“Spider-Noir” proves once again that a story does not need to remain completely faithful to its source material to be successful. Instead, it demonstrates how creative changes can still respect the characters and world while delivering a compelling narrative.

Set in the 1930s during the early stages of the Great Depression, “Spider-Noir” is the first live-action television series centered on the beloved Marvel superhero since “The Amazing Spider-Man,” which ran from 1977 to 1979.

Loosely based on the Marvel Comics series “Spider-Man Noir,” originally written by David Hine and Fabrice Sapolsky, the comics follow Peter B. Parker, a young investigative reporter working under the guidance of Ben Urich.

While investigating the arrival of a mysterious spider idol, Parker is bitten by a spider and encounters a spider goddess who grants him spider-like powers and abilities.

Inspired by the teachings of his late Uncle Ben, Parker uses those abilities to become a crime-fighting vigilante known as Spider-Man.

During his time as one of the few vigilantes and superpowered individuals in the city, Parker saves people from muggers, criminals and supervillains, including reimagined versions of familiar foes such as Norman Osborn, known in the criminal underworld as the Goblin.

The television series, however, takes a different approach.

Created by showrunners Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot, the show centers on Ben Reilly, played by Nicolas Cage, a private investigator and World War I veteran.

While rescuing fellow soldiers from prisoner-of-war camps in western France, Reilly develops spider-like powers after being bitten by a human-spider hybrid. With his newfound abilities, he becomes the first publicly known vigilante and superpowered individual, adopting the identity of The Spider.

During his lengthy career as a vigilante, Reilly saves New Yorkers from accidents, muggers, criminals, mobsters and crime bosses. Among them is Finbar “Fin” Byrne, played by Brendan Gleeson, a powerful underworld figure known as Silvermane.

Widely admired as a hero, Reilly’s career as The Spider ends in tragedy when his fiancée, Ruby J. Williams, played by Amanda Schull, is killed after he fails to save her. Consumed by guilt, Reilly retires from vigilantism.

With The Spider gone, crime spreads throughout the city. Byrne and other criminal figures tighten their grip on New York without a hero left to challenge them.

Five years later, Reilly continues working as a private investigator, focusing on minor cases and avoiding anything connected to crime or situations that might require The Spider’s return. He is joined by his secretary, Janet Ruiz, played by Karen Rodriguez, and reporter Joe “Robbie” Robertson, played by Lamorne Morris, both of whom know his secret identity.

After a series of dead-end cases, Reilly is reluctantly drawn into two investigations involving Silvermane and Alcove singer Cat Hardy, played by Li Jun Li, along with her lover and Silvermane associate Flint Marko, played by Jack Huston.

As Reilly discovers he is no longer the city’s only superpowered individual, his involvement in the investigations places him directly in Silvermane’s crosshairs. When the danger begins affecting the people he loves, Reilly is forced to become The Spider once again.

Now older and worn down by his five-year absence from crime-fighting, Reilly must confront a new generation of superpowered criminals, including former wartime comrades Lonnie Lincoln, played by Abraham Popoola, and Dirk Leydon, played by Andrew Lewis Caldwell.

As Reilly and Hardy grow closer, Robertson pursues his own investigation into the rise of these superpowered individuals while attempting to reclaim his position at The Daily Bugle under editor-in-chief Howard Walters, played by Richard Robichaux.

The show had an ability not many modern shows have: making viewers fall in love not only with its protagonist and supporting characters, but also with the world as a whole, making them want to see more of even the most minor characters who may only have a single line.

The show is like watching everything at once. Despite being mainly a superhero show mixed with film noir, it also has drama, suspense and soap-opera romance that make it easy to stay hooked. “Spider-Noir” can also be considered one of the most binge-watchable and rewatchable shows to date.

Watching it for the first time keeps viewers hooked with twists and events that make it feel like reading a comic book, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger that leaves audiences wanting more.

On a second viewing and beyond, those feelings remain. Unlike most shows, which can become tiring or merely acceptable on a second or third watch, “Spider-Noir” is an exception, seemingly getting better every time it is viewed. Some of the humor becomes funnier with repeated viewings, and so do the fights, the drama and the romance.

It’s one of the best shows to date, not only because of its longevity or story, but also because of its visuals. Despite being made on a television budget, the show looks surprisingly good. The use of the camera, the special effects and seeing The Spider swing using his webs all stand out. The same can be said for the choreography. The fight scenes are fluid, with The Spider actually feeling like a spider at times. The use of light, darkness and shadows makes every viewing a visual feast.

There’s also the way the show portrays The Spider’s powers and those of his villains, giving them more grounded and realistic interpretations, such as spider-sense functioning more like migraines and organic webbing requiring his hands to shake slightly in order to work.

The show also offers viewers a choice before each episode on Amazon Prime. They can watch in either the default “True-Hue Full Color,” similar to how the universe was originally depicted in the comics, or “Authentic Black & White,” which resembles classic film noir and modern adaptations of the genre.

Despite some strong camera work and standout moments, the “True-Hue Full Color” version ends up diminishing some of the visual experience because it becomes apparent that the show was meant to be viewed in “Authentic Black & White.”

The effects that make the show unique, such as the use of lighting, shadows and darkness, are less effective in the color version. The darkness, brightness and shadows can appear cheap without the black-and-white presentation that enhances them. This ultimately hurts the show’s rewatchability.

Although viewers may eventually get used to it, the “True-Hue Full Color” version is inferior to “Authentic Black & White.” It can even be argued that it diminishes the experience because it takes away much of the show’s charm. The colors look muted and worn down, failing to complement the shadows, light and darkness as effectively as the black-and-white version.

The characters feel human and have excellent chemistry with one another. From the main cast to the supporting and minor characters, every one of them feels like a real person viewed through the lens of the show. Their struggles and joys make audiences want to see them again, root for them or fear them in the case of the villains.

Nicolas Cage, starring as The Spider himself, Ben Reilly, steals the show completely. Every time he appears on screen, he portrays the character in a way that feels award-worthy. Reilly is a complex character: heroic and brave, yet convinced he is cowardly and selfish.

Depressed and tired, but also quippy, happy and emotional, all the traits that make Ben Reilly and The Spider who he is are brought to life perfectly by Cage. Unlike much of modern superhero media, Cage keeps the mask on throughout the hero scenes, while viewers can still understand his reactions through body language. It is arguably the best performance of his career.

As a master of disguise and trickery, Reilly spends much of his time disguised or talking his way out of situations when he cannot use his powers for investigations or crime-fighting. Cage excels in portraying that side of the character.

Brendan Gleeson, as Finbar Byrne, also known as Silvermane, becomes an imposing force throughout the show, not only because of his role as the main villain but because of his performance.

Intimidating, calm, respectful and classy, Gleeson portrays all of Silvermane’s facets at once. Despite the people he has killed and the crimes he has committed, Byrne genuinely cares for and looks after his people and goons.

Gleeson excels in the role, shifting effortlessly from a respectful businessman to a terrifying mob boss capable of instilling fear in everyone around him, including viewers. His outbursts and unpredictable decisions make Silvermane an enigma, constantly leaving both the characters and audience guessing what he will do next.

Lamorne Morris, as Robbie Robertson, becomes the heart of the show. Robertson is a reporter who will do anything to pursue a story.

Charismatic, altruistic and full of positivity, Morris brings the character to life perfectly. Robertson loves his best friend, Reilly, but is never afraid to speak his mind, whether it means reminding, criticizing or challenging his friend, bosses or the people he investigates.

Cage’s natural chemistry with Morris makes Robbie an easy fan favorite. His charm and relationships make him a memorable character. He always knows what to say or do in pursuit of the story he wants to write, remaining stubborn at times while also being kind and empathetic.

Karen Rodriguez, as Janet Ruiz, is a funny and lovable character. Much of the show’s humor comes from Ruiz’s antics and experiences, something Rodriguez portrays perfectly.

Her chemistry with Cage is excellent, with Ruiz and Reilly often acting more like siblings than employer and secretary. Their relationship feels real and genuine thanks to the performances of both actors.

Every conversation, reaction, interaction and scene shared between Rodriguez and Cage becomes one of the funniest and most heartwarming parts of the series. Their sibling-like dynamic may even remind viewers of their own relationships with brothers or sisters.

Li Jun Li, as Cat Hardy, plays the role of the femme fatale perfectly. Like Reilly, Hardy is a complex character. She can be feminine, fearless, rude, formidable, seductive, smart, playful and menacing, making her a character who is easy to become invested in.

Her own storyline and development are well written, with the way her story unfolds and concludes never feeling rushed, as can happen in some shows with an ensemble cast.

In addition, Li has strong chemistry with fellow co-stars Cage and Huston, making the love triangle involving Hardy, Reilly and Marko feel genuine and realistic. However, despite romance being a major part of her storyline, it never takes away from her individuality. She is able to stand on her own without needing someone to save her, making Hardy an easy character to admire and, for many women, a source of inspiration.

Jack Huston as Flint Marko, also known as Sandman, is a deeply layered character. As a mob enforcer dating Cat Hardy, his chemistry with Li helps sell the romance. As a fellow war veteran forced into a difficult life, Huston portrays the hopeless romantic, the menacing goon and the loyal friend all at once.

Abraham Popoola as Lonnie Lincoln, also known as Tombstone, is another complex character. Despite initially appearing intimidating because of his reserved personality, height and build, Lincoln is genuinely a good man. Popoola’s chemistry with Huston makes their relationship believable, allowing viewers to feel both joy and sympathy for their characters.

Andrew Caldwell as Dirk Leydon, also known as Megawatt, serves as the comic relief of the show. Constantly talking, even in dangerous situations, insulting others and creating laughs through his antics, he provides plenty of humor. That does not mean he cannot be intimidating as well. Caldwell portrays the character as menacing, sadistic and funny all at once, while remaining annoying in a way that benefits the story.

Richard Robichaux as Howard Walters perfectly plays the role of an ambitious editor-in-chief who wants to sell newspapers. Despite often being morally flexible and selfish, Walters serves as a major obstacle Robbie must face. The chemistry Robichaux shares with Morris makes it believable that they are an employer and employee constantly at odds with one another.

Aside from them, Amy Aquino as Alethea Faber and Andrew Robinson and Kai Caster as Ogden Faber do an excellent job portraying scientists searching for a cure.

In addition to the main and supporting cast, this show marks one of the few times where every actor feels perfectly cast. Each performer successfully brings their character to life, including extras and minor characters who may only appear in a single scene, something difficult to achieve in a show with such a large ensemble.

The soundtrack by Kris Bowers and Michael Dean Parsons is excellent. The music is able to be epic, emotional and effective whenever it appears, with the show’s score standing among the best pieces of music featured in a television series.

There is also the music that accompanies the production. Despite not being a musical, the few original songs featured are excellent. “Saving Grace” by KIRBY is a great song regardless of whether viewers are fans of the artist. The version used during the opening credits is so effective, paired with stunning visuals, that it becomes an intro viewers rarely want to skip.

There are also original performances sung by Li, including covers of popular songs from the era such as “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” This is another strength of the show’s music department. The licensed music differs from what is typically used in mainstream television and film because nearly all of it originates from the 1930s or earlier, helping create the illusion that the show was actually made during that period.

This not only strengthens the world-building but also draws inspiration from the comics. While the comics primarily focused on the social and political issues of the era, including racism, sexual violence and other injustices that were often normalized at the time, the show takes a somewhat different approach.

Instead, the series focuses on film noir elements, organized crime and corruption among people in power. However, that does not mean it ignores the political and social issues present in the original comics. On the contrary, it embraces them. While they are not the primary focus of the narrative, they help shape the world and make viewers feel as though they are witnessing life during the Great Depression.

In addition, “Spider-Noir” understands the concept that has made Spider-Man such a beloved character for decades: balancing two lives and showing how that affects both the civilian identity and the superhero persona, for better and for worse. The consequences, dilemmas and responsibilities all stem from the idea that “with great power comes great responsibility.”

With all things considered, “Spider-Noir” accomplishes what some thought impossible: creating a nearly perfect show that, despite not following the comics closely, uses their premise and setting to create a new version of Spider-Man and his supporting cast that audiences can easily embrace.

From the world and setting to the plot and villains, “Spider-Noir” draws viewers in completely. Even when the story concludes, with its plotlines resolved and ending satisfying, it still leaves audiences wanting more.

Although the show works perfectly well as a standalone story, its quality and emotional impact leave viewers hoping for additional seasons, new adventures, new villains and more opportunities to follow the journeys of Ben Reilly and his superhero alter ego, The Spider.

If future seasons maintain or improve upon this level of quality, “Spider-Noir” could establish itself among the greatest television series ever made.

In conclusion, if you still have not watched “Spider-Noir,” you are missing out. All eight episodes are available on Amazon Prime.

In a world flooded with trends, algorithms and constant noise, developing an opinion is more important than ever. 

People who think independently are less likely to follow the crowd blindly and are more likely to make their own decisions that reflect their values and goals.

Opinions are not only personal preferences. 

They shape how people act, vote, communicate and solve problems because forming an opinion requires analyzing the information, weighing its evidence and deciding makes sense. 

It’s critical thinking. 

That process strengthens a person’s critical thinking and encourages people to engage with the world rather than passively consume it.

In other words, it’s like remaining a bystander to the world around them. 

Young adults currently have entered an area of blindly following the crowd as many follow the majority or the people who’re around them. 

During the past American election, Aaron met people who didn’t vote for any candidate because they viewed both sides as equally wrong while others voted for what their parents had voted for. 

It’s as if following someone else or simply not choosing, takes away their responsibility of having picked for a side that can negatively reflect on them later. 

And possible deniability. 

Opinions are important for young adults because it helps them independently separate themselves from their families ideas and develop their own. 

Aaron saw the opposite in the United States by people their age but also surprisingly in Mexico. 

As during the past Mexican election, Aaron saw family members sell their vote to the person who paid them the most because their family members had seen both candidates as ill-fitted for the role as president since they were women. 

Cousins of Aaron, had sold their vote because they saw their parents doing the same.

It’s almost in whatever area in the world, some young adults wouldn’t make the effort to learn about their representatives and their roles as they just follow what the majority does. 

Or their family does instead. 

Expressing opinions’ also builds confidence. 

Speaking up in conversations, classrooms or workplaces helps people sharpen communication skills and learn how to explain their reasoning clearly. 

Defending a viewpoint respectfully teaches persuasion, logic and discipline.

At the same time, disagreement should not be feared. 

In current times with social media, many people are afraid of voicing their own opinion because everything posted online is permanent. 

But constructive disagreements often lead to stronger ideas and better solutions. 

Innovation and social progress rarely come from everyone thinking the same way because new perspectives challenge old assumptions and push conversations forward.

The past traditions and customs are always being challenged by the new generations so in a perfect world, people would be able to let go of the past to better grow into the new perspectives of the future. 

But because of the lack of willingness to make an opinion for oneself and choosing the majority or nothing at all, has set us back completely.

Exposure to different viewpoints can also broaden understanding.

Listening to others encourages empathy and reduces narrow thinking. 

People may not always agree, but respectful dialogue creates opportunities to learn from one another.

There was one day in which Aaron sat down with her youngest uncle on her mothers side, they agreed on several things but politically because from his childhood, he’s always believed the ideals from the far right. 

As a lawyer and professor, he didn’t see a reason for people to press for more freedoms in Mexico because in his eyes it’s better to remain content with what they have. 

Aaron had to disagree. 

Change and ideas should always be changing to fit the future generations and not the current world. 

But Aaron did listen and learn that in some situations, compromise might be better until there is a proper solution later. 

Having informed opinions also helps people resist manipulation, peer pressure and group thinking. 

Individuals who think critically are less likely to be controlled by popular opinion or misinformation.

They are better prepared to make thoughtful decisions for themselves and their communities.

Ways that people are able to inform themselves and make their own opinions on the world around them is by reading the news articles. 

East Los Angeles College offers a free subscription to students to the New York Times and The Atlantic. 

Opinions contribute to identity as well. 

They reflect beliefs, priorities and experiences that make people unique. 

No person is the same. 

Some might have grown up to either prioritize their families or themselves as individuals and it’s completely different to how they’ve grown up. 

It depends on the person and what works for them. 

Sharing perspectives allows individuals to connect with others, participate in meaningful conversations and become more active members of society.

People who are informed and willing to express their views are often seen as engaged and credible. 

These people are quick to understand the world around them without feeling the defense of their opinions that go against their own. 

Strong opinions, when supported by facts and communication respectfully, can inspire leadership, influence change and encourage others to think more deeply.

Meaningful conversations begin when people are willing to say what they think. 

Meaningful connections soon follow and stop the increased number of transactions or superficial conversations people might have in their lives. 

Having an opinion is not about being loud or argumentative but about being thoughtfully informed and unafraid to think independently.

It improves the quality of life. 

Leading beauty’s evolution, BelBonita Brazilian Hair Extensions delivers sustainable, next-generation luxury hair that celebrates individuality, builds confidence and strengthens community ahead of 2026 trends.

In a beauty industry that often compares luxury with excess, Carol Cook is building something different and deeply intentional. As the founder and master stylist behind BelBonita Brazilian Hair Extensions, Cook isn’t chasing trends, she’s responding to women.

A brand features a one-weft design that’s flexible, fast to install, and built to last up to 2.5 years. Luxury meets practicality, designed for modern women who want effortless confidence. The hair is ethically sourced from Brazil, colorable, heat-friendly and health-forward.

After more than 15 years behind the chair, Cook had seen the pattern repeat itself: extension systems that promised glamour but delivered stress, on both their hair and schedules.

Customers wanted fullness and confidence, but not at the expense of their natural hair. That tension became the catalyst for BelBonita.

Based in Delray Beach, Florida, Cook launched BelBonita with a clear purpose: creating a luxury extension system that works with a woman’s lifestyle instead of complicating it. Entrepreneurs, executives, busy moms, fitness creators and modern women don’t have hours to sit in a salon chair or months to repair damage from heavy installs.

Her answer was an exclusive, single flexible weft-on-tape design capable of delivering up to 240 grams of ethically sourced Brazilian hair. Installed in approximately 90 minutes and designed to last up to 2.5 years. The system aims to reduce tension, eliminate bulk and protect natural strands while still offering dramatic fullness.

Unlike traditional extension methods that rely on multiple rows, rigid stitching, or excessive weight, BelBonita’s one-weft structure moves naturally and blends seamlessly. The hair is customizable, designed for softness and lived-in texture rather than exaggerated length.

Cook’s philosophy aligns closely with hair trends for 2026. The era of ultra-long, hyper-glam extensions is giving way to a subtler aesthetic: layered volume, breathable installs and natural movement.

Women are increasingly prioritizing longevity, scalp health and effortlessness. Luxury is being redefined.

Today’s clients want extensions that feel invisible, enhance personal style and require minimal upkeep. They want hair that transitions from workout to boardroom to dinner without demanding constant attention. Cook believes this shift reflects a larger cultural movement toward sustainability and intentional living.

BelBonita’s growth has been steady and strategic. Looking ahead, Cook is expanding BelBonita’s footprint with a shop in Los Angeles, strategic influencer collaborations, and the launch of a charitable initiative supporting children with hair loss in Brazil, where the brand’s ethically sourced extensions originate.

Cook transformed 15 years in beauty into a mission-driven, woman-led brand. Her philosophy: hair isn’t just about how you look, it’s about identity, confidence and self-expression.

For Cook, the brand’s impact must extend beyond aesthetics. Hair is identity, it’s confidence, it’s self-expression. When a woman feels secure in her hair, it changes how she shows up in the world.

That mindset is woven into every aspect of BelBonita’s design, from ethical sourcing to a system engineered to preserve natural strands. It’s a woman-owned business rooted not just in beauty, but in empowerment.

As 2026 unfolds, BelBonita Brazilian Hair Extensions stands at the intersection of innovation and intention. Cook represents a new generation of beauty founders: technically skilled, mission-driven and deeply attuned to the evolving expectations of modern women.

Her work suggests that the future of luxury isn’t louder or longer, it’s smarter. In an industry that often prioritizes transformation over preservation, that may be the most radical shift of all.

Social media platforms are increasingly shaping communication in ways that reduce empathy and encourage division.

Features designed to maximize engagement often reward outrage, conflict and rapid emotional reactions instead of thoughtful understanding.

As users spend more time online, critics argue digital culture is changing how people respond to suffering, disagreement and human connection.

Constant exposure to tragedy, controversy and negativity online can desensitize users to real-world pain.

Scrolling through endless crises, disasters and personal conflict may cause emotional fatigue, making it harder for people to respond compassionately over time.

Anonymity and emotional distance also make it easier for users to bully, insult or harass others without witnessing the direct emotional consequences of their actions.

Online arguments frequently become dehumanizing because people interact with profiles and usernames rather than face-to-face conversations.

Public call-outs, cancel culture and online mob behavior can further intensify hostility.

While accountability remains important, people say  social media often prioritizes humiliation and punishment over understanding, growth and forgiveness.

Algorithms on major platforms frequently amplify division and extreme content because it generates clicks, comments and shares.

As a result, outrage-driven posts often receive more visibility than balanced or thoughtful discussions.

Short-form communication can also contribute to misunderstanding.

Posts limited by character counts or brief videos remove tone, facial expression and context, increasing the likelihood of conflict and emotional disconnect between users.

Echo chambers created by personalized feed may reduce exposure to different viewpoints.

When users primarily encounter opinions that match their beliefs, it can become more difficult to understand or empathize with people outside their social or political circles.

Social comparison also affects empathy and connection. Metrics such as likes, follows and shares can shift attention toward validation and public image instead of authentic relationships or meaningful communication.

Some people argue that performative activism has become common online, with users focusing more on appearing supportive publicly than taking meaningful actions offline.

Viral trends and memes can also trivialize serious situations, turning personal struggles or sensitive issues into entertainment.

Parasocial relationships between audiences and influencers may blur emotional boundaries.

Users sometimes forget public figures are real people with emotions, leading to intense criticism, harassment and unrealistic expectations.

Reduced face-to-face interactions may weaken interpersonal skills tied to empathy, including reading body language, listening actively and understanding emotional nuance in real-life conversations.

Supporters of social media note platforms can still foster awareness, activism and global connection.

However, without stronger digital responsibility and healthier online habits, the structure of social media may continue to encourage emotional detachment instead of compassion.

Therapy speak is no longer a tool that helps bring people together; it has become a new form of manipulation.

Terms like “boundaries,” “holding space” and “triggered” are all forms of therapy speak rooted in psychology.

At first, they were meant to help people better articulate their emotions, but now they often do the exact opposite.

By formulating words in a certain manner, people can talk themselves into a superior position.

It is almost like a debate tool, using specific terms to gain the upper hand and make anyone on the opposing end seem uninformed.

Within personal relationships, it is often used to avoid accountability or antagonize others.

For example, if someone wrongs another person, they could use the phrase, “I’m just not in the headspace to receive your baggage,” to avoid criticism.

One specific problem is the lack of emotion and consideration that therapy speak can impose.

It can even drive romantic partners away by prioritizing one’s own needs over another’s for the sake of selfishness masked as self-preservation.

Phrases like “I need you” or “You are my everything,” often exchanged by lovers, are picked apart whenever it is convenient.

As soon as an argument arises, “I need you” turns into “I don’t need you, I want you,” or “You are just an obstacle to my personal growth.”

People are no longer having real conversations to grow from, but instead are beating around the bush and making excuses.

Therapy speak feels more robotic than helpful, not because it is not a useful tool, but because of its misuse.

There is a lack of honesty when someone is simply regurgitating things they heard from a therapist or podcast host.

If things continue the way they are, society could become increasingly unfeeling, with every person hiding behind a wall of meaningless words that stand between them and genuine relationships.

People cannot understand one another if every word is a guise to guilt-trip others and sidestep conflict.

Vulnerability does not lie in psychoanalysis; it thrives through human connection.

The definition of luxury in skincare is changing, with clients valuing convenience and consistency as much as results.

A key driver of this shift is the rise in skincare usage among college students and young adults who are increasingly influenced by trending products on social media. 

However, these trends are not always the most effective choice highlighting a growing need for education and intentional routines. 

Experts emphasize the importance of timing introducing skincare that avoids overwhelming routines while still addressing specific concerns relevant to this age group.

Elle Vansteenburg, who owns and operates Face Foundrié while also working hands-on with clients, said today’s consumers are more informed and proactive than ever.

This shift reflects a broader evolution in the skincare industry toward what Vansteenburg describes as accessible luxury. Clients still want to feel pampered, but they also need treatments that fit into their busy lives.

Services are becoming more efficient and customizable, allowing clients to see results in shorter appointments. Membership models have made it easier for clients to stay consistent without financial strain.

“People are realizing that taking care of their skin consistently can make a huge difference long-term,” she said, noting that social media has played a major role in educating clients.

Instead of waiting for more serious or costly issues, many now prioritize regular treatments, hydration and daily use of sunscreen, or  SPF. 

This proactive mindset is especially evident among younger clients, particularly college students who are entering the skincare space. While their engagement is high, the challenge lies in guiding them toward effective, manageable routine, rather than trend-driven overconsumption.

That hands-on approach comes as the skincare industry evolves rapidly, driven largely by younger clients.

Clients in their late teens to early 30s are leading the shift to preventative care, as they are invested in long-term skin health. It is fueled by the access to educational content on social media platforms.

At the center of these changes is the growing concept of accessible luxury. Once seen as a niche, it now defines a significant portion of the market. Clients increasingly expect high-quality results that fit into their everyday lives.

According to Vansteenburg, this is not a passing trend but a lasting shift. The middle ground between high-end exclusivity and basic care is where the industry is seeing its strongest growth and where clients feel most satisfied.

Vansteenburg balances multiple roles, from performing services like facials, brows and lashes to managing day-to-day operations. 

On any given day, she may check in clients, recommend products, handle inventory or ensure sanitation standards are met.

This approach allows her to maintain service quality and the overall client experience. Running a modern skincare business requires more than delivering results, it demands constant shifts between client care and operations. 

For Vansteenburg, the most challenging part isn’t the treatments themselves, but the mental transition between roles. “One of the biggest challenges with managing both client services and the business side is honestly just being able to fully “switch hats.” she said.

In the treatment room, the focus is entirely on the client results, relaxation and connection. That focus must pivot to staffing, inventory and long-term growth. This dual role has become a strength, keeping leadership closely connected to the client experience.

Affordability remains a central concern. To address this, the business focuses on streamlining services and prioritizing treatments that deliver measurable results. By training staff to be both efficient and effective, the company maintains high-quality care while keeping pricing accessible.

This balance ensures clients don’t have to choose between cost and experience. Vansteenburg also points to a growing trend among local skincare businesses: making professional treatments more accessible. “When I first got into this industry, professional treatments often felt out of reach,” she said.

Now, businesses like hers aim to create welcoming environments that offer expert care without high costs or intimidation. By focusing on results-driven and approachable services, she encourages clients to make skincare a regular habit rather than an occasional indulgence.

Building trust is equally important. The approach centers on education without pressure, creating an environment that feels approachable rather than clinical. Once clients feel comfortable, consistency follows, reinforcing results and loyalty.

Efficiency also shapes the client experience. Shorter, result-driven treatments are designed without sacrificing luxury. Details such as ambience, interaction and personalized care help maintain a high-end feel. “It’s not about how long the service is, it’s about how intentional it is,” Vansteenburg said.

Membership programs further support both client retention and business growth. By encouraging regular visits, they help clients integrate skincare into their routines while providing financial stability for the business . This reflects a broader shift in how consumers view self-care, not as an occasional indulgence, but as an ongoing commitment.

Although the business is still building its client base, industry knowledge reinforces the importance of early habits. Consistency through regular facials, daily SPF and simple routines plays a greater role than complex or expensive treatments.

The philosophy is straightforward: Sustainable habits yield long-term results, keeping skin clearer, more balanced and aging more gracefully over time. In turn, clients begin to see skincare as a foundational part of overall wellness.

As skincare grows, Vansteenburg emphasizes that education, accessibility, and consistency are making effective routines more widely attainable. Businesses that balance personalization, accessibility and adaptability will thrive as the industry evolves.

Music videos continue to be visually pleasing, but they often do not offer the additional content that storytelling provides.

Official music videos feature great dance choreography that can tell a story on its own, but it is not done the same way it was in the past.

People have grown tired of seeing dance routines, to the point that many do not bother watching new music videos anymore because they do not provide more information about the message the artist wants to share.

Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRaR Más FOToS official video is a short film about 13 minutes long that opens with the main character looking back on his life in Puerto Rico.

The emotions immigrants feel after leaving their homes are captured not only through the lyrics but also through the visuals.

Not all storytelling needs an impactful plot as long as it is entertaining and serves a purpose beyond simply staying relevant and generating engagement.

It can be a fun storyline.

Storytelling like Michael Jackson’s Thriller offers more than the lyrics alone.

The lyrics discuss someone’s paranoia about being watched and their growing fear of being hunted by something unknown.

In the 13-minute music video, the story is established before the song even begins, opening with a date at a movie theater.

Michael’s character teases his date for being frightened by the horror movie they watched while walking her home, until the camera pans to a full moon.

The song does not begin until the climax of the story.

The anticipation leading up to the song is what many people miss because it provides a narrative perspective on the lyrics that they may not have considered before.

Having a closer connection to the music is often more fulfilling for viewers than simply watching their favorite artist dance on screen.

Some artists still do this well. For example, Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra music video uses choreography to show two contrasting figures, one dressed in white and the other in red.

While the figure in white is more free-flowing and surrounded by people, the figure in red is covered in restrictive clothing and is often shown alone.

Even though the imagery is abstract, it provides audiences with more information than many current music videos.

Benson Boone’s “Momma Song” music video is an example that does not. It is essentially a professional recording of him singing the song and little more.

That does not feel like a music video, and fans could feel as though he was simply promoting his work rather than creating something that offered more to the audience.

Concerts are where artists are expected to dance or perform their songs, but music videos have traditionally offered another way for music to be translated visually.

Fans want more storytelling because it can be fun, relatable and ultimately provide a better overall experience.

Typing may be faster, but handwriting is still one of the best tools students have for learning, remembering, and thinking clearly.

Writing by hand forces students to slow down, engage more deeply with the material, and process information in a way typing often does not.

For that reason, handwriting remains an important habit in classrooms even as technology continues to take over everyday communication.

Research has shown that handwriting activates more brain regions tied to movement, vision, sensory processing and memory than typing does.

It also suggests that handwriting can help people remember new information better than typing.

In high school, my English teacher Bryan Burris had us do ten minute writing warm ups and at first I did not understand why.

It was an easy exercise usually paired with a menial question to answer. I thought it was a waste of time and sought to write as much as possible as fast as possible.

Usually, disregarding grammar, legibility and any form of conciseness. 

To my surprise this helped me improve as a writer, understanding my usual patterns and improving grammar and conciseness, legibility worsened. You win some, you lose some.

Writing by hand forced me to slow down, process what I was learning and pay more attention to what was actually important.

Bryan Burris is also a standup comedian as well as a teacher, in one of our English classes he said he carried a joke book to take down jokes that came spontaneously, intrigued by the idea. I decided to try it.

Whenever I saw something amusing on my commute I pulled out my pocketbook and wrote something down. Whether it was a joke or an exact retelling of what had happened.

My memory improved, I wrote more and more and wrote with more detail about events that had happened.

Notes I had taken in class became more lengthy and detailed, helping me understand course material with greater depth. 

Handwriting is not about memory. It improves the way we focus. When we type, it is easy to type words without thinking about them. When we write by hand, we are more likely to engage with the material and think through each word. 

There is also something more personal about handwriting. Notes written by hand feel more intentional.

A handwritten journal, letter, or class note can hold more meaning than a typed document because it reflects the writer’s pace, style and thought process.

In that sense, handwriting is not just a skill. It is a habit that helps build patience, attention and understanding.

Typing will always be useful, especially when speed matters. Handwriting still has a place in school, work and everyday life.

If you want to remember more, think more deeply and stay more focused, putting pen to paper may still be one of the best tools we have.

Overstimulation has infiltrated daily life, especially in children’s TV shows.

Although technology has been integrated into nearly every aspect of daily life for most of the population, children have become so engrossed in screens that it has, in some ways, affected their development.

Over time, children’s TV shows have changed. Series that many children watched in the early 2000s were slower-paced, followed clear storylines and focused on teaching while still serving as entertainment. In comparison, much of what children watch today is created primarily for entertainment.

High stimulation in children’s television involves fast-paced storytelling, bright colors and high noise levels. 

Its effects on children are reducing their attention spans, creating addictive behavior and may result in aggressive behavior when the program is turned off. 

 Most children ages four to seven who grow up around screens are more likely to know how to navigate a technological device than, for example, ride a bike. When engrossed in screens, especially at a young age, addictive behaviour will continue to cause this. 

Social media has changed the way children enjoy television, with many parents using platforms like YouTube or YouTube Kids as a center for their child’s entertainment. 

Like many short-form videos or highly edited long-form videos on YouTube, kids’ content is very quick-paced and therefore highly stimulating. 

This form of content has all the elements to keep a child’s eyes glued to the screen, and the consequence of accelerated paced content can impact children’s patience to interact with their environment, and perform tasks that require concentration, such as coloring, listening or reading a story, socializing and more. These examples are important for a child’s mental, academic  and imaginative development.

“A Spanish research study discovered a negative correlation between the use of screen media and academic achievement, indicating that increased screen time was associated with lower academic performance,” the National Library of Medicine stated.

CocoMelon, a child content channel, is considered a very highly stimulating show for kids and is one of the largest channels on YouTube. 

Including another YouTube channel, Ms. Rachel, with both shows, has loud noises, flashy colors and lacks storytelling or engagement with learning. 

Low stimulating shows have moderate pacing, muted color schemes, and simpler lessons or plots within an episode. This helps in preventing overstimulation in kids, boosts activity, educates the and improves focus. 

Many older shows like “Little Bear” and “Oswald” are examples of low stimulating shows, with a more modern approach taken by “Bluey.” 

Parents of TikTok made videos showing their child’s reaction to high to low stimulating shows. Most children show anger when their highly stimulating show, like CocoMelon, as often the example, is turned off. 

Many parents have also noticed their children pay less attention to their books and toys when watching highly stimulating shows. The children would be fully absorbed into their screens, causing them to ignore their parents.

The low stimulating shows allowed children to play and engage with toys while watching, allowing for more physical learning that does not overstimulate the child. 

There are plenty of ways to find low stimulating shows on YouTube with many shows like “Little Bear” and “Bluey” providing full episodes for viewing. 

There is nothing wrong with a highly stimulating show, like most things, it shouldn’t be consumed in excess and it’s important to monitor your child’s screentime. 

When they are not watching, it’s best to find an activity that engages their minds and inspires them to be creative. 

Although TV shows can be educational, implementing behavior control by imposing limits on screen time and monitoring consumption will help children’s behavior.

Parents play an important role in managing their children’s screentime by continuously setting boundaries, limiting what they watch and understanding the effects highly stimulating and high screen times can foster. 

With glitter, glam and a bend-and-snap attitude, contestants from throughout the Los Angeles Community College District and the surrounding community competed at Saturday’s Unique Ball.

The ball opened its doors for different organizations that support the LGBTQIA+ community to share information and resources with attendees. 

It also gave an opportunity for attendees to mix and mingle before the event.

Shine and shimmer- Contestants shows off their liquid metallic designs for the best dressed category.

As music pulsed through the speakers and lights flashed across the venue, participants took to the runway to strut and show off their looks.

Commentators announced the categories and the judges seated at the end of the runway examined each of the contestant’s looks and performance. 

The ball featured nine main themes, all open for participants throughout the night.

The themes included Realness, Face, Extreme Bizarre, Sex Siren, Performance, Best Dressed, Realness with a Twist, Tag Team Realness and Runway. 

On top of that, there were certain themes within the categories for participants to compete in.

Winners in each category received trophies and cash prizes during the event. 

The Unique Ball also featured five specific themes set aside for student participants outside of community involvement. 

The prize for the participants was $250 and a trophy.

Best Dressed-The theme of the category was to show off an outfit that has prominent touches of liquid mercury with a high shine, gun metal silver metallic.

The first student theme, Designers Delight, was where students were challenged to showcase their favorite fashion design. 

Students could either wear the design themselves or have someone else model it.

The second student theme, Student Runway, centered on love and encouraged contestants to promote safe sex through their outfit designs incorporating condoms.

The third student theme, Students Face, challenged participants to show off their face card. 

The theme included sunflowers and outfits also had to match the theme.

The fourth student theme, Student Sex Appeal, required contestants to wear silk or sheer outfits. 

With silk or sheer being the only requirement, students were free to choose the color, length or style of their design.

The final student theme, Student Vogue, featured students voguing, a style of dance that originated within ballroom culture, on the runway. 

Their outfits were styled in a beach or ocean-theme while grooving.

In total, there were 14 themes and 36  categories that night. 

All American- A look under the runway category where the theme asks contestants to show off a look inspired by the Navy.

At the end of each theme, the winners from each category competed in an elimination round to determine who the winner of the overall theme would be.

Up to $8,500 in cash prizes were awarded by the end of the night, participants gave their best and flashiest effort to compete. 

As the ball went on, the crowd became more energized, with people standing to witness the fierceness of each competitor.

Chanting by the commentators introduced categories and contestants throughout the night, their speech becoming more and more frenzied as the night went on and the energy kept getting higher and higher.

Performers were not only fierce, but respectful, often hugging each other after categories and eliminations, highlighting a part of ballroom culture and community.

After two and a half hours of competition and runway performances, the event ended with cheers from both the audience and participants, celebrating a shared space of competition and community.

“This is my fifth year doing the event with LACCD, so it allows me the opportunity to come in and gauge what the students are saying from each event and fine-tune it,” Greg Wilson said, who was the organizer for the Unique Ball.

He said the preparation for the event takes about five to six months. 

He collaborates with the college, vendors and different organizations who appear to share information and resources.

All categories were chosen and curated by Wilson. He sat down and heard out different students who gave their opinions on what they wanted to see at the ball. 

“I wanted students to know that there was something specifically for them… 

“When it comes to all the different categories, it’s all specifically for things that will help people become empowered,” Wilson said.

Wilson is a legendary figure in the ballroom and house scene with more than 20 years of experience. 

His experience, as well as his time planning the event, has allowed him to create a safe space for those seeking to break out into the ballroom scene and also for those wishing to participate. 

Part of the preparation included free runway and voguing classes for students wishing to participate. 

The classes were offered about two months in advanced so that students would be sufficiently prepared to participate at the ball.

“I think we had a great success. 

“I believe that it exceeded the expectations and I really believe that every single person that left here felt as if they cannot wait to come to the next. 

“I think the mission has been accomplished,” Wilson said.

For more information about pride-related events, visit the ELAC Husky Pride Center or visit their Instagram page at @elachuskypridecenter.

Runway- The theme was European runway where contestants were asked to show an avant garde twist to a sailor suit.