Up & Coming Weekly

June 30, 2015

Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.

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22 UCW JULY 1-7, 2015 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM ADVICE GODDESS Crowd Mary I'm trying to take a break from dating and work on myself because I keep ending up with really jerky guys. I'm an extrovert — very social and outgoing — and I find it hard to just chill by myself. I get bored and lonely. I want to pick better guys, but I hate being alone on a Saturday night with a phone that doesn't ring. — Conflicted Trying to embrace solitude sounds so adult and profound and good. But as great as it is that you're trying to retool your man-picking practices, this home alone thing might not be the best idea for an extrovert — a person who thrives on human contact, along with novelty and excitement. There's a lot of inconclusive research on introversion and extroversion that's breathlessly reported as conclusive. However, what seems clear is that extroversion isn't just a preference; it's a biologically driven personality trait — a consistent pattern of behavior that appears to come out of your brain's being far more "sensation-seeking" than an introvert's. Studies by psychologist Richard Depue and others suggest that extroverts get a "reward system" buzz from socializing that introverts don't. And while introverts' brains are easily overloaded by stimuli — stuff going on around them — extroverts' brains are far less sensitive to it, so they tend to need more of it. More people, more hubbub, more new and exciting experiences — to the point where a hot date with the accusatory stare of the cat can tempt an extrovertess to do something arrest- worthy just to shake things up and maybe get grabbed by a man. In other words, think of your brain as a pet tiger that needs to be fed — with people and excitement. An important point to note is neuroscientist Wolfram Schultz's finding that unpredictable rewards seem to be the most satisfying for the brain — maybe even three or four times as buzzy as those we see coming. Consider that your attraction may not be to bad guys so much as to the unpredictability and excitement they provide. You can get your excitement —and the social mosh pit you long for — by spending weekend nights with like- minded friends. Trade off with them on planning the evening's activity, and surprise one another with what it will be: Repo man ride-along? Cattle rustling? Danger tag (trying to outrun muggers)? Feeding your need for adventure should help you hold out for a man who's exciting in a new way: in how he does what he says he will and even shows up on time -- and not just by telephone from Mexico to tell you how to wire him bail money. AMY ALKON Copy right 2015 WEEKLY HOROSCOPES NEWS OF THE WEIRD by CHUCK SHEPPARD Researchers studying the human- brain-eating Fore tribe of Papua, New Guinea, reported in a June journal article that they have identified the specific "prion" resistance gene that appears to offer complete protection against mad cow disease and perhaps other neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Parkinson's. The tribe customarily dined on relatives' brains at funerals (although has abandoned the practice) and consequently suffered a major 1950s epidemic that wiped out 2 percent of the tribe annually. According to the lead researcher, survivors, with the specific resistance gene, demonstrated "a striking example of Darwinian evolution in humans." [Reuters, 6-10-2015] Recurring Themes (All- New Episodes!) Spouses often disagree politically and vote accordingly, but occasionally one runs for office against the other — as is the case in Bremerton, Washington, where incumbent Council member Roy Runyon is being challenged by his wife, Kim Faulkner. Both were mum as to reasons and in fact filed their registration papers together at the same time in May. Said Runyon: "We're different people. She might have a different approach." [Kitsap Sun (Kitsap, Wash.), 5-14-2015] India's media reported in April yet another birth defect in which the surviving baby is treated as a representation of Hindu holiness. A four-armed, four-legged child (medical explanation: remains of an underdeveloped conjoined twin) is worshipped as the reincarnation of the multi-limbed Lord Ganesha, and pilgrims journey from all over India to the birthplace, Dumri-Isri in Jharkhand state. (In a nod to modernity, one witness told a reporter that initially he had thought a photograph of the child was "Photoshopped," but now has seen the baby with his own eyes.) [OneIndia.com (Bangalore), 4-23-2015] Another "Human Right": In April, London's Daily Mail spotted Anna Broom of Gillingham declaring that despite her various disorders that keep her from working, she nonetheless imagines a first- class wedding with champagne, horse- drawn carriage and Mexico honeymoon — all at government expense — because that would be her "human right." She told a reporter that a small ceremony at a government office would not boost her confidence, but that her "dream" wedding would be just the thing to get her back on a job search. [Daily Mail, 4-16-2015] Copyright CHUCK SHEPPARD ARIES Mar 21-Apr 20 Your mood is pleasant and playful this week, Aries. It's a perfect time to plan a social engagement or party at your home. Invite friends and family and have a good time. TAURUS Apr 21-May 21 Taurus, take time to find ways to relax and unwind. This could mean removing yourself from tense or competitive situations for a little while until things calm down. GEMINI May 22-Jun 21 Your imagination is ignited this week, Gemini. This can clear the path for new beginnings. Make sure decisions you make now are centered and empowered. CANCER Jun 22-Jul 22 Cancer, your energy levels are elevated this week. Make the most of this newfound energy by tackling all of those projects you have been putting off. LEO Jul 23-Aug 23 This week brings all sorts of interesting ideas and desires, Leo. There's much to keep you busy, but make sure you donÕt overdo things. Avoid the urge to stretch yourself too thin. VIRGO Aug 24-Sept 22 DonÕt be surprised if your feelings are all over the place this week, Virgo. The week might feel like a roller coaster, but you will feel great by the end of the week. LIBRA Sept 23-Oct 23 Libra, an irritating issue seems to fix itself and that is relieving. Remember, you do not have to take on everything yourself. Plenty of people are willing to lend a hand. SCORPIO Oct 24-Nov 22 Scorpio, you have lately been more comfortable with your role in life and your responsibilities. It seems you have everything all together, and others may seek out your advice. SAGITTARIUS Nov 23-Dec 21 Sagittarius, when your imagination is stimulated, there's nothing you cannot accomplish. This may be an interesting week for you, as restless energy has you seeking an outlet. CAPRICORN Dec 22-Jan 20 Capricorn, you may need to look at a problem from another perspective to find the best solution. Discuss your findings with others and see if they have any suggestions. AQUARIUS Jan 21-Feb 18 Take things easy and let your intuition work for you, Aquarius. Financial or business- related projects fall in your lap, and you work through them quite easily. PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20 Emotions reach a high after hearing good news this week, Pisces. It's okay to let your guard down a bit around your loved ones. Amy Alkon Chuck Sheppard

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