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.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/622867
JANUARY 6-12, 2016 UCW 19 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM ADVICE GODDESS Dupe Dreams I'm a 41-year-old male sports fan, and every girlfriend I've had has initially claimed to like sports. But once I'm all in, she admits that she never liked sports at all. Why can't women just be honest in the beginning? — Bugged Women aren't the only ones who claim to be a little more woodsy or literate or … sportif … than they actually are. However, men tend to lie to get sex, while women tend to lie to get love. But because women evolved to be the nurturers and peacekeepers of the species, they are probably more likely to say yes or okay to stuff they're not very yes or okay with. What's essential to figure out is whether the lie is a little "I like what you like!" stretchie or part of a disturbing pattern — suggesting she's either a pathological liar or a gaping void looking to use love as Spackle. Expect hyperbole at the start, and ask probing questions to see whether a woman is truly into sports. The Endear Hunter My girlfriend rarely, if ever, calls me by my actual name. Other women I've dated have done this, too. It makes me think of that country song that goes, "You don't have to call me darlin', darlin'." I've come to realize that I've been steadily losing interest in my girlfriend, and maybe she senses that. Or could it be something else? Why do women do this — not calling men by their actual names? — Nameless The way people address each other is a statement about the kind of relationship they have. A pet name is part of creating a relationship "culture" — things you do and say that mark the relationship as a distinct little society. Relationship communication researcher Carol Bruess finds that partners in happy relationships use nicknames more than those in unhappy ones. But seeing as you have been "steadily losing interest" in your girlfriend, why are you sitting around pondering nickname use? You need to do your part: Inform your girlfriend that the relationshippypoo can no longer breathe on its owniecakes, and that it's time she started referring to you as her ex- schmoopie. Copyright Amy Alkon WEEKLY HOROSCOPES NEWS OF THE WEIRD by CHUCK SHEPPARD "It may be the most confusing traffic light you've ever seen," wrote The Boston Globe in December, describing a pedestrian crossing in Cambridge, Massachusetts. If the three clusters of three lights each are dark, drivers proceed. If a pedestrian comes along, one light will blink yellow, then solid yellow, then two solid yellows, then two reds, until two flashing red lights in each cluster appear — and in Cambridge (and only Cambridge), flashing red lights mean ... go (unless pedestrians are actually present). The city has prepared a 12-diagram pamphlet to explain the whole thing, and officials say they have statistical proof from tests that the system enhances safety. [Boston Globe, 12-4-2015] It was Nick Silvestri, 19, of Seaford, Long Island, who, seated in the orchestra section of the Broadway comedy Hand to God on July 2, left his seat to plug his iPhone into an "electrical outlet" on the stage set. Actors, patrons, and management went nuts, but Silvestri ultimately was allowed to stay, and the show resumed. The set designer Beowulf Boritt, said later he was proud that he had created a stage set so realistic that the electrical outlet (which of course was attached to nothing) looked so authentic. [Playbill, 7-9-2015, 7-8-2015] Cliche Come to Life The Angelina County Sheriff's Office (Lufkin, Texas) reported responding to a 911 call about shots fired at a home on Nov. 8, but made no arrest. The male resident was sitting in his pickup, admittedly drunk, and having listened to a "sad song" on his favorite station, he of course pulled his .22-caliber pistol and shot the radio. According to the report, "Suspect's wife took possession of the handgun and suspect." [KTRE-TV (Lufkin), 11-11-2015] Ironies Hector Segura, 29, in town for a Washington, D.C., conference on drug policy reform (with most attendees certain that the "war on drugs" has failed) was found by police naked in a flower bed in a neighborhood near his hotel in Arlington, Virginia, with (according to police) "bath salts" the culprit. It required two Taser shots to subdue him as he pounded on a squad car. [New York magazine, 11-12-2015] [WRC-TV (Washington), 11-23-2015] 2015 COPYRIGHT CHUCK SHEPPARD ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, practicality is a big part of your personality, but sometimes thinking through the reasons to do something over and over can be tedious. Let loose a little bit this week. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, expect to feel pulled in two directions this week. It's a pivotal time at work, but in the same measure, you have much going on at home. Think things over carefully. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you may find your energy levels unusually low this week, and your productivity may suffer as a result. Maybe someone else can energize you a bit and lend a helping hand. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you will get to your destination soon enough, but the trip may be a bit of a headache. Patience is essential this week; otherwise, you may give up prematurely. LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Misinformation is spreading, so research everything to make informed decisions this week, Leo. It may help you avoid an expensive mistake down the line. VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you may have a wonderful time with family or friends this week, even if you are crunched for time. Savor the small moments as they come your way. LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, this is a good week to catch up on paperwork, filing or tedious tasks you have let fall by the wayside. Make use of the slow week to recharge. SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, you will be missed as much as you miss another person this week. Wait out this separation a little while longer, keeping in mind that your reunion is on its way. SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Do whatever you need to do to rejuvenate your spirit, Sagittarius. Spend some more time with friends and avoid prolonged solo activities. Soon your motivation will return. CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, this may turn out to be a strange week, as you can't seem to fully focus on anything. You may get frustrated at your inability to concentrate, but that focus will return soon. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, if you become too wrapped up in business or personal obligations, take a step back and reevaluate your priorities. Some things need to be rearranged. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, you are on a quest this week to find the perfect gift for a friend. This person will appreciate your efforts, and your bond will only grow stronger. Amy Alkon