Point of View

Sony Leak: What Does It Say?

UNITED STATES—Ok, in the past few weeks some alarming things have been uncovered about Sony Pictures Entertainment as private emails from studio execs were unleashed to the public. The leaks are the result of hackers who are not pleased with the upcoming Seth Rogen and James Franco comedy “The Interview” which puts the spotlight on North Korea and its...

Family United

UNITED STATES—Family is one of the most important things in my life and I think that sentiment echoes with many Americans. However, I’ve come to realize when things are absolutely dire; the people that you need to have your back the most is family. I’m going to be a bit honest here and share a ton about my family...

Cultural Secret #1: What’s My Identity?

What trials face the young Lebanese woman and strapping Irish lad who find themselves in love in the heart of Los Angeles? Born the youngest of four first-generation American children, my siblings and I shared parents with strong, independent cultural values. But in spite of our biracial heritage, my mother's Lebanese values reigned supreme in our upbringing. Cultural clash was commonplace,...

Too Much Pressure

UNITED STATES—We live in a world where at times it can feel like we’re juggling just way too much. Now, there is a big difference between stress and pressure. Whereas, I’d consider pressure, just dealing with a ton of stuff or taking on too much, stress is figuring out a way to manage a load of things that are...

Dangers Of A Writer’s Strike

UNITED STATES—Some of you may know, some of you may not, but a day of reckoning could occur in the entertainment industry that could have ripple effects on the world of television and film as we know it. A writers strike could be looming for the Writer’s Guild of America. Strikes are rare in the industry, but they have...

Fighting A Crusade

UNITED STATES—We all have causes that are passionate to our lives, but I’ve recently had a particular cause that has been brought to my attention. Homelessness is a major issue in America. There are plenty of states where the issue is so prevalent some in the political arena are unsure how to tackle the problem at hand. My concern...

The SNES Classic Has Arrived!

UNITED STATES—I can’t believe it, the game that totally shaped me as a kid keeping me entertained for hours and days is resurfacing. Yup, if you were born in the 1980s or 1990s, you are well aware of the Super Nintendo, or as many of us call it: SNES. It was the evolution of the NES, which was relaunched...

Ratings Update

UNITED STATES—The Motion Picture of Arts Association has adjusted its ratings system as of Tuesday, April 16.  The new system is geared to further educate parents on why certain pictures received a specific rating.  Just to reiterate those ratings for everyone there is: G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17. NC-17 is something that is rarely seen in cinema, as it’s...

The Secret Danger Of Statin Drugs

MALIBU—My dad was the model of an Irish lad. Health insurance appeared a needless expense for a teenage immigrant with empty pockets and vast ambition. That was, until, as a married man, my mum’s hysterectomy strapped my dad with a $900,000 hospital bill. A common surgical procedure left my mum at death’s doorstep after it was discovered that a...

Are You Too Old To Venmo?

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...