Today: September 21, 2024
Today: September 21, 2024

Latest From Nahal Garakani

Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

In-flight fate: An Unexpected love story from 30,000 ft above the ground

When Krystina Burton and Gabriel Solberg sat next to each other on an Alaska Airlines flight from New York to Los Angeles in July 2018, neither expected they would fall in love. Yet that chance encounter led to a fairy tale romance that continues today. The first meeting was awkward, according to Ms. Burton. She was waiting alone in a mostly empty terminal at JFK Airport to catch a morning flight back to LA after an audition. Mr. Solberg plopped into the seat beside her despite plenty of empty chairs. Annoyed at the invasion of personal space from this “oblivious”

In-flight fate: An Unexpected love story from 30,000 ft above the ground
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Cameron Diaz reveals how sleep divorce saved her marriage

Do you and your partner have difficulty achieving restful sleep? From making noise while sleeping to moving around restlessly, sleeping together can be challenging at times. That is why more couples are contemplating an alternative solution – “sleep divorce.” Recently, actress Cameron Diaz made headlines by saying couples should “normalize separate bedrooms.” Her take on intentionally sleeping apart from your spouse has reignited a heated debate around this growing relationship trend. On one side are those who think “sleep divorce” enables partners to obtain the quality rest they require without interruptions. Having separate bedrooms eliminates problems like snoring, taking all

Cameron Diaz reveals how sleep divorce saved her marriage
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Single mom psychosis hell: Helen Flanagan's ADHD medication trauma

The entertainment world was jolted when former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan laid bare a disturbing mental health crisis she grappled with. The 33-year-old actress, who portrayed Rosie Webster on the renowned British drama series, courageously took to Instagram to share the raw details of her intense psychological struggles with ADHD medication in late in 2022. In the candid social media disclosure, Flanagan revealed that last December and January found her consumed by emotional turmoil in the aftermath of her romantic split 18 months prior from long-term partner Scott Sinclair, with whom she shares three young children. The newfound single

Single mom psychosis hell: Helen Flanagan's ADHD medication trauma
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Remember that Oscars selfie from 2014?

A decade ago, Ellen DeGeneres orchestrated what would become the most famous Oscars selfie ever. With Bradley Cooper holding the phone, DeGeneres squeezed over a dozen A-list celebrities into one smiling shot. The image quickly went viral, racking up over 2 million retweets. But ten years later, that iconic selfie elicits a very different response. Today, that iconic photo marks a milestone. Some of the people in the picture have had downfalls over the years, but the selfie will always be a picture full of contagious happiness. It shows the thrill of accomplishments and the ties made on big stages.

Remember that Oscars selfie from 2014?
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

The future of magic is female as women make their mark

Throughout history, men have usually been in charge of magic. However, things are changing as more and more women take the lead. Their work challenges stereotypes and changes how people think about this art form. One of these people who is making a difference is Anna DeGuzman, who won second place on “America’s Got Talent” and is a rising star in the field of magic.   “I utilize the fact that I’m unique to my benefit,” stated DeGuzman. However, the difference is still noticeable. Approximately 8% of stage magicians are women, a figure that a new generation of female performers are

The future of magic is female as women make their mark
Local|Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Where legends were made: Inside LA’s iconic entertainment venues

Los Angeles has been a major cultural center thanks to venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, The Wiltern, Greek Theatre, Los Angeles Theatre, and Hollywood Palladium. Notable performances and cultural events have occurred in its famed theaters and concert halls, leaving an indelible mark on history. Their unique architecture and rich histories have hosted unforgettable concerts, movie debuts, and star-studded events – propelling the city into an international entertainment epicenter. For almost a century, these landmarks have fuelled Los Angeles’ ascent to become the world’s entertainment capital. The breathtaking shell-shaped outdoor stage of the Hollywood Bowl became a live music

Where legends were made: Inside LA’s iconic entertainment venues
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

The 2024 L.A. concert schedule offers something for everyone

Los Angeles is widely acknowledged as a significant center for entertainment, especially in light of its well-known music sector.. From little venues along the Sunset Strip to big stadiums hosting notable bands, Greater LA offers a variety of concert and entertainment locations ideal for famous performers and emerging talents. This year presents another selection of must-watch shows in different music styles, such as rock, hip-hop, and classical.  The Hollywood Bowl is arguably the most famous of Los Angeles music venues. The curved, shell-shaped open-air theater located in the Hollywood Hills has welcomed a wide range of performers, including Billie Holliday

The 2024 L.A. concert schedule offers something for everyone
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Artificial Intelligence Is Reshaping Music And Not Everyone’s A Fan

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing songwriting, causing huge upheaval in the music industry. Demonstrations of new software demonstrate how technology can generate creative melodies, imitate distinctive vocal styles, and produce entire instrumental songs with little assistance from humans. Tech developers praise the democratizing power behind these tools to open music creation to more people. “We always knew technology would disrupt our business,” said an April statement from Universal Music Group (UMG), the label titan representing mega-stars like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Kendrick Lamar. “But AI threatens to fracture the fragile bonds between artists and fans.” The company has led lobbying

Artificial Intelligence Is Reshaping Music And Not Everyone’s A Fan
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

From Couple Goals To Separate Lives: Why Tinseltown Love Stories Are Ending

The sound of wedding bells has been replaced by the loud noise of divorce papers being filed in the world of celebrities. This year witnessed the conclusion of several enduring Hollywood couples, surprising fans and prompting speculation about the existence of true love in the entertainment industry. Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness stunned the world in September by announcing their separation after 27 years of marriage. The couple had been viewed as rock solid and were frequently held up as role models, making their split all the more unexpected. As reported, the breakup appeared amicable, with no mention of cheating

From Couple Goals To Separate Lives: Why Tinseltown Love Stories Are Ending
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Tinder Date Ends With Man Stealing $1000 Shoes

A Lower East Side woman revealed how her Tinder date stole her designer shoes from her apartment to gift his girlfriend. As dishonesty and technology continue to blend, cases like the “Tabi Swiper” demonstrate how dating applications are deteriorating. The woman identified publicly as Elaine Wu, recounted her experience in a rapid-fire TikTok series drawing millions of fascinating views. The 30-something fashion professional explained matching online with an attractive stranger who suggested drinks. They later returned to her apartment only to have security footage showing the man brazenly smuggling a box under his shirt when departing. Ms. Wu then launched

Tinder Date Ends With Man Stealing $1000 Shoes
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Mariah Carey Sued Again: Did She Steal That Christmas Song?

Mariah Carey faces another lawsuit alleging she stole her defining Christmas pop hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” from a decades-old country song bearing the same unique title. Songwriter Andy Stone, who performs as Vince Vance, filed a complaint in Los Angeles claiming his 1989 Yuletide release predates Carey’s blockbuster. It marks the second attempt by Stone to legally dispute the smash single’s origins through accusations of copyright infringement. The latest lawsuit demands $20 million in damages while spotlighting the legal gray areas around proving musical inspiration versus theft in court. According to the suit, Stone’s band Vince

Mariah Carey Sued Again: Did She Steal That Christmas Song?
Entertainment|Business|WrittenByLAPost

Streaming Services Now at a Crossroads. Can Innovation Survive?

A Golden Age of television led by streaming services like Netflix and Hulu has given way to an uncertain future, as economic challenges, industry strikes, and shifting viewer habits shake up the landscape. Behind the scenes, a high-stakes battle is unfolding that will shape the next era of TV. For years, streaming allowed consumers unprecedented choice in entertainment options and fueled a content boom. But today, with profits waning and debt mounting, streamers are cutting back on shows amid a period of turmoil. What does the path ahead look like? This TV season has seen major delays and cancellations as

Streaming Services Now at a Crossroads. Can Innovation Survive?
Business|Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Reality Performers Demand $5K Per Episode Minimum

In the world of glitter and glamour, reality TV stars are now pushing for more concrete recognition, seeking union protections. The reality TV industry, which has long been the stepchild of the entertainment world, is witnessing an uprising led by well-known figures like Bethenny Frankel, former star of the “Real Housewives of New York City”. The call for unionization comes at a critical time when Hollywood’s labor movement is already experiencing dual strikes by writers and actors guilds. Frankel, who catapulted to fame with her reality TV stints and later sold her Skinnygirl cocktail business for an estimated $120 million,

Reality Performers Demand $5K Per Episode Minimum
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

TikTok 'Girl Dinner' Trend Flips the Script on Gender Norms Around Cooking and Indulgence

A new social media trend called “girl dinner” has emerged on TikTok, garnering over 30 million views. Girl dinner refers to individually portioned snack plates that women make for themselves to enjoy alone.  The trend appears to have started when Olivia Maher, a 28-year-old assistant living in Los Angeles, posted a TikTok video in May showing her spread of bread, cheese, grapes, pickles and wine. “I call this girl dinner,” Maher says in the clip, which has since amassed over one million views. In an interview, Maher said the idea for girl dinner stemmed from a conversation with a female

TikTok 'Girl Dinner' Trend Flips the Script on Gender Norms Around Cooking and Indulgence
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Beyond Music: How Taylor Swift's Influence Reaches the NFL

Taylor Swift, a name synonymously renowned in the music industry, has recently proven to have a resounding impact on a different field altogether – the National Football League. Swift’s presence at a recent NFL match has sent ripples through the sports world, highlighting her influence beyond her music domain. In a surprising move, Taylor Swift, the ‘Cruel Summer’ singer, showed up at a match between the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs. The game saw her cheering for the football star Travis Kelce, leading to a significant buzz among her fan-base, known as Swifties. Kelce, the star tight end for

Beyond Music:  How Taylor Swift's Influence Reaches the NFL
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

The Bachelor: Behind the Scenes Secrets

The Bachelor franchise has captured the hearts of millions of viewers for almost two decades. From the dramatic rose ceremonies to the romantic fantasy dates, the show has become a cultural phenomenon. But what happens behind the scenes? Let’s find out. A World of Spinoffs The Bachelor premiered in 2002, introducing us to the world of televised romance. Since its premiere, the franchise has spawned several unique spinoffs starting in 2003, The Bachelorette emerged, allowing former Bachelor contestants to search for love in the leading role! The spinoffs continued with shows like Bachelor Pad, where eliminated contestants from The Bachelor

The Bachelor: Behind the Scenes Secrets
Education|WrittenByLAPost

Overwhelmed Teachers, Frustrated Parents: Rebuilding Strained School Relationships

Horror stories teachers swap about nightmare parents are legendary. But in the decade since I started teaching at a public school outside Boston, tense interactions have become the norm. Expectations around communication have changed, burnout is worsening, and this strained dynamic could have serious implications for the future of the profession. More parental involvement broadly benefits students. Research confirms kids do better academically and socially when parents stay engaged. But the current environment often pits parents and teachers against each other instead of bringing them together for the students’ sake. I hear constantly from some parents while unable to reach

Overwhelmed Teachers, Frustrated Parents: Rebuilding Strained School Relationships
Education|WrittenByLAPost

How a new 'pig butchering' scam targets lonely men

When Barry May met a woman named Anna on Facebook, she sent salacious photos and promised a future together. But first, she needed help investing money on her aunt’s behalf to access a $3 million inheritance. Over months of cultivating closeness, May liquidated his life savings and sent over $500,000 – only to learn Anna wasn’t real. He fell prey to “pig butchering,” a prolific crypto scam preying on vulnerable people that stole over $3.5 billion last year. Like the ancient warriors who breached the walls of Troy using a giant hollow wooden horse, pig butchering scammers employ intimacy to

How a new 'pig butchering' scam targets lonely men
Education|Local|WrittenByLAPost

Are the Kids Thriving? An Inside Look as LAUSD Resumes In-Person Learning

‍As the new school year begins, parents and teachers continue to address the pandemic’s long-term impact on’ kids’ academic, mental, and social-emotional well-being. The lingering question on everyone’s mind is, “Are the kids OK?” The answer is complicated, including problems and accomplishments. Academic Recovery: A Roadmap to Catching Up Academic recovery has no single or universal solution as each student has experienced varying degrees of learning and educators are still in the process of understanding the specific needs of each student.  The leader of the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools, Joseph Bishop, acknowledges that we are still playing

Are the Kids Thriving? An Inside Look as LAUSD Resumes In-Person Learning
Environment|WrittenByLAPost

Against all odds: 5 harrowing natural disaster survival stories

When nature shows its wrath, it leaves an impact not only on the land but also on the hearts and lives of those who faced the storm. As we delve into the first-hand accounts of survivors who have stared into the eye of the storm, a common thread emerges a newfound awareness of the critical gaps in their readiness. Paul Sprela, a resident of Long Beach, New York, experienced the fury of a natural disaster during the Hurricane Sandy in 2012.His home and business were inundated, causing significant damage. Sprela, who works in flood insurance, learned a crucial lesson about

Against all odds: 5 harrowing natural disaster survival stories
Environment|WrittenByLAPost

Woman Survives Alligator Attack While Snorkeling in Florida. Watch the Video.

A Florida woman was viciously attacked by a 9-foot alligator while snorkeling at a recreation area over the weekend, suffering bite wounds to her forehead. Marissa Carr was swimming at Alexander Springs near Ocala on Sunday when the massive reptile emerged and bit her head before retreating, she recounted to local media. Incredibly, a photographer happened to capture graphic photos of the immediate aftermath showing blood streaming down her face as she exited the water. The terrifying encounter demonstrates the random danger alligators pose to humans even in designated swimming areas within their habitat. Carr said she was snorkeling with

Woman Survives Alligator Attack While Snorkeling in Florida. Watch the Video.
Environment|WrittenByLAPost

Dog parks: Are they helping or harming your pet?

Dog parks have become a wildly popular fixture in many communities across the United States. However experts say these off-leash play spaces come with several risks that dog owners should consider before frequenting them. While surveys show that around 90% of Americans view dog parks as beneficial amenities, canine behavior specialists caution that they are not always ideal environments for dogs. Concerns around socialization, injuries, disease transmission and misreading dog body language are frequently cited by professionals. Still, dog parks remain enticing to many urban and suburban owners looking for spaces where their pets can exercise and interact with other

Dog parks: Are they helping or harming your pet?
Environment|WrittenByLAPost

A Groundbreaking Probe into UFOs and Ancient Extraterrestrial Clues

In a historic move in Mexico City, the country’s legislature took a bold step into the largely uncharted waters of extraterrestrial phenomena, hosting a hearing on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), commonly referred to as UFOs. At the forefront of this groundbreaking event was Jaime Maussan, the renowned journalist and a stalwart in the realm of UFO research. Drawing significant attention, Maussan presented two peculiar specimens believed to be of extraterrestrial origin. Discovered near Peru’s ancient Nazca Lines in 2017, these entities, notable for their miniaturized stature, extended craniums, and three-fingered appendages, stirred intrigue and debate. “We are not alone,” proclaimed

A Groundbreaking Probe into UFOs and Ancient Extraterrestrial Clues
Environment|WrittenByLAPost

How safe is the air? Here’s how to check and what the numbers mean

How can you check the air quality in your area and what do the numbers mean? The Environmental Protection Agency monitors the air around the country and compiles an air quality index, or AQI. Here’s what to know about the index and how to keep tabs on your area, especially in U.S. regions dealing with smoke from Canadian wildfires. WHAT DOES THE AIR QUALITY INDEX MEASURE? The index rates how clean or polluted the air is each day. The EPA uses this measure to keep tabs on five kinds of air pollutants. The main concern from the wildfire

How safe is the air? Here’s how to check and what the numbers mean
Environment|WrittenByLAPost

A Sea Otter's Epic Surfboard Heist

Sea otters, known for their cute appearance and playful antics, have gained national attention for their unusual behavior. Otter 841, a 5-year-old female in Santa Cruz, California, steals surfboards and attacks kayakers, raising public safety concerns. Wildlife officials are working to rehome and capture her, with implications for sea otter conservation. Otter 841, commonly known by her nickname Laverna, has quickly gained the attention of locals and the online community alike due to her audacious surfboard thefts and encounters with water sports enthusiasts. Memes, petitions and merchandise supporting this ungovernable otter have sprouted in support of this charismatic creature; yet

A Sea Otter's Epic Surfboard Heist

Follow