Trigger Words is a perspective series examining the language we throw around without thinking—and the impact it can leave behind. In a culture where “jokes” blur with insults and memes replace meaning, this series unpacks the words we’ve normalized and asks: Who’s listening? And what are they...

First they came for the Center for Disease Control, and I did not speak out—because I was healthy. Then they came for the migrants and refugees, and I did not speak out—because I was a legal citizen. Then they came for paper straws, and I did not speak out—because I was not a turtle. Then...

3:30, and Community’s doors burst open—students spilling out. Backpacks slung over shoulders, hands shoved deep into pockets, they rushed toward buses idling at the curb, they wove through the parking lot chaos—horns blaring, engines revving—a steady current, all moving with one purpose: getting...

Are Movie Theaters Dying, or Are We Just Forgetting Why They Matter? In the dark ages—before mobile devices and flat-screen TVs—early man had no choice but to journey to vast structures for entertainment. These coliseums of storytelling, with their dim lobbies and the scent of butter-soaked popcorn...

Apple Pay. Venmo. Cash App. PayPal. Make no mistake—cash is fading into the background, the dollar replaced by digital transactions. Your next Big Mac, the latest Grand Theft Auto release, your prom dress—just a tap away. So, as we move further into a cashless economy, one question lingers: do...

Every day, Snoop Dogg seems to make headlines for something new—whether he’s lighting up the Olympic torch, giving up smoke or joining “The Voice” as the show’s newest coach.  This “whatever” attitude has been central to Snoop’s three-decade reign as one of hip-hop’s most enduring...

It’s been a decade since “The Sims 4” hit the shelves in September 2014. Yet, the digital dollhouse remains a staple of the simulation video game genre.  At its core, “The Sims 4” distills the essence of daily life, cranked up to 11.  It is more than just a life-simulation game; it’s...

“Insane” barely begins to scratch the surface of “Rick and Morty.” It's far too sane a word to describe the hit’s straightjacketed madness.    For seven seasons on Adultswim, the animated sci-fi comedy series has made a name for itself a concoction of utterly chaotic characters...

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of the King of Monsters. Since first laying waste to Tokyo in 1954, the grandfather of kaiju has been featured in 38 films, with the latest entry in the Monsterverse franchise, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” hitting theaters on April...

Welcome to the wild world of March Madness, where the energy is unrivaled, brackets are broken and upsets are the stuff of legend. As fans gear up for the thrilling 68-team NCAA championship tournament, we're reminded that victory demands more than just skill on the court—it requires grit, resilience,...

My fellow fast food aficionados know that for every McRib and every Pumpkin Spice Latte, every delectable and delicious “limited-time-only” menu item, fast food chains have an untold number of culinary calamities.   In a world where innovation meets indulgence, there’s bound to be a few slip-ups...

There is a reason that page-to-screen adaptations of book’s like “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” and modernized, musicified reimaginings of “Mean Girls” are all the rage in Hollywood. There is no question why: adolescent angst, first loves and unforgettable coming-of-age moments make...

In the ever-evolving world of online entertainment, one platform has emerged as a powerhouse, a beacon of creativity, interactivity and community: Twitch.  Launched in 2011, Twitch has rapidly become the premier destination for live streaming, captivating millions with its diverse content and engaging...

Everyone needs someone to help them navigate life’s trials and tribulations: a trusty companion, a sidekick, a wingman… Think of them as the unsung heroes behind the scenes, offering sage advice, comic relief or simply a shoulder to lean on when times get tough.  Batman has Robin. Spongebob has...