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Today: December 30, 2024
Today: December 30, 2024
Sirisha Dinavahi

Sirisha Dinavahi

Staff Writer

Sirisha is a staff writer for the L.A. Post with a background in digital marketing, specializing in blog writing, SEO-optimized content, and social media. She has previously worked as a content specialist, honing her skills in creating engaging digital narratives. A writer by day and a reader by night, Sirisha loves reading and listening to music!

Latest From Sirisha Dinavahi

Local|Health

Gen Z yearns for safety and kindness, new UCLA study finds

A recent study by the University of California, Los Angeles revealed Gen Z’s top concern is feeling secure in an uncertain world. Young people overwhelmingly reported that safety was their number one priority. This also indicated how young people are still more inclined to prioritize empathy and compassion over gaining attention. When asked about their goals, most of the 1,644 young Americans surveyed put safety at the top of their list. Other high-ranking goals included “to be kind,” “to have a lot of fun,” “self-acceptance,” and “to be in good shape.” In this study, “being rich” and “being famous” were

Gen Z yearns for safety and kindness, new UCLA study finds
Local

California offers new options for high-paying careers without college

Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a comprehensive framework on Monday aimed at creating high-paying career pathways for state residents with or without four-year college degrees. The framework includes removing degree requirements for nearly 30,000 state jobs. The Master Plan for Career Education framework, supported by new budget investments, focuses on strengthening career pathways, prioritizing hands-on learning, and advancing educational access across California. The plan includes provisions for veterans to convert military service into college credits and introduces digital Career Passports to help workers showcase their skills to employers. “Every Californian deserves the opportunity to build real-life skills and pursue a fulfilling

California offers new options for high-paying careers without college
Travel

Travel advisory: Major cruise lines bypass some ports

The United States State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Nicaragua, warning Americans to reconsider visits to the Central American nation due to risks including arbitrary law enforcement and potential targeting of U.S. citizens. The advisory affects the cruise port of San Juan del Sur, previously a destination for major cruise lines, though current sailings have already been adjusted to exclude the port. According to State Department officials, “In the past year, the Government of Nicaragua has subjected U.S. citizens to arbitrary entry and exit bans, expulsions, arrests, revocations of Nicaraguan citizenship, and other actions.”  The agency detailed

Travel advisory: Major cruise lines bypass some ports
Health|Lifestyle

New 'snowmanning' trend raises STI transmission concerns

Medical professionals are raising concerns about potential health risks associated with “snowmanning,” a seasonal dating behavior where relationships end abruptly after holiday festivities conclude. Dr. Crystal Wyllie, a general practitioner at Asda Online Doctor, warns that this trend could increase the spread of sexually transmitted infections, particularly when partners fail to exchange contact information. “December is a time of celebration and connection, but it’s important to stay informed about sexual health,” Wyllie told the Daily Mail. “Planning ahead with contraception, or accessing support after unplanned sexual activity, is key to enjoying the festive season while staying safe.” The term ‘snowmanning’

New 'snowmanning' trend raises STI transmission concerns
Health

The Dark Side of Dietary Timing: What Your Fasting Routine Might Be Doing to Your Hair

A new study suggests that while beneficial for metabolism, intermittent fasting may have an unexpected side effect: slower hair growth. Research published Friday in the journal Cell found that mice and humans following time-restricted eating patterns experienced reduced hair growth compared to those with unrestricted eating schedules. “We don’t want to scare people away from practicing intermittent fasting because it is associated with a lot of beneficial effects — it’s just important to be aware that it might have some unintended effects,” said Bing Zhang, senior study author and stem cell biologist at Westlake University in China. The research team

The Dark Side of Dietary Timing: What Your Fasting Routine Might Be Doing to Your Hair
Crime

Court Rules on Sitter Who Hit Paralyzed Man with a Remote

Washington D.C.: A 76-year-old patient sitter was sentenced to 24 months of probation for striking a 68-year-old paralyzed patient with a hospital bed remote control at Southeast Washington Hospital United Medical Center. Eleanor Flowers was sentenced on Dec. 10 for criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult and attempted threats stemming from a Jan. 4, 2021, incident, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Columbia. Superior Court Judge Deborah J. Israel ordered Flowers to “stay away from the victim and is prohibited from working, volunteering, or participating in any activity involving the elderly, vulnerable, cognitively disabled, or children, to include

Court Rules on Sitter Who Hit Paralyzed Man with a Remote
Travel

Your In-Flight Entertainment Has Been Interrupted by… Someone's Hand

A social media post of an airline passenger blocking a seatback entertainment screen has sparked an online discussion about airplane etiquette. The photo shared on X, formerly Twitter, shows a passenger’s hand draped over their reclined seat, obstructing the video screen of the traveler seated behind them. The incident occurred on a commercial flight equipped with personal entertainment systems. pic.twitter.com/f3sGQNgpvv — John Kennedy (@FrazzleMyGimp) December 1, 2024 The passenger who captured and posted the image reported they were watching comedy sketches from “Key and Peele” at the time and were not significantly bothered by the obstruction. The post joins a

Your In-Flight Entertainment Has Been Interrupted by… Someone's Hand
Health

'Fake It Till You…?' Study Reveals Surprising Trends in Female Sexuality

A new European study finds that while a significant number of women have admitted to simulating orgasm, many eventually abandon the practice as they foster more open communication with their partners and develop a greater sense of sexual self-acceptance. The research, published in the Journal of Sex Research, analyzed responses from 11,541 participants across six European countries. The data showed that 13% of respondents currently fake orgasms, while 28% reported having done so in the past before stopping. About 51% stated they had never engaged in the practice. Women were more than twice as likely as men to currently fake

'Fake It Till You…?' Study Reveals Surprising Trends in Female Sexuality
Health

Study uncovers alarming new cancer spike for some women

Cases of late-stage breast cancer rose sharply among women under 40 over a recent 17-year period, according to research that points to a growing cancer risk for younger adults. The American College of Radiology study found that metastatic breast cancer cases increased by 3% from 2004 to 2021 in women aged 20 to 39, compared to a 1.4% rise in women in their 70s. The research team analyzed breast cancer diagnoses from 2004 to 2021, focusing on patients with aggressive breast cancer that had spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body at the time of diagnosis. “It’s

Study uncovers alarming new cancer spike for some women
Lifestyle

New TikTok trend puts new spin on potluck dinners

A delivery-based spin on potluck dinners has gone viral on TikTok. Groups of friends play what they call “Uber Eats Roulette,” a game in which participants order food without revealing their choices to one another. The trend features friends ordering set-price meals through food delivery apps, creating suspense as multiple orders arrive with unknown contents. In a viral video that attracted 5.1 million views, country music artist Lily Rose and four friends each ordered $30 worth of food, resulting in a spread that included Taco Bell, Chinese food, Mexican dishes, chicken wings, and tacos. “Everyone spends $30 to $40 and

New TikTok trend puts new spin on potluck dinners
Lifestyle

Swiftie fandom sparks liberation: Women's stories of leaving restrictive marriages

Taylor Swift‘s influence on relationships has taken an unexpected turn as some marriages end over conflicts about devotion to the pop star, according to interviews with recently divorced fans. Several women report their marriages dissolved partly due to their husbands’ negative reactions to Swift fandom, with some ex-spouses viewing the singer’s music as detrimental to their relationships. Kristin Collins, 41, a writer from Tucson, Arizona, said her former husband blamed Swift’s music for problems during their nine-year marriage. “As I became more outspoken in our relationship about my feelings, her music was often blamed — like maybe I was listening

Swiftie fandom sparks liberation: Women's stories of leaving restrictive marriages
Local

Investing in safety: California's $101M initiative for walking, biking

SACRAMENTO, Calif.: Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Dec. 9, that the California Transportation Commission approved more than $100 million in funding for walking and biking infrastructure projects aimed at improving safety in disadvantaged communities across the state. “California is making it easier and safer for everyone to bike and walk in their communities. We’re building healthier, more connected neighborhoods and cutting pollution at the same time. This is yet another example of how we’re delivering infrastructure upgrades across the state that are bringing real benefits to the people that need them most,” Newsom said. The $101.2 million investment will support

Investing in safety: California's $101M initiative for walking, biking
Uncategorized

Why Your Past Could Be Sabotaging Your Love Life Without You Knowing

Research suggests that early childhood relationships with caregivers can shape adult personality and relationships through four distinct attachment styles, according to mental health experts and developmental researchers. Studies show that these attachment patterns—secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized—develop between 6 months and 2 years of age and can influence emotional well-being and relationship dynamics throughout life. The theory behind attachment styles originated with psychiatrist John Bowlby, who proposed that children are biologically predisposed to form attachments with primary caregivers. Psychologist Mary Ainsworth later expanded his work along with researchers Mary Main and Judith Solomon, who together identified the four attachment categories.

Why Your Past Could Be Sabotaging Your Love Life Without You Knowing
Fashion and Beauty

Expert tips for achieving long-lasting makeup looks

According to a recent T Magazine beauty feature, three performing artists and beauty experts have shared their strategies for creating long-lasting makeup that withstands stage performance demands. The magazine interviewed Valentino Beauty‘s global makeup artist, Yadim, cabaret performer Justin Vivian Bond, and musician Tinashe. They each provided insights into their preferred products and application techniques for durable stage makeup. Yadim, who recently worked with singer Charli XCX during her Sweat tour in San Diego, emphasized the importance of layering products for extended wear. The makeup artist recommended using a primer as a base, specifically naming Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer

Expert tips for achieving long-lasting makeup looks
Fashion and Beauty

Say goodbye to chapped lips with this simple method

A dermatologist’s three-step method for preventing chapped lips has gained attention on social media. It starts with advice to discard conventional lip balms. New York City dermatologist Dr. Mark Strom, known as @dermarkologist on TikTok, shared his approach to preventing chapped lips as winter weather increases dryness risks. Lips are particularly vulnerable to dryness because they lack sebaceous glands, which produce the natural oils that moisturize other areas of skin. The skin on the lips is also thinner and contains less keratin than other facial skin, making it more susceptible to moisture loss. “Lip balms containing ingredients like phenol, menthol,

Say goodbye to chapped lips with this simple method
Health

Boost your energy with this Navy SEAL power nap trick

A California emergency room physician has brought renewed attention to a Navy SEAL power-napping technique that promises to refresh tired individuals in just 10 minutes. Dr. Joe Whittington, known to his 2.1 million TikTok followers as Dr. Joe MD, recently shared the method first popularized by retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink. The technique involves a specific body positioning that practitioners say maximizes the benefits of brief rest periods. “Okay, so you’re dead a– tired, but you only have 10 minutes. I’m going to show you the Navy SEAL-inspired power napping technique that many of our elite forces swear by,” he

Boost your energy with this Navy SEAL power nap trick
Celebrity|Entertainment

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: A record-breaking $2B journey

Taylor Swift concluded her record-shattering Eras Tour on Sunday, marking the end of a 21-month global concert series that earned more than $2 billion in ticket sales and redefined the scale of modern touring. Swift’s production company confirmed to The New York Times that the tour, which began in March 2023 in Arizona, encompassed 149 shows across 51 cities and 21 countries. The final performance at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver capped a journey that drew more than 10 million fans. Swift’s autobiographical concert series generated unprecedented financial returns, becoming the first tour to surpass $1 billion in December 2023,

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: A record-breaking $2B journey
Health

Is your ice chewing habit hiding health problems beyond your teeth?

Dental and medical experts warn that chronic ice chewing, while common, may damage teeth and signal potential underlying health conditions. According to dental health professionals, the habit can cause dental damage, ranging from cracked enamel to fractured teeth, particularly in people with existing dental vulnerabilities. “Even though enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it still can get damaged by repeatedly chewing something that is hard, and ice definitely falls into that category,” said Holly Shaw, assistant professor at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Ice chewing belongs to a category of behaviors known as oral parafunctional activities,

Is your ice chewing habit hiding health problems beyond your teeth?
Lifestyle

Study reveals if altruism contributes to better health outcomes

New research indicates that acts of altruism not only benefit recipients but also improve the physical and mental well-being of those who give. Researchers at the University of British Columbia and Georgetown University have found that activities like volunteering, charitable giving, and blood donation positively affect both givers and receivers, even when givers expect nothing in return. “Finding joy in helping others is fundamental to who we are as a species,” said Elizabeth Dunn, professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia. A 2008 study led by Dunn demonstrated that people who spent money on others reported greater happiness

Study reveals if altruism contributes to better health outcomes
Local

California establishes fund amid anticipated Trump policy challenges

California lawmakers convened a special legislative session on Dec. 2, to establish a $25 million litigation fund to protect state interests from potential federal policy changes under the incoming Trump administration. Gov. Gavin Newsom called the session to bolster the state’s legal resources in anticipation of possible federal actions that could affect California’s policies on fundamental civil rights, reproductive freedom, environmental protection, and working families, including immigrant families.  “California is a tent pole of the country – from the economy to innovation to protecting and investing in rights and freedoms for all people,” Newsom said. “We will work with the

California establishes fund amid anticipated Trump policy challenges
Lifestyle

Brain scans reveal how fast some people can recognize faces

Scientists studying individuals with extraordinary face recognition abilities, known as super-recognizers, are uncovering new insights into how the human brain processes faces and identities. According to researchers at the University of New South Wales and the University of Lausanne, these rare individuals can identify unfamiliar faces after only a brief glimpse. This skill sets them apart from both typical people and those with face blindness. “The face is the most important visual stimulus for humans in their environment, probably throughout evolution,” said David White, associate professor of psychology and lead investigator of the Face Research Lab at the University of

Brain scans reveal how fast some people can recognize faces
Local

California to create thousands of apprenticeships with $24.7M investment

California officials announced Nov. 22 the state will invest $24.7 million to create 8,270 apprenticeships across several key industries. The funding, distributed through the Apprenticeship Innovation Funding program, will support 65 apprenticeship programs in healthcare, transportation, education, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and the public sector. The initiative aims to help Californians earn while they learn. Apprentices are expected to earn an average wage of $32 per hour. The program will create 8,270 new apprenticeship positions across the state. “We’re taking a bottom-up approach to making sure Californians get the skills they need to get good-paying jobs in every region of

California to create thousands of apprenticeships with $24.7M investment
Uncategorized

Medical Experts Question US Fertility Crisis Claims

Recent claims of an infertility crisis in the United States have sparked debate among medical experts and researchers who point to complex demographic trends and health factors affecting reproduction rates. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has called for an investigation into fertility trends. Former surgeon and health influencer Dr. Casey Means, who has advised Mr. Kennedy, describes the situation as a “crisis.” However, researchers say the reality is more nuanced, with social and economic factors like increased childcare costs, housing prices, and people choosing not to have children contributing

Medical Experts Question US Fertility Crisis Claims
Local

LA's East Hollywood Ranks Among World's Top Cultural Hotspots

East Hollywood has earned international recognition as one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods, securing the 26th spot out of 38 on Time Out magazine’s annual global ranking for 2024. According to Time Out’s latest report, the designation highlights the area’s evolution from an understated section of Los Angeles to a vibrant district known for its late-night dining scene, cultural diversity, and artistic community. East Hollywood’s selection was based on input from Time Out’s global editors and experts, who evaluated neighborhoods worldwide based on cultural vibrancy, community atmosphere, and distinctive character. The neighborhood, which includes Thai Town and Virgil Village enclaves,

LA's East Hollywood Ranks Among World's Top Cultural Hotspots
Health

Why rewatching comfort shows can boost your mental health

According to a licensed clinical social worker, revisiting familiar television shows like Gilmore Girls can provide mental health benefits by creating a sense of safety and helping viewers calm their nervous systems. “There’s actually a lot of safety in the sense that people already know that’s going to happen,” said Jill Lewis, a psychotherapist based in Atlanta. “They know the ending, so they do not necessarily have to invest as much mental energy and they get to enjoy it a little bit more.” Lewis, who specializes in group therapy focused on relationships and interpersonal processes, said rewatching favorite shows can

Why rewatching comfort shows can boost your mental health

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