All Eyes on Dior

Those in the fashion know will have their eyes on Jonathan Anderson this spring, as he is joining the Dior line up for June. LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault announced Thursday that celebrated designer Jonathan Anderson will create the June collection for Dior Men’s Fashion. The announcement came during the group’s annual shareholder meeting.

Anderson, 40, recently departed from LVMH’s Loewe label on March 17. His move represents part of a broader industry shift as major fashion houses bring in fresh design talent amid challenging market conditions. The luxury sector has experienced sluggish growth due to China’s property crisis and consumer hesitation about high prices.

During his acclaimed tenure at Spanish label Loewe, Anderson elevated the brand with distinctive, unconventional designs. His noteworthy creations include €800 barrel-legged jeans and the popular Puzzle bag selling for approximately €3,000.

The Irish designer has earned multiple British designer of the year awards for both his Loewe work and personal JW Anderson brand. His Loewe legacy includes establishing a respected craft prize competition and transforming Daniel Craig’s image with a memorable campaign featuring casual sweaters and relaxed trousers.

Sleep Issues Linked to Alzheimer’s

We all know that sleep is important for so many reasons – but researchers are now isolating not only the hours of sleep, but the type of sleep that is important for us. And they are finding that the lack of sleep can accentuate and accelerate issues like Alzheimer’s disease.

Recent research reveals a compelling connection between sleep quality and brain health, particularly in relation to Alzheimer’s disease. A groundbreaking study led by Gawon Cho from Yale School of Medicine found that insufficient time spent in deep sleep stages—slow-wave and REM sleep—may accelerate deterioration in brain regions associated with early Alzheimer’s disease.

The study discovered that inadequate deep sleep correlates with shrinkage in the inferior parietal region, an area critical for processing sensory information. This finding aligns with clinical observations by preventive neurologist Dr. Richard Issacson, who confirms the relationship between sleep metrics and cognitive function.

During deep sleep, our brains perform essential maintenance—clearing toxins, repairing tissues, and restoring bodily systems. REM sleep facilitates emotional processing and memory consolidation. Despite adults needing 7-8 hours of quality sleep with 20-25% in deep and REM stages, more than one-third of American adults are chronically sleep-deprived.

With all of this in mind, here are 8 ways to try to sleep better.

8 Essential Tips for Better Sleep

  1. Create a Sleep Nest: Maintain a cool bedroom temperature (60-67°F) with a comfortable mattress and appropriate bedding.
  2. Develop a Routine: Establish a consistent bedtime ritual and stick to regular sleep-wake times, even on weekends.
  3. Cut the Lights: Eliminate sources of light, especially blue light from electronic devices, to support natural melatonin production.
  4. Dampen Sound: Use white noise or fans to mask disruptive sounds and keep smartphones outside the bedroom.
  5. Boycott Caffeine: Avoid caffeinated beverages and foods (including chocolate) at least six hours before bedtime.
  6. Skip the Alcohol: While alcohol may help with falling asleep, it disrupts deeper sleep stages necessary for restoration.
  7. Avoid Heavy or Spicy Foods: Choose light, sleep-promoting snacks like nuts, cherries, or bananas instead of heavy meals before bed.
  8. Make the Bedroom Sacred: Reserve your bed exclusively for sleep and intimacy to train your brain to associate it with rest.

Prioritizing quality sleep isn’t just about feeling refreshed—research shows good sleep habits can add nearly five years to a man’s life expectancy and 2.5 years to a woman’s. With sleep deprivation linked to numerous health conditions from cardiovascular disease to dementia, implementing these strategies represents a vital investment in long-term health.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.