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Today: April 15, 2025
Today: April 15, 2025
Natasha Dixon

Natasha Dixon

Staff Writer

Latest From Natasha Dixon

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,

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

Family Slammed With Fee After Kids Get Too Loud at Restaurant

A Georgia restaurant sparked outrage and went viral after tacking a $50 “adult surcharge” onto the bill of a large family dining with children. The incident occurred at Toccoa Riverside Restaurant in the small town of Blue Ridge. Lyndsey Landmann and her husband went to dinner there with their two young kids plus four other families – a group of 11 children in total ages 3 to 8. According to Landmann’s account, the kids were well-behaved during the meal. But after dessert, owner Tim Richter approached the table and announced he was imposing a $50 surcharge for the children being

Family Slammed With Fee After Kids Get Too Loud at Restaurant
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

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

10 Can't-Miss Foodie Destinations Across the U.S.

Craving innovative cuisine and hidden food gems without leaving the country? Luckily, the United States is home to dozens of remarkable food cities brimming with highly-lauded restaurants, local flavors, and everything in between. From large metropolises like New York City and San Francisco to unexpected picks like Greenville, South Carolina, here are 10 of the best destinations for feasting across America. New York City represents a melting pot of cultures, which means food lovers can enjoy any type of cuisine within its 300-square-mile radius. Authentic dim sum in Chinatown, mouthwatering pastrami sandwiches at iconic Jewish delis like Katz’s, Polish bakeries

10 Can't-Miss Foodie Destinations Across the U.S.
Food|Travel|WrittenByLAPost

Eat, Drink and Still Lose Weight? Science Explains Europe's Slimming Effect

You just spent two weeks enjoying the lavish cuisine and wines of Europe, gorging on rich pasta dishes, savory pastries, cheese boards and delectable desserts. Yet oddly, the number on the scale is lower now than when you left. What gives? While it may seem counterintuitive, indulgent European vacations involving lots of leisurely walking, even with copious eating, can sometimes yield unexpected weight loss. A convergence of lifestyle factors create an atmosphere ripe for slimming down without conscious dieting. “Many people return home weighing less after a vacation in Europe even after consuming decadent meals and wine daily,” said Dr.

Eat, Drink and Still Lose Weight? Science Explains Europe's Slimming Effect
News|WrittenByLAPost

Jury Hits Realtor Association With Bombshell $1.8B Verdict

A Missouri jury rocked the real estate industry this week by finding the National Association of Realtors and several major brokerages guilty of price-fixing, awarding home sellers a whopping $1.8 billion in damages. If treble damages are imposed, the total payout could reach $5 billion. The guilty verdicts assert the defendants conspired to inflate commissions by mandating sellers offer set commission rates to buyers’ agents before listing homes online. Plaintiffs argued this stifled competition and increased prices, while brokers maintained it ensured efficient markets. The landmark antitrust decision opens the door to similar lawsuits nationally. One was already filed this

Jury Hits Realtor Association With Bombshell $1.8B Verdict
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Winning Lavish Home on Reality TV Leads to Unexpected Headaches for Lucky Couple

A couple who recently won a $2.7 million luxury home through an Australian reality TV show promotion are alleging the prize isn’t quite what it seemed. Kevin and Andrea Griffin were awarded the five-bedroom, six-bathroom house in Gisborne, northwest of Melbourne, after entering a contest held by LMCT+, an online company that offers members chances to win big-ticket items like sports cars and vacations. The couple had paid LMCT+’s $20 monthly membership fee for over a year when their name was drawn as the winner of the extravagant home, valued at nearly $3 million Australian dollars. But shortly after the

Winning Lavish Home on Reality TV Leads to Unexpected Headaches for Lucky Couple
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

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

Celebrity Playground of the Past Revamped for Modern Luxury Travelers
Food|Health|WrittenByLAPost

Are High-Protein Legume Worth Their Hefty Price Tag

Legume-based pastas made from chickpeas, lentils and beans are popping up in grocery aisles and gaining hype as a nutrient-packed gluten-free swap. But despite the buzz, are these trendy alt-pastas truly a healthy upgrade? Experts weigh in on the pros and cons. Gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz examined the nutritional merits of chickpea and lentil pasta in a recent social media video. He called out several advantages compared to traditional wheat pasta – namely much higher protein and fiber content. Some legume pasta varieties offer around 25 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber per serving, over twice as much

Are High-Protein Legume Worth Their Hefty Price Tag
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

Hilton Debuts Tunisia Resort Infusing Signature Hospitality with Local Spirit
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

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

Celebrate Winter Like a Local at Quebec's Carnival Party
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,

Are You Aging Faster Than You Think? Learn Your Biological Age and What to Do
World|Technology|WrittenByLAPost

China Constructing Largest 'Ghost Particle' Detector Under the Sea

Scientists in China are constructing the biggest detector on Earth to capture elusive subatomic particles called neutrinos, by anchoring thousands of sensors over a mile deep beneath the Pacific Ocean. Named the Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope (TRIDENT), the massive project will be online by 2030. By leveraging the ocean’s depth, TRIDENT will observe cosmic neutrinos in unprecedented detail as they briefly interact with water molecules. Neutrinos are nicknamed “ghost particles” because they pass through matter unaffected, including our entire planet. But TRIDENT’s enormous scale increases the chance to detect neutrinos when they rarely collide with water particles, producing telltale flashes

China Constructing Largest 'Ghost Particle' Detector Under the Sea
Business|WrittenByLAPost

Two Sides of the Same Con: How Trump and Bankman-Fried Deployed Similar Tactics to Dupe the Public

Fabricating a compelling personal narrative and exuding an air of humble genius, Sam Bankman-Fried and Donald Trump crafted larger-than-life public personas that masked fraudulent business dealings. Though seemingly opposite characters, both men relied on similar tools of deception, from doctored financials to tight inner circles, to successfully pull off their respective cons. Their eventual downfalls exposed the manipulative showmanship hiding behind their calculated facades. On the surface, the disheveled tech wunderkind “SBF” and the brash real estate tycoon Trump appear personas apart. But a closer examination reveals striking parallels in how they carefully curated their images to enable their deceptive

Two Sides of the Same Con: How Trump and Bankman-Fried Deployed Similar Tactics to Dupe the Public
Entertainment|WrittenByLAPost

Matthew Perry Foundation Launched to Continue Actor's Addiction Work

Following the untimely death of beloved actor Matthew Perry on October 28th at age 54, a foundation has been established to carry on his dedication to helping fellow addicts. Announced via press release on November 18th, the Matthew Perry Foundation will accept donations to assist individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. “In the spirit of Matthew Perry’s enduring commitment to helping others battling the disease of addiction, we embark on a journey to honor his legacy,” reads the foundation’s statement. Guided by Perry’s own words and experiences, the organization aims to make a difference for as many lives as

Matthew Perry Foundation Launched to Continue Actor's Addiction Work
Food|WrittenByLAPost

Gluten-Free Recipes That Show You Care This Thanksgiving

The beloved children’s book character Amelia Bedelia wins over her angry boss with a tasty homemade pie. As Thanksgiving nears, it’s a reminder that food can be a small gesture of care, especially when accommodating dietary restrictions. Preparing gluten-free dishes shows guests you want everyone to feel included. Two recipes—savory sticky rice stuffing and pumpkin meringue pie—will please all palates with flavor and thoughtfulness. In the first Amelia Bedelia book, the new housekeeper bakes a delicious pie before carrying out chores literally rather than figuratively. Her pie appeases her boss, who then vows to give clearer instructions. The story captures

Gluten-Free Recipes That Show You Care This Thanksgiving
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

Is Facebook Addiction Real? Lawsuit Accuses Meta of Hooking Kids on Social Media
Economy|Food|WrittenByLAPost

Who's Really Behind Our Diet Advice? Study Questions Integrity of Diet Rules

Concerns about industrial influence on official dietary guidelines aimed at preserving public health were heightened this week by a watchdog study. Nearly half of the present members of the guideline committee guiding major food policy have substantial business conflicts, according to the report. It expands on previous claims that the apparent impartial scientific advice supporting critical food changes in the United States is, in fact, heavily influenced by deep-seated personal connections.  The revelations stoke fears that faith in a broken system further erodes absent addressing why government nutrition policy repeatedly skews towards big food interests over wellbeing. Specifically the nonprofit

Who's Really Behind Our Diet Advice? Study Questions Integrity of Diet Rules
Economy|WrittenByLAPost

Beware of Fake Delivery Updates This Season - Verify Before You Click

The holiday season brings joyful gatherings with loved ones, but also prime opportunities for scammers seeking quick paydays through online theft. Many fraudsters gain initial access by exploiting commonly reused passwords across multiple accounts, warns Chris Maxwell, a former Nigerian cybercriminal. “Once you access passwords, you access social security numbers, driver’s licenses, credit cards, bank accounts. It’s very easy to do damage with that information,” Maxwell described. Unsecured passwords represent the gateway for fraudsters to financially bleed victims dry. A record $10.3 billion drained from Americans through online scams last year, Federal-2022 Trade Commission data shows. Louisiana saw 4,335 victims

Beware of Fake Delivery Updates This Season - Verify Before You Click
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

Luggage Tracking Devices Fail to Recover Majority of Lost Bags
Lifestyle|WrittenByLAPost

Is 'Boyfriend Air' a Drain on Your Self-Care?

Women on TikTok are talking about a new idea called “boyfriend air,” which means that dating someone can somehow make you look worse. The trend has become so popular that more than 225 million people have watched videos with the term #boyfriendair. The premise is that after spending time with a boyfriend, a woman may notice her skin breaking out, her hair feeling oilier, or her makeup seeming not to stay on as well. It’s as if “her boyfriend is changing the air around her or somehow influencing her environment,” explains psychology professor Maryanne Fisher. While no clear scientific explanation

Is 'Boyfriend Air' a Drain on Your Self-Care?
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

Can Applying Psychology Help Us Accomplish Our New Year's Resolutions?
Food|Health|WrittenByLAPost

Looking Beyond the Hype: What the Evidence Really Says About Kale

Kale is the vegetable that divides people the most, going from being a star favorite to an over-the-top health risk. Health-conscious fans rave about the vegetable’s abundant nutrients – from vitamin A for immunity to lutein for eye health. They also point to compounds called glucosinolates, which show promise in cancer prevention. Yet critics argue that anti-nutrient properties and thyroid risks outweigh potential benefits for many people. So beyond trends, what does unbiased science conclude on balance about routinely eating these greens? Dr. Amy Litchman is the lead expert on the effects of nutrition at Stanford. She doesn’t believe either

Looking Beyond the Hype: What the Evidence Really Says About Kale

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