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NatNews: Issue 135

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 12:16:27 +0100

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October 14, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 135

DON'T LET YOUR PHONE HURT YOU

According to recent research findings, on average, an individual spends approximately 4.5 hours on his or her phone each day—and that is not including time spent talking on the phone. As a result, many people have developed what is known as “phone hand” (also called “text claw” or “texting thumb”), which is a pain in the hand or thumb associated with holding a smartphone for an extended amount of time.

Dallas resident and physical therapist Elise Waller said this particular issue phone users are experiencing results from inflammation of the tendons in the thumb or in the hand from being in extended postures or moving through patterns continuously throughout the day and not taking breaks from those patterns or postures.

“It’s texting over and over and over again throughout the day; it’s holding your phone with one hand,” she said. “It’s similar to how you get tendonitis from golfing or playing tennis. It’s these repetitive motions that we do day in and day out, and we don’t necessarily take breaks from them, particularly when it’s due to phone use with the thumb and the wrist and the hand.”

Waller said the pain could also be a result of not having adequate strength in the hand and thumb, though she does not believe that’s the main culprit of phone hand/texting thumb.

“Really, the root cause is that we are sitting on our phones for too long in the same posture with our pinkies underneath the charger port or with one thumb moving from the A button to the P button on the keyboard,” she said, “and we have to reach and kind of move quickly, and we’re doing it over and over and over again without switching hands, without using both hands, and without taking breaks.”

According to a recent study conducted by NatNews, of the individuals who participated, 62 percent have experienced phone hand, 16 percent have remained pain-free, and 22 percent indicated that they had no idea what this condition is. Dallas resident Damon Yousefy said he has experienced pain in his hand from using his phone with only one hand, and he added that it doesn’t help that there is a little added challenge to his device.

“I use a battery case on my phone to extend battery life, but this adds weight and results in my fingers and thumb getting sore when I’m trying to read documents on my phone,” he said.

Some people, like Yousefy, have found ways to try to combat the issue when it arises

“I will alternate which hand is holding the phone or use both hands,” he said. “My case does not have a kickstand, but I need the added battery life due to significant work travel, and I don’t want to take off the case in other situations because it does a great job of protecting my phone.”

For those who do suffer from pain or soreness, Waller said it’s important to figure out what the aggravating factors are to determine how to treat phone hand/texting thumb. She said much of the time, she works with her patients to start loading and strengthening the tendons and the muscles attached to those tendons.

“The biggest thing is activity modification and talking about how long you are using your phone and if you are using it with just one hand,” she said. “If so, can you use both hands? Can you try to use different fingers to type instead of using your thumb to type? Can you get to a tablet or a computer? I know that’s not the answer people want to hear, but if you have texting thumb or phone hand, our answer is going to be stop using your phone so much, use a computer if you have to, and take more breaks from these postures where you’re statically holding your thumb or pinky or wrist in one position over and over again.”

Waller also said that prevention methods are similar to treatment methods—it’s helpful for individuals to use computers and tablets when they can, alternate which hand they use, use both hands when texting and holding their phones, and try to limit the amount of time they spend on their phones. Yousefy said he has been making concerted efforts to ensure that hand pain from phone use does not become a long-term concern.

“I do some hand exercises at the gym, which have helped,” he said. “I have also tried reducing my screen time by using things like voice-to-text with my AirPods in. Whether it’s reading work emails or reading the news on my phone, I have to be more mindful of hand pain these days as I get older.”

Just like it’s important to take short breaks at least every 30 minutes or so when working at a desk or in front of a computer, Waller said it’s essential for phone users to set their phones down in order to avoid additional body breakdown.

“I want to make it super clear that no one posture is inherently bad for the hand, the hips, the back, or anything like that, but it’s these postures that we hold for not just 5 minutes but for 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes throughout the day,” she said. “That is what’s causing this repetitive what you might call microtrauma or inflammation to the area of the thumb or the wrist that is creating pain for us. When we stay in one posture without taking breaks, we start to get tendon wear and muscular wear, similar to what we’re seeing with texting thumb and phone hand.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Each year, Americans spend more than $550 million on Oreos—they were the best-selling cookies of the 20th century.

CAN YOU EVER DECK TOO MANY HALLS?

Some people choose to go big on holidays, especially when it comes to decorations. Americans spend approximately $3.9 billion on Halloween decorations and roughly $7.8 billion on Christmas lights and decor each year. And let’s not forget holidays such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving, which can all also be prime opportunities for decoration enthusiasts.

For many individuals, including Dallas-area resident Robyn Allen, putting the holidays on display is about more than merely offering appealing aesthetics.

“I love to decorate because it’s a way for me to connect to holiday memories from years past,” she said. “My mother also imprinted the idea of decorating on me from a young age. It was a time to change up the monotony of the house interior and exterior and to continue annual traditions.”

Allen has been known to create festive fall spooktacular scenery for her home, but she said she equally enjoys decorating for Halloween and Christmas—and she certainly appreciates the ability to embrace superfluity.

“I am not a minimalist naturally, and it’s a struggle to control my love for excess,” she said. “But Halloween and Christmas allow me to freely decorate with no limitation. Being exorbitant in the decor for these holidays is socially acceptable and brings joy to others immersed in the creativity. It’s my time to shine.”

Not everyone holds Allen’s same level of enthusiasm for decking all of the halls. Dallas-area resident Valerie Vela said there were many years when she didn’t care to decorate for the holidays because doing so seemed like a great deal of work that wasn’t necessary. That changed a little more than four years ago, though.

“When the pandemic hit in 2020, I realized how much I was looking forward to seeing decorations,” she said. “It was a way to bring joy to myself and others. Now I decorate for fall, Christmas, and sometimes Valentine’s Day because it’s fun. It makes me smile, and I hope it does the same for others.”

According to several psychologists, Christmas decorations can increase levels of dopamine, the feel-good hormone. The colors and lights act as a form of color therapy, sparking happiness and energy. Vela helps contribute to creating that joy for others.

“I love decorating for fall/October with pumpkins and a door wreath, but I think my favorite holiday is probably Christmas,” she said. “I don’t go overboard, but I love the lights and shiny, glittery decor.”

The sparkles and glistening garland aren’t for everyone, though. Eric Napple, former Dallas resident who recently moved to the Midwest, isn’t too keen on the idea of holidays being front and center everywhere you turn.

“My decorations are limited to only Christmas and are typically just outside lights on the house,” he said. “I’m not much for interior decorations, as it is just me in the house, and I typically spend most of the Christmas holidays at my parents’ house. They fully decorate!”

And while Napple isn’t completely anti-decorations, he doesn’t appreciate when people don’t respect the timelines of when certain holiday extravagances should be on display.

“My biggest beef with holiday decorations is that people do them way too early, and then for some reason, they keep Christmas decorations up for months,” he said. “I think they are seasonal holidays for a reason and should have term limits to them. If you go for a walk, you’ll see random Christmas lights still up into the first few months of the year. The only full-year holiday I support is the Fourth of July, sporting the American flag 24/7, 365.”

It’s not uncommon to see homes with Christmas lights synced to holiday music, and some homes even have Halloween lights synced to songs, as well. There are life-sized (or taller) yard characters and items, inflatables, re-creations of well-known settings, and a variety of other eye-catching displays. Though Vela appreciates holiday decorations, she said she does believe that they can become excessive at times.

“I know someone who has a storage unit just for her Christmas decorations,” she said. “That’s a bit much, in my opinion, since I’m all about simplicity. I decorate just enough to bring in the magic of the season and then take it all down when the season is over.”

It has not been confirmed as to whether or not Allen also has a holiday decorations storage unit, but if she doesn’t, it’s quite possibly an aspiration for her to achieve one day.

“I will never be a believer that there is too much decor,” she said. “I love the stimulation from it.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff loves and appreciates its dear readers so very much

Upcoming
Events

Monday, October 14: Acro in the Air at Harwood Park
Tuesday, October 15: Free Rooftop Movie — Beetlejuice at Sundown at Granada; Stars vs. Sharks at the American Airlines Center
Wednesday, October 16: Dallasites101 October Speed Dating & Singles Mixer at Over Under Sports Bar
Thursday, October 17: 29th Annual Family Compass Golf Classic at Cowboys Golf Club; Taste of the Trolley at the Fashion Industry Gallery; Trick or Treatment at The Spa at The Crescent; P!nk Tribute — Just Like P!nk at Legacy Hall
Friday, October 18: Adult Night — Zombie Invasion at LEGOLAND Discovery Center; Movies on the Lawn — Haunted Mansion at AT&T Discovery District
Saturday, October 19: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; DFW Fall Fest at Frisco Fresh Market; Fall Fest at The Star; Halloween Costume Goat Yoga at Addison Circle; FC Dallas vs. Sporting Kansas City at Toyota Stadium
Sunday, October 20: Meet Me at the Museum Brunch at the Dallas Museum of Art; Pizza Making at Poco Fiasco; Battle of the Boybands Brunch at Legacy Hall

NatNews: Issue 134

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:17:51 +0100

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October 7, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 134

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: A SURVIVOR'S STORY

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an international campaign that aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease that affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women (after skin cancer)—approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. While more often found in women, this disease can also impact men, with approximately 1 in 726 American men developing breast cancer in his lifetime.

It is estimated that roughly 310,720 women and 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2024. There is certainly hope, though. As a result of better screening and early detection efforts, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options, breast cancer death rates have decreased by 43 percent over the last 35 years.

There are approximately 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., including women receiving breast cancer treatment. Hannah Chapman, who lives in Orange County in Southern California, is one of those survivors. She was initially diagnosed on April 14, 2022, but said she did not have much of a reaction when she received the news.

“It didn’t really sink in until quite a bit later,” she said.

Chapman’s breast cancer was detected early, and she said because she was in Stage 1, she knew that her chances of survival were rather high. That doesn’t mean that her journey was simple, though. When an individual is diagnosed with breast cancer, there are often difficult decisions that person must make and feelings to manage. For Chapman, however, it wasn’t always her own reactions that proved to be challenging.

“The most difficult aspects were other people’s emotions and other people’s opinions of how I should treat it,” she said. “But I stayed strong and determined because there wasn’t really an alternative.”

In November 2023, Chapman was able to “ring the bell,” a tradition that most cancer centers have to mark the end of treatment for a patient. Even though she had finished chemotherapy and radiation, Chapman said she had some mixed emotions.

“I was excited, but I also felt weirdly empty since it had taken up so much time and brain space,” she said.

Throughout her treatment, Chapman continued to live with an adventurous spirit and pursued her passions, completing classes to earn her administration credential. After teaching for 11 years, she is now in her first year as an assistant principal. For those who are going through breast cancer, recently diagnosed, or in the recovery stage, Chapman has some advice from her own experience.

“Focus on what you can control, block out the noise, and make sure you’re comfortable with all of the decisions being made,” she said.

For more information and resources regarding breast cancer, you can visit the American Cancer Society website.

DID YOU KNOW?

Because it is a product of the seed-bearing structure of flowering plants, a pumpkin is actually a fruit. When cooking, it’s suggested to use small sugar pumpkins, as they typically taste better than larger pumpkins.

SECOND CHANCE OR NO DANCE?

Bad first dates happen, and sometimes it’s difficult for individuals to tell if they were the result of nervousness and jitters or actual incompatibility. It’s not uncommon for a person to be quieter or more awkward than normal during a first date, and sometimes he or she simply needs to warm up to the other person and get that first bit of anxiety out of the way.

It can be confusing, though, as to whether or not someone who went on a bad first date should give that other person a second chance. Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen said he usually goes on a second date with a woman after a first date that wasn’t the most enjoyable outing, though it depends on how he feels several days after that initial date occurred.

“If the follow-up conversations and flirting don’t push the needle in a positive direction, then I’ve got to say ‘no’ to a second date,” he said. “In my most recent example, my ‘unsure’ was closer to a ‘no’ from the beginning, so it didn’t take me long to confirm that.”

Dallas resident Virginia Altick said she is also willing to give someone another shot after a first date that doesn’t leave her swooning, but like Borkenhagen, she knows when it is time to walk away from the possibility of any feelings changing.

“If I am on a first date with a man, it is because I found him interesting, and I hope to learn more to continue that interest,” Altick said. “So, if I am not sure after a first date, then I would agree to go on a second date. But if I am sure that I’m not feeling it after the first or second date, then I won’t encourage or accept another. I want to be kind, and sometimes that means not moving forward.”

One survey discovered that it only takes about 19 minutes for an individual to know whether or not he or she hopes to go on a second date with a person. For Dallas resident Alexis Derrow, her decision on going on another date is contingent upon why she may not be feeling strongly drawn to a man.

“If he was ill-mannered or vulgar, then no second chances,” she said. “If I just didn’t feel chemistry but liked his personality, then yes, I will go on a second date hoping some sparks will develop.”

As mentioned, people can act differently when they are nervous and meeting a potential companion in a setting in which both of them know that they are essentially judging one another to see if they are a compatible match. Altick expects this, which is one reason she is willing to have a bit more grace.

“I think nerves are inevitable on a first date, and they could affect me or the guy I’m going out with, especially if we are meeting in person for the first time,” she said. “As long as there was some sort of connection worth pursuing, I would agree to a second date, and if needed, I would suggest a different environment that is more comfortable.”

Even when nerves might be a contributing factor, though, no one is required to go on a second date or have the desire to get to know another person better, as Borkenhagen pointed out.

“I think sometimes we go on that second date because we acknowledge those things, even though we know deep down that we aren’t interested,” he said. “Sometimes it’s better to cut it off ‘ASAP as possible’ (Michael Scott quote).”

And Borkenhagen often recognizes those deep-down feelings because he knows what he’s seeking in a companion.

“Besides physical attraction and shared values and faith, both of which can be pretty quickly determined, I’m really looking for depth and flow of conversation,” he said. “Do they make me laugh or think deeply? Do they spur the conversation forward, or am I working too hard to keep it moving?”

Similarly, many individuals often have certain qualities (e.g., common interests, communication, etc.) they look for when dating. For Altick, the two most important components are trust and connection.

“First, can I trust this man to make kind decisions for himself and others?” she said. “If there are red flags on the first date (for example, overdrinking), then it’s a no. Next, is this connection lending itself to more than friendship? If two yeses, then I would continue to flirt with him to indicate my interest, but if one yes and one no, then I hope to have made a friend.”

Derrow, on the other hand, said there is not just one thing she focuses on when she is on a date. While she has qualities she desires in a man, she knows that she might not determine if he has them after going out with him once.

“I think you can determine the hard nos on a first date, but the yeses might take some time to discover,” she said. “It’s hard to tell if someone is a Reagan-republican-feminist church-attending Catholic who appreciates the absurdities of life and has a good relationship with his parents, siblings, and kids (if any). Those are a lot of things to work into a single conversation.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff, some dear readers, and a nice couple at the table next to us received free sunglasses and enjoyed college football together Saturday afternoon

Upcoming
Events

Monday, October 7: Mavs vs. Grizzlies (preseason game) at the American Airlines Center; The Fray at the Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Tuesday, October 8: Dallasites101 Annual Pumpkin Painting at River Pig Saloon (also on Wednesday)
Wednesday, October 9: Charli XCX and Troye Sivan at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, October 10: Party in the Park at Klyde Warren Park
Friday, October 11: New Found Glory at House of Blues Dallas
Saturday, October 12: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Red River Rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium; Red River Rivalry Viewing Party at Happiest Hour; Red River Rivalry Watch Party at Legacy Hall; DanceAfrica Festival and Marketplace at Klyde Warren Park
Sunday, October 13: Cowboys vs. Lions at AT&T Stadium; Stars vs. Kraken at the American Airlines Center

NatNews: Issue 133

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:14:59 +0100

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September 30, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 133

ENERGY DRINKS AS SOURCES OF FUEL FOR THE DAY

While coffee still remains the top pick-me-up option for approximately 75 percent of adults in the U.S., energy drinks have continued to grow in popularity as a way of providing a boost to help give some extra zest throughout the day.

Mithra Cama, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, said she drinks an energy beverage every morning to help provide a little extra pep in her step.

“I’m generally a pretty tired person, so I really like that energy drinks are able to help with that drowsy feeling I would otherwise have throughout the day,” she said. “I think when I drink an energy drink, I’m able to take on more work, and my ability to focus improves. The taste is usually not a huge determining factor for me; a lot of energy drinks can be a little too sweet, but I don’t really pay much attention. One negative effect is sometimes I have definitely noticed them making me feel pretty anxious, which can be hard for me to control.”

Anxiety from an energy drink is not uncommon, as it’s one of the many significant side effects individuals can experience. Like Cama, Dallas-area resident Cisco Lopez consumes energy drinks regularly, estimating that he drinks one roughly four or five times per week.

“I do have them often, especially drinks like Celsius and those with similar ingredient content,” he said. “I like these types primarily because they don’t have a heavy caffeine content and because of the added minerals and vitamins.”

In addition to Celsius, those who prefer energy drinks have plenty of options, including Red Bull, Alani Nu, C4, Sparkling Ice Energy, and Gatorade Fast Twitch, among others. Lopez has found one that he believes is superior, though.

“I’ve recently moved on to another energy drink called UPTIME,” he said. “I think it’s better than [many of the others] because it contains L-theanine.”

L-theanine is an amino acid that can help relieve stress, stimulate the brain, and improve mood. While not all energy drinks contain this amino acid, many have additional beneficial ingredients, such as B vitamins, taurine, guarana, ginseng, and green tea extract. Dallas resident and registered dietitian Lyndsey Kohn said she doesn’t necessarily consume energy drinks on a regular basis but does so on occasion.

“During those busy seasons or days when I have to rally for something, I have relied on an energy drink or two,” she said. “When I have early morning travel days for work, am moving, or am attending big celebrations like birthdays or engagement parties, I have leaned on a Celsius or a Red Bull to power up, so to speak.”

While energy drinks can certainly provide a temporary jolt and improve focus for a time period, in addition to anxiety, they can also result in other side effects, including depression, headaches, nausea, rapid heart rate, stroke, and tooth decay. Kohn said she isn’t a fan of the negative impacts these beverages can have on a person.

“Essentially, it’s ‘fake’ alertness that your body will pay for later on,” she said. “The jitteriness, anxiety, insomnia, and dehydration effects are not worth it to me at the end of the day. Most of the common energy drinks like Celsius and Red Bull have 200 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to two cups of coffee alone. If I’m not mistaken, the USDA or FDA recommends the upper limit as 400 milligrams for adults, and even then, that’s the limit our government places and recommends for adults.”

From both a personal and professional standpoint, Kohn said she strongly advises individuals to be mindful of how certain foods and drinks make their bodies feel.

“If you are someone who is relying on energy drinks regularly to get through the day, it might be good to do a gut check on your circadian rhythms and sleep patterns,” she said.

Kids and adolescents, women who are pregnant, those with pre-existing conditions (e.g., heart disease and kidney disease), and anyone who takes medications regularly for health conditions are advised to avoid consuming energy drinks because of the risks they pose. The National Institutes of Health also cautions even healthy individuals when using such a beverage as a source of energy.

Regardless, energy drinks still remain a go-to option for many people, especially teenagers and young adults. In the U.S., approximately 30 percent of individuals ages 13 to 35 consume energy drinks on a consistent basis. Cama said she believes that the appeal remains because of how effective they are and the convenience they offer in helping a person feel energized.

“A cup of coffee can be time-consuming to make and expensive to buy, but grabbing an energy drink on my way out the door is no hassle,” she said. “They also work so well to help focus, which is why I think they are particularly popular for students.”

The average cup of regular coffee in the U.S. is just more than $3, with fancier options and cold brews averaging upward of $5 (numbers are obviously contingent upon coffee size, location, etc.), while the average cost of an energy drink is between $2 and $4. In addition to the previously mentioned appeals of energy boosts, Kohn said she thinks it also doesn’t help that there are certain expectations projected onto people by society.

“We live in a fairly demanding world that requires—or, I’d say, demands—our attention to always be ‘on.’” Energy drinks are another option to help keep up with that demand and a potential tool to help push through hard seasons (like marathon training or balancing multiple jobs) or simply providing the energy to work out after a long day at work.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Apples are 25 percent air by volume and are less dense than water, which is why they float and are ideal for bobbing.

ARE YOU FAIR-LY EXCITED FOR THIS ANNUAL TRADITION?

The State Fair of Texas kicked off last Friday and is open daily until Sunday, October 20, allowing for plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors alike to make their way to Big Tex’s stomping grounds.

Last year, over the course of the fair’s 24 days, there were more than 2.3 million attendees, which was a decrease from 2022’s record-setting 2.5 million individuals. For Dallas-area resident Carolyn Macduff Levanway, this year’s fair outing holds some significance and a bit of nostalgia.

“My mom wanted to go as a birthday gift, so my family is going for the first time together since my brother and I were little,” she said.

Dallas resident Emily Paul said she has gone to the fair with friends the past few years and will also be one of its many attendees this year.

“It’s a fun way to transition from summer into the fall,” she said. “If the State Fair were open year-round, I’d be less inclined to go, but there’s something about it only being around a few weeks that makes it more appealing and exciting.”

Paul admits that there are certainly downsides to attending the fair, including sometimes scorching-hot temperatures, overly crowded days, and parking and traffic inconveniences, though she said those are all simply part of the experience. Overall, she truly enjoys what the fair offers.

“I love being able to be outside and walk around, especially if you can catch some crispy weather,” she said. “I enjoy getting to try new foods, see the animals, and just feel like a kid again. It’s the closest I get to an amusement park and feels nostalgic. On a hot day, it’s fun to take an afternoon break in the cool A/C looking at all of the cars.”

Not everyone is as enthusiastic as Paul. Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard said he hasn’t been to the State Fair in a few years, but he plans to go this year to take some friends who have never experienced the annual event. There aren’t too many aspects of the fair that actually appeal to Odegard, though.

“I don’t ride the rides, play the games, or care about the auto or livestock shows, so I really only go to hang out with friends,” he said.

Macduff Levanway, on the other hand, said the car show is one fair attraction to which she looks forward each year. She could do without the massive crowds, though.

“I love being around people, but I feel like the fair gets too busy, and the lines get really long,” she said.

But there is one attraction that many fairgoers tend to claim is what excites them most: the unique food options. Macduff Levanway said the fair is the one place where she can get a really well-done Fletcher’s corn dog, though she also plans to try some of the new foods available this year.

“I take $20 every year and use that to try as much of the new food as I can,” she said. “$20 only gets me about two items, but it helps me really think about the foods I actually want to try. This year, I’m getting the Churro Crumble Cheesecake and the dumplings—something sweet and something savory.”

While Odegard may not be looking forward to many of the activities the fair offers, he is mostly on the same page as Macduff Levanway when it comes to enjoying the food at the fair, though he said that’s mainly only because he really loves food.

“I looked at the list of new foods for 2024—which is overwhelming—but there wasn’t anything that stood out as an ‘I’ve got to try that’ food,” he said. “The food at the fair is also so overpriced, so I usually won’t try more than two or three things. If I had to pick a few to try this year, it would be the Hot Cheetos Korean Corn Dog, Island Rumble, and Tajin Twist Sundae.”

Paul said fair food is a “solid 80 percent” of why she goes to the fair each year, so she certainly intends to try some of the new items offered.

“We usually get the map with photos when we get there to see what sounds good,” she said. “I do have my eye on the Hot Chick-in-Pancake Poppers this year—chicken, pimento cheese, and pancake batter sound like a perfect sweet-and-savory combo. And though it’s not a new food, I’ll also keep my out for the Fried Pickle Pizza.”

Additional information regarding the food, tickets, and planning your visit can be found on the State Fair of Texas website.

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Congrats to dear readers Anil Devegowda and Rob Buwalda for rollerblading a marathon the day before running one

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 30: Johnny Marr and James at the Majestic Theatre
Tuesday, October 1: 2024 Civil Discourse Series — The Electoral College at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
Wednesday, October 2: The Life and Music of George Michael at the Majestic Theatre
Thursday, October 3: Usher at the American Airlines Center (also on Friday and Saturday); Candlelight Jazz — The Best of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole at Edison’s
Friday, October 4: Oktoberfest at Harwood Arms; Taylor’s Version — A Taylor Swift Party at Sundown at Granada; Britney Spears Tribute — Toxic at Legacy Hall
Saturday, October 5: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Hike, Yoga, and Mindfulness at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve; Frisco Oktoberfest at The Star; Oktoberfest Dallas at Flag Pole Hill
Sunday, October 6: DMA First Free Sundays — Access for All at the Dallas Museum of Art; Cowboys vs. Steelers Watch Party at Legacy Hall

NatNews: Issue 132

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 12:55:52 +0100

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September 23, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 132

WORKING ON PHYSICAL HEALTH CAN ALSO BOOST MENTAL HEALTH

Fall is technically here in the U.S., and cooler weather may or may not be in store for many people throughout the nation. As temperatures begin to drop and the days see less sunshine, moods and emotions can be significantly affected.

One way to help combat this, though, is to keep a consistent workout routine. Dallas resident Natalie Kruczek, who is a cycling and HIIT coach at Fit Social Club, said exercise has a variety of positive impacts on an individual’s mind and body.

“In my own personal experience, I feel better in almost every way when I live a more active lifestyle and get a sweat in,” she said. “My mind is clearer, my attitude is better, I feel more confident, and I sleep more soundly, to name a few. For others I interact with (friends, clients we coach at FSC), I notice more upbeat attitudes and motivation.”

One of those clients who is a regular at FSC is Dallas resident Doug Mitchell, who enjoys exercising in the morning and notices how it helps him before the busyness of work or weekend activities get underway.

“I start the day with an energy boost and a sense of accomplishment—I think that boosts my mood,” he said.

Physical activity releases certain chemicals, such as endorphins, in one’s body that allow a person to feel happier and less-stressed. Working out can lead to additional psychological benefits, including increased self-confidence, better sleep, and increased brainpower.

“Moving your body certainly impacts your mental health,” Kruczek said. “I’m not an exercise scientist, but I can speak from personal experience and say confidently that on days or periods when I do not get a workout in or move much, my mind feels more sluggish, and I lack motivation.”

Mitchell said he has also noticed the impacts exercise has not only on his outer strength but also his mindset and overall attitude.

“I think there is a great mental boost that comes from prioritizing yourself and your physical well-being,” he said.

And that focus on taking care of oneself includes rest, which Mitchell said is as important as exercise. He has grown accustomed to his off day each week, but if another day becomes an unexpected off day, he certainly notices a difference.

“I almost always take Sundays off,” he said. “When I don’t make it to the gym or get in some sort of physical activity on a normal ‘gym day’—usually due to an early work schedule—I do feel a little sluggish.”

Similarly, Kruczek said she tends to be more motivated and not as stressed when she is consistent and sticks to her workouts, but she feels a little off on days when she isn’t able to do so.

“Life happens, and everyone has those days or periods when they’re unable to get a workout in or don’t feel like it, and I certainly have been there, too,” she said. “What I notice the most is my sleep and anxiety levels. I definitely don’t feel as well-rested in the morning if I am not moving my body as much during the day. I love the feeling of going to sleep tired from a great day or working hard and waking up well-rested and ready to do it again!”

DID YOU KNOW?

The fastest wind in the solar system is on Neptune, where wind can reach speeds of more than 1,200 miles per hour, as there are no mountains, valleys, or continental boundaries to slow it down.

DOES THE PET YOU HAVE SAY ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY?

It’s not uncommon for individuals to categorize others and themselves based on certain classifications and then place labels on them. There’s one label that, in some people’s views, is quite important: cat person or dog person.

Paige Ryder Celuch, a former Dallas resident who recently moved to Ohio, has a dog named Ducky (a recently retired model/actor for Chewy) and said she 100 percent prefers dogs over cats.

“I feel like dogs have more personality, and you are able to be more active with them,” she said. “Cats do not require walking or being outside most of the time, which is a huge deal-breaker because I love spending time outside with my dog.”

But some people, like Dallas resident Darlene Estrada, have unexpectedly developed an affinity for both animals.

“I started off as a cat person, but then I became a step-mom to our dog—or, as I like to say, the mom who stepped up,” she said. “Cats are just so low-maintenance; they practically run their own lives. But dogs? They really need you. Daisy, our dog, gets us out of the house every day, so she’s doubling as our personal trainer and mood booster.”

Estrada said it’s more about how much time and energy a person is willing to invest rather than being specifically a cat person or dog person.

“Each pet has its own personality and needs—and they both give back in their own unique ways,” she said. “Now, if you’re asking whether I prefer one of my own pets over the other, the answer is yes. You know how Abby Lee Miller has a pyramid of top students on Dance Moms? Well, I’m Abby Lee Miller, and the pets’ rankings are always changing, depending on how well-behaved they’ve been. Mostly, they’re competing for who’s been the least badly behaved.”

Dallas resident Carolyn Fan said she has no preference when it comes to dogs and cats. In fact, she thinks people shouldn’t favor one over the other.

“Both animals can get a bad reputation just by over-generalizations,” she said. “I love both dogs and cats. They each have their own personalities. People love their pets to the point of considering them as children, and I agree. I think it matters what stage of life and what you need from an animal. It’s a symbiotic relationship.”

Fan is an emergency room physician in her residency and has a rather unpredictable schedule, so she said she currently doesn’t have the time and consistency to take care of a dog.

“I love dogs, but at this point in my life, a cat just makes more sense,” she said. “She’s easy to care for and doesn’t need any routine. She’s independent enough to survive on her own for 20+ hours but just emotionally needy and cuddly enough to want to sit next to me while I eat or sit in my lap anytime I’m lying down.”

Does being more inclined toward dogs or cats say anything about a person’s personality? Past studies have offered analyses suggesting that dog owners are typically more outgoing and enthusiastic (like dogs), while cat owners are often more introverted and neurotic (similar to cats). Ryder Celuch has noticed similar tendencies in people with these pets.

“I find dog owners tend to be more extroverted and enjoy the company of others, whereas cat owners tend to be homebodies and enjoy quiet time more,” she said.

Estrada said she also thinks whether or not people like cats or dogs (or both) can reveal more about them.

“Cats are a really good lesson in consent,” she said. “When someone says they don’t like cats, it’s often because they’re not used to a pet that can set their own boundaries. Cats offer affection on their own terms and, when needed, give a sharp reminder that personal space is a right. Dog people might call them moody, but cat lovers know they’re just fiercely independent. Whether you’re drawn to a dog’s boundless energy or a cat’s quiet mystery, it really reflects what you value—and some of us are lucky enough to appreciate both.”

Fan, however, doesn’t think that what type of pet a person has is indicative of certain character traits that individual might have.

“It’s an absolutist cognitive way of thinking to consider yourself a dog or a cat person,” she said. “I think a lot of people are both. It’s OK to have preferences. I like both supposed dog and cat people. I can see how people ‘resemble’ or imprint their personalities onto their pets, but I’ve met people who have dogs and are complete homebodies, and I’ve met cat owners who are very extroverted. I don’t really think the stereotype is true.”

Of course, there are also people who don’t like either dogs or cats or perhaps don’t like animals at all. And there are those who like all animals and already to or would love to have other pets that are not dogs or cats. Ryder Celuch, however, is not one of those people.

“I would not consider getting any other animal, but I would love more dogs,” she said.

In contrast, Fan said she would have a farm with fainting goats, chickens, alpacas, and bees.

“Goats are super entertaining and interactive,” she said. “Plus, you don’t have to mow your lawn. Chickens provide a great source of nutrition and are easy to care for. And I probably just got strangely obsessed with alpacas after going to Peru. The bees are just to help the bee population and pollination of plants and crops for human need. But for now, I’m just a big cat and dog person—without a dog right now, though.”

And while Estrada said she and her husband, Erasmo, are currently at max pet capacity with the four they already have and likely will not be adding any others anytime soon, there is one animal she finds rather fascinating.

“I have known a couple of families who kept giant tortoises, and I think that would be pretty sweet,” she said. “They live to be more than 100 years old, so it’s like a multigenerational family pet. Plus, you can give them lettuce and watch them get the tortoise zoomies.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Lemmon Estrada went Mike Tyson on Ghost

Upcoming
Events

Tuesday, September 24: Free Rooftop Movie — How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days at Sundown at Granada; Virtual Real Estate Panel — The Home-Buying Process, from A to Z
Wednesday, September 25: Sinatra under the Stars at The Artisan; Cirque du Soleil begins at Music Hall at Fair Park; Sunset Sail at White Rock Lake
Thursday, September 26: Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants Watch Party at Legacy Hall; 8th Annual Uptown Block Party on Cityplace West Blvd.; Reese’s Book Club Gathering at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Friday, September 27: State Fair of Texas opens at Fair Park
Saturday, September 28: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Neon Night at The Sandy Pickle; Oktoberfest at Community Beer Co.
Sunday, September 29: Downtown Dallas Fall Festival at Pegasus Plaza; Meet Me at the Museum Brunch at the Dallas Museum of Art

NatNews: Issue 131

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:10:46 +0100

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

September 16, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 131

MORE THAN A NUMBERS GAME

Numbers surround us in so many areas of our lives, including when it comes to diet and exercise. Some people count calories consumed and burned, miles run and at what pace, minutes spent in the gym, weight lifted and reps done, milligrams of caffeine, amount of sugar in a drink or meal, and a number of other numbered concerns.

In terms of nutrition, Dallas-area resident JT Gordon said he pays close attention to calorie and sugar intake as well as weight.

“I have a scale in my living room just before the kitchen,” he said. “I’m trying to be at a caloric deficit.”

Not everyone prefers to monitor such numbers, though. Arin Mearig, who lives in the Phoenix area, said she is not too concerned with the figures involved in her day-to-day nutrition habits.

“I’ll sometimes look at calories, and I’ll usually look at sugars, but most of the time, I’m just checking the ingredients, not the numbers,” she said. “And I rarely check my weight.”

Dallas-area resident Rachel Balthrop Mendoza puts in a significant amount of miles on her feet running in various areas throughout the metroplex, but like Mearig, she said dietary numbers are not top of mind for her.

“I am the poorest example of a nutritionist there could be,” she said. “Please do not go by my example. I run so that I can eat mostly what I want (within portion limits), and my diet varies wildly on any given day. I do not take into account any of those things and know and understand I eat way too much sugar and processed foods. I balance where I can and when I think about it, but I am generally not a model for proper eating habits.”

When it comes to working out, though, Balthrop Mendoza said it’s a different story. As a long-distance runner who stays more competitive with herself than with others (though don’t think she won’t pick off people in front of her one by one during a race), she is mindful of her mileage and pace.

“Depending on the time of year (I have only done a few races during the summer months because Texas), I may either be maintaining my long-distance base or training for either a strong half or full marathon,” she said. “A training program worth its salt will have some components of time, mileage, and pacing built in, so if that’s where I am in a cycle, I will follow it. But I admit that I need programs that are fluid and flexible. I don’t care for rigidity in plans because life happens, and you need to be able to adapt. Don’t skip—adapt.”

However, Balthrop Mendoza said other health stats are generally not as important to her, so she doesn’t monitor aspects such as heart rate as much.

“I’ve been running long enough to know what my zones are and where I should generally stay on different types of runs,” she said. “And since it’s hard for a wrist-based watch to get an accurate reading, I don’t put too much stock in what it’s telling me my heart rate is or what my calories burned are. If I cared that much, I’d go buy a chest strap. And I just don’t care that much.”

For Gordon, paying attention to running stats is essential, as doing so helps him gauge his health and how close he is to his running goals—and he has a certain race approaching that he is vying to win.

“Numbers are important if you have a specific goal,” he said. “They are very important if you’re going for a third mile championship like me. I think it comes down to what you’re willing to do to reach your goals. The numbers help you be more precise.”

Such stats are not as crucial to Mearig, who said she mainly pays attention to calories burned and not much more when working out. In general, whether in regard to nutrition or exercise, she said there should be a balance when it comes to numbers, as they can be more necessary in certain situations than in others.

“I think if people are too focused on numbers, especially on a scale, they’ll get discouraged when it’s not the number they want, even though it could just be a bad representation—maybe the number on the scale didn’t change, but people also could be losing fat and gaining muscle, which is good,” she said. “If you do want to lose weight, you have to be in a caloric deficit, meaning you can’t eat more than you’re burning and lose weight. So, depending on someone’s goals, they might need to look at numbers. But counting calories religiously can be detrimental if someone struggles with self-image, body weight, etc.”

For this reason and more, Mearig believes that when it comes to nutrition, looking at ingredients is healthier, as is looking at portion size to make sure that one is not overeating. She said she also thinks when it comes to exercise, doing at least something is better than doing nothing.

“Lately with life being busy, I’ve just gone on 20-minute walks each day, and that’s good for now,” she said. “Ideally, I would like to work out longer, but I don’t put a time on it. I just move my body as much as I can. So, overall, I think numbers are helpful to see some data, but in my opinion, they shouldn’t be the main focus when it comes to diet and exercise.”

Similar to Mearig, Balthrop Mendoza also believes that numbers can be helpful to monitor sometimes, but it is contingent upon each person and his or her personal goals and circumstances.

“In general, I think it just depends on where you are in your fitness and nutrition journey as to how important numbers should/would be to you,” she said. “Whether you’re looking to lose weight, get faster, get stronger, or otherwise improve, I think it would be difficult to see progress without monitoring some kind of numbers.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Beavers can stay underwater anywhere from 6 to 8 minutes and can swim up to 6 miles per hour.

AIM CAN'T COME TO THE PHONE RIGHT NOW. WHY? OH, 'CUZ IT'S DEAD.

While Facebook first began in 2004, and Instagram made its way into our lives in 2010, there were other former ways people socialized with one another behind screens.

AOL Instant Messenger and Myspace have entered the chat.

AOL Instant Messenger (more commonly known as AIM) was originally released in 1997 and became an integral means of communication, especially for many teenagers and college students. While this might be a difficult reality to fathom, these were days when texting wasn’t the go-to option. Rather, you logged into a computer—often using dial-up internet—and sent messages back and forth with friends and crushes and hoped that no one called your home phone and kicked you offline. You were even able to create your own unique screen name, such as dAyDrEaMeR04 or weezergurl88 or bballerj0sh, that generally told people something about yourself.

Dallas resident Jenny Schultz said she used AIM toward the end of her time in high school and enjoyed that it allowed her to talk to her friends without having to call them and that she could chat with multiple people at once. Like with many internet-based forums, though, there were certain concerns.

“It was after group calling but before texting was as easy as it is now,” she said. “I did not like how random men would pop up with inappropriate things almost all the time, though. I am OK with it not being around for this reason. If we had not covered anatomy in school, I would have had a full education on the male reproductive system, if you catch my drift. Just creepy stuff.”

Myspace, on the other hand, was released in 2003 and allowed users to create profiles that were set up like their own personal websites that featured photos and interests and could link to other people’s profiles. People even became surprisingly skilled with HTML and CSS while customizing their pages. Dallas resident Aaron Byrkit said he had a Myspace but didn’t get on his page very often, though he did use AIM.

“AIM preceded texting in my mind,” he said. “It was fun to communicate with people sporadically by writing.”

Myspace began to decline in 2008 because of Facebook’s growth, though it technically currently still exists. AIM, on the other hand, met its official demise in 2017. Byrkit said he doesn’t think AIM would appeal to as many people now that there are so many other options available.

“For me, AIM was replaced by texting for communicating with friends and things like Teams or Slack for work,” he said. “I don’t know that there would be a place for it today. MySpace might be a fun option to still have. I feel like it would offer more room for creativity than current social media.”

One beloved feature of AIM was the away message, which allowed a user to appear like he or she was not at the computer, regardless of whether or not that was actually the case, and put up a message that could be anything from cryptic song lyrics or an inspirational quote to a short message of what the person was actually doing (e.g., “brb, doing homework”). Dallas-area resident Stephanie Hone was a hardcore fan of AIM and, more specifically, the away message.

“It could be funny, emo, mysterious—those were the days,” she said. “I also used to put song lyrics on my profile and would change them each week. It was usually some Dashboard Confessional song. The only downside of AIM was dial-up internet, but we didn’t know any different.”

And while Hone doesn’t think such an option for communication would be as appealing to the masses as it once was, she also doesn’t think revisiting something of the sort would be the worst idea.

“The youth of today would not know how to survive if we had something like that now,” she said. “As far as ‘chatting’ goes, I think we still have a variation of that communication but through business with things like Microsoft Teams. It’s hard to say if I wish we still had those methods of communication because technology would almost have to go backward—which, honestly, I think we might need a reset.”

Technology has certainly advanced and increased in availability, as even Facebook was only available to Harvard students when it originally launched and then only to college students before it became available in 2006 to anyone older than the age of 13. Schultz said she recognizes how different the technology we have today is, and she is rather grateful that the outlets to which she has access now weren’t options when she was younger.

“I am glad I had a mostly social-media-free childhood experience, with the exception of my junior and senior years,” she said. “I hate that kids and even adults find social media so difficult today. Comparison is the thief of joy, and so many people today use social media as a tool for comparison.”

And those comparisons were not as easy to come by so many years prior, as people’s lives and highlights were not as displayed. Connection methods like AIM and Myspace thrived when life was simply different.

“I feel like they came from a time on social media when it was more innocent—when algorithms weren’t optimized to keep our attention and play on emotions like fear and outrage,” Byrkit said. “I think we’re beyond a point of putting the cat back in the bag, but I do feel nostalgic for the time when those technologies were novel.”

It certainly would be difficult to backtrack, especially with people having access to almost anything right in their hands when holding cell phones. Hone said the social media available to people now is much more effective because it’s able to reach a mass amount of people so quickly.

“Everything now is instant,” she said. “It’s almost scary. Social media and communication outlets, while they can be great ways to connect, are becoming toxic and dangerous to our society, in my opinion. I mean, I still use them, but there are times when I have to disconnect because there’s just too much.”

And as a former middle school teacher, Hone said that seeing the younger generation’s dependence on social media and phones is quite alarming.

“These kids need to understand the pain of dial-up internet,” she said. “Yeah, let’s go back to those times. And, hell, while we are at it, can we have them all trade in their smartphones and experience landlines? Let’s get back to the basics. Excuse me now, got to go put up my away message on my AIM profile. Sincerely, CottonSocks100.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews dear readers Jerod Honrath and Kevin Roberts enjoyed a beautiful weekend filled with football and friends in Wisconsin

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 16: Mexican Independence Day Celebration at Legacy Hall
Tuesday, September 17: Free Rooftop Movie — Anyone but You at Sundown at Granada; Nicki Minaj at the American Airlines Center
Wednesday, September 18: Young Professionals Panel & Happy Hour at Communities Foundation of Texas
Thursday, September 19: North Texas Giving Day; Alanis Morissette Tribute — Ironic at Legacy Hall; Addison Oktoberfest at Addison Circle Park (goes through Sunday); Dallasites101 Speed Dating & Singles Mixer at Thirsty Lion
Friday, September 20: The Village Main Street Fest; Plano Balloon Festival (Thursday through Sunday)
Saturday, September 21: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Tour des Fleurs at the Dallas Arboretum; Stars vs. Blues (preseason game) at the American Airlines Center
Sunday, September 22: Rangers vs. Mariners at Globe Life Field; Cowboys vs. Ravens at AT&T Stadium

NatNews: Issue 130

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 12:12:45 +0100

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September 9, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 130

SHOWING COMPASSION IS BENEFICIAL FOR ALL INVOLVED

People interact with other individuals frequently—whether doing so occurs at home, at work, at the store, in social settings, or in a variety of other situations—and, therefore, come across many moments in which they have opportunities to choose how they are going to respond to certain circumstances and how they are going to treat those around them. Countless studies have discovered that compassion is one of the most powerful agents for a person’s overall health and well-being, both physically and mentally.

It’s important to note that individuals are also able to choose how they treat themselves. According to Harvard Medical School, individuals who are not only compassionate toward others but also practice self-compassion can benefit both their mental and physical health in several ways, as being kind to oneself during challenging times helps reduce anxiety and potential related depression.

“Compassion toward yourself and others tends to create a more positive outlook on life and reduce feelings of sadness, guilt, and loneliness,” Dallas resident and psychologist Kenleigh McMinn said.

And doing so can be rather contagious. Dallas resident Kevin Roberts has noticed this to be true in his own life and said practicing compassion helps people feel better about themselves and also improves their attitudes concerning others.

“I recently offered to return a shopping cart for an elderly lady as I was walking into an Albertsons,” he said. “She smiled and said I was amazing. An extremely simple act made my day, and hopefully it helped hers, as well.”

Connecting with others is an essential part of our lives, and it’s natural to empathize with people when they are experiencing joy and when they are going through pain. When we feel compassion toward the individuals around us, we not only feel empathy but also desire to help them or somehow relieve their suffering. McMinn said it’s important to try to be compassionate in all areas of one’s life.

“This frame of mind can be very beneficial in working against negative self-talk, improving how you interact with other people, and making relationships stronger,” she said.

With compassion, a person is able to feel part of something of a grander scale and even supported in carrying some of life’s heavier emotions and situations. And while compassion can cause an individual to be more understanding, McMinn said she thinks it is crucial to distinguish between compassion and forgiveness, as they are not the same thing.

“Sometimes people think that being compassionate means giving yourself or someone else a ‘clean slate’ or always giving them the benefit of the doubt, even when their words or actions might be harmful,” she said. “There are cases in which it might be more appropriate to have accountability and set boundaries.”

Setting boundaries can be a form of self-compassion, especially when it pertains to relationships that might be unhealthy. For Roberts, it’s helpful to surround himself with individuals who have similar values and behavior when interacting with people.

“I definitely try to associate with those who treat others with respect and compassion,” he said. “I can’t think of any close friend who would be abusive, insensitive, or disrespectful toward waiters or any other service people.”

And Roberts tries to ensure that he consistently models what he believes, especially knowing that there are some impressionable young eyes looking up to him.

“I try to be an example with my grandsons, whether it’s holding the door for someone, paying simple compliments, or just using manners,” he said. “That is very important to me, as I’ve seen the huge benefits for my own well-being and overall health and relationships with others.”

McMinn said she also tries to be an example of someone with great compassion, beginning with herself and her closest relationships.

“If I’m being hard on myself, I do a self-check and ask what I would tell a friend if she was in my situation—would I be this hard on her?” she said. “Often the answer is no, and I try to extend myself the same compassion I would toward someone I care about. I try to show compassion toward other people I encounter, too, keeping in mind that we never fully know what someone else is going through at any moment, and maybe feeling kindness from someone is what that person needs.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite what a nursery rhyme tells you, stars don’t actually twinkle. As the light of a star travels into your realm of vision, atmospheric turbulence causes disturbances in the light’s path and creates the illusion that the star is twinkling.

WHO SHOULD PAY ON DATES?

Though there have been many different forms of societal progression throughout generations, some expectations and traditions of certain norms have remained, at least in some regard. That doesn’t mean there still isn’t some confusion, though. One area of dating that can be unclear at times is who should pay for a date.

Historically, in heterosexual relationships, men have been the ones to pay most often, and research shows that they still pay more often than women, though it is more common now to see split bills. According to a recent NatNews poll, many individuals are in favor of either taking turns paying or splitting the costs, though most indicated the man should pay on the first date. A small percentage of respondents said they were of the more traditional mindset that men should always pay, and one dear reader simply responded with “down with the patriarchy, right?”

Dallas resident Damon Yousefy said chivalry and society expect that the man should pay for the first date, and he believes that’s the norm for the first few.

“If the relationship becomes more serious, then the couple should have an honest conversation about money and finances and what their expectations are in terms of who pays for what,” he said. “In my experience, in a serious relationship in which both parties make about the same, they alternate paying for dates since splitting is not very romantic.”

Dallas resident Elizabeth Cruz said she also thinks the guy should typically pay for the first date, assuming he is the one who asked. After that, she believes that taking turns footing the bill is probably best.

“When things become more serious, and you’re going out more frequently, it should definitely be 50/50,” she said. “I don’t think anyone should get a free ride, in general, so it should eventually even out pretty decently. On special occasions, maybe one person would pay. For example, the birthday person shouldn’t pay on their birthday.”

Similar to Yousefy and Cruz, Dallas resident Alexis Derrow thinks the man should pay at the beginning, though she said she doesn’t necessarily believe an even split is necessary in ensuing dates as the relationship progresses.

“I think the guy should pay for dates 1–3, and then the woman pays for date 4, and you sort of continue this 2:1 or 3:1 indefinitely,” she said. “However, I personally think the woman should contribute financially in other ways, like buying little presents or treats for the man. In my last relationship, I tried to buy little things that I thought he’d like whenever I saw them. He now has an air fryer cookbook. He may or may not have an air fryer.”

There are certain instances, though, in which Derrow said she doesn’t think one person paying is the way to go.

“I like to split vacation, or at least I don’t think the man has to pay for it,” she said. “I want to travel the way I want to travel, and me paying my way enables me to do that.”

One reason men have been expected to pay more for dates is because they have historically made more money than women. In fact, the gender wage gap is still prevalent today, as women earn, on average, 16 percent less than men, which means only 84 cents for every dollar men in the same jobs make. Cruz said she doesn’t believe that financial differences should mean that one person consistently pays, though.

“If the person who makes significantly more (if that is the case) is choosing very expensive dates, then maybe that person picks up those dates,” she said. “The person who makes less could always pay for dessert if that’s at a different place. Or maybe the less-expensive dates get picked up by the person whose income is less. Ultimately, if both people feel comfortable with what they are doing, that is what matters.”

Yousefy said he also doesn’t believe that differences in financial situations should mean that one person is always pulling out his or her credit card, though he does think it’s important to talk about such matters with one another.

“If there is a substantial difference in income, I think paying for dates should be proportional to the income, regardless of gender,” he said. “Although, it is nice for the lower earner to pay for a birthday meal or cook to show effort. Many relationships fail due to financial issues, and having open and honest discussions about money early on can reduce strain later.”

And people’s perspectives on such matters can also change over time. Derrow said she has dated men who made more than she does and others who made less, and her experiences have led her to a significant conclusion.

“There are no rules,” she said. “It’s just what both parties are comfortable with, and you really just need to talk about it with your partner.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews dear readers Fonz and Drew will 100 percent make you faster and give you donuts

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 9: Mixology Mondays at The Parlor; Joey Valence & Brae at The Cambridge Room at House of Blues Dallas
Tuesday, September 10: Free Rooftop Movie — Grease at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, September 11: Keane at the Majestic Theatre; Dallasites101 September Speed Dating & Singles Mixer at Over Under
Thursday, September 12: 38th Annual GrapeFest at Historic Downtown Grapevine (continues through Sunday)
Friday, September 13: Dallas Wings vs. Seattle Storm at College Park Center; P!nk Tribute — Just Like P!nk at Legacy Hall
Saturday, September 14: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; DogFest DFW at Community Beer Co.; 30th Anniversary Foodie Stroll at Central Market; Serve & Social at Elmwood Farm
Sunday, September 15: Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Dallas Arboretum (also on Saturday)

NatNews: Issue 129

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 13:10:59 +0100

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

September 2, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 129

ARE YOU DOWN BAD CRYING AT THE GYM?

More than 64 million individuals in the U.S. (roughly 19 percent of the nation’s population) have gym memberships, with the majority of gym-goers choosing to work out in the early morning hours before work or in the post-work evening time frame. People join gyms for different reasons, whether they want to remain or get more in shape, need or want more socialization, don’t have access to workout equipment, need accountability, are interested in personal training or workout classes, or a number of others.

Dallas resident and White Rock Running Co-op leader Julie Lanaux hadn’t originally planned on becoming a member of a gym, but it’s turned into an important part of her workout routine.

“Initially, I joined because my husband needed a gym buddy,” she said. “I had no real interest in joining but wanted to support him. I’ve become an addict.”

And the dedication Lanaux has put in has benefited her in multiple ways, including the variety she gets by incorporating cross-training and the change she has noticed in her physique.

“Prior to becoming a gym rat, I had the typical endurance runner build—lean but no visible muscle,” she said. “The gym has allowed me to do a total body recomp, giving me a lot more self-confidence.”

For Dallas-area resident Kyle Burnett, being part of a gym is a nice addition to the many miles he runs and allows him to interact with like-minded individuals before long days of work and making sure he forever holds the title of Instagram Meme King.

“I primarily go for the equipment availability and the camaraderie,” he said.

A standard gym isn’t for everyone, though. Dallas-area resident Morgan Fritz said she used to be a member of Lifetime but recently ended her membership because she wasn’t using it. She mainly used the cardio section or attended yoga classes for the few years she was a member but didn’t do so on a consistent basis.

“I was always very intimidated by the weights and machines section, so I always felt like if I ever went on my own accord, I would miss out on a key component of exercising,” she said.

Fritz has, however, found an alternative to gyms intended for patrons to complete their own workouts without any guidance or specific instructions.

“Working out felt like somewhat of a chore until I found Session Pilates and then started going there,” she said. “That’s when I pretty much stopped going to Lifetime completely and realized that exercise can be super enjoyable when you find something you like doing.”

And some people enjoy taking part in exercise that doesn’t require gyms or much equipment. Dallas resident Erasmo Estrada said he doesn’t belong to a gym because he is mostly only running outside right now and wouldn’t use it. He has access to a small basic gym at work but mostly only uses it when he opts to run on a treadmill at lunch if it’s too hot outside.

“I have been bad in the past about getting a membership to somewhere I stop going and pay for nothing,” he said. “The business model of big gyms is often to make money off people like me and make it difficult to leave. ‘Oh, you’re leaving? Is it because you’re human garbage? Well, you can’t do this online. You need to come in person to our corporate headquarters in remote Alaska and bring your lawyer, and it says here you promised us your mother’s house.' Unfortunately, I find the gym boring and struggle to stick with it but can stick with running. And sorry, Mom, but I think LA Fitness owns your house.”

Estrada is not alone in not using a gym membership for which he pays. In fact, nearly 67 percent of gym memberships go unused. That’s not the case for Lanaux, though. She said she’s at the gym six days a week most weeks, usually for about an hour at a time, so she’s getting her money’s worth.

“I’m very much a no-frills gym kind of person,” she said. “I don’t need a pool, sports courts, group classes, etc. Weights and machines—and a treadmill on rare occasions when the weather is disgusting—is all I’m looking for. I changed gyms less than a year ago to Gold’s Gym, and it is exactly what I’m looking for—it’s a body-builder’s gym, not a gym offering all the extras, like tanning beds. For how many hours I spend there a month, the $30 I pay is well worth it.”

The amount an individual is willing or able to pay to be part of a gym is, of course, contingent upon that person’s financial situation and/or standpoint on how money should be spent. In Burnett’s opinion, not all gyms are worth the monthly fees.

“I suppose it depends on the gym,” he said. “I feel some are way overpriced, and you’re paying for the name.”

Although the average cost of a gym membership is $58 per month, some gyms can certainly cost a pretty penny, while others are on the more affordable side for many individuals. Equinox on Oak Lawn starts at $235 per month, while the Plano location starts at $210; Lifetime’s Dallas location currently has a waitlist for membership, but the main option is $229 per month (other Lifetime clubs throughout the metroplex range from $129 to $219); Cowboys Fit has multiple locations with membership prices ranging from roughly $21 to almost $200 per month; and Texas Family Fitness has a variety of locations with membership costs anywhere from about $15 to approximately $40 per month.

Though Estrada is currently not a member of a gym, he said whether or not a gym is worth the monthly expense is related to not only if a person can afford it but also if he or she will actually go to the gym often enough to justify paying the money.

“If you’re like me and completely stop using something you’re paying for, then it becomes not worth it,” he said. “Investing in health should be a priority, and preventable healthcare bills could dwarf gym expenses, so find something you like and can stick with. Running a ton, buying new shoes, and paying for races is kind of like a gym expense, even if it’s different from a gym membership.”

Fritz also believes that gym memberships can be wise investments if people are taking advantage of the benefits they have available.

“My parents utilize a ton at Lifetime, so it seems to work really well for them,” she said. “I think if you are going to utilize what it has to offer, and you enjoy that kind of exercise, gyms can be great.”

And though Fritz is currently a member of Session and not a more traditional gym, she said she definitely hasn’t written off being part of one again sometime in the future.

“Now that I go to Pilates all the time, I don’t really have the opportunity to just hop on a treadmill like I could when I was a member,” she said. “If I ever feel like I want the freedom that comes with working out at a gym (e.g., you can go whenever, do whatever, etc.), I could see myself joining a gym again.”

Similarly, Estrada said if he scales back his running and frees up some time, particularly after the BMW Dallas Marathon in December, he might consider giving a gym membership another try.

“I have to make sure I make it convenient to go and find a routine I can stick with,” he said. “Routine plan: 5 minutes of wandering around the gym, one set on 10 different machines, 5 minutes on my phone on the only open bench, two bathroom breaks, one pizza ordered, and 3 minutes of staring at myself in the mirror.”

DID YOU KNOW?

With more than 246,500 vehicles, the United States Postal Service has one of the largest civilian fleets in the world.

HOW EMPLOYEES STAY FOCUSED IN REMOTE AND IN-PERSON SETTINGS

After the pandemic in 2020, many companies adopted policies for remote work, and some have even kept those policies or incorporated hybrid models that allow employees to work remotely a certain amount of days and be in the office on the other days. According to the most recent Pew Research results, approximately 35 percent of all employed adults in the U.S. who have the ability to work remotely work from home all of the time, while 41 percent of those with jobs that can be done remotely work in hybrid setups.

Working from home versus working in an office setting can be vastly different, and some individuals are more productive in one environment than the other. Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo, who works fully remotely, said being at home can prove to be difficult at times, depending on the project or task, though his role allows him the freedom to dynamically plan his day.

“This means that I can work (focus) as needed, given the task, on any given day,” he said. “There are, of course, times when I am required to be hyper-focused on completing tasks, due to deadlines and hitting milestone dates. But I do the same as those in an office setting—I step away from my desk to take a break and stretch my legs. That can look like going for a run or bike ride, sometimes twice a day.”

For Dallas resident Kirsten Kraske, who works in a hybrid role, when she works from home, it’s helpful to try to keep her routine similar to that of when she is in the office.

“I start the day planning all of the tasks that I absolutely need to get done for the day and start to tick those off,” she said. “At lunch, I’ll usually go take a walk to get a break from the computer, and I try to keep my phone away from me to avoid distractions.”

And potential distractions are actually minimized in the office for Kraske.

“Yes, there are people to talk to, but I find that many of my conversations at work revolve around a project we’re working on,” she said. “Headphones play a big factor in limiting distractions, as well.”

Some individuals also enjoy being in the office at least some days so that they can interact with others more often. Alonzo, however, has found that working remotely in a full-time capacity is more conducive with his style and personality.

“I am what you call an introverted extrovert,” he said. “I like routine and going at my own pace and plan. I am able to take advantage of the freedom my role allows because I am able to focus as needed and get my work done. In doing so, it allows me to take breaks as often and as long as I like, which is something I do not think you can do in an office setting with coworkers and management around.”

Alonzo is, however, able to interact with others on occasion, which he said offers a nice change of pace.

“I travel for work and get to spend time with others I only see via Zoom,” he said. “It is nice to interact with them in person and build camaraderie that is otherwise impossible to do over Messenger or Zoom. But after a few days, I’m ready to be back home in my normal routine.”

Plus, Alonzo said he is still able to get plenty of human interaction because of his ability to remain in a remote role, and he takes advantage of the opportunities afforded to him in this regard.

“This might mean having lunch with the littles at their school, stepping out to a coffee shop for the afternoon, meeting friends for an extended lunch or a run or bike ride,” he said. “Stepping out to run errands also helps, but the former is why I appreciate the opportunity to work from home.”

Kraske said she appreciates the flexibility the hybrid model allows, but when it comes to making sure that she gets all of her work completed, she prefers working in the office.

“I like the social part of going into the office and the fact that there’s nothing else to do at work other than work,” she said. “I think the main reason I prefer working in the office is because everyone else around me is also working, and it’s somewhat motivational.”

Not every profession has the option to work remotely, though. Dallas-area resident Megan England is a high school teacher and said she is glad to be on a campus. Like many teachers who experienced difficulties during the end of the 2019–2020 school year, she knows how valuable being in an in-person setting is.

“I will never virtually teach again,” she said. “It takes away the best part of my job—being with the kids.”

Teachers are required to wear many hats and complete seemingly endless tasks, in addition to the actual educating the students part. England said she has found various tactics to ensure that she stays focused and is able to accomplish all that is required and expected of her while also ensuring that she helps her students succeed and be prepared for life both inside and outside of the classroom.

“I definitely have learned that I can’t want it more than my students,” she said. “I have to meet them where they are and take them from there. I also utilize a desk calendar that I use as a planner to help me stay organized. From that, I make weekly and daily to-do lists.”

And England certainly also faces potential distractions on a regular basis, though she said she might be the cause of some of them.

“I am 100 percent the distracting coworker,” she said. “I’m sure I annoy everyone in the mornings.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews: CSI—the entire staff (all two of us) investigated a crime scene and took part in a low-speed chase recently

Upcoming
Events

Monday, September 2: Texas Pool Closing Day 2024
Tuesday, September 3: Rangers vs. Yankees at Globe Life Field; Levy Job Fair at the American Airlines Center; Dallas Wings vs. Washington Mystics at College Park Center
Thursday, September 5: Katy 5K at Reverchon Park
Friday, September 6: Neon-Themed Silent Disco at Klyde Warren Park; Twenty-One Pilots at the American Airlines Center (also on Saturday)
Saturday, September 7: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Dallas Moon Festival at Flagpole Hill; Jurassic Night Out at the Heard Museum

NatNews: Issue 128

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 12:12:51 +0100

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August 26, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 128

WEATHERING THE ACHES AND PAINS A CHANGE IN WEATHER SOMETIMES CAUSES

Extreme temperatures and gloomy skies can impact more than your mood and wardrobe choices. In fact, it might not actually be a coincidence if you experience joint pain with an upcoming or already-occurring weather change, especially if that change involves colder or damper conditions.

Dallas-area resident Libby Shewski, who played volleyball at the collegiate level and currently coaches club volleyball and Fit Social Club strength training, said she often feels the effects of the weather when they bring reminders of former injuries.

“I broke my finger in high school—it was a spiral fracture and a pretty bad break—and when the weather gets really cold, it’ll start to throb,” she said. “I’ve heard it has to do with the barometric pressure, but I also think that my joints are stiffer when it’s cold, so that agitates the injury.”

Shewski knows her science. A drop in barometric pressure before a storm or cold front can trigger joint aches and swelling for some individuals. This decrease in pressure means that air presses a little less on a person’s body, causing muscles, tendons, and other tissues around joints to expand, which can result in pain or irritation.

Dallas resident and avid runner Drew Mbiam also deals with such pains every once in a while, and he blames the imperfect climate Texas offers its residents.

“I have an old hip injury from high school that flares up when we change between our two seasons,” he said. “We only have two seasons in Texas. I’m always more stressed during these periods.”

Mbiam, who said this old injury only gives him trouble during those handful of times every year, has his own theory on why it occurs with weather changes.

“I think it’s a nerve issue,” he said. “Something causes the muscles to tighten up and then everything becomes unresponsive.”

Mbiam is not far off on his theories, either. Bone, muscle, and joint injuries cause tension in the nervous system, and the nerves significantly increase in sensitivity. A decrease in temperature acts as a stimulus, and the body’s response seeks to create a balance. Because the nerves have become more sensitive, they can react more quickly to weather, resulting in pain in those old injuries.

But cold and rainy weather aren’t the only conditions that resurface pains from old injuries. Shewski, who said she is reminded of her high school broken bone roughly once a quarter, suffered another sports ailment that she feels every so often.

“I also had ACL reconstruction surgery, and heat often irritates that,” she said, “but I don’t know if that has anything to do with weather changes.”

It is possible that the warmer temperatures could be the cause, though. Hot and humid weather can also impact the levels of synovial fluid (a thick liquid that keeps joints moving smoothly), which can result in swelling and ensuing pain.

If you experience any form of irritation from old injuries, it’s helpful to try to move around and get exercise, as inactive joints, muscles, and tissues become stiff, which can lead to pain. If your pain becomes severe, it’s recommended to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor or physical therapist.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, there are enough peanuts in one acre of a peanut farm to make 35,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

IT'S JUST A SWEET, SWEET FANTASY, BABY

Nearly 30 million individuals in the United States participate in fantasy football, with players devoting an average of nearly seven hours each week to maintaining their teams. While some people are more casual participants, others take their fantasy football roles rather seriously.

Football fans (or even non-fans) of all knowledge levels can take part in fantasy football, and they often have different reasons for doing so. Emily Baldwin, who recently became a North Carolina resident, is passionate about sports and is excited to be participating in two or three leagues this year.

“I think it keeps me engaged with the NFL season and helps me learn the rookies and keep tabs on who’s in their prime,” she said. “It’s also a good way to engage with friends and family from a distance, as you have something weekly to talk about. I’m a very competitive person, so that adds an extra layer of fun for me, too.”

Dallas-area resident Steve Bergsman also takes part in multiple fantasy football leagues, though his dedication to each is contingent upon various factors.

“I have a group of friends where we have an annual league for a small cash prize,” he said. “I have another league I participate in with another group, as well. How much I pay attention usually just ebbs and flows. If I am super into my league that plays for money, then I’ll check things out twice a week. If it’s my other league that doesn’t play for money, all bets are off after the draft.”

For Baldwin, it’s important to pay close attention to how her players are doing, but she said she does not obsess over it.

“I always make sure that my lineups are set each week, and I check the app multiple times on game days to see how I’m matching up against my competition,” she said. “I also typically have one of the games on if I’m not watching my own team play (go, Chiefs!). I love checking the app after a week of play has wrapped up on Monday night. I rarely make trades because I haven’t quite figured that out yet, but I will sign free agents to replace injured players.”

Not everyone who plays fantasy football is too concerned about the actual football part, though. Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard said he doesn’t care about the sport, but he has been part of a fantasy football league the last two seasons.

“I only started because a group of friends were doing it, and I was going to be watching NFL games with them, anyway,” he said. “I had no idea what I was doing for the first few weeks, and I ended up in ninth place out of 10 in the first season. But that’s not bad, considering that my first-round pick was a defense. I quickly realized that it was mostly just statistics and luck, both of which I’m really good at. The second year, I had already started looking at players and stats before the draft, and by the end of the season, I ended up third out of 14.”

Odegard said he will likely participate again this season, though the only aspects he really enjoys are the statistics and the trash talking. However, there is an additional incentive to making sure that he places among the top of the league.

“There’s also the fear of punishment that the losers have to do,” he said. “The first year, last place had to do a triathlon in a dress. Last year, the last three places had to do a triathlon relay in dresses together. Thinking about having to swim, bike, and run in a dress in front of hundreds or thousands of people is great encouragement to do well.”

While fantasy football leagues are often unique ways for friends to engage, they can also be means that allow families to bond. Dallas resident Catherine Stautz said she is rather inconsistent with her participation, mostly due to a lack of interest, though she still plays throughout some seasons.

“My family does a league together every year, and my dad always asks me if I want to join, so it just depends,” she said. “I have never done one with my friends, mainly because I don’t think many of them, myself included, really watch or keep up with football. It isn’t my favorite sport, but both my dad and brother keep me updated on our teams. I do like to watch big games or keep up with a team we are rooting for, but if it is a game against two random teams, I will not watch.”

Watching a game with a team of which one is a fan can often become a predicament for some individuals who participate in fantasy football. If that team is playing against a player on a person’s fantasy team, does that individual still hope that the player on the opposing team does well in order to get more fantasy points? Or should that loyalty be solely dedicated to his or her beloved team? For Baldwin, success for both is possible.

“I am more worried about my own team winning, but if my fantasy receiver can get a touchdown, and the Chiefs still win, that’s a win-win for me,” she said.

Bergsman said he also wants to see his fantasy players do well, but much of his reasoning has to do with years of disappointment from the home team.

“I do hope that players are successful when playing against my team,” he said. “Let’s be honest, you can’t count on Jerry, Dak, and the rest of the Cowboys, so being able to have something else to root for gives me a way to obtain a small victory.”

The way Stautz sees it, rooting for the success of players not on one’s favorite team is a way for a fantasy football participant to acknowledge other players’ talents.

“That might be the beauty of fantasy, because it allows people to cheer for other players whom they might normally root against,” she said.

And while fantasy football can create excitement for some people and increase their knowledge of the NFL and football, in general, Odegard said a downside to it is that it can be quite time-consuming.

“I find myself spending way too much time doing research so that I know which players to start or trade,” he said. “On Thursdays during the season, I tend not to get a lot of work done, and I find myself waking up early on Sundays to check NFL stuff, so I don’t even know who I am anymore.”

Regardless of the amount of time and energy it takes, fantasy football continues to be a popular way for individuals to interact with one another and keep up with a beloved American sport. In Stautz’s view, this is a result of more than people’s passion for football and their desire to connect with others with similar interests.

“Football season usually is long-awaited by fans, so that seems like another component to fantasy’s success,” she said. “While fans might not be able to compete on the field, they can contribute their football knowledge, predictions, and well-roundedness of the sport through fantasy.”

And that combination of a shared common interest and the intricacies involved throughout the fantasy football season helps to do what sports can often do so well—bring people together.

“Fantasy is a way of giving more people a vested interest in more games, which then, in turn, increases your social interactions,” Bergsman said. “That, and some people just like to gamble.”

Baldwin said she agrees that the rise of sports betting, along with people trying to make predictions and celebrate when they are right, has certainly contributed to an increase in the number of individuals taking part in fantasy football, though she thinks there is more to it than that, including what viewers see on their televisions and devices.

“Sports coverage has also started to play into the fantasy craze more by putting out fantasy player predictions for the season, fantasy winners of the week, etc., which means that more eyeballs are seeing content surrounding fantasy football, which may draw in new players,” she said. “For sports fanatics, it’s a fun way to combine your love and knowledge of the game with some friendly competition to show that you know ball better than anyone else in your league—even if it really is just luck.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews IT Department and some dear readers enjoyed the Latino Mix Live concert Saturday evening

Upcoming
Events

Monday, August 26: National Dog Day; August Pickleball Mixer at Preston Playhouse
Tuesday, August 27: Training Camp at the Star — Cowboys Night; Dallasites101 Ladies Night at The Charles; Free Rooftop Movie — Bring It On at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, August 28: Training Camp at the Star — Season Kickoff Ceremony
Thursday, August 29: Ty Myers at The Rustic; All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Night at Thunderbird Pies
Friday, August 30: Dallas Trinity FC vs. FC Barcelona Femení at Cotton Bowl Stadium; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert at Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerson Symphony Center (also on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Saturday, August 31: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Emerald City All-Stars Concert at PGA Frisco; Oak Cliff Brewing Co.’s 6th Anniversary Party
Sunday, September 1: Labor Day Weekend Luau at Legacy Hall; Dallas Museum of Art Free First Sundays — Access for All

NatNews: Issue 127

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:40:57 +0100

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August 19, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 127

BRRR, IT'S COLD IN HERE — THERE MUST BE A COLD PLUNGE IN THE ATMOSPHERE

Fashion isn’t the only area of life that sees rises in popularity of certain trends. The health and fitness industry also frequently has new activities, recovery methods, devices, and dietary and nutrition habits that pop up and pique the interests of many individuals.

Cold plunging (immersing oneself in frigid water for health benefits) has become one of the recent sought-after treatments in which many athletes and non-athletes alike have been participating. Research has found evidence that this form of cold-water therapy helps with muscle recovery as well as reduced inflammation and soreness. Additional benefits include the potential restoring of balance to the nervous system and improvement of cognitive function and mood.

Dallas-area resident Lyndsey Kohn said she began using cold plunges as part of her regular routine at the start of the summer and now does so once a week. At each session, she plunges two to three times, sitting in a dry sauna in between each.

“It’s been a great recovery activity, especially with this Texas heat,” she said. “I find it very relaxing and a great way to unwind.”

Those who choose to cold plunge can do so in indoor or outdoor tubs, specially designed tanks or barrels, various spas, or cold bodies of water. Many people only stay in the water for a few minutes, and experts recommend not exceeding 10 to 15 minutes. While some individuals are not fans of icy water and struggle through cold plunges, Kohn said she enjoys the overall experience.

“It sounds crazy, but I love how it causes you to physically get out of your head,” she said. “It removes all distractions and forces your mind to focus on being present in your body. You can really use it to help focus your thoughts and see how your mind can adjust in a physically uncomfortable situation. It’s very therapeutic for me and a way to unwind, relax, and unplug for a bit.”

Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen took part in his first cold plunge a little more than a week ago—that is, if you don’t count the time when he was a kid and jumped in the Colorado River when it was 52 degrees outside.

“I enjoyed it, mostly because I was proud of myself for doing a difficult thing,” he said. “It was cool to see how quickly I was able to regulate my breathing and that it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.”

Borkenhagen, who runs with the White Rock Running Co-op, said he believes that cold plunges can benefit anyone, regardless of whether or not he or she frequently works out or participates in sports.

“For athletes, they’re especially helpful for quicker recovery,” he said. “For anyone, they also reduce inflammation and stimulate dopamine production, and I think it’s supposed to help you sleep better.”

Kohn, who also runs on a regular basis and is a certified yoga instructor, said she appreciates the additional benefits beyond muscle recovery and circulation improvement, including the extra slumber Borkenhagen mentioned.

“I personally like the skin benefits,” she said. “As someone with sensitive skin, cold showers and cold plunges are such a relief. I also sleep so well the night of a cold plunge/sauna combo.”

While ice baths and the concept of cold-water immersion have been around for many years in the world of sports, Kohn said she believes the growing popularity of cold plunges for a wider variety of individuals is a result of the current society in which we live.

“I think we are in the wave of a wellness culture focused on longevity and the optimization of the human body, which cold plunging fits right into,” she said. “It’s the era of Andrew Huberman, ‘biohacking,’ etc., which is very much advocating for protocols like cold plunging, red light therapy, and intermittent fasting (for better or worse). I personally just like the mental health benefits and have really enjoyed meeting other folks in the Dallas area with similar values.”

Similarly, Borkenhagen said he thinks it’s more common to see people’s Instagram stories documenting their cold plunges for the same reasons more individuals are taking part in running groups, seeking healthier food options, and pursuing a number of other health and fitness initiatives.

“People are slowly realizing that there are tangible benefits to all of these things, just like cold plunges,” he said. “So, while it might be a fad in that its popularity might die down at some point, it wouldn’t have taken off like it is if there were zero benefit in the first place.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The Laerdal Tunnel in Norway is the longest road tunnel in the world. It is 24.5 kilometers (15.2 miles), takes approximately 20 minutes to cover, and has brightly colored lights every 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) to help drivers stay alert.

WHAT'S YOUR PIZZA STYLE?

Many people enjoy savoring a slice (or more) of pizza, and this well-loved culinary creation has become a go-to option in a variety of situations—whether as a simple form of catering for a party or gathering, as a Friday (or really any day) night meal, or as a shared or solo order at a restaurant, to name a few.

And whether you eat pizza on the regular or only every once in a while, there are several styles (e.g., Sicilian, New York, Chicago deep-dish, Neapolitan, Detroit, Hawaiian, and tavern) for you to enjoy. Dallas-area resident Katy Flynn, originally from New York, prefers pizza from her home state.

“New York-style is the best, period,” she said. “It has the best dough and the best sauce, and you can fold it like a proper slice should be eaten. Hawaiian pizza isn’t a thing and shouldn’t be in the debate for favorite style. Neapolitan pizza is the original pizza—simple, fresh ingredients—and New York pizza mirrors that approach. Plus, both styles can be folded.”

Flynn said she will eat other styles of pizza on occasion, though that doesn’t occur often.

“If I am in the mood for them, I’ll have something else, with the exception of Hawaiian pizza because, again, it’s not a thing,” she said. “But rarely will I crave something outside of New York pizza.”

Like Flynn, Dallas resident Damon Yousefy also opts for New York-style pizza over everything else because he enjoys the taste and the large slices. However, he is also willing to change it up every once in a while.

“I still enjoy other styles, like Detroit-style (Thunderbird Pies) or Chicago style (Giordano’s in Chicago),” he said. “Detroit-style and Chicago-style are super filling and a nice treat every now and then but, for health reasons, are not sustainable.”

Avid pizza lovers are often rather serious and particular about bringing their palates joy. Dallas resident Brice Pearce, a self-described “pizza snob,” has tried a variety of different styles of what he said is his favorite food.

“I prefer the Neapolitan-style, brick-oven, and definitely also enjoy others,” he said. “Chicago-style deep-dish is amazing, as well. New Haven-style pizza is a fun twist on Neapolitan and has been growing in popularity away from the East Coast.”

It’s important to note, Pearce pointed out, that style and toppings are two different things.

“For toppings, my go-to is mushrooms and green peppers, with extra cheese,” he said. “However, I’m a fan of gourmet pizza toppings (think Cane Rosso and Delucca’s in Dallas) and love crazy combos like elote pizza or guava and cheese. A well-crafted Margherita pizza is always enjoyable, and let’s not count out dessert pizzas—or even the existence of breakfast pizza.”

Pearce said he could eat pizza every day but tries to limit himself to once a week. He said if he goes too long without eating this doughy delight, he’s likely to have it four or more days in a row.

“While I very much enjoy high-quality (“gourmet”) pizza, there is a proper place for ‘trash pizza,’” as well (think Domino’s or gas station pizza),” he said. “That’s best when looking to satisfy a high-stress carb craving or just when you need to eat a whole pizza without breaking the bank.”

Pearce has been able to travel to a number of different cities, and he often finds restaurants or other venues to enjoy his most loved meal wherever he finds himself.

“Each locale puts its own spin on it,” he said. “Growing up in rural northwest Pennsylvania, it was hard to find good pizza—they put sugar in the sauce. New York-style pizza is actually better in Philadelphia, in my opinion. Northern New England (especially New Hampshire and Vermont but also Portland, Maine) does a great job with brick-oven-style pizza. Pizza south of the Mason-Dixon Line is hit or miss, and a lot of times, I’ll just go to a chain like Mellow Mushroom. Pizza on the West Coast is great in the metro areas and not great once you wander too far from a city.”

And Pearce’s pizza-style knowledge is not limited solely to the United States.

“Pizza in England and Mexico is weird and not recommended,” he said. “You can get OK pizza in Greece and Cyprus, but there’s much better stuff available. Turkey has a dish called pide that is similar to pizza, and it’s pretty good but isn’t really pizza. So, in my opinion, the best city for pizza is Philadelphia. Whether you want New York-style slices on the street or a more sit-down style meal, there are hundreds of places to get great pizza—gourmet or ‘trash.’”

Flynn, however, would disagree. She said that while she believes she has made a solid case for New York being the best city for pizza, there are certainly other places that offer slices superior to others.

“Naples would be home to the original pizza, and I have had the pleasure of eating it there, but we can’t all fly to Italy when we are hungry,” Flynn said. “Hands down, New York or, dare I even say, Jersey would be home to the best pizza. This is the original/traditional style of pizza for the country, and no one can touch it.”

Flynn would likely be happy to know that Yousefy certainly agrees with her. However, he thinks that many local options can satisfy residents’ pizza cravings.

“New York is the best city for pizza, whether you want it by the slice or at a fancy sit-down spot,” he said. “In photography, they say the best camera is the one you have with you. In pizza, the best pizza is the one in your city since we can’t always travel for food. Dallas has some excellent spots, like Pie Tap, Thunderbird Pies, Cane Rosso, and Zalat, and those should be enjoyed and celebrated.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews dear reader Adrian Acevedo wants to remind everyone of how not to eat an avocado

Upcoming
Events

Monday, August 19: Rangers vs. Pirates at Globe Life Field; Meet & Greet Drew Pearson at Cigars International in Grandscape
Tuesday, August 20: Free Rooftop Movie — About Last Night at Sundown at Granada; Dallasites101 August Speed Dating & Singles Mixer at Happiest Hour
Wednesday, August 21: Motown Under the Stars at Sky Blu Rooftop Bar
Thursday, August 22: Frisco Roughriders vs. San Antonio Missions at Riders Field
Friday, August 23: Sunset Serve & Surf Pickleball Social at Goodsurf
Saturday, August 24: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Queen Tribute — Queen Legacy at Legacy Hall; Future & Metro Boomin at the American Airlines Center
Sunday, August 25: Dallas Wings vs. LA Sparks at College Park Center; Bark in the Park! at Klyde Warren Park

NatNews: Issue 126

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 12:13:09 +0100

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August 12, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 126

ARE PREBIOTIC AND PROBIOTIC SODAS WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY?

While walking through your favorite grocery store, don’t be surprised to see a significant amount of fancy-looking flavored sodas that don’t contain much sugar or many calories and are supposed to be healthy for you, especially compared to the more traditional carbonated beverages that have been around for years and years.

Prebiotic and probiotic sodas (such as OLIPOP, Poppi, and Culture POP) have become rather popular and were created with the intention of improving people’s gut health by nourishing their gut bacteria. Your stomach and intestines are home to a countless amount of microbes, which aid in digestion and the prevention of harmful bacteria growing in your body. Prebiotics are plant fibers or carbohydrates, while probiotics are live microorganisms.

Not everyone is extremely concerned with the advantages those can bring to one’s health and, instead, are drawn to the drinks for a different reason.

“Some of them actually taste great, so I’ll have it as a palate cleanser at the end of a meal,” Dallas resident Drew Mbiam said.

Dallas-area resident Emmanuel Amadi, on the other hand, invests in prebiotic and probiotic foods and drinks for more than simply the taste.

“My go-to morning drink for the past year has been a bottle of Synergy raw kombucha, a bowl of organic grass-fed plain yogurt, and kefir—unfailing, every day,” he said. “Essentially, the compounds in fermented drinks heavily boost healthy gut bacteria necessary for fighting off bad gut bacterial growth and inflammation. Aside from those mentioned, I incorporate kimchi in my dinner meals.”

And Amadi said he has seen a variety of different benefits as a result of doing so.

“Personally, as an athlete who actively trains twice a day, a healthy metabolism, good bowel movement, and inflammatory gut are critical for my fueling and recovery success,” he said. “Prebiotic and probiotic foods, for me, are a reliable tool in preventing constipation.”

There are a number of ways one can naturally consume prebiotics in many foods, including chicory root, garlic, leeks, onions, asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, and sweet potatoes. Probiotics can also be found in a number of options, including yogurt, olives, bananas, cottage cheese, pickles, and apples. Sodas and other beverages, though, offer simple and often tasty ways to get them.

Dallas-area resident Madison Royal said she drinks ginger or turmeric immunity/gut shots most mornings to help with digestion and inflammation and is thankful to have such products available.

“I think we have made a turn for a healthier and more informed society, and it’s slowly reflecting in consumer goods,” she said.

But that doesn’t mean that everything that contains prebiotics or probiotics is worth the extra cost to your grocery bill.

“I’m excited for the shift, but you have to really be careful and pay attention to ingredients,” Royal said. “Just like when the low-sugar/diet-food culture started, things may say they are healthy, but that doesn’t mean the ingredients are good.”

The way Mbiam sees it, people often like to join in on the latest trends or avoid their problems, such as already-existing poor diets that don’t contain enough nutrients on a consistent basis.

“If you need pro/prebiotic drinks to aid digestion because you have an all-meat diet or snort protein powder, you’re probably doing something wrong,” he said.

Amadi, who makes concerted efforts to ensure that the foods and beverages he consumes are going to help him and not harm him, said that seeing healthier options more regularly is likely to continue.

“People are now gradually moving away from sugary sodas and lab-created food ingredients,” he said. “People are now researching the nutrient labels behind drinks and food items when they go grocery shopping.

And if you want to try something more than a healthier soda, Amadi has your back.

“Another delicious probiotic product is Cocoyo’s coconut yogurt,” he said. “I encourage you to try it!”

DID YOU KNOW?

The average resting heart rate of an elephant is approximately 30 beats per minute.

HOW IMPORTANT IS PHYSICAL ATTRACTION IN A RELATIONSHIP?

If you have any friends or family members who are currently enduring the dating scene, you might have heard at least one of them say he or she simply “wasn’t feeling it” after going on one or more dates with someone but not intending to continue to pursue anything relationship-wise.

But what is “it”? Chemistry? Physical attraction? Aligned values? A combination of all of those and perhaps more? Something else entirely? The answer can be different for different people. You can’t necessarily force yourself to develop feelings that simply aren’t there, and sometimes you can’t easily make feelings you do have vanish. As Selena Gomez so poetically put it in lyrical form, “the heart wants what it wants.”

“To have a strong foundation in a relationship, there are many factors that come together like a symphony—chemistry, physical attraction, and shared values being a few of them,” Dallas-area resident Nikki East said. “They all play their parts. I would probably venture outside of this list and say communication, honesty, and vulnerability hold stronger positions, but at the end of the day, there is a lot that goes into a romantic relationship, especially a successful romantic relationship.”

And just as no two symphonies are exactly the same, no two people are exactly the same, either. However, they can still have alike perspectives that help strengthen their bond with each other. Orange County resident Ashleigh Roberts, who has been married for a little more than nine years, said she believes it’s essential for two people to be on the same page regarding their values for a relationship to work well.

“Physical attraction and chemistry can and often do fluctuate, but if you have a solid foundation (trust, loyalty, and having aligned beliefs), then you can get through the hard seasons and come out stronger together,” she said.

Dallas resident Grant Harrell said he believes that certain aspects of two people being drawn to one another are equally important, though he said there is no “perfect” match for a person.

“You have to find and accept common values and attractions,” he said. “Chemistry is natural. It’s crazy how you can have insane energy/physical touch with the right partner. I once had great values and attractions to a fantastic woman, but we had absolutely no physical chemistry.”

A person’s attraction can certainly change over time, though, as can the importance people place on such factors in their relationships. Harrell said there are many components, such as conversations and time spent together, that have their long-term cycles, but there are two key parts of a relationship that determine its success.

“Physical attraction is almost always what initially brings you together, but if you don’t have the chemistry and similar values, it’s very unlikely to last,” he said.

Appearances can also become different than they were when people initially meet one another—balding happens, wrinkles form, muscles may develop or disappear, and a number of other transformations may occur. Whether it’s a difference in the way a person looks or something else, East said change is inevitable.

“Any relationship (romantic or platonic) has to have the flexibility to grow and adapt,” she said. “And I think the success of a relationship is whether or not two people can grow and adapt together.”

Then how crucial is physical attraction? Some psychologists have noted that although it is important to many individuals, it’s not necessarily required for a relationship to work. East said it is rather common for physical attraction to be the main cause for people to initiate conversations and match on dating apps, but there is more to a relationship working than simply thinking someone is good-looking.

“I believe that our perspectives on attraction can change once we get to know the person on a deeper level,” she said. “I have had experiences when I wasn’t necessarily physically attracted to someone immediately, but after getting to know the personality, that physical attraction shifted. And I have had experiences when I was physically attracted, and then it shifted to complete disgust after learning more about the person.”

And attraction is not always the same for everyone. You might really enjoy someone’s personality, whereas someone else finds that person a bit boring. Or you might have a friend who thinks someone is on the same level as the Ryans (Reynolds and Gosling, obviously), but you don’t find the individual appealing to the eyes. For Roberts, while outward appearances do hold some significance, it’s not where her focus is.

“I think it’s important to be physically attracted to your spouse, but again, that can change so quickly—people get sick, get in accidents, etc.” she said. “The person’s heart is truly what you should be most attracted to.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Dash, the NatNews official mascot, was locked in on the Summer Olympics and is sad he has to wait four more years to see them again

Upcoming
Events

Monday, August 12: National Middle Child Day
Tuesday, August 13: Free Rooftop Movie Night — Barbie at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, August 14: Sunset Sail on White Rock Lake (also on Thursday)
Thursday, August 15: TNSR’s 2024 Summer Quarterly Run at Fleet Feet Plano; Sip & Savor — Sushi Rolling at Omni Dallas; Candlelight — A Tribute to Adele at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
Friday, August 16: Dallas Wings vs. Connecticut Sun at College Park Center; Rangers vs. Twins at Globe Life Field; Pat Green at The Rustic
Saturday, August 17: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Summer Games at Community Beer Co.; Hot Girl Summer Music Bingo at Sweet Tooth Hotel; 90s Country Tribute — Straight Tequila Night at Legacy Hall; Bring Your Own Pool Party at Truck Yard (The Colony)
Sunday, August 18: Frisco Roughriders vs. Springfield Cardinals at Riders Field

NatNews: Issue 125

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:04:25 +0100

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August 5, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 125

WE GOIN' RUN CLUBBIN'?

Though many individuals scoff at the idea of running for enjoyment and make jokes about only running when being chased, the participation in run clubs is continuing to grow in popularity. In fact, there are more than 2,000 run clubs throughout the U.S., and this year’s Chicago Marathon will have a record number of 50,000 participants after approximately 120,000 applications.

While running has been a social option for many years, the sport made significant strides during the pandemic when people were trying to find ways to stay active and sane and still interact with others in outdoor settings. Social media and people’s success stories of gaining friends and improving health helped to continue to encourage individuals to lace up their running shoes.

Dallas-area resident Adrian Acevedo said he stumbled upon the Thursday Night Social Run (TNSR) Facebook page about four years ago and decided to start attending its weekly run in the Plano area. For him, the biggest benefit has been the community it brought to his life.

“We aren’t trying to outcompete each other, but we are sharing the love of running, no matter the pace,” he said. “For serious runners, it’s a chance to meet other runners who have the same experience as them. For casual runners, it’s a chance to come out and not be scared of running, because there’s always someone who can run with you.”

Just as Acevedo used social media to start his social running journey, Dallas resident Kirsten Kraske, originally from Montana, first began attending White Rock Running Co-op events after discovering the group on Facebook. She also noted that such a group is beneficial for runners of all abilities and paces.

“For serious runners, it gives them a chance to level up their skills, push themselves to run with faster people, and push their bodies to see what they can do,” she said. “For more casual runners, it gives a positive social atmosphere and a way to get outside, move your body, and challenge yourself to see how far you can go.”

Dallas resident Alfonzo Gonzalez Jr. (Fonz), who coaches several runners of all levels, has been a well-known part of the local running community for many years and was still running with another group when a couple of the runners he was training mentioned the idea of starting a group, as they were primarily running alone at the time. He now leads the Train Pegasus group, which offers runners a variety of opportunities for both easy and more challenging runs throughout the week. In Fonz’s view, there are multiple benefits to taking part in run clubs.

“New runners can learn a lot from the more seasoned runners,” he said. “Run clubs give casual runners a place to stay motivated toward their fitness goals and provide a space to network and make new friends.”

There are plenty of other run clubs throughout the metroplex (including Pint Striders, Plano Running Club, and Oak Cliff Run Crew, to name a few), all offering ways for people to stay in shape and build friendships at the same time. As a leader of such a group, Fonz said he enjoys watching new runners make new connections with others and believes running with people on a consistent basis is growing in popularity because of the advantages doing so can bring to a person’s life.

“More people are realizing that social run clubs can be an outing to socialize with others while exercising at the same time,” he said.

One highly appealing factor to many social running opportunities, including all of the groups mentioned thus far, is the fact that they are free to join. One can simply show up and hit the pavement with like-minded individuals. Kraske also appreciates that they offer an authentic way to meet people outside of a drinking setting.

“It gives people something active to do while also being social,” she said. “I think run clubs promote an inviting atmosphere to either come alone or come with friends because there’s someone there for everyone. It also gives you a really great way to start or end your day.”

There’s a uniqueness to running, as well. It’s a sport that challenges individuals but doesn’t always pit them against one another in a competitive way. Rather, there’s encouragement without scorekeeping and conversations that often become personal and help lead to lifelong friendships. Some people have even found their future spouses at run clubs, and it’s not uncommon for singles to use them as a way to meet people as an alternative to dating apps. Others have found them helpful to make friends after moving to new cities or when looking to spend time with those with similar interests.

“It’s a great way to connect with people that not many other sports can really do,” Acevedo said.

And running can certainly create a selfless bond between individuals that allows them to experience genuine pride and joy for one another.

“The thing I enjoy the most about being in a run club is the personal growth I see from runners,” Acevedo said. “From people running one mile on their first day to running marathons, it is truly inspiring.”

For Kraske, the consistency of the run group and the individuals within it are what she appreciates most.

“The people in WRRC were the first people to make Dallas feel like home for me,” she said, “and I’m forever grateful for them.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The English version of the word “pocket,” deriving from a variation of a word meaning “bag,” came into use around 1450 to describe a small sack, whether sewn into clothing or not, worn by an individual.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: FRIEND VS. ACQUAINTANCE

When you’re younger, it seems like almost anyone you know and generally like is pretty much your friend. Whether it’s your classmates, teammates, people you know from extracurricular activities, neighbors, or kids you meet on the playground, friends are almost everywhere.

As we get older, though, our friendship circles tend to close in a little bit more tightly, and we change the way we view the people we know—some are true friends, while others are merely acquaintances. Friends are those with whom one spends more time, has regular interactions and shared experiences, and engages in deeper conversations and emotional bonds. Acquaintances, on the other hand, are those with whom a person has more surface-level relationships and conversations and doesn’t necessarily make concerted efforts to spend time.

Not everyone views and prioritizes friendships and acquaintanceships in similar regards, though. A recent NatNews research initiative revealed that only 6 percent of dear readers see friends and acquaintances as essentially being the same, though the vast majority (53 percent) have more friends than acquaintances and generally only trust people close to them.

“Friends are unconditional—those relationships exist outside of any container or context,” Dane Sebring, a paranormal investigator in Washington, D.C., said. “Acquaintances are relative to a specific environment—school, work, church, etc. I have more acquaintances than friends, just like I suspect most people do. It takes a lot of mutual effort, time, and shared experience to elevate a relationship from acquaintance to friend.”

Like Sebring, Dallas resident Charlotte Thomas said she likely has more acquaintances than friends. This is certainly not uncommon. Recent Pew Research Center surveys found that the majority of adults place strong emphasis on the importance of friendships in their lives and have between one and four close friends. Acquaintances, however, are much easier to find.

“If you count all of the people I’m friendly with during my day-to-day (work, fitness, hobbies, friends of friends), it can really add up,” Thomas said. “As I’ve gotten older, my number of friends has decreased since I do not go out as much. Some friends have turned into acquaintances, but that’s mostly due to lack of communication and not disinterest, and that could change easily.”

While relationships vary among individuals and don’t look the same for everyone, understanding the different dynamics between friends and acquaintances can help you set appropriate expectations for the people in your life.

“I typically will discuss personal issues with my friends and have frequent meet-ups (like going out to dinner), while with acquaintances I will keep it surface-level and usually will not hang out with them regularly,” Thomas said. “Acquaintances can become friends, though.”

For Montana resident Karen Brinkmann, an acquaintance is someone who is on his or her way to becoming a friend, though Brinkmann certainly recognizes the difference between the two.

“I’m friendly with both acquaintances and friends, but I probably am a little more transparent and open the longer I’ve been friends with someone,” she said. “There is a level of trust you have with closer friends than you do with acquaintances.”

While Brinkmann said she definitely has more acquaintances than close friends, she recognizes that they all play significant roles and fill different needs in a person’s life.

“I think it’s important to have both friends and acquaintances,” she said. “And all good friends probably started off as some level of acquaintance before they hit that next level of friendship.”

Sebring also knows the value of having a variety of different relationships in one’s life and how truly impactful friendships can be, though he admits that having friends can be hard work at times.

“If you have a lot of them, they probably aren’t that close,” he said. “You can’t be a well-adjusted adult without someone on speed dial who will split a bottle of wine and laugh about your deepest insecurities.”

For some individuals, blurring the lines between how to interact with and view people can alter one’s attitude or perception. Dallas-area resident Megan England said she began treating everyone at work as a friend rather than an acquaintance, and doing so proved to be a game changer.

“It really helped create a more positive experience for me,” she said. “The intentionality was a process but worth it. I was inspired by my maintenance man. He is very gifted in this area. I’m not, so it was a big push for me.”

Whether a person has many friends or acquaintances or very few of either is not what matters most, though, as Thomas pointed out.

“What’s important is maintaining happiness through growth and connections,” she said. “And these connections are not based on the amount of connections but the quality of those connections.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The youths help keep NatNews staff members somewhat hip sometimes

Upcoming
Events

Monday, August 5: Rangers vs. Astros at Globe Life Field
Tuesday, August 6: Free Rooftop Movie — Mallrats at Sundown at Granada; Fun in the Sun — Back-to-School Bash at Grandscape
Wednesday, August 7: Females on Fire Conference at the Majestic Theatre
Thursday, August 8: Weezer Tribute — The Troublemakers at Legacy Hall; 4th Annual Irish Slammer at Harwood Arms
Friday, August 9: The Box Office Girl Presents — 10 Things I Hate About You at the Texas Theatre; Salsa Dance Lesson & Party at Klyde Warren Park
Saturday, August 10: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Neon Summer Adult Night at Hawaiian Waters; Cornhole Tournament at Community Beer Co.
Sunday, August 11: WRC Latte Art Workshop at White Rock Coffee Brew Lab; West Coast Swing Dance Class at DFW Young and Social

NatNews: Issue 124

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 12:07:52 +0100

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July 29, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 124

WE'RE NOT ALL OF OLYMPIC ATHLETE CALIBER

For the next two weeks, some of the greatest athletes in the world are putting all of their skills and limits to the test and probably reminding some of us just how amateur we are. All of their training over the last four years (and likely for some of their entire lifetimes) has finally brought them to what might be the biggest competition stage they’ll ever see.

The Summer Olympics draws in a significant amount of support—nearly 29 million viewers tuned in to the Opening Ceremonies last Friday. Whether they are watching to see specific events, to support their countries, to keep up with what Snoop Dogg is going to say or do next, or simply to enjoy witnessing unique moments in history, individuals all across the globe will find ways to embrace as much of the 19-day spectacle as they can.

Denver resident Amanda Bennett said she enjoys the Olympics because it is one of the few things on television or the internet that her entire family likes to watch together.

“I only wish the Summer Olympics started at the beginning of the summer break, rather than toward the end,” she said. “Quality time with kids is fleeting in the face of social media, video games, etc. I will soak up as much of it as I can get.”

For Dallas resident Becca Finke, the Olympics is a time to find peace and joy in the idea that the best athletes from all over the world are able to come together in one highly anticipated and celebrated setting.

“There is a sense of unity and fun competition in a world that feels so muddled,” she said.

And that level of competition leaves many spectators wondering how what they just witnessed is even physically or humanly possible.

“These are the best athletes at their respective sports, and we don’t normally get to watch many of these events,” Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen said. “That and the fact they are representing their countries makes it feel like so much is at stake. The intensity level is so high, and every event is so thrilling to watch.”

Even only a few days in, the Paris Olympics have already provided a number of exciting moments, including podium finishes for American divers and swimmers. You can bet that Dallas resident Katie Butler relished in those celebrations, as such events carry more significance for her because of personal experiences in her competitive history.

“I like watching swimming most because I did it growing up,” she said. “I also think it has the events where people are least likely to get hurt. Most other sports freak me out—like in gymnastics and ice skating, I’m convinced they are going to fall.”

And sometimes they do fall. But that doesn’t stop people from wishing they could compete alongside those athletes. In fact, the majority of NatNews readers who participated in a recent online poll indicated that if they had the talent and abilities to compete in any Olympic sport, they would choose gymnastics. Bennett is one of those gymnast enthusiasts, though she would also like to take a stab at fencing.

“As a child who grew up dancing, I recognize many parallels in the gymnastics world, especially with the floor routines,” she said. “I love seeing the melding of athleticism and art in their performances. As for fencing, I watch too many movies—it’s just a freaking cool sport!”

Others, like Butler, wish they could compete in events that don’t actually exist in the Olympics. Well, yet. Who knows what could come four years from now? After all, breakdancing was added to this year’s competitions.

“I wish indoor cycling was an event,” she said. “I have taken like 1,000 indoor cycling classes and know all about the sport, so I feel like it would be cool to have an event I actually knew a ton about.”

Another excitement-filled athletic endeavor still ahead is track and field, which begins August 1. Borkenhagen, who is a long-distance runner, said he would opt to compete in the 100-meter dash because it is over quite quickly. Or he would tee it up and play golf.

“[In the 100], you have no room for error and no time to make up distance or to rectify mistakes,” he said. “And growing up, I always thought guys like Michael Johnson and Maurice Green were so cool. For golf, I just love the sport a lot, so to represent my country while playing it would be amazing.”

Overall, though, no matter what event he competed in for this current non-reality, Borkenhagen said he believes that one of the best things about being an Olympian would be having the opportunity to fraternize with other top athletes from around the world, especially those he would have seen at different competitions over the years and those with whom he had forged bonds and rivalries. But there would also be other special memories he would carry with him.

“I saw a video from the Olympic village this year where the Samoan athletes were singing in the courtyard of one of the residential buildings, and it was so pretty,” he said. “Experiencing stuff like that would be a top moment for me, as well.”

For Butler, the idea of having the ability to challenge herself physically alongside other top athletes gives her a thrill.

“I love working out and training, and I’m super competitive, so getting to train with like-minded people who are as excited about the same thing as me would be awesome,” she said.

It’s important to note that less than 0.1 percent of people in the world compete in the Olympics. Finke, who would choose to compete in golf because she enjoys individual sports and is a skilled player, recognizes how unique and special it would be to be part of the Summer Games.

“The best thing about being an Olympian would be having been part of the biggest sporting/games event in the world,” she said. “To receive a medal at the Olympics is, in my opinion, the highest honor as a patriot and an athlete.”

Bennett also noted that she understands how rare such an opportunity is and, at the same time, longs for a true sense of unity not only for the athletes but also for the fans at home.

“With so much animosity in our country right now due to the impending elections, I hope that the Olympics will bring us together, if only temporarily,” she said. “Being the very best in your sport and getting to represent your country is an honor I can’t even fathom, yet I cannot wait to cheer on those who have achieved this dream.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The fastest badminton smash ever recorded was 565 kilometers per hour (351.1 miles per hour), which was hit by India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in 2023, breaking a 10-year-old record.

IS IT CRINGE TO TRY TO SLAY AND BE FIRE?

If you’re a millennial or older (or maybe even an elderly Gen Z-er), you may experience confusion when you hear the youths talk. Sure, we said things like “all that and a bag of chips” back in the day, but phrases of that sort clearly made sense. Thankfully, we have the internet for interpretation. You don’t have to be a parent to bookmark this list—you can do so if you want to feel hip or in-the-know with the young bucks.

Some terms (like “cap,” which means something is not true, and “fit,” which refers to what someone is wearing) have been around for a few or several years, while others (such as “rizz,” which kids are using in place of “charisma”) are more recent. Dallas-area resident Liz Orozco works in education and has three of her own children, so she is able to stay up-to-date because of the lingo her older kids use. Whether or not she knows what everything they say means doesn’t determine if she’s a fan or words and phrases.

“I can’t stand the whole ‘what the sigma,’ ‘skibidi toilet,’ ‘GYAT, ‘bet,’ and referencing Ohio,” she said. “I still don’t get that.”

At some point, Ohio somehow became a state about which to joke on TikTok, and it stuck. Not everything that becomes trendy makes sense (after all, jeans under dresses were once considered “fashion,” and suddenly the word “random” seemed like the perfect description for essentially every situation). Dallas resident Aaron Byrkit has two young boys but doesn’t pay extremely close attention to current popular sayings.

“I only do enough to make sure and say the lingo wrong so that my 9-year-old finds it annoying,” he said. “I think I don’t keep up with it because other things in the world take up my attention now. We’ll see if this stays true as my boys get older and start to use hip lingo.”

Dallas-area resident Libby Shewski, however, coaches 12-year-old club volleyball players and makes sure that she uses language with which her athletes are familiar. She even became a well-known TikTok queen, and her players could frequently be heard saying “slay, Libby!” (“Slay” means to be quite stylish and successful.)

“I stay updated because I want the sixth-graders I coach to think I’m cool,” Shewski said. “Actually, they teach me pretty much everything I know, and they can get pretty judgmental if you use a word that’s not cool anymore. I once told them I was a millennial, and they made fun of me for that. But in reality, I want to learn the cool words so that I relate to them and bond with them and so that they trust me as their coach.”

But Shewski has to be careful that she uses the words and phrases correctly.

“One time I thought ‘selling’ meant you were doing well at something, but in reality, it means you’re not,” she said. “A kid said to me ‘Coach Libby, I’m selling right now,’ and I told her ‘good job,’ so I think it’s very important (especially in what I do) to understand their slang.”

And Shewski said she even likes some of the new words her players bring to her vocabulary. For instance, the word “opp” refers to someone an individual doesn’t like. If Captain Hook saw Peter Pan or heard a reference to him, Hook would say about Pan “he’s my opp.” But Shewski said she can’t get behind all of the youthful lingo.

“There are a lot that seem silly to me,” she said. “For example, ‘mewing,’ which is when you hold your tongue to the roof of your mouth to give yourself a good jawline. Another one that I really don’t understand is ‘skibidi.’ I still don’t know when to use that word. ‘Sigma’ and ‘alpha’ have similar meanings, and ‘beta’ is bad, and those words are getting trendy.”

Orozco said she finds the word “rizz” amusing, and she also doesn’t mind “brain rot,” which is a new condition one experiences after spending too much time consuming low-value internet content.

“I use that when my kids are on their screens too much,” she said.

Byrkit, on the other hand, said he doesn’t have many strong feelings regarding any of the current lingo he’s heard.

“I’ve recently started to realize how out-of-the-know I am,” he said. “It took me quite a while to figure out what was going on with this ‘hawk tuah girl.’ I thought maybe she was a Gen Z-er making falconing popular or something.”

Why these words and phrases become popular are sometimes unknown, but they spread rather quickly, especially with technology almost constantly at our fingertips. Orozco said most of the trends we currently see are a result of social media, and some of them simply aren’t necessary.

“I don’t mind lingo when the words are actual words, but it sometimes seems like people say words just to hear themselves speak,” she said.

Byrkit agrees with Orozco’s notion that outlets like Instagram, TikTok, and others propel these trends, many of which often appear to pop up out of nowhere.

“I think it has to do with the cultural zeitgeist,” he said. “I do think it has been super-charged with social media, which has accelerated the ability for information to travel from person to person or from bot to person.”

Regardless of the reason or the means, we’re likely to continue seeing evolving lingo come and go for years to come.

“I feel like it’s the same as why fashion trends resurface—a little nostalgia, or maybe someone famous used that word in a TikTok,” Shewski said. “It also seems like a lot of effort to keep inventing new words.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews dear reader and Kansas City Chiefs lead producer Anna Tobkin was able to enjoy a day at Chiefs Training Camp with her sweet son

Upcoming
Events

Monday, July 29: National Lasagna Day; National Chicken Wing Day
Tuesday, July 30: Free Rooftop Movie — Superbad at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, July 31: FC Dallas vs. FC Juarez at Toyota Stadium; Idina Menzel at the Majestic Theatre
Thursday, August 1: Club 90s Presents — Midnight Memories at House of Blues Dallas; Sounds of Summer — Simply Garth at Grandscape
Friday, August 2: Rangers vs. Red Sox at Globe Life Field
Saturday, August 3: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Taylor’s Version — A Swiftie Dance Party at Sundown at Granada; Roller Disco Adult Skating Night at Interskate Roller Rink; Journey Tribute — Departure ATX at Legacy Hall
Sunday, August 4: Free First Sundays — Access for All at the Dallas Museum of Art

NatNews: Issue 123

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:10:19 +0100

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July 22, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 123

SKIN CARE AS A FORM OF SELF-CARE

While many people prefer to practice quality skin care in order to minimize signs of aging and have glowing, blemish-free appearances, taking care of your skin is actually beneficial for your overall health. Your skin helps protect you from external elements, regulates body temperature, promotes vitamin D synthesis, and naturally protects against harmful UV rays, and treating it properly can fight against infection and disease, improve self-confidence, and even help improve mental health.

According to research conducted by NatNews, 58 percent of the dear readers who participated in a recent survey indicated that they believe that skin care is important, 36 percent said they mostly think it’s important but don’t invest much into it, and 6 percent do not care much or at all about taking care of their skin. For New York City resident Alicia Wyatt, skin care is certainly a priority in her life.

“Our skin is often the first sign to see when we are having health issues,” she said. “It is also a big driver of confidence (or non-confidence) in our self-perceptions of ourselves, too.”

Dallas resident Keith Jensen said he also ensures that he makes time and efforts to care for his skin, as he knows the negative effects that can result from not doing so.

“Your skin has the ability of being something that gives you great confidence or can cause you a lot of pain,” he said. “I have had family members who deal with ongoing skin issues that are painful and itchy and can cause great pain physically and sometimes even emotionally.”

In order to maintain healthy skin, Jensen said he uses sunscreen every day, often multiple times per day. That’s not the only precautionary measure he takes, though.

“I also use skin hydration products and, over the last four years, have done a yearly deeper blue light therapy to combat cancerous cells and repair damage from years past,” he said.

People’s faces are exposed to a number of harsh elements, including pollution, the sun’s dangerous rays, and adverse weather conditions—all of which can take a toll on a person’s skin. While some individuals are able to treat themselves to facials and other such procedures, not everyone’s lifestyle can allocate much to skin care. While Dallas-area resident Laura Mattingly believes that basic skin care is beneficial for overall health and self-confidence, as a mother of two young boys, she has a rather full schedule.

“I try to use SPF and moisturizer daily and clean my face before bed,” she said. “Other than that, it can be hard for me to make the time to apply other products regularly.”

Some individuals, like Wyatt, have sensitive skin and use certain products that help protect it. Wyatt said she also tries to eat a healthy diet, drinks plenty of fluids, takes a collagen supplement, and wears sunscreen daily because she is rather susceptible to sunburns.

“As I hit middle age, I have found my body needs a bit more help keeping up with its care,” she said.

Research conducted by the U.S. Census and Simmons National Consumer Survey revealed that the average American spends more than $320 each year on skin care. When it comes to the idea of seeking self-improvement in a variety of ways, this amount is not surprising to many people.

“Skin is tied so closely to your appearance, which means that it’s a natural place for people to invest their money when they are trying to look or feel better about themselves,” Jensen said.

Mattingly said she thinks there has been a continued growth in the popularity and use of products to help one’s skin because of the availability of information and knowledge people now have to the long-term benefits such products offer.

“I think there has been an increased awareness that good skin care, over time, really does help with the signs of aging,” she said. “And as people’s overall efforts to stay healthy later in life have increased, so has the desire to delay the physical signs of aging.”

And those efforts are likely not going to fade away anytime soon. Wyatt said she believes that products to help with proper skin care will always be popular staples in many people’s lives.

“They are ever-evolving to try to be healthier, and as consumers, we have been conditioned to be open to trying them out,” she said. “The science behind skin care is just as evolving as the products being produced. It’s also important to understand that our needs change as we age. As long as beauty sells, skin care will sell right along with it."

DID YOU KNOW?

Though Olympic gold medals contain 6 grams of gold, they are primarily made of silver. The last time Olympic gold medals were made entirely of gold was in 1912.

IF YOU HAD BEEN CLOSER IN AGE, WOULD IT HAVE BEEN FINE?

When it comes to dating, no two relationships are identical. Some people meet during childhood or high school or college and stay together forever. Others meet at work or through friends or out and about in a number of different places or use dating apps to help them find their significant others.

Throughout the adolescent and young adult years, it’s more common for individuals to date people their own ages. The more advanced in age one gets, though, the more likely it becomes that he or she might end up with someone a bit older or younger. While age gaps (especially significant ones) in relationships sometimes spark social disapproval, not everyone believes that there are specific standards adults are required to follow. Dallas resident Laura Hays said she thinks an age difference in a relationship completely depends on the people and the situation.

“There is no hard and fast rule,” she said. “However, up to six years in either direction seems to be the range that works best for me.”

For Hays, this truth comes from previous personal experience.

“When I was 36, I briefly dated a 24-year-old,” she said. “We had a fun time together, but it definitely wasn’t going to work long-term. We were in very different places in life, as he was only a couple years out of college, and I was established in my career, looking to settle down and start a family. But it did make me feel like ‘I’ve still got it!’"

Like Hays, Dallas resident Alexis Derrow believes that plus or minus six years is a sufficient age gap between two people for a relationship to work.

“You need to have some cultural fluency, and if it is more than six years, you start to lose it,” she said.

Also similar to Hays, Dallas resident Andy Cline said he believes that there’s no set rule. For him, however, a difference of five years in either direction is typically acceptable.

“I care less about the actual number and more about two other factors that are somewhat tied to age: maturity-to-immaturity ratio and phase of life,” he said.

Cline said in any lasting romantic relationship, that maturity-to-immaturity ratio cannot be too unbalanced on either side.

“You have to be able to have fun as well as be able to have the difficult conversations that help the relationship to grow,” he said. “And the phase of life compatibility is crucial because people’s values and goals change in different phases of life, and if yours aren’t aligned, you’re going to have a bad time.”

For Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard, a significant age gap between two people is not necessarily a problem when both individuals are consenting and mature adults.

“There are obviously issues—like health and financial issues—that people in a relationship with a very large age gap may run into, but those issues also happen to people in relationships with no age differences.”

Derrow also believes that individuals dating people much older or younger than they are can have lasting relationships, though like Cline said, those situations are often less about the number of years the people have lived.

“If people have the same goals, then yes, it can work,” she said. “But often you are at different places in your lives.”

Because of being in life stages that were not quite the same, Derrow’s relationships in which she has dated men up to 15 years younger or older have not lasted.

“I dated a much older and a much younger man,” she said. “With the older one, we were in different places. With the younger, there was too much Gen Z angst. I couldn’t take it.”

Cline said he has seen many relationships he believes are successful between people with large age differences, though he doesn’t think that he would do well in one. He was once in a relationship with a six-year age gap that didn’t work out in the long run.

“We were in different phases of life and had differing priorities as a result,” he said. “So, ultimately, the relationship ended.”

That’s not the case for everyone, though. Odegard said he has dated women close to his age as well as those who are not quite in his age bracket.

“I tend to get into relationships with people younger than me, but I think that is mostly because I act so much younger than my actual age,” he said. “I’ve never had any age-related issues with somebody I’ve dated who was much younger than me, other than the people who judge us because of the age gap.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Sweet Lily Hays is new to Dallas and so excited to make new friends and call this place home

Upcoming
Events

Monday, July 22: Rangers vs. White Sox at Globe Life Field
Tuesday, July 23: Free Rooftop Movie — Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, July 24: National Tequila Day at Community Beer Co.
Thursday, July 25: Sounds of Summer — Champagne Yacht Club at Grandscape
Friday, July 26: Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Watch Party at Legacy Hall; Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey — The Greatest Show on Earth at the American Airlines Center (also on Saturday and Sunday)
Saturday, July 27: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Olympics Bar Crawl in the Harwood District
Sunday, July 28: Community Beer Co. Cycling Group Ride

NatNews: Issue 122

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 12:12:43 +0100

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July 15, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 122

SOME PEOPLE PREFER THE GREAT INDOORS

It’s that time of year when you don’t really need to check the weather app or tune in to see your favorite meteorologist to find out what it’s like outside. In many places, especially the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the forecast is typically the same every day: hot.

While some individuals will continue to exercise outside regardless of the temperature, others prefer to move things indoors. Dallas resident Kevin Roberts, an avid pickleball player, said he’s grateful to have the option to play his beloved sport inside when the weather is at extremes.

“I initially started playing at a new facility in January when the temperature was in the 20s,” he said. “We now play indoors to avoid the excessive Dallas summertime heat. I prefer to play outdoors, but it is nice to have the indoor option when it’s too hot, too cold, windy, or rainy.”

Roberts said he regularly plays pickleball at three different indoor locations: The Grove in Trinity Grove, Dallas Indoor Pickleball in Farmers Branch, and Preston Playhouse at Preston and 635. These facilities all opened this year, and Roberts said he is fortunate enough to be able to hit the courts during the off-peak hours.

“They tend to be more crowded at night and on weekends,” he said. “I play during the day during the week, and courts are always available.”

There are a variety of other indoor pickleball facilities throughout the metroplex, including at Plano Sports Authority, The Picklr in McKinney, and at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas. It is important to note, though, that it costs money to play on the indoor courts, which is one reason why Roberts said even though the indoor options are often quite appealing when it’s so toasty outside, many people still choose to play outside.

“The indoor facilities have not been as crowded as outdoor, as most of the outdoor courts are free,” he said. “Cole Park continues to be extremely busy, as it is a great place to meet new people, and there is almost always someone to play.”

Dallas-area resident Carolyn Macduff Levanway, a marathon runner who makes sure to log some miles every single day, said she opts for the treadmill when it’s too hot outside and also regularly works out at a fitness studio.

“My heart rate is way lower indoors, and I find I don’t fatigue as quickly,” she said. “I’m also able to control my pace and incline on the treadmill way more than I am outside.”

Indoor workouts—particularly those on treadmills, elliptical machines, and StairMasters—can often be mentally challenging for those who are accustomed to exercising outdoors most of the time. Macduff Levanway said she finds ways to stay entertained, though.

“I usually listen to an audiobook or podcast,” she said. “If I have a long workout, I’ll watch TV to keep me going. For the fitness studio I attend, the music and instructor keep me motivated.”

Macduff Levanway said she also has a particular treadmill workout that helps her stay positive and focused on achieving her goals.

“I love progression runs,” she said. “By the end of the workout, I feel like such a fast human hamster! I also feel like the treadmill gives you so much control over your paces, so you can actually get in a solid progression run.”

There are plenty of other indoor exercise options (though most will involve fees of some sort), including Pilates, yoga, HIIT workouts, cycling, weight lifting, rock climbing, kickboxing, and swimming. So, whether you’re willing to embrace the heat or not, it’s still possible for you to break a sweat and get some movement in during the blazing summer months.

DID YOU KNOW?

A 2018 study found that wearing a necktie can reduce blood flow to the brain by 7.5 percent, causing dizziness, nausea, and headaches.

IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE VEHICLE YOU OPERATE?

Each year, there are nearly 70 million vehicle breakdowns and 220 million flat tires in the United States. Car troubles can be quite frustrating—and sometimes rather expensive—and many drivers find themselves rather helpless when issues occur when they’re out on the roads. In fact, only 30 percent of NatNews readers who participated in an online poll indicated that they know how to change a flat tire.

Phoenix resident Arin Mearig is not very familiar with the tire-changing process and said she would likely call her mom or dad for help if she found herself in such circumstances.

“I’m pretty sure you have to use that thing to jack the car up and then use a tool to take it off,” she said. “Wait, maybe you have to spin those things off first. I don’t know.”

She’s on the right-ish track. If she lived in DFW, she could reach out to Dallas-area resident Bill Smith, who considers himself highly car-savvy. He said whenever he purchases a new car, he always looks for the placement of the jack and spare tire and takes note of whether the car has specific points to place the jack under the car to change it. He said he believes knowing how to get oneself out of a flat-tire situation is certainly valuable knowledge to have.

“Everyone who learns to drive should learn to change a tire in their driveway,” he said. “It is an easy skill to learn and could save lots of money and time.”

Dallas resident Damon Yousefy said he knows how to change a flat tire but also invests in run-flat tires, which allow drivers to continue on the roads for a short time after getting a flat so that they can make it to a safe place to stop or to a specific place for repair.

“[With run-flat tires], I can drive up to 50 miles at up to 50 miles per hour to a tire shop so that I’m not stuck trying to change a tire in rain or the Texas heat,” he said. “For me, it’s worth the slightly higher price to have the run-flat tires.”

There are also more serious car breakdowns that involve much more mechanical knowledge than changing a tire and can’t necessarily be repaired by oneself on the side of the road. While Smith said he would like to think he would know what to do in those situations, he said it would also depend on the reason for the breakdown. Sometimes the best thing to do is to call experts who can assist.

“NTTA roads here in Texas have a roadside assist number (#999) you can contact during a breakdown,” he said. “It’s also a good practice to have local non-emergency police numbers stored in your phone for times like these.”

Like Smith, Dallas resident Juliette Vielhauer—who learned how to change a tire from her dad, as he wanted to make sure that she knew where all of the tools were when she first got her Jeep—said she would be able to handle the car issue herself in some cases but would call roadside assistance when it was necessary.

“I believe being a responsible car owner involves regular servicing and having contingency plans if stranded,” she said. “While extensive car knowledge isn’t always necessary, being prepared with basic skills or having roadside assistance is crucial.”

Mearig is on the same page as Vielhauer in that viewpoint, though she said certain aspects of car maintenance information is something she wishes had been part of her required educational curriculum.

“I think it’s very important to have general knowledge so that if you’re stuck without a way of contacting someone, you can get yourself out of it,” she said. “I think it should be taught in high school.”

But it’s only mandatory to learn how to drive, not about the machine you’re operating, if you’re going to get behind a wheel. Mearig said she thinks this is one reason why many drivers don’t know car basics, such as changing a tire.

“We were never taught and didn’t take the responsibility ourselves for learning how to do things,” she said. “Also, in America, we have a hundred auto shops at the tip of our fingers to just take the car to when something happens.”

Smith also believes that having general car knowledge is important for those in the driver’s seat, especially in light of the fact that they are operating machines at high speeds surrounded by others who are often careless and reckless on the roads.

“Knowing the general workings of the tools we use is a good practice to keep ourselves and those around us safe,” he said. “Not finding yourself stranded on a highway because you can change your own tire is worth the investment to learn.”

Yousefy said he knew the basics of dealing with car issues when he drove a Honda in college, but he owns a Mercedes now, which he said is a much more complicated car to fix. If his car broke down, he said he would contact roadside assistance through his insurance to help. Regardless of whether a person can handle the issues on his or her own or reaches out to experts, Yousefy said being prepared is essential.

“Having roadside assistance through insurance or AAA is important, as is basic knowledge, so that the repair center doesn’t take advantage of you,” he said. “I think cars have gotten a lot more complex, and people have gotten more used to convenience instead of DIY.”

For Vielhauer, she said she is grateful that she learned everything she knows about cars from her dad, who raced off-road vehicles and was always consistently working on a project car or two when his kids were growing up.

“He taught me to drive off-road as soon as I could reach the pedals and emphasized understanding the consequences of my actions behind the wheel,” she said. “From helping him work on his cars to modifying my own Jeep under his guidance, he instilled in me the importance of preparation, like carrying water and a sleeping bag for long trips. Without his guidance, I’d likely rely heavily on AAA.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some of these NatNews dear readers recently completed the challenging Triple Bypass bike ride in Colorado

Upcoming
Events

Monday, July 15: July Pickleball Mixer at Preston Playhouse; MLB Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field
Tuesday, July 16: MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field; Free Rooftop Movie — The Breakfast Club at Sundown at Granada; Dallasites101 July Speed Dating + Singles Mixer at Happiest Hour
Wednesday, July 17: Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever at College Park Center; FC Dallas vs. Austin FC at Toyota Stadium
Thursday, July 18: Le Meridien Dallas, the Stoneleigh Speakeasy; Shrek — The Musical at Winspear Opera House
Friday, July 19: Rangers vs. Orioles at Globe Life Field; Frank Caliendo at Addison Improv (also on Saturday)
Saturday, July 20: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Peso Pluma at the American Airlines Center; Summer Luau at Community Beer Co.
Sunday, July 21: The Virgin Hotel Pool Party; Painting with a View at Sky Blu Rooftop

NatNews: Issue 121

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 12:10:58 +0100

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

July 8, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 121

IS IT OK TO SAY A (BITTER)SWEET FAREWELL TO SUGAR FOR A TIME PERIOD?

Many of the foods and beverages people consume on a regular basis contain more sugar than they might realize. Too much sugar in one’s diet can contribute to detrimental health issues, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and tooth decay.

Some individuals choose to reduce the amount of sugar in their diets or even remove it for a period of time. Dallas-area resident and registered dietitian Lyndsey Kohn said doing so can be an effective way to help “reset” one’s taste buds and become more cognizant of products that contain added sugars.

“A lot of folks aren’t even aware of how much sugar they consume, and it can be a little shocking when you start adding it all up,” she said. “Removing added sugars for a period of time can help with blood glucose regulation, decrease your appetite for sugary products, and possibly increase other whole-food consumption since you may be swapping out a few regular food items (e.g., Dr. Pepper vs. a Spindrift or a couple of M&M’s vs. veggies and hummus).”

Dallas resident Ben Sewell has recently lowered his sugar intake and said that while sugar is helpful with many body functions, giving up excessive sugar consumption can help with weight loss, maintaining balanced blood sugar levels, and improving skin tone and appearance, among other benefits.

“There are abundant sources of naturally occurring sugar in healthy foods, so making conscious choices to eliminate sugar really means getting rid of processed sugars,” he said. “Cutting sugar from your diet, however, is easier said than done. It’s in everything, so some trial and error is to be expected when you are first starting to go sugar-free. I gave it up completely for Lent a few years ago, and there was a period of two weeks or so in which I felt fatigued and mentally unfocused.”

Sewell said because sugary foods are also associated with lifestyle, it took him a bit of time to quit having desserts with every dinner. He said the difficulty passes, though, and it’s possible to reduce or eliminate the sweets with some creativity and perseverance.

“Nowadays, there are far more options for sugar-free foods that make the effort easier,” he said. “After Lent, I stayed off sugar for several more months and gradually brought back select treats but in much lower portions and far less frequently than before.”

Like Sewell, Dallas resident Laura Hays knows the challenges of not allowing sugar in her diet for a certain amount of time, as she does so every January for 30 days as part of Whole30, a short-term elimination diet that avoids sugar, grains, and dairy.

“This is a great way for me to reset for the new year after overindulging during the holidays,” she said. “While I usually slip back to old habits afterward, it has raised my awareness of how much sugar I am consuming.”

Kohn has also taken part in the Whole30 diet as well as the 75 Hard challenge and said she found them both to be interesting experiments on how food affects people’s bodies, from both cognitive and physical standpoints.

“Added sugars was one for which it was easy to see the effects,” she said. “After 30 or 60 days, I vividly remember eating ice cream for the first time and thinking it tasted too sweet, and I didn’t like it. It’s shocking, I know—I love a good vanilla bean ice cream.”

Whether one is reducing or eliminating sugar temporarily or permanently, Kohn said doing so is no easy feat.

“You are essentially retraining your brain and daily habits not to default to high amounts of sugar,” she said. “You are really training your blood glucose response not to fluctuate so drastically throughout the day and to become more stabilized. It takes time to shift this, so give it a week or so to start feeling the benefits of it.”

And Kohn said she certainly does not eliminate sugar from her diet completely, as she believes that added sugars are delicious and fun treats to have on occasion, especially on the recent Fourth of July holiday and as part of various summer festivities.

“It’s just a matter of being mindful around it,” she said. “People like to say it’s good to be a conscious consumer, and I say it’s important to be a conscious eater and be aware but also to have fun.”

While Hays only rids of sugar once a year, she said she has become more mindful of where sugar may be unexpectedly found.

“If I’m eating candy or dessert, I expect it to be full of sugar, but now I look for it hidden in things like sauces, soups, nut butters, and milk alternatives, where it really isn’t necessary and tastes just as good without,” she said. “Primal Kitchen’s sugar-free spicy ketchup is my absolute favorite, even after Whole30 ends. I feel like small changes add up to make a difference.”

And though Sewell has reduced his overall sugar intake, he said like most everything else in life, it is OK to enjoy the sweetness in moderation.

“During extra-long work days or after heavy workouts, I’ll enjoy a Coke or something similar, but discipline is important to make sure you don’t fall back into bad habits and start having things like that every day,” he said. “It’s important to reward oneself from time to time, but since I dialed back my sugar intake, I don’t crave it as much anymore, and that leads to a much healthier lifestyle.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Originally known as dinner suits, tuxedos got their name from Tuxedo Park, a small town in New York that was home to a private hunting and fishing club during the 1800s.

WEDDING ETIQUETTE: THE PLUS-ONE VARIABLE

While a wedding is typically meant to be a beautiful event to celebrate the union of two individuals committing their lives to each other, there can be some stressful moments of planning and preparation included leading up to the special day. Sometimes, this involves controversial decisions as to whether or not guests will have the option to bring plus-ones with them.

As one might expect, not everyone is on the same page regarding the plus-one debate. Should everyone be able to bring a plus-one? Should that option be limited to those who are married, engaged, or in serious long-term relationships? Does it depend on the wedding? Or should plus-ones never be an option at all?

Dallas resident Whitney Phinyawatana said she believes that if the budget allows, any adult wedding guest should have the option to bring a plus-one, especially if that individual will not recognize many familiar faces.

“I imagine it can feel very awkward to attend when you know no one there and have no one by your side,” she said.

Some weddings are more expensive than others, though, and Dallas-area resident Madison Royal said while there is no real set rule, she thinks that if the wedding reception includes a sit-down dinner in which the married couple must pay per person, then in most cases, plus-ones should be reserved for married or engaged individuals.

“That’s what we did for our wedding,” she said. “We tried to account for the fact that as much as we love people, we wanted significant others to be involved because it was such a special day for us. I like that solely because then you’re getting someone who’s committed to your friend or family member. But at the same point, if money’s not an issue, I think everybody gets a plus-one because that’s just super considerate and makes people feel more comfortable at times.”

Royal also said that keeping plus-ones to those who are in more committed relationships can limit awkward future Photoshop requests.

“Not at my own wedding but at a couple of family weddings, family members have brought current girlfriends and boyfriends, and they end up in some of the family photos,” she said. “Later on down the line, you have these wedding photos of your family with somebody your cousin, friend, sister, or whoever wants to crop out. It’s not a great situation, and I think that you are more likely to avoid that if you keep plus-ones solely for those who are engaged or married.”

Every wedding is different, and couples have different budgets and desires for their ceremonies and receptions. Dallas-area resident Brandy Hoskins, who is currently engaged, said she thinks whether or not wedding guests should be able to bring plus-ones depends on the intimacy of the particular wedding.

“I think it’s up to the couple and their budget when it comes to whether there should be plus-ones,” she said. “The only plus-ones coming to our wedding are those who technically aren’t plus-ones. They just happen to be part of a couple we have a relationship with. I think the standard etiquette is to adhere to whatever is on the invitation. If there’s any question, ask the folks getting married.”

And then there are those like Dallas resident Drew Mbiam who don’t think there should be any extras amongst attendees.

“A plus-one is a variable, and in planning, you want to limit your variables,” he said. “If you are close enough with that person who is a plus-one, you should be able to have them added to the guest list. It’ll make it easier for the planners to make seating charts and check at the door, which will reduce friction during the reception—fewer wandering chairs and people such as family members losing seats.”

Mbiam said he has been a frequent victim of his chair getting stolen, as he enjoys working the room a bit and ensuring that he gets enough food. He thinks such situations could be avoided if wedding guests simply followed what he believes is proper protocol, which includes not bringing plus-ones.

“It’s not your wedding, and you’re not footing the bill for it,” he said. “So respect the couple’s time and money by sticking to the program and not introducing any X factors.”

Though Phinyawatana would like for every adult wedding guest to be able to bring a plus-one, she said she knows that there are certain exceptions and that some couples’ budgets simply can’t allow for that reality. She is also rather grateful that she didn’t have to make such decisions.

“As a pathological people pleaser, putting together a guest list gave me massive anxiety,” she said. “It’s one of the (many) reasons my husband and I eloped in Hawaii and are still so happy with that decision.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Half of the NatNews staff and some dear readers enjoyed a lovely Fourth of July with old and new friends

Upcoming
Events

Monday, July 8: National Blueberry Day
Tuesday, July 9: Free Rooftop Movie — Think Like a Man at Sundown at Granada; SOJA at House of Blues Dallas
Wednesday, July 10: Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Community Beer Co.
Thursday, July 11: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Desperados, Eagles Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; Candlelight — A Tribute to Pink Floyd at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
Friday, July 12: Tom Petty Tribute — American Petty at Sundown at Granada; HBCU Swingman Classic at Globe Life Field; Deana Carter at The Kessler Theater
Saturday, July 13: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; All-Star Saturday at Globe Life Field; FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy at Toyota Stadium; Dallas Wings vs. LA Sparks at College Park Center
Sunday, July 14: Painting with a View at Sky Blu Rooftop; Sunset Sessions at Greenlight Social

NatNews: Issue 120

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 12:09:34 +0100

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

July 1, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 120

STRAIGHT UP, NOW TELL ME — HOW IMPORTANT IS POSTURE?

“Stand up straight,” “sit up,” “don’t slouch”—you likely heard one of these (or some version of them) as a child or an adolescent or perhaps even as an adult. But how important is proper posture in the grand scheme of life? Well, it might be more essential than one thinks.

Dallas resident and physical therapist Elise Waller said that while having good posture is important, how much people focus on it is something that varies based on an individual’s daily routine and habits (e.g., people who are at desks more should focus on certain aspects of resting posture guidelines).

“I do think we give gross or general parameters to everyone, and I think it is a bit more specific from person to person,” she said. “So, I think a lot of times, these general parameters aren’t as generalizable as we say, and they might not help everyone. But it is important to pay attention to your posture, especially when you’re sitting in a certain position for an extended period of time—meaning anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes to 60 minutes.”

Practicing correct posture can provide a variety of overall health benefits, including reduced back pain, increased energy, and higher self-esteem. Dallas-area resident Rachel Balthrop Mendoza said she focuses on her posture often and believes that good posture helps how people see a person and can improve athletic performance.

“To me, good posture shows confidence,” she said. “On another side of things, it’s important in my running. Fatigue brings on bad posture in long-distance running, so the more conscious I am of it from the beginning of a race or training run, the longer I can stay more upright and hurt less overall.”

While Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo does not necessarily think one’s posture is a primary concern, he has found that it is something of which he has become more aware as he has gotten older.

“Maybe I’ve noticed that my back and neck bother me more easily, so it’s something I try to pay attention to throughout my day,” he said.

Incorrect posture is one of the top contributors to low back pain, affecting more than 25 percent of the working population each year. When a person sits in a slouched position for long periods of time, he or she can create excess pressure on discs, ligaments, and muscles in the spine, resulting in pain in the lower back. Because he works in front of a computer much of the time, the workday is when Alonzo more often focuses on his posture.

“It’s especially true as I sit at my desk for extended periods of time,” he said. “I make an effort to keep my back straight and shoulders relaxed.”

For Balthrop Mendoza, being cognizant of her own posture is necessary for both physical and composure sake and something that has been ingrained in her mind for quite some time.

“My grandmother and mother both had and have issues with their spines, and it affected how they move physically,” she said. “I think about how I stand, sit, and walk so that I can try to combat any degradation before it begins.”

Waller said practicing correct posture includes making sure that one’s body is essentially in a straight line, with 50-50 weight in both feet and the pelvis and hips not jutting out but stacked underneath the rib cage and the rib cage stacked beneath the shoulders.

“This helps avoid undue stress through the back,” she said. “If your hips are more jutted in front of you, you’re definitely going to get more pressure through the low back, versus if they’re kind of underneath your hips and are underneath your shoulders and your neck. If I’m doing a lot of desk work, sometimes I have to set reminders on my phone to stand up, change positions, and adjust my posture so that I don’t put undue stress on my neck, my shoulders, and my low back—all of those common areas that you see people having difficulty or pain with when they’re in these extended standing or seated postures.”

One solution many people have found beneficial is a standing desk, something Alonzo uses and said has been helpful in mitigating bad posture. He makes concerted efforts to stand multiple times throughout the workday, as he knows incorrect posture is the result of a number of different lifestyle choices people make on a daily basis.

“I think it’s largely due to spending all day at our desks, coupled with having our faces glued to our phones, which doesn’t help, either,” he said. “I notice my back and shoulders anytime I’m focused on my phone for prolonged periods of time.”

Though focusing on sitting and standing up more properly can help a person improve his or her posture in the long run, Balthrop Mendoza said it is easy not to think about it and is much easier (and sometimes even more comfortable) to slouch. However, she does believe that slouching can have more harmful long-term repercussions, which is why she thinks keeping posture in mind by making efforts to improve it is wise.

“Doing core work through various exercises, whether it’s what’s being worked primarily or as a secondary benefit from other workouts, will absolutely help,” she said. “Strong cores build strong backs and help with staying straight. Building shoulder and chest strength naturally helps me be able to pull my shoulders and arms back and sit and stand up taller. That could be all in my head, and I’m OK with that. If I tell myself that’s what helps me, there are worse things I could believe.”

Sometimes, though, there are more factors to a bad posture than simply not paying attention to it. The way one sits or stands could be a result of weak or inflexible muscles or carrying a heavy backpack or purse. Waller said poor posture might also simply occur because of a lack of education.

“People don’t always know the optimal postural positions to be in, such as how you should set up your chair and your office to help your low back feel better when you’re sitting for four or five hours,” she said. “In those cases, it’s more of an issue that they were never taught. It’s not widely known, though now more and more employers are offering standing desks and chairs that are more ergonomically optimal to help people.”

Waller also said much of the way a person holds himself or herself relates to gravity and the lack of ability to manage one’s posture against gravity for a lengthy time period, resulting in the shoulders and back rounded forward and not 90 degrees while the person is looking at his or her computer.

“I would argue that our world, at least in America, is not set up for people being active,” she said. “We have jobs that require us to sit, and we have cities that are designed for cars and not for walking, and so we’re constantly put in positions in which we have to sit. A lot of times, it’s not in comfortable chairs or positions, and so I think bringing awareness to the things you can do to help with your posture is important. It’s as simple as getting in the gym, and so that’s where I typically start my clients if they’re having any pain with extended periods of standing or sitting.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Eye color is determined by the amount of melanin (pigment found in many parts of the body) present in the front layer of the iris. The more melanin you have, the darker your eyes will be.

WE'LL DISCUSS THAT ON THE POD

There are more than 4 million active registered podcasts worldwide, giving listeners plenty of options when they choose this form of entertainment. The podcast audience has continued to grow over the last decade, with approximately 42 percent of Americans ages 12 and older listening to at least one podcast in a one-month period, according to the most recent stats from the Pew Research Center.

There are a variety of topics and formats for the available podcasts—interviews, true crime, comedy, narrative, sports, storytelling, conversational, and many more. Fort Worth-area resident Sam Parnell said he prefers podcasts over music and listens to them every day during his morning and afternoon commutes and often when he is working on various projects at home.

“Music is more just mindless ‘noise’ to me that fills up the silence,” he said. “I don’t really get too much entertainment out of it. Podcasts are actual entertainment to me.”

Unlike Parnell, Sacramento-area resident Ashley English enjoys music (she’s a hardcore Swiftie), and though she also listens to podcasts, she does not do so as often. She said she goes through seasons in which she listens quite a bit for a week or so but then completely stops for months at a time.

“I enjoy the break from my own thoughts and a distraction from the task at hand,” she said. “I really only turn them on if I’m cleaning and need a distraction; doing a repetitive task that doesn’t require complete focus, and I need something to keep me awake; or on a really long road trip when I’ve worn out my playlists.”

Dallas resident Suzanne Woodling also finds podcasts to be a favorable form of entertainment and said she listens to them approximately three to six times per week, though sometimes she listens to multiple shows in the same day.

“I enjoy having access to a massive variety of content, and there are subject-matter experts in business on some of them who can really get granular on specific topics,” she said.

Woodling said what podcast she listens to depends on what she is trying to accomplish or needs, whether for ideas, encouragement, information, explanations, or entertainment.

“The ONE Thing has great ideas and is motivating,” she said. “Watch What Crappens is funny—like, comedian funny—and mindless commentary on my favorite trash TV shows from Bravo. Atomic Habits with James Clear offers so many work and life hacks for setting yourself up to create habits for success in various areas of your life. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** has lots of topics and guests with a wide variety of applications, depending on life situations.”

Former cast members from many popular television shows no longer on air host podcasts during which they discuss the episodes as they rewatch them. Such a format is one English has tried, though only one show kept her interest, but she also enjoys a number of other podcasting styles.

“I was listening to a lot of the nostalgic show recap podcasts, but I’ve only stuck with Office Ladies—it’s the best one, and they deserve so much praise for all of the work they put into that show, compared to some of the others,” she said. “I enjoy Every Album Ever when they cover my favorite artists, and I listen to New Heights every so often if they discuss a topic I’m interested in. I also really like interview formats like Smartless and Armchair Expert. We’re Here to Help with Jake Johnson is hilarious when I need a laugh.”

For Parnell, comedic podcasts—such as Comedy Bang Bang, The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast, The Weekly Planet, and Scott Hasn’t Seen—primarily suit his style. He said he believes podcasts such as these (as well as podcasts, in general) have become popular because of the lack of effort they involve from those listening to them.

“You don’t have to commit to sitting down and doing one thing and nothing else,” he said. “They are a form of entertainment you partake in when you are doing something else.”

Woodling also recognizes the convenience of podcasts, including multiple options and inside information, among other appealing aspects.

“You have easy access to variety and the intimacy of a radio feel,” she said. “Podcasts offer plenty of content, passive consumption, and flexibility in time and place of consumption.”

Similarly, English said she thinks podcasts continue to draw in individuals of all ages because they require less attention than watching television, allowing people to multitask more easily.

“It’s also less commitment than an audiobook (and free, for the most part, with subscriptions many of us already have or via YouTube sometimes),” she said. “Plus, there is a podcast for every niche interest.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews dear reader Alexis Derrow recently traveled to Iceland and captured this breathtaking image of a rainbow over a waterfall

Upcoming
Events

Monday, July 1: International Joke Day
Tuesday, July 2: Rangers vs. Padres at Globe Life Field; Free Rooftop Movie — Suicide Squad at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, July 3: Addison Kaboom Town at Addison Circle Park; Sensory-Sensitive Fourth of July Celebration at The Sound at Cypress Waters
Thursday, July 4: Fair Park Fourth; City of McKinney’s Red, White, and BOOM! at Gabe Nesbitt Community Park; Frisco Freedom Fest at Simpson Plaza in the Frisco Square; FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers at Toyota Stadium
Friday, July 5: Dallas Wings vs. Atlanta Dream at College Park Center
Saturday, July 6: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Bonnie X Clyde at the Village Beach Club
Sunday, July 7: PVRIS at House of Blues Dallas

NatNews: Issue 119

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:10:38 +0100

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June 24, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 119

IS WATER FROM A LOVELY BUNCH OF COCONUTS REALLY THAT GREAT?

Water is an essential component the human body needs, but not everyone is a fan of its lack of taste. Various companies have taken advantage of this, creating alternatives that provide individuals options to get the hydration they need without feeling like they’re having to force down water when they would prefer something a little more exciting.

Enter coconut water. The beverage has grown in popularity in recent years, but there are mixed opinions on whether or not it’s actually a more enjoyable option than water or merely a drink that makes a person sound healthy and a bit upscale. Dallas-area resident Kim Endo-Campbell said she doesn’t know exactly why she likes coconut water but does and often drinks it after going for a run.

“It’s a good electrolyte drink,” she said. “Some like it because it’s more natural or is less sweet. I can’t say I’ve had it consistently enough to notice a difference in my life from drinking it, but I do feel a little bougie when I have it instead of plain water or Gatorade.”

According to an exclusive NatNews research initiative, 36 percent of dear readers who participated in a recent survey indicated they don’t love but also don’t hate coconut water, while 32 percent said they don’t like the taste, 26 percent enjoy drinking it, and 6 percent haven’t bothered to try it. Dallas resident Becca Finke is in that majority neutral camp and said she sees the beverage as an option to spice things up every once in a while.

“I’ve tried several brands of coconut water and don’t like it but don’t dislike it, either,” she said. “I simply drink it because plain old water is boring.”

Dallas-area resident JT Gordon is similar to Finke in his viewpoint of coconut water, but he said he drinks a powdered version every day in his pre-workout and an actual water version approximately every two or three weeks.

“I don’t really like the taste of it,” he said. “The best-tasting is the chocolate-flavored version. It’s good for hydration, specifically potassium.”

And while coconut water certainly has advantages that can help a person refuel, some people, including Dallas resident Juliette Vielhauer, would rather consume other drinks for such purposes.

“I’m not particularly fond of coconut water because of its flavor,” she said. “Although I recognize its hydration benefits, after trying it a few times, it’s just not my preference.”

One might wonder why a flavored water is more special than others and why some people still drink it in spite of their aversion to the taste. Many athletes have begun drinking coconut water as an alternative to sugary sports beverages, and individuals with stomach bugs or severe cases of dehydration use it as a go-to electrolyte drink, as it contains a significant amount of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Though Vielhauer doesn’t prefer to drink it, she understands why people who don’t mind the taste choose it.

“With many sugary and preserved hydration options available, opting for natural alternatives is ideal for daily use,” she said.

Finke said she also thinks coconut water has become more popular with people and athletes, in particular, because of its high amount of electrolytes, similar to sports drinks but without all of the added sugar. She doesn’t think it’s superior, though.

“I haven’t seen any benefits,” she said. “My go-to beverage for hydration and electrolytes is Gatorade Zero because it has zero sugar, tastes delicious, and still keeps me hydrated and electro-lit.”

Though Endo-Campbell is a fan of coconut water, it’s not necessarily her first choice for hydration. She enjoys using Tailwind, offering hydration mixes of a variety of flavors, but said she has to be mindful of her sodium intake, especially in the winter, and sometimes only takes half of a serving in the colder months.

“The flavors of Tailwind are good—there’s a large variety, and there is also a naked flavor for when you get flavor fatigue or if you don’t like super strong flavors,” she said. “It’s also easy on the stomach, so I can drink it all ultra long. I highly recommend the Dauwaltermelon flavor. When not running, I am a water gal with some flavoring in it to make it less boring. I have enough soy sauce in my diet, so I am not worried about needing a lot of extra sodium.”

While coconut water can help hydrate, maintain muscle function, regulate body function, aid in bone health, and even contribute to healthier skin, it’s not for everyone. What’s important is that an individual ensures that he or she is drinking plenty of fluids each day, especially after exercising.

“Personally, I prioritize hydration with ample water intake daily,” Vielhauer said. “However, during hot summer months or extended workouts, I occasionally turn to products like Liquid IV, LMNT, or Gatorade Zero for their electrolyte replenishment. Moderation is key, and I believe each option serves its purpose.”

DID YOU KNOW?

3,160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls every second.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR GROCERY STORE?

There are several options for individuals throughout the Dallas area when it comes to grocery stores, but there are certain stores that are more accessible to some people than others, depending on the part of town in which they reside. H-E-B, which has become somewhat of a Texas staple to which many individuals have developed a dedicated affinity, is one of those stores that is simply out of reach for some residents who aren’t in Collin County—not everyone is willing to drive to Plano or Frisco.

Dallas resident Carolyn Fan said she is highly passionate about her grocery store preferences, as she believes that H-E-B is far superior to all others, but its lack of stores near her has caused her to purchase her groceries elsewhere.

“That is the biggest downside of Dallas,” she said. “I shop at both Tom Thumb and Kroger. Tom Thumb is biking distance from me, so I go there if I just need one or two things or if my work schedule is crazier than usual. Kroger is on my way back from work. It seems cheaper, and it tends to have more of the products that I need. Trader Joe’s is for fun shopping.”

Dallas resident Drew Mbiam said an issue he currently has is that he’s only willing to drive 10 to 12 miles to a grocery store, and like Fan, he prefers the beloved one that’s just a bit too far past the 635 borderline.

“My favorite grocery store is actually H-E-B, but there’s not one in Dallas or nearby,” he said. “Before people say we have H-E-B, I would challenge them to name said H-E-B located within Dallas city limits—not the greater Dallas area.”

As a result, Mbiam must find what he needs elsewhere, and he opts for Costco because of the items available in bulk to help him refuel for all of the many miles he runs.

“I have to consume enough calories to power a small family, otherwise I’d waste away into nothing or just look very sick,” he said.

Convenience seems to play a key role in people’s choices for where they load up their carts. Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen said he shops most often at Trader Joe’s because he likes the quality of the available products, particularly the produce, as well as its walkability from his home.

“I wouldn’t go out of my way to go to a better store,” he said. “To me, there isn’t much difference between your Walmarts, your Krogers, and your Tom Thumbs, although I admit I’m not very familiar with that last one, as I have only been inside one once,” he said. “Then it depends on what you see as superior. Superior product quality is going to be Central Market, but I don’t care to pay that much all the time. I do go there for specific things that I can’t find anywhere else, though.”

Similar to Borkenhagen, Fan isn’t willing to travel far for her groceries, as she admittedly does not like driving.

“I am lucky enough that I can get to Kroger, Tom Thumb, and Trader Joe’s in a relatively short amount of time,” she said. “I definitely understand the meaning of food deserts, even though I am fortunate enough to have a reliable form of transportation.”

Different people prioritize different aspects of grocery stores when choosing where to shop, which can often determine whether or not a person opts to stock his or her pantry and refrigerator with products from the nearest store or one a little farther away but more preferred. Borkenhagen said the most important factor for him is a bit mixed.

“I care about price somewhat—like I said, I’m not going to Central Market all the time, but I’m also not shopping at the absolute least expensive places,” he said. “For product quality, it depends on what product I’m looking for. I don’t care about specific brands too much. I guess the most important thing ends up being proximity or convenience. I really like living so close to a Trader Joe’s—it’s so convenient to be able to take an evening stroll on a Sunday and get most, if not all, of what I need for the week.”

For Fan, who has a busy schedule working as an ER doctor, the two most important components of a grocery store align with Borkenhagen’s, as she values those that offer the availability of products she eats daily and convenience.

“If I had more free time, dependents, or more monetary restrictions, I would probably shop more at Walmart and Sam’s Club or Costco,” she said. “Since it is just me (and my cat), I don’t have to worry too much about cost—though, I do spend a lot of my free time getting free hospital food to reduce my grocery store costs.”

Mbiam also factors in his grocery bill less than other concerns and has a ranking for his levels of importance: quality, availability, quantity, and then prices.

“If you don’t have quality produce and products available in quantities I’d like to buy, why would I spend my hard-earned coins there?” he said. “There’s no price that will get me through those doors if the top three conditions aren’t met.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Dash Merrill, the official mascot of NatNews, is a psycho angel full of love

Upcoming
Events

Monday, June 24: Monday Night Karaoke at Legacy Hall
Tuesday, June 25: Free Rooftop Movie — In the Heights at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, June 26: ABBA Under the Stars at Sky Blue Rooftop Bar; Pickleball Mixer at Preston Playhouse; Megan Thee Stallion at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, June 27: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — The Windbreakers, Ultimate Yacht Rock at the Dallas Arboretum; Dallas Wings vs. Minnesota Lynx at College Park Center
Friday, June 28: Candlelight — A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings at Cathedral of Hope
Saturday, June 29: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Independence Day Celebration at Klyde Warren Park; Market Street Allen USA 2024 at Celebration Park
Sunday, June 30: An Evening with James Van Der Beek and Screening of Varsity Blues at House of Blues Dallas

NatNews: Issue 118

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:12:51 +0100

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June 17, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 118

FLOSSING TO BENEFIT YOUR TEETH, NOT TO SHOW OFF ON THE DANCE FLOOR

While many individuals make sure that brushing their teeth is a part of their morning and before-bedtime routines, not everyone also prioritizes another important component of dental hygiene: flossing. Sure, it’s an extra task and might not be the most fun activity to some people, but it provides a variety of benefits, including removing food particles and plaque from between teeth, reducing the risk of cavities, removing bacteria that causes bad breath, and helping prevent gingivitis.

Dallas-area resident Lyndsey Kohn said she tries to floss after every meal but always makes sure that she does so at least every night. Along with her skincare routine, flossing has become part of what she calls her “comfort ritual.”

“After having braces in high school, I tended to have a higher likelihood of food being stuck in between my teeth after meals, so it just became a habit since then,” she said. “I don’t enjoy having the feeling of an unclean mouth. Flossing or brushing my teeth after a meal is my way of concluding a meal, in a sense. It’s like a shower for my mouth—and who doesn’t love a shower?”

The good news is that flossing doesn’t take a significant amount of time and is relatively inexpensive—you can get a three-pack for less than $10 on Amazon. Like Kohn, Dallas resident Jenny Schultz also believes that flossing is an essential part of maintaining quality hygiene, in general.

“Most days, I floss twice a day, and if it is a crazy day, I will only floss once,” she said. “Flossing and using the right floss can make a big difference in gum health and overall health.”

Is there an exact amount of how frequently one should floss, though? NatNews dear readers who took part in an investigative research initiative indicated that flossing once per day or every once in a while (38 percent and 32 percent, respectively) is the norm, while 20 percent of responders only floss when the dentist does it for them, and 10 percent floss after every meal. Dr. Trevor Shewski, dentist at Star Ranch Dental, said for most individuals, flossing once per day at night is sufficient.

“Plaque and bacteria love to hang out between the teeth, where the toothbrush head can’t reach, so making sure that these areas are cleaned out right before bed is important,” he said.

While no one is perfect in his or her health habits, it’s best not to skip flossing when possible. Floss’ ability to get between the teeth and disrupt the formation of dental plaque before it calcifies helps one practice better oral hygiene habits, something Kohn said her dentist drilled into her brain while growing up.

“You only get one set of teeth, so I want to take care of them as best as I can,” she said. “I’ve had some friends who ended up having a lot of cavities and root canals at my age, and it does affect your health (and wallet).”

Like Kohn’s childhood dentist, Shewski also tells his patients that brushing and flossing are two of the best things they can do for oral hygiene.

“We all have bacteria in our mouths and gut, but we want to make sure that the balance stays toward the good bacteria, not the bad,” he said. “The best way to do that is to eliminate their food source (plaque and tartar).”

There are certainly individuals who hate flossing or simply forget to do so most of the time. There are some alternatives, though they are a bit more expensive than a pack of floss.

“The next best thing to flossing is using a Waterpik,” Shewski said. “In fact, for patients who already have bone loss around the roots of their teeth, I recommend using a Waterpik. Another severely underrated component of oral health is drinking plenty of water.”

Just as ensuring that one gets enough water each day is part of overall health, for Kohn, taking care of one’s teeth is also a necessary aspect of an individual’s well-being.

“Your smile is the first thing people notice, in my opinion,” she said. “It’s just another thing to take care of as an act of self-care and love toward yourself.”

Similarly, Schultz said she makes a point to practice good dental hygiene because she thinks it is one of the keys to whole-body health.

“New research comes out all of the time linking poor dental hygiene to a long list of other health problems, and that is not something I am willing to play with,” she said. “If I am going to take the time to be active and try to eat well, why would I not add dental hygiene to my list?”

DID YOU KNOW?

In castles, spiral staircases always ascend clockwise and were originally constructed this way to improve the defense of the building, as right-handed attackers with swords would have to advance with their left sides to the front.

MOVIE THEATER OUTING OR SOFA TIME?

Earlier this month, many avid moviegoers were saddened upon hearing the news of the closures of several local movie theaters, including all five Alamo Drafthouse locations in DFW (Dallas, Denton, Lake Highlands, Las Colinas, and Richardson) and the Angelika Film Center in Plano. However, last Wednesday, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced its acquisition of Alamo Drafthouse.

While movie theater attendance and profits aren’t back to pre-pandemic levels, individuals have not given up on going to the movies and, instead, solely watching entertainment on streaming platforms. In fact, a NatNews research poll revealed that 48 percent of dear readers who participated in the survey believe that watching movies in the theater is still an enjoyable pastime. Dallas-area resident Tory Castillo said he loves going to the movie theater and typically does so at least once a month.

“It’s a venue designed to give you the best viewing experience of the film,” he said. “It has great audio, great seats, great popcorn, and great snacks, and it’s always great to hear and feel others in the theater gasp when you do or get pumped up when you do.”

Dallas resident Elba Cruz, on the other hand, prefers to stay in for movie nights and doesn’t go to the theaters often (maybe two or three times a year). This isn’t because she dislikes such an outing, though.

“I do enjoy going to the theater and will go if I’m excited about a certain movie, but I tend to watch more movies at home,” she said. “It’s more convenient.”

Like Cruz, Southern California resident Hannah Chapman doesn’t venture out to theaters on a regular basis, but she also doesn’t have a preference as to whether she watches a film from a seat in a theater or from her sofa.

“I enjoy going to the movies,” she said. “However, I also like being at home and being able to pause if needed.”

While individuals tend to lean toward convenience, many also see a variety of benefits to being able to watch a movie with other eager fans in theaters and enjoy the idea that they can have the best of both worlds—streaming options when they want to do so and a movie outing on other occasions. Castillo said he’s optimistic about the future of movie theaters and believes that they will continue to make enough money to provide big-screen entertainment.

“Movie studios will find a way to keep that sense of pageantry alive,” he said. “Case in point is that Sony just bought all of the Alamo Drafthouses. It was illegal for studio houses to own movie theaters, but that changed around covid, I believe. Now with a movie studio owning a theater chain, it opens up all sorts of promotional opportunities—like unique premieres, actor appearances, meet-and-greets, reliving old studio films in the theater again, etc.—to the movie house.”

And he’s certainly not alone in his outlook. Even with various factors that could present potential issues and concerns, Cruz said she believes that moviegoers will still be willing to spend time and money in a shared entertainment experience.

“I do think movie theaters will continue to profit, as long as there are big releases that people are excited to see,” she said. “The problem is that going to the movies can be expensive, and there are plenty of options on streaming platforms.”

While Chapman is also optimistic, she said there may be some changes that need to be made from a business perspective.

“I think they may have to pivot their strategy to remain profitable,” she said. “Although, I do believe that that’s where studios make the most money, so they’re invested in keeping them alive.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Welcome to Dallas, sweet Dani Vielhauer

Upcoming
Events

Monday, June 17: Mavs vs. Celtics Game 5 Watch Party at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, June 18: Free Rooftop Movie — Shrek 2 at Sundown at Granada; Dallasites101 June Speed Dating + Singles Mixer at Happiest Hour
Wednesday, June 19: Opal’s Walk for Freedom at the African American Museum of Dallas; 2024 Juneteenth Golf Classic at the Golf Club of Dallas
Thursday, June 20: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — The Motowners, Ultimate Motown Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; Mad Hatter Martini Crawl at Grandscape; Sunset Sail on White Rock Lake
Friday, June 21: Rangers vs. Royals at Globe Life Field
Saturday, June 22: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Mambo Miles 5K at Klyde Warren Park; Backyard Pickleball Bash at Oasis Pickleball Club
Sunday, June 23: Copa America — United States vs. Bolivia at AT&T Stadium; Karaoke Night at Community Beer Co.

NatNews: Issue 117

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:18:31 +0100

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June 10, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 117

HIT THE TRACK, JACK

While many people assume distance runners lace up their shoes and head out the door to run lots and lots of miles every day, many individuals who enjoy running far and often incorporate different types of workouts, including speed sessions on the track, into their training routines.

Track workouts can help a person build speed and measure time and distance more accurately in a controlled environment, which can help gauge fitness. Dallas resident and White Rock Running Co-op leader Julie Lanaux said they also help sustain quicker speeds over longer distances.

“Too many runners expect to magically be faster on race day, despite practicing nothing but slower paces on training runs,” she said. “Track builds endurance for faster paces so that race pace is more attainable.”

For Dallas-area resident Kyle Burnett, who typically runs track workouts once a week, said doing so allows for some variety not only in training but also in the different muscles one uses when running.

“Speed work is a great way to break up the monotony of long easy runs and get those fast-twitch muscles firing,” he said.

Dallas-area resident Dan Clubb, who often enjoys miles with local running group Train Pegasus, said many school districts in the area have begun locking their tracks to keep the public out, so there aren’t many public tracks around for runners to use. (Germany Park in University Park is open to the public and has a six-lane track and portable restrooms.) However, Clubb still finds a way to get some faster turnover in, whether it’s on the pavement or the track.

“Although I often do my track workouts on the road instead of on an actual track, the workouts are a great way to practice your speed and improve your recovery,” he said. “With the predictable distance and footing as well as the softer surfaces, the track allows a runner to focus on their form and speed by taking those other variables out of the equation.”

The track isn’t only for people who are looking to run their best races or take pictures on the podium, though. Getting in some track training on a regular basis can be beneficial in a variety of ways, including building endurance and mental toughness.

“Even if you’re not competitive, it’s still an effective workout,” Burnett said.

The track provides a safe place for individuals to meet and train without having to share the roads with cars or bikes, though Clubb said he also sees other benefits for noncompetitive runners who choose to run fast and turn left.

“From a training perspective, these workouts help build physical strength to support your other longer runs and have numerous other physiological benefits to both cardiovascular and metabolic health.”

Though Lanaux said she doesn’t think track workouts are essential for those who aren’t trying to get faster, she also believes that they are still beneficial and a form of training that many noncompetitive runners might prefer to include in their schedules.

“Some people love the push of the track,” she said. “It’s also a ‘different’ kind of run, which some may enjoy.”

While track workouts can often be rather challenging for distance runners, as they involve much faster paces, repeat intervals, and short rest times, Lanaux said she thinks it helps to think about the fact that one is running shorter distances.

“Track hurts, but most track workouts are 400 meters, 800 meters, etc.,” she said. “It’s a little easier to focus on not dying for 2 minutes, for example, versus longer, slower runs where you’ve got 15 miles ahead of you.”

For Burnett, he’s able to mentally survive some of those tough workouts running around the often-dreaded oval by meeting up with other runners in the area.

“I definitely stay motivated by having someone to do it with,” he said. “Accountability is huge.”

Clubb, on the other hand, said he has two general methods he uses to endure a track workout that he isn’t exactly looking forward to, depending on the overall state of his mind and body and what the workout is.

“One is to focus on form by checking in with various elements of how I’m feeling—breathing, leg drive, leg turnover, lean, etc.,” he said. “The other is ‘turning off your brain’—don’t think of how much more you have, don’t think of how much it’s going to hurt, and don’t worry about who is watching or passing you. Just focus on your momentum and keeping it going. It’s going to hurt sometimes, but it’s all worth it.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are approximately 5,000 different species of ladybugs in the world. They vary in colors and patterns, but the most familiar in North America is the seven-spotted ladybug with a red and black body.

INTROVERTS, EXTROVERTS, AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN

While hearing the terms introvert and extrovert may make you think of whether someone is shy and quiet or more outgoing and social, there’s much more to each personality type, including how an individual processes the world around him or her.

Well-known psychologist Carl Jung first coined the terms in the early 1900s to describe how people get or expend their energy. There are conflicting findings regarding the ratio of introverts to extroverts, with some results indicating more individuals are introverted and others showing that there are more extroverts. Dallas resident Drew Mbiam, who said he has more of an introverted personality, believes that he values self-reflection and his alone time, rather than focusing on what’s happening externally, as a result of early life experiences.

“Something happens when we’re kids that causes us to either depend on ourselves or think that people aren’t useless and can help us out,” he said.

On the complete opposite end of the introvert-extrovert spectrum is Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard, who enjoys large social gatherings and said he becomes energized by being around people.

“I almost feel like I am being drained when I’m alone,” he said. “I’ve worked in an office alone without any other in-person human interaction for the last 20+ years, so when I get off of work, the last thing I want is to be alone even more. I love finding something to do with others, and the human interaction makes me feel motivated. On days when I’m not working but still alone, I get bored very quickly and usually feel unmotivated to do anything.”

Not everyone falls into a specific side of the continuum, though. In fact, much research has shown that a vast majority of individuals are actually ambiverts, having characteristics of both introverts and extroverts. Montana resident Karen Brinkmann, who considers herself an ambivert, said she thinks it’s most likely that individuals are born with certain personality types, and for an ambivert, the feelings of needing stimulation from others or finding energy from introspection is often contingent upon various factors.

“I think that certain situations might bring out more or less of introversion or extroversion,” she said. “For example, at the beginning of the pandemic, I felt more cautious and worried and tended to be more introverted. By the end, though, I was dying for interaction with others and was more inclined to seek out social settings where there were lots of people.”

Though stereotypes and assumptions should not be made, there are often common traits and inclinations among individuals who have similar responses to social situations and stimuli from everyday life. Brinkmann said she has noticed that people’s tendencies to be more outgoing or more reserved are connected to certain other characteristics.

“Introverts, in my experience, tend to be introspective and deep thinkers,” she said. “Extroverts seem to be confident and easygoing."

Odegard has seen similar behavior, though he said he also believes that sometimes one’s personality that results from his or her reaction to social surroundings isn’t always defined by that individual.

“I think that a person’s extroversion or introversion can shape their personality—or at least other people’s perceptions of their personality,” Odegard said. “Introverts who need a lot of alone time can sometimes be perceived as shy, distant, or even unfriendly.”

Not everyone is of the same mindset, though. Mbiam said he does not believe that a large part of a person’s personality is derived from whether or not he or she is an introvert or extrovert.

“People can be outspoken or quiet nerds, loud or silent while being adventurous, and so on and so forth,” he said. “Being an introvert or extrovert is more like a personality enhancer or seasoning, instead of the main dish.”

One may wonder how these personality types interact in relationships and what levels of compatibility individuals who are energized by people and socialization have with those who need quieter settings and feel a bit drained after being in crowds.

“I think introverts and extroverts are compatible, and it always seems like introverts and extroverts end up as couples,” Brinkmann said. “It’s probably part of the ‘opposites attract’ theory.”

Odegard, however, said he has dated several extroverts and introverts and believes that it’s often better for people to be with those who are more like them. He said those who are a mix of introvert and extrovert, however, can likely have successful relationships with anyone.

“If two introverts get together, they can each have enough alone time while satisfying their partner’s need for the same, and two extroverts will probably enjoy going out and being around other people equally enough to be a good match,” he said. “However, if an extreme introvert ends up with an extreme extrovert, I think that could cause issues between them, like one partner wanting to go out a lot, while the other doesn’t. Over time, one of them could end up getting annoyed or even resenting their partner, even to the point that the relationship ends because of it.”

Mbiam said he doesn’t think there’s a clear-cut way to know whether an introvert and extrovert are compatible and believes that it should be viewed on more of a case-by-case basis.

“It’s like cooking,” he said. “People can find they like a certain amount of introversion or extroversion. Whatever works for one person depends on what they are looking for in a partner.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Runners from throughout the metroplex enjoyed last week’s TNSR 2024 Spring Quarterly

Upcoming
Events

Monday, June 10: Jess Williamson at The Kessler Theater
Tuesday, June 11: Meet the Author — Lois Lowry at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum; Free Rooftop Movie — Bridesmaids at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, June 12: Mavs vs. Celtics (Game 3) at the American Airlines Center; Dallasites101 Cocktail Making Class at Haywire
Thursday, June 13: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Turnstiles, The Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; An Evening with Ms. Opal Lee at Skyline Branch Library; Dallas Wings vs. Seattle Storm at College Park Center
Friday, June 14: Mavs vs. Celtics (Game 4) at the American Airlines Center; Summer Movie Series at PGA Frisco; Dallas Jackals vs. Old Glory DC at Choctaw Stadium
Saturday, June 15: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Fair Park Juneteenth Festival of Service
Sunday, June 16: Father’s Day

NatNews: Issue 116

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:21:10 +0100

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June 3, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 116

DO YOU EVEN MACRO, BRO?

If you hear the word “macros” and have dark flashbacks to high school when you were required to learn about macroeconomics and microeconomics, fear not—this particular use of the word refers to food, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing. The term macro means large, so the mention of macronutrients simply means food that your body needs in large amounts: carbs, protein, and fat.

Some individuals choose to track their macros, meaning that they measure (in grams) the amount of carbs, protein, and fat they eat daily. Dallas-area resident and registered dietitian Lyndsey Kohn said doing so can be a helpful tool to become more conscious of one’s eating patterns and how much certain foods may affect an individual’s body composition, performance, and even mood, though the effectiveness is also contingent on what that person’s objectives are.

“The thing about behavior change is that you do need to become aware of what your current habits are—what you are actually eating daily and if it is hurting or improving your goals,” she said. “What I professionally would caution with tracking macros is when you start eating what I would call ‘fake foods.’ An example I see a lot of is meals that have a ton of processed protein powders, mixed with protein ice cream and protein bars, etc. There is nothing wrong with these things inherently, but when it’s frequently replacing meals from whole-food sources, I’d do a gut check on if tracking macros is really serving your health goals and your overall relationship with food.”

Dallas resident Kirsten Kraske said she tracks her macros, mainly paying attention to the amount of protein and fiber in foods, as she believes that foods with higher content in each will keep her full for longer.

“I started in August 2023, mainly for health reasons,” she said. “I found out I have gluten and lactose intolerances, and looking at macros seemed to help with this. Not only that, but I’ve found this to be the best way to maintain my health and fitness lifestyle. I am a big quantity eater, and watching macros allows me to do this.”

Dallas-area resident Emmanuel Amadi, who said he pays close attention to everything he puts in his body, said it’s important to note that food—whether plants, seeds, or animal-based—is a unit of energy.

“Directly, the macronutrients and quality thereof that you consume undoubtedly affect your energy, hormone levels, sleep quality, mood, and gut health,” he said. “Personally, I’ve cultivated the discipline of paying attention to the macronutrients I consume due to athletic performance and recovery, which might be a different lifestyle compared to the nutrition choices non-competitive athletes might make.”

Amadi said his attention to macros is reflected in the choices he makes at the grocery store. He said his carbs choices are usually real foods with minimally processed components, sugars, or seed oils, such as organic basmati rice, sourdough bread, sprouted rolled oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and fruits. He opts for nuts and vegetables (e.g., almonds, zucchini, and spinach) for his daily fiber intake, while he eats a considerable amount of salmon, beef, nut butters, and pasteurized eggs for protein, which he says are also effective sources of iron and healthy fats that are important for recovery.

“I began paying close attention to this as a solution for reducing inflammation and chances of running injuries from hard training,” he said. “I also found out that solely consuming balanced or ‘healthy’ macronutrients is not the answer. One must have some trial and error to learn which foods work for your body, how your body responds and its reaction the day after eating them, and timing.”

Kohn said when she works with clients on their nutrition goals, she typically begins with basics—water intake, daily movement patterns, and completing an initial tracking of an individual’s food intake (which might include macros).

“Once we have dialed in on the current pattern, we can start making little changes to start improving their intake,” she said. “Usually it’s a combination of eating more protein, increasing fiber intake, and eating more complex versus simple carbohydrates. Especially if you are marathon training or an endurance athlete, nutrition is a huge component of your performance, and making sure you are hitting your macros is important.”

Whether paying specific attention to macros or not, many individuals believe that it’s wise to check labels and know what different ingredients and substances they are consuming. Kraske said she has noticed a vast difference in her body and face structure since she started prioritizing the foods she eats.

“I find I’m fuller for longer and get more satisfaction out of food,” she said. “I think it’s really important to eat clean in terms of fruits, veggies, and proteins. The deferred gratification that comes with this type of lifestyle is huge.”

Amadi said he also maintains an outlook to be curious about the food he consumes and frequently googles the ingredients on a label to gain more understanding. He believes that eating healthy can and should be enjoyable and noted that for every unhealthy food product, there’s a better alternative (e.g., Pure Elizabeth granola brand instead of an option with fewer health benefits). To Amadi, food is a lifestyle choice.

“Fundamentally, it reflects your level of self-love and self-care,” he said. “We have easy access to the knowledge of what consuming industrial oils (palm oil, canola oil, etc.), refined carbs, processed meats, and processed sugars causes to our brain health and brain overall aging process. It’s advisable to live with a balanced diet but also to pay close attention to the nutrition labels/facts behind the food products we purchase and feed ourselves and families. As the saying goes, ‘what might be good for you isn’t always good to you.’”

For Kohn, being more cognizant of the foods that go into one’s body is a decision one must make for himself or herself—and it’s one that brings with it significant advantages.

“At the end of the day, you are your best health advocate, and learning to take responsibility for that can be such a powerful shift in your life,” she said. “I’ll always say that being aware and educated are the most important things when it comes to food.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The first recorded marriage on roller skates took place in 1912 in Milwaukee and is featured in the National Museum of Roller Skating in Lincoln, Nebraska.

LOOKING FOR LOVE IN ALL OF THE PLACES

For many single people searching for the “can’t eat, can’t sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, World Series kind of stuff,” they aren’t finding it and often feel stuck in the Land of Frustration, which isn’t really a place most individuals desire to live or vacation.

“Are you on the apps?” is a common question those without plus-ones often get, and while some couples have had much success and resulting marriages from meeting people online, others can’t always deal with the swiping and sometimes awkward small talk. Dallas-area resident Cali Hoffman said she isn’t currently using dating apps but has in the past. She has mixed feelings about them but said she isn’t sure what her other options are.

“Sometimes dating apps are annoying and defeating when you don’t find interest in anyone or connect with anyone,” she said. “But I have absolutely no clue where to meet a single guy my age. That’s a question I’m still asking myself.”

Dallas-area resident Steve Bergsman said no one should ever prefer dating apps, but like Hoffman, he knows that they do have certain conveniences for individuals who don’t want to rock the single life anymore.

“They are horrible, in my opinion,” he said. “Having said that, it can be tough to meet people because of life. So, at times, I feel that they are a necessary evil.”

Dallas resident Alexis Derrow also isn’t a huge fan of dating apps and thinks that using them is “depressing.” She has found some alternatives, though.

“Where are good places to meet people? Run clubs,” she said. “They are the new dating app. I like speed dating, though the last one I went to was lawless. People did not conform to social norms. They were just asking for my phone number. We did not use the matching mechanism. It was bananas. There’s no way not to give your number, and now I have to unwind like five mini-relationships.”

Dallasites101 often hosts speed dating events, though there are multiple entities throughout the metroplex that also offer these opportunities, many of which are specific to certain age ranges for each one. Hoffman said she and a friend tried speed dating once but saw it as a waste of time.

“I think the company that was putting it together was not the best company out there, and the prospects of men were not even close to what would interest me,” she said. “I don’t think that’s the way to go. My friend and I laugh about it now.”

Bergsman has never tried speed dating but said he wouldn’t be opposed to attending such an event. He doesn’t think it’s the best way to find his leading lady, though.

“I try to be open-minded to new experiences,” he said. “Now, do I think something like that could work? Absolutely. I mean, it can’t be any worse than dating apps. But I do think a better option is to meet people through friends.”

You can also pay someone to be your new friend and scout prospects for you—like having your own personal Hitch. Derrow said she would be willing to use a matchmaker but wouldn’t pay for one, especially since she doesn’t think doing so would be very effective.

“There are almost none that focus on a woman client base,” she said. “Almost exclusively, they are focused on men as their clients. Their networks for available men are not that good for women.”

Some people don’t like the idea of being set up, though. Hoffman said she wants to be the one to seek out an initial attraction and decide for herself if she’s interested without someone else trying to make sparks fly.

“I’m picky, but I’m also not going to settle on ‘he’s a good guy,’ because he needs to be the best guy for me, and I’ll be the only one to know that,” she said.

Whether a person meets someone as a result of an encouraged setup or more of an organic situation in which the individual develops that attraction and interest on his or her own, Bergsman thinks the best way for a single person to meet someone is through friends they already know and trust.

“Mutual friends know you, and they know the other person,” he said. “They are often a good way to get introduced to new people.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

NatNews dear readers Paige Ryder Celuch and Ethan Celuch are saying "see you later" as they head to the Midwest

Upcoming
Events

Monday, June 3: Rangers vs. Tigers at Globe Life Field
Tuesday, June 4: Justin Timberlake at Dickies Arena; Free Rooftop Movie — Purple Rain at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, June 5: Global Running Day; Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces at College Park Center
Thursday, June 6: TNSR’s 2024 Spring Quarterly Run at Fleet Feet Plano; Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Slippery When Wet, The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute at the Dallas Arboretum; Mavs vs. Celtics (Game 1)
Friday, June 7: Emerald City Band 40th Anniversary Concert at Klyde Warren Park; Dierks Bentley at Dickies Arena
Saturday, June 8: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Bush Tribute — 16 Stone at Sundown at Granada; National Best Friends Day
Sunday, June 9: 50 Shades of Slay Fashion Show at Gilley’s Dallas Southside Music Hall

NatNews: Issue 115

Mon, 27 May 2024 13:20:28 +0100

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May 27, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 115

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: ANXIETY

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and even though the month is drawing to a close, it’s important to recognize that mental health is a year-round aspect of life to which individuals should consistently pay attention in the same ways they do their physical health.

One issue that many individuals face often is anxiety, which can be caused by countless factors that surround us in our day-to-day lives. Dallas resident and licensed clinical psychologist Kenleigh McMinn said that everyone experiences some level of anxiety at different points in life but that research estimates around 20 percent of the U.S. population has enough symptoms to meet the criteria to be formally diagnosed with anxiety disorder.

“Anxiety can be on a spectrum ranging from mild stress to severe panic attacks and anywhere in between,” she said. “And there is a lot of research in the last few years showing that more people are experiencing anxiety due to the stress that came with things like COVID, elections, and inflation.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 58 million U.S. adults live with mental illnesses, and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, for individuals with anxiety disorders, the anxiety does not go away so simply and begins to interfere with daily activities, including work, school, and relationships. It also significantly begins to impact their overall well-being.

“In general, when we feel anxious, it is because our bodies’ ‘fight/flight/freeze’ response has been activated,” McMinn said. “When this happens, our heart rates and blood pressures rise, muscles get tight, digestion can be affected, and our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol. You might notice feelings like tightness in your chest, headaches, and trouble sleeping. You might also feel like your mind is racing, more irritability, or a sense of dread. When this is just a short-term situation, our bodies will return to normal on their own. However, if you have chronic stress or anxiety, this can take a toll on your physical and mental health over time."

Whether an individual is facing a one-time bout of worry or a much deeper, more lasting feeling, McMinn said there are some strategies that can help minimize stress and anxiety in the moment. One of the most effective she noted is the use of a technique called diaphragmatic breathing

“Take a deep breath in through your nose into your belly for about 4 seconds,” she said. “Imagine trying to inflate a balloon in your stomach. Hold the breath for about 4 seconds, then slowly release the breath through your mouth like you’re blowing out a birthday candle for about 6 seconds. This breathing pattern helps activate the ‘rest and digest’ response in the body, which is the opposite of ‘fight/flight/freeze’ and helps your body slow down.”

McMinn said other helpful strategies include exercise, journaling, and redirecting one’s thoughts to think about the positives of a situation or in one’s life.

“Anxious thoughts are usually focused on ‘what ifs’ and worst-case scenarios,” she said. “Try flipping the thoughts around and having at least one optimistic thought for every negative one.”

For more information on mental health or to seek help for you or someone you know, there are resources available on the NIMH website. The important thing to remember is that no one ever has to be alone in his or her struggle with anxiety or any other mental health condition.

“If you feel like anxiety is having a negative impact on your life,” McMinn said, “know that it is treatable with help.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Bobcats can leap as far as 12 feet to catch their prey and can run at speeds up to 25–30 miles per hour.

EVERY DAY THEY'RE HUSTLING: FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES WITH SIDE GIGS

Breaking news: Life is expensive (thanks, inflation). According to a recent MarketWatch study, in the last year, more than 50 percent of American workers have taken on side hustles to supplement their primary sources of income. Gen Z has been most impacted, with 71 percent of individuals in the younger generation working extra gigs, while 68 percent of millennials are also putting in some additional hours.

But sometimes individuals take on extra jobs for more reasons than financial benefits. In her full-time career, Dallas resident Katie Butler is a talent acquisition manager at a consulting firm and used to have a side hustle as a cycling coach but now runs her own influencer business.

“I needed to have something I was passionate about outside of work for me to feel whole and like I was using my time in the best way possible,” she said. “And extra monies don’t hurt.”

For Dallas resident Laura Hays, who is a CPA specializing in corporate income tax, taking on a side gig as a Pilates instructor helped her test the waters of a potential future outside of the accounting world.

“I have been thinking about a career change, and opening a Pilates studio was an idea that came to mind,” she said. “I had taken classes for many years and loved the workout, but I had never taught before. Becoming an instructor was a low-risk way to find out whether I was really interested in taking the next step.”

Even though it can be stressful trying to balance her already overloaded work schedule at her full-time job, Hays said she has seen tremendous benefits (besides free Pilates classes and discounted athletic apparel from many popular brands) in her life that have transferred over from her role as an instructor.

“I have met a lot of great people,” she said. “I have also built self-confidence and feel more comfortable with public speaking and presentations at work.”

But that doesn’t mean she’s going to be hanging up her CPA hat just yet.

“In theory, I would love to open a studio, but in reality, I still don’t know enough about everything that goes into it,” she said. “Just being an instructor isn’t an option, though, unless I want to sleep in my car—and even then, I couldn’t afford gas to drive it!”

Like Hays, although Butler would like for her side hustle to be her sole source of income, it simply isn’t an idea she entertains right now.

“I do want it to be my full-time job, but I would never make as much money as I do in my current full-time job or have even close to the benefits I have now, so I don’t think of it as an option,” she said.

It can be challenging to turn a part-time extra job into a full-time career, and some individuals take on multiple side hustles to try to establish themselves financially enough to be able to pursue what they truly want. One Dallas resident who wishes to remain anonymous works as a compensation consultant and on the side serves as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard, runs a real estate investing business, and provides consulting for additional companies’ compensation programs. One might wonder why an individual would take on so many different responsibilities.

“For the National Guard, it was a desire for a sense of adventure and a leadership challenge to ultimately grow as a person and make a difference in the community and for other soldiers,” he said. “The real estate investing business came out of a desire to build long-term wealth and create a passive income stream. The additional compensation consulting side hustle came out of a desire to gain more experience in my profession and fill some extra hours I had during the week productively while making some more money.”

He said he eventually would love to work for himself, leveraging both his interest in real estate and his expertise as a subject-matter expert in the compensation field. For now, though, he will continue to try to balance his multiple gigs, recognizing that there are both positives and negatives that come with devoting so much time to work each week.

“The additional income streams and the career growth opportunities have benefited me by making me a better professional with more experience and a better leader of people and giving me the ability to set myself up in a better position financially,” he said. “The challenge has been staying organized and managing my time well while still setting aside time for socializing, hobbies, and fitness to ensure that I’m living an overall healthy life in all aspects.”

For some individuals, though, a side hustle suddenly does become a full-time job. Dallas-area resident Minok Merrick has a finance background and also consistently had side gigs teaching fitness classes. She’s extremely social and loves being able to help her friends, so she would also babysit, housesit, and dogsit for supplemental income.

“I couldn’t believe how much people wanted to pay me to watch their dogs,” she said.

Merrick said she had always had a secure full-time job when she was recruited for an exciting opportunity that paid a significant salary but was laid off after four months. She panicked a little, as she had never been unemployed before, and began letting people know of side hustles she could do—organize homes and offices, dogsit, babysit, sub classes, etc. Though she was hired for another full-time job within six weeks, she realized how much income she had made solely from her side gigs during that time and eventually created a full-time career side hustling.

“I am grateful to have a great network of friends who know my skills in event and people management to offer me jobs and lots of contract work,” she said. “I have been to more Super Bowls than most football players, have traveled to other countries to put on some amazing events, and have met a lot of famous people. I’ve been to lots of sporting events, concerts, festivals—the book I could write!”

Merrick has also been able to guide other individuals who have been laid off to take on side hustles and has grown a network she truly appreciates. She said she enjoys being able to apply her skills with hobbies and activities she enjoys while making money at the same time.

“Most people do not understand what I do and how I got to where I am,” she said. “I tell them ‘me, too!’ I always say ‘sure, I could help’ and ‘I can figure it out.’ It takes a person with a positive attitude to do what I’m doing and really enjoy doing it. I started the side gigs before I was married, but it also helps that I have a very supportive husband who sometimes joins in my fun gigs!”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Mac Allen just wants his quesadilla, please

Upcoming
Events

Monday, May 27: Carry the Load — Dallas Memorial March at Reverchon Park; Stars vs. Oilers Watch Party (Game 3) at the American Airlines Center
Tuesday, May 28: Mavs vs. Timberwolves (Game 4) at the American Airlines Center; Free Rooftop Movie — Road House at Sundown at Granada; Rangers vs. Diamondbacks at Globe Life Field
Wednesday, May 29: Stars vs. Oilers Watch Party (Game 4) at Legacy Hall; Sunset Sail on White Rock Lake (also on Thursday)
Thursday, May 30: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Dancing Dream, ABBA Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; T-Pain’s Mansion in Wiscansin Party at Gilley’s South Side Ballroom
Friday, May 31: Stars vs. Oilers (Game 5) at the American Airlines Center; Taste of Addison (continues through Sunday)
Saturday, June 1: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Pearl Jam Tribute (Pearl Gem) with Nirvana Tribute (Nevermind) at Granada Theater; Queen Tribute at Legacy Hall
Sunday, June 2: Dallas Pride Parade and Festival at Fair Park

NatNews: Issue 114

Mon, 20 May 2024 13:09:40 +0100

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May 20, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 114

OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL OR UNOFFICIALLY OFFICIAL?

While completing any race is an achievement for an individual, finishing a marathon is often one that instills a certain amount of pride and accomplishment of a different level. Some runners, however, recently finished a marathon but aren’t considered official finishers.

Many races, especially marathons, have time limits that participants must meet. What those time limits are, though, can become confusing if runners don’t fully understand them prior to and during the race. For the Boston Marathon, that cutoff time is 6 hours. However, it’s not per individual—it’s 6 hours from when the final starter crosses the start line. Those who are already past that line don’t know when the last person crosses, which created an undesired situation for multiple participants this year. In April’s annual race, almost 500 runners crossed the finish line after that 6-hour time limit, though many of them didn’t know that their results weren’t official until they checked them later online. Unsurprisingly, this caused quite a controversy.

The time cutoffs are in place for a variety of reasons, many of which are logistical—after all, races require volunteers, road closures, water and hydration stations, and a variety of other people and factors required to ensure that the events are executed successfully. Dallas resident Alfonzo Gonzalez said another concern is the money it takes for any city or organization to host a race.

“Races do need cutoff times due to race officials paying for employees and officers on the course,” he said. “No cutoff time would increase registration fees.”

Because of such necessities, Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo said he believes that when an individual registers for a race, he or she should understand the need for the event having an explicit time in which people must finish.

“As a participant, you need to consider the logistics required to put on said event,” he said. “If your primary goal is to complete a specific distance, then why not just do it on your own on a course of your own choosing?”

Similarly, Dallas-area resident Carolyn Macduff Levanway said race cutoff times are necessary for a multitude of reasons, especially considering how many adjustments a city must make when hosting such an event and how much time and energy are required from those who help to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

“It’s not possible to shut down entire streets or sections of a city all day,” she said. “Plus, you’re asking a lot of volunteers, police, medical teams, pacers, and spectators. At some point, you need a cutoff.”

The question then becomes how to determine what that cutoff time is. As mentioned, many runners in Boston didn’t know when the final starter had crossed the start line and ended up missing that 6-hour mark because of their lack of awareness. In the Tokyo Marathon, cutoff times are provided to participants well in advance of the race, and runners have been pulled off of the course and not permitted to finish the marathon if they didn’t make it to certain distances in specific allocated time frames. There’s no one consistent practice used by all races, and though Alonzo is not sure there’s a simple solution, he said he believes each runner should have the same amount of time to finish a race.

“If the allotted time is, for example, 7 hours, then everyone should have 7 hours to complete the event,” he said. “That said, I’m not sure how to do this to ensure that participants with faster expected finish times get seeded toward the front while also allowing those with slower finish times the full 7 hours. It’s not reasonable to hold events for specific times. Perhaps that means seeding people who are aiming to ‘compete’ toward the front, while those aiming to ‘complete’ are toward the back. Again, I am not sure this is the best solution, but it should be understood that there needs to be a cutoff time.”

Macduff Levanway said she thinks the allotted time should be per runner when that individual personally crosses the start line.

“You can’t communicate to all runners when the last person crosses the start line,” she said. “My friend was the last person to start the Boston Marathon this year, and there was no way the runners and volunteers could all be notified. It’s just easier to have individual start times.”

So, should the participants in this year’s Boston Marathon who unknowingly didn’t make the cutoff be official finishers? And should runners who don’t make the cutoff but still finish in other races have official times? In Gonzalez’s opinion, what matters is if the clock is still rolling when runners in such situations complete the race.

“If the timing mats are up and working when they cross the finish line, it should be official,” he said.

For Macduff Levanway, it’s more of a gray area.

“Technically, their times shouldn’t count,” she said. “But these runners work so hard to train and cross the finish line. I don’t feel right in saying confidently that their times shouldn’t count, especially if they are within a couple minutes of the cutoff.”

It’s a bit clearer in Alonzo’s viewpoint—he said he doesn’t think runners should be considered “official” finishers if they don’t actually complete a course according to the rules and requirements, noting that when a person registers, that individual accepts that he or she must run the distance within the allotted time.

“The cutoff time can also serve as the motivation needed to push, train, and prepare to do something that is out of your comfort zone,” he said. “Without it, there’s no reason to celebrate the act of completing the event.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Lightning can be as hot as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit—approximately 5 times as hot as the surface of the sun.

THE LIMIT DOES NOT EXIST — IS THIS TRUE WHEN IT COMES TO ONE'S PRIME?

A well-regarded NatNews dear reader recently surfaced a discussion as to when an individual is considered in his or her “prime” in life. After extensive research in an online poll, 7 percent of respondents said this occurs in one’s 20s or early 30s, 32 percent said it’s during one’s late 30s and/or 40s, 5 percent said it’s in one’s 50s or older, and 56 percent said there is no age limit to one’s prime.

As requested by many dear readers, the ages breakdown in each response is as follows: 50 percent of those who said 20s or early 30s are actually in that age group, 61 percent of respondents who answered late 30s and/or 40s are in that age range, 100 percent of the individuals who said 50s or older are at least 50, and all age groups were represented in the response claiming there no limit.

Dallas-area resident Megan England said she believes that movies and social media try to tell people that their prime occurs when they are in their 20s.

“We are young and good-looking and carefree,” she said. “Allegedly.”

But that’s not the age range England would classify as her best so far, as she believes that occurred while she was in her 30s, a decade she left last fall when she turned 40.

“I have established myself and my career,” she said. “I have begun creating economic stability for myself. I have confidence—in my career, whom I chose to surround myself with, and having adventures. And, most importantly, I have confidence in myself.”

For Dallas resident Juanita James, the “prime time” years occur when one is in his or her 50s, which she believes is a time one begins to look at life differently.

“You realize that there are more years behind you instead of in front of you,” she said. “You’ve learned not to take everything so seriously.”

And James, who is in her 50s, said she has enjoyed some of the best years of her life in this current era as a result of newfound perspectives.

“My priorities shifted,” she said. “The things I used to stress about are no longer as important as creating memories. In my mid-50s, I learned how to set boundaries and not feel guilty about it. I have a new confidence within myself that came from life lessons. I’m finally able to relax and enjoy life.”

For Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard, there’s no limit to when a person is in his or her prime. He also said that determining such a status depends on how the term is defined.

“If you mean financially, I think (hope) most people continue to get more financially stable and well-off as they age in life,” he said. “If you mean physically, that depends on the person. I’ve been physically active every year of my life, but I was probably at my peak performance and ability in my 30s.”

And his 30s were the decade in which Odegard said he had the most fun—at least so far, that is. During that time in his life, there was plenty happening and keeping him entertained on a consistent basis.

“I was playing much more soccer; there were more parties; I was trying lots of new things; I was making lots of new friends; and there was just more fun and partying, in general,” he said. “But I also didn’t start making friends or being social until my late 20s.”

There’s a well-known idiom that claims that “age is just a number,” posing the idea that the actual years one has lived don’t determine that person’s abilities, qualities, or potential. James supports this notion and said it’s one of her favorite sayings.

“Your age does not define what you can or cannot do or wear,” she said. “People will always have opinions, regardless of your age, so do whatever makes your heart happy.”

Similarly, England doesn’t believe a number defines her and said she is as young or as old as she allows herself to feel.

“I think when I was younger, looking down on being ‘old’ was simply because I was ignorant about what was really the secret of life,” she said.

If you’re searching for that secret of life, you might also ask Odegard, who considers himself living proof that it doesn’t matter how many birthdays a person has celebrated when it comes to the youthfulness of his or her lifestyle.

“I definitely believe that age is just a number,” he said, “because I can—and do—still out-party most people in their 20s!”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Sweet Fitzgerald Cruz recently supported the Dallas Mavericks while enjoying a festive treat

Upcoming
Events

Tuesday, May 21: Free Rooftop Movie — Forgetting Sarah Marshall at Sundown at Granada; Lady London at House of Blues Dallas
Thursday, May 23: Stars vs. Oilers or Canucks (Game 1) at the American Airlines Center; Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Derek Spence, A Tribute to George Strait at the Dallas Arboretum; 90s & 2000s Tribute — Y2K Band at Legacy Hall; Concert by the Lake — RED (Taylor Swift Tribute) at the Harbor Rockwall
Friday, May 24: BBQ Culinary Class at the Sheraton Dallas; Family Movie Night at PGA Frisco; Silent Disco at Klyde Warren Park; Sarah Jarosz at The Kessler Theater
Saturday, May 25: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Stars vs. Oilers or Canucks (Game 2) at the American Airlines Center; Journey Tribute — Departure ATX at Legacy Hall; Brandi Cyrus at The Village Beach Club
Sunday, May 26: Carry the Load — Dallas Memorial March at Reverchon Park; Mavs vs. Timberwolves (Game 3) at the American Airlines Center; Stan’s Blue Note Sunday Funday; Patio Pawty Adoption Drive at Breadwinners

NatNews: Issue 113

Mon, 13 May 2024 13:18:03 +0100

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May 13, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 113

IT MIGHT BE TIME TO MAKE TIME FOR SWEET DREAMS

According to a recent Gallup poll, for the first time since 2001, a majority (57 percent) of adults in the U.S. indicated that they do not get enough sleep each night. NatNews research confirmed such findings, as only 8 percent of dear readers who participated in an online poll said they achieve this feat, while 40 percent said they definitely do not, 35 percent said they sometimes don’t, and 18 percent believe that they sometimes do but likely need to get more sleep.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that adults sleep at least seven hours each night in order to maintain quality health and overall well-being. Dallas resident Drew Mbiam said he is aware of his need to sleep more, but his habits aren’t helping him do so.

“I wake up early and try to stay up late, which is why I keep failing,” he said.

While Mbiam is not alone in his complicated relationship with sleep, there are various reasons why some people aren’t able to enter that rest realm for a full seven hours or more. Dallas resident Aaron Byrkit, who is a father to two young boys, said he probably only gets the necessary amount of sleep two nights each week.

“The rest of the time, I don’t because I either decide to go to bed later than I should or am woken in the night or early in the morning by one of my kiddos,” he said.

Though an individual doesn’t hit the magic sleep number doesn’t mean that he or she doesn’t desire to do so, though. San Angelo resident Leslie McCary said she makes concerted efforts to ensure that she’s able to give her body the sleep it needs every night, but there are certainly times when it doesn’t happen.

“I try to be on a routine because I know it helps me sleep better,” she said. “Most of my sleep schedule can depend on what I have going on at work, if I’m stressed, or if my husband isn’t home.”

Despite outside factors creating difficulties to one’s sleep schedule, some people are still able to manage consistently escaping to dreamland for long enough to be adequately rested for the next day. Dallas resident Kirsten Kraske said she prioritizes sleep in her day-to-day life and is able to get a full night’s rest about 90 percent of the time.

“I try to average 8–10 hours of sleep and have found that a solid 10 p.m.–7 a.m. sleep cycle works best for me,” she said. “I’d say I do get enough sleep because the majority of my days are filled with a commute, full 8–10 hours of work, exercise, and often reading a book before bed.”

One contributing factor for many individuals struggling to sleep sufficient amounts is the increasing levels of stress people experience on a daily basis. For Americans, the most recent data revealed that the percentage of those reporting frequently feeling stressed has steadily risen at record rates over the past two decades. Mbiam is not surprised by this and knows the impact stress can have on a person’s ability to rest easily.

“Stress ruins a lot of things—sleep is one of them,” he said. “We live in very stressful times. The weather’s going crazy, people suck at driving, and people work too much.”

For Byrkit, there is a strong correlation between sleep and stress, and together, they can create a “difficult feedback loop.”

“Sometimes stress can cause insomnia,” he said. “Not getting enough sleep, in turn, can decrease one’s ability to handle stress.”

Though Kraske is diligent in her efforts to get plenty of sleep each night, she’s no stranger to the stress-taking-away-sleep reality that so many individuals face. In fact, she experienced this rather often when she was in college, particularly when cram time was in full force. However, she’s found ways to cope and work through similar stressful situations she now experiences in her adult life.

“Midterms and finals weeks were always the worst—not just because I was busy studying but also due to the stress of needing to pass those exams,” she said. “I have ‘fond’ memories of dreaming about amortization tables from accounting. I think it’s also one of those things that, when you can’t find a way to get your mind to calm down, you tend to run in circles and can’t relax. The best way to mitigate this is to exercise.”

In multiple areas of their lives, adults are often significantly impacted by a variety of stressors, including in their careers, comparisons with others, mental and physical health, social circles, relationships, families, etc.

“I think one factor is the pressure put on American workers to be productive most of the time,” Byrkit said. “Sometimes the pressure even seeps into our personal lives. I think social media has also added to the feeling of anxiousness and stress, both from the way it’s changed people’s sense of personal validation and from the information it pushes to us to maximize one of our most potent emotional responses: fear/anxiety. I also think there is a hangover effect we are still feeling from going through COVID as a society, both in how we could interact with each other and in the conflict about how and whether to handle it that arose from the moment.”

McCary said she also believes in the ability of stress to decrease the quality or amount of sleep one is able to have, and like Byrkit, she recognizes that there are multiple factors contributing to this ongoing issue.

“If you’re anything like me, your mind has trouble turning off,” she said. “The demands of life tend to be more stressful, and not to get political, but I think some people are truly trying to make ends meet. While I’m beyond blessed, I know most aren’t.”

Kraske also noted that financial struggles and the rising costs of even basic necessities have heavily contributed to the levels of stress many Americans continually feel, though she said she also believes people’s addictions to their phones aren’t helping much, either.

“Most people are trying to find ways to [afford daily life with what they have], and these are things that will definitely keep you up at night,” she said. “While I think that’s one factor, I think the biggest factor is discipline with your phone or other electronic devices. The average screen time for an adult American is seven hours and three minutes. If this were reduced by three to four hours, people could give themselves the time to relax and calm down before going to bed.”

DID YOU KNOW?

In the U.S., since 2009, the paper recycling rate has met or exceeded 63 percent, and approximately 80 percent of U.S. paper mills use recycled paper to make new products.

DO YOU CHECK YOURSELF OUT?

The self-checkout option at grocery stores was first introduced in 1986 in Atlanta-area Kroger locations, though it wasn’t until the early 2000s that it became more widely used at grocery chains throughout the nation.

While the concept was meant to be more economically feasible and customer-friendly, shoppers and retailers alike experience a variety of frustrations regarding technical difficulties with self-checkout stations. Additionally, theft has become an issue—one San Francisco woman was recently convicted of stealing more than $60,000 worth of products from Target over the span of a little more than a year, and more locally, the Southlake DPS used plenty of puns when it posted to its Facebook page searching for a woman who stole more than $170 worth of alcohol from Central Market while using self-checkout.

Dallas-area resident Stephanie Hone usually goes grocery shopping once a week for the entire week and prefers not to scan and bag her items herself because of the difficulties doing so can present.

“There’s too much stuff to scan on my own, and that usually makes people with like two items pissed,” she said. “And if my toddler is with me, it’s a hard no. She will want to scan everything—ain’t nobody got time for that.”

Like Hone, Dallas resident Eric Napple makes a weekly trip to the store so that he can meal prep and have everything he needs for the week ahead. He might make additional trips for odds and ends throughout the week, as needed, and his use of the self-checkout stations depends on how much he’s buying.

“For my Sunday haul at Central Market, I go to the checkout person due to the number of items,” he said. “Otherwise, I use self-checkout.”

For some individuals, however, self-checkout is much faster, regardless of how full their shopping carts are. Dallas-area resident Valerie Vela usually goes to the grocery store twice a week (sometimes more) and almost always uses self-checkout.

“I find that I can get in and out of the store so much more quickly with self-checkout,” she said. “Also, even though I do enjoy chatting with store employees sometimes, there are some days when I don’t feel up to being social. On those days, it helps to have the option to go through the self-checkout line.”

Even though many people and entities would like to say farewell to self-checkout forever—California is trying to implement a bill that would limit self-checkout at large grocery and drug retail stores—it appears to be sticking around, as places like Walmart, Kroger, and Dollar General are piloting self-checkout-only stores, and Costco and Albertsons have brought self-checkout back after removing it years ago. While Vela said she hopes that it’s here to stay, she does acknowledge that there are certain downsides, some of which she witnessed recently on a Sunday morning at a Kroger at which self-checkout was the only option.

“There were only a few registers open, and several people were checking out with carts full of groceries, which caused big delays,” she said. “I like stores that only allow self-checkout for 15–20 items or fewer. Also, I know theft has become an issue with self-checkout, which could make the process more cumbersome. I recently went to The Home Depot, where they had an employee scanning everyone’s items. I get that they are trying to avoid theft, but then they might as well bring back cashiers because that experience wasn’t truly self-checkout.”

Napple said he also thinks self-checkout can certainly be beneficial, though much of that truth depends on the grocery store.

“Some stores are poorly staffed, and it takes too long to wait in line,” he said. “But if you’re using self-checkout, speed up, and get with the program. I’m not a fan of the slow ones in front of people. It’s about getting in and out, people—speed it up!”

And though Hone still prefers someone else ringing up her groceries for her on her more extensive shopping trips, she said self-checkout is a great option when a person is purchasing roughly five items or fewer or wants to feel a little younger.

“I usually go there when I’ve got to scan a bottle of wine,” she said. “But then I still have to wait for someone to look at my ID, which is nice these days since I’m nearing 40—even though they don’t even really look at my ID.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

A NatNews staff member was honored to see some dear readers Saturday morning

Upcoming
Events

Monday, May 13: Mavs vs. Thunder (Game 4) at the American Airlines Center; Rangers vs. Guardians at Globe Life Field
Tuesday, May 14: Pickleball Mixer at Sandy Pickle at The Village; Free Rooftop Movie — Easy A at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, May 15: Stars vs. Avalanche (Game 5) at the American Airlines Center; Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky at College Park Center; Parker McCollum and Friends at Top Golf in The Colony
Thursday, May 16: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — King of Diamonds, a Neil Diamond Tribute at the Dallas Arboretum; Academy of Country Music Awards at The Star
Friday, May 17: Rangers vs. Angels at Globe Life Field; National Pizza Party Day
Saturday, May 18: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Hope Starts Here 5K at Klyde Warren Park; The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas
Sunday, May 19: Bend & Brunch — Yoga at the Brewery at Community Beer Co.; Dallas Jackals vs. Seattle Seawolves at Choctaw Stadium

NatNews: Issue 112

Mon, 06 May 2024 13:16:51 +0100

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May 6, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 112

IS A MARATHON THE SOLUTION TO A QUARTER-LIFE CRISIS?

A recent report in The Atlantic suggested that many young adults are beginning to run marathons as a form of stress relief as they begin to experience different forms of quarter-life crises.

While a specific distance may be trending in a certain stage of life, running in itself has long been a way for people to escape from the pressures and difficulties in life and simply connect with themselves in a way they might not always be able to do when immersed in their normal daily activities and responsibilities.

“It’s meditative in a way and empowering when you reach a new goal,” Dallas resident Whitney Phinyawatana said.

New York City resident Alicia Wyatt also looks at running as a positive way to find relief from the day-to-day triggers that often prevent us from feeling at ease.

“It is a time when my body is occupied, so my mind settles and mulls over things that may be causing my stress,” she said. “That enables me to think through things. If I don’t come up with a solution, then at least I have worn out my body, and it allows me to sleep better.”

While running certainly can help individuals in a variety of ways, training for and running a marathon may not exactly be the most stress-reducing activity choice. Phinyawatana said it depends on the pressure one puts on himself or herself.

“Are you running a marathon with the goal of finishing or trying to set a PR?” she said. “I think the goal can inform/affect the level (or lack of) stress.”

Similarly, Wyatt also believes that whether or not a marathon increases or reduces stress is contingent upon various factors.

“Training for a marathon can actually add stress because the time commitment needed to run the miles and get your workouts in doesn’t always align with the phase of your life,” she said. “But if the scheduling doesn’t add to your stress, then the act of having a training plan and following it can be a stress reliever, especially if you can train with friends and share the common goal.”

Not everyone has an appreciation or affinity for running, though. For Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard, it’s not exactly an enjoyable activity or even an effective way to reduce stress.

“I always hear that if something’s bothering me, I should go for a run to forget about it for a while,” he said. “But when I run, all I do is think. I don’t enjoy running, and I get bored very easily while doing it, so when there’s something bothering me and I’m running, not only can I not think about the problem, but I’m also thinking about how much running sucks. If I’m stressed, I prefer to take a nap or, better yet, find someone who wants to go have a drink or do something else. Distraction is my stress relief.”

For individuals who are no longer in their mid-20s or late 20s, the marathon might not have been a somewhat popular way to decrease stress levels and make it through a quarter-life crisis, but that doesn’t mean that running didn’t still play an important role in some people’s stories. Wyatt said she was a runner growing up but stopped once she was out of school. That changed a few months before she turned 30, though, when a friend asked Wyatt if she wanted to run a 10-mile race with her and some of her friends.

“At that time, I was a single mom with a 4-year-old, and getting back into running gave me something for me again,” she said. “It was more that my life didn’t look like I wanted it to as I was turning 30 than it being a quarter-life crisis. Running let me feel like I could control a bit of that—and that started me on a path to meet new friends, take amazing trips, lead a healthier life, and complete 10 marathons so far.”

Even if one does experience a quarter-life crisis, though, there are other ways besides running to get through an era that can produce feelings of not doing enough soon enough or not knowing the direction one is supposed to take. Phinyawatana said she went through a difficult time in her mid-20s, but it took something different than simply lacing up shoes and putting one foot in front of the other to realize that she was where she needed to be.

“I had a major meltdown that I wasn’t staying on the timeline path I’d subconsciously set for myself—a true ‘what am I doing with my life’ moment,” she said. “Once I let go of limiting expectations, I was able to be more present and happier with the here and now.”

Odegard said he didn’t experience such a period of uncertainty and anxiety during which a person questions goals, plans, and even relationships, but he also said that was a time when he was just beginning to “become a real person.”

“I didn’t have many friends, and I wasn’t very social until my late 20s,” he said. “Most people do that in their late teens and early 20s, which is why I feel like I’m at least 10 years younger than I actually am. I don’t think I’m going to have a mid-life crisis, either, though. I have a great life, and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. And even though I know that any day could be my last, I don’t ever really think about it. I just enjoy the life I have now while I still can.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Ben & Jerry’s employees are allowed to take three pints of ice cream home with them every day.

"REJECTION IS A PART OF LIFE — SHOOT YOUR SHOT"

Although one NatNews dear reader was recently asked out by a 19-year-old cashier at Target (she declined his request), asking someone to go on a date in an in-person setting has become less common than back in the day when dating apps didn’t exist. Many individuals who currently use the apps, though, often experience discouragement and frustration.

While Dallas resident Alexis Derrow would prefer not to have to use dating apps to find her person, she said she isn’t sure what a better option is.

“I don’t know where to find men between 36–52 who want kids,” she said. “If you know where they are in real life, let me know. You’d be doing a public service.”

However, not everyone opts to invest time and energy into the apps, even if meeting people while out and about is not as easy as Hitch and a million other rom-coms make it look. Dallas-area resident Adrian Acevedo said he doesn’t use dating apps because he hasn’t found them to be successful.

“It feels like a game at some point where you aren’t really learning who the person is—you’re just swiping to see what you will get,” he said.

The existence of dating apps doesn’t mean that the idea of asking people out in-person is completely dead, though. Derrow said she has asked guys out in the past but that it usually doesn’t work out if she is the one initiating anything.

“If they like you, they ask you out,” she said. “If you ask a guy out, it doesn’t feel like he’s even interested from the start.”

But Derrow said she certainly wouldn’t mind if a man asked her to go on a date in a non-dating-app setting. If she didn’t know anything about him prior to him starting a conversation, she said she would make sure to follow the rules of safety.

“I wouldn’t let him pick me up, but we could meet somewhere,” she said. “As long as you’re in a public place, your friends know his first and last name, and you don’t leave your drink unattended, you’re fine. I usually tell one friend everything I know about the guy and tell her if I don’t text tomorrow, I’m dead, and my date is the killer. Safety first.”

Acevedo said he would consider saying yes to a woman who asked him out if she’s someone he would like to get to know more. If not, he’ll pass.

"If it’s someone I know I can’t talk to for more than five minutes, then it’s a no for me,” he said.

And Acevedo said his likelihood to ask a woman out would depend on his knowledge of her status and his odds prior to doing so.

“I would take a chance to ask somebody out in-person if I know she is available and I could tell if she would be comfortable for me to ask,” he said.

It’s not always immediately apparent if a person is single, though, especially if there isn’t an obvious wedding or engagement ring to tell others that the individual is already in a relationship or marriage. Dallas resident Laura Hays said she wishes rings weren’t only worn by those who are not looking for dates or their lobsters (Friends reference, obviously).

“What if there were a ring or some other symbol that single people—not just unmarried but actively looking to date—could wear?” she said. “Surely this must have been tested and failed before. That would make it so much easier to approach strangers.”

Such a piece of jewelry does actually exist, though no known NatNews dear readers currently wear it. However, according to the Pear Ring website, it’s so popular that it’s low in stock.

While there’s no concrete research to back this statement, it’s not completely likely that all single people are going to purchase this product and wear it every single time they go out in social settings, so it’s possible that the in-person asking out might not change in the immediate future. Acevedo thinks much of the reason people are hesitant to ask others out in face-to-face situations is because so much of our lives is now digital.

“You ask out by text, phone, or dating apps,” he said. “Since it’s so easy to do that, most people prefer that route. Another reason could be that if one were to be rejected, it would sting more in-person than if it were through a text, and that can be tough to swallow for that moment.”

Derrow, on the other hand, thinks there is no sensible reason why people should not request dates in-person, even if there is the chance that one gets turned down.

“Rejection is part of life,” she said. “Shoot your shot.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some NatNews dear readers and friends enjoyed Kentucky Derby festivities over the weekend

Upcoming
Events

Monday, May 6: Dallas Observer Burger Week begins
Tuesday, May 7: Stars vs. Avalanche at the American Airlines Center; Free Rooftop Movie — Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, May 8: Hamilton begins at the Winspear Opera House
Thursday, May 9: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Desperado, Eagles Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; Candlelight Spring — A Tribute to Adele at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
Friday, May 10: Matchbox Twenty Tribute — Matchbook 20 at Sundown at Granada
Saturday, May 11: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Mavs vs. Thunder at the American Airlines Center; Cornhole Tournament at Community Beer Co.
Sunday, May 12: Mother’s Day; Free Sweat + Sculpt (Pilates) in the Park at Klyde Warren Park

NatNews: Issue 111

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:21:04 +0100

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

April 29, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 111

SOMETIMES IT'S CHALLENGING FOR RUNNERS TO FIND CONTENTMENT

For many individuals who run often and enjoy participating in road races, this sport that tends to test the physical limits of a person can often become much more of a mental battle—especially when pressure from oneself leaves a person feeling rather disappointed.

Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo, who recently traveled overseas to compete in the London Marathon, said feeling completely content with a race is something that’s difficult for him, and he knows this is also the case for many other runners. He believes that the motivation for some people is to put themselves through training to achieve their goals.

“I didn’t grow up athletic and was actually quite heavy as a young adult,” he said. “Over the years, running started as something fun to do with others. However, as I progressed and improved, it evolved into a journey of self-discovery: How much can I get out of myself?”

Alonzo said he recognizes that certain aspects of race day (e.g., weather, unexpected illnesses, etc.) are out of his control, but it’s still easy to blame oneself for not doing enough or handling the conditions correctly, regardless of the outcome.

“While I still struggle with this, I’ve recently tried to look at my results through a few different perspectives,” he said. “I try to recognize what I did and be proud of the effort and whether or not I got the best I could out of myself on race day. I try to approach race day with a few process goals versus a single outcome goal—Did I stick to my nutrition plan? Did I stick to my hydration plan? Did I sleep well leading up to the race? Did I get to the starting line sticking to my training plan as best as I could? That said, I still allow myself not to be content with my outcome goal. It is not my primary goal, but it is still an important goal, and it is what motivates me to continue training.”

Dallas-area resident Jen Frankmann said everyone has different reasons for being hard on themselves when it comes to race or training performance, but she believes that comparison pressures are often a common factor.

“It’s the competitors inside of us,” she said. “If we aren’t competitive with other runners, then it’s the personal competitions we battle within ourselves—the personal drive to always beat our past selves—and we do this (or maybe I just do this) without taking into account factors that make past performances not equally comparable to current performances. We just look at one performance result: time. And if it’s not our A goal, then that feels like failure.”

Frankmann certainly isn’t the only one who often pays close attention to the numbers she sees on her watch and on the finish results. Dallas-area resident Robyn Allen said she thinks much of the unsatisfactory feelings stem from the desire to achieve new goals followed by the pressure to keep up or improve upon those goals after they are met.

“Maintaining a PR speed or distance can be hard, especially when self-doubt creeps in or if a lifestyle change has occurred impacting how we train,” she said. “Physical fitness is something we constantly have to work at to keep.”

Though the self-created pressures can make it difficult to be satisfied with a race-day outcome, every once in a while, those moments of pride occur. For Alonzo, it happened at the Chicago Marathon in 2022 after nearly three years of disappointments in his goal races, which included two Boston Marathons and one Berlin Marathon. When he toed the line in Chicago, his outlook after the heartaches from those races was about to change.

“The race started, and I had one goal—run 20-minute 5K splits,” he said. “So I put my head down and focused on one 5K at a time. I crossed the finish line in 2:47:29 with a small negative split of 1:30. Just then, it hit me that I was finally able to do what I had been trying for so many years. It was only then that I was finally able to say I was truly proud of myself. The sense of accomplishment was so overwhelming that I was borderline emotional. I recognized that I’ve come a long way in my running over the years but have never been proud of myself. That changed for me that day.”

Like Alonzo, Allen also finds that post-race happiness when she’s able to achieve a personal best to add to her accolades.

“Whenever I have hit a new distance or speed threshold, I am always grateful,” she said. “Those days are hard physical days, so I know I left everything I had to give out on the pavement.”

The numbers aren't always the main focus, though. Frankmann said she can recall two races with which she was fully content with how she ran. One was Grandma’s Marathon in 2019, which was her first marathon after having her second child and first marathon after reaching her long-term goal of qualifying for the Olympic Marathon Trials. The second was the Big Sur Marathon in 2022, which was her first marathon after the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials.

“At Grandma’s, I had a blast, and it went better than expected,” she said. “And at Big Sur, I allowed myself to just have fun and enjoy the race with zero pressure of time or pace. And I had FUN along the way. After both of those races, I walked away feeling fully satisfied with how they went. It’s funny how they are the races where the time and pace pressures were no longer there.”

While Frankmann said running an Olympic Marathon Trials qualifying time (which, by the way, she ran not knowing she was seven weeks pregnant) is one of her most significant running accomplishments, there was a moment in eighth grade that truly made her realize how strong and capable she actually is.

“I remember my sectional cross country meet where, mid-race, I had to make a choice to stay with the fast girls or slow down like I always did,” she said. “And for the first time, I chose to dig deep and stay with the girls who always beat me. We crossed the line all together, and that was the defining moment when I realized that I can do hard things. I can get fully out of my comfort zone and do something more. That was huge.”

And though Alonzo certainly works toward his time goals and has now run even faster than he did at his Chicago 2022 marathon, his memorable achievements don’t necessarily involve specific stats on his Garmin but, rather, simply his confidence and abilities.

“One of my biggest accomplishments is becoming a better runner as I’ve become older,” he said. “I continue to progress and push myself further than I ever expected. I find myself toward the front of a lot of races with much younger runners, which is also very motivating and encouraging. The other would have to be the pursuit of the six World Marathon Majors. When I started running, it was never a goal or even a dream, as it was nowhere near the realm of possibilities for me. Over the years, it went from impossible to maybe one day to completing five of the six majors within the last three years.”

For Allen, whether or not she is content with how a race goes, she knows it’s an accomplishment to be able to continue running after beginning when she was in her 20s.

“To be able to run my entire life is the goal, regardless of speed or distance,” she said. “Just having the ability and fitness to show up each week is incredible.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The Arkadiko Bridge in Argolis, Greece—built sometime between 1300–1190 and only 72 feet long (for comparison, the Golden Gate Bridge is 4,200 feet)—is the oldest bridge that’s still in use in the world.

COFFEE SHOPS: THIRD SPACES + SAD FAREWELLS

Recent research revealed that 67 percent of adults drink coffee on a daily basis. People’s affinity for different coffee-based beverages has helped increase the popularity of a variety of coffee shops (many more than those named Starbucks, but you don’t even have to be a coffee drinker to appreciate the laid-back and inviting atmospheres that such establishments offer.

Dallas-area resident Lyndsey Kohn enjoys spending time in various coffee shops throughout the metroplex and said such places are where she’s met some of her dearest friends, read some of her favorite books, and studied for exams when she was in college.

“It’s the best way to slow down and be still for a few hours and maybe even help out a local business in the process,” she said.

Kohn is not alone in this sentiment. Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen also values the significance coffee shops currently have in his life. One he frequents quite often because of its proximity to where he lives is Houndstooth on Henderson Avenue.

“I’m there almost every day,” he said. “I’ve met all of the baristas and sometimes bring them my baked goods. I’ve made several friends through meeting the other regulars. I haven’t lived in Dallas that long, so having that shop so close by has played a key role in helping me feel integrated into my neighborhood and settled down as a resident of Dallas.”

Sometimes, though, we must part ways with things we love. For financial reasons, Foxtrot, a beloved spot for many Dallasites, recently closed its doors at 33 shops, including its four Dallas locations (Uptown, University Park, Lower Greenville, and Knox). Kohn loved spending time at Foxtrot and said it’s sad to see any coffee shop close down, but what hurts the most is the loss of the community aspect that the space provided.

“You might not see these people as frequently (or ever) again, and that part is the hardest,” she said. “I also love working remotely at coffee shops, and it can be challenging to find replacement spots with the right atmosphere (music, seating, plugs, food, energy, etc.).”

Foxtrot held a special place in people’s hearts, and many of its regulars took to social media to express their sadness upon hearing the news of its closures. Borkenhagen said if Houndstooth ever had to shut its door for good, it would completely change his daily routine.

“I go there for an hour of quiet time (prayer, reading, reflection) most mornings,” he said. “I would adjust, but I’d either start making more coffee at home (I’m bad at that—my coffee never tastes good) or walk twice as far to another place like La La Land, which isn’t quite my vibe. I’d be sad that I wouldn’t see all of those familiar faces—the baristas, the other regulars, etc.—anymore.”

Borkenhagen said he thinks the impact of a place like Foxtrot closing hits customers so strongly is because, in a sense, those places become part of those individuals’ identities.

“If you willingly spend a lot of time in a specific place, you grow to know it on a deeper level than just popping in for a cup of coffee and leaving right away,” he said. “It feels like you are losing a part of yourself.”

For Kohn, coffee shop culture is the closest thing in the U.S. that people have to a third space—an area one frequents that is not where he or she lives, works, or attends school. Thus, when a cherished coffee shop closes, people’s emotions toward that place can certainly take a toll.

“It’s the place in between the commuting to work and all of the mundane life things we have to do,” she said. “It’s the place where we can relax or unwind, or it can serve as a place we actively chose to be a part of. [With a closure like Foxtrot’s], it’s heartbreaking because you are shutting down a third space. I’ve personally had a lot of great memories at Foxtrot on Knox with friends, so it’s sad to see a third space shut down.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Congrats to NatNews dear reader Tory Castillo, who officially became an Ironman on Saturday at the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas

Upcoming
Events

Monday, April 29: International Dance Day
Tuesday, April 30: Think Tank Charity Trivia Night at Community Beer Co.
Wednesday, May 1: Rangers vs. Mariners at Globe Life Field; Stars vs. Golden Knights (Game 5) at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, May 2: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Caribbean Chillers, Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band at the Dallas Arboretum; The Pitch at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Friday, May 3: Mavs vs. Clippers (Game 6) at the American Airlines Center; Candlelight Jazz — The Best of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole at Edison’s
Saturday, May 4: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Best Buddies Friendship Walk at Rough Riders Field
Sunday, May 5: Cinco de Mayo at Grandscape; José Cinco de Mayo

NatNews: Issue 110

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:21:46 +0100

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April 22, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 110

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE ANIMAL KIND

While out running, walking, cycling, or taking part in several other outdoor activities, it’s not uncommon to come across animals in their natural habitats. In parts of Dallas and its surrounding suburbs, you might spot rabbits, raccoons, possums, feral cats on the Katy Trail, nutria at White Rock Lake, turtles, coyotes, and many other creatures out and about.

When you venture into areas that are less city-oriented, you may encounter animals whose paths you’d rather not cross. Dallas resident Jack Finn has competed in many trail races and has seen his fair share of wildlife, including snakes, mountain goats, skunks, bears, moose, mountain lions, and big-horned sheep. He said the scariest, though, was a rattlesnake that he narrowly escaped.

“It was all stretched out, about 5 feet long, and I thought it was a stick,” he said. “Then my foot landed less than an inch from it. It rattled, coiled up, and was ready to strike. Thankfully, I surprised the snake just as much as it surprised me, and since it was all stretched out, it couldn’t really strike. By the time it coiled up, I was a safe distance from it.”

But that’s not the only threatening situation Finn has had with animals. When he was climbing Pyramid Peak in Colorado, there’s a point in the last 500 feet before the summit that is nearly vertical, and a mountain goat was running around and knocking off baseball-sized rocks that were tumbling down toward Finn. Then, late in an ultra race, there was a mountain lion keeping a watchful eye on him.

“It was dark, and I was deep in the woods, and I could just see its eyes and outline,” he said. “I was wrecked at mile 90 of a 100-mile race and jokingly thought it would be less painful for the mountain lion to eat me than to finish the last 10 miles.”

And Finn isn’t the only one who’s had a potentially dangerous animal lock eyes on him. Dallas-area resident Cindy Hallo said she doesn’t see many creatures outside of the regular bobcats, coyotes, and snakes in the area, though she had a memorable experience with a bear when she was hiking in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada.

“I was coming down a popular trail ahead of some friends—important to note I had forgotten my bear spray at the campsite—and I was almost back to the car,” she said. “I was just looking around and locked eyes with a bear sitting probably 50 feet from the trail.”

In that moment, Hallo froze. The bear froze. And she’s grateful that events unfolded as they did.

“I slowly backed up, hoping all he wanted to do was cross the trail,” she said. “I let my friends with the bear spray get caught up, and we all watched as he darted across the trail into the woods on the other side.”

While Hallo doesn’t necessarily feel the need to concern herself with the potential for animal encounters each time she laces up her running shoes, she makes sure that she’s ready when she needs to be.

“I prepare a lot more for hiking than I would running by being aware of what animals are in the area I’m going to and how they react to people,” she said. “And by never, ever forgetting my bear spray at a campsite again.”

If you do come across an unexpected animal, Finn said the best thing to do is to remain calm and nonthreatening in order to ease any tension that could arise.

“Try not to surprise any wildlife by making noise as you hike or in a conversation with your group,” he said. “I always hike and run with a bear bell when I’m in Colorado. If I’m alone, I’ll randomly clap my hands. I have a whistle in order to make loud noises to try to scare anything off, if necessary.”

Finn also said if an individual is hiking or running in a location with bears, he or she can take bear spray but should know how to use it. He also said when he visited Alaska, he was with some locals who always ran with a small lead spray gun. Whether or not one chooses to prepare for self-defense against animals, Finn said such unwanted situations are often avoidable.

“At the end of the day, wildlife encounters can be scary, but attacks are rare,” he said. “Know how to identify aggressive behavior and how to react to it based on the animal. Most of the time, common sense goes a long way. Don’t provoke them, and be sure to give them their space. After all, you are in their home.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Two babies have been baptized in the Stanley Cup—Sylvain Lefebvre’s daughter after the Avalanche won in 1996 and Tomas Holmström’s niece after the Red Wings won in 2008.

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME

Some of the most important relationships people develop in their lives are friendships. Individuals are all different and value different qualities in their friends. According to NatNews dear readers, some of those include grace, trust, authenticity, loyalty, empathy, being loving and supportive, positivity, appreciation for memes, and fire-making ability.

Dallas-area resident Bill Smith said that what he looks for in his friendships has changed over the years, but nowadays, he truly appreciates when his friends are loyal and empathetic.

“As a parent of a special needs child, it became important for my friends not only to be there for me but to understand having to reprioritize plans,” he said. “Oftentimes, it was due to situations I wasn’t capable of expressing.”

In that same regard, Smith tries to ensure that he treats his friends similarly, understanding that while friendships are important, sometimes life hands people events and circumstances that they feel they must try to handle alone.

“I can support you and do my best to be understanding without needing an explanation,” he said. “My understanding of your situation is not as important as you knowing that I am here to help when and if I can.”

For Arinda Cale, who lives just outside of the Dallas area, she appreciates when her friends show up authentically and hold the information she shares with them.

“I want to know who I’m friends with, not just the version of you you show the world,” she said. “And I’m a pretty open book, but I like to decide when and how to share information on what’s going on in my life.”

In return, Cale does her part to be genuine in her friendships, as well, especially now that she’s learned the value it brings to her life and those around her.

“I want to say I always have, but I’m sure when I was younger, that may not have been the case with people outside of my close circle,” she said. “I prioritize being the friend I would want.”

For some individuals, including Dallas-area resident Cali Hoffman, there’s an inclination to gravitate toward qualities that are part of their own personalities.

“What I value most in a friendship is trust because things might happen in life to where you’re more comfortable sharing something with a friend over a family member,” she said. “I value support because you should be able to lean on each other as friends. I value humor because you have to have good friends you can laugh with until you cry, because that’s the best!

Like Cale, as a friend to others, Hoffman makes concerted efforts to be the type of friend she seeks to have in her life.

“I like to make sure I am a good listener to my friends when they just need to talk or are in need of advice,” she said. “And I hope I do a good job at applying the same qualities toward my friendships that I value in a friendship.”

The way friendship is viewed is not the same in every individual background. For Dallas-area resident Emmanuel Amadi, such a relationship carries extremely significant value.

“To preface, friendships are seen as the cornerstone to one’s destiny in my culture (West Africa),” he said. “So, the qualities of the friends I keep have always been major to me. These are the three non-negotiable qualities: honesty, humility, and self-awareness. I believe a friend or my social ‘network’ is a direct reflection of myself at any point in time.”

Because of the importance friendship carries in his life, Amadi tries to have positive impacts on his friends every chance he gets.

“This basically centers on me being truthful, encouraging, and generous to my friends,” he said. “Simply put, you always want to be a ‘light’ and a beacon of hope in their lives. Importantly, you want to respect their boundaries.”

Regardless of what qualities an individual values in his or her friendships, these relationships can play integral roles in a person’s perspective and overall well-being. Hoffman said she appreciates all of her friendships, especially at a stage in her life in which families, kids, and jobs often take priority.

“Friends are in our lives to help us grow as adults and to be people to lean on outside of family,” she said. “I have a very small friend group, and not all of my friends are in the same group, which I like. I cherish each friendship I have, even though I don’t see my friends as often as I would like.”

Like Hoffman, Amadi said he believes that the individuals with whom he surrounds himself in life truly help him be the person he strives to be.

“The ability to cultivate fruitful friendships is essential to what extent you can thrive in today’s world,” he said. “Friends are a mirror through which you can see and share life’s journey.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

The NatNews staff and a precious dear reader hung out with fake Taylor Swift Sunday afternoon at Community Beer Co.

Upcoming
Events

Monday, April 22: Earth Day
Tuesday, April 23: Mavs vs. Clippers Game 2 watch party at The Echo Lounge; Dallasites101 Speed Dating at Happiest Hour
Wednesday, April 24: Rangers vs. Mariners at Globe Life Field
Thursday, April 25: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Neon Circus, Brooks & Dunn Tribute at the Dallas Arboretum; Grandscape Stampede; An Evening with David Sedaris at McFarlin Auditorium
Friday, April 26: Mavs vs. Clippers (Game 3) at the American Airlines Center; Karaoke Night at Community Beer Co.
Saturday, April 27: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; A Swiftie Dance Party at Sundown at Granada; Festival of Joy at Klyde Warren Park
Sunday, April 28: Mavs vs. Clippers (Game 4) at the American Airlines Center

NatNews: Issue 109

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:24:51 +0100

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April 15, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 109

STAYING HEALTHY + FIT WHEN YOU'RE BUSY

Sometimes (maybe often) when you ask people how they’re doing, their responses include a word that has become rather common in our conversations: busy. Many individuals describe themselves this way—life can be filled with chaos and seemingly endless tasks. However, it’s still important to make sure that people make time for activities they enjoy and that benefit their overall well-being.

Dallas-area resident and Fit Social Club instructor Libby Shewski, who also played collegiate volleyball and now coaches club volleyball, said she thinks it’s important to prioritize exercise because it’s part of one’s overall health and quality of life. Not only does it keep a person in shape and help him or her maintain a higher quality of life, but Shewski also finds that it improves her mood and is helpful for her mental health. After all, “exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” (If you can finish that quote from a famous movie that was robbed of any Oscar nominations, be the first to email or DM NatNews for a special prize.)

“We make time for what’s important to us and what we want to make time for,” she said. “Find an exercise routine that is manageable to you, fits into your schedule, and is something you look forward to. Sometimes this may mean sacrificing something (a lot of times it’s sleep), but I find when I prioritize exercise, even though I want that extra hour of sleep, I’m actually more productive throughout my day.”

Dallas resident Drew Mbiam, who runs with Train Pegasus and Pint Striders, believes that making time for working out is essential to ensure that a person isn’t so bogged down by work and other stressors that he or she doesn’t have the energy or motivation to do much else.

“Regular life tries to force people to sit and be stagnant,” he said. “Workouts and fitness provide balance.”

Working out can also help expand your social circle, and the people who enjoy the same forms of exercise as you do can serve as valuable accountability partners who will help you stay consistent. Shewski recommends attending a workout class, especially for someone who is new to exercise.

“At Fit Social Club, you can work out and develop connections with the instructors and other regular attendees, and places where you feel like you belong will help you keep coming back,” she said. “That’s the easiest way to make it a habit.”

And such healthy habits offer a variety of positive impacts, including a longer life expectancy—one of the many reasons Dallas-area resident Carolyn Macduff Levanway thinks it’s important to take care of one’s body and exercise on a regular basis. In order to balance her career, social and family activities, and workouts, she said she’s developed somewhat of a routine.

“I go to work, and then I immediately go for a run,” she said. “If I have plans after work, I’ll run early in the morning. If exercise is truly important to you, you’ll find a way to fit it in your day, even if you can’t do the entire workout.”

And prioritizing running and other forms of working out has helped Macduff Levanway in a number of ways, including increased levels of energy and a sharper mind overall.

“Exercise builds mental toughness, and a lot of us work mentally tough jobs,” she said. “Exercise makes living, breathing, and working just a little easier.”

As Shewski mentioned, people make time for what they want to make time for in life, and the aspects of their lives that they prioritize often come with sacrifices in other areas. For Mbiam, he chooses to wake up early to make sure that he has time to run each morning and spends less time staying out drinking and/or partying, even if getting out of bed is still a struggle sometimes.

“My body works a lot better than I realized,” he said. “I went to a yoga class and showed up some of the regulars one time. But when I wake up, I still feel like a box of old computer parts.”

Not everyone’s schedule is the same, so it’s important to do what works best for you. Making concerted efforts to fit workouts in can certainly affect you in a variety of positive ways, though. For Shewski, her mood automatically improves when she works out as much as it does when she steps outside in the sunshine.

“I feel a sense of accomplishment when I complete my workout,” she said. “I love working out in the mornings because completing that workout inspires me to complete another task, which inspires another, and so forth and so on. I’m way more productive when I exercise, I’m happier, and my body feels better. I’m able to be a better mom, wife, and coach.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Concrete, which is not the same thing as cement, is used more than any other material in the world—20 billion tons are put to use every year.

PARLEZ-VOUS WHAT?

There are more than 7,000 languages spoken in the world, and about 43 percent of the global population is bilingual. In the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 22 percent of Americans can speak two or more languages.

While Spanish is the most popular language to learn in the U.S., some individuals desire to speak other languages for various reasons. Houston-area resident Darla Hogaboom said she has always wanted to learn French and decided to pursue that interest when her husband needed to learn the language for work in West Africa.

“We decided to take it together, but then he got too busy traveling and wasn’t able to finish,” she said. “So, I finished alone. Then when we moved to the Middle East, I had time on my hands, and there was a big French community where I lived, so I joined the Franco-Omani school and picked it back up. I did a semester there, then COVID-19 hit, and I had to stop. Fast forward three years, and I find myself once again in Houston, and this past January, I made a promise to myself to see it through a little further. So, I joined the Alliance Français Houston and picked up where I left off. To further my progress, I have signed up and been accepted to the Institute de Français in Nice, France, and will take an immersion course this summer.”

Like Hogaboom, Dallas resident Elizabeth Cruz became fascinated with the French language because she had a trip to Paris planned, so she used the free app Duolingo to help her learn. However, she was unable to dedicate as much time as she had hoped to practice consistently.

“I didn’t commit to it,” she said. “I just wasn’t actively opening the app every day.”

Dallas-area resident Josh Odegard took three years of Spanish in high school but said he only worked the bare-minimum amount to pass the class. Years later, he didn’t think he remembered much from those days, but he said he recognized some words and phrases when he overheard some coworkers speaking Spanish, which led him to try to start learning it again and listen to an audio course while he was working.

“I only gave it 10 percent of my attention, so I would let one lesson play over and over all day until I knew every bit of it,” he said. “I thought it was fun for a while, but eventually I got bored.”

A couple of years ago, Odegard decided to pick up his Spanish learning again when he discovered Duolingo. He said he was dedicating at least 15 minutes every day and was learning much more, but after five months, the app made a major change, and he no longer enjoyed using it.

“I looked online for a fix, but hundreds of people were also complaining, and no one had a fix,” he said. “I didn’t get bored this time, but I just couldn’t stand the app, so I gave up.”

Over the years, Odegard tried to learn a few other languages, including Portuguese, Farsi, and Yiddish, but he said he didn’t really stick with any of those for very long, particularly because of the difficulty he experienced with pronunciation.

“There are words in other languages where your mouth and tongue move in ways that they don’t move while speaking any English words, so it took a lot of practice,” he said.

But Hogaboom believes that it’s OK not to speak the language perfectly and doesn’t think individuals should worry so much about sounding silly or incorrect.

“In my travels, I have found that Americans are mostly the ones to be hesitant to speak a foreign language for fear of sounding fake or wrong,” she said. “I think the accent is what is the most challenging, but we have to remember that when foreigners speak English, they don’t have an American accent. So, as long as the grammar is correct and you’re doing your best, it will always be appreciated.”

Regardless of what language an individual chooses to learn or how he or she learns it, there are certainly benefits doing so can bring—especially for those who enjoy venturing around the world—in terms of being able to communicate with a variety of people.

“I think it’s fun to know multiple languages,” Cruz said. “It’s helpful for travel, and I love to travel!”

As a fellow travel enthusiast, Hogaboom believes that being able to speak another language provides extra knowledge that can prove to be invaluable.

“Even if it doesn’t make you money or you don’t use it every day, it’s always beneficial to know more today than you did yesterday,” she said. “And you never know what tomorrow holds. You could find yourself in a situation in which it benefits you or someone else.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some NatNews dear readers celebrated significant accomplishments in the Texas Big Star Half Marathon on Saturday

Upcoming
Events

Monday, April 15: Jackie Robinson Day; Boston Marathon; Tax Day
Tuesday, April 16: Free Rooftop Movie — Selena at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, April 17: Stars vs. Blues at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, April 18: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Simply Tina, Tribute to Tina Turner at the Dallas Arboretum; Dallasites101 Lipgloss-Making Class at MYX Blend Bar; Swiftie Soirée at Waterproof
Friday, April 19: Silent Disco at Klyde Warren Park
Saturday, April 20: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Spring Market at Grandscape; Dial Up the 90s Music Fest at Legacy Hall
Sunday, April 21: The Tortured Brunch Department — A Taylor Swift-Inspired Brunch at Legacy Hall

NatNews: Issue 108

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 12:45:55 +0100

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April 8, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 108

WHICH WAY TO THE BEACH? THAT WAY

While running is a sport that predominantly involves the use of one’s legs, it’s important not to overlook the need for runners to focus on their upper-body strength, as well.

As an individual increases distance and/or speed during a run, he or she can experience increased feelings of tiredness at the same time. However, if that person has a strong upper body, such fatigue can be prevented while endurance is improved. Additionally, ensuring that arm muscles pack some power can assist in maintaining balance and stability, help with good posture and running form, and contribute to a more solid core.

Dallas resident and White Rock Running Co-op leader Julie Lanaux lifts weights on a regular basis and said she understands the benefits upper-body strength training provides runners, particularly in terms of one’s overall body form, which she said is critical to running.

“Strength training your entire body helps with core strength and helps prevent injury by ensuring things like your spine remain straight through an upright posture,” she said. “I think we’ve all seen the runner who is struggling at the end of the run with slumped-over shoulders—some upper-body training should help correct those kinds of breakdowns in form.”

Lanaux said she also believes that working out arm muscles could help offset muscle breakdown in one’s lower body, as distance running can eventually deteriorate a person’s muscles.

“If the majority of your muscle is in your legs, you lose the majority from your legs,” she said. “But if your muscle is more balanced throughout your body, I would assume the loss to your legs should be less as you lose muscle everywhere in equal proportions versus predominantly in your lower body.”

Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo is on the same page as Lanaux, as he also supports the notion that having balanced strength throughout the body can help a person become a stronger and better runner overall. He said there certainly are additional reasons to build strength in the upper body, also citing the core as an integral component.

“The most obvious benefit is that it allows us to focus on muscles we typically ignore as runners,” he said. “One of the less-obvious is core strength and stability, which provide benefits not only in running but in many day-to-day aspects of life. Having a strong core helps with posture, back pain, improved running efficiency (e.g., running faster and longer), etc.”

How often a person needs to lift weights will not necessarily be the same for everyone. One factor that will impact frequency and duration, as Alonzo said, is what goals an individual has.

“Is the primary focus running and endurance training?” he said. “If so, then you would add strength work that would support that training. For some people, that might be once or twice a week. For others, that could be three or more times. If your goal is body recomposition (i.e., hypertrophy/body-builder style), then you would prioritize strength work and supplement the ‘end’ goal with running or other cardio work. The end goal should be clear so that you can plan accordingly to allow yourself to be able to go through the process to reach it. “

Similar to Alonzo, Lanaux believes that much of upper-body strength training is contingent on the person and what he or she is trying to achieve. Specifically for runners, she said she doesn’t think that upper-body strength training needs to be a primary activity.

“It is there to supplement your running, so probably something short (maybe 30 minutes) two to three times a week is enough,” she said. “For those who are trying to look more fit, it will require more time and more days a week.”

And it’s an activity that she knows is helpful from firsthand experience.

“There are the obvious benefits of having more overall muscle tone, looking better in clothes, etc., but I do feel it also helps my running, particularly in connection with exercises that target muscles I use for running,” Lanaux said. “For example, I know I have weak hips from sitting at a desk all day, so doing hip-strengthening exercises helps to offset that imbalance.”

Alonzo also notices the positive effects his upper-body exercises have had in both his running and in his daily life, saying that he simply feels—and looks—better overall.

“I feel stronger while running and cycling and more confident that I’m less likely to incur injury,” he said. “I’m also conscious of the fact that we lose muscle as we age, and it becomes more difficult to build. By incorporating strength, I set myself up to build as much as I can now to be able to hold on to it for as long as possible. Also, filling out the sleeves of my shirts also feels pretty good.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The world’s longest-lasting light bulb—the Centennial Light at the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department in California—has been burning since 1901 and is almost never turned off.

DALLAS DATE IDEAS

If you talk to someone who is living the single life in our current society, you might not be super shocked to hear that person complain about how rough the dating scene is. While that’s rather accurate, the good news is that if that person meets a special someone, or if you’re in a relationship or married, or if you want to take yourself out or have a friend date, there are plenty of options throughout the Dallas area.

Dallas resident Charlotte Thomas said all of the different neighborhoods throughout the metroplex offer a variety of “personalities” and activities, especially if you’re willing to branch out into the suburbs.

“Instead of a typical bar crawl, you can do ‘taco crawls’ and check out some of the best taco joints in the city,” she said. “There are also several places, such as the Balcony Club and Revelers Hall, with live music to jump-start the mood. Activities like shuffleboard, putt-putt, and video game experiences are all in the city and can be affordable if you check out specials.”

Dallas resident Alexis Derrow also believes that Dallas offers a great amount of date-friendly places, but it might take a little more effort if you want something outside of a typical coffee or dinner outing.

“Dallas has a ton of fun things to do, but you have to look,” she said. “It has roller skating, ice skating, hiking, and cultural options. You just have to look and be willing to leave the Loop 12 bubble occasionally.”

One of Derrow’s most enjoyable dates, however, was a first date that went off script. She and her date were at the symphony on the night of a snowstorm, and the performance was canceled during intermission. When they left, they stopped to have soup at a restaurant across the street from where she lives.

“It was a little adventure and a little mishap,” she said. “I like dates where everything isn’t actually perfect, because then you can have a little laugh and see how someone handles a less-than-perfect situation.”

Enjoyable date activities also depend on the interests of each person, so it’s important to try to find out that information beforehand. For Thomas, she prefers the chance to enjoy excitement and entertainment while also having the opportunity to get to know a person a little better.

“An ideal date would be mixed with lots of music or noise (think a basketball game) and dinner, where it’s quieter with better conversation—a mix of both worlds,” she said.

Derrow, on the other hand, likes some variety in a different sense.

“My ideal date is an errands date (grocery store, Costco, getting the car washed, etc.), followed by a nice dinner and probably Cowboys Red River or drinks at the Ritz or the Mansion,” she said. “I want the entire human experience in one day.”

Below are date ideas for those seeking different options to enjoy some quality time with your significant other, yourself, your friends, or someone whose heart you’re hoping to make flutter.

Spend time at Klyde Warren Park — Whether you grab a bite from one of the food trucks and have a picnic, marvel at the fountain show, throw a frisbee, or simply enjoy being outdoors before the heat becomes unbearable, there are plenty of date activities to enjoy here.

Attend Cool Thursdays at the Dallas Arboretum — This weekly concert series offers musical entertainment with a beautiful sunset view of White Rock Lake.

Have a quiet experience at Wild Detectives — This unique bookstore in the Bishop Arts District is a great place to enjoy conversation and different beverages in a casual and inviting setting.

Attend a star-gazing evening with the Texas Astronomical Society — These free events throughout the metroplex offer exciting opportunities to get to know a person better while admiring the night sky together.

Cheer on the Mavs, Rangers, or Stars — Catching a game either in-person or at a local sports bar makes for a fun evening and allows you and your date to bond over your fandom or banter if you’re rivals.

Go on an adventure — There are a number of places throughout the DFW metroplex to go hiking, rock climb, play paintball, or walk or run together. The Katy Trail and White Rock Lake are ideal options for chatting and getting some steps in together.

Get a little more artistic — Taking a painting, cooking, candle making, or other artsy class can be a fun and engaging way to enjoy time together while trying something potentially new to you and/or your date.

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Some NatNews dear readers recently enjoyed a lovely Top Golf outing together

Upcoming
Events

Monday, April 8: Total solar eclipse — plenty of viewing options
Tuesday, April 9: Free Rooftop Movie — The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes at Sundown at Granada; Stars vs. Sabres at the American Airlines Center
Wednesday, April 10: Rangers vs. A’s at Globe Life Field
Thursday, April 11: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Satisfaction, the Tribute to the Rolling Stones at the Dallas Arboretum; Dallasites101 Ladies Night at La Mina
Friday, April 12: Mavs vs. Pistons at the American Airlines Center; Reckless Kelly at Longhorn Ballroom; National Grilled Cheese Day celebration at Community Beer Co.; Club 90s Presents — Ariana Grande Night at House of Blues Dallas
Saturday, April 13: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Woofstock at Truck Yard; Strut Your Mutt at Fair Park
Sunday, April 14: Community Beer Cycling Group Ride; Gabriel Iglesias at the American Airlines Center

NatNews: Issue 107

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:59:46 +0100

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

April 1, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 107

MENTAL HEALTH DAYS + TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

Work and other responsibilities can sometimes serve as significant stressors in a person’s life and even result in one’s well-being taking a backseat to the obligations for which he or she is responsible. In fact, Asana’s 2023 Anatomy of Work Global Index reported that 40 percent of all workers believe that burnout is an inevitable part of success.

However, not prioritizing one’s mental health can cause an individual to struggle more at work and result in low team or company morale, miscommunication, and an increase in mistakes. Dallas-area resident Lyndsey Kohn said she thinks it’s important to take a mental health day every once in a while, though the frequency of when she does so depends on the season she’s in at the time.

“I like to look at my month and see what my schedule is looking like and see opportunities when I know I am going to need to recharge,” she said.

Taking care of one’s mental health can help an individual be more productive and efficient at work and focus on tasks without becoming as distracted by his or her emotions, which is especially helpful in high-pressure situations. Just as people often miss work for physical health reasons, doing so for mental health is just as important.

“I try to take one day a month off to do something I enjoy and/or just reset my mind or clean up around the house,” Dallas resident Eric Napple said. “I encourage my team who works for me, my friends, and myself to take ‘me time’ to stay in a good mental place and have a refreshed mindset.”

But as Dallas resident and licensed psychologist Kenleigh McMinn pointed out, taking a day off from work shouldn’t be the only time one focuses on his or her mental health.

“Generally speaking, I’m all in favor of taking a mental health day when it’s needed,” she said. “However, I think there’s more nuance to it than that. Ideally, caring for our mental health is something we should incorporate into every day, rather than letting things pile up to a point that we feel too overwhelmed and have to take a day that’s dedicated to recovering. The idea that prevention is the best medicine applies to our mental health just as much as our physical health.”

Taking a day away from work doesn’t necessarily look the same for everyone. For Kohn, a true mental health day involves no schedule or obligations.

“I fill it with the things that fill my cup back up—long walks or runs outside; solo coffee dates reading; or hanging out with my dog, Basil,” she said. “My favorite days are when I can do a nice long run, walk, hike, bike ride, or climbing session outside with no music and just my thoughts. I love the ability to go inward and sit with silence and your mind—I feel so restored.”

For McMinn, a mental health day is about seeking better balance. While she usually prioritizes rest on days off, she recognizes that lying in bed all day could lead to more fatigue or feelings of guilt for not completing tasks on her to-do list.

“I try to find a happy medium of maybe sleeping in, then getting up and running an errand or going for a walk, then maybe take a nap later if it feels like I need it,” she said. “I also try to build in things that are purely for enjoyment rather than being productive—like reading a book, getting a coffee, or maybe shopping a bit.”

Napple said his mental health days can include a number of things, such as spending time in nature by himself or with friends, venturing to different places, spending time with family, or simply getting caught up on household tasks. Regardless of what they include, he said he believes such days are necessary to a healthy lifestyle.

“Your thoughts are a reflection of the energy you put off,” he said. “If your mind is not fresh, a person will show that in everything they do, and people will recognize it. If you are not good, say you are not good, and take some time to reconnect. Take the me time.”

While your idea of a mental health day might not be the same as someone else’s, it’s important to recognize what works for you. Kohn said discovering how you prioritize your mental health and recharge can help you know who you are and cultivate a strong sense of self-awareness and understanding of your own boundaries.

“We give and take energy throughout our days, so if you are operating from a depleted state, you are going to need more time to recover,” she said. “What you don’t want is not to recognize that you need a break and push yourself too much to where you become burnt out and maybe need a significant amount of time off to recover. I know I am in a season right now in which I have had to be more mindful of where my energy and focus are, and so I’ve had to pivot and change what filling my cup up looks like.”

Taking mental health days from work or obligations at home is not always feasible for everyone, though. McMinn said that’s another reason it’s essential to have some form of self-care built into one’s regular routine for prevention and maintenance.

“It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, and it also shouldn’t be something that just feels like extra tasks on a to-do list,” she said. “Find small things throughout your day that you enjoy and that are just for you. Blast your favorite song in the car, use a yummy scented body wash in the shower, make comfort food you enjoy, cuddle your pet, watch a funny show, find a fun fitness class—it can be anything, as long as it’s with the intention of taking care of yourself.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The United States generates the highest annual revenue in the candles market segment, recording $2.2 billion in most recent data.

A TOTAL ECLIPSE NOT OF THE HEART

Next Monday, April 8, millions of individuals throughout the nation will have the opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse (when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun), which will have a duration of totality of up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds. This is almost double the amount of time of the last total solar eclipse in 2017, which was observed by roughly 20 million people from Oregon to South Carolina.

Next week’s eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. Central and conclude in Maine at 3:35 p.m. Eastern. Dallas resident Craig Borkenhagen said he is certainly interested in stepping outside to see the rare occurrence.

“I’ve always thought this kind of stuff was pretty cool, and I like how eclipses change our environment—light quality, shadows on the ground, etc.,” he said.

He’s not alone in his fascination. Atlanta-area resident Allen Hamilton said he and his brother traveled to see the last total eclipse in 2017, and it was a memory he won’t soon forget.

“I didn’t realize how amazing it was going to be,” he said. “Aside from watching my kids being born, it was the most insanely amazing thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

Like Hamilton, not everyone is in what’s known as the path of totality, which is the area where a full eclipse can be viewed. So he and his brother are once again traveling to see the eclipse, this time flying to Dallas and then driving to Waco with their two oldest sons. To him, driving that extra distance is crucial for a better viewing opportunity.

“The difference between watching a 99.99-percent eclipse and a 100-percent eclipse is like the difference between driving 100 miles to watch your favorite band and listening from the parking lot vs. having front-row seats,” he said. “You won’t believe it.”

Borkenhagen also has memories of the 2017 eclipse, though he was living in New Haven, Connecticut, at the time. He said he and his coworkers made makeshift viewing lenses from cardboard boxes. Though he also witnessed an annular solar eclipse last October, he knows that next week’s opportunity is one he wants to take advantage of because of its rarity.

“For both of [the previous ones I saw], I remember the shadows were all crescent-shaped, which was cool,” he said. “This upcoming one is a big deal because it’s a total eclipse. The next one won’t happen here for another 20 years, and Dallas is in the path of totality, so we’ll get the full effect.”

Not all individuals have an interest in viewing the spectacle, though. Dallas resident Katie Butler said she will not go outside to see it, not only because she is in back-to-back meetings at work that day but also because she was not impressed with the eclipse she witnessed in 2017.

“I was underwhelmed,” she said. “It was cool in theory, but I try not to think about space too much because it freaks me out. And honestly, my work has been so busy recently that I don’t have the mental capacity to carve out time to stare at the sky.”

And she doesn’t understand why others would, either, or why there has been so much coverage pertaining to next Monday’s event.

“Maybe it’s to bring people together, but I genuinely have no idea,” Butler said. “Truly, I’m surprised people are so hyped.”

Additional information regarding the upcoming total solar eclipse, including a map of its path of totality, can be found on the NASA website. NASA also provides important reminders regarding how to protect your eyes when viewing the eclipse.

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

A NatNews staff member + some dear readers enjoyed a trip to New Orleans for the Crescent City Classic

Upcoming
Events

Monday, April 1: Queen of the Night — A Tribute to Whitney Houston at Majestic Theatre Dallas
Tuesday, April 2: Free Rooftop Movie — Scott Pilgrim vs. the World at Sundown at Granada
Wednesday, April 3: Stars vs. Oilers at the American Airlines Center
Thursday, April 4: Cool Thursdays Concert Series — Emerald City Band at the Dallas Arboretum; Celebration White Rock 5K and 10K at Winfrey Point; Bob Dylan at Music Hall at Fair Park
Friday, April 5: Mavs vs. Golden State at the American Airlines Center; Emo Night Brooklyn at Sundown at Granada; Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair (also Saturday + Sunday)
Saturday, April 6: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; National Beer Day Celebration at Community Beer Co. (also on Sunday); Spring Fling at Sons of Hermann Hall
Sunday, April 7: Rangers vs. Astros at Globe Life Field; Candlelight — A Tribute to Pink Floyd at Virgin Hotels Dallas; Kristin Chenoweth at Winspear Opera House

NatNews: Issue 106

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 13:19:24 +0100

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

MARCH 25, 2024

NatNews

ISSUE 106

JUST HOW SMART IS YOUR SMARTWATCH?

Many athletes and nonathletes alike choose to invest in smartwatches in order to track certain metrics (e.g., step count, heart rate, and running or cycling speed and distance) and become interested in additional information (such as sleep patterns, body battery, and stress level) the devices provide. While it might be interesting to see the numbers and feedback the watches display, one could potentially wonder how accurate they are.

Dallas-area resident Kim Endo-Campbell is a runner with a smartwatch, but she said she doesn’t pay much attention to the extra metrics it provides her because they don’t necessarily always match how she feels.

“I recently suffered from low iron because I paused supplementation and felt horrible on runs,” she said. “No matter how slowly I went or how much I cut back, I felt like I ran 100 miles. My watch was saying I was fresh and recovered, but what I felt and what I saw didn’t match.”

Endo-Campbell said she also ignores the stress level information completely because the number it gives her is based on her heart rate and not her mental state.

“Physical and mental stress can both affect training, but one is not as easy to measure as the other,” she said.

Dallas resident David Cerezo, however, said wearing a smartwatch (he opts for the Apple Watch Ultra 2) has caused him to become more self-aware of his basic vitals and more diligent in achieving his fitness goals and improving his sleeping habits. He said he also appreciates a few added benefits he hadn’t previously considered.

“I’m a person who frequently goes to concerts and other loud events, like sporting events,” he said. “The watch will actually sense the environment’s decibel levels and notifies me to wear hearing protection, as prolonged exposure in a high-decibel area will cause damage. Small conveniences like that are super helpful.”

Dallas resident Drew Mbiam also pays close attention to the information displayed on his watch screen when he’s not running, but it’s for a much different reason.

“I like looking at the numbers and imagining how Garmin got there,” he said. “I feel like Tommy Pickles calculates the metrics sometimes.”

Former Dallas-area resident Karen Brinkmann, who now resides in Montana, may not have indicated that she also thinks the Rugrats are running the show, but you won’t find her checking her wrist to see what a device is telling her about her body.

“I never use my watch for metrics because I don’t trust the accuracy of the information it provides,” she said. “Plus, it’s uncomfortable to sleep with a watch on.”

Other individuals don’t mind wearing a watch through the night, though. Cerezo said the easy-to-read software interface and information provided on how to read the metrics have made it evident that his sleep has indeed improved.

“It almost feels like a video game,” he said, “and since I’m in the Apple ecosystem, every piece of info the watch captures automatically transfers to the Health app on my phone to later analyze the data better.”

Endo-Campbell hasn’t had the same experience with her sleep patterns being interpreted correctly, though. She said she can sleep for nine hours and still feel tired or sleep for five hours and feel refreshed, but the watch doesn’t recognize how she feels. It also doesn’t track her naps, so it misses her extra sleep time. Studies have indicated that smartwatches are often off on sleep metrics, as they are unable to consistently correctly identify quality of sleep.

Endo-Campbell also doesn’t believe that smartwatches account for certain factors that differ between men and women and said much of the data provided is male-centric.

“It’s easier to gather average metrics from men because they do not have menstrual cycles that alter how their bodies function throughout the month,” she said. “I do not fit the profile for an average male, and I’ve had many occasions in which my watch contradicts how I actually feel. I appreciate the data, but I don’t trust it. I know my body best and adjust training based on that.”

While Cerezo trusts the metrics watches offer users more than Endo-Campbell does, he knows that they should not be the ultimate sources of trust for individuals, particularly athletes.

“It gets close in some areas, but seeking a professional to get the most accurate info is highly suggested,” he said. “I was surprised that the VO2 max my watch calculated was very close to my VO2 max I previously had been tested by a professional in a lab. With the heart rate monitor, I believe it does very well in everyday use, but for running workouts, I think it becomes less accurate, as the violent arm movement will likely move the watch to a position that won’t record properly. For me, I like to use a heart rate monitor strap for my intensive workouts that syncs up with the device.”

Mbiam trusts his watch to tell him how far and long he ran (it’s important information for his Strava, of course), but he doesn’t trust it for much more than that.

“A broken watch is right twice a day,” he said. “A Garmin watch feels less reliable—unless we’re talking about times.”

For Endo-Campbell, what’s more important than anything is listening to one’s own body.

“A lot of athletes I interact with and coach don’t know how to pace themselves without constantly looking at their watches, let alone be honest about how recovered or tired they feel after hard workouts—they only see ‘productive’ or ‘unproductive,’” she said. “On the nonathlete-related metrics side, seeing nine hours of sleep looks great, but when you consider the quality of it, it may not be up to snuff. Nine hours of post-wine-night-induced sleep isn’t as refreshing as falling asleep on a normal night. The watch won’t tell you what caused the difference; you have to determine that yourself.”

DID YOU KNOW?

More than 40 percent of the salt used in the U.S. is for de-icing roads and parking surfaces—which is more than 10 times as much salt used in food production.

DOES ANYBUNNY KNOW THE REASON?

Many holidays have certain characters and items associated with them (Santa and trees with Christmas, leprechauns and shamrocks with St. Patrick’s Day, Cupid and hearts with Valentine’s Day, etc.), and Easter is no exception—a giant bunny and eggs. Based on the origins of the Easter holiday, these symbols could pose perplexity for some individuals.

It was certainly confusing for Dallas resident Aaron Byrkit, though he has nothing against the Easter bunny.

“I enjoyed the idea growing up, but it was hard to make the connection between the rabbit and the idea of the resurrection,” he said.

While historians don’t appear to be able to give a definitive reason, according to certain theories, the Easter bunny traces back to an ancient pagan tradition, the festival of Eostre, which honored the goddess of fertility and spring. The goddess’ animal symbol was a rabbit, as the animal is known for its high breeding rates. Like the bunny, Easter eggs also have multiple origin stories. One poses the theory that eggs are symbols of rebirth, representing the resurrection, while another credits earlier years of Christianity when rules for fasting during Lent were much stricter, and Christians were not allowed to eat meat or any animal product, so they hard-boiled their eggs and stored them to distribute later.

Regardless of how these traditions began, Dallas resident Laura Hays enjoys decor and festivities, as they allow her to recollect cherished moments from her childhood.

“Growing up, my family dyed eggs every year, and my parents would hide them around the house,” she said. “One year, they hid them so well that we couldn’t find the last one for weeks!”

Hays certainly inherited that skill, as she hosted an Easter-themed gathering recently with an egg hunt that resulted in one egg never being found by participants. Her parents weren’t the only ones who helped her develop a love for themed activities this time of year, and she said she’s grateful to be able to keep that same spirit alive in her adult years.

“My grandma would bring us colorful Easter baskets full of little toys, gifts, candy, and chocolate bunnies,” she said. “Those were some of my fondest memories together, and some of the traditions still continue.”

For Byrkit, he enjoys not only being able to recall his childhood memories but also to create new ones with his wife and two kids.

“When I was wee lad, I loved going to church and going for an Easter egg hunt and having hot cross buns in the gym afterward,” he said. “These days, it’s fun to decorate eggs with the boys. It’s a nice, somewhat-easy family activity. It’s also pretty fun to see the boys running all over the yard with their cousins trying to find the eggs in all of the precarious places they’ve been hidden. Sometimes you get to play a game of hotter/colder to orient them to unfound eggs.”

As far as the questions regarding the bunny and eggs, though, Byrkit believes their relevance to Easter are mainly the result of the time of year they became popularized.

“The bunnies and eggs are spring symbols,” he said. “Also, I imagine they were easier to market than a story of a man who was executed on a timber cross and came back to life a few days later.”

A variety of Easter activities (including an after-dark egg hunt for adults only) can be found here.

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

We loved celebrating the NatNews two-year anniversary with some of our dear readers

Upcoming
Events

Monday, March 25: International Waffle Day
Tuesday, March 26: Free Rooftop Movie — Wonka at Sundown at Granada; Pre-Golden Speed Dating at Harvest Hall; Jon Batiste at Winspear Opera House
Wednesday, March 27: Chelsea Cutler at South Side Ballroom
Thursday, March 28: Rangers Opening Day vs. the Cubs at Globe Life Field; Recess at Saint Ann — Easter Egg Decorating; The Party Crowd — Tribute to 80s to Now Party Country at Sundown at Granada
Friday, March 29: Party with My Peeps — Easter Eggstravaganza at The Village Glen Lawn; Dylan Marlowe at House of Blues Dallas; NCAA Men’s South Regional at the American Airlines Center
Saturday, March 30: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Kirtan at Klyde Warren Park
Sunday, March 31: Easter in Turtle Creek Park; NCAA Men’s South Regional at the American Airlines Center

NatNews: Issue 106

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 05:18:49 +0100