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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.
Politics

Meme Propaganda

As the war between the United States and Iseral against Iran continues, there is little sign that the conflict will soon come to an end. Unlike the initial thoughts and comments made by President Trump who previously stated the war will end very soon, we are currently rolling into the third week of the conflict between the U.S. and ...

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Beauty

Beauty Trends I’m Tired of Seeing

On social media, it seems that every other week, there is something new that just seems to have people captivated and desperate to try to recapture and recreate for themselves.  Whether it’s the latest hairstyle, makeup style, or clothes, people seem so quick to jump and follow the latest beauty ...

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Books

Why Are We Still Reading Colleen Hoover?

Okay, I just saw a trailer for a new movie, “Reminders of Him” (2026), and I remember thinking to myself how the plot for the film sounds and looks really similar to films like “Regretting You” (2025) and “It Ends With Us” (2024), which are adaptations of novels previously released.  ...

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Politics

Done Very Soon

As the war between the U.S. and Israel against Iran, American citizens are already feeling the war efforts heat up right here on U.S. soil.  With gas prices rising every passing day and new attacks being made against U.S. Soldiers in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict seems to be ...

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Movies

Why No More Comfort Movies?

I feel like recent generations have their choice of comfort movies. The 1980s have “The Breakfast Club”, “Pretty In Pink”, and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”  The 1990s have “Ten Things I Hate About You”, “Groundhog Day,” and “Mrs. Doubtfire”.  And of course, the early 2000s have “Legally Blonde”, “How To ...

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Music

Why Does Most Modern Music Sound So Similar?

I feel like no matter what song you decide to listen to, for example, The Beatles, Kiss, or even Madonna, you as the listener know exactly who you are listening to. Even if you do not fully know the lyrics of the song, there will be no mistaking the artist ...

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Science and Technology

More Than Fomo

With the aid and support of technology and all the good it has offered for society, many people have pointed out that modern technology has created fear and anxiety, especially for the younger generation of missing out on fun by constantly being able to monitor and see what other people ...

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Beauty

Does Pretty Privilege Exist? Yes

Have you ever heard of the term “Pretty Privilege”? If not, then to summarize it is basically the double standard appointed to attractive young people that allows them to get away with doing and or saying things other people would not be allowed to do and or get away with.  ...

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Politics

No One Wants To Fight For Israel

“No one wants to fight for Israel!” Those are the now-famously stated words by Brian McGinnis, a former U.S. Marine Corps sergeant and Green Party Senate candidate at the Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing.  And I couldn’t have said it better myself.  Protesting the involvement of the United States for ...

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Health and Wellness

Self Love Tips

I’m tired and stressed… Sorry to rock the boat by saying that, but that is really the honest truth.  I will even say it again.  I’m tired and stressed.  And this moves past the general stress and anxiety of regular day life.  Have you read what is going on in ...

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Food

Why Movie Theater Popcorn Is Elite

When I propose the question of what is the best snack to have while at the movie theater, what is your answer?  Candy?  Chocolate?  Nachos?  Whatever your answer is to the question, I can guarantee it is wrong, and I am here to settle this debate for once and for ...

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Sports

Problematic Sport Culture

In American society, we often gather around a television set to watch and either cheer on our favorite teams or boo and curse the opposing team.  Either in the comfort of our own homes or in public places like sports bars, we in American society really value and praise many sports ...

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