Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
dimanche 5 mai 2019
You Can Now Get Anti-Anxiety "Beta-Blockers" Online - Are They Safe?
Enter: my curiosity in health-and-wellness-focused telemedicine brand hers. This digital start-up offers everything from birth control to prescription skin care in sleek, pastel packaging (my personal kryptonite) and recently added a prescription-only beta-blocker drug called propranolol ($25) to its retail lineup. Once users sign up for a monthly subscription of the drug, hers ships a package of five 20 mg propranolol pills to be delivered at home.
But before you can get your hands on these beta-blockers, you'll first need to get a prescription through hers' online system. Vice President of Medical Services at hers Adrian Rawlinson, MD, tells POPSUGAR that a propranolol prescription is not intended to be a solution for general anxiety disorder, a form of anxiety that the Mayo Clinic describes as "excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that [is] difficult to control and interferes with day-to-day activities." Instead, hers has marketed its propranolol product as an option for treating performance anxiety, or anxiousness that makes it difficult to function in specific, high-pressure situations, like job interviews or auditions. Dr. Rawlinson adds that the "physician consultation process" customers use to check out through the hers platform is "designed to mirror what happens when you visit a doctor in person."
The process Dr. Rawlinson describes is a seven-step system that starts at checkout. When you finalize your propranolol order, a new $5 "medical fee" appears. Once your $30 total is paid via credit card, hers routes you to its pre-consultation phase, where you're asked to provide identification information (have your government-issued ID ready) and prompted to acknowledge that propranolol isn't suitable treatment for general or social anxiety disorders.
Next up, you receive an extensive consent document laying out benefits and potential risks of using telemedicine services. Once you check the requisite "I Agree" buttons, you're forwarded to the health evaluation. Hers' standard health evaluation questionnaire for propranolol includes around 12 multiple-choice questions, with the option to choose as many relevant answers per query as necessary. (A question about your symptoms, for example, lists several anxiety indicators – tight throat, pounding heart, shaking hands, and more – and you're encouraged to mark however many you experience.) If you respond to a question with "other" at any point, you're prompted to write out further details for the doctor's review. You're also asked to disclose your current roster of prescription medications in full, with special emphasis placed on 18 prescriptions, all listed by name. Through a partnership with Bailey Health, you're then matched with a physician licensed in your home state to review your feedback. As for the actual consultation, don't expect to hop on a video chat – physicians reach out through the hers platform's instant messaging system, or sometimes via phone call. From there, the doctor determines whether they're comfortable signing off on a propranolol prescription.
While I'm all for making birth control more accessible, and my interest was certainly piqued at the thought of avoiding unnecessary trips to the doctor's office, ordering anxiety medication from my couch still gave me pause. Is it safe? Does this drug even work? To find out, I tapped a few outside experts in the mental health field for their insights on what propranolol is, who should (and shouldn't) take it, whether it's safe to order without seeing a doctor in-person first, and what results to expect before giving it a try.
What the Heck Is Propranolol?
Franklin Schneier, MD, codirector of New York State Psychiatric Institute's Anxiety Disorders Clinic, tells POPSUGAR that propranolol is one of the original beta-blocker drugs and has been around for "at least 50 years." What's a beta-blocker, you ask? Dr. Schneier explains that beta-blockers "act as beta receptors to block the effects of adrenaline" in the body. "Beta receptors are located in many organs including the brain," he says, and "when [propranolol] blocks the beta receptors in the heart, for example, it prevents the heart rate from speeding up." This can potentially reduce physical symptoms of performance anxiety, like shaking hands or a pounding heart, that make it hard to perform in high-pressure situations.
Though Dr. Schneier pointed to the existence of what he considers "a few small studies" with findings that suggest beta-blockers help anxious performers, propranolol is not FDA-approved for anxiety treatment. It is, however, approved by the FDA to treat several heart conditions, high blood pressure, and the prevention of migraine headaches.
Does It Actually Work For Anxiety Treatment?
Tiffany Lago, MD, of the National Institute of Mental Health has studied beta-blockers like propranolol and says research suggests they can be useful for people with "predictable anxiety triggers" in specific situations. If you struggle with a particular social anxiety (like public speaking) or phobia (like a fear of heights), for example, she said propranolol could be a reasonable option for you. One benefit of propranolol, Dr. Lago notes, is that it can be taken "without affecting cognition," unlike some alternative medications. She also tells POPSUGAR that beta-blockers can be useful in quelling symptoms before they spin out of control. "For some people, these physical symptoms of anxiety lead to even more anxiety," she says, and beta-blockers can help prevent that dreaded full-on spiral.
When it comes to managing anxiety symptoms on a day-to-day basis, though, Dr. Schneier says propranolol is "usually" not helpful – and he said it can potentially make depression worse. "This is important, because performance anxiety often occurs in combination with other psychiatric conditions," Dr. Schenier says. He recommends that people try other, longer-lasting methods of addressing anxiety head-on (like therapy) instead of relying on a beta-blocker as a "one size fits all" solution. "Cognitive behavioral therapy is preferable [to beta-blockers], because patients learn coping techniques that they can use the rest of their lives, whereas beta-blockers work only while they are in one's system." He also adds that propranolol can become a crutch: "If propranolol is effective, it often leads to a psychological dependence, and might, therefore, worsen anxiety in unexpected situations where there is not enough warning to take propranolol beforehand." If your situational anxiety manifests in struggling with public speaking, for example, he suggests giving a self-help group like Toastmasters a try.
Should Anyone Avoid Taking Propranolol?
Experts (including hers' Dr. Rawlinson) agree that no one should use propranolol without being completely forthright and honest during their physician consultation about their medical history and current roster of medications. Both Dr. Lago and Dr. Schneier point to a number of specific conditions that would likely rule it out as an option for patients, including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and low blood pressure. (The hers site's "safety information" tab also says people with these conditions are not suited for propranolol, and lists a whole host of medications to avoid using in combination with it, including blood thinners, steroids, and some antidepressants.) Should it concern potential users that it's not technically approved for anxiety? Dr. Schneier says that it means "there is less evidence of its usefulness for anxiety, so that should be taken into account."
Is It Safe to Be Prescribed a Beta-Blocker Via Telemedicine Consultation?
Because of what she described as its "low risk of abuse and dependency," Dr. Lago says telemedicine prescriptions of propranolol are acceptable. "I think it's safe for a psychiatrist to prescribe propranolol via telemedicine if vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure can be monitored routinely," she tells POPSUGAR.
During the consultation, Dr. Schneier says patients should look for a "thorough evaluation" that lasts around 30 minutes, and preferably one that includes discussion of "medical history and a psychiatric assessment, including details of the nature of the anxiety and its triggers, as well as any co-occurring conditions." But Dr. Schneier tells POPSUGAR that he's skeptical of medical evaluations offered online for a low cost: "It seems very unlikely that the $5 medical evaluation offered by some websites is adequate for safe prescribing."
After hearing what the experts have to say about propranolol potentially increasing my in-flight anxiety, I'm inclined to find a more permanent solution for my travel woes than beta-blockers. (We meet again, cognitive behavioral therapy.) But if you are going to give hers' propranolol product a go, remember to be brutally honest about your symptoms, medical history, and current prescriptions with your consulting doctor.
To find a mental health professional in your area, search this database.
Kylie Jenner Tattooed Travis Scott's Bicep With the Same Precision She Applies to Her Lip Liner
Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott have made their bond even more permanent. The 21-year-old businesswoman threw a "Cactus Jack"-themed birthday bash for her rapper boyfriend last week, and the couple had many of opportunities to get inked at the party's tattoo station. Celebrity tattoo artist JonBoy captured an especially sweet moment between the two, when Jenner took control of the needle and gave Scott her own ink.
Scott showed off the matching tattoo he got with fellow rapper Kid Cudi, but has so far kept his ink from Jenner private. Jenner and Scott already share matching butterfly tattoos, which they debuted in June 2017. Watch JonBoy's full video above to see the tattoo process go down. We know Jenner probably has a steady hand, based on the expert way she applies lip liner.
We're Calling It: This Braid Is Going to Be the Biggest Hair Trend of the Summer
Everyone from hairstylists to Daenerys Targaryen to that one Coachella model in see-through crochet "pants" and really, really good hair agrees: braids are all the rage right now. The particular style of plaits you'll be seeing everywhere this Summer, though, is (quite literally) taking center stage - on your crown. We're talking the braided middle part.
"It's simple: these statement braids are powerful and strong, yet easy to glam up with accessories," said hairstylist and Glamsquad artistic director Giovanni Vaccaro. "There are many different variations that can be done with the braided center part look - that's what makes it so fun and customizable."
Whether you want to try an inverted fishtail you or would rather weave a simple braid into a half-up style, Vaccaro is breaking down exactly how to take your middle part to new heights ahead. The crochet pants? Um, you're on your own with that one.
33 Smart Kitchen Organizers That Will Make Your Space Feel Bigger Than Ever
I live in a tiny city apartment, and, well . . . my kitchen is the same size as my bathroom. It does everything it needs to, but lacks serious storage space. It seems like on the daily my pots and pans are colliding with my plates and glasses - it's beyond frustrating. In an effort to keep myself from losing it, I turned to retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and even Urban Outfitters. These stores always seem be my saving grace when it comes to quirky home products or useful organizers. I was shocked at the amount of handy items available and quickly snatched up a handful.
If you're in a similar position, it's time to take Spring cleaning to a whole new level - I'm here to help. Ahead, I've curated a list of bestselling, top-rated, and favorite finds that are bound to help you get and stay cleaner than ever, ultimately creating more space. I wondered how I lived so long without these, from cabinet separators to lazy Susans for your fridge and even tools to hang cleaning products, and you will too. Keep reading to transform your space overnight; you won't regret it.
Selena Gomez Designed Her Own Red Bikini to Support Her Best Friend's New Swimwear Line
Selena Gomez's latest bikini photos have a sweet story behind them. One of Selena's best friends, Theresa Mingus, who was the singer's executive assistant for several years, launched her own swimwear line, Krahs Swim, and Selena designed a few pieces for the first collection. The friends sat down together to discuss Krahs - "shark" spelled backward - and what they're hoping to achieve with the launch. "Every woman wants to feel sexy. Every woman wants to feel confident and beautiful," Theresa said. "I definitely want to have a variety of different pieces so everyone can wear them," she said of the line, which has prices ranging from $40-$70 per item.
As for Selena's contributions, she designed a plunging top, high-waisted bottoms with a belt, and a zip-up one-piece, all in a fiery red color. "I did have a really good time designing. It was fun," she said. "I had a kidney transplant, and I like bathing suits that cover where that's been and make me feel comfortable." It's no surprise that Selena looks stunning while wearing her own designs, which officially dropped along with the rest of Krahs on May 2. As a nod to the name and Theresa's life-long obsession with sharks, some of the pieces have shark-bite cutouts, and all of them have subtle shark details.
Ahead, get a first look at Selena's new swimsuits, watch the video of her and Theresa discussing the new venture, and shop all the cute swimwear from Krahs.
These Forever 21 Swimsuits Are So Affordable, You Can Basically Buy All of Them
We all know that there's nothing like a good deal, and Forever 21 is our one-stop shop for crazy-affordable fashion. So if you thought you'd have to splurge on this Summer's hottest swimsuits, think again! The budget-friendly retailer has swimsuits that start at literally $8. Yeah, you read that right. Eight flipping dollars. (That's probably cheaper than what you spent on lunch today.) Need we say more?
Forever 21 has some of 2019's trendiest bikinis and one-piece swimsuits at the absolute best prices, so we think it's our duty to buy as many as we can. Take a look at the best beachwear we found, and keep in mind that with prices this low, you'll have extra cash to spend on that cute beach towel or cover-up you were eyeing. See you at the beach!
Related: These Floral Swimsuits Are So Cute, You'll Want to Buy More Than One
Anthropologie's Sister Brand, Terrain, Has Us Hooked With Its Summer-Ready Outdoor Planters
Now that we're in the midst of Spring, the rising temperatures may have you lusting for backyard barbecues, cocktails by the pool, and above all, warm evenings. Before we race to pull our patio furniture out of storage, one easy and simple way to upgrade a dismal outdoor area is with the help of plants and planters. A backyard filled with botanicals is a great way to channel the long-awaited Summer season, and the cost surely beats one of a landscape project. If you're ready to have a lush exterior primed for a Summer day, these plant pots from Anthropologie's gardening brand, Terrain, look great with all patio pieces - see our favorites ahead!
Related: 50 Hanging Plants That Will Transform Your Home Into a Picture-Perfect Greenhouse
Just How Old Is the Cast of Netflix's The Society? An Investigation
Whenever we watch a movie or TV show about teenagers, we're usually pretty sure that the actors playing the teen characters aren't actually teens themselves. That's the case once again with The Society, a new Netflix supernatural thriller out May 10 that revolves around a group of teens who wind up in a parent-free alternate version of their town - and it's not exactly the teen dream it seems like at first. We wanted to know just how much older the actors are than their teenage characters, so we did a little research. Find out how old the main players on The Society are in the gallery ahead!
100+ Tiny Tattoos For True Travel-Lovers
For travel-lovers, the next adventure is always just around the corner. Sometimes that adventure involves hopping on a plane and flying to your next destination, but other times it means doing something a little more permanent. If you really love to explore, these tiny tattoo ideas will help fuel your wanderlust and commemorate the experiences you've already had.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
May the Force Be With These 100+ Star Wars Gifts That Are Out of This Galaxy
Star Wars fans love letting the entire world know about our obsession with the franchise, but if your friends are still clutching their faded Darth Vader T-shirts, it might be time to help them out with an upgrade. Whether you and your friends are still reeling from the intensity of Solo: A Star Wars Story or just watched Star Wars: The Last Jedi for the fifth time on Netflix, celebrate your love for the franchise with new accessories, clothes, and fun toys. And while you're at it, don't forget to bake these adorkable Chewbacca cupcakes.
From trendy character food bowls to fun socks, you'll find something for every Wookie-obsessed person in your life.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
This Is Exactly What an Epic Star Wars Wedding Could Look Like
Let's be honest: a Star Wars wedding can be tricky. You want it to be over-the-top fun, but you also run the risk of making it feel like a kids' party. We're here to help! Ahead, check out everything you need - from starry invites to a lightsaber send-off - to keep your big day classy and memorable at the same time. May the wedding-planning Force be with you.
- Additional reporting by Lisette Mejia
Related: The Force Is Strong With These Adorable Crocheted Star Wars Items For Babies
Parents of Twins Can Swim With Both Babies in This Pool Float - Double the Summer Fun!
Let's all float on! As Summer sunshine approaches, it's time to prep with the proper seasonal gear. For many families, that means an inflatable pool toy or two to keep on hand as the weather heats up. There are a variety of pool floats of varying sizes out there, but we're especially excited about this recent discovery: an inflatable dual ring rider, perfect for parents of twins or two young children.
Parents can slip both kids into the rider, which allows the babies to float with their legs dangling in the water. Fill the large center bin with toys, activities, or even snacks, and enjoy the pool together. The float is recommended for "pre-swimmers" from ages eight to 24 months, up to 40 pounds each. Keep reading to shop the rider for yourself.
Ban.do Has the Cutest Summer Essentials, So Consider Us Ready For Pool Parties and Lazy Beach Days
If you weren't already counting down the days until Summer, you will be now! In case you haven't seen Ban.do's Summer collection yet, we only think it's right that we be the ones to show you. Trust us when we say that it has all the Summer essentials you could ever need. (Spoiler: There are even flower-shaped ice pop molds.) From retro-inspired beach towels to super cute pool floats, lazy afternoons by the water, at the park, or just basking in the sun are about to look so much better. Take a peek at our favorite picks ahead, and we can promise that your Summer is about to get a whole lot brighter.
Don't Speak! We're Gushing Over Gwen Stefani's Sexiest Pictures Over the Years
There's no denying it: Gwen Stefani is hella sexy. From her signature platinum blond hair and her cherry-red pout to those chiseled abs (seriously, that sh*t is bananas), she is the queen of ska and a sex goddess all in one. The stunner will be turning 50 later this year, but she still doesn't look any older than the day she and No Doubt first appeared on the scene in the '90s, and we're convinced that there must be some sorcery involved. Blake Shelton, you're a damn lucky man, because these pictures prove that Gwen just manages to get sexier every year.
Related: Holla Back to Gwen Stefani's 10 Sexiest Videos of All Time
Britney Spears Rocks a Sexy Bikini and Blasts Cardi B During an Impressive Yoga Session
Britney Spears is fit and flexible! On Saturday, the 37-year-old singer shared a video of her doing yoga to Cardi B's hit "I Like It," and to say she looks amazing would be an understatement. In the clip, Britney rocks a zebra-print bikini while executing a number of impressive poses, including a handstand and splits. "Yoga on the green," she captioned the post. "I really like it LIKE THAT!!" I mean, we like it like that, too, girl. Get it.
Britney's post comes shortly after she returned home from visiting a treatment center. The pop star checked herself into a mental health facility in early April, just months after canceling her Domination show in Las Vegas. She also announced that she'd be taking a hiatus to focus on her father, Jamie, as he recovers from a colon rupture. Recently, she addressed rumors about her health on Instagram, telling her followers, "My family has been going through a lot of stress and anxiety lately, so I just needed time to deal." She then reassured her fans in the caption that she's powering through any difficulties, adding, "I am strong, and stand up for what I want!"
Haley Joel Osment on "Jumping in the Deep End" With Lily Collins For Intense Ted Bundy Scenes
Haley Joel Osment is no stranger to thrillers. After all, the 31-year-old actor has starred in countless of them over the years, including his Oscar-nominated role in M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense when he was only 11 years old. Though he is well-known for playing the kid "who sees dead people," his latest film, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, is a whole new kind of horror.
The Netflix film tells the story of the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy (Zac Efron) through the perspective of his long-time girlfriend, Elizabeth Kloepfer (Lily Collins), who believed he was innocent for many years. On the flip side, Osment plays the role of Kloepfer's co-worker and eventual husband, Jerry. Though it's unclear if Kloepfer actually did marry her co-worker in real-life - Jerry is reportedly based a romantic love interest of hers named Hank - in the film, the character stands as rock for Kloepfer in her darkest moments.
And as Osment revealed during the film's NYC premiere at Tribeca Film Festival, he and Collins wasted no time diving right in. "Basically the first day I got to Cincinnati, I got a costume fitting early in the morning, and then Lily and I [did] the majority of our intense scenes in that one day," he told POPSUGAR. "I was really fortunate to be with someone as talented as Lily [and] as quick on her feet as Lily because we just went for it. It was just a really exciting day where you just have to jump in the deep end and do that. We had known each other as friends before but had never worked together, so it's fun that it went so well."
While this film is about Ted Bundy and the heinous crimes he committed, at its core it's a story about how he was able to deceive so many people around him, especially Kloepfer. "It's from [Liz's] perspective," Osment explained. "And that's why I think some people had a jarring reaction to the trailer like 'How could you show him as an attractive man' and it's like well, that's just the first part of the movie. You have to start there to show how people can get involved with him because he wasn't always a deranged guy coming out of the bushes at night. He lived a lot of his life building up this image of someone who was attractive and that you wanted to know. Even the judge that sentenced him to death was complimenting him at the end. That's the degree to which people fall for this crap. It's important to study how that happens."
"It's still just shocking what he was able to not accomplish, but get away with."
Osment added that Bundy's ability to charm people into believing he was innocent is what makes the story even more relevant today. "Just to see how bad the world has gotten now continuously worse and how hopeless things seem, it seems very appropriate," he said. "[Today] there's a big theme of manipulation and a lot of people with varying degrees of power are sort of realizing in this country if you just refuse to admit that you're a liar or you just go with the story and present that, enough people will buy it."
In fact, one of the most shocking things to him about the Bundy story was just how many horrible things he was able to get away with. "Even knowing the details really well and having seen [director] Joe [Berlinger]'s documentary [Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes] that came out while we were at Sundance, it's still just shocking what he was able to not accomplish, but get away with. With so much evidence staring us in the face, we had to put ourselves back in this time where people kind of went with their gut feeling. This is a white, college-educated man who exploited all of that privilege to get away with the worst things imaginable."
samedi 4 mai 2019
9 Songs For the 20-Somethings Who Are Living, Loving, and Learning Their Way Into Adulthood
Your 20s can be a pretty weird stage in your life. You've technically entered adulthood, but you still don't feel all that prepared to deal with the realities of growing up (job hunting, paying bills, filing taxes - such concepts!). And your love life? That tends to become more complex, too. But the wonderful thing about being a 20-something-year-old is that you have so much room to make mistakes, learn from them, and figure out who you are. It's a nebulous phase in which many of your decisions somehow feel both life-changing and inconsequential. So, yes, it can be a difficult time in your life, but it can also be the most fun. To celebrate this beautifully complicated stage, check out some of the best songs about being in your 20s!
28 Times Will and Kate Showed PDA - and Why They Don't Do It That Often
When Kate Middleton married Prince William in 2011, she entered into a totally new territory, one full of palaces, public outings, and closely guarded protocol. Some of the royal rules include curtsying to the queen, accepting flowers from adoring fans, and fulfilling philanthropic responsibilities. With everything she gained as Duchess of Cambridge, it seemed like one of the things Kate lost was the freedom to show PDA with her adoring husband. While we've seen the couple out and about a ton together since they tied the knot, it's rare to see them touching each other, especially hugging or kissing.
It may seem like there's royal protocol at play, but contrary to popular belief, there actually isn't any formal rule that discourages the couple from showing PDA. Rather, since Kate and Will are "working representatives of British Monarchy," they likely just prefer to remain professional during their public outings and obligations and are mindful of how it may come off if they're just all over each other at, say, a children's hospital or church visit. It's also a nice way of keeping their private lives separate from their public personas and an attempt to avoid any weird speculation about even the slightest smooch or cuddle.
William can usually be seen reaching for his wife or resting a helping hand on her back while walking together. He and Kate haven't shied away from sharing a hug at sporting events, holding hands during a joint appearance, or generally showing off their sweet chemistry, but we've only seen them kiss three times - and two of those times were during their wedding. Here are the times we've gotten a peek at the royal couple's sweet public displays of affection - here's hoping for many more!
3 Theories About What "The Rise of Skywalker" Actually Means in the Star Wars Universe
The release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is still months away, but ever since the first teaser trailer dropped, we've been wracking our brains trying to decipher what the title might mean. Some popular theories point to either Kylo Ren, Rey, or even Anakin being the titular Skywalker, playing into the "Chosen One" narrative that began with Luke in the original trilogy, and continued with Anakin in the prequels. These sorts of theories tend to lean heavily into ideas of destiny and specialness, with the hero being "chosen" for greatness long before they ever actually do anything noteworthy.
However, we suspect that director J.J. Abrams is attempting to throw us off the scent, and that the title is phrased to be deliberately misleading. Abrams is well-known for his love of "mystery box" storytelling and shocking twists, so it's unlikely that he'd give away a big piece of the puzzle in the title. Furthermore, back in 2015, Abrams gave an interview to Slashfilm in which, when asked about "Chosen One" stories in Star Wars, he said:
"To me, Star Wars was never about science fiction - it was a spiritual story. And it was more of a fairytale in that regard. For m, when I heard Obi-Wan say that the Force surrounds us and binds us all together, there was no judgement about who you were. This was something that we could all access. Being strong with the Force didn't mean something scientific, it meant something spiritual. It meant someone who could believe, someone who could reach down to the depths of your feelings and follow this primal energy that was flowing through all of us. I mean, that's what was said in that first film! And there I am sitting in the theater at almost 11 years old and that was a powerful notion. And I think this is what your point was, we would like to believe that when shit gets serious, that you could harness that Force I was told surrounds not just some of us but every living thing. And so, I really feel like the assumption that any character needs to have inherited a certain number of midi-chlorians or needs to be part of a bloodline - it's not that I don't believe that as part of the canon, I'm just saying that at 11 years old, that wasn't where my heart was. And so I respect and adhere to the canon but I also say that the Force has always seemed to me to be more inclusive and stronger than that."
Given that Abrams seems to personally reject the idea of Star Wars as a Chosen One narrative, it seems highly unlikely that his ending to the saga would revolve around that particular trope. While Abrams had to know that most theories about the title would center either Rey or one of the previously established Skywalkers, it seems probable that The Rise of Skywalker was intentionally designed to point us in one direction, while actually indicating something completely different.
Read on for three theories about what The Rise of Skywalker could mean that manage to eschew the Chosen One narrative.
80 Netflix Original Movies That Belong on Your Radar in 2019
If you weren't already aware, the year isn't even a third over and Netflix has already released more movies than we could even watch if we sat in front of our TVs for a week straight. Not only are there already a ton of insanely good movies available for streaming - there are also so many more coming, we can barely keep track of them. With bigger stars, bigger budgets, and bigger expectations than ever before, we bring you all of the Netflix originals that 2019 has to offer, as well as all of the dates you need to know to watch them.
Adele Seemingly References Her Recent Separation With a Very Personal Meme
Imagine being Adele: Academy Award-winner, recipient of 15 Grammys, widely adored by the world - yes, that Adele. It seems the singer needed to be reminded of her icon status, because she recently shared a meme of herself in two very different states with the caption, "When you catch yourself in your feelings then you remember who you are." In the photo on the left, Adele is shown crying while accepting an award at the 2012 Grammys - one of six awards her album 21 would earn that night, by the way - and on the right, she's rapping Nicki Minaj's "Monster" during a session of Carpool Karaoke with James Corden.
Though obviously joking in nature, the meme does come shortly after Adele and Simon Konecki announced their separation after two years of marriage on April 19. While we don't want to speculate, if she is indeed catching herself in her feelings, then we're glad she's found this confident coping mechanism. She is freaking Adele, after all!
No, Arya Probably Isn't the "Prince That Was Promised" on Game of Thrones
Warning: There are a bunch of Game of Thrones spoilers ahead, so read at your own risk.
There has been so much going on in the wild, wild world of Game of Thrones lately that I nearly forgot about the "Prince That Was Promised" prophecy. The tale has been fueling theories since the very beginning of the series, and up until recently, there seemed to be two very likely candidates: Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke). However, after season eight's third episode, "The Long Night," a new character entered the ring - one Arya "Night King Killer" Stark (Maisie Williams).
Who Is Azor Ahai?
As a refresher, in A Song of Ice and Fire, the series of books that inspired the TV version of Game of Thrones, there is a popular myth surrounding a hero figure named Azor Ahai. According to a legend whose origins are rooted in the religion that Melisandre practices, the White Walkers swept across the world long, long ago, leaving death and destruction in their wake. Azor Ahai allegedly rose up to save the world from eternal night by forging a legendary sword of flames - Lightbringer - in his wife's blood, that helped him push the Others far, far into the North, where they were all but forgotten about.
In A Dance With Dragons, the prophecy about Azor Ahai is stated as follows: "When the red star bleeds and the darkness gathers, Azor Ahai shall be born again amidst smoke and salt to wake dragons out of stone." Seeing as the White Walkers returned and appeared to be a bigger, more terrifying threat than ever, it stands to reason that Azor Ahai's reincarnation is, too.
How Does Arya Connect to the Prophecy?
Before Melisandre set her sights on Jon Snow, she believed that Stannis Baratheon was that prince, which we, of course, now know was very much not true. But since High Valyrian is known for being gender-neutral (just take the prophecy about Cersei, for example), there are also theories that Dany could be the fabled prince. Now that Arya has killed the Night King, though, does that mean she's actually been the reincarnated hero all along?
As much as I wish I could say yes, it seems like a long shot. Killing the Night King seems more like a good way for the writers of the series to justify all of Arya's brutal training at the House of Black and White, as well as her assassin arc in general. But does it mean she can "deliver" the world from darkness? I'm not so sure. Game of Thrones fans have long assumed that the Night King is the darkness that the prophecy was talking about, but what if he wasn't? His death is important, to be sure, but could there be something worse in King's Landing that Jon or Dany will have to contend with down the line?
There's also the very important matter that Arya's life doesn't line up with anything else in the prophecy other than the fact she killed the Night King, which, again, is really great! And badass! It definitely doesn't hurt. But was she "born amidst smoke and salt" as "the red star bleeds"? No. Has she lit a sword on fire, or awoken dragons from stone? Also no.
Where Does Melisandre Fit Into All This?
Way back in season three, Arya and Melisandre cross paths for the last time until they bump into each other again during the Battle of Winterfell in season eight. Before Melisandre skips town with Gendry and a sack of leeches, she tells Arya that she'll kill people who have "Brown eyes, blue eyes, green eyes," saying that they'll be "eyes sealed shut forever." This is important to remember when you consider Melisandre repeats this in the midst of battle, which spurs Arya on to go kill the blue-eyed Night King. So, this is at least one case of Melisandre's prediction about a Stark coming true, even if it's Arya doing something heroic and not Jon. Now that Melisandre is gone, though, it will be interesting to see if any of her remaining predictions come true.
How a Key Element of Iron Man's Journey Plays Into His Story in Avengers: Endgame
Much like it's predecessor did when it left more than half of everyone's favorite heroes dusted to the great beyond, Avengers: Endgame is leaving Marvel fans emotionally gutted. While the film is a great deal more restrained than Avengers: Infinity War when it came to killing off Avengers, the few deaths that do occur are devastating enough on their own. And the death that has sparked perhaps the most passionate response from fans is, unsurprisingly, the death of the man who started it all - Iron Man's Tony Stark.
"I think in a way Tony Stark was meant to die, and he always knew he was going to die because he could never reconcile that notion in himself of not protecting the universe," co-director Joe Russo told Entertainment Weekly. "I think that was always a spark in him, always seeing that there was danger coming on the horizon and that someday, he and that danger would meet."
When you look back on Tony's journey throughout all the Marvel films, his being unable to resist helping "avenge" the Earth in times of need is a constant theme. It's also a big strain on his relationship with Pepper Potts, who is always frightened that she'll lose him to the various dangers that present themselves to him. In a character-defining scene from Iron Man, the two have an argument where Pepper tells him that she doesn't want to be part of what could possibly kill him, but he convinces her to stay. "I shouldn't be alive unless it's for a reason," he tells her. "I finally know what I have to do and I know in my heart that it's right."
That line of thinking is present in all of Tony's actions throughout the years and it's why he's eager to be part of the Avengers, so much so that he provides the funds for all their operations and builds Avengers Tower. While we all know that Steve Rogers has the pep talks down to a science, Tony's unwavering dedication to fighting the good fight is what makes him a central motivating member of the team. It's also what keeps him putting on the suit, no matter how much of a "normal life" he attempts to have.
"Stark is the most formidable of all of them," Joe said. "Because of his heart."
In Infinity War, right before Thanos's children touch down in New York City, Tony and Pepper talk about the possibility of having children. Pepper tells her husband that if he wanted kids, he wouldn't have made another arc reactor because he doesn't need it. Tony responds that he's just "trying to protect us." Of course, moments later, the safety measure proves useful when Thanos and company invade Earth. But the argument itself is an example of how hard it has always been for Tony to let go of his hero ways, which is why it's no shock that he goes back to them in Endgame.
Even the fact that he's finally achieved the ideal family life with Pepper and their daughter Morgan, can't keep Tony from figuring out how to successfully time travel using Pym Particles when Scott Lang presents the challenge to the Avengers. And so he suits up once again, this time determined not to lose what he's gained in the five-year time jump and save the world for his family.
In the end, Tony does manage to save the world, but it's at the cost of his own life. He dies on the battlefield with his wife, Pepper, best friend, Rhodey, and protégé, Peter Parker, at his side. His use of the Infinity Stones to reverse Thanos's snap burns his body with gamma radiation and leaves him unable to speak, but the Russo brothers revealed that it was actually Robert Downey Jr.'s choice to have Tony go out without any last words. (Aside from declaring, "I am Iron Man." right before he snapped his fingers, of course.)
"That was his instinct saying, 'I'm going to be truthful to what this situation is,'" Joe explained. "He just got destroyed by this glove. We saw what it did to the Hulk. We saw what it did to Thanos. It would incapacitate [Tony]. Not always in life do you get the moment at your death where you're lucid and can have a really cohesive speech about what your life meant to you."
"That's why he recorded a post-death message, so he didn't have to talk at his death!" Anthony Russo joked.
It's also a fitting end for the usually verbose hero. He doesn't have to say anything to his loved ones, his actions show them just how much he cared about them. He exchanged his life for their peace and he would do it again with no hesitation. That perseverance is what drew fans to the "genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist" in the first place, as well as his obvious modesty. And it's why we can accept this ending to his story, no matter how heartbreaking it may be. Tony Stark finally met the danger that was always on the horizon and he took the one in 14 million chance to bring it down. That's why he is, and will always be, our Iron Man.
Read more of the Russos brothers' interview with Entertainment Weekly here.
Haley Joel Osment on "Jumping in the Deep End" With Lily Collins For Intense Ted Bundy Scenes
Haley Joel Osment is no stranger to thrillers. After all, the 31-year-old actor has starred in countless of them over the years, including his Oscar-nominated role in M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense when he was only 11 years old. Though he is well-known for playing the kid "who sees dead people," his latest film, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, is a whole new kind of horror.
The Netflix film tells the story of the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy (Zac Efron) through the perspective of his long-time girlfriend, Elizabeth Kloepfer (Lily Collins), who believed he was innocent for many years. On the flip side, Osment plays the role of Kloepfer's co-worker and eventual husband, Jerry. Though it's unclear if Kloepfer actually did marry her co-worker in real-life - Jerry is reportedly based a romantic love interest of hers named Hank - in the film, the character stands as rock for Kloepfer in her darkest moments.
And as Osment revealed during the film's NYC premiere at Tribeca Film Festival, he and Collins wasted no time diving right in. "Basically the first day I got to Cincinnati, I got a costume fitting early in the morning, and then Lily and I [did] the majority of our intense scenes in that one day," he told POPSUGAR. "I was really fortunate to be with someone as talented as Lily [and] as quick on her feet as Lily because we just went for it. It was just a really exciting day where you just have to jump in the deep end and do that. We had known each other as friends before but had never worked together, so it's fun that it went so well."
While this film is about Ted Bundy and the heinous crimes he committed, at its core it's a story about how he was able to deceive so many people around him, especially Kloepfer. "It's from [Liz's] perspective," Osment explained. "And that's why I think some people had a jarring reaction to the trailer like 'How could you show him as an attractive man' and it's like well, that's just the first part of the movie. You have to start there to show how people can get involved with him because he wasn't always a deranged guy coming out of the bushes at night. He lived a lot of his life building up this image of someone who was attractive and that you wanted to know. Even the judge that sentenced him to death was complimenting him at the end. That's the degree to which people fall for this crap. It's important to study how that happens."
"It's still just shocking what he was able to not accomplish, but get away with."
Osment added that Bundy's ability to charm people into believing he was innocent is what makes the story even more relevant today. "Just to see how bad the world has gotten now continuously worse and how hopeless things seem, it seems very appropriate," he said. "[Today] there's a big theme of manipulation and a lot of people with varying degrees of power are sort of realizing in this country if you just refuse to admit that you're a liar or you just go with the story and present that, enough people will buy it."
In fact, one of the most shocking things to him about the Bundy story was just how many horrible things he was able to get away with. "Even knowing the details really well and having seen [director] Joe [Berlinger]'s documentary [Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes] that came out while we were at Sundance, it's still just shocking what he was able to not accomplish, but get away with. With so much evidence staring us in the face, we had to put ourselves back in this time where people kind of went with their gut feeling. This is a white, college-educated man who exploited all of that privilege to get away with the worst things imaginable."
The Big Bang Theory's Johnny Galecki Is "Over the Moon" to Be Expecting His First Child
Celebrity babies will never stop putting smiles on our faces, so here's one more little one to celebrate. In twin Instagram posts on their respective pages, The Big Bang Theory star Johnny Galecki and girlfriend Alaina Meyer announced that they're expecting their first baby together - so, yep, Johnny is going to be a dad! "We are absolutely over the moon to announce that we will soon be welcoming a little one into this crazy and wonderful world," Galecki captioned his post." We ask that you please respect our privacy during this celebratory time for us and our families. There truly is love out there for all. We hope ours is the ember of yours, as we feel yours is the ember of ours."
"So happy to announce that we are having a baby!" Alaina added in her own Instagram post. "There couldn't be a better blessing in the world for us and we are over the moon happy. We appreciate as much privacy in this time as we are celebrating with close friends and family, and we are happy to share the news with you."
The couple first announced their relationship through an Instagram post following a date night back in September 2018. They later made their first public appearance at the E! People's Choice Awards in Santa Monica in December 2018. It sounds like they have a lot to look forward to, and we definitely plan to stay tuned for any updates from the excited parents-to-be.
All the Exciting New - and Beloved Old - Movies Coming to Disney's Streaming Service
Disney's upcoming streaming platform, Disney+, is coming straight out of the gate with a veritable treasure trove of exciting content to lure you over from Netflix and Hulu. In addition to TV shows about Marvel favorites like Loki and Falcon, the service is adding some exclusive movies to its ever-growing list of titles. Some of them will be old favorites - Disney's entire catalog - while others will be fresh from the studio. If you're wondering when, exactly, you'll be able to check them out, keep reading.
Related: Open the Vault! Disney's ENTIRE Movie Library Will Be Available on Its New Streaming Service
Game of Thrones: 15 Important Questions We Still Have About the Battle of Winterfell
Warning: spoilers for Game of Thrones episode "The Long Night" abound below, so proceed with caution.
As the fires that raged during the Battle of Winterfell begin to cool, I've found myself with a number of important questions about the most recent episode of Game of Thrones. Though "The Long Night" might have been dark to the point of audiences not being able to properly see who was getting stabbed or figure out what the f*ck was going on, Beric Dondarrion and Melisandre (RIP) at least kept things lit well enough for me to wonder about Arya, the Night King, battle strategy (or lack thereof), and death. This is Game of Thrones, after all.
Does anyone actually have a strategy during the big battle, or what?
Listen, I don't want to cast any blame, but . . . actually no, let's cast some blame. First and foremost, why are the Dothraki sent riding blind into the darkness of the battlefield, where they can clearly hear some wights approaching in the distance? Could Jon and Dany really not swoop down to light the pitch black war zone up for them with their dragons real quick? If I were leading my only army into battle against the Night King's massive army of frozen zombies, I'd probably start by attempting to cook as many enemies as possible with my pet dragon rather than just . . . watching them all die an immediate and senseless death?
And on that note, why was everyone in Winterfell just standing around waiting to get sliced and diced by wights before the battle started?! For instance, before the fighting begins, there's plenty of footage of Jon and Dany standing up on a faraway mountain looking down at the battlefield they should be defending, while other characters mill about the castle trying to look busy. For all their talk of the dead being such a threat, everyone seemed remarkably chill about their impending doom. The "waiting to die" method continues as the battle rages on, with everyone deciding to stand around and let the wights come to them rather than regrouping to figure out a better strategy.
Why doesn't anyone in the Winterfell Crypt have weapons?
Sure, I know Arya gives Sansa a small dagger before things get real, but it doesn't make sense that people would be locked down there without anything to protect themselves, save for Tyrion's flask of wine. Surely Gendry could've made a few more dragonglass swords! (Alright, fine, maybe he was a little busy the night before . . .)
And why, oh why, doesn't anyone anticipate the Night King raising the dead inside the crypt?!
Jon has seen the Night King do this over and over again, so it doesn't make sense that he'd overlook this crucial aspect of the crypts filled with dead bodies below the castle. He really needs to stop sleeping with his aunt get his head in the game.
Where the hell does Melisandre come from?
Last we checked, the Red Woman was jetting off of Dragonstone in season seven to head back to Essos. We hadn't heard from her since, until right before the battle, when she helpfully arrives to light the Dothraki army's swords on fire. (Which is a great idea for the following three minutes the warriors are alive.)
And why does she decide that is a good time to die?
After giving Arya a special pep talk, she morphs into the "guess I'll die" guy meme by taking off her magic necklace and walking out into the snow to rapidly age into dust. Uh, thanks for the help? See ya? I understand she might have seen her purpose in life - to aid Jon Snow, since it seems she is still under the impression he's the Prince That Was Promised - fulfilled since the North defeated the Night King, but it might've been nice to have her help going into the fight against Cersei's forces. Just sayin'.
How does Arya creep up on the Night King?
Yes, Arya is the one to kill the Night King in the end and take out his army of icy followers. But after Melisandre convinces her that she needs to do it, all we see is Arya run off through the halls of Winterfell, and then BOOM - she's suddenly flying through the air to sneak attack the Night King before he can kill Bran, which ends with her stabbing the villain in the stomach. But why don't his White Walker pals and legion of wights who are surrounding him from all sides notice her coming? Arya is small and sneaky, but she's not that small and sneaky.
Does this mean Arya is the legendary "Prince That Was Promised"?
Like I was saying earlier, there's an old prophecy written in High Valyrian that, when translated, proclaims that a storied figure from the past named Azor Ahai will be reincarnated as the "prince that was promised" and will rise to save Westeros from a great darkness, which up until this point we'd assumed was the Night King. So, who is it? We don't know yet. According to the prophecy, "when the red star bleeds and the darkness gathers, Azor Ahai shall be born again amidst smoke and salt to wake dragons out of stone." In addition to that, the prince was said to have a burning sword of flames, named Lightbringer, which Ahai formed while sacrificing his wife, Nissa Nissa.
Before Melisandre sets her sights on Jon, she believes that Stannis Baratheon is that prince, which we of course now know is very much not true. But since High Valyrian is known for being gender-neutral (just take the prophecy about Cersei, for example), there are also theories that Dany could be the prince. But now that Arya has killed the Night King, does that mean she's actually been the reincarnated hero all along?
As much as I wish I could say yes, it seems like a long shot. Killing the Night King seems more like a good way to justify all of her brutal training at the House of Black and White, as well as her assassin arc in general. But does it mean she can "deliver" the world from darkness? I'm not so sure. What if all this time, the Night King wasn't the darkness the prophecy was talking about? Could there be something worse in King's Landing that Jon or Dany will have to contend with?
What is the Night King's plan, exactly?
It seems the leader of the White Walker army is just as unprepared as the Winterfellians. Given how the episode wraps up, it seems his plan is: unleash icy hell, hop off his dragon, kill Bran, bounce. Obviously things do not shake out in his favor.
What nail salon does the Night King go to, do you think?
So not only is he the King of the Night, but apparently he is also the King of Trendy Almond Manicures. Noted.
WHY IS EVERYTHING SO DARK?
The show's cinematographers are claiming it was all in the name of realism, but if you're going to spend a gabilliontrillion dollars (a conservative estimate) on the biggest TV battle of all time, wouldn't you want the audience to be able to actually see it happening? That could have been the Avengers out there fighting wights, for all I know.
What is Cersei up to while all this is taking place?
OK, fine, this probably isn't that important of a question since we can all guess it's some variation of: sipping wine, glaring, and complaining about King's Landing's significant lack of elephants.
Why does Sam even bother fighting?
Do I understand his manly-man urge to get out there and fight for his countrymen? Fine. Sure. But should he have actually done it? Hell no! Just because you're a speed-reader doesn't mean you know how to wield a sword, my dude. Dolorous Edd wouldn't have died if he wasn't busy trying to get Sam to buck up in the middle of battle. If all he was going to do was cower and wait to be wight food, he should've taken that sword and decided to protect the crypts, instead.
Why doesn't Theon have more arrows?
The fact that Bran is only being protected in the Godswood by Theon and a few measly Ironborn soldiers is laughable. With all of Bran's omniscient powers, perhaps he saw Arya killing the Night King and figured it was fine if Theon and co. died to pave the way for that to happen. But he couldn't help the dude out by warning him to stock up on an extra sack of arrows? Or have his men arm themselves with dragonglass swords in addition to their stock of flaming arrows? It's yet another part of their battle plan that makes no [clap] sense [clap] whatsoever [clap].
Daenerys seriously never bothered to learn how to use a sword? Really?
When Drogon finds himself covered in bloodthirsty wights stabbing his wings and hanging from his tail, he decides to ditch Dany and take off into the sky (I don't blame him, not even a little). Abandoned in the middle of a battlefield full of blue-eyed enemies, Dany feebly tries to defend herself before Jorah steps in to save his khaleesi. That's all well and good and provides him a valiant death, but it's wild to me that at this point, Daenerys has had so many talented swordsmen in her orbit and she never thought to ask any of them to teach her to fight. This can obviously be chalked up to her being a little snooty, and overconfident in the fact her dragons would always protect her, but hopefully she's learned her lesson. Clearly, Drogon, much like the honeybadger, doesn't care.
Do you agree that more people should have died? Because I think more people should have died.
This episode was hyped to be an all-out bloodbath, but at the end of the day, only a handful of recognizable characters find themselves on the wrong end of a wight sword (or getting crushed to death by a zombie giant, but that's neither here nor there). As much as I love characters like Podrick and Greyworm, the Battle of Winterfell seemed like a prime opportunity to give them the brave send-offs they deserve. Hell, I was even thinking the writers would give Brienne and Jaime the ax, so seeing most of the supporting characters survive as well as the main characters is surprising, to say the least.
Every Musician Who's Appeared in Game of Thrones Over the Years
When you finally peel your eyes away from the fire-breathing dragons and the hordes of frozen zombies, you might realize that some of the recognizable faces you've been seeing on Game of Thrones are usually somewhere other than your TV screen. HBO's hit fantasy drama has drawn plenty of talent from the music industry, whether it's in the form of recurring roles (Iwan Rheon as Ramsay Bolton, for instance) or blink-and-you'll-miss-them cameos. Keep reading to see a rundown of every other musically talented individual who's popped up on Game of Thrones so far (including Ed Sheeran!).
Nicole Kidman and the Big Little Lies Team Are Bringing Nine Perfect Strangers to Hulu
Nicole Kidman snapped up the screen rights to Liane Moriarty's latest novel, Nine Perfect Strangers, a few months back, and we've been anxiously awaiting the news of where we'd be able to watch the onscreen adaptation of the book. Well, it looks like Hulu was the luckiest bidder, since Kidman and the team behind HBO's Big Little Lies are reuniting to bring your next twisted obsession to the streaming platform.
By now it should be evident that Moriarty knows how to weave a fantastic tale, given the many books she's written, and even more so in last year's gripping HBO series based on her novel. In Nine Perfect Strangers, which spent 13 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list after its debut last November, we follow (yep) nine wealthy, stressed-out individuals who have gathered at a remote health-and-wellness resort that promises to leave them healed, reinvigorated, and ultimately transformed. But not everything at this idyllic place is quite what it pretends to be.
Kidman is on board not only as a producer, but also to star as the Tranquillum House resort's mysterious director, Masha, who is the one tasked with leading these nine "perfect" strangers on a healing journey. The show is set to premiere in late 2020, and will be co-written by Big Little Lies scribe David E. Kelley and John Henry Butterworth. Bruna Papandrea is also producing.
Confused About the Avengers: Endgame Time Heist? Here's a Guide to the Convoluted Caper
Warning: HUGE spoilers for Avengers: Endgame ahead!
One of the best elements of Marvel's Avengers: Endgame is the combination of lighthearted fun and devastating heartbreak. With a movie that involves extensive time travel and such high stakes, it can be hard to bring some levity to the big screen. But the film's "time heist," an idea originally pitched by Ant-Man, has some of the best moments in the entire film. It brings us all back to key moments in the Avengers' past and shows us how different everyone is now. 2012's Avengers would most definitely be shaken by their 2023 selves - especially Captain America.
But the time heist doesn't just serve as Marvel fan service: it also drives the big plot of the film. Using the Quantum Realm, that is usually only accessible to the very tiny (aka Scott Lang and company), the Avengers travel back in time to collect the six Infinity Stones and recreate Thanos's snap. Instead of dusting the universe, they snap all their "dead" loves ones back to life. They might be missing the last five years of their lives (since the film jumps in time to 2023), but they're alive, and that probably matters more.
Of course, there are specific rules to follow when it comes to time travel, and Endgame abides by most of them. The biggest and most important rule is that The Avengers aren't supposed to re-write the past: they're only setting out to create a different future. As with all things that start out with the best intentions, things don't go exactly the way they plan. Keep reading for our handy guide to the Avengers' quest for the Infinity Stones as they travel back in time, then back to the future.
- The purple Power Stone, aka the Orb: This stone is originally introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy when the Guardians defeat Ronan the Accuser, who attempts to use the Orb to destroy the planet Xander. Nebula and Rhodey are assigned to travel back to the planet Morag in 2014 and retrieve the stone right before Peter Quill is meant to steal it. The mission itself is fairly seamless, with Nebula reaching straight into the lasers surrounding the Orb and taking it out. They kind of burn off the flesh(?) on her arm, but it's robotic so she's totally fine! However, as soon as War Machine teleports back to the future, Nebula is attacked and kidnapped by the 2014 versions of herself and Thanos. This leads to the past version of Thanos traveling through time to battle for the Infinity Stones and destroy half the world all over again in 2023.
- The blue Space Stone, aka the Tesseract: Though this Infinity Stone was originally on Asgard with Thor and his family, it's been seen on Earth several times over the years. In Endgame Tony and Scott are assigned to travel back to 2012, right before the end of the first Avengers movie where Thor brought the Tesseract back to Asgard, along with Loki. Scott flies into 2012's Tony heart and causes him to go into cardiac arrest, so he'll drop the briefcase containing the Tesseract. The plan is for future Tony, dressed in a SWAT team uniform, to sneak by and grab the suitcase, but he's swatted when an angry Hulk crashes into him. Seeing his chance, Loki snatches the fallen briefcase and uses the stone to teleport away.
Tony and Steve then head to New Jersey in 1970, where the Tesseract is being held and Hank Pym is working on Pym Particles. While Steve grabs the particles, Tony steals the Tesseract. He runs into his father, Howard, and the two share a sweet moment commiserating on fatherhood with Howard blind to the fact that Tony is his son. Tony and Steve return to 2023 with the Infinity Stone and more particles to allow a trip to return the stones in the end. - The yellow Mind Stone: First seen in The Avengers as part of Loki's Chitauri scepter, the mind stone isn't actually revealed to be an Infinity Stone until Avengers: Age of Ultron. Steve is sent to 2012 to grab the scepter from the S.H.I.E.L.D agents (actually undercover Hydra agents) who took it from the Avengers after they apprehended Loki. Steve follows the agents into the elevator and pretends to also be an undercover Hydra agent (a nice little shoutout to the Marvel comics run) so they'll give him the scepter. He has a brief - but epic - one-on-one fight with 2012's Captain America, before handing the scepter off to Scott, who returns to the future. Steve then travels with Tony back to 1970 to find more Pym Particles, allowing for more quantum leaps. While he's there, he sees Peggy Carter, which most likely inspires his decision to return to her at the end of the film.
- The red Reality Stone, aka the Aether: Introduced in Thor: The Dark World, the Aether is more like a substance than a stone. Thor and Rocket travel to collect the Aether from Asgard where Jane Foster (Remember Jane!?) has become its host in 2013. While Thor is distracted by the presence of his late mother Frigga, who gives him a rousing pep talk to help him feel better about the events of Infinity War, Rocket is able to sneak into Jane's room and use an extractor tool to take the Aether from her.
- The orange Soul Stone: First referenced in Guardians of the Galaxy, the Soul Stone is the most mysterious of the Infinity Stones. As revealed in a conversation between Thanos and Gamora in Infinity War, the stone's location is on the planet Vormir and protected by the Red Skull. Natasha and Clint travel back to 2014 to get the stone, not knowing that a soul is demanded in exchange for it. After a very dramatic back-and-forth, Natasha sacrifices herself for the stone and Clint returns to 2023 without the Black Widow.
- The green Time Stone, aka the Eye of Agamotto: Introduced in Doctor Strange, the Eye of Agamotto is protected by the Master of the Mystic Arts, Doctor Stephan Strange, and kept in a secret compound, Kamar-Taj. Bruce is sent to 2012 to grab the stone from Doctor Strange, but he doesn't actually live there yet. Back then, the Time Stone is in the possession of the Ancient One who refuses to hand it over. The Ancient One explains that giving it to Bruce could create alternate branched realities, which are worse than the current one. But when Bruce reveals that Doctor Strange willingly gave the stone to Thanos, the Ancient One concludes that this must be part of the 1 in 14 million chance Doctor Strange saw in his vision. Bruce gets the stone under the promise that the Avengers return them all to the exact the moment in time from which were taken.
With all six stones, the Avengers are able to snap back their dusted friends and families. But before everyone can live happily ever after, the Avengers go to battle with the past version of Thanos. It ends when Tony steals the stones from Thanos and into a makeshift gauntlet built into his suit. He snaps his fingers and wills away Thanos and his army, who all disintegrate the same way people did in Infinity War. Tony's snap burns up his body and he dies on the battlefield with his wife, Pepper, and protégé, Peter Parker, at his side.
At Tony's funeral, the Avengers are finally united with their loved ones and go about their lives. Steve takes the remaining Pym Particles to return the stones to their own timeline and decides to use his last time jump to go back and live a happy life with Peggy. Sam and Bucky find a much older version of Steve waiting for them near the lake, where he explains his decision and passes on the Captain America shield to Sam. With that, Marvel fans officially say goodbye to the Infinity Saga of the MCU.
Lucy Liu's Walk of Fame Ceremony Included a Very Exciting Charlie's Angels Reunion
Lucy Liu was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, and the event was filled with a handful of really cute moments. The 50-year-old actress was joined by her family and a handful of her costars for the special occasion. Lucy posed for photos with her precious 3-year-old son, Rockwell, before reuniting with her Charlie's Angels costars Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz. Seriously, anyone else feeling nostalgic about these three ladies being back together again?
Lucy's other Charlie's Angels costar Demi Moore and actress Rhea Perlman also said a few words before the actress took the stage to giving a moving speech about representation in Hollywood. "Sometimes people talk about my mainstream successes as groundbreaking for an Asian, but Asians have been making movies for a long time," she said, referring to actresses like Anna May Wong, whom her star is next to. "They just weren't making them [in Hollywood] because we weren't yet invited to the table. If my body of work somehow helped bridge the gap between the stereotypical roles first given to Anna May and mainstream success today, I am thrilled to be part of that process."
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