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Layla Handy

Bio: Layla is an intern at NYCTastemakers and a current college freshman majoring in English. She has a strong passion for writing and enjoys reading in her free time. Layla also values spending quality time with her family.
TV

Is Cable Better Than Streaming?

Growing to popularity in the mid-2000’s, streaming services were created to remedy the problems and drawbacks of cable television.  Unburdened by commercials, limited variety, and weekly installments of television shows, streaming presented so many options that could never be offered by cable television.  However, in the present day of 2026, could cable ...

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Fashion

 Fashion: Expression or Social Status?

In the past, fashion was seen as a personal choice.  Depending on what one wore, you could tell if they were happy, sad, excited, or shy.  Back then, clothes were more than something we simply wore. They were statements.  They were expressions. And most importantly, they were an extension of ...

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Movies

We Bury The Dead: The Movie Dead On Arrival

Released on Jan. 2, 2026, the film “We Bury The Dead” made its way to theaters with high anticipation and excitement from me.  Noticing how the film earned an impressive score of 86 percent by Rotten Tomatoes, I was looking forward to seeing the film to begin the new year.  However, to say that I was disappointed ...

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Music

Does Hamilton Have The Best Music?

Hear ye!  Hear ye!  Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please gather around, for there has been an announcement by order of…. Well, me.  After careful consideration and much thought, I have come to the conclusion that Hamilton perhaps has the best soundtrack ever composed for a musical.  No scratch ...

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Sports

Greatest of All Time: Carlos Beltrán

Baseball Halll of Fame welcomes one of its newest members, Carlos Beltrán, this week in sports!  Officially inducted in his fourth year of eligibility, Beltrán was selected for the formal induction ceremony on Tuesday, Jan 20, 2026, with an overwhelming number of votes.     In the Baseballs Writers’ Association of America, Beltrán’s name for the ...

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Politics

You Have Been Served

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a total of six Minnesota government officials have been served with grand jury subpoenas this week.  Occurring on Tuesday, 20. Jan. 2026, six government officials of Minnesota have formally been served grand jury subpoenas concerning the federal immigration of ICE officials.    According to ...

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Fashion

Valentino Garavani Passes Away

Famed and beloved designer Valentino Garavani suddenly passed away at the age of 93.  Respected and renowned for his elegant and sleek evening gowns, Italian designer Valentino Garavani has fashioned a name for himself in the industry for his innovative designs that highlight and celebrate a feminine style.  Particularly recognized for his “Valentino red” gowns, ...

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Sports

Sean McDermott Fired

Following the recent loss against the Denver Broncos for the playoff loss in the AFC Divisional Round, head coach, Sean McDermott, was recently fired from the Buffalo Bills.   Working as the head coach for the Buffalo Bills for a total of nine seasons, McDermott helped the team see a total of 98-50, the second most wins of ...

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Movies

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Comes to Theaters

Yes, you have read that correctly!  For one week only, beginning today on Jan. 16, 2026, and continuing through the week, the smash hit of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein comes to theaters for a limited time. Releasing in select theaters starting today, on Jan. 16, 2026, you can buy your ...

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Sports

Is Cheerleading a Sport: Yes

In America, we praise and celebrate many athletes for their skills and talents.  Whether our affections extend to the strength of football players or the agility and focus of baseball players, we in America tend to focus our praise and attention on traditional athletic sports. However, that is where our ...

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Theater

Upcoming Plays to See For 2026

There is nothing like live theater.  Seeing an actor bring life, beauty, and heartbreak onto the stage is a joyous experience that often escapes one’s capability to describe due to the fact that it’s just that unique.  If you or someone you know also enjoys live theater, then you will ...

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Music

Did He Steal Beyoncé’s Music?

Suspect Kelvin Evans, charged with entering an automobile with the intent to commit theft and criminal trespass, pleaded not guilty.  Reportedly appearing in Atlanta court on Jan. 7, 2026, at 11 am, Atlanta News First streamed and documented the proceeding live as the suspect pleaded not guilty on all charges.  Evans is set ...

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