Picture of Katarina Hockema

Katarina Hockema

Bio: Katarina Hockema, originally from Homer, Alaska, is a recent graduate of the University of Idaho where she studied journalism with a minor in marketing. Katarina has dedicated the last several years to sharpening her writing skills for lifestyle, interests, features, and entertainment topics. She also has a passion for marketing, working to combine the creative and logical skills needed to tell a great story. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, exploring new films and television shows, and playing the piano.
Business and Finance

Panera is making the right choice by discontinuing their “Charged” drink menu (Op-Ed)

Panera Bread’s decision to remove Charged Lemonade from its menu marks a strategic move towards prioritizing customer health and satisfaction.  The caffeinated beverage, which has been embroiled in controversy and legal battles, will soon be replaced by a lineup of new, refreshing options aimed at catering to diverse tastes and ...

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Science and Technology

Self-driving cars are a disaster waiting to happen (Op-Ed)

The concept of self-driving cars promises a future where commuting is safer, more convenient, and environmentally friendly. Yet, beneath this glossy facade lies a myriad of ethical, technological, and societal concerns that render the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles not only dangerous but also irresponsible. At the forefront of these ...

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Movies

Has Disney reached its peak for sequels and remakes? (Op-Ed)

Disney has always been lauded for its incredible filmmaking abilities and creative, original storytelling.  However, as of late, there’s been an influx of sequels and remakes to these classic tales, despite there not being a large public demand for such productions. What’s causing Disney to pursue a rehashing of recycled ...

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Music

 Sabrina Carpenter is revitalizing pop music (Op-Ed)

A new adage has been swirling around on social media that I couldn’t agree with more: Sabrina Carpenter is “pop-starring” in a way a pop star hasn’t “pop-starred” for quite a while. That saying is a mouthful, but in essence, it’s true.  With a large portion of popular modern artists ...

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Books

“If He Had Been With Me” is a heartbreaking coming of age must-read (Op-Ed)

As of late, I haven’t been able to read a book that’s truly tugged at the heartstrings and allowed me to emotionally invest in characters- especially those that are going through one of the most tumultuous times of life, with some of the most difficult choices and circumstances relating to ...

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Latest News

 The best looks from 2024’s Met Gala

In an industry where innovation is key and creativity reigns supreme, the 2024 Met Gala once again proved to be a stage for Hollywood’s elite to showcase their sartorial prowess.  With this year’s theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” coupled with the dress code of “Garden of Time,” celebrities seized the ...

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Health and Wellness

 The U.S. needs a revamped P.T.O. system (Op-Ed)

In the United States, the concept of paid time off (PTO) remains a patchwork of policies and practices, leaving many workers without essential protections for their physical and mental well-being.  As the global workforce evolves, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the U.S. needs to overhaul its approach to PTO, drawing ...

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Food

Cinco de Mayo culinary traditions in the U.S. (Op-Ed)

Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of May, is celebrated with zest and flavor across the United States, even by those that do not hold a cultural, ethnic, or national connection to the holiday. While often associated with festive gatherings and culinary indulgence, the holiday holds deeper historical significance. Originating in ...

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Music

How “SNL” has perfected hosting musical guests (Op-Ed)

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has long been hailed as a trailblazer in the realm of late-night entertainment.  Among its many accolades, one aspect that stands out is its mastery of featuring musical guests. SNL has not just embraced the concept; it has perfected it. Week after week, the show delivers ...

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Business and Finance

Dave & Buster’s allowance of betting does not belong in the arcade industry (Op-Ed)

Dave & Buster’s, a popular entertainment destination known for its arcade games and lively atmosphere, recently made headlines with its decision to allow betting in its arcade venues.  While this move may seem like a strategic business decision aimed at attracting more customers, it raises significant concerns about the direction ...

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Science and Technology

Adolescent physical education needs a major redesign (Op-Ed)

Physical education (PE) has long been a staple in school curriculums, aiming to promote physical activity and overall health among adolescents.  However, as we evolve in our understanding of health and wellness, it’s becoming increasingly evident that traditional PE programs may be falling short in meeting the diverse needs of ...

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Music

Taylor Swift’s image and lyrics in her latest album do not shame Christianity or religion (Op-Ed)

Taylor Swift has always been a controversial public figure and musician for multiple reasons, whether it be her validity as a musician, her fashion choices and body type, her public friendships, her attitude on her romantic attachments, and more. However, there’s been a new subset of controversy that has picked ...

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