Author: James Fishman

James Fishman has been involved in the world of online magazines for more than 15 years. He helped launch Sunstone Online and continues to improve the magazine as site editor and administrator. His writing focuses primarily business and technology. To be in touch with James, feel free to contact him at james[at]sunstoneonline.com.

First South Korean Author Wins Nobel

Han Kang, a 53-year-old South Korean author, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life”. This historic achievement marks the first time a South Korean author has received this prestigious accolade, and only the 18th woman out of 117 laureates since 1901. Han’s literary journey began with poetry before transitioning to prose, with her novel “The Vegetarian” gaining international recognition after winning the Man Booker International Prize in 2016. Her works often explore themes of human vulnerability, historical trauma, and the complex relationships between body and spirit.

The Swedish Academy praised Han’s unique style and innovative approach to contemporary prose. Her win has been celebrated across South Korea, with President Yoon Suk Yeol describing it as “a great achievement in the history of Korean literature”. 

Here are one poem by Hang Kang to give readers a sense of her work.

Pitch-Black House of Light

That day in Ui-dong
sleet fell
and my body, companion to my soul
shivered with each falling tear.

Get on your way.

Are you hesitating?
What are you dreaming, hovering like that?

Two-storey houses lit like flowers,
beneath them I learned agony
and towards a land of joy as yet untouched
foolishly reached out a hand.

Get on your way.

What are you dreaming? Keep walking.

Towards memories forming on a streetlamp, I walked.
There I looked up and inside the lightshade
was a pitch-black house. Pitch-black
house of light

The sky was dark and in that darkness
resident birds
flew up casting off the weight of their bodies.
How many times would I have to die to fly like that?
Nobody could hold my hand.

What dream is so lovely?
What memory
shines so brightly?

Sleet, like the tips of mother’s fingers,
raking through my dishevelled eyebrows
striking frozen cheeks and again
stroking that same spot,

Hurry up and get on your way.

Carcassonne: A Medieval Marvel Reborn

If your daydreams consist of sipping wine at a castle in the French countryside, you need to add Carcassonne to your bucket list. This enchanting walled citadel in southwestern France has recently unveiled a spectacular €5.6 million restoration that promises to transport visitors back in time. As a UNESCO World Heritage site with 2,000 years of history, Carcassonne now offers a complete 1.3km walkable circuit along its upper ramparts, providing an unparalleled 360-degree panoramic view of the medieval city.

The ambitious 31-month restoration project, led by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, has breathed new life into this ancient fortress. As you traverse the ramparts, prepare to be awestruck by panoramic views of the multiturreted castle, soaring cathedral, and Roman-tiled roofs set against the backdrop of the Aude river valley and the Black Mountains. Visitors can now also explore the restored walls and nine refurbished towers with installed oak flooring throughout. The result is a seamless blend of historical authenticity and modern accessibility.

Carcassonne’s appeal extends beyond its architecture to a wide variety of cultural experiences. The city has connections to the 13th-century Cathars. It has also achieved modern literary fame through Kate Mosse’s Languedoc novels. Known as a wine tourism destination, the area boasts a number of vineyards for tourists to get lost in and try new wine varieties. Hiking trails in the nearby Ariège Pyrenees provide stunning views perfect for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts.

For those seeking to explore more of France’s medieval heritage, consider visiting other well-preserved walled towns like Provins, Aigues-Mortes, or Saint-Malo. While Carcassonne remains the most famous and extensive example, each of these sites offers its own unique glimpse into France’s fascinating past.

Predicted Increase in Mental Health Positions

Whether you’re just starting out in a career or thinking of making a change, take note of the research coming out about mental health positions. The demand for mental health care providers in the United States is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, outpacing typical job growth projections. According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in mental health fields like psychiatry, psychology, counseling, and social work is projected to increase at triple the rate of average occupations by 2033.

Mental health counselors, including those specializing in substance abuse and behavioral disorders, are forecasted to see particularly rapid growth of 19% – adding over 80,000 new jobs. Marriage and family therapists are also expected to increase by 16%. This surge in demand is attributed to several factors, including decreasing stigma around seeking mental health treatment and increasing life stressors like political division, economic uncertainty, and climate change.

However, access remains a major barrier, with over 120 million Americans living in areas with shortages of mental health professionals. Rural regions face particular challenges in provider access. As demand continues to outpace the current workforce, expanding mental health services and addressing provider shortages will be critical public health priorities in the coming years.

Keep in mind that there are many ways to become a mental health professional. You can certainly get a Ph.D., a medical degree or a Master’s Degree, but you can also look into various certificate programs. You might become a massage therapist, an acupuncturist, a reflexologist. These require less time studying than do some of the other routes and still allow you to help others with their mental health needs.

The Tiny Home Craze

Tiny homes have become all the rage – at least on social media they have. There are Facebook groups filled with discussions of tiny homes, TikTok videos of people and their tiny homes and Instagram stories all about life in a tiny home. The idea of a tiny home has, perhaps, become more popular as the housing market prices have gone through the roof and as many people have started to value downsizing.

Tiny homes, typically ranging from 100 to 500 square feet. These small dwellings offer a minimalist lifestyle, focusing on simplicity and reduced environmental impact. However, the cost of a tiny home can vary significantly. Generally, they range from $30,000 to $60,000 when ordered directly from a builder, but additional expenses such as trailers, utility installations, and land purchase can increase the total cost.

Park model tiny homes, often placed on foundations in dedicated communities, can be more expensive, especially when factoring in location, upgrades, and additional amenities. For example, new tiny homes in some communities start at around $160,000, excluding land costs.

Living in a tiny home also involves trade-offs, such as limited space for entertaining. Despite these challenges, many find the lifestyle appealing due to lower utility costs, minimal maintenance, and a close-knit community environment. It’s also important to consider your own lifestyle. One of the things that many people enjoy about tiny homes is that they are often built as a community – so you have neighbors, shared facilities like swimming pools and social halls and a way to build a community together. Of course some people want a tiny home away from others, and this should be considered as part of the plan. Whatever you want to do – it’s important to experience a tiny home before you give everything away and jump into living in one. You can find tiny homes for short term and long term rent to get a feel for them before jumping in.

American Fertility Rates Down

The fertility rate in the United States hit a record low in 2023, continuing a decades-long decline. As reported by CNN, the US fertility rate fell by 3% from the previous year, reaching about 55 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44. This marks a significant 21% decrease in the general fertility rate since 2007.

It’s certainly interesting to think about why this is happening. Various social and economic factors, including delayed marriage, extended education, and later entry into stable employment, contribute to this trend. Additionally, greater societal acceptance of smaller families or remaining childless influences these decisions.

Interestingly, and surprisingly, birth rates are shifting to older women, with the highest rates among those aged 30 to 34. Teen birth rates also dropped to a record low in 2023. The Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, overturning Roe v. Wade, may also be affecting local birth trends, particularly in states with abortion bans.

The Key Ingredients to a Happy Life

Americans are deeply invested in the ideal of happiness. But what actually defines happiness and how people are supposed to seek it out is an entirely different question. It’s one that researchers have spent a great deal of time analyzing and certainly an idea that remains elusive to many.

Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, has spent his entire life’s work looking at these issues. In a study started in 1938, he found that the main key to happiness boils down to relationships. He has coauthored the book The Good Life: Lessons From the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness and shares many of the findings from this study there.

Waldinger outlines five essential tips for achieving a happier life:

  1. Prioritize Physical Health: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive drinking are vital. Those who take care of their physical well-being not only live longer but also enjoy more years free from illness.
  2. Nurture Social Connections: Invest in relationships by actively seeking out connections. Whether through community activities, hobbies, or volunteering, expanding your social circle can improve your overall well-being.
  3. Maintain and Strengthen Relationships: Small, consistent actions like regular check-ins with friends or shared activities help keep relationships vibrant and prevent them from fading due to neglect.
  4. Express Core Values: Identify and express what truly matters to you, whether it’s authenticity, family, or other values. Engaging in activities that align with these values enhances life satisfaction.
  5. Embrace Change: Relationships and personal circumstances evolve. Accepting and adapting to these changes, rather than resisting them, leads to healthier, more supportive connections.

Waldinger emphasizes that while happiness fluctuates, focusing on these areas can lead to a more fulfilling life overall. He also explains that one of the most fascinating findings of the study was that people who were connected to others not only found happiness – but that they lived longer.