Seamus
@ Dupont Circle
Q:If your dog was a celebrity, who would it be?
A:"He's Seamus. He's a celebrity within himself."
Dr. Andrea Bonior dives into the world of psychology.
IT'S BEEN AN extraordinarily eventful week in the entertainment industry, with the passing of Michael Jackson, arguably one of the most famous people on Earth, reverberating around the world. More analysis — in gigabytes and in ink — has spilled forth than I could ever begin to digest.
But one curious aspect of the public's reaction, from a psychological perspective, is the perennial insistence that celebrity deaths happen in threes. No matter how much the evidence stacks against it (it seems crass for me to list the additional well-known deaths that have happened in the past few weeks as contradiction), many people still are quite attached to this theory.
Continue Reading "Baggage Check: Three, the Magic Number?" »
WHEN MY BOYFRIEND and I are both having good days, we get along. But the moment that I become irritable (which is a lot), everything comes out. He accuses me of holding grudges. And I know that I do. The moment that he makes me angry, I feel so overwhelmed with anger, and I think about every little thing he's done for the past three years — including small stuff such as being a bit late or not remembering to pick up my dry cleaning. I don't know how to stop this pattern. — So Angry
The first question I have is whether this irritability is directed exclusively toward your boyfriend, or whether you've been having some of these same emotions with co-workers, friends and family, too.
Regardless, it sounds like you have a lot of stress going on, and at the very least could use a bit of support in developing some coping mechanisms and stress reduction techniques: That's what stops this pattern. A good cognitive-behavioral therapist could help you break down this stress-anger cycle and develop a step-by-step process toward ending it. If all or most of your ire seems to be specific to your boyfriend, you'd also benefit from figuring out whether your relationship dynamic can be rewritten in a healthier way, or whether there's simply not enough Wite-Out in the world to make that happen.
IF ROAMING PACKS of teenagers aren't your kind of wildlife, and hunting down deals aren't your kind of expeditions, head straight over to Tysons Corner. Yep, you read that right. The mega-mall's L.L. Bean store (1916 Chain Bridge Road, McLean; 703-288-4466) is an unlikely gateway to a Walk-On Adventure (Llbean.com/ods), the outdoor outfitter's impromptu way of sending shoppers away from civilization.
Every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 11, there are several departures for kayaking and fly-casting excursions. Just pay $15, and the staff will handle all of the details — they'll shuttle you to and from experienced instructors, provide all necessary equipment and even make sure you're hydrated and slathered in sunscreen. Worried you're not dressed for the occasion? You can borrow a pair of water shoes or a hat.
Continue Reading "A-Kayaking We Will Go: Find a Water Adventure in Unexpected Territory" »
ONE OF THE BIGGEST names on the Washington Kastles' (Washingtonkastles.com) roster isn't actually playing for the tennis team. But Murphy Jensen, former French Open doubles champ and current Tennis Channel star, will be serving — as coach. Look for him at home games (starting July 7, at 11th and H streets NW) while he leads the likes of Serena Williams.
» EXPRESS: What's the strategy when you coach a team with such stars?
» KASTLES: I have to keep them motivated to win. Someone like Serena Williams, she has to feel like it's her first professional game. And I think the No. 1 thing is going to be creating a winning, fun, family atmosphere. For the average tennis player, that's the most important thing, too — having fun and finding people you enjoy playing with.
» EXPRESS: How do average players become better players?
» KASTLES: Find a coach, and ask what your coach's best move is. That's one they'll definitely teach well. And find a coach who has a similar style of play to yours.
SURE, BABY FAT is cute — on a baby. On expectant moms, it's just another annoying necessity of the miracle of reproduction. But it's not only possible to stay in shape while pregnant; it's a darn good idea.
"They used to say years ago, 'Once you become pregnant, you cannot work out,'" says Susannah O'Donnell, a personal trainer at the Reston YMCA (12196 Sunset Hills Road; 703-742-8800; Ymcadc.org) who frequently works with moms-to-be. "That's absolutely not true. In fact, it's the complete opposite."
Exercise during pregnancy helps with circulation, keeps metabolism up and regulates mood as hormones run rampant, she says.
A strong body also minimizes pregnancy-related back and hip pain, eases labor and speeds recovery, adds fitness expert Tracey Mallett, author of "Super Fit Mama," coming out in August.
Continue Reading "Knocked-Up Knockout: Workout Techniques for Expecting Mothers" »
For a product that calls itself "The Anti-shoe," footwear from MBT was sure a lot of shoe — the curved sole on the original models resembled half of a basketball that left wearers towering above the ground as they rocked with each step. But now, the company's aiming to be more fashion forward with its low-sole styles (such as the Changa, above, $235, Shopmbt.com).
The idea is these shoes still give you the same benefits (extra butt and leg strengthening, better posture and less impact on the joints) while looking more like what everyone else on the street is sporting. That first part, they have down. Walking up 18th Street NW while hauling heavy bags definitely made our tester's tush feel the burn. (And standing still is weirdly fun.)
But her face also burned when she saw passers-by gawk at her feet with whispers of, "I think my grandma has those."
Designers: Back to the drawing board.
Photo by Marge Ely/Express
Dr. Andrea Bonior dives into the world of psychology.
THE DEVASTATION OF Monday's Metro accident will have ripple affects throughout various families and communities for years to come.
My heart goes out to those who lost someone close to them. Those who survived, or even just witnessed, the accident have a difficult road ahead of them as well.
It is normal to experience significant stress symptoms after such a horrifying event. Nonetheless, it's important to be aware of the risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. If any of the below symptoms are severe, getting in the way of moving forward in daily life, or persist for longer than a month or two, it is definitely a good idea to seek help:
I HAVE ESCALATING tensions with my townhouse neighbor. We had a conflict early on about her insistence on having loud parties and letting her dog go all over my front yard. I thought things were better, but now I am getting a series of hang-ups on my land line from a number that I am 99 percent sure is hers, and, occasionally, she will be drunk and yell at me from her deck late at night. The last straw was that I found smashed beer bottles thrown onto my deck. — Ick! in va.
First, you have to start documenting everything that's going on. We can't know for sure that she's the culprit, though it certainly seems to fit her boozy MO. But your biggest concern should be not letting this escalate — don't let your understandable frustration lead you to up the ante. You might also consider writing her a simple note (no passive-aggression allowed!). Don't accuse her of anything, but say you're sorry that it seems like friction has developed and that you'd like to start over; you respect her and want peace. If she continues to antagonize you, contact your homeowners association (they're good for more than carping about the color of your door) and local law enforcement for guidance.
MEET CLARK KENT of the aquatic set: Most of the time, Brian Benda, 38, is a mild-mannered civil engineer who designs bridges. But when he gets the chance, he sheds his suit for a Speedo, fires up his freestyle and swims under bridges instead.
Two weeks ago, the Parkton, Md., resident played Superman again when he won — for the second time — the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim, a 4.4-mile race under the Bay Bridge that bills itself as "the nation's premier open-water swim."
With his time of 1:34, Benda bested about 650 other super-fit athletes from all over the country, while also contending with the vagaries of the bay.
But despite fighting rough water and a strong current, Benda played down his accomplishment. "I was actually going pretty slow for the first four miles," he said. "It was really that last half-mile when the pace picked up—that's when you put the pedal down."
Continue Reading "Bridging the Gap Takes Training: The Great Chesapeake Swim Winner Brian Benda" »
D.C.'S BECOME MORE than the nation's capital. It's a bike capital, too. And area hotels are helping your out-of-town guests saddle up to see the city. The Park Hyatt Washington (24th and M streets NW; 202-789-1234; Parkwashington.hyatt.com) began offering complimentary wheels to guests a couple months ago. Just sign up a week in advance and a hybrid cycle is yours to use for four hours. Helmets, a lock, water and a map of area cycling trails are also provided for free.
Across the Potomac in Old Town Alexandria, the Hotel Monaco (480 King St.; 703-549-6080; Monaco-alexandria.com) and the Lorien Hotel and Spa (1600 King St.; 703-894-3434; Lorienhotelandspa.com) also offer bikes for guests. The Monaco's 15 rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Lorien's cruisers come as part of an all-inclusive package available through Aug. 31. A $199 room rate includes a bike map, gourmet picnic lunch, tickets to Mount Vernon and a Potomac River cruise. The only requirement: Make reservations 24 hours in advance.
And if you're headed out of town and looking for wheels wherever you roam, don't forget about the new site Rentabikenow.com. Enter your destination's ZIP code and it'll help you reserve your choice of bike from a nearby shop. The service, unfortunately, isn't so hot for D.C. — there's just one option within city limits.
Photo courtesy Park Hyatt
Addison Road