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

Latest From Natasha Dixon

Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Is Facebook Addiction Real? Lawsuit Accuses Meta of Hooking Kids on Social Media

A coalition of states filed a lawsuit accusing Meta’s Facebook and Instagram of deliberately addicting children to social media through manipulative features maximizing engagement time. The complaint alleges the company knowingly exploited powerful algorithms and design techniques to compel underage users into obsessive platform habits despite recognizing inherent risks. It spotlights deeper unresolved debates around technology overuse constituting genuine addiction – and raises questions on parental, corporate and regulatory responsibilities in an increasingly wired landscape. Specifically, 41 states and Washington, D.C. jointly sued Meta in federal court, contending the social media giant “ensnared” young consumers for profit through unethical psychological

November 27, 2023
Is Facebook Addiction Real? Lawsuit Accuses Meta of Hooking Kids on Social Media
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Drivers Targeted in Rash of Jewelry-for-Cash Schemes, Say Police

 The Bellevue Police Department issued a warning this week advising residents to be vigilant of an emerging scam involving strangers attempting to exchange fake jewelry for cash. According to authorities, incidents of this con, known as the “jewelry exchange” scam, have increased substantially this year with at least 10 cases reported to date. The scam typically begins with criminals flagging down drivers and concocting elaborate stories to convince them the jewelry is real and valuable. They will claim to be down on their luck and in urgent need of gas money or funds for a hotel room. As payment, they

October 23, 2023
Drivers Targeted in Rash of Jewelry-for-Cash Schemes, Say Police
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Critical Failures in Air Traffic Control Putting Flyers at Risk Across America

Austin, Texas – This past February, air traffic controller Damian Campbell made a serious mistake that almost led to a disastrous jet crash at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on a chilly, foggy morning. While a FedEx cargo plane was making its last descent to land on the same runway, Campbell gave the order for a Southwest Airlines flight to take off down runway 18L. With visibility extremely low due to heavy fog, the FedEx pilots could not see the Southwest plane until the last possible moment.The FedEx pilots accelerated and used maximum power at the critical moment before the potential crash,

October 20, 2023
Critical Failures in Air Traffic Control Putting Flyers at Risk Across America
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Dream State No More - Why Californians Are Fleeing Record High Housing Costs

California, the beloved “Golden State”, is experiencing a dramatic population decline unlike anything seen in its recent history. Between April 2020 and July 2022, the United States Census Bureau reports that California lost more residents than any other state save New York. Why are so many individuals leaving California is an intriguing topic brought up by this tremendous exodus. At the heart of the issue are the state’s astronomically high housing prices and an overall decreasing quality of life. The median home price in the state now tops $800,000, pricing out many middle-class families and workers. Lingering effects of the

October 13, 2023
Dream State No More - Why Californians Are Fleeing Record High Housing Costs
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Yale Professor Sparks Fury With Shocking Aging Remarks

The inflammatory remarks of Yusuke Narita, a Japanese economics professor at Yale, have stirred heated debate in his home country. In recent interviews and public appearances, the 37-year-old Narita proposed shocking measures for dealing with Japan’s aging population, such as mass suicide or ritual disembowelment of the elderly. When prodded by a student to elaborate on these disturbing ideas, Narita graphically described a fictional scene of elderly suicide. Critics have responded angrily to Narita’s remarks, accusing him of encouraging hate and violence. Narita maintains he was using a metaphor, but his comments could have serious consequences in a country like

October 13, 2023
Yale Professor Sparks Fury With Shocking Aging Remarks
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Danelo Cavalcante: The Tale of the Escaped Prisoner’s Evasion and Capture

Danelo Cavalcante, a wanted killer, was approx. two weeks on the run in Pennsylvania until he was apprehended. The public was urged to remain indoors as a .22-caliber gun, taken from a house, was in his possession. But the sudden turn of events that led to Danelo Cavalcante’s capture shattered the suspenseful story that had gripped the nation. This is the fascinating story of how Cavalcante eluded officials, how they tirelessly chased him, and how they ultimately caught him. The authorities and the public were completely taken aback by Cavalcante’s Houdini-like escape from jail. Cavalcante escaped from prison one fateful

September 27, 2023
Danelo Cavalcante: The Tale of the Escaped Prisoner’s Evasion and Capture
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Measles outbreak fuels heated debate over mandatory vaccination laws

People thought that measles was a disease of the past, but its scary comeback has broken that illusion. Several new measles outbreaks have emerged across multiple states including California and Michigan. Additionally, seven cases were identified among students at the same elementary school in Florida. These incidents highlight how the highly contagious measles virus continues to spread in communities around the country. Matthew Ferrari, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics at Penn State University, aptly describes the situation as a “pile of firewood” with each outbreak acting as a match, increasing the risk of a larger conflagration.

March 27, 2024
Measles outbreak fuels heated debate over mandatory vaccination laws
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Understanding the "Pick-Me" girl. The truth behind the label

The phrase “pick-me girl” emerged as various generations discussed internalized sexism – specifically, the issues that arise when women seek validation from others, particularly men. Middle and high school girls are starting to call out friends who seem too eager to please boys or try to fit into traditional ideas of what a girl should be like.  While the intentions behind the “pick-me girl” accusation are complex, mental health experts urge greater empathy from teens. They note that these behaviors often come from a developmentally normal desire to find belonging within friend groups. In today’s hyperconnected era, with enhanced visibility

February 27, 2024
Understanding the "Pick-Me" girl. The truth behind the label
Health|WrittenByLAPost

The hidden dangers behind laundry detergent pods

A new study published in Clinical Toxicology revealed a disturbing upward trend – poisonings from laundry detergent pods are increasing among older children, teenagers, and adults. Over a recent three-year period, U.S. poison control centers received over 36,000 calls related to liquid laundry detergent pod exposures, averaging one call every 44 minutes. While the majority of vulnerabilities (87%) were in children under six, nine linked deaths were in adults. This trend raises critical questions about the safety of laundry pods and why ingestion is rising in demographics old enough to know better. The increase in laundry pod poisoning in older

February 13, 2024
The hidden dangers behind laundry detergent pods
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Eating Disorders Striking Men as Often as Women

A concerning new body of research shows that eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors in men have reached epidemic proportions, now impacting millions of American males across backgrounds. Analyzing federal health surveys over two decades, a 2022 study in the American Journal of Men’s Health estimates that 10 million boys and men nationwide will experience an eating disorder at some point – equal to the female incidence rate. That disturbing parity spotlights insufficient awareness and resources dedicated towards male-specific risks, diagnoses, and treatment, given outdated cultural biases positioning eating disorders as afflicting mainly young, thin white women. “The assumption among

January 24, 2024
Eating Disorders Striking Men as Often as Women
Health|WrittenByLAPost

When does mental health slang go too far? The line is blurry

Thanks to Gen Z, conversations about mental health are finally coming out of the shadows through a new vocabulary permeating pop culture. Quirky terms like “stressy and depressed” and “menty b” are destigmatizing struggles previous generations brushed under the rug. But experts now debate if lighthearted lingo risks trivializing real illness or enabling avoidance of proper care. Trendy phrases help alleviate stigma, according to therapist Michael Dzwil. “Saying ‘I had a menty b’ takes control of the narrative,” he said of the slang meaning mental breakdown. Social media spaces allow young people to bond over shared troubles with peers facing similar

January 23, 2024
When does mental health slang go too far? The line is blurry
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Can Applying Psychology Help Us Accomplish Our New Year's Resolutions?

Resolutions symbolize our desire for self-improvement and the optimism accompanying a new year’s blank slate. These annual pledges aim to enhance lives by changing undesired traits, meeting personal goals, or kicking bad habits. However, ambitions often exceed follow-through. Early excitement yields to obstacles as resolutions crumble by February. Understanding the psychology behind resolutions can reveal why they fail along with science-backed strategies for finally making our promises stick. The alluring idea of reinvention draws us each January 1st. A new calendar encourages reflection while triggering the “fresh start effect” psychologically. As holidays end, we crave departing from stress and excess

December 14, 2023
Can Applying Psychology Help Us Accomplish Our New Year's Resolutions?
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Are You Aging Faster Than You Think? Learn Your Biological Age and What to Do

In the realm of age, there exists a fascinating duality that goes beyond mere numbers. It’s the paradox of feeling younger or older than your chronological age suggests—a phenomenon that science is now shedding light on. Recent studies reveal that our biological age, the rate at which our bodies age on a cellular level, may not always align with the years marked on our birth certificates. This discovery holds profound implications for our well-being and the possibilities of aging gracefully. The concept of biological age stands in contrast to chronological age, which is a straightforward tally of the yearschronological age,

November 09, 2023
Are You Aging Faster Than You Think? Learn Your Biological Age and What to Do
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Insomnia Keeping You Up? Experts Explain What Really Works for a Good Night's Sleep

Tossing and turning nightly is frustrating. But frequent sleep disruptions impeding daily life likely signal chronic insomnia. We delve into the whys, whats, and hows of getting your Zs back. Sleep progresses through light and deep cycles. An occasional mid-sleep awakening is normal brain cycling. But regularly jolting awake and wrestling to resume sleep indicates a disorder. Age alters sleep architecture. Many seniors wake once or twice for bathroom breaks. That’s usually harmless unless extended awake time and difficulty returning to sleep follow. Those struggling to regain sleep face amplified health risks including dementia, diabetes, heart disease and more from

October 31, 2023
Insomnia Keeping You Up? Experts Explain What Really Works for a Good Night's Sleep
Health|WrittenByLAPost

Why You Crave Comfort Foods More When It's Cold Outside

As temperatures drop, many people notice their appetites and cravings change along with the seasons. Salads and light summer fare no longer satisfy. Instead, carbohydrate and fat-laden comfort foods become far more appealing when it’s cold outside. Soups, stews, casseroles, baked goods and other indulgent dishes beckon. But what drives this common phenomenon of winter comfort food cravings? Experts say several factors play into these urges, from psychological to physiological. Understanding the science behind seasonal eating patterns can help people enjoy winter comforts in moderation. Neuroscientist Rachel Herz explains that carbohydrate-rich and fatty foods prompt the brain to release dopamine,

October 25, 2023
Why You Crave Comfort Foods More When It's Cold Outside
Health|WrittenByLAPost

From Buddy to Benjamin: Why Our Dogs Now Answer to Human Names

The distinction between people and their canine friends is becoming increasingly hazy in contemporary culture. The growing tendency of giving canines human names is one obvious sign of this trend. As everyone knows, certain names are more appropriate for people while some are more suited for dogs. But other names—like Angel, Riley, and Jack—live in a special place where they are used for both people and dogs. The Atlantic is among the publications that have noted this trend of canines adopting human names. We looked more thoroughly at this tendency by examining the names of 61,000 dogs that were up

October 11, 2023
From Buddy to Benjamin: Why Our Dogs Now Answer to Human Names
Health|WrittenByLAPost

 'I Do or I Don't Know?' - How Modern Relationships Respond to Commitment

Human relationships reflect a range of interests and expectations. Research suggests that monogamy, often seen as a universal model, may not suit everyone. Many are unaware that monogamy’s boundaries and conventions are evolving and when most people think of the term “monogamy,” they envision a married couple with children. However, there is a new relationship trend called “modern monogamy“.  Nowadays, people often use the term “modern monogamy” to  describe a marriage where one partner opts for monogamy, while the other views it as a potentially temporary or seasonal arrangement. The search for “the one” becomes unnecessary if one grasps this

October 02, 2023
 'I Do or I Don't Know?' - How Modern Relationships Respond to Commitment
Health|Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Cancelled flight breaks couple up

When a couple’s planned first date didn’t go as planned, their story went crazy on TikTok, and they were made out to be bad guys. The story of Shelby Trischler and Mitch LoBuglio should teach us a lesson about rushing to judge others when we don’t have the full context. Perhaps more significantly, it reminds us that even seemingly small actions online can have outsized impacts on people’s lives, especially when privacy feels increasingly rare. Shelby Trischler, an active TikToker, met Mitch LoBuglio, a member of the band American Dream Machine, online. They connected over shared interests and humor and

September 25, 2023
Cancelled flight breaks couple up
World|WrittenByLAPost

Man Sues Hospital After Surgeons Allegedly Take Out Part of Bowel Instead of Appendix

A Washington man is suing a Seattle hospital and two doctors for medical malpractice after he claims they removed the wrong organ during emergency surgery last December. George Piano and his wife Elizabeth filed the lawsuit November 2 against the University of Washington Medical Center and surgeons Nidhi Udyavar and Paul Herman. The 13-page complaint alleges botched surgery and serious complications resulting from the doctors’ failure to remove Piano’s appendix as intended. The lawsuit states that on December 6th, Piano experienced stomach pain and went to the UW Medical Center emergency department, where he was diagnosed with appendicitis. His inflamed

November 08, 2023
Man Sues Hospital After Surgeons Allegedly Take Out Part of Bowel Instead of Appendix
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Luggage Tracking Devices Fail to Recover Majority of Lost Bags

Over 300,000 bags were mishandled by U.S. airlines in early 2023, a figure sadly on par with years prior, according to airline data. Security experts say that gadgets like AirTags give travelers false confidence once their bags go missing, even though they are meant to give passengers peace of mind. And companies that don’t care add to their problems. “Even the most advanced technologies are not foolproof,” said California-based travel safety expert Mike Millerson. “There’s no substitute for smart planning and common sense when preventing luggage loss.” The core failing lies in how savvy thieves readily identify and then remove

December 04, 2023
Luggage Tracking Devices Fail to Recover Majority of Lost Bags
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Celebrate Winter Like a Local at Quebec's Carnival Party

As soon as snow blankets historic Old Quebec City, this charming French Canadian destination transforms into a magical winter wonderland. From late November through March, Quebec City becomes one giant playground where you can embrace winter like a local. So bundle up and experience the best of the season in this snow globe brought to life. Wandering the postcard-perfect streets of Old Quebec feels like stepping into a European Christmas village. Festive lights and decorations adorn the historic buildings, while scents of cinnamon and gingerbread waft from the German Christmas market. Visitors can also ring in the new year on

November 08, 2023
Celebrate Winter Like a Local at Quebec's Carnival Party
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Hilton Debuts Tunisia Resort Infusing Signature Hospitality with Local Spirit

Hilton recently unveiled its first property in Tunisia, introducing the Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort along the country’s Gulf of Hammamet coastline. Blending signature Hilton hospitality with an authentic Tunisian setting, the beachfront resort offers a portal into local art, cuisine and community. Just a five-minute drive from Monastir Airport, Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach occupies a prime coastal location. As Hilton’s inaugural Tunisian outpost, the property incorporates indigenous design details and showcases artisanal goods to envelop guests in Tunisian culture. The resort’s central role hosting international visitors provides a lively social hub intermingling with locals. Guests mingle in vibrant shared

November 07, 2023
Hilton Debuts Tunisia Resort Infusing Signature Hospitality with Local Spirit
Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Celebrity Playground of the Past Revamped for Modern Luxury Travelers

A famed retreat for 1920s Hollywood stars, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has reopened following an extensive renovation honoring its glamorous past. The Southern California resort is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with upgraded amenities and a new aesthetic reminiscent of the golden age of cinema. The 11-acre inn, located in the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, was a popular destination for celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin and Bing Crosby during its prime. It now emerges refreshed yet faithful to its roots as a sophisticated celebrity escape. The multimillion-dollar restoration added modern luxuries while preserving historic architectural details.

November 06, 2023
Celebrity Playground of the Past Revamped for Modern Luxury Travelers
Local|Travel|WrittenByLAPost

This Southern California Beach Town Named Among Top 20 in America for 2023

The ‘best beach town’ in Southern California is Carpinteria, according to Trips To Discover. The national travel website recently ranked the top 20 best beach towns in America for 2023 and the small surf town in Santa Barbara County is the lone representative from the southern half of the state. Carpinteria cracked the list thanks to its quintessential Southern California beaches, charming small-town vibe and a plethora of outdoor activities from surfing to beach yoga. Despite its artsy and eclectic locals, Carpinteria has retained its original flavor and remains one of the few unspoiled beach communities in California. Trips To

November 06, 2023
This Southern California Beach Town Named Among Top 20 in America for 2023

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