THE STEVEN WICK BLOG

Comfort food cravings are driven less by the food itself and more by nostalgia and emotional conditioning. Research shows people associate certain meals—often from childhood—with feelings of safety, connection, and care, making them psychologically soothing during stress.

Each spring, more than 20,000 sandhill cranes migrate through Monte Vista, Colorado, drawing thousands of visitors and generating millions for the local economy. The birds’ dramatic arrival fuels tourism during an otherwise slow season, with festivals, tours, and local businesses all benefiting.

Hotel housekeeping apps like HotSOS promise efficiency but are reshaping workers’ jobs in stressful ways. The software directs cleaners where to go, tracks how long tasks take, and pushes them to meet strict quotas—often forcing workers to skip breaks and rush through unpredictable, labor-intensive tasks.

A growing controversy surrounds Long Covid as some researchers revive an old, debunked theory once used to explain chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)—that symptoms stem from psychological causes rather than physical illness. Critics argue this approach ignores biological evidence and risks harming patients, especially since similar treatments like graded exercise and certain behavioral therapies were previously…

More older Americans are staying in the workforce longer than ever, but not always by choice. Rising living costs, longer life expectancy and limited retirement savings mean many must keep working to stay financially secure. At the same time, work provides purpose, structure and social connection in a society where those supports are fading elsewhere.