~ Said Mark Twain on his 70th birthday: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
~ And out of the mouths of little kids, with thanks to Answers to Life’s Big Questions, by Steve & Ruth Bennett:
Question: “What cheers you up when you are down?”
- A lick from my dog
- Oatmeal with chocolate syrup on top
- Fancy dancing
- Wearing underpants on my head
- Eating raisin bread
Question: “Where were you before you were born?”
- In the other room
- I was just a wish
- In mommy’s tummy. Before that, I was in God’s stomach
- Grandma’s house
- Indiana
~ from neuroscientist Anne-Laure Cunff: “Rituals are some of the most powerful technologies invented by humankind…Repetitive, patterned, and often culturally transmitted software…When people face stress, danger, or major life changes, rituals provide a sense of stability through structured actions. Having something concrete to do when everything appears uncertain reduces anxiety and feelings of helplessness…” Think that first morning cup of coffee standing at the counter, to graduations, funerals, and good night kisses. Develop and hold on to them.
~ Parents moderating smartphone use:
- The Balance Project, founded by Holly Moscatiello, “to help kids balance independence and mindful technology usage” to promote smartphone-free childhoods.
- The Tin Can Flashback, “a wired, screen-free landline for kids or one powered by Wi Fi. Tin Canners can call each other and 911, adding other numbers via a $9.99/month app.
- The Wait Until 8th Grade Pledge with more than 130,000 parents across the country promising not to give their kids a smartphone until they hit 8th grade.
~ Walnuts made USA Today news, because they are…
- Full of calcium, magnesium, potassium, Vitamin E, and zinc, “all of which can help improve blood sugar control, brain health, heart health, and more.”
- An excellent source of an Omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, which is associated with heart health, lowered risk of heart disease, and type-2 diabetes.
- Loaded with 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber.
~ More good-for-you news came from The Epoch Times, a la Ben Franklin’s “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
- Says AI: “Eating and going to bed early significantly improves sleep quality… enhances weight management, increases energy, boasts cognitive function, and promotes better health.
- Restaurants now report a 53% increase in Gen Zers and 51% increase in Millennials dining at 4:00 p.m.
- Restaurant reservations are up 10% for 4:00 p.m. seating, 11% for 5:00 p.m., and 8% for 6:00 p.m.
~ And looking ahead, 2026 will host Friday the 13th in February, March, and December, but did you know that…
- Fear of Friday, the 13th is called.
- Fear of the #13 is called triskaidekaphobia.
~ ~ With 2026 happiness and good health wishes, Carol
