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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FEBRUARY 10-16, 2016 UCW 27 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM ADVICE GODDESS Inaction Figure My girlfriend got laid off four months ago, along with many of her co-workers. She is not making a serious attempt to find a job and is just living off unemployment benefits. She stays up until morning watching TV and sleeps until the late afternoon. I figured that she may be depressed, so I encouraged her to go to counseling and to volunteer or take a course so she would feel productive, but she refused. She has a great work ethic when she's employed, so I'm very puzzled by this. Worse yet, I'm quickly losing respect for her. — Disturbed The sense that productivity has become unproductive can trigger an emotional response called "low mood," marked by fatigue, deep pessimism, feelings of worthlessness, changes in appetite and sleep, and a slowing of motivation (symptoms also seen in depression). Psychiatrist and evolutionary psychologist Randolph Nesse believes that low mood evolved to stop us from wasting our energy by persisting in fruitless endeavors. The psychiatric bible of mental disorders, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, doesn't bother to differentiate between the "adaptive" low mood Nesse is talking about and depression caused by malfunctioning brain chemistry. The DSM's diagnosis of depression just involves taking count: Five or more almost daily symptoms (fatigue, pessimism, etc.) lasting for more than two weeks? Congratulations! You're depressed. But what's important to note from Nesse's work is that depression isn't necessarily a sign of brain dysfunction. And there's a lot of hope in this, because if your symptoms have an environmental reason, maybe you can see your way to an environmental remedy. Physical action is another emotion- changer — even if you have to force it. For example, research by psychologist James Laird finds that busting out smiles actually makes people happier. Research by biopsychologist Timothy Puetz finds that acting energized — like by regularly doing 20 moderately paced minutes on an exercise bike — actually energizes, with the ensuing raised heart rate and various surging biochemicals basically standing in for force-feeding a 5-Hour Energy drink to that ugly low mood. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which uses reason to help people dig out of their emotional problems, could also be helpful. Copyright Amy Alkon WEEKLY HOROSCOPES NEWS OF THE WEIRD by CHUCK SHEPPARD In January, the upscale Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana introduced stylish hijabs and abayas aimed at Muslim women unafraid to call attention to themselves as they exercise their obliged modesty. D&G's marketing effort even accessorized models' headscarves and cloaks with stilettos and oversized, gaudily framed sunglasses. It was clear from the suggested retail prices that D&G would be pitching the line mainly in the wealthy Persian Gulf countries like United Arab Emirates. [The Atlantic, 1-7- 2016] Unclear on the Concept Awkward Signals in New Jersey: (1) The government watchdog MuckRock requested records on the cause of death of a dolphin in New Jersey's South River last year (to investigate larger dangers to the animal), but in January 2016 the state's Department of Agriculture initially declined to release them — citing "medical privacy" (usually requested, for autopsies, by "the deceased's family"). (2) At the same time, Maria Vaccarella is facing a $500 fine in Howell, New Jersey, for violating a state law because she illegally rendered "care" to two apparently orphaned baby squirrels when their mother abandoned them. She was due in court as News of the Weird went to press. [MuckRock.com, 1-11-2016] [WPVI-TV (Philadelphia), 1-16-2016] Questionable Judgments The director of senior services for Cranston, Rhode Island, resigned in January after a mayor's press-conference went badly. To publicize a snow-removal program that would benefit seniors unable to shovel for themselves, the director (needing a proper example of a beneficiary of the program) instructed a middle-aged male subordinate to (unconvincingly) don a wig and dress and stand beside the mayor during the announcement. [WJAR- TV (Providence), 1-13-2016] Cultural Diversity Weird Japan, Again: (1) Among the sites Japan has submitted for 2017 United Nations World Heritage status is the island of Okinoshima, home of a sacred shrine with which Shinto gods have been "protecting" fishermen as long ago as the fourth century. (The island is so sacred that females have never been allowed on it — judged either too delicate to make the trip or menstrually unclean). (2) A current Tokyo craze, reported an Australian Broadcasting correspondent, involves "stressed out" professionals and office workers publicly outfitted in colorful, full-body lycra suits ("zentai") in a rebellion against the nation's stultifying conformity. Said one, "I'm a different person wearing this. I can be friendly to anyone." [Daily Telegraph (London), 1-13-2016] [Australian Broadcasting Corp. News, 1-10-2016] 2015 COPYRIGHT CHUCK SHEPPARD ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, if you assumed you were right on track, you soon will see why it isn't safe to assume. Do not take anything for granted and consider all potential outcomes. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Interpersonal dynamics are constantly changing, and you may have a challenging time wrangling in your relationship to where it feels comfortable, Taurus. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, even if you are uncertain about someone's intentions, it is best to give that person the benefit of the doubt. However, an ounce of skepticism never hurt anyone. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, it is better to make your choices sooner rather than later this week. Putting decisions off only complicates matters. It may be an anxious time, but you will pull through. LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Stop worrying about how others see you, Leo. This week own up to your beliefs, even if they seem to go against the norm. You may be surprised at the support you receive. VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, a hectic week leads to lots of demands on your time. Take things one task at a time and do not be afraid to say no if you feel you are overwhelmed. LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, frustration at work may not be directed at any one person, and you can't let it consume your life. Make the frustration work to your advantage instead. SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Romantic thoughts this week will have you on a mission to spend quality time with a loved one, Scorpio. You may do everything in your power to be near your significant other. SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Don't try to erect barriers, Sagittarius. This week you have to let someone in and unburden some of the problems or thoughts that have been weighing you down. CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Accomplish something important based on what you learn this week, Capricorn. Keep your eyes and ears open to all of the possibilities around you. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Try not to take the easy way out, Aquarius. When faced with some tough questions, stay strong and true to yourself. You will be happier in the long run if you do so. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, take some time off if your job seems like a headache this week. If you have the time, enjoy a long weekend or a short jaunt during the week. Amy Alkon Highland Country Club Call 910.483.7534 or visit betterhealthcc.org NEW THIS YEAR! THE SPORTSBOOK Blue Devil or Tarheel? You know your team will win, so use your casino chips and take that bet! 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