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Avengers: Endgame On Track To Become China’s Highest Grossing US Film

And so it begins. Though Avengers: Endgame hasn’t even come to the end of its first day in China theaters, Variety has already reported some phenomenal numbers that put the film on course to become the all-time highest-grossing Hollywood movie in the Middle Kingdom.

By 9pm local time Wednesday, the Avengers: Infinity War sequel had taken in a total of $102 million in the all-important China market. In light of this record-breaking figure, the movie is currently being forecast to gross a total of $521 million across its entire run in the region. This would comfortably beat the the $393 million record held by The Fate of the Furious for highest-grossing foreign film, though it would still fall short of the totals for local epics like Wolf Warrior II and Operation Red Sea.

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Last year’s Avengers: Infinity War currently holds the all-time record for biggest China debut, grossing $191 million in its first three days. Endgame is now well on its way to passing that figure, benefiting from a five-day opening frame. So far, the film has accounted for a staggering 99.2% of Wednesday ticket sales in the region, and is scheduled for a total of 258,000 screenings in its first 24 hours. These showtimes account for 83% of all theater screenings across the country in this period.

As you’ve likely heard, the movie is also expected to do very well for itself when it arrives in North America later this week, and the recent wave of positive reviews will surely only help matters. As it stands, analysts are estimating that Avengers: Endgame may even get as high as $300 million on its domestic opening weekend, but we’ll see if the film can match its generous projections when it arrives in theaters on April 26th.

from We Got This Covered http://bit.ly/2GuW8m3

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Mark Ruffalo At The Avengers: Endgame Premiere Meme Goes Viral

Despite his reputation, Mark Ruffalo has been pretty good lately about keeping all the biggest Avengers: Endgame spoilers to himself. Still, on the night of the film’s world premiere, you can imagine that the team at Marvel Studios may have been a little nervous that the Hulk actor would drop some accidental intel at the eleventh hour.

With that in mind, a new Reddit post has gone viral for its suggestion that the red carpet livestream was doing all it could to stop Ruffalo from giving the game away. The post consists of a screenshot of the MCU regular being interviewed at the event, followed by a comment from YouTube user Emilio Chandia, who observes that the music gets louder when the actor starts speaking.

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To be fair, Ruffalo’s reputation certainly didn’t come out of nowhere. Back in 2017, for instance, the actor accidentally livestreamed the first twenty minutes of Thor: Ragnarok. And while the star has since claimed that his bosses were actually pleased with all the free publicity gained from the incident, it’s doubtful that they would’ve been quite so thrilled if Ruffalo had repeated his mistake at the Endgame premiere.

In an interview earlier this month with Yahoo, Ruffalo also recalled how he filmed two different endings to last year’s Avengers: Infinity War, one of which saw Bruce Banner turn to dust. The measure was presumably taken as a means of throwing off the leakers, though it certainly didn’t stop the star from blurting out that “everybody dies” in a 2017 interview with Good Morning America.

Regardless, Marvel and Ruffalo have been keeping a tight lid on the details of Hulk’s arc in Avengers: Endgame, but all will be revealed when the film hits theaters on April 26th.

from We Got This Covered http://bit.ly/2IC3W8Z

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Sabermetrics news: The Yankees are in a good position despite injuries

Optimism for the Yankees; Tim Anderson and black culture in baseball; the run value of higher velocity

FanGraphs | Dan Szymborski: The Yankees have suffered an incredible bout of injuries, losing Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Giancarlo Stanton, Didi Gregorius, and Luis Severino at exactly the same time. But the projections say they’re really not doomed, and if those players do in fact return they could still win 95+ games, which is a testament to the depth they built.

Baseball Prospectus | Shakeia Taylor: Tim Anderson was suspended for using the n-word, and it misses all the context of the word and its use in the black community. Not only is there the obvious reason that it is used—to reclaim a word often used in the opposite direction for violent effect—and its entanglement with black culture writ large. If baseball is going to co-opt black culture—using AAVE, rap lyrics, etc.—then they should at least understand how language is used in that milieu.

Tangotiger Blog | Tom Tango: As one climbs from 91 mph to 95 mph, pitchers obviously get more effective. But 94 to 95 actually causes a loss or stagnation, which means pitchers indeed sacrifice something to attain higher velocity. Velocity run values are also consistent with the sabermetric truism that relievers are better than relievers by a factor similar to their increase in velocity for pitching in short bursts.

from Beyond the Box Score - All Posts http://bit.ly/2ITuDW8

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Kid-Friendly Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Your next flavor-loaded side dish is here! Fresh, healthy Brussels sprouts, crispy chopped bacon, and sweet chewy cranberries combine for a veggie side that kids love. Seconds, please!

Did you know kids can LOVE Brussels sprouts? Not just tolerate them, or like them… but really love them, in that “Can I have more please?” way that you thought was only reserved for mac and cheese.

If that seems far-fetched, then you’ve come to the right recipe. Because these Brussels sprouts are the ones that can turn it all around. These cutie cabbages have crispy, garlic-buttery exteriors, tender-crisp interiors, and and two accompaniments almost everyone loves: crispy bacon and sweet chewy cranberries.

You’ll find that this recipe comes together very very quickly, especially if you can manage to squirrel away a couple of slices of cooked bacon ahead of time. So you can saute up these sprouts any old weeknight to serve alongside simple chicken, rice, or pasta. With its bright red and green colors, this recipe impresses as a holiday side dish, too.

One tip to remember: Brussels sprouts come into season in the fall and taste their freshest during the chilly winter months. (Sometimes you can even find them at the store attached to their two-foot long stalk! Trader Joe’s sells them like this. Plus ten points on the fun scale.)

What Makes Brussels Sprouts So Good for You?

Brussels sprouts belong to the family of cruciferous vegetables (others include broccoli, kale, and cabbage,) and this is a super high-achieving family when it comes to nutrition. These veggies are rich in fiber, Vitamin K for healthy bones, and Vitamin C for a strong immune system. The antioxidants in Brussels sprouts may calm inflammation in our cells and evenprevent cancer.

Like other cruciferous veggies, Brussels sprouts help maintain healthy blood sugar. Eating lots of them lowers your risk of developing diabetes.

Brussels sprouts also happen to be one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, an important nutrient that’s usually found in fish.

A Veggie Side Dish Made for Picky Eaters

What makes this recipe such a powerful weapon against kids’ dinnertime nose-scrunching? We’ve taken three ingredients with loads of kid appeal, and built them into one healthy side dish.

Crispy pieces of bacon? Check. Sweetened dried cranberries? Check. Good old fashioned butter? Totally checkin’ that box too.

Encourage your kids to try a bite that has a little bit of everything in it at the same time (you might need to cut up their sprouts for younger kids.)

And remember this other tip to help your kids move towards greater food acceptance skills: let your kids see YOU love these Brussels sprouts. Talk about the different tastes and textures of the dish, and compare the food to something they might have tried and liked before.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts can seem intimidating if you’re not used to cooking them. You might be thinking, OK, got the mini cabbages in my fridge, now what?

Even though Brussels sprouts are fairly easy to cook, there’s a little bit of technique required to really coax out the best tastes and textures from this veggie. (Ever tried the dreaded olive-drab spheres of mush also known as steam-table Brussels sprouts? Then you know why cooking them properly is important.)

Here’s a list of techniques and trouble-shooting tips to help you become a pro at cooking this tasty winter veg:

Give your sprouts enough room to spread out in the pan. You don’t want to overcrowd them, or else some sprouts won’t get those nice caramelized edges you’re going for.

Don’t discard outer leaves that fall off when you’re slicing the sprouts. Some of the most delightful bites of well-cooked Brussels sprouts are the crispy individual leaves that break off the heads. So toss those babies right in the pan. (If you really love crispy sprout leaves, you’ve gotta try Brussels Sprout Chips.)

Keep the heat on the lower side. Brussels sprouts actually have a fairly high carb content for a veggie, so they brown quickly on the outsides. Keep the heat medium-low to prevent over-browning.

Test your sprouts for tenderness before you serve. Sometimes this veggie can look perfectly golden-brown on the outside, but the heat from the pan hasn’t penetrated into the center, and it’ll be too tough and crunchy to bite into. Test one with a fork to make sure. And if they’re not…

Don’t be afraid to braise. To quickly tenderize Brussels sprouts that just aren’t getting the hint, add just a tablespoon or two of water to the pan, and cover for one or two minutes. That hit of steam often does the trick.

More Love for Brussels Sprouts

If this recipe is a hit for your family, try these other tasty recipes featuring this delicious veggie:

Perfectly Crunchy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Salmon with Gingered Brussels sprouts

Print

Kid-Friendly Brussels Sprouts Recipe

.wprm-recipe-rating .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #343434; }

Ingredients

1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp garlic salt

2 tablespoons bacon pieces

1 tablespoon dried cranberries

Instructions

Melt butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add garlic salt.

Add Brussels sprouts to the pan and saute over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until tender on the inside and a brilliant green hue.

Add bacon and craisins and saute for 1 more minute.

Serve warm.

The post Kid-Friendly Brussels Sprouts Recipe appeared first on Super Healthy Kids.

from Super Healthy Kids http://bit.ly/2KW1N9V

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Nintendo Labo VR Review

Let’s get a couple of things out of the way. Nintendo Labo VR is not trying to emulate a high-end virtual reality experience. It’s not a replacement for a $1000 gaming rig and $500 headset. It’s not coming close to seamlessly tracking your position in a 3D space, and it’s not looking to wow you with stunning visuals. Yet, despite its simplistic mechanics and lo-fi aesthetic, Nintendo Labo VR is easily one of the best VR experiences on the market, not to mention one of the most interesting products Nintendo has put out in years.

For those who aren’t familiar with Nintendo’s line of build-it-yourself line of gadgets, here’s a quick rundown. Regardless of which Labo kit you buy (the Variety, Robot, and Vehicle kits released last year), your first goal is to assemble rudimentary devices (called Toy-Con) out of cardboard, which can then be used in a variety of included mini-games. For Labo VR, the main kit comes with five Toy-Con: a blaster, a bird, a camera, an elephant, and a space viewer. If you want to dip your toes in the water, Nintneod is selling a starter kit (with just the blaster), allowing players to pick up the remaining four Toy-Con down the line. Frankly, this is a smart move. While I myself am fully onboard with Nintendo’s take on cardboard-based gadgets, those who aren’t fully convinced will be able to pick up the starter kit for half the price of the full set.

If you’re worried about putting together and assembling the Toy-Con, don’t be. The included build videos do an excellent job of guiding you through which pieces of cardboard to use, and everything is presented in a clear, straightforward manner. Players can rewind, fast forward, pause, zoom in/out, and even rotate the tutorial videos with ease, and each one comes with on-screen text instructions, complete with jokes and puns that are right on par with your plucky cousin or aunt — you know, the one who is really into arts and crafts.

Once you’ve gone through six to 10 hours of creasing folds, carefully applying reflective stickers, and inserting tabs into slots (the latter of which never gets old or any less satisfying), you’ll have a handful of sturdy and incredibly well-designed Toy-Con. Honestly, I can’t overstate just how impressively engineered these gadgets are. Other VR solutions require high-end (and often finicky) sensors, a mess of cables, recalibration procedures, the list goes on. Labo VR, on the other hand, makes use of your Joy-Con’s accelerometers and gyro sensors to translate simple motions into on-screen movement, and the right Joy-Con’s IR sensor is used in tandem with the aforementioned reflective stickers to great effect. Honestly, the only complaint I have about the Toy-Con is their physical footprint. Your cardboard creations can’t easily be broken down, so it’s best to think of a storage solution ahead of time.

Of course, there’s no getting around it — the Nintendo Switch itself is used as the screen for VR, and that means there are some limitations to deal with. While the included games and activities run at a high enough framerate, the 720p resolution doesn’t exactly make for the most crystal clear VR experience. That being said, Nintendo has built Labo VR with these limitations in mind. There’s no head strap to deal with — Labo VR was never intended for continuous hour-long play sessions, which also means that you won’t have to deal with constantly monitoring your Switch’s battery life. The on-screen text can be a bit blurry, but since players don’t have to fit the headset tightly around their face, you’ll be able to make micro-adjustments allow for slightly more clear visuals. If the tracking ever gets thrown off-center (which does happen when you’re passing the headset back and forth between friends), Labo VR will prompt you to re-calibrate. Thankfully, the system handles this on its own, as long as you lay it flat on a flat surface.

Of course, the real stars of the show are the Toy-Cons themselves, and the myriad of games that Nintendo has cooked up for each one. As a fan of shooter games, I was immediately drawn to the Toy-Con Blaster. As someone who’s used a handful of firearm peripherals in VR, I can safely say that the Blaster is one of my favorite implementations to date. Sleek plastic controllers and positional tracking are nice things to have, but it’s difficult to trump the Blaster’s tactile feedback, thanks to its pump-action shotgun reloading mechanic. Since all Labo VR games are seated experiences, the persistent aim down sights works rather well, and the Blaster is big enough to hold comfortably. Two players can’t use the headset simultaneously, there are a handful of games that allow for asynchronous multiplayer — one in particular tasks you with feeding hippos by launching fruit using the Blaster, with players competing for high scores.

While others might find the experience rather slow-paced, I thoroughly enjoyed the Toy-Con Camera and Viewfinder. These simple gadgets are, on paper, glorified 3D model/environment viewers — the Camera allows you to zoom in with a satisfying rotating lens — but the built-in games are a perfect way to introduce someone to virtual reality for the first time. The Ocean Camera mode puts players on the ocean floor, with plenty of fish to capture on camera. Optional challenges require you to seek out hidden items and creatures, and I can’t help but feel that Nintendo should really capitalize on the situation with a follow-up to Pokemon Snap. 

The Toy-Con Elephant might be one of the more time-consuming builds, but the end result is more than worth it. The extendable and fully movable elephant trunk makes use of the right Joy-Con’s IR sensor to track depth and position in space, and in combination with the built-in Doodle tool, players have a bona fide (albeit simple) 3D modeling tool to play with. For those who are more interested in physics than art, Marble Drop comes packed with 100 built-in levels, tasking you with guiding a marble to the finish line by placing and manipulating trampolines, platforms, and gravity. The Toy-Con Wind Pedal and Bird can be used in tandem, though there are plenty of minigames which allow for them to be used separately. Hop Dodge lets you play as a leaping frog, with gusts of air from the Wind Pedal coinciding with in-game jumps. It’s an incredibly simple gimmick, but one that feels great to use in action.

Aside from the over 60 built-in VR Plaza games, savvy and creative gamers can take control of Toy-Con Garage VR, giving you the chance to build your own minigames with any of the included Toy-Con. The simple “if this, then that” wireframe programming interface is simple enough for complete novices, and each included VR Plaza minigame can be edited and built off of as a starting point. Unfortunately, there’s still no online portal or QR code system to share your creations — or download other players’ games — so your penchant for DIY VR games will live and die by your own interest and abilities.

Still, even though I dread having to (safely and carefully) pack up all these Toy-Con for my move to a new city, I can’t help but be thoroughly impressed with what Nintendo has accomplished. While it might lack the razzmatazz and appeal of more complex (and expensive) VR platforms, Nintendo Labo VR is one of the most creative and delightful virtual reality platforms on the market and is easily the best Labo kit so far. It’s hard to tell what the future of Nintendo’s cardboard-based toys to life concept will bring us, but I sure hope there’s more VR on the horizon.

This review is based on the full Labo VR Kit. A retail copy was provided by Nintendo.

from We Got This Covered http://bit.ly/2vhUvmx

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Avengers: Endgame Is Officially Certified Fresh On Rotten Tomatoes

While Avengers: Endgame is still a couple of days away from release, the upcoming Marvel movie has already been officially Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

At the time of writing, the Avengers: Infinity War sequel has a score of 97% based on 116 reviews. In the MCU rankings, this puts the new flick in joint-first alongside Black Panther. While there’s every chance that the score will decline a little as the week progresses, the critical reception to Endgame still bodes phenomenally well for the film’s imminent release, adding further to the already insane levels of hype behind Anthony and Joe Russo’s latest work.

Needless to say, we can probably rule out bad buzz as one of the factors that might hinder Endgame’s performance at the box office. As it stands, the film is expected to gross upwards of $260 million domestically on its opening weekend, beating Infinity War’s record-breaking $257 million debut. Some analysts are even speculating that the feature has a good shot at hitting $300 million in its first three days – a figure that sounds both ridiculous and all too believable.

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Just yesterday, ticket retailer Fandango announced that they’d sold out more than 4,000 showtimes in the United States. On Atom Tickets, meanwhile, Endgame managed to break the all-time pre-sales record a whole two weeks out from release. And over in China, where the film is already in cinemas, the movie comfortably smashed the previews record held by The Fate of the Furious, grossing an estimated $20 million from midnight screenings alone.

In short, this is shaping up to be a very good week for Marvel Studios, but you can judge for yourself if Avengers: Endgame is worth all the hype when the film hits theaters on April 26th.

from We Got This Covered http://bit.ly/2PrlAg3

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2019 Lariat Reading List

In Austin, BookPage discovered the Texas Library Association’s Lariat Reading List.  Read More from BookPage.com - The Book Case Blog http://bit.ly/2IR0nes

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Avengers: Endgame Review

Since the release of Infinity War, the yearlong hysteria building up to Avengers: Endgame has been a cinematic event in and of itself. Ten years in the making, the meticulous crafting and corralling of legends old and new from across what we’ve since learned to refer to as “the Infinity Saga” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has all led to this point. If anything, Endgame will be considered a standout milestone in commercialization. But don’t worry, Marvel fans, you’ll find several other reasons beyond the swelling of the company’s wallet to reach the same conclusion.

The scale of Avengers: Endgame reaches far past that of any other superhero film to date, and probably past any we’ll be seeing anytime soon. It’s obvious that the three-hour galactic epic understands this, and also that it knows its roots, as well as its function. Playing out at many points like a fanfare in nostalgia, Endgame realizes it’s closing one chapter of a bestselling book, looking too often into the past and not enough towards the future.

But that’s the thing about a bestselling book: people like it. And fans, ten years strong, will rejoice as the movie pays tribute to their favorite characters, and maybe even their favorite moments. But more on that later.

The story – the major details of which I’m going to keep a secret (mostly out of courtesy, but also out of an instinctual fear of the deep catacombs of internet fandoms I occasionally find myself in) – has been the subject of constant debate ever since Marvel showed exactly what was at stake in Infinity War last year, proving at the same time that they had a lot more gall than at least I gave them credit for. As if it were even possible, the decimation of an entire roster of front stage superheroes made the MCU an even hotter commodity, and ever since, even the tiniest hint of a whisper about the latest film has been ravaged, dissected and probed for answers.

Unfortunately for last year’s commendably dismal conclusion, the business of marketing and promotion quickly twisted the question of resurrection from if to how (that’s hardly a spoiler – no one has been shy talking about Spider-Man: Far From Home, and yes, Jake Gyllenhaal looks awesome). However, the Russo Brothers have spiced their film with enough doses of unpredictability that their story progresses with a sense of welcomed uneasiness. Don’t think for a moment that you got this one pegged down, because you don’t. There are tons of twists and turns.

While there are several reasons that may be a good thing – none of which I’m really allowed to discuss – another reason may be that there’s a hell of a lot going on here. Again, I must prevent myself from getting too deep into it (I don’t want the Mickey Mouse club to come after me), but Endgame introduces a new science into Marvel’s already cluttered laboratory that leads the film’s second act. The result is plenty of callbacks, reenactments and “oh, I remember that” moments. Though there was admittedly one face I was very happy and very surprised to see again, the coincidences ran out of steam eventually, becoming as predictable as a sunset and feeling more uninspired than anything else.

But that vibe seems less problematic once you remember that the Avengers themselves are pretty uninspired at this point as well. Those stakes, just as they did for Infinity War, serve Endgame very well, creating an arena of solemnity for the action to take place. The process of counterattacking Thanos (Josh Brolin) isn’t bogged down by competing egos and quick wits anymore. They’ve all lost, each and every one of them. And they know that.

That fact affects each hero differently. All I’ll say, and probably all I’m allowed to say is that Thor (Chris Hemsworth, channeling his inner Dude) really doesn’t take it well. And though some comedy is found in these coping processes – Endgame stands alongside the rest of the MCU films for its rather remarkable tendency to combine solid punches with solid punch lines – the collective lost felt between them feels like a more effective call for camaraderie and collaboration than even the franchise’s infamous “assemble” motto.

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Their newfound maturity also lends to the film’s darker tone. There’s blood here, and there’s murder here, and much of it comes from the return of a vengeful Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), whose post-snap life can be simplified down to one line: “don’t give me hope.”

Hawkeye may be the one who says it, but that mentality can be traced across all of the Avengers: Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and even the usually charismatic motivator, Captain America (Chris Evans), among others. The weight of their defeat is so catastrophic that the first plan of retaliation is met with more skepticism than anything else.

But that again can be attributed to the risk the Russos took last year, though with the many payoffs and full circles we get in Endgame, who knows how long that snap has been tucked underneath Marvel’s sleeve? Nevertheless, the Russos command this movie like they’d also been at the head of the last 21 films, reminding everyone in the audience just how well they know – and admire – these characters.

Like its predecessor, the latest Avengers effort struggles to give each of its heroes equal and ample screen time, even with its extended runtime. It’s a nearly impossible task, but one worth mentioning, as side characters like Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) and War Machine (Don Cheadle) get a lot of time in the limelight, but don’t really do anything new.

However, it’s important to remember what Avengers: Endgame is above all else: an homage. An end of a saga. A thank you. Thanos’ method of destruction may be unbiased and impartial in his eyes, but it certainly wasn’t for the filmmakers. Endgame is the superhero equivalent to an original cast revival in a long-running Broadway show, and often has the same hair-raising effect. The door is now open for whoever’s coming next, and we can’t wait to see where things go from here.

from We Got This Covered http://bit.ly/2W2iGkr

[mrhenrygragg]

Spring Landscaping Tips

Now that winter has passed, it’s the season of new beginnings. This spring is the perfect time to start working on improving your home’s curb appeal by doing the following tips:

Do your research Similarly to a do it yourself project, plan out your strategy for your landscaping in advance. Are you going to break it up in phases, or are you going to hire a landscape professional to help you plan? Ask for guidance from your local nursery or neighbors who have beautiful landscaping! They can probably give you as good of advice as a professional. Source: Freshome

Check for damage In colder climates grass starts growing in April, but early spring is a good time to test the soil’s pH so that you can assemble the right amendments. Remove turf damaged by salt, plows, or disease to prepare for the seeding that should follow in a few weeks. Work in a ½-inch layer of compost to keep the new seed moist, increasing the germination rate. Begin seeding once forsythia starts blooming in your area.  Source: ThisOldHouse

Plan for the future look When selecting plants for your landscaping, consider how large each will grow over time. This provides you with the opportunity to space everything out perfectly, and more importantly, ensure that the proper plants are planted in the best areas in your yard. Most plants will have the estimated height and growth requirements available prior to purchase. If not, this is something you will definitely want to know before purchasing. Source: BHGRE

Prepare the lawn mower You may not be mowing the grass for a while, but when the time comes, you’ll want your lawn mower is in good condition. If you didn’t remove the dirty oil or replace the spark plugs during the fall, now’s the time to swap out the used oil for new oil and replace old spark plugs. Also, lightly lubricate the wheel bearing, height adjuster, and any other moving parts, following the manual’s instructions. Make sure to have the lawn mower blades sharpened by a professional, so they’ll cut the grass evenly. Source: GoodHousekeeping

Do you have damaged paving stones in your front yard? Give us a call! We can help make it look better.

  Contact: Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains 8279 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4W1 (604) 360-2114

from Kerrisdale RD http://bit.ly/2vj2Hme

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There’s A Secret Easter Egg After The Avengers: Endgame Credits

With just a few days to go now until Avengers: Endgame hits theaters, Fandango has surveyed its users on their regular MCU viewing habits, and as it turns out, the vast majority of people opt to remain in their seats when the credits start to roll.

In a poll of moviegoers who plan to catch the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War sequel, 97% said that they often stick around for the post-credits scenes of each MCU flick. 79%, meanwhile, said they’re surprised when other people leave the theater before the credits have finished.

And though these numbers do make sense given Marvel’s history for including fun little teases in their post-credits scenes, it’s been confirmed that in a rather surprising move, the studio chose not to include any additional footage in Endgame. That is to say, there is no post-credits sequence and once those credits begin to roll, that’s it. The movie’s over.

However, we still do suggest you stay in your seat as while there’s nothing in the way of a bonus scene, we do get a fun little easter egg instead. You see, once the credits have completed and the Marvel logo comes up on screen, we hear the familiar sound of a hammer clanking on metal, which should be instantly recognizable to MCU fans as it’s pulled straight from the original Iron Man.

Earth's Mightiest Heroes Are In A Bad Mood In New Avengers: Endgame Images

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Sure, it’s not quite as exciting as a proper post-credits scene, but this is still a welcome nod to the film that started it all and a nice way of sort of bringing things full circle. Besides, given how heavy and emotional Avengers: Endgame is, we imagine most people will be staying in their seats for a while after it ends anyways as they digest everything they just saw and process it all.

We won’t dive into spoilers, but let’s just say that the final 20 minutes or so throw a lot at the audience and it’s going to take some time for fans to properly get to grips with everything they just saw. So, with that in mind, why not sit back, relax and soak it all in as the credits roll, while you patiently wait for that final nod to the hero who gave birth to this wonderful franchise?

from We Got This Covered http://bit.ly/2W3LA3C

[mrhenrygragg]

Chris Pratt Is Thrilled That James Gunn Is Directing Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3

Last month, Disney reversed the decision they made in summer 2018 and rehired James Gunn to direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The move was met with widespread praise on social media as most seemed to agree that the filmmaker has redeemed himself for those reprehensible tweets he made many years ago that got him (temporarily) fired.

A few of the Guardians themselves have also expressed their happiness that Gunn was reappointed, including Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista and Karen Gillan. Now, the one and only Star-Lord, Chris Pratt, has broken his silence on the subject and has concurred with his co-stars’ opinion that it’s good news. Speaking to People at the Avengers: Endgame premiere, Pratt said he’s “thrilled” by the decision.

“I was so thrilled, so excited. I think it’s the right move, I really stand behind it. I’m really proud of Disney for hiring James back and ultimately thrilled for not only us, but also for the fans. I think it’s going to wrap up the trilogy in the best way.”

Earth's Mightiest Heroes Are In A Bad Mood In New Avengers: Endgame Images

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This isn’t a surprising reaction from Pratt, as the cast has always stood behind Gunn since the controversy started. All of the main stars of the Guardians films signed an open letter calling for Disney to rehire the director. And though it took them a while, eventually the Mouse House listened and now Guardians 3 is raring to go again.

The only problem is that Gunn picked himself up another gig during the time he was let go by Marvel as he’s scheduled to helm DC’s The Suicide Squad later this year. This means that production on the Guardians threequel has been pushed back until 2021. Still, if Pratt’s right and Gunn’s script and direction is going to be finish the story in “the best way,” then maybe Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will be worth the wait.

from We Got This Covered http://bit.ly/2GDAxsT

[mrhenrygragg]

Avengers: Endgame Home Video Release May Include New Stan Lee Footage

I expect to feel a lot of emotions during Avengers: Endgame, but I’m betting the most tear-jerking moment won’t have anything to do with my favorite heroes biting the dust or the sacrifices needed to defeat Thanos. Nope, I think it’s going to be that final Stan Lee cameo.

It’s been confirmed that this will be his last on-screen appearance in the MCU, and given that his cameos in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Captain Marvel hit me right in the feels, this is going to be a gut punch of epic proportions.

Fortunately, it seems that Marvel Studios are all too eager to give Lee the credit he deserves for helping create this wonderful cinematic universe. The cast has been effusive about their experiences with him on the red carpet for Avengers: Endgame‘s premiere, and now, it seems that the home video release may feature extensive behind the scenes footage of Lee’s time on set.

In an interview with EW, Kevin Feige confirmed that they already have a compilation ready to go, saying:

“We’ve put a video together. We’ve never done this before, a behind-the-scenes of every cameo. All the B-roll that was shot and his stand-ups there. His passing was very emotional for all of us, but it suddenly all came back to me just when I watched it.”

Relive All Of Stan Lee's Marvel Cameos With This Awesome Gallery

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, 2017

PHOTO: MARVEL/20TH CENTURY FOX

Doctor Strange, 2016

PHOTO: MARVEL/20TH CENTURY FOX

X-Men: Apocalypse, 2016

PHOTO: MARVEL/20TH CENTURY FOX

Captain America: Civil War, 2016

PHOTO: MARVEL/DISNEY

Deadpool, 2016

PHOTO: MARVEL/20TH CENTURY FOX

Ant-Man, 2015

PHOTO: MARVEL/DISNEY

Avengers: Age of Ultron, 2015

PHOTO: MARVEL/DISNEY

Big Hero 6, 2014

PHOTO: MARVEL/DISNEY

Guardians of the Galaxy, 2014

PHOTO: MARVEL/DISNEY

The Amazing Spider-Man 2, 2014

PHOTO: MARVEL/COLUMBIA PICTURES

Captain America: The Winter Soldier, 2014

PHOTO: MARVEL/DISNEY

Thor: The Dark World, 2013

PHOTO: MARVEL/DISNEYT

Iron Man 3, 2013

PHOTO: MARVEL/DISNEY

The Amazing Spider-Man, 2012

PHOTO: MARVEL/DISNEY

The Avengers, 2012

PHOTO: MARVEL/DISNEY

Captain America: The First Avenger, 2011

PHOTO: MARVEL/PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Thor, 2011

PHOTO: MARVEL/PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Iron Man 2, 2010

PHOTO: MARVEL/PARAMOUNT PICTURES

The Incredible Hulk, 2008

PHOTO: MARVEL/UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Iron Man, 2008

PHOTO: MARVEL/PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Spider-Man 3, 2007

PHOTO: MARVEL/COLUMBIA PICTURES

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, 2007

PHOTO: MARVEL/20TH CENTURY FOX

X-Men: The Last Stand, 2006

PHOTO: MARVEL/20TH CENTURY FOX

Fantastic Four, 2005

PHOTO: MARVEL/20TH CENTURY FOX

Spider-Man 2, 2004

PHOTO: MARVEL/COLUMBIA PICTURES

Hulk, 2003

PHOTO: MARVEL/UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Daredevil, 2003

PHOTO: MARVEL/20TH CENTURY FOX

Spider-Man, 2002

PHOTO: 20TH CENTURY FOX

X-Men, 2000

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Spider-Man, 1994

PHOTO: MARVEL, NEW WORLD/GENESIS DISTRIBUTION

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk, 1989

PHOTO: MARVEL/NBC

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Said footage covers the entirety of the MCU, right back to Lee’s appearance in Iron Man. It’ll also feature a new cameo from The Avengers, with Feige saying the footage includes the following:

“The deleted cameo, the first cameo he did on Avengers, when you two were in the cafe outside.”

Here’s hoping that this makes it to some kind of home release, be it on the Avengers: Endgame DVD and Blu-ray or simply released on YouTube. And in the meantime, when you settle down to watch the movie, be mindful of the man who played an enormous part in creating the heroes you know and love. Stan Lee was an awesome dude, and nobody should forget it.

from We Got This Covered http://bit.ly/2Dvj5EZ

[mrhenrygragg]

Weighty Matters, Part III: Struggling With Body Image + Grace

Welcome to the week of Weighty Matters: a website- and podcast- series devoted to weight-related issues that have popped up among the #motherrunner crowd and seem to have resonated.

In each of the website series, we pose the issue and then offer perspective and tips from an expert. The #motherrunner + the expert will then discuss the situation and thoughts on an Another Mother Runner podcast: the two episodes will air on April 26 and May 3.

Because we don’t want to leave them—or you—hanging we will then follow up with the #motherrunners on posts the week of June 24 and a podcast on June 28 to see how integrating the expert tips + perspective worked for them.

WEIGHTY MATTERS: HELP FOR PICKY TEENAGE ATHLETES

Heather, a #motherrunner with active kids, posted this on the Many Happy Miles Facebook page.

I need some "momming" help with my 16 yo daughter and her diet. She's a dancer but *very* picky so much so that I have a hard time keeping the proteins she'll eat in the house. She barely eats veggies. The majority of her diet is processed carbs. I'm starting to suspect that her diet is having a negative impact on her sport/art and I need some input as to ideas on how to address this with her-especially because she wants to dance in college.

THE EXPERT WEIGHS IN:

“Most teenagers, and teenage athletes in particular, are susceptible to a carb-based diet,” says Jill Castle, MS, RD, the author of myriad books about childhood nutrition, including Eat Like a Champion: Performance Nutrition for your Young Athlete. “Their bodies are craving energy, and carbs are a quick pick-me-up. Plus, they’ve learned that carbs can shift your mood almost immediately. What they don’t learn is that eating carbs exclusively may  leave you hungry.”

Here, Jill offers tips for the picky teenage athlete—or any kid that falls into one of those three categories:

First things first: This teenage dancer is an ideal candidate to meet one-on-one with a registered dietitian/nutritionist for a variety of reasons. Dancing is an image-oriented sport, and I’d want to be sure there isn’t something deeper going on besides a picky eater who has a love of carbs. Not only is it important to have a dietitian assess her day-to-day diet to ensure she’s not negatively affecting her health, but as most parents of teenagers know, they are more likely to listen to and heed advice from an objective source.

That said, here are a few more general strategies:

Pump up the protein. Protein, as you likely know, is key for a growing teen and especially a female athlete. Protein breaks down into amino acids, which are primarily responsible for muscle growth and recovery, so having them available in her bloodstream is beneficial. I recommend a protein source at each meal. Sit down with her and strategize about what protein she likes, and how to include them in each meal. If she only likes cottage cheese, eggs and deli turkey, that totally works: buy in bulk and figure out appropriate packaging so she can bring it to school.

Definitely aim for food sources of protein first, but if the protein pickings are slim, consider a protein supplement  (e.g. protein powder), adding it to oatmeal, smoothies or other favorites.

Go back to the basics. All young athletes need to be eating three meals a day. Their bodies need sustained, regular exposure to all nutrients to grow and perform athletically, and all three meals should be a mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. The easiest way to cover the varied nutrients is to target the food groups: protein, fruit, vegetable, dairy, and grains. Healthy fats and a healthy balance around sweets and treats is important, also.

With a teenager, that isn’t always easy: Schedules (or oversleeping) may crowd out breakfast, and they may light-load at lunch; teenage girls may eat too lightly at lunch, and experience low energy for the afternoon practice. Subsequently, they may be ravenous when dinnertime arrives.

Break up breakfast. If getting a full breakfast is an issue, start with something easy to grab on the way out of the house: a banana and a container of yogurt, then have them take something to school so they can supplement around 9 am—or whenever hunger strikes. That could be a nut- and dried-fruit mix, a bar with some protein, a peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat.

Double up on snacks. Most young athletes will have two snacks daily; aim for two food groups in each snack. You don’t necessarily have to ditch the goldfish, but add some string cheese for a bit of protein and calcium.. Other ideas: granola and yogurt, crackers and hummus, apples and peanut butter.

Build on iceberg--or whatever you can. When trying to expand their diets, think about building a bridge from foods they already like. Many parents feel like there’s no value in iceberg lettuce, but I disagree. If your picky eater likes it, it’s a potential entryway to additional vegetables. Maybe you could shift to butter lettuce or romaine lettuce; maybe you could add shredded carrots or cucumbers to it. If French Fries are her favorite carbs, introduce sweet potato fries, roasted potatoes, a baked potato and maybe even roasted carrots. I know that may feel like a huge leap, but simply offer new foods and don’t put any pressure on her to eat or have any expectations. Exposure to new foods goes a long way. 

Be patient x 8. Research informs us it can take eight tries or more of a new food before a picky eater adds it to his or her regular repertoire. For kids and teens, I lay out a systematic way to guide kids through food challenges in Try New Food: How to Help Picky Eaters Taste, Eat & Like New Foods. Kids choose three foods they want to try each week. “Try” means just one bite or taste.  Then they can document the flavor, texture, and appearance on a chart. Another helpful resource for teenagers is Conquer Picky Eating for Teens and Adults by Jenny McGlothlin MS SLP and Katja Rowell, MD; here’s a helpful sample of their tips.

Ok, moms of picky eaters or athletes or teenagers, what insight do you have to help tip their diets to be just a little more nutritious?

The post Weighty Matters, Part III: Struggling With Body Image + Grace appeared first on Another Mother Runner.

from Another Mother Runner http://bit.ly/2UPt0jn

[mrhenrygragg]

Fans Freaking Out Over Avengers: Endgame And The Battle Of Winterfell Both Happening This Weekend

If you’re a fan of both Avengers: Endgame and Game of Thrones, make sure you have a mop handy this weekend, because your head just might explode.

The Battle of Winterfell is happening Sunday night, and the battle for the universe is going down Friday, and fans…well, they aren’t fully prepared. How can you be, though? I don’t think the world of nerds has seen so many fictitious deaths happen in one day since The Lord of the Rings. Yes, those were fake people. No, stop arguing.

Personally, I could’ve handled one or the other. Jon dying for Dany. Cap dying for Rocket. Ant-Man making the ultimate sacrifice. But all of them both potentially buying the farm in the same weekend? This is not going to end well for anyone, on both sides of the screen.

If millions of people didn’t have to go to work Monday morning and spend all day talking about both battles, there would be massive amounts of sick time used that day. Since misery loves company though, here are some of your fellow fans lamenting on Twitter about this upcoming cry-fest.

How to prepare for #AvengersEndgame & #GameofThrones Battle of Winterfell this week: 1. Book your therapy appointments early 2. Buy waterproof mascara & tissues 3. Remember, nothing matters and everything is awful

We're all in this existential crisis together.

— Alisha Grauso (@AlishaGrauso) April 22, 2019

Just a reminder that these two individuals will be killing off our favorite characters in the same week

#AvengersEndgame #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/IdBS92xAdL

— Marquise (@MardarriusMM) April 22, 2019

Me when I realized I’m seeing Endgame & Episode 3 of GOT on the same day. #AvengersEndgame #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/fZ1A7xJCtV

— Alia | Endgame In 5 Days (@AliaLink101) April 22, 2019

Earth's Mightiest Heroes Are In A Bad Mood In New Avengers: Endgame Images

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Sooooo you telling me in one weekend imma watch my favorite characters DIE in #AvengersEndgame  AND #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/vo6Qa5BrWQ

— Dre Balira (@DREWtzn) April 22, 2019

Last nights #GameofThrones episode was a great representation of how MCU fans will be spending their time the night before #AvengersEndgame

— JTE (@JTEmoviethinks) April 22, 2019

ENDGAME ON WEDNESDAY AND BATTLE OF WINTERFELL ON SUNDAY PLS SLOW DOWN #AvengersEndgame #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/DLLevE6y2P

— kathleesi (@kathleenceralde) April 22, 2019

Because laughter is the best medicine:

This april, PROTECT THE STARKS

#GameofThrones #AvengersEndgame pic.twitter.com/wuJfSsSNyg

— Mary Poppins (@maaarysanch) April 15, 2019

Of course, fan reactions to Game of Thrones have been steadily pouring out on Twitter since the season started last Sunday, and it seems a lot of them have to do with sex. That look on Jon’s face when he found out he was having relations with his aunt, for one, while people also freaked a little when Arya finally gave her v-card to (or did she throw it at) Gendry. And there’ll no doubt be plenty of the flipping of sh*t when the bodies start piling up this weekend.

Speaking of which, the final season of Game of Thrones returns this Sunday with episode 3, while Avengers: Endgame hits theaters this Friday. Suffice it to say, it’s about to be a very, very good weekend.

from We Got This Covered http://bit.ly/2GDNmTX

[mrhenrygragg]

James Wan Producing New Adaptation Of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot

In case James Wan’s schedule wasn’t full enough already, The Wrap reports that the Aquaman and The Conjuring helmsman is set to produce a new adaptation of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot.

The 1975 novel was only the second of King’s to be published, and follows a writer who returns to his childhood home in Jerusalem’s Lot, where he discovers that everyone he used to know is now a vampire. The material was adapted for television in 1979 by Texas Chainsaw Massacre director Tobe Hooper, and was later made into a miniseries in 2004.

For this latest take on the novel, regular Wan collaborator Gary Dauberman is working on a script for New Line Cinema. The film will be produced by Wan, Roy Lee and Mark Wolper, while Dauberman will also executive produce the project. The scribe has been finding a lot of work in the horror genre lately, having co-written the 2017 adaptation of King’s It, as well as penning the upcoming It: Chapter Two. He also wrote the scripts for the Wan-produced Annabelle and Annabelle Creation, and has just wrapped filming on his directorial debut, Annabelle Comes Home.

James Wan Shares First Image From Annabelle Comes Home

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Meanwhile, if you want an idea of just how much Wan has on his plate these days, it’s worth noting that Salem’s Lot isn’t even the only King adaptation that he’s set to produce, in that the filmmaker is also attached to an upcoming feature based on 1987’s The Tommyknockers. Beyond that, Wan will produce and possibly direct Aquaman 2, is serving as executive producer on DC’s Swamp Thing and also has producing credits on the next couple of Conjuring Universe movies.

Speaking of which, the next Wan-Dauberman collaboration to arrive in cinemas will be Annabelle Comes Home, which is scheduled for release on June 28th.

from We Got This Covered http://bit.ly/2PvCAlC

[mrhenrygragg]

97% Of Marvel Fans Plan To Stay For The Avengers: Endgame Post-Credits

With just three days to go until the release of Avengers: Endgame, Fandango has surveyed its users on their regular MCU viewing rituals, and as it turns out, an overwhelming majority choose to remain in their seats when the credits start rolling.

In a poll of moviegoers planning to see the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War sequel, 97% said that they routinely stay for the post-credits scenes of each MCU flick. 79%, meanwhile, are surprised when other people leave the theater once the credits start rolling.

As the concluding chapter of the saga’s current era, fans are especially keen to see what last-minute teases Endgame has to offer, with many hoping for a glimpse of things to come in Marvel’s Phase 4. That being said, at the film’s Los Angeles premiere last night, the credits were cut off for a cast speech, and according to recent reports, that’s because the movie doesn’t actually have any post-credits scenes.

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We can already hear the disappointed outcries from audience members as they realize they sat through all those technical credits for nothing. Still, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has claimed on more than one occasion that the real value of the post-credits scenes is that they encourage viewers to stick around and look at the names of all the people who worked on each movie. If so, then maybe filmgoers are about to learn that lesson the hard way.

In any case, despite the latest reports, you can bet that many viewers will remain through the final minutes, if only from wishful thinking. But while Avengers: Endgame may not have anything to offer after the credits have finished rolling, this 3-hour film should still have plenty of content to leave Marvel fans giddy when it arrives in theaters on April 26th.

from We Got This Covered http://bit.ly/2XCVCco

[mrhenrygragg]

Maisie Williams Has The Best Response To People Who Feel Uncomfortable About Arya’s Game Of Thrones Sex Scene

“We’re probably going to die soon. I want to know what it’s like before that happens.”

If you tuned in for last week’s episode of HBO’s Game of Thrones, and we imagine you did if you’re reading this, those words should sound familiar, as they prefaced Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) and Gendry’s (Joe Dempsie) steamy sex scene, which was certainly one of the biggest talking points amongst viewers once the credits rolled on “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.”

Indeed, it wasn’t long before social media began freaking out over Williams’ age and with many saying they felt a bit uncomfortable watching her getting it on with Gendry – given that we’ve basically seen her grow up on the show over the past few years and all that – the actress has now responded with a pretty hilarious reply, saying the following over on Twitter:

if u feel uncomfortable just know that my mother and my step dad and my 2 sisters and my 4 brothers have all probably watched this too ahahakillmeehehe

— Maisie Williams (@Maisie_Williams) April 23, 2019

Game Of Thrones 8x02 Photos

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She’s got a good point there, and though it might have been uncomfortable for Williams to know that her family watched the scene, she feels that it was still necessary to do, as it helped humanize Arya. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the actress explained:

“It was really interesting because it’s a very human relationship for Arya. This is something she’s stayed away from, an emotion we’ve never really seen her engage with. David and Dan were like, ‘It’s the end of the world, what else would you have her do?’ This may be is a moment where Arya accepts death tomorrow, which she never does — ‘Not Today.’ So it was that moment where she says, ‘We’re probably going to die tomorrow, I want to know what this feels like before that happens.’ It’s interesting to see Arya be a bit more human, speak more normally about things people are scared of.”

Circling back to the Battle of Winterfell, though, and it seems the Night King has already identified his target as Game of Thrones season 8 quickly makes its way towards its fiery crescendo. We’ll give you a clue: he’s no longer a man, but a curious, all-seeing bird with three eyes.

Yes, HBO’s hit fantasy series returns this week with what’s sure to be an action-packed episode, and just like last week, you can be sure that there’ll be lots to talk about once those end credits roll.

from We Got This Covered http://bit.ly/2XIcdf7