James Fishman | Sunstone Online

Show a Little Love to Your Socks!

Most people never consider their socks as a sleep aid, but sleep experts are revealing a surprising connection between warm feet and faster, deeper rest. According to Michelle Drerup, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Cleveland Clinic, wearing socks to bed can actually help you fall asleep more quickly.

The science behind this recommendation is fascinating. As night approaches, our body naturally begins to lower its core temperature, a process critical for initiating sleep. Wearing socks triggers “distal vasodilation,” which widens blood vessels in the feet and helps cool down the body’s core temperature more efficiently.

A small 2018 study demonstrated the remarkable potential of this simple strategy. Young men who wore socks to bed fell asleep nearly eight minutes faster and enjoyed 32 minutes of additional sleep, with fewer nighttime awakenings.

Sleep specialists like Drerup emphasize that individual comfort is key. While socks can help some people, others might find them uncomfortable. The ultimate goal is finding what works best for your unique sleep patterns.

Additional sleep hygiene tips include maintaining a cool bedroom temperature around 65°F and taking a warm shower before bed to facilitate the body’s natural temperature drop.

Decluttering in a few easy steps

A number of years ago, we were all thrown into the decluttering frenzy with Marie Kondo and her desire to help us to “spark joy.” This is a lovely idea, in theory, but many people need more specific guidelines to know what to throw out and what to keep. Here are some systematic and practical steps that should really help with this process.

What truly matters to you? These values can guide your decisions about what to keep and what to let go. For example, if tradition is important, you might hold onto a cherished family heirloom, while a random purchase might be easier to part with.
What are your goals for your space? Are you decluttering to create a more functional workspace or a cozy kitchen for baking with loved ones? These goals can keep you motivated and focused. When sorting through items, consider whether they align with your values and long-term aspirations. Instead of asking if an item sparks joy, think about whether it serves a purpose or holds deeper significance.
How small can you start? Tackle a single drawer or shelf to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Use a system of sorting items into “keep,” “donate,” and “toss” piles. Remember, decluttering is not about perfection but about creating a space that reflects your values and supports your well-being. By approaching decluttering with intention and clarity, you can transform your home—and your mindset—one step at a time.

Start small and set aside a specific time each day (or each week) to tackle your next task. You’ll be surprised by how quickly the space can transform with consistency and vision.

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.