Point of View

UNITED STATES—I shouldn’t be obsessed with reality television, but for some odd reason it seems piercing into the lives of complete strangers with the thought that what I’m seeing is somewhat ‘real.’ Yes, I use the term ‘real’ loosely because is reality television composed of the absolute truth. For example, one of my guiltiest pleasures at the moment is the...

UNITED STATES—Have you ever had a feud on social media via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram? The answer to that question is probably yes, but just because someone ignites a conversation with a stupid comment does not mean you have to reply? But why are we innately born to do so as humans? The idea of defending ourselves is something...

UNITED STATES—Dining out is something most Americans do at least 1-2 times a week. While its great to escape the kitchen every so often, is it worth it to spend a hundred dollars or more on a meal where the service is beyond horrible? I seriously don’t think so. I recently dined at an establishment that I hadn’t been to...

BEVERLY HILLS—Why is it that men are ashamed of their internet movie addiction? Hint: I’m not talking about YouTube or Netflix. Why do some say the habit creates violence, rape, and even murder, yet some cannot live without it? What makes women so mad at their boyfriends for viewing it? What is it about the word pornography that makes everyone momentarily freeze? You...

LAUREL CANYON—Oleanders -“Napoleon is said to have lost a hundred troops to a dinner of meat roasted on oleander wood. In some versions of the story, it was a group of American boy scouts in the 1960s.”   The Bible referred to them as “desert roses” - that’s how long they’ve been around.  One thing is certain, oleanders have a...

UNITED STATES—As many of you might know, the deadline to enroll in the Affordable Care Act is fast approaching, Sunday, February 15, 2015 to be exact. So the question of the week is rather you have done so? I know plenty who haven’t, because this ‘affordable’ care act isn’t as affordable as it touts itself to be. For starters,...

UNITED STATES—Tax season is that time of year that so many of us jump for joy, others we dread. Yep, I’m referring to those self-employed candidates. Rather you owe Uncle Sam or if you’re expecting a return, preparing for tax season is important. The biggest problem most people make when it comes to tax season is not being prepared. Having...

UNITED STATES—By now most of you have heard the scandal surrounding NBC Nightly News reporter Brian Williams. It appears he embellished or lied a bit about his time in a helicopter in Iraq. The report that he was inside a chopper that was hit by gunfire wasn’t the truth, and has brought into question his validity in reporting. The...

UNITED STATES—What is it about awards season that puts so many Americans in a tizzy? Is the excitement about the fashions? No. Is it the excitement of seeing big time celebrities? No. So what is it? It’s the notion of seeing a possible dream come to fruition. Yeah, there are plenty of awards shows, but I think when it...

BEVERLY HILLS—A few nights ago, someone asked me the age of my readership. Of course, being a newer columnist to the paper, I didn't have an answer. When I asked my friend why, she told me I should discuss my secret money-sharing application unless my readers were too old to Venmo. Before I tell you anything about why age matters, I must ask you: have...