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Today: January 22, 2025
Today: January 22, 2025
Sowjanya Pedada

Sowjanya Pedada

Staff Writer

Sowjanya is a passionate writer and an avid reader. She holds an MBA in Agribusiness Management and now works as a content writer with the LA Post. She loves to play with words and hopes to make a difference in the world through her narratives. Apart from writing, she is interested in reading fiction novels and doing craftwork.

Latest From Sowjanya Pedada

Health

New insights on eggs and cardiovascular wellness from a heart surgeon

The question of eggs for heart health, which has puzzled medical experts and consumers may finally have an answer. Despite years of warnings, one cardiovascular surgeon suggests eggs deserve a place in a heart-healthy diet in a social media message to his million+ followers. Dr. Jeremy London, addressing more than one million social media followers and Fox News Digital, explained that eggs were unfairly criticized in past decades, particularly by the American Heart Association (AHA). “Eggs took a really bad rap,” London told Fox News Digital. “That whole narrative really softened” in 2015 because the data “didn’t bear itself out.”

New insights on eggs and cardiovascular wellness from a heart surgeon
Health

Always Right and Ready to Fight? You Might Know Someone With a Superiority Complex

The colleague who takes credit for everyone’s work, the friend who constantly brags, the partner who believes they are always right—these behaviors may signal more than just difficult personalities. Mental health experts identify them as potential signs of a superiority complex, a psychological pattern where people overestimate their worth to compensate for deep-seated insecurities. Mental health experts describe a superiority complex as a psychological pattern where people show an inflated sense of self-worth and abilities to mask deep feelings of inferiority. Alfred Adler, a psychologist, first noticed this pattern of behavior in the early 1900s, and the idea behind the

Always Right and Ready to Fight? You Might Know Someone With a Superiority Complex
Local

Here's some must-visit food festivals in L.A. this winter

Los Angeles, a city renowned for its culinary diversity and innovation, comes alive during winter with various food festivals between December and January. These festivals cater to all tastes and preferences.  From exclusive restaurant events to open-air markets and cultural celebrations, they provide an opportunity to explore unique dishes, connect with local and global culinary traditions, and savor the artistry of some of the finest chefs and food artisans.  This season, events like Dine L.A., the Smorgasburg Holiday Market, Uncorked, the L.A. Dessert Festival, and Taste of Korea promise a feast for the senses, making L.A. a must-visit destination for

Here's some must-visit food festivals in L.A. this winter
Local

Tipping fatigue: Why more businesses are adding gratuity options

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – The rise in digital payment systems and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed American tipping culture, leading to widespread consumer fatigue as more businesses adopt tipping prompts, according to a California State University, Northridge professor. Marketing Professor Nora Moran points to the pandemic as a pivotal moment when consumers began tipping more generously to support essential workers, establishing practices that have persisted beyond the crisis period. “During the pandemic, it became normal to tip more because people realized the value that essential workers have,” Moran said. “While tipping has always been a way to supplement

Tipping fatigue: Why more businesses are adding gratuity options
Food

Holiday baking alert: Keep this ingredient out of your cookies

A home baker’s horrifying discovery of insects crawling through her stored flour has sparked widespread concern among holiday bakers, prompting food safety experts to issue storage warnings ahead of peak cookie-making season. TikTok user Jenna (@jennaliveswell) discovered weevils in flour while preparing for holiday baking, prompting widespread concern among home bakers on social media platforms. “Last time I used normal people flour was this time last year,” Jenna said in her viral video, expressing shock at finding insects in her stored flour. “Were they just chilling in my pantry all year? Why did my container not prevent this?” Food safety

Holiday baking alert: Keep this ingredient out of your cookies
Health

How to transform your brain activity with morning affirmations

What you say to yourself first thing in the morning could make or break your entire day, according to a psychiatrist whose simple eight-word solution has caught fire on social media. Morning affirmations, as simple as speaking one sentence aloud, have caught the attention of millions searching for ways to fight off negative thoughts. Dr. Daniel Amen, who studies brain images and treats famous clients, says these words can help rewire your brain for positivity: “Today is going to be a great day.” This straightforward message shared through his popular TikTok channel has resonated with viewers worldwide who struggle with

How to transform your brain activity with morning affirmations
Travel

The More Damaged, The Better: How Scuffed Metal is Becoming Travel's New Status Symbol

At major airports worldwide, a curious trend is turning heads – beaten-up metal suitcases worth thousands of dollars. The more dented and scratched these aluminum cases get, the happier their wealthy owners seem. It’s a puzzling shift in luxury travel, where damage isn’t just accepted – it’s celebrated. Market research firm Technavio reports that the aluminum suitcase market will expand by $310.1 million between 2023 and 2028. This growth stems from travelers wanting strong, light bags and the rising number of people joining airline loyalty programs. “The more banged up your aluminum suitcase gets, the better,” says Brian Park, a

The More Damaged, The Better: How Scuffed Metal is Becoming Travel's New Status Symbol
Health

Holiday constipation: a new approach to an old problem

The holiday season brings festive meals, family gatherings and, for many Americans, an unwanted guest: constipation. As leftovers dwindle and digestive discomfort lingers, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Wendi has emerged with timely advice, offering a simple two-part solution for those who haven’t visited the bathroom since Thanksgiving dinner. Dr. Wendi, who refers to herself as “a legitimate poop doctor,” outlined two main approaches for treating constipation, which she labels as “mush” and “push” methods. The Mayo Clinic defines normal bowel habits as varying widely among individuals, with frequency ranging from three times per week to once or twice daily. What constitutes

Holiday constipation: a new approach to an old problem
Lifestyle

Marriage effects aging in men and women differently

Want to stay young longer? If you’re a man, getting married might help. But for women, the story isn’t so simple.  New research shows that marriage and aging are interlinked, especially for men. Married men tend to age more slowly and stay healthier than their single friends, while marriage doesn’t seem to give women the same leverage. This research, published in International Social Work, tracked individuals aged between 45 and 85 over two decades, measuring their physical health, mental sharpness, and social connections. The team discovered that married men maintained better physical health and reported feeling younger than their single

Marriage effects aging in men and women differently
Health

Morning relief: Which alcohol to drink to avoid hangxiety

That racing heartbeat. Those spiraling thoughts about last night’s conversations. The overwhelming sense of dread that grips you the morning after drinking – even when you did nothing embarrassing. This phenomenon, dubbed “hangxiety – the anxiety that accompanies hangovers,” affects countless drinkers worldwide. But neuroscience now reveals that your choice of alcohol might determine how severely you experience this post-drinking anxiety. The difference lies in the complex chemistry of various alcoholic beverages and how they interact with your brain. Beer and clear spirits appear to cause less hangxiety, while dark liquors like whiskey and brandy are more likely to trigger

Morning relief: Which alcohol to drink to avoid hangxiety
Uncategorized

Access free fentanyl test strips at these 13 L.A. County locations

Los Angeles County libraries have expanded their fight against deadly drug overdoses, now offering free fentanyl test strips alongside their weekly naloxone clinics at 13 locations across the region. The test strips allow people to check their drugs for fentanyl. This powerful synthetic opioid can prove lethal even in tiny amounts when mixed into street drugs without users’ knowledge. The strips detect fentanyl in various forms, including pills, powder, and injectable drugs. Libraries are trusted spaces where people can access these resources. This expansion of harm reduction services aims to prevent overdoses and save lives. People can visit the participating

Access free fentanyl test strips at these 13 L.A. County locations
Health

Unspoken choices: what young cancer patients aren't being told

A cancer diagnosis brings hard choices, but many young patients never learn about one critical decision: the chance to have children after treatment. According to new research published in JAMA Network Open, half of patients who were of reproductive age, when diagnosed, say their doctors never gave cancer fertility counseling before starting treatment. These results were based on the study conducted on 473 cancer patients. 49% of the respondents reported that they were not told about options to preserve their fertility before starting treatment. The research raises concerns about gaps in patient care as cancer rates rise among younger Americans.

Unspoken choices: what young cancer patients aren't being told
Fashion and Beauty

Another 90s fashion trend is making a comeback in 2024

The baby tee, a fitted T-shirt style popular in the 1990s and early 2000s, has made a comeback in the fashion industry with a notable shift toward size inclusivity and broader appeal across age groups. Fashion experts and consumers say the current revival of these fitting, sometimes cropped T-shirts reflects changing attitudes about body acceptance and style accessibility. “There was a very narrow view of beauty and fashionable body types” during its first era, said Colleen Hill, senior curator of costume and accessories at the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum. Hill noted that the current trend is more inclusive, saying,

Another 90s fashion trend is making a comeback in 2024
Finance

How your savings could earn $200 a year

A fascinating shift is unfolding in the banking world: high-yield savings accounts still deliver impressive returns, even as interest rates begin to drop. Why settle for less when your money could be working harder? Online banks now offer interest rates of around 4% annually, a complete contrast to the 0.01% interest many big banks provide. With $5,000 in savings, you can make $200 a year. “High-yield savings accounts are still a good deal,” says Alan Bazaar, who runs Hollow Brook Wealth Management in Katonah, New York. “They’re perfect for emergency funds or money you might need quickly.” The story behind

How your savings could earn $200 a year
Health

New research finds no link between exercise and weight loss

Going to the gym to lose weight? New research says you might want to rethink that plan. A Duke University study found that people who exercise regularly burn about the same number of daily calories as those who rarely leave their desks. This proves that there’s no link between exercise and weight loss.  In his research, Herman Pontzer, an evolutionary anthropologist at Duke University, discovered that hunter-gatherers from Tanzania’s Hadza tribe, despite their highly active lifestyle, burn roughly the same number of daily calories as sedentary office workers in the United States when accounting for body size. “That was unexpected,”

New research finds no link between exercise and weight loss
Travel

Travel influencer reveals hack to avoid middle seats on flights for free

As airlines continue charging extra for seat selection, one travel influencer claims he’s found a way to beat the system — by temporarily blocking middle seats for free. Jordan Tually, who has more than 450,000 Instagram followers, demonstrated a “100% perfect” technique for securing preferred seats on Ryanair flights without paying seat selection fees. The method involves temporarily blocking middle seats during the booking process. This viral video, revealing a method to avoid middle seats on budget airlines without paying extra fees, has sparked debate over airline booking practices and passenger ethics. Tually showed viewers his process while booking a

Travel influencer reveals hack to avoid middle seats on flights for free
Lifestyle

Are handheld devices harming children's vision? Experts weigh in

Parents who once rolled their eyes at warnings about sitting too close to the television find those old concerns have new relevance in the digital age. Recent research indicates that prolonged close-range screen viewing can harm eyesight, particularly in children, with modern devices like smartphones and tablets posing a greater risk than traditional television screens. While previous generations were warned about sitting too close to TV sets, ophthalmology experts now say the primary concern has shifted to handheld devices that users typically hold much closer to their faces. The use of screens in modern life – from classrooms to bedrooms

Are handheld devices harming children's vision? Experts weigh in
Health

Tap water remains safe despite new findings, experts urge vigilance

Despite recent discoveries of new chemicals in U.S. drinking water, experts say tap water remains generally safe for consumption while emphasizing continued research and monitoring.  According to research published in Science, scientists recently identified a previously unknown chemical byproduct, chloronitramide anion, in tap water used by millions of Americans. However, researchers say this finding should not cause immediate alarm. “The U.S. generally has very good quality tap water,” said Julian Fairey, lead author of the Science study and environmental engineer at the University of Arkansas. The discovery comes amid ongoing discussions about water safety, including debates over fluoride and per-

Tap water remains safe despite new findings, experts urge vigilance
Entertainment|Local

Experience holiday light displays in Los Angeles this season

As Los Angeles embraces the holiday season, festive experiences abound—from the immersive Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch to the dazzling L.A. Zoo Lights, where whimsical animal lanterns illuminate winter nights, bringing magic to families and friends alike. People can experience the magic of the season with the glitters all around. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best holiday light shows in L.A. for 2024. L.A. Zoo Lights Location: Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles 90027  Timing: 6 – 10 p.m. Date: Nov. 15, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025 Price: Adults $29,  Kids $18 (price can increase depending

Experience holiday light displays in Los Angeles this season
Education|Local

LAUSD reverses course on gifted program changes after parent backlash

The Los Angeles Unified School District canceled its plans to change admission rules for gifted student programs just days before the application deadline, following strong backlash from parents worried about maintaining academic standards. The district had planned to remove special applications, teacher recommendations, and placement exams for its Individualized Honors Program at Walter Reed Middle School in Studio City and Mark Twain Middle School in Venice for the 2025-26 school year. The new rules require students to qualify for exams to prove they are ready to take on the challenges and excel at their studies.   “Superintendent Carvalho and LAUSD leadership

LAUSD reverses course on gifted program changes after parent backlash
Arts

LA's Vincent Price Museum Opens Environmental Art Exhibition

East LA College’s cutting-edge art class opens doors for students to join Getty’s PST Art project, mixing education with real-world art experience. This class came about after years of trying to get students more involved in the art scene, combining science, environmental issues, and creativity. It culminated in an exhibition titled “We Place Life at the Center/Situamos la vida en el centro,” currently on view at ELAC’s Vincent Price Art Museum. Joseph Valencia, a curator at the museum who co-taught the course, emphasized the importance of integrating community college students into the PST Art program. Back in 2019, Getty picked

LA's Vincent Price Museum Opens Environmental Art Exhibition
Health

How to eat healthier this holiday season

With Thanksgiving around the corner, a Wisconsin woman who has tackled her weight challenges offers tips on enjoying holiday eating without going overboard. Amber Clemens dropped 160 pounds a few years back and recently took to TikTok to share her top four strategies for handling holiday feasts. Once trapped in a cycle of binge eating, Clemens now hopes to help others break free and find peace with food during the festive season. The first tip Clemens offers is to focus on moderation in daily life. She suggests incorporating small amounts of trigger foods, like sweets, into regular meals rather than

How to eat healthier this holiday season
Environment

Biden's $1.5B urban forest plan brings tree shade to hot neighborhoods

Biden’s climate bill has a hidden gem: $1.5 billion dedicated to tree planting in cities to help fight the heat. This funding will allow the Forest Service to give grants to cities and nonprofits to make neighborhoods greener, especially those that have been overlooked. The amount is a huge boost—about 40 times more than usual—and aims to bring “tree equity” to underserved areas. Experts believe this could be a game-changer, cooling cities and improving health as climate change makes summers hotter. Tree experts are excited about this game-changing plan. UCLA’s de Guzman thinks it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to green up

Biden's $1.5B urban forest plan brings tree shade to hot neighborhoods

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