Mullings & Musings

• "Married couples in less than half of US households" (what can I say, except "How sad...")

"...attitudes on marriage are changing, too. About 39 percent of Americans say marriage is becoming obsolete, according to a Pew Research Center study published in November, up from 28 percent in 1978."

• "Does Depression Look the Same Around the World" (fascinating...)

"...depression is not simply a universal pattern of neuronal firing caused by predetermined genetic combinations. At least, it consists of an experience that is shaped by a cultural narrative. Depression has a story overlaid on it. In some cultures the story suggests that the experience is normal and is part of the process of developing character and strength. In others, such as our own, it is a brain pathology that must be treated quickly or it will leave the victim incapacitated.

Your interpretation of pain affects the experience of your pain. If the pain in your chest is from a slightly pulled muscle, you are proud that you are working out. If you believe it is from a tumor or incipient heart failure, it will hurt much worse.

If you experience peculiar sadness, and you are persuaded that God is with you and, through his love, is making you increasingly fruitful, your emotional limp will be less noticeable. But if your hardships are merely neuronal, there is nothing you can do except hope for the right combination of medications."

• "Cities with the Most Billionaires" (I NEVER would've guessed!)

"When the U.S. economy was riding high for most of the 20th century, it would have been impossible to imagine a foreign city--especially one in a Communist country--with more of the planet's very richest than New York, home of old-money Wall Street. But that indeed is the case..."

• "Fleeing Migrants Flood Niger" (...so much prayer needed...)

• "Big 'Ol Sweet Ice Tea" (giggle!)

"...the refreshing sugar rush that tastes so good to me... the amber colored tonic sets my heart at ease... when you pour it over ice there's nothing quite as nice... if you plan to venture south, you'd best prepare your mouth... if you tested diabetic, you just may need a medic... my nose ain't outta joint, but if it ain't sweet what's the point...?"

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Photo by AC.