James Fishman | Sunstone Online

An Unusual Window Into the Ancient World…

Most of us probably don’t grow up declaring that we want to study ancient poop when we get older. But it’s a good thing that some people do actually end up making this their life’s work. Ancient poop – called Paleofeces – has given us a window into the ancient world and can show us what people used to eat, how they found their food, what types of bacteria they encountered and more.

Recently, researchers from the Natural History Museum in Vienna, led by Kerstin Kowarik, have been studying paleofeces found in salt mines of the Hallstattt-Dachstein UNESCO World Heritage area in western Austria. They have found two specific fungal species. These species indicate that people ate both blue cheese and beer during the Iron Age in Europe.

Their findings allowed for some important observations. It allows us to understand more about fermentation during this time period and that people were already working on food preservation then. It also shows that blue cheese was already being produced 2700 years ago.

Certainly, there is a lot to learn from the study, as explained on CNN and to explore from the analysis of poop samples from ancient times. Who knew?

Sotheby’s Highlights Black Jewelry Designers

Sotheby’s recently had a show in New York that was groundbreaking, as it was dedicated to the skill and brilliance of 21 black jewelry designers from around the world. The works were on display from September 17-26 and was called Brilliant & Black: A Jewelry Renaissance.

Sotheby’s has a beautiful web page dedicated to highlighting the works and backgrounds of each of these artists. It offers feasts for the eyes and also inspirational stories of how these artists got to where they are today.

See more from this coverage on CNN as well.

Diamonds in the Rough: Mozes Victor Konig on Lessons from Diamonds

In The Diamond Cutter: The Buddha on Managing Your Business and Your Life, authors Geshe Michael Roache and Lama Christie McNally teach their readers how to enhance their chances of success both personally and professionally. As someone who works in the diamond industry, Mozes Victor Konig has a lot of respect for Roach who took the Andin International Diamond Corporation from a team of just four employees to a world leader in the industry.

“What’s interesting about the book,” says Konig “is how it provides wisdom on Tibetan Buddhism via The Diamond Sutra – a simple philosophy on life that ‘something is what it is only because of what it is not.’ Combining these two ideas for improving one’s life both in the personal and professional realms is very impressive,” Konig added.

This is not a new book. Indeed, in its original form it was the very first book ever printed (not written by hand) and was meant as a book of Buddha teachings more than 2,500 years ago. But its message – believes Konig and thousands others who have read it – is just as relevant today as it was back then.

“In my opinion,” Mozes Victor Konig says, “some of the best lessons are those provided centuries ago. And they are the simplest ones too. Plus, they show how we have to center ourselves before we look outside.” Some examples of this are:

To succeed financially, give to others.
To become a leader, learn from those around you.
To live in a happy world, be ethical in all your dealings.

For any success in life, looking inwards and taking responsibility rather than attaching blame to others is logical advice.

Fitness Resorts Booming

It’s no secret that many of us have gained weight during COVID-19. We’ve been home much more than usual, we’ve been stressed, and we’ve had access to the kitchen far too often. So it should come as no surprise that fitness resorts are now booming.

And this is true in many locations. One weight loss, detox and fitness location in the UK, Slimmeria, has been sold out since May. Hilton Head Health in South Carolina has had a 30% increase in inquiries since February and has a 6-8 week waiting list.

There are many other locations that are considering opening extra branches and that have waiting lists as long as the weight people have gained.

People are also seeking out these experiences for other reasons. They are starved for companionship and want to be somewhere that is serene, inviting, and populated by other people. Many people also want to unwind and get outdoors after over a year cooped up either by themselves, or with those they see every day.

Of course, these experiences come with a hefty price tag – but for those who have been confined to their homes, the price tag appears to be worth it.

Learn more about these various retreat locations to see if they are right for you!

Stress-Busters and Warning Signs

We all feel stress at certain times in our lives, of course. The question is if your level of stress is normal, or if it has seeped into anxiety or depression. Typically, if stress resolves after a triggering situation and you can go back to functioning at your regular level, then the stress is probably normal. If, however, the worry permeates beyond the stressor and infringes upon your ability to function, you may be experiencing anxiety. And if the worry turns to sadness that you can’t seem to life, then you might be experiencing depression.

Certainly, if you feel that you are at the point of having debilitating anxiety or depression, it might be time to seek help. You can ask your health care provider for the name of a psychologist or therapist who might begin to assist you. You can also ask friends and relatives for suggestions of anyone with whom they might have worked for their recommendations.

While seeing help, you may also want to try some stress-relieving techniques. This could include mindful meditation, aerobic exercise, breathing techniques and more. You can find many stress relieving techniques online, most of which have the goal of turning off your mind and having you focus in the here and now.

Recognizing that these are stressful times and that many people are having trouble can also be helpful. Reach out to others and share your concerns and worries. You may think you’re alone, or you’re the only one who feels as you do; but you may be surprised to realize just how many other people share your worries and concerns.

Macaroni and Cheese Ice Cream Coming Your Way

Specialty ice cream stores are certainly all the rage. And it’s fun to try unusual food combinations in icy form. But sometimes they might just go a bit too far.

Take the recent macaroni and cheese flavored ice cream. Yes, this is actually a thing. The Kraft Heinze Company has partnered with the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream company to make a limited-edition offer of this iconic meal. But as an ice cream flavor?

On Instagram they’ve advertised it, quite humorously, as “The ice cream you never knew you needed.”

They started selling it, appropriately, on July 14 since that’s National Macaroni & Cheese Day (who knew?). You can get it across the country online and in their shops in New York, California, New Jersey and Texas. But be warned that it’s already sold out once – so this is a hot item coming to the ice cream parlor near you!