LA Wildfire Relief Continues

There have been many heartwarming stories since the LA wildfires ravaged various communities in Los Angeles. Of course, right after the devastating fires, there were many who gave of their time and their money. It is particularly heartwarming to see that some people are continuing, even months later, to remember what has been lost and to step up to help.

Right after the fires many celebrities joined in the relief efforts. Former DreamWorks co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg and his wife Marilyn donated $5 million to the Motion Picture & Television Foundation for wildfire relief, noting that the fires were “unlike anything Los Angeles has ever faced.”

The Weeknd pledged $1 million to organizations including the LAFD Foundation and GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund after canceling his planned performance at the Rose Bowl out of respect for those affected.

Live Nation announced a $1 million donation to assist performing musicians, live music crew, and industry workers impacted by the wildfires.

Global superstar Taylor Swift encouraged her followers to support relief efforts, sharing that she had donated to ten organizations including 211 LA, Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Even months later, it is nice to see those who are still stepping up. “The Office” star Steve Carell made a heartwarming gesture to approximately 800 high school seniors affected by the Eaton wildfire in Altadena. In a special video announcement shared by Alice’s Kids, Carell revealed that the charity would cover prom tickets for all seniors at six Altadena high schools.

“Attention all seniors. This is Steve Carell with a very special announcement,” he said in his trademark deadpan style. “Alice’s Kids wanted me to let you know that they will be paying for all of your prom tickets.”

Alice’s Kids, a Virginia-based organization that supports schoolchildren nationwide with various educational and social expenses, will also reimburse students who have already purchased their tickets.

McDonalds in Pictures

On the heels of sharing a book about basketball courts in South Korea, here we are sharing a book about McDonalds. Who knew that people spent their time photographing such obscure things? But here we are, and this book is certainly worth knowing about and enjoying.

In his new book “McAtlas,” photographer and social anthropologist Kenny He takes readers on a visual journey through McDonald’s restaurants across six continents and more than 55 countries, documenting how the world’s largest restaurant chain adapts to local cultures and tastes.

Rather than a simple photo collection, He describes his work as “a visual social anthropology” that uses vibrant images to make social science accessible to general readers. His photographs capture not only the diverse menu items but also how locals interact with these spaces in their communities.

A self-proclaimed McDonald’s enthusiast since childhood, He approached his research with genuine curiosity. His methodology involved observing popular orders at each location before purchasing multiple items to photograph and sample.

The author emphasizes that McDonald’s global success stems from its willingness to adapt to local preferences rather than imposing American tastes worldwide. “You don’t build the largest restaurant chain in the world off the back of tourists,” He notes. “It’s the locals and what they need and want.”

Examples of this localization include McSpaghetti in the Philippines (featuring the country’s beloved banana ketchup), McArabia sandwiches in the Middle East, vegetarian options throughout India, and specialty coffee in Australia. He considers South Korea’s egg bulgogi burger the most delicious menu item globally.

Despite his appreciation for the brand, He completed “McAtlas” without McDonald’s corporate involvement or authorization. The project, which He funded independently over several years, offers a unique perspective on how this American icon has become a vehicle for cultural exchange and adaptation worldwide.

Fascinating.

Dealing with Anxiety: from Childhood and Beyond

While childhood fears of monsters and shadows typically fade with age, anxiety can follow us into adulthood, taking new forms amid global crises and technological overwhelm. But experts suggest an unexpected pathway to peace: embracing creativity and curiosity.

Certainly, children have fears and those fears are normal. The question is about how to distinguish between common fears and excessive anxiety. Many experts explain that the difference is really centered on the frequency, intensity and duration of the fear. Many professions explain that positive reinforcement, encouraging children to face their fears and seeking professional help are all important steps, as needed, to help children with anxiety.

What about for adults? “Our brains have a negativity bias that makes us hyper-attentive to potential threats,” explains sociologist Martha Beck. “It’s like focusing on one cobra among fifteen puppies.” This survival mechanism, while useful for our ancestors, can trap modern humans in persistent worry cycles.

Unlike healthy fear, which subsides once danger passes, anxiety lingers and feeds on our thoughts. The solution isn’t fighting these feelings head-on, but approaching them with genuine curiosity and compassion. “Listen to your anxiety like you would a frightened creature,” Beck suggests. “Say ‘I hear you, tell me everything.'”

Engaging in creative activities – whether painting, sculpting, or simply coloring – activates different neural pathways that can break anxiety’s grip. The key is focusing on the process rather than the product. “Make art not for the outcome, but for how it affects you,” Beck advises.

This approach, combined with professional support when needed, can help transform anxiety from a persistent threat into a manageable companion, allowing both children and adults to build more balanced, peaceful lives.

Shooting Hoops…in Hong Kong

If you were asked to guess which city in the world has the most basketball courts…you probably wouldn’t say Hong Kong. This dense urban area has a surprisingly hidden secret – and that’s it plethora of places to play and enjoy the game.

How, exactly, has anyone come to this conclusion? This discovery comes from American photographer Austin Bell, who spent three years documenting every basketball court in the city, capturing over 58,000 photos of 2,549 courts.

The prevalence of these courts stems from Hong Kong’s unique urban planning policies dating back to the 1950s and ’60s. Public housing guidelines mandated one basketball court per 10,000 residents—a higher ratio than any other outdoor sports facility. The courts’ compact size made them ideal for Hong Kong’s space-constrained environment, allowing them to be creatively integrated into the urban fabric: on rooftops, between skyscrapers, and even in remote island communities.

Bell’s project, showcased in his exhibition “Shooting Hoops,” reveals how these courts serve multiple purposes beyond basketball. From choral practices to pet tortoise walking and drying orange peels, they’ve become vital community spaces in one of the world’s densest cities. The courts represent Hong Kong’s innovative approach to urban design, where efficiency meets community needs, creating what urban design expert Jeroen van Ameijde calls a “hyper-dense mix of both life and work, commerce and efficiency.”

Shooting Hoops will include a book launch and exhibition at the Blue Lotus Gallery until February 23rd. Located at 28 Pound Lane, Tal Ping Shan in Hong Kong, it’s definitely worth a visit if you are there. And the book will be a fascinating one to own and enjoy for basketball lovers around the world.

Tips to Stop Procrastinating

Research shows that procrastination is fundamentally rooted in emotion regulation, with people delaying tasks as a way to cope with negative feelings about those tasks. This avoidance behavior can lead to serious consequences including physical health problems, anxiety, and deteriorating relationships, according to research from Durham University.

The underlying causes of chronic procrastination vary significantly. Some people procrastinate due to fear of imperfection or failure, while others may have neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD or unresolved trauma that makes task completion challenging. Understanding these root causes through therapy or self-reflection is essential for developing effective solutions.

With that said, what are some quick ideas that can be offered to help people when they procrastinate?Several practical strategies can help break the cycle of procrastination. Creating manageable schedules with realistic timelines helps prevent overwhelm. Using positive rewards rather than self-criticism provides better motivation. Breaking large tasks into smaller pieces makes them less daunting, while techniques like the Pomodoro method (25-minute focused work intervals) or the Eisenhower Matrix (prioritizing tasks by urgency and importance) help with time management. Additional approaches include mindfulness techniques for emotion regulation, ensuring adequate sleep and exercise, and utilizing social support systems for accountability.

Success in overcoming procrastination typically comes from implementing a personalized combination of these strategies while maintaining realistic expectations for progress.

A Guide to the Best Cities…and Streets…for 2025

As travelers plan their 2025 adventures, two key questions emerge: which cities offer the most compelling experiences, and within those urban landscapes, which streets capture the true essence of local life? Recent rankings from Time Out shed light on both, offering a comprehensive guide to the world’s most vibrant urban destinations. So if you’re thinking of exploring cities in the year to come, here are some great suggestions.

Cape Town Claims the Crown

Cape Town has emerged as 2025’s must-visit city, offering an unmatched combination of natural wonders and urban excitement. Where else can you encounter African penguins, sample world-class wines, and gaze upon one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature all in one day? The city’s blend of historical significance and affordable experiences makes it particularly appealing for international visitors, with areas like trendy Kalk Bay and the food-centric East City leading the charge in urban innovation

Global Cities Making Waves

Following Cape Town’s lead, Bangkok secured the second spot, earning praise for its legendary food scene, with 86% of locals rating it as exceptional. New York City, though dropping from its top position last year, still commands attention as the third-best city globally, with an impressive 92% of respondents celebrating its world-class cultural offerings.

Melbourne, securing fourth place, proves itself a double threat – not only is it among 2025’s top cities, but it’s also home to what’s been crowned the world’s coolest street for 2024: High Street.

With all of this in mind, here is the rundown of the top 10 cities to visit this year:

  1. Cape Town, South Africa
  2. Bangkok, Thailand
  3. New York, US
  4. Melbourne, Australia
  5. London, UK
  6. New Orleans, US
  7. Mexico City, Mexico
  8. Porto, Portugal
  9. Shanghai, China
  10. Copenhagen, Denmark

What about the best streets?

It’s interesting to evaluate places to visit based on which ones have the coolest streets. Undoubtedly, if you have one cool street, you probably have other places worth seeing. High Street in Melbourne exemplifies what makes a street truly “cool” – a perfect blend of epic restaurants, hidden bars, live music venues, and boutique shops, all wrapped in a warm community spirit. This vibrant thoroughfare, crossing through the suburbs of Northcote, Thornbury, and Preston, showcases everything from Portuguese custard tarts at Casa Nata to innovative pasta at 1800 Lasagne.

Hong Kong’s Hollywood Road claims the second spot among cool streets, featuring Michelin-starred dining at Tate Dining Room and cultural landmarks like Man Mo Temple. Meanwhile, Austin’s East Eleventh Street packs remarkable variety into just a quarter-mile, with highlights including the unique Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar and the perpetually festive Kenny Dorham’s Backyard.

Here is the list of the top ten streets to visit, as covered by Time Out.

  1. High Street, Melbourne, Australia
  2. Hollywood Road, Hong Kong
  3. East Eleventh, Austin, Texas, USA
  4. Guatemala Street, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  5. Commercial Drive, Vancouver, Canada
  6. Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  7. Rua da Boavista, Lisbon, Portugal
  8. Arnaldo Quintela, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  9. Chazawa-dori, Tokyo, Japan
  10. Consell de Cent, Barcelona, Spain

This certainly offers a lot of suggestions as you plan your 2025 travels!