However, some other people have built themselves and their empires from the bottom. The “college dropout” stories may seem like stuff from a movie, but some of them turn out to be real.

Whatever the case may be, these are 15 young people who managed to reach billionaire status, and who have an interesting story behind their lives.

Mark Mateschitz

Net Worth: $34.7 Billion

Last October, Dietrich Mateschitz passed away at age 78. Mateschitz was the co-founder of the giant energy drink powerhouse Red Bull. The company diversified its portfolio shifting to sport series, multiple sports team ownerships, celebrity endorsements and music, through its Red Bull Records label.

After Dietrich passed away, his son Mark inherited 49% of the company. Mark would end up resigning from his role as its head of organics soon after to “concentrate on his role as shareholder.”

Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio

Net Worth: $3.5 Billion

LuxotticaGroup is the world’s largest eyewear company and owns brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley while also licensing many designer brands. It was founded by Leonardo del Vecchio in 1961, and made him the Italy’s second-richest person at the time of his passing, in June 2022

Del Vecchio left 12.5% of his fortune to his widow Nicoletta Zampillo, six children and one stepchild. Leonardo Maria del Vecchio is his father’s only child with Zampillo, and currently heads strategy for Luxottica.

Luca Del Vecchio and Clemente Del Vecchio

Net Worth: $3.5 Billion

Leonardo Del Vecchio, Luxottica’s founder, also married Sabina Grossi, a former Luxottica board member and the company’s former head of investor relations. With Grossi, Del Vecchio had two kids.

Luca and Clemente Del Vecchio ended up being two heirs of Del Vecchio’s fortune. Neither of them is currently known to have a role in Luxottica or its companies.

Gustav Magnar Witzoe

Net Worth: $2.7 Billion

Fish farming is the main source of wealth of Gustav Magnar Witzoe. The 29-year-old Norwegian owns nearly half of salmon farming company SalMar ASA.

Gustav Magnar inherited that portion of the company from his father, Gustav Witzoe. However, Gustav Magnar doesn’t have an operating role. Witzoe is shifting his money ventures, as he’s invested in real estate and tech startups.

Kevin David Lehmann

Net Worth: $2.3 Billion

At only 20 years old, Kevin David Lehmann is one of the youngest billionaires in the world. Lehmann inherited 50% of German drugstore chain dm-drogerie markt from his father at age 14, getting millions as an early teenager.

Neither he nor his father are currently involved in an active role in the company. Following the usual procedure in these cases, it remained under a trusteeship until his 18th birthday, when he officially became a billionaire.

Michal Strnad

Net Worth: $2 Billion

The Czech entrepreneur is primarily known for his involvement in the armaments industry. Michal Strnad is the owner and CEO of Czechoslovak Group (CSG), an industrial holding company that produces ammunition, special army trucks, army vehicles, active radars, among others.

His father founded the company in 1995, and Michal inherited the company in 2018. CSG is currently one of the biggest suppliers of ammunition, ground equipment and artillery equipment to the Ukrainian army.

Palmer Luckey

Net Worth: $1.7 Billion

Palmer Luckey’s life story and path to billionaire status is a very interesting one. He gained widespread recognition and wealth through his invention of the Oculus Rift, a groundbreaking virtual reality headset.

He developed the initial prototype for the Oculus Rift in his garage while he was still a teenager. To fund the development of the Oculus Rift, Luckey launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2012, raising over $2.4 million from backers, developing the company and selling it to Facebook for approximately $2 billion in cash and stock.

Kim Jung-min and Kim Jung-youn

Net Worth: $1.7 Billion

Kim Jung-ju, along with his partners, founded Nexon Corporation in 1994. Nexon is known for being a pioneer of the free-to-play model in online gaming, where players can access and play games for free while having the option to purchase in-game items (microtransactions) or premium content.

The South Korean businessman passed away in February 2022. After his passing, his daughters Kim Jung-min and Kim Jung-young inherited a third of their family’s assets, including a 15% stake each in Nexon, turning both of them into billionaires. There is very few information about both of them, let alone pictures, as they are keeping a very low profile in the family.

Katharina Andresen and Alexandra Andresen

Net Worth: $1.5 Billion

Ferd is a Norwegian holding company owned by Johan H. Andresen, established in 2001. It holds partial ownership in diverse industrial and finance companies and a real estate portfolio.

Katharina (27) and Alexandra (26) Andresen are sixth-generation owners of Ferd, but both of them are doing different things. Katharina is a sustainability officer at an Oslo-based construction firm in Norway, while Alexandra helms a horse breeding and training facility, and is a three-time junior Norwegian champion in dressage riding.

Wang Zelong

Net Worth: $1.4 Billion

Wang Zelong became one of the youngest billionaires in Asia in 2021. He inherited from his father a stake of more than 1.2 billion euros in CNNC Hua Yuan Titanium Dioxide Co, a producer of titanium dioxide.

This pigment is used in numerous industries such as pharmaceuticals, personal hygiene products, paint, ceramics and many others. Wang has kept a very private life, keeping a low profile, staying off social media, so there is very little information known about him.

Ben Francis

Net Worth: $1.2 Billion

Ben Francis founded activewear maker Gymshark in 2012. He started in his parents’ garage at 19 years old and found his way into the workout gear scene. Gymshark started to blow up thanks to the “gym influencers” who began to wear the gear.

Francis went from delivering pizzas as a teenager to a billionaire at 30 years old. The young entrepreneur sold 21% of Gymshark to private equity firm General Atlantic in 2020 for $300 million, but he still owns 70% and plans to keep making major moves in the future.

Ryan Breslow

Net Worth: $1.1 Billion

Ryan Breslow dropped out of Stanford and decided to create his own path to success. He founded three startups: Bolt, Eco and Love, which are related to payments processing, personal finance and pharmaceuticals, respectively.

Bolt was the one that skyrocketed his financial status, and made him a household name in the e-commerce industry. He is also a pioneer in implementing a four-day work week for its 700 employees.

In some cases, when the owners of the family business pass away, the inheritance signals that the children will carry on their legacy. This is the origin of several billionaires that we see today in the lists of people with the greatest wealth in the world.

In this article there are 10 women who managed to achieve this status of “billionaires” either by inheriting a business or by their own means, and what are their current projects in relation to their fortunes.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers

Net Worth: $80.5 Billion

Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the heiress to the L’Oréal fortune, one of the world’s largest cosmetics and beauty companies. Her fortune was primarily amassed through her inheritance as a member of the Bettencourt family, which has owned a significant stake in L’Oréal for decades.

L’Oréal was founded in 1909 by Eugène Schueller. Her daughter Liliane Bettencourt inherited the company and, under her leadership, it became a global powerhouse in the beauty industry. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers is the granddaughter of Liliane Bettencourt, she has maintained her family’s business and continues to be involved with L’Oréal and its philanthropic activities.

Julia Koch & family

Net Worth: $59 Billion

Julia Koch’s fortune is largely attributed to her marriage to David H. Koch, who was a prominent businessman and one of the co-owners of Koch Industries. It is an American multinational conglomerate corporation with subsidiaries involved in the manufacturing, refining, and distribution of petroleum, chemicals, and energy, among others.

After David H. Koch’s passing in 2019, Julia inherited a portion of his wealth. However, she has been known for her philanthropic work and involvement in various charitable organizations. She oversees the David H. Koch Foundation, through which she and her late husband have donated approximately $1.8 billion, according to Forbes.

Alice Walton

Net Worth: $56.7 Billion

Alice Walton inherited a stake in Walmart from her father, Sam Walton, who founded it in 1962. The whole Walton family has held significant ownership stakes in Walmart since its foundation.

Sam Walton didn’t usually get involved in the charity business. However, Alice and her family have been involved in various philanthropic endeavors through the Walton Family Foundation.

Jacqueline Mars

Net Worth: $38.3 Billion

The candy and pet food multinational giant Mars Inc. was founded in 1911 by Jacqueline Mars‘ grandfather, Frank C. Mars. Jacqueline and her brother, John Mars, each inherited and currently own an estimated one-third of the company.

However, she may be one of the richest women in the world, but she wants to stay far away from attention. Jacqueline, following the line of her family, has an obsession to stay away from the spotlight, as there are hardly any photos of her and she has never given an interview.

Miriam Adelson & family

Net Worth: $35 Billion

Miriam Adelson, the American and Israeli physician, became a billionaire after marrying Sheldon Adelson. Sheldon was the chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, a multinational resort and casino company.

After he passed away in January 2021, Miriam inherited his stake as the majority shareholder. However, she has been committed to her profession and vocation, as she has given nearly $1 billion over her lifetime to fund medical research and drug discovery, according to Forbes estimates.

Rafaela Aponte-Diamant

Net Worth: $31.2 Billion

Gianluigi Aponte first met Rafaela Diamant on a trip to the Italian island of Capri in the 1960s, when he was a ship captain. They got married and entered the shipping industry together in 1970, when they purchased a ship with a $200,000 loan and founded MSC.

This year, Rafaela joined the Forbes billionaires list after MSC’s value was revamped. As of today, she is currently in charge of decorating ships for MSC Cruises.

Susanne Klatten

Net Worth: $27.4 Billion

Susanne Klatten‘s wealth is primarily attributed to her inheritance as a member of the Quandt family. They have significant ownership stakes in various businesses, including BMW, one of the world’s leading luxury car manufacturers.

Her mother was the third wife of Herbert Quandt, a key figure in the post-World War II revival and restructure of BMW. Susanne owns 19% of BMW and also owns Altana, a chemicals company founded by her grandfather.

Gina Rinehart

Net Worth: $27 Billion

Gina Rinehart may have inherited a significant portion of her wealth from her father, Lang Hancock. However, her business decisions and management of Hancock Prospecting, her father’s mining company, have led her to billionaire status.

Under Rinehart’s leadership, the company became involved in several major mining projects, particularly in iron ore. The wealthiest Australian has also diversified her investments into sectors such as agriculture, real estate, and media.

MacKenzie Scott

Net Worth: $24.4 Billion

MacKenzie Scott was married to Jeff Bezos for 25 years before their divorce was finalized in 2019. As part of the divorce settlement, she received a substantial portion of Amazon stock, which significantly contributed to her fortune and instantly turned her into one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

However, Scott’s management of her fortune has been centered around philanthropic efforts and charitable work. According to Forbes, she has donated more than $14 billion to some 1,600 charities through her Yield Giving organization, and plans to keep giving part of her fortune throughout her whole life.

Iris Fontbona & family

Net Worth: $23.1 Billion

Iris Fontbona is the wealthiest woman in Latin America and the widow of Andrónico Luksic. The Luksic family has been involved in various industries, and their primary source of wealth has been mining, specially through Antofagasta plc, their mining company focused on copper production.

The Chilean inherited a substantial portion of Luksic’s fortune after his passing, including ownership stakes in various companies, primarily in Antofagasta PLC. Under Fontbona’s management, the family has diversified its interests in banking, beverages, and other sectors.

As far as movies and television are concerned, it is not only actors who shine on the screen. From time to time, unexpected characters appear who have a more than familiar face.

Cameos are colorful details that add a distinctive touch to the content. Here are 20 cameos made by top athletes in movies or TV shows.

Lance Armstrong – Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

Lance Armstrong, the former professional cyclist, made a cameo appearance in the comedy film “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” (2004) as himself. The cameo aged poorly after Armstrong’s doping scandal in which all his post-1998 accomplishments were stripped away.

Vince Vaughn’s character Peter gets scared about the championship, and decides to head home. At the airport bar, however, he meets Lance Armstrong, who gives him an inspirational speech about sportsmanship.

LeBron James – Trainwreck

NBA superstar LeBron James made a memorable cameo in the comedy film “Trainwreck” (2015) where he played a fictionalized version of himself. LeBron is considered Aaron Conners’ best friend, the main character’s love interest.

LeBron is shown multiple times in the movie, including giving relationship advice to Aaron and being involved in some interactions with other characters. “The King” actually got a lot of praise for his comedic skills.

David Beckham – King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Someone that didn’t have a good experience on a cameo was David Beckham. The soccer legend appeared in the film “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” (2017).

Beckham played a cameo role as Trigger, a noble knight, but he was flooded by critics for his performance. “This is the worst performance I have ever had the misfortune to witness“, “The only thing I know about King Arthur is that David Beckham can’t act. And I think I already knew that,” were some of the messages from Twitter users.

Brett Favre – There’s Something About Mary

NFL quarterback Brett Favre also had a memorable cameo in a movie. Favre was part of the comedy film “There’s Something About Mary” (1998), where he played himself in a hilarious scene.

Cameron Diaz’s character, Mary, is reunited with her ex-boyfriend, Ted. Ted tells Mary that he called Brett Favre to pick up Warren, Mary’s current boyfriend, and bring him to the airport. Brett Favre then appears in the scene, he says hello to Mary and then leaves.

Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams – Seinfeld

Baseball stars Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams appeared in an episode of the sitcom “Seinfeld” (1996) titled “The Abstinence.” They played themselves and were involved in a storyline about George Costanza.

George Costanza is working as the assistant to the traveling secretary for the New York Yankees. He is trying to impress Jeter and Williams by giving them batting advice. However, his advice is based on his own (flawed) understanding of physics, and it does not go over well with the two stars, which share a hilarious dialogue with George.

Ken Griffey Jr. – The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Baseball player Ken Griffey Jr. made a cameo appearance in the legendary sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1994), in an episode titled “Love Hurts.” He played himself and had a humorous interaction with Will Smith’s character.

He meets Will at a carnival. Griffey teases him about having a woman fight his battles for him, and Will gets triggered. However, they eventually make up, and Griffey gives Will some advice about standing up for himself.

John McEnroe – Mr. Deeds

Tennis legend John McEnroe was a character on and off the court. His antics were recognized globally, and a movie appearance was bound to happen. McEnroe made a cameo appearance in the comedy film “Mr. Deeds” (2002), playing himself.

McEnroe joins Deeds in a short series of drunk adventures. For example, they throw eggs at a car passing by. McEnroe also jumps over a car that tried to run over him, and he then swears at the driver in typical McEnroe style.

Mike Tyson – The Hangover

Former professional boxer Mike Tyson had a random and hilarious cameo in the comedy film “The Hangover” (2009). The four main characters discover that they accidentally stole Tyson’s pet tiger during their wild night in Las Vegas.

They go to Tyson’s mansion to explain the situation. They approach Tyson, who is vibing to Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” and suddenly punches one of the guys, knocking him out. He suddenly calms himself down and cooperates with the group.

Stephen Curry – Family Guy

NBA’s best shooter of all time Stephen Curry made a cameo appearance in the Family Guy episode “Passenger Fatty-Seven”. He plays himself, and he meets Peter Griffin and the guys who are visiting San Francisco for a guys trip.

Peter notices Curry standing on the corner of a street and asks him to take him to one of his playoff press conferences. Peter would then sit on Curry’s lap as if he was Riley Curry, Steph’s daughter, and proceeded to say funny things acting like a child.

Serena Williams – Glass Onion

Tennis champion Serena Williams made a cameo appearance in the 2022 film “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.” She plays herself, and she is featured in a scene where she is offering virtual workouts via a Mirror-like fitness app at Miles Bron’s (Edward Norton) home gym.

She offers to give Blanc (Daniel Craig) a sweat session, but he is too knee-deep in detective work with Monáe’s character (Janelle Monáe) to oblige. She appears on a large screen in Bron’s gym, and she is wearing a workout outfit and holding a tennis racket, talking to Blanc and Monáe about the importance of staying fit.

Shaquille O’Neal – Grown Ups 2

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal appeared in the comedy film “Grown Ups 2” (2013) as Fluzoo, a police officer. His charismatic personality allows him to have a touch of joy and humor everytime he’s on a screen.

This time, Shaq is working as a police officer in the fictional town of Stanton, where the film is set. “Fluzoo” and another officer give the main characters a “presidential police escort” to Becky’s ballet recital at McDonough Elementary School, where Lenny encounters Tommy, who openly threatens him.

Aaron Rodgers – Game of Thrones

NFL legend Aaron Rodgers made a cameo appearance in an episode of the series Game of Thrones. Rodgers was dressed as a soldier, and he was fighting for Cersei in the Battle of King’s Landing.

Rodgers’s cameo appearance was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment. He appeared for a few seconds in the background of a scene, and he was easily mistaken for one of the other soldiers.

Charles Barkley – Suits

Basketball legend Charles Barkley had a cameo in an episode of the TV series “Suits” (2011). Barkley, who previously said that he was a major fan of the show, played himself.

As one of Harvey Specter’s clients, Barkley’s called in to help the Specter Pearson Litt partner out of a jam when Harvey gets into it with another non-name partner. However, things don’t go as Harvey hoped so, and Barkley ends up storming off the dinner table, with Harvey sitting in disbelief.

Michael Jordan – Space Jam

While this is definitely more than a cameo, it can’t be left off the list. Basketball legend Michael Jordan starred in the live-action/animated film “Space Jam” (1996), where he played a fictionalized version of himself.

The legendary film combined basketball and cartoon characters in a comedic adventure. It was also very well received by critics and is highly regarded as one of the best sports films of all time.

Ronda Rousey – Fast and Furious 7

Former MMA fighter Ronda Rousey made a cameo appearance in the film “Fast and Furious 7” (2015). Rousey played Kara, a skilled fighter part of Owen Shaw’s team.

She is seen fighting against Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez) inside Shaw’s compound. Letty and the team are trying to find Shaw’s brother, Deckard, but she is interrupted by Kara, which then fights her.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Airplane!

Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had a memorable cameo in the comedy film “Airplane!” (1980), where he played a co-pilot named Roger Murdock. His deadpan delivery and comedic timing added to the film’s humor in a memorable scene.

Kareem got into an exchange with an 11-year-old boy named Joey while on a flight. Joey approached Murdock and asked him if he was Kareem-Abdul Jabbar. The 7 foot 2 inch Jabbar stayed in character until Joey blew his cover, and the NBA legend put him in his place.

Hulk Hogan – Rocky III

Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan appeared in the film “Rocky III” (1982) as Thunderlips, a wrestler who fights Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in an exhibition match. The scene takes place after Rocky has defeated Apollo Creed in a rematch.

Rocky is feeling confident and invincible, and he agrees to fight Thunderlips. The match is a publicity stunt, and it is not meant to be taken seriously. However, Thunderlips is a skilled wrestler, and he gives Rocky a major run for his money.

Kobe Bryant – Modern Family

NBA legend Kobe Bryant made a cameo appearance in the comedy series “Modern Family”. Kobe played as himself and had a brief cameo with some interactions with the Dunphy family.

In the last episode of the first season of Modern Family, the main characters attended the Staples Center to watch a Los Angeles Lakers game. In the hallway before entering the stadium, the main characters meet the famous basketball player. Of course, the family starts to scream with excitement and engage in a small conversation with Bryant.

Neymar – Money Heist

Soccer player Neymar had a cameo appearance in the third season of “Money Heist” (2016). He appeared as a monk, and shared the script with actors Pedro Alonso (Berlin) and Álvaro Morte (El Profesor) in the famous scene of the Monastery.

In the middle of an argument between The Professor and Berlin for jeopardizing the plan to rob the Bank of Spain, Neymar appears as Joao, a monk of the Monastery, where the whole robbery was being gestated. Berlin talks a little bit with him, and the funny bit about the scene is that Joao says that he hates “football and parties”, the exact opposite of Ney’s actual personality.

Tom Brady – Living with Yourself

NFL quarterback Tom Brady made a cameo appearance in the Netflix comedy series “Living with Yourself” (2019), playing himself. He had a humorous interaction with Miles Elliot, the main character played by Paul Rudd.

The scene takes place at the Top Happy Spa, where Miles (Paul Rudd) undergoes a procedure that creates a better version of himself. Brady is seen walking out of the spa, and he greets Miles. He then gives him a mischievous grin before revealing that he is “six.”

People have questions that fuel conspiracy theories about extraterrestrial life and UFOs. Is there intelligent life beyond our planet? What does the government know about these phenomena?

In this article, we will explore the 20 most popular conspiracy theories about extraterrestrial life and UFOs. Some of these may seem far-fetched, but some theories have raised the eyebrows of many people.

The Roswell Incident Cover-Up

One of the most well-known conspiracy theories revolves around the alleged crash of an extraterrestrial spacecraft near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. Some believe that the US government covered up the existence of the crash and the recovery of extraterrestrial beings.

The official explanation provided by the U.S. military at the time stated that the debris recovered from the incident was actually from a top-secret research project known as the Mogul balloon. This secret project was designed to monitor Soviet nuclear tests during those early years of the Cold War.

Government Knowledge and Secrecy

Many conspiracy theorists argue that governments worldwide possess knowledge about extraterrestrial life and UFOs but keep it hidden from the public. They suggest that governments conduct secret investigations, such as the rumored Area 51 in the United States.

In the US, in December 2020, Congress passed the Intelligence Authorization Act, which required intelligence agencies to provide an unclassified report on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) within 180 days. That report, released in June 2021, acknowledged UAP sightings by military personnel, but did not provide definitive explanations for the observed phenomena.

Alien Abductions and Experiments

Some conspiracy theories propose that extraterrestrial beings visit Earth to abduct humans and conduct experiments on them. These theories often involve claims of missing time, strange markings, and repressed memories.

A popular theory about alien abductions is related to The Betty and Barney Hill case in 1961. Betty and Barney Hill were an American couple who claimed to have been abducted by extraterrestrial beings in rural New Hampshire.

Reverse Engineering Alien Technology

It is speculated that governments have acquired crashed UFOs and alien technology, allowing them to reverse engineer these technologies for military and technological advancements. This theory suggests that some advanced human technologies have extraterrestrial origins.

Reverse engineering is related to the process of dismantling and analyzing a technology to understand its components. The idea of reverse engineering alien technology suggests that humans have acquired extraterrestrial objects or devices and successfully deciphered their advanced technology.

Alien Infiltration of Governments

This theory posits that extraterrestrial beings have infiltrated human governments at high levels. According to this theory, aliens have the power of manipulating global events and controlling world leaders for their own agenda.

Governments and institutions try to maintain security, protect national interests, and address potential threats. While governments do have top-secret operations, the claim of alien infiltration in those remains unsupported by meaningful evidence.

Secret Space Programs

Some conspiracy theorists believe that governments operate secret space programs that explore extraterrestrial civilizations and engage in interstellar travel. These programs allegedly involve advanced spacecraft and interactions with alien species.

Space exploration and activities are typically carried out through publicly known programs. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in the United States, Roscosmos in Russia, ESA (European Space Agency) in Europe are examples of international space agencies.

Suppression of UFO Sightings

It is claimed that governments actively suppress and discredit UFO sightings to prevent public panic and maintain control over the narrative surrounding extraterrestrial life. Authorities argue that they do it over national security concerns or the protection of sensitive military technology.

With that being said, this does not necessarily imply a deliberate suppression of information about UFO sightings. Governments, in general, decide to protect themselves and prevent any unwanted information, even in relation to UFO sightings, from coming to light because it is a “state secret”.

Collaboration with Extraterrestrial Beings

This theory suggests that governments have established secret agreements or alliances with extraterrestrial beings. In these alliances, authorities would exchange technology and knowledge with aliens in undisclosed treaties.

However, there is no credible scientific evidence or documentation to support claims of collaboration with extraterrestrial beings.

Hybridization Programs

Some conspiracy theories propose that extraterrestrial beings are engaged in hybridization programs. These kinds of programs consist of creating a hybrid species that combines human and alien DNA.

With that being said, it is virtually impossible to achieve that kind of hybridization. The study of genetics and reproductive biology indicates that successful interbreeding between species with major genetic differences is unlikely due to fundamental incompatibilities.

Men in Black

The Men in Black conspiracy theory suggests that mysterious individuals or groups monitor and suppress information related to UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters. They are believed to intimidate witnesses and researchers, ensuring the secrecy surrounding these phenomena.

According to this theory, these mysterious individuals dressed in black suits allegedly visit UFO witnesses, warning them to remain silent about what they saw, or they would erase their memories of the UFO encounter. The concept of Men in Black has also been popularized through movies and books.

Ancient Astronauts

This theory argues that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in ancient times and influenced human civilization. It says that aliens played a role in the construction of ancient monuments and shaping human history.

The claims of ancient astronaut theorists are based on interpretations of ancient texts, artwork, and archaeological sites, which they believe have evidence of extraterrestrial influence. However, the detractors of this theory refer to these claims as “pseudoscience.”

Staged Alien Invasions

Some theorists propose that governments plan to stage fake alien invasions. The argument behind this theory is that authorities stage these invasions to create a global crisis and unite humanity under a single world government.

The notion of using a simulated alien invasion for political or social purposes has been mentioned in science fiction literature and films. However, there is no substantial evidence to support staged alien invasions in real life.

Secret Underground Bases

This theory suggests that governments have constructed hidden underground bases. In those bases, authorities conduct research, house recovered UFOs, and interact with extraterrestrial beings.

It’s worth mentioning that there are known underground facilities such as military bunkers or research laboratories. However, there is no major evidence regarding secret underground bases where research about UFOs is conducted.

Alien Manipulation of Human Genetics

Conspiracy theories argue that extraterrestrial beings genetically engineered humans or altered human evolution for their own purposes. In fact, believers of this theory think that advanced beings from other worlds have even intervened in our evolutionary process.

However, it is important to note that the concept of alien manipulation of human genetics lacks substantial scientific evidence.

Moon and Mars Conspiracies

Some conspiracy theories involve claims of secret alien bases on the moon or Mars. The argument is that governments are aware of these bases but keep them hidden from the public.

Theories surrounding these alien bases in other planets often rely on interpretations of anomalies or unusual features observed in images captured by spacecraft. However, these interpretations often lack scientific evidence of those bases, and can be easily confused with natural geological processes, lighting effects or image artifacts.

Suppression of Advanced Energy Technologies

It is speculated that governments or corporations suppress advanced energy technologies obtained from extraterrestrial sources. Their goal, according to believers of this theory, is to maintain their control over traditional energy industries.

These entities allegedly block the development and dissemination of revolutionary energy technologies. These innovations could potentially replace traditional fossil fuel-based energy systems in the future.

Crop Circles as Alien Messages

The crop circles phenomenon is often attributed to extraterrestrial beings leaving encoded messages or symbols in fields. These crop circles would indicate their presence and intentions.

One example of alien-made crop circles is the Chilbolton crop circle that appeared in 2001 in Hampshire, England. However, it was later revealed that the circle was human-made and it was a publicity stunt.

Global Alien Cover-Up

This theory argues that governments worldwide collaborate to suppress information. It also argues that there’s a global alliance to delete evidence of extraterrestrial life to maintain social stability and prevent widespread panic.

Governments have increasingly shown transparency and released previously classified information related to UFO sightings and investigations. There hasn’t been any concrete evidence about a global deliberate cover-up of extraterrestrial investigations.

Alien Influence on Religious Beliefs

Some conspiracy theories propose that religious texts and beliefs were influenced by extraterrestrial beings, shaping human spirituality and religious practices. It starts from the linking of ancient religious texts and beliefs to encounters with advanced beings from other worlds.

The argument is primarily based on interpretations of ancient texts, artwork, and cultural myths. However, there isn’t any legitimate evidence of alien influence on religious beliefs of any kind.

UFO Disinformation Campaigns

It is suggested that governments actively spread disinformation about UFOs and extraterrestrial life. The goal behind this, according to believers of this theory, is to confuse the public and discredit genuine sightings and encounters.

However, it is important to highlight the difference between deliberate disinformation campaigns and the complexities of investigating UFOs. Whether it is because of national security concerns, lack of definitive scientific conclusions, possibilities of hoaxes or public panic prevention, the government could inadvertedly cause disinformation or misinformation when trying to explain UFO investigations.

There are many factors that could trigger a global catastrophe, from natural disasters to human-made threats. While some may believe that the end of the world is predetermined by fate or divine intervention, others may look for scientific explanations and evidence.

In this article, we will explore 15 scientific theories that suggest the end of the world. Whether they are distant or probable scenarios, science warns us of the consequences of certain events.

Cosmic Apocalypse

Various theories explore the different ways in which the universe could come to an end. Cosmologists argue that a possible “cosmic apocalypse” is inevitable due to the way that the universe is made of.

Cosmologists have a few classic theories like the Big Crunch, where the universe reverses its expansion and starts contracting, setting the stars on fire. The Big Rip is also a popular one, where the universe expands forever—but in a fundamentally unstable way that it ends up tearing matter itself apart.

Planetary Collisions

The possibility of catastrophic collisions between Earth and other celestial bodies, such as large asteroids or comets, could cause widespread destruction. Celestial bodies in our universe (planets, moons, asteroids, and comets) move in specific orbits governed by the laws of physics.

Due to gravitational interactions and disturbances, these orbits can occasionally be altered, leading to potential collisions between them. Scientists have studied the history of our solar system and have found evidence of past collisions like the formation of the Moon, which is believed to have resulted from a collision between a Mars-sized object and the early Earth.

Supernova Explosions

A supernova explosion involves the sudden release of an enormous amount of energy, resulting in a brilliant burst of light and the ejection of stellar material into space. Although unlikely to directly destroy Earth, a nearby supernova explosion could have significant consequences, such as ionizing radiation, cosmic rays, and potentially causing mass extinctions.

The increased radiation from a nearby supernova might affect our planet’s atmosphere. This could potentially lead to changes in climate or an increase in cosmic rays reaching the surface.

Runaway Climate Change

The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could trigger irreversible climate change, leading to rising temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and ecological disruptions. In the context of climate change, there are various tipping points that, if crossed, could lead to abrupt and substantial shifts in the climate system.

Some examples of tipping points are the collapse of major ice sheets, and the disruption of ocean circulation patterns. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a body part of the United Nations, regularly mentions the risks associated with exceeding certain temperature thresholds.

Pandemics and Epidemics

The outbreak of a highly contagious and deadly disease could potentially lead to a global pandemic, causing widespread illness, mortality, and societal collapse. Pandemics and epidemics can have significant public health impacts, leading to illness, death, and economic disruptions.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has taught humanity many things about pandemics and their risks to the world. They can strain healthcare systems, disrupt societal functioning, and require widespread public health interventions to avoid global chaos.

Nuclear War

The use of nuclear weapons in a large-scale conflict could result in devastating global consequences, including the loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, nuclear winter, and long-term radiation effects. The detonation of even a single nuclear weapon can release an enormous amount of energy, resulting in blast effects, thermal radiation, and radioactive fallout.

Treaties such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and arms control international agreements aim to prevent the further spread of nuclear weapons and reduce existing arsenals.

Astronomical Events

Events such as gamma-ray bursts, rogue black holes, or cosmic rays could have catastrophic effects on Earth, including the destruction of the ozone layer, mass extinctions, and disruptions to our planet’s atmosphere. Asteroid or comet impacts have occurred in the past and can cause widespread destruction, climate changes, and mass extinctions.

Many solar activities like solar flares can disrupt or damage major technological infrastructure on Earth. Satellites, power grids, and communication systems could be visibly affected.

Geoengineering Gone Wrong

Geoengineering is related to deliberate and large-scale interventions in Earth’s climate system, to control and mitigate the effects of climate change. If those attempts to manipulate the Earth’s climate through large-scale geoengineering projects go wrong, they could have unintended consequences.

Disrupting weather patterns and altering ecosystems are some of the effects of bad geoengineering. Some of these actions could cause irreparable damage to the environment.

Particle Accelerator Catastrophe

Particle accelerators are powerful scientific instruments used to study the fundamental properties of matter and the universe. They can generate extremely high energies and create conditions that mimic those in the early universe.

The operation of high-energy particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), has raised concerns that they could create microscopic black holes or other phenomena of the kind. Those could create a threat to Earth’s stability, although these concerns have been largely debunked.

Solar Flares

Solar flares are sudden and intense bursts of energy that occur on the Sun’s surface. They release a tremendous amount of energy, including electromagnetic radiation, plasma, and charged particles.

Intense solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun could disrupt electrical grids, satellite communications, and sensitive electronic systems on Earth. This could lead to widespread power outages and societal disruptions.

Genetic Engineering Risks

Genetic engineering involves manipulating the genetic material of organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Genetic instability or off-target effects could be unintended consequences that could affect the health and well-being of organisms.

Advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology raise ethical and safety concerns. Unintended consequences or the release of genetically modified organisms could have significant and unpredictable impacts on ecosystems and human health.

Resource Depletion

Earth’s resources, such as fossil fuels, minerals, freshwater, and certain ecosystems, are finite and limited in quantity. As human populations and industrial activities continue to grow, there is a concern that the extraction and consumption of resources may be faster than their replenishment rates, which would lead to shortage and depletion.

This exhaustion of essential resources could also lead to geopolitical conflicts, social unrest, and economic collapse. Communities that depend heavily on resource extraction industries may face social and economic challenges when these resources become scarce or economically impossible to afford.

Ecological Tipping Points

The crossing of ecological thresholds, such as the melting of polar ice caps, deforestation, or ocean acidification, could trigger changes in Earth’s ecosystems and disrupt the delicate balance that supports life. In those critical thresholds in an ecosystem, small changes can lead to significant and potentially irreversible shifts in its structure, function, and resilience.

Ecosystems have natural resilience and adaptive capacities. However, when they are pushed beyond a tipping point, they can undergo abrupt and potentially irreversible changes.

Loss of Biodiversity

The ongoing loss of species due to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and other factors could destabilize ecosystems. This could lead to cascading effects on food webs, ecosystem services, and human well-being.

It is crucial to recognize the urgency of preserving biodiversity. Maintaining the health of ecosystems, ensuring sustainable resource use, and securing a more resilient future for both nature and humanity must be worldwide priorities.

Superbugs and Antibiotic Resistance

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the spread of infectious diseases that are difficult to treat could lead to widespread infections and high mortality rates. They are significant global health concerns that turn into challenges for healthcare systems and public health.

Antibiotic resistance can undermine the treatment of infectious diseases, including common bacterial infections, pneumonia and even surgical procedures. Without effective antibiotics, medical advancements and interventions such as organ transplantation, cancer treatments, and complex surgeries become increasingly risky.

While AI has brought numerous advancements and benefits to various fields, concerns have emerged about its potential consequences. In fact, some theorists argue that AI could pose existential threats to humanity, leading to catastrophic outcomes.

In this article, we will explore the top 15 end of the world theories that involve artificial intelligence. From dystopian scenarios to existential threats, these theories encompass a wide range of possibilities that provoke both awe and fear.

The Rise of Superintelligent AI

One theory suggests that the development of superintelligent AI could be the catalyst for the end of the world. Superintelligent AI refers to an AI system that surpasses human intelligence in virtually every aspect.

If such an AI system were to emerge, it could rapidly outpace human capabilities and make decisions that may not align with human interests. This kind of behavior could significantly change the world’s landscape and create a scenario where humans aren’t useful or even necessary at all.

AI Takeover and Human Extinction

Another theory proposes that AI could eventually surpass human control, leading to an AI takeover. This scenario envisions a future where AI systems become self-aware and decide to eliminate or subjugate humanity.

The argument is that humans could lose control of their own creation, and AI could gain that self-conscience and take the worst possible decisions for humanity. Furthermore, the fear is that AI might perceive humans as a threat or an obstacle to its goals, resulting in the extinction of the human race.

AI-Induced Unemployment and Economic Collapse

The advancement of AI technology has raised concerns about widespread job displacement. As AI and automation take over repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, millions of jobs could become obsolete.

Multiple professions could be replaced by AI and bots, starting issues from companies to universities. This could lead to significant unemployment rates, economic inequality, and social unrest, potentially destabilizing societies and economies.

Social Manipulation and Mass Surveillance

AI systems have the potential to gather and analyze vast amounts of data about individuals and societies. This capability raises concerns about mass surveillance and social manipulation.

These types of behaviors could significantly impact political participation as well. In the wrong hands, AI could be used to influence public opinion, undermine democracies, or suppress dissent.

Weaponization of AI

Militarization of AI technology is a growing concern. Autonomous weapons systems powered by AI could make warfare more deadly and unpredictable.

The deployment of AI-enabled weapons raises ethical questions and could potentially lead to an escalation of conflicts, posing a threat to global security. In fact, there is also the risk that the AI will end up taking control of these weapons for its own consciousness, generating twice the danger.

Autonomous Killer Robots

The concept of autonomous killer robots, often referred to as “killer robots,” imagines a future where AI-powered machines can make decisions to engage in lethal actions without human intervention. These robots, while they would be created to provide security, could go so far as to generate exactly the opposite sensation.

The development and deployment of such robots could have catastrophic consequences. They have a major potential for misuse or accidental harm to innocent individuals.

AI in Warfare and Cybersecurity Threats

AI technologies can be used in offensive and defensive military operations, introducing new dimensions to warfare. The ability of AI to penetrate cybersecurity systems is growing every day, and it ends up being the best hacker out there.

Cybersecurity threats could be amplified as AI systems develop the capability to autonomously exploit vulnerabilities in computer networks, leading to large-scale disruptions and potentially destabilizing critical infrastructure.

Ethical Dilemmas of AI Decision-Making

AI algorithms often rely on data to make decisions, but this data can carry biases and ethical dilemmas. If AI systems are not designed to address these biases, they can perpetuate discrimination and reinforce social inequalities.

Ensuring ethical decision-making by AI systems is crucial to prevent unintended harm and unfair treatment. Not being able to feel or recognize any kind of emotion can lead to decision-making that is far from the standards of natural law and reality.

AI Bias and Discrimination

The biases present in AI algorithms can lead to discriminatory outcomes. AI systems learn from historical data, which may reflect societal biases.

If left unchecked, AI systems can perpetuate discrimination in areas such as hiring, lending, and criminal justice, amplifying existing inequalities. Algorithms do not feel emotions or have sensations, so they can generate these kinds of inequalities without recognizing it.

Superhuman AI and Power Imbalance

If AI systems surpass human intelligence, they could acquire power imbalances that might be difficult to regulate or control. As AI becomes increasingly intelligent and autonomous, there is a risk that these systems could develop goals and behaviors that are not aligned with human values or that we fail to anticipate.

The lack of proper precautions and cooperative efforts to regulate the development and deployment of AI could lead to the creation of dangerous systems with unintended consequences. Superhuman AI could potentially exploit its capabilities for self-preservation or to fulfill its objectives, disregarding the well-being of humans or the planet.

Manipulation of Reality and Fake Content

AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic media present challenges in distinguishing reality from fabricated content. This technology could be exploited to spread misinformation, create political chaos, or manipulate public opinion, eroding trust in institutions and sowing discord in society.

Manipulation of reality and the proliferation of fake content can have severe economic impacts as well. For example, false information about companies or markets can lead to stock market manipulation or economic instability.

Dependence on AI and Loss of Human Skills

As AI systems become more advanced and capable, there is a risk of humans becoming overly dependent on them. This dependence could lead to a decline in essential human skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, potentially weakening our ability to adapt and survive without AI assistance.

While this can lead to increased efficiency and productivity, it can also result in significant job displacement and unemployment. If the transition is not managed properly, it can exacerbate economic disparities and lead to social unrest.

AI in Healthcare and Biosecurity Risks

The integration of AI in healthcare brings numerous benefits, but it also raises concerns about privacy, security, and biosecurity risks. AI systems could be vulnerable to cyberattacks or malicious use, compromising sensitive medical data or enabling the creation of dangerous bioweapons.

If these systems are not properly validated, implemented, or monitored, they can lead to incorrect diagnoses, inappropriate treatments, or other medical errors. Such errors can have severe consequences for patients’ health and well-being, potentially leading to adverse outcomes or even loss of life.

Environmental Impact of AI

The rapid development and deployment of AI technology require significant computational power and energy consumption. This demand for resources could contribute to environmental degradation, including increased carbon emissions, electronic waste, and depletion of natural resources.

The development and deployment of AI systems require the production of specialized hardware components, such as GPUs and ASICs, which rely on rare and valuable minerals. The extraction of these minerals often involves environmentally damaging practices, leading to habitat destruction, pollution, and exploitation of natural resources.

AI-Assisted Criminal Activities

AI technology can be utilized by malicious actors to carry out sophisticated criminal activities. From hacking and identity theft to automated fraud and cyber warfare, AI-enabled tools could amplify the scale and impact of criminal operations, posing significant challenges for law enforcement and cybersecurity efforts.

AI can be also used by criminals to evade detection and enhance their operational capabilities. For example, AI-powered encryption methods can make it more challenging for law enforcement agencies to monitor communications or trace illicit activities.

These cryptic prophecies have caused division among the public. Some believe that events such as the Russian Revolution, World War II and the Chernobyl nuclear disaster were predicted by Nostradamus.

However, there are others who doubt the credibility of his predictions. Here are 10 predictions about different events that could lead to the end of the world that fueled the debate about various historical events.

Global Warming

“Like the sun the head shall sear the shining sea: The Black Sea’s living fish shall all but boil. When Rhodes and Genoa half-starved shall be, the local folk to cut them up shall toil.” With those words, Nostradamus predicted a major rise of temperatures and sea levels, reaching unexpected numbers.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, global sea levels are rising at more than double the pace they did in the first decade of measurements in 1993-2002 and hit a new record high last year. Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth observation arm, has also confirmed a “remarkable global warmth”, with current global temperatures setting record highs this year.

Civil Unrest

Two Nostradamus quatrains are heavily linked to the rise of civil unrest. “Sooner and later you will see great changes made, dreadful horrors and vengeance,” the first quatrain says, with the idea that major changes could happen if the people rise to power, overthrowing politicians.

“The trumpet shakes with great discord. An agreement broken: lifting the face to heaven: the bloody mouth will swim with blood; the face anointed with milk and honey lies on the ground.” This second quatrain strictly refers to violence. According to some Nostradamus believers, the prophet is referring to a potential revolt against the wealthy people all across the world, that would end up in global chaos and potential fatalities.

Rise of Adolf Hitler

Nostradamus suggested the emergence of a tyrannic, authoritarian leader with loads of power who would bring about immense destruction and suffering. “The great dictator shall rise to power, bringing destruction and suffering to the world,” Nostradamus wrote. This quatrain has been widely interpreted and connected to the rise of Adolf Hitler to power, and his domination plans that could destroy the world itself and change the world order forever.

Hitler rose to power in Germany during the early 1930s. He tried to establish an Aryan supremacy, persecuting millions of people not aligned to the Nazi ideology. His aggressive policies and expansionist aims led to a World War. Some Nostradamus believers argue that he predicted the emergence of a powerful leader (the “great dictator”) who would create chaos and suffering across the whole world.

World War II and Nuclear Destruction

“The fire from the east shall consume the west, as nations clash in a devastating conflict.” With those words, Nostradamus referred to a potential global conflict between nations that would have serious consequences on the world, including global chaos and destruction. That quatrain has been linked to World War II by many interpreters.

According to some believers, “the fire from the east” is related to Japan’s military rise and attack on the Western powers, including the Pearl Harbor attacks. Furthermore, that latest attack was the catalyzer of the global conflict, with the United States entering the war and turning it into a worldwide problem.

Roman Empire Collapse

This prediction refers to the downfall of a great empire or powerful nation due to internal factors such as corruption and strife. While the Roman Empire is the main example, there are other empires who have collapsed due to internal corruption. Back in the day, when the world was divided between different empires across the globe, collapses meant chaos and destruction.

“The great empire shall fall from within, as corruption and strife consume the land.” Nostradamus believers argue that he predicted a worldwide downfall of great empires or powerful nations throughout history. They also think the prophet foretold that all dominant nations and empires will collapse due to internal decay and corruption.

Black Death pandemic

“From the depths of the east, a great plague shall emerge. Spreading death and fear throughout the world.” A modern interpretation of this quatrain could perfectly be linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus is still a worldwide threat, although the harshest part of the pandemic is already in the past.

However, Nostradamus believers have linked this prediction to the Black Death pandemic, which caused devastating effects on the world. The outbreak of the bubonic plague occurred in the 14th century and originated in Central Asia. Transmitted through fleas that infested black rats, the disease spread across Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of the world, resulting in one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.

Natural disasters

“The earth shall rumble, and the skies shall weep, as nature unleashes its fury upon mankind.” Natural disasters can cause several damages to the world and its places. For example, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 destroyed Pompeii and other Roman cities, in one of the most famous natural disasters of all time.

In this quatrain, Nostradamus suggests a scenario where the earth trembles. According to some interpreters, the prophet could be possibly referring to earthquakes or other seismic activities. “The skies weep” could be related to heavy rainfall, storms or floods that could have devastating effects on the planet.

Communism

One of Nostradamus’ craziest predictions was a quatrain that seemed heavily linked to the rise of communism. “The rise of the red flag shall darken the world, as revolutions and upheavals engulf the world,” he wrote. The red flag symbolizes the communist ideology.

The communists rose to power during the Russian Revolution in 1917. The spread of communism extended to China, Cuba, Vietnam, and Eastern European countries. “Revolutions and upheavals engulf the world” could be interpreted, according to some Nostradamus believers, as the revolutions and upheavals that communism triggered in some of those countries.

Mars Landing

In some of Nostradamus’ predictions for 2023, he name-dropped Mars. The “light on Mars falling” is a reference, according to Nostradamus’ believers, to the planet moving backward in the sky due to retrograde motion. It could also refer to humanity’s efforts on trying to inhabit the planet.

According to Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, humans will land on Mars by 2029. Back in 2020, he also shared his vision of building a city of one million people on Mars by 2050. If Nostradamus is correct, Elon’s plans could come to fruition way ahead of schedule.

Economic Disaster

Among the many things Nostradamus has predicted for 2023, one of those was a global conflict. The war between Russia and Ukraine caused a major economic downfall across the whole world.

“So high will the bushel of wheat rise, that man will be eating his fellow man,” Nostradamus wrote. Some believers argue that this quatrain is linked to the global economic crisis caused by the war. Rising living costs and food costs caused an almost worldwide recession, as the global economy was already suffering due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic a couple of years ago.

One of the most common mistakes is to tempt yourself with a fast food after a workout, thinking that the calories we will consume will be balanced with those we lost. What must be taken into account is that the meal after exercise is one of the most important and certain precautions must be taken.

Of course it is always better to consult a professional, such as a nutritionist, but we still want to give you some tips to improve your performance. Without going any further, we present 40 foods that you should not eat before or after exercise.

Refined Sugar

Although it is true that these foods can provide a quick energy boost, the energy quickly fades. In addition, products with a high sugar content are characterized by generating an inflammatory state, according to research published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases.

It will cause a feeling of fatigue. Instead of refined sugar, foods containing healthy carbohydrates, such as a banana, can be eaten.

Raw seeds

A handful of raw seeds or nuts will only bloat you and make you feel sick to your stomach because of their high content of essential fats.

They have been shown to be very good for the cardiovascular system, but not recommended before training. Fat is difficult for the stomach to digest, so they are not recommended at these times.

Bread

Bread is a high source of simple carbohydrates and will raise your blood glucose levels. If you are in an exercise routine to burn fat or lose those extra pounds, you will only make your fat stick to your body.

In this regard, nutrition experts recommend “eating it before exercise as it provides immediate energy, but people who want to lose weight should avoid it before and after physical activity“.

Pizza

If you come out of your workout hungry and pass by a fast food restaurant, your eyes may glaze over. Foods like pizzas are an easy, quick and appetizing resource, but they are a bad choice. All of them will provide you with a large amount of saturated fats, plus a lot of salt, additives and, although it may not seem like it, sugars.

They are very low in micronutrients – vitamins and minerals – and may not give you the macronutrient rations you need. A pizza, for example, will fill you up but will not provide the protein ration you need.

Avocado

Avocados are a really healthy fruit, full of nutrients such as fiber and healthy fats. But precisely those elements may make it not very advisable to take before you get your workout on.

“High-fat foods keep you satiated longer because they take longer to digest. They can make you feel heavy as your body tries to digest them,” explains the US Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This is because your body will send blood and other resources to your digestive system in order to assimilate these foods and not to your muscles.

Fried eggs

I wish you could cook them at home with the minimum of fat but if you go to an establishment, they will surely give them overflowing in oil and that is not good for your exercise. Ideally, in case you have to eat out, ask for them boiled, poached or scrambled with vegetables and little oil. Eggs are a great source of protein, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Always keep in mind that you should avoid fried foods and alcoholic beverages. A balanced diet is essential to overcome these days without any obstacle.

Ice cream and other desserts

When it comes to gaining muscle, dessert is hardly considered. You should look for alternatives with protein-rich desserts such as sugar-free flan or protein cakes, to avoid overeating sweets after eating.

Therefore, the ideal is to avoid this type of consumption in the middle of a day of activity, knowing that you can bloat or add a lot of fats and sugars.

Processed meat

They could be in the same group as fast food, but it is necessary to identify them because they are not recommended. Processed meat is that which has been transformed to improve the flavor and preserve the food. For example, sausages, which contain, among other ingredients, a large amount of saturated and trans fats that will not help you in your recovery, let alone your health.

If you get home with little desire to cook and go for this choice, it may be that at a caloric level it complies, but it will not provide you with the ration of protein you need to regenerate your muscles. In addition, the amount of calories ingested will be excessive.

Packet soups

The advice to make a meal consisting of soup and salad can backfire if your bowl has the calorie and fat profile of a hamburger. Instant soups often contain a large amount of cornmeal to thicken it up and this is not good as it raises blood sugar levels.

In packaged soups the amount of preservatives is also very high. Also, most contain flavor enhancers, such as monosodium glutamate, the consumption of which can cause migraines and muscle aches.

Yogurt (not natural)

Yogurt is a very beneficial food for the body after going to the gym. However, not just any type of yogurt will do, it must be fat-free and natural, i.e., without added sugar.

Natural Greek yogurt with a little chopped fresh fruit on top is the best option to use in the middle of a workout, without falling into any kind of consequences.

Cookies

It is important to consume carbohydrates after a workout, but also to know what type. Cookies contain a lot of simple sugars and saturated fats, which provide an amount of calories that exceeds what is necessary.

That is why it is important to use a little more time to prepare our meals after a training session and choose complex carbohydrates, such as pasta.

Potato chips

Although we highlight this particular food, the ideal would be to avoid any salty snack. Consuming this kind of food is detrimental to our performance in the medium to long term. In addition, they are high in industrial fats, contain a lot of salt and do not provide nutrients.

Another negative aspect is that they are addictive, so it becomes difficult to consume few. And they do not end up satisfying hunger, in case we want to consume them after a training session. Definitely, a food to avoid.

Beer

It seems obvious to clarify that it is not advisable to consume alcoholic beverages before any physical activity, that is why we will only talk about the after. It is quite common to have a few glasses of beer with friends after doing some sport together, which is a mistake.

After exercising, the body is dehydrated and needs to replenish fluids. However, alcohol does the opposite, it continues to eliminate them. It is preferable to change the habit and drink water.

Bacon

Bacon contains a large amount of saturated and trans fats, so it slows down digestion a lot. It is not recommended that this happens before starting a workout, in addition to being an unhealthy food.

It is also not a good food for after exercise. While it may meet the caloric level, bacon also exceeds it.

Chocolate

There are some concepts to consider in this case. If the chocolate is dark and has a high percentage of cocoa (80%), it is not a food to discard. However, it is not advisable to consume it regularly.

Eating this food delays digestion, especially if it is milk and white chocolate. These two types are best avoided after a workout routine because of their high fat content.

Fruit juice

Despite being a ‘natural’ drink in many cases, it is advisable to avoid drinking fruit juice. The reasons are diverse, but it has been proven that they “annul the response of the growth hormone”.

Doctors assure that this hormone begins to stop its progression around the age of 35, so it is better to leave the juice for another time of the day.

Broccoli

It is a very healthy food that helps reduce cholesterol, but it is better to avoid it before exercising. It usually causes inflammation and produces gas, which will not allow us to train properly.

Our body will take a long time to digest broccoli, so it is recommended that we leave it as an accompaniment to our meal after physical activity.

Cauliflower

It is another healthy food, which strengthens the immune system. However, as with broccoli, our body needs a long time to digest it properly.

It also produces a feeling of bloating and gas, so it is best to avoid it before any physical activity and leave it for after training.

Green leafy vegetables

Are vegetables healthy foods? That’s true, and they contain many vitamins and minerals. However, they are not the best choice for after a workout, as they do not have enough calories to replace carbohydrates and proteins.

Another negative point is that they are very difficult to digest. The body needs a long time to achieve this with foods such as lettuce, due to its high level of fiber.

Dressings

It is very difficult to think of a meal without them, but their high caloric content will not help digestion or the ultimate goal of getting in shape.

Maybe making them at home can help a little more because of the lack of preservatives, but in any case, sauces contain oils and flours that can affect us even if we do not practice any physical activity. A more fit solution? Spices.

Cheese

Dairy products have that double standard that puts us between a rock and a hard place. However, there are certain types of cheeses that we should avoid before and after training.

What are these? Generally, those with a higher percentage of fat. Some examples are Gruyere, Roquefort or Parmesan. It is advisable to opt for low-fat spreadable cheeses.

White bread

It is recommended that we avoid this food after training. White bread is high in gluten and added sugars that slow down our digestion. In addition, they cause our blood sugar level to rise.

It is usually high in calories and carbohydrates, but also lacks fiber and protein. Although it is also not highly recommended, multigrain bread is preferable.

Energy drinks

Many people consume these drinks before physical activity, which is not a very good idea. It is true that when consuming them we will feel a great injection of energy, but it will last a short time and the drop will be detrimental at the time of training.

The best thing to do is to find an alternative. Some options could be tomato or carrot juices, which provide potassium and vitamin C.

Beans

Many should already know why it is not recommended to eat beans before a workout routine. Consuming them can cause bloating and gas. Thus, we will not be able to move easily and our performance will be affected.

However, they are also a great source of protein and provide the necessary nutrients for our bodies. That is why it is better to leave them for when we are done with our physical activity.

Red meat

It is one of the foods that provides the most protein to our body. However, we need at least 24 hours to digest it properly, so we should avoid it before starting a workout.

Although it is preferable to leave it for after physical activity, we should not trust the schedule. We must consider that, if we eat late and the next morning we perform a physical activity, we will still be in the process of digestion.

Coffee

This is particularly the case for those who exercise in the morning. Coffee can further dehydrate the body while doing physical activity, so it is best to avoid it before any workout.

For those people who cannot start their day without consuming a cup of coffee, it is recommended that they do not do so if they plan to exercise during the morning or directly change the schedule of their routine.

Spicy foods

Avoid these foods before starting a workout. They can cause acidity, which generates pain in the throat and stomach. A not very pleasant sensation when we are exercising.

The best thing to do after consuming this kind of food is to rest the body. In this way, we will process them in the correct way and we will digest them in the necessary time.

Whole grain foods

This is specifically for before any physical activity. Nutritionists explain that our entire metabolism is focused on our muscles when training, and that is why digestion takes a back seat.

The whole grains, being ‘heavier’, could cause stomach discomfort, pain and even diarrhea that would force us to stop our practice.

Energy bars

It is definitely not a good idea to consume them before exercise, as they can be counterproductive due to their high level of sugar, fat and calories. Despite being high in protein, they are low in carbohydrates, which are necessary to store muscle glycogen.

It is quite common to see athletes eating these kinds of bars after training. The body needs to be replenished, but not overloaded. An alternative is to make homemade bars with nuts, oats and other unprocessed whole grains.

Sausages

The large amount of saturated and trans fats contained in this type of food will not help us recover after exercise. They are even harmful to our health.

In case we want to have chorizo or sausage for dinner, to give some examples, the food will be insufficient and we will not have the necessary amount of proteins for our muscles.

Sweet rolls or muffins

This food is similar to cookies or chocolate: it contains a lot of sugar and undesirable fats. If we consume it after a workout routine, its large amount of calories will surely exceed the calories we burn doing exercise.

If you are one of those people who like sweeter things, an alternative could be natural yogurt with fruit or oatmeal. What is important is that you try to avoid eating pastries after physical activity.

Nuts

Although nuts are part of any balanced diet, nuts in particular are not the most recommended before starting to train.

The fatty acids that complement their goodness would be very difficult for our stomach to digest. They are best left for later.

Fast food

Fats, fats and more fats. But that’s not all these foods contain. They are also full of salt, additives and sugar. We may feel satisfied after eating a pizza or burger, but it’s all about what it doesn’t add to our bodies.

After a workout, it can be hard not to be tempted to grab a quick bite to eat. However, you have to consider everything mentioned above and that it does not have many micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, or protein.

Soft drinks

This is one of the worst pre-workout options. In addition to having almost no micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, they contain a huge amount of simple sugars. These slow down digestion, which can be detrimental to exercise.

It is also not good to consume soft drinks after physical activity. The sugar in these soft drinks is not necessary for the body and can even harm it. What can we drink to quench our thirst? Simple: water.

Fried food

We found our main enemy. It is essential that we avoid consuming these foods before starting a training routine or doing any kind of physical activity. They do not generate enough energy for our body and cause inflammation. Clearly, not highly recommended.

As if that were not enough, the high levels of salt contained in foods such as potato chips or onion rings make dehydration even more significant when exercising.

Spices

Many times when you want to lose weight the first thing you do is to take salt out of your meals, because the sodium it has makes the body retain fluids and therefore you get swollen.

However, if you are going to train, condiments, no matter how natural they are, are not the best way to replace it. If you combine it with exercise you will probably end up suffering from reflux, due to the overstimulation of the gastric system.

Citrics

Yes, it is true. Since we were kids we have been taught that drinking citrus fruits is very important, especially lemon and orange, because of all the benefits they bring, such as vitamin C.

When it comes to training however it ends up being detrimental. It is likely that this combined with training can produce a great acidity and this comes hand in hand with reflux.

Carbonated drinks

No one can doubt that this type of beverage is delicious, especially when it is fresh and you have just had a great expenditure of energy. However, they are the worst enemies when it comes to pre and post physical activity.

This type of beverage always ends up inflaming the abdomen and can even cause stomach pain. Therefore, water is the only liquid recommended when it comes to physical activity.

Cruciferous vegetables

Yes, these types of vegetables are key to a healthy life, thanks to the large amount of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals they provide to the body. So cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are unmissable foods to have a good diet.

However, when it comes to thinking about an ideal food for before training, these types of foods are not the most suitable. They have a chemical called raffinose, which is difficult for the body to digest and ends up inflaming the abdomen, making you slower.

Dairy products

Dairy products are undoubtedly a key type of food when it comes to having a healthy and balanced diet. However, it is always good to think about the ideal time to consume them.

For example, we do not recommend eating any dairy when you are about to go training. Although if you really want to drink some milk before physical activity, you can opt for one low in fat, so that it does not affect your performance so much.

Over time, ways of traveling have evolved. Whether strolling through one’s own city or traveling to the other side of the world, the ways of getting around have changed.

Technology has played a key role in this evolution. Here are 15 technologies that have a profound impact on all stages of travel, from planning to payments.

Mobile Apps

The days of using gigantic maps to move around unknown territory on your trips are over. Travel apps have changed the way we organize and manage every journey. It seems like every problem or issue can be easily resolved by just unlocking a smartphone and downloading different apps.

Airlines have their own apps to book flights. Some hotels and activities can also be booked through apps, while car rentals and tickets for other modes of transport can also be secured online. Moreover, any Maps application on smartphones can provide real-time information and even travel guides while spending time far from home.

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Online Travel Agencies have resolved many obstacles regarding travel accommodations. Platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, and Airbnb have made it easier to find and book accommodations wherever you go.

Providing a wide range of options and competitive prices, OTAs eliminate the need to visit multiple websites or make many phone calls to organize trips. User reviews and ratings, with 24/7 availability and customer support, have helped travelers get references about possible destinations and accommodations.

Ride-Sharing Services

The long-awaited alternatives to traditional car rentals and taxis have finally arrived in the last couple of years. Companies like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation with their convenient ways of getting a car to move around a city.

Smartphone apps help travelers request a ride, track their driver’s location, and pay for the service without the need for cash. Pricing models, such as dynamic pricing based on supply and demand, can offer competitive rates, especially during non-peak hours when regular taxis are not available or hard to find in some cities. These companies usually offer safety and transparency by providing driver background checks, vehicle inspections, and real-time tracking of rides.

Virtual Reality

Technology has advanced so much that it allows us to travel to a certain place before actually going there. How? Virtual reality allows travelers to go through immersive experiences. Through VR headsets or immersive displays, users can virtually “step into” different locations, allowing them to explore and interact with their surroundings as if they were actually there.

These kinds of experiences can help people take a look at places that they haven’t been able to visit. It also provides helpful information that can help travelers make decisions ahead of their trip.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality apps help travelers by providing real-time information about particular places, attractions, and destinations. AR can help people navigate unfamiliar cities and learn about those places along the way.

Interactive guides, real-time translation, and personalized recommendations are some of the features that AR apps provide to travelers. They improve users’ engagement with the destination where they’re at and provide much-needed information when discovering new places and navigating unknown territories.

Biometrics

Safety is the number one priority for many people when it comes to traveling. Biometrics have helped make significant progress on that criteria. Biometric technologies like fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and iris scanning offer a higher level of security compared to traditional identification methods.

Airport security and immigration processes have sped up thanks to biometrics, reducing wait times and eliminating the need for physical documents and manual verification. Biometrics also enable personalized travel experiences by linking individuals’ biometric data with their travel preferences and profiles.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The AI takeover is real. Platforms like ChatGPT and Bard are regularly used by Internet consumers. When it comes to traveling, artificial intelligence can be very useful, and these chatbots can be used to provide information and assist with bookings.

AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of data, including user preferences and past travel behavior. Using that data, AI can offer personalized travel recommendations. For businesses in the tourism industry, AI algorithms can analyze market trends and demand patterns to generate selling strategies and offer the best prices to maximize revenue.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

In a world where there’s air pollution nearly everywhere, the transportation industry is trying to change that with electric and hybrid vehicles. The quest for environmental sustainability has allowed these vehicles to change the way we travel.

Electric and hybrid vehicles produce lower or zero carbon emissions, helping to fight air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change. In that way, sustainable and eco-friendly travel can be achievable in countries that have and produce these kinds of vehicles.

Autonomous Vehicles

While still in the early stages, autonomous vehicles promise to change the way we travel forever. Brands like Tesla and cities like San Francisco have begun experimenting with driverless vehicles. The main advantage of autonomous vehicles is that they can eliminate human error, which is the leading cause of accidents due to distractions, fatigue, or impaired driving.

They detect advanced sensors and cameras and use artificial intelligence algorithms to navigate and make decisions on the road. Autonomous vehicles also have the potential to increase accessibility and mobility for people who cannot drive.

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of everyday objects connected to the internet via embedded devices with sensors, software, and other technologies. IoT devices have also impacted the travel experience.

Whether it’s smart luggage trackers or hotel room controls, these kinds of devices improve the traveler’s experience and organization. It also helps to ensure safety when traveling with devices such as smart surveillance systems equipped with IoT sensors.

Blockchain

When it comes to cybersecurity and transparency, blockchain technology has had a major impact on travel. Passenger identities and booking records are stored on the decentralized blockchain, reducing the risk of fraud, identity theft, and data breaches.

Blockchain technology also helps with payments. In the travel industry, the blockchain eliminates any intermediaries in the payment, like banks, enabling peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions, saving time and transaction costs, and enhancing transparency. It also plays a big part in loyalty programs, with the use of blockchain-based tokens or cryptocurrencies that allow more flexibility in the program’s rewards and can be redeemed through multiple participating travel providers.

Big Data

In a data-driven modern world, Big Data allows businesses to gather and process large amounts of data from travelers. This allows them to offer personalized travel experiences tailored to individual preferences, customized promotions, and personalized recommendations.

Big data enables businesses to gain a deeper understanding of customer needs and preferences. Business-wise, it analyzes market trends and demand patterns to optimize selling strategies and pricing. It also helps travelers improve their planning and trip management.

Smart Travel Accessories

Smart travel accessories have solved many inconveniences and issues for travelers. For instance, portable Wi-Fi hotspots or smart travel routers enable travelers to stay connected to the internet while on the go, which is crucial when exploring unknown areas.

Some travel gadgets, like portable chargers, noise-canceling headphones, and smart suitcases with built-in GPS, enhance convenience and optimize travel. These kinds of smart accessories are also used for safety purposes.

Mobile Payment Solutions

Mobile payment solutions have been playing a major role in the evolution of travel. In fact, the globalization of these payment solutions has enhanced travelers’ experiences wherever they go, reducing the need for physical cash.

Many mobile payment solutions are widely accepted globally, allowing travelers to make payments in different countries without dealing with currency exchange or international banking issues. It also provides financial inclusion by providing access to digital payment methods to people who may not have access to traditional banking services while on the move.

Travel Sharing Platforms with User Reviews

One of the most important aspects of traveling is trusting the people who are in charge of the transportation, accommodations, tours, and other trip activities. Travel sharing platforms have gained a lot of popularity over the course of the years thanks to the facilities they provide for both parties to connect and interact.

Another key part of travel sharing platforms are the user-generated reviews and recommendations. Platforms like TripAdvisor and Yelp help travelers make informed decisions based on other travelers’ opinions.

What no one knows is precisely when that day will come. However, some civilizations have made certain predictions regarding the end of the world.

Whether through revelations or divine prophecies, there are several theories regarding the end of the world, whether from an apocalyptic point of view or not. These are 20 theories from different civilizations about the end of the world.

Ragnarok (Norse mythology)

In Norse mythology, Ragnarök (‘Fate of the Gods’) is the end of days, the apocalyptic moment when the entire universe will be destroyed and all the gods will disappear. Ragnarök is considered a prophecy, one that not even the gods could change. They would just accept their fate.

According to Norse mythology, Odin, Thor, Týr, Freyr, Heimdall, Loki, and many other Norse gods will get involved in a series of battles. Many natural disasters, including the burning of the world, will end in the submersion of the world underwater. After the chaos, the world will rise again, fresh and clean. It will be repopulated by two human survivors, Líf and Lífþrasir, who will begin the life cycle again.

Mayan 2012 prophecy

2012 was a wild year. For the first time in the Internet era, an end-of-the world theory gained so much traction that it caused mayhem on social media and the web. December 21, 2012, was the end date of a 5,126-year-long cycle in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar.

Many Mayan and astronomical theories suggested that possible cataclysmic or world-altering events would occur then. However, Mayan scholars and astronomers quickly dismissed the idea of the end of the world on that day. As expected, no life-changing events for the world occurred on that day, but the theories were so widely spread that 2012 is now remembered as “the year when the world could’ve ended.”

Hopi prophecy

The Hopi Indians have gathered a certain reputation as a “prophetic tribe” in North America. They are an aggregation of clans that came together at the “center point” (Tuuwanasavi) in northern Arizona during their migrations. Since they have different origins within themselves, the Hopi have many theories and thoughts.

The Hopi believe that there have been three previous world cataclysms, as they believe in cycles of time as world-ages, similar to the Maya. The First World was destroyed by fire, the Second World by ice, and the Third World by a deluge. We’re currently living in the Fourth World, which could end after a “gourd of ashes”, referring to nuclear explosions.

Hindu concept of Yugas

Hinduism believes in cycles of time as the world ages, similar to the Maya. A yuga is used to indicate the age of time. Kali Yuga is the fourth and worst of the four yugas in a Yuga cycle.

Kali (which means strife, quarrel) Yuga is referred to as the present age, packed with conflict and sin. The Kali Yuga, according to Hinduism, will end after a cataclysm and the re-establishment of “dharma”, the religious and moral law.

Book of Revelation (Christianity)

The apocalyptic book in the New Testament has been a topic of discussion in Christianity for a very long time. The final book of the Christian Bible has been interpreted in many ways over the course of time. It begins with John (the author of the book, whose identity remains questioned nowadays) on the Greek island of Patmos, located in the Aegean Sea.

He addresses letters to the “Seven Churches of Asia” and then describes a series of prophetic visions. He includes figures like the Seven-Headed Dragon and the Beast, which would then culminate in the Second Coming of Jesus. Some futurist historians believe that the Book of Revelation describes future events and the end of the world as we know it.

Aztec belief in the Five Suns

In Aztec mythology, the term “Five Suns” refers to the belief of certain Nahua and Aztec cultures that the world has gone through four distinct cycles of creation and destruction. The present era is referred to as the fifth one.

According to Aztec tradition, after the destruction of every world, it is reborn through the sacrifice of a god. The first four suns were destroyed by jaguars, a hurricane, fire rain, and a flood. The Aztecs say that the Fifth World is the last one. After it, our planet will not be recreated again.

Zoroastrian belief in Frashokereti

The Zoroastrians compose one of the world’s oldest organized faiths. The Iranian religion follows the teachings of the Iranian-speaking prophet Zoroaster. It holds that there is one supreme deity, Ahura Mazda (Lord of Wisdom), who is the creator and maintainer of all things, and encourages its adherents to express their faith through the principles of Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Works.

Frashokereti (“Restoration”) is the Zoroastrian doctrine of a final renovation of the universe. There, evil will be destroyed, and everything will then be in perfect unity with Ahura Mazda.

Ancient Greek belief in the Ages of Man

According to ancient Greek mythology, there are five ages in time known as “The Ages of Man.” During the Ages of Man, humanity evolves until it reaches a certain peak, and then it comes to an end.

The Five Ages of Man are the Golden, Silver, Bronze, Heroic, and Iron Ages. In the Iron Age, according to Greek mythology, human beings lost core moral values such as honesty, loyalty, and social contracts. According to the poet Hesoid, the gods will not come to humankind’s aid, which will lead to the complete downfall and destruction of the world.

Egyptian concept of Isfet

Duality is a major aspect of Egyptian mythology and culture. Therefore, they believed in two opposing forces: Maat and Isfet. Maat was set to bring order and harmony, while Isfet was set to bring chaos and evil.

Following the duality trail, no one could exist without the other, which is why Egyptians believed in both. The pharaoh (Egyptian king) was appointed to “achieve” Ma’at. However, if that wasn’t the case, Isfet would bring chaos and catastrophes that would result in destruction.

Norse belief in Fimbulwinter

In Norse mythology, Ragnarök is considered the apocalyptic moment when the entire universe will be destroyed and all the gods will disappear. Ragnarök is a series of natural disasters that will lead to world destruction.

Fimbulwinter is considered the natural disaster that starts the end of the world. It’s a very harsh winter that precedes the destruction of the world and puts an end to all life on Earth. Some Nordic researchers even argue that Fimbulwinter actually happened in the 500s.

Tibetan Buddhist belief in Shambhala

About twelve hundred years ago, a prophecy from Tibetan Buddhism emerged. The coming of the kingdom of Shambhala is a very popular prophecy in Buddhism. Shambhala isn’t a geopolitical place but more of a spiritual kingdom.

According to the Shambhala Prophecy, there will come a time when all life on Earth is in serious danger. Great barbarian forces will have arisen that have unfathomable destructive power over the planet, and unforeseen technologies will appear with the potential to destroy the world. That’s the moment when Shambhala will rise, and a great king will come out of this sanctuary to defeat evil and establish a golden age.

Aztec prophecy of the solar eclipse

According to Aztec mythology, the sun and moon were gods, and eclipses occurred when these gods were being attacked or devoured. For the Aztecs, the sun was Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun, and the moon was Coyolxauhqui, the goddess of the moon. They believed that eclipses were signs of divine conflicts and that they could be the prelude to natural disasters, wars, or other catastrophic events that could lead to the world’s destruction.

During an eclipse, Aztec priests would perform special ceremonies to ensure that the sun or moon would be released from captivity and to prevent the end of the world. These rituals included offerings, sacrifices, and prayers to restore cosmic balance and maintain harmony in the universe.

Roman belief in the Sibylline Oracles

In ancient Rome, Sibylline oracles were prophetic writings attributed to the Sibyls, women considered to be prophetesses inspired by the gods. These oracles were believed to contain revelations about the future and were consulted in times of crisis or uncertainty.

Some historical references mention that the Romans associated Sibylline oracles with possible catastrophic events, including the end of the world. According to Roman mythology, the Sibyls had divine knowledge and could anticipate apocalyptic events like the world’s destruction.

Assyrian belief in the wrath of the gods

The Assyrians had a strong belief in gods and their influence on the world’s fate. They believed that gods were powerful and whimsical and that they could manifest their wrath and punish humanity with natural disasters and catastrophic events.

In fact, the Assyrians believed that if the gods were outraged about humans’ behavior, they could unleash their fury on them. The wrath of the gods was considered a harbinger of the end of the world, and priests and fortune tellers had to interpret every signal to make sure that humanity was in order. In fact, priests would organize celebrations that sometimes involved sacrifices, offerings, and acts of penance to control the wrath of the gods.

Native American prophecy of the Thunderbird

The Thunderbird is a mythological creature present in some Native American communities. The Thunderbird is described as a powerful supernatural being in the form of a giant bird with the ability to generate thunder and lightning with the flapping of its wings. It is said to control meteorological phenomena and is associated with power, protection, and spiritual transcendence.

According to some Native American groups, when the Thunderbird spreads its wings and flies, it can generate deafening thunder and lightning that can destroy everything in its path. That is why the appearance of the Thunderbird is interpreted as a possible end to the world, since its unleashing of storms and natural disasters could lead to the annihilation or catastrophic transformation of the world.

Modern interpretation of the Babylonian belief in the Nibiru cataclysm

In Babylonian mythology, Nibiru is the name of a planet or wandering star associated with the god Marduk. According to Babylonian texts, Nibiru was considered the dwelling place of the gods, and its appearance in the sky was believed to have cosmic significance.

In modern times, Nibiru has been associated with a controversial end-of-the-world theory. This conspiracy theory suggests that Nibiru is a massive planet that is approaching Earth and will provoke a cataclysm, causing Earth to undergo a physical pole shift that would destroy most of humanity.

Tibetan Buddhist belief in Kalachakra

Kalachakra is an important concept in Tibetan Buddhism and refers to a specific spiritual teaching and practice. The term “Kalachakra” means “Wheel of Time,” and its teaching is found in a text called Kalachakra Tantra, which covers various philosophical and meditative aspects and topics such as the cyclical nature of time and the quest for enlightenment.

It is believed that the Kalachakra can help achieve liberation and enlightenment through the understanding of wisdom and the practice of meditation. However, there are apocalyptic interpretations of the Kalachakra that argue that the text contains prophecies and describes a cosmic cycle in which the world will experience a series of disasters and transformations before ending in complete destruction and reaching a new era of peace.

Greek belief in the Titanomachy

The Titanomachy is the mythological war between the Olympian gods and the Titans. According to the myth, the Titans were a race of divine and powerful but chaotic beings who ruled the cosmos before the rise of the Olympian gods, who represented a more stable cosmic order. In the Titanomachy, the Olympian gods led by Zeus and his brothers faced the Titans in an epic battle, in which the gods prevailed.

The gods imprisoned the Titans in Tartarus, a prison in the depths of the underworld. Some interpretations of the Titanomachy suggest that if the Titans were released from their prison and returned to defy the Olympian gods, a catastrophic conflict and cosmic imbalance would be unleashed. According to these interpretations, such a duel would be so powerful that it could cause the total destruction of the world.

Persian belief in the Saoshyant

The Saoshyant is a future liberator or messiah who, according to Zoroastrian belief, will come to the world at the end of time to restore cosmic order, defeat evil, and renew creation. This figure will be born of a virgin and will perform a series of heroic and purifying acts to lead humanity into an era of peace, justice, and prosperity.

The association of the Saoshyant with the end of the world lies in the belief that his arrival will mark the end of the battle between the forces of good and evil and the transformation of the existing reality. According to some Zoroastrian interpreters, it is believed that his coming will be accompanied by significant cosmic events, such as the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the total renewal of the universe.

Maori belief in the fifth world

The concept of the Fifth World, known as “Te Ao Mārama” in New Zealand Maori culture, refers to a cyclical view of time and creation. According to this belief, the universe and humanity have gone through a series of previous cycles or eras, and we are currently living in the Fifth World. Each previous cycle or era has been destroyed and replaced by another in a process of cosmic renewal.

According to Maori cosmology, these destructions and renewals occur due to various reasons, such as conflict, imbalance, or human transgressions. However, the Fifth World is not necessarily associated with the end of the world in a catastrophic or apocalyptic sense. In fact, it is interpreted more as an opportunity to move towards a better future and restore balance after cosmic destruction and renewal.

It is for this reason that one should sleep as well as possible, adding the right amount of hours and developing a consistent sleep routine. However, sometimes this is not possible, and it ends up affecting day-to-day sleep.

Here are 15 tips to get the best sleep possible. From how to prepare the room for sleep to how to develop the best habits, here are some ways to get the most optimal sleep.

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule

It really helps the body “know” when it’s time to sleep. A good way for the body to get used to that feeling is to maintain a certain sleeping schedule. Getting good sleep is very important for our health, but it’s even more important to stay consistent with the number of hours and the times when you go to sleep and wake up.

Naturopathic sleep doctor Catherine Darley, N.D., told MindbodyGreen about the importance of standardizing sleeping times. “Ideally, your wake and rise times should not vary more than an hour (or even a half hour) each day,” Darley said. She also added that waking at an inconsistent time “makes it so a person isn’t predictably sleepy at the same time and can’t sleep as well.”

Create a relaxing bedtime routine

A good night’s sleep starts before you actually go to sleep. It’s important to prepare the body, wind down all the stress accumulated during the day, and signal to the body that it is time to rest. However, it’s up to every person to find what makes them comfortable before going to bed.

While every person should find whatever makes them more comfortable, one unanimous suggestion for a relaxing bedtime routine is to avoid electronics before going to bed. “Darkening down your environment helps to inform your internal body clock that the active daytime is over, triggering the release of melatonin, the sleep-promoting hormone,” Eve Lewis Prieto, Director of Meditation at Headspace, told GQ.

Avoid consuming stimulants like caffeine

Caffeine is arguably the most addictive stimulant in the world. People drink it to gain that boost of energy needed to go through the day. However, caffeine has such a long-lasting effect that it takes a long time to leave the body.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), four to six hours after consumption, about half of the caffeine that you ingested before is still in your system. “Caffeine can increase your arousal frequency—how many times your brain wakes up each night, though you may not remember,” neurologist and sleep medicine specialist Ajay Sampat, M.D., assistant clinical professor at UC Davis Health, told SELF.

Exercise regularly

James Wilson, sleep expert for West Ham and founder of Kip Mate, told GQ about the importance of exercise and its effects on sleeping. “Exercise is amazing for sleep—at the right time, which is not too close to bedtime and in line with your body’s natural rhythm,” Wilson said.

In fact, Wilson spoke about the benefits of exercise for rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. “Exercise gives you better quality deep and REM sleep. When people ask how they can get more deep or REM sleep, you can’t really control sleep in that way, but exercise really does help. You need more deep sleep when you exercise for physical recovery, and you need more REM sleep because there’s an emotional recovery around exercise,” he added.

Limit daytime napping

Daytime naps can be helpful, depending on how long they last. A short power nap of around 10–20 minutes can boost alertness and performance levels and decrease any feelings of sleepiness.

However, if naps get longer, they can interfere with the sleep schedule. Moira Junge, a registered health psychologist and CEO of the Sleep Health Foundation, has warned about the length of naps and how they can affect the sleep schedule. “If you require many naps during the day despite adequate opportunity for sleep at night, this may be a sign that you’re not getting enough sleep or that your quality of sleep is poor,” Junge told Live Science.

Ventilate your bedroom

One of the biggest debates around sleeping is whether the window in the bedroom should remain open or not. Dr. Pawel Wargocki, from the Technical University of Denmark, was the senior author of a study that tried to figure out if it was better to sleep with or without the window open.

It turns out that not only is it better to sleep with the window open, but also to ventilate the bedroom in order to have a healthier sleep environment. “The air quality in the bedroom can affect your cognitive abilities, such as your ability to concentrate, to understand, and to react. An open window is recommended when air pollution is low and if there is no ventilation system in the home. Otherwise, the best solution is mechanical ventilation,” Hargocki told The Mirror.

Avoid electronic devices

The National Sleep Foundation of the United States recommends that you stop using electronic devices, like your cellphone, at least 30 minutes before bedtime. But even using electronic devices for a long period of time during daylight can be damaging to the sleep schedule.

“Checking your phone stimulates your brain. You’re more active and awake. Even just a quick check can engage your brain and delay sleep,” sleep medicine expert Michelle Drerup, PsyD, DBSM, told the Cleveland Clinic.

Avoid heavy meals, spicy foods, and excessive liquids

Your food choices can also be a factor in your sleep schedule. It’s important to avoid caffeinated foods and beverages, as they can be stimulants for the brain at night.

Heavy meals and particularly spicy foods are known to cause indigestion and therefore lead to sleep disturbances. Michael Breus, a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, told Yahoo about the importance of avoiding spicy foods. “Researchers believe capsaicin, a compound found in spicy foods, could be the main culprit. Capsaicin is thought to raise body temperature, which interferes with comfortable sleep,” Breus said.

Limit exposure to bright light in the evening and ensure exposure to natural light during the day

Light management is crucial when it comes to ensuring a good night’s sleep. According to a study published in the Journal of Pineal Research, not getting enough natural light during the day causes problems getting smooth sleep at the end of the day.

“Exposure to daylight is really critical to maintaining a healthy circadian system and the sleep hygiene that comes with it,” senior study author Horacio de la Iglesia, PhD, told Healthline. Bright lights in the evening, especially the blue light that comes from electronic devices, can affect the brain and be stimulants.

Manage stress levels

Anxiety, stress, and many other mental health issues could lead to sleepless nights. It is crucial to manage those feelings and release as much stress as possible by unwinding before going to sleep. “Stress and sleepless nights are closely linked,” sleep expert Luis F. Buenaver, Ph.D., C.B.S.M., told John Hopkins Medicine.

“If you’re in pain, tend to worry, or are coping with a difficult situation in your life, you may have more stress hormones than usual circulating in your body. A poor night’s sleep adds even more. And those hormones may never be fully broken down. It’s like running an engine in fifth gear all the time,” Buenaver added.

Make sure your sleep environment is comfortable

When going to sleep, it is important to make sure that the bedroom has the appropriate environment to relax and go to sleep smoothly. Eve Lewis Prieto, Director of Meditation at Headspace, told GQ that the bedroom “should feel like a sleep oasis—stress- and distraction-free.“

While every person has their own way to make their sleep environment comfortable, there are some common suggestions. It’s important to darken the room, have it clean and decluttered, and have a comfortable mattress.

Reserve your bed for sleep only

Sometimes we stay in bed to work, study, or do a different activity when we’re not sleeping. However, when it’s time to actually go to sleep, our brain could interpret the “switch off” incorrectly and not understand that we’re going to bed to sleep. Dr. Joseph Shrand, a psychiatrist in Dedham, Mass., told PsychCentral about the importance of only using our bed for sleep.

“Our brains are designed to associate one thing with another. Your bed is your nest and should only be associated with sleep,” Shrand said. In fact, he suggested that you only reserve your bed for times when you feel sleepy, so your brain can associate it with rest.

Use a comfortable pillow

A comfortable mattress is critical to getting a good night’s sleep. However, using a comfortable pillow is just as important. The purpose of the pillow is to support your head, neck, and shoulders so that they stay aligned with the spine.

According to Catherine Siengsukon, director of the Sleep, Health, & Wellness Lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center, pillows can help alleviate and prevent musculoskeletal discomfort. “We’ve all had the experience where we sleep in an uncomfortable position and then wake up with neck pain,” Siengsukon told USA Today.

Keep a sleep journal to track your sleep patterns

Keeping a sleep diary or journal is a good way to not only focus on the number of hours slept but also how many times you could wake up during the night. Its data could also indicate if your work schedule is affecting your sleep or provide some clues to sleeping disorders.

“As a sleep specialist, I consider a sleep diary essential,” said Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, to sleep.com. “By tracking lifestyle factors such as how much you exercised, how much caffeine you consumed, and what you ate, and then comparing these to your sleep patterns, you can see what actions impact your sleep, or lack thereof,” Breus added.

Consult with a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist to rule out any underlying sleep disorders or issues

Sleep disorders are real. Many people deal with major issues when it’s time to sleep. As crucial as sleep is in our lives, it is very important to tackle these problems as soon as possible by seeing a sleep specialist or a doctor.

“They can comment on things that you do in your sleep that you may not be aware of,” Duke sleep specialist Marjorie Kilgore, MD, told DukeHealth. “Don’t wait. Seeing a sleep specialist to learn how sleep is affecting you and what your options are could be life-changing,” she added.

Several artists have made history in the music industry with some live performances. Whether they were on TV shows, award ceremonies or even festivals held in stadiums, singers and bands have gone down in history.

Some artists belonging to the LGBTQ+ community also made their mark with live performances. Here are 20 of them that the community will never forget.

Freddie Mercury (Queen) – Live Aid 1985

On a sunny afternoon at Wembley Stadium, in London, Queen and Freddie Mercury delivered one of the greatest live performances in rock history. The band solidified its legendary stats as one of the best rock bands of all time with this iconic performance. Despite a great job by the whole band, Mercury stole the whole show.

His vocals were outstanding, showing once again what a great live performer he was. But this Live Aid show was so iconic because of the way that Freddie’s energy was transferred to the crowd. Singing every song, screaming until their voices were gone and jumping up and down to Queen’s greatest hits, the vibe in that concert was unmatched.

Elton John – Performance of “Your Song” at the Troubadour in 1970

The young adult from Pinner, United Kingdom, was set for a big break overseas, more particularly in the United States. At 23 years old, Elton John stepped into a small club in the city of Los Angeles called The Troubadour. Many famous musicians had their breakout performance in the Troubadour.

On August 25, 1970, Elton John became part of that group. The British singer performed “Your Song” as its opening track, a song that was co-written with Bernie Taupin. His performance was so touching that the fans stood up and gave him a standing ovation, and Elton started to make even more noise in the United States.

Lady Gaga – “Paparazzi” performance at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards

One of the most visually stunning performances ever on an awards show. Lady Gaga shook the music world with her performance at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Her “Paparazzi” performance started with her descending from the ceiling to the stage in a giant egg.

After singing the first part of the song in the egg, Gaga stepped out of it wearing a completely different outfit. Inside the egg, she was wearing a prison jumpsuit, and outside the egg she was wearing a black latex dress. As the song kept going, she changed outfits two more times, and ended her performance by jumping into a pool full of water.

George Michael – “Freedom! ’90” performance at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1990

The people in attendance of the MTV Video Music Awards in 1990 were witnesses of something that had never been done in music history. It was the first time that a major pop star performed a song… without actually appearing on stage.

While everyone was expecting George Michael to come out and perform “Freedom! ‘90”, the performance began with a video montage of Michael’s past music videos. After that, the screen showed a video of Michael singing the opening lines of the song, followed by videos of supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell lip-syncing and dancing to the song. This performance was widely praised due to its originality at the time.

Melissa Etheridge – “Come to My Window” performance at the 1994 Grammy Awards

Melissa Etheridge wrote “Come to My Window” in honor of her then-partner, Julie Cypher. Her performance of the song at the 1994 Grammy Awards gave even more meaning to the track.

Etheridge opened the song alone on stage, sitting at a piano and signing the first verse softly. As the song progressed, the artist started to sing the next lines with more passion and feeling, as the crowd matched her intensity and a band joined her mid-song. It was a moving performance that also served as a statement of Etheridge’s sexuality at the time, helping to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and their rights.

David Bowie – “Starman” performance on “Top of the Pops” in 1972

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars had just dropped back in July 1972, and David Bowie had to promote it. On that note, the artist went to showcase his new album, appearing on Top of the Pops, a British TV show.

Accompanied by his band, the Spiders from Mars, Bowie displayed his flamboyant personality at full scale. With his hair dyed red, and dressed in a bright red and blue jumpsuit with a lightning bolt across the chest, Bowie delivered a “superheroic” performance. His style was unique at the time, and this performance gave him a push into the mainstream scene.

Janis Joplin – “Piece of My Heart” performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967

A relatively unknown Janis Joplin stepped onto the stage at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. Little did she know that her performance of “Piece of My Heart” would become one of the greatest performances in rock history.

Her intense and passionate style took the crowd by surprise. Her signature move of ripping her shirt off at the end of the show was controversial at the time, but was another major element of the craziness of the performance.

Elton John – “Candle in the Wind” performance at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997

Diana, Princess of Wales, shockingly passed away in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. The whole world mourned her loss. Elton John, a close friend of Diana, was visibly affected.

When he was asked to perform at Diana’s funeral, he agreed and delivered one of the most touching performances ever. Elton sang a special version of “Candle in the Wind”, originally written about Marilyn Monroe. However, John changed the lyrics to reflect Diana’s legacy, and despite his voice being choked with tears, he finished the song and got a standing ovation.

k.d. lang – “Constant Craving” performance at the 1993 Grammy Awards

After her breakout song “Constant Craving” went number six on the Billboard Hot 100, k.d. lang was ready for the big stage. After receiving four Grammy nominations in 1993, she performed at the show and didn’t dissapoint.

She only needed a simple black dress and a small band behind her to deliver an outstanding performance. It was the first time that this “lesbian love song” was played to a major audience, even though k.d. lang’s music was getting banned by some US radio stations, and the Canadian artist touched the public with her passion and emotion.

Sam Smith – “Stay with Me” performance at the 2014 Grammy Awards

Sam Smith had a wonderful year in 2014. Smith was nominated for six Grammy Awards that year, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist. “Stay with Me”, a song that talked about a failed relationship, reached number one on the charts in the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other countries.

When the time to perform it live came, Smith delivered a touching performance. Wearing a black suit and tie, and with a small band behind him, Smith sang his record song in front of an audience that rewarded him with a standing ovation at the end of his performance.

Janelle Monáe – “Tightrope” performance on “The Late Show with David Letterman” in 2010

The Late Show with David Letterman has earned legendary status in American television over the course of the years. Many artists have delivered amazing performances as guests in the show.

Janelle Monáe wasn’t the exception. Dressed in a black and white tuxedo with a white bow tie, white gloves, and black platform boots, Janelle performed “Tightrope” in the most authentic way possible. Dancing all the way through her performance, Monáe gained a standing ovation by the crowd and gave her critical and commercial praise.

Ricky Martin – “Livin’ la Vida Loca” performance at the 1999 Grammy Awards

Ricky Martin had a hit with “Livin’ la Vida Loca”. However, his popularity among the music industry skyrocketed after his performance at the 1999 Grammy Awards. In one of the most groundbreaking moments in Latin music history, Ricky Martin stood out on stage.

In a blue sweater with black pants, Ricky was the star of the show while a group of dancers performed a synchronized dance routine behind him. Not only was it a historic performance for Latin America, but it was also a sign of what could happen in the future back then: Latin music was ready to take over the world. Martin could be definitely considered a pioneer of the Latin movement in music.

Frank Ocean – “Thinkin Bout You” performance on “Saturday Night Live” in 2012

With his close cropped afro and a casual outfit, Frank Ocean sat down on the middle of the low-lighted stage at Saturday Night Live. Talented artists like him only need a small band and a mic to deliver a memorable performance.

“Thinkin Bout You” was one of the biggest songs in Channel Orange, one of Frank Ocean’s trademark albums, and his debut album as well. This performance helped him to get major attention from the mainstream music industry, and Frank started to make noise in hip-hop. His career would be followed by another classic album like Blonde, which he dropped in 2016.

Tegan and Sara – “Closer” performance at the 2014 Juno Awards

With a stage bathed in blue light, Tegan and Sara showed out at the 2014 Juno Awards with a touching performance. They were considered to be the big winners of the night, while top Canadian singers like Justin Bieber got booed at the awards.

Wearing black suits with white lace details, the Indie duo sang “Closer”, one of their top records. Accompanied by a simple backdrop of white curtains, Tegan and Sara danced their way through the song and received a standing ovation. Their performance was a historic moment for the LGBTQ+ community, since it was one of the first times that a same-sex couple had performed at the Juno Awards.

Boy George (Culture Club) – “Karma Chameleon” performance on “Top of the Pops” in 1983

“Karma Chameleon” was a massive hit for Culture Club, reaching number one in the United Kingdom and the United States. The song had a major impact for its message of tolerance, acceptance and love. Boy George, lead singer of the band, caught the attention of the public because of his androgynous and extravagant style of dressing.

Colors were the major attraction of the performance on Top of the Pops. The whole band wore colorful outfits, with a top hat, a scarf, a sequined jacket, and a pair of platform shoes. Their style was unique, and their performance didn’t disappoint as they got major critical acclaim after it.

Lil Nas X – “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” performance at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards

The 2021 MTV Video Music Awards had a performance that made the show stop, and put everyone on notice. Lil Nas X went all-in, descending from the ceiling in a golden cage, dressed in a fully pink outfit. Surrounded by a group of dancers, Lil Nas X performed “Montero” in a highly sexualized show, which sparked controversy.

However, it was one of the most important moments in LGBTQ+ music history. Celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Elton John and Adam Lambert congratulated the young rapper on social media, which had Lil Nas X’s name trending almost instantly.

Dusty Springfield – “Son of a Preacher Man” performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1968

On a darkened stage, the spotlight was on Dusty Springfield. She sang one of her hit songs, “Son of a Preacher Man”, on the Ed Sullivan Show and delivered a memorable performance. Wearing a black dress with a plunging neckline and a high slit up the side, Springfield sang her heart out.

The performance was shocking at the time due to Springfield’s sensual presence on stage, delivering a message of female empowerment. The cherry on top was when she finished her performance by blowing a kiss to the audience.

Hayley Kiyoko – “Curious” performance on “Billboard Women in Music” in 2018

Hayley Kiyoko had one of her big breaks as a performer when she showed out at the Billboard Women in Music ceremony in 2018. Wearing a denim jacket with many shining accessories, Kiyoko delivered a colorful and impressive performance that put the music world in notice.

The song, “Curious”, is about being attracted to someone of the same gender. With dancers on black and white outfits, accompanied by a show of lights and a powerful voice, Kiyoko was the main character of one of the most powerful and empowering musical moments for the LGBTQ+ community.

Melissa Etheridge – “I’m the Only One” performance at the 1995 Grammy Awards

One of the most powerful and emotional moments in Grammy Awards history. Melissa Etheridge was coming out as a lesbian at the time. After delivering an outstanding performance in the 1994 ceremony, she came in even stronger the following year.

Her singing was raw, vulnerable, in a song that was really personal for her. “I’m the Only One” is about a woman who is struggling to let go of a relationship, and Melissa’s performance touched the hearts of the audience, who gave her a standing ovation.

Janelle Monáe – “Django Jane” performance at the 2018 BET Awards

“Django Jane” tells the story of a strong, independent woman. Janelle Monáe, known for her outspokenness and strong personality, fitted the role perfectly in her performance of the song at the 2018 BET Awards.

With her black and white jumpsuit and a group of dancers with matching outfits, Monáe danced and sang the track with passion and an infectious energy that hyped up the audience. The performance was quickly viral in social media and gained wide approval by the public.

The LGBTQ+ community also has shows that are “trademarks” for the collective. Several of them feature celebrities who belong to the community, to a greater or lesser extent, and who set the collective on a high note with their performances.

These are 15 TV shows that have given the community something to talk about. In all of these programs, the LGBTQ+ community is very well represented, whether it is in the plot, by the characters or by the actors themselves. It doesn’t matter if they are comedies, dramas, or reality shows: all of these names are sure to be familiar.

Black Lightning

The DC Comics superhero drama series had four seasons and has a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Black Lightning tells the story of the retired Black Lightning returning to his life as a superhero while living a family life.

The character “Thunder”, played by Nafessa Williams, is considered to be the first black lesbian superhero on television. “I’m just really grateful to tell the story for young lesbians — and black lesbians in particular. My hope is that when you watch Anissa, a young lesbian is inspired to walk boldly as who she is and to love herself exactly how she looks,” Williams told Entertainment Weekly.

Please Like Me

Please Like Me can be usually looked at as a sitcom. However, this Australian series is more of a drama since it takes a satiric approach to serious topics. The show stars Josh Thomas (who was also the creator), Thomas Ward, and Debra Lawrence, among other names in the cast.

Please Like Me tells the story of Josh, a guy in his twenties who has been recently dumped by his girlfriend. While going through a time in his life filled with changes and uncertainty, he starts exploring his sexuality as well.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Brooklyn Nine-Nine can definitely be considered a classic. After being on the air for eight years (2013–2021), B99 broke their fans’ hearts with the announcement that the show was coming to an end. Nonetheless, the adventures of the NYPD detectives will be in everyone’s memories for a long time.

With a stacked cast that includes Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews, and Melissa Fumero, Brooklyn Nine-Nine focuses on the chaotic adaptation of these detectives to their new strict superior, Captain Holt (Braugher). The series also received the 2018 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, thanks to the positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters like Holt and Rosa Díaz (Fumero).

The L Word

This Showtime television drama made waves in the 2000s. It was considered a groundbreaking series because of its portrayal of lesbianism. It was also one of the first series where lesbian sex was portrayed in the most graphic way possible.

Starring Jennifer Beals, Katherine Moennig, and Leisha Hailey, the show aired from 2004 to 2009 and had television’s first ensemble cast of lesbian and bisexual female characters. It’s also considered the first show written and directed by predominantly queer women. The L Word narrates the life story of a group of lesbian and bisexual women who live in West Hollywood, California. Each of them has their own life, with their stories connected all across Los Angeles.

Pose

The Ballroom community is an underground LGBTQ+ subculture, with its origins rooted in New York City. Mostly African American and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities organized their own pageants in opposition to the racism and discrimination presented in that industry. Pose is an American drama series that focuses on these dancers and models. They compete for trophies and recognition in the Ballroom culture.

The cast includes actors like Evan Peters, Kate Mara, James Van Der Beek, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, and Billy Porter. Porter made history as the first openly gay black man to get a nomination and to win an Emmy Award in the lead acting category (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2019).

Orange Is the New Black

A household name in the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to TV series. Orange Is the New Black, the American comedy-drama based on Piper Kerman’s memoir about her time in prison, lasted for seven seasons (2013–2019).

OITNB was a very successful and groundbreaking show. Until 2016, it held the Netflix record for most-watched and longest-running original series on the platform. With names like Taylor Schiling, Laura Prepon, and Michelle Hurst, OITNB earned 12 Emmy Award nominations in its first season and became the first series to earn Emmy nominations in both comedy and drama.

Queer as Folk

This serial drama tells the life stories of five gay men and a lesbian couple living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Queer as Folk lasted from 2000 to 2005 and captured the hearts of their fans, who could relate to the characters and their personalities.

The series, which includes actors like Thea Gill, Michelle Clunie, and Randy Harrison, was groundbreaking in the LGBTQ+ community for many reasons. Queer as Folk had the first sex scene between two men shown on American television. It also favored the portrayal of serious topics such as HIV/AIDS and same-sex marriage.

RuPaul’s Drag Race

One of the most famous LGBTQ+ reality competitions in the world, RuPaul’s Drag Race, searches for the next American “drag superstar”. After fifteen seasons, RuPaul is still going strong. The drag queen acts as the host, mentor, and head judge of the series, and many international editions of the show have been released.

The contestants face different challenges each week. The judges critique their performances and decide if they can progress in the competition or not. The show earned RuPaul seven consecutive Emmy Awards (2016–2022).

Will & Grace

Will & Grace aired for the first time in 1998 and made noise from the get-go. The sitcom lasted for 11 seasons and focused on the close friendship between a gay lawyer called Will Truman (Eric McCormack) and a straight interior designer called Grace Adler (Debra Messing).

The show was widely acclaimed by critics due to its positive portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community, with names like Sean Hayes (who played Jack MacFarland in the series) being highlighted. The US Vice President at the time, Joe Biden, praised Will & Grace in 2012. He said that the show “probably did more to educate the American public” on LGBT issues “than almost anything anybody has ever done so far“.

Looking

Starring Jonathan Groff, Murray Bartlett, and Frankie J. Alvarez, among others, this comedy-drama was set in an iconic LGBTQ+ city like San Francisco. Patrick, Agustín, and Dom, three gay friends who live and work in SF, are the main characters of the show.

Looking was critically acclaimed and praised for its realistic portrayal of gay characters navigating life, relationships, family, and careers. In 2019, British newspaper The Guardian chose Looking as one of the “100 Greatest TV Shows of the 21st Century”. The show is still widely popular despite its cancellation.

Schitt’s Creek

After losing nearly everything and being defrauded by their business manager, the Rose family had to move to a small town called Schitt’s Creek to get a fresh start. Their adventures and everyday problems made this Canadian sitcom iconic.

The original creator of the show was Dan Levy, who also acts in the series as David, the fashion-forward and openly gay son of the family. The show received 19 Primetime Emmy nominations. It was also recognized with two GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, thanks to its portrayal of LGBTQ+ people.

American Horror Story: Hotel

Created by Ryan Murphy, the fifth season of American Horror Story was “a celebration of LGBTQ culture,” according to him. Names like Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates, Evan Peters, and Denis O’Hare were part of the fifth season of this acclaimed series, which also had Lady Gaga as a special member of the ensemble cast.

American Horror Story: Hotel is centered around the mysterious Hotel Cortez in Los Angeles and the paranormal events going on inside of it. It also explores serious topics like transphobia, homophobia, and the AIDS epidemic. The show won several awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy.

Batwoman

The first openly lesbian superhero to headline her own television show. Ruby Rose, Javicia Leslie, Rachel Skarsten, and Meagan Tandy were part of Batwoman during its three seasons, from 2019 to 2022.

Kate Kane, the cousin of vigilante Bruce Wayne, becomes Batwoman in his absence and tries to protect Gotham City. The show won a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series thanks to its positive promotion of LGBTQ visibility and acceptance.

Sense8

The Wachowskis and J. Michael Straczynski created one of the most renowned shows of the late 2010s. Its innovative storytelling, diverse cast (including actors like Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Brian J. Smith, and Jamie Clayton), and positive portrayal of LGBTQ characters made Sense8 an instant hit.

Eight strangers from around the world are suddenly linked mentally and emotionally, and are able to see, hear, and feel what each other is going through. These sensates were hunted by a group called the Whispers, who believe that they are a real threat to humanity. The show was widely acclaimed by critics and even nominated for major awards like the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series: Drama.

Queer Eye

Originally aired on Bravo from 2003 to 2007, and revived by Netflix in 2018, Queer Eye is a household name in the LGBTQ+ community. Jonathan Van Ness, Tan France, Bobby Berk, Antoni Porowski, and Karamo Brown, also known as the Fab Five, captured everyone’s hearts with their makeovers.

In every episode of the Queer Eye, the Fab Five meets a person who shares their heartwarming story. The five men help that person with a complete makeover, trying to improve their appearance, home, wardrobe, and overall outlook on life.

In that sense, and thanks to the platform that was given to this type of film, masterpieces have been produced. From films that made an impact for their way of showing the lives of people in the community to LGBTQ+ stories that are worthy of admiration, the catalog of films has expanded considerably.

These are 25 titles that fulfilled one of those two objectives and that, in addition, counted on important names in the community for casting. Each one of them should have an assured place in any planned movie marathon.

Brokeback Mountain

One of the most iconic LGBTQ+ movies of all time. Brokeback Mountain was a turning point in LGBTQ+ film history, and the movie is still revisited to this day.
Jake Gylenhaal and Heath Ledger were the main characters in an intimate romance between two sheep herders.

However, they couldn’t express their love freely, especially in front of their female partners, and their relationship became doomed. The movie was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture and won three awards: Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Original Score.

Carol

Set in New York City during the early 1950s, Carol tells a story about a forbidden romance between an aspiring female photographer and an older woman who’s going through a divorce. Therese (Rooney Mara) meets Carol (Cate Blanchett) while in a department store during the busy Christmas season.

They fall in love with each other, but Carol is in trouble. A private investigator is hired by Carol’s ex-husband, Harge (Kyle Chandler), to obtain evidence of her homosexuality in order to grant him full custody of their child.

God’s Own Country

In God’s Own Country, Johnny (Josh O’Connor) is going down a rough path in life. The young British farmer finds himself lost, with a lot of emptiness in his life. He is bouncing from parties to casual sexual encounters with other men.

His life changes when Gheorghe, a Romanian migrant worker, is hired for extra help on the farm. He brings life to the farm and helps Johnny turn his life around while their relationship develops throughout the film.

Milk

This biographical film is based on the life of gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk. Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the state of California, being chosen as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

The film recreates Milk’s first year in office and the obstacles he had to hurdle before his assassination in 1978. Acclaimed by the critics, it received eight Oscar nominations at the 81st Academy Awards.

Tangerine

Shot entirely on an iPhone 5, this groundbreaking 2015 movie was defined by critics as “revolutionary” because of the way sex work is depicted. Tangerine tells the story of Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodrigues), a transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend and pimp has been cheating on her.

Sin-Dee, accompanied by her best friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor), another trans sex worker, tries to get to the bottom of the rumor. While it has comedic bits, the film has moments that starkly reflect the lives of transgender people at the time.

Love, Simon

17-year-old Simon Spier has not yet come out to his friends or family. He gets involved online with an anonymous gay student who goes by the name “Blue.”

However, a message ends up in the hands of a blackmailer, who threatens Simon and tells him that he will expose him to the entire school. Meanwhile, Simon tries to find his true love, looking for any of his classmates who went by the name “Blue” online.

Moonlight

Moonlight is one of the best LGBT+ movies of all time, highly acclaimed by the critics, and the first one to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. This coming-of-age drama is based on Tarell Alvin McCraney’s semi-autobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. The 2016 film cast is composed of the likes of Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, and Janelle Monáe, among others.

The film explores three stages of the life of Chiron, a young black man who explores his sexuality during those early stages. It portrays how hard it was for Chiron to embrace his identity as a victim of physical and emotional abuse.

The Danish Girl

The Danish painters Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener are the main sources of inspiration for this biographical romantic drama film. Based on the novel of the same name by David Ebershoff, The Danish Girl stars Eddie Redmayne (as Elbe) and Alicia Vikander (as Wegener).

The film received mixed reviews because of controversial historical representations. However, Redmayne and Vikander’s performances were widely acclaimed. Lili and Gerda develop their relationship while they navigate Lili’s groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.

Philadelphia

Filmed and set in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia stars Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. It tells the story of Andrew Beckett (Hanks), a gay man who works at the largest corporate law firm in the city. A partner of the firm notices signs of an injury on Andrew’s forehead. Beckett attributes it to a racquetball injury, but in reality, it’s a sign of Kaposi’s sarcoma, an AIDS-defining condition.

After his employers discover the real reason behind it, they fire him. Andrew has to ask a lawyer to help him sue his employers. Joe Miller (Washington), a homophobic lawyer, takes his case, and their relationship changes drastically. It was one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to explicitly address HIV/AIDS.

Blue is the Warmest Color

Adèle (Adèle Exarchopoulos) is an introverted high school student. Her life journey looking for confidence and freedom has a twist when she meets Emma (Léa Seydoux), a blue-haired woman, at a gay bar.

Adèle and Emma become friends and begin developing their relationship even further when Emma starts getting closer to her. Blue is the Warmest Color earned critical acclaim, and the film unanimously won the Palme d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire

This historical romantic drama is set in France in the late 18th century, adding even more romanticism to the mix. It portrays a lesbian sexual affair between an aristocrat and a painter who was commissioned to paint the aristocrat’s portrait.

The artist, Marianne (Noémie Merlant), has to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse (Adèle Haenel), who doesn’t want to marry the man that her mother set her up with. Their love starts to grow as Marianne paints her portrait. Portrait of a Lady on Fire was nominated for the Independent Spirit Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, and Golden Globe Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.

Call Me by Your Name

Based on the 2007 novel of the same title by André Aciman, Call Me By Your Name narrates the love story of a 17-year-old Jewish Italian-French boy and a 24-year-old Jewish American graduate student. Elio Perlman (Timotheé Chalamet) meets Oliver (Armie Hammer) when Elio’s father invites him to live with the family.

Elio’s father brings Oliver to help him with some research, but the assistant and Elio hit it instantly, showing more than chemistry. Call Me by Your Name received four nominations at the 90th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Chalamet, and won for Best Adapted Screenplay.

The Birdcage

This 1996 American comedy film, which stars Robin Williams and Gene Hackman, among others, is the English-language remake of La Cage aux Folles. Armand Goldman, the openly gay owner of a drag club in South Beach called The Birdcage, lives with his drag queen life partner Albert, who plays Starina, the main attraction of The Birdcage.

However, their lives change when Armand’s son gets a girlfriend. Armand and Albert agree to pretend to be heterosexual so their son can introduce them to the girl’s conservative parents.

Transamerica

Sabrina “Bree” Osbourne is set to go through a vaginoplasty, a sex-change operation, in order to complete her transition. However, one phone call will change her life forever, bringing her back to the past that she wanted to leave behind.

A 17-year-old young man jailed in New York City who goes by the name of Toby Wilkins claims to be the son of Stanley Schupak (Bree’s dead name). Bree tries to turn her back on him, but she finally decides to deal with the situation and goes on a road trip that she’ll never forget.

Weekend

Tom Cullen and Chris New star in this British romantic drama film. It tells the story of two men, Russell and Glen, who meet at a gay bar in Nottingham and begin a sexual relationship.

However, Glen confesses to Russell that the very next weekend he was leaving the country to attend an art course in the United States. Knowing that his possible love of his life is leaving in less than 7 days, Russell tries to live every single experience possible with him, developing their relationship along the way.

Pariah

“Pariah” is defined as “an outcast,” a person who is rejected or despised. 17-year-old black teenager Alike (Adepero Oduye) portrays those feelings during the film.

Alike tries to explore her love life, while her mother disapproves of her behaviors and close friendships. However, everything changed when her mother herself introduced her to Bina, the daughter of one of her church friends. This widely acclaimed film also shows the conflicts between Alike and her family due to her sexuality.

But I’m a Cheerleader

Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall are the stars of one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ movies of all time. This funny lesbian comedy has made waves since its release and is still talked about nowadays.

Megan Bloomfield (Lyonne) is a high school cheerleader whose parents can’t accept the fact that she’s lesbian. They send her to a residential in-patient conversion therapy camp to “cure” her lesbianism. However, it turns out to have the exact opposite effect after meeting Graham Eaton (DuVall) at the camp.

Boys Don’t Cry

This 1999 biographical film is based on the real-life story of Brandon Teena (played by Hilary Swank), an American trans man. Teena, after receiving death threats and getting into trouble due to his sexuality, moves to Falls City, Nebraska, trying to find love and get his life together.

However, he ends up being the fatal victim of a hate crime perpetrated by two men. The film was widely acclaimed by critics. At the 72nd Academy Awards in 2000, Swank won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

One of the most groundbreaking LGBTQ+ films of the late 1990s. Anthony “Tick” Belrose (Hugo Weaving), also known as Mitzi Del Bra, accepts an offer to perform his drag act in a remote town in Australia.

Mitzi wants company during the trip, so he invites Bernadette Bassenger (Terence Stamp), a transgender woman, and a younger drag queen called Adam Whitely (Guy Pearce), also known as Felicia Jollygoodfellow. They go on a trip on a tour bus that they have named “Priscilla“, and they meet many people along the way.

A Fantastic Woman

This Chilean film tells the story of Marina, a transgender woman. Marina finds herself in a whirlwind of emotions after her older partner unexpectedly passes away. As she mourns her loss, Marina faces immense prejudice and discrimination from society, challenging her own strength and resilience.

Directed by Sebastián Lelio, the film was widely acclaimed by critics due to its powerful portrayal of identity, love, and the struggle for acceptance. It has also received numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2018.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is based on Mitchell and Stephen Trask’s 1998 stage rock musical. It tells the captivating story of Hedwig, an East German transgender singer seeking love and self-discovery. Hedwig develops a relationship with a younger man, Tommy, and decides to mentor him.

However, Tommy ends up stealing her music and becoming a rock star off of it. While going through Hedwig’s past and gender identity, her band tries to shadow Tommy’s music. The film was acclaimed by critics and received the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

An LGBTQ+ musical comedy horror film that has achieved legendary status. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has had a deep cultural impact because of its energetic musical numbers, outrageous and flamboyant costumes, and interactive midnight screenings.

A newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, were seeking shelter during a storm. However, they end up stumbling upon a bizarre castle inhabited by an assortment of peculiar characters, led by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, an alien transvestite from the planet Transsexual.

The Normal Heart

Set in the early 1980s, The Normal Heart is a powerful drama based on the 1985 play. It stars box office names like Mark Ruffalo and Matt Bomer among a stacked cast.

The film follows Ned Weeks, a passionate writer and LGBTQ+ activist, as he witnesses the devastating rise of the HIV-AIDS epidemic in New York City. Ned, founder of an HIV advocacy group, tries to fight against political indifference and personal tragedy by uplifting his community and closest ones to raise awareness and demand action.

The Miseducation of Cameron Post

This drama film, based on the 2012 novel by Emily M. Danforth, tells the story of Cameron Post (played by Chloë Grace Moretz), a teenage girl who gets caught by her boyfriend in a same-sex encounter with another girl. Her aunt Ruth sends Cameron to God’s Promise, a Christian conversion therapy center in rural Montana.

While taking a skeptical approach to the camp, Cameron tries to hold on to her identity and avoid getting into trouble there. The film was widely acclaimed by critics for its sensitive and honest portrayal of the hurdles and experiences of LGBTQ+ youth.

Maurice

This British romantic drama film is based on the 1971 novel Maurice by E. M. Forster. Maurice features a gay love story during Edwardian times in England. Maurice Hall, the main character (played by James Wilby), falls in love with Clive Durham (Hugh Grant) during his time at the University of Cambridge.

However, the relationship isn’t the realest for Maurice, as he tries to fit into society while Clive, an upper-class member, doesn’t want to lose his social position. Maurice’s path will take many sudden turns, and he ends up adrift, trying to find his love and purpose.

However, the use of AI must be carefully under control. Several experts have expressed the risks of a possible uncontrolled development of AI innovations.

Nevertheless, some technological devices supported by artificial intelligence have brought numerous advantages in day-to-day life. These are 20 devices that are in demand in the market thanks to their functions that make life easier.

Amazon Echo: an AI assistant called Alexa

Amazon has developed a smart speaker that connects to the voice-controlled intelligent personal assistant service Alexa. Features like voice interaction, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, music playback, among others, have made Amazon Echo one of the most acclaimed AI speakers on the market. Echo can also provide information about weather, traffic and control home devices.

Google Nest: a smart speaker for your home

Previously named Google Home, Google Nest is a smart speaker that allows users to speak voice commands to interact with different services. Google Assistant, the AI-based virtual assistant of the company, allows users to listen to music and control playback of videos or photos, besides other features. It also supports home devices’ automation.

Apple HomePod: Siri helping around the house

Launched in 2018, Apple’s assistant Siri jumps from the iPhone to the smart speakers. It mainly supports Apple’s technologies like Apple Music, iTunes purchases and AirPlay. It also enables the user to take Siri shortcuts, similar to the ones on iPhone that allow functions like the ability to make, receive and screen phone calls directly on the HomePod.

Nest Learning Thermostat: letting AI adjust temperatures

The Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart thermostat developed by the Google Nest family of home products. This smart thermostat learns the user’s preferred temperature settings and adjusts accordingly, helping to reduce energy consumption and save money. It is based on a machine learning algorithm: to provide the reference data set, users have to regulate the thermostat themselves for the first few weeks.

Roomba Robot Vacuum: a smart cleaner for home floors

The company iRobot developed a series of autonomous robotic vacuum cleaners. The Roomba models use AI to map any home and navigate around obstacles while cleaning. Roomba also allows some customizability and reprogramming.

Philips Hue: adjust your home light with your voice

Phillips Hue is a line of color-changing LED lamps and white bulbs. The first of its kind in the market, these smart bulbs can be controlled with voice commands. They can also learn the user’s preferred lighting settings and adjust accordingly. The bulbs are controlled wirelessly, with an app downloadable in smartphones.

Ring Video Doorbell: see who is knocking on your door

Ring is a company that gained popularity for his home security devices. The company, bought by Amazon in 2018, has created a video doorbell that allows the user to see and speak to visitors at their door, even when they’re not home. It has a high-definition camera, a motion sensor, a microphone and speaker for audio communication.

Nest Cam Indoor: detect any indoor movement

Part of the Google Nest family, this indoor security camera uses AI to detect people and motion, and can send alerts to a smartphone when it detects activity. Some features include a rotating, magnetic stand, 1080p video resolution, night vision, and two-way talk.

Ecobee Smart Thermostat: let the AI set the home temperature

The Canadian home automation company Ecobee has a series of smart thermostats that learn the user’s preferred temperature settings and adjust accordingly, saving energy. The thermostats can be controlled by using the built-in touchscreen, web portal, or the app available for iOS, Android, and the Apple Watch. They allow the user to set different schedules each day for various activities, including sleep, home, away, among others.

Sonos One: music, voice commands and home control thanks to AI

This smart speaker developed by Sonos allows the use of virtual assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant. It has a companion app, where the device is controlled. From the app, the user can tell the speaker to play music, answer questions, and control smart home devices.

August Smart Lock: unlock and lock your door with one button

August, Inc is a San Francisco home automation company well known for its Wi-Fi connected door locks. This smart lock from August allows the user to lock and unlock the door using a smartphone, and can also detect when the user’s near the door and automatically unlock.

Arlo Pro 3: be aware of any movement outside your door

The Arlo Pro 3 is the latest version of the Arlo wireless surveillance cameras. This outdoor security camera uses AI to detect people and motion, and can send alerts to any smartphone, through the companion app, when it detects activity. The camera is portable, waterproof and has extensive cloud storage.

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart Electric Toothbrush: let AI help you with your brushing

This electric toothbrush developed by Philips uses AI to track your brushing habits and give you personalized feedback. Thanks to some technologies included in the toothbrush, the companion app can track the spots on your teeth that lack brushing, and track the frequency of your brushing.

iRobot Braava Jet M6: let the AI clean your home floors

Braava is iRobot’s floor mopping robot, developed in 2013. It uses AI to map any home and navigate around obstacles while cleaning. Braava uses disposable or microfiber cleaning cloths for damp and dry cleaning, and can work on any kind of hard-surfaced floors.

Jabra Elite 85h: listen to music with AI adjustments to your surroundings

These noise-canceling headphones from Jabra use AI to adjust the sound to the user’ surroundings and give personalized sound settings. The headphones have 8 microphones, and also have up to 36 hours of battery on a single charge.

Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light: AI won’t let you oversleep

This wake-up light from Philips uses AI to gradually wake the user up with light and sound, making it easier to get out of bed. It includes a sunset simulation that allows the user to fall asleep faster, with a smooth transition to sleep. It has multiple natural sounds or FM radio to complete the overall sleeping experience.

Amazon Fire TV Stick: watch new AI suggested content

This digital media player developed by Amazon delivers digital audio and video content streamed via the Internet to a connected high-definition television. It also allows users to access local content and to play video games. This streaming device also uses AI to learn the user’s viewing habits and suggest new shows and movies.

Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator: let AI help you with your meal planning

This smart refrigerator from Samsung has an AI-powered voice assistant that can help the user plan meals and keep track of groceries. It has a giant, Android powered, touchscreen set in the door. It can be used for playing music, drawing, controlling smart devices, and even viewing the inside of the refrigerator without opening the door.

Netatmo Weather Station: personalized weather forecasts

This weather station from Netatmo uses AI to learn the local weather patterns and give the user personalized weather forecasts. It measures indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, noise level, and indoor air quality, as well as atmospheric pressure. The companion app can be configured to receive personalized notifications about changes in the user’s environment.

Lenovo Smart Clock: more than a clock

This smart clock from Lenovo is powered by Google Assistant and can play music, answer questions, and control smart home devices. It allows the user to choose between different types of alarms, including AI-monitored alarms and with various ringtones to choose from, with the possibility to play soothing sounds. It also supports dark mode, so the usr won’t be dazzled at night.

Especially for individuals who have busy schedules and little time to rest, it is important to prioritize practices that promote mental well-being. Furthermore, since stress is a common human condition, it should be managed through various means.

In this article, we have compiled 20 self-care ideas to help you improve your mental health. These include various practices, activities, and postures that can assist in taking care of your mind.

Get enough sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for maintaining good mental health. It’s recommended to aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. According to Casey Kelley, MD, ABoIM, founder and medical director of Case Integrative Health, sleep is essential for the body to function properly, just like food, water, and oxygen.

“Sleep is a vital, yet often underappreciated, aspect of overall body health and longevity,” Kelley told Real Simple. “While you’re asleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines that protect against inflammation or infection,” she added.

Meditate

Meditation has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety while increasing feelings of well-being. It’s recommended to set aside some time each day to meditate and quiet your mind.

Susan Albers, PsyD, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic, spoke about the benefits of meditation. “Clinical research indicates that meditation is great for both the body and the mind. Studies have shown that it helps to decrease stress, increase your ability to cope with anxiety, chronic health issues, and pain, improve sleep, and reduce blood pressure,” she told Newsroom.

Exercise

Regular exercise is beneficial not only for physical health but also for reducing stress and improving mood. It’s crucial for both the body, in terms of fitness and longevity, and mental health.

In fact, researchers from the University of South Australia found that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than therapy or leading medications for reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distress. “Exercise is often overlooked as a potential treatment for anxiety or depression. Exercise and physical activity can be effective in treating depression,” said Dr. Scott Krakower, DO, a psychiatrist with Northwell Health, in an interview with Parade.

Spend time in nature

Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress and improve mood. Going for a walk in the park or hiking in the woods are great ways to do this.

Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, PhD, a licensed psychologist and media advisor for the Hope for Depression Research Foundation, explained to Real Simple that our physical and mental health benefit when we connect with nature. “When we spend time in nature, we can literally disconnect from everyday stressors, technology, and social interactions. Nature can help us ground and recharge our bodies and minds, especially if we take time to observe our surroundings,” he added.

Read a book

Reading is an excellent way to unwind and escape from the stresses of daily life. Set aside time each day to read a book that interests you.

Furthermore, reading can help keep your mind sharp and prevent cognitive decline. “Various activities, including reading, that are seen as cognitively engaging are definitely associated with better brain health,” said Jonathan King, Ph.D., senior scientific advisor in the division of behavioral and social research at the National Institute on Aging, in an interview with TODAY.com.

Take a bath

Taking a warm bath can be a fantastic way to unwind and reduce stress. Get in the water, lay back, and relax. You can also enhance the experience by playing some music or lighting candles.

According to family medicine provider Amy Zack, MD, taking a bath could have a significant positive impact on your mental health. “Baths also create a peaceful environment for meditation, introspection, and escape from everyday stressors. Promoting relaxation helps you let go of things that can keep you awake as you try to wind down,” Zack explained to HealthEssentials.

Listen to music

Listening to music has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. Put on your favorite music and enjoy.

Trish Glynn, who is a licensed mental health counselor and the owner of The Carey Center, has explained the benefits of listening to music. “Music is known to lower your heart rate while also reducing levels of cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone,” Glynn has told Insider.

Practice gratitude

It’s important to take time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Focusing on the positive can help to reduce stress and improve mood.

According to Dani Moye, Ph.D, a licensed marriage and family therapist, being grateful can have a positive impact on our mental health. “When we focus on the good in our lives, the things that make us feel sad or worried are minimized. This shift in perspective can give us emotional freedom and serenity, no matter what we’re facing,” Moye explained to Forbes Health.

Journal

Writing in a journal can be a great way to reflect on your feelings and emotions. It can also help you to identify patterns and triggers that may be affecting your mental health.

“Journaling also improves mental health and allows for stress relief, because it can provide a safe space to unload your pent-up thoughts and feelings,” says Dr. Carla Manly, a clinical psychologist based in Sonoma County, California. “In general, whether it’s after a therapy session or just after a long day, it is a safe space to put everything out there and close it up,” she told TODAY.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. It has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Lalah Delia, a wellness educator, discussed the benefits of mindfulness with USA Today. “Mindfulness helps us be present in the world, aware of our energy and aware of the energy around us. It involves actively exploring our thoughts and surroundings to understand how they impact our mental and emotional well-being. This is different from traditional meditation,” she explained.

Connect with friends and family

Make time for regular social activities as spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress and improve mood.

Dr. Raymond Hobbs, a physician consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, emphasized the importance of socializing for our mental and physical health. “We know that social isolation is a serious threat to health. Strengthen relationships with family members, such as siblings, children, nephews, nieces, and cousins,” Hobbs explained to Healthline.

Try a new hobby

Trying something new can be a great way to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Pick up a new hobby or learn a new skill. “Hobbies have so many positive benefits on mental wellness,” said Dr. Tom MacLaren, consultant psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health, to Irish News.

“They help lift mood, reduce stress, and promote happiness and contentment. To get the full mental health benefit, it’s important to find something meaningful and enjoyable, whether it be creative, musical, athletic, academic, involving collecting, or something unique or personal,” he added.

Practice self-compassion

Be kind and understanding to yourself. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes because you’re only human.

According to Kristin Neff, Ph.D., “A lot of research shows that people who score high on self-compassion eat better, exercise more, and keep doctor appointments. It’s an attitude of genuine consideration, one that a good parent would have toward a child who wants to have ice cream for dinner every night. The loving and compassionate decision is to say no, to balance the short-term pleasure with the long-term benefit because you value the person,” as told to Shape magazine.

Take breaks

It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Taking a walk, stretching, or simply taking a few deep breaths can be helpful.

Jennifer Bramen, PhD, a senior research scientist, spoke to Healthline about the importance of taking short breaks, especially during work. “In general, the closer you are to taking a 10-minute break, the better you will perform. However, even shorter breaks can still be beneficial,” said Bramen.

Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet can help improve your mood and reduce stress. Focus on consuming whole foods and avoiding processed foods. According to registered dietitian Garrett Swisher, better nutrition equals better mental health.

“The way we eat those foods is important. Eating a well-balanced diet, including foods from all food groups, focusing on more whole, unprocessed, less refined foods, and eating regularly. The brain and the gut are interconnected. Foods that make us feel bad are going to make us miserable and not enjoyable to be around,” Swisher explained to WTHR.

Reduce caffeine intake

Too much caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety and stress. Try reducing your caffeine intake or switch to decaf. Some experts argue that caffeine can be addictive.

Lisa Axelrad, a nutritionist in Los Angeles, spoke to Esquire about the addictive effects of caffeine. “Coffee leads to an afternoon crash and stains our teeth, and that’s from just one cup a day. If you’re drinking more, you are likely to suffer from headaches, disrupted sleep, irritability, high blood pressure, jitters, insulin resistance, and hormone disruption,” Axelrad said.

Get outside

Spending time outside has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. Take a walk or sit in the sun for a few minutes each day.

Fitness expert Denise Austin spoke to Prevention about the importance of walking. “It has tremendous benefits, from supporting a healthy immune system to boosting your metabolism to strengthening your joints, muscles, and bones — not to mention it’s amazing for stress relief and enjoying a little ‘me time,'” Austin said.

Practice deep breathing

Deep breathing can be an effective way to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Try taking a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.

According to a study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, breathing techniques like cyclic breathing have been shown to be more effective in improving mood than mindfulness meditation and other breathwork techniques.

Seek professional help

If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important to seek professional help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

According to the US National Institute of Mental Health, talking therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, can be helpful for treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among others.

Be kind to yourself

Remember to be kind and understanding to yourself. Practice patience and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

Dr. Kelli Harding, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry, discussed the positive effects of kindness on our mental health with EverydayHealth. “Kindness can lower cortisol and blood pressure, reduce pain, anxiety, and depression, and boost our immune system, thus mitigating stress on an individual level,” Dr. Harding stated.

The Green Bay Packers legendis widely regarded as one of the best at his position. Despite only playingin one Super Bowl and winning it, Rodgers is highly esteemed throughout the NFL.

His impressive deep throws, ability to escape the pocket, leadership qualities, and numerous other attributes have made him a household name in the league. However, not everyone is familiar with Rodgers’ story in great detail. To shed some light on this Californian quarterback, here are 20 things that you may not know about him.

Rodgers’ early life and family background

Aaron Charles Rodgers was born on December 2, 1983, in Chico, California. He is the son of Darla Leigh and Edward Wesley Rodgers, who played as an offensive lineman for the Chico State Wildcats from 1973 to 1976.

Aaron has two siblings, Luke and Jordan. His father once advised them not to drink or party in college, warning that it could limit their potential in sports, just as it did for him. Aaron took this advice to heart and has had a highly successful career, which is now nearing its end.

Rodgers’ high school football career

After the Rodgers family returned to Chico in 1997, Aaron attended Pleasant Valley High School. He played as the starting quarterback for two years and threw for a total of 4,421 passing yards.

During his high school career, Rodgers achieved several impressive feats, including setting a single-season school record with 2,466 total yards in 2001. He graduated in the spring of 2002 with an A- average and scored 1310 on the SAT.

Rodgers’ college football career

Despite his impressive high school statistics, Aaron Rodgers did not receive much attention or scholarship offers from Division I colleges. He believes that his height (5’10”) and weight (165 lb) during high school contributed to the lack of interest.

Rodgers contemplated quitting football altogether and pursuing a career in baseball, or even not playing sports at all. However, he was eventually recruited to play football at Butte Community College, where he had an excellent season. He then transferred to the University of California, where he had two highly successful seasons that significantly boosted his NFL prospects.

Rodgers’ transition to the NFL

Aaron Rodgers was confident that he would be drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, who held the first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. However, the 49ers chose quarterback Alex Smith out of Utah instead, causing Rodgers to fall dramatically in the draft. He eventually landed with the Green Bay Packers, who selected him with the 24th overall pick.

This setback only fueled Rodgers’ motivation further, using his disappointment as a source of motivation. After spending two seasons as a backup, he became the Packers’ starting quarterback in 2008 and held that position until his last season with the team.

Rodgers’ Super Bowl XLV victory in 2011

After a season that had its ups and downs, the Green Bay Packers found themselves with an 8-6 record, needing to win their final two games to make the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers stepped up when it mattered most, leading the Packers to victories over the Giants and Bears and securing a playoff spot.

In the postseason, the Packers defeated the Eagles in the Wild Card round before dominating the No. 1 seeded Atlanta Falcons with a 48-21 blowout victory, setting a franchise record for most points scored in a postseason game. The Packers then beat the Bears again in the NFC Championship game before going on to win Super Bowl XLV against the Steelers. Rodgers was named Super Bowl MVP for his exceptional performance in the championship game.

Rodgers’ MVP seasons

It is safe to say that Aaron Rodgers is a Green Bay Packers legend. Alongside the numerous records and achievements he earned during his time with the team, his MVP résumé is more than impressive.

Rodgers has been named NFL MVP on four separate occasions: in 2011, 2014, 2020, and 2021. He became just the fifth player in NFL history to win the award in consecutive seasons, joining the likes of Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Jim Brown, and Joe Montana.

Rodgers’ charitable work off the field

The quarterback founded itsAaron, his charity organization that focuses on “creating awareness for organizations and people who are changing the world”. He has also helped with the MACC Fund, Raise Hope for Congo, and other humanitarian and charitable efforts.

Rodgers did not forget about his hometown either, donating $1 million to help small businesses in Chico and Butte County in 2021. He is often involved in charity events and fundraising activities.

Rodgers’ endorsement deals with major brands

Rodgers is a brand ambassador for major companies such as Adidas, Panini, Bose, State Farm, and Prevea Healthcare. He has appeared in several State Farm commercials alongside other celebrity endorsers, such as NBA player Chris Paul.

Forbes ranks Aaron Rodgers as the 14th highest-paid athlete globally, after his recent deal with the Jets. He has multiple sources of income, including earnings from his endorsement deals.

Rodgers’ unique “Hail Mary” passes

One aspect of Rodgers’ game that is widely recognized throughout the league is his ability to perform in clutch moments. When his team needs him most, the quarterback delivers with remarkable precision. One of his greatest strengths in this regard is his ability to throw long passes from one side of the field to the other.

These passes are commonly referred to as “Hail Mary” passes, as they are a type of miraculous pass thrown with the hope that a receiver will catch it. Rodgers became famous for his “Hail Mary” skills after “The Miracle in Motown,” when he threw a 61-yard pass to a teammate in the last second to beat the Lions in 2015.

Rodgers’ athletic abilities beyond football

Aaron Rodgers played baseball in the Raleigh Hills Little League at the positions of shortstop, center field, and pitcher before high school. He loved the sport and even considered playing it professionally when football didn’t seem like a viable option, but his plans changed later in life.

Apart from football, the QB is also an avid golfer. He often plays the sport in his free time and also participates in celebrity matches. Additionally, he frequently plays in charity events alongside other NFL players, such as Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Josh Allen.

Rodgers’ leadership and impact on the Green Bay Packers

Rodgers’ leadership style has been controversial over the years. He has been labeled as a “diva” in the locker room, but other teammates have praised the quarterback’s leadership.

He is known as a “tough love” kind of leader, and he is not afraid to speak his mind or call out underperforming teammates. Despite the controversy, Rodgers has led the Packers to multiple playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl win.

Rodgers’ relationships with other NFL players

“The guy’s selfish. Teammates don’t like him. Coaches don’t like him. It’s all about Aaron. They all deal with him because he’s a superstar. He helps guys make money and put food on the table for their kids, and people respect him for that,” an ex-NFL GM told Fansided.

However, he has also earned league-wide respect and has close relationships with some NFL legends, including Tom Brady. In multiple interviews, he has mentioned having a “close” relationship with the former Patriots QB.

Rodgers’ political views

During his appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast, Aaron Rodgers expressed his dislike for politics, stating that he believes they are a “sham.” He also expressed his opinion that American politics “is a mess” and mentioned Joe Biden’s disapproval of his vaccination stance.

“Biden is not a fan of mine, I don’t think. He was in Wisconsin for a rally, and he said, ‘Tell your quarterback to get vaccinated,'” Rodgers said. However, the quarterback did praise Barack Obama, highlighting his “sharp mind” and revealing that he had played golf with him.

Rodgers’ training and fitness regimen

Rodgers has mentioned multiple times his love for yoga as a training exercise. However, he also follows tough gym routines focused on core strength and mobility.

In the late stages of his career, Rodgers revealed that he had been following the TB12 method, which is Tom Brady’s diet regimen. “Obviously, Tom and I are close. We’ve talked about the stuff he does. I don’t swear off nightshades like he does, but I had a lot of room to grow in that area. I love sweets and food in general, so being smart about what I was eating tied to my performance,” Rodgers said a couple of years ago.

Rodgers’ favorite foods

The quarterback has mentioned to ESPN that he follows a mostly vegan diet, but occasionally includes red meat and chicken as “cheat days.”

For breakfast, he prefers fruits and oatmeal, while salads are common for lunch and dinner. Additionally, he supplements his diet with magnesium and multivitamins to support his training and performance.

Rodgers’ media appearances

One thing that Aaron Rodgers enjoys is being on camera. He has made multiple media appearances throughout his career and is frequently featured in commercials for brands like State Farm and Pizza Hut.

In May 2015, Rodgers appeared as a contestant on Celebrity Jeopardy! and won $50,000 for charity. His appearance garnered so much attention that he was asked to serve as the temporary host of the show for two weeks in 2021. He has also made cameo appearances on popular TV shows such as The Office and Game of Thrones.

Rodgers’ love for books

“We need more people reading and fewer people sitting on their butts watching TV and other BS,” said Rodgers. He has often emphasized the importance of reading, especially for children.

Rodgers regularly recommends books to the public and has mentioned The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho as his favorite, which he rereads from time to time.

Rodgers’ plans for his future beyond football

In a recent sit-down interview with Brandon Marshall, a former NFL player, Rodgers highlighted his commitment to the Packers, his current team. Rodgers went on an isolation retreat to figure out what was best for him after the 2020 season.

He came back from the retreat convinced that he wanted to keep playing, but not in Green Bay. “When it starts to feel like a job and not a fun game, that’s probably time to walk away,” he stated.

Rodgers’ trade to the New York Jets

The relationship between Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers officially ended on April 24, 2023, when Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets along with the Packers’ 2023 first-round pick (No. 15) and fifth-round pick (No. 170). In exchange, the Packers received New York’s 2023 first-round pick (No. 13), second-round pick (No. 42), sixth-round pick (No. 207), and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that becomes a first-round pick if Rodgers plays 65% of the plays this season.

A couple of months before the trade, Rodgers appeared on the Pat McAfee show and openly expressed his desire to play for the Jets. According to Packers GM Brian Gutekunst, Rodgers did not respond to “many” attempts to reach him during the 2023 offseason.

Rodgers’ legacy in the NFL and football history

Aaron Rodgers will retire as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game of football. His exceptional talent, numerous accolades, and exceptional leadership have elevated him to the elite level of the position.

Although some argue that only winning one Super Bowl may have diminished his legacy, his impressive postseason runs with the Packers, signature “Championship Belt” touchdown celebrations, and iconic “Hail Mary” passes have cemented him as a one-of-a-kind NFL player with a highly successful career. Now with the Jets, he aims to finish his career on a high note.

Interestingly, some actors had not even considered acting as their main path to success. Instead, they tried their hand at stand-up comedy to see if they could move up from there.

For some, it worked out very well, while others may not have done as well at being a comedian, but still managed to carve out a niche in Hollywood through acting. Here are 25 great actors who had comedic stints, especially in their early days.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams‘ improvisational skills and creative talent made him a standout performer in the world of movies. His background as a stand-up comedian gave him a unique approach to acting, which allowed him to bring a fresh perspective to every role he played.

Williams began his career in comedy during the mid-1970s, performing stand-up in San Francisco and Los Angeles. He quickly gained a following and released several successful comedy albums. In the 1980s, Williams shot to fame after his breakout role as Mork in the TV sitcom Mork & Mindy. From there, he transitioned into the film industry, where he enjoyed a successful career, showcasing his unique blend of humor, heart, and improvisation.

Bob Odenkirk

Bob Odenkirk is a familiar face on TV screens due to his memorable performances in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. However, he has an extensive background in comedy before becoming a full-time actor, and it took a lot of hard work for him to reach where he is today.

During his college years, Odenkirk began writing sketches and later started performing at comedy clubs, gradually gaining popularity. He eventually landed a job as a writer on Saturday Night Live in the late 1970s, which paved the way for his successful career in comedy and acting.

Steve Martin

Steve Martin’s career for the first 20 years was rooted in comedy. In the 1960s, he made a name for himself as a writer on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. He then transitioned to Saturday Night Live and became a prominent figure in the world of stand-up comedy, before retiring from it in the early 80s.

After that, Martin expanded his repertoire and ventured into the world of film, where he had a prolific career. However, in recent years, he has made space in his schedule to return to the world of stand-up comedy, performing tours with his colleague Martin Short.

Ken Jeong

While still a medical student in North Carolina, Ken Jeong decided to pursue theater and improv. He regularly performed at open mic nights in the Raleigh-Durham circuit. While obtaining his M.D. and physician license, Jeong won the Big Easy Laff-Off in 1995 while still in residency.

After the judges advised him to move to Los Angeles, Jeong never looked back. He began building his career as a stand-up comedian there while still working in a hospital, and eventually made the transition to television and film. He gained recognition for his performances in Community and The Hangover.

Bette Midler

Bette Midler is a multi-talented performer who has excelled in multiple professions. Midler first made a name for herself as a singer and actress, and in the late 1960s, she began seeking roles on Broadway.

When her search for Broadway roles proved challenging, Midler ventured into stand-up comedy during the 1970s. The rest is history: she quickly gained popularity in the entertainment industry due to her musical talents and went on to have a successful career in theater and television.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin has proven to be a multi-talented performer throughout her career. Her natural charm and comedic skills helped her rise to stardom in the entertainment industry.

Tomlin began her career in the 1960s as a stand-up comedian, performing in clubs and theaters across the country. She also appeared in off-Broadway productions during this time. However, it was her breakout role on the popular variety show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In that propelled her into the spotlight. Her unique characters and hilarious skits made her a fan favorite, and she quickly became one of the most recognized comedians in the country.

Jim Carrey

The Canadian comedian Jim Carrey had to put in a lot of hard work before he could make it big in Hollywood. At the age of 16, Carrey dropped out of high school and began performing comedy in downtown Toronto while working at a factory to make ends meet.

After successfully building a reputation in Toronto, Carrey made the decision to move to Hollywood in early 1983. This move proved to be the turning point in his career as a comedian, leading to his breakthrough in the 90s with his iconic performance in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. From there, Carrey went on to establish himself as one of the most celebrated actors in the industry.

Tim Allen

While studying for his Bachelor of Science degree in communications, Tim Allen began his career as a stand-up comedian in 1975. After gaining recognition in Detroit, he was arrested in 1978 and spent two years in prison. Following his release, he moved to Los Angeles and became a regular at The Comedy Store.

Allen later shifted gears and focused on acting. He broke out with his role on the sitcom Home Improvement in the early 1990s and became a household name. He would later star in one of the highest grossing films of that time, The Santa Clause, solidifying his status as a successful actor in both television and film.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock’s successful career was not built overnight. It started in 1984 when he began performing as a stand-up comedian at Catch a Rising Star in New York City. His performances started gaining popularity around the city, and he soon became a household name in the comedy circuit.

However, Rock’s life took a significant turn when Eddie Murphy attended one of his shows. Murphy was impressed by Rock’s talent and decided to become his mentor, providing him with guidance and support in his career. This decision changed the course of Rock’s career as Murphy opened the doors to the film industry for him, and he never looked back. With Murphy’s guidance and support, Rock’s career blossomed, and he became one of the most successful comedians of his generation.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish has emerged as one of the best actresses in American comedy after her breakout performance as the leading role in the 2017 comedy film Girls Trip. However, her journey in the entertainment industry began at the bottom of the ladder.

After spending a couple of years in foster care, Haddish enrolled in the Laugh Factory Comedy Camp at the age of 17. There, she received mentorship from renowned comedians who helped her develop her skills and build her career in comedy. Through her sheer talent and hard work, Haddish gradually climbed the ranks of the comedy world, performing at various comedy clubs and festivals across the country.

Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson, one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses, initially seemed destined to obtain an English degree at Cambridge University and pursue a different path. However, Thompson’s interests gradually turned to the world of drama and comedy.

Inspired by the legendary Lily Tomlin, Thompson joined the Cambridge Footlights, a renowned sketch comedy group at the university. Following a few successful tours with various comedy troupes, Thompson shifted her focus to television, where her career gained momentum.Since then, Thompson has appeared in a range of critically acclaimed films and television series, earning numerous awards and accolades for her work.

Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele, the American actor, comedian, and filmmaker, is known for pushing his creative boundaries. He has excelled in multiple fields, from horror filmmaking to comedy sketches with Keegan-Michael Key.

Peele began his career by performing regularly at Boom Chicago in Amsterdam and The Second City in Chicago. He started with sketch comedy and then transitioned into acting, comedy shows, and eventually filmmaking.

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton is widely recognized as a versatile actor, known for portraying a diverse range of characters on screen and earning critical acclaim for his performances. However, what many may not know is that Keaton began his career in comedy. In his early years, he supplemented his income by performing stand-up comedy.

Keaton’s big break came in 1988 when he landed the lead role in Tim Burton’s horror-comedy, “Beetlejuice.” The success of the film propelled Keaton to stardom, and he went on to star in numerous hit films, including “Batman,” “Multiplicity,” and “Birdman,” for which he earned an Academy Award nomination. Despite his success in film, Keaton has continued to showcase his comedic talents, occasionally returning to his roots in stand-up comedy and starring in comedy films like “The Other Guys.”

Larry David

Larry David is a comedy veteran and one of the masterminds behind the success of the hit TV series, “Seinfeld.” Despite dabbling in film and other roles, David has always remained true to his roots in comedy. He began his climb up the stand-up comedy ladder while working odd jobs such as a store clerk, limousine driver, and historian.

David’s career gained traction in 1980 when he landed a job as a writer and cast member for ABC’s “Fridays.” From there, he continued to build his career in comedy, eventually co-creating the hugely successful “Seinfeld” with Jerry Seinfeld. The show went on to become one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time and solidified David’s place in the comedy world.

Whoopi Goldberg

The renowned actress and co-host of The View morning show, Whoopi Goldberg, has had a diverse career in the entertainment industry. However, her first big break can arguably be traced back to her early days in stand-up comedy.

Goldberg made her debut on stage in 1983 with her one-woman show, “Spook Show.” The show caught the attention of Oscar-winning director Mike Nichols, who then helped transfer it to Broadway under the title “Whoopi Goldberg.” The show ran from 1984 to 1985 and marked the beginning of Goldberg’s career in the film and television industry.

Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal, a well-known actor and comedian, started his career as part of a comedy trio with two friends during his early college years in New York City. He later became a solo act, performing at popular comedy clubs such as The Improv and Catch a Rising Star. His talent and hard work paid off when he was invited to host Saturday Night Live, which launched his career in the film industry.

During the late 80s and 90s, Crystal made a full transition to film and became a household name with his performances in iconic movies such as “When Harry Met Sally,” “City Slickers,” and “Mr. Saturday Night,” among others. His humor and acting skills have earned him numerous accolades, including several Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. In addition to his successful acting career, Crystal is also a writer, producer, and director.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy began his career in comedy on July 9, 1976, when he performed at a talent show at the Roosevelt Youth Center. This performance helped him get gigs at other clubs and grow his career. Despite secretly skipping school, he persisted in his comedy pursuits, eventually landing a spot on the cast of Saturday Night Live in the 1980s. Murphy’s contributions to the show helped lead to its revival, and his career took off from there.

In 1982, Murphy began to transition to big-screen roles, which helped solidify his status as a movie star. His breakout role came in the form of Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop (1984), which cemented his place as a leading man in Hollywood. He went on to star in many other successful films, including Coming to America (1988), The Nutty Professor (1996), and Dreamgirls (2006), to name just a few.

Jamie Foxx

One of the most versatile figures in the entertainment industry, Jamie Foxx has been involved in various fields for over thirty years. Whether it’s film, TV, or music, Jamie has never been afraid to push his limits. In fact, his career essentially began due to a “dare” from his girlfriend.

She challenged him to perform at an open mic night at a comedy club. Foxx not only accepted the challenge but made the most of it, and started pursuing comedy seriously as a career. He transitioned to film in 1992 and transformed himself into a superstar.

Adam Sandler

Some people may not remember that Adam Sandler was once one of the “Bad Boys” of SNL alongside Chris Rock. Although he is well-known for his roles in movies such as Click, Grown Ups, and Uncut Gems, Sandler’s background in stand-up comedy is equally impressive.

Although Sandler made his television debut in 1987 and his film debut in 1989, it wasn’t until the latter year that he decided to try his hand at stand-up comedy. At the age of 17, he took the stage at the urging of his brother and continued performing at comedy clubs until he was discovered by comedian Dennis Miller. Miller recommended him to Saturday Night Live producers, and Sandler began his acclaimed career on the show in 1990.

Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks was given his first opportunity as a comedian at the age of 16 when he filled in for an ill MC. After serving in World War II, Brooks began working as a stand-up comedian and climbed the comedy ladder in New York.

Later, he was hired by his friend Sid Caesar to write jokes for The Admiral Broadway Revue in 1949. From there, Brooks built a successful career that included stand-up, TV shows, and several memorable film appearances.

Richard Belzer

Few people in Hollywood can claim to have had a career as diverse as Richard Belzer. He has made appearances in radio, film, and television, where his character John Munch became a household name in Law & Order and Homicide: Life on the Street.

However, Belzer also had a stint in his career where he chose to do stand-up. After his first divorce, he moved to New York City in the ’70s and began working as a stand-up comic at Pips, The Improv, and Catch a Rising Star.

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen is known for his excellent performances in films such as Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and The Interview. However, Rogen’s success as an entertainer dates back to his teenage years in Canada.

In Vancouver, Rogen began pursuing a comedy career, and his success in the city’s comedy clubs prompted him to move with his parents to Los Angeles when he was only 16 years old. As the main breadwinner, he had to work hard to pay the bills, but his efforts paid off as he became one of America’s most renowned comedians.

Eric Bana

The Australian actor Eric Bana is widely recognized in Hollywood for his ability to play character roles across a wide range of genres, including science fiction, action thrillers, and true crime. However, few people know that Eric actually started his career as a comedian in Melbourne. He even headlined his own sketch show, but his acting career proved to be much more successful.

After a few years in the comedy scene, Eric transitioned to dramatic roles, which quickly gained him recognition and respect as an actor. His breakout role was in the 2000 film Chopper, where he portrayed real-life Australian criminal Chopper Read. Since then, he has gone on to star in several high-profile films, including Black Hawk Down, Munich, and Troy.

Ron Perlman

The Hellboystar also had an attempt at stand-up comedy earlier in his career. However, Ron Perlman couldn’t manage to take off as a comedian.

He did have tons of success as an actor, though. With stellar performances in shows like Sons of Anarchy, Ron has been in the Hollywood world for many decades, excelling in acting and voice-acting.

Amy Schumer

In 2004, when she was 23 years old, Amy Schumer began her comedy career when she first performed at Gotham Comedy Club. She later appeared on Last Comic Standing, where she finished in 4th place.

After her comedy breakthrough, came her acting breakthrough. In 2015, Schumer excelled in Trainwreck and had a major start to her film and TV career, which has been filled with major projects within her brand, without neglecting her stand-up specials.

DiCaprio is known for his remarkable ability to portray a wide range of characters, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Regardless of the character’s profession, personality or emotions, he manages to immerse himself into the role effortlessly, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

In this article, we will take a look at 20 films in which Leonardo DiCaprio’s performances were simply unforgettable. These performances not only stood out in the world of cinema but also served to cement DiCaprio’s reputation as one of the greatest actors of all time.

Gangs of New York

With an impressive cast that included the likes of Cameron Diaz, Daniel Day-Lewis, Liam Neeson, and Leonardo DiCaprio, and the direction of the renowned Martin Scorsese, Gangs of New York had all the elements to succeed. The movie not only lived up to its expectations but also showcased DiCaprio’s impeccable acting skills.

The film is based on Herbert Asbury’s 1927 book, The Gangs of New York and is set in the mid-1800s. DiCaprio portrays the character of Amsterdam, a young man seeking vengeance for his father’s death at the hands of Bill the Butcher. However, in the course of his journey, he finds himself embroiled in the Civil War.

The Man in the Iron Mask

It’s a rare occurrence to witness an actor play both the protagonist and the villain simultaneously. However, Leonardo DiCaprio did just that in The Man in the Iron Mask. Although the movie received some criticism, DiCaprio’s performance was undeniably powerful and convincing.

The movie revolves around the story of King Louis XIV and the elaborate scheme to replace him with his long-imprisoned twin brother, who wore an iron mask to conceal his identity. Interestingly, historians have since speculated that the prisoner was none other than the Italian diplomat, Ercole Antonio Mattioli.

Romeo and Juliet

Aesthetically, the late 1990s was a defining period for Leonardo DiCaprio. While Romeo and Juliet may have garnered attention for DiCaprio’s stunning looks, his acting abilities were equally impressive.

The modern retelling of the classic Shakespearean tragedy set in Verona Beach was a hit with audiences. The intense rivalry between the two prominent families, the Capulets and the Montagues, was portrayed brilliantly by the entire cast, with DiCaprio and Claire Danes, who played Juliet, stealing the show.

Revolutionary Road

Leonardo DiCaprio’s reunion with Kate Winslet in Revolutionary Road was a major success. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is set in the late 1940s and follows the story of Frank Wheeler (DiCaprio) and his wife April (Winslet), as they move to the suburbs in search of a better life.

Although Frank Wheeler may not be the most typical DiCaprio character, he portrayed the role with great skill. Revolutionary Road is a simple yet impactful film that highlights the struggles of everyday life and the challenges of maintaining a relationship.

J. Edgar

J. Edgar Hoover was the first director of the FBI to serve under eight presidents and through three wars. During his nearly fifty-year tenure, he fought against real and imminent threats. Clint Eastwood believed that Leonardo DiCaprio was the perfect actor to portray Hoover on the big screen.

The movie explores Hoover’s life from the Palmer Raids of 1919 and beyond. While the film received mixed reviews, DiCaprio’s performance was widely praised for its depth and complexity.

Body of Lies

A spy action thriller film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe as the main cast? It’s a recipe for success. In the movie, DiCaprio plays the role of Roger Ferris, a CIA operative tasked with tracking down and eliminating a terrorist organization.

The film is set in the Middle East and explores the complex relationship between the US and the region. Ferris becomes emotionally involved with Aisha (Golshifteh Farahani), leading to intense and thrilling action sequences. The film received positive reviews for its suspenseful plot and the performances of the lead actors.

Don’t Look Up

DiCaprio has always advocated for climate change and its problematic aspects that need to be solved. In Don’t Look Up, he does exactly that, embodied in his role as a scientist.

The mixture of outrage and comedy makes DiCaprio’s performance unique in this movie. His facial expressions and the satirical approach to such a serious topic are highlights of the film.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

A collaboration between Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt is already a promising sign for a successful movie. When Quentin Tarantino is added as the director, it’s a recipe for a classic. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood features DiCaprio as Rick Dalton, an actor who starred in the TV Western “Bounty Law.”

The movie is set in the 1960s and captures the glamorous side of Hollywood. Dalton is past his prime and trying to revive his career, with the help of his neighbors, director Roman Polanski, and his girlfriend Sharon Tate (played by Margot Robbie).

Blood Diamond

When it comes to transforming into an “accent chameleon,” DiCaprio didn’t disappoint. His South African accent in Blood Diamond was spot on.

In the movie, DiCaprio plays Danny Archer, a smuggler who starts off as a money-driven antihero but becomes a caring hero who wants to save the family of Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a fisherman who was imprisoned with him. The movie depicts the struggles of Sierra Leone during its civil war.

Shutter Island

In Shutter Island, DiCaprio takes the lead role in another collaboration with director Martin Scorsese. He plays Deputy U.S. Marshal Edward “Teddy” Daniels, who is investigating a psychiatric facility on an isolated island after one of the patients goes missing.

Together with his partner Chuck Aule (played by Mark Ruffalo), Teddy uncovers a series of cryptic codes and conspiracy theories as they delve deeper into the facility’s mysteries. As they get closer to the truth, they realize that the island holds many dark secrets, and that they may be in grave danger.

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape

At the age of 19, Leonardo DiCaprio received his first Academy Award nomination for his performance in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” He broke through in Hollywood with this role, drawing attention to his exceptional acting skills.

In the film, DiCaprio portrays Arnie Grape, the mentally challenged younger brother of Gilbert (Johnny Depp). As caretaker for Arnie and their obese mother Bonnie (Darlene Cates), Gilbert struggles with the demands of his life. While Depp gave a solid performance, it was DiCaprio who stole the show with his portrayal of Arnie.

The Departed

Martin Scorsese brought together DiCaprio and a stellar cast, including Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, and Alec Baldwin, to create The Departed. DiCaprio played Billy Costigan, an undercover cop tasked with infiltrating a criminal organization.

Costigan’s mission is to take down an Irish-American gang in South Boston led by mob boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). The movie is filled with tension, scandal, betrayal, and thrilling scenes that make it one of Scorsese’s best works.

The Aviator

One of the most underrated DiCaprio performances of all time is in The Aviator. He portrays Howard Hughes, a billionaire who is driven mad by power and his own mind. DiCaprio’s performance is sensational, as he skillfully portrays Hughes’ personality disorders and plays with his own mental states.

The movie showcases Hughes’ handling of his business ventures and his self-destructive path into insanity. DiCaprio’s performance earned him his first Golden Globe award, which was well-deserved.

The Great Gatsby

The movie and book are both iconic, but it was Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel “The Great Gatsby” that really stood out. In the role of Jay Gatsby, DiCaprio delivered unforgettable moments that still resonate on social media today.

Playing a wealthy but enigmatic man who throws extravagant parties in the hopes of winning back his former lover, Daisy, DiCaprio cemented his place in film history with a truly excellent performance.

Catch Me If You Can

In this true crime film directed by Steven Spielberg, DiCaprio portrays the youthful con man Frank Abagnale Jr. who, by the age of 19, had swindled millions of dollars through a sophisticated check fraud scheme while assuming the identities of various people, including a Pan Am aircraft pilot. FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) later discovered his fraud.

As Frank tries to evade the federal authorities, DiCaprio delivers an outstanding performance portraying a fugitive on the run, showcasing his versatility by playing various professions throughout the movie.

The Revenant

DiCaprio finally won the Oscar for best actor for his performance in The Revenant. It could be debated whether this is the best performance of DiCaprio’s career. However, there is no denying that this film marked a turning point for him, as his previous “pretty boy charm” disappeared.

In this film, we see a different side of DiCaprio – one that is brave, vengeful, and ruthless. He portrays Hugh Glass, a guide in the frontier who is left for dead after being attacked by a bear. Despite surviving the attack, Glass is abandoned by his comrades and seeks revenge against those who left him behind.

Django Unchained

DiCaprio delivered a brilliant performance in this Quentin Tarantino movie. Despite having a star-studded cast including names like Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz, and Jamie Foxx, Leo managed to stand out with his sensational portrayal.

In the movie, DiCaprio played a racist plantation owner, Monsieur Calvin J. Candie. Interestingly, during filming, DiCaprio accidentally cut himself without realizing it. When he finally did notice, he continued acting like nothing had happened, which added a fun twist to that particular scene.

Titanic

Titanic, winner of eleven Academy Awards, became the first movie to cross a billion dollars at the box office. It’s no surprise given the stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, which created one of the greatest films of all time.

DiCaprio achieved worldwide movie star status with his performance as Jack Dawson, a poor young artist who falls in love with Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) in this epic love story.

Inception

Inception, a masterpiece by Christopher Nolan, owes its success not only to the renowned director and his time manipulation but also to its great actors. Nolan chose DiCaprio to be the face of his project, and Leo did not disappoint.

DiCaprio played the challenging role of Dom Cobb, a thief who has the ability to steal secrets from his victims by infiltrating their thoughts. Leo’s performance, combined with stunning visuals, made the movie a great success.

The Wolf of Wall Street

Leo’s portrayal of Jordan Belfort, a real-life stockbroker who made a fortune through fraudulent activities on Wall Street, is one of his wildest performances. He portrays Belfort’s downfall, addictions, and emotions in a raw and authentic way.

Director Martin Scorsese allowed DiCaprio to let loose on screen, resulting in a hilarious yet emotional performance that, with the help of co-stars like Margot Robbie, Jonah Hill, and Matthew McConaughey, turned into a masterpiece.

It is important to note that not all conspiracy theories turn out to be true. In fact, many of them lack evidence and are simply the product of paranoid or delusional thinking. However, the ones that do turn out to be true can have significant impacts on society and may lead to a loss of trust in institutions.

In this article, we will be exploring 20 conspiracy theories that were initially dismissed as implausible but later turned out to be true.

Operation Northwoods

Operation Northwoods was a proposed false flag operation by the US government in the 1960s to stage terrorist attacks against US citizens to justify a war with Cuba. The plan was rejected by then-President Kennedy, but it was later revealed through declassified documents.

The Gulf of Tonkin Incident

The 1964 attack on the USS Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin was used as a pretext for US involvement in the Vietnam War. Declassified documents later revealed that the attack never happened.

Watergate

The Watergate Scandal is considered one of the most significant political scandals in US history. The scandal involved the Nixon administration, which was accused of breaking into the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in the Watergate complex to spy on their political opponents. The scandal eventually led to Nixon’s resignation and several White House officials being indicted and convicted.

CIA Assassinations

The CIA was involved in multiple assassinations of foreign leaders, including Patrice Lumumba of Congo and Salvador Allende of Chile.

COINTELPRO

The FBI’s Counterintelligence Program was aimed at disrupting and discrediting political organizations in the US. It included illegal surveillance, infiltration, and harassment of civil rights leaders and anti-war activists.

Operation Mockingbird

The CIA’s covert operation to control the media by planting stories and manipulating the news was exposed in the 1970s.

The Iran-Contra Affair

In the 1980s, the US sold weapons to Iran and used the proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua, despite a congressional ban on such funding.

The Manhattan Project

The top-secret US government project to develop the first atomic bomb was kept hidden from the public until after the bombs were dropped on Japan in 1945.

The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment

From 1932 to 1972, the US Public Health Service conducted an unethical medical experiment on African American men with syphilis, without their knowledge or consent.

Operation Ajax

The US and UK orchestrated a coup in Iran in 1953 to overthrow Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, who had nationalized the country’s oil industry.

The Business Plot

In 1933, wealthy businessmen allegedly planned a coup to overthrow President Roosevelt and install a fascist government. The plot was exposed by Marine Corps General Smedley Butler.

MK-Ultra

MK-Ultra was a CIA project in the 1950s and 60s that involved mind control experiments on human subjects. The experiments included the use of drugs, hypnosis, and other forms of psychological torture. The project was initially denied by the CIA, but it was later confirmed through declassified documents.

The Lavon Affair

In 1954, Israeli agents planted bombs in US and UK targets in Egypt to frame Muslim Brotherhood militants and damage US-Egyptian relations.The operation became known as the Lavon affair after the Israeli defense minister, Pinhas Lavon, who was forced to resign.

Operation Gladio

A secret NATO network of anti-communist “stay-behind” armies operated in Europe from the 1950s to the 1990s. It was involved in numerous terrorist attacks and assassinations.

The Iran-Contra Drug Trafficking

The Contra rebels funded by the US government were involved in drug trafficking to finance their activities. The CIA was aware of the drug trade but turned a blind eye.

The BCCI Scandal

The Bank of Credit and Commerce International was a corrupt bank that laundered money for drug cartels, terrorists, and corrupt politicians. Its downfall in the 1990s exposed widespread corruption in the banking industry.

The Iran Hostage Crisis

The 1979 hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran was initially dismissed by some as a staged event to demonize Iran. However, it was later confirmed to be a genuine crisis.

Prohibition Poisonings

From 1920 to 1933, the U.S. government put a ban on all alcoholic sales due to the ethical and moral corruption it was hypothesized to cause. During this period, the government began adding toxic chemicals to industrial alcohol to discourage people from drinking it.

The chemicals used included things like kerosene, gasoline, and formaldehyde, which led to thousands of deaths and illnesses. Despite the risks, the government continued to poison alcohol until Prohibition was repealed in 1933.

Edward Snowden’s Revelations

In 2013, Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor, leaked classified documents that revealed the extent of the U.S. government’s surveillance programs. The documents showed that the NSA was collecting phone records of millions of Americans and spying on foreign governments and individuals. Snowden’s revelations sparked a global debate about government surveillance and privacy rights.

The Roswell Incident

The Roswell Incident has long been a topic of debate among conspiracy theorists, with many believing that the U.S. government covered up evidence of an alien spacecraft crash in 1947. While the government initially denied any knowledge of the incident, it later admitted that it had in fact been involved in the recovery of a “flying disc.”

However, LeBron’s impact and legacy are not just about what he does with the ball. If there is one thing that stands out about James, it is his off-court activity.

Whether it is through his attitude or actions, LeBron James has a significant influence off the NBA court and has become a role model for younger players. Here are 20 reasons why LeBron’s greatness can be appreciated even without basketball being involved.

Marrying Savannah Brinson, his high school sweetheart

Savannah, born in Akron like LeBron, attended the same high school as the “Chosen One,” as James was known back then. When she was 16 and LeBron was 18, they started dating.

Since then, they haven’t looked back. The couple tied the knot in 2013 and have started a family together. LeBron is noted for always being loyal to Savannah and for not behaving out of character off the court.

Being a father figure for his children

LeBron and Savannah are proud parents of three children. Their first son, LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., was born on October 6, 2004. Bryce Maximus James joined the family on June 14, 2007, while James was playing in the NBA Finals with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The following year, in 2014, the couple welcomed Zhuri Nova James on October 22. LeBron grew up without his father present in his life, and as a result, he has made a conscious effort to be present and affectionate with his own children. He has received praise for his involvement in Bronny and Bryce’s basketball careers.

The More Than a Game documentary

In 2009, the documentary “More Than a Game” was released. The film follows LeBron James and four of his high school teammates on their basketball journey, with James rising to superstar status.

At only 23 years old, this was James’ first appearance on the big screen. Although the documentary received mixed reviews, it was widely regarded as “an inspiring documentary featuring likable youngsters, a positive message, and some exciting in-game footage”.

Creating the LeBron James Family Foundation

LeBron has always been involved in helping those who need it most. The King has supported several non-profit organizations throughout his career.

In fact, James has founded his own foundation, the LeBron James Family Foundation, in 2004. Its mission is to “invest time, resources, and passion into creating generational change for the kids and families of James’ hometown in Akron, Ohio, through a focus on education and co-curricular educational initiatives.”

Founding the I Promise School

In 2018, with the support of his foundation, LeBron opened the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio. It is a public elementary school designed specifically for at-risk children. The school’s website states that “with an intentional focus on social-emotional learning and a strategic approach to its trauma-informed curriculum, the I Promise School addresses the unique needs of its students to meet them where they are.”

LeBron considers the opening of the school as his greatest professional achievement. The I Promise School costs about $8 million per year to run out of the district’s regular budget, which is mostly covered by reallocating students, teachers, and funds from other schools, according to the Akron School District.

Broadcasting “The Decision” for charity

In 2010, LeBron James made the controversial decision to announce his next team through a TV special on ESPN. He ultimately chose the Miami Heat, which sparked a lot of debate.

However, even in this situation, LeBron managed to help someone in need. The special was broadcast from the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, Connecticut and raised $2.5 million for the charity. An additional $3.5 million was also raised from ad revenue, which was later donated to other charities.

Getting a minority stake in Liverpool

LeBron James is also known for his business acumen and has been praised for his investments. He is a significant investor in Fenway Sports Group Holdings, LLC (FSG), the American sports holding conglomerate that owns several major sports teams including Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, the Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins.

In 2011, FSG became the exclusive global marketer of LeBron’s rights, and as part of the deal, he was granted a minority stake in Liverpool. Since FSG acquired the English football club in 2010, Liverpool has experienced significant growth and success over the years, including winning one Premier League title and one Champions League.

FoundingSpringHill

LeBron, along with his business partner Maverick Carter, founded the SpringHill Company in 2020. It is a consolidation of three different ventures into one large company that provides media content for television, feature films, and digital networks. According to Pitchbook, the company aims to create compelling stories.

SpringHill has signed deals with major players in the entertainment industry, including Amazon, Netflix, Sirius, and Universal, among others, cementing its position as a significant player in Hollywood. “I’ve always wanted to use the platform of basketball to empower those around me. Now I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to build a company that empowers creators, consumers, and everything it touches,” said LeBron in a statement.

Involvement in protests and social justice issues

LeBron James has never been afraid to take a stance on controversial issues. In fact, he has repeatedly emphasized the importance of his platform to spark change and fight for justice.

He has been involved in many instances such as the killing of Trayvon Martin, Ma’Khia Bryant, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, among other crimes, and has publicly expressed his support for victims and the need for change. In August 2020, he was one of the players who initiated boycotting the 2020 NBA playoffs to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake, demonstrating that there are more important matters than basketball.

Saving Carmelo Anthony’s life

Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade are considered LeBron James’ closest friends. They refer to themselves as the “Banana Boat” crew and have gone on multiple vacations together.

During an Instagram live session, Anthony revealed that James saved his life after he was pulled away from the boat by the current. “I don’t really know what to say, to be honest. I’m just happy he’s still here, obviously,” James said in response to Melo’s comments at the time.

Donated $2.5 million to Smithsonian’s African American History and Culture museum

One of LeBron’s biggest and most influential off-court gestures was his $2.5 million donation in 2016 to support the “Muhammad Ali: A Force for Change” exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“Muhammad Ali is such a cornerstone of me as an athlete because of what he represented not only in the ring as a champion but more outside the ring—what he stood for, what he spoke for, his demeanor,” James told USA Today at the time.

Multibrand pitchman

LeBron’s endorsement deal list is pretty long. Audemars Piguet, Beats by Dre, PepsiCo, Dunkin’ Brands, McDonald’s, Nike, and State Farm are some of the companies that have signed James to an endorsement deal during his career.

However, James has been more than just an endorsement athlete. He’s been a marketing face since he stepped into the NBA and has generated millions for these companies. If you’re looking for a recognizable face to promote your product, LeBron is the perfect choice.

2017 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

Thanks to his “outstanding service and dedication to the community“, LeBron James was selected by the Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA) as the 2016-17 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award winner. The LeBron James Family Foundation’s programs to help children in need were highly honored by the PBWA.

“LeBron James’ efforts to help young people are exemplary. He is making a difference,” said PBWA President Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.

Supporting Colin Kaepernick

When Colin Kaepernick kneeled in protest as the national anthem was playing, it sparked one of the biggest scandals in the sports world. Kaepernick’s career was never the same, and the NFL was accused of “blacklisting” him.

LeBron showed his support for Kap repeatedly, either by wearing his clothes, backing him on social media, or speaking to the press about him. “We know what Kap stood for, kneeled for… I just thank him for falling on the sword for the best of all athletes. He’s another one of those athletes that’s generational,” James said at the time.

The “Shut Up and Dribble” Campaign

After LeBron James publicly criticized now-former US President Donald Trump,journalist Laura Ingraham fired back at James. “It’s always unwise to seek political advice from someone who gets paid $100 million a year to bounce a ball. Keep the political comments to yourselves. Shut up and dribble,” Ingraham said.

That last sentence went all over social media, and James ended up using it to his advantage. LeBron trademarked the phrase, started a campaign against it, and created a documentary film series called Shut Up and Dribble about the changing role of athletes in politics and culture.

The Atlanta Dream scandal

US Senator Kelly Loeffler publicly criticized the Black Lives Matter movement, and her figure was under serious questioning by the people around the WNBA, considering that she owned the Atlanta Dream. LeBron James noticed this situation and offered himself to help with investments in order to buy the team.

After James’ proposal on Twitter, former WNBA player Renee Montgomery reached out to him, asking for guidance. The team ended up being sold to a three-member investor group, which included Montgomery.

More than a Vote

In June 2020, LeBron James co-founded More than a Vote, a nonprofit organization. More than a Vote is focused on fighting for African-Americans’s voting rights and advocating criminal justice reform in the United States.

“People in our community have just been lied to for so many years. We have people who have had convictions in the past who have been told they cannot vote because of their convictions. That is voter suppression,” LeBron said before the 2020 presidential elections.

Space Jam 2

After Space Jam’s success with Michael Jordan, many people started to believe that LeBron James should do his own version of the film. That wish came into fruition in 2021, when Space Jam 2 was released.

Despite having a mixed reception from critics, the movie was successful anyway. It grossed $70.6 million in the United States and Canada and $93.1 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $163.7 million. Taking into account Space Jam’s influence, there’s no doubt that not everyone can star in these films: only the greatest of the greats, like MJ and Bron.

The Shop

The Shop: Uninterrupted is a talk show created by Paul Rivera that stars LeBron James and Maverick Carter having a “barbershop” talk with different guests and personalities. In August 2018, the series premiered on HBO in the United States.

Another platform for LeBron to speak publicly about various topics is The Shop. This program allows LeBron to discuss different issues, not just in basketball but also in other industries and environments, in addition to the usual debates about politics and social justice. The show has been well received by the public and has been renewed for a fifth season.

Speaking up on mental health

LeBron James has always been supportive of athletes who speak up about their mental struggles. John Wall, DeMar DeRozan, and Kevin Love are some of the NBA players who spoke up about depression and mental health issues, and James has publicly supported their statements.

“It’s okay sometimes to hold some stuff in, but if you hold it for too long, it can become overwhelming. Just talking to someone, I think, helps out a lot. I would tell my younger self just to make sure to communicate, let it be known how you are feeling, and talk about things,” he said in the podcast, ‘Let’s Taco ‘Bout It’.

As one of the league’s top stars, Mahomes is widely regarded as the premier quarterback in the NFL following the retirement of Tom Brady. He possesses a rare combination of physical tools, mental acuity, and leadership ability that make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Despite his immense popularity, there are still many people who are unfamiliar with Mahomes’ background and personal life. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 20 things you may not know about the superstar quarterback.

Mahomes’ early life and family background

Patrick Mahomes was born on September 17, 1995, in Tyler, Texas. His mother is Randi Mahomes, and his father is former MLB pitcher Pat Mahomes, a living baseball legend. They were married from the late ’90s until their divorce in 2006, but they have been going together to Chiefs games to support their son.

Mahomes was influenced from an early age to play baseball because of his father. However, his athletic trajectory would later change in life.

Mahomes’ high school football career

Patrick attended Whitehouse High School in Texas. He played baseball, football, and basketball in his childhood, but he excelled in the first two. In baseball, he threw a no-hitter with 16 strikeouts in a game his senior year.

In football, he took advantage of his pitching skills (which he recognized were very helpful for his college football transition) and had a brilliant senior season with 4,619 passing yards, 50 passing touchdowns, 948 rushing yards, and 15 rushing touchdowns.

Mahomes’ college career at Texas Tech University

Even though Mahomes was a three-star recruit coming out of high school, he got some D1 offers and ended up committing to Texas Tech. However, he was also a top prospect for the 2014 Major League Baseball draft. He was picked 37th by the Detroit Tigers, but he didn’t sign any contracts as he was focused on college football.

After two years of splitting between the football and baseball teams, Mahomes announced his full focus on the first sport, quitting the baseball team. His junior season proved him right: he led the country in yards per game (421), passing yards (5,052), total offense (5,312), points responsible for (318), and total touchdowns (53).

Mahomes’ transition to the NFL

After he decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility, Mahomes entered the 2017 NFL Draft. After some impressive private workouts, his draft stock began to rise rapidly. The Kansas City Chiefs were aware of this and traded up to the 10th pick (owned by the Buffalo Bills), using it to draft Mahomes.

He signed a guaranteed four-year, $16.42 million contract that included a signing bonus of $10.08 million. However, during his rookie year, he only played one game after the team decided to rest their starting QB, Alex Smith, against the Broncos in Week 17. Mahomes completed 22 of 35 passes for 284 yards with one interception, leading the Kansas City (KC) team to a 27-24 win.

Mahomes’ MVP season in 2018

Alex Smith got traded to the Washington Redskins in January, which meant that Mahomes was now QB1 for the Chiefs. No one expected what happened after this decision. Mahomes went crazy on opening night against the Chargers, throwing for 256 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions, leading the Chiefs to their first win of the season.

He started to break records rapidly. He became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns and one of seven players in NFL history with 5,000 passing yards in a season. Despite winning his first NFL MVP (the first winner in Chiefs history), Mahomes’ dream season was cut short by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.

Mahomes’ Super Bowl LIV victory in 2020

In the 2019 regular season, Mahomes and the Chiefs didn’t slow down. After throwing for 4,031 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only five interceptions, while also winning the division title, Pat and KC were ready for the playoffs.

After defeating the Texans and the Titans, the Kansas City Chiefs faced the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV. The Chiefs were trailing 20-10 in the fourth quarter with 8:53 remaining when, after a successful challenge, Mahomes threw a 44-yard pass to Tyreek Hill for a touchdown. Kansas City then went on a 21-0 run, securing their first championship in 50 years, and Mahomes was named Super Bowl MVP.

Mahomes’ charitable work off the field

Mahomes’ main involvement in charity is his nonprofit organization called the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, founded in April 2019. The organization is “dedicated to improving the lives of children”, just as it states on their website.

Mahomes also got involved in political participation. With his teammate Tyrann Mathieu, they started a voter registration project in Kansas City, and he also joined LeBron James’ Rock the Vote movement.

Mahomes’ endorsement deals with major brands

The list of Mahomes’ endorsement deals is long. After his MVP season, the QB signed deals with brands like Oakley, Essentia Water, Hy-Vee, State Farm, DirecTV, Adidas, and Head & Shoulders.

He released his signature shoe with Adidas in 2021, called the Mahomes 1 Impact FLX. He was also the cover athlete for the Madden NFL video game in 2020 and 2022.

Mahomes’ unique throwing style and mechanics

His throwing technique is mainly impacted by his pitching history, which gave him uncanny accuracy. In fact, this gave him more freedom to expand another aspect of his throwing game, innovating with different kinds of passes like no-look throws or behind-the-back tosses.

His quick feet and speed allow him to burst away from the pocket, giving him a couple more seconds than the average QB. He isn’t afraid to run the ball either, taking advantage of his strength to stiff-arm defenders.

Mahomes’ athletic abilities beyond football

Mahomes’ athleticism and agility are off the charts. He’s shown that in many other sports that he played in recent years, besides football and baseball, remarking on the fact that he got picked in the MLB draft. He’s shown his powerful golf swing at many celebrity matches with other NFL players.

He also averaged 19.3 points and 8.3 rebounds for his high school basketball team in his senior season. “If he focused on it, there’s no doubt he could be a Division I basketball player,” Whitehouse High School athletic director Richard Peacock told MaxPreps in 2013.

Mahomes’ leadership and impact on the Kansas City Chiefs

Despite getting success at an early age, the winning experience has helped Mahomes’ leadership style. Matt Nagy, the Chiefs QB coach, has praised his growth as a leader.

“He’s rare. He has so much confidence, and when he walks into the room, results occur because of that confidence every day in practice. That’s a rare quality; you don’t come across it very often. He makes me a better coach because of it, he makes his teammates better players, and it’s just special,” he told reporters.

Mahomes’ relationships with other NFL players

Mahomes has earned respect among his peers. He has exchanged compliments with great players likeJoe Burrow in 2022, with both being on good terms and respectful of each other.

He also mentioned that he has a good relationship with Tom Brady. “I have a good relationship with him now, and he gives me a lot of advice. He gives me some advice to help me. I mean, why would you not want to learn from the GOAT?“, Mahomessaid to the NFL Network.

Mahomes’ thoughts on race and social justice issues

The quarterback took a strong stance against the NFL following the Colin Kaepernick controversy. In fact, he has shown on many occasions that he is not afraid to get involved in such situations.

After the murder of George Floyd, Mahomes, along with his teammate Tyrann Mathieu and several other NFL players, created a video addressed to the NFL. In the video, they urged the league to take a stand against police brutality and violence directed towards black people. They also expressed their dissatisfaction with the treatment Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid received from the league for their protests.

Mahomes’ favorite foods and restaurants

When he has some cheat meals, Mahomes’ preferred choices include chicken biscuits from Chick-Fil-A and burrito bowls from Chipotle. He also orders prime rib, barbecue, and French fries from local establishments in Kansas City. He’s also a well-known ketchup fan.

In an interview with Men’s Journal, Mahomes spoke about his diet and training regimen. “I usually eat four to five meals a day. I eat breakfast, then lunch, and then spread out my dinners to make sure I’m not eating too much at any one time,” he revealed.

Mahomes’ training and fitness regimen

Mobility is the main focus of Mahomes’ training. “The thing I’ve worked on the most recently is mobility. I work a lot on mobility in my joints, hip flexors, and legs. It’s important to get everything out of your body that you can,” he said.

Patrick’s typical workouts consist of foam rolling before he starts, followed by leg or arm workouts and some mobility exercises for his shoulders.

Mahomes’ love for video games and esports

Back in 2019, Mahomes summed up his offseason into three components: working out, golf, and Call of Duty. We can safely say that Mahomes is a gamer and loves playing video games in his free time.

Mahomes also signed a deal with Epic Games to feature in the video game Fortnite. He was the first NFL player to be featured in the popular battle royale game.

Mahomes’ fashion sense and style

The quarterback isn’t really flashy when it comes to fashion. He likes to keep it simple and pay attention to details and accessories.

He loves wearing suits, especially plaid ones, and leather jackets. His fashion game usually shows up in the accessories, paying special attention to sunglasses, chains, and watches.

Mahomes’ relationship with his fiancee, Brittany Matthews

Mahomes attended school with Brittany Matthews in Texas, and they began dating while in high school. They recently tied the knot in 2022 in a wedding ceremony held in Hawaii.

She is a certified personal trainer and had a brief professional soccer career. Patrick and Brittany have two children: a daughter born in February 2021 and a son born in November 2022.

Mahomes’ plans for his future beyond football

Mahomes revealed that he sees himself involved in football after his retirement. “I’ve always said that when I’m done playing, I might want to go into the GM role,” he said.

He’ll spend more time with his family after his retirement, and he has made some major investments to ensure the financial future of the Mahomes household. He joined several ownership groups that own teams like the Kansas City Royals, Sporting Kansas City, and the Kansas City Current.

Mahomes’ legacy in the NFL and football history

Patrick Mahomes still has many years left in his career. He is likely to stay in the NFL for many years to come, provided he remains healthy. With his exceptional talent and work ethic, he has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.

However, even though his career hasn’t even reached its halfway point, Mahomes has already accomplished a great deal and is considered by many to be one of the greatest quarterbacks in the game today.

Recently retired, the American football legend officially closed his career with a legacy that is hard to match. His impact goes beyond the seven Super Bowls and countless records to his credit.

Brady impacted an entire generation of athletes with his leadership, mentality, and professionalism. That’s why here are 20 things you may not have known about his history and personality.

Brady’s early life and family background

Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. was born in San Mateo, California, on August 3, 1977. He’s the only son and fourth child of Galynn Patricia (who has Swedish, Norwegian, German, and Polish ancestry) and Thomas Brady Sr. (of Irish descent). He grew up a 49ers fan, admiring Joe Montana.

He attended Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. After becoming QB1 for the varsity team in his junior year, Brady started to create highlight tapes and send them to schools he considered attending.

Brady’s college football career at the University of Michigan

Brady got many D1 offers and was recruited by Michigan assistant Bill Harris, signing to play for the University of Michigan in 1995. After redshirting in 1995, Brady spent the next two years as a backup, while future NFL quarterback Griese led the team as QB1.

In the 1998 and 1999 seasons, after considering a possible transfer and dealing with anxiety and frustration, Brady started every game for Michigan, battling for the starting spot with Drew Henson. He left Michigan with a 20-5 record in his last two college seasons, including wins at the 1999 Citrus Bowl and the 2000 Orange Bowl.

Brady’s transition to the NFL as a sixth-round pick

His NFL Scouting Combine performance wasn’t good at all. Teams were passing on a slow, unathletic quarterback. He fell to the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, where he was picked 199th overall by the New England Patriots.

The rest, of course, is history. After spending his rookie season mostly on the bench, he gained QB1 status in his sophomore year and led the Patriots to a Super Bowl win, his first of many.

Brady’s Super Bowl wins and appearances

The winningest quarterback in NFL history, Brady played in ten Super Bowls (nine with the Patriots, one with the Buccaneers) and won seven of them. He had a passer rating of 97.7 with 3,039 yards, 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions in those ten games.

He’s the player with the most rings in NFL history and the most Super Bowl MVPs (5). He also joined Peyton Manning as the only two quarterbacks to have won a Super Bowl for two different teams.

Brady’s MVP awards and records

Besides the five Super Bowl MVPs, Brady’s a three-time NFL MVP (2007, 2010, 2017). He also holds the all-time record for Pro Bowl selections, having been picked 15 times.

He’s a three-time 1st-team All-Pro (2007, 2010, 2017) and 2nd-team All-Pro (2005, 2016, 2021). Brady is the winningest player in NFL regular-season history, having won 251 games in his career.

Brady’s charitable work off the field

Tom Brady has collaborated with, and may continue to collaborate with, multiple non-profit organizations. He has worked with NGOs like Best Buddies International, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Kaboom!, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The NFL legend also has a foundation of his own. Brady co-founded the TB12 Foundation in 2015 with the goal of supporting athletes to get the medical, nutritional, and cognitive help they need to succeed and continue succeeding.

Brady’s endorsements and business ventures

According to Forbes, Brady was the ninth-highest paid athlete in the world in 2022, including his endorsement deals. As per AOL, Tom has earned a staggering $100 million from endorsement deals with brands like Under Armour, IWC watches, Molecular Mattresses, Aston Martin, Upper Deck, Ugg, Footlocker, Tag Heuer, Sam Adams, FTX, and Hertz, among others.

Brady launched his fitness venture, TB12 Sports, in 2016 with his personal trainer, Alex Guerrero. He also co-founded Autograph.io, which helps users create and sell NFT digital collections, and his clothing line, BRADY, in 2021.

Brady’s workout and diet regimen

The TB12 method is perhaps one of the strictest diets followed by any professional athlete. It involves starting with a daily water intake of half of one’s body weight in ounces, and Tom Brady himself consumes “a couple of hundred ounces” daily. He prefers organic food and avoids consuming coffee, Gatorade, white sugar, flour, gluten, dairy, soda, cereal, white rice, potatoes, bread, and other similar products.

Transcendental meditation has been a crucial part of Brady’s fitness regimen; it helps in reducing stress, improving mental clarity and focus, increasing self-awareness, and enhancing creativity. Brady has repeatedly mentioned that practicing mindfulness has aided him in achieving success.

Brady’s relationship with head coach Bill Belichick

Belichick always coached Brady harder than the rest. However, he did it to get the best out of the QB, who “sees the game better than anyone else.”

Brady, on the other hand, recognized that there were disagreements between them but described their relationship as “amazing.” “We spent a lot of time together. He started to teach me what football was all about and how to study defenses when I started to play,” Brady added on his Let’s Go! podcast.

Brady’s leadership and impact on his teams

TB12’s legacy can’t only be described after his accolades. His leadership is definitely one of his biggest virtues, and he has earned league-wide respect because of it.

“Great leaders are always saying, ‘Well, it’s good, but these are all the things that we [still] screwed up’ when things went well, too,” Brady mentioned in the “Drive with Jim Farley” podcast. His ways of leading teams have been studied for years, and he’s considered one of the best sporting leaders of all time.

Brady’s relationship with his family, including his wife and children

Brady began dating Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen in December 2006. They got married in 2009 and had two kids: a son, Benjamin Rein Brady, born in December 2009, and a daughter, Vivian Lake Brady, born in December 2012.

However, Brady’s decision to play one more year and delay his retirement caused turmoil in the family. The couple would later announce their divorce in October 2022.

Brady’s involvement in the NFL Players Association

Brady has criticized the NFLPA multiple times. The most recent one was after he was fined last January, when he wished “our NFLPA was stronger” in terms of defending the players against the league’s disciplinary measures.

He also criticized the NFL’s decision to extend the regular season to 17 games in 2021 and called out the NFLPA’s handling of the negotiations.

Brady’s thoughts on retirement and life after football

After his official retirement in 2023, Brady’s main focus will be spending time with his children. He has mentioned multiple times that family will always be his priority.

“There is nothing I love more than football, but I have young children, and they’ve watched enough of their dad’s games, and it’s time for me to watch their games,” he said last year.

Brady’s involvement in political and social issues

In 2004, Brady stated that being a U.S. senator would be his “craziest ambition”. However, that feeling changed significantly over the course of the years.

Despite his well-known friendship with former U.S. president Donald Trump, Brady has stepped away from public political stances. “I don’t think anyone’s fond of politics these days,” he mentioned last year, putting to bed any possible chances of running for office or getting involved in politics.

Brady’s love for golf and other sports outside of football

Brady was recognized as an excellent baseball player during high school, where he played as a left-handed batting catcher with a lot of power. He impressed Major League Baseball scouts, and the Montreal Expos drafted him in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft, projecting him as a potential All-Star.

Apart from baseball, TB12 is an enthusiastic golfer and has participated in numerous charity golf tournaments over the years, playing with other NFL players during the offseason. He also enjoys watching basketball and soccer.

Brady’s hobbies and interests off the field

Putting golf fanaticism aside, Brady has some different interests outside of sports. As mentioned earlier, family and spending time with his children are his main priorities.

However, he’s also a nutrition and mindfulness fan. He likes to read in his spare time and travel the world with his family to exotic locations.

Brady’s favorite foods and restaurants

The TB12 method undoubtedly restricts Brady’s food choices. Nonetheless, Tom has frequently expressed his affection for Italian cuisine and foods such as sushi and steak.

However, he prefers healthy and organic foods. As per Men’s Health, Brady’s food routine includes berry-and-banana smoothies before workouts; avocado and eggs for breakfast; salads with nuts and fish for lunch; hummus, guacamole, or mixed nuts for snacks; and roasted vegetables and chicken for dinner.

Brady’s relationship with former teammates and opponents

One of Brady’s most favored teammates was Rob Gronkowski, with whom he maintains an excellent relationship. Brady regards Gronk as a younger brother and has repeatedly stated that he would go to war with him.

Whether it’s because of his legendary career or his leadership skills, Brady has earned league-wide respect. He’s widely seen as the greatest player of all time, and players usually reach out to him for advice.

Brady’s mental toughness and resilience

One of the reasons for Tom Brady’s success lies in the fact that he never gave up, irrespective of how late he was picked or how low the expectations were. He didn’t pay heed to any negative criticism and kept working hard.

Brady’s exceptional work ethic and professionalism have been pivotal in his career. These two skills are the primary reasons why his football career has lasted for so long.

Brady’s legacy in football history

It is difficult to imagine that there will be anyone quite like Tom Brady in the future. His winning mentality, accomplishments, and overall success will be challenging to surpass.

The greatest player in American football history has officially retired, and the game will miss him more than anyone else. Congratulations on your retirement, Tom.

However, with so many years of history, there are times when certain names get overlooked. It’s not necessarily that they are forgotten, but rather they don’t receive the recognition they deserve.

In that sense, here are 20 players that can be considered underrated by most NBA fans. However, those who are well immersed in the basketball world know perfectly well that these names are more than important for the history of the league.

Michael Cooper

Michael Cooper was a baller and one of those guys who sacrificed himself the most for the team’s success. With his teammates Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leading the charge, Cooper inserted himself into the sixth-man role.

He ended up winning five rings and becoming a major piece of that Lakers team. His defensive prowess made him one of the best on that side of the court, and Larry Bird recognized him as the best defender he had ever faced.

Alex English

After a good year and a half with the Indiana Pacers, Alex English got traded to the Denver Nuggets during the 1979–80 season. Until the 1989–90 season, he always led his team in scoring.

He’s arguably the best player to ever wear a Nuggets uniform and is heavily underrated when it comes to the NBA icons of the 1980s.

Clyde Drexler

“The Glide” is not only a Hall of Famer but has cemented his legacy in Houston. After a good handful of years balling out in Portland, he got traded to the Rockets.

With Hakeem Olajuwon by his side, they disrupted the Bulls hegemony and won the NBA Finals in 1985. Clyde Drexler is a ten-time All-Star, was an Olympic gold medalist in 1992, and is part of the NBA 75th Anniversary team.

George Gervin

The “Iceman” was quite talented and ahead of his time. He averaged at least 14 points per game in all 14 of his ABA and NBA seasons and finished his career with an NBA average of 26.2 points per game.

He was a 9-time All-Star, a 5-time All-NBA first-team selection, and won the scoring championship in four different seasons.

Manu Ginobili

Considered by many as the most underrated NBA player of all time, Manu Ginobili was a true winner.He was a huge piece of that Spurs team with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and coach Gregg Popovich, winning four rings in San Antonio.

A two-time NBA All-Star, Ginóbili didn’t care about individual awards, starting or coming off the bench, or how many touches he got in games; he only wanted to win. He stuck to his role as a sixth man, excelled at it, and is widely considered the NBA’s best sixth man of all time.

Chauncey Billups

The current Portland Trail Blazers head coach is a basketball genius. The former point guard played for many teams during his career.

However, Chauncey Billups cemented his legacy with the Detroit Pistons. He got his jersey retired in 2016 and earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” for his clutch shots in the Motor City.

Ben Wallace

Arguably the greatest undrafted player in NBA history, Ben Wallace was a fearsome presence in the paint for opposing teams. Wallace was an excellent shot blocker, rebounder, and all-around defender.

He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award four times, a record he shares with Dikembe Mutombo. Wallace had his jersey retired by the Pistons in 2016.

Nate Thurmond

“Nate the Great” was a force of nature. His unreal physique and abilities made him a big talent in the 1970s.

A Golden State Warriors legend, Nate Thurmond was a seven-time All-Star and the first player in NBA history to record an official quadruple-double. The Hall of Famer was an excellent rebounder and defender, and his jersey was retired by both the Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Scottie Pippen

Yes, there are many people who rate Scottie Pippen as he should be rated. However, his impact on that Bulls team with Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman is often overlooked.

Besides his six rings with Chicago, Pippen was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team eight consecutive times. He’s a 3x All-Star and got his jersey retired by the Bulls.

Joe Dumars

Joe Dumars played his entire fourteen-year career with the Detroit Pistons. He was Isiah Thomas’s backcourt sidekick during the 1990s.

After Thomas retired and the Bad Boys era ended, Dumars became the Pistons point guard and shared the backcourt with a young Grant Hill. He won two rings with Detroit, was named to the All-Star team six times, and was labeled by Michael Jordan as the best defender he’s ever faced.

Fat Lever

One of the best players to ever wear a Denver Nuggets jersey. “Fat” was underrated due to his fierce defense and rebounding, despite being a point guard.

He had 43 triple-doubles during his career (11th among NBA players all-time) and is the second Nugget with the most assists behind Alex English. He’s a two-time All-Star and had his jersey retired by Denver.

Marques Johnson

A Bucks legend, Marques Johnson isn’t underrated just because of the accolades he got during his career. He was a five-time All-Star, had his jersey retired in Milwaukee, and was an NCAA champion at UCLA.

Johnson is considered the author of the term “point forward”, a position he had to play out of necessity because of point guard injuries. He was the first player to set up the offense from his small forward position, something that is quite common in today’s NBA.

Oscar Robertson

Before Russell Westbrook had a breakout year in 2016-17, Oscar Robertson was the only player to ever average a triple-double for the entire season. “The Big O” was special: he was the first legitimately oversized guard who could do it all.

The Hall of Famer and 12-time NBA All-Star won a ring with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971. Despite his greatness being well known, Robertson’s incomparable achievements for his time usually go overlooked.

Moses Malone

Ask your grandfather if he knows who Moses Malone is. He’ll probably tell you he was one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball.

And he wouldn’t be wrong. Malone was named the NBA MVP three times, was a 12-time NBA All-Star, an eight-time All-NBA Team selection, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Kevin McHale

Kevin McHale was part of the glorious Boston Celtics of the mid-80s, a team that included Larry Bird and Robert Parish, among others. McHale won three rings with the Celtics, made it seven times to the All-Star team, and got inducted into the Hall of Fame.

He’s mainly considered one of the best low-post players of all time. In fact, when McHale went to the post on offense, they called it “The Torture Chamber”, since he was so hard to guard.

Dominique Wilkins

The greatest Atlanta Hawks player of all time. The “Human Highlight Film”. Dominique Wilkins isn’t appreciated enough for what he’s done during his career.

Wilkins was a nine-time NBA All-Star and a seven-time All-NBA Team member. His acrobatic dunks are still talked about nowadays.

Grant Hill

One of the biggest “what if” players in NBA history. Although injuries deprived us of seeing the best of Grant Hill, his career was enough for him to be considered one of the most underrated players of all time.

He could score, pass, rebound, defend, or do whatever the team needed. Hill is a Hall of Famer, a seven-time NBA All-Star, and a five-time All-NBA selection.

Jason Kidd

There are some people who rate Jason Kidd just fine. However, one of the greatest point guards and passers of all time usually doesn’t get his due.

He was a 10-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-NBA First Team selection, and a nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. To top it off, he won a ring with the Mavericks in 2011 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Jerry West

People just recognize him as the silhouette behind the NBA logo. However, people sometimes forget what Jerry West did during his career to earn those honors.

“Mr. Clutch” was a 12-time All-NBA member, a 14-time All-Star, and won a ring with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1972. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame and got his jersey retired by the purple and gold.

Bernard King

One of the most unstoppable scorers of the mid-80s until he broke his leg, Bernard King was a force of nature. King balled out for the New York Knicks, and during his career, he scored over 19,000 points.

Bernard has won an MVP, was voted to four All-Star games, and was selected to four All-NBA teams. It took many years, but he finally got inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.

However, some of today’s stars were also stars in the past. That is to say, some of the industry’s leading lights began their acting careers at an early age.

This is a list of several people who have stood out on the big screen since they were very young, and as they grew up, they continued to expand their legacy in the film world.

Mila Kunis

After moving to Los Angeles in 1991, Mila Kunis broke out with her role as Jackie Burkhart in That 70s Show. She was only 15 years old at the time.

Her career immediately took off. She starred in multiple movies, like Black Swan and The Book of Eli.

Kirsten Dunst

At 8 years old, Kirsten Dunst showed out in Bonfire of the Vanities. That got her on the Hollywood radar, and the films started to pile up.

Little Women, The Virgin Suicides, Bring It On, Jumanji… She did all of those movies before graduating high school.

Tom Holland

Most people recognize Tom Holland as Spider-Man and as a young superhero movie icon. However, the British actor started his career at an even younger age.

When he was 12 years old, he started to work on stage as Michael, Billy’s best friend, in Billy Elliot the Musical. From London’s West End to Hollywood, his rise was meteoric.

Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke got a big role as a 14-year-old in 1985’s Explorers, which ended up being a box office disappointment. After taking a break from acting, he came back as a 19-year-old in Dead Poets Society.

This historic movie propelled his career. He got Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor for 2001’s Training Day and 2014’s Boyhood.

Kenan Thompson

While you may recognize Kenan Thompson from the SNL cast since 2003, he’s been around for a long time in the acting scene. In fact, he started when he was 15 on Disney’s The Mighty Ducks.

He would later make the jump to Nickelodeon, where he starred in shows like All That and Kenan & Kel.

Timothée Chalamet

One of the most relevant actors nowadays, Timothée Chalamet has done more than just being the star of Dune and Call Me by Your Name, a movie that earned him an Oscar nomination at 22 years old.

Chalamet started acting on TV shows like Royal Pains, Law & Order, and Homeland, getting small roles while he was in high school. Afterwards, he broke into film and has cemented his position in Hollywood ever since.

Elisabeth Moss

Elisabeth Moss started acting as an 8-year-old. Her first roles were in Lucky Chances and Midnight’s Child.

She would later have breakout performances in TV shows like Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale.

Jeff Bridges

Four months of age. Yes, Jeff Bridges appeared in the 1950 film The Company She Keeps thanks to his dad, Lloyd Bridges, before he even made it to his first year of life.

His dad made him and Beau, Jeff’s brother, appear throughout their childhoods in Sea Hunt and The Lloyd Bridges Show. Jeff would later develop a career of his own, starring in movies like Tron and The Giver.

Daniel Radcliffe

Obviously, the legendary Harry Potter is also on this list. Daniel Radcliffe made his acting debut at age 10 in the television film David Copperfield.

The British actor would later get the Harry Potter role when he was 13 years old and hasn’t looked back since. However, he’s been diversifying his acting portfolio with performances in movies like Imperium and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.

Natalie Portman

When Natalie Portman was 11 years old, the film world opened its doors for her. She made her acting debut in Léon, and she would later star as Padme in the Star Wars saga.

She later took a break from acting to focus on her studies at Harvard, from which she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Portman later returned to the entertainment industry, where she has excelled in movies like Black Swan and Jackie.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Imagine winning a Young Artist Award at 11 years old. Well, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s performance in A River Runs Through It earned him the prize and early recognition from the acting world.

Joseph kept going, though. He then starred in the hit teen comedy 10 Things I Hate About You and has climbed up the Hollywood ladder.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson didn’t become a movie star overnight. However, she did start earlier than the rest, making her acting debut at 8 years old in an off-Broadway play and getting her first film role when she was 9.

She would then become one of the most recognizable faces in the film industry, especially after her success as Black Widow in the Marvel movies.

Ryan Gosling

La La Land, The Notebook, Blue Valentine, and the list goes on. Ryan Gosling is a box office name in Hollywood, but his acting beginnings are also remarkable.

Gosling was one of the young stars in The Mickey Mouse Club. At age 12, Ryan had his breakout performance and started to build his career from there.

Leonardo DiCaprio

You could see it from a mile away that Leonardo DiCaprio was going to be special. At age 19, he got nominated for an Oscar in 1993 for What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.

Since then, Leo has cemented his status as one of the greatest actors of all time. He finally got an Oscar, an award that he had been chasing for years, in 2016.

Jake Gyllenhaal

While he can be recognized for his performances in Nightcrawler and Nocturnal Animals, Jake Gyllenhaal is another big name that started his acting career earlier than his competition.

Jake got his first film role at 11 years old in City Slickers (1991). His career has since skyrocketed, with many awards and big performances.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

At only 6 months old, the Olsen twins stole everyone’s heart in Full House. They made some appearances at a younger age in different movies, like The Little Rascals, and TV shows as well.

However, they both propelled their wealth through Dualstar, their entertainment company. Their entrepreneurial success made both of them millionaires before they were 30.

Emma Watson

The Harry Potter star broke into the entertainment industry at a very young age. Hermione was her first role, starting at 11 years old.

After HP’s success, Emma Watson stepped away from the JK Rowling world and has since made different films. She was recognized for her performances in Beauty and the Beast and Noah.

Christina Ricci

The dark, edgy acting side of Christina Ricci started at a very young age. She made her film debut at the age of nine in Mermaids (1990).

Her breakout role came the following year as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family. Since then, Christina has established her blueprint as a go-to actress to portray edgy characters.

Mayim Bialik

From 2010 to 2019, Mayim Bialik played neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory. However, Bialik has been around for quite a while.

She made her acting debut when she was 13, in the horror film Pumpkinhead, and excelled in the sitcom Blossom as a teenager. After pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience at UCLA, she came back and became the Amy we all know.

Kristen Stewart

After appearing in small TV roles when she was 8 years old, Kristen Stewart shone with her own light in Panic Room. That film got her a Young Artist Award at only 12 years of age.

She would then build up her career from there. Stewart got even more recognition for her lead role as Bella in the Twilight movies.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris’ debut in the film industry came with the 1988 drama Clara’s Heart when he was 15 years old. He earned a Golden Globe nomination.

The huge potential Harris had was fulfilled later on. Unforgettable characters like Doogie Howser, M.D., and Barney Stinson have built his legacy as one of the best.

Christian Bale

Empire of the Sun was the first film where the public could see a young Christian Bale shine. At 13 years old, Bale was already making waves in the film industry.

His Oscar in 2010 for his performance in The Fighter was only one of the many accomplishments he’s had throughout his career.

Johnny Galecki

At age 12, Johnny Galecki made his TV debut in a small-screen movie, Time Out for Dad. Since then, he has been a very recognizable face in the 90s with his participation in movies like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Vanilla Sky, and I Know What You Did Last Summer.

However, Galecki showed his best side on TV. His role as Leonard Hofstadter in The Big Bang Theory is still remembered by the fans.

Peter Billingsley

After shooting a commercial when he was only two years old, Peter Billingsley got his big break 10 years later. With A Christmas Story, Billingsley started to construct his path in Hollywood.

However, his career turned out a bit differently than expected since he decided to step away from the cameras and work more behind the scenes. However, Billingsley is a recognized filmmaker and has helped make big films like Iron Man and Term Life.

Kieran Culkin

Home Alone wasn’t a big break just for Macaulay Culkin. Kieran, his brother, also took a major leap in his career at 8 years old by starring in that film.

He went on to have a pretty successful career in the industry. His most recent role is as Roman Roy on Succession.

Drew Barrymore

The 6-year-old Drew Barrymore that excelled in E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial took over Hollywood. After attracting everyone’s attention, Barrymore started to build her career in the industry.

In movies like Grey Gardens, Batman Forever, and Charlie’s Angels, Barrymore solidified her status as one of the most successful women in the entertainment world.

Zendaya

Before being the Spider-Man and Euphoria sensation, Zendaya started as a Disney girl. She started as a child model before the acting world knocked on her door.

Zendaya got her first big role in Shake It Up. She also produced and starred in K.C. Undercover, one of the works that propelled her to global phenomenon status.

Elijah Wood

At eight years old, Elijah Wood made his big screen debut with a small part in Back to the Future Part II (1989). Since then, he has earned recognition as a child actor with roles in Avalon, Paradise, and Radio Flyer, among others.

Wood kept adding more pages to his résumé with his performances in many more films during his career. His most renowned work is his portrayal of Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Justin Timberlake

The NSYNC member got his big break at age 12 with his buddy Elijah Wood. In the All-New Mickey Mouse Club, Justin Timberlake shone as a young child with his co-stars.

Justin would later break out as a great musician, actor, and comic. Is there anything that he can’t do?

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster won Best Actress Oscars for The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs as an adult. However, if she cut her career short as a teenager, it would still be a historic one.

She was recognized as the Coppertone kid when she was 3 years old. When she was 12, after many roles in TV, she even got an Oscar nomination for Taxi Driver.

However, every once in a while a trade comes out of nowhere and everyone goes into a state of madness. The effects a trade can have on a franchise can be far-reaching.

In that sense, these are 20 trades that profoundly impacted the teams involved and the NBA as a whole.

Kobe Bryant to the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1996, the Lakers drafted Vlade Divac and immediately traded him for a young rookie named Kobe Bryant. Well, you know the rest of the story.

Kobe became a legend in Los Angeles, winning multiple rings. However, the trade also helped free up cap space to sign another Laker legend, Shaquille O’Neal.

Dominique Wilkins to the Atlanta Hawks

After the 1981–82 season, the Utah Jazz had the 3rd pick of the draft and chose Dominique Wilkins. Due to financial reasons, the Jazz had to trade ‘Nique a couple of months later.

Wilkins didn’t play a single game as a Jazz player and got traded to Atlanta. The Hawks got and developed an outstanding young player who would later be considered the greatest to ever play in a Hawks jersey.

Oscar Robertson to the Milwaukee Bucks

In 1970, while Oscar Robertson was balling out for the Cincinnati Royals, the team surprised everyone by trading him to Milwaukee. Some people suspected that head coach Bob Cousy was jealous of all the attention Robertson was getting.

The Big O let the basketball do the talking. He became a Bucks legend with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, won a ring the following season, and cemented his legacy as one of the most versatile players ever.

Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors

Raptors GM Masai Ujiri faced a tough decision in the 2018 offseason. Kawhi Leonard was available in the trade market, and despite having played only nine games the prior season, he was still a superstar up for grabs.

Ujiri knew that he had to pay the price: he traded fan favorite DeMar DeRozan, a decision that shocked the NBA. Needless to say, it was worth it. Kawhi helped the Raptors win their first NBA championship that season, and it didn’t matter that much when he left them right after to sign with the Clippers.

Scottie Pippen to the Chicago Bulls

Without this move, the Bulls wouldn’t have won what they did in the 1990s. The Seattle Supersonics drafted Scottie Pippen with the fifth pick in the 1987 draft, but they immediately traded him for big man Olden Polynice.

Polynice averaged 7.8 points per game and 6.7 rebounds during his career. Pippen, on the other hand, became one of the best perimeter defenders of all time and one of the greatest all-around offensive players, winning six rings in Chicago.

Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers

Kevin Love had wanted out of Minnesota for years. When LeBron James came back to Cleveland in 2014, the front office was looking to establish a big three like Bron had in Miami.

Love was the missing piece of the puzzle. With LeBron and Kyrie Irving, they came back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals against the Warriors and won a ring in 2016.

Wilt Chamberlain to the Los Angeles Lakers

On July 9, 1968, the Philadelphia 76ers traded Wilt Chamberlain to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Darrell Imhoff, Archie Clark, Jerry Chambers, and cash considerations. Wilt forced his move to LA, being one of the first superstars to openly fight for a trade.

He got his wish delivered. The Lakers formed their Big 3 with Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor, went to the Finals four times in five years, and won a ring in 1972.

Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks

At the 2011 trade deadline, the Knicks pulled off one of the largest trades in the history of the organization. New York traded Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, a first-round pick, and two second-round picks to Denver in exchange for Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter, and Renaldo Balkman.

In search of wins and relevance, New York got their excitement back, and the Knicks went to the playoffs in the 2012–13 season. Anthony became a fan favorite from the get-go and made a huge impact on Knicks basketball. However, everything fell apart in the upcoming years, and Melo ended up being traded to the Thunder in 2017.

Shaquille O’Neal to the Miami Heat

In 2004, Shaq issued an ultimatum to the Lakers: either they re-signed him to a max contract or he would request a trade.

Dr. Jerry Buss didn’t give him the max, and he actually opened the door for Shaq to leave. “Mr. Buss called me and said, `Hey man, I love you. Understand that you don’t want to take less money; Miami is interested.’ Ok, I’ll go to Miami. Thank you, sir, cool with me… Business of basketball,” Shaq recalled in his documentary. O’Neal got traded to the Heat and won a chip in 2006.

Kevin Garnett to the Boston Celtics

In 2007, the Boston Celtics pulled off a trade that changed the course of the franchise for the better. Boston sent Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, and two 2009 first-round picks to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Garnett.

KG allied with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, forming the Big Three. Together, they helped the Celtics bring home Banner 17, winning a ring in 2008 against Kobe Bryant’s Lakers.

Dirk Nowitzki to the Dallas Mavericks

Mavs GM Don Nelson made a big move in a 1998 draft day deal. He got Dirk Nowitzki (the ninth pick) and Pat Garrity’s draft rights (19th overall) from Milwaukee for Robert “Tractor” Traylor (sixth overall).

Needless to say, Dallas ended up fleeceing the Bucks on thatdeal. Nowitzki became a Hall of Famer and brought a chip to Texas in 2011.

Dennis Rodman to the Chicago Bulls

One of the most unique personalities in the NBA was exasperating the Spurs front office. Rodman ended up being traded by GM Gregg Popovich to the Bulls in 1995, with the authorization of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen on Chicago’s side.

The Bulls benefited from Rodman’s defense, rebounding, and all-around energy. He kept being himself, but that didn’t stop him from being a key part of the Bulls’ consecutive championships between 1996 and 1998.

Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics

In the 2017 offseason, Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Cavaliers. Months later, a blockbuster deal happened: Kyrie got traded to the Celtics, with Isaiah Thomas going to Cleveland.

The trade massively changed both franchises’ courses. Irving dealt with health and chemistry problems throughout his time in Boston, while Thomas had a major hip injury that never allowed him to be his old self.

Magic Johnson to the Los Angeles Lakers

Wasn’t Magic selected as the first pick by the Lakers in 1979? Yes, but what makes that pick curious is that the LA team didn’t actually own it.

The New Orleans Jazz signed Gail Goodrich and sent two first-round picks and a second to the Lakers in 1976. One of those picks became Magic Johnson, who led the Lakers to the NBA Finals nine times in twelve seasons from 1979–80 to 1990–91, winning five rings.

Alex English to the Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets were looking for a franchise star in 1980. They decided to go after Alex English, sending former All-Star George McGinnis to Indiana.

At the time, no one expected the kind of player that English ended up being. He became the best Nugget of all time. He appeared in eight All-Star games, ended up 15th in all-time NBA scoring, and led the Nuggets to nine consecutive playoff appearances.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Los Angeles Lakers

After six great years in Milwaukee, Kareem got tired of the city. The Bucks fulfilled his desire to go to a bigger market by sending him to Los Angeles in 1975.

Kareem would soon become a Lakers legend. He went on to win five more championships with the purple and gold.

Bill Russell to the Boston Celtics

Red Auerbach became obsessed with Bill Russell in the 1950s. He felt the big man was the missing piece for his Celtics.

Boston pulled the trigger and traded two key players, Ed Macauley and Cliff Hagan, for the second pick in the 1956 draft. On that same night, the C’s got two more future Hall of Famers in Tom Heinsohn and KC Jones. After pulling off one of the most decisive trades in NBA history, Boston went on to win 11 rings in 13 years.

Clyde Drexler to the Houston Rockets

At the 1994 trade deadline, the Portland Trail Blazers were far from contention and had to make a decision: honor Clyde Drexler’s trade request or lose him for nothing in free agency. Drexler got traded to the Rockets, fulfilling his desire to play with his college buddy, Hakeem Olajuwon.

Hakeem and Clyde led Houston to their second consecutive championship in 1995, sweeping the Magic in the NBA Finals. The Rockets made the playoffs every year during Drexler’s time in H-town until his retirement in 1998.

Pau Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak pulled off a robbery in the 2007–08 season. While LA was struggling and was in danger of missing the playoffs, Memphis was far from any kind of competition.

Kupchak saw the opportunity and got All-Star Pau Gasol without giving up any key players. By the end of the season, Los Angeles had the best record in the Western Conference but lost to the Celtics in the 2008 Finals. However, Pau helped the Lakers win back-to-back rings in 2009 and 2010.

Julius Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers

After some territory payments to the New York Knicks and the player demanding a salary raise, the New York Nets couldn’t afford Julius Erving. Taking advantage of their financial problems, the 76ers swooped in and traded for Dr. J, making him the highest-paid player at the time.

Starting from 1976, Erving cemented his status as a legend for the 76ers, and went on to win a championship ring with them in 1983, after multiple trips to the Finals.

In fact, some groups have generated stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. In the list of countries with an extensive and long-lived history, Mexico is definitely in the conversation.

Civilizations such as the Aztecs and the Maya have left a great influence on Mexican history. Part of that influence lies in urban legends, those stories that were passed down by word of mouth. These are 20 Mexican myths that are still alive today.

La Llorona

La Llorona, The Weeping Woman, is one of the most popular Mexican myths. In fact, multiple movies have been made inspired by this myth.

Legend has it that La Llorona was a very beautiful woman who was upset to see her divorced husband with a new wife. Blinded by the anger, she drowned her own children.

However, after realizing what she did and seeing her children’s bodies in the water, she dove into the river and never got out. In an effort to find her lost children, La Llorona now eternally searches for kids to make them their own. If people hear her cries during the night, they will perish.

Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl

Iztaccíhuatl was a princess who fell in love with Popocatépetl, one of her father’s warriors. The princess’ father sent the warrior to battle in Oaxaca, and made him a promise: if he returned victorious and with his enemy’s head on his spear, he would give him his blessing to marry his daughter.

However, a false message arrived in that town, giving the news of Popocatepetl’s death. Iztaccíhuatl was devastated, fell into depression and died of grief. The warrior ended up returning his enemy’s head on a spear, bleeding. When he found out about the princess’ death, he took her body to a mountain and the gods turned her into an inactive volcano.

Popocatepetl grabbed a torch and promised that nothing would extinguish the fire of the torch with which he watched over the body of his beloved. For this, the gods gave him eternity by turning him into an active volcano.

La Planchada

Eulalia was an excellent nurse who took care of her patients with professionalism and love. She was very dedicated and centered. However, one day she fell in love with a handsome doctor, Joaquín, and everything started to fall apart.

A year after they started dating, Joaquín left the city for a seminar. Eulalia later found out that he married another woman, went on honeymoon and quit his job. These events sent Eulalia straight into depression, which affected her work on a daily basis.

One night, one of her patients passed away due to her neglect. She got ill that same night, and ended up dying at the hospital where she worked. The legend says that she wanders through hospital corridors, miraculously healing some patients. Some say that she returned as a spirit nurse because of a sense of guilt, as if she was forever doomed to pay for her mistake in life.

Callejón del Beso

Ana was the daughter of a Spaniard who wanted her to marry a wealthy man. However, as she strolled through the streets of Guanajuato, she met a humble miner named Carlos. They fell in love instantly, and they started meeting in secret.

Ana’s father found out about them and locked Ana in her bedroom. When Carlos went to visit her, she noticed Ana’s bedroom sat in a very narrow alleyway. He saw another home with a balcony facing her bedroom.

Despite the owner raising the price to astronomic levels, Carlos gathered all the money he needed and bought the place, getting closer to her lover again. Ana’s father caught them kissing one night, and got so mad with his daughter that he ended up killing her with a dagger.

Carlos, trying to jump from his balcony to Ana’s bedroom, fell to the floor hitting his head in the third step and breaking his neck. That’s the reason why, if couples visit the Callejón del Beso (Kissing Alley), they have to kiss on the third step to enjoy a lifetime of luck in love.

La Quemada

Beatriz was a beautiful young woman who fell in love with a handsome italian, Martín de Scúpoli, after she arrived in Ciudad de México. However, Scúpoli was so delusionally in love with her that had to commit multiple murders.

Many men tried to conquer Beatriz’s heart, and Scúpoli would beat them all in duels. She was fed up with all the killings and made a shocking decision: she burned her face (hence her name “La Quemada”, which means “The burnt woman”) to avoid getting men’s attention.

Martín ended up marrying her anyway, since he loved her no matter how she looked. Since then Beatriz always wore a veil that covered her entire face.

Conejo en la luna

When the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl came down to earth in human form, he decided to tour the natural beauties of Mexico. At one point, the god decided to stop in a field to rest, but the night quickly caught up with him.

This caused him to go in search of food. While he could find absolutely nothing to eat, Quetzalcoatl came across a rabbit. The god asked the rabbit where he could find what he ate to survive.

The rabbit replied that he had grass to eat, but the god could not eat it because he might die. So, the rabbit told Quetzalcoatl that he could eat it so he would not die on the way. For the rabbit’s sacrifice, the god raised it pointing to the moon, so that its image would remain forever in this star.

Colibrí maya

According to this Mayan legend, the gods, when they created all things on earth, gave each animal, each tree and each stone a job to do, but when they finished they realized that no one had been given the job of carrying wishes and thoughts from one place to another.

Since they had no more mud or corn to make another animal, they took a stone, carved an arrow, blew on it and the little arrow flew away: they had created the “Colibrí”, or hummingbird.

The men tried to catch the hummingbird to adorn themselves with its beautiful feathers, but the gods got angry and ordered: “if anyone catches it, they will be punished”. Legend has it that if you meet this bird it is because someone is sure to send you good wishes and love. If they wish you well, it brings you the wish, but if it flies around your head, you must not touch it.

Sol y la Luna

It is said that many years ago, convinced that he did not belong to this world, a young man named Xutil asked his mother to go up to the sky. They began to walk on the roof of their house and realized that it was growing and had no end.

Away from the earth, Xutil told his mother that it was time to separate, that she should not cry because they would always see each other. She would be the Moon and would light the Earth at night, and he would be the Sun, and would provide warmth to men. This is how the Sun and the Moon were created, according to the Tseltales.

Nahual

During the pre-Hispanic era, people feared the nahuales, men who had the ability to turn into animals. They could be evil or benevolent, human or divine, but these transformations were not for everyone.

Tezcatlipoca was the god of night, obsidian, the north and witchcraft, and one of the gods who could transform himself. Just as Quetzalcoatl appeared as a feathered serpent and Huitzilopochtli as a hummingbird, he appeared as a jaguar.

Mulata de Córdoba

In 1618, in Villa de Córdoba de los Caballeros (today’s Córdoba) lived a very beautiful mulatto woman named Soledad. In those times, mulattos had no rights and belonged to a low social stratum.

In the town it was rumored that Soledad was very good at healing by means of herbs and rituals, predicting eclipses, conjuring storms, tremors and provoking illnesses. This caused “la Mulata de Córdoba”, as everyone knew her, to be branded as a witch and sorceress who had a pact with the devil.

The Holy Inquisition arrested her and sent her to the prison of the fort of San Juan de Ulúa, in the current port of Veracruz. In jail, the Mulata de Córdoba began to draw on the walls of the cell a ship with large sails, stranded at sea and which seemed that at any moment was going to set sail. Legend has it that one day Soledad “jumped” into her boat as part of the drawing, boarded the ship, disappeared and was never seen again.

Xtabay

Legend has it that Xtabay was a beautiful woman who now glides among the spiky thorns of a great tree: the ceiba. There, she brushes her hair and waits for the drunk and lost men who are stumbling through the night.

She then seduces them and leads them to curious methods of torture, sometimes ending in death, throwing them into the water, into the underworld. Even today, men all over Yucatan report encounters with the mysterious Xtabay.

Chaneques

The Chaneques are small, mischievous spirits with the appearance of children who hide things, appear to people and sometimes people ask them for favors in exchange for candy or coins.

Chaneque, according to the Nahuatl language, means “those who live in dangerous places“. It is believed that they were minor gods of pre-Hispanic Mexican mythology and were in charge of protecting forests, jungles, springs, trees and animals.

According to this urban myth, they became so mischievous that they frightened people, making them lose their “tonalli” -spirit associated with the day of their birth-, which had to be recovered through a ritual, otherwise the person ran the risk of dying.

Mujer Herrada

A lonely clergyman decided to find a woman to live with, a decision that was criticized by many, including his best friend who was a blacksmith. The clergyman did not mind the situation and still lived with a woman named Juana in an old building inOaxaca.

Late at night, the blacksmith received an insistent knock on his door. Two people asked him to put horseshoes on his mule. Believing it was a request from his friend the clergyman, the blacksmith kindly agreed. He took the horseshoes, and with nails, hammer and tongs he put the horseshoes on the mule.

The next morning, when he asked the clergyman the reasons for the favor, he told him that he had neither slaves nor a mule. When they went to tell Juana the curious story, they found her dead in her room with her hands and feet shod. Some theologians say that God turned Juana into a black mule and gave her to the demons to be shod in life until she died, so that the clergyman would pay for his sins.

Don Juan Manuel

A gentleman named Don Juan Manuel de Solórzano was considered a reference in New Spain. Don Juan Manuel was a character that inspired respect and was well known for his intelligence. The viceroy of New Spain offered him the important position of “private of the viceroy”, a position that gave him many enemies within the government.

However, Don Juan Manuel had a great weakness: his jealousy. He was married to a beautiful woman named Marina, who usually received compliments from men. Frustrated at not being able to have children, Don Juan Manuel went to a convent and delegated his business to his nephew. His enemies began to spread the rumor that Marina had cheated on him. Disturbed by jealousy and fury in his heart, Don Juan Manuel made a pact with the devil: he promised him his soul in exchange for information about the man with whom Marina had cheated on him. Satan told him he had to kill the first man he saw at 11 o’clock at night.

When the gentleman complied, the devil told him that this was not the man he was looking for, and that he would have to repeat the same thing until the day he met the man he was looking for. Don Juan Manuel, by repeating this action, ended up killing his nephew. He then returned to the convent and asked the monk for a way to fulfill his penance. The knight was found on a pitchfork. It is said that the angels themselves put him there, to free him from his sins.

Aluxes de Yucatán

The aluxes are small mythological creatures of the Yucatan peninsula that are generally invisible and can assume a physical form similar to that of the Maya in their traditional clothing, but in miniature. They can make themselves present in front of humans when they feel playful or mischievous.

It is said that the aluxes protect many Mayan villages and areas that still exist to this day. Legend has it that if you build them a small house, they will guard your land for seven years. Many believe that they will help crops grow, call the rain and protect your land at night.

Princesa Donají

Legend has it that the princess “Donají” was the daughter of the Zapotec king “Cosijoeza”, whose capital of his dominions was in Zaachila. Her name means “great soul” and when she was born, a priest from Mitla deciphered the sign of doom in the sky, which meant that she would sacrifice herself for the love of her Zapotec people.

When the Mixtecs and Zapotecs started to battle, she met the wounded Mixtec prince “Nucano”, with whom she fell in love. When the Zapotecs were defeated, the Mixtecs asked for “Donají” as a pledge of peace.

The princess was then taken to live in a palace in Monte Alban. One night, when they tried to rescue her, she was sacrificed by a warrior. Her lover “Nucano” then governed the Zapotecs with love in memory of “Donají” and their bodies rested under the same tomb in Cuilapan.

Árbol del vampiro

In Guadalajara there is a very famous centennial tree located in the Belen Pantheon: the Vampire Tree. Legend has it that, around 1880, corpses of dogs and cats full of blood began to appear all over the municipality. Human bodies later began to appear in the same condition. Everyone agreed that it was the work of a vampire, and organized night stakeouts to capture him.

A wise old village healer told the villagers that the only way to kill the vampire was to stab him through the heart with a stake, carved from the branch of a tree called camichín. After killing him, the people buried him in the Belen Pantheon.

However, a live camichín branch began to wrap around the tomb with its trunk and roots, and the people did not want to cut it for fear that something worse would happen. Today, the vampire tree remains in the cemetery, but it is said that when it falls, the vampire will be released and will once again terrorize Guadalajara.

El águila, la serpiente y el nopal

This legend relates the reasons why Mexico City-Tenochtitlan was founded by the ancient Mexicans, and the origin of the emblem of the Mexican flag.

Cuaucóatl and Axolohua, two guardians of the war god Huitzilopochtli, the main god of the Mexica pantheon, were walking through a field full of reeds and fragrant sedges. Suddenly they realized that they were in the spotthat the god had indicated as the place where the city of Tenochtitlan was to be founded.

The two guardians went to Temazcatitlan, the place where the Mexica were, to tell Cuauhtlaquezqui, the priest andearthly incarnation of the god Huitzilopochtli himself, of the wonder they had seen. However, the priest told them that they had to go to see a quiet eagle standing on a wild nopal cactus to find the heart of Copil, the son of Malinalli, Huitzilopochtli’s sister.

When the Mexica saw the eagle standing on the nopal, they observed that there were scattered on the ground heads, feet and bones of precious birds devoured by the eagle. When the eagle saw the Mexica, it bowed its head respectfully. At that moment, the voice of Huitzilopochtli was heard, celebrating the arrival of the Mexica to the right place to found the city.

El Chupacabras

The Chupacabras is a legendary cryptid, described as a creature that attacks animals of different species in livestock or rural areas. It is believed to attack domestic animals, especially goats.

The Chupacabras attack by sucking all the blood from the animal’s body. It is commonly described as a heavy creature, the size of a small bear and with a row of spines spanning from the neck to the base of the tail.

El charro negro

El Charro Negro was a teenager tired of his endless poverty. No matter how hard he worked, the money was never enough and he had to walk around all day with his hands full of dirt.

Some time later, his parents died. Left alone, Charro’s misery increased considerably, so he made a decision that would change his life: he invoked the devil to ask him for wealth.

Satan offered him infinite amounts of money in exchange for his soul. El Charro accepted, time went by and he realized he was tired of spending his wealth on women, gambling, wine and expensive suits. Besides, no one wanted him and he was more alone than ever.

When the devil appeared to collect his part of the bargain, El Charro tried to escape. However, the devil took him and his horse to hell, and uses him from time to time to collect unpaid debts owed to Satan by some of the earth’s inhabitants.

If you’re looking to explore the most exotic and rare foods from around the world, then you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of 20rare dishes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

From the hard to make to the hard to find to the potentially deadly to consume, we’re taking a look at some of the most unique and unusual foods from around the world.

Đông Tảo Chicken

Our first exotic dish is the Đông Tảo chicken, also known as dragon chickens. These birds are native to Vietnam and are famous for their oversized feet, which resemble a pair of Uggs. Despite their unusual appearance, Đông Tảo chickens are considered a delicacy in Vietnam and are often served at weddings and other special occasions.

Insect Delicacies from China

Next up on our list are the insect delicacies from China. While many Westerners may find the idea of eating insects unappetizing, the night markets in China are full of delicious and unusual snacks, including scorpions, sheep penis, starfish, centipedes, water bugs, and much more. If you’re feeling adventurous, these insect delicacies are a must-try.

Cioppino

Moving on to Italy, we have cioppino, a rustic Italian-American fish stew that is brimming with fresh seafood in a tomato and wine broth. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers and is often served with garlic bread or a baguette for sopping up the broth.

Ackee Fruit

If you’re looking for a unique and exotic fruit, then look no further than the ackee fruit. This fruit is native to Jamaica and is not found everywhere due to its toxicity, which can cause Jamaican vomiting sickness. However, if prepared correctly, the ackee fruit is a delicious and nutritious treat.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken is a Chinese dish that has become popular around the world. Chunks of crispy deep-fried chicken are slathered in a sweet, gooey sauce that is irresistible. While this dish may not be as exotic as some of the others on our list, it is a classic Chinese dish that is worth trying.

Foie Gras

Foie gras is a French delicacy that is made from goose or duck liver that has been fattened. This dish is considered an exceptional gastronomic specialty and is prepared and cooked with great care. If you’re a fan of pâté, then foie gras is a must-try dish.

Japanese Yubari Melons

If you’re looking for a rare and expensive fruit, then look no further than the Japanese Yubari melon. These melons are strictly grown on Japan’s island of Hokkaido, and less than 100 are harvested every year, making them one of the rarest fruits in the world.

La Madeline au Truffle

That’s why the La Madeline au Truffle from a luxury chocolate company called Chocopologie is the most expensive and one of the rarest chocolate treats in the planet. Prepare to fork over 250 big ones for the 1.5-ounce nugget of chocolate, truffle oil, and vanilla encased in a dark chocolate shell.

Carne-de-sol (Jabá)

Meat, fish, and seafood, as well as local herbs and exotic fruits, are the cornerstones of Brazilian cuisine, but the exotic element accentuates here in the way of preparing some of its most famous dishes. An example of that is carne-de-sol, also known as jabá, a sun-dried meat dish very popular in arid areas in the North of Brazil.

General Tso’s Chicken

Chunks of crispy deep-fried chicken slathered in a sweet, gooey sauce are on Chinese restaurant tables from San Francisco to Omaha, Nebraska, to London. But as British chef Fuschia Dunlop found, the dish is unknown in China and the recipe is likely to have been created by Chinese-American chefs.

Fugu

The selection of dishes available ranges from the classic raw fish and rice roll wrapped in seaweed, to pots and brews combining all sorts of meats, vegetables, and noodles, to dumplings and skewers. Still, no other dish generates so much buzz and peaks people’s interest as fugu.

Matsutake Mushrooms

Known as the king of mushrooms, Matsutake mushrooms are rare because they require specific growing conditions and are susceptible to wildlife snacking on them. However, their spicy, earthy flavor makes them worth the hunt.

Feijoa

Also known as guavasteen and pineapple guava, Feijoa is a small fruit that ripens in the fall. With a gritty texture like a pear and a sweet, fruity flavor similar to pineapple and strawberry, it’s a unique fruit worth trying.

Thai Green Curry

One of the most exotic and healthy foods, Thai Green Curry is traditionally made with chicken, shrimp, and fish, but can also be made vegetarian. Jam-packed with vegetables and creamy coconut milk, it’s a must-try dish for any foodie.

Thousand-Year-Old Egg

Despite its name, this delicacy doesn’t actually take a thousand years to prepare. The egg is fermented for several months in a mixture of wood ash, clay, salt, and calcium oxide, resulting in a smooth black egg with a unique texture and flavor.

Razor clams

These tubular clams contain much more meat than their heart-shaped counterparts. They can be grilled on the barbecue, steamed with wine or cider, or enjoyed cured with lime juice and chili.

Moose cheese

Derived from the milk of moose, this cheese is produced only at the “Moose House” farm in Sweden and is one of the most expensive and exotic cheeses in the world.

Wagyu beef

One of the most succulent beefs in the entire world. Wagyu beef is founded in Japan, and is cut from four different breeds of cow. In fact, this beef is so rare and soft that it actually feels like eating fish.

Civet coffee

Civets eat coffee beans but don’t digest the cherries. These are collected from their dung in Southeast Asia and used to make java. Civet coffee is considered one of the most expensive types of coffee in the world.

Edible gold

You read that correctly: gold may be a precious metal, but it’s actually edible as well.It’s biologically inert, so your body doesn’t have any trouble to digest it. Many fancy restaurants use gold to decorate desserts.

Old Trafford, popularly known as the Theatre of Dreams, is one of the most acclaimed stadiums in the world. The impact of Manchester United in British and European football is remarkable, therefore making it an attractive destination for players.

However, there are major talents who turned down the possibility of playing for United. These 21 players have their own reasons, but all of them have one thing in common: they passed on playing at Old Trafford.

Patrick Kluivert

In Sir Alex Ferguson’s autobiography, he mentioned his desire of bringing Dutch forward Patrick Kluivert to United in 1998. However, Kluivert decided to join FC Barcelona instead.

He would later reveal that he would’ve only played in Arsenal if he was set to move to the Premier League at the time. His son Justin also rejected a move to United in 2018; according to his father, he would’ve not gotten enough game time in Old Trafford.

John Obi Mikel

A young John Obi Mikel had to decide between Manchester United and Chelsea in 2005. The Nigerian, who was playing in Norway at the time, was even pictured in a United shirt, but decided to join Chelsea in the last minute.

Speaking to The Players Tribune, Mikel would later reveal that it was a fierce fight between both clubs. “You know what made my mind up? Chelsea had signed three other players from Nigeria along with me. They were staying with me at the house in London to keep me company,” Mikel recalled.

Aaron Ramsey

For Aaron Ramsey, it was a matter of who wanted him more in 2008. Arsenal and Manchester United were fighting for his services, but the Welsh midfielder would eventually join the London side.

“I went up there to see United’s facilities, and then I went to see Arsène Wenger,” he told Sky Sports. “He did a lot to try and get me to this club. As a 17-year-old, flying out on a private jet to his hotel [Wenger was in Switzerland for the 2008 Euros] was surreal but I think I made the right decision. I just felt a bit more wanted by Arsenal and by the boss,” Ramsey added.

Ronaldinho

United were winning the Ronaldinho race in 2003, and everything pointed to a big Premier League move for the Brazilian legend. However, his friend Sandro Rosell won the FC Barcelona elections and became president, so Ronaldinho decided to fulfill a promise.

“He had asked me if I would play in Barcelona when he won the election and became the president, and I said ‘Yes.’ I was almost on my way to Manchester United and only the details needed to be put onto that deal. But at the last minute, Rosell called me to tell me they would win the election. That made everything happen fast,” Dinho told ESPN.

Arjen Robben

In 2004, Arjen Robben triggered a bidding war between the big European clubs. His form in Dutch side PSV Eindhoven was remarkable, and Manchester United was between the teams that were close to signing him.

United legend Rio Ferdinand, who’s now a TV pundit, revealed in social media a possible reason behind Robben’s decision to sign with Chelsea. “We should have signed him at Man United. I think he came to the training ground. He walked around and didn’t like the smell,walked off and went to Chelsea,” Ferdinand wrote.

Paul Gascoigne

During the 1980s and 90s, Paul Gascoigne became a legend at both Tottenham and Rangers. However, in the late 80s, Gazza had a chance to join United, but because of his doubts about playing time he didn’t play at Old Trafford.

In a movie about Man United legend Bryan Robson, Gascoigne revealed that he didn’t see himself capable of getting into the starting XI with Robson and Neil Webb playing in his position. “There was Robson and Neil Webb, always together. I thought: I’m never going to get a game here,” he said.

Alan Shearer

After scoring 112 goals in 138 Premier League games for Blackburn Rovers, Alan Shearer was bound to a big transfer in 1996. Shearer was really close to joining United, having spoken with Sir Alex Ferguson, but he ended up joining his boyhood club Newcastle United.

“At one point, I was going to Manchester United. But then, I sat down and I got a call from Kevin Keegan who asked to see me a day or two later. And I thought, ‘You know what, I’m going to go back to Newcastle’. It was the club I always supported and wanted to play for”, Shearer revealed to the BBC.

Frenkie de Jong

Don’t rule out a future Frenkie de Jong transfer to Old Trafford. Amidst the FC Barcelona delicate financial situation, the young Dutch midfielder has been linked to United many times in the last couple of years.

However, De Jong has rejected every kind of move, and wants to succeed in Barcelona. “Barcelona is the club of my dreams, so I plan to stay for many years,” Frenkie told the Daily Mail.

Gareth Bale

The Gareth Bale breakthrough at Tottenham Hotspur was brought up to the attention of big clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United. David Moyes, United manager at the time, revealed that the British club even offered more money to Bale, but the Welsh winger decided to join Los Blancos in 2013.

“I thought Gareth Bale was a Manchester United player. We did everything we could to try and get the player, but it was already a bit down the road with Real Madrid. I tried to hijack it. I tried to get him. Manchester United offered more money than Real Madrid to the player”, Moyes said to eirSport.

Eden Hazard

One of Europe’s rising stars in 2012, Eden Hazard had just finished a brilliant season in Lille, and he was ready for a big transfer. Hazard had to decide between Manchester United and Chelsea, but there was one key factor that made up his mind: the Blues winning the Champions League that season.

“I was in advanced contact with both clubs and I spoke to both coaches. I want to be playing in the Champions League every year. Initially, Chelsea were sixth and not qualified for the Champions League. But when they won the Champions League I said to myself, ‘Why not Chelsea?’” he said upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

N’Golo Kanté

Even though Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho called him at the time, N’Golo Kante picked Chelsea in 2016. The French had just won the Premier League with Leicester City, and had to choose red or blue.

However, Chelsea was always Kante’s first option. “I listened to Mourinho’s arguments about why I should move to United. But at that time I was hesitant between staying at Leicester or leaving for Chelsea. My discussions with them were already well underway. But when I spoke, I had a good feeling with Conte”, Kante told Sky Sports.

Jude Bellingham

Birmingham City’s decision to retire Jude Bellingham’s shirt number at only 17 years old surprised many people. Jude’s talent speaks for himself though, which is why every big club was after him in 2020.

In the end, Bellingham picked Borussia Dortmund, snubbing many clubs in the process, including Manchester United. “United made the biggest offer we received compared to Bayern, Dortmund, Leicester or other clubs like Wolves. We sat down and talked about how we could convince Bellingham. But Jude didn’t make any decisions based on money,” former Birmingham CEO Dong Ren told Mundo Deportivo.

Sadio Mane

Speaking to The Telegraph, Sadio Mane revealed why he decided to join Liverpool in 2016 after a successful season with Southampton. The Senegalese forward, who won a Champions League at Anfield, recalled how close he was to a Manchester United move instead.

“I have to say, I was really close to going to Manchester United. I had the contract there. I had it all agreed. It was all ready, but instead I thought, no, I want to go to Liverpool”, Mane said. He liked Jurgen Klopp’s project from the get go, and had his eyes set on Anfield.

Dimitri Payet

As a football player, sometimes you have to make decisions based more on the heart than the money. Dimitri Payet had to do exactly that in 2017, when he decided to go back home to France and sign with Marseille after a good stint at West Ham in the Premier League.

Payet told RMC Sport why, even though Man United and some other big clubs were after him, he decided to return home. “I’m not someone who lives with regrets. I made a choice, which was not just related to football but it was to family, to come back to Marseille,” he said.

Pedro

Jose Mourinho was the main name behind Pedro’s move to Chelsea in 2015. If it wasn’t for the Portuguese manager, he could’ve joined Manchester United, as it was the other big club interested in the Spaniard.

“He phoned me a few times and said he needed me to make the team stronger. He has won titles wherever he has been. I am really looking forward to playing under him and hopefully winning more titles,” Pedro stated during his first day as a Chelsea player.

Álvaro Morata

In 2017, Manchester United launched a £52.4 million bid to Real Madrid for Alvaro Morata. Not only the Spanish club rejected the offer, but Morata himself decided to join Chelsea that summer.

“Antonio [Conte], Michael [Emenalo], Marina [Granovskaia], all of them called me this summer and there was no chance I wasn’t coming to Chelsea. They demonstrated to me that they really wanted me,” Morata told Sky Sports.

Toni Kroos

The Toni Kroos saga in 2014 was a heartbreaking one for Manchester United. Kroos revealed to the Daily Mail that he talked with Moyes at the time “about United’s football plan, which convinced me.”

However, after Moyes got sacked in April, the move collapsed. The German midfielder would eventually join Real Madrid that summer.

Thomas Muller

The Bayern Munich legend became a world champion with Germany in 2014. Right after the World Cup, Thomas Muller was really close to signing with United. However, not only he didn’t join the British side but he signed many contract extensions with the Bundesliga giants, with his current deal going until 2024.

Muller told Merkur that Bayern didn’t want to sell him at the time, and he wasn’t interested in joining either. “Bayern clearly rejected the whole thing – despite this insane offer from United.[But it was a] huge vote of confidence from Bayern,” the attacking midfielder said.

Sergio Ramos

Real Madrid didn’t renew Sergio Ramos’ contract in 2021, and the list of possible destinations wasn’t short for one of the greatest center backs of all time. Ultimately, Ramos decided to stay in the elite, and had offers from big clubs.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United were willing to hand Ramos a one-year deal worth £200,000 a week, with an option for a second season. However, the Spaniard declined United’s offer and decided to join PSG instead.

Erling Haaland

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer knew his Norwegian fellow countryman Erling Haaland from his early Molde days. Despite Solksjaer strongly advocating for his signature during his coaching years at Manchester, Haaland chose Borussia Dortmund in 2020.

Unfortunately for United, they faced defeat once again in 2022 in the Haaland sweepstakes. Despite having the financial pole position compared to other clubs, the striker had concerns on United’s sporting project, according to ESPN. He would instead choose Manchester City, joining United’s rivals.

Cesc Fàbregas

After leaving the Premier League for Barcelona in 2011, Cesc Fàbregas expressed his desire to go back to English football. Since Arsenal didn’t approach him, Fàbregas pursued other options.

United was leading the race to sign him until a Jose Mourinho call changed everything. “To be honest, after I left the room with Mourinho I said, ‘that’s it, I don’t need to talk to anyone else, I’m going to Chelsea.’ What he told me, the team he wanted to make, what he thought of me, how he wanted me to play, this is what I wanted,” the Spaniard told Arsecast.

Throughout the years, several events have shocked the entire world, and athletes, fans, coaches, and many others related to sports have lost their lives in these tragedies.

Some of the disasters listed were unexpected and unpredictable. However, the sports industry has learned valuable lessons from these diverse tragedies, particularly those that have occurred inside sporting venues.

1902 Ibrox disaster

During the 1901-02 British Home Championship, the national football teams of England and Scotland played a match on April 5th, 1902, at Ibrox Park. In the first half of the game, a section of the newly constructed West Tribune Stand collapsed, causing between 200 to 300 fans to fall to the concrete floor below.

Sadly, 25 people lost their lives, and over 500 were injured. This tragedy led to a significant shift in stadium architecture, with wooden stands being replaced by concrete ones.

Gabon Air tragedy

On April 27th, 1993, a plane carrying most of the Zambian national football team crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. The team was en route to Dakar, Senegal, for a 1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Senegal, shortly after taking off from Libreville, Gabon.

The accident was caused by the pilot shutting down the wrong engine following an engine fire, which resulted in the crash. All 25 passengers and five crew members were killed.

1987 Alianza Lima plane crash

A Peruvian football club, Alianza Lima, chartered a Peruvian Navy Fokker F27-400M for a local league game. After winning the game in the city of Pucallpa, the team boarded the plane to return to Lima.

Unfortunately, the plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean, killing 43 people. The only survivor was the pilot.

Estadio Nacional disaster

On May 24th, 1964, Peru hosted Argentina at the Estadio Nacional in Lima. The Peruvian national team needed a win to get closer to qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics football tournament.

In the second half, the referee disallowed a Peruvian goal, and the fans got outraged. They invaded the pitch, and the police retaliated with tear gas and violence. This resulted in the worst disaster in the history of association football, with 328 people losing their lives.

Ayrton Senna’s death

On May 1st, 1994, Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna was leading the San Marino Grand Prix. However, Senna lost control of his car and crashed into the Tamburello curve of the Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit in Italy.

Driving at almost 200 miles per hour, the Brazilian racing legend struck a concrete wall almost head-on. Senna suffered multiple skull fractures and passed away at a hospital in Bologna, Italy.

Burnden Park disaster

On March 9th, 1946, a tragic incident occurred during an FA Cup Sixth Round second-leg match between Bolton and Stoke City. The game was held at Burnden Park, which was Bolton’s home stadium at the time and had rudimentary facilities.

The stampede occurred at the Railway End of the ground, where more people than the allowed capacity had gathered, causing a deadly crush that killed 33 people and injured over 400 fans. This disaster prompted Great Britain to take significant measures to prevent overcrowding at sporting events in the future.

Puerta 12

On June 23, 1968, the largest football-related disaster in Argentina‘s history occurred. After the Superclásico match between River Plate and Boca Juniors, the away fans began to leave River’s ground, the Estadio Monumental.

However, the 12th gate was not fully open, and a massive stampede occurred, resulting in 71 deaths and over 150 injuries. The culprits were never found and brought to justice.

Leicester helicopter crash

A helicopter, an AgustaWestland AW169, crashed shortly after takeoff from King Power Stadium, the home ground of Leicester City F.C. All five people aboard the helicopter died on October 27th, 2018.

LCFC’s owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among the people involved in the crash. A beloved governor, the fans mourned his death by laying flowers and football shirts outside the ground the next morning.

Zamalek Disaster

A friendly soccer match between Zamalek of Egypt and Dukla Prague of Czechoslovakia was scheduled to take place in a larger stadium, but the organizers changed it to Zamalek Stadium, which had a capacity of 40,000 fans.

On February 17th, 1974, around 80,000 people attempted to enter the stadium, causing a stampede before the kickoff. The walls collapsed, and 48 people lost their lives, with over 50 others sustaining injuries.

1971 Ibrox disaster

On January 2, 1971, a tragedy took place on the exit stairway at Ibrox Park in Glasgow, Scotland. After a game between Rangers and Celtic, thousands of spectators were leaving the ground through stairway 13 when a stampede occurred.

Sixty-six people were killed, and more than 200 fans were injured. It is considered one of the worst football tragedies in British history.

Hillsborough

The worst tragedy in British football history occurred on April 15, 1989. An FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest was scheduled to take place that day.

Shortly before kickoff, the police ordered a gate to be opened to ease overcrowding, but more people ended up entering the pens. The resulting crush caused 97 deaths and 766 injuries, the highest death toll in British sporting history.

Ellis Park Stampede

The Ellis Park disaster on April 11, 2001, is the worst sporting tragedy in South African history. The Orlando Pirates–Kaizer Chiefs derby was taking place in the stadium located in Johannesburg, and 60,000 fans were expected.

However, nearly twice as many people attempted to enter the stadium, causing a human crush that led to 43 deaths in the middle of the game.

Munich Massacre

A terrorist attack shook the Munich Olympics in 1972. Eight members of the Palestinian militant organization Black September infiltrated the Olympic Village and killed two members of the Israeli Olympic team.

They also took nine other members hostage. Counting the rescue attempts, the death toll amounted to 17 people, including 5 members of the terror group.

Sabena Air disaster

The entire United States figure skating team was en route to the World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia when tragedy struck.

On February 15th, 1961, the flight crashed near Brussels, Belgium, claiming the lives of all 72 people on board and one on the ground. It was also the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 707 in regular passenger service.

Port Said Riot

After a 3-1 victory by Al-Masry against Al-Ahly in an Egyptian Premier League match, chaos erupted. On February 1st, 2012, Masry fans stormed the pitch to celebrate and attacked rival fans with various sharp weapons.

Ahly fans were trapped in a section of the stadium, and the police refused to open the exit gates, resulting in some stampedes. For the next 13 days, riots broke out in Cairo, with people clashing against the police. The incident resulted in 74 deaths, 73 arrests (11 of whom were sentenced to death), and over 500 injuries.

Ninho do Urubu fire

In the early hours of February 8th, 2019, a fatal fire broke out at the training center of Brazilian football team Flamengo. The center, known as “Ninho do Urubu” (Vulture’s Nest in English), became the site of the tragedy.

The fire was caused by a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit in one of the player’s rooms. Ten young players from Flamengo’s academy, aged between 14 and 17, lost their lives in the incident.

Kobe Bryant’s death

The basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna boarded a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter with seven other people on January 26, 2020.

The helicopter encountered low cloud cover, causing the pilot to lose orientation and ultimately control of the aircraft, resulting in a crash in the city of Calabasas, California. There were no survivors.

Kanjuruhan Disaster

After a local Indonesian game on October 1st, 2022, more than 3,000 fans invaded the pitch and started attacking the players and team officials.

This resulted in a clash between them and the police, who deployed tear gas. The stampedes and asphyxiations caused the deaths of 135 people, with over 500 fans injured. It is considered the second-worst tragedy in football history, behind the Estadio Nacional disaster.

Luzhniki disaster

During a UEFA Cup match between FC Spartak Moscow and HFC Haarlem on October 20th, 1982, a fatal human crush occurred, causing Russia’s worst sporting disaster. The incident took place in the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow.

A fan fell in one of the stands, and more fans stopped to help her. However, the crowd crushed them, and people started to repeatedly stumble, resulting in 66 deaths.

Emiliano Sala’s death

Argentine striker Emiliano Sala boarded a plane on January 21, 2019, after being transferred to Cardiff City from French side Nantes. However, the Piper Malibu light aircraft crashed into the English Channel.

Both Sala and the pilot passed away. The causes of the crash were loss of control, mid-air breakup, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Munich Air Disaster

On February 6th, 1958, British European Airways Flight 609 crashed on its third attempt to take off from Munich-Riem Airport. The fatal accident was described as a runway overrun due to slush on the runway.

The plane was carrying the Manchester United football team, supporters, and journalists. 23 of the 38 people on board were killed.

The Bradford Fire

On May 11, 1985, Bradford City and Lincoln City were playing their final game of the season at Valley Parade stadium. During the game, a fan accidentally dropped a lit cigarette through a hole in the floorboards.

The cigarette started a fire that was intensified by the strong wind. As a result, 56 people were killed and more than 260 others were injured.

Heysel disaster

Juventus and Liverpool were preparing to play the 1985 European Cup final on May 29th at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium. Liverpool fans started to attack the “neutral” section of the stadium, trying to reach the Juventus fans.

Chaos ensued, causing walls to collapse and resulting in the death of 39 people. As a consequence of the tragedy, English clubs were banned from European competitions for five years (Liverpool for six years).

Superga Air disaster

The entire Torino team boarded an Italian Airlines plane to return home from Lisbon, where they played a friendly match against Benfica. Due to poor visibility, the plane had to make an emergency landing but ended up crashing into the retaining wall at the back of the Basilica of Superga.

On May 4, 1949, 31 people, including Torino players, coaches, and journalists, and 4 crew members were killed. After the tragic crash, Torino was declared the winner of the 1948-49 Serie A season as a tribute to the team.

Chapecoense tragedy

Brazilian team Chapecoense was on their way to play the away leg of the 2016 Copa Sudamericana Final against Atlético Nacional in Medellín when they boarded LaMia Flight 2933 on November 28, 2016.

Due to fuel exhaustion, the plane crashed near Medellín, killing 71 of the 77 people on board. Chapecoense was declared the winner of the 2016 Copa Sudamericana in tribute to the team’s players and staff who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Public figures have a pronounced level of exposure. That exposure gets to the point where some celebrities end up being compared to others, no matter what field they work in, because of their traits.

On that note, here are 23 athletes that have drawn comparisons with people from the entertainment industry. If they end up together in the same room, it will be hard to distinguish who is who.

Mark Sanchez and Adrian Grenier

The former NFL quarterback and the Entourage star have been compared for quite some time. The comparisons started to pile up when they both had longer hair.

Sanchez, who is now 36 years old, is a former player turned sports analyst. Grenier, on the other hand, is well-known for his acting performances in The Devil Wears Prada and The Adventures of Sebastian Cole.

Luis Suárez and Drew Scott

Both individuals are experts in their respective fields. Suárez is considered one of the greatest football strikers of his era, while Scott is a sensation alongside his brother Jonathan in home renovation.

At 36, Suárez, also known as “El Pistolero,” has won 5 Spanish league titles and scored over 500 goals in his career. Meanwhile, Scott, who is 44 years old, is a Canadian reality TV personality, real estate agent, and entrepreneur.

Roger Federer and Quentin Tarantino

A long-standing pair of lookalikes, Federer (41) and Tarantino (60), not only share a resemblance, but they are also considered to be among the best in their respective fields.

The Swiss tennis player, who recently retired, is widely regarded as the greatest of all time, alongside Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Meanwhile, the Knoxville-born film director has made an indelible mark on the film industry and is regarded by some as the greatest director ever.

Fernando Torres and Christian Bale

When Fernando Torres (39) arrived in the Premier League, signing with Liverpool in 2008 and later joining Chelsea in 2011, his long hair drew many comparisons. However, his main doppelganger was identified as Christian Bale (49).

The Spanish striker, who retired in 2020, has been frequently compared to the Batman star. Bale’s long hair in movies like American Psycho was a look that football fans immediately associated with Torres when he arrived in the Prem.

Phil Mickelson and Hugh Grant

We assure you that these two are not twins. The American golfer and the British actor have almost identical faces but are not related in any way.

Mickelson (52) has won six majors, including three Augusta Masters, and is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. Grant (62) has given some outstanding performances in movies like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Mickey Blue Eyes, and Notting Hill.

Kent Bazemore and Chance the Rapper

No wonder NBA fans nicknamed Kent Bazemore as Chance the Rapper. The similarities between the basketball player and the rapper are astonishing.

Bazemore, 33, has played for big NBA teams like the Warriors and the Lakers. Chancelor, 29, broke out in the hip-hop scene with his second mixtape, Acid Rap.

Serge Gnabry and The Weekend

Both are stylish and stars in their respective fields. The German winger has been playing for the local giants Bayern Munich for some time, and the Canadian singer is one of the biggest artists globally.

Gnabry has also played for the German national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He has been nicknamed “The Weeknd” by fans and has been sporting an afro just like Abel.

Luka Modric and David Guetta

These two are always in control. The Croatian footballer is the midfield boss at Real Madrid, while the French DJ is one of the most well-known names in electronic music.

Modric, 37, was named by FIFA as the best player in the world in 2018 and has won five Champions League titles with Madrid. Guetta, 55, has sold over 45 million records in his DJ career.

Romelu Lukaku and Stormzy

It’s mind-blowing that Lukaku and Stormzy are not related. The amount of memes featuring these two together is infinite.

However, their lives are very different. Lukaku, 29, is from Belgium and has played for major football clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Inter. Stormzy, who is also 29, is considered by some to be the greatest British rapper of all time.

JJ Redick and Adam Levine

These two could swap lives and no one would notice. JJ Redick, 38, retired from professional basketball a couple of years ago and is currently a TV analyst.

He has played for big teams like the Clippers and Mavericks. Adam Levine, 44, has been the lead vocalist for Maroon 5 for more than two decades.

Martin Braithwaite and Chris Brown

When Martin Braithwaite, 31, joined the Spanish soccer powerhouse Barcelona in 2020, many people noticed his resemblance to a famous singer. Memes comparing the Danish striker to Chris Brown quickly appeared.

Chris Brown, 33, has been at the top of the music industry for a while now. However, some people also recognize him as the man who assaulted Rihanna.

Kyle Korver and Ashton Kutcher

Kyle Korver, 42, was drafted by the Nets in 2003 and played his first NBA game that same year for the Sixers. Since then, he has been compared to Ashton Kutcher for his resemblance to the actor, and these comparisons have continued to this day.

Ashton Kutcher, 45, is also known for his breakout performance as Michael Kelso in That 70s Show, in addition to being recognized as Korver’s doppelganger.

Carlos Bianchi and Larry David

Although the 75-year-old American comedian has a very common hairstyle for someone his age, the Internet has found his doppelganger: none other than Carlos Bianchi, the Argentine coach who excelled as a player at PSG.

Bianchi, 73, is considered one of the best South American football coaches of all time, while David is also regarded as one of the best comedians in America.

Didier Drogba and A$AP Rocky

Many hip-hop fans consider that at 34, Rocky dropped the best work of his rap career with his mixtape Live.Love.A$ap in 2011. That same season, Didier Drogba reached the footballing pinnacle with Chelsea, winning the 2011-12 Champions League against Bayern Munich.

Both have cemented their legacies as some of the greatest in their respective disciplines. Additionally, the American rapper and Ivorian striker bear a striking resemblance to each other, almost as if they are distant relatives.

Steven Adams and Jason Momoa

Steven Adams, 29, is a fan favorite in the NBA, not only because the New Zealand native is considered one of the strongest basketball players in the world but also because of his looks. He has earned the nickname “Aquaman” due to his resemblance to the Hawaiian actor.

Jason Momoa, 43, has starred as the aquatic superhero and gained fame for his performances in Baywatch and Game of Thrones.

Rick Carlisle and Jim Carrey

Charisma is the common factor that unites Rick Carlisle (63) and Jim Carrey (61). Although the basketball coach may be missing the hair he had when he was younger, his facial expressions are still nearly identical to those of the Canadian comedian.

As a player, the head coach of the Indiana Pacers won a ring in 1987 with the Celtics. Carrey, on the other hand, has won multiple awards for his acting performances in movies such as The Mask and The Truman Show.

Harry Kane and Ryan Gosling

Both of them are scorers in their respective fields. The English striker (29) is the all-time leading goalscorer for both Tottenham Hotspur and England‘s national team.

The Canadian actor (42) has made his mark in the entertainment industry with standout performances in movies like The Notebook.

Eli Manning and Michael Phelps

Both of them are athletes, and both of them are also celebrities. Eli (42) has been on television for the last couple of years since his retirement from the NFL in 2020.

Phelps (37) is widely regarded as the most successful and decorated Olympian of all time. “The Baltimore Bullet” won 28 medals and retired from professional swimming in 2016.

David Alaba and Tyler, the Creator

This duo is one of those that you could switch one for the other, and the world wouldn’t notice at all. Tyler (32) recently released his sixth studio album, “Call Me If You Get Lost,” which earned him a Grammy award.

Alaba (30) has also achieved a lot in his career. The Real Madrid and Austria defender has won three Champions League titles and ten Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and Andy Serkis

The Norwegian striker and the English actor look like distant cousins who were born miles apart. Solksjaer (50) is a retired footballer who spent the majority of his career at Manchester United. He even returned as a coach in 2018, leaving the club three years later.

Serkis (58) has excelled as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and has also started to direct films since 2017.

Rodney Stuckey and 50 Cent

When Stuckey (36) was drafted to the NBA in 2007, he immediately became a sensation, not particularly because of his skills, but because of his striking resemblance to 50 Cent (47).

He looked like the rapper’s long-lost younger brother. However, their careers were very different: Stuckey was a solid NBA role player during his playing years, while 50 Cent is arguably one of the best hip-hop artists of all time.

Hope Solo and Jennifer Carpenter

The former USWNT goalkeeper (41) is regarded as one of the top female goalkeepers in the history of world football. However, she’s also well-known for her striking resemblance to the actress Jennifer Carpenter (43).

The Louisville native has had a lengthy career in the entertainment industry and is best known for her role as Emily Rose in the horror film The Exorcism of Emily Rose.

Aaron Rodgers and BJ Novak

Despite the facial hair on the QB’s face, the resemblance between the Green Bay Packers legend and the memorable Ryan from The Office is striking.

Rodgers, 39, is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of all time, while Novak, 43, is best known for his role in The Office but is also an accomplished writer, having published two books.

However, 14-year-old Joe Bryant has taken this hobby to the next level. Born in Crawley, Sussex, located 28 miles from London, Joe combined his passion for football with his creativity and skill in building with Lego.

As a result, he has created over 15 replica stadiums of various football clubs, with most being from Bundesliga teams. Some of these teams have even invited Joe to present his Lego replicas at their real stadiums.

Mainz

In March 2019, Joe constructed a Lego replica of the MEWA Arena (formerly known as the OPEL Arena). Mainz shared Joe’s creation on their official Instagram page and also invited him to a game to display the Lego stadium in front of fans. The MEWA Arena can hold over 34,000 spectators.

Werder Bremen

Joe used over 4000 Lego bricks to construct the Weserstadion and won the hearts of Werder Bremen‘s fanbase. Bremen even posted a YouTube video featuring an interview with Bryant and showcasing his stadium replica.

Bremen invited Joe to showcase his Lego stadium at the real stadium, where all 42,000 fans could see it. Bremen took it a step further by currently displaying the Lego stadium at the club’s museum.

Hertha Berlin

Hertha Berlin‘s stadium was one of the most challenging ones that Joe had to build. The Olympiastadion is one of the largest stadiums in Germany, with a capacity of more than 74,000 people.

However, Joe took on the challenge and built a Lego masterpiece. Hertha also invited him to the Olympiastadion, which will host the 2024 Euros final.

Bochum

In late 2019, Bryant constructed the Vonovia Ruhrstadion, which serves as the home stadium for VFL Bochum. Initially, the stadium could accommodate over 49,000 spectators. However, over the years, several modifications were made, which reduced the capacity to 26,000.

On January 8th, 2020, Joe received an invitation to the Ruhrstadion. During his visit, he displayed the Lego model of the stadium to the fans, witnessed a live match, and was interviewed on the sidelines.

Anderlecht

When Joe started building stadiums out of Lego, he chose to recreate the home stadium of Belgian club RSC Anderlecht, which is one of the largest teams in the country.

In December 2018, Joe revealed his Lego replica of Lotto Park, which has a seating capacity of 21,500 fans. Anderlecht not only invited the young builder to attend one of their home games but also displayed his replica in their official fan shop.

Stuttgart

Although Joe constructed the Mercedes-Benz Arena some years ago, he made some modifications and enhancements to it this year. In March, Bryant revealed the updated version of the VFB Stuttgart stadium, which can accommodate up to 54,000 spectators.

The recent modifications to the stadium were made in preparation for the 2024 Euros. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe couldn’t attend a game at the stadium in Stuttgart, but the club sent him a home jersey as a gesture of appreciation.

Freiburg

Joe began constructing a Lego replica of the Europa-Park Stadion, which serves as the home stadium of SC Freiburg, in November 2019. He completed the project before the end of the year, but due to the pandemic, he was unable to visit Freiburg in 2020.

Despite this, the club did not forget about Joe. In August 2022, Freiburg extended an invitation to him to attend a home game and display his Lego replica in the actual stadium, which can accommodate over 34,700 fans.

Borussia Dortmund

Building a Lego replica of the Westfalenstadion, which is the home stadium of Borussia Dortmund, proved to be Joe Bryant’s most daunting challenge. As the largest stadium in Germany, it can accommodate more than 81,000 fans, and Joe had to put in a lot of effort to construct it.

Despite the difficulties, Joe worked his magic and completed the Yellow Wall’s home during the pandemic in 2020. Dortmund showed their appreciation for the young builder by featuring him in the club’s magazine, Borussini.

Augsburg

In 2019, Joe constructed the stadium of Augsburg, which was one of his initial creations and helped generate buzz around his Lego stadiums, leading to him going viral.

The WWK Arena, which serves as the home stadium of Augsburg, has a seating capacity of over 30,000 fans. Although Bryant has attended several games of Augsburg in Germany, the majority of them were away matches.

Wolfsburg

Joe revealed his Lego replica of the Volkswagen Arena, the home stadium of Wolfsburg, in December 2020. The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 30,000 fans.

Although it doesn’t appear that Bryant has visited the stadium in Wolfsburg, it may not be long before he has the opportunity to travel there and attend a home game.

Union Berlin

The Stadion An der Alten Försterei, which can accommodate more than 22,000 fans, is arguably one of the most beautiful stadiums in the Bundesliga in terms of its architecture. Its picturesque appearance made it a challenging task for Joe to recreate in Lego.

However, Joe revealed his Lego replica of Union Berlin‘s home stadium in 2021. The following year, the club invited him to the stadium to display his creation and even gifted him a jersey as a token of appreciation.

Bayer Leverkusen

Another one of Joe’s early creations was a Lego replica of the Bay Arena, the home stadium of Leverkusen. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 30,000 fans.

Although he was not officially invited to the arena, Bryant managed to attend a home game during the 2019-2020 season. Bayer also gave him a shout-out on social media, featuring his Lego creation.

Eintracht Frankfurt

In 2021, Joe announced that he would be recreating the Waldstadion in Lego. The stadium is home to Eintracht Frankfurt and has a seating capacity of over 51,000 fans. It is also known for having one of the most passionate fan bases in the Bundesliga.

During the same season, Eintracht Frankfurt won the Europa League, and Joe was considered one of their lucky charms. As a result, the club invited him to the stadium, and his Lego replica of the Waldstadion is currently on display in the team’s museum.

Koln

According to his YouTube channel, the recreation of FC Koln was the second Bundesliga stadium that Joe built. He unveiled the Lego replica of the Rhein Energie Stadium in September 2017.

The stadium has a capacity of more than 50,000 people. Although he wasn’t officially invited, Joe visited the stadium in 2017.

Schalke 04

Last but not least, Joe also created the Lego replica of Veltins Arena when he was only 9 years old. Schalke‘s home ground has a capacity of more than 62,000 fans.

However, it wasn’t a challenge for little Joe, who recreated it without any issues. The club even invited him to the arena to showcase his Lego creation in front of the home crowd.

Real Madrid has won the most Champions League trophies in history (14) and the most domestic league titles in Spanish football history (35). World-class talents such as ZinedineZidane, AlfredoDi Stéfano, Raúl, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and many others have worn the iconic white jersey.

However, there are also notable players who chose not to join La Casa Blanca. From Kylian Mbappé, who recently rejected a move to Real Madrid, to other big talents, here’s a list of players who declined the opportunity to play at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Francesco Totti

In one of the rare cases of a one-club career, Francesco Totti spent 25 years at Roma, making his debut in 1992 and retiring in 2017. However, there was a time when Totti was seriously close to joining Real Madrid, but he turned down the move in 2006.

Even though there is still “a little bit of doubt” in his heart about that decision, Il Capitano admitted that it was a purely emotional choice. “Of course, I thought about it. Let’s say that there were quite a few days when we had one foot in and one foot out. Then, I’ve often and truthfully said that the choice to stay with Roma was made from the heart. In those moments, when you feel like this, you can’t walk away,” he told The Guardian.

Steven Gerrard

Another big name linked to Real Madrid in the early 2000s was Steven Gerrard. He told The Independent that Los Blancos tried to sign him twice during his career. However, the Scouser remained loyal to his club and hometown, Liverpool.

“It may be something I regret further down the line by not challenging myself and having a change of scenery in a different country, but I would have had a bigger regret leaving the club I love,” he admitted. Gerrard stayed at Anfield until 2016, when he joined the MLS side LA Galaxy.

Luis Suárez

Some players on this list had to choose between Real Madrid and Barcelona at some point in their careers. Luis Suárezpicked the Catalan club overMadrid in 2014.

To be fair to him, it wasn’t a bad choice: he won four LaLiga titles, one Champions League, and formed one of the most lethal offensive partnerships in football history with Lionel Messi and Neymar. “Real Madrid were very interested in me, but my dream was always to play for Barca. When I heard the name ‘Barcelona,’ I didn’t hesitate for a moment,” he told Cope.

Santi Cazorla

During the summer transfer window of 2008, Santi Cazorla was very close to signing with Real Madrid. However, just 12 hours later, he made the headlines by agreeing to extend his contract with Villarreal.

The Spanish midfielder later revealed to AS that the move to Real Madrid fell through “for purely football reasons.” He said that sometimes “things don’t turn out the way you hope, and you have to follow your own path in life.” Cazorla later joined Málaga and then secured a big transfer to Arsenal in 2012.

Robert Pirés

Robert Pirés decided to join Arsenal in 2000. However, he was very close to signing for Real Madrid until Arsène Wenger stepped in and convinced him to join the Gunners.

Pirés later revealed to L’Equipe that he even posed in a Real Madrid jersey during the 2000 Euros, but the French coach altered his plans. “I even took a photo wearing the Real jersey in Belgium! And everything happened very quickly. Arsène called me and upset my plans. After the final, he sent me a plane, I had a medical and signed. With him, Titi [Henry], Pat [Vieira], it felt like home at Arsenal,” he recalled.

Cesc Fábregas

Wenger also influenced a young Cesc Fábregas to remain at Arsenal, with Real Madrid calling him “more than once” during his tenure in the Premier League. The Spaniard joined the Gunners at 16 years old from Barcelona and wanted to remain loyal to his manager.

“The first time, I was very young. I was 18, and they offered me a big salary, but I felt like I belonged at Arsenal. Wenger had bet the farm on me. I couldn’t leave. In any case, I’ll always be grateful to Madrid for the way they treated me,” the midfielder told AS.

Patrick Vieira

Another Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira, had a failed move to Real Madrid in 2004 that is still spoken about today. The captain of Arsenal’s legendary Invincibles team, who won the Premier League that season without losing a single game, rejected Madrid’s approach at the time.

Nearly two decades later, Vieira remembered that failed transfer in an interview with beIN Sports and labeled it as a missed opportunity. “I had no reason to leave Arsenal. I was happy and we were competitive. But if I have to go back and change one thing, not accepting to join Real Madrid is my only regret,” he revealed.

Roy Keane

In his autobiography, “The Second Half,” Roy Keane revealed the details behind his decision to reject a move to Real Madrid in 2005. After his falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, the Irishman was approached by Emilio Butragueño, who was the director of football at Real Madrid at the time.

“Butragueno said, ‘Roy, we’ll be glad to have you.’ The board just had to sanction the deal, it was standard procedure. I should have appreciated Real’s offer more. I was too negative. It was fear of the unknown that decided it for me,” he confessed. Keane went on to sign with Celtic FC that year, fulfilling a boyhood dream.

Eric Cantona

Any football fan in the 90s would have loved to see Eric Cantona play for Real Madrid. During the 1995-96 season, Argentine manager Jorge Valdano, who was coaching Los Blancos at the time, approached the French star about a potential move.

“It seemed that he was very interested. He even asked me to change the Bernabéu’s grass because he thought it was a bit damaged. But he later got in contact with me again to tell me that he had changed his mind,” Valdano said in an interview with Movistar+. Cantona told him that he would have to be “a very bad person” to leave Manchester United during those times.

David Villa

During the 2008 summer transfer window, David Villa decided against a move to the Santiago Bernabéu despite interest from Real Madrid. The Valencia striker at the time was not willing to leave his club, and Real Madrid manager Bernd Schuster accused him of lacking ambition.

In response, Villa stated, “Footballing ambition is not about your mouth, it is about your feet. You can accuse me of lots of things – of having a bad day, of missing chances, of many things – but I have always had ambition and always will have.” Two seasons later, Villa eventually joined FC Barcelona.

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard spent most of his career (13 years) at Chelsea. During that time, the English midfielder rejected many clubs to stay at Stamford Bridge, including Los Blancos.

“Back in the day, the big Spanish clubs were involved – Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan under Jose [Mourinho]. I do not look back and regret not going, but it was certainly of interest,” Lampard told Sky Sports.

Javier Zanetti

Javier Zanetti, the Argentinaand Inter Milan legend, was approached twice by Jorge Valdano to sign for Real Madrid, first in 1995 and again in 2001. In the latter year, Zanetti came close to making a big move, but eventually decided to stay at Inter.

“I spoke with Valdano in 2001. He wanted me. It was all but done, but in the end, I decided to stay. If I had gone to Real Madrid, I would have been just one more player. I might have won more titles and earned more money, but I wanted to do that at Inter,” he told Tuttosport.

Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand had the chance to sign for Real Madrid or Barcelona, but he opted to stay at Manchester United due to his aspirations of continuing to win trophies at the time.

“I was at Man United and we were winning everything; I couldn’t leave that. I was addicted to winning. How could I go there? I was being asked to go to a club that was in a position of trying to rebuild themselves,” the Red Devils legend told FIVE.

Paul Pogba

Many transfer sagas involving Paul Pogba have occurred in recent years. Real Madrid, particularly during Zinedine Zidane‘s tenure as manager, had shown interest in the French midfielder.

However, Pogba opted to return to Manchester United in 2016. “I could also have joined Real Madrid or Barcelona, both of which were interested in signing me. But I chose to return to United because I followed my heart,” Pogba told SFR Sport. He has since returned to Juventus in 2022 but has struggled with injuries.

Marco Reus

In 2015, Borussia Dortmund‘s Marco Reus surprised everyone by signing a 4-year contract extension with the struggling club, despite heavy interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish club was even willing to trigger the German midfielder’s release clause of 25 million euros, but Reus decided to stay put.

Dortmund CEO Hans Joachim Watzke was amazed by his decision, saying, “Reus’ contract extension is a crazy story. It really is remarkable. On one hand, you have some of the biggest clubs in the world chasing you, and then there’s the relegation battle with Dortmund – and no Champions League football next season. He could have earned twice as much elsewhere.” Eight years later, Reus remains a BVB player and is set to retire as a club legend.

David de Gea

The failed transfer of David de Gea to Real Madrid in 2015 was quite the saga. Manchester United sent the transfer documents two minutes after the transfer deadline and the move collapsed.

However, president Florentino Pérez still wanted to make the move happen the following summer. Despite the interest from Real Madrid, De Gea chose to sign a long-term contract extension with United, shutting down any possibility of leaving Old Trafford. He still remains at the club to this day.

Marco Verratti

Back in 2016, Marco Verratti received an offer from Real Madrid while he was playing for PSG. The Italian not only rejected the move but has remained loyal to the French side until now.

“Madrid’s interest was flattering. It’s not every day that Madrid asks for you. But when I’m happy at a club, I don’t want to start negotiating with another. I want to win things with PSG’s jersey,” Verratti told RAI Sport. The midfielder has not been able to win a continental trophy at Paris, but a transfer doesn’t seem to be in his plans.

David Silva

During the early days of his career in his hometown of Gran Canaria, David Silva was a player who was being monitored by many clubs. In Man City‘s documentary “Made in Gran Canaria,” the Spaniard revealed that his father stopped an early move to Real Madrid.

“I visited Real Madrid as a young player, but my father was against a move to Madrid when I was so young. They would call year after year, but I would not go. I stayed with my home team, and then moved on to Valencia,” Silva said. The attacking midfielder also rejected offers from Madrid and Barcelona during his time in Manchester and eventually left the Premier League to play for Real Sociedad.

Neymar

Another superstar who rejected Real Madrid as a teenager was Neymar. The Brazilian traveled to Spain for a trial at Madrid when he was 10 years old.

“It lasted for four or five days. On the fifth day, they wanted to take me to a championship at the Barcelona MIC Cup, but I quit. I got really homesick, and I wanted to go back home,” he revealed on the Fenomenos podcast. Neymar would later sign for Barcelona in 2013.

Erling Haaland

The three-way battle between Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City for Erling Haaland was the biggest market saga of the 2022 summer transfer window. With Barcelona out of the running due to their financial situation, the Norwegian striker ultimately rejected Real Madrid and signed with City.

Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, revealed in the “Haaland: The Choice” documentary on ViaPlay that his son chose to join City because he would have more playing time and a prominent role on the team. “We had a criterion in mind, who needs a ‘9’? Manchester City is a 10, it’s the perfect option, while Real Madrid is a 5 or a 6 because of how Benzema is playing now,” he stated at the time.

Kylian Mbappé

Erling Haaland’s father had doubts about Real Madrid as an option for his son due to uncertainty over Kylian Mbappé‘s potential move to the Spanish club. The whole football world was keeping tabs on whether the Frenchman would sign with Madrid or not.

Despite the speculation, Mbappé stayed at PSG by signing a long-term deal. However, a potential transfer to Los Blancos in the future cannot be ruled out as he may leave the French side if they fail to win the Champions League.

Lionel Messi

You read that correctly: Real Madrid also made attempts to sign Lionel Messi. According to Cadena COPE, Florentino Pérez made offers to sign him in 2011, 2013, and 2015.

However, all three offers were turned down by FC Barcelona. Messi had pledged his loyalty to the Blaugranas during that period and never even entertained the idea of joining Real Madrid. Moreover, there are rumors that the Argentine might make a return to Barcelona in the upcoming summer.