Is it normal to feel so attached to a TV show?

The Allure of TV Shows Janet Pribanic

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If you’re a pop culture geek who loves binge-watching TV shows, you've likely gone through a rollercoaster of emotions with the characters to the point that some might think you’re exaggerating. After watching the shows for a long period, you begin to form a bond with these fictional characters. Sometimes, we can relate to these people better than our real-life friends. Janet Pribanic.

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According to this study, there's nothing wrong about crying over TV shows. In fact, it's healthy. Aside from the catharsis we experience, it can also make us go through a wide range of emotions that we might not necessarily feel in real life. In a way, being invested in a story can also help us navigate what happens in our own world. While it is completely normal to feel enraged after an episode of Game of Thrones or cry buckets of tears after binge-watching This is Us, it is also possible to get overly attached to the story. Janet Pribanic

Experts in psychology explain that when the shows you watch begin to interfere with your mood and productivity for long periods, it might no longer be healthy. Make sure to remind yourself that what you see is fiction and that what happens outside the screen merits more of your attention. Janet Pribanic.

In reality, our relationship with our favorite characters is one-sided. For those who might be feeling too affected by their favorite programs, perhaps taking a break or watching a different show might help you detach. At the end of the day, we really can't do anything to the stories we are watching. But there's a lot we can do to improve the lives we are living. Janet Pribanic

The five don’ts of public relations

PR looks overwhelmingly easy to do: put out a press release, socialize with influencers, and tap into longstanding relationships with the media. The thing you can also fail in your PR plan if you are reckless. Don’t fall into these five PR traps, according to PR student Janet Pribanic.

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Don’t pour all your resources on PR

Especially if you’re a small business or merely starting out, avoid overspending on PR just because it looks cool and it’s what everybody else is doing. Direct your PR efforts on important milestones, events, and strategy.

Don’t forget to send out a press release
Keep the media and your readers updates with your latest offerings, events, and company news through press releases. It will help you stay visible and relevant to your target market.

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Don’t focus on just one PR channel

Allot your time, energy, and resources to news outlets, social media, and your website, to name a few. Cast a wide net but also learn to prioritize platforms that give you the best results, Janet Pribanic added.

Don’t stalk people

Journalists and reporters will naturally pay attention to your press releases or announcements if they are helpful to their audience. You don’t need to force it and bombard them with your messages and follow-ups.

Don’t lie

Honest and transparency make for good PR. Be a brand that can be trusted by staying true to who you are – at all times.

Janet Pribanic is a college student currently attending New York University and is on her way to a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations. For her, the city is a haven of arts of many disciplines such as literature, painting, photography, music, drama, and many more. Learn more on this page.

Top Japanese streetwear brands

Streetwear has boomed in recent years, propelled by the rise of social media and the emergence of a new crop of celebrities and influencers. Its success and acceptance also have a lot to do with the emergence of sneaker culture and the dominance of hip-hop in modern music. But nowhere is this more apparent than in the growth of street fashion in Japan, says fashion enthusiast Janet Pribanic. Hereunder are some of the most prominent Japanese brands who’ve made it big in the streetwear scene.

Undercover

Collaborations with the likes of Nike and Uniqlo has made Jun Takahashi’s brand Undercover one of the most recognized brands to come out of the Asian country. The label’s road to success began in the early 1990s and it has steadily established itself as one of the most sought-after, cutting-edge brands in Japan, combining the sophistication of high fashion with streetwear aesthetics.

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COMME des GARÇONS

It’s easy to mistake this for a French brand because of its name, but Comme des GARÇONS is distinctly Japanese both in its commitment to preserving the Asian country’s fashion traditions while aspiring for a more high-fashion, deconstructed appeal. It’s the oldest brand on our list, having existed since the early 1970s. Its recent success in the streetwear scene is attributed to the rise of its ready-to-wear “Play” line.

Image source: fashionbeans.com

A Bathing Ape

Simply put, Japanese streetwear would not reach its current reputation as one of the most collectible in the world without the success of Japanese designer Nigo’s A Bathing Ape, or Bape for short. Though Nigo has sold the rights to Bape to Hong Kong’s IT group, its relevance continues, the Asian equivalent of the U.S.’s Supreme. Some of the most sought-after Bape hoodies, shirts, caps, and collaboration items go for thousands of dollars today, adds Janet Pribanic.

Janet Pribanic is currently pursuing a Public Relations degree at the New York University. Fashion is among her various interests. More musings and insights on the streetwear scene here.

Giant monster movies: A guilty pleasure

I’m Janet Pribanic, and I watch an insane amount of films during my free time. Last year, I went through a phase – giant monster movies. It started when I caught this gem called “Little Shop of Horrors” on television one evening. After that, I started doing research on films that featured giant monsters. I thought it would be a fun ride.


I started with “Aliens” from James Cameron. It was a fast-paced, action-horror adventure that built upon the Ridley Scott classic. “Aliens” also had one of the most bad-ass heroines in all of cinema – Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley. The alien queen was also a sight to behold.

The most fun giant monster film I’ve seen though, is “Tremors” starring Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward. It’s about a few giant underground worms that started feasting on the residents of a sleepy town in the middle of nowhere.

Then there was “Deep Rising,” which is essentially like “Aliens” but instead of being eaten by an army of humanoid-reptilian hybrids, the humans here were annihilated by a single giant sea creature. Good times.

“Cloverfield” was entertaining, and I highly recommend it to those who still haven’t seen it. It’s a found-footage type of movie about a Godzilla-sized monster that decimates New York City.
Finally, I ended up with the granddaddy of all modern giant monster movies – “Jaws.” It holds up surprisingly well for a film that’s over 40 years old.

What’s your favorite giant monster movie? Tag me, Janet Pribanic, in the comments section below.

Hi, the name’s Janet Pribanic, and I’m pursuing a degree in public relations at NYU. NYC is a home for sports, literature, entertainment, music, fashion, tech, food, and travel, and I like writing about these. For similar reads, visit this blog.

Why the Sixers should trade Markelle Fultz

Former top-pick Markelle Fultz has, in many NBA pundit’s eyes, lost his place in the so-called Sixers “process.” This is the dominant narrative now for the team that just recently acquired Jimmy Butler, setting up the rise of a new big three that includes stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Fultz, especially with all the weird issues he has with his shooting, injury, and approach to the game, is now seen as expendable.

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 There is nothing close to personal in this imminent decision for the Sixers. After all, Fultz has not been playing consistently since he was finally declared “healthy” to start the season. Now, the verdict is out that he is in fact suffering from what his agent named as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or TOS, a condition that effectively impedes his normal movements and motions, making him awkwardly shoot the basketball.

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If the Sixers manage to do away with Fultz’ contract, they stand a chance of having enough room for a maximum cap space come next season, making the team primed for acquiring a fourth superstar. Needless to say, this is going to be huge for the entire NBA. Just imagine if the Sixers’ maxed-out salary entices the likes of top forward Anthony Davis or a shooting guard like Klay Thompson?

In any case, every NBA enthusiast appears to be in favor of trading Fultz, whose game can’t seem to blend in with those of his fellow Sixers stars. It’s, of course, very unfortunate for the young 2017 top rookie, but his condition is something rehab should be able to address. From a business standpoint, and if Philly is committed to winning this year, it should go for a reliable veteran in exchange for Fultz, one who can be another outside shooting threat (aside from Redick) and create even better spacing for the team.

Hello, I’m Janet Pribanic, a Public Relations student at NYU into music, fashion, travel, literature, and sports. More NBA-related reads here.

Satisfying vegetable-packed soups

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Vegetable soups are not only satisfying, but they are packed with many nutrients that are great for all members of the family. Vegetable soups can be served as appetizers and can be frozen and kept for the next meal. Here are two examples of hearty vegetable soups that you can easily make for your family.

 Chunky vegetable and brown rice soup. Throw in 1 medium onion (sliced), 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced celery sticks, carrot chunks, 2 medium parsnips, and 1 tablespoon of thyme on a large non-stick pan with oil. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring until onions begin to color. Add 100 grams of brown rice and pour 1.2 liters of water. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Season with black pepper and serve.

Image source: bbcgoodfood.com

Spiced carrot and lentil soup. Dry fry 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds and a pinch of chili flakes in a large saucepan for 1 minute, taking out the half to set aside. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 600 grams of coarsely grated carrots, 140 grams of split red lentils, 1 hot vegetable stock, and 125 ml of milk to the pan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes until the lentils soften. Whizz the soup with a hand blender until smooth, season to your preference, and serve with a dollop of plain yogurt. Sprinkle with the toasted spices and serve with naan bread.

Through her recipes, Janet Amos Pribanic tells the stories of women who have touched her life and the food they have shared that takes them back to a particular time, person, or experience. Preparing and sharing food is like a journey—sometimes challenging but truly worth every moment. For more articles like this, visit this page.

Work smarter in PR with these skills

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The public relations industry is a hectic one. PR professionals are tasked to do a ton, and work-life balance seems too elusive. Hard skills are important and can be measured. However, to stay effective, soft skills should be learned, too.


Teamwork should be in your fiber. The public relations industry isn’t a vacuum wherein you only get to work with two people. Workdays could mean manning an event with a hundred volunteers and workers, or silent days in the office where you have to plan with a team. PR professionals have to be able to work with people from all walks of life, and do it effectively.

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It goes without saying that a PR professional must have problem-solving skills. There will be times when the challenges you face can’t be addressed by a textbook answer. You’d need to have a few tricks up your sleeve to make things work when the first one doesn’t bite. Flexibility is quite an underrated skill in the industry. Everything in the industry has the potential to change, sometimes more often and faster than one expects. Having the ability to adapt to a situation with little time to adjust is a skill one should have.


Leadership skills are crucial in PR. Pulling off great presentations without the form of a leader would be impossible. Leaders are teachable, kind, and practice integrity in every task they handle. Most days, when you’re in the field for an event, people will look to you for instructions even for the simplest things. Being a leader isn’t simply a title; it should become your way of living.


Hi there! My name is Janet Pribanic and I’m a twenty-something Public Relations student at NYU. I’m a fan of the arts, entertainment, sports, food, and travel. For more updates, subscribe to this blog.