a week,” she said. “Now, I rarely need to use it, and that makes me happy.”

Hone was a teacher before making a return to the corporate world and said she used Google Sheets more than Excel while in education and would certainly choose it over the Microsoft software. However, in general, neither one is exactly conducive to her style and preferences.

“I dislike it because it’s tables and spreadsheets,” she said. “Some people thrive working in those. I don’t thrive. I don’t even ‘th.’”

While certainly not absolute, it’s possible that a person’s inclination for or aversion to Excel is tied to various aspects of his or her personality. Some people might opt to use it to track health and fitness metrics, plan a wedding, monitor expenses, and create schedules and lists, while others might have sticky notes all over the place, rely more on notes apps on their phones, or simply keep track of what they need to in their heads.

“Personality type being the driver of enjoying and using Excel is an interesting thought,” Estrada said. “If you’re an analytical person who enjoys organization, then I’d imagine you have a tendency to like Excel or at least appreciate using it.”

Kraske said she thinks everyone should learn how to use Excel for personal reasons, particularly in terms of budgeting, but she can see how more dependency on and preference for the tool can be related to one’s personality.

“I think more Type A, organized, structured-thinking people probably really love working in Excel,” she said. “Others who are more fluid probably prefer the more creative side of things, like creating an awesome PowerPoint deck.”

Hone, who might not really be much of a Microsoft person at all, said she definitely believes that Excel use can be indicative of personality type, as she sees the differences in the character trait dynamics of her own marriage.

“My husband works in Excel all day long—he’s an introvert,” she said. “I’m an extrovert. I don’t know much about much, but I feel that masterminds who love working behind the scenes are brilliant with Excel, and people who love to be in front of people and talking to them thrive by presenting—I guess in PowerPoint, which I also don’t like.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews staff, dear readers, and dogs enjoyed a beautiful Saturday of college football together

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 29: National Coffee Day
Tuesday, September 30: Free Rooftop Movie — Cruella at Sundown at Granada; Dua Lipa at the American Airlines Center (also on Wednesday)
Wednesday, October 1: 9th Annual Uptown Block Party
Thursday, October 2: Taylor Swift Live Band Karaoke Night at Legacy Hall
Friday, October 3: Life of a Showgirl Release Party at Texas Live!; The Village Fall Main Street Fest at The Village Dallas; Candlelight — Tribute to Beyoncé at Cathedral of Hope
Saturday, October 4: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Irving Oktoberfest Half Marathon at Toyota Music Factory; Champs Run Club Dallas at Champs Sports; Free First Saturdays at The Nasher; Frisco Oktoberfest at The Star; Stars vs. Avalanche (preseason game) at the American Airlines Center
Sunday, October 5: DMA Free First Sundays — Access for All at the Dallas Museum of Art; Cowboys vs. Jets Watch Party at Legacy Hall

NatNews: Issue 184

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:59:24 +0100

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September 22, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 184

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH—A SURVIVOR'S STORY

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which seeks to raise understanding and further educate individuals on the most common type of cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) diagnosed in men in the U.S.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. Dallas-area resident Mark Olateju learned of his prostate cancer in 2014, though he said his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) numbers were suspiciously high during his previous year’s visit to his doctor. Olateju said such a diagnosis wasn’t something he expected.

“My initial reaction was shock,” he said. “Why me? I ate right, didn’t drink or smoke, exercised regularly, and felt great.”

The PSA blood test is one of the options for prostate cancer screening tests, conducted prior to an individual experiencing any symptoms, and can help determine if further tests might be needed to look for prostate cancer. Early detection is important—though prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer, the five-year survival rate is greater than 99% when the disease is detected in its earliest stages.

Olateju, a math teacher, said he was fortunate enough not to experience significant setbacks and challenges, other than truly coming to realize his mortality for the first time.

“Family, friends, work, exercise, and staying busy aided me immensely during my journey,” he said. “I had no outward symptoms and didn’t feel bad, so I continued to run and race and even ran the Dallas Marathon the day before my prostate cancer surgery. I scheduled my surgery for the week before the winter break to impact my students the least.

Eight years post-surgery, Olateju had a recurrence of his prostate cancer and underwent 37 sessions of radiation treatment. He said his school provided him the flexibility to leave 30 minutes early each day for his treatments.

“I was fortunately able to drive myself, experienced minimal side effects, and have been clear once again for two years now,” he said.

While going through cancer journeys can often significantly alter people’s perspectives and habits, Olateju said he does not live his life any differently post-cancer than he did pre-cancer.

“I’ve been the kind of person who did what he wanted if I felt it was right and have never cared about public opinion, what most people do, or fitting in,” he said.

Olateju, who is a beloved and respected individual in the Dallas running community and among his students and colleagues, not only knows what it takes to lead the lifestyle he desires but also—as a now two-time cancer survivor—serves as an example to others of how to face adversity with strength and optimism.

“You must have a positive mindset and be resilient to battle cancer,” he said. “Try to surround yourself with optimistic people, and fight until you can’t any longer.”

DID YOU KNOW?

During peak operational times (between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central) in the U.S. national airspace system, there is an average of more than 5,500 aircraft in the sky every minute.

DO TEXTING HABITS ACTUALLY MEAN ANYTHING?

While in-person conversations and interactions allow individuals to determine tone, receive immediate replies, and recognize nonverbal communication, texting can sometimes create confusion and overthinking, especially when another person takes a longer time than one desires to reply.

Dallas resident Suzanne Woodling said she generally responds within a few minutes of receiving a text if she is available and/or it’s an easy response, though she doesn’t think doing so is necessarily a standard that should be expected in every instance.

“I think we all put undue emphasis on response time,” she said. “We typically want a response ASAP, but very seldom does a text message indicate the need for an immediate answer. If someone needs an answer immediately, I think they should indicate that in the text and follow up with a call.”

Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo said if he is in an active text exchange (e.g., a conversation), he can and will respond right away. Otherwise, he usually responds as quickly as time allows or the conversation necessitates, though he recently enabled his phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature to mute incoming notifications during business hours.

“During the work week, I may go a few hours before I see a text message, which I think most people recognize and expect from others when they reach out midday,” he said. “In the evenings, I typically have my hands full with the littles or their extracurriculars, so my phone is not at the top of my focus.”

Dallas-area resident Alexis Derrow said her texting habits change throughout the day and depend on what she is doing at the time, but if she’s at work, she might not reply until the end of the day or a few days later—which helps allow her to be more understanding when she doesn’t see the typing bubble shortly after she sends a text.

“If it’s during the work day, there shouldn’t be an expectation for an immediate response,” she said. “People have their jobs. If they’re not at work, it’s extremely important for people who want to date me to reply quickly. For friends, I figure they’ll get to it when they get to it.”

Though texting is a common way for individuals to have both short and long exchanges, it certainly isn’t everyone’s preferred method of communication. Dallas resident Braden Keefer said he tends to be on the slower side to reply to texts if he is busy or preoccupied, unless he receives a message about something pressing or is already actively texting someone at the time.

“When the text requires a timely answer and isn’t leaving the other person hanging—like if you’re making plans with someone who needs confirmation or information about what you are doing—then you should respond promptly,” he said. “When it comes to dating, if you’re having a conversation, you shouldn’t leave them waiting for much longer than a few hours if you’re being intentional. I think friendships are different, especially if you’re already very close. There’s a certain point when texting becomes tiresome.”

Sometimes, time response, length of response, responding to all parts of a text, etc. can provide communication beyond the message itself to the recipients. Keefer said while this can be true, it depends on the context in which the text was sent.

“If what you’ve texted doesn’t warrant much of a reply, then I don’t think you should expect much of one,” he said. “I’m also strongly of the opinion that communication should not be texting-based. If you have something to say, want to see someone, etc., make plans to see them—texting only goes so far.”

In a similar sense that one might prefer in-person interactions to texting, leading to occasional misunderstandings if that individual is more standoffish when messaging, Woodling said there are a variety of factors that contribute to a way a person texts, whether generally or in different situations.

“I think in friendships and relationships, you tend to feel out each other’s cadence,” she said. “Some will expect quicker responses than others. Trust in relationships also plays a role in delivery and response expectations, and response times can vary as relationships shift. Personality types also can play into it. Some people have different senses of urgency.”

Alonzo said he thinks that it’s generally important to reply quickly, though there should be a mutual understanding that everyone is an adult with responsibilities and not on standby for text messages, whether those be with a friend or romantic partner. However, he said he believes that much can still be said for a person’s reply.

“A quick response tells me my message is a priority and worthy of a fast response,” he said. “The length can, at times, be telling of interest level or mood. I think the same can be said when all parts of the text are responded to, versus a short/dry response or ignoring parts of the message.”

And Alonzo knows that the replies he receives and time between messages are contingent upon the context of those exchanges.

“Sometimes a short ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ or emoji is more than sufficient,” he said. “If the topic is beyond casual conversion or more of a serious discussion, it’s more likely to require a lengthy message with some substance.”

Keefer said he typically doesn’t take a short response, lack of response, or delayed response personally, though it depends on if it’s important or regarding something important to him, which can result in frustration to such responses.

“Most of the time, when it’s just a surface-level conversation, I don’t think much of it, because everyone is mostly dealing with their own lives,” he said. “I would much rather make plans to see my friends, family, and romantic interests in person, as opposed to just texting them.”

For Derrow, how she feels when not receiving prompt replies or no response at all can often be a direct reflection of her mood at the time.

“I don’t take it personally—unless I’m in a downward spiral that day, and then I take it very personally,” she said.

And just as Derrow’s frame of mind can determine her interpretation of another’s prioritization of texting her back, Woodling said there can be several reasons as to why a person’s reply causes another to potentially spin around in a world of overanalysis or become offended, whether warranted or not.

“I think the short, delayed, or lack of response can be equally helpful or hurtful, but it depends on a number of variables,” she said. “Women are typically more chatty, so they might read more negativity into a short response—but sometimes it’s just a response.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews PR, a dear reader, and our sole investor recently enjoyed a lovely round of golf together

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 22: Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 26–36) at Texas Live!
Tuesday, September 23: Stars vs. Wild (preseason game) at the American Airlines Center; Free Rooftop Movie — Friday at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, September 24: Wine’d Down Wednesday — Carrie’s Pilates in the Park at Trinity Groves Park; Rangers vs. Twins at Globe Life Field
Thursday, September 25: Cool Thursdays Concert — Homegrown (Zac Brown Band Tribute) at the Dallas Arboretum; Last Splash of Summer Country Concert at The Village Country Club
Friday, September 26: Jamie Wolf at Dallas Comedy Club; Oktoberfest Weekend at Community Beer Co. (goes through Sunday); State Fair of Texas Opening Day at Fair Park
Saturday, September 27: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Messtival at AT&T Discovery District (also on Sunday); Movie Nights at City Park — Twisters on Harwood Street; Puppy Yoga at Community Beer Co.; Sandy Pickle Beer Olympics at the Sandy Pickle; Oktoberfest at Legacy Hall
Sunday, September 28: Cowboys vs. Packers at AT&T Stadium; Cowboys vs. Packers Watch Party at Legacy Hall; Millennials vs. the World at Texas Theatre; Candlelight — Queen vs. ABBA at Irving Arts Center

NatNews: Issue 183

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:59:26 +0100

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September 15, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 183

THE MARATHON MIGHT NOT BE THE ONE-TIME THING YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD

Each year, more than 1 million individuals make the conscious choice to run marathons, and many of them are doing so for the first time. Different people have different reasons for opting to put in months and miles of training to take on the 26.2-mile distance in an event for which they likely paid a hefty chunk of money.

For many of these participants, though, crossing that finish line is often about much more than running.

“I think people are interested in running a marathon because it gives them a source of accomplishment,” Dallas resident and White Rock Running Co-op admin Chet MacArthur said. “A lot of people see a marathon as the pinnacle of fitness and discipline, so being able to run one is a big deal for most people.”

Dallas resident Katie Butler is training for the BMW Dallas Marathon in December (the full and ultra are now sold out for this year’s events), when she will line up with thousands of others to trek through the city before returning to downtown to cross the finish line at Dallas City Hall Plaza. This will be Butler’s first race covering such a distance.

“For me, running a marathon is all about outdoing myself physically and athletically,” she said. “I have been pretty invested in fitness for five years now, and as I got stronger, I found I was achieving goals and getting bored or lacking a goal. This is something I never thought I could do, and it’s nice to work toward a goal when you can see progress in real time.”

Butler ran her first half marathon last year and has since run two more. But it turns out that wasn’t enough for her.

“The excitement kind of wore off, so naturally, I had to level up,” she said.

MacArthur was once in similar shoes (figuratively, obviously) when he trained for and ran his first full at the Los Angeles Marathon in 2024. Since then, he has run two more marathons (Dallas in 2024 and Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego earlier this year), though completing this race distance was not originally a goal MacArthur envisioned for himself.

“All of my life, I hated running and always thought a marathon was unattainable,” he said. “Going from running only a few miles a week to 26 miles at once seemed like a monumental task.”

But for whatever reason, MacArthur became up for that task. While training for Los Angeles, he said it was often difficult to restructure his schedule to make sure that he fit in every run and got the mileage he needed and to determine the appropriate plan for the marathon in terms of both training and diet. And when the actual marathon day finally arrived, MacArthur said the most challenging component of the race he faced was the actual race itself.

“While I had done long runs, I had never done any official races and, therefore, felt overwhelmed getting to the race and holding everything together for the entire race,” he said.

That race anxiety can often serve as energy to help get one through a marathon, and people who planned to be one-and-done marathoners frequently find themselves hitting that register button for another 26.2. Helsinki resident Sophia Rahimeh ran her first full last October at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon and said she didn’t exactly expect to be someone with multiple marathons among her list of accolades.

“I’ve always pictured myself continuing to run and race throughout my life but assumed that a marathon would be more of a one-time thing, as I’m much more used to 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances,” she said. “I’ve now raced two marathons and am planning on running a third in the spring. I’ve enjoyed pushing myself to new limits and am considering doing an ultra next summer.”

For those new to running and/or marathon training, there are several helpful resources, including local running groups, coaches, and online training plans. It’s important to find what works best for you to ensure that you effectively build your mileage, fuel properly, and stay injury-free so that you’re ready on race day.

But be prepared that there might be moments during marathon training when you question your sanity or choices in life but still manage to come to appreciate the process.

“What I enjoyed most about training was that it gave me something to constantly be working toward,” MacArthur said. “I had been working out/jogging for a few years but had never had an event like this to orient my entire life toward. After the race, I realized that I had never exercised discipline on that scale, and that was the addicting part that got me hooked.”

And now there’s no turning back for MacArthur, who is training for another marathon yet again. For him, there is genuine purpose in doing so.

“I love the feeling of always having something outside of work to look forward to and orient my life toward,” he said. “I think it’s important to find a sense of accomplishment outside of work.”

On a similar level of a desire for achievement, Butler said she enjoys taking on feats that she never thought she could and gets a high from being able to do so.

“Running was always super difficult for me growing up—I was overweight and slow,” she said. “It was just something I thought I could never do. Being able to go out and run 12 miles on a random Sunday and go about my day is insane. It’s cool doing what other humans can’t and having the mental toughness to go with it.”

DID YOU KNOW?

An octopus has nine brains—one central brain in its head and eight ganglia (one in each of its eight arms) that act as smaller independent brains that manage movement and sensory functions.

CANDY CORN—BUTTERY DELICIOUSNESS OR WAXY NOTHINGNESS?

In the late 1800s, a candy initially known as chicken feed became available in the United States and later became a well-known and often notorious member of the Halloween candy lineup after its name change that, when said aloud, can create a bit of chaos.

For whatever reason, the goodness or grossness of candy corn has become quite the polarizing issue, often causing spirited debates among friends and coworkers as to whether or not it’s a confectionary blessing or essentially chunks of candle wax sold as a digestible treat.

Of the dear readers who participated in a recent NatNews research initiative, 38 percent indicated that they think candy corn is gross, 34 percent are big fans of the seasonal candy, and 28 percent are indifferent. Montana resident Karen Brinkmann is an avid candy corn consumer and doesn’t quite understand why anyone wouldn’t be.

“How is it possible that someone might dislike the buttery deliciousness of every amazing kernel of candy corn?” she said. “It’s unthinkable. Candy corn melts in your mouth and lights up the world in a perfect array of orange and yellow.”

While Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen might not picture the same utopia as Brinkmann when he eats the popular yet often controversial candy, he certainly has a somewhat similar perspective to the joy it can provide, noting that such an experience is best when the candy corn is fresh.

“I like the slightly honey-flavored taste it has and the way it breaks down or melts in your mouth,” he said. “Of course, you might bite into one that’s been sitting out too long and has become hardened.”

Unlike Brinkmann and Borkenhagen, Dallas-area resident Emily Fred said she only likes candy corn during a specific time of year and in small quantities. Overall, though, eating it doesn’t exactly leave her feeling too great.

“I don’t like the pure sugar and how my teeth feel after,” she said.

And then there are those individuals, including Fort Worth-area resident Sam Parnell, who simply can’t understand why anyone would want to subject oneself to candy corn’s unappealing taste.

“It just tastes like waxy nothingness,” he said. “It’s not really good or bad—it’s just nothing.”

Regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of the tri-colored triangular treat, there’s no denying that it’s become a staple of the Halloween holiday and seen in abundance throughout the fall season. Because of its bright orange hue and limited availability, even candy corn haters like Parnell can acknowledge that it’s an important component of the holiday for many people.

“It’s probably a nostalgia and emotional connection thing,” he said. “It’s been around forever, and it is iconically Halloween, so I get how it can remain popular and part of the tradition.”

Fred said she thinks that many current adults have an affinity toward candy corn because of people’s previous historically higher tolerances for pure sugar.

“I’m also sure that candy technology was garbage back then, so it was a cheap way to theme sugar and set a time limit on how long we can enjoy candy corn,” she said. “So, therefore, it became an idealized treat in our childhood imaginations.”

While the scent and sugar rush can certainly bring back childhood memories of simpler times, Borkenhagen said he believes that there are other reasons people are inclined to grab for handfuls at a time of the brightly colored candy.

“First, I don’t think it would be such a staple if people didn’t like it,” he said. “So its popularity has got to be a dominant factor. I bet it has something to do with the shape and color, too—people like the tri-colored thing it has going (I know sometimes I like to bite each color one at a time) and the slightly pointed shape. I don’t know what it is about the shape specifically, but people must like it, too.”

While it is possible to find candy corn for sale in its off-season period, it’s certainly much easier to obtain this time of year. However, Brinkmann doesn’t think its scarcity surrounding other holidays and seasons is a factor in why people are more inclined to claim their undying devotion to it.

“Some might say it’s so wildly popular and considered the Best Candy in the World™ because it is only offered for such a small time in the year, but I disagree,” she said. “I think it would be delicious if it were available all year-round. This has me thinking now. Maybe I should stock up this year and build a root cellar and sell it throughout the year in 2026.”

According to science, the part of the brain that processes smell (which also impacts how a person processes taste) is in the same part of the brain where individuals store memories and evoke emotion. In this limbic system of the brain, strong connections—particularly those involving events of childhood—occur. Thus, adults who have fond Halloween memories that included such a staple candy as candy corn have an appreciation for the treat, while those who either have more negative memories surrounding the holiday or recollections of the candy causing an unwanted taste are more inclined to still detest its existence.

Borkenhagen said he remembers candy corn as being a sufficient “filler” candy.

“It’s never the star of the show,” he said. “It’s relatively unassuming and doesn’t try to do too much or be too flashy. It’s one of those candies that can just complement everything else in your bag of loot.”

For Fred, eating candy corn is more simply out of tradition than actually having any sort of craving for it.

“I always have to have a few pieces and eat each section by section,” she said. “Otherwise, it’s just decorative and then makes me mad because it tempts me to eat it, even though I know I’ll be mad at myself if I do. The curse of the candy corn.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews staff and dear readers were recently honored to celebrate dear reader Elizabeth Cruz at her wedding

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 15: Your 101 to Young Professional Groups at Communities Foundation of Texas; National Double Cheeseburger Day
Tuesday, September 16: Free Rooftop Movie — Bridesmaids at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, September 17: Dallas Observer Beer Collaboration Release Party at Community Beer Co.; The Summer I Turned Pretty Finale Watch Party at Griggs Park
Thursday, September 18: Candle Making & Women’s Health Discussion at Davis Street Mercantile; Chocolate and Art Show at Lofty Spaces (also on Friday; Tate McRae at the American Airlines Center
Friday, September 19: The Boho Market at Preston Hollow Village; Candlelight — Tribute to Adele at Edison’s
Saturday, September 20: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; DogFest DFW at Community Beer Co.; Stars vs. Blues (preseason) at the American Airlines Center; Guns 4 Roses (Guns N’ Roses Tribute Band) at Lava Cantina
Sunday, September 21: Rangers vs. Marlins at Globe Life Field; Cowboys vs. Bears Watch Party at Legacy Hall

NatNews: Issue 182

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:59:24 +0100

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September 8, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 182

FINDING YOUR INNER NEMO

Though outdoor pool season is beginning to wrap up for the year, it doesn’t mean that you need to say farewell to chlorine anytime soon. Whether as cross-training workouts or a form of main exercise, swimming is a great way for individuals to enhance their overall well-being.

Swimming not only can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses (such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and strokes) but can also improve mental health, as being in the water and engaging in exercise can allow a person to feel more relaxed and less stressed, and improve cognitive function.

Dallas resident and triathlete Mike Hart said he learned how to swim properly shortly after he signed up for his first triathlon in 2022.

“Unlike running or cycling, I couldn’t just muscle my way forward in the water,” he said. “I quickly realized that technique is everything.”

Hart said swimming has taught him more patience and has also helped sharpen his breath control and ease some tightness in his back and shoulders. It’s now become a beneficial activity he truly enjoys and takes part in on a regular basis.

“Over time, swimming became not just a workout but a fun sport that left me feeling stronger and mentally refreshed,” he said. “Swimming also opened me up to amazing triathlons, some of the most fun endurance events around.”

Australian professional triathlete Regan Hollioake said swimming is an effective way for individuals to develop fitness without stressing the body’s joints, bones, and muscles in the way that higher-impact sports (such as running and cycling) do.

“Swimming builds cardiovascular fitness, increasing your overall endurance and making your body more efficient at supplying oxygen during all three disciplines, with the added benefit of being low-impact, giving your body a break from the heavy demands of running and riding,” she said. “You can use your swim to complement the others without the same risk of injury.”

The buoyancy of the water provides relief to a person’s body, taking off weight but still adding resistance. According to the Cleveland Clinic, such a benefit is especially helpful to individuals with arthritis, fibromyalgia, obesity, or reduced mobility as well as women who are pregnant. Swimming can also strengthen one’s heart, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure.

“I also use swimming as a means of recovery after hard bike and run sessions, as it’s great for circulation, helps to reduce muscle soreness, and can be a nice mental reset after a hard session or day,” Hollioake said.

Like Hollioake, Hart has also discovered that knocking out some laps in the pool is an effective way to give his body some relief while also building strength and fitness.

“Swimming is one of the rare workouts that can be both a recovery aid and a powerful training tool,” he said. “The water supports your body, easing the load on joints, and lengthens muscles in ways land sports can’t. At the same time, swimming engages your entire body and forces you to control your breathing, building endurance and lung function in ways that other endurance sports can’t.”

A person doesn’t have to be a triathlete, the spawn of Michael Phelps, or more than a weekend warrior to incorporate swimming into his or her exercise routine (though it’s obviously important at least to know the basics of swimming, and there are adult swim lessons for those who need or want to learn). Hollioake said she would strongly encourage individuals to have a swim analysis or join a swim group to help with correct form.

“Proper technique is everything in swimming, and it can be hard to make progress without some instruction,” she said.

Hollioake advises someone new to swimming on a regular basis not to be afraid to use swimming aids (such as flippers, floaty shorts, and pool buoys) if they help him or her develop better technique and feel more comfortable in the water. She also said it’s important to be consistent with swimming.

“Start with short but regular sets,” she said. “The more regularly you can go to the pool, the better your ‘feel’ for the water will become.”

Not everyone may be able to get to the pool every day or swim as long or far as desired, and not all swimmers will have the same workouts and motivations. Hollioake said an individual adding swimming to the mix needs to set realistic goals that work best for him or her.

“This could be to build up the number of laps or hit a certain time for 50 meters,” she said. “This helps keep you motivated when it’s feeling tough. Most importantly, make it fun! Go swimming with a friend, mix up your sets, and try some open-water swims.”

Hart also noted the importance of developing proper swimming form and to remember that it is a process that will take patience and the understanding that results won’t magically appear overnight.

“Racking up billions of miles with flawed technique can lead to frustration and maybe even injuries,” he said. “A good swim coach can spot inefficiencies pretty quickly, and there are billions of YouTube tutorials with drills that can make a difference. Over time, good technique makes swimming feel more flowy and fun and lets you actually push power through your strokes and go fast. Take your time, keep at it, and enjoy the progress.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Kiwi fruits (not the bird) are originally from China and were initially known as Chinese gooseberries prior to being renamed for marketing purposes in 1959.

THE POWER OF THE PUMPKIN

For some individuals, the start of the fall season is not contingent upon what the calendar says or what the temperatures are outside. Rather, the actual autumnal equinox is overshadowed by a certain beloved staple—the pumpkin.

Whether it’s a pumpkin-spiced beverage (Starbies love their PSLs), pumpkin-flavored treats, pumpkin displays (the Dallas Arboretum will have more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash), or a number of other pumpkin-centric attractions, many people are simply drawn to the typically orange creator of joy. (Although, it is important to note that pumpkin-spiced items don’t contain actual pumpkin but, instead, typically comprise cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, which combine to create the flavor many individuals have come to savor.)

Dallas resident Laura Hays said she believes that pumpkins are loved not only for the foods they help create but also for what they represent.

“Pumpkin-flavored treats are delicious, and they signal the beginning of fall, which is the best time of the year for many people,” she said. “The weather cools off, cozy sweaters come out, and leaves change colors.”

Dallas resident Eli Rodriguez runs with the Train Pegasus group, which meets several mornings throughout the week at a Starbucks, so he frequently sees individuals ordering drinks with pumpkin flavors during this time of year. And while he may not always indulge in seasonal lattes, you can bet that he’ll make other purchases with pumpkin images and aesthetics.

“I do buy Oreo cookies when they bring out the Halloween ones because it’s my favorite holiday,” he said.

However, not everyone prefers the taste of what many consider to be a seasonal gem that blesses their lives for a few months.

“I love fall, but I have never liked pumpkin-flavored anything,” Dallas-area resident Robyn Allen said. “I am unsure why people love it so much. I absolutely do not get it.”

The reason might actually have nothing to do with taste at all. In fact, research revealed that it’s another human sense that creates the fascination with pumpkin. The scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger can spark fond, comforting, and cozy memories and emotions. Allen also believes that seeing pumpkins has a similar effect.

“I think people are drawn to the pumpkin aesthetic because it triggers an emotional response usually flooded with good memories,” she said. “When the leaves turn and the pumpkins are in season, we associate those things with weather that is a relief from the summer heat. The crisp air and warm soups or drinks are comforting.”

The changing of one season to another often symbolizes more meaningful and personal changes for some individuals, allowing them to reset and gain new perspectives. The fall season is a time when temperatures start to decrease, allowing many people to spend more time outside and see the natural changes taking place in the world around them. Such experiences in nature can produce cognitive benefits and boost one’s mood.

This type of idyllic setting has the ability to trigger feelings of fondness and the anticipation of upcoming holidays.

“People love autumn pictures, and pumpkins symbolize Halloween and Thanksgiving,” Rodriguez said. “This means that cooler weather, a cozy atmosphere, and spooky season are here.”

Pumpkins and the fall months also allow for decorators to tap into their creative sides in abundance. Hays, who often hosts celebratory get-togethers with friends, loves a good theme and opportunities to bring holidays to life.

“Pumpkins make fun displays, especially with all of the different varieties of colors and textures,” she said. “Then it’s time for Halloween, with pumpkin carving, costumes, and candy.”

When Halloween ends, the pumpkins do not disappear, as they are often included in other autumn and Thanksgiving decor, images, meals, and marketing. Linus may have waited all night for the Great Pumpkin, but perhaps he was actually expectant of something more than simply an oversized orange item.

“For most people, I believe that the pumpkin symbolizes the beginning of cultural and family traditions,” Allen said. “Holiday season is officially upon us, which mostly is exciting, as we get to spend time with family and friends. There is something magical about holidays that I believe has an effect on people to always want to recreate it and never give up on the idea of happiness.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

New album cover

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 8: Dallas Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 27–37) at Birdie’s Eastside
Tuesday, September 9: Rangers vs. Brewers at Globe Life Field; Bonsai Bar at Celestial Beerworks; Free Rooftop Movie — Coming to America at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, September 10: 2025 State Fair Saddle Up at The Rustic
Thursday, September 11: Dallas Wings vs. Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center; Frisco RoughRiders vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Riders Field; 39th Annual Grapefest at Historic Downtown Grapevine (goes through Sunday)
Friday, September 12: Late Night at the Museum at the Dallas Museum of Art; Luke Bryan at Dos Equis Pavilion; Candlelight — Tribute to Fleetwood Mac at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
Saturday, September 13: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Vitruvian Salsa Festival at Vitruvian Park; Pink Floyd Tribute — Bricks in the Wall at Legacy Hall
Sunday, September 14: Cowboys vs. Giants at AT&T Stadium; Ofrendas & Otoño Festival at City Park; PicklePAWlooza at the Sandy Pickle

NatNews: Issue 181

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:59:26 +0100

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

September 1, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 181

PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH + HOW YOU'RE REALLY DOING

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which seeks to promote hope and normalize seeking help by recognizing the warning signs for suicide, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and connecting people to proven treatment and resources.

A person’s mental health can be impacted by several factors—including family and community relationships, access to opportunities, and environmental circumstances—all of which contribute to an individual’s ability to thrive and experience optimal well-being. Dallas resident and licensed counselor Lucy Keith said she cannot think of anything more important than taking care of one’s mental health.

“The health, capacity, and strength of your mental and emotional health impact how you see the world, how you see yourself, how you show up in relationships, your quality of life, how you react and cope, the decisions you make, and so much more,” she said. “It’s also directly tied to your physical health outcomes and longevity.”

Research initiatives have revealed the strong correlation between mental and physical well-being, with conditions such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression having significant impacts on sleep, digestion, heart health, immune function, and energy levels. Depression has also been linked to several chronic illnesses, including diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic diseases. Dallas-area resident and mental health advocate Khshaeta Cama said mental health should be prioritized as equally as physical health because of its connection with the immune and nervous system.

“Your body is a machine and needs all of its parts to work together, so if you’re in a depressive state, that function can cause issues to everything else—your sleep, blood pressure, pain, and thoughts,” she said. ”However, when your body is working together well and you are in a better state of mind, then you are able to understand yourself and what you need to help regulate those feelings, build relationships, understand the importance of healthy communication, and be able to work through issues you were once scared to address.”

Cama also said focusing on mental health can help motivate a person to develop the tools and skills needed to manage stress and regulate emotions and eventually be able to break through walls of sadness, stress, anxiety, and burnout.

“Prioritizing mental health helps your body create balance and peace,” she said. “It is similar to exercising continuously and straining the body. Your brain is the same. They deserve equal attention—or more given to your brain, as that is the power house of your body.”

While mental health tended to be more of a taboo topic years ago, it has been brought to light in recent years, especially with professional athletes and other well-known figures speaking out in support of making it a priority. And as Cama pointed out, the pandemic also highlighted its importance as individuals spent more time by themselves and experienced feelings of isolation.

“We were able to talk about it more openly because everyone was going through certain feelings of depression and anxiety when we did not know what was happening,” she said. “In the past, people were told to ‘tough it out’ and keep their struggles private. Now, people are more open, and public figures have made the idea of mental health something relatable for all people. Normalizing the advocacy for mental health and therapy has allowed for the culture shift in recent years, showing that we are human and should feel emotions.”

Like Cama, Keith also credited the uncertainty and isolation stemming from the pandemic for bringing mental health to the forefront, as that period of time helped shed light on how people were truly experiencing life and the variety of feelings that resulted from the unexpected situation that suddenly impacted the world.

“We had time to assess our lives and functioning, and taking away many of the typical distractions and packed schedules gave us all enough time to sit with ourselves and the state of the world, our purpose and priorities, relationships, functioning, emotions, etc.,” she said. “It also brought significant attention to our need for community and connection, which is a pillar of mental and emotional health. I think we didn’t have a choice but to recognize our fragility and need for one another, and luckily, from one conversation to the next, people began feeling more comfortable being open and honest about how they were doing.”

Just like maintaining and caring for one’s physical health requires effort and action (working out, eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, etc.), prioritizing mental health also means taking practical steps on a regular basis. Keith said personally and in her practice, she focuses on the basics, such as quality (and enough) sleep, daily sunshine, daily movement, balanced nutrition, stress management, screen management, and whatever form of stillness works for the individual.

“Some mental struggles require greater intervention and care as well as consideration of systemic issues, but everyone needs to have a strong foundation of basics to have the energy and regulation to tackle the big stuff,” she said. “I’m a big fan of journaling—not the 'Dear Diary' kind but the ‘I’m giving myself the next 5–10 minutes to dump every uncomfortable emotion and thought that’s stuck on me’ kind. It doesn’t need to be pretty or make sense, it doesn’t need to have correct grammar, and it doesn’t need to come to some sort of resolution. Just put pen to paper, and let your stream of consciousness flow.”

Keith also said she is a strong believer in going for a walk the second the feeling of a shift in mood or an intrusive thought occurs.

“Walking is an excellent, free, daily mental health tool,” she said. “It engages the body and senses, exposes you to nature, and can stop rumination in its tracks, and the bilateral, rhythmic movement mimics that of therapeutic interventions that support emotional processing.”

It’s also important to remember that others are battling their own issues, too, sometimes silently. People can help others and support one another’s mental health by treating each other with kindness and care and checking in with friends, even the ones who seem happy, helpful, and productive.

“They may just be really good at distracting themselves and performing,” Keith said. “Instead of asking friends, ‘how’s it going,’ when nine out of 10 times, we answer ‘good,’ try asking ‘so what’s going well, and what’s not going so well lately?’ Don’t let your friends off so easily. From there, listen and validate their feelings. Listen and validate.”

Just as Keith pointed out, Cama also recognizes that the seemingly small actions of listening, paying attention, and truly hearing people can have significant impacts that make others feel cared about and valued.

“That kindness is everything to someone,” she said. “Just being there for a person in those moments and being a friend are all that matter. People deserve to be cared for and loved in all their ways, and focusing on being present with others instead of trying to ‘fix’ someone is where it starts.”

DID YOU KNOW?

You are approximately 1 to 2 centimeters taller in the morning when you first wake up than at the end of the day because gravity compresses cartilage in your spine and other body parts that are able to spread out and decompress when you are lying down.

AND IN THE BLINK(ER) OF A CRINKLIN' EYE

Imagine that you’re driving down the road, peacefully listening to Taylor Swift or 90s pop or The Ticket or a podcast or whatever your audio choice is, and the car in front of you unexpectedly makes a turn without signaling. Or perhaps someone cut in front of you in your lane without the blinker letting you know it was going to happen. Your beautiful peace or car concert might be interrupted and suddenly turn into frustration.

According to a study conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), drivers who fail to use their turn signals account for more than 2 million accidents annually. What is more, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that failure to use turn signals is one of the most common causes of accidents and that drivers who fail to use their signals when turning or changing lanes are more likely to engage in other unsafe road behaviors, such as speeding and distracted driving.

Dallas-area resident David Recker said he has noticed that an overwhelming amount of drivers, especially those in Dallas, do not consistently use their blinkers when turning or changing lanes. He also poses the notion of a trend he’s noticed based on the vehicles individuals drive.

“Compared to living in Pittsburgh, a city renowned for awful drivers, Dallas drivers are the worst,” he said. “In my completely anecdotal experience, I’ve observed somewhat of a bell-curve pattern of relative value of the car aligning with whether or not signals are used. At the extremes—sh***y cars and high-end Beamers and Range Rovers alike—drivers don’t signal, and drivers of middle-range-value cars seem to be more conscious of signaling.”

Like Recker, Dallas resident Darlene Alcocer said she doesn’t think enough drivers use their blinkers, and she believes that this is a conscious choice those individuals make that stems from people being rather self-focused.

“Nothing gets me riled up more than someone who is selfish enough not to use their blinkers, as if it’s the hardest thing in the world to do,” she said. “Apparently, everyone is always concerned with ‘me, me, me, me, me’ and never the collective good of humanity. I can drive down the road here, and there’s no way I’ll encounter 100-percent appropriate blinker usage, especially in Dallas—and don’t even get me started on Houston.”

Dallas resident Drew Mbiam, however, thinks the question of whether or not the use of the blinker feature is adequate is a bit more contingent upon semantics.

“It depends on how you’d define ‘enough,’” he said. “Enough to avoid accidents? Yes. Enough to make driving stress-free? No.”

While Mbiam has been fortunate enough not to be part of any of those annual accident statistics from lack of signal usage, he does have a theory as to why blinkers aren’t used as often as they legally should be.

“A lot of people suffer from main character syndrome and feel like the world revolves around them,” he said.

While some individuals may be focusing solely on themselves, their actions certainly have the ability to have significant impacts on those around them. Alcocer said she wishes that more drivers would use their blinkers to avoid unnecessary safety issues and thinks that the lack of frequent use stems from people caring more about perception than the well-being of others.

“Using your blinker isn’t seen as cool,” she said. “Common courtesy is somehow viewed as a ‘soft’ thing to do, and it makes me angry because it’s actually dangerous. No one cares that you don’t look like a badass (insert annoyed emoji here). Your fragile ego is putting my life at risk, and on top of that, you’re just lazy.”

Many individuals also become caught up in the hurry-up world that currently exists, with people commonly mentioning how busy they are and rushing from one place to another. Recker said he thinks such a reality highly contributes to the no-blinker issue.

“I’m sure it has a strong negative correlation with distracted driving and also the fast-paced need to get from A to B as quickly as possible—meaning, as distracted driving increases, signal usage decreases,” he said.

In order to help better the safety of those on the roads, Recker has a solution that he believes would contribute to less carelessness from those in the driver’s seat.

“I’ve long advocated that all drivers should be retested at certain intervals, with increasing frequency at milestone ages,” he said. “It would bring in good revenue for the city, reinforce safe driving habits, and possibly keep drivers who can’t pass a test from getting behind the wheel.”

Mbiam, on the other hand, thinks it would be wise to use fear-inducing tactics on the general public to make individuals more aware of what could happen when they choose not to drive responsibly.

“Keep showing them car accidents and the fallouts from them until they use their blinkers more frequently,” he said.

Alcocer said she also thinks using a form of instilling a bit of fear in drivers would be effective, though her method would be more in the guilt and disgrace sense.

“I think we need to start bullying people who don’t use their blinkers,” she said. “Bring back public shaming. I would like to point out that throwing tomatoes at people was a pretty successful public humiliation tactic back in the day. They can’t arrest all of us.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some of the NatNews staff, our sole investor, and dear readers recently celebrated with dear reader Elizabeth Cruz, who is getting married this month

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 1: NBA YoungBoy at the American Airlines Center (also on Tuesday)
Tuesday, September 2: Free Rooftop Movie — Scary Movie at Sundown at Granada; Mahjong Social at Sadelle’s Dallas
Wednesday, September 3: Pantera at Dos Equis Pavilion
Thursday, September 4: Cowboys vs. Eagles Watch Party at Happiest Hour; Cowboys vs. Eagles Watch Party at Legacy Hall
Friday, September 5: Nelly at Dos Equis Pavilion; Flamenco in the Golden Age of Hollywood at the Latino Cultural Center (goes through Saturday); Dallas Silent Disco at Klyde Warren Park; Candlelight — Queen vs. ABBA at the Irving Arts Center
Saturday, September 6: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; SMU vs. Baylor at Gerald J. Ford Stadium; Rangers vs. Astros at Globe Life Field
Sunday, September 7: Dink & Drink Pickleball Tournament at the Sandy Pickle; DMA First Free Sundays — Access for All at the Dallas Museum of Art; Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix in Concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center (runs Thursday through Sunday)

NatNews: Issue 180

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:59:25 +0100

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

August 25, 2025

NatNews

ISSUE 180

ARE EXPIRATION DATES ACTUALLY MYTHS?

If you are the type of person who doesn’t pay much attention to the dates listed on various food products, your nonchalance might not be a bad idea. After all, those dates aren’t necessarily indicative of food safety.

With the exception of its placement on infant formula, product dating is not required by federal regulations and is not an indicator of the product’s safety. And while there are no standard descriptions that must be applied when dates are placed on products to advise consumers on quality and freshness guidelines, the following are commonly used: “best if used by” indicates when the product will be of best flavor or quality; “sell by” informs the store of the date until which the product should be displayed for sale for inventory management; “use by” advises consumers of the last date recommended to use the product while it is at peak quality; and “freeze by” indicates the date by which a product should be frozen to maintain peak quality.

Dallas resident and medical doctor Carolyn Fan said whether or not she pays attention to a food or beverage advisory date depends on what the product is.

“For instance, honey doesn’t technically ever expire, and you can eat it forever,” she said. “I think any processed food expiration and sell-by dates are just best-by dates, and I honestly think the food just goes a little bit stale. But if it’s fresh produce or fresh food, I definitely believe in expiration dates. On my own, though, I definitely do not pay attention to expiration dates unless it smells weird or looks strange.”

Dallas and Denver resident and dietitian Lyndsey Kohn said she typically checks the dates for the milk she purchases for her coffee, but that’s mostly the extent of her concern.

“Since I buy groceries once a week, I usually don’t have to worry about expiration dates or food expiring,” she said. “I am usually buying fresh produce, so if I don’t eat it that week, it goes bad, and I’ll just throw it away.”

Some individuals, including Dallas-area resident Kyle Burnett, prefer to rely more on their senses than anything else when it comes to determining how wise it is to consume a product in question.

“I pay more attention to the smell test than the printed best-by date,” he said.

Burnett’s use of such a method to determine a food’s or beverage’s freshness is actually rather aligned with what many health professionals advise. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic recommends checking a product’s smell, examining it for mold, determining if its texture is different than what should be expected, and paying attention to its overall taste rather than focusing on the date listed on the product.

Kohn knows the aforementioned sell-by, use-by, and best-if-used-by dates are more for quality than safety, though she acknowledges that they are sometimes slightly more important for consumers to notice, especially from a health and safety standpoint.

“For perishable foods like meat, seafood, and dairy, the use-by date is absolutely helpful but is not a hard-and-fast rule,” she said. “Dairy is usually safe five days after the expiration date, but meat and seafood are much riskier for food-borne illnesses, such as salmonella, listeria, etc. Food-borne illnesses are a lot more common than people think, and a lot of times, it’s not from restaurants—it’s actually from your home-cooked meals.”

More information regarding general guidelines for freshness can be found on the Cleveland Clinic site. Fan said she is aware that the dates on most products are when they actually go bad, though she thinks it also might depend on how an individual stores the products and simply the system of the person, in general.

“But who knows?” she said. “I have a stomach of steel, and I have eaten street food from many different foreign countries that have looked very sketchy in the past, and people around me have gotten sick, but I’ve been completely fine. Thank goodness that my ancestors were exposed to terrible foods so that I now have a gut biome of a survivor.”

While that might not be the case for everyone, it’s not likely that consuming foods and drinks beyond the dates printed on their packaging will result in food poisoning or another food-related illness. Though this is certainly contingent on what the product is and the previously mentioned recommendations from the Cleveland Clinic, Burnett said he believes that most of those dates are merely to protect those selling the products.

“I think they can be a tool, and brands are probably being very conservative to what the actual date might be for CYA purposes,” he said.

Foods that tend to go bad more quickly usually have obvious signs that they are probably not safe to eat. If bread has mold, if an egg floats in water or gives off a foul smell, if milk has a sour smell or clumpy texture, and if a meat product has a pungent odor or slimy or discolored appearance, these are indications that the product should not be consumed. The advisory dates on such items can be more helpful to individuals who want to make sure that all of their products are safe to ingest, while other foods can go much longer without showing any signs of being potentially rotten.

“Any dry food—like pasta, rice, cereal, and canned foods—is usually safe,” Kohn said. “I’d be fine with eating those a month past the expiration date, assuming everything was still fine once I opened the can or bag.”

And for some people, including Fan, the limit of how long certain foods can stay good simply does not exist.

“I think honey, soda, and any processed foods do not actually really expire,” she said. “Especially Twinkies.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Octothorpe is the actual name for the symbol more commonly known as a hashtag/pound sign/number sign.

YOU + ME + FOOTBALL = PERFECTION?

With kids back in school and fall right around the corner, a familiar excitement has returned to the lives of several individuals—yes, football is back.

The NFL Preseason kicked off with the Hall of Fame game on Thursday, July 31, and the regular season gets underway on Thursday, September 4, as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. College football opened the season with two top-25 teams facing off in Week Zero as Iowa State beat Kansas State 24-21 Saturday in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.

It’s a common occurrence during football season to see local sports bars packed with individuals gathered together on game day. While some are hardcore fans, others are merely there for the social aspect.

“Every year, I look forward to college football starting back up—but not really for the football,” Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard said. “I use it as an excuse to get friends together at a fun sports bar that will be playing the games.”

Odegard doesn’t support a specific team and often doesn’t really pay too much attention to what’s going on in any particular game. After all, that’s not really why he’s there, anyway.

“I don’t really care who wins or even who plays, but I like that it gives my group of friends another reason to go out and get drinks, especially since it means that summer is about to be over,” he said.

Unlike Odegard, Dallas-area resident Alexis Derrow does become invested in the games, especially when it comes to college football. As a graduate of Notre Dame, she is loyal to her Fighting Irish.

“I like to see how all of the games play out to see how they affect my team,” she said. “That takes up a lot of a Saturday. If I didn’t do a game watch, I’d be a hermit and never see my friends.”

Originally from the Chicago area, Derrow is less dedicated to the NFL, though she’s still up for watching games together when the opportunity arises.

“If people are getting together and I don’t need to run errands, I’m along for the ride,” she said. “The Bears are terrible, and I’m a bandwagon Cowboys fan.”

Dallas-area resident Steve Bergsman also enjoys meeting up with his friends to watch football, though he typically doesn’t do so when supporting his alma mater, Texas A&M University.

“I’m way too invested in the game to enjoy the noise and distractions of a bar or big group,” he said. “I prefer to watch in a focused setting where I can analyze plays, react freely, and not worry about casual fans talking over key moments. For other games, I’m more flexible. It really just depends on my interest level of the game and how much I really want to watch it. Nine times out of 10, though, I’m up for the social setting.”

And while Bergsman said he is “all in” when it comes to his Aggies, his rooting interest in and enthusiasm for certain NFL games has waned over time.

“Years of watching Jerry Jones screw up Dallas has turned me off from investing in the Cowboys anymore,” he said.

Regardless of one’s affinity or apathy for football or certain organizations, this particular sport has a way of creating bonds among strangers cheering for the same teams and allowing friends to spend cherished time together in inviting and high-spirited atmospheres.

“Even when I prefer to watch solo, I see how football season creates shared rituals—tailgates, fantasy leagues, group chats, and Monday morning recaps,” Bergsman said. “It gives people a common language and something to rally around.”

Like Bergsman, Derrow said she believes that football is a great creator of unity and togetherness.

“It’s fun to have a little interoffice rivalry with people from different colleges and see people repping their gear,” she said. “It’s a way to spend time with your friends that feels productive but actually is just hanging out. Day games are great because then you can just chill out afterward.”

And as Derrow recognizes, there’s an unexplainable but beautiful hope that many people have that can unite them with others and make them feel more connected to their teams.

“My favorite thing about football season is the three weeks before it actually starts,” she said, “when I delusionally believe that Notre Dame will bring home a championship before a soul-crushing loss to an unranked team.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some of the NatNews staff and dear readers recently celebrated the upcoming birthday of beloved dear reader Alexis Derrow

Upcoming
Events

Monday, August 25: Speed Dating & Singles Mixer (ages 26–36) at At Fault
Tuesday, August 26: Free Rooftop Movie — White Chicks at Sundown at Granada; Game of Thrones Trivia at Legacy Hall
Wednesday, August 27: Rangers vs. Angels at Globe Life Field; Dallas Wings vs. Connecticut Sun at College Park Center
Thursday, August 28: Frisco RoughRiders vs. San Antonio Missions at Riders Field
Friday, August 29: Candlelight — A Tribute to Adele at Edison’s; Riverfront Jazz Festival at Fair Park (goes through Sunday); Labor Day Weekend at Community Beer Co.
Saturday, August 30: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; SMU vs. East Texas A&M (home opener) at Gerald Ford Stadium; Kali Uchis at the American Airlines Center; ABBA Tribute — Super Trouper at Legacy Hall
Sunday, August 31: Adoptable Puppy Yoga at Satya Yoga

NatNews: Issue 180

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:59:25 +0100